Supporting Andy in Mallorca [Archive]

supergran

05-09-2019, 16:00

On the Sunday before Bank Holiday Monday while watching the Ashes I toyed with the idea of going to the Rafa Nadal Challenger to support Andy. Texted my son who was still in London after the Rugby League Challenge Cup and he said Go For It! As I was looking after that dog Tess knew I could only fly after she was picked up on Monday lunchtime. Started looking for flights and accommodation when the Test was won and it wasn't easy. No accommodation in Manacor so looked at Porto Cristo, nothing there either. Luckily I knew this part of the island as Alan, Tim and I had stayed in S'illot three times in the 80s so I found an hotel in Cala Moreya. I eventually booked a flight which arrived in Palma at 9.30 in the evening so was all set to go and cheer on Andy in his Challenger.

supergran

05-09-2019, 16:10

I packed, wondering how I'd get euros cursing myself for cashing in €200 when I came back from Granada in May. On Monday Sarah came to pick up Tess and to take me to the airport. The flight was delayed slightly but soon I was having wine and a salad box on my way to sunny, hot Mallorca. I had tried unsuccessfully to get in touch with the hotel for a transfer so had to get a taxi. With the cost of €90 and the outrageous cost of buying currency at Manchester airport I hoped it would be worth it and get to speak to Andy. Well, it was more than worth it!

Genbrit

05-09-2019, 19:51

Woohoo, a SG blog. :thanks: Can't wait for the next installment. :jitterbug:

supergran

07-09-2019, 15:27

I'd managed to get on line on Sunday for the free tickets but then couldn't really understand the e-mail sent to me. So when I arrived at the Hotel Peymar asked the young man in reception if he could translate for me. He did better than that as he was able to show me my tickets. So went to my room knowing that on Tuesday I would see Andy. It was late so just went straight to sleep.

Woke up early, unpacked and got ready for the day. After breakfast strolled outside and saw an area where taxis arrived. There was a large board showing prices to different towns. To get to Manacor it would be €23 and coming back after 7pm €27, so €50 per day though it didn't always work out like that. I asked the very friendly and helpful receptionist to book me a taxi about 1215 and went outside to wait. Unfortunately it had started to rain
:rain::rain:
but as I'd checked the forecast had umbrella and jacket with me.
It was unfortunate on two counts......
1) I probably wouldn't see any tennis and
2) taxis were in great demand as holidaymakers left beach and pools to visit other areas.
About an hour later my taxi arrived for the 15-20 minute journey to the Rafael Nadal Academy and Sports Centre. By the time I got there it was raining heavily accompanied by thunder and lightning. I could see a very long queue but quickly found out it was for the Rafael museum so walked through into reception and without looking at my phone I was waved in.
:thumbup:

I walked through the little shopping area, past a table where two gorgeous young ladies were trying to sell the Not Davis Cup tickets. I came to the large Sports bar which was packed and walked through onto a very spacious balcony where I managed to get a seat under cover. The Centre Court was just below and I wasn't too happy to see the seating was exactly the same as in Belgrade albeit set in a much more pleasant setting. The storm was getting worse and the thunder and lightning quite spectacular. I wondered if there would be any tennis today.
:sad:

supergran

08-09-2019, 13:19

There were mutterings and musings regarding play and the wet afternoon wore on. I ate, drank beer and water, chatted to a couple from Holland and then met a lovely couple from England. They were on holiday in Palma and had driven over to see Andy. It was very interesting sitting and chatting with them as he was a retired sports journalist who had worked for The Times and she had absolutely no interest in sport at all. A widow for 13 years she had met him on a train to London last December on her way with friends to see a show. He lives in Wimbledon and they chatted. He managed to get her phone number and they've been together since then. Very romantic I thought.

During our conversation I noticed two young men with camera and mic equipment who kept smiling at me. Eventually they came to our table and said they'd overheard my story of deciding to fly to Mallorca and they would like to interview me. I just thought....here we go again.

supergran

08-09-2019, 13:44

By late afternoon the rain stopped, the clouds cleared and the sun appeared.
:big grin:
The courts were dried and there was a Buzz around the grounds. We were going to see some tennis but Andy was third on court so it could be a late one. I moved down to watch his match and sat near the tunnel about three rows up. It was great to see him walk out for a singles match and I confess I felt a little emotional.
:love:

When I started shouting Let's Go etc everyone around me was staring and some even sniggered. I didn't care, I carried on with my loud vocal support. I'd come to support him so that's what I did. Towards the end of the first set my new French friends found me and proceeded to prepare for the interview. I had to put a mic under my t-shirt, that was funny I can tell you especially as it was causing a lot of interest.
:whistle:

