Encounter 8: Advanta Championships 1998 by Tour_Guide

"setting: advanta championships 1998 at villanova university (outside of philadelphia)

time: 9am, tuesday day session

match #1: martinez/tarabini vs. angela lettiere/nana miyagi

so amsog it's 9:00 in the morning and i cut class to go to the day session. as i'm sure you know it's never crowded at these tournaments until the quarterfinals so in the villanova pavilion (a small audtorium, mind you) that tuesday morning it was just me and about 10-12 spectators, the players, the chair umpire and the linespeople.

i first made eye contact with conchita and patricia (pato as you call her) during the warm-up. you saw my pic. i'm so pale they thought they saw a ghost. lol anyway during the warm-up pato did register in her eyes something like "that guy up there looks weird". (the cheap seats where i was sitting is a little elevated so i'm in the first row balcony kind of looming over pato and conchi as some of you call her, hehe)

now at this point i know that conchi/pato have ALREADY qualified for the chase so this match was just a warm-up for them (no biggir if they win or lose lol). i have no real interest in it b/c i'm really just waiting for match #2 for that day which was iva vs. judith wiesner.

well that match starts and almost immediately pato is questioning line calls, glaring at linespeople or appealing to chair umpire anne lessaire (sp? the french woman who umpired the infamous hingis/graf fo final). i start getting frustrated b/c i want my iva! the score is something like 3-3 and the first set seems to be taking an eternity and all b/c of pato! lol so a point is played and angela lettiere hits a forehand that pato thinks is out and lessaire (sp?) rules it as 'good'. pato's latin temper (hehe) comes out and she has a little tantrum. well i have one myself!

keep in mind: the villanova pavilion is empty so my voice can be heard loud and clear. i yell something "c'mon let's go". pato sharply turns around to glare at me and i say "just play! you're getting paid $1000 for this match". well that gets her mad and she says "shut up" and i'm racking my brains trying to think of my high school spanish and the word for "enough". i can't decide between "bastante" and "demasiado". i choose "bastante" and yell it and she says something about my "boca". lol and AGAIN i yell "you're getting paid $1000 for this match so let's play". the chair umpire tells me (nicely) to refrain from yelling. lol

conchi and pato would go on to win and pato and i continue to glare at each other for the rest of the match. it was too funny b/c all i wanted was to see iva (who was still struggling at that time) but pato was holding everything up with her tantrums.

that was it amsog. i hope that's good 'enough' for your site.

postscript: conchita seemed amused by pato's tantrums. she never got involved but i think she liked b/c it was 9am and conchi was still sleepy so pato was putting on a good 'show' to wake conchi up. lol".

Encounter 9: Indian Wells/San Diego various years by Lynn.

"She stands alone like a gaucha, watching over the vast plains of white lines on green cement, carrying on the Argentine tennis hopes long after the reign of Gabriella Sabatini, glamour girl turned perfume peddler.

What can I say about Patricia "Pato" Tarabini? Well, for one, I've never spoken a word to her in my life. But, I've seen her on numerous occasions, usually while playing doubles with long time partner Conchita Martínez. Pato as I know her is best known as "Lay It On The Court Baby", throwing herself on the court, the net, the flower pots, the chairs. I wonder if Pato ever threw herself into the water cooler? I bet there are some ball kids out there with a few tales to tell.

Pato is also known for some clever temper tantrums too, much to the amusement of Conchita, who stands by grinning from ear to ear. "I will win this point just for you", she was once been known to scream at the stands.

Eventually, it will be Pato's time to leave the tennis circuit and ride off into the pampas, but not without leaving memories tennis fans will cherish forever".

Encounter 10: Australian Summer of Tennis 2001 by Rachel (Portia).

"Portia here - or as I am known professionally - Rachel. You asked me about encounters with Pato. Technically we have never formally met but she has seen me in all my glory. I tend to find myselef feeling quite stupid when talking to tennis players. It's like, hey, I'm a PROFESSIONAL journalist. I've met the Pope. I've met Hillary Clinton. I've met Nelson Mandela. I'm on first name terms with Prime Ministers and Premiers. What is all this hero worship crap? But the fact is that deep, deep down in my black reporter's soul I am a groupie.

Covering the Australian Summer of Tennis I got to see quite a bit of Miss Martinez and Pato. It got to the nodding hello stage. Our first "encounter" came when Pato was standing with Conchita just before her second round singles match (she lost). Extremely hungover after a night on the tiles in Broadbeach with some journo mates (I only had a bottle of red wine - I swear!) I was running up the stairs to the media room shouting on my mobile phone to one of my chiefs of staff about how they had "butchered one of my f***ing stories and that's the second f***ing time it had happened this f***ing week" when I fell up the stairs mid expletive. I think they both had a chuckle at that. I, on the other hand, got carpet burn.

