Spain Vacation Day 9 0f 40

Herman and I rode the subway out to the tennis venue so see a few matches of the Madrid Open tournament. The stadium was okay for viewing center court, but it was difficult to navigate, and the long lines for food and drink made navigation that much worse. Poor design. It made me appreciate our Indian Wells tournament where I volunteer every year.

 

First match up was the American team of Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula teaming up to play the team of Ruse and Kostyuk. Coco and Jessi won an ugly match where neither team played well. The second match featured hometown hero Carlos Alcaraz playing Borna Coric. This was a semi-final match but proved to be the matchup of the tournament. Very exciting shot making from both players who were knocking the stuffing out of the ball on each stroke of the racket. Carlos, to the glee of the Spanish crowd, won in straight sets.

After the match, we lucked out. We expected a mad rush to the subway and jammed packed trains. But it turned out to be Carlos Alcaraz’s birthday, and after the match the tournament presented him with a massive, three-layer b-day cake. All the Spanish fans stayed to watch the B-day presentation. That gave Herman and I time to sneak out and rush to the subway before the crowds arrived. 

We spent the late afternoon wandering the streets and ended up at the same pulporia where we scarfed down a seafood feast washed down with a bottle of a delightful Spanish vino blanco. 

 

To walk off dinner, we strolled around the main shopping area in the evening. I was amazed at the crowds.