WTA Stuttgart(II) 9/27-10/5/08

[Scotty]

Anke Huber alert!

TC coverage just showed her in the stands, and she looks great.

[Drop-shot]

Anyone has a livefeed?

[Scotty]

Tiebreak!

big serve, Vee 1-0
JJ moves Venus everywhere, BH winner down the line, 1-1
return error, JJ 2-1
serves sets up easy FH winner, 2-2
very deep FH return draws error, JJ 3-2
GREAT point, Vee's stab FH volley JUST far enough away from JJ to make BH pass go wide, 3-3

(crowd chants Aj-de Je-lena, Aj-de on changeover)

ugh, DF, Vee 4-3
return long, Vee 5-3
JJ challenges ump's overrule that first serve was good, and was CORRECT?
2nd serve: wow, DF Vee 5-4
BH down the line draws FH net, 5-5

(Scotty's heartbeat quickens)

BH down the line JUST wide, Vee 6-5
BH down the line return draws FH net, 6-6

(just how much caffeine is IN this latte, anyway?)

backhand into the net, Vee 7-6
FH retrun well long, 7-7
slice serve, then BH down the line draws error, JJ 8-7
wicked slice up the T, off JJ's racket tip, 8-8

(gasp)

JJ BH called long, JJ challenges ... just long, Vee 9-8
ugh, BH long, TB to Vee 10-8

[Scotty]

Anyone has a livefeed?

try ESPN360.com? I think they were showing earlier in the week.

[Ti-Amie]

Not the best but here's a feed.

http://de.justin.tv/smart_betting

[Scotty]

Vee faces 3 break points at 1-2.

One saved.

Two saved (great slice serve, then hit behind JJ, who tried to reach the shot from her knees).

2nd serve ... let cord BARELY goes over ... 2nd 2nd serve in, then Vee BH long.

JJ 3-1 in 2nd set.

[Drop-shot]

Not the best but here's a feed.

http://de.justin.tv/smart_betting

thanks Ti!

Looks OK

BTW, Moscow draws are out: http://www.kremlincup.ru/db/grids/19/

[Scotty]

Vee has come back strong in the second, to 3-3 0-40 on JJ's serve.

JJ saves two break points, now three.

on the first one, Jelena hit an unwise half-volley drop-shot, but got away with it, when Venus hit it into the net.

Ad - JJ and Vee hits great FH winner down the line.

but then two BHs wide hand Jelena the hold. 4-3 for the Serb.

[tinamarie]

:cheesy::cheesy::cheesy::cheesy:

Jelena wins the second set on her fourth set point. Ajde!!

some great points in this game

[Scotty]

Two BPs/Set Points for JJ, as Vee serves 5-6 15-40.

JJ's FH down the line JUST wide.

30-40: very good long rally. Tough deep shots. Vee playing more defense. Then JJ misses FH into the net.

deuce: another excellent long rally. Jelena finishes with down the line FH winner. Sets up another BP/SP

off-speed slice serve throws off JJ. FH return into net.

deuce: big serve up T, JJ lofts back, and off-balance Vee hits FH into net.

ad JJ: Vee comes in, good volley. JJ JUST reaches it, FH pass down the line. ... called good. Vee challenges ... it's on the outside edge of the line.

We're going three (as has happened every time but once when these two have played).

[Foxykhat]

URGH VENUS!!!

Foxy

[Scotty]

yeah, Vee should have broken there. Errors on BPs, including on a 2nd serve return after successfully challenging a first serve call.

3-0 Jelena.

[Scotty]

Great serves by Vee to hold for 1-3. Three aces: two nasty slices, then the heater up the T.

[Tscott415]

Wow key hold by Jelena right there at 3-1. Saved a bundle of break points really using her forehand angle cross court to pull Venus off court and get some errors.

[Scotty]

Another hold and it's 5-2 Jelena. She only needs one more.

I'll agree with Corina Morariu that Vee is standing too close in to return first serves. She's been rushed into return errors too many times. It works quite well on second serves, though.

[jjnow]

Another typical Venus match against Jelena. :rolleyes:

[aedra1119]

Oh Venus. 2/16 on break points just won't cut it. :(

[Foxykhat]

Another typical Venus match against Jelena. :rolleyes:

Venus should have won in two but...

Anyway I guess the pointing of the stop watch in her face when she serves got to her and the constant complaining. OH well!!!

Foxy

[Scotty]

match points: Jelena

Vee saves one.

30-40: FH long. G-S-M Jankovic!

[suliso]

Jelena is definitely the worst match up for Venus (other than Serena perhaps). Jelena is now leading 5-3.

[jjnow]

Grass will now be the only surface she can defeat her on. And not even making your opponent serve it out? Nice.

At least I like both of the finalists.

[tinamarie]

Venus should have won in two but...

A.nyway I guess the pointing of the stop watch in her face when she serves got to her and the constant complaining OH well!!!

