So my sincere apologies in advance for most of today finds me complaining about my eye. Suncream has seeped in on a hot day and it’s very painful. Only at 2250 now is it starting to heal.

We again walked to the club this time via Meron for Breakfast where the four cheese sandwiches were rich and tasty but the coffee was rather poor. The day starts with two strong performances from Briana Szabo and Maria Sara Popa both winners in straight sets and deserving of their places in the main draw. Briana in particular impressed me most as it was a very consistent and clever performance. Yesterday she was a little up and down but today she was as solid as a rock. Very happy for her. If Maria and Briana can put in shifts like today in the Main Draw then can go deep as both have negotiatable paths.

Next was my charge for the week in her doubles debut with her Greek partner winning in just 43 minutes. Oana served very well and her net play was exquisite, it was clear to see why she has won so many doubles titles in her career. Was very proud of the Wolf, however the tougher tests await when she begins her singles tomorrow.

After a quick toilet break and to look at my red swallon eye in the mirror wallowing in self pity and pain, queerly enough the pain worsens in the sun and I can barely open my left eye but when the sun goes in, or I am in shade or indoors the pain is fleeting. I see Oana leaving the court and give her a high five then head to my final match of the day, more doubles, Stefi and Briana, a great team and both very talented and experienced doubles players. They won in straight sets with only a few bumps in the road, Stefi stood out in the quartet with good serving and impressive hands.

The day concludes with Starbucks and a pizza in the nearby Italian restaurant, then back to the Champions Sports Bar to watch Jacqueline Cristian make light work of Danielle Collins in the first round of the US Open.