I did the interview during the break and I enjoyed it. Talking about Andy is one of my favourite topics of conversation.
:thumbup:

The match ended, Andy had played well and moved well and looked comfortable. After the on court interview he signed autographs and had photographs taken with the very people who had stayed silent and who had laughed at me. As he walked down the tunnel I leaned over saying Well done Andy. He looked at me, grinned and gave me a fist bump

:cheer:

I was very happy and looking forward to the next day, Wednesday when he wasn't playing. I was hoping to watch him practising and maybe, just maybe getting another photograph.

supergran

08-09-2019, 14:04

It was very late when I asked a young man at the reception desk to phone for a taxi and going outside I saw a middle aged couple, well, they were probably my age
;)
and a young family also waiting for taxis. The couple were from Scotland, originally Glasgow and now living on the coast. I've forgotten the name but it sounded absolutely idyllic, I remember they were near a famous golf course. They were on holiday in Cala Millor so I said that it was quite near where I was staying and maybe we could share. The wife looked a bit doubtful but when a taxi arrived it was for them. The taxi driver asked where everyone else was going and when I said S'illot he said jump in. I reckon it was about half past midnight when we left and I was dropped off first. My hotel was in darkness and I got to my room without seeing anyone.

Genbrit

08-09-2019, 16:07

Let's Go Mo, Let's Go!!!! :jitterbug:

lynne

09-09-2019, 00:08

My goodness...how I have missed Mo's blogs!!!!....Brilliant!!!:thumbup:

supergran

09-09-2019, 17:37

Wednesday was hot and sunny. I went on the terrace with my coffee. Most of the tables were occupied so I sat opposite a lady in her 50s. I smiled and said Good morning whereupon she shook her head, held out her hand, palm facing me, said Nein and got up and walked away.
:surprised:

At breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday ate alone but had a book with me. This was my first social encounter and after muttering something under my breath I watched her go to another table.
:lol:

I decided to go early to the Rafa Nadal Centre and went to get ready. The receptionist booked my taxi and it arrived within ten minutes. I was feeling quite excited, looking forward to some tennis in the sun and also hoping I'd see Andy.
:big grin:

patlowe

09-09-2019, 19:02

Really enjoying this Maureen. What an experience.

supergran

11-09-2019, 16:43

The venue was absolutely packed, people eating and drinking in the Sports bar and on the terrace. Tennis was being played on Centre Court so I sat down with my bottle of water and watched. I'd never been to a Challenger before but I can tell you I was very impressed with the standard of tennis. I presumed that Andy would practise later in the afternoon as it was very hot.

Once again chatted to people and then walked down the steps to the practice courts and watched two young men sweating it out in a vigorous practice. I took notice of the seats provided but there was no shade so I made my way back up and went inside the Sports bar to have something to eat.

After a while I went back down and suddenly spied people rushing. It's Andy I thought so got there quickly. I could hardly believe it but found myself face to face with him. I grabbed his hand and he grinned and seemed to recognise me. Well I had told Jamie Delgado the day before to tell him I was here.

As I was chattering away telling him about my spur of the moment decision we were actually moving and I was still holding his hand. He said it was great that I had come to support him and said it was great to see me. I let go of his hand and he walked on followed by a crowd of youngsters and adults. I walked near to the gate where he went on to the court and sat down feeling absolutely fantastic.
:dance:

themass15

11-09-2019, 17:28

Very envious Maureen. You must have had a wonderful time with many memories to cherish.

patlowe

11-09-2019, 17:41

Aw Maureen, that is wonderful. Things I can only dream about, but a lovely reality for you.

supergran

12-09-2019, 11:54

The practice lasted almost two hours and I stood for most of the time watching closely as Andy went through his routine. Serving, aiming at markers, hitting with Jamie and Jamie & Matt, receiving lobs etc. Those of you who have watched him practising know how hard he works but also are aware of the camaraderie and humour of his team.
:thumbup:

Jamie D waved to me, Treacle said hello as he retrieved balls and although I gave a little wave to Shane he didn't respond.
:lol:

I'd spotted my new friends, the French TV journalists watching so walked over to them and asked if I managed it would one of them take a photo with my phone. I'm not keen on selfies. They agreed. The crowds had grown as the practice continued and I was glad I was near where Andy would come off the court. There was just a man with little boy nearer so I was second in line.
:thumbup:

