Biggest terrorists attack since 93, 7 blasts took place along the western line!
Various Reports:
Terror Tuesday in Mumbai! At least 147 killed
Mumbai, July 11: At least 147 people were killed and over 430 injured in a series of eight terror blasts in first class compartments of suburban trains around 6 pm during the peak hour traffic here today. The blasts occured between 6 pm and 6.30 pm at Mahim, Bandra, Matunga, Borivili, Mira Road, Jogeshwari and Khar. Western Rly Helpline Nos: 022-22005388, 23094064, 23004000
Fifty bodies were brought to Bhaba hospital in Bandra, 20 to Sion in central Mumbai and ten each to KEM and V N Desai hospitals.
Mumbai Police Commissioner A N Roy said tonight that at least 100 bodies have been counted at blast sites or hospitals in different places.
Police suspect that it is a pre-planned subversive plot similar to the explosions that had rocked Mumbai in 1993 and 2002 and 2003.
At Matunga station, the blast was so powerful that it not only ripped through the first class coach but also blew off a portion of the platform shed. Bodies were scattered on the tracks while many injured, were attended to by fellow travellers on the platform before being rushed to nearby hospitals.
All suburban and long-distance trains on the Western railway lines were suspended and police cordoned off the major road intersections, railway stations and exit points.
Immediately after the blasts, people came out in large number to help the victims. Sudden heavy rains after an hour of the explosions made the job of rescuers difficult.
Confusion and fear prevailed among train commuters at all Western Railway stations as thousands could not make way to homes due to suspension of train services on the Western Line.
Roy asked passengers to use Central Railway lines that are functional, and BEST buses to reach their destinations.
However, passengers in a frenzy caught hold of any available four-wheeler, some times by force, at Churchgate station and other stations to get out of the commercial district.
Compensation announced
The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday night assured a compensation of Rs one lakh rupees to the family members of those killed in the terror attacks in Mumbai. The Cabinet also assured to give Rs 50,000 to those injured and vowed to bear all expenditures of the wounded. To maintain peace and calm, the State government has called an all party meet on Wednesday and has sought Central help in the form of paramilitary forces to tackle any untoward incident.
PM appeals for calm
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight reviewed the security situation in the aftermath of blasts in Mumbai and Srinagar after which he expressed the government`s resolve to "fight and defeat the evil designs of terrorists".
He appealed to the people to maintain calm in the face of terror attacks in Mumbai and Srinagar after an emergency meeting at his residence with Home Minister Shivraj Patil and others.
Sonia, Patil, Lalu rush to Mumbai
Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad left for Mumbai tonight for an on-the-spot review of the situation in the wake of the serial blasts.
Security at all major airports tightened
Security at all airports across the country was beefed up following the synchronised serial blasts in running trains in Mumbai.
Quick reaction teams of paramilitary forces have been deployed at major airports, especially in Mumbai, Delhi and other metros, official sources said here.
The number of CISF personnel on duty at major airports have also been increased, they said.
The sources said the personnel on duty have been asked to take all precautions and conduct all necessary security checks at the airports.
Centre keeping close watch
The Centre is in constant touch with Maharashtra Government in the wake of the serial blasts in suburban trains in Mumbai and is closely monitoring the situation in the metropolis.
"We are closely watching the situation and gathering all information from railways and authorities in Mumbai," a senior Home Ministry official said and reiterated the Government`s determination to fight terrorism.
Intelligence reports
The sources in intelliegence have said that the role of LeT and Dawood cannot be ruled out. They also said that the twin Ghatkopar blasts of 1998 were the first incident of LeT`s involvement in Mumbai blasts.
High alert in Punjab and Haryana
The security agencies in Punjab and Haryana have been put on high alert in the wake of serial blasts in suburban trains in Mumbai this evening.
Police sources said that security agencies in the two states and Chandigarh have been asked to ensure proper watch at railway stations, bus stands and crowded market places.
Militant arrested in Delhi
A Kashmiri militant, key supplier of explosives in the national capital, has been arrested in South Delhi and 2.05 kg RDX seized from his possession, police said today.
Ajaz Hussain Khwaja, hailing from Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested from Lodhi road area yesterday after police received a tip-off about his movement, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Alok Kumar said.
Police is interrogating him to find out if he had any link with the serial blasts in Srinagar and Mumbai, which terrorist outfit he belonged to and his contacts in the capital.
An amount of Rs 49 lakh was also seized from his possession, police said adding according to their information Hussain was working for Pakistan-based militant Mukhtar Ahmed.
Bureau Report
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=308478&sid=NAT&ssid=
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Monday, July 10, 2006
Martina Hingis Worldcup Talk
Check out this video on youtube:
Martina Hingis talks about the Football World Cup in Germany and the Swiss Team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heWLLmZ4W18
Martina Hingis talks about the Football World Cup in Germany and the Swiss Team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heWLLmZ4W18
Meet Mr. Radek Stepanek
Meet Mr. Stepanek, Radek Stepanek Info:
well may be martina saw all this in him! And also...
So we might better get to know Martina Hingis' current arm-candy...
Radek Stepanek
Birthdate: 27-Nov-1978
Birthplace: Karvina
Residence: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Height: 6'1'' (185 cm)
Weight: 167 lbs (75 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned Pro: 1996
Czech men's tennis number one
Career Singles: only one to date Rotterdam
Doubles Titles: 12
Nicknamed ôSteps… by his countrymen
Meet the Stepaneks
Began playing at age 3 with his father, Vlastimil, who is a tennis coach.
mother Hana is a librarian.
brother Martin is a policeman.
Karvina is an industrial mining town in north of Czech Republic near Polish border.
Hobbies are playing soccer and floorball. (what is that! )
Considers his serve as best shot.
Since 2001, has worked with countryman Petr Korda in Bradenton, Florida part-time.
Best friend on tour is countryman Jiri Novak.
Coached by countryman Tomas Krupa.
more updates shortly with pictures.
Info source:
http://www.atptennis.com/en/players/playerprofiles/default2.asp?playersearch=Stepanek%2C+Radek
well may be martina saw all this in him! And also...
So we might better get to know Martina Hingis' current arm-candy...
Radek Stepanek
Birthdate: 27-Nov-1978
Birthplace: Karvina
Residence: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Height: 6'1'' (185 cm)
Weight: 167 lbs (75 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned Pro: 1996
Czech men's tennis number one
Career Singles: only one to date Rotterdam
Doubles Titles: 12
Nicknamed ôSteps… by his countrymen
Meet the Stepaneks
Began playing at age 3 with his father, Vlastimil, who is a tennis coach.
mother Hana is a librarian.
brother Martin is a policeman.
Karvina is an industrial mining town in north of Czech Republic near Polish border.
Hobbies are playing soccer and floorball. (what is that! )
Considers his serve as best shot.
Since 2001, has worked with countryman Petr Korda in Bradenton, Florida part-time.
Best friend on tour is countryman Jiri Novak.
Coached by countryman Tomas Krupa.
more updates shortly with pictures.
Info source:
http://www.atptennis.com/en/players/playerprofiles/default2.asp?playersearch=Stepanek%2C+Radek
Roger Federer & Maria Sharapova in Love!
And if you dont believe it check out this "cheeky" video. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrFQZnXpOY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrFQZnXpOY
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
What do you think of martina hingis?
I found this on YAHOO ANSWERS:
Undecided Question: What you think of Martina hingis ???
12 answers
This question is no longer open for answering. Here's your chance to cast a vote if you haven't already.
Pick the best answer
Answers:
Answerer 1 ... lovely
Answerer 2 she seems kinda dikey. but i'd give her the D
Answerer 3 she is great i like her soo much
Answerer 4 like rihanna and beyonce better Source(s):
also like venus and serena better,
Answerer 5 hot.....
Answerer 6
,i think she is the queen....lol, i would love to be her king....jk......seriously....s... will be known for tennis now ...instead of being aworn out talented teenager..she could be the next stephi or everett......she is better than venus and serena......and is just warming up...he he
Answerer 7
Although Martina Hingis has a cute shape, I don't think she's very pretty. Her hairline on her forehead is way too high, and her teeth are way too big. These two things ultimately make her unattractive.
Nevertheless, Martina is one of my favorite female tennis players. She has the best attitude because she's the hardest worker when it comes to developing proper technique.
