Some observations from a recent trip to Melbourne to watch some of the Australian Open tennis.
Quiet please – I am used to making noise whenever I like at football matches. I even like to commentate as the game goes on. It’s not allowed here. Even the rustling of lolly wrappers got me some dirty looks. I couldn’t move, I was even afraid to eat some chips in case the crunch would distract the players in their ball toss and get me thrown out.
Crowd involvement – it is limited due to the aforementioned quiet times. However at the end of an exciting point the cheer sounds marvellous. Possibly due the contrast with the quiet or the size and shape of the venue. Either way, when it comes it sounds great, it’s just doesn’t last as long as id like. Cheering comes and goes as the points are won and lost. Also, no sledging was allowed, not even clever retorts made famous by ‘Yabba’ at the SCG.
Toweling – it's summer so every player keeps a towel at the end of the court to access between points. Although it seems the presence of sweat isn’t mandatory to call for the towel. Funny to watch how each player asks the ball boy for the towel in different ways. Some just point, others motion the wiping of their already dry face.
Checking balls – there are six balls on the court at any one time. Per point usually only 2 balls are required. This doesn’t stop some players asking for 3, 4 or even 5 on occasions. Doesn’t matter if they’re new balls either. Makes me wonder what they are actually looking for in a furry air conveyance.
Change of ends – if you must go out for a toilet break or some food you better be quick, as they don’t let you in once time is called. You have to wait till the next change of ends. Probably due to the aforementioned quiet period prior to serving. Moving back to seats is considered too noisy.
Sponsors seats – as usual, even on centre court there were quite a few left vacant. Even with Rafa playing.
Quiet please – I am used to making noise whenever I like at football matches. I even like to commentate as the game goes on. It’s not allowed here. Even the rustling of lolly wrappers got me some dirty looks. I couldn’t move, I was even afraid to eat some chips in case the crunch would distract the players in their ball toss and get me thrown out.
Crowd involvement – it is limited due to the aforementioned quiet times. However at the end of an exciting point the cheer sounds marvellous. Possibly due the contrast with the quiet or the size and shape of the venue. Either way, when it comes it sounds great, it’s just doesn’t last as long as id like. Cheering comes and goes as the points are won and lost. Also, no sledging was allowed, not even clever retorts made famous by ‘Yabba’ at the SCG.
Toweling – it's summer so every player keeps a towel at the end of the court to access between points. Although it seems the presence of sweat isn’t mandatory to call for the towel. Funny to watch how each player asks the ball boy for the towel in different ways. Some just point, others motion the wiping of their already dry face.
Checking balls – there are six balls on the court at any one time. Per point usually only 2 balls are required. This doesn’t stop some players asking for 3, 4 or even 5 on occasions. Doesn’t matter if they’re new balls either. Makes me wonder what they are actually looking for in a furry air conveyance.
Change of ends – if you must go out for a toilet break or some food you better be quick, as they don’t let you in once time is called. You have to wait till the next change of ends. Probably due to the aforementioned quiet period prior to serving. Moving back to seats is considered too noisy.
Sponsors seats – as usual, even on centre court there were quite a few left vacant. Even with Rafa playing.
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