I am so impressed with JJ's TWELVE MATCH WIN STREAK! Unlike her fellow compatriot, she's not feeling crushed- at this moment- by the pressure of being Number One. Her win over Zvonareva (who's win over Safina was very impressive) was just great tennis. Comprehensive is the word that comes to mind.
Right now, I'm watching ATP tennis news regarding Berdych v. Del Potro (after Berdych beat Roddick in the semi) in the Japan final. Now, I filled out my picks for next week in Madrid, and I have Del Potro going realling far. Understandably. But WOW- Berdych. He's a bit hot and cold with his wins. He's an incredible athelete- he's reeeeaally hot- and tall and hard hitting and so on and so forth. But this is a big win for him. He's not been doing so well lately. Let's see if this win will give him confidence---- in MADRID! I am so excited about Madrid. I went one year. It's such a great end of the year Masters event in such a great city. And how fun to start the indoor hard court season- for me too! I played outside today, maybe for the last weekend. We'll see.
I have Djokovic beating Nalby in the final. Lord. I think Rick Rock has Del Potro and Nadal in the final.
Yours Truly,
Paula
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Kremlin Cup Semifinals 2008
Rick Rock here:
So we are demoing racquets at the moment, and one of them is Leni's Yonex! Also the very same racquet Nalbandian uses, so needless to say Paula is excited to have it in the house. She hasn't had a chance to try it yet - tomorrow.
We missed the first set in which Leni bageled JJ - so we just saw the conclusion, in which JJ methodically dismantled Leni. Unbelievable defense, coupled with consistent depth and careful but effective approaching - very impressive. JJ has gotten a lot of flack for being number 1 without making a grand slam final. I think she is going to surprise people and hang around for a while. To me she is just gaining confidence and improving. I predict she will be #1 for the majority of 2009. Yeah! There you go - taking a stand.
Anyway very sad to see my girl go down but JJ clearly kicked her butt, so more power to her.
SO what the f is up with the Kremlin cup? No one is there. The entire arena or whatever you call it is empty. Now I have been to Moscow, and the first thing I saw getting off the airplane was a giant mural of Leni, Zvonareva and Myskina (at that time) - so these girls are stars there. I also picked up the Russian equivalent of Us magazine and there was a giant spread about Leni. So again, Russians seem to know and care about the incredible, practically incomparable dominance of Russian women in tennis - the sport is important there. The Russian folks I met all knew about the Russian players. But no one is there. So what is going on? You have to chock it up to some flavor of Russian corruption, I assume some equivalent to the corporate impact we see on stadium audiences in the US, but times 100. I guess all the seats are reserved for politically important people and oligarchs, who have better things to do, and no one else is allowed to buy them? Or can afford them?
Whatever the true explanation it's weird and bad and a very small but telling indicator of how subtly but importantly off and dysfunctional Russia is these days, despite the enormous surge in affluence. No city is more expensive (to the foreign visitor anyway) than Moscow. Oil fueled growth and inflation, the entire city under construction. So anyway, weird that no one is at the semifinals, and that the tournament organizers think that is ok.
Signing off - RR
So we are demoing racquets at the moment, and one of them is Leni's Yonex! Also the very same racquet Nalbandian uses, so needless to say Paula is excited to have it in the house. She hasn't had a chance to try it yet - tomorrow.
We missed the first set in which Leni bageled JJ - so we just saw the conclusion, in which JJ methodically dismantled Leni. Unbelievable defense, coupled with consistent depth and careful but effective approaching - very impressive. JJ has gotten a lot of flack for being number 1 without making a grand slam final. I think she is going to surprise people and hang around for a while. To me she is just gaining confidence and improving. I predict she will be #1 for the majority of 2009. Yeah! There you go - taking a stand.
Anyway very sad to see my girl go down but JJ clearly kicked her butt, so more power to her.
SO what the f is up with the Kremlin cup? No one is there. The entire arena or whatever you call it is empty. Now I have been to Moscow, and the first thing I saw getting off the airplane was a giant mural of Leni, Zvonareva and Myskina (at that time) - so these girls are stars there. I also picked up the Russian equivalent of Us magazine and there was a giant spread about Leni. So again, Russians seem to know and care about the incredible, practically incomparable dominance of Russian women in tennis - the sport is important there. The Russian folks I met all knew about the Russian players. But no one is there. So what is going on? You have to chock it up to some flavor of Russian corruption, I assume some equivalent to the corporate impact we see on stadium audiences in the US, but times 100. I guess all the seats are reserved for politically important people and oligarchs, who have better things to do, and no one else is allowed to buy them? Or can afford them?
