Encounter 19: SYDNEY 2003
by M. Kernaghan.

I don't know why people think Patricia Tarabini is the coolest doubles player in the Tour until I attended the Adidas International last January and I know why she's so popular! She entertaining the spectators included me, of course. I decided to stay and watch her match until it's over because I really like her so much. The match was of course, Doubles with Marissa Irvin against Conchita Martinez and Rennae Stubbs. Unfortunately, she lost the match but it was really good match. I asked her for sign her autograph and she did with smile at me!

I don't see her again that week however, I still spend with my eyes on her on TV during the Australian Open! It was Mixed Doubles with Gaston Etlis agaisnt Anna Kournikova and Alex B. Jr, and once again, it was also great match. The half of the spectators was supported Patricia and some of them yell at her, "Patricia, you rock!".

Anyway, I have picture of her but only one! I should have more pictures of her! LOL! Here you go and enjoying!

Encounter 18: WIMBLEDON 2002
by Caz.

OK, time for my second encounter!

To set the scene; it was the night before Wimbledon, my dad and I had just met Charo, Isabel and Graciela from Heathrow airport and taken them back to my house for a quick cup of coffee and to put down their bags, then I had brought them by train to Wimbledon to go and find Bea and Mel in the queue.

We were just leaving the station, carrying all our bags, food, drink, tents etc. with us, when who should we see right ahead of us but Patricia!! One of the Spanish girls, I think it was Graciela, said “hi” to her, (obviously the whole conversation took place in Spanish), and she asked us where we were going, to which Graciela’s comical response was, “to plant up our houses!”. She smiled and we said goodbye and got into a taxi to go and find our place in the queue.

Encounter 17: US OPEN 2002 (USA)
by Tennis KAT.

8/31/02 - - Court 13. What began as a simple viewing of the Conchi - Iva match against the "B" girls (Bovina - Bedanova), turned into quite the scene. Gigi was hitting on the adjoining court and stopped by to peek at Conchi. The Clemson Girls behind me were quick to spy my Georgia shirt. Go Dawgs - we beat 'em in a close one that night. Between the Clemson Duo and Conchi, I almost missed PATO sliding into the bleachers. I saw her chatting with the Clemson Twins and their friend (who appeared to be sporting a US Open badge, of a sort - Carolina Tarheel).

After the Conchi - Iva win, the Clemson Belles, friend, and PATO departed rather quickly. I made chase to complete my Georgia/Clemson taunting. Having caught up with the group, I proceeded to chat-up half the Clemson Fans. PATO just stood there amidst this football bantering. After it was determined I had other plans and would not be joining them at ESPN Zone that night, we parted company.

I've had many PATO encounters through the years in the US and Europe. I found your site to be clever and humorous. [Bea says: I thought of deleting this part, but hey! we love flattery!!]

Post Script to Day 6, US Open: After 2 days of rain and very little tennis, I had to return to real life. PATO and Conchi, keep making tennis fun to watch!

Encounter 16: FCC 2002 (USA)
by O'Bryna Martin.

During her doubles match with Conchita Martinez at the Family Circle Cup the stadium was not very full, and she became frustrated and threw and broke her racquet. Just acting involuntarily I jumped up and yelled out "Can I have it!!" She looked at me and smiled. Throughout the whole match she kept looking over at me and I waved back at her. After the match was over I ran down and asked if she would give me her racquet and she handed to me!! I made my way up to the club house and asked a friend to ask her if she would sign it when he went inside. Instead of signing it she came outside and gave me a hug and told me that she really enjoyed my personality. She signed it then and I got a picture. I just hope that I will get to meet her one day again and that perhaps she will remember me!!!!!!!!!

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