Day 2 began with the nemesis of all outdoor tournaments: Rain. It was only a ten minute down pour, but it was enough to delay the start of play by half an hour for the ITF U18 qualies while the NTRP matches still got started on time due to the set up crew who got right to work, drying the courts with leaf blowers and towels. The weather soon turned from rain to blazing sun and by 10:00am, you would never know rain had fallen!
Ready to go!
As the morning wore on and the sun got hotter, play seemed to intensify on the lower courts. For the U18 ITF players, every point matters and these talented young players showed maturity and resolve right to the last points. NTRP also featured some close matches on the upper courts. There were young families cheering on mom or dad, and congratulating or consoling the competitors as they came off the courts.
In the end, however, the thing that always appears to be secondary to the tennis, is the socializing. Players greeted old friends, schoolmates cheered on each other, and older players chatted round the tournament desk, catching up, and talking tennis.
Talking Tennis
The National Bank Stanley Park Open is the common thread, and more broadly, the game of tennis itself. There were lots of spectators today, some who were there to support specific players, but others had just come down to watch and enjoy. The tennis was great to watch, but it’s the atmosphere around the courts that makes this tournament so special. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting, with the sea sparkling in the background, the many different activities that go on around the park, and the many people that this unique tournament brings together to celebrate a commonality that can only be found through sport.
National Bank Staff Social
The day ended as the last NTRP matches finished up, dusk fell, and the herons settled down for the night. Day 3 will bring more ITF and NTRP!
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Stanley Bark Open
This little lady was enjoying a day in the park, watching the tennis and just hanging out! She took time out of her busy schedule to pose for a picture and show off her tricks! You can tell she’s listening.
Today’s Feature Photo
Keep your eye on the ball!
