By Ross Hudson - pictured left with a koala in Australia, in reference to his entry feature!
The Legends event - featuring Greg Rusedski, Martina Hingis, Mark Philippoussis and Conchita Martinez - was undoubtably the most mouth-watering attraction on day two of the Aegon International at Devonshire Park. However, there was also the continuation of the qualifying matches, with many world-class players battling to reach the main draw. And towards the end of the day, a Brit battled back from near-certain defeat to overcome a player ranked over 400 places higher.
But the day began with an easy win for Laura Robson - Wimbledon junior winner in 2008, now aged 18 - on Centre Court. Mark Philippoussis and Greg Rusedski then faced each other in a singles match. It is striking how different these exhibition matches are in comparison with the openly-competitive nature of the main Tour. A lot of the time they seem to just be larking about and not really bothered whether they win the point or not. But their skills and fitness are exceptional, and they tend to suddenly play a more competitive shot when it really matters.
The only rain interruption of the day came during this match. Once again, there was something of an "April showers" feeling to the contrasting weather (although occasionally the cold wind made it feel more like February!). There was soon bright sunshine, but the small amount of rain called a halt to matches on all courts for around 30 - 45 minutes. When play resumed, former Wimbledon finalist Philippoussis beat the former British no. 1 (and 1997 US Open finalist) 8-6, in the one-set match.
After Australia's Matthew Ebden had beaten battling British hopeful Josh Goodall in a final set tie-breaker, the Legends returned to Centre Court. This time it was mixed doubles, with Rusedski teaming with Martina Hingis, winner of five Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon 1997, and Eastbourne doubles champion in 1999 (in partnership with Anna Kournikova); whilst Philippoussis was playing alongside Wimbledon 1994 champion - and 2003 Eastbourne runner-up - Conchita Martinez.
Both Hingis and Martinez were renowned for their amazing racket skills and variety of strokes at a time when women's tennis was becoming increasingly dominated by power. Martinez was often described as a magician, whilst commentator John Barrett hailed Hingis (in the early, pre-Federer days of her career) as the best, most versatile player he'd ever seen. Those skills were still very much in evidence this afternoon.
Rusedski and Philippoussis were particularly renowned for their huge serves. They each occasionally served, according to the indicator on the scoreboard, up to around 125mph today, but mainly focused on their other shots, rallying and, of course, joking around.
The one-set match finished with a lengthy tie-break, won 13-11 by Rusedski and Hingis - but not before Rusedski had swapped places with a ball girl and, egged on by Philippoussis, hit a looping ball so hard that it went straight over the stands and trees, and into Blackwater Road.
And the shock British win in qualifying? Brighton-based Jade Windley, world no. 543, pulled off a staggering win against world no. 77 Stephanie Foretz Gacon, recovering from a set and 5-1 down.
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