Good news for Canadian tennis >>>

[shawn1122]

Originally Posted by raftermania

I'm going tomorrow (Monday first round), I'm so relieved to know they don't have BYES in the first round like the ladies tournament. I'm hoping to catch some Rafa or some Roger and if I have to settle for some Roddick! I'll let you guys know how the day goes. I was thinking of going yesterday (Saturday qualies) but decided to chill at home because the qualies draw isn't so hot. Little I knew, Fabrice held an autograph session! DOH!!!!

The schedule is out and...neither Federer or Nadal are playing, and Roddick has withdrawn. I kinda wanted to go tomorrow too, but I have no way to get there. So, I guess I'll have to wait until friday.

[Marius_Hancu]

Originally Posted by shawn1122

Bester is gonna be playing James Blake in the 1st round. That should be loads of fun...

I think he played quite well. Surprising someone still knows how to volley in Canada.

See Blake's interview on the ASAP Sports site:

http://www.asapsports.com/tennis/200.../080706JB.html

[Marius_Hancu]

OK, she lost to Pin (better ranked at #81), but she's #131 now, her best ever. She will need to Q for US Open, I think.

http://www.itftennis.com/womens/tour...080575&round=4

[raftermania]

Hey I had a great time on Monday. My goal was to catch a glimpse of Federer.

We got there at around 11:45 am, and knowing the schedule beforehand, I went straight to see Gonzo for his forehand. But on the way there, we passed the practice courts and saw tons of players: Ginepri, Srichaphan, Hrbaty and the Bryan Brothers. Then we went on to see Gonzo's FH. What a shot! He really grunts on the shot much more emphatically than his backhand. If I were playing him, I'd be scared to death to hit to his fh wing!

Fed was not on the schedule, but I was extra happy to see no other than the Magician, Fabrice Santoro on the schedule. Unfortunately, he was put on the smallest show court on the grounds, despite the fact he was playing countryman Richard Gasquet. I couldn't really get into the court, but I still caught a glimpse of the magic. I still can't get over the fact he wins pro matches with that two-handed forehand slice. Well he didn't this time, he lost to Gasquet in two.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind (not enough time to write about!). I saw Henman, Hewitt, Safin, Gaudio, Moya, Nadal, Baghdatis, Baghdatis' girlfriend, so many. But did I see Federer? It was nearing the end of the day and I was beginning to feel despair. Federer must practice today! Somewhere!!! I watched James finish up his practice and we walked back out onto the promenade. Then a gentle pur of a golf cart engine came into ear shot followed by some children screaming, "ROGER!" ROGER!" Indeed it was Fed, driving shotgun in a large sized golf cart with six security guards running alongside, I wasn't sure if it was the Pope or Fed (but I guess you can but them on the same echelon). He zoomed by and I followed the frenzy along with the horde of people as we chased him to court #4, a small spectator court. He practiced for a bit and then signed autographs. It was really something else to see. My goal for the day was satisfied! We ended up staying to watch Blake best Bester and watch Baghdaddy get upset by Benneteau (sp).

I shot a lot of players with my video camera and took a few pictures. I'm thinking of making a music video or montage of the players, I'll post it when I get a chance! Enjoy the rest of the Rogers Cup everyone! I might make another visit on semi-final Saturday, for the tennis itself! Monday was not as much for the tennis as the star-searching lol.

[baseliner]

Marius, I see Pelletier and Wozniak are on the schedule today. Did Pelletier get a wild card? Haven't heard much from her this year. Injuries or what is going on?

[baseliner]

See "Match Results" for result of Pelletier v. Na Li match on centre court today in Montreal on Uniprix Stadium.

[Mr.Federer]

HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE! wins for Dubois and Pelletier over top 50 players today!!!!

[Marius_Hancu]

I think it can be a great move. Great to get some European experience in here.

------
Q. You probably know Tennis Canada hired Louis Borfiga to do what
he's done with the French players. How important was Louis in the
development of a lot of the French tennis players? Do you think he
could find the same success he had with the French players with the
Canadian players?

RICHARD GASQUET: I don't know. In France he has a
great success with INSEP, with our juniors. He had Escude, a lot of
players, a lot of great players. He's a great guy. It's great for
Canada players to have this guy because they will achieve their game
with him for sure.

http://www.asapsports.com/tennis/200.../081306RG.html

------------
TENNIS CANADA APPOINTS LOUIS BORFIGA VP OF HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT, HIRES BOB BRETT AS CONSULTANT

Tennis Canada announced Thursday that Louis Borfiga (pronounced LOU-EE BOR-FEE-GA) has been named vice-president, high performance athlete development and Bob Brett has been hired as high performance consultant. Beginning August 2006, Borfiga will be stationed in Montreal following a brief transition period in Toronto.

Brett will be on contract to Tennis Canada for five months annually, starting June 2006.

