Gauloises,
Another good report from Bercy. Do not be late to the next presser involving the Top 3 seeds.

Great writing, I really enjoy your perspective. But as a Federer fan I want to ask why the snarky reference to monograms? What is it with some people and Federer's monograms? He is wearing his red Roger Federer Foundation cap ( the one that all the proceeds from the sale of go direct to his Foundation) and his Nike jacket. I do not see him bedecked from head to toe in monograms so I don't get it. ??

Nice writing. So interesting to have a fresh to the task take on these mundane and endlessly repeated tour events. (I didn't see anything offensive about the Fed comment - even the photo here shows it's true!)

Brilliant writing, I really enjoyed it.

And I kinda did understand the bit about the monograms. I sent a fellow Fed Fan a link to the picture of Roger holding his sleeping tot (though I think she was actually giving him a kiss) and the first thing she asks me is "Does he really wear the RF cap outdoors?"

:)

Golly Gauly, you strike again.

Never allow French hissing to curb you better instincts...

Really wonderful insights into how 2 of the top pros go about this part of their job. I think you understand body language very well.

Meanwhile, on my tv Ferruu and the Fog are settling in. Seems to be a few more people there today.

Gauloises: As president of the ATP Players Council, it's expected that Roger would speak of 'we' rather than 'I' but I also believe that he as, you say he sees himself part of something bigger.

I can't wait to read your impressions of the Murray presser.

The Fog has a very nice smile.

Logo/Schmogo. Fed has clearly branded himself...done with foresight I should think...and if others raise an eyebrow or roll their eyes a bit, that's just part of the deal. At least he didn't bring a big Jura espresso machine to the presser, or give out some Lindt chocolate balls. (Though that really WOULD be a way to get the press 100% on your side.) Poor Gauly...stepping into Federnation poo WITHOUT, imo, malice of forethought. Or anything else except some damn fine writing. Go Gauloises!

Or - I saw that picture too...pretty sweet.

Another fascinating read, Gauly. You have to learn to hiss back at the French.

Don't see anything snarky there.

I love reading things like this - the 'inside' information that the normal fan don't get to see. Keep it up. I hope you cover more pressers and at one time have the nerve to actually ask a question! lol! So you didn't stay during Roger's German/Swiss-German interview? lol!

Personally, I don't see a problem with Roger wearing his 'monograms'. It works. I have an "RF" cap too! Nike has done a great job marketing him. People walk around all the time with their basketball jersey's on for their favorite player; or their football tops on, etc. At least when we walk around with our RF cap on, people are now starting to recognize it! I think it's great!

This is wonderful writing. Can TW hire you full time and retire some of the others?

Thanks again, Gauloises! Your perspective is very enlightening to those of us who only see a portion of the pressers.

I've always given players some leeway in their pressers, because I feel that their is an innate asymmetry between professional reporters and young athletes. Nice of you to point out that even some of the most articulate athletes and best ad libbers are still a bit uneasy with their obligation to meet the press.

By the way, I also understand your reference to Federer's monograms. For better or worse, it is rather unique. I can not think of another athlete in any sport who does this, although Venus' "Eleven" is clearly designed to resemble the letter "V". On the other hand, I think that Vince Spadea did have his own monogrammed "kits", but I assumed that that was because he lacked a sponsor.

Keep up the great writing!

It's great having this TWinside look at things. Love your take on the players themselves.

I finally came to "like" Djokovic - the player and the person - at the USO, and this reaffirms my view.

Oh, and I'm a bit more impressed with Nole, learning that he is fluent in French, too. As far as linguistics are concerned, Nole may be Roger's successor on tour.

Maybe someone else knows--I previously understood that Nole is also fluent in German, having trained there. Is Swiss German so much different from standard(?) German that Roger had to address Nole in English, after beating him in Basel?

Fabulous report Gauloises. Thanks!

'So I sit through the French questions and answers, trying to look bilingual.'
===========

I suppose setting out a pack of Gauloises would've done the trick. ;-) (I began to say 'eponymously-named', but it's really the reverse of an eponym,isn't it?)

Meanwhile, Fognini is taking it to Ferrer, but Ferrer *holds to love* to stay in the set.

Thanks so much for this article and the previous one as well. Great job and hope you continue enjoying Bercy, despite the cold.