Foxy

I am really happy Jelena won, but nevertheless I thought that was extremely rude. Who was the man anyway? Jelena's coach?

[Scotty]

More fun with JJ in on-court interviews. She needs the car to match her shoes. "But I wear heels, not tennis shoes in the car."

line of the week? German interviewer: "I am joking, too."

[Foxykhat]

I am really happy Jelena won, but nevertheless I thought that was extremely rude. Who was the man anyway? Jelena's coach?

Yes he is. The thing is JJ does a bunch of crap on court and gets away with it, she did her fair about of whining and complaining, reason I could never be a fan but I won't get into it. Still whatever, Venus blew her opportunities in the second set.

Foxy

[jlhct]

I am really happy Jelena won, but nevertheless I thought that was extremely rude. Who was the man anyway? Jelena's coach?

I missed it...what is this whole stopwatch thing?

Sounds like another episode of "As Jelena's world turns" LOL

[Foxykhat]

Grass will now be the only surface she can defeat her on. And not even making your opponent serve it out? Nice.

Venus has beaten JJ on Clay and Hard Courts so... Their matches usually goes 3 and are always winnable by Venus she just needs to take her chances when she has them. 40/0 and not breaking is unacceptable. Also a horrible start to the 3 set, and maybe although Venus did not complain just knowing the stop watch might come out again got to her.

At least I like both of the finalists.

Sorry, I honest cannot stand one.

Foxy

[tinamarie]

I missed it...what is this whole stopwatch thing?

Sounds like another episode of "As Jelena's world turns" LOL


I think it started in the second set. Jelena's coach pulled out a stoppwatch and started to time how long Venus needs to get ready to serve. He made sure everyone noticed what he was doing and even went to tell the referee (? not sure about the term here, not the umpire, but another higher official) about it.
Jelena complained as well, but I think that was ok as Venus did took long at times between points... But still, the coach's behavior was just way too much and very rude.

[jjnow]

Venus and Jelena have a history on this serve speed issue. Venus complained that Jelena was speed serving during their Wimbledon match in 2006. Serena played Jelena a month later in Los Angeles and slammed an overhead right at her. Probably coincidence, but ESPN's official muckraker, Pam Shriver, thought not.

And you may remember Jelena complained about Serena taking too much time between serves during their USO final.

I don't think there's love lost between these three. I didn't see the match, but it does sound like a rude tactic from her coach.

[missinandre]

I am just getting on.....I had to go to the park. I had a very good time watching the match when they first came out.....they both had some excellent tennis going on until the second set....Jelena was just nasty today, sorry folks. She was typical Jelena in overdrive...not even exceptional tennis...just a whole lot more drama that encouraged by her coach..and it was just nasty to watch. Even her demeanor when she challenged calls was nasty...her body language, the look on her face, her movements, the tone of her voice....it was so STUPID! And I hated...I hated how the cameras would show Jelena's mother in the stands laughing when Jelena would have a hissy fit....If Kimmy was still here...she'd smack that crap right down......Serena would have sent a couple of body shots her way.....

Obviously...I'm disappointed that Venus lost....but....honestly, it got to a point in the second set where I couldn't watch any longer because I was just so disgusted over the overwhelming amount of drama coming from Jelena's direction.

It isn't funny anymore.

And I didn't even mention how unprofessional I thought her coach was.. :(

Don't mean to be mean...and with all due respect to Jelena's fans on the board but I sincerely hope Petrova kicks Jelena's ass all the way back to where....EVER!

[Ti-Amie]

I missed the stop watch thing. Serena would've sent one right at her.
I saw Venus had a look of "whatever" on her face in the third set and knew it was over. Richard's expression was one of sympathy for his daughter. I think that's the best way to put it.

I no longer find Jelena amusing either. The falling on the floor, the splits, the so called physical problems, it's all too much.

Was it Sanchez shoving the watch in Venus face or that other heavy set man who kept jumping up and down?

[suliso]

Venus and Jelena have a history on this serve speed issue. Venus complained that Jelena was speed serving during their Wimbledon match in 2006. Serena played Jelena a month later in Los Angeles and slammed an overhead right at her. Probably coincidence, but ESPN's official muckraker, Pam Shriver, thought not.

:confused:

Like taking too little time? :cheesy:

P.S. Jelena is entertaining, but sometimes she does take it too far... But I will still be rooting for her in the final - Petrova is just a bore...

[jjnow]

:confused:

Like taking too little time? :cheesy:


Yes. Venus complained that she was still getting in postion to return when Jelena was serving.

Which, I don't know if it was intentional. Or if it was, she does it to everyone. Jelena has that Capriati tendency to not come up for air on her own service games.

