Cincinnati2001
by Roo Chicks
Aug/10/2001
First of all we would
like to send all our positive vibes to Robyn at this time. Good luck on your
surgery tomorrow! We will be thinking of you and will try to help pull Warrior
Pat through another win to make you feel better.
Now onto the stuff...we have been absolutely flat out. it has been hot as
hell! too much sun, too much humidity but not enough of Pat. He is playing
quite well despite the rough conditions but he does seem to look a bit out of
sorts at times. During the match today he took a step back and just closed his
eyes and tilted his head back and just seemed like he was either dizzy or just
really hot. Not sure there. In his match against Malisse he pulled up quite
funnily after a point. We think he may have injured his hip flexor after
running after a shot. Ever since, he has been trying to work out the kinks.
But from his play today you can see it is fine now. He does appear a bit
cranky--maybe it is the heat--that could explain the code violation he had
which was when he hit the ball outside the stadium (ala Andre). But after that
he was not close to getting a violation and just kept shouting to himself
after stupid stuff. His volleys have been looking very sharp but his first
serve is still letting him down a bit. The first set tiebreak was very close
and James Blake played out of his mind (great backhand and a pretty decent
volleyer as well). We caught James practicing today with Mardy Fish who was
trying to play like Pat for him (chippin and chargin) to give James a taste.
It was really cute and Mardy kept laughing how he just could not get it right
but seemed more successful on the forehand chip. Pat was able to get himself
together in the 2nd set and really kicked it up a notch to pull out the BIG
WIN! He only practiced for about 20 min today cuz it was so hot. He was
shirtless and sweaty and we got some great pics...hair update...it is like an
inch long now---looking very nice. The white spot is still very visible. He
has also constantly been wearing a hat cuz it has been so hot and sunny--not
to mention all his matches have been played during the day. At the match today
we met up with Mikkie and Thanksmate and Carol. Mikkie sat with us and we had
a lot of fun with the roos and the banners(Go Warrior Pat and Catriona's
banner) and flags. As expected the crowd has loved the roos just like in IW.
With each day they are becoming more popular and people are wanting to know if
we bought them in the pro shop.*lol* The pro shop could have made a mint off
these roos just like the Pat shirts. (the kinko's guy is really upset about
something*lol*) anyways...at the match against Portas, Pat was extremely
generous to the nearby fans with the gatorade. He opened the cooler and was
passing out gatorades to those in the crowd. How sweet. Then he signed a bunch
of autographs even though he was dieing from the heat. The next two matches he
has not been as accomodating...just playing and getting right into the
lockeroom to cool down. He seems a bit different this week. Like we said out
of sorts a bit cranky and I think he is a bit tired. Hopefully it is just the
heat because his play is starting to pick up nicely. In practice he has seemed
very relaxed and joking a bit with Paul Kilderry and signing a few autographs
and being pleasant with the fans. Peter has been great at letting us know when
Pat would be practicing. The tournament practice board has been a bit wacky
and Peter has been very helpful in keeping us posted. Pat does have a new
outfit as reported below. The shirt looks great simple white with stripes on
the shoulders mostly black with some lime green? And has been alternating
black shorts with a yellow-lime green crotch stripe! The white shorts have
also have a yellow-lime green stipe in the crotch area. rather interesting as
we were not sure at first what it was. it definitely attracts your eye to
those beautiful thighs.
enough about Pat....other tennis stuff...
we were at the applebees on monday night before the goran/becker doubles match
on tuesday. We saw Boris in the applebees and luckily enough for us we were
seated right next to him!! PRIME LOCATION FOR BORIS ACTION! Joanie grew some
mega balls and was the first to make eye contact with him as we were seated.
