I thought i was first but i probably knw im not since i actually read the whole piece.

Well, I still feel that Jelena Jankovic is jealous of Ana Ivanovic. Anyway, two Serbs down, one to go. And Ivanovic will win in a classic tomorrow over Safina. This is going to be great match.
7-5, 4-6, 10-8

what do you know, I am first. haha

hey pete! nice defense of ana. it amazes me that some people (not to lump - just saw a couple comments) think they KNOW that she's not all she seems.

SInce they've never met her, or even spoken to her, or known anyone who has met her or spoken to her or interacted in anyway... how the hail can the KNOW she's hiding a dark underbelly of meanness?

*shrugs* so thanks for attempting to set that straight.

Also interesting quotes from dinara. Funny, i was just thinking about these players having to deal with their mental demons, hopes, pressures etc all on court, in front of a crowd. Or worse, in an empty stadium... and just slogging away with noone to applaud.

I think the careless way we tend sometimes to dismiss a player's effort or their wilanders simply doesn't give them enough credit.

ah well - enjoy the last couple days - and thanks for all the great posts, I've been enjoying them immensely!

With a score like that, you're dreaming. I think Safina has a pretty good shot at it, since shes been on fire the last two weeks, but like that Marat character, shes prone to mental meltdowns at inopportune moments. I say Ivanovic in three, but no way its going 10-8 in the third. Ivanovic is simply a better player than Safina...

Really, really enjoyable, Pete. Thanks. When you make the case for the head over the arms and legs, as you do here, you're preaching to the choir as far as I'm concerned, but this is as good a case for that perspective as you've ever put forth.

On what is the distaff side of the tour, from Ana and Dinara's perspective, one has to wonder if in tomorrow's men's final Federer will be able to dispel the momentary questions and doubts that trip up a competitor. We know no questions enter Nadal's mind on any ball, ever, let alone a match. Ana knows it, too, and is right to want some of that for herself.

Hey Pete! Nice piece that touches on a lot of good issues. It will be interesting to see if Ana can really step it up and take it tomorrow. Clearly, she's a thinking kind of player -- not that any of them don't think, but she seems very analytical and developmentally focused. As you say, there's that weird vacuum for the best players, where they are at once playing more freely than mere mortals and obsessing over little things that others ignore.

No way i could be FIRST!

No way i could be TENTH!

Another great post Pete!

Its interesting - that Ana and Jelena have gone from being compatriots to becoming rivals. I look foward to more high stakes matches from them in the future.

Ana didn't know the number one spot would be decided on the outcome of that match - wow.. I wonder if someone told Jelena? As for tomorrow, I like both players so I don't know who to cheer for. Both would be fulfilling a dream so it will be a good moment no matter who wins.

Nope, Pete. Don't buy it.

Like someone said nice defense of Ivanovic. I think people presume too much which can be very far from the truth. I have no interest in Ivanovic whatsoever but I think she just comes across as a practical girl....I don't exactly know why. Something about her seems to be above her age like Rafa.
Anyway I hope Dinara will win tomorrow and I know she can. Nothing against Ivanovic, it's just that Safina has been a favorite of mine since seeing her in Berlin.
RAFA AND DINARA FOR FO2008!

Ok Pete, so perhaps I was wrong about her hiding her inner vitch... it was just a hunch. However, I still think Safina's gonna gun her down and yank (ovic?) her around the court with heavy spin. She's also got that great down-the-line backhand, which did for Sharpie and Elena D, and which will prevent Ana from standing too far into her backhand corner (remember when Arantxa used to sting Steffi doing that?). Mats Wilander just said on Eurosport that he complimented her (Safina) on how well she's mixing up her shots. she replied that her new coach, Zeljko Krajan, is trying to encourage her to 'play more like a guy'. She's got more options because she's playing high-percentage tennis.

Hearing that, then reading Ana talk about Nadal makes me wonder: are we on the verge of the masculinisation of women's tennis - the sport becoming a unisex game, rather than one where the sexes play differently? A return to tennis as it was in the 80s?

"Winning that battle for good - meaning that one day you wake up and realize you no longer have to have that grinding inner dialogue with yourself - is critical to becoming a Grand Slam champ instead of journeyman or even an unpredictable, inconsistent contender"

Very well said, Pete.

But actually, is the battle ever over?

Somebody should ask Svetlana Kuznetsova, or Marat Safin, or Lindsay Davenport...

