Viva Espana!

Spain triumphed against the Czech Republic to bring home another Davis Cup. Great camaraderie, magnificent playing.

Rafa looks back at '09

The year started off great and full of promise for Rafael Nadal. He won the Australian Open and dominated in the masters series until Roland Garros. The Nadal camp keeps a tight lid on things, though the Spaniard has made public his parents' separation (and imminent divorce) and his struggle with patella tendinitis and a strained abdominal muscle. Even when not as his peak, Nadal is an amazing competitor.

Here, in an interview with Donald Macrae of the Guardian UK, Nadal talks about the year's challenges.

The ascendant Serb

In the Paris Masters final against Gael Monfils, Novak Djokovic didn't look as indomitable as he did when he rode roughshod over Rafael Nadal in the semis. Give the Serb credit. He hung in, even when his body language telegraphed his fear that the flamboyant Frenchman would pull out a victory in the end. Djokovic won 6-2, 5-7, 6-6 (3). Crazy match. Djokovic was up 3-0 in the second and looked like he had the thing in the bag when his powerful forehand started going South. The win was Novak's first Master's 1000 title, and it puts him in a strong position going into the year-end tournament in London (Nov. 22-29). Especially since he beat Federer in the final in Basel the week before beating Rafa in Paris. He's got to be flying high.

On a less celestial note, I played in a social doubles gathering hosted by my tennis club, the Gay Lesbian Tennis Federation, in Golden Gate Park. There were about 30 of us players of various levels who came to play and eat BBQ. Social doubles is a nice idea in theory, but how can you play and not compete? My erstwhile player traded up to play with more competitive folks. And I ate lots of crow at the racquets of some 4.0 players and higher. Best part of the day was when a truly nice guy, Daniel, gave me some pointers. Not everyone is out for blood.

Serena's triumph, pt. 2

This from Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated:

Though overshadowed by Agassi-gate (is it just reflexive to add "gate" to any scandal?), there was a significant event played last week, the WTA Sony Ericsson Championships. Serena Williams beat Venus Williams in the final and, more important, will finish the year ranked No. 1. Consider this a rare and much-needed dose of sanity.

Nobody does it better

At the year-end Sony Ericsson Championships, Serena was in the zone. The zen zone. In four matches, she only dropped one set. She beat Venus in the finals yesterday 6-4, 7-6(4). After Dinara Safina spent much of 2009 ranked #1 without winning a Slam, Serena's win here should put an end to those tiresome conversations (and blog posts) about who the real best woman player is in the world. Is there really any doubt?

Make her stop!

During the masters championships in Doha, Tracy Austin interviewed the players before they went on court to play their matches. For the players, these interviews are a contractual obligation. For the viewers, they're a waste of time, at best. The players can't be faulted for recycling the same phrases: They're going to play their best, etc. Very dull. Tracy Austin, however, is simpering and ingratiating. Today when she interviewed the Williams sisters before their final, it was especially painful. Both Venus and Serena tried not to seem dismissive of Austin's questions. They weren't altogether successful (nor could I blame them). I love the Tennis Channel (and they're not the only outlet that uses these pre-match interviews) but I, for one, wouldn't think losing these moments with the players would be a bad thing.

Who's your hero?

When erstwhile Tennis Channel reporter Tracy Austin asked Serena Williams who she looks up to, she hesitated, then named Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer and songwriter of Green Day. Serena had just revealed that Green Day are her favorite musical artists.

The little Q&A session, which the Tennis Channel aired during changeovers, was kind of lame. Some of the other questions included: Do you prefer cats or dogs? Would you rather shop for shoes or purses? (Serena chose the former. Venus, in her parallel Q&A, couldn't choose.) Vee also chided her kid sister for selecting Armstrong as her hero. When Austin asked who Venus thought Serena should have named, she responded with Jesus Christ. Frankly, I found it refreshing S. didn't go the predictable Jehovah route.

Another question: What would you be doing if you weren't playing tennis? Vee: A music producer. Serena: An actress, probably a struggling one.

Austin also asked each woman how they want to be remembered after they wrap up their tennis careers. Venus wants to be remembered as fun, nice, a good person. And Serena said for her at the end of the figurative day, it won't be about her collection of Grand Slam titles but the good she's able to do building schools in Africa and helping those less fortunate than her with her tennis winnings. Pretty cool.

Tennis player or otherworldly being?

