82: LIFE LONG FRIENDS

One of the nicest things about being on the tennis tour (as a player and as a parent) is that you get to meet a whole host of lovely people, from different countries and different cultures, and all with some kind of interest in tennis.

These may be people like Denise and Mike in Altenkirchen, Germany, who were helping out (voluntarily) with transport and general player well being; or Shayla who was one of the cleaning staff in Cancun, Mexico. She not only cleaned our room everyday, but also helped us squeegee and dry the court after a massive down pour so that practice could take place – what a life saver!

Then there are people like Ricardo in Santiago, Chile, who welcomed us into his home so that we could do some laundry. He then fed us and took us back to our hotel afterwards. A true legend! Laundry and food – the two things that all tennis players love! To add to this, Ricardo then showed up in Melbourne the following year to watch my player play the Australian Open – now that’s dedication for you!

There are people who have welcomed us into their homes and offered us accommodation too (see Blog 68 – ‘Amazing Hosts’) – we have eaten with their families and they have transported us here, there and everywhere – and others who have got up at the crack of dawn to take us to the airport – all out of the kindness of their hearts. These are special people and tennis brings all these individuals together.

Then there are the players (and their coaches/parents) themselves. What other line of work takes you all over the world and gives you a chance to make life long friends from countries far and wide. My player would most certainly list some of her very best friends as those from countries a long way from the UK. Ok, so she doesn’t see them week in week out but I can guarantee that they are in touch almost daily and, when they do eventually end up at the same tournament together, it is like they have never been apart. When the tennis stops then I am sure some of these friends will drift away but not all – some will be life long buddies without a doubt. One of the nicer realities of the tennis tour life!

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