[Foxykhat]

I am just getting on.....I had to go to the park. I had a very good time watching the match when they first came out.....they both had some excellent tennis going on until the second set....Jelena was just nasty today, sorry folks. She was typical Jelena in overdrive...not even exceptional tennis...just a whole lot more drama that encouraged by her coach..and it was just nasty to watch. Even her demeanor when she challenged calls was nasty...her body language, the look on her face, her movements, the tone of her voice....it was so STUPID! And I hated...I hated how the cameras would show Jelena's mother in the stands laughing when Jelena would have a hissy fit....If Kimmy was still here...she'd smack that crap right down......Serena would have sent a couple of body shots her way.....

Obviously...I'm disappointed that Venus lost....but....honestly, it got to a point in the second set where I couldn't watch any longer because I was just so disgusted over the overwhelming amount of drama coming from Jelena's direction.

It isn't funny anymore.

And I didn't even mention how unprofessional I thought her coach was.. :(

Don't mean to be mean...and with all due respect to Jelena's fans on the board but I sincerely hope Petrova kicks Jelena's ass all the way back to where....EVER!

Say it again sister.


I missed the stop watch thing. Serena would've sent one right at her.
I saw Venus had a look of "whatever" on her face in the third set and knew it was over. Richard's expression was one of sympathy for his daughter. I think that's the best way to put it.

I no longer find Jelena amusing either. The falling on the floor, the splits, the so called physical problems, it's all too much.

They never were. What I find funny is, people thinks it's endearing and or hilarious but it's not. Never was and never will be.

Was it Sanchez shoving the watch in Venus face or that other heavy set man who kept jumping up and down?

I think Venus practically gave up and said it was not worth it, which is wrong but...

Foxy

[jlhct]

I think it started in the second set. Jelena's coach pulled out a stoppwatch and started to time how long Venus needs to get ready to serve. He made sure everyone noticed what he was doing and even went to tell the referee (? not sure about the term here, not the umpire, but another higher official) about it.
Jelena complained as well, but I think that was ok as Venus did took long at times between points... But still, the coach's behavior was just way too much and very rude.


Wow...definitely sounds like another episode! :)

that is too bad though, I didn't see the whole match but from what I did see it was pretty good. Too bad it has to be overshadowed by that mess!

[GVGirl]

I missed most of the matches today so I'm going to check out TC for the repeat of the matches and see the diva "drama."

[TalkAboutTennis]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/amierin/misc/89185982.jpg

Results - Saturday, October 4, 2008
Singles - Semifinals
(2) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (6) Venus Williams (USA) 67(8) 75 62
Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 64 64

Doubles - Semifinals
(1) Peschke/Stubbs (CZE/AUS) d. Hlavackova/Hradecka (CZE/CZE) 64 75
(WC) Groenefeld/Schnyder (GER/SUI) d. (3) Azarenka/A.Radwanska (BLR/POL) 26 64 119 (Match TB)

[TalkAboutTennis]

Order of Play - Sunday, October 5, 2008
Center Court (from 13.00hrs)

1. Singles Final: Petrova vs. Jankovic
2. Doubles Final: Peschke/Stubbs vs. Groenefeld/Schnyder

[Charlie02123]

Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 64 64

:)

I think she'll get a nice bump in the rankings from this. She should move up two or three spots in the ranking and race. I think she'll end up something like 15th (ranking) and 12th (race) if Jankovic wins.

[Jack]

:)

I think she'll get a nice bump in the rankings from this. She should move up two or three spots in the ranking and race. I think she'll end up something like 15th (ranking) and 12th (race) if Jankovic wins.

She's 14th if Jankovic wins, 13th if she wins (entry).

She's 12th in the race if she loses, 11th if she wins. (If she loses, Wozniacki's only about 13 points behind her in 13th place; and Schnyder's a point ahead of her in 11th.)

[tinamarie]

Jelena takes the first set with an ace:)

She broke in the opening game and saved both bp she faced in her first two service games. Nadja had some chances in Jelena's other service games as well, but too many UE kept her from leveling the set.

first set winner/UE

Jelena:2/8

Nadja: 15/19

[tinamarie]

Jelena wins 6:3 in the second:)

It was a really bad match, though. Nadja couldnt get it together, so pretty much all Jelena had to do was bring everything back. But congrats to her anyways on her second consecutive title:)

one strange thing happend, though. Midway in the second set, a ball kid handed Jelena something to eat and a note (!!) from her mother.:shocked: that is illegal coaching, right? very weird.

[GVGirl]

:jadal:

Random testing of new smilie.

[nelslus]

WHAT a heartwarming result. Please note that Miss Jankovic showed us all a new level of bravery with this win, with Miss Jankovic's having to have both legs amputated on court (her doctor of course gave her two shots first to cope with the ouchies) after winning the first set.

[GVGirl]

WHAT a heartwarming result. Please note that Miss Jankovic showed us all a new level of bravery with this win, with Miss Jankovic's having to have both legs amputated on court (her doctor of course gave her two shots first to cope with the ouchies) after winning the first set.