Gilles Simon has a great game. No doubt about it. He and Djokovic had a great match in the quarterfinals in Shanghai last week. Every time I see the Frenchman (especially since he's sprouted the mangy growth some might call a beard), I think he looks like a werewolf or vampire. I know the sun's rays are damaging, but the guy is in dire need of a tan. He looks freakishly pale and unhealthy.

Rafa update

Andy Roddick and Juan Martin Del Potro both made first-round exits in the China Open. Rafael Nadal, however, got through in a tough match against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis (are there any other tennis players on the tour from Cypress?) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. This tournament in Beijing will determine which players will book a berth in the year-end championships.

Make yourself heard

Let's face it. As women most of us got the message that we're supposed to placate, get along, be seen but not heard. If you look at who's winning on the tennis courts, you might want to rethink the wallflower approach. It certainly worked for Monica Seles (above), one of the original grunters on the WTA tour.

Last night a friend who I'm playing doubles with in a social tournament on Sunday told me to try grunting when I serve. She's rated 3.5 and has a pretty powerful first serve. Her advice comes from a serve clinic she attended last weekend. After work tonight, I went out with my ball hopper (thankfully, I was the only on the two courts) and gave it a whirl. Definitely gave my serve a little extra oomph. Maybe it will psych out the competition on Sunday.

Another Belgian is back

Today former world #1 Justine Henin announced she was returning to the tour, putting an end to her retirement. Henin retired in 2007 at the ripe old age of 25. Tennis Channel commentator Justin Gimelstob wrote on Twitter: "Henin coming back is as predictable as me cramping in DC during the summer; very few athletes can successfully acclimate to life after sports."

Henin has won 7 slams. She's beaten her fellow countrywoman Kim Clijsters in all their Grand Slam encounters. The woman's game will become even more unpredictable with Henin's return. A good thing? Not so sure.

Meet the new king of New York

It's come to feel almost inevitable that when Roger Federer is in a Grand Slam final (which has been most of the time the past five years), he'll win. And mostly, that's the case, because Federer (called the Greatest of All Time -- or GOAT -- after winning a Slam at the French this year and exceeding Pete Sampras' record of 15 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon months ago) is brilliant and knows how to dig his way when need be out of the jaws of defeat. Not this time.

Juan Martin Del Potro ended Fed's five-year reign at the U.S. Open. 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2. Lots of heart and gritty play from the 20-year-old Argentine (who beat Nadal resoundingly in the semis, allowing the Mallorcan only 6 games). DelPo has won me over with his sweet personality, humility, and stellar shots. A wild conclusion to an unpredictable, exciting tournament.

Feeling the joy

Kim Clijsters couldn't really celebrate Saturday night after the surreal, bizarre ending in her semi-final victory against Serena Williams, who lost the match on a penalty point. I won't repeat that sad story, since even people I know who don't follow tennis were talking about it today at work.

Last night Kim Clijsters got to let loose for real after defeating Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 in the U.S. Open women's final. She's the first mother to win a major since Evonee Goolagong won Wimbledon in 1980. Her victory was far from assured. The teen Dane played solid and smart in the first set, but Kim played aggressive, great tennis in the second set. Her win is all the more amazing given that she just returned to the tour this summer (the Open was her third tournament) after getting married and having a daughter, the lovely blond, curly haired Jada (now 18 months old). So, Kudos to Kim, who's often called the best liked, friendliest woman on the tour.

From Paula Poundstone, who I don't think of as a tennis pundit, referencing Federer's amazing between-the-legs shot in his semi against Djokovic yesterday:
"Now we have to have affordable health coverage to cover all the guys who will sever their testicles trying to make that tennis shot."

Serena's footfault, cont.

Kim Clijsters should be the story of week two after coming out of a two-year retirement to return to the tour. Clijsters is in the finals tonight against Caroline Wozniacki, a match she will likely win. But no, Serena is the story after she went off with much vitriol at a lineswoman last night (see previous post).

Tom Perrotta (no, not the novelist but a writer for Tennis magazine) has an interesting take on Serena's meltdown and foootfaults.

Bad behavior

What got into Serena Williams tonight? Playing Kim Clijsters in the semis at the U.S. Open, Serena couldn't get her game together. Clijsters beat Serena (6-4, 7-5) using a combination of aggression, speed, and solid shot-making, but the World #2 also beat herself. She wasn't getting many first serves in and she was winning a dismal 33 percent on her second serves (which lacked their usual kick).

