Aussie Open: Take 2

Over the next four days I enjoyed my return to the Australian Open. I watched heaps of matches and saw some exceptional players and games, won.

The sun appeared and by day four, it was so hot out, I was constantly leaving matches in search of water (which to my surprise they offered free water bottle refill sites all over the grounds) and shade.

Day 4: It just happened to be ANZ (one of the major banks here) Ladies Day. So while seeking out shade and a break from the scorching sun, I wandered around Grand Slam Oval and pampered myself by going in the Panadol Tent for a free massage, The Leathers Luxury Lounge for a cool cucumber eye treatment and massage, and to take some fun photos at the ANZ and Wilson Tennis booths. (Don't worry, all this took only about an hour - and I did return fully refreshed, back to the courts for plenty of more tennis).

Proof I was there...I blended in with my blue on though

Inside the tournament

Yep, they even put down blue floor mats...the Aussie Open is a very "blue" event

At the Wilson Tennis booth you could sit down and get your picture taken, sitting on a couch that looked like a tennis ball. Most people too their photo with other friends they were attending the Open with. Attending it alone, I found someone even better to pose with me...Roger Federer (SUI) [2].

Mesha & Roger Federer hanging out. He's quite nice. I love the Swiss!

At the ANZ booth you could get your picture taken with a large over-sized tennis racket and ball. They even printed it out for you on the spot, and put it in a plastic sleeve on a lanyard for you - free of charge. The most convenient aspect of having this was that you could put your ticket in it too (which you had to show each and every time you wanted back in the arena or grounds.

I was scared at first the racket may be taller than me....

You also could have your picture taken at the Evian booth. You were given a shirt to put on and then they said they'd email the picture. I haven't received mine yet. However, I did find this one of the tennis superstar, in the same shirt. Perhaps I wore the same one she did for her picture...most likely not. 

Maria Sharapova (RUS) [14]

I looked funny in the shirt anyways, as A. It was too large (I think it was a XL) and B. The shirt graphic was of a lighter skin tone than that of myself.

Oh well - back to the TENNIS...

Margaret Court Arena is the top outside court for players and fans alike. I knew that during my time at the Open that I had to watch a match there. Ground Passes give you access to any outside court, granted there is seat space. When I decided to wander over to Margaret Court, it was packed. Ques formed for people to go in, and people were only being let into the arena when someone else came out, who did not plan to return. It was that packed. Luckily, being a solo person, I did not have to wait long for a single seat to become available. It was great to watch the match surrounded by people cheering and applauding tricky slices, and grand slams. 

Margaret Court Arena

Among other matches I also made sure to watch a few in the Show Courts, which were slightly larger than the ground courts, and thus drew better players. At Show Court 3, I was lucky enough to watch John Isner play. 

John Isner (USA) [20]

I like his 6'9" shadow here...

He shook my hand. (I wasn't prepared for an autograph)

I found the American Flag...

After 8hr days, five days in a row of tennis...you would think I had enough. Yet, I plan to watch the games over the weekend and through the finals if I am able (perhaps at Fed. Square on the big screen). But for now, the sun has got me beat. 

As the sunsets, the courts empty.

Waiting for the tram...leaving Rod Laver and the Open after Day 5....