:hyst::jadal:

[mmmm8]

RESULTS
Singles - Final
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20081005/capt.d92aebecb85d4af4b109d243a7001387.germany_pors che_tennis_gp_mas135.jpg

(2) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Nadia Petrova (RUS) 64 63

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20081005/capt.42be8f5621174ae6bb825500a376010c.germany_pors che_tennis_gp_mas132.jpg

Doubles - Final
http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/83134343.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19303D83A05122D2369006BCA2800BB291B E30A760B0D811297

(WC) Groenefeld/Schnyder (GER/SUI) d. (1) Peschke/Stubbs (CZE/AUS) 62 64

[mmmm8]

http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/83134343.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19303D83A05122D2369006BCA2800BB291B E30A760B0D811297

P-A-T-T-Y, P-A-T-T-Y, PATTY SCHNYDER, "Animal at the Net!"


(Sorry, everyone)

[rabbit]

one strange thing happend, though. Midway in the second set, a ball kid handed Jelena something to eat and a note (!!) from her mother.:shocked: that is illegal coaching, right? very weird.

Strange. Jelena has not done anything to endear herself this week, and I get the unpleasant feeling that her mom might not be as serene as she seems to be... Hope I'm wrong.

[tinamarie]

I am probably really late to comment on this, but I just learned that this was the last year the tournament took place in the fall and on hardcourt. Next year, it will be the first ever indoor clay tournament, taking place 25th of April to May 3rd... According to Scott, it will belong to the top category of tournaments (whatever that means under "roadmap") with "guaranteed" participation of three top ten players, but he expects "more top ten players will come". So there isnt a restriction for how many top ten players are allowed to play a tournament after all? I dont really get "Roadmap"....

(quotes: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/weitere/ticker/tennis/news/top2/iptc-bdt-20080930-501-dpa_19084740/)

[Moose]

Ajde Jelena. 2nd title in a row, back to the #1 spot in the rankings.

[verucasalt]

I am probably really late to comment on this, but I just learned that this was the last year the tournament took place in the fall and on hardcourt. Next year, it will be the first ever indoor clay tournament, taking place 25th of April to May 3rd... According to Scott, it will belong to the top category of tournaments (whatever that means under "roadmap") with "guaranteed" participation of three top ten players, but he expects "more top ten players will come". So there isnt a restriction for how many top ten players are allowed to play a tournament after all? I dont really get "Roadmap"....

(quotes: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/weitere/ticker/tennis/news/top2/iptc-bdt-20080930-501-dpa_19084740/)

Leif Shiras said this a couple days ago on the Tennis Channel. I was hoping he misspoke. :undecided:

[pamchenko]

one strange thing happend, though. Midway in the second set, a ball kid handed Jelena something to eat and a note (!!) from her mother.:shocked: that is illegal coaching, right?

Is it automatically coaching, no matter what the note says? I didn't see this on the US coverage, but then I was fast forwarding a lot. :p

The food thing I've seen before, most notably when Tio Toni handed down Nadal a bag of sandwiches during one of his matches at Roland Garros this year. It was like he'd called in an order to Subway or something. :cheesy:

[aedra1119]

P-A-T-T-Y, P-A-T-T-Y, PATTY SCHNYDER, "Animal at the Net!"


(Sorry, everyone)

LOL. :cheesy:

[missinandre]

I am probably really late to comment on this, but I just learned that this was the last year the tournament took place in the fall and on hardcourt. Next year, it will be the first ever indoor clay tournament, taking place 25th of April to May 3rd... According to Scott, it will belong to the top category of tournaments (whatever that means under "roadmap") with "guaranteed" participation of three top ten players, but he expects "more top ten players will come". So there isnt a restriction for how many top ten players are allowed to play a tournament after all? I dont really get "Roadmap"....

(quotes: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/weitere/ticker/tennis/news/top2/iptc-bdt-20080930-501-dpa_19084740/)


Some of the events are allowed three top tenners, some are allowed unlimited top tenners, some are allowed no top tenners....On my other site...we have a specific post that states the exact number of top players each event can have. Let me go see if I can find it.

[missinandre]

I am probably really late to comment on this, but I just learned that this was the last year the tournament took place in the fall and on hardcourt. Next year, it will be the first ever indoor clay tournament, taking place 25th of April to May 3rd... According to Scott, it will belong to the top category of tournaments (whatever that means under "roadmap") with "guaranteed" participation of three top ten players, but he expects "more top ten players will come". So there isnt a restriction for how many top ten players are allowed to play a tournament after all? I dont really get "Roadmap"....