When Williams smashed a racquet in frustration when she double-faulted to hand Clijsters the first set, I thought maybe a little anger would help her get her head in the game and get her game together. Nope. I've seen Serena play flat, and though I wouldn't accuse her of that tonight, I have to level a worse charge.

As Serena served down one set at 5-6, 15-30, a linesperson called a foot fault on Williams' second serve, putting the score at 15-40. Serena, who didn't appear to foot-fault according to the replay, went off on this woman, who appeared half her size. According to the LA Times, which cites the accounts of courtside spectators, Serena said: "You don't know me. You better be right. I could shove this ball down your throat." Really awful. Unsportsmanlike.

Her hideous outburst and the earlier racquet abuse combined for a point penalty. With that, she lost the match and her dream of capturing her third Slam of the year. A shame, really, and horrible to behold in someone I admire and support. She showed no contrition in the press conference afterwards. I'm left with a sour feeling.

Gotta give kudos to Klijsters, who I imagine will beat Wozniacki in the final tomorrow, for playing a great, focused match and looking like a real champion.

Regaining his old ranking

Rafael Nadal overcame Gael Monfils tonight after losing the first set in a tiebreak. The two fastest guys in tennis had breathtaking rallies, with many back and forth exchanges going more than 25 shots. Rafa really stepped up his game and ground down the athletic Frenchman. Heartening to see. Nadal faces Fernando Gonzalez in the quarter finals. Should be a good match, but I think Rafa will prevail.

Andy Murray went down in three sets against Croatian Marin Cilic, a real rout (7-5, 6-2, 6-2). Cilic was very aggressive What happened to the Scot, who some people thought would win the tournament? Hard to say, but Cilic will face Juan Martin Del Potro in the next round. Tough luck, since Delpo plays incredible ball.

Anyhow, as a result of his Murray's loss and Nadal's win, Andy will surrender his #2 ranking to the Mallorcan. Good news for all of us rabid Rafa fans!

She slays Russians

She's done it again! First Dementieva and now Sharpova! Melanie Oudin, the story of the first week of the U.S. Open, beat Maria Sharapova today: 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. And, as Tennis magazine's Tom Perrotta noted on Twitter: "Add this to the long, long list of things to like about Melanie Oudin: No noise. Maybe she'll start a trend."

Much already has been written about the pink and yellow tennis shoes Oudin sports (which she designed), in which the word "Believe" is inscribed on the side of the shoes. There's no way to make a beautiful segue here, but I played doubles today, and experienced firsthand that kind of belief ... fleetingly. My partner and I were up 5-4 in the first set. We were playing very well. She was solid on the back court and I was doing well at the net. So, what happened? We dropped the next three games, losing the first set 5-7. Then we proceeded to go away, in sports parlance, and lost the second set 2-6. Really painful, because I now believe that we could have won the match. So much to learn by losing. Am looking forward to seeing Oudin take on another Russian, Nadia Petrova.

R is for...

If I were at the U.S. Open, I would have been among the throngs at the practice courts yesterday. Gotta love this guy.

What a stunner!

How thrilling it is to see young American, Melanie Oudin, in action. I just finished watching her play -- and beat -- Elena Dementieva, who is seeded fourth at the U.S. Open. The 17-year-old, 5'6" Oudin, who hails from Marietta, Georgia, is incredibly match-tough and seems to love the big stage. She beat Jelena Jankovic at Wimbledon earlier this year.

Oudin lost the first (5-7) set and came back to win the second 6-4. Oudin is ranked 70 in the world (and the third ranked American woman after #2 Serena and #3 Venus), but she's coming up. Oudin had her thigh taped, and it gave her trouble as she headed toward the finish line in the third set. At one point, she was obviously in so much pain she was trying to defend against tears. However, she was able to keep Dementievia on the ropes (the Russian was playing defensively but not poorly the whole time) and persevered, winning the final point on an ace and the third set at 6-3. A totally victory. Sharapova awaits in the next round. In any event, we've got a new exciting American woman who seems likely to rise through the ranks. At last!

Keepin' it real

Serena was interviewed in Cincinnatti by Simon Hattenstone of London's Guardian UK. Nice piece. Her memoir, On the Line, hits bookstores on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The tennis addiction

Can Federer win the U.S. Open again? Of course he can (and I write this as a huuuge Rafa fan). Possible surprise U.S. Open winners could be Del Potro or one of the Andys. Sadly, I don't think Rafa has returned to his stellar self yet. At least Nadal and Federer are on opposite sides of the draw (though I'm not betting they'll meet in the final). Just a hunch.

