by ti-amie Some happy news to start our thread.

Asia Muhammad is engaged to Australian Dayne Kelly.

She announced it on her IG account.


by ti-amie wta@WTA
Congratulations on your engagement @GreetMinnen97 and @AlisonVanU
Camera: alison_van_uytvanck/IG

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by ponchi101 Good for them. Wish them happiness.

by JazzNU Looks like these photos of Petra haven't been posted yet. This is for the Czech Player of the Year trophy ceremony.

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by ponchi101 Very classic, very pretty. Wow to her.

by JazzNU Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day photos


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Berrettini Brothers


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Caro


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Sloane


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Karolina Pliskova


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Sveta

by JazzNU Holiday Photos Continued


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Monica


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Gael


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Borna


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Petra


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Denis with girlfriend Mirjam, she's a tennis player

by JazzNU Holiday Photos Continued


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Donna Vekic and Belinda Bencic


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Dominic Thiem


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Madison and Bjorn


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Ana and Bastian


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Domi, Michal, and Jakub

by meganfernandez Holiday photo thoughts:

What is Donna wearing on her legs? How do they stay on? They're kind of like... wide-leg leg warmers? Boot shafts only?
Ivanovic is stunning.
Baby Cibulkova is the cutest thing ever.
Shapo's girlfriend is well-coordinated with the tree decor.
Sorry, there's a Berrettini brother?
I continue to love Pliskova off the court.
Sloane, so adorable, so chic.
Damn, Sveta.

by JazzNU Kiki and husband Remko on New Year's Eve


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by JazzNU Elena Rybakina in Dubai


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by JazzNU CiCi Bellis. I feel like she technically looks nice, but she has really aged herself with this look


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by ponchi101 She has always been pretty. I like the "mature" look. She looks all of 26.
And I am not saying tan some more. But the wrist bands and socks are marked too much :) I actually like that (it shows she spends her time out there, playing/training).

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 A two handed forehand? So, she is going full Seles as opposed to Mom and Auntie? ;)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jan 13, 2021 7:49 pm A two handed forehand? So, she is going full Seles as opposed to Mom and Auntie? ;)
I noticed this, too, but it's probably for stability. If she were left-handed, her left hand would be below her right hand, right?

Also, that form is already pretty good, isn't it? The balance, the preparation, the eye contact with the ball? Looks like she loves it, too.

by ponchi101 I was joking. For a 3 year-old, the form is excellent. And she is keeping her eyes on the ball, which is one thing that, if you are born with it, will save you years and years of training.
24 Slams?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jan 14, 2021 7:33 pm I was joking. For a 3 year-old, the form is excellent. And she is keeping her eyes on the ball, which is one thing that, if you are born with it, will save you years and years of training.
24 Slams?
Oh, I didn't think you were being critical at all. :) And my bold prediction is that Olympia will get the all-time Slam record that Serena won't. OR that Serena will retire without it, come back, and have to play Olympia when they are both going for 24 or 25.

It is not completely crazy to think Olympia could play Coco Gauff in 15 years.

by ti-amie




by JazzNU So, so many questions. So, so confused. That is 100% from the last 24 hours, the flight to Melbourne.

Angie, Sorana and who knows who else were on the flight too. Posted to Sveta's Insta Stories.

by ti-amie


by JazzNU

by JazzNU

by JazzNU Magazine covers for Garbine in the new year


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by JazzNU Not many photos being posted to pages from travelling to Melbourne, but several posting to their IG Stories, some photos and some videos.

Matteo, Gael, Borna, and Stefanos are all on the same flight.

Sveta's mishap let us know that she, Angie, Sorana, and for reasons unknown, Dayana, were all on the same flight.

Karolina Pliskova, Donna, Ajla, and Karolina Muchova were on a different flight.

by ponchi101 No, Garbie, no. You are not the same when you go serious.
And, BTW. Time to drop the "Pressure is a privilege" thing. We all know it, we all know it comes from BJK. Unless you make it clear that you are quoting HER, it now sounds like copyright infringement.
Which, BJK should do. Copyright that phrase. One of the great sport axioms.

Screen Shot 2021-01-15 at 8.26.22 AM.png
That's Patrick Mourotoglou. Has anyone else noticed that Mike Tyson seems to be a favorite celebrity fan in the tennis media? He has been on Tennis Channel, now here, and saw him in some other tennis media recently? I don't think he should be shunned by society, but do we have to elevate him to one of our go-to voices? Isn't there someone else?
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by meganfernandez speaking of pressure, Mike Tyson has something clueless to say:
Screen Shot 2021-01-15 at 8.26.22 AM.png
That's Patrick Mourotoglou. Has anyone else noticed that Mike Tyson seems to be a favorite celebrity fan in the tennis media? He has been on Tennis Channel, now here, and saw him in some other tennis media recently? I don't think he should be shunned by society, but do we have to elevate him to one of our go-to voices? Isn't there someone else?

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 12:07 am
^ One with no mask, and the other with mask under her nose.
In the enclosed interior space of an airplane.
And even posted publicly with no shame.

It's no mystery why the virus continues to spread. The virus is problematic. But people are an even greater problem than is the virus.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 5:47 pm
ti-amie wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 12:07 am
^ One with no mask, and the other with mask under her nose.
In the enclosed interior space of an airplane.
And even posted publicly with no shame.

It's no mystery why the virus continues to spread. The virus is problematic. But people are an even greater problem than is the virus.
For me, it's getting to the point where I blame some people for catching it. My first thought about Murray wasn't "hope he's okay" but "wtf did you do to catch it?" He has all the means to take every precaution.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 5:51 pm For me, it's getting to the point where I blame some people for catching it. My first thought about Murray wasn't "hope he's okay" but "wtf did you do to catch it?" He has all the means to take every precaution.
^ Yes, I completely agree. That was exactly my first thought with Murray, Keys, and the others, as well.
While it is possible to contract the virus through some fluke, or a relatively innocent few seconds of inattention, it is mostly contracted though irresponsible behaviour.

And there is absolutely no excuse for irresponsible behaviour at this point. NO-ONE can claim ignorance. NO-ONE. We ALL know what to do and what NOT to do - we've ALL been told over and over and over unceasingly for the past 10 months.
And so, irresponsible behaviour is SOLELY the result of stupidity and selfishness. While it is mostly younger people who are afflicted with these defects, it is not only younger people.
Some - like the 'rich and famous' (which applies to some tennis players) have also been conditioned to believe that common rules simply don't apply to them, because they are somehow 'better' than common folk.

It's mind boggling why this continues to be permitted.
If I'm in charge of the Aussie Open, I would remove Kuznetsova and Yastremska from the draw immediately, based on that photo - period. No question, no appeal - just gone.

by Suliso I'm sorry, but this is nonsense. In highly infected places people can easily catch the virus through bad luck by simply going to work or taking public transport and no that can't be avoided for those (myself included) who don't have fully computer based jobs.

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 6:38 pm I'm sorry, but this is nonsense. In highly infected places people can easily catch the virus through bad luck by simply going to work or taking public transport and no that can't be avoided for those (myself included) who don't have fully computer based jobs.
Sorry, Suliso, but the majority of people who contract the virus contract it due to irresponsible behaviour. They either believe they are invincible, or they believe the virus is a hoax, or they believe that they simply will not contract it by magic, and so need not take precautions.

Yes, some people contract it by some sort of fluke, which I did mention. But they are in the minority among those who do contract it.

The reason why there are so many restrictions placed on us is not because the majority of transmissions are the result of 'bad luck', but rather because the majority of transmissions are the result of irresponsible behaviour. And the restrictions are an attempt to control the irresponsible behaviour.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 6:38 pm I'm sorry, but this is nonsense. In highly infected places people can easily catch the virus through bad luck by simply going to work or taking public transport and no that can't be avoided for those (myself included) who don't have fully computer based jobs.
Yes, many people have little choice but to be out and about, and that's a different story. And I have a lot of sympathy for people who take some risks, too - this is an incredibly hard thing to live through. A lot of people live alone, or live in tiny places that aren't easy to stay in for days and days on end, or who really do suffer mentally from isolation. There are a million circumstances and varying degrees of hardship. I'm talking about people who have the means to isolate from the biggest known risks. Sure, I don't know everything about Murray's life but that's not how we operate, especially when it comes to celebrities. His case might be the tipping point for me. He's smart. He's rich. He has a lovely massive house (maybe more than one). He can hire anyone to do anything hey need. I think it's a safe assumption that he and his family could, if they chose, avoid crowds, which are the biggest danger. I'm not saying everyone has to feel the same way. It's just how I'm starting to feel after living through this in my own way. My sympathies are wearing thin.

I really do wonder where he got it.

by ti-amie I was surprised about Murray too. I was not surprised by all of the US players although many of them don't come from average middle class families. We only know what we're allowed to know about anyone in the public eye but not only Murray but all of the US players live fairly comfortably not in studios or tiny apartments.

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 5:51 pm For me, it's getting to the point where I blame some people for catching it. My first thought about Murray wasn't "hope he's okay" but "wtf did you do to catch it?" He has all the means to take every precaution.
I give a little more leeway to people with kids like Murray. They seem to be pushed into situations in this where they might interact with people more than they wish.

by JazzNU I was least surprised by Andy Murray. I'm assuming he is in the UK right now. Highly contagious variant of an already very contagious disease for me meant no surprise there.

In terms of hiring help. Andy may be rich, but all of these players have the same thing in common even if they can hire out most of what they need - they are practicing with a team, many times, going somewhere to practice. They are always going to be around a few people outside of their household, so there's always some risk even if they are being relatively safe. And again, highly contagious variant means what was good to guard against catching covid in the Spring is clearly less effective now with this new variant.


Dayana Yastremska had covid less than a month ago. So outrage and fallout for her and Sveta's mask wearing are likely to be minimal. More likely Sveta gets more anger towards her from creating this media storm about Dayana being on that flight at all. If Sveta doesn't post anything, we legitimately know nothing right now and there's no story about this.

by Liamvalid Would like to wish my favourite player ever Mary Pierce a happy 46th birthday!

by JTContinental Given his injury history, I imagine Murray spends a fair amount of time at the doctor's office, which is where I think a lot of transmission is happening, so he could just as easily have picked it up there. Keeping his other politics in mind, I find it implausible that he thinks he's invincible or that covid is a hoax.

by ponchi101 Somehow I don't see Murray as the kind of rich person that hires 20 people to keep house.

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 10:27 pm Somehow I don't see Murray as the kind of rich person that hires 20 people to keep house.
I think Andy is probably not the person making that decision.

by Deuce
skatingfan wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 10:30 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 10:27 pm Somehow I don't see Murray as the kind of rich person that hires 20 people to keep house.
I think Andy is probably not the person making that decision.
^ :)

by ponchi101 Kim doesn't strike me as an Ivanka either ;)

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 10:38 pm Kim doesn't strike me as an Ivanka either ;)
Let's hope that mold has been broken.

And I'm sure Kim has household help.

by ponchi101 Oh, of course. Just not 20 people. I have always felt that Andy and his entire family are very grounded. I don't expect Kim to be barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen :)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 10:27 pm Somehow I don't see Murray as the kind of rich person that hires 20 people to keep house.
No a house full of staff, but certainly using help when they need it. Like I bet they're not mowing their own lawn, for instance. With three little kids, I imagine they would get some help with a household. This is no criticism, by the way. I'd do it.

Agree that Kim is absolutely no Ivanka!

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 8:10 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 5:51 pm For me, it's getting to the point where I blame some people for catching it. My first thought about Murray wasn't "hope he's okay" but "wtf did you do to catch it?" He has all the means to take every precaution.
I give a little more leeway to people with kids like Murray. They seem to be pushed into situations in this where they might interact with people more than they wish.
This is true. But aren't they like super young, like not old enough to be missing friends and going to school? Also, money doesn't shield from the pressure to hang out with family or friends. That's real. But that's where I thought his intelligence would come in. Figured he'd be making good decisions regularly. You can be with a few people safely.

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 8:41 pm Would like to wish my favourite player ever Mary Pierce a happy 46th birthday!
She was on a podcast with Rennae Stubbs recently. Did you listen do it? Pierce's Slam finals 11 years apart is a great accomplishment.

by Liamvalid
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 3:23 pm
Liamvalid wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 8:41 pm Would like to wish my favourite player ever Mary Pierce a happy 46th birthday!
She was on a podcast with Rennae Stubbs recently. Did you listen do it? Pierce's Slam finals 11 years apart is a great accomplishment.
Thanks Megan I will search for that. Although she had a great career, I still think she could have won a couple more slams with her game (especially earlier in her career). I feel that, like Lindsay, she was capable of being in the 6-7 slams level, but obviously injuries and her dad put paid to some of it

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 7:31 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 3:23 pm
Liamvalid wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 8:41 pm Would like to wish my favourite player ever Mary Pierce a happy 46th birthday!
She was on a podcast with Rennae Stubbs recently. Did you listen do it? Pierce's Slam finals 11 years apart is a great accomplishment.
Thanks Megan I will search for that. Although she had a great career, I still think she could have won a couple more slams with her game (especially earlier in her career). I feel that, like Lindsay, she was capable of being in the 6-7 slams level, but obviously injuries and her dad put paid to some of it
This must be the podcast, although it's from March. I thought it was brand new. https://play.acast.com/s/racquet/marypierce

Yeah, she was one of the physically strongest players and a fantastic athlete. Circumstances have a lot to do with it.

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 3:21 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 8:10 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 5:51 pm For me, it's getting to the point where I blame some people for catching it. My first thought about Murray wasn't "hope he's okay" but "wtf did you do to catch it?" He has all the means to take every precaution.
I give a little more leeway to people with kids like Murray. They seem to be pushed into situations in this where they might interact with people more than they wish.
This is true. But aren't they like super young, like not old enough to be missing friends and going to school? Also, money doesn't shield from the pressure to hang out with family or friends. That's real. But that's where I thought his intelligence would come in. Figured he'd be making good decisions regularly. You can be with a few people safely.
The oldest daughter is about to turn five! I just meant with small kids there are more people who help (as noted - household/nanny help, maybe some sort of tutors), more stuff you need like groceries, diapers etc. that can't always be predicted and ordered ahead, more doctors visits, et al.

by Suliso Giorgi

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by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Jan 18, 2021 2:46 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 3:21 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 8:10 pm

I give a little more leeway to people with kids like Murray. They seem to be pushed into situations in this where they might interact with people more than they wish.
This is true. But aren't they like super young, like not old enough to be missing friends and going to school? Also, money doesn't shield from the pressure to hang out with family or friends. That's real. But that's where I thought his intelligence would come in. Figured he'd be making good decisions regularly. You can be with a few people safely.
The oldest daughter is about to turn five! I just meant with small kids there are more people who help (as noted - household/nanny help, maybe some sort of tutors), more stuff you need like groceries, diapers etc. that can't always be predicted and ordered ahead, more doctors visits, et al.
Ah, okay - I thought you meant their own little lives, outside the home. :) Like friends, school, activities. I have a lot of sympathy for parents of teens, especially, during this time. Like my friend's daughter's club volleyball leagues have been playing for a while. These arenas are superspreaders. So many games going on at once, parents on the sidelines. My friend doesn't want her daughter to play, but there would be real consequences from holding her out, too. It's a big dilemma. I was thinking those kind of things. And school, of course.

by ti-amie That's the best picture of Giorgi I've ever seen.

by Suliso
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jan 19, 2021 6:19 pm That's the best picture of Giorgi I've ever seen.
Me too, that's why I posted it. Doesn't look obviously photo shopped.

by ponchi101 She doesn't need photoshop. A little bit of make up and she photographs like that.
If she could be consistently making runs into the 2nd week of Slams, she would have a $5 MM portfolio in endorsements. At a minimum.

by ptmcmahon And she only looks disinterested, not pouty or angry!

by Deuce In that photo, to me, she looks like a mannequin, or an anime character. She's pretty and all, but she just doesn't look real - she looks plastic... too perfect.

Of course, I'm a guy who prefers women without make-up and wearing a t-shirt and jeans, so that's where this perspective is coming from...

by JazzNU Sloane shared late last week that she lost both her aunt and her grandmother to covid. Her aunt passed right after Christmas, her grandmother about a week ago. Today she shared that her grandfather passed away a few days ago, a week after her grandmother. Not from covid, sounds like a broken heart. That's a lot of loss to deal with.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 5:37 am Sloane shared late last week that she lost both her aunt and her grandmother to covid. Her aunt passed right after Christmas, her grandmother about a week ago. Today she shared that her grandfather passed away a few days ago, a week after her grandmother. Not from covid, sounds like a broken heart. That's a lot of loss to deal with.
Crushing. It appears they were close.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 5:08 pm Crushing. It appears they were close.
Yes. Close to all of them. You might remember seeing her aunt at some of her matches, especially earlier on. And her grandparents are the reason she kept going to school to get her degree, a promise she made to them. Rough time for sure.

by ponchi101 If she doesn't pick up a racquet this whole year, totally understandable.

by meganfernandez

by JazzNU How does that relate to Sascha?

by ponchi101 Can't afford both? Remember when Adidas had to decide between Novak and Andy? Sure, they got the wrong future #1, but they simply could not pay the both. Maybe this is the same case.

by JazzNU I wasn't sure and didn't want to assume. Like is this to mean Sascha is no longer with Adidas? That he's gotten a downgrade since he's not in the ad? I could come up with a few other scenarios, so I'd like to hear about how this new FAA contract relates.

Adidas may have gotten the #1 part wrong, but think they chose the right player. Novak and his also-ran endorsements don't speak to someone who is a cash cow for their brands.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 8:04 pm I wasn't sure and didn't want to assume. Like is this to mean Sascha is no longer with Adidas? That he's gotten a downgrade since he's not in the ad? I could come up with a few other scenarios, so I'd like to hear about how this new FAA contract relates.

Adidas may have gotten the #1 part wrong, but think they chose the right player. Novak and his also-ran endorsements don't speak to someone who is a cash cow for their brands.
I take it as Jon suggesting this is a sign that Adidas won't renew Sascha and are replacing him with FAA as the face of their Next Gen ATP game. I don't know why they can't have both, but that's what Jon is implying.

by JazzNU Serena will be a guest on Colbert tonight if anyone wants to watch.

by Suliso Simona Halep

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Aryna Sabalenka

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by ponchi101 And, of course, Nick has to remain Nick, even after a full year of being locked down, which would have given him lots of time for introspection:
Did not miss tennis or most players, Kyrgios says ahead of return

Good for you, Nick. In the meantime, millions of people around the world probably did miss the sport simply because, you know, we love it but we were also in a lockdown.
And we play it at 1/100th the level you do.
But you did not miss it because, well, you are you, and you are a jerk.

He is the sole player that if something ever happens to him that stops him from playing, I will not say "Oh, I am sorry for him". Because even the greatest of all the previous jerks on court (Mac, Connors, Nastase) showed that they loved the sport.

Must be that here I am, with my bum elbow, unable to play. And it is driving me insane.

by JazzNU Players are posting on IG up a storm FYI. Mostly IG Stories not photos, but they've gotten out of quarantine and out and about. That goes for players on soft and strict quarantine. They need to dial it back a bit if you ask me as to not seem completely tone deaf, but regardless, if you follow anyone, checking out their accounts the next few days is a good idea.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Jan 30, 2021 2:22 pm And, of course, Nick has to remain Nick, even after a full year of being locked down, which would have given him lots of time for introspection:
Did not miss tennis or most players, Kyrgios says ahead of return

Good for you, Nick. In the meantime, millions of people around the world probably did miss the sport simply because, you know, we love it but we were also in a lockdown.
And we play it at 1/100th the level you do.
But you did not miss it because, well, you are you, and you are a jerk.

He is the sole player that if something ever happens to him that stops him from playing, I will not say "Oh, I am sorry for him". Because even the greatest of all the previous jerks on court (Mac, Connors, Nastase) showed that they loved the sport.

Must be that here I am, with my bum elbow, unable to play. And it is driving me insane.
Nick actually loves tennis - probably more than most pro players. This is evident if you've ever seen him on a practice court. He absolutely adores the game of tennis, and has a huge amount of fun on the practice court - often with his peers.
But he despises the pro game. Way too much pressure for this insecure adolescent. He hates the pressure of feeling he has to perform in the spotlight... he hates the seriousness of official matches... he hates the rules that the umpire enforces...
His perpetual claims that he 'doesn't care' are nothing more than an ill-conceived effort to take the pressure off.

He may well be one of the most naturally talented humans who've ever picked up a tennis racquet - and I have no doubt he could beat pretty much anyone on the planet on any court with no-one watching and nothing at stake.
But within the environment of professional tennis, he is like a fish out of water, and all too often reacts like a frightened, insecure 13 year old child.

by ponchi101 Sorry. He did not say "I did not miss the tour. I did not miss playing in front of crowds". He said "I did not miss tennis".
There comes a moment in which you need to take a man at his word, not go completely Freudian.

by Deuce I don't take him at his word at all... He keeps saying that he 'doesn't care', for example - but his behaviour shows that he very much cares. If he didn't care, he wouldn't get upset - at umpires, fans, other players, etc. If he truly didn't care, he'd be indifferent. Actually, if he truly didn't care, he wouldn't be on the tour at all.
If anything, he cares too much for his own good.

I've seen him on the practice court several times. Each time, he was having an absolute blast. Nothing at stake. No pressure.

I don't think it's a Freudian stretch at all to conclude that he loves the game, but hates the pressure associated with the pro game.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:11 am I've seen him on the practice court several times. Each time, he was having an absolute blast. Nothing at stake. No pressure.

It's hardly a Freudian stretch to conclude that he loves the game, but hates the pressure associated with the pro game.
Nick may or may not live the game. We don't know. And it's a spectrum anyway. He loves to compete and he's good at tennis so he keeps doing it, but I don't think he LOVES the game. I also don't condemn him for saying he didn't miss it. It was pretty obvious that he wasn't enjoying the tour. Maybe he'll never be a full-time tour player. But people change, lives changes. Maybe he'll figure out the balance that works for him. I couldn't care less if he does or not. I waffle between some empathy and understanding and then just not giving a (expletive) when he acts petty and immature.

by Deuce Well, at least one other person sees Nick the same way I do... This is from a 2019 Tennis.com article:
“My belief is that Kyrgios genuinely loves tennis. Years ago, he built an exceptionally eclectic and effective playing style that blended power, touch, movement and confidence. It’s impossible to imagine someone engaging with the game in such a creative, playful way while simultaneously loathing it... Kyrgios so wishes to be cool, tries so hard to be indifferent—even downright hostile—to the craft to which he has dedicated himself.”
I’ve heard others also saying that they believe he truly loves tennis.

The article also mentions his insecurity and his pretending to not care.
(This article didn’t influence my perception of Kyrgios at all - I just now read it for the first time.)
https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2019/08 ... ock/84656/

I'd like to hear from people who've seen Nick on a practice court. Did it look like he was having a blast, or did he look unhappy and like he didn't want to be there?

by JazzNU My impression has always been and will likely always be unless Nick himself changes what he says and does, that he does not love tennis, he has said as much. He might like it, but he doesn't love it. He loves basketball. This is not a secret. He shows constantly that he loves basketball. He's just not good enough to play it professionally, even in Australia.

by Deuce I think when he says he doesn't love tennis, or doesn't like it, or hates it - I think he is referring to the pro game, and the environment and all the extra elements that come with the pro game that have nothing to do with the actual game (except maybe the umpiring).

As any of us who've played tournaments (at any level) realize, there is a significant difference between playing tennis with a friend at a local court and playing in a tournament match. And the main difference is in the level of pressure. I certainly notice it - even though I only play small local tournaments now, it's still very different than just playing with a friend. I always want to win, but I feel a lot more pressure in a tournament match.
In tournaments at the pro level, with the fans there, and the media reporting on your every move, etc., it's a hell of a lot more pressure than in the tournaments we play. And that can make a huge difference. The difference is so great that one might say it can turn one's natural love of the game into hate.

I'd still like to hear from people who have watched him on a practice court.

.

by Liamvalid I hope the “he doesn’t love tennis” camp are correct, and we never see disgrace the court again. To call Djokovic a tool recently, and I’m no Djokovic fan, is the most hypocritical statement to come out of a tennis players mouth ever. As Ponchi said, some people would kill to have his talent, or his opportunities, or even just to be on the court, and he does what he does and laughs in the face of those people. If I was the kind of guy that fake masturbates at work with plastic bottles, maybe I’d look up to him. But when I go to work I act in a professional manner. I have tried to give him the benefit of the doubt over the years but have given up

by ponchi101 My very first blog in TAT1.0 was about how much I love this sport. About all the little nuances of it, the amazing feeling I get when I hit a clean passing shot, or the occasions in which I slam-dunked a serve & volley point.
I do not like to play matches. The pressure gets to me and I cannot play as freely as when I am just practicing, training. But give me on hour of just free hitting, and it is the best feeling in the world.
I remember the very first time my brother put a racquet in my hand. It was automatic, instantaneous, and, of course, I am a mediocre playing, at best (in the real meaning of the word). It is a feeling that only comes to me when I have my racquet with me or when I am skiing, the sole other sport that gives me this feeling.
So, let's assume that indeed Nick loves the sport, but only when he practices. How many people can actually watch him do that? Get in my Lear Jet, fly to Australia and watch him enjoy the sport? Very few. Instead, what we get is the best player Australia saying out load he does not miss the sport.
Thought experiment: you love your wife/husband. In the privacy of your home, you treat him/her like indeed the love of your life. In public you openly state you don't miss him/her. How would that make him/her feel?
I completely love to watch him play. He is right there with Roger, Marcelo Rios, Johnny Mac and Henri Laconte in the talent department: he is unbelievable. But then he does all the other things and, how difficult it is to be a fan. So I gave up.
And if he does not miss tennis, then retire. Let's see how much tennis misses him.

by Liamvalid
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jan 31, 2021 4:11 pm My very first blog in TAT1.0 was about how much I love this sport. About all the little nuances of it, the amazing feeling I get when I hit a clean passing shot, or the occasions in which I slam-dunked a serve & volley point.
I do not like to play matches. The pressure gets to me and I cannot play as freely as when I am just practicing, training. But give me on hour of just free hitting, and it is the best feeling in the world.
I remember the very first time my brother put a racquet in my hand. It was automatic, instantaneous, and, of course, I am a mediocre playing, at best (in the real meaning of the word). It is a feeling that only comes to me when I have my racquet with me or when I am skiing, the sole other sport that gives me this feeling.
So, let's assume that indeed Nick loves the sport, but only when he practices. How many people can actually watch him do that? Get in my Lear Jet, fly to Australia and watch him enjoy the sport? Very few. Instead, what we get is the best player Australia saying out load he does not miss the sport.
Thought experiment: you love your wife/husband. In the privacy of your home, you treat him/her like indeed the love of your life. In public you openly state you don't miss him/her. How would that make him/her feel?
I completely love to watch him play. He is right there with Roger, Marcelo Rios, Johnny Mac and Henri Laconte in the talent department: he is unbelievable. But then he does all the other things and, how difficult it is to be a fan. So I gave up.
And if he does not miss tennis, then retire. Let's see how much tennis misses him.
I was enamoured with him after the first time I saw him play (beating Nadal at Wimbledon) and was all too happy to make excuses for his behaviour for the first few years. But nowadays I’d rather see someone take his spot in the draw who deserves it on merit and professionalism, even if their tennis isn’t as exciting to watch

by Suliso Karolina Pliskova in Melbourne (I assume)

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by mmmm8
Deuce wrote: Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:31 am I'd like to hear from people who've seen Nick on a practice court. Did it look like he was having a blast, or did he look unhappy and like he didn't want to be there?
Having seen a player once or twice on a practice court doesn't convey how they really feel. Everyone has good days and bad days. I've seen a LOT of Nadal in practice, press conferences, and off court, and there are moments based on which I could have sworn he despises his job, which we know is not true.

I agree we can't always rely on what people say but Kyrgios has said it enough times that we have to at least try to take him at his word.

by Deuce
mmmm8 wrote: Sun Jan 31, 2021 5:59 pm Having seen a player once or twice on a practice court doesn't convey how they really feel. Everyone has good days and bad days. I've seen a LOT of Nadal in practice, press conferences, and off court, and there are moments based on which I could have sworn he despises his job, which we know is not true.

I agree we can't always rely on what people say but Kyrgios has said it enough times that we have to at least try to take him at his word.
^Nick is known for having a blast on the practice court, and I think it is a very accurate indication of his true perspective on tennis. On the practice court, he's like a kid in a candy store. If any other player were to behave as Nick does on the practice court, everyone would say that it's incredibly obvious that this person absolutely loves the game of tennis. No question.

As far as taking Nick at his word goes... Again - how many times has he said that he "doesn't care" about tennis, about the fans, about his peers, etc.? He has said that he "doesn't care" dozens upon dozens of times. Yet he's still there. He has more than enough money to live comfortably the rest of his life. Yet he's still on the tour. Actions speak much louder than words. You don't stay in the same place if you don't care or if it's not more of a positive than a negative.

And he still gets upset with umpires, fans, peers, administrators, etc.
One doesn't become upset if one truly doesn't care. His words say that he doesn't care - but his actions repeatedly demonstrate that he does very much care. He cares too much for him to handle. I assess people on their actions, not on their mere words. I can SAY I'm the Pope. It doesn't make me the Pope.
Taking someone as complex as Nick at his word is an exercize in futility, as he constantly contradicts himself. One cannot assess someone like that in as simple a manner as taking him at his word. The situation, and the individual in question, are far, far more complex than that.

It's like the 11 year old kid in the school yard who other kids are teasing and calling him names for whatever reason. And the kid being teased constantly claims that he "doesn't care" about the teasing, and that it doesn't bother him. Then he goes home and cries because of the teasing. Of course he cares - but he wants to show a 'brave front', in the hopes that it will fool people - because he is too insecure to expose his vulnerability in showing the real effects of the teasing.

With Nick, his tantrums are the equivalent of the 11 year old going home and crying. It's an obvious sign that he does very much care. The only difference between him and the 11 year old kid is that Nick's caring is done in public - because he can't help himself. He erupts in the heat of the moment because he cares so much.
Then, after doing that, he feels he must double his efforts to show his indifference - which is nothing more than an emotional self-protection -, and so he'll not run for shots, tank sets or matches, etc. - all of which gives the well calculated message that he "doesn't care", and he'll exclaim publicly that he "doesn't care".

The reason for all of this - the root of his behaviour - is that he's a very insecure individual. As such, he is terrified of failure. The thing he fears most is trying his best and failing. THAT'S the reason he claims so often to 'not care' about tennis - and why he often does not try his best. It's because he does not want people to see him as a failure.
He knows he has enormous natural ability for the game - in terms of natural talent, he's in the same league as the players ponchi mentioned (and I would add Hischam Arazi to that list - that guy could hit any shot from anywhere on the court, but was mentally much weaker than his peers). And so if he fails with that degree of natural talent, everyone would question his talent, his mental strength, etc. And, because he is so insecure, that would devastate him, and he would feel he's a failure. And so he has decided to take control of that - he has created an image for himself as a player who "doesn't care", and, as such, who doesn't try his best. This way, when he loses, the inherent reason he lost the match is not because he's not good enough, but rather, it's because he didn't try his best - because he 'doesn't care'. And in this scenario, no-one can say that he's a failure or that he's not good enough.

The key (to him) is that he is in control of how he is perceived by people. He prefers being viewed as someone who 'doesn't care', because he knows that's not true. He knows how much he cares. But if he tried his best and failed, and then was viewed as a failure, that would hurt him tremendously because he would believe it.

Just like the 11 year old kid in the schoolyard, Nick desperately wants to be liked. And, also like the kid in the schoolyard, Nick is very insecure. And so if he tries his best and fails, and is not liked, he will be devastated - because he will be disliked based on who he really is. But if he says he "doesn't care" and doesn't try his best, and is disliked because of that, it won't really hurt him, because he knows that the persona that the people dislike is a fake persona that he fabricated, and not the genuine Nick.

Don't get me wrong - I don't like his behaviour. But, perhaps because of my history in working with troubled people, rather than merely look at the surface of Nick's behaviour and condemn it, I delve deeper and attempt to understand the reasons for his behaviour. He is not a simple man - he's very complicated. And rather troubled.

One cannot have a meaningful perspective about a complex enigma like Kyrgios without entering into a degree of psychological analysis - because he is always full of what seem to be contradictions. But it's all a well-planned design with him - one which is a rather desperate attempt to protect himself from emotional injury.

by ti-amie It was Sloane Stephens behavior on a practice court that turned me against her. She was on the court next to Serena, Patrick and Oracene. She came out, side eyed the Williams team, all of whom were ignoring her because they were working on something, hit a ball or two, and left. She wasn't there half an hour.

Practice court behavior can tell you a lot about a player.

by JazzNU Or it can tell you very little.



by ponchi101 And this is not the one time he has said or done something detrimental to tennis.
Insulting Donna Vecic on a totally unprovoked occasion.
Tanking games and sets.
Some points he has played against some players in which he is either insulting the other player, disrespecting the sport, or both.
What Liam said above: Nick calling Novak a tool really takes some chutzpah.
Calling Roland Garros "a joke" (really? The premier clay tournament in the world is a joke?)
He is the new Marcelo Rios. A preternatural talent, being wasted, and offering more downside to tennis than upside.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Feb 01, 2021 3:22 pm And this is not the one time he has said or done something detrimental to tennis.
Insulting Donna Vecic on a totally unprovoked occasion.
Tanking games and sets.
Some points he has played against some players in which he is either insulting the other player, disrespecting the sport, or both.
What Liam said above: Nick calling Novak a tool really takes some chutzpah.
Calling Roland Garros "a joke" (really? The premier clay tournament in the world is a joke?)
He is the new Marcelo Rios. A preternatural talent, being wasted, and offering more downside to tennis than upside.
While I agree that he is most certainly wasting his very natural tennis talent (he is definitely his own worst enemy), I disagree that he is more negative for the game than positive solely on the grounds that tennis - like any sport - needs villains. I believe that you'll agree that tennis was never more exciting than in the '70s and '80s, when Nastase, Connors, McEnroe, etc. were at their peak. The playing styles were also more contrasting back then - and that aids my point: A serve-and-volleyer vs. a baseline player is interesting because of the contrast in styles. It's more interesting and enjoyable than watching two players of the same playing style play each other. Similarly, a contrast in personalities also makes the sport more interesting than if all the players have essentially the same likable personality.

Again, this is not condoning - or even excusing - Kyrgios's behaviour... several things that he's said and done are rather despicable (though still not on the level of Nastase, for example). But that behaviour makes it interesting, as it creates contrasts in personality between him and others. When he drills a Nadal with a ball in the chest, and then says he did it deliberately, and would do it at every opportunity, it makes every subsequent match between the two players more interesting - because there is not only the 'war' of the shot against shot, but also the 'war' of the personality against personality.

All that said, Nick does seem to get along quite well with several of his fellow pro players. So he must have some positive personality qualities, as well.

by ponchi101 I hope that we did not get misconstrued about the quality of his game. The strokes are incredible, we can all agree.
But remember, as you are bringing the old Baddies, how stupid it was to get McEnroe angry? That used to mean 6-0, Mac. Nastase would start toying with you (unless you were Borg), playing tennis of unbelievable level. Getting Connors angry meant that it became personal, and to the death.
Remember Connors losing to Borg at Wimbledon 1981, after leading two sets to love? The story is that he spent the night walking London, in the rain, because he was so furious.
That is the difference. All those bad guys? Never tanked. Never insulted "the sport" (their behavior could be seen as an insult, but the line is clear). Even a guy that was as gifted but was also a head case gave you a clearer hint. Laconte, after a few bad matches, was asked if he needed to stop playing for a while. Deadly serious, he said: "Yes, I have to. I need to put the racquet down for three, maybe even four days".
Hate them? Sure, you were allowed to. Doubt their commitment and love for the sport? Foolish.

by Deuce All that you write is true.
But does it really matter what the villain does, as long as he or she is a villain, and adds that contrast? I feel that contrast is good for the game, no matter what the nature or origin of the contrast. This is true of any sport, be it an individual or a team sport. It's the classic human attraction to 'good vs. evil' - and that makes every match/game more compelling.

by ponchi101 We are changing subjects.
I don't mind if he is going to be the villain.
But if he is going to be The Joker, then I want him to really want to kill Batman, or make a fool of him (Batman). I don't want him to sort or, kind of, maybe be interested in killing Batman.
And, we will not get the great morality plays of the 70's and 80's if he (Kyrgios) does not reach the semis of the slam because, you know, he really did not feel like playing during that winnable 1st rounder against Cristian Garin.

by Deuce But he's still really the only villain we have in tennis today. And it's a role he has created and accepted voluntarily.
I see what you're saying, but who are we to tell him exactly how he should behave, or exactly what kind of villain he should be?
We should just be happy ( :D ) that he has emerged as a villain, because tennis today, with it's monotonous playing style, would be less interesting without him.

by ponchi101 One of the things that surprised me with frequency at TAT1.0 (and now here) was when somebody would say "who are we to tell Player X how to behave? Who are we to say that Player Y is doing something wrong".
It always cracked me up in the sense that it sort of implies that these players are actually reading us. "Oh, new member, THE_Nkyrgios wants activation" (and TOG goes and approves it).
Who are we to tell players how they should behave? We are the entities that eventually buy a ticket for a stadium, turn on the TV to watch their match (and then leave it on and go do something else) and get the ratings going up, meaning their endorsements go up.
We are the small people that turn up to watch Coriolanus slaughter somebody else, even though Coriolanus despises us.

And then, coming back to our Coriolanus of today, Nick pulls over and assists two elderly people change their flat. And we are left puzzled, wondering how he can be this cool on a trivial thing, and then claim he does not miss this sport that we love.
I am so ready to change the name of this forum to RAMBLE About Tennis. For the sake of accuracy.
(And, not surprisingly, rat.com is taken, but for sale. For a cool $240,000. Sure, makes sense).

by Deuce Of course fans have every right to complain about a player, and to criticize, as well as praise.
But, in the context of a villain, I'm just saying that we should be happy to have someone who accepts the role of villain today. And, as such, we should allow him to dictate what his villainous behaviour will be.

by the Moz Deuce you make some great points about Nick the villain and your comparisons to Nastase Connors McEnroe. Yes, all four are villains, super talented and they add value to tennis. But where Nick loses out is he doesn't commit to tennis like the other 3. He doesn't win like the other 3. He certainly isn't a former world number 1 grand slam winning champion like the other 3. And never will be. And that's the problem. He has to offer more than being a villain. He doesn't want practice let alone actually play a real match. Is he even really a tennis player at this point??

by ponchi101 Story about Connors, to show some differences:
Borg had won RG and W, and was going for the USO. Had he won it, that would have left him only the Aussie to get a Grand Slam. Borg had by then stopped going to Australia (it was that dreadful December slot in those days) and so had Connors. Asked about whether he would also go to Australia if Borg would go, Connors deadpanned: "I will chase him to the end of the world".
His meaning was not that he would go to Australia to PLAY the tournament, he would go to Australia to STOP Borg.
There's a villain. He simply could not swallow Borg having a Slam, while he had been denied his chance (in '74) to get his.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Do you guys want no content on Sascha? I have no idea. So, here's a brother Zverev moment.



by JazzNU

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Fri Feb 05, 2021 7:17 am
She is THE BEST!!! Thanks for the post.

Kevin

by Suliso Konta

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Siniakova

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by ti-amie Is that the best Konta has looked in almost ever?

by the Moz
ti-amie wrote: Sat Feb 06, 2021 7:23 pm Is that the best Konta has looked in almost ever?
Wearing jeans and a black top in a back alley? Yes, it is.

by ponchi101 But it was a low bar to begin with.
Her jeans are too high on her hips. And remember, I am the guy that dies for a girl in jeans and a T-shirt.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 06, 2021 7:25 pm But it was a low bar to begin with.
Her jeans are too high on her hips. And remember, I am the guy that dies for a girl in jeans and a T-shirt.
"Mom jeans" are back in style. Ya gotta keep up my friend.

by ponchi101 I do have my GF as a witness. I have been saying for years now that I will die a happy man, when the time comes. Because I will be so outdated by then... ;)

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 06, 2021 7:25 pm But it was a low bar to begin with.
Her jeans are too high on her hips. And remember, I am the guy that dies for a girl in jeans and a T-shirt.
I don't think this is her best photo in recent months, I like maybe 2 others more. Her Radley photos tend to be well done in particular. But I have to object to calling out these jeans. Don't make me post another recent photo of her in another pair of jeans. Trust me, these look amazing in comparison.

by skatingfan If Konta just untucked the top from the mom jeans it would be a really great look, for her.

by ti-amie I've seen this modeled by both Halep and here Svitolina. Did Nike change their design team? This looks decent.


by ponchi101 I actually like it. Let's see what they do for Naomi, as she is wearing her own collection.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:49 pm I actually like it. Let's see what they do for Naomi, as she is wearing her own collection.
What she's wearing is... ok I guess. It doesn't fit her well and she has leggings on (it's cold in Melbourne), making the skirt look our of place and giving Naomi kind of a muffin top.

by ti-amie
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 12:36 am
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:49 pm I actually like it. Let's see what they do for Naomi, as she is wearing her own collection.
What she's wearing is... ok I guess. It doesn't fit her well and she has leggings on (it's cold in Melbourne), making the skirt look our of place and giving Naomi kind of a muffin top.
It's awful

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:38 pm I've seen this modeled by both Halep and here Svitolina. Did Nike change their design team? This looks decent.
If I had to guess, I don't think it's a change. I think the old team that used to deliver consistently good, but not flashy and talked about, designs are being listened to a bit more in the last few months after several busts in the last two years that have gotten relentlessly mocked.

by JTContinental I will never forget the year of 100 Grecian goddesses at Wimbledon

by JazzNU Remember we had the Nike Melbourne designs last year that were tragic. And awkward. And included a full blue cheetah tracksuit or something on Grigor.


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by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 1:13 am It's awful
Haha, fair enough. I think the individual pieces aren't awful, but put together and on Naomi, yes.

by Deuce And then there's whatever in hell Serena is wearing.
I can certainly do without seeing this current version of the 'catsuit'.

Give me basic clothes any day over all of this desperate attention seeking stuff.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:38 pm I've seen this modeled by both Halep and here Svitolina. Did Nike change their design team? This looks decent.


So, I definitely like this one from Nike. Funny that they went to the trouble of trying out some Tik Tok/Instagram marketing and didn't make full use of it. Even though I love the skirt on this, the back is probably my favorite, could've easily been shown in a video but wasn't.

This entire line is not a win though. Taylor Fritz is exhibit A. And I'm iffy on the tanish color in the women's skits as well, seems possibly hit or miss depending on who is wearing it.

by ponchi101 Woke up to catch the last part of the Shapo/Sinner match, and I thought it was funny that Shapo was wearing pajamas.
That is one ugly color.

by Liamvalid I couldn’t care less what Serena wears, as long as she wins

by atlpam I actually liked Serena's look. With regards to Naomi, the skirt seemed superfluous - would have looked better without it.

by meganfernandez Regardless of how you feel about Kyrgios, you might find his Big 4 analysis interesting. I did.


by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 6:05 pm Regardless of how you feel about Kyrgios, you might find his Big 4 analysis interesting. I did.
This rings rather hollow, so the only thing I find interesting here is that Kyrgios blinked, likely at the request of I would guess Tennis Australia, and agreed to give these comments to help de-escalate the situation as it's the last thing they really need this week and it was getting more contentious by the day. Release this "interview" where Nick's complimentary, but also gets to pump himself up as if he's deserving of being in the same breath as them, and you likely head off any more back and forth, all eyes back on court.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:33 pm Woke up to catch the last part of the Shapo/Sinner match, and I thought it was funny that Shapo was wearing pajamas.
That is one ugly color.
^ Give the guy a break - he came to the court right after having performed a complicated 4 hour appendectomy.

:D

by meganfernandez Baby Sunshine on the way


by Suliso Naomi and her boyfriend

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by Ribbons
JazzNU wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 1:44 am Remember we had the Nike Melbourne designs last year that were tragic. And awkward. And included a full blue cheetah tracksuit or something on Grigor.
Wow.

by ti-amie

Woz posted this pic on her IG. As soon as I saw it - no abs on a woman who always had them - I thought that she was pregnant.

Congratulations.

by meganfernandez They're cute. I don't know hip hop enough to know how much of a star Cordae is. I know he's successful - would any hip hop fan know him?


Suliso wrote: Wed Feb 10, 2021 9:58 pm Naomi and her boyfriend

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by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 2:39 pm They're cute. I don't know hip hop enough to know how much of a star Cordae is. I know he's successful - would any hip hop fan know him?
There is not just one kind of hip hop fan. Would everyone know him? No. Would most? Yes. The younger you are, the more likely you are to know him.

by JazzNU In the latest edition of "I Can't Recognize Elina Svitolina" I suggest all with IG accounts check out her Stories sometime in the next 6 hours. She has signed a sponsorship deal with Flowbank (looks to be a Swiss bank) and they shot her promos. She has up the videos of the shoot in her Stories and goodness I would've never recognized her, wouldn't believe it was her outside of the back and side shots had she not posted this to her account. She looks great, better than I think of her looking.

https://www.instagram.com/elisvitolina/

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:37 pm In the latest edition of "I Can't Recognize Elina Svitolina" I suggest all with IG accounts check out her Stories sometime in the next 6 hours. She has signed a sponsorship deal with Flowbank (looks to be a Swiss bank) and they shot her promos. She has up the videos of the shoot in her Stories and goodness I would've never recognized her, wouldn't believe it was her outside of the back and side shots had she not posted this to her account. She looks great, better than I think of her looking.

https://www.instagram.com/elisvitolina/
Oh, I saw those earlier! It is so weird how she can look totally different from angle to angle.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:37 pm In the latest edition of "I Can't Recognize Elina Svitolina" I suggest all with IG accounts check out her Stories sometime in the next 6 hours. She has signed a sponsorship deal with Flowbank (looks to be a Swiss bank) and they shot her promos. She has up the videos of the shoot in her Stories and goodness I would've never recognized her, wouldn't believe it was her outside of the back and side shots had she not posted this to her account. She looks great, better than I think of her looking.

https://www.instagram.com/elisvitolina/
That is truly a Not-Elina oh yes it is Elina promo. The woman is a chameleon.

by skatingfan

by ti-amie

by JazzNU While the dog is cute and I'm sure she was instantly smitten, this is alluding to Alex de Minaur, and that's his hat she's wearing. Let's hope for her sake dating a Spanish Aussie player works out better than dating the American ones did. Already feels like an upgrade imo.



by ponchi101 I know basically nothing about Deminaur. Which is good. It means he is not making news, good or bad.

by Suliso Kontaveit

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Ostapenko

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Diyas

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by ponchi101 Thank you, Annet, thank you. My crush for you is over.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:42 pm Thank you, Annet, thank you. My crush for you is over.
Because the shoes? This is trendy these days. :)

by Ribbons
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:45 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:42 pm Thank you, Annet, thank you. My crush for you is over.
Because the shoes? This is trendy these days. :)
I was going to say, everything from the ankles up seemed to fit your no-makeup-and-plain-tee-is-more-attractive criteria . . . (though the purse maybe isn't casual/carefree enough? but I'm a style snob)

by Ribbons Re De Minaur - I think some goofball videos have made the rounds, like this one:


by ponchi101
Ribbons wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:58 pm ...

Because the shoes? This is trendy these days. :)
I was going to say, everything from the ankles up seemed to fit your no-makeup-and-plain-tee-is-more-attractive criteria . . . (though the purse maybe isn't casual/carefree enough? but I'm a style snob)
Yes. Whatever she is wearing on her feet should simply be sold in the contraceptives aisle.
Man, am I becoming transparent (sure, the rest of the ensemble is fine. But an old man has his fetishes and feet and hands are mine... ;) )

by dave g
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:45 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:42 pm Thank you, Annet, thank you. My crush for you is over.
Because the shoes? This is trendy these days. :)
They look like bedroom slippers.

by skatingfan
dave g wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:39 pm They look like bedroom slippers.
My first thought was something you get at a hospital.

by meganfernandez
dave g wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:39 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:45 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:42 pm Thank you, Annet, thank you. My crush for you is over.
Because the shoes? This is trendy these days. :)
They look like bedroom slippers.
Several people said that on her Instagram post. I like them. If I had those legs, I'd wear them. They're fun. Nice contrast to a basic outfit. :) But they're not for everyone.

by JazzNU I'm not a big fan of the slipper shoe trend, but I can't be mad at it either. Try an Ugg slipper and see how heavenly it feels on your foot.

Also, I have no idea what she was doing that night. I'm all for this shoe if it's post pedicure, they are perfect for that.

by ti-amie
Ribbons wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:58 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:45 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:42 pm Thank you, Annet, thank you. My crush for you is over.
Because the shoes? This is trendy these days. :)
I was going to say, everything from the ankles up seemed to fit your no-makeup-and-plain-tee-is-more-attractive criteria . . . (though the purse maybe isn't casual/carefree enough? but I'm a style snob)
I've never been a fan of wearing your slippers outside. I was so glad that those Ugg outdoor slippers that were in a couple of years ago went away.

by ti-amie And yes Aliona, we know you can afford that Louis Vuitton outfit. It's just kind of gauche to wear all the pieces together. I don't know if she's wearing pants or sweats but I'd say the outfit cost around $4k US after taking a quick run through their ready to wear stuff online.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 7:49 pm And yes Aliona, we know you can afford that Louis Vuitton outfit. It's just kind of gauche to wear all the pieces together. I don't know if she's wearing pants or sweats but I'd say the outfit cost around $4k US after taking a quick run through their ready to wear stuff online.
Kinda feel like we're at the stage where I'd suggest she start saving her money unless she's doing great with sponsorships in Latvia. Didn't even realize she was in Australia.

And FWIW, pretty sure this look is completely intentional by Louis Vuitton and that's either a short jumpsuit or a dress. In addition to the tie in the bottom center of the top portion that appears to connect the two parts together visually, if you look at the shirt pocket, it has the large symbol pattern that corresponds with the bottom half pattern. It's a lot for the eye to take in. And not for nothing, but she'd sell this look a heck of a lot more if she did something more than that with her hair.

by atlpam
JazzNU wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 6:24 pm I'm not a big fan of the slipper shoe trend, but I can't be mad at it either. Try an Ugg slipper and see how heavenly it feels on your foot.

Also, I have no idea what she was doing that night. I'm all for this shoe if it's post pedicure, they are perfect for that.
Pedicure was my first thought when I saw this.

by JazzNU A message from Bianca. Clearly not an easy year for her.



by JazzNU Johanna Konta in Melbourne. Looking like the injury she sustained in her match wasn't as bad as she was first talking about it being.



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by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Sun Feb 14, 2021 6:13 pm Johanna Konta in Melbourne. Looking like the injury she sustained in her match wasn't as bad as she was first talking about it being.



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wow. I had no idea Konta was in that Missy Elliot video where Missy wore garbage bags. Ya never know. /s

by JazzNU I really don't care for Naomi's kit this time around. But I also thought it was some kind of lace overlay pattern and she posted photos recently and I thought the closer look was helpful. Don't like it any more, actually might like it even less, but I also know they weren't trying for lace.


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by ponchi101 I also don't like it too much, but what is it? Camouflage diver? :?:

by JazzNU I have no idea. But if I had to guess, some abstract design inspired by the area, drawing on the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef. Many of these designs for the Aussie Open tend to be symbolic in some way of the tournament, but in the past at least, that doesn't necessarily mean Melbourne, but Australia as a whole.

by ti-amie

by Ribbons Nicole Gibbs just announced her retirement.


by ponchi101 I don't recall ever watching one of her matches, being limited to the miraculous ESPN broadcast of a women's match.
Wish her well.

by Ribbons I don't think I ever saw her on TV either, but I did catch quals in Cincy in 2014 (Gibbs d. Schiavone):

ImageCincy 2014 by Peg Duthie, on Flickr

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by Deuce
Ribbons wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:51 pm Nicole Gibbs just announced her retirement.

^ That's about the most eloquently written retirement announcement I've ever seen.

I got to know Nicole and her mom somewhat about 12-13 years ago during a couple of Junior tournaments. Nice people. I didn't keep in touch with them - but I wish I had.

Nicole has evolved from a talented yet stubborn 15 year old kid to an extremely intelligent and well spoken woman. She's been through some difficult times in her life - including cancer... and I'm not at all surprised that she has come through those experiences better than ever.

She has much to be proud of, and I have no doubt that she'll excel in anything she chooses to do.

A couple of photos I found from back then...
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by Suliso Kontaveit

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by ponchi101 Crush is back on.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Feb 16, 2021 7:11 pm Crush is back on.
That is a great shot of her.

by Suliso Ostapenko

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by Suliso Svitolina and Monfils couple is apparently no more. How long was it? About two years?

by JazzNU Probably around there. Split appears amicable and mature this time, not like the last one that was clearly caused by a fight. A joint, identical statement. And they didn't scrub their respective accounts. Guess we'll see if this is really just a break or a full breakup.

by Suliso
JazzNU wrote: Sat Feb 20, 2021 9:28 am Probably around there. Split appears amicable and mature this time, not like the last one that was clearly caused by a fight. A joint, identical statement. And they didn't scrub their respective accounts. Guess we'll see if this is really just a break or a full breakup.
Yes, agree on all counts. Not that any of us expected it to be a life long relationship. :)

by JTContinental Monfinis? Splitolina?

by ponchi101
JTContinental wrote: Sun Feb 21, 2021 9:38 am Monfinis? Splitolina?
Post of the tournament :rofl:

by JazzNU Alona Ostapenko. Pretty sure this is an older photo, but she posted it again recently to wish her mom a Happy Birthday and it's one of the best she's ever taken imo.


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by JazzNU Lucas Pouille became a father at the end of January. His daughter's name is Rose.


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by JTContinental Gilles Simon is taking and "extended break" from tennis, as he is currently not enjoying it.

by skatingfan
JTContinental wrote: Fri Feb 26, 2021 7:04 pm Gilles Simon is taking and "extended break" from tennis, as he is currently not enjoying it.
After that loss in the first round of the Australian Open it's not surprising.

by ponchi101 At his age and with his style of play, sort of saying farewell.
He can be a very good coach as he reached a very high ranking with such limited weapons. I am sure he can open his own academy in France and be successful there.

by the Moz If Simon could take Cornet et Paire with him that would be much appreciated :lol:

by ponchi101 Just imagine Paire with Simon's court savvy.
Heck, imagine Paire with Alize's savvy... :?

by the Moz Simon is - how shall I put it - rather subdued compared to the brash behaviour of many a French player.

by JazzNU Brand Updates: On TAT 1.0 someone said something like "but how many players have car sponsors? Not many, it's like Roger, Rafa, and Serena who gets those" and I replied, no quite a few have them. Here's a quick update on car sponsors, decided to write this up quickly after noticing a change for Petra. This is not meant to be some exhaustive list of brand ambassadors, just to give people an idea. You see them from time time on their social media, so you come to be familiar with who represents what.


Roger - Mercedes
Serena - Lincoln
Naomi - Nissan
Ash - Jaguar
Dominic - Kia
Angie - Porsche
Sloane - Mercedes
Petra Kvitova - now with Audi, previously with BMW
Bianca - BMW (not sure if she's still with them, but she signed with them in 2019)
Matteo - Peugeot
Heather Watson - Bentley (yes, this is correct)
Diego - Peugeot
Milos- Jaguar
Goffin - now with Volvo, previously with Mercedes
Johanna - Jaguar
Maria Sakkari - Porsche
Daniil - BMW
Kei - Jaguar

by ponchi101 I was the one that thought they were few. Missing:
Novak - also with Peugeot
Rafa - Kia (although back home he drives an Aston Martin)
Simona - Mercedes, only in Romania
It truly amazes me that Naomi is with Nissan, as they own Infinity, their luxury brand.

by JazzNU
How The Andy Roddick Foundation Has Helped Texans Following Winter Storm


The Andy Roddick Foundation focusses on supporting underprivileged children by providing high quality out-of-school learning and enrichment opportunities for families that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation has pivoted to support those same families in new ways over the past year. And last week, when millions in Texas were left without electricity, heat and running water following a devastating winter storm, the Foundation again sprang into action.

You May Also Like: Roddick: ‘We Have To Serve Families That Put Their Faith In Us’
The Andy Roddick Foundation gathered donations from local partners to support more than 100 of the families it serves year-round to help them in the storm’s aftermath. They secured goods to create grocery bags filled with non-perishable items, packs of Richard’s Rainwater, gift cards to Walmart for groceries, gift cards to Torchy’s Tacos, hot meals from Rudy’s BBQ and blankets to stay warm in the cool conditions. This week, the Foundation is distributing insulated sleeping bags.

“The effects of COVID-19, systematic racial injustices and the recent weather storms do not fall evenly across our community. The students and families the Foundation serves have been hardest hit by all of these crises,” Roddick said. “Not only is it the Foundation’s obligation to ensure that these students and families have access to high-quality educational opportunities during normal times, but that obligation increases during unprecedented times, such as these.

“That’s why we pitch in and try to help however possible, from providing assistance to meet basic needs like food and shelter to a text or phone call so they know they're not forgotten. Though this is beyond the scope of our normal focus of providing educational excellence outside the classroom, we will never abandon our families when they need us most.”

Donate To The Family Emergency Fund

The Andy Roddick Foundation’s Family Emergency Fund has raised more than $235,000 since its inception last April. Nearly $10,000 was donated last weekend alone. The Fund has helped support families by supplying them with basic needs, community and educational resources — including for social and emotional health — and at-home learning tools such as tablets.

Separately, Roddick and his wife, Brooklyn Decker helped provide 4,000 tacos to local healthcare workers after the storm.

Another familiar face in the tennis world, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, who promoted the Tennis Masters Cup in Houston in 2003 and 2004, also helped those in need. McIngvale opened up his furniture stores for Texans who needed shelter and food.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/roddick ... ruary-2021

by ponchi101 :clap: :clap: :clap: Andy Roddick :clap: :clap: :clap:

by Suliso Trivia question: which two WTA players besides Serena have won Slams as #1 seeds since 2010 AO?

by the Moz
Suliso wrote: Sun Feb 28, 2021 12:47 am Trivia question: which two WTA players besides Serena have won Slams as #1 seeds since 2010 AO?
Is Halep one of them?

by atlpam
Suliso wrote: Sun Feb 28, 2021 12:47 am Trivia question: which two WTA players besides Serena have won Slams as #1 seeds since 2010 AO?
Sharapova?

by ponchi101 I am tempted to say this is a trick question and the answer is none.
But yes: Sharapova or Halep. How about Wozniacki? She was seeded pretty high at her Aussie win.

by skatingfan Halep - French Open - Azarenka - Australian Open

by Suliso Wozniacki was seeded #2 and beat #1 Halep in the final. Halep would have been an easy guess, Azarenka not so much. Below is a video which precipitated this trivia question.


by Suliso In Lyon tournament thread Ti-Amie mentioned Clara Tauson (18) and her win over #1 seed Alexandrova. Tauson is a 2019 AO junior champion and fomer junior #1. Tall and powerful player - clearly a significant prospect. What is probably less known so far even on a forum like this is that Denmark has some hope on the men's side as well. Holger Noedskov Rune (17) is 2019 RG junior champion and also former junior #1. He'll make his ATP tour debut tomorrow in Buenos Aires against Albert Ramos Vinolas.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Sun Feb 28, 2021 10:44 am Wozniacki was seeded #2 and beat #1 Halep in the final. Halep would have been an easy guess, Azarenka not so much. Below is a video which precipitated this trivia question.

If Azarenka's was in 2013, i could see that - she would have had AO winner's point and US Open finalist points on her ranking. I think I would have guessed that if I had seen this. I looked up the rest of her 2012 figuring she had another big title or two, and she did win Doha, Indian Wells, and Beijing and went deep in other big events. She lost four big matches to Serena - Madrid final, Wimbledon semi, Olympics semi, US Open final. Serena had the better year but didn't play enough for the #1 ranking.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Sat Feb 27, 2021 1:01 am Brand Updates: On TAT 1.0 someone said something like "but how many players have car sponsors? Not many, it's like Roger, Rafa, and Serena who gets those" and I replied, no quite a few have them. Here's a quick update on car sponsors, decided to write this up quickly after noticing a change for Petra. This is not meant to be some exhaustive list of brand ambassadors, just to give people an idea. You see them from time time on their social media, so you come to be familiar with who represents what.


Roger - Mercedes
Serena - Lincoln
Naomi - Nissan
Ash - Jaguar
Dominic - Kia
Angie - Porsche
Sloane - Mercedes
Petra Kvitova - now with Audi, previously with BMW
Bianca - BMW (not sure if she's still with them, but she signed with them in 2019)
Matteo - Peugeot
Heather Watson - Bentley (yes, this is correct)
Diego - Peugeot
Milos- Jaguar
Goffin - now with Volvo, previously with Mercedes
Johanna - Jaguar
Maria Sakkari - Porsche
Daniil - BMW
Kei - Jaguar
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Feb 27, 2021 1:40 am I was the one that thought they were few. Missing:
Novak - also with Peugeot
Rafa - Kia (although back home he drives an Aston Martin)
Simona - Mercedes, only in Romania
It truly amazes me that Naomi is with Nissan, as they own Infinity, their luxury brand.
I'm surprised Tesla doesn't sponsor anyone. Wonder if anyone drives an EV. At Cincinnati, top players get their own car to use. Novak had a Tesla the first year he won it. Maybe a local dealership sponsored it.

by Suliso Is Tesla sponsoring any athletes at all? If so I've not noticed... With such a strong fan group and Elon Musk as a salesman they hardly need.

by ponchi101 Tesla is very much the Apple of cars. Their cars are very good but they also operate on a "devotion" method; everything they do is PERFECT and nobody can deny it (the Tesla 3 is a very good car but it comes with some interesting manufacturing problems), according to their buyers. Therefore, Tesla does not need to sponsor anybody. it will be years before any EV brand will reach their status

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Tue Mar 02, 2021 7:41 pm
Her Tik Tok transition game (the swipe-up arm move is a "transition") is probably better than the one on court.

by Fastbackss Yeah it is. That almost made up for how she made shambles of my Predictions this week.

As an aside, it was the first time I had clicked on media within an embedded tweet. I couldn't get it to stop initially and it kept playing on a loop which, given the lyrics, was amusing

by Suliso Blinding talent and room to grow: Clara Tauson’s on the rise, but not in a rush

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday March 4, 2021

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Even when you watch Clara Tauson on television it’s easy to tell that she’s been gifted gobs power from the tennis gods. The sound the ball makes off her strings and the fact that her opponents often seem a quarter-step too slow tell the viewer that story, but it’s not just the Dane’s power that impresses.

Far from one-dimensional, the 18-year-old loves to swoop forward to test her skills at the net. It is this willingness to walk the path less traveled that makes this former junior World No.1 such an enticing talent

“I don't like to be too passive, letting the other person decide,” 18-year-old Tauson told Tennis Now on Wednesday after she blitzed veteran Timea Babos, 6-2, 6-3 to reach her first quarterfinal at Lyon. “I want to be the one deciding everything. Everything in my life I want to be the one deciding what I do.”

Tauson says it wasn’t her father, a former professional ice hockey player in Denmark and her longtime coach, that trained her to play a care-free style of tennis. It came from her own inner fire.

“So it's always been like this and I always had a love for going to the net and doing drop shots and all that,” Tauson says. “I think it's really fun, so the way I have gotten inside [the court during] my matches this week has been really nice."

It may have been nice for Tauson but for her opponents, not so much. She waltzed past top-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round and has yet to drop a set in Lyon ahead of her quarterfinal clash with Camila Giorgi.

It wasn’t nice for Jennifer Brady last October, either. Tauson took out the American on her Grand Slam debut, saving two match points in the process. Just 17 at the time, and in her first year working with coach Olivier Jeunehomme, Tauson wasn’t expecting much from the clash with Brady, but when it was over she emerged a more confident athlete.

“It was an eye opener for me, because Jen Brady is so good,” she said on Wednesday, still seemingly a bit awestruck over that victory. “I was just trying to believe in myself and go in there thinking I could win the match even though I wasn't supposed to. But you know this is such a mental game so if you believe in yourself it can change everything, and it did for me there, I think."

Growing the game with Jeunehomme

What is also changing the game for Tauson is the decision to travel to work with Jeunehomme at the Justine Henin Academy in Belgium. That partnership started in the fall of 2019, and the Dane says she has matured in a lot of aspects thanks to the Belgian.

“I needed something extra and by far Olivier is very much extra when it gets to learning,” Tauson said. “I'm still a young player, so he knows that I'm young and he knows what I need to improve.”

Jeunehomme, who jump-started his career a few decades ago when he played a role in Justine Henin’s coaching team, has most recently coached Dayana Yastremska. He is extremely excited about the potential of his young charge.

"Even if she is tall and can hit big shots, at the same time she can play a lot of other tennis,” he told Tennis Now in a Whatsapp interview. “She's able to use her slice, she's able to go to the net, and I really try to push her to go more and more to the net. She can change the rhythm, she can use different kind of trajectory, topspin, slice, flat, she can open angles, so for me she’s really an all-court player, but still very young, with a lot of things to learn about how to use all the weapons that she has in her game."

It’s about the big picture

Though playing opportunities were limited significantly due to coronavirus in 2020, the pair were able to make progress in all elements of Tauson’s game. Rather than rush Tauson to success, Jeunehomme wants to take time to help her grow her game while she’s still developing. At 139 in the world entering this week, Tauson will crack a career-high next week for sure, but it's not the ranking that matters at the moment.

“We have no rush, I insist that she takes the time now and maybe her career will be longer, because she will have a really complete game,” he said. “It's better to maybe, not necessarily to lose, but maybe take one year more, two more years, and then you arrive with your bucket full of tools and you are ready to play a different kind of tennis and to adapt to different things and propose different things to your opponent.”

Tauson certainly has the strokes to build a well-rounded game around. And the menacing pace of her groundstrokes make it a no-brainer for her to spend more time at the net picking off swing volleys and punching volleys. The fact that she enjoys that style of game and is willing to live with the high-risk nature of her tactics, makes it even better.

Tauson is learning to dial up her focus against top-level pros, and she’s aware of the fact that a momentary lapse can really hurt her chances at the WTA level.

"I think inside of me I level my concentration to [top players] but sometimes of course, I'm going to fall out a little,” she said. “I play a high-risk game. I make mistakes and I'm aware of that, so I just try to circle back to just being present and trying to play my game all the time."

Jeunehomme believes it is all about helping Tauson expand her repertoire, so that she finds solutions for the multitude of problems she’ll inevitably face on tour.

“That's my vision for her, to really try and develop a maximum of capacity and a maximum of tools, in the efficient way, and then develop her creativity to be able to choose the right shot at the right moment because for me it's not often that you see somebody that can play with play with forehand, got to the net to change the rhythm, change the trajectory, this is not often you see something like that, so it's very important to take the time to develop all of that," he says.

The mental game is a "focus"

Jeunehomme is an advocate of balance, and is eager to work with Tauson’s family on creating a harmony between the person and the player. Though he says that most of their collective time is spent working to fine tune Tauson’s technique, tactics and fitness, there is time to help her develop the mental side.

Jeunehomme says he gets support from Tauson’s parents, who were both elite athletes in Denmark, in this department.

"They have a culture of sport and it was very important for me, when I chose to involve myself in the project, because they understand the sport,” he said. “It's the whole family that needs to be involved. Also they are very careful about the balance of Clara. They understand that it's a price to pay but until a certain limit. The health of Clara and the mental balance is very important for them.”

Tauson says the extra work on the psychological elements of the sports has helped her mellow out on the court - never a bad thing.

"He definitely focused a lot on the psychology, and I really needed that, I think,” she said of her coach. “I'm a very explosive person on court, off court I think I'm really relaxed, but on court, when I care about something, I still get outbursts sometimes, but I think it's gotten much better after starting with him.”

She also appears to have gotten to know her own best practices better as a result of the collaboration.

“Just getting to know myself also, because he teaches me a lot of things about how I work,” she said. “When someone says it from outside you learn more from that I think. Definitely it's been a fun transition going from my dad to him because it's two very different kind of personalities, my dad is like me, explosive when he cares about something, and Olivier is very, very calm, even if I do something stupid (she laughs), he's very calm. He teaches me to learn after every single match, it doesn't matter if I win or lose, we always have a good talk after the matches I think, and that's important."

http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2021/Marc ... 99s-o.aspx

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:16 am Yeah it is. That almost made up for how she made shambles of my Predictions this week.

As an aside, it was the first time I had clicked on media within an embedded tweet. I couldn't get it to stop initially and it kept playing on a loop which, given the lyrics, was amusing
Just noticed you're in Michigan. Mind if I ask where? I'm in Indiana. Love Michigan.

by JazzNU Put out by the Rotterdam tournament



by dmforever I wanted to be a penguin!!!! OK, Kei, you ROCKED IT!!!!! That made my day.

Kevin

by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 4:20 pm I wanted to be a penguin!!!! OK, Kei, you ROCKED IT!!!!! That made my day.

Kevin
Oh my god, that's a good use of the Internet. So cute and unexpected. And Andy has got to stay around in the tennis media after he retires.

Kids can ask things like "first kiss." Journalists can't.

by mmmm8 I'm going to give myself a good laugh thinking about "I wanted to be... a penguin" for a few weeks at least.

Also appreciate his "last night" answer on the crying question.
Very wonderful from NIshikori.

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:28 pm Blinding talent and room to grow: Clara Tauson’s on the rise, but not in a rush

Image

http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2021/Marc ... 99s-o.aspx
I saw Tauson a little as a Junior, when she was ranked #1...

It's nice to see them grow up, mature, and progress. Tauson, Kostyuk, Leylah - the 3 of them rivals in Juniors, now beginning their journeys on the pro tour... Kostyuk was a bit ahead of the other two in terms of reaching the pro level, although she kind of stalled there at first - but now into the top 100... Leylah went on a nice run (which lasted a year and a half because of the pandemic) to get into the top 100 sooner than anyone (including herself) expected. And now Tauson, taking her time, which is fine, is approaching the top 100.
(Of course, the current ranking system is horse dung, but it's the only comparative we have at the moment.)

By the way, Tauson, whom the WTA does not feel is worthy of a photo or age and height listing on their website, beat Giori, and is now into the Semis.

by Suliso We should probably count Gauff in the same generation as well. She's only a year and 3 months younger than Tauson.

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Sat Mar 06, 2021 8:45 am We should probably count Gauff in the same generation as well. She's only a year and 3 months younger than Tauson.
Yes.
I suppose I didn't include her because I've never seen her play, whereas I've seen the others.
Also, Gauff's ascension has taken a steeper path than that of the others, despite her being the youngest of the group.

by Fastbackss
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:29 pm
Just noticed you're in Michigan. Mind if I ask where? I'm in Indiana. Love Michigan.
Detroit suburb - less than 30 minutes from downtown. Go there a lot.

Been here for nearly 20 years now and love it too. One of the few states I'd live in haha

by Suliso Elina Svitolina

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by ponchi101 I did not know her eyes are green. Recognizable in this shot but mainly because the algorithm to recognize her keeps getting better.

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Sat Mar 06, 2021 2:26 pm Elina Svitolina

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I knew who this was without question! Maybe the algorithm is working better now.

by JazzNU Sloane update. She's said a few different things over the last few weeks that suggest she's doing a bit better. But she also just did an ask me anything on her Stories, and while plenty were lighthearted, someone asked her what she's reading right now and her current book is "Beating the Unbearable: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief." Yeah. So, understandably, it truly might be awhile before she's in the right headspace.

by JazzNU Some kind of Q&A with Roger on the Doha page. I didn't watch, but given it's a half hour, putting here instead of the tournament thread.


https://www.instagram.com/p/CMEvOJqg4wq/

by JazzNU

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Sat Mar 06, 2021 2:26 pm Elina Svitolina

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Another unrecognizable one for me. I thought her hair was lighter. *sigh*

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 12:59 am
Another unrecognizable one for me. I thought her hair was lighter. *sigh*
I recognized her fine this time, but I definitely think her hair looks a different shade here. Like I wonder if she got it done and it's not just the light in this photo, because the tips in particular tend to be more blonde and this almost looks like a light brown mixed with a touch of auburn brown.

by skatingfan Post break-up hair colour change?

by Suliso I hope no difficulties identifying these three :D

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Image

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by ponchi101 Not a drop of make up combined. Maybe Sloane's eyelashes (and yes, I know she is made up to look like she is not made up :p )
The WTA is pretty "bad" in that aspect. I know Naomi has a contract with Sisheido but apart from that, all the girls are always pretty much without three layers of base. I wonder if they are even a possible endorsee for make-up companies.

by Suliso Is that really bad? I see it more as a plus than minus...

by ponchi101 Bad in the sense that the women do not get to enjoy those endorsements and the money that could come with it. You and I are in agreement that the women of the WTA are a group of very pretty young women that exude a healthy looking beauty image. For us, it is a plus. For any of the girls, who are not being offered a cool $500K from Revlon or Estee Lauder or any other company... well, I guess they could use that extra cash.
Even Garbiñe, no stranger to fashion and certainly a big name in Spain, has no beauty products endorsements (or I can't find them).

by Suliso That's true, albeit was it any different with past top players? Maybe beauty product companies choose actresses instead as their brand ambassadors. Perhaps a better fit albeit I don't really know, just speculating here. :)

by ponchi101 When Ivanovic did not have a major "beauty product" endorsement, you know that those companies were not looking at the WTA as a source of income.
Will leave it to somebody else here to tell me if Ivanovic had or not such a deal. I don't recall.

by JazzNU There are definitely makeup endorsements among the WTA players besides Naomi. A ton? Don't think so. But several have them for sure, but that doesn't necessarily mean they cake on the makeup at every appearance or in every photo just because they are brand ambassadors for them. Also, the best makeup is that which you don't even know is there many times. I don't always recognize them because some of the brands are country-specific or regional, but they are there. Like Sveta, she's with a company I can't name, because those posts are always in Russian. She'll post most things in both English and Russian, but not things such as that where the audience target is clear.

Sloane is with Estee Lauder.

Petra is with L'Oreal and L'Occitane.

I'm not sure if Revlon sponsors anyone on tour.

Ivanovic was with Shisedo if memory serves. She was definitely with someone, even if that's not the right company, but pretty sure it is.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 3:34 pm Not a drop of make up combined. Maybe Sloane's eyelashes (and yes, I know she is made up to look like she is not made up :p )
The WTA is pretty "bad" in that aspect. I know Naomi has a contract with Sisheido but apart from that, all the girls are always pretty much without three layers of base. I wonder if they are even a possible endorsee for make-up companies.
Haha, that's cute. All are wearing mascara. Kontaveit's also wearing lip gloss at least and Kerber has a full face of "natural"-looking makeup. Both Sloane's and Kerber's hair is done, probably professionally.

by ponchi101 You had to ruin it, ah? You had to... :-P

by JazzNU Eyebrow pencil on Anett too. She definitely got them done since Melbourne, they look good.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 9:03 pm You had to ruin it, ah? You had to... :-P
It's possibly my greatest skill.

(Ruining people's illusions, not spotting makeup)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 3:34 pm Not a drop of make up combined. Maybe Sloane's eyelashes (and yes, I know she is made up to look like she is not made up :p )
The WTA is pretty "bad" in that aspect. I know Naomi has a contract with Sisheido but apart from that, all the girls are always pretty much without three layers of base. I wonder if they are even a possible endorsee for make-up companies.
Pretty sure they are wearing makeup, definitely Angie and probably Sloane. It's just enhancing their natural beauty. It's not heavy makeup. There could also be filters at work.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:38 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 3:34 pm Not a drop of make up combined. Maybe Sloane's eyelashes (and yes, I know she is made up to look like she is not made up :p )
The WTA is pretty "bad" in that aspect. I know Naomi has a contract with Sisheido but apart from that, all the girls are always pretty much without three layers of base. I wonder if they are even a possible endorsee for make-up companies.
Haha, that's cute. All are wearing mascara. Kontaveit's also wearing lip gloss at least and Kerber has a full face of "natural"-looking makeup. Both Sloane's and Kerber's hair is done, probably professionally.
Yep. :) Interesting that Kontaveit evidently doesn't tan and yet doesn't burn. She should have a sunscreen endorsement for as well as it works on her fair skin.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 4:02 pm When Ivanovic did not have a major "beauty product" endorsement, you know that those companies were not looking at the WTA as a source of income.
Will leave it to somebody else here to tell me if Ivanovic had or not such a deal. I don't recall.
Surely their agents try. The big agencies know what they're doing. Sharapova was with Avon for just a couple years - but that seems old for her. It does seem like a big missed opportunity.

by Suliso An interview with Clara Tauson from WTA site after her win over Alexandrova last week.

How does it feel to have beaten a player like Ekaterina Alexandrova, who has won more matches indoors than anyone else since 2018?

Tauson: I didn't know that before. I actually called my dad after the match and he said, "What - did you win? She's won so many matches indoors!" But I had hoped that I would be drawn to play either her or Fiona [Ferro, the No.2 seed] because they're two really good players.

Even though opportunities to gain ranking points are harder to come by at the moment, is it more important for you to play better opposition?

Tauson: Yes, I played a lot of tournaments this year, 25Ks - you don't get a lot of points from them even if you win them. I've won two this year [in Fujairah and Altenkirchen]. But I'm still developing my game and I'm still quite young - so I really want to get the experience of playing these kinds of players. Even if I might have lost pretty big, I was still happy getting to play that match.

I love playing the good players. That's where I want to be. There's definitely a gap between the 25Ks and here - you saw today in the match, if you go just five or 10 percent down, two or three games are gone. In 25Ks you maybe get some easy points, and you don't here. So it's good for my concentration to play these matches - I need to get my concentration better for when I hopefully get on this level all the time.

You've only played three WTA main draws, and you've upset a Top 50 player in two of them. Do you think you raise your level against better opposition?

Tauson: It's only the second time I've played a Top 50 player, so I don't have a lot of experience with that - but we can say it's gone well these two times! Going into these matches I just try to play as free as I can and show what I can do.

You beat Jennifer Brady at Roland Garros. A few months later, she reached the Australian Open final. How did it feel to watch that?

Tauson: All my friends texted me - "You beat her, this girl who's in a Grand Slam final!" It was definitely fun watching her. I was happy, because you see you actually have the level to play and win those matches.

I'm not saying I'm gonna be in a Grand Slam final anytime soon, but when you see someone you've beaten do well, you get confidence from that. You think, maybe I could have been there also. ... But I need to get more solid in the whole tournament like her.

You say you love playing good players. Who would you most like to face across the net?

Tauson: I definitely want to play [Simona] Halep one day. I think she's just a champion, she plays 100 percent every tournament she plays and no matter what the score, she's always there. And [Petra] Kvitova also - I love watching her play. I want to feel how her balls are coming, because she just hits so big and I want to play like her.

Would you describe your game as aggressive, then?

Tauson: Definitely. I like to come in the court and finish at net if I have the opportunity - but it's really hard to do that against [WTA] players because they play so good. I would like to be the kind of player who serves really well, plays big shots - like Kvitova. She's not afraid to hit the ball. I really think I can be that type of player.

Last year, we said goodbye to the best Danish player in history, Caroline Wozniacki. Did you had much contact with her growing up, and how important was she for Danish tennis?

Tauson: I played two or three tournaments where she was and we spoke, but she lives in the U.S. so it's not like we got to practice. She was the only one who's really got to the top from Denmark so she was important, of course, but we grew up in two different times. Danish tennis right now is not too huge and I hope I can inspire people to play tennis, because it's a good sport, I think.

What do you like most about tennis, and how did you get started in it?

Tauson: I love that I can decide where I want to play the ball and it's only me who decides if I win or lose. I'm definitely not a team player! Of course there's an opponent you have to beat, but it's me who decides where and how I play the balls. And the tactics also - it's like a board game, but you don't know how the opponent is going to play, because it's so different from player to player. But the individual thing is the best thing for me.

Tennis is the only sport I've ever played. People are actually surprised when I say that, because kids always play a lot of sports, but I've only ever played tennis. My uncle, Michael Tauson, is a former ATP player, so everybody in the family has tried tennis, it's been going on for generations. He was the World No.101 - the worst ranking! If I get to the Top 100 I'll have beaten that.

What do you like to do off court?

Tauson: I train in Belgium with my coach, Olivier Jeunehomme, and all my tennis life is there. But my friends are mostly in Denmark - so I like to Facetime them, or watch Netflix. When I'm not on court or doing fitness I just like to be on the couch. I really like watching crime shows, like The Blacklist - I have an obsession with watching shows like that because they get my mind off things but are still so exciting.

You train at the Justine Henin Academy - have you ever met Henin, and do you have any memories of her as a player? Or is she a bit before your time, as she retired for the first time when you were five years old?

Tauson: Justine is at the academy almost every day watching everyone practice, so we see her quite a lot. She's really down-to-earth and really nice. I remember the first time I came to the academy, she spoke to me like I actually knew her - of course I'd watched her play, so it was a big deal for me just speaking to someone like that. But it's really comfortable talking to her.

I didn't watch her too much growing up. But when I was younger, I used to watch YouTube videos of tennis every day. I think everyone watches the great players and their highlights, so I saw quite a few of her playing against Serena and Venus.

Do you have any specific goals for the 2021 season?

Tauson: Yes, in my mind - but not for anyone else! Last year my goal was to be Top 150. I only played nine tournaments and I reached it. I don't have a goal ranking-wise now - just to play as many WTAs as I can and see how far it goes.

by meganfernandez "He was the World No.101 - the worst ranking! If I get to the Top 100 I'll have beaten that." About her uncle...

Suliso wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:06 am An interview with Clara Tauson from WTA site after her win over Alexandrova last week.

How does it feel to have beaten a player like Ekaterina Alexandrova, who has won more matches indoors than anyone else since 2018?

Tauson: I didn't know that before. I actually called my dad after the match and he said, "What - did you win? She's won so many matches indoors!" But I had hoped that I would be drawn to play either her or Fiona [Ferro, the No.2 seed] because they're two really good players.

Even though opportunities to gain ranking points are harder to come by at the moment, is it more important for you to play better opposition?

Tauson: Yes, I played a lot of tournaments this year, 25Ks - you don't get a lot of points from them even if you win them. I've won two this year [in Fujairah and Altenkirchen]. But I'm still developing my game and I'm still quite young - so I really want to get the experience of playing these kinds of players. Even if I might have lost pretty big, I was still happy getting to play that match.

I love playing the good players. That's where I want to be. There's definitely a gap between the 25Ks and here - you saw today in the match, if you go just five or 10 percent down, two or three games are gone. In 25Ks you maybe get some easy points, and you don't here. So it's good for my concentration to play these matches - I need to get my concentration better for when I hopefully get on this level all the time.

You've only played three WTA main draws, and you've upset a Top 50 player in two of them. Do you think you raise your level against better opposition?

Tauson: It's only the second time I've played a Top 50 player, so I don't have a lot of experience with that - but we can say it's gone well these two times! Going into these matches I just try to play as free as I can and show what I can do.

You beat Jennifer Brady at Roland Garros. A few months later, she reached the Australian Open final. How did it feel to watch that?

Tauson: All my friends texted me - "You beat her, this girl who's in a Grand Slam final!" It was definitely fun watching her. I was happy, because you see you actually have the level to play and win those matches.

I'm not saying I'm gonna be in a Grand Slam final anytime soon, but when you see someone you've beaten do well, you get confidence from that. You think, maybe I could have been there also. ... But I need to get more solid in the whole tournament like her.

You say you love playing good players. Who would you most like to face across the net?

Tauson: I definitely want to play [Simona] Halep one day. I think she's just a champion, she plays 100 percent every tournament she plays and no matter what the score, she's always there. And [Petra] Kvitova also - I love watching her play. I want to feel how her balls are coming, because she just hits so big and I want to play like her.

Would you describe your game as aggressive, then?

Tauson: Definitely. I like to come in the court and finish at net if I have the opportunity - but it's really hard to do that against [WTA] players because they play so good. I would like to be the kind of player who serves really well, plays big shots - like Kvitova. She's not afraid to hit the ball. I really think I can be that type of player.

Last year, we said goodbye to the best Danish player in history, Caroline Wozniacki. Did you had much contact with her growing up, and how important was she for Danish tennis?

Tauson: I played two or three tournaments where she was and we spoke, but she lives in the U.S. so it's not like we got to practice. She was the only one who's really got to the top from Denmark so she was important, of course, but we grew up in two different times. Danish tennis right now is not too huge and I hope I can inspire people to play tennis, because it's a good sport, I think.

What do you like most about tennis, and how did you get started in it?

Tauson: I love that I can decide where I want to play the ball and it's only me who decides if I win or lose. I'm definitely not a team player! Of course there's an opponent you have to beat, but it's me who decides where and how I play the balls. And the tactics also - it's like a board game, but you don't know how the opponent is going to play, because it's so different from player to player. But the individual thing is the best thing for me.

Tennis is the only sport I've ever played. People are actually surprised when I say that, because kids always play a lot of sports, but I've only ever played tennis. My uncle, Michael Tauson, is a former ATP player, so everybody in the family has tried tennis, it's been going on for generations. He was the World No.101 - the worst ranking! If I get to the Top 100 I'll have beaten that.

What do you like to do off court?

Tauson: I train in Belgium with my coach, Olivier Jeunehomme, and all my tennis life is there. But my friends are mostly in Denmark - so I like to Facetime them, or watch Netflix. When I'm not on court or doing fitness I just like to be on the couch. I really like watching crime shows, like The Blacklist - I have an obsession with watching shows like that because they get my mind off things but are still so exciting.

You train at the Justine Henin Academy - have you ever met Henin, and do you have any memories of her as a player? Or is she a bit before your time, as she retired for the first time when you were five years old?

Tauson: Justine is at the academy almost every day watching everyone practice, so we see her quite a lot. She's really down-to-earth and really nice. I remember the first time I came to the academy, she spoke to me like I actually knew her - of course I'd watched her play, so it was a big deal for me just speaking to someone like that. But it's really comfortable talking to her.

I didn't watch her too much growing up. But when I was younger, I used to watch YouTube videos of tennis every day. I think everyone watches the great players and their highlights, so I saw quite a few of her playing against Serena and Venus.

Do you have any specific goals for the 2021 season?

Tauson: Yes, in my mind - but not for anyone else! Last year my goal was to be Top 150. I only played nine tournaments and I reached it. I don't have a goal ranking-wise now - just to play as many WTAs as I can and see how far it goes.

by meganfernandez Maybe this has already been posted - new couple, Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur.


by Liamvalid
Suliso wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:06 am An interview with Clara Tauson from WTA site after her win over Alexandrova last week.

How does it feel to have beaten a player like Ekaterina Alexandrova, who has won more matches indoors than anyone else since 2018?

Tauson: I didn't know that before. I actually called my dad after the match and he said, "What - did you win? She's won so many matches indoors!" But I had hoped that I would be drawn to play either her or Fiona [Ferro, the No.2 seed] because they're two really good players.

Even though opportunities to gain ranking points are harder to come by at the moment, is it more important for you to play better opposition?

Tauson: Yes, I played a lot of tournaments this year, 25Ks - you don't get a lot of points from them even if you win them. I've won two this year [in Fujairah and Altenkirchen]. But I'm still developing my game and I'm still quite young - so I really want to get the experience of playing these kinds of players. Even if I might have lost pretty big, I was still happy getting to play that match.

I love playing the good players. That's where I want to be. There's definitely a gap between the 25Ks and here - you saw today in the match, if you go just five or 10 percent down, two or three games are gone. In 25Ks you maybe get some easy points, and you don't here. So it's good for my concentration to play these matches - I need to get my concentration better for when I hopefully get on this level all the time.

You've only played three WTA main draws, and you've upset a Top 50 player in two of them. Do you think you raise your level against better opposition?

Tauson: It's only the second time I've played a Top 50 player, so I don't have a lot of experience with that - but we can say it's gone well these two times! Going into these matches I just try to play as free as I can and show what I can do.

You beat Jennifer Brady at Roland Garros. A few months later, she reached the Australian Open final. How did it feel to watch that?

Tauson: All my friends texted me - "You beat her, this girl who's in a Grand Slam final!" It was definitely fun watching her. I was happy, because you see you actually have the level to play and win those matches.

I'm not saying I'm gonna be in a Grand Slam final anytime soon, but when you see someone you've beaten do well, you get confidence from that. You think, maybe I could have been there also. ... But I need to get more solid in the whole tournament like her.

You say you love playing good players. Who would you most like to face across the net?

Tauson: I definitely want to play [Simona] Halep one day. I think she's just a champion, she plays 100 percent every tournament she plays and no matter what the score, she's always there. And [Petra] Kvitova also - I love watching her play. I want to feel how her balls are coming, because she just hits so big and I want to play like her.

Would you describe your game as aggressive, then?

Tauson: Definitely. I like to come in the court and finish at net if I have the opportunity - but it's really hard to do that against [WTA] players because they play so good. I would like to be the kind of player who serves really well, plays big shots - like Kvitova. She's not afraid to hit the ball. I really think I can be that type of player.

Last year, we said goodbye to the best Danish player in history, Caroline Wozniacki. Did you had much contact with her growing up, and how important was she for Danish tennis?

Tauson: I played two or three tournaments where she was and we spoke, but she lives in the U.S. so it's not like we got to practice. She was the only one who's really got to the top from Denmark so she was important, of course, but we grew up in two different times. Danish tennis right now is not too huge and I hope I can inspire people to play tennis, because it's a good sport, I think.

What do you like most about tennis, and how did you get started in it?

Tauson: I love that I can decide where I want to play the ball and it's only me who decides if I win or lose. I'm definitely not a team player! Of course there's an opponent you have to beat, but it's me who decides where and how I play the balls. And the tactics also - it's like a board game, but you don't know how the opponent is going to play, because it's so different from player to player. But the individual thing is the best thing for me.

Tennis is the only sport I've ever played. People are actually surprised when I say that, because kids always play a lot of sports, but I've only ever played tennis. My uncle, Michael Tauson, is a former ATP player, so everybody in the family has tried tennis, it's been going on for generations. He was the World No.101 - the worst ranking! If I get to the Top 100 I'll have beaten that.

What do you like to do off court?

Tauson: I train in Belgium with my coach, Olivier Jeunehomme, and all my tennis life is there. But my friends are mostly in Denmark - so I like to Facetime them, or watch Netflix. When I'm not on court or doing fitness I just like to be on the couch. I really like watching crime shows, like The Blacklist - I have an obsession with watching shows like that because they get my mind off things but are still so exciting.

You train at the Justine Henin Academy - have you ever met Henin, and do you have any memories of her as a player? Or is she a bit before your time, as she retired for the first time when you were five years old?

Tauson: Justine is at the academy almost every day watching everyone practice, so we see her quite a lot. She's really down-to-earth and really nice. I remember the first time I came to the academy, she spoke to me like I actually knew her - of course I'd watched her play, so it was a big deal for me just speaking to someone like that. But it's really comfortable talking to her.

I didn't watch her too much growing up. But when I was younger, I used to watch YouTube videos of tennis every day. I think everyone watches the great players and their highlights, so I saw quite a few of her playing against Serena and Venus.

Do you have any specific goals for the 2021 season?

Tauson: Yes, in my mind - but not for anyone else! Last year my goal was to be Top 150. I only played nine tournaments and I reached it. I don't have a goal ranking-wise now - just to play as many WTAs as I can and see how far it goes.
I’m a bit mad at the father for not at least checking live scores during the match. She shouldn’t have had to call him for him to know whether she won or not in 2021!

by ponchi101 Parents get nervous. Sampras' parents famously never went to his matches because it was too much for them. When he won the USO in 1990, his sister Stella went down from her room to tell them Pete had won; they were too nervous even to watch it on TV.
A bit extreme, I agree, but also gives her the message that it is her life; he is not living his athletic dreams vicariously through her.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:35 pm Maybe this has already been posted - new couple, Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur.

Not posted. This appears to be their Insta official announcement. But also, not really a new couple. They've been together for months and it's been known, just not as obviously stated as this. Given that TV commentators were even mentioning it during the Aussie Open, it's good they finally put something like this out.

by Liamvalid Bonaur?

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:48 pmBonaur?
Sounds like Bon Iver. :)

Shemon? Like Demon, his nickname, but She-mon... Not clicking...

by Liamvalid
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:52 pm
Liamvalid wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:48 pmBonaur?
Sounds like Bon Iver. :)

Shemon? Like Demon, his nickname, but She-mon... Not clicking...
In my accent, it sounds like boner, which is why I found it funny 😆

by JazzNU

by ptmcmahon
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:48 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 3:34 pm Not a drop of make up combined. Maybe Sloane's eyelashes (and yes, I know she is made up to look like she is not made up :p )
The WTA is pretty "bad" in that aspect. I know Naomi has a contract with Sisheido but apart from that, all the girls are always pretty much without three layers of base. I wonder if they are even a possible endorsee for make-up companies.
Pretty sure they are wearing makeup, definitely Angie and probably Sloane. It's just enhancing their natural beauty. It's not heavy makeup. There could also be filters at work.
Same thing I thought...no way Angie isn't wearing any makeup in that picture. Not that I disagree with the thought of course.

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:00 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:52 pm
Liamvalid wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:48 pmBonaur?
Sounds like Bon Iver. :)

Shemon? Like Demon, his nickname, but She-mon... Not clicking...
In my accent, it sounds like boner, which is why I found it funny 😆
Well, I'm definitely calling them Boner from now on.

by Suliso Image

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez Dying


by Suliso An interview (Google translated) with the main sponsor of Clara Tauson.

Paid Clara five years in advance

When the rich man Lars Seier Christensen in May 2019 chose to become a sponsor of Clara Tauson for a five-year period, he did so - here and now - with a proper dive in his pocket.

- In fact, I paid all five years in advance at once, he says and explains:

- The agreement was long and based on me having to help in the beginning, where the need was greatest. Maybe five years later she would be able to fend for herself.

- I might also pay a little more than I had intended, compared to what I might be able to get back in terms of marketing, Lars Seier chuckles and acknowledges that there is also a bit of 'con amore' about his support for the tennis talent.

- Of course, because I think it is very important that we have some flagships for Denmark. That we have some talented representatives in the world, and I think Clara will be. Of course, there is a long way to go to the absolute top, but if she is spared injuries, then I really believe in her.

He obviously hopes for some kind of consideration, but that does not have to make a profit on his marketing account.

- We have agreed that she may be a kind of ambassador for one of the companies in my portfolio at some point, but it is not a card I have played yet. It is not urgent, but if she can later create some attention about one of them, then it could be her payback, he says.

- I might also be able to get some customers to some of her events, so I think I should get some value back on what I have given.

- I also want to think rationally, but I especially have a love for young people who are trying to reach a goal - entrepreneurs as athletes.

She's becoming everyone's darling
In his time, Lars Seier had the opportunity to become a sponsor of Caroline Wozniacki but hesitated. When the bid came in relation to Clara Tauson from the same manager, he did not hesitate.

- I did not join Caroline's trip, and we were also heavily exposed to cycling at the time. Now I got the chance again, and it was funny that it was Mikkel Nissen who called ten years later. Of course I listened, he says.

During the initial maneuvers, he has had almost identical experiences.

- I met a young Caroline and her family who had the same ambitions and willingness all the way around the table to back up, and I have had the same experience with the Tauson Family, he says.

- At the time, I talked a bit with Caroline, and I did the same with Clara to sense how much they wanted it, and I liked the answers from both of them.

- It is a gift from God to have a talent, but you must also have the will and passion to provide what is necessary to achieve your goals, says Lars Seier and explains that he likes to watch a good tennis match, but not is any expert.

Therefore, he has had to lean on the assessments of others, and it was good, he believes today.
- I think she's had her popular breakthrough. Danes like when their compatriots do well. Clara has the potential to become a real darling, because she is humble and quiet off the field and then she fires it in there.

It was a difficult sports Sunday for Sponsor-Lars, because FCK played in Brøndby, and then he had to move on to ice hockey in Rungsted, where he also saw the second set of Clara's final.

- But I have seen previous matches in the tournament, and I have been really happy to see how she with fantastic offensive tennis, power and great mental strength swept all opposition off the court.

https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/anden_spo ... ud/8498200

by ponchi101 Sounds like a healthy sponsorship relationship.
Wonder if one day a player will decide to issue a bond on future earnings of his/her career. You get money up-front and other people are then invested on you. Risky because of the chance of injuries, but nothing more than what happens with real stock.

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 1:35 am
I love the fact that a Grand Slam champion is practicing on a cracked court. ;)

Kevin

by ponchi101 Hadn't notice that. Indeed, new coach, old court...

by JazzNU

by ti-amie Juan M. del Potro @delpotrojuan
Muchas gracias @FundacionKonex por este gran premio y reconocimiento. Siempre es un placer estar con @sabatinigabyok
Un beso grande a todos!!!
Translated from Spanish by Google
Thanks a lot @FundacionKonex for this great award and recognition. It is always a pleasure to be with
@sabatinigabyok
A big kiss to all!

Image

by JazzNU Not gonna lie, I'm a bit confused by this normalcy. But I love seeing them both and they look great.

by dmforever Talk about a great looking pair of people. Sabatini is rocking 50. And Delpo is Delpo!! :)

Kevin

by ponchi101 My GF used to work for HBO in Caracas. One day this truly gorgeous girl pops her head in her office, and says "would you mind if I sit here for a while?". My GF did not know who she was, but sure, it would be no problem. The girl sat down, and started casual chat. She was super, and they had a good time. The girl then stood up, thanked her for her time (and a cup of coffee) and left. My GF did not mind, and never thought about it.
She then noticed a little bit of excitement outside, and peaked. The girl was surrounded and some people were asking for autographs and one photographer was taking pictures. My GF wondered what actress she was (HBO, again), and why she did not know her.
It was Sabatini. She had been hiding for a while from everybody and the hoopla, and had, luckily, popped her head into the only office of the sole person that did not know who she was. My GF says she was the coolest, easiest going person in the world. And beautiful as could be.
Which she found out about the next day. We hadn't met each other yet, so it happened a bit around the early 2000's.

by dmforever
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:54 am My GF used to work for HBO in Caracas. One day this truly gorgeous girl pops her head in her office, and says "would you mind if I sit here for a while?". My GF did not know who she was, but sure, it would be no problem. The girl sat down, and started casual chat. She was super, and they had a good time. The girl then stood up, thanked her for her time (and a cup of coffee) and left. My GF did not mind, and never thought about it.
She then noticed a little bit of excitement outside, and peaked. The girl was surrounded and some people were asking for autographs and one photographer was taking pictures. My GF wondered what actress she was (HBO, again), and why she did not know her.
It was Sabatini. She had been hiding for a while from everybody and the hoopla, and had, luckily, popped her head into the only office of the sole person that did not know who she was. My GF says she was the coolest, easiest going person in the world. And beautiful as could be.
Which she found out about the next day. We hadn't met each other yet, so it happened a bit around the early 2000's.
What a great story. It's so nice to find out that some famous people aren't full of themselves. I had a similar situation with Raoul Bova, a famous Italian actor. He was a friend of a friend of mine but I didn't know who he was. We went out for lunch and the waiters were basically standing at our table waiting for us to ask for anything. It was weird. Then after lunch they all asked for autographs (this was before cell phones had cameras) and I figured it out. But I'd day that Gaby probably has a more level head than he does. :)

Kevin

by skatingfan Andy finally equaled Roger in something. :D

Murray ties Federer

by Suliso He needed four tries to do it, so advantage Roger :)

by skatingfan
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:12 pm He needed four tries to do it, so advantage Roger :)
Federer got up 4-0, but now it's 4-4, so the set isn't over yet. And what's Rafa doing - still getting baggled.

by Omess
skatingfan wrote:Andy finally equaled Roger in something. :D

Murray ties Federer
They have been busy. I remember when he joked that he should go back on the road because it was getting out of control

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/a ... 663032.amp


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

by the Moz I say this with utmost respect, but who would want to have four children :freaking: :freaking: :freaking: :freaking:

by meganfernandez
Omess wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:20 pm
skatingfan wrote:Andy finally equaled Roger in something. :D

Murray ties Federer
They have been busy. I remember when he joked that he should go back on the road because it was getting out of control

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/a ... 663032.amp


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
That was an old article about their third kid. But they did indeed have a fourth. Almost no info here: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/andy-ki ... urth-child

by ponchi101
the Moz wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:54 pm I say this with utmost respect, but who would want to have four children :freaking: :freaking: :freaking: :freaking:
At a time in which having children is almost a privilege, financially speaking.
No problems there for Andy, sure, but indeed, that is quite a brood.
So, what are the odds of the Federer twins meeting the Murray bros at a Wimby final, 20 some years from now?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 2:40 pm
the Moz wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:54 pm I say this with utmost respect, but who would want to have four children :freaking: :freaking: :freaking: :freaking:
At a time in which having children is almost a privilege, financially speaking.
No problems there for Andy, sure, but indeed, that is quite a brood.
So, what are the odds of the Federer twins meeting the Murray bros at a Wimby final, 20 some years from now?
is the fourth Murray a boy for sure? If so, both Fed and Andy have an entire Olympics tennis team under their roof.

Four kids would be wonderful if you can afford it. I don't have any kids, but when you're older and they have kids and you get to watch them all grow up... great way to spend the back half of your life.

by ponchi101 The emotional and personal aspects are up to everybody. The financial aspects are clear: it is one of the main reasons why people are delaying or downright not having children. It is too much.
Surprisingly, it is the middle class that is affected the most. The rich are rich, so they are not affected, the poor are not going to be poorer by having children. Which is a terrible statement, but I can't phrase it any more palatable.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 2:58 pm The emotional and personal aspects are up to everybody. The financial aspects are clear: it is one of the main reasons why people are delaying or downright not having children. It is too much.
Surprisingly, it is the middle class that is affected the most. The rich are rich, so they are not affected, the poor are not going to be poorer by having children. Which is a terrible statement, but I can't phrase it any more palatable.
Absolutely. I never wanted kids. Now that I'm older and more stable, I think they'd be nice to have around, and grandkids, too. But honestly it's not how I've ever wanted to spend my time. Bless those that do - I am in awe of them. Parenting seems like the hardest job in the world.

by the Moz
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 3:42 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 2:58 pm The emotional and personal aspects are up to everybody. The financial aspects are clear: it is one of the main reasons why people are delaying or downright not having children. It is too much.
Surprisingly, it is the middle class that is affected the most. The rich are rich, so they are not affected, the poor are not going to be poorer by having children. Which is a terrible statement, but I can't phrase it any more palatable.
Absolutely. I never wanted kids. Now that I'm older and more stable, I think they'd be nice to have around, and grandkids, too. But honestly it's not how I've ever wanted to spend my time. Bless those that do - I am in awe of them. Parenting seems like the hardest job in the world.
For sure :thumbsup:

by Suliso We have extremely high standards for parenting now (too high?). Two or three generations ago it wasn't like that.

by ti-amie Well at least we know the hip isn't preventing him from living what seems to be his best life...

by ponchi101 That was nine months ago. Maybe THAT'S how he re-injured the hip...
(You started :rofl: :thumbsup: )

by ti-amie Good point ponchi. Maybe we should go back and calculate Kim giving birth with his hip issues...(no double entendre intended)

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 4:22 pm We have extremely high standards for parenting now (too high?). Two or three generations ago it wasn't like that.
I completely disagree.
And if you worked with troubled youth - the number of which are continually on the increase - you'd likely disagree, as well.

