ROME – “What I saw today on the Centrale of the Foro Italico is something extraordinary and unique. Never before had a tennis player interrupted his training, because a large group of children and teenagers began to cheer on their idol. They made an attempt, inviting him to the sidelines to sign their autographs, so as not to be left with the regret of not having tried” is what coach Carmelo Arasi of Brolo coach and Fitp Messina trustee who accompanied them says.
From yesterday until May 19th the Capital will become the scene of one of the most important tennis tournaments in the world. The big names will start playing from the weekend but with a bit of luck you might be able to watch their training on the main pitches where a large crowd of spectators still gathers. This is what happened yesterday afternoon on the Centrale where world number one Novak Djokovic was for his practice session.
At a certain point, however, the Serbian champion, always very joking, sociable and easy-going, when something important is not being played on the pitch, saw movements in the stands. There were some spectators who called him because they were leaving, the kids from the tennis schools of Brolo and Rocca di Capri Leone, who had to return to Sicily by bus. At that point the Serbian champion stopped to give himself to the fans as is usually done only at the end of training: autographs, photos, smiles, jokes and everything else with the little fans present.
