Tennis FanHouse http://tennis.fanhouse.com Tennis FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif Tennis FanHouse http://tennis.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Agassi's Admission Falls in Gray Zonehttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/agassis-admission-falls-in-gray-zone/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/agassis-admission-falls-in-gray-zone/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/agassis-admission-falls-in-gray-zone/#commentsFiled under:

Andre AgassiImage is everything. That what's Andre Agassi told us from the start. It has been the headline to his career, his life.

He went from the punk kid, all image and no substance, to the grown man philanthropist, creating, running and also raising funds for a charter school for disadvantaged kids.

He grew up so well, cleaned up so nicely, and won a humanitarian award in September at the U.S. Open. Now he comes back with this:

Agassi writes in his autobiography that he regularly used crystal meth on tour in 1997 when he was 27 years old. He failed the tennis tour's drug test, and then lied his way out of it by saying he had accidentally taken a drink from a glass of his assistant who, he said, used to spike his own drinks with the drug.

Why, Andre? Why did you do it? Why did you feel the need to say it? What happens to your image now?

We should never criticize someone for telling the truth, but is this meant to cleanse his conscience, send a message to the kids in his school, or just to sell books?

Excerpts from his book will appear in Sports Illustrated and People magazines this week, and also in the Times of London. And Agassi will be on 60 Minutes, and make the rounds pumping his book, Open, which will be out soon.

"I can't speak to addiction," he told People, "but a lot of people would say that if you're using anything as an escape, you have a problem."

So was he worried how this would look?

"I was worried for a moment, but not for long," he said. "I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story."

In the Times, he talked about the euphoria of the first high -- "I never felt so alive, so hopeful" -- saying his assistant introduced him to the drug and told him he would feel like Superman.

It's hard to know what to do with this. It just lies there, tarnishing Agassi's image for no clear reason.

Disappointing, yes, because at this point I want to think of him as the grand spokesman for the game, the guy who went on to help kids who need it.

That's still how I'm going to think of him. And in some ways, 12 years ago seems like another lifetime for Andre Agassi.

Maybe it's Agassi I, and then Agassi II came after that. You can choose to put the crystal meth into the first life.

Honestly, I'm struggling here, possibly guilty of doing the same thing I have criticized others for doing: If you paint things in only two colors, black or white, then there's no room for this.

It's so easy to paint him in the black hat early in his career, and white hat later. Things just aren't that simple.

At the Open in September, Agassi was asked about his own turnaround and his words, without a script, were just so prophetic.

"When I look back, I'm not terribly thrilled at some of my decisions or filters or abilities to see anything in real context or understanding," he said. "But it's been a continual growth. I mean, I think there's a tendency with kids to treat them at different stages, especially when you grow up in the public eye, as if they're a finished product -- this is who you are; this is what you are - when, in fact, you're constantly in process.

"It's what life is. It's what the journey requires. It's what your evolution is, regardless of whether you like any particular intersection that you're in, or you understand the intersection you're in. There were a lot of moments I didn't understand, I was confused by, scared by. A lot of times I wanted to hide from facing it.

"But I'm still in process. So don't believe what you're seeing here, either, because unless I continually ask the most from myself, you know, it's a way of life. It's a choice of life."

Still, five years ago, John McEnroe said that he had unknowingly taken a form of steroids for six years. He wasn't shamed into it, but just said it.

And someone asked Agassi at the time what he had thought of McEnroe's admission.

"Well," he said, "you try to find the understanding in why some people choose to say the things that they do and in reference to those specific quotes or admissions [by McEnroe], I am not quite sure who that benefits."

That's the question here. Who benefits from Agassi's admission?

With so many of these admissions, they come out because they were about to come out, anyway, and the athlete rushes to be the one to spill beans. It looks better that way.

It's not like that with Agassi, who just wanted to share, or sell, his flaws.

In 1997, his career was going down. He married Brooke Shields, who is known to be a goody two-shoes. His coach was Brad Gilbert, who didn't want to talk about Agassi's admission Tuesday.

"I haven't seen it," he said, "and I want to read the book before I can make any comment."

Agassi was living a celebrity life, a life of image and not reality. He had bottomed out in his career by 1997, but then fought back, playing minor-league events in front of tiny crowds. He would win five more majors in an incredible turnaround. Maybe Agassi had bottomed out personally then, too, and felt it would be dishonest to tell his life story without this.

A man in his late 20s is responsible for his own decisions, and it took him far too long to grow up. But that was a long time ago, a different life ago. And now he's throwing dirt onto an image he spent so long cleaning.

Email me at gregcouch09@aol.com
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Agassi's Admission Falls in Gray Zone originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>andre agassibrad gilbertGreg CouchWed, 28 Oct 2009 00:20:00 EST Andre Agassi's New Book to Reportedly Reveal He Tried Crystal Methhttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/andre-agassis-new-book-to-reportedly-reveal-he-tried-crystal-me/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/andre-agassis-new-book-to-reportedly-reveal-he-tried-crystal-me/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/andre-agassis-new-book-to-reportedly-reveal-he-tried-crystal-me/#commentsFiled under: ,

Andre AgassiAndre Agassi's new book, OPEN is due out in stores on Nov. 9. There's been relatively little fanfare about the book's release. That all changed Tuesday with a (now deleted) tweet from SI's Richard Deitsch, which was preserved by the good folks at The Sporting Blog.

In his tweet, Deitsch intimated that there would be an excerpt from OPEN released in the newest issue of Sports Illustrated and that said excerpt would contain an admission from Agassi that he tried crystal meth:
FYI: There's an off-the-charts book excerpt from Andre Agassi in the forthcoming SI: He admits to taking crystal meth during his career.
So, yeah: BAM. Or something. But before we tackle the possibility of Agassi hitting the meth pipe, what about the "twee-letion" (yeah, I'm not proud that I invented it either) from Deitsch?

Deitsch may have slipped up and revealed something earlier than SI wanted it publicized, but the general buzz around the tweet is guaranteed to boost mag sales even if the editors over there wanted to wait for the release of the news.

But, at the same time, Deitsch didn't exactly tease it like other members of the SI staff already had, and while the magazine has apparently secured first serial rights, apparently so has People (which, depending on how negotiations run in these things, might be the impetus for Deitsch's tweet being premature).