Whatever the true explanation it's weird and bad and a very small but telling indicator of how subtly but importantly off and dysfunctional Russia is these days, despite the enormous surge in affluence. No city is more expensive (to the foreign visitor anyway) than Moscow. Oil fueled growth and inflation, the entire city under construction. So anyway, weird that no one is at the semifinals, and that the tournament organizers think that is ok.
Signing off - RR
Monday, October 6, 2008
Jancovic Defeats Petrova
The final was not as exciting as the semi-final against Venus, but as I commented, JJ is just a WALL. It's as if nothing can get past her. Petrova showed nerves- understandably- when was the last time we saw her with this result? It's been ages. Anyway, go JJ!!!! Nice Porsche! You're awesome!
Yours Truly,
Paula
Yours Truly,
Paula
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Shoulder Bump
Last night, I had the great pleasure of watching Venus and Jelena battle it out for a truly great semi-final. But man, the shoulder bump? There is THE famous shoulder bump from years and years ago, at the US Open I think, before Richard turned into the amazing man that he is- he was still amazing, but now he even more amazing, how's that (and I am being serious, I worship the man these days)- and refered to the woman Venus shoulder bumped as a "white turkey". Now, I may have that wrong. I'm working on memory, and my memory stinks. So, you know, go easy on me.
And then there is the famous FAMOUS shoulder bump between Hewitt and Nalbandian at the Australian Open about three years ago. It was a five setter that Hewitt ended up winning. Nalbandian had words with him. Those two hate each other. Also, I was joking when I said that it was a famous shoulder bump. It was not. But for me, a Nalbandian devotee, in the way that some people are, like, Hindu, it was a big moment and has settled into my memory in a way other things don't settle there.
I was going to talk about Serbia here because if JJ's great win and also- I have been reading about Serbia! And that area in general. Here is the most recent info I have: I read a book called Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco (really really good book- it's a "graphic" book, so it's a comic book but with lots of good info instead of super heros). And I also read a tiny little bio of Tolstoy. A hundred years ago, the Serbs were attacked by the Turks, or the Ottoman empire. That is why there are so many Muslims in the area. During WW2, Serbs were massacred by Croats who sided with the Nazis. And more recently, in Joe Sacco's book's time, the 1990s, Serbs committed terrible atrocities against Muslims in particular. So here is the thing- what an incredibly messed up place from where JJ hails! And she's always SMILING?!! God bless her. I am really happy I did not have to come from such a troubled place. She's sort of amazing that she is soo good at tennis and smiley and stuff, and yet, like, she's from Serbia. That said, I realize that our country isn't perfect, but man oh man, it is not as messed up as Serbia is, or so that is my half assed opinion at the moment.
Yours Truly,
Paula
And then there is the famous FAMOUS shoulder bump between Hewitt and Nalbandian at the Australian Open about three years ago. It was a five setter that Hewitt ended up winning. Nalbandian had words with him. Those two hate each other. Also, I was joking when I said that it was a famous shoulder bump. It was not. But for me, a Nalbandian devotee, in the way that some people are, like, Hindu, it was a big moment and has settled into my memory in a way other things don't settle there.
I was going to talk about Serbia here because if JJ's great win and also- I have been reading about Serbia! And that area in general. Here is the most recent info I have: I read a book called Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco (really really good book- it's a "graphic" book, so it's a comic book but with lots of good info instead of super heros). And I also read a tiny little bio of Tolstoy. A hundred years ago, the Serbs were attacked by the Turks, or the Ottoman empire. That is why there are so many Muslims in the area. During WW2, Serbs were massacred by Croats who sided with the Nazis. And more recently, in Joe Sacco's book's time, the 1990s, Serbs committed terrible atrocities against Muslims in particular. So here is the thing- what an incredibly messed up place from where JJ hails! And she's always SMILING?!! God bless her. I am really happy I did not have to come from such a troubled place. She's sort of amazing that she is soo good at tennis and smiley and stuff, and yet, like, she's from Serbia. That said, I realize that our country isn't perfect, but man oh man, it is not as messed up as Serbia is, or so that is my half assed opinion at the moment.
Yours Truly,
Paula
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Me and Ted Robinson, and, JJ vs. Sveta in China
Rick Rock guest blogging, because....
