Forty Deuce

Air Quotes: Their Plate's Kiiiiiiiiinda Full, Liezel. #southafricafacts

"When Wes Moodie and I won Wimbledon doubles titles in 2005, I actually thought it would change tennis in South Africa. Nothing changed. Maybe there's more important things to spend money on, maybe tennis is not important. Maybe it's more important for the government to build schools. I'm not there so I'm not sure why tennis is not getting funding. But it shows."

-- Liezel, world ambassador.

Air Quotes: Madame Manager

"I am not capable of managing others. Even if I do, I can only handle my husband Jiang Shan."

-- Nails, nailing it.  As usual.

Air Quotes: See? HE CAN HEAR YOU.

Air Quotes: Belated Wimbly Edition #1

Q. We have a new star at Wimbledon in Li Na who, like you, holds the hopes of an entire nation on her shoulders, albeit a larger nation. Do you have any words of advice for her?

ANDY MURRAY: Well, she's won a slam, so I should be the one asking her for the advice (smiling).

....

Caroline Wozniacki: I think it was 60 million people watching [the Roland Garros final] in China.

Q. 116.

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI: Well, close (laughter).

...

Q. You're looking forward to coming back to Wimbledon twice in a year?

RAFAEL NADAL: For sure, yes. I hope so, if I qualify (smiling). If not, wild card (laughter).

....

Q. At 7:00 a.m.?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, that's the thing. You have to give one hour every day where they can come. And because the last that you're ever thinking about when you wake up in the morning is that someone is going to come and drug test you. You put it at 7:00 in the morning because I know I'm going to be in bed. It's just a bit annoying because it was my day off and I was looking for a lie in. And then 7:00, it's like...

Q. So were you asleep at the time?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. I was fast asleep. But the thing is, as soon as the bell like from the house went, I sort of like woke up. Took like 10 seconds. Looked at my clock and it was bang on 7:00. It was like, I knew it was them. He rung the bell like six times, as well. It was like... (Laughter.)

Q. It's a bit harsh, isn't it? Surely you can't be happy about that many tests, or is that quite normal?
ANDY MURRAY: Normally around this time of year it's pretty normal at most of the big tournaments. I get tested here when the tournament's done. I'm sure the French Open always tests. And then because I'm at home, they always come right before Wimbledon, and then probably at Davis Cup, as well. Normally at Davis Cup we'll get tested, too. So it's a lot of testing, but just part of our job, unfortunately.

Q. Did you make them a cup of tea when they arrived?
ANDY MURRAY: My Mum did, yeah, which we shouldn't make them cups of tea. You know, it's just very intrusive when you get someone sort of in your house in the morning. When you're going to the toilet and they're staring at you, it's a bit... you know, in your own home, it's just quite strange feeling. (Laughter.)

Q. Are you sure they're drug testers?
ANDY MURRAY: You hope so. I've actually spoken with a few of the players about that in the past that, you know, they could easily... because it's not like we ever check. I don't really check, you know, whatever they're saying.

Q. They don't have a card saying...
ANDY MURRAY: They do, yeah. They do have the card, but I don't know. I mean, you're not going to know if it's real or not, are you?

...

Q. For sports fans back home, how would you explain or describe the level of attention or scrutiny Andy Murray is under here these two weeks, and Tim Henman before him?

ANDY RODDICK: Sure. You know, I've been front and center as far as tennis in my own country for a long time. I don't think it compares to what those guys go through here. I don't feel like I can relate.

You know, he gets the full rundown of he practiced for 36 minutes, then he ate a Snickers bar and then continued for another 14 minutes, and then it's like and that's on page four. We already read the first three pages of the day. You know, it's a little tough (laughter).

...

Q. You've been here a long time now. At one point you were the bad guy upsetting Tim Henman.

ANDY RODDICK: Actually, I never played Tim Henman here. But I'm still the bad guy. Point taken, but... (Laughter.)

Q. You got good support today.

ANDY RODDICK: It felt great. They've always been great to me, even when I was fake beating Tim Henman (smiling).

...

Q. Is it kind of surprising that Roger Federer hasn't really had any kind of injury to take him out?

ANDY RODDICK: Not really. He doesn't even look like he's trying when he plays, so how you gonna get hurt (smiling)?

...

Q. Did you see or hear about Serena's tears on court and can you understand the emotion of a first big win after an illness?

ELENA BALTACHA: I actually saw it. I was sitting watching the match. And do you know what? It was so nice to see her not that it was nice to see her break down; I don't mean it like that. Because I really idolize Serena, to see everything that she's been through, for her to come back here and just let that emotion come out, uhm, you know, because I think a lot of people think we're like machines in a way. Just to see that side of her, because she's a very strong personality, very dominant. And to see her kind of break down, it just shows what it actually means to her to be on court again with everything she's been through.

And you've really got to admire that. You really have to admire that. I really felt for her. It actually brought a tear to my eye. I thought, You've got to snap out of it because you've got a match. But, no, it was lovely to see that.

...

Q. She seemed to run you back and forth a little bit.

NA LI: Yeah, I know. I hate that, you know. (Smiling.) I like it standing.

...

Q. The Wimbledon homepage did an online survey yesterday who was the best looking male player who played Wimbledon in history. Who would have gotten your vote?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Usually I've never liked any of my colleagues. I try to keep it professional, hence no tennis relationships. So it's probably for the best for me to stay out of this. I usually like winners, though (smiling). So anyone winning is pretty cute to me.

...

