Nina If you are around I have that Jackson Browne with David Linley CD I am playing it now.

It is amazing and I am soo glad I ordered it.The instrumentals are fantastic.

Go Fed!

Misssed the match...5 fretful hours in a plane but Yahoooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GB: Thanks for the article. It's not by Tom Perrotta is it? Looks like Ms. Dell..

Thankfully they are at least considering a heavier frame. And I dunno how he manages with that super small L2 grip size. Even I use a L3...

imjimmy: whoops - I saw it through Tom's twitter and missed that he hadn't written it.

GB LOL!!!!!!!

imjimmy I have no idea either.No wonder he has his fingers taped LOL!

imjimmy While I have got you I hope you still here.Have you noticed a big change grip that Rafa has now? your thoughts pls.I have my own

AM: Rafa's had a big grip change, but really the changes in serve are NOT as dramatic. I've seen him hit out at 130 mph+ a few times before (as early as 2007). It's just a conscious decision of going for more, at the expense of a slightly lower percentage.

I had taken out the stats of serving for Wimb 2010 and here. At Wimb 2010 - Rafa's average 1st serve speed was around 115-117 MPH. His average 2nd serve speed was 93-95 MPH. And the first serve percentage was around 69-70%.

In UsO 2010, first 4 matches. His first serve Average speed is 118-120 mph. 2nd serve Avg speed is 88-89 mph. And the 1st serve percentage has dropped to 63-65%.

That means the Avg 1st serve speed has increased by 3 MPH, but the 2nd serve speed has decreased and so has the percentage. So he's just trying to hit the ball a little flatter, with the intention of getting more free pts on first serve. The percentage is compromised (obviously) and so he is going for a SAFER second serve.

The changes are NOT so dramatic. It's not like Nadal morphed into Sampras overnight :)

I suppose I should think about work. 'Bye all. :)

No Worries GB. I cannot wait to see Rafa with a heavier frame - maybe one of the newest APD GT Babolat line - with a REAL cortex. If he gets his hands on it, I am sure he can tame that boomerang as well; and in the process, take his game to the next level...

imjimmy Agree.I think the flatter serve works well on the hard court.I also agree the changes are not dramatic at all.To me he has a looser wrist or maybe I am seeing things lol!

I dont think Rafa will ever be compared to Pete lol!

He stand alone.

Just on Maria's decision ...

1. The call was 100% correct. Soderling struck the ball before the linesperson call.

2. It was at the start of the first set, and it would require an extraordinary imagination to believe it affected the outcome of a match that was won in straight sets without even a tiebreak.

3. If indeed Robin was put off his game because he thought he was robbed, then he would be the only one at fault in the entire incident. But, in fact, I saw no sign of that either; the next few games he continued to dominate (or at least hold his own) from the baseline until Roger broke him and then decisively closed out the set.

To Aussiemarg aka DramaQueen.Do it For Wayne Rafa!!!!
I think you are right spot on.
http://travel.hindustantimes.com/rush-stories/take-the-gym.php
gyroscope aka power ball
http://www.powerballs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=951

The beautiful and very talented Scandinavian girl who is lighting up the open with her smile,dazling outfit, and unbeatable game is fast winning over the American crowd. Caro is becoming a star on the biggest stage in tennis, NY city, you can't get any bigger. Caro is a Dane, but she is being embrace there. I can't explain how exciting this is for me. I'm part Danish and lived in Denmark for a very long time and for me to see this girl emerge is really special. Last night Patrick talked about the fact that she was hitting serve at 112MPH, last year she couldn't do this. And if you look at how she was able to handle the powerful pace of Sharapova's ball. Not only did she handle it, but she gave it back to her with equal power.And when her two hand bh is on, it's a lethal. Her movement is one of the best in a game. To me, a good serve, power,and great movement can win a slam and Caro has all of these in her game. RESPECT her game and stop with the label of retriever or pusher because she has moved beyond this, and it no longer fits. She is a contender and a major one. Kom sa, Caro, I believe in you, and feel so much gratitude that you're furfiling my dream that one day I would see a Scandinavian girl win a slam. I'm so proud.

