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The double header on the Thursday night saw Argentina against Germany on the main court and Russia against Italy on court 1. The evening started off really well for me because, just before entering the Dome, I bumped into Marat and his coach, Peter Lundgren, who were also making their way there! Marat greeted us jovially and when asked how he was, he joked, "surviving!". I have known Marat since I was first introduced to him 3 years ago by one of his managers, who is a family friend, and every time I meet him, he is always so sweet and polite. It was, however, the first time I'd been able to speak to Peter Lundgren (former coach of Roger Federer, now coach of Marat since May 2004). Peter is also a lovely guy - so kind, friendly and down to earth. I, personally, think he makes a great coach for Marat. So after that, we headed off to court 1 to watch Russia's matches. Firstly it was Anastasia Myskina against Francesca Schiavone. I had anticipated a close match, however Nastya played beautifully and punished the Italian with a straight sets win 6-3 6-2. Next up was Marat against Davide Sanguinetti. Marat was still looking for a singles win this week and I hoped he'd get it tonight against Sanguinetti. The match started off quite ominously when he lost his opening service game, but he managed to break back straight away. After that, no one lost serve so there was a first set tie-break, which Sanguinetti won 7-0. Marat was starting to get riled up and throughout the match, we witnessed his many innovative ways of throwing a raquet. Firstly slamming it hard into the ground so it bounced, followed by tossing it high into the air, throwing it into the curtains along the side of the court and kicking it along the ground. As well as that, he used it to belt his bag during the changeover and smash the top of the net repeatedly. A group of fanatic Italian supporters up in the stands also appeared to rattle Marat, who, at one stage before serving, yelled out to them, "this is a tennis match, not a soccer match!". This was feisty Marat at his best. However, sadly, entertaining though it might have been for us, it was not helping his concentration on the match. He was somehow able to regain his composure and took advantage of a cramping Sanguinetti to win the second set in a tie-break 7-3. However, in the third, fatigue set it and he was unable to win a game, losing 0-6.
During the break between matches, I was updated on the progress of the main tie on centre court. Germany had won the women's singles with Anna-Lena Groenefeld beating Gisela Dulko 3-6 6-2 6-1, however there had been drama in the men's. Tommy Haas had taken the first set off Guillermo Coria 7-5, but had had to retire at 2-2 in the second with a groin strain. This meant that Argentina were automatically through to the final. Due to the fact that the mixed doubles from that tie had been cancelled, the Russia-Italy mixed doubles was moved to the main court. It was shortened to a Pro-set: first to 8 games with a 2 game advantage. If Marat had been tired and angry after his singles, he definitely wasn't showing it here. He was laughing and joking with the Italians and made Anastasia laugh so hard, she couldn't even serve properly! It was really great entertainment and both the players and the spectators really enjoyed themselves. It was the Italians who ended up winning 8-6, leaving Russia winless in the tournament. Despite his losses on the court, Marat still endeared himself to the crowd with his great personality and, in the oncourt interviews afterwards, he joked and said of his performances, "I could give you lots of excuses, which one do you want?!". He also added that he was "going to need a lot of luck in the Australian Open!". The Italians were both extremely happy to have won the tie and, it must be said, their overall performance as a team throughout the week had been great.
As we were leaving the complex, we met Marat and Peter in the hotel and so we were able to say goodbye. I even got 2 kisses on the cheek from Marat!!! Not a bad way to end the night! This was to be my last tie as well, so it was fitting to end the tournament on such a high note. I'd be watching the rest of it on TV, before going to Melbourne for the Australian Open a few days later, where the excitement starts all over again! |
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