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2011 US Open: Sam Stosur wins maiden Grand Slam title

When Samantha Stosur took on Francesca Schiavone in the 2010 French Open final, she was the favourite. That was not the case in her final match-up against Serena Williams at the 2011 US Open.

Serena dropped nary a set on her route to the final. Stosur, on the other hand, let many an opportunity to close matches early slip through her nervous fingers.

However, it was the Australian, much like Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon against Maria Sharapova, who exhibited nerveless character in the role of underdog. She was calm, composed and assured in her demolition of the 13-time Grand Slam champion.

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

John McEnroe Cannot Be Serious

What he said:

"She can’t even throw her racket down hard enough. Got to work on that."

John McEnroe joins the band of experts proffering advice to women’s No. 1 , Caroline Wozniacki, during her straight sets capitulation to Serena Williams in the US Open semi-finals.

What he really meant:

“It’s funny how everything seems wrong (to others) when you’re not winning.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Why doesn’t she just yell at the linesman or referees my famous line: ‘You cannot be serious.’ I waive all copyrights.”

Diego Maradona: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

Diego Maradona Is Not Interested in Argentine soccer

What he said:

"Since I left, I have never seen the Argentina team… And I think I will not see them again."

Diego Maradona makes it clear that he has no more interest in the Argentinean soccer team. The footballing great was national coach for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He was later sacked following the 0-4 loss to Germany in the quarter-final.

What he really meant:

“The Argentine national team is neither my responsibility nor the Argentine Football Association (AFA)  my paymasters.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“You can take me away from my Argentina but you can’t take away the Argentina in me.”

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

Andy Roddick Talks Money

What he said:

“13% of total revenue?  I’ll let you write your story.”

Andy Roddick does not shy from articulating that players feel that they need a bigger say in how tournaments are run (and how much money they receive).

What he really meant:

“You have the facts and figures. Go figure.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“If the players received less money, then maybe Arthur Ashe could put up a new roof and quick.”

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

Andy Roddick Is Baffled

What he said:

"I’m baffled, I’m baffled. Why are we out here?"

Andy Roddick is none-too-pleased with having to take the court on a wet day in Queens, New York.

Roddick, in his interview later, clarified:

I was surprised the second time we got called out.  We walked back there and it was wet, so I couldn’t quite figure out why we were called out.  I even said it’s coming from under.  It’s not something you can dab a towel on and make it go away.  I watched the monitors, and they were dabbing towels on it the entire time. Then they called us back out, and we walked right over it and it was wet.  I could not believe what I was looking at.  I mean, puts us in a little bit of an uncomfortable position, too, because obviously, you know, we want to play and stuff.  But it’s still there, dude.

What he really meant:

“We should be chiming ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head’ instead.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I love wet balls.”

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

Andy Roddick Negotiates At The US Open

What he said:

"I have been trying to tell people that talent normally wins in negotiations."

Andy Roddick believes it’s time players banded together to form a union. This would ensure that commercial interests do not override players’ welfare.

What he really meant:

“Tournaments aren’t money spinners when they lack star players.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Negotiations are as easy as serving aces.”

David Ferrer: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

David Ferrer is Sore

What he said:

"It was not nice playing on Court 13, but it was nice when you are junior, no?"

David Ferrer points out how far he’s come since his junior days. The expectations differ and he’s not quite pleased with having to play on the side courts at the US Open. Ferrer succumbed to Andy Roddick in the fourth round.

What he really meant:

“When we were younger, we didn’t know better. Besides, I lost. Do you really expect me to be singing paeans of praise?”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Ah! For those glorious junior days!”

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

Serena Williams Is Very, Very Careful

What she said:

"I always go out wearing either shoes that cover all my foot or most of it. I’m serious."

Serena Williams does not want a recurrence of the freak leg injury she suffered last year that kept her out of circulation on the tennis circuit.

What she really meant:

“These boots are not just meant for walking. Naked feet give me terrible deja vu.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Closed pairs are sexy.”

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

What she said:

“Well, I give half to my favorite uncle, and then the rest I probably save it hopefully.  Pray that the banks don’t go down.  (Laughter.)”

Serena William knows just what to do with the $2.8 million she will get at the US Open if she wins.

What she really meant:

“You do know, the Uncle I was referring to is Uncle Sam. Taxes, my friends, taxes.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“You’d think my $1.4 million would prop up the banks.”

Nasser Hussain: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

Nasser Hussain Goes Gold-Digging

What he said:

“When you get a bowler, it’s like gold dust. You do not just let him go.”

Nasser Hussain compares bowling talent to the discovery of a gold vein.

What he really meant:

“Have you seen the price of gold lately? A good bowler’s value is like that. It keeps appreciating—with experience.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Stake a claim and exploit them to the hilt.”