Answerer 8
She's always been one of my favourite female players. I like how she plays - she doesn't quite have the class that Federer and Nadal have (I watch men's tennis far more so I don't know enough about female players to really compare) but she's quite elegant out on the court. She seems like a nice person too.
Answerer 9
Martina Hingis is quite talented, but she also has a big forehead. Her nickname Chuckie and Lightbulb head seem appropriate. She should keep doing what she does, as long as she keeps her mouth shut. When she opens her mouth she spews out so much poison.
She's probably getting some from boyfriend tennis star Radek Stepanek tonight.
Answerer 10
She is a good player. She is Ugly. ANd what i hate the most about her is her aroggance and her sense of being above everyone else. and she called Mauresmo a half man. Bad Girl hate hi
Answerer 11
I think that she is a good tennis player.
Answerer 12
I think she is fabulous. I love the way she plays and I love the way she carries herself. She generally has a smile on her face and she knows what she wants from herself. I am very happy that she has returned to the game. I missed her passion for the game.
She is NOT ugly or dikey, she is a beautiful young lady.
you can vote for the answers here:
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060628041250AAaA51r
Undecided Question: What you think of Martina hingis ???
12 answers
This question is no longer open for answering. Here's your chance to cast a vote if you haven't already.
Pick the best answer
Answers:
Answerer 1 ... lovely
Answerer 2 she seems kinda dikey. but i'd give her the D
Answerer 3 she is great i like her soo much
Answerer 4 like rihanna and beyonce better Source(s):
also like venus and serena better,
Answerer 5 hot.....
Answerer 6
,i think she is the queen....lol, i would love to be her king....jk......seriously....s... will be known for tennis now ...instead of being aworn out talented teenager..she could be the next stephi or everett......she is better than venus and serena......and is just warming up...he he
Answerer 7
Although Martina Hingis has a cute shape, I don't think she's very pretty. Her hairline on her forehead is way too high, and her teeth are way too big. These two things ultimately make her unattractive.
Nevertheless, Martina is one of my favorite female tennis players. She has the best attitude because she's the hardest worker when it comes to developing proper technique.
Answerer 8
She's always been one of my favourite female players. I like how she plays - she doesn't quite have the class that Federer and Nadal have (I watch men's tennis far more so I don't know enough about female players to really compare) but she's quite elegant out on the court. She seems like a nice person too.
Answerer 9
Martina Hingis is quite talented, but she also has a big forehead. Her nickname Chuckie and Lightbulb head seem appropriate. She should keep doing what she does, as long as she keeps her mouth shut. When she opens her mouth she spews out so much poison.
She's probably getting some from boyfriend tennis star Radek Stepanek tonight.
Answerer 10
She is a good player. She is Ugly. ANd what i hate the most about her is her aroggance and her sense of being above everyone else. and she called Mauresmo a half man. Bad Girl hate hi
Answerer 11
I think that she is a good tennis player.
Answerer 12
I think she is fabulous. I love the way she plays and I love the way she carries herself. She generally has a smile on her face and she knows what she wants from herself. I am very happy that she has returned to the game. I missed her passion for the game.
She is NOT ugly or dikey, she is a beautiful young lady.
you can vote for the answers here:
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060628041250AAaA51r
Martina Hingis at Radek Stepanek's match
thanx to member Romania again:
photo caption:
Switzerland's Martina Hingis is joined by her guest Marek Vsetetick, as they watch the Men's Singles quarterfinal between Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic and Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman on the Number One Court at Wimbledon, Wednesday July 5, 2006
photo caption:
Switzerland's Martina Hingis is joined by her guest Marek Vsetetick, as they watch the Men's Singles quarterfinal between Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic and Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman on the Number One Court at Wimbledon, Wednesday July 5, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Sharapova in "You" magazine
http://img121.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc212&image=40185_Mariamag1001.jpg
http://img126.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc117&image=40208_Mariamag2001.jpg
http://img131.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc270&image=40233_Mariamag2002.jpg
http://img40.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc26&image=40262_Mariamag2003.jpg
http://img134.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc282&image=40287_Mariamag2004.jpg
click the links above
Thanx to member "Romania" from kournikova.com forum here are scans of Maria Sharapova's article from "You" magazine.
http://img126.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc117&image=40208_Mariamag2001.jpg
http://img131.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc270&image=40233_Mariamag2002.jpg
http://img40.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc26&image=40262_Mariamag2003.jpg
http://img134.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc282&image=40287_Mariamag2004.jpg
click the links above
Thanx to member "Romania" from kournikova.com forum here are scans of Maria Sharapova's article from "You" magazine.
Streaker at Sharapova-Dementieva match!
So the news doing the rounds of wtaworld.com is there was a streaker on the green grass of Wimby at Maria and Elena's match!
poor Maria turned her back towards him when he ran on court!!!
and Justine Henin reaction is..........(never mind!!!)
Picture credit: Nouf
Justine's reaction (at her press conference)
Q. There was a streaker during the Sharapova Dementieva match. A man came in and took off all his clothes and danced around.
JUSTINE HENIN HARDENNE: I wish I could see this (laughing).
Q. I'm sure you will see it at some point. Just curious, what is the strangest thing that ever happened to you on a tennis court? Anything ever close to that?
JUSTINE HENIN HARDENNE: Uhm, I don't know. No, no, nothing like that, no. I would remember this. So, no, no. I have to watch TV tonight, that's right, 'cause I don't watch TV. But, okay, thanks (smiling).
poor Maria turned her back towards him when he ran on court!!!
and Justine Henin reaction is..........(never mind!!!)
Picture credit: Nouf
Justine's reaction (at her press conference)
Q. There was a streaker during the Sharapova Dementieva match. A man came in and took off all his clothes and danced around.
JUSTINE HENIN HARDENNE: I wish I could see this (laughing).
Q. I'm sure you will see it at some point. Just curious, what is the strangest thing that ever happened to you on a tennis court? Anything ever close to that?
JUSTINE HENIN HARDENNE: Uhm, I don't know. No, no, nothing like that, no. I would remember this. So, no, no. I have to watch TV tonight, that's right, 'cause I don't watch TV. But, okay, thanks (smiling).
Friday, June 30, 2006
Martina's interview after 3rd round loss
Martina's interview after 3rd round loss
thanx to sravani for posting it.
Q. When you're up 3 Love in the third, you must have thought you were going to win that. What went wrong?
MARTINA HINGIS: So did I, yeah. Still I was up, I think it was a really long game to go up 2 Love. Then 3 Love, it was still very draining, those games. At 3 Love, I kind of made this weird step, so I started feeling my thigh.
But, I mean, there's no excuse.
She didn't miss. She played a great match. She's probably, on this surface, harder to play than anything else because she's very fast. She likes those flat balls. Tried to be even faster, but not today.
Q. How big is your disappointment to be out at this stage of this tournament where you've been so good?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, of course, I wish to come further in the tournament, I mean, no question. But I knew I had to face a tough opponent today. I mean, maybe from the previous two matches, everyone was thinking, you know, I'm going through easy. But I knew today, it's going to be crucial because she is a very good player and she's been around for a long time, and I haven't played her since my comeback.
You know, she's a tough cookie. She's a strong survivor.
Q. Three Grand Slams now into your comeback to tennis. You started out the season getting your feet back under you, making some progress. Would you agree you've hit a plateau right now; you're not really moving forward very much, if at all?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I wouldn't say so. I mean, I won Rome. I was still moving up. At the French Open, I just really had a bad day of food. I didn't think there I did anything wrong. I was playing better as the tournament progressed. It's just Kim, you can't play her if you're not hundred percent.
You know, then last couple weeks, I've been training. I thought I was doing better. Also here in the tournament. But I definitely Sugi was a different level from the other two matches. I mean, it's not even today. I still was close of winning this I mean, not really close, but I had the momentum definitely. It's not like I lost 1 1.
You know, definitely there is certain things I have to think about.
Q. You don't see this as any kind of a setback?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, you can take it either way. I mean, usually in the past, losses made me stronger. I knew what I had to work on and continue to progress.