"Louis and Bob will give tennis in Canada instant international credibility," exclaimed Tennis Canada Chair Jack Graham. "A large part of the world tennis landscape has been built through the efforts of these two gentlemen. They are both focused on results and achieve their goals by spending each day on the tennis court. We were encouraged by their hands-on leadership style." Since 1990, Borfiga has been the director of national coaches at INSEP, a national training centre for some of the top junior players in the world, located in France. He also serves as the coordinator of French junior tennis programs. The French Tennis Federation is known as one of the leading tennis development systems in the world and Borfiga has been a major factor leading to its success. Over the past five years, Borfiga has coached six junior Grand Slam champions from France, including 2004 World Junior Champion and 2005 ATP Newcomer of the Year Gaël Monfils (seen below, with Sania Mirza), currently ranked No. 35 on the ATP Tour. His coaching resume also includes current Top 100 ranked players such as Fabrice Santoro (No. 52), Nicolas Mahut (No. 7 and Julien Benneteau (No. 84). Borfiga will focus on athlete development in areas that include: annual player plans; tours and camps; national teams such as Davis Cup and Fed Cup; lead and operate the Toronto and Montreal national training centre programs; sport science; and a partnership with IMG Bollettieri Academy in Florida. "I welcome the opportunity to combine best practices we have developed at the French Tennis Federation with the top programs currently in place in Canada," said Borfiga. "The commitment to excellence shown by Tennis Canada equals the dedication and forward thinking that I will demonstrate in my new role. I look forward to working with the highly-qualified Canadian coaches and leaders to further develop champions and grow our sport." Current vice-president of tennis development, Hatem McDadi, who was a member of the selection committee, will continue to champion a team that concentrates on Canadian coaching development, officiating development, competitive structure and community development. He was a leader in creating Canada's first national training centres at Rexall Centre and Uniprix Stadium, and assisted in the establishment of 40 high performance tennis development centres across Canada. McDadi will also help ensure the transition to Borfiga is seamless. Borfiga, 51, played for his native country of Monaco for nine years in Davis Cup action and played as a professional from 1972-1977. He was also a sparring partner of tennis legend Bjorn Borg.

Brett, one of the more recognizable tennis coaches in the world, has served the sport and its elite players for the past 34 years. His most notable coaching tenure came from 1987-91 when he guided top-ranked Boris Becker to Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles. Known as a teacher who looks to maximize potential in his players, Brett has coached Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic and other stars on the ATP Tour including Andrei Medvedev, Nicolas Kiefer and up-and-comer Mario Ancic. Under Brett's tutelage, Sania Mirza of India improved both her game and fitness which has led to a Top 40 ranking and the 2005 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Newcomer of the Year award. His coaching career started through the guidance of Harry Hopman. Brett began coaching on the ATP tour in 1979. "I am Brett, 52, a native of Melbourne, Australia, will lead the Under 12 talent development in partnership with Andre Labelle and the Provincial Tennis Associations. He will also consult elite players and work with the Tennis Canada coaching department to fully develop top-level coaches and leaders in Canada.very excited about working on this project in Canada," exclaimed Brett. "I have enjoyed working with junior players throughout the world and now look to help bring great success to Canadian athletes. Louis and I have worked together in the past, and together, we hope to bring the best out of Canadian elite coaches and players."

The world-class Bob Brett Tennis Centre, located in San Remo, Italy, is devoted to identifying young talent and delivering comprehensive, highly personalized coaching. Brett's name has drawn some of the top tennis players because of his experience, vision and coaching philosophy. He will welcome elite Canadian athletes periodically to train with him at his centre as part of his contract.

"We are thrilled to have experienced and credible tennis professionals such as Louis and Bob to help shape the future of Canadian tennis," expressed Michael S. Downey, president and chief executive officer, Tennis Canada. "The screening and selection committees performed a thorough international search for a proven tennis leader and were fortunate to return with two world-class individuals. This hiring will guide Tennis Canada and its numerous partners towards its mission of developing a system that produces champions."

http://www.tennisnfld.com/news_details.asp?seqn=12
--------

[Deuce]

This amounts to 'crying wolf' for me. After at least two decades of Tennis Canada promising that their 'new plan' will produce champions, I stopped believing the hype a long time ago.

The fact is that none of the 15 or so 'great new plans' over the past 20 years has worked. Canadian tennis is in the same condition today as it was 20 years ago. Right now, Nestor is Canada's top name. Before him, it was Lareau. Before Lareau it was Connell. Before Connell, it was Michibata - 20 years ago... all primarily doubles players. That's fine in itself - but enough with the empty promises.

[Marius_Hancu]

Yes, this WAS a historic day with Pelletier and Dubois winning.
--------------
http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/news_story/...hubname=tennis

MONTREAL (CP) - Local talent ruled centre court at the Rogers Cup.

With many top names missing from the $1.34 million US event, Marie-Eve Pelletier of Repentigny, Que., and Stephanie Dubois of Laval, Que., used windy conditions to pull off upsets Tuesday and advance to the second round of the hardcourt tournament at Uniprix Stadium.

[Deuce]

Actually, when it comes to female players, Canada was in much better shape 15 and 20 years ago, with Kelesi and Bassett, respectively, who were both in the top 20 in the world.

Nothing close since.

Yes, it's nice that Pelletier and Dubois won yesterday - but it will in all likelihood stop there. Pelletier has gone down over 100 places in the rankings in the past year, now in the 300s.

Sure, their efforts yesterday should be applauded. But reality must set in, as well. And the reality is that the future is no more promising for the women than it was 10 years ago.

[Richie Rich]

Originally Posted by Deuce

This amounts to 'crying wolf' for me. After at least two decades of Tennis Canada promising that their 'new plan' will produce champions, I stopped believing the hype a long time ago.

The fact is that none of the 15 or so 'great new plans' over the past 20 years has worked. Canadian tennis is in the same condition today as it was 20 years ago. Right now, Nestor is Canada's top name. Before him, it was Lareau. Before Lareau it was Connell. Before Connell, it was Michibata - 20 years ago... all primarily doubles players. That's fine in itself - but enough with the empty promises.

you forgot snajder in there too. never made a big mark but was ranked 50 ish for a while.

the junior development here really is poor and the funding just isn't there, either from the gov't or private sponsors. they are making small improvements. fact remains that tennis will never be a sport kids here think of first (it's hockey. hockey, hockey). most of Canada's best players have European background and their parents were first generation immigrants from countries where tennis was/is more popular. a lot of players from Quebec too where there is more of a European influence on the culture.

i play at a club that is supposed to have top notch national coaches and a top notch junior program. i've seen the kids practices and it's pretty pathetic. these guys are 16,17,18 and they just practice. they should be playing tournaments internationally and getting better experience, especially on different surfaces. but no, they just hit the ball as hard as they can back and forth to each other. seems like all they are playing for is a scholarship to a powerhouse US school - like Lee College in Tennessee

[baseliner]

Deuce,
Hate to bring a ray of sunshine into the predicted doom and gloom, but Pelletier won last year in Hawaii and was nearing #100 world ranking when she injured her foot. Maybe she is returning to form. Time will tell.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by baseliner

Deuce,
Hate to bring a ray of sunshine into the predicted doom and gloom, but Pelletier won last year in Hawaii and was nearing #100 world ranking when she injured her foot. Maybe she is returning to form. Time will tell.

(I posted part of this about Pelletier in another thread, as well.)

Yes, I just heard about the injuries she's had in the past year. I didn't know about them.

I guess I'm a little hard on her because I expected more from her over the past few years.

I fist saw her when she was about 16 (8 years ago). She was practicing. I had no clue who she was, of course. I just remember seeing the absolute determination in her eyes. I was extremely struck by that - to the point where I remember it vividly today. I had never seen such a look of utter and genuine determination in anyone else. I'm not easily impressed - but I was very impressed with this kid. I wasn't even paying attention to her tennis. Just the look in her eyes amazed me.

When she began to gain recognition, I would keep an eye out for her results. It seemed that every time I heard about her, she had lost. And when I did get to see her play a few times over the years, I wasn't impressed with her tennis, or with her psychological elements on the court. Indeed, the determination was still there - but it was overcome by other emotions - such as fear and anxiety. And a lack of confidence.

Hopefully, she's in the process of turning those negative elements into more positive ones.

[baseliner]

Rats. Pelletier goes down in 3 sets to the Aussie. (It's ok not to put spoiler, I think since it is not on TV and the match was yesterday). Still a good result. Unfortunately I see Marie Eve referred to "recurring" foot and ankle injuries. Anyone know if she is fully recovered or still suffering from the effects?

[Marius_Hancu]

Originally Posted by baseliner

Rats. Pelletier goes down in 3 sets to the Aussie. (It's ok not to put spoiler, I think since it is not on TV and the match was yesterday). Still a good result. Unfortunately I see Marie Eve referred to "recurring" foot and ankle injuries. Anyone know if she is fully recovered or still suffering from the effects?

She had bursitis and an ankle sprain. Both are solved now, said the TV commentators.

[Marius_Hancu]

Dancevic lost to Ulihrach (this shows what it means to have been once 22nd in the world, even if now you're 750!) in the 2nd round.

Wozniak lost too.

Dubois passed into the 3rd, after a hard fought victory. She confirms the good play she had in Montreal.

Wozniak losing made sure the two Canadians didn't have to fight each other:-[

[pound cat]

Originally Posted by Marius_Hancu

Dancevic lost to Ulihrach (this shows what it means to have been once 22nd in the world, even if now you're 750!) in the 2nd round.

Wozniak lost too.

Dubois passed into the 3rd, after a hard fought victory. She confirms the good play she had in Montreal.

Wozniak losing made sure the two Canadians didn't have to fight each other:-[

I'd forgotten about Ulirach...wasn't there something about him and drugs?

Ah ha...found this on google...Bodan Ulirach: suspendido dos años por dopaje

[Marius_Hancu]

The only Canadian in the main draws and the first Quebecoise ever to do so.

She will be playing
Severine Bremond FRA
(not highly ranked, but performed very well at Big W)
in the first round.

I think she has a chance. Go, Stephanie!

In French:
http://www.rds.ca/usopentennis/chroniques/211466.html

[Marius_Hancu]

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/draws/bs/r5s1.html

Great victory for the Canadian, who was gravely hurt in an accident this year, I understand:

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/rep...836869640.html

http://www.rds.ca/usopentennis/chroniques/212568.html
(in French)