DAVID'S MADRID MASTERS REPORT 2005 [English version below] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Versión española - versión original *** Un año más, llegó la fecha tan esperada por todos los aficionados al tenis en españa. Soy un aficionado y practicante del tenis, el cual, desde hace 4 años no falta ni un solo año a tal evento internacional. Me paso el dia dentro del recinto, desde que abren las puertas casi hasta que las cierran, durante 9 dias consecutivos. La verdad, que me siento como en una gran familia del tenis, después de 4 años ya conozco a gente de sponsors, recogepelotas, jueces, jugadores, etc. Creo que el TMS de Madrid ha tenido un gran exito y aunque en las dos últimas ediciones hemos tenido ciertas bajas en el cuadro principal de jugadores punteros este año lo hemos podido remediar con la gran actuación de Rafa Nadal. A Rafa Nadal le conocí hace 4 años cuando todavia no le conocia nadie, le vi jugar un futures ITF en la Federación de Tenis de Madrid llegando a la final contra "Tati" Rascon y ganando el título. (Hay que decir que "Tati" todavia juega las previas todos los años en el TMS de Madrid, si hubiera un premio al jugador mas majo, simpatico y divertido, seria para él) .Rafa después de los partidos se sentaba en la cafeteria a comer un bocadillo y una lata de coca-cola, nadie podia imaginar que en un par de años su carrera iba a subir como la espuma. Cuento esta anecdota porque incluso el primer año que la ATP le dio una invitacion para participar en el Masters Series de Madrid llego a pasar desapercibido para el público madrileño, ahora en cambio, parece una estrella del rock, aunque sigue manteniendo esa modestia y humildad en todo momento. Tiene una gran fuerza tanto fisica como entereza psicologica a la hora de estar en la pista. Durante este TMS 2005, hemos visto buenos partidos y parece mentira pero muchos de los cabezas de series cayeron en las primeras rondas, aunque sigo pensando que este torneo tiene suficiente nivel tenistico para ver buenos partidos a diario. En cuanto a los españoles que participaban me gustaria resaltar tanto la figura de David Ferrer, un gran desconocido al igual que ocurrio con rafa en los primeros años, pero que ahora esta en el 13 del mundo y destacar también la figura de "Beto" Martin, un jugador muy luchador, el cual todos los años debe pasar por las previas pero que este año llego hasta segunda ronda y enfrentandose al actual finalista de este año Ivan Lujbicic. Personalmente recomiendo a todos los aficionados del mundo del tenis venir a Madrid, creo que el ambiente de los partidos en España se viven como si fuera un campo de futbol, gente amable y divertida, buena cocina y sobre todo buen tenis. Ademas de las 3 pistas que tiene el TMS (Pista Central, Pista Alcala y Pista Cibeles) tenemos 3 pistas de entrenamiento y muchísimos metros cuadrados de stands comerciales, además de un gran restaurante internacional situado en la zona VIP, cosa que otros masters series no ofrecen, por poner un ejemplo y con conocimiento de causa...Paris. Un saludo al mundo del tenis. David Prior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ***English version**** The date most awaited by all Spanish tennis fans had arrived once again. I´m a tennis fan and club player in Madrid, and I´ve been coming to the TMS Madrid for 4 years, ever since the tournament began. For 9 days in a row, I'm at the venue as soon as the doors open and stay there almost until closing time. In fact, I feel like I'm part of a big "tennis family" where everyone knows each. After 4 years, I've got to know the sponsors, ballboys, linesmen, hostesses, players... I think TMS Madrid has been a great sucess in the short time it's been running and, although we have had notable withdrawals the last 2 times, (like Hewitt, Safin, Agassi, Federer), this year, Rafael Nadal's great performances throughout the tournament certainly made up for it. Despite his knee injury, he wanted to win...and won. I met Rafa Nadal four years ago, when nobody knew of him. He was playing a futures ITF Tournament in Madrid, an the Madrid Tennis Federation where I usually play every week. Rafa played very well and defeated the local player, "Tati" Rascon in the final. (I must add that "Tati" still plays qualifying at the TMS Madrid every year and if there were a prize for the friendliest, nicest and funniest player, he would win it). After his matches, Rafa would sit in the cafeteria and have a sandwich and a can of coke. Nobody knew him and nobody could imagine that, in a few years, his career was going to take off and he would be in the top 10!!! I always mention this because even at the second TMS Madrid, when the ATP gave him a wildcard, he passed unnoticed through the Madrid crowd. Now he is like a rock star, a Spanish hero, but he is still always modest and humble. He has huge strength when hitting the ball, as well as a great mental attitude and toughness on the court. Throughout the 2005 tournament, we saw great matches with players from around the world, and although many top seeds fell in the early rounds, it was good nevertheless because the level of tennis at the tournament kept interest up and meant you could still see great matches every day. On the other hand, the Spaniards' performances did not end up being that bad. I would like to mention 2 young players who fought very hard and played great matches: David Ferrer and "Beto" Martín. David, I think, is going to follow a similar path to Rafa. 4 years ago, nobody knew of him and now he is 13th in the world. And "Beto" Martin??? Well, like Ferrer, he is also a fighter and play the qualifying every year. This year ended up being a great tournament for him because he got to the second round and played against Ivan Lujcbic, the eventual finalist. I would personally recomend this tournament to everyone around the world who likes good tennis. I want to invite everyone to Madrid next year so they can enjoy the tournament. I think the atmosphere of tennis matches in Spain is like that of a football match...nice, funny people, good food and, above all good tennis. As well as the 3 main courts (Centre Court, Alcala and Cibeles), we have 3 practice courts. I prefer the smaller courts because you are closer to the players and almost feel like you're playing too. There is also a lot of space for merchandise stands, cafés and a bit international restaurant in the VIP area - something that other Masters events (like for example, Paris, where I have had personal experience) do not have. I hope you can come to my city next year and enjoy the TMS Madrid 2006. If somebody needs photos or information about the tournament don´t hestiate to contact me at: dpriorgo@telefonica.net David Prior