Q. If your injury hasn't happened before, are you now thinking, Why me? Of all the times for it to suddenly come about. Are you feeling a bit, Why me, at the moment?

HEATHER WATSON: It's exactly how I'm feeling. Could have been another tournament. Why this one?

...

Q. At the beginning we heard you say, Oh, don't worry, I'm going to take it off. I'm not going to play with it. Do you think there were people that were actually worried you would play with that jacket on?

BETHANIE MATTEK SANDS: Oh, I don't know. Pam, one of the WTA supervisors, has probably seen a lot of my crazy outfits, so she had a look of worry on her face.

...

Q. Would you be happy to see Scottish players in this British Olympic team, the football team, that's been talked about?

ANDY MURRAY: I don't want to get into any of that political stuff. I've been involved in the Olympics, played under Great Britain, and it was an unbelievable experience. I loved it. It's not for me to decide. It's up to the Federations, that they can decide.

Certainly not getting drawn into any political stuff around this time of year, because we know what happens with that (smiling).

...

Q. No real form coming in here, no coach. What on earth has happened to you?

LAURA ROBSON: You make it sound like I was playing really bad (laughter).

...

Q. Is that mostly in terms of is tennis dying, a country club sport?

ANDY RODDICK: Listen. Here is what we're going to do. If you want to talk about an, Is tennis dying article, let's go by participation numbers, retail numbers, prize money, up, up, up, up, up. I hear this, Tennis is dying. Maybe it's water cooler talk. But I'll put more stock in the business of tennis in our country growing as opposed to having fun conversations around a water cooler.

Q. Why do you think it is that people refuse to accept the stats? The Wall Street Journal printed some stats which said that tennis over the past nine years is the only sport to increase participation in America.

ANDY RODDICK: This kind of gets to my first point. You can just say something and people read it as fact, but it's not researched. If you look at racquet sales, USTA memberships, across the board, it's been up. Do we have four guys in the top five in the world? No, we don't. That's about the only difference. That doesn't mean that tennis is dying. It's an international sport. I feel like a lot of times people refuse to accept that back home, which is unfortunate. It's as international a sport as there is as far as popularity. I feel like it doesn't get its maybe fair shake.

Q. 720,000 people at the US Open.

ANDY RODDICK: Listen, I can sit here and I can have two pages full of pros, the water cooler conversation as a con. So I like to deal in facts, and the facts say the whole dying thing, it's not accurate.

...

Q. So what are you bench pressing?

ANA IVANOVIC: I haven't gone that far yet. I'm still with rubber bands (laughter).

(Source: Wimbledon Website)

Air Quotes: Fire Away.

“It's great to be back on grass. I really enjoyed today's match. First game I had chances and I sort of was feeling like I was passive. I was thinking, 'On grass you have to be aggressive, you have to step in.' And that's what I tried to change and that worked really well. I served great and that really helped.

“I had a few days of practice but you always have to keep [staying low] in mind. Have to keep the glutes firing on the grass and try to keep low. I was a little bit wary of the outside as it was a little bit slippery. But that's just the case, most of the time it is on the grass. Tried to step in when I had the opportunity and yeah, it worked well today.”

-- Ana, after second round win over Tatishvili.

Air Quotes: Gluten-Free Lisicki

“I've been playing so well and against Vera, I was actually the better player on court on that day I think. But I started cramping at the end of the second set which disappointed me a lot because there was nothing I could change. I played, I didn't want to retire and it was actually amazing to go up 5-2 in the third set with cramps. I was cramping the entire third set badly, I couldn't even stretch my legs out anymore. I played with cramped legs and I was playing with a lot of pain. I was trying to finish that match somehow. Unfortunately it didn't go my way but for me the most important part is that we're finding out the reasons, we're talking to specialists and its all about adjusting to the gluten-free.

“It's a big change. They found out about it 2 months ago and it's a huge change for your body because all of a sudden you cannot eat bread or pasta for example, and those are the two main things that athletes eat, especially pasta before the match. It's very tough when you travel, you know? If you're at home and can cook for yourself it's not a problem.

"A lot of things where gluten is included where you don't think it is, and I'm still learning that. In Paris I was eating stuff that had gluten and I didn't know, you know? I'm still learning, it's a learning process, but also for your body to adjust so that you have the energy you need on the court. It was very hard for me because I was fit, I was healthy and all ready to play, and then all of a sudden I'm cramping. I guess it's a process. It's good we found out. I guess I have to be patient one more time, but in the long run that's what's the most important thing, that I feel a lot better. I feel a lot better already.”

-- Sabine, in Birmingham, on her new gluten-free diet and what happened in Paris.

Air Quotes: Heh. "Infrequent Triumphs." True.

Per Google Translate:

"Nothing can be for Serbia to achieve one without the other. This victory is very much Ana, just like all the other girls. Because of my condition I could not sit on the bench all the time and cheer for her first day, but I was watching the Sunday when they played against Cibulkova. it is ridiculous to talk about that I have something against her and that I do not care that she wins and is looking forward to. I was thrilled when she got Hantuchova, this victory meant a lot to us. I'm sorry that it hurt, was it is a real setback for her, but I want her to recover as soon as possible and again begins to infrequent triumphs."

Translation error WIN.

Air Quotes: NERD.

“The one thing that Rafa does very well is move. When he is behind the baseline, he moves diagonally back to the ball so he takes it at the highest point. If you move across the baseline too much, that’s when the bad bounces can make you mishit the ball. You need to make sure that you always take the ball at the highest point. You can get away with half-volleys on hard courts and on grass, but it doesn’t work on clay.”

