Barcelona Open - rallying with Rafael Nadal on St. George's Day

Rafael Nadal at the Barcelona Open - Banc Sabadell

This important clay tournament has been a pillar of his entire career.

Rafa has been attending this club ever since he was a child, coming with his uncle on field trips.

The winner of Barcelona is the defacto Tennis Champion of Spain - the Spanish Open since 1899.

When Rafa wins here, all of Spain will rise to cheer - Championship Point (YouTube)

St. George's Day @ Barcelona Open

A day when girls receive flowers, and the boys receive books - St. George's Day in Barcelona is a very jubilant time for many young people.

To participate in the celebration, I bought 3 flowers from local students and handed them to some smiling girls. 

This was also the day I finally got to step on the same clay as His Spanish Majesty, King Rafa! In Madrid 2022, both royals were in attendance.

On this cloudy Catalonia morning, I spotted Carlos Moya on the opposite bench from Diego Schwartzman. I had no doubt that Nadal would be just a little behind. I raced up from the media center to get the guards' confirmation that he had entered the premises.

Join the Rafa Fan Community @ RoadtoRafa.com

• Play, Watch, Live Tennis at his academy summer camps in the USA
• Learn from the RNA coaches using the Nadal System
• Vacation in Mallorca and train next to Rafa and Uncle Toni!
• Experience your Summer of Spain using my map on the "Clay Camino" trail

Facing the Bull's Charge

To my surprise, Rafa came right up the narrow hill. Literally, everyone got out of the way. He might have been looking for an open practice court or Coach Moya.

Greeting me alone, I panicked and could only quickly share that I would visit his academy and home island the following week.

He responded simply, "Great! I will see you there."

But at that point, I didn't think he was actually being serious! 

Even a decade ago, inside the Plaza de Toros in Madrid, I was not this intimidated by the actual charging bulls.

When Rafa straight runs at you - no physical contact is required to knock you over psychologically. No human is immune from flinching.

The sheer intensity of his direct, focused glaze might even part the Red Sea.

I have read about other sports legends like Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali.
They commanded the same intensity in any room.
Rafa is the sportsman of this era and sport.

Whether you are a cameraman, opponent, or a tennis fan. Rich or poor, young or old. We are all but humans and God-fearing mortals once the eyes of El Toro are locked onto you. The weight of his presence has broken the will of many men.

Netflix's Break Point series

You can see how even Casper Ruud at the French Open for the 2022 Final knew that sinking feeling of imminent doom. Waiting in the runway lobby for the Championship Match, he nervously asks:

Q: How long is left?  A: Not long.

You've met a Giant. His mental strength of a superhuman. The Deity has manifested on clay.
In all my years of tennis, there has been no equivalent moment as meeting Rafa on clay.

I have witnessed no greater miracle. Breathing the same air and sharing the same clay court.

Watch every tennis pro agree unanimously that on red clay - Nadal is unrivaled.
The Greatest challenge in tennis, and perhaps in all of sports.

Visiting Rafa and the RNA team in Mallorca

After this trip, I was lucky to be invited to Mallorca on a special media fare session before the Madrid Open.

At the Rafa Nadal Academy, I lived/ate/trained with the pros daily. I shared the same gym space with Naomi and Rafa during their French Open preparation routine.

I had access to his giant locker room with multiple saunas and ice baths. Played on the hard and clay courts, swam in the Olympic pools, and met his personal physio. On the bench was Rafa's decorated bag with 20+ Grand Slams!

Even chatted with Uncle Toni. WTA World #1 Iga Swiatek visited in 2022 just before winning her 2nd French Open. Some magic in the Manacor water?

I was assigned a dorm room adjacent to the US Open Champion at night. During the day, we walked beside the living legend at his home proving grounds. Full review with photos here.

My 1-minute vacation video of Mallorca and the Rafa Nadal Academy tennis trip.

Uncle Toni - the Tennis Palm Reader

I went to take my selfie with Uncle Toni, but I still had bandages on my left hand from an injury I suffered at the Barcelona Open on Day 1.

