Oz blog

16 January, 2009 | 13:01

Hey guys

So - arrived in Melbourne today having spent a few extra days in Sydney practicing, and being a tourist! We lost a close match this week to the Poles in a deciding tie-break. To be honest, we played a good match, and for all but the last 10 minutes we were the better team. I guess that it’s the most important time to play your best tennis!!!
 
After the loss, I spent the next couple days practicing with Alan as Dusan went off to play the singles qualis in Melbourne. We got the chance to soak up some of the 38c heat! I’m determined to improve my tan this year, but no joke, it’s harsh out here!

What about the tourist stuff then? Well we went off to Manly beach on Thursday to take a look around, and got the ferry over. Typically, disaster struck as soon as we hit land in the shape of some angry thunderstorms. That had everyone charging for cover and put an end to any real enjoyment!

We met Alan’s friend (I was surprised too!) who’s a tennis coach out here, so via some coffee’s and some landmarks on the drive back, we did get some tourist boxes ticked!

That evening we went out for a couple of Cranberry juices with Julian Knowle who it has to be said is a very amusing character!  We headed to this pool bar on the top floor of a building which was very ‘Miami’; probably too cool for us but we had more than a good time!
 
The difference between Sydney and Melbourne seemed a big one today, on the basis I actually had to pull a jumper out of my bag! What can I say, it’s cold and windy, a tennis players dream, and a chance for you guys to not feel quite so bad about the weather back home. I’m sure it’ll get much better, so don’t get too carried away.

I hit in the early evening for a couple hours with Booty. It was good to get back on the court with him again and we had a good session. The doubles starts on Wednesday or Thursday, so we have a quite a lot of time to get ready. Hopefully not too much time, we don’t want to get stale!!
 
They’ve changed a lot the players area in Melbourne and made it much bigger. It’s something which they really needed to do as it was always cramped and everybody was on top of each other, particularly at the beginning of the event. It was nice to see the changes and have some space to yourself...
 
I haven't enjoyed my previous excursions to Melbourne so I'm hoping 2009 is third time lucky!
 
Wish me luck and cross those fingers!
 
Jamie