Melbourne Open
jiske griffioen
After the Apia Sydney International was finished, I travelled to Melbourne. I play one more tournament here, preparing for the Australian Open which starts the 22nd of january.
When we arrive in Melbourne, a heatwave just arrived. It is bloody hot. For four days it's more than 40 degrees. Playing tennis in this heat isn't much fun. Luckily I have a day off the first day, cause I have a bye. So I decided to cancel my tennis practice and spent my afternoon in the gym. Love the airconditioning!!! The next day I have one practice session. Not only is it tough to play in these conditions, but the heat makes my push rims so hot, that I have blisters after half an hour of tennis. The wind is not cooling it down. It feels like a giant hairdryer is blowing hot air on you.
Luckily I play my quarterfinal at 09.00 am. So it's not over 40 degrees yet. I beat Jordanne Whiley 6-1 6-2. That night it starts raining. And the temperature drops 20 degrees. What a relieve!!!
In the semifinal I lose to Yui Kamiji 4-6 0-6. The first set was close. In the 2nd set I decided to try some new things, but couldn't make a difference with that.
An Australian Open courtesy car drops me at Melbourne Park the next day. Three more days to prepare for the 1st Grand Slam of the year!!!