Rafael Nadal's Nike Pro Comercial

You remember the cover of DT Magazine??

Here is behind-the-scenes video, enjoy!!

Here is the funny clip of Verdasco being embarrassed when Brad brings up the shocker at the Confederations Cup. USA defetad Spain 2-0.

Verdasco: "Oh my, I didn't think about that before I came here" .

And I also heard something about Djokovic and you can see that Nando looked to somebody on the left, I guess that Nole was there too, joking about that!

Serena Williams discusses her life in the public eye, the Wimbledon championships and the death of Michael Jackson in this interview for ESPN.

Sabine Lisicki was defeted by Dinara Safina 67(5) 64 61 in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Here is Sabine's post match interview.

"In anticipation of the 2009 Olympus US Open Series and the 2009 US Open, meet the #1 women's tennis player in the world, Dinara Safina, and the two loves in her life-- tennis & chocolate."

In anticipation of the 2009 Olympus US Open Series and the 2009 US Open, meet last year's US Open champion, Serena Williams, as she talks about the love she has for sister, Venus.

Q. Looks like the sisters are on fire this time around, huh?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, we definitely upped our level of game today. We had really tough opponents, so we had to.

Q. You were down a break 3‑2 in the second. What's going through your mind there?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I just thought I had been serving not so well to begin the second set, and I thought I had it coming. I thought, I just have to pick up my level of play and just relax and enjoy this wonderful moment.

Q. Have you figured out yet where great tennis like that comes from that you played today?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, you know, I really wanted to do well today. I didn't do well the last time we played. I was not feeling great. And, uhm, you know, I felt like I really wanted to show up today.

Q. You wanted to do it, but you actually did it. So how did you do it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. You know, years and years of practice.

Q. Everybody is talking obviously about you and your sister again meeting in the final. Athletes say they have to think about the moment; can't get too far ahead. Are you thinking at all about a final against Venus?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. Right now I'm just thinking about winning my next round, which is another tough match. I'm just thinking about ‑‑ usually when I go into a match, I play the winner of this and this, and now it's the final. So hopefully I'll play the winner of Venus' match against Dinara.


Q. In Venus' press conference today there was a sense that Venus and Serena are somehow players apart, that there's a Williams style of game which is different from some of the others. Could you comment about that. What is the Williams style?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know, we have a great game. We have strong serves. I think we have pretty good returns. Just solid all around court players. I think we both move pretty well. So, uhm, I think that's a pretty solid game.

And, honestly, I just feel lucky and blessed to have had such a good coach in my dad and my mom to have taught us this game.

Q. Victoria obviously had a big win over you. When you play a younger person who clearly is on the rise, could be a great star in the future, does that give you something a little extra?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Not particularly. I think what gives me extra is the fact that I want to do well. I mean, this is the quarterfinal of a Grand Slam, and I want to get to the next round. That's pretty much how I think about it.

Q. How much of your success do you put down to talent and gifts, and how much to hard work and good training and the coaching you've had?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I definitely put most of it to hard work and good training. I feel like, you know, I do have talent and I've been really blessed to have some talent, but also feel like I'm not sitting down on my couch never training. I actually work pretty hard at what I do to turn that talent into more talent.

Q. How much of an advantage do you think it is for both you and your sister to get to practice against each other?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, it's an advantage for me, because I feel like when she's practicing she works so hard. I don't play my best tennis in practice whatsoever. So when I practice against her, it's like I can kind of gauge how I am and how I'm doing. It really makes me lift the level of my game.

Q. Can you sit back and appreciate what you and your sister have done? You obviously have to think about the next match and your opponents and all that. Do you ever just sit and marvel at what you two have done?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. What I think about is I have plenty of time to think about that when my career is over. I never want to become satisfied with what I may or may not have done, because I feel like there's so much more I would like to do. I'm sure there's so much more Venus would like to do, as well. So that's how we look at it.