Eventually the practice finished. They sat down for a while, equipment picked up and the team walked off followed by Andy. I was breathless with anticipation and beckoned to my camera crew.
:big grin:

supergran

12-09-2019, 17:10

The little boy, probably about 5 years of age stood next to Andy while his dad took a photograph. Bless him, he looked so happy.
:)

Andy was looking at me, my camera crew was ready and as I stepped forward a hulking great teenager came on my blind side and stood next to Andy.
:sad:

He stood there gesticulating to someone to take his photo. I smiled ruefully and stepped back. But Andy said "The lady first". The boy was obviously Spanish and didn't understand so didn't move. Andy then said again, "No, the lady first" and pointed to me.
:cheer:

The boy moved away and I stood next to Andy who was grinning. He put his arm round me as my arm went round him. I said to him "Always knew you knew I was a lady" and we both laughed and that was when the French photographer took one of the best pictures I have of Andy and me. Saying thank you and good luck I moved away and left him surrounded.

Caro

12-09-2019, 20:00

This is brilliant Mo, I have so missed your blogs xx

lynne

13-09-2019, 15:12

Just awesome Maureen, so happy for you & once again your storytelling is just fantastic......get that book wrote!!!!:thumbup:

Cheers to Andy for being such a gentleman :clap::clap:.....and well done to the little boy!!!:cheer:

supergran

14-09-2019, 09:16

Then I had a thought. Judy had tweeted me telling me to cheer loudly. So as he walked towards the players' entrance I very quickly ran around the crowd and came face to face with Andy again. I told him that his mum had tweeted me and what she'd said. He laughed and said Oh really. As he walked on he then asked me how long was I going to be here. As long as you are I replied, he said Thanks and then asked me where I was staying. I told him S'illot but not sure if that meant anything. It amazed me that we were having a conversation like friends. He had been so chatty and relaxed and I dared to think that he was happy I was there and appreciated my support. He was so friendly and at ease talking to me. I said bye and walked back to the balcony terrace feeling on top of the world and thinking what an absolutely lovely young man Andy is and what a fantastic experience I'd had.:big grin::big grin:

supergran

14-09-2019, 09:28

I watched some tennis, chatting to lovely people, a couple from Cheshire and a lovely Mallorcan lady and her son. He bore a strong resemblance to Rafa and we commented on this. He told us that he'd actually been asked for selfies and autographs. His mother was delightful and said that she was a friend of the Nadals and that she had been coached by Tony for 16 years. She had been an air stewardess and many years ago had managed to get an upgrade for Rafa and family to New York. Her lessons were free after that. She said she would look for us the next day as she was a great fan of Andy Mooray.

patlowe

14-09-2019, 09:30

Maureen, that proves beyond doubt what we already knew about Andy. So glad you had that experience. And so glad Andy is in a good place again. It's heart warming. Also heart warming is that with each passing day, we learn that Andy has signed up for more and more events. The future is definitely bright.

lovetennis

14-09-2019, 15:57

Really enjoying reading this SG. Saw the photo on Twitter and how happy Andy looked but Andy insisting "the lady first" is just great. What a gent and really shows his appreciation of the time and effort you put in to supporting him

I laughed out loud at the "Not Davis Cup" reference - what a great name for it :thumbup:

Mandiemoo

14-09-2019, 17:14

What a fantastic read, loved it! Anyone would think you'd worked as an English teacher or something.

xenon21

14-09-2019, 17:42

Absolutely loving reading your blog Maureen! So glad you got to talk to andy and get your picture with him. And of course watch him play

supergran

15-09-2019, 11:49

Wednesday was the first night I got back to my hotel at a reasonable hour. There were a dozen or so people sitting on the covered terrace. I went to the bar and bought a glass of Cava and sat down.

It was about 10.45 and suddenly I noticed hotel staff coming out. I watched in astonishment as the canopy was rolled open. Then all the outside lights were switched off. One member of staff then came out with a tray of plastic glasses into which he poured everyone's drinks, taking away our glasses. The bar closed dead on 11 o'clock. It was quite clear that we were no longer welcome. I asked one young man the reason as we were residents and his answer was that the boss wanted everything clean and tidy for the morning. I then asked him who his boss was and he told me it was the chef!

Just a few yards away accessed by a bridge was the huge Apartment/hotel Playa Moreya where we had stayed three times in the 80s. The outside area seemed to be, packed, lights blazing and music and singing could be heard. The hotel Peymar by this time was in darkness.

So I went to my room and read my book looking forward to seeing Andy play tomorrow and also talk to people and enjoy some tennis.

supergran

15-09-2019, 12:13

Thursday was again hot and sunny and I was in a taxi by 1130 on my way to watch tennis. There seemed to be more people watching on centre court and by early afternoon the bar and terrace had also filled up. Nick and Celia, the couple with the romantic story had asked me to text them the time Andy was playing and they would drive over from Palma.