Even after a week, the wound was still not fully healed.
The Spanish Medics added a journal entry that will always serve as a record of my visit.
I gave the kind nurse that treated me one of 3 roses from St. George's Day. I hope she remembers.

I flew Air Europa over the Balearic Sea. Rented a car and drove the long way across the island. During the car ride from Palma airport, my bandage was no longer sticking. When I tried to hide it from Uncle Toni - he immediately took my wrapped hand and wanted to know what had happened?

I said I'm a media photographer.
It's nothing, just a small accident...

He paused. He looked again at my hands and my feet.

He then studied my fingers carefully, seeing each joint's calluses.
The dried, cracked folds. White lines under the creases of my skin.

Uncle Toni pointed at me and said simply, "You are a tennis player!"

Then he smiled joyfully, and we took a selfie together.

The Tennis Hands and Feet of Combat

Like two immortals in Highlander - warriors can sense each other from afar, like the Quickening...

He knows your history to the tennis core before you even speak a word or hit a ball.

Whether a nephew or a new student, Toni has that 6th sense. He reads the soul of men.

In the biography 'Rafa,' Uncle Toni is described as an ancient warrior sage.

He indeed seemed to hail from another era of ancient time of warfare.

He loves what he does. I felt very humbled to be in front of him. 

Blistering from Barcelona - all Spanish artists have learned to embrace suffering.

 

The indelible marks of gladiators, men who have fought inside the Arena.

Loyalty for the Gods of Tennis.

Our apprenticeship began with Sweat.

Earned from the weight of the Clay. 

An oath sealed by the Baseline Brotherhood.

Tennis Truth is told thru the Tan Lines

Tennis Tales Talk in Tangos...

Years of Toil and Training

Forged in Turmoil with Tenacity

Fused by the Tolerance of Toughness.

Painted on each Warrior are our Badges of Honor.

Just above my feet appears dark rings or my "sun tattoos" - anklets etched in from the heat.

Visible only when I remove my mini-crew Thorlo tennis socks. Layers upon layers - my carvings are not of ink but UV light. Sewn into the skin slowly, repeatedly every week for over 20 years.

These truths that money can't buy. Counting my years given to this religion. Like the tree rings of ancient redwoods revealing our time served outdoors.

Deep contrast between two skin tones.
They tell the tale of two bodies - one in war and one in peace.

Once while walking barefoot, one woman commented that I seem to walk with another man's feet!

My Special Summer in Spain

If you ever get a chance to go once in your life - you can use my promo code: "JCTENNIS" for my special VIP discounts on camps and lodging. I have never forgot this wonderful Summer Trip in Spain.

Tennis Vacation in Europe or the USA

As an RNA agent, I now help dozens of tennis families in the US experience the Rafa coaches' training camps. In the past, the Top 2 kids at each summer camp get picked for a free exchange program in Mallorca! Learn more about the full Rafa Nadal Academy experience for Juniors and Adults.

Washington DC welcomes Rafael Nadal to my hometown

 A historic visit by Rafael Nadal to our Nation's Capital and my hometown of Washington DC.

The perfect storm formed this Summer for Rafael Nadal to be here. First, he was forced to skip Wimbledon and the Olympics due to an injury for almost 3 weeks. He also opted for an early start on the hard courts this year. Lastly, the USA has a great vaccination rate compared to Europe which allows for safely hosting 100% of tennis fans.

DC Fans show their love for Rafa

He came out for breakfast in Georgetown, rode a bike around the DC Mall, and thrilled fans at the stadium. Sold out crowds for every night the entire week! So happy he accepted an invitation to visit my nation's capital. I honored his trip by visiting his nation's capital, Madrid, the following year in 2022.

Always super happy that he has now lent some of his Rafa Nadal Academy coaches to come to the USA Rafa Summer Camps in 2022 and 2023. Sold out in 9 cities on the East and West coasts.

Thank you for supporting the sport and growing the excitement for the game in this country. If you want to visit him during his clay court season warmup for Roland Garros - our VIP discount offer (Code: "JCTENNIS" to go to Mallorca). See how every day, I ate/trained/swam/played/and vacationed in Manacor - Rafa's hometown.