Q. Athletes will say it's a danger to start thinking about yourself too much, what you accomplished. Was there any advice from either/or both parents about, Don't think you're too good?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't think they've ever had to tell us that. You know, I think myself and Venus, we try to be modest. I don't think like I was like, I'm so good, Venus. I'm better than you, you know.

But I think it definitely helps sometimes when you're down and you're like, Gosh, why am I not hitting this shot? Then that's a good moment to think, Okay, you've done this and this, you know, bring that on the court.

Q. Venus was saying earlier on she feels almost invincible when she steps onto the grass at Wimbledon. Do you feel pretty invincible here, too, because you play like it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Do I? Great. I don't feel invincible, but I definitely should have that same attitude. I'm going to try to feel that way, too.

Q. You're such a talented shot‑maker. Do you think your smarts are sometimes underestimated?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Uhm, yeah, I think so. I think, you know, you can't be just a shot‑maker, just a power‑maker, and win any Grand Slams. I think it definitely takes, you know, a lot of strategy and strategic moves. Definitely underestimated, but it's fine.

Q. How would you describe the state of your game right now and your level of satisfaction with it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think the state of my game, it's on a good state. I am definitely satisfied. I think I could still serve a little better and return a little better and just stay in the match the whole way.

Hopefully I'll be able to do that within the next match, and hopefully a match after that.

Q. What are your thoughts on the specific matchup you have next?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I've played her a lot the past 12 months, so I definitely know Elena's game. She gets a lot of balls back, and she's a power player.

You know, it will be a really good matchup to me. She's playing really well on the grass. She hasn't been stretched too much in any of her matches either, so she's kind of like going undercover, you know, and bam.

Q. Six years ago when you were at the top, she was No. 15, you beat her here. What memories do you have of that match, if any, 2003 at Wimbledon?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I don't remember that. I'm gonna YouTube it, though.

Q. How good a player do you feel you are relative to the Serena of the Serena slam year?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think I'm a better player now. I mean, I was young, and I feel like I knew I could improve. I definitely think I'm a better player now.

Q. You just said you're not the type of person to sit down and look at your marvels.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I said mention and think about like, Oh, I've done A, B, C, and D.

Q. Okay. But when the time comes to sit down and look at your marvels, what do you think the first marvel will be?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Uhm, I don't know. I have no idea. I'll just ‑‑ I don't know. I think I'll be a little amazed because, uhm, you know, I never even take the time out to even think about the tournament.

I mean, I use some of my trophies for makeup brushes, so, you know, maybe I'll just take a step back and be like, Hmm. Take all the makeup brushes out and really appreciate every title and every trophy.

Q. What trophy makes the best makeup brush holder?

SERENA WILLIAMS: My Indian Wells '03 (smiling). Or was it '01? Whatever year that was.

Q. Do you think the fans are getting value for money in the women's game this year? Three of the quarterfinalists haven't dropped a set. Those matches combined didn't last as long as the Andy Murray match last night.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I definitely think so. I mean, you know, you get to see these female players playing their best tennis not losing a set. I think that's tremendous.

You know, I just think it shows how much these ‑‑ it's one, two, three, four I think the seeding, right, that's in the semis? Those top players are really playing their top game, so, yeah, definitely getting your money's worth.

Q. Can you talk about playing the best‑of‑five‑set matches from the quarterfinals on?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I'm ready for five‑set matches. On grass it would be fine. I can definitely play five sets.

Q. Did you get a chance to watch any of Venus' match today?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I didn't want to get too involved. I was pretty much focused on my game. I didn't want to be like into hers.

Q. Did you see her there in the stands at your match? What sort of feeling do you have when you see her there watching you play?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I always feel good when she's in my matches and she's there. Uhm, I don't ‑‑ I might have ‑‑ I may have seen her, but I'm not sure. I haven't been looking up so much lately. But I don't remember.