Fifty years ago, it would have been thought a crime to give one's children over to a daycare - essentially an assembly line - for the huge majority of their incredibly important formative years. Today, young children spend more time during their formative years in daycare than they spend with their parents. So who is raising the children?
Daycare may have its place - but it is being abused today as a convenient way for parents to try to have their cake and eat it, too. Then once the child reaches his/her teenage years, the parents complain that there's no emotional attachment between them and their children, sigh...

These days, parents are too busy updating their facebook status to properly care for their children. And 'caring for their children' means far more than merely ensuring that they have enough to eat, and have a TV in their bedroom and the latest, 'coolest' pair of shoes. Parents are far less mature today than in the past. Today, people want to have kids, but refuse to make the necessary sacrifices to their own life to spend the time nurturing and raising the kids. They want to maintain their 'social lives' while having children. The predictable result is more reports of parental abuse, neglect, and more children running away and/or being put into foster care.
Far too many parents today know exactly who their favourite TV star or musician is dating, but have no idea who their own child is dating.

Not to mention that children spend far more time first with TV, now with computers and cell phones (including the ubiquitous internet, of course), than they do with their parents. So who is truly raising the children today -parents... or daycares, computers, and the internet?
Higher standards for parenting today? No way. Children have never spent less time with their parents than they do today.

by Suliso Sorry, but I strongly disagree with most of the above. Daycare is necessary so that women can keep their careers not because parents need to be on Facebook or other such nonsense. Fifty years ago in Germany a woman's role in life was best described as KKK - kinder, küche, kirche (children, kitchen and church). Fortunately we have moved on...

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 6:37 pm Sorry, but I strongly disagree with most of the above. Daycare is necessary so that women can keep their careers not because parents need to be on Facebook or other such nonsense. Fifty years ago in Germany a woman's role in life was best described as KKK - kinder, küche, kirche (children, kitchen and church). Fortunately we have moved on...
Yes, we have 'moved on' ... at the expense of the children.

What you describe addresses the role of women in society - it does not address the role of parenting, or, specifically, your claim that the standards of parenting are higher today.
If parenting standards are higher, why are we seeing more troubled children today (per capita) than ever before? More reports of parental abuse and neglect; more children put into foster care; more children running away; more children involved in prostitution; more children involved in gangs... etc.?

by ti-amie Shonda Rhimes is doing a great job highlighting the role of women in her soap "Bridgerton". At first I thought it was a joke that the young women had no idea where babies came from but it seems that mothers only told their daughters the "facts of life" when their wedding dates got close. It was funny when, after one young woman was totally perplexed about it a male character asks her "haven't you ever been on a farm?" Of course she hadn't.

There's another good example of what a "woman's role" was in "WandaVision" and the role US soap sitcoms played in perpetuating that role but that is another conversation

It's very rare to see families of more than two children these days because it is very expensive to provide food, clothes and shelter to more than two. It's not even about women wanting to work women NEED to work to support the modern lifestyle.

Andy and Kim are wealthy and can afford help with housework and child care, help that many can't afford. And I'd be willing to bet the older kids have been in some form of "daycare", educational or otherwise, from about three or four years of age. The same with the Federer children. I doubt Mirka, at the end of the day, is flopping down in a chair, hair and clothes a mess, her nerves shattered.

If a woman is able to stay home and the family live a modern life style without financial stress she is pretty well off and can spend some of her time on social media.

by Suliso I don't personally know anyone with 4+ kids... Maybe half a dozen families with three including one of my cousins. Indeed it's mostly about cost, but also people start the process up to 10 years later than they used to. Hardly time left for more than two. :)

by Deuce Maybe the standards for living a 'comfortable life' are too high today.
The 'need' for comfort and convenience is much more prevalent today than it was a few decades ago. It's all about 'keeping up with the Joneses' today: if your neighbours have 2 cars and 3 TVs, you must have the same, or suffer in 'social status'.

I think it's painfully obvious that people's material wants today are much, much greater than they were a few decades ago. Back then, the average family considered itself fortunate to have one basic colour TV and one car. Today, the average family feels embarrassed if they don't have at least 2 HD TVs, a cable TV subscription, high speed internet, and 2 cars that are less than 5 years old each.

And so, as material wants and the need for a certain level of 'social status' have increased, both parents have to work to afford that lifestyle.
But the reality is that today's average lifestyle would have been considered 'luxurious' a few decades ago. And when I see that the main consequence to today's lifestyle is that children are being more neglected, and are having more problems, I say that today's lifestyle is not worth that cost.

by ti-amie Parenting involves setting boundaries and I think that is what Deuce is talking about. Your little bundle of joy is just that, YOURS. Once he/she steps outside of your home no one gives a damn about his/her feelings, wants or desires. Kids have to be made to understand that.

The other thing is peer pressure. If Hailey has the latest sneakers and your daughter doesn't she faces bullying because her family must be "poor". There was a lament by a wealthy woman that she was working hard so that her children wouldn't be the "poorest of the rich" kids at their school in the NYTimes.

Societal pressures have changed and parents have to fight to stay on top of them within bounds of reason and that is what makes parenting so difficult today. So many people on night Twitter are people who have put the kids to bed (hopefully their kids aren't like those twins in the video clip) and taking a bit of "me" time.

by Suliso You can freely decide to live 60-ties lifestyle as long as you can find a partner who agrees.

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 7:22 pm You can freely decide to live 60-ties lifestyle as long as you can find a partner who agrees.
And can afford to provide it for you.

by Suliso Of course, and this is not just for people with kids, material desires can be endless and short of being the top 0.1% you'll never have it all. Tempering this "keeping up with neighbors" urge is something we all need to master. Having said that in my environment (no kids) I find absolutely zero pressure or expectation to keep up with anyone.

by ti-amie

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 7:22 pm You can freely decide to live 60-ties lifestyle as long as you can find a partner who agrees.
Sure... but the problem is that, as materialism has increased, personal insecurity has also increased - and so people are not strong enough to resist this increased materialism.
And, as I've said, it is not without consequence - the children ultimately pay the price for their parents 'needing' to follow the crowd. And that's neither fair nor healthy.

As for the example of the child being bullied in school because he/she doesn't have the latest 'cool' shoes... That may well be true. But to me, the best parents will not buy the child the 'cool' shoes. The best parents will teach the child that materialism is superficial and is simply a grand illusion, and that allowing other people to decide what you wear - among other things - is not healthy. The weaker parents will give in and do what is most convenient and requires the least amount of effort - which is to buy the kid the 'cool' shoes. But what does this teach the child?

We have more of those weaker types of parents today than we had in the past - partially because parents are 'too busy' to teach their children to be strong and emotionally healthy and to not follow the crowd, and partially because parents are more immature and insecure today than in the past, and so want to 'show off' vicariously by buying their kids the things that 'social status' demands.
There is no question in my mind that parenting has gone backwards in the past 50 years or so. And proof of that can be seen in the pretty much annual increase in insecure, materialistic, and troubled kids.

by JazzNU
skatingfan wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:08 pm Andy finally equaled Roger in something. :D

Murray ties Federer

Didn't know we were onto baby #4. That's the real news for me. I didn't know what he could've caught up to Roger on and when it was kids, I thought, oh twins? I don't at all recall when baby #3 came.

by Suliso If you hear about an ankle injury soon at least you'll know why :)

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by JazzNU I had missed that Niko Basilashvili was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife...

by ponchi101 The event happened around May 2020. Trial was scheduled to start around July. Then I can't find anything else. Of course he is free, as he is out there playing, but I would like to know what the final verdict was, as he claimed the allegations were false.

by mmmm8 The court process is still ongoing - no verdict has been issued. This is as of yesterday, because his lawyer threatened to sue over some articles saying he shouldn't have been entered into Doha (for libel, since he's to be presumed innocent until found guilty).

The news stories about what happened didn't give a lot of objective facts, but it seemed there was a possibility that they were both physically and other kinds of abusive to each other.

by Suliso Fiona Ferro

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by Suliso Just read a curious fact: Petra Kvitova has never lost a final from a set up. Not even in juniors or at ITF level. Must be the greatest frontrunner on the tour now. I checked myself that it has happened 4 times for Serena and twice for Osaka (ITF level).

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:58 am Just read a curious fact: Petra Kvitova has never lost a final from a set up. Not even in juniors or at ITF level. Must be the greatest frontrunner on the tour now. I checked myself that it has happened 4 times for Serena and twice for Osaka (ITF level).
That's fantastic. Love hearing anything good about Petra. :) Really hope she gets another Slam, post-stabbing .That comeback was so underrated.

Wonder what the best comeback in tennis has been. Do Capriati and Seles take the cake?

by ponchi101 Those two are on the list. Connors coming back from wrist surgery and reaching the USO SF at 39 comes to mind. But I am thinking about it and most likely I will got for Petra too. She was knifed in her playing hand and here she is, still competitive. It was indeed very courageous.

by Suliso I think it's still either Seles or Capriati, but Petra certainly deserves an honorable notion. Luckily for her the incident seems to have affected her only in a minor manner (not counting any psychological damage).

by ponchi101 Well, it hasn't affected her much, which is the point here, but you remember the pictures of the injury? I am not going to post them (they are here, with a warning) but it was not as if they just had to take two stitches and kiss her booboo goodbye. That was serious.
Again, the wonders of modern medicine. That operation must have taken some serious skills from the doctors.

by Deuce Of course, there were also the emotional and psychological scars for both Kvitova and Seles - which makes their respective comebacks more impressive than the others to me.
Capriati, as well, no doubt had to overcome the emotional and psychological effects of her circumstance. But it wasn't on the same scale as being attacked with a knife by a lunatic.

by ti-amie

by Deuce That's quite an accomplishment for Tommy, who's got to be about 73 years old now, as he's been on the tour for more than 50 years...

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Sun Mar 14, 2021 6:23 pm That's quite an accomplishment for Tommy, who's got to be about 73 years old now, as he's been on the tour for more than 50 years...
:lol:

by the Moz The best comeback in tennis is Monica Seles. End of.

Any other example of an athlete assaulted by a third party while in the moment competing? The horror of the Munich Olympics might be the closest.

by skatingfan
the Moz wrote: Sun Mar 14, 2021 6:48 pm The best comeback in tennis is Monica Seles. End of.

Any other example of an athlete assaulted by a third party while in the moment competing? The horror of the Munich Olympics might be the closest.
Nancy Kerrigan

by Liamvalid Does Agassi count? I don’t know that much about him but didn’t he fall out of the game and become a meth head, only to start playing challengers to work his way back up and ended up with another 4 slams? I know that time out doesn’t compare to Seles stabbing, but if his personal problems were due to mental illness I’d say he’s up there

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Sun Mar 14, 2021 4:25 pm I think it's still either Seles or Capriati, but Petra certainly deserves an honorable notion. Luckily for her the incident seems to have affected her only in a minor manner (not counting any psychological damage).
I would love to hear a fuller story on what it took for Petra to come back. It think it's easy to underplay it because her results have been good since then, even right away, so we infer that it wasn't all that difficult. She has talked about the racket feeling totally different in her hand, which must have been scary and technically hard to adjust to. She couldn't make a fist - so grip her racket totally - when she came back and that lasted for a while and still might be the case. She has also mentioned that it hurt that people didn't think she could come back. There are a bunch of layers of trauma that we never see. I think it's remarkable and I'd love to hear the whole story.

She is lucky that the knife missed the nerves, I believe.

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:07 am Does Agassi count? I don’t know that much about him but didn’t he fall out of the game and become a meth head, only to start playing challengers to work his way back up and ended up with another 4 slams? I know that time out doesn’t compare to Seles stabbing, but if his personal problems were due to mental illness I’d say he’s up there
Not sure he became a meth head (Capriati did though - or closer than Agassi). Agassi was doing cocaine before his ranking fell - he failed a drug test and the ATP or whoever buried it. I can't remember if he got addicted to painkillers or anything at some point before his comeback. Yes, his ranking did fall and he played challengers. It is a great comeback.

by ponchi101 Not a meth-head but in his book he did say he used it once. I don't recall the cocaine story but when the book came out, and he made it clear that the ATP had covered up his case, Nadal and others were fuming; they (I believe correctly so) said that it smeared them as now there would be suspicion that the ATP would cover up cases selectively. Rafa was the most vocal as he was, at the time, frequently being accused of doping (which, of course was not true) by some journals, especially in France.
While I will give Agassi credit for his comeback, the circumstances were very different. They did not involve a major physical injury, or something like Seles or Petra's attacks. So as a comeback, sure, he came back and was better than ever before. As per the situation? No, he dug that hole himself, and that makes it very different from these two women's cases. Again, he was very brave in doing what he did, but not the same.

by ptmcmahon
the Moz wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:54 pm I say this with utmost respect, but who would want to have four children :freaking: :freaking: :freaking: :freaking:
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 7:03 pm I don't personally know anyone with 4+ kids... Maybe half a dozen families with three including one of my cousins. Indeed it's mostly about cost, but also people start the process up to 10 years later than they used to. Hardly time left for more than two. :)
Well you know at least one TATer with 4 :) As for the first question.. I wanted 0 or 2 kids, wife wanted 3 or 4. You can see who won that :)

Only have one friend who has more that I can think of. :)

by skatingfan
ptmcmahon wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 3:17 pm Well you know at least one TATer with 4 :) As for the first question.. I wanted 0 or 2 kids, wife wanted 3 or 4. You can see who won that :)
I'm sure you put up a fight. ;)

by ponchi101 My brother wanted no kids. My sister in law wanted two.
I do love both my nieces; they are pretty cool.
Only way for a man to win that split is surgical.

by ptmcmahon I did that four kids too late :D

by ti-amie Taylor Townsend gave birth to a son, Adyn Aubrey.

by ponchi101 Good for her. Let's see when she gets back on court. She did say she would be coming back, right?

by JazzNU I'll have to post a picture of her, she's posted several during her pregnancy. Looks adorable.

Yes, she plans on returning. She's been working out during her pregnancy. She was still hitting the ball a few months ago. But when she returns is anyone's guess.

by JazzNU This is Taylor several days ago, on the day of her baby shower.


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by Fastbackss Pregnant women tend to glow; that dress makes it even more pronounced!

by mmmm8 Agassi tested positive for meth, not cocaine. He used meth for a short while depressed when his ranking dropped and Brooke Shields left him. Agassi is really another case of tennis parent child abuse, but a little bit less talked about because he was a man.

It's all in his great book, Open, which I can't recommend enough (it's co-written with a great writer).

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 11:01 am Agassi tested positive for meth, not cocaine. He used meth for a short while depressed when his ranking dropped and Brooke Shields left him. Agassi is really another case of tennis parent child abuse, but a little bit less talked about because he was a man.

It's all in his great book, Open, which I can't recommend enough (it's co-written with a great writer).
Open was really good. I read it ages ago - your memory is better than mine. I do recall some extremely cheesy choice of music while cruising around Vegas in his convertible. Like a song called "Can't Stop the Rain" and how it was so inspiring to him. I just came away from Open thinking he was a pretty cheesy guy. But I like him.

I also think the lack of attention to the parenting abuse was because it was when he was a child, not competing on tour with a monster parent-coach. But also because he's a dude, yeah.

by JazzNU I think Agassi is talked about less because I thought most of that stuff came out in the book, and it wasn't well known while he was still playing. Tomic pretends to be a man and a tennis player and there was plenty of attention on his oh so lovely father.

I have a hard time imagining him being a man would matter if Agassi's dad was acting the way Mary Pierce's dad was in the stands.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 2:42 pm I think Agassi is talked about less because I thought most of that stuff came out in the book, and it wasn't well known while he was still playing. Tomic pretends to be a man and a tennis player and there was plenty of attention on his oh so lovely father.

I have a hard time imagining him being a man would matter if Agassi's dad was acting the way Mary Pierce's dad was in the stands.
I see what you're saying. I think the dad would have gotten the same attention but Agassi wouldn't have been regarded as a victim to the same extent. We quickly infantilize women but not men.

by ti-amie I think Tomic is regarded as severely damaged although it's not covered the way that women players would be.

by the Moz
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 6:05 pm
JazzNU wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 2:42 pm I think Agassi is talked about less because I thought most of that stuff came out in the book, and it wasn't well known while he was still playing. Tomic pretends to be a man and a tennis player and there was plenty of attention on his oh so lovely father.

I have a hard time imagining him being a man would matter if Agassi's dad was acting the way Mary Pierce's dad was in the stands.
I see what you're saying. I think the dad would have gotten the same attention but Agassi wouldn't have been regarded as a victim to the same extent. We quickly infantilize women but not men.
For sure!!

But the 'burn out/coulda been' list is much lengthier for the women's tour than the men's.

by ti-amie I think that's why Shapo coming out and saying that he needs to play less for his mental health is important.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 8:01 pm I think that's why Shapo coming out and saying that he needs to play less for his mental health is important.
I missed that he said that. I hope the comments were directed at his mother more than anyone else.

by Deuce
the Moz wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 7:50 pm For sure!!

But the 'burn out/coulda been' list is much lengthier for the women's tour than the men's.
^ That's likely largely because female tennis players have historically entered the tour at a younger age than males.

by the Moz
Deuce wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:00 pm
the Moz wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 7:50 pm For sure!!

But the 'burn out/coulda been' list is much lengthier for the women's tour than the men's.
^ That's likely largely because female tennis players have historically entered the tour at a younger age than males.
True that.

by Suliso Yulia Putintseva

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by Liamvalid
Suliso wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 4:01 pm Yulia Putintseva

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Don’t know if it’s because I can’t stand watching her play, but I never knew she was that beautiful!

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Lorenzo Musetti got the cover of Italian Esquire back in November. Guess they are more than ready to make him a star.


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by ponchi101 Novak's father making some interesting comments:
Novak Djokovic is an "invisible miracle", it's as if God sent him to show that Serbians are not genocidal people: Father Srdjan Djokovic

by the Moz
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 4:10 am Novak's father making some interesting comments:
Novak Djokovic is an "invisible miracle", it's as if God sent him to show that Serbians are not genocidal people: Father Srdjan Djokovic
:vomit:

by dmforever
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 4:10 am Novak's father making some interesting comments:
Novak Djokovic is an "invisible miracle", it's as if God sent him to show that Serbians are not genocidal people: Father Srdjan Djokovic
The internet and social media can be used for good, or bad, or idiocy. This clearly belongs in the last category. :(

Kevin

by the Moz
dmforever wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 3:40 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 4:10 am Novak's father making some interesting comments:
Novak Djokovic is an "invisible miracle", it's as if God sent him to show that Serbians are not genocidal people: Father Srdjan Djokovic
The internet and social media can be used for good, or bad, or idiocy. This clearly belongs in the last category. :(

Kevin
Darwin for the digital set.

by ti-amie Would he be saying this stuff if it didn't go over well in Serbia? My guess is his son will be running for political office of some kind when he's finished playing tennis.

by ponchi101 I posted it in a separate topic. Novak will be Serbia's president about 10 years after his retirement. Unless Nikola Jokic runs against him (it will be 49-51).
Ok, make it 15.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 6:53 pm Would he be saying this stuff if it didn't go over well in Serbia? My guess is his son will be running for political office of some kind when he's finished playing tennis.
I doubt it. But the dad always seems to think what he says will play well worldwide. He wants Novak to be liked outside of Serbia too, he's as desperate as Novak for more adoration from tennis fans. Why he hasn't learned opening his trap does the opposite of that is beyond me. He clearly loves the sound of his own voice.

by ponchi101 Because the unfortunate thing, for Novak, is that pretty soon people will forget who really said this and he will be painted with it. Which this time, he will not be responsible for.

by skatingfan Tsitsipas is wearing a mask with a picture of himself wearing a mask with a picture of himself wearing a mask with a picture of himself wearing a mask with . . . well you get the picture.

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by Suliso Amanda Anisimova

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by Deuce
skatingfan wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 2:25 pm Tsitsipas is wearing mask with a picture of himself wearing a mask with a picture of himself wearing with a picture of himself wearing a mask with . . . well you get the picture.

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^ Very Djokovic-like.
As I've said previously, Tsitsipas and his father will take over from Novak and his father as the most insufferable parent-child duo in men's tennis. There are some interesting similarities.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Why is Clarey remembering Sampras? Sure, no big deal, but it is not the anniversary of that championship, nor his Bday, nor even the 30th year of that (it will be the 31st).
Anything special? :confused:

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Mar 20, 2021 7:09 pm Why is Clarey remembering Sampras? Sure, no big deal, but it is not the anniversary of that championship, nor his Bday, nor even the 30th year of that (it will be the 31st).
Anything special? :confused:
Not a clue.

by Deuce Maybe it's the anniversary of this well known ad...?

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:42 am Maybe it's the anniversary of this well known ad...?

by Suliso Anett Kontaveit

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by ti-amie He posted this today:


by ponchi101 Ok. So he is basically saying he misses the old days. I can live with that.
Gibson: the most forgotten woman in perhaps all of sports. And never included in the GOAT conversation, forgetting she was forced to go pro because of finances.
Don't get me started on how she died.

by ti-amie

by Suliso Another temptation (Alize) ;)

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by ti-amie

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sun Mar 21, 2021 7:23 pm

Want to place bets? 😃

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 8:06 pm
Who besides me would like to see a mixed doubles team of Del Potro and Andreescu?
:roll: :lol:

by ponchi101 I still cannot understand his injury. I saw in on TV, that "little slip" at Queens. And he is still out? How could that be so significant?
I hope he gets his knees back. Even if it is just to have a normal life.

by JazzNU Matteo in Monaco about 2 weeks ago. Still rehabbing from the injury he got in Australia.


Image

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Tue Mar 23, 2021 2:30 am Matteo in Monaco about 2 weeks ago. Still rehabbing from the injury he got in Australia.
Looks fine to me.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Who was it that said that we have some of the greatest athletes in all of sports? :mrgreen:

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:54 pm Who was it that said that we have some of the greatest athletes in all of sports? :mrgreen:
You can convince me of that in terms of the women. By with the men, with few exceptions, it's not even close.

by ponchi101 Ever seen four spaniards with a tennis ball, on a tennis court, playing that freaky mixture of football and tennis? Not good enough for you? :mrgreen:
Andre Agassi once went to a batting cage in Cincy. He started hitting balls and asked for the machine to be put on a higher speed. Soon, he asked it to be put at maximum. The operator told him the machine could reach 95MPH. Maximum, he said. He kept hitting line drives, getting to the point that he started taking running starts when the machine was throwing.
Almost an identical story was told about Aaron Krickstein. Mardy Fish, of course, is famous for hitting a home run at Three River Stadium.
Sports I believe Gael would excel at: basketball (obvious), football (wide receiver/cornerback), track and field (high jump/long jump), swimming.
Rafa and Nole going 6 hours at that Aussie final. Hitting winners late in the fifth.
I would say that the majority of ATP players could complete a marathon with minimal extra training.

We do have some really good athletes. I remain convinced: the best athletes in the world, if you include skills and athleticism, are the guys in the NBA, and the guys in the ATP.
No need for examples from the WTA because we agree.

by JazzNU Nope not good enough for me. I am most certainly not talking about marathon runners when I'm talking about "greatest athletes in all of sports." What I think you've done is picked out the few exceptions I'm talking about You did mention a few that I didn't know, I have no idea why Mardy Fish is "of course," but what I said still stands for me. I think a healthy percentage of WTA players could likely make and start on a Power 5 collegiate team in another sport, but I can't say the same for the men at all.

by ponchi101 Ok. Then I ask you: who do you think are the best athletes overall? A combination of skills, stamina, power, precision. Which sport do you think produces the overall best?

by JazzNU Easily basketball. Though I judge by US basketball standards. If I had to look outside of the US, I very well might choose a different sport.

by Fastbackss I didn't know the Mardy Fish story, but I did know how good a golfer he is - winning the celebrity tournament and I believe (nearly) qualifying for some pro tournaments

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:45 am Easily basketball. Though I judge by US basketball standards. If I had to look outside of the US, I very well might choose a different sport.
But then we are in agreement. Here I only said that we produce some of the best overall athletes in all of sports. But my original opinion was that the NBA/WNBA and ATP/WTA produce the best such athletes. I can easily imagine Steph or Chris Paul taking up tennis at an early age and being highly ranked now. Imagine Jordan playing tennis. Sure, a bit too tall but, with his speed and lateral movements he would be a nightmarish serve and volley player (to play against).

by Suliso NBA is top class as far as athleticism is concerned, but on the other hand pure height plays a huge role as well.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:21 pm NBA is top class as far as athleticism is concerned, but on the other hand pure height plays a huge role as well.
Sure. Remember the axion: "You CAN'T teach height". You will always have the Embids and O'Neal, players that don't impress me in the same sense of Curry, Jordan, Lebron or, in the past, Allen Iverson or Dr J. But the combination of all the athletic skills PLUS the hand/eye coordination is what impresses me of both sports. Curry's hand/eye skills would make him, I believe, a deadly server and a fantastic volleyer. How could you pass Jordan or Magic Johnson? Allen Iverson's speed and quickness would rival, at a minimum, Chang's or Hewitt's or now Deminaur's.
I have said this before: a team of selected NBA athletes will be more competitive against any team of selected athletes FROM ANOTHER sport, at that sport, than that same team will be in basketball.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 5:38 pm
Suliso wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:21 pm NBA is top class as far as athleticism is concerned, but on the other hand pure height plays a huge role as well.
Sure. Remember the axion: "You CAN'T teach height". You will always have the Embids and O'Neal, players that don't impress me in the same sense of Curry, Jordan, Lebron or, in the past, Allen Iverson or Dr J. But the combination of all the athletic skills PLUS the hand/eye coordination is what impresses me of both sports. Curry's hand/eye skills would make him, I believe, a deadly server and a fantastic volleyer. How could you pass Jordan or Magic Johnson? Allen Iverson's speed and quickness would rival, at a minimum, Chang's or Hewitt's or now Deminaur's.
I have said this before: a team of selected NBA athletes will be more competitive against any team of selected athletes FROM ANOTHER sport, at that sport, than that same team will be in basketball.
I don't disagree, and I don't think height is the only thing that makes NBA/WNBA players good at other sports. It's like you say, hand eye coordination, thinking on the fly, adjusting to changing situations and overall athletic ability. Curry doesn't get enough credit for being the point guard that he is.

There is a dispute about Jordan's height. He's listed now as 6'6" but was 6'4" for the Olympics.

by Suliso I'd like to see NBA players try ice hockey. NHL players might actually win that one :lol:

I think we probably all agree that NBA is most versatile and athletic of big leagues in US and possibly worldwide. I'd be a lot more hesitant to claim the same for women, WNBA not really a big deal globally.

by ponchi101 Had not thought about hockey. You are probably right there.

by Suliso Some sports are just too specific. There probably are only handful of NBA players who would survive a pro level downhill run on the mountain, but of course that's not an argument that skiers are better athletes. They aren't except maybe for the courage factor.

by ti-amie I was floored when I went to Quèbec and saw how there are pick up hockey games just like pick up basketball games there. We stayed with family so we were in a residential neighborhood. As for skiing, you have to be nuts to throw yourself down the side of a mountain on two wooden (are they wood anymore) slats. As has been said, I admire their courage.

by ponchi101 No, they are not wooden slats anymore :D . It is not a coincidence that a lot of companies that make rackets also make skis: head, rosignol, volkl, fisher, quite a few. All skis are super technological sandwiches of space age materials.
And you always have your bunny slopes.
Having said that, I started skiing at an advanced age: I was almost 50. By now I can go down black diamond slopes with ease and the sole limitation are my physical condition (I am not 25 so moguls and other bumps are too hard on the knees) and when the slope is too steep and the chicken in me reminds me that I do not carry life insurance. But, as a combination of skills and physical abilities, no contest: tennis is way tougher to master than skiing.

by ti-amie

by Deuce Sloane's commitment to tennis has been absent for quite a while now - for about 18 months (long before she lost people she was close with to COVID-19).
It has just seemed that she wasn't enjoying tennis, that she didn't want to be on the court.
She just turned 28 a few days ago - so, physically, she still has several years remaining where she can play at a high level. She simply has to decide if she wants to or not.

One must wonder how she lost her motivation for the game. Was it that she found it too difficult to repeat her earlier success? Was it too much fame following the earlier success which helped her to lose her focus on tennis? Or maybe it was something completely unrelated to tennis.
Surely the virus situation and losing close family members to the virus haven't helped - but, as I mentioned, this lack of motivation began before the virus hit the world.

by patrick Stephens motivation has always been a question throughout her career.

by ponchi101 I always felt she was a good 2-3 slams winner. Maybe even a career similar to Lindsey's. Too bad, as I always liked her.

by Suliso

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 4:41 pm
Ah. Congratulations!

by the Moz
patrick wrote: Thu Mar 25, 2021 10:52 am Stephens motivation has always been a question throughout her career.
Winning a Slam out of nowhere or with a low ranking is rarely a successful launching point for future success. She's 297-211 in her career and has won $15mil losing a lot of matches. And this was for the most part all achieved before she got engaged or before her COVID year from hell. Patrick on point :thumbsup:

by Suliso
the Moz wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 6:10 pm
patrick wrote: Thu Mar 25, 2021 10:52 am Stephens motivation has always been a question throughout her career.
Winning a Slam out of nowhere or with a low ranking is rarely a successful launching point for future success. She's 297-211 in her career and has won $15mil losing a lot of matches. And this was for the most part all achieved before she got engaged or before her COVID year from hell. Patrick on point :thumbsup:
There is a fellow from Brazil who disagrees. :)

by Suliso Interesting factoid: Naomi Osaka has never reached a tournament final off hard courts and has never been to final in any European tournament. I guess we can fully expect her to turn into pumpkin after Miami.

by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 6:25 pm Interesting factoid: Naomi Osaka has never reached a tournament final off hard courts and has never been to final in any European tournament. I guess we can fully expect her to turn into pumpkin after Miami.
Yes. Her current win streak is being overstated as people like to gloss over that she's played in only 4 tournaments since the hiatus, and withdrew from 2 of the 4. It just so happens those 2 wins were grand slams, so impressive and worth highlighting. But the win streak is made possible because she skipped Rome and the French. Last time she played on clay, she had an epic meltdown. Let's hope we're past that, but won't be surprising if she turns into a pumpkin in a matter of weeks.

by Suliso There is a recent interview where she says (after withdrawing from Stuttgart) that she has little interest in playing smaller tournaments and gets homesick if away from home for too long. Just from a financial point of view she's right, but that could be said about many elite players. I guess others just like the lifestyle and playing often.

by JazzNU Yes, she appears to have figured that out in the last year staying home almost the entire time and playing well when she does play. Though she hardly had a robust schedule before. Guess we'll see how it works out. Playing so little will make pushing her out as the face of women's tennis a harder challenge. Luckily, the WTA has more than just her to put forward, but it's still a bit of a blow.

by ponchi101 When Naomi retires, her 8 Grand Slams will not feature a RG.
Then again, of Sharapova's 5 slams, 2 are RG's. So who knows if Naomi well develop a taste for the dirt.

by Suliso
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 9:01 pm When Naomi retires, her 8 Grand Slams will not feature a RG.
Then again, of Sharapova's 5 slams, 2 are RG's. So who knows if Naomi well develop a taste for the dirt.
Will it feature Wimbledon? What is your crystal ball saying on that? :D

by ponchi101 I say she will conquer Wimbledon. She has the serve, and she attacks.
Then again, you know my crystal ball is really just plexiglass...

by ti-amie

by the Moz Cute couple and adorable kid!!

by 3mlm
JazzNU wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 7:13 pmlYes, she appears to have figured that out in the last year staying home almost the entire time and playing well when she does play. Though she hardly had a robust schedule before. Guess we'll see how it works out. Playing so little will make pushing her out as the face of women's tennis a harder challenge. Luckily, the WTA has more than just her to put forward, but it's still a bit of a blow.
Depends on how much Naomi wins. While Serena received some criticism early in her career for not playing as many tournaments as other players, she became the "face of women's tennis" after she won enough slams even though she continued to play fewer tournaments than most players.

by JazzNU
3mlm wrote: Sat Mar 27, 2021 1:10 am
Depends on how much Naomi wins. While Serena received some criticism early in her career for not playing as many tournaments as other players, she became the "face of women's tennis" after she won enough slams even though she continued to play fewer tournaments than most players.
But as it stands right now, before her stated reduction in schedule, she actually plays less than Serena did then. And now she's saying she'll be playing even less than what she was. If she keeps winning Slams, maybe not a big deal. But I wouldn't say that's great for the face of the sport. If Naomi was playing a Halep like schedule and said she was reducing it, then that would be one thing. But that is not her starting point at all.

by Deuce We obviously must keep in mind that over the past year, everyone has played a reduced schedule because of the virus situation. And so comparing Osaka's schedule in the midst of a pandemic to Serena's schedule when there was no pandemic is beyond comparing apples to oranges.

by 3mlm
JazzNU wrote: Sat Mar 27, 2021 2:45 am
3mlm wrote: Sat Mar 27, 2021 1:10 am
Depends on how much Naomi wins. While Serena received some criticism early in her career for not playing as many tournaments as other players, she became the "face of women's tennis" after she won enough slams even though she continued to play fewer tournaments than most players.
But as it stands right now, before her stated reduction in schedule, she actually plays less than Serena did then. And now she's saying she'll be playing even less than what she was. If she keeps winning Slams, maybe not a big deal. But I wouldn't say that's great for the face of the sport. If Naomi was playing a Halep like schedule and said she was reducing it, then that would be one thing. But that is not her starting point at all.
Until the 2020 WTA season, Naomi played as many or more tournaments than Serena usually has: 2019, 17 tournaments; 2018, 20 tournaments; 2017, 22 tournaments; 2016, 22 tournaments; 2015, 18 tournaments (9 ITF, 9 WTA/Slams); and 2014, 15 tournaments (11 ITF, 4 WTA), when she was 16 until October.

I don't think she's planning on reducing tournaments played from the 4 she played in 2020 or even necessarily from the 17 in 2019.

Most players played fewer tournaments in 2020 than usual, including the top players. Barty 4, Halep 6, Kenin 10, Svitolina 10, Pliskova 9, Serena 6, Sabalenka 12, Andreescu 0, Kvitova 7.

I'm waiting until we see her reduced schedule before I make any judgments about it.

And, by the way, Halep only played 17 tournaments in 2019, too, and 6 in 2020. That's 2 more than Naomi over that period of time.

by JazzNU All I can say is that I'm mystified by this reply and I'll leave it at that.

by Suliso This is Clara Burel, but I'm posting it more for the magnificent cat. Most players with pets prefer dogs.

Image

by ponchi101 I would have posted it because of the magnificent cake

by the Moz I love the cat's face :lol:

by ti-amie I'm a cat person. That is a magnificent cat.

I had no idea what that was on the table for a minute.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 6:20 pm I had no idea what that was on the table for a minute.
Still not 100% certain what it is.

I am not a cat person at all. Highly allergic to them. This particular one kind of looks like it might put me in the hospital.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:12 am
ti-amie wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 6:20 pm I had no idea what that was on the table for a minute.
Still not 100% certain what it is.

I am not a cat person at all. Highly allergic to them. This particular one kind of looks like it might put me in the hospital.
It looks like a Persian, a long haired breed. If she got it from a breeder they're very expensive.

by ponchi101 The thing on the table is a "profiterol" cake. Soft dough balls filled with pastry cream (or other forms of 1,000 KCal/Spoonful fillings), bathed in chocolate and cream, on top of a phyllo dough.
They are delicious.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:22 am The thing on the table is a "profiterol" cake. Soft dough balls filled with pastry cream (or other forms of 1,000 KCal/Spoonful fillings), bathed in chocolate and cream, on top of a phyllo dough.
They are delicious.
And I could only dare a spoonful. Sigh.

by JazzNU A Persian? Absolutely not. Those are TERRIBLE for allergies and asthma.

That dessert looked more like a croquembouche than a cake to me.

by JazzNU Speaking of pets, if you watched the Muguruza vs. Kalinskaya match, especially if you were on the match during the heat rule break, then you may have seen a dog near the court and stands. That's Anna's dog that she apparently travels with most of the time when she's on Tour. His name is Kobe.


Image

by Deuce Just once, I'd like to see a player bring a big, drooling Rottweiler or Pit Bull to their match - just to break the silly, superficial trend of using 'cute little dogs' as an attention-getting fashion accessory.

I love dogs - and cats, and all other animals. And I hate seeing them used as 'decorations' in this way.
They certainly don't belong at tennis tournaments.

by ponchi101 Why stop there? Bring a parrot on your shoulder :D
I agree with you.

by Fastbackss
Deuce wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 2:58 am Just once, I'd like to see a player bring a big, drooling Rottweiler or Pit Bull to their match - just to break the silly, superficial trend of using 'cute little dogs' as an attention-getting fashion accessory.

I love dogs - and cats, and all other animals. And I hate seeing them used as 'decorations' in this way.
They certainly don't belong at tennis tournaments.
I've often wondered who takes care of these animals, especially with their entourage trimmed.

My other hobby is car racing - and sometimes will be gone for 14 hours - so I have had to take my pooch. That is a much different environment I imagine

by ti-amie Serena and Venus started this cute dog thing. I think Venus pooch - his name escapes me now - was followed by Serena's yorkie Chip. He's a toy and I'm not sure if this Chip we're seeing is the original but he is still around. So is Venus' dog.

by JazzNU Serena and Venus can no doubt afford to have someone take care of their dogs when they travel with them. I have no idea how someone like Kalinskaya, who often needs to come up thru qualifying, is able to manage that. Since the dog was at the court, maybe no one other than her and her team.

by JazzNU I haven't read it, but ATP has a story up about Liam and Naomi Broady for anyone that might be interested. Based on tweets from the ATP, I believe it's at least somewhat talking about the unusualness of the brother-sister pairing on tour. https://www.atptour.com/en/news/liam-na ... 21-feature


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by ti-amie I've already saved this.


by Fastbackss Hehe. Iga and Bethanie as teammates will assuredly create some additional memes

by Suliso Tsvetana Pironkova

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Anett Kontaveit

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Simona Halep

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by ti-amie Halep all Louis Vuitton'ed out too I see. That small purse is meant to go inside of a larger one but whatever. Naomi's ad for them apparently has everyone and their mother with about $2k burning a hole in their pocket wanting the bag she featured. I'll look for the pic.

by ti-amie Image
Naomi for Louis Vuitton

by the Moz
ti-amie wrote: Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:55 pm Image
Naomi for Louis Vuitton
Love the pic, but she needs lose the LV.

by ponchi101 The only problem for Naomi is that she is running out of possible endorsements. She is basically signed for everything.

by JazzNU Christina McHale with her sister Lauren and two others in Nashville two weeks ago.


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by JazzNU ^^ Also, all indications are pointing to Lauren McHale and Ryan Harrison splitting up sometime in the last year. He's been scrubbed from her IG account and given they've been together a very long time and were married, that takes away a lot of content and isn't easy to do.

by ti-amie

So GEMS life forever?

I have two words for them: Couples therapy

Also congratulations

by ponchi101 Who knows? This dynamic is not uncommon: one of them wants to get married. The other no. They split. The one that said NO caves in, really feels the other is worth keeping, and the reunion involves taking the next step.
Hope they are happy for a long time.
BTW: she looks gorgeous.

by Fastbackss I checked, it wasn't posted on April 1.

And I wish them luck - tennis is more fun with them as a pair

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 5:59 pm Who knows? This dynamic is not uncommon: one of them wants to get married. The other no. They split. The one that said NO caves in, really feels the other is worth keeping, and the reunion involves taking the next step.
Hope they are happy for a long time.
BTW: she looks gorgeous.
And very, very happy.

I really like her ring. To get a good emerald cut you need to start with a fairly large stone. I think it's very nicely done (and expensive).

by ti-amie

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 5:41 pm So GEMS life forever?

I have two words for them: Couples therapy

Also congratulations

Congratulations. And couples therapy stat. Remember she played in the semis so how long could they have been together to work through whatever broke them up before. I do wish them the best, but I also think they are a mess and a broken engagement and re-engagement seem like they'd be par for the course in their trajectory as a couple.

by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 8:07 pm
Ok. I am a fan.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 9:20 pm
Ok. I am a fan.
That was a quick turnaround.

by ti-amie I've joined the ranks of Sinner fans too.

by Deuce So... would Sinner fans be called... 'sinners'?

Good luck explaining that one when you're rejected at the Pearly Gates... :twisted:
:D

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 11:42 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 9:20 pm
Ok. I am a fan.
That was a quick turnaround.
I had nothing against him. I only wondered why people were so high on him.
That statement is so diametrically opposite to the late comments of "we are not making enough money" that I tip my hat. To him and his parents.

by ponchi101
Deuce wrote: Sun Apr 04, 2021 1:31 am So... would Sinner fans be called... 'sinners'?

Good luck explaining that one when you're rejected at the Pearly Gates... :twisted:
:D
Heck, why would I BE REJECTED? :twisted:
This would be the least of my sins. Anyway, hell will certainly have better music: Hendrix, Miles, Billie Holiday, and there is no way the Rolling Stones make it to heaven. No way. ;)

by JazzNU Denis with girlfriend Mirjam Bjorklund in Miami


Image

by ti-amie




by ti-amie
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 6:12 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 5:59 pm
BTW: she looks gorgeous.
And very, very happy.

I really like her ring. To get a good emerald cut you need to start with a fairly large stone. I think it's very nicely done (and expensive).

by Suliso Such a waste for just a shiny rock...

by mmmm8 Imagine having a life of constant travelling and changing locations, going through airports wearing EUR 700K on your finger, leaving it in random hotel rooms while you're at practice or putting it in some pocket it could fall out of. The pressure.

by ponchi101 Ok. Now I am kind of curious. I agree, partially, that this is silly (the diamond ring). But what else was Gael to give her? She is a millionaire herself, so buying her anything that she doesn't have OR CAN'T BUY herself is difficult. What was he to do? Give her nothing?
Again, I see your posts and I sort of agree. But he was in some sort of catch-22: give her nothing and he gets roasted (maybe even by her). Give her a ring and, well, it is silly too.

by ti-amie Maybe you guys don't remember how Marion Bartoli's fiance was raked over the coals when he gave her, for people at their level, what looked like a ring out of a Cracker Jack box and people came to her defense saying it had to be an heirloom in his family?

Also I think it was Kiki Bertens who apologized for her ring saying the original ring was too big or something because the one she used in her announcement was tiny (again for people at their level).

by Suliso Why does one need to display any ring in public at all? Such a wasteful tradition...

I mean I give gifts to my girlfriend too occasionally as most guys do, but something like this would feel like I'm buying her in the market or something. Maybe it's just the weird me...

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 8:03 am Why does one need to display any ring in public at all? Such a wasteful tradition...

I mean I give gifts to my girlfriend too occasionally as most guys do, but something like this would feel like I'm buying her in the market or something. Maybe it's just the weird me...
Because the more expensive the ring, the more genuine the love, of course!
What better proof of true love is there than spending as much money as possible on a person - and making sure you tell everyone about it?

Or maybe it’s because most cultures in the world today are incredibly superficial and materialistic, and its individuals so personally insecure, that they depend on ‘social status’ to define them. And so most of what people do is geared toward obtaining a certain ‘social status’ - and the internet (and 'social media' in particular) allows everyone to climb up onto a huge public stage any time they want - the equivalent of desperately yelling “HEY, LOOK AT ME! PLEASE LOOK AT ME! PLEASE LIKE ME! PLEASE!!” - to get their 15 minutes of fame - because without this constant validation, they feel highly insignificant.

"We are so accustomed to disguising ourselves to others that we end up becoming disguised to ourselves." ~ François de La Rochefoucauld

.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 12:46 am Ok. Now I am kind of curious. I agree, partially, that this is silly (the diamond ring). But what else was Gael to give her? She is a millionaire herself, so buying her anything that she doesn't have OR CAN'T BUY herself is difficult. What was he to do? Give her nothing?
Again, I see your posts and I sort of agree. But he was in some sort of catch-22: give her nothing and he gets roasted (maybe even by her). Give her a ring and, well, it is silly too.
This isn't a commentary on Gael (or Elina) - most likely this is what she wanted and he did right by her.

I just don't get it personally.

by Liamvalid Wonder how long before it’s in the pawn shop?

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 10:56 am
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 12:46 am Ok. Now I am kind of curious. I agree, partially, that this is silly (the diamond ring). But what else was Gael to give her? She is a millionaire herself, so buying her anything that she doesn't have OR CAN'T BUY herself is difficult. What was he to do? Give her nothing?
Again, I see your posts and I sort of agree. But he was in some sort of catch-22: give her nothing and he gets roasted (maybe even by her). Give her a ring and, well, it is silly too.
This isn't a commentary on Gael (or Elina) - most likely this is what she wanted and he did right by her.

I just don't get it personally.
Haven't you seen the Sex and the City movie? "See, this is why there's a ring. You have to have something to close the deal." :) So if there was no ring, Elina would have turned into a bridezilla, put a dead bird on her head, and been left at the altar, sadly to return to her lonely single-girl apartment and petulantly never speak to Gael for a year, only to fall back into his arms once she sees him in the glowing light of the custom walk-in closet he had built for her. So, just buy the ring and avoid the curse of the untraditional proposal.

I don't have an engagement ring. I would have always looked at it and seen a boat or a trip we could have had instead. It's also so baldly patriarchal to me, but if I loved jewelry, I probably wouldn't mind. An engagement ring just isn't me. But I see why other people like one. It's part of the traditional romantic gesture of a proposal. Some people just really love diamonds. It's a symbol, evidently one she values.

I'd be surprised if she wears it very long. Maybe in certain situations. Not just because of the price, but because that thing will cut the hell out of her and rip her clothes. So many women end up taking off their rock because it's impractical.

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 12:54 pm Wonder how long before it’s in the pawn shop?
Hell, she's keeping that thing no matter what.

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:01 pm
Haven't you seen the Sex and the City movie? "See, this is why there's a ring. You have to have something to close the deal." :) So if there was no ring, Elina would have turned into a bridezilla, put a dead bird on her head, and been left at the altar, sadly to return to her lonely single-girl apartment and petulantly never speak to Gael for a year, only to fall back into his arms once she sees him in the glowing light of the custom walk-in closet he had built for her. So, just buy the ring and avoid the curse of the untraditional proposal.
Getting REALLY bored in quarantine, huh? :lol:

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:45 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:01 pm
Haven't you seen the Sex and the City movie? "See, this is why there's a ring. You have to have something to close the deal." :) So if there was no ring, Elina would have turned into a bridezilla, put a dead bird on her head, and been left at the altar, sadly to return to her lonely single-girl apartment and petulantly never speak to Gael for a year, only to fall back into his arms once she sees him in the glowing light of the custom walk-in closet he had built for her. So, just buy the ring and avoid the curse of the untraditional proposal.
Getting REALLY bored in quarantine, huh? :lol:
hahaha! I have seen that movie 15 times. I was in my 20s when the show came out. It was my religion.

by meganfernandez Mirka and Roger!
ti-amie wrote: Sun Apr 04, 2021 6:35 pm




by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:58 pm Mirka and Roger!
ti-amie wrote: Sun Apr 04, 2021 6:35 pm



Carling Bassett/Robert Seguso.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 10:48 pm Carling Bassett/Robert Seguso.
Prides of Canada, right?

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Apr 06, 2021 3:01 am
Deuce wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 10:48 pm Carling Bassett/Robert Seguso.
Prides of Canada, right?
Well... Carling was Canada's 'sweetheart' back in the '80s.
Seguso's American.
They had a tennis academy in Florida - but it's no longer active, as far as I know.
They had a couple of kids who were playing tennis at a decent level at one point.

Carling had troubles with eating disorders for many years - and she was unhealthily thin. I have no idea what her current condition is.

Here are a couple of interesting quotations from an interview done with Carling about 10 years ago...
Funny Tennis Memory:"I used to travel with Jimmy Connors a little bit and his group of boys. Jimmy…and Yannick Noah is great. Because I was kind of like the girl that was in the boy’s group or something. Without being a threat because I was never one to sleep with anybody or do anything bad.”

Fiercest Competitors Encountered: “You mean on a manipulation level too? On the outside? Chris Evert by far. Not a good person.”

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 A little bit complicated but I like it :thumbsup:

by Deuce Roger created a monster with this 'personal logo' stuff.
I think it's all rather ridiculous, personally. I know there's money to be made with it (as if these players need MORE money)... really, though, it's just one more way to stroke an ego.

But if you're going to do it, at least wait until you get into the top 10 - or even top 5.

by ponchi101 I think that Tiger predated Roger with his logo.
And you must remember how Adidas made "logos" for both Lendl and Edberg that were sort of hidden in the design of the shirts. I liked Edberg's, Lendl's was a bit too High School for me.

by Deuce Yeah, maybe Tiger was first... and it spilled over to Roger because both with Nike...

Yes, I remember Edberg and Lendl. But that was pretty much just the design on some shirts that incorporated their initials. And it was just temporary.
Today, it's pure branding. Might as well do it with a hot iron.
Edberg and Lendl were both top 5 players, also. This is quite premature for Sinner.

Besides, any logo for Sinner should include a Bible and a Devil, no?

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 1:22 am I think that Tiger predated Roger with his logo.
And you must remember how Adidas made "logos" for both Lendl and Edberg that were sort of hidden in the design of the shirts. I liked Edberg's, Lendl's was a bit too High School for me.
Tiger? I mean yeah. But you missed a biggie in the logo discussion that predates both, that they were both modeled after...

I'm pulling your NBA fan card for a week for this. No Jazz, Nuggets or Spurs games for you all week!

by skatingfan I was thinking Jordan, but it's a silhouette, not his initials.

by ponchi101 What Skating says. I did not include Jordan because it was a silhouette.
There are plenty of logos around. My favorite is Kawhi's. In tennis, I have to admit that I think the best if Nole's. Simple and elegant.

And Ok, I will be grounded after I finish this Jazz/Suns game :P

by JazzNU It's a logo that is synonymous with him. Sold on every bit of merchandise Nike could think of. The Nike logo push for Tiger and Roger is based off of Jordan and no one else.

You're absolutely still grounded @ponchi.

by ponchi101 I was also wondering: are there any WTA players with a logo? The closest I can think of is Venus' ELEVEN, and that is more her brand, not her directly. Does Serena have a logo? She should, being with Nike. Naomi? I know her shoes at the Aussie had a small Japanese figure, but I can't recall a logo.

by the Moz Martina Sr had a logo maybe late 80s to early 90s??

by ponchi101 Quick search for MARTINA NAVRATILOVA LOGO comes up blank. I don't recall it.

by the Moz https://sicovers.com/featured/usa-marti ... amed-print

by ponchi101 Ok, there you go, on the head band. Completely forgot about it. :thumbsup:

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 2:29 pm I was also wondering: are there any WTA players with a logo? The closest I can think of is Venus' ELEVEN, and that is more her brand, not her directly. Does Serena have a logo? She should, being with Nike. Naomi? I know her shoes at the Aussie had a small Japanese figure, but I can't recall a logo.

I don't think many of the women are that hung up on the logo thing. Benchwarmers in the NBA are coming up with logos at the moment. It's a thing right now. I assume that's why Jannik is "finally" doing one.

Ash Barty has a logo, it's new, something someone came up with for her in 2021. And Eleven is Venus' logo. You're applying more rules to this than is required. RF is a brand too, just one that Nike created. Part of what is funny about Jannik "finally" coming up with a logo and these benchwarmers doing it, is that it's not for much, it may be down the line, but right now, doesn't appear to be some moneymaker, just planning ahead I guess.

Also, you're saying Kawhi is your favorite, but you discounted MJ's logo, meanwhile, Kawhi's logo is a creative hand that identifies him but that is still stylized into a claw/klaw and was superimposed over MJ's logo on the Jordan shoe for Kawhi. Like I said, applying too many rules to this. A logo is a logo. If it is associated with one person, it's a personal logo. MJ's logo is of him, doesn't get much more personal than that.

by JazzNU This is a bit unfortunate, coming at a time where their tech is being use more not less. I don't get the fox thing for Jannik.



by ponchi101 That was going to be my next question. Why the fox? The only connection I can make is that he is a redhead and foxes are reddish too.

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 5:22 pm That was going to be my next question. Why the fox? The only connection I can make is that he is a redhead and foxes are reddish too.
Apparently he's fox like - foxy - devious maybe? I don't know.

What is his nickname?
Sinner is known as “The Fox” or “Jan the Fox.”

https://www.tennismajors.com/our-featur ... 83959.html

by JazzNU I have no idea. I feel like they are assuming it is obvious, so do people think he looks like a fox? Is sly like a fox? Is crazy like a fox? I don't understand the nickname. I figured it was something already existing to make a logo out of it. But, for real, I'm missing what it is. There are things that I get what they are going for, I just don't agree that it's an apt nickname. Here, I have no idea where fox entered the conversation.

by Suliso Qiang Wang

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by JazzNU

by ti-amie What?!


by ponchi101 No. Not: WHAT?! WHAT???!!!!

by the Moz
ti-amie wrote: Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:08 am What?!

I miss the Dokic!!

by Suliso Image

by ponchi101 I was curious about the charity that Davidodich-Fokina (we need to shorten that to ADF, please) is supporting, ADOPTAS.ORG. So I went to it and found out he is not supporting it, he owns it. The entire website is his, and it is sort of a database on animal shelters and how to adopt pets (dogs, cats and others).
My hat off to this guy. Move to the front group of players to respect, Mr ADF.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Apr 16, 2021 2:36 pm I was curious about the charity that Davidodich-Fokina (we need to shorten that to ADF, please) is supporting, ADOPTAS.ORG. So I went to it and found out he is not supporting it, he owns it. The entire website is his, and it is sort of a database on animal shelters and how to adopt pets (dogs, cats and others).
My hat off to this guy. Move to the front group of players to respect, Mr ADF.
^ Good for him.
And he's done this before becoming really famous - so we know that it's genuine, and not just a phony public relations stunt.

(I just hope he doesn't start bringing the animals to his matches as fashion accessories! :roll: )

by Suliso Astra Sharma with her parents

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by Suliso Fernandez

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Muguruza

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by JazzNU Fantastic! Hopefully others will share it more publicly as well.


by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Apr 16, 2021 2:36 pm I was curious about the charity that Davidodich-Fokina (we need to shorten that to ADF, please) is supporting,
Move to the front group of players to respect, Mr ADF.

Not remotely a fan of this ADF stuff. It has no rhythm or flow to it. Might I suggest we just take a note from Alex, he calls himself FOKI on his social media accounts. Way more personality in that.

by ponchi101 So sure, let him be FOKI.
Close to being a banned word, but as long as we don't have to type down the whole name, I'm in.

by Deuce
JazzNU wrote: Fri Apr 16, 2021 10:12 pm Fantastic! Hopefully others will share it more publicly as well.

Strange way to announce she's getting vaccinated - by citing it as the reason she's pulling out of a tournament.
I'm not aware that getting vaccinated and playing tennis are mutually exclusive.
It might even discourage some people who are on the fence about getting vaccinated... Maybe even give a bit of fuel to the 'anti-vaxxers', who may say "See - the adverse effects of the vaccine are significant to the degree that you can't play tennis."

by Suliso Getting vaccinated in US kind of prevents one from playing a tournament in Germany at the same time.

by ponchi101 If she is going Pfizer, she has to return, at the latest, 21 days later. If Moderna, 28. So maybe she should ask for J&J, which right now is not available.

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 2:04 pm Getting vaccinated in US kind of prevents one from playing a tournament in Germany at the same time.
I didn't see that she's getting vaccinated in the US.
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 2:15 pm If she is going Pfizer, she has to return, at the latest, 21 days later. If Moderna, 28. So maybe she should ask for J&J, which right now is not available.
Is the US still giving the 2nd doses roughly 3 - 4 weeks following the 1st dose?
Because many countries are giving the 2nd dose only 2 or 3 - or even 4 - MONTHS after the 1st.

by mmmm8
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:33 pm
Suliso wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 2:04 pm Getting vaccinated in US kind of prevents one from playing a tournament in Germany at the same time.
I didn't see that she's getting vaccinated in the US.
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 2:15 pm If she is going Pfizer, she has to return, at the latest, 21 days later. If Moderna, 28. So maybe she should ask for J&J, which right now is not available.
Is the US still giving the 2nd doses roughly 3 - 4 weeks following the 1st dose?
Because many countries are giving the 2nd dose only 2 or 3 - or even 4 - MONTHS after the 1st.

She is currently in Miami (where she lives).

As Ponchi said, 3 weeks for Pfizer, 4 weeks for Moderna. I've only heard of the UK and Denmark approving a delay on the second dose.

by Deuce
mmmm8 wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:39 pm
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:33 pm Is the US still giving the 2nd doses roughly 3 - 4 weeks following the 1st dose?
Because many countries are giving the 2nd dose only 2 or 3 - or even 4 - MONTHS after the 1st.
As Ponchi said, 3 weeks for Pfizer, 4 weeks for Moderna. I've only heard of the UK and Denmark approving a delay on the second dose.
And Canada. Up to 4 months here.

by skatingfan
mmmm8 wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:39 pm She is currently in Miami (where she lives).

As Ponchi said, 3 weeks for Pfizer, 4 weeks for Moderna. I've only heard of the UK and Denmark approving a delay on the second dose.
Canada has a four month delay between doses.

by the Moz I was vaccinated w/ Pfizer 14 Apr and my second dose is slated for 14 Aug :thumbsup:

by Suliso Canada is also among the countries doing rather poorly in vaccination.

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Sun Apr 18, 2021 6:08 am Canada is also among the countries doing rather poorly in vaccination.
^ Yes.
The 4 month interval was because the powers that be decided that it was better to vaccinate more people with one dose than to vaccinate fewer people with 2 doses.
In the end, we've vaccinated fewer people with one dose!

by mmmm8 Thanks, haven't seen the news on Canada!

by atlpam US trying to stick with 3 weeks for Pfizer and 4 for Moderna, but say as long as you get second dose within 6 weeks (42 days) you shouldn’t need to start over.

by JazzNU

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez

by ponchi101 I had actually not seen the real score. If you mess a 15-30 for a 30-15, ok, a one point mistake. 30-15 when it was 0-40 means that chair umpire really has a lot to answer for.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Apr 20, 2021 3:57 am I had actually not seen the real score. If you mess a 15-30 for a 30-15, ok, a one point mistake. 30-15 when it was 0-40 means that chair umpire really has a lot to answer for.
Oh, it was an abomination, and if the WTA is really blaming her, I'm speechless.

By the way, 15-30 to 30-15 is a two-point swing. Even a one-point mistake is unforgivable in the pros and there should be recourse for any player encumbered by such. Sharma has a very reasonable explanation for not catching it immediately and why she couldn't reconstruct the game at the end of it, which was her only hope for convincing the chair umpire that she was right. The TV commentator caught it right away. All the viewers knew it. I'm still bothered by this! It was awful.

by the Moz That umpire should get a red card and 3 match ban :thumbsup:

by Liamvalid Can she sue for loss of earnings? Thatd teach them!

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote: Tue Apr 20, 2021 1:51 pm Can she sue for loss of earnings? Thatd teach them!
that was my thought - the WTA should give her points and prize money for that round at least, and maybe any points she was defending that week (I think she was defending title points). It's perfectly reasonable and doesn't take away anything from another player. The score should have been 2-0 Sharma in the third set, and instead it was 1-1 and she didn't win another game. It obviously affected her. It was a grave injustice in the context of competition.

by meganfernandez I never knew about this match! Wild to watch Djokovic flail and trip and twist. It's like he's possessed.


by JazzNU From last week during the Monte Carlo Masters



by meganfernandez Vika is giving Svitolina a run for her money in the alter ego department.


by ptmcmahon Yeah might not have gotten that one without the caption. Certainly would have taken a minute or two.

by Suliso Image

by ti-amie Did Vika get fillers for her lips?

Naomi has been taking some nice pictures lately.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:17 pm Did Vika get fillers for her lips?

Naomi has been taking some nice pictures lately.

I don't think so. If she did, then she's been getting them regularly.

And FWIW, I don't find Vika hard to recognize here. There's a better photo than this imo, where I find her harder to recognize. But in general, the lighting on this set of photos is much different than most photos she posts, like she added a sepia filter and it's making her look slightly less like herself in this set of photos.

by ponchi101 (Oh, no, how unusual, Nazi Ponchi is back with his same ol' complaints...).
Too much make up on Vika, who has a gorgeous complexion. No need for that.
And Naomi is some sort of photographer's dream job. Always perfect.

by Suliso Naomi indeed photographs great. Only Muguruza is even better.

by JazzNU

by ti-amie TBH I never noticed Sinner's hair. Andrey's hair, on the other hand, has been displayed in all its magnificence for a long time.

by Suliso Been a very long time since I've noticed her picture anywhere.

Image

by ponchi101 That is one elaborate hair job. Pretty cool :thumbsup:

by meganfernandez

Probably talking about this... I don't know anything about Dr. Umar - from what I gather, he is controversial. The jist is he wanted Naomi to represent Haiti in the Olympics because, he said, her African DNA and her father's training made her an athlete, not her Japanese background, and because Japan doesn't care about her. I'm not informed at all on these issues, and I hope I'm not stepping in something by posting this. I found it noteworthy as a tennis topic given that his rant had a big audience on the Breakfast Club and that she acknowledged it.


by ponchi101 A sensitive issue, indeed. Talking about DNA as what makes you "different" can lead to some not-desirable places.
If just her African DNA were the key to her success, there would be a lot of other African tennis players on the tour. It is a combination, like all the other world class athletes in the world. Your DNA, your economic capabilities to engage in proper training, the availability of such training facilities, your parents' means to provide you with proper nutrition, health care systems, etc.
No "good" DNA and you don't make it (Naomi's sister, with the same DNA, did not make it). But no tennis court nearby to train, no money to buy the racket, no proper teachers around, and you don't make it either.
Sidebar: if Japan does not care for her, then all those endorsement deals are foolish. And I doubt those people are that dumb (the endorsers).

by JazzNU I don't find it a noteworthy tennis topic and Naomi is dismissing it, not acknowledging it as a topic up for debate. It being heard on the Breakfast Club hardly makes it something of note. Not only do I not think this is a good forum to discuss a topic such as this, it's also generally not a topic that is deserving of attention.

by ti-amie Dustin Brown had the opposite problem. He wanted to play for Jamaica but as he found out and many Jamaican's told me the country doesn't support its athletes. They like the world wide attention their athletes garner for their country but that's as far as it goes. Haiti is not in a position to support a world class athlete like Naomi and they know it. Without going into a lot of detail this is just going public with something that has probably been dealt with already.

I'm so out of it I have no idea what the Breakfast Club is.

by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 8:58 pm ...

I'm so out of it I have no idea what the Breakfast Club is.
To me: Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall, in a John Hughes movie that I love.
Makes two of us. ;)

by Suliso Me and Ponchi not knowing is obvious as surely it's some kind of US TV show. :)

by JTContinental I'm American and also don't know what it is, either--maybe a podcast?

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 10:19 pm I'm American and also don't know what it is, either--maybe a podcast?
Breakfast Club is a widely syndicated morning radio show.

by JTContinental That explains it--I bet it's been at least 20 years since I've listened to the radio. :D

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 8:58 pm
I'm so out of it I have no idea what the Breakfast Club is.
The radio show that Charlamagne co-hosts. You can ask your daughter, I can't imagine she doesn't know. But message me if she doesn't.

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 2:12 am That explains it--I bet it's been at least 20 years since I've listened to the radio. :D
Me neither, and I work for a radio company. :) But in the smaller publishing division. And that's why I haven't had a raise in 15 years - because hardly anyone listens to the radio anymore. I wouldn't say it's a dying business but it has to reinvent itself.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 1:54 pm ...

Me neither, and I work for a radio company. :) But in the smaller publishing division. And that's why I haven't had a raise in 15 years - because hardly anyone listens to the radio anymore. I wouldn't say it's a dying business but it has to reinvent itself.
I hadn't thought of that. Indeed, originally radio was to listen to music but how can you compete with streaming services for which kids pay to listen to anything all the time? And the same generation that gets its news from FB?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 2:33 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 1:54 pm ...

Me neither, and I work for a radio company. :) But in the smaller publishing division. And that's why I haven't had a raise in 15 years - because hardly anyone listens to the radio anymore. I wouldn't say it's a dying business but it has to reinvent itself.
I hadn't thought of that. Indeed, originally radio was to listen to music but how can you compete with streaming services for which kids pay to listen to anything all the time? And the same generation that gets its news from FB?
Wish I had the answer. Maybe I'd be making a lot more money. :) Someone listens to the radio because our top DJ in LA, Big Boi, went to a competitor a few years ago and it was a massive hit to our business. So radio is still enough of a thing to complicate my life. :)

There's a ton of news and talk on the radio, too. Lots of drive time still. Our founder/CEO led the charge to get the radio chip in our cell phones turned on. Everyone's phone has one, but it isn't activated in the US. It is in other countries. That could have been a game-changer. People could have streamed over radio waves instead of using their data. He hitched the concept to the Emergency Broadcast System, too - in an emergency, satellites might be jammed, but you could still get news and communicate over the radio and access it on your phone. We started a company called Next Radio and got most of the phone makers to turn on the chip but I don't know if we ever got Apple to do it. And we needed Apple. I think the company just didn't work out for whatever reason. It seemed like a good idea, but maybe it wasn't marketable. Or maybe we failed. I don't know.

A lot of radio stations have done well engaging their audiences online with content.

by ti-amie Another tell on my age.

I try to listen to the all news radio station here in NYC once a day. there's a lot of local news the aggregators and on line news outlets miss. I also find radio very relaxing.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:11 pm Another tell on my age.

I try to listen to the all news radio station here in NYC once a day. there's a lot of local news the aggregators and on line news outlets miss. I also find radio very relaxing.
I listen to 1010 WINS when I'm in the area, it's great. It's the sister station to 1060 KYW here. Traffic and news, a great way to stay informed. I listen to it for at least a few minutes most times I'm in the car, but sometimes just stay on the channel.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 9:06 pm
ti-amie wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:11 pm Another tell on my age.

I try to listen to the all news radio station here in NYC once a day. there's a lot of local news the aggregators and on line news outlets miss. I also find radio very relaxing.
I listen to 1010 WINS when I'm in the area, it's great. It's the sister station to 1060 KYW here. Traffic and news, a great way to stay informed. I listen to it for at least a few minutes most times I'm in the car, but sometimes just stay on the channel.
That's the station! 22 minutes and we give you the whole world! :)

by JazzNU Ugo Humbert with his mom


Image

by the Moz
JazzNU wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 8:14 pm Ugo Humbert with his mom


Image
His mom is Diane von Furstenberg?

by meganfernandez
the Moz wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 10:54 pm
JazzNU wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 8:14 pm Ugo Humbert with his mom


Image
His mom is Diane von Furstenberg?
I got a little Susan Sarandon in Bull Durham.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Apr 30, 2021 2:45 pm ...

I got a little Susan Sarandon in Bull Durham.
She should be so lucky.
Don't you dare mess with Annie Savoy! DON'T!!!
:evil:
(Total crush with that woman throughout her entire career, and Annie was the perfect dream INTELLIGENT girl) ;)

by ponchi101 Alexander Dolgopolov has retired.
A fun player to watch. I don't know what he could do related to tennis. I would not hire him as a coach with the insane game he played and the suspect strategies, and I don't know if he could even be a good hitting partner. Being Ukranian I wonder how much potential as an analyst or commentator can he have.
On the other hand: he reached #13 and won Cincy. Much more than a lot of other players.
I wish him well. He was truly different.

by Suliso Being different reminds me of Fabrice Santoro. Wonder what is he doing now.

by ponchi101 Santoro has been doing commentating and he was a beloved figure in France, so he had it made already. Dolgo being Ukranian has a much smaller market. But yes, as you say, the "different" label can cut both ways. I don't know if Santoro would be a good coach, and that may cut some opportunities.

by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Sat May 01, 2021 4:15 pm Being different reminds me of Fabrice Santoro. Wonder what is he doing now.
Wonder what Fabrice is doing now or Alexandr? If Fabrice, he does tennis coverage on whatever the main tennis channels are in France. And when RG rolls around, look for him to do some of the on-court interviews.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 01, 2021 4:13 pm Alexander Dolgopolov has retired.
A fun player to watch. I don't know what he could do related to tennis. I would not hire him as a coach with the insane game he played and the suspect strategies, and I don't know if he could even be a good hitting partner. Being Ukranian I wonder how much potential as an analyst or commentator can he have.
On the other hand: he reached #13 and won Cincy. Much more than a lot of other players.
I wish him well. He was truly different.
Yes, he was fun to watch. He's in the group - with Arazi and Rios and a few others - of players who had tremendous natural ability, but who could never unlock their enormous potential in anything resembling a consistent manner. These players were very creative, because they could hit any shot from anywhere on the court. And because they had so many options available to them, they would too often choose a next to impossible shot - ergo the criticisms of their on-court strategy.
Shapovalov could end up belonging to that group of flashy, naturally talented players who never fulfilled their potential if he doesn't put a more consistent game together.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 01, 2021 4:21 pm Santoro has been doing commentating and he was a beloved figure in France, so he had it made already. Dolgo being Ukranian has a much smaller market. But yes, as you say, the "different" label can cut both ways. I don't know if Santoro would be a good coach, and that may cut some opportunities.
If Dolgo's English or whatever language broadcast he'd be on is good enough, he's not limited to Ukraine's market. A much less famous Ukrainian player does regular English language commentary right now. If she can, he should walk into it with no issues if that's what he wants.

Not sure Fabrice is coaching anyone now, but almost positive he was coaching Raonic for a bit a couple of years ago. But Milos has as many coaches as he does injuries.

by mmmm8 Dolgopolov also had an autoimmune disease (Gilbert's syndrome) he fought throughout his career that limited him.

Also, I was once in a group interview with him where he talked about car racing tracks for like 10 minutes with a ton of passion and this says he races, (https://www.atptour.com/en/news/dolgopo ... april-2021)

And his instagram says he's designing and renting out AirBnBs in Kyiv, so there's that :)

by ponchi101 Good for him. I remember her had a Nissan GT, a pseudo monster of a car that is basically a street legal racer. So, if he likes to race, there are plenty of categories to choose from. But if he races like he plays tennis, a menace to all other drivers.

by ti-amie Wasn't Dolgo also designing and/or playing video games? That is a huge revenue source.

by Suliso Daria Gavrilova

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Iga Swiatek

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by ti-amie

by ti-amie Image
Petra Kvitova

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Serena with Alexis, Sr and Jr

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Jannik making pizza

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Ajla and Matteo

More here
https://www.outsidetheball.com/top-10s- ... l-30-2021/

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 6:45 pm
Tsitsipas could score an invitation now. You know he'd be up for wearing something crazy.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:15 pm Tsitsipas could score an invitation now. You know he'd be up for wearing something crazy.
And it would get next to no attention outside of Greek and tennis media because no one else knows who the heck he is.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:36 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:15 pm Tsitsipas could score an invitation now. You know he'd be up for wearing something crazy.
And it would get next to no attention outside of Greek and tennis media because no one else knows who the heck he is.
That's tight but it's right.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:39 pm
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:36 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:15 pm Tsitsipas could score an invitation now. You know he'd be up for wearing something crazy.
And it would get next to no attention outside of Greek and tennis media because no one else knows who the heck he is.
That's tight but it's right.
Listen, Naomi is easily getting 4th place mentions as the co-host here. Easily. I'm guessing most tennis fans think it'd be second or third among those announced, but no it's easily fourth. So Tsitsipas? Not remotely on anyone's radar.

by Suliso It all depends where you live. I've never heard of any of the other co-hosts...

As for Tsitsipas a Greek TV show would be a lot more appropriate. At least until he wins USO couple times or something like that.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:36 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:15 pm Tsitsipas could score an invitation now. You know he'd be up for wearing something crazy.
And it would get next to no attention outside of Greek and tennis media because no one else knows who the heck he is.
Right. The media hates discovering the next big thing who is mythologically good looking.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:57 pm It all depends where you live. I've never heard of any of the other co-hosts...

As for Tsitsipas a Greek TV show would be a lot more appropriate. At least until he wins USO couple times or something like that.
Didn't realize everyone here takes the Met Gala guest list deadly seriously. :)

by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 7:57 pm It all depends where you live. I've never heard of any of the other co-hosts...

As for Tsitsipas a Greek TV show would be a lot more appropriate. At least until he wins USO couple times or something like that.
That's not where you live though @suliso, but your interests. Not knowing the one isn't surprising. The other two are have large international followings, with one qualifying for you for living under a rock status if you haven't heard of her. 😊

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 8:09 pm
Right. The media hates discovering the next big thing who is mythologically good looking.
One, he's not that good looking especially in a Met Gala context. And two, if you think Stefanos is the next big thing outside of tennis, you think much more of him than I do.

Not taking Met Gala "deadly serious" but a few of us have posted about it on the forum for several years so we do know it well. Stefanos wouldn't register a blip on the radar unless he scores a date that is much, much more famous than he is.

by JazzNU He looks good



by ponchi101 He actually looks fitter than when he was on tour.

by JTContinental Significantly so

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 9:07 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 8:09 pm
Right. The media hates discovering the next big thing who is mythologically good looking.
One, he's not that good looking especially in a Met Gala context. And two, if you think Stefanos is the next big thing outside of tennis, you think much more of him than I do.

Not taking Met Gala "deadly serious" but a few of us have posted about it on the forum for several years so we do know it well. Stefanos wouldn't register a blip on the radar unless he scores a date that is much, much more famous than he is.
And she shows up in some barely there gown made by some designer on the make. Or Versace. :twisted:

by ponchi101 ^ :rofl:

by JTContinental Barbora Strycova has announced her retirement--she's hoping to play one more match at Wimbledon

by ponchi101 Any reasons? Can't be age.

by JTContinental She's pregnant--expecting a child in September.

Clarification: She's retiring now, but she's looking to play her last match in Wimbledon 2022

by Suliso Pregnant yes, but of course age (35) is rather advanced as well. Don't look at Serena, it's still very unusual for women to play at high level longer than that.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Tue May 04, 2021 8:23 pm Pregnant yes, but of course age (35) is rather advanced as well. Don't look at Serena, it's still very unusual for women to play at high level longer than that.
I think she would still be highly competitive in doubles. Hope she comes back.

by ponchi101 I thought she was way younger. You are right, that is a bit too long on the tour.

by ptmcmahon I thought she'd already announced her retirement at end of last year...didn't even realize she'd played 2-3 matches. But I checked and that was just her Fed Cup retirement announcement.. and I'd applied it to her playing at all.

by meganfernandez

by ponchi101 "Had I (expletive) in my pants it would have not been so embarrassing..."

by ti-amie (Muted nature sounds in the background as the bird walks almost silently through the water)

David Attenborough narrates:
"The crane sees a fish and positions itself to try and ensure a catch"

by oliver0001 https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/ga ... -info-tabs


She’s back :roll: So for all Fans of A. Stevenson, there is still hope for the next couple of decades.

by ponchi101 You know what? I take my hat off. By 74 I hope I will be able to grease the wheels of my own wheel-chair. Playing a tennis match at that level, even if she loses 0 & 0, I admire.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ti-amie


by ptmcmahon
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 2:01 pm You know what? I take my hat off. By 74 I hope I will be able to grease the wheels of my own wheel-chair. Playing a tennis match at that level, even if she loses 0 & 0, I admire.
My life plan has to stay in decent shape, maybe even peak when I am old - finally have my star athlete period. For example, I run a lot, so my goal is by the time I'm in my 60s and 70s to still be running and be able to win a bunch of races. :)

Serena.png
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by meganfernandez Love Serena's spring look. The skirt is perfect. The lilac looks so good against the clay.

Serena.png

by the Moz Serena's hand on her waist is the kind attitude I can get behind :thumbsup:

by meganfernandez Is Aga coming back?


by ponchi101 Age should not be a problem, but unless she learns how to hit harder, I would not bother. Her great control game is not going to bode well against the new power.

by Suliso Anett Kontaveit

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by ponchi101 NEW RULE. Pictures of pretty players walking around with those ghastly flops must be edited and cropped above the ankle.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 4:34 pm NEW RULE. Pictures of pretty players walking around with those ghastly flops must be edited and cropped above the ankle.
^ But you said you're a foot guy :? .

by ponchi101 Pretty feet in pretty shoes.
I am also a guy that says that CROCS should be sold in the contraceptives' aisle...

by Suliso Anastasia Potapova

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by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 15, 2021 3:57 am Pretty feet in pretty shoes.
I am also a guy that says that CROCS should be sold in the contraceptives' aisle...
There are websites for this, Ponchi.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Sat May 15, 2021 9:27 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 15, 2021 3:57 am Pretty feet in pretty shoes.
....
There are websites for this, Ponchi.
And the link is where...? :evil:
(No, don't. I really don't want to ban you AND MYSELF over such silly matters :D )

by Suliso Shopping in Rome

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by Suliso Few pictures of Caroline Wozniacki. Her daughter is due in June.

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She has so many properties that hard to judge where home really is, but this one in Monaco.

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by Fastbackss Due next month? Geez - if you had me guess I would have added another 2 months.

All those pictures are lovely. She always exudes such genuine happiness in her pictures

by Suliso With the usual caveat that there is no way for us to truly know, she seems to be married happily and the pregnancy was very much desired.

by Suliso Serena and family

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by ti-amie Woz, if that is a truly current picture, has only gained baby weight. Some women can do that.

#jealous

by meganfernandez Another parent on tour...


by Suliso Image

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by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 17, 2021 5:54 pm Another parent on tour...

If Kei had balls that big, he'd be a permanent member of the top 10.
It's frustrating that he lacks the self-confidence and 'killer instinct' on court - that's the only thing that's been holding him back from a regular spot in the top 10.

by oliver0001 If she makes it on the tour, there will be lots of fun pronouncing her name.
https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/ka ... /overview/

by meganfernandez
oliver0001 wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 7:43 am If she makes it on the tour, there will be lots of fun pronouncing her name.
https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/ka ... /overview/
All the umpires will quit. I had to take a breath halfway through. I think it's easy to pronounce in that you just say every vowel straight-up, there's no trickiness to American English speakers. I can hang in there until "hena."

by ponchi101 Cut to the chase. Let's just call her KA. As long as she doesn't start dating Davidovich Fokina and they go for some silly FOKI-KA or KA-FOKI combo, it should go well.

by ponchi101
Deuce wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 3:00 am ...
If Kei had balls that big, he'd be a permanent member of the top 10.
It's frustrating that he lacks the self-confidence and 'killer instinct' on court - that's the only thing that's been holding him back from a regular spot in the top 10.
Penguins don't have killer instincts. ;)
I say it is the size. He is an inline 6 in a world of V8's. There is a limit to how much you can get out of that.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 2:11 pm
Deuce wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 3:00 am ...
If Kei had balls that big, he'd be a permanent member of the top 10.
It's frustrating that he lacks the self-confidence and 'killer instinct' on court - that's the only thing that's been holding him back from a regular spot in the top 10.
Penguins don't have killer instincts. ;)
I say it is the size. He is an inline 6 in a world of V8's. There is a limit to how much you can get out of that.
Diego, Ferrer, Henin, Coetzer, and several others are smaller than Nishikori.
'It's not the size of the person in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the person.'

.

by Suliso Diego is not going to win any Slams either and neither did Ferrer.

by ponchi101
Deuce wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 7:25 pm ...
Diego, Ferrer, Henin, Coetzer, and several others are smaller than Nishikori.
'It's not the size of the person in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the person.'

.
Serious question: you think Ferrer did not have a killer instinct? 27 titles, one Slam final, all of them in the era of the three monsters?
An incredible career, I think we can all agree to that, yet, he was never able to win a big one. And this was a man that basically had to be told the match was over before he would stop trying.
Size is so important. It cuts both ways: being under 6 feet makes it very difficult. Being over 6'6" too.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:
Deuce wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 7:25 pm ...
Diego, Ferrer, Henin, Coetzer, and several others are smaller than Nishikori.
'It's not the size of the person in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the person.'

.
Serious question: you think Ferrer did not have a killer instinct? 27 titles, one Slam final, all of them in the era of the three monsters?
An incredible career, I think we can all agree to that, yet, he was never able to win a big one. And this was a man that basically had to be told the match was over before he would stop trying.
Size is so important. It cuts both ways: being under 6 feet makes it very difficult. Being over 6'6" too.
I don’t think a killer instinct differentiates anyone in the top 10, 20… maybe 100. If someone gets that far, they have enough killer instinct and competitive fire. Ferrer didn’t have a weapon to beat the guys ahead of him, IMO. Probably not a big-enough serve. He had a great career, though. Great player. Just not quite as good as the others ahead of him. Ever.


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by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 7:49 pm Diego is not going to win any Slams either and neither did Ferrer.
I never mentioned winning Majors - so I have no idea where that comes from.
Both Shwartzman and Ferrer have/had better careers than Nishikori, even though both are smaller than Nishikori. And so, as I said - when you have the physical talent (as Nishikori obviously has) it's not about size or physical strength - it's about confidence, determination, 'killer instinct', etc. These are the elements (all very related to one another) that Nishikori lacks. If he had them, he'd be a regular top 10 player.
ponchi101 wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 9:23 pm
Deuce wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 7:25 pm ...
Diego, Ferrer, Henin, Coetzer, and several others are smaller than Nishikori.
'It's not the size of the person in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the person.'

.
Serious question: you think Ferrer did not have a killer instinct? 27 titles, one Slam final, all of them in the era of the three monsters?
An incredible career, I think we can all agree to that, yet, he was never able to win a big one. And this was a man that basically had to be told the match was over before he would stop trying.
Size is so important. It cuts both ways: being under 6 feet makes it very difficult. Being over 6'6" too.
Umm... I thought it was pretty clear that what I'm saying is that the physically small players I mentioned (including Ferrer) obviously have/had more confidence and 'killer instinct' than Nishikori has - and that's exactly why they've had better careers than Nishikori.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 2:28 am
I don’t think a killer instinct differentiates anyone in the top 10, 20… maybe 100. If someone gets that far, they have enough killer instinct and competitive fire.
I think that confidence, determination, focus, concentration, desire are exactly the elements which set players in the top 50 or 100 apart from each other. They all have a very similar level of physical ability (perhaps not the in the exact same areas - one's backhand could be better or worse than another's, etc., but the overall level of physical talent is very similar). What distinguishes them from one another is their mental strengths and weaknesses. Players themselves have been saying this for decades.

Take a look at how Nadal and Djokovic still can come back after being down in a match vs. a top player. This confidence and determination is what sets the top 3 or 4 or 5 apart from the rest of the pack. The same can be said for different 'sections' throughout the top 50, at least - it's mental strengths/weaknesses that make the difference the majority of the time.
There are varying degrees of confidence, determination, drive, killer instinct, etc. Among the top 50 - maybe even top 100 -, the higher the degree of these elements a given player possesses, the more success he/she will have.

by Liamvalid I always thought Nishikori’s problem came from his physical health-he always seemed to build up a head of steam but them get injured and take time out. That could stem from his size I guess but I’ve never followed him enough to take much note. I did see the odd match where he appeared to play like a potential slam winner so the talent is obviously there.

Nishikori has won 12 titles to Diego’s 4, won 24m dollars to Diego’s 10m and has been higher ranked, so I disagree that Diego has had a better career. To me Diego also has been in positions where he is on a good run, looks like he might take a slam or reach a final, but then take a bad unexpected loss to someone

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 2:41 am
meganfernandez wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 2:28 am
I don’t think a killer instinct differentiates anyone in the top 10, 20… maybe 100. If someone gets that far, they have enough killer instinct and competitive fire.
I think that confidence, determination, focus, concentration, desire are exactly the elements which set players in the top 50 or 100 apart from each other. They all have a very similar level of physical ability (perhaps not the in the exact same areas - one's backhand could be better or worse than another's, etc., but the overall level of physical talent is very similar). What distinguishes them from one another is their mental strengths and weaknesses. Players themselves have been saying this for decades.

Take a look at how Nadal and Djokovic still can come back after being down in a match vs. a top player. This confidence and determination is what sets the top 3 or 4 or 5 apart from the rest of the pack. The same can be said for different 'sections' throughout the top 50, at least - it's mental strengths/weaknesses that make the difference the majority of the time.
There are varying degrees of confidence, determination, drive, killer instinct, etc. Among the top 50 - maybe even top 100 -, the higher the degree of these elements a given player possesses, the more success he/she will have.
I think we're talking about the same thing. When I hear killer instinct, I think of bloodlust motivating someone more than anything, like a boxer. Wanting to beat someone down. I don't think tennis players think like that. They try to play their best game and don't want to lose, but they aren't motivated by destroying someone else. I don't think you can play your best game if that's your focus. Maybe some people can.

I do think aspects of technique can separate people at that level, not just mental stuff. The serve in particular. And also experience. For instance, I think Isner is mentally strong and has big-match experience, but he just doesn't have the ground game (or maybe the stamina?) to break serve enough, don't you think?

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 1:18 pm I think we're talking about the same thing. When I hear killer instinct, I think of bloodlust motivating someone more than anything, like a boxer. Wanting to beat someone down. I don't think tennis players think like that. They try to play their best game and don't want to lose, but they aren't motivated by destroying someone else. I don't think you can play your best game if that's your focus. Maybe some people can.
I view 'killer instinct' as not wanting to necessarily destroy an opponent, but as digging down deep and finding that extra level when you need it.
Back in the 80s, though, the rivalries were such that several players definitely wanted to destroy their opponents. Fortunately for fans, the parity among the top players was such that it rarely produced one-sided matches.
The rivalries today are much, much friendlier than they were back then - there is no comparison.
meganfernandez wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 1:18 pm I do think aspects of technique can separate people at that level, not just mental stuff. The serve in particular. And also experience. For instance, I think Isner is mentally strong and has big-match experience, but he just doesn't have the ground game (or maybe the stamina?) to break serve enough, don't you think?
There are obviously differences in technique, or physical ability - as I mentioned previously in saying that one player's backhand may be better than another's, etc. But the overall ability of the top 50 players is pretty similar (with the exception of the Nadal/Djokovic/Federer trio). Isner, for example, relies more on his serve than, say, someone like Dimitrov... but Dimitrov relies more on his groundstroke abilities than does Isner. I believe that the various (and different) physical abilities of the players in the top 50 or so pretty much balance out, and that the main difference between them is in their psychological approach - which includes confidence, determination, concentration, how they deal with the wind and sun, how they handle pressure, etc., etc.
You mention experience... I classify that as a psychological element, as well - how well a player uses his experience is to me a psychological factor more than it is a physical one.

by 3mlm
Liamvalid wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 5:59 am I always thought Nishikori’s problem came from his physical health-he always seemed to build up a head of steam but them get injured and take time out. That could stem from his size I guess but I’ve never followed him enough to take much note. I did see the odd match where he appeared to play like a potential slam winner so the talent is obviously there.

Nishikori has won 12 titles to Diego’s 4, won 24m dollars to Diego’s 10m and has been higher ranked, so I disagree that Diego has had a better career. To me Diego also has been in positions where he is on a good run, looks like he might take a slam or reach a final, but then take a bad unexpected loss to someone
Nishikori was in the top 10 continuously from 9/8/14 to 8/19/17 and then again from 11/4/18 to 10/24/19. That seems like being a regular top 10 player in the prime of his career. Schwartzman didn't become a top 10 player until this year at age 28 so hardly qualifies as being a regular top 10 player.

by Deuce
3mlm wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 7:54 pm Nishikori was in the top 10 continuously from 9/8/14 to 8/19/17 and then again from 11/4/18 to 10/24/19. That seems like being a regular top 10 player in the prime of his career.
Seriously?!
Wow... I didn't know he was top 10 for that length of time. That had to be the most inconspicuous top 10 run in the history of the game.
I maintain that he doesn't have enough drive, determination, killer instinct - whatever one wishes to call it - if he had more of that, he'd have had a better career. He's always been kind of the wallflower type - not a 'take the bull by the horns' type - and I believe that has had an effect on his career.
Maybe the pressure he felt being the one that all of Japan pinned their hopes on affected him and made it more difficult for him to come out of his shell, so to speak.
3mlm wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 7:54 pm Schwartzman didn't become a top 10 player until this year at age 28 so hardly qualifies as being a regular top 10 player.
Touché. It seems that Diego has been around the top 10 (let's say top 20) for a while, though. I suppose I'm guilty of comparing him to Nishikori in present times, where Diego is well ahead.

by Suliso Daria Kasatkina

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by ponchi101 I have always thought she is a cutie. Lovely picture.

by ptmcmahon Is it just me or does she look about 12 in that picture?

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote:Is it just me or does she look about 12 in that picture?
Except for the tiki drink


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by meganfernandez Did not recognize her




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by Deuce Oh, how I wish tennis players would be content to be tennis players, and not have to try to prove that they are also fashion models.

I mean... tennis players get plenty of attention - that should be enough to quench anyone's appetite for attention without desperately seeking more through additional avenues.

This is the age of 'social media', though, which makes virtually everyone a very desperate attention seeker (I don't like the other, more common, term).

Sigh...

by Suliso I'm reading rumors that Venus Williams is dating Reilly Opelka who's 16 years her junior. If true that's one unusual couple.

by ti-amie I think the Osaka phenomenon is going to create more attempts by tennis players to present varying looks. Andreescu's mom is famous for her wigs and that's what I thought this was at first but a closer look changed my mind. I don't know if it's a blow out or some kind of permanent straightening technique that would last for 4-6 weeks. I love a super blunt bob.

Sorry Deuce I think chasing the endorsement dollars will give us more, not less of this. Let me know when she shows up with pink, or some other color hair.

by ponchi101 We want 20-something year old's to act 35.
We forget how young she, and a lot of others, are.

by Suliso In Monte Carlo

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by Fastbackss I was shocked to be watching and see her there.

She could work on her flag-waving technique

by Suliso A couple of photos of Martina Hingis. She's showing off a luxury hotel from the region she's from where the Swiss national football team will be staying for the practice matches in preparation for the upcoming European Championships.

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by ponchi101 That looks affordable. CHF500/night, no view of the gardens?

by Suliso Everything is affordable if someone else is paying. :D

by Suliso Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys

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by Liamvalid
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 22, 2021 5:28 pm We want 20-something year old's to act 35.
We forget how young she, and a lot of others, are.
I really don’t get the criticism aimed at girls like Bianca. Like you said she’s 20, and most 20 year olds have a large social media presence, whatever their job. The nurses I know at work save lives during the day, take selfies at night! To criticise athletes for posting personal photos on Insta shows a massive ignorance on how the world works nowadays

by Suliso That's true, albeit not everyone does. Plenty of athletes in their 20-ties with very limited social media presence.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Deuce
Liamvalid wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 11:51 am
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 22, 2021 5:28 pm We want 20-something year old's to act 35.
We forget how young she, and a lot of others, are.
I really don’t get the criticism aimed at girls like Bianca. Like you said she’s 20, and most 20 year olds have a large social media presence, whatever their job. The nurses I know at work save lives during the day, take selfies at night! To criticise athletes for posting personal photos on Insta shows a massive ignorance on how the world works nowadays
I'm hardly ignorant of "how the world works nowadays" - I realize all too well how things are. And I find it quite unhealthy.
You can disagree with me all you like - but my conclusion, after a significant degree of studying the psychology and sociology of it, remains that it is very superficial, self-important, illusionary, and encourages a greater and greater insecurity - all of which I feel are unhealthy.
I suggest you look beyond the mere surface and read some psychologically and sociologically based perspectives on the effects of social media.
Selfies are called 'ego portraits' in French. :)

With the internet, people are anxiously seeking the public stage and their '15 minutes of fame' (which has, sadly, become far more than 15 minutes), as they desperately chase 'likes', 'views', and 'followers'.
"Fame is proof that the people are gullible." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

by Liamvalid
Deuce wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 11:09 pm
Liamvalid wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 11:51 am
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 22, 2021 5:28 pm We want 20-something year old's to act 35.
We forget how young she, and a lot of others, are.
I really don’t get the criticism aimed at girls like Bianca. Like you said she’s 20, and most 20 year olds have a large social media presence, whatever their job. The nurses I know at work save lives during the day, take selfies at night! To criticise athletes for posting personal photos on Insta shows a massive ignorance on how the world works nowadays
I'm hardly ignorant of "how the world works nowadays" - I realize all too well how things are. And I find it quite unhealthy.
You can disagree with me all you like - but my conclusion, after a significant degree of studying the psychology and sociology of it, remains that it is very superficial, self-important, illusionary, and encourages a greater and greater insecurity - all of which I feel are unhealthy.
I suggest you look beyond the mere surface and read some psychologically and sociologically based perspectives on the effects of social media.
Selfies are called 'ego portraits' in French. :)

With the internet, people are anxiously seeking the public stage and their '15 minutes of fame' (which has, sadly, become far more than 15 minutes), as they desperately chase 'likes', 'views', and 'followers'.
"Fame is proof that the people are gullible." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Nah, I’m more likely to appreciate a nice photo and move on than spend my time studying the psychology of it. All different kinds of people use social media for different purposes. I like to post photos on Facebook as I live in a different city and my relatives like to see what I’m up to in life for example. Does this make me feel insecure, superficial? Definitely not. Does Bianca cry herself to sleep because she only gets a million likes on a certain post? Well we’d have to ask her that wouldn’t we.

by Deuce
Liamvalid wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 7:26 am
Deuce wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 11:09 pm
Liamvalid wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 11:51 am

I really don’t get the criticism aimed at girls like Bianca. Like you said she’s 20, and most 20 year olds have a large social media presence, whatever their job. The nurses I know at work save lives during the day, take selfies at night! To criticise athletes for posting personal photos on Insta shows a massive ignorance on how the world works nowadays
I'm hardly ignorant of "how the world works nowadays" - I realize all too well how things are. And I find it quite unhealthy.
You can disagree with me all you like - but my conclusion, after a significant degree of studying the psychology and sociology of it, remains that it is very superficial, self-important, illusionary, and encourages a greater and greater insecurity - all of which I feel are unhealthy.
I suggest you look beyond the mere surface and read some psychologically and sociologically based perspectives on the effects of social media.
Selfies are called 'ego portraits' in French. :)

With the internet, people are anxiously seeking the public stage and their '15 minutes of fame' (which has, sadly, become far more than 15 minutes), as they desperately chase 'likes', 'views', and 'followers'.
"Fame is proof that the people are gullible." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Nah, I’m more likely to appreciate a nice photo and move on than spend my time studying the psychology of it. All different kinds of people use social media for different purposes. I like to post photos on Facebook as I live in a different city and my relatives like to see what I’m up to in life for example. Does this make me feel insecure, superficial? Definitely not. Does Bianca cry herself to sleep because she only gets a million likes on a certain post? Well we’d have to ask her that wouldn’t we.
It’s far more complex than you make it out to be. You are literally only looking at the mere surface. It goes many levels deeper - and not in the silly way you describe with the crying, etc.
But - hey - you’re free to believe me or not; you’re free to choose to not read or study or learn more about it...
That being the case, though, you’re really not in a position to call ME ignorant on the subject.

by Liamvalid
Deuce wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 10:21 am
Liamvalid wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 7:26 am
Deuce wrote: Mon May 24, 2021 11:09 pm
I'm hardly ignorant of "how the world works nowadays" - I realize all too well how things are. And I find it quite unhealthy.
You can disagree with me all you like - but my conclusion, after a significant degree of studying the psychology and sociology of it, remains that it is very superficial, self-important, illusionary, and encourages a greater and greater insecurity - all of which I feel are unhealthy.
I suggest you look beyond the mere surface and read some psychologically and sociologically based perspectives on the effects of social media.
Selfies are called 'ego portraits' in French. :)

With the internet, people are anxiously seeking the public stage and their '15 minutes of fame' (which has, sadly, become far more than 15 minutes), as they desperately chase 'likes', 'views', and 'followers'.
"Fame is proof that the people are gullible." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Nah, I’m more likely to appreciate a nice photo and move on than spend my time studying the psychology of it. All different kinds of people use social media for different purposes. I like to post photos on Facebook as I live in a different city and my relatives like to see what I’m up to in life for example. Does this make me feel insecure, superficial? Definitely not. Does Bianca cry herself to sleep because she only gets a million likes on a certain post? Well we’d have to ask her that wouldn’t we.
It’s far more complex than you make it out to be. You are literally only looking at the mere surface. It goes many levels deeper - and not in the silly way you describe with the crying, etc.
But - hey - you’re free to believe me or not; you’re free to choose to not read or study or learn more about it...
That being the case, though, you’re really not in a position to call ME ignorant on the subject.
Didn’t call you ignorant on the subject, if you have time to study psychology then fill your boots. I am saying you appear to be out of touch with how the younger generation operate. As you say there are many levels to this, and for many using social media as outlet is a good positive thing for them. But if seeing these photos annoys you so much, maybe the tennis photo thread just isn’t for you

by Deuce
Liamvalid wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 11:32 am
Deuce wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 10:21 am It’s far more complex than you make it out to be. You are literally only looking at the mere surface. It goes many levels deeper - and not in the silly way you describe with the crying, etc.
But - hey - you’re free to believe me or not; you’re free to choose to not read or study or learn more about it...
That being the case, though, you’re really not in a position to call ME ignorant on the subject.
Didn’t call you ignorant on the subject, if you have time to study psychology then fill your boots. I am saying you appear to be out of touch with how the younger generation operate. As you say there are many levels to this, and for many using social media as outlet is a good positive thing for them. But if seeing these photos annoys you so much, maybe the tennis photo thread just isn’t for you
Of course you called me ignorant on the subject, as your initial comment was directed at me, as I was the one who commented that these 'PLEASE LOOK AT ME AND TELL ME I'M PRETTY' photos are unhealthy. You didn't address me personally, but it was clear that you were referring to me.
I also read your very first post on this subject a couple of days ago before you deleted it soon after posting it - it was of the same perspective as your other posts on the subject.
And I'm simply saying that it's odd - and ironic - that the person (you) who voluntarily refuses to read or study or learn about the psychology and sociology of 'social media' calls the person (me) who has read and studied and learned about the psychology and sociology of social media, ignorant.
In addition to that, I've also witnessed many young people suffer the negative effects of 'social media', and I've known several of them personally, as I've worked with kids and young adults, in various capacities, for about 30 years.

If I were 'out of touch', as you claim, I would have no opinion on the subject, as I would not know what's going on. On the contrary - I know very well what's going on... I've studied it, I've analyzed it (far more than you have, based on your own words), and so I'm quite in touch not only with what's happening with young people today with regards to 'social media', but also with its effects.
I also have the benefit of different perspectives, as I very much remember how things were - and how young people were - before 'social media' existed.

That you compare your posting of photos so your family can see them with something like Andreescu posting that 'fashion photo' which began this discussion indicates rather clearly that you don't understand at all what I'm saying.
Perhaps you choose to not understand...

Now, I realize that it's quite convenient to deny what's happening - or to hide one's head in the sand... I choose not to do that. I enjoy looking beyond the mere surface of things and gaining as much insight and knowledge as I can. You don't - at least insofar as this subject is concerned, you've admitted that. That's fine. And, as I said, you have every right in the world to disagree with me (though I wish you'd present a better argument for your position than simply describing the mere surface of the subject). But for you to turn around and claim that I am ignorant on the subject and 'out of touch' with what's happening, after I've let you know that I've studied this deeply, are very inaccurate statements on your part.

by mmmm8 Hi all... this is a light-hearted thread with some news and photos that professional tennis players choose to share about their off-court life. While we don't shy away from going off-topic here at TAT2, maybe a philosophical discussion on the social zeitgeist belongs in other threads.

More importantly, as a reminder of our rules, please be respectful and don't get into personal insults - there is some skating near the lines on this here.

Perhaps, this is an issue on which we can agree to disagree.

by Deuce Simply agreeing to disagree, among other things, discourages discussion - as rather eloquently explained here by the creator of this forum:
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=38

I don't particularly like Liam referring to me as being ignorant - but I will defend his right to state that, and for me to post a rebuttal, and for him to post his further thoughts, and for me to do the same... this is the definition of discussion.

I think discussion of different perspectives is quite healthy - in this thread or in any other -, and I, personally, would not discourage it.
Forums like this are also called message boards or discussion boards. Discussion is the purpose. Sometimes there is disagreement. Sometimes there is passion. Sometimes there is debate. It's fine to express opinions and disagreements - no-one is going to agree with everything and everyone, that's simply not possible.
We're all adults here, and discussion, whether in agreement or in disagreement, both in life and on internet discussion boards, is part of the natural human discourse.

by Liamvalid
mmmm8 wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 10:44 pm Hi all... this is a light-hearted thread with some news and photos that professional tennis players choose to share about their off-court life. While we don't shy away from going off-topic here at TAT2, maybe a philosophical discussion on the social zeitgeist belongs in other threads.

More importantly, as a reminder of our rules, please be respectful and don't get into personal insults - there is some skating near the lines on this here.

Perhaps, this is an issue on which we can agree to disagree.
Fair enough, my responses to Deuce came from a place of emotion, rather than intellect-something I usually manage to avoid on public forums. I’m not normally an avid Bianca fan or anything but I feel she gets unfair criticism on here, which often sends me into big brother defensive mode, something I will try to keep in check

by dmforever
Liamvalid wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 12:04 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 10:44 pm Hi all... this is a light-hearted thread with some news and photos that professional tennis players choose to share about their off-court life. While we don't shy away from going off-topic here at TAT2, maybe a philosophical discussion on the social zeitgeist belongs in other threads.

More importantly, as a reminder of our rules, please be respectful and don't get into personal insults - there is some skating near the lines on this here.

Perhaps, this is an issue on which we can agree to disagree.
Fair enough, my responses to Deuce came from a place of emotion, rather than intellect-something I usually manage to avoid on public forums. I’m not normally an avid Bianca fan or anything but I feel she gets unfair criticism on here, which often sends me into big brother defensive mode, something I will try to keep in check
No no no. Please don't apologize. Your reaction was totally fine. All you said was that it was fine to post a selfie.

Kevin

by ponchi101 Dear all.
Everybody in the last few posts have acted within the rules of the forum. I see no insults here, from the beginning. I can't find the word IGNORANT being flipped at somebody else, nor I find reciprocation of that.
Still, we know our rules and we know who we are. The one thing inherited from TAT1.0 is our mutual respect for each other and our ideas. While I see no breaking of such a guideline, we can at times come closer to an area where we would prefer not to be.
Let's use our collective elegance to remain well within our mutually respectfully dealing with each others.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 3:19 pm Dear all.
Everybody in the last few posts have acted within the rules of the forum. I see no insults here, from the beginning. I can't find the word IGNORANT being flipped at somebody else, nor I find reciprocation of that.
Still, we know our rules and we know who we are. The one thing inherited from TAT1.0 is our mutual respect for each other and our ideas. While I see not breaking of such a guideline, we can at times come closer to an area where we would prefer not to be.
Let's use our collective elegance to remain well within our mutually respectfully dealing with each others.
Does this mean I can make a Deuce Instagram parody account or no? :)

by Suliso Let's go back to pictures :D

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by ponchi101 I still say she has a certain something that is very appealing.
And the clothing looks great.

by Suliso Objectively she looks great, but somehow I don't find her all that appealing. I couldn't explain why...