Regardless, though, it would at least seem that we're going to get a little crystal meth news, so to speak, out of Agassi's book, or at least some discussion of his lifestyle as a inordinately young and famous professional athlete.

Speaking in a completely hypothetical manner, if I found out that Agassi used drugs when he was a young kid toiling through the grind of the professional tennis circuit, I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised. Agassi created an image of a "rebel" -- hell, the entire Canon camera line is more or less named after him -- and if you've ever seen some of the pressures that other young superstar tennis players deal with, and add in the time period that Agassi played, then it wouldn't be surprising to know that he engaged in some illegal substance use.

But, hey, maybe he didn't. Either way, you can almost guarantee that you'll see a tremendous boost in sales leading up to the book's release and immediately afterward.

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Andre Agassi's New Book to Reportedly Reveal He Tried Crystal Meth originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Andre AgassiWill BrinsonTue, 27 Oct 2009 13:04:00 EST Billie Jean King Receives Presidential Medal of Freedomhttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/08/13/billie-jean-king-receives-presidential-medal-of-freedom/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/08/13/billie-jean-king-receives-presidential-medal-of-freedom/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/08/13/billie-jean-king-receives-presidential-medal-of-freedom/#commentsFiled under:

Billie Jean King became the first female athlete to receive the nation's highest civilian honor when President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in the White House Wednesday.

Obama said of King:
"We honor... what she did to broaden the reach of the game, to change how women athletes and women everywhere view themselves, and to give everyone - including my two daughters - a chance to compete both on the court and in life."
King said she was impressed with the First Family's love of tennis:
"He plays tennis, Michelle is crazy about it," King said. "The girls love it, they play. (At the White House) they have a tennis court and they put down basketball lines as well."
Other honorees included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Ted Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, Sidney Poitier, Harvey Milk, Stephen Hawking and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson.

Billie Jean King Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael David SmithThu, 13 Aug 2009 08:22:00 EST Nike's 'Love 15' Commercial Celebrates Federer's Greatnesshttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/07/06/nikes-love-15-commercial-celebrates-federers-greatness/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/07/06/nikes-love-15-commercial-celebrates-federers-greatness/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/07/06/nikes-love-15-commercial-celebrates-federers-greatness/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sunday's Wimbledon final was one of the best tennis matches I've ever watched; it's fitting that Roger Federer actually experienced a challenge when he won his record-setting 15th Grand Slam title. And, it was such an impressive feat that Nike gathered some of its finest athletes together and mish-mashed them all into one commercial in which they're in shock and awe at Roger's amazing accomplishment. Seriously though, the namechecks on this puppy make you realize what an amazing feat it is. Via Sharapova's Thigh

Nike's 'Love 15' Commercial Celebrates Federer's Greatness originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>NikeNike Love 15Roger FedererWill BrinsonMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST Anna Kournikova Involved in Las Vegas 'Catfight'http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/30/anna-kournikova-involved-in-las-vegas-catfight/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/30/anna-kournikova-involved-in-las-vegas-catfight/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/30/anna-kournikova-involved-in-las-vegas-catfight/#commentsFiled under: ,

Anna Kournikova Catfight Las VegasWhat happens in Vegas stays in Vegas ... unless the New York Post's "spies" or "sources" or "whatever the hell they want to call them" are on hand. And in fact they apparently were there when "tennis ace" (HA) Anna Kournikova got into a bit of a melee with another lady patron.

Allegedly, the patron threw some drink at Kournikova and that's when the fighting started.
Kournikova and her pals were partying at Lavo after attending the Hardbat Classic table tennis tournament when a woman at the next table "threw a drink at Anna. She felt Anna was invading her space," our source said. Kournikova "sprung into action" and starting screaming at the woman and shoving her. "It was a big fight," the spy said. The woman was kicked out only after leaving Kournikova with some vicious scratch marks on her neck. Kournikova's rep didn't return calls.
Seriously? "Invading her space"? I suppose I can see how someone could get really jealous of an attractive former "tennis ace" hogging all the limelight in a giant Vegas nightclub, except, well, I can't. Because it's Las Vegas. And it's a nightclub.

If Kournikova (*wild speculation alert!*) slept with her boyfriend or was flirting with her husband or did anything that could maybe have remotely justified this, then, well, yeah, you go girl. Or something. But as it is, someone needs to tell crazypants to tone it down before she does something really stupid and messes with a real athlete.

Anna Kournikova Photos

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis player Anna Kournikova arrives at Lagasse's Lounge in the Palazzo on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis player Anna Kournikova arrives at Lagasse's Lounge in the Palazzo on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis player Anna Kournikova arrives at the Hardbat Classic at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis player Anna Kournikova watches a Table Tennis match at the Hardbat Classic at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis player Anna Kournikova arrives at Lagasse's Lounge in the Palazzo on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis Player Anna Kournikova arrives at the Hardbat Classic at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis Player Anna Kournikova arrives at the Hardbat Classic at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis Player Anna Kournikova arrives at the Hardbat Classic at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis player Anna Kournikova arrives at Lagasse's Lounge in the Palazzo on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27: Tennis player Anna Kournikova arrives at Lagasse's Lounge in the Palazzo on June 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anna Kournikova

    Getty Images

Anna Kournikova Involved in Las Vegas 'Catfight' originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Anna KournikovaWill BrinsonTue, 30 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST Chris Evert Calls 'Grunting' in Female Tennis Both 'Shrill' and 'Distracting'http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/29/chris-evert-calls-grunting-in-female-tennis-both-shrill-and/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/29/chris-evert-calls-grunting-in-female-tennis-both-shrill-and/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/29/chris-evert-calls-grunting-in-female-tennis-both-shrill-and/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chris Evert Grunting WimbledonIs there anything hotter than complaining about grunting in women's tennis right now? First you have Michael Stich complaining because the "grunting" is "unsexy" and now we get to listen to Chris Evert complain in a similar fashion for a different reason.

See, Evert doesn't care for grunting, and even seems to imply, in some recent quotes, that she may or may not think that the noises are being used in a purposeful and distracting manner.
"Grunting is one thing but the shrill sound that you hear with players nowadays, and especially they get louder when they hit a winner, that's the thing that I observe as a player," the former world No. 1 told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

[...] "It is distracting when you are hearing this and I think the grunts are getting louder and more shrill now with the current players," she said.