Q. Have you spent time in the past week together, eat meals together and stuff, or are you leading separate lives here at Wimbledon?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, we live together, so I'll see her tonight again.

Q. Did you have breakfast together this morning?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. She played earlier than me, so she left. We play doubles together, too. We hang out a lot.

Q. Do you ever get bored of one another since you spend that much time together?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Never. Never.


(via www.wimbledon.org, photo/Reutres Pictures)

Q. 15 years ago your career started in Oakland. That night when you played, did you have any idea where your career was going, and do you remember much about that night?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, yeah, I remember a lot about that night. I got to the tennis and I left my clothes on the bed in the hotel. So that wasn't the best start.

But it was great times then. I had a lot of positive feedback growing up that I would be a winner and that I would win tournaments. So from a young age when, you know, your coaches tell you that, you believe it. So I was kind of brainwashed in a good way.

Q. There was so much publicity about you making your debut. Were you a bit nervous or anything?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, I wasn't nervous after the warmup. I remember thinking I wasn't very good at lobs. I've since improved. I remember thinking in the warmup like, I wonder if I'll be able to put the lobs up for her. That was like one of my biggest fears.

So it puts everything into perspective when you're only, what was I, 14.

Q. Do you feel invincible when you step out on the grass here at Wimbledon?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, I do a lot of good things right. You know, that first set for me was really almost perfect. The second set I think I got a little bit impatient the first couple of games, but I was able to mentally bring it back and realized that maybe I did have to hit a few more balls, because everyone lifts their game, especially after a first set that was one‑sided.

Do I feel invincible? I'd like to say yes, but I really do work at it.

Q. If you were any other player but Venus Williams, how do you think you'd feel having to face Venus Williams?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I have no idea. I guess the same way I feel when I have to face Serena Williams.


Q. What do you feel when you have to face her?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You just have to ‑‑ you can't give an inch. You have to be on your best game, and hopefully she might not be on her best game, is really how you feel playing against Serena.

Q. What have you learned over the years about the number of tournaments that works best for you in terms of staying fit and keeping the level where you want to be? And do you feel the leaders of the tour understand that for each player it may be a different level of competition or different degree of competition?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, you have to find that happy medium of definitely being part of a business plan that works, and also doing ‑‑ at least doing what's best for me.

Historically I think most players like to play a little more than I do. But, you know, historically I'd like to hang around in my career a little longer, too, so...

Uhm, I can only answer for me. And I really do ‑‑ I try to ‑‑ I really do try to make my commitments, but I also try to do what's best for me.

Q. Your opponent today said she tried very hard, but because you were playing so well, she felt it was virtually impossible. She said the only other time she basically feels that hopelessness is when she's playing your sister. Why do you think you've cut such a division between yourselves and the rest of women's tennis? Do you feel you're carrying women's tennis, and why aren't there people coming out to challenge you guys properly?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I feel that Serena and I work real hard. That's the first point. And, second, if it was so easy, we'd win everything. But it's not that easy.

We still, I think, are definitely the frontrunners in tennis as far as, you know, being some of the best players out there. But if there were just two players, it would just be a final. There's got to be 128. So that's the way it's got to be.

I look forward to the challenge of whoever's across the net.

Q. Did you see any of the action under the roof last night? If you did, what did you think of it?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, I did. I think it was exciting. The lighting, from the TV at least, it looked like daylight instead of light, under the lights. So it looked pleasant enough.

But I haven't played under the roof, so I don't know what it's like.

Q. Fancy it?

VENUS WILLIAMS: This is Wimbledon. Under the roof, no roof, whatever, I just want to play.

Q. Do you pay any attention to the rankings at all?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, I do. I do.

Q. In what respect?

VENUS WILLIAMS: That I know where my ranking is and I'm trying to move up. That's what I pay attention to. Mine and Serena's. And, you know, our doubles, because it's been pretty good, and we haven't had a ranking in a long time in doubles.