Will Serena find her A game and win another slam this year? I wouldn't put it past her.

We're five days away from the U.S. Open. I debated going to NY to see the action up close and personal, but unfortunately fiduciary common sense had to prevail. Ah, well.

Until the real action starts, allow me to take a moment or two to talk about my experience with tennis. My dad taught me how to play when I was 11 or 12 (late by today's standards). My younger sister, however, got pegged as the athletic one and competed from 12-14. I never really found a toehold, though I played tennis (poorly and with little confidence) on the high-school tennis team.

When I picked up my racquet again this spring, something had shifted. For one thing, I have greater flexibility, thanks to doing yoga regularly for the past 15 or so months. That has made a huge difference.

I have a natural two-handed backhand (thanks, Dad!) and have worked to improve the mechanics of my forehand and serve, for starters. I'm playing at the 3.0 level, by the way. I've also been playing on a team. Matches definitely get the adrenalin pumping, but they're not so terror-inducing as they were in May.

The thing is that I want to be on the court every day (I manage to play 2-3 times a week). For the first time in my life, I'm thinking of myself as an athlete. That's a pretty stunning development for a lifelong reader and spectator.

I have a decent serve, which gives me a modicum of pleasure. I'm taking lessons and going to a clinic now and again. It's a real joy. If only I could do more of it.

Fallen heroes (or revenge)

When you're a baseball fan, it's natural to have a rooting interest, the home-town team. In the case of tennis, hardcore fans have their faves (and, as I have stated here, I'm a big fan of the the man from Majorca and the the brasher of the Williams sisters). So, today was a double blow when Serena lost in the semis to Elena Dementieva, the number-four seed in Toronto and Rafa went down to Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati (also in the semis). The matches had some superficial similarities. Both Williams and Nadal had great victories the previous day. Serena handily defeated Lucie Safarova yesterday, making lots of first serves and finishing the match in 57 minutes (6-3, 6-2). And Rafa beat Thomas Berdych (a tough, 6'5" German player who's troubled him in the past) in a tight two-setter. And both Dementieva and Djokovic were narrowly defeated the last time they met their respective competition (the Russian in a Wimbledon semi against Serena in which the latter saved several match points, and the Serb in Madrid in a hotly contested match against Nadal).

Elena Dementieva is a player to be reckoned with. She's tightened up her once error-riddled serve and has incredible groundstrokes and movement. It's no accident the Russian is ranked fourth in the world. Dementieva beat Serena decisively today: 7-6(2), 6-1. Serena wasn't getting her first serve in much, and she was mis-hitting forehands. Lots of unforced errors. Just looking at her, I could tell she lacked belief. Frequently tennis commentators remark on the fact that Serena and Venus go to the wall in the majors, and lack that special fight in the masters events. It's hard to account for Serena's loss today. That's not to take anything away from Elena Dementieva, who played smart, gorgeous tennis. Often Serena is able to rally herself when she's down. Not today Serena tweeted a few hours ago: "I'm a deadbeat. And a loser."

I can not imagine Rafa Nadal, whom Serena says she models herself upon, ever uttering those words, because he always plays hard and never stops trying. That's why he's number one in my book. The event in Cincinnati is his second since returning after seven weeks off spent rehabbing his knees.

Djokovic looked sharp tonight and came out very aggressive, winning the first set decisively (6-1). Nadal struggled with each and every service game. Nadal's topspin shots landed right in Djokovic's strike zone. Also, Rafa was playing waaaay behind the baseline, giving up a lot of the court. He stood much further back to receive Djokovic's serve than he did last night with Berdych. Not a good game plan. Nadal did better in the second set (4-6) but just didn't have what it took to come back. He was wearing a piece of tape on his abdomen. His serves were slow, leading to speculation that he was not 100 percent. Nonetheless, in his press conference he said that he felt positive about how well he did in Montreal (quarters) and Cincinnati (semis). And who can fault this assessment after the weird, unfortunate turns his year has taken? After his win at the Australian Open he dominated throughout most of the clay court season. And now he's fighting to return to form. Vamos!