ATP considering lengthening the off-season to 7-8 weeks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5547256

I guess I'm in favour, but I don't necessarily understand how they would go about it.

Aussie Rafa fans, there's an interview with him now on CNN (Foxtel)

Morning, Twibe.

Let me first get this off my way: congrats and commies as applicable.

I was impressed with Federer yesternight. I clearly expected him to win, but not so cleanly and authoritatively. His serve was superb, and Robin also helped with his mediocre game (although, except for his serve, which was poor, it can be argued that the rest of his game was conditioned by how much Federer let him do). Sod lost to Fedal in RG final, to Fedal in Wimby semi, to Fedal in USO QF... can someone else see a pattern here?
So happy Fed won, and happy for Nole too, whom I also expected to win clearly.

Today I would have preferred Rafa to play first, in the heat of the sun (so Verdasco can be and get more tired; besides Rafa likes to play in daylight). If Verdasco beats Rafa tonight *horrorizes*, I'm immediately unfollowing his tweets forever and becoming his anti-fan (I actually have no anti-fave, so I'd get my first). His mental strength seems to be improving little by little (see the match with Ferru, where he came back from 2 sets down and then in the final tiebreak too) but I hope it is still not comparable to Rafa's. Actually, I hope a straight-set victory by Rafa today, and will bitterly blame Nando for any other type of result.

The other semi will be nice to see, but not the red meat. Like the supporting artists, if it were a concert (at least for me). Neither player is a priori as dangerous as an in-form Murray would have been, so let the best today win.

GO RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Morning all! Congrats to Fed fans. I only saw a little of the first set and he had a pretty good serving rhythm going considering the wind. It should be a good match on Saturday with Novak, I hope!

Last night ESPN showed the promo for Rafa and Nando and said the start time was at 8, why are they changing up the time? Does it have to do with the NFL starting tonight?

"He would have gone up 2-0 in the first set if the point hadn't been given to Roger putting them back at deuce."

Jackson-- Not exactly. Even if the point had not be awarded to Federer, it would not have gone to Soderling as Federer's ball was in. Soderling would still have had a break point, obviously better than deuce, but very different from actually winning the game (esp. the way Federer was serving aces last night.

I'm with Andrew. I think it was the right call but can fully understand why Soderling was upset given that the policy seems to be inconsistently applied. At the same time, it was out of line for him to ask Federer if he was really going to take the point. It was the umpire's call and of course Federer would take the point, as would any player.

Hi everyone : What a superb night for Roger fans ! Congratulations to them. I saw the first two sets and was extremely impressed with the way he handled Soderling. I had thought TMF would win in 3/4 but after the 2nd set, I knew that there wouldn't be any 4th set. My husband is a staunch fan of Fed and stayed up to watch the match until it ended and the downside for me was that he was raving about it until 2.00 am this morning and again at 7.00 am and so, as a consequence, I've had only 5 hours sleep !

Soderling has had several days to practise a shorter ball toss but appears not to have done so. Commies to his fans, expecially sf.

Heather,
No, on the NFL having a cause and effect. I believe the USO always do this on Thursday. At 7 PM, there is an exo match b/w Hingis/Kournikova vs Cash/Wilander.

Thanks for the clarification, MA.

MA or Matt Zemek (if around) or anybody:
What is prolly the reason that Rafa is playing in the night instead of in the day session? I know some of you love to analyse those things. Thanks.

MA - In Pete's post next door he said that Fed had 18 aces; 43 unreturnable serves; 36 total winners.

I know that total winners include aces but what about service winners?