Q. There was a question about your early days. When you and Serena were emerging, was there a kind of pushback or resistance to you coming on the scene, emerging through the rankings, getting to the top?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, my gosh. Looking back, you know, I guess there would be a million things to say about past times. But looking back, all I can say is that I remember that we had a good time, we laughed even when we lost, and we enjoyed it. So that's mostly what I remember.

Q. Seems to us like there are only two players, at Wimbledon at least. Does it feel that way to you? Do you feel the rest of the field are getting closer to you or further away?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, it's nice to get so much credit, but I just have to emphasize that we work on it. We work day in and day out. To close these matches out takes a lot of work.

Q. I understand you work on it. But compared to the way the opposition are, you're in matches and you know how it's going, you know how easy or difficult it is during those matches. How has that balance changed maybe in the last five years since you've been winning here?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm confused. What did you say?

Q. You seem to be going toward another final. I know that progress isn't easy. I'm not suggesting you don't work at it. But to us it appears that you're beating your opponents even more easily. Is that because the other girls aren't at the standard they maybe were at a few years ago?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I just think that the style of game that Serena and I play, that particular style we play better than the other women. If you're talking about another style, maybe we don't play that as well.

Maybe like my opponent today, her particular style of play, I probably don't know how to play that way. But the style of game we play is the most effective, and I think we're the best at that style. I think that shows in results.

Q. How was your knee today? Were you inconvenienced when she started to chip and lob in the second set?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, uhm, you know, like I said, I can't complain about anything physically or with the results. She did start to play like a little different in the second set.

I would have liked to have moved forward a little bit more, but the ball was staying quite low. So I just adjusted to whatever, whatever was coming back at me. I think it was really smart for her to try to change the strategy, because that's what you have to do when the first things aren't working.

Q. But the knee was okay?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm doing well, thank you.

Q. About the ranking, how does being No. 1, when you get there, compare to winning another Grand Slam title? What's more important?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Everyone picks the Grand Slam, of course. When your career's over you count 'em up, so I'd have to say Grand Slam, like anyone else.

Q. It looks like it's going to be Safina. Talk about that matchup a little bit. Is it too early to start thinking about your sister?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I definitely take it one round at a time. Being in the semifinals is obviously where I want to be right now. I would love it to be a Williams final, and so would she. That would be great.

But if I play Safina, more of the same stuff I've been doing. That's all can I predict.

Q. You were saying a moment ago about your style of play. How would you characterize your style of play?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Just very aggressive. There's more room for error than maybe before, but just very aggressive. I do have strategy. Maybe it doesn't look like it, but I do. I think that's my secret weapon, that it doesn't look like I'm thinking, but I am.

Q. You mentioned a couple times you'd like to make your career go longer. Some very good players are already retired. How long would you like to play, and how long do you think your sister would like to play?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, we've talked about playing the 2012 Olympics. We've talked about playing doubles in the 2016, because we hope it goes to Chicago. That's pretty much where our timeline is heading. So somewhere in between.

Q. As you get closer to a final against your sister, how does that affect your interaction with her at all? Is there anything at all different as the days get closer to the possibility of playing one another?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, not at all. We still encourage each other. I mean, on finals day we don't say, You can do it, to each other.

At the same time we're doubles partners, too, so we have to be focused on the doubles court and work as a team.

I mean, we've got it all figured out at this point, what's coming up. So the key is for us both to do well and to get to that final.

Q. You talked about your own style. What about Safina's style?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think she definitely plays aggressively, tries to move forward when she can, and also plays good defense and tries to take advantage of serving well when she can.

She definitely I think has a mix both games, and that's a good balance.

Q. When you walk out for that match, you're playing the top seed. Normally that would make you the underdog. You're not going to feel like that against Safina?

VENUS WILLIAMS: When I go out there, I'm going to, of course, feel like I want to make it happen on my side of the net. You're right, she has the top ranking, but I have more the experience in this tournament and more success. You know, I've been playing a little longer.

