Sharapova's ideal boyfriend

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Originally uploaded by princess robyn.

With the denials of a romance with Roddick flying, Maria Sharapova got to talk abotu what she looks for in a guy.

Asked last week what characteristics she looked for in a boyfriend, Sharapova said, "My case is a little different because I am a professional athlete and I travel around the world 10 months of the year.

"So probably someone who understands the business that I'm in and respects it. But also someone that has a good sense of humour and, yeah, I'm not too picky." Ninemsn.com

Adweek summary of Sharapova / Nike 'I Feel Pretty' ad

So is this ad grating on your nerves yet? Funny? Stupid? Here's Adweek's comments...

Released just in time for Sharapova's highly anticipated matches at the U.S. Open, the spot is as irresistible as "I Feel Pretty,'' the song from West Side Story featured in it. (The "pretty, witty and gay" line seems to be omitted, however.)

It's an entertaining and memorable spot, but as peppy as the song is, the device used for presenting it—different people coming into the frame to sing each successive line of the song—is tired, tired, tired. There are at least two other spots on the air now doing the same thing. But it's Nike, so the timing and the cuts are flawless.

And to be fair, there is an extra twist—the genius of the spot is the way it plays off the "pretty" lyrics. Sharapova is currently ranked No. 4 in the world, and with her recent victory at the Acura Tennis Classic, she's just won her 12th career title. Yet at the same time, there's no denying that she has become the highest paid female athlete in the world, with the lion's share of the money coming from endorsement deals because of her supermodel bod and Gwyneth Paltrowy good looks. (She just signed a lifetime deal, reportedly in the $20 million range, with Prince, and she also endorses Tag Heuer, Motorola, Parlux, Sega and Land Rover, to name a few, in addition to Nike.) Adweek

Photo: Maria Sharapova's US Open dress

Photo credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images
Source: Fox News

Photo: Bethanie Mattek's US Open outfit

I think this beats anything Serena Williams has designed. I personally liked Mattek's Wimbledon outfit, not so sure about this one. I'll need another photo angle.

Photo credit: Al Bello/Getty Images
Source: Fox News

Roddick and Sharapova deny romance

Wow, so now they are denying they are together, even though they reportedly vacationed together! Why deny this now, when the past few weeks have been "no comment"? Why not deny it then?

Maria Sharapova walked purposefully onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium court in an elegant black Audrey Hepburn cocktail dress adorned with shiny crystal beads. Where was the party?

Andy Roddick wore a black collared shirt when he followed her onto the showcase court a little more than an hour later.

They say that after a while, couples tend to look alike. But Sharapova and Roddick would first have to consider themselves a couple. They denied that they were any more than friends who happen to travel in the same tennis circles.

But last night they were in the same place at the same time, playing very much alike — that is to say, fiercely and efficiently, blistering a combined 31 aces past their flat-footed opponents.

In her first-round match at the United States Open — moved from Tuesday night because of rain — the third-seeded Sharapova dispatched 17-year-old Michaella Krajicek, 6-3, 6-0, in 59 minutes. In his second-round match, the ninth-seeded Roddick eliminated Kristian Pless, a qualifier from Denmark, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-3, in 91 minutes.

Perhaps they had somewhere better to be. It was, after all, Roddick’s 24th birthday.

“Is it his birthday?” Sharapova said after her match. “I had no idea.”

She left the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center before Roddick’s match ended, but not before responding to a direct question about whether she and Roddick were dating.

“You know what, I really don’t talk about my personal life,” she said. “When two tennis players know each other and are friends, and are known around the world, people are going to talk. That’s exactly what’s happening.”

Rodapova is far harder to photograph than, say, Brangelina. If they are not the It couple of tennis, then they are certainly the most intriguing “just friends” pair. They have reportedly been sighted in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and at the W Hotel in Midtown before the Open.

“We are not dating,” Roddick said. “I’ve said it a million times already, but you guys refuse to write it. We’re friendly. We’re in the same places. I think she’s a great girl. We’ll talk. You know, that’s about it.”

Their denials aside, there was a palpable buzz in the stadium last night. That is because their games are surging at the same time.

Although they have only one major championship each to go with their endorsements, they have won this summer, Roddick in Cincinnati and Sharapova in Los Angeles. NY Times

French Open photos updated - now player searchable!

Now you can search my French Open photos a bit more easily - since there are a few hundred, all you have to do now is visit this page and use the search box in the upper right hand corner. Search for a player's last name and if I have identified them, you will see all the French Open photos I have of that player. There are a few players I could not identify, but I'll work on cleaning that up. Some that are there include Hantuchova, Clijsters, Matthieu, Nadal, Sharapova and Safina.

Also, if you have a yahoo account, you can log into flickr and comment on photos, mark favorites, complain about my crappy editing or lack of editing, etc. I'll soon do the same thing to my Indian Wells and NASDAQ sets.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robynw/

Celebrities pick their US Open favorites

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Originally uploaded by princess robyn.

I hesitate to call some of these people celebrities, but I'll be generous. As indicated in nearly every tennis article and blog post for the past few weeks, Agassi is just the big crowd favorite.

Andre Agassi has plenty of fans among Hollywood celebs and New York City's power brokers but, according to many members of the jet set making their way to the renaming of the USTA Tennis Center last night, the U.S Open belongs to Roger Federer.

"He is one of the greatest tennis players ever," said New York City dealmaker and "Apprentice" star Donald Trump, who was with his wife, Melania Knauss. "I'm a good friend of Pete Sampras," he added, referring to the former No. 1 tennis player. "And even he said that."

Anna Wintour, the diminutive editor of Vogue magazine, agreed. Wintour, sporting her trademark bob and dark glasses, shouted out Federer's name as her favorite and then implied no others were worthy of consideration by giving a dismissive flick of her hand. The comments came as members of the exclusive group headed into the tennis center, which was renamed for Billie Jean King, who spearheaded the women's movement in the game. King would not name her favorite - "You shouldn't ask me that," she chided - and later remarked that she was "humble and grateful" about the tribute. Agassi fans, however, were almost as prominent as Federer admirers. Crooner Tony Bennett said Agassi was his favorite because "he started a school for children."

"He has contributed a lot to New York City," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg with gal pal - and state banking superintendent - Diana Taylor. "I hope to see him at future U.S. Opens, whether he's on or off the court."

Former Mayor David Dinkins said he was a fan of James Blake, and Serena and Venus Williams. "They learned on the streets of Compton," he said. "Blake learned the game in Harlem."

Editor at large of O, the Oprah magazine, Gayle King, who dazzled in a leopard-skin print shift agreed, saying Blake "was as smart as hell." Not too many attendees mentioned women players, underscoring King's comments on the red carpet about the state of women's tennis: "We've still got a long way to go." Newsday

More talk: is Davenport about to retire?

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Originally uploaded by princess robyn.

Maybe Andre Agassi won't be the only American tennis icon to retire this year.
Despite continuing ill health over the summer, 30-year-old Lindsay Davenport has always sounded positive about her prospects of playing the 2007 season. As recently as last week, she said with conviction, "It's just not my time yet to say goodbye."

On Monday, after her routine first-round victory over Klara Zakopalova, Davenport stepped back from that hard line.

After the U.S. Open, Davenport said she would play two events in Asia and then re-evaluate her future playing status.

"Nothing's a guarantee, and nothing's ruled out," Davenport said. "It seems so far away in my mind to say I'll be in Australia in January. I couldn't say and swear on my life that I would be there."

So, is "undecided" the best way to describe her mind-set?

"Yeah," she said, smiling. "I think that's probably good.

"I think it will definitely come down to … November, if I'm feeling good and if I'm out practicing or not. I'll definitely know by the beginning of December what the plans are."

That Davenport played at all is something of a medical miracle. Fifty-one hours earlier, she retired from her championship final at New Haven's Pilot Pen trailing Justine Henin-Hardenne 0-6, 0-1. After playing only one match in a span of five months because of an ailing back -- she lost to Samantha Stosur -- Davenport found herself playing her fifth match in five days.

Her right shoulder, arm and elbow couldn't stand the shock. She rested, iced her arm and, Davenport said, didn't take a cortisone shot. She'll have Tuesday off and, as long as she wins, will only have to play a match every other day. ESPN.com

How on earth did she make such a fast recovery after the Pilot Pen?

Miami's NASDAQ 100 Open gets a new name

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Originally uploaded by princess robyn.

I received this in my email the other day - my favorite tournament is changing its name yet again. The former NASDAQ 100 Open (formerly of Lipton fame)will now be known as the Sony Ericsson Open. It still claims to be the 5th largest tournmanet in the world - curiously, a title that Indian Wells also claims. Anyway, still the tournament with the best players, best prices, best weather and best beaches as far as I am concerned. :)Here's a link for more info.