"The next time you watch say a Maria Sharapova -- the grunting is consistent but all of a sudden when she has a set up to hit a winner.
In other words, Evert would prefer not to say that players are making the loud noises on purpose in order to make their shot more effective, but that seems to only be the case (her remaining quiet) if they'll ease up on it.

Obviously, Evert's not the first person to complain about the grunting -- Martina Navratilova also panned the noises -- and because she's a former tennis great, her opinion carries a lot more weight than, say, someone like Stich, who appears to be mentioning it just for the shock value.

But at the same time, I think it's at least worth mentioning that many of these young girls grew up watching women like Sharapova, who always grunted, and maybe that affected the way in which they practiced and played during youth tournaments. Long story short, there's little chance that the grunting is going to be regulated unless things get so out of hand that the WTA is forced to step in. So, for now, let's all just move on, please. Thanks.

Maria Sharapova Photos

    Maria Sharapova of Russia returns the ball to Gisela Dulko of Argentina during their match at the Wimbledon tennis championships, in London June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN SPORT TENNIS IMAGES OF THE DAY)

    Reuters

    Maria Sharapova of Russia plays a return to Gisela Dulko of Argentina during their second round singles match at Wimbledon, Wednesday, June 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

    AP

    Princess Michael of Kent watch Maria Sharapova of Russia plays Gisela Dulko of Argentina in their second round singles match at Wimbledon, Wednesday, June 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

    AP

    Former Australian rugby union player Michael Lynagh (Centre) watches a game between Russia's Maria Sharapova and Argentina's Gisela Dulko on Centre Court at the All England Tennis Club on the third day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in southwest London, on June 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

    British television entertainer Bruce Forsyth (Top L) and former Australian rugby union player Michael Lynagh (Bottom R) watch a game between Russia's Maria Sharapova and Argentina's Gisela Dulko on Centre Court at the All England Tennis Club on the third day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in southwest London, on June 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

    British television entertainer Bruce Forsyth (L) watches a game between Russia's Maria Sharapova and Argentina's Gisela Dulko on Centre Court at the All England Tennis Club on the third day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in southwest London, on June 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

    Argentina's Gisela Dulko plays against Russia's Maria Sharapova at the All England Tennis Club on the third day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in southwest London, on June 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

    Russia's Maria Sharapova gestures as she plays against Argentina's Gisela Dulko at the All England Tennis Club on the third day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in southwest London, on June 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

    Argentina's Gisela Dulko celebrates after beating Russia's Maria Sharapova at the All England Tennis Club on the third day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in southwest London, on June 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

    Argentina's Gisela Dulko celebrates after beating Russia's Maria Sharapova at the All England Tennis Club on the third day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in southwest London, on June 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

Chris Evert Calls 'Grunting' in Female Tennis Both 'Shrill' and 'Distracting' originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chris Evertmartina navratilovaMichael StichWill BrinsonMon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST Infantile Shock Jock Harasses Jennifer Capriati With On-Air Questionshttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/26/infantile-shock-jock-sexually-harrasses-jennifer-capriati-on-air/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/26/infantile-shock-jock-sexually-harrasses-jennifer-capriati-on-air/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/26/infantile-shock-jock-sexually-harrasses-jennifer-capriati-on-air/#commentsFiled under:

Jennifer Capriati, the 33-year-old retired tennis player who won three Grand Slam events, headlined a Wimbeldon event in New York City with Jim Courier this past week. Thus, when she was invited to appear on WFAN's 'Boomer and Carton' radio show in New York, she probably assumed the line of questioning would involve Wimbledon, her tennis career or the event.

Silly her. Capriati obviously didn't know the reputation of Craig Carton, the co-host opposite former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason. Carton plays the role of a sex-mongering 14-year-old any chance he gets, and his jabbing at all things sexual with Capriati was no different.

Female Sports Icons

    Then: Jennifer Capriati, Tennis | Accomplishments: A winner of three Grand Slam titles (2001-2002), and an Olympic gold medal winner in 1992, she soared to celebrity status by turning pro three weeks shy of her 14th birthday. Click through to see Capriati more recently and other female sports icons then and now.

    Simon Bruty, Getty Images

    Now: Capriati, who burned out on tennis and battled depression, last played on the pro tour in 2004. She underwent her third surgery on a shoulder in 2007, but has not ruled out playing again. Capriati can be seen on the ABC television reality series 'The Superstars'.

    Lisa Blumenfeld, Getty Images

    Then: Andrea Jaeger, Tennis | Accomplishments: As a teenager in the early 1980s, tennis phenom Andrea Jaeger reached the finals of two major tournaments and reached No. 2 in the world rankings.

    Tony Duffy, Getty Images

    Now: Jaeger became Sister Andrea, an Anglican Dominican nun, in 2006. She has devoted herself to helping kids with cancer and raises money to bring them to a Colorado ranch.

    Scott Wintrow, Getty Images

    Then: Anna Kournikova, Tennis | Accomplishments: Kournikova was ranked eighth in the world in 2000, but the Russian tennis star never won a singles tournament and her popularity was based as much on her looks as her play.

    Allsport/Getty Images

    Now: Kournikova, seen here at a Boys and Girls Club function recently, is less concerned about her sex appeal now at age 27 and is driven to get kids to be more active.

    Elissa Eubanks, AJC / AP

    Then: Nancy Kerrigan, Figure Skating | Accomplishments: The silver medal winner of the 1994 Winter Olympics, she will forever be linked to rival Tonya Harding. Kerrigan was clubbed on the knee by a man hired by Harding's husband in an attempt to secure a place on the Olympic team for Harding.

    Clive Brunskill, Getty Images

    Now: Her Nancy Kerrigan Foundation raises awareness and support for the vision impaired. She gave birth to her third child by husband Jerry Solomon in May 2008.

    Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

    Then: Summer Sanders, Swimming | Accomplishments: She led Stanford to the national championship in 1992 and then went on to win two gold medals in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

    Simon Bruty, Getty Images

    Now: She is married to former Olympic skier Erik Schlopy and she gave birth to their second child in January 2008.

