99. OFF COURT FUN

Whilst it’s hard to get to the higher levels of the ITF/WTA/ATP tour, as a player does begin to rise to the up the rankings, she will notice that not only is there more prize money, and ranking points to play for, but the tournaments are more of a spectacle and the efforts put in by the organisers to entertain and make the players happy and feel more valued, are increased. The quality of the accommodation is significantly better and the ease of transport to and from the tournament venues is also much improved.

As I mentioned in my previous blogs, the players are often gifted a goodie bag on arrival:

96. Goodie Bags – https://realitytennis.wordpress.com/2024/07/18/96-goodie-bags/

and may be invited to a Players Party

80. Players Parties – https://realitytennis.wordpress.com/2024/02/16/players-parties/

but they may also be asked to go along to some kind of excursion or experience. For example, last year at the WTA250 in Parma, Italy, the organisers arranged a Pasta Making Evening. All the players were invited to attend a master class on how to make and roll fresh tagliatelle. Now whilst all the women who were at this tournament were undoubtedly extremely proficient at tennis, the culinary skills of many who attended this event, were were no where near on a par, but the experience was never the less fun, and a good time was had by all.

Another social event hosted by the WTA that my player and I thoroughly enjoyed recently, was a sunset boat trip on the River Danube in Budapest, Hungary. The views from the boat were stunning and it was fabulous to see the city from the water (having seen it on foot the previous day). The host also provided food and drinks and all the players enjoyed some well earned down time.

Another player ‘experience’, typical of the bigger Australian events (juniors and adult), is the one in which the players are invited to meet, and hold, some of the animals native to the country. Not everybody’s idea of fun but many of the players do get involved and are brave enough to hold the slithering reptiles. Many more however, prefer to stroke the wallabies or cuddle the koala’s! It’s different and if you are going to travel to the other side of the globe, why not give it a go! It’s all part of tour life and why not make memories at every opportunity.

#realitytennis

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