I agree about the monograms/branding being a great thing at tournaments, Nadal has followed w/ the bull and it's fun to walk around the grounds and be able to see who people are supporting; it makes it easier to start up conversations w/ strangers as well.

It's funny that he wears that stuff during his private life as well, but kinda sweet in that it shows he's proud of his career and thinks it fun to wear that stuff anytime; it's not like "I only do this for my sponsors when there are cameras around" thing.

In a Q&A w/ fans in Switz he said he saves at least a sample of every outfit he wears on court for "sentimental reasons."

About Djoko, from what I've seen he's extremely bright and articulate and much more naturally outgoing than Fed. I enjoy his personality.

Yikes! Fognini takes the first set. Vamos David!

Jay: Apparently Swiss-German is a lot different that German. So if Roger had spoken to Novak in Swiss German he would not have understood him.

Nice report!

I like Fed's monogram I think it's really stylish, posh and absolutely fabulous.

I love your description of Nole Gauloises. Charming indeed. It seems he has learned to manage his nerves and feels genuinely liked and accepted. I would guess that continues to be important to him, but he is more comfortable with himself these days. Awesome.

Fognini gets the early break. ugh.

It's not looking good for Ferrer but I guess he can relax now as it looks like he will qualify for London. However it's still early he can turn this match around.

Jay - actually, I think in the language arts Novak is already ahead of Roger. IIRC, he speaks Serbian, English, Spanish, Italian and maybe a little Russian?? Not saying he is totally fluent in all of these. Sort of like Fed and Itlian...part of the way there in some.

CWATC - I agree about Novak..that lad has a serious dose of 'ham' in him. I think Fed it totally comfortable and social around the other players. With the press, 'shields up' as Capt. Kirk used to say.

Ferruu looks a little sleepy and tuckered out after his win last weekend. Hope Fed is feeling a bit more sprightly.

Hi wilson75. David breaks back...lets see if he can "right the ship" as they say. :)

He shouldn't relax...he's not qualified yet and Verdasco and Roddick are still in. I don't see Fernando making the Paris final, but stranger things have happened.

Kimiko

Date

Krumm's

chances of singles glory at the Asian Games have improved due to Li Na's apparent decision to forego a run at the gold in that event:

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_601106.html

Kimiko should be the highest rated player in that competition. The biggest threat to her will probably be Tamarine Tanasugarn, who beat Kimiko in the Osaka finals last month.

Kimiko is scheduled to compete in the tennis singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. She reportedly also tried to squeeze in an ITF event but found that the event would have interfered with her participation in the women's decathalon.

rafadoc: I really hope he does.

Good thing I never participated in any academic decathlons.

"trying to look bilingual" - priceless. Conjured up images of Peter Sellers. Quite understand why not knowing how a mike works would make you nervous. Thanks for sharing all the jitters some of us encounter in impressive situations. Don't take the "snarky" comment to heart - you are doing a fantastic job at taking us inside the interview room. Pretty soon you will be sharing in the banter and funny emails and chatting it up with the best of them. Very insightful of you to notice that Nole was nervous. I can feel your joy and amazement at the happenings around you, and that is what makes a great writer. Believe me, you can feel right at home, now, in the company of "the elite"- Pete and Steve.

Jenni: From what I've seen of Verdasco, I don't think he will make it past the next round, much less the SF. He was lucky that he was playing Clement as against anybody else he would've been out of the tournament.

Hi Jenni-I really want David to qualify. He is close. I would just like him to seal it-be in charge of his own fate.

Gauloises: another great piece. As someone else said, you bring a wonderfully fresh perspective to your observations. I hope you try your hand at asking a question. And I wish we had a pic of you so I could try to spot you on that measley little court 1.

ok, have to return to David and The Fog. I can hear Ferru screaming...

CL, yes for sure Roger is very different around the press than in the locker-room, by all accounts :) He's very comfortable around fellow atheletes.
Still he has talked about how he is a naturally shy person and has worked hard to overcome that (said career success has helped him be more confident socially as well). I don't sense the same w/ Djoko, but what do I know I haven't paid as much attention to him for sure.

Good luck Feddy against Richard, tho' I won't cry if he loses as I like Richie and it will give Fed time to rest up for TMC.

Wilson75--Thanks. I did not know that, but obviously Roger (and Nole) do.

