First TTM Autograph Success: Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki

Checking the mail today did not suck. My mailbox only had one envelope in it... a letter processed through Dallas, TX.

I knew it was the Dirk Nowitzki card I sent out last month as my first TTM (through the mail) autograph attempt.  It really was a quick turn around...I sent the card out on 1/10/11 and received it back on 2/19/11. The signature looks great and Nowitzki included his number.

2011 SAP Open Tennis Matches & Autographs

Took a road trip yesterday to San Jose to catch the day session of the SAP Open's 2nd round at the HP Pavilion. I was ready to watch two or three matches, but the day session ended up being five. Ten hours later, we watched all five matches, had some overpriced food and got a few autographs. We had court side seats at the service line, so it was a lot of head-turning and it was easy to go over to the tunnel to ask for autographs.

The schedule was great and included matches featuring Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, Lleyton Hewitt of Australia, Kei Nishikori (top ranked in Japan), and Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina. I got autographs from Denis Istomin, Juan Martin del Potro and Tim Smyczek. The losing players typically didn't stop to sign, and of the winners, only Lleyton Hewitt turned me down.

HP Pavilion, San Jose, California

 SAP Open Lobby

 Denis Istomin, Uzbekistan, #49 ATP

 Juan Martin Del Potro, Argentina, #484 (former #4)

 Ball signed by Denis Istomin

 SAP Open program signed by Juan Martin del Potro