Kiwis on Tour: May 2011

The Long Road Ahead

"To achieve their sporting goals New Zealand's top young tennis players must follow the domestic and international circuit around the globe. The cost of attending these events presents a barrier in achieving their potential, and there are very few avenues of support funding available to help them in these emerging years. Tennis players develop at different rates and much can be gained by battling away on the Futures and Challenger tours. This process takes time and it is important for New Zealand's young players not to be discouraged if success is not immediate. For that reason, on their behalf, we ask your help." - David Frank (Tennis Northern CEO)

Thursday 19 May 2011

Update from Anton .. 19 May 2011

After training on the clay courts at the academy in Holland it was time to head to Edinburgh. The accommodation was at the local university and quite a way from the tournament courts. I decided to move to a hotel that was closer and I was able to walk. Luckily I had a bye in the first round and won in the second round. In the last round of quallies I found myself subdued to a shoulder injury and was forced to cease play, which is rather frustrating.
Fortunately my friend Miles Bugby opted to put me up in a place full of uni students in a town called Bath, they all had exams so Miles and I were left to do plenty of rehab work. Bath is 160 miles west of london and a good hour and a half on the train...

We were both entered into the next tournament in Newcastle but decided it would be in our best interests to wait until we were back 100% physically fit again, so we did a little sight seeing and tourist activities, taking some quick snapshots etc.
The next part of my journey led me to Wimbledon, London to stay with fellow kiwi Simon Gibbes who I traveled through Europe with in 2008/09. His family welcomed me with open arms and I had a very pleasant stay.

I ventured into London to do some touristy things which is a little out of character for me when traveling with the tennis bag. I got onto the London eye overseeing the whole of London. Such an experience for a mere 18 pounds.. though I regret not doing it in the night. If you are reading this and are going to London I would recommend you wait for a nice evening to go and do it!

Now, back to Holland after a bit of a rest! Keen and motivated to get back into routine, but physio went and cancelled that, so NO hitting until he gives the all clear. Still managing to go on some good runs and keep up with my fitness.

Regards
Anton