tennis court

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.”

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

What she said:

“I’m more devastated than ever.I’m just a much better actress now." 

Serena Williams is a reporter’s delight despite her early loss to Marion Bartoli in the fourth round at Wimbledon. The only thing that could upset her on a tennis court is facing “Nadal at the French Open. That would drive me insane.”

What she really meant:

“I’m better at masking my emotions now. Isn’t that what grown-ups do?”

What she definitely didn’t:

“Where’s my Emmy?”

Quote Misquote: Roger Federer,Novak Djokovic, Li Na and Maria Sharapova

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ROGER FEDERER

“Yeah, I mean, they say that very quickly, so…

Let’s talk in six months again.”

What he really meant:

Don’t write off Rafa or me as yet.

What he definitely didn’t:

Yeah, Rafa and I are going to quit the sport in six months.

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2010 US Open: The Ladies’ Final Preview

Who would have believed it?

Vera Zvonareva gets to her second successive Grand Slam final.

She’s flown under the radar. She allowed Wozniacki and her shorter-than-short dress steal the limelight; she warms up in sweatpants and a jacket despite the sweltering heat and now she has knocked out the Danish sweetheart without so much as a by-your-leave.

Vera Zvonareva, you are going places and how!

Caroline Wozniacki found the pressure of expectations too much to handle and caved in to a much calmer, much hotter  (in terms of the tennis) Vera on a day of one upset and two disappointments at the US Open 2010.

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Federer Vs Nadal: Beauty Against The Beast

Nadal and Federer, Federer and Nadal, can we mention one without naming the other?

Once upon a time, there was Roger Federer and the many dwarves. Then arrived Rafael Nadal like a light bulb whose incandescence just shone brighter and brighter. But not so much to eclipse a dwindling Federer but enough to illumine and bathe the ATP  tennis courts – each taking turns at being  sunbeam and  moonbeam.

We have all heard talk about how graceful Federer is on the tennis court, how he is balletic , fluid of motion and a purist’s delight.

We have also lauded Rafa for his continually improving game, noted how his serve has become much more faster and accurate, and exclaimed how he keeps adding facets to his game.

But if you and I were to single out one defining characteristic of these two outstanding protagonists of the modern game, what would it be?

Quote of the day:
In great affairs men show themselves as they wish to be seen; in small things they show themselves as they are. – Nicholas Chamfort

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Can Samantha Stosur Go Far At The US Open?

Samantha Stosur cuts a striking, even imposing figure on court with her trademark baseball cap and dark shades.

She brings to the tennis court her unique persona and style.

She started out as a doubles player and was ranked No. 1 in the world with Lisa Raymond.

Samantha Stosur is the Australian No.1. She goes into the US Open ranked No. 5, her highest ranking ever at Flushing Meadows.

If 2009 marked the rebirth of Stosur in her singles avatar, 2010 confirmed her status as a challenger to beware of.

2009 saw her reach the French Open semis and 2010 saw her go one better reaching the finals only to cave in to an uninhibited Schiavone. Ironically, it was Schiavone she knocked out in the first round at the 2009 edition of the French Open.

2010 has been her best year ever on the WTA tour. Her career high-ranking of five has come on the back of her stupendous showing at the French Open. This period also includes seven successive quarter-final appearances, a record of sorts.

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Wimbledon Finals: A Preview

So, it’s final!

The last men and women standing at Wimbledon are Serena & Vera, Tomas & Rafael.

11 days of tennis and the draw has whittled down to these 4 contenders for the throne at the green lawns at SW18.

Could it have gotten any better than this?

Of course, we will miss Federer and his balletic grace on the tennis court. We have grown so used to having his majestic presence adorn Wimbledon that his absence seems like blasphemy. But if it is blasphemy, then what do we make of the stronger, fitter and wiser Nadal whose game, presence and speed makes us forget , at least for a while, that Federer was God?