On top of the tennis, we were in freaking Dubai, home to the Burg Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, many fancy hotels that don't look like hotels, and pink Ferraris. Unfortunately there wasn't very much time for us to sight see since we were literally playing until midnight the entire week, some nights not going to bed until 2 or 2:30 depending on how excited we were (which was probably directly correlated to whether we won or lost). But, we did have one morning and a little of Monday afternoon after we were totally finished with the tournament, for a little fun at the Wild Wadi Waterpark!!!
This is a blog, and I'm just writing about whatever comes to mind, so my organization is all screwed up. Anyways, lets talk about the tennis now! Our first match was against Vietnam, and we got to play on the stadium court at the Aviation Tennis Club. Was an awesome feeling just being there, but getting to play my first Davis Cup match...priceless baby! Too bad I lost 3 and 4...and 2 and 2 in dubs with Chub...It was clearly a battle of nerves with me and nerves won out that day.
Chub started at 2 singles the next day against UAE, the host country. He flew to a 6-3 win in the first and slowly lost his legs in the 2nd. Cramps would then creep their way into his legs late in the 2nd, and after putting all his energy to swing out on a forehand he went down screaming in pain. Since they were in the middle of the game the trainer couldn't help him out so he just lay there until he could get up again. Losing the set 6-4, Chub would attempt to fight through the pain, but the cramps didn't go away as he was pulled out wide and forced to hit a backhand down the line on the run which brought him to the ground once more...crazy fool made the backhand! It took him longer to get up this time so the chair umpire was forced to give him a point penalty which meant it was game for his opponent. Now down 2-0 and deciding to take his time to get worked on by the trainer he was penalised another game putting him down 3-0 in the 3rd. His last attempt was short lived, and this time he was carried off the court to his chair by our non-playing captain. Unable to walk due to cramps in his groin and both calves he was carried out on a stretcher and straight into the physio room, pretty crazy stuff. Kenny Bun, the kingdom's #1 player would go on to win his match after being down a set and a break. Tied 1-1, Kenny and I hit the courts a half hour following his singles match. Playing a lot looser, I was able to play a complete enough match and help Kenny for the doubles win to clinch our head to head against our hosts!!!
Not really sure if he was quite ready for another match, our coach and captain took a risk in playing Chub. He did not upset. Cruising to a 2 and 2 win over his Pacific Oceania opponent. Kenny was next up against a 42 yr old! In control early on in the match, his seemingly young legs won him the first set and an early break. Once again Kenny overcame his nerves and emotions for another comeback victory, taking the 3rd set for his own at love! With a win over UAE and Pacific Oceania, we secured a 2nd place finish in our pool behind Vietnam, and in so doing secured a spot in Group III for the upcoming year. Though our spot secure, a 2nd place finish in our pool moved us into the playoff pool where we would play against the top 2 finishers in Pool A, Hong Kong and Malaysia; under the right circumstances (us winning convincingly and others losing in the same fashion), there was a slim chance we'd be promoted to Group II. With a 2-1 loss to Hong Kong, and 3-0 to Malaysia in 3 tightly contested matches, we finished out the tournament 4th out of 8 countries. Not bad for our first showing in Asia/Oceania Group III.
Wild Wadi Waterpark, a mouthful of a name, was our last adventure in Dubai! Not wasting anytime, our group went to the tallest slide in the park. After the 10 minute climb up the stairs we awaited the drop at the top. Stepping onto a platform with back against the slide, a clear door was shut, and suddenly there was no floor. The first 50ft was a freefall with water all up in our faces, we couldn't even feel the slide on our backs. I was very confused with whether I should close my mouth, but I couldn't really stop screaming so I continued to take water in through my nose and mouth. In a matter of seconds the slide curved and after another fall we were at the bottom, me gasping for air. The rest of the park was kid play after that. A few hours later we were in the Dubai airport, getting our fill of McDonalds after a week of not being able to eat anything fried, sweet, or anything else I deemed delicious. Before we knew it, we were midair headed towards our one stop at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
It was just yesterday that I met with my new boss about the specific duties attached to my job. With a studio of my own and a moto-bike to use I'm nearly set to start on the 1st of October. My first project will be to assist my boss with the visit of 1987 Wimbledon Champion, Pat Cash. Which happens in about a week! Wish me luck :)
Big thanks to Sandrine Bury and mother, Goodwill Ambassador to the TFC, Hisae Arai and sister Kiko, Christina Ingmire, and Lavie Sak for their unconditional support throughout our Group III Davis Cup Campaign. Goodnight to all!
P, you're living the dream! Awesome blog and congratulations on the Davis Cup win!
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