Twice in a week...

Last week was unusual.  I don't usually make it to North Greenwich, or more specifically, the 02 Arena, twice in 6 days. 

Rihanna's performance on Monday, when it finally began (she was due on stage at 9pm but did not in fact appear until 9.40pm despite an enthusiastic crowd whose attempts to entice her on earlier were impressive in their tireless creativity) was average.  I'd not seen her live before and am not sure I'd rush to book tickets for a future gig.  She was, I thought, rather half hearted about her performance which represents the halfway mark of her UK and Ireland tour. 

Sitting pretty:  in less than six years Rihanna has sold over 15 million albums and over 45 million singles
Her videos have generated over a billion views on youtube

The ATP World Tour by contrast did not disappoint.  In fact, I'd confess that it easily exceeded my expectations.  The 02 makes the perfect venue for indoor tennis.  The doubles contest was fantastically fought both sides of the net.  Ultimately, the pair that have become known as 'Polish power' demonstrated their entitlement beating Llodra and Zimonjic 6-4, 5-7, 11-9. 

'Polish Power':  Eighth seeds Fytstenberg & Matkowski gained victory beating second seeds Llodra (France) & Zimonjic (Serbia)

Rafael Nadal and Mardy Fish provided gripping entertainment as the end of the weekend approached.  Playing late into the night, the players held the crowd's undivided attention and inspired plentiful audience participation with articulations of support echoing around the Arena.  Captivated, I spent much of the match which lasted nearly 3 hours, on the edge of my seat, holding my breath with amazement and respect for the skill on show.  Their respective talent was challenged to the max, culminating in a hard fought tie break which concluded play at 11:29pm:  Nadal hung out at the baseline and kept Fish away from the net to beat him 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3). 

Late night victory:  Second seed and last year's finalist Nadal (Spain) defeated eighth seed Mardy Fish (USA). Nadal hit 18 winners and committed 27 unforced errors overall, compared to 35 winners and 50 errors for Fish.

For me, it was my second visit that was all about an art form.  It was quality entertainment, well worth the ticket price, the not inconsiderable journey and the consequent lack of sleep.