Rafael Nadal: "I feel much better...I'm in good shape."

Rafael Nadal returned to action today after almost three months away to play an exhibition match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Astana, Khazakhstan. He defeated the Frenchie 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.

After injuring his right wrist in practice, he skipped the entire North American hard-court season, including the US Open, to rehabilitate it. He hasn't played a competitive match since falling to Australian Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon fourth round.

Prior to the match, Rafa and Jo-Willy met with the country's president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and gave him an autographed tennis racquet case.

"I feel much better...I'm in good shape," said the 14-time Grand Slammer in an interview on-court after the match. "The wrist, I think, starts to be forget. And now I need to take the rhythm again. This takes time. This match today helps me, but I'm going to have a tough comeback for sure in Beijing and Shanghai. But my goal is try to worry as much as possible, practice as much as possible to be ready for what's going on in the end of the season."

Here's video of the on-court interview with Rafa:



Good test for the wrist against one of the heaviest hitters of the ball out there. It's great to hear he's  not so focused on his wrist right now, but on getting in match shape for the remainder of the season. The fall indoor stretch has never been a good one for him historically. But the fact that he's back on the court and healthy is reason enough to be excited.

[Photo(s) credit: inform.kz]

Tsonga and Aga walk away winners, Venus' game goes retro at the Rogers Cup

"I'm super stoked to win and all but what IS this?!"

I just got back from some time away last week and wouldn’t you know I missed some tremendous matches at the Rogers Cup. I was keeping up with most of it by reading the news and watching some highlights, but I was able to see some of Maria Sharapova’s loss to Carla Suarez Navarro and Novak Djokovic's shockingly easy defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga live on Delta. When I noticed this particular flight had satellite TV and access to ESPN2, I was more than thrilled. Like a kid in a Sugarpova pop-up. THANK YOU GAWDS FOR THE TECHNOLOGIES.

It was a fantastic week for Jo-Willy and Agnieszka Radwanska, who won their first titles of the season at this Masters 1000 and Premier 5 event, respectively. Jo-Willy was already out of the top 10 but he strung together wins over the likes of Nole, Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov, and Roger Federer in the final to vault himself back inside. The Frenchie, with his power game and aggressive play, has always been the kind of baller that could beat anyone on any given day or go on a streak like he did in Toronto. This quality is what's separated him from his countrymen. While they have always seemed to prefer to entertain rather than win matches, Jo-Willy went about the business of brutal execution. But, he’s never been able to sustain excellence like Nole, Fed, Muzz, and Rafael Nadal; it’s what separates the “Big Four” from everyone else, including the Frenchman. This week he was focused, determined, and healthy which made all the difference. Let’s see what Cincinnati, which kicks off this week, will bring.

"MWAH"

Aga’s summer was utterly forgettable up until she lifted the Rogers Cup trophy. In fact, she seemed to have hit a plateau after her all-court clinic over Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open back in January. It’s like she blew her wad so early in the season that the Pole had nothing left to give. But in Montreal she got her game back on track, notching a win over a resurgent Venus Williams in the final, and proving that she still has the game to trouble the elite lady ballers. This hard-court stretch has never been favorable to Aga’s game, so grabbing a title should give her a huge lift. But the question remains – can her old-school finesse game stand strong against the modern power ballers over seven matches?

"I'm taking you back for a minute."

For me, one of the biggest story lines around is the play of Venus. When I saw the score line to the Venus-Serena match, I could only selfishly think of one word: FINALLY. I’ve always been a Venus fanboy. When she first burst her way into the tennis consciousness, it was mesmerizing to watch her cover the court like a gazelle during one point, and then regally walk to the other side, completely self-contained, to serve or return with a steely gaze. If there was a WTA award for the least amount of fuss or pretense on court, V would’ve owned it. Seeing her play in Stanford and then watching the highlights and other videos of her matches in Montreal, including the insta-classic against Angelique Kerber (see V’s reaction after match point if you don’t believe me), was like stepping back into the Venus Era when no one, not even her precocious little sister, could push her back from the eventual win. Those days are, naturally, few and far between; but we have all been given a chance to relive those moments. Perhaps there are a few more in the cards. We should be so lucky.

