“You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy.”
—Arthur Ashe.
“From what we get, we can make a living. From what we give, we make a life.”
—Arthur Ashe.
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.
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.”

Image via Wikipedia
Roger Federer had a plan and stuck to it. Come hell or high water!
Poor Nadal! If only he had known! Federer may have just a solitary Slam to his credit this year but he sure knows how to throw a year-end party.
He conquered the World Tour Finals for the fifth time, one of among a select few to do so.