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 3:51 pm I still say she has a certain something that is very appealing.
And the clothing looks great.
It's a very weird angle for the clothes, I think.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 3:46 pm Let's go back to pictures :D

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Love the dress, though it's not a great photo. Don't love every detail but overall love the cut, color, the pleats, the sheer midriff, the tank style. I would buy this and play in it. Can't wait to see all the RG clothes. (I refuse to say "kits" for some reason.)

by meganfernandez Grigor likes angels (scroll down)


by ashkor87 Is it my imagination or is it the case that, this year, many girls junior champions of a few years back are finding their feet - Gauff, Swiatek, Osorio Serrano, Tauson, Badosa (even Barty).. only Osaka and Andreescu weren't, so far as I know, junior champions.. has something changed in the way the world works?

by 3mlm Osaka never played on the ITF Junior Circuit. Andreescu never won a junior singles slam title but did win two junior doubles slam titles and the Orange Bowl and was ranked #3.

by ponchi101 I don't follow the ITF jr circuits but maybe it is that the players need to go through it now as there is no one that outshines the rest. Maybe? You know, the days of a Hingis or the Williams coming straight to the pros and winning are so over...

by ti-amie Don't forget that the players had almost a year to rest and work on their games. I know everyone doesn't have the financial means to hire a Witt or travel to Mouratoglou or the Nadal Academy but I'm sure everyone did what they could so that they could hit the ground running so to speak.

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 4:12 am Is it my imagination or is it the case that, this year, many girls junior champions of a few years back are finding their feet - Gauff, Swiatek, Osorio Serrano, Tauson, Badosa (even Barty).. only Osaka and Andreescu weren't, so far as I know, junior champions.. has something changed in the way the world works?
Good observation. Andreescu didn't win a junior Slam, but she had a successful juniors career. Osaka's dad followed the Williams' blueprint and it worked.

by Suliso Alize Cornet

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by Suliso Sloane Stephens

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Jil Teichman

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by the Moz If Jil finds Alizé & Sloane's pics a toss up, I know where my vote lies. Holy Sloane :notworthy:

by ashkor87 some (maybe false?) equivalences..
Barty = Federer (good volleyer, great serve, wonderful footwork)
Swiatek = Nadal (topspin, movement, confidence)
Andreescu = Djokovic (no weakness, equally good on all surfaces)

Serena, of course, is all by herself.. she has no equal or equivalent..

by ponchi101 I appreciate your comparisons, but you are comparing 3 Slams (WTA) Vs 58, with no more final appearances to talk about.
Serena can be compared to the three monsters as she has been one herself.
I don't know... ;)

by ti-amie

by Suliso Image

by ti-amie I would not have recognized Timea.

by Suliso Osorio Serrano

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by ti-amie

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by Suliso Since she happens to be playing today few pictures of Jessica Pegula

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Here with her fiance

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by Suliso Sabine Lisicki

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Karolina Pliskova

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by Fastbackss
Suliso wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 8:45 pm

Karolina Pliskova
No, that's Celine Dion

by ti-amie Sadly Celine is much much thinner.

by Suliso
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:02 pm Sadly Celine is much much thinner.
Sadly for Celine or sadly for Karolina? :)

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:04 pm
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:02 pm Sadly Celine is much much thinner.
Sadly for Celine or sadly for Karolina? :)
Sadly for Celine. KaPlis looks healthy in this pic.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie


by Suliso Anett Kontaveit

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Good looking woman I say ;)

by Suliso Caro advertising some kind of baby products.

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by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Interesting that it is not Olivia LEE Wozniacki :thumbsup:

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:31 pm Interesting that it is not Olivia LEE Wozniacki :thumbsup:
You have no idea how big a deal that is. Then again if you mention it I guess you do. Couples go to war over that issue.

by Suliso Is it obvious which last name is "more important" in this particular cultural context? In Spain it would be, but in US or Denmark? I'm not sure...

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:47 pm Is it obvious which last name is "more important" in this particular cultural context? In Spain it would be, but in US or Denmark? I'm not sure...
My daughter and her mother in law went to war when she didn't officially change her name. The compromise was that she'd do exactly what Caro did in naming her daughter and that the future baby will carry her husbands surname. This is a very big deal right now in the US.

by JTContinental So, do we think she'll return to the tour in a year or two or is she done forever?

by Suliso
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:49 pm
Suliso wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:47 pm Is it obvious which last name is "more important" in this particular cultural context? In Spain it would be, but in US or Denmark? I'm not sure...
My daughter and her mother in law went to war when she didn't officially change her name. The compromise was that she'd do exactly what Caro did in naming her daughter and that the future baby will carry her husbands surname. This is a very big deal right now in the US.
In any case if the daughter ever marries and has kids of her own she'll have to decide which of the two family names to give to them. Otherwise we'd all have 10+ :lol:

by Suliso
JTContinental wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:52 pm So, do we think she'll return to the tour in a year or two or is she done forever?
I doubt it. More likely she'll have another child.

by Suliso
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:49 pm My daughter and her mother in law went to war when she didn't officially change her name. The compromise was that she'd do exactly what Caro did in naming her daughter and that the future baby will carry her husbands surname. This is a very big deal right now in the US.
The changing of the name is not such a big thing here. Most do, but I also know some who didn't.

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:55 pm
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:49 pm
Suliso wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:47 pm Is it obvious which last name is "more important" in this particular cultural context? In Spain it would be, but in US or Denmark? I'm not sure...
My daughter and her mother in law went to war when she didn't officially change her name. The compromise was that she'd do exactly what Caro did in naming her daughter and that the future baby will carry her husbands surname. This is a very big deal right now in the US.
In any case if the daughter ever marries and has kids of her own she'll have to decide which of the two family names to give to them. Otherwise we'd all have 10+ :lol:
How does it work in Spanish speaking countries? For example Rafa's full surname is Nadal-Parera. What will his potential children do? I know the naming protocols vary from country to country.

by Suliso Perhaps Iceland has the most egalitarian system - there are no surnames at all. Of course they do use father's name to distinguish...

by ponchi101 In South America the sole way the child can have the mother's last name is if there is no father declared in the birth certificate.
A major plus, in so many cases.
It is a big deal here, Ti. The wife taking her husband's last name is also mandatory in many countries.

by Suliso Wait, don't you operate like in Spain with two last names?

by dmforever A colleague and friend and her husband chose an interesting compromise. They both changed their last names when they got married to a combination of the two names into one name. (ie Sally Smith and John Jones because Sally Smithjones and John Smithjones.) Each of their last names was one syllable, so it was fairly doable. :)

Kevin

by the Moz
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 6:58 pm In South America the sole way the child can have the mother's last name is if there is no father declared in the birth certificate.
A major plus, in so many cases.
It is a big deal here, Ti. The wife taking her husband's last name is also mandatory in many countries.
How so?...seriously, not joking :)

by ponchi101 For example: If you are a divorced couple, the child cannot travel outside state borders without a notarized permission from the parent that does not have custody.
Many fathers simply abandon the family. So the child of such a family, with no father in sight, cannot travel outside of the country until s/he is 18.
It is difficult to enforce allowances and such, but easy to enforce other bothersome legal issues.
I have a friend that her child's dad simply left the country, never to be seen again. She could not leave the country to travel (the state border thing is harder to enforce, of course). The legal proceedings for her to get full custody of her child took so long, she turned 18 before that.

by mmmm8 We don't know if Wozniacki is Olivia's last name or middle name.

by Deuce Imagine the mess if Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Sara Sorribes Tormo would have a child together...

In the Wozniacki/Lee situation, any public discussion or controversy about which family name should come first could have been easily averted if they’d just given the child the first name ‘Rory’.
:o :D

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 2:40 am Imagine the mess if Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Sara Sorribes Tormo would have a child together...

In the Wozniacki/Lee situation, any public discussion or controversy about which family name should come first could have been easily averted if they’d just given the child the first name ‘Rory’.
:o :D

by ponchi101 In Spain there would be no such mess. A child from Foki and SST would simply be: Alejandra Sara Davidovich Sorribes. The formula is pretty straightforward.
A horror for any tournament that would need to put that in a scoreboard, but straightforward it would be ;)

by Suliso Image

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by JazzNU

by skatingfan Is that a thing that happens - you wake up on you're 30th birthday just wearing an engagement ring?

by Suliso Image

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by Suliso Sabalenka in London

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by ti-amie

by ti-amie We always talk about WTA players and their fashion shoots but this is the second time in the last few days I've seen a beauty shot of Jack Draper. There was a series of four the first time.

ETA: I found the series.

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by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:21 pm

That's nice. Clearly taken at a Vegas Golden Knights game. Andre's going to support and promote everything that city has to offer or die trying. One of his best qualities imho.

by ti-amie

by nelslus
skatingfan wrote: Thu Jun 17, 2021 1:37 pm Is that a thing that happens - you wake up on you're 30th birthday just wearing an engagement ring?
....Sticking to her brand, even Konta's engagement ring manages to looks tacky.... :gorgeous:

by nelslus
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:37 pm
Thanks. From the stands, I was thinking, OH, so THIS is what Kyrgios would like like if he was actually hot.

Otherwise, gee, too bad Heather and Doofus are in such terrible shape. :shock:

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:21 pm
I certainly wouldn't be proud enough to post a public photo if I were maskless in an indoor areana full of 18,000 maskless people in the midst of a pandemic.
Of course, I wouldn't be in the arena at all...

Given what the Delta variant is doing in other countries, and that it seems that most of the U.S. is functioning as if the COVID-19 simply no longer exists, I'm very anxious to see what happens in the U.S. this fall and winter.
I don't anticipate it being very pretty.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:37 pm

Same boyfriend as before. They've been together for at least 2 years.

by ti-amie I remember her with another British tennis player before this guy. Duffus is quite easy on the eyes.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jun 29, 2021 12:18 am I remember her with another British tennis player before this guy. Duffus is quite easy on the eyes.
Yes, more than one I think. I believe she basically said they were toxic though. Courtney has been very good for her, she credits his support as part of her turnaround in the last 2 years (you may remember it from when she won a title, I think it was early 2020).

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Tue Jun 29, 2021 12:43 am
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jun 29, 2021 12:18 am I remember her with another British tennis player before this guy. Duffus is quite easy on the eyes.
Yes, more than one I think. I believe she basically said they were toxic though. Courtney has been very good for her, she credits his support as part of her turnaround in the last 2 years (you may remember it from when she won a title, I think it was early 2020).
Yes. She said he's been pushing her to do better and it shows. She would've rolled over in a match like this before she began dating him.

I hope she reads what Ahn said about her struggle for results.

by JazzNU Marta Kostyuk and her little sister. Very cute.



by Suliso Remember her? :)

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by ponchi101 Miss Baczinsky (or however you spell it). She is looking pretty.

by JazzNU So did Timea basically retire she just didn't issue any official statement? Or is she still rehabbing her injuries?

by Suliso I read that she can't decide whether she wants to attempt another comeback or not.

by Suliso Emma Raducanu (end of 2020)

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by ponchi101 And knowing how moderate the British are in their response to "the next big thing", if Emma beats Sorana today and makes it to the second week, I say the payday is in the immediate 7 figures.
What a pretty girl.

by Suliso Money will not be a problem indeed, but the flip side is the enormous pressure which will be piled on by British press. Some can deal with it and some can't...

by ponchi101 Nothing that can't be handled by a strategic move to Monaco, which she will be able to afford with a snap of her fingers... :D

by ti-amie Remembering how Dan Evans reacted to Aljaz Bedene has he weighed in on Ms Raducanu? Is she sufficiently British for him?

by ponchi101 Evans has lately been very good at shutting up. Maybe some people do learn.

by JazzNU I don't know what he said, but she's "more British" (whatever that means) than Konta or Robson, so not sure what the problem is. Let's hope he is keeping his thoughts to himself. He doesn't need to work so hard to make people not like him, far as I can tell, they already don't like him.

by JazzNU Petra Kvitova. The first one is definitely in Monaco, she didn't specifically mention the locales of the others, but all taken within days of each, so may all be there.


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by Suliso Daria Kasatkina

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Here a blast from the past - Nadia Petrova, Yaroslava Shvedova and Vera Dushevina with their kids.

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by ponchi101 I will thank you for half that post ;)

by JazzNU Jules doing Wimbledon commentary for Sky Sport DE



by ti-amie No translation necessary.


by Suliso Coco

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Marta Kostyk

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Jessica Pegula

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by Suliso Paula Badosa

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by Suliso Image

by ponchi101 She gave birth... when?
Like the shoes (and the rest, admittedly)

by Suliso
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Jul 12, 2021 2:51 pm She gave birth... when?
Like the shoes (and the rest, admittedly)
A bit less than a month ago.

by Suliso Image

by JazzNU ^ My least favorite photo of what she posted. So if you're like me, check out the others


https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRZc0JNBQU/

by JazzNU Anett


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by ti-amie Anett with a vintage Cadillac and a vintage look. I never thought go-go boots would come back in style.

by Suliso
JazzNU wrote: Tue Jul 13, 2021 7:45 pm ^ My least favorite photo of what she posted. So if you're like me, check out the others


https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRZc0JNBQU/
Funny that from the three I liked this one the best.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Didn't realize they were having such a short engagement.

by JazzNU In related news, a new installment of "I barely recognize her"



by JazzNU Extra photos of Matteo from the celebration in Italy


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by Suliso Image

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 8:58 pm Extra photos of Matteo from the celebration in Italy


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by JazzNU I'm sure more will be coming out, but here's a photo of the happy couple. I've seen others on IG Stories of them and the wedding, looks lovely.


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https://twitter.com/Tennis_BTU_ENG/stat ... 1051364358

by Suliso Do you know where was the wedding?

by ti-amie Image

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Speculation is the wedding was in Geneva.

by ti-amie


by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:14 pm Do you know where was the wedding?
ti-amie wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:59 pm
Speculation is the wedding was in Geneva.
Yes, definitely in Geneva.

by JazzNU Image

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by ponchi101 I will leave it to the people here that know about fashion, because I obviously don't.
But a lavender tux... I will pass.
They look happy. Hope it will be indeed till death do them part.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 10:17 pm I will leave it to the people here that know about fashion, because I obviously don't.
But a lavender tux... I will pass.
They look happy. Hope it will be indeed till death do them part.
I think her outfit is...horrible. I like that the flowers and his tux matched. TBH it's a very Caribbean thing to do that even though he was born in France.

Her outfit at the reception is more like it. I've only seen it on IG and I'm IG illiterate.

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 8:58 pm Extra photos of Matteo from the celebration in Italy


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Any post that begins with "Extra photos of Matteo" is greatly greatly appreciated. :)

Kevin

by dmforever And while we are speaking about photos of Matteo, I just happened across this. It's a nice little piece, and you can practice your Italian. :) It goes through Queen's Club but doesn't include Wimbledon.

Kevin

https://www.redbull.com/it-it/videos/ma ... xtra-video

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by dmforever Just when you thought you'd seen everything...



Kevin

by dmforever
ti-amie wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 5:23 pm
I kind of like the lavender tux but I'm not a fan of the suit and sneakers combo.


Kevin

by ponchi101
dmforever wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 5:41 pm Just when you thought you'd seen everything...



Kevin
Wow. That does NOT look good for Wilson. I remember Sampras cracking a racquet against Henman at W, but that was because Sampras had those things strung to the max. And I once cracked the rim of a ProStaff 6.0, but it was already almost 4 years old, and I do scrape my racquets a lot. But for the head to come off the handle that way...
Time to consider making those racquets somewhere else.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 11:24 pm
I think her outfit is...horrible. I like that the flowers and his tux matched. TBH it's a very Caribbean thing to do that even though he was born in France.

Her outfit at the reception is more like it. I've only seen it on IG and I'm IG illiterate.
With parents from Guadeloupe and Martinique, a Caribbean influence would be very appropriate. His suit/tux is one of the things I like here. Her wedding dress is a touch unfortunate on many levels, but the idea was solid, just a flawed execution for me. She looks appreciably better at the reception. It's a little surprising they didn't reverse the wedding and reception outfits, but the wedding photos will be the most memorable and the circulated and capture their personalities better, so I understand the decision.

by the Moz Glad to see Christina 'Dip It Low' Milian :)

by ti-amie
dmforever wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 5:41 pm Just when you thought you'd seen everything...



Kevin
Aide: Stefanos, someone named Aga Radwanska is on line one?

by dmforever
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 6:02 pm
dmforever wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 5:41 pm Just when you thought you'd seen everything...



Kevin
Wow. That does NOT look good for Wilson. I remember Sampras cracking a racquet against Henman at W, but that was because Sampras had those things strung to the max. And I once cracked the rim of a ProStaff 6.0, but it was already almost 4 years old, and I do scrape my racquets a lot. But for the head to come off the handle that way...
Time to consider making those racquets somewhere else.
If you listen to the commentary, a woman says something about all of that just to save a code violation right at the end. So apparently he hit the racket, cracked it, and then played with it. But still, it's kind of amazing. ;)

Kevin

by dmforever
ti-amie wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:00 pm
dmforever wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 5:41 pm Just when you thought you'd seen everything...



Kevin
Aide: Stefanos, someone named Aga Radwanska is on line one?
Did Aga do that too?

Kevin

by ponchi101 Then Stefanos needs to do some math. A code violation gives you a warning, playing with that racquet cost him the point.
Well, your point explains it.
And yes, Aga did that once. Her racquet did crack (no initial smacking, as you tell us, though).

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:25 pm
If you listen to the commentary, a woman says something about all of that just to save a code violation right at the end. So apparently he hit the racket, cracked it, and then played with it. But still, it's kind of amazing. ;)

Kevin

Watch both. Not great for Wilson since this was hardly impressive, but probably not problematic for them either.



by ti-amie

by dmforever
ti-amie wrote: Sun Jul 18, 2021 12:21 am
OMG. The look on her face says it all. Bahahahahahaha. It's interesting that in both cases, it was on a backhand. :)

Kevin

by dmforever
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 11:53 pm Then Stefanos needs to do some math. A code violation gives you a warning, playing with that racquet cost him the point.
Well, your point explains it.
And yes, Aga did that once. Her racquet did crack (no initial smacking, as you tell us, though).
I was thinking EXACTLY the same thing. Maybe he thought he'd have another outburst and he wanted to have the opportunity to do that without losing a point?

Kevin

by Suliso Iga, not sure if in Tokyo already or only preparing

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by ti-amie

by JazzNU Check out the name

https://www.instagram.com/elisvitolina/



by the Moz Disappointing, but it's her life.

by Suliso It's a strong tradition in Central and Eastern Europe so no reason to criticize. At work too virtually all women who got married while I'm here changed their names. I respect them just as much (or little) as before.

by Suliso Vekic and Tomljanovic

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by ponchi101 In L. America, for example, it would be very normal for Elina to become Elina Svitolina DE Monfils.
I am not sure if in Spain it would be mandated. In some L. America countries it would be. In others (I believe Argentina) I think Gael could choose to use her name.

by Deuce I assumed that after marriage, they would both legally change their names to that silly name that they came up with for their union on 'social media', whatever it was...

by JazzNU Of course she can do what she wants, but she spent years building her own name and this is one of those times where keeping your maiden name or adding your husband's name in addition to your own makes a ton of sense. It's not that it's on her Instagram, it's that it seems that's what she'll be using professionally.



by ti-amie It's her choice and I don't think any of us can comment on what in the end is a personal decision on her part. I think I mentioned here that my daughter has opted to keep her maiden name because of the work she does and her husbands family nearly fainted from shock.

I kept my husband's name even though we divorced. Everyone is entitled to their choice.

by Deuce Given that Svitolina has failed to reach the potential that many predicted, which has left many fans frustrated, perhaps disassociating herself from that name will actually boost her reputation among some fans.
Maybe even within herself, as well.
Kind of like a 're-birth' - 'the old Elina is gone, here comes the new'...

Of course, in reality, it will take more than a mere name change to boost her career, but who knows?... maybe it will psychologically prompt an improvement.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Yulia Putintseva in Budapest


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by ti-amie That's the best pic of Poots I've ever seen.

by 3mlm
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:41 pm In L. America, for example, it would be very normal for Elina to become Elina Svitolina DE Monfils.
I am not sure if in Spain it would be mandated. In some L. America countries it would be. In others (I believe Argentina) I think Gael could choose to use her name.
According to Wikipedia:
In Spain, upon marrying, one does not change one's surname. In some instances, such as high society meetings, the partner's surname can be added after the person's surnames using the preposition de (of). An example would be a Leocadia Blanco Álvarez, married to a Pedro Pérez Montilla, may be addressed as Leocadia Blanco de Pérez or as Leocadia Blanco Álvarez de Pérez. This format is not used in everyday settings and has no legal value.

by ptmcmahon
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 10:17 pm I will leave it to the people here that know about fashion, because I obviously don't.
But a lavender tux... I will pass.
They look happy. Hope it will be indeed till death do them part.
I'm not a fashion guy at al. I thought it looked good.. but doesnt look as good next to people in suits of other colours as much.

by JazzNU Naomi was selected as one of the SI Swimsuit Cover Models this year


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by ti-amie At least she's sports related. Someone will have to explain how Megan Thee Stallion rates a cover.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:22 pm At least she's sports related. Someone will have to explain how Megan Thee Stallion rates a cover.
It's not regular SI, it's the Swimsuit Edition, it's never featured only athletes. Most times it never featured athletes on the cover, that's a more recent evolution of the Swimsuit Edition where non-models including athletes would be featured. Megan rates a cover for being very popular right now and they can promote a body positivity message by choosing her.

by Suliso Well, if the topic is swimsuits here are a few recent ones with actual players :)

Clara Tauson

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Jo Konta

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by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 7:24 pm
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:22 pm At least she's sports related. Someone will have to explain how Megan Thee Stallion rates a cover.
It's not regular SI, it's the Swimsuit Edition, it's never featured only athletes. Most times it never featured athletes on the cover, that's a more recent evolution of the Swimsuit Edition where non-models including athletes would be featured. Megan rates a cover for being very popular right now and they can promote a body positivity message by choosing her.
In the beginning it was only models, never athletes.
I am old enough to remember those :)

by JTContinental
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:22 pm At least she's sports related. Someone will have to explain how Megan Thee Stallion rates a cover.
One only needs to see her in a swimsuit to see how she rates a cover. :)

by JTContinental Speaking of Osaka, apparently the gasbag that is Megyn Kelly tried to turn her evil eye onto Naomi and her mental health on Twitter, got totally pwned (and then subsequently blocked) by Osaka, and is now having some sort of one sided meltdown.

https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5637 ... out-mental

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 8:56 pm In the beginning it was only models, never athletes.
I am old enough to remember those :)
Yes, so am I. 😊 These non-models on the cover is very recent. When I used to watch those 90s HBO Making of the SI Swimsuit Edition documentaries, those were always models, no question. I think the first non-model cover may have been Beyonce and it was after Destiny's Child, to put into context how recent the change has been. Still mostly models, but they mix in celebrities and athletes from time to time now.

by JTContinental On the swimsuit front, that might be the best outfit I’ve ever seen Konta wear

by JazzNU Jeremy Chardy with his son Stoney


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by JazzNU Paula Badosa moving up in the world. Made it into Elle Spain.


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by ponchi101 Strange looking shots. They look very solarized.
She is one grand slam away from taking all of Mugu's contracts. But not sure if she can do it.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Jul 20, 2021 3:56 pm Strange looking shots. They look very solarized.
She is one grand slam away from taking all of Mugu's contracts. But not sure if she can do it.
It's funny to me that you think that.

I like the photos, the second one in particular.

by Suliso To me too. Muguruza looks just as good if not better.

by ponchi101 I love Garbie, but... I find Badosa to be stunning.
But if you gang think she is as pretty as Paula, so be it. I can like them both. Which I do.

by ti-amie I like the second one better too. I think the first one is aiming for the younger market with the sneakers, bag, and sports shirt.

The second one with the Chanel-style jacket, stylish but not "out there" hair, jeans, a nice shirt and the Nike bra peeking out is for a more mature but still young and chic woman.

I like Paula. If she can just rein herself in a bit and not play balls to the wall on every shot I think she'll do well. If she goes deep in a Slam forget it. Garbi, she's coming for you.

by ti-amie I don't think this shoot was posted here. I went back about five pages and didn't see the pics. If it was I apologize.


by ti-amie The hard sell is on folks.


by ponchi101 Had no seen the Naomi shots, so txs.
And Emma? Just crack the top 20 and England is yours.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jul 20, 2021 7:06 pm The hard sell is on folks.
Already careening out of control I'd say. The Silicon Valley Classic, which gave her a wild card, has her in the tournament photos next to Sloane, Madison, and Sofia. There are quite a few good players in the draw that are much more deserving of that billing.

I know this has happened with a couple of other players, Coco and Bianca, come to mind for instance, but their hype started was well before their big result, there was build up for both. Emma is more in line with a Melanie Oudin to me, pretty much out of nowhere, so it's a bit over the top already.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Jul 20, 2021 5:52 pm I love Garbie, but... I find Badosa to be stunning.
But if you gang think she is as pretty as Paula, so be it. I can like them both. Which I do.
Her parents are models, she's going to be hard pressed not to pretty. But I was talking more about that you think Garbine's endorsements are going to flee because Paula is suddenly somewhat popular. Garbine's brand has been cultivated over 10 years, it's not disappearing overnight even if Paula wins a GS tomorrow.

Stunning is not a word I'd use with Paula personally. She's pretty to me. If she looked like she does in that second photo all of the time, I'd say she's at a minimum, very pretty. But her professional photos are more uneven, she's not giving you what Elle captured every time. Hopefully she can try to get more of this out of them in the future, this photographer really maximized what she's got and hit the right angles too. She looks wonderful in these.

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Tue Jul 20, 2021 3:13 am Jeremy Chardy with his son Stoney


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Matching swim trunks!!!! ;)

Kevin

by JazzNU Petra in Tokyo


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by JazzNU Elina shared more wedding photos. Scroll through to see more, in particular, additional views of her wedding outfit



by JazzNU Elena Rybakina at the Bolshoy Theatre. She doesn't share much, so very nice. The girl with her is Sofya Lansere, a Russian tennis player.


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by ponchi101 You wanna know how good the pros are?
Here is Thiem hitting LEFT handed forehands, backhands and forehands:


Let me know if you hit your REGULAR strokes are well as he does with his non-dominant hand.

by Deuce I can guarantee that this sort of thing is not common with pro players. There may be some who can pull it off, but it is by no means a general reflection of how good the pros are, or of what they are capable of doing.

by Suliso Timea Babos

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by ponchi101
Deuce wrote: Thu Jul 22, 2021 5:12 am I can guarantee that this sort of thing is not common with pro players. There may be some who can pull it off, but it is by no means a general reflection of how good the pros are, or of what they are capable of doing.
Not a general reflection, but more proof (as if it was needed) of what incredible athletes we have in tennis.
I remember one year, I think it was 1983, in that Wimbledon played a PEOPLE'S SUNDAY. Connors was to play Rostagno and, as he was warming up in Centre Court, he took two racquets (his T-2000's) and started hitting forehands with both hands, simultaneously. One left handed FH, one right handed FH. They were almost identical. Of course, his two-handed BH was a disguised FH, but him being able to take the dominant hand off and still hit a solid shot was impressive.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jul 23, 2021 4:09 pm
Deuce wrote: Thu Jul 22, 2021 5:12 am I can guarantee that this sort of thing is not common with pro players. There may be some who can pull it off, but it is by no means a general reflection of how good the pros are, or of what they are capable of doing.
Not a general reflection, but more proof (as if it was needed) of what incredible athletes we have in tennis.
I remember one year, I think it was 1983, in that Wimbledon played a PEOPLE'S SUNDAY. Connors was to play Rostagno and, as he was warming up in Centre Court, he took two racquets (his T-2000's) and started hitting forehands with both hands, simultaneously. One left handed FH, one right handed FH. They were almost identical. Of course, his two-handed BH was a disguised FH, but him being able to take the dominant hand off and still hit a solid shot was impressive.
The act of just hitting a tennis ball into any area of the court on the other side of the net with a T2000 is a remarkable feat in itself - regardless of which hand, or number of hands, is used!
There are rumours that a large percentage of discarded T2000s went on to have a second life as trampolines...

by ti-amie

by Deuce I saw a site that had her name as Svitolina, but it showed a photo of Gael :lol: .

by ti-amie Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
@tsonga7
Avec mes deux petits gars!!! #bonheurabsolu #family Family
Translated from French by Google
With my two little guys !!!#bonheurabsolu#familyFamily

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by JazzNU RBA is competing at the tournament in Kitzbuhel, Austria this week and was out enjoying the area. Someone in the comments remarked that it looks like an Old Spice ad and that feels incredibly accurate. But seriously, it's a beautiful area.


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by JazzNU And also a nice photo of RBA with his wife and son


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by Suliso In proper mountain clothes too.

by ponchi101 Medvedev got a bit angry when asked about the Russian "suspension" from the Olympics:
Daniil Medvedev furious with reporter who asked about Russia's doping: 'You should be embarrassed'

My understanding is that two of the main people in the Sochi scandal are dead, the third is under USA Witness Protection Program (in the USA). No wonder he would get angry.

by ti-amie Apparently these two have "issues"?




by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Fri Jul 30, 2021 6:01 pm Apparently these two have "issues"?

Think Casper was having some fun with Nick and even though Nick was doing was something semi-official for the ATP, he lashed out. And the ATP responded to Casper's question with the Homer disappearing gif, there was no reason for it to escalate, could've just been ignored.

From Nick's end. He hates clay obviously, has been complaining about clay court tournaments after clay court season (where Casper has been doing great), and he has basically been mad at Casper since he was defaulted in Rome because that's who he was playing when it happened. Juvenile ish.

by the Moz
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 10:11 pm Medvedev got a bit angry when asked about the Russian "suspension" from the Olympics:
Daniil Medvedev furious with reporter who asked about Russia's doping: 'You should be embarrassed'

My understanding is that two of the main people in the Sochi scandal are dead, the third is under USA Witness Protection Program (in the USA). No wonder he would get angry.
Russian athletes collectively should not have been allowed at Tokyo2020. The question was baiting, but the essence of it is legit and should be asked. DM should be embarrassed Russia is banned (but not really) and he should be embarrassed for participating at Tokyo2020 on a team called ROC.

by Deuce And now, ladies and gentlemen... the Genie Bouchard news you've all been so impatiently waiting for...

First, sad confirmation of the rumour...
Genie Bouchard to Join Tennis Channel

And, even better...
Genie Bouchard Has a Song Named After Her - and She Loves it

I strongly advise you all against clicking the 'play' button for the song.
You have been warned.

by ptmcmahon Telling us not to click on it is just click bait that's going to make us do it you realize :)

by ponchi101 I clicked on it. I believe I just broke some sort of world record for fastest CLICK PLAY and CLICK CLOSE WINDOW time.
The horror, the horror.

by JTContinental
ti-amie wrote: Fri Jul 30, 2021 6:01 pm Apparently these two have "issues"?



Ruud also has an antagonistic personality, so it's not too surprising that they would clash.

by Deuce
ptmcmahon wrote: Tue Aug 03, 2021 1:17 pm Telling us not to click on it is just click bait that's going to make us do it you realize :)
^ Perhaps... but by advising you not to, it absolves me of all responsibility for any enduring consequences you or others may suffer by so doing.
:D

by ptmcmahon Awww, well played. I shall cancel my lawsuit :D

by ti-amie




by Suliso Caro with family in Monaco few days ago.

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by Suliso Might be with mother and brother

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Zverev and Lisicki

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Simona Halep

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by Suliso Danka Kovinic

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No label needed :)

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by ptmcmahon AS long as she's wearing that in every picture we should be able to recognize her.

by Woody Roger out of Cincy and Toronto, knee problems continue. I'll be pretty surprised if he plays USO with no warmup and a suspect knee. I've predicted retirement twice and been happily wrong both times but.... is he motivated to rehab back to good enough shape for one more year? There's no more Olympics, he must know he can't contend for majors, and there's a real risk of diminishing the legacy by phoning in a farewell tour if he can't perform.

I dunno, I kinda want the last memory to be 2019, losing to Rafa at RG, followed by beating Rafa at Wimbledon. It's poetic.

(feel free to move this if wrong topic... I didn't want to re-create the washed up threads though :) )

by ponchi101 Agree. No need to keep going with the rewards being so few. And the knee thing keep coming back all the time, so might as well admit it is time.
It has been almost 20 glorious years.

by Deuce If Federer genuinely still loves to play the game and to compete, I'd be fine if he drops to #645 before retiring.
It's not up to any of us to decide when a player 'should' retire. Even if it may seem silly to us for a player to keep going well past his/her prime, we should have all the respect in the world for their decision to do so, if it is based on a genuine passion for and love of the game.

by the Moz His greatness? Undisputed. His passion? Undisputed. His desire to compete? Undisputed. His right to call it a day? Undisputed. But in this instance the body has other ideas. He can't play. Literally. And that is why it is time to call time on the glorious masterclass of Roger Federer.

by Deuce Again - it's not up to any of us to say when it is time for any player to retire. It is entirely up to the player. And whatever they decide - whether it's to retire at their peak like Borg, or to play Challengers until they're 73 years old like Robredo - I feel their decision should be respected.
They know themselves far better than any of us know them.

by Woody Of course it's "up to the player" when they retire. But also we can each give our opinion about it and say whatever we want. What a weird take. Hey, I might also have an opinion when I think a young player is playing too many tournaments or whatever. Hopefully you don't mind if I voice that too...

by Deuce
Woody wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:26 am Of course it's "up to the player" when they retire. But also we can each give our opinion about it and say whatever we want. What a weird take. Hey, I might also have an opinion when I think a young player is playing too many tournaments or whatever. Hopefully you don't mind if I voice that too...
I don't know how long you've been following tennis... but I've been following (and playing) it for about 40 years. In that time, I've seen a thing or two happen, and more than a few different situations and scenarios.

Are you deliberately misinterpreting what I'm saying?
I'll try again - more slowly...

Obviously everyone is free to hold an opinion (although, while you claim the same, you are, interestingly, telling me that my opinion is somehow not valid... hmmm...).
I, though, find it rather disrespectful to the player's own judgment when people call for him/her to retire because he/she is not playing as well as previously, or because of injury, etc.

Opinions are fine - including my opinion that it's disrespectful for people to say that a player "should" retire. Again - if the player likes continuing to play, even with diminished abilities and/or capacities, then who are fans to say that he/she "should" retire? They must honestly believe that they know the player and know what he/she should do more than the player him/her self knows. And I find that rather disrespectful. And kind of arrogant.

Ending one's career is an intensely personal thing. And so to call for a player to do that is quite different than spitballing a benign perspective that player 'X' should play fewer or more tournaments. The contexts are completely different.
Some (most?) fans erroneously seem to believe that the primary reason that players play the sport is to please them (the fans). And therefore, the fans should be able to determine when the player "should" retire - i.e. when the fan no longer enjoys watching said player.
I simply say No - the player plays for him/her self, not to please the fans. Pleasing the fans is a mere by-product. The only obligation a player has is to do what pleases him/her, and not what the fans think he/she "should" do. And it would be nice if fans would recognize and respect this, rather than believing that they know better than the player about when he/she should stop playing.

I hope you understand better now.

by ponchi101
Woody wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:26 am Of course it's "up to the player" when they retire. But also we can each give our opinion about it and say whatever we want. What a weird take. Hey, I might also have an opinion when I think a young player is playing too many tournaments or whatever. Hopefully you don't mind if I voice that too...
I am opening a new site.
www.letsnottalkabouttennis.com

So indeed we can go there and not talk about the sport. It will have this great feature where you can go in there and NOT talk about your faves.

Also.
Mirka sent me an e-mail and asked me to tell people not to talk about Roger's retirement, because he is in his room, sobbing uncontrollably and at the border of depression because of our talking about it.

by Woody
Deuce wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:45 am I don't know how long you've been following tennis... but I've been following (and playing) it for about 40 years. In that time, I've seen a thing or two happen, and more than a few different situations and scenarios.
Let me guess, this is meant to imply that your opinion is "more valid" than mine? :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Anyway, I've been watching and playing longer than 40 years. Do I win now? :lol:
Deuce wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:45 am Obviously everyone is free to hold an opinion (although, while you claim the same, you are, interestingly, telling me that my opinion is somehow not valid... hmmm...).
I, though, find it rather disrespectful to the player's own judgment when people call for him/her to retire because he/she is not playing as well as previously, or because of injury, etc.
Imagine thinking that if someone disagrees with you, that means they're saying your opinion is "invalid"! I said your opinion is WRONG. Don't play the victim. You're the one who said it is disrespectful for tennis fans to give their opinion on a topic that is on a lot of tennis fans' minds these days. And then act as if I'm starting a petition that we're going to mail to Roger to try to persuade him to retire or something, LoL. I assure you, he's not reading TAT2. Tennis commentators have been opining much more publicly about his retirement for years now, do you write in to complain often?

Again, such a weird thing to want to start an argument over, because YOU decided this is "intensely personal". They're extremely public figures. This is a very public decision about a very public career. Roger Federer would not feel the tiniest bit "disrespected" to learn that some 50-year-old Canadian thinks he should retire if he can't get fully healthy again.

by Deuce Sorry - I assumed you were younger based on the content of your post(s). Easy mistake to make.

I don't believe I attempted to 'start an argument' - I simply stated my opinion, without targeting any poster in particular, addressing only the subject of calling on Federer to retire. You then addressed me specifically with a deliberately antagonistic post, blatantly calling my opinion “wrong”, and, essentially, ridiculing it. I think it's rather evident who is ‘trying to start an argument’.
Don’t get me wrong - you have every right in the world to think whatever you wish of my perspective, and of me - I would never attempt to deny you that right. But to come in with the ridiculing, antagonistic, and disrespectful post you wrote, and then accuse ME of trying to start an argument - that’s just blatant manipulation.

And... since when are opinions ‘right’ or ‘wrong’?

As for everything you wrote on the actual subject of players retiring... I still disagree with all of it.

.

by ponchi101 Roger turns 40 today. That leaves only one sport hero, for me, under 40.

by Suliso
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Aug 08, 2021 4:47 pm Roger turns 40 today. That leaves only one sport hero, for me, under 40.
Who would that be?

by ponchi101 Mikaela Shriffin. The girl skis like no one I can say.
Highly partial because I took up skiing recently and she has been dominant in this period, but heck, can't be objective with her.

by ti-amie

by Deuce My god... I remember watching Michaella playing in Juniors just last month, it seems. She and Kirsten Flipkens had a nice rivalry at the top of the Junior rankings back then.

And now, she has a junior of her own.
Hard to believe...

by Suliso Bianca Andreescu

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Ana Ivanovic

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by Suliso Andrea Petkovic

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by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Uhm, are you sure that is Marat? Or John Mcaffee pulled an identity switch?
He looks way over my age.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 First time anybody has seen her teeth?

by Suliso Image

by Woody Third knee surgery for Roger, out for "many months".

"I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form."

That glimmer feels really, really faint.

by ti-amie Petra is dating her new coach who was in the stands today, and now Kenin has posted pics of her new coach on his birthday.

Kenin and her coach


by ti-amie

Great shot of Cori!

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Mon Aug 16, 2021 8:50 pm Petra is dating her new coach and apparently so is Sofia Kenin.
For a moment (or two), I read that as Kvitova and Kenin are dating the same man.

(That's not the case - right? :shock: )

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Mon Aug 16, 2021 9:16 pm
ti-amie wrote: Mon Aug 16, 2021 8:50 pm Petra is dating her new coach and apparently so is Sofia Kenin.
For a moment (or two), I read that as Kvitova and Kenin are dating the same man.

(That's not the case - right? :shock: )
That is really a poorly constructed sentence isn't it?

I'll fix it.

by Deuce It makes for quite an interesting story, though :D .

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 And, NOT to pour more fire on this conversation, but we are a tennis forum.
Srjdan Djokovic again has given some comments that are "colorful". I have to express again, THIS IS NOT NOVAK SPEAKING.
But is is hard to believe that this does not paint Novak poorly, as unfair as that is.
Some comments, as that site is like plagued with ads (my comments in parenthesis):
Speaking about the fact that there were almost full crowds in at SW19 but he and his wife were not permitted to attend, Srjdan Djokovic said: “My wife and I wanted to go to Wimbledon, but these horrible people did not let us because we had to go in quarantine for a week, even though the stadium was packed with 15,000, 16,000 people.

"I will never forget that."
(Wimbledon must be trembling in their boots)

Responding to a question about his son’s position as the best tennis player in the world, Srjdan responded: “I have to correct you. In the beginning you said Djokovic is the best tennis player in the world, he even is the best sportsman in the world.

“Currently he is one of the best of all time, but very quickly he will be the best athlete ever.”

(I am actually partial to this, since I have the opinion that tennis players are some of the best athletes in the world. But I am an unknown chipmunk, talking in a small website, not Novak's dad)

In a bizarre outburst Srjdan said: “Patriotism is above all.
"The only option for all of us Serbs in the world is our mother Serbia. Novak is the key, Novak is gold, Novak is an indicator that nothing is impossible if you really want to, Novak is a member of every normal family in this country.

“Novak is your brother. Novak behaves in such a way that everyone feels like he is theirs. And he is from Serbia, he is of Serbian descent.”
(If you listen to that statement with PINK FLOYD's WAITING FOR THE WORMS as soundtrack, it kind of makes you scratch your chin)

by ti-amie I had started listening to Pink Floyd and stopped because I didn't have time to listen to the entire album "The Wall". I took your advice. Chilling.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU

by JazzNU Doesn't look like anyone posted this when it happened. Marketa got engaged about a week and a half ago.



by ponchi101 Good for her :thumbsup:

by JazzNU Garbine in Ohio, presumably near Mason


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by JazzNU This may be more charming to me since I love Chicago, but this is Elina in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood having some borsch


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by dmforever I'm not sure where to post this, but maybe this is the right place. I know that the topic of how tennis players stack up to other professional athletes has been brought up before, but I thought I'd add this to it. I really like Noah Rubin, so I was following his match yesterday. He was the last match scheduled for the second (and last) round of qualies at Winston-Salem. He was up a set and serving at 6-5 and then lost it in three to Pouille. It would have been a really good win for him. But he lost. So then I noticed a couple of hours later that Murray-Kyrgios had been cancelled and Murray had beaten Rubin 0 and 2 or something like that, and Rubin had gotten in the draw as a lucky loser. So I guess he lost his last qualifying match, and either he was the last loser still on the grounds or the highest ranking one still there (his ranking is in the 300's so that seems a stretch, but maybe), and he had to just go right out and play another match. Of course, in a way this is a perk, but in a way, it's asking a pro athlete whose livelihood depends on his performance to compete when he's far from ready. And I get that he could have said no, and that even losing he made a little money and got a ranking point or three, but I don't think that takes away from the fundamental point that pro tennis players have to deal with a lot of challenges.

What other sport does that? I know this isn't common, but still, it underlies one aspect of a pro tennis player's life that other pro athletes never have to deal with. They never start an NBA game at 11 PM, or 11 AM for that matter. They don't play on different continents (with very few exceptions). Their travel is arranged for them. They almost always know what time they will play (with the exception of rain delays in baseball games).

I just thought I'd bring this up because I felt bad for Noah.

Kevin

by ti-amie I like Noah too and I was pretty upset that less than an hour after finishing his own match he was drafted to play Murray. I was also annoyed at some fans posting the 2 & 0 score without putting what happened in context.

I consoled myself by thinking that he made some money.

We had a discussion last night/today about when the tournament knew Kyrgios wasn't playing.

by JazzNU Ivana Jorovic, Kiki Mladenovic, Danka Kovinic, and Harriet Dart in Chicago


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by JazzNU Emma Raducanu in Chicago


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by 3mlm There are 4 qualifiers and 4 lucky losers in the draw; Rubin was the 4th highest ranked player who lost in the final qualifying round. While ranked only 306, he was seeded #8 in the qualifying draw.

by Fastbackss
dmforever wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 11:22 pm I'm not sure where to post this, but maybe this is the right place. I know that the topic of how tennis players stack up to other professional athletes has been brought up before, but I thought I'd add this to it. I really like Noah Rubin, so I was following his match yesterday. He was the last match scheduled for the second (and last) round of qualies at Winston-Salem. He was up a set and serving at 6-5 and then lost it in three to Pouille. It would have been a really good win for him. But he lost. So then I noticed a couple of hours later that Murray-Kyrgios had been cancelled and Murray had beaten Rubin 0 and 2 or something like that, and Rubin had gotten in the draw as a lucky loser. So I guess he lost his last qualifying match, and either he was the last loser still on the grounds or the highest ranking one still there (his ranking is in the 300's so that seems a stretch, but maybe), and he had to just go right out and play another match. Of course, in a way this is a perk, but in a way, it's asking a pro athlete whose livelihood depends on his performance to compete when he's far from ready. And I get that he could have said no, and that even losing he made a little money and got a ranking point or three, but I don't think that takes away from the fundamental point that pro tennis players have to deal with a lot of challenges.

What other sport does that? I know this isn't common, but still, it underlies one aspect of a pro tennis player's life that other pro athletes never have to deal with. They never start an NBA game at 11 PM, or 11 AM for that matter. They don't play on different continents (with very few exceptions). Their travel is arranged for them. They almost always know what time they will play (with the exception of rain delays in baseball games).

I just thought I'd bring this up because I felt bad for Noah.

Kevin
The only two I can think of are both in sports that are not as physically demanding.

Golf - there are "alternates" to ensure a full field the players typically have to be on-site (John Daly won a major as the 7th alternate...and if I recall hadn't even gotten to play a practice round)

Auto racing - this is more on the regional and local level - but when there are more cars than openings in the final feature they will post "alternates." These drivers are (supposed) to be sitting in the car, ready, in case one of the A-main cars does not fire. This is usually soon after the letdown of knowing you didn't qualify

by dmforever
ti-amie wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 12:29 am I like Noah too and I was pretty upset that less than an hour after finishing his own match he was drafted to play Murray. I was also annoyed at some fans posting the 2 & 0 score without putting what happened in context.

I consoled myself by thinking that he made some money.

We had a discussion last night/today about when the tournament knew Kyrgios wasn't playing.
I thought about that too. Did they sit on that knowledge to keep a few fans from deciding not to come? :(

Kevin

by ponchi101 I think it was even a but worse than that. They had the bad luck of drawing two of their most recognized names together in the first round. So, best use of that match was indeed to make it the marquee match of the night. But then Nick pulled out, so they were left with no real "main dish". And kept it under wraps. Nothing terrible but not the best for fans.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 3:30 pm I think it was even a but worse than that. They had the bad luck of drawing two of their most recognized names together in the first round. So, best use of that match was indeed to make it the marquee match of the night. But then Nick pulled out, so they were left with no real "main dish". And kept it under wraps. Nothing terrible but not the best for fans.
Guessing they kept it under wraps because they didn't want people to stay home... or maybe just as likely, didn't want to announce until they had a replacement player to announce along with it.

by Suliso Kasatkina and Kontaveit

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by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:56 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 3:30 pm I think it was even a but worse than that. They had the bad luck of drawing two of their most recognized names together in the first round. So, best use of that match was indeed to make it the marquee match of the night. But then Nick pulled out, so they were left with no real "main dish". And kept it under wraps. Nothing terrible but not the best for fans.
Guessing they kept it under wraps because they didn't want people to stay home... or maybe just as likely, didn't want to announce until they had a replacement player to announce along with it.
And/or they wanted to sell whatever tickets remained for that court - and, with all due respect to Noah Rubin, 'Kyrgios vs. Murray' will obviously sell more tickets than 'Rubin vs. Murray'.

by ti-amie Some nice moody pics posted by Andrey Rublev on IG.


by ti-amie And he posted the hotel where he's staying.


TBH I'm shocked posting the link worked so well.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:12 pm And he posted the hotel where he's staying.


TBH I'm shocked posting the link worked so well.
What do you mean?

Quite a few post their hotels. I'm not sure if it's naivete, faith in hotel security, or them not having to pay for the hotel if they give them some promotion.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:23 pm
ti-amie wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:12 pm And he posted the hotel where he's staying.


TBH I'm shocked posting the link worked so well.
What do you mean?

Quite a few post their hotels. I'm not sure if it's naivete, faith in hotel security, or them not having to pay for the hotel if they give them some promotion.
I am the worst when it comes to Instagram. I didn't think posting the link would do more than, well, show the link. :lol:

by JazzNU If you're a fan of Venus and you didn't watch Venus' announcement that she'll miss the US Open, you really should. If you don't want to watch all of it, skip to the 45 second mark to catch the gem she inserts in the middle. Looking like Serena for the world here too.



by meganfernandez Is this something? New?

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by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:And he posted the hotel where he's staying.


TBH I'm shocked posting the link worked so well.
I think players post their hotels to give them publicity, but it’s often at the end of the event, like “thanks for the wonderful free five-star stay.”


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by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 12:55 am Is this something? New?
If that ends up meaning something, then yes it's new or at least, not been announced. Guess we'll wait to see if there's more from either.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 1:54 am
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 12:55 am Is this something? New?
If that ends up meaning something, then yes it's new or at least, not been announced. Guess we'll wait to see if there's more from either.
Apparently there is an entire thread about this on the bird app.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:05 am
Apparently there is an entire thread about this on the bird app.
They must be talking in code, I can't find it.

by JazzNU Paula Badosa and boyfriend Juan Betancourt in NYC


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by JazzNU Another example of revealing the hotel. In my experience, and I think I'm on social media more than most around here, this is pretty common in recent years and while some say thank you at the end, many reveal where they are staying in some way prior to that. There might still be a thank you post, but it's not the only reveal of the hotel.



by JazzNU Stef is getting a story about him in the Sept issue of Vogue and this is the photo that goes with it


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by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote:Stef is getting a story about him in the Sept issue of Vogue and this is the photo that goes with it


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Maybe he was furiously checking the page proofs when he disappeared into the bathroom in the Zverev semi…

Kidding, this issue was finalized weeks ago.


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by the Moz I trust he got coaching at the photo shoot too :lol:

by mmmm8 That's not a great photo, ages him.

by ti-amie
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:19 pm That's not a great photo, ages him.
Agree. I've seen much better photos of him.

by Fastbackss
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 12:55 am Is this something? New?

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Quite an Instagram handle Thanasi has chosen...

by ti-amie Fastback his fans call him that all the time. Odd to see him embrace it though.

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 5:48 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 12:55 am Is this something? New?

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Quite an Instagram handle Thanasi has chosen...
1 shows some restraint.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:19 pm That's not a great photo, ages him.
Maybe it's an astral projection of his old soul.

by meganfernandez
the Moz wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 12:28 pm I trust he got coaching at the photo shoot too :lol:
:notworthy:
He doesn't get coaching during a match, he gets "art direction"

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 6:31 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:19 pm That's not a great photo, ages him.
Maybe it's an astral projection of his old soul.

by JazzNU
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:19 pm That's not a great photo, ages him.
Agreed, and to me, ages him by over a decade. I posted it because of the magazine connection, otherwise it's a pass from me. A pretty photo artistically imo from the photographer's standpoint, but not the most flattering shot of Stef.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:39 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:19 pm That's not a great photo, ages him.
Agreed, and to me, ages him by over a decade. I posted it because of the magazine connection, otherwise it's a pass from me. A pretty photo artistically imo from the photographer's standpoint, but not the most flattering shot of Stef.
I'm glad you posted it b/c it let me know he'll be in Vogue. That's huge. They always do some male player in the September issue these days.

by Suliso Konta and dogs

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Coco Gauff

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by ponchi101 That's a cool design. I guess she just won a fan and NB a client, because my GF just looked at the shorts and, of course, "I want them" was the reply.

by ti-amie It's a great outfit.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 11:56 pm It's a great outfit.
One of the better ones of the last few years. Love the "Coco" print on the shorts" and the little belt and the cut-out on the crop. I like it a lot better than the green print a couple years ago that was an aerial shot of tennis courts - cool idea, but I didn't like the colors and you couldn't tell what it was on TV. This reads better.

Now, I can't possibly wear this. But it makes me reconsider New Balance.

by JazzNU I think New Balance has had some of the consistently best outfits over the last year and a half or so. Coco's might be one thing and others have something slightly different, but they've been almost across the board, very solid efforts. It's like once Coco's star started to rise they put a new design team on their tennis gear and we're seeing those efforts.

This is part of Coco's collection, so maybe we will no longer see her having a more specialized version of the overall NB look and something completely different.

by ponchi101 Agree. And one thing that I can say: it has been years since I last wore NB shoes on court, but the last pair I had were awesome. They lasted a long time (in days in which I would mostly play on hard courts), were comfy and the top lasted way more than the soles.
They do make a quality product.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Aug 27, 2021 6:01 pm Agree. And one thing that I can say: it has been years since I last wore NB shoes on court, but the last pair I had were awesome. They lasted a long time (in days in which I would mostly play on hard courts), were comfy and the top lasted way more than the soles.
They do make a quality product.
I once broke my flip flop at the US Open and had to buy shoes from the onsite store - it was the Polo Ralph Lauren store and the shoes were white New Balance shoes for Ralph Lauren. $100+ for chunky white tennis shoes, but I had no choice. They were AWFUL quality, started breaking down after maybe 10 wears. Haven't bought NB before or since.

by JazzNU From the Taste of Tennis last night


Belinda Bencic


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Arina Rodionova and Zarina Diyas


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Galina Voskoboeva and Dayana Yastremska


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The Bryan Brothers


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by ponchi101 When Belinda dials it up, she does it wonderfully.

by Suliso Do we still think she looks a bit like Monica Seles?

by JazzNU Sania with son Izhaan and sister Anam. He's with her in Cleveland and is super adorable, he was running around on the court after the match was over.



by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Fri Aug 27, 2021 10:17 pm Do we still think she looks a bit like Monica Seles?
A little. In a complementary way, as Monica was also pretty when she dressed up.
Belinda is prettier, though.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Garbine has been hosting that event for the last few years. Bianca co-hosted this year. Not the most flattering angle of her here imo, the photo she posted is better.


https://www.instagram.com/p/CTD0rskgoNr/

by meganfernandez Players who have puked on court and won the match in 2021:

Juvan (AO)
Jabeur (Wimbledon)
Zverev (Cincy)
Otte (USO Q - twice)

Maybe we need another contest thread like best racket smashes.


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by Suliso Shapovalov, Osaka, Kvitova, FAA, de Minaur

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Muguruza looking good as usual

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by ponchi101 Kvitova for the win.
I didn't know FAA was that tall. Petra is wearing heels and he still has 3-4 inches of clearance.

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Aug 28, 2021 2:58 am Players who have puked on court and won the match in 2021:

Juvan (AO)
Jabeur (Wimbledon)
Zverev (Cincy)
Otte (USO Q - twice)

Maybe we need another contest thread like best racket smashes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hard pass :lol:

by ti-amie That pic of Mugu is much better than the one with Andrey and Andreescu

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Aug 28, 2021 5:37 pm Kvitova for the win.
I didn't know FAA was that tall. Petra is wearing heels and he still has 3-4 inches of clearance.
6'-4"

by meganfernandez Love Asics’s dress - here on Garcia, Swiatek also wearing it. The back has a perfect slot cutout so the tank is separated from the skirt. Love the color and the cut. Looks more deep blue than purple on my TV.

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by meganfernandez Reilly Opelka:

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Me:

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by ponchi101 The crazy part of his statement is that, if there is one sport in which "normal" people participate A LOT, it has got to be tennis (and golf). This is not Formula 1 or Nascar, where truly 99% of reporters have never been in one of those cars. It is not even NFL football, in which plenty of people reporting on the sport have never worn pads. There are plenty of people playing tennis in the summer in Atlanta or Florida, at noon. Drenched in sweat and not taking 60 seconds breaks in between games because their $60/hour court fee does not allow them.
Disgusting story, feel free to skip the next paragraph:
I went to college in Florida. During one summer, I once took off my shirt and, because I WAS NOT AND NEVER HAVE BEEN A PRO, had to squeeze my t-shirt off all the sweat. I almost filled the can of balls with what came out, and then overflowed it with what was in my bandana.
So don't assume so quickly, Reilly, that NOBODY knows what poor darling Stefanos is going through. The one part I really don't know about is having 6 extra T-shirts in my bag, three shorts, 5 pairs of socks and a pair of extra shoes. That part I really don't know.

by atlpam When I played league tennis in Atlanta, mixed doubles in the summer was the toughest season for me. My husband and I typically played the bottom of the line-up so for a match that started at 9AM, we usually hit the court around mid day. I've played plenty of 3 setters and used to bring a cooler with a wet towel in it to put across the back of my neck on changeovers. Came close to heat exhaustion on a couple of occasions. Sweating was good - it's when you stop sweating that it becomes a problem.

by meganfernandez
atlpam wrote: Wed Sep 01, 2021 3:16 pm When I played league tennis in Atlanta, mixed doubles in the summer was the toughest season for me. My husband and I typically played the bottom of the line-up so for a match that started at 9AM, we usually hit the court around mid day. I've played plenty of 3 setters and used to bring a cooler with a wet towel in it to put across the back of my neck on changeovers. Came close to heat exhaustion on a couple of occasions. Sweating was good - it's when you stop sweating that it becomes a problem.
Haha good point about sweating! Atlanta in the summer would be brutal. I couldn't do it. Same with DC and points south of you guys. I almost moved to Miami once, and I was like, great, all the tennis! Then I was like, hell no, I cannot play in that summer swamp.

I've had heat exhaustion once or twice. Once, the heat index was 110 or so. I retired. Didn't have a hat and my head was actually sizzling. Indy can get pretty humid in the summer, too. The towel in this photo is chilled (actually partially frozen) and scented with eucalyptus oil. Soooo nice!

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Sep 01, 2021 2:47 pm The crazy part of his statement is that, if there is one sport in which "normal" people participate A LOT, it has got to be tennis (and golf). This is not Formula 1 or Nascar, where truly 99% of reporters have never been in one of those cars. It is not even NFL football, in which plenty of people reporting on the sport have never worn pads. There are plenty of people playing tennis in the summer in Atlanta or Florida, at noon. Drenched in sweat and not taking 60 seconds breaks in between games because their $60/hour court fee does not allow them.
Disgusting story, feel free to skip the next paragraph:
I went to college in Florida. During one summer, I once took off my shirt and, because I WAS NOT AND NEVER HAVE BEEN A PRO, had to squeeze my t-shirt off all the sweat. I almost filled the can of balls with what came out, and then overflowed it with what was in my bandana.
So don't assume so quickly, Reilly, that NOBODY knows what poor darling Stefanos is going through. The one part I really don't know about is having 6 extra T-shirts in my bag, three shorts, 5 pairs of socks and a pair of extra shoes. That part I really don't know.
At least you can take off your shirt on the court. :) I read it. Isn't too gross for me! I don't know how anyone plays in Florida between April and October. Didn't know you went to school here! What part of Florida?

And 100% on fans playing the sport. Not only playing, but competing. People might play basketball for fun, but I'm guessing most adults aren't actively trying to become better basketball players. It's one thing I love about tennis and writing about it. It's one of the sport's best virtues. Almost everyone in the media room has played at some level. Obviously not anywhere near elite (although some played high-level college tennis), but it's all relative.

by ponchi101 I went to Florida Institute of Technology, which at the time had a campus at Jensen Beach. That is about 1 hour drive north of Palm Beach. The school is now known as Florida Tech because FIT, The Fashion Institute of Technology, won the battle over the name.
I remember during the 80's how USTA promoted the sport as "The Sport for a lifetime", which is true.
Again, Reilly's opinion is kind of weird and he is again missing the point. The PRESS is not saying that Stefanos takes too much time when he goes to the toilet; a fellow, much more accomplished player is saying he takes too long, a peer is saying he takes too long, and everybody can see the on-court clocks and say "he is taking too long". With a so far rather bland USO, what is the press supposed to report about? The 45 aces he hit in his first match?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Sep 01, 2021 3:54 pm I went to Florida Institute of Technology, which at the time had a campus at Jensen Beach. That is about 1 hour drive north of Palm Beach. The school is now known as Florida Tech because FIT, The Fashion Institute of Technology, won the battle over the name.
I remember during the 80's how USTA promoted the sport as "The Sport for a lifetime", which is true.
Again, Reilly's opinion is kind of weird and he is again missing the point. The PRESS is not saying that Stefanos takes too much time when he goes to the toilet; a fellow, much more accomplished player is saying he takes too long, a peer is saying he takes too long, and everybody can see the on-court clocks and say "he is taking too long". With a so far rather bland USO, what is the press supposed to report about? The 45 aces he hit in his first match?
I see what you mean by the press vs player. I also think he's saying the press obsessed over it and weighed in with opinions he thinks are uninformed. There's something both of those things. He still went overboard with this criticism. It's not cool for players to perpetuate the myth that the tennis media sucks. That was so low. It also got play in the non-tennis press. It wasn't all the tennis press.

by meganfernandez

by ponchi101 Not. Quite. That is the number of weeks at number 1 that broke the previous record. Held by... you know.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Sep 03, 2021 2:53 pm
Ostentatious.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sat Sep 04, 2021 10:59 pm
I'm glad she's letting people know that this is happening - because most people have no clue.

These nasty messages from idiots is going to keep happening - and keep getting worse. It's amazingly pathetic.
At best, the increased acceptance of and amount of betting will ruin some careers.
At worst, it will ruin sports.

by ti-amie How to pronounce the Dutchman's name

https://forvo.com/word/botic_van_de_zandschulp/

by dmforever
ti-amie wrote: Sun Sep 05, 2021 6:08 pm How to pronounce the Dutchman's name

https://forvo.com/word/botic_van_de_zandschulp/
Thanks for posting this. I didn't know they have proper nouns too. For anyone leaning a foreign language, Forvo is an awesome resource. :)

Kevin

by 3mlm
ti-amie wrote: Sun Sep 05, 2021 6:08 pm How to pronounce the Dutchman's name

https://forvo.com/word/botic_van_de_zandschulp/
To hear Botic's own pronunciation of his name, go to his profile on the ATP site and click on the speaker icon.

His name translates to English as "of the sand shell."

by 3mlm
ti-amie wrote: Sun Sep 05, 2021 6:08 pm How to pronounce the Dutchman's name

https://forvo.com/word/botic_van_de_zandschulp/
To hear Botic's own pronunciation of his name, go to his profile on the ATP site and click on the speaker icon.

His name translates to English as "of the sand shell."

by Suliso Giorgi

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Kristina Pliskova

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by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Will be a good gauge of where he stands, in terms of popularity. I hope somebody here will write down a 500 words summary.
Nah, 200.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:04 pm Will be a good gauge of where he stands, in terms of popularity. I hope somebody here will write down a 500 words summary.
Nah, 200.
Will also be a good gauge to see where he stands in terms of sanity/evidence-based views vs some of the things that have come out of his and his wife's mouth and keyboard.

by ponchi101
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:54 pm ...

Will also be a good gauge to see where he stands in terms of sanity/evidence-based views vs some of the things that have come out of his and his wife's mouth and keyboard.
It will depend on the director/producer combo:
Oliver Stone/Roland Emerich/Michael Bay: looney movie
Ridley Scott/Dennis Villeneuve: fun, but fictional
Michael Moore: he gets sandblasted

As you say, we will see :)

by ponchi101 It is not hype. The girl is in the QF's of the USO, and she is only 18.
But: SHOW ME THE MONEY.

Emma is going to be huge.

by Suliso Indeed, but money and fame damages some people and not others. We'll see very soon how it is with Raducanu.

by ponchi101 Indeed. Right now, we are having a big example of somebody that is not handling it too well.
But if this girl can, and if she can deliver a Slam in the next few years, the U.K. will go nuts. I hope it will be the second case.

by nelslus
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:04 pm Will be a good gauge of where he stands, in terms of popularity. I hope somebody here will write down a 500 words summary.
Nah, 200.
Here's my early review:

It's crap. :gorgeous:

by ti-amie Image

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All photos by SCOTT TRINDLE for British Vogue

by dmforever
nelslus wrote: Wed Sep 08, 2021 3:41 am
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:04 pm Will be a good gauge of where he stands, in terms of popularity. I hope somebody here will write down a 500 words summary.
Nah, 200.
Here's my early review:

It's crap. :gorgeous:
As one of the few Nole fans here (and only of his tennis, FYI) I' volunteer to watch. If it's just a fluff promotion piece, I'll let y'all know. I don't see a lot of movies because in general I think most of them aren't good, so I promise to be even handed. And I will let you know at what times in the video I rolled my eyes. There will probably be a lot of eye rolls. :)

Kevin

by ponchi101 Ok, since every time I open my mouth about Novak I sort of stir a little storm (and it seems I never learn), I will add that I will not see it because I NEVER WATCH MOVIES ABOUT TENNIS. I rather watch a tennis match than watch anything fictional, even if based on reality. I did learn my lesson after watching PLAYERS (you really don't want to watch that) and I even stayed away from WIMBLEDON (a hard proposition for me as Kirsten Dunst was in it). I did not see the one about BJK/Bobby Riggs and I will certainly will always find something better to do than watch "King Richard".
So, just to let the Novak fans know: I hope it is good, and I hope you will enjoy it.

by dmforever
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Sep 08, 2021 2:48 pm Ok, since every time I open my mouth about Novak I sort of stir a little storm (and it seems I never learn), I will add that I will not see it because I NEVER WATCH MOVIES ABOUT TENNIS. I rather watch a tennis match than watch anything fictional, even if based on reality. I did learn my lesson after watching PLAYERS (you really don't want to watch that) and I even stayed away from WIMBLEDON (a hard proposition for me as Kirsten Dunst was in it). I did not see the one about BJK/Bobby Riggs and I will certainly will always find something better to do than watch "King Richard".
So, just to let the Novak fans know: I hope it is good, and I hope you will enjoy it.
You are totally right. Movies that feature tennis players never ever get it right. Remember in Players, the scene where Vilas (who wins Wimbledon in the moive!!!) is practicing on grass courts in a heavy rain? Wow, he was really dedicated. :) (It might have been the Van Patten character who was doing that. It was a looooong time ago.) There was also one by Woddy Allen that featured a tennis pro who you could see did NOT hit a tennis ball like a pro. Hey, we could have watch parties and make snarky comments about how bad they are. Interestingly, some friends who aren't into tennis saw the Woody Allen movie and hadn't noticed anything about the guy's tennis, so I think that non-tennis people don't see all the tennis-related flaws in these movies.

Ponchi, did you see the Fed-Nadal Wimbledon movie? I don't remember the name now and am too lazy to look it up? Anyway, I'm actually expecting the Novak movie to be a thinly disguised self-promotion piece. Yuck. :( But I'll take one for the team and watch it.

Kevin

by ponchi101 It was Van Patten in the rain, in PLAYERS. Training in a downpour, ON GRASS, with white balls. And, because the movie is so old, with wooden racquets strung with gut. Yep, sounds about right.
The Woddy Allen film was MATCH POINT. I saw a few scenes (I forget why I was putting up with that) and as you say, they can never find a double that can play the slightest bit. It freaks me out totally.

About how bad they are? PLAYERS. Vilas wins Wimbledon, in a titanic 5th setter, surrounded by a cheesy love story (remember, it is Ali McGraw :o ) that had a soundtrack by Frank Purcell (or something like that). Basically, Alex strapped to the chair, his eyes open by tiny claps, forced to watch Nazi films while being given some mind altering drug. That is how bad that film is.

by mmmm8 I don't think this is a fictional movie though, but a documentary. I finally watched the Andy Murray one on a plane last month and enjoyed it, as sad as it was (but I'm a Murray fan).

Gee, I wonder if they'll cover the domestic violence allegations against Richard Williams in [i[King Richard"[/i]....

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Sep 08, 2021 6:54 pm I don't think this is a fictional movie though, but a documentary. I finally watched the Andy Murray one on a plane last month and enjoyed it, as sad as it was (but I'm a Murray fan).

Gee, I wonder if they'll cover the domestic violence allegations against Richard Williams in [i[King Richard"[/i]....
Serena is an executive producer on the movie, so... no.

Andy's documentary was so good.

by meganfernandez Re: movies, there's an independent movie maybe 10-15 years old and it was decent. I can never remember the name or the name of the actor/writer who did it. He loves tennis and is a decent player. Smart guy, big vocabulary... I know this isn't helping. I can see his face and can never remember his name. When i google "tennis movies," it never comes up. It has a tennis-y name.

Duh: It's Tennis, Anyone? Donal Logue is the actor/director who actually plays. Stephen Dorff is in it, too. IMDB: Two mid-level Hollywood losers try to find redemption, revenge and meaning in their livees through celebrity tennis tournaments.

by meganfernandez Opelka doubled down on his media hate. Can't remember which thread has his earlier US Open comments to this effect.


by ponchi101 Report the truth? You are a joke. Do not report a fact? You are not doing your job.
Tough spot.
I really, really would like for these people to go to a place (MY COUNTRY) where you don't have free press. See how they like it.

by ponchi101 Found this article in YAHOO, about Raducanu. It seems well thought.
‘The Cage’ explained: How Emma Raducanu locks up her opponents

by atlpam
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 10, 2021 5:41 pm Found this article in YAHOO, about Raducanu. It seems well thought.
‘The Cage’ explained: How Emma Raducanu locks up her opponents
Interesting - thanks for the link.

by meganfernandez Image

Collins and Mattek-Samds at the Veronica Beard boutique in Manhattan


by dryrunguy I've never seen Collins smile before. Much less laugh. I wonder what Bethanie sprinkled on her lunch...

by Suliso Vesnina, Pavlyuchenkova, Rublev and Khachanov

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Karolina Pliskova

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Heather Watson

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by ti-amie

by ti-amie Raducanu is going too

by ti-amie

by Suliso What is Met Gala?

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Mon Sep 13, 2021 9:26 pmWhat is Met Gala?
Senior prom on steroids?

Seriously though
What is the Met gala?
The Met ball, or Met gala, is the fashion world equivalent of the Oscars. It’s an evening when designers, models, and Hollywood stars convene in the year’s most over-the-top looks to celebrate and fundraise at a new exhibit from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Typically, everyone dresses to the theme, and according to the feel, of the exhibit; past themes have included camp, religion, punk, and more.

When and where is it?
The 2021 Met gala will be held as an intimate gala on September 13, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

What’s this year’s theme?
The 2021 Met gala is focused on celebrating all things American fashion. Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, felt it was time to reexamine American identity and fashion, especially as it has changed over the last several years due to both political and social justice movements. “I’ve been really impressed by American designers’ responses to the social and political climate, particularly around issues of body inclusivity and gender fluidity, and I’m just finding their work very, very self-reflective,” he told Vogue. “I really do believe that American fashion is undergoing a renaissance. I think young designers in particular are at the vanguard of discussions about diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainability and transparency, much more so than their European counterparts, maybe with the exception of the English designers.”
https://www.vogue.com/article/everythin ... -gala-2021

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ti-amie No. Just no.


by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:No. Just no.

This has to be a Caption This. I’ll start:

Well, no wonder she is depressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by mmmm8 Serena
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Venus
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Maria
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And NO indeed
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by meganfernandez Maria and Venus look like goddesses. I appreciate the avant-garde-ness of Serena's shag rug, but it's wearing her, at least in this angle. It looks better from the front. She's wearing a white-lace bodysuit with pink stars underneath it. I also don't love this particular ombre - feels a little cheap now that ombre is a mass-market trend. But I like the oomph. It's the Met Gala, go big!
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:02 am Serena
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Venus
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Maria
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And NO indeed
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by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:00 am ...
This has to be a Caption This. I’ll start:

Well, no wonder she is depressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:39 pm No. Just no.

This, from a person who says she doesn't like and can't handle all the attention she gets.
Un-huh...

You make your bed, you lie in it, lady.

by meganfernandez Raducanu wore Chanel. Looks incredible, if someone can find a photo to post. I can't very easily on this computer.

by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:32 am Raducanu wore Chanel. Looks incredible, if someone can find a photo to post. I can't very easily on this computer.

by Deuce I can do without all the fancy fashion stuff - jeans and a t-shirt is much more my style.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Emma's face quite resembles Angelina Jolie?

by meganfernandez Leylah wore a much simpler dress but looks good, too. Looks her age, which I appreciate. Emma looks 7, 8 years older.

by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 2:19 am Leylah wore a much simpler dress but looks good, too. Looks her age, which I appreciate. Emma looks 7, 8 years older.
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Screen Shot 2021-09-14 at 9.13.56 AM.png


Felix, license to kill! Wonder who is behind these tennis stars at the Met... not the Williams sisters and Maria and Osaka, that's obvious. But I wonder if it's the management agencies making it happen, WTA/ATP marketing, or if Vogue is inviting them or what. I wonder if some players were invited and declined
Screen Shot 2021-09-14 at 9.14.18 AM.png
. -->
by meganfernandez One for the ages. Should we Caption This?
Screen Shot 2021-09-14 at 9.13.56 AM.png


Felix, license to kill! Wonder who is behind these tennis stars at the Met... not the Williams sisters and Maria and Osaka, that's obvious. But I wonder if it's the management agencies making it happen, WTA/ATP marketing, or if Vogue is inviting them or what. I wonder if some players were invited and declined
Screen Shot 2021-09-14 at 9.14.18 AM.png
.

by mmmm8 Berrettini and Tomljanovic were also there, but all the photos are like this :)

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by mmmm8 Sloane Stephens

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by meganfernandez double date, Matteo/Ajla and Felix/his GF
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:57 pm Berrettini and Tomljanovic were also there, but all the photos are like this :)

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by ponchi101 Matteo and Felix: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Way to go, gentlemen. Simple, classic, a properly tailored tux, none of the ridiculous abominations seen all around.
Emma and Leylah looked very nice. Again, nothing ridiculous, just two women looking pretty. Refreshing.

by ponchi101 BTW. Naomi. That case keeps getting harder to make sense of. She is obviously not bothered with her celebrity status. Otherwise, she would not be at this Gala dressed like a Cosmic Samurai/Geisha. She is releasing a new line of skin care products, so she is not bothered with her entrepreneurial activities. She is not choking on court (she lost in three tight sets to a player that ended up proving she was playing top notch tennis) so whatever it is, it is not affecting her tennis to that extreme. Whatever the mental issue is, it is very hard to explain.
Hope she figures it out.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 3:21 pm BTW. Naomi. That case keeps getting harder to make sense of. She is obviously not bothered with her celebrity status. Otherwise, she would not be at this Gala dressed like a Cosmic Samurai/Geisha. She is releasing a new line of skin care products, so she is not bothered with her entrepreneurial activities. She is not choking on court (she lost in three tight sets to a player that ended up proving she was playing top notch tennis) so whatever it is, it is not affecting her tennis to that extreme. Whatever the mental issue is, it is very hard to explain.
Hope she figures it out.
I think one can have poor mental health and still be ambitious, wanting to build their career, excel at it, make money and maintain their platform.

She was invited to co-host this event, which is considered an honor. Even if she didn't want to be there (I haven't seen many photos of her smiling), it would burn a lot of bridges to back out.

I think it makes perfect sense.

by ponchi101 Only thing I would say(add about your post is that there are seldom many pictures of Naomi smiling. She does not seem to have that personality.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 3:55 pm Only thing I would say(add about your post is that there are seldom many pictures of Naomi smiling. She does not seem to have that personality.
I think it's part of being shy. I've always thought it's interesting that she is painfully shy but dresses in extremely attention-getting clothes. I don't think the two things are incongruous. I think certain personal interactions stress her out, but not people looking at her.

Not smiling at a fashion event is normal, anyway. It's serving up fierceness. :)

by JazzNU Not understanding many of the Naomi comments.

Not like her look? Sure. But this was a completely expected look, and it's not one that typically registers with Western audiences. It's very much in line with what she's presented professionally and an easy call for the Met Gala. Not sure what you guys were anticipating. The only thing I got wrong was the color palette of the look, the rest was as I thought it would be for her.

And I'd say it's more appropriate to call the Japanese influences in the dress and overall look to be influenced by Kabuki and Kimono styles. But there's also Haitian influences in the dress.

by ti-amie



Serena is wearing Gucci. I really wish the cape was different.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:35 pm Not understanding many of the Naomi comments.

Not like her look? Sure. But this was a completely expected look, and it's not one that typically registers with Western audiences. It's very much in line with what she's presented professionally and an easy call for the Met Gala. Not sure what you guys were anticipating. The only thing I got wrong was the color palette of the look, the rest was as I thought it would be for her.

And I'd say it's more appropriate to call the Japanese influences in the dress and overall look to be influenced by Kabuki and Kimono styles. But there's also Haitian influences in the dress.
I liked it more the more I saw it. Apparently this Goth-Geisha look is hot in Japan. I'll try and find different angles where you see what is going on better.

by ti-amie

Get in line lady. :lol:

by JazzNU Here is a photo of Matteo and Ajla taken from Matteo's IG Stories. Neither posted a photo to their main accounts.


Image

by ti-amie Hands down the best dressed of the tennis players (and many of the other people). A simple, classic (retro) look.



Flawless hair and make up




by ti-amie There is no such thing as too much Venus...


by ti-amie A bit prom-y but gee the kid cleans up well.



And yes the girl friend was there.


by Suliso No way Venus is best dressed. Both Emma and Leylah did better.

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by ti-amie After Venus I'd pick Leylah-Annie. Raducanu's outfit just sits there.

by JazzNU Maria's look from the front


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by Suliso Maria's dress is fine, but a bit on a boring side.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:43 pm Hands down the best dressed of the tennis players (and many of the other people). A simple, classic (retro) look.
I think Venus looks great, but in a Met Gala context, it's not very avant-garde.


With the exception of Serena, Naomi, Maria, and possibly Venus, the tennis players are allowed to look more typical red carpet to me. The lateness of their invites means they couldn't plan for the occasion in the same way the others could.

by mmmm8
JazzNU wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:35 pm Not understanding many of the Naomi comments.

Not like her look? Sure. But this was a completely expected look, and it's not one that typically registers with Western audiences. It's very much in line with what she's presented professionally and an easy call for the Met Gala. Not sure what you guys were anticipating. The only thing I got wrong was the color palette of the look, the rest was as I thought it would be for her.

And I'd say it's more appropriate to call the Japanese influences in the dress and overall look to be influenced by Kabuki and Kimono styles. But there's also Haitian influences in the dress.
I think the look and even the hair styling is appropriate, I just think it's ugly. Which is on Louis Vuitton not Naomi.

by JTContinental
Suliso wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:46 pm No way Venus is best dressed. Both Emma and Leylah did better.

Image
Sorry, those looks are nice, but Venus looks like a queen.

by JazzNU Naomi's look was designed by Louis Vuitton and they posted this. Mari also posted about the design, which she contributed to as well.






by JazzNU
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:59 pm
I think the look and even the hair styling is appropriate, I just think it's ugly. Which is on Louis Vuitton not Naomi.
Right. Totally appropriate, but like most at the Met Gala, not my taste. But hard to like the full palette of avant-garde designs. I try to just appreciate them like works of art, because they will never all be what I'd choose, actually very few will be and that's the Met Gala.

by JazzNU Also, who is behind the tennis players at the Met Gala? Same as it always is, nothing has changed. Anna Wintour.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:31 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:59 pm
I think the look and even the hair styling is appropriate, I just think it's ugly. Which is on Louis Vuitton not Naomi.
Right. Totally appropriate, but like most at the Met Gala, not my taste. But hard to like the full palette of avant-garde designs. I try to just appreciate them like works of art, because they will never all be what I'd choose, actually very few will be and that's the Met Gala.
I like how you phrased it. It's what Kelly Osbourne meant when she would say people don't understand "fashion".

I also think that after a certain age both men and women need to tone it down a bit even at an event like this. It's why I think Venus, Leylah-Annie and both Felix and Matteo got it. All four of them were age appropriate and looked calm and relaxed in their outfits. Vera Wang should know better. Raducanu, while in Chanel, looked a bit too casual.

by ti-amie Also Anna Wintour would not let you come if you are not vaxxed with valid proof. It's why there are so many people "missing" from the event.

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:38 pm Also Anna Wintour would not let you come if you are not vaxxed with valid proof. It's why there are so many people "missing" from the event.
Is it Anna Wintour or the city? It's an indoor event.

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by meganfernandez okay, who WASN'T there? (Gavrilova and Saville) (Think it's Photoshopped and a joke? Wouldn't surprise me, she is very silly.)
Screen Shot 2021-09-14 at 2.55.55 PM.png

by ti-amie
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:50 pm
ti-amie wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:38 pm Also Anna Wintour would not let you come if you are not vaxxed with valid proof. It's why there are so many people "missing" from the event.
Is it Anna Wintour or the city? It's an indoor event.
A combination of both? Wintour made it clear she was following strict guidelines.

by JazzNU
mmmm8 wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:50 pm
ti-amie wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:38 pm Also Anna Wintour would not let you come if you are not vaxxed with valid proof. It's why there are so many people "missing" from the event.
Is it Anna Wintour or the city? It's an indoor event.
It's Anna and the Met. The VMAs had no such requirement in the city on Sunday, which is why some unvaccinated were there, some of them on stage and in contact with many, many people.

by the Moz Anna Wintour IS the Met Ball :notworthy:

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 7:02 pm okay, who WASN'T there? (Gavrilova and Saville) (Think it's Photoshopped and a joke? Wouldn't surprise me, she is very silly.)
Definitely photoshopped. Decent attempt though.

by Woody
Suliso wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:54 pm Maria's dress is fine, but a bit on a boring side.
So it's a perfect choice for her!

by meganfernandez From Met Ball to sore ball… 2nd game of the match in Cary, NC




by ponchi101 I know we are supposed to dislike Sandgren but... that is a indeed unlucky.
And good for him to accept responsibility.

by JTContinental I don't understand that last weird tweet

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Wed Sep 15, 2021 3:24 pm I don't understand that last weird tweet
He's wearing biker shorts or something like that under his tennis shorts. The tweeter disapproves.

by JTContinental Simona Halep got married today—seeing something about it on Cahill’s Twitter feed

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:05 pm Simona Halep got married today—seeing something about it on Cahill’s Twitter feed
Evidently in Romania, you have a civil ceremony first and then the big wedding with family and friends one year later. Do people want to make sure it sticks before they buy gifts and a new outfit? (I'm kidding.)

by ti-amie
JTContinental wrote: Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:05 pm Simona Halep got married today—seeing something about it on Cahill’s Twitter feed

by ti-amie Some video from the ceremony



Oh, and she's his third wife.

by ponchi101 She looks pretty.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Wed Sep 15, 2021 5:58 pm
Oh, and she's his third wife.
Well okay then. Sure as heck missed that little tidbit. Thank you very much.

by ti-amie Ajla and Matteo getting ready for the Met Gala


by Deuce .

by Deuce .

This is nice...


by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:39 pm Ajla and Matteo getting ready for the Met Gala

...
Got to admit. These two don't need too much make up or production to look very, very good.

by ti-amie

by dryrunguy Hi, Simona. You look great. Congratulations on your happiness.

Search for wife #4 begins in 5, 4, 3, 2,1....

by meganfernandez Image
Twitter @officialjoduck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ti-amie
dryrunguy wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:37 am Hi, Simona. You look great. Congratulations on your happiness.

Search for wife #4 begins in 5, 4, 3, 2,1....
Man you gotta keep up! Rumor is she is wife #4 because there was an "unofficial" one in there somewhere.

I hope she got him to sign a prenup because when he finds another "unofficial" wife she'll be living on Simona's money otherwise.

by ponchi101 Isn't he a billionaire? I read something like that.
So better for BOTH of them to have that prenup. Make it very clear that Venus Rosewater dish was won by the lady of the house.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 4:02 pm Isn't he a billionaire? I read something like that.
So better for BOTH of them to have that prenup. Make it very clear that Venus Rosewater dish was won by the lady of the house.
"People are saying" that his status is not billionaire. He may have money but he's not that rich.

Once again this was not a boy meets girl romance. He's a very good friend of her father and her father arranged the marriage, something that is custom in her Aromanian ethnic group.

by ti-amie

by mmmm8 She has been with him for some years, is a 30-year-old (in 2 weeks) woman with lots of world experience, and seems happy.

We can speculate as to the factors that led to and may affect the marriage, but I think we're making a few too many assumptions.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 4:43 pm She has been with him for some years, is a 30-year-old (in 2 weeks) woman with lots of world experience, and seems happy.

We can speculate as to the factors that led to and may affect the marriage, but I think we're making a few too many assumptions.
Agree, apart from poking fun, which we do on this board. I assume she's making her own decisions and knows what she's doing. That's all that matters to me.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 4:06 pm
"People are saying" that his status is not billionaire. He may have money but he's not that rich.

Once again this was not a boy meets girl romance. He's a very good friend of her father and her father arranged the marriage, something that is custom in her Aromanian ethnic group.
Wonder where this billionaire talk came from? It was successful at first, then millionaire when they were dating and engaged and that turned into billionaire in the last week. He'd basically have to be one of the most undercover billionaires ever, not impossible, but also not likely.

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:15 pm Wonder where this billionaire talk came from? It was successful at first, then millionaire when they were dating and engaged and that turned into billionaire in the last week. He'd basically have to be one of the most undercover billionaires ever, not impossible, but also not likely.
Is it possible that this is just a case of good old fashion misogyny? She's a millionaire so make him a billionaire otherwise it might seem like a relationship of equals.

by ti-amie "Seychelles" posted this on another site

Just some hints for a lot of posters here that seem to be not familiarised with the local (Romanian) traditions:
1. This wasn't the "main wedding" though it legally marked the family founding. So it's called " the civil wedding" and usually the bride's dress may not be white, still some light colors (pale tones) are recommended.
2. The "main wedding" is a religious wedding and the pair are not allowed to this event if the civil wedding is not officialized. They need to come to the priest with the proof they are legally married (there is a so-called "marriage certificate").
3. The party after the religious ceremonial is by far the most important. After the civil wedding, they organize just a smaller party (Simona and her husband had now "only" 300 invitees).
4. Most of the people go for the religious wedding right after the civil wedding (later in the day or the very next day) but there are exceptions given by some hindrances that may occur in the program of the bride and/or the groom. On the orthodox Christians, the religious wedding is on a Sunday that is out of a fasting period.
5. During the religious wedding the bride is dressed in white and the dress is carefully selected and adjusted a long way before the event.
6. Unlike the Catholics, the Orthodox Church allows divorced people to be married again if it's somehow proven that they were not "guilty" for divorcing the previous time(s).
7. Guess they were not going for the religious wedding right now because of the COVID restrictions and maybe they planned to do it next summer when they can invite more persons from abroad because the traveling restrictions will be diminished.

by Suliso Looks cute

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Svitolina

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Pliskova

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by ponchi101 Svitolina is now signed with Hublot? I think to recall she was signed with Audemars-Piguet. Well, there is nowhere higher to go than Hublot so, she is doing fine, watches-wise. The rest of her life too.
Nice dog, karo.

by ponchi101 On top of everything, it seems that Miss Raducanu is a very well grounded person:
Emma Raducanu: 'I'll leave £1.8m prize money for parents to sort out'

I know, I know, I know. That course of financial action has been disastrous for some other players, but the interview reads like a vey reasonable person. She might become a fave off court too. Might.

by atlpam
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 17, 2021 3:01 pm On top of everything, it seems that Miss Raducanu is a very well grounded person:
Emma Raducanu: 'I'll leave £1.8m prize money for parents to sort out'

I know, I know, I know. That course of financial action has been disastrous for some other players, but the interview reads like a vey reasonable person. She might become a fave off court too. Might.
I believe both of her parents work in Finance, so this probably makes a lot of sense.

by ti-amie I missed the pic Elina posted for her birthday. Very nicely done and she looks like she looks in it.



I'm not sure the full picture can be seen in the Tweet.

Image

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 17, 2021 3:01 pm On top of everything, it seems that Miss Raducanu is a very well grounded person:
Emma Raducanu: 'I'll leave £1.8m prize money for parents to sort out'

I know, I know, I know. That course of financial action has been disastrous for some other players, but the interview reads like a vey reasonable person. She might become a fave off court too. Might.
My take away from that was that she's got a privileged background, not that she's grounded. She might be grounded and she's certainly seemed very likable ever since Wimbledon, but that wasn't my takeaway here. Money being an afterthought is quite the privilege and it seems as if that's the case with her, likely from both her family background and the support she gets from the LTA.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 17, 2021 2:58 pm Svitolina is now signed with Hublot? I think to recall she was signed with Audemars-Piguet. Well, there is nowhere higher to go than Hublot so, she is doing fine, watches-wise. The rest of her life too.
Nice dog, karo.
Maybe she was with them some time ago, but Elina's been with Hublot for a few years. This isn't a new announcement, but a visit to the HQ. At most, she's re-signed with them.

And I feel like Rolex is still the most coveted watch sponsorship for tennis, though obviously that has nothing to do with watch brand you prefer.

by Suliso Here Emma with dad

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by Suliso Image

by ti-amie Olympia is going to be tall like her father, grandfather, and Venus.

by Suliso Sabalenka

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Osorio Serrano

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by Suliso
ti-amie wrote: Sat Sep 18, 2021 6:18 pm Olympia is going to be tall like her father, grandfather, and Venus.
Here there entire family earlier this year

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by Suliso A couple of beach photos...

Paula Badosa

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Martina Trevisan

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Petra Kvitova

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by ponchi101 And of all the shots that will not load, it's got to be Badosa's :cry:

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Sep 20, 2021 9:18 pm And of all the shots that will not load, it's got to be Badosa's :cry:
Make sure your settings are not blocking adult content. :lol:

by Suliso It's not more adult than the other two :lol:

by JazzNU Casual pic (slightly blurry selfie) in the first one taken a few days ago. Then Anett with friends going to some fancy gala in Estonia over the weekend, looks like it might be an awards show, there was a red carpet.


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by JazzNU Doesn't look like these were posted of Simona with her husband, different dress for the reception


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by ponchi101 And...
When life is good, it is good.
The hype machine is working well and set up to 7,000 RPM ;)
Emma Raducanu Is Now A Face Of Tiffany & Co.

If she wins Wimbledon one of these days, The Queen will get to have dinner with her...

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Sep 21, 2021 12:09 am And...
When life is good, it is good.
The hype machine is working well and set up to 7,000 RPM ;)
Emma Raducanu Is Now A Face Of Tiffany & Co.

If she wins Wimbledon one of these days, The Queen will get to have dinner with her...
I guessing Kate & William instead - Kate's taking over as patron of Wimbledon from the Duke of Kent next year.

by JazzNU This is the same thing that happened with Bianca. Not sure why anyone is acting like it's much different than what we've seen before. The media pushing her to the forefront is more robust, but that's about the only difference.

by ti-amie This just popped up on my Twitter TL. Does he not have PR people?


by ponchi101 Wonder if his dad approves...
(bad joke)

by JazzNU Mind boggling. I looked up that first name. So much worse than I was thinking. An associate of an actual Milosevic-related convicted war criminal serving a life sentence? Yikes Novak, yikes.

Not assuming he'll lose any sponsorships, but he just got the best in terms of brand recognition that he's had in years and years so who knows.

by the Moz Novak is being Novak.

by Suliso Emma Raducanu

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by skatingfan Need to change the colour of the dress or the colour of the backdrop - is this a photo shoot or an event?

by ti-amie
skatingfan wrote: Wed Sep 22, 2021 6:19 pm Need to change the colour of the dress or the colour of the backdrop - is this a photo shoot or an event?
I think it's the Tiffany announcement and I agree she is fading into the background. It's very bridal. And where is the Tiffany blue?

by JazzNU
skatingfan wrote: Wed Sep 22, 2021 6:19 pm Need to change the colour of the dress or the colour of the backdrop - is this a photo shoot or an event?
Plain background is the photo shoot, flower background is at the British Vogue and Tiffany event.

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Wed Sep 22, 2021 8:18 pm Plain background is the photo shoot, flower background is at the British Vogue and Tiffany event.
I figured it was an event, but didn't what event it might be & the backdrop was very generic bridal flower show, so I wasn't sure.

by Deuce I came across this photo today, and figured I'd put it up here - if only for the hell of it.
From around 1977-79, I figure.
Some of us know very easily who they are - for those who might not know, someone will come along and tell you if you ask...

by ti-amie JMac, Vilas, Borg. Not sure of one man, the one between JMac and Vilas. Gerulaitus? Edberg?

by the Moz It's gotta be Vitas, no??

by meganfernandez
the Moz wrote: Thu Sep 23, 2021 5:49 pm It's gotta be Vitas, no??
for sure.

by dmforever I feel sooooooooooo old. :(

Kevin

by the Moz And since it hasn't been said yet...'who wears short shorts?' :lol:

by ponchi101 Age of the headband.

by ponchi101 BTW. That shot must have been '78, because they are on a hard court and the US summer circuit, including the USO, in 77 was full har-tru. Maybe it was USO, since it is a hard court and not all tournaments switched to hard courts that quickly.
Wild guess.

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 12:14 am BTW. That shot must have been '78, because they are on a hard court and the US summer circuit, including the USO, in 77 was full har-tru. Maybe it was USO, since it is a hard court and not all tournaments switched to hard courts that quickly.
Wild guess.
Isn't it from a Davis Cup tie - the jacket says United States Davis Cup Team.

by JazzNU KiKi Bertens looks to be enjoying retirement. And she introduced a new family member. He's a cutie.


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by Deuce
skatingfan wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 12:36 am
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 12:14 am BTW. That shot must have been '78, because they are on a hard court and the US summer circuit, including the USO, in 77 was full har-tru. Maybe it was USO, since it is a hard court and not all tournaments switched to hard courts that quickly.
Wild guess.
Isn't it from a Davis Cup tie - the jacket says United States Davis Cup Team.
No... back then, some players often wore their Davis Cup jackets at regular tournaments. A year or two after this photo was taken, McEnroe began regularly wearing an identical Tacchini Davis Cup jacket to the one Gerulaitis is wearing in the photo.
Also, you have 3 different countries represented in the photo - U.S.A, Argentina, and Sweden.

by ponchi101 Back then, being called for DC was a huge honor. If you were part of the team, wearing that jacket even when it was not DC was a badge.

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 3:27 am Back then, being called for DC was a huge honor. If you were part of the team, wearing that jacket even when it was not DC was a badge.
Now a days players wouldn't be allowed to wear it because it wouldn't have their sponsors on it.

by Deuce
skatingfan wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:08 am
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 3:27 am Back then, being called for DC was a huge honor. If you were part of the team, wearing that jacket even when it was not DC was a badge.
Now a days players wouldn't be allowed to wear it because it wouldn't have their sponsors on it.
^ That's why they're referred to as being 'the good ol' days' - before sponsors, etc. totally controlled what players can do, etc.
While it wasn't perfect, there was considerably more freedom back then.

by skatingfan
Deuce wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:15 am ^ That's why they're referred to as being 'the good ol' days' - before sponsors, etc. totally controlled what players can do, etc.
While it wasn't perfect, there was considerably more freedom back then.
I don't know about 'more freedom'. Maybe fewer obligations, but players today have quite a bit of financial freedom derived from those sponsor obligations.

by meganfernandez New babysitter!


by skatingfan Called it.

by JazzNU David Goffin got married to his longtime girlfriend Stephanie


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by ti-amie Men are really doing more with color now. Monfils wore a lavender colored tux I think? I wish them well.

by JazzNU And Lucie Safarova got married the other day to her longtime boyfriend Tomas (also father of her child)


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by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 5:09 pm Men are really doing more with color now. Monfils wore a lavender colored tux I think? I wish them well.
Yeah, he did. Looked great.

by Deuce
skatingfan wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 12:24 pm
Deuce wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:15 am ^ That's why they're referred to as being 'the good ol' days' - before sponsors, etc. totally controlled what players can do, etc.
While it wasn't perfect, there was considerably more freedom back then.
I don't know about 'more freedom'. Maybe fewer obligations, but players today have quite a bit of financial freedom derived from those sponsor obligations.
Any 'freedom' obtained by jumping through the hoops you're obligated to jump through in order to obtain the money to purchase it is not true freedom by my definition.
JazzNU wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 5:21 pm And Lucie Safarova got married the other day to her longtime boyfriend Tomas (also father of her child)
That's Tomas Plekanec, longtime player for the Montreal Canadiens NHL hockey team.

by skatingfan
Deuce wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 8:40 pm Any 'freedom' obtained by jumping through the hoops you're obligated to jump through in order to obtain the money to purchase it is not true freedom by my definition.
How is that different from the way that anyone earns money?

by Deuce
skatingfan wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2021 1:35 am
Deuce wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 8:40 pm Any 'freedom' obtained by jumping through the hoops you're obligated to jump through in order to obtain the money to purchase it is not true freedom by my definition.
How is that different from the way that anyone earns money?
There are similarities, of course. Which is why I believe that very few people are truly free. Maybe those who honestly love their job, etc. I think it's a true shame that the majority of people work primarily - and often exclusively - for the monetary reward, and not instead for the enjoyment of it. This helps to explain why so many things are not done well or efficiently. ("Do not hire a man who does your work for money, but him who does it for love of it." - Thoreau)

But there are significant differences, as well. In most jobs, the employer does not tell the employee that he/she is only permitted to wear clothing from a certain company... I cringe every time I see a player scramble to put his watch on his wrist after a match before the post match interview - I find it ridiculous, and even degrading. There's no way in hell I'd ever allow myself to be controlled to anywhere near that degree - not for any amount of money.
Integrity is paramount.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters

by skatingfan
Deuce wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2021 2:22 am But there are significant differences, as well. In most jobs, the employer does not tell the employee that he/she is only permitted to wear clothing from a certain company... I cringe every time I see a player scramble to put his watch on his wrist after a match before the post match interview... There's no way in hell I'd ever allow myself to be controlled to anywhere near that degree - not for any amount of money.
Integrity is paramount.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters
Approximately half of all workers wear a uniform for their job. I worked for more than a decade at Canadian Tire where a I wore a shirt with the company logo on it. This is the norm for millions of workers every day, and there's no loss of integrity for any of them. Your inability to see beyond the limited scope of your own experience is staggering.

by Deuce
skatingfan wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2021 2:27 am
Deuce wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2021 2:22 am But there are significant differences, as well. In most jobs, the employer does not tell the employee that he/she is only permitted to wear clothing from a certain company... I cringe every time I see a player scramble to put his watch on his wrist after a match before the post match interview... There's no way in hell I'd ever allow myself to be controlled to anywhere near that degree - not for any amount of money.
Integrity is paramount.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters
Approximately half of all workers wear a uniform for their job. I worked for more than a decade at Canadian Tire where a I wore a shirt with the company logo on it. This is the norm for millions of workers every day, and there's no loss of integrity for any of them. Your inability to see beyond the limited scope of your own experience is staggering.
Are you honestly comparing wearing a store uniform during working hours so that customers can easily identify those who work in the store and who might be able to help them to players not being permitted - by contract - to EVER - on the court or off of it - wear any clothing from a company other than the one they've signed a contract with? Or to ever wear a watch from a company other than the one he/she has signed a contract with?
Seriously?

As I've stated - I have my definition of freedom, and I'm quite happy with it. And that is the freedom I value.
I object to being ridiculously controlled in exchange for a certain sum of money. I consider it 'selling out'.

by mmmm8 No one is forcing Rolex down Roger Federer's throat and he doesn't NEED the money. There are few more freely made decisions than top tennis players signing on with a luxury watch company.

by Suliso Image

by JazzNU Garbine was in Wisconsin for the Ryder Cup. The IG post has additional videos of walking the greens for anyone interested, just scroll through to the videos.






by JazzNU And photos of what she wore to the Ryder Cup Rolex Gala


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by ashkor87 I expect Raducanu will sign up Cahill as coach.. his split from Halep looks suspiciously timed..

by ponchi101 We were tangentially mentioning in the COACHING MERRY GO ROUND topic. But I gather that Cahill would like stability, and the Raducanu's seem not to be too much into that.

by ashkor87 Raducanu is the rising star, Halep is fading, I guess... plus she just got married, may be phasing out.. I wonder...

by Woody If you haven't watched the Documentary "Untold: Breaking Point" about Mardy Fish, it is really well done! Includes lots of good Roddick content for anyone who misses him too. On Netflix now.

by JTContinental Kyrgios has announced he's pulling the plug on the rest of the season, and is contemplating retirement

by dmforever
JTContinental wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 9:59 pm Kyrgios has announced he's pulling the plug on the rest of the season, and is contemplating retirement
I was wondering what he was going to do. He's ranked 95 now. He'd have to qualify for most tournaments, right? It might be the best move for him, but it just sort of finalizes the loss of a great talent. I hope he finds something that makes him happy.

Here is the link in case you want to read it.

https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/1 ... -of-season

Kevin

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 10:08 pm
JTContinental wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 9:59 pm Kyrgios has announced he's pulling the plug on the rest of the season, and is contemplating retirement
I was wondering what he was going to do. He's ranked 95 now. He'd have to qualify for most tournaments, right? It might be the best move for him, but it just sort of finalizes the loss of a great talent. I hope he finds something that makes him happy.
No, he'd get wildcards. Remember all those qualifying tournaments Genie played when her ranking first dropped? Me neither. If you can sell tickets, you get a wildcard. Not being a favorite on this board isn't the test of getting one as she showed.

He's Aussie, there's no end in sight to their covid approach. His mom is sick and he wants to go be with her. And he said he'll be playing the Aussie Open and will go from there.

Despite the short time he actually played this year, that he was injured the entire time makes this unsurprising even without the part about his mom.


And I have no idea why this is in this thread, fwiw, this is about tennis.

by ponchi101 Remember that the TENNIS PLAYERS RANDOM RANDOM (here) and the TENNIS RANDOM RANDOM are like doppelgangers...

by dmforever Sorry, but I didn't understand Jazz or Ponchi's comments. Isn't this an appropriate place to talk about a tennis player? And is there a difference between Tennis Random Random and Tennis Players Random Random? TRR is supposed to be about tennis in general, I gather, and TPRR is supposed to be specifically about players?

Kevin

by mmmm8
dmforever wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 4:35 am Sorry, but I didn't understand Jazz or Ponchi's comments. Isn't this an appropriate place to talk about a tennis player? And is there a difference between Tennis Random Random and Tennis Players Random Random? TRR is supposed to be about tennis in general, I gather, and TPRR is supposed to be specifically about players?

Kevin

This thread (TPRR) was intended to be more lighthearted about tennis players photos on/ off the court, social media, etc. But does it really matter?

by meganfernandez
Woody wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 6:07 pm If you haven't watched the Documentary "Untold: Breaking Point" about Mardy Fish, it is really well done! Includes lots of good Roddick content for anyone who misses him too. On Netflix now.
Just watched it last night. There was a lot more Roddick than you'd think for a Fish documentary. You're right, so well done, great production. I had no memory of what happened at that US Open. I wish they had talked more about how his anxiety manifested on the court.

Craig Shapiro (anyone follow him, listen to his podcast?) raked the Tennis Channel over the coals for not getting this documentary. You might say Netflix has more money, but do they really have a bigger budget for a Mardy Fish documentary than Tennis Channel should?

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 9:59 pm Kyrgios has announced he's pulling the plug on the rest of the season, and is contemplating retirement
So, business as usual? ... he has plenty of time for a second act later if he wants one. I doubt we've seen the last of him. Maybe he'll commentate, do something with team sports, who knows. I always thought he might have an Agassi-like renaissance when he's older and perhaps more suited to it. My take on Nick is that it's important to him to do things on his own terms, but those terms aren't enough to maximize his talent. Maybe later his terms will align with what it takes to maximize his talent. He might never want that, but if he does, there's time.

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 2:03 pm
Woody wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 6:07 pm If you haven't watched the Documentary "Untold: Breaking Point" about Mardy Fish, it is really well done! Includes lots of good Roddick content for anyone who misses him too. On Netflix now.
Just watched it last night. There was a lot more Roddick than you'd think for a Fish documentary. You're right, so well done, great production. I had no memory of what happened at that US Open. I wish they had talked more about how his anxiety manifested on the court.

Craig Shapiro (anyone follow him, listen to his podcast?) raked the Tennis Channel over the coals for not getting this documentary. You might say Netflix has more money, but do they really have a bigger budget for a Mardy Fish documentary than Tennis Channel should?
Isn't it a series of stories about athletes from different sports? Or is it a collections of random documentaries that were made by different people.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 3:47 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 2:03 pm
Woody wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 6:07 pm If you haven't watched the Documentary "Untold: Breaking Point" about Mardy Fish, it is really well done! Includes lots of good Roddick content for anyone who misses him too. On Netflix now.
Just watched it last night. There was a lot more Roddick than you'd think for a Fish documentary. You're right, so well done, great production. I had no memory of what happened at that US Open. I wish they had talked more about how his anxiety manifested on the court.

Craig Shapiro (anyone follow him, listen to his podcast?) raked the Tennis Channel over the coals for not getting this documentary. You might say Netflix has more money, but do they really have a bigger budget for a Mardy Fish documentary than Tennis Channel should?
Isn't it a series of stories about athletes from different sports? Or is it a collections of random documentaries that were made by different people.
It is part of Netflix's "Untold" series, five documentaries on mental health in sports, all produced by the same people for Netflix. Regardless, Shapiro is saying that if Fish and Roddick were open to a project like this, the Tennis Channel should be at least trying to get it, which he seems to believe they aren't. He would know. The larger point is that he thinks TC isn't serious about producing great content and looks pretty bad when hardcore tennis stuff winds up on other platforms. The Guillermo Vilas documentary is another example.

More on Untold: https://www.indiewire.com/2021/09/untol ... 234662631/

by ponchi101
dmforever wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 4:35 am Sorry, but I didn't understand Jazz or Ponchi's comments. Isn't this an appropriate place to talk about a tennis player? And is there a difference between Tennis Random Random and Tennis Players Random Random? TRR is supposed to be about tennis in general, I gather, and TPRR is supposed to be specifically about players?

Kevin
My comment about this two topics being doppelgangers is that they are very identical. Feel free to post as you wish. Sure, we appreciate that NFL comments (and example) go in the NFL forum, but other than very rough guidelines, as you wish.
I mean, when have the Collective Cartesian Mind of us TAT'ers ever detoured from one topic to another? ;)

by ti-amie Never forget that Tennis Channel is owned by Sinclair and discussing the mental health issues of athletes I think would be pretty low on their list of priorities, not the mention the folks who run tennis don't want their players admitting to anxiety related issues re their play.

by JazzNU
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 11:57 am
dmforever wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 4:35 am Sorry, but I didn't understand Jazz or Ponchi's comments. Isn't this an appropriate place to talk about a tennis player? And is there a difference between Tennis Random Random and Tennis Players Random Random? TRR is supposed to be about tennis in general, I gather, and TPRR is supposed to be specifically about players?

Kevin

This thread (TPRR) was intended to be more lighthearted about tennis players photos on/ off the court, social media, etc. But does it really matter?

Well on the old site, the deal was that many don't check this thread at all who are just interested in tennis. So real tennis discussions, not what someone wore to the Met Gala or that they are at the Ryder's Cup, was meant to go in Tennis Random. Maybe it's changed, but there were several who weren't a fan of this thread so the separation was a good one so they could keep up with regular tennis news.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 3:52 pm
It is part of Netflix's "Untold" series, five documentaries on mental health in sports, all produced by the same people for Netflix. Regardless, Shapiro is saying that if Fish and Roddick were open to a project like this, the Tennis Channel should be at least trying to get it, which he seems to believe they aren't. He would know. The larger point is that he thinks TC isn't serious about producing great content and looks pretty bad when hardcore tennis stuff winds up on other platforms. The Guillermo Vilas documentary is another example.

More on Untold: https://www.indiewire.com/2021/09/untol ... 234662631/

Really don't understand this criticism at all. This is what Netflix does. This is not what Tennis Channel does, they air live tennis and replay old matches. Their off-court stuff is filler at best in large part. The main reason these documentaries are well done is because they are on Netflix, who has the resources to produce good content.

I don't think Tennis Channel looks bad here at all, looks like they are staying in their lane. TC is not ESPN and acting like it is seems to be part of the problem. That anyone thinks the TC budget would mirror that of ESPN let alone Netflix must be fairly unaware of what they spend to produce content of the caliber that they do.


Also, the thinking that a tennis documentary should land on a tennis channel is very myopic thinking to me.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 5:40 pm
dmforever wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 4:35 am Sorry, but I didn't understand Jazz or Ponchi's comments. Isn't this an appropriate place to talk about a tennis player? And is there a difference between Tennis Random Random and Tennis Players Random Random? TRR is supposed to be about tennis in general, I gather, and TPRR is supposed to be specifically about players?

Kevin
My comment about this two topics being doppelgangers is that they are very identical. Feel free to post as you wish. Sure, we appreciate that NFL comments (and example) go in the NFL forum, but other than very rough guidelines, as you wish.
I mean, when have the Collective Cartesian Mind of us TAT'ers ever detoured from one topic to another? ;)
I think you can blame me. When you or someone asked for input on the board, I asked for a place primarily for tennis player photos and gossip. so I didn't have to weed through other tennis stuff for the good stuff. That's when Tennis Players Random, Random cropped up.

by ponchi101 And that is fine. Nobody is blaming anybody, or at least, I am not. This is not a corporate board. In theory, I run the place and at times I post stuff in a forum not designated for that. Just take a look at my hijacking the RANDOM RANDOM topic ;)
For this group, a bit of anarchy is almost mandatory :D

by Deuce I don't see how a topic named 'Random, Random' can possibly be 'hijacked'. :)
The title itself indicates that anything goes...

If people wish to more obviously differentiate this topic (Tennis Players Random, Random) from the topic 'Tennis Random, Random', perhaps this topic can be re-named?
And/or perhaps another topic to include ONLY PHOTOS of tennis players (on/off court) - and comments about same could be created (titled 'Tennis Player Photos', for example).

Personally, I think it would be a good idea to add a 'Tennis Player Photos' topic. That way, we'd have 'Tennis Random, Random' for general discussions about tennis, 'Tennis Players Random, Random' for discussions about specific players (any players), and 'Tennis Player Photos' for photos of players and comments about the photos.
Off Topic
I've never understood the inclusion of the word 'Random' in the topic titles, let alone including it twice! :)

by Ribbons Misa Krajicek showed up in my Twitter feed tonight (she was thinking of throwing away old trophies), so I surfed around a bit to what else she's up to now. She seems to be very happy with Jelle Sels (a Dutch player in the 300s) -- the pics on her Instagram include her breastfeeding their child -- and raising money for charity through her paintings.

by JazzNU Zarina Diyas playing in her home country's tournament this week. Went to a hockey game, was interviewed, was given a custom jersey. There's video if you scroll through. Just good to see and remember, someone who the tennis world doesn't focus on that often is probably pretty well known in their home country if they've remained in the top 100 rankings for a longer period of time.



by ponchi101 When I was in Uzbekistan I was surprised at how popular tennis is. Ended up that the dictator at the time was a tennis fan and he made tennis Uzbekistan's OFFICIAL sport (soccer and boxing are more popular). I suspect that Khazakstan is about the same.
In Uzbekia, Istomin was huge. And I forget the unpronounceable name of the player in the WTA, but she was also very well known as she was also ethnic Uzbek, to the bone.
So, as JazzNu says. These players can live very well back home and are usually adored. Big fish in a little pond works well.

by JazzNU Yes, I'm sure that is also part of Zarina being more well known in Kazakhstan, she's one of the few, possibly the only, tennis player in recent years who is actually Kazakh, not Russian. The Russian players that represent the country more often than not, they can make you forget the ethnic differences between Russians and Kazakhs.

by JazzNU Andrey Rublev was named the GQ Russia Man of the Year. Nastia in attendance as well.


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by JazzNU

by ponchi101 If you zoom on the pictures, that Tiffany contract has kicked in in full gear. She must be wearing $100K in diamonds, easily.
She looks pretty.

by Suliso Belinda in Chicago

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Naomi with a friend

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by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Wed Sep 29, 2021 6:45 pm Image
Who wore it better?

by ti-amie
skatingfan wrote: Wed Sep 29, 2021 10:44 pm
JazzNU wrote: Wed Sep 29, 2021 6:45 pm Image
Who wore it better?
:lol:

by Fastbackss Nastia looks like a spy from the Bond movie premiere that Emma went to

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Thu Sep 30, 2021 10:18 am Nastia looks like a spy from the Bond movie premiere that Emma went to
Goals. Also, Nastia wore it better. Sharper, fits better. Love Rublev, though!

by ti-amie Gisela Dulko splits with husband.

Former Real Madrid star Fernando Gago splits from wife after being caught ‘cheating with her best friend’
Ex-Real Madrid player Fernando Gago has reportedly split from his tennis star wife after allegedly cheating on her with her best friend.

Natalia Penza, The Sun

Former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago has reportedly split from his tennis star wife after allegedly cheating on her with her best friend.

Gisela Dulko, 36, is said to have broken up with the retired footballer after catching him in bed with dance school owner Veronica Laffitte.

Argentinian journalist Cinthia Fernandez claimed on Argentine TV: “Gisela apparently found them in her own home, in her own bed.

“She opened the door and there was Fernando Gago with this other woman.”

She added: “They got married 10 years ago and have three children. They always kept a low profile.

“They separated because of his unfaithfulness. He cheated on her with her best friend.

“That group of friends were mums at their kids’ school. Gisela has changed them to a different school.”

https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/ ... be5b1576f9

by ponchi101 I guess "former best friend" would be a better narrative.
Wow. How dumb can you be? You are a former football player and can't afford a convenience hotel?

by JazzNU Damn!



by Suliso Nicole Vaidisova is pregnant with her and Radek's 2nd child.

by JazzNU Roger and Mirka at Paris Fashion Week


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by ti-amie

by Suliso Who is he?

by ptmcmahon If google is to believed, Tom Couch - trainer and boyfriend since 2019.

by JazzNU Doesn't look much like him. Looks like a new boyfriend to me. Tom is fairer, and shorter I think.

by ti-amie

by Suliso Image

by skatingfan It's hard to recognize Cibulkova when she's not in an elevator.

by Suliso Alize Cornet

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by JazzNU Very nice.



by JazzNU Andy having a little fun, nice to see



by ptmcmahon Hope he didn't get involved in any of the "gang" wars :D

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:43 pm Hope he didn't get involved in any of the "gang" wars :D
I don't get the German joke, but it's generally funny.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:12 pm
I don't get the German joke, but it's generally funny.

It's an Anchorman joke.



by Suliso Veronika Kudermetova

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by meganfernandez Andy was robbed in Indian Wells. Literally robbed.


by ptmcmahon Someone stole his moustache?!

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 5:53 pm Someone stole his moustache?!
Haha! No, Andy stole the moustache from Jordan Thompson. He left his stinky shoes under his car to dry out, because he doesn't have a balcony, and they were stolen. Along with the wedding ring he ties on the shoelaces when he plays. Forgot it was there. You'd think the area would parking lot or garage would have a security camera.

by dmforever At least he wasn't wearing them. I got mugged once and they guy made me give him my tennis shoes that I was wearing. But he was a thoughtful mugger and gave me his to wear. I ran away barefoot. I hope he gets his ring back. That really sucks.

Kevin

by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 6:30 pm At least he wasn't wearing them. I got mugged once and they guy made me give him my tennis shoes that I was wearing. But he was a thoughtful mugger and gave me his to wear. I ran away barefoot. I hope he gets his ring back. That really sucks.

Kevin
I'm so sorry and glad you weren't hurt.

by meganfernandez If someone wants a rabbit hole to dive into... this is today. Krygios's girlfriend posted on Insta stories about some incident that involved police moving Nick to another room, and also allegations of cheating. No specific abuse allegations that I can see, but I'm not digging.


by ti-amie As the stomach churns stuff. It seems that Kyrgios was creeping on his current girl friend while he was supposed to be in quarantine( a violation of Aussie protocols). Young people put too much of their personal business on line and this reads like someone oversharing about being cheated on. Nothing Zverev like from what I can see.

by JazzNU She was saying about the same thing several months ago and they got back together after whatever was resolved, I expect the same thing to happen this time too. Seems like relationship stuff. She really overshares and assuming she doesn't have an ulterior motive for it (like Bernie's gf trying to get more attention on her career), she really needs to learn to stop putting so much of their business out on the street. If they hadn't been friends for a long time, I'm thinking this would be over and done with.

by JazzNU Scroll for the video



by mmmm8 He hadn't called hotel security as a first step??

by JazzNU Doesn't seem like it. I'm gonna be nice and leave it at that.

by ponchi101 :rofl: with both of you...

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 So...
You are in quarantine, and the one person you can be with, you get into a fight, so now you are separate and alone? :shock:
Talk about not thinking it through.
(Two good looking, young 20-somethings. What could they have spent the time doing? Uhm...)

by Deuce A slightly new 'twist' to the Kyrgios/girlfriend thing...

This entire relationship seems to be 'managed' through 'social media' and 'regular media'.
Honestly, it's quite obvious that neither of these two people are anywhere near mature enough to handle a relationship. If they were 13 years old, I'd say that it's sad, but they can be helped. At double that age, though, it's simply pathetic.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nick-kyrgio ... 04613.html

.

by Suliso Iga Swiatek

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Clara Tauson

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by Suliso Andre and Steffi with kids.

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by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote:Andre and Steffi with kids.

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That is so nice! I hope they are as happy as they look.


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by skatingfan Jaz is 18, and Jaden will be 20 in a couple weeks, crazy.

by dmforever OMG, when I read "with kids" i didn't think that meant THEIR kids. Time goes by soooooo fast. Thanks for this. :)

Kevin

by meganfernandez
skatingfan wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:03 pm Jaz is 18, and Jaden will be 20 in a couple weeks, crazy.
they could have been winning Slams by now. Has anyone ever had better tennis pedigree than these two?

by dmforever
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:30 pm
skatingfan wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:03 pm Jaz is 18, and Jaden will be 20 in a couple weeks, crazy.
they could have been winning Slams by now. Has anyone ever had better tennis genes than these two?
I have to say that it makes me feel happy that they don't play competitive tennis. Steffi and Andre definitely didn't pressure them. Good for them. :)

Kevin

by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:39 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:30 pm
skatingfan wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:03 pm Jaz is 18, and Jaden will be 20 in a couple weeks, crazy.
they could have been winning Slams by now. Has anyone ever had better tennis genes than these two?
I have to say that it makes me feel happy that they don't play competitive tennis. Steffi and Andre definitely didn't pressure them. Good for them. :)

Kevin
I guess... :) Probably healthier for the kids, and they had choices. As a fan, kills me to not see the Grafassi kids playing. (I just made up Grafassi. We have never portmanteau'd them, to my knowledge.)

by dmforever
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:57 pm
dmforever wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:39 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:30 pm

they could have been winning Slams by now. Has anyone ever had better tennis genes than these two?
I have to say that it makes me feel happy that they don't play competitive tennis. Steffi and Andre definitely didn't pressure them. Good for them. :)

Kevin
I guess... :) Probably healthier for the kids, and they had choices. As a fan, kills me to not see the Grafassi kids playing. (I just made up Grafassi. We have never portmanteau'd them, to my knowledge.)
Grafassi!!! You need to copyright that!! :) Great one!

Kevin

by Suliso Steffi looks great in that photo, but she's 52 already. Nothing online about the daughter, but the son apparently hopes to play baseball professionally.

Remins me of Korda daughters who also chose to go into sports, just not the same one as dad.

by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 5:00 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:57 pm
dmforever wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:39 pm

I have to say that it makes me feel happy that they don't play competitive tennis. Steffi and Andre definitely didn't pressure them. Good for them. :)

Kevin
I guess... :) Probably healthier for the kids, and they had choices. As a fan, kills me to not see the Grafassi kids playing. (I just made up Grafassi. We have never portmanteau'd them, to my knowledge.)
Grafassi!!! You need to copyright that!! :) Great one!

Kevin
haha, thanks! Can't believe no one has mentioned it before. Probably because "Steffi and Andre" is easy to say. I just love a portmanteau, though.

by ti-amie There are tennis parents who don't want their kids anywhere near tennis. I think Jaden is working on a pro baseball career. I'm not sure what Jaz is doing.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 5:57 pm There are tennis parents who don't want their kids anywhere near tennis. I think Jaden is working on a pro baseball career. I'm not sure what Jaz is doing.
Seems like successful tennis players don't steer their kids toward tennis much at all. I guess there are some exceptions - Korda, Borg, Kostyuk, Zverevs, Mary Joe Fernandez's son, off the top of my head. But generally no, which seems like a damning statement. Who knows how many kids learn for fun (and potential competition), like Olympia is doing and the Federer kids have been seeing doing.

by Suliso
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 6:07 pm Seems like successful tennis players don't steer their kids toward tennis much at all. I guess there are some exceptions - Korda, Borg, Kostyuk, Zverevs, Mary Joe Fernandez's son, off the top of my head. But generally no, which seems like a damning statement. Who knows how many kids learn for fun (and potential competition), like Olympia is doing and the Federer kids have been seeing doing.
It isn't. Did you as a teenager want to do the same thing in life as your mom or dad? Me definitely not. Hence I became a chemist not an engineer as both of my parents. And mind you I had a very good family (still do).

by ponchi101 Jaden plays baseball and has a full scholarship for one of the big California universities.
I gather that playing the same sport as your super successful parent is a recipe for "regression to the mean". Seb Korda might be buckling the trend but, by and large, the kid will not be as good as the parent, most likely.
Connors' son played well enough to beat him at old age, but not enough to become an ATP player.
And notice how many players come from parents that are athletic, but NOT in tennis. It is truly an idiosyncratic sport (I believe Leylah's father was a soccer player, yet she went for our sport :thumbsup:)

by Deuce Leylah played soccer as a child and very much wanted to be a soccer player like dad (as much as children wish when they are young). But her dad felt a soccer ball was too big for her to handle adequately at a young age, and so went out to find a sport that used a smaller ball - and that was tennis.
Seems to have been a good move.

Leylah is still a big soccer fan, and plays in her spare time.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:Jaden plays baseball and has a full scholarship for one of the big California universities.
I gather that playing the same sport as your super successful parent is a recipe for "regression to the mean". Seb Korda might be buckling the trend but, by and large, the kid will not be as good as the parent, most likely.
Connors' son played well enough to beat him at old age, but not enough to become an ATP player.
And notice how many players come from parents that are athletic, but NOT in tennis. It is truly an idiosyncratic sport (I believe Leylah's father was a soccer player, yet she went for our sport :thumbsup:)
People are talking like Seb will be better than pops.

Idiosyncratic is a good word for it. If you don’t take to it and show aptitude early, it’s not much fun to stick with it.


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by skatingfan No one hated tennis more than Andre & Steffi. They were both pushed into the sport by hyper-aggressive & controlling fathers, and eventually found a level of peace with the sport and their place in it. No surprise that they didn't want their kids to follow that path.

by ponchi101 Sorry, I don't agree. Steffi loved tennis. Her father told stories how she would had to be told to stop practicing because she loved being out there.
And Andre's position was a bit overplayed. Remember he cultured his "rebel" image.
And by the end of his career, I will give Andre credit. He became an ambassador and a gentleman on the court. And you could see how, when he retired, it was not a great day for him. If he really hated tennis at the beginning, by the end he showed none of that.

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 2:25 am Sorry, I don't agree. Steffi loved tennis. Her father told stories how she would had to be told to stop practicing because she loved being out there.
And Andre's position was a bit overplayed. Remember he cultured his "rebel" image.
And by the end of his career, I will give Andre credit. He became an ambassador and a gentleman on the court. And you could see how, when he retired, it was not a great day for him. If he really hated tennis at the beginning, by the end he showed none of that.
I should have been more specific. Both Graf & Agassi have expressed a hate of professional tennis, what it required them to give up to pursue, and some of the impacts it had on them.

by Deuce Emma is largely seen as very classy and prim and proper...
I love this photo because it shows that she's not at all afraid to get dirty. As well, it takes guts for a girl to participate in things that have long been the domain of boys.
She's about 10 years old in this photo.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 7:14 am Emma is largely seen as very classy and prim and proper...
I love this photo because it shows that she's not at all afraid to get dirty. As well, it takes guts for a girl to participate in things that have long been the domain of boys.
She's about 10 years old in this photo.
great photo. She's not a princess. She's a badass.

by JazzNU Jaden is a two-way player on USC's baseball team, though he's likely mostly pitching. I posted it when he committed to them last year.

by Suliso Image

by meganfernandez In Vika’s on-court interview, she referenced a photo of Leo that his dad sent to her. Sounds like they have some sort of decent co-parenting relationship, which is nice news.


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by JazzNU Not sure this was posted. Jana Cepelova's baby shower from early September. Last time I think we saw her was the wedding. First photo is with Magdalena Rybarikova and Jana. Second photo has Jana near the middle, Magdalena to her right, Viktoria Kuzmova to her right, and Anna Schmiedlova in the right corner.


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by Suliso Ana Konjuh and her sister in Amsterdam

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by JazzNU

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 2:40 am
Monica never got the credit she should have for moving the women's game forward.

by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:23 pm ...

Monica never got the credit she should have for moving the women's game forward.
Absolutely. When people talk about other players bringing in the POWER GAME I sometimes wonder what they mean. Monica was the original "I am going to blast this ball of both wings as hard as I can on every shot". Steffi did it but on her FH. Monica was the original one to take the ball early and never back down.
She did change the approach to the game, by a lot.

by the Moz Monica is tremendous! Her mental fitness and attacking style of play made her a legend :notworthy:

by ti-amie

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Karim Kamoun that used to be a fencer and later joined her as her fitness coach.
https://tennistonic.com/tennis-news/198 ... net-worth/

by JazzNU She looks great here, but personally think she looks even prettier at her sister's wedding.

by Suliso I agree that she look good here, but it's difficult to not look good in one's own wedding. It would have to be someone really homely or a horrible dress choice.

Anyway it is not my purpose to diss Jabeur. She's fine looking, just not good enough to attract sponsors who are looking for a pretty face.

by mmmm8 Jabeur spoke this week that she's also been rejected by sponsors because of her country of origin. It's too bad, she's fun to watch.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Oct 17, 2021 2:05 pm
ti-amie wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:23 pm ...

Monica never got the credit she should have for moving the women's game forward.
Absolutely. When people talk about other players bringing in the POWER GAME I sometimes wonder what they mean. Monica was the original "I am going to blast this ball of both wings as hard as I can on every shot". Steffi did it but on her FH. Monica was the original one to take the ball early and never back down.
She did change the approach to the game, by a lot.
She also changed the sound of the game, unfortunately.
She was the first 'high profile' player to make loud, annoying vocal noises on every shot. If the powers that be would have had the guts to nip that in the bud, we would have been spared the constant screaming of Sharapova, Azarenka, Sabalenka, the odd noises emanating from Sorribes Tormo - and likely even Nadal's grunting - as well as several others.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Sun Oct 17, 2021 9:25 pm Jabeur spoke this week that she's also been rejected by sponsors because of her country of origin. It's too bad, she's fun to watch.
Love Jabeur. She might not be beautiful in the extremely limited way sponsors are looking for, but I think she is very pretty, and even better, she's cool and by all accounts a great person. I'd pay attention to anything she endorses.

by ponchi101 As we talk about endorsements...
Emma has been named Ambassador to DIOR.
They are just trying to spread them apart bit by bit. First jewelry, now clothing. Give it a few weeks for watch (Tiffany nor Dior make them), then will come the car, and then slowly.
But she better be out there playing, I say.

by JazzNU Eh, strike while the iron is hot, who knows if these opportunities will be there for her in the future. But this is more an indication of how few mainstream British options there are than anything else to me.

by ptmcmahon
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 18, 2021 2:40 pm Love Jabeur. She might not be beautiful in the extremely limited way sponsors are looking for, but I think she is very pretty, and even better, she's cool and by all accounts a great person. I'd pay attention to anything she endorses.
Agree with this, but still an endorsement is most likely just a way to get money. Not going to take it seriously just because it's her :)

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:48 am Eh, strike while the iron is hot, who knows if these opportunities will be there for her in the future. But this is more an indication of how few mainstream British options there are than anything else to me.
Oh, we said that right after her win. If she were Emma Raducanu, Romanian tennis player, this is not happening in any way, shape or form. Grand Slam winner from a country that is rabid about sports but have not seen one single such winner in decades, and she just hit the jackpot of the century.
Give her two more weeks or a month and here comes the watch endorsement. Guaranteed! (she can't go for Cartier because they are more jewelry than watches, but if she wants to stay British, Garrik makes some lovely pieces).

by ashkor87 very impressed with Krejcikova's consistency, after her FO win.. I thought she would just fade away, and she hasn't..
interestingly, in the past, there has been some significant correlation between French Open champions and Italian Open the NEXT year - so I will bet on Krejcikova to win Rome in 2022! talk about a long shot...:)

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 2:30 pm
JazzNU wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:48 am Eh, strike while the iron is hot, who knows if these opportunities will be there for her in the future. But this is more an indication of how few mainstream British options there are than anything else to me.
Oh, we said that right after her win. If she were Emma Raducanu, Romanian tennis player, this is not happening in any way, shape or form. Grand Slam winner from a country that is rabid about sports but have not seen one single such winner in decades, and she just hit the jackpot of the century.
Give her two more weeks or a month and here comes the watch endorsement. Guaranteed! (she can't go for Cartier because they are more jewelry than watches, but if she wants to stay British, Garrik makes some lovely pieces).

Right, but I also think there aren't a ton of mainstream British options right now in general. Not just in sports, but all around. If you think about the hottest British actors, singers, athletes, and celebrities, they aren't that young, or if they are, they aren't new so if they wanted them as a brand ambassador, they'd already have them. There are a decent number of not so mainstream British celebrities, but traditional brands are probably slow to buy in to them in this manner. So yeah, waiting to see if Emma becomes consistent would seem to make more sense, but they also seem to have diminished options and getting in early isn't the worst idea either.

Now, if she loses in Romania...


On the watch front, Konta is with Breitling, and she tags the UK IG account when she posts, so that's a possibility of a brand who has a significant enough UK presence who sees some value getting local tennis players as brand ambassadors.

by Suliso I assume you're talking about female options only. Otherwise there is no lack of good football players in UK .

by JazzNU

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:29 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 18, 2021 2:40 pm Love Jabeur. She might not be beautiful in the extremely limited way sponsors are looking for, but I think she is very pretty, and even better, she's cool and by all accounts a great person. I'd pay attention to anything she endorses.
Agree with this, but still an endorsement is most likely just a way to get money. Not going to take it seriously just because it's her :)
I would pay attention... not necessarily buy it. It would get my attention, and that's more than half the job of marketing.

by ponchi101 Things I have bought because a tennis player endorses it:
...
...
...
...

A racquet?

by Suliso Image

by Suliso Anett Kontaveit in Moscow

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Serena and Caro partying

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by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 2:14 pm Things I have bought because a tennis player endorses it:
...
...
...
...

A racquet?
Yeah, yeah. Like you didn't go out a buy Canon Rebel camera in the early '90's.

by JTContinental
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 2:14 pm Things I have bought because a tennis player endorses it:
...
...
...
...

A racquet?
I know you only fly Emirates

by ti-amie

Serena was originally wearing heels but one got caught in the escalator. It's on her InstaStory.

by skatingfan
ti-amie wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:12 pm Serena was originally wearing heels but one got caught in the escalator. It's on her InstaStory.
I know heels in general can be dangerous, but given Serena's history of ankle sprains, and almost cutting off her toe it still surprises me that she wears heels.

by ti-amie
skatingfan wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:15 pm
ti-amie wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:12 pm Serena was originally wearing heels but one got caught in the escalator. It's on her InstaStory.
I know heels in general can be dangerous, but given Serena's history of ankle sprains, and almost cutting off her toe it still surprises me that she wears heels.
Fashion.

by ti-amie The InstaStory is gone now.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101
skatingfan wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 4:57 pm ...
Yeah, yeah. Like you didn't go out a buy Canon Rebel camera in the early '90's.
[/quote]
JTContinental wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 5:17 pm ...
I know you only fly Emirates
[/quote]

:rofl: :rofl: :clap: :clap: :clap:
(Txs, I needed that)

by meganfernandez
skatingfan wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:15 pm
ti-amie wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:12 pm Serena was originally wearing heels but one got caught in the escalator. It's on her InstaStory.
I know heels in general can be dangerous, but given Serena's history of ankle sprains, and almost cutting off her toe it still surprises me that she wears heels.
the power of feeling sexy

by Suliso Leylah Fernandez

Image



Jessica Pegula got married yesterday. A couple of American WTA players were also invited.

by ti-amie

by dmforever
ti-amie wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:02 am
Happy pics. :)
And TT looks fantastic. Thanks for the post.

Kevin

by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:18 pm
Jessica Pegula got married yesterday. A couple of American WTA players were also invited.
I don't think Leylah is at the wedding. That photo does not look like Asheville, looks like some tropical locale.

by JazzNU No real photos of the bride and groom or the wedding yet just stuff on IG Stories, but Jess looks nice, a more modern cut to her dress. Might get photos on social media, but she also might have sold them and it'll appear in a magazine in the future.

Extra photo of Jen and then Jen and crew on the eve of the wedding.


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by Suliso
JazzNU wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 1:57 am
I don't think Leylah is at the wedding. That photo does not look like Asheville, looks like some tropical locale.
Definitely not. Those were unrelated items in my post. Sorry for the confusion. :)

by dmforever Has anyone else seen the commercial with Serena and she's playing and there is a horror movie motif? It came out a few weeks ago I think, I guess because of Halloween, but it's totally bizarre.



Two thoughts...Does anyone think that the woman Serena aces to win the match looks a little like Genie? And the nerd in me wants to write them and tell them they have it wrong. The announcers say "triple match point, Serena Williams" but she's serving from the deuce court. Even if she were up 6-3 i a tiebreak, she'd be serving from the ad court.

Kevin

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 3:48 pm Has anyone else seen the commercial with Serena and she's playing and there is a horror movie motif? It came out a few weeks ago I think, I guess because of Halloween, but it's totally bizarre.

Two thoughts...Does anyone think that the woman Serena aces to win the match looks a little like Genie? And the nerd in me wants to write them and tell them they have it wrong. The announcers say "triple match point, Serena Williams" but she's serving from the deuce court. Even if she were up 6-3 i a tiebreak, she'd be serving from the ad court.

Kevin
I don't think the commercial is bizarre, but yes, it's because of Halloween they are using a horror motif, next month I'm guessing they'll roll out some holiday movie. But the commercial gets the point across well of live vs streaming and does so I'm sure at a much lower cost than showing NFL or NBA clips.

Outside of being blonde, I don't think the player looks anything like Genie.

As for deuce/ad court. Please don't be that guy, Kevin. I beg of you to share a tidbit like that here and nowhere else.

by ponchi101 The shot of the other woman is so fast that I can tell if she looks like Genie. But she is wearing Nike so... Old Genie.
And the NERD IN ME would also write to them. Just for fun. :)

by ptmcmahon This thread is getting delightfully embarrassing :)

by dmforever
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:03 pm The shot of the other woman is so fast that I can tell if she looks like Genie. But she is wearing Nike so... Old Genie.
And the NERD IN ME would also write to them. Just for fun. :)
If you stop it at :17, you can see her. It's not a close up, and no, they aren't separated at birth or anything, but I think there is a resemblance. I didn't even think (or actually know) about the Nike connection. Good call.

Kevin

by dmforever
ptmcmahon wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:04 pm This thread is getting delightfully embarrassing :)
For the posters or the readers? ;)

Kevin

by ti-amie

Leylah-Annie and her family having some fun.

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:17 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:03 pm The shot of the other woman is so fast that I can tell if she looks like Genie. But she is wearing Nike so... Old Genie.
And the NERD IN ME would also write to them. Just for fun. :)
If you stop it at :17, you can see her. It's not a close up, and no, they aren't separated at birth or anything, but I think there is a resemblance. I didn't even think (or actually know) about the Nike connection. Good call.

Kevin
I got a good look at her. Don't think they look anything alike and think Genie would be insulted. The woman here is very average looking.

by JazzNU Jess' photographer posted this, so it'll give you a better look at the bride and groom and the wedding in general



by Suliso Both bride and groom are looking super good.

by Suliso Donna Vekic

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by Suliso There is a new Federer tram in Basel (regular trams are green).

Image

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I'll try to make my own photo if I see it around the town. It will probably be on #8 route as that is the one Roger took to practice as a child.

by the Moz Hopefully Basel doesn't become Federerville :lol:

by Suliso Unlikely there will be a more famous Basel citizen this century :D

By the way a trivia question: who in your opinion is the most famous/important person ever born in Basel?

by dmforever
Suliso wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 9:02 pm There is a new Federer tram in Basel (regular trams are green).

Image

Image

I'll try to make my own photo if I see it around the town. It will probably be on #8 route as that is the one Roger took to practice as a child.
Years ago I heard a tennis commentator say "Literally everyone is jumping on the Fed train." I just wanted to scream at the TV that he meant exactly the opposite of literally. (This kind of thing upsets English teachers. I know, we are no fun to be around). Well, he's now half right, so I'll eat half of my words. :)

Thanks for the post. ;)

Kevin

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 9:14 pm Unlikely there will be a more famous Basel citizen this century :D

By the way a trivia question: who in your opinion is the most famous/important person ever born in Basel?
Swear without looking it up, but wasn't Euler born in Basel? I know he was Swiss, but I am not sure if Basel or Geneva.

by Suliso Yes indeed. Not just born but also graduated from University of Basel.

by ponchi101 Didn't know he went to college. I thought he was one of those "natural" mathematical monsters, self taught.
To me, second only to Gauss. I once read an entire book about Euler's identity and, for a moment, I understood it. Then it vanished again into my brain, where, I hope, it is simply locked away from my access.

by Suliso
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 10:43 pm Didn't know he went to college. I thought he was one of those "natural" mathematical monsters, self taught.
His father, a pastor, was a friend of Bernoulli family. Young Euler started with taking classes from Jacob Bernoulli, a professor in Basel, and later was close to Johann Bernoulli who himself was one of the foremost mathematicians of the time.

by JazzNU
ptmcmahon wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:04 pm This thread is getting delightfully embarrassing :)
And somehow, that was only the start. Becoming a geekfest around these parts.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:16 pm ...

And somehow, that was only the start. Becoming a geekfest around these parts.
:rofl: :rofl:
(Don't take it personally, P, don't take it personally... ;) )

by ptmcmahon
dmforever wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 9:29 pm Years ago I heard a tennis commentator say "Literally everyone is jumping on the Fed train." I just wanted to scream at the TV that he meant exactly the opposite of literally. (This kind of thing upsets English teachers. I know, we are no fun to be around). Well, he's now half right, so I'll eat half of my words. :)

Kevin
The problem is even Webster gave up and changed their definition of literally to basically say “can be used to mean figuratively.” So even when we try to correct people they can throw that in our faces :)

What I’ve tried to do to combat is to intentionally misuse figuratively instead :D

by JazzNU I'm really starting to get concerned about everyone in social settings. Please tell me you guys are not at parties correcting people's grammar and offering up little factoids no one asked for like Rain Man.

by Suliso No worries, we can talk mindless subjects too :D

(history of science among my many interests)

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:50 pm I'm really starting to get concerned about everyone in social settings. Please tell me you guys are not at parties correcting people's grammar and offering up little factoids no one asked for like Rain Man.
Wow, Duly noted and super aggressive. And no, I"m not on the autism spectrum here, though if I were, I might find the Rain Man reference a little off putting. Maybe we just need to not communicate with each other for a while. I'll go first.

Kevin

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 12:03 am
Wow, Duly noted and super aggressive. And no, I"m not on the autism spectrum here, though if I were, I might find the Rain Man reference a little off putting. Maybe we just need to not communicate with each other for a while. I'll go first.

Kevin
What I wrote was a joke, something to be taken lightly the way @suliso did. Nothing remotely aggressive about it. The Rain Man reference was about the factoids, him being autistic never entered my mind.

by ptmcmahon
JazzNU wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:50 pm I'm really starting to get concerned about everyone in social settings. Please tell me you guys are not at parties correcting people's grammar and offering up little factoids no one asked for like Rain Man.
I can confirm I am definitely not at any parties lately... correcting grammar or otherwise :D

If I was though, if I was with close friends I would 100% not hesitate to make fun of them for using literally, ironic, etc wrong...although many of them are like me. With people I barely know or strangers I definitely would not. In fact my friends often complain because I'm a jerk to them but nice to people I don't know.

by ponchi101 Combining peeves: I literally could care less!!!! ;)
I agree that this use of literally for everything that is not drives me insane: "I literally died!!" (No, you didn't. You are here telling me about it).
The other I dislike is: I could care less. Well, thanks, and please do, so you can reach the state at which YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS.
My last one is: the overuse of "unsustainable". The word is about to lose meaning because everything that is being used is being done so at a rate that is unsustainable. Randall Munroe drew up a graph in which he plotted that the rate of use of the word unsustainable is unsustainable. it was brilliant.

by atlpam Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)

by meganfernandez
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)
What's funny is, this apparently bothers me -- an editor who diagrams sentences for fun -- a lot less than it bothers the rest of you grammar police. (Not sure if there are other editors or writers in these ranks.) Here, I wanna end a sentence with a preposition willy-nilly.

by ponchi101
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)
Well, we have never hijacked a topic, right? ;)
Going serious. One thing that always attracted me about TAT1.0, and of course, the new site, is the quality of the writing. We have lost some people that were superb at it (Craig Hickman, Glenn Hartmann, Drop-shot, a few others) but overall, the clearness of exposition has always been, to me, above average.
You seldom see an improperly constructed sentence. The clarity of exposition may be at times convoluted, but as a group of writers, it is frequent that you find a post that is grammatically delicious.
Heck, we never say "y'awl should lurn to right best..."

by atlpam
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:06 pm
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)
What's funny is, this apparently bothers me -- an editor who diagrams sentences for fun -- a lot less than it bothers the rest of you grammar police. (Not sure if there are other editors or writers in these ranks.) Here, I wanna end a sentence with a preposition willy-nilly.
I worked as a technical writer for awhile. My HS English teacher gave us a list of comma rules and whenever we used a comma, we had to note the rule in the margin. To this day, I still subconsciously apply comma rules.

by atlpam
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:55 pm
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)
Well, we have never hijacked a topic, right? ;)
Going serious. One thing that always attracted me about TAT1.0, and of course, the new site, is the quality of the writing. We have lost some people that were superb at it (Craig Hickman, Glenn Hartmann, Drop-shot, a few others) but overall, the clearness of exposition has always been, to me, above average.
You seldom see an improperly constructed sentence. The clarity of exposition may be at times convoluted, but as a group of writers, it is frequent that you find a post that is grammatically delicious.
Heck, we never say "y'awl should lurn to right best..."
This is one of the things I love about this forum - I always feel like I'm in a group of like-minded friends (even if we don't always agree).

by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 3:48 pm Has anyone else seen the commercial with Serena and she's playing and there is a horror movie motif? It came out a few weeks ago I think, I guess because of Halloween, but it's totally bizarre.



Two thoughts...Does anyone think that the woman Serena aces to win the match looks a little like Genie? And the nerd in me wants to write them and tell them they have it wrong. The announcers say "triple match point, Serena Williams" but she's serving from the deuce court. Even if she were up 6-3 i a tiebreak, she'd be serving from the ad court.

Kevin
yeah, serving from the ad side on triple match point is annoying. That's the biggest horror in the commercial to me. Love that you thought about the only scenario in a tiebreak that would have applied. If they were playing no-ad, it could have been 40-15. That's the only way this works, I think. Does World Team Tennis play no-ad? Surprised that slipped by Serena's team, which I'm guessing reviewed the commercial. They might have said something but producers or whoever decided not to fix it.

by meganfernandez
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:56 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:06 pm
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)
What's funny is, this apparently bothers me -- an editor who diagrams sentences for fun -- a lot less than it bothers the rest of you grammar police. (Not sure if there are other editors or writers in these ranks.) Here, I wanna end a sentence with a preposition willy-nilly.
I worked as a technical writer for awhile. My HS English teacher gave us a list of comma rules and whenever we used a comma, we had to note the rule in the margin. To this day, I still subconsciously apply comma rules.
Bestill my heart! :) Your writing is super clean, so it doesn't surprise me that you worked as a writer.

I also love that everyone knew how to spell grammar. I still can't remember if it's Conners or Connors, though.

by ptmcmahon
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:14 pm The word is about to lose meaning because everything that is being used is being done so at a rate that is unsustainable. Randall Munroe drew up a graph in which he plotted that the rate of use of the word unsustainable is unsustainable. it was brilliant.
Anything with Randall Munroe's name on it is good in my books!

Oh right, and to make it tennis related in his latest book he was comparing athletes chances at taking out drones and used Serena as one of his test cases. :) I forget if we mentioned this here or not before.

Comic:

https://xkcd.com/2190/

Full "Serena vs the drones" excerpt:

https://blog.xkcd.com/2019/08/16/serena ... he-drones/

by dmforever
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:06 pm
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)
What's funny is, this apparently bothers me -- an editor who diagrams sentences for fun -- a lot less than it bothers the rest of you grammar police. (Not sure if there are other editors or writers in these ranks.) Here, I wanna end a sentence with a preposition willy-nilly.
So first, I just want to say that for me there is a huge difference between correcting people's grammar while they are with you, or here on this board (very bad manners), and correcting the grammar of people whose jobs make it clear that communication matters and who post places where LITERALLY the whole world can see them. The same goes for announcers, to some extent, though they are communicating in real time and don't have the chance to edit. I know it's a tough job.

Second, the reason I hate the misuse of "literally" is that now you have no way of differentiating between literally and figuratively. For example, if someone says, "She was literally dying during the test", the meaning used to be clear (and dire). Now, you have no idea if someone means it literally or figuratively.

Other imposed "rules" seem silly to me. Please, by all means, end a sentence with a preposition if you want to. Seeing such a sentence is something we can all learn from. Without sentences that end in prepositions, who knows where we would all end up? :)

Kevin

by mmmm8
JazzNU wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:50 pm I'm really starting to get concerned about everyone in social settings. Please tell me you guys are not at parties correcting people's grammar and offering up little factoids no one asked for like Rain Man.
The key to our social success is to only go to parties with other nerds.

----

But seriously, echoing Ponchi/Atlpam's notes - I appreciate TAT so much because we are, largely, nerds in a very positive sense.

by mmmm8
JazzNU wrote: Thu Oct 21, 2021 6:49 pm
I cannot believe no one's made this joke.


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by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:06 pm
atlpam wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm Maybe we need a non-tennis thread to air our grammar grievances. ;)
What's funny is, this apparently bothers me -- an editor who diagrams sentences for fun -- a lot less than it bothers the rest of you grammar police. (Not sure if there are other editors or writers in these ranks.) Here, I wanna end a sentence with a preposition willy-nilly.
So first, I just want to say that for me there is a huge difference between correcting people's grammar while they are with you, or here on this board (very bad manners), and correcting the grammar of people whose jobs make it clear that communication matters and who post places where LITERALLY the whole world can see them. The same goes for announcers, to some extent, though they are communicating in real time and don't have the chance to edit. I know it's a tough job.

Second, the reason I hate the misuse of "literally" is that now you have no way of differentiating between literally and figuratively. For example, if someone says, "She was literally dying during the test", the meaning used to be clear (and dire). Now, you have no idea if someone means it literally or figuratively.

Other imposed "rules" seem silly to me. Please, by all means, end a sentence with a preposition if you want to. Seeing such a sentence is something we can all learn from. Without sentences that end in prepositions, who knows where we would all end up? :)

Kevin
Bravo. I couldn’t work in a sentence that ended with a proposition.


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by Ribbons
JazzNU wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:50 pm I'm really starting to get concerned about everyone in social settings. Please tell me you guys are not at parties correcting people's grammar and offering up little factoids no one asked for like Rain Man.
Well, what actually happened earlier this month was that I put on my dressiest outfit in months -- tailored dress, big hat, sparkly high heels -- along with polished nails, makeup, perfume, and ironed mask, to go to Keeneland . . . and then ended up furiously texting dryrunguy a third of the time because the lunatics with me kept wrecking my exacta and trifecta bets with longshot winners that they were picking based on the NAMES, and I had to vent to SOMEBODY who could both understand what I was talking about and relate to that feeling when your perfectly logical, practically fail-safe SP pick goes crashing out thanks to some scrub ranked in the 300s having the match of their life. ;)

ImageAt Keeneland

by dmforever
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Oct 26, 2021 1:08 am
dmforever wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:06 pm

What's funny is, this apparently bothers me -- an editor who diagrams sentences for fun -- a lot less than it bothers the rest of you grammar police. (Not sure if there are other editors or writers in these ranks.) Here, I wanna end a sentence with a preposition willy-nilly.
So first, I just want to say that for me there is a huge difference between correcting people's grammar while they are with you, or here on this board (very bad manners), and correcting the grammar of people whose jobs make it clear that communication matters and who post places where LITERALLY the whole world can see them. The same goes for announcers, to some extent, though they are communicating in real time and don't have the chance to edit. I know it's a tough job.

Second, the reason I hate the misuse of "literally" is that now you have no way of differentiating between literally and figuratively. For example, if someone says, "She was literally dying during the test", the meaning used to be clear (and dire). Now, you have no idea if someone means it literally or figuratively.

Other imposed "rules" seem silly to me. Please, by all means, end a sentence with a preposition if you want to. Seeing such a sentence is something we can all learn from. Without sentences that end in prepositions, who knows where we would all end up? :)

Kevin
Bravo. I couldn’t work in a sentence that ended with a proposition.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Glad you liked what I came up with. :)

Kevin

by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote: Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:10 am
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Oct 26, 2021 1:08 am
dmforever wrote:
So first, I just want to say that for me there is a huge difference between correcting people's grammar while they are with you, or here on this board (very bad manners), and correcting the grammar of people whose jobs make it clear that communication matters and who post places where LITERALLY the whole world can see them. The same goes for announcers, to some extent, though they are communicating in real time and don't have the chance to edit. I know it's a tough job.

Second, the reason I hate the misuse of "literally" is that now you have no way of differentiating between literally and figuratively. For example, if someone says, "She was literally dying during the test", the meaning used to be clear (and dire). Now, you have no idea if someone means it literally or figuratively.

Other imposed "rules" seem silly to me. Please, by all means, end a sentence with a preposition if you want to. Seeing such a sentence is something we can all learn from. Without sentences that end in prepositions, who knows where we would all end up? :)

Kevin
Bravo. I couldn’t work in a sentence that ended with a proposition.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Glad you liked what I came up with. :)

Kevin
That's what you're here for.

by JazzNU Assuming everyone is on board to returning to tennis player talk... Latest installment of Elina doesn't look all that recognizable. Second photo in particular would be a mystery to me.



by ponchi101 She has a very promising career as a spy, once her tennis is over. A bit too beautiful (spies should not stick out from the crowd) but her ability to morph into somebody else is truly amazing.
Looks pretty, as always.

by ti-amie I agree about the second picture being the one that would make me think "she looks familiar". The first one made me ask myself if that was her. What a chameleon.

by meganfernandez Jaqueline Cristian from Romania getting into the spirit at the Transylvania Open. She beat Juvan in three sets, winning the last two in tiebreaks.


by ponchi101 Jaqueline Cristian: instant favorite! That was cool :bat:

by JazzNU I've liked her for a couple of years, I like her game, competitiveness and composure a lot. My guess has been that she doesn't have a lot of financial backing to travel as much and so her ranking rise has been slow. 2022 will hopefully be a game changer for her now that she should qualify directly into GS draws.

by meganfernandez
meganfernandez wrote:Jaqueline Cristian from Romania getting into the spirit at the Transylvania Open. She beat Juvan in three sets, winning the last two in tiebreaks.

New nickname - Fangs


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by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:Jaqueline Cristian: instant favorite! That was cool :bat:
New nickname - Fangs


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by dmforever Giver her 10 extra ranking points!!! Awesome. :)

Kevin

by JazzNU

by ponchi101 Good for Kiki. They look happy (I guess, I wouldn't?)

by Suliso Vika with her son

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by JazzNU Paula in Madrid. If you scroll through, you'll see a photo with her sister and then her mom. Sister is really growing up if you've seen her before.



by JazzNU Julia from a couple of weeks ago


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by skatingfan
Suliso wrote: Wed Oct 27, 2021 5:58 pm Vika with her son

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Geez, that kid is going to be tall.

by JTContinental
JazzNU wrote: Wed Oct 27, 2021 3:39 am
Congrats, although I hate this picture :D

by Suliso Image

Putintseva

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by Suliso Iga Swiatek

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by Suliso Madison Keys

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by ti-amie Oh what a night...






by JazzNU Maria with Jannik and coach Riccardo Piatti (his current coach, her old coach)



by Suliso Coco Gauff. For Haloween, I assume.

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Sabalenka

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by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 10:00 pm Coco Gauff. For Haloween, I assume.
Yes, for Halloween. Her 3rd of the weekend.

by Suliso Kiki Bertens

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Elina Svitolina

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Elena Rybakina (sitting at a Trevi fountain)

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by Fastbackss I would not have concluded that was Elina

by the Moz
Fastbackss wrote: Wed Nov 03, 2021 2:48 am I would not have concluded that was Elina
Kudos to her barcode diploma though :lol:

by ptmcmahon
Fastbackss wrote: Wed Nov 03, 2021 2:48 am I would not have concluded that was Elina
At this point I assume every unrecognizable female is Svitolina :)

by ponchi101 She got a Masters in Disguise.

by JazzNU FYI, from what I saw, this appears to be a major honor that Elina received back home.

Not sure if @mmm8 has time to take a look and let us know for sure, but the IG translation I saw on this made me think this was like the Ukrainian equivalent of getting a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVx57unMgL-/

by ptmcmahon
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Nov 03, 2021 1:46 pm She got a Masters in Disguise.
She can be Turtle Guy?

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by Suliso Paula Badosa

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with her mom...

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by mmmm8
JazzNU wrote: Wed Nov 03, 2021 5:50 pm FYI, from what I saw, this appears to be a major honor that Elina received back home.

Not sure if @mmm8 has time to take a look and let us know for sure, but the IG translation I saw on this made me think this was like the Ukrainian equivalent of getting a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVx57unMgL-/
She posted in Ukrainian, so I had to interpret some of it, but looks like she got two awards, one is indeed a star on some equivalent of the Walk of Fame in Kiev (more of a publicity honor, I'd say, I didn't know this thing existed) and the other was an award from the state, the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Princess_Olga Order of Princess Olga of the III grade, which is given to women for contributions to Ukraine.

by ponchi101 Weird muppets in front of Badosa. I gather one more weird show in Spain.
She is a looker.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:06 pm Weird muppets in front of Badosa. I gather one more weird show in Spain.
She is a looker.
From what she posted, the content of the show doesn't appear to be all fun and games either, like getting mental health help if you need it. And given her history, the muppets appeared particularly out of place even if they are customary on the set. Though still not the strangest or maybe dumbest thing from that show imo.

by Suliso
JazzNU wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:25 pm And given her history, the muppets appeared particularly out of place even if they are customary on the set.
Can you explain?

by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 6:27 pm
JazzNU wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:25 pm And given her history, the muppets appeared particularly out of place even if they are customary on the set.
Can you explain?
Which part?

by Suliso Well, what in her history makes muppets particularly out of place?

by JazzNU
Suliso wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 6:51 pm Well, what in her history makes muppets particularly out of place?
I think the puppets are silly. From her IG stories following her appearance, she had up photos from the show, and then another photo that she had written over. Not sure if it's still up or if you can recover it (it was in Spanish FYI), but it was talking about how it's important to speak up about mental health struggles, to normalize it and not let your struggles stop you from pursuing your dreams. I didn't watch many clips of the show, but the manner in which she posted on IG stories made it seem like this is part of what she discussed, it was pretty out of place to have it posted like that if she hadn't. And so the puppets seem particularly silly in that context.

In terms of her history, she's struggled with depression and anxiety. She's talked about it herself and It was also highlighted in a WTA article awhile ago.

by Suliso Serena on Jimmy Kimmel show

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by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 10:53 am Serena on Jimmy Kimmel show

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I wonder if it was remotely interesting. I find Serena mostly super rehearsed or extremely self-conscious. Rarely interesting in interviews. I know she has another side of her personality, but I have rarely seen her act what I'd consider natural and charming. Probably why I have always been ambivalent about her as a fan, sometimes rooting for her but never really caring.

by Suliso Image

by Suliso Svitolina with mom

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and typical East European pancakes. My mom makes those too.

by Suliso Camilla Osorio on a beach somewhere. A pretty girl I say 8-)

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by JazzNU This is apparently Elina. So hard to recognize her from photo to photo. No need to scroll unless you want to see photos of Kiev.



by ponchi101 About Maria Camila. A very typical Colombian beauty. I can walk down the street to the market and see at least 5 girls with hair like that. Nothing bad about that.

by Suliso Are there any other notable female athletes in Columbia currently or she has the scene all to herself?

by ponchi101 Caterine Ibargüen was the previous world record holder for the triple jump, and is a major sports figure. Mariana Pajon has captured 3 Olympic medals (2G, 1S) in Moto X bike and also is a very popular.
There are not many but she does not have the spotlight for for herself. Pajon is another typical Colombian beauty, in the same mold: dark hair, clear skin, not that tall, pretty face. Caterine is downright a symbol in Colombia, a very attractive woman that is very popular.
Still, sports in Colombia are not that high in sponsors, in a country with Shakira, Sofia Vergara and Paulina Vega (former Miss Universe).

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:02 am This is apparently Elina. So hard to recognize her from photo to photo. No need to scroll unless you want to see photos of Kiev.


The most amazing thing, to me, about her chameleonic skills, is that not only she looks different all the time, she looks of different ages, ranging from 17 to 53. She can truly get carded at a bar in the USA, or be the cover for GoodHousekeeping.

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:02 am This is apparently Elina. So hard to recognize her from photo to photo. No need to scroll unless you want to see photos of Kiev.


I agree that she often looks really different. Does anyone see a little current Adele in this pic? A little?

Kevin

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:29 am
I agree that she often looks really different. Does anyone see a little current Adele in this pic? A little?

Kevin
I do not, but there are several comments like that on this IG photo, so you're not alone in seeing that.

by ti-amie My first response was why is there a pic of Adele here?

by ptmcmahon Hey! Go Easy On Her. ;)

by Suliso Amanda Anisimova

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Emma Raducanu

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Garbine Muguruza

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Iga Swiatek

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by mmmm8
dmforever wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:29 am

I agree that she often looks really different. Does anyone see a little current Adele in this pic? A little?

Kevin

It's that 60s motown styling.

I'll continue to say she almost always looks perfectly recognizable to me and I don't know why you all are so confused :)

by ponchi101
dmforever wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:29 am ...

I agree that she often looks really different. Does anyone see a little current Adele in this pic? A little?

Kevin
To me, enough to make a double take. Also, the amount of make up makes it even more difficult to not mix them. And the hair.

by JazzNU



by ponchi101 Those days in which she looks gorgeous :clap:

by meganfernandez Grigor saying his “signature”… so cute




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by dmforever
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:02 am Grigor saying his “signature”… so cute




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Casper Ruud is the Elina Svitolina of the men's tour. He always looks different.

Nice of them to all do this. Thanks for sharing.

Kevin

by JazzNU In terms of the Ons video, except for the Crosscourt thing, they don't typically feature WTA players on their social media. So the caption of what they posted on IG was important of why they were doing this and the Tweet above leaves it out. She is the first Arab player, male or female, to make the top 10.

by mmmm8
JazzNU wrote: Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:09 pm In terms of the Ons video, except for the Crosscourt thing, they don't typically feature WTA players on their social media. So the caption of what they posted on IG was important of why they were doing this and the Tweet above leaves it out. She is the first Arab player, male or female, to make the top 10.
Thanks! I had to look it up - my initial reaction was that for sure el Aynaoui was top 10, but no, he topped out at No. 14. Great achievement for Jabeur.

by Deuce A couple of fun things to watch between matches...

Not surprisingly, the Americans are the worst at this first video (I'm counting Osaka as American for this). I'd have thought that Sloane would be better than she is, given her boyfriend. In a different similar soccer/football video, Serena was even worse. The Czechs aren't much better. Halep is probably the best, followed by Ostapenko and Carla, who are also both quite impressive...



This (below) makes some of them look like they were born yesterday to those of us who were born several yesterdays ago. Kontaveit, whose personality I've never really seen before, is great in both videos - very grounded and refreshing...


by mmmm8 I feel both old and unathletic now :)

by Suliso Off season for most WTA players thus time for beach photos

Vondrousova

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Kasatkina

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Pavlyuchenkova

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Marta Kostyuk and a friend

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by JazzNU

by ptmcmahon
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 12:53 pm
Suliso wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 10:53 am Serena on Jimmy Kimmel show

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I wonder if it was remotely interesting. I find Serena mostly super rehearsed or extremely self-conscious. Rarely interesting in interviews. I know she has another side of her personality, but I have rarely seen her act what I'd consider natural and charming. Probably why I have always been ambivalent about her as a fan, sometimes rooting for her but never really caring.
Finally got around to watching it (I sub to JK on YT :) ) It was not too bad, didn't seem overly self conscious. Can't say it wasn't partly rehearsed but she did seem to be fairly relaxed. I'd say worth a watch if you are considering it.

by Suliso Simona Halep

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by Suliso Svitolina again

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by Suliso Kontaveit with a friend

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by Suliso Serena with family

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Paula Badosa turns 24 today

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by atlpam
Suliso wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 4:39 pm Serena with family

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Judging by what you can glimpse of the sign in the background, seems like this might be for the premiere of King Richard.

by ti-amie It was the premier of "King Richard". Eyebrows were raised by the elder sister Williams though...








by ti-amie

by Suliso This guy is kind of tall.

by ti-amie More from the premier. Frances girlfriend is the one who did all of Serena's action shots. I believe she's a NCAA champion in tennis.






by meganfernandez Bloomfield played for UCLA. Thanks for the photos and info. Is it odd that Serena and Venus didn't do her own action shots? Why didn't they just play the adult versions of themselves?

ti-amie wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 7:42 pm More from the premier. Frances girlfriend is the one who did all of Serena's action shots. I believe she's a NCAA champion in tennis.






by ti-amie

You can scroll through the pics to see the action shots.

by meganfernandez Wait, WTT is currently going on in California? It was great last summer as one 3-week event. Was looking forward to it this year and now it’s up against both year-end finals. Guess I will just watch the championships match.


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by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 4:39 pm Serena with family
Image
.
^ It seems that in every photo I see of Serena with her daughter, the kid is dressed just like Serena. This isn't necessarily surprising, given Serena's ego - but maybe it's time to start encouraging the kid to develop her own identity...

Also, who plays Shino in the movie? :D

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 7:48 pm Bloomfield played for UCLA. Thanks for the photos and info. Is it odd that Serena and Venus didn't do her own action shots? Why didn't they just play the adult versions of themselves?
Why would they? It's not a documentary.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 2:51 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 7:48 pm Bloomfield played for UCLA. Thanks for the photos and info. Is it odd that Serena and Venus didn't do her own action shots? Why didn't they just play the adult versions of themselves?
Why would they? It's not a documentary.
Wouldn't have to be. I don't think that matters.... Serena loves movies and acting. No one knows those roles better. Maybe they thought it would be distracting or the age would have looked off.

by Fastbackss
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Nov 16, 2021 3:07 am Wait, WTT is currently going on in California? It was great last summer as one 3-week event. Was looking forward to it this year and now it’s up against both year-end finals. Guess I will just watch the championships match.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Saw an ad for it during the WTA final.

I was surprised to find it (live) on NBCSN. In fact the only reason I changed from TC was because it seemed like they left the WTA celebration too quickly to get to a replay of ATP match from earlier today.

Saw something I hadn't before - chair indicated Eubanks said "out" when player rebutted saying he said "nope" or something equivalent. Both teams then disagreed with the ump.

Anyway, was nice to see some doubles and the format is interesting as always.

I will say though - sparsely attended is an understatement. I am certain if I watched long enough I could easily provide a count of the attendance

by Suliso Paula Badosa with boyfriend in Maldives

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Marta Kostyuk

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by ponchi101 Wow, Kostyuk looking very pretty there. Wonder what Audi she was driving.

by Suliso A third child for Flavia and Fabio. A girl called Flaminia.

by Suliso A bit funny name actually. Via Flaminia is a major Roman road leading from Rome to Rimini.

by Suliso Alize Cornet

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by Suliso Karolina Pliskova

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by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 4:09 am
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Nov 16, 2021 3:07 am Wait, WTT is currently going on in California? It was great last summer as one 3-week event. Was looking forward to it this year and now it’s up against both year-end finals. Guess I will just watch the championships match.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Saw an ad for it during the WTA final.

I was surprised to find it (live) on NBCSN. In fact the only reason I changed from TC was because it seemed like they left the WTA celebration too quickly to get to a replay of ATP match from earlier today.

Saw something I hadn't before - chair indicated Eubanks said "out" when player rebutted saying he said "nope" or something equivalent. Both teams then disagreed with the ump.

Anyway, was nice to see some doubles and the format is interesting as always.

I will say though - sparsely attended is an understatement. I am certain if I watched long enough I could easily provide a count of the attendance
Yeah, they were giving away tickets. Literally, Sloane was giving them away on social media. Shame... I wanna say last year's event at the Greenbrier Resort had decent attendance, but it was the only tennis happening at the time, in July 2020. I really like the format and the action, when I've seen it. And rec players also play WorldTeam Tennis. Seems like they could make a stronger connection between the two and make more fans care.

by ti-amie

by atlpam Definitely falling in the random category - my company posted videos from the virtual Sales & Marketing Kickoff. The theme for this year was "Limitless". I'm browsing through the videos and one of the guest speakers was Venus. It was an interview format with our Sales VP. For obvious reasons I can't post a link. I wouldn't say it was great (the video Sir Mo Farah did was excellent), but it may have been more due to the way the questions were asked. Even so, still pretty cool to come across it on our company site.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Nov 20, 2021 3:16 pm Wow, Kostyuk looking very pretty there. Wonder what Audi she was driving.
She's a pretty girl. As long as her roots aren't problematic and dominating in an unfortunate way, she looks pretty most of the time. I've said it before, but If she can break into the top 20 and stay there as expected, she's ready to be one of the faces of the WTA (and ready for her SI Swimsuit photoshoot).

by Suliso Katerina Siniakova

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Belinda Bencic

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Camila Giorgi

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by Suliso Garbine Muguruza

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Elena Rybakina

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Julia Goerges

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by ti-amie Ash Barty announced her engagement to long time beau Garry Kissick.



Some better pics of Gary.

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All oics from WHO magazine

by ponchi101 Good for them. :thumbsup:

by meganfernandez He looks significantly older than 29 in that first photo.
ti-amie wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:33 pm Ash Barty announced her engagement to long time beau Garry Kissick.



Some better pics of Gary.

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All oics from WHO magazine

by ti-amie The same woman who interviewed Pavs did one with Kasatkina. It was very different.


by JazzNU



by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 9:04 pm He looks significantly older than 29 in that first photo.
ti-amie wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:33 pm Ash Barty announced her engagement to long time beau Garry Kissick.



Some better pics of Gary.

Image

Image

All oics from WHO magazine
I think they both look older than their age in the first photo - they look like a couple in their 40s.
In the second photo, they look like father and daughter.
Only in the third photo do they both look in their 20s.

Is 'Oics' Aussie slang for 'Pics'? :D

by JazzNU

by ponchi101 I would say that Daniil's and wife's picture are, uhm peculiar?
She is an interesting looking woman.

by Suliso Emma Raducanu in Antigua

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Sevastova. Certainly not Maldives.

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by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 5:24 am
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 9:04 pm He looks significantly older than 29 in that first photo.
ti-amie wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:33 pm Ash Barty announced her engagement to long time beau Garry Kissick.



Some better pics of Gary.

Image

Image

All oics from WHO magazine
I think they both look older than their age in the first photo - they look like a couple in their 40s.
In the second photo, they look like father and daughter.
Only in the third photo do they both look in their 20s.

Is 'Oics' Aussie slang for 'Pics'? :D
Smart a$$. Then again ya never know... :lol:

by ti-amie

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 3:28 pm I would say that Daniil's and wife's picture are, uhm peculiar?
She is an interesting looking woman.
Nothing really peculiar about the photos. I'd say for tennis players though, especially the men, you may not be as accustomed to seeing them with their partners styled for a fashion shoot like this, so seeing it as a couple rather than by himself might hit you a bit differently.

by ti-amie Also every country has its own esthetic. Bright Caribbean colors or English garden shots would not be what a Russian high society magazine reader would expect. Of course I could be totally wrong so don't @ me. Gentle corrections are welcome though. :)

by ti-amie

by Suliso Kerber also in Maldives. Very popular with tennis players.

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by ponchi101 Very popular with the RICH.
Will never make it there :cry:

by Suliso
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Nov 26, 2021 1:34 am Very popular with the RICH.
Will never make it there :cry:
Would you want to go there? Me, not particularly.

by ponchi101 I have seen pictures and it looks wonderful, in terms of beaches and resorts. I would say together with the Seychelles, a top destination.
But I live close enough to the Caribbean so we have equally impressive beaches. All in all, I would go, but it is not in the bucket list.

by ti-amie

Naomi and Cordae.

by Suliso Elina Svitolina and Wladimir Klitschko

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by ponchi101 "Elena Svitolina's FUTURE SELF, time traveling from her late 40's to this date, with Wladimir Klitshko".
I said already, she can change ages with one simple dress.
Still, a pretty looking MATURE woman in this picture.
(Tomorrow you will post one in which she will look 18)

by Suliso Paula Badosa

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by Suliso Garbine looking great as usual

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by ponchi101 Truly two cuties :thumbsup:

by Suliso Zarina Diyas in Dubai

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by Suliso More Garbine

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Anett Kontaveit

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by ti-amie LOVE that pic of Anett!

by meganfernandez Boy, Iga loves a loafer.


by Deuce I don't know if this was posted previously - if so, I apologize for posting it again. I don't recall seeing it, and so figured I'd post it because it's a rather nice thing...

Raducanu Gives U.S. Open Trophy to British Lawn Tennis Association as 'Thank You'

.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Tue Nov 30, 2021 10:35 am I don't know if this was posted previously - if so, I apologize for posting it again. I don't recall seeing it, and so figured I'd post it because it's a rather nice thing...

Raducanu Gives U.S. Open Trophy to British Lawn Tennis Association as 'Thank You'

.
Did they...want it?

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Nov 30, 2021 2:58 pm ...

Did they...want it?
In lieu of ever again getting a WImbledon one...

by ti-amie

Iga must have very serious issues with her feet. Her signature loafers would've been better than these flip flops that you wear after a pedicure. I think she wears all of that fabric well.

by ponchi101 I like her a lot as a player. But she is not modeling material, specially when she is dressed like a vampire hunter.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:35 pm I like her a lot as a player. But she is not modeling material, specially when she is dressed like a vampire hunter.
:lol:

Those flip flops would hamper her though...

by ashkor87 Johanna Konta has retired from tennis, age 30..sad to see her go, she was an overachiever, did more than her God-given talents would have her do..an inspiration, I am sure, to many players trying to make it...

by Deuce
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 11:37 am Johanna Konta has retired from tennis, age 30..sad to see her go, she was an overachiever, did more than her God-given talents would have her do..an inspiration, I am sure, to many players trying to make it...
I wonder if her decision has anything to do with not wanting to get vaccinated and/or the emergence of Raducanu as the new British #1.

by ashkor87 Or she had anyway decided not to go to Australia so did not see any reason to get vaccinated?

by ashkor87 She already had COVID so....

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 11:37 am Johanna Konta has retired from tennis, age 30..sad to see her go, she was an overachiever, did more than her God-given talents would have her do..an inspiration, I am sure, to many players trying to make it...
At 30, she could take a break and play again later. We'll see. Wonder if this "graying of the field" trend will become the new normal and even continue to evolve, with players pushing into their 40s regularly, or if most will go back to retiring around 30 at some point.

by ponchi101 I liked her, she was kind of fun and funny, but I don't think she will be missed too much. Was very lucky that she was British; any player from, for example, Croatia (Petra Martic) or S. America with her credentials would have never reached anywhere close to the same level of fame and scrutiny, seeing her results.
As Megan says, very young and could come back in a couple of years, but she is a perfect fit for a career in sports commentating.

by Suliso
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:43 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 11:37 am Johanna Konta has retired from tennis, age 30..sad to see her go, she was an overachiever, did more than her God-given talents would have her do..an inspiration, I am sure, to many players trying to make it...
At 30, she could take a break and play again later. We'll see. Wonder if this "graying of the field" trend will become the new normal and even continue to evolve, with players pushing into their 40s regularly, or if most will go back to retiring around 30 at some point.
90%+ players fade badly even now. Some retire, others choose to plug away at much lower level (for example Kuznetsova) and some concentrate on doubles.

by meganfernandez Yes, I'm going to snicker at this as much as I want. Laughter is healthy. But what a horrible juxtaposition given the grave seriousness and particulars of this situation. Also quite dubious that she is fine.


by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 3:18 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:43 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 11:37 am Johanna Konta has retired from tennis, age 30..sad to see her go, she was an overachiever, did more than her God-given talents would have her do..an inspiration, I am sure, to many players trying to make it...
At 30, she could take a break and play again later. We'll see. Wonder if this "graying of the field" trend will become the new normal and even continue to evolve, with players pushing into their 40s regularly, or if most will go back to retiring around 30 at some point.
90%+ players fade badly even now. Some retire, others choose to plug away at much lower level (for example Kuznetsova) and some concentrate on doubles.
You're right, sustained excellence is extremely rare. Most players fade as they struggle with motivation, injuries and life's interruptions, but many are sticking around or returning and enjoying a phase of the career that didn't exist in the past. Different challenges, different goals, different perspective in maturity. Like Stosur - she's loving her resurgence in doubles and still thinks she has some good singles left to give and isn't ready to stop trying. Vesnina comes to mind, too. It's so individual but also there is a definite trend.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:59 pm I liked her, she was kind of fun and funny, but I don't think she will be missed too much. Was very lucky that she was British; any player from, for example, Croatia (Petra Martic) or S. America with her credentials would have never reached anywhere close to the same level of fame and scrutiny, seeing her results.
As Megan says, very young and could come back in a couple of years, but she is a perfect fit for a career in sports commentating.
I am going to miss her off-court outfits.

by ashkor87 I guess the good thing is tennis is not a team sport so anyone can 'unretire ' whenever they want...so, in a sense, retirement really means nothing at all.. technically...

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:50 pm I guess the good thing is tennis is not a team sport so anyone can 'unretire ' whenever they want...so, in a sense, retirement really means nothing at all.. technically...
Exactly. It used to. Pity the players who really mean it and no one believes them.

Screen Shot 2021-12-01 at 12.13.43 PM.png
-->
by meganfernandez apparently Garbi's boyfriend, Arthur Borges, high up in Tom Ford, the men's designer label. Didn't know about this. Isn't someone here in charge of relationship updates?? :) First time I've seen her go public with someone.
Screen Shot 2021-12-01 at 12.13.43 PM.png

by Suliso How many players do we know who have retired and then come back in the last decade? A dozen maybe? That's not so many in the grand scheme of things...

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:13 pm apparently Garbi's boyfriend, Arthur Borges, high up in Tom Ford, the men's high-fashion label. Didn't know about this. Isn't someone here in charge of relationship updates?? :). First time I've seen her go public with someone.

Screen Shot 2021-12-01 at 12.13.43 PM.png
I saw this pic earlier today on the bird app. I wasn't sure it was her and I had no idea who he was. Thanks. :)

by ti-amie

The official announcement from Konta.

I'm going to be the one to go there and say the LTA has put most if not all of its resources behind Raducanu. I wonder how much we'll see of people like Watson, Boulter or Swan going forward.

by Suliso Iga

Image

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 6:08 pm Iga

Image
Perfect example of lots of makeup made to look as if she's not wearing any at all. She does look nice here.

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:13 pm apparently Garbi's boyfriend, Arthur Borges, high up in Tom Ford, the men's high-fashion label. Didn't know about this. Isn't someone here in charge of relationship updates?? :). First time I've seen her go public with someone.

Screen Shot 2021-12-01 at 12.13.43 PM.png
https://imgur.com/ixEXMHi

You can see the rocks on her left hand ring finger very well here.

Image

by Suliso Anett meeting president of Estonia

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by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 6:02 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:13 pm apparently Garbi's boyfriend, Arthur Borges, high up in Tom Ford, the men's high-fashion label. Didn't know about this. Isn't someone here in charge of relationship updates?? :). First time I've seen her go public with someone.

Screen Shot 2021-12-01 at 12.13.43 PM.png
I saw this pic earlier today on the bird app. I wasn't sure it was her and I had no idea who he was. Thanks. :)
of course I immediately did some sleuthing. He and his ex-wife announced their divorce or separation (not sure if it's final) a few months before he joined Garbi in Chicago in late September for the tournament.
ti-amie wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 6:47 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:13 pm apparently Garbi's boyfriend, Arthur Borges, high up in Tom Ford, the men's high-fashion label. Didn't know about this. Isn't someone here in charge of relationship updates?? :). First time I've seen her go public with someone.

Screen Shot 2021-12-01 at 12.13.43 PM.png
You can see the rocks on her left hand ring finger very well here.
The image isn't loading for me, but I see it in another picture. Seriously? It's not one big diamond, but still, it sends a message. And that was FAST.

by meganfernandez WTA suspended all events in China.


by ti-amie I rarely applaud Steve Simon but


by ti-amie More from Iga's photo shoot for Polish "Elle"



You can scroll through the pictures from IG.

by meganfernandez They hurt my eyes


by JTContinental Edit: I really need to start reading these threads before I post

by Suliso The Chinese money era on WTA is over probably for good. I wonder what happens with ATP. Also it's possible that CTA will pull Chinese players out of WTA. Making no response or giving in would mean losing face, wouldn't it?

by JTContinental
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:12 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:59 pm I liked her, she was kind of fun and funny, but I don't think she will be missed too much. Was very lucky that she was British; any player from, for example, Croatia (Petra Martic) or S. America with her credentials would have never reached anywhere close to the same level of fame and scrutiny, seeing her results.
As Megan says, very young and could come back in a couple of years, but she is a perfect fit for a career in sports commentating.
I am going to miss her off-court outfits.
I most definitely will not

by JazzNU You guys are hurting my brain with what you're posting in here.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:13 pm apparently Garbi's boyfriend, Arthur Borges, high up in Tom Ford, the men's designer label. Didn't know about this. Isn't someone here in charge of relationship updates?? :) First time I've seen her go public with someone.
This is their announcement as a couple. Given a healthy part of her fanbase will be a bit heartbroken, definitely better not to go public early on.

Not an engagement announcement FYI, just a couple announcement (if you read the Vanity Fair IG post it says in Spanish that they are happy and in love). She tagged the jeweler in her post, I wouldn't read more into that ring beyond that was one of the pieces chosen (which was a good choice imo).

by JazzNU Feliciano Lopez and wife Sandra Gago at the Vanity Fair event


Image


Image

by ponchi101 So many comments in just a few hours that I had to leave home:
Retirement: players must, eventually really know whether they are or not Slam material. Once that happens. I gather an acceptance of tennis as a job and a craft must sink in. Remember all those that were certain slam champs (Tsonga, Gasquet, Berdych) and then never were. They have had very good careers, but not what was expected. So unretiring, for some, must be simply "let's go back to the office. Check how the gang is doing".
---0---
When Garbie dials the gorgeous up, she does it splendidly.

by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 7:22 pm I rarely applaud Steve Simon but

Surprising, specially in how swift this was. I am completely surprised that a CEO of a professional sports association has a spine.
And I second you, Ti. I only wish this would help Peng (or will).

by mmmm8 I hope WTA move those tournaments to have another one n Taiwan and host some in the independent part of Tibet :)

----
I think in Spain (and Finland, where Muguruza's boyfriend appears to be from, although the name doesn't suggest it), the wedding ring is worn on the right hand, not sure about engagement rings.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie Another sighting


by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:20 am I hope WTA move those tournaments to have another one n Taiwan and host some in the independent part of Tibet :)

----
I think in Spain (and Finland, where Muguruza's boyfriend appears to be from, although the name doesn't suggest it), the wedding ring is worn on the right hand, not sure about engagement rings.
He has another last name, Seppälä. Perhaps his dad is Spanish and his mom is Finnish. He went to college in Spain.

by meganfernandez If they can't be portmanteau'd or nicknamed, it won't last. I don't think there's a good one. Opellkams, VeeRi, Twin Towers?
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 2:10 am Another sighting


by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 2:55 am
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:20 am I hope WTA move those tournaments to have another one n Taiwan and host some in the independent part of Tibet :)

----
I think in Spain (and Finland, where Muguruza's boyfriend appears to be from, although the name doesn't suggest it), the wedding ring is worn on the right hand, not sure about engagement rings.
He has another last name, Seppälä. Perhaps his dad is Spanish and his mom is Finnish. He went to college in Spain.
I am embarassed I've learned enough to correct this. He did an Erasmus exchange program in Spain but his degrees are from Finland, according to his LinkedIn

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:47 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 2:55 am
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:20 am I hope WTA move those tournaments to have another one n Taiwan and host some in the independent part of Tibet :)

----
I think in Spain (and Finland, where Muguruza's boyfriend appears to be from, although the name doesn't suggest it), the wedding ring is worn on the right hand, not sure about engagement rings.
He has another last name, Seppälä. Perhaps his dad is Spanish and his mom is Finnish. He went to college in Spain.
I am embarrassed I've learned enough to correct this. He did an Erasmus exchange program in Spain but his degrees are from Finland, according to his LinkedIn
Was he a partier? Did he have the Che Guevara poster on his dorm-room wall? Keep it coming... :)

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 2:11 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:47 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 2:55 am

He has another last name, Seppälä. Perhaps his dad is Spanish and his mom is Finnish. He went to college in Spain.
I am embarrassed I've learned enough to correct this. He did an Erasmus exchange program in Spain but his degrees are from Finland, according to his LinkedIn
Was he a partier? Did he have the Che Guevara poster on his dorm-room wall? Keep it coming... :)
I don't know that (maybe it was a Lordi poster! In an effort to prove my skills you made me go down a rabbit hole on a sommelier that I thought was maybe his brother but doesn't seem to be. But I now have a good wine bar in mind for my next stop in Helsinki!

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 3:01 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 2:11 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:47 pm

I am embarrassed I've learned enough to correct this. He did an Erasmus exchange program in Spain but his degrees are from Finland, according to his LinkedIn
Was he a partier? Did he have the Che Guevara poster on his dorm-room wall? Keep it coming... :)
I don't know that (maybe it was a Lordi poster! In an effort to prove my skills you made me go down a rabbit hole on a sommelier that I thought was maybe his brother but doesn't seem to be. But I now have a good wine bar in mind for my next stop in Helsinki!
Serendipity! Never know what will happen at that wine bar!

by meganfernandez Dress made of recycled Evian bottles. Which reminds me, Project Runway returns tonight.


by ponchi101 Coming back to the Peng Shuai affair, this news should be good for anybody that may have been worried about the death of hypocrisy (if such a person exists):
China opposes 'politicisation of sports', as WTA suspends tourneys over Peng Shuai.

China opposes the politicisation of sports. You truly must be the kings of chutzpah to say that, if you are the Chinese government.

by JazzNU Forgot to post this the other day. Garbine did the kickoff at Real Madrid earlier this week.



by ti-amie

by JazzNU Pretty, Cute, and Ugh!

by ponchi101 I did not want to say anything but, since you started, Nicole is, let's say, that beauty of yore. And actually, Radek looks pretty much the same :thumbsup:

by ti-amie A series of pics of Matteo and Ajla




by ti-amie

Vika and Leo

by ti-amie Another GEMS joint


by ponchi101 9PM? I am a bum and I am finishing dinner at 9PM.
Or were they getting ready to...?

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 3:01 pm I did not want to say anything but, since you started, Nicole is, let's say, that beauty of yore. And actually, Radek looks pretty much the same :thumbsup:
Sun damage is a real biatch. Having seen many players up close, some very beautiful people (men and women) looked decades older than they were (cough Pennetta cough). Really convinced me to use sunscreen regularly.

by MJ2004
mmmm8 wrote:
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 3:01 pm I did not want to say anything but, since you started, Nicole is, let's say, that beauty of yore. And actually, Radek looks pretty much the same :thumbsup:
Sun damage is a real biatch. Having seen many players up close, some very beautiful people (men and women) looked decades older than they were (cough Pennetta cough). Really convinced me to use sunscreen regularly.
Agree, but given that you used an Italian player* as an example, I’ll just say that smoking will also accelerate aging, and in combination with sun exposure is gonna be bad.

*I have no idea if Pennetta smoked, just speaking in general as I know that some players do smoke.

by mmmm8
MJ2004 wrote: Mon Dec 06, 2021 1:15 pm
mmmm8 wrote:
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 3:01 pm I did not want to say anything but, since you started, Nicole is, let's say, that beauty of yore. And actually, Radek looks pretty much the same :thumbsup:
Sun damage is a real biatch. Having seen many players up close, some very beautiful people (men and women) looked decades older than they were (cough Pennetta cough). Really convinced me to use sunscreen regularly.
Agree, but given that you used an Italian player* as an example, I’ll just say that smoking will also accelerate aging, and in combination with sun exposure is gonna be bad.

*I have no idea if Pennetta smoked, just speaking in general as I know that some players do smoke.

The worst damage was specifically around the eyes, so I think more from squinting in the sun. I don't recall seeing/hearing about Pennetta smoking, doesn't mean she didn't.

But Flavia was just one example. Nearly all the players look older up close.

by Fastbackss
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Dec 06, 2021 12:48 am 9PM? I am a bum and I am finishing dinner at 9PM.
Or were they getting ready to...?
Sleep, yes it was time to sleep

by ashkor87 Mulling over some (probably false) equivalences...
Barty = Federer (footwork, smooth, quick, precise serve..)
Andreescu = Djokovic (no weakness, best on hard courts but can do well on any surface)
Swiatek = Nadal (sprightly, quick, topspin, great on clay)
closest I can think of for Serena is DelPo but it seems sacrilege to compare Serena with anyone at all, so I wont..
any thoughts?

by Deuce
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:42 am Mulling over some (probably false) equivalences...
Barty = Federer (footwork, smooth, quick, precise serve..)
Andreescu = Djokovic (no weakness, best on hard courts but can do well on any surface)
Swiatek = Nadal (sprightly, quick, topspin, great on clay)
closest I can think of for Serena is DelPo but it seems sacrilege to compare Serena with anyone at all, so I wont..
any thoughts?
Since you asked for thoughts...

You're comparing a player (Djokovic) who's been at or near the top of the rankings for over a decade to a player (Andreescu) who had a good 6 months more than 2 years ago, and who has done nothing of note since then.

Andreescu has "no weaknesses"? Really? While that may have very arguably seemed true during her good run of 6 months in 2019, I think she's demonstrated plenty of weaknesses since then. Firstly, she is almost never healthy. Her history of being very easily injured goes back to her Junior days. Secondly, she is wildly inconsistent. Also, back in 2019, she came on the scene pretty much as an unknown - and people didn't know how to play her. Since then, in the tournaments she has actually played, the other players have had time to study her and figure out how to play her, see what her weaknesses are, etc. The result is that she is now ranked number 46.
So to say that she has "no weaknesses" seems highly inaccurate, to say the least.

I honestly can't understand why so many people think that she's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Some people talk about her as if she's been in the top 5 for 10 years (she was in the top 10 for over 2 years, but that was ONLY because of the messed up ranking system they came up with to compensate for COVID-19). What has she done to make people think she's so great? She had a good 6 months - that's all. 6 months is a small blip in a typical career. Many mediocre players have a really good 6 month period - and it's soon forgotten. Many great players have a really bad 6 month period - and it's soon forgotten.
So why is Andreescu's good 6 months more than 2 years ago still seen as such a great thing?

Andreescu's path at the pro level to this point looks quite similar to Genie's. Genie came on the scene, and other players didn't know how to play her. She took advantage of that and had a good 6 or 8 months - and her results were deserved - fine. Since then, after the other players figured out how to play her, she has plummeted down the rankings. (Of course, that was helped by her priority being to get compliments on her ass instead of on her tennis.)
To this point, Andreescu is following a similar path. I don't think she'll fall as far in the rankings as Genie, because Andreescu's a better player. But I definitely see more parallels with Genie's path than with, say, Barty's, or Muguruza's, etc.

by ashkor87 Wait and see! I have a higher opinion of her than you do.

by ashkor87 I am comparing their style of play...obviously even Barty has not won 20 majors!

by ponchi101 I would switch your Bianca-Novak comparison for peak Kerber-Djokovic. When Kerber was playing her best tennis, her strengths were: incredible fitness, and no real weakness anywhere, while not looking like having an extreme weakness.
Serena can be compared with peak Roger, i.e. circa 2006. No weaknesses, three weapons that were above everybody else's: serve, forehand and movement. And a fear factor that made them go out there, in every set, with a 3-0 lead before the warm up was finished.
Of course, if people say that Roger can be compared to peak Serena, it is hard to argue that one.

by ashkor87 Playing styles..Serena is not much like Federer, Barty is more like him...

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:42 am Mulling over some (probably false) equivalences...
Barty = Federer (footwork, smooth, quick, precise serve..)
Andreescu = Djokovic (no weakness, best on hard courts but can do well on any surface)
Swiatek = Nadal (sprightly, quick, topspin, great on clay)
closest I can think of for Serena is DelPo but it seems sacrilege to compare Serena with anyone at all, so I wont..
any thoughts?
Interesting... Serena at her best didn't have any weaknesses and was the most mentally tough competitor out there. For that reason, I might say she's like Djokovic. But she also had the bail-out serve - it was one of her defining characteristics and a key to her success.

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:42 am Mulling over some (probably false) equivalences...
Barty = Federer (footwork, smooth, quick, precise serve..)
Andreescu = Djokovic (no weakness, best on hard courts but can do well on any surface)
Swiatek = Nadal (sprightly, quick, topspin, great on clay)
closest I can think of for Serena is DelPo but it seems sacrilege to compare Serena with anyone at all, so I wont..
any thoughts?
Is Wozniakci like Murray? Someone criticized for playing too passively, won a ton of titles but low in the Slam count for their talent level and ranking history? Personalities separated at birth? :)

by Deuce
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 1:58 pm Wait and see! I have a higher opinion of her than you do.
Ok - sure - we'll wait and see :) .

I played that game with Louis Borfiga - in September, 2019, a couple of weeks after Andreescu's U.S. Open win, I asked Borfiga where he thought Andreescu would be in 3 years from then. He said "She'll be #1 or #2 in the world for sure." I told him I thought that she'd be around #30. A little more than 2 years later, my prediction seems more accurate than his.

He also said that Leylah would be around #50. I said that Leylah would be ranked ahead of Andreescu. I'm winning that one so far, too. :D

For the record, I think there's a greater chance that Andreescu will be retired in 2 years than that she'll be in the top 10 in 2 years.

Let's remember to bring up this topic in about a year!

.

by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:07 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:42 am Mulling over some (probably false) equivalences...
Barty = Federer (footwork, smooth, quick, precise serve..)
Andreescu = Djokovic (no weakness, best on hard courts but can do well on any surface)
Swiatek = Nadal (sprightly, quick, topspin, great on clay)
closest I can think of for Serena is DelPo but it seems sacrilege to compare Serena with anyone at all, so I wont..
any thoughts?
Interesting... Serena at her best didn't have any weaknesses and was the most mentally tough competitor out there. For that reason, I might say she's like Djokovic. But she also had the bail-out serve - it was one of her defining characteristics and a key to her success.
Yes, all true..
But, for me, Serena is overwhelming power..reminds me of Delpo more than anyone else

by ashkor87
Deuce wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 8:59 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 1:58 pm Wait and see! I have a higher opinion of her than you do.
Ok - sure - we'll wait and see :) .

I played that game with Louis Borfiga - in September, 2019, a couple of weeks after Andreescu's U.S. Open win, I asked Borfiga where he thought Andreescu would be in 3 years from then. He said "She'll be #1 or #2 in the world for sure." I told him I thought that she'd be around #30. A little more than 2 years later, my prediction seems more accurate than his.

He also said that Leylah would be around #50. I said that Leylah would be ranked ahead of Andreescu. I'm winning that one so far, too. :D

For the record, I think there's a greater chance that Andreescu will be retired in 2 years than that she'll be in the top 10 in 2 years.

Let's remember to bring up this topic in about a year!

.
I repeat, my comment was about playing styles, not their achievements..I do think Clijsters is a lot like Djoko too..the flexibility, athleticism, defense...

by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 7:42 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:42 am Mulling over some (probably false) equivalences...
Barty = Federer (footwork, smooth, quick, precise serve..)
Andreescu = Djokovic (no weakness, best on hard courts but can do well on any surface)
Swiatek = Nadal (sprightly, quick, topspin, great on clay)
closest I can think of for Serena is DelPo but it seems sacrilege to compare Serena with anyone at all, so I wont..
any thoughts?
Is Wozniakci like Murray? Someone criticized for playing too passively, won a ton of titles but low in the Slam count for their talent level and ranking history? Personalities separated at birth? :)
Yes, I would agree with the Murray-woz equivalence...

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Dec 08, 2021 12:42 am Yes, all true..
But, for me, Serena is overwhelming power..reminds me of Delpo more than anyone else
Or Stan?

by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 08, 2021 2:16 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Dec 08, 2021 12:42 am Yes, all true..
But, for me, Serena is overwhelming power..reminds me of Delpo more than anyone else
Or Stan?
Yes, Stan may be better...

by ponchi101 And thinking more about it, Delpo and Serena.... ugh, I can't buy that comparison, Ashkor. Delpo has a bazooka of a FH, and a very good serve, but the rest does not match with Serena. He was never a great mover, and the BH was not a defining shot.
It is tough to find the ATP version of Serena. Even if, as I said, I would go with Roger

by meganfernandez Have we discussed the Fruhvitrova sisters here before? Linda is 16 and Brenda is 14. The are Czech and they train at Mouratoglou. They just played each other in three consecutive ITF junior finals at the highest level. Linda won 2 and Brenda won 1. This tweet is from the R1 of last week's tournament, which Linda won.


by ti-amie

Click on embedded link for video

by ponchi101 Assuming he is the guy in the yellow pants, that is pretty good skiing :clap: :clap: :clap:

by ashkor87
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 08, 2021 4:19 pm And thinking more about it, Delpo and Serena.... ugh, I can't buy that comparison, Ashkor. Delpo has a bazooka of a FH, and a very good serve, but the rest does not match with Serena. He was never a great mover, and the BH was not a defining shot.
It is tough to find the ATP version of Serena. Even if, as I said, I would go with Roger
Yes, very hard to find an equivalent..@meganfernandez suggested Wawrinka..could be a better one

by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 08, 2021 5:39 pm Have we discussed the Fruhvitrova sisters here before? Linda is 16 and Brenda is 14. The are Czech and they train at Mouratoglou. They just played each other in three consecutive ITF junior finals at the highest level. Linda won 2 and Brenda won 1. This tweet is from the R1 of last week's tournament, which Linda won.

Wow! That is awesome..thanks for sharing...

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 08, 2021 11:00 pm Assuming he is the guy in the yellow pants, that is pretty good skiing :clap: :clap: :clap:
He was a competitive skier before he chose time full-time, right? He had to choose between skiing and tennis.

by ponchi101 Sincerely, if I were his coach, I would hide his skis. Even if you are pretty good skiing can lead to some bad injuries if you fall. He was going down a groomed slope, but anything other than that, I would avoid (if I were him) until after retirement.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Dec 09, 2021 3:20 pm Sincerely, if I were his coach, I would hide his skis. Even if you are pretty good skiing can lead to some bad injuries if you fall. He was going down a groomed slope, but anything other than that, I would avoid (if I were him) until after retirement.
Definitely a risk.

by JazzNU Jannik was grew up in a town filled with ski resorts and his parents worked at one of them. He was a competitive skiier when he was younger. Yeah, he's going to ski.

It's a risk sure, but something he loves. And having an issue with Jannik skiing but no issue with various other extracurriculars that can cause injury seems odd to me, many of them get applauded. I don't remember anyone on here telling Novak to stop skiing.

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:58 pm Jannik was grew up in a town filled with ski resorts and his parents worked at one of them. He was a competitive skiier when he was younger. Yeah, he's going to ski.

It's a risk sure, but something he loves. And having an issue with Jannik skiing but no issue with various other extracurriculars that can cause injury seems odd to me, many of them get applauded. I don't remember anyone on here telling Novak to stop skiing.
I'm guessing most people here wouldn't care if Novak hurt himself. I didn't know he skied. :)

Kevin

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Thu Dec 09, 2021 10:21 pm
JazzNU wrote: Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:58 pm Jannik was grew up in a town filled with ski resorts and his parents worked at one of them. He was a competitive skiier when he was younger. Yeah, he's going to ski.

It's a risk sure, but something he loves. And having an issue with Jannik skiing but no issue with various other extracurriculars that can cause injury seems odd to me, many of them get applauded. I don't remember anyone on here telling Novak to stop skiing.
I'm guessing most people here wouldn't care if Novak hurt himself. I didn't know he skied. :)

Kevin
He loves it. Takes the kids too. He's posted videos of himself on the slopes in the past, I think they're mostly in his Stories though. If you see Jannik's post on IG, he's one of the top comments. Similarly grew up around skiing and considered it over tennis.

And while it's true that Nole's well-being is not a big concern of mine these days, I've never wished injury on him. I just want him to stop being an angry jackass.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:58 pm Jannik was grew up in a town filled with ski resorts and his parents worked at one of them. He was a competitive skiier when he was younger. Yeah, he's going to ski.

It's a risk sure, but something he loves. And having an issue with Jannik skiing but no issue with various other extracurriculars that can cause injury seems odd to me, many of them get applauded. I don't remember anyone on here telling Novak to stop skiing.
I said if I were his coach. If I were his buddy, I would be asking him to go down a black slope and teach me a bit.

by ti-amie You have to look closely but Martina and her wife will be part of the RHOM

https://twitter.com/RankedReal/status/1 ... 67559?s=20

by ponchi101 :cry:
No, Martina! It is basically prostitution of a reputation.

by JazzNU RHOM was a mess before I assume it'll be one again. I'm surprised the wife is a real housewife and not a friend of, that was the rumor and seemed more in line with what Martina would be okay with.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie Daria Gavrilova and Luke Saville are now married.




by ti-amie

No pics yet

by ponchi101 Well, good for her. Wish her a happy marriage.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 I like her a lot but... Johanna Konta's AUNT got married.
I know it is a serious occasion, but no need to look 20 years older. Looks elderly pretty.

by JazzNU I think she looks very nice here (without seeing the entire dress). I think it's a good classic look, not something she'll regret when looking at the photo in 20 years. In terms of looking younger, really think Johanna's hair would need to be down to pull that off, and it's the direction I'd have gone.

by JazzNU Was this posted already? Pregnancy announcement from Kristyna Pliskova



by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 12:45 am I think she looks very nice here (without seeing the entire dress). I think it's a good classic look, not something she'll regret when looking at the photo in 20 years. In terms of looking younger, really think Johanna's hair would need to be down to pull that off, and it's the direction I'd have gone.
Some think she's using the flowers to hide that she's pregnant.

by ti-amie

One of the best ways to protect your hair is braiding it like KaPlis has done here. Many women of color who wear their hair natural braid it in the winter for example so that hats don't break the hair. I know folks gave Garbi a hard time when she did this but I totally understood then and understand now why this is done.

Someone posted pictures on that WTA fan board of women from Eastern Europe with their hair in braids similar to the styles women are wearing now. I'm not going to get into who started what. Women, and men (there are pictures of indigenous North American men with long braids too) have always found different things to do with their hair. In the West hair braiding is associated with women of African descent, who were shamed for it.

by ponchi101 We gave Garbie a hard time not because of anything else other than, braids didn't suit her. To me, it was that simple. I may like her a lot and think she is pretty but great hair she does not have.

by ti-amie Image
Paula Badosa and Carlos Alcaraz

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 7:36 pm We gave Garbie a hard time not because of anything else other than, braids didn't suit her. To me, it was that simple. I may like her a lot and think she is pretty but great hair she does not have.
I hated the braids on Garbi, but Vogue likes her hair. :) The article from a few years ago is titled "Garbine Muguruza Has Tennis's Best Stealth Bombshell Hair" - just a roundup of her photos from her Instagram where her hair is tousled and sexy.

https://www.vogue.com/article/garbine-m ... ir-fitness

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 7:52 pm Image
Paula Badosa and Carlos Alcaraz
... and shrink wrap.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 8:10 pm ...

I hated the braids on Garbi, but Vogue likes her hair. :) The article from a few years ago is titled "Garbine Muguruza Has Tennis's Best Stealth Bombshell Hair" - just a roundup of her photos from her Instagram where her hair is tousled and sexy.

https://www.vogue.com/article/garbine-m ... ir-fitness
I stand gladly corrected. I love her hair in the last shot.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 11:08 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 8:10 pm ...

I hated the braids on Garbi, but Vogue likes her hair. :) The article from a few years ago is titled "Garbine Muguruza Has Tennis's Best Stealth Bombshell Hair" - just a roundup of her photos from her Instagram where her hair is tousled and sexy.

https://www.vogue.com/article/garbine-m ... ir-fitness
I stand gladly corrected. I love her hair in the last shot.
Me too. "Bombshell bedhead" has been my hair goal ever since.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 And Emma lands British Airways as a new sponsor.
Truly, it makes total sense. She will be flying a lot in the next few years. But then again, they never even made a move for Johanna, or Andy. Or I just simply missed it.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:59 pm And Emma lands British Airways as a new sponsor.
Truly, it makes total sense. She will be flying a lot in the next few years. But then again, they never even made a move for Johanna, or Andy. Or I just simply missed it.
No one outside of tennis knows Konta. Murray when he was young wasn't liked internationally enough, then probably became too expensive.

by ti-amie

I like the attitude of Badosa here. The clothes are unfortunately what is in style right now.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

That last picture though...

by ti-amie

by the Moz
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 7:27 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:59 pm And Emma lands British Airways as a new sponsor.
Truly, it makes total sense. She will be flying a lot in the next few years. But then again, they never even made a move for Johanna, or Andy. Or I just simply missed it.
No one outside of tennis knows Konta. Murray when he was young wasn't liked internationally enough, then probably became too expensive.
I'm sure Andy would identify himself Scottish first and foremost.

by ponchi101 Remember he made that brief sketch and the little girl asked him "Are you British or Scottish?". And he replied "I am British when I win, Scottish when I lose".
Sure, he has never said anything else than him being Scottish, but in lieu of Scottish Airways, BA would have done it.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:59 pm And Emma lands British Airways as a new sponsor.
Truly, it makes total sense. She will be flying a lot in the next few years. But then again, they never even made a move for Johanna, or Andy. Or I just simply missed it.

Konta? Ha! Heather Watson is much more likely to have gotten that kind of endorsement than Johanna. She's run circles around Johanna in endorsements.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 7:33 pm
I like the attitude of Badosa here. The clothes are unfortunately what is in style right now.
Not a fan of this photo. Or the photo shoot in general. Think she looks the least attractive that I've seen her.

by JazzNU Seb Korda caddied for his sister over the weekend at the PNC Championship and got to meet Tiger. It's a family competition, so Nelly competed with Petr.



by ti-amie More from the Badosa shoot. I think I'll still go with the black and white one.


by ponchi101 Yep. Just leave it to the real professionals in beauty to make a very pretty girl look ugly.
The second shot with the black socks... shoot the person with that idea.

by JazzNU Like I said, not a fan of this photo shoot in general. I had already seen these photos when I made that comment and seeing them again reinforces my original sentiment, it's the least attractive I've seen her look. Vogue Spain botched a rather easy assignment, and they got bested by Elle Spain for sure.

by ti-amie

Ana and Bastian

by ti-amie
Katerina Siniakova and a friend she's been photographed with a lot lately

Again but with her natural hair


by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Siniakova is always recognizable, but she changes quite a bit too. Not like Svitolina, but she can look quite different from shot to shot.

by ptmcmahon She wasn’t easily recognizable in the first picture without the hair though!

by ti-amie

by ti-amie


by Suliso Wozniacki with her daughter and parents

Image

by Fastbackss I'd say that's her mom, yep...

by ti-amie Rumors confirmed?


by ponchi101 They have similar tastes in clothing, for sure.
It does look a bit like a baby bump. Only thing is that she is fairly outspoken and she would have announced it, I would say. No need to keep those things as a secret nowadays.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:05 pm They have similar tastes in clothing, for sure.
It does look a bit like a baby bump. Only thing is that she is fairly outspoken and she would have announced it, I would say. No need to keep those things as a secret nowadays.
There are plenty of reasons to be secret about it these days. They just aren't usually related to being embarrassed about the due date anymore.

by JazzNU Aga and Urszula Radwanska earlier this month


Image

by meganfernandez Youngest parent on tour?


by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 3:37 pm Youngest parent on tour?
Yes. He's still only 24, and with a kindergartner - hopefully the kid's not home-schooled.

by ponchi101 I gather that if he would not even be HOME schooled, but HOTEL schooled, if he travels with dad ;)

by meganfernandez
skatingfan wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 3:37 pm Youngest parent on tour?
Yes. He's still only 24, and with a kindergartner - hopefully the kid's not home-schooled.
Privately and personally schooled, perhaps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 5:56 pm
skatingfan wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 3:37 pm Youngest parent on tour?
Yes. He's still only 24, and with a kindergartner - hopefully the kid's not home-schooled.
Privately and personally schooled, perhaps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Taylor's family is very wealthy. I'd say that his son is going to the best school money can buy so that he has contacts with the "right" children and their families.

If I can find it I'll post an example of GQP rep Madison Cawthorn's handwriting. He was home schooled. Families like the Fritz family wouldn't stand for that level of "education".

by ponchi101 Ok, Ok. Hold it, hold it, hold it! I have terrible handwriting and I am not poorly schooled!!!! :evil:
(Nah, post it. It is one terrible thing I never got over. Basically, scratches on a page from an epileptic cat in the middle of a fit. Weirdly, my numbers are fine).

by JazzNU What is this certainty that Taylor is the youngest parent on tour? That we know of maybe, but for instance, he's barely older than Sascha and we'd hardly know he had a kid if his girlfriends weren't so public about airing their grievances. And remember people didn't even know Karen had a wife for a while and didn't realize Ons was married. Not sure where the certainty is coming from.

Taylor's son doesn't travel with him. Don't get me started on the double standard again, but his kid is rarely with him on tour. His shotgun ex-wife unsurprisingly rarely was either. Now his new girlfriend, the IG model, shockingly, travels with him regularly.

by Suliso It's not a certainty of course, but he had him at 19. How much earlier could it really realistically be in this age?

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:43 pm Now his new girlfriend, the IG model, shockingly, travels with him regularly.
Thank goodness the men's tour hits all the major fashion cities around the world.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:43 pm ...

Taylor's son doesn't travel with him. Don't get me started on the double standard again, but his kid is rarely with him on tour. His shotgun ex-wife unsurprisingly rarely was either. Now his new girlfriend, the IG model, shockingly, travels with him regularly.
I was joking when I said the kid was HOTEL schooled. And this time, I put a wink!!! I did not forget my emojis this time! ;)
(and I am still joking :) )

by JazzNU

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 3:16 am
I always enjoy watching her play. This is a very classic picture. Thanks for posting it.


BTW, I thought her last name was Cristea for the longest time, meaning from the time I first heard of her until a few months ago when I realized my mistake. I'm just curious. Did anyone else think that? Because I swear I heard a commentator or two say Cristea.

Thanks.

Kevin

by JazzNU Christmas photos


Image

Image

Caro and fam


Image
Karolina Pliskova


Image
Angie Kerber


Image
Ana Ivanovic

by JazzNU More Christmas Photos


Image


Image
Petra Kvitova


Image


Image

Lucie Safarova (who is expecting her second) and fam

by JazzNU More Christmas photos


Image

Anett


Image

Aryna


Image

Domi and fam


Image

Gael and Elina

by Deuce Safarova has always had fascinating eyes...

And I didn't know that Wozniacki is married to Troy Aikman... :shock: ;)

by patrick
Deuce wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 4:38 am Safarova has always had fascinating eyes...

And I didn't know that Wozniacki is married to Troy Aikman... :shock: ;)
Be nice to David Lee.

by Fastbackss He looks like he has aged ten years in the one year of fatherhood. (Caro has not)

by ponchi101
dmforever wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 3:28 am ...

I always enjoy watching her play. This is a very classic picture. Thanks for posting it.


BTW, I thought her last name was Cristea for the longest time, meaning from the time I first heard of her until a few months ago when I realized my mistake. I'm just curious. Did anyone else think that? Because I swear I heard a commentator or two say Cristea.

Thanks.

Kevin
I misread it the first time but corrected immediately. I think it is a great name and last name.
---0---
Lots of pretty people in these pictures. And both Ka Plis and Aryna should be banned from wearing heels; there has got to be a limit to how long a woman's kegs can be! ;)
(Bad joke, both look gorgeous)

by dryrunguy
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 3:13 pm
dmforever wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 3:28 am ...

I always enjoy watching her play. This is a very classic picture. Thanks for posting it.


BTW, I thought her last name was Cristea for the longest time, meaning from the time I first heard of her until a few months ago when I realized my mistake. I'm just curious. Did anyone else think that? Because I swear I heard a commentator or two say Cristea.

Thanks.

Kevin
And both Ka Plis and Aryna should be banned from wearing heels; there has got to be a limit to how long a woman's kegs can be! ;)
(Bad joke, both look gorgeous)
0:40-1:06 :)


by mmmm8
JazzNU wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:43 pm What is this certainty that Taylor is the youngest parent on tour? That we know of maybe, but for instance, he's barely older than Sascha and we'd hardly know he had a kid if his girlfriends weren't so public about airing their grievances. And remember people didn't even know Karen had a wife for a while and didn't realize Ons was married. Not sure where the certainty is coming from.

Taylor's son doesn't travel with him. Don't get me started on the double standard again, but his kid is rarely with him on tour. His shotgun ex-wife unsurprisingly rarely was either. Now his new girlfriend, the IG model, shockingly, travels with him regularly.

I don't know who "people" are - it's not like he was hiding her! I remember when he got married and also his wife and Ilya Ivashka's wife are twins. Maybe I'm more aware because of Russian media, but that's because I don't follow any of the players on Instagram and don't use twitter anymore, otherwise, it's all out there these if one looks. Now, are there potential children who are not advertised and of whom maybe even the players don't know? Probably.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:50 pm Ok, Ok. Hold it, hold it, hold it! I have terrible handwriting and I am not poorly schooled!!!! :evil:
(Nah, post it. It is one terrible thing I never got over. Basically, scratches on a page from an epileptic cat in the middle of a fit. Weirdly, my numbers are fine).
Are you sure you are not a doctor?

by ti-amie This guy and Aryna look like good friends. Or is he her dad?


by ti-amie Elena Vesnina and family


by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:23 pm This guy and Aryna look like good friends. Or is he her dad?

The way he's bear-clawing her thigh in another photo, I dearly hope it's not her dad. Sugar daddy, maybe.

by JazzNU

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:23 pm This guy and Aryna look like good friends. Or is he her dad?
Y'all ain't right. He's the boyfriend, possibly fiance.

by tenedab
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:23 pm This guy and Aryna look like good friends. Or is he her dad?

Her father died in 2019

by ti-amie
tenedab wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 11:08 pm
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:23 pm This guy and Aryna look like good friends. Or is he her dad?

Her father died in 2019
I didn't know. So he's a friend.

by JTContinental
JazzNU wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:43 pm Taylor's son doesn't travel with him. Don't get me started on the double standard again, but his kid is rarely with him on tour. His shotgun ex-wife unsurprisingly rarely was either. Now his new girlfriend, the IG model, shockingly, travels with him regularly.
I was wondering this too.

I think his ex was also trying to make it on the WTA tour at one time, which might explain why she wasn't with him that much.

by JazzNU
JTContinental wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 4:57 am
JazzNU wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:43 pm Taylor's son doesn't travel with him. Don't get me started on the double standard again, but his kid is rarely with him on tour. His shotgun ex-wife unsurprisingly rarely was either. Now his new girlfriend, the IG model, shockingly, travels with him regularly.
I was wondering this too.

I think his ex was also trying to make it on the WTA tour at one time, which might explain why she wasn't with him that much.
I have no idea how good her prospects were, so maybe it's better than it looks, but she stopped playing on the junior tour near the time of the pregnancy/wedding and didn't return. I was hoping that wasn't what happened so I looked awhile ago, and there was no playing activity. Also, never saw anything to suggest that she was on a NCAA team in lieu of playing ITF tournaments.

by the Moz
JazzNU wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 10:25 pm
Who's the hot hair mess in the second pic?

Screen Shot 2021-12-31 at 11.29.13 AM.png
-->
by meganfernandez
the Moz wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 1:42 pm
JazzNU wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 10:25 pm
Who's the hot hair mess in the second pic?
Lara Shriftman, a publicist/branding/etc person. Not sure if she is their publicist. Had to google this, I didn't know it. The Hot Mess Hair made it easy to find.
Screen Shot 2021-12-31 at 11.29.13 AM.png

by mmmm8
tenedab wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 11:08 pm

Her father died in 2019
I had missed this somehow... He died suddenly at 43 from meningitis

by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 4:27 pm Lara Shriftman, a publicist/branding/etc person. Not sure if she is their publicist. Had to google this, I didn't know it. The Hot Mess Hair made it easy to find.

Screen Shot 2021-12-31 at 11.29.13 AM.png
She should always have sunglasses on. :freaking:

by the Moz
skatingfan wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 8:19 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 4:27 pm Lara Shriftman, a publicist/branding/etc person. Not sure if she is their publicist. Had to google this, I didn't know it. The Hot Mess Hair made it easy to find.

Screen Shot 2021-12-31 at 11.29.13 AM.png
She should always have sunglasses on. :freaking:
and refer to herself as an etc person :thumbsup:

by meganfernandez
the Moz wrote:
skatingfan wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 8:19 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 4:27 pm Lara Shriftman, a publicist/branding/etc person. Not sure if she is their publicist. Had to google this, I didn't know it. The Hot Mess Hair made it easy to find.

Screen Shot 2021-12-31 at 11.29.13 AM.png
She should always have sunglasses on. :freaking:
and refer to herself as an etc person :thumbsup:
Both of us should. I’m starting a job at a PR/branding/etc company next week.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:32 am I’m starting a job at a PR/branding/etc company next week.
Is that company named WTA? :D

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 4:04 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:32 am I’m starting a job at a PR/branding/etc company next week.
Is that company named WTA? :D
haha, no. :) something in Indianapolis.

by Owendonovan
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:48 pm
Deuce wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 4:04 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:32 am I’m starting a job at a PR/branding/etc company next week.
Is that company named WTA? :D
haha, no. :) something in Indianapolis.
USA Gymnastics? They need a boatload of PR/branding/etc. help!

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:48 pm
Deuce wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 4:04 am Is that company named WTA? :D
haha, no. :) something in Indianapolis.
USA Gymnastics? They need a boatload of PR/branding/etc. help!
They need someone a lot better than me. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by Suliso Iga and her team

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Camila Osorio

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by texasniteowl I might have missed it somewhere, but Sloane Stephens and Jozy Altidore were married on Jan. 1. https://people.com/sports/sloane-stephe ... re-photos/

by ti-amie Congratulations to them both.

by Suliso Here she is. Not bad I say.

Image

by JazzNU

by JazzNU Sloane's wedding photos. I honestly am not sure what the People article is despite it saying exclusive, it's clear Sloane has a deal with Vogue for the real wedding coverage. This is the link she posted.


https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/tennis- ... ay-wedding

by ponchi101 Congrats, and I would say that is the end of her career. She is one of those players that when she is happy, she tries less. She does not mind her losses because, well, the rest of her life is perfect. Which is good.
As always, she looks very pretty.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Wed Jan 05, 2022 3:53 pm Sloane's wedding photos. I honestly am not sure what the People article is despite it saying exclusive, it's clear Sloane has a deal with Vogue for the real wedding coverage. This is the link she posted.


https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/tennis- ... ay-wedding
I love this picture

Image
Photo: Stanley Babb

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jan 05, 2022 6:40 pm Congrats, and I would say that is the end of her career. She is one of those players that when she is happy, she tries less. She does not mind her losses because, well, the rest of her life is perfect. Which is good.
As always, she looks very pretty.
It's the end of her career whenever she decides it is, not because she is happily married.

by dryrunguy That rock is big enough to take a billionaire into space.

by JazzNU Courtesy of Tennis Twitter


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by JTContinental https://twitter.com/Ryanair/status/1478 ... 30/photo/1

by ashkor87 https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2441012/ ... nish-line-
Fascinating thoughts at the end there, on Serena vs Naomi, from one of the most thoughtful players on the planet..Andrea Petkovic..

by ponchi101 She is indeed a pleasure. One player that understands how privileged she has been to play, and that still says that she loves the sport.
Too bad she never made it all the way to the top. She would have been such a great ambassador to the game, which she already is, but it would have been a much larger audience.
And agree 100% on your comment of "most thoughtful player on the planet". Can't think of anybody else that even comes close.

by JazzNU I find the propping up of Andrea Petkovic offputting. And I like her a lot, always have. But there's a considerable difference in how she's treated and commented about and how others are that is not remotely to my liking.

by ponchi101 Can you expand? Who are these others, in your opinion? Andrea has always been very thoughtful and, perhaps something that is appealing, she has not been a GREAT champion. She has been highly ranked but we cannot say "look at all those slams!". Perhaps that makes her relatable.

by MJ2004
JazzNU wrote: Thu Jan 06, 2022 7:38 pm I find the propping up of Andrea Petkovic offputting. And I like her a lot, always have. But there's a considerable difference in how she's treated and commented about and how others are that is not remotely to my liking.
I agree. I'm not as much a fan of her as others here, though.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jan 06, 2022 5:16 pm She is indeed a pleasure. One player that understands how privileged she has been to play, and that still says that she loves the sport.
Too bad she never made it all the way to the top. She would have been such a great ambassador to the game, which she already is, but it would have been a much larger audience.
And agree 100% on your comment of "most thoughtful player on the planet". Can't think of anybody else that even comes close.
I would say Osaka. But obviously Naomi is more introverted, and so doesn't express her thoughts as often or as openly as Petkovic has. When she does, though, her thoughts are quite profound and enlightening - and refreshing.

by Suliso Image

Paula Badosa

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Simona Halep

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Belinda Bencic

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by JazzNU Kasatkina doing I believe, some of the official PR for the Sydney tournament.


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by meganfernandez

by JazzNU

by Owendonovan
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:34 pm
Is he that pastey or did he not rub his sunblock in all the way?

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 2:41 am
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:34 pm
Is he that pastey or did he not rub his sunblock in all the way?
The sun can't get through his bangs

by Deuce .

Remember - you heard it here first...

'I will win Wimbledon'...

.

by Liamvalid
Deuce wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 8:41 am .

Remember - you heard it here first...

'I will win Wimbledon'...

.
The sad thing is, both him and Kyrgios could have been serious contenders for upcoming Wimbledon’s if they had taken their careers more seriously. But again, if they make a commitment now, I’m all for them turning things around as I find them entertaining to watch. I’ve been more critical of Nick in the past, maybe I’m softening as he hasn’t been very active of late

by Deuce
Liamvalid wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 10:27 am
Deuce wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 8:41 am .

Remember - you heard it here first...

'I will win Wimbledon'...

.
The sad thing is, both him and Kyrgios could have been serious contenders for upcoming Wimbledon’s if they had taken their careers more seriously. But again, if they make a commitment now, I’m all for them turning things around as I find them entertaining to watch. I’ve been more critical of Nick in the past, maybe I’m softening as he hasn’t been very active of late
I think it's too late for either of them to reach their potential.
There's no question that they both possess enormous natural talent... and maybe that's part of their problem. When you're so naturally gifted, the tendency is to take your talent for granted - and thus work less. That's how lazy habits develop... and lazy habits can be difficult to get rid of.
Also, when you have that kind of natural ability, others are often telling you how talented you are. That, too, can lead to complacency...

In Tomic's case, he also had to deal with a crazy father.
Djokovic apparently once told Tomic that he wished he had even half of Tomic's natural ability.

But still - if you walk onto the court to play a match, you have a responsibility to your opponent, to the tournament, to the sport, AND TO YOURSELF to try your best. It would have been nice if someone would have been able to convince these two of that - we all would have benefited.

by ponchi101 Tomic is indeed talented, but that forehand is a bit suspect. And if he truly believes he can win W, well, time for the 10-feet-long sleeves jacket and the cold water hose. An insane statement, specially in view he gave it with no conditionals.

by Suliso Jil Teichmann

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Heather Watson

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Belinda Bencic

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by JazzNU

by ponchi101 Sad news, but if detected early, let's hope her prognosis is good. Wish her the best.

by ti-amie I wish her the best!

by oliver0001
Deuce wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 8:41 am .

Remember - you heard it here first...

'I will win Wimbledon'...

.
He's not alone: Stevenson believes she will win Wimbledon. https://www.tennisforum.com/threads/ste ... edon.5665/

So next year's champions dinner is gonna be interesting. :lol:

by ti-amie Ash Barty in Vogue Australia

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Image

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https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/featur ... bc17c269ce

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Good pictures. Not trying to sell her as something she is not. Elegant and poised.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:03 am Good pictures. Not trying to sell her as something she is not. Elegant and poised.
Yeah, the clothes look like her, just more sophisticated. Hope she kept the pants and tank.

by ti-amie Yesterday it was Leo, Vika's son. Today it's Olympia Ohanian.


by ti-amie

"That's my mommy!"

by JazzNU

by JazzNU

by JazzNU

by JazzNU And in case you didn't hear, Netflix is doing a Drive to Survive style series for tennis



by Deuce Ugh...
Plenty of the people working in F1 (including several drivers) really dislike 'Drive to Survive' and call it something along the lines of 'sensationalistic garbage'.
Of course, they will manipulate and stretch truth with the tennis one, as well.
The smart players will avoid it.

I hope the fancy hotel was nice enough to tell Petra when check-out time is... :)

by Deuce .

This is rather creative...

"A Nymphomaniac is Also a Nun"...
(Yes, it is related to tennis.)

.

by JazzNU Carlos Alcaraz got the cover of Vanity Fair Spain


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Image

by mmmm8
Deuce wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:20 am .

This is rather creative...

"A Nymphomaniac is Also a Nun"...
(Yes, it is related to tennis.)

.

Tennis as a college-level interpretive dance/play performance.

by Suliso Kontaveit

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by meganfernandez I just learned that Badosa was born in New York and is a natural lefty. Maybe I'm late to this party.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:04 am I just learned that Badosa was born in New York and is a natural lefty. Maybe I'm late to this party.
... and so someone decided to make her to play right handed because they didn't want her to have the lefty advantage?
Which would be sort of an anti-Nadal philosophy...

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:19 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:04 am I just learned that Badosa was born in New York and is a natural lefty. Maybe I'm late to this party.
... and so someone decided to make her to play right handed because they didn't want her to have the lefty advantage?
Which would be sort of an anti-Nadal philosophy...
Yeah, I don't know how that happened. Sharapova was also a natural lefty.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:04 am I just learned that Badosa was born in New York and is a natural lefty. Maybe I'm late to this party.
Not sure about the lefty thing, but I've mentioned that she's from NY more than once on here. Her parents were models at that time, she lived there for several years before moving to Spain.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:39 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:04 am I just learned that Badosa was born in New York and is a natural lefty. Maybe I'm late to this party.
Not sure about the lefty thing, but I've mentioned that she's from NY more than once on here. Her parents were models at that time, she lived there for several years before moving to Spain.
Missed that one! The lefty thing is true.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:41 am
JazzNU wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:39 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:04 am I just learned that Badosa was born in New York and is a natural lefty. Maybe I'm late to this party.
Not sure about the lefty thing, but I've mentioned that she's from NY more than once on here. Her parents were models at that time, she lived there for several years before moving to Spain.
Missed that one! The lefty thing is true.
Didn't think the lefty thing was untrue, meant not sure it's been mentioned before about her. First time I've seen it at least.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:44 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:41 am
JazzNU wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:39 am

Not sure about the lefty thing, but I've mentioned that she's from NY more than once on here. Her parents were models at that time, she lived there for several years before moving to Spain.
Missed that one! The lefty thing is true.
Didn't think the lefty thing was untrue, meant not sure it's been mentioned before about her. First time I've seen it at least.
Yeah, I figured. :) Just clarifying. Saw it today in this fun thing:

by ti-amie A lot of her fans call her PBG - Paula Badosa Gilbert.

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 4:28 am A lot of her fans call her PBG - Paula Badosa Gilbert.
^ Apparently there's no 'l' in the final name - though it seems there should be.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 4:28 am A lot of her fans call her PBG - Paula Badosa Gilbert.
Yeah, she played her junior career under her full name and the beginning of her time on the WTA Tour. Not sure exactly when she changed it but at least a couple of years ago. It's Gibert - no L.

by ponchi101 When she won her match against Kostyuk she signed the camera lens with her left hand. I thought it was odd, but now all of you are confirming it.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU I'll see if I can find a decent photo (the only one I saw so far she's wearing a mask), but Elina at Gael's match against Berrettini was deserving as a "Who is that?" entry into the archives of Elina the chameleon. She looked more recognizable at an earlier match of his, but last night, if she was in the main crowd, I think you would've initially looked right by her. Eventually you can see it, but some of those initial shots I was like, man she doesn't even look the same day to day.

by JazzNU
JazzNU wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 6:32 pm I'll see if I can find a decent photo (the only one I saw so far she's wearing a mask), but Elina at Gael's match against Berrettini was deserving as a "Who is that?" entry into the archives of Elina the chameleon. She looked more recognizable at an earlier match of his, but last night, if she was in the main crowd, I think you would've initially looked right by her. Eventually you can see it, but some of those initial shots I was like, man she doesn't even look the same day to day.

Found a few. I wish I could find something from the 2nd and 3rd set, when I thought she looked most unlike herself, but these aren't bad entries. I think it's easier to watch the match and be uncertain if it's really her, than see a still of her like this and have the exact same impression, but can't find a good quality video. Also, I don't think she's done a thing with her hair since last week, but man does it look like it's a different shade now.


Image

Image

Image

by ti-amie Most successful models are successful because without makeup their faces are a blank slate and can be made to look however the designer/magazine wants them to. Elina is such a chameleon without even trying I don't know if she would've been a success in that world.

by ponchi101 I said it before. She should be a spy. Give her 10 passports, with different pictures, and she will travel the world unnoticed.

by ti-amie


by Deuce Next up... Golf, where she is also very good.

by ti-amie

by Suliso Sorana Cirstea

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Garbine Muguruza

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by ponchi101 I will take your word it is Sorana. From that distance and with those glasses, it could be anybody. Heck, it could be Svitolina in another disguise ;)

by ti-amie Should we start assuming that any unrecognizable player is Svitolina in one of her manifestations? :lol:

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:06 pm Should we start assuming that any unrecognizable player is Svitolina in one of her manifestations? :lol:
Svitolina is in the photo wearing the denim jacket that's folded over the bench back. She can also transmorph.

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 6:49 pm
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:06 pm Should we start assuming that any unrecognizable player is Svitolina in one of her manifestations? :lol:
Svitolina is in the photo wearing the denim jacket that's folded over the bench back. She can also transmorph.
I wasn't sure! :lol:

by ti-amie Image

Sabalenka and her boyfriend

by ti-amie Image
Maria Sakkari

by ti-amie MUCH better shoot for Paula Badosa

Image

by ti-amie Image

Pavs

by ponchi101 Indeed, much better for Paula.
Pavs is basically not recognizable. But a very pretty shot.

by ti-amie Translated from French by Google
On May 4, my first novel, 𝙇𝙖 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 , will be published by Flammarion editions.

I won't tell you more for the moment (teasing requires), but I'll let you discover the magnificent cover.

I'm so proud, and so excited!




The cover says it's a familial saga in homage to the women in her life.

by meganfernandez I would join the Alize Cornet Book Club.
ti-amie wrote: Fri Feb 04, 2022 7:11 pm Translated from French by Google
On May 4, my first novel, 𝙇𝙖 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 , will be published by Flammarion editions.

I won't tell you more for the moment (teasing requires), but I'll let you discover the magnificent cover.

I'm so proud, and so excited!




The cover says it's a familial saga in homage to the women in her life.

by mmmm8 I don't like the cover, but that's pretty cool!

by ponchi101 :clap: :clap: :clap: to Alize.
I don't read fiction, but I may break that streak.

by Fastbackss
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Feb 04, 2022 3:48 pm
Pavs is basically not recognizable. But a very pretty shot.
Agreed it is a pretty shot. She looks lovely.

And...is it me or is that tattoo of an avocado?

by ponchi101 Yes. For an avocado fan, it is a tattoo of an avocado.
Pretty feet and avocados. My mind is hurting.

by JazzNU Rough crowd. Nastia looks plenty like herself in that shot. She typically looks pretty off court if she puts in some effort.

by ponchi101 Not so rough. I only said she is unrecognizable because of the hair on her face. She is hidden a bit.
And I have written before that she is actually a woman with charms. One has to admit she is a big woman, but, as you say, she becomes quite attractive with not that much of an effort.

by Suliso Image

Kontaveit

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Raducanu

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by ponchi101 That Tiffany endorsement looks good on Emma.

by JazzNU Emma at some kind of Evian event. Photo from Glamour UK, clearly sponsored content though not listed that way. Link to article below photo.


Image



https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/artic ... -interview

by ti-amie

by JazzNU

by ponchi101 I know he is joking and there is no way he will stop playing tennis, but he should stand next to an F1 driver and check their heights. If there is one sport in which Daniil will not be able to make it, it would be car racing. He is too tall to fit inside one of those things.
But hope he is having fun :)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 3:44 pm I know he is joking and there is no way he will stop playing tennis, but he should stand next to an F1 driver and check their heights. If there is one sport in which Daniil will not be able to make it, it would be car racing. He is too tall to fit inside one of those things.
But hope he is having fun :)
I wonder how he got my letterman's jacket from Salem High School. Those are the colors and that L stands for Lions.

by meganfernandez The younger sister. Linda is 2 years older. Youngest (below) since Claire Lui. Other players who won their first pro title at 14 include Henin, Kournikova, Robson, Safina and Niculescu.


by meganfernandez To continue promoting unreasonable expectations:


by ti-amie Tennis had stopped promoting very young players until Gauff came on the scene. I guess old habits die hard.

by ti-amie

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 3:44 pm I know he is joking and there is no way he will stop playing tennis, but he should stand next to an F1 driver and check their heights. If there is one sport in which Daniil will not be able to make it, it would be car racing. He is too tall to fit inside one of those things.
But hope he is having fun :)
He is standing next to Daniil Kvyat in the upper left photo. Kvyat was an F1 driver until 2 years ago, and is still a test driver.
Kvyat is one of the taller F1 drivers, I believe... and he is dwarfed by Medvedev in the photo.
Also, Alex Albon, who is returning to F1 this year after a year out of it, is the man in the red, white, & blue racing suit.

by Suliso Image

Ana Konjuh

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by JazzNU Belinda at the Hermitage Museum last week.


Image

by ponchi101 Gorgeous shot of Petra.

by JazzNU Super Bowl commercial ICYMI, it went over well. One of the favorites it seems.



by Deuce Bianca Andreescu (remember her?) says she went to this place recently.
Sounds like a Djokovic or Tsitsipas kind of 'alternative' thing.

Wisdom and Well Being at Blue Spirit, Costa Rica

No-one should be surprised if we've seen the last of her in the top 30.
We may have even seen the last of her on the tour, period.

by ptmcmahon
JazzNU wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 12:25 am Super Bowl commercial ICYMI, it went over well. One of the favorites it seems.


When I see Steve Buscemi and a bowling alley ... I'm disappointed not to see Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and most imporantly John Turturro :D

by ti-amie
ptmcmahon wrote: Tue Feb 22, 2022 1:49 pm
JazzNU wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 12:25 am Super Bowl commercial ICYMI, it went over well. One of the favorites it seems.


When I see Steve Buscemi and a bowling alley ... I'm disappointed not to see Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and most imporantly John Turturro :D
Great commercial. Manning, Jimmy Butler, Buscemi behind the bar. I didn't recognize the guy shooting pool or the two women. One MIGHT be Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica.

by ti-amie

by dmforever A propos of nothing...Who finishes their career with more Slams, Medvedev or Alcaraz?

Kevin

by meganfernandez
dmforever wrote: Tue Feb 22, 2022 8:06 pm A propos of nothing...Who finishes their career with more Slams, Medvedev or Alcaraz?

Kevin
Medvedev because hard court

by Liamvalid
dmforever wrote: Tue Feb 22, 2022 8:06 pm A propos of nothing...Who finishes their career with more Slams, Medvedev or Alcaraz?

Kevin
Well Medvedev is already 26 and only has 1 slam and 13 titles, with Rafa and NOvak still around to contend with. On evidence so far, I’d say Alcaraz will be in a much better position at 26 than Medvedev is now

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Tue Feb 22, 2022 6:32 pm
Great commercial. Manning, Jimmy Butler, Buscemi behind the bar. I didn't recognize the guy shooting pool or the two women. One MIGHT be Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica.
The guy shooting pool is Brooks Koepka (golf), the black woman bowling is Nneka Ogwumike (basketball) and the white woman bowling is Alex Morgan (soccer).

by ponchi101 With Megan on Medvedev/Alcaraz. Medvedev will end up with 3, 4 hard court slams. Alcaraz, I still need to see him get better in those.
Time wise... yep, he is much younger and will enter his prime after Rafa and Nole are gone. But he will be in an age of parity.

by Liamvalid
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Feb 22, 2022 10:24 pm With Megan on Medvedev/Alcaraz. Medvedev will end up with 3, 4 hard court slams. Alcaraz, I still need to see him get better in those.
Time wise... yep, he is much younger and will enter his prime after Rafa and Nole are gone. But he will be in an age of parity.
Surely better to be playing in an age of parity than an age of Rafa and Novak? I’m guessing he will be towards the top of the food chain for a longer period than Medvedev, and he’s already looking better to me than the likes of Musetti and Sinner. But he’s only 18, far too young for me to be jinxing him by proclaiming him to be the new Nadal

by meganfernandez I think Meddy will end up with 6 or 7 Slams, and that’s a lot! Things are distorted by the Big 3 era. Not many people get more than a handful of Slams, even the best. So it’s hard for me to predict that Alcaraz will get 7 or 8. He might not win any. Many, many great players never win a Slam.

by Suliso We'll probably go back to the regular business where the best player of the generation wins 6-10 Slams.

by ptmcmahon Ha, hadn't even paid attention to Koepka playing pool in that commercial and completely missed him. :) I was too busy being angry at the lack of other Big Lebowski castmates in a bowling alley commercial :)

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Wed Feb 23, 2022 8:00 am We'll probably go back to the regular business where the best player of the generation wins 6-10 Slams.
We have been so spoiled for the last 30 years. Pete's 14, the big three 20's. That was an anomaly. As you say, we have to remember the slam totals of some of the "Great" players (and they were indeed great, but pale compared to this group): Becker/Edberg got 6, Mats and Mac got 7, Andre, Ivan and Jimbo got 8. On average, about one slam every two years of being on the tour, and almost all bunched up in a span of 7 years; Mac, for example, won his first in 1979, his last in 1984. Mats was 81-88, Lendl was 84-90.
Heck, Courier has 4, Arthur Ashe got three. That is how tough it is.

by JazzNU Elina from earlier on Wednesday:




Translation: I am proud to be Ukrainian. Let us unite in this extremely difficult time for the sake of peace and the future of our state. Glory to Ukraine 💙💛🇺🇦


Elina in the last couple of hours:



by JazzNU ^^ Just a reminder that this will likely be a very difficult time for many of the players

by ponchi101 With the huge presence of Russians in both tours, should there be any sort of response from the ATP or the WTA? State a position, or simply remain silent?
After the WTA made it clear it would not stand by idly with the Peng Shuai situation, not saying anything about Russia may not be consistent.
The ATP will of course not be able to care less, but we will maybe have a new #1 player by the end of this week, and he is Russian. This does not apply to him in any way, but I really would not know how to handle this.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 3:49 pm With the huge presence of Russians in both tours, should there be any sort of response from the ATP or the WTA? State a position, or simply remain silent?
After the WTA made it clear it would not stand by idly with the Peng Shuai situation, not saying anything about Russia may not be consistent.
The ATP will of course not be able to care less, but we will maybe have a new #1 player by the end of this week, and he is Russian. This does not apply to him in any way, but I really would not know how to handle this.
It's such a slippery slope. If Trump is re-elected, should they pull all US events? We're not angels all the time. They'd end up moving all tournaments to Switzerland.

China's government was directly involved in the wellness - some would say disappearance - of a WTA athlete, so I think it's much more direct. In my opinion, the sport doesn't have to get involved in Russia–Ukraine. At most, a statement in support of athletes and tournament staff/volunteers/sponsors who are suffering because of this. But then, terrible geopolitical things happen all the time and the tours don't constantly acknowledge that many players deal with strife at home. As a fan, I don't need to hear that the tours recognize how bad this is. Doesn't add anything for me. My two cents.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 3:49 pm With the huge presence of Russians in both tours, should there be any sort of response from the ATP or the WTA? State a position, or simply remain silent?
After the WTA made it clear it would not stand by idly with the Peng Shuai situation, not saying anything about Russia may not be consistent.
The ATP will of course not be able to care less, but we will maybe have a new #1 player by the end of this week, and he is Russian. This does not apply to him in any way, but I really would not know how to handle this.
I would think any statement if it comes, would make no mention of Russians, but would be to let players know that support is there for Ukrainians and those from other countries feeling vulnerable like Latvians and Estonians if they are in need of it.

The only statements I'd expect on Russia itself would be related to tournaments taking place there. ATP moved the one in St. Petersburg, but kept the one in Moscow. And that's on a schedule released yesterday.

by JazzNU

by Deuce ^ The enigma deepens...

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 3:49 pm With the huge presence of Russians in both tours, should there be any sort of response from the ATP or the WTA? State a position, or simply remain silent?
After the WTA made it clear it would not stand by idly with the Peng Shuai situation, not saying anything about Russia may not be consistent.
The ATP will of course not be able to care less, but we will maybe have a new #1 player by the end of this week, and he is Russian. This does not apply to him in any way, but I really would not know how to handle this.
Obviously, it's unfair to condemn to any degree or penalize any player simply because they are Russian.
But I think all tournaments should be pulled out of Russia right away.

by meganfernandez "I've completely turned myself around" - that's the story. How? Some journalist needs to jump on that. It's a 5,000-word narrative waiting to happen. But you really need to be on the ground in Australia to write it, so has to be one of them. Could be done virtually but wouldn't be nearly as good.
JazzNU wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 12:57 am

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 12:45 pm "I've completely turned myself around" - that's the story. How? Some journalist needs to jump on that. It's a 5,000-word narrative waiting to happen. But you really need to be on the ground in Australia to write it, so has to be one of them. Could be done virtually but wouldn't be nearly as good.
That's the story to you. You're one of the only ones I've seen think that's the story.

by JazzNU






by JazzNU

by ti-amie Medvedev's wife was wearing the colors of the Ukraine flag sitting courtside yesterday.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 6:45 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 12:45 pm "I've completely turned myself around" - that's the story. How? Some journalist needs to jump on that. It's a 5,000-word narrative waiting to happen. But you really need to be on the ground in Australia to write it, so has to be one of them. Could be done virtually but wouldn't be nearly as good.
That's the story to you. You're one of the only ones I've seen think that's the story.
I would like to read that story. How did he get over a mental disease that he describes very graphically as very destructive.
What would be the story, to you?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:
JazzNU wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 6:45 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 12:45 pm "I've completely turned myself around" - that's the story. How? Some journalist needs to jump on that. It's a 5,000-word narrative waiting to happen. But you really need to be on the ground in Australia to write it, so has to be one of them. Could be done virtually but wouldn't be nearly as good.
That's the story to you. You're one of the only ones I've seen think that's the story.
I would like to read that story. How did he get over a mental disease that he describes very graphically as very destructive.
What would be the story, to you?
That’s exactly it. How he did it, who helped, what helped, did tennis know, did tennis hurt or help - and what now? How has stability changed him as a tennis player?


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by Owendonovan
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 11:52 pm
JazzNU wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 6:45 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Feb 25, 2022 12:45 pm "I've completely turned myself around" - that's the story. How? Some journalist needs to jump on that. It's a 5,000-word narrative waiting to happen. But you really need to be on the ground in Australia to write it, so has to be one of them. Could be done virtually but wouldn't be nearly as good.
That's the story to you. You're one of the only ones I've seen think that's the story.
I would like to read that story. How did he get over a mental disease that he describes very graphically as very destructive.
What would be the story, to you?
I might venture to suggest he has gotten sober through AA or some other similar program.

by JazzNU The reactions in here to two heartfelt, emotional posts are real interesting.

by dryrunguy About Rublev... I didn't think anything of it when I first saw it last night, but when I got up this morning and was watching the dog do her good morning pee, it popped into my head... "No War Please"...

He added the word "please". Most of us would have simply written, "No War." Rublev was going out of his way to be polite.

I'm not knocking his sentiment in any way. I just thought the politeness, the request-like, deferential nature of his expression was curious.

by ponchi101 He is still a citizen of a totalitarian regime. He knows he can face non-renewal of his passport, threats to his personal integrity or his family, a little polonium 204 in his rice crispies, or any other idea that Vlad may come up against somebody that is a political nothing in his country.
You are used to writing all the smack you want about Tiny. People in countries like Russia know not to offend the big leader. It can be hazardous to your health.

by mmmm8
dryrunguy wrote: Sat Feb 26, 2022 4:00 pm About Rublev... I didn't think anything of it when I first saw it last night, but when I got up this morning and was watching the dog do her good morning pee, it popped into my head... "No War Please"...

He added the word "please". Most of us would have simply written, "No War." Rublev was going out of his way to be polite.

I'm not knocking his sentiment in any way. I just thought the politeness, the request-like, deferential nature of his expression was curious.
I don't think the "please" is out of politeness, it's out of desperation. The way you beg a kidnapper to please let you go.
No one wanted this and beyond the tragedy of it and any of his friends and their families in danger (including Russians his age getting conscripted into the army), I imagine being someone that has to go out there with a Russian flag behind them day in and out for the next years is an extra weight.

by JazzNU In her IG Stories, she had video of a Romanian entry point and thanked them for greeting Ukrainians warmly, so likely was there first after leaving Odessa before travelling to France.



by ti-amie

by Suliso Sorana Cirstea

Image

Coco Gauff

Image

by ponchi101 Sorana looking very pretty. Well, she is (I think).

by ti-amie

by JazzNU

by JazzNU



by ti-amie

by JazzNU So, I saw that when she posted yesterday and I'm still a bit confused. But my guess is that she's an ambassador for the brand's sportswear overall, but she'll still be wearing EleVen on court when she plays. Is that what you thought too, @Ti-Amie? None of what she posted was tennis wear.

by ponchi101 It is truly odd. And of course she will not be selling ELEVEN anytime ever, so...

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Mar 02, 2022 4:52 am It is truly odd. And of course she will not be selling ELEVEN anytime ever, so...
Eleven does fine...

by ti-amie Serena walked for Balmain the other day. I was told that the corseting is light and that the design of the outfit is meant to make it look as if you're heavily corseted.




by JazzNU Pretty sure she attended the Balmain show (and was dressed in Balmain), but didn't walk it. She did walk in the Off White show that featured Virgil Abloh's final collection.

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:36 pm Pretty sure she attended the Balmain show (and was dressed in Balmain), but didn't walk it. She did walk in the Off White show that featured Virgil Abloh's final collection.
You're correct, She didn't walk in the show. I thought she did but nope.

I haven't seen pics of her walking in the Off White show.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:44 pm
I haven't seen pics of her walking in the Off White show.

Backstage at the Off-White show with Cindy Crawford and daughter Kaia. And the show is long, but here's a still of her walking the runway.






by Suliso Image

Image

Paula Badosa

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by ponchi101 Paula Badosa, casting for a Madonna biopic (looks very much like her when young).

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2022 3:26 pm Paula Badosa, casting for a Madonna biopic (looks very much like her when young).
Disagree. How young are you talking about? She only resembles Madonna when she was young if you frame it in a view of today, not what Madonna actually looked like then.

by JazzNU Venus at the NYC Premiere of The Batman



by Suliso Simona

Image

by oliver0001 Has this been mentioned anywhere?

Former Top 20 tennis player given 4-year doping suspension

Former Top 20 player Varvara Lepchenko was given a four-year doping suspension on Friday by the International Tennis Federation after she tested positive for a banned stimulant during a tournament last year.

Her lawyer, Howard Jacobs, wrote in an email to The Associated Press that Lepchenko intends to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
...
https://apnews.com/article/sports-tenni ... 6425fa5700

by meganfernandez My first thought was, "Lepchenko is still playing?" Looked it up and she's 35 and ranked 135, which isn't terrible. High enough to still have a pro career in ITF events and WTA qualifying/occasional main draws - but if she is suspended for 4 years, she's done. She was ranked #19 10 years ago.

Curiously, she lost to Mirren in the last round of qualifying at two Slams last year. Also, a reality check on the money: She won an ITF tournament last year and made $4,000. She qualified for the French Open and lost in R2 and made $100,000. Women make their money at the Slams and 1000s, and play the other stuff to be able to enter the Slams and 1000s.

oliver0001 wrote: Mon Mar 07, 2022 4:56 pm Has this been mentioned anywhere?

Former Top 20 tennis player given 4-year doping suspension

Former Top 20 player Varvara Lepchenko was given a four-year doping suspension on Friday by the International Tennis Federation after she tested positive for a banned stimulant during a tournament last year.

Her lawyer, Howard Jacobs, wrote in an email to The Associated Press that Lepchenko intends to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
...
https://apnews.com/article/sports-tenni ... 6425fa5700

by ti-amie Medvedev and his IW hair cut


by Suliso Dog series

Image

Image

by ti-amie Another dog sighting


by Liamvalid Andy Murray has pledged his prize money for the rest of the season to help children in Ukraine. Can this guy not get any more likeable (i kind of feel guilty for not liking watching him play)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60673527

by ptmcmahon I don't think I came around more on any other player once I saw them off court than Murray.

by ti-amie Ajla has removed all references to Matteo on her IG account, including those from the Met Gala. In today's world that usually means a couple have split.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:Ajla has removed all references to Matteo on her IG account, including those from the Met Gala. In today's world that usually means a couple have split.
Boo. But new-couple alerts coming soon.


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by Liamvalid
ti-amie wrote: Thu Mar 10, 2022 6:33 pm Ajla has removed all references to Matteo on her IG account, including those from the Met Gala. In today's world that usually means a couple have split.
A million women (and a few men too) have just breathed a huge sigh of relief/put their voodoo dolls away/divorced their husbands

by ponchi101 Set your timers, or should we start a pool about who finds a new partner sooner?
Like, before the end of IW? Or in between IW and Miami?

by meganfernandez


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by ponchi101 Well, she was not wearing NB at the Aussie, so that was a given. The tweet is from Jan 19th, also. ;)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:31 pm Well, she was not wearing NB at the Aussie, so that was a given. The tweet is from Jan 19th, also. ;)
Ah, thanks. I noticed that Twitter was putting mid-January tweets high up on my timeline and it was so confusing. Didn't notice this one was mid-January, so it's totally moot. It did remind me about Danielle's clothing situation, though. Still no deal, I guess. Nothing announced on social. She hasn't finished a match since the AO. Only played once and retired with dizziness. Pulled out of IW with an injury. We'll see about Miami.

by ti-amie If you're using a mobile device, leave Twitter and come back the default is home which is always out of sync with old tweets at the top. Some are already complaining about it.

by Deuce Leylah on Alizé Cornet:
“She was always very, very nice to me. She’s one of the first players that was there, that helped me kind of transition and be comfortable on the Tour. I remember having trouble finding like players to hit with. And every time I asked her, she would always say yes. And when she said ‘Yes’, she would tell me the exact date and the time. Since I was always available, I was like, ‘Yeah, sure. Let’s hit that time. I don’t mind!’"

Cornet on Leylah:
“It made me very happy (Leylah remembering Alize helping her when she started). When she arrived on the circuit, she was very shy. There, she is much more fulfilled. It’s like a flower that has bloomed. At first, she was a little withdrawn, she didn’t talk too much. I arrived with my big clogs, I put her at ease right away. I did what I would have liked to be done with me when I arrived. No player had come to see me. Leylah touched me. She has beautiful values, she is very cute, very kind.
I’m glad she remembers that I was there in the beginning before she was the big star she is now, and that I welcomed her with open arms. On the circuit, it’s important to help each other, especially with the little youngsters arriving... That she keeps this memory of me is a great reward."


The two are playing doubles together this week at Indian Wells.

by oliver0001 This is both sad and courageous, so I post the whole article. (source: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukrai ... dcba4fbe7a)

Ex-tennis pro Stakhovsky in Ukraine ‘with a gun in my hands’

By HOWARD FENDRICH

About 1 1/2 months after the last match of Sergiy Stakhovsky’s professional tennis career, the 36-year-old Ukrainian left his wife and three young children in Hungary and went back to his birthplace to help however he could during Russia’s invasion.

“I don’t have the words to describe it. I would never imagine in my life that it would come to this — that I would be in my home city ... with a gun in my hands,” Stakhovsky said Saturday, rubbing his left cheek with his palm during a video interview with The Associated Press from what he said was a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine’s beleaguered capital.

“A lot of people are saying that they’re waking up and hoping ... it was just a bad dream. But, you know, on Day 16, (that) doesn’t work anymore,” he said. “First couple of days, (it’s) surreal. You don’t believe that it’s actually happening. And the next thing you know, you get used to it, and you’re just trying to find a way of helping your country to actually survive.”

At age 12, eyeing a life in tennis, Stakhovsky began splitting his time between Ukraine and the Czech Republic to improve his game. He turned pro in 2003, won four titles in singles and another four in doubles, and earned more than $5 million in prize money. Highlights included rising to a best ATP ranking of No. 31 in 2010, reaching the third round of Grand Slam tournaments six times, and pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the sport’s history when he ended Roger Federer’s record streak of 36 consecutive major quarterfinal appearances by beating him 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the second round at Wimbledon in 2013.
In January, Stakhovsky walked away from the sport after losing to American J.J. Wolf in the first round of qualifying for the Australian Open.

Retirement did not go as planned. On Feb. 24, Russia began attacking Ukraine. In the wee hours of Feb. 28, Stakhovsky arrived in Kyiv.

“You’re one second safe. The next second, something flies in, and no one is safe,” he said.

He said he’s received hundreds of messages of support from members of the tennis world -- players, coaches, officials -- and mentioned a few by name: Richard Gasquet, Lucas Pouille, Aljaz Bedene and Novak Djokovic, the 20-time Grand Slam champion whose text messages Stakhovsky shared via social media.

Working with what he described as a branch of the Ukraine armed forces that can only be used inside the city premises — he said it was created “a couple of years back to actually support the infrastructure of the city in case of war, which nobody actually believed in, but unfortunately did happen” — Stakhovsky said his days are divided into two-hour shifts followed by six hours off.

That “off” time, he said, is often spent with what he called humanitarian efforts.

“Just trying to do whatever we can on a 24/7 basis,” Stakhovsky said, “because otherwise you’re going to go crazy.”

He said he still has family who live, and have remained, in Kyiv, including his grandmother, father and a brother.
As for how long he will stay, Stakhovsky isn’t sure.

“I hope not long,” he said. “I hope this will get resolved rather fast and short.”

Later this month, his daughter turns 8 and one son turns 4; the other son is 6 1/2.

He did not tell them where he was going — and why — before he left.

“They’re fairly young and I just don’t believe they would understand the meaning of war. And I don’t believe they would understand any of it. My wife knew ... but she never asked the direct question, and I never told her directly. So when ... I told her ‘I’m leaving,’ she started crying. So there was not really a conversation,” he recounted.

He said communicating with the children now is not any easier.

“It’s tough to call with kids, because every time they ask, ‘When are you coming?’ or ‘What are you doing?’ I’m just, ‘I don’t know, honestly.’ For me, it’s not a right decision to be here and it was not the right decision to stay home. Any of this is not right,” Stakhovsky said. “But I am here because I believe that the future of my country — and the future of my kids, and the future of Europe as we know it — is under great danger. And if there’s anything I can do to change the outcome, I will try to do it.”

by ashkor87 Astra Sharma has an interesting genetic makeup- Indian father, Chinese mother, born in Singapore..apart from the more obvious meaning, Astra also means weapon in Sanskrit. .

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez Weird and rude thing to say about a fellow nominee.


by ti-amie Watch the reaction of the woman sitting behind Venus. Campion has now issued an apology...


by ti-amie


by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez This is the second thing today that made wonder if it was already April 1. First was that the milkshake machine at my neighborhood Arby's is down for 6 months! My husband likes milkshakes... I mean, actual milkshakes.
ti-amie wrote: Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:07 pm

by meganfernandez Dolgopolov also fighting for Ukraine. Click through the slides for his story. "I'm not Rambo but I can hit the head 3 out of 5 times..." Yeesh. So much respect. Also, he looks good.


by Suliso Gauff

Image

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:07 pm

!!! I didn't even know Snoop Dogg can get that animated.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:53 pm
ti-amie wrote: Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:07 pm

!!! I didn't even know Snoop Dogg can get that animated.
This can't be real, right? Not him? Just looks/sounds like him?

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:19 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:53 pm
ti-amie wrote: Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:07 pm

!!! I didn't even know Snoop Dogg can get that animated.
This can't be real, right? Not him? Just looks/sounds like him?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3725045.stm
"I like Venus and Serena, but Ivan was the truth."

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:27 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:19 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:53 pm


!!! I didn't even know Snoop Dogg can get that animated.
This can't be real, right? Not him? Just looks/sounds like him?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3725045.stm
"I like Venus and Serena, but Ivan was the truth."
Yeah, but still... you think it's real? Having a hard time believing the lime green room, for one. EDIT: evidently it's a viral video of Snoop rage-quitting a video game and someone put it on the Kontaveit stream. (So the green room is real. It's hardly MTV Cribs.)

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:21 pm Dolgopolov also fighting for Ukraine. Click through the slides for his story. "I'm not Rambo but I can hit the head 3 out of 5 times..." Yeesh. So much respect. Also, he looks good.

One of my favorite players ever, and now, all my respect. Certainly a much braver man than I will ever be.

by ti-amie This is why tennis needs to stop shooting itself in the foot and cultivate a wider audience. Can you imagine Snoop (no pun intended) rolling up to a tennis match at the US Open?

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:This is why tennis needs to stop shooting itself in the foot and cultivate a wider audience. Can you imagine Snoop (no pun intended) rolling up to a tennis match at the US Open?
I woulda thought he’s been there. No? Not a fixture I guess. Could use a wider audience, for sure.


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by Fastbackss I laughed when I saw this tweet.
Screenshot_20220318-135542~2.png

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 One slam. Just win one slam.
(And be pretty and from a country that salivates for champions):
Emma Raducanu becomes new Porsche Brand Ambassador

I thought she would have fit better with Aston Martin/TATA.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Mar 21, 2022 3:49 pm One slam. Just win one slam.
(And be pretty and from a country that salivates for champions):
Emma Raducanu becomes new Porsche Brand Ambassador

I thought she would have fit better with Aston Martin/TATA.
Instant star. One that speaks the languages of the largest global markets. Being pretty, charming, and English-speaking help for sure. But she had to win those 10 matches first.

She likes Formula 1 a lot. Is Porsche more prominent in Formula 1 than Aston Martin?

by ponchi101 That is why I thought she was a better fit for Aston. Porsche does not race in F1, while Aston Martin does. And TATA owns Jaguar, which is a bit not in touch with her image (they are more sedan cars, and more towards middle age foggies that still want to believe they drive a sports car (I should know)), but has a reputation for sports cars too and did race in F1 for a while.
Still, admittedly she looks good in a 911GT3 (that is what she is promoting in the link). And Porsche is huge in the Middle and Far East. It is a good hire, especially as Angelique is fading away.
Now, she better do well at Stuttgart.

by mmmm8 Porsche sponsors more tennis stars, so I think that's why Porsche.(Does AM sponsor any? Quick research shows Nadal and Monfils have (had?) AMs but I think they bought them)

And Porsche needed to replace Sharapova with another high-profile pretty WTA player

by ponchi101 Rafa did/does have an Aston, but it was purchased. At the time, Rafa was signed with KIA. I remember he won one tournament in Germany where he won a Mercedes/AMG SL 63 and had to duck questions about how great the car is to avoid any conflict with KIA . But no, AM does not sponsor tennis players.
I had forgotten that Porsche had Sharapova signed. Indeed, they need a replacement (although you know I think Angie is pretty too).

by ashkor87 Ash Barty has retired! not shocked, though, she didnt seem to have the heart for it any more..?

by skatingfan World No. 1 Ash Barty, 25, announces retirement from tennis: 'I'm so happy and I'm so ready'

https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/ ... atform=amp

by meganfernandez
skatingfan wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 4:27 am World No. 1 Ash Barty, 25, announces retirement from tennis: 'I'm so happy and I'm so ready'

https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/ ... atform=amp
There's a bigger convo going on about this in Tennis Random, Random. Probably should be here.

by MJ2004 Tennis Players Random Random has always felt to me like it’s for the lighter stuff- pictures, gossip, etc. I wasn’t quite sure where this conversation belonged, it seems like there’s a gray zone.

by meganfernandez
MJ2004 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 2:44 pm Tennis Players Random Random has always felt to me like it’s for the lighter stuff- pictures, gossip, etc. I wasn’t quite sure where this conversation belonged, it seems like there’s a gray zone.
:) I'm certainly not the person to determine that. Mostly just pointing out where the convo is.

by MJ2004 How was Madrid, btw? Good churros, jamón, and tortilla de patata?

by meganfernandez
MJ2004 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 2:52 pm Image How was Madrid, btw? Good churros, jamón, and tortilla de patata?
Churros, yes. I'm not a big fan of jamon Iberico (too chewy) or tortilla de patata (I want more flavor... my American taste buds want grease or butter in my potatoes :)). Loved the seafood, croquettes, cider... I"m a bit of a bakery/donut snob, and I was pleasantly surprised to find rich desserts and delicious croissant. Mexican desserts aren't sweet or rich enough for me. They are poor excuses for dessert and not worth the calories. Spain did not disappoint my sugar cravings.

Madrid was magical. I could live there, or in Oviedo, the city in Asturias. Madrid was a joy to get around, a very manageable bit city - at least the parts I went to. We stuck to the city proper. Oviedo was a lovely small city. Everyone was friendly. Both places were fairly relaxed. Gorgeous architecture everywhere. We are already planning to go back.

My husband points out that no one in Europe walks around with a cup of coffee, like Americans do. A lot of us take our coffee on the go. Does anyone else find that true?

Thanks for asking!

by Suliso We do in the train station coming or going or when driving. Otherwise indeed rarely. Cofee is usually drank in the place you buy it.

by Deuce
MJ2004 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 2:44 pm Tennis Players Random Random has always felt to me like it’s for the lighter stuff- pictures, gossip, etc. I wasn’t quite sure where this conversation belonged, it seems like there’s a gray zone.
Yes, obviously, it's still a gray area...

A while ago, I suggested having more distinct Forum titles - ones which better reflect the contents of each Forum. One could easily assume that any Forum titled 'Tennis Players' would be to post anything about... well... tennis players - whether it's serious or light... and that a Forum titled 'Tennis' would be to discuss the game in more general terms, and not specific players.

I believe my suggestion was to have 'Tennis Players' be about individual tennis players, 'Tennis' to be about tennis generally, and to create a new Forum titled 'Tennis Photos' or some such, which would be, obviously, for photos, 'social media' stuff, etc.
(How many times the word 'Random' is written after the titles of each Forum wouldn't matter - although I've never really understood why that word is included, let alone twice...)

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 8:45 pm We do in the train station coming or going or when driving. Otherwise indeed rarely. Cofee is usually drank in the place you buy it.
Americans walk around with giant thermoses of coffee with sayings about how much they love coffee. It's like an accessory. :) Not me, though. Not a big coffee drinker.

by ponchi101 People in the "civilized" world understand that if you are going to drink a cup of coffee, it is supposed to be a leisurely activity. You sit down, have a chat, converse with a friend, and actually RELAX.
Americans drink coffee as some sort of stimulant to work harder :P
(Says the Vennie guy that lives in Colombia and worked for USDA for five years and wrote the Coffee report for my country, and unequivocally says that Americans (and Italians) know NOTHING about coffee. Nothing :) )

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:People in the "civilized" world understand that if you are going to drink a cup of coffee, it is supposed to be a leisurely activity. You sit down, have a chat, converse with a friend, and actually RELAX.
Americans drink coffee as some sort of stimulant to work harder :P
(Says the Vennie guy that lives in Colombia and worked for USDA for five years and wrote the Coffee report for my country, and unequivocally says that Americans (and Italians) know NOTHING about coffee. Nothing :) )
It is totally a stimulant here. We are off-topic, though. :)


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by meganfernandez Why is his hair gray?????? Did the breakup age him that much? He looks like early Andy Cohen.


by ponchi101 Probably the lights.
And no, Matteo. A hammer plus lighting does not equal fire ;)
I wonder what he meant by that. (I know Usain was called the Lightning Bolt, but I am not sure if Matteo goes by the nickname Hammer).

by Liamvalid
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 2:40 pm Probably the lights.
And no, Matteo. A hammer plus lighting does not equal fire ;)
I wonder what he meant by that. (I know Usain was called the Lightning Bolt, but I am not sure if Matteo goes by the nickname Hammer).
Maybe he tried some home repairs and hit a live wire? Might explain the hair too

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 2:40 pm Probably the lights.
And no, Matteo. A hammer plus lighting does not equal fire ;)
I wonder what he meant by that. (I know Usain was called the Lightning Bolt, but I am not sure if Matteo goes by the nickname Hammer).
The Hammer was Matteo's nickname in the UTS tournament that Mouratoglou held during COVID. Each player had an avatar, basically. It was very video-gamey. Tsitsipas was The Green God, Gasquet was The Virtuoso, Paire was The Rebel, etc.

by ponchi101 Aaaaaah, that explains it.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 1:32 am Aaaaaah, that explains it.
I like the DIY home repair theory better.

by Fastbackss
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 5:37 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 1:32 am Aaaaaah, that explains it.
I like the DIY home repair theory better.
I prefer to think that Ajla named him that :gorgeous:

by Suliso Those Russian players representing Kazakhstan. What a lucky choice...

by ponchi101
Fastbackss wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 7:58 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 5:37 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 1:32 am Aaaaaah, that explains it.
I like the DIY home repair theory better.
I prefer to think that Ajla named him that :gorgeous:
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

by Suliso Sorana Cirstea

Image

by ponchi101 When she turns on the charm, she is very, very pretty.
(She always is, but this is a lovely shot).

by Fastbackss Oscars opening with Venus + Serena.

I have tried three times to compress file small enough to share to no avail. They looked radiant

by the Moz Venus looks over the top awesome :thumbsup:

by ti-amie


by ti-amie

by ponchi101 One of the reasons that a healthy Naomi is so welcomed in the WTA. :clap: :clap: :clap:

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:One of the reasons that a healthy Naomi is so welcomed in the WTA. :clap: :clap: :clap:
Amen


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by ti-amie

by Deuce Why do they continually make the mistake of saying that Monterrey a month ago was Leylah's 1st WTA title?
This is the second time the WTA site has made this same error in the past few weeks.
As I said before - it's not like her first WTA title was some obscure tournament in the middle of nowhere - her first title was the same tournament as her second title - just one year earlier. So... they don't have to do a lot of research to get it right.
But they got it wrong.
Twice.

Leylah on Family, Clay Courts, and Yoga...

.

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Wed Apr 06, 2022 12:22 am Why do they continually make the mistake of saying that Monterrey a month ago was Leylah's 1st WTA title?
This is the second time the WTA site has made this same error in the past few weeks.
As I said before - it's not like her first WTA title was some obscure tournament in the middle of nowhere - her first title was the same tournament as her second title - just one year earlier. So... they don't have to do a lot of research to get it right.
But they got it wrong.
Twice.

Leylah on Family, Clay Courts, and Yoga...

.
And that is why anyone with a brain hates the WTA site. They don't do their players justice.

by ti-amie When Two Tennis Greats Realize They Are Neighbors
Posted by Scoop Malinowski

Image

In a one-in-a-million chance miracle, two superstar ATP champions actually recently bought houses and are next-door neighbors.

Kei Nishikori and Marcelo Rios actually live next door to each other on Bayshore Road in Sarasota, Florida. Rios lives with his family in a three story mansion which took almost two years to be constructed. The Rios clan moved into their new residence in late 2021. Nishikori lives in the modern home immediately south of the Rios abode. Both home are on the water and share spectacular views of Sarasota bay and Longboat Key.

The two tennis titans recently randomly bumped into each other outside and that’s when they each made the realization that they are next-door neighbors, according to an IMG representative who told me the story at the Miami Open.

The now 46 year old Rios from Chile, won eighteen career ATP singles titles and reached a career high ranking of world no. 1 in 1998. He is currently in training for a July exhibition with Alex Corretja in Santiago, Chile. His daughter Isadora now trains at IMG. Nishikori, age 32, has won twelve career ATP singles titles and his best ranking was no. 4. He is rehabilitating in Japan from a recent surgery and is ranked 54.

https://www.tennis-prose.com/articles/w ... neighbors/

by Deuce ^ I'm surprised they know who each other is.

by ptmcmahon Wouldn't call it one in a million since one of the houses is described as a mansion :)

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez


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by ponchi101 That was good.
I wonder how much a grand tour of Switzerland costs. I gather one week would be around $10,000, eating sandwiches at Swiss gas stations.
And I have always felt that Anne is one absolute beauty.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 3:00 pm That was good.
I wonder how much a grand tour of Switzerland costs. I gather one week would be around $10,000, eating sandwiches at Swiss gas stations.
And I have always felt that Anne is one absolute beauty.
I really want to hate Anne Hathaway, but I can't. She really is good. I've been watching the WeWork series that she's in.

by ponchi101 I remember once reading she was the most hated person in show business. I never understood why.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 3:47 pm I remember once reading she was the most hated person in show business. I never understood why.
It's called Hatha-hate. "It's not really Anne Hathaway I 'hate,'" writer Sarah Nicole Prickett said in The New York Times. "It's all the lesser, real-life Anne Hathaways I have known — princessy, theater-schooled girls who have no game and no sex appeal and eat raisins for dessert."

by Deuce Step into the time machine...

Kim Clijsters has retired. :o
Again.

Third Time Lucky?

Step out of the time machine.

by ponchi101 She was a good champion but by now this "retire-unretire" thing is a bit puzzling.

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Apr 13, 2022 1:56 pm She was a good champion but by now this "retire-unretire" thing is a bit puzzling.
I'm glad this last stab didn't work out. It wouldn't have been pretty. She wasn't in good enough shape. If someone wants to challenge themselves and see how good they can get again, more power to them. But it's more for themselves than fans or the sport. Right? Capriati was different, but she was still young.

by JTContinental
ti-amie wrote: Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:02 pm
Two people that do not need to be remembered nostalgically

by ponchi101 I know, I know, I know. They are unpalatable nowadays, but Tiriac and Nastase carried a fair share of the load during the early periods of the Open era. I would not want to guess how many Eastern European players took up the sport due to Nasty being a success.

by Deuce Not really an injury, per se...
Or maybe it is...

You decide...

Emma Raducanu's 'Affliction'...

.

by Suliso Garbine Muguruza

Image

by atlpam
Deuce wrote: Fri Apr 15, 2022 1:47 am Not really an injury, per se...
Or maybe it is...

You decide...

Emma Raducanu's 'Affliction'...

.
This is not that uncommon - I have friends who play recreationally who have lost toenails. Sounds to me like she needs to re-evaluate the fit of her shoes.

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by atlpam Some pictures from our time at the Charleston Open:
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by atlpam More from Charleston:
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by atlpam More from Charleston:
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by atlpam More from Charleston:
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by meganfernandez Thanks for the Charleston photos! You saw a bunch of great players. They all look happy (except Putinseva). Who was the nicest?

by meganfernandez In case you’ve always wanted to see Garbi’s rear cleft.




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by ti-amie
atlpam wrote: Fri Apr 15, 2022 1:51 pm More from Charleston:

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I didn't even have to ask who was in the first picture. :lol:

by ponchi101
atlpam wrote: Fri Apr 15, 2022 1:17 pm ...

This is not that uncommon - I have friends who play recreationally who have lost toenails. Sounds to me like she needs to re-evaluate the fit of her shoes.
Agree. The shoes' toebox is the important part. If it is too tight, your toes will suffer. Too loose, and when you slide you may jam your nails and really injure them.
I have not lost a nail in that way, but have cracked them, and it hurts like hell.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Apr 15, 2022 6:13 pm In case you’ve always wanted to see Garbi’s rear cleft.




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But not that way...

by ponchi101 Thanks for the shots, Atlpam. You did get to see a lot of players :thumbsup:

by ti-amie

by ashkor87 On Raducanu..my sense is she is not yet strong enough to go three sets - she loses energy, even her hand-speed goes down in the third set..as she gets stronger, she will be fine .she did well at the USO only because the points were short, the court being so fast...Wimbledon will suit her better, she will struggle on clay..

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 4:04 am On Raducanu..my sense is she is not yet strong enough to go three sets - she loses energy, even her hand-speed goes down in the third set..as she gets stronger, she will be fine .she did well at the USO only because the points were short, the court being so fast...Wimbledon will suit her better, she will struggle on clay..
She did well at Wimbledon last year. Interesting insights. We'll see.

by ponchi101 She is 18, and not built as if she is very strong. But I look at Iga and she also does not look like a body builder. Perfect frame for a tennis player (lite, slender, tall) but Iga has no issues with physical stamina.
Then again, she has been crushing everybody 0 & 1, so no need to be super strong.
I say Emma's problems right now is that everybody knows how to play her. After the USO, her then-coach gave an interview explaining how she attacks returns, which was pretty dumb. I guess now all players know her return patterns and that must be a killer.
I like Emma, but it is starting to look like indeed she may have been the ultimate case of somebody that caught lightning in a bottle. I was not expecting her to do a Naomi and win the Aussie, or IW/MIA, but it has been a barrage of 1st round loses. By now, she has to do something on the next three months or when the USO comes around (and she won't defend that) she will be back into the qualies.

by Deuce ... and once Emma is playing the qualies again, she'll have everyone right where she wants them!
:lol:

by ashkor87
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 3:51 pm She is 18, and not built as if she is very strong. But I look at Iga and she also does not look like a body builder. Perfect frame for a tennis player (lite, slender, tall) but Iga has no issues with physical stamina.
Then again, she has been crushing everybody 0 & 1, so no need to be super strong.
I say Emma's problems right now is that everybody knows how to play her. After the USO, her then-coach gave an interview explaining how she attacks returns, which was pretty dumb. I guess now all players know her return patterns and that must be a killer.
I like Emma, but it is starting to look like indeed she may have been the ultimate case of somebody that caught lightning in a bottle. I was not expecting her to do a Naomi and win the Aussie, or IW/MIA, but it has been a barrage of 1st round loses. By now, she has to do something on the next three months or when the USO comes around (and she won't defend that) she will be back into the qualies.
Everyone knows how to play everyone..coaches watch and analyse everyone these days ..I don't agree that she is a flash-in-the-pan...I think she is the real deal but not strong enough yet. We shall see...

by ponchi101 Agree. Everybody knows what the other players do, to a point. The question is: can you neutralize it? For almost 12 years everybody knew what Sampras was going to do, but nobody could stop him. Everybody knows what Nadal is going to do but, so far, the only player that can neutralize that forehand-into-the-backhand has been Nole. For Emma, if players are knowing where the return is coming, that is a huge handicap.
When she won the USO, I said that no player has ever won one slam as a teenager and then not win at least another one (Tracy Austin won two USO, both as a teenager, and then injuries stopped her). But it has not been that she is not winning tournaments; this is her record after the USO (how many rounds played, since she has gotten several BYES): 1R, 3R, 1R, 1R, 2R, 1R, 2R, 1R. That is not a glitch, that is a pattern.
And as she has not been the sole player from the last few years that have had a great season and then has dipped (Bouchard, Ostapenko, Garcia, Mladenovic, I am sure I am missing a few), I wonder by now where she is heading. If somebody bring those numbers to me, I find it hard to say that she is still headed for greatness.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Apr 19, 2022 1:50 am Agree. Everybody knows what the other players do, to a point. The question is: can you neutralize it? For almost 12 years everybody knew what Sampras was going to do, but nobody could stop him. Everybody knows what Nadal is going to do but, so far, the only player that can neutralize that forehand-into-the-backhand has been Nole. For Emma, if players are knowing where the return is coming, that is a huge handicap.
When she won the USO, I said that no player has ever won one slam as a teenager and then not win at least another one (Tracy Austin won two USO, both as a teenager, and then injuries stopped her). But it has not been that she is not winning tournaments; this is her record after the USO (how many rounds played, since she has gotten several BYES): 1R, 3R, 1R, 1R, 2R, 1R, 2R, 1R. That is not a glitch, that is a pattern.
And as she has not been the sole player from the last few years that have had a great season and then has dipped (Bouchard, Ostapenko, Garcia, Mladenovic, I am sure I am missing a few), I wonder by now where she is heading. If somebody bring those numbers to me, I find it hard to say that she is still headed for greatness.
We have no idea if she's headed for greatness or not and we won't for a while. :) Too many variables. But we have some info to gauge its likelihood - one, she is good enough to win 20 sets in a row at a Grand Slam, so she has what it takes. Two, not many players are truly great, so the odds are against her there. We'll see if she can produce that USO level consistently at some point. If not, it doesn't mean she won't have a very good career. She may never win another Slam, but most players don't win Slams anyway. I think she will be a top 50 player for most of her career, probably higher once she gets more experience. Remember, she hasn't even been on tour for a full year! She has a lot to learn and, as ashkor said, a lot of strength to gain.

by Liamvalid I’m with Ashkor on this one. I’ve watched most if not all of those early losses, and the more recent ones have been encouraging (if there is such a thing as an encouraging loss) in that she is showing flashes of the USO form, but doesn’t yet have the physicality or the tactical awareness to keep it over the course of 3 sets and win those kind of matches. What she does seem to have is a realistic outlook that she knows she has a lot of work to do and that wins just won’t fall in her lap because she won a slam. If she is still losing in every R1 in 12 months time then I might have to change my mind about her, but for now I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt that her post USO poor form is temporary

by meganfernandez
Liamvalid wrote:I’m with Ashkor on this one. I’ve watched most if not all of those early losses, and the more recent ones have been encouraging (if there is such a thing as an encouraging loss) in that she is showing flashes of the USO form, but doesn’t yet have the physicality or the tactical awareness to keep it over the course of 3 sets and win those kind of matches. What she does seem to have is a realistic outlook that she knows she has a lot of work to do and that wins just won’t fall in her lap because she won a slam. If she is still losing in every R1 in 12 months time then I might have to change my mind about her, but for now I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt that her post USO poor form is temporary
I’m with you guys on this, too. But let’s remember that losing matches isn’t always indicative of poor form. I believe she has had decent form in a lot of her matches.

I’m encouraged that she seems to have a good perspective.

by meganfernandez Aww, Garbi volunteers as a museum docent




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by meganfernandez Glamouruza


by ponchi101 Please, please, please, Garbie, post at least ONE PICTURE of you training on a court. I want to believe that there is hope for one more slam in you. Please.
(I would be doing the same thing, sans the fashion shoot because who are we going to kid here, if I lived in Geneva).

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Apr 19, 2022 4:16 pm Please, please, please, Garbie, post at least ONE PICTURE of you training on a court. I want to believe that there is hope for one more slam in you. Please.
(I would be doing the same thing, sans the fashion shoot because who are we going to kid here, if I lived in Geneva).
She has, within the last day or so. Gym and court. :)

by ponchi101 Ok. Thanks. It is that I am not in any social media and I rely on TAT for stuff like that. And all the last posts of her have been doing anything other then hitting a ball. :)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Apr 19, 2022 4:31 pm Ok. Thanks. It is that I am not in any social media and I rely on TAT for stuff like that. And all the last posts of her have been doing anything other then hitting a ball. :)
Fear not.



Too much fun not to post, though... the red dress is smoking.


by ponchi101 When she turns on the charm, she is indeed a gorgeous woman. Txs.

by ti-amie

by dmforever Has Chris Eubanks retired or is he just doing commentary part time? He has a great screen presence and I really enjoyed his commentary. I hope for his sake his playing days aren't over, but if so, I'd be super happy if he gets into commentary.

Kevin

by meganfernandez Sharapova’s pregnant. We know what the childbirth will sound like.




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by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:34 am Sharapova’s pregnant. We know what the childbirth will sound like.

...
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:clap: :clap: :clap: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Can't top that but: she won't have to announce it, right?

by ti-amie Congratulations to her and her partner. I guess it's the same guy she was with at the Met Gala?

by dmforever Not sure where to put this, and not sure if it's actually true. The article says that W is going to ban Russian players.

https://tennisuptodate.com/atp/breaking ... YYBQhQ2zjo

This is super unfair. People are not necessarily in agreement with their governments. I hope this turns out not to be true, or they rethink it.

Kevin

by Deuce I've seen that ^ from several sources today, so it seems to be legitimate.
However, I don't think any conclusive decision has been made.

Of course this 'guilt by association' approach is ridiculous, and it would be very wrong to thus punish people simply due to their nationality. Doing so is no different a stereotype than is any other sort of nationality or racially based bias or prejudice, which the majority condemn.

But Wimbledon is played in the same nation which just announced its plans to send refugees to Rwanda... so, from that perspective, it's not really surprising...

by Owendonovan If I were managing a Russian player, I'd counsel them to apply for citizenship in the country they really live in. Many are long time residents of Florida. Nationalism gets you nowhere. I'm not entirely opposed to banning Russian/Belarusian/unvaccinated players 18 years and older. Most in the top 100 have the means to move. If they feel solidarity with a dictator-like leader more than they want to play tennis, that's on them.

by ptmcmahon You can feel patriotic and proud of your country without feeling solidarity with your leader. I don't think any American players were counselled to apply for citizienship elsewhere when Trump was president :) (Or for the Isner types now with Biden president.)

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 11:59 am If I were managing a Russian player, I'd counsel them to apply for citizenship in the country they really live in. Many are long time residents of Florida. Nationalism gets you nowhere. I'm not entirely opposed to banning Russian/Belarusian/unvaccinated players 18 years and older. Most in the top 100 have the means to move. If they feel solidarity with a dictator-like leader more than they want to play tennis, that's on them.
Might be a conversation worth having. But there's still a risk factor. They (and their families) would still be "reachable" even if they aren't citizens or living in Russia. And it's a big deal to renounce your country and give up a passport. I feel for any Russian or Belarussian payer in that situation. I'm sure there are many things they love about their country. As much as I hate what's happening in the US these days and where it might be going, I would have to think long and hard about giving up my citizenship. These players are also relatively young. It would be a hard decision for me as a mature middle-aged person.

by Owendonovan
ptmcmahon wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:22 pm You can feel patriotic and proud of your country without feeling solidarity with your leader. I don't think any American players were counselled to apply for citizienship elsewhere when Trump was president :) (Or for the Isner types now with Biden president.)
Had Trump invaded Canada claiming a Nazi problem there, I’d get behind American athletes to be banned as well.

by meganfernandez


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by dryrunguy The NY Times reported that Wimbledon plans to bar both Russian and Belarusian players.

by dmforever Here is the statement from the LTA.
On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine during these shocking and distressing times.

We share in the universal condemnation of Russia’s illegal actions and have carefully considered the situation in the context of our duties to the players, to our community and to the broader UK public as a British sporting institution. We have also taken into account guidance set out by the UK Government specifically in relation to sporting bodies and events.

Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible.

In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.

It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.

Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, commented: “We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.

"We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.”

If circumstances change materially between now and June, we will consider and respond accordingly.

We also welcome the LTA’s decision in declining entries from Russian and Belarusian players to UK events to ensure that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across the summer.

by ashkor87 I would certainly think it highly unfair to be judged by what my government does..I am sure many Americans would not have supported the invasion of Iraq..should US players have been banned then? Surely not ..!

by Suliso UK has become the most anti Russia large country in Europe. Not sure I'm surprised about that or not...

by ponchi101 Count me in the "this is unfair" camp. To begin with, Russia is a dictatorship (and so is Belarus) with a maniacal hitman for a leader. If any of the Russian players were to as much speak up openly against the war, Putin would see to that.
I agree to ban Russia from all TEAM sports. But the individuals are a different story.
And about renouncing your citizenship: it varies from country to country, of course, but sometimes it is not that easy. And as said above, you can hate GOVERNMENTS without hating your COUNTRY. I certainly hate the Venezuelan government, but I have different feelings for my country. I am sure that at least a few of the Russian players must have ambivalences too.

by dmforever Just to be clear, when you become a US citizen, you do not give up your original nationality or passport.

Kevin

by Liamvalid Is this purely down to the tournament, or are they doing what Boris tells them? What about Queens and Nottingham?
Gutted for the players having to miss out when the rest of the tour has allowed players to play as neutrals. One of the images still in my mind is Rublevs “no more war” signature. But then again, I was also gutted for the Russian Paralympic team being banned from the Games

by JazzNU I popped in to say the LTA is creating a sh!tshow. The ban is all tennis tournaments in the UK, not just Wimbledon. So, ITF, ATP, and WTA affected. If the UK is allowing Russians and Belarusians to compete in other professional sports such as soccer, golf, F1, etc, this is an even more confusing decision.

But why is this convo being had in this thread? Magazine cover and pregnancy and marriage announcements followed by talk of the very serious tennis matter of Wimbledon banning players based on nationality.

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Tue Apr 19, 2022 10:12 pm Has Chris Eubanks retired or is he just doing commentary part time? He has a great screen presence and I really enjoyed his commentary. I hope for his sake his playing days aren't over, but if so, I'd be super happy if he gets into commentary.

Kevin
Not retired. TC has current players do these 1-2 weeks guest commentating stints from time to time and that's what this is. He'll be in all week. He seems to be going over well with fans.

by dmforever
JazzNU wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 5:54 pm I popped in to say the LTA is creating a sh!tshow. The ban is all tennis tournaments in the UK, not just Wimbledon. So, ITF, ATP, and WTA affected. If the UK is allowing Russians and Belarusians to compete in other professional sports such as soccer, golf, F1, etc, this is an even more confusing decision.

But why is this convo being had in this thread? Magazine cover and pregnancy and marriage announcements followed by talk of the very serious tennis matter of Wimbledon banning players based on nationality.
I didn't know where to put it. Maybe I should have started a new thread. :(

Kevin

by JTContinental
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:34 am Sharapova’s pregnant. We know what the childbirth will sound like.




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:o :lol:

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 5:54 pm ...

But why is this convo being had in this thread? Magazine cover and pregnancy and marriage announcements followed by talk of the very serious tennis matter of Wimbledon banning players based on nationality.
Because even in TAT1.0 we were sort of schizoid about the TENNIS RANDOM RANDOM and the TENNIS PLAYERS RANDOM RANDOM threads/topics. ;)
One of our peculiar quirks, I guess :)

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Good for him. Now we know where he has been.
Can't see much of her dress but looks pretty enough from the distance.

by ashkor87 Boycott Wimbledon! It would not be the first time

by ponchi101 You mean US, of the players from the tour?

by ashkor87 It is clear Wimbledon has not consulted the ATP and the WTA..both came out strongly against it...high-handed
..

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:06 am It is clear Wimbledon has not consulted the ATP and the WTA..both came out strongly against it...high-handed
..
I wonder if the ATP and WTA will let the affected players keep their 2021 points or give them a protected ranking for a period of time.

by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:07 am
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:06 am It is clear Wimbledon has not consulted the ATP and the WTA..both came out strongly against it...high-handed
..
I wonder if the ATP and WTA will let the affected players keep their 2021 points or give them a protected ranking for a period of time.
Yes, bare minimum..

by ponchi101 Hadn't even thought of that. Indeed, a touchy aspect, as the players simply will not be allowed to defend or gain more points.
Most everybody is coming against this. Novak and Martina N. have already spoken and are not in favor. The Ukrainian players, though, want the other tournaments to follow W.
Wonder if it will get messier than already is.

by JazzNU
dmforever wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 6:50 pm
I didn't know where to put it. Maybe I should have started a new thread. :(

Kevin
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:28 pm
Because even in TAT1.0 we were sort of schizoid about the TENNIS RANDOM RANDOM and the TENNIS PLAYERS RANDOM RANDOM threads/topics. ;)
One of our peculiar quirks, I guess :)

Tennis Random Random is where actual on-court tennis stuff, actually relating to the game, was meant to be discussed. Tennis Players (this thread) was meant to be off-the court stuff, mostly social media stuff that players post or news about their lives that is more fluff more often than not, but could be significant, but rarely related to something truly relating to what they are doing tennis wise. For whatever reason, things that belong in the other thread have been posted in this thread much more often in the last year, considerably more than happened before.

But clearly I'm the only one who is annoyed by it, even though it was someone else who initially requested the split and others pointed out never checking the original combined thread because they were uninterested in social media, but given the absolute nonsense we post in here (which I love, but realize it's not exactly the most important), I always thought it was a good change. Talking about someone's unfortunate choice of dress, their desperate need for a hair stylist, or someone's boyfriend announcement doesn't seem to belong next to the conversation about Peng Shuai's whereabouts, but that indeed happened when someone posted it in this thread.

And at least to me, more often than not the fluffy stuff comes to a screeching halt because of the seriousness of the other topic that has been posted many times. I have absolutely refrained from posting stupid stuff for days if it's something more serious that seems wrong to follow up with a photo of how hideous Johanna Konta's jeans fit.

by ponchi101 I agree with you. But I never felt that the proper curating of some posts is that pressing an issue.
And about refraining yourself from posting stupid things... I wish I had your will power. And judgement :)

by Deuce
Owendonovan wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 1:40 pm
ptmcmahon wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:22 pm You can feel patriotic and proud of your country without feeling solidarity with your leader. I don't think any American players were counselled to apply for citizienship elsewhere when Trump was president :) (Or for the Isner types now with Biden president.)
Had Trump invaded Canada claiming a Nazi problem there, I’d get behind American athletes to be banned as well.
^ Why?
And on what grounds?

I often agree with your thoughts and perspectives, Owen - but I definitely cannot agree with you on this.
This approach completely reeks of guilt simply by association; of blatantly unfair and unjust discrimination.
And what good could it possibly do? Will it stop the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Of course not. It serves absolutely no practical purpose.

If my brother robs a bank, should I be punished for it? If Karolina Pliskova gets suspended for doing something against the tennis rules, should her sister Kristyna also be punished? The analogies are endless - and all are ridiculous and demonstrate unjust treatment.

There is no possible justification for this. None. From any angle. Except pure and outright unjust discrimination.

I have the feeling that much discussion and arguments are to be had before the Wimbledon draw is made. And I'd say that there's a 50/50 chance that they will reconsider. I certainly hope they will.
But even if they do reconsider and decide to behave like at least some degree of HUMANE beings, their reputation is very damaged for a long time because of this. The AELTC and LTA already had a reputation of being quite exclusive and haughty and snobbish, and this exclusion will only harm that reputation all the more.
It's inexcusable.

by meganfernandez


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by MJ2004
JazzNU wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:40 am Tennis Random Random is where actual on-court tennis stuff, actually relating to the game, was meant to be discussed. Tennis Players (this thread) was meant to be off-the court stuff, mostly social media stuff that players post or news about their lives that is more fluff more often than not, but could be significant, but rarely related to something truly relating to what they are doing tennis wise.
This is how I also interpret it. There is on-going confusion, though, as evidenced by when I posted that Ash Barty had retired in Tennis Random, Random, someone asked why the conversation was not in Tennis Players Random Random.

Maybe the forums should be re-worded to say something like:
Tennis Random Random (On-Court)
Tennis Players (Off-Court Shenanigans)

I'm personally not very interested in seeing modeling pictures and players' social media (I believe that was the original intent of the separation), so I might not follow the Tennis Players thread if it weren't for how randomly content gets posted into both threads.

by ptmcmahon
Owendonovan wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 1:40 pm
ptmcmahon wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:22 pm You can feel patriotic and proud of your country without feeling solidarity with your leader. I don't think any American players were counselled to apply for citizienship elsewhere when Trump was president :) (Or for the Isner types now with Biden president.)
Had Trump invaded Canada claiming a Nazi problem there, I’d get behind American athletes to be banned as well.
But would you have then renounced your American citizenship? Because that was what you were saying these players should do :)

by Deuce
MJ2004 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 10:52 am
JazzNU wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:40 am Tennis Random Random is where actual on-court tennis stuff, actually relating to the game, was meant to be discussed. Tennis Players (this thread) was meant to be off-the court stuff, mostly social media stuff that players post or news about their lives that is more fluff more often than not, but could be significant, but rarely related to something truly relating to what they are doing tennis wise.
This is how I also interpret it. There is on-going confusion, though, as evidenced by when I posted that Ash Barty had retired in Tennis Random, Random, someone asked why the conversation was not in Tennis Players Random Random.

Maybe the forums should be re-worded to say something like:
Tennis Random Random (On-Court)
Tennis Players (Off-Court Shenanigans)

I'm personally not very interested in seeing modeling pictures and players' social media (I believe that was the original intent of the separation), so I might not follow the Tennis Players thread if it weren't for how randomly content gets posted into both threads.
I agree that some clarification of the sections is needed, as I've mentioned previously.

I can see...
- One section being for general tennis discussion (such as the banning of Russian and Belarusian players from tournaments in the U.K.)...
- Another section for tennis-related discussion about individual players...
- And a third section for, as you nicely put it 'Off-Court Shenanigans', which would be off court photos, pregnancy announcements, etc. - generally things which are not directly related to the tennis.

I still don't know why the word 'Random' is written twice in the title of various sections/forums. Personally, I don't see the need for it to be written even once, let alone twice, as the titles are quite self-explanatory without the word 'Random' needing to be there.
I think having so many 'Randoms' within forum titles can confuse people, which results in people posting in the wrong forum at times, and/or reading the wrong forum - because so many titles look alike.

by ptmcmahon I just reply to whatever is being discusses in whichever topic. I don't think anyone would be too upset if topics were "moved" (by admins or whoever) to the right thread :)

by oliver0001 Some people have indicated that it might be something that the Johnson administration has advocated. However, it's both the government AND the opposition who praise the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.

"Wimbledon’s decision was welcomed by the culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, who said: “Whilst the withdrawal of individual athletes is a complex issue, there is a bigger cause at stake. This decision means Putin won’t use the most iconic grand slam in tennis to try to legitimise the horrors he is inflicting on the Ukrainian people. The right move.”

Her Labour shadow, Lucy Powell, said: “We welcome this decision by Wimbledon and the LTA. The LTA is ahead of the curve compared with other national tennis bodies and they should be applauded. Sporting and cultural organisations have rightly taken a stand against Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/ ... ion-tennis

by meganfernandez This is where I'm lost...
oliver0001 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 3:43 pm "This decision means Putin won’t use the most iconic grand slam in tennis to try to legitimise the horrors he is inflicting on the Ukrainian people."
How in the world would a player's participation or success at Wimbledon legitimize the attack on Ukraine, or reflect on the attack or Russia's motivations or goals in any way? It's one thing to use sports to build up national pride, but this is a totally different issue. It's so far removed from the reality that it is meaningless, IMO.

by Deuce Maybe they'll compromise in the end: Allow Russian and Belarusian players to participate, but have Wimbledon played in Rwanda...

Idiots.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 10:32 am


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:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: to Millman
Indeed, if the AELTC is so concerned for Ukraine, put you money where it matters. Say something like: "The AELTC will donate all the proceeding from this year's Championships for Ukrainian relief". Want to be cynical? "The AELTC will donate the same amount of money WON BY RUSSIAN AND BELORUSSIAN PLAYERS during this year's Championships for Ukrainian relief".
John Millman for Tennis Commissioner. He gets my vote.

by mick1303 I'm a bit in a situation here where I have a different perspective from the majority. I'm a big tennis fan but, I'm also Ukrainian. One of those 5 millions who are "displaced". I'm still in Ukraine, but not in my native city, which is savagely shelled and destroyed by Russians. Obviously I hate their guts. It's not only Putin. He has massive support inside. Also it is true that many Russians despise war, but afraid to speak up, because police state there is brutal and vengeful, but I'm afraid those are in minority... Now let's try to predict how this ban will be seen in Russia and in Ukraine. Those Russians who sincerely support Putin, are xenophobes. They hate their countrymen who are successful in the West. The source of this hate is envy and inferiority complex. They will be EXTREMELY GLAD that Medvedev, etc. will be punished. Now about Ukraine: many here feel that "The West" kind of used us as means to weaken Russia and then betrayed us. This symbolic gesture of punishing athletes will be seen as a substitute for a real help - oil/gas embargo and giving us more advanced weapons. Only the minority will welcome this, I think. There are some people here who are in rage to such degree that they hate Russian language and break the monuments to Pushkin (which IMO is counterproductive). To conclude, I don't think that this ban is useful for Ukraine. And it is most certainly harmful for tennis.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Because Kate Middleton handing Medvedev the Wimbledon trophy would mean WHAT? Other than: he won, she gave him the trophy. I mean, she does not have to French Kiss him...
And imagine the entire world ridiculing Vlad if he were to claim some sort of moral superiority or excuse for the invasion because "Daniil Medvedev just won Wimbledon". Where would the jokes end?
---0---
Rublev. I know I always say "never believe somebody that says 'believe me' ", but this time, do. Rublev is simply refusing to say anything because he knows what happens next time he opens his mouth or signs a camera lens saying "No war, Please". Those are the words of somebody that knows what it is like to live in a dictatorship.
---0---
@Mick. Thanks for that piece. A different and certainly more educated view of the issue, but in the end all opinions are converging to the same thing: this is one stupid decision, from all points of view.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 8:07 pm Because Kate Middleton handing Medvedev the Wimbledon trophy would mean WHAT? Other than: he won, she gave him the trophy. I mean, she does not have to French Kiss him...
She could just make Pippa do it.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 1:12 am
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 8:07 pm Because Kate Middleton handing Medvedev the Wimbledon trophy would mean WHAT? Other than: he won, she gave him the trophy. I mean, she does not have to French Kiss him...
She could just make Pippa do it.
:rofl:
One more like that I am changing this forum's motto to LET'S JOKE ABOUT TENNIS...
(I find Kate to be pretty but, for my money and a weekend of real debauchery, yes, Pippa).

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 5:21 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 10:32 am


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:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: to Millman
Indeed, if the AELTC is so concerned for Ukraine, put you money where it matters. Say something like: "The AELTC will donate all the proceeding from this year's Championships for Ukrainian relief". Want to be cynical? "The AELTC will donate the same amount of money WON BY RUSSIAN AND BELORUSSIAN PLAYERS during this year's Championships for Ukrainian relief".
John Millman for Tennis Commissioner. He gets my vote.

Which is what Rublev said he suggested they should do.

by ponchi101 I am not a fan of Rublev because of his style. It does very little for my taste. But, as a person, he seems to be exactly the kind of player that one wants. Yes, he has broken racquets and sometimes he misbehaves a bit on court, but it is always aimed at himself.
So sign me up as a fan, for Rublev THE PERSON. Rublev the player I will watch and cheer for him, but it will take a lot before I become a fan of his game.
(Still, 1,000 times more enjoyable than Medvedev's).

by ti-amie I like Rublev as a player and I'm glad to see that he is a good person off court as well.

by JazzNU Kate doesn't award ish at Birmingham, Nottingham, Eastbourne, etc.. So why ban them everywhere else? I can see technically why Queen's Club would be problematic if they are worried about Wimbledon optics, though I'm not sure royals award anything at that tournament, I thought that was just the name.

If there's any truth to this, they couldn't come up with anything else less damaging to these players and setting a precedent? How about no photos or hand shaking with the royal family and the tournament director or one of the sponsor CEOs doing the trophy presentation, photo, and handshake as many other tournaments do?

Preventing a lot of points being earned or defended at these events that can have pretty far reaching consequences to certain players. Samsonova is a good example to me. It's lucky that the one tournament she won was in Germany I think, but still, you get my point. Thankfully she's done well enough since then, but she's gonna take a hit not being able to defend any of her Wimbledon points. I certainly didn't know her name in May of last year. Some other low ranked player whose game is well suited to grass that most of us have no clue about might miss out this time around because of this decision. Those few weeks on grass, the points and the money, were life changing to Samsonova's career trajectory.

by JazzNU Watch Sascha win this year and be in photos with Kate instead. 🤣🤣

by ponchi101 With his Russian dad, mom and brother? :rofl: :thumbsup:

by Suliso Maria Osorio

Image

by ponchi101 She looks very pretty there. I gather in Madrid already.

by ti-amie MCOS no longer looks like a chubby kid in the face. I agree that she looks really nice in that picture.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:55 pm She looks very pretty there. I gather in Madrid already.
She might be, but this was taken in Bogota. Not sure if the Sonesta Hotel there is one you'd know, but that's where this is.

by ponchi101 You are right. If you zoom on the picture, you can see the reflection across the street. And that is certainly NOT Madrid.
She is a very classical Colombian beauty. The long dark hair is mandatory in this country.

by Suliso She is not playing Madrid anyway, still recovering from an injury.

by ti-amie

by dryrunguy It's a good thing the legal drinking age in Spain is 18. :)

by JazzNU Just makes me like him more

by ashkor87 Alcaraz! No reason he cannot be good even at Wimbledon and USO .he is so quick, volleys well, no excessive. Topspin...serve could be better, but it will be, soon...

by ponchi101 Grass is about movement. Short, quick steps, being in balance. With the super short grass court season, it takes a few years to master that.
Still, he will be in the same position as the new guys, so sure, he can be good on it. But Wimby is the most difficult to predict.

by JazzNU Domi has done well on the Slovak version of DWTS. I think she made it to the semifinal round. This is from last week.



by ptmcmahon If they had an elevator round, she would've been the champion!

by meganfernandez do you think she already owned the headdress?
JazzNU wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 2:12 pm Domi has done well on the Slovak version of DWTS. I think she made it to the semifinal round. This is from last week.



by Suliso Belinda

Image

Image

Naomi

Image

Sloane

Image

by meganfernandez Not sure where else to put this. Maybe we need a Tennis Players Behaving Badly thread.




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by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 11:01 pm Not sure where else to put this. Maybe we need a Tennis Players Behaving Badly thread.

...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It would vacate this topic.
I remember the one day John McEnroe berated one line judge, and the line judge got up. It was Johnny Sample, former NFL Defensive Line Backer. Mac went back to the service line.
These little punks are such cowards. They know the Chair can't even reply. The Bravery Of Being Out Of Range.

by Deuce Moutet is the kind of guy who probably has a chip on his shoulder in pretty much every situation, not just on the tennis court.

When my linesperson and umpire friends have asked me why I don't become a linesman, my reply is always the same: "Because I would never just stand/sit there and say nothing to these jerks. Maybe I'd give crap right back to them just as much as they give it to me... or maybe I'd reply to them with 'Ok, maybe I made a mistake - it's possible... but you've made 8 unforced errors in the past 20 minutes, so who are you to criticize my ONE possible error?'"

by Suliso Elina Svitolina

Image

by ti-amie When she was in Chicago she made a point of seeking out what some consider the best Ukrainian restaurant in the area specifically for their borscht.

by Suliso On the court I find her boring, but I feel sorry for her due to situation in Ukraine. Off court she's a decent person as far as I could see...

by ponchi101 I find her funny, and I think she is a total overachiever. With THAT game, she has won a lot and has reached a very high ranking.
She is a bit of a Wosniacki to me, with even a bit less power. So I give her credit.

by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Thu Apr 28, 2022 7:08 pm Elina Svitolina

Image
Nevermind 'silver spoons' - now we're talking GOLD spoons!

I've always been rather neutral about Svitolina in all aspects... I sympathize with her because of the situation in Ukraine... but I completely disagree with her position that all Russian and Belarusian players should be banned from the tour. I find that position to be based solely on emotion, and not at all on intelligence (what tangible good would it do to ban these players?). And it is also extremely unjust.

by ashkor87 Nike honors Serena by naming their new 1 million sq foot building after her..whom do we honor?! As Steve Jobs said..a great brand-buildng story..

by ashkor87
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 28, 2022 7:49 pm I find her funny, and I think she is a total overachiever. With THAT game, she has won a lot and has reached a very high ranking.
She is a bit of a Wosniacki to me, with even a bit less power. So I give her credit.
Totally agree..she has done a lot with what God gave her..commendable..

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 11:40 am
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 28, 2022 7:49 pm I find her funny, and I think she is a total overachiever. With THAT game, she has won a lot and has reached a very high ranking.
She is a bit of a Wosniacki to me, with even a bit less power. So I give her credit.
Totally agree..she has done a lot with what God gave her..commendable..
Hell of a competitor. Too bad God didn't give her a second serve. She might have won a Slam.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 4:13 pm ...

Hell of a competitor. Too bad God didn't give her a second serve. She might have won a Slam.
God GAVE her a second serve. It's her first one...

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 4:30 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 4:13 pm ...

Hell of a competitor. Too bad God didn't give her a second serve. She might have won a Slam.
God GAVE her a second serve. It's her first one...
:lol:

by Suliso Image

by ponchi101 Translation:
Tennis #1 talks about mental health, Nadal, and why she wants people to have fun.
"I did not start thinking about being the best until I got to be second"

by Suliso Is that a Spanish magazine or South American? I wonder why they chose Iga for a cover.

by dmforever
Suliso wrote: Sat Apr 30, 2022 7:26 pm Is that a Spanish magazine or South American? I wonder why they chose Iga for a cover.
Google says it's Spanish. ;)

Kevin

by Suliso Simona

Image

by Suliso Image

Donna Vekic

Image

by meganfernandez Can’t remember the thread where Deuce asked about Kenin recently… maybe Madrid. Anyway, looks like she had surgery and is rehabbing well.




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by Deuce
Suliso wrote: Sun May 01, 2022 9:53 am Simona

Image
No - come on - that can't be Halep...
It's got to be Svitolina - disguised as Halep!

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Sun May 01, 2022 7:02 pm
Suliso wrote: Sun May 01, 2022 9:53 am Simona

Image
No - come on - that can't be Halep...
It's got to be Svitolina - disguised as Halep!
The woman in the picture looks nothing like Halep to me.

by Suliso I agree. Photoshopped like crazy.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Mon May 02, 2022 4:43 am I agree. Photoshopped like crazy.
She is glowering, too. I've never seen Halep with this facial expression.

by ponchi101 I recognized her... :P
It's just Simona with a bit longer hair, and good production.

by ti-amie

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 1:40 am
^ Strict parents? :D

"CARLOS!!!!!!!!!!! DID YOU USE MY CREDIT CARD TO ORDER THOSE RACQUETS???!!!!???"

by ashkor87 I thought it was Melania

by ponchi101 Translation:
I don't like to be called Carlos. I like Carlitos or Charlie. Sincerely, Carlos sounds too serious to me and it sounds as if I have done something wrong.

It is a very common theme in L. America. When your mom calls you by your full name, you know you are in trouble.

by atlpam
ponchi101 wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 3:29 pm Translation:
I don't like to be called Carlos. I like Carlitos or Charlie. Sincerely, Carlos sounds too serious to me and it sounds as if I have done something wrong.

It is a very common theme in L. America. When your mom calls you by your full name, you know you are in trouble.
My favorite Murphy Brown episode was when she finally decided on a name for the baby and was then asked what the middle name would be. When asked why he needed a middle name, the reply was so he would know when she was mad at him. I must admit that it felt very satisfying to use my son's full name in those situations (he has 2 middle names).

by MJ2004
Deuce wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 4:09 am ^ Strict parents? :D
My take-away - if Carlitos' parents were willing to be strict with him, hopefully the tennis fans of the world can escape having to watch yet another entitled, self-absorbed brat. He seems like he takes after Rafa and has a more sensible head on his shoulders.

by ponchi101 You mean: you DO NOT like players banging their racquets against the chair? Long toilet breaks? Questioning the audience's intelligence? :o
Indeed. Let's hope in a short while we will have Alcaraz and Sinner and, for example, Hurkacz at the top.

by Suliso Image

Image

by Deuce
MJ2004 wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 5:05 pm
Deuce wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 4:09 am ^ Strict parents? :D
My take-away - if Carlitos' parents were willing to be strict with him, hopefully the tennis fans of the world can escape having to watch yet another entitled, self-absorbed brat. He seems like he takes after Rafa and has a more sensible head on his shoulders.
ponchi101 wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 5:12 pm You mean: you DO NOT like players banging their racquets against the chair? Long toilet breaks? Questioning the audience's intelligence? :o
Indeed. Let's hope in a short while we will have Alcaraz and Sinner and, for example, Hurkacz at the top.
While I certainly agree that the entitled, spoiled behaviour of some players is unhealthy - and annoying -, I also feel that it provides a necessary contrast to the behaviour of the more mature players. It also helps us to appreciate the players who have a genuine respect.

That said, I also have no problem with players yelling at themselves or smashing racquets in frustration with their own play. If those things are an honest display of emotion, I think it's great. I prefer the allowance of honest emotion to an overzealous control.

I, personally, don't want all players to behave the same. A homogeneous society - any society, including the tennis society - is both boring and unhealthy.

by ptmcmahon
ponchi101 wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 3:29 pm Translation:
I don't like to be called Carlos. I like Carlitos or Charlie. Sincerely, Carlos sounds too serious to me and it sounds as if I have done something wrong.

It is a very common theme in L. America. When your mom calls you by your full name, you know you are in trouble.
Not just Latin America, and not just your mom. :)

by Suliso Daniele Collins

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by ponchi101 Hard to believe she is not signed with a clothing sponsor.
Or is she? Has she found a NB replacement?

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sat May 07, 2022 3:08 pm Hard to believe she is not signed with a clothing sponsor.
Or is she? Has she found a NB replacement?
Not even a little hard to believe, I've been over this. Unless she announces a new clothing sponsor in Rome, she's still only got her pitiful list of limited sponsors and no clothing sponsor.

by Deuce ^ And I love it.
It's a very refreshing change from players scrambling to quickly put on their watch right after a match win, or being walking billboards, or otherwise making sure their sponsors are seen - rather than doing what comes naturally and allowing the emotions flow freely, their minds too often go to "I must satisfy my sponsors".

I, personally, don't judge a person - or their level of 'success' - by how many sponsors or endorsements one has.

(“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better - whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson)

by Suliso Image

Heather Watson

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Image

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by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 3:01 am ...

Not even a little hard to believe, I've been over this. Unless she announces a new clothing sponsor in Rome, she's still only got her pitiful list of limited sponsors and no clothing sponsor.
But do we know why? Nobody is approaching her, or is she being selective? I would find her perfect for some of the smaller labels: a Lullulemon, Sketchers (if they wanted to come into the sport), even Reebok. NB was a very good fit.
If she is being choosey, fine. Her decision. If nobody is approaching the #1 american player, that is very odd.
Dumb question: can she be seen as "too old"? She is 28 (I would find that silly, but marketing is so weird).

by Suliso Maria Sakkari (St Peter's cathedral in the background)

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by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 5:03 pm
JazzNU wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 3:01 am ...

Not even a little hard to believe, I've been over this. Unless she announces a new clothing sponsor in Rome, she's still only got her pitiful list of limited sponsors and no clothing sponsor.
But do we know why? Nobody is approaching her, or is she being selective? I would find her perfect for some of the smaller labels: a Lullulemon, Sketchers (if they wanted to come into the sport), even Reebok. NB was a very good fit.
If she is being choosey, fine. Her decision. If nobody is approaching the #1 american player, that is very odd.
Dumb question: can she be seen as "too old"? She is 28 (I would find that silly, but marketing is so weird).
Maybe age. Maybe she's holding out for more money. I don't think it's because she's unlikeable, which is her reputation on TAT. I know plenty of people who like Collins a lot.

by ti-amie Not a shenanigan but it shows how fandoms can be so wrong about things...



And yes it is Flavia and her oldest I think.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 09, 2022 6:45 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 5:03 pm
JazzNU wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 3:01 am ...

Not even a little hard to believe, I've been over this. Unless she announces a new clothing sponsor in Rome, she's still only got her pitiful list of limited sponsors and no clothing sponsor.
But do we know why? Nobody is approaching her, or is she being selective? I would find her perfect for some of the smaller labels: a Lullulemon, Sketchers (if they wanted to come into the sport), even Reebok. NB was a very good fit.
If she is being choosey, fine. Her decision. If nobody is approaching the #1 american player, that is very odd.
Dumb question: can she be seen as "too old"? She is 28 (I would find that silly, but marketing is so weird).
Maybe age. Maybe she's holding out for more money. I don't think it's because she's unlikeable, which is her reputation on TAT. I know plenty of people who like Collins a lot.
Her reputation as being unlikeable extends well beyond here...
Regardless of how likeable or not she is in 'real life', her demeanour on-court is not that of a likeable person. She is loud, aggressive, never smiling on court... her facial expression is usually dour on court... I believe she's had a few on-court conflicts with other players, as well...
She's a lot like Coco Vandeweghe, who also isn't exactly a marketer's dream.

All of this simply doesn't lend itself to attracting sponsors/endorsements, of course. With someone like Kyrgios, it's different - he behaves like an ass, and, regardless of how people feel about him, people will pay to see him because they know it'll be a spectacle. Even people who hate him will pay to watch him. He's entertaining. He's also an exceptionally talented player, and can hit shots that no-one else can hit. All of this lends itself to marketing.
With Collins, it's not like that at all. There is no spectacle. She is not highly entertaining. She does not possess magical tennis abilities like Kyrgios does... Plus, her on-court demeanour turns people off more than anything.
She's simply not very marketable. And she seems ok with that - which makes me like her :D .

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 5:03 pm
JazzNU wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 3:01 am ...

Not even a little hard to believe, I've been over this. Unless she announces a new clothing sponsor in Rome, she's still only got her pitiful list of limited sponsors and no clothing sponsor.
But do we know why? Nobody is approaching her, or is she being selective? I would find her perfect for some of the smaller labels: a Lullulemon, Sketchers (if they wanted to come into the sport), even Reebok. NB was a very good fit.
If she is being choosey, fine. Her decision. If nobody is approaching the #1 american player, that is very odd.
Dumb question: can she be seen as "too old"? She is 28 (I would find that silly, but marketing is so weird).
I doubt many are approaching her. I've said this many times on here. It's not about her likability. She's not widely likable, and that's not a TAT thing, that's a thing many places. There is plenty of, I like her game, but don't care for her, etc. etc. She has fans that love her intensity, but that's just not the majority. BUT, it ebbs and flows. More people disliked her in 2019 than they do now for instance and to a certain extent, it's that people have gotten used to her. But even if she's not the most likable, that has nothing to do with getting sponsors at the end of the day when she's American, pretty, and blonde. Her age doesn't matter, these aren't 20 year contracts. But at this point, while she may be holding out for more money from a place or two, I doubt she's highly sought after because she's ish at marketing herself and there's just no way market research says she moves the needle enough right now to offer anything significant. She also had the sh!tshow in NC that is a red flag for brands, she's absolutely awful at social media in general, and then she does the social media thing she thinks the US soccer players did, but is 100% wrong about the way they went about it. She's a bad brand ambassador, unreliable in just about every way and you won't know what you're getting from her so probably an iffy investment, especially if she's not willing to take a lower offer and wants something that she thinks a top 10 player would be offered.

She could fix it all in like 3-6 months time. Will she? She's had 2 years to fix her NC gaffe and hasn't, she hid. So no reason to think she'll suddenly figure out she needs to market herself better than she does. There was a brief moment last year where I thought she was making an attempt, but that disappeared pretty quickly.

by JazzNU From the many Miami Grand Prix events over the weekend. That is Patrick Mahomes on the left for the non-Americans who don't follow the NFL.


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by Suliso Steffi with her son

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by JazzNU
JazzNU wrote: Tue May 10, 2022 4:44 pm
She could fix it all in like 3-6 months time. Will she? She's had 2 years to fix her NC gaffe and hasn't, she hid. So no reason to think she'll suddenly figure out she needs to market herself better than she does. There was a brief moment last year where I thought she was making an attempt, but that disappeared pretty quickly.
FWIW @ponchi, I went to her IG page after I posted this. Here's an update that should give you hope - I have previously wondered why her management is so bad at getting her to fix these issues to the point where I wondered if she had any real representation. I'm positive that she was not represented by IMG at this year's Aussie Open or even Miami Open. But she is represented by them now I see, this is a very recent change. I would assume that they will fix all of this in short order and maybe she finally realized how much she was leaving on the table being so blase with off-court endorsements, let alone decent clothing, shoe and racquet contract and figured out she needed real pros at this working for her. But she also had time to do this before and didn't, so some of this will still be on her and it can't all be about new management. But it's a great sign she finally got experienced representation. I would guess that her social media being active and her posting some very nice off-court photos in the last month is all a product of new management. Like I said, easy to fix, she just hasn't really tried to. She's a Marketing 101 case, this isn't difficult. The posts are still too Dani-esque, but hey, it's a start in the right direction. With IMG's connections and track record, you won't be asking why she's sponsorless very soon.

by ti-amie

by Suliso Elina Svitolina is pregnant. A baby girl is expected in October. Confirmed by herself on TW.

by ponchi101 With the Ukrainian situation, and a baby coming, I gather that at a minimum she will be out of the tour for 2 years, if she decides to come back after birth.
But good for them. They'll be happy (or even more).

by JazzNU Been rumored for the last month that this was the case. I'm a bit surprised though just because of the timing, but wish them well.



by Liamvalid Looks like Laura Robson has officially retired. Her US Open run in 2012 was one of my highlights of watching tennis as a Brit. Not only was she a great player to watch with lots of potential, but she had a likeable personality too! Gutted for her that her career was cut short, but I am enjoying her commentary for Prime tennis

by JazzNU Kara Juvan in Strasbourg. Such a pretty city, some great shots here if you scroll.



by ti-amie Strasbourg reminds me of Bruges in Belgium, another hidden gem of a city.

by JazzNU Czech Vogue went all in on tennis for the upcoming issue! Very nice for all involved. Looks like Martina is the one who interviewed them. Barbora's interview was definitely done by her since she mentioned it specifically on her IG.









by dmforever This is cool. I really like Martina but I would not have recognized her in that pic. Thanks for posting these. :)

Kevin

by ti-amie I'm glad to see they included Martina. The pics are great and reflect each woman's personality.

by ponchi101 Very good shots. Petra's coat is lovely. Karo looks very pretty. Barbora, I think, could have gone for something younger.
Martina is not recognizable, indeed.

by Owendonovan Good on Vogue for this. Barbora looks like a different woman in almost every picture I see of her. I can never picture her clearly in my mind.

by JTContinental The arm positioning on Pliskova's photo is crazy and makes it look like she is trying to avoid a wardrobe malfunction

by mmmm8 How much did Yonex pay for that?

by JazzNU While I technically agree that Barbora could've gone for something younger, it's also the easily among the very best I've ever seen her look in many ways. Not sure if others recall what she's worn and hair and makeup at the WTA Finals, for instance.

As for Martina, you're all lucky to be seeing the post with her photo. Breezed right by her photo thinking, who the heck is this and why is she in the same issue?

by Suliso Not bad overall. Czech tennis is so strong, the new generation is already coming up to replace these ladies.

by Suliso Image

by ponchi101
JTContinental wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 12:43 am The arm positioning on Pliskova's photo is crazy and makes it look like she is trying to avoid a wardrobe malfunction
Or make one ;)

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 7:59 am Image
Odd that Badosa doesn't look this good in photoshoots. And he's the model.

by dmforever I agree 100%. She's very pretty, yet most of the photo shoots I've seen of her don't capture her beauty at all. This is a really nice pic of her.

Kevin

by meganfernandez Not sure where this goes, but since the first post on this thread is about Asia Muhammad…she is one of the only people who “likes” my Instagram stories. Started recently. No idea how she started following me. Obviously, I’m a big fan now. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ponchi101 I didn't know you were writing IG stories. Can you post a link?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 4:35 pm I didn't know you were writing IG stories. Can you post a link?
I don't know how to link to a story. Here's my account if you want to follow. Are you on Instagram?

by ponchi101 No. Not in IG :( I guess I will miss them.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:No. Not in IG :( I guess I will miss them.
You might be able to still see them. I’m not sure. If not, you aren’t missing much. Just me whining about losing matches and revealing tips that everyone learned decades ago.

However, I won a fantastic match last night. Tried to blow it and failed. At 4-5 in the second-set tiebreak, when I was up a set, I caught myself going, "In 10 minutes, when you're crushed that you lost this match after controlling most of it, you're going to with you had played this point differently. This will be the story of the match. You will wish you had played it with belief." :roll: Luckily I snapped out of it and actually played the point that way, since it hadn't actually happened yet. Told myself to trust my forehand, relax, make some shots. Won a long rally, the kind I had been losing in the second set, and the intensity forced her into a couple errors. GSM. Honestly, I spent that whole 4-5 changeover preparing emotionally to handle the crushing loss after leading a set and 4-2. And yet I was still in the lead! Only down one point in the TB! Crazy! That's how little belief I have that I won't make errors when it's tight.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 5:33 pm
ponchi101 wrote:No. Not in IG :( I guess I will miss them.
You might be able to still see them. I’m not sure. If not, you aren’t missing much. Just me whining about losing matches and revealing tips that everyone learned decades ago.
IG Stories can only be viewed by those with accounts. IG Stories have always been that way, but IG in general has definitely cracked down on the amount of posts one can easily view without an account. Direct links I believe always work, but without an account, they make it a hassle to just scroll through someone's page without being signed in.


@ponchi, you can always use one of you 10 burner emails to create a profile.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 7:56 pm ...


@ponchi, you can always use one of you 10 burner emails to create a profile.
Four. Only four ;)
Uhm, maybe I can create a TAT2.0 e-mail and use that one... :geek:

by dryrunguy I guess I'll put this here. Venus just posted a new YouTube video on how to hit a second serve. I'm afraid to watch it.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 3:08 pm Not sure where this goes, but since the first post on this thread is about Asia Muhammad…she is one of the only people who “likes” my Instagram stories. Started recently. No idea how she started following me. Obviously, I’m a big fan now. :)
Was one of them that she 'liked' the Gilles Simon story? :D

You should write one about Asia herself.
When you write about one of your matches, you could write:
"At match point down, I had an epiphany! I asked myself 'What would Asia Muhammad do in this situation?' And with that renewed strength, I was able to pull myself out of the abyss and eventually win the match!"
:D

by JazzNU
dryrunguy wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 10:34 pm I guess I'll put this here. Venus just posted a new YouTube video on how to hit a second serve. I'm afraid to watch it.
Why are you afraid to watch? There are a lot of players on tour who should give her serve videos a look. A lot.

by dryrunguy
JazzNU wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 11:03 pm
dryrunguy wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 10:34 pm I guess I'll put this here. Venus just posted a new YouTube video on how to hit a second serve. I'm afraid to watch it.
Why are you afraid to watch? There are a lot of players on tour who should give her serve videos a look. A lot.
It's just the wear and tear of all those double faults set point or match point down. :bath:

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 11:03 pm ...

Why are you afraid to watch? There are a lot of players on tour who should give her serve videos a look. A lot.
Don't know. That was/is a pretty signature stroke. You need her amazing eye/hand coordination. I would say that it was pretty much like Sampras' serve, which nobody has imitated (Federer and Grigor come close but they are not the same).
I am sure she can give good pointers but, in the hands of the wrong player, that serve translates into one decapitated ball kid per match.

by JazzNU
dryrunguy wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 11:14 pm
JazzNU wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 11:03 pm
dryrunguy wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 10:34 pm I guess I'll put this here. Venus just posted a new YouTube video on how to hit a second serve. I'm afraid to watch it.
Why are you afraid to watch? There are a lot of players on tour who should give her serve videos a look. A lot.
It's just the wear and tear of all those double faults set point or match point down. :bath:
You're acting like she doesn't have hundreds of clutch wins under her belt though. Her videos in the past have been great, I'm sure these are the same. I know she showed a kick serve recently. I think it's great she's putting these out there. A lot of people could be interested in playing tennis but can't afford lessons and wouldn't seek out random YT guy to watch but will watch her. It's a good thing to make tennis more approachable and accessible.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Heather Watson celebrating her 30th birthday in Paris



by JazzNU Marie Bouzkova graduating from the IU East college program that the WTA has a partnership with.



by JazzNU Was it mentioned already that Johanna Konta is expecting? I can't remember, she announced it earlier this month. This isn't her announcement, so this isn't a repeat post even if that was already mentioned.



by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 8:34 pm Heather Watson celebrating her 30th birthday in Paris


She looks wonderful

by ponchi101 She always does. She is a very classical beauty.

by JazzNU Katie Swan



by JazzNU Shelby Rogers on the Seine



by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 9:14 pm
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 8:34 pm Heather Watson celebrating her 30th birthday in Paris


She looks wonderful
Glad to see that she's dressing better - at least a little better - as she matures.
She was pretty 'out there' when she was younger.

by Suliso
ponchi101 wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 10:31 pm She always does. She is a very classical beauty.
Classical beauty? I wouldn't say that, but she has a funny style I happen to like.

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Tue May 24, 2022 6:50 am
ponchi101 wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 10:31 pm She always does. She is a very classical beauty.
Classical beauty? I wouldn't say that, but she has a funny style I happen to like.
Classical beauty: no odd features that are still attractive. No odd nose (Alicia Wikander), slightly crooked teeth (Kirsten Dunst), minor exaggerated feature (Lilly Collins' eyebrows).
Of course, in this case, we are really talking about something in the eye of the beholder.

by JazzNU From Miami Grand Prix two weeks ago. If you go to the second photo of Caro's, you'll see Juan Martin with her, in addition to the separate post.






by JazzNU More photos from the Czech Vogue spread









by dmforever Those are all great pics. I especially love the pic of Martina. Thanks for the post.

Kevin

by ti-amie Image

Translated from the German by @Saraja

' Since Steffi Graf ended her active tennis career, she has rarely been seen in public. But that was never desirable for the 52-year-old. "I basically have little need for publicity," Graf told Vogue Germany magazine, on whose current cover she can be seen. In times of social media, many people are growing up with a new form of publicity. Admittedly, young people could also derive self-confidence from it.

"But the constant desire to communicate, this awareness of publicity and the handling of it have almost become a must," said Graf. »In any case, it has become more difficult to keep the focus on the essentials, to find the right balance and a balance
Even during my career, my privacy was very important to me, which could have to do with the fact that I was already in the spotlight at such a young age," says the former world number one.'

by ti-amie Image

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:Image
She looks great - maybe too old for age though. They forgot to pop her collar. So noticeable next to a cover line about that very thing.

People will be snarky about “serving greatness,” but I am more offended but it’s utter lameness and lack of originality.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Sat May 28, 2022 11:02 am
ti-amie wrote:Image
She looks great - maybe too old for age though. They forgot to pop her collar. So noticeable next to a cover line about that very thing.

People will be snarky about “serving greatness,” but I am more offended but it’s utter lameness and lack of originality.
Spot on. Not only she is not a "great" yet, it is pretty lame.
About Steffi: :clap: :clap: :clap: Love her even more for not wanting to live a Kardashian life.

by JazzNU Petra visiting Montmartre in the first photo earlier in the week and then last night at an event ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix


Image


by JazzNU Camila Osorio exploring Paris. This was last week, but she's been posting stuff on her Stories too, looks like she's enjoying the city.



by JazzNU Daniela Hantuchova in Bratislava last week



by JazzNU And a quick sponsor update. I believe this is not every single one, but the ones that are competing at RG, i.e. Federer is surely still in the Rolex family. It's who they included in their Good Luck at RG message

Rolex ambassadors currently include - Carlos Alcaraz, Bianca Andreescu, Belinda Bencic, Grigor Dimitrov, Taylor Fritz, Caroline Garcia, Coco Gauff, Angelique Kerber, Garbine Muguruza, Lorenzo Musetti, Jelena Ostapenko, Jannik Sinner, and Sloane Stephens

by JazzNU Roger at the Spanish Grand Prix last week with Lewis Hamilton on the left and George Russell on the right. Also the family got a dog.






by JazzNU Maria Kirilenko



by ponchi101 Unrecognizable.

by JazzNU Here's a more casual pic


by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 3:20 pmUnrecognizable.
I think she's just fully matured now. But also, I always remember, she could look quite a bit different to me on-court with her hair up vs. off when her hair was down. Sometimes I'd recognize her immediately, other times not as much and it took a bit. Not Svitolina chameleon like, but not definitely not one note. And right now, on her IG, I can see 3 recent photos, 2 of which I posted here, that don't look nearly as similar as you'd think they should being taken so near in time to one another, so I think it's just the way it is with her.

by JazzNU Mackie McDonald in Paris. Not sure of everyone in the photos, but in the 2nd photo, pretty sure that's Brandon Nakashima 3rd from the right.



by JazzNU Camila at the Louvre



by ti-amie Camila has become quite a beautiful young woman.

by Suliso More Petra

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And Camilla

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Pliskova

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by ti-amie Of all the Czech players it's Petra who has the model looks. The camera loves her and she comes alive in those photo shoots.

by Suliso
ti-amie wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 7:05 pm Of all the Czech players it's Petra who has the model looks. The camera loves her and she comes alive in those photo shoots.
Agree, but I think she doesn't have a personality for it. Not someone who wants to be in the spotlight all the time.

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 7:11 pm
ti-amie wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 7:05 pm Of all the Czech players it's Petra who has the model looks. The camera loves her and she comes alive in those photo shoots.
Agree, but I think she doesn't have a personality for it. Not someone who wants to be in the spotlight all the time.
Totally agree.

by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 7:01 pm Camila has become quite a beautiful young woman.
It's just that most of the times we see her, she is on a court, drenched in sweat.
She is pretty and, as I said, she is a very classical Colombian beauty. The long, raven hair and eyes are easy to find here. Not that I consider that in any way an inconvenience.

by JazzNU Carlito, Juan Carlos, Sergio Garcia, and Rafa at the Champions League Final this weekend



by JazzNU Danka Kovinic



by JazzNU Mary Pierce. Third photo has Tsonga, Patrick, Michael Llodra, and the unknown guy is going to be a TV commentator.



by JazzNU Matteo and brother Jacopo at Cannes



by JazzNU Interesting...



by ponchi101 I hope it was because Ruzici wanted to retire. I don't get these ideas of praising somebody for 14 years of working together, but you split.
"You have been the best girlfriend of my life, but it is time to move on. I want to welcome Vanessa to my life!"

by ti-amie

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:49 pm
She's absolutely right - we are people first.
She's fortunate in that her chosen profession allows her to have a well-lit stage upon which she has the opportunities to express her thoughts, opinions, and beliefs, to be heard by millions.
I'm glad that the thoughts she's expressing are meaningful ones.

by Suliso Anett Kontaveit

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by JazzNU Donna Vekic in London



by JazzNU Nastia in Paris



by ponchi101 Donna is ready for an excellent watch ad.
She looks very pretty.

by Suliso Paula

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Iga

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by Suliso Wozniacki and family

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Image

by Suliso Image

Jil Teichmann

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by ponchi101 I looked up Anett's watch. Zenith is one of the "small" Swiss legacy watchmakers. I think the one Anett is wearing retails for about $7,000, which by today's standards, is in the low end of luxury watches. But a very classic design. I guess it suits her.

by Deuce My watch costs $32.
And it tells the time just as well as any watch.

If I were a pro player, I would endorse my $32 watch. Because I think that using a watch as a 'status symbol' is both silly and unhealthy for society.

by Fastbackss Your complete aversion to sponsorship and wish/expectation for how players should handle the "opportunities" (whilst they have a finite window for earning power I might add) is well known at this point.

by Deuce Many perspectives on many subjects from several posters here are well known at this point.
So what?

As others, including you, do, I'll continue to express my thoughts whether you approve of them or not, thanks.

by ti-amie

Sloane is killing it here. She looks wonderful.

by ponchi101 Wow!

by Suliso Iga

Image

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote:Iga

Image
The champ loves a pantsuit.

by Fastbackss Is that a hotel? If so a cool design and artwork

by ponchi101 I actually thought it was a museum, but you are right. Maybe a hotel. Looks great.

by Suliso Danielle Collins

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by ponchi101 Very pretty. :thumbsup:

by Suliso Danka Kovinic

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by meganfernandez

by Owendonovan
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Jun 12, 2022 2:50 am
Suliso wrote:Iga

Image
The champ loves a pantsuit.
"Lesbian chic"

by ti-amie

by Suliso Stephens in the White House

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Badosa

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by ponchi101 Not that it takes Sloane much effort to look smashing.
Badosa, as always.

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by Deuce I still say he looks like Troy Aikman.

by Suliso Image

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez Realities of being a child in an adult world. Remarkable how she has navigated this period of her career.



Coco Gauff is not afraid to admit it. During the summer of 2019, when she suddenly emerged as tennis’s next superstar aged just 15, she briefly fell into the trap of believing her own hype.

Beating Venus Williams at Wimbledon, and progressing to the fourth round – the youngest player to do so in 29 years – Gauff found herself splashed across the front pages, overnight billed as a contender for every tournament she entered.

Three months later, at the US Open, she was thrashed by then reigning champion Naomi Osaka in the third round. Gauff, she admits now, was crushed. “It wasn’t that I believed I could win the tournament,” says Gauff, reflecting on her tears at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“It’s that I expected to. The Naomi match [at the US Open], now I look back at it I’d say there was no chance that girl would beat her, but in my head at the time it felt like I had to win. At 15, I just put so much on myself.”

Alongside the insane highs of teenage stardom, Gauff – who is still only 18 – is realistic in recounting her angst-ridden first year on tour, with a refreshing ability to laugh at her younger self.

She speaks about being 15 the way an older, wiser sister might – with a mixture of protectiveness and lighthearted ridicule. When she meets up with Telegraph Sport in Berlin, fresh from reaching the French Open final, fans crane their necks to catch a glimpse of her.

The spotlight is constant, but Gauff is unfailingly polite and patient with every person she meets – introducing herself by name and thanking them for their time.

Walking into the players’ tent, she wears an easy smile, greeting fellow players and giving a little wave to her father and coach Corey, who sits out of earshot across the room on a sofa. The intense pressure Gauff has experienced in her short career would have been grounds to make any parent feel protective.

Watch back the footage of the fresh-faced Gauff in her famous win over Williams, and the words “prodigy” and “future champion” were thrown around like sweets.

Overnight she achieved worldwide fame, major sponsorship deals and magazine cover shoots. Not that it was entirely unexpected – when she was barely out of primary school, the girl from Florida was already telling anyone who would listen: “I want to be the greatest”.

Aged 10, she was hand-picked to train with Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’s former coach. As a standout junior she won the French Open girls’ title aged 14 and reached the junior US Open final. But her life-altering graduation to the big leagues still took some getting used to.

Looking back on her breakthrough blur now Gauff wishes she could have offered her 15-year-old self some blunt advice. “I would say, ‘You’re crazy, you’re putting so much pressure on yourself’,” she laughs. “She was crazy.”

“I think I’ve learnt a lot over the last three years,” she says now. “That moment – beating Venus at Wimbledon – made me believe that my dreams were closer to reality than it felt. It was definitely a lot to deal with. The biggest thing I’ve learnt is you don’t have to care about what other people expect from you. Just enjoy the moment. I wasn’t enjoying the moment then.”

Heading into Wimbledon next week, Gauff’s mentality has changed significantly. Rather than a sports psychologist, or new coach, she credits the epiphany to solo walks around the Jardin des Tuileries during the French Open. She had just celebrated her high-school graduation, and was in reflective mood.

“It just kind of happened,” she says. “I would go on walks in the morning, people watch. You take a step back from life and your own head. Seeing the ducks in the lake, that little moment … I don’t know how to put it into words without sounding crazy, but it made me feel there’s more to life than tennis and that took a big weight off my shoulders. And I definitely played like that in Paris.”


With no entourage around her, she had space to think. “Usually before tournaments, especially during Covid, I would be in the hotel. I think I got too caught up in tennis, tennis, tennis. I almost had main-character syndrome.”

Achieving this “zen”, as she calls it, was key to making her first major final, as well as the doubles final with compatriot Jessica Pegula. Though she was well beaten by world No 1 Iga Swiatek, the dominant force in tennis, Gauff made as much progress off the court as she did on it.

“People come up to me and say they support me regardless of whether I win or lose, and it almost brings me to tears,” she says. “Because when I was younger, even 15 or 16, I would think that people would only like me if I won.”

It shows how grounded she remains – for which she credits her family. Pushy parents in tennis, in particular fathers who coach their daughters, have often gained unsavoury reputations – with high-profile examples of abuse and burnout before the player reaches their prime.

But Gauff’s father has ploughed a different path. Having coached her since she was six, he had the foresight recently to employ coach Diego Moyano to supplement her training.

“We’ve heard some horror stories in tennis regarding tennis dads,” she says. “I’m so thankful to my dad. Between him and my mum, he’s always the one pulling me out of tennis, telling me to go do something else if I’ve only been doing tennis for a few days.”

Her parents insisted she finish her schooling, and are intent on Gauff taking college classes alongside playing. They also encourage her to speak out on social issues that have hit close to home.

In 2020, at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, Gauff made an off-the-cuff speech at a protest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. It went viral. And when she won her semi-final in Paris this month, she wrote “End gun violence” on the television camera lens in response to the school shooting in Texas.

“The first thing my dad said to me after I got off court: ‘I’m proud of you and I love what you wrote on the camera’,” she said at the time.

It is an activist streak that runs in her blood, she explains. Her maternal grandmother, Yvonne Lee, was the first black student to integrate her high school in Florida more than 60 years ago.

“Those are issues [racism and gun violence] that, regardless of politics you believe in, can definitely be resolved,” Gauff says. “I think for me it’s important to talk about that. If I don’t, I’m doing a disservice to my family, because my family – and my grandmother especially – have pretty much been activists, so I’d feel like I’m doing a disservice to the people that came before me, my ancestors.”

As she speaks, confidently traversing some of the most challenging issues of our time, it is easy to forget Gauff is still a teenager. Until she breezily switches into talking about the joy of life without homework, binge-watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, and her younger brothers mocking her French Open final defeat.

'At Wimbledon you feel like you're the Queen'
“My brothers cracked me up,” she says. “Codey [14] was like, ‘You’re in Paris and you just made a final and you’re crying’. To my youngest brother [Cameron, nine], he was like, ‘You’re going to turn into a meme! You better stop crying’. Codey probably doesn’t know how much making a joke in that moment meant, but it meant a lot to me.”

If she was crestfallen after losing in Paris, Gauff bounced back with ease reaching the semi-final in Berlin on grass. Now she is tipped as one of a new young generation of contenders at Wimbledon, including 21-year-old favourite Swiatek and US Open champion Emma Raducanu.

“It’s definitely a transition happening,” she says of her peers. “It’s pretty cool. Emma and Iga I didn’t know as well during juniors, but we always played some of the same tournaments though and played ITFs at the same time. To see everyone you’ve known for a long time doing well, it’s cool. I always root for Iga, Emma or Leylah [Fernandez] when I’m not playing them.”

Wimbledon, she insists, remains the tournament she feels most nervous at. Walking through the tunnel on to Centre Court, blaring rap music from J. Cole or Jaden Smith in her headphones, the juxtaposition between the teen spirit she represents and the “whole royalty thing” at SW19 is most stark to her.

“Other tournaments play into pop culture and urban areas, but there you feel like you’re the Queen.”

by ponchi101 :clap: :clap: :clap: Coco :thumbsup:

by Cuckoo4Coco Coco is amazing. She is my role model and she is only 18 years old. Well, I am only 16 years old.

by ponchi101
Cuckoo4Coco wrote: Sun Jun 26, 2022 2:51 pm Coco is amazing. She is my role model and she is only 18 years old. Well, I am only 16 years old.
She gave, yesterday, very thoughtful ideas regarding the current situation in the USA involving the SCOTUS' decision. It seems to me she is a person that thinks before she speaks. A priceless personal trait.

by Cuckoo4Coco
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:08 pm
Cuckoo4Coco wrote: Sun Jun 26, 2022 2:51 pm Coco is amazing. She is my role model and she is only 18 years old. Well, I am only 16 years old.
She gave, yesterday, very thoughtful ideas regarding the current situation in the USA involving the SCOTUS' decision. It seems to me she is a person that thinks before she speaks. A priceless personal trait.
I will have to look up those statements she gave. She is extremely intelligent and an amazing person.

by JazzNU

by JazzNU

by meganfernandez


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by Cuckoo4Coco
JazzNU wrote: Mon Jun 27, 2022 7:21 pm
Coco having fun and enjoying the sites.

by JazzNU Not sure why this was done, but cute.



by Suliso Image

by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 12:28 pm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Serena is such a fashion icon.

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez Like it? I looooove it. Who is she channeling? Joan Jett?


by ponchi101 No, no, no, no, no. She has very pretty hair, don't mess with it.

by Cuckoo4Coco Ajla is extremely pretty with long hair or with her hair short like this. Heck I think she could rock a mohawk or bald and still be beautiful.

by meganfernandez Look at these blue high-tops


by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jul 13, 2022 4:56 pm Look at these blue high-tops

The high tops rock and seriously if she wasn't a pro tennis player she could easily be a top model. Out of this world beautiful.

by ti-amie Young'uns these days. Also, he spit that kid out as we say here.


by Cuckoo4Coco
ti-amie wrote: Wed Jul 13, 2022 8:59 pm Young'uns these days. Also, he spit that kid out as we say here.

That kid not only looks like he is going to be a great tennis player, but he is also headed towards many years on the honor roll at school.

by ponchi101 Oh, yes, the pleasures of being a little nerd. I remember well.
Capital of Burkina Fasso? (w/o Google).
And I knew every single capital in Africa, before all the name changes and such. No wonder I played so many hours against a wall. ;)

by Cuckoo4Coco
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 13, 2022 10:05 pm Oh, yes, the pleasures of being a little nerd. I remember well.
Capital of Burkina Fasso? (w/o Google).
And I knew every single capital in Africa, before all the name changes and such. No wonder I played so many hours against a wall. ;)
I thought Burkina Fasso was a tennis player on the WTA tour. :lol:

Actually I can't tell ya all the capitals of Countries, but since the 6th grade when they started giving letter grades that actually sort of counted , I have not gotten anything but A's. Been on the honor roll in my high school every semester. :freaking:

I am a smarty pants athlete. :lol:

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:Oh, yes, the pleasures of being a little nerd. I remember well.
Capital of Burkina Fasso? (w/o Google).
And I knew every single capital in Africa, before all the name changes and such. No wonder I played so many hours against a wall. ;)
Ouagadougou, or Wogga for short. :) I honestly was just thinking about the capital of BF today, I kid you not. That is so bizarre. I know all the world capitals except the South Pacific islands. Just like to memorize things. I like this kid!

by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jul 13, 2022 10:26 pm
ponchi101 wrote:Oh, yes, the pleasures of being a little nerd. I remember well.
Capital of Burkina Fasso? (w/o Google).
And I knew every single capital in Africa, before all the name changes and such. No wonder I played so many hours against a wall. ;)
Ouagadougou, or Wogga for short. :) I honestly was just thinking about the capital of BF today, I kid you not. That is so bizarre. I know all the world capitals except the South Pacific islands. Just like to memorize things. I like this kid!
Megan isn't only a smarty pants in writing, but also a smarty pants in Geography and History. ;)

by meganfernandez
Cuckoo4Coco wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 2:36 am
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jul 13, 2022 10:26 pm
ponchi101 wrote:Oh, yes, the pleasures of being a little nerd. I remember well.
Capital of Burkina Fasso? (w/o Google).
And I knew every single capital in Africa, before all the name changes and such. No wonder I played so many hours against a wall. ;)
Ouagadougou, or Wogga for short. :) I honestly was just thinking about the capital of BF today, I kid you not. That is so bizarre. I know all the world capitals except the South Pacific islands. Just like to memorize things. I like this kid!
Megan isn't only a smarty pants in writing, but also a smarty pants in Geography and History. ;)
Mostly meaningless stuff. Trivia. ;) But I'll take the compliment from a straight-A student!

by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:23 pm
Cuckoo4Coco wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 2:36 am
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jul 13, 2022 10:26 pm
Ouagadougou, or Wogga for short. :) I honestly was just thinking about the capital of BF today, I kid you not. That is so bizarre. I know all the world capitals except the South Pacific islands. Just like to memorize things. I like this kid!
Megan isn't only a smarty pants in writing, but also a smarty pants in Geography and History. ;)
Mostly meaningless stuff. Trivia. ;) But I'll take the compliment from a straight-A student!
I do have to say I work my butt off for those grades. I am definitely not one of those students that it comes easy to like a few of my friends who never seem to have to study and get A's all the time. GRRRRRRRRRR

by meganfernandez
Cuckoo4Coco wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 2:30 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:23 pm
Cuckoo4Coco wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 2:36 am

Megan isn't only a smarty pants in writing, but also a smarty pants in Geography and History. ;)
Mostly meaningless stuff. Trivia. ;) But I'll take the compliment from a straight-A student!
I do have to say I work my butt off for those grades. I am definitely not one of those students that it comes easy to like a few of my friends who never seem to have to study and get A's all the time. GRRRRRRRRRR
Nothing wrong with that. Learning how to learn and work for something will serve you well.

by Suliso I think I could still find every country on the world map in 5 sec or less. I was a funny kid too. :)

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:31 pm I think I could still find every country on the world map in 5 sec or less. I was a funny kid too. :)
do you play Worldle?

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:22 pm ...

Nothing wrong with that. Learning how to learn and work for something will serve you well.
On the money.
I was one of the "smart" kids. I really did not need to study much. But I was very disorganized; I relied too much on memorized stuff. Therefore, I was not a stellar student in college. GPA was not impressive.
But I learned to learn. To ask the "right" question. When I got my Masters, I was much better prepared. So my GPA for my masters was stellar. I had a bit more maturity, and could focus better.
You (Cuckoo) will go to college soon. This is what they don't tell you: if you are an idiot before College, you will most likely come out an idiot. College is not there to cure you of terminal stupidity; what it is there for is to teach you skills to learn. As Megan says, learning to learn. Analyze data. Look for patterns.
If by now you are "forced" to work harder than the other students to get the same result, it might actually be better. Because if they eventually reach a level where they need to apply themselves, they might now know how. You already have the knack for that.
Go hit some balls, now. It is summer, it must be scorching in Maryland, and those courts are calling. Get some blood flowing!

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:33 pm
Suliso wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:31 pm I think I could still find every country on the world map in 5 sec or less. I was a funny kid too. :)
do you play Worldle?
I can't anymore. The fragmentation of Africa would make it very difficult. I would need to study them again.
Would also have a bit of a problem now with Europe. I grew up with countries such as YUGOSLAVIA and CZECHOSLOVAKIA, all fragmented now. I don't know anymore if the Czech Republic is North of Slovakia or parallel.
Would most likely mislabel the Baltics states, most certainly the Balkans.

by Suliso I don't play either, but in Europe I'd be better than elsewhere. When I said I could find every country I didn't mean without labels at all. I know where St Lucia and Barbados are, but not which is north and which south. :)

by ptmcmahon
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:33 pm do you play Worldle?
The kids shower curtain is a world "map" so I always send them to shower when it's not an obvious one. Youngest makes us guess Turkey first most of the time regardless of what it looks like.

Today's one is appropriate for what tournament was just held :)

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:33 pm
Suliso wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:31 pm I think I could still find every country on the world map in 5 sec or less. I was a funny kid too. :)
do you play Worldle?
I had never played worlde.
I just showed it to my GF (and we played a bit). I just lost her, forever!
I hate you, Megan, I hate you! ;)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:33 pm
Suliso wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:31 pm I think I could still find every country on the world map in 5 sec or less. I was a funny kid too. :)
do you play Worldle?
I had never played worlde.
I just showed it to my GF (and we played a bit). I just lost her, forever!
I hate you, Megan, I hate you! ;)
Haha!! Well there is just one a day. I havent done today’s yet….

I wouldn’t get most of them without the hints you get after your first guess.


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by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 4:28 pm
ponchi101 wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:33 pm

do you play Worldle?
I had never played worlde.
I just showed it to my GF (and we played a bit). I just lost her, forever!
I hate you, Megan, I hate you! ;)
Haha!! Well there is just one a day. I havent done today’s yet….

I wouldn’t get most of them without the hints you get after your first guess.


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Wordle is soooooo freaking huge. I don't play it, but mom does.

by ti-amie I refuse to play Wordle because I know, like Ponchi's lady, I'd be lost forever.

by Cuckoo4Coco
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 7:13 pm I refuse to play Wordle because I know, like Ponchi's lady, I'd be lost forever.
My mom's regular job is a Physicians Assistant so she is pretty busy with that. I guess Wordle gives her a hobby other than taking me everywhere or when my older brothers won't. :lol:

by JTContinental
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 4:28 pm
ponchi101 wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:33 pm

do you play Worldle?
I had never played worlde.
I just showed it to my GF (and we played a bit). I just lost her, forever!
I hate you, Megan, I hate you! ;)
Haha!! Well there is just one a day. I havent done today’s yet….

I wouldn’t get most of them without the hints you get after your first guess.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you like Worldle, you'll probably also enjoy Globle.

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 7:21 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 4:28 pm
ponchi101 wrote:
I had never played worlde.
I just showed it to my GF (and we played a bit). I just lost her, forever!
I hate you, Megan, I hate you! ;)
Haha!! Well there is just one a day. I havent done today’s yet….

I wouldn’t get most of them without the hints you get after your first guess.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you like Worldle, you'll probably also enjoy Globle.
Thank you! Never heard of it.

by Cuckoo4Coco Is Globle where you study different globs of things? All different consistencies of globs? I think I would like that a lot. When I was younger I always loved playing with slime. :lol:

by ptmcmahon All these games alone aren't too bad if you stick to one a day.

The problem is when you start doing so many of them :) I caved and made a folder in my browser bookmarks with them all and just do em in order now.

Some other ones we enjoy are Heardle (plays 1 second, then 2 seconds, then 4 seconds of a song - you have to guess song) and Framed - it shows you six movie stills, you guess the movie...with each becoming a bit more "obvious." We also liek Quordle which is like doing four Wordles at once. You get nine guesses but your guess counts for each of the four boards at the same time.

by Cuckoo4Coco The only online phone game I play is Best Fiends and that is when I have time for it.

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote:All these games alone aren't too bad if you stick to one a day.

The problem is when you start doing so many of them :) I caved and made a folder in my browser bookmarks with them all and just do em in order now.

Some other ones we enjoy are Heardle (plays 1 second, then 2 seconds, then 4 seconds of a song - you have to guess song) and Framed - it shows you six movie stills, you guess the movie...with each becoming a bit more "obvious." We also liek Quordle which is like doing four Wordles at once. You get nine guesses but your guess counts for each of the four boards at the same time.
I want to know about all of these games, please. :) I love Quordle. And yes, they are bookmarked and I do them all at the same time every day. Either with morning coffee or at lunch. Or when I am procrastinating.

Edit: Found Lewdle, which is dirty Wordle.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 2:41 am ...
I want to know about all of these games, please. :) I love Quordle. And yes, they are bookmarked and I do them all at the same time every day. Either with morning coffee or at lunch. Or when I am procrastinating.

Edit: Found Lewdle, which is dirty Wordle.
Immediately went there!
Nah, kind of silly. I'll stick to the regular one.
Too bad there is no APP for it, for the phone.

by ptmcmahon Man, I don't need an app for all of these... I'd need another homescreen for then all :D

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote:Man, I don't need an app for all of these... I'd need another homescreen for then all :D
I found soooo many last night. Squareword, I think? That variation is fun.


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by meganfernandez


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by Cuckoo4Coco Congrats to Masha!!!!!! She looks great as usual after having a baby.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:37 pm
I can't anymore. The fragmentation of Africa would make it very difficult. I would need to study them again.
Would also have a bit of a problem now with Europe. I grew up with countries such as YUGOSLAVIA and CZECHOSLOVAKIA, all fragmented now. I don't know anymore if the Czech Republic is North of Slovakia or parallel.
Would most likely mislabel the Baltics states, most certainly the Balkans.

I like to play Sporcle's Countries of the World (they have quizzes by region too, less time consuming) as a break from work to keep my map knowledge like a good lil' nerd

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:11 pm
Happy for Maria! I've also liked her natural hair color over this pregnancy.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:23 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:11 pm
Happy for Maria! I've also liked her natural hair color over this pregnancy.
I like the brown with blonde highights. She is stunning.

by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:45 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:23 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:11 pm
Happy for Maria! I've also liked her natural hair color over this pregnancy.
I like the brown with blonde highights. She is stunning.
Look at her. OMG she just had a freaking baby and like she could get on a model runway and make it happen.

by ti-amie

by Cuckoo4Coco
ti-amie wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 10:28 pm
Naomi looks like she is in a good place. Even in the rain.

by ti-amie
Cuckoo4Coco wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:57 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:45 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:23 pm

Happy for Maria! I've also liked her natural hair color over this pregnancy.
I like the brown with blonde highights. She is stunning.
Look at her. OMG she just had a freaking baby and like she could get on a model runway and make it happen.
From her IG account:
Theodore VII•I•MMXXII 🍼🐣

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sat Jul 16, 2022 8:27 pm
From her IG account:
Theodore VII•I•MMXXII 🍼🐣
Probably Theodore VII•I•MMXXII®

by ti-amie

Wow I did not get that warning on Twitter! Weird.

by Cuckoo4Coco
ti-amie wrote: Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:53 pm

Wow I did not get that warning on Twitter! Weird.
I clicked on the name and needless to say she is a very beautiful woman.

by ponchi101 I don't understand the warning. Yes, this is a photo of a couple, but if you don't tell me that, this could be the photo of any two women that are friends.
I mean, 90% of all the idiot shots the Kardasian's post are more "offensive" (because this isn't).

by ptmcmahon I "understand" the warning, although it's obviously 100% BS.

by Cuckoo4Coco I really don't know why that is sensitive content. I have photos with my girlfriends that are sort of like that and I don't see a thing wrong with them.

by ptmcmahon Because there is still a large part of our world/population (especially outside of North America) that doesn't consider it "ok." The same picture last week before her announcement would not have been sensitive content.

by Suliso Surely there must be a few male gay players in the top 100, right?

by ptmcmahon Statistics would lead us to believe yes definitely are :)

by ponchi101
ptmcmahon wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 3:11 am Because there is still a large part of our world/population (especially outside of North America) that doesn't consider it "ok." The same picture last week before her announcement would not have been sensitive content.
Yes. But by singling it out as "sensitive", Twitter (I think) is not helping. Would have been better to just leave it without a warning and therefore deliver the message that we would agree on: totally harmless. Totally normal. Two young women in a picture. The fact that they are a couple is anecdotical.

by Cuckoo4Coco
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 2:35 pm
ptmcmahon wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 3:11 am Because there is still a large part of our world/population (especially outside of North America) that doesn't consider it "ok." The same picture last week before her announcement would not have been sensitive content.
Yes. But by singling it out as "sensitive", Twitter (I think) is not helping. Would have been better to just leave it without a warning and therefore deliver the message that we would agree on: totally harmless. Totally normal. Two young women in a picture. The fact that they are a couple is anecdotical.
I agree. This sort of thing should be viewed as normal as LOVE between two people is a normal thing. LOVE IS LOVE.

by ptmcmahon
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 2:35 pm
ptmcmahon wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 3:11 am Because there is still a large part of our world/population (especially outside of North America) that doesn't consider it "ok." The same picture last week before her announcement would not have been sensitive content.
Yes. But by singling it out as "sensitive", Twitter (I think) is not helping. Would have been better to just leave it without a warning and therefore deliver the message that we would agree on: totally harmless. Totally normal. Two young women in a picture. The fact that they are a couple is anecdotical.
Twitter is 100% not helping. No "think" about it. Despite it's reputation (and for kicking out Trump) it's still going to sway very conservative for some social issues... especially with this Elon Musk nonsense going on ;)

by Fastbackss The warning did not appear for me when I viewed it on Twitter

by Owendonovan Warnings are typically used for danger, where's the danger?

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 5:16 am Surely there must be a few male gay players in the top 100, right?
You posted this yesterday, and I forgot to reply.
In a sample of 100 "random" males, about 4%, right? But it is the same as in all sports. I can't recall if there are any openly gay men in the NBA, I know there is one in the NFL (Las Vegas Raiders). And not only that; I can't recall any top 100 player EVER coming out as gay. I know Jean Michael Vincent came out long after he stopped playing, but it is impossible that not one single player in the ATP's history has been gay.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:51 pm
Suliso wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 5:16 am Surely there must be a few male gay players in the top 100, right?
You posted this yesterday, and I forgot to reply.
In a sample of 100 "random" males, about 4%, right? But it is the same as in all sports. I can't recall if there are any openly gay men in the NBA, I know there is one in the NFL (Las Vegas Raiders). And not only that; I can't recall any top 100 player EVER coming out as gay. I know Jean Michael Vincent came out long after he stopped playing, but it is impossible that not one single player in the ATP's history has been gay.
Jan Michael Gambill and Brian Vahaly have come out since they retired. There was an American LGBTQ+ player ranked like 800 or so as of a few years ago.

Vahaly reportedly said it was "impossible to go a week without hearing homophobic language when I played in the mid-2000s."

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:51 pm
Suliso wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 5:16 am Surely there must be a few male gay players in the top 100, right?
You posted this yesterday, and I forgot to reply.
In a sample of 100 "random" males, about 4%, right? But it is the same as in all sports. I can't recall if there are any openly gay men in the NBA, I know there is one in the NFL (Las Vegas Raiders). And not only that; I can't recall any top 100 player EVER coming out as gay. I know Jean Michael Vincent came out long after he stopped playing, but it is impossible that not one single player in the ATP's history has been gay.
Is that a love child of Jean-Michael Gambill and Vince Spadea?

by ponchi101
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 3:40 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:51 pm
Suliso wrote: Tue Jul 19, 2022 5:16 am Surely there must be a few male gay players in the top 100, right?
You posted this yesterday, and I forgot to reply.
In a sample of 100 "random" males, about 4%, right? But it is the same as in all sports. I can't recall if there are any openly gay men in the NBA, I know there is one in the NFL (Las Vegas Raiders). And not only that; I can't recall any top 100 player EVER coming out as gay. I know Jean Michael Vincent came out long after he stopped playing, but it is impossible that not one single player in the ATP's history has been gay.
Is that a love child of Jean-Michael Gambill and Vince Spadea?
Argh, you caught me before I could correct! :evil: :roll:
Sorry for the mix up. Of course. Megan and you are right. It was Gambill, not Vincent. Gambill was named that after Vincent, who was a relatively popular action hero in the 70's (I think with Disney).
Thanks for the correction :thumbsup:

by Cuckoo4Coco I bet ya there are several other players both male and female from the LGBTQ+ community. I would love to see a Daria match where she has her GF in her players box. You know how they show the players husbands/wives/BF's/GF's why shouldn't she be able to have the same support in her box?

by ponchi101 It has been more open in the WTA. The number of LGBT+ players is not irrelevant: BJK, Martina, Mauresmo. Van Uytvanck and Minnen have been open about it. The WTA accepts it in a very reasonable way: accepted, and no waves made.
It is the ATP that is a statistical oddity.

by Cuckoo4Coco
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 7:24 pm It has been more open in the WTA. The number of LGBT+ players is not irrelevant: BJK, Martina, Mauresmo. Van Uytvanck and Minnen have been open about it. The WTA accepts it in a very reasonable way: accepted, and no waves made.
It is the ATP that is a statistical oddity.
I knew about Martina and BJK. It should be accepted either way really. I do imagine there are some male players on the tour now that are gay. I think in a sport like figure skating it is pretty open with the Men even more than the ladies.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 7:24 pm It has been more open in the WTA. The number of LGBT+ players is not irrelevant: BJK, Martina, Mauresmo. Van Uytvanck and Minnen have been open about it. The WTA accepts it in a very reasonable way: accepted, and no waves made.
It is the ATP that is a statistical oddity.
Yup, a decent amount of WTA players have been openly gay - Sam Stosur came out last year to little fanfare, following in the footsteps of other Aussies like Dellacqua and Stubbs.

The first openly lesbian women's tennis player was actually not BJK or Navratilova, but Helen Jacobs, back in the 1920s/1930s. She won 9 majors.

I hope an active ATP player can take a stand sometime soon

by Cuckoo4Coco
mmmm8 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 7:47 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 7:24 pm It has been more open in the WTA. The number of LGBT+ players is not irrelevant: BJK, Martina, Mauresmo. Van Uytvanck and Minnen have been open about it. The WTA accepts it in a very reasonable way: accepted, and no waves made.
It is the ATP that is a statistical oddity.
Yup, a decent amount of WTA players have been openly gay - Sam Stosur came out last year to little fanfare, following in the footsteps of other Aussies like Dellacqua and Stubbs.

The first openly lesbian women's tennis player was actually not BJK or Navratilova, but Helen Jacobs, back in the 1920s/1930s. She won 9 majors.

I hope an active ATP player can take a stand sometime soon
Don't really know who Helen Jacobs is, but during her time in the 20's and 30's the whole LGBTQ community was not really around I imagine. That had to be really hard for her. I have heard interviews with Martina and how she said it was hard for her when she first came on the tour and only certain players befriended her and even how fans treated her.

I do remember seeing Sam Stosur coming out as gay.

by eusebius Not sure where to put this -
Nick Kyrgios: Bad Lip Reading 🤣

by meganfernandez
eusebius wrote: Fri Jul 22, 2022 4:15 am Not sure where to put this -
Nick Kyrgios: Bad Lip Reading 🤣
Put it EVERYWHERE. Almost makes it all worth it.

by Cuckoo4Coco
eusebius wrote: Fri Jul 22, 2022 4:15 am Not sure where to put this -
Nick Kyrgios: Bad Lip Reading 🤣
:lol: That is some pretty funny stuff.

by meganfernandez Ohhhhh. I read this as president of Latvia, period.


by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 8:43 pm Ohhhhh. I read this as president of Latvia, period.

I'm not sure that ol' Ernests is qualified to be the president of anything - be it Latvia, the Latvian Tennis Union, or even of a small local book club. He's a bizarre guy.

However, if he does manage to secure the presidency of the Latvian Tennis Union, you can be sure that he'll take care of any vampire problem that might come up.
(Watch the entire thing...)


by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 8:43 pm Ohhhhh. I read this as president of Latvia, period.

Why not? The best MALE Tennis player ever (Alona of course has achieved more), has been around the sport for a long time, and is already loaded with family money, which means he knows how to handle money or knows people that do, and makes it harder to bribe because his fees would be (if such a situation would arise) exorbitant.
It would be like if Venezuela needed a new President for the tennis federation. Nobody other than Nicolas Pereira would do. Instead, we have some dumb bureaucrat.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Wed Jul 27, 2022 2:25 am However, if he does manage to secure the presidency of the Latvian Tennis Union, you can be sure that he'll take care of any vampire problem that might come up.
(Watch the entire thing...)

Now I like him again.

Screen Shot 2022-07-27 at 11.49.22 AM.png
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-->
by meganfernandez Coco's first signature shoe with New Balance. $170.
Screen Shot 2022-07-27 at 11.49.22 AM.png
Screen Shot 2022-07-27 at 11.49.33 AM.png

by ponchi101 They do have some interesting designs. I am a bit on the fence with this, because of the high top. But certainly appealing to a lot of people.

by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jul 27, 2022 3:50 pm Coco's first signature shoe with New Balance. $170.

Screen Shot 2022-07-27 at 11.49.22 AM.png
Screen Shot 2022-07-27 at 11.49.33 AM.png
I love my Naomi Osaka X Nike Nightcourt Zoom shoes, but I think I just might have to have a pair of these for the heck of it. Not sure if I would wear them to play in , but just to have. :lol:

by ponchi101 You wear NIKE's?
Traitor...
:P

by Cuckoo4Coco
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jul 27, 2022 11:16 pm You wear NIKE's?
Traitor...
:P
:lol: Yep, and I love them.

by Deuce They're not just shoes - they're mainly status symbols. That's what shoes have become today, sadly.
If they were merely shoes, they would cost $100 less.

by Fastbackss I am dating myself here, but when I was a kid I loved the Agassi high tops.

To Deuce's point I had them as my "nice" shoes ; I wore something else to play in.

But in retrospect I didn't hate playing in high tops. I have been having ankle issues lately; I wonder if I should consider.

by Cuckoo4Coco Shoes are status symbols. I agree with that. I love shoes and it doesn't have to be just tennis shoes. It can be my flats or whatever. I like having nice shoes to wear to school since I wear a uniform and have to wear the same exact thing of everything else everyday to school.

by mick1303 I'm in the process of adding Davis Cup (groups I and II) matches to my database. Around 2007 going backwards. What I've noticed about Gulbis is that while his overall record is 247-239 (slightly above 50%), his Davis Cup record is 26-6, which is 81.25%. One can safely assume that he was always willing and ready to play for the country and gave 100% effort. Which is why I think they consider him a viable candidate over there.
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jul 27, 2022 1:59 pm
Deuce wrote: Wed Jul 27, 2022 2:25 am However, if he does manage to secure the presidency of the Latvian Tennis Union, you can be sure that he'll take care of any vampire problem that might come up.
(Watch the entire thing...)

Now I like him again.

by ponchi101
mick1303 wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 1:42 pm I'm in the process of adding Davis Cup (groups I and II) matches to my database. Around 2007 going backwards. What I've noticed about Gulbis is that while his overall record is 247-239 (slightly above 50%), his Davis Cup record is 26-6, which is 81.25%. One can safely assume that he was always willing and ready to play for the country and gave 100% effort. Which is why I think they consider him a viable candidate over there.

...
Very interesting stat.
Devil's advocate: His DC record is very good, and it shows that he played many ties. Was Latvia ever in the World Group? I don't think so, but I am not sure. And, if they were not, what group were they in? He was too good a player to lose against a Group 2 country.
Still, as you say. He certainly was there all the time. And that should count.

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote:I am dating myself here, but when I was a kid I loved the Agassi high tops.

To Deuce's point I had them as my "nice" shoes ; I wore something else to play in.

But in retrospect I didn't hate playing in high tops. I have been having ankle issues lately; I wonder if I should consider.
I don’t think Coco’s are true high-tops. Mid-height maybe. Just enough ankle support.


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by Cuckoo4Coco
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 2:43 pm
Fastbackss wrote:I am dating myself here, but when I was a kid I loved the Agassi high tops.

To Deuce's point I had them as my "nice" shoes ; I wore something else to play in.

But in retrospect I didn't hate playing in high tops. I have been having ankle issues lately; I wonder if I should consider.
I don’t think Coco’s are true high-tops. Mid-height maybe. Just enough ankle support.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Do you mean Coco Gauff's shoe or the Nike shoe that I wear (Naomi's NikeCourt Zoom)? Mine is not a high top, but has a high support back to the shoe.

by meganfernandez
Cuckoo4Coco wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 2:43 pm
Fastbackss wrote:I am dating myself here, but when I was a kid I loved the Agassi high tops.

To Deuce's point I had them as my "nice" shoes ; I wore something else to play in.

But in retrospect I didn't hate playing in high tops. I have been having ankle issues lately; I wonder if I should consider.
I don’t think Coco’s are true high-tops. Mid-height maybe. Just enough ankle support.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Do you mean Coco Gauff's shoe or the Nike shoe that I wear (Naomi's NikeCourt Zoom)? Mine is not a high top, but has a high support back to the shoe.
Coco’s


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by ti-amie Ash Barty marries long-time partner Garry Kissick
By Scott Spits
Updated July 30, 2022 — 9.39pmfirst published at 8.19pm

One of Australia’s best-known athletes, retired tennis star Ash Barty, has married her long-time partner, Garry Kissick.

The pair married in a Queensland ceremony far removed from the glare of public attention, with the former world No.1 revealing the news on social media on Saturday night.



In a simple post featuring a photo of the smiling couple, Barty, 26, announced the nuptials with the words: Husband & Wife.

Barty, last year’s Wimbledon ladies’ singles champion and an Australian Open champion this year, shocked the sporting world in March when she announced her snap retirement.

The pair were engaged last November when Barty was in the closing stages of preparing for another shot at ending the country’s long drought – more than 40 years – to produce an Australian Open singles champion.


https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/ash ... 5b5xo.html


by ponchi101 Good for them, and what a way to do a very private thing when you are in the spotlight. Simple, elegant.
And they look great in the shot.

by Cuckoo4Coco
ti-amie wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 8:51 pm Ash Barty marries long-time partner Garry Kissick
By Scott Spits
Updated July 30, 2022 — 9.39pmfirst published at 8.19pm

One of Australia’s best-known athletes, retired tennis star Ash Barty, has married her long-time partner, Garry Kissick.

The pair married in a Queensland ceremony far removed from the glare of public attention, with the former world No.1 revealing the news on social media on Saturday night.



In a simple post featuring a photo of the smiling couple, Barty, 26, announced the nuptials with the words: Husband & Wife.

Barty, last year’s Wimbledon ladies’ singles champion and an Australian Open champion this year, shocked the sporting world in March when she announced her snap retirement.

The pair were engaged last November when Barty was in the closing stages of preparing for another shot at ending the country’s long drought – more than 40 years – to produce an Australian Open singles champion.


https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/ash ... 5b5xo.html

Congrats to both of them and Ash looks so beautiful.

by ashkor87 An interesting sidelight on the great Ricardo Gonzalez ..he was married to Agassi's sister, and it was Agassi who paid for his funeral ..Gonzalez was penniless by then..btw he used to spell his name Gonzales through most of his playing career, only switched to Gonzalez towards the end....

by ponchi101 The EZ ending, in Spanish, was used to denominate Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry in the holder. The ES meant no such family tree. My last name ends with a EZ.
Of course, an ancient tradition which no longer means anything because too much time has passed.
But rather odd that he would switch later in life.
---0---
It is rather sad that not a trivial number of those tennis greats died penniless. Gonzalez and Althea GIbson come to mind. Arguably the two best players ever, and both made so little that they could not afford a decent old-age.

by ti-amie Not to hijack this thread but is that why Devin spells his name Nunes?

by ponchi101 Probably from Portuguese root, not Spanish. Portuguese used S more than Z.
Brasilians make a point that it is spelled BRASIL, not BRAZIL.

by ashkor87 Both ethnic minorities so not surprising perhaps
..not only could they not afford to live, they could not even afford to die.. tragic..

by ashkor87 We have many folks called Fernandes in India, Portuguese name, Goa was a Portuguese colony...

by ashkor87 Hadn't realised till now that Cici Bellis had quit tennis..sad to see a young person having to hang up her racket because of repeated surgeries and rehab...

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Aug 09, 2022 8:09 am Hadn't realised till now that Cici Bellis had quit tennis..sad to see a young person having to hang up her racket because of repeated surgeries and rehab...
Yeah, I bet it happens a lot in the sub-100 range, or players never even getting to their best because of injuries. We just don't hear about them.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Who?
(I know it is me).

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Aug 13, 2022 7:53 pm Who?
(I know it is me).
Not just you.

by skatingfan

by Deuce Where's Hobbes?

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Sat Aug 13, 2022 7:56 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Aug 13, 2022 7:53 pm Who?
(I know it is me).
Not just you.
it's me, too. Think Federer is the first person to visit Ibiza and not get high?

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Aug 14, 2022 12:07 am
ti-amie wrote: Sat Aug 13, 2022 7:56 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Aug 13, 2022 7:53 pm Who?
(I know it is me).
Not just you.
it's me, too. Think Federer is the first person to visit Ibiza and not get high?
I would not stop at getting "high". Knowing him, he did not get a few other Ibiza experiences. He is truly a good guy.
We think.

by Suliso I'm guessing you all have been to Ibiza already :P

by ponchi101 No :D
There is no way I get to waste my money going to a beach island in the Mediterranean, regardless of how beautiful it may be, when I have the Caribbean at my door.

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Mon Aug 15, 2022 12:56 pm I'm guessing you all have been to Ibiza already :P
Ibiza's reputation precedes it. :D

by ti-amie

Young Joan is there to hit with his cousin Rafa.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by AcesAnnie
ti-amie wrote: Mon Aug 15, 2022 8:04 pm
Sign me up for those dance lessons. :lol:

by meganfernandez
AcesAnnie wrote: Tue Aug 16, 2022 3:48 am
ti-amie wrote: Mon Aug 15, 2022 8:04 pm
Sign me up for those dance lessons. :lol:
He was so bashful! Love it. That's all it takes for me to root for him to win the touranment, one little shimmy. Alas, I think Korda beat him yesterday.

by AcesAnnie
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Aug 16, 2022 1:18 pm
AcesAnnie wrote: Tue Aug 16, 2022 3:48 am
ti-amie wrote: Mon Aug 15, 2022 8:04 pm
Sign me up for those dance lessons. :lol:
He was so bashful! Love it. That's all it takes for me to root for him to win the touranment, one little shimmy. Alas, I think Korda beat him yesterday.
Korda did beat him yesterday, but at least he still has his side job with the dancing school. ;)

by ti-amie

by ti-amie Someone asked about LaWanda. This gives you an idea of how the players and coaches feel about her.


by ti-amie

by AcesAnnie
ti-amie wrote: Thu Aug 18, 2022 9:17 pm
I think if he wins tonight's match against Norrie, his decision should be very close to being made.

by ti-amie Martina Hingis separates from her husband
The Swiss tennis legend has already moved out of the shared apartment.

Today at 4:02 a.m

"We can no longer save our marriage." That's what Martina Hingis says in an interview with the "Schweizer Illustrierte". The 41-year-old and her husband, the doctor Harry Leemann (42), would have grown apart and had different goals in life.

Hingis now lives in his own apartment
According to the magazine, Hingis has moved out of the shared apartment in Zug. A few weeks ago she bought an apartment in Schindellegi SZ - near her mother and grandmother of her three-year-old daughter Lia. Hingis and Leemann would continue to share responsibility for their daughter.

Hingis and the doctor Leemann got married in 2018. It sparked at the Fed Cup in 2016 when Leemann was the team doctor. It was the second marriage for the former world-class tennis player: from 2010 to 2013 she was married to the French show jumper Thibault Hutin.

balk / sda


https://www.srf.ch/news/gesellschaft/li ... on-ehemann

Translated from the German by Google

by JazzNU Mark Philippoussis should not be dying his hair. Embrace the salt and pepper. That is all.

by meganfernandez They’re matching now




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by AcesAnnie
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:23 pm They’re matching now




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I love this.

by JazzNU Baby shower from the look of it.





by patrick When will Azarenka make the announcement?

by JazzNU Paula in the Hamptons.



by ti-amie
patrick wrote: Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:41 pm When will Azarenka make the announcement?
Apparently she's doing a podcast.

by JazzNU
patrick wrote: Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:41 pm When will Azarenka make the announcement?
She made it already. Not sure what you were thinking it might be, but I'm going to guess it's not as significant as you thought it would be. Check her social media.

by meganfernandez Petra’s engaged.




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by ponchi101 Good for them. :champagne:

by ashkor87 Who is he? with garbine, I mean..?

by ashkor87
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Aug 24, 2022 11:10 am Who is he? with garbine, I mean..?
Ok😃googled it

by meganfernandez Now THIS is a pregnancy announcement




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by ponchi101 Good to see a series of good news from the WTA. And at this stage of her career, there is a chance Angie won't be back. Won't matter, I believe she has overachieved very well.
Best of luck.

by Suliso Definitely overachieved. She reached her first GS SF only at age 23 (2011 USO) and at the time it didn't look like she'd be a multi Slam winner.

by AcesAnnie I love seeing all this happy news. Congrats to all.

by Suliso Simona in NYC

Image

by JazzNU Citi's Taste of Tennis was last night. There's a boatload of stuff up on Stories, almost no regular posts just yet. Hopefully people will put up regular photos soon that can be shared. Garbine was a bartender for a bit with Eva Longoria making some kind of signature cocktails, so her stories are worth checking out in the meantime.

by JazzNU Belinda at the Taste of Tennis. Not the best look, but she did the event the day before and this is an upgrade.



by JazzNU Serena rang the opening bell at the NYSE today.






by JazzNU Paula did a photo dump from recent days in NYC. Her mom and sister are in one of the photos if you haven't seen them in a while (her sister has really grown up).



by JazzNU Photos from Citi's Taste of Tennis NYC at Cipriani's. The Taste of Tennis post has photos of various players including Venus, Serena, Naomi, and Nick. Their account's Stories has many more photos of other players as well.






by JazzNU Louisa Chirico (fully back from her injuries it seems) in the first, Caroline Dolehide in the second. In Caroline's post, the second photo is her with Storm Sanders, a player I know by name and have watched her play, but couldn't pick out of a lineup in the real world.






by JazzNU Different event, Amanda with Andy Roddick in the second photo






by Suliso Some more fun pictures

Image

Image

Image

Zheng Qinwen (most promising Chinese player)

Image

by JazzNU Mackie McDonald with his girlfriend Maria Mateas, who I guess is a tennis player as well but mostly ITF, in the first photo, and Shelby Rogers (looking fab) in the second one. Shelby's second photo is with Drew Ray Tanner, for anyone that knows the actor.






by JazzNU Jannik at some Gucci sponsored event.



by ti-amie

by ti-amie

Shapo and girlfriend Mirjam Björklund

by ti-amie
Donna Vekic
I would not have recognized her.

by ponchi101 No way that is her.
Completely Svitolina.

by Deuce Strangely, I did recognize that it's Vekic in that photo - even though I don't recognize her half the time in far more obvious photos.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sat Aug 27, 2022 9:25 pm
Donna Vekic
I would not have recognized her.
I saw it earlier. It's a jewelry promo. Although I agree she doesn't look a ton like herself here, the second photo in the promo to me is even less recognizable.

by JazzNU Stan and Emma at some Evian event.





Maria and then a photo with Jannik as well at some event, looks like it's likely from the Gucci one I posted of him before.



by JazzNU Ons, Danielle, and Bethanie



by JazzNU Additional photos from Garbine from the other day.



by JazzNU

by ti-amie People were trolling Annie Leibovitz and saying they should send these pics of Serena to her to show her how to photograph people of African descent. She is still being dragged for the horrible photo shoot of Justice Brown-Jackson.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Suliso Image

by ti-amie

by Deuce Nothing like a free luxury hotel stay in exchange for a message posting that takes 2 minutes or less to compose, huh? :roll:
As the rich get richer...

The Leylah photo is also from a post of hers which got her a free hotel stay.
That's how backward civillization is: Those who can afford things the most get it all for free, while those who can't afford it have to pay more to cover the cost of all the freebies given to those who don't need them.

Leylah is hawking everything under the sun these days - she's doing so much marketing that she's ubiquitous - trying to influence people to buy all sorts of products on TV, on radio, all over the internet... plus she did every promo possible for the U.S. Open... She's liking the spotlight and 'celebrity status' too much for my taste. I never liked or respected people who sell themselves like this. To me, that's the very definition of a 'sell-out', and I've frankly lost considerable respect for Leylah because of her heavily marketing all these products.
It has reached the point now where she is removing the 'Evian' labels from the bottles of water supplied to the players during matches - presumably because she is sponsored by Gatorade. I imagine a clause which states that she cannot be seen drinking any beverage except Gatorade on court. :!:
Absolutely ridiculous. :roll:

by meganfernandez Could be wrong, but Cracked Racquets is credible and knows who else is.




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by ponchi101 Didn't he have like 4 previous marriages? I mean, he is obviously very good at courting, not so much at staying in the deal.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Special guest commentator tonight for ESPN. Let's see if Clerc will let him talk.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Sep 07, 2022 9:27 pm Special guest commentator tonight for ESPN. Let's see if Clerc will let him talk.
:lol:

by JazzNU Ons and her favorite player growing up. Very nice.



by ti-amie

by Suliso Zheng Qinwen

Image

Elena Rybkina

Image

Image

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Sun Sep 11, 2022 12:49 pm Zheng Qinwen

Image
Gorgeous and strong. Love it. I wish I knew more about the Chinese players, but the language barrier makes it hard. I can't read much about them.

by Suliso I've read that she trains in Spain. Probably speaks decent English too.

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Sun Sep 11, 2022 12:49 pm Zheng Qinwen

Image

She will get the magazine covers and plenty of endorsements if she's allowed to.

by ti-amie Image

Picture via @TennisTonic.com

Halep after surgery on her nose.

by ponchi101 Image isn't loading. Cosmetic or needed?

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Sep 13, 2022 3:15 am Image isn't loading. Cosmetic or needed?
She wanted the same scar that Nadal has.

by 3mlm I think a little bit of both.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2 ... se-surgery

by meganfernandez

by Suliso Sakkari and Evert

Image

by ponchi101 You could never tell Evert is recovering from cancer. She is looking very well. :thumbsup:

by ti-amie

I really love the top.

by ti-amie

Simona debuts her new nose

by ponchi101 Not much of a change. Which is good. When they overdo it, some people look really weird.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Sep 24, 2022 9:09 pm Not much of a change. Which is good. When they overdo it, some people look really weird.
I wonder if she'll lop more of her nose off later? She got talked out of it once but now that she's started...

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sat Sep 24, 2022 8:07 pm

I really love the top.
I really don't.

by Deuce I'm putting this here because this event wasn't a legitimate tennis event, and because I'm mentioning the other thing...

Ashley Harkleroad was apparently all they could get to replace Danielle Collins at the last minute for this event. Some of you may remember Harkleroad - she paved the path to 'fame' for Genie Bouchard... but Harkleroad went further than Genie in that Ashley's main claim to fame is that she very publicly posed for Playboy magazine, and, more recently, has begun showing her (cl)ass on 'onlyfans'.
I think the only reason Ashley played in this is because she misunderstood what the organizers meant by the term 'exhibition'. She must have thought that they were looking for exhibitionists.

Yeah... this sure was an important and classy event, huh? :roll:

Leylah Fernandez and Bob Bryan 'win' Exhibition...

.

by ti-amie I had no idea Harkleroad's career had taken such a turn.

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sun Sep 25, 2022 11:26 pm I had no idea Harkleroad's career had taken such a turn.
Yeah... well...

She married fellow troubled individual (and colossal asshole) Alex Bogomolov Jr. when both were young... so she's really been on a negative path for quite a while.
If you've ever seen Bogomolov's behaviour on court, you'll know what I mean.

"My Playboy cover highlights my tennis career." (Ashley's words).

From Wikipedia:
"In 2022 Harkleroad joined the Onlyfans platform, producing pornographic content."
Nice to see she's being a wonderful role model for her 11 year old daughter.

by Deuce I watched the movie ‘Battle of the Sexes’ last night, as it came up on one of my TV channels. It’s about, naturally, the match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King.
I won’t spoil it by telling you who won the match. :lol:

The movie was somewhat entertaining - but, no surprise, it was also over-dramatized. Hell, the actual event was over-dramatized - but they still managed to go overboard with the movie - which has, sadly, come to be expected with all movies.
I really don’t like the artificial dramatization of reality (which is why I don’t watch the Laver Cup).

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

Naomi in Japan

by ponchi101 Did Coco cut her hair? Please, no.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:44 pm Did Coco cut her hair? Please, no.
No. She took her braids out to let her real hair "breathe" so that it stays healthy. I'm glad she let herself be photographed like this.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:27 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:44 pm Did Coco cut her hair? Please, no.
No. She took her braids out to let her real hair "breathe" so that it stays healthy. I'm glad she let herself be photographed like this.
I love it short. I think it accentuates her face, and she has beautiful features.

by Suliso Raducanu

Image

Image

by ponchi101 Very simply pretty.

by Suliso

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

Always nice to see people enjoying themselves with friends.

wink, wink

by ti-amie

by ti-amie
ti-amie wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 12:18 am

Always nice to see people enjoying themselves with friends.

wink, wink
I'm surprised no one noticed the guy in the backwards hat...

by ponchi101 Ok. I'll bite.
Who is the guy in the hat? And, since I am asking, who is Lexi?

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 9:24 pm Ok. I'll bite.
Who is the guy in the hat? And, since I am asking, who is Lexi?
The guy in the hat looks a lot like a guy who is ranked in the top ten of the ATP and was accused by his ex, a popular player from Australia, of catting around with Amanda.

No idea who Lexi is.

Did I just write a tennis blind item? :lol:

by patrick Berrettini?

by skatingfan
ti-amie wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 10:14 pm The guy in the hat looks a lot like a guy who is ranked in the top ten of the ATP and was accused by his ex, a popular player from Australia, of catting around with Amanda.

No idea who Lexi is.

Did I just write a tennis blind item? :lol:
FYI, not in the top 10 right now.
patrick wrote: Sat Oct 15, 2022 12:19 amBerrettini?
That would be the correct answer.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 9:24 pm Ok. I'll bite.
Who is the guy in the hat? And, since I am asking, who is Lexi?
I think Lexi is just a friend/third-wheeler.

by ponchi101 So, like, only beautiful people allowed in that boat?
I hope it sinks :evil:

by Deuce It's a guy with a beard.
Absolutely no way to tell if it's Berrettini or not.
Pure speculation/gossip.

by ponchi101 Did anybody know that Medvedev was also expecting a baby? My GF is finding in her IG feed news about that. A baby girl.
Congrats, I guess. :champagne:

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Oct 15, 2022 3:06 pm Did anybody know that Medvedev was also expecting a baby? My GF is finding in her IG feed news about that. A baby girl.
Congrats, I guess. :champagne:
I had no idea! Explains perhaps his distraction this year.


by ti-amie

by ponchi101 About Daniil. Yes, I had no idea either, and it may have been part of his level of play for the year. Maybe a bit too happy?

by meganfernandez Think Elina is going to play again? She isn't retired, right? She's only 28.
ti-amie wrote: Sat Oct 15, 2022 6:28 pm

by ponchi101 She's only 28, so physically far from over.
But her game was slowly becoming "not enough" for the current level of the WTA. So it is not only if she will come back, can she come back at a high level. I would have questions there.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Oct 17, 2022 5:00 pm She's only 28, so physically far from over.
But her game was slowly becoming "not enough" for the current level of the WTA. So it is not only if she will come back, can she come back at a high level. I would have questions there.
I hope she comes back. I have come to appreciate her defense and her competitiveness in the last couple of years. Kind of like Radwanska - I thought she was a boring pusher for the first half of her career, then I became a savvier fan and appreciated her creativity, composure and defense. I finally get tennis enough to appreciate Svitolina's ability to never beat herself and withstand powerful opponents. I think she could still have Top 20 results, although the second serve is a big liability.

Monfils hasn't retired, right?

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Oct 15, 2022 1:10 am
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 9:24 pm Ok. I'll bite.
Who is the guy in the hat? And, since I am asking, who is Lexi?
I think Lexi is just a friend/third-wheeler.
Y'all are truly a mess. That is not Matteo on that boat. That is a less attractive unknown man. And Lexi is one of Amanda's friends, she is/was a college tennis player. A good deal of Amanda's friends are tennis players, just many of them weren't as good as her.

by Suliso Venus with Serena's daughter

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Some oldies...

Image

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Thu Oct 20, 2022 2:59 pm Venus with Serena's daughter

Image

Some oldies...

Image
Olympia is so grown up! She's 5 now, I guess. Who's the blonde with Hingis and Radwanska?

by Suliso Hantuchova

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Thu Oct 20, 2022 5:53 pmHantuchova
Ah. The blonde threw me off. I'm used to her with darker hair.

by Owendonovan Does anyone still affectionately call Hingis "Chucky" anymore?

by skatingfan
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Oct 21, 2022 2:32 am Does anyone still affectionately call Hingis "Chucky" anymore?
Bangs would be good.

by ti-amie













Relevant Tennis | Stats & Info
@RelevantTennis
Good job guys! They are Sinner - Tsitsipas - Ruud and Rublev.

by ponchi101 Only got Rublev.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Oct 25, 2022 8:45 pm Only got Rublev.
Me, too.

by ti-amie He was the only one I got too, Rublev that is.

by MJ2004 I thought Ruud was obvious. Rublev, of course. Hasn't changed at all.

by Fastbackss Allegedly Drake dropped a new song last night with the following lyric in it:

“Side bar Serena your husband is a groupie, he claim we don't got a problem but no boo it is” -Drake on Middle of the Ocean


I haven't heard it myself, so I am posting with one eye closed on the hopes I am not being fooled by the internet

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Fri Nov 04, 2022 10:47 am Allegedly Drake dropped a new song last night with the following lyric in it:

“Side bar Serena your husband is a groupie, he claim we don't got a problem but no boo it is” -Drake on Middle of the Ocean


I haven't heard it myself, so I am posting with one eye closed on the hopes I am not being fooled by the internet
What's the translation of the lyric? That Alexis is a little salty about whatever happened between Drake and Serena way back when? What does it mean that he's a groupie?
ti-amie wrote: Tue Oct 25, 2022 10:37 pm He was the only one I got too, Rublev that is.
Same, Ruud and Rublev. Kicking myself for not getting Sinner, with that red hair.

by ponchi101 What does that mean? :?
(The Drake song, not Megan's post).

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Deuce
Fastbackss wrote: Fri Nov 04, 2022 10:47 am Allegedly Drake dropped a new song last night with the following lyric in it:

“Side bar Serena your husband is a groupie, he claim we don't got a problem but no boo it is” -Drake on Middle of the Ocean
If this is what music has become, it's no wonder that kids today have no idea how to even construct a proper sentence.
Wow.
:roll:

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Fri Nov 04, 2022 10:56 pm
Fastbackss wrote: Fri Nov 04, 2022 10:47 am Allegedly Drake dropped a new song last night with the following lyric in it:

“Side bar Serena your husband is a groupie, he claim we don't got a problem but no boo it is” -Drake on Middle of the Ocean
If this is what music has become, it's no wonder that kids today have no idea how to even construct a proper sentence.
Wow.
:roll:
You don't know the half of it.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Easy for me. TV, smartphones, pets.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 11:25 pm Easy for me. TV, smartphones, pets.
This is easy: alcohol, pets, television. I don't have a pet, but I'd rather keep my smart phone and never have another pet again than the other way around. I wouldn't have put an existing pet on that list.

I often say that all forms of alcohol could disappear tomorrow and I wouldn't notice. It's not that I don't drink. I just that I never never, ever want a drink. I wish I could say the same about cupcakes and Coke Zero.

by Deuce Alcohol, smart phones, pets.
I had a cat for 18 years. Since he died, I haven't had a pet (I've taken in some strays from time to time until I found homes for them, but I never considered them 'my pets'... after growing up with my cat - from age 6 to age 24 -, I can't have another real pet).
I could have also included Grandparents, as all of mine are dead.
I could also give up TV quite easily. But since I currently have a TV, and don't have a pet...
I don't own a car - but I wouldn't want to give up being able to go places in other peoples' cars.

Who would give up shoes, really? I imagine no-one living in any area with paved streets and sidewalks...

Perhaps Andy doesn't realize that if he gives up shoes, he'd also have to give up tennis.
Same for Benoit with alcohol, probably... :D

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Sun Nov 06, 2022 12:53 am Alcohol, smart phones, pets.
I had a cat for 18 years. Since he died, I haven't had a pet
Same. 20 years, never to be replaced. RIP, King of Cats.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Nov 06, 2022 1:06 am
Deuce wrote: Sun Nov 06, 2022 12:53 am Alcohol, smart phones, pets.
I had a cat for 18 years. Since he died, I haven't had a pet
Same. 20 years, never to be replaced. RIP, King of Cats.
Yeah... most people don't understand this, though.
A pet is not only part of the family, but is an integral part of your life. And they are all unique beings with unique characters.
I can't replace my cat with another cat anymore than I can replace my Mother with another person.

by skatingfan smart phones, grandparents, cars - don't own either a car or a smart phone, and my grandparents have all passed away - so basically not changing a thing in my life

by ti-amie

I agree with Krasimir.

by ponchi101 Well, let's give her a break. Maybe she hit with him after her real practice.
This would explain a lot. If Mugu is happy and her life is going well, and she is in love, who cares if she is ranked 90-something in the world? It is hard to find the motivation to go out there and train and fight during matches, when the rest of your life is rosy.
Good for her.

by JazzNU Garbine's in the Maldives on vacation. I'd give her a break on who she's practicing with. I'd expect her to workout every day like usual, but not pick up a racquet. I don't see the issue here at all.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:07 pm Well, let's give her a break. Maybe she hit with him after her real practice.
This would explain a lot. If Mugu is happy and her life is going well, and she is in love, who cares if she is ranked 90-something in the world? It is hard to find the motivation to go out there and train and fight during matches, when the rest of your life is rosy.
Good for her.
That person's hot take was ridiculous. And it's the off-season! I commend her for picking up a racket this early in the off-season at all.

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:07 pm Well, let's give her a break. Maybe she hit with him after her real practice.
This would explain a lot. If Mugu is happy and her life is going well, and she is in love, who cares if she is ranked 90-something in the world? It is hard to find the motivation to go out there and train and fight during matches, when the rest of your life is rosy.
Good for her.
I would say the same about Badosa and her model.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 6:17 pm
That person's hot take was ridiculous. And it's the off-season! I commend her for picking up a racket this early in the off-season at all.
It also comes off as sexist to me. I don't recall even a fraction of this much focus on the happy relationships of ATP players who weren't having optimal results for where they were expected to be. A comment here and there on IG is what I see for them, but not all this from other social media accounts.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 6:22 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:07 pm Well, let's give her a break. Maybe she hit with him after her real practice.
This would explain a lot. If Mugu is happy and her life is going well, and she is in love, who cares if she is ranked 90-something in the world? It is hard to find the motivation to go out there and train and fight during matches, when the rest of your life is rosy.
Good for her.
I would say the same about Badosa and her model.
And Shapo and his girlfriend. :)

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 8:33 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 6:17 pm
That person's hot take was ridiculous. And it's the off-season! I commend her for picking up a racket this early in the off-season at all.
It also comes off as sexist to me. I don't recall even a fraction of this much focus on the happy relationships of ATP players who weren't having optimal results for where they were expected to be. A comment here and there on IG is what I see for them, but not all this from other social media accounts.
Glad you said it, not me! Rarely does anyone link a male athlete's relationships to his performance in any way. Much more common for female athletes.

Ponchi, this isn't about your comment. :)

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 6:17 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:07 pm Well, let's give her a break. Maybe she hit with him after her real practice.
This would explain a lot. If Mugu is happy and her life is going well, and she is in love, who cares if she is ranked 90-something in the world? It is hard to find the motivation to go out there and train and fight during matches, when the rest of your life is rosy.
Good for her.
That person's hot take was ridiculous. And it's the off-season! I commend her for picking up a racket this early in the off-season at all.
Well, a lot of people would argue that it's Fed Cup season, not the 'off season'... and would wonder why she isn't representing her country in Fed Cup. Especially since Spain just lost to a British team that isn't tremendously strong on paper...

by Suliso Garcia and Cornet

Image

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Fri Nov 11, 2022 3:19 am
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 6:17 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:07 pm Well, let's give her a break. Maybe she hit with him after her real practice.
This would explain a lot. If Mugu is happy and her life is going well, and she is in love, who cares if she is ranked 90-something in the world? It is hard to find the motivation to go out there and train and fight during matches, when the rest of your life is rosy.
Good for her.
That person's hot take was ridiculous. And it's the off-season! I commend her for picking up a racket this early in the off-season at all.
Well, a lot of people would argue that it's Fed Cup season, not the 'off season'... and would wonder why she isn't representing her country in Fed Cup. Especially since Spain just lost to a British team that isn't tremendously strong on paper...
Who knows. Her choice. Or maybe she wasn't invited! Maybe AMG was like, nah, we're good with Nuria Parrizas-Diaz. :) And I can't say I'd blame her.

KontaFinals.jpg
WTA story - https://www.tennis.com/baseline/article ... a-azarenka

ATP story - https://www.tennis.com/baseline/article ... aits-turin -->
by meganfernandez Tennis.com has some fun lookbacks at WTA and ATP Finals photos of the field, when they all get dressed up (usually). I thought this outtake was interesting - in 2016, Konta was already in Singapore waiting to see if she would get the 8th spot. Kuznetsova was still playing a tournament, and if she won, she'd get the spot. She did. So Konta wasn't in that year's group photo. But she appeared in some behind-the-scenes shots, like this one. It's notable because she looks pretty good! It's one of her best dresses ever.
KontaFinals.jpg
WTA story - https://www.tennis.com/baseline/article ... a-azarenka

ATP story - https://www.tennis.com/baseline/article ... aits-turin

by ponchi101 Garbiñe, on the other hand, doing her usual "hitting it out of the ball park" routine.
When she dresses up, she never fails.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Nov 11, 2022 3:24 pm Garbiñe, on the other hand, doing her usual "hitting it out of the ball park" routine.
When she dresses up, she never fails.
I wouldn't want to stand next to Garbi in a photo. Konta did pretty well, considering! This was one of Garbi's best dresses.

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Sat Nov 12, 2022 8:31 pm
Thank you! I needed a story idea! Also, his name is Rakitt...
https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/mo ... uerto-rico

by ponchi101 BTW. That's a gorgeous photo.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Nov 12, 2022 10:35 pm
ti-amie wrote: Sat Nov 12, 2022 8:31 pm
Thank you! I needed a story idea! Also, his name is Rakitt...
https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/mo ... uerto-rico
"Monica Puig, who retired from the WTA Tour earlier this year, has traded her racquet for a Rakitt."
Not bad, Megan... not bad...
:D

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Sat Nov 12, 2022 11:18 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Nov 12, 2022 10:35 pm
ti-amie wrote: Sat Nov 12, 2022 8:31 pm
Thank you! I needed a story idea! Also, his name is Rakitt...
https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/mo ... uerto-rico
"Monica Puig, who retired from the WTA Tour earlier this year, has traded her racquet for a Rakitt."
Not bad, Megan... not bad...
:D
Not good, either! But thank you. No one can squeeze a faint chuckle out of a weak story like I can.

by ponchi101 What do you mean NOT GOOD? That was rather skillful.
:clap:

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 1:55 am What do you mean NOT GOOD? That was rather skillful.
:clap:
Well, thank you. Not high art, that's what I meant. :) I hope he pronounces it "racket" and not "ray-kitt."

by Deuce Yes - my 'not bad' means that I found it to be good. Clever.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:01 am Yes - my 'not bad' means that I found it to be good. Clever.
Well, thank you. Too bad I misspelled Muguruza (Muruguza), Ruud (Rudd) and Aliassime (Aliassame) in headlines and a tweet. Remember that next time you (meaning anyone, not you, Deuce) drags the media for a typo or innocent mistake. It happens. No one was proofing my stuff and anyone can stare at a word and not see the mistake, especially after 8 hours of screen time. One guy on Twitter was extremely rude about Rudd, dispalying no sense of irony.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:40 am
Deuce wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:01 am Yes - my 'not bad' means that I found it to be good. Clever.
Well, thank you. Too bad I misspelled Muguruza (Muruguza), Ruud (Rudd) and Aliassime (Aliassame) in headlines and a tweet. Remember that next time you (meaning anyone, not you, Deuce) drags the media for a typo or innocent mistake. It happens. No one was proofing my stuff and anyone can stare at a word and not see the mistake, especially after 8 hours of screen time. One guy on Twitter was extremely rude about Rudd, dispalying no sense of irony.
What in hell is that ^ in red?!!!!? Gesus! Unbelievble! I dont come here to reed mistaks!

Ok - point taken, Megan. 👍

by JazzNU Anett and boyfriend Brent Lepistu, he's an Estonian footballer. This looks to be the official IG official, though it was sort of IG official several weeks ago, but not in it's own post like this, it was buried with other photos.



by JazzNU ^^ That's one of his less attractive photos imo, so he's very attractive. Hopefully a great guy deserving of Anett.

by meganfernandez
Deuce wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 4:12 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:40 am
Deuce wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:01 am Yes - my 'not bad' means that I found it to be good. Clever.
Well, thank you. Too bad I misspelled Muguruza (Muruguza), Ruud (Rudd) and Aliassime (Aliassame) in headlines and a tweet. Remember that next time you (meaning anyone, not you, Deuce) drags the media for a typo or innocent mistake. It happens. No one was proofing my stuff and anyone can stare at a word and not see the mistake, especially after 8 hours of screen time. One guy on Twitter was extremely rude about Rudd, dispalying no sense of irony.
What in hell is that ^ in red?!!!!? Gesus! Unbelievble! I dont come here to reed mistaks!

Ok - point taken, Megan. 👍
Haha! Touche! I didn't even notice that, but that was 10 hours of screentime in... I noticed another misspelling this morning! It's tough when no one is proofing your work. I'M the proofer! But I also have to write during my shifts, and no one proofs that stuff except the worst people on the Internet.

by meganfernandez
JazzNU wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 4:34 am ^^ That's one of his less attractive photos imo, so he's very attractive. Hopefully a great guy deserving of Anett.
JazzNU wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 4:30 am Anett and boyfriend Brent Lepistu, he's an Estonian footballer. This looks to be the official IG official, though it was sort of IG official several weeks ago, but not in it's own post like this, it was buried with other photos.


He looks so different in his other posts. Here, he kinda looks like Borna Corici or (zoomed in) Theo James. I think he looks good, but he looks a different kind of good in his soccer and gym photos... scruffier.

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 1:47 pm
He looks so different in his other posts. Here, he kinda looks like Borna Corici or (zoomed in) Theo James. I think he looks good, but he looks a different kind of good in his soccer and gym photos... scruffier.
Not just those, he looks different than the photos of them she initially posted, which were them walking and at dinner if memory serves. Clean shaven is a clear difference here. But you also can't get a great feel for his features and his hair here. He's got a look and it's a good one.

by ti-amie I saw him sitting courtside at one of her matches and thought he was very good looking.

by Suliso Annual post season beach edition 8-)

Osaka

Image

Muguruza

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Azarenka

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Kudermetova

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by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Tue Nov 15, 2022 2:46 pm Annual post season beach edition 8-)

Osaka

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Muguruza

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Azarenka

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Kudermetova

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Sloane's in Iceland

by Suliso Not so much ice there :D

by ponchi101 Isn't Iceland basically a volcano with some outcrops? I also believe they generate a lot of their power through geo-thermal.
I envy her. Must be nice.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Tue Nov 15, 2022 7:36 pm Not so much ice there :D
Sloane melted it.
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Nov 15, 2022 8:10 pm Isn't Iceland basically a volcano with some outcrops? I also believe they generate a lot of their power through geo-thermal.
I envy her. Must be nice.
Yes, I think they do generate all or most of their own energy. Jealous.

by ponchi101 It is a tiny island. 300,000 people. So small that that they have an app to tell you if you may be dating a cousin.
Their energy needs must be minute compared to the rest of the world.
Also: they are pretty ingenious with their electric grid.

by Owendonovan Azarenka's hair is beach hair defined.

by Deuce
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Nov 15, 2022 10:31 pm It is a tiny island. 300,000 people. So small that that they have an app to tell you if you may be dating a cousin.
That ^ has got to be the fact of the day. :D

by ptmcmahon
Suliso wrote: Tue Nov 15, 2022 7:36 pm Not so much ice there :D
Iceland is green. Greenland is Ice :)

by JazzNU
ptmcmahon wrote: Wed Nov 16, 2022 4:55 pm
Iceland is green. Greenland is Ice :)
The things we learned from the Mighty Ducks 😊

by ti-amie




by ti-amie I think Andy Murray's wife has her beat though...

by ponchi101 Davis Cup and BJK cup teams in about 15 years, for Italy and the UK.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Fri Nov 18, 2022 2:19 am
The two posts I clicked on about voting being opened were filled with people begging for Fed to be added and others saying they should rename the award after him. It has been quite obvious (and pitiful) why they never did anything about the clear voting problems with the award.

by JazzNU Paula in the Maldives. Very popular vaca spot for tennis players it seems.



by JazzNU Petra and Jiri in Monaco



by Suliso Ajla on the beach somewhere

Image

Image

by Suliso Osorio

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by ti-amie

Camila Giorgi

by Fastbackss Camila + 1/2 guitar equals a reilly

by ti-amie

by Suliso Amanda

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Garcia

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Putintseva

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by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Suliso Image

Belinda

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by ti-amie

by JazzNU From the Nadal and Casper's exhibition tour in South America. First one if photos in Quito, the second is them before their flight out of Brazil. Most of the stuff they've shared (which has been a lot) has been in their Stories, not in photos that can be easily shared.






by Suliso Sabalenka with her boyfriend

Image

by ti-amie Are they competing now about who has the sexiest pics with their SO? I'm thinking about those pics of Badosa and her boyfriend curled up in bed.

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Fri Dec 02, 2022 8:18 pm Are they competing now about who has the sexiest pics with their SO? I'm thinking about those pics of Badosa and her boyfriend curled up in bed.
Like everyone (except me and about 7 other people on the planet), they are competing for the number of 'likes'/'views'/'followers'...
Sigh...

In French, 'selfies' are called 'ego portraits'. Seriously.

by ti-amie

by Suliso Caroline Garcia

Image

Sloane Stephens in some funny place

Image

Anett Kontaveit

Image

by ponchi101 Anett... inside a closet? :?

by ptmcmahon That's one empty closet if she's in it :D

by ti-amie

by MJ2004 Roger on the Daily Show:



ROFL during that Wimbledon story!

by ti-amie Carla Suárez Navarro
@CarlaSuarezNava
Una nueva etapa que nos apetecía mucho vivir. ¡Vamos a ampliar la familia!

Ilusionadas y felices por afrontar este gran momento. Muy pronto seremos uno/a más 😍❤️
Translated from Spanish by Google
A new stage that we really wanted to live. Let's expand the family!

Excited and happy to face this great moment. Very soon we will be one more 😍❤️

Image

Image

by ponchi101 Ok. Good for her.
But who is carrying? ;)

by ponchi101 Nick Kyrgios was upset because he was not given the Australian Tennis POY award. It was given to Barty.
Nick Kyrgios hits out at 'no respect' after retired Ash Barty beats him to best player award

Gist:
Kyrgios, who enjoyed his best season and reached the final at Wimbledon, shared a graphic comparing his 2022 achievements with Barty's on Instagram with the caption: "LOL. No respect at all. I don't give a f---"
(End quote)

So, sure. You don't give a (expletive), but you went all the way to post that you feel slighted.
He is so difficult. Plus, going against Barty is really, really going to get you more fans.

by Suliso Image

by ti-amie She looks just like her father.

by skatingfan
ti-amie wrote: Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:11 pm She looks just like her father.
Thank-fully without the beard. :D

by ti-amie

Translation of Kei's tweet
Translated from Japanese by
hello. I have a report for you all.
On December 24th, I held a wedding ceremony and reception with my wife, Mai.
It will be a new start for us.
In order to return to the world's top stage,
I'll try hard.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ti-amie Where do they find these sweaters (or jumpers as they're called in England I think.)


by ponchi101 I am more impressed by the house. That seems to be a very middle class, simple, non-pretentious home.
Makes me like the Murray family even more.
The sweaters are truly ghastly. But by now they are being made like that on purpose.

by skatingfan The photo is from at least 2015.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/ ... ers-879761

I wonder if that is Judy's house, or Judy's parent's house.

by ti-amie Argentina Open
@ArgentinaOpen
¡Feliz cumple David! 👑

Lo mejor en tu día y en este nuevo año 🤍🇦🇷
Translated from Spanish by
Happy birthday David! 👑

The best in your day and in this new year 🤍🇦🇷

Image



by ponchi101 At the time, Nalbandian had Roger's number.
But in an incredibly similar process to what happened between Pete and Chang, Roger flipped it. He was 0-5 against Nalby, ended up 11-8. He was able to decipher him.

by ti-amie

by JTContinental Off court shenanigans, indeed :gorgeous:

Congrats to her

by ti-amie


by ponchi101 So, it only took 33 years for something to come in between Brooke Shields and HER Calvin Kleins ;)
I only hope they sign Badosa too.

by JazzNU Naomi is pregnant!



by Fastbackss So much for emulating her idol.

If she truly wanted to be like Serena she would have played the Australian

*extreme sarcasm font used above*

by Suliso Didn't expect that to be the reason. All the best then and maybe a comeback in a year or two.

by ponchi101 That looks like a well developed fetus. So, it is not as if she is 1 month pregnant.
Good for her, and specially, good to hear she wants to be back. We will see how motivated she will be.

by ti-amie The fetus is pretty developed in that sonogram. She's more than a few months along.

by Deuce Osaka has been troubled emotionally and psychologically for the past couple of years (at least, that's as long as she's let it be known publicly - the troubles may have developed earlier than that).
Are these troubles all directly related to tennis? Possibly - but I, myself, doubt it.
Being a parent is not a trivial matter - it is probably the most important responsibility a human being can have.
Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?

I just hope she isn't having a child as a means of thinking that it will remedy her problems. I've seen many troubled women do that... and I've also seen that it usually leads to more problems.

by Owendonovan
Deuce wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:48 pm Osaka has been troubled emotionally and psychologically for the past couple of years (at least, that's as long as she's let it be known publicly - the troubles may have developed earlier than that).
Are these troubles all directly related to tennis? Possibly - but I, myself, doubt it.
Being a parent is not a trivial matter - it is probably the most important responsibility a human being can have.
Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?

I just hope she isn't having a child as a means of thinking that it will remedy her problems. I've seen many troubled women do that... and I've also seen that it usually leads to more problems.
You know, millions of people with depression/mental health issues carry on perfectly normal lives including pregnancy. "Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?" is the kind of question that can keep people with a large platform, like Naomi who has been honest and open, from speaking out about mental heath issues.

by Deuce
Owendonovan wrote: Thu Jan 12, 2023 2:05 pm
Deuce wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:48 pm Osaka has been troubled emotionally and psychologically for the past couple of years (at least, that's as long as she's let it be known publicly - the troubles may have developed earlier than that).
Are these troubles all directly related to tennis? Possibly - but I, myself, doubt it.
Being a parent is not a trivial matter - it is probably the most important responsibility a human being can have.
Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?

I just hope she isn't having a child as a means of thinking that it will remedy her problems. I've seen many troubled women do that... and I've also seen that it usually leads to more problems.
You know, millions of people with depression/mental health issues carry on perfectly normal lives including pregnancy. "Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?" is the kind of question that can keep people with a large platform, like Naomi who has been honest and open, from speaking out about mental heath issues.
It's a perfectly legitimate question/concern under the circumstances, Owen. And a realistic one.
I have personally seen many troubled young women - and teenagers - deliberately get pregnant with the specific hope of creating someone that will 'have to love them', and thinking that this will be the solution to all of their troubles... Only to find that it doesn't work that way, and they struggle incredibly to raise the child, and the child ends up troubled, as well, because of a lack of proper nurturing.

This isn't a blame or criticism - it's simply an observation based on plenty of experience.
I'm sorry if it may burst the typical nice bubble of pregnancy announcements of 'oh, that's wonderful - congratulations', etc., but Osaka has demonstrated that she is extremely fragile and unstable emotionally and psychologically, and I think it has been shown time and time again that a solid foundation is necessary in order to parent and nurture a child.

Several years ago, a female cousin of mine, who was about the age that Osaka is now, announced with great fanfare that she was getting married. Literally everyone in our extended family congratulated her and called it wonderful news. Except me. I told everyone that this cousin was not anywhere near stable enough to make a major decision like marriage, because it seemed that every month, she was following a new path - one month she was a committed vegetarian, the next month she was a devoted church goer, etc. It was evident (to me, at least) that she was lost and fragile and desperately searching for an identity. I told everyone that if she gets married, it won't last long. Yet everyone else went on with the pretty grand charade. I was the only one in the family who didn't attend the wedding. Other family members chastised me for not 'supporting' my cousin. I told them I cannot support something which I feel is ill-advised.
4 months after she was married, she and her husband separated, and divorced soon after. She didn't speak with me for a few years, because I didn't support her. But the real reason she didn't speak with me is because she didn't want to admit that my assessment was accurate. Another marriage and divorce followed. With 3 children (all boys). All 3 are teenagers now. The oldest and the youngest both are significantly into the drug scene. The youngest is getting kicked out of schools. The middle boy has troubles controlling his emotions and has changed schools numerous times. My cousin has troubles with mental illness. Her older sister died of a fentanyl overdose a little over a year ago. My cousin talks with me now. For the past few years, though we live thousands of miles apart, she talks with me profoundly - more profoundly than she talks with any other family member.

All that to say that showing concern and being honest in ones's assessment is not 'blaming' or criticizing - it is simply showing honest concern based on observation of the circumstance.
Now, I obviously don't know Osaka as well as I know my cousin - but I have been concerned about Osaka for a few years now. I have posted here how I see her struggling with her identity; of how she is a natural introvert, but the public spotlight will not accept that and demands that she be an extrovert - and so she tried to accommodate, but ends up quite mixed up and depressed. And, based on my experience with people (far more than just with my cousin), I don't feel that's a solid enough foundation from which to raise a child.

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote: Thu Jan 12, 2023 2:05 pm
Deuce wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:48 pm Osaka has been troubled emotionally and psychologically for the past couple of years (at least, that's as long as she's let it be known publicly - the troubles may have developed earlier than that).
Are these troubles all directly related to tennis? Possibly - but I, myself, doubt it.
Being a parent is not a trivial matter - it is probably the most important responsibility a human being can have.
Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?

I just hope she isn't having a child as a means of thinking that it will remedy her problems. I've seen many troubled women do that... and I've also seen that it usually leads to more problems.
You know, millions of people with depression/mental health issues carry on perfectly normal lives including pregnancy. "Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?" is the kind of question that can keep people with a large platform, like Naomi who has been honest and open, from speaking out about mental heath issues.
Yes, exactly, especially if she is getting treatment.

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Jan 12, 2023 2:49 pm
Owendonovan wrote: Thu Jan 12, 2023 2:05 pm
Deuce wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:48 pm Osaka has been troubled emotionally and psychologically for the past couple of years (at least, that's as long as she's let it be known publicly - the troubles may have developed earlier than that).
Are these troubles all directly related to tennis? Possibly - but I, myself, doubt it.
Being a parent is not a trivial matter - it is probably the most important responsibility a human being can have.
Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?

I just hope she isn't having a child as a means of thinking that it will remedy her problems. I've seen many troubled women do that... and I've also seen that it usually leads to more problems.
You know, millions of people with depression/mental health issues carry on perfectly normal lives including pregnancy. "Is she emotionally stable enough to be a parent?" is the kind of question that can keep people with a large platform, like Naomi who has been honest and open, from speaking out about mental heath issues.
Yes, exactly, especially if she is getting treatment.
Treatment often takes years to succeed in a significant way.
Sorry, and I know it's not a 'pretty' or popular opinion, but, as someone who has first hand experience with too many messed up kids and parents to count, I feel it's best to make damned sure you're stable and ok before embarking into the enormous responsibility of parenthood, rather than merely hoping that it will work out well - because the consequences of failure are huge.
Again, I've seen too many bad outcomes of emotional/psychological instability to think otherwise.

Factually, someone with Osaka’s recent history of emotional instability and fragility would very likely not pass a test that would enable her to adopt a child (assuming she received no favouritism due to being ‘famous’). Because it would be considered too great a risk. They would want her to demonstrate some consistent emotional stability over an extended period of time before they’d allow her to adopt a child. That is not unfair discrimination - it is simply proper concern for the child and for the parent.
But having your own child requires no such testing, of course. The risk, however, is quite similar. The well-being of a child is far too precious and fragile to gamble with.

by Owendonovan Isn't it possible that she has made damn sure she's stable and ok to embark on becoming a parent? I'm not gushing over her being pregnant, but it feels you've already decided she can't handle it. I think a fair concern for a person with Naomi's history would be post partum depression, which can be treated/managed. I agree a parenting test would be great, we all know too many who have had no business having children having too many of them, but the subjectivity would be too hard to narrow. As we inch ever closer to 8 billion people on the planet, I'd love a 4 or 5 year moratorium on people procreating.

by ponchi101
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 12:47 am Isn't it possible that she has made damn sure she's stable and ok to embark on becoming a parent? I'm not gushing over her being pregnant, but it feels you've already decided she can't handle it. I think a fair concern for a person with Naomi's history would be post partum depression, which can be treated/managed. I agree a parenting test would be great, we all know too many who have had no business having children having too many of them, but the subjectivity would be too hard to narrow. As we inch ever closer to 8 billion people on the planet, I'd love a 4 or 5 year moratorium on people procreating.
Uhm... we passed the 8 Billion mark early in November.
And if there is somebody that could have Children is Naomi. They will have everything.
Other than that, what you say.

by Deuce
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 12:47 am Isn't it possible that she has made damn sure she's stable and ok to embark on becoming a parent? I'm not gushing over her being pregnant, but it feels you've already decided she can't handle it. I think a fair concern for a person with Naomi's history would be post partum depression, which can be treated/managed. I agree a parenting test would be great, we all know too many who have had no business having children having too many of them, but the subjectivity would be too hard to narrow. As we inch ever closer to 8 billion people on the planet, I'd love a 4 or 5 year moratorium on people procreating.
Like anyone, I can only assess anything based on my experiences and observations. I've mentioned my experience with troubled people having children - most of the time, the outcome has been negative. And based on my observations of Osaka, she is not ready for this responsibility.
Of course, I don't see her every day... I don't know her. Nor do you or anyone else here. And so my perspective that I don't think she's ready for parenthood is not radically different from your perspective that she may be ready for parenthood - the difference being that our perspectives are opposing - but we're both going by what we've observed.
You say that I've already decided that she is not ready for parenthood. Yes - based on what I've seen of her. You say that you think she may be ready for parenthood. And so I ask you: What have you seen in her comportment that tells you that she may be ready for this enormous responsibility?

Sure... concern about post-partum depression. Ok. Of course, there's no guarantee, if this occurs, that it will be treated successfully and that she'll be fine. That's always a crapshoot. But what about concern for the child? Surely you aren't only concerned with Naomi's well-being... there will be a very precious and fragile child here, as well.

People have a tendency to believe that 'famous people' and 'celebrities' are somehow superhuman... People put them up on a pedestal believing that they are somehow 'better' that the rest of us not only at their chosen profession, but 'better' at ALL elements of life. That's not the reality, though. 'Famous people' are still human beings - and, as such, they all have weaknesses and defects just like the rest of us.
Being ready for parenthood is far from being an inherent trait in people - including (and often especially) in 'celebrities'. I'm sure you know that, as I believe you work with children, and, as such, you've surely seen the products of bad and deficient parenting. And you probably know, as I do, that having significant difficulties and troubles in life is quite often cyclical - that it is passed from one generation to the next, to the next, etc.

Osaka may well be ready to be a parent. Now that she's pregnant and there's no going back, I certainly hope that she is ready. But I haven't seen anything from her which indicates that. And I, personally, would advise against it, as a child's well being is not something to gamble on, merely hoping that the parent is competent. What I've seen from Osaka troubles me.
Remember, this is a young woman who has had numerous public breakdowns/meltdowns - and has surely had several more in private. The first evidence I personally saw of it was when she won her first U.S. Open. During the trophy ceremony, she pulled her hat/visor down over her eyes because she didn't want people to see that she was crying. Her tears were not tears of happiness, but they were the tears of someone who felt she didn't deserve what she had just accomplished. And, based on my experience, that is a sign of a person who is deeply troubled. (Of course, Serena's classless antics during that match played a role in Naomi's post match reaction, but it was still troubling to watch.)
And she has had several breakdowns since then.

Naomi is an extremely sensitive person. And very intelligent. I love hearing her speak, because she's so brutally honest. She's one of my favourite players to hear speak. I hold her in very high esteem. But I also see that she's been very mixed up, confused, and depressed, and has had significant trouble trying to figure out who she is. And based on that - and not much time has passed since I last observed her being emotionally unstable and troubled - I am concerned about her readiness for the huge responsibility of parenthood.

I agree with the rest (non-blue part) of your post.

by Owendonovan I think she possesses the maturity, ability to self reflect, empathy, and an ability to manage her mental heath issues without apparent shame in a way that's best for her. She's been with Cordae for almost 4 years, she's not going it alone. I feel she has a broad support system that will mitigate the valid concerns you have. Her management of her mental health appears to be top draw, she can afford it. Far too many can't afford or don't have the kind of access Naomi has which can easily lead to the situations you refer to. I have no illusions this baby will "fix" her, nor do I care how this affects her celebrity. I'd like her back on tour, I think she's a great example of humanity, athleticism, activism and femininity. I'd love to add mother to those attributes.

by Deuce Fair enough, Owen.
I hope you're right.
Only time will tell.

by skatingfan
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 12:47 am As we inch ever closer to 8 billion people on the planet, I'd love a 4 or 5 year moratorium on people procreating.
As ponchi said we've already passed the 8 billion mark, but the good news is that birth rates are dropping even faster than previously recorded, and the population peak is coming sooner than previously expected. There's some discussion that China's population is already in decline, and that the current UN number being used may be more than 250 million over the actual population of the country.

by ponchi101
skatingfan wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 5:34 am ...

As ponchi said we've already passed the 8 billion mark, but the good news is that birth rates are dropping even faster than previously recorded, and the population peak is coming sooner than previously expected. There's some discussion that China's population is already in decline, and that the current UN number being used may be more than 250 million over the actual population of the country.
Yes. The expected peak is now projected at 9.5 Billion. Then, it will start declining slowly.
The global reproduction rate is a bit over 2. Some countries are barely above 1.2.
It is NOT great news; we are still increasing, but it is better than before.

by Deuce The birth rate would have to drop very, very significantly - and in a short period of time - to allow the human population to reach a level that the planet could sustain given the selfish manner in which humans live today.

There is much talk of reducing elements like pollution - but, because politicians are in charge of this matter, nothing significant ever comes of it in practical terms. Politicians are only interested in making theories sound pretty.

We would need to reduce the planet's human population to about half of what it is now in order to be truly sustainable - because, tragically, the human actions which damage the planet/environment are never going to diminish by any considerable degree.

by Suliso Soon enough we will have the opposite issue - an enormous population crash in 75% of the World. Issue is not less people, that would be great actually, instead it is that "half" of those people will be 60+ year old. Not sure how future societies will deal with that and how they'll eventually get back (or not) to those magical 2.1 kids per family.

by Suliso What people sometimes forget that demographic trends have a large time delay. For example, in South Korea there are hardly any children (0.8 to be precise) but to see an actual population decline we have to wait several decades before the old generation is no more.

by ponchi101 This TED Talk was very instructive (it is from 2010).
As you say, the decline is not noticeable yet because we have a delay. And it is not that more people are being born; fewer people are dying.
Countries like S. Korea and Japan will have to accept more immigration or disappear. But with their very unique cultures, will they be able to accept new comers?

I gather that the reason people are stopping having children is simple: finances. George Friedman said it: FINANCIALLY SPEAKING, having a child is one of the worst decisions you can make.
I have three nephews/nieces that say that is the reason they did not (one of them is 40+) or will not (two of them are 30+) have kids. One more (20+) is still open to the idea. But, out of 7 nieces/nephews, I have only three grand-nephews.
And we all are middle class. I guess it is a small piece of data to count.

by Suliso Finances yes, but not just finances. Having a child is a huge time commitment and very few want to do it more than once or twice if at all.

South Korea and Japan will disappear in a sense as will many other countries. There won't be that many immigrants to go around and those existing will not necessarily be desirable.

by Suliso Also no amount of immigration could possibly save the coming Chinese population crash.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 5:09 pm This TED Talk was very instructive (it is from 2010).
As you say, the decline is not noticeable yet because we have a delay. And it is not that more people are being born; fewer people are dying.
Countries like S. Korea and Japan will have to accept more immigration or disappear. But with their very unique cultures, will they be able to accept new comers?

This thread has become quite a downer. But yes, I spoke about this in the past on the forum (feel like it was TAT 1.0), it's an area I did quite a bit of research on once upon a time. Japan has been well aware of their population cratering at a certain point, and in trying to keep their homogenous society, they altered their immigration laws and allowed those of Japanese heritage living in other countries (called Nikkeijin) to come and work in Japan. But it's not been enough to reverse the population trends significantly and those that have moved there haven't integrated as neatly into Japanese society as it was thought they would initially, so it has been far from ideal. I believe daily deaths in Japan outpace births at about a 2 to 1 rate. So there's a delay, but it's shrinking and will become more apparent over time. Projections have undoubtedly changed over the years since I researched it, but they were going to have about 100 million in population by 2050, but they had over 125 million two decades ago.

by JazzNU Super adorable



by Suliso
JazzNU wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 9:49 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 5:09 pm This TED Talk was very instructive (it is from 2010).
As you say, the decline is not noticeable yet because we have a delay. And it is not that more people are being born; fewer people are dying.
Countries like S. Korea and Japan will have to accept more immigration or disappear. But with their very unique cultures, will they be able to accept new comers?

This thread has become quite a downer. But yes, I spoke about this in the past on the forum (feel like it was TAT 1.0), it's an area I did quite a bit of research on once upon a time. Japan has been well aware of their population cratering at a certain point, and in trying to keep their homogenous society, they altered their immigration laws and allowed those of Japanese heritage living in other countries (called Nikkeijin) to come and work in Japan. But it's not been enough to reverse the population trends significantly and those that have moved there haven't integrated as neatly into Japanese society as it was thought they would initially, so it has been far from ideal. I believe daily deaths in Japan outpace births at about a 2 to 1 rate. So there's a delay, but it's shrinking and will become more apparent over time. Projections have undoubtedly changed over the years since I researched it, but they were going to have about 100 million in population by 2050, but they had over 125 million two decades ago.
That's all true... From what I've gathered South Korea is a supercharged Japan. Even less children, more xenophobic and less open to immigration than their bigger neighbour. Also a very macho and toxic work culture.

On the other hand it's also in the top 10 in population density. Wildlife will have more chance with less people on that peninsula.

by JazzNU Ajla has a photoshoot coming out in Vogue Australia. She spread the photos she posted out between 3 different posts, here's the first. If you want to see the others, just click on this and you'll be able to see her page and look at the other ones.



by JazzNU ^^ It's pretty remarkable how Ajla's basically used her relationships, especially with Matteo, to raise her public profile. I contend she's not getting this spread or in Break Point without it. She's far and away the lowest ranked, least accomplished player in the series. And for a spread like this, she's been around and available for a long time, never had anything like this. Don't blame her for capitalizing exactly, but she's a glaring outlier in these things.

by ponchi101 On the other hand. She is a very attractive girl. So, what you say, but she is Vogue material.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Jan 17, 2023 3:07 am On the other hand. She is a very attractive girl. So, what you say, but she is Vogue material.
Agreed. She was also attractive 5 years ago when she was dating Australia's most popular tennis player too, though they were not an overtly public couple. And 3 years ago when she was single, still pretty. No Vogue spread though still attractive and a tennis player the entire time. Just saying. But in the last year Vogue comes calling. Netflix comes calling. Tennis Channel comes calling. The latter is the only one that legitimately might have happened without all the rest.

by JazzNU

by ponchi101 On the one hand:
Sounds like a grown up (I jest)
On the other: he is Belgian. ;)
Yep, I can't see myself watching it either.

by JazzNU The replies are interesting to me since I haven't watched any of the show. There's stuff with Nick and his girlfriend and Fritz and his girlfriend and few seem to be finding the focus on those couples worthwhile.

by Deuce It is being compared to 'Drive to Survive' - the series Netflix has been doing about Formula 1 racing.
And the comments from knowledgeable people about 'Drive to Survive' have been that it's artificially dramatic; that they deliberately use things out of context in order to create 'sensational' and 'dramatic' content.
Not my kind of thing at all.

'Nexflix documentary' is an oxymoron.

.

by JazzNU Lovely. So happy for him.



by JazzNU

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Thu Jan 19, 2023 10:04 pm
I would have to agree. I mean...

by ti-amie

by ti-amie Ruud going directly to fans here...


by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Go for it, Frances, Win big :thumbsup:

by JazzNU

by JazzNU ^^ Several of the comments said they didn't recognize her because they've never seen her smile like that. Tofu is Daria Gavrilova's dog.

by ponchi101 Nah, she was all smiles yesterday, during the on court interview. And during the match she was talking (very silently, of course) to herself. The new, improved Elena 2.0.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:08 pm Nah, she was all smiles yesterday, during the on court interview. And during the match she was talking (very silently, of course) to herself. The new, improved Elena 2.0.
I see on-court interviews in passing at the most. Typically turn from the match when it's over and I think that's the case for many. And I definitely wasn't up for the end of that match.

by Deuce So now, in addition to the other hollow criticisms of Rybakina, we're going to get on someone's case just because they don't smile enough for our liking?
Jeez... leave her alone...

by JazzNU

by JTContinental Roger and Blackpink in your area

https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/29/tennis/r ... index.html

by JazzNU Yes, I saw that yesterday. The caption is very cute.

by JazzNU Frances meeting Wes Moore, the first black Governor of Maryland who was recently sworn in.



by JazzNU Belinda relaxing in style. So scenic! For sure the second one is in Slovakia, I assume it's all the same spot despite the product tag in the first photo.






by JazzNU Bianca in Thailand



by ponchi101 About Belinda. That is very brave, and she must be good on skis. That is one sport in which a busted knee or ankle is just one wrong turn away.
Lovely shots.

by JazzNU Aussie photo dump from Sebastian



by JazzNU Casper Ruud on the come up! Vogue Scandinavia



by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:36 pm About Belinda. That is very brave, and she must be good on skis. That is one sport in which a busted knee or ankle is just one wrong turn away.
Lovely shots.
Interesting you should say that. There are several players that ski in their downtime. Sinner, Djokovic, and Vekic come to mind as people who have definitely posted skiing or snowboarding photos or videos as well in recent years. But Roger posted himself skiing in the last 2 weeks and said, nice to be back out skiing after 15 years.

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:28 pm Belinda relaxing in style. So scenic! For sure the second one is in Slovakia, I assume it's all the same spot despite the product tag in the first photo.
I think the produce tag in the first photo is the bottle of water in her hands.

by Owendonovan
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jan 19, 2023 11:13 pm
JazzNU wrote: Thu Jan 19, 2023 10:04 pm
I would have to agree. I mean...
Oh Riley, you don't need to try this hard to think you look good.

by JazzNU
skatingfan wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 12:09 am
JazzNU wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:28 pm Belinda relaxing in style. So scenic! For sure the second one is in Slovakia, I assume it's all the same spot despite the product tag in the first photo.
I think the produce tag in the first photo is the bottle of water in her hands.
It definitely is. The question is whether that was a photo taken in conjunction with a photo shoot for the vitamin water company or one she took on her current vacation and added the tag because she's a good brand ambassador and the more natural ones like this are better. I think it's likely the latter, but she only tagged them, not a location in that photo like she did in the second one. So was just adding a disclaimer that I'm guessing it's the same location, but don't know for sure.

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 1:13 am It definitely is. The question is whether that was a photo taken in conjunction with a photo shoot for the vitamin water company or one she took on her current vacation and added the tag because she's a good brand ambassador and the more natural ones like this are better. I think it's likely the latter, but she only tagged them, not a location in that photo like she did in the second one. So was just adding a disclaimer that I'm guessing it's the same location, but don't know for sure.
Sorry, I misunderstood your post. My guess is that she posted the first photo without tagging the location so it could used for advertising the water.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:59 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:36 pm About Belinda. That is very brave, and she must be good on skis. That is one sport in which a busted knee or ankle is just one wrong turn away.
Lovely shots.
Interesting you should say that. There are several players that ski in their downtime. Sinner, Djokovic, and Vekic come to mind as people who have definitely posted skiing or snowboarding photos or videos as well in recent years. But Roger posted himself skiing in the last 2 weeks and said, nice to be back out skiing after 15 years.
Indeed. And every time I see a tennis player on a slope, I find them brave.
Sinner is one good example. Remember he said he had to choose between skiing or tennis, but he has also posted videos of him skiing. His technique is flawless, but I wonder if they stick to green and blue slopes. That is fine. Any black diamond... I would not want to be the coach. ;)

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 1:48 am
JazzNU wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:59 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:36 pm About Belinda. That is very brave, and she must be good on skis. That is one sport in which a busted knee or ankle is just one wrong turn away.
Lovely shots.
Interesting you should say that. There are several players that ski in their downtime. Sinner, Djokovic, and Vekic come to mind as people who have definitely posted skiing or snowboarding photos or videos as well in recent years. But Roger posted himself skiing in the last 2 weeks and said, nice to be back out skiing after 15 years.
Indeed. And every time I see a tennis player on a slope, I find them brave.
Sinner is one good example. Remember he said he had to choose between skiing or tennis, but he has also posted videos of him skiing. His technique is flawless, but I wonder if they stick to green and blue slopes. That is fine. Any black diamond... I would not want to be the coach. ;)
Yeah, he grew up near ski resorts, his parents worked at a ski lodge. Not sure if he sticks to the safer slopes, he definitely seems like he's capable of the harder ones since he was a competitive skier. But for sure this tells us that even when it's a large contract like he has with Nike, there is not exclusionary language for playing riskier sports like many now have in contracts here. I can't imagine skiing not being part of a clause like that.

by Owendonovan
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 1:48 am
JazzNU wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:59 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:36 pm About Belinda. That is very brave, and she must be good on skis. That is one sport in which a busted knee or ankle is just one wrong turn away.
Lovely shots.
Interesting you should say that. There are several players that ski in their downtime. Sinner, Djokovic, and Vekic come to mind as people who have definitely posted skiing or snowboarding photos or videos as well in recent years. But Roger posted himself skiing in the last 2 weeks and said, nice to be back out skiing after 15 years.
Indeed. And every time I see a tennis player on a slope, I find them brave.
Sinner is one good example. Remember he said he had to choose between skiing or tennis, but he has also posted videos of him skiing. His technique is flawless, but I wonder if they stick to green and blue slopes. That is fine. Any black diamond... I would not want to be the coach. ;)
If you're a good skier, black diamonds are why you're there. I'd just wait for retirement as an elite athlete, but I get why they still do it.

by ponchi101 Oh, I do get why they do it. Skiing is a fantastic experience/sport. I totally love it.
Just a tiny little bit less than hitting that little yellow ball.

by JazzNU This is very nice.



by ponchi101 I thought Sloane's "sports" genes came from her dad. I did not know her mom was also a high level athlete.
Good story :thumbsup:

by Suliso Paula Badosa

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Alize Cornet

Cap d'Ail is a seaside community bordering Monaco.

Image

by ponchi101 Paula could have had her hair done a bit. Still, she is just so beautiful...

by ashkor87 I hear Quinwen is being called 'queenwen' ..cute.

by Deuce It's not cute until she wins something.
Until then, it's just annoying.

by ponchi101 Qinwen made the cover of China's GQ.
I usually frown upon players doing too many of this. But, I don't know if she has done many, after all.
But if she starts winning big, she can be highly marketable. My untrained eye says there is very little production (compared to others) for a very nice shoot.
https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3057278/ ... f-gq-china

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Feb 12, 2023 6:23 pm Qinwen made the cover of China's GQ.
I usually frown upon players doing too many of this. But, I don't know if she has done many, after all.
But if she starts winning big, she can be highly marketable. My untrained eye says there is very little production (compared to others) for a very nice shoot.
https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3057278/ ... f-gq-china
She needs to be doing considerably more if tennis is going to get semi-popular in China. I'm not sure that's the goal or not at this point, not sure they are investing at the same level they were when it was Li Na and Zheng Jie.

But Eileen Gu, a American teen freestyle skier that represents China for massive financial gain because her mother is from there is a advertising darling that is really capturing the attention of younger generation. Eileen just popped up in my face for someone else the other day out of nowhere. Qinwen has her to compete with I'd guess in trying to raise tennis' profile in the country, and she's got a long way to catchup. If she's not in non-tennis promotion like this, I highly doubt it's going to happen.

by JazzNU So...Patrick McEnroe is appearing on Newsmax sometimes...


https://twitter.com/PatrickMcEnroe/stat ... 3341672448

by JazzNU Gabriela is at Alcaraz's match looking fab



by JazzNU The other day at the Mavs game. Very nice.



by Suliso Sabalenka with a friend

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Siniakova

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More Sabalenka

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by ponchi101 We may disagree at times with the man.
But one has to admit that the people that have worked with him are loyal to the core:
Boris Becker Reveals He Cried In Jail Watching Novak Djokovic Win Wimbledon

I gather that the jerk in me says that if you are in prison, you certainly have reasons to cry. Watching a tennis match is not one of them.
But, Novak is beloved by his crew.

by ti-amie


by Deuce ^ Every day, it's looking more and more like she's following the illustrious path of Genie Bouchard - just without revealing as many body parts.

by Owendonovan
JazzNU wrote: Tue Feb 14, 2023 10:26 pm So...Patrick McEnroe is appearing on Newsmax sometimes...


https://twitter.com/PatrickMcEnroe/stat ... 3341672448
He's always seemed much more easily led than his brother. Follower.

by ponchi101 He was not the best player of anything, not even his own house. That kept him grounded.
(I guess).

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 2:44 am
JazzNU wrote: Tue Feb 14, 2023 10:26 pm So...Patrick McEnroe is appearing on Newsmax sometimes...


https://twitter.com/PatrickMcEnroe/stat ... 3341672448
He's always seemed much more easily led than his brother. Follower.
He was on a CNN round table the other day, too. Friend said he has been giving political commentary for awhile now. I was totally shocked. Wonder who his agent is. Maybe he has long-range plans to transition to news punditry or at least out of sports full-time.

by dryrunguy
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:02 pm
Owendonovan wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 2:44 am
JazzNU wrote: Tue Feb 14, 2023 10:26 pm So...Patrick McEnroe is appearing on Newsmax sometimes...


https://twitter.com/PatrickMcEnroe/stat ... 3341672448
He's always seemed much more easily led than his brother. Follower.
He was on a CNN round table the other day, too. Friend said he has been giving political commentary for awhile now. I was totally shocked. Wonder who his agent is. Maybe he has long-range plans to transition to news punditry or at least out of sports full-time.
Great. On election night in 2024, I'll be watching CNN. Trump will be announced the winner of Arkansas' presidential election. And Patrick will scream, "Hello!"

by JazzNU

by JazzNU ^^ I can't stand the Paul brothers, but their popularity is undeniable. So as obnoxious as I'm assuming this is (I have zero plans on watching), this is actually likely to get Nick more fans and a few more eyes on tennis and probably the Netflix show.

by ptmcmahon I still occasionally watch some wrestling and as obnoxious as Logan is... he is a natural "heel" (ie the one the fans hate) who is willing to do just about anything in matches and just has the whole hated gimmick down perfect. He knows what he's doing.

End of confession :)

by Deuce I've never even remotely heard of the 'Paul brothers'.
'Popularity' has to be the most overrated element on the planet - especially since the age of the internet.

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 5:21 pm ^^ I can't stand the Paul brothers, but their popularity is undeniable. So as obnoxious as I'm assuming this is (I have zero plans on watching), this is actually likely to get Nick more fans and a few more eyes on tennis and probably the Netflix show.
So you're not concerned about the $15k fine? ;)

by ti-amie

by ti-amie Here she is preparing to leave for the event.


by Deuce Jessica Pegula...

Pegula's Birthday 'Celebration'...

.

by ponchi101 She probably took an Emirates Flight to NYC.
In business class (at least) or first class. Man, do I miss those... :cry:

by Ainsley
Deuce wrote: Sun Feb 26, 2023 7:00 am Jessica Pegula...

Pegula's Birthday 'Celebration'...

.
First off, nothing wrong with a bag of Doritos on your birthday. Jessica's birthday is only 2 days after mine so I would have gladly shared a bag of Doritos with her to celebrate her 29th b-day and my 18th b-day. :D

I hope once she got back to the states she celebrated with her family and had a great 29th birthday.

by ponchi101 Angie Kerber announced the birth of a daughter, on Feb 25th.
Says she has spoken to Vika, Clijsters and Serena on how to come back to the tour, and that she will.
Good for her (both events) :clap: :clap: :clap:

by JazzNU

by ponchi101 Why the frown? If there is a guy with lots of reasons to smile it is Carlitos.

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 4:37 pm Why the frown? If there is a guy with lots of reasons to smile it is Carlitos.
I think there's probably some very bright lights pointed in his direction, but also he's trying smolder. I think it's working.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 ESPN reported, during the Dubai final broadcast, that Novak's request for entry in the USA has been denied.

by Suliso Image

by ponchi101 She needs very little production to look very nice.
And she is such a typical Colombia beauty. Which, I must say, I don't mind one bit.

by Suliso My biased opinion is that Southern girls are often better looking than our Northern blondes. Unless you mind that they tend to be on a shorter side.

by ponchi101 Uhm, because you see your blonde beauties more often? I don't get to see many here in Bogota, so they are more conspicuous when you see one.
But sure, your Northern blondes are very pretty, our Southern brunettes are too. But they are indeed shorter :P

by ti-amie I think he's going to be tall...


by ashkor87 Leo?

by skatingfan
ashkor87 wrote: Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:50 amLeo?
Yes, that's Vika, and her son Leo.

by Suliso Elise Mertens

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Petra Kvitova

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by ponchi101 Cute photo of Elise.

by JazzNU Photos from this year's Citi Taste of Tennis event at IW. Scroll through to see more photos, if you're not sure who someone is, clicking on the photo will produce tags identifying them.



by JazzNU Why?



by JazzNU ^^ Top comment says "Tsitsi, we love you but you need to have a talk with this stylist." Stylist and hair stylist need to be fired for this. Makes no sense that multiple people signed off on this.

by Owendonovan
JazzNU wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 2:07 am ^^ Top comment says "Tsitsi, we love you but you need to have a talk with this stylist." Stylist and hair stylist need to be fired for this. Makes no sense that multiple people signed off on this.
I can't believe that made it to print.

by ti-amie That stylist hated him.

by mmmm8 The white (sock?) between the boots and the.. wide leg gym pants (?) is my favorite high-fashion part of this...

by ashkor87 Now Desantis is threatening to send a boat to the Bahamas to bring Djokovic over.what a drama that would be! Wish it would happen, but doubt it will...sigh....

by JazzNU
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:51 am Now Desantis is threatening to send a boat to the Bahamas to bring Djokovic over.what a drama that would be! Wish it would happen, but doubt it will...sigh....
This isn't the right thread for this topic. But that's not how entry into the US works. Desantis does everything for show and has no jurisdiction whatsoever on Novak entering Florida.

by ponchi101 If DeSantis sends such a boat, and Novak arrives in Miami, as JazNu says, he still has to clear customs and immigration through the CBP, a federal agency. If he were not to do so, he would be illegally in the USA, facing much stiffer penalties.
Novak is not that dumb.

by Suliso Ana is expecting her third child

Image

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 2:11 am If DeSantis sends such a boat, and Novak arrives in Miami, as JazNu says, he still has to clear customs and immigration through the CBP, a federal agency. If he were not to do so, he would be illegally in the USA, facing much stiffer penalties.
Novak is not that dumb.
In the early 20th century Bahamians moved freely between their country and Florida. That hasn't been the case for many, many, many years. I don't know what that man in Florida is thinking but I doubt if he wants to put that idea in peoples heads.

by skatingfan
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:51 am Now Desantis is threatening to send a boat to the Bahamas to bring Djokovic over.what a drama that would be! Wish it would happen, but doubt it will...sigh....
JazzNU wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 2:04 am
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:51 am Now Desantis is threatening to send a boat to the Bahamas to bring Djokovic over.what a drama that would be! Wish it would happen, but doubt it will...sigh....
This isn't the right thread for this topic. But that's not how entry into the US works. Desantis does everything for show and has no jurisdiction whatsoever on Novak entering Florida.
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 2:11 am If DeSantis sends such a boat, and Novak arrives in Miami, as JazNu says, he still has to clear customs and immigration through the CBP, a federal agency. If he were not to do so, he would be illegally in the USA, facing much stiffer penalties.
Novak is not that dumb.
If he does it, can the FBI arrest Desantis for participating in human smuggling?

by Fastbackss If it wasn't charged when migrants were bussed to other parts of the country I cant see anything occurring here

by JazzNU
Fastbackss wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:02 pm If it wasn't charged when migrants were bussed to other parts of the country I cant see anything occurring here
You should read on the careful selection on who they are busing to other parts of the country, it's how they are avoiding charges. Djokovic would be a wholly different matter, legally speaking.

by dryrunguy My head hurts.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 2:48 am That stylist hated him.
I'm getting sort of vaudeville impressario.

by JazzNU



by JazzNU

by JazzNU Don't think this was posted from January. Photos from a cover shoot Foki did. He looks great.









by ponchi101 With his NGO work, he could be one guy that will be more successful AFTER his playing days are over.

by ti-amie That is a great photo shoot. I'll never see Foki in the same way again.

by JazzNU Naomi in Japan



by JazzNU Andrey with Pink at the Indian Wells special event before the tournament began



by JazzNU

by JazzNU

by JazzNU Cam Norrie and Jon Bon Jovi



by Fastbackss
JazzNU wrote: Sat Mar 25, 2023 1:59 am Cam Norrie and Jon Bon Jovi



I would pay to watch that exhibition

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Sat Mar 25, 2023 1:36 pm
JazzNU wrote: Sat Mar 25, 2023 1:59 am Cam Norrie and Jon Bon Jovi



I would pay to watch that exhibition
Exo title: Giving Love a Bad Name Tour

by ptmcmahon It took me embarrassingly long to clue in to the Love puns.

by Fastbackss Bwahaha - one TAT star to Megan

by Suliso Monfils and Svitolina

Image

by Suliso Lots of great picture of Petra with a trophy

Image

Image

Image

by ponchi101 That trophy is very pretty too.

by ashkor87 Muguruza has announced plans to step away from tennis, miss the clay and grass seasons (where she has won 2 majors!) i doubt she will come back.. must have lost her desire for the game..?

by ponchi101 I wonder that too. Petra, 4 years her elder, just showed that there are some last hurrah's for players over 30. But Mugu is now well below the 130 mark. Sure, Wild cards await, but seedings not. Who knows if she has the energy to put up the effort.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Kiki Bertens son Mats turned 1. Scroll thru to see photos with Kiki in them.



by ti-amie

by JazzNU Mentioned during the broadcast today, but didn't see anything posted in this thread. Shelby is newly engaged.






by ponchi101 Wish them well.
Chaning subjects. Does anybody know about the band that she is wearing (not the ring, the wrist band). Pegula is also wearing it, but I can't find on line what are they. Most likely a sports band, but can't find the brand or anything related to them.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Apr 06, 2023 11:29 pm Wish them well.
Chaning subjects. Does anybody know about the band that she is wearing (not the ring, the wrist band). Pegula is also wearing it, but I can't find on line what are they. Most likely a sports band, but can't find the brand or anything related to them.
What color is it?

by ponchi101 The grey one. Not a watch (or, at least, it has a very hard to read dial) and it is sort of big for a regular Fit-Bit or the similar brands.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 12:05 am The grey one. Not a watch (or, at least, it has a very hard to read dial) and it is sort of big for a regular Fit-Bit or the similar brands.
Not sure for Jess, this is going to be what Shelby is wearing

https://www.instagram.com/whoop/

by ponchi101 Yep. That's it. Txs :thumbsup:
(Damn, my GF just saw it. I'm doomed)

by ti-amie Congratulations to Shelby.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 12:10 am
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 12:05 am The grey one. Not a watch (or, at least, it has a very hard to read dial) and it is sort of big for a regular Fit-Bit or the similar brands.
Not sure for Jess, this is going to be what Shelby is wearing

https://www.instagram.com/whoop/
Well, you now do not buy the band. You become a member of whoop, which you have to renew, and then they ship the band.
Sort of like, thanks. Garmin does some pretty good stuff too.

by Owendonovan Anyone watch the Brooke Shields docuseries? Andre Agassi does not come off as a particularly great guy. he's portrayed as controlling, jealous, and quite emotionally immature.

by ptmcmahon That's because, at least at that time in his life he was.

by ponchi101 Exactly. Nobody in his/her sane mind will consider 23 yo Andre Agassi to have been the pinnacle of adulthood. Which was the point. He was a complete punk and a jerk when he was young. And then, he changed. And he became indeed a proper ambassador for the sport and for himself. He grew up.
I believe that that would be a much better legacy than anything else. I can take myself as an example: I believe that I started the process of stopping being an asshole around the age of 35. And if I live long enough...

by ti-amie

by Deuce
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 2:14 pm Anyone watch the Brooke Shields docuseries? Andre Agassi does not come off as a particularly great guy. he's portrayed as controlling, jealous, and quite emotionally immature.
I didn't need to hear it from Brooke Shields (or from anyone else) to reach that conclusion about Agassi.

And I don't believe he ever overcame those character flaws - he simply learned how to 'cleverly' disguise them.

by Owendonovan
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 12:10 am
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 2:14 pm Anyone watch the Brooke Shields docuseries? Andre Agassi does not come off as a particularly great guy. he's portrayed as controlling, jealous, and quite emotionally immature.
I didn't need to hear it from Brooke Shields (or from anyone else) to reach that conclusion about Agassi.

And I don't believe he ever overcame those character flaws - he simply learned how to 'cleverly' disguise them.
Makes me wonder what the dynamic of his marriage to Steffi is. Likely not very different.

by Deuce
Owendonovan wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 12:27 am
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 12:10 am
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 2:14 pm Anyone watch the Brooke Shields docuseries? Andre Agassi does not come off as a particularly great guy. he's portrayed as controlling, jealous, and quite emotionally immature.
I didn't need to hear it from Brooke Shields (or from anyone else) to reach that conclusion about Agassi.

And I don't believe he ever overcame those character flaws - he simply learned how to 'cleverly' disguise them.
Makes me wonder what the dynamic of his marriage to Steffi is. Likely not very different.
That's a mystery to me...
Steffi doesn't strike one as being a 'weak' or submissive type of person - and not the kind of person who would tolerate immature behaviour for very long... So I don't know what she sees in Agassi.

From my perspective, the 'Agassi 2.0' with the shaved head and bowing to the crowd, etc. that we saw in the second part of his career was extremely phoney.
The way I see him is that Agassi 1.0 was obviously an outgoing insecure punk who was desperate for attention ("Image is everything", etc.).
Agassi 2.0 was the same person, but was just disguised as an 'introverted gentleman'. He wanted to keep the same fan base, which was growing older, and so he simply found a different path to get the attention he craved.

by JazzNU
Owendonovan wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 12:27 am
Makes me wonder what the dynamic of his marriage to Steffi is. Likely not very different.
He has never been a favorite, but I'm guessing he's a considerably better partner to Steffi than he was to Brooke. Not saying he's some ideal husband, but not being addicted to meth anymore seems like it would improve his attitude considerably.

by ptmcmahon Agassi was my first favorite player ever (even in his punk days) so take it with a grain of salt, but it does seem like he is sincerely changed. I didn't find the bowing to the crowd, etc phony. And I think Steffi would see through it as well. Reading his book it was even pretty cute how he basically had a crush on her before they got together.

For comparison, I was also a Roddick fan (what is with me and jerky American "Andy" players) and I never once thought that he wasn't a jerk.

by ponchi101 Agassi was open, in some interviews, about how much Steffi helped him, on and off the court. Remember, they started dating shortly after the 1999 RG, and Agassi was clear that Steffi helped him a lot with his approach to his tennis. A few Aussie Opens after that seem to prove that.
And judging a 50+ yo person by the persona s/he was when s/he was 25 is extremely unfair. The wonderful thing about growing up is that, well, you grow up. I never liked Agassi, and rooted against him in every single match he ever played. But to deny that in his last years of playing he was a gentleman, and that after that he has been a good ambassador to the sport, and a person of whom no scandals are known is simply being petty. He and Steffi seem to be a very decent couple, focused on their educational foundation. You can't ask for more.
If I were to meet him today, I would shake his hand with no issues whatsoever (I would bow to Steffi, but that is another story)

by Deuce I'm not 'judging him on the 25 year old he was' - I simply think that only the surface has changed. I still see the scared, insecure person who is desperate for attention (that's what the book was all about, with its sensationalisms... and, as I recall, a few of his peers weren't very happy with the book). I've seen plenty of very questionable behaviour from him since he put on the 'mature gentleman' disguise (the way he treated Sampras at various exhibitions, for one).
I still say he's a complete phoney.

by Owendonovan I hope he's different from when he was with Brooke, Steffi doesn't seem to be the type to go for that kind of nonsense. Brooke said he threw and broke all his trophies (including gs's) in a jealous rage over a comedy bit she did on Friends with Matt Leblanc.

by ti-amie
Owendonovan wrote: Sun Apr 09, 2023 12:20 am I hope he's different from when he was with Brooke, Steffi doesn't seem to be the type to go for that kind of nonsense. Brooke said he threw and broke all his trophies (including gs's) in a jealous rage over a comedy bit she did on Friends with Matt Leblanc.
Unless he's had tons of therapy and has continued to work on his sobriety that type of thing doesn't change.

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sun Apr 09, 2023 1:14 am
Owendonovan wrote: Sun Apr 09, 2023 12:20 am I hope he's different from when he was with Brooke, Steffi doesn't seem to be the type to go for that kind of nonsense. Brooke said he threw and broke all his trophies (including gs's) in a jealous rage over a comedy bit she did on Friends with Matt Leblanc.
Unless he's had tons of therapy and has continued to work on his sobriety that type of thing doesn't change.
Yeah... it's the kind of thing that can lie dormant to a degree for a while (and that's why people are fooled), and then some situation will trigger it.
Even when it's mostly dormant, there are almost always signs that it's still there, just under the surface...

by ponchi101 Andre Agassi disclosed he did meth in his book.
He did not mention that he broke his trophies during a silly bout of jealousy after his very famous wife did a scene in a sitcom.
Which gets disclosed by said wife in HER docuseries.
Moral: don't trust an autobiography. Or a docuseries ;)

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Apr 09, 2023 4:16 am Andre Agassi disclosed he did meth in his book.
He did not mention that he broke his trophies during a silly bout of jealousy after his very famous wife did a scene in a sitcom.
Which gets disclosed by said wife in HER docuseries.
Moral: don't trust an autobiography. Or a docuseries ;)
IIRC, he did say in his book he was not good to Brooke. I don't remember if he gave specific examples, if I remember right it focused more on how they got together and then very quickly moved to how it was dysfunctional and then the meth use. But you're right, it's HIS book so he's not required to disclose everything, so it's not fully reliable. But it's not like he presented that they were great together and he was a great husband.

by ti-amie

Apparently he's a 26 year old crypto something or another and goes by 'the shark' on the crypto subreddit

Get a prenup Marta! Don't think with your hormones.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Wish them all well. Even the last two, whom I know nothing about.

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:35 pm

Apparently he's a 26 year old crypto something or another and goes by 'the shark' on the crypto subreddit

Get a prenup Marta! Don't think with your hormones.
Yeah... She's just 20 years old - what's the rush?
The more I see from her, the more of a troubled individual she seems to be.

by ti-amie Deuce I've seen the point you're making everywhere. If he's a crypto grifter who knows what he's got going on. She's the one making real money and if she doesn't lock it down before they marry (if they ever do) that her money is her money it'll be gone unless of course she's going to partner with him in his "business".

by Deuce I'm more concerned with the apparent lack of true contemplation and profound assessment in her decisions than I am about her losing money.
The way she's dealing with Russian and Belarusian players (and all people from those countries)... deciding to marry at such a young age... deciding to marry a guy whose main existence seems to be based on some alter-ego on the internet...

There just doesn't seem to be a lot of thought or analysis going into her decisions. Certainly, such impulsivity is not uncommon at that age - but we're not talking about going to the mall to buy too many pairs of shoes here - the way she's strongly condemning ALL Russians and Belarusians and showing them zero respect, and getting married at such a young age to an older guy who seems to exist as his own alter-ego are very major and serious things.
It seems to me that she needs better guidance in life - i.e. people around her who help her to analyze and think about things beyond the mere surface.

by ti-amie
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 10:46 pm I'm more concerned with the apparent lack of true contemplation and profound assessment in her decisions than I am about her losing money.
The way she's dealing with Russian and Belarusian layers (and all people from those countries)... deciding to marry at such a young age... deciding to marry a guy whose main existence seems to be based on some alter-ego on the internet...

There just doesn't seem to be a lot of thought or analysis going into her decisions. Certainly, such impulsivity is not uncommon at that age - but we're not talking about going to the mall to buy too many pairs of shoes here - the way she's strongly condemning ALL Russians and Belarusians and showing them zero respect, and getting married at such a young age to an older guy who seems to exist as his own alter-ego are very major and serious things.
It seems to me that she needs better guidance in life - i.e. people around her who help her to analyze and think about things beyond the mere surface.
These men who live in their alter egos are disturbing. We just saw one get perp walked in his red shorts by the Feds.

by Deuce
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:13 pm
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 10:46 pm I'm more concerned with the apparent lack of true contemplation and profound assessment in her decisions than I am about her losing money.
The way she's dealing with Russian and Belarusian layers (and all people from those countries)... deciding to marry at such a young age... deciding to marry a guy whose main existence seems to be based on some alter-ego on the internet...

There just doesn't seem to be a lot of thought or analysis going into her decisions. Certainly, such impulsivity is not uncommon at that age - but we're not talking about going to the mall to buy too many pairs of shoes here - the way she's strongly condemning ALL Russians and Belarusians and showing them zero respect, and getting married at such a young age to an older guy who seems to exist as his own alter-ego are very major and serious things.
It seems to me that she needs better guidance in life - i.e. people around her who help her to analyze and think about things beyond the mere surface.
These men who live in their alter egos are disturbing. We just saw one get perp walked in his red shorts by the Feds.
It's not just the men who create an illusionary virtual identity for the internet who are disturbing - it's the women, too, as 'influencers' and such. They are all desperately trying to have their cake and eat it, too, completely ignoring reality and the real world in the process.

It's all very phoney, obviously - with lots of fake and inaccurate information bout themselves. That's disturbing enough - but the fact that so many of them live as if this alter-ego is real is what makes it particularly disturbing. It's like an actor or actress who refuses to separate him/her self from a role he/she plays, and believes that they are actually that person.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:35 pm

Apparently he's a 26 year old crypto something or another and goes by 'the shark' on the crypto subreddit

Get a prenup Marta! Don't think with your hormones.

So...is this like an online relationship? With the geotag being in Kyiv, so assuming that's where they are, but how often is she honestly there and he can't leave and travel with her, right? Seems highly suspect. Sure you can start a relationship online, but really hope she's spent some actual time with him and knows what she's getting into especially with the questionable financial footing.

by 3mlm
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 8:35 pm Wish them all well. Even the last two, whom I know nothing about.
Kichenok is #8 in WTA doubles.

by 3mlm
3mlm wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 2:21 am
ponchi101 wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 8:35 pm Wish them all well. Even the last two, whom I know nothing about.
Kichenok is #8 in WTA doubles.
And Stas Khmarskiy was Alexandr Dogopolov's last coach (2017-2021).

by skatingfan
JazzNU wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 12:50 am
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:35 pm

Apparently he's a 26 year old crypto something or another and goes by 'the shark' on the crypto subreddit

Get a prenup Marta! Don't think with your hormones.

So...is this like an online relationship? With the geotag being in Kyiv, so assuming that's where they are, but how often is she honestly there and he can't leave and travel with her, right? Seems highly suspect. Sure you can start a relationship online, but really hope she's spent some actual time with him and knows what she's getting into especially with the questionable financial footing.
Could be foolish young love - could the impact of the war - could be something else. The average age of marriage in Eastern Europe is lower than what we in Western countries have come to expect as normal.

by ponchi101
skatingfan wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 3:04 am ...

Could be foolish young love - could the impact of the war - could be something else. The average age of marriage in Eastern Europe is lower than what we in Western countries have come to expect as normal.
Something to remember indeed. Medvedev has been married for years. So has Khachanov.

by Suliso Lower true, but 20 is very young even for Ukraine. My parents were 27 and 25 when they got married in early 70-ties.

by ponchi101 I bet your parents are college educated people, who tend to marry at later ages regardless of the region.

by mmmm8
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 10:00 pm
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:35 pm

Apparently he's a 26 year old crypto something or another and goes by 'the shark' on the crypto subreddit

Get a prenup Marta! Don't think with your hormones.
Yeah... She's just 20 years old - what's the rush?
The more I see from her, the more of a troubled individual she seems to be.

It's almost like she's living through a war or something... :roll:

by Deuce
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 3:05 am
Deuce wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 10:00 pm
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:35 pm

Apparently he's a 26 year old crypto something or another and goes by 'the shark' on the crypto subreddit

Get a prenup Marta! Don't think with your hormones.
Yeah... She's just 20 years old - what's the rush?
The more I see from her, the more of a troubled individual she seems to be.

It's almost like she's living through a war or something... :roll:
Yeah, sure, all Ukrainians are obviously going through a very difficult time - but that in no way means that the decisions Kostyuk is making are healthy. Does an invasion of one's country typically prompt young women into impulsively marrying an older man who exists as his own alter-ego? Not that I know of...

As I stated above, I'm more upset with the people around her - like her parents, for example - for not helping to better guide her and encourage her to think more profoundly about her decisions (and the consequences thereof), rather than just acting impulsively as she is doing.

by meganfernandez
skatingfan wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 3:04 am
JazzNU wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 12:50 am
ti-amie wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:35 pm

Apparently he's a 26 year old crypto something or another and goes by 'the shark' on the crypto subreddit

Get a prenup Marta! Don't think with your hormones.

So...is this like an online relationship? With the geotag being in Kyiv, so assuming that's where they are, but how often is she honestly there and he can't leave and travel with her, right? Seems highly suspect. Sure you can start a relationship online, but really hope she's spent some actual time with him and knows what she's getting into especially with the questionable financial footing.
Could be foolish young love - could the impact of the war - could be something else. The average age of marriage in Eastern Europe is lower than what we in Western countries have come to expect as normal.
Kostyuk will be 21 in a couple months. Other current tennis players who got hitched young - Ons Jabeur at 20, Karen Khachanov at 20, Taylor Fritz at 19...

by Deuce
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 5:18 am
skatingfan wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 3:04 am
JazzNU wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 12:50 am


So...is this like an online relationship? With the geotag being in Kyiv, so assuming that's where they are, but how often is she honestly there and he can't leave and travel with her, right? Seems highly suspect. Sure you can start a relationship online, but really hope she's spent some actual time with him and knows what she's getting into especially with the questionable financial footing.
Could be foolish young love - could the impact of the war - could be something else. The average age of marriage in Eastern Europe is lower than what we in Western countries have come to expect as normal.
Kostyuk will be 21 in a couple months. Other current tennis players who got hitched young - Ons Jabeur at 20, Karen Khachanov at 20, Taylor Fritz at 19...
Yes... Taylor Fritz married at 19... and got divorced at 22.
Khachanov and his wife were dating for 5 years when they got married - they met when he was 14 years old.
And I doubt that Jabeur or Khachanov married a person who had a significant crypto-based alter-ego.

Having worked with many troubled people in my life, I still say that Kostyuk is quite troubled.

by atlpam Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.

by mmmm8
atlpam wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:45 pm Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.
I saw he is a former junior player.

I write this through my online alter ego I've lived through for 17 years. :lol:

by Deuce
atlpam wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:45 pm Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.
Speaking only for myself, my 'assumptions' are based on 30 years of dealing with troubled people, during which my 'accuracy rate' of identifying troubled people based solely on fairly brief observance is extremely high.
Take it for whatever it's worth to you, but my 'assessment' here is very far from a blind or wild guess.

by Deuce
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 2:04 pm
atlpam wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:45 pm Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.
I saw he is a former junior player.

I write this through my online alter ego I've lived through for 17 years. :lol:
Yes - that's very 'cute' and 'clever' too some, I suppose... But I'd bet my house that your 'online persona' is far, far closer to your true persona (very likely very little difference) than 'Mr. Shark's alter-ego is to his true persona beneath the disguise.

by meganfernandez
atlpam wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:45 pm Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.
It crossed my mind that it's another example of people assuming young women can't make good decisions and not giving women the benefit of the doubt as readily as we would a man. A 21-year-old man (let's say Jannik Sinner) getting engaged might raise eyebrows - it's young - but I don't know if people would have assumed the worst. Maybe they would wonder if he knocked up his girlfriend, I dunno. My niece got married a week after graduating from high school, and we were all shaking our heads - but 18 years later, she is still happily married with 2 kids and she got her bachelors degree in four years right after high school. It worked out just fine. People are judgmental.

by atlpam
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 2:29 am
atlpam wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:45 pm Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.
It crossed my mind that it's another example of people assuming young women can't make good decisions and not giving women the benefit of the doubt as readily as we would a man. A 21-year-old man (let's say Jannik Sinner) getting engaged might raise eyebrows - it's young - but I don't know if people would have assumed the worst. Maybe they would wonder if he knocked up his girlfriend, I dunno. My niece got married a week after graduating from high school, and we were all shaking our heads - but 18 years later, she is still happily married with 2 kids and she got her bachelors degree in four years right after high school. It worked out just fine. People are judgmental.
Agree - I was engaged at 22 after 4 months of dating, and only knew my husband 3 months before we began dating. We have now been married 37 years. My parents did not meet him until after we were engaged (and weren't too thrilled about me getting married so soon).

Also, people tend to make decisions differently in a war environment - your priorities change.

by nelslus
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 2:29 am
atlpam wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:45 pm Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.
It crossed my mind that it's another example of people assuming young women can't make good decisions and not giving women the benefit of the doubt as readily as we would a man. A 21-year-old man (let's say Jannik Sinner) getting engaged might raise eyebrows - it's young - but I don't know if people would have assumed the worst. Maybe they would wonder if he knocked up his girlfriend, I dunno. My niece got married a week after graduating from high school, and we were all shaking our heads - but 18 years later, she is still happily married with 2 kids and she got her bachelors degree in four years right after high school. It worked out just fine. People are judgmental.
Yup. Especially when, in general, it would appear that it takes males quite a bit more time to mature.

IN general, I tend to be of the school of, marriage and LTR's are tough enough. Why lower your odds by settling down so soon? And, certainly, with both tours, there have been plenty of example of broken engagements- and marriages.

LOL, speaking for MY own experience- when I think of my chosen gentlemen callers I canoodled with in my 20's and early 30's before I met John- the thought that I might have settled down with any one of them.... :shock: THAT does not evoke a :gorgeous: picture.

Nevertheless- all one should do is wish all the best with these difficult love choices (except in my case- John is a peach).

by skatingfan
nelslus wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 7:07 pm Nevertheless- all one should do is wish all the best with these difficult love choices (except in my case- John is a peach).
So maybe we should be questioning John's choices? :gorgeous:

by JazzNU
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 2:29 am
atlpam wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:45 pm Lots of assumptions here regarding Kostyuk from those of us who know little of her personal life. For all we know, they could be from the same town and have known each other for much of their lives.
It crossed my mind that it's another example of people assuming young women can't make good decisions and not giving women the benefit of the doubt as readily as we would a man. A 21-year-old man (let's say Jannik Sinner) getting engaged might raise eyebrows - it's young - but I don't know if people would have assumed the worst. Maybe they would wonder if he knocked up his girlfriend, I dunno. My niece got married a week after graduating from high school, and we were all shaking our heads - but 18 years later, she is still happily married with 2 kids and she got her bachelors degree in four years right after high school. It worked out just fine. People are judgmental.

But you do know. I get your point, but this just isn't true here and you have a great example to draw from where you don't have to guess at the reaction by using some hypothetical Jannik Sinner engagement.

I think a good deal of people would've wished Marta well had she posted the photo of her engagement without the location and with no information about him. Now she's been annoying the heck out of people, but in general, think It would've just been whatever, a surprise, but good luck and hope it works out. But we all know she hasn't been in Ukraine much at all, that it is highly unlikely he's able to leave, and then he's seemingly a bitcoin bro. It can definitely work out, but it shouldn't be surprising that people aren't sure what to think of him.

You gave 3 examples of players who married young. Two of them we were basically introduced to us as tennis professionals that were married, which is a bit different. The third received considerably more criticism and judgment than anything Marta is getting. Don't think this is about her being a woman, think it's about the additional details. The details were highly suspect in that instance and that was why there was so much discussion around him.

Very happy to those sharing their happy endings, they are great. But let's not act like we can't pull out bitter endings as well, for tennis players and examples from own lives. And let's also not act like the times we've been skeptical of tennis players' relationship announcements haven't played out as many of us basically expected.

by nelslus
skatingfan wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:09 pm
nelslus wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 7:07 pm Nevertheless- all one should do is wish all the best with these difficult love choices (except in my case- John is a peach).
So maybe we should be questioning John's choices? :gorgeous:
I mean- haven't we all?

Nevertheless....We've been together for over 28 years. I must be doing something(s) right. :gorgeous:

(PS: I won the lottery with John. And I know it.)

by ti-amie I remember when Fritz got married the consensus was that her father had a shotgun aimed at his head. Yes there are cultures where early marriage is encouraged (I'm not talking child marriage but marriage in the late teens/early twenties). If he wasn't a bitcoin bro maybe there wouldn't be so much concern by fans but then again we don't know anything about her other than her political/war related comments. Time will tell.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Wed Apr 19, 2023 6:26 pm but then again we don't know anything about her other than her political/war related comments.
Maybe she hasn't gotten a ton of attention on this forum, but because of her junior success in particular, she's not an unknown and one people have had their eye on for some time as a future top 10 player. So some of us have been following her since well before the war began. Not saying I know her as well as say Svitolina, but definitely doesn't fall into not know anything about her category either.

by JazzNU

by ponchi101 Please, Andrey, don't let your godson grow up to have his dad's forehand! Don't!!!!!!
(The kid won't lack teachers. Nice for them).

by 3mlm
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Apr 19, 2023 11:14 pm Please, Andrey, don't let your godson grow up to have his dad's forehand! Don't!!!!!!
(The kid won't lack teachers. Nice for them).
I think that would be goddaughter, Daria.

by ponchi101
3mlm wrote: Thu Apr 20, 2023 6:14 am
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Apr 19, 2023 11:14 pm Please, Andrey, don't let your godson grow up to have his dad's forehand! Don't!!!!!!
(The kid won't lack teachers. Nice for them).
I think that would be goddaughter, Daria.
Ah, I had heard he had a boy. Well, Daria, please don't get that FH either ;)
Txs for the correction.

by ponchi101 My GF just read me these IG posts. Paraphrase:
BVDZ posts: "This one really hurts".
Rune replies: "I know. Was there last week; about to go up 5-1 to win and then lost. Don't worry, good things will come, you're a hell of a guy".

This kid is almost as maddening as Nick. He pulls some dumb stuff on court, and then, off court, he is reasonable and likeable.
I guess being on a tennis court is a truly difficult thing. And I guess I will still give him some time.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2023 8:17 pm My GF just read me these IG posts. Paraphrase:
BVDZ posts: "This one really hurts".
Rune replies: "I know. Was there last week; about to go up 5-1 to win and then lost. Don't worry, good things will come, you're a hell of a guy".

This kid is almost as maddening as Nick. He pulls some dumb stuff on court, and then, off court, he is reasonable and likeable.
I guess being on a tennis court is a truly difficult thing. And I guess I will still give him some time.
I'm giving him some time, too. Glad you are. No one's perfect. I hope he is hearing the criticisms and working on his attitude on court. He's in a hell of a pressure-cooker for someone his age. Those were nice comments to Botic. I bet it hurt - four match points, served for it twice, and he hasn't yet won a title. Hopefully he'll play better the next time he is serving for a title.

by JazzNU
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2023 8:17 pm My GF just read me these IG posts. Paraphrase:
BVDZ posts: "This one really hurts".
Rune replies: "I know. Was there last week; about to go up 5-1 to win and then lost. Don't worry, good things will come, you're a hell of a guy".

This kid is almost as maddening as Nick. He pulls some dumb stuff on court, and then, off court, he is reasonable and likeable.
I guess being on a tennis court is a truly difficult thing. And I guess I will still give him some time.
That's one line from him, I haven't seen him as someone who is considered reasonable and likable on off court like some of the others with bad reputations on court. Maybe in time that will be the case, but can you point to those who are dismissive of his on court behavior because he's a good guy off court? Who he's friends with off court? I can't.

And it's nice to think he's hearing criticism and taking it in and working on his attitude, but he's not at that point right now. He just finished going at fans directly on social media who were criticizing him.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2023 4:43 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2023 8:17 pm My GF just read me these IG posts. Paraphrase:
BVDZ posts: "This one really hurts".
Rune replies: "I know. Was there last week; about to go up 5-1 to win and then lost. Don't worry, good things will come, you're a hell of a guy".

This kid is almost as maddening as Nick. He pulls some dumb stuff on court, and then, off court, he is reasonable and likeable.
I guess being on a tennis court is a truly difficult thing. And I guess I will still give him some time.
That's one line from him, I haven't seen him as someone who is considered reasonable and likable on off court like some of the others with bad reputations on court. Maybe in time that will be the case, but can you point to those who are dismissive of his on court behavior because he's a good guy off court? Who he's friends with off court? I can't.

And it's nice to think he's hearing criticism and taking it in and working on his attitude, but he's not at that point right now. He just finished going at fans directly on social media who were criticizing him.
Sure, but my point is that, like Nick or even Stefanos, he does the crappy stuff and then he does uncrappy things, and for a 19 yo, I will cut him some slack.
He is not (I think or hope) Marcelo Rios, a total idiot on and off court, or Mac when he was 21.
And no, I can't say if he has any friends on tour. Remember I am totally removed from SM.

by ti-amie The reason that there were so many questions about Burrage is because if Raducanu loses early Burrage will become the British #1.

16 questions, 58 words: Emma Raducanu shows the strain in bizarre press conference
The Briton has been handed a nightmare Madrid Open draw that leaves her facing a huge challenge to avoid dropping more ranking points

By
Simon Briggs,
TENNIS CORRESPONDENT, IN MADRID
25 April 2023 • 7:47pm

A drained-looking Emma Raducanu showed worrying signs of strain in Madrid, as she dead-batted all attempts to initiate the traditional pre-tournament interview.

Presented with 16 gentle questions – on subjects ranging from her chronic wrist trouble to the recent good form of her friend and compatriot Jodie Burrage – Raducanu offered a combined tally of just 58 words.

After a little less than three minutes, the attempted conversation grew so awkward that a media-liaison official from the Women’s Tennis Association was forced to step in, with a brisk “I think let’s just leave it there.”

Raducanu’s uncooperative mood was unexpected, as the one area where she has remained poised and confident since her triumphant drive to the 2021 US Open title has been in her dealings with the media.

Normally, she is bright, talkative and engaging during press conferences. At this very tournament 12 months ago, she entertained a group of reporters with an anecdote about her A-levels, before adding cheerfully that “Even when I’m losing, I find it a great challenge to pick myself back up.”

But Raducanu’s world-weary demeanour on Tuesday made one wonder whether her recent run of three straight defeats – stretching back to Indian Wells six weeks ago – has tested that resilience to breaking point.

This is an important tournament for her, as she stands to forfeit 110 of her 740 rankings points if she were to lose her first-round match. A fourth straight defeat would constitute the worst sequence of her professional career, while also sending her sliding just outside the world’s top 100.

A three-figure ranking could potentially impact on her sponsorship deals. Many players have ranking-linked clauses in their contracts, although it is unknown whether this applies to any of Raducanu’s eight endorsements.


Either way, she could do with a morale-boosting win when she faces world No 73 Viktoriya Tomova on Wednesday afternoon in the unusual high-altitude conditions of Madrid. Not that a deep run here seems plausible, given that the winner of that first-round match will go on to face the dominant world No 1 Iga Swiatek in their next outing.

It was Swiatek who began Raducanu’s mini form-slump – which has involved losses to three successive grand-slam champions – when she delivered a 6-3, 6-1 beating in the fourth round of Indian Wells. And Swiatek has only gathered strength since then, having celebrated the return to her favoured clay by lifting the Stuttgart title on Sunday.

Asked about her draw here, Raducanu replied listlessly “It is what it is.” She was equally unforthcoming about her chronic wrist trouble (“We’re managing it”) and Jelena Ostapenko’s performance in thrashing her 6-2, 6-1 in Stuttgart last week (“She played a great match.”)

In all, she averaged three-and-a-half words per question, with the longest answer coming to an enquiry about her three-set defeat at the hands of Bianca Andreescu in Miami a month ago. “Yeah it was a good trip in America, tough match,” said Raducanu. “But yeah, moving on.”

How effectively she is moving on remains to be seen, because this interview suggested someone who is beginning to feel trapped on the never-ending carousel of the professional tennis tour. Raducanu practised with Poland’s Magda Linette at Madrid’s Caja Magica on Tuesday morning, but there must be some question about whether she feels completely ready to compete.

In March, Raducanu said that she had deleted Instagram and WhatsApp from her phone in order to insulate herself from the negativity of social media. Even so, she may still be feeling the weight of criticism from those who expect her to play world-beating tennis every week.

The most frequent barbs tend to concern her sponsorship commitments, which continue to be highly visible. Only in the last week or so, she has appeared in the new British Airways safety video – where she was filmed stowing a passenger’s luggage in the rack – and in a Vodafone campaign that boasted “the world’s first 5G hologram coaching session” between Raducanu and a pair of young hopefuls.

Both these clips were broadcast to her 2.5m Instagram followers, presumably by a third party who is now handling her account. But while Raducanu the corporate icon keeps plugging away, the real-life 20-year-old behind the hoopla is beginning to look like a shadow of her former, carefree self.


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2023 ... drid-open/

by JazzNU I've never thought her endorsements were an issue. Thought they may have aided in the blind devotion of the British commentators talking about her like she was the second coming a bit and fueling their hopes, but they haven't seemed like a distraction. Maybe if she was off more it would seem that way, but really, she was playing in tournaments pretty regularly before this season's injury, she just wasn't winning a ton. The coaching thing seemed like a much bigger issue that was being dismissed pretty quickly by her team. And the history of the MTOs and retirements also seemed like an issue.

by ponchi101
JazzNU wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2023 1:49 am I've never thought her endorsements were an issue. Thought they may have aided in the blind devotion of the British commentators talking about her like she was the second coming a bit and fueling their hopes, but they haven't seemed like a distraction. Maybe if she was off more it would seem that way, but really, she was playing in tournaments pretty regularly before this season's injury, she just wasn't winning a ton. The coaching thing seemed like a much bigger issue that was being dismissed pretty quickly by her team. And the history of the MTOs and retirements also seemed like an issue.
Agree. It was expected that ANY British woman that would win a slam would be given all the endorsements in that country.
But she is not like, for example, Krejcikova. Sure, Barbora won RG and then dropped a bit with her results, but it was not this inability of winning any matches.
When she won the USO, I said that no female player had ever won a Slam as a teenager and never won another. But with the constant injuries and the lack of wins, maybe that possibility is becoming more plausible.

by JazzNU
ti-amie wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2023 9:35 pm The reason that there were so many questions about Burrage is because if Raducanu loses early Burrage will become the British #1.

16 questions, 58 words: Emma Raducanu shows the strain in bizarre press conference
The Briton has been handed a nightmare Madrid Open draw that leaves her facing a huge challenge to avoid dropping more ranking points
She withdrew before the match began today.

by Owendonovan She might have to pull away from her family to save her tennis career.

by ti-amie
Owendonovan wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 12:27 am She might have to pull away from her family to save her tennis career.
Does she want to have a tennis career?

by ashkor87 Osorio Serrano is looking much thinner and fitter.. lost some of that baby fat.. good for her. she has such great defense, I expect her to do well at the USO..

by ponchi101 Uhm. I like Cami (if you don't down here, you are thrown out of the country) but I find her undersized and underpowered. She is very good, don't get me wrong, but I don't see her having tools to make it far at any slam UNLESS the draw is benign to the max.
Of course, Trevisan made it to a RG semi, and they are players with similar patterns, but I am unsold on Cami's potential.

by ti-amie When I first saw her, baby fat and all, I thought she might be the next WTA star to come out of South America. Her in your face style has been toned down and as she's lost the baby fat she's playing a more thoughtful style of tennis. I think she'll be low top 20's to 30's unless she goes back to her old style of play.

by ashkor87 The latest 16 yr old sensation Andreeva when asked what was most special about Madrid "meeting andy Murray - he is so beautiful in real life!" - to which Murray replied " think how good she will be when she gets her eyes fixed!"

by ponchi101 My GF only read Murray's reply, and we were wondering what he meant. Now, with your info, it makes sense and context. Txs.
About Murray. A severely underrated personality. To say the least.

by ashkor87
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Apr 30, 2023 3:51 pm My GF only read Murray's reply, and we were wondering what he meant. Now, with your info, it makes sense and context. Txs.
About Murray. A severely underrated personality. To say the least.
a real gentleman..

by JazzNU Roger visited the tennis center up in the Bronx and watched some of the kids play and hit with them too. I'll post if I see some photos or video. Very nice. He's in town for the Met Gala.

by JazzNU
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 1:28 am Roger visited the tennis center up in the Bronx and watched some of the kids play and hit with them too. I'll post if I see some photos or video. Very nice. He's in town for the Met Gala.



by meganfernandez This could be an entirely personal issue or distraction, something happening off-court. Who knows. This, in particular, is garbage without any substantiation: How effectively she is moving on remains to be seen, because this interview suggested someone who is beginning to feel trapped on the never-ending carousel of the professional tennis tour. Raducanu practised with Poland’s Magda Linette at Madrid’s Caja Magica on Tuesday morning, but there must be some question about whether she feels completely ready to compete.

ti-amie wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2023 9:35 pm The reason that there were so many questions about Burrage is because if Raducanu loses early Burrage will become the British #1.

16 questions, 58 words: Emma Raducanu shows the strain in bizarre press conference
The Briton has been handed a nightmare Madrid Open draw that leaves her facing a huge challenge to avoid dropping more ranking points

By
Simon Briggs,
TENNIS CORRESPONDENT, IN MADRID
25 April 2023 • 7:47pm

A drained-looking Emma Raducanu showed worrying signs of strain in Madrid, as she dead-batted all attempts to initiate the traditional pre-tournament interview.

Presented with 16 gentle questions – on subjects ranging from her chronic wrist trouble to the recent good form of her friend and compatriot Jodie Burrage – Raducanu offered a combined tally of just 58 words.

After a little less than three minutes, the attempted conversation grew so awkward that a media-liaison official from the Women’s Tennis Association was forced to step in, with a brisk “I think let’s just leave it there.”

Raducanu’s uncooperative mood was unexpected, as the one area where she has remained poised and confident since her triumphant drive to the 2021 US Open title has been in her dealings with the media.

Normally, she is bright, talkative and engaging during press conferences. At this very tournament 12 months ago, she entertained a group of reporters with an anecdote about her A-levels, before adding cheerfully that “Even when I’m losing, I find it a great challenge to pick myself back up.”

But Raducanu’s world-weary demeanour on Tuesday made one wonder whether her recent run of three straight defeats – stretching back to Indian Wells six weeks ago – has tested that resilience to breaking point.

This is an important tournament for her, as she stands to forfeit 110 of her 740 rankings points if she were to lose her first-round match. A fourth straight defeat would constitute the worst sequence of her professional career, while also sending her sliding just outside the world’s top 100.

A three-figure ranking could potentially impact on her sponsorship deals. Many players have ranking-linked clauses in their contracts, although it is unknown whether this applies to any of Raducanu’s eight endorsements.


Either way, she could do with a morale-boosting win when she faces world No 73 Viktoriya Tomova on Wednesday afternoon in the unusual high-altitude conditions of Madrid. Not that a deep run here seems plausible, given that the winner of that first-round match will go on to face the dominant world No 1 Iga Swiatek in their next outing.

It was Swiatek who began Raducanu’s mini form-slump – which has involved losses to three successive grand-slam champions – when she delivered a 6-3, 6-1 beating in the fourth round of Indian Wells. And Swiatek has only gathered strength since then, having celebrated the return to her favoured clay by lifting the Stuttgart title on Sunday.

Asked about her draw here, Raducanu replied listlessly “It is what it is.” She was equally unforthcoming about her chronic wrist trouble (“We’re managing it”) and Jelena Ostapenko’s performance in thrashing her 6-2, 6-1 in Stuttgart last week (“She played a great match.”)

In all, she averaged three-and-a-half words per question, with the longest answer coming to an enquiry about her three-set defeat at the hands of Bianca Andreescu in Miami a month ago. “Yeah it was a good trip in America, tough match,” said Raducanu. “But yeah, moving on.”

How effectively she is moving on remains to be seen, because this interview suggested someone who is beginning to feel trapped on the never-ending carousel of the professional tennis tour. Raducanu practised with Poland’s Magda Linette at Madrid’s Caja Magica on Tuesday morning, but there must be some question about whether she feels completely ready to compete.

In March, Raducanu said that she had deleted Instagram and WhatsApp from her phone in order to insulate herself from the negativity of social media. Even so, she may still be feeling the weight of criticism from those who expect her to play world-beating tennis every week.

The most frequent barbs tend to concern her sponsorship commitments, which continue to be highly visible. Only in the last week or so, she has appeared in the new British Airways safety video – where she was filmed stowing a passenger’s luggage in the rack – and in a Vodafone campaign that boasted “the world’s first 5G hologram coaching session” between Raducanu and a pair of young hopefuls.

Both these clips were broadcast to her 2.5m Instagram followers, presumably by a third party who is now handling her account. But while Raducanu the corporate icon keeps plugging away, the real-life 20-year-old behind the hoopla is beginning to look like a shadow of her former, carefree self.


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2023 ... drid-open/

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 7:42 pm This could be an entirely personal issue or distraction, something happening off-court. Who knows. This, in particular, is garbage without any substantiation: How effectively she is moving on remains to be seen, because this interview suggested someone who is beginning to feel trapped on the never-ending carousel of the professional tennis tour. Raducanu practised with Poland’s Magda Linette at Madrid’s Caja Magica on Tuesday morning, but there must be some question about whether she feels completely ready to compete.


...
Ready mentally, physically, both?
The list of players that reached a very high position and then never came close to repeating is not empty. Of course, the problem for Emma is that her high was very, very high. So now, the low is more noticeable.
Look at Podoroska. RG semis, and then... invisibility. But, of course, outside of Argentina, nobody had a microscope examining her. So that story lacks any traction.

by nelslus Honestly- with all of the pressures young newsworthy women face- especially when Emma is freakin' 20 years old (and Coco, btw, is 19 years old)- maybe, once and for all, it's time to, as much as possible, leave them all the heck alone. Let them grow up, and see what happens. How many Brooke Shields and Britney documentaries do we need before we finally get that-iMO, all of us are a huge part of the problem facing these young women?

by mmmm8
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 6:28 pm
JazzNU wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 1:28 am Roger visited the tennis center up in the Bronx and watched some of the kids play and hit with them too. I'll post if I see some photos or video. Very nice. He's in town for the Met Gala.


Let's say "in The Bronx!" again like it's a remote village in the Amazon that you can only get to by a days-long boat trip.

by ponchi101
nelslus wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 10:00 pm Honestly- with all of the pressures young newsworthy women face- especially when Emma is freakin' 20 years old (and Coco, btw, is 19 years old)- maybe, once and for all, it's time to, as much as possible, leave them all the heck alone. Let them grow up, and see what happens. How many Brooke Shields and Britney documentaries do we need before we finally get that-iMO, all of us are a huge part of the problem facing these young women?
Sorry. Not ALL OF US. Emma, and Coco and Leylah, get a lot of support in this forum, and we clearly understand they are 19-20 yo.
But, unfortunately, when you are the face of plenty of high class brands and your profession is based on results, this is part of the deal. You would have to change a lot of things for this to get any better.

by JazzNU
nelslus wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 10:00 pm Honestly- with all of the pressures young newsworthy women face- especially when Emma is freakin' 20 years old (and Coco, btw, is 19 years old)- maybe, once and for all, it's time to, as much as possible, leave them all the heck alone. Let them grow up, and see what happens. How many Brooke Shields and Britney documentaries do we need before we finally get that-iMO, all of us are a huge part of the problem facing these young women?
I think most people are giving Coco time to get where she needs to be with her game, they know she's young and there's time. For Emma, I think she brought a lot of the attention on herself, not by winning, but by signing so many high-profile endorsement contracts and by leaning into all the social media attention she got early on**, it put her in the limelight in a way that hasn't happened with others. Now, she HAD to sign those endorsements, they were offered, she can't just walk away, these are once in a lifetime opportunities, and honestly, if her game never gets back to the USO level, it will be fantastic for her and her family that she did get this much exposure, she'll be able to ride this fame into the sunset in style like a low-budget Anna K.

I've said for a long time that if they stop covering Emma so closely, she would get her game together quicker. But the more influential tennis orgas and media aren't here for that. If you're not aware, they are the ones hitting us ad nauseum with Emma content on social media, not fans seeking it out. The main replies from non-Brits are that we don't need this level of attention on her, but they ignore that sentiment despite being brought up very, very regularly. So I don't blame the fans here, most are happy to leave her alone and just hear the occasional tennis news they'd hear about any other player.

I hear where you're coming from, but I don't think Brooke and Britney are apt comparisons unless we're trying to look closer at her parents role in all of this.


**Not everyone remembers this and since many of you have a problem with social media you may not have personally seen the level of the attention, but her fame started before the US Open. After her success as a Brit advancing and the attention that brings and then the manner with which she exited Wimbledon that year and the backlash at some of the commentary (Johnnie Mac in particular), she got an insane amount of attention on social media and also a slightly reduced, but still significant level from traditional media. She leaned all the way into all of that. Welcomed the attention and seemed to revel in it. That is part of why the brands pounced after the US Open win, she had already established a crazy large following and a level of attention where it was a no brainer to offer her some kind of brand ambassador role.

by nelslus What I meant by "all of us", to be clear, was not directed any of us in here. I mean literally a more general world-wide "all of us". I mean, it's not exactly likely that Emma, Coco, etc. are gonna read what we're writing about in here.

Whatever choices Emma has made, she's still 20. I don't think we could expect her to fully understand the repercussions for her "choices" out there in our real world. Adults do know.

I'm very much sticking with my view that adults out there should give these young women (and young men, to be clear) a break. Also, my mentions of Britney and Brooke had nothing to do with parental comparisons at all. I just think the media, fans, etc. demand far too much from young folks. The world just burns out far too many talented youngsters out of their pursuing their talents and careers to their fullest.

by ti-amie You're not wrong nelslus. I just posted a shorter version of what Jazz said about where the pressure on Raducanu is coming from in the tournament thread.

The universal "they" need to leave her alone.

by JazzNU Met Gala photos include several tennis players so check the Entertainment Thread for them, but there was some news revealed that I'll post here as well.



by mmmm8 Congrats to them, but also the dress I found to be a perfect/hilarious tribute to Karl Lagerfeld

by JazzNU Putting these here, less about the fashion, more about the people, their main photos are already captured with the other Met Gala photos. Nice photo with Roger and Mirka, also a photo with Roger and Serena if you scroll, and a few others, including one with Patrick Mahomes for any NFL fans.






And Matteo, scroll through and there's a photo with Roger.



by JazzNU

by ashkor87 Well, now we know what is wrong with Raducanu..she is having surgery on her hand and ankle...tough.

by mmmm8
ashkor87 wrote: Thu May 04, 2023 12:47 pm Well, now we know what is wrong with Raducanu..she is having surgery on her hand and ankle...tough.
Both hands, I think

by JazzNU

by skatingfan I really haven't been paying attention to the NBA this season. I was confused as to how anyone could attend a basketball game in New York during the play-offs. Who would have had the Knicks, and the Leafs making the second round of the play-offs in the same year. :lol:

by ti-amie I kid you not. This is today's tennis controversy.



Azarenka has already chimed in



And Feli has clapped back



Today is Cinco de Mayo so it doesn't matter what time it is.



My daughter agrees it's misogyny by the way.

by ponchi101 The age of offense... or offended.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 How many non-sequiturs can you have in 1 (or 2) tweets?

by Owendonovan So you only get the larger cake in your own country?

by skatingfan
Owendonovan wrote: Fri May 05, 2023 11:17 pm So you only get the larger cake in your own country?
I think it makes it more likely.

by Owendonovan I would cater to the coincidence and make them identical.

by skatingfan
Owendonovan wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 1:58 am I would cater to the coincidence and make them identical.
But Sabalenka wasn't playing today, so the cake isn't being presented on court - that's the only reason that the other one was larger was because it was being presented on court.

by mmmm8 I think it's a bad example but Vika's comment is probably coming from years of compounded experiences.

by JazzNU
skatingfan wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 2:17 am
Owendonovan wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 1:58 am I would cater to the coincidence and make them identical.
But Sabalenka wasn't playing today, so the cake isn't being presented on court - that's the only reason that the other one was larger was because it was being presented on court.

This is exactly it. We've seen the differences before, what's done on court vs. off is never identical. We've seen it many times, even when it's not your home country.

And I have a hard time believing this would be the same controversy if Coco had gotten a big ass cake on the main court at the Miami Open and Sinner had gotten a smaller one on a non-match day.

I can't believe this has become a thing people are mad about.

And I doubt most care at this point, but Aryna was quite happy when they presented her with the cake. She had the video up and was smiling from ear to ear.

by mmmm8 Image
The Federers

by ponchi101 Any news on whether the older twins are making inroads in tennis? I remember people placing bets that they would win Wimby in doubles by some getting-closer year.

by JTContinental Jack Sock made his pro pickleball debut last week, reaching the QF in the singles tournament and winning the mixed doubles with 16 year old world number 1 Anna Leigh Waters

by ti-amie

by JazzNU Didn't notice this posted





by ponchi101 Enough fine players to play an exo before the race... ;)

by Fastbackss
ponchi101 wrote: Mon May 08, 2023 10:23 pm Enough fine players to play an exo before the race... ;)
The NASCAR track from this past weekend had a Pickleball court put in.
Surely a venue that also hosts tennis could have had a court available

by ti-amie

by JazzNU
Fastbackss wrote: Mon May 08, 2023 11:44 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Mon May 08, 2023 10:23 pm Enough fine players to play an exo before the race... ;)
The NASCAR track from this past weekend had a Pickleball court put in.
Surely a venue that also hosts tennis could have had a court available
Not disagreeing with the sentiment, but to my knowledge there are courts available. But a good court for an exo with that level of superstar? Not really, the bigger courts are all broken down by now I believe. The largest permanent one is relatively small I think. That being said, if there's money to be made and Serena or Venus pitches the idea to Stephen Ross, I wouldn't rule it out in the future if F1 is on board with the idea.

by Owendonovan
JazzNU wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 5:51 pm
skatingfan wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 2:17 am
Owendonovan wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 1:58 am I would cater to the coincidence and make them identical.
But Sabalenka wasn't playing today, so the cake isn't being presented on court - that's the only reason that the other one was larger was because it was being presented on court.

This is exactly it. We've seen the differences before, what's done on court vs. off is never identical. We've seen it many times, even when it's not your home country.

And I have a hard time believing this would be the same controversy if Coco had gotten a big ass cake on the main court at the Miami Open and Sinner had gotten a smaller one on a non-match day.

I can't believe this has become a thing people are mad about.

And I doubt most care at this point, but Aryna was quite happy when they presented her with the cake. She had the video up and was smiling from ear to ear.
Saint Holger got a cake like Aryna's at this same tournament. I don't care about cake, I like pie. Any over the top cake like the one given to Alcaraz is a waste and whether your on court or not it doesn't really matter, just give everyone the same birthday cake if you're giving them out. It's not a big ask.

by JazzNU More from Miami Grand Prix weekend. If you scroll in Serena's photos, there's also a photo with Olympia, and the brunette is model Karlie Kloss for those that don't recognize her (she looks much less recognizable as a brunette to me). In the second Gabriela post, scroll thru to the 6th photo to see her with Roger and Mirka. The other people she's with are Formula 1 drivers.









by ponchi101 And I wonder if people actually got a piece of Carlitos' cake...

by nelslus
ponchi101 wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 3:41 pm And I wonder if people actually got a piece of Carlitos' cake...
....(Self-censoring.) :ugeek:

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 3:41 pm And I wonder if people actually got a piece of Carlitos' cake...
Was it actually a cake? Usually those sort of things are cardboard, and styrofoam covered in shortening.

by ponchi101 Then you answered my question ... ;)

by ti-amie
skatingfan wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 11:46 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 3:41 pm And I wonder if people actually got a piece of Carlitos' cake...
Was it actually a cake? Usually those sort of things are cardboard, and styrofoam covered in shortening.
That's why I couldn't understand the uproar!

by ponchi101 So, after all this, should if be Carlitos that should be mad because he was given a fake cake?
(I am only being a jerk, don't bother explaining it to me ;) )

by Suliso Image

(That particular place is called Spanish steps)

Kontaveit

Image

Kerber

Image

by ponchi101 Three of my favorites. Txs.

by ti-amie

by JazzNU

by ti-amie I didn't recognize her at all!

by JazzNU The boyfriend is in a few of the photos if you scroll



by JazzNU

by ti-amie

Genetics

by ti-amie Nostalgia. Was this 2008?


by ponchi101 No. 2019, the last time they played there. Rafa's racquet in 2008 did not have the purple stripes, Roger here is wearing UNIQLO, and in 2008 he was with Nike.

by JazzNU

by ponchi101 I don't know if he is a handsome guy, but his wife certainly is gorgeous.
About the fashion... I will leave it to the experts here.

by ti-amie Image
In August they will celebrate two years of relationship

EXCLUSIVE. GARBIÑE MUGURUZA ANNOUNCES HER WEDDING TO ARTHUR BORGES AND TELLS HER ROMANTIC STORY FOR THE FIRST TIME
"We would like it to be next year, in the summer, near the beach and in Spain, because it is the place that most unites us," says the Spanish-Venezuelan tennis champion, whose fiancé is half Spanish and half Finnish.
HOLA4113 Garbiñe Muguruzanos and Arthur Borges
MARCO REYES / @dear_marco
By Marta Gordillo
05/24/2023 6:55 AM CEST

That August day, Garbiñe Muguruza went out for a walk and got some fresh air. The hotel where she was staying in New York while participating in the US Open was close to Central Park and what better way to breathe than to walk through the lungs of Manhattan. She needed to clear her mind and distract her mind for a while from the great demand and concentration that high competition entails. So she was bored of being in her room, she put on some jeans , put on her sneakers and perhaps thought of taking some selfies to share with her followers later. And, when she least expected it, while she walked alone immersed in her thoughts, love crossed her path From her. Pure serendipity. from moviemade in Hollywood . A crush as if taken from another era , more than from this era 3.0 of the likes , the matches and the dating apps . From that moment, in the summer of 2021, almost two years have passed. Today, the tennis champion , at a very special moment in her life, after deciding to take a hiatus, announces her wedding to Arthur Borges, that attractive admirer who, passing by and recognizing her, wished her luck on the slopes and to whom she has just gotten engaged

The rest is behind a paywall.

https://www.hola.com/actualidad/2023052 ... 1684909057

by ti-amie
JazzNU wrote: Sun May 21, 2023 4:16 am
Her gown is quite nice. He looks like he's going to his HS prom. Maybe they wanted to match?

by JTContinental Her dress is giving me retro Cannes vibes. His suit is giving me rented vibes.

by ashkor87 https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news ... edia-study

Study says Djokovic and Sabalenka are the most hated on social media... Djokovic is easy to understand but what has Sabalenka done to deserve it?

by skatingfan
ashkor87 wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 3:30 am https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news ... edia-study

Study says Djokovic and Sabalenka are the most hated on social media... Djokovic is easy to understand but what has Sabalenka done to deserve it?
Being a Belarusian woman I would think - being a woman is probably enough for some.

by ponchi101 You see, this is where sometimes I find journalism to be lacking. THE MOST HATED. Then you read the article and it says that Novak has a "negative ratio" of 15%
So, they are not "hated"; if you go by that, Novak receives 85% of positive comments. So in reality, you can say they are the "least liked".
But I guess that headline would not trigger clicks.

by ptmcmahon Exactly - you wouldn't have clicked the article if it said Novak had a negative tweet rate of 15% :) And then we would have missed such gems as "If Novak doesn't have issues he will be a contender for the title at Roland Garros!" What a hot take!

Heck I would have assumed a negative rate of 15% on Twitter would be for the most liked player.

by meganfernandez

by JTContinental Next up, quadruplets named Aon, Oan, Ano, and Nao

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 6:47 pm Next up, quadruplets named Aon, Oan, Ano, and Nao
They'll keep going through all the permutations. "Ano" would be a terrible name in Spain, though!

by ponchi101
JTContinental wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 6:47 pm Next up, quadruplets named Aon, Oan, Ano, and Nao
Being Spaniards, I really hope they do not name their next baby ANO. Could be problematic... :shock:

by JTContinental They will need the tilde :D

by meganfernandez I'm saying not just friends


by ponchi101 And the pretty girl is...? :thumbsup:

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jun 09, 2023 6:37 pm And the pretty girl is...? :thumbsup:
Dude! It's Paula Badosa.


by ponchi101 I thought it was her but because I thought she was still with her other beau, decided it was just some resemblance.

by ti-amie Image

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Fri Jun 09, 2023 9:23 pm I thought it was her but because I thought she was still with her other beau, decided it was just some resemblance.
Apparently, she and the model broke up earlier in the spring: https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news ... kup-rumors

by nelslus ....IF there is anything I'd like to hear less about compared to the Novak is the GOAT conversation- it's anything about this ADORABLE Tsitsipas/Badosa cutsie-poo love-fest. :gorgeous: with a chaser of :vomit:

by ti-amie Normally I cheer tennis couples but this is so fast and the photos surrounding them are so "slick" it looks as if they're doing a photo layout for a tourist magazine.

We'll see. Since she was annoyed that Betancourt (the model) was said to have ended the relationship let's wait for some history to this new one.

by ponchi101 I'm on the other side. Green with envy.
Young, beautiful, rich, globe-trotting. Where do I sign, Dr. Faustus? :evil:

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 9:53 pm Normally I cheer tennis couples but this is so fast and the photos surrounding them are so "slick" it looks as if they're doing a photo layout for a tourist magazine.

We'll see. Since she was annoyed that Betancourt (the model) was said to have ended the relationship let's wait for some history to this new one.
It was slightly reminiscent of that photo shoot Cibulkova and Melzer once staged when they dated (although these two are a bit more natural).

by Suliso Donna and Belinda

Image

by Fastbackss Iga has joined Porsche as an athlete ambassador
[

by ponchi101 Must be nice. Good for her.

by ti-amie

I thought she had a broken bone or something in her back?

by ti-amie

Tatler is the high class English version of People Magazine.

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:24 am

I thought she had a broken bone or something in her back?
Father-in-law? Let's all slow down

by ponchi101 Indeed.
Has anybody ever heard of summer romances? Or, what happens with a person very close to me: she has what we call "the love of my life - of the month" syndrome.

by ashkor87 Netflix cameras following Andreeva around ..she is just a kid, wish they would leave her alone .

by ti-amie
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:53 am Netflix cameras following Andreeva around ..she is just a kid, wish they would leave her alone .
Do we know who determines the players that show profiles?

by Suliso Muchova

Image

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:53 am Netflix cameras following Andreeva around ..she is just a kid, wish they would leave her alone .
Yeah, that's crazy. I wish her management or coaches had better sense. I'm sure Coco could have been in the Netflix show, don't you think? Just listen to Raducanu saying that sometimes she wishes she had never won the US Open (which is also a crazy thing to say, but she's young and her life changed overnight). I don't think Raducanu should ever regret anything she did or has done since, but to chase fame at Andreeva's stage seems ill-advised.

by ponchi101 There is no way Andreeva was going to escape that. Very young, she is pretty, signed with Nike, perhaps a future face of the sport.
And, SM will drive these things. This is her way to get a higher profile. Plus help her financial situation.
I'm in the middle. As long as the cameras are focusing on her tennis, do it. Anything else, it can get tricky in a hurry.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 3:06 pm There is no way Andreeva was going to escape that. Very young, she is pretty, signed with Nike, perhaps a future face of the sport.
And, SM will drive these things. This is her way to get a higher profile. Plus help her financial situation.
I'm in the middle. As long as the cameras are focusing on her tennis, do it. Anything else, it can get tricky in a hurry.
I don't know, having a constant reminder that you're important and people are watching and a network is invested in you has to change things and has to divert her focus to an extent. I can't imagine the benefit other than short-term financial. Maybe she'll prove me wrong, but it doesn't pass the smell test of wisdom to me.

by ponchi101 I agree that this is not wise, but this is the modern way. This has the potential, for every young player, to be "Jennifer Capriati 2.0" at any time, on steroids. Capriati "only" had to deal with TV and tabloids; this new generation has to deal with 5-6 SM platforms, and the obvious abuse and scrutiny that will bring.
It is the new way. We may not agree with it, but that is the way this new generation handles fame.
We will see if Andreeva will be affected negatively.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 4:37 pm I agree that this is not wise, but this is the modern way. This has the potential, for every young player, to be "Jennifer Capriati 2.0" at any time, on steroids. Capriati "only" had to deal with TV and tabloids; this new generation has to deal with 5-6 SM platforms, and the obvious abuse and scrutiny that will bring.
It is the new way. We may not agree with it, but that is the way this new generation handles fame.
We will see if Andreeva will be affected negatively.
They might be following her around just in case she has a big breakthrough (or breakdown) - something worthy for the next season. As I said below, I bet they follow a lot of players and choose only certain storylines.

by ti-amie Meanwhile...



Good photographer and puberty is just about done with him now.

by ponchi101 He still needs to use clearskin. I refuse to buy ANYTHING this boy man endorses ;)

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:25 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:53 am Netflix cameras following Andreeva around ..she is just a kid, wish they would leave her alone .
Yeah, that's crazy. I wish her management or coaches had better sense. I'm sure Coco could have been in the Netflix show, don't you think? Just listen to Raducanu saying that sometimes she wishes she had never won the US Open (which is also a crazy thing to say, but she's young and her life changed overnight). I don't think Raducanu should ever regret anything she did or has done since, but to chase fame at Andreeva's stage seems ill-advised.
I'm finally getting around to fully reading Sampras's autobiography co-written with Pete Bodo and Sampras says something similar about his first US Open. That, while he only means it in a certain says, but he was too young and it made his maturation as a player longer.

by ashkor87
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 1:24 am
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:25 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:53 am Netflix cameras following Andreeva around ..she is just a kid, wish they would leave her alone .
Yeah, that's crazy. I wish her management or coaches had better sense. I'm sure Coco could have been in the Netflix show, don't you think? Just listen to Raducanu saying that sometimes she wishes she had never won the US Open (which is also a crazy thing to say, but she's young and her life changed overnight). I don't think Raducanu should ever regret anything she did or has done since, but to chase fame at Andreeva's stage seems ill-advised.
I'm finally getting around to fully reading Sampras's autobiography co-written with Pete Bodo and Sampras says something similar about his first US Open. That, while he only means it in a certain says, but he was too young and it made his maturation as a player longer.
Haven't read it yet..is it any good? As good as Agassi's? Sharapova's was pretty lifeless, I thought ..

by ashkor87 Meanwhile, Wozniacki is planning to come back from retirement.. playing Montreal first, then maybe the USO!

by ponchi101 She already got a WC for the USO. Which, of course, as a former champion, she totally deserves.
Wait.
Ok, she is a big draw. Everything you need.

by Jeff from TX
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 3:22 pm She already got a WC for the USO. Which, of course, as a former champion, she totally deserves.
Wait.
Ok, she is a big draw. Everything you need.
The first thing I thought when I read this news is that her sponsors are after her to get in the spotlight more. And if a former champion is the criteria, lets make sure that Kenin gets in as well as any other former GS champion who won't qualify based on ranking.

by ponchi101 What can she realistically expect from this comeback? She was never a power hitter, and her greatest asset was her speed. After three years, how much speed can she bring to a court, and how will she handle the power of a Sabalenka, Swiatek or Rybakina?

by JTContinental Wozniacki made the finals twice, but hasn’t won the USO.

Since she’s a backboard, I think she will do fine, and her analysis of the top players from the commentator’s booth has been spot on.

by mmmm8
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 1:27 pm Haven't read it yet..is it any good? As good as Agassi's? Sharapova's was pretty lifeless, I thought ..
I don't feel good saying this because Pete Bodo is a friend and gifted me a copy... but if you thought Sharapova's was lifeless, this is straight from the river Styx...

There are some insights and interesting tidbits, but it could have been a short story + his career stats.

by nelslus OK, someone please set up a poll. Which is more hideously boring- Pete's book or Caroline's comeback? :gorgeous:

by nelslus
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 8:01 pm He still needs to use clearskin. I refuse to buy ANYTHING this boy man endorses ;)
Take that back. Take that back right now, you BEAST. :gorgeous:



.....OH, and....


by ti-amie Woz took a look at the current state of the WTA and asked herself "why not me?"

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 6:21 pm Woz took a look at the current state of the WTA and asked herself "why not me?"
Or just wants to play at the Olympics, including mixed with Rune. We'll see if she makes a part-time return. It wouldn't be shocking. Maybe Serena will coach her! Best part about it so far... "Even a player like Caroline" :fuelfire:

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 1:27 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 1:24 am
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:25 pm

Yeah, that's crazy. I wish her management or coaches had better sense. I'm sure Coco could have been in the Netflix show, don't you think? Just listen to Raducanu saying that sometimes she wishes she had never won the US Open (which is also a crazy thing to say, but she's young and her life changed overnight). I don't think Raducanu should ever regret anything she did or has done since, but to chase fame at Andreeva's stage seems ill-advised.
I'm finally getting around to fully reading Sampras's autobiography co-written with Pete Bodo and Sampras says something similar about his first US Open. That, while he only means it in a certain says, but he was too young and it made his maturation as a player longer.
Haven't read it yet..is it any good? As good as Agassi's? Sharapova's was pretty lifeless, I thought ..
I actually liked Sharapova's okay, but was told to take some of the anecdotes - like the arrival story in Florida - with a grain of salt.

by ponchi101 I have never read a tennis bio, but Sampras' seems to be very bland.
No scandals or no juicy news. It was: "This young man was good at tennis. He decided to dedicate his life to the sport. He became a champion and led an exemplary life. End of story."

by ashkor87 I particularly found the story about how he found his wife, a bit off-putting......but none of my business, I suppose.

by ashkor87 Probably the best book on tennis I have EVER read is String Theory..David foster wallace. Do read it if you can

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 12:38 pm Probably the best book on tennis I have EVER read is String Theory..David foster wallace. Do read it if you can
I've tried to read Terrible Splendor. Need to restart it.

Instructionally, the new release Essential Tennis is great and an easy read. First good instruction book in 25 years.

Maybe there should be an anthology of player biographies, because they all have amazing stories, if not enough for a blockbuster bio like Open.

by ponchi101 Becekr's bio would sell. But he is going with Apple TV+ for the series. Will make more money that way.
No bios on the "old" group. Did Borg, Connors, Mac or Lendl have bios out? Can't recall.
Martina's would be interesting. She did go through A LOT. The defection, the coming out, the transformation from a player that was not in shape to that physical super monster. Together with Lendl, the player in the WTA that changed the game. If you wanted to beat her, you needed to train like her.
Chris? Are there any juicy bits there that she would like to share? It could spoil her image.
Steffi's bio? Maybe in Germany. She was so quiet (and the scandals were about her dad).
How do you separate Venus and Serena's bios? One for each? One common one for the teenage years, and then split it? One full common one?
Edberg? A good paperweight? (Although he could claim to be the true last of the Mohicans, with his S&V game).

by ashkor87 Edberg was said to be the most boring person ever...

by ponchi101 I do not mind boring person. I loved the spectacular player, the guy that could hit a volley winner from a ball that was at his shoelaces.
But sure, reading a bio on Edberg might be like reading a recipe for Swedish meatballs. Not going to make me salivate.

by mmmm8 So far, in addition to this, I've read Agassi's, Blake's, Murray's and Sharapova's. Agassi is the best by far (co-written with J.R Moehringer). Blake's was very good as well (co-written with Andrew Friedman. Andrew's ghostwritten a lot of chef autobiographies). All were very readable (Sharapova's was co-written with Rich Cohen), although Murray's was pre-mature and badly edited - sounded like an idea from Judy or his agents early in his career. Someone had asked me to buy it for them and I ended up reading it on a plane before handing it over, so it was engaging at least.. Murray didn't list a co-writer, but if I had to guess, it'd by Judy :)

I have Arthur Ashe's book, which I think I picked up for a couple dollars at a used book store, on my to-be-read shelves. But it's not his memoir (Days of Grace) but his book on tennis strategy, On Tennis.

by Owendonovan There's, "Martina and Chrissy, the great rivalry in sports", which wasn't bad, had some insights. Monica put a book out as well that wasn't awful. Sampras did little in his book that wasn't touched by the privilege of money and resources.

by meganfernandez I have Ashe's biography but haven't made it very far, mostly because it's just so darn heavy. I met the author at the US Open in media seats the year it came out. He introduced himself as a writer of "definitive biographies." Said he spent 9 years on Ashe.

by Owendonovan "Definitive" huh, I'd have been embarrassed for him for defining his writing that way.

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 12:54 pm "Definitive" huh, I'd have been embarrassed for him for defining his writing that way.
He was pretty definitive about it. :) Doesn't lack confidence. I'm surprised he hasn't added it to his Wikipedia page. He's a professor and historian with a concentration in the civil rights era. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Arsenault

He was a blast to talk to during a match. He made Ashe sound like a sex machine, though, telling stories about him and Beverly Johnson. Maybe he was. I just remember thinking it was an odd thing to bring up.

by Owendonovan
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 1:04 pm
Owendonovan wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 12:54 pm "Definitive" huh, I'd have been embarrassed for him for defining his writing that way.
He was pretty definitive about it. :) Doesn't lack confidence. I'm surprised he hasn't added it to his Wikipedia page. He's a professor and historian with a concentration in the civil rights era. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Arsenault

He was a blast to talk to during a match. He made Ashe sound like a sex machine, though, telling stories about him and Beverly Johnson. Maybe he was. I just remember thinking it was an odd thing to bring up.
He was hitting on you........

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 1:13 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 1:04 pm
Owendonovan wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 12:54 pm "Definitive" huh, I'd have been embarrassed for him for defining his writing that way.
He was pretty definitive about it. :) Doesn't lack confidence. I'm surprised he hasn't added it to his Wikipedia page. He's a professor and historian with a concentration in the civil rights era. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Arsenault

He was a blast to talk to during a match. He made Ashe sound like a sex machine, though, telling stories about him and Beverly Johnson. Maybe he was. I just remember thinking it was an odd thing to bring up.
He was hitting on you........
It didn't seem like it, but in retrospect, it was maybe a bit lacivious, given our ages.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 5:41 pm
Can't open for me.
TWT remains a mystery.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 Roger goes to COLDPLAY concerts? :cry: :cry: :cry:

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:27 pm Roger goes to COLDPLAY concerts? :cry: :cry: :cry:
I like Coldplay so this is cool from my perspective. #justsaying

by skatingfan
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:27 pm Roger goes to COLDPLAY concerts? :cry: :cry: :cry:
ti-amie wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 11:07 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:27 pm Roger goes to COLDPLAY concerts? :cry: :cry: :cry:
I like Coldplay so this is cool from my perspective. #justsaying
I also like Coldplay - just an example of how we're all flawed individuals, even Roger Federer.

by ponchi101
skatingfan wrote: Mon Jul 03, 2023 1:26 am
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:27 pm Roger goes to COLDPLAY concerts? :cry: :cry: :cry:
ti-amie wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 11:07 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:27 pm Roger goes to COLDPLAY concerts? :cry: :cry: :cry:
I like Coldplay so this is cool from my perspective. #justsaying
I also like Coldplay - just an example of how we're all flawed individuals, even Roger Federer.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Ok, I concede. You cracked me up.

by meganfernandez

by ashkor87
mmmm8 wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 5:58 pm So far, in addition to this, I've read Agassi's, Blake's, Murray's and Sharapova's. Agassi is the best by far (co-written with J.R Moehringer). Blake's was very good as well (co-written with Andrew Friedman. Andrew's ghostwritten a lot of chef autobiographies). All were very readable (Sharapova's was co-written with Rich Cohen), although Murray's was pre-mature and badly edited - sounded like an idea from Judy or his agents early in his career. Someone had asked me to buy it for them and I ended up reading it on a plane before handing it over, so it was engaging at least.. Murray didn't list a co-writer, but if I had to guess, it'd by Judy :)

I have Arthur Ashe's book, which I think I picked up for a couple dollars at a used book store, on my to-be-read shelves. But it's not his memoir (Days of Grace) but his book on tennis strategy, On Tennis.
McEnroe's Rage for Perfection is pretty good too..

by ti-amie

by ti-amie So Señor Betancourt got dumped in Rome?



More



The Source for this, uh,information


Stefanos Tsitsipas spoke passionately to SDNA about his relationship with Paula Badosa and revealed the dream that the 25-year-old Spaniard had before she even met him! MISSION TO LONDON: Vicky Georgatou.
Just before starting his attempt at Wimbledon, the top Greek tennis player expressed his love for the British Slam, but mostly his love for his girl!

He tells us how it all started and emphasizes that he feels in love for the first time in his life...

Just because it is the first time, many are afraid that he will give it all and leave his favorite sport aside.

Steph, however, makes it clear that he remains committed to tennis, having as a big dream the conquest of the Grand Slam at the same time as his beloved!

After all, Paula saw it in her sleep and this is one of the many "signs", for which Stefanos believes that their paths were meant to cross at some point!

Your record on grass this year was not the best possible, but how do you feel? Do you find it?

"In the last few days, having been able to play on more... normal pitches, I'm starting and finding it. In some of the grass tournaments the practice surface is not even close to what we have here. She is completely different. It's hard to draw conclusions playing on such courts, it's not "real" Wimbledon grass. So I don't take it to heart. I got a bit of a... shock in training here beyond the difference. I'm more comfortable playing rallies, without stressing that the ball might go off course or that the bounce will be a little different. So it puts me in a better mental state. Wimbledon will always be my favorite tournament, you don't get that feeling anywhere else. I feel how important this tournament is and we only get a chance to experience this once a year. The Australian Open will forever be the "home slam" for me, it feels like home and it has given me incredible memories. But if I win Wimbledon I can stop playing tennis and... tomorrow, everyone will remember me!"

- As a Top 5 player and title contender, how do you feel when you hear from experts and non-experts that Novak Djokovic has the trophy... in his pocket?

“Somehow he has! It's stubborn, the truth is. And I want like crazy to be able to win him back and show that I'm capable of doing something too, but he's found the secret recipe of how he can be there in every slam, go deep without any problem against any opponent . Works like clockwork! I have observed his routines and seen how professional he is at what he does. It's completely normal that he's playing at this level. I don't want to say anything bad about Nadal, but he has different routines that have cost him his career with injuries and I know why these things happen. Novak has avoided it, his diet is the most incredible in tennis, his recovery is the most advanced I have seen, so I also take some elements and add them to my own tennis. I think that's also why he's going so strong at an age where you'd think your level would drop, which is normal."

- Last year's loss to Nick Kyrgios gave you supplies for the future?

"Yes definitely. For me, Kyrgios is a good player on grass, although he may not be that professional in some things, like fitness, and we all know that. He has talent, he can and he plays on a surface where it is not as physically demanding as clay, for example. He gets by, let's put it that way."

- Did you also learn something regarding the spiritual management of such matches?

“Yeah, I learned my lesson. I realized that I shouldn't act like this again, it was my mistake to get into such a headspace and let it happen, knowing that he would want to put me in such a situation. In the future I will know that this will be his main tactic, he said it himself in Break Point (on Netflix) what he tried to do. I look forward to our next meeting. I want to keep playing against players like him, because I think if I can get a win against Kyrgios, Djokovic, Alcarath, it's a door that opens for a Grand Slam title."

- I will also ask you about Paula, of course. What I haven't heard you mention is when and how this all started...

