2013/06/20

Players React to Lance Armstrong in Notes and Quotes

Players at the Australian Open were asked about Lance Amstrong in the January 18, 2013 news conferences.

 

Q.  There was a lot of talk today about the Lance Armstrong interview.  Did you catch any of it?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:  I saw a little bit of it, yeah.

Q.  Do you have any thoughts on his admission today, how he justified it as not cheating?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:  I think it’s just a really sad story, sad for that sport itself.  I’m happy that our sport is as clean as it can be and that we’re constantly tested.  You know, we give whereabouts of where we are every single day of the year.  Hopefully not on birthdays and Christmas Eve, that would be pretty tough.

Although they did show up on my birthday and I was very disappointed.  They did a couple of years ago.  I said, Unless you bring flowers, I’m okay with it.  But they came empty‑handed (laughter).

So as long as we’re getting tested, whatever it takes, urine, blood, we’re all here to make the sport as clean as it can be.

 

Q.  Do you feel tennis is pretty clean at this moment?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:  I do very much.  For the amount of times that we get tested throughout the year and as random as they are, definitely.

 

 

Q.  I’m not sure if you saw today, but Lance Armstrong admitted to playing performance enhancing drugs.  I was wondering if you thought tennis had a vigorous enough policy on anti doping?

JANKO TIPSAREVIC:  You know what, you’re probably asking the wrong guy.  You know, actually came to Kenya to test me.  I wasn’t going to Kenya to hide from anti doping.  I was actually doing my pre season there.

One morning a person was waking me up.  I was so shocked and afraid somebody was like robbing us.  I wasn’t sure.

But I think it’s not cool what he did, cheating the sport and cheating so many people in the sport and so many people around him, believing that what he did actually did it on a clean and regular way.  So that’s really not cool what he did.

In regards of tennis, I think they test me often enough, blood and urine.  So, sure, if they want to increase it, why not?  But we have a tough enough time with this WADA process of us telling them every single day of our life where we need to be.

So I don’t really see how can it be more strict than that.

 

Q.  How comfortable are you that drug testing in tennis is rigorous enough?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  Well, in tennis, you know, at least from my perspective, it’s really good.  Anti doping regulations a little bit maybe more strict in sense that you have to fill the whereabouts documents and you have to basically give an hour or two in every day of your life in a whole year, where you are.

But on the other hand, it gives them an opportunity to test you.  And you know it is the same for the other players.  At least from that point of view it’s fair.  And I have nothing against, you know, the anti doping federation, association, testing me 10, 20, 30 times a year.

I think as long as I know as many numbers of testing for the other players, I’ll be happy.

 

Q.  How about blood testing?  The ITF records tell us in the whole of 2011 there was only 18 blood tests taken of the top players.  How often would you or Andy or Roger or Rafa be blood tested?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  Yeah, I wasn’t tested with blood for last six, seven months.  It was more regularly in last two, three years ago.  I don’t know the reason why they stopped it.

As I said, I mean, as long as it’s fair, it’s clean, we’re trying to protect the identity of this sport.  I believe tennis players are one of the most cleanest athletes in the world and one of the most competitive sports.

So as long as we keep it that way, I have no complaints about testing.

 

Q.  Would you disagree with Darren Cahill who said today that he believes the Anti Doping Program in tennis is inadequate and it’s been going backwards in recent years?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  What is the reason for that?

 

Q.  That’s his opinion.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  Well, I mean, I don’t know.  There has to be a reason why he said that, backstory.

I know Darren.  He’s a great guy, somebody that knows tennis really well, so must be something why he said that.

But in my opinion, yeah, there has been a complaints from players in few years, last few years, about this whereabouts system.  Why do we need to write where we are every single day of our 365 days when most of the time we’re spending on the courts and so forth.

Maybe that is something that is, you know, questionable.  But on the other hand as many urine, as many blood sample tests they take, the better.  Then you’re aware that it’s a clean sport and everybody has the same treatment.

 

Q.  I think part of the issue is out of competition blood testing is expensive to carry out.  Do you think the ITF should make it more of a priority to spend more money on that?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  I mean, it’s a question for them, I guess.  From my point, I mean, I was more than clear.  I have nothing against the blood tests, you know.

Even though I prefer urine more.  I don’t like the needles too much.  But, of course, I mean, you know, the money in that direction should be invested because, you know, it’s always let’s say a safeguard for our sport that they’re investing money in our sport that is going to protect our sport and players.

 

Q.  A lot of cycling fans have lost a lot of faith in that sport now.  Do you think tennis fans should be confidant that nothing like this…

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  I lost a lot of faith in cycling.  I used to watch it.  All the big champions that were there, Marco Pantani, now Lance Armstrong.  Yeah, I don’t want to say all.  I really don’t know.  There has been so much controversy about that sport.

I’m sure that there are many cyclists in the world who are training very hard and trying to not use any enhancing drugs for their competition.

But I think it’s not acceptable that they have physically so much races in short period of the time.  I think basically every single day, day and a half, they have to go through 200 miles.  Uphill, downhill in Giro D’Italia, Tour de France, that’s inhuman effort.  As you can see, Lance Armstrong, many other big champions, had to use something to succeed.

 

Q.  Do you think tennis fans should have faith that that won’t happen the same way?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  The results are showing that.  In last few years there maybe has been one or two cases, but those players were more or less outside of the hundred.  We are keeping this sport clean.  We are working towards it.  There is awareness with the players and with the officials.  As long as is like that, we are in a good road.

 

Q.  Would you be in favor of like a biological passport program that they’re instituting in cycling for tennis?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:  I mean, you know, we can discuss about the options for a while.  But generally I believe that the present regulations about anti doping tests in tennis are good, in my views.  I don’t think there should be any major changes because, as you know, it’s official.  We have to write where we are every day of our lives so they have an opportunity to test us every day of 365 days in a year.

I think that doesn’t give anybody a chance to do something that is unsportsmanlike.

 

 

 

Q.  The Lance Armstrong interview today, I was wondering what your thoughts are on drug testing in tennis?

NICOLAS ALMAGRO:  I’m not going to say nothing because I didn’t see nothing about that.  I want to see before to speak.

I don’t know what happened.

Q.  My question is what about the authorities in tennis are doing.

NICOLAS ALMAGRO:  You need to ask to someone better than me because I not going to say nothing.  Sorry.  It’s a very important things, and I not going to talk.

I thinks our sport is clear, is fair, and I won’t believe that is the only thing I can say.

Q.  I’m not sure if you saw today, but Lance Armstrong admitted to playing performance‑enhancing drugs.  I was wondering if you thought tennis had a vigorous enough policy on anti‑doping?

JANKO TIPSAREVIC:  You know what, you’re probably asking the wrong guy.  You know, actually came to Kenya to test me.  I wasn’t going to Kenya to hide from anti‑doping.  I was actually doing my pre‑season there.

One morning a person was waking me up.  I was so shocked and afraid somebody was like robbing us.  I wasn’t sure.

But I think it’s not cool what he did, cheating the sport and cheating so many people in the sport and so many people around him, believing that what he did actually did it on a clean and regular way.  So that’s really not cool what he did.

In regards of tennis, I think they test me often enough, blood and urine.  So, sure, if they want to increase it, why not?  But we have a tough enough time with this WADA process of us telling them every single day of our life where we need to be.

So I don’t really see how can it be more strict than that.

 

Q.  On a non‑tennis note, did you watch any of Oprah’s interview with Lance Armstrong?

VENUS WILLIAMS:  No, I didn’t.

Q.  Is it something that players are talking about, his confession to doping?

VENUS WILLIAMS:  I think everyone is pretty much focused on the tennis.  Maybe other players are talking about it.  I have no idea.

Q.  Do you have any reaction?

VENUS WILLIAMS:  I can’t talk about anything I don’t know anything about, so I’m just going to keep my mouth shut.  I’m not an expert on that stuff.  That’s all I can say.

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Djokovic Wins 17th Straight in Melbourne; Comments on Lance Armstrong

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(January 18, 2013) Novak Djokovic won his 17th straight match at the Australian Open, defeating Radek Stepanek 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in the third round on Friday.

Djokovic is the two-time defending champion at Melbourne Park is looking to become the first man in the Open Era began in 1968 to win three in a row.

The match with Stepanek  which took 2 hours and 22 minutes was an entertaining one with the Czech constantly making dashes to the net and keeping up with pace of Djokovic’s shots.

“I wasn’t expecting an easy match coming into the third round and playing a seeded player, “Djokovic said.  “Top 30 in the world.  Somebody that has a lot of experience playing on the tour.