This was his first time playing at this ATP 500 event. Most years he will skip straight to the Masters 1000 in Canada. He follows in the footsteps of his idol Andre Agassi who has also been a champion here before. Another former #1, Andy Murray has also played here multiple times before in the past.

Chatting with Rafa in Spain

April 2019. I was sitting on the 1st row behind the center baseline at the Barcelona 500 during his brilliant match point against Struff and the entire stadium erupted like a soccer match.

The two kids next to me were so excited and celebrating so loud, I thought this must be what it's like at a rock concert.

After the match, there were so many people leaving! I had to actually exit the tournament gates and come in the back way.

I re-enter from the back entrance by myself and start heading back down to the press room with my camera. I see none other than Rafael himself walking up toward me!

At first, I'm sure he'll turn left and go down to the locker rooms. Nope, he comes straight up the narrow walkway and looks right at me.

My shaky cell phone video captured my moment of sheer surprize.

I said simply: "Congratulations on the victory. I will come by your academy next week in Mallorca". He replies: "That's good! I will see you then."

Visiting Mallorca - train with Naomi and Rafa at Academy

I had no idea if he was kidding. But I would fly Air Europa a few days later to Mallorca. On my 2nd day there I found out he was true to his word to go practice and see Uncle Toni.

It was always a dream of mine on my long tennis bucket list for a chance to visit him in his hometown of Manacor of Mallorca at the Rafael Nadal Academy.

What he did not tell me was that Naomi Osaka was also going to be training there that week too - world #1 and US Open champion Naomi Osaka. All 3 of us were in the fitness center at the same time on the 3rd or 4th day. I stayed on a treadmill performing my footwork drills from Sanchez Casal as long as I could. I decided to wait until he finally finished his workout to try to say a couple words.

In the hallway back to the academy's locker room, I caught up to him and mentioned that I had a chance to see the beaches of Mallorca the day before. He commented that when the weather is nice here in Mallorca, they are beautiful and some of his favorites. Of course, he also has a super yachts :)

As he hurried away, I noted that I'm a tennis coach originally from Washington DC and it would be great to have him play at Citi Open 500 one day.

Since then I would help bridge some tennis students exchanges. Kids and Adults got the chance to visit Spain and visit the Academy. In 2021, the Rafa Nadal Academy expanded summer camps to Boston, Miami, and Philadelphia.

After the covid year of 2020 - Rafa again delivered me another great surprize once again.

Playing at Rock Creek Park Tennis Stadium

This is the same location where I had won the DC Adult Open Tennis Tournament at both the USTA 4.0 and 4.5 singles divisions. I had a chance to play on the stadium court on my final day. The P1-P5 practice courts on the side were where I played many competitive QF and SF matches. The tennis balls were usually ATP Pro Penns.

The Grandstand and Show Court 2 areas for the tournament are where I drove on weekend evenings in the winter to play under a tennis bubble-covered courts on my WTT rec leagues. Our team went undefeated that year. I remember I didn't lose a single set the entire season in men's singles.

 

To have him play in DC's Citi Open completes a fantastic chapter for me.

In some ways, it brings full circle my journey with Rafael Nadal.

He gave a special interview to CBS during one of the thunderstorm rain delays. He shared a comment about mental health and how pro athletes deal with and overcoming anxiety in their own way.

The Road to Rafa Part 1: Madrid Spain

10 years later...we revisit the trip to Madrid and Spain

In 2022, I was a Madrid Open media credentialed photographer.All tennis fans should come visit Madrid! Explore the marvelous medieval capital of Spain.

Enjoy a delicious tapas tour - with fellow international tennis fans

Top Highlights of Madrid

• Beautiful Day trips with fans, friends, and family-friendly vacations
• Visit world-famous parks, museums, and towns in the morning.
• Eat a late dinner then enjoy more exciting tennis at night!
• High-speed AVE trains and modern metro system make it very tourist-friendly.

