Junko in Tokyo, day 4

Today our seats were even further away from the court than yesterday so it was impossible to get any decent photos of Rafa. The match was thrilling especially in the first set (Giraldo’s flat forehand returns were incredible!) and we all saw how Rafa raised his level and intensity for the 2nd set. We all enjoyed seeing his big VAMOS! I heard that Rafa had a practice in the Centre court in the morning. In the pre-match interview his main concern was the wind and of course, he was respectful of Giraldo, saying it would be a difficult match. It was much windier when he practiced in the morning than the early afternoon when the match was on.

Toward the end of the tournament it is becoming more difficult to get close to Rafa. We met a Canadian girl on a solitary mission to follow Rafa in Tokyo and next week in Shanghai. She said Shanghai is the best place to be close to Rafa as they always post time and place of the practice sessions (well, the time is up to how Rafa feels on the day but he always makes an appearance.) She showed us her photos with Rafa and a few of her Rafa signature collections on her hat, iPhone and more, all from Shanghai. Maybe we should all go to Shanghai next year! It was great to have another friend to share the joy of Rafa winning today.

Following Rafa’s match David came on and beat Stepanek. After he rested a bit he and Marc! had the doubles quarter final in Court 4 outside (Rafa’s favourite practice court). It was nearly 9pm when the match started. The cute pair appeared to be in great spirit jumping in unison in front of the towering opponents Cermak/Polasek, but quickly lost the first set. Then they came back strong in the 2nd set, and everyone was cheering loudly. Before the third set tie break, they requested a toilet break (it was very cold…). Court 4 is far away from the toilet and they had to go on the transport cart. The tall pair was left on the court waiting for them to return for quite sometime. Upon return the cute pair started out being behind in the tie break. Then they managed to turn it around and almost caught up but in the end Marc! missed a volley… 6-2 3-6 10-8 (In the photo #5, what do you think Marc! is up to…?)

8 Oct 2011 | by miri | One Comment