If you missed the semifinal between the Williams sisters, here you go. It’s the entire match. YOU’RE WELCOME. Oh yeah, one more thing: as I mentioned a while back, we're relocating to LA and the timing of it couldn't have been worse. During the first week of the US Open, we'll be driving cross country to our new digs. Super excited since it's our first time doing the cross-country thing, but sad to miss the tennis. My postings from now until we finally land out west may be somewhat sporadic. I'll try to tweet as much as I can, but the posting here may be slow.



[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

WIMBLEDON: Rosol busted, Kyrgios rises, and Cornet goes full-on Cornet

Although he preferred to say otherwise, Rafael Nadal exacted revenges on Lukas Rosol for the shock defeat he suffered in the same round (second) on the same court (Centre) two years ago. Little did Rafa know that the Czech had other ideas up his Lotto sleeve. On a changeover Lukas purposefully used his racquet to knock down one of the Spaniard’s water bottles. As any tennis fan knows, Rafa always perfectly positions his two water bottles in the same spot by his chair (one of his many famous idiosyncrasies). NOT. COOL. LUKAS. I suppose you got what you deserved in the end.

@richardgasquet1 @Wimbledon Thanks mate, you're a class act and it was a pleasure to share the court with you. #Respect
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2014

Youth was served up in Paris and it looks like the trend is continuing at Wimbledon. Take 19-year old Nick Kyrgios. He’s the youngest baller in the men’s draw but showed elite quality when he saved nine, yes NINE, match points to defeat the 13th seed Richard Gasquet today. Talk about clutch. It was impressive stuff to watch. Even Richie had to give it up to the Aussie. Respect.


Only Alize Cornet would be able to win the "Best Actress in a Vine Award" by the second round. Screw tennis; THAT takes real talent. Hope she brings some of it to her third round match against Serena Williams. Duh, of course she will (sorry, I have a penchant for self-talk). Enjoy the lulz. I will be.

Other notables: On their match’s second day, 14th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga finally closed out Sam Querrey 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 6-3, 14-12. Another talented up-and-comer, 20-year old Jiri Vesely, bested the 24th seed Gael Monfils 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-7(1), 6-7(3), 6-4 in his Wimbledon debut and will face Kyrgios for a spot in the fourth round. American Madison Keys continued her stellar grass-court form. The Eastbourne champ took out the 31st seed Klara Koukalova 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-2.

FASHION FIX: adidas for Roland Garros 2012

Andy Murray
Barricade Crew in dark onix and high energy

Caroline Wozniacki 
adidas by Stella McCartney Performance Tank + Skirt in yellow

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
adizero Crew in power green and high energy

Ana Ivanovic
adizero Dress in super green and core energy

Fernando Verdasco
adizero Verdasco Crew in electricity and high energy

A couple of more shots including Jo-Willy and a BODY BONUS courtesy of Fer after the jump - click the headline, y'all.

US OPEN FASHION PREVIEW: adidas styles for Tsonga, Verdasco, Murray and Ivanovic

Yeah, we're looking at you, Frenchie.

So yesterday I posted about the Nike US Open fashions, and now it's time to check out the duds adidas busted out for some of their ballers.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be working the Fall adiZero Feather Theme Polo (about $51) in white with solid red and infrared paired with the Fall adiZero Feather Short (not pictured - about $43) in white with subtle striping.

adidas duds for Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco and Ana Ivanovic after the jump!

PHOTO OP: High-flyin' Frenchie

So about that 'no coach' thing. After Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's defeat of Rafael Nadal at Queen's Club I may have said this: "I guess this win will make him think this whole coachless thing is working. Don't believe the hype, Jo-Willy. Not just yet." Fine. You can hit the hype button.

After going down two sets to none, the Frenchie broke out his full arsenal on Centre Court today and shocked 6-time champ Roger Federer 3-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. The 12th seed served big and only gave up a single break point on his serve the entire match (which Fed converted). He summed it up beautifully in his post-match presser saying, "I felt so good on the court. I was quick. I was just perfect today." No kidding.

And now he gets Novak Djokovic who he leads in the H2H 5-2 though they've never met on the slick stuff. Jo-Willy will need to serve like he did against Fed or he'll be on his adidas heels all day long against the Serb's return. But that's for another day.

You know, I'm psyched to see him finally build momentum in a season and earn some big wins against the game's elite. He's always had a monstrous game but it never came together for him due to injuries and inconsistency. And now, with brother Enzo in the baller box, he's showing his true grit. Allez!

[Photo(s) credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: The British are coming! The British are coming!

"You're shittin' me right?!?!

Well, yes and no.