CL--Wow, I did not know that Nole spoke Spanish, too. I would add German to your list. So, Nole is remarkable!

As a (much poorer) student of languages, I know that its one thing to comprehend, but to be able to be funny and quick-witted in several tongues is quite a feat!

Wonderful article again, Gauloises.

I'm glad you noticed that Roger always maintains eye contact. It's endearing because he does it when he is talking to a TV-reporter in a one-on-one interview and when he is talking to a fan while signing autographs among a multitude. It comes naturally to him.

You also point out the reason why these players are nervous even when they've had hundreds of pressers: the journalists are a tough crowd to please. You have good observation skills.

Novak is a good example of a multilingualist as well. Good for him.
I cannot wait for your next article!

I agree with what the others have said about Swiss German vs German. Reading from reports over at rf.com, some folks have tried to translate the Swiss German interviews into English - from German-speaking people, and they said they have a hard time understanding any of the Swiss German. But I also remember Roger can speak a little of the language of Sweden, and like someone else said a little "Italian" as well. So put that with English, German, Swiss German, and French with some Italian and the language of Sweden?...I think both he and Djokovic are doing pretty well.

Also, I read from some player that Roger is a 'ham' in the locker room. That he's really outgoing and funny and joking around, no matter what the player's status is (high ranked or low) and that's why the players really like him. He gets reserved in front on the camera so we (fans) don't really get to see that joking side of him that much; whereas, I've heard that Novak is just the opposite. Kind of quiet in the locker room but can 'ham it up' in front of the camera.

"Don't take the "snarky" comment to heart"

alternately: take to heart my belief that snark from you is always enjoyable, G

Fognini is playing incredibly well. I think he'd be ranked alot higher is he played like this all the time.

> I feel I missed my opportunity to slip out unnoticed. So I sit through the French questions and answers, trying to look bilingual.

oh gosh, this is SO something I'd be stuck doing. Definately worse than realizing you've brought your 8 yr old niece to the elephant man instead of sleeping beauty as you have to see the 'Press' again.... :)

Gauly, thank you for posting - you're brilliant of course.

Juanqui, Ferru, Nico, and Tommy Robredo have apparently confirmed their participation for the second phase of December's III Tenis Masters Bilbao.

The second phase will reportedly have six participants, two of whom haven't been announced yet. (Soderling and Wawrinka were mentioned earlier as possible participants.)

In the prelimnary phase of the exhibition tournament, 16 lower-ranked players will participate.

Meanwhile...
I was hoping for a SF between Roger and Nalby. It wasn't meant to be this autumn. Pity.
"Falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly"

Well, here us fans go on and on about the over long tennis season and it looks like there's a new Masters Bilbao coming up? okie doke.

Good Morning Everyone

Congrats to Andy Roddick and Murray

Come on David F with a set point

Hi Zengii

Okay mr Botox aka Fogini saves the b/point and its his add

Love the raied arch brows I can never get mine like those

Come on David 2nd set point

Crap again

deuce

I need a drink

ad to David again

Vamos he did it 6-4 2nd set

Gauloises another great piece of writing.Thank you

Once again the players on Court 1 have to listen to music from the arena court. I hate Bercy. It really shouldn't be a Masters1000.

Vamos David! Evens it up at a set apiece. Ferru is so tenacious.

Annie: The players want a longer break from tournament tennis, there's no call from them about ending exo tennis. So if they do get the two extra weeks in the off season there will be more exos.

wilson: true. good point. ;)

Trainer is on court for Mr Arched Brow just re taping his fingers

Maybe he has broken a nail?

Hi AM,
First chance I have to "talk" to you again. I guess I've missed thousands of wonderful comments but fandom duty called. :)

http://www.fromsport.com/v-0/10/56/v-105797.html

link to Foggy-Ferru just in case anybody needs it.

Jenni If you are around I havent seen David in his Yellow Tee for sometime

Zenggi Are you back from your trip now?

Hi Just Horsen I have this Live but thanks anyway

is Ferru locked in for the WTF yet?

Hi AM! how are you?

well, gauloises, here's my verdict: you have a calling to be a writer - heed that call!

you are such a loving storyteller! of course, you're reporting facts, but you are doing it in the most tasty manner. yummy!

you may want to consider writing a novel, or strike out as a freelancer and sell your reports to online publications.

ok, who am i? - a career counsellor? lol.

meanwhile, go soderling! (i'm nervous about that gilles simon guy, he's been playing quite well lately. my fingers are crossed;).