-- Andy, on what he picks up from watching Rafa play on clay.

Air Quotes: This Guy.

"I can’t walk a single step. I thought I would be in better shape, but I have felt really bad since the first set. I could finish the match because this is Davis Cup. If it were a tournament from the tour, I would have retired in the second set. But here, I play for my country, with my people supporting me and that is a great motivation...It was one of the worst things that happened to me in my life."

-- Nalby: The Legend Continues.

Air Quotes: She Misses It? Fuck.

Shiiiiiiiiiiit.

Air Quotes: I Love You. Just As You Are.

"I am not like Serena Williams as I can't serve aces," she said. "I am not like Maria Sharapova, as I can't hit a winner on every single ball. I don't have all these things and I am still among the top three players out there. So if you think I am not mentally tough or something, well how can I win the tennis matches then?

There is a big difference between being mentally tough and being emotional. It's a huge difference. I will always be emotional. As long as I use those emotions to my advantage, that's only a plus to me. If I need to break the racket to pump myself up, then I will break the racket. I don't care."

-- Bepa, telling people to just get over the fucking "emotional" angle already.

Air Quotes: Protective.

Q. Did you speak English back when you were 11? Could you talk to him?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I had it in school so already I knew some basic things. Back then, yeah, we were speaking kind of more with the signs, you know, hands and legs and stuff (smiling). He was using more of a Scottish accent, so he was really hard to understand.

Q. You also played doubles with him.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: He had the hair (laughter).

Q. A crowd of us came into the interview room and you took the senior role because he was overpowered by coming into a media spotlight. You seemed very composed already that day.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Because I wasn't facing that much media, you know, in my early stages of the career.

In one hand it's been a tough situation for him to face this pressure of media and being a British player. You know, everybody expects him to win Wimbledon and be the best player in the world because he's coming from a country of tennis, you know, a great history. Of course, Wimbledon, we all know it's the most prestigious tournament in our sport. And he faced all of that in his career. He managed to become one of the best players in the world. So you got to give him credit for that.

Actually, I remember that press conference we had. It was in the backroom there a couple years back. I was saying in one hand I would like to be in his shoes because he gets a big support obviously because of the country that he comes from. On the other hand I wouldn't like because of the media attention and pressure that he faces, yeah.

(Pic: Getty; Transcript)

Air Quotes: Put It On A Hallmark Card.

"It doesn't matter if you are fat or skinny, handsome or ugly.  I will always follow you and always love you."

-- Nails nails her thank yous to her husband in her loser's speech. 

Air Quotes: Boys II Men.

Q. You played Novak seven times on the tour. You maybe played with him as a junior or something. Can you talk about the rivalry between you and Novak.

ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, because we've always been like 3 and 4 the last few years, we've always been on different halves of the draw in every tournament we've played. So, yeah, we haven't come up against each other I think for over two years now.

So, you know, we practice a lot together. We get on well together. We're good friends. You know, so in terms of a rivalry, I think this will be the start well, I hope it's the start of us playing each other in big matches.

Q. Can you take us back to when you first met? What were some of your earliest memories of meeting Novak as a teenager?

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, we both went quite different routes. I played him the first time I think when I was like 13 maybe. You know, it's not like you speak that often to the foreign players and stuff. There's normally a pretty big sort of language barrier.

We played each other up until we were like 15, and then he improved a lot faster than I did. Then I managed to catch up. It wasn't really until we got back on the tour that we started playing together a lot and practicing together again.

Yeah, the first time I played him must have been, yeah, when we were about 13. So it's been a long time we've known each other.

Q. Was that first match in Tarbes?

ANDY MURRAY: Yeah.

Q. Do you know who won?

ANDY MURRAY: I won 6 Love, 6 1 maybe. So, yeah, a lot's changed since then, I'm sure. It will be just a bit tougher than that on Sunday.

....

Q. If it is Andy that you play an Sunday, seems like you guys are rekindling the friendship you had as juniors. You played football. Talk about that.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, he's a great footballer. I've been suffering two loses against him before the tournament in football, and I've been really feeling the negatives of that losses. No, we have been friends for a long time.

Right now, I think we reconnected again and become a bit closer. It's nice to see somebody that you grew up with. We played under 12, under 10, under 14. We grew up together. We basically made a breakthrough to top 100 more or less at the same time. It's nice to see somebody doing well, the person who was your long time friend.

So if I get to meet him in the final, we're both professionals. Of course we haven't played for a very long time, already maybe a year and a half or two. Going to be interesting.

(Source: A 100% Public Website That Everyone Can Access Which Posts The Interview Transcripts Almost Immediately After Conclusion of the Press Conference.)

Air Quotes: THIS. This Is My Worst Nightmare.

Exchange of the day, courtesy of an Aussie reporter and Maria Sharapova:

Q. Do you ever hang out with Anna Kournikova?

MARIA SHARAPOVA: You're the guy from New Zealand, huh?

Q. Yes.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Oh, God, you're stalking me (laughter).

Q. It's not stalking if you love someone.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: It can be slightly, trust me.

This is why I don't ask questions in most press conferences.  Because you know it would TOTALLY happen.

(Pic: Getty, Source: AO Site)

Air Quotes: Good Boy.

 

On that note Novak in the Davis Cup or the Hopman Cup, which match do you have the best team-mate?

 

(Ivanovic) Well you can’t ask that question with me sitting here.

 

(Djokovic) Honestly. What do you think?

