Jamie's blog

27 May, 2008 | 10:05

Hey guys

I flew into paris on Sunday afternoon and checked into the hotel.  It's parallel to the Champs Ellyses - great location. 

Practiced with Louis in the evening for around an hour, just to feel the court and to run around a lil; caught up with a couple friends from home that were over for a few days and I managed to get them tickets to see Andy's match. 

I'm not sure why but I've been to the French twice and never got a great vibe from it...possibly cuz I haven't won a match here!!  We tend to like the places we win at!  The weather has been rubbish both times I've been here too which doesnt excite you too much!  So hopefully it's going to change this year and myself and Max will get a run going. 
 
Yesterday I hit for an hour and a half on site....it helps when your partner has won the tournament twice!  Most of the doubles guys are coming in early morning to hit, or have to practice off site!  We got 1:30 to 3 on site!! Keep it up Max! 

I did some fitness in the morning at the hotel with Matty before heading over to the courts.  I prefer to do it before practice as it's a good way to get the body going.  I was just walking to the practice court when it started raining - didn't really stop - so that put a stop to practice!  I ate out with my friends from back home in a fantastic restaurant on the Champs Ellyses called L'Entrecote....very simple but very very good!  I walked in, got taken upstairs and the first person I see is Andy Ireland...all of Andy's team had picked the same restaurant!  Too good!
 
Today (Tuesday) was the worst day ever!  Pouring rain all day pretty much!  Was supposed to hit in the morning, but obviously that was cancelled so I just hung around and grabbed some lunch with some of the boys. We booked an indoor clay court at a club about 30mins away for the afternoon, so we went there and smacked a few around...It was good to do in case we're up tomorrow...I just got back to the hotel to rest up before dinner...I'm a hungry boy so expect me to consume a large quantity of food tonight!

Catch you later

Jamie

Your question for Jamie

Jamie, obviously there are mixed views on championship breakers, but I think it is fair to say that many of us are not keen on them. Do you think the ctb's are shortchanging doubles in any way as some results can be a lottery when a full deciding set is not played. Or does a shorter format bring in other fans? James

Hi James

This week we are back to normal scoring system...best of three sets...which i am excited to play as the best team should win over 3 sets...there will be no excuses and there is less element of luck involved...the system we normally play was designed to have more singles players playing and have more doubles matches on the show courts...it's certainly made it more exciting for fans and the singles guys are definitely playing more but I think they could still have more doubles matches on the bigger courts...this would help promote the players better also...