Photos:

• Madrid Open 1000 - media photos
  (ATP and WTA) - with Alcaraz, Nadal, Djokovic
  
  
• Segovia, Avila, and Toledo - Google day trip photos
  
  

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the places and moments that take our breath away."- Anonymous

(Read Part 1: European Tennis Dream - a tennis tour story)

Madrid

On the first leg of my tour, I wanted to start by exploring Nadal's true natural element...his raison d'etre...the Spain that he loves and the element of Clay. This is what made him famous for the title "the King of Clay".

There are only nine Master Series 1000 Tournaments each year. They are second only in size and scope only to the four majors. Of these 9 Master tournaments, only 3 of them are on Clay. It just so happened that one was scheduled to be held in Madrid, Spain just the following week. The perfect storm...

In 2016, I was granted my Media Credential to cover the Italian Open in Rome (the Eternal City). Witnessed Roger, Rafa, and Djokovic plus Stan Wawrinka with his plaid shorts a few months before he won the French Open. 

In 2018, I finally completed the ATP clay tour trifecta at the Monte Carlo Masters. With an amazing friend's help, I awoke each morning overlooking the French Rivera and the legendary Monaco courts.

In 2022, I worked alongside ATP Media, Amazon Prime, and Tournament's Media Team. The tournament is featured in Netflix's "Break Point" - Episode 4: Great Expectations

Serendipity - in Madrid

   

It was summer, the clay season was in full stride, Rafa was dominating the European clay court season (Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome). This was going to be perfect, I told myself. This is the year I would tour Europe.

I quickly arranged to buy tickets for the tournament as I knew I would be there just in time for the weekend finals.  When you scramble with that first inspired idea, it grabs a hold of you and reels you in.  I think half the fun of a great adventure is planning it all out and having points were you can deviate and seek alternative options in your travel.

Tours are the most confining way of travel - I rather plan my own itinerary. I like to roam around and walk, see the least trodden paths for myself...

(Read the rest of this chapter: Madrid Open...Barcelona)

The Madrid Open

Redesigned from what was originally an indoor court winter tournament to an indoor clay court event with the first-ever retractable roof of its kind.  Called the "Caja Majic" or Magic Box - it is a wonder of engineering that glows and the players' safety cave should it ever rain. The views are amazing and you get a real feel of the crowd's energy when inside.

    

One problem: the tournament's website was completely written in Spanish!  Luckily, I found tickets on sale at Viagogo that go on sale, sometimes below box office prices. I even was able to secure the last seat available along the baseline for the Nadal vs Federer Finals. The women's final is also included in the event ticket, between Safina and Wozniacki.

Just remember to notify your bank or credit card that you will be traveling abroad to these countries first, because the online ticket systems may block your purchase.

The other courts are also well lined up for easy spectator access. Lots of fans dot the scene, and even the Spanish Prince showed up to cheer on Rafa that day.

The electricity and energy in the air had the feeling of a world cup or European soccer (aka football) match, with the rows dotted with red seats and yellow hats.

 The chants of "Vamos Rafa!" and "Viva El Toro!" (Nadal's nickname) could be heard all around and outside the stadium.

Clay court tennis in Europe has a very different feel than the hard courts of North America. If you are a true tennis fan, I highly recommend seeing one live and combining a mini-vacation with it so you can truly appreciate the Art, Architecture, and History of this capital*

Madrid Parks and Sights

The Bull-fighting in Madrid carries on a tradition that has been passed down for hundreds of years. You can find daily tours of this Plaza del Toro epic arena (the 2nd largest in the entire World) and is definitely worth it to see the magnificent horses and bulls there. You can even try on a matador costume and pose with the other young tourists. to the Picasso Museum nestled in the Gothic quarters of Barcelona, there are many small streets and alleys to admire the architecture. If you get hungry, it is easy to grab small tapas or enjoy paella (seafood with rice) at a local restaurant; I was eager to experience Nadal's homeland of Spain both as a traveler and as a tennis fan.

This is a wonderful capital city with a lot of beautiful parks full of young adults enjoying the summer outdoors. Outside the famous Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) are artisans and musicians displaying their crafts outside while crowds of tourists and young college students lounged on the grassy courtyard or under the trees. The weather was absolutely perfect for early summer. I found Spain to be the most friendly towards young travelers for the 20s and 30s tourist crowd among all of the Western European countries during my tour.