    Amy Graves, WireImage/Getty Images


After blatantly asking Capriati to have sex with him, Carton moved on to Joanna Krupa -- the Polish gal who recently took Terrell Owens to task for what she deemed a lackluster performance on Superstars (Capriati is also a contestant on the show). With thanks to The Sporting Blog, here's a quick transcript:
Carton: "Not that you're not hot, but you're no Joanna Krupa. How hot was she?"
Capriati: [Uncomfortable laugh] Uhhh, you know, not bad, not bad.
Carton: Would you ever get it on with a gal like that, or no?
Capriati: [Uncomfortable laugh] What kind of questions are these, man?
Carton: I only ask because she's a beautiful woman.
Capriati: [Uncomfortable laugh]
Carton: And I don't know about your sexuality, it's irrelevant to me, whether you like women or men or both ...
Boomer: Now come on ...
Carton: But as a single woman, you appreciate that Joanna Krupa's gorgeous, right?
Capriati: I appreciate beauty. Yes. Her personality was great too.
Carton: Great, so I don't know if you drink beer or if you're totally on the wagon with everything, but is there any moment where you could see you and Joanna maybe getting it on, or no way?
Capriati: No, no way.
Carton: You like men, yes?
Capriati: Yes.
Carton: Dammit.
OK, Craig. You aren't Howard Stern. In fact, Stern would at least find a way to be funny and engaging. This is just contrived eighth-grade nonsense. It requires no comedic talent or creativity. You could grab any buffoon off a street corner and tell him to sexually pester a public figure on the airwaves. The result would be the same.

I would say more, but there's a pretty thorough beatdown of Carton by Phil Mushnick in the New York Post. No reason to pile on when everything that needs to be said is already in print.

The bottom line is that "shock jock" should be a term reserved for people like Stern with some actual talent -- not someone desperately trying to be relevant with an already-saturated act.

Infantile Shock Jock Harasses Jennifer Capriati With On-Air Questions originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jennifer capriatiMatt SnyderFri, 26 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST Michael Stich Hates Grunting, Says Wimbledon Women Only 'Sell Sex'http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/21/michael-stich-says-wimbledon-women-are-just-there-to-sell-sex/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/21/michael-stich-says-wimbledon-women-are-just-there-to-sell-sex/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/06/21/michael-stich-says-wimbledon-women-are-just-there-to-sell-sex/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Michael Stich Grunting Wimbledon 2009Grunting, for lack of a better word, in women's tennis doesn't bother me; it's an obvious sign of physical exertion and I may or may not find it attractive. But I'm not everyone, and I'm certainly not former Wimbledon champ Michael Stich, who appears fairly repulsed by the whole grunt thing.

Also, he firmly believes that the fine ladies who compete at Wimbledon are "just there to sell sex" which is why they should stop grunting (Honestly, Stich has to be the only one who somehow doesn't think Maria Sharapova's grunting is attractive in some aspect, right?)
The 40-year-old German said the noise detracted from the players' 'sex appeal'.

He said: 'Just play it back to the women. It sounds disgusting, ugly, unsexy!'

[...]'That's what they sell,' he told The Mail on Sunday. 'They want to look good, they pay attention to their looks and everything.'
So, Stich actually thinks that the women should sell sex and that by grunting they're hurting their image? Whaaaaa? Now, sexiness of grunting by women playing tennis aside, why the mess would Stich feel compelled to make these obviously sexist remarks to a national publication?

Does he need the attention? Is an anti-grunting campaign the staple of his Prime Minister platform in 2020? Or does he simply -- like many announcers and famous people -- have no sense of couth when it comes to discussing certain things publicly?

I'll go ahead and opt for "Option C." Although I would imagine that many of the women on tour might simply answer, "Go 'way!" One such is Serena Williams, who not only pointed out that sex does sell, but added that she's relatively unaware of how much grunting she does.
'I've never been one of the loudest grunters. I just play my game and sometimes I grunt and sometimes I don't.

'I'm not conscious when I'm doing it. I'm just zoned out. It doesn't really affect me if my opponent is [grunting].'
Harriett Foxwell of the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation had a (theoretically) similar vewpoint that took a different approach:
'Unfortunately, commentary about female tennis players isn't always about their skill on court,' she said.

'Our wish is that rather than talking about what they are wearing or the noises they make, they are judged on their professional performance.'
And here's where I'll also point out that not only should Stich just keep his mouth shut, but even if women were trying to sell sex (and I'm certainly not trying to say they are) who is this guy to insult someone for showing up to work and trying to look their best?

I take a shower and dress nicely for work (almost) every day, mainly because if I didn't show up at the office looking at least reasonably acceptable, I probably wouldn't have a job. Dressing well is in the inherent benefit of every single person with a job; if it wasn't, we'd have legions of unshowered folks manning our world's cubicles.

And besides, Stich is essentially destroying his own argument by creating some sort of weird redundant, Catch-22 in which women are hurting their "sexy factor" by grunting by running with the presumption that they're doing it on purpose. Well, either that or he doesn't know what he's talking about and should probably look into a new line of work.

Michael Stich Hates Grunting, Says Wimbledon Women Only 'Sell Sex' originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Maria SharapovaMariaSharapovaMichael StichWimbledon 2009Wimbledon gruntingWimbledon2009WimbledonGruntingWill BrinsonSun, 21 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST Djokovic Serves Up Personality ... With Nipple Tasselshttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/djokovic-serves-up-personality-with-nipple-tassels/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/djokovic-serves-up-personality-with-nipple-tassels/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/djokovic-serves-up-personality-with-nipple-tassels/#commentsFiled under: ,

The nipple tassels were a little disturbing, I have to admit. Novak Djokovic, the world's third-ranked tennis player starts rolling up his shirt, and you don't know exactly what's about to happen. And he keeps rolling, and then ...

Well, it was impressive how he could get them to twirl in sync like that. I probably could have done without the granny-on-Djokovic stuff, too, as an old lady rubbed oil on his back, and ...

You have to check out this video Djokovic did to promote his new racket, from Head.




Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress, but even he might cringe at this.

This might be a good time to talk about athletes showing a little class, but instead, I'm going to be honest: I laughed and cringed all the way through this. Four times. A few years ago people thought tennis players had no
personality. Now, maybe too much?

The good news is that maybe we're getting the old Djokovic back, the light-hearted Djokovic. Tennis fans know about his fantastic impressions of other players, copying all the little details of Maria Sharapova with the little jumping behind the baseline, high ball bounce and hair grooming before serving. He does Andy Roddick, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. (Yes, Rafa, you do keep reaching back and pulling your shorts out that way).