“He loves the big stage.  You saw how much fun he had.  I also had a lot of fun playing.  It was a very entertaining match.  As I said on the court, he’s very skillful, comes to the net, never gives you the same ball twice.  That’s something that makes him a different player from most of the guys.”

With Lance Armstrong’s interview with Oprah Winfrey airing in the United States on Thursday night, Armstong admitted to doping  and Djokovic was asked his opinion about the cyclist.

“He cheated the sport,” said the Serb.  “He cheated many people around the world with his career, with his life story.  I think they should take all his titles away because it’s not fair towards any sportsman, any athlete.  It’s just not the way to be successful.  So I think he should suffer for his lies all these years.’

“I lost a lot of faith in cycling, “ Djokovic continued.  “I used to watch it.  All the big champions that were there, Marco Pantani, now Lance Armstrong.  Yeah, I don’t want to say all.  I really don’t know.  There has been so much controversy about that sport.

“I’m sure that there are many cyclists in the world who are training very hard and trying to not use any enhancing drugs for their competition.

“But I think it’s not acceptable that they have physically so much races in short period of the time.  I think basically every single day, day and a half, they have to go through 200 miles.  Uphill, downhill in Giro D’Italia, Tour de France, that’s inhuman effort.  As you can see, Lance Armstrong, many other big champions, had to use something to succeed.”

Djokovic was also asked about tennis’ anti-doping measures:

Well, in tennis, you know, at least from my perspective, it’s really good.  Anti doping regulations a little bit maybe more strict in sense that you have to fill the whereabouts documents and you have to basically give an hour or two in every day of your life in a whole year, where you are.

But on the other hand, it gives them an opportunity to test you.  And you know it is the same for the other players.  At least from that point of view it’s fair.  And I have nothing against, you know, the anti doping federation, association, testing me 10, 20, 30 times a year.

I think as long as I know as many numbers of testing for the other players, I’ll be happy.

I wasn’t tested with blood for last six, seven months.  It was more regularly in last two, three years ago.  I don’t know the reason why they stopped it.

As I said, I mean, as long as it’s fair, it’s clean, we’re trying to protect the identity of this sport.  I believe tennis players are one of the most cleanest athletes in the world and one of the most competitive sports.

So as long as we keep it that way, I have no complaints about testing.

 

But in my opinion, yeah, there has been a complaints from players in few years, last few years, about this whereabouts system.  Why do we need to write where we are every single day of our 365 days when most of the time we’re spending on the courts and so forth.

Maybe that is something that is, you know, questionable.  But on the other hand as many urine, as many blood sample tests they take, the better.  Then you’re aware that it’s a clean sport and everybody has the same treatment.

Djokovic will play the winner of the Sam Querrey – Stan Wawrinka match in the fourth round.

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Doubles Win Gives Czech Republic a 2-1 Lead In Davis Cup Final

(November 17, 2012) Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek paired on Saturday to give the Czech Republic a 2-1 lead in the Davis Cup final in Prague. The pair rallied to stop Spain’s team of Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez 3-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-3 to capture the doubles rubber.

The victory moves the Czech Republic to one win away from capturing its first Davis Cup title as an independent country since 1980 when they were part of Czechoslovakia which split in 1993.

The Spanish pair are fresh off of a title win at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Sunday’s matches will feature Spain’s David Ferrer against Berdych, followed by Nicolas Almagro versus Stepanek, if necessary. Ferrer holds a 5-3 career record against Berdych while Stepanek hold a 2-1 advantage over Almagro head-to-head.

Spain is hoping for its fourth Davis Cup crown in five years.

WORLD GROUP FINAL

CZECH REPUBLIC leads SPAIN 2-1

Venue: O2 Arena, Prague (hard – indoors)

David Ferrer (ESP) defeated Radek Stepanek (CZE) 63 64 64

Tomas Berdych (CZE) defeated Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 63 36 63 67(5) 63

Tomas Berdych/Radek Stepanek (CZE) defeated Marcel Granollers/Marc Lopez (ESP) 36 75 75 63

Tomas Berdych (CZE) versus David Ferrer (ESP)

Radek Stepanek (CZE) versus Nicolas Almagro (ESP)

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Murray Pushes Back Stepanek, Federer, Djokovic Roll into Shanghai Semis

 

SHANGHAI, China – Thirty-Four year-old veteran Radek Stepanek is not to be taken lightly. The Czech known for his crafty, diverse game had already dismissed two seeds earlier in this week’s Shanhai Rolex Masters – (8) John Isner and (11) Richard Gasquet. Stepanek gave two-time defending Shanghai champion No. 3 Andy Murray a battle on Friday, but the Scot prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 to move into the semifinals.

 

Stepanek controlled the first hitting 10 winners past Murray. The Scot rebounded in the second set breaking the Czech’s serve in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead. Murray dismissed two break points against him in the next game and broke Stepanek again in the eighth game to close the set.

Stepanek went up a break in the final set 2-1 and was a point away from 3-1 when Murray took 21 of the next 26 points to settle the match.

“It was quite a scrappy first couple of sets, but obviously the second set I managed to get a break, got a bit of momentum,” said Murray.  “[I] started going for my shots and dictated a majority of those at the end of the match. Obviously I needed to, because he was playing with a lot of variety, making it hard for me. I was a little bit tentative on some shots. [I] allowed him to come forward.”

Murray kept his record in Shanghai perfect at 11-0 and will face Roger Federer next for a place in the final.

 

No. 2 Novak Djokovic denied Tommy Haas his 600th career victory. The Serb stopped the German 6-3, 6-3 for an ATP World Tour leading 68th win of the year to reach the semifinals where he’ll play Tomas Berdych. Djokovic is 9-1 versus the Czech.

“I’ve been winning a lot of matches,” Djokovic said.  “So it’s something that is always welcome when you want to have confidence, when you want to feel good about yourself on the court. Winning matches is the ultimate goal for every athlete. My return games were exceptional. So it’s something that gave me a lot of confidence today.”

Haas had a good week taking down two seeds in Nicolas Almagro and Janko Tipsarevic.

 

No. 1 Roger Federer improved his record against Marin Cilic to 4-0, defeating the Croat 6-3, 6-4. He’ll face Andy Murray in a rematch of the 2010 final.

“I assume he’s very confident right now and probably playing with a little bit less pressure,” said Federer. “Then again, that can go either way. It’s been a long year for all of us.”

Federer has never won the Shanghai Masters.

Tennis Panorama News is in Shanghai this week covering the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Follow updates on twitter at @TennisNewsTPN.

RESULTS – FRIDAY, 12 OCTOBER, 2012

Singles – Quarter-finals
[1] R Federer (SUI) d [10] M Cilic (CRO) 63 64
[2] N Djokovic (SRB) d T Haas (GER) 63 63
[3] A Murray (GBR) d R Stepanek (CZE) 46 62 63
[4] T Berdych (CZE) d [5] J Tsonga (FRA) 63 76(4)

Doubles – Quarter-finals
[7] M Bhupathi (IND) / R Bopanna (IND) d [2] M Mirnyi (BLR) / D Nestor (CAN) 76(7) 64
[4] L Paes (IND) / R Stepanek (CZE) d J Melzer (AUT) / M Raonic (CAN) 75 67(4) 10-5
C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) d [6] A Qureshi (PAK) / J Rojer (NED) 76(2) 46 12-10
M Cilic (CRO) / M Melo (BRA) d E Butorac (USA) / P Petzschner (GER) 63 76(5)

SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, 13 OCTOBER, 2012

STADIUM start 2:00 pm
C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) vs [7] M Bhupathi (IND) / R Bopanna (IND)

Not Before 4:30 PM
[4] T Berdych (CZE) vs [2] N Djokovic (SRB)

Not Before 8:00 PM
[1] R Federer (SUI) vs [3] A Murray (GBR)

GRANDSTAND start 6:00 pm
M Cilic (CRO) / M Melo (BRA) vs [4] L Paes (IND) / R Stepanek (CZE)

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Federer Escapes Wawrinka to Hold on to Top Spot for 300th Week

SHANGHAI, China – Roger Federer survived his match against friend and fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-0 at the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Thursday to guarantee himself the No.1 ranking for a 300th week.

Federer struggled in the beginning of the match hitting only two winners in losing the first set.

He spoke to media about how he got himself out of trouble: “Look, just keep on trying.  You know, I had my chances in the second set.  I was up a break.  Then I think I was down breakpoint at one point at the end of the second set.  Obviously that was like a match point.  So obviously I knew I had a chance going into the breaker.

“I thought we both played a pretty good breaker.  Could have gone either way.  Consider myself a little lucky.  I never stopped believing, pushed till the end, then got off to a good start in the third set.  Basically that was it.