Weather(most likely wind)

Thursday at 2 PM - WNW 16 mph
Thursday at 8 PM - NW 11 mph
Friday WTA SF - NNW 12-13 mph throughout the day(Will Dr. Wind be happy with an equalizer tomorrow after losing in the final at Montreal)
Saturday - Wind no more than 8 mph
Sunday (as posted by Triple Pound) - Rain is in the forecast

GC20,
No, on service winners. Roger had 36 total winners(18 from aces and the other 18 from either FH, BH or net). Andrew brought out a positive point ratio last year. I see that the stats for Roger and Robin are not on usopensite. I looked at Novak's number and his positive points ratio was at 69 while Caroline in her match was at 42.

Kwaku,
ESPN2 is the main reason, I believe, why Rafael got his 4th night match(Roger played 3). Also, Rafael is a good attraction for the night match. If I read correctly, Roger and Robin match last night was the first sellout of the entire USO.

I'm so HAPPY for Roger's win I was on and off during the match, the time difference is a killer, but with some off the comments I can fill in the blanks, now onto Dojoko on Saturday, I'm not sure what is Novaks condition but I hope is a repeat of the previous years.

For AM, there are tons of pics from Roger's box over at RF.com but in none can you see Mirka's Fab Bag clearly, this is the most you get to see of it http://i53.tinypic.com/35370xu.jpg. Although you can see Anna Wintour Fab trench coat. http://c.cdn.belga.be/picture/22205984/preview/watermark

Thank you, MA. So the TV audience will be larger at 8pm than at 2pm local time. Understandable. (When is the prime time by the way?)
I wish one of the US players had been in the other quarter to get the prime time, because for us in Spain this time is a nightmare. Play will start 2am (and it has been around 3am or later in the last couple of nights) and if the match goes the distance when it finishes you almost only have time for a shower and go to work (so to speak). Specially if you are like me running up the bills at your parents' so you're not already pre-bedded. :(

Prime time in USA is 8 PM to 11 PM

I think no matter how far Vee makes it, she has already proven that she can still go deep into the slams and is still a contender. She will need to bring her A game to beat Kim and I hope she does

Samantha Elin,
We have two good semifinal matches tomorrow where the H2H is all even(2-2 for Caroline and Vera AND 6-6 for Venus and Kim). Last night, Caroline played too conversative for me on her forehand side (I can understand this due to windy conditions). Now, if she does this against Vera, Caroline 13 match win streak will come to an end. However, if Venus decides to live at the net and continue to serve 120+ on her first delivery in her next 2 matches, you can give her the USO title.

The US open website dosen't have the presser up yet..but this link has Roger's presser from last night:

http://longislandtennismagazine.com/article989/post-match-chat-roger-federer

MA@9:16 -- looks like the wind is dying down a bit today, and even a little more by the time of Rafa's match. I enjoyed watching Fed master the conditions, but glad it's moving out as it seemed to contribute to some very sloppy play in the other two QFs (both ATP and WTA). Still will be some napkins in the air, though.

ActionFlunky,
Yes, Roger did a good job last night except at the net(4 for 13, I believe) but serving b/w 120-125 mph consistently getting cheap points and at times, serving kickers on his 2nd serve that Robin hit either wide or long.

Kwaku:

Master Ace is right, as usual.

Here's something to remember about last year: If Murray had not lost to Cilic in the fourth round and had played Delpo in the quarters, that would have created a blockbuster quarterfinal which - being the more attractive match from TV and advertising standpoints - would have drawn the night session on Thursday instead of the day session. However, because Cilic upset Murray, he and Delpo were relegated to the day match on Thursday, pushing Rafa into the quarters against Fernando Gonzalez. The rains then interrupted that match over the course of three days, and Rafa's prospects for maintaining health throughout the tournament decreased.

So, as some of us jokingly said around here, Murray did actually wind up beating Rafa last year as well as 2008. If Murray had won his fourth-rounder, Rafa would have played in the day session on Thursday and avoided the rain delays. Delpo and Murray would have been victimized while playing each other.

To recap, the sexier or more attractive match from a TV standpoint gets the better viewing window from an American broadcaster, because the rights fees are so high and because - unlike Wimbledon and the French - night tennis is part of the equation at the US Open. Playing at night is seen as the top ticket and the featured match until championship weekend, when the big matches are all played in the daytime with the exception of the women's championship match.