 

(Ivanovic) You’ll have to ask that when I’m not here.

 

(Djokovic) I mean I like my colleagues from the Davis Cup team, but you know I’d rather chose Ana.

 

(Ivanovic) Thank you.

Gold.

Air Quotes: Hee. Nice Caveat, Andy.

"A lot of people are saying, 'Well, it's not all in the one calendar year.' But I don't really think that makes any difference. If you hold all four slams at one time, it's an incredible achievement. Even three in a row is amazing. That's what all of us are competing against. He's one of the best players ever, if not the best, and he deserves to be No. 1, and if he does win the Australian Open—which I hope he doesn't—then it would be incredible. It is already an incredible achievement for what he's done at his age [24], but it would be amazing."

-- Moose talking Bull.

Air Quotes: She's British. Let It Go.

Laura – Andy has talked a lot about the difficulty of acclimatising to the conditions, do you feel that you had a bit of a head start because of the fact you have been here for an extra couple of weeks?

(Robson) I think Mauritius was kind of the same weather and so I was already used to it. As you can see I’m quite tanned, so I’ve been in the sun a lot and I think I’m quite used to it anyway. It never really bothers me.

It must be the Australian blood in you.

(Robson) Who knows.

-- Robbie, not taking the bait.  Between this and her singing along to God Save The Queen before her match, I think it's time to let it go Australia.  Besides, I know I've only been in the country for a few days but I ain't seen any Australians with a tan that rivals the Robsons.  Are we sure she's not part Serbian?

Air Quotes: No, It's Forecep Science.

"Sam always thought she had to hit backhand cross-courts with the best girls in the world.  But the first thing I saw was: `Well, you've just got to hit backhands through the middle and lines to get more forehands. Why are you trying to go string for strings? Get it back on your terms'.  No one had ever told her that and I can't believe that.  It's pretty simple - the more forehands she gets, the more chances she has to win.  It's not rocket science. Steffi Graf made a career out of it.  And from then on, Sam said that (approach) just took all the pressure off to know she had this great shot she never (used before). She used to practise it for hours.

I just told her: `If you're going to win 70 per cent of your points with your forehand and serve, well that's what you should be practising.  Not practising the two per cent shot, and I think that's a big philosophy I've got."

-- David Taylor, on his convincing Sam that she is 70% awesome.  Keep practicing your awesome, Sam.

(Pic This: Forty Deuce)

Air Quotes: Rafa Reflects.

“It was difficult at the beginning but, after a tough time, probably because I had this difficult time, I was able to play with ambition all season.  All the time I was trying to keep winning and keep playing well because when you spend 11 months without a victory, you really know how difficult it is to win tournaments.”

-- Rafa reflects on his 2010.

(Pic: AP)

Air Quotes: WTF Did They Say?

 

Some choice quotes from the WTFs to round out the ATP year:

Q. To jump to the No. 1 position in the world, will you have to attack more?

ANDY MURRAY: I think against certain guys. When I played Roger and Rafa the last few times I played them, I played very aggressive tennis. That's what you need to do against them. Against some guys you need to defend more.

You know, if you play against a guy that serves 140 miles an hour on the first serve, you can't attack. So you need to balance it depending on the opponent, depending on the match, the stage of the match.

I think I've improved that side of my game. I've worked on serve-volleying, you know, in some matches the last few weeks. I think I've attacked a lot better towards the end of this year than I was at the beginning.

...

Q. So if you weren't obligated to be on the other side of the net, fair to say [Rafa's] your kind of an athlete, your kind of guy?

ANDY RODDICK: Well, as far as what? Do I think he's cute?

Air Quotes: Trash Talk, Novak-Style.

Q. Today the French team is starting to prepare for the finals. Do you know where are Troicki and Tipsarevic are? Are they preparing for the finals?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm not saying anything. It's a big secret (smiling).

No, they're starting to prepare, as well. They're getting very serious. I think they never played better in their lives. Just for the French team, one notice.

Q. You keep in touch?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Of course. It's unbelievable. They're feeling the ball incredible. Seeing it like a watermelon. I'm kidding (laughter).

(Pic: Novak's Official Site)

 

 

Air Quotes: A Fair Question.

Q. I'm just asking you if you feel confident, because even if you're not in great shape, you were still capable to fight for three sets versus Nadal, who won three matches in a row, and you won all the others in two sets.

ANDY RODDICK: I appreciate your optimism. You can have a future in coaching with that synopsis.

Q. He's tried it.

ANDY RODDICK: I would ask how it went, but you're here (laughter).

Q. You're still an active player. Have you ever thought what you will be doing at the end of your career? Would you like more to be a tennis coach or a TV commentator and a journalist?

ANDY RODDICK: You only gave me two options. I don't want an either/or question (laughter).
I don't know. I don't think I would coach. I have a feeling I would last about six months commentating before I said something inappropriate - maybe less. So I'm not sure. Plus I'm not very opinionated, so might not go well for me (laughter).

...

Q. Is [Maradona] just here on holiday, just watching?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: He's actually doing coaching, you didn't know that, for me (smiling)? We're working on some specifics, like how to play with hands, high balls (laughter).

...

Q. I'm intrigued with you saying you don't think you have much chance to beat Rafa. You beat him the last time on hard courts. Why don't you think you'll have a good chance this time?

ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, he's obviously the best player in the world. I've watched his matches here. He's been playing unbelievably well. You know, I don't seem to beat those guys in the big matches. So, you know, I'm going to have to play my best tennis against him to win. I need to do it in a big match, in the semis. I have to see whether I can do that or not.

