Mesh Tennis

Slow day for the Times I guess…

She might have soared back into the world’s top ten and taken her collection of singles titles to 41 but is she really a contender for the sport’s major prizes? Three Grand Slam quarter-final finishes and two failures to even survive the first week combine to suggest that the girl who won five of the big ones before her 20th birthday is now seemingly designated to be an also ran. A charismatic and crowd pleasing also ran, but when all is said and done she is not a player to challenge the top seeds.

The Australian Open was always a happy hunting ground for Hingis - she won three consecutive titles between 1997 and 1999 and played in three other finals to follow. She revelled on the Rebound Ace like she did on no other surface, her speed and anticipation giving her the edge over any rival. However, weight of shot and sheer power are something she never managed to attain in her pomp. No matter how hard she labours in the gymnasium or practice court, it is not something she can acquire now. Times Online

A surprising Haas-Gonzalez semi-final has been set up…

Nadal was below par, and later blamed a leg injury, but he was ultimately undone by the awesome shotmaking of an inspired opponent.

Gonzalez needed just over two hours to complete the best win of his career.

The 26-year-old later said he was reaping the benefits of linking up with Larry Stefanki, former coach to Marcelo Rios, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Tim Henman.

“I’ve been trying to go to the net, slice more, run more,” said Gonzalez.

“Before I used to hit, hit… I would win a point and lose a point and now I have other strategies to play.

“I lost three times before in the quarters, but today I’m playing the best tennis of my career.” BBC

Sounds like the divorce is already in the works…

The outgoing women’s No. 1 will be welcomed back to tennis in France next month - as Justine Henin - after missing the Australian Open and confirming that she has separated from her husband.

…

“These last weeks have not been easy for me or my entourage,'’ she wrote on her Web site, which has already been changed from www.henin-hardenne.be to www.justine-henin.be. MSNBC

Maria Sharapova’s closeness to her father cost her $2,000 after she was cited for a coaching violation during her quarterfinal match at the Australian Open.

Sharapova looked toward her father, Yuri, in the stands after almost every point of the match against Anna Chakvetadze, earning a warning as she served at 0-30 with the score tied 2-2 in the second set. Sharapova eventually won 7-6 (5), 7-5.

Sharapova said it was normal for parents to want to get involved.

“I’ve been with my dad every single day,'’ she said. “I’m sure Anna has, as well. They’re both animated. They both want you to win. They’re really excited for the opportunities you have.'’ MSNBC

Here’s another upset-

Having saved match point at 4-5 in the fifth, Haas broke and then had his first match point thwarted by an overrule from Hawk-eye before sealing victory in three hours and 19 minutes when the Russian’s forehand drifted wide.

“(It was) one of my best matches, being down a break in the fifth, I was trying to hang in there,” the 28-year-old said in a courtside interview.

“Memories from the U.S. Open came back when I lost 6-4 in the fifth, it was hard to swallow. I don’t know how I did it, I’m so happy.” CNN

Gonzalez is currently whipping Nadal in the quarters (what is up with Gonzo these days?) so this may be the last we see of Rafa this week…

“I’m definitely not disappointed,” he said. “I felt like I played a really great match and I played near to the best I can play right now.”

The 15th seed was particularly satisfied he lasted the pace.

“I’m really pleased that the reason I lost wasn’t because I couldn’t last physically,” he said. “I played five sets against one of the fittest guys around and my body stood up.

“The guy is so strong, he’s been like that since he was 16 or 17.

“Richard Gasquet said when he played him at the French that he felt like he had to do a lot of growing up.

“You look at his body, and you look at me, Novak Djokovic, Gasquet, Gael Monfils - we’re not as physically strong as him. But in about a year, year and a half, I don’t think there will be any physical differences. I’m going to work as hard as I can to try to get to that level.” Evening Times

I predict he takes the Hewitt job.

FORMER tennis professional, turned golfer, turned tennis coach Scott Draper hopes to make a decision on his future career by the weekend.

Draper, who took over as stand-in coach for Australia’s No.1 Lleyton Hewitt earlier this month, has picked up his golf clubs again to play in the Victorian PGA championship at Sanctuary Lakes near Melbourne starting tomorrow.

The opportunity to resume his golf career came after Hewitt was knocked out of the Australian Open in the third round last week.

But Draper said today he still wasn’t certain what he would be doing in the immediate future.

“I expect to make a decision in the next 48 hours,'’ Draper said.

“We have a few things to work through, there are things I have to consider with Lleyton.'’

No kidding - working with someone like Hewitt - that is a lot to consider.

So, can Kim beat Sharapova? I think she has a great chance to do just that (and I am hoping she does).

Fourth-seeded Clijsters won 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 today (Tuesday night PST), breaking Hingis’ serve in the last game and ending the match with a forehand passing shot.

“I wasn’t really seeing the ball, the only thing you can do is to work for every point to try to turn things around,” said Clijsters, who made 62 unforced errors and dropped serve five times. “I knew it was going to be a tough one. It could have been my last match here, so I’m glad to have one more.”

Clijsters ended Hingis’ remarkable comeback run here in the quarterfinals last year, when the Swiss star was returning from three years off the circuit because of injuries.
North County Times

Is it time for Nicole to make her Slam breakthrough? I haven’t seen her hit balls into the crowd recently - although I am not sure if she is playing a full schedule on tour yet.

Vaidisova, 17, the youngest player left in the tournament, was an awestruck 11-year-old when she saw seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams, 25, practicing at Nick Bollettieri’s tennis academy in Florida. “I was definitely a big fan of hers, admired the way she played,” she said.
But Vaidisova said she would not be intimidated facing the big American.
“I don’t think I’ll be going out there scared. But of course (I have) a lot of respect for what she’s done.” Vaidisova, ranked number 12 in the world, said it was difficult to play against her friend Safarova in the quarter-final.
“I’ve had some tough matches, a compatriot in the quarter-finals is always tough but I’m so happy I’m through, it feels great,” she said.
“It’s great for Czech tennis to have two quarter-finalists, one in the semis. Of course you don’t want to play your friend but I’m just happy I got through it.” Gulf Times

Another poorly-kept secret is confirmed - here’s what she put on her site:

Hello Everyone,

As I promised you, I return with some news. The last few weeks were difficult for me and my team. First I must announce to you that Pierre-Yves and I have decided to separate; the reasons are personal. I request of you to respect my privacy.

I want to particulary thank you for the great many messages of support sent during these last few weeks - it really touched me.

On the tennis side of things, I have begun training again. I also have slightly altered my schedule. I will play at the Open Gaz De France in early February. It’s not far from my home, and it’s always pleasant for me to be in Paris. This will be my first tournament for the season. I hope to find my form, and as usual will give all of myself. I’m looking forward to once again giving you exiciting emotions.

Still thanking you for all the support.

Be with you soon,

Justine