No, it's not a full-on British invasion in tennis yet but, yes, they have reason to be psyched. Wild card James Ward squandered 8 match points (7 in the second set TB alone) but eventually defeated Adrian Mannarino and his hairy situation 6-2, 6-7(14), 6-4 to reach his first ATP World Tour semifinal at Queen's Club. He joins fellow Brit baller Andy Murray, who faces off against Andy Roddick, in the final four - the first time two Brits have made it to an ATP semifinal since 1999 (Rusedski + Henman - Rotterdam). JW also took out defending champ Sam Querrey.

If I didn't know any better I'd say these Brits have their 'O' faces down pat. Right Muzz? But seriously, they must be pinching themselves seeing two of their boys in a big semifinal on their home turf. It's like a bad dream turned good. Or maybe it was the luck of Prime Minister David Cameron who was in attendance today. Who the hell knows but, in any case, go hit the pub and drink up Britters. It's a good day!

In other Queen's Club news, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga upset top seed Rafael Nadal and will face off against JW. Rafa looked def looked fatigued towards the end but full credit to the Frenchie for some spectacular play including a tremendous dive volley on a Rafa passing shot up the line. I guess this win will make him think this whole coachless thing is working. Don't believe the hype, Jo-Willy. Not just yet.

[Photo(s) credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

I just play to have fun, play my best tennis, take pleasure from the fight [in a match] and that’s it. I want to be spontaneous and not have any outside influence. I just want to be me, so I don’t have any regrets.

- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on being coachless

I guess only time will tell, but most ballers at some point realize they need a coach. And I don't think Jo-Willy will be the exception. But I'm sure he's enjoying having the freedom to make his own choices and answer only to himself. Let's hope he can stay healthy, do some winning and get back on track.

[Photo(s): Francisco Leong /AFP/Getty Images]

(UPDATED) FASHION FIX: Are you "All In" for these adidas tees?

Have you guys seen these new adidas t-shirts their boys have been wearing during their practices in Estoril? How much do you WANT?

These tees are part of the adidas' latest brand marketing campaign called "All Adidas" which features the tagline "All In". It launched last month with a series of commercials that highlights their connections with worlds of sports, music and fashion. David Beckham, Leo Messi, Derrick Rose, B.O.B and Katy Perry all make appearances in these fast-moving, visually exciting spots. The brand has a dedicated YouTube page for the new campaign where you can watch all of the commercials.

So back to these most highly coveted tees. Apparently, they're not being sold to the public which makes absolutely no sense at all. Maybe they thought there wouldn't be a demand, but maybe that's because they haven't made a PR push and no one really knows about them yet. So, let's get the word out. I mean, these tees are like tennis' version of the sports jersey. How awesome would it be to have your fave baller riding your back?? Uh, don't answer that. Focus on the tees, people.

UPDATE: So it's settled. Go here, find your country or region, click the "Contact Us" link and let them know "I WANT A BALLER ON MY BACK!" That is all.

[Photo(s): @AnaTennisGirl TwitPic]

PHOTO OP: He make pretty

Now that's my kind of party! 

I'm still wondering where Tsonga learned to tuck so well. I mean, he is tucking right?

*hopes for his sake*

[Photo(s): Caroline Wozniacki Twitpic]

PHOTO OP: Show me your teeth

"You've been a very, very bad ball."

That might work in Frenchie land, but where I'm from you'd be asked to pick up your panties and leave. Trust.

[Photo(s): Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images]

'Two Frenchies and a Tokyo Stage Show'

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils are taking part in a stage show during the welcome reception for the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Tournament at the Hotel Grand Pacific Le Daiba in Tokyo, Japan. The pair are nervously watching the proceedings, unsure of what's going on or what they're holding in their hands. They're also wondering if they give a damn. About any of it.

~Open Scene~

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: "Am I the only one who wants to know why these Asian tourneys make us do this crap?"

Gael Monfils: "Hell no you're not. I guess Federer + Djokovic weren't available since they're not entered this week. They do everything for these tourneys. Kinda like someone else we all know:"

JWF: "Fuck. Can't he give it a rest? He was, like, everywhere in Thailand. I mean, EVERYWHERE."

GM: "That's what being No. 1 gets you. Good thing it's not me. Phew."

JWF: "Don't worry, La Monf. It won't be. Now about that hair..."

