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Again, this is going to take awhile to post all the pics.

Since the Open maindraw is getting closer, there are more top players practicing at the National Tennis Center. I was able to catch some of them which was awesome. As I have said before, if you want a full size picture emailed to you, just let me know.

It wasn't as sunny today, so the weather was much more pleasant. I arrived at the tennis center at around noon. I couldn't believe it - Jankovic was walking off the court and Ashley was not far behind. The latter was especially surprising. Day ended with some gritty battles. Match of the day was Wheeler and Barna. Match took forever and Wheeler was cramping badly. Amazingly, she pulled out the third set. Wheeler served for the match at 5-3 in the third and was broken. Then she broke back to win. Both players gave their all and were grunting loudly.

My next trip to the Open will be on Tuesday. Too bad I won't be there for the roving circus that will be Kornikova. Maybe she stay around for the second week and I will get to see her.

[Harju.]

I've been waiting for this

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As I mentioned, these two were literally walking off the court when I arrived. See picture.

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After the Jankovic match, I ran over to see Strycova. She had just won the first set. I took some pictures, and then went over to watch Groenefeld and Ashley.

I am a bit surprised that Strycova has done so well. She is small and pudgy and I didn't think she would make an easy transition to the pros. But she appears to be doing well.

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I only saw a couple of points of this match. Entire match couldn't have lasted much more than an hour. I am surprised at how easily Ashley won. Groenefeld will get better over time as she gets stronger.

One of the pics of Ashley was taken after the match when she was with her entourage.

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When I arrived at this match, Baker had lost the first set. Baker did everything she could against Sequera. She mixed up her shots. She charged the net. Nothing worked consistently. Sequera is small, but she is quick with enough power to hit winners. Baker, although she is in good shape, is still a little slow when she has to change directions. I think her quickness will improve as she grows into her body.

In the match, there were many points that Baker would seemingly be in control. However, Baker has a long windup which gave Sequera a chance to recover. Then Sequera would hit a winner to end the point.

The crowd was large for this match. I think Baker's good looks was the draw.

Baker, gracious as usual, signed autographs after the match. See picture. Kids were all over her.

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I had never heard of Lastra. Someone today told me she played college tennis at Stanford. She is small and quick. I would compare her to Sequera. Kleinova seemed quite frustrated and could do no right today. In the second set, she completely missed one overhead. It was horrible. Lastra pretty much chased down everything hit at her.

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I don't know anything about Liggan, so I was surprised by the score since I know Birnerova had an excellent junior career. Didn't watch the match. But I will say I was not impressed with Birnerova's performance against Avants two days ago.

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pics

[ozfan44]

tomorrow can you please get some more pics of wheeler for us aussies
thanks heaps your pics are great

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pics

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I do not plan on going tomorrow. There is just that one picture of Wheeler from the first day.

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pics

[the jamierbelyea]

have u caught any action of the chinese trio (tian tian sun, jie zheng, zi yan) ? any ideas on how good they are?

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Llagostera Vives is a little sparkplug. How does she compare to Sanchez Vicario?