I don't believe that nonsense about Ivanovic not knowing she would be #1.
That's all she talked about. "I want to be #1. I want to be #1."
She knows Justine retired. She knows Sharapova lost. And she knows she played Sharapova in the semis last year.
You're telling us she wasn't thinking about how #1 would turn out next week?
That's all she talks about, when asked what her goals are.

Frances, why am I not surprised?

Thanks Pete, interesting read, as always, and I love it when you're "on the ground" reporting.

** Sven Groeneveld's major pre-match task, according to Ana, was making sure that nobody who would come into contact with her before the final leaked the news that a victory would earn her the number no. 1 ranking. **

Like this was a secret buried at Los Alamos? Everyone knew this but teensy fragile Ana? Aw, come on, I've got a bridge to sell ya.

No offense Pete, but I just can't believe her.

"how the hail can the KNOW she's hiding a dark underbelly of meanness?"

jb: Must be those darn first pumps. ;-)

Also: Great image of Safina; Look at the musculature of that shoulder and arm—some serious power there. Looking forward to the Battle of the Amazons.

lol sam. they are so silly aren't they? they just remind me of an indignant kitten, trying to look fierce. And I LIKE Ana, she reminds me a bit of lindsay at time, when both bplayers games are on. Don't understand the kerfuffle about them, but whatever.

I was told that here in Croatia, terrestrial TV coverage of RG would end once Ljubičić lost. Then when Ana appeared on HRT2, I was told it was only because she's a hottie, even if she is a Serb. But I guess what these people hadn't counted on was that the Nadal-Đoković match would be up first, so they had no choice but to show it in their afternoon slot. They didn't bother with the second match. A friend and I were talking about the representation of Serbia in the world by these athletes, and while Novak has been taken to task for some (tame, IMO)comments about Kosovo, we wondered if Ana is ever asked these questions.

In any event, if nobody believes she didn't know about the number 1 ranking, I must ask: why would she lie? What would be the purpose of making that up?

>>In any event, if nobody believes she didn't know about the number 1 ranking, I must ask: why would she lie? What would be the purpose of making that up?

Exactly my own thoughts, Tina! Can't imagine why Ivanovic would want to pretend she didn't know. To all the doubters, it's just possible that she prefers not to read all the media hype about herself and her matches (which, if true, would be wise, IMO).

And jb said about Ana's fist pumps: they are so silly aren't they? they just remind me of an indignant kitten, trying to look fierce.

LOL, jb! Great imagery. I was going to say they reminded me of Tim Henman trying to be ferocious, but an indignant kitten is so much better.

I like Ana despite her fist pumps, but I'm hoping for Dinara to capture this one. More than anything, I just hope they both acquit themselves well. It would be so sad if we ended up with a battle of the yips and the shanks in the final.

That's really weird that Ana didn't know that she would be number one, as the day BEFORE the match I read a quote attributed to her saying (paraphrasing) that she wasn't concentrating on a specific number, because if one played their best the rankings would come. I sure thought she was referring to that top spot.

Surely Jelena knew, because she commented that being number one had been her childhood dream.

Things that make you go hmnm...

p.s. I'm not that confident that the stars will align this perfectly for Safina again. It's now or never for her. Although, I hope that I'm wrong.

Metaphysical Tennis:

Expanding on a theme in this article:

Do you think tennis matches and tournaments are won or lost long before they are played?

Don’t laugh or kill me until after the final tomorrow.

I have been in a very spiritual mode lately and studying Metaphysics. And I have asked questions before going to sleep or meditating and have gotten little pictures in my mind that may have clues to the answer to my questiosn. Who the answer comes from, I won't get into my theory now, but in a Tennis sense I have asked questions and got pictures.

AO final: I asked (the air) if Ana would win. I got a picture of a blue car with the wheels coming off. At the AO open, Ana was wearing a blue dress and the wheels did come off.

I asked who would win another tournament and saw a picture of Sharapova with a trophy. Sharapova won that tournament.

There are other examples I can give but to make a long story short. I was asking about RG...

One was how many rounds a particular player would get through in the tournament. I saw the players face with a two generic tennis players standing next to the player. The player got to the second round.

I can’t remember if I asked who would win or if Ana would win, but a got a picture of what I though was a blond, braided pony tail. So I though, who has this and I though Cibulkova but she lost, then Safina as she has a blonde, braided pony tail. I wasn’t sure if the picture was telling me a blond pony tail or a pony tail so I asked again. The picture I got was a horse’s (pony’s?) head but very dark, black. So thought does this mean Dark Horse, which would be Safina or Ivanovic – Black pony tail or black main.

