by Robyn Lakeman
Because I was flying back from my holiday at Hayman Island I wasn’t able to attend the Thursday night pre get together of the fanatics. On this night tickets, t- shirts, hats, wristbands etc are distributed by Woz and also it’s a chance to catch up with fanatic friends. It’s also the prequel to 3 more nights of fanatics partying and hot days sitting in the sun cheering on the Aussies. Peta picked up everything for me and I met up with Peta the next morning outside Rod Laver arena.
There were a lot of fanatics, about 500, I would say and everyone had the spirit, being a final and all. After taking lots of photos of fanatics I headed in to take my place in the arena for the first game.
We wondered why they were closing the roof but were soon to find out it was for a special laser show to be put on as part of opening celebrations, pretty funky! After that display, James Morrison played the national anthems of Australia and Spain only to find out, with the Spanish walking off the court in disgust that the anthem he had played was one they used when Spain was a republic in the 1930’s. There were a lot of apologies to the Spanish over a genuine mistake made by Tennis Australia.
First up, Lleyton vs Juan Carlos Ferrero. This match reminded me a bit of when Lleyton defeated Federer in the semi, I felt sure at one stage that Lleyton would lose but as always he swung the match around and went on to win in 5. A gutsy and courageous effort.
Next up was Mark versus Carlos Moya. After being down two sets Mark managed to win the 3rd set but Carlos was just playing too well and went on to take the 4th set and win the match. The fanatics tried to lift Mark but it just wasn’t his day – but that was to come soon enough!
After the tennis we headed back to Kerrin’s apartment to freshen up then Peta took us to a really good value for money restaurant in Chinatown. After dinner Kerrin and I headed over to the Red Eagle which was the fanatics meeting place that night. The band had already been on before we got there so we settled down at a table to talk to some fanatic friends. Everyone seemed pretty relaxed and it was good to know we were 1-1 on the first day. At 12.30 I took Kerrin home to her hotel and then did the long drive home to my place in the hills. It was 1.30am by then and I was looking forward to some sleep but found some young friends at my place who kept me up till 4.30am.
At least I could have a bit of a sleep in on this day as the doubles didn’t start till 2pm. I needed it after my late night. Well Wayne and Todd played like champions. They couldn’t do a thing wrong and took their match out in straight sets. It was Alex Corretja’s first time on the court and he really copped a stirring from the fanatics complete with blow up Corretja doll. The fanatics sang “Why, Why, Why Corretja” to Tom Jones “Delilah”. “Can you hear the drums Fernando?” and many other songs which were a light hearted ribbing of Corretja. Considering how malevolent he had been in Spain, he got off pretty lightly. But that’s the Aussies for you.
Relief at being 2-1 up I was sure the mood would be buzzing at the fanatics party tonight and I wasn’t let down. It was a Fanatics Doctor’s & Nurses night to be held at the All Star Sports Café at the Casino. We first went back to Kerrin’s so Peta, Kerrin and Fiona could change into their party gear and didn’t they look the part! Then after a quick bite in Chinatown it was on to the party. The fanatics had gone to a lot of trouble with their costumes and as with fancy dress parties, inhibitions disappear and everyone is so relaxed and friendly that it’s impossible not to have an awesome night. There were doctors, all types of nurses, theatre staff, war heroes, accident victims, even Dr. Spock himself! And there was Jacqui as a patient dressed in her basic hospital nightie, tied at the back with her bum sticking out (it was a fake one) but looked so real, it was a riot. There was a band playing current music and when they had a break 80’s music would be piped into the venue making the doctors and nurses dance even more. They were loving it. As much as I would have loved to stay I had to leave by midnight to make sure I was in for an early start the next morning so bade goodbye to my friends and left the venue which was really pumping by now.
The next morning I was delayed half an hour at the gates because they wouldn’t let me in with my camera declaring it to be a movie camera which it isn’t. I was furious and there was no way anyone was going to separate me and my camera, especially on the last day of a final, just think of the photos I would miss out on, so I walked over to the Cloak room where they had asked me to leave it and sat around there for half an hour until the 'Nazi' had left. I then strolled through the gates with the new attendant telling me my camera was fine to take in.
Well first up it was Mark against Juan Carlos Ferrero. Mark started confidently enough, he was serving well, attacking the net and bouncing off the crowd support but in the 3rd and 4th sets, his serve seemed to leave him completely and it was looking like a Spanish victory for sure. At the start of the 5th set he had physio done on his arm which seemed to be the problem and Juan Carlos had some work done on himself as well. It was looking pretty bad for Mark and I don’t think anyone expected him to win that last set 6-0, not with the incredible pain that seared through his shoulder each time he served but sheer guts and determination and a willingness to win for his country pulled him through to a victorious win. When Mark hit that last winning shot he collapsed to the ground and the stadium erupted in tumultuous cheers, his dad Nick was crying and there was so much emotion in that arena. The boys lifted the esky and poured the ice over Fitzy’s head and then they did a parade of honour before leaving the stadium to re emerge about 15 minutes later for the Davis Cup ceremony. When everyone left the arena after the presentation Mark stayed, signing autograph after autograph. It was amazing how he went around the whole of Rod Laver arena. He didn’t want to disappoint his fans which was very admirable considering the pain he must have been in.
We filed out of the arena and went down to the Heineken area where the fanatics were celebrating with the Spanish. It was a very touching sight and the Spanish showed what good sports they were. Everyone just kept dancing to the beat of the Spanish drums and trumpet player. It was a very carnivale atmosphere, lots of laughter and fun. We stayed there for a few hours and then it was on to Young & Jackson’s pub, the first stop for the fanatics tonight. The pub was overflowing with yellow t shirts and singing and dancing. After a few hours we were sent on a treasure hunt to find where the next venue would be. 500 fanatics running through the streets of Melbourne on a Sunday night looking for clues! Eventually we ended back at the tennis center in one of the function rooms which was large enough to accommodate us all. We lined up and showed our wristbands to gain entry and each fanatic was given a half yard glass to hang around their necks for their drinks. Once inside the venue everyone was very animated and excited waiting for the players to arrive. The players had to go to an official function at Fed Square first so didn’t get to the fanatics party till about midnight. When they came in each player took to the stage, gave a speech and was cheered by the fanatics. Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors was there and Lleyton sang “The Holy Grail” while Mark Seymour played along on the guitar. Of course the obligatory “Throw your Arms around me” was played and the fanatics all joined arms and swayed to the music. Lleyton then went on to perform some Jimmy Barnes songs. He is never averse to getting up on stage and playing the rock star. He does it very well too and totally enjoys himself.
Well after this I had to leave. I did hear the players left about an hour after I did and were mainly confined to their cordoned off area and didn’t mix much with the fanatics except for the core fanatics which are given special passes to gain access to the players area. It was a totally awesome weekend and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything even though I’m suffering now. I’m writing this with a raging fever and hacking cough, yes I have the dreaded DC lurgy again, don’t know why I get this but I guess it’s a price I have to pay.
I’ve been to the last four DC finals and still ask “Why doesn’t Pat have his name on the Davis Cup?” It just doesn’t seem fair.