Q. How did it feel to be back on Centre Court? Did it feel odd?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, it felt really nice. I actually like that court a lot better than Court 1. Somehow it felt familiar when I stepped out there. Also in the beginning I was up a break, 3 1. Unfortunately, I lost it again. It's not like I, you know, didn't feel comfortable. It's just today was not the right day. I don't know. I mean, there's no explanation right now for me. Somehow I got to have to figure out, yeah.
Q. How do you avoid getting frustrated, and keeping positive for the rest of the year?
MARTINA HINGIS: The year is still long. I usually always had, you know, French Open, and midway through the season, I always had a little crisis. It's no news. I always came back strong in San Diego. I mean, I've got three, four weeks to work on myself. Usually I always did well there.
Q. Would you call this a little crisis then?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, in the past, I mean, I had couple first round losses here. So, I mean, I can't say, consider this either I did really well, had a victory here, semifinals and a quarterfinals, but always up and down. So usually I made it through the French, and then Wimbledon either I made it or I didn't.
Definitely it's middle of season. Everyone's getting a little more tired because the clay court season was long and tough. Here is just very different circumstances. I think everyone's always going to get a breather before the hard court season.
Q. What's missing? What are the couple key components to your game that you feel you need to get back?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I think it's in a way the lack of momentum to carry yourself on. It's just when I had her, you know, even in the first set, in the third set again, just keep going. You can't just let anything slip away like that.
Maybe in the past, I would get away with it sometimes but not against the top 5 or 10 players. But now anyone can go out there and bite you.
Q. Do you deal with defeat differently than the way you did earlier in your career?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, maybe today is less pressure. You know, I'm still not kind of the favorite to win Grand Slams. Definitely I'm in that kind of circle to be able to, but not someone who won it recently. Definitely the pressure's not as big on me as some of the other players.
But definitely I'm just as disappointed, you know, as some of the other players. But Wimbledon's always kind of special because we've had some, even losses today, you know. Kuzie went out, Groenefeld had an early loss, Patty yesterday. It kind of makes you think, Wimbledon you have to really be there and ready.
Q. Which part of her game annoyed you most, her running tennis or...
MARTINA HINGIS: She doesn't really have a weakness. I mean, she has a very, you know, solid game from the baseline, then her backhand down the line was deadly today, maybe more effective on this type of surface than anything else, yeah.
Q. Which woman do you think is going to win Wimbledon now?
MARTINA HINGIS: That's hard to say. Venus had a scare yesterday. She survived it. Well, Justine's looking strong. Amélie, Maria. All the top players have been playing very well so far.
Q. What are your thoughts on Swiss tennis development?
MARTINA HINGIS: Oh, that's probably not the right question to ask myself. I have not been really working with the Swiss Tennis Federation, so...
Q. Did you get as familiar with the grass as you hoped you would? As you came back, did it all work out okay or is there something different you might have done?
MARTINA HINGIS: I felt fine when I stepped on it. I mean, it's just very fast. You have to really move quickly around the court. I mean, if you're fast, it does help. If you have a big strong serve. I mean, I don't think that was why I lost today, definitely not. Maybe in the first set, it was. But just the aggressiveness, that was a little lacking in the important points. Just really having the confidence.
But, no, I mean, I played well. Even in the third set, I definitely had the momentum. It's just, you know, couldn't finish it off.
Q. How would you sum up your experience of Wimbledon 2006 both on and off court?
MARTINA HINGIS: I mean, I loved it until now. I really like coming back and playing here. The first couple rounds, I did well. But still somehow at Wimbledon you're never safe. I mean, when you're out on the grass, it seems like you never know how the next point's going to go, so you don't have like a certainty to make winners out of always the same positions. I mean, yeah, you can get yourself in good position with the same things, but it's never sure compared sometimes to other surfaces.
But, no, I mean, I like being in London, in Wimbledon village. I mean, so far it's been a great stay. But, yeah.
Q. Did you feel that way when you won it here, that you're never sure on grass? Is that a new development in your thinking about grass?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I think it's always been like that. I mean, you can go one way, and right away it can also turn against you. I was up, and all of a sudden I lose the next four games. It's like, Okay, how did that happen? Lack of concentration sometimes.
thanx to sravani for posting it.
Q. When you're up 3 Love in the third, you must have thought you were going to win that. What went wrong?
MARTINA HINGIS: So did I, yeah. Still I was up, I think it was a really long game to go up 2 Love. Then 3 Love, it was still very draining, those games. At 3 Love, I kind of made this weird step, so I started feeling my thigh.
But, I mean, there's no excuse.
She didn't miss. She played a great match. She's probably, on this surface, harder to play than anything else because she's very fast. She likes those flat balls. Tried to be even faster, but not today.
Q. How big is your disappointment to be out at this stage of this tournament where you've been so good?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, of course, I wish to come further in the tournament, I mean, no question. But I knew I had to face a tough opponent today. I mean, maybe from the previous two matches, everyone was thinking, you know, I'm going through easy. But I knew today, it's going to be crucial because she is a very good player and she's been around for a long time, and I haven't played her since my comeback.
You know, she's a tough cookie. She's a strong survivor.
Q. Three Grand Slams now into your comeback to tennis. You started out the season getting your feet back under you, making some progress. Would you agree you've hit a plateau right now; you're not really moving forward very much, if at all?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I wouldn't say so. I mean, I won Rome. I was still moving up. At the French Open, I just really had a bad day of food. I didn't think there I did anything wrong. I was playing better as the tournament progressed. It's just Kim, you can't play her if you're not hundred percent.
You know, then last couple weeks, I've been training. I thought I was doing better. Also here in the tournament. But I definitely Sugi was a different level from the other two matches. I mean, it's not even today. I still was close of winning this I mean, not really close, but I had the momentum definitely. It's not like I lost 1 1.
You know, definitely there is certain things I have to think about.
Q. You don't see this as any kind of a setback?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, you can take it either way. I mean, usually in the past, losses made me stronger. I knew what I had to work on and continue to progress.
Q. How did it feel to be back on Centre Court? Did it feel odd?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, it felt really nice. I actually like that court a lot better than Court 1. Somehow it felt familiar when I stepped out there. Also in the beginning I was up a break, 3 1. Unfortunately, I lost it again. It's not like I, you know, didn't feel comfortable. It's just today was not the right day. I don't know. I mean, there's no explanation right now for me. Somehow I got to have to figure out, yeah.
Q. How do you avoid getting frustrated, and keeping positive for the rest of the year?
MARTINA HINGIS: The year is still long. I usually always had, you know, French Open, and midway through the season, I always had a little crisis. It's no news. I always came back strong in San Diego. I mean, I've got three, four weeks to work on myself. Usually I always did well there.
Q. Would you call this a little crisis then?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, in the past, I mean, I had couple first round losses here. So, I mean, I can't say, consider this either I did really well, had a victory here, semifinals and a quarterfinals, but always up and down. So usually I made it through the French, and then Wimbledon either I made it or I didn't.
Definitely it's middle of season. Everyone's getting a little more tired because the clay court season was long and tough. Here is just very different circumstances. I think everyone's always going to get a breather before the hard court season.
Q. What's missing? What are the couple key components to your game that you feel you need to get back?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I think it's in a way the lack of momentum to carry yourself on. It's just when I had her, you know, even in the first set, in the third set again, just keep going. You can't just let anything slip away like that.
Maybe in the past, I would get away with it sometimes but not against the top 5 or 10 players. But now anyone can go out there and bite you.
Q. Do you deal with defeat differently than the way you did earlier in your career?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, maybe today is less pressure. You know, I'm still not kind of the favorite to win Grand Slams. Definitely I'm in that kind of circle to be able to, but not someone who won it recently. Definitely the pressure's not as big on me as some of the other players.
But definitely I'm just as disappointed, you know, as some of the other players. But Wimbledon's always kind of special because we've had some, even losses today, you know. Kuzie went out, Groenefeld had an early loss, Patty yesterday. It kind of makes you think, Wimbledon you have to really be there and ready.
Q. Which part of her game annoyed you most, her running tennis or...
MARTINA HINGIS: She doesn't really have a weakness. I mean, she has a very, you know, solid game from the baseline, then her backhand down the line was deadly today, maybe more effective on this type of surface than anything else, yeah.
Q. Which woman do you think is going to win Wimbledon now?
MARTINA HINGIS: That's hard to say. Venus had a scare yesterday. She survived it. Well, Justine's looking strong. Amélie, Maria. All the top players have been playing very well so far.
