Российская красавица привлекает болельщиков к теннисному центру
Выложил статью Rikki-Lee Arnold
Russian beauty Maria Sharapova lures fans to tennis centre
by: Rikki-Lee Arnold
From: The Courier-Mail
December 31, 2012 12:00AM
Сотни болельщиков наблюдали тренировку Марии.
Hundreds of fans watch Maria Sharapova train ahead of her Brisbane International Tennis Tournament matches. Picture: Jono Searle Source: The Courier-Mail
SCREAM queen Maria Sharapova has finally hit the courts at the Brisbane International and she has brought a throng of fans with her.
As day one of the tournament kicked off yesterday with top gun Serena Williams on centre court, Russian glamour Sharapova had people swarming to the outside courts to watch her train.
Raka Smith, Aaron Brown and Alex White, all 16, were among those staking out court seven to see the world No.2, who is yet to play in Brisbane after pulling out last year with an ankle injury.
Mr Smith said he and his mates had splashed out on tickets for Pat Rafter Arena to see the stars.
"It's definitely worth the money to see players like Sharapova," he said.
"She's a very talented player and is definitely one of my favourites. She's quite good looking too."
Mr Smith said he was impressed with the line-up this year and hoped to catch Lleyton Hewitt and Williams in action.
Tatum Kelk at Brisbane International tennis tournament
Tatum Kelk, 5, had heaps of fun on the kids' tennis courts on the first day of the Brisbane International tournament at Tennyson. Picture: Jono Searle
Youngster Tatum Kelk was one who was lucky enough to see Williams defeat Varvara Lepchenko yesterday, but not before she smashed her dad on the kids' courts.
Tatum's dad Jon said his five-year-old daughter was just learning about tennis but had already managed to pull off some big hits.
"She's a bit young but we're testing the waters to see what she likes," he said.
"We've had fun though ... it's a great family day out."
More than 7500 people joined in the first day of the tournament, compared to 6363 on day one last year.
Tonight, Australian Sam Stosur will take to centre court followed by fellow Queenslander Ben Mitchell, who will play crowd favourite Marcos Baghdatis.
