Around the Grounds: Day 1 & 2
by Craig Thomas
For many tennis fans, the first few days of a Grand Slam tournament
are the best. There is a never ending flow of singles matches on most
of the outside courts, and those courts not being used for matches see
almost non-stop practice action, often involving the top players. It
is a chance for everybody, even if you only have a ground pass, to
see the stars close up, take a photo and get an autograph. It is a
true tennis fan's delight.
One of the highlights for those people who regularly attend the
Australian Open over the first few days is the presence of one
striking fan, a 6'4" transvestite. Dressed in high heels and
extremely brief dresses, she generally spends her time around the two
main practice courts which are usually used by the top players. With
her sharp wit and loud voice, she on occasion sends the other fans
intp fits of laughter with her well observed, sometimes catty and
cutting remarks directed towards the training stars (Martina Hingis
is a particular favourite). While not all of her performance could be
considered G-rated, it is enjoyed by all.
One of the surprises of day one occurred on Court 16. Much has been
made of a supposed feud between Pete Sampras and Pat Rafter, yet
those who saw them training together and chatting like good buddies
on that court would have to believe that if there ever was a serious
rift between them it has obviously been resolved. Both signed many
autographs after their session, to the delight of the huge assembled
crowd.
Earlier in the day Elena Dementieva and Patty Schnyder also pleased
several fans after a practice session. As well as signing for
everyone who asked, they were both happy to pose for photos with
fans, the photos being taken by Elena's mother and Patty's coach!
Another of the highlights for the fans at the Australian Open is the
Fan Fest. Here players appear for approximately an hour at a time to
sign autographs, answer questions and make themselves available to
the fans. Most of the time the top players do not appear at Fan Fest,
but today the organizers scored perhaps the biggest coup for an event
like this -- Anna Kournikova. While Anna made it perfectly clear she
was there to sign autographs and nothing else, the crowd was enormous,
forcing the organisers to shut the doors about 20 minutes before she
arrived. Still, for those lucky enough to be inside, we can be sure
it made their day!
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The views expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine.
https://tennis-ontheline.com/01aoct2.htm © 2025
Last updated 26 September 2015
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