Stories

Maria Sharapova: What she said, really meant and definitely did not

What she said:

“We’ve done this for almost all our lives, so we feel like we’re on this sort of hamster carousel and we just keep going.I think that’s why it feels like every year we come back and like: ‘Oh, nothing changes’, and next year you come back, ‘Oh, nothing changes’.
Same old same press conference room, same court, same people. That makes you feel old."

Maria Sharapova sympathises with Rafael Nadal’s statement that he feels like he’s been on the tour for “100 years”.

What she really meant:

“You think you remember me? See, I recall you too and you’re boring.”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Just call me ‘Shareapova’”

Robin Soderling: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“Against the world No. 1, you never expect anyone to play bad.I mean, it would be pretty stupid.”

Robin Soderling claims that Rafael Nadal’s bad-mouthing his own form had no impact on his level of play against the World No.1.

What he really meant:

“Come on , we all know how modest Nadal really is. Do you really think I’d play terrible just because he says he’s not up to par?”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I’m bad, I’m bad.
Cause I run UPT.
(Bad bad-really, really bad)
You know I’m bad, I’m bad.
You know it.
(Bad bad-really, really bad)
You know I’m bad, I’m bad.
Cause I run UPT, you know.
(Bad bad-really, really bad)
And the whole world has to
answer right now
Just to tell you once again,
Who’s bad…”

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

What he said:

“I have almost 25 (years).But seems like I am playing for 100 years."

Rafael Nadal complains about the non-stop nature of the ATP tour.

What he really meant:

“The tour goes on and on and I feel really old, like a grandfather to you all.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I want to play tennis professionally for a 100 years or more.”

Shahid Afridi asked to seek remedial therapy by PCB (Satire)

KARACHI—

In another blow to Shahid Afridi’s hopes of returning to the Pakistani cricket team, the team management made public a team psychiatrist’s report on the dashing all-rounder.

Mr. Gind Mames, a consulting psychotherapist, said that the former Pakistani ODI skipper is overly influenced by sports persons who have retired from their sport only to return in another attempt to regain youthful glory.

“Afridi is a huge fan of Michael Jordan, Michael Schumacher, Bjorn Borg, Imran Khan,George Foreman and Martina Navratilova, among others.” said Mr. Mames.

Harbhajan Singh: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“Not everyone gets to be raja [king], some have to be mantri [minister].”

Harbhajan Singh is not too worried on being overlooked for the Indian ODI captaincy.

What he really meant:

“You’ve never heard of Birbal, have you? I think I’m Birbal to Raina.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Jodhaa Akbar.”

Shoaib Akhtar: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

“I don’t believe in teamwork; give me a team that works!”

Shoaib Akhtar asserts that it’s his favourite quote.

What he really meant:

“Teamwork is about doing your job and allowing,ensuring and facilitating your teammates to do theirs well or better.”

“Everyone works but not all pull in the same direction.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“’Working in Teams’ —That’s the next stop on my motivational speeches tour.”

Dominic Cork: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“I’m a bit like Sepp Blatter at the moment in Hampshire: crisis, what crisis?”

Dominic Cork compares himself and his county side, Hampshire, struggling at the bottom of Division One to embattled FIFA President, Sepp Blatter.

What he really meant:

“Of course, I’m not like Sepp. We’re miles apart but you wouldn’t quote me otherwise, would you?”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Corruption has spilled over onto the county scene.”

Stephane Robert: What he said,really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“It’s just to say thank you to mother nature for being so nice to me and allowing me to produce such good shots. In those moments you have the feeling that you live in perfect harmony with the nature.”

Stephane Robert explains the ecstatic  kisses he blew to the sky during his shock victory over sixth seed Tomas Berdych.

What he really meant:

“I have to thank someone and I couldn’t blow kisses to just anyone in the stands. My girl-friend won’t understand.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Next match, it’s the Tarzan costume for me.”

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

What he said:

“I’m not playing well enough to win this tournament.”

Defending champion Rafael Nadal feels a bit off-key as gets into the final stretch of the French Open.

What he really meant:

“But then, so are six others. It’s all relative.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Oh what’s winning got to do, got to do with it
What’s winning but a second hand emotion
What’s winning got to do, got to do with it
Who needs one more French Open
When my legs are creaky and broken.”

Rob Steen: What he said, really meant and definitely did not