Azarenka takes out Myskina

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Originally uploaded by princess robyn.

Future Wertheim tennis hottie Victoria Azarenka took out the always questionable Anastasia Myskina today at the US Open. The photo is of Azarenka from the Miami event, click on it to see more.

Anastasia Myskina has been dumped out of the US Open after losing in straight sets to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

The Russian 12th seed was never at the races during her 6-4 6-2 defeat but it's no surprise given her terrible record at Flushing Meadows.

She's now only reached the second week here once in her eight attempts while for Azarenka it's the first time she's progressed past the first round in a major tournament.

The 17-year-old fell at the first hurdle in the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon but was hugely impressive during the biggest victory in her career to date. Sporting Life

Hewitt may not defend Davis Cup against Argentina

This has been going on for awhile now - Lleyton Hewitt has come up with a laundry list of complaints about playing for Australia in the upcoming Davis Cup match in Argentina. The complaints have included security concerns, which were addressed by Australia - they agreed to provide Hewitt with extra security. And now this...

LLEYTON Hewitt has entered a tournament in Thailand starting the day after the end of the Davis Cup semi-final in Argentina, casting renewed doubt over his commitment to spearheading Australia at the tie.

The Bangkok tournament starting on September 25 and another the following week in Tokyo figure on Hewitt's event entry list with the Association of Tennis Professionals.
Hewitt refused last Saturday to discuss whether he would play in the Davis Cup tie even though he and his management first raised four months ago his concerns that his personal safety might be in danger from Argentine crowds.

Players can withdraw from ATP tournaments, but the formal entries to a two-week block of events in Asia after the Argentine tie came well after Australia qualified in April for the Davis Cup semi-finals.

The ATP closes entries six weeks before tournaments.

Hewitt's manager Rob Aivataglou said last night the Bangkok tournament was the subject of a commitment by the former world No. 1 made last year.

When he entered for Tokyo he was not suffering from the knee patella tendinitis which overshadows his US Open campaign. Courier Mail

Yet another reason to dislike Hewitt.

NY Sun: Hingis has no chance

Martina Hingis apparently has no chance according to the New York Sun - she is suffering fromt he same problems she had when she left tennis years ago.

Nine months into her comeback from a three-year retirement from tennis, Martina Hingis seems to have reached the limit of her abilities.

Hingis, the former world no. 1 known for her stylish play and sharp tongue, has had a respectable campaign in 2006. At the Australia Open, her first major tournament since 2002, she reached the quarterfinals and took a set off the no. 2 seed, Kim Clijsters. She defeated Maria Sharapova in Tokyo, won a title on clay in Rome, and made the quarterfinals of the French Open. After her upset in the third round of Wimbledon, she bounced back with a trip to the finals of the Rogers Cup in Montreal (she lost badly to Ana Ivanovic).

For a newcomer or an aging veteran, this would amount to a fine season. Why complain about a 43–14 record and a tad less than $1 million in prize money? For the 25-year-old Hingis, however, the good results are not good enough — that's why she left the game in the first place (along with repeated injuries to her feet). Back then, the Williams sisters and Lindsay Davenport were overwhelming Hingis with their increasingly powerful and deep groundstrokes. Though those three Americans now suffer from either injuries or mental burnout, and many other top athletes are hurting, little has changed for Hingis.

Today, she still must live with a simple, unpleasant fact: When the game's best athletes are healthy, she has no chance. Against players ranked inside the top 15, Hingis is 10–11 on the season. Her record against women ranked inside the top 10 is 4–9. Besides Sharapova, her top 10 wins have come against Davenport, who has been injured most of the season, and Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova, two supremely capable, and supremely inconsistent, Russian ball bashers. New York Sun

Follow the link to the article to get even more of the story - there are two additional pages.

Tennis sponsors not kind to lesbian stars, such as Mauresmo

I'll just publish this in its entirety. I've not read many articles like this before.

Amelie Mauresmo doesn't bounce around the court in a low-cut dress like Maria Sharapova or design her own outfits like Serena Williams. The world's top-ranked women's tennis player just wins.

Mauresmo has won Wimbledon and the Australian Open this year and held the sport's No.1 spot since March 30. She's the top seed at the US Open in New York, where play started on Monday. Yet Mauresmo, who is openly gay, lags her rivals in endorsements.

"The corporate world wants this perfect female," said Mauresmo's agent, Micky Lawler. For now, that's Sharapova. At 1.88 metres tall and 60 kilograms with model looks, Sharapova is the world's top-paid female athlete, earning $US19 million ($25 million) a year, according to Forbes magazine. Offers rolled in after she won Wimbledon in 2004. Now the 19-year-old snaps pictures for Canon, chats on a pink phone for Motorola and poses for Sports Illustrated magazine's swimsuit issue.

At least Sharapova, who lives in Bradenton, Florida, has 16 career singles titles. Winning wasn't necessary for Russian player Anna Kournikova to rake in sponsorship dollars. Mauresmo, 27, who introduced the press to her girlfriend at the Australian Open seven years ago, has endorsements only with a natural gas company and an eyeglass retailer in her native France. She also has equipment sponsors Reebok and Dunlop Sports.

Sexuality is still a factor in boardrooms. It affected Billie Jean King, a 39-time grand slam champion. In 1981, she lost all her endorsements within 24 hours after a lawsuit by her former partner revealed she was gay.

"It's the cutie-patooties, no matter what, that always get the most," said King, 62.

Few have used those words to describe Mauresmo. Martina Hingis called her "half a man" after beating her in the Australian Open final in 1999. Lindsay Davenport noted Mauresmo's strength and shoulders after losing to her in the semi-finals that year.

Mauresmo played in her first grand slam event in 1995, at the age of 15, and didn't win one until this year's Australian Open. Her acknowledged weakness was succumbing to nerves in big matches.

"I've been looking for these kinds of achievements for such a long time," Mauresmo said. "I'm finally capable of really being more relaxed on the court and more effective and knowing exactly what my game is. It doesn't mean I'm going to win every tournament that I'm in, but it means I'm capable of winning the big ones."

She declined to discuss her endorsements in detail, saying only: "It's always good when you're the best player in an individual sport. Obviously, people take a little bit more interest in what you're doing. They want to link to your image. I've been experiencing this for a few months, but I'm more focused on my tennis now."

Lawler declined to say how much Mauresmo earned from endorsements. Her tennis earnings this year total $US2.5 million.

Sheryl Swoopes, a three-time Olympic gold medallist in basketball, used an endorsement agreement with San Francisco's Olivia Cruises and Resorts, a lesbian travel company, to announce she was gay. Martina Navratilova, winner of 58 grand slam tennis titles, and pro golfer Rosie Jones, both of whom are gay, have also been recruited by Olivia.

Mauresmo hadn't been offered, and wasn't seeking, deals with companies that catered to gays and lesbians, Lawler said. She has signed with Reebok as part of its "I Am What I Am" campaign.

Paris eyewear retailer Alain Afflelou has signed a 10-year deal with Mauresmo for an undisclosed amount. Spokeswoman Isabelle Amaraggi called Mauresmo "a winner, someone who's comfortable in her own skin, who assumes her own choices and her life".

While Mauresmo doesn't hide her sexuality, she hasn't championed the cause either, preferring to promote other causes, such as housing for the needy, cancer research and children in sport and the arts.

It's more than just her sexuality that may be keeping sponsors away, said Dean Bonham of the Bonham Group, a Denver sports marketing firm. He said Mauresmo could command up to $10 million a year if she revealed a charismatic personality and compelling story to the public. The Sydney Morning Herald

Molik blames US open atmosphere for loss

Alicia Molik was quite unhappy with all of the distractions at the US Open during her loss yesterday.

An injured and agitated Alicia Molik fell victim to the "circus" that is the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

On a forgettable opening day to the championships for Australia, Molik lost her first-round match against American teenager Vania King 6-3 6-2 before Samantha Stosur surrendered 6-2 7-6 (7-5) to Czech Lucie Safarova.

Molik labelled both her performance and disconcerting playing conditions she had to endure on court 11 as "shocking" and urged officials of the season's last grand slam to put themselves in the players' shoes before organising additional tournament entertainment.

"There was Tina Turner going on, you had the court generators, you had the bloke behind us burning hot dogs that I could smell," Molik complained.

"You had the generators drying next door's court, you had a clinic going on next door where they were giving each other high-fives in a big huddle yelling things out, and it's difficult when you can't actually hear the ball come off your racquet or from her racquet.