Q. So you're not confident?
ANDY MURRAY: No, not really. But I'll try and win against him.

Source: ASAP Sports.

 

 

Air Quotes: Swiss Precision.

Q. The new schedule was announced today. I would like to know your thoughts about it. There won’t be a break between Paris and London.
ROGER FEDERER: You mean Paris and London, the indoor stretch, not the summer one?

Q. 2012.
ROGER FEDERER: But there is a Paris and London kind of stretch in the summer that is somewhat important (smiling).

Air Quotes: The Final Word

The WTA season is officially over.  I think I speak for everyone when I say "othankgod".  I definitely need a break.  And alcohol.  Maybe some decriminalized, but not legalized, drugs.

But before we wrap it up, here are some good quotes from Doha:

Air Quotes: Damn, Dave.

''Women's tennis is limited by what they mentally are achieving, and I think the men's game is more about the tennis.  And if Sam can make it about the tennis, her tennis is good. Maybe the tennis is good enough to be [number] one in the world. If Caroline has reached that point, why not Sam? I think Sam is maybe more explosive, Caroline is better mentally, you could say, and if Sam can improve that part, she's got the tennis. She's top five, for sure, tennis [wise]; maybe not top five mentally at the moment.''

-- Dave Taylor, before Sam beat Caro.  If that's what he's willing to tell the press I wonder what he actually says to her face.  No wonder she's freaked out all the time.

Not that he's wrong.  I mean...really.  Besides, I would much rather have a coach who told me like it is rather than blow sunshine up my ass. 

And no, that wasn't an accidental choice of words.

But thankfully, Sam's got friends like Frank:

''I think always before to win a grand slam you have to be a big person inside. A champion inside is not just tennis, forehand and backhand.  So Sam is [a] fantastic person. She has the mentality part that she can do it. At the end of the match I say to her 'I played very good', but she has for sure the chance to win one day a grand slam. Of course, she has to work harder every day, but is good way for Sam.''

From your mouth to Sam's ears, Frankie.

And yes, this was just an excuse to post that picture.

Air Quotes: I'd Rather Be Lucky Than Good.

“You are lucky!  Seriously lucky!”

-- Nadia Petrova, to Nole in the locker room.

“For sure, it’s fairer like this. I think it’s better for both of us to have a day of rest.”

-- Rafa

“For us, it would have been better that it had not rained today, because Djokovic might have been a bit more tired.  But it was fairer like this.”

-- Uncle Toni

“Obviously, Rafa would have preferred to play today, and Novak was praying for rain, so I suppose what I take out of things is that God is Orthodox.  He’s been listening to Novak.”

-- Benito Perez Barbadillo, Rafa and Novak's publicist.

The article's a great read.

Air Quotes: America. Fuck...Yeah....

Q. How did you feel after that ceremony right there? What are your reactions to that? How special does it make this occasion to you?

MIKE BRYAN: To have the ambassador of Pakistani and India here, it's a special occasion. It shows that it's bigger than just a tennis match. And these are cool. These are 5,000 years old. Who knows? Might make this into a couple of shirts. (Laughter.)

Air Quotes: I Am Youzhny. And I Am Bad.

Q. You know that most people, most tennis fans, will want to see Federer and Nadal in the final. Are you going to be a bad person and try and ruin that?

MIKHAIL YOUZHNY: Yeah, I'm ready to be bad person. I love to be bad person in this case. (Laughter.)

Q. What are your better shots? How would you describe your game?

MIKHAIL YOUZHNY: No easy now say I have to serve like Isner or play forehand like Federer, something. I play like Youzhny. (Laughter.) But, you know, actually I have to be enjoying court, first of all. And after, it will be possible.

Air Quotes: Oh, Rafa. You're Something Else.

"If I am not wrong, I think that he will play the final against Roger. It's gonna be a tough match, because I think Roger play really good in these conditions. It's going to be a very tough final for Rafa if he plays against Roger in the final.  I think if I need to bet here, I will bet for Roger. I think that he won five times here and he like these conditions."

-- Fernando, on Rafa's chances.

"Well for sure Roger is the favorite of the tournament.... Everybody's free to think, and what Fernando says is completely fair." 

-- Rafa, when asked about Fernando's comments.

Air Quotes: A Happy #1? I Don't Understand.

"It's funny, everyone always asks me that.  No, I don't feel the pressure.  I'm happy, I mean, why should I feel the pressure?  I'm happy I'm the number 1 seed.  I've done so many great results this year, last year.  I'm feeling confident.  I mean, I was in the finals there last year and that was an incredible two weeks and hopefully I can do the same this year.  We have to see what's gonna happens with the draw and how I'm gonna play and everything.  But I love the sport and if it doesn't happen this year, then hopefully next year."

-- Caro, on whether she feels the pressure of going into the USO as a top seed.  I don't know about you, but I kind of believe her.

Air Quotes: Was That Directed At Me?

"Some people approach you, some don't and some just stare at you and that's always a bit weird."

-- Sam, on getting recognized more.

Air Quotes: Don't Ever Change, Rafa.

"I think I played aggressive, but the ball sometimes wasn't inside the court when aggressive I played."

-- Rafa, after his win over Apricot Bars on Thursday.

Air Quotes: I Am Rafa.

Some gems from Rafa's Tuesday presser:

[R]ight now I don't think if I am No. 1 or I am No. 5.... I am Rafa, and I go to every tournament to try to play well and to try to be competitive and win as many matches as I can.  For me, important thing is that I feel that I play well, feel that I am competitive to try to win everybody.  And when we finish the season, we will see where I gonna be, no?

