Leg three of our trip - unfortunately this was the last week for me (Sara was staying on until the end of the tournament - but I had to leave on 26 March - home, cat, work commitments taking priority - still my 3.5 week tour of the USA with a difference was totally incredible and well worth every penny! - some experiences were priceless too!)
Overall impression of the Miami tournament - umm, how can I say this.... Not that good really. Don't get me wrong, the Players - as usual - were wonderful, but the the Organisators, and the (Paid) Staff were nowhere near as friendly or hospitable as our friends we made in Scottsdale and Indian Wells.
The Volunteer Staff were (of course) wonderful - it was great to meet Monica and Her Mum (I really enjoyed meeting you both) and the Friendly Guy Posted at the Scoreboard directing all the Barbie Dolls (there were some REALLY strange sights - but then Someone did say "Only In Miami) - these "People" had just had no idea - it was really amusing at times.
I guess the arrogance and rudeness of quite a few of the people I came across (working in the Ericsson Expo Arena especially) just took the shine off my trip a bit - hey Guys - what goes around always comes around - so next time - maybe try some manners! - they're free you know.
ENOUGH MOANING!
Oh yeah I also saw Nick Bollieteri about 16 times too many, standing on a soap box, then a chair, then a table, bashing his book on a daily basis. This Guy just does not impress me - sorry.
One day he overtook The Grandstand Court (with a mic too - full volume) he was bashing his book constantly telling kids to stop talking and listen to him, he kept repeating the phrase "You Must think you are Special, If you Don't Think you are Special - the Devil will come and take you. - he THEN quoted a quite negative story on one of his former Academy Attendees, concluding that the Devil Got his Soul - I am not prepared to elaborate any further on this story, although I can confirm he was decent enough not to name his victim.
I know this Guy is popular and one of the Big Tennis Names etc but that statement (repeated regulary) really started to disturb me especially knowing the Grandstand Court was packed to capacity with children under 15. I was standing outside - rooted to the spot in shock listening.
THIS IS A FAN'S EYE VIEW PAGE! THIS IS MY OPINION - DO NOT SUE ME - I AM ONLY QUOTING FACT - IT HAPPENED! I WAS THERE!
After this "performance" I managed to un-root myself from my spot and go on the search for Sara - found her in the usual place - camped out watching Nico - this time a new face (to me) had joined the Entourage, Nico's practice partner was his little (but much taller) brother Giovanni. Look out "The Woodies" The Lapentti Brothers are out to work on your titles!. Nico and Gio played doubles that day, it was a great game to watch too. Full of fun - HUGE Ecuador support network too!! The day had improved dramatically and turned out to be great fun in the end, of course rounding up with a 5pm practice session with Mariano - and after session chat - (Andre did not appear until Saturday evening - to be continued!).