|
Nicolas Lapentti "Nico" Webpage |
|
| Nico on the Net ... . Index News Archives Schedule Photos Results Rankings Profile Chatroom Pictures Messages Guestbook Links Contact Me
|
This year at the Australian Open, here in Melbourne it wasn't what I truly expected, however, it did show how much I really do support Nico. Day 1, Monday 19th January I was getting really excited about seeing Nico once again. It put a smile on my face knowing that he was playing let alone the first match at 10 am. Once the gates opened at 9am at Melbourne Park, I went straight over to court 19, where Nico was going to play Hernandez of Spain. Just as I was going to the court, I saw Nico with Andres Gomez and physical trainer - Carlos. I was in this hyper mood...however, I did manage to say "Buenas Dias" to Nico...and to my luck, he said the same thing back.
By this time, I was eager for his second round game to come around, thinking that it would either be Blake or Moya. (but as it turned out it was Blake as Moya pulled out). Day 3, Wednesday 21st January This was the day that I was looking forward to but at the same time the nerves were kicking in. I had confidence in Nico, knowing he could beat Blake. As all outside courts start at 10, I was there at the court about 9:05 am...and luckily for me, I was able to see Nico & Gio hitting up from 9:30 till 10 am. Nico did seem quite relaxed...however, focused. Just as they were packing up their gear, I was able to sneak out to where they would depart court 3, and got Nico to sign one of my photos and got Giova to sign my Ecuador cap. (I had already got Nico to sign my cap a few years ago - but that is another story).
However, I was positive in many ways, I would be able to see Nico in the doubles with Jim Thomas the next day, Thursday. Later on in the day I was able to catch up with Giova while he was hitting up....and was able to chat to him for a few minutes before leaving. Day 4 , Thursday Jan 22 I thought that I would have a relaxing day at the tennis before heading over to court 8, match 4 for Nico's doubles game. Fortunately, I was able to see Nico training with Jim Thomas early in the day and a few others. Andres Gomez and Carlos were there too of course. Nico was once again looking quite relaxed, chatting away, not forgetting laughing at times. It was truly wonderful to see the smile on his face.
My hopes of Nico having a great Australian season were not exactly as I expected or hoped for. However, I always have every confidence that he will do his best in every game. I know that I will not see him till next year here in Melbourne, however, I will continue to support him throughout the year, like what I've done for the past few years. Journal and photos by Karen Eijkelestam, Melbourne, Australia Anyone else been at the
Australian Open recently??
|
NICO
AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2004
Anyway,
moving along to the game now. This was a great three set win for him. Nico looked truly
relaxed on the court, with not only the support of the many females in the crowd, as well
as the rest of his team Andres Gomez, Pato Rodriguez and Carlos, but also Nico's brother,
Giovanni was there too. I really don't quite remember the last time I saw Nico looking so
relaxed on the tennis court here in Melbourne. While he was on court, I was able to
quickly go to where Giova was sitting and was happy to get him to sign my Ecuador soccer
top and at the end of Nico's game, I was able to get Nico to do the same. 
Finally after an hour & a half of the ladies game...then came
the Lapentti v Blake match. I was really happy to watch Nico but had butterflies in my
stomach. Nico showed quite a lot of brilliance throughout this match...however, there were
times where his game let him down. After he lost the first set, I still believed he could
take it in 4 sets - I had every bit of confidence in him. Then, he lost the second set.
Just as he was walking to start the 3rd, I urged him on telepathically - You've done it
before, I know you can win this one. For that 3rd set, I am sure he heard me. But in the
4th set, although I was cheering for him as much as possible, Blake had the right shots at
the right time and Nico lost in 4 sets. It is never easy watching a game like that,
knowing that your favourite player could win but somehow be outplayed by the opponent. 
The
match began at about 3.30. It was a tight first set with Nico and Jim playing well
together, but their opponents broke Nico's serve towards the end of that set to end up
winning it 7-5. The second set was nervy to watch. The opponents also broke Nico's serve
again in the second to win in straight sets. [Note from Ed/Sara: It just goes to show how
important it is to have a really good "strong volleyer" at the net in doubles.]