He said hi to her and she said hi back an immediately went into a rant with
him about his placement on the side court for his anticipated doubles match
the next day. He too agreed with her as we all did (Kathy and MG) and asked us
if we could get the court changed to center court. We told him we knew a few
people (not!) and would see what we could do-- although we would have loved to
watch Boris -- Pat was playing at the same time-- we did not tell Boris that
He was very sweet and friendly. He later asked if we were at the Agassi/Gaudio
match and wondered the result. I informed him that Agassi lost and explained
the whole violation & point penalty thing. he was very shocked that Andre
lost and I think he is still stunned by it*lol*
Lleyton is also playing great doubles and singles. We have seen him around the
hotel alot and have spoken to his mom. Lleyton likes to eat frosted flakes and
toast for breakfast. Today was a bit embarrassing...we were in the elevator
talking to Nico Lapentti about his doubles match tonight and he saw our roos
and asked us if we were going to the pool--we thought he was joking but he was
actually serious. when the doors opened Lleyton was standing there with mom
and dad and Darren. (just picture this...before the elevator opened there were
four people and 2 roos and now they wanted to fit 4 more people---amazing feat
but it can be done! Lleyton came right on the elevator and my roo was tickling
his leg. We got a smile from them about our "pets." Then the
elevator stopped again and now Byron Black wanted on too...that is 9 people
plus 2 roos and one gigundo tennis bag. again amazing but can be done! Even in
this heat, Lleyton is running down every ball you can imagine. He is playing
amazing tennis (COME ON!)--no new outfit for him though.
The roos will be out in full force tomorrow...Joanie cancelled her flight (she
was supposed to leave friday morning and is now leaving saturday morning no
matter what--so she says*lol*) It shall be a great US OPEN 97 rematch and Pat
will kick some booty!!! then we are off to watch Lleyton against Lubicich
(sp?) and his doubles with Florent. Looks like we may meet up with Chris and a
few other babblers tomorrow--a nice reunion
One last tidbit...
We were at the Nico Lapentti / Jeff Tarango match tonight. Very boring at
first (in my opinion) but Joanie was in heaven. I was the only one cheering
for Jeff--as i like to see him get mean and nasty
They unbelievably upset don Johnson and jared palmer and were so psyhced after
the win that they went to applebees! And since it was 11:30pm and they were
the only restaraunt open we went there too! So we sat next to Nico and his
crew and bloody Jeff Tarango! We spoke to them after dinner and told them what
a great entertaining match it was.
Just to let you know..the real Goran is back and totally self destructed
tonight in a match that lasted 51 minutes..it was unbelievable and he even got
some boos as he walked off the court.
Since it is super late --1:30am! we need to get our rest to cheer on pat
tomorrow...it should not be as hot the weathermen say (but they are always so
full of it!) the roos are enjoying riding around in the back seat of my car
and causing a stir with the local traffic. Here's hoping for a pat and Lleyton
win tomorrow! And a Todd and a Jonas win and a Nico/bloody Jeff win and a Guga
win and Jan mike win and that is enough--we outtie and in our Jammies...adios.
2 chicks and 2 roos
signing off
1/2 of the Roo
Chicks returns......
Joanie
Aug/12/2001
Hi gang,
I am sitting here watching Pat and Lleyton as I post a quick update from
yesterday. Yes....I am home, against my desires--but I have to get my twins
moved into college dorms this weekend, so I had to give up this unbelievable
match for them--see how much I love my family??? *lol* anyway....
Yesterday was terrific and a great win for Pat and Lleyton. It was some
amazing tennis. And I am so glad to see that Chris's banner and the roos were
seen a lot and mentioned in the article below. I think those few items and our
incessant cheering helped pull Pat through that awfully close tie break in the
second set. The crowd finally came alive and definitely wanted pat to win
yesterday. Up to that point, Kathy had dubbed the crowd "Milk
Duds"!!! And she was right. But little by little they got better and
better, and the people around us started to join in with the Roos and banners!
Mikkie was with us yesterday too, holding up Catriona's banner, the Warrior
Banner and us with the Roos. We even heard some guys from the crowd yelling
"Go Warrior!!!" It was soooo cool. Pat is definitely loved
everywhere. Chris, Erin, Thanksmate and Kam were across the court from us--so
everywhere Pat looked he had signs of Rafterbabblers cheering him on.
Everytime Pat came into our corner,for balls, to towel off, or just to catch a
breeze--he looked right into the faces of the Roos! He must have thought we
were crazy with the headbands and zinc oxide! Funny to hear that they did a
split screen with Kat's roo and Pat *lol*
Anyway, Pat was
awesome yesterday. The serve was still a little off, but his volley's were
working very well. And Greg was stronger than I have seen him in the past
year. A very tough match for both. But I think the cool weather in he AM
helped change Pat's mood for sure. He was much lighter and chipper in practice
with Henman. having a bit of a laugh and some fun. He signed autographs right
after and Kat and I finally had him sign our book after working on it for
three tournaments!!!!!
