Fast4Tennis Charity Match

Fast4Tennis

Rafa Vs Verdasco Charity Match

'The Summer Set' 

Margaret Court Arena, Wednesday 14th of January  

Words: Journalist and Blogger Claudia Sorace

It’s a hot and balmy night in Melbourne, I’m three rows from courtside, seated close to the infamous ‘Uncle Tony’, Rafael Nadal’s coach. It’s a pre-Australian Open ‘Summer Set’ a charity match between Fernando Verdasco and Rafael Nadal. Fast 4 Tennis commissioned the event, that is being held at Margaret Court Arena. The stage, ‘The Arena’ has recently been revamped and this event gives the media and the general public or the tennis possessed, the chance to see the arena, that doesn’t even reflect a shadow of it’s worn and what used to be a tatty former self. I’ve been lucky, having had supportive involvement in the ‘Rafael Nadal Foundation’ for many years; I sit welcomed by the fabulous seats I’ve been humbled with and the Channel 7 camera man asks me to smile, look excited and give the live coverage a wave.

It isn’t just Fernando Verdasco and Rafael Nadal that the public get to see perform this evening. However, before Rafa is even introduced, US Open junior champion Omar Jasika is announced, in which then, the world’s favorite Spaniard Rafa walks out to claim his territory, his exhibition match. As two men are declared they walk though a tunnel of dramatic smoke shooters and purple haze. Melbourne has decided to put on a proper party. The ladies have wine and daiquiris and the men also, this is a fruity, cheery audience. The gentlemen banter, they are here to make the crowd happy, excite them for what is to come this Australian Open. Alas though, Rafa makes short sets against Omar, winning 4-1.

A man we have not seen in a very long time on this stage, Davis Cup hero, Mark Philippoussis takes to the stage, fog machine in toe. The crowd wasn’t expecting this, we didn’t expect to see him, but he has aged like a fine wine. The ladies in the audience seemed delighted that this ‘milk shake’ (the event itself) has brought all the boys to the yard. However, it is a quick match against Rafa and Philippoussis, as with Omar, is taken down 4-1 also.

This exhibition isn’t about winning though, the DJ has the crowd in a fine mood, the latest beats are pumping between pauses in the tennis, the Mexican wave is truly in continual steed and this tennis is a display of repartee more than rigor. Rafael introduces one of his best friends, after hugging Mark. Fernando Verdasco lights up the court with his tall frame and striking way in which he carries himself. Rafa hugs Fernando and you can see, their relationship is a close one. They play, and at times Rafa cannot even serve without stopping to burst into complete and utter cachinnation.

The crowd is rowdy, but this is ok, also. This is not the kind of charity match with the intention of a stiff upper lip. It’s fun, its bold. Rafa has dressed for the setting; he’s boldly wearing electric Florissant pink and white shorts with a hot pink glitter strip down each side. Verdasco is in grey, however, Rafa seems to have thrown sensibility to the wind, as this is ultimately a charity match.

Between sets, the gentlemen sit on fuchsia pink thrones, a huge difference from the professional seating they sit between sets at the major Grand Slams. They are content with the audaciousness of the styling this event has paraded in front of the Melbournian audience. As a tennis fanatic, I can earnestly say, it was one of the most enjoyable matches I have witnessed. Without a doubt, I love the intense competitiveness that Grand Slams bring, having been an annual member and tennis enthusiasts of the Australia Open and the Kooyong Classic. This match however, showed the two Spaniards as lovable, jovial and charismatic as well as being highly both respected for their sportsmanship.

At the end though, this was Rafa’s match, and ‘Uncle Tony’ gave him some sharp looks at points, as to say “Now Rafa, you’ve had your fun, its about time you showed them all that you can win this” and that he did. It didn’t take Nadal long, in fact it was only 117 minutes on the court to ‘take out’ good friend Fernando 2-4 4-3 4-3 3-4 4-2.

Enthusiastic for the next two weeks at The Australian Open, with my incredible photographer standing by to snap all that he can, we will bring you Grand Slam action in motion. This match, unlike the other minor tournaments that start the year’s tennis in Australia, have me pumped and after speaking to some close girlfriends who also joined the charity match, an epiphany has come to attention; The Australian Open is changing.

Bolder, Bigger and smarter than ever before, with the new and improved Margaret Court Arena, the stage is set to become a strong competitor against the ‘other’ hard-court US Open. Australian’s are great at creating a laid back feel, whilst delivery in all aspects. The Australian open is not just about tennis, it’s a fine-engineered contender for an improved draw card for tourism and more than anything it is a contender for a really great time. Happy forehands folks! May the race to ace begin!