Hes blogging from Melbourne in case ur interested
Monday, January 14, 2008
© ATP
Welcome to my blog from the Australian Open!
I’ve been in Melbourne for over a week having enjoyed good preparation in Dubai for 10 days during the off-season, where I worked on my physical conditioning with my coach, the Cypriot Davis Cup captain Yannos Hadjigeorghiou, and at my first tournament of the year in Chennai. Despite losing in the first round [to Robin Haase], I managed to get a lot of match practice by reaching the doubles final with Marc Gicquel [l. to Ratiwatana-Ratiwatana].
The weather in Chennai was very humid and a lot harsher than it is in Melbourne, so the conditions here don’t worry me. I flew from Chennai via Singapore to get to Melbourne and am pleased to have gotten three matches under my belt against Top 10 players by reaching the Kooyong Classic exhibition final where I lost to Andy Roddick.
Going into my first round match against Thomas Johansson, I am in a confident mood. I’m ready for the challenge. Johansson is a very experienced player, so it will be important to find my rhythm quickly. I won’t take the match for granted. I have no idea how many supporters will come to watch the match, but I’m sure the atmosphere will be fantastic and they will push me all the way.
I’ve had some great experiences off the court during my time here, including an interview with 'Today Tonight' show, one of Australia’s biggest current affairs programs on Channel 7. It was very funny! I was interviewed in a car and at different places around Melbourne Park.
© adidas AG
I also played mixed doubles on a makeshift court high up at the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground. I’m really afraid of heights, so I don’t think it helped me overcome my fear but certainly the tennis experience with Alicia Molik, Ana Ivanovic and last year’s Australian Open junior champion Brydan Klein will be one I’ll remember for a long time.
A group of us also visited a Greek restaurant on Russell Street right in the centre of Melbourne, which has been a regular haunt of mine on previous visits.
Wish me luck tomorrow!
Marcos
Monday, January 14, 2008
© ATP
Welcome to my blog from the Australian Open!
I’ve been in Melbourne for over a week having enjoyed good preparation in Dubai for 10 days during the off-season, where I worked on my physical conditioning with my coach, the Cypriot Davis Cup captain Yannos Hadjigeorghiou, and at my first tournament of the year in Chennai. Despite losing in the first round [to Robin Haase], I managed to get a lot of match practice by reaching the doubles final with Marc Gicquel [l. to Ratiwatana-Ratiwatana].
The weather in Chennai was very humid and a lot harsher than it is in Melbourne, so the conditions here don’t worry me. I flew from Chennai via Singapore to get to Melbourne and am pleased to have gotten three matches under my belt against Top 10 players by reaching the Kooyong Classic exhibition final where I lost to Andy Roddick.
Going into my first round match against Thomas Johansson, I am in a confident mood. I’m ready for the challenge. Johansson is a very experienced player, so it will be important to find my rhythm quickly. I won’t take the match for granted. I have no idea how many supporters will come to watch the match, but I’m sure the atmosphere will be fantastic and they will push me all the way.
I’ve had some great experiences off the court during my time here, including an interview with 'Today Tonight' show, one of Australia’s biggest current affairs programs on Channel 7. It was very funny! I was interviewed in a car and at different places around Melbourne Park.
© adidas AG
I also played mixed doubles on a makeshift court high up at the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground. I’m really afraid of heights, so I don’t think it helped me overcome my fear but certainly the tennis experience with Alicia Molik, Ana Ivanovic and last year’s Australian Open junior champion Brydan Klein will be one I’ll remember for a long time.
A group of us also visited a Greek restaurant on Russell Street right in the centre of Melbourne, which has been a regular haunt of mine on previous visits.
Wish me luck tomorrow!
Marcos