Considering Serena's and Henin's absence, I think the women's SFs are about as good as match-ups as one could have hoped. All four women have either appeared in a Slam F or won one. On the men's side, there will be at least one weak link. To me, both women's match-ups look like toss-ups. I would probably favor Caro and Venus, but by very little. Pretty much "pick'em" matches in the old football betting parlance.

Kwaku, I've gone straight to work on Wednesday moring both last week and this week, without any sleep at all. Last night I slept 13 hours to compensate (the first tennisless night this USO for me) and feel pretty good again for staying up again tonight... or I might try to have a nap earlier if possible, tho not sure if I manage that after those 13 hours last night... :)
I also slept almost all day on Saturday, went to bed in the morning and woke up half past five PM, so got nothing else done that day, but oh well...

Matt Zemek, that's interesting, thanks, I had never thought of it that way.

ActionFlunky,
Yes, the WTA SF are good ones especially with Serena and Justine out. With Venus only concentrating on singles and with Serena out, she only had to worry about her own game and that has paid dividends so far in winning all matches in striaghts despite a 2nd round battle against Rebecca Marion, 4th round scrap against Shahar Peer, and a QF against the French Open champion in Francesca Schiavone.

The first WTA SF doubles match is about to start as the Wimbledon champions King/Shvedova play Black/Rodionova. The other SF match b/w Chan/Zheng and Black/Petrova will be played tomorrow

why is Rafa the night match ?
money - plain and simple
ESPN2 is going to have a hard time prying viewers ( and thus happy sponsors ) from the NFL tonight
The Super Bowl champs vs Bret Favre rematch is HUGE for an opener
If they put Youzhny vs Wawrinka on opposite that matchup - they would get an even lower than normal share of the television market here in the US . Heck , they might not get anyone at all , except the most diehard of fans
Chris Fowler would probably rather watch grampa vs Brees, et al from the booth
But , with Rafa and Nando , they have two of the top 10 in tennis , two of the most handsome men in the game and a sexy Latin thing going on there - They just might grab a few viewers away from the game
At least there may be a few who would switch over during the beer commercials.
I know here in my house , I will try - but I have a feeling I am going to be watching Rafa v Nando on my computer anyway
The men in my house are all in a lather over the start of the NFL - no chance to pry the remote out of their fingers :)

Well said, Beth. :) I just hope this exo doesn't take too long. Rafa-Dasco is going to be a long match, and IF Rafa wins (fingers crossed), I'd rather he's not playing till 3 in the morning.

"The men in my house are all in a lather over the start of the NFL"

My son, too. :) The NFL rather bores me for the first few weeks. After 10 weeks, everyone's usually anywhere from 6-4 to 4-6 anyway. :)

Master Ace,

What are your predictions on the upcoming mens QF matches. I dont know why but I am a bit more scared of Nando and then Wawrinka than of Youzhny. Considering that of the three Rafa lost only to Youzhny and that too 4 times. But somehow I feel Rafito can now play Youzhny better now than he used to while the other two have gradually started playing better afainst Rafa.

Don't worry, Sherlock.
I get a feeling that Rafa-Sauce is going to have exactly the same pattern as Fed-Soderling last night. Sauce starting in a determined manner with a barrage of shots, Rafa withstanding it and winning the 1st set through a single break of serve. 2nd set - one break of serve again, but in a more straight forward fashion. In the 3rd set Sauce leads by a break of serve, Rafa gets it back and breaks again for the match. Even similar scoreline possibly. Don't quote me on any of this though. ;)

Lol, Arun. :)

Well, thanks. I'll take that to heart. :) I think I'm more frazzled than usual just because Rafa is expected to win. I have awful visions of AO semis and both guys leaving the court tonight in wheelchairs.

Spacenoxx,
Today winners will be Mikhail and Rafael.