(quotes: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/weitere/ticker/tennis/news/top2/iptc-bdt-20080930-501-dpa_19084740/)

The # in parentheses indicates how many top 10 players that tourney is allowed to have

Jan 05 - Brisbane (no Top-10 players)
-------- Auckland (no Top-10 players)

Jan 12 - Sydney (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
-------- Hobart (no Top-10 players)

Jan 19 - AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Feb 02 - Fed Cup I

Feb 09 - Paris Indoors (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
--------- Pattaya City (no Top-10 players)
--------- Viña del Mar (no top-10 players)

Feb 16 - Dubai (seven Top-10 players)
--------- Memphis (no Top-10 players)
--------- Bogotá (no Top-10 players)

Feb 23 - Bangalore (no top-10 players)
--------- Acapulco (no Top-10 players)

Mar 02 - Antwerp (no Top-10 players)
--------- TBC (no Top-10 players)

Mar 09 - Indian Wells (MANDATORY)

Mar 23 - Miami (MANDATORY)

Apr 06 - Amelia Island (no Top-10 players)

Apr 13 - Charleston (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Barcelona (no Top-10 players)

Apr 20 - Fed Cup II

Apr 27 - Stuttgart (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Fes (no Top-10 players)

May 04 - Rome (seven Top-10 players)
--------- Estoril (no Top-10 players)

May 11 - Madrid (MANDATORY)

May 18 - Berlin (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
--------- Strasbourg (no Top-10 players)

May 25 - ROLAND GARROS

Jun 08 - Birmingham (no Top-10 players)

Jun 15 - Eastbourne (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
-------- s'Hertogenbosch (no Top-10 players)

Jun 22 - WIMBLEDON

Jul 06 - Budapest (no Top-10 players)
-------- Stockholm (no Top-10 players)

Jul 13 - Prague (no Top-10 players)
-------- Palermo (no Top-10 players)

Jul 20 - Portoroz (no Top-10 players)
-------- Warsaw (no Top-10 players)

Jul 27 - Stanford (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Istanbul (no Top-10 players)

Aug 03 - Los Angeles (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)

Aug 10 - Cincinatti (seven Top-10 players)

Aug 17 - Toronto (seven Top-10 players)

Aug 24 - New Haven (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)

Aug 31 - US OPEN

Sep 14 - Guangzhou (no Top-10 players)
--------- Quebec City (no Top-10 players)
--------- Tashkent (no Top-10 players)

Sep 21 - Seoul (no Top-10 players)
--------- Kolkata (no Top-10 players)

Sep 28 - Tokyo Indoors (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)

Oct 05 - Beijing (MANDATORY)

Oct 12 - Linz (no Top-10 players)
-------- Japan Open (TBC) (no Top-10 players)
-------- Singapore (no Top-10 players)

Oct 19 - Moscow (seven Top-10 players)
-------- Luxembourg (no Top-10 players)

Oct 26 - WTA Tour Sony Ericsson Championships - Doha

Nov 02 - Fed Cup Final
--------- Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions - Bali***

***Best seven performers in the international level tournaments (who have not otherwise qualified for the Sony Ericsson Championships), along with one wildcard will participate in a Round Robin format.

[evil_juju]

P-A-T-T-Y, P-A-T-T-Y, PATTY SCHNYDER, "Animal at the Net!"


(Sorry, everyone)


LOL!!!!!!!

[patrick]

The # in parentheses indicates how many top 10 players that tourney is allowed to have

Jan 05 - Brisbane (no Top-10 players)
-------- Auckland (no Top-10 players)

Jan 12 - Sydney (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
-------- Hobart (no Top-10 players)

Jan 19 - AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Feb 02 - Fed Cup I

Feb 09 - Paris Indoors (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
--------- Pattaya City (no Top-10 players)
--------- Viña del Mar (no top-10 players)

Feb 16 - Dubai (seven Top-10 players)
--------- Memphis (no Top-10 players)
--------- Bogotá (no Top-10 players)

Feb 23 - Bangalore (no top-10 players)
--------- Acapulco (no Top-10 players)

Mar 02 - Antwerp (no Top-10 players)
--------- TBC (no Top-10 players)

Mar 09 - Indian Wells (MANDATORY)

Mar 23 - Miami (MANDATORY)

Apr 06 - Amelia Island (no Top-10 players)

Apr 13 - Charleston (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Barcelona (no Top-10 players)

Apr 20 - Fed Cup II

Apr 27 - Stuttgart (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Fes (no Top-10 players)

May 04 - Rome (seven Top-10 players)
--------- Estoril (no Top-10 players)

May 11 - Madrid (MANDATORY)

May 18 - Berlin (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
--------- Strasbourg (no Top-10 players)

May 25 - ROLAND GARROS

Jun 08 - Birmingham (no Top-10 players)

Jun 15 - Eastbourne (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
-------- s'Hertogenbosch (no Top-10 players)

Jun 22 - WIMBLEDON

Jul 06 - Budapest (no Top-10 players)
-------- Stockholm (no Top-10 players)

Jul 13 - Prague (no Top-10 players)
-------- Palermo (no Top-10 players)

Jul 20 - Portoroz (no Top-10 players)
-------- Warsaw (no Top-10 players)

Jul 27 - Stanford (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Istanbul (no Top-10 players)

Aug 03 - Los Angeles (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)