Inside there are works of art that date back for many centuries. I found Spain to be an amazing country, full of vibrant culture and life. The people are very friendly, jovial and welcoming to Americans.

The Mc'D menu there is very different from state side. They have more biscuits and chicken on the menu. It is the food of choice for the youth (teenagers and early 20's). It was the most affordable meal over there too.

While there, I also got a chance to see the Plaza Manor area both in the day and its lively nightlife after dark. In Spain, they all eat rather late (after 8pm) so it took me a few days to get accustomed - sometimes, I would be the first patron having "a late lunch" at some of these locations.

The people are all very kind even when they did not understand any English, they would encourage me to describe or even use gestures to describe what I wanted. It was all very sincere, and I was pleasantly surprised that they would go this extra mile for a foreign stranger looking for a cheap bite to eat. They also have a custom of providing an empty glass with every bottled drink they sell - whether it was be water or orange juice or wine.


Next stop:

Part 2: Barcelona and the Sanchez-Casal academy

(Tennis training hub of Europe)

Read more about my Tennis Travels.

The Roadmap to Rafa - Summer in Europe

• Prologue: The Journey Begins with a Dream...
  
• Madrid, Spain (Mutua Madrid Open): Nadal vs Federer Final on Clay
• Barcelona (Sanchez-Casal Academy): Training next to a French Open Champion
• Paris (French Open): I sat 3 rows behind Rafa
• London (Wimbledon): Church on Grass
• Rome (Italian Open + Vatican): the Soul of Tennis People

One Tennis Pilgrimage - sharing my own chapters...from the modern gospel of Tennis.
Stories from this Tennis Player's "Camino de Santiago" trail - 2021 was a Holy Year.

Rafa's 2013 - a tale of Recovery from Tragedy, Human Perseverance and Reclaiming World #1

After a long 7 months layoff from tennis because injury, trained and trained, day in and day out. He missed out on the US Open and the Australian Open. Instead of rushing to jump back immediately, he fought perhaps the greatest battle of his life.

Uncertainty during difficult times

In his book, Rafa, he confesses about how his greatest fear - inertia. If he had to stop playing tennis even for a few days, what would happen? It has been ingrained as deep as breathing into nearly every day of his life since a child. Being able to put it on hold for over half a year and believe he could return, means his faith is truly strong.

Admittedly there was doubt for even the most passionate Nadal fans. The big question to the entire tennis world was if - not just when - he would ever return to the game.

Staying Focused on Rehab

Following doctors orders, he put away his tennis racket and did not play any tennis for 7 months! Always in the gym, stretching, strengthening, doing all the workouts he could without injuring himself in rehab. Updating his facebook page weekly with pictures in the pool or relaxing with his family - nowhere near a tennis court. He was spurred on by the inspiring encouragement from fans; Rafa pressed on and stay loyal to his team's advice.

The test of patience

Watching his rivals climb over him and his rankings - I'm sure it must have been painful to be completely absent in nearly 3 Grand Slams.

Patiently, he relinquished the US Open Hard court season, the Indoor European season, the year ending ATP World Tour finals. Even then after the new year, he tested the waters carefully yet listened to his body and his coaches - skipping the Australian Open.

The thousands of ranking points slipped away; millions of dollars in prize money forfeited; optimism followed by caution to wait just a little longer, then a few weeks more... the tennis world wondered if this was the end.

Only he would be able to show the world if he could rise again...

Then one title after another, starting with a ATP 250 final, and from there his confidence grew and his body became stronger...

• Brazil Open
• Mexico Open
• Indian Wells BNP
• Barcelona
• Madrid
• Rome
• Roland Garros
• Montreal
• Cincinatti
• US Open

Ultimately, 2013 World #1, ATP Comeback Player of the Year, and 10 titles dominating almost every major hard court and clay court tournament on the tennis tour.

Year of Greatness: Reborn

Rafa not only came back in 2013, it turned out to be his best year of his career. The world witnessed a legend who crystallized the competitive tennis fuel in his soul so completely. In his essence so dedicated to the sport (every atom of his being, as he put it) that nothing could stop him.