It was a tough match.  He was the better player for basically two sets.  It’s great finding a way out that way, that’s for sure.”

Federer on reaching his 300th week at No. 1: “It’s obviously an amazing number and I never thought of anything like this when I was a little kid. I just thought one day my dream would come true to play on the tour. So here I am at 300 weeks, and it’s probably one of my biggest accomplishments and something I’m very proud of. No doubt about it.”

Does Federer remember his first week at No. 1 –February 2, 2004?

“Yeah, I do remember it very vividly actually,” Federer said.  “It’s not one of those moments that happens and then you forget.  It took me a lot of great performances to get there.

“I had an opportunity I think in the match against Roddick in Montréal.  Lost 7‑6 in the semis there against him.  It took me to win Wimbledon, the World Tour Finals, then basically get to the finals of the Australian Open.  After beating Ferrero in the semis, I knew I clinched it, but obviously I wanted to finish the tournament on a high note winning the Australian Open as well.

That’s what I was able to do then.  But I remember after the semis how happy I was becoming world No. 1.  It was for me back then sort of the ultimate accomplishment next to winning Wimbledon.  That all happened in a span of sort of nine months, which was so intense, huge relief in some ways, but a big satisfaction.

“Yeah, here I am eight years later, even more.  It’s pretty special.  Obviously I lost the world No. 1 ranking a few times, but I also stayed a long time once I got there.  I always felt tennis was easier for me playing as world No. 1 than actually getting there.”

 

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray also advanced to the the quarters. No. 2 Djokovic beat Feliciano Lopez of Spain 6-3, 6-3 and No. 3 Murray stopped Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic dominated his match with his serve, striking 12 aces against Lopez. Djokovic commented on how well his serve has been lately. “I’m trying to enjoy the efficiency of my serve.  I’m not very well‑known around the tour for big serving.  But so far in this tournament, and also in Beijing, it has been working very well for me.  It has been giving me a lot of free points, a lot of confidence into the matches.

“This is a bit faster surface compared to the one I played last week, maybe compared to the majority of the hard court tournaments we’re playing.  So serve, advantage of having good serve, precise serves, is really very much needed in these circumstances.”

Djokovic was asked about this being the ‘greatest era’ since all four majors in 2012 have been won by a different man.

“Reflecting on 2012 in specific, I think it’s fair to say it has been quite an evenly balanced year between the four, if you want to call it,” the Serb said.  “But it hasn’t been over.  There’s still a few more big events to come.  Still there are things up for grabs, like No. 1 place in the world.  It’s something that gives me a lot of motivation with Roger also.

“On the other hand, we haven’t had four Grand Slam winners in how many years?  So this is a great opportunity for the people to see a new Grand Slam winner, to get more attention to our sport.  From that perspective it’s really good.”

So what has been the difference for Djokovic this year as opposed to 2011?

“Well, the scheduling more or less was similar in these two seasons,” Djokovic said.  “I haven’t changed my routines that I’ve been respecting in practices, preparation and recovery programs.  It all has been the same.

But I’ve made maybe a couple of more wiser decisions on how to play, what to play, what to do in order to stay fit.  I’ve had very long and emotional 2011.  Winning the US Open also brought me a lot of joy, but a lot of fatigue also.  I went back to Serbia and played a Davis Cup match, which got my injury worse, then I had to be away for two months also.

“This year hasn’t been the case.  I haven’t played a Davis Cup.  Maybe that helped me to stay fit.  But I’ll be having Davis Cup matches in the next year hopefully.  I’m really looking forward to play for my country once again.  I’ll try to keep the good scheduling as a priority.”

“I think I did a decent job,” Murray said of his win on Thursday. “ It’s very, very different conditions to last week.  I think you can see by some of the results here, the guys that have come from Beijing have adapted to the conditions much, much quicker.

“So, yeah, I just tried to stay solid and go for the lines too much early on.  I tried to keep the ball low.  You know, he’s very explosive when the ball’s up around his shoulders.  Just tried to keep the ball low, play solid, and I served well.”

“I got a bit frustrated at the beginning of the second set”, Murray continued.  “I had just broken serve and played a bad game to get broken back.  Yeah, I wanted to try and finish the match, you know, as best as I could.

“I gave away the momentum that I had and let him back into the match.  So sometimes it can be better to get your emotions out and move on.  I managed to do that by breaking the next game.

“Better to not let it fester sometimes and maybe let it affect you for a few games.  Like I say, I got the break in the next game, so that was good.”

 

Murray will face the veteran Radek Stepanek in the quarterfinals on Friday, who knocked out John Isner.

“He’s one of the few guys that still plays at the top of the game in singles and doubles,” the Scot said of his next opponent.  He’s incredibly fit for his age.  I think he’s maybe 33, 34 now.  He’s in great shape.  He’s incredibly quick and flexible.  He has a very different game style to a lot of the guys now.

 

“He’s a character on the court, as well.  He likes to entertain, too, and can frustrate guys.  I’ll need to make sure I’m focused and patient and take care of my side of the court tomorrow.”

Also moving into the quarterfinals were Tomas Berdych, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Marin Cilic and Tommy Haas who upset Janko Tipsarevic.

Tennis Panorama News is in Shanghai this week covering the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Follow updates on twitter at @TennisNewsTPN.

Federer Escapes Wawrinka to Hold on to Top Spot for 300th Week

Notes and Quotes from Shanghai

Shanghai Rolex Masters – Thursday Results, Friday Schedule

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Bryan Brothers Capture Fourth US Open Title, 12th Major

FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY -  Avenging their loss in the Australian Open finals, No. 2 seeds Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan took out No. 5 seeds and Australian Open champions Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-4 to win the US Open doubles final on Friday.

The victory gives the Bryans the most majors in the Open Era for a Men’s Doubles team at 12. They have surpassed Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde and are now tied John Newcombe and Tony Roche for the all-time record.

“When you’re in the heat of the moment you don’t want to think about that stuff. We’re just trying to win the Grand Slam,, said Mike Bryan. “And now that we could chill a little bit, it’s fun to have it. We looked up to the Woodies, and to steal all their records is unbelievable, because we idolize those guys. They’re one of the reasons we play doubles. Just to be mentioned with those guys is pretty special. But to have a huge record like the Grand Slam record is really cool.”

Bob Bryan said: “We weren’t thinking too much about revenge today. We were just thinking about playing a good match and executing the scouting report our coach gave us and winning our home slam in front of all these fans that were pumping us up the whole day.”

The win also equals Robert Lutz and Stan Smith’s Open Era record with four US Open team titles. The Bryans also took home US Open trophies in 2005, 2008 and 2010.

 

An interview with: BOB AND MIKE BRYAN

Friday, September 7, 2012

THE MODERATOR:  Questions, please.

 

Q.  3‑2 on them this year; loss in Australian Open was disappointing.  Does this make up for it?

BOB BRYAN:  I mean, we weren’t thinking too much about revenge today.  We were just thinking about playing a good match and executing the scouting report our coach gave us and winning our home slam in front of all these fans that were pumping us up the whole day.  I mean, we’re extremely pumped to leave 2012 with a Grand Slam title.  I think it’s eight years in a row now we’ve at least got away with one of them, which we’re very proud of.

 

Q.  Olympic gold medal, Grand Slam, Davis Cup…

BOB BRYAN:  Dream summer?

MIKE BRYAN:  Yeah.  Got to finish it off strong with Davis Cup.  You’re only as good as your last match.  So we’re leaving tomorrow night, going to get our clay court shoes on, and hopefully help the U.S. out.

BOB BRYAN:  After that match we can exhale a little bit.

 

Q.  How much attention do you give to the records and how important is it to you to hold almost every record now?

MIKE BRYAN:  Yeah, I mean when we’re done playing I think they’re going to be fun to have.  When you’re in the heat of the moment you don’t want to think about that stuff.  We’re just trying to win the Grand Slam, you know.  And now that we could chill a little bit, it’s fun to have it.  You know, we looked up to the Woodies, and to steal all their records is unbelievable, because we idolize those guys.  They’re one of the reasons we play doubles.  Just to be mentioned with those guys is pretty special.  But to have a huge record like the Grand Slam record is really cool.

 

Q.  After the match did you throw your gold medal into the crowd?

BOB BRYAN:  Yeah.  That was my buddy from Miami.  He has good hands.

MIKE BRYAN:  Was that Sean?

BOB BRYAN:  Yeah.  If he wasn’t an athlete, I wouldn’t have thrown it to him, but he’s a coordinated guy.

 

Q.  He’s going to give it back, though?

BOB BRYAN:  Do you want to catch it?

 

Q.  What’s a realistic number for you considering your age, how you feel, how much longer you say you’re going to play?  What’s a realistic number of slams you think you can actually achieve?