Aug 10 - Cincinatti (seven Top-10 players)

Aug 17 - Toronto (seven Top-10 players)

Aug 24 - New Haven (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)

Aug 31 - US OPEN

Sep 14 - Guangzhou (no Top-10 players)
--------- Quebec City (no Top-10 players)
--------- Tashkent (no Top-10 players)

Sep 21 - Seoul (no Top-10 players)
--------- Kolkata (no Top-10 players)

Sep 28 - Tokyo Indoors (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)

Oct 05 - Beijing (MANDATORY)

Oct 12 - Linz (no Top-10 players)
-------- Japan Open (TBC) (no Top-10 players)
-------- Singapore (no Top-10 players)

Oct 19 - Moscow (seven Top-10 players)
-------- Luxembourg (no Top-10 players)

Oct 26 - WTA Tour Sony Ericsson Championships - Doha

Nov 02 - Fed Cup Final
--------- Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions - Bali***

***Best seven performers in the international level tournaments (who have not otherwise qualified for the Sony Ericsson Championships), along with one wildcard will participate in a Round Robin format.


Read on Ana website and SEWTA that Ana will be playing Brisbane and I was confused but I got clarification that she can play 2 "International" events (one per half).

[JelenaFan]

The # in parentheses indicates how many top 10 players that tourney is allowed to have

Jan 05 - Brisbane (no Top-10 players)
-------- Auckland (no Top-10 players)

Jan 12 - Sydney (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
-------- Hobart (no Top-10 players)

Jan 19 - AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Feb 02 - Fed Cup I

Feb 09 - Paris Indoors (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
--------- Pattaya City (no Top-10 players)
--------- Viña del Mar (no top-10 players)

Feb 16 - Dubai (seven Top-10 players)
--------- Memphis (no Top-10 players)
--------- Bogotá (no Top-10 players)

Feb 23 - Bangalore (no top-10 players)
--------- Acapulco (no Top-10 players)

Mar 02 - Antwerp (no Top-10 players)
--------- TBC (no Top-10 players)

Mar 09 - Indian Wells (MANDATORY)

Mar 23 - Miami (MANDATORY)

Apr 06 - Amelia Island (no Top-10 players)

Apr 13 - Charleston (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Barcelona (no Top-10 players)

Apr 20 - Fed Cup II

Apr 27 - Stuttgart (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Fes (no Top-10 players)

May 04 - Rome (seven Top-10 players)
--------- Estoril (no Top-10 players)

May 11 - Madrid (MANDATORY)

May 18 - Berlin (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
--------- Strasbourg (no Top-10 players)

May 25 - ROLAND GARROS

Jun 08 - Birmingham (no Top-10 players)

Jun 15 - Eastbourne (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)
-------- s'Hertogenbosch (no Top-10 players)

Jun 22 - WIMBLEDON

Jul 06 - Budapest (no Top-10 players)
-------- Stockholm (no Top-10 players)

Jul 13 - Prague (no Top-10 players)
-------- Palermo (no Top-10 players)

Jul 20 - Portoroz (no Top-10 players)
-------- Warsaw (no Top-10 players)

Jul 27 - Stanford (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)
-------- Istanbul (no Top-10 players)

Aug 03 - Los Angeles (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)

Aug 10 - Cincinatti (seven Top-10 players)

Aug 17 - Toronto (seven Top-10 players)

Aug 24 - New Haven (no restrictions on the number of Top-10 players)

Aug 31 - US OPEN

Sep 14 - Guangzhou (no Top-10 players)
--------- Quebec City (no Top-10 players)
--------- Tashkent (no Top-10 players)

Sep 21 - Seoul (no Top-10 players)
--------- Kolkata (no Top-10 players)

Sep 28 - Tokyo Indoors (one Top-6 and two Top-13 players OR two Top-6 players)

Oct 05 - Beijing (MANDATORY)

Oct 12 - Linz (no Top-10 players)
-------- Japan Open (TBC) (no Top-10 players)
-------- Singapore (no Top-10 players)

Oct 19 - Moscow (seven Top-10 players)
-------- Luxembourg (no Top-10 players)

Oct 26 - WTA Tour Sony Ericsson Championships - Doha

Nov 02 - Fed Cup Final
--------- Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions - Bali***

***Best seven performers in the international level tournaments (who have not otherwise qualified for the Sony Ericsson Championships), along with one wildcard will participate in a Round Robin format.

What does this mean? For example, Rome (seven Top-10 players)?
At least seven, exactly(?) seven or at most seven? I hope it means at least.

[patrick]

What does this mean? For example, Rome (seven Top-10 players)?
At least seven, exactly(?) seven or at most seven? I hope it means at least.

At least 7.