Q. What are your thoughts on Swiss tennis development?
MARTINA HINGIS: Oh, that's probably not the right question to ask myself. I have not been really working with the Swiss Tennis Federation, so...
Q. Did you get as familiar with the grass as you hoped you would? As you came back, did it all work out okay or is there something different you might have done?
MARTINA HINGIS: I felt fine when I stepped on it. I mean, it's just very fast. You have to really move quickly around the court. I mean, if you're fast, it does help. If you have a big strong serve. I mean, I don't think that was why I lost today, definitely not. Maybe in the first set, it was. But just the aggressiveness, that was a little lacking in the important points. Just really having the confidence.
But, no, I mean, I played well. Even in the third set, I definitely had the momentum. It's just, you know, couldn't finish it off.
Q. How would you sum up your experience of Wimbledon 2006 both on and off court?
MARTINA HINGIS: I mean, I loved it until now. I really like coming back and playing here. The first couple rounds, I did well. But still somehow at Wimbledon you're never safe. I mean, when you're out on the grass, it seems like you never know how the next point's going to go, so you don't have like a certainty to make winners out of always the same positions. I mean, yeah, you can get yourself in good position with the same things, but it's never sure compared sometimes to other surfaces.
But, no, I mean, I like being in London, in Wimbledon village. I mean, so far it's been a great stay. But, yeah.
Q. Did you feel that way when you won it here, that you're never sure on grass? Is that a new development in your thinking about grass?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I think it's always been like that. I mean, you can go one way, and right away it can also turn against you. I was up, and all of a sudden I lose the next four games. It's like, Okay, how did that happen? Lack of concentration sometimes.
Radek wins, Martina loses
It was a reversal of fortunes for both lovers with Stepanek staging a comeback to reach the 4th round of Wimbledon for the 1st time in his career while his girlfriend Hingis was beaten in 3 sets by Japan's Ai Sugiyama after being 3-0 up in the 3rd.
Radek beat former Roland Garros champion Juan Carlos Ferrero 5-7 6-7 6-4 6-2 11-9.
Radek seeded 14 here had been beaten at the 3rd round in his 7 preceding Grand Slams!
The Czech-born and Monte Carlo based player will play Fernado Verdasco of Spain, in the fourth round.
On the other hand his girlfriend Hingis a 1997 ex-champion here was beaten in 3 sets thanks to her own ability to finish of the match.
After being up in the 1st set and losing in 7-5 she rallied to win the 2nd 6-3; in what seemed like an easy win with her being 3-0 up on the 3rd, Ai not only squared at 3-all but went on to win the match 6-4 in the third.
In a scene from many matches Hingis again seemed to be disturbed by a disputed line call in the 5th game of 3rd set!
Radek beat former Roland Garros champion Juan Carlos Ferrero 5-7 6-7 6-4 6-2 11-9.
Radek seeded 14 here had been beaten at the 3rd round in his 7 preceding Grand Slams!
The Czech-born and Monte Carlo based player will play Fernado Verdasco of Spain, in the fourth round.
On the other hand his girlfriend Hingis a 1997 ex-champion here was beaten in 3 sets thanks to her own ability to finish of the match.
After being up in the 1st set and losing in 7-5 she rallied to win the 2nd 6-3; in what seemed like an easy win with her being 3-0 up on the 3rd, Ai not only squared at 3-all but went on to win the match 6-4 in the third.
In a scene from many matches Hingis again seemed to be disturbed by a disputed line call in the 5th game of 3rd set!
Hingis loses in 3rd round to Sugiyama
Martina loses on return to Centre court at Wimbledon
Mumbai
1:52 AM 7/1/2006
Martina Hingis was beaten in 3 sets, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 by Japan's Ai Sugiyama on her return to centre court.
After losing the 1st set 7-5 Martina promptly won the 2nd set and was 3-0 up in the 3rd when Sugiyama rallied to win the set 6-4.
A line call in the 5th game of the 3rd set went against Hingis, she disputed the call with television replays showing the ball clearly out. From that point on Hingis seemed to have lost steam and eventually went on to lose the set and the match.
The Swiss player seeded 12th this year was playing on Centre court since 2001.
Sugiyama seeded 18th also came from behind to win the 1st set 7-5. Hingis let the match slip which was well within her grasp.
This is not to say that Ai was not resolute in her performance. It was the first time Sugiyama had beaten Hingis in 6 previous meetings since 1996.
After her loss Martina said, "It's not like I didn't feel comfortable out there. There's no explanation right now for me."
"I played well, even in the third set. I had the momentum, I just couldn't finish it off. Sugi doesn't really have a weakness. She's a very good player. She's really strong on the baseline and her game's more effective on this surface. She's a tough cookie."
Mumbai
1:52 AM 7/1/2006
Martina Hingis was beaten in 3 sets, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 by Japan's Ai Sugiyama on her return to centre court.
After losing the 1st set 7-5 Martina promptly won the 2nd set and was 3-0 up in the 3rd when Sugiyama rallied to win the set 6-4.
A line call in the 5th game of the 3rd set went against Hingis, she disputed the call with television replays showing the ball clearly out. From that point on Hingis seemed to have lost steam and eventually went on to lose the set and the match.
The Swiss player seeded 12th this year was playing on Centre court since 2001.
Sugiyama seeded 18th also came from behind to win the 1st set 7-5. Hingis let the match slip which was well within her grasp.
This is not to say that Ai was not resolute in her performance. It was the first time Sugiyama had beaten Hingis in 6 previous meetings since 1996.
After her loss Martina said, "It's not like I didn't feel comfortable out there. There's no explanation right now for me."
"I played well, even in the third set. I had the momentum, I just couldn't finish it off. Sugi doesn't really have a weakness. She's a very good player. She's really strong on the baseline and her game's more effective on this surface. She's a tough cookie."
World Cup : Germany vs Argentina
Argentina knocked out by hosts Germany in the world cup's second penalty shoot out.
pictured: Germany's striker Miroslav Klose
After playing full time and both the extra time at a score of 1-1, the match had to be decided by way of penalties with Germany winning 4-2.
With the match being goalless at half time, the deadlock was broken in the 49th minute by Argentina's Roberto Ayala who headed a corner from Riquelme past Germany's goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
Germany was restored parity thanks to striker Miroslav Klose's 5th goal of the tournament. Klose scored in the 80th minute by heading a cross from Ballack.
The scores were tied at 1-1 even after the 2nd extra time were.
With the partisan German crowd cheering their team on it was Germany which came out on top in the shootout.
German goalie Lehmann saved 2 shots from Ayala and Cambiasso each to seal Argentina's fate and send them packing home. Oliver Neuville, Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski and Tim Borowski scored for the Germans.
Argentina managed only 2 goals with Julio Cruz and Maxi Rodriguez scoring.
With this win Germany has added to its perfect World Cup penalty shootout win record.
The end of the match saw pushing on field when Argentine and German players clashed and Argentine players surrounded the referee. German manager Bierhoff also got involved in the unfortunate incident.
Argentina's pain was compounded when their coach Pekerman announced that he quit his post.
Sharapova feels "dorky"
lol Sharapova must never have thought that her statement about her stamp collecting hobby would give her so much trouble!
As anyone knows how Wimbledon reporters are, this year the new "topic" is her hobby.
Maria is getting inundated by questions, so much so that she now feels like a "dork"
Sharapova The Stamp-Collecting Nerd
30/06/2006
Paul Majendie
Maria Sharapova feels such a dork after confessing she likes collecting stamps.
The willowy Russian teenager would much rather talk about her passion for the new Nelly Furtado album.
"Enough is enough", cried her agent who is being bombarded with requests for interviews from stamp-collecting magazines.
For one of the most marketable players in modern tennis, poring over a stamp album does jar with her image -- and she wishes she had never let on.
The 2004 Wimbledon champion, who has dropped just six games in her effortless progress through this year's first two rounds, was peppered at her latest post-match news conference on Thursday with all the usual sports questions about how she felt she was playing.
Then reporters got serious.
In reply to the question "You're a stamp collector then?" she laughed and said "Oh God, stop. Everyone's calling me a dork now."