"That also gives you an indication of the spin and the speed of ball. I airswung a ball today.

"Being a professional tennis player, you have to block all those things out. I didn't have the ability to do that today and that definitely contributed to the horrendous play.

"But that's probably why the people that do well at this tournament are able to block all those things out ... or they don't play on court 11 maybe.

"It's really shocking, though. They put a concert just behind. So maybe 10, 15 metres away, you've got a live concert going on with speakers and the wind going in that direction.

"So you feel like you're in the middle of a circus actually. It doesn't feel like a tennis tournament, or didn't today. I felt like I was at the school fare or something."

Molik, who needed a wildcard into the event after slipping to 203rd in the rankings as she continues to struggle in her comeback from long-term illness, said she sarcastically asked the chair umpire to turn Tina Turner up because she was enjoying it so much.

"I think he got my drift," she said.

"But I think until the officials are down at court level and on the ground ... they spend a lot of time ... their offices are here in centre court so they probably miss a lot of things going on.

"Look, I'm sure a lot of the other courts have other issues also so I'm not just the one complaining. It's just fact. That's exactly what's happening out there.

"It went through my mind that it'd be great to have noise-cancelling head phones on the court. It was really difficult to think."

Molik said the combination of the noise and a knee injury that she aggravated at 3-3 in the first set made it impossible to compete.

"It was the worst kind of day at the office, I guess, you can have," the South Australian lamented.

"It's probably one that I have to forget about because basically things couldn't have got any worse out there. It was horrible, it was shocking."

Stosur, who played on nearby court eight, also conceded to finding it difficult to cope with the all the distractions.

"It's just kind of mayhem out there," she said.

The Australian No.1 wasted a fabulous opportunity to continue her rise up the rankings after landing in New York at a career-high No.30 following her upset of former world No.1 Lindsay Davenport in LA two weeks ago and then reaching the semi-finals in New Haven.

Having had no points to defend at the Open following her first-round exit last year, the 22-year-old only had to win a match or two to break into the top 30. The Age

Gilbert is sued

Brad Gilbert finally gets his own blog post.

THERE were those who wondered whether, in signing such a charismatic figure as Brad Gilbert, British tennis had bitten off more than it could chew. The revelation yesterday that Andy Murray’s coach is being sued for alleged breach of contract by his management company on the eve of the US Open sent the temperature up a few degrees.

The 45-year-old was served with a complaint by Creative Sports and Entertainment Inc in the foyer of his hotel on Friday evening, citing his failure to pay the 15 per cent in fees it says it is owed for helping to broker his deal with ESPN, the American cable television network, and for its assistance in setting him up with the LTA, his new employer. Gilbert said yesterday that he will vigorously defend the action.

He is more concerned about the impact that such a story will have on Murray, 19, who is scheduled to begin his US Open campaign today against Robert Kendrick, the American qualifier. “He has a tough enough task as it is,” Gilbert said. “I will deal with my situation.”

Roger Draper, the chief executive of the LTA, said that he was “not unduly concerned” and that the matter had been placed with the LTA’s lawyers, but the timing could hardly have been much worse.

An e-mail was sent to every member of the British press arriving for the first day of the US Open by Creative’s law firm, ensuring maximum exposure. There are 65 points to the complaint, the most remarkable of which suggests that, while the agreement between Gilbert and the LTA was thought to be for £500,000 over three years, a sum of $1.3 million (about £685,000) a year over 3½ years, excluding bonuses, is closer to the mark.

The complaint says: “One of the most profitable contracts secured for Mr Gilbert was a three-year broadcasting contract with ESPN, which would pay him $60,000 for each grand-slam tournament. From April 2005 until May 2006, each payment was paid directly to Creative by ESPN and, after deducting its 15 per cent fee, Creative would tender the remaining balance to Mr Gilbert. However, in or about July 2006, Mr Gilbert began acting contrary to the agreement.”

Creative alleges that Gilbert instructed ESPN to pay the money directly to him, rather than the company and its president, David Bagliebter, “a personal friend for 20 years”.

The complaint goes on: “On or about May 29, 2006, Mr Gilbert informed Mr Bagliebter that the LTA had recently fired its performance director, David Felgate, and would be looking for a replacement. At Mr Gilbert’s request, Mr Bagliebter contacted Roger Draper, the head of the LTA, about the possibility of Mr Gilbert entering into an agreement with the LTA.”

Bagliebter is then alleged to have received an e-mail from Patricio Apey, Murray’s agent, asking Bagliebter to contact him. On May 30, Bagliebter “advised Gilbert of his conversations with Draper and Apey, and Gilbert told him to ‘go ahead’ with negotiations with the LTA”.

It is further alleged that Creative initially hoped to secure for Gilbert a deal worth $8 million over five years.

“On or about June 12, 2006, Gilbert affirmatively misled Mr Bagliebter by informing him that he probably would not enter an agreement with the LTA because it would require him to be in England for a substantial amount of time,” the complaint said. “Thereafter, Gilbert refused to respond to Mr Bagliebter’s inquiries concerning negotiations with the LTA.”

However, the complaint does say that Gilbert acknowledged later to Bagliebter that he had “entered into an agreement with the LTA that would pay him $1.3 million a year for 3½ years, plus bonuses”.

Creative says that, under its management agreement, it is entitled to 15 per cent of all fees that have been paid to Gilbert, as well as 15 per cent of any unearned fees that will be paid to Gilbert over the lifetime of his agreement with the LTA. Times Online

Agassi and Roddick cook together

Chef Mario Batali has a meat and greet with Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi – who could face off in the U.S. Open, beginning Aug. 28 – at the seventh annual DACOR Taste of Tennis culinary charity event. The tournament will be two-time Open winner Agassi's last; he announced his retirement earlier this year.

From People Magazine

Get US Open updates on your phone

I signed up for this service a few years ago, and was reminded at 8AM this morning that I had. Free text message updates on what is going on at the US Open - sign up here!

Wertheim doesn't mention attire in his US Open men's draw column

Yeah, so it isn't a surprise - all that gets talked about here is performance. No mention of hotties, shorts, etc. Maybe I am just feeling cranky toward Mr. Wertheim today.

Here's part of his column on how he thinks the US Open will go.

First-round matches to watch

Tim Henman vs. Greg Rusedski: Poor Henman can't escape his countrymen.

Agassi vs. Pavel: The Romanian will try to become the answer to a trivia question.

Johansson vs. Sebastien Grosjean: Two former top players.

Hrbaty vs. Mike Youzhny: Two players too good to meet this early.

Mark Philippoussis v. Nadal: If both were at peak form -- and, alas, Philippoussis is years removed from it -- this would have big potential.

Doubles winner

Bob and Mike Bryan

Semis

Federer vs. Gonzalez Ljubicic vs. Nadal

Final

Federer vs. Ljubicic

Winner

Federer

Yahoo News

Wertheim's women's draw thoughts are (almost) complete bullshit

Sigh. I'm kinda sick of all the "watch tennis to see the female hotties" chitchat that goes on. It started long before Maria Sharapova, and honestly, it usually doesn't bug me that much because in the end if people are watching tennis, all the better. Who cares about the reason why?

Well, okay, so now I'm getting tired of it. I definitely don't discourage anyone to watch tennis for whatever reason, but seriously, I expect a little more high quality commentary out of someone being paid to write about tennis than "you should watch this match because so-and-so wears tiny shorts". Good job, Jon. I bet nothing like that shows up in your men's draw commentary.

First-round matches to watch

Hantuchova vs. Bethanie Mattek: If only for the fashion statements.

Sharapova vs. Krajicek: Brutal first match for third seed.

Myskina vs. Azarenka: Upset special?

Tatiana Golovin vs. Ashley Harkleroad: Who wears short shorts?

Vaidisova vs. Chanda Rubin: The future versus the past.

Schiavone vs. Romina Oprandi: Pasta lovers' special.

Doubles winner

Lisa Raymond and Sam Stosur

Semis

Mauresmo vs. Sharapova Vaidisova vs. Henin-Hardenne

Final

Sharapova vs. Vaidisova

Winner

Sharapova

Yahoo News

Sharapova does have a great chance to win this open. But I don't see Nicole Vaidisova making it to the final.

Hingis can't escape her past

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Originally uploaded by princess robyn.

At each stop along the way, the memories come flooding back. There are friendly smiles from tournament directors, other players — even the familiar faces who restock the towels in the locker room.

They are old acquaintances now, and at each tournament — Australia, Miami, Paris, London — Martina Hingis meets them anew. She was never a particularly accessible player, but for her, the resurrection is about reconnecting.

