Davis Cup 2001 Final
- Melbourne -
by Robyn Lakeman
It's 4am, just back from the players party .....
I thought I would let you know before I headed off for a few hours sleep that at the players party everyone was in good spirits. They arrived at midnight after their official dinner. Not long after their arrival the team were up on stage singing songs with Kevin "Bloody" Wilson and generally having a great time. As in Barcelona you would have thought they were celebrating by their jovial mood. That's one thing about the Aussies, they really cop it on the chin, are great sports and appreciate the Fanatics support immensely.
Before I left I gave Pat a kiss and a big hug. We had a chat but because the music was so loud it was hard to hear. The first thing Pat said was "I saw you in the paper!" I mentioned that I had said a lot of things that weren't mentioned etc in the article and he said "That's the press for you". I said how what happened today was unbelievable. (I still can't comprehend that we were defeated, I thought Pat would finally achieve his life's dream and go out in a blaze of glory, it's so unfair).
Pat said that you can't have everything in life. As usual he tried to play it down, he is just amazing like that. How he must have been shattered as we all were.
Pat said that now he would have his break and he would only think about coming back if he got the hunger. I told him that whatever he decided to do, I would be happy for him and that there were bigger and better things for him in his life. Pat thanked me for everything and said how much he appreciated the support.
Luke my son had come to the party especially to meet Pat so I introduced them. For those of you that remember, Luke was terribly sick a few years back and Pat rang up to talk to him and wish him the best. Pat grasped Luke's hand and said "I finally get to meet you Luke". It was lovely. Luke was thrilled to meet Pat.
I hope it's not the last time I get to see Pat. He is such a wonderful human being. I guess we all are feeling the same way tonight, maybe we'll wake up in the morning and it will be just a bad dream. I can't believe that once again fate has dealt Australia's favourite son such a cruel blow. We love you Pat.
We all felt so sorry for Wayne too, it was such a huge pressure for him to play the last rubber. He was absolutely devastated. It was good to see him smiling at the party. Heaven knows how he felt inside.
The Fanatics were just amazing shouting encouragement at every point and trying to pull the guys through. I was proud to be part of them as usual.
It was wonderful to catch up with all the girls again. The overseas girls are coming up here for lunch today. The BBQ at Peta's on Friday night was fantastic. Peta and Marcus did a huge job organizing it, over 30 of us.
Anyway it's off to bed for me now. I feel so heartbroken for our Pat and the DC team.
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