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Rolex Monte Carlo Masters

Through the good offices and contact book of Bob Tickler I had tickets in a box behind the base line for the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters yesterday.

This is the clay court event won 11 times by the greatest exponent of this surface Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic – a native of Monaco – was also competing and Roger Federer may well do so in the French Open at Roland Garrios.

Djokovic seems to have overcome his injury and is prime form with 3 straight Major wins.

The tournament takes place in the Monte Carlo Country club by the sea.

It’s one of the most glamorous events on the ATP circuit.

For those that know Monte Caro just as a gambling resort, tax haven and venue for F1, it is so built up that there is no land left for construction so they are reclaiming the sea.

It’s popular domicile for sport stars who do not want to pay excessive tax. It’s a stylish venue although temporary stands have been erected around the principal court.

I saw Denis Shapolavov of Canada overcome Jean-Lenard Struff of Germany and most of Fabio Fognini’s game versus Andrew Rubyev of Russia.

It was mostly lengthy rallies from the base line. The big serve and volley game in which I grew up is now more the baseline style of Baron van Cramm.

I was struck by how sloppily dressed the players were.

Struff and Rubyev wore ochre T-shirts and blue shorts.

I’m sure this is highly fashionable designer casual wear but they looked like a couple of beach bums to me.

Still, after a most pleasant lunch by the pool overlooking the Med, to watch tennis in the sun is highly enjoyable.

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About Abbie Boraston-Green

After her promising tennis career was cut short by a shoulder injury, Abbie went first into coaching and then a promotional position with the Lawn Tennis Association. She and her husband Paul live in Warlingham with their two children, where Abbie now works part-time for a national breast cancer charity. More Posts