MIKE BRYAN:  I don’t know.  It’s hard to say, but we want to play until Rio.  Hopefully we can snag a couple a year, one or two.  We got one this year.  You do the math.  (Laughter.)

 

Q.  I know you had the medal with you in Cincy; you have it here.  Do you take it with you everywhere?

BOB BRYAN:  Pretty much.

 

Q.  A good luck charm?

BOB BRYAN:  Yeah, I actually let Sergio Garcia wear it in Cincinnati.  Then he went win, third, and he made 1.5 million in two weeks.  So I think it’s good luck.  You want to catch it?  Can you move forward a couple of rows.

 

Q.  I assume it’s not particularly fragile.

BOB BRYAN:  It’s heavy.

MIKE BRYAN:  You got good hands?

 

Q.  He’s a Brit.

BOB BRYAN:  He’s a Brit?

MIKE BRYAN:  Pass it around.  You can get a picture.

BOB BRYAN:  It’s going to be going home tomorrow, the gold.

 

Q.  How do you retain your freshness?  You never seem to change as the years go by.  I think if I took a picture of you guys five years ago, six years ago, and you probably look exactly the same as you do now.  How do you retain that freshness?

MIKE BRYAN:  Ask Doug right here.  He’s got the fresh face.  He’s like 50 and he looks 30.  (Laughter.)  We put on sunscreen.

BOB BRYAN:  We’re playing a sport that we have a lot of fun, you know, doing.  Our parents instilled that love in the game early, and we still haven’t lost it.  I think that’s the biggest goal for parents, should have, is making it fun for their kids.  Not just drilling them into the ground, but making it fun.  We were playing games, going to tournaments with our friends, having pizza, and just fell in love with the game.  Had idols, and, you know, right now we still like getting up and going to war and having moments like this.  This is what you play for, right here, working hard.  You know, we had a rough 12 months.  We took a lot of lumps, but now that’s all forgotten.  It’s sweeter than ever.

 

Q.  Talk about the Olympics being such a big goal this year.  How strange would it have been to end the year without a Grand Slam in 2012?

MIKE BRYAN:  Still would have been a good year because we have the Olympics.  But as Bob said, we wanted to keep the streak alive of eight years with a slam.  It would obviously have been disappointing, but, you know, we’re always trying to finish the year No. 1.  We have a pretty good lead now.  You just take a look at the positives, you know, the Olympics and trying to finish the year No. 1.

 

Q.  What are your observations of the other great siblings in sports, the Williams sisters, the Mannings, and what common denominators other than genes do you see in those alliances?

BOB BRYAN:  The common denominator is you’re able to hit with the No. 1 player in the world every day of the year.  You don’t have to go search for a practice partner.  I think parents have the formula, and they figure out an environment that breeds success.  Why wouldn’t the other sibling be successful in that same environment?  We had an environment in Camarillo, California, a beautiful club with a hundred juniors playing tennis and coming to play four hours a day.  We had parents that didn’t come down on hard for us for wins and losses, but just kind of instilled good sportsmanship and making sure we were having fun.  They were taking us to exhibitions, Indian Wells, Great Western Forum, to make sure we saw that level and we had dreams.

 

Q.  We have seen some huge chases for Grand Slam records with Sampras and Federer.  What is it like for you guys?

MIKE BRYAN:  You know, it doesn’t get the notoriety that, you know, a Federer record does.  We have fun slipping under the radar.  Probably get asked once or twice a week ‑ by Doug ‑ but that’s about it.  This isn’t our first time sitting in this room in front of a bunch of media.  But they’re special to us and we talk about them with our camp.  My dad definitely he shoots e‑mails to us with all our records and they’re fun to look at.  Then it’s up to you guys to, you know, determine where we stand in history or whatever.  You know, that’s what we play for.  We set goals every year.  This was just another goal that we went after.  It’s fun to achieve it.

 

Q.  Do you recall your first major?

MIKE BRYAN:  Yeah.

BOB BRYAN:  Yeah, we definitely recall it.  The first major we played?

 

Q.  First major you won.

BOB BRYAN:  2003 French Open, and that was sweet.  We went to Buddha Bar and partied.

 

Q.  What did you do to work your way up to that?

BOB BRYAN:  I mean, that one just kind of came, bang.  We hadn’t been in a Grand Slam final.  Been in a couple of semis.  We just played the tournament of our life; didn’t lose a set.  One set went past four the whole week.  It just happened so fast.  And then it took us a while.  Once we won the first one it took us two over two years to win the next one.  We lost in five Grand Slam finals after that match and took a lot of lumps.  Then, yeah, then started figuring it out.

 

Q.  Who among the great sibling duos in sports in recent years have been especially inspiring to you, and what have you taken from their examples?

BOB BRYAN:  I mean, Venus and Serena are a pretty inspirational sibling pair.  They’re always positive with each other.  They love each other to death.  They’re always supporting each other watching the matches and the crowd.  You’ve never seen them have a spat.  You know, we’re a little more violent with each other behind closed doors than those two, so we try to use them as an example.  (Laughter.)

 

Q.  You guys said before the tournament or coming in that this was gravy after the Olympics.  Were you able to play that way?  Did you feel from the beginning to the end that that helped, you know, lubricate your nerves?

MIKE BRYAN:  It did take pressure off.  Yeah, we talked about it before each match.  We’re like, Let’s swing free.  We have the gold.  But, you know, we came into this probably a little fatigued and just running on adrenaline from the Olympics.  We could see the finish line.  You know, this final match, that’s what we pushed toward, and, you know, we have played a lot of tennis from the Olympics.  Yeah, that definitely lubricated the nerves.  Nice word.

 

Q.  You have broken all the records and got the Olympic medal now.  What kind of goals do you have now?  Is there something missing, or just adding to the pot?

BOB BRYAN:  Short‑term goal is still win that Davis Cup match, because that’s going to be pivotal to that tie.  I don’t think our team has a great chance if we don’t win that doubles match.  We want to do our job there and then just try to pile on some more points and finish the year No. 1.  It would be our eighth No. 1 finish.  Then Mike’s going to get married.  See how that goes.

MIKE BRYAN:  Work on your speech.

 

Q.  Sounded like a question.

BOB BRYAN:  Start it again.

MIKE BRYAN:  It’s gonna happen.

BOB BRYAN:  Start it again.

 

Q.  You have given so much to the game, not only in doubles but the sport itself.  The passion that you have, the energy, your father’s made you tough; you’re a tough competitor.  Is there ever a time behind the scenes in private the two of you actually just have to break down and share a tear of emotion for what you all have accomplished?

MIKE BRYAN:  We’re not very sentimental emotional guys.  I haven’t cried for a while, since high school.  But I thought I was gonna cry on the medals stand.

BOB BRYAN:  It didn’t happen.

MIKE BRYAN:  It didn’t happen.  I’m just unemotional.  Ask my fiancée.

 

Q.  Do you take a pill for that or something?

BOB BRYAN:  Zero emotions.

MIKE BRYAN:  It will be fun to, you know, just share these memories.

BOB BRYAN:  We talk about stuff together.  We don’t really talk about it with other people.  We share it with my parents.  My dad gets a real kick out of the records.  He has a spreadsheet on his computer.  I’m sure he’s updating it right now.

MIKE BRYAN:  Here comes the star.

BOB BRYAN:  Bring her up here.

 

Q.  Your dad’s been a little bit controversial this year with some of the things he said earlier on in the year.  The USTA of course, Patrick has worked very closely with you in Davis Cup terms on the other side.  Are you sometimes trapped between the association and your father?

MIKE BRYAN:  Yeah, we stay out of it.  I mean, we have a big loyalty to both guys.  We love Pat and we love obviously my dad.  My dad is very passionate about the way he feels because he owned a club and did a tremendous job with his junior program for so many years.  But, you know, Pat has his views.  I’m sure they’re both great.  We definitely read the blogs and the e‑mails and get a kick out of it.

(Micaela joined the dais.)

MIKE BRYAN:  Watch this.  Peekaboo.

 

Q.  Can I just ask, I mean, this tournament seems to have turned into a tournament of players going under the pension line, Mark Knowles being the latest one.  Just comment on Mark’s career.  You guys came up against him so many times.

BOB BRYAN:  I mean, Mark’s a legend.  He’s one of the best players of all time.  I think Knowles‑Nestor have got to be in the top five greatest doubles teams to play.  Incredible backhand return in the deuce court and scary hands.  His drop volley would always catch you by surprise.  He’s a great guy.  I think he’ll have a successful career coaching.  He’s knowledgeable and, you know, if he wants to be a commentator commentating or whatever…

 

Q.  Not too long ago you and your dad, Wayne, a few guys really fought hard to keep this doubles on the tour.  And not only kept it on the tour, but you brought it fairly close to the main light of activity.  What’s that mean to you all when you look beyond just playing the game, that you made this contribution to the game with your dad?

