Behind the scenes

26 May, 2008 | 10:05

Jamie stuck around in the UK for a few days more than Andy prior to the French.

Turns out it's pretty hard for the doubles guys to get practice courts at Roland Garros, and with their matches not starting till midway through the first week most of them try and get some quality practice in at home.

What with last week's great weather, Jamie got in plenty of practice on the dirt. Fortunately for him, a few of the dubs guys call London home, so there's usually a hitting partner a phonecall away.

Kevin Ullyett for example....

Whilst the sessions are primarily focused on Jamie (it's the LTA clay after all), Ully gets plenty out of it too, taking part in all the drills. Keeps everyone happy.

It's drills, drills and more drills basically.

Notice the big Ully serve just over Jamie's head....

It was Ully's birthday last Friday I think. He's in pretty good nick for a 35 (or 36) year old. Makes great contact with the ball too....

Gym work is a consistent theme these days, as Jamie looks to beef himself up a bit. The physical demands on dubs players might not be as intense as the singles players but it's still important....

....just time to send an update to Twitter in between sets.....

Generally speaking, the guys hit in the morning, then did the gym before breaking for lunch. After lunch, they were back out on court again....

Jamie was serving very well in practice all week....

...last one just a tad long according to Diesel.....

And that was about it really. Beat Jamie at pool after practice, and fitted in a few publicity shots that he can use further down the line....

Fingers crossed for a solid tournament in Paris....