The organizers of the Open GEF SUEZ paid tribute to Amelie Mauresmo during an emotional ceremony on Center Court of the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium. The former No. 1 officially announced her retirement on December 3, 2009.
Frenchies Julie Coin, Alizé Cornet, Nathalie Dechy stood along side Patty Schnyder, Francesca Schiavone, Tathiana Garbin, Alisa Kleybanova and Flavia Penetta while watching a video highlighting her many achievements. Elena Dementieva offered some special words for the 2-time Grand Slammer saying, "I feel sad today. Amélie, you're one of the very best, and you're leaving. Younger players will always remember 'the Mauresmo years.' And I'm not even sure that anyone can replace you here." You can hear the full speech in French here.
Franca, though, had the best line of the evening when she told Amelie, "You wrote part of tennis' history. You were my idol. So please, don't come back!" Nice.
I have to say it was great to see a certain someone who's been injured for what seems like FOREVAH make a special appearance during the ceremony:
LOVE the boots Tati - you still got it. But one of the most teary-eyed moments came when Amelie's mom, Françoise, walked onto the court carrying a bouquet of flowers for her now-retired daughter. *grabs kleenex*
A beautiful tribute to someone whose game and personality is sorely missed on the WTA tour. Here's some video from the ceremony. Enjoy!
CHECK IT:
[Photo(s): Reuters, Getty]
*wails*
ReplyDelete*dabs eyes*
Ohhh...Amelie. You are such a beautiful person, inside and out. I will miss you so much.
*blows nose*
Thanks so much for the video, Richie.
*passes kleenex to Richie*
Oh yes, and one more thing, Amelie? Now that you have time on your hands...I'm not a lesbian, but I'm willing to try anything once. Twice if it feels good. ;)
You will be when she's through with you natch. Imma bet on it.
ReplyDelete*throws cash in the kitty*
whoops, not THAT kitty. sorry.
*pulls out a $20*
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you very much, Richie!
It's the gift that keeps on giving. ;)
*re-reads Richie's post*
Hmm...if YOU didn't put this in there...I wonder how it got there??