"My agent said not to talk about that because he's definitely got so many e-mails from people," she said. "We're getting e-mails from, like, stamp-collecting magazines asking if I can do an interview. I mean, it's just a hobby."
When a reporter with deadpan face asked what her favourite stamp was, the 19-year-old Sharapova smiled and said "Let's get off this subject because I'm going to be an absolute geek tomorrow."
For many young players, the iPod is not just a fashion accessory. Their favourite songs help to psyche them up when they step on court.
So what is Sharapova's musical choice before she goes on court and, with an ear-splitting grunt, smashes the living daylights out of a tennis ball?
"I was just listening to Nelly Furtado's new CD," Sharapova said of the Canadian singer-songwriter topping the charts. "She sounds really rebellious these days."
Eager to underline that stamp-collecting players can have street cred too, she said of the rebellious streak in Furtado's new album "Yeah I love it. She's a strong girl."
source:
http://xtramsn.co.nz/sport/0,,12048-5982015,00.html
AND LITTLE MORE ADDITIONAL:
Supercool Sharapova is outed as a closet 'dork' after stamping her class on hapless Harkleroad
Eleanor PrestonFriday June 30, 2006
It is perhaps surprising to hear that Maria Sharapova has more than a passing interest in philately, because somehow the thought of her being a stamp collector in her spare time seems at odds with her image as tennis's supercool fashionista.
After brushing aside Ashley Harkleroad 6-2, 6-2 to earn a place in the third round yesterday, Sharapova was faced with a series of probing questions on her hobby and for a second she almost seemed flustered.
"Oh, God, stop. Everyone's calling me a dork now," she said, before revealing, semi-seriously, that her agent had banned her from talking about it for fear that her sponsors might start frantically searching for geekiness clauses in her endorsement contracts.
"We're getting emails from, like, stamp collecting magazines asking if I can do an interview. I mean, it's just a hobby," said Sharapova. "I'm actually good at telling stories but that is one I should have never talked about. Oh, my goodness. Let's get off this subject, because I'm going to be an absolute geek tomorrow."
It is somehow reassuring to think that Sharapova has a nerdy side that she is anxious to conceal. Being outed as a stamp collector was about the only time she showed any sign of vulnerability yesterday. Certainly there was not an ounce of it against Harkleroad, a good player who was made to look like a third-rate journeywoman. The Russian was almost vicious in her shot-making and attacked Harkleroad at every opportunity.
Those were the excerpts, read the complete article here:
http://sport.guardian.co.uk/wimbledon2006/story/0,,1809508,00.html
As anyone knows how Wimbledon reporters are, this year the new "topic" is her hobby.
Maria is getting inundated by questions, so much so that she now feels like a "dork"
Sharapova The Stamp-Collecting Nerd
30/06/2006
Paul Majendie
Maria Sharapova feels such a dork after confessing she likes collecting stamps.
The willowy Russian teenager would much rather talk about her passion for the new Nelly Furtado album.
"Enough is enough", cried her agent who is being bombarded with requests for interviews from stamp-collecting magazines.
For one of the most marketable players in modern tennis, poring over a stamp album does jar with her image -- and she wishes she had never let on.
The 2004 Wimbledon champion, who has dropped just six games in her effortless progress through this year's first two rounds, was peppered at her latest post-match news conference on Thursday with all the usual sports questions about how she felt she was playing.
Then reporters got serious.
In reply to the question "You're a stamp collector then?" she laughed and said "Oh God, stop. Everyone's calling me a dork now."
"My agent said not to talk about that because he's definitely got so many e-mails from people," she said. "We're getting e-mails from, like, stamp-collecting magazines asking if I can do an interview. I mean, it's just a hobby."
When a reporter with deadpan face asked what her favourite stamp was, the 19-year-old Sharapova smiled and said "Let's get off this subject because I'm going to be an absolute geek tomorrow."
For many young players, the iPod is not just a fashion accessory. Their favourite songs help to psyche them up when they step on court.
So what is Sharapova's musical choice before she goes on court and, with an ear-splitting grunt, smashes the living daylights out of a tennis ball?
"I was just listening to Nelly Furtado's new CD," Sharapova said of the Canadian singer-songwriter topping the charts. "She sounds really rebellious these days."
Eager to underline that stamp-collecting players can have street cred too, she said of the rebellious streak in Furtado's new album "Yeah I love it. She's a strong girl."
source:
http://xtramsn.co.nz/sport/0,,12048-5982015,00.html
AND LITTLE MORE ADDITIONAL:
Supercool Sharapova is outed as a closet 'dork' after stamping her class on hapless Harkleroad
Eleanor PrestonFriday June 30, 2006
It is perhaps surprising to hear that Maria Sharapova has more than a passing interest in philately, because somehow the thought of her being a stamp collector in her spare time seems at odds with her image as tennis's supercool fashionista.
After brushing aside Ashley Harkleroad 6-2, 6-2 to earn a place in the third round yesterday, Sharapova was faced with a series of probing questions on her hobby and for a second she almost seemed flustered.
"Oh, God, stop. Everyone's calling me a dork now," she said, before revealing, semi-seriously, that her agent had banned her from talking about it for fear that her sponsors might start frantically searching for geekiness clauses in her endorsement contracts.
"We're getting emails from, like, stamp collecting magazines asking if I can do an interview. I mean, it's just a hobby," said Sharapova. "I'm actually good at telling stories but that is one I should have never talked about. Oh, my goodness. Let's get off this subject, because I'm going to be an absolute geek tomorrow."
It is somehow reassuring to think that Sharapova has a nerdy side that she is anxious to conceal. Being outed as a stamp collector was about the only time she showed any sign of vulnerability yesterday. Certainly there was not an ounce of it against Harkleroad, a good player who was made to look like a third-rate journeywoman. The Russian was almost vicious in her shot-making and attacked Harkleroad at every opportunity.
Those were the excerpts, read the complete article here:
http://sport.guardian.co.uk/wimbledon2006/story/0,,1809508,00.html
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Hingis June 24th interview : Wimbledon 06
WIMBLEDON 2006 INTERVIEWS: June 24: Martina Hingis
MARTINA HINGIS
Q. How does it feel to be back at Wimbledon after so long?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, five years it's been. It's really a great place to be back and they have done some interiors on the top of the roof, the garden, it's just so peaceful up there. You see the whole grounds and even when you have a cup of coffee and just look down at the court, it's nice.
Q. Is it more special to you since you have won here and you already cemented your place in Wimbledon history, does it feel a bit more comfortable coming back, less pressure?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, because you have won here you don't get questions like, oh, this is the only one you haven't won yet, but no, it's been a while, though, yeah, nine years, and it's just -- every year you get this member card this purple little thing with your name on it and definitely, when I came here two years ago for the commentary, you still get to go to some places where normally, you know, you get there either you are a member and get a cup of tea when no one is there, you have your peaceful time.
Q. Does it seem an awfully long time ago at the age of 16 when you won at Wimbledon or does it seem like yesterday?
MARTINA HINGIS: Sometimes it feels like it's not that long, but sometimes it does feel like it's long because you see it. It's nine years, and you have all the other names on the list and somehow kind of -- I look at it like this is the second time around, you know, second career. In some ways I feel like a rookie again because it has been so long since I have played here so it all feels very new again.
Q. Can your second career possibly be better than your first career?
MARTINA HINGIS: It is hard to do. But obviously it would be great if it could happen, but you have so many great players out there who are fighting for the same reason and working on the same goals, so again here, it's a very strong field. You always try to make the best out of it.
Q. If it can't be better than what is it that you are actually trying to achieve, would you say?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, really the game, to be able to perform at the best. A lot of people wouldn't think that I could really handle that anymore, the power game and all these ideas people had, and it was really nice that I showed that it was still possible. I didn't win a Grand Slam yet or didn't get all the way, but I was able to win a tournament, which was very nice to do again, and we'll see - step by step.
Q. Earlier this afternoon we had Andre Agassi sitting in this seat announcing his retirement this year. He's one of of the few rare examples of a player who has been able to be at the top, have time out and then come back from a very low-level. Is he an example to you to see that as an inspiration?