...

Physically I'm perfect.  Give me two weeks to broke everything.  (Laughter.)

...

And then there was this exchange, which I found funny and then interesting:

Q.  Do you think that if the US Open was at the start of the year rather than at the end of the year that you would have won it by now?  Is the timing of the tournament part of the reason why you've yet to win it, given all your efforts to do what you do throughout the year getting to this stage of the season?

RAFAEL NADAL:  I didn't understand nothing.  (Laughter.)  (Through translation.)

I don't know.  I really don't know.  That's is impossible to know.  The thing that I can say is little bit easier for me, no, because I lose a lot of energy with the clay season and grass court season.  That's true, no?  It's a lot matches for me, a lot of tension in that three months, so was ‑‑ it's a very important part of season for me, and I put everything there.  And after that, it's normal go down.  Since everything is very good like it was this year, it's normal go a little bit down.

But I am perfect mentally.  I say if I didn't win the US Open, it's because I wasn't ready to win the US Open in the past.  I don't know if I gonna be ready this year or in the future.  That's what I gonna work, and that's what I gonna try every year.

So I am focus on keep improving my tennis to have more options to do and to have more options to do when the matches are difficult in that tournament.  But I gonna do all what I can all my career.  But remember, is a Grand Slam, and every Grand Slams is very difficult.

Q.  So you don't think it's a physical thing?

RAFAEL NADAL:  Was a physical thing a few years; another years wasn't a physical thing.  2005 I was perfect physically.  That's true.  I was worse playing on this surface in 2005 than what I am today.

2006, I still was worse than what I am today on this surface, but I lost in quarterfinals because Youzhny played better than me.  In 2005 I lost against Blake in third round because he played better than me, and that's all.

In 2002 and 2007 I had problems on the knees, and I lost against David Ferrer in fourth round.

In 2008 I arrived perfect physically but destroyed mentally winning in Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Toronto, Olympics.  So it was crazy for me.  Very hard season.

And last year was another time.  I broked my abdominal in Montreal, so I played here with a little bit broken abdominal.  But every match was bigger and bigger ‑‑ (through translation)  the tear, the abdominal tear was bigger.

I finished the US Open destroyed, so for me it was amazing result being in semifinal last year.

Air Quotes: But Good Enough For What?

"I don’t know that I feel perfect, but good enough."

-- A-Rod, after his three set win over Stakhovsky, on the lingering mono that forced him out of Toronto. 

I like his shirt. And his cap, which, contrary to what it may look like in that picture, is in fact cotton, not nylon. 

And that is my cutting tennis analysis of the day.

(pic: Getty)

Air Quotes: "It's Gettin' Hot in Hurrr, So Take Off All Your Clothes..."

Q. You mentioned the heat issues. Could you explain what feelings you go through when it starts to get to you? What actually happens?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's really hard to explain. Anybody who didn't play a professional level will not understand quite what's going on, but it's definitely not easy on the days where you have over 30 Celsius and court adds up another 10 degrees, or 15, and it gets really hot and it absorbs the heat, the hardcourts.

So I'm not finding definitely no excuses, but everybody is different. I might react on the heat differently than somebody else, so you cannot compare myself to another player. You know, I might be faster than somebody for some reason. It's just genetics and nature, I guess.... 

Nobody can turn off the sun and just do me a favor, even though I would like it. (Laughter.)

Q. Back to the heat, are you working with your team on nutrition or types of fluids to drink or things to eat in between changeovers like that? Are you doing anything differently there to stave off...

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, we're just waiting DHL to give us a canister of oxygen that I will put next to me on the changeovers so I'll breathe in. No. (Laughter.)

Air Quotes: From The Not-So-Baby-Anymore Elephant's Mouth

Wanted to post these along with my write-up yesterday but wasn't able to.  Here are the excerpts from Ana's presser discussing the Montreal haps:

Q.  You made some news by declining a wildcard you were given to Montreal.  Can you talk about the whole process, what's going on with that tournament, and how everything worked out?  Because I know initially you weren't and then you were.

ANA IVANOVIC:  Yeah, it's very tough, you know.  When you're not playing well and when you're low, you need friends who can help you, you know, not remind you of your poor form in the press as well.  It's been a little bit disappointing the way it's been.  You know, I understand they declined it at first, and I made a different schedule and I entered New Haven.  They were really kind to give me wildcard there, so obviously my schedule has changed a little bit.

But it is a little bit disappointing.  You know, it's pity, because it was my first big win and I love and fans are great there.  I'm gonna miss them this year.  You know, some people made me feel a little bit unwelcomed, you know.

And especially with what happened in 2008, you know, because it was year of Olympics.  Tournament director approached me and asked me if I could, you know, come and play because they are struggling to get players.

I was little bit injured, and I flew from Europe to play the event, because I felt as defending champion, you know, in Montreal.  I flew back to Europe and then flew to China.  And, you know, after all that and winning there it's been a little bit hurtful.

But then again, it's a decision, and I have to take it.  Like I said, you know, I just made a different plan and worked around it and it worked well.

Q.  Will you ever play Montreal again?  Do you think you're gonna stop playing there?

ANA IVANOVIC:  I mean, it's very hard to say now definite.  But, you know, I really love the fans there, and I love to play in Montreal.  It's been, you know, great weeks I had there.  But I do feel little bit unwelcome.