I am excited about football , too
Particularly since my Saints are in the mix after their amazing run last year
but I am not in the frenzy that Mark , Jake and my father in law are in
They are meeting here tonight - to eat meat - drink beer - watch on big screen
manly bonding and all that

I have no predictions about Rafa / Nando
It all depends on Nando I think
if he has anything left in the tank after that emotionally draining match against Ferrer

Rafael Nadal wins it in 4 hard fought sets.

Like Youshny also (but would not be surprised if Waw wins)

"I have awful visions of AO semis and both guys leaving the court tonight in wheelchairs."

Yes, because that worked out so terribly for Rafa in the finals.

Calm yourself, Sherlock. All will be well.

Sherlock, Rafa will be okay.

He he, G. :) I'd be ok if it was only the final left. Damn Stupid Saturday, as Flunky says so well.

But thanks, G. And Heather. :)

I was about to say something really sarcastic to you, Sherlock, but then I remembered that even Rafa fans are presumably human and sometimes panic unnecessarily. So I won't. I hope you appreciate my restraint :)

And yeah. Super Saturday is very, very stupid and should be damned.

Off topic but I was literally minutes away from seeing Tom Brady this morning, post-accident. Glad he's okay!

King serving for the set for King/Shvedova at 5-3

15-0 Shvedova volley winner after ball hit the net and bounced over
15-15 Rodionova angled volley winner closing the net after hitting FH
30-15 Shvedova volley winner
40-15 Shvedova CC volley winner as she angled it nicely
40-30 Black volley too hot for Shvedova
King/Shvedova takes the set 6-3 as Black nets service return

"but then I remembered that even Rafa fans are presumably human"

Lol. Thanks. I think. :)

I do appreciate it, G. But now you know that I really need to hear what you were going to say. Come on, it'll make you feel better. :)

I can see the headlines now..."Local tennis fan pulls Tom Brady from accident scene and resuscitates him!!" :)

OT, another long interview with Marat. He's in NY right now. I translated it in google, and edited it a little. Agains talks a lot about state of tennis in Russia with passion, about Dinara and some other things. I thought that it maybe interesting for those who miss him.

here is a link to the original interview for those who read Russian, and a picture as well:
http://www.gotennis.ru/news/?p=51565

"Even the mud on their street is clean!"