"When Martina made the decision to stop playing, I respected it because she was plagued by injuries," said Pilot Pen tournament director Anne Worcester, former CEO of the WTA Tour. "But I wasn't alone in thinking she wasn't done yet."

The U.S. Open is one of the last stops on this, her comeback tour, when the final Grand Slam of the year begins today in Queens. Hingis hasn't played at Arthur Ashe Stadium for three years. It seems hard to believe that she was weeks away from turning 17 when she won here in 1997, besting a beaded Venus Williams in the youngest Grand Slam final of the Open era.

Back then she was a buzz saw with a ponytail. Hingis had a .938 winning percentage that year, the best of any player in the 1990s. Few could touch her. Hingis won all the majors in '97 but the French Open, and she reached the final there.

She had plenty of success, but little love from the fans. She was too cocky, a beautiful player to watch with her angles and caginess, but too imperious. She famously called Amelie Mauresmo "half a man" and flippantly downplayed Richard Williams' predictions, however staged. "They always have a big mouth," she said of the Williams family.

Such remarks didn't go over well, and her young career culminated in a disastrous French Open final loss to Steffi Graf in 1999. Just three points from the title, she melted, and the crowd raucously booed.

"I felt misunderstood," Hingis said.

Tennis stopped being fun. The sport was her mother's passion — Martina is named after Navratilova — and Melanie Molitor could fuel only so much of her daughter's career. The power game took the edge off Hingis' strategic mastery. Foot and ankle problems were another issue.

Still, it is hard to imagine this skilled competitor could leave it all behind at the tender age of 22. Hingis sighs before she explains why she left.

"When you are in pain and the ball is out of reach, you just can't get to it," she said. "It's frustrating."

All is forgiven now. The crowds have embraced her much as they did Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati. New York loves a hard-luck story, but more than that, it loves someone with the grit to get beyond the melodrama.

"She's a story in New York," said the USTA's chief executive of professional tennis, Arlen Kantarian, who lives in Rye. "People loved her or hated her, and there are going to be a lot of people cheering for her."

Those cheers are something she has experienced this year in all corners of the world.

"I think this time they understand why I'm winning and the all-around game," Hingis said.

When Hingis dipped her toe back in the pool by playing for the World TeamTennis Sportimes during the summer of 2005, she came back a stronger player. Hingis easily beat the mid-tier players she'd worried about losing to before.

"It gave me confidence I could make it because I really trained hard," Hingis said.

Many of the women on the tour were happy to see her back, and figured she could make it back to top 30 or so. They were unprepared, however, for how completely she would return to top form.

"What I'm seeing is how she is trying to be more aggressive," Elena Dementieva said. "Her game is more solid because she is really enjoying it."

Mauresmo, who lost to Hingis in the Australian Open final in 1999, has now earned two Grand Slam titles of her own. Mauresmo has taken over as the top player in the world, and doesn't hesitate to say that Hingis is a far better player now than when she left.

"The work she did physically was so impressive," Mauresmo said.

Hingis comes to the Open the No. 8 seed, with wins over many of the top players. But along with the success has come losses — namely to Ai Sugiyama in the third round at Wimbledon, and then to No. 19-ranked Ana Ivanovic in the Montreal final.

It was a tough match, but the points earned from reaching the final led to Hingis' first top-10 appearance since 2002. At this point, Hingis has learned the danger of expecting perfection. And the game can use her. A shortage of Williams sisters and an excess of Russians means she returns to a game in need of star power.

"I'm delighted for her and for women's tennis," Worcester said, "because she has charisma." The Journal News

Sharapova signs Prince lifetime contract

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Maria Sharapova, Ms. I-Feel-Pretty, will always be with Prince as her racquet according to the latest news.

All of 19, Maria Sharapova is committing to a "lifetime" of sponsoring the only tennis racket brand she's used as a pro.

Sharapova and Prince have agreed to an endorsement deal that will last until the end of her playing career and beyond, The Associated Press has learned.

The contract is set up to be worth about $25 million over the next 10 years, according to a person in the tennis industry who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the parties didn't want the deal's terms disclosed.

Sharapova will earn royalties from sales of various Prince products, and there are clauses tied to tournament appearances, success and rankings.

"We hope Maria will perform at a minimum level, and we have no doubt she will. The contract is very similar to others in many ways, where she has the opportunity to earn additional dollars with even stronger performance," said Linda Glassel, Prince vice president of sports marketing and communications.

"This contract is all about a partnership and a collaboration, and whether Maria wins 10 Grand Slams or one over the next couple of years, we're very, very confident that the partnership will continue to grow."

The contract succeeds the five-year deal Sharapova signed with Prince when she was 14 and is the latest step in the marketing of the 2004 Wimbledon champion. She's been estimated to earn between $23 million and $25 million annually, including sponsorships and prize money (but mostly sponsorships), and her off-court activities are managed by the same agency, IMG, that works with Tiger Woods.

"I've been pretty good in the past balancing my time with my sponsors with my tennis, because I know my priority," Sharapova said at the National Tennis Center, where she's scheduled to play her first-round match at the U.S. Open on Tuesday. "At the end of the day, what I love doing is competing, and that's where my heart is at: on center court."

But what's it like to be a global brand at an age when many are just out of high school?

"Very awkward," Sharapova said. "It's weird, because there are a couple of sides of me. There's the Maria that's a tennis player. There's the Maria that is a normal girl. And there's the Maria who's a businesswoman. And that's where the 'Maria Sharapova brand' comes into play. I've been lucky to be associated with amazing companies that have given me experience about all that."

Within months of her victory at the All England Club at 17, Sharapova began signing multiyear, multimillion deals _ with a camera company, with a cell phone company, with a company that launched her perfume. She has contracts with a watch company, a carmaker and a toothpaste brand. She recently launched a personal Web site.

Her newest deal is the first time Prince has agreed to a lifetime contract with a player, according to Glassel.

"She's a role model for young players and she's really transcended tennis," Glassel said.

Sharapova is seeded third at the U.S. Open, where she reached the semifinals last year. She's made it to that stage at five of the past seven Grand Slam tournaments as she bids to collect her second career major title.

"It's not easy to win your first one. I was very surprised that I did at the age that I was. I did not feel that I was physically or mentally ready for it," she said.

"But it takes a lot of hard work, and I think everything has to come together: your game, how you feel physically, and maybe a little bit of luck once in a while. I've come very close the last few times, but I've got many more years to win my second one." Washington Post

Mauresmo's resolve questioned

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Despite winning two Grand Slams this year, Amelie Mauresmo's big story still appears to be whether or not she will choke in the next Slam - in this case, the US Open.

Amelie Mauresmo surprises more than most professional tennis players with her performances in the interview room. The fixed, hard-faced look that she wears when she plays is not her at all. Off court, when she relaxes, it is hard to imagine she is the same person. On the outside, nothing much has changed this year.
The muscles in her face still look worryingly taut, the furrows in her brow just as pronounced, as she works her way through a match. On the inside, though, in her mind, she has loosened up to the extent that, at the age of 27, she is at last realising her full potential. 'She was looking outside herself for answers but she already had everything she needed inside,' says Loic Courteau, Mauresmo's coach of four years.

He is trying to explain how France's first world number one in the Open era went 31 grand slams without winning one and has now won two out of three this year, the Australian Open and Wimbledon. When we talked after her Wimbledon win seven weeks ago she agreed that the 'choker' tag that accompanied her for so many years had some validity and learning how to steady her nerves in big matches has not been easy. 'I learnt from my experiences,' she said. 'I learnt how things are, how they work. I learnt to try different things, to think in a way I hadn't before, to see tennis in another light and by doing so not put myself under so much pressure.'
All this thinking, which was once the problem, has now provided her with the means to the solution, even if Christian Bimes, the president of the French Tennis Federation, may be overdoing the positive when he says: 'It's the conclusion of very big work. The problem in her head is finished.' Not so fast, Christian. Mauresmo's defeat by the 17-year-old Czech Nicole Vaidisova in the fourth round of the French Open in early June showed she remains vulnerable.

Mauresmo managed only three more games after winning the first set in a tiebreak. Mauresmo's breakthrough win came when she beat Justine Henin-Hardenne in the Australian Open final in January. If that success was sullied by the Belgian's retirement with a stomach ailment after conceding eight out of nine games, Mauresmo removed lingering doubts about its legitimacy when she came from a set down to beat Henin-Hardenne in the Wimbledon final.