Q.  That's what I wanted to ask you.  You received a lot of the support actually from your fans for taking a stand.  But for the fans that were in Montreal and were looking forward to seeing you, what would you say to them?

ANA IVANOVIC:  I just want to thank them from their support, because I always felt from their side very welcome.  It was always very warm feeling to come back there.  I remember the first year I won there.  We played on Monday and they all came out on Monday to watch us play.  It was really thrilling moments for me, so I'm gonna miss them a lot.

Actually last time I was there in 2008 a fan gave me a shirt like, I love Montreal, with adidas in it.  So I have good memories from it.  But, you know, it's gonna be unfortunate that this year I won't be there.

Q.  I think in Stanford you were thinking of going, and then now you're not.  So what changed?  Was it the tournament director's comments perhaps?

ANA IVANOVIC:  No, not so much that.  I mean, everyone is titled entitled talking, but it was that I really felt like I been ‑‑ even though I didn't play as many matches I been working really hard.

So for me, it was either to push through and play Montreal, so it would be like four tournaments in a row that I never really done in the past, or just take a week off and cool off and then go play New Haven and US Open.

They were kind to give me a wildcard in New Haven, because I was not entered.  So, yeah, that basically changed my mind.  Definitely too much to play five tournaments in a row and then the US Open straight after.

Air Quotes: No Kidding.

Q. Some of the high balls you're talking about, does it seem like they're different from her usual game?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Um, I don't know what's her usual game, you know, right now. It's changed, I think, a lot. Honestly, you have no idea sometimes where she's gonna hit the ball. In the fence or right like this from the line.

-- after her first round loss to Ana

Air Quotes: Foreshadowing.

 

(Pic from Cincy's FB page)

"They put me yesterday, or before yesterday, just to ‑‑ it's Kinesio tape just to relax the muscle, but nothing."

-- Dinara, on the very familiar tape job on her back.  Hmmmm...where have I seen that before:

Ah yes.  On a certain Top 5 player's arm.  The arm that forced her to withdraw from two Premier mandatory tournaments because she was concerned it might be a stress fracture.

Nothing to see here.  Move along.

Air Quotes: Besties Talkin' Besties.

"Well, actually, the funny thing, we been so long on the tour and we never talked with each other, because I thought that she was more protected.  But then we had a practice with her in San Diego ‑‑ in Stanford first, then San Diego.  I mean, I didn't knew her, so this was the problem.

And then like, Okay, so let's go like for a drink or dinner.  So we went for dinner, and really she's a very nice girl.  I'm surprised, because really I felt she was much more protected or like closed.  But not really.  We had so much fun.  We went for dinner together.

I just wish her like really good luck.  I knew she been going through tough moments, so that she comes back because she's really playing good.

She also has a coach that I used to work a little bit, so that's why we're practicing many times together.  I saw she's playing much better, so just that she keeps on going and that she comes back."

-- Dinara on Ana.

"Yeah, actually, first time we practice together was in in Wimbledon.  After that, we practice couple times I think in San Diego and then Stanford as well and here.  She's really nice girl.  We sort of hung out a little more and talk a little about just stuff in general.  We're like, Ah, come on, let's play final again.  (Laughing.)  So it's good to inspire each other. 

[We talk] [m]ostly about nontennis.  We did mention it would be nice to play final again.

-- Ana on Dinara

(Quotes from The Daily Forehand, who, is giving Boyfriend Jon a run for his money as my new tennis boyfriend.  If you were following him on Twitter (@dailyforehand) you'd know why.)

Air Quotes: I Don't Think "First Time" Means What You Think It Means.

 

"My knees were shaking and I couldn't push on my serve and now I know why people double fault on match points.  It was very hard to close and I choked for first time in my life."

-- Sveta, enjoying some revisionist history.

Air Quotes: Dogpile!

“Everyone has a different opinion and different personality.  When I played in Miami I injured my shoulder and I saw stars in my eyes. I cannot blame that my shoulder was the reason that I lost. If you are injured you forget it and you go out there and you play. If you complain the press later, that’s your problem and how people are going to judge. That’s why Venus Williams gets so much respect because she doesn’t complain about injuries. The fans when they read our press conferences, they know who is who.”

-- Sveta

"If you can’t play, then don't.  But if you do, don't complain afterward.”

-- Dani

Everyone loves taking a piss at JJ.  Everyone.

Air Quotes: Quote of the Year.

"First of all, I'd like to thank Sony Ericsson WTA Tour for everything they've done to us."

-- Pavs, during her on court speech in Istanbul. 

With Vika's comments this week about having to play on clay through her injuries because of tour regulations, and Bepa apparently slamming the Roadmap to Hell today in San Diego, I suspect Stacy Allister is going to have some pissy players by the time they get to NYC.  No doubt there will be some major names taking injury hits as we lead up to the Open.

Air Quotes: Well Then Can I Recommend a McDonalds and Starbucks Run, Too?

"There was no deep reasoning. I must have been having a Britney Spears moment."

-- A-Rod on shaving his head. 

It's amazing what guys do once they have their woman locked down.

Air Quotes: Your Ghostwriter Has Writer's Block?

Q. How is the writing going?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think I have writer's block again. I don't think I can be a good writer because I keep writer's block about 360 days out of the year.

Air Quotes: Team Edward.

Q. They say you look just like Rob. Do you ever get confused for Robert Patterson? It's a great compliment to look like Robert Patterson.

GILLES SIMON: Too many person told me that at the moment. So, yeah, I think that should be.