MIKE BRYAN:  Yeah, I mean, we’re very happy with the way it’s gone.  Obviously doubles was threatened seven years ago, and we rallied behind ‑‑ along with my dad and all the doubles guys ‑‑ and pushed to have doubles be a big part of the game.  You know, playing matches like this in a packed stadium, you know, it just shows how far doubles has come.  There’s more and more stadium matches.  It still is an integral part of the game, which is great.  And we always want it to be.  When we’re done playing we still want doubles to be, you know, big.  It’s never going to catch singles, but it will be right there.

 

Q.  Do you feel more confident with Davis Cup after that match?

MIKE BRYAN:  Do we feel confident?

 

Q.  With Davis Cup after that match.

MIKE BRYAN:  Yeah, obviously when you win a string of matches your confidence grows.  It’s going to be a different surface, and we’re going to have to go to work to beat two very good clay‑court doubles players.  We’re leaving tomorrow night.  We’re going to get there a week early and we will have some good time to get ready.  But, yeah, we’re pretty happy with the way we’re playing right now.

 

Q.  What happens in your life if one of you is born in Camarillo and at the same time another is born in Ventura and you’re actually not twins?  Would you still have careers in tennis, do you think?

BOB BRYAN:  Who’s our parents?  Wayne and Kathy Bryan in Camarillo, or are they in Miami?  If you’re my dad I’m probably sweeping streets somewhere.  Just kidding, Bill.  (Laughter.)

MIKE BRYAN:  We would have found each other.

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Nick Bollettieri – “It Ain’t Easy”

WIMBLEDON – Well respected, well known, beloved tennis expert and mentor, Nick Bollettieri, has been linked to many champions in tennis: Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Aaron Krickstein, Monica Seles, Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova, Max Mirnyi, Tommy Haas and others like Radek Stepanek, Xavier Malisse, Heather Watson and Bernard Tomic, who use his academy in Bradenton, Florida for their off season training.

Bollettieri talked about his new book with Tennis Panorama News here at Wimbledon. “It ain’t Easy,” written by David Legge is about his life. Andre Agassi is on the back page and Jim Courier wrote the foreward. It will be published around Thanksgiving.

“It is not fundamentally a “tennis book,” said Bollettieri. “It’s what I’ve taught and what I’ve learned during my life – both on the courts and off.” Future products/publications include “mini-books,” videotapes, and instructional materials on how to live a meaningful, productive, and responsible life.

Bollettieri is having a busy week at the 126th edition of The Championships, Wimbledon where he seems delighted and proud of seeing his past pupils doing so well. German Tommy Haas, just won Halle beating Roger Federer in the finals, has a wild card here and will be on court on Tuesday. Maria Sharapova, having a “blessed” year, completing her career slam, played her first match yesterday as the No. 1 player in the world and as the top seed here at Wimbledon. Sabine Lisicki also won her first round yesterday, and so did Radek Stepanek who won Australian Open doubles title with Leander Paes.

All these players have had their share of injuries and comebacks. Perhaps they have learned from their mentor, Nick Bollettieri, that “It Ain’t Easy,”  but it is possible.

Visit the book’s website www.BollettieriBiography.com

Nick Bollettieri is the President of IMG Academies

Lucia Hoffman at Wimbledon for Tennis Panorama News

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Filed Under: Approach Shots, Books, Contributors, Features, Front Page News, interviews, tennis news Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Sony Ericsson Open Post-Match Player Interviews with Radwanska, Sharapova, Stepanek and Paes

Courtesy of the Sony Ericsson Open and ASAPSports, here are Saturday’s post-match interview transcripts.

 

March 31, 2012

A. RADWANSKA/M. Sharapova

7 5, 6 4

An interview with:

AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA

THE MODERATOR:  Questions, please.

Q.  Great display of very intelligent tennis out there today.  Were you surprised that you were able to keep it together so proficiently?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  To be honest, yes.  No, I really played well today, you know, from the beginning till the end.  I was really focusing on my serve, and I’m very happy I didn’t lose my serve.  It was actually I think the key on this match.
So, you know, I was just    I went on court, you know, I’m playing against a really good player, top player, second in the world right now.  Pretty much nothing to lose.
But, you know, it’s just a great feeling, you know, to beat those kind of players, especially, you know, in the final and, you know, playing great tennis.

Q.  What was your strategy, your tactical strategy against Maria going in?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Pretty much, you know, going forward, as well, playing aggressive tennis.  I guess she’s always putting some pressure.  It doesn’t matter really what score it is.
It’s always tough, you know.  She’s really hitting the ball very hard, serving very well.  So it’s never easy.

Q.  But you had lost to her many times in a row.  How does it feel?  Did you do something differently, or is your game just elevated now?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, I think I was just playing very good today.  Everything was working.  I couldn’t complain about anything.
Yes, I lost against her a few times before.  I think today, you know, was very tight match.  I think I was just better for couple of points each set.  It was pretty tight.  So, yeah.

Q.  The intensity of the other tournaments you’ve won, the other successes you’ve had in your career, how does this compare?  How big a win is this for you?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, um, of course it’s a great feeling to win tournament like this here in Miami.  It’s the biggest tournament after Grand Slams, especially like with all the top players, you know.
You know, you have to play now six very good matches to win this tournament.  So I’m just extremely happy that, you know, I could win almost the second (indiscernible) tournament in a row after Beijing.

Q.  Last year when you won Tokyo tournament you said you are going to buy a bag or something, expensive bag or something since you got the prize money.  This time you get even bigger prize money.  I was wondering what this time you are going to buy.
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  (Smiling.)  I think    you know, didn’t really think about it yet, and I didn’t really have time for shopping here.  This is a good problem, right?  You’re playing every day and almost every day.  So it’s a good problem.
But maybe tomorrow I’ll go somewhere, yeah.  (Smiling.)

Q.  Can you talk a little bit about the development of your game from the time you were young, what your father taught you about the game?  Because you certainly have a distinctive style that incorporates a lot of different shots.  Can you talk about how he taught you or how your coaches taught you to play?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, it’s very hard to explain, but, you know, I think my tennis, it’s just, you know, trying to mix it up, everything.
I was just, I think, born with that.  Of course my father is coaching me almost all my life, 18 years already.  It’s pretty long.
But, you know, when we are practicing, we always try to improve, you know, everything.  You know, there’s always something to improve.  So it’s never been one shot, you know, one thing.  It’s just when we practice, we practice everything.  So that’s what we were doing all my life pretty much.

Q.  The dropshot that you have, sort of that tricky dropshot, how did you learn that?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, everything what I can do on court right now, it’s because of my father.  So if I can do something, it’s for sure because of him.

Q.  You don’t make a lot of noise or expressive behavior on court.  Are you nervous out there, or are you as cool as it looks from the outside?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, depends of course, you know, what score it is and what kind of match it is, if it’s final, first round.
Sometimes when I really like miss easy shots, I’m pretty angry.  But I think the main thing, especially on these bigger matches, is to stay calm and focused, because when you’re getting angry, then it’s not good for yourself.  Then you are pretty much thinking about this point.
The thing is just, you know, to go for it and, you know, to think about the next point.  That’s why, you know, just trying to be focused and not thinking about mistakes or something what happened before.

Q.  You played the first round matches on the outside courts, and then you moved on the stadium court and you won them all.  Some of the other players have complained about the fact that the stadium court is a lot slower than the outside courts.  I was wondering what your view is on that.
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, I was playing on the grandstand a couple matches before, but actually in this court, all the courts are pretty much the same.  But, yes, you’re right.  Some of the tournaments, they’re like, for sure, the outside courts are faster or different than center court.
Yeah, there’s a problem then, because you start to play on the outside, and then suddenly next day you have to play on the different court.
But I’m okay with that.  I think from the beginning I’m used to change the surface pretty often.  I don’t have hard court in my city, so even when I’m practicing, I practice on different surface, and then I go to the tournaments on hard court, so for me that’s not a big problem.

Q.  You mentioned out there your father left today, he flew back to Poland.  Was that the plan because you didn’t expect to be in the final, or was he going to leave anyway?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  You know, he change already his ticket.  I think he supposed to leave Thursday or Friday?  And then he change.
And then I beat Bartoli the other night.  He said, You know, I think you’re in the final.  I think you’re playing well.  So you know what you have to do, and, um, just text me after the game.  And just, Good luck.  (Smiling.)
I think he said I played her many times before, so we know each other, you know.  I pretty much know what to do out there.
So he just give me those kind of, you know, motivation.  He called me this morning and he left.