- Marat, exactly one year ago you played in New York last match in "Grand Slam" of your career - start a conversation with memories. - Nine months out of the big game. How are you?
- Excellent! - Safin spreads into a smile. - A new stage, with new goals, objectives. Interesting stage!
- Vice-President of Tennis Federation of Russia (OFWs) Marat Safin - what is this your new status?
- Our Tennis, in my opinion, in poor condition. I have my own vision of how to correct the situation. They give me the opportunity to implement it.
- What do you mean by poor?
- No system. No base. Now here is almost no children! Our younger player - Gabashvili. And who is behind him?
- Yes, and Teimuraz, sorry, already 25.
- Exactly. The burden of leadership for many years had already dragged Kolya Davydenko - he 29. Youzhny - good, he tries hard, but he was already 28. Tursunov is struggling with injuries. Andreev - too. Girls, of course, still come to the rescue, but there also leaders are who grew up not through the system, but in spite of.
We have to squeeze out of our country that rich in talent much more. We have a well-established tradition in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi. The resort gave Kafelnikov and Sharapova, the northern capital - Kuznetsov, Moscow - all the rest. But it did not the whole country, right? Where are the other regions? They don’t wat to play tennis there? Want! But no conditions. We must create.
- How?
- The "forced-voluntary" manner oblige local authorities to help tennis.
- Even on the football money from regional governments often can not dislodge.
- "Even in football ..." First of all, tennis - a third or fourth most popular sport, unique in terms of promoting the country's image and selected regions around the world. Secondly, we do not ask just help sports - Support the younger generation. It is well, we can say is our common duty! I will say more: my idea is not whether, to make everyone play only tennis. Let the young generation have a choice. Make the sports centers, where, along with tennis, will be presented popular among young extreme types of sports. Our main task - to interest in sports as much as possible of young people. But there is a problem number two.
- What?
- Who will be their coach? Those great tennis coaches that we had already either died or at retirement age. Take for example my mother. She was 62. Not sure she could work with little kids with the same impact.
- There are no new mentors?
- They are, but for the most part they deal with rich people for big money. To restore these professionals, they must be financially motivated, to look for sponsors for these projects, including in the field. But it’s not eough to give people the money, they need to be worked in the system and for the system. We need certification, common standards of training. Because we have every parent thinking their child at least next Federer and Sharapova, as themselves - unequivocally the best coach. They're both thinking: Tennis - it is very simple. Throw the ball to the other side - done! Hit it to one side, to the other and point is won. In the end, really talented kids break, because parents think too much.
The only alternative to this - affordable professional coaches.
- I guess now you say that young tennis players still have nowhere to play.
- Do we have where to play? We need a system of small tournament coverage - Futures, Challenger. Adolescents should have a permanent competetive practices. This is true for the regions, so they have somewhere to show the public their future tennis stars.
- I believe that the two big competitions such as "the Kremlin Cup and St. Petersburg Open for a colossus like Russia, are not enough. So I now actively engaged in order for Kazan to have a tournament in 2012 - it is one of the main tasks of the job of vice-president of OFWs. In particular, so I'm now in New York: the "Grand Slam" traditionally gathers all the leaders of world tennis, here in a short time can solve the serious issues. I have experience: 25 years in sports, 13 of them - among professionals. All my managers have been at different times tournaments in Madrid, Kitzbühel, Bangkok. I have watched them for a long time, how they develop this thing. I think, I learned a lot.
- You recently traveled to Vancouver - first visited the Winter Olympics. Also experience imitated?
- It was business.
- What most shocked?
- How they all licked, cleaned, organized - literally nothing to find fault. Even the mud they had was clean!

"Do not rush the wedding"
- Why Kazan?
- Tatarstan has invested heavily in the development of tennis. They wanted to get this tournament for a long time, but there was no tennis center. Now the center has appeared and we have stepped up negotiations on the organization of the competition. I think that Kazan deserves it. Naturally, the head of the republic Rustam Minnikhanov initiative supports.
- Quickly agreed?
- Do not think that I somehow exaggerating its role. But I have a thing to hide, there is some connection. I’m well known, people trust me, if you will. They do talk with me. Well, after that it all depends on the strength of conviction and solid financial guarantees. The illusion, if someone thinks that the tournaments are widely available. They should be fought for, and won. Because the competition is crazy.
- Now you interact with international tennis bodies in order to receive benefits for Russia. And as you can see yourself in the leadership of world tennis?
- Why not? I am 30 years old, I have no family, no children, no holds.
- And plans for raising a family, too, no?
- Oh, it's not like you went into the store and bought yourself one, right? When you begin to plan such things, force –it’s only worse. This should happen by itself.

"Eyes on Spain"
- You talk about the system. And I look at the leaders of world ranking and something not noticed among them the products of a system. All completely brilliant individuals, often obliged his successful career to their father or mother.
- Who you are talking about? Explain!
- For example, Federer. He alone, like an oasis in the Sahara. Well, somewhere out there still hanging near Wawrinka. But if the system was in Switzerland, the two players it would be, I think, not all.
- No, there was a system. Only she was confined for Federer. The Swiss Federation is spending on coaches, 750 thousand dollars a year, most of which earned famous Peter Lundgren. They have worked productively with the local youth, from which grew Federer, Wawrinka, Kyudinelli. All of them - the products of the system.
- Okay, but what system in England? A country with a rich tennis tradition, and that at the exit? Murray and emptiness ...
- I agree, they have something broken. But at the same federation Murray embedded to its fullest. Three years ago, his coach Brad Gilbert, who Federation paid a million dollars. Can we ever dream of something like that? We’re not even thinking that way!
- Well, are there any system to which we should strive for?
- As a man who grew up in Spain and for many years worked with the Argentines, I am a supporter of their approach. In my opinion, they have the most efficient operating system of tennis - just look at how many top players they have!