Surprise, surprise

If I were a betting woman, I would have bet that Juan Martin Del Potro would triumph at the Roger's 1000 Masters in Montreal and for Dinara Safina to win in Cincy at the Western and Southern Financial Group Women's Open. They were respectively facing Great Scot Andy Murray and WTA #1 Dinara Safina. Delpo or the Big Man, as the 21-year-old Argentinean is called, seems indomitable. He beat Rafa (sadly) in the quarters, and won over Andy Roddick in the semis. DP won the first set in a tiebreak, but Murray pulled out the second and won the third in 6-1! Crazy stuff. Don't get me wrong. I'm sorry for my man Rafa to have lost his #2 berth during the tendinitis hiatus. Murray, however, has grown on me, and I'm glad to see him pull through.

And then there's Dinara. Her brother, Marat Safin, is a volatile player. Very hard on himself (and that's a trait all too easy to identify with). Dinara is cut from the same cloth. I have no doubt she'll win a major one day. I didn't expect for her to lose today. Au contraire. JJ has been uneven all year, and I thought Safina would roll over her in two sets. I was astonished that wasn't the case. Jankovic ran Safina from one side of the court to the other, and looked like her old (fleetingly) #1 self. That's what makes watching the volatile WTA so weirdly exciting.

Happy returner

As refreshing as a draught of ale, Belgian former numero uno Kim Clijsters has returned to the game after a two-year hiatus from the tour in which she had her daughter (Jada, now 18 months) and dealt with the death of her father. Clijsters has made an impressive as hell entrance at Cincy at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters. In her first match, the 26-year-old Clijsters dismissed Marion Bartoli (who had beaten Venus at the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford last month), and Patty Schnyder in the second round. Yesterday, Clijsters had more of a fight when she played Svetlana Kuznetsova who won the French Open this year.

In the first set, Kim looked sharp (6-4). She was up 3-0 in the second, but then Sveta came back and won that set (4-6). Clijsters's first serve percentage was low, well beneath 50 percent. Not helpful. But then she rallied, winning the third 6-2. Gotta say, it's great to see KC back on court doing her trademark splits when she's tracking down a ball. And her looping, powerful backhand is a thing to behold.

During an interview, Clijsters revealed she's been training for the past seven months and that she's glad to be competing now. You could tell. She didn't seem deflated after losing the second. Unflappable, she just hunkered down and pulled out the W. Maybe it's having her family right there with her (hubby and former NBAer Brian Lynch) that gives Kim just the right perspective, but she seems rock solid.

Today Clijsters faces Dinara Safina, who's ranked at the top of the WTA. With Serena and Venus out in their respective third-round losses to Sybille Bammer and Flavia Pennetta, this could be Kimmy's tournament (she has a 6-1 record against Safina).

A sight for sore eyes

Okay, Rafa looks kinda goofy in this pic, but I don't mind. It's just good to see him back at the office. Today he and Francisco Roig lost in doubles in the second round of the Montreal Masters Series against Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram. They split sets 6-4, 3-6, and then lost 8-10 in a tiebreak. Tomorrow Nadal plays singles for the first time since the French Open (save for some exhibition matches in England in which he was testing out his knees).

So, here's my idol, Rafa, and then there was me tonight. Kinda miserable. I was playing singles against an affable woman on my team who plays with little pace but lots of consistency. I've been reading Brad Gilbert's great book, Winning Ugly, which discusses strategy. I knew going in that this woman is a "retriever." I let her dictate play. She would get her serve in fairly consistently, I'd push it back short, and then she rushed the net and put it away. Thing is, I didn't change it up. I rarely pressured her. She played her game and beat me soundly, 2-6. I was quite frustrated. I'd much rather play someone who hits with more pace, but I know it's crucial at the 3.0 level to be able to deal with a player of this ilk.

The return of A Rod

Congrats to Andy Roddick for winning in the semi-finals of the Legg Mason against Ivo Karlovic (6'10", a wicked serve), 7-6(4), 7-6(5). I've long been a fan of Andy's. I'm so thrilled to see his reinvigorated game (thanks, in part, to the coaching of Larry Stefanki) and new self-belief. I'd sure love to see him win the U.S. Open.

Licking my wounds, so to speak

This week I was missing being at Stanford (blasphemy, since I work at Cal) and watching so many great WTA players. What was there to do but hit the courts again? Unfortunately, I was a bit literal minded about this when I dove for a ball during a practice doubles game with my team, the Sweet Spots (very cute, huh?). The good news is that I found the wherewithal to roll. I scraped my arm badly and both my knees. Now, 48 hours later, I'm sore (bruised right hip, sore left shoulder, tight neck). So, the dive was a bonehead move. Nonetheless, there's a part of me that's proud of my (practice) war wounds.