Q.  Did you change your plane ticket, or did you have a plane ticket until tomorrow?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  I changed couple times already.  This is a good problem, right?  (Smiling.)
Is good this way than the opposite way, right?  You have for Sunday and you change for, for example, for like Tuesday.

Q.  I know with the style of play that you have that you don’t hit a lot of winners, but were you still surprised with just one winner you still won the first set?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  I didn’t really look at the statistics, to be honest.  But, well, Maria start to play, she play very aggressive tennis, so it’s really hard to make any winners from her style of the game.
So she make for sure more winners in this match, for sure.  I don’t even need to look at the statistics.  Yeah.

Q.  Can you talk about    what level of tennis did your father play when he was a professional?  Have you ever seen him play on tape?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Not really.  I just saw his pictures, just, you know, from the tennis courts, but never really any of his matches, no.

Q.  What level of play did he reach in his career?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, he was playing in Poland for many years, and then we moved when I was little to Germany, and of course playing there.  Then of course playing cup matches and coaching there, some players, as well.  I think it was different time, but he didn’t really play like ATP on the biggest level.

Q.  Did he coach you and your sister like at the same time?  How did it work with your sister?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Yes.  I’m still practicing actually with my sister at home.  You know, just one year different between us.  Maybe I start a bit earlier than her, but all our life we practicing together.

Q.  Now that you’re No. 4, I mean, 1 is much closer, and 2 and 3.  Can you talk about what are your goals now that you have reached this pinnacle of your career?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Yeah, I’m very happy that I can be for the first time top 4.  Now it’s still far, you know, even to be No. 3, 2, or even 1.
So it’s still, you know, far.  But, you know, if I’m gonna play like here on the really good level, then, you know, hoping I can reach top 3 very soon.

Q.  You were so solid all the last year.  What things changed the last year?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Pretty much nothing really change.  I really have this question very often.  Didn’t really change anything.  Still practicing at home in Krakow, my hometown, and, you know, nothing really changed.  The same fitness coach.
I mean, a little bit different situation with my father and my second coach, because now I just practice with my father at home and traveling with different coach.  But except that…

Q.  But you feel you improve a lot the last year or not?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Yeah, I mean, I feel really much better and confident on court, and I’m very happy that I can play constant tennis and play couple matches in a row in the good level.

Q.  Being from Krakow, one of the nicest things is that you bring a very positive impact on your country.  As you may know, many Americans think of Krakow 70 years ago of a place of death, death camps of World War II.  Growing up, this is something Boris Becker and Steffi Graf said when they were young, they always felt they want to get rid of any thoughts people thinking about the Nazis or the bad words.  I just want to know, with you being very involved today and being perhaps Poland’s No. 1 athlete, if you feel that you’re part of making people thinking of Poland in a very positive aim because of your excellence in sports.
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Yes, for sure.  Poland doesn’t have that big tennis history, I mean, except for Wojtek Fibak, that he was also top player.  The tennis is not very popular in Poland, that’s for sure.
We don’t have many facilities to practice.  Not so many also hard courts.  It’s pretty tough, but, you know, I’m always saying that I really feel very good on my own, my hometown.  Even when I don’t have this kind of things where, for example, here in the States you have pretty much on every street some courts, tennis courts, I don’t have that.
But, you know, I just feel great at home.  Even when I’m there, even for two days between the tournaments, I just feel very good and I can really, you know, have a rest over there.
So I’m just very happy now that, you know, tennis is getting more popular and more people are playing tennis, also kids.
I’m just very happy that I can be part of that and now that tennis is getting more popular, yes.

Q.  How much does your new coach traveling with you contribute to today’s success?
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, I mean, I think my dad and Tomasz, they are both pretty much working on my success.  So, you know, I’m not gonna say any percentage, but, you know, those two guys for sure makes me, you know, play very well.  So that’s why I’m, you know, sitting here in front of you guys.

Q.  How did you develop that crouching shot?  It’s very acrobatic out there.
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Which one?

Q.  The one where you crouch down low.
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA:  Well, it’s just the thing that, you know, I used to do it and I don’t know how, you know.  Nobody teach me that, even my dad, you know.  (Smiling.)
It’s just me.  I think I was too lazy to go backwards, and I was just standing and doing the squats.  There you go.  Yeah.

 

Maria Sharapova (Photo by Maria Noble for Tennis Panorama News)

March 31, 2012

A. RADWANSKA/M. Sharapova

7 5, 6 4

An interview with:

MARIA SHARAPOVA

 THE MODERATOR:  Questions, please.

Q.  How do you get to play at noon in this weather?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  At noon?

Q.  Yeah.
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Well, I’ve played at 11:00 one day and I played at 1:00 a few times.  It’s kind of in between.
I don’t know how to answer that.

Q.  As you get older and your career progresses, the runner up finishes, do they get easier, harder, are they all different?  What would you say?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Yeah.  Well, it’s always tough, because, you know, you do a really good job to get there.  It’s obviously always the toughest round.
You know, I thought she played extremely well today, was very consistent, got that extra ball back and I made that extra mistake.  She didn’t give me many errors.  When I had my chances at break point, I didn’t take them.  When she had them, she did.

Q.  You were not able to jump on her serve the way you did the previous matches, and she doesn’t have a lot of pace.  Is it just simply your timing that you feel was off, or is there something about her real slow serves that make it difficult?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  It was just one of those days.  I definitely didn’t return well.  I wasn’t aggressive on that shot.  When I did have second serve opportunities, you know, she’s serving at 70 miles per hour and I’m not winning those points, there’s something wrong with that.
You know, I for sure should have won a lot of those second serve points.  I just didn’t.

Q.  It seems that the last game the forehand particularly let you down.
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Well, again, she got that extra ball back, and I went for a little bit more than I had to and I made the error.

Q.  So do you think when there are that many errors, how much is it you and how much is the way that she’s playing is making you make more errors?  I know you don’t have an exact percentage, but if you could kind of explain.
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Yeah, it’s obviously a combination.  You want to put pressure on her to go for a little bit more maybe when she’s, you know, moving, but she moved extremely well.
She hit a lot of good balls on the run and they were deep.  She didn’t just bring them back; she had something on them.
Then the few errors on important points that I made I thought were    you know, maybe I shouldn’t have gone for the line so much, you know, aimed a little bit closer to the middle.

Q.  How is your serve working these days?  How did it feel today, your shoulder and the way you’ve had to adjust your serve?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Yeah, my shoulder feels really good.  I’m really happy, you know, that I got over that injury.  It took a really long time and a lot of adjustments.
It was certainly tough because I had to make those adjustments.  I wasn’t used to them.  But, yeah, I’m really happy with the way the shoulder is.

Q.  Overall making the final here, how do you go home?  How do you put this tournament in perspective with your season so far?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Well, it feels tough now just because, you know, it’s only 30 minutes after you lose, so not the easiest thing in the world.
But, um, of course it’s    you know, these last two tournaments are always, you know, the toughest just because they’re so close together and playing six matches in an event.
So I’m really happy that I got to play all six.  Obviously I would have loved to be the winner, but just the way it goes.

Q.  Is it frustrating when you have to generate so much of the pace yourself?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Um, I mean, that’s what I usually do is just that.  You know, maybe I made a few more errors than I should have.

Q.  You got broken twice at the end of each set.  Did you feel like your nerves let you down today?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Well, I was down 4 5 and I held and it was 5 All, and I was Love 30 at some point   that was in the second set   and I didn’t take those chances.
I was always playing from behind, so I could have lost    you know, could have lost the game on my serve at any point in that set.
But, you know, she just    she got that extra ball back when she had to.

Q.  You were three hours and a half more than Agnieszka.  Do you feel it was a factor today?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Doesn’t matter.  I mean, both of us get to the stage where we still have to go, and the finals is at a certain time and you have to be there, and whoever it is you have to face against.  You can’t worry how much time you’ve spent on the court, and it doesn’t really matter when you’re out there.

Q.  You had some good results on clay last year.  Are you looking forward to clay this year?
MARIA SHARAPOVA:  Absolutely, yeah.  I feel like I’ve improved with every year that I have been playing on it and I enjoy it.
I feel like you learn so much about the construction of the points and the games, such a cat and mouse game.
I didn’t necessarily like that many years back, but I feel like I’m much better at it and I have improved, and physically, as well.  Yeah, I’m looking forward to taking a little break now but getting on the clay and starting the practice.

