Your Call, 12.4

Hi all. In a short while I'll be heading out to visit the Royal Albert Hall. I hope to be there for the rest of the week, to take in the remainder of the BlackRock Masters. It's a tournament that I've attended regularly over the years, and this will be my second year representing TW there.

Last year's BlackRock Masters was my first experience of being accredited at any tournament; I can still remember how nervous I was the first time I walked out onto the court toting three large cameras and a monopod. With nowhere to hide, what if I dropped one of them, or tripped over? The Albert Hall is the only venue I've been in where the photographers literally sit on the courtside surface, without any form of seating - it feels pretty exposed out there. As it turned out, I blended in well enough, and some of the pro photographers there were kind enough to give me their advice on technique.

I'll be back in the same spot with a slightly different camera setup this time around - I've had a lot of practice since last year, and have made some changes to the kit to improve my indoor photography (using that 135MM F2.0 lens in Madrid and Paris was a lot of fun). I'll post some of my efforts for you here in TW.

Although I wasn't there in person yesterday, I managed to see the match between Pete Sampras and John McEnroe on TV - both men were playing very well. From talking to some of the players last year, it's clear that they train well beforehand; other players said that McEnroe keeps himself in good shape by any standards. Despite the talk that has come up in earlier years about his possible retirement, it's pretty clear that Mac still wants to be a winner.

Viewers in the UK can see some of the tennis live via ITV4; there is also an official livestream of the event to be found on this link.

As ever, enjoy today's tennis. I'll report back tomorrow.

-- Rosangel Valenti