But, you know, when someone tell you that you look like someone you're never happy. You just wasn't be yourself .

But I know my coach told it to me the first time, and then Novak Djokovic always call me Robert when he see me.

I can't wait to see Nole and Gilles do "Breaking Dawn" at next year's Monte Carlo Player Party.

Air Quotes: The Last Laugh

Q. You talk about passing Billie Jean. Looking at the names ahead of you, do you ever take a look at that and say, Wow?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I mean, I know Martina and I guess five other people are ahead of me. I didn't even know I was six on the list or seven or whatnot. I'm telling you, I don't think about that kind of stuff.

My thing is I love my dogs; I love my family; I love going to the movies; I love reading; I love going shopping. Like it's not on my list to be, you know, this.

At the end of the day, I would love to open more schools in Africa or in the United States, and I would love to help people. I would like to be remembered, Okay, yeah, she was a tennis player, but, wow, she really did a lot to inspire other people and help other people.

That's what I think about, not about Serena Williams won X amount of Grand Slams.

Q. Is there a chance you'll still be playing at 38, do you think?

SERENA WILLIAMS: 38?

Q. Yeah.

SERENA WILLIAMS: If I am, I want you to personally take me off and escort me off the court. There's no way I need to be out here at 38.

Q. Looked like you held up some fingers shortly after the match, pointing towards your family. What was that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: That was 13. I did 10 and 3. Then I thought, I hope I got the number right. You know me, I tend to forget (laughter).

Q. In some way do you take in some pride that not only the USTA apologized to you, but it really did lead to Hawk‑Eye and your getting messed over that night led to a huge change in our game?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Could that have been 14? That could have been 14 today.

Man, yeah. Like, I don't know. I just feel like if it's yours, if it's your point, if it's your goal, it belongs to you. It doesn't belong to the other person. Now that it's 2010, about to be 2011, I guess on other planets they have way more sophisticated things, so...

Pic This: Suck It, France!

Q. How does it feel to be so popular with the crowd here at Wimbledon?

RAFAEL NADAL: You know, probably is the best crowd of the world, no? More respect. They have a lot of respect for every player, I think.

If I speak about myself, was always amazing with me, the crowd, especially yesterday or two days ago when I played against Andy Murray, a British player. For sure the crowd support him, but the same time was supporting me a lot, no? That's unbelievable. Just can say thank you very much. 

I quite loved Rafa going out of his way, both in his winner's speech and his presser to give props to the Wimbly crowd.  A fantastic passive-aggressive dig at the Roland Garros crowd who, despite all the great performances he's given, still haven't warmed up to him.

Air Quotes: Respect.

 

Q. What about Andy, you said to him after the match that he could win a major.

RAFAEL NADAL: I wished him best of luck for the rest of the season, and sorry for today. I know it was an important match for him I think because he play at home, and this is a chance for him to win probably the most important title for him win here at home in Wimbledon.

Just I felt sorry for him because he's a very nice person, very good person. I am sure he gonna win a Grand Slam very soon, because when you have final in US Open, final in Australia, semifinals here this year and the last year, you are there all the time. So one day you win. I am sure he gonna win. He deserve to win.

Q. How well aware are you that he's such a big fan of yours? He kept talking about you're his favorite player to watch.

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, just can say thanks. He don't need to admire a lot of things of me because he's too good to admire me.

Q. Did you feel you got into the rhythm of your own game during the match?

ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah. But, I mean, you're not going to be able to play every single point on your terms against the best player in the world, one of the best players ever. You can't.

You know, you're going to need to, you know, go through periods in the match where he can be dictating, and there's periods in the match where, you know, I was dictating.

You know, it was tough. But, yeah, I didn't feel like I wasn't in a rhythm. I won a lot of points off my serve. You know, until the end of the match, he didn't have a breakpoint until the last couple of games. Was obviously doing something right.

Q. Talk about the extra weight on your shoulders because of trying to win it for the home team here.

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, there's a lot much pressure playing here. You know, it doesn't affect the outcome of the matches. It's not a valid excuse to make. I've played really well the whole tournament. I obviously want to win for myself. I want to win for the guys I work with. I want to win for, you know, the UK.

You know, a little bit more disappointing than other Grand Slams because this one is, you know, the biggest one of the year for me. And, uhm, yeah, it's tough.

Q. What did Rafael say to you after the match?

ANDY MURRAY: He said, Bad luck. I just said, Good luck for the rest of the tournament. You know, that was it.

But, you know, I've said it for a few years. I love watching him play. He's my favorite player to watch. That's why I enjoy playing him so much. So I hope he wins.

Q. Is it annoying to have to wait so long to receive serve?

ANDY MURRAY: No, I don't care. He can take as long as he wants on any point. I love watching the guy play. No, I don't care. He can take as long as he wants.

Q. Coming off court, Rafa said he thought you'd win a slam and win one soon. What does that mean to you when someone you respect so much has got some faith in your ability?

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, yeah, it's nice. Nice obviously to hear. Uhm, doesn't make losing in one any easier.

Air Quotes: Class

Q. Will those double‑faults play on your mind as you go home, do you think?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't know. It's not just double‑faults. It's just I wasn't going for the shots too much. You know, I was kind of waiting for him to make mistake. I was wrong.

Q. Must be frustrating for you. You were so close and it's not happened for you today.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it is. You know, nobody likes losing. Neither do I.

But the fact of the matter is that I didn't deserve to win today, you know. It's just as simple as that. I congratulate my opponent because he was a better player.