It all started when Galina wore her favorite “Ellesse” dress. Russian people were as rude as calling it “spaghetti on a string” Canadian and American people loved it. But let’s start the story in the correct order….
Toronto is a great city. Being born in Moscow and living there for 18 years of my life. I love the energy and movement of a big city! Toronto is one of them.
When we were not at the courts we would go out to many different restaurants Toronto has to offer. I especially love Korean Grill House on Yonge St. You can cook the food, that is brought to the table yourself. And for those who love their “Starbucks” coffee in the morning. Don’t you worry, there are plenty of “Starbucks” on every corner.
We arrived in Toronto way before the qualifying start. Not even knowing if Galina was going to get in or not. But it was faith that orchestrated the whole week for us. First, Galina was the last one to get in the qualifying draw. Than she passed the qualifying, beating two tough opponents. When the main draw came out, Galina had the toughest draw there was. First Bartoli, than Penetta, Sharapova, Azarenka and if she would’ve won that, Serena Williams was waiting in the next round.
Every time Galina went on court to play that days opponent, I thought to myself:”Tough match. Hope she can do it” But my mental preparation with her was “Play to win!” There was never a time when I told her she couldn’t beat top players on the other side. And every time she went on court she was as tough as nails!
Even though Galina made noise with her on court wins against Bartoli, Penetta and Sharapova. It was her dress that was making a name on its own. People around the world started “like”, “don’t like” poll. Russian people has gotten meaner since the first comment. Saying that Galina made the dress herself before the match. Or “Ellesse” found another victim….The truth was. It was given to her by Nadia Petrova and was altered to fit Galina. This was the only dress Galina had with her for her singles matches. Every day after the match, she washed it by hands and let it dry on the door. Until the next day. When it was back on stadium court, making people talk about it!
At first we were a bit upset by all the mean comments. But than it became like a daily haunt, to find a new comment and laugh at it. Actually it gave Galina motivation to win. Don’t know why, but it did! So thank you everyone, who participated in the “dress” conversation, for your motivational comments!
After two weeks, our time in Toronto came to an end. It was a great city and we had great results at the tournament. Galina moved 48 spot up in rankings and became the second fastest mover after Serena Williams. Almost every day we were the first and last at the courts. There were many great interviews and lots of great food. See you in two years, Toronto! Next year Montreal is waiting for us!
photo: courtesy of Galina Voskoboeva