As I said, Pat and Greg really worked hard during the entire match. And it was
sooo hot and humid again the entire match. Pat was frequently wringing out his
shirt right in front of us--it was amazing to see that much sweat come from a
piece of clothing. After the second set he even had to change his shorts--in
the locker room of course *lol*. But within minutes of returning they were
soaked again. I just don't know how they play in those conditions. The first
set was sooo tight with Greg getting just the one break. Pat had so many
chances to take that set, but Greg would just pull out a 136mph serve and take
the point or game. The tie breaker was a nailbiter as usual--it was awful to
watch. And what a thrill for Pat to take it. We were screaming and cheering
and having a great time after that set. The third set was just a tight--no
room for us to breathe. Reminded me of IW--none of us wanted to leave for a
drink or the loo b/c we were afraid we would miss one point! So we toughed out
the heat and humidity--but it was worth it to see Pat take that win. He was so
great to the crowd--waving and really appreciating all the support. Such a
great guy.
Lleytons match was
awesome too. And just as tough as Pat's. Went even longer than Pat's! Lleyton
is such a fighter! Had to wait out a rain delay, but he came back just fine.
He had a good crowd watching and seemed to get some energy from the cheering.
Darren was giving him a lot of support too. I think we ran into Darren and
Lleyton 3 times yesterday carrying the darn roos! Got to be embarassing *lol*.
I was so glad to see Lleyton win, but sure did not want him to have to play
Pat. Kathy is having a hard time today with the cheering. She has called with
updates before the match. We decided together that she would take the Roo,
wear the hat backwards for Lleyton...wear the zinc and headband for Pat...of
course the Fanatic shirt and the Aussie flag for both--and just let the roo
watch and cheer on exceptional points for both players. Looks like it is going
to be a tough match to play and to watch! But here is hoping Pat comes through
with a win!
We had a ball and sure did wish all of you could be there with us. The Roos
loved the crowd and continued to make a great impression! They are great
ambassadors! Good luck to Kathy, Mikkie, Chris, Erin, Thanksmate, Carol and
Kam in cheering Pat through to a victory! And Lleyton...have a good match, but
no win this time please!!
Last Roo Chick back
at home...
Kathy
Aug/13/2001
Sob sob sob...that is
all I can say at this point. so devastated by pat's .. I mean Guga's
performance today. Guga was just spot on. He had a lovely warm-up with Timmy
and was in prime form to stomp pat. It was dreadful to watch in person..the
crowd was just stunned and kept shouting encouragement to Pat to no avail.
When Guga had won the crowd was clapping but not very enthused and really
wanted Pat to win! DAMN!
well here is what happened after Joanie left.
Saturday am...took Joanie to the airport at 6am! i was a zombie and totally do
not even remember the drive there or back. I tried like hell to get her to
stay for the Lleyton match but did not work..she is just oh so devoted to her
fam. I came back to the hotel and had decided I would just check out of the
room anticipating my Cincy departure that afternoon. I just did not think pat
would win. that is bad of me I know but Lleyton has beaten him 2 times before
and I know that pat was not playing all that great. But then again Lleyton had
struggled in his past matches and was not in the best form either. We had sort
of hoped that Pat would lose his match on Friday against James Blake in a 3rd
set tiebreaker to make it so interesting but easier for us to leave as Joanie
really needed to be home Friday. well hoping and thinking Pat would lose is
the right medicine for him to win. he kept winning and we again hoped he would
lose to Greg Friday so Joanie could leave with piece of mind but he won! so
Joanie had to leave. so getting back to checking out...I did not want to use a
bell boy and have to tip him so I decided to carry my bags out on my own to my
car. I took one at a time so it was easier for me. Well on my last trip up to
get my bag the elevator dinged and this large adonis was right in front of
me...it was Pat, Peter and Rochey getting ready to practice. I was lockjawed--paralyzed
could not speak. it was good that I couldn't cuz i would have interrupted
them. they were all having a good conversation and Pat kept his head down as a
"don't bother me now" type of thing. So I was just happy seeing him.
so I ran up to my room and checked out and jetted off to the practice. since I
was going solo I hung out briefly with Chris, Erin, Thanksmate and Kam. I
arrived to the main stadium to see Lleyton hitting up with Darren. Erin was
sick she had heat stroke from the day. all of a sudden Pat, Peter, Rochey came
out. Pat walked up to Lleyton and they had a quick fun chat..laughed a bit.