Radek Stepanek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2012

L. PAES R. STEPANEK/M. Mirnyi D. Nestor

3 6, 6 1, 10 8

An interview with:

LEANDER PAES and
RADEK STEPANEK

THE MODERATOR:  Questions, please.

Q.  I want to ask about that dance at the end.  Does that dance have a name or anything?
RADEK STEPANEK:  Doesn’t have a name.  It’s just, you know, I live with my feelings, with my heart.  Whatever I feel like doing, I felt like dancing so I dance.
I have been dancing before every match in the locker room a little bit, so now I can…
LEANDER PAES:  It’s called the ‘Prostio of Jazz.’  (Laughter.)
Q. Can you talk about winning three here in a row with three different partners?  Is it the conditions here in Miami?  You had a lot of success here.
LEANDER PAES:  There are so many people behind the scenes who do an amazing job with us here in Miami.  For me, right from the tournament organizers to the girls at credentials to the transportation to the people who really kind of go out there and make our lives a lot simpler, that’s what makes me feel a lot at home in Miami.
Also, I have a lot of Indian/Portuguese blood, and I guess that Latin flavor here kinda gets me going, which is kinda fun.
The most important thing is I’ve got three great partners.  Right now I’m sitting next to one of the greatest doubles player that I have ever played with.  A lot of fun.  Why he’s that good is because he works as a team.
Some days I could be playing great and he’s having a rough day but none of us feel it.  We win or lose as a team.  One day he’s playing great, like today, and I’m not having such a great day.  He helps me come through.  We win as a team.
That’s the beauty of doubles.  It’s the sum of two individuals is greater than two.

Q.  Can you talk about the partnership?  How did it get started?  Whose idea and when?
LEANDER PAES:  Yes, many years ago, about four to be exact, we decided to team up for a tournament in Delray Beach.  We beat the No. 2 team of the world at that time in the finals.  You will have to check the stats, but I think it was like 6 2, 6 Love.
RADEK STEPANEK:  6 1, 6 0.
LEANDER PAES:  We were looking to play some more the following year, but I respect Radek’s singles career, as well.  He’s a healthy singles player.  I actually think his doubles makes singles a lot sharper, because he’s the sort of player who has an all court game.  Right now the surfaces are a lot slower on the tour, and he uses his all court game really well.
We have had such a great start to the year  this year, so it’s going to make us think a little bit more about whether we really want to end this year No. 1 in the world, because we have really kind of put a little bit of distance between us and the rest of the teams, but that’s something we have to think of.
But at the end of November last year   in Paris, to be exact   Radek came to me, and there was a bit of nonsense going on with the doubles partnerships, and Radek came it me and said, Lea, would you like to play the whole year?
His honesty about saying, I would like to play this, this, and this week and that week and not this week and that week is something I respect a lot.
So for me he’s thoroughly professional.  We improve every day.  I’m blessed to have a partner like him.

Q.  That was this previous November?
LEANDER PAES:  Yeah, 2011.

Q.  Can you talk a little about the match?  The second set, get back with the double break, but then the match tiebreak you’re early down 1 4 but fought your way back.  What really got you through in the critical stages?
RADEK STEPANEK:  I think the only thing which got us always through is that we play together no matter how the match is going.  You know, if it goes wrong for us, we know that we always can come back.
I think the first two games in the second set were very, very important for us, because we have been facing three break points on my serve straightaway first game.  Then we have been able to pump ourselves in the break down, Max serve, which break their confidence because they have been all over us in the first set.  They have been better in all aspects of the game.
But tennis is played for two sets, and until the chair umpire doesn’t say, Game, set, match, the match is not over.
So we fighted through it, and we got on top of them in the second set all the way.  I think the super tiebreak is always bit tricky, you know.  It’s a 10 point match tiebreak.  It’s really, really long.  No matter if it’s 1 4, we hold our two serves.  We been just one point back, and we went from there and with a great stretch of six points, I believe, and turn it around.
We have been, I think, the more aggressive, and, you know, I would say creative team in the super tiebreak, as well.  That’s why we won.

Q.  With all the success you’re having this season, would you consider playing more doubles?  How do you balance when you’re doing so well?
RADEK STEPANEK:  I think that we balance it so far.  So far we balance it well, you know.  As I said, no matter what we do, my focus is on singles.  But if we gonna keep doing like this, we will be set for, I don’t know, 12, 13 tournaments.  So far we are doing really great winning two of them.
So let’s see, you know, how the season will go.  I think it’s still too early to talk about big things.  We have to be, you know, humble and be blessed with what we did and go back to our clay court season again to, you know, to just keep going, keep going what we are doing until now.  And we’ll see.  We’ll see what we gonna do with the rest of it.

Q.  Can you tell me, are you better singles or doubles player?  How did you become?  What did you do to become such a good doubles player?
RADEK STEPANEK:  You know what?
LEANDER PAES:  Good question.
RADEK STEPANEK:  Good question.  I always felt like I’m singles player.  But, for me, doubles is a great competition.  I played doubles since I was a kid.
In every day I believe I practiced doubles without knowing that I’m practicing doubles.  Just have to play tennis no matter if it been two on the court, three on the court, four on the court.  Just love the game.
I think that’s what I did when I was young.  It goes always with you even now.  You know, that’s only others to say if I’m a better singles player or doubles player.
Also, it’s about partner.  You know, I have one of the greatest doubles players in all time, living legend, what he’s capable to do in this age.  It’s amazing.
I believe it’s inspirational for all the kids who are watching, all the young tennis players.  I have great respect for my partner, and it’s honor to play with him.

Q.  Your country is a tennis rich country.  Are you the best doubles players now for Czechs?
LEANDER PAES:  Can I answer that one?  Yes.  (Laughter.)

Q.  Now you have been pretty consistent with your doubles career over recent years, but now that you’re so old…
RADEK STEPANEK:  Come on.
LEANDER PAES:  You know, I’m gonna kill you at the end of this one.  (Laughter.)

Q.  The fact that you guys have won two of the three big ones already at the start of this year, how much more encouragement and incentive does that sort of a start to the season give you for the rest of the year and beyond?
LEANDER PAES:  You know, I have been actually thinking about it for the last 10 minutes, because someone asked us that on the court itself.  I think I found the answer for this team.  I’m not 100% certain, but I’m gonna say it anyway.
I think that Radek and myself need to stick to the 16 to 18 tournaments that we’re looking at playing this year.  I’m committed to play with him through this year.  I’m committed to play with him through next year, as well.
The fact that we’re being so potent when we are playing, I mean, we’re winning a lot of tournaments, a lot of big matches, already we’ve put a bit of distance between ourselves and No. 2 and No. 3.
So I would really like to encourage Radek’s singles, because, for me, I would never want my partner to say, um, he had to give up his singles because of his doubles.
I had to do that in 1998.  In 1999 I gave up my singles for my doubles.  I know how I feel now about it.
I think that Radek, in such great physical shape, he can play doubles for another 10 years if he wants.  So really, for me, I think I found the answer in the last 10 minutes, but we’re gonna chat a bit more about it.
For me, I’m going to be encouraging Radek’s singles a lot.  If we go and win another couple Masters Series, if we go and win another Grand Slam, probably gonna end up No. 1 in the world, anyway.  So, for me, I’m really gonna encourage his singles all the way.

Q.  How special is it for you to get your 50th career title here in a tournament where you have had so much success?
LEANDER PAES:  It made it really, really special.  50 tournaments takes a little doing.  600 matches takes a little bit of doing.
Having done a three peat here in Miami is awesome.  Next year I’m gonna start, you know, the next three peat, so to say.  I hope to start another one.
But for me it’s just about improving with my tennis.  When I have a day off, Radek actually and myself go out there and we work on things.  Yesterday, normal doubles players would have gone in and probably played for half an hour, 40 minutes and just kept their tools sharp.  We hit for two hours yesterday.
Thanks to the curry muncher back there, he asked me about my age, that’s what keeps me young.  That’s what keeps me going.  I love to play tennis, And especially with a partner who is always looking to improve.
I help him, when he’s out there, to work on his singles.  My whole team is there for him to help him on his body staying healthy, on his mind staying fresh, on things that he needs as a tennis professional.  That’s the fun thing we have.
His team comes out there to encourage me and help me with my things.  That’s what tennis is about, about give and take, and I’ve got a good one here.

Q.  I had a question for several days, but I waited to ask you:  If you play all three matches in Davis Cup, and what are your expectations next week?
RADEK STEPANEK:  Next week, you know, it’s kind of far in the moment.  I’m a thousand kilometers away from that.  But tomorrow I will be back on the practice court back in Prague hitting already on clay.
You know, we go to every tie, you know, that we want to win.  I mean, who is coming there with the thinking of losing?  He doesn’t even need to go there.
We had tough match against Serbia in 2010 back in Belgrade.  Now we are playing on home soil in front of our crowd.  We can choose the surface, so we would like to take advantage of it, and, you know, try to bring for our team three points over the weekend.
That’s what our focus is on, and the rest, it doesn’t matter to us.