A couple years ago at the U.S. Open, during one of those post-match interviews they do over the public address system, the announcer handed him a ball and asked him to do some impressions, which he did. Every tennis player does that on his own. But Djokovic cut out the impressions because, he once said, "there were some, well, people and colleagues as well who didn't like what I do. So I just don't want to provoke negative vibes.''

It didn't work. Djokovic always provokes negative vibes, turning off touchy players and also ticking off a crowd at the Open. Last year, Andy Roddick, who has a strongly sarcastic sense of humor, made some crack about Djokovic claiming to have too many injuries, complaining of "a back and a hip and a cramp, bird flu, yeah, Anthrax, SARS, common cough and cold.''

It's true that Djokovic does seem to wilt too often. But he then beat Roddick, and told the crowd, "Obviously, Andy was saying I have 16 injuries. Obviously, I don't.''



The crowd booed.

"Like it or not,'' he said at the time, "it's like that. They're already against me because they think I'm faking everything. That's not nice anyhow (for Roddick) to say in front of this crowd that I'm faking and have 16 injuries.''

Djokovic became a grump. But maybe it's the best in-your-face possible to come back to people who think you're joking too much with...

Nipple tassels?

Well, the video shows Djokovic running out of a TV camera's view to track down an amazing shot. In slow motion from another camera, you see that he jumped into the crowd, stopped to flirt with a young woman, made her a balloon poodle, and then, well, it goes on and on before he actually hits the shot.

So maybe it's just marketing. Or maybe the old, likable Djokovic is coming back. After he lost to Nadal Sunday in Rome, he did his Nadal impression right there in front of Rafa.

"I can't win on the court,'' Djokovic said, "but I win the impression contest.''

Djokovic Serves Up Personality ... With Nipple Tassels originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Tue, 05 May 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>novak djokovicGreg CouchTue, 05 May 2009 20:00:00 EST Brooklyn Decker, Andy Roddick Getting Married This Weekendhttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/04/14/brooklyn-decker-andy-roddick-are-getting-married-this-weekend/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/04/14/brooklyn-decker-andy-roddick-are-getting-married-this-weekend/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/04/14/brooklyn-decker-andy-roddick-are-getting-married-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercifully, Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open. Otherwise, he would be stuck facing accusations of untapped potential and disappointment on the courts. Then again, he's reportedly marrying model Brooklyn Decker this weekend, so no matter his exploits on the tennis court, his life can't ever be too bad.

Top Couples in Sports

    Internet sensation Julia Allison and NFL star Jay Cutler
    Relationship Status: Reportedly spotted together at Club 51 in Chicago.
    Click through to see more top sports couples.

    Getty Images

    Tennis star Andy Roddick and fashion model Brooklyn Decker
    Relationship Status: Reportedly getting married this weekend.

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    Eagles quarterback A.J. Feeley and soccer star Heather Mitts
    Relationship Status: Engaged on Christmas Day

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    Tennis star Roger Federer and Mirka Vavrinec
    Relationship Status: The tennis legend married his longtime girlfriend on Saturday. They are expecting their first child this summer.

    Alexander Nikolayev, AFP / Getty Images

    Supermodel Gisele Bundchen and NFL star Tom Brady
    Relationship Status: Reportedly married in February, and again in April

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    NBA star Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa
    Relationship Status: Married since 2001, with two daughters

    Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE via Getty Images

    Tennis legend Boris Becker and Lilly Kerssenberg
    Relationship Status: Will marry on June 12

    Florian Seefried, Getty Images

    NBA star Marko Jaric and Victoria's Secret supermodel Adriana Lima
    Relationship Status: Reportedly eloped on Valentine's Day

    Will Ragozzino, Getty Images

    Denver Nuggets star Nene and Lauren Prothe
    Relationship Status: Reportedly married

    Joshua Duplechian, Rocky Mountain News

    Golf star Lorena Ochoa and airline executive Dr. Andres Conesa
    Relationship Status: Reportedly engaged

    AP



People is "reporting" the news that Decker and Roddick will tie the knot this weekend near Austin, Texas, Roddick's hometown.
Roddick, 26, and Decker, 21, plan to celebrate the nuptials with two days of festivities near Roddick's Austin, Texas, home. "They wanted to keep it local," the source says. And very private. The pared-down guest lists includes mostly family and a few close friends of the pair, who met when Roddick spotted Decker in a magazine and asked his agent to find her number.
That's right, folks: love, the old fashioned way, found in the pages of a magazine and then stalked. Seriously, Decker says he stalked her and she finally caved after five months of messages, flowers and threats love notes.

I kid, of course. Roddick's a world famous tennis star and athlete-celebrity type, really rich, a pretty good looking dude and one HELL of a model American ... why wouldn't Brooklyn Decker want to be stalked by him? Feel free to put your reasons in the comments, unless you're Mandy Moore, in which case no one will believe you're not just bitter.

SI Cover Models

    Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover girl Bar Refaeli joins a memorable line of swimsuit models featured in the annual issue. Her 2009 photo shoot was also used in promotion with Southwest Airlines, with an image of Refaeli in a bikini painted on the side of a Southwest Boeing 737. Click through to see more swimsuit page-turners from the past.

    Charles Sykes, AP

    2008 - Marisa Miller
    Not only was Miller featured on the cover of the 2008 edition, she's also known as a Victoria's Secret Angel. Miller has also done cameos for TV shows such as "Entourage" and "How I Met Your Mother".

    Stuart Ramson, AP

    2007 - Beyonce Knowles
    Beyonce appeared on the 2007 cover with an inset of Israeli model Bar Refaeli. She holds the distinction as the first non-model and non-athlete to pose for the cover, and the second African-American after Tyra Banks.

    Charley Gallay, Getty Images

    2006 - All-Star Past
    The special edition featured an assortment of great cover models including, from left, Rachel Hunter, Veronica Varekova, Yamila Diaz-Rahi, Daniela Pestova and Elsa Benitez. It was also Elle Macpherson's record 5th cover.

    Louis Lanzano, AP

    2005 - Carolyn Murphy
    The American model was featured on the cover with an inset of Jessica White, Marisa Miller and Yamila Diaz. In July 2007, Forbes magazine named her sixth on the list of the World's 15 Top-Earning Supermodels.

    Peter Kramer, Getty Images

    2004 - Veronica Varekova
    Varekova appeared on the cover of the 40th anniversary edition with an inset of tennis knockout Anna Kournikova. She's been in the swimsuit edition a total of eight times from 1999-2002 and 2004-2007.

