Tennis

Michael Chang: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“I would have thought that he would know me better than that; that me going out and expressing that has nothing to do with saying, ‘I’m better than you, or ‘God loves me more than he loves you.’ That’s not the case."

Michael Chang is cut up with Andre Agassi’s remarks in his autobiography, Open. The Las Vegan criticised his Christian faith and Michael’s habit of thanking God for his match results.

What he really meant:

“Andre, it’s the same God—for you and me. No favourites with him.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Burn it, Burn Open.”

“Andre, get me your publisher. I have memoirs to make public, as well.”

Novak Djokovic’s joking around takes a deadly turn

Li Na: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

What she said:

“My ultimate goal is to become a housewife.”

Li Na is not burdened by public expectations and will feel content if she fulfils her ultimate goal of being a housewife.

What she really meant:

“Now, that my husband’s not my coach, maybe it’s time I was a good wife to him.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“How do you like my house-hubby?”

Andre Agassi: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

 

What he said:

"They know already what it took me decades to find out: To shine in secret, and to give when there’s no one applauding.It’s not to late to be inspired. It’s not too late to change. It’s not too late."

Andre Agassi points out that the needy children he built a school for need no lessons in life from him. They know the importance of doing their best with or without an audience.

What he really meant:

“There’s much to learn outside the tennis court. And in the strangest places.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Read Open to discover more such gems.”

Andre Agassi: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

"I fell in love with tennis far too late in my life, but the reason I have everything I hold dear is because tennis has loved me back."

Andre Agassi admits that he was not always pleased with having to grind his way on the tennis circuit. He learnt to love the game as he grew older.

What he really meant:

“Tennis and Steffi (Graf) loved me back, man. They sure did.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Haven’t you read Open yet?”

Will Roger Federer continue his descent from the totem pole?

Roger Federer won his last major in January 2010 in Melbourne at the Australian Open.

The six majors that followed were divided among two bionic contestants, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard claimed four, the Serb two.

Has the Swiss truly fallen by the wayside?

Continue reading →

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

What she said:

“While I’m playing well, I’m just going to try and dominate.When I’m done, I’ll dominate somewhere else.”

Venus Williams is still struggling with her form—evinced in her World Team results. The five-time Wimbledon champion feels that she will be just as competitive in her outside interests as she is on-court, once she retires from the game.

What she really meant:

“Domination’s the name of the game—be it tennis, fashion or anything else.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“I guess that explains why Serena has more majors than me.”

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

 

What he said:

"If you look at Nadal, Djokovic and Federer when they come on the court, they have a demeanour.They are exceptionally well-dressed and clean-shaven. Andy doesn’t come on like that."

David Lloyd, former English Davis Cup captain, feels that Andy Murray lacks an on-court presence unlike his rivals, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

What he really meant:

“I really don’t feel a beard suits Murray but since I’m not qualified to talk about fashion sense, I’ll just link that to his lack of Grand Slam wins.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I love Bjorn Borg.”

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

What he said:

"I don’t know why I ate the grass. I felt like an animal! I wanted to see how it tastes. It came spontaneously. I didn’t plan to do it. I didn’t know what to do in all my excitement and joy."

Novak Djokovic discovered a fresh way to celebrate his Wimbledon win on centre-court. He simply bit into the grass. An acquired taste, perhaps?

What he really meant:

“I’m wild, I’m me, I’m inimitable, so I’d better relish my victory with a fresh, new palate.Pâté de Foie Grass!”

What he definitely didn’t:

“If grass is for cows, I’m one.”

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

What he said:

"Well,I guess I have to keep on running."

Novak Djokovic is convinced that the only way to continue as No.1 is to persist the same vein of form he has exhibited so far—this year.

What he really meant:

“If I’m the prey—rather than the hunter—I gotta run—and quick.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I’ll walk—from hereon.”