The half-time intermission was over, he was ready. Not just 60% or 80% or 90% but his mind/body was hungry for it - like a predator that had not feasted. Absolutely determined. driven. unstoppable.

How many professional athletes in Any sport can go in into rehab for 7 months, come on the field in mid-season and still regain the pinnacle of champions by year's end.

Great Champions find a way. Vamos Rafa. See you in 2014!

The Road to Rafa Part 4: London Calling

Wimbledon/London Pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/demiace/sets/72157619262170458/

EuroStar and Chunnel

Taking the Chunnel from Paris, I arrive in London about 2 hours later.

Recommended to me by a fellow tennis coach, I decided to try this instead of another flight - traveling in a business class environment for 30 miles on the undersea rail tunnel.

Personally, I would skip the Chunnel ride as it was not really worth the price over flying. Plus not a lot of scenery along the trip.

It takes you under the English Channel while seeing the French northern country-side. However, the day trip I took to Normandy on that Memorial Day was definitely more exciting. Sites included Tour stops at Pointe du Hoc, American Cemetery, Battery of Longue-sur-Mer, Caen Memorial, plus Juno/Gold/Omaha Beaches.

Wimbledon: The All England Club

Getting on the grounds was pretty exciting. The day before I had arrived in the afternoon and unfortunately was closed just before I could get in.

Can you tell me how to get to Wimbledon?
If you're taking the Underground Tube, just remember that the closest stop is not the one called "Wimbledon". That is actually just a giant shopping mall nor is it the one marked "Wimbledon Park".

You want to get off at the "Southfields" station:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southfields_tube_station.

Guided Grounds Tours

I would definitely check the Wimbledon tour schedule ahead of time. A good time to take a tour is in the morning when the crews are still working on the lawns.

Wimbledon was the crowning star stadium of tennis for me. It is where so many growing up as boys and girls have dreamed of getting to ever since they first hold a racket or watch it on TV.

That year, I was lucky enough to see the center court on the first year that they put up the retractable roof completed.

The Wimbledon Roof Opening took place just days ago I took this picture in late May, with Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters playing its first ceremonial match of mixed doubles. See the BBC report that actually had Andy Murray meeting with his idol Andre Agassi at that ceremony.

Wimbledon Museum

When you purchase your entrance ticket, you can enter with or without the museum option. I would definitely opt to see it, if you have not been before or are a fan of the game/history. It has many amazing tennis artifacts dating back over a century and a half.

Most Recently when I was there, they added a window display of the clothes/shoes that Nadal and Federer wore during their epic 2008 Final. It was also the last year before the roof was built over center court.

Rafa's Footsteps

As you can see, my shoe size is a bit smaller than Rafa's =)

Yes, I was lucky enough to bring my tennis clothes, shoes and racket with me on the tour. Getting right there on Wimbledon grass with a chance to hit/serve one ball is a dream come true for any tennis player.

The view along the outside courts was also amazing, especially without all the crowds and chewed up grass you will see once the tournament begins.

Player's Conference Room

Olympic Gold

This year in 2012, the Summer Olympics will be held at Wimbledon - using the top 4 courts in the tournament. The Gold Medal match will be held on Centre Court.

Rafael Nadal is only the 2nd man in history to win an Olympic Gold in singles along with the 4 Grand Slams in their career (Andre Agassi is the other).

Best of luck to Roger Federer plus tennis players all around the world who will be playing for international glory this summer in London!

For more sights and places to see while in London, please see the rest of this article below.

Read more about my Tennis Travels

Exploring the City of London...

I would say that even 2-3 days is more than enough to see central London. Even if you leave 1 day to just Wimbledon, it is more than enough. There just is not that much to do there except museums but I did enjoy a few outdoor marketplaces (Piccadilly Circus).

Taxi's are just really expensive and they will not take Euros. Riding around everywhere in the Underground or "Tube" as they call it, can get you to most of the places you need to be at.

Staying in Knightsbridge (London)

My balcony suite view in Knightsbridge. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knightsbridge - near Hyde Park (where I went to find tennis courts) and great if you love shopping.