GM: *flips the bird*

~Close Scene~

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

MEDIA MASHUP: Henin, Murray, Ivanovic and Tsonga help adidas celebrate the Barricade

 

adidas held an event last night at their store in Soho, NYC to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Barricade. Justine Henin, Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga were on hand to discuss their fave stories about the popular shoe and to help cut the Barricake:

I can't vouch for how it tasted (we weren't offered a slice so I stuck to the vodka at the bar - a little too much) but they sure did a good job of recreating the shoe. It was a pretty fun, intimate event and the ballers seemed to be in a relaxed mood taking some interviews and posing for pictures with the guests. I also got to spend time with The Karens of Global Village Tennis News and Tennis Identity and the boys of Tennis Served Fresh, Erwin + Nick. Make sure to check out TI's q & a with the Serb and TSF's q & a with Justine.

Oh and I can't forget about the highlight of my night. Thanks NaturAna! *smiles*

Here's video of the q & a session with the ballers and some footage of them cutting the Barricake. AND, there are more images from the night below!

[Photo(s): DtL]

HE SAID/HE SAID: Wimbledon Day Nine

Q. Roger said he had some physical problems; that his back and leg were bothering him. What did you notice and what is your reaction to him saying that?

TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, I mean, I don't know if he just looking for some excuses after the match or something like that. I mean, it happened to all of us. You know, I think he's been every time when he played, he was I think hundred percent ready.

So maybe right now he's getting some more troubles with the health. But, you know, I think it just happen today. So I didn't know that. I just heard it first time like you said it right now. So, yeah, just to him hope that he's gonna get back soon and that's it what I can just wish him.

Q. He also said he was unlucky and that he definitely gave the match away. What are your thoughts about that?

TOMAS BERDYCH: I don't know in which point he was saying that he was unlucky, if any specific moment or something.

Q. He was saying generally or on big points.

TOMAS BERDYCH: Okay. I mean, yeah, maybe you can take it for both ways. You can say that he was unlucky or you can say that maybe the opponent was a little bit better and he just won the big points against him. In his position, then he lost the match.

You know, I think, yeah, he's a great player. I mean, but still, I mean, when I just read some newspapers in the morning, I was not surprised, but, you know, to heard something from him to the way that he's fine, nothing is bothering him. When we played the last match, I lost. But last time in Wimbledon, I won pretty easily. You know, stuff like that.

You know, I saw him quite first time from him the reactions like that. So whatever. I'm in different position. I'm just enjoying the win today, and this is just everything behind me.

Q. Will this [loss] make you hungrier to make you come back and show you can lift this title again?

ROGER FEDERER: Sure. God, I can't wait for Paris and Wimbledon to come around next year again, that's for sure. So, uhm, because they've been frustrating tournaments for me, even though it wasn't too bad.

Quarters is a decent result. Obviously people think quarters is shocking, but people would die to play in quarterfinal stages of Grand Slam play. It's not something I'm used to doing, losing in quarterfinals, because it's not something I've done in the last six years.

So I am winning my matches. Today was a different story than Paris. I mean, I think in Paris conditions were tough. Robin played fantastic. Today was different. You know, I was struggling with my own game and with my physique.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to a rest, and then attack again in North America.

Q. What concern do you have that the injuries will linger?

ROGER FEDERER: Not much of a concern.

Q. Do you feel you can get back to a position of domination in tennis?

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I do think that. That's why I'm here.

Q. You were upset about the overrule call there. What did the chair umpire say to you? How did he explain that? You seemed to start playing very well after that. You had a run of points. What happened there?

RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, you know, for the umpire sometimes is not easy to make the right decision. For me today was too important point, because was 30‑All to make this drastic decision. For sure if you asking me if that ball affect me, I said yes. When the line say 'out,' I play the shot like this without.

I mean, was a mistake, but everybody can have a mistake. Yes, after that I played very good point on the breakpoint against. I was little bit lucky to do the break in the first game on his serve in the second set. After, I think I played a great match.

Q. You seemed very fired up or angry immediately after that point. Do you think it helped you, the call?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, no, no. Was an important moment for me, because if he did the break in the first game of the second, gonna be hard to accept for me.

But anyway, I gonna fight all the match. But I saved that point, and after that change everything. I think I started to play much better. He started to do a few mistakes, because in the beginning he didn't have no one.

I'm very happy. Very difficult and very important win for me.

Q. How are the courts playing? There's been no rain at all. How are the courts playing?

RAFAEL NADAL: Perfect.

