Tennis

This post showcases just a fragment of what took place during my two weeks volunteering at the Western and Southern Financial Women's Open and Master's tennis tournament in Mason, Ohio (Cincinnati). To say that I had a fantastic experience is an understatement. For someone who is in love with tennis like I am, this was such an incredible opportunity. The tennis players and commentators in the pro tennis world are my celebrities and there were times when I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to see these people in person! I am hooked and will be at this tournament every year from now on!

A wide view of Center Court.

The new addition to Center. I was on the scoring committee and we were up in that box for matches (the 5 windows left of the big screen) with all of the local and international media. All the snacks, soda and Evian water you could ask for, plus the best view in the house-Kings Island was in direct view out of the windows over the court!

The first Monday of the tournament (during the women's week) was opening night. I worked the day session and Artie brought the kids to the opening festivities for the night session; which included their first ever pro tennis match between former number 1 and slam winner, Ana Ivanovic, and Victoria Azarenka.

American Mardy Fish getting in some practice. At the other end was Andy Roddick and it was cool getting to see the friends warming up.

Current #1, Rafael Nadal. He was very nice.

In the ESPN booth getting ready to preview a match, Patrick McEnroe (right, one of my favs!) and Chris Fowler.

The #3 tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic. He had quite a temper and wasn't the nicest, but a good player.

Jake and my mom came down at the end of the men's week to watch some tennis with me:) Rafael Nadal is playing in this match, he's in the pink shirt at the far end.

Even if you're not a tennis fan, you probably know who this is, Roger Federer. He was extremely nice and is an even better tennis player in person!

I still can't believe I was this close to Federer-who won this tourny!

Up and coming player Tomas Berdych, who beat Federer at Wimbledon this year.

A little Andy Roddick shot. The sound of a tennis ball hitting a racket is one of my favorite sounds. No one makes it sound better than Roddick!

Unless you were living under a rock during Wimbledon, you must have heard of this "marathon man," American John Isner who played the longest match ever (11hrs and 5 mins) before finally breaking serve against Nicolas Mahut in the 5th set to win 70-68. He really is that tall in person!

Aussie, and one of my favs, the man who started the "c'mon" that virtually all tennis players say now of days to pump themselves up on court, Lleyton Hewitt.

One of the only moms on the tour and the only mom at the top of the rankings, Kim Clijsters-she won this tournament, beating Maria Sharapova in 3 sets.

Runner-up, Maria Sharapova. After seeing her in person, I like her a little more than I used to:)

Marcos Bagdatis from Cyprus. Another of my favs because he always has such a good attitude on the court.

Scottsman, Andy Murray. He beat Nadal and Federer (world number 1 and 2, respectively) to win the Toronto tournament which happened the week before they came to Cincy.

More of my favorite commentators in the ESPN booth, Cliff Drysdale and Mary Jo Fernandez.

One of my all-time favorite tennis players, Lindsay Davenport, with Justin Gimelstob (working the booth for Tennis Channel).

Avery and Spencer came for a day during the men's week also. It was great getting to share something I love so much with my kids and to introduce them to the wonderful sport that tennis is. However, I think my husband would agree, they need to be a few years older to be able to sit still and be quiet during the match! Avery loved coming to the "tennis quarters" as she calls it!

It was a lovely two weeks in Cincinnati, but it was nice to get home. The kids were beyond thrilled to get back to their own rooms (they were sharing a room down there) and toys!! We got back just in time for Spencer's 2nd NICU party of the season...that post to follow soon:)