Then I remember I had a picture a couple of months ago and I saw what looked like the rankings list and Ivanovic moving to #6. Then I saw how she played in those months and I though: Is she going down to #6? Which was possible if she lost a lot points. Then Justine retired (I won’t tell you about the pictures I got about that) and I though there is no way Ivanovic would be #6 any time soon. So now she is #1. However, this is the 6th month of the year. This morning just before waking, I got the following picture. Safina in her serving stance with yellow shoes and a dream that I think lead me to believe that Ivanovic will win that the nerve issue is calmed with her.

So my prediction is Ivanovic will win.

You all can laugh now but I think there is something to this.

That matches and/or tournaments are won or lost on a spiritual level long before they are played.

I think our lives are played out the same way, but that is too deep a discussion for now.

Other comments:

Hearing that, then reading Ana talk about Nadal makes me wonder: are we on the verge of the masculinisation of women's tennis - the sport becoming a unisex game, rather than one where the sexes play differently? A return to tennis as it was in the 80s?

Please! If you actually read Pete's article and Ivanovic's face going red and know that Ivanovic and Nadal flew from Indian Wells to Miami together in a private plan and Nadal said wonderful things about Ana and her family and they both drove in a car together to do the RG draws. It may be Ana that likes Nadal but she is trying to deflect attention away from that. He is kinda cute and they are about the same age, and have a common interest and he is successful in his own right so not threaten by hers. Maybe love is blooming? A nice, Evert and Conners.

She knows Justine retired. She knows Sharapova lost. And she knows she played Sharapova in the semis last year.
You're telling us she wasn't thinking about how #1 would turn out next week?

I think what their saying is she probably did not know that Svete lost and that the outcome of the match would produce number one. I think that is what they are saying, which is possible.

Pete is scratching at something here, but I think it works in both ways.

The internal mental "struggle" Pete refers to does not always lead to negative results on court. Some players find that struggle to be the difference between winning and losing, and wind up using that struggle to cross the finish line. There are too many players in too many settings to validate this point --Serena and Sharapova being two obvious examples.

It's just easier to recognize the futility of the struggle when the player loses; again -- consider Serena and Sharapova as being two recent examples.

TennisFan: I like your metaphysical/spiritual analysis and prediction.

The key thing is Dinara is not just playing for herself, but for her family too as she put it, plus its her first time at such a big stakes occasion. Ivanovic has worked out the inner battle and how to comethrough it.

There will be some nerves on both sides, but I feel (intutively like you) that Ivanovic will prevail. I feel those yellow shoes you saw Dinara wearing were a symbolic representation of her nerves getting to her feet, compromising her already relatively slow movement.

Ok I am reluctant to mention this, but you have given me the courage to do so: I am a psychic reader ( we're all psychic but tend not to develop those abilites) and everytime I ask the question about who will win tomorrow - I see Ivanovic with an expression of total disbelief as she gets out of the zone to realise what she has just achieved.

I'd like to add that the future is never fixed as so many variables come into play based on the individual playes beleif in themselves. But as I write at 22:11 uk time, on 06/06 Ivanovic has it.

Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow - I can't watch the match so I'll have to keep checking for the score on the net via my mobile as I am at a workshop on - guess what? "Developing your psychic ability" hehehe. This is fun!

VuVu;

Well, can you tell me who will win on Sunday please? And also; Who will win the Kentucky Derby.

Thanks! I'd appreciate it.

I see Ivanovic with an expression of total disbelief as she gets out of the zone to realise what she has just achieved.

Vuvu: I don't claim to be pyschic but I think I have something going on that I don't really understand and never had before. I have other things going on other than little pictures but no one to really talk to about and no idea how to interpret. So I read books. Maybe you and I can talk someday.

So your take on it gives me confidence in my opinion. I have had smilily faces before. I saw a picture of an Ivanovic smilely face before Indian Wells and Davenport smilely face before she beat Ivanovic in Miami. Also at Indian Wells, I was watching Sharapova and Kuznetsova but had to do something else so I did not know who won (and Sharapova was up at this point) and then later I was taking a nap and saw Kuznetsova with her racket high in the air with a smile with Sharapova on her back. Later, I checked the score and sure enough Kuznetsova had won.

Syd: As far as your question about - Federer/Nadal, I asked the air. However, I don't think my answer is any proof of psychic ability as just about anyone could figure this out. However, I got like an immediate feeling of heavy energy, almost churning inside and almost a burning feel on my face. And my field of vision was entirely green. So you figure out who I think will win on Sunday. If this stuff is real, this could be why Nadal is so dominate as he sends out this heavy energy not only to the air but to his opponents so no one has a chance.