Incidentally, I had my first conversation with Conchita at a press conference that day. When, post loss to the dour American Meghann Shaunessy (who really could pursue a lucrative career in stand-up comedy once she leaves the circuit) in an awkward lull in the press conference I pointed out that it was not such a great start to her 2001. "It could have been better" conchita replied looking at me like I was some kind of freak. I blushed. She smiled. I filed a glowing story.

Sorry, this is meant to be about Pato.

Pato and I crossed paths periodically in Sydney. Sat near eachother during Conchita's matches. Passed eachother in the tournament hotel - usually when I was engaged in some kind of dispute with the hotel staff.

During one of Conchita's matches a group of teenage boys from my home suburb sat in awe of Conchita. Apparently she wears "cool clothes". They also knew who Pato was and spoke knowledgeably about her. "She's pretty funny on court'' said one who I swear could not have been older than 13. "My dad thinks she has a better personality than Sabatini" said another. Turns out two were of Spanish parentage and the other two were Argentinian. Kids never cease to amaze me.

I watched them lose in the doubles to Farina-Elia and Garbin in a match that was delayed FOUR (count them) times due to the unpredictable Sydney weather. I was watching the match with a Garbin fan who found Pato's antics faintly amusing. As did the elderly Spanish couples sitting behind me at the godforsaken outside court and the group of female admirers who were determined not to leave without getting their autographs.

So Pato and I are yet to meet. One day I will swallow my pride and say hi. Or maybe I'll just fall over in front of her again".

Encounter 11: Amelia Island 2001
by Jim.

"Ms. Tarabini (Pato) was just fun to watch...A wonderful change from the serious, focused robots the system is cranking out...and she was very funny with Martina on the same court. Martina seems so much relaxed than her "first" career..

Anyway, during the warmup, somebody's cell phone rang and Pato said loud enough for most to hear, "Tell them I'm not here"..and during the match Martina poached and Pato hit one right at her feet...Martina stared, Pato stared..and then Pato raised her fists and arms as to say "come on"...and then they both laughed and went back to work... Just fun stuff, My family and I became instant fans.. Go Pato !!!!!!!"

Encounter 12: Amelia Island 2001
by Clint Collins.

"I am actually kind of embarassed about this. I have never followed Conchita Martinez's career, and never even knew who Patricia Tarabini was until about ten minutes ago. Anyway, I was just flying back from Jacksonville, Florida Sunday, April 15, 2001, after visiting family for Easter. I knew about the tournament at Amelia Island, but couldn't make it due to plans with family.

As the flight was about to leave for Atlanta, Conchita and a companion who I did not recognize came on the plane. The companion was attractive, athletic, had a blonde streak in her hair, and now after looking on the internet and finding your site, it seems she bore a striking resemblence to Patricia. I had no idea Martinez played in the doubles final and beat Navratalova and Sanchez-Vicario (what a pain to type that big name), eventhough I did read an article about Nav. getting to the finals. It just didn't stick as to who she was playing.

Anyway, Martinez and I am almost certain Patricia ended up sitting right across the aisle from me on the plane. conchita looked smaller than I remembered so I couldn't really be sure it was her (although I knew it had to be, but why was she sitting in coach). I didn't want to disturb her or call attention that she may not want, so I waited until the end of the flight and asked "are you Conchita?" and she said "yes" and smiled.

Then she and Patricia walked off the plane and I went up to Conchita and shook her hand and said "are you getting ready for the season" duh-it's already started, but still, the clay court season is just getting under way. Remember, I didn't know she had just won the doubles tournament. So I said, good luck, and she said thanks, and i asked "aren't you recovering from an injury" and she said yeah, and i said well good luck with that and you look great, and she said thanks.

My girlfriend was there and she said that Patricia was kind of laughing at the whole thing (in a nice way, just thought it was funny that a fan was coming up to conchita) and smiled at my girlfriend in a nice way. and that was it. but now i feel like such a jerk because i didn't say anything to pato (i really just thought she was her girlfriend because they were leaning their heads on each other on the plane) and did not congratulate them on their win. oh well. in general, though, they were both very nice and very unpretentious. there's my story. edit as you wish, don't print if you wish, just thought i'd share it"

[side note: I (amsog) never edit anything -- that's the fun of this site, it's about people telling their stories, not about ME telling stories ]

Encounter 13: Amelia Island 2001
by Bonnie.

"Before the singles match began at Amelia Island 2001, I watch Martina Navratilova practice with a Black gentleman. Eventually, Arantxa showed up, and she and Martina started to practice and hits lots of balls. I roamed the grounds, with no sign of Conchita or Pato. Finally, I had to take my seats for the singles final. During the first set, I spot in the other court Conchita doing some backhands, and Pato here and there. I know they are warming up and practicing where Martina and Arantxa had previously been.

