Before I launch into my awkward moment I need to remind you that Robin Soderling at Indian Wells last year was still months away from beating Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros and getting to the final. He was months away from that result making him a very familiar face to tennis fans. And months away form being a solid top 10 player.
In fact, coming into IW last year he was ranked #26.
***
I've been going out to the Indian Wells tournament every year for 20 years. It has added importance to me because each year one of the weekends always falls on my birthday. (Seems I just keep on getting older, humph.) And yes, I will be there this weekend to celebrate another with all best friends: Roger, Rafa, Andy, Sveta, Vika... Serena and Venus have already sent there regrets, as usual.
Anyway, the first weekend is always fun because it's still loaded with tennis stars as the tournament is just getting going. The practice courts are filled with all the best having a hit and the make-shift soccer pitch is filled with players knocking the ball about. It's all good fun.
As I was roaming the courts last year I noticed a player and I were about to cross paths. He was walking without an entourage and was not getting noticed by anyone. Of course I knew straight away that it was Robin Soderling.
Our eyes met just as we were about to reach one another and the moment felt like it required an exchange. Something familiar perhaps. I remembered seeing the 'order of play' for the day and Robin was set to play Nicolas Lapentti in the 2nd round.
I smiled and said, "Good luck with your match today."
He kind of bobbed his head and replied, "Thanks, I just lost."
Photo: I shot it of a practice court at Indian Wells last year.
Who had he just lost to?
Posted by: Diane | 03/10/2010 at 04:48 PM
Silly me, if I had read to the end I would have had the answer,
Wish I could be there to celebrate your birthday ; last year was so much fun!
Posted by: Diane | 03/10/2010 at 05:56 PM