Q.  Singles and doubles?
RADEK STEPANEK:  Whatever.  If I have to play mixed, I play mixed.  I love my country, and I will play whatever, even chess if it takes to win.

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Around The Grounds at the BNP Paribas Open “ Weekend Round Up“ Part 1

By Jennifer Knapp

After a very busy Friday, I knew that today (Saturday) would be all of that and more as more of the seeded players took to the courts to play their first matches.  First up was Ana Ivanovic who made quick work of Joanna Larsson 6-1, 6-2.  I made it a point to sit in on her news conference as I had yet to seen her in person and was very impressed with her poise and demeanor as she answered a series of questions ranging from her current excellent form to her Olympic aspirations and her thoughts on the mandatory tournament schedule.

Next up was a stroll around the practice courts as you’re pretty much always guaranteed to see many of your favorites at any point throughout the day.  Indian Wells is known for the great fan access to the practice courts and this particular trip did not disappoint.  I came across Jurgen Melzer, Marcos Bagdhatis, Victoria Azarenka, Gael Monfils and Feliciano López spread out across the many courts.  Not bad for a 15 minute walk!

 

Juan Monaco

My ultimate destination was the Juan Monaco/Nicholas Mahut match on Court 6, the smallest of the show courts. For the first 20 minutes or so that I was there, Mahut missed at least a half dozen drop shots. It was as if his racquet magnetically directed the balls into the net.  You could hear everyone in the crowd wince as he missed each one. Also,  Monaco was sliding all over the court as if it was made of clay.  There were a few crowd winces for him as well!  Monaco had multiple chances to win the match in two sets but needed a third to close it out.  He advances to play his Twitter buddy, John Isner on Monday.

 

Stpanek and Paes

Next up on the agenda was the David Ferrer/Albert Ramos versus Leander Paes/Radek Stepanek match on Court 4.  There’s nothing like watching doubles action up close and sitting in the front row gives you amazing perspective.  You also need to pay close attention though as it’s quite likely that you’ll end up getting hit by a ball at some point. I say this because it’s happened to me more than once. The stands were full and the cheering was equally split for the two teams.  Ramos was fresh off his big win over Richard Gasquet but he and Ferrer were no match for the stronger, more seasoned team as Stepanek/Paes won 6-3, 6-3.

 

Sitting in the direct sun for over an hour had taken its toll so I opted to take a shade break before heading to another match.  With so many great matches to choose from I ended up going to Stadium 3 for Kei Nishikori/Santiago Giraldo. Another near capacity crowd was thoroughly entertained although it wasn’t without (minor) incident thanks to a malfunctioning electronic scoreboard with bad timing.  The board went out just as Giraldo challenged a call and once he realized that the play could not be reviewed, he protested the by sitting down in his chair and refusing to play.   Entertaining for the crowd but unsettling for Nishikori who eventually lost the match.

Caroline wozniacki

I headed back to the media room in time for a series of news conferences Mardy Fish, Caroline Wozniacki, Ryan Harrison and Maria Sharapova. I really enjoy hearing from the players directly and having the opportunity to do so live is an absolute thrill for me.  Fish was first, followed by Wozniacki, who unceremoniously busted into the news conference and (humorously) turned in into more of a comedy routine.  The talk quickly turned to golf and ended when a reporter asked Wozniacki how she thought Fish would do on the PGA Tour. Her response was “no comment which was followed by lots of laughter.  Wozniacki proceeded to answer multiple questions about golf intermixed with tennis but the classic question came at the very end, when she was asked if she had “ever met Tiger Woods and had interactions with him  Her reply?  (pause), I was going to say something. (another pause) No, no, I have never met Tiger.” Enough said.

Ryan Harrison

The next news conference was with Ryan Harrison who had just upset 25th seed Viktor Troicki.  I am always amazed how poised and mature he is in general conversation and impressed by the fact that he made it a point during the offseason to work on controlling his energy into a positive mindset.  He spoke about his first Davis Cup experience and the positive influence of team captain, Jim Courier.  Next up for him was supposed to be Andy Murray but will now be Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

 

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova came to press following her win over Gisela Dulko. Questions for her included her thoughts about the mandatory 15 tournaments per year and her time at the Bollettieri Academy. She was incredibly complimentary of Nick Bollettieri and considers him one of the “best businessmen I have ever met in my life but yet he’s very professional in everything he does.” Surprisingly, there were no questions about basketball.

 

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez

Following the media conferences I headed down to the photo pit to watch Andy Murray and Guillermo Garcia Lopez.  What was expected to be a pretty routine match for Murray was anything but.  Garcia Lopez was playing lights out and Murray simply was not.  The majority of the crowd was stunned but continued to show their support for Murray throughout the match.  Murray had multiple break chances but simply couldn’t convert when necessary and Garcia Lopez won in two.  Indian Wells hasn’t been too kind to Murray as he lost to Donald Young in his first match in 2011.

Andy Murray

Murray came to press within minutes of losing the match and made no excuses.  He did say that he had a hard time trying to hit though the court, missed a lot of returns and squandered many chances.  He also said compared to last year, he was hitting the ball much better in practice and that he felt better mentally as well so he needs to turn it around for Miami.  The upside? He didn’t have any points to defend!

Jennifer Knapp is covering the BNP Paribas Open as media for Tennis Panorama News. Follow her updates on twitter @TennisNewsTPN. Follow her personal twitter @Jusbjen.

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Isner, Stepanek, Raonic and Querrey Gain Quarters in Memphis

 

Top seed John Isner won a tough match against fellow American Donald Young on Thursday in Memphis. Isner crushed 22 aces passed Young for a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory. “Yeah, it was a tricky match,” said Isner. “I wasn’t playing my best at the beginning but I competed well and that helped me out a lot. From that I was able to win a very close first set and play better in the second set. So I was very happy.”

Results – Thursday, February 23, 2012
Women’s Singles – Quarterfinals
(4) Marina Erakovic (NZL) d. Michaella Krajicek (NED) 64 67(2) 64
Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 75 63
Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) d. Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) 62 76(9)
Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Stéphanie Foretz Gacon (FRA) 36 63 61

Doubles – Semifinals
(2) Dushevina/Govortsova (RUS/BLR) d. (3) Dekmeijere/Petrova (LAT/RUS) 26 41 ret. (Petrova: left thigh injury)

Doubles – Quarterfinals
(1) Hlavackova/Hradecka (CZE/CZE) d. Lee-Waters/Moulton-Levy (USA/USA) 62 63
(4) Krajicek/Tatishvili (NED/GEO) d. Erakovic/Pervak (NZL/KAZ) 63 ret. (Pervak: viral illness)

Men’s Singles – Second Round
[1] J Isner (USA) d D Young (USA) 76(3) 64
[3] R Stepanek (CZE) d R Sweeting (USA) 46 63 76(4)
[4] M Raonic (CAN) d S Stakhovsky (UKR) 64 64
[WC] S Querrey (USA) d [7] K Anderson (RSA) 76(4) 64
J Melzer (AUT) d I Dodig (CRO) 26 63 76(5)
O Rochus (BEL) d [WC] R Harrison (USA) 64 75
L Kubot (POL) d P Petzschner (GER) 76(5) 62
B Becker (GER) d X Malisse (BEL) 76(4) 64

Doubles – Quarterfinals
[1] M Mirnyi (BLR) / D Nestor (CAN) d [WC] R Harrison (USA) / D Kudla (USA) 76(9) 36 10-8
C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) d [3] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) 63 36 10-3
I Dodig (CRO) / M Melo (BRA) d J Benneteau (FRA) / O Rochus (BEL) 63 64

SCHEDULE – FRIDAY, 24 FEBRUARY, 2012

STADIUM start 10:00 am
S Arvidsson (SWE) vs A Brianti (ITA) – WTA
V Dushevina (RUS) vs [4] M Erakovic (NZL) – WTA
Not Before 2:00 PM
[3] R Stepanek (CZE) vs [WC] S Querrey (USA) – ATP
[1] J Isner (USA) vs J Melzer (AUT) – ATP
Not Before 7:00 PM
O Rochus (BEL) vs [4] M Raonic (CAN) – ATP
L Kubot (POL) vs B Becker (GER) – ATP

GRANDSTAND start 1:00 pm
[1] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Hradecka (CZE) vs [4] M Krajicek (NED) / A Tatishvili (GEO) – WTA

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