Supporting Andy in Mallorca

[patlowe]

Really enjoying this Maureen. What an experience.

[supergran]

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.

[themass15]

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

[patlowe]

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

[supergran]

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.


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.


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.


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.

[supergran]

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.


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.


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]

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

[lynne]

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




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

[supergran]

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.

[supergran]

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.