Last week I sat next to Ted Robinson on a plane from SF to NYC! Ted Robinson is the commentator who usually is the straight man to Johnny Mac on NBC. And he's pretty straight - despite the immense quantities of tennis we watch, I wasn't sure it was him., or if it was, exactly what his name was. I was like, hmm this guy looks familiar... is that Ted Robinson? Er, is it Roberson? Tim? I can't remember! We call him "Fish Eyeballs" at home, which isn't nice. Now that I've met him I won't call him that anymore. Ted if you read this, sorry! Needless to say I didn't mention our little nickname, when I eventually spoke to him.
Which was right at the end of the flight. I was a little shy... and he was pretty busy. The guy read through 4 or 5 sports magazines, and was on the Internet (Wifi on the plane now!) reading sports blogs and following like 3 different baseball games! I was actually impressed. By the way no booze for Ted - just tea. Getting all wired and freaking out on baseball!!!
So eventually I break the ice... and he is really quite jittery. Is it the tea, or is he irritated that I am bugging him? I think the former, because seriously folks, this is Ted Robinson, not J Lo, I doubt he gets hassled by fans that much. But I tell him I am a big tennis fan, and have enjoyed his commentary on many occasions. I don't mention some of the negative things I might, like how he fawns over the American players and ignores everyone else. Partly out of politeness, but also let's just not go there people, enough with the negativity, I'm not going in for the Hater-net thing.
So we chat a little. Can Federer get back to number 1? Maybe - Rafa will have a lot of points to defend next year and Roger does seem healthy again, finally. He calls out Monfils as someone to watch (to which I reply, Del Potro). He lives in SF, which he calls "a great tennis town". I bring up Brad Gilbert, and he is visibly irritated - "he's the LOUDEST player from the area". He mentions another pro from the 90's who I don't know - Jared somebody I think. Have to look it up.
We talk about what a great year it's been, which he qualifies with "on the men's tour".
I don't agree by the way - the WTA is just wide open, and I think that's fun and exciting! You never know what is going to happen. Implicit is the whole ting about when JJ was number 1 and not deserving it. I'm watching JJ in another final as I write this, basically kicking Kuzy's ass. It's time for JJ to get the respect she deserves! And let's not underestimate her consistency, hard work and grinding it out. And she has game - Kuzy is a big server, and JJ is just destroying her on the return, despite an 80% first serve percentage.
JJ also does not get respect for hotness. Ana is so pretty, bla bla bla, but nothing about JJ. I think she's HOTTER than Ivanovic! There, I've said it. More fun, she's got a little more fire in her eyes.... mmm.... naughty!
Anyway, signing off - RR
Last week I sat next to Ted Robinson on a plane from SF to NYC! Ted Robinson is the commentator who usually is the straight man to Johnny Mac on NBC. And he's pretty straight - despite the immense quantities of tennis we watch, I wasn't sure it was him., or if it was, exactly what his name was. I was like, hmm this guy looks familiar... is that Ted Robinson? Er, is it Roberson? Tim? I can't remember! We call him "Fish Eyeballs" at home, which isn't nice. Now that I've met him I won't call him that anymore. Ted if you read this, sorry! Needless to say I didn't mention our little nickname, when I eventually spoke to him.
Which was right at the end of the flight. I was a little shy... and he was pretty busy. The guy read through 4 or 5 sports magazines, and was on the Internet (Wifi on the plane now!) reading sports blogs and following like 3 different baseball games! I was actually impressed. By the way no booze for Ted - just tea. Getting all wired and freaking out on baseball!!!
So eventually I break the ice... and he is really quite jittery. Is it the tea, or is he irritated that I am bugging him? I think the former, because seriously folks, this is Ted Robinson, not J Lo, I doubt he gets hassled by fans that much. But I tell him I am a big tennis fan, and have enjoyed his commentary on many occasions. I don't mention some of the negative things I might, like how he fawns over the American players and ignores everyone else. Partly out of politeness, but also let's just not go there people, enough with the negativity, I'm not going in for the Hater-net thing.
So we chat a little. Can Federer get back to number 1? Maybe - Rafa will have a lot of points to defend next year and Roger does seem healthy again, finally. He calls out Monfils as someone to watch (to which I reply, Del Potro). He lives in SF, which he calls "a great tennis town". I bring up Brad Gilbert, and he is visibly irritated - "he's the LOUDEST player from the area". He mentions another pro from the 90's who I don't know - Jared somebody I think. Have to look it up.
We talk about what a great year it's been, which he qualifies with "on the men's tour".