MARTINA HINGIS: Of course, he is an example for different reasons, you know, his game, his force he had on and off the court, just really the game itself and it was such -- such a personality you have to look for many years. I don't think there's another Andre Agassi ever going to be like that. There never has been and I don't think ever will be because times change and he just really played such a great game and I am sure that tennis will miss him, but, yeah, he's an inspiration in many ways.
Q. How did you feel this time every year for the last three, four years when you have not been able to play here? How was it for you to watch this thinking I may never play here again?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, when I was here two years ago, you know, you somehow when you are 22 you still have things in the back of your head you don't want to give up or you still have hope that maybe some day you can, I don't know, maybe play here again. That was a thought too far away, but when I was watching the matches and the games, my biggest fear was if I can last that long with my body and maybe one set I would last, but, who knew if I could last for longer than that. That was my probably biggest fear that couldn't cure again but I don't want to have any regrets either so that's why I wanted to try again. I just really love the game. When I was watching it, yeah, I did some matches in the commentary and there was the same people, same faces, which I was facing back then, so I thought, well, this still maybe I get another chance.
Q. What are your memories of your last match here?
MARTINA HINGIS: Not the greatest. I can only do better, right. (Laughs)
Q. What do you remember about that day? You had trouble with your back, didn't you?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, later you always know better, right, I shouldn't have played at all under those circumstances, but as a player you never want to give up and you just want to go out there and still try, but yeah, nothing like that hopefully will happen ever again.
Q. Can you tell us what your preparation on grass has been this year?
MARTINA HINGIS: I was at home and I was practicing indoors.
Q. You actually practiced on grass?
MARTINA HINGIS: We don't have that many grass courts around in Switzerland. I did it in the past. I went once up in the mountains, but it's just so different. You can't compare any grass to Wimbledon grass. Yeah, maybe in Queens or Royal Hampton (phonetic) or clubs like that, which is so close, but I don't think anything else can come even close to Wimbledon. So you just try to make the exercises and I think indoors -- actually in the past when I won in 1997 I practiced on clay, but it is all a matter of what you do on clay; it's not how you practice. That's the main --
Q. You were horse riding as well?
MARTINA HINGIS: I still did, but only a couple of times. Two weeks -- once a week, it's enough this time. (Laughs)
Q. What are your memories of winning in 1997 and secondly, did you think when you won in 1997 I hope to win many more titles?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, that's when you are 17 you think that. It is only natural. At that point it was normal to me when I won three out of four Grand Slams and made the Finals at the French and I had a great winning streak and, in a way, you feel invincible, but, you know, I had players -- players are starting to get better and perform at the same level and it was always, you know, very equal when we played against Williams sisters and Monica, Jennifer, Lindsay, so, you know, sometimes it was a matter of one point.
Q. Have you been practicing here this week?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, today was my first day.
Q. Was that the first time that you have been on a grass court since 2001?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I played last year. I played an exhibition in Eastbourne, just doubles, I had a hit earlier before that, it was preparation with Jana. She still plays unbelievable. I lost a tiebreaker. I was like wow. Whenever she steps on grass she's unbelievable.
Q. What did it feel like back on the court here having not played here for five years?
MARTINA HINGIS: It felt good. I like it. I think in some ways it's -- I wouldn't say similar, but because we have a lot of indoor courts in Switzerland, my mom has an indoor place as well, so it's very similar, but sometimes, yeah, you have the bounces and it is still outside so you have the sun and the wind effects, but other than that, I very much welcome the surface, yeah.
Q. What is your goal for this tournament? What is your realistic game?
MARTINA HINGIS: Hard to say. In a way, I am definitely satisfied with the draw. I have made quarterfinals in the last two Grand Slams, so in a way somehow you feel that's the least you want to do, but I don't know.
I just don't want to have any bad surprises, you know, that's the only thing. It's just to stay healthy and perform at the best and really take it one-by-one.
Q. Who would you consider the favorites in the women's tournament?
MARTINA HINGIS: In a way you have the same players who are very good at all Grand Slams. You can always count on them, who are the Top-10 players, Amelie, Justine, who won today in the Finals of Eastbourne, Kim Clijsters, Maria, who won here two years ago and Venus, you can never count her off. She's still got some skills last year, so she's definitely also a dangerous player.
Q. You see yourself amongst players who can potentially win here this fortnight?
MARTINA HINGIS: I definitely have hopes, yeah. I wouldn't say, you know, I don't know. I mean, definitely a good outsider.
Q. Some of the players have expressed amazingly how well you have done so far in your comeback. How would you assess your first six months?
MARTINA HINGIS: I am happy with my performances. Then you always wish for more and better, but that's the only natural thing you have as a competitor and just want to keep going and keep improving and keep, yeah, the balance keep going up, right, the scale.
Q. What is your opinion on the prize money not being balanced between women and men?
MARTINA HINGIS: I think in today's world it would be time to have equal prize money, but, you know, you can only do one thing to keep fighting.
Q. As a 14 year old when you played Steffi was that on the Centre Court or not?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yes, we played on Centre. And I played her the year after at the forefront and it was Centre again.
End of FastScripts...
MARTINA HINGIS
Q. How does it feel to be back at Wimbledon after so long?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, five years it's been. It's really a great place to be back and they have done some interiors on the top of the roof, the garden, it's just so peaceful up there. You see the whole grounds and even when you have a cup of coffee and just look down at the court, it's nice.
Q. Is it more special to you since you have won here and you already cemented your place in Wimbledon history, does it feel a bit more comfortable coming back, less pressure?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, because you have won here you don't get questions like, oh, this is the only one you haven't won yet, but no, it's been a while, though, yeah, nine years, and it's just -- every year you get this member card this purple little thing with your name on it and definitely, when I came here two years ago for the commentary, you still get to go to some places where normally, you know, you get there either you are a member and get a cup of tea when no one is there, you have your peaceful time.
Q. Does it seem an awfully long time ago at the age of 16 when you won at Wimbledon or does it seem like yesterday?
MARTINA HINGIS: Sometimes it feels like it's not that long, but sometimes it does feel like it's long because you see it. It's nine years, and you have all the other names on the list and somehow kind of -- I look at it like this is the second time around, you know, second career. In some ways I feel like a rookie again because it has been so long since I have played here so it all feels very new again.
Q. Can your second career possibly be better than your first career?
MARTINA HINGIS: It is hard to do. But obviously it would be great if it could happen, but you have so many great players out there who are fighting for the same reason and working on the same goals, so again here, it's a very strong field. You always try to make the best out of it.
Q. If it can't be better than what is it that you are actually trying to achieve, would you say?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, really the game, to be able to perform at the best. A lot of people wouldn't think that I could really handle that anymore, the power game and all these ideas people had, and it was really nice that I showed that it was still possible. I didn't win a Grand Slam yet or didn't get all the way, but I was able to win a tournament, which was very nice to do again, and we'll see - step by step.
Q. Earlier this afternoon we had Andre Agassi sitting in this seat announcing his retirement this year. He's one of of the few rare examples of a player who has been able to be at the top, have time out and then come back from a very low-level. Is he an example to you to see that as an inspiration?
MARTINA HINGIS: Of course, he is an example for different reasons, you know, his game, his force he had on and off the court, just really the game itself and it was such -- such a personality you have to look for many years. I don't think there's another Andre Agassi ever going to be like that. There never has been and I don't think ever will be because times change and he just really played such a great game and I am sure that tennis will miss him, but, yeah, he's an inspiration in many ways.
Q. How did you feel this time every year for the last three, four years when you have not been able to play here? How was it for you to watch this thinking I may never play here again?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, when I was here two years ago, you know, you somehow when you are 22 you still have things in the back of your head you don't want to give up or you still have hope that maybe some day you can, I don't know, maybe play here again. That was a thought too far away, but when I was watching the matches and the games, my biggest fear was if I can last that long with my body and maybe one set I would last, but, who knew if I could last for longer than that. That was my probably biggest fear that couldn't cure again but I don't want to have any regrets either so that's why I wanted to try again. I just really love the game. When I was watching it, yeah, I did some matches in the commentary and there was the same people, same faces, which I was facing back then, so I thought, well, this still maybe I get another chance.
Q. What are your memories of your last match here?
MARTINA HINGIS: Not the greatest. I can only do better, right. (Laughs)
Q. What do you remember about that day? You had trouble with your back, didn't you?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, later you always know better, right, I shouldn't have played at all under those circumstances, but as a player you never want to give up and you just want to go out there and still try, but yeah, nothing like that hopefully will happen ever again.