"Didn’t go to US OPEN"
- In general, you're sitting here in the heart of Manhattan and travel round the clock from one negotiation to the other, right?
- Approximately.
- Many people like to use the trip to New York to update her wardrobe. I have heard, you are no exception.
- Yes, got to mine favorite store - «XXI Century". In Moscow prices are killers. You can buy here for $ 100 what can cost $1,000. I do love the discounts.
- Likewise! How many times you got to tennis match?
- None. Just can’t find time.
- I'm in shock. But going at least?
- I would like, but the schedule did not allow me so far. All the same basic issues are addressed in Manhattan. And to go to courts you’ll lose half a day at least. And there are too many people there in the first week - a lot of dads, moms, grandparents, dogs, - laughing Marat.
- Without you on the courts has become boring. Nobody gives a show, where you can seehumor and passion, and the highest level of play.
- I don’t want to talk about myself. But about the current tennis in general, then, to my taste, it’s a little boring. I can not even figure out what game I really wanted to see. Too narrow circle of top players: Roddick, Federer, Nalbandian plays nicely, Nadal, of course ... But if we talk about some outstanding young talent appearing, who you could be interesting to watch – no such things happening. However, I think that Gulbis has a great future.
- For many years you have sing him praises, but he still does not shine.
- He had a lot of injuries. Also he’s kind of young. But I really strongly like the way he plays – she should be able to get to top 10.
- What do you miss the most about tennis?
- It is difficult now to imagine that they can return to the days when people will have a day to get up at eight and the entire day to devote to training and fitness room.
- When do you wake up now?
- Depends on the business schedule.
- So you can sleep till 1PM?
- Up to 11AM maximum.

"Almost crazy"
- So, the nostalgia for the tennis - zero?
- At the moment - yes. Many people do not understand me, as well as you. Professional tennis players live in constant pressure, 24 hours a day - practice, games,... From this pressure at the end of career, I was ready to just go mad. So now I feel a lightness. As if something was lifted from my shoulders, a bag weighing a ton.
- Fun?
- Yes. I enjoy every single day. This, which previously could not even dream of.Many people told me: "Marat, what are you going? In six months you'll be bored, and eventually will return back! "Those who think so, not very professional, and don’t know me at all. There are people who I can boast to achievements in any areas of business, they never predicted anything for me.. Just give the right advice, help. Because they understood what it meant to live for many years in the professional tension.
- So, for how many kilograms you relaxed?
- Minus 3, Alexander, minus three compared to my weight when I was competing! - Not without pride reports Marat.
- Come on! How do you do that if less nerves, less exercise, too?
- I eat less. Also many people were scaring me that I’ll get gains wight. Minus three! And this is keeping in mind that I rarely go to gym.
- Playing tennis?
- Almost never. Can’t find time. Last five months ago I too part to court in a exhibition match. I went to Brazil. Another played with Sampras, Roddick in Antlantik City. More often I appear on the football field - with his father and his friends.
- Do the veterans of the tour, which played tennis players from 34 and older, have a chance to get Marat Safin?
- Not yet. Lets talk about it in four years.
- Yevgeny Kafelnikov, I think, with great pleasure joined the tour. Maybe because he has not found himself in a life after tennis?
- Zhenya is not very actively involved in the new life after his career. However, he now helps develop a lot of golf in our country, plus helping with promoting tennis.
- Do you play golf?
- No golf, no cards, no computer games.
- Casino?
- I hate to lose money, I love to earn it. I can not sit idle. I want to work, to invent something, to organize.
- Who do you inherit from: a dad or mom?
- Myself.
- How much money you earn in the Federation?
- Nothing.
- On probation or something?
- Something like that. In fact, I think that I will be formally approved at the end of the year.
- And at what salary counting on?
- 30 thousand rubles ($1,000). What? It’s OK!
- It is for the person who is registered in Monte Carlo! By the way, could not grasp: what does this line in your sports portfolio?
- I have a home in Monaco, the residence permit. Purely geographically it’s easier to stay there, rather than every time to fly to Moscow. And plus that eliminates visas problems...
- Are there some financial benefits?
- Some.