I don't agree by the way - the WTA is just wide open, and I think that's fun and exciting! You never know what is going to happen. Implicit is the whole ting about when JJ was number 1 and not deserving it. I'm watching JJ in another final as I write this, basically kicking Kuzy's ass. It's time for JJ to get the respect she deserves! And let's not underestimate her consistency, hard work and grinding it out. And she has game - Kuzy is a big server, and JJ is just destroying her on the return, despite an 80% first serve percentage.
JJ also does not get respect for hotness. Ana is so pretty, bla bla bla, but nothing about JJ. I think she's HOTTER than Ivanovic! There, I've said it. More fun, she's got a little more fire in her eyes.... mmm.... naughty!
Anyway, signing off - RR
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Final Day of the Davis Cup Semis, 2008 -- UPDATED!
Nadal is up 5/0 in the second. I am not surprised really, and Roddick can't invent a new game for himself to suddenly play good clay court tennis. He hits hard through the ball, the clay diffuses the power, and then Nadal hits the ball back, maybe Roddick is at the net, maybe just ready on the baseline, and Rafa hits a crazy spinny shot either past Roddick, or deep in the corner on the baseline.
I was gone all weekend and do know that my man NALBANDIAN won his first singles match, lost with Canas in the doubles, but Argentina and Spain look to be meeting in the finals- I'll know for sure later tonight. I just have to think this: if life is so perfect that Argentina and Spain would be in the Davis Cup final, than how come other great things like world peace and an end to global warming can't happen, too? You know? I mean to say, there is a God and he loves us. Otherwise, it would be a Russia/US final. So I just want God to show his love for us by doing other great things, like ending malaria in Africa. But I'm glad he's showing us he's there in SOME way. You know, burning bush- great show- but we are all waiting for some other God is miraculous and loves us stuff. (Also, I want Argentina to win the whole thing....not sure on that and how God feels about that, since Spain could easily defeat Argentina in the final.)
That said, my house STINKS of cat pee. I ordered a bunch of new products and also did tons of research and I am going to try all new stuff and more litter boxes and if nothing works- it'll be prozac for the old dudes. I did read something about a cat going from outdoor to indoor having real adjustment problems. But I'll put more of this mind boggling info on my other blog.
Well, Roddick got bageled in the Bull Ring.
MORE LATER:
Roddick is being amusing and even enjoying himself and I really, really don't like him in general, but I am very impressed with him right now. He's not naive enough (stupid?) to anger this crowd, so he can't pull off his nasty behavior to the chair stuff he does everywhere else. So, this is perhaps the best way for me to watch Roddick: on clay, in Spain, against a Spaniard, and knowing any crap he pulls will get him pelted with beer bottles.
AND:
Argentina did indeed win their tie and what the hell is wrong with my man Nalbandian??!! I hate all the gossip from the US commentators about his stomach being chubby, his fitness, his dedication, etc... You know, F you. I really think something else is going on. I think he is having a serious crisis (a la Gasquet). No one played better than David a year ago. No one. He beat Nadal, Federer and Djokovic- the 1,2 and 3 in the world- in Madrid, and then the next week, beat all three again, in Paris. And he had a new coach and was playing better than ever. So what gives? I feel it really isn't anything less than a serious crisis of faith- in himself, in tennis, in what he wants from his time on this earth. I do know he wants to win this Cup and I really, really hope they do. I hope he can find that strength everyone knows he has.
Rock on, DEL POTRO!! Damn, I love the Argentines. Did you see how psyched they were?! SO emotional.
Yours Truly,
Paula
I was gone all weekend and do know that my man NALBANDIAN won his first singles match, lost with Canas in the doubles, but Argentina and Spain look to be meeting in the finals- I'll know for sure later tonight. I just have to think this: if life is so perfect that Argentina and Spain would be in the Davis Cup final, than how come other great things like world peace and an end to global warming can't happen, too? You know? I mean to say, there is a God and he loves us. Otherwise, it would be a Russia/US final. So I just want God to show his love for us by doing other great things, like ending malaria in Africa. But I'm glad he's showing us he's there in SOME way. You know, burning bush- great show- but we are all waiting for some other God is miraculous and loves us stuff. (Also, I want Argentina to win the whole thing....not sure on that and how God feels about that, since Spain could easily defeat Argentina in the final.)
That said, my house STINKS of cat pee. I ordered a bunch of new products and also did tons of research and I am going to try all new stuff and more litter boxes and if nothing works- it'll be prozac for the old dudes. I did read something about a cat going from outdoor to indoor having real adjustment problems. But I'll put more of this mind boggling info on my other blog.