    Peter Kramer, Getty Images

    2002 - Yamila Diaz-Rahi
    The Argentine model posed in Mexico for the 2002 cover edition, and moved on to appear on the cover of other magazines such as GQ, Glamour, Maxim, Elle and Shape.

    Doug Kanter, AFP / Getty Images

    2001 - Elsa Benitez
    The Mexican model, who was previously married to former NBA star Rony Seikaly, posed for the 2001 cover in Tunisia. She has appeared in the swimsuit edition five times since her debut in the magazine.

    Spencer Platt, Getty Images

    1995, 2000, and 2006 - Daniela Pestova
    Pestova, who appeared on the cover three times, has also posed for GQ, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and ELLE. She's reportedly been dubbed "The Chameleon" for continuously changing her look.

    Ron Galella, WireImage.com

    1999 - Rebecca Romijn
    The American film and television actress is also a former fashion model who is a fixture on annual lists of the world's most beautiful women by publications such as Maxim and FHM.

    Diane Freed, Getty Images

Brooklyn Decker, Andy Roddick Getting Married This Weekend originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Andy RoddickAndy Roddick marriedAndyRoddickAndyRoddickMarriedBrooklyn DeckerBrooklyn Decker Andy Roddick MarriedBrooklynDeckerBrooklynDeckerAndyRoddickMarriedMandy MooreMandyMooreWill BrinsonTue, 14 Apr 2009 21:15:00 EST Tennis Player Sarah Gronert Enveloped By Gender Controversyhttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/03/13/tennis-player-sarah-gronert-enveloped-by-gender-controversy/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/03/13/tennis-player-sarah-gronert-enveloped-by-gender-controversy/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/03/13/tennis-player-sarah-gronert-enveloped-by-gender-controversy/#commentsFiled under:

Sarah Gronert, a 22-year-old pro from Germany, finds herself under scrutiny from her opponents and their coaches, who believe that a unique gender issue from birth should make her ineligible for the woman's tour.

Three years ago, those issues almost caused Gronert, ranked No. 619 in the world, to abandon her career. Though she has since returned to competitive tennis, the dialogue that continues to surround her relates not to her ability, but to her biology.

Gronert was born with male and female genitalia. After undergoing surgery, she's now medically certified as a woman. That's not good enough for some, though.

"There is no girl who can hit serves like that, not even Venus Williams," said Schlomo Tzoref, the coach of Julia Glushko, who Gronert recently beat on her way to winning the Raanana tournament in Israel in early March. "When I heard her story, I was in shock. I don't know if it's fair that she can compete or not. She does have an advantage, but if this is what the WTA have decided, they probably know best. If she begins to play continuously, within six months she will be within the Top 50."

It's tough to piece together the details of Gronert's story. Her story has yet to really reach American shores, so facts have to be parsed together from various foreign language websites. Yet Tzoref isn't the only one who sees the potential for Gronert to climb the ranks of the women's tour, which will surely lead to more conversation -- and infamy -- around the world regarding her standing on the tour.

We do know that, at 19, the harsh words and treatment from peers almost led Gronert to retire. Instead, she underwent surgery to remove the male genitalia and, after a struggle with the WTA that needed a petition and special committee to resolve, was allowed to compete again.

Gronert has appeared in nine tournaments in the last three years, winning two -- the Raanana tournament on March 2 and the German Kaarst tournament on January 19 -- this year. The purse for both titles was $10,000 each. Her competitors feel she had an unfair advantage towards winning those purses which will lead her to continue to rise in the sport unfairly. The longer Gronert competes, the more fevered the conversation grows (her Wikipedia page was deleted due to constant abuse by users).

"This can not be. This is not a woman, it's a man. She does not have the power of a woman and no woman has such a technique," Tzoref said. "She serves like a man. It's very strange."

Elie Seckbach contributed information and translations to this story.

Latest Tennis Images

    Guillermo Canas, of Argentina, returns a shot from Sam Querrey in the first-round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

    AP

    Taylor Dent serves to Diego Junqueira, of Argentina, during their first round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Taylor Dent returns a shot to Diego Junqueira of Argentina during their first round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Patty Schnyder, of Switzerland, returns a shot to Li Na, of China, during their second round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Taylor Dent returns a shot to Diego Junqueira of Argentina during their first round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Li Na of China returns a shot to Patty Schnyder of Switzerland during their second round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Li Na of China returns a shot to Patty Schnyder, of Switzerland, during their second round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Li Na of China serves to Patty Schnyder of Switzerland during their second round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Diego Junqueira, of Argentina, returns a shot to Taylor Dent during their first round match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 13, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    AP

    Andy Roddick of the U.S. attends a press conference during the Indian Wells ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, March 13, 2009. REUTERS/Michael Fiala (UNITED STATES)

    Reuters

Tennis Player Sarah Gronert Enveloped By Gender Controversy originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>julia glushkosarah gronertvenus williamsTom MantzouranisFri, 13 Mar 2009 18:05:00 EST Andy Roddick Wins, Confirms He Isn't Missing Dubai Because of Fake Herniahttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/02/22/andy-roddick-wins-confirms-he-isnt-missing-dubai-because-of-fa/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/02/22/andy-roddick-wins-confirms-he-isnt-missing-dubai-because-of-fa/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/02/22/andy-roddick-wins-confirms-he-isnt-missing-dubai-because-of-fa/#commentsFiled under:

Andy Roddick won his first tournament of the year on Sunday. He beat some guy 7-5, 7-5 for his 27th career victory, third most among active players.

That isn't really the story here. Roddick is, and I won't deny this, my favorite professional athlete alive. Not because he wins all the time or anything like that, just because he seems like one of the few "real" people in sports. He doesn't bullshit us. He tells it like it is.

That is why his decision to skip the Dubai Tennis Championships after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates (that Lisa Olson brilliantly wrote about here) was so, well, Andy. After his win today, Roddick gave the media another soundbite that is sure to be around for a while when someone asked if the real reason he was missing Dubai was because of a hernia.
"There's no other reason. Obviously, I don't have a hernia. I probably wouldn't have played too well today. I would ask you guys to check but that might be inappropriate. I'm 100 percent healthy," Roddick said.
I applaud what Roddick has done here. There is no reason to hide behind what you stand up for, and from what I've seen from the 2003 U.S. Open champion, he would never do such a thing.