Q. Perfect?

RAFAEL NADAL: Is dry.

Q. Just your conditions?

RAFAEL NADAL: Lot of clay behind the baseline (smiling.) You can move well, so... Perfect conditions.

Q. Do you think Rafa is playing as well this year as anyone? How does he compare, his level, as in the French Open?

ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think he's playing well. He's hitting the ball very well. Of course, he's moving well, as always.

But, you know, it's very difficult to compare how he's playing on grass compared to clay. But he's the world No. 1, and I think he's playing pretty solid tennis. He's got a good chance to win this one.

Q. You say he has a good chance to win the tournament?

ROBIN SODERLING: I think so, yeah. I think everybody still in has a good chance. But now that Roger lost, I'd pick him as the favorite.

Q. You looked excited by your performance today.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's really refreshing, you know, to perform this way I'd say after a while. You know, I was struggling with the level of my performance throughout the last five, six months. It was a lot of ups and downs.

But right now I'm playing great. It definitely makes me happy.

Q. You said the game has changed for you. You've been struggling for the last couple months. What has changed or turned the tide for you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't think game‑wise I was far away from my maximum and from my top game in the last couple months. It was more like a mental struggle, I guess. I wasn't finding myself on the court. I was ‑‑ uhm, had too much distractions, meaning mental discomfort on the court; wasn't feeling great; had a lot of ups and downs.

But it's a part of the sport, part of the career. You just have to accept it that way. I'm sure everybody has been through that little mini crisis if you want to call it.

But it's important to take the best out of it and continue in the right way. That's what I did. I just want to look forward now.

Q. Now you got to one Grand Slam quarterfinal. Have you got more in you?

YEN‑HSUN LU: I mean, is great. Is great for me. Now I know how I can reach the quarterfinal. Is good experience for me.

And I cannot say next time I play the US Open or next time coming back I have to be quarterfinal. But I know, and I knew, how I have to be, then I can reach the quarterfinal.

So I like to coming back here again and to play good tennis and to be ready next year. And also I hope I can play next time against Djokovic again. I mean, probably he's now happy. Today's too easy for him. I mean, I will try my best next year, yeah.

Q. What aspects of your game do you think you have to improve to compete with guys like Djokovic today?

YEN‑HSUN LU: I mean, I think of course probably I need to find some way to get the points. I think we play a little bit similar, but he's playing more fast, more aggressive than me. Also the returns, I have to bring more back to him, then I have chance to play the points.

So, I mean, everything I have, I still have space to improve. I mean, I'm not just think, Yeah, is great, is finish my career. I know I have many things to improve. Serve, you know. Physically, forehand, backhand, everything. I have to discuss my coach, conditioning trainer also, to see what we can do the next.

Q. What are your thoughts on the keys to playing well against Nadal?

ANDY MURRAY: Well, you need to serve well and you need to play great tennis. It's not, you know ‑‑ there's not one way to play against him. You don't want to leave the ball in the middle of the court to his forehand, because you'll do a lot of running.

But you've got to serve well and, you know, try and, you know, keep a good length and play well really, really, really well.

Q. How much have you seen of Nadal here this year and what have you made of him?

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I've seen him play a little bit. Not that much. You know, we've been playing a lot of our matches ‑‑ we obviously play on the same day, and you're kind of focused on your match and obviously preparing for that.

Uhm, I saw a little bit of his match against Robin Haase and a little bit of his match against Petzschner. I followed his match with Petzschner. I saw a bit of that.

He's playing great. He's in the semifinals of a Grand Slam and he beat Soderling today, who's, well, playing the best tennis of his career. You know, he's a great player, too. So he's obviously playing very well.

Q. Do you take any sort of psychological edge after beating him in Australia?

ANDY MURRAY: No. I think, you know, he would definitely be the favorite for the match, you know, with his results here the last few years.

You know, he obviously didn't get a chance to defend his title last year, but he's played three finals in a row and now he's in the semis here.

You know, he's obviously a very tough player on any surface, but he plays great tennis here. No, I mean, psychologically I need to believe that I can win the match. That's the most important thing.

Q. Everyone in England will get excited about Murray maybe winning Wimbledon. How do you rate his chances?

JO‑WILFRIED TSONGA: Yeah, I hope is gonna be him. I told him, you know, at the net, Make me a pleasure; go all the way, you know.