I contemplate ditching the singles final to watch Conchita and Pato practice, but I don't. After a rather uneventful singles final, the brooms come out and clean up the court. Then, Conchita and Pato enter, behind them, Martina Navratilova and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. Pato and Conchita start scheming immediately, and discuss in hushed whispers their gameplan. They take their seats and begin to practice. Pato seems much smaller than the rest...but as I was about to learn, all the more deadly. :) The match began with Aranxta serving. A shot was made by Arantxa near my side of the court, but too close for me to see. It is called good. Pato argues with the chair umpire, but we can't hear what is going on. It was clear a minute or so later, the ball was called good. Pato returns to my side of the court, and with a wicked grin, strikes a ball high and out fo the stadium. No warning is called. Pato and Conchita continue play. Pato is cagy, taking the net at most opportunities and mercilessly attacking ASV. She's all over the net, either hitting winners, or setting up a Conchita backhand.

They are all over Martina and ASV, with Pato hitting great net shots all around. Pato and Conchita scheme during breaks, change-overs, and between points. It is obvious Pato has outlined their strategy. I yell "Go Pato" a few times, but she doesnt't seem to notice, though she is very much the crowd favorite and playing to the crowd. Brilliant play by Pato and Conchita have them leading in the second set. Pato is controlling the net. When they are receiving a serve, Pato near the net, a man screams from behind me something like "beautiful Tarabini." Though obviously playing to the crowd, this is the first time Pato takes note of a comment from the crowd (all my "Go Pato"'s had been unrecognized). She looked toward the crowed, smiled a wicked grin, and proceeded to win the point! Late in the second set, Martina hit a huge 50 MPH plus shot to Pato, and Pato couldn't deal with it! Martina grinned, and so did Pato! On the very next point, Pato slammed a shot right at Martina, though Martina hit a winner off it of it. Martina and Pato exchanged a laugh. Anyway, the attacks on ASV continued, and Conchita hit some great lob top-spins (set up by Pato of course), and they win the match. Pato and Conchita had been having a great time, and a hearty hug ends the match! Pato loves the crowd, and the crowd loved her.

Bea, one more little tid-bit. Late in the first set, Martina, from the baseline, hit a really fast-moving ball meant for Conchita at the other baseline. Pato, at the net, and near the ball, just flicks her racquet up and slams a well-placed fast drop shot out of nowhere!!!!! It was awesome!!!

It happened like in 2 seconds! Pato had this huge grin! Anyway, as you've always said (correctly) tennis is about having fun, and Conchita and Pato were having loads of fun in this match. That's what tennis is all about. It was great seeing them, they are an awesome team, I hope to see in the future (Conchita, are you listening, lol).

Pato, you are an awesome player, hope to see you again next year at Amelia Island!!!!!!! Love, A Fan, Bonnie!!!! PATO, keep playing, we love you!!!!"

Encounter 14: Canadian Open 2001 (Toronto)
by Siân.

To Bea: don't say I never do anything for you ;o) You're a bully!!!!!

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE

August 2001....Toronto...Rogers AT&T Cup......

I was minding my own business, enjoying a little vacation in Toronto after that terrible stress I suffered during the Wimbledon X-File back in June/July, where I had to survive over a week of camping out on street corners & watching Spanish tennis players. The weather was hot. Very hot. Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario had lost her match the day before & spirits were down. Our hopes were resting on Magui Serna's doubles. Magui Mania had been laid low for a few weeks, and was perhaps due a revival.

Our arrival on court 4 was a quiet one. But there she was...Magui with her doubles partner...Patricia Tarabini! I didn't know Pato was playing. They had lost the first set. But obviously our arrival sparked them into form as they took the second: it was close. Arantxa watched from afar, as the winners would be playing her & Martina next...a muted "vamos" was thrown in...Pato & Magui were playing pretty well. My colleague and I debated her age ;o) The soaring heat made us thirsty, so we drank water and ate gross sweets. I noticed a cute looking security guard. And I decided I liked Magui's sneakers. (we were paying attention Bea, before you tell me off!) But alas, something was wrong. Magui didn't look too happy. Pato had gone quiet... They lost...Rittner & Hrdlickova had won in 3 sets...6-2 4-6 6-2 So we left the boiling sun and court 4 to find some shade. But it had been an entertaining match (as always) and closer than the scoreline suggests.

So the encounter ended. It had lasted over an hour. We had no obvious side-effects, apart from morale & sunburn & memory was easily regained. Conclusion - they lost :o(. Good luck for the next tournament!!!!

X-File closed.

SATISFIED???!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!??!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?

[amsog: very thank you Siân! I'll buy you a drink next time we meet!]

Encounter 15: Acura Classic 2001 (Carlsbad, Ca)
by Jennifer Mojica.

We spotted Ms.Tarabini on a Wednesday afternoon when my friend Trinity and I were sitting on the side court bleachers eating lunch. She was watching another match (I forgot who's match), facing her back to us. Nobody was bugging her for autographs, which was surprising, so we approached her.

Patricia was just the nicest, down to earth person, I've met there so far. With a big grin on her face, she signed my program, asked us where we were from, and she was kind enough to take a picture with me, embracing me.

Anyway, the was the coolest thing you can do for a fan. Thanks Ms.Tarabini and I wish you the best on your career! Lots a luv :)