[tinamarie]

Is it automatically coaching, no matter what the note says? I didn't see this on the US coverage, but then I was fast forwarding a lot. :p

The food thing I've seen before, most notably when Tio Toni handed down Nadal a bag of sandwiches during one of his matches at Roland Garros this year. It was like he'd called in an order to Subway or something. :cheesy:

Commentator said it had a court-outline on it, so he asumed it was about tactics. Also, he said a bit later that an official (referee? I really dont know the english word for it, sorry) was talking to Jelena's mother afterwards, apperently telling her not to do it again.



Some of the events are allowed three top tenners, some are allowed unlimited top tenners, some are allowed no top tenners....On my other site...we have a specific post that states the exact number of top players each event can have. Let me go see if I can find it.

I see you did:) thank you, missinandre!

[pamchenko]

Commentator said it had a court-outline on it, so he asumed it was about tactics. Also, he said a bit later that an official (referee? I really dont know the english word for it, sorry) was talking to Jelena's mother afterwards, apperently telling her not to do it again.
Subtle. :p I did see the tournament official talking to Snow White, but I didn't know what it was about, and the US commentators didn't mention it, which I found odd because usually they're all over that kind of thing. :p

[patrick]

Subtle. :p I did see the tournament official talking to Snow White, but I didn't know what it was about, and the US commentators didn't mention it, which I found odd because usually they're all over that kind of thing. :p

I saw that also as the official had the walkie talkie in hand. If I remember correctly, that same official gave Snezana a hug after JJ won.

[tinamarie]

Subtle. :p I did see the tournament official talking to Snow White, but I didn't know what it was about, and the US commentators didn't mention it, which I found odd because usually they're all over that kind of thing. :p

well, all of the aforementioned was the commentator's interpretation of what was going on. I couldnt tell what was on the note (tiny TV;)), nor of course what the official said. Also, it wasnt like she needed any tactical advice as Nadja was well on her way destroying herself...Still, it was just a weird incidence

[Jack]

At least 7.

Well, until three of them withdraw.

This is just ridiculous. The biggest problem on the WTA tour isn't getting players to commit to events, it's getting them to actually play in them. So how does Roadmap solve that?

[suliso]

Well, until three of them withdraw.

This is just ridiculous. The biggest problem on the WTA tour isn't getting players to commit to events, it's getting them to actually play in them. So how does Roadmap solve that?

Is there a way to solve it? How do they do it for ATP MS events?

[Jack]

Is there a way to solve it? How do they do it for ATP MS events?

To not allow players to enter smaller events seems nuts. By trying to control a player's schedule, they'll probably end up with more withdrawals than they see today.

Having said that, I don't think that players aren't honoring commitments just to be difficult (in most cases). I think injuries play a huge role in withdrawals. To alleviate that -
* have consistent surface seasons, instead of switching back and forth... hard-indoor-clay-hard-clay-grass-clay-hard-indoor
* plan events more logically to reduce travel - it's not as bad as it was a few years ago, but what's the point in having Quebec in October?
* switch some of the hardcourt surfaces to grass, or indoor carpet with some cushioning. (That should reduce some of the knee and ankle problems we see.)
* change the ranking system to an average method (minimum divisor = 15) to discourage overplaying and chasing points

Once they've done that, have players commit to a minimum of 15 events for the year - the four (required) slams, six required WTA events, and five optionals. If players skip any of the ten requireds, they get a 0 on their average, just as the men do for the MS events. If players want to play more, they can add on to their optionals. But by averaging points for their rankings, there should be less players playing 20+ events.

[Ti-Amie]

Thanks Missin'. Good information to have.

[suliso]

To not allow players to enter smaller events seems nuts. By trying to control a player's schedule, they'll probably end up with more withdrawals than they see today.

Having said that, I don't think that players aren't honoring commitments just to be difficult (in most cases). I think injuries play a huge role in withdrawals. To alleviate that -
* have consistent surface seasons, instead of switching back and forth... hard-indoor-clay-hard-clay-grass-clay-hard-indoor
* plan events more logically to reduce travel - it's not as bad as it was a few years ago, but what's the point in having Quebec in October?
* switch some of the hardcourt surfaces to grass, or indoor carpet with some cushioning. (That should reduce some of the knee and ankle problems we see.)
* change the ranking system to an average method (minimum divisor = 15) to discourage overplaying and chasing points

Once they've done that, have players commit to a minimum of 15 events for the year - the four (required) slams, six required WTA events, and five optionals. If players skip any of the ten requireds, they get a 0 on their average, just as the men do for the MS events. If players want to play more, they can add on to their optionals. But by averaging points for their rankings, there should be less players playing 20+ events.

Sounds reasonable, but there are some problems too:


grass is just not feasible these days - too complicated to take care of and not possible in cold climate countries. Could switch to clay, but such move would not be very popular among players.
Using the average ranking system would make life harder for many tournaments. They depend on being able to attract at least 2-3 well known players.
Just 15 events is fine for the top 10. Everyone else will still need to play a lot more than that to earn enough points and money.

