Anne Keothavong blog: Welcome to Miami

 

Originally published on: 22/03/10 08:15

I’m in Miami now and it’s so humid here! There’s a big difference in playing conditions here compared to Indian Wells – which was very dry – and I’m constantly wiping my hands and face with a towel when I’m on court because I’m sweating so much. Not nice.

After some time practicing in Indian Wells, I needed a change of scenery so I spent a few days at the Evert Academy in Boca Raton, Florida. It was good to change up the environment as you don’t want to get too stale in one place. I hadn’t been to the academy before but John Evert (tennis coach and Chris’ younger brother) was really helpful and I got some good training in there with some other players. Chris Evert was around and was hitting with some of the players – I was pretty impressed, she’s in great shape and still hits the ball as flat as a pancake. My dad is a huge Chris Evert fan and she is one of the reasons for him introducing me to tennis. I told her this, and she said ‘thank God’ it was my dad and not my granddad!

I really like the tournament venue here in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open; Crandon Park is always quite lively and the atmosphere is good.  The tournament hotel is also very nice and boasts the longest swimming pool in Florida (which I think is around 70 meters).  I’m not the strongest swimmer so getting from one end of the pool to the other was a tough task for me. I hate swimming, but its good recovery training for your body and my trainer and physio always like me to get in where I can. It usually takes a lot of persuading though, and a text went straight out to them after my session to let them know I had been in there out of my own good will and that I didn’t drown!

The Miami draw is not out yet, but I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening on twitter so you can follow me on that to stay updated.

Anne x

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