Yeah, I hope he will win because it's a good player. It's never easy to play, you know, in front of his crowd. He's really strong, and I hope he will win.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Wimbledon Day Seven

Q. What were the emotions like for you after the match? You won, sat down in your chair. What was going through your mind after the victory?

YEN‑HSUN LU: Yeah, I mean, for me, because I really thankful for my family. Also because I'm really upset because my father's already pass away. I make this result. I'm really proud myself to share this victory with him in the sky. I hope he see this match.

So in that moment, I just sit and tell myself, I done it. I done for my father. I done for myself also. I done for all the people support me, yeah.

Q. May we ask when your father passed away?

YEN‑HSUN LU: Is 2000, when I turned professional, that year.

Q. I was reading the introduction to your book. You were talking about how you were more or less taught if you lose to put it behind you and look forward. A lot of people in your book reflect on how much they learn from losing. Can you reflect a little bit on that.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Exactly. I think as a professional tennis player, I'm in a lot of matches. The way I felt like is I hate hanging on to that feeling when you lose, so I try to put that feeling behind. Learn from the loss, but not hang on to the bad feeling of losing.

So I put that behind me, because I'm a little bit older, a little more mature. That's kind of been my motto the last few years; to learn from it but not hang on to it.

Q. It's more the feelings?

VENUS WILLIAMS: More the feelings. Like let it go, move on, you didn't win this one, you'll get the next one. Be positive, learn from it.

Q. You're a Swede in the last eight at Wimbledon. That will excite a lot of people. What are your memories of the Swedes that came before you at Wimbledon?

ROBIN SODERLING: I remember when I was a kid, you know, I was watching Edberg playing against Becker in the finals. I always loved to watch the bigger tournaments, especially Wimbledon, such an old tournament with a lot of tradition.

So it's nice to be in the eight in this one.

Q. When you were growing up, which Grand Slam did you dream of winning?

ROBIN SODERLING: All of them. (Laughter.) Many times.

No, of course I think, for me, Wimbledon is the biggest one. Even though, you know, if I had to pick one I really wanted to win, I would pick Wimbledon.

But it would be okay to win French and US Open as well.

Q. We're accustomed to having fireworks and drama when you [and Justine Henin] have met. What was different, if anything, today for you mentally as you got into the third set?

KIM CLIJSTERS: I mean, obviously you evolve in that match. Obviously, in the beginning, you know, yeah, like I said, I had to look for a detail to change it around. You try to obviously hang in there every time.

She made a couple of, you know, unforced errors, and that's what made me win a few easier service games. Automatically mentally you grow into the match.

I think it's not just one thing that makes you make that switch. It's gradually you make ‑‑ you know, you read the game better and start to feel more comfortable out there. So, yeah. I mean, I was happy to get through there in the end. I played really good tennis in that second and third set.

Q. So tomorrow when you wake up, you think you're going to be pissed off, disappointed?

ANDY RODDICK: I'm going to be thrilled. I mean, c'mon.

Q. You've been through these slams before.

ANDY RODDICK: And it never gets easier. Of course I'm going to be pissed off when I wake up tomorrow. I mean, if you got fired from your job, you probably wouldn't wake up the next day in a great mood. I mean, c'mon, let's go. We're better than those questions.

Q. Your necklace today, the pendant, is it a copy of the Rosewater Dish?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, that's what my physio asked me. Honestly, I wish I could sit here and say it's my design, but it's not.

I came here necklace‑less, if that's a word. I didn't have a necklace. I borrowed this from Venus. Seeing how many times she won Wimbledon, it probably is something about the trophy.

Q. Is it a copy of the trophy?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. I have to ask her. It's not mine. It's on loan.

Q. Is it bringing you luck?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I hope so. She's always winning here. I'm serving uncharacteristically good. Maybe it has something to do with it.

Q. She's not getting it back?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't want to, but I hadn't planned on giving it back. Now if she reads my interview, it will be a problem (smiling).

Q. Did you have any problems from your knee? If not, what did you do after the last game to make sure it was good for today?

RAFAEL NADAL: I tried my best, no? I take antiinflammatories. I did a lot of treatment with the physio, with the doctor.

Today it was better. I didn't feel pain today, but, you know, you never know. It's there, but wasn't the problem today. Hopefully gonna be fine for the next day, too.

Q. Prior to the match, it was announced that you were fined $2,000. What is your reaction to that?

RAFAEL NADAL: What's that?