Well, Roddick got bageled in the Bull Ring.
MORE LATER:
Roddick is being amusing and even enjoying himself and I really, really don't like him in general, but I am very impressed with him right now. He's not naive enough (stupid?) to anger this crowd, so he can't pull off his nasty behavior to the chair stuff he does everywhere else. So, this is perhaps the best way for me to watch Roddick: on clay, in Spain, against a Spaniard, and knowing any crap he pulls will get him pelted with beer bottles.
AND:
Argentina did indeed win their tie and what the hell is wrong with my man Nalbandian??!! I hate all the gossip from the US commentators about his stomach being chubby, his fitness, his dedication, etc... You know, F you. I really think something else is going on. I think he is having a serious crisis (a la Gasquet). No one played better than David a year ago. No one. He beat Nadal, Federer and Djokovic- the 1,2 and 3 in the world- in Madrid, and then the next week, beat all three again, in Paris. And he had a new coach and was playing better than ever. So what gives? I feel it really isn't anything less than a serious crisis of faith- in himself, in tennis, in what he wants from his time on this earth. I do know he wants to win this Cup and I really, really hope they do. I hope he can find that strength everyone knows he has.
Rock on, DEL POTRO!! Damn, I love the Argentines. Did you see how psyched they were?! SO emotional.
Yours Truly,
Paula
Friday, September 19, 2008
Nalbandian Beats Andreev, Davis Cup 2008!
WOOHOOO!!!! Go David! I love you. I missed the match but will watch the replay. Right now, I am watching the very interesting golf carts drive around smoothing the clay in Argentina. Zamboni-esqe is right, said by Leif. And you know, I love hockey, too.
Del Potro now is up against Davydenko. Del Potro really broke out this year as he was predicted by many to do so, except for me. I was wrong. But Davy has a ton of experience in high pressure situations. So we'll see. I'm rooting for the tall Argentine, of course. I was in Buenos Aires last March. I played at the Guillermo Vilas Tennis Club, which was just down the road from the one where this is all taking place. It was so incredible. I have never seen so many insanely handsome men in one tennis club in all my life. Coria came out and played on the court that my kids were on. Vilas was hanging out at the front desk, checking his cell phone. I was, uh, in heaven.
Oh my God, now they are talking about how Russia beat them a few years back. I saw all of that and was so SOOO Sad.
LATER:
Del Potro up 5/1 in the first set and they just showed Gaudio in the audience. And Zapaleta. I know Gaudio is a nut bar, but that French Open where he beat Coria in five- it was a stunner. Not in terms of great tennis, but great tension and excitement. I walked by him in Toronto that year and man, his ass is so wide and huge. Run, run run. A butt muscle to beat all other butt
muscles.
Now they just showed Chucho, also known as Acasuso, passing along a Mate cup with those funky straw like things- I think they call them keys?- to another Argentine. Mmm. I had some Mate yesterday, but not out of one of those cool Argentine cup/key thingies. I had mine out of a mug. In fact, I'm going to go make myself one now. Del Potro is just whomping away here. Nice.
Yours Truly,
Paula
Del Potro now is up against Davydenko. Del Potro really broke out this year as he was predicted by many to do so, except for me. I was wrong. But Davy has a ton of experience in high pressure situations. So we'll see. I'm rooting for the tall Argentine, of course. I was in Buenos Aires last March. I played at the Guillermo Vilas Tennis Club, which was just down the road from the one where this is all taking place. It was so incredible. I have never seen so many insanely handsome men in one tennis club in all my life. Coria came out and played on the court that my kids were on. Vilas was hanging out at the front desk, checking his cell phone. I was, uh, in heaven.
Oh my God, now they are talking about how Russia beat them a few years back. I saw all of that and was so SOOO Sad.
LATER:
Del Potro up 5/1 in the first set and they just showed Gaudio in the audience. And Zapaleta. I know Gaudio is a nut bar, but that French Open where he beat Coria in five- it was a stunner. Not in terms of great tennis, but great tension and excitement. I walked by him in Toronto that year and man, his ass is so wide and huge. Run, run run. A butt muscle to beat all other butt
muscles.
Now they just showed Chucho, also known as Acasuso, passing along a Mate cup with those funky straw like things- I think they call them keys?- to another Argentine. Mmm. I had some Mate yesterday, but not out of one of those cool Argentine cup/key thingies. I had mine out of a mug. In fact, I'm going to go make myself one now. Del Potro is just whomping away here. Nice.
Yours Truly,
Paula
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