I did not ask about the Kentucky Derby as I'm not really into that and I'm afraid someone might lose (or win) a lot of money if they read this and act on it. So maybe VuVu can ask the air on that one.

Vuvu: I don't claim to be pyschic but I think I have something going on that I don't really understand and never had before. I have other things going on other than little pictures but no one to really talk to about and no idea how to interpret. So I read books. Maybe you and I can talk someday.

I'd love to tak about that someday Tennis Fan - I have had this going on for most of my life, but was socialised to be scared of it. This kind of knowing is difficult to relate to those that don't understand, or wish to understand, and I am not here to impose my view or convince anybody of anything. We live in a culture that tends to poo poo such ideas, but that is slowly but surely changing.

As to who will win on Sunday Syd - well Nadal of course :) I am not fanatical about it, but I happen to adore the man for his tennis and his character. I love Fed too, but Nadal has the edge on clay and you don't need to be psychic to know that.

With regard to the gambling fraternity - I don't engage my intuitive abilities for such, so sorry, Kentucky Derby bets are off. And that includes the lottery before you ask, hehehe. I consider this as a gift and a calling for spiritual empowerment not personal profit or anything on that more base material level.

Pete - I love your articles and this one in particular, so am keen people don't miss it.

There is a technical glitch on the frontpage which is supposed to link to this article, its called "Ivanovic Unlugged", but goes to the article on "Les Dauphins" - Novak and Rafa instead of here.

And is there a typo there; as in you meant "Ivanovic Unplugged"?

those who are so confidently backing Ana seem to forget Iva Majoli, Anastasia Myskina, etc., not to mention, more importantly, she is on a serious roll, including scalps that Ana has never been able to take (Venus, Serena, even Dementieva, who has Ana's number recently). In other words, while I can see Ana winning, Safina is simply on fire. She's got the IT factor right now. The fire in the belly like we haven't seen from a female player going for her it in her first slam final since, well....who do y'all think of?

I meant henin, not venus. of late Dinara has taken down the top folks---sharapova, williams, henin, kuz, dementieva

can Ana boast this, not just of late, but EVER? point is, right now Safina has got to be even money, at the very least. just look at her

I think Ana is way too smug with herself for never having won a slam. Congrats on being #1, quite an accomplishment...but I think Dinara is just unstoppable. Recall, the 2004 Wimbledon Championships when #13 seeded Maria Sharapova crushed the favored #1 seed Serena Williams 61 64. Dinara's seeding this week? #13. The favored player? #2 Ivanovic...History is bound to repeat itself...it's Dinara's destiny...

62 75 Safina

I love Ana and Dinara, I was hoping for this final. I can't believe it's actually happening. I don't know who to root for.

Martina said: Kuznetsova GAVE the match to Dinara.

Pete, nice piece, thanks.

I like both girls. I noticed Dinara because of her brother but after watching her play and then self destruct, I developed a soft for her (DC tie in Israel). I am happy for her great results during the clay season and that she can take confidence from this and carry it over into the rest of the season.

Re: Anna. I like her and her way. I believe she is honest. I am sure she knew that RG would determine the new #1 ranking but I do believe that she had not spent the time to work out the numbers once Maria lost. I know that I worked out the numbers with several scenarios and it did not jump out at me until I saw the media headlines. Also, I saw media comments stating that they they would prefer the trophy over the ranking. I think her game is still coming along and results have probably come faster than she and her team expected and I hope she takes confidence from her success to continue to improve and succeed in the future with the same humility she has now.

Re: the final. For each I have my reasons to want to win. Both are deserved:

Dinara because she has had a such a great run and beat very formidable opponnents (berlin and RG) and she can take great confidence from her success at RG. If she loses, she should still take great confidence from what she has and can accomplish.

Ana - the win would confirm her new #1 ranking. However, if she loses she is still the #1. After she won vs. Jankovic, I was very happy for her but decided I wanted Dinara to win the final. But after reading the comments re: Jankovic and her mimicking and disregard for the final, it makes me think, well in that case, Ana you take it and be the first female GS champion. Girls will be girls afterall. Plus, I believe in PR and Jankovic should have been more diplomatic. Shame on her.

I hope the match will be a great match and both will bring their game and walk away knowing that they did what they could.

