Omnium duMaurier 2000 by Daisy Aye Volunteering at the duMaurier Tournament two years ago was one of the best experiences of my life. Since then I have faithfully returned each summer. This has been my third time as locker room staff and there always remain more people to see and more stories to share. Allow me to highlight some of the action that happened in Montreal during the tennis-packed week! (August 12-20th) Qualifying: The start of a tournament Excitement seemed to buzz in the air early this year. A few days prior to any qualification match, many good players were booking practices, hitting out on the courts and hanging out in the player's lounge. Personalities included: Gala Leon Garcia and Tathiana Garbin whose presence made it fun and cool for people around them. While Asa Carlsson and Alexandra Stevenson's mom were not so cool, they were quite demanding characters. Facts Absences: Mary Pierce, Monica Seles and Venus Williams. It was a first time appearances for both Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport. There was a bright red full moon Tuesday night. Tension between Nathalie Tauziat and Julie Halard-Decugis. Since Nathalie published her book, some French players have had more than just a bone to pick with her. Anna Kournikova is literally a crowd magnet. Her doubles match on Tuesday that was supposed to be played on Court 1 moved to Centre Court since Conchita Martinez beat Annie Miller 6-0, 6-1. The jam-packed crowd that had waited patiently in their seats on Court 1, long before Anna Kournikova even arrived, filtered and shifted entirely back onto center court. Throughout the week, music from a neighbouring restaurant could be heard during match play. That was particularly distracting for spectators and surely for both opponents on court. A majority of players thoroughly enjoyed themselves during their stay. Kristie Boogert and Miriam Oremans even made use of their Video Camera. Snack corner "Clickits" (sponsor): Soy beans that give you better energy? Their taste is comparable to a combination of sunflower seeds and peanuts. I remember Nathalie Dechy enjoying them. Evidently this was a new product that no one has heard about but an interesting health snack nonetheless. Gatorade: All colours. Serena had purple Gatorade all week long simply because it matched her outfit. For those who did not see her that week, her Puma outfit is purple from jacket to dress to shoes. In a press conference, she announced that everyone should get prepared for her millenium outfit which she will be wearing at the US Open. Fruits: In general, players love fruit. But to me, Brie Rippner especially, she was a fruit maniac! Chocolate: Most important of all food categories. Snickers, Caramilk, Kit Kat and Dairy Milk. Chuppa Chupps: Sadly none this year. I mention these lollipops because I believe no one could ever fall out of love for them. Injuries: always an unfortunate circumstance On Friday, there was doubt whether the doubles match featuring Davenport/Kournikova vs Halard-Decugis/Sugiyama would even be played. This was caused by withdrawals of both Davenport and Halard-Decugis from their singles matches. Anna Kournikova, trying to overcome a tough loss against Serena Williams, was not too happy to hear Lindsay Davenport pulling out first. As things were, Julie Halard-Decugis benefitted from this circumstance and had the day to rest. She went on to win the doubles match on Saturday and made the Final. Happy and smiling Lindsay Davenport and her boyfriend (brother of Rick Leach) were inseparable. Even with her foot injury, she looked like she was walking on clouds. Serena Williams speaking French after every match made spectators and staff laugh and smile. Everyone in Montreal got a kick out of it, thanks Serena! Other newcomers The player I was most impressed with during the week was Justine Henin. I think she has a beautiful backhand and her overall style of play has great potential. The player I was least impressed by was Alexandra Stevenson. On court, she has showed us talent but off court, there is not much to see. From my experience, she is not an enjoyable presence. Changing ways: 1998 vs 2000 From my observation, Martina Hingis seems more mature and composed than she was two years ago. It is probably her overall attitude that is more respectful and professional. At the same time she is still the relaxed and smiling person she has always been. In the case of Anna Kournikova, she has not been the happy girl she used to be. She seemed to me to be much more edgy, very frustrated at times with all the media/people around her. She's a good person, but you can see that all the hype is too much. I am not defending her but I certainly believe there are many underlying