Q. After the coaching accusation with your uncle from the last match, you were fined $2,000.

RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah.

Q. What are your thoughts about that penalty?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, that's the rules are the rules. I gonna speak with the person that I ‑‑ well, I already spoke with the person that I had to spoke. Nothing to say here.

Q. You've done very well on grass this year so far. Why is that? What is it about your game that helps you on this surface?

NA LI: I think I do pretty good every year (laughter).

I think my game was like ‑ how you say ‑ easy can win the grass court because I was play more fast and baseline, yeah.

Q. What have you done well this week and last week and in Birmingham, do you think?

NA LI: After I win in Birmingham, I was feeling more confident, more positive thinking on the grass court. But because my coach didn't come to Birmingham, so after I meet him, he was like, Just forget Birmingham. This much different tournament.

So every time, he always talk like. Every time he talk like, Forget, forget, forget that one. I was like, Okay. I couldn't forget. I played five rounds of match, win tournament. How I can forget that? But he always like, Forget. This is much different game.

Q. How is your confidence just now?

JO‑WILFRIED TSONGA: My confidence, I feel confident. I know I can beat everybody. So I will play my game. I will try to play, you know, relaxed and be offensive and that's it.

Q. What has made the difference this year with you feeling comfortable on grass?

JO‑WILFRIED TSONGA: For me, there is not a lot of different than the other years. Maybe I have more experience, so maybe I'm better.

But I don't feel a lot of difference than last year and everything. But last year I change racquet just before the tournament, so it was tough for me. So this year it's better because I play with my racquet since some months now, and it's good.

Q. Can you talk about facing [Serena's] serve. She's so tough to break.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Yeah, she served extremely well, some of the best she served against me. And, yeah, I think today that was really the difference.

You know, I had a few looks at her serve. But, uhm, you know, I think even when you had a good look and the ball's coming at you in the 120s, it's pretty tough to do much with it.

But, uhm, yeah, I thought it was an all‑right performance.

Q. That's a lot of pressure on your service games.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Yeah, it does. And I think ‑‑ I mean, that's certainly how she wins a majority of her matches. By serving so well, it makes you think that you really need to hold on to your service games. You know, I did a good job of that. But, you know, just not enough.

You know, I was going for it when I had my opportunities. Just fell a little short.

Q. Could you tell us more about your stomach discomfort in the third set.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, it's just it. You know, it's just the stomach discomfort. I didn't really get a lot of oxygen because I had that. You know, when you don't get a lot of oxygen, your muscles get a bit tired, and you get slower and slower.

I wasn't feeling really great at that third set. But then the doctor helped me out and everything was well in the fourth.

Q. Was it a muscle problem?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, it was just the stomach, yeah.

Q. Is it the heat, you think, that brought it on?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't know. Maybe. A lot of side factors, I guess. I just overcomed it and right now I feel good, so that's the important thing.

Q. Lleyton was asked, Could you tell there was anything wrong with him in that third set, and he said, I don't know, he's always got something. What's your reaction to that?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Everybody has an opinion. I don't know why the people think that I'm always having something, which is absolutely wrong because I haven't asked for medical or physio timeout for a long time.

I mean, any time I ask, you know, somebody has to say something. So I don't really care. You know, whatever.

Q. When are you planning to shave?

ANDY MURRAY: I have no idea. I haven't really thought about it, to be honest.

Q. Seems to be working for your tennis. Might you keep it on till the end of the tournament?

ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, maybe. Yeah, might keep it on till the end of the tournament. If I wake up tomorrow and feel like shaving, then I'll do it, just like I'm sure you do (smiling).

Q. What does it mean to have the two ladies in your box?

ANDY MURRAY: The two ladies?

Q. Yes.

ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, yeah, I like having obviously my mum around. Both my parents are here, my grandparents, my aunt and uncle are here, obviously my girlfriend. I mean, I love having my family around. I love having friends around.

Yeah, it just makes you feel more at home, more comfortable. When you're on the court, it doesn't make as much of a difference. It's more off it, just having your friends and family around. It's really nice. The rest of the year you don't really get that.

Q. Was it important to get back together with Kim?

ANDY MURRAY: I don't really want to go into that. It's been a lot longer than everybody thinks we've been back together. But I like having my girlfriend around. I like having my, yeah, family around. That's it. [Drats!]

[Photo(s): Getty Images]