Good job, Andy. It's pretty darn easy to be a fan of yours, especially when you realize winning isn't the only reason to applaud someone.

Andy Roddick Wins, Confirms He Isn't Missing Dubai Because of Fake Hernia originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Andy RoddickAndyRoddickShahar PeerShaharPeerShane BaconSun, 22 Feb 2009 22:52:00 EST Catching Up With Billie Jean Kinghttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/king-talks-todays-tennis/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/king-talks-todays-tennis/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/king-talks-todays-tennis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Even though tennis icon Billie Jean King turned 65 just last November, that doesn't mean she's ready to head off into retirement.

On the contrary, King's as visible in the public eye as ever, helping to promote the Billie Jean King Cup -- a one-night only event that will be held on March 2 at Madison Square Garden that will feature four of the top women's players in the world and televised on HBO -- as well as her appearances in numerous commercials and her involvement in promoting the game and World Team Tennis.

And, she isn't shy about telling you what she thinks of today's game.


For anyone thinking she'd rather live in the past, she makes no bones about how today's players are much better than her generation.

"They're a lot better today, every generation just gets better," King said. "Older athletes talk about the glory days, but we're not the best ever.

"It's amazing the spins and what they can get on the ball. Everything's more exaggerated than ever before. They're so good, they train better, and the information available is better than anything than what we had. It'd be great to be a player today. It's great to have choices when you have money and resources."

She even comments how while players struggled to keep their racket strings in playing shape, today's players have no problems just ripping them out and replacing them -- thanks to the resources they have at their disposal.

One complaint she does have about today's game is the "Q factor" that's now involved on the women's side of the game, that style bleeds through more than substance in the media.

"Here's what happens with women's athletes today - their accomplishments aren't talked about enough. They are what they are, but if you succeed on the court that'll eventually take care of itself."


She also weighs in on the state of tennis in the United States, particularly on the men's side.

"We have a good young group of guys right now, but it's just no one's broken through to become No. 1 in the world. But it's a lot harder now than it was then because now you're competing with the rest of the world.

"We don't have as many tournaments played [in the U.S.] anymore. ... but junior rackets are way up, we've more than doubled the number of players in the last few years, and it's the only traditional sport that's currently growing.

"Everyone's trying to pull together, and the last few years, we're starting to do that."

As part of that goal, the tournament featuring three of the four defending women's Grand Slam champions -- Australian Open and U.S. Open champion Serena Williams, Wimbledon champion Venus Williams, French Open champ Ana Ivanovic, along with U.S. Open runner-up Jelena Jankovic -- is being held in conjunction with "Tennis Night in America," an event aimed at signing up youngsters to play the game.

And with the four vying for a trophy named after King -- "that wasn't my idea" she says with a laugh -- she hopes the $1.2 million purse and the game's return to HBO for the first time in nine years will help sign up new players and expose them to tennis.

"To have these great athletes and tennis players in one event is great, and two players [Jankovic and Ivanovic] that people haven't seen as much. Venus is playing great, she's doing great, despite what she says - it always cracks me up when she says she isn't playing well, and she's simply terrific."

"It's pretty exciting, and people should appreciate these athletes - they're great.

"Jankovic so fantastic with the media. She's fun. I can give her a hard time, and she just laughs at herself. She was saying it was such a privilege to be No. 1. If Serena and Venus would play more they'd have it regularly.

"Ana probably replaces Gabriela Sabatini, because she's a popular one now. She's talented, I but don't want to talk about looks."


""They're coming out to play in this tournament, it's amazing."

As for which players draw her attention now, she mentioned that two American stars were who she wanted to see play.

"I'm prejudiced, I do text message a lot of the boys. Andy Roddick's doing better, so I'm happy for him.

"Really, I'm interested in all of them. If you asked me about the player with the best ability that I'd want to watch, it'd be Serena, especially with her success at the Australian Open."

King's also excited about bringing this event to her adopted hometown of New York, particularly to the "World's Most Famous Arena."

"There's a narrow focus here, and New Yorkers get pumped up for events. We're going to go out for one night and it's going to be great. Spike Lee and John McEnroe are going to come out, and he's going to do commentary on the broadcast."

And, for King herself, she stays busy, and gets recognized for everything from her recent car insurance ad spoofing the 1973's "Battle of the Sexes" match with Bobby Riggs to a 36-year-old cameo on a sitcom.

"I was walking down the street the other day, and someone yelled 'Hey Billie Jean, I saw you on the The Odd Couple last night!' All thanks to TV Land."

"I'm very fortunate. It's very nice."

Catching Up With Billie Jean King originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ted StarkeyMon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST Boris Becker Gets 'Soul Trampled' in Uber Awkward Text Message Breakuphttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/11/24/boris-becker-gets-his-soul-trampled-in-uber-awkward-text-messa/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/11/24/boris-becker-gets-his-soul-trampled-in-uber-awkward-text-messa/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/11/24/boris-becker-gets-his-soul-trampled-in-uber-awkward-text-messa/#commentsFiled under:

Getting married is a large commitment. It stands to reason then, that planning to get married, and becoming someone's fiancee, is also a large step towards responsibility. So, if you have your pre-marriage plans shattered by a text message -- the cruelest and least subtle of all communiques -- you're probably not going to feel very good about yourself.




Or, in the case of Boris Becker, you may feel that your significant other has "trampled on my soul."
"On Friday evening, October 31, I suddenly got an SMS from Sandy .. saying that this was it, that this over. To make sure how serious she was she sent me five others saying the same thing," 40-year-old Becker told the Bild daily.

"I was completely surprised," said Becker, who who has been linked to a string of different women since his 2001 divorce from Barbara Feltus, with whom he had two sons.
This would be shocking if the A[F]P release didn't also mention that Becker had a daughter with a woman whom he had sex with in a 'broom closet.' Oh, and additionally, his ex, Sandy Meyer-Woelden, is 15 years younger than him and the daughter of his deceased former trainer. So there's nothing about their relationship that sounds skeptical at all. Except perhaps that Boris actually knew how to use text messaging.