So if she keeps playing longer, too, then maybe she has the opportunity to have lots of success here, too.


(via www.wimbledon.org, photo/AP Photo)

Q. Second semifinal in a row. Probably you will play Serena. To go one round further than last year, which areas do you feel you need to be concentrating on?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, I think it's a completely different situation. For sure, it was a great experience being in the semis last year. But this time I'm going to play a different player and it's gonna be all new.

So I'm just thinking that, you know, I had some good matches so far. And the most important for the next round will be to stay focused and to stay playing aggressive on the court, and we'll see if I can do it.

Q. When Serena is in such dominating form, what's the mental challenge in facing her?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, I think it's always very interesting to play against someone like Serena. She's a great champion, and it's gonna be a good experience for me anyway.

So I'm just ‑‑ I just want to see, you know, how tough I can be out there against her. Just looking for some good fight.

Q. Can you compare your styles.

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, I think we're both absolutely two different players, you know. The biggest weapon in her game is her serve. She's very powerful on her first serve. Well, her backhand is, I think, one of the best shot in her game.

You know, just different game.


Q. Six years ago you played her here when she was No. 1. How different are you as players today versus six years ago, and how is the matchup different?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, it was a long time ago, you know. That was my first experience playing against her on grass on Centre Court. I feel like I had a good experience playing here in Wimbledon for so many years, and finally I can say that I like to play on grass. It's a big difference.

And, well, you know, I think I improved as a player, and looking forward to this match.

Q. There are many professional tennis coaches in the world, yet all the semifinalists have a parent as a coach or used to have a parent as a coach. What are the advantages?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, I think it's a very personal question. For me, I think that to have my mom with me all the time it's the biggest support. I just feel very lucky to have her with me all the time. She's been coaching me for such a long time, and she knows me better than anyone else. She knows exactly what I need.

It doesn't mean that I have anyone else to help me. You know, I have lots of people who are helping me during the season, but she's the one who I feel the most comfortable with to travel and to stay during the tournament.

Q. Dinara took another coach. Are there any disadvantages to having a parent as a coach?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, I think it's all personal, you know. Sometimes I think it's very difficult to stay 24/7 together, you know, to know what is a good moment to be a coach, what is a good moment to be a mom only.

I don't know why, but we work pretty good together for all these years. You know, just for me it feels great to be together with her.

Q. In the past in Moscow, did you have Dinara's mother as a coach?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Right, she was my first coach when I started to play tennis.

Q. For how long?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Just a few years. But it was, you know, my first tennis lesson, so I would never forget this one.

Q. You've had five games so far. You haven't dropped a set. In fact, you've only lost 20 games. Obviously that's fantastic. Does part of you think that perhaps you would have liked a bigger test going into a game against probably Serena?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, I think it was good to win all these matches in two sets and save some energy for the big moment, a semifinal. But I'm sure it's going to be a difficult match, you know. It's going to be a fight for every point, every game, you know. So I'm not expecting anything. I don't expect an easy match tomorrow.

I wish I had, you know, a little bit of more fight before this round. But we'll see if I'm gonna be ready for this one.

Q. Francesca spoke of feeling a little bit nervous. Did you notice that? How much of an advantage is it to have experience playing on the show courts?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: I'm sure she was nervous. She was playing quarterfinal for the first time in her career. I'm sure she was very exciting, you know, about her chances.

For me, playing in the semifinal last year was a great experience, and it's really helping me during this week.

So I was, I think, more calm on the court today. You know, I was focused on my game. Didn't think about anything else. This is really worked.

Q. Are you concerned about at all your second serve? I assume it's something you don't want to give Serena Williams too many free points come Thursday. That is a concern going into that match?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, against Serena, it's gonna be tough if, you know, I'm not gonna be able to put my first serve in because she's gonna play relaxed and take advantage of the short ball. You know, just she's trying to be aggressive on every point.