Sheraton Belgravia -
Redeemed for a very good price of $60 + 4000 points per night. In an area that normally goes for 200-500 GBP /night. They also provided a complimentary gym pass down the street.

What was cool was because it was not a crowded week, I was upgraded with my SPG card to one of the two "Executive Rooms" at the penthouse suite level. Great view! Also, this hotel was just about 2-3 blocks from the nearest Underground station so it was very easy to get around town.

Hyde Park and Tennis Courts

When you walk around London, you realize that there is a surprising amount of green space. Hyde Park is located near Buckingham Palace and offers acres of grass to take you through the city - very much like Central Park in NYC.

Tennis in London

Playing tennis there though, generally seems reserved to mainly the club players as I did not see many public courts available.

I also stopped by Wimbledon Park, just outside of the All England Club which had both hard courts and some astroturf courts but had fixed membership or drop-in fees attached to playing there. I spoke to one parent who had a daughter taking lessons from the pro there.

ITN (International Tennis Number), a tennis rating system used by the ITF - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Tennis_Federation#Player_rating_and_registration

The pro and most players there seemed hesitant to let anyone new play there and declined a friendly match even when I offered to pay for a quick set. Apparently, they have never heard of pick-up games either plus no practice walls I could see. Unfortunately, without better grass-roots tennis organizations, it may be a very long time before they have another tennis champion in the UK.

Here is the British tennis rating sheet and schedule of lessons given at Hyde Park. Notice that the lower the rating number, the better the player...which is the opposite of NTRP ratings in the USTA.

Harrods and British Fashion
Interestingly enough, the Brits actually have many stores that import American brands, as they consider our fashion in style. Ironic that we buy Burryberry and other UK brands for their flare here too.

By the way, it seemed like many of the British women love the sound of an American accent. Not sure why, but was a huge bonus over there.

They have a giant department store near Knightsbridge called Harrods. It even has a dress code and requests backpack holders to carry, not wear their backpack, for fear of knocking over something!

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye

Hmm, I was expecting something grander but maybe I had to go on a tour to get the full effect. However, I was not blown away by the sights there, to say the least. It can be a bit exhausting wading through the large crowds of tourists looking to get their pictures taken.

Luckily, it only rained one day while I was there, but definitely check the forecast and pack appropriately!

The London Library with original manuscripts such as the Magma Carte was worth a look though.

Also interesting were all the specialty museums that are everywhere, like one for Transportation (trains), Movies and Cinema (movie props from shows), and Science + Natural History museums.

Some things I noticed in Britain

Taxis
Although very interesting to look at, I think getting around in a Taxi is pretty much too expensive (see receipt)...I went about 1 mile and the cost was about $7 - did it for the experience and souvenir receipt I guess.

Bars and Pubs
Almost every day after work, it seems like their entire working population is at the local pubs. They are around every corner and have names like "Fox and Hounds" or "Bear and Staff". I tried some Fish and Chips at one and it wasn't bad at all. They do love their beer and happy hours in the UK though.

British Underground Tube
Everything in the Underground, including the announcements, was over the top polite - "Please mind the gap", it calls out over the loudspeaker as a subway approaches.

Also, they encourage people to buy "Oyster Cards" or rechargeable fare cards. The card itself costs money too, and unless you really want it for a souvenir, I would skip it.


In the future, I plan to visit a few more of the grass tournaments:

Queen's Club, Halle & Stuttgart - possibly before Federer retires.

I was fortunate enough to see the Hall of Fame tournament in Rhode Island and attended the retirement ceremony of Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters!

Read more about my Tennis Travels

The Roadmap to Rafa - Summer in Europe

• Prologue: The Journey Begins with a Dream...
  
• Madrid, Spain (Mutua Madrid Open): Nadal vs Federer Final on Clay
• Barcelona (Sanchez-Casal Academy): Training next to a French Open Champion
• Paris (French Open): I sat 3 rows behind Rafa
• London (Wimbledon): Church on Grass
• Rome (Italian Open + Vatican): the Soul of Tennis People

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the places and moments that take our breath away."
- Anonymous