Roger Federer [1] vs. Lleyton Hewett [22]

Amazingly enough we decided to buy tickets for the Australian Open this year and we selected the 4th Round at Rod Laver Arena, the biggest venue of the many courts we have available in Melbourne.  Last night they announced that we’d be seeing Federer v. Hewett. 

Lleyton Hewett is an Aussie and there were big groups of “youngsters” (meaning in their twenties - boy do I sound freakin old?), with their shirts spelling H E W E T T and screaming/singing (or scream singing) chants for Lleyton to win. Really, it was no use.  This game, however awsome to see Federer play live, was destined to be another stepping stone to get Fed to the final.

It was a quick game, Federer wining 3 sets to make it a quick 1-1/2 hour match.  If Hewett really wants to stay in the game he’s gonna actually have to run to the ball instead of stopping short on too many occassions because it looked like he “might” not make it to the ball.  I think he would have had a fair shot against Federer if he had worked a bit harder… but that’s only my opinion.

Look out, next year we’re taking a day off work and getting a ground pass so we can see a bunch of games.  With so many outdoor courts, Rod Laver and Hisense Arena’s all in the same vacinity they’re saying they’ll be building more (Melbourne that is), and the Australian Open is guaranteed another 25 years of tournament play.  It was tons of fun and I can’t wait to return next year… will Don Sanzone be there?  I certainly hope so!

All in all it was still pretty awesome, here’s some quick snaps from our Australian Open nosebleed seats at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne: