March 15, 2013 — World No. 1 women’s tennis player Serena Williams has always been a fitness aficionado, and she has now teamed up with the Nike Training Club to produce a new “Core Power Workout” on their app which launched today.
Selected as one of twelve lucky recipients, Nike Women sent me a social media toolkit packed with some of Williams’ best essentials, including a cute pink Nike Dri-Fit tank and Nike+ FuelBand in white ice. On top of that, Nike also sent along some exclusive photos from behind-the-scenes which I will do a separate post on. But first, onto the Core Power Workout!
After a quick and easy installation of my Nike+ Connect app on my computer and mobile phone to sync up with Nike+ FuelBand, I downloaded the Nike Training Club app and found it jam-packed with more than 100 workouts that lean, tone, strengthen, and even focus on individual body areas. There is a beginner, intermediate, and advanced option for each goal, so there is never a dull moment regardless of your exercise or activity level. Since Nike+ FuelBand uses advanced sports-tested accelerometer technology, it measures your all-day activity, not just your workouts. How’s that for a change!
After doing the 45-minute “Mean Machine” workout with simple items like dumbbells, a medicine ball, and a jump rope (and already nearly passing out!), I decided to finish it off by kicking my abs into high gear with William’s 15-minute “Core Power” workout to look like a true champion. And boy, did it not disappoint! There are easy to follow guides and audio cues, and you can access your results instantly and sync them up with your Nike+ FuelBand.
I know I’ll be feeling it in my core tomorrow, but there is no better feeling after a good workout. And glad Serena could be there practically as my personal trainer!
Her “Core Power” workout is not meant to replace time at the gym, but according to Williams, works as a “great supplement to do after running, riding the bike or other cardio.” Combined together, you will be well on your way to progressive muscle confusion and thus achieve your results of a leaner, stronger body even faster.
According to The Telegraph, Williams is quick to admit the convenience of the Nike Training Club series: “When I’m on the road and need a quick workout, I can do an NTC in my hotel room; or if I feel like I need something extra after a training session, I can target a specific muscle group with the 15 minute workouts.”
Here are some of William’s “best moves” from her workout!
And as a bonus — because we all know how much Williams loves to dance! — she included some dance moves for fun!
Now that you’ve seen Serena Williams kick her abs into high gear like a true champion, it’s time for you to join her! What are you waiting for?! Here is some motivation for you:
Romi Cvitkovic
USTA Working with Serbian Media to Sort Through Credential Miscommunications
By Romi Cvitkovic
March 14, 2013 — The U.S. Tennis Association said Thursday that they are working closely with the Serbian media outlet Sportska Centrala to sort through miscommunications regarding media credentials for the upcoming USA vs. Serbia Davis Cup series April 5-7 in Boise, Idaho.
Multiple USTA media representatives reached out to representatives of Tennis Grandstand Thursday to communicate that procedures for applying for the media credentials were not handled properly, thus the application for reporter Nebojsa Petrovacki was denied. Petrovacki is a former editor-at-large for Sportska Centrala, has covered dozens of ATP and WTA events over the last ten years, and is currently at the BNP Paribas Open as credentialed media.
While the Serbian Tennis Federation had stated in a correspondence with Sportska Centrala’s editor in chief, Alex Krstanovic, that only one Serbian journalist was credentialed for the series to their knowledge, the USTA said Thursday that at least four outlets were approved to cover the matches. According to the USTA, of those credentialed, only one applied as print media while the rest were internet or television applications.
Krstanovic, in an email on Thursday, said that in the media outlet’s original application for the Davis Cup tie, the Serbian Tennis Federation supported their reporter’s request for a credential, and had followed up with the International Tennis Federation on Thursday morning regarding the situation as well.
However, the USTA detailed that initial proper steps were not fully executed by the media outlet to warrant approval of the credential request upon original review.
The USTA has reached out to Petrovacki, and pending that proper steps are taken by the media outlet, the USTA “foresees (Petrovacki) getting re-credentialed” for the Davis Cup event in April.
With world No. 1 Novak Djokovic scheduled to participate as well as the soon-to-be named US team of John Isner, Sam Querrey, and Mike and Bob Bryan, the Davis Cup quarterfinal between the two tennis powerhouse countries is selling out fast. Secure your tickets here.
This article is a follow up to Wednesday’s piece on the denial of reporter Nebojsa Petrovacki’s credential request for the Davis Cup.
Roger Federer loses cool, argues with chair umpire in win over Stan Wawrinka
By Romi Cvitkovic
March 13, 2013 — What should have been a mostly routine win by Roger Federer over countryman Stan Wawrinka at the 4th round of the BNP Paribas Open, turned into a rollercoaster of a match as Federer lost his cool, double-faulted on set point and much more.
The first set held three breaks of serve and that should have been omen enough of things to come in the match. But Federer finally held in hist fifth service game at 15 to take the first set, 6-3.
After grabbing a break in the second set and with Federer serving at 5-4, the Tennis Channel commentators already resorted to patting Wawrinka on the back, and nearly calling it a match. That was until Wawrinka woke up and decided to really play some tennis. In the blink of an eye, Wawrinka broke Federer with a running backhand passing winner, followed by THREE backhand errors by Federer. Federer didn’t help his situation as he was forced to dish out a few second serves. 5-5.
On his own serve, Wawrinka quickly went up 40-0 before a few sloppy errors brought it to deuce. Wawrinka eventually held serve with a beautiful approach shot forehand winner just out of Federer’s reach. 6-5 for Wawrinka.
We then quickly found ourselves in a second set tiebreak — a place that has become familiar territory between the two players as of late. Wawrinka continued playing lights-out tennis eventually establishing set points with this beautiful baseline rally. Just watching the video, you start to wonder “Which one is Federer and which one is Wawrinka?” The touch, backhands and shot selection!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n0kRKemd6c
Who would have guessed that the almighty Roger Federer WOULD HAVE DOUBLE-FAULTED ON SET POINT! But he did, and with it Wawrinka snatched the second set.
Tensions were high on both ends going into the third set, and at 1-all with Federer serving at 0-30, Federer became uncharacteristically feisty. He wanted to challenge his own serve, but because he had already hit his second shot, the chair umpire refused the challenge. Federer then proceeded to argue with the umpire, even calling ATP supervisor Lars up to dispute the decision. Lars agreed with the original call and Federer was left to serve down 0-40. A graphic on Tennis Channel later showed that there was a 1.955 second delay between when the serve hit the court versus when Federer challenged.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o26NO3R4f9E
In the following point, you can see a noticeably agitated Federer run around a short shot and leash out a massive forehand, leaving the full court exposed and primed for a beautifully-timed Wawrinka backhand winner.
But as is known to happen in tennis and with one of it’s best players, Federer broke right back, and the two stayed neck-and-neck until 4-all. At 30-40 on Federer’s serve, Wawrinka had a chance to break and serve for the match but Federer blasted a forehand painting the sideline that pulled Wawrinka wide and forced an error. With a beautiful forehand smash, Federer held at 5-4.
With Wawrinka serving at 5-6, Federer quickly went up 0-30 as Wawrinka’s back-to-back rallies went either wide or long. At 15-40, Wawrinka netted a forehand and Federer claimed his 13th win 0ver his good friend, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-5.
UPDATE: USTA Credentials Only One Serbian Journalist for USA vs Serbia Davis Cup tie
By Romi Cvitkovic
UPDATE 2 (March 14, 2013 – 5:30PM): USTA and Sportska Centrala are working together to sort through this media credential miscommunication. Full update here.
UPDATE 1 (March 14, 2013 – 12:10AM): Tim Curry, spokesperson for the USTA, just tweeted the following statement: “Contrary to reports there are multiple Serbian outlets credentialed for Davis Cup quarterfinal in Boise.” Will update further as needed.
March 13, 2013 — With Novak Djokovic joining team Serbia, and Jim Courier set to announce the US team of John Isner, Sam Querrey, and Bob and Mike Bryan, the Davis Cup quarterfinal scheduled for next month in Boise, ID is boasting a nearly sellout crowd. But at what price to visiting Serbian journalists?
According to Alex Krstanovic, cheif editor at Sportska Centrala, a media credential request for his reporter Nebojsa Petrovacki was made to the USTA by the March 8th deadline. Petrovacki has reported for Sportska Centrala for more than ten years and covered dozens of ATP and WTA events, and is currently at the BNP Paribas Open as a credentialed media member.
Despite the qualifications, the USTA responded today with the following statement: “It is with great regret that we are unable to accommodate your request(s) for media credentials for the 2013 Davis Cup quarterfinal tie in Boise, Idaho. Unfortunately, we have received more requests than we are able to accommodate at this time.”
The issue is not in the denial of the request itself, as media centers tend to fill up fairly quickly for popular events like these; the issue is in the very limited number of spots open for Serbian media at this event.
According to the Serbian Tennis Federation, only one Serbian journalist and one Serbian photographer have been credentialed for the USA-Serbia Davis Cup tie next month. Given this staggering confirmation, the denial of Petrovacki’s request becomes all the more bizarre as he would have only been the SECOND Serbian journalist at the event.
In unique fashion, it’s difficult to grasp that the USTA could not allocate more than one seat for Serbian media in its entire press room and arena. Regardless of how many Serbian media members actually end up covering the event, a few select spots (let’s say 5, at the very least) should have been held open for the visiting country’s media.
When Novak Djokovic won the U.S. Open in 2011, the media room was booming with Serbian press, and rightfully so. Imagine if the Serbian press had been limited that day to only one journalist and one reporter — there would have been immense backlash. And while it’s obvious that the USTA welcomes the Serbian Davis Cup team members, the same can’t necessarily be said for their “welcome” of the Serbian media.
Biggest Fashion Disasters at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open
We’ve all been there: worn something that we wish we hadn’t, only to have pictures of our mistake permanently ingrained on Facebook to haunt us for the rest of our lives. Well, tennis players face the same predicament — just on a much grander scale.
This week at the BNP Paribas Open, we’ve seen some unfortunate apparel disasters from some of tennis’ biggest names, and we’ll give you the full (and hilarious!) rundown, starting with the one and only Jelena Jankovic.
When Jelena Jankovic stepped onto Stadium 2 on Friday, not only did she catch her opponent Svetlana Kuznetsova off guard (she served her first set bagel), but Twitter exploded with puns regarding Jankovic’s kit. Bottom line: When your skirt looks like a legitimate stand-in for the mops at a carwash, you know there’s a problem.
Unfortunately, fellow Fila athlete Julia Goerges suffered the same skirt fate on Saturday during her own second round win. The colors and design of the top are good, but they detract heavily from the unfortunate carwash skirt.
Keeping with the somewhat “cheerleading” theme, Chanelle Scheepers looked more like she belonged on the NBA’s Sacramento Kings dance lineup than a tennis court.
With the drop in temperatures on Friday, the ladies came out in full legging force. While a few of them were able to pull it off (ahem, Maria Sharapova’s was passable), several decided to pair their kits with black leggings, which already had some sort of random design. Marion Bartoli and Francesca Schiavone were two of the worst offenders and the outcome was not pleasant on the eyes in any way, shape or form.
Another legging offender was the usually do-no-wrong Maria Kirilenko, but boy did her legging/skirt combination do A LOT of wrong this time around. When she dipped low in her yellow lizard leggings, it made her legs look like something out of Dr. Seuss book. And the stark delineation between the leggings and shorts make it look all the more extraterrestrial.
Leather on a tennis court is never a goo—- Oh, wait. How did this get in here? Moving along …
In the case of David Nalbandian‘s Topper kit, “X” does NOT mark the spot. It could have done without a few of those criss-crossed lines.
Petra Kvitova may not be debuting this kit at the BNP Paribas Open, but the Nike color block of orange and purple simply don’t work for the Czech lady. From the starry two-tone top to a skirt that doesn’t even match the neon orange on the shirt/sweat bands/shoes, this kit is all wrong for her — or anybody, for that matter. Kvitova has always looked good in simple lines and colors, and this attempt to spice her up has failed miserably. Good form on that wide forehand though, Petra.
Lleyton Hewitt‘s very own clothing line “C’mon” has missed the mark as well. The shoulders take a cue from Andy Murray’s adidas kit, and the frontal design just adds to the confusion. It’s just a little too much going on for any one shirt.
Vania King had the potential to be “pretty in pink” with her kit, but instead her clothing sponsor made her look like she got into a serious fight with a pink tiger, claw marks and all. And I can’t figure out if that skirt is suede or just makes really awkward sweat stains. You decide.
Laura Robson‘s all-white kit is also not new as she wore it at the Australian Open, but that is part of the problem. While the lines themselves are great, the color is what bothers me. Not only should all-white be reserved almost exclusively for Wimbledon, but come summer, adidas will have had Robson in all white all year! What fun is it putting a rising sparkling 19-year-old in a dull tone for that much of the season?
Much like Robson above, Lacoste decided to put John Isner in oversimplified colors: black and white. And what a mistake — it sent him home on his first match in Indian Wells after having reached the final here last year. Lacoste has been doing great yet simple designs the last few years; let’s hope this was just a momentary oversight.
Agree/Disagree? Did I miss any fashion disasters from this year’s BNP Paribas Open? Sound off in the comments below!
With Tough Back-to-Back Losses, Just How Far Will David Ferrer Fall?
By Romi Cvitkovic
With David Ferrer’s 6-0, 6-2 loss to Rafael Nadal in the final of Acapulco last week, followed by his opening round loss to Kevin Anderson at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday, is Ferrer — at age 30 — on his way out of the game?
Known for his ferocious and undying hustle on court, the No. 4 seed seemed well on his way to a straight set win in Indian Wells over world No. 37 Anderson, when at 4-all in the second, the South African stepped up his game and never looked back.
“I had my chance in the 4-all, two break points up, but he played good in important moments,” commented Ferrer. “He played more aggressive, more consistent than me, and in the third set I was a little bit tired and he was better than me. I don’t have excuse, no?”
Addressing why he felt so tired, Ferrer simply commented that “it’s tennis, it’s normal.”
While his age may be indicative of one approaching the end of their tennis career, Ferrer credited his loss to bad play, and not as a sign of an imminent descent. Sure, he was handed a devastating loss by a player who had just returned to the game after being out for more than seven months, but that is a different story. Ferrer and Nadal know each other’s games as well as they know their own, and Nadal simply had a lot more riding on his return than Ferrer did on his game. Perhaps some friendly intimidation and respect played a factor in Ferrer’s loss to his good friend as well.
The 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 loss to Anderson, however, could be tougher to explain. It’s as if Ferrer just lost the plot to the match — which is something that rarely happens to the Spaniard. The BNP Paribas Open only marked Anderson’s second tournament back from elbow surgery, but the South African was not afraid to test his arm hitting six aces for the match.
Less a testament of what Ferrer can or cannot do, his loss today may very well have been just a bad day at the office, including emotions running high for both opponents on some questionable line calls. But according to Ferrer, ” some days (a) player is playing good, and sometimes he’s playing not so good. Today I (did) not play bad, but (it was) not my best match.”
Is it perhaps that Ferrer is simply unwilling to accept a couple of tough back-to-back losses as a sign of things to come? Truthfully, not likely. He’s one of the few that is keenly aware of his limitations (as minuscule as they may be), but he gives credit where it’s due and knows that hurdles like this are just part of the game.
In fact, he is so acutely cognizant of his game that he doesn’t even look to his current ranking of world No. 4, but looks ahead to the year-end rankings in order to gauge his progress.
“I start very good this season, and of course it’s important to finish the season top 10,” stated Ferrer. “But is difficult … The most important thing is (how I) finish the season. Now is not important … I want to practice a lot and hard work for to be top 10.”
As far as bouncing back from this tough loss to Anderson, Ferrer fans need not fret, as the Spaniard keeps a level-headed perspective.
“This is only sport,” commented Ferrer. “Of course, it’s my job. It was a bad day, and I am disappointed with (myself), but tomorrow I going to be good.”
Videos and Photos: Nadal, Del Potro, Williams and Azarenka take over New York City
By Romi Cvitkovic
NEW YORK, NY (March 4, 2013) – Sunday night at Madison Square Garden was a night to remember as the BNP Paribas Showdown took over a packed venue with help from tennis players Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro, and countless entertaining on-court moments.
The BNP Paribas Showdown was a part of a global tennis participation effort termed “World Tennis Day,” and was held to promote 10-and-under tennis which tailors the game to its youngest players.
The evening at The Garden started with all the players being welcomed onto the court as they ran down the lower-level corridor, to a swarm of cheering and high-fiving fans.
The atmosphere was vibrant and the spectators ready – all 15,984 of them – as the No. 1 and 2 ranked-women Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka opened up the night with a serious yet humorous tone to their match. There were brilliant and aggressive plays, a few breaks of serve and even an appearance by Azarenka’s boyfriend RedFoo!
Williams handily took the first set 6-4, but what was more impressive was that they didn’t treat it like an exhibition. They put their energy and competitiveness on the line as if it were a regular season match at a tournament – not holding much back for this packed house. That kind of respect for not only the fans but for each other says a lot about their immense characters on the court.
Look further and glance at the stands, and you would find RedFoo in the corner with his Wilson “Juice” tennis racquet in hand, quietly supporting Azarenka. During nearly every changeover, the ever-popular musician kindly obliged to take photos and chat with fans while enjoying the evening.
After Azarenka went up a quick 2-0 to open the second set, Williams evened it out. At 3-all, Azarenka did what Caroline Wozniacki did during last year’s BNP Paribas Showdown, as she brought up her boyfriend to play a few points against Williams. RedFoo may need to work on that serve a bit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nap5SdCHd5U
After all the fun, Williams cruised to a solid finish, closing it out 6-4 in the second set, but not before playing a few points using their left hands and drawing cheers and laughter from the audience.
In their joint post-match press conference, the two ladies were at ease with each other, showing just how close of friends they are off the court. Azarenka revealed that her and Williams are in the process of recording a karaoke duet together of Rihanna’s “Stay,” with Williams on vocals and Azarenka on piano. It sounds like an great way for tennis players to pass the time on Tour, and Azarenka even joked that they should debut their musical collaboration as a concert at Madison Square Garden.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_ZO1apgwrE
Next up on the tennis menu was the men’s singles match featuring Juan Martin del Potro and Rafael Nadal, who was taking to the hard courts for the first time since returning from his knee injury earlier this year.
Tennis exhibitions are known to not invoke full speed play from their competitors – but someone forgot to tell that to Nadal, who hustled for every volley, overhead and groundstroke. From the first point, the two players came out with a purpose – hitting winners all over the court in front of a highly-energized and cheering arena. The first set went the distance as del Potro pulled off the upset and won in a tiebreaker, 7-6(4), and followed it up with a 6-4 score in the second set to seal the win.
With most of the points seeing both players running down balls and displaying deft skills at net, a few splashes of humor added to the mix. Known as one of the most serious players on court, Nadal flashed his million dollar smile and jokes on several occasions, showing that he really does have fun on a tennis court no matter the setting.
There were points with exchanged ‘tweeners, ball head butts and plenty of fan interaction. At one point with Nadal about to serve, a woman ten rows up shouted that she loved him and he turned and threw her a ball. She then proceeded to send him air kisses for which he smiled and reciprocated the deed.
The moment of the night though occurred in the second set tied at 3-all, when, on the changeover, Nadal whispered something to del Potro and proceeded to pick out Ben Stiller from the crowd to join them on court for some doubles. With del Potro about to serve to Stiller and Nadal, he decided he needed his own partner and found a young girl from the audience to join him – and she easily stole the show. Check out the full clip below of one of the most entertaining and memorable moments in tennis history that I can remember.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4TF0imqn5w
In their own joint post-match press conference that started at 11:45pm, Nadal and del Potro were both relaxed with Nadal taking most of the questions regarding his knee, goals and schedule. Del Potro imparted his own thoughts on a few subjects with his own sweet charm, but otherwise silently enjoyed listening to his friend Nadal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHmu6KreFw8
With the evening coming to a close to the tune of “New York, New York,” World Tennis Day witnessed four tennis greats coming together for an honorable cause, and also assured us that the return of Rafael Nadal to the hard courts was a VERY good thing.
Rafael Nadal candid on his return to hard courts, "worst part" of his knee injury
By Romi Cvitkovic
NEW YORK, NY (March 4, 2013) – In town to participate in the BNP Paribas Showdown as part of World Tennis Day, Rafael Nadal spoke candidly about his return to the hard court, the “worst part” about his rehabilitation and thoughts on his upcoming schedule. (Full presser gallery at bottom)
Arriving in a room full of media and distinguished guests, including 2013 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductees Cliff Drysdale and Charlie Pasarell, Nadal went for a more dressed-down look in a Nike hoodie and cap.
As Nadal began answering questions, I noticed a new demeanor and focus in him. Despite sometimes being overly-critical or even agitated at post-match press conferences, today Nadal smiled more freely and carried himself with an air of pure joy. He just came off of a title-winning week in Acapulco and truly feels “lucky” to be back on a tennis court and playing competitively again, and it translated in his attitude today.
Nadal admitted that the first half of his 2012 season before injury where he won four titles, including Roland Garros were “the best first half of a season in my career … it was difficult that I could not keep playing (because of) my knee.” Those tough days made his return even sweeter as he smiled that he’s “very excited to be back on the Tour. Last week, I started to feel much better in Acapulco. I started to feel free to run for plenty of balls and that’s fantastic for me.”
Nadal will next travel to Indian Wells, CA for the BNP Paribas Open and is eager to take on the competition there for the first time on the hard courts since his return.
“We will see how the knee answers better next week in Indian Wells when you play an official match. That will be a big test for me. Today I know that I can play on clay – that’s a very important thing to know, for me. I will try next week on hard. I think it’s a process. After a long time without playing tennis, it will be a process to adapt mainly to the competition. I hope I will have chances to play a normal calendar as I did in the past years.”
So, just how difficult was the time away from the court for Nadal?
“ When you are at home working every day at the gym with rehabilitation, with the doctors, and you try different treatments, and you see not the best result possible in a short period of time … it’s not easy to accept sometimes … I think was not an easy time, but at the same time, I had the chance to be with my family, friends. I tried to do different things that I usually cannot. It was tough. Every day you work, every day you wake up, every day thinking ‘How will the knee be today? Is the knee still bad?’ … I didn’t know when I would be back, that was the toughest part.”
Nadal also re-iterated that it’s difficult to plan his schedule much in advance these days any more, as he takes everything “day by day” gauging the pain and feel in his knee. With the BNP Paribas Open starting this coming week for Nadal, it will be a true test to see just what his knee can withstand.
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Ernests Gulbis' Best and Wackiest Moments from Delray Beach
By Romi Cvitkovic
What comes to mind when you hear the name Ernests Gulbis?
Natural talent with a massive serve and forehand? Hot-headed and tempered? Countless racquet smashes and use of profanity during match play? Whatever your answer, one thing is for certain: Gulbis is endlessly entertaining.
Along with some of his more impressive quotes from the past here and here, below is a sampling of Gulbis’ best and most wackiest moments from this past week at Delray Beach — sprinkled with some quotes from his exclusive interview with TenniShorts.
The champion of racquet smashes
In his second round win over Sam Querrey, Gulbis changed racquets at least a dozen times for various reasons — and among them was one of his enraged racquet smashes early in the third. He then went down 0-4 before climbing out to take it 7-6(4) in the third.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ElJAmVPuQ
Did he just diss … Roger Federer?
After losing his cool in the third set versus Querrey, Gulbis commented on his frustration about being unable to maintain his early advantage, as well as pique at some line calls.
“You like (the outbursts), everybody likes it. I think tennis has lost a little fire. Which interesting characters do we have nowadays? Everybody is trying to be like Roger (Federer). Look back 20 years. They gave interesting interviews, they gave a show on the court. It was fire. I’m not scared to show my emotions.”
Talking trash about the top 100
“I was really getting pissed to see who’s in the top 100. There are some guys who I don’t know who they are. Some guys, I’m sorry, with respect — they can’t play tennis.”
“I don’t know how they got into the top 100. It’s tough, but I think I’m much better than them and I just want to prove to myself by the rankings, also. It’s a motivation.”
“I dropped out of the top 100 which I always said it’s not possible. I proved to everybody that it is possible (laughs). I watch the rankings … believe that if i play my best game I believe I can still make it into the top 10. I don’t know when it’s going to be — this year or next year — but I’ve set my goals.”
An f-bomb followed by some more choice words
After a bad miss during his match against Querrey, Gulbis dropped an f-bomb and was rewarded with a point penalty by the chair umpire. Recognizing his own inadequacies as well the chair umpire’s, Gulbis barked back a few choice words as he walked away from the umpire’s chair.
“You’re shitty at your job. I’m shitty at my job.”
When you can’t perform, just blame your head
In his on-court interview after his win over Querrey, Gulbis admitted that his racquet was fine (despite the smashes and throws) and that it was all mental.
“The racquets and strings were perfect. It was issues with me and my head … I was really pissed off that I couldn’t close the second set. I lost my concentration.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JWngE9CYJk
On not being polite to everybody
Always a raw personality in tennis, he commented on whether he would like more players to have his fiery and honest attitude.
“I’m good alone. Thank you (laughs). I feel good alone. I just (say) what’s on my mind — not really paying attention to being maybe polite to everybody. I just say what I think. If I think that I’m better than (you), then I say it. If I think I’m worse than (you), I say it also. I don’t think think it’s much to do with interesting personalities, just being who you are. And that’s what I believe in.”
He doesn’t care what you say but won’t judge you either
Gulbis has always been a popular topic among fans and media for his cycles of intereste for tennis followed by disinterest. So what does he think about all the things people say about him being an underacheiver?
“I don’t care what people say because I never judge nobody in my life. I never was in anybody’s shoes, (and others have) never (been) in my shoes. They don’t know how I practice, how I don’t practice — I always practice hard … Just that the things outside of the court sometimes I tend to screw up. Now, I’m not doing that anymore. Now, it’s good from both sides: I’m practicing still hard and I’m doing better off court.”
“So, about talent, it’s all relative. Who cares about talent if there’s no hard work? What are you going to do with your underachievers? I don’t want to be one of them.”
After 8 years on Tour, Gulbis finally “really wants to do this”
Admitting to his party-boy ways on more than one occassion, Gulbis has recently stated he is recommitted to tennis with his increased dedication to practicing and fitness work.
“Before, I didn’t understand the game, I didn’t understand why I’m doing this honestly. I didn’t have any particular goals. And now since the end of last year, I’ve set certain goals for myself about what I want to prove.”
“This is the first year I really want to do this. I’m starting to enjoy tennis much more … I had a couple of good wins and enjoyed it. Then I went on the wrong path and was doing wrong stuff for my game.”
“Now, I want to play maybe five more years and do the best I can.”
Bonus Footage
And in case you’re not familiar with Gulbis’ loopy windup forehand, check it out below. It’s been a bit re-mastered since his 2010 days with his left hand taking on a life of it’s own apparently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmixYOD5q04
Junior Slam Champ Ana Konjuh Dedicates Wins to Ill Sister; Receives Warm Welcome in Zagreb
By Romi Cvitkovic
January 26, 2013 — After winning both the Girls’ singles and doubles Australian Open titles this past week in Melbourne, it’s evident that 15-year-old Croat Ana Konjuh is a WTA star in the making. But what makes her wins all the more remarkable are her unusual circumstances at home.
Konjuh grew up in a tight-knit family in the coastal city of Dubrovnik, and as the second youngest of four girls, didn’t jump into tennis until her older sister Andrea first start competing.
At this time last year, Ana was ranked 860th in the world in juniors, and after a particularly successful fall and winter campaign, she has climbed all the way to No. 3 — turning heads from fans, media and past Slam champions like Goran Ivanisevic.
The young star won seven of the thirteen junior tournaments she entered last year, and also dabbled in some senior ITF events.
But her wins didn’t come easy on a personal level as she was dealt a severe blow at home. Last Fall, her sister Antonia, who is one year older and whom she is very close to, was diagnosed with an extremely rare illness.
Ana’s father Mario recounted to Dubrovnik Net the details of their miserable and uncertain forty-plus days as a family when Antonia became suddenly ill: “Our world collapsed when the doctors told us it would be easier if she was suffering from a tumor,” so severe was the extent of the initial unknown nature of her illness.
On a normal day last October, Antonia simply collapsed to the floor and froze. She was rushed to the hospital and doctors first believed that it was epilepsy. But within a few days her health had worsened. She lost her ability to speak and couldn’t recognize anyone, then fell into a coma for forty days, ensuring she would spend her sixteenth birthday in the hospital. She quickly lost 30 lbs and was merely a shadow of her former healthy self, with only “her heart and lung functioning” according to her father.
Weeks later, the diagnosis finally came: it was a very rare disease, a type of inflammation of the brain from which only 50 people in the world suffer, and all among the elderly. It was first discovered in the US about five years ago.
“We were told that the disease is very severe,” commented Mario. “Incurable. Our world came crumbling down … Her brain stopped functioning, she made completely inarticulate sounds, her face was a blur … It’s very scary for parents.”
Mario further stated that he and his wife Iris did not leave their daughter’s bedside but at the same time “felt infinitely helpless” as any parent would with a suffering child.
“You can have everything in the world, but you can’t help her in any way,” said Mario. “That state of helplessness while watching the life leaving from your daughter is the worst thing that could possibly happen. Nights and nights were spent on the internet, looking for some clue that would offer a lifeline.”
Finally, a “lifeline” came in the form of two London-based doctor who specialized in autoimmune diseases. They, along with Antonia’s Croatian physicians, were doing everything they could to help their daughter. Prayers from family, friends and strangers were given to the ailing girl, and after a while a miracle occurred.
“After thirty-something days, Antonia awakened out of her coma,” recalled Mario. “On the second day, she uttered an entire word. Ten days later, she began to eat with a spoon. The twelfth, she stood up and walked again. It was a medical miracle … Antonia ‘returned from the dead.’ The same way the disease fell upon her, it left her just as quickly.”
During this trying time, Ana’s training took a back seat as the family put all their efforts into Antonia’s well-being. But Ana continued competing a few weeks after her sister fell into a coma and her results, of course, suffered.
But as is the way of the world, Antonia’s emergence from her coma paralleled Ana’s resurgence up the junior ranks. At the same time Antonia’s health began to improve last November, so too Ana began winning tournaments.
“When you draw a line today and follow the situation with Antonia and the sporting success of Ana, we find similarities in their ups and downs,” said Mario. “Life must go on regardless of how one feels. At that time in our lives, Antonia was our priority.”
Mario continues, referencing the difficulties Ana faced in competing while her sister was in the hospital: “Ana did continue to train, but it was more torture than pleasure. We had planned for her to start playing her (first senior ITF tournaments) in Dubrovnik, which she did, but without any big results. She was under stress.”
Ana then played another senior ITF tournament during which she suffered an injury, but it didn’t stop her from convincing her father and team that she should travel to the US to compete in the Eddie Herr and the Orange Bowl tournaments. His only advice to his young daughter? “Listen to your inner voice.” Needless to say, Ana went on to win both events.
She continued that run, dedicating each win to her sister, including both Junior Australian Open titles. Ana and Antonia are sisters already but their lives became even more interwoven as they shared in their joys together.
It’s not hard to see their strong family dynamic as Ana faced a warm reception by both family and spectators at the Zagreb airport the other day. It takes a very strong 15-year-old girl to face challenges like this and come out the victor.
Hell of an accomplishment these last few months have been, Ana. You certainly have a new fan in me.
Video of her arrival at the Zagreb airport, in Croatian, where Goran Ivanisevic also awaited her, at bottom.
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(h/t to GoranVR; Zagreb airport arrival photos via 24satahr and Dubrovacki Vjesnik)