reasons for her nonchalante attitude towards the press. Kids It is surely common to find babies or children running around in the player's lounge. Namely Isabelle (daughter of Coach Patricia Hy-Boulais), Jacques (nephew of WTA Tour Director Brenda Perry), Arnaud (son of Nathalie Tauziat's coach) and the daugther of Rossana De Los Rios. Games & Arcades The player's lounge is never complete without computers, pool and Ping-Pong tables, pinball machine, video arcades and games. Checkers, cards and board games have become less popular; at least they are no longer played the old fashioned way, perhaps it is all done virtually? For example, touch screen tennis where the ball is hit by touching the screen! Spare time and hobbies Serena Williams: Likes to sing and listen to N'Sync. She also played with her little terrier dog! (Kodak moment) Julie Halard-Decugis: Addicted to South Park Pinball machine! Kill Kenny! Nathalie Tauziat: Plays card games at the touch screen terminal. Martina Hingis: Listening to her CD player while lying comfortable on the ground and reading a magazine or sleeping; she can definitely multi-task. Her mom, Melanie and her friend Mario like to race car drive. The everyday craze Booking practice courts: As evening starts settling in, players get anxious waiting for next day's schedule. As soon as the schedule for the following day comes out, practice court booking is in order. The phone is ringing often and players are surrounding the practice sheet. Crowds and fans: Every year, the number of people at the tournament seems to greatly multiply. The site looks like it is about to burst. I'm convinced that we have reached the maximum capacity it can handle. In any event this means it has become an established popular attraction for both the sport and the city. Sightings of local celebrities Michel Courtemanche, comedian Vincent Damphousse, hockey player Denys Arcand, movie director Corey Hart & Julie Masse (singers) and their baby girl. The endless Final: Hingis vs S.Williams Could I say that this was the strangest Final I've ever assisted? Needless to say how cold it was when seeing spectators in sweatshirts and jackets shivering. Not only was I cold, I had to watch the match standing up. No seats were available as there was only one section reserved for volunteers and the rest of the seats sold out. After the first set, I didn't think there would be much more standing to do (6-0, Serena). I felt bad for Martina but also for all the fans that had paid good money to see tennis. The second set gave everybody the opportunity to shout and scream (6-3, Martina). The sun was peeking through the clouds, the weather was no warmer but at least the atmosphere in the stadium had become. In the third set, it was apparent that Serena was hurting. She stopped the match because of injury at 3-0 down and this was disappointing for the audience. 'Twas an endless end. However, the ceremony endeared the crowd. Both players gave their speeches in French. The Doubles Final: End of a Tournament I saw the third set of the match and the trophy presentation. Sitting outdoors was perfectly enjoyable; the day had finally decently warmed up. I sat there listening to the speeches and I watched the sun embrace the stadium. I felt so happy about the tournament and everyone who came to play. With Nathalie Tauziat's last few words, announcing that this would be her last time playing in Montreal, she seemed like she was about to cry. A touching moment since Nathalie has come to this city the most number of times among the rest of them. The Party: Marking the end of the week The party held Sunday evening is always organized to celebrate all the collaboration and hard work of staff. Gourmet food, beer, music, dancing and prizes are involved. This year we had the honour of doubles champ Nathalie Tauziat coming to the party. She was only scheduled to leave the next morning at 8:00am. So she stopped by from 9:00pm to about 10:30pm that night. One of the highlights of the night is when she was invited to go onto the stage with Tournament Director Richard Legendre. She picked the winner of the grand prize, a flight to Vancouver, Fort Lauderdale, Paris or London courtesy Canada 3000. Lastly It is quite a challenge to gather all my thoughts together in an orderly fashion. This is due to the fact that days seemed like hours. The entire week seemed like a single great long, fun, hectic day full of excitement, laughter, fatigue and unforgettable moments. To pick the most meaningful moment for myself, it was getting a personal thank-you from WTA Tour Director Brenda Perry. She even gave T-shirts to the staff. Getting such an acknowledgement for our efforts makes it all even more worth it! Until next year folks!