Which players are the most obliging to autograph seekers? "Ohhhhh, Rafa," they fawned. Both kids were clearly very enamored of the world No. 1, and when Alexis spoke about him with near reverence, the look in her eye suggested she might even have a tiny crush on the Mallorcan Maestro. The other prolific signer mentioned was Nadia Petrova. Incidentally, I watched Bob and/or Mike Bryan exhaust an entire gathering of autograph seekers on no less than four occasions today. I've also heard good things about Melanie Oudin, Victoria Azarenka, and Sam Querrey.
Benjamin and Alexis are not too proud to take the easy pickings, like the Ana Ivanovic signing at Tennis Warehouse booth today (c'mon, guys, that's two plugs!), but I sense that they prefer the hunt. It makes the bounty that much more valuable. Who is the hardest autograph to get? Turns out it is Novak Djokovic. Alexis and Benjamin told me they once waited an hour and a half for Nole to finish practice, but when he did he was being rushed to another commitment and had no time to sign. They seemed to take it all in stride though. As long as he's still in the draw, there's always hope.
The kids assured me that the very best place to collect is on the walkway from the practice courts to the players’ lounge. It's about a 20 foot stretch the players have to navigate, with tennis balls, shirts, hats, and random body parts being thrust in their faces (I should note that Benjamin and Alexis were always very respectful of the players, and I think that's part of the reason for their wild success). Some players try to run the gauntlet, signing only when someone gets right in their way. Most accept the crowd; signing a few, taking a few steps, signing some more. There are some oddball autograph seekers too, like middle aged men asking for autographs even from coaches, and then awkwardly asking them whom they coach.
I asked if the kids had any insider secrets about staking out the players. Apparently, there is a little break somewhere along the practice area fence, where some players try to sneak out and cross before they're noticed. But Benjamin and Alexis are ready for them. "We always keep an eye on that spot," Benjamin says, with a sly smile that indicates, "I've seen it all."
Before our interview is over, I try one last time to get some secret hotspots around the grounds, to avoid the bigger crowds. They pause for a minute and glance at each other before answering, "No, this is the best spot."
I'm pretty sure they're holding out on me. Good luck with Nole, guys!
Postscript: As I left Benjamin and Alexis, I looked back over my shoulder and realized that a cameraman had swooped in right after me and was now interviewing them for a spot on television. Give them a few years, and it might be Rafa asking for THEIR autographs. Hey, kids, remember me when you’re famous!