AM,
Yes, I'm back home at last.

I'm sorry I'm going to miss Roger's match today. I'm counting on match calls.

Just Horsen great thanks and yourself? I havent seen you posting here for sometime?

"is Ferru locked in for the WTF yet?"

No, but he can control his own destiny. I believe that the only person who can overtake him at this point is Roddick, so he has to hope Verdasco doesn't make the final and Roddick doesn't go much further than he does in Paris. If he can keep winning, he'll be fine.

sf,
Don't despair. I love everything French but Robin must win today.

zengii Oh bad luck

I am sure Roger will win in 2 sets?

Are you rrich yet by the way

Just asking?

Hell Jenni you scare me at times

David and the Fog locked in a bit of a battle in the 3rd set

My money is on David to win though

AM,
I'm an spiritual millionaire. Specially after my weekend at Basel. :)
I must go now.

The Fog was love 40 down but came back to hold

zengii LOL!

See you soon

AM: I'm good! just really busy, which is way I've been really inconsistent posting recently.

Jenni: thanks.

pretty piece of work by Fognini coming back to win his last service game. he might actually have a chance here.

Just horsen Well at least being busy keeps you out of trouble lol!

"which is way"

sorry, should read "why"

thank you zenggi. i wish the same for your man, too ;).

but 2 solid frenchies falling tonight, hmmmm... it's tricky, for sure. we shall see.

"is Ferru locked in for the WTF yet?"

For a second there, I thought that was something from David's training as a young lad.

"Definately worse than realizing you've brought your 8 yr old niece to the elephant man instead of sleeping beauty as you have to see the 'Press' again...."

Lol. *loves jb* :)

great passer by the Fog with the b/hand down the line

Hmmm Sherlock has never said that about me

Moving On

Break point for the Fog!

Hell The Fog has a great foot speed to pick up that volley and pass over Davids head

great tough hold by David there he is a hard nut to break

Vamos David!

...and David holds.

"Well at least being busy keeps you out of trouble lol!" = haha. well that's the theory :)

AM, but I don't send cherries to anyone else. I thought that said it all. :)

nice volley by Fog there.

Sherlock Indeed

Last time I checked you havent sent cherries to me either?

Why do their play Insane James Bond music when players arrived on court?

Gasquet and Roger have just taken to the court

Please I will die if they play another Dolly Parton song in the break

Just saying

Deuce

Vamos David

Good 1st serve and its David's ad

David holds and leads 4-3 in the 3rd set

Come on David good time to break the Fogs serve

The Fog had a love service game

4 games all in the 3rd set

Vamos David just have a quick service game here

When does Roger start?

Crap David down love 30 on serve

Come on ok better 15-30

Crap that slice from the Fog doing some damage to Davids control of his f/hand

Come on David 30-40

David took pace of his serve there and the Fog ROS found the net

Vamos David

ad to David now

Vamos David and he holds tough

Foggy falling apart. He had the match in his hands for a few minutes there.

Sherlock Roger and Gasquet game should be starting now I heard them coming on court with that insane music

now David is the one spraying errors all over the place. Both these guys having really hot-cold streaks.

My live coverage has just gone to Roger v Richards game live now

really nice point, both guys all over the court. Fog wins on a volley
15-30

Just Horsen can you keep me posted on that game pls?

Roger just broke Richards serve he leads 2-1

Fog hits awful b-hand into net. laughs at himself. 30 all

Ferrer DTL winner. 40-30

AM: sure!

Ferrer holds for 6-5.

"If I fumble, no-one except me will remember; if he says the wrong thing, he’ll never be allowed to forget."

Gauloises, another great article. The above sentence - so true. I've seen so much criticism on these boards when a player (accidentally or otherwise) departs from scripted, bland replies ... so often the player is then described as arrogant/disingenuous/deluded/disrespectful etc ... these highly critical debates run for pages! Good to remember that 20something tennis players are not diplomats or robots :)

David I hate t/breaks ok

break the Fog now!

Roger holds and leads 3-1 with Richard to serve

Carlos Bernades is the umpire by the sound of his voice