Once again I met and chatted to lovely people. Strangely all the couples and families I met seemed to have money. A lot of them had their own businesses and some owned houses or apartments in Mallorca. One couple told me they lived quite close to Andy although they'd never seen him play. Later in the afternoon I watched some of Andy's practice and managed to shake his hand and say good luck as he went back inside. I was rewarded with a beaming smile and his thanks.

I needed to eat as it was going to be a long day and Andy was last on court again. The matches were going into three sets so we really had no idea what time he would be on. We just had the information 'not before 7'. I sat in the sunshine with a glass of beer chatting and watching tennis and really enjoying myself. People who love tennis are really lovely.

supergran

17-09-2019, 15:51

As the evening wore on the terraced seats filled up. I had decided to watch from the terrace, comfortable chairs and waiter service. I was right at the front sitting with two lovely families from Surrey. On the next table there were four people and I detected Scottish accents so I went to chat. Although fans of Andy they had never seen him play. The two men were uncle and nephew and had both represented Scotland at cricket. This led to a really interesting conversation mainly with the older man who told me hilarious tales of playing Lancashire when Scotland was regarded as a County. I knew of players he had played against and I enjoyed listening to him. He also told me he'd had the exact same procedure on his right hip 15 years ago and had played cricket after the operation. I asked the men and their wives if they would join me in chants and loud support. They agreed and my support group was growing. I had messaged Celia and saw her and Nick arrive. They said hello and walked down to the terraced seats. Everyone was in a jolly mood, drinking cocktails, wine and beer. I was sticking to beer. The second match finished and soon it would be Andy time. I was nervous as had watched Viola earlier in the week and he made very few errors. I imagined him thinking what an opportunity playing Andy Murray.....well, he would have thought it in Italian. Jamie Delgado had said it would be tough but added every match is tough. It was time and Andy walked out to very loud cheers which brought a lump to my throat. He was obviously going to be the favourite of the majority of the spectators. I gritted my teeth and under my breath muttered Come On Andy Love.

supergran

19-09-2019, 21:58

It is always excited watching Andy and I felt elated being there once again supporting him. I yelled my battle cry "Let's Go Andy, Let's Go!" and others then followed suit. My group of fans, the men with loud voices. He won the first set and I thought he'd moved well against a tricky opponent. But then to my sorrow he lost the second. I was very tense especially when his problems started. It was obviously cramp. I hadn't seen Andy with cramp since his early days on the Tour and it was horrible to watch. It revealed a lack of fitness which wasn't surprising but he never gave up. His indomitable will to win was clearly evident and when it came to the tiebreaker I felt hopeful. Sadly it didn't go Andy's way and he looked so weary and so beaten that tears came and I couldn't speak for a while. Throughout the match I never faltered in my vocal support, waving my scarf as I tried to spur him on.

supergran

19-09-2019, 22:10

During one of the change overs an elderly gentleman beckoned to me and asked could he take a photograph. Well, I guessed that's what he was saying as he spoke in Spanish but was holding his camera and pointing to me and his wife. So amid amusement from my British groups I posed with the lady who smiled and nodded her thanks as did her grateful husband. Heaven only knows who they showed it to and what they said. At the end as people were leaving they were smiling at me, saying well done. It was rather strange but nice.

supergran

19-09-2019, 22:45

I didn't rush down the steps as many did to get selfies etc for two reasons 1) I could hardly walk down the steep steps let alone rush and 2) I didn't think Andy would want conversation etc. He looked done in.:sad: So afterwards as he moved towards the tunnel I shouted very loudly "We love you Andy" So it was all over but I'd had a wonderful time supporting our champ. The terrace was practically empty and there were only a few stragglers left in the Sports bar and realising that it was late and my hotel would be in darkness I decided to have another beer.:cheers: I had been chatting to the bar staff for three days and when I offered my two euros the boss who was standing next to me signalled to the barman not to take my money. So I sat down and watched some tennis from the U.S Open. As I was leaving I had to pass a group of men. Carlos Bernardes who had umpired Andy's Tuesday match was one of them so I went and had a chat with him though I didn't mention Nadal! ;)Taxi back to hotel and another late night in bed. It had been quite an overwhelming three days at the Rafa Nadal Challenger and even though Andy was out I was happy that I'd made the decision to support Andy in Mallorca. I didn't go back, instead opting to enjoy the sunn and the delights of S'illot and the nightlife at the Playa Moreya. But that's another story.:boogie: