HE SAID/SHE SAID: US Open Day 4

Q. Caroline Wozniacki has a high profile relationship with a golfer. You've kind of been there. Any advice for her on how to deal in the public eye in that way in that kind of a relationship?

ANA IVANOVIC: I think it's different for every person, because some people like to be in the middle of attention or public eye and others don't. It's just very personal how you like to deal with it. I think, you know, once you decide how you want to handle it you should go about it. Of course if you want to be more private, that's harder. If you want to be out there it's a little bit easier. It's, you know, about to find the balance and to accept these things.

Check out more 'HE SAID/SHE SAID' from the US Open Day 4 after the jump - click the header!

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Roland Garros Days 1 + 2

DAY 1

Q. Have you seen Amélie Mauresmo?

Svetlana Kuznetsova: Yes. I texted her this morning going to the club. I say, Hey, you told me you gonna be here a few days. I didn't see you. So she said, I don't want to disturb you. I said, Come on, you're my friend. You cannot disturb. You're former player, no? So she said, Oh, yeah, one day I come to your match. Sure. You have a ticket.

So she would supported me and she supported me before the match. So we had a chat in the locker room. So I appreciate her coming a lot. She's very good friend of mine and I'm happy to see her again. I miss her.

Q. What were the feelings being out there back a year after making your first Grand Slam final in that court?

Robin Soderling: It's nice, you know. Now I don't think about it too much. That was all last year. I have to start over again. Focus on every match. But of course it's always nice to come back to a place where you did well last year. Gives you good feelings.

Q. What would you have to do to prove there was a really big deal if you just smashed a racquet and that's not a big deal, what would be a really big deal?

Ernests Gulbis: What would be a really big deal? Hmm. I don't know. I have to think. That's a good question, actually. Thank you. (laughter.)

I don't know what would be a big deal. Minimum three racquets smashed, throw them to the stands, hit somebody with a ball. I don't know. I have to think about it. I'll get back on you, yeah. I'll think about it.

DAY 2

Q. Tell us about your Twittering, your tweeting and what you enjoy doing about that. And secondly, I asked your sister the same thing about your outfits. How many outfits do you bring to every tournament?

Serena Williams: Well, I tweet a lot. I have just really I don't know. I think it's cool. Sometimes I just tweet what's on my mind and sometimes maybe a little too much. I have a lot of fun with it. I think it's a cool way of connecting with, you know, the die hard fans. For me, I follow Green Day on Twitter, and whenever they tweet I get incredibly excited. I'm like, Oh, my God. I'm so happy and I really like to know what's going on in their lives because I'm a die hard Green Day fanatic.

For those people that like me half as much as I like them, I like to keep them in the loop with my life. I always have seven outfits for singles and six for doubles.

Q. Is it fair to say that the last maybe year or year and a half has not been very much fun for you on the tennis court?

Ana Ivanovic: Not fun at all. You know, it was and also lots of tears and lots of hard times and lots of doubts and fears, everything, but, you know, it's something that you learn. And if you overcome it, it's you learn from it and it makes you better player and person after that.

I have really good people around me now, and I trust them a lot. They're very supportive, and they believe in me when I didn't believe in myself. So that's great to see.

Q. If you ended up trying to tailor your game, or if Americans did, would that not negatively effect how they play on the other hardcourts or anything?

John Isner: No, I disagree. Practicing on clay, even in the hardcourt season which I sometimes do is great. It makes your legs stronger. You're seeing more balls. The points aren't as quick.

I think practicing on clay is it's not a disadvantage at all. If anything, it's gonna help you on every other surface.

Q. Is your coaching situation the same, or has something changed?

Jelena Dokic: I'm alone.




Q. Is your problem of allergic completely resolved now, or you're afraid that it could come back?

Novak Djokovic: Well, look, you know, the thing is that this year has been a struggle for me because it was the first time that I had such a strong reaction, so the season or the Spring already started, and you couldn't do too much with it, so it's still a little bit active, but it's much less than it was in last two months.

So I'm happy that the tough period is behind me, and now I can focus on the court on what I do and try to do it best. For next year I will prepare myself better health wise.

Q. Now, for a while, people have said that Roland Garros could be relocated outside of Paris. What do you think about this at the end of your career to play in Versailles, Gonesse, or Marne La Vallée close to Euro Disney?

Roger Federer: Well, yes, that's a question that people keep on asking during the Grand Slam, that is, people can no longer buy the tickets. The people, the media, ask more. We want to have more, and it's not easy for the tournament, but we have to do our best, and do the best for the tournament.

So if we move elsewhere, does it make sense? I don't know. People will decide. There is a lot of money at stake, and there's a new site, and that means with the new site it means, how can I say? What about the soul of Roland Garros? This is what we might miss after.

So let's think twice before we act. Now, Melbourne, you know, is considering a major change for the years to come. Wimbledon I think will never change. They still have leeway with the golf course. At the US Open they did something new, as well. But I think it was 10 years ago. And it was the old stadium 10 years ago, if I'm not mistaken.

In any case, everybody's always upgraded with the new Lenglen court, with the new Chatrier court. It's changed here at Roland Garros. It's smaller here, the site is smaller. So the question is more important here than anywhere else.

Q. Do you feel like in the last few weeks that it was a good idea to play so many tournaments or do you think it would have been better to take a little time off?

Caroline Wozniacki: Well, you know, there are some rules on the WTA Tour, and we have to follow those rules. Maybe it would have been better if I could have taken a few weeks off, but those are the rules, and I did what I had to do.

Q. When you say those are the rules, it's mostly a question of fines and money. Can you talk about how you juggle that? Why not just pay the fine and take the week off?

Caroline Wozniacki: It's not just a fine. It's also commitment tournaments, zero pointers. Yeah, some other things that plays in mind, and if you read the rules, you'll know. I think we should talk about other things. About my match today, maybe.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: If looks could kill...you'd be DEAD

"@$#%$^&#%#..."

Last year Jelena Dokic was the feelgood story of the entire Oz Open making a successful, enthralling comeback to the Grand Slam stage after years of personal struggle and turmoil. So much for that.

She arrived to Melbourne this season under a veil of more controversy and now has suffered a first round 6-1, 7-5 defeat to Alisa Kleybanova who she defeated during that inspired run to the quarterfinals.

Ugh. JD never got to build on her run last year after suffering with injuries and sickness. I hope she can turn things around or, at the very least, steer clear of any more controversies.

[Photo(s): WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images]

JD injures back, forced to retire in Paris

The feelgood story of the Aussie Open, Jelena Dokic's comeback, turned to heartbreak in Paris when the Aussie baller was forced to retire from her second round match against Elena Dementieva with a painful back injury.

JD had already won the first set and was up a break in the second. However, Elena won the next two games and she called it quits.

According to JD,

I went for a return and I just went down and couldn't get back up. It's very painful and very disappointing because I felt as if I had the match in my hands.

It was her first trip back to Roland Garros since 2004.

It must be so tough for JD since she was playing so well and seemed on her way to a huge upset. And with ALL that she has been through it seems unfair.

I hope she gets better soon.

(images via getty)

JD's hard work paying off, takes on new sponsorships including Lacoste

Although she had been working Fila as recently as Indian Wells, Jelena Dokic has officially signed on with Lacoste. The Aussie baller wore the new gear during her brief stint in Miami where she lost to Caroline Wozniacki in the second round.

Her new deal with the French brand is estimated to be potentially close to $4.4 million over three years. JD's also now being represented by IMG, has entered into a lucrative arrangement with Aussie budget airliner Jetstar, and will be renegotiating her deal with Wilson.

After toiling in tennis oblivion for year, I bet it feels really good to have these types of sponsorships back. The hard work is paying off. Let's hope, though, JD gets some rest. Her recent results, including an early loss to Jill Craybas at Indian Wells and the Wozzi one in Miami, have been pretty shaky.

But at least she's looking good in those new Lacoste duds now!

(via women's tennis blog)

DtL Weekly Poll Results: Nando + JD most likely to make biggest impact this season

Thanks to everyone who participated in this week's poll (385 votes for the boys, 253 votes for the ladies) asking which ballers would make the biggest impact on the ATP World Tour and WTA Tour this season.

Based on their outstanding performances at last month's Aussie Open, Fernando Verdasco + Jelena Dokic received the most overall votes. Nando reached his first Grand Slam semifinal and played the longest match in Oz history falling to eventual champ Rafael Nadal in five epic sets. JD was the feel good story of the fortnight coming out of the tennis doldrums to reach the quarterfinals after defeating Anna Chakvetadze + Caroline Wozniacki along the way.

The full results of the polls are as follows:

Fernando Verdasco - 54%
Gilles Simon - 16%
Juan Martin del Potro - 13%
Ernests Gulbis - 8%
Marin Cilic - 4%
Gael Monfils - 2%
Bernard Tomic - 1%

What's interesting here is Ernests Gulbis, who has yet to win his maiden ATP title, received more votes than Marin Cilic who already has two singles titles under his belt this season (Chennai, Zagreb) and three overall. Where's the love peeps?!

Jelena Dokic - 37%
Victoria Azarenka - 24%
Carla Suarez Navarro - 19%
Alize Cornet - 11%
Laura Robson - 3%
Michelle Larcher de Brito - 1% (5 votes)
Alisa Kleybanova - 1% (4 votes)

The result of the ladies poll isn't too surprising though most voters don't seem to think Alisa will build on her upset of Ana Ivanovic and the fourth round showing in Oz. In fact, she was beaten out by up-and-comer Laura and barely by Michelle. I wonder if this decision was based on the Russian teen's seeming lack of fitness because the girl can sure hit a ball.

If you voted, I'd love to hear the reasons you chose the ballers you did.

THIS WEEK'S POLL: Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal have both come out against the new WADA anti-doping measures while Roger Federer has defended them. What do you think about the WADA policy being implemented in tennis? VOTE NOW!

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: JD waves off loss to Dinara in Oz quarterfinals

Jelena Dokic's Aussie Open dream run is over.

The 25-year old, who became the "It Girl" of Australia with her inspiring run, was defeated by Dinara Safina in the quarterfinals 4-6, 6-4, 4-6. JD hit 54 errors against 29 winners and 8 double faults. Not gonna cut it. Dinara will now face compatriot Vera Zvonareva, who blasted Marion Bartoli, for a spot in Saturday's final.

JD refused to blame the left ankle she rolled in her previous match for the loss saying, "It was fine". She also told the press,

Like I said, it's been a great start to 2009. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I have to take all the positives and negatives out of today and really learn for the rest of the year about what I will do differently in a match like that. But, yeah, like I said, there's absolutely nothing to be disappointed about.

Agreed - it surpassed anyone's expectations. Now the true test comes: can JD build on this momentum and stake her claim in the elite level of the WTA Tour? She showed the talent, skills, and fight to do it but it's a long season. Only time will tell.

PS - Is anyone else disappointed that we won't be seeing anymore of sexy coach Borna Bikic and his sick arms getting all emotional and excited?

*wears VERY sad face*

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Sexy Borna Bikic smolders through JD's dream run

As excited as I am for Jelena Dokic to continue her dream run at the Aussie Open this week (and I really REALLY am), I'm equally excited about the fact that we'll all continue to get glimpses of her steaming hot coach Borna Bikic.

"Giiirl, it looks exactly how you'd imagine it would look - solid."

His toned arms and broad shoulders are seriously hinting at something scarily sexy underneath. *sweats + swoons*

Plus, he gets all emotional with his brother and JD's boyfriend, Tin, after her big win.

Is it possible to put in a request to the powers-that-be for a "Coach Cam"? I'm in (no pun intended, I swear.)

PHOTO OP: JD wins third rounder and battle of the "O" face over Wozzi

Jelena Dokic continued her dream run at the Aussie Open today.

The 25-year old, who already upset Anna Chavetadze earlier in the week, was at her aggressive best and shocked 11th seed Caroline Wozniacki (and me, truthfully) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the tourney's third round cracking 31 winners to Wozzi's 16.

JD also defeated the rising Dane in the battle of the "O" face. I mean, seriously, you could fit Wozzi's entire head, racquet, and new-fangled adidas duds in that hole.

In any case, great win JD. Keep 'em coming!

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: JD keeps her eyes on the bigger prize

Jelena Dokic continued her inspiring return to form in Melbourne today.

The former World No.4, who opened up recently about her struggles, shocked Anna Chakvetadze 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-3 in the Aussie Open second round. She'll most likely have a tough go-of-it when she faces rising Dane Caroline Wozniacki for a spot in the Round of 16.

It's great to see JD playing good ball again but something tells me the ride is about to end. However, this performance should bode well for the rest of her season and give JD confidence about her abilities on the court.

But it's all up to her.

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: A tale of two blonde ballers and one Fila outfit

Blonde, pony-tailed lady ballers Jelena Dokic + Agnes Szavay maybe have been working the same Fila style in Melbourne today but don't be fooled: these two are treading very different paths.

JD's trials + tribulations have been well-documented so there's no need to rehash them here. But what we should discuss is her inspiring 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 win over the tough Austrian Tamira Paszek. The former top tenner discussed the win, the difficult years, and her emotional state of mind during her post-match presser:

Tennis is not the most important thing in the world, but it’s something that I love. I was very disappointed when I couldn’t play well.

It was a tough time in my life. I had a lot to go through, a lot of family issues.

It’s really a miracle for me [to be back playing and winning]. It’s really emotional to win today. What I had to go through, it’s really great to have this win. I don’t think a lot of people know what this means to me.

JD will face another Fila filly, Anna Chakvetadze, in the second round.

Meanwhile, Agnes Szavay's early promise is fading as quickly as it came. The Hungarian and 23rd seed continued her miserable form of late falling 3-6, 6-3, 4-6 to unheralded Galina Voskoboeva, her fifth consecutive first round loss dating back to Stuttgart in October. Her last, best result was a quarterfinal showing in New Haven, losing to Amelie Mauresmo.

One glaring stat from her match: she hit 10 doubles in the match and only managed a 49% on first serve deliveries. U-gly. Get thee to a serving specialist, stat.

Agnes is still very young but she'll need to get a handle on her game or risk spiraling into tennis oblivion.

And you don't want to go there. Just ask JD.

(images via Getty)

SIGHTING: Jelena Dokic bags two wins in Oz Open qualies, needs tennis tan back

A pale comparison: After finally stuffing her pride aside and accepting help from Tennis Australia, Jelena Dokic began her quest for an Australian Open wildcard. The former top-fiver won her second match in qualifying this weekend defeating Christina Wheeler 3-6 7-6 (7-0) 6-3. and now moves into the quarterfinals after her two wins.

We knew Jelena wasn't playing much tennis over the last few years - but was that an excuse to stay out of the sun? The girl looks translucent - though she has nothing on you, Casper. Get thee to a sunnery!

(images via AP Photo, Getty)

Return to Oz: Jelena Dokic accepts aid from Tennis Australia

Back in July we reported on former top-10 player Jelena Dokic's decision not to accept help from Tennis Australia to get her career back on track. Well it seems Jelena has had a change of heart. Reports have surfaced today that the World No. 9,999 will be returning to her former homeland (though Serbian by birth) and has accepted financial aid from the Australian federation.

According to Tennis Australian officials, "Jelena has decided to come back to Melbourne to prepare herself for a return to competitive tennis," [...] "Tennis Australia will help facilitate access to coaching, courts and hitting partners. At this stage it is too early to speculate on when she will resume playing. We believe she deserves this opportunity to realise her potential."

Jelena's last match was a Challenger loss seven months ago in Rome. The 24-year-old has since been plagued with a wrist injury. She owns 5 career singles titles.

(source)

Keepin' up with the Serbs: updates on Jelena, Novak, and Ana

The sensational Serbs are gearing up their games for a run at the last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. World No. 3 and play-aholic Jelena Jankovic has been the quietest, taking a much needed vacation in Marbella, Spain. “After extremely exhausting, but very successful season, I decided to have a one-week rest from tennis and go on a deserved vacation," said Jelena. "I really needed it and I enjoyed it. Marbella is a wonderful place. Since my zodiac sign is Pisces, I spent most of the time on the beach and in the sea, went jet-skiing and swimming." I wonder if that makes Jelena compatible with her Aquarian mixed-doubles partner, and much rumored love interest, Jamie Murray? (image courtesy of Blic Online)

Meanwhile, men's World No. 3 Novak Djokovic has been competing at the Croatia Open this week and suffered a stunning loss to fellow Serb Viktor Troicki in the second round. "Of course I'm disappointed," said Djokovic, "but you have to turn the page and look ahead after such a loss." His next stop: the Montreal Masters on August 6.

Ana Ivanovic has become a non-stop media machine. The World No.5, who recently signed a lucrative deal to be the face of Peugeot in Eastern Europe and was profiled in USA Today and CNN's World Sports, is appearing in the newest issue of Interview magazine. Her next stop on the tour: The Rogers Cup on August 13. The global domination continues... (via AnaIvanovic.com)

Which one of the Serbians will win the first Grand Slam? My bet is on Ana Ivanovic. Tell us what YOU think.

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Mark & Marion, Jelena flies solo...Jake Gyllenhall and more

- Reality check: Mark Philippoussis, current reality TV star and former Wimbledon finalist (remember?) is in talks for a second reality show about his "comeback" to tennis (collective sigh)

- Speaking of Wimbledon finalists: Can Marion Bartoli back up her great run at The All England Club, beginning at the Bank of the West Classic this week? She thinks so.

- Mid life crisis: The USTA tells The New York Times the average age of a tennis fan is 45 - get a grip, or better market research at least

- Beggars CAN be choosers: Former Top 10 player and current World No. 9,999 Jelena Dokic turns down help from Tennis Australia, which would require the Serb to train with the AIS Pro-Tour program in Surbiton located in London. According to the article, Jelena "wants to do her own thing." True, she's been losing all on her own so why stop now?

- OFF TOPIC ALERT: Jake Gyllenhaal is #1 on AfterElton.com's Hot 100 list