Even before Monica's surprise arrival, the Riviera Country Club was hopping! The courts were filled with pros, celebs and ams playing doubles mini-matches.
The best match of the morning was Donna Mills/Murphy Jensen against Scott Foley and his playing partner. (See previous post for details on Scott's game.) Donna Mills (of Knots Landing) is a fierce player and rocked the courts in a fantastic ensemble...Jamie Sadock, perhaps?? She looked fantastic and held 
her own with the boys.
Melissa Rivers wasn't officially on the bill, but played all morning. She obviously spends a lot of time on the courts and seemed to be having a great time.
The kids-clinic between the morning and afternoon matches was extremely well-attended and very organized. Children from all over LA filled the courts for coaching and hitting practice with some of the game's best. I was so jealous!! (-:
One of my favorite moments of the day happened right before the afternoon 
matches. Gavin Rossdale walked onto center court carrying his 19-month old son Kingston. If there are any two happier parents than Gavin and Gwen Stefani, I haven't seen them -- those two just beam every time they're with their little guy! Murphy (who has a child with Robin Givens) was obviously thrilled to see them, as was his brother Luke. Although we didn't get 
to see Gavin in shorts (sigh), it was great for him to come out and support the event. Here's pictured here with Jennifer Capriati (thanks to Brener Zwikel for this photo and the one below.) Extra kudos to Gavin for promoting Gwen's Harajuku Lovers clothing/accessories line--he truly is the ultimate husband and father!! (Click here to see some of his thoughts on kids, marriage...and tennis! His interview with Extra! is schedule to air tonight, December 10.)
Another hunky supporter appeared during the Monica/Chad Lowe match. As the wind whipped my head to one side, I caught a pair of the bluest eyes ever. On second glance, I realized that it was Rob Lowe...what a cool guy to come down and cheer on his bro.
Thanks to Bank of the West, all of the friendly volunteers and everyone else involved in making this a fantastic event. For much less than the cost of a Spice Girls concert ticket, you'll have an incredibly unique experience and support three very worthy causes -- Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for Down Syndrome, National Down Syndrome Society and the Riviera Foundation (supporting tennis activities for disadvantaged LA youth).
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