I was there… Wimbledon: Part 5

Our last installment of ‘I was there…at Wimbledon!’“Well, I wasn’t really “at” Wimbledon…but I have been sitting on the edge of my couch every time Andy was out there playing. I would even set my alarm clock for 6:50 a.m., just so I would be up and ready to begin the day watching whoever was playing at the time. And as soon as Andy stepped out onto the court, I couldn’t help but start screaming I was so excited. And when he would win his match, I’d start clapping and yelling…and my sister just looks at me like she can’t figure out why the heck I am yelling. I guess I get so into the game of tennis, like a bunch of college football fans get into a game of football…

I also play tennis, have been for 4 years now, and Andy is my idol.. I admire him so much. (but I guess any 16 year old girl would…right?) But really, I have always wanted to go see him play live…either at the US Open or Wimbledon..and if I ever got a chance like that…I’d say YES in a heartbeat! Thanks Andy, you have really inspired me on my game, and Good Luck at the US Open. I’ll be cheering you on!” – Kaelynn Russell

“I was lucky enough to be down at Wimbledon on Monday and Tuesday of the second week It was a tough journey down from Glasgow after the incident at the airport – but it was well worth the long train journey down

Andy was due to play on last on Center Court on the Monday – but as usual – the weather played havoc with the schedule! So clinging on to hope that Andy would get on I went to resale tickets at 4 o’clock and was lucky enough to get two tickets in brilliant seats! So me and my friend get on to court and were lucky enough to see the climax of the brilliant match between Daniela Hantuchova and Serena Williams. But it rained so much that Andy didnt get on much to our annoyance the referee’s tanoid called at 8pm to say it was too dark and there were further showers on the way. But we werent too disappointed as we knew we were likely to see Andy tomorrow.

On the Tuesday we didnt arrive at Wimbledon until around 9am – which was pretty late for the non-ticket holders! But we were so lucky when we got there that were show court tickets avaliable and I knew we just HAD to have them! So we bought them and we seen Amelie Mauresmo lose a terrific match to Nicole Vaidisova. Then Andy! Thank goodness –

The first set went quickly but then the heavens opened up! and as if that wasnt bad enough thunder and lighting began! It was so so scary but then just hilarious! I couldnt believe that in the middle of the British Summer I was looking out onto a thunder storm! I think that will be something I remember forever – thank goodness we went to champagne!

But unfortuneatly we didnt get to see the conclusion of the match – because the rain interuppted it further and so it didnt finish until the Wednesday.

It was amazing – and Im sure I wont be able to say I was stuck in the midst of a Thunder storm at Wimbledon on a July evening while watching Andy too many times more! And for once I wasnt too cross that my hair and makeup was a little ruined – because next year they’ll have the roof over CC.” – Kaye

“This year at Wimbledon I was desperate to see Andy Roddick play and myself and my sister queued in the rain for what seemed endless hours. Although we were unlucky in that we did not see Andy play any tennis on Centre Court, we managed to watch him practicing with Jimmy, John and Doug. We must have been some of the only people at the practice courts and were exicted to be standing only just behind Andy. We were more excited when he kept smiling at us and showing off. He was kind enough to sign both our programmes despite having to run off for his match and I managed to make my sister see what a good player and cool guy Andy is, despite her being a Nadal supporter. Can’t wait for next year – Andy to win Wimbledon!” – Rachel Norman

Thanks to everyone who wrote in. We loved reading all your stories. Don’t forget, after Indianapolis you can send us your ‘I was there’ stories from Andy’s first stop on the US Open Series! The email is: iwasthere@andyroddick.com