Rock stars of the WTA

If I were Steve Jobs, I'd commission an iPhone ad with a slideshow featuring famous people and civilians happily using their gadgets. Might I suggest a couple of women who changed the game of women's tennis?

Only daddy was smoking

Venus Williams was on fire for most of the Bank of the West Classic. She swatted down Maria Sharapova in a televised quarterfinal 6-2, 6-2. She felled Elena Dementevia in the semi-finals 6-1, 6-0. And then, wonder of wonders, she lost to Marion Bartoli, the French woman who swings two-handed on both sides (4-6, 6-0, 4-6).

V's father, Richard Williams, disappeared from the stands during the second set. I badly wanted Venus to win and found her unforced errors so painful to witness that I too banished myself from the stadium and instead paced downstairs along with Renee from the security detail. Maybe just maybe, I thought, I was bad luck. While Renee and I were searching for temporary religion, Mr. Williams was on a court in his flip flops smoking and hitting with Team Williams' practice partners (who, by the way, used a pink racquet -- now that's confidence). Sorry to cut Richard Williams off at the knees in the photo. Unfortunately, that's what Bartoli effectively did to Venus.

Here's a more nuanced view of Bartoli's success.

True Grit

What does it take to win in pro tennis? Winning a match seems to hinge on momentum and belief, and a lot of talent. Today I watched two matches that would have been labeled upsets had the tide not somehow turned. Seventeen-year-old Melanie Oudin (who got to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon) faced an injured Marion Bartoli. Bartoli last year’s BoTW runner-up (to Caroline Wozniacki), had her calves taped below the knee and was limping around, taking forever between points. Oudin berated herself for each missed first serve, went for too much on her groundstrokes, and, worst of all, tried to beat Bartoli from the back court. A losing strategy, unfortunately.

The first evening match between Sabine Lisicki, a talented German player, and former number one Jelena Jankovic (seeded fourth) also had all the makings for an upset. Lisicki took the first set decisively (6-2) but then folded in the second set. JJ pulled out the third. Like Oudin, Lisicki had lots of missed opportunities, and she double-faulted way more than a pro should.

Today’s heroes were Nadia Petrova and Bethanie Mattek-Sands (still sporting soccer socks) who pulled out a win against Alisa Kleybanova and Anastasia Rodionova. Petrova and Mattek-Sands took the first set, then made many unfortunate errors in the second. They managed to eke out the 10-point tiebreak 12-10. The match was sufficiently gripping to keep the stadium respectably full until the match ended shortly after 11 p.m. I was thrilled for the duo – especially after the many botched shots in the second set. Tennis is a mind game. The tenacious rule.

Fashion don'ts

Let me begin by saying I'm a fan of Bethanie Mattek-Sands, so what follows is puzzlement rather than criticism. So, totally superficial but Mattek-Sands was sporting a very weird look today when she played doubles with Nadia Petrova. After losing the first set, the two bested Alla Kudryavtseva and Tatiana Poutchek in a 10-point tiebreak.

But back to Mattek-Sands' duds. I'm mystified by the combo of the knee socks (so '70s) and the baby-doll frock. While the look is weird, the net result (at least today) was a win, so who am I to carp?

The beginning of a Stanford sojourn

Am spending the entire week at the Bank of the West Classic tournament at Stanford University in what I'm calling a modified staycation. Thanks to my generous friends, Fernando and Charles, who live in Menlo Park, I have nearby lodgings, so I don't have to drive back and forth between Oakland and Palo Alto each day.

By the by, I'm not spending hundreds of dollars on tickets to the tournament. I'm volunteering. Work a 4-hour shift, get a ticket to watch another session. Pretty cool.

The tournament has its best draw in years (and this is its 39th year) including Venus and Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Elena Dementieva, and Nadia Petrova (she lost today to Sharapova).

Seeing tennis in person differs qualitatively from the TV experience. Aside from the fact that TV does indeed add 10 lbs., it's hard to appreciate the physicality of the players onscreen. In person, however, the players' fitness and prowess is oh so evident.

Case in point: Ms. S. Williams, who looks extremely slim and powerful in person.