Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Cincinnati, Baby!

Christian and I had a very enjoyable weekend away thanks to Grandpa and Grandma watching our boys for a couple of days.  We made plans a few months back to head over and watch the Western and Southern Financial Series Open.  It's the largest USA tennis tournament outside of the US Open, and it's a spectacular tennis tournament!  Truly an amazing experience for tennis fans and super fan friendly.

Kari, Christian and I went to this tournament together 4 years ago and had a great few matches to watch.  We saw the top four play each other, and were able to get 3 of the 4 autographs.  We got Federer, Djokovic, and Murray.  Nadal eluded us then, and almost eluded us this time.  But that's for later.

A huge thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for watching our crazy busy boys for 2 1/2 days so that we could get away and thoroughly enjoy our tennis addiction!

About to enter the non-grand slam tennis mecca ;)

A few from the inside of center court.

Juan Martin Del Potro warming up for his match against John Isner

Yes, I am actually that close!!

Rafa Nadal!!  I'm there on the left in the brown and white.  I had just said "Hi Rafa" and he responded with "Hello, good morning."  I like to think that little smile on his face is from me saying hi, lol.

Rafa signing after his practice.

View from our seats.  It looks far, but truly, they were great seats.

Rafa serving in the match against Berdych.

Coming up after his win.  This is where I got a high five!

Rafa at the ESPN booth after his win.  

Seriously, so close to fame...right? :)  I did, however, score his autograph at this time, yay! I can now complete my collection of the top 4 men.

Due to Rafa being the top seed left, we got lots of Rafa time.  Below is us watching his practice on the day of the final.  It's surreal to see how close we actually were.  I don't know why he chose this court to practice on, but all it has is a wire fence.  And Christian and I were literally fans 4 and 5.  Such an amazing experience.  And wow, these professional are serious hitters!









Finals match!  John Isner vs. Rafael Nadal.  


Rafa won, but it was a spectacularly close match.  Two tie breakers - really good tennis to watch!


Women's match.  Serena vs. Azarenka.  

We ended up not staying for the 3rd set for the women's match because we needed to get back home and relieve Christian's parents.  Plus, it had been a long couple of days baking in the sun.  But we had a blast and will for sure be back many a times in the future, I foresee.  Fun times, fun times!

1 comment:

  1. Well... I have just finished reading all of August's posts. (School started the first week of August, and I have been just a little busy - ha!)I am so glad you got your tennis weekend, but I confess I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the boys. I loved your post on "Micah sayings" - and the picture of Micah and Reid at the playground walking up the "bridge" shows Micah, the Big Brother, holding the hand of Reid, the little brother... just blesses this grandmother's heart! Your conversations with Micah about Jesus and heaven - yes, darling, you are steering your sons in the right direction! :-)

    ReplyDelete