So for me, the key for the match will be to play deep enough and trying to put my first serve in, make sure that she's not going into the shots, you know, from the beginning.

Q. People might be expecting an all‑Williams final. Do you think we can have an all‑Russian final instead?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Can we play just two finals instead?

Q. From 12 months ago you seem to have toned up a bit more. Have you added a bit more power to your game in the past 12 months?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: I was working a lot on my game. I know it surprised a lot of people that I'm still working hard and trying to improve my game. But this is what is so interesting for me about tennis, that I'm still trying to learn a lot about my game. And I feel very open to change something in my game.

You know, I just feel there are a lot of aspects in my game that I can improve still. And by working very hard during the off‑season, you know, I can see some good changes.

Q. Have you noticed an increase in the power in your game? Seems your muscle definition is that much more refined this year from last.

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, you know, I just trying to play very aggressive, you know, and trying not to think a lot about what I have to do against this player or that player, just trying to focus on my game.

I think last season winning the Olympic gold medal was really big moment for me and gave me a lot of confidence. So I'm just trying to keep this confidence, you know, for my career.

Q. You played every Grand Slam for 12 years. Are you the type of person that soaks up everything around you, or do you just do your job and go home?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: You know, it's really hard to stay away from tennis, even if you're trying to be concentrated on your own. Still wondering what's the score on this court and that court and you're trying to check all other players.

I like to watch tennis. When I have a day off, I always watch on TV or I stay here on‑site. Because this is a Grand Slam, you know, and I just feel very exciting as a player, but also very exciting as a spectator, as well.

Q. Did you see the night match?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Yeah, I was watching Andy Murray. I was really surprised when I came back after dinner that they are still playing. I wasn't sure is it alive or not. So it took me a couple of minutes to realize it's 10:00 and they are still playing.

So I'm sure it was a big match and a historical moment for Wimbledon, playing that late under the roof. Just a big moment.

Q. How much did you enjoy the Beijing Olympics?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, that was the biggest moment in my career. I was very excited about just being there, and win a gold medal for my country was a very big moment for me. Unforgettable experience, unforgettable memories. I was so happy that, you know, I was able to achieve the biggest goal in my career.


(via www.wimbledon.org, photo/Getty Imges)

Q. At Rome this year when you played Zheng Jie you came back from 5‑2 down to win 7‑5, but you came off court upset saying, Sometimes I go out on court and it's like someone else playing. It was frustrating for you. Do you still feel like that at times?

DINARA SAFINA: Well...

Q. Sorry, not a very easy question. How is your knee?

DINARA SAFINA: Knee is great.

No, I would say sometimes I don't do the things that I have to. Like even if I'm doubting or something, but I still have to do it. And it was a little bit disappointing because yesterday was a good match, and today again I had a very slow start, like I'm playing half of my tennis until I'm not down, and then I start to play better.

So this is ‑‑ that's what I getting disappointing. That's why I don't start from the beginning the way I was ending yesterday match. Like I was hitting the ball, again today I starting again slow start. I let her to play, instead of from the first point starting to dictate myself.

Q. After the way the French Open ended, what are your thoughts on the accomplishment of getting this far here?

DINARA SAFINA: Well, I never got so far, so whenever I win the match I'm really happy. But, you know, I'm enjoying, taking one match at a time, and at the moment it's working.

Q. What are your thoughts on facing Venus and the challenge that that presents for you?

DINARA SAFINA: Well, definitely this is her best surface. She loves playing here in Wimbledon. You know, I just want to go out there. I have nothing to lose. You know, go out there, play the way I can play. You know, I played her in Rome and I beat her in Rome.

So I know what she's doing. I know her weapons. I have my weapons. So I just want to go out there, play my best, and let's see.


Q. Why do you think she's so difficult on grass and how does that make for a different type of match than when you did beat her?

