humor

Aravane Rezai: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

What she said:

“We are not machines, we are human beings.Every player has their personal problems. Me, I have them, too, a bit more than the others, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to go on a court and win matches.”

Aravane Rezai says that although she has her problems, it does not mean she throws matches.

What she really meant:

“It’s tough to play with personal problems—for anyone.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Just call me Robo Rezai.”

Lalit Modi, BCCI and ICL: Why did Modi reveal all?

If it had not been the BCCI that first linked him to the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL), his recent disclosures about the Indian Cricket League (ICL) could have been construed as yet another attempt by Lalit Modi to turn the spotlight back on him.

The ex-IPL honcho projects an impression of missing the glory, accolades and kudos that came his way when he was the high-flying architect of the biggest organizational success story in international cricket since Kerry Packer‘s  World Series Cricket (WSC).

The Indian television media, as expected, went overboard on his revelations. Arnab Goswami of Times Now button-holed the IPL founder on prime time. Lalit Modi flatly denied any connection with the Sri Lankan league—direct or indirect.

To attribute altruistic considerations  to Lalit Modi’s revelations—as Arnab rightly pointed out—is foolish. However, to dismiss the allegations as ravings of a disgruntled ex-BCCI employee or to term him a liar is foolhardy.

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John McEnroe: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“Viv Richards was the Rod Laver of cricket.”

John McEnroe shows that he’s not just a tennis buff. Vivian Richards is the cricketing version of Rod Laver, according to the legend.

What he really meant:

“Yeah, I know cricket and I know Viv Richards and, sure as hell, do Rod Laver too.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Rod Laver is the Viv Richards of tennis.”

Shahar Peer:What she said, really meant and definitely did not

What she said:
”Tennis can be atrocious sometimes… BUT i have to keep going!!!”

Israeli tennis player, Shahar Peer, tweets her reaction to her first round loss at Wimbledon.

What she really meant:

“One bad day  at the office does not mean that I’m a lousy player.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“The sport is atrocious and so are tennis players.”

Andy Murray: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

"In golf you are always in control and in tennis, like today for the first set and a half, I wasn’t in control of what was going on out there!"

Andy Murray feels that he did not draw any lessons from golf’s latest sensation, Rory McIlroy, at this year’s US Open. He feels that in golf, the player is always in charge. In tennis, you are sometimes at the mercy at your opponent.

What he really meant:

“I guess, I can always win despite not being in total control throughout the match.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Total control, total domination. That’s me.”

Ross Taylor: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“I missed the phone call from John Buchanan. I was trying to pick wedding songs for this coming Saturday. I had the music going a bit too loud.”

Ross Taylor was too busy preparing for his up-coming marriage to bother with a phone call from John Buchanan, informing him that he’d been chosen captain of the Kiwi cricket team.

What he really meant:

“The stereo was cranked up. I did not hear the phone ring.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Can you turn up the volume, please?”

Serena Williams: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

What she said:

“Nah,I’d have a heart attack first."

Serena Williams is under no illusions about her fighting spirit—on court. When asked if she’d concede match if requested by her mother, Oracene Price—fearing for her health, the four-time Wimbledon champion categorically replied in the negative.

What she really meant:

“I’d rather die.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“I’m a Purple Heart.”

Francesca Schiavone: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

What she said:

"You should ask Roger (Federer) because I don’t have a lot of (grasscourt) wins.”

Francesca Schiavone admits that she is not well-equipped for grass and believes she should pick up some tips from six-time champion, Roger Federer, on how to cope at Wimbledon.

What she really meant:

“Roger Federer has won the title six times. He’s the best person to approach for advice on how to play at Wimbledon.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Grass is for cows—and Roger.”

Novak Djokovic: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

 

What he said:

"She is a really, really nice girl. She’s a great entertainer. No. 1. You never heard about her?"

Novak Djokovic teases Caroline Wozniacki in reply to her question as to who was his favourite women’s player on tour. The Dane gate-crashed the Serb’s press conference on Saturday, the 18th of June 2011, surprising the No. 2 seed, journalists and red-faced ushers.

What he really meant:

“Ms. Caroline is indeed sweet.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“You have an identical twin?”

Stuart Law: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“It was another great innings today. He’s a pain in the backside, to be honest.”

Sri Lankan coach, Stuart Law, minces no words in his assessment of Ian Bell’s contribution to his side’s travails in the Test series against England.

What he really meant:

“Bell has been the backbone of this English side—to our detriment.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I’ve ordered extra padding in our players’ trouser seats. And loads of Zandu balm.”