Untitled Document

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2004

Went to the tennis at the Queen's Club

Phone call from Tanya
"I have just been to the semi-finals of the Stella Artois Tennis Championships
held at the Queen's Club!!!"

...and another call from Tanya
"I am now watching the Grand Final!!!"

"All tennis insiders know that the Stella Artois,
the one-week tournament opening up the grass court season,
is the best place to see the top male players prepare themselves
for the following week's Wimbledon Championships.

Not only are you almost certain to get tickets
(even if you will have to queue a bit)
but the Queen's Club is intimate
and you'll get to see the world's top players up close and personal"

NOTE - there are 34 thumbnail images on this page
and it may take a few extra seconds to download completely

(simply click on the thumbnail image to see the photos and details)

The Queen's Court complex

Centre court at the Queen's Club (three photos)

Results of the Semi Final and the Grand Final
simply click on "The Winner"--

--for details on the matches Tanya saw

Tanya's two days at the tennis

Now to the best bit of my weekend.

On Saturday I was sitting at home watching the BBC and they said that the first semi at Queens was starting in 30 mintues and that after that would be the second semi and the match of the day - Hewitt and Roddick.

The court is only at Barrons Court which is one stop from Hammersmith so I got my Wallabies Jersey and hat went and lined up for a ticket at Queens Club.

Some woman out the front of the courts came by with a single ticket for sale but the girl in front of me was the next single in line so she got first option.
Except she didn't have cash and I did so she sold me the ticket and I went in.

I wandered around quite excited and brought a t-shirt and that kind of thing.

When I went to sit in my seat, someone was in it - I checked my ticket and it turned out the women had sold me a ticket for the final on Sunday not the semi which I wanted to see on Saturday.

I was furious but she said that she would give me my money back as it was an honest mistake but I thought I would risk it and stayed.

We found seats that were unoccupied and watched the two semi finals.

Unfortunately Lleyton lost but Roddick was on fire and served at world record speed 153 MPH...it was awesome.

About half way through the Hewitt match the lady that sold me the ticket asked to see it.
I was a bit nervous to actually hand it to her so I held onto it.

She said that the stub was torn off so I couldn't use it.
I said that I had actually been out already that day and got back in no problem so it would be fine tomorrow.
She said "Ok, I was just looking out for you love".

When the game finished she asked if I was definately going to go Sunday.
I said "hell yeah" and she asked me to give it back to her and she wasn't going to give me my money back.
She said that I got to see the game I wanted and shouldn't be selfish.
She was an alcoholic and just wanted to sell it on again.

When I said "no, this is what you sold me" she started yelling at me that I was selfish and a terrible ambassador for my country.
She stormed off.
Then she stormed back and said I didn't buy her the drink I promised (I didn't promise and she had definitely had enough).
Then she stormed off again.
Then she stormed back and yelled that she had tickets to Wimbledon and I couldn't have any!
She was very strange and very drunk.

The people around me were very nice and one nice English boy gave me a beer and said that I handled her very well.

Tanya on TV!!! (two photos)

For the Hewitt game I was dressed in my Aussie gear and made it onto the BBC coverage and got messages from friends in London and Scotland saying they had seen me.

I rang Dad and told him to tape the replay and they might see me or I might get cut.
When I rang Mum she said that she did see me.
I think that is pretty cool!

Anyway after going to the gardens on Sunday morning I went to the tennis again and they let me straight through.
I was stoked.

There was a continuation of a doubles semi and Wayne Arthurs was playing in that - another Aussie so I cheered them on.
They lost though...never mind.

I was slightly concerned that I would have to sit next to that screaming lady from Saturday but she didn't turn up so I had two seats all to myself.

Tanya's view for the Grand Final

Dad, at the Grand Final I reckon my seat was pretty much where the third photo was taken from that you have put on the web page.

Had a great time again but Roddick only served 152MPH.

It was a fun, alcohol free, non travelling weekend!
Tanya.

Photos taken on Saturday 12th June 2004