[Jack]

Sounds reasonable, but there are some problems too:


grass is just not feasible these days - too complicated to take care of and not possible in cold climate countries. Could switch to clay, but such move would not be very popular among players.
Using the average ranking system would make life harder for many tournaments. They depend on being able to attract at least 2-3 well known players.
Just 15 events is fine for the top 10. Everyone else will still need to play a lot more than that to earn enough points and money.





wouldn't have to be a lot more grass - switch 2 weeks over to grass events. They're taking Nottingham off the calendar for 2009, they could use that venue for one. Then switch a couple weeks to a more forgiving indoor surface. A month less of play on hard courts would probably do wonders for player's legs.
Players could play more than 15 events if they wanted to. But I figure 15 events translates to about 20-22 weeks of play, factor in Davis Cup/Fed Cup, that's half a year spent playing. I think that's sufficient.
Yes, it could mean that not all the tournaments on the current calendar survive. I don't think that's a bad thing.

[suliso]

Players could play more than 15 events if they wanted to. But I figure 15 events translates to about 20-22 weeks of play, factor in Davis Cup/Fed Cup, that's half a year spent playing. I think that's sufficient.


How do you get that? 15 events is 17 weeks max for the vast majority of players... How many reached the second week of a GS more than once this year?

[Charlie02123]

How do you get that? 15 events is 17 weeks max for the vast majority of players... How many reached the second week of a GS more than once this year?
Fed cup?

[suliso]

Fed cup?

1 week on average for an "average" player (ranked #20-#80)...

[Moose]

http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/83134343.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19303D83A05122D2369006BCA2800BB291B E30A760B0D811297




This picture doesn't give the full indication of it....but a group of us saw P-A-T-T-Y and ALG playing doubles at the USO (against Nadia/Francesca). Anna-Lena is about twice the size of Patty. I don't mean that in the sense that Anna Lena is the size of a house, more that Patty is really a petite woman Who, by the way, should never wear a pink tennnis dress again. EVER!).

[Scotty]

I'm late, but ...

AJ-DE JE-LENA, AJ-DE!

[Jack]

How do you get that? 15 events is 17 weeks max for the vast majority of players... How many reached the second week of a GS more than once this year?

I was thinking top players, but when you throw doubles in the mix, there's a fair amount that would play at least part way into the 2nd week.

[mmmm8]

Did you guys know Jelena persevered through an injury to win this final?? A severe NAIL injury?

That's right, she played with a broken toenail. My hero



http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-29755.html

[pamchenko]

Hey, broken toenails hurt like a sumbitch. I have monstrous pain tolerance and I broke my pinky toenail last weekend and was limping around like an idiot.

Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. :p

[igorwright]

I was watching this http://tennisworld.typepad.com/backcourt_framed/2008/10/second-1-serb.html and I remembered why I love this part of season so much!

Indoors hardcourt tennis is the best place for a tennis match! Its the most fair surface and conditions to see the skills of a great player. Its a pity that this part of the season its so misplaced and underated! If Australian open would be played totally indoors and pushed further in the calendar, it could turn into the best slam (even better than Wimby)! I love the way players shows so much skills and endurance in indoors matches.


This piece of Venus-Jankovic match explains my theory about indoors tennis!

:D

[bea26]

I was watching this http://tennisworld.typepad.com/backcourt_framed/2008/10/second-1-serb.html and I remembered why I love this part of season so much!

Indoors hardcourt tennis is the best place for a tennis match! Its the most fair surface and conditions to see the skills of a great player. Its a pity that this part of the season its so misplaced and underated! If Australian open would be played totally indoors and pushed further in the calendar, it could turn into the best slam (even better than Wimby)! I love the way players shows so much skills and endurance in indoors matches.


This piece of Venus-Jankovic match explains my theory about indoors tennis!

:D

I too love watching tennis on indoor hard court, and I love playing on it too!

[Tscott415]

I too love watching tennis on indoor hard court, and I love playing on it too!

Yeah, takes the wind and sun out of the equation which overall just leads to higher quality tennis.

The hard part about it is the expenses. No slam could survive being all indoors without sacrificing a lot of room for fans to view, or sponsors to sell goods. It's a shame though...

[bea26]

Yeah, takes the wind and sun out of the equation which overall just leads to higher quality tennis.

The hard part about it is the expenses. No slam could survive being all indoors without sacrificing a lot of room for fans to view, or sponsors to sell goods. It's a shame though...

I think you have to change your signature now...

[Jessie181]

Hey, broken toenails hurt like a sumbitch. I have monstrous pain tolerance and I broke my pinky toenail last weekend and was limping around like an idiot.

Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. :p
you broke your pinky toenail AND cut your fingernail all in the same week?

You're almost as injury prone as Jankovic!

[pamchenko]

you broke your pinky toenail AND cut your fingernail all in the same week?

You're almost as injury prone as Jankovic!

Yeah. :o Let's say it was not my most stellar week, nail-wise.