Acapulco: Tennis Day 3

This morning we went to a supermarket nearby for breakfast.  Not exactly my idea of breakfast while away on vacation, but in retrospect, it worked out alright.  We bought some fruits, juices, yogurt, baguettes, and cold cuts, and parked ourselves at a coffee shop attached to the supermarket.  Of course, we got ourselves caffeinated too with café cortados, cappuccinos, and espressos.  It worked out just fine.  In fact, we've decided to do the same thing again tomorrow morning.

There were 3 highlights today, all of them tennis-related.

So, highlight #1: Genie Bouchard - Lara Arruabarrena (6/2, 6/4).

Genie started strong today, but struggled to close the deal towards the end, letting her opponent back into the match, and in fact, almost allowing her to extend the match to 3 sets.  Fortunately though, Genie closed the match and is now in the quarter finals.

When she's on her game, Genie's a pleasure to watch.  Ruth, Marty and I were full-on members of Genie's Army today, shouting and cheering her on.  We even made 2 posters which we proudly waved throughout the match.

Highlight #2: Andy Murray - Joao Sousa (6/3, 6/4).

Yesterday, Andy started off slow, losing the first set, before coming on strong and closing the match at 1 and 2.  Today the same thing happened, although he didn't let his opponent win the first set before kicking into high gear.

Again, watching the speed and agility with which these monsters move around the court, and the power and precision with which they hit the ball, leaves many of us in the crowd with our jaws open and eyes bewildered.  Simply awe-inspiring.

Below's a picture that Marty took during the Murray - Sousa game.  I'm obviously enjoying myself...

Highlight #3: the perfect way to close out our time at the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis was with a few more rum and cokes over conversation.  We returned to the outdoor tents and reminisced about the many sights we've taken in over the past few days here at the tennis tournament.  Talent, desire, adversity, and perseverance have all been on display, and we've learned much about not only sport, but about life.

While enjoying our conversation, we noticed that the table behind ours was attracting a lot of attention, and even though we didn't immediately recognize who was sitting behind us, we eventually put two-and-two together and figured out that it was Joao Sousa and his coach.  Over the span of an hour, a good dozen groups - mostly women - came around, congratulated him on a game well-played, and asked if they could have a picture taken with him.   He - gracious without exception - agreed, smiled, and was friendly with everyone that came around.  He's ranked #44 in the world; I now have a bit more insight into what it means to be a professional athlete.  He had very little privacy.

Tomorrow: to the old part of Acapulco, to enjoy a day of luxury.