Go Dinara and Ana!

vuvu and tennis fan:
Love this discussion. I too am very interested in the subject.
Vuvu, by any chance have you heard of Geoff Boltwood aka Tareth. He is a psychic healer in Glastonbury. We were on vacation and I had a healing session by him. Just google Tareth. maybe we can all email offline, mail2vw at gmail dot com

I'm very surprised about comments on the 'masculinisation of women's tennis'. Tennis players, whether male or female, ought to be able to adopt effective techniques from another player they look up to, regardless of gender. Especially if this improves their play. When a previously hard-hitting male player develops 'soft hands' for a successful drop-shot, or wears shoulder-length hair, nobody ever remarks on the "feminisation of men's tennis", do they?

This is 21st century tennis, where the prize money for men & women is now equal for this tournament. Gender equality shouldn't cause us irrational fear, because it is NOT about turning everyone into one into one same thing. It's all about being able to acknowledge that the very differences we celebrate are of equal value.

My point about masculinisation was really more to do with some of the women embracing the idea of 'tactics', changing your game, rather than all that 'I just have to play my own game' nonsense which has caused so many bad matches in recent times. Actually, I think people do at least subconsciously attribute feminine values to male players who use more than just brute force - just look at the way federer's metrosexual reputation has swept all before it in the fashion magazines.

Jesus, I suppose it's too much asking for a better Dina pic? :rolleyes:

Ana fantasizing about Nadal??? hmmmmm

"My point about masculinisation was really more to do with some of the women embracing the idea of 'tactics', changing your game..."

Wow! So you think that female players never use tactics or have game plans? Have you ever watched Martina Hingis play?

Exactly Lea - she's the (almost) exception who proves the rule...

Ok, I was right on the Ana issue. Let's see if Nadal comes through.

I see Ivanovic with an expression of total disbelief as she gets out of the zone to realise what she has just achieved.

Vuvu: If you come back here and saw the final, this was Ana's expression after she won. She looked stunned not the uncontrollable excitment that I would have expected. You were right.

Just fabulous! If anything, this article has too much wisdom and goodness.

First of all - congrats Ana.

Second - get the political crap out of your comments. There is no place for that at this or any other sports blog.

I guess Dinara is following the steps of some big time losers. She lost because of her body and her previous matches not because she was outplayed by a better player. My prediction is that she will follow the footsteps of her big brother. Few good results as an underdog than all downhill from there when there is a pressure to perform as a favorite.

By the way - forgot to write before - good call Tennis Fan on Ana's inability to be coached by her main coach. However - I guess she remembered how to stay in the moment from her previous experiences. Even though I am pulling for Ana, she needs to win another major playing Maria or Serena. That will show me that she really arrived.

"One reason the best players win so often is because that struggle is long over; the smoke on the battlefield has cleared and dead and wounded former selves have all been carted off."

Wow.

Best. Line. Ever.

Oooh spooky with the premonitions! Well done!

Well, Ana wants to emulate Nadal in FH spin, intensity and defence and Nadal is being quizzed about Ana...

Here's a hilarious question from a fan and an equally hilarious (and straightforward) answer from Rafa (Spanish newspaper El Mundo publishes his daily blog and Q&A):

"Q: Hi, Rafa, first of all congratulations for your birthday and for the terrific tournament you're having. Now I want to ask you something that surely 90% of us who play tennis in Spain want you to clear up for us once and for all. Your press agent probably won't let you answer, your mother may scold you and your uncle will tell you to stay focused on the match, but you have to clear up this doubt that eats away at all of us who suffer through each one of your matches: Is Ana Ivanovic as gorgeous as she looks on TV?

A: Yes, the truth is she's beautiful and really nice, although I don't know her that well. My press agent is of the same opinion, and so is Maymo, Carlos Costa and the rest of my team. I'll check with my mother as well... hehehe."

Hey very nice article.

I love the way the Serbs players represented their countries. I think they are both lucky to be part of these great game.

Jelena could have been in Ana's place if she wasn't injured.

There is a reason for everything, and a time for everything.

I see now the Serbs, players deserved what they are into.

But I promise I love Maria Sharapova!

Hey very nice article.

I love the way the Serbs players represented their countries. I think they are both lucky to be part of these great game.

Jelena could have been in Ana's place if she wasn't injured.

There is a reason for everything, and a time for everything.

I see now the Serbs, players deserved what they are into.

But I promise I love Maria Sharapova! Hope you all can visit my blog http://mtbeauty.blogspot.com

I find quite entertaining, but none too surprising, the tendency to believe Ana's a phony--that she knew all along the number one ranking was on the line, and that she's artfully concealed behind a carefully-crafted image.

Those assumptions say more about the person who holds them than they do the like it or not still-unblemished Ivanovic.

Know what? Some people are just nicer than you.