ARTICLE
FanFest a feast for fans
by Luke Buttigieg
Friday, January 23, 2004
With thousands of visitors flocking to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, one of the most popular attractions in the carnival atmosphere - besides the tennis itself - is the 'FanFest' that gives fans a chance to catch up with their heroes.
Star players are regular visitors to FanFest to allow children, teens and adults alike the opportunity to pick up an autograph, take a photo or even ask their heroes a question, while there are also plenty of other interactive games on offer.
Fans who go for a wander between Rod Laver and Vodafone Arenas can measure the speed of their serve - comparing themselves to the likes of heavy-hitters Andy Roddick, Mark Philippoussis and Venus Williams - as well as working on the rest of their game.
But judging by the queues of people lining up at the Sharpie Autograph Island each day when the leading players file in, as far as the fans of all ages are concerned, you simply can't beat meeting the leading lights.
And the players are only too happy to take some time out from their busy practice and playing schedules to give a bit back to the game, which Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero and Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten agree is important.
"It's a pleasure to come back here after the Davis Cup and I like every year to play here because there is wonderful weather and also we are very fresh to play this first Grand Slam, and the people here are very nice, so we like of course to play here," French Open champion Ferrero said.
"It's very important to do these kind of things because people like this are very happy and there are a lot of people who want autographs. It's very important to concentrate on the match and focus on the tournament, but sometimes you have to also do these things, too, so the people will be happy."
Three-time Roland Garros champion Kuerten said: "I think it is very important, especially in my situation. I've been around for a few years on the tour, I have experience and also depth with the game, and it has given me so much things.
"I think even at the end of my career I will still be trying to give more and more to the game, and still it won't be enough for everything I have received in my tennis life, so I think it's nice that you have the chance to get to know people a little bit better.
"You also see a lot of kids, I think that's the main thing for us to see the interest of the kids to our sport, and that gets tennis to grow more and more and here in Australia it's a wonderful place, because you see the people following you around and living tennis day by day."
FanFest a feast for fans
by Luke Buttigieg
Friday, January 23, 2004
With thousands of visitors flocking to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, one of the most popular attractions in the carnival atmosphere - besides the tennis itself - is the 'FanFest' that gives fans a chance to catch up with their heroes.
Star players are regular visitors to FanFest to allow children, teens and adults alike the opportunity to pick up an autograph, take a photo or even ask their heroes a question, while there are also plenty of other interactive games on offer.
Fans who go for a wander between Rod Laver and Vodafone Arenas can measure the speed of their serve - comparing themselves to the likes of heavy-hitters Andy Roddick, Mark Philippoussis and Venus Williams - as well as working on the rest of their game.
But judging by the queues of people lining up at the Sharpie Autograph Island each day when the leading players file in, as far as the fans of all ages are concerned, you simply can't beat meeting the leading lights.
And the players are only too happy to take some time out from their busy practice and playing schedules to give a bit back to the game, which Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero and Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten agree is important.
"It's a pleasure to come back here after the Davis Cup and I like every year to play here because there is wonderful weather and also we are very fresh to play this first Grand Slam, and the people here are very nice, so we like of course to play here," French Open champion Ferrero said.
"It's very important to do these kind of things because people like this are very happy and there are a lot of people who want autographs. It's very important to concentrate on the match and focus on the tournament, but sometimes you have to also do these things, too, so the people will be happy."
Three-time Roland Garros champion Kuerten said: "I think it is very important, especially in my situation. I've been around for a few years on the tour, I have experience and also depth with the game, and it has given me so much things.
"I think even at the end of my career I will still be trying to give more and more to the game, and still it won't be enough for everything I have received in my tennis life, so I think it's nice that you have the chance to get to know people a little bit better.
"You also see a lot of kids, I think that's the main thing for us to see the interest of the kids to our sport, and that gets tennis to grow more and more and here in Australia it's a wonderful place, because you see the people following you around and living tennis day by day."
