Tennis

Rafael Nadal: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

Rafael Nadal is Retrospective

What he said:

“The Rafa of 2010 had something more special than Rafa of 2011.”

Rafael Nadal introspects on his performance this year comparing it to his impeccable 2010.

Nadal said:

“Win or lose depends on small things. These small things I did better in 2010 than 2011.”

On Djokovic:

When I talk about improving or being a better player, it doesn’t mean making big changes in my game, it’s always just the small things, you just do them better, try to do them better.

This year Djokovic won three Grand Slams, he didn’t lose many matches. I don’t believe that he changed his game unbelievably. He did some small things better than a few years ago.

What he really meant:

“The Djokovic of 2011 is something special too.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“With Djokovic taking up permanent residence in my head, you’d expect me to return serve like him—circa 2010.”

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

A Union Occupies Andy Roddick’s Thoughts

What he said:

"I don’t think we’re storming offices, but I think the sentiment is still there."

Andy Roddick contemplates the formation of a players’ union. The seemingly heretical idea has gained ground in recent weeks because of the atrocious rescheduling of matches at the US Open this year due to rain. Andy Murray earlier called for a strike if the number of mandatory tournaments during a calendar year are not curtailed.Players on the circuit play almost throughout the year specifically if they are also committed to Davis Cup.

Roddick said:

We need to be smart about it and take our time and make sure that it’s well thought out and not be kind of reactionary. But, you know, there is a discussion going on.

You have to have a voice in order to get it accomplished.Whatever our individual interests are and what we want changed, nothing is going to happen unless we’re on the same page.

Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Shanghai Masters to recover from a back injury sustained during the US Open final. Roger Federer has opted for six weeks of  rest and recuperation skipping the Asian swing.

On their withdrawals, Roddick remarked:

They don’t get their money this week. Obviously, if they were feeling well and they weren’t worn down, then they would (be here). We’re not getting away with anything by pulling out of tournaments. I feel like that’s the way it’s presented sometimes. That’s just not the case.

What Andy Roddick really meant:

“What we really need is an ‘Occupy ATP and WTA’ campaign.”

What Andy Roddick didn’t:

“Fewer tournaments, more money. Can things get better than that?”

Rafael Nadal: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

Image via Wikipedia

Rafael Nadal Goes Native in Japan

What he said:

“It’s not just noodles,I’ve had teppanyaki, I’ve been to the fish market. Whatever country in the world we play in we always look for Japanese food.”

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal denies that he’s solely a Japanese noodle sampler. The Spaniard was spotted slurping instant noodles prior and post his matches at the Japan Open. The Mallorcan also slipped freebies into his bag.

Nadal added:

“Maybe 30 percent of nights when we go for dinner around the world we eat Japanese food.”

What he really meant:

“I’m no noodle brain. I can grill, as well.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“A celebratory dinner of teriyaki and teppanyaki followed by saki should I defend my title here.”

Victoria Azarenka: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

Victoria Azarenka Seeks Respectful Silence From Spectators

What she said:

“I would love people to be a bit more respectful and turn off their cell phones and just come and watch tennis and respect that players are doing their job.”

Belarussian World No. 4, Victoria Azarenka, is turned off by noisy spectators and their mobile phones during her second round victory over Slovakia’s Polona Hercog at the China Open in Beijing.

Azarenka, along with Maria Sharapova, is considered one of the worst offenders when it comes to grunting and shrieking on court among women tennis divas.

What she really meant:

“You should put those cell phones in silent mode and just take pictures or videos of me. Let me take care of the decibel levels. That’s my job, isn’t it? Isn’t that what you turn up for? Grunty Azarenka!”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Now, if I could just discover my ‘silent mode‘.”

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

Andy Roddick Loses Match and Composure

What he said:

“I think you should retire.”

Andy Roddick responds to a Chinese journalist’s query whether he is considering retiring any time soon.

The question followed his first round loss to South African, Kevin Anderson, 4-6, 5-7 at the China Open in Beijing.

Roddick paused, rolled his eyes, ejaculated his rejoinder and left the interview room.

What he really meant:

“What??? A couple of early losses and I’m toast! Good morning, China!”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Victory and defeat are two sides of the very same coin. Treat both impostors no different.”

Sam Stosur: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

Image via Wikipedia

Sam Stosur Is Imprinted For Posterity

What she said:

“I think I’ll have to go out and buy a couple of my own stamps.”

Sam Stosur is in splits as she considers purchasing stamps commemorating her 2011 US Open victory. The special issue souvenir sheet was issued by Australia Post retailing 10*60 cents Southern Cross for AUS $15.95.

Sam added:

“I know Australia has done it in the past with the gold-medal winners, so to have that of myself is pretty cool. Maybe I can post a few letters.”

Stosur, on the Australia Post website, remarked:

I’m really excited Australia Post has decided to release a souvenir stamp sheet to celebrate my US Open win. The past couple of weeks have been very exciting and I’m still coming to terms with the idea of being a Grand Slam winner. This is something I’ll remember forever.

What she really meant:

“Trust Australia Post to not send me complimentary copies.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Letter writing? Can anyone recall when they last wrote one? Maybe this will get my fans to switch over to snail mail.”

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

Li Na Is From Venus

What she said:

"Women cannot have the same mentality of men, who expect to win every competition."

Li Na is inventive with her excuse for not doing well post her Roland Garros triumph this year. The Chinese woman became the first Asian ever to win a Grand Slam at the French Open.

What she really meant:

“Sports requires us (women) to be takers. But we’re givers (by nature)—just ask my hubby and my opponents.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Serena Williams are more than pleased with this explanation.”

Roger Federer: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

Roger Federer Pushes Stan The Man’s ‘Buttons’

What he said:

If Stan wants me to do some push-ups to pump him up, I’ll do that, if he wants me to sleep on the floor of his bed[room] I’ll do that, to keep him warm as we’re both missing our children and stuff, so whatever he wants me to do I’m relaxed at this point. I’ll be here tomorrow of course – except if he doesn’t want me.

Roger Federer was ready to do almost anything to help his Davis Cup teammate, Stanislas Wawrinka, clinch his tie against Lleyton Hewitt. Wawrinka needed just six points to win his five setter on Monday, 19th September, 2011. Switzerland beat Australia in Australia—the final score read 3-2.

What he really meant:

“No Mirka, no kids, just us guys. It ought to have been an enjoyable guys outing Down Under but  we’re home buddies now.Stan, let’s get back home—pronto.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Stan and I are gonna yodel into the night and read out aloud our kids’ favourite bedtime tale ‘Heidi’.”

Caroline Wozniacki: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

Caroline Wozniacki Is Not Amused By ‘Wham-Bam’ Serena

What she said:

“Well, you know, it’s kind of like, okay, you feel like you’re in the game, you’re in the game, and then bam, bam, you’re not in the game anymore.”

Caroline Wozniacki makes her excuses for her semifinal defeat against Serena Williams at the US Open.

What she really meant:

“I was outgunned by Serena.Bang, bang, you’re dead.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“That’s what I term a ‘loaded’ statement.”

Samantha Stosur: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

Samantha Stosur Can Fit a Lot Into Her Back Pocket

What she said:

“It was a good thing to have that in your back pocket playing someone who’s never been in one before.”

Samantha Stosur had the advantage of two major semifinal appearances over her German opponent, Angelique Kerber,  at the US Open.

What she really meant:

“That’s what I call a true ADVANTAGE…Deuce Kerber.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“I don’t actually have a back pocket. You noted that?”