“For the last three years I have loved her very much, I saw her for the first time at the Australian Open 2020 on the TV from my apartment and I remember her at this moment very vividly. It's not often that I see someone on TV and like their energy so much without ever having met them. With a few "hello's" over the last few years I was given the opportunity to get to know her more and more. He started in Rome with a message from me when he beat Ons Zambert in the second round. I watched the match and I really liked the way she played and handled the situation against a very good clay player like Ons, who plays very smart, uses drop shots etc. I sent her congratulations and the whole story started like that . The truth is she was a big fan of mine before that and so was I, for the way she plays, while I also liked her character and personality. It was a common thing, on both sides. It was meant to happen, there were so many signs of why this is normal to happen. I won't go into details because it would take me an hour to talk! In a way, I feel like I'm falling in love for the first time in my life. I never expected this to happen and it gives me a new perspective on life. It makes me a happier person. Whether I win titles or lose, it doesn't matter to me. I know I have found my man, I know we are here to create beautiful moments together. I will support her as much as I can along with my tennis, I will be there for her. I love her very much and will continue to love her forever." from both sides. It was meant to happen, there were so many signs of why this is normal to happen. I won't go into details because it would take me an hour to talk! In a way, I feel like I'm falling in love for the first time in my life. I never expected this to happen and it gives me a new perspective on life. It makes me a happier person. Whether I win titles or lose, it doesn't matter to me. I know I have found my man, I know we are here to create beautiful moments together. I will support her as much as I can along with my tennis, I will be there for her. I love her very much and will continue to love her forever." from both sides. It was meant to happen, there were so many signs of why this is normal to happen. I won't go into details because it would take me an hour to talk! In a way, I feel like I'm falling in love for the first time in my life. I never expected this to happen and it gives me a new perspective on life. It makes me a happier person. Whether I win titles or lose, it doesn't matter to me. I know I have found my man, I know we are here to create beautiful moments together. I will support her as much as I can along with my tennis, I will be there for her. I love her very much and will continue to love her forever." In a way, I feel like I'm falling in love for the first time in my life. I never expected this to happen and it gives me a new perspective on life. It makes me a happier person. Whether I win titles or lose, it doesn't matter to me. I know I have found my man, I know we are here to create beautiful moments together. I will support her as much as I can along with my tennis, I will be there for her. I love her very much and will continue to love her forever." In a way, I feel like I'm falling in love for the first time in my life. I never expected this to happen and it gives me a new perspective on life. It makes me a happier person. Whether I win titles or lose, it doesn't matter to me. I know I have found my man, I know we are here to create beautiful moments together. I will support her as much as I can along with my tennis, I will be there for her. I love her very much and will continue to love her forever." I will support her as much as I can along with my tennis, I will be there for her. I love her very much and will continue to love her forever." I will support her as much as I can along with my tennis, I will be there for her. I love her very much and will continue to love her forever."
(This is exactly how the above appears in the English translation of the original Greek)

- And what do you have to say to those who say that you will devote yourself to the girl and leave tennis in the background?

"It's not true, because tennis is my daily life and it's the only job I have. So no! We have also made it clear with Paula that tennis will be our #1 goal, what we do, and we will be here for each other, to support each other and to live a dream together. We both want to win a Grand Slam and I hope we can do it together soon. Paula had a dream before we met and I'll leave it to her to explain."

- What dream; That you won something together?

"Before we even talk or meet! That's why I say there are so many signs. She saw that we both won the Australian Open, but I'd like Paula to tell you that story! It is a very beautiful story and he had a lot of fun when he told it to me. The best thing about it all is that we can dream together and we understand each other. And he has tremendous patience, which is very hard to find. I'm very grateful that something like this happened at this stage of my life, because it brings me closer to reality."


https://www.sdna.gr/tenis/1099218_tsits ... kerdisoyme

by ponchi101 I can tell of all the times I dreamt that Audrey Hepburn and I won an Oscar together.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jul 06, 2023 12:21 am I can tell of all the times I dreamt that Audrey Hepburn and I won an Oscar together.
haha! And of course Tsitsipas was swayed by the dream. It's a sign!

by ti-amie Image

by ashkor87 Sounds like her name is Shai (sounds like Skyie?)..looking forward to Osaka's return...she will be a force on hard courts..she is very young still..

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 4:01 am Sounds like her name is Shai (sounds like Skyie?)..looking forward to Osaka's return...she will be a force on hard courts..she is very young still..
Could be a nickname, too. Very odd if they basically named her "shy," since Osaka is so shy.

by ashkor87 Not first time I have heard the name...it means 'gift' in Arabic, it seems.. not that I would know..

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 How long before she comes back?
Could she be ready for the Aussie? Or maybe a bit too ambitious?

by ti-amie
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 7:55 pm How long before she comes back?
Could she be ready for the Aussie? Or maybe a bit too ambitious?
We see what Elina has accomplished after a normal delivery. I haven't seen anything to imply Naomi didn't have a normal vaginal delivery. When you have a C-section your abdominal muscles are cut and have to repair themselves so restrengthening your core takes longer and is more difficult.

Personally I'd like her to wait until IW but I'm not a super competitive athlete.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 8:09 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 7:55 pm How long before she comes back?
Could she be ready for the Aussie? Or maybe a bit too ambitious?
Personally I'd like her to wait until IW but I'm not a super competitive athlete.
I'n not sure Osaka is, either.

by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 14, 2023 1:49 am
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 8:09 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 7:55 pm How long before she comes back?
Could she be ready for the Aussie? Or maybe a bit too ambitious?
Personally I'd like her to wait until IW but I'm not a super competitive athlete.
I'n not sure Osaka is, either.
He he true

by ti-amie Image
CARLO AGOSTINELLI AND EMMA RADUCANU Instagram @carlo_agostinelli

Image
Instagram @emmaraducanu

by ti-amie Image
Instagram @katiecboulter
Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur

by nelslus
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Jul 14, 2023 1:49 am
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 8:09 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jul 13, 2023 7:55 pm How long before she comes back?
Could she be ready for the Aussie? Or maybe a bit too ambitious?
Personally I'd like her to wait until IW but I'm not a super competitive athlete.
I'n not sure Osaka is, either.
LOL, Bullying Alert! :lol:

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ashkor87
ti-amie wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 10:20 pm
Getting a photographer to capture your proposal? I cringe.. how artificial can you get?! I do know that if it isn't on Instagram it never happened but still....

by ponchi101 It kind of takes away the element of surprise, right?
Although: those pictures could have been taken with a good telephoto. So maybe the photographer was not close to them.

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Jul 24, 2023 1:52 am It kind of takes away the element of surprise, right?
Although: those pictures could have been taken with a good telephoto. So maybe the photographer was not close to them.
it's not uncommon for someone planning a proposal to hire a photographer or get a friend to follow clandestinely.

by ti-amie

by ashkor87
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:00 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Jul 24, 2023 1:52 am It kind of takes away the element of surprise, right?
Although: those pictures could have been taken with a good telephoto. So maybe the photographer was not close to them.
it's not uncommon for someone planning a proposal to hire a photographer or get a friend to follow clandestinely.
That is pretty gross too...if I had done that I am pretty sure I would be single today! Not in a good way either!

by JTContinental
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 2:06 am
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:00 pm
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Jul 24, 2023 1:52 am It kind of takes away the element of surprise, right?
Although: those pictures could have been taken with a good telephoto. So maybe the photographer was not close to them.
it's not uncommon for someone planning a proposal to hire a photographer or get a friend to follow clandestinely.
That is pretty gross too...if I had done that I am pretty sure I would be single today! Not in a good way either!
A friend of mine did this in a corn maze, and it backfired spectacularly. His girlfriend did eventually say yes, but she was supremely unhappy with the way it went down.

by ashkor87 first of all, it is a very private moment, secondly, by recording it, or asking in a public forum like a party or stadium, you are assuming the answer will be yes.. any woman would be insulted.. wouldnt she? I wonder what the women here think
Although I must say I think the whole presumption that it is the guy who has to ask, and the woman who has to say yes or no, seems a bit archaic.. i know many cases where the woman proposed or, at least, brought up the subject first.. (not in my case, though)

by ponchi101 I have had two women bring it up in my life. Neither is my wife ;)

It is risky. I know of at least one very elaborate proposal that backfired spectacularly when the woman said no. The guy had all their friends in hiding, ready to celebrate and congratulate. Somebody was filming. Balloons and the whole deal. I was not there but I was told it was super uncomfortable.
Yep. Keep it simple, make it intimate, do not pressure the other person.

by skatingfan I think the key to a surprise public proposal is that the discussion has taken place beforehand, and the public proposal is decided upon, but then the actual details are a surprise.

by nelslus ....While I can appreciate the corn maze option to be tantalizing with any romantic setting- nothing better indicates Forever Love with a Children of the Corn scenario option- I am going full old-fart here by stating, marriage proposal photography is tacky. I mean, let's just go ahead and set up our OnlyFans Accounts for the wedding nights and honeymoons.

Enough with the social media insanity. Celebrities or not- intimate and special moments with your husbands/wives/fiancees/partners/significant others are meant to be private. (And, YES, I am fine with photos of weddings and partnership celebrations. Because- ya know- these are public events.)

by Owendonovan Picture of their child in her womb with them staring in quiet contemplation at it soon to follow.

by skatingfan
nelslus wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 6:57 pm ....While I can appreciate the corn maze option to be tantalizing with any romantic setting- nothing better indicates Forever Love with a Children of the Corn scenario option.
What are you talking about?
nelslus wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 6:57 pmI am going full old-fart here by stating, marriage proposal photography is tacky.
No surprise there.
nelslus wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 6:57 pm I mean, let's just go ahead and set up our OnlyFans Accounts for the wedding nights and honeymoons.
You've already signed up haven't you?

by ti-amie Skating you've never seen the movie "Children of the Corn"? To this day when something bad happens or a bad person enters my space I "wish it/them into the corn field".

A marriage proposal should be between two people and done in private. There are people who love the attention and notoriety of making a public proposal though. I'm guessing the ones done in sports stadiums are preplanned and the intended has said yes already.

As for the public sharing of ultrasounds just no. It's not necessary. And just for the record I hate Gender Reveal Parties too. Why?!

by skatingfan
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:37 pm Skating you've never seen the movie "Children of the Corn"? To this day when something bad happens or a bad person enters my space I "wish it/them into the corn field".
Yes, but I don't understand the context to the photos of Shapovalov getting engaged at the seashore.

by ti-amie
skatingfan wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:46 pm
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:37 pm Skating you've never seen the movie "Children of the Corn"? To this day when something bad happens or a bad person enters my space I "wish it/them into the corn field".
Yes, but I don't understand the context to the photos of Shapovalov getting engaged at the seashore.
Nelslus can speak for himself but someone mentioned a marriage proposal that took place in a cornfield and he was responding to that. (I think)

by skatingfan
ti-amie wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:49 pm Nelslus can speak for himself but someone mentioned a marriage proposal that took place in a cornfield and he was responding to that. (I think)
Okay - I forgot that post - I was trying, and failing to link it to the Shapovalov pictures.

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 1:57 am
Could have been tennis trophies.

by Owendonovan Could have been something he'll regret less in ten years as well.

by mmmm8 He's not the one that'll have to look at it!

by Suliso Some non controversial pictures :)

Paula Badosa

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Aryna

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Qinwen Zhang

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Haddad Maia

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by ashkor87 so hard to recognize in normal life! i could recognize only Qinwen and Badosa..

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 3:54 am ...

Could have been tennis trophies.
Which would have had to be somebody else's.
Owendonovan wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 3:58 am Could have been something he'll regret less in ten years as well.
And THAT is the crux of getting a tattoo.
Remember the joke? The person that got himself a tattoo that read "NO REGERTS!".

by ti-amie

by Owendonovan That's a big boat.

by ti-amie Bendou Zhang🎾
@BendouZhang
She said YES!!!

Former No. 12 player Wang Qiang is engaged. Let's congratulate her before thinking is she going to come back😂

Image

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote: Thu Jul 27, 2023 10:48 pm That's a big boat.
A GOAT boat.

by meganfernandez

by ponchi101 And I find that to be, actually, a hell of a compliment :rofl:

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Aug 01, 2023 2:28 pm And I find that to be, actually, a hell of a compliment :rofl:
The highest, from Benoit. :)

by ti-amie Emma Raducanu and rumoured boyfriend Carlo Agostinelli celebrate his 23rd birthday with an evening at Oswald’s
Reports of a romance have made headlines. Now Emma Raducanu and Carlo Agostinelli have stepped out at one of London’s hottest private members’ clubs
By Natasha Leake

19 July 2023

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EMMA RADUCANU AND FORMER HARROW HEAD BOY CARLO AGOSTINELLI AT OSWALD'S ON FRIDAY

Rumours have been swirling of a relationship between tennis golden girl Emma Raducanu and former Harrow head boy Carlo Agostinelli. Now, the couple have given one of the surest signs yet that love is in the air – after stepping out last Friday to celebrate Agostinelli’s 23rd birthday. Their venue of choice? Oswald’s, the glamorous private members’ club in Mayfair, frequented by A-Listers and royals (Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were there the same night).

Emma and Carlo arrived in style at around 7.30pm. Raducanu dazzled in a green-toned silver dress with delicate pleated skirt which swirled around her as she walked into the club. She topped the stylish outfit with a navy blazer, accessorising with low black heels which each had a black bow, and a ring on her middle finger.

Carlo, meanwhile, sported a navy blue suit, along with a co-ordinated navy shirt and white handkerchief in his top pocket. He paired the outfit with a couple of stylish navy blue velvet slippers, complete with green palm tree embroidery detail on the front. The couple reportedly left the club at around 11.30pm.

Agostinelli is the son of London-based private equity billionaire Robert Agostinelli, 70, a former Goldman Sachs banker who once tried to buy Liverpool football club. After leaving Harrow, the 23-year-old went on to attend Stanford University in the US, reading International Relations and playing soccer in his spare time. He and Raducanu were first spotted together when they shared photos from Mexico on Instagram. At the time, Agostinelli was compared to a young Rafael Nadal with his long, dark hair. :roll:

In mid-June, Emma Raducanu was photographed outside Agostinelli’s £2 million pound mansion block in Kensington, and the rumours seemed to be truer than ever. The two were also pictured coming out of Whole Foods together at the beginning of July, looking cool and casual in relaxed outfits. Though neither Raducanu nor Agostinelli have publicly admitted to their relationship, evidence would point to the fact that the two are getting closer by the day.

Surely, there will be many more date nights to come.

https://www.tatler.com/article/emma-rad ... at-oswalds

by ti-amie Tsitsidosa Updates
@OnlyTsitsidosa
Your daily dose of Tsitsidosa 💚
Joined November 2015
3 Following
2,100 Followers

Hmm

Anyway here's their latest update...


by JTContinental The video of Venus at Serena's gender reveal party is priceless--I think it's on Serena's TikTok

On the downside, Venus has to tape her knee even at a gender reveal party

by JTContinental
ti-amie wrote: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:05 pm Tsitsidosa Updates
@OnlyTsitsidosa
Your daily dose of Tsitsidosa 💚
Joined November 2015
3 Following
2,100 Followers

Hmm

Anyway here's their latest update...

:vomit:

Ok, I'm going to be the first to say that I hate this couple solely based on their social media posts

by ponchi101
JTContinental wrote: Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:50 pm ...

:vomit:

Ok, I'm going to be the first to say that I hate this couple solely based on their social media posts
And... I can go to sleep today happy :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

(And, BTW. The Mediterranean is conspicuously void of currents. It is enclosed and the current are very week to negligible. But I would not expect Paula to know that).

by Owendonovan
JTContinental wrote: Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:50 pm
ti-amie wrote: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:05 pm Tsitsidosa Updates
@OnlyTsitsidosa
Your daily dose of Tsitsidosa 💚
Joined November 2015
3 Following
2,100 Followers

Hmm

Anyway here's their latest update...

:vomit:

Ok, I'm going to be the first to say that I hate this couple solely based on their social media posts
But, but, but love flows like the currents of the Mediterranean, connecting our hearts across borders and cultures.......

by ti-amie Roger Federer Is Having Fun in Retirement
The tennis star and Jonathan Anderson have teamed up with Uniqlo to create a sports-inspired fashion collection.

Image
Roger Federer in the Royal Box with Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Wimbledon in July. Credit...Clive Brunskill/Getty Images


By Alyson Krueger
Aug. 2, 2023

On Wednesday morning a crowd gathered outside the Uniqlo flagship store on Fifth Avenue hoping to catch a glimpse of Roger Federer.

The tennis player, who retired in 2022, was inside introducing his first fashion collection, which he designed with Jonathan Anderson. It will be sold by Uniqlo starting Aug. 28, the first day of the U.S. Open.

Mr. Federer, 41, has long sold hats and T-shirts with his RF logo, but this project is different. The collection includes fast-drying polo shorts, fleece zip-up jackets and nylon joggers.

“They have more of a ’90s look,” Mr. Federer said about the joggers. “I grew up in them, and bringing them back was a lot of fun.”

Mr. Federer was involved in almost all the details, from fabric to zippers. “For me it was important to get a feeling with Jonathan that I would still have my own style, and knowing how much say I would actually have instead of him saying, ‘Do you like this?’ and me saying, ‘Yes I do,’ and then we move on,” he said.

Mr. Federer knew Mr. Anderson from mutual friends in the fashion world. “He is the hottest designer out there,” Mr. Federer said. “He’s done stuff in the past with Uniqlo. When the idea came up for us to work together, I was very excited.”

On the morning of the introduction, Mr. Federer seemed happy and relaxed as he showed off his new clothes. Designing clothes, after all, isn’t the only thing he has been doing in retirement. He has been traveling with his family, hopping onstage at concerts, even attending Grand Slam tournaments as a spectator.

In the edited interview below, Mr. Federer talks about his life in retirement.

Why did you want to create your own collection?

We have such a great style history in tennis. René Lacoste and Stan Smith were wonderful tennis players. I feel it’s important to remember where we came from. And if I can make tennis look stylish, I think I should do that.

My collection is designed to be worn while you are playing or afterward. It’s been difficult for some reason, I don’t know why, to do this crossover — from on court to off court. Not the sweaty look, of course, but let’s say you don’t sweat, you can still wear my clothes to walk on the street and look stylish.

What was the hardest part about creating a collection?

The starting point is the one that gets me the most nervous. It’s important to give the collection a direction and know where you want to end up.

Were you worried about retiring and what it would do to your fan base?

I always feel like I’ve reached a high point, and then it keeps going.

Life without the game, and life without the fans, and life without the schedule that has dominated my life for 25 years has definitely been something I didn’t know how I would take. For the longest time I tried to come back and give it one more shot and leave the game healthy, but it was not doable.

But the good/bad thing about Covid, and with my knee surgery, is that everything started to slow down in the past three years, so it wasn’t like I came from playing 100 matches and then boom, it’s over.

At the end I was relieved, I think, and happy to retire. It ended in the most perfect way at the Laver Cup. I was surrounded by my biggest rivals, and my family was there and my friends. For me it felt like, “OK, I’m good now. I don’t need to chase that itch anymore.”

You returned to Wimbledon this year, where you watched Andy Murray play from the Royal Box. What was it like to be a spectator?

Last year I walked out on Centre Court for the 100-year anniversary celebration. It was beautiful but painful. I was injured. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play again, so it was a very emotional moment. But this year was totally different. My dad whispered to me, “Don’t you wish you were playing on court instead of sitting and watching?” and I was like, “No. I feel content watching and enjoying the game.”

It was so fun sitting next to Princess Catherine. I know her quite well. She is an avid tennis fan, and she plays herself. Sometimes we have to be careful we don’t speak too much. You can talk, and then it’s super-quiet, and then you have to applaud.

Image
The new collection is designed to be worn on and off court. Credit...UNIQLO

You’ve been spending a lot of time in New York City this year, co-chairing the Met Gala, posting pictures of yourself on Instagram eating cheeseburgers. Do you feel the city has changed since before the pandemic?

I’ve always been strict and serious about being a professional athlete, but I would eat burgers, I would eat desserts, I would have a glass of wine. For me having a burger was nothing out of the ordinary, but this one was perfect looking, so I had to post a picture of it.

I was so busy when I came for the Met Gala. I feel the buzz is back.

In July, you got onstage at a Coldplay concert in Zurich, where you played a shaker. How did that happen?

I met the band when I saw them in Montreal. I don’t know what year it was — maybe 2016? We’ve been in touch a bit. I’ve seen Chris Martin in the Hamptons several times. So when they came to Zurich, I reached out and said, “I’m so excited, I would love to come.” Chris wrote me back and asked if I wanted to come onstage.

I asked my daughter at dinner, and she looked at me and said: “You have to do this. You only live once.” So I told Chris, “I’m in.” I didn’t even know what I had signed up for.

Is there a side of you away from being a tennis player that you want people to see now?

I started doing more trips that are fun with the family. I took my kids to Lesotho for my foundation’s trip to Africa. We went to the Met Gala. We went on the Orient Express with my parents, things that were just not doable when I played because it took too much time away from the game.

So different sorts of photos are coming out of me, and it’s nice to realize that people are still happy to see me.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/styl ... ement.html

by Owendonovan I'm oddly offended by all-white sneakers, I hate them on anyone.

by Suliso Petra Martic

Image

Sorana Cirstea

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Mayar Sherif

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Marta Kostyuk

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by Suliso Donna Vekic

Image

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:14 am Petra Martic

Image

...
I don't know if I am alone here, but I have always thought that Petra is rather pretty. I know, very skinny, but she is cute.

by ti-amie

by ashkor87 All tennis players are cute at a minimum..they are so fit anyway, that goes a long way...

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 3:40 am All tennis players are cute at a minimum..they are so fit anyway, that goes a long way...
Objection, Radek Stepanek. :) That was mean, I know.

What you say is true, and they are also all young. Young and fit gets you about 80% of the way there.

I never thought Juan Monaco was cute when he played, then I saw him off the court after he retired. Not only is he exceptionally handsome, he smelled amazing. I've mentioned this before, but I never miss a chance to say it again—Juan Monaco managed to smell fantastic in the US Open heat and humidity.

by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:14 pm I never thought Juan Monaco was cute when he played, then I saw him off the court after he retired. Not only is he exceptionally handsome, he smelled amazing. I've mentioned this before, but I never miss a chance to say it again—Juan Monaco managed to smell fantastic in the US Open heat and humidity.
And for how long did you follow Juan Monaco around sniffing at him? :lol:

by meganfernandez
skatingfan wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:21 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:14 pm I never thought Juan Monaco was cute when he played, then I saw him off the court after he retired. Not only is he exceptionally handsome, he smelled amazing. I've mentioned this before, but I never miss a chance to say it again—Juan Monaco managed to smell fantastic in the US Open heat and humidity.
And for how long did you follow Juan Monaco around sniffing at him? :lol:
I was downwind. :) Actually I chatted with him for 15 minutes about a junior player he was coaching and I was writing about. I just sat behind him in the stands - on a side court - and asked some questions on changeovers. He was super nice. And I didn't recognize him. I couldn't see his credential around his neck and finally asked his name. I was mortified. But he looked a lot different.

by ti-amie I got a chance to see both Feli and David Ferrer in person. For me Ferrer is the more handsome of the two.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:24 pm ...
And for how long did you follow Juan Monaco around sniffing at him? :lol:
I was downwind. :) Actually I chatted with him for 15 minutes about a junior player he was coaching and I was writing about. I just sat behind him in the stands - on a side court - and asked some questions on changeovers. He was super nice. And I didn't recognize him. I couldn't see his credential around his neck and finally asked his name. I was mortified. But he looked a lot different.
OMG. First thought: Megan is a stalker! Then, reading that part, I thought: STRAIGHT out of National Geographic: "The predator positions herself downwind as she hunts her prey..."
Silence of the Slams?
(JOKEEEEEE! ;) )

by ashkor87 Re stepanek, there must be something very attractive about him..the way Vaidisova, even Kvitova at one time, were falling for him..
I suspect he is funny..

by ponchi101 + Hingis? (IIRC)
As you say: he married Nicole Vaidisova. TWICE. He must have some charms.
(Maybe he smells good? Megan? ;) )

by Owendonovan Is that what we're calling it now, "charms"?

by ponchi101
Owendonovan wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 4:56 pm Is that what we're calling it now, "charms"?
I have been burned too many times in my life (and here at the forum) for my choice of words.
So, if I am allowed a euphemism, I will make use of it. You can call Radek anything you want ;)

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:14 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 3:40 am All tennis players are cute at a minimum..they are so fit anyway, that goes a long way...
Objection, Radek Stepanek. :) That was mean, I know.

What you say is true, and they are also all young. Young and fit gets you about 80% of the way there.

I never thought Juan Monaco was cute when he played, then I saw him off the court after he retired. Not only is he exceptionally handsome, he smelled amazing. I've mentioned this before, but I never miss a chance to say it again—Juan Monaco managed to smell fantastic in the US Open heat and humidity.
I will say he smelled good even as a player (it was cologne not his natural musk).

Meanwhile, I once spent an hour in a car with Simon Aspelin (blast from the doubles past) after he had just poured at least a full bottle of cologne on himself. Do not recommend.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:52 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:24 pm ...
And for how long did you follow Juan Monaco around sniffing at him? :lol:
I was downwind. :) Actually I chatted with him for 15 minutes about a junior player he was coaching and I was writing about. I just sat behind him in the stands - on a side court - and asked some questions on changeovers. He was super nice. And I didn't recognize him. I couldn't see his credential around his neck and finally asked his name. I was mortified. But he looked a lot different.
OMG. First thought: Megan is a stalker! Then, reading that part, I thought: STRAIGHT out of National Geographic: "The predator positions herself downwind as she hunts her prey..."
Silence of the Slams?
(JOKEEEEEE! ;) )
Back in the day, maybe. :)

by meganfernandez Dubious?


by ti-amie I just saw that she's now got a stress fracture in her back, the same injury that sidelined Badosa. What hijinks do these players get up to?!
;)

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 10:51 pm I just saw that she's now got a stress fracture in her back, the same injury that sidelined Badosa. What hijinks do these players get up to?!
;)
Are you suggesting.... ?

by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 10:40 pm Dubious?

I'm not sure I can believe that without an Instagram account dedicated to their love.

by ponchi101
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 10:53 pm
ti-amie wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 10:51 pm I just saw that she's now got a stress fracture in her back, the same injury that sidelined Badosa. What hijinks do these players get up to?!
;)
Are you suggesting.... ?
Oh, no!!!! You didn't!!!!!! :shock:
(Yes, exactly what I thought. Shame on us! ;) )

by meganfernandez
skatingfan wrote:
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 10:40 pm Dubious?

I'm not sure I can believe that without an Instagram account dedicated to their love.
Haha!! It has been debunked, actually


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by Fastbackss Darn , I spent my lunch trying to come up with names - and frankly BiSinner or ASinner would be amusing

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:08 pm Darn , I spent my lunch trying to come up with names - and frankly BiSinner or ASinner would be amusing
BiJannika?

by ponchi101 Biannick Sinnescu?
YancanSinner?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 5:16 pm Biannick Sinnescu?
YancanSinner?
See, they can't date. They don't work as a portmanteau.

by ti-amie
skatingfan wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 1:48 am
meganfernandez wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 10:40 pm Dubious?

I'm not sure I can believe that without an Instagram account dedicated to their love.
Awkward looking PDA's are needed as well.

by ti-amie Frances Tiafoe, Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul, and More: American Tennis Has Never Been Hotter
On the eve of the US Open, VF catches up with the next generation of star players.
BY CAITLIN THOMPSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANA SCRUGGS

STYLED BY NICOLE CHAPOTEAU

AUGUST 15, 2023
14 American tennis stars are collaged together.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DANA SCRUGGS; STYLED BY NICOLE CHAPOTEAU.

American tennis history is filled with the boldest of boldface names—trailblazers and superstars such as Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, Stan Smith, and Chris Evert among many, many others who reached the heights of global fame and renown. While each generation had its own heroes, it wasn’t until the ’90s, when an explosion of talent and personality brought us Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Todd Martin, and Michael Chang, that a whole cohort of Americans dominated the global stage at the same time.

Their contrasts in styles, personalities, and paths to greatness commanded unrelenting coverage and a place in popular culture until the ’00s introduced two Williams sisters from Compton, California, who first challenged, then dominated, and ultimately transformed the sport in their own image—Venus becoming the activist heir to Billie Jean King, and Serena ascending to dizzying celebrity heights. They have largely evolved away from playing just as recreational participation and interest in the professional realms are on the cusp of surpassing the glory days of the ’80s.

After decades of hand-wringing about who would take up the mantle, their heirs are now coming into their own. The current field of American pro tennis players is the most exciting, talented, and varied we’ve seen in decades—men and women alike. Both tours’ deep benches are dominating the sport’s competitions, and the global sport closest to paying men and women equally for their efforts is benefiting doubly for it.

But easily my favorite part about this new crop is their swagger. Their lack of baggage. Their feeling that American tennis history is just that—history. And their determination to write themselves into it. Behind the scenes at the French Open in Paris, VF surveyed the rising stars of American tennis as they headed into another spectacular season.

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/0 ... een-hotter

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FRANCES TIAFOE
Age: 25
From: Hyattsville, Maryland
Highest ranking: 10

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JESSICA PEGULA
Age: 29
From: Buffalo
Highest ranking: 3

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SEBASTIAN KORDA
Age: 23
From: Bradenton, Florida
Highest ranking: 25

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MAXIME CRESSY
Age: 26
From: Paris
Highest ranking: 31

by ti-amie Image
TOMMY PAUL
Age: 26
From: Voorhees, New Jersey
Highest ranking: 14

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BEN SHELTON
Age: 20
From: Atlanta
Highest ranking: 35

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MACKENZIE McDONALD
Age: 28
From: Piedmont, California
Highest ranking: 48

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DANIELLE COLLINS
Age: 29
From: St. Petersburg, Florida
Highest ranking: 7

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MADISON KEYS
Age: 28
From: Rock Island, Illinois
Highest ranking: 7

by ti-amie Image
ALYCIA PARKS
Age: 22
From: Atlanta
Highest ranking: 43

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SHELBY ROGERS
Age: 30
From: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Highest ranking: 30

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MICHAEL MMOH
Age: 25
From: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Highest ranking: 82

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CLAIRE LIU
Age: 23
From: Thousand Oaks, California
Highest ranking: 52

by Suliso Hardly anyone looks good in those photos...

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:13 pm Hardly anyone looks good in those photos...
What do you mean?

Image

by texasniteowl
Suliso wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:13 pm Hardly anyone looks good in those photos...
I'm not usually a fan of "fashion" shoots or whatever, but I think Madison's looked good.

Image

by mmmm8 They all look so unnatural and uncomfortable. Plus the faux retro outfits are... not working

by mmmm8
texasniteowl wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 8:45 pm
Suliso wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:13 pm Hardly anyone looks good in those photos...
I'm not usually a fan of "fashion" shoots or whatever, but I think Madison's looked good.

Image
she looks good but the pose is so odd, she looks like she is barely balancing.

by atlpam https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/ ... er-ohanian

Congrats to Serena & family.

by meganfernandez
atlpam wrote: Wed Aug 23, 2023 1:01 am https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/ ... er-ohanian

Congrats to Serena & family.
Name - Adira River Ohanian. No Serena Jr!

Alexis misspelled "teeming" in his Insta post.
"I'm grateful to report our house is teaming with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama."

by JTContinental
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 12:34 pm
texasniteowl wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 8:45 pm
Suliso wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:13 pm Hardly anyone looks good in those photos...
I'm not usually a fan of "fashion" shoots or whatever, but I think Madison's looked good.

Image
she looks good but the pose is so odd, she looks like she is barely balancing.
The pose does sort of look for a promo shot of a production of Chicago, but I love that dress and she looks great in it.

by JTContinental
Suliso wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:13 pm Hardly anyone looks good in those photos...
The vibe is very 1990's graduation photo

by Suliso Image

Elena Rybakina

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Donna Vekic

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by meganfernandez Not all the US Open media is coming out of NY. Wu Yibing on the cover of ElleMen China. Love him, he won a challenger in Indy last year and is an exciting, explosive player. You can arrow through the photos below. Love the one in the blue jacket. He has James Bone good looks.

The fourthe one and last one are totally senior pictures. :)


by meganfernandez

by meganfernandez https://x.com/rafastefbaes/status/16952 ... NR3UfaB2gw


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by meganfernandez


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ponchi101 You know I think she is pretty, but those shots do nothing for her.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:You know I think she is pretty, but those shots do nothing for her.
All the Nike athletes did photo shoots at the Nike House/HQ in NY. Some players are in their court outfits, some are just in their street clothes.


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by ti-amie

by JTContinental I don't see a racquet smashing contest thread for 2023, but does Sabalenka's post-ceremony locker room performance qualify? If nothing else, there is beauty in its deliberateness.

by ponchi101 We have not opened a Racquet Smashing topic in a couple of years, because (if my memory serves me well) there have been few worthy entries.
Feel free to start it.

by ptmcmahon I didn't see it either but if it post ceremony that must have been a good calculated one that late after match!

by ptmcmahon https://x.com/josemorgado/status/170091 ... 73725?s=20

Although not ferocious in the smashing, I do appreciate the pre-planning and obvious disgust :)

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote:https://x.com/josemorgado/status/170091 ... 73725?s=20

Although not ferocious in the smashing, I do appreciate the pre-planning and obvious disgust :)
Netflix cameras were there. I think it was staged.


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by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 1:47 pm
ptmcmahon wrote:https://x.com/josemorgado/status/170091 ... 73725?s=20

Although not ferocious in the smashing, I do appreciate the pre-planning and obvious disgust :)
Netflix cameras were there. I think it was staged.


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I agree

by ptmcmahon Oh I didn't scroll down and see the wide view. Then again players know they are being filmed when they are on court too, so it ... could .. be legit. When you're angry and have to hold it in for the post match interview... have to release the steam somewhere :)

by ashkor87 WTA has an announcement re Halep..I couldn't make head or tail of it

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 4:19 pm WTA has an announcement re Halep..I couldn't make head or tail of it
What's confusing? The two separate charges, one for Roxadustat at the US Open 2021 and then the problems with her biological passport later? The WTA's statement is pretty straightforward. "Doping is serious. She can appeal. We'll respect the rulings."

Following the decision by the ITIA, the WTA issued a statement:
“It is of the utmost importance for players to be aware of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program rules and to follow them. The Independent Tribunal has made its ruling surrounding Simona’s case and under the TADP, the decision may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The WTA will support the decisions reached through the process and will continue to follow this closely.”

by ti-amie Imagine if this happened today?


by ponchi101 That would be so Marat...

by meganfernandez Considering the recent video of Tomic's elevator beat-down, it might. (That was horrible footage... people wondered if it was related to betting.)
ti-amie wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 7:10 pm Imagine if this happened today?


by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 9:03 pm Considering the video of Tomic being beaten in an elevator recently, it might. (That was horrible footage... people wondered if it was related to betting.)
ti-amie wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 7:10 pm Imagine if this happened today?

That's what I was thinking about.

by Owendonovan I was reading an article within the last year that was saying Russia has a fair amount of "fight clubs" that happen in the shadows.

by ti-amie
Owendonovan wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 11:13 pm I was reading an article within the last year that was saying Russia has a fair amount of "fight clubs" that happen in the shadows.
I'm surprised but should I be?

by ponchi101 Even if there are many fight clubs, that would be one sport that any tennis player should NOT take up.
You know, something about injuring your hand.

by ashkor87
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 6:44 pm
ashkor87 wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 4:19 pm WTA has an announcement re Halep..I couldn't make head or tail of it
What's confusing? The two separate charges, one for Roxadustat at the US Open 2021 and then the problems with her biological passport later? The WTA's statement is pretty straightforward. "Doping is serious. She can appeal. We'll respect the rulings."

Following the decision by the ITIA, the WTA issued a statement:
“It is of the utmost importance for players to be aware of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program rules and to follow them. The Independent Tribunal has made its ruling surrounding Simona’s case and under the TADP, the decision may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The WTA will support the decisions reached through the process and will continue to follow this closely.”
If I read Halep's position correctly, she is complaining about the inordinate delay, which the wta announcement says nothing about..she also alleges (is it true?) that 2 of the panel members changed their ruling when they found out who it was...

by ashkor87 https://www.tennis.com/baseline/article ... -wimbledon

Evidently Serena thinks Halep beat her at W because of doping....hmm..can doping help you make 0 unforced errors? I don't get it...

by Owendonovan
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 2:13 am https://www.tennis.com/baseline/article ... -wimbledon

Evidently Serena thinks Halep beat her at W because of doping....hmm..can doping help you make 0 unforced errors? I don't get it...


Likely not, but it can keep your energy up and your power intact which inevitably leads to greater confidence. We all know how confidence, or lack thereof, plays out in tennis.

by ashkor87 But certainly unworthy of a great champion like Serena..

by ponchi101
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 3:19 am But certainly unworthy of a great champion like Serena..
Who did say, throughout her career, many comments about other players that were not the most elegant of statements.
("I have never seen anybody hit so many lucky shots").

by ashkor87 I dont remember that one. Who was the object of her scorn that time?

by ponchi101 Henin. Admittedly, this tennis planet was never big enough for those two. They really did not like each other.

by Fastbackss Oh boy...not good if true for Jess' parents...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/c ... ?gnt-cfr=1
Trotter’s lawsuit also alleges that his experience with discrimination was not limited to the circumstances surrounding his firing, however. According to the suit, the sports reporter witnessed hostile comments by NFL team owners on multiple occasions.

In one example, when discussing player protests against racial injustice, Trotter alleges that Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula said “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”

In a statement, Pegula vehemently denied Trotter’s allegation. “The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter’s complaint is absolutely false. I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint,” Pegula said

by meganfernandez
ashkor87 wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 3:19 am But certainly unworthy of a great champion like Serena..
I agree. Someone with her audience and her accomplishments kicking another player when they are down, because she lost a match, was extremely petty. I find it dubious that Halep beat Serena that one time because she was doping. She was in the zone. She has never played so well. Just one of those matches. And Serena was tight in all four of her finals after she came back. Maybe that's why Halep was a little more confident - she had seen Serena blow it in the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2018.

Halep also beat Serena 0 and 2 at the 2014 WTA Finals.

I read - and I don't know if it's credible - that Halep passed a lot of tests around the time of Wimbledon 2019. Then she passed more after the US Open, when she failed one. The contaminated supplement story sounds plausible to me.I don't know about the biological passport, but yes, she accused two people on the three-person panel of changing their decision when they found out it was her.

by ponchi101 And that last part, about the panel changing their decision when they found out it was Halep, is one I find dubious. Since when was Simona a "disliked" person? Or are we going to the "witch hunt" defense?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 4:37 pm And that last part, about the panel changing their decision when they found out it was Halep, is one I find dubious. Since when was Simona a "disliked" person? Or are we going to the "witch hunt" defense?
I would allow for the vast unknown - we don't really know the dynamics of the sport's inner workings. What we hear is a drop in the bucket, and half of that isn't complete or correct. There could be a lot of stuff that makes Halep believe she is disliked in the higher reaches of the sport, whether it's true or not.

In the same vein, Serena could have a lot more to be pissed about than we know and that might have fueled her tweet.

by ti-amie WADA does not sit around and rest on its laurels, they're constantly refining and updating their methodology. Yes she passed a lot of tests but the question is was the testing at the time up to the challenge of finding Roxadustat?

A family member was recently diagnosed with severe anemia and had to receive blood infusions to bring them back to "normal". This drug is designed for people who are at the level above my relative - those who have such severe anemia they have to be hospitalized. That is when this drug is administered. It's not something that some random pill maker would have access to. During this entire situation she has never named the supplement or the manufacturer, something you'd think she'd be shouting from the rooftops so that others can avoid the supplement. This is what makes the Dopa situation different. The PED she was using was available over the counter in Eastern Europe but banned in the States. That is why only she and Yuri knew she was taking it. Whoever was administering/providing this to Halep messed up.

This was taken on purpose in my opinion. It's blood doping pure and simple, and she got caught. This drug does what a hyperbaric machine does. This trying to drag everyone down with her tactic is not a good look.

by ti-amie A lot of people are talking about that Wimbledon win vs Serena on tennis fan sites and r/tennis. Has Halep played like that since that win?

by jazzyg Halep is my all-time favorite women's player, but I have stayed out of the doping debate because I have no clue what happened. All athletes claim they unknowingly took the banned substance they test positive for, so her defense carries no weight with me. The people who have been close to her who swear by her honesty (like Darren Cahill) factor in her favor, but I agree the idea of two people changing their minds on a decision after finding out she was the one accused makes no sense and smacks of paranoia.

Selfishly, I really hope her suspension gets reduced because I want to see her playing top-level tennis again, but I don't know enough about the case to say whether it deserves to be reduced. I read more than one article about her second doping offense and never really understood what it was about, but I respect the opinion of neutral observers who thought it was damning.

As for the idea of doping helping her against Serena in that Wimbledon final, that seems absurd. Yes, Halep was brilliant, but Serena was awful, too. That's why the score was so lopsided, and as I posted several times in the past, Halep's Wimbledon record is outstanding. She played incredibly well in the quarterfinals and semis before facing Serena, and she played incredibly well at Wimbledon last year until falling apart against Rybakina in the semis.

Serena's comment seems very inappropriate and beneath her, but I don't know if there is more history between them other than the Wimbledon final. I wonder if Patrick Mouratoglou coaching Halep later on rubbed Serena the wrong way.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:21 pm A lot of people are talking about that Wimbledon win vs Serena on tennis fan sites and r/tennis. Has Halep played like that since that win?
Their question suggests that a low level of Roxadustat had such a short-term and powerful impact that it helped Halep destroy the GOAT in one of the biggest matches of her life, and she timed it so it worked just for that match and none of the earlier rounds or warm-up tournaments, either. (I doubt she played THAT well in the previous rounds - she was zoning. Did she contain her errors to 3 in any match before then?)

Maybe I'm wrong and taking Roxadustat a couple days before a final makes you superwoman. But it seems dubious.

by jazzyg Yeah, I'm with you about the Roxadustat's efficacy being that specific.

After coming back from a break down in the first set in the quarters against Zhang, who had a great career record against her, Halep won the second set 6-1 and lost only four games to Svitolina in the semis. Part of the reason she made only three errors against Serena was Serena could not keep three balls between the lines during points, but Halep was really sharp in the previous three sets as well. Then last year, in her first time back since beating Serena, she went 10 for 10 in sets without even having to play a tiebreak before running into Rybakina.

by ti-amie But has Halep zoned like that since then? I'll accept your premise, and IIRC you're right - Serena played like crap that Final - but when has Halep played like that again? I think that is why people are asking the question.

I remember reading when this first started that the body excretes Roxa fairly rapidly and that whoever administered the drug to her messed up with the timing.
The pharmacokinetics of roxadustat are well characterized, with an apparent volume of distribution after oral administration of 22–57 L, apparent clearance of 1.2–2.65 L/h, and renal clearance of 0.030–0.026 L/h in healthy volunteers; the elimination half-life is 9.6–16 h. Plasma binding is 99% and the fraction eliminated by hemodialysis is 2.34%.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl ... 9.6–16%20h.

Also...
Roxadustat is an orally administered, highly protein-bound small molecule, which targets all 3 HIF-PHDs to a similar extent and is usually dosed three times weekly (TIW).21 It has a half-life of approximately 12-15 hours (healthy subjects and patients with impaired liver function)...

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/me ... roxadustat
Like I said someone messed up with the timing or the test was truly a "gotcha" unexpected one.

I've said before I like Halep and always wanted her to do well but in this situation she's dug a hole for herself.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:20 pm WADA does not sit around and rest on its laurels, they're constantly refining and updating their methodology. Yes she passed a lot of tests but the question is was the testing at the time up to the challenge of finding Roxadustat?

A family member was recently diagnosed with severe anemia and had to receive blood infusions to bring them back to "normal". This drug is designed for people who are at the level above my relative - those who have such severe anemia they have to be hospitalized. That is when this drug is administered. It's not something that some random pill maker would have access to. During this entire situation she has never named the supplement or the manufacturer, something you'd think she'd be shouting from the rooftops so that others can avoid the supplement. This is what makes the Dopa situation different. The PED she was using was available over the counter in Eastern Europe but banned in the States. That is why only she and Yuri knew she was taking it. Whoever was administering/providing this to Halep messed up.

This was taken on purpose in my opinion. It's blood doping pure and simple, and she got caught. This drug does what a hyperbaric machine does. This trying to drag everyone down with her tactic is not a good look.
I read that she tested negative several times before and after the positive test, though. Like within weeks. Wouldn't that suggest she took it once, during a Wimbledon run? Seems like a crazy risk. What if she had a bad reaction?

by ponchi101 Isn't the philosophy behind the testing that you only have to test positive ONCE? It is not "Oh, you have tested positive for Roxywhatnot for six months now, we have to ban you". It is just like this. It makes no difference if she tested negative 20 times before, and 20 times after. The thing is she tested positive once.
That is all that is needed.
And I feel sorry, because I really like her, but if she indeed tested positive, go by the book.

by Owendonovan She doesn't have to admit anything. Hopefully she was wise with her money. She can just quietly walk away if she likes. (I would)

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Sep 14, 2023 2:33 am Isn't the philosophy behind the testing that you only have to test positive ONCE? It is not "Oh, you have tested positive for Roxywhatnot for six months now, we have to ban you". It is just like this. It makes no difference if she tested negative 20 times before, and 20 times after. The thing is she tested positive once.
That is all that is needed.
And I feel sorry, because I really like her, but if she indeed tested positive, go by the book.
Accidents, like non-intentional use and contamination, can be punished with just a reprimand or a suspension of up to 2 years, instead of a 4-year suspension for intentional use. There might be other carve-outs, not sure yet.

The unanswered question, which I'm sure is answered deep in the ITIA's full report just released today, si why they don't buy Halep's story that she took it accidentally from a contaminated collagen supplement. I've skimmed 50 of the 126 pages, and so far it's just a matter of conflicting expert testimony. The ITIA's scientist tested the supposedly contaminated supplmeent and said it didn't have Roxadustat. Halep's two scientists said it did and said the ITIA's result was a false negative.

ITIA's investigation into the manufacture of the supplement (exactly where it was made and the source of the ingredients) found contamination unlikely. I haven't read Halep's rebuttal to that. So they think she ingested it some other way than a contaminated collagen pill.

One of Halep's scientists also said her hair sample showed the faintest amount of Roxadustat, consistent with contamination, and if she had taken it to improve performance it should have been a lot higher. He said someone who is prescribed Roxadustat has 100X the level in their hair sample.

by meganfernandez
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Sep 14, 2023 12:50 am
ti-amie wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:20 pm WADA does not sit around and rest on its laurels, they're constantly refining and updating their methodology. Yes she passed a lot of tests but the question is was the testing at the time up to the challenge of finding Roxadustat?

A family member was recently diagnosed with severe anemia and had to receive blood infusions to bring them back to "normal". This drug is designed for people who are at the level above my relative - those who have such severe anemia they have to be hospitalized. That is when this drug is administered. It's not something that some random pill maker would have access to. During this entire situation she has never named the supplement or the manufacturer, something you'd think she'd be shouting from the rooftops so that others can avoid the supplement. This is what makes the Dopa situation different. The PED she was using was available over the counter in Eastern Europe but banned in the States. That is why only she and Yuri knew she was taking it. Whoever was administering/providing this to Halep messed up.

This was taken on purpose in my opinion. It's blood doping pure and simple, and she got caught. This drug does what a hyperbaric machine does. This trying to drag everyone down with her tactic is not a good look.
I read that she tested negative several times before and after the positive test, though. Like within weeks. Wouldn't that suggest she took it once, during a Wimbledon run? Seems like a crazy risk. What if she had a bad reaction?
Regarding the 2019 Wimbledon that Serena says was unfair, Simona's only positive test was three years later (and she lost a match that day). She tested negative multiple times in the summer of 2019. Is Serena saying she believes Simona was doping all along and never got caught? Is that likely, to dope at such a low level that you evade testers but still benefit from the drugs? Dubious.

by nelslus .....I also demand to know more about Simona's "Halep's two scientists". Unbiased! Unbiased!

https://media.istockphoto.com/id/108224 ... sZjWPw6AU=

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Suliso Azarenka

Image

Bencic

Image

by JTContinental This non-news about Muguruza made me laugh

Former Wimbledon champion and world number 1 is now a Zumba expert

by JTContinental
ti-amie wrote: Sat Sep 16, 2023 8:56 pm
He's serving pre-bloat DiCaprio

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote: Mon Sep 18, 2023 9:52 pm This non-news about Muguruza made me laugh

Former Wimbledon champion and world number 1 is now a Zumba expert
Unbelievable what gets published. This feels like AI, actually.

by ashkor87 Astra Sharma just won her first tournament, in Bucharest...good for her..she has a unique background, truly global. Indian father, Chinese mother, born in Singapore plays for Australia..hasn't done much yet, this is her first taste of success
Her name Astra of course connotes the stars but also means 'weapon' in Sanskrit..wonder which her parents had in mind!!

by ponchi101 Didn't know about the Sanskrit meaning. Strange that it would mean such a different thing, especially since so many words have Sanskrit origins.

by ashkor87 The word for star comes from the Greek 'aster' I believe.. for which the Sanskrit word would be 'Tara' -not so very different after all...

by ti-amie

My favorite comment:



And the reply


by ti-amie So Stefanos and Paula have deleted all references to each other from their Instagram accounts. In todays world that means that they're done.

And I thought that this would last forever.

/s

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Sun Sep 24, 2023 10:21 pm So Stefanos and Paula have deleted all references to each other from their Instagram accounts. In todays world that means that they're done.

And I thought that this would last forever.

/s
I think Tsisipas also got legitimately hacked on his social media (seems to happen to him a lot?) so I'll wait for the verdict.

by ponchi101 If Paula and Stefanos CANNOT do the happily ever after (and happily ever after the after), what can normal people like us expect?
This is as earth shattering and Tom and Giselle splitting up. If those two grew tired of each other, I can only expect my GF to pack her bags and slam the door on me within minutes... :cry:
(I side with M8)

by ti-amie M8 has a point. I agree, we should wait and see how this ends.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie Romance Wins!


by ti-amie

Better than the other one

by ashkor87 https://www.tennis.com/baseline/article ... ive-tennis

Looks like Muguruza is hanging up her racket..she will be missed..

by ponchi101 As much of a fan that I am, I don't think she will be missed that much. Garbie did not make that deep a mark. Sure, she will make the HOF, but she retires as the second best spaniard of all time, when she had the talent to displace Arantxa.
Wish her the best, though. But together with Barty, I think there was a lot of ink left to write.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Sun Oct 15, 2023 5:17 pm As much of a fan that I am, I don't think she will be missed that much. Garbie did not make that deep a mark. Sure, she will make the HOF, but she retires as the second best spaniard of all time, when she had the talent to displace Arantxa.
Wish her the best, though. But together with Barty, I think there was a lot of ink left to write.
Yeah, and who knows, maybe she gives it another go in a year or two. If not, she had a good career. I wanted a lot more from her. Too bad.

Add her to the big list of MIA major talent. I feel like I'm forgetting a couple, too.
Barty
Osaka
Muguruza
Raducanu
Fernandez (maybe still, I know she won a 250)
Kenin (maybe she'll get back to top form)

by ashkor87 Of course, I never forgave Muguruza for beating Venus at Wimbledon but she was a graceful, classy player...I liked her a lot

by patrick Muguruza will be back within 3 years

by mmmm8 I, too, think she'll return.

by Suliso If she does it will be a pale shadow of her past.

by JTContinental I'm just glad this article also brought up her love of Zumba

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Mon Oct 16, 2023 7:55 pm
She needs a vacation and some perspective,

I appreciate a squeaky wheel and someone willing to speak out. There is probably something to what she says, and traveling can be grueling and hard on the body. But it's not THAT hard. There are plenty of ways to deal with it. She can afford to fly first class and gets to stay at wonderful hotels. The global aspect is one of tennis's strengths and what makes it possible to earn a living playing it at all. Even if they had regional tours, you'd have to travel from one place to another a lot.

In a longer version elsewhere, she said she couldn't take the flight she wanted to get to the next tournament at a reasonable time because the tournament's courtesy transportation only goes to one airport, a different one. So take an Uber or private car. The hotel will arrange it.

by mmmm8 I think she's tired and just complaining. I complain about my job too and sometimes to people I shouldn't if I'm really exhausted or frustrated. I don't want to quit and I generally like my job, sometimes it's just a way to let out steam.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote:I think she's tired and just complaining. I complain about my job too and sometimes to people I shouldn't if I'm really exhausted or frustrated. I don't want to quit and I generally like my job, sometimes it's just a way to let out steam.
We all do that. But not on YouTube.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by Owendonovan
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Oct 17, 2023 12:40 pm
mmmm8 wrote:I think she's tired and just complaining. I complain about my job too and sometimes to people I shouldn't if I'm really exhausted or frustrated. I don't want to quit and I generally like my job, sometimes it's just a way to let out steam.
We all do that. But not on YouTube.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Exactly. The publicizing of ones personal life, which I once actively participated in on social media, has turned into a giant WHY? to me.

by ponchi101 For quite a while now, it seems to me that all we hear from pros is how difficult, terrible, unenjoyable BOTH tours are. "Oh, prize money sucks, my matches end too late, the scheduling sucks, the fans are rude, we are forced to travel all the time," etc etc.
Then players at their prime retire because "I want to do other things with my life". Or everybody is burnt out.
How do you attract a new generation to the sport if everything you hear about the live of tennis pros sucks?

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Tue Oct 17, 2023 10:48 pm For quite a while now, it seems to me that all we hear from pros is how difficult, terrible, unenjoyable BOTH tours are. "Oh, prize money sucks, my matches end too late, the scheduling sucks, the fans are rude, we are forced to travel all the time," etc etc.
Then players at their prime retire because "I want to do other things with my life". Or everybody is burnt out.
How do you attract a new generation to the sport if everything you hear about the live of tennis pros sucks?
Improve conditions so players have fewer reasons to complain? No?

by ponchi101 Are the conditions really that terrible? The jobs offers:
Traveling around the world (to major capitals in the world)
6 figure income
Outdoor lifestyle, doing something that you like (I hope they do)
For the really outstanding players, world fame.
Lots of exercise (to keep yourself in shape).
I mean, is it all really that bad?

by Fastbackss I just listened to a podcast today with a former athlete. He spoke about this subject and how (of course) it's perspective but that like any job there are things you don't like. And like any employee you are entitled to vent. Just that it comes across as whiny from so many people who would love to have that job. And there are perks but if they aren't perpetually spoken in glowing terms the general populace loves to focus on the few vents

by mmmm8
ponchi101 wrote: Wed Oct 18, 2023 5:56 pm Are the conditions really that terrible? The jobs offers:
Traveling around the world (to major capitals in the world)
6 figure income
Outdoor lifestyle, doing something that you like (I hope they do)
For the really outstanding players, world fame.
Lots of exercise (to keep yourself in shape).
I mean, is it all really that bad?
This is all true, but I don't think that's the right mentality. That's like saying there is no improvement to be done to an economic system of a country with high per capita income. Like, even Norway or Switzerland have parts of the system that are broken and need to be fixed and citizens can complain about. It's the same for any job. If you're a senior developer at Google earning hundreds of thousands of dollars and getting free meals, you can acknowledge that's better than earning below minimum wage waitressing, but at the same time have a right to complain and demand improvements to your working conditions.

by meganfernandez Craig Shapiro talked about Kastakina's travel complaints on his latest episode, with Dan Evans. Shapiro loves Kasatkina... he said a friend pointed out that the players haven't played the Asian swing in a few years and they are struggling to adjust. Good point.

I'm unconvinced that Kastakina makes a great case. I think she was worn out and annoyed by a particularly irritating travel day. It's going to happen if they want to play a global game and reap the rewards of growing the game, which they have. Could it be a little better, maybe more ironed out around the edges? Sure, probably. Doesn't seem hard for the tour to arrange proper transportation from a number of airports or help the players with that a bit more. But as far as the schedule, it's not like they have their pick of any city and date. They have to go where the money is. It doesn't seem terribly crazy to me. It's not ideal that the top players have to go from Asia to Europe to Cancun (or just Asia to Cancun), but we know these were extenuating circumstances.

Evans had a particularly grueling travel schedule after Davis Cup. He was the DC hero, as you know, and the next morning he drove a few hours to London and catch a flight to China, where he lost R1 in Chengdu. He had a great attitude about it. Loves getting to travel around. He also mentioned that after he won Washington, DC in July, beating Griekspoor, the tournament director chartered a private jet for both of them to fly to Canada. But the flight was cancelled for weather after they sat on the tarmac for a few hours. They didn't get back to the hotel until 1 a.m. and both of the teams had dinner together. Tough, but no complaints.

by ti-amie TsitsiDosa is sucking all the air out of the tennis couples scene. I think I read about this a month ago.


by ti-amie

by ptmcmahon
Fastbackss wrote: Wed Oct 18, 2023 9:44 pm I just listened to a podcast today with a former athlete. He spoke about this subject and how (of course) it's perspective but that like any job there are things you don't like. And like any employee you are entitled to vent. Just that it comes across as whiny from so many people who would love to have that job.
Hehe...it's like when I complain about my day to work to my wife. I work support for a telecom and she is a nurse on a long term care floor. I'll complain about work and she'll say "Awww... did you have a hard time today sitting at a desk typing to people? Last night one of the kids who's been on my floor for years died."

It's all relative.

by ponchi101
ptmcmahon wrote: Thu Oct 19, 2023 10:20 pm ...

Hehe...it's like when I complain about my day to work to my wife. I work support for a telecom and she is a nurse on a long term care floor. I'll complain about work and she'll say "Awww... did you have a hard time today sitting at a desk typing to people? Last night one of the kids who's been on my floor for years died."

It's all relative.
And serious here, not wanting to be a jerk. Doesn't that put your job a bit in perspective?

by mmmm8
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Oct 19, 2023 4:21 pm Craig Shapiro talked about Kastakina's travel complaints on his latest episode, with Dan Evans. Shapiro loves Kasatkina... he said a friend pointed out that the players haven't played the Asian swing in a few years and they are struggling to adjust. Good point.

I'm unconvinced that Kastakina makes a great case. I think she was worn out and annoyed by a particularly irritating travel day. It's going to happen if they want to play a global game and reap the rewards of growing the game, which they have. Could it be a little better, maybe more ironed out around the edges? Sure, probably. Doesn't seem hard for the tour to arrange proper transportation from a number of airports or help the players with that a bit more. But as far as the schedule, it's not like they have their pick of any city and date. They have to go where the money is. It doesn't seem terribly crazy to me. It's not ideal that the top players have to go from Asia to Europe to Cancun (or just Asia to Cancun), but we know these were extenuating circumstances.

Evans had a particularly grueling travel schedule after Davis Cup. He was the DC hero, as you know, and the next morning he drove a few hours to London and catch a flight to China, where he lost R1 in Chengdu. He had a great attitude about it. Loves getting to travel around. He also mentioned that after he won Washington, DC in July, beating Griekspoor, the tournament director chartered a private jet for both of them to fly to Canada. But the flight was cancelled for weather after they sat on the tarmac for a few hours. They didn't get back to the hotel until 1 a.m. and both of the teams had dinner together. Tough, but no complaints.
Should have left that match early, like I did ;)

by ptmcmahon
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Oct 19, 2023 11:13 pm
ptmcmahon wrote: Thu Oct 19, 2023 10:20 pm ...

Hehe...it's like when I complain about my day to work to my wife. I work support for a telecom and she is a nurse on a long term care floor. I'll complain about work and she'll say "Awww... did you have a hard time today sitting at a desk typing to people? Last night one of the kids who's been on my floor for years died."

It's all relative.
And serious here, not wanting to be a jerk. Doesn't that put your job a bit in perspective?
Oh for sure. Makes me feel like complaining about being a tennis pro :D

by Suliso One could always find someone who's job is tougher and/or private life more miserable. That's no reason to dismiss issues of everyone else.

by meganfernandez Rare (to me) recent photo of the Federers in this gallery.


by ashkor87 Now Brooksby has been handed an 18 month suspension for missing 3 tests in a row.

by ti-amie

The woman is a singer named Rita Ora and she apparently caused a bit of controversy at a recent concert of hers in Hungary where she waved a Serbian flag. She later said she couldn't see the colors of the flag because of...checks notes...the stage lights.

by mmmm8 So, was she saying she thought it was a Hungarian flag? Because she was born in Pristina and should probably be able to recognize Serbia's flag? I think she's of Kosovar Albanian heritage, so was the controversy more that she's pro-Serbia?

Rita Ora is married to director Taika Watiti and recently on a TV show that he's "half a Samoan" when he's actually half-Maori...(we may have posted about that here)

by ponchi101 SO, one photo of somebody as famous as Novak sitting next to a woman at an obviously public event, and we already assume adultery?
That's quick.
I say let Jelena take him for all he has... :twisted:

by ti-amie
mmmm8 wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 1:47 pm So, was she saying she thought it was a Hungarian flag? Because she was born in Pristina and should probably be able to recognize Serbia's flag? I think she's of Kosovar Albanian heritage, so was the controversy more that she's pro-Serbia?

Rita Ora is married to director Taika Watiti and recently on a TV show that he's "half a Samoan" when he's actually half-Maori...(we may have posted about that here)
mmmm8 I'm going to try and find the post about what happened in Hungary with Rita Ora.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie
ti-amie wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 8:45 pm
mmmm8 wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 1:47 pm So, was she saying she thought it was a Hungarian flag? Because she was born in Pristina and should probably be able to recognize Serbia's flag? I think she's of Kosovar Albanian heritage, so was the controversy more that she's pro-Serbia?

Rita Ora is married to director Taika Watiti and recently on a TV show that he's "half a Samoan" when he's actually half-Maori...(we may have posted about that here)
mmmm8 I'm going to try and find the post about what happened in Hungary with Rita Ora.
Rita Ora with the Serbian flag on her arm
by
Oculus News
-
August 27, 2023

Image

Renowned singer Rita Ora has reacted to a circulating video in which she is seen with the Serbian flag.

In a statement to local media, she mentioned that the flag was given to her by a fan and she did not initially realize which country it belonged to.

Rita Ora expressed that she understood the flag was Serbian after she left the stage.

Furthermore, speaking to Klan Kosova, Rita stated that she is a proud Albanian and that her intention was not to disrespect her people.

"Last night during my performance at the SZIN Festival in Hungary, a young fan handed me a flag. Due to the bright lights directly in my eyes and on the stage, I didn't clearly see which country's flag it represented. As soon as I left the stage, I realized it was a Serbian flag and not Hungarian."

"While I appreciate all my fans from all countries and cultures, I want to make it very clear that I am a proud Albanian from Kosovo, and it was never my intention to disrespect my heritage or upset my people or my family," Rita continued in her statement to local media.

https://www.ocnal.com/2023/08/rita-ora- ... r-arm.html

There is video at the link

by mmmm8 Thanks for tracking it down, Ti. I'm just going to assume she doesn't know what a Hungarian flag looks like.

by skatingfan
mmmm8 wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 9:34 pm Thanks for tracking it down, Ti. I'm just going to assume she doesn't know what a Hungarian flag looks like.
She's ethnic Albanian form Kosovo, and someone just happened to hand her a Serbian flag. She may have thought it was a Hungarian flag - both are 3 stripe flags, so not unsimilar in design, and colours can be easily confused - but I don't think it was a coincidence.

by meganfernandez Marta Kostyuk got married


by ti-amie Did he find out he was getting married just before the wedding? I mean that suit...

by ti-amie From Belinda Bencic on IG:

Expecting our little miracle soon! ✨🍼 We can’t wait to meet you🤍




He's her fitness coach and he's either 41 or 47 depending on your source. She's 26.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Fri Nov 03, 2023 5:25 pm From Belinda Bencic on IG:

Expecting our little miracle soon! ✨🍼 We can’t wait to meet you🤍




He's her fitness coach and he's either 41 or 47 depending on your source. She's 26.
So she'll be out next year... still plenty of time to come back. Hope she gets back to top level.

by ti-amie

Apparently Iga is estranged from her mother and it's ugly. No details of course. I'm glad she posted these pictures.

by ti-amie

by Owendonovan
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2023 8:58 pm Marta Kostyuk got married

That suit doesn't even look off the rack, it looks like someone's first attempt at sewing.

by ti-amie
Owendonovan wrote: Tue Nov 14, 2023 12:52 am
meganfernandez wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2023 8:58 pm Marta Kostyuk got married

That suit doesn't even look off the rack, it looks like someone's first attempt at sewing.
For real.



Her dress is off the rack but looks decent enough.

by ti-amie

by Suliso Annual edition of ladies at the beach/pool 8-)

Bencic

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Osorio Serano

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Putintseva

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Gauff

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by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote:Annual edition of ladies at the beach/pool 8-)
Gauff

Image
This had to require 100 takes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by Fastbackss I felt guilty liking suliso's post (I was mainly appreciating the effort to compile it)

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote: Mon Dec 04, 2023 2:28 am I felt guilty liking suliso's post (I was mainly appreciating the effort to compile it)
haha! I don't. :) They work hard to look great, and they do, and they are happy about it! Also, they post the photos themselves. No one is exploiting them. But your heart is in the right place. :) Is it because they are fairly young?

Plus, I like seeing the tennis tan lines. It's funny. :)

by Suliso Women usually like looking good and indeed all photos are self posted or from official events/photo sessions. There are many more photos of this type out there, but mostly from players I find a bit too obscure even for this community.

by Suliso Anyway few more interesting ones with more clothes :lol:

Madison Keys with boyfriend

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Svitolina

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Wang Qiang

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by Suliso Badosa

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Sabalenka

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by ti-amie People are always dragging Iga for her choice of footwear but Aryna was seen in public in those house slippers?!

by skatingfan
Suliso wrote: Mon Dec 04, 2023 7:33 pm Anyway few more interesting ones with more clothes :lol:

Madison Keys with boyfriend

Image

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Fiance Bjorn Fratangelo - they got engaged last spring.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Mon Dec 04, 2023 7:53 pm People are always dragging Iga for her choice of footwear but Aryna was seen in public in those house slippers?!
Pretty bad! I think they are the lightweight plastic type, like Crocs, and not plush house slippers, if that matters. :)


Image

by ti-amie I hate every one of these outfits


by Owendonovan I might tell Putinsteva that bathing suit makes her feet look big.

by JTContinental I like how Bjorn Fratangelo has gone from "prospect" to "journeyman" to "boyfriend" (fiance) during the course of his career. :D

by JTContinental
ti-amie wrote: Tue Dec 05, 2023 11:57 pm I hate every one of these outfits

From the Johanna Konta collection...

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:I hate every one of these outfits

I guess the editorial direction was a biker witch after a crash?

by meganfernandez
JTContinental wrote:I like how Bjorn Fratangelo has gone from "prospect" to "journeyman" to "boyfriend" (fiance) during the course of his career. :D
Ha!! What’s next? Retired coach?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ti-amie I don't game but you have to have lived in a cave not to know about GTA (Grand Theft Auto). Someone took a lot of time to do this and, well, what say you guys?


by ti-amie szymon @iloveanisimova

‼️ BREAKING

Former world number 2, and singles grand slam champion Barbora Krejcikova just announced her pregnancy!
congrats barbora❤️

by atlpam
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 07, 2023 7:52 pm I don't game but you have to have lived in a cave not to know about GTA (Grand Theft Auto). Someone took a lot of time to do this and, well, what say you guys?

Murray and Osaka look great. Laughing at Mr. Squeaky Clean Federer and Sleeze ball Djokovic.

by ponchi101 Well, congrats to Krejcikova.
Father is?

by ti-amie
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 07, 2023 7:54 pm szymon @iloveanisimova

‼️ BREAKING

Former world number 2, and singles grand slam champion Barbora Krejcikova just announced her pregnancy!
congrats barbora❤️
It turns out that this could be a spam/spoof whatever they're called on Xitter.

by ashkor87 Anisimova is entered in Auckland..good to see her back ..so is Raducanu (but I will believe that when it happens)

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:
Didn’t recognize either of them! Sabalenka’s hair looks amazing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Tue Dec 05, 2023 11:57 pm I hate every one of these outfits

I don't mind the clothes so much (the jacket on the cover doesn't fit though), although it's definitely biker-gang chic. But it's summer in Brazil, why are they dressing her in 20 layers?

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 07, 2023 7:52 pm I don't game but you have to have lived in a cave not to know about GTA (Grand Theft Auto). Someone took a lot of time to do this and, well, what say you guys?

Is the last one supposed to be Gauff?

Federer as the cop :D

by skatingfan
mmmm8 wrote: Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:55 pm Is the last one supposed to be Gauff?

Federer as the cop :D
Yes, I think that is supposed to be Gauff.

by ti-amie I thought the last one was Serena.

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:32 pm
ti-amie wrote:
Didn’t recognize either of them! Sabalenka’s hair looks amazing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The post was deleted on Reddit and I deleted my original post before I saw yours. I hate when that happens.

by skatingfan
ti-amie wrote: Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:26 pm I thought the last one was Serena.
Really? I thought Serena would have more curves.

by ti-amie
skatingfan wrote: Mon Dec 11, 2023 11:19 pm
ti-amie wrote: Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:26 pm I thought the last one was Serena.
Really? I thought Serena would have more curves.
The facial features are definitely Serena. The curves are there too. Cori has only won one Slam and wouldn't fit with the other multi slam winners.

by ptmcmahon I thought sort of the same. Serena’s face but not her body.

by Fastbackss Arm hair on RFed is a nice touch

by skatingfan
ti-amie wrote: Tue Dec 12, 2023 12:11 am The facial features are definitely Serena. The curves are there too. Cori has only won one Slam and wouldn't fit with the other multi slam winners.
You're right - it is Serena.

https://www.essentiallysports.com/viral ... instagram/

by ti-amie Apparently there's a food fight going on between Boris Becker and Nick Kyrgios on Xitter. I'm tired just typing that.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote:Apparently there's a food fight going on between Boris Becker and Nick Kyrgios on Xitter. I'm tired just typing that.
Kyrgios’s interview on the Jay Sheddy podcast was terrific. He mentioned Becker and Sampras as examples of a former player who would struggle today in the more physical game with better returners. Said a big serve back then wasn’t as big as it is now.


Nick:

The game was so slow back then.

I’ve watched Boris Becker and I’m not saying they weren’t good in their time, but to say that they would be just as good now, it’s absurd.

A big serve back then was like 197 to 200 KM/H. People like me, we serve 220 consistently, to corners. It’s a whole different ball game.

I’m not saying they wouldn’t have found their way.

But serve and volley, to do it all the time now, you need to be serving 220, because if you serve anything less than 220, bro, Djokovic eats you alive. He eats you alive. Bro Lleyton Hewitt destroyed Sampras one year at the U.S. Open. That was the first prototype of someone who could return serve.

He made Sampras look like sh*t. And what would Djokovic do to someone like Sampras? It would be a cleanup. If Hewitt was doing it, Djokovic would destroy him. He would eat him alive.”


Becker replied:

Nick makes a lot of noise about tennis lately!?! Why does he speak about a sport he apparently hates …fact-check Nick has never won a major championship as a player or coach( yes doubles 1) so where is any credibility coming from ? Trying to compare generations… Laver v Federer , Borg v Nadal , Sampras v Djokovic!?! I am not even gonna mention McEnroe,Conners ,Lendl Agassi , Courier, Edberg, Wilander ,Kuerten, Bruguera , Rafter , Hewitt and many more …speak to your @OnlyFans about many things but tennis

Re: Becker’s claim that Nick hates tennis, Nick did say that in so many words in the podcast. Said he would like to stop playing now, that he resents some of the bad things it has brought to his life. He appreciates the good things but isn’t sure they are worth the cost he paid to his mental health and the gunpoint robbery his mom experienced. Like I said, the podcast was really good.


Nick replied:

Also I mean I’ve beaten, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray so I feel like I have a little credibility…. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Novak would wipe the floor against you in your prime? Like it’s not an attack. It’s just facts.

Right in cue, Rennae Stubbs chimed in:

Well said Boris, sports evolve. Tennis players get faster, stronger, better. Swimmers get faster, runners get faster, golfers hit further, there are so many comparisons BUT there is NO POINT in comparing eras. Its stupid! STUPID!!! SO JUST STOP DOING IT!!


Nick wasn’t done:

Hahahaha this bloke speaking about credibility…… last I checked you were the one hiding assets no?

Basically 99% of the tennis tour doesn’t have credibility then? Potato Image what about your boy Zverev? No credibilty? He hasn’t even won a doubles grandslam?

And I appreciate the @OnlFans shoutout!!!! Got the Boris Becker speaking about the brand!!!! Always knew you kept up with my business collaborations ImageImageImageImageImageImage

Also… does that mean we both don’t have credibility @pmouratoglou ?????? Damn

Wertheim said:

Even if you felt this way - and for the record, Sampras + Becker would hang with anyone, esp. on grass - why diminish the previous generation like that? As the kids say, kind of a weird flex....


Me: it didn’t seem like Nick was flexing, or that he is wrong. Just discussing evolution of the game. It seemed fine in context of the convo in the podcast. When you pop it out and isolate it, it can sound like he was going after them. He want. He even said on Twitter that in 30 years he won’t pretend he could compete with the new kid because athletes always get better.

by Owendonovan It's always been a tricky comparison. We'll never know how the great,s at their best, would fare against each other because their greatness is behind us and them. The racquets are completely different, much more precise and bigger. Not a different sport, but different equipment capabilities. Who knows how any of the players from the 80's-90's, in their prime with todays equipment and training knowledge, could have fared.

by ti-amie
there is NO POINT in comparing eras. Its stupid! STUPID!!! SO JUST STOP DOING IT!!
I agree with Stubbs.

by meganfernandez
Owendonovan wrote:It's always been a tricky comparison. We'll never know how the great,s at their best, would fare against each other because their greatness is behind us and them. The racquets are completely different, much more precise and bigger. Not a different sport, but different equipment capabilities. Who knows how any of the players from the 80's-90's, in their prime with todays equipment and training knowledge, could have fared.
Yes exactly. Those players would be relatively better in this era. Can’t compare who they were in their era to who they would be now. Everyone stands in the shoulders of those who came before them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 12:50 am
Didn't know they are a couple. 23 and 22 years old. People get married so young! Is this more common in Europe or Eastern Europe than in the US?

by ptmcmahon I always felt like it was more a case of us (in North America) waiting longer to get married. I'm guessing 100-200 years ago that was the average age we'd get married North America too :)

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote: Sun Dec 17, 2023 8:18 pm I always felt like it was more a case of us (in North America) waiting longer to get married. I'm guessing 100-200 years ago that was the average age we'd get married North America too :)
We wait because of college, longer life expectancy, more financial independence, not having to marry to leave home - several factors. But don't all those apply to most societies where people are marrying younger than Americans? I think some societies are just more conservative/traditional. I googled average age of marriage of Russia and US, and they is a difference of a few years.

by Suliso Donna Vekic

Image

Camila Osorio with an older relative (granny?)

Image

by meganfernandez Coco coming from a photo shoot, probably. Great color on her.
https://x.com/melanie_lautrup/status/17 ... 11698?s=20

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:02 pm Coco coming from a photo shoot, probably. Great color on her.
https://x.com/melanie_lautrup/status/17 ... 11698?s=20
She has matured into quite a beautiful young woman. Everything, from hair to makeup to tennis kit works here.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:04 am Donna Vekic

Image

Camila Osorio with an older relative (granny?)

Image
Vekic has completely changed her face. I wouldn't know who that was if Suliso hadn't given us her name.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 9:00 pm
Suliso wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:04 am Donna Vekic

Image
Vekic has completely changed her face. I wouldn't know who that was if Suliso hadn't given us her name.
Fillers?

by ti-amie
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2023 4:05 am
ti-amie wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 9:00 pm
Suliso wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:04 am Donna Vekic

Image
Vekic has completely changed her face. I wouldn't know who that was if Suliso hadn't given us her name.
Fillers?
Something.

by mmmm8
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 1:05 am Apparently there's a food fight going on between Boris Becker and Nick Kyrgios on Xitter. I'm tired just typing that.
Nick is just ridiculous and at the same time it's quite worrisome what'll happen as his celebrity fades.

by meganfernandez
mmmm8 wrote:
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 1:05 am Apparently there's a food fight going on between Boris Becker and Nick Kyrgios on Xitter. I'm tired just typing that.
Nick is just ridiculous and at the same time it's quite worrisome what'll happen as his celebrity fades.
He will milk his appeal as a tennis personality. Hang around the sport. Commentate. Etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by Owendonovan
meganfernandez wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:02 pm Coco coming from a photo shoot, probably. Great color on her.
https://x.com/melanie_lautrup/status/17 ... 11698?s=20
That is a nice color on her. I find the current top women presenting themselves quite nicely as of late.

by ponchi101
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 4:51 pm
there is NO POINT in comparing eras. Its stupid! STUPID!!! SO JUST STOP DOING IT!!
I agree with Stubbs.
Sure. Let's just NOT talk about tennis.
It is not stupid. Getting all wired up about it is stupid. Having a fun conversation about it is just that, fun.
For a sport that is in such need to marketing and people getting to know its players, NOT starting any conversation about tennis is what I believe is dumb. Comparing Sampras to Gonzalez, or Evonne Goolagong to Ash Barty is exactly one of the things that is needed to make this sport fun.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Fastbackss Post was deleted - but comments indicate it was Rybakina?

by ti-amie Yes. She was wearing a sheer goldtoned skirt with a slit up to there and exposing both legs.

by ti-amie AND I think this is why her people hurried up and deleted the pic...

Russian celebs at 'almost naked' party stung by backlash
27th December 2023, 01:39 EST
By Steve Rosenberg
Russian Editor

Image
Nastya Ivleeva and Philipp Kirkorov were pictured during the party
This is Partygate: Russia-style.

What happened at a Moscow nightclub was bizarre. What happened next says so much about the current atmosphere in Russia.

On 20 December, blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva threw an "Almost Naked Party" at Moscow's Mutabor nightclub.

Dress code? More like an undress code.

Scantily clad pop stars and celebrities attended the soiree. Including Russian rapper Vacio [real name Nikolai Vasiliev]. He turned up wearing only training shoes and one strategically placed sock.

It was a private party. But it became very public when videos and photos appeared on social media. Overnight, Vacio's became the most famous sock in Russia. And not in a good way.

There was uproar. Pro-Kremlin bloggers, MPs and activists, who support the war in Ukraine, were furious: how could celebrities be out partying like this while Russian soldiers were putting their lives on the line in the "special military operation"?

For the revellers, the party was well and truly over. Rapper Vacio was arrested and jailed for 15 days for "disorderly conduct". He was also fined 200,000 roubles (£1,700; $2,200) for "promoting non-traditional sexual relations".

The organiser of the "Almost Naked Party", Nastya Ivleeva, is facing legal action. More than 20 people have signed a class-action lawsuit. They're demanding she pay a billion roubles (£8.5m) to the Defender of the Fatherland Foundation, an organisation that donates money to participants of the Kremlin's "special operation".

Other partygoers are facing the music, too.

There's talk of concert dates being cancelled and advertising contracts terminated. Reports, too, that some of the stars are being edited out of pre-recorded New Year's Eve entertainment shows on Russian TV.

Big names - suddenly cancelled.

Cue the video messages.

One by one, the prominent party guests have been taking to social media - some to apologise for their attendance, others to insist they've done nothing wrong.

"I recognise I made a mistake," declared the now fully dressed megastar Philipp Kirkorov. "The last thing I want is for such an event, my mistake, to result in restrictions on my career in Russia, the only country I exist in as an artist and as a citizen."

"I wore a polo-neck, a big trench coat, trousers and shoes," said pop star Dima Bilan. "I couldn't know in advance what the other guests would be wearing."

"Тhey say that Russia knows how to forgive. If so, I would like to ask you, the people, for a second chance," said Nastya Ivleeva in her video message.

"If the answer is no, then I'm ready for my public execution. I won't shy away. I'm ready for any outcome."

Events of the last few days will have come as a shock to these celebrities.

Following the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they had taken the conscious decision to remain in Russia and continue their careers, and often lavish lifestyles, here. Public criticism was reserved for those anti-war celebs who had left Russia.

Not any more. But why?

It seems to me that Russia's political system, increasingly, relies on scapegoats. It needs groups or individuals it can point to and blame for problems at home and abroad.

Up till now, those scapegoats have included Ukraine, the US, the UK, the EU and Nato.

Now, it seems, some Russian celebrities are on the list.

In a social media post, this is how exiled Russian opposition activist Maxim Katz summed up events: "In the past, there was a simple social contract with people who went to parties like this: do whatever you want as long as you stay loyal.

"But life is no party now. These ostentatious displays contrast with reality outside. You can't flippantly party in a country waging war.

"For the first time in a long time, the system has pushed back against those who supported all its rules, as long as they weren't applied to them."


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67827443

She was seated at a table with a bunch of people...

by Fastbackss Oh dear

by ashkor87 https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/roge ... colleagues

Interesting post, Nadal has quickly backed off, but I do feel he has a point...

by Suliso Iga with some friends

Image

by Suliso Alicia Parks

Image

by ponchi101
ashkor87 wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 5:54 am https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/roge ... colleagues

Interesting post, Nadal has quickly backed off, but I do feel he has a point...
But why bring this up now? This was almost a decade ago.
And the lighter schedule thing will never be resolved. The top players want to play less, but the lower ranked players need to play more, or they do not make ends meet. And the tour needs more exposure, so there is no way this will become F1 and run only 20 some races (which, BTW, has been a huge increase for the racers. F1 used to run only 12 GP's a year. You know, something to do about making MORE money...)

by Owendonovan
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2023 8:52 pm AND I think this is why her people hurried up and deleted the pic...

Russian celebs at 'almost naked' party stung by backlash
27th December 2023, 01:39 EST
By Steve Rosenberg
Russian Editor

Image
Nastya Ivleeva and Philipp Kirkorov were pictured during the party
This is Partygate: Russia-style.

What happened at a Moscow nightclub was bizarre. What happened next says so much about the current atmosphere in Russia.

On 20 December, blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva threw an "Almost Naked Party" at Moscow's Mutabor nightclub.

Dress code? More like an undress code.

Scantily clad pop stars and celebrities attended the soiree. Including Russian rapper Vacio [real name Nikolai Vasiliev]. He turned up wearing only training shoes and one strategically placed sock.

It was a private party. But it became very public when videos and photos appeared on social media. Overnight, Vacio's became the most famous sock in Russia. And not in a good way.

There was uproar. Pro-Kremlin bloggers, MPs and activists, who support the war in Ukraine, were furious: how could celebrities be out partying like this while Russian soldiers were putting their lives on the line in the "special military operation"?

For the revellers, the party was well and truly over. Rapper Vacio was arrested and jailed for 15 days for "disorderly conduct". He was also fined 200,000 roubles (£1,700; $2,200) for "promoting non-traditional sexual relations".

The organiser of the "Almost Naked Party", Nastya Ivleeva, is facing legal action. More than 20 people have signed a class-action lawsuit. They're demanding she pay a billion roubles (£8.5m) to the Defender of the Fatherland Foundation, an organisation that donates money to participants of the Kremlin's "special operation".

Other partygoers are facing the music, too.

There's talk of concert dates being cancelled and advertising contracts terminated. Reports, too, that some of the stars are being edited out of pre-recorded New Year's Eve entertainment shows on Russian TV.

Big names - suddenly cancelled.

Cue the video messages.

One by one, the prominent party guests have been taking to social media - some to apologise for their attendance, others to insist they've done nothing wrong.

"I recognise I made a mistake," declared the now fully dressed megastar Philipp Kirkorov. "The last thing I want is for such an event, my mistake, to result in restrictions on my career in Russia, the only country I exist in as an artist and as a citizen."

"I wore a polo-neck, a big trench coat, trousers and shoes," said pop star Dima Bilan. "I couldn't know in advance what the other guests would be wearing."

"Тhey say that Russia knows how to forgive. If so, I would like to ask you, the people, for a second chance," said Nastya Ivleeva in her video message.

"If the answer is no, then I'm ready for my public execution. I won't shy away. I'm ready for any outcome."

Events of the last few days will have come as a shock to these celebrities.

Following the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they had taken the conscious decision to remain in Russia and continue their careers, and often lavish lifestyles, here. Public criticism was reserved for those anti-war celebs who had left Russia.

Not any more. But why?

It seems to me that Russia's political system, increasingly, relies on scapegoats. It needs groups or individuals it can point to and blame for problems at home and abroad.

Up till now, those scapegoats have included Ukraine, the US, the UK, the EU and Nato.

Now, it seems, some Russian celebrities are on the list.

In a social media post, this is how exiled Russian opposition activist Maxim Katz summed up events: "In the past, there was a simple social contract with people who went to parties like this: do whatever you want as long as you stay loyal.

"But life is no party now. These ostentatious displays contrast with reality outside. You can't flippantly party in a country waging war.

"For the first time in a long time, the system has pushed back against those who supported all its rules, as long as they weren't applied to them."


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67827443

She was seated at a table with a bunch of people...
Almost naked party? Almost? There's something idiotic about getting in trouble for this, I just can't quite finger it.

by ti-amie
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:33 pm
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2023 8:52 pm AND I think this is why her people hurried up and deleted the pic...

Russian celebs at 'almost naked' party stung by backlash
27th December 2023, 01:39 EST
By Steve Rosenberg
Russian Editor

Image
Nastya Ivleeva and Philipp Kirkorov were pictured during the party
This is Partygate: Russia-style.

What happened at a Moscow nightclub was bizarre. What happened next says so much about the current atmosphere in Russia.

On 20 December, blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva threw an "Almost Naked Party" at Moscow's Mutabor nightclub.

Dress code? More like an undress code.

Scantily clad pop stars and celebrities attended the soiree. Including Russian rapper Vacio [real name Nikolai Vasiliev]. He turned up wearing only training shoes and one strategically placed sock.

It was a private party. But it became very public when videos and photos appeared on social media. Overnight, Vacio's became the most famous sock in Russia. And not in a good way.

There was uproar. Pro-Kremlin bloggers, MPs and activists, who support the war in Ukraine, were furious: how could celebrities be out partying like this while Russian soldiers were putting their lives on the line in the "special military operation"?

For the revellers, the party was well and truly over. Rapper Vacio was arrested and jailed for 15 days for "disorderly conduct". He was also fined 200,000 roubles (£1,700; $2,200) for "promoting non-traditional sexual relations".

The organiser of the "Almost Naked Party", Nastya Ivleeva, is facing legal action. More than 20 people have signed a class-action lawsuit. They're demanding she pay a billion roubles (£8.5m) to the Defender of the Fatherland Foundation, an organisation that donates money to participants of the Kremlin's "special operation".

Other partygoers are facing the music, too.

There's talk of concert dates being cancelled and advertising contracts terminated. Reports, too, that some of the stars are being edited out of pre-recorded New Year's Eve entertainment shows on Russian TV.

Big names - suddenly cancelled.

Cue the video messages.

One by one, the prominent party guests have been taking to social media - some to apologise for their attendance, others to insist they've done nothing wrong.

"I recognise I made a mistake," declared the now fully dressed megastar Philipp Kirkorov. "The last thing I want is for such an event, my mistake, to result in restrictions on my career in Russia, the only country I exist in as an artist and as a citizen."

"I wore a polo-neck, a big trench coat, trousers and shoes," said pop star Dima Bilan. "I couldn't know in advance what the other guests would be wearing."

"Тhey say that Russia knows how to forgive. If so, I would like to ask you, the people, for a second chance," said Nastya Ivleeva in her video message.

"If the answer is no, then I'm ready for my public execution. I won't shy away. I'm ready for any outcome."

Events of the last few days will have come as a shock to these celebrities.

Following the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they had taken the conscious decision to remain in Russia and continue their careers, and often lavish lifestyles, here. Public criticism was reserved for those anti-war celebs who had left Russia.

Not any more. But why?

It seems to me that Russia's political system, increasingly, relies on scapegoats. It needs groups or individuals it can point to and blame for problems at home and abroad.

Up till now, those scapegoats have included Ukraine, the US, the UK, the EU and Nato.

Now, it seems, some Russian celebrities are on the list.

In a social media post, this is how exiled Russian opposition activist Maxim Katz summed up events: "In the past, there was a simple social contract with people who went to parties like this: do whatever you want as long as you stay loyal.

"But life is no party now. These ostentatious displays contrast with reality outside. You can't flippantly party in a country waging war.

"For the first time in a long time, the system has pushed back against those who supported all its rules, as long as they weren't applied to them."


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67827443

She was seated at a table with a bunch of people...
Almost naked party? Almost? There's something idiotic about getting in trouble for this, I just can't quite finger it.
Stop being a brat. I'm hung up on how the guy wearing a sock travelled to the event...

Seriously the optics of this are bad though. I haven't been keeping up with how people are being "recruited" for service in their war of aggression against Ukraine but imagine your son (I don't know if women serve in the military there) was chosen to fight in what is by all accounts a brutal war and you find out the usual suspects are partying like it's 1999.

by meganfernandez Sorry if this was already posted and I missed it. Jabeur on Wimbledon 2023:

“It was the tournament where I said…I’m going to win it and then maybe take a break and have a baby,” reveals the 29-year-old, who has been married to Tunisian fencer Karim Kamoun since 2015.

“So not only not winning Wimbledon, but the idea of having a baby vanished with the trophy.”

https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/on ... ocumentary

by Owendonovan
ti-amie wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 10:12 pm
Owendonovan wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:33 pm
ti-amie wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2023 8:52 pm AND I think this is why her people hurried up and deleted the pic...

Russian celebs at 'almost naked' party stung by backlash
27th December 2023, 01:39 EST
By Steve Rosenberg
Russian Editor

Image
Nastya Ivleeva and Philipp Kirkorov were pictured during the party
This is Partygate: Russia-style.

What happened at a Moscow nightclub was bizarre. What happened next says so much about the current atmosphere in Russia.

On 20 December, blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva threw an "Almost Naked Party" at Moscow's Mutabor nightclub.

Dress code? More like an undress code.

Scantily clad pop stars and celebrities attended the soiree. Including Russian rapper Vacio [real name Nikolai Vasiliev]. He turned up wearing only training shoes and one strategically placed sock.

It was a private party. But it became very public when videos and photos appeared on social media. Overnight, Vacio's became the most famous sock in Russia. And not in a good way.

There was uproar. Pro-Kremlin bloggers, MPs and activists, who support the war in Ukraine, were furious: how could celebrities be out partying like this while Russian soldiers were putting their lives on the line in the "special military operation"?

For the revellers, the party was well and truly over. Rapper Vacio was arrested and jailed for 15 days for "disorderly conduct". He was also fined 200,000 roubles (£1,700; $2,200) for "promoting non-traditional sexual relations".

The organiser of the "Almost Naked Party", Nastya Ivleeva, is facing legal action. More than 20 people have signed a class-action lawsuit. They're demanding she pay a billion roubles (£8.5m) to the Defender of the Fatherland Foundation, an organisation that donates money to participants of the Kremlin's "special operation".

Other partygoers are facing the music, too.

There's talk of concert dates being cancelled and advertising contracts terminated. Reports, too, that some of the stars are being edited out of pre-recorded New Year's Eve entertainment shows on Russian TV.

Big names - suddenly cancelled.

Cue the video messages.

One by one, the prominent party guests have been taking to social media - some to apologise for their attendance, others to insist they've done nothing wrong.

"I recognise I made a mistake," declared the now fully dressed megastar Philipp Kirkorov. "The last thing I want is for such an event, my mistake, to result in restrictions on my career in Russia, the only country I exist in as an artist and as a citizen."

"I wore a polo-neck, a big trench coat, trousers and shoes," said pop star Dima Bilan. "I couldn't know in advance what the other guests would be wearing."

"Тhey say that Russia knows how to forgive. If so, I would like to ask you, the people, for a second chance," said Nastya Ivleeva in her video message.

"If the answer is no, then I'm ready for my public execution. I won't shy away. I'm ready for any outcome."

Events of the last few days will have come as a shock to these celebrities.

Following the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they had taken the conscious decision to remain in Russia and continue their careers, and often lavish lifestyles, here. Public criticism was reserved for those anti-war celebs who had left Russia.

Not any more. But why?

It seems to me that Russia's political system, increasingly, relies on scapegoats. It needs groups or individuals it can point to and blame for problems at home and abroad.

Up till now, those scapegoats have included Ukraine, the US, the UK, the EU and Nato.

Now, it seems, some Russian celebrities are on the list.

In a social media post, this is how exiled Russian opposition activist Maxim Katz summed up events: "In the past, there was a simple social contract with people who went to parties like this: do whatever you want as long as you stay loyal.

"But life is no party now. These ostentatious displays contrast with reality outside. You can't flippantly party in a country waging war.

"For the first time in a long time, the system has pushed back against those who supported all its rules, as long as they weren't applied to them."


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67827443

She was seated at a table with a bunch of people...
Almost naked party? Almost? There's something idiotic about getting in trouble for this, I just can't quite finger it.
Stop being a brat. I'm hung up on how the guy wearing a sock travelled to the event...

Seriously the optics of this are bad though. I haven't been keeping up with how people are being "recruited" for service in their war of aggression against Ukraine but imagine your son (I don't know if women serve in the military there) was chosen to fight in what is by all accounts a brutal war and you find out the usual suspects are partying like it's 1999.
I'm hung up on the "almost naked" bit. Pretty much any gay bar I've been too is "almost naked" after 1 am. Fire Island is "almost naked" 100% of the time. (I get the optics there, one of those celebs is gonna have to be sacrificed for the war)

by Fastbackss
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 4:46 am Sorry if this was already posted and I missed it. Jabeur on Wimbledon 2023:

“It was the tournament where I said…I’m going to win it and then maybe take a break and have a baby,” reveals the 29-year-old, who has been married to Tunisian fencer Karim Kamoun since 2015.

“So not only not winning Wimbledon, but the idea of having a baby vanished with the trophy.”

https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/on ... ocumentary
That's heavy.

by ti-amie
Fastbackss wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 12:36 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 4:46 am Sorry if this was already posted and I missed it. Jabeur on Wimbledon 2023:

“It was the tournament where I said…I’m going to win it and then maybe take a break and have a baby,” reveals the 29-year-old, who has been married to Tunisian fencer Karim Kamoun since 2015.

“So not only not winning Wimbledon, but the idea of having a baby vanished with the trophy.”

https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/on ... ocumentary
That's heavy.
Sigh.

ETA: Does she think that because she's 29 having a baby would be the end of her career when so many women have given birth and come back to the tour? Kerber is the latest to do that.

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 7:46 pm
Fastbackss wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 12:36 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 4:46 am Sorry if this was already posted and I missed it. Jabeur on Wimbledon 2023:

“It was the tournament where I said…I’m going to win it and then maybe take a break and have a baby,” reveals the 29-year-old, who has been married to Tunisian fencer Karim Kamoun since 2015.

“So not only not winning Wimbledon, but the idea of having a baby vanished with the trophy.”

https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/on ... ocumentary
That's heavy.
Sigh.

ETA: Does she think that because she's 29 having a baby would be the end of her career when so many women have given birth and come back to the tour? Kerber is the latest to do that.
i assume she meant the idea disappeared for the short term.

by ashkor87
ti-amie wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 7:46 pm
Fastbackss wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 12:36 pm
meganfernandez wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 4:46 am Sorry if this was already posted and I missed it. Jabeur on Wimbledon 2023:

“It was the tournament where I said…I’m going to win it and then maybe take a break and have a baby,” reveals the 29-year-old, who has been married to Tunisian fencer Karim Kamoun since 2015.

“So not only not winning Wimbledon, but the idea of having a baby vanished with the trophy.”

https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/on ... ocumentary
That's heavy.
Sigh.

ETA: Does she think that because she's 29 having a baby would be the end of her career when so many women have given birth and come back to the tour? Kerber is the latest to do that.
a bit too much self-pity methinks..

by Fastbackss Truly competitive people go to dark places when they lose.

by ti-amie

Response to the above:

Bastien Fachan
@BastienFachan
Uncle Toni rn

Image




(Referencing how Tio Toni made Rafa play leftie)

by Suliso Petra and her partner (baby announcement)

Image

by Owendonovan
ti-amie wrote: Sun Dec 31, 2023 6:35 pm

Response to the above:

Bastien Fachan
@BastienFachan
Uncle Toni rn

Image




(Referencing how Tio Toni made Rafa play leftie)
I expected Jr. to be holding the racket in his left hand as well.
Pet Peeve; Tag on the sleeve.

by ti-amie Re tag on the sleeve:

I've never understood why people do that.

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 I have never understood how LV sells squat. I have never seen one single thing they produce that is worth wearing.

by ashkor87
ponchi101 wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 12:54 pm I have never understood how LV sells squat. I have never seen one single thing they produce that is worth wearing.
I gave up long ago...

by mmmm8 Funny that Nike is getting (free? probably not) promotion within the LV ad campaign.

by Suliso Qinwen

Image

Image

by ponchi101 She looks very good with very little effort. :thumbsup:

Adidas short.png
-->
by meganfernandez Where are all the photos of players arriving to Melbourne and petting koalas or whatever? And kits?? Give me some cuteness and fashion, photo posters!! :lol:

I did see these Adidas shorts and they might even be worse than the diarrhea shorts from last year. (Was that last year?) Women's Tennis Blog said that's Pegula in the photo. How can you make an athlete look this bad?
Adidas short.png

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 It is. :clap: :clap: :clap:

by ti-amie

by Suliso She is really small. Sinner is no Isner.

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2024 8:32 pm She is really small. Sinner is no Isner.
Sinner is listed at 6'2. I thought he was more like 6'5. Yeah, she's a foot shorter than him.

Here he is at the airport with the trophy in a drawstring bag.

https://x.com/BarclayCard18/status/1752 ... 88985?s=20

by ti-amie What a wonderful kit.


by ponchi101 Stopped right at the limit of too much make up. Good.

by Owendonovan The beach leaves a bit to be desired, but it's better than my neighborhood!

by Fastbackss This is long, but it's a riot

by ti-amie This is great! Please keep us informed as this season progresses!

by meganfernandez
Fastbackss wrote:This is long, but it's a riot
Monfils was the best!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by skatingfan Novak's real name is Bert. :lol:

by Suliso Fernandez

Image

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by ponchi101 An easy slope, but good form from Roger.
What you would expect.

by Suliso I suppose Sinner is the best skier among the current tennis players

by ti-amie

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:14 pm I suppose Sinner is the best skier among the current tennis players
Isn't the story that he had to choose between tennis or skiing, and chose the racquet?
I have seen clips of him skiing. Super smooth. Don't know if he is the best, but he is damn good.

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote:
Suliso wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:14 pm I suppose Sinner is the best skier among the current tennis players
Isn't the story that he had to choose between tennis or skiing, and chose the racquet?
I have seen clips of him skiing. Super smooth. Don't know if he is the best, but he is damn good.
He was a junior champion skier, right? So probably better than any other tennis player who was never that good as a kid. I doubt any player has become a better skier as an adult. :) they better not be practicing.

Novak might be good since his parents had the restaurant on a ski mountain.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by Suliso Jannik was born in a ski resort and was among the best skiers in Italy in 8-12 age group before concentrating on tennis full time. That's why it's a good guess he's better at it than others. As we saw in the clip Roger is not bad either, but he was never into competitive ski racing.

by Suliso Linda Noskova

Image

Image

by Fastbackss Taylor Fritz's GF posting about how she was harassed at SB

by ti-amie

by ashkor87 Not surprised at misogyny in the NFL world..shocking and sad..but the game brings out the worst in men..I never watched it after college ..

by Owendonovan Genie Bouchard?

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
ti-amie wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:26 pm
The curls are worth millions. With that mopey look, Kristen Stewart could play him in a biopic. Interesting that Vanity Fair allowed two Gucci logos on the cover. I wonder if it's just for digital and won't be on the print cover.

by ti-amie

by ptmcmahon Sweet the players names were tagged...definitely would've missed a couple of them!

by meganfernandez
ptmcmahon wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:44 pm Sweet the players names were tagged...definitely would've missed a couple of them!
And I STILL didn't recognize Svitolina without her name.

by skatingfan Who are the couple with both Swiatek, and Vekic? Or for that matter the couple with Svitolina?

by ptmcmahon
skatingfan wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 2:53 am Who are the couple with both Swiatek, and Vekic? Or for that matter the couple with Svitolina?

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Duty Free and Breeda McLoughlin (his wife.)

by Suliso Image

by ti-amie

by meganfernandez
Suliso wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 8:17 pm Image
Are they dating? (It's Tomas Machac.)

by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:10 am
Suliso wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 8:17 pm Image
Are they dating? (It's Tomas Machac.)
Yes

by Suliso Good looking couple

by ti-amie

by skatingfan My life is worse for having read that. :vomit:

by ti-amie It looks like some can deliver on the seven days a week promise Jeongguk sings about huh?

Seriously when did he have time to practice his tennis?

by Suliso Ostapenko

Image

by Suliso Paula Badosa

Image


Jessica turned 30 last Saturday

Image

by Owendonovan
Suliso wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:26 am Ostapenko

Image
Looks as though she might possibly be enjoying herself?

by ptmcmahon If you can't enjoy that, what can you enjoy?

by Suliso Pliskova, Osoria and McNally

Image

by ti-amie
Owendonovan wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:37 pm
Suliso wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:26 am Ostapenko

Image
Looks as though she might possibly be enjoying herself?
I love this picture of her.

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:07 pm Pliskova, Osoria and McNally

Image
Are Osorio or Plis signed with Adidas? I think not, right?
Wouldn't their sponsors be upset about this?

by meganfernandez
ponchi101 wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 11:15 pm
Suliso wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:07 pm Pliskova, Osoria and McNally

Image
Are Osorio or Plis signed with Adidas? I think not, right?
Wouldn't their sponsors be upset about this?
Pliskova switched to Adidas at the AO, and i'm guessing Osario switched, too, by this photo.

by ponchi101 Ah, ok. I remember that Plis was with Fila, and Osorio was wearing Babolat (?). So, my bad.

by Suliso Vekic

Image

by Suliso Rybakina (photo shoot in Dubai)

Image

Image

by Suliso Fernandez

Image

by Fastbackss OMG *scurried to find wallet*

by ponchi101 That's a throwback. I remember when they came out; they were quite a stir.
These ones are nicer looking.

by ti-amie

by ti-amie

by Suliso Kalinskaya

Image

Kasatkina with her girlfriend (?)

Image

Kvitova

Image

Keys and Stephens

Image

by skatingfan
Suliso wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:08 pm Kasatkina with her girlfriend (?)

Image
Natalia Zabiiako

by ti-amie Kalinskaya is very pretty.

Yes that is Kasatkina's girlfriend.

Coco cover copy.png
-->
by meganfernandez Coco on the April cover of Vogue
Coco cover copy.png

by Suliso Ana and Bastian at Oscars

Image

by ti-amie
Suliso wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:53 am Ana and Bastian at Oscars

Image
Perfection from both of them.

by ti-amie

by Suliso Was that really intended? He's only 22...

by ti-amie

by ponchi101
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:27 pm Was that really intended? He's only 22...
Lots of dads on tour, and young ones. Fritz, Zverve, Mussetti now, Daniil, and I am sure I am missing a couple.
Not like the older generation, that waited until their 30's to have their kids.
Irrelevant, but interesting.

by Owendonovan
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:27 pm Was that really intended? He's only 22...
Get em out of the house by the time you're 40.

by ponchi101
Owendonovan wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:43 pm
Suliso wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:27 pm Was that really intended? He's only 22...
Get em out of the house by the time you're 40.
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:

by meganfernandez Anyone know who this is? I know it’s blurry. He is sitting by my friend in a hotel in Miami right now. It’s definitely the tournament hotel - Murray is there. Just a coincidence that my friend is there for work.

Image


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by skatingfan
meganfernandez wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 2:10 am Anyone know who this is? I know it’s blurry. He is sitting by my friend in a hotel in Miami right now. It’s definitely the tournament hotel - Murray is there. Just a coincidence that my friend is there for work.

Image
I don't know who that is, but there are lots of people that will be attached to players who aren't necessarily recognizable - hitting partners, trainers, etc. - not to mention all the players in qualifying whose names I might recognize but whose faces I don't know.

by meganfernandez Anyone know who this is?
Image


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by ti-amie

by ti-amie They took this video down so this might disappear...

by ti-amie

by skatingfan