Boris Becker Gets 'Soul Trampled' in Uber Awkward Text Message Breakup originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>boris beckerBorisBeckerSandy Meyer-WoeldenSandyMeyer-woeldenWill BrinsonMon, 24 Nov 2008 11:15:00 EST Serena Williams Would Like You, Lonely Journalist, to Go Work Outhttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/11/07/serena-williams-would-like-you-lonely-journalist-to-go-work-ou/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/11/07/serena-williams-would-like-you-lonely-journalist-to-go-work-ou/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/11/07/serena-williams-would-like-you-lonely-journalist-to-go-work-ou/#commentsFiled under:

The life of a journalist isn't charming. You're going from destination to destination, hoping to land the same boring comments from athletes that every other news organization is getting, and then putting them together in a half-witted story you write from you laptop while eating whatever complimentary sub sandwich the arena is paying for. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The only time you get to do something exciting is when you get those few seconds of natural Red Bull pumping through your veins, as one British journalist did Friday with Serena Williams.

Serena had to withdraw from the Sony Ericsson Championships because of stomach muscle problems, and when pushed about the injury, got a little testy.

Serena was challenged by a British journalist who suggested that sometimes in a major tournament such as this she should play through the pain for the sake of the event and for the sponsors.

"I think what I should do is make you work out, have a severe stomach strain and play for the sponsors," she chided.

When the journalist suggested he would have, Serena responded with satirical laughter, adding: "You really should. You should go for it and live the dream!"

Serena then added, "You know, the dream of working out and sweating and being questioned on your commitment to the game versus your love for fashion and Hollywood and really obnoxious jewelry and all that. Yeah, go work out and still be able to fit in a pair of jeans like THIS, then come back at me punk!"

Okay, she didn't really say that last line, but if she did I hope one of my video guys was around for the visual.

The crazy thing about Serena is how much flack she gets for not caring. I mean, yeah, she might not care as much as she once did, but anytime she really commits herself to tennis she wins. Serena or sister Venus could win every tournament in tennis if they really wanted, but they've been there and done that. It's like dating Hank Kuehne (Venus' beau) but cooler and with less really long drives.

Serena Williams Would Like You, Lonely Journalist, to Go Work Out originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Shane BaconFri, 07 Nov 2008 21:10:00 EST Andy Roddick Offers Up Nude Tennis Lesson, Banks Charity $15,000http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/10/17/andy-roddick-gives-nude-tennis-lesson-banks-charity-15-000/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/10/17/andy-roddick-gives-nude-tennis-lesson-banks-charity-15-000/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/10/17/andy-roddick-gives-nude-tennis-lesson-banks-charity-15-000/#commentsFiled under:

Too many times we forget about the female readers around these parts, so here's a little something for the ladies: 26-year-old Andy Roddick did just about all you can to benefit a charity this past weekend.

The recently engaged Roddick was part of Sir Elton John's 16th Annual Advanta World Team Tennis Smash, benefiting those with AIDS in and around the Atlanta area, and decided that the one-hour private tennis lesson with him being auctioned off wasn't enough. Roddick decided to up the ante with an offer of a shirtless lesson, only to one-up himself again by offering to coach in the nude. That noise you just heard was six million females lamenting the fact that they don't live on Peachtree Street.

He originally was going to auction a private, hour-long tennis lesson to the highest bidder. Then, to sweeten the deal, he offered to take off his shirt for the "one-on-one instruction."

Finally, the recently engaged Roddick offered to give the lesson -- fully nude! Winning bid: $15,000 from a female fan.

Only Andy Roddick would be chill enough to do something like this. The tennis star infamous for his "tell it like it is" interviews and demeanor did what most people joke about with their friends, only he made a charity 15-large in doing it.

My only concern with this is picturing a naked person playing tennis. Sure, I'd pay a fairly large sum (assuming I actually had money) to watch Maria Sharapova hitting net volleys in her birthday suit, but could you imagine a naked dude serving? That just seems like too much is going on.

I'm guessing the "between the legs" shot that Roddick and others enjoy hitting for the fans is out in this situation. No point in cutting the lesson short because the teacher injured himself.

Andy Roddick Offers Up Nude Tennis Lesson, Banks Charity $15,000 originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Andy RoddickAndyRoddickmaria sharapovaMariaSharapovaShane BaconFri, 17 Oct 2008 16:35:00 EST As If Our Country Could Be Less Hopeful, Maria Sharapova Is Off the Markethttp://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/10/01/as-if-our-country-could-be-less-hopeful-maria-sharapova-is-off/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/10/01/as-if-our-country-could-be-less-hopeful-maria-sharapova-is-off/http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2008/10/01/as-if-our-country-could-be-less-hopeful-maria-sharapova-is-off/#commentsFiled under:

You know, for Internet geeks and men with eyeballs all around the world, Maria Sharapova is sports' Marilyn Monroe. Tall, blond, beautiful, successful, athletic and -- just for added excitement -- the daughter of a dad who's 53 cards short of a full deck.

Well, get prepared to bash your unrealistic imagination, because Sharapova now has a boyfriend. The object of my undying jealousy lucky guy is none other than 25-year-old Charlie Ebersol who -- what do you know! -- is the son of NBC Sports Chairman and President Dick Ebersol.



On a more serious note, though, while Charlie was a senior at Notre Dame he survived a plane crash and saved his father's life.
Notre Dame senior Charlie Ebersol and his father, NBC Sports Chairman and President Dick Ebersol, survived a charter plane crash that killed at least two people in Montrose, Colo. Sunday.

Both men were seriously injured when the private jet crashed on takeoff at Montrose Regional Airport, hitting a fence and bursting into flames, according to the Associated Press. The crash occurred at approximately 10 a.m. Mountain Standard Time and happened 185 miles southwest of Denver, near the Telluride Ski Area, according to the Bloomberg News Service.

Charlie Ebersol helped pull his father out through the front of the plane, which had been ripped apart from its cockpit, eyewitness Chuck Distel told the Associated Press.
Honestly, good for this guy. Even though he went to Notre Dame, which loses you a few points, he saved his own father and has the game and juice to pull Sharapova from a bevy of aggressive males just waiting to be cast as the male role in her next Canon commercial.

I just hope he can handle the Russian blond in a relationship. Who knows what to make of a girl that screams as loud as she does on the tennis court?

[Pound Daulerio at Deadspin, go Phils]

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As If Our Country Could Be Less Hopeful, Maria Sharapova Is Off the Market originally appeared on Tennis FanHouse on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Charlie EbersolCharlieEbersolMaria SharapovaMariaSharapovaShane BaconWed, 01 Oct 2008 14:48:00 EST