New Haven Independent

Those who watched Ramirez Hidalgo play Blake Tuesday got an early glimpse of his skills: In a moment of frustration during the first set, the Spaniard booted a tennis ball all the way across the court, landing perfectly within grasp of a ballboy’s outstretched hand.

After a couple of warm-up kicks with Spanish player Fernando Verdasco’s coach (at left) and a passing Independent reporter, Ramirez Hidalgo (at right) was joined by a full field of coaches, players, and tournament workers for a hard-played 5-on-5 soccer match behind some trailers in a parking lot.

Ramirez Hidalgo and Alberto Martin played shirts. David Ferrer and Augustin Calleri’s coach played skins. With sports bags and cones for goals, they set up for a friendly game. World No. 13-ranked Ferrer (pictured) wound up for a goal. He barely missed, hitting the outside post.

ATP Tour Manager Fabrizio Martinez (pictured at left) had his mother hold his walkie talkie while he jumped into the game. She watched the former tennis player from the endline. “I don’t see him very often because he’s traveling the world,” she said. Handfuls of spectators looked on from a stadium balcony while players ran around below.

Belgian tennis star Justine Henin-Hardenne (pictured at left), fresh off the court after beating Italian Mara Santangelo 6-2, 6-3, stopped by the field. After playing her first two matches following a month-and-a-half break, she said she felt “a bit sore everywhere.” She watched the game from the endline with her coach, Carlos Rodriguez (at right).

“Number five, he’s good!” remarked Rodriguez, watching Ramirez Hidalgo play. The Blake-beater took the spotlight several times with mid-air kicks and fast breaks to the goal. His team was up 5-4 when this reporter left the field. What was next for the two-sport pro? Dinner, then a flight back to Spain.