FAMILY AFFAIR
"PERSONAL LIFE SISTERS - darkness"
- Can you talk about my sister?
- Of course.
- What is going on with DInara? It was severe injury - is understandable. Related to this game problem – also understandable. But why all these emotions going on: change of coach, constant demonstrations at the press conferences ...
- it was a difficult situation in her life. Plus she’s a girl. Personal life is very intricate thing. Breakups, injury ... After her last return after only five weeks past. During the five weeks it is very hard to find themselves. It is clear that she was nervous. I believe that this year should be treated as a preparation to the next one. Play as many matches - and that’s all. And then forget about this year, like a bad dream a nightmare.
- In the tennis world there are persistent rumors that she had a romance with the previous coach. Unsuccessful. That's why the breakup was heavy (now coached Krayan Slovak Dominik Tsybulkovu. - Approx. Ed.), That's why passions are still tense. Is that true?
- You know, I wasn’t told anything about it. Somebody’s personal life - the darkness.
- Sometimes she behaves in a way that even you didn’t allow yourself ...
- Sometimes, I know ... the women - well, what can we say. Although I can understand it too. You, reporters, are provocateurs. You know what to ask, at what point, in what manner. You need some kind of scandal. It’s uninterestandable that you’re not just interesting in "the player left played well, on the right is bad, and thesireving did not work”. Here you are trying to take people out of their comfort zone, annoy them. Girls are easier to react to this than boys. So it should be treated with understanding.
- Did you advise her new team of Argentine coach?
- Partly. I advised her to seek advice for his former coach Hernán Gumi, and he recommended his Argentine counterparts. I know them - good guys.
- Did you ever had a thought of helping her as a coach?
- No. It is impossible. I have a job, my own personal life. But, when I have time, I, of course, be glad to help.
- Even after that, there is a possibility that she won’t be able to return to the top-10.
- My main problem is to prepare her for a possible farewell to the tennis. Explain to her that tennis is not everything in this life. That there is a different and interesting life outside of tennis. You just have to be ready for it. Plus there plenty of opportunities to realize herself for Dinars. Personally I am very grateful to many of his senior colleagues, who at one time made sure I understood: life - is not just a sport.
- Wisely. Are you thinking of memoirs at some point?
- No. But I would write a book - not about myself, but about my thoughts. In my life there were many moments that are forever etched into my memory: what I thought then, how, why. That's I would have printed, but ... when I’ll be 70 years.

Sherlock, that's funny! I would resuscitate him in a heartbeat! :) His Justin Bieber hair has to go though.

Good Morning Everyone

Like how many more days of this USO? Bring on the final.I cant wait till tennis comes Down Under.I hope all you lot suffer lol!

Its only just 2.00am here.Hey I got to have another hours sleep.Yay for me.

Sokol Great interview

I also see Sherlock is having kittens whats new there.

you know, AM, I'm really surprised by his passion and dedication to improving tennis in Russia. I didn't expect that from Marat. I thought he would party, party and party :-) after he's retired, but he's working hard. I've read some artices where other people are stunned with his dedication for improving the system in Russia for tennis. Russia is lucky to have this guy. I hope he'll be successful and soon tehre will be a better system in Russia of raising future stars of tennis. Go, Marat!

sokol : Thank you for the translation, it made very interesting reading,

Heather, agreed on the hair. Yo, Tom, you're not 23 anymore. :)

Sooo happy to see Roger playing so well. He's the definite underdog should Fedal happen, but I still believe. And I'm by no means discounting Djoko. He's looking fantastic too. ;-)

the sun rises in the east and sets in the west

some rafa kids frazzle about WHEN Rafa plays,WHY he has to pay at that time, and HOW it will affect his title chances, etc etc etc

and the years tick by...

:)