Q. Can you tell us what your preparation on grass has been this year?
MARTINA HINGIS: I was at home and I was practicing indoors.
Q. You actually practiced on grass?
MARTINA HINGIS: We don't have that many grass courts around in Switzerland. I did it in the past. I went once up in the mountains, but it's just so different. You can't compare any grass to Wimbledon grass. Yeah, maybe in Queens or Royal Hampton (phonetic) or clubs like that, which is so close, but I don't think anything else can come even close to Wimbledon. So you just try to make the exercises and I think indoors -- actually in the past when I won in 1997 I practiced on clay, but it is all a matter of what you do on clay; it's not how you practice. That's the main --
Q. You were horse riding as well?
MARTINA HINGIS: I still did, but only a couple of times. Two weeks -- once a week, it's enough this time. (Laughs)
Q. What are your memories of winning in 1997 and secondly, did you think when you won in 1997 I hope to win many more titles?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, that's when you are 17 you think that. It is only natural. At that point it was normal to me when I won three out of four Grand Slams and made the Finals at the French and I had a great winning streak and, in a way, you feel invincible, but, you know, I had players -- players are starting to get better and perform at the same level and it was always, you know, very equal when we played against Williams sisters and Monica, Jennifer, Lindsay, so, you know, sometimes it was a matter of one point.
Q. Have you been practicing here this week?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, today was my first day.
Q. Was that the first time that you have been on a grass court since 2001?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I played last year. I played an exhibition in Eastbourne, just doubles, I had a hit earlier before that, it was preparation with Jana. She still plays unbelievable. I lost a tiebreaker. I was like wow. Whenever she steps on grass she's unbelievable.
Q. What did it feel like back on the court here having not played here for five years?
MARTINA HINGIS: It felt good. I like it. I think in some ways it's -- I wouldn't say similar, but because we have a lot of indoor courts in Switzerland, my mom has an indoor place as well, so it's very similar, but sometimes, yeah, you have the bounces and it is still outside so you have the sun and the wind effects, but other than that, I very much welcome the surface, yeah.
Q. What is your goal for this tournament? What is your realistic game?
MARTINA HINGIS: Hard to say. In a way, I am definitely satisfied with the draw. I have made quarterfinals in the last two Grand Slams, so in a way somehow you feel that's the least you want to do, but I don't know.
I just don't want to have any bad surprises, you know, that's the only thing. It's just to stay healthy and perform at the best and really take it one-by-one.
Q. Who would you consider the favorites in the women's tournament?
MARTINA HINGIS: In a way you have the same players who are very good at all Grand Slams. You can always count on them, who are the Top-10 players, Amelie, Justine, who won today in the Finals of Eastbourne, Kim Clijsters, Maria, who won here two years ago and Venus, you can never count her off. She's still got some skills last year, so she's definitely also a dangerous player.
Q. You see yourself amongst players who can potentially win here this fortnight?
MARTINA HINGIS: I definitely have hopes, yeah. I wouldn't say, you know, I don't know. I mean, definitely a good outsider.
Q. Some of the players have expressed amazingly how well you have done so far in your comeback. How would you assess your first six months?
MARTINA HINGIS: I am happy with my performances. Then you always wish for more and better, but that's the only natural thing you have as a competitor and just want to keep going and keep improving and keep, yeah, the balance keep going up, right, the scale.
Q. What is your opinion on the prize money not being balanced between women and men?
MARTINA HINGIS: I think in today's world it would be time to have equal prize money, but, you know, you can only do one thing to keep fighting.
Q. As a 14 year old when you played Steffi was that on the Centre Court or not?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yes, we played on Centre. And I played her the year after at the forefront and it was Centre again.
End of FastScripts...
Martina Hingis wins over Savchuk
Trash-talking Hingis set for next step
Matthew Cronin / tennisreporters.net
"Matthew Cronin says while her opponents probably aren't thrilled that the highly opinionated Hingis is back, she's a legit contender to recapture her Wimbledon glory of 1997."
WIMBLEDON - On the day that Roger Federer broke Bjorn Borg's grass court match win streak with his 42nd consecutive win, another beloved champion from Switzerland, Martina Hingis, had fans singing her praises.
Hingis, the 1997 champion, is playing her first Wimbledon since her desultory first-round exit in 2001, and is hoping that she's a real contender here.
She's had a fine, yet unspectacular, comeback to the tour this season after taking more than three years off due to injury and burnout.
She's gradually improved month after month, but has convinced no one that her legs and lungs are strong enough yet to contend with the other elite players in two-week long Grand Slams.
But Wimbledon could be different, because the points on grass are much shorter and she won't have to go sideline to sideline chasing down sizzling bombs like she did at the Australian and French Opens when she was beaten up by the stronger and faster Kim Clijsters in the quarterfinals.
At Wimbledon, she's hoping that her quick hands, sound volleys and intelligent overall play will be good enough against any other main contender.
"It's mentally more intense," she said, after scoring a 6-2, 6-2 win over Olga Savchuk, "You have to bend your knees, that's for sure. If you're not going to do that, you're nowhere. I've been practicing that (indoors). But indoors, still you're not forced to do it as much as probably here on grass, to just really be that low. It's so much up in the head, the mental focus is so important as well. It can just turn against you, like in an instant. If you're not watching, one or two shots, you lose a break, it's hard to come back from that here."
Hingis has always had a quick wit and sharp tongue. She's says she matured a lot since she was a teenager trading barbs with the Williams sisters, but given a chance to criticize others, she rarely backs off when she feels that someone else is severely wrong.
After her win on Tuesday, she was asked why there are so many players out there with who only bring out sheer power, rather than great technique, like she and fellow five-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin-Hardenne bring to the table.
"Myself, I do not respect many of the coaches who are out there because I don't think they're doing the right thing with the girls," said Hingis, who is coached by her mother, Melanie. "I don't know what the reason is, whether they're not watching or why they do things that are technically incorrect. But everyone has their own way how they got there. They don't teach the girls the right things, what's played today. If you watch Federer, who's playing really the top notch tennis out there, I think you always have to learn from the best. He is the best, so you better watch him and try to learn from that."
It was an amazing criticism from Hingis, who despite the questioner's fawning praise, is not a completely technically correct player. The way she hits both her forehand and serve leaves a lot to be desired in the technical department. For example, why did her mother insist on teaching her an open-stance forehand when she's too small and is therefore lacking in enough upper body strength to be able to properly deliver sufficient power on the shot?
But that aside, exactly who is Hingis referring to when she says that others are badly coached. The Williams sisters, who are coached by their parents and own 12 Grand Slam titles between them? Maria Sharapova, who strikes a very clean ball and like another former student of coach Robert Lansdorp, Lindsay Davenport, has also won Wimbledon? Was it Clijsters, who does have her share of technical glitches, but who did win the 2005 U.S. Open and just dusted Hingis twice?
No matter, because once the rest of the tour finds out what she said, Hingis will be topical enemy No. 1 when the coaches sit down for lunch, and maybe in the top five amongst the sensitive players.
But that's OK for Hingis, who lives for confrontation, which is why she came back to the tour in the first place. She loves to face off, on court and off.
The 25-year-old also loves to be loved and for the first time in her career, she's being wildly applauded. Playing Savchuk on Court 2 (the so-called graveyard) she was thrilled when fans began to sing the theme song from Top Gun, "Danger Zone."
"They were pretty good, too," she said. "It was special. I don't think that happens all the time. It happened to me for the first time, especially here at Wimbledon."
Anyone who knows Hingis, including her hard-driving mother, knows that Martina won't be satisfied with being a secondary player. She's not tooting her own horn with regards to how far she can go in England, only saying that she's "wishing for more and better."
She's got a terrific draw to the quarterfinals, where she'll likely have to face the red-hot Henin-Hardenne, one of the top three favorites with Venus and Sharapova.
She's lost to her already this year, but on a great day, if the Belgian is feeling a little put out, Hingis has a legend's chance to pull off an upset.
Just ask Federer, who is as smitten with her as she is with him.