Henin-Hardenne, with a deserved reputation for being as stout a competitor as any on the women's circuit, found Mauresmo's resolve too much for her on a breezy afternoon that called for the steadiest of nerves. Mauresmo's first real test is likely to come in the fourth round, where her opponent will probably be either Serena Williams or Serbia's Ana Ivanovic. Guardian Unlimited

Nadal angry about doping allegations

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Rafael Nadal was less than happy when doping allegations came up yet again concerning him. While no official accusation has been made, this instance seemed to be in reference to the doping scandal that took out many competitors in the Tour de France earlier this summer. Initially, reports suggested Nadal's name was on the list of recipients of drugs, but that was later denied.

But the question re-emerged at a pre-U.S. Open press conference yesterday when a reporter asked Nadal if he was still being questioned about drugs in sports.

The 20-year-old flashed a bit of the fiery nature for which he is known on the court, saying it was "stupid" to bring up the subject and that some "crazy guy" had made it up.

"I know that's not true," Nadal said vehemently. "You know that's not true. I have 17 controls (for) anti-doping every year, so that's stupid to say anything without ... information."

Reports of doping have been in the news in various sports over the past few months, from Tour de France winner Floyd Landis being stripped of his title to Justin Gatlin receiving an eight-year ban from track and field. Tennis has remained mostly free from suspicion, although there have been a few players slapped with drug-related suspensions recently, including Argentines Mariano Puerta and Guillermo Canas.

"There's been too much of it happening, I guess," Lleyton Hewitt said. "That's why it keeps getting headlines ... obviously, all the other sports are trying to do their best to keep their sport clean, and it's the same in tennis." NJ.com

Hewitt will play in US Open

Lleyton Hewitt has decided to play through any lingering pain in his knee in order to compete in the US Open.

Former champion Lleyton Hewitt said he would go through the pain barrier to compete at the U.S. Open which starts on Monday.

Hewitt pulled out of the Toronto Masters Series event earlier this month with a knee injury and has still not fully recovered.

"I had patella tendinitis and then a little issue with my patella tendon as well," the former world number one told reporters on Saturday.



"It's definitely not 100 percent yet. Hopefully if I don't aggravate it any more during the tournament, it will just get better and better."

Hewitt, the 15th seed, is keen to maintain his excellent record at the last major of the season, where he has reached at least the semi-finals in five of the past six years.

"I've been able to play with niggling injuries in the past," he said.

"There's no doubt my ankle wasn't 100 percent during the French Open but I was able to get through a few rounds and push (Rafael) Nadal in the fourth round.

"I definitely know how to play with pain, at least. That could be something that's going to get tested again here in the next fortnight," added Hewitt, who is chasing the third grand slam title of his career. Reuters UK

Davenport's health questionable for the US Open

Lindsay Davenport lost the Pilot Pen final to Justine Henin-Hardenne, apparently due to a shoulder injury that caused her to retire early in the second set. As she begins play in the US Open, we might see this injury take her out early.

Maria Sharapova interview - no comment on Roddick again

An interesting interview with Maria Sharapova. I think she and Andy Roddick really are going to keep up this "I don't talk about my personal life" line with the press.

What kind of preparation have you been doing for the U.S. Open?

This is the first time in 2006 that my body has felt really good ... which has really limited my quality training time. So the past few weeks I have really been trying to work on all parts of (my) game. I also have been working really hard off the court as well.

What do you like best about New York?

It's funny. When I first came to New York to play the juniors at age 14, I did not like (it) at all. But now I am a little older, and I love it. I even can see myself owning a place one day. I love the energy of the people, the fashion and style, and they have great restaurants. I also love walking in Soho, visiting the art galleries, and I always try to go to a museum or two if I get a chance.

What do you like the least?

I am not a huge fan of the traffic.

How would you characterize the atmosphere at the U.S. Open?

The U.S. Open is all energy. You can really feel the crowd, and that brings the best out of you as an athlete. There are not too many places where you have that feeling.

Do you feel any pressure because it's been two years since you won a major?

No pressure at all. I play tennis because I love the competition. ... I don't worry about anything else.

Your best finish at the Open was the semifinals last year. What will it take to improve upon that?

I don't worry about semifinals, finals, winning or losing. I just don't think like that. I think about working hard, staying healthy and getting ready to compete on a big stage. This is my passion, and I think people see that and appreciate that when they watch me play. I am a fighter!

What kind of sponsor/endorser obligations do you have in New York? Any appearances, photo shoots, etc.?

My schedule before the U.S. Open is very strict, as 100% of my focus is getting ready to play. I will do a few things early in the week before the tournament, and then I will shut everything down the Thursday before. I don't go to any parties, I never do any photo shoots within four weeks of a Grand Slam or any tennis tournament.

Do you enjoy the off-court obligations?

I really do enjoy my sponsor relationships off the court. I am so lucky to be associated with (her sponsors). Not only are these great companies, but I am working and learning from great people at these companies. I enjoy Maria the businesswoman.

What is the key for you to do well at the Open?

Stay healthy and happy, and good things will happen.

Anyone in your life right now?

You know I don't talk about my personal life. (I like how you tried to slip that question in.)

How do you feel about the WTA's on-court coaching experiment?

I am very open to trying new things that can help our sport. I am not in favor of it, but let's see how it goes. I am a player that plays on instinct. I don't like to be told what to do and how to do it.

What about instant replay?

I really like instant replay, even though I am not good at it. I think it is great for the game and the fans. I finally got one right in San Diego.

Does the U.S. Open seem as wide open to you as it does to many others?

This is what makes women's tennis so great. We have 10 players that can win this Grand Slam, and that makes things very exciting.

USA Today

V Williams withdraws from the US Open

Venus Williams is yet another injury casualty for the 2006 US Open, although this is less surprising since she has not had a good season either.

"I have many great memories from competing at the U.S. Open, and I regret that I will not be able to participate in 2006," Williams said in a statement released by her agent. "I will miss the excitement of competing in front of the New York fans at one of the premier sporting events in the world. I look forward to returning in 2007."

Her agent, Carlos Fleming, said Williams plans to participate in the U.S. Open's opening night ceremony Monday, when the complex used for the tournament will be renamed to honor Billie Jean King.

The next tournament on Williams' schedule is an indoor event in Luxembourg that starts Sept. 25, and Fleming said she has every intention of playing.

"It's kind of in Mother Nature's hands right now," Fleming said in a telephone interview, "and once she's ready to go, she'll be back out there."

Williams, who was seeded 30th for the U.S. Open, won the hard-court major in 2000 and 2001, part of her collection of five Grand Slam titles. She also reached U.S. Open finals in 1997 and 2002, losing to her younger sister Serena in the latter. ESPN

And, of course, Mary Carillo outlines her thoughts on Venus and Serena in the article.

Sharapova gets an enhanced chest via photoshop

Is it just me or does Maria Sharapova look like the victim of some really bad breast implants in this shot? Since I know she hasn't had that surgery, I have only one conclusion.

No way this photo is untouched... I've shot enough photos of Sharapova to know that she doesn't have enough chest-wise to get this shot, even in mid-stride. Shame on you, Getty Images!

WTA chooses tour supplement supplier; 'athlete guarantee agreement'

Now the WTA has chosen a supplier of vitamins, drinks and energy food in the hopes that positive doping results can be avoided from inadvertent sources. The supplier has even offered up a cash guarantee that no positive drug test will result from their products.

WTA Tour players will be provided with free vitamins and health supplements by a company that is offering up to $1 million to any player who fails an anti-doping test because of its products.

Under the three-year deal announced Wednesday, USANA Health Sciences is paying a six-figure sponsorship fee to become the women's tennis tour's official health supplement supplier, WTA spokesman Andrew Walker said.

"There's been a lot of bad news recently about athletes in other sports having tested positive for banned substances, and athletes are afraid to put anything in their body," Walker said. "This is something players have been demanding and asking for over the past years."

According to Walker, since the WTA began testing for banned substances in 1990, two players have tested positive: Sesil Karatantcheva (the steroid nandrolone) and Lourdes Dominguez Lino (cocaine).

In 2003, the men's ATP Tour instructed its training and medical staff to stop issuing supplements that might have been contaminated. Eight players who tested positive for nandrolone were cleared after the possibility was raised they might have taken tainted supplements unwittingly given out by tour trainers.

The ATP now has a deal with a company that provides players with energy and recovery drinks, a carbohydrate gel and an energy bar.

Under the new WTA deal, players who take USANA's products will be eligible for an "athlete guarantee agreement." A player who tests positive for a banned substance because of USANA products will be paid twice her prize money from the prior year, up to $1 million, by the company.

