Through to the Semis – El Paso

Hi there,

As it stands, things are shaping up nicely for the academy and let’s hope it is a sign of things to come. Both Ilija and Anna are thru to the semi finals tomorrow after comfortable straight sets wins today in the quarters. After a slow start to the tournament, Ilija has found some good form whilst Anna has been exceptional throughout which is pleasing as ITFs in the past haven’t brought out the best tennis in her. Oscar got thru his first round but ran into trouble against his younger American opponent in the second round but I feel he is starting to adjust and relax into the touring life. Let’s see what the next few weeks can bring for him…

Having only been to America on one previous occasion (I visited the very vibrant and exciting Oklahoma City), it is always a surprise when it comes to dinner time. They certainly do things by the dozen here and never will one leave a restaurant on an empty stomach. After a week here I am yet to finish a full meal!! The Americans are also incredibly patriotic people and hence there is an abundance of ‘god bless America’ flags and ’support our troops’ stickers, and plenty of support for a president who grew up here in Texas.

The past few evenings we have found a good restaurant over the road from the hotel where we have tucked into a nice salad and tasty steak or pasta.  Dinner is always a good time to reflect on the days work and discuss progress made, but is also a time to converse on other topics which are non tennis related. It is important to not overload player’s minds with information but to create a relaxed and fun environment away from the rigours and demands of the courts.

The weather has improved from the weekends storms and it is now back to the dry, warm and windy conditions we were warned about. I have certainly got into the daily routines here which begin as early as 6.30am and can honestly say actually enjoying them. It is always a good feeling to get a good honest days work done with still some time to pursue other interests. Every morning one of our players has been first on at 8am which means breakfast (gotta be careful not to get sucked into the mountains of various foods on offer) at 7 and at the courts by 7.30 so they can practice. Probably the one time they are all glad about suffering from the slight effects of jetlag still because we all tend to be up and about by 6.30 anyway.

Fingers crossed that the next blog carries news of success!  At the weekend as we are off to South Carolina for a week of training followed by a group 2 ITF.

Speak soon

Hampo