"I'm very impressed," he said. "Here she is, in the top 15 already. She breaks all the records she sets herself. She doesn't just say it, she does it, too."
source:
http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/5735014
Matthew Cronin / tennisreporters.net
"Matthew Cronin says while her opponents probably aren't thrilled that the highly opinionated Hingis is back, she's a legit contender to recapture her Wimbledon glory of 1997."
WIMBLEDON - On the day that Roger Federer broke Bjorn Borg's grass court match win streak with his 42nd consecutive win, another beloved champion from Switzerland, Martina Hingis, had fans singing her praises.
Hingis, the 1997 champion, is playing her first Wimbledon since her desultory first-round exit in 2001, and is hoping that she's a real contender here.
She's had a fine, yet unspectacular, comeback to the tour this season after taking more than three years off due to injury and burnout.
She's gradually improved month after month, but has convinced no one that her legs and lungs are strong enough yet to contend with the other elite players in two-week long Grand Slams.
But Wimbledon could be different, because the points on grass are much shorter and she won't have to go sideline to sideline chasing down sizzling bombs like she did at the Australian and French Opens when she was beaten up by the stronger and faster Kim Clijsters in the quarterfinals.
At Wimbledon, she's hoping that her quick hands, sound volleys and intelligent overall play will be good enough against any other main contender.
"It's mentally more intense," she said, after scoring a 6-2, 6-2 win over Olga Savchuk, "You have to bend your knees, that's for sure. If you're not going to do that, you're nowhere. I've been practicing that (indoors). But indoors, still you're not forced to do it as much as probably here on grass, to just really be that low. It's so much up in the head, the mental focus is so important as well. It can just turn against you, like in an instant. If you're not watching, one or two shots, you lose a break, it's hard to come back from that here."
Hingis has always had a quick wit and sharp tongue. She's says she matured a lot since she was a teenager trading barbs with the Williams sisters, but given a chance to criticize others, she rarely backs off when she feels that someone else is severely wrong.
After her win on Tuesday, she was asked why there are so many players out there with who only bring out sheer power, rather than great technique, like she and fellow five-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin-Hardenne bring to the table.
"Myself, I do not respect many of the coaches who are out there because I don't think they're doing the right thing with the girls," said Hingis, who is coached by her mother, Melanie. "I don't know what the reason is, whether they're not watching or why they do things that are technically incorrect. But everyone has their own way how they got there. They don't teach the girls the right things, what's played today. If you watch Federer, who's playing really the top notch tennis out there, I think you always have to learn from the best. He is the best, so you better watch him and try to learn from that."
It was an amazing criticism from Hingis, who despite the questioner's fawning praise, is not a completely technically correct player. The way she hits both her forehand and serve leaves a lot to be desired in the technical department. For example, why did her mother insist on teaching her an open-stance forehand when she's too small and is therefore lacking in enough upper body strength to be able to properly deliver sufficient power on the shot?
But that aside, exactly who is Hingis referring to when she says that others are badly coached. The Williams sisters, who are coached by their parents and own 12 Grand Slam titles between them? Maria Sharapova, who strikes a very clean ball and like another former student of coach Robert Lansdorp, Lindsay Davenport, has also won Wimbledon? Was it Clijsters, who does have her share of technical glitches, but who did win the 2005 U.S. Open and just dusted Hingis twice?
No matter, because once the rest of the tour finds out what she said, Hingis will be topical enemy No. 1 when the coaches sit down for lunch, and maybe in the top five amongst the sensitive players.
But that's OK for Hingis, who lives for confrontation, which is why she came back to the tour in the first place. She loves to face off, on court and off.
The 25-year-old also loves to be loved and for the first time in her career, she's being wildly applauded. Playing Savchuk on Court 2 (the so-called graveyard) she was thrilled when fans began to sing the theme song from Top Gun, "Danger Zone."
"They were pretty good, too," she said. "It was special. I don't think that happens all the time. It happened to me for the first time, especially here at Wimbledon."
Anyone who knows Hingis, including her hard-driving mother, knows that Martina won't be satisfied with being a secondary player. She's not tooting her own horn with regards to how far she can go in England, only saying that she's "wishing for more and better."
She's got a terrific draw to the quarterfinals, where she'll likely have to face the red-hot Henin-Hardenne, one of the top three favorites with Venus and Sharapova.
She's lost to her already this year, but on a great day, if the Belgian is feeling a little put out, Hingis has a legend's chance to pull off an upset.
Just ask Federer, who is as smitten with her as she is with him.
"I'm very impressed," he said. "Here she is, in the top 15 already. She breaks all the records she sets herself. She doesn't just say it, she does it, too."
source:
http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/5735014
13th August: Left handers day
I didnt know that 13th August was marked as "International Left-Handers Day"
while surfing i landed up at the following site:
http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/left.html
Although most of these names are American, i am surprised to know about the proportion of Leftys that are famous.
We in India will offcourse have our own list of famous Left handers.
Top among them would be Senior B.
while surfing i landed up at the following site:
http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/left.html
Although most of these names are American, i am surprised to know about the proportion of Leftys that are famous.
We in India will offcourse have our own list of famous Left handers.
Top among them would be Senior B.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Switzerland versus Ukraine
Ukraine has made it to the quarterfinals where they will now face Italy.
After full time and 2 extra times and still the score being 0-0, the match had to be decided by penalties.
Here astonishingly the Swiss didnt manage to score a single penalty with Switzerland's penalty takers Marco Streller, Tranquillo Barnetta and Ricardo Cabanas all missing their chances.
Ukraine's Atryom Milevsky, Sergei Rebrov, and Oleg Gusev all made the kicks count and Ukraine eventually went through. The World Cup debutants booted out the Swiss who became the first team to be eliminated from the World cup without a single goal being scored against them!
One thing noticible in this match was the referee's lack of strictness giving out yellow cards, perhaps due to referee Ivanov's exploits in the Portugal versus Holland game.
The Swiss didnt help their own cause by many inept passing shots and out of position players.
The player for the swiss was Wicky who on many occasions looked impressive.
For the Ukrainians it was Shevchenko who was most impressive although he missed Ukraine's first penalty shot.
Undoubtedly this was the World Cup's most non-impressive match.
After full time and 2 extra times and still the score being 0-0, the match had to be decided by penalties.
Here astonishingly the Swiss didnt manage to score a single penalty with Switzerland's penalty takers Marco Streller, Tranquillo Barnetta and Ricardo Cabanas all missing their chances.
Ukraine's Atryom Milevsky, Sergei Rebrov, and Oleg Gusev all made the kicks count and Ukraine eventually went through. The World Cup debutants booted out the Swiss who became the first team to be eliminated from the World cup without a single goal being scored against them!
One thing noticible in this match was the referee's lack of strictness giving out yellow cards, perhaps due to referee Ivanov's exploits in the Portugal versus Holland game.
The Swiss didnt help their own cause by many inept passing shots and out of position players.
The player for the swiss was Wicky who on many occasions looked impressive.
For the Ukrainians it was Shevchenko who was most impressive although he missed Ukraine's first penalty shot.
Undoubtedly this was the World Cup's most non-impressive match.
Australia versus Italy
The Socceroos have finally bowed out from the World Cup thanks to a penalty given to them in dying moments of stoppage time.
Grosso was great in his acting and did his level best to trip over defender Lucas Neill.
The penalty was finally taken by Totti which sealed Australia's fate.
Lack of big match experiance clearly did Australia a lot of harm. They had ample chances, more possession than Italy and Italy down for some 40 minutes with 10 men after Marco Materazzi was shown a red card for challenge on Marco Bresciano.
Italy has now booked a place in quarterfinals.
Grosso was great in his acting and did his level best to trip over defender Lucas Neill.
The penalty was finally taken by Totti which sealed Australia's fate.
Lack of big match experiance clearly did Australia a lot of harm. They had ample chances, more possession than Italy and Italy down for some 40 minutes with 10 men after Marco Materazzi was shown a red card for challenge on Marco Bresciano.
Italy has now booked a place in quarterfinals.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Wimbledon 06 preview: Martina Hingis
I just found this article while surfing on Martina Hingis by tennis writer Nirmal Shekhar.
Enjoy! :)
here is a link to the article:
http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/25/stories/2006062513551700.htm
Enjoy! :)
here is a link to the article:
http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/25/stories/2006062513551700.htm
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