"The Tour has for many years sought a manufacturer that could meet our tough standards in this essential area," WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott said. "Up until now, the inability of our players to take vitamins and health supplements without fear of accidentally ingesting a prohibited substance has been a real issue." ESPN

Davenport considered suing the WTA

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Apparently, a lot has been going on behind the scenes for the past few months that Lindsay Davenport has been attempting to overcome the injury to her back that has prevented her from playing a full season and maintaining her ranking.

The fighting began with the WTA when she knew that she could not play many tournaments this summer. Here's the info on what went on:

After a five-month tour absence, she had hoped to test her back before the Pilot Pen, but she said the WTA wouldn't let her. At one point, Davenport said she even considered filing suit.

"It's a really long story," said Davenport, who then provided the shorter version Tuesday. "In April, I was told I needed to sign up for 10 or 11 tournaments. I obviously wasn't in any position to do that. I took a stand that I wasn't going to enter tournaments that the tournament and the tour knew I would pull out of. I would be marketed as playing. I would pull out, and I would look like the bad person. I was told I had to do that, or 'tough luck.' So, I said 'I'm not going to do anything.'

"Then, I was put under this rule where I can't take wild cards. I would have to pay withdrawal fines ... just stupid stuff. I abide by my principle, and I stand by that.

"The biggest problem is players pulling out. Half the time they know they're never going to go to that tournament, and we're the ones who look bad from that, even though the tour knows that we're never going to the tournament. I wasn't going to be a part of that any longer."

Davenport did play in a tournament two weeks ago in Los Angeles, but she lost her first match. "I was trying to play most of the summer, and the tour wouldn't allow me to," she said.

"Hindrance? No. Distraction? Yeah. When someone goes back on a deal they made with you, and it doesn't allow you to do your profession, it's obviously not a great thing to go through." Courant.com

Myskina may also be out of the US Open

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A foot injury may keep Anastasia Myskina from playing in the US Open this year.

Anastasia Myskina admitted she was struggling to be fully fit in time for next week's U.S. Open because of an injury to her left foot.

The world number 12 was beaten 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 by Italy's Mara Santangelo in the first round of the WTA event in New Haven on Tuesday. The Moscow Times

Carillo gets what!?

So, all the news agencies are publishing reports of how Mary Carillo said that Roger Federer wasn't even trying to beat Andy Murray last week, in the hopes that he would get some more time to rest before the US Open. So, the Feds response is that she is basically crazy - but one thing caught me in all of these articles:

"He wasn't trying to beat Andy Murray that day," Carillo said during a conference call with reporters. "He went there because he had to, and he played as though he went there because he had to." Yahoo

Mary Carillo gets to have conference calls with reporters!? What??? I mean, okay, maybe I don't have much to criticize since I post my worthless comments in a blog. But..she gets an actual audience? Of actual reporters? How does that happen???

Oh snap! Davenport takes out Mauresmo

I saw in an ESPN column today that Lindsay Davenport was being called an old lady - and here she takes out Amelie Mauresmo at the Pilot Pen. The final score was 6-4, 7-5.

Virtua Tennis 3 video game info released

I've heard this game is much better than TopSpin or Top Spin 2.

SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced the complete line up of top tennis stars, plus a whole host of new features destined to set the courts alight in Virtua Tennis 3. By releasing on the PSP and PC, as well as on PS3 and X360 in Spring 2007, this will be the first time this classic franchise has had a simultaneous multi-platform release.

Virtua Tennis 3 will include a host of superstar tennis players from both the male and female circuits. World No.1 and 2006 Wimbledon Champion Amelie Mauresmo heads up the roster of womens tennis greats alongside global superstar Maria Sharapova, world renowned powerhouse Venus Williams and the resurgent Martina Hingis. Rising star Nicole Vaidisova, hard hitting Lindsay Davenport and Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova complete the list of women’s headliners you can chose to either play as or against as you compete in one of Virtua Tennis 3’s many tournaments.

The very best of men’s tennis is also available in Virtua Tennis 3 with top seed and four times Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer leading the men’s line up. Gamers can also sample the raw power of World No.2 Rafael Nadal, the dangerous serve of Andy Roddick, the serve and volley skills of Tim Henman or the tenacity of Lleyton Hewitt. New to Virtua Tennis 3 are the next generation of tennis superstars in James Blake, Mario Ancic, Gael Monfils and Taylor Dent. Completing the list are global stars David Nalbandian, Sebastien Grosjean, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Tommy Haas.

Virtua Tennis 3 will again allow players to create their own tennis superstar to take part in a brand new iteration of the popular World Tour Mode. By using the extensive player creation module, building up your stats and winning exhibition and tournament matches you too could become a World No.1! In addition to this the World Tour mode will include 10 brand new addictive Mini Games that feature all the hallmarks of the classic games fans know and love. And that’s not all! There are also two classic mini games that will help you perfect your skills on your quest to the top.

Also new to the series, Court Games will add a fresh feel to the multiplayer side of Virtua Tennis 3. These quirky variants of the beloved mini-games allow for frantic games against up to three human opponents, offering a new multiplayer experience for all and further deepening the longevity of the definitive next gen tennis experience.

The final addition of five set matches rounds off Virtua Tennis 3’s comprehensive list of new and improved features, cementing the franchises’ position as the benchmark tennis videogame available on any videogames format.

Virtua Tennis 3 is set for release on PS3, X360, PSP and PC in Spring 2007. Shacknews

Clijsters won't be in the Fed Cup final either

Kim Clijsters, in addition to missing the US Open, will be unable to assist Belgium in the Fed Cup due to her wrist injury. It is expected to take up to two months to heal.

Ivanovic defeats Hingis

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Ana Ivanovic broke Martina Hingis to win the Rogers Cup, 6-2 6-3. While I feel bad for Martina, she should be proud of how far she made it and get ready to take out some big names in the US Open.

I'm really happy for Ana though - maybe this will be a bit of a breakthrough for her.

Ivanovic wins first set vs. Hingis

Just a quickie update that Ana Ivanovic easily won the first set of the Rogers Final against Martina Hingis, 6-2. They're tied up in the second set. Glad to see Ana doing so well - she was super nice when I met her in Miami.

Hewitt unsure about US Open, injury

If it is even half as bad as this article makes it out to be, we won't be seeing Lleyton Hewitt at the US Open this year. I hope that the USTA folks didn't spend too much money on a facility that can accomodate his ego.

LLEYTON Hewitt is no closer to resuming his US Open preparations after yesterday being ordered to continue resting.

Hewitt, 25, was told by a leading New York knee specialist not to venture to the practice court until at least mid-week ahead of next Monday's start at Flushing Meadows.

The Australian, who will slip from the top 20 for the first time in six years if he misses the tournament, is determined to play.

Hewitt has been sidelined for the past 11 days with severe soreness in his right knee.

He has had trouble walking without pain but is unwilling to abandon his US Open aspirations while there is time to have more treatment and rest. The Australian

If it hurts when he walks and he plays anyway, I predict an early exit. Then again, maybe he's really fine and we'll see him back in the semis.

Sharapova and Roddick vacation together

Eh, I'll just post the source material for these latest rumors [EDIT: these rumors were confirmed by multiple sources]:

How many lame jokes can we make about tennis matches or game, set, love in telling you about Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick's lovers' getaway? The king and queen of tennis took a break at the Bacara Resort outside of Santa Barbara, a beachfront property than earns highly varied reviews. The concept is fantastic, but some visitors believe the service doesn't equal the rather high price tag.

Still, it's a popular resort of celebrities and other A-listers who want to spend all weekend in a caban or on a massage table (the spa is a centerpiece). It's also a place for L.A. parents to send their kids, accompanied by nannies, of course. We know of at least one industry dad who sent his two daughters there every weekend with their nanny, with wads of cash and instructions to give the little ladies whatever they desired. Jaunted.com

A little pre-US Open vacation - sounds nice.

Clisters is officially out of US Open

Kim Clijsters will not be playing in the US Open to defend her title this year due to injury.

Here's her site comments prior to withdrawing:

Having to withdraw in a second round with another wrist injury only two weeks before the US Open, dammit, I really wasn't waiting for this to happen. And again, like two years ago, it is the left wrist; I feel now more or less the same pain as I did then. A ultrasound should clear things out soon.

I didn't see this one coming at all, so I don't think it is something inflammatory or chronic. I didn't feel any problem at all in the previous matches. I have been training for 2 hours yesterday with Kuznetsova without any problem at all.

Today though I started feeling something during the first set. I already dropped my backhand and turned over to a slice backhand. As well, getting it taped I was hoping to be able to make to the end of the match as I don't like to withdraw. But when some time later I slipped and fell on the hand, I immediately felt something was wrong and that I couldn't go on any longer.