DINARA SAFINA: Well, just a little bit different here. It's ‑‑ I don't know. I never play her on grass, so I don't know exactly what is different. But I don't know. Now actually on the baseline it's already like a clay court playing, because there is no grass anymore, so...

Maybe because it's faster, but I don't know. I want to play her on grass and see what's different, then after the match I can say.

Q. Another Grand Slam semifinal. Do you feel like you're not getting the respect you deserve?

DINARA SAFINA: I guess now the people cannot say why I'm not No. 1 without Grand Slam title. It's true. I mean, all four Grand Slams I been in semis, so I think it's something impressive.

Q. You had a slow start today. Obviously that will be dangerous in your next match against Venus, no?

DINARA SAFINA: Well, definitely. Especially with her you cannot have a slow start because here it is so fast. So I have to really go on court pumped from the first point.

Q. Are you working specifically on the mental side of your game?

DINARA SAFINA: If I would work, I would not serve 250 double‑faults today, (laughter) because it's just my brain sometimes doesn't do the things that I have to do.

Q. It took Marat maybe a career to sort of become comfortable and like grass. Can you maybe say you've condensed that learning curve into one tournament?

DINARA SAFINA: Well, he did it by the age of 28, and I do it by the age of 23. So I do it earlier.

Actually, I think, yeah, I can play on grass. Because before it was fighting on grass, but now actually I don't even fight anymore against the grass. I'm enjoying it.

Q. Your mother and Richard Williams have achieved the same thing: bringing two children to No. 1. Have they ever met or compared the systems?

DINARA SAFINA: No, not really. No, they didn't met.

Q. Have you ever compared your story to the one of the Williams sisters, two siblings being so successful?

DINARA SAFINA: Not really that I compare. Okay, they have a little bit different. At the moment they still have both of them Grand Slams. I'm still learning. I'm still there. I still have room to improve.

Q. Even though you're the No. 1, can you go into this match with really not much to lose, considering Venus' record here and her success?

DINARA SAFINA: Let's say don't misunderstand that I have nothing to lose because I am playing her. No, because let's say she likes playing here on grass. I want just to go out there and play my best tennis.

I cannot go on court thinking I lost already. No, definitely I think I have a chance there. And, you know, I know what I have to do on the court, and I want to do it next match.

Q. Did your brother ever tell you anything about Wimbledon before you'd played here?

DINARA SAFINA: No.

Q. Were you satisfied today playing Lisicki instead of the tennis player Wozniacki?

DINARA SAFINA: On the other hand I beat Wozniacki in Rome, and Lisicki I lost. Of course, I wanted the revenge. It's not easy playing her here on grass because she has a good game. I'm still happy that I beat her.

Q. Did you appreciate the fact that she came out for the last two games injured?

DINARA SAFINA: I don't know exactly what she had in injury, so I don't know exactly what she had.

Q. How does your level of confidence right now compare with when you started the tournament?

DINARA SAFINA: Okay, my first tournament on grass didn't end up very good. I had again disappointing loss against Tanasugarn. But here, yeah, no, I came here and just said like, Okay, I take one match at a time.

You know, every day I was improving and improving. I think I'm getting better and better playing here.

Q. Where did these 15 double‑faults come from?

DINARA SAFINA: 15? I thought it was much more (smiling).

Yeah, I don't know. Sometimes even I don't know what I'm doing with my serve. I mean, yesterday's match I'm serving the whole third set very good. Suddenly I warm up, I'm serving good, everything good, and suddenly I come and just... I think for the serve, it's not me there serving.

Because there I say like, Okay, go down, go up, do this. Then I toss the ball and I'm already by the fence running. I am just escaping the serve.

Q. Don't you think it's strange that this happens mostly to the Russians? The Russian girls are very strong, but Kournikova was able to do 25 double‑faults, Dementieva 20 and even more; you today 15. How do you explain it?

DINARA SAFINA: By me, just that I go away from the serve. Okay, I start the serve, but I don't end up the shot. I'm going away. That's why I'm serving double‑faults. I'm not finishing the serve. It's kind of technical.