then Pat ran off to practice on court 3. we all migrated over to there to
watch. the practice was nice--Pat hit up with Rochey and it was a very slow
relaxed practice..Pat did not move around much and it was much like a low
impact aerobics class. Rochey can still hit the ball really well. he was
giving pat pointers and told him to increase his racquet head speed as he hit
the forehands. that was pretty much it and I left to get my roo and get ready
for the match. my friend Judy (from IW) was there with me to keep me company
during the Pat/Lleyton match. I was in knots all day. I did not eat anything
until way after that match was over. I was just very weird. I love pat but am
also a huge Lleyton fan. I could sense the tension that both Pat and Lleyton
had during the match. they were both very good as to not question calls and
just used each others insight on the calls. Lleyton was very well tamed as was
my skippy. poor guy just sat there all day. I held him up a few times but just
mostly clapped. I shouted a few "go Pats" but only when he was on my
side. people in the crowd and boxes next to me were saying who are you
cheering for (ha ha 2 aussies) some people are really funny. I would say I
love both but am a bit more partial to pat. they would just laugh and smile.
I was thrilled that
Pat won but now I had to go back to the hotel to get another room and check
back in! so I had checked back in and on my first trip up to my room I was
waiting for the elevator and I heard these very familiar voices..it was Mary
Carillo and Bill Mackatee (CBS SPORTS COMMENTATORS)--they were both on my
floor. so on my 2nd trip back up to the elevator I saw Peter walking towards
me--he must have been going to the front desk to get his messages. well I grew
some cahones and like Joanie said "smiled to him and he smiled back, I
then said that was a tough match and a tough win for Pat. He agreed and said
it was a great win. I told him how I was so torn between both Pat and Lleyton
but of course like Pat more. he asked me if I was at the match yesterday (Rusedski)
and I said yes, that I had been here all week and he said good. I told him I
was the one with the kangaroo whose friend ditched me and he laughed and I
said hope Pat does good tomorrow against Guga/Tim and he said "I hope we
can bring him a win for you." he is just so cool. so that put me on a
higher cloud.
Judy and I went to
dinner and then went to watch Tim/Guga. right when we got there they had
already played two points and were coming back from a slight rain delay. that
was fine but then it started to rain lightly again so the players were still
on the court hitting until this huge crash of thunder and lightning came and
Norm the chair umpire shouted into the Microphone "GOOD BYE!!" and
he as much as jumped out of the chair and everyone went running for cover. it
had to be a tornado or hurrican barry. we had torrential rain and heavy winds.
we were lucky enough to be under cover but the poor people on the outside of
the crowd was soaked! you could see their underwear! it was really unsafe
especially when the huge lightning bolt struck the transformer about 30 feet
away from us and sparks flew out from it and then the power for the whole site
went out. it was like that for 1 1/2 hours. ridiculous. i had to roll my pants
up to my knees cuz the water kept rising. cars in the parking lot were flooded
out and in some spots the water was as high as the cars! but the match started
again after the tremendous job by the grounds crew to dry the courts. it then
rained again but I just left as I was tired of it all. I went back to the
hotel and saw Erin,Chris,Kamm,Thanksmate and had a brief/lovely chat with them
in the bar. I also gave them the banners for Indy.
Sunday...in the am I went down to the lobby to get a bottle of water. I heard
a bunch of guys walking down the hallway and looked up and it was peter. he
saw me and smiled and I smiled right back. and then I saw them all leave to
get into the Black Mercedes SUV that Pat had for the tourney. I then had to
hurry up and check out as Pat was on his way to practice. well check out took
a bit too long--I ended up giving Joanie's ticket to mike the bellboy. he was
so happy. so by the time I arrived to the tennis center I saw Kamm and
Thanksmate. I asked them if they knew about his practice and they had just
arrived like me and did not know. so we found his court and he had just
finished and I went and stood next to Erin. Pat signed a bunch of autographs.
Peter walked by and said hi to Erin and me.
well that was it. it was a great week. I had a wonderful time with Joanie and
we saw lots and lots of Pat--him getting to the finals more than makes up for
him not being there last year. I am home now. my pics are good, decent. I did
not take that many. I will try and scan them sometime. if I think of more or
if Joanie does...we will write more.
