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Roland Garros 2012 - Week One
by MAC

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

This was my first visit to Roland Garros. Jen and janken had a rotten time of it last year when they had to deal with a hostile crowd so we thought that Rafa could do with plenty of support. We needn't have worried. The reception he got for his first match was awesome and in week one, at least, the crowd appeared to appreciate his tennis.

There are many matches on relatively few courts for the first few days so the players are restricted as to the amount of time they can practise on site. Consequently, when Rafa does appear, the crowds are huge.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

We'd been tipped off so got a good vantage point for his session on Tuesday.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

We also had a great view for his first match, against Simone Bolelli. It was a stress-free match with Rafa giving the crowd no opportunity to get behind the underdog. He won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

It is a truth universally acknowledged that every Spaniard in possession of a cracking forehand must be in want of a shirt change.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Loving the shoes.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

After a day off, he was back in the grounds for his Thursday practice.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Once again, it was packed to the gunnels and he had to find the time to sign a load of autographs.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

He was on Suzanne Lenglen for his second round match against Denis Istomin. We were really lucky to get tickets but appalled to see how many of the corporate seats were empty. Why do they bother? Roland Garros would benefit from introducing a system like Wimbledon has, where tickets can be handed in when you leave to let a real fan buy them for a song. (The profits go to charity.)

Despite a woeful first serve percentage at the start of the match, Rafa managed to come through in straight sets again, 6-2, 6-2, 6-0.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

This was my last day at RG, but I couldn't leave without another shirtless picture.

Rafa Nadal
©MadAliceCudlip for vamosbrigade.com

Luckily for us, bluebird and summer3 will be there for the rest of the tournament. They attended the practice/autograph session on Saturday.

Rafa Nadal
©bluebird for vamosbrigade.com

Rafa Nadal
©bluebird for vamosbrigade.com

They were also courtside when he beat Eduardo Schwank in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4, in the third round.

Rafa Nadal
©bluebird for vamosbrigade.com

For some unknown reason, bluebird was compelled to take pictures during the shirt change.

Rafa Nadal
©bluebird for vamosbrigade.com

So it was a good first week on a number of counts. The sun shone, Rafa only lost 17 games in total and there was a lot of support for him.

He will face Juan Monaco in the fourth round on Monday.

¡Buena Suerte, Rafa!