But I don't know what's exactly there, what problems.

Q. How would you compare the mental challenge of facing somebody that maybe you're not supposed to beat versus somebody you are supposed to beat?

DINARA SAFINA: I didn't get.

Q. You're now playing somebody that most people think is the favorite, Venus Williams. Up until now you've played many players who you're expected to beat. How is that different for you?

DINARA SAFINA: Well, it's just really to go out there. It's 50/50 match. You know, enjoy and play the best, because I know to beat her I have to play my best tennis.

So just to go out there and, you know, do what I can do.

Q. What do you mean a 50/50 match?

DINARA SAFINA: Like this. If I play my best and she plays the best, it's 50/50 who gonna win the match. I don't think if I play my best tennis and she plays the best tennis that she's the favorite. I think I still have a chance.


(via www.wimbledon.org, photo/Getty Images)

Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Centre Court 13:00 Start
1. Gentlemen's Singles - Quarterfinals
Ivo Karlovic (CRO)[22] v. Roger Federer (SUI)[2]
2. Gentlemen's Singles - Quarterfinals
Andy Murray (GBR)[3] v. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
Court 1 13:00 Start
1. Gentlemen's Singles - Quarterfinals
Tommy Haas (GER)[24] v. Novak Djokovic (SRB)[4]
2. Gentlemen's Singles - Quarterfinals
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) v. Andy Roddick (USA)[6]

Court 2 12:00 Start
1. Ladies' Doubles - Quarterfinals
Serena Williams (USA)[4] v. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER)[12]
Venus Williams (USA)[4] Vania King (USA)[12]
2. Gentlemen's Doubles - Quarterfinals
Mahesh Bhupathi (IND)[4] v. Wesley Moodie (RSA)[9]
Mark Knowles (BAH)[4] Dick Norman (BEL)[9]
3. Ladies' Doubles - Quarterfinals
Kristina Barrois (GER) v. Samantha Stosur (AUS)[3]
Tathiana Garbin (ITA) Rennae Stubbs (AUS)[3]
4. Mixed Doubles - 3rd Round
Daniel Nestor (CAN)[5] v. Mark Knowles (BAH)[9]
Elena Vesnina (RUS)[5] Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER)[9]

Court 3 12:00 Start
1. Gentlemen's Doubles - Quarterfinals
Simon Aspelin (SWE) v. James Blake (USA)
Paul Hanley (AUS) Mardy Fish (USA)
2. Ladies' Doubles - Quarterfinals
Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) v. Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP)[2]
Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP)[2]
3. Senior Gentlemen's Inv. Doubles
Kevin Curren (USA) v. Ken Flach (USA)
Johan Kriek (USA) Danie Visser (RSA)

Court 4 12:00 Start
1. Ladies' Doubles - Quarterfinals
Cara Black (ZIM)[1] v. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP)[11]
Liezel Huber (USA)[1] Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (ESP)[11]
2. Mixed Doubles - 3rd Round
Kevin Ullyett (ZIM)[4] v. Christopher Kas (GER)[16]
Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)[4] Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE)[16]
3. Mixed Doubles - 3rd Round
Mike Bryan (USA)[6] v. Jamie Murray (GBR)
Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA)[6] Liezel Huber (USA)


You can check the full schedule here.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

WTA Singles - Quarterfinals
(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 67(5) 64 61
(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 62 63
(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. (11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 61 62
(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 62 62

ATP Doubles - Quarter-finals
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d [5] B Soares (BRA) / K Ullyett (ZIM) 62 61 64
[2] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d [8] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) 62 63 64

ATP Doubles - Third Round
S Aspelin (SWE) / P Hanley (AUS) d [7] M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) 62 67(3) 76(5) 67(2) 63
[9] W Moodie (RSA) / D Norman (BEL) d A Pavel (ROU) / H Tecau (ROU) 36 63 64 67(6) 14-12