I immediately called for two doctors, but they couldn't give me a definitive analysis either. Tomorrow morning I'll be having an ultrasound and the situation should be much clearer then. I'm afraid it doesn't look good, but that feeling can be partially due to the disappointment as well. I really don't want to go for another surgery and a long recovery. We'll see about that later on.

Meanwhile, let's hope it will not be too bad in the end?

ciao,
Kim
Kim's Diary

Nadal and Kia go global

Rafa Nadal extended his 2 year agreement with Kia another 2 years, and will represent them outside of the Spanish market.

Kia has announced that Spanish tennist star Rafael Nadal is to act as its global brand ambassador for the next two years. Nadal will feature in Kia's advertising campaigns and will also take part in various Kia events, including the company's presence at major international motor shows.

"We are continuously developing and enhancing the Kia brand through the sponsorship of world class tennis tournaments like the Australian Open and the Davis Cup," explains Senior Executive Vice President Jung-Moon Park. "Rafael Nadal, with his dynamic, exciting on-court presence, is the perfect partner to help build the Kia brand by promoting our 'exciting and enabling' image worldwide."

"I am delighted to have this opportunity to represent a world-class automaker such as Kia," adds Nadal. "I will do my best to promote the Kia brand across all of its key global markets by continuing to improve my play on the court."

The global association is an extension of an existing deal. Nadal has been the "face" of Kia in Spain for the last two years, which the company has "noticeably boosted" its brand image in the Spanish market. ITV Motoring

Ivanovic wins Rogers semifinal

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Ana Ivanovic and Dinara Safina waited through hours of rain delays and an overnight postponement, but finally Ivanovic broke through and will meet Martina Hingis in the final today (also delayed one day because of the weather). It's great to see Ana in the finals, in addition to Hingis.

One note about the fans at the Rogers Cup - poor Anna Chakvetadze! She appeared to injure her wrist in her semi-final match versus Hingis, and when she eventually retired, she was booed off the court. I'd rather see that type of crowd reaction on the bad calls and player hissy fits. And maybe Maria Sharapova's bathroom breaks in Miami.

Sharapova's Asia-Pacific campaign about to release

Maria Sharapova, in addition to being the star of the 'I Feel Pretty' commercials, is now the main spokesperson for Nike's Asia-Pacific ad campaign.

The campaign, which features independent women, and captures their strength and self-confidence, captures Maria at various moments in her hectic day—at the gym, grabbing a nap between a workout and meetings, and indulging her sweet tooth at a chocolate shop.

According to Ariel Fermin, Nike country director in the Philippines, Sharapova, whose regular fitness routine is composed of training four hours a day on the tennis court and yoga two to three times a week, “truly epitomizes the ultimate in self-confidence and the fierce spirit of the young women the campaign is speaking to.”

“Maria is a unique blend of sport and beauty with her strong yet feminine disposition that inspires women across the world to pick up a tennis racket or get in a regular workout,” Fermin explains.

“To me, confidence is the most beautiful thing in a woman. When you walk with it, people see it—they see you differently…. Looking good and stylish also gives me confidence. I think that’s why I’m so interested in fashion. Even on the court, I like to feel classy and elegant,” says the tennis icon.

Sharapova’s story is featured on Nike’s Web site at www.nikewomen.com.ph. Philippines News / Manila Standard Today

Safin and coach Lundgren part ways

Marat Safin is taking time off from working with coach Peter Lundgren for an unspecified amount of time. Lundgren was recently interviewed about the decision:

“Marat is not quite himself any more, he doesn't know where he stands,” said Lundgren.

“He told me: ‘Peter, I have nothing against you but I have to go on my own for a while'. And I understand him perfectly.

“We have taken a break now and we'll see what happens. Hopefully we'll be back in autumn with Marat in better shape. And I believe we'll start it off together then.” Eurosport

Sounds like Safin is having his typical ups and downs - as always, he is quite unpredicatble.

Roddick ends title drought

Andy Roddick won his first title in over ten months today at the Cincinnati Masters in Ohio. He defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets, winning his first Masters event this season.

Roddick defeats Murray; Murray lashes out at Gilbert

Finally, Andy Roddick has been able to beat Andy Murray, but there was more going on in the match than just a simple straight set defeat. Roddick had previously never beaten Murray, and has been playing his first tournament since injuring his back a few weeks ago. Andy Murray is currently being coached by Brad Gilbert - the same coach that Roddick fired a few years ago.

The controversy began early:

Not surprisingly, given the three characters involved, there was an air of confrontation in the early exchanges on Friday as the players drilled shots in the general direction of their opponent’s head. After a Murray near-miss, Roddick wagged a finger at the Scot.

...

Roddick produced three aces in four serves to round out the set before Murray let his physical condition be known by calling on an ATP trainer to massage his aching left thigh. “What is it?” asked Roddick. “An injury, or is he just tired?” The answer was apparent to all, and just two games later Murray’s body language told a familiar story. He shook his head, he tried to flex his knees, he held his head in his hands. In response Roddick kept firing the big serves before breaking again.

Then Murray seemingly unleashed his anger on Brad Gilbert:

The barked statement pierced the humid Ohio night air like a shard of ice. “You are giving me nothing. I’m dying out here.” Andy Murray’s fury could not possibly have been directed at the Brazilian umpire, Carlos Bernardes, as his superb run through the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati finally came to an exhausted end on Friday night against Andy Roddick. The official had not awarded any contentious decisions against the teenager.
Typically, Murray had to find somebody else to blame when his own physical shortcomings proved too much to overcome. The person in the firing line this time appeared to be his new coach, Brad Gilbert. Sunday Times

When Vaidisova, Gasquet and Murray get over their anger and frustration issues, maybe they will develop into great players.

Sharapova: New commercial is 'fierce', 'empowering'

Maria Sharapova has called her new Nike commercial, set to debut August 20, 'fierce' and 'competitive'.

Maria Sharapova who is ranked No. 4 in the world for women’s tennis says she wants young women to know that it is ok to be a fierce athlete on the court, but still have a feminine side of court - something she thinks the new commercial will convey.

"I'm excited about this ad because not only is Nike drawing attention to women's tennis, but there's also an empowering message for female athletes that it's okay to be fierce and competitive on the court and still have a feminine side off court," said Sharapova. WorldFitness.ca

New Sharapova Commercial: 'I Feel Pretty' and the Grunt

This new Maria Sharapova / Nike commercial, set to debut tomorrow and pick up air time as the US Open approaches, doesn't sound annoying at all.

it begins with Maria in one of her new Nike tennis outfits in her hotel room, and then follows her as she is driven to the tennis stadium and as she walks onto center court. Along the way, she passes workers in the hotel, fans, players and members of the media, who all sing “I Feel Pretty.” (The song was originally heard in the classic Broadway play, West Side Story.) Ultimately, the entire crowd in the tennis stadium is singing. But they are silenced when the match begins and Sharapova lets out one of her classic grunts as she returns a serve.

The TV spot is reminiscent of a commercial with Sharapova that broke in May for Canon’s PowerShot, “Attraction,” via Dentsu America, New York, in which tennis balls follow her from the court to her hotel room, eventually forming a giant smiley face outside her window.

Others featured in the new spot include John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe and two-time tennis Olympic gold medalist Mary Joe Fernandez. Brand Week

I didn't like the last Canon commercial - this one doesn't sound much better.

Clijsters withdraws from the US Open

Kim Clijsters won't have back-to-back US Open wins this year due to a wrist injury that she is now seeking evaluation and treatment for in her home country of Belgium. She withdrew from the Rogers Cup yesterday, and the news was posted on her web site. This definitely opens the door a bit more for players like Maria Sharapova.

Yahoo News

Federer's 55-match North American winning streak broken

I think this article says it all...while it was a terrible day for most of the mens and womens seeds, this by far is the big story:

Roger Federer's 55-match winning streak in North America came to an end Wednesday when the world's top player was upset 7-5, 6-4 by Britain's Andy Murray in the second round of the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters.

"The streaks? I don't care about those now that they're over," said Federer, who hadn't lost in straight set in his last 194 matches. "It's going to be a relief for everybody, and now we can move on."

Federer's last loss on the continent also came at the Cincinnati-area event, when Dominik Hrbaty beat him in the first round on Aug. 3, 2004.

Federer had a feeling he might get knocked out early as he tried to win back-to-back Masters Series tournaments. He beat Richard Gasquet in three sets Sunday for the title in Toronto, then had only one day off to travel and get ready to resume the grind.

"Two Masters series back-to-back -- 12 matches in 13 days -- it's something of the impossible," he said.

