Year #6, Dubai ATP Tennis!

Well, you know you've been there for awhile when you don't get that excited about literally being a few feet away from tennis stars. I remember the first couple of years when we were the medical support for the tennis players, I was almost beside myself with anxiety and nervousness. Didn't know what to do, where to go, and ... just how to react. As the ATP has their own physios, but there are many players, they get outside help when they travel, so that is where we come into play. I have to say, this is the ONLY ONE time EVER that I allow myself to be called a massage therapist, lol. Because really, we are only doing massages. A few times we have done some actual physio work, but it is mostly massage. Does it annoy me? No way! Just cool to work alongside the players so closely AND be in the physio room when it is literally just you, the physio and say Roger Federer (no joke). I don't know if this year I was especially relaxed or the players were especially friendly, but had some nice chit chats with the players. So funny because WE are curious and interested in their lives as professional tennis players but they are super interested in our lives here in Dubai. Usually I keep fairly quiet when working with them, not so cool to have a person blabbing away when you are trying to relax, but they seemed quite interested in the life here.

                                     

Anyhoo, as I was a bit "meh" this year, I didn't bother to go to too many matches and also didn't take too many pictures. BUT have to admit got into a what I would call "stalker" mode to try and get Andy Murrey, the last of my collection. This year Novak didn't come, already have a snap with Federer, Brydch keeps alluding me, and... to be honest, as I don't follow tennis that much, don't even know who is up and coming anymore! Anyhoo, I am back into nazi training and it has been extremely early mornings, won't bore with details, and long story short, made an effort to stay up late the night of the semi-finals to get a snap with him as I knew the finals day is a bit risky (to be fair, we are there for professional purposes and although had 20394823094832094823 opps to take pics as he or a player is right there, we have to respect their privacy as well as their mood. I NEVER ask before a match. It is quite sensitive to when you can ask them and have before caught them before or after training, or milling around, hehe). Anyhoo, it was worth it! Finally got it!!!

As always, it is cool to be behind the scenes and also feel like you're famous because you see your colleagues on TV! Here is one of our docs, Dr. Ossama and our rehab nurse and a super good friend of mine, Donna. 

Not to mention the ATP physio we work with all week, below is Graham, helping out Czech player Rosol, whom I got to work on after he had to pull out (leg injury).

Some random snaps....

Me with Verdasco, he competed in the finals against Murrey.

And here's me stalking Murray, the physio room is right in front of the practice courts...

Fireworks at the finale! Murray one!

Me and Phyllis, Steve, and Rick - I met Phyllis and Steve my first year here, totally randomly, and we have kept in touch and every year (except last), we have a nice 'ol catch up when they come here from Dubai. Super awesome seeing and hanging out with them! 

Overall, a great experience and one that I will take with me to the grave, as they say. When I return home and reflect on my life in Dubai, this will be probably at the top. To have this experience of working so closely with the ATP and especially the top players, is too awesome for words. This year especially was funny as again I was so relaxed I wasn't as shy, and even chimed in on a conversation of Rolex's with Roger Federer and this UK player, he he. Okay, my contribution was insignificant, but the point being is that we get to see them... as they are! NOT their TV persona. For example, Roger is quite goofy and loud in person, Murray I wouldn't say is stuck up or drab, he's just serious and actually a VERY nice guy! Quite humble and takes the sport seriously. Novak, although am rusty as he pulled out early last year and didn't come this year, is goofy yet also serious. It's always nice to hear about their lives, the sacrifices they make with wives and children and also am humbled that (for the most part) they seem like honest and loyal men, even though they are super stars in their own right (or whoever follows tennis). 

Who knows if there will be a next year, but for now, am thriving in this one!!!

Thanks ATP Dubai and DBAJ for this experience!!!!!!!!