McIntyre Tennis

Maria Sharapova's Costa Rica Vacation

Just noticed on WTAWorld someone post a recent diary entry from Maria Sharapova's official site.  She actually sounds like a normal 19-year-old. 

Why is it that so few of the players' personalities manage to come through with reporters, but put them directly in touch with fans and they suddenly becoming different people?

From mariasharapova.com: My trip to Costa Rica (vacation pictures too if you go to the site)

I just got back from Costa Rica, and it was amazing! There are not too many times in a year when I can wake up and have no sense of time. And not too many times you hear growling monkeys in the middle of the night. As my friend said, it's either the sound of monkeys or dying birds. Our villa was in, what seemed like, a jungle so I am going to assume it is monkeys. The resort was absolutely beautiful, and we had perfect weather for tanning. I can finally say that I finished filming the sequel to 'ghost'! I don't think I have ever looked so pale, as I did after Madrid...

Maria Sharapova and the Madrid Models Videoclip

I still think model ball boys or girls are a terrible idea - but I can't say it's not entertaining.

Here's a Eurosport videoclip of the model ballboys and Maria Sharapova giving her thoughts on them.

Sharpova Getting Attention in Madrid

All of the sudden, many journalists and quite a few players seem to have decided that Maria Sharapova is ready to be the dominant player in women's tennis. We'll see.

From The Telegraph: Sharapova the No. 1 attraction

Dress and enormous high heels on, Maria Sharapova sauntered through the lobby of a Madrid hotel yesterday and the sight of her was enough for all the other guests just to turn and stare. At 6ft 2in barefoot, the Siberian was probably another half a foot taller wearing those heels – and you did fear for some of the hotel's low-hanging chandeliers.

Sharapova to Play Fed Cup for Russia

She'll play against Spain in April.  One less thing for the Maria-haters to complain about now.

Details from Reuters

The US-Federer Problem: 'Who Cares 'Bout Them Silly Furriners'?

Frank Deford has a good piece about Federer, Tiger Woods and American myopia when it comes to foreign athletes (and non-intranational team sports) in Sports Illustrated. Read 'American Underdogs'

ETA: And while you're over there, be sure to check out Jon Wertheim's first post-US Open mailbag, which talks bananas, fingers and Sharapova, as well as the (legit?) return of Andy Roddick, and more; and Richard Deitsch on the incestuous bonds between the tennis media and the players (ie. Mary Jo Fernandez and her IMG agent husband; the McEnroe brothers in Sharapova's 'I Feel Pretty' Ad). Scroll down to read "The Bottom One."

Sharapova Wins it All; So Does Martina

Well, Shark-apova did it. As much as I prefer Justine's game and am irritated by the shriekiness, I've got to hand it to Maria for coming out, guns blazing. Sure she's a cash whore, but the girl's got a champion's heart and drive. Kudos!

But have you guys read/seen Maria's post-match press conference? I saw it on The Tennis Channel, but the transcript is up. Lots of banana and on-court coaching talk--apparently her hitting partner/coach Michael Joyce held up four fingers. Sharapova, clearly irritated, dodged the question several times. I didn't see the majority of the match, so I missed it. Did anyone catch this? And was it clear on-court coaching?

ETA: Pete Bodo has a great column on Sharapova's win over at tennis.com.

Martina Navratilova also went out on top, winning the Mixed Doubles title thanks to some clutch serving by Bob Bryan and her own deft touch. And so ends the career of possibly the greatest tennis player of all time. Bravo, Martina!

I miss Misha Youzhny. But am pleased for Federer-Roddick. Fed has looked a little shaky and Roddick has looked crisper and more obnoxious than ever...but may the best Swiss win. Can't wait til tomorrow!

Maria Sharapova's "I Feel Pretty" Ad

It's actually pretty damn good. Shocking! A Sharapova ad that's watchable! ;-)

Players' Thoughts on On-Court Coaching

The reactions to on-court coaching in this article sort of sum up the going books on these stars' personalities:

Maria Sharapova: "It will be funny when you see an opponent calling for a coach because you’ll just want to laugh, they’ll be in trouble. ... I usually play on instinct and don’t like to be told what to do, so calling for someone will be very rare.”

Elena Dementieva: “I think it will be interesting to see the coaches come down and see what they say, but I don’t think I will have my mother come. I’m already with her 24/7 and it’s the only time I get a break from her.” That's my girl, Lena!

Serena Williams: “I don’t like it. I think it takes away from tennis. When I’m out there, I’ve done all the hard work. It takes away from the integrity of the sport."

Kim Clijsters: “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this but it’s a rule I’m absolutely against. Part of being a tennis player is being able to solve things yourself.” Of course you can say it, Kim!

Read 'WTA experiment stirs controversy'

Sharapova, Pierce Out of Montreal

What a nightmare for the organizers. Here's the current full list of withdrawals and Sharapova's statement.

JPMorgan Chase Video Interviews

FYI, Tennis.com has an archive of these. Here's the link. Lindsay, Serena, and Sharapova so far.