The loss left Federer 62-5 this year and ended his bid to match one of the sport's enduring marks. He had reached the final of his last 17 tournaments since June 2005, one shy of matching Ivan Lendl's Open era record of 18 straight such finishes since 1981-82.

The numbers were so daunting Murray didn't know what to do while he walked to the net to shake Federer's hand. So, he did nothing.

"I don't know what to say," Murray said. "I didn't know how to react at the end, because I definitely was not planning on winning the match."

Murray became only the second player to beat Federer this year, joining No. 2 Rafael Nadal. Federer had won his previous 19 matches, and was 85-2 on hard courts over the last two years heading into the match.

The 19-year-old Murray had been playing well, winning 18 of his last 23 matches. He made it to the semifinals at Toronto, and his ranking was a career-best 21 heading into the Cincinnati tournament. Tennis.com

Murray defeats Feds!

I have a new tennis player to appreciate - Andy Murray has defeated Roger Federer, 7-5, 6-4 in Cincy. It's nice to know that a new face will be winning this tournament. At least SOMEONE Brad Gilbert coached can beat Feds.

WTA: Sharapova loses US$150,000 bonus

Maria Sharapova withdrew from the Rogers Cup after the draw was made, and because of this, she will lose $150,000 from her season ending bonus according to the WTA.
The Gazette

Another great Live Tennis Scores site

Don't know how I missed this, but check out Tennis.com's Live Scoring Site. Makes up for me getting rid of my cable TV...well...not really.

On Court Coaching: What the Players Say

A recent article quoted a few players regarding the two upcoming WTA tournaments that will allow limited on-court coaching. Here's how it works:

The tour will allow players to call a coach on to the court once each set during changeovers and between sets.

Players will also be allowed to call coaches on court if their opponent takes a medical timeout, bathroom break or walks off court to change her clothes. MSNBC

And what do the players think?

Kim Clijsters:

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this but it’s a rule I’m absolutely against. Part of being a tennis player is being able to solve things yourself.”

Kim, you're allowed to say whatever you want!

Nadia Petrova:

“I think it will add more personality to the game, having the coaches more visible to the fans and to the media.”

Elena Dementieva:

“I think it will be interesting to see the coaches come down and see what they say, but I don’t think I will have my mother come. I’m already with her 24/7 and it’s the only time I get a break from her.”

I bet Martina Hingis would think similarly in this situation.

Serena Williams:

“I think it takes away from tennis. When I’m out there, I’ve done all the hard work. It takes away from the integrity of the sport.

I personally agree with Serena so far - but I'll be interested to see how it goes. I'm not opposed to trying it out.

Maria Sharapova:

"It will be funny when you see an opponent calling for a coach because you’ll just want to laugh, they’ll be in trouble. I usually play on instinct and don’t like to be told what to do, so calling for someone will be very rare.”

Since Yuri already coaches from the stands, I don't expect this to be a change for her and would be surprised if Maria used it.

Daniela Hantuchova:

“The cheating is out of control. I’ve gone up to umpires during matches and said, how come you can’t hear this when I can. There are signals and words instructing the players. I’ve complained about it but it doesn’t matter.”

Exactly right. Having sat behind some coaches, I can definitely say this is true.

Plans change...

Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to the US Open this year. I'm looking forward to hearing from anyone that does, though!

Agassi out of another tournament

This doesn't bode well for the US Open - he might be exiting early there with little match play leading up to the event.

Andre Agassi on Saturday pulled out of the upcoming Cincinnati Masters because of back pain.

"Andre is reluctantly unable to play," tournament director Bruce Flory said Saturday. "He had every intention of playing, but just didn't feel physically right in his practice sessions here."

The tournament starts Monday near Cincinnati. The 36-year-old Agassi intends to end his 20-year pro career at the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 28 in New York. Yahoo News

Sharapova keeps quiet about Roddick; another reported sighting

These Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick sightings are becoming a bit more common, with a few more reports of where they have been seen together in the past few weeks. I still find it hard to believe they have been seriously together for a year, but maybe it is true and Roddick just went out to hit on other girls as a cover.

While Sharapova refused to comment on her current beau, the former Wimbledon champion has been linked with fellow tennis star Andy Roddick for the past year in the worst-kept secret relationship since Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The two hit it off before the ESPYs last year when they were often paired on the red carpet for photographers; with Roddick jokingly telling the taller Sharapova on more than one occasion to take off her heels. Since then they've been spotted together more times than the paparazzi can count, from poolside at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel before this year's ESPYs to exclusive gambling rooms in Melbourne during the Australian Open to UCLA's campus after last month's Country Wide Classic. Most recently, they were spotted getting cozy at Zinc Lounge in Manhattan Beach, which shouldn't come as a surprise since Sharapova has been somewhat of a regular at the ultra-chic lounge inside of the new Shade hotel since she moved into town. SI

The US Open is fast approaching...

Dementieva has a good day; defeats Sharapova

Elena Dementieva had one of her "once a week" good days, and managed to solidly defeat Maria Sharapova this afternoon. This means Dementieva will be in the finals, facing either Serena Williams or Jelena Jankovic.

"I feel really great," an elated Dementieva told reporters. "I have lost to her twice this year and I was really looking forward to this match because she is such a tough player.

"This win really means a lot to me.

"When you play against Maria, she is a great fighter and never gives up. That makes it difficult to play against her." Yahoo News

Serena Williams makes it into the Semis at Chase Open

Well, Serena may be meeting Sharapova again shortly - she's first into the semis at the Chase Open. After that heinous showing in Wimbledon '04, I always like to see Serena goes up against Sharapova. Plus, check out her ripped arms in this photo!

Florida Recreational Coach Workshop Registration

From the USTA:
Recreational Coach Workshops

Teachers, after-school staff, Parks & Recreation
employees, youth organization staff, moms, dads,
college students and anyone else who has an
interest in learning the basics of teaching tennis at
the developmental level - Sign Up!

more - http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=4gn5nxbab.0.myxfg7n6.biwsoee6.364805&ts=S0197&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatennisflorida.usta.com%2Fcommunitytennis%2Fcustom.sps%3FiType%3D1125%26icustompageid%3D2005

Criticizing Clijsters is cool again

This story is almost as beaten to death as the story about whether or not the Williams sisters will get off their butts and consistently play good tennis again (all together now - "No!").

But, I had posted some of this guys thoughts previously, and it is true that Kim Clijsters isn't having quite the same summer (so far) that she did last year. And plus, she's going to retire so soon, why not give this one a go again?

Wow! Can Kim Clijsters play tennis?

But where's her heart? This summer, Clijsters is only a shadow of the player who dominated last summer's U.S. Open Series and then rolled through the U.S. Open.

And it's all about heart. Clijsters lost hers about the time she decided to announce that she would retire next year.

She plays with very little conviction and passion. She now often looks like the same player who chokes every time she goes against fellow Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne.

Clijsters appears to be just biding her time on the women's tour, padding her bank account for the time she retires. What a wasted opportunity.

Clijsters is beginning to remind me of Marat Safin. Sometimes I wonder why this talented Russian is still playing tennis. He doesn't appear to put his heart into the game and shows up unprepared without a game plan. He travels the world making millions. He could be so much more. He has the game, but not the dedication.

--Maria Sharapova may be in tennis just for the fame and money, but there is no doubt about this young Russian's conviction. She plays to win. That was obvious in her romp past Clijsters on Sunday in San Diego. Charleston.net

Picking on Safin and Sharapova, too! I think if you want to see Clijsters the way that is described above, it is very easy to just assume she doesn't care and is focused on retiring. It would be nice if that weren't the case, but what is she going to do about it? I wouldn't care personally - since she is retiring in the near future, I don't need any justifications from her.

Tennis voodoo for Davenport?

One thing I hate, hate, hate about all the tournaments I have been to this year is the sales booths for magnetic jewelry. You know, it is that stuff that is supposed to improve your health if you wear it all the time. I don't buy into this, but apparently a similar product is used by Lindsay Davenport.

The Q-Link pendant, which was developed with scientists from Stanford and the University of California, is a copper coil inside a triangular beveled-edge casing. The copper is tightly wound and is constantly, according to research, tuning the body. That puts the individual in a reduced state of stress. It counteracts the effects of electromagnetic fields, increasing the wearer's strength and stamina.

To properly wear the pendant, it should touch the skin at heart level. Tennis pro Lindsay Davenport apparently pins the Q-Link to her bra and some carry it inside their right pants pocket, where it hits the femoral artery of the leg. It is recommended to be worn at all times. The company currently is developing a bracelet. Detroit News

Davenport always seemed a bit superstitious to me, especially about injuries, but hopefully this thing has some real science behind it. For now, I'll save my $129.