Indian Wells or Sony Ericsson Open 2010?

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 9, 2009

I am considering treating myself to a vacation to see the Indian Wells or Sony Ericsson tournmanet in Miami in March 2010. I want to try to see my favorite player in action!
Has anyone done this; and can you give me tips on where to stay, tickets, and which one to choose?
Thanks.

Topaz · Oct 9, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
I am considering treating myself to a vacation to see the Indian Wells or Sony Ericsson tournmanet in Miami in March 2010. I want to try to see my favorite player in action!
Has anyone done this; and can you give me tips on where to stay, tickets, and which one to choose?
Thanks.

Bring this up in the TWMAC thread, a bunch of us have been to Miami a few times.

Never been to Indian Wells, though...I'd like to someday!

As far as tickets, we went early during the SE tournament, and just got the grounds passes...tons of matches were going on, so there is plenty of tennis (and practicing) to see.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 9, 2009

Topaz said:
Bring this up in the TWMAC thread, a bunch of us have been to Miami a few times.

Never been to Indian Wells, though...I'd like to someday!

As far as tickets, we went early during the SE tournament, and just got the grounds passes...tons of matches were going on, so there is plenty of tennis (and practicing) to see.

Thanks, Topaz.

vbranis · Oct 9, 2009

Go to Indian Wells, it's very fan-friendly. The practice courts are accessible to anyone, so you can stand just a few feet away from the top players and watch them. The weather's always great in March, and the grounds are really nice. I've been there for the past 6 years, and it got better every year.

The cheapest lodging around is Motel 6 on the corner of Varner Rd. and Washington St. in Palm Desert about 3 miles from the courts. If you want something a bit more upscale and/or closer, try Best Western (also in Palm Desert), which is about 2 miles away. There's always some players who stay there, so you might get a nice chance to spot them (although it is mostly the lower-ranked ones).

If I were you, I'd get tickets on Fri, Sat, and Sun during the 1st week. Tons of great matches and players on all courts from 10 AM until midnight... Plus you can see just about everyone out on the practice courts.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 9, 2009

vbranis said:
Go to Indian Wells, it's very fan-friendly. The practice courts are accessible to anyone, so you can stand just a few feet away from the top players and watch them. The weather's always great in March, and the grounds are really nice. I've been there for the past 6 years, and it got better every year.

The cheapest lodging around is Motel 6 on the corner of Varner Rd. and Washington St. in Palm Desert about 3 miles from the courts. If you want something a bit more upscale and/or closer, try Best Western (also in Palm Desert), which is about 2 miles away. There's always some players who stay there, so you might get a nice chance to spot them (although it is mostly the lower-ranked ones).

If I were you, I'd get tickets on Fri, Sat, and Sun during the 1st week. Tons of great matches and players on all courts from 10 AM until midnight... Plus you can see just about everyone out on the practice courts.

Do any of these places have shuttle service to the playing site?

vbranis · Oct 9, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
Do any of these places have shuttle service to the playing site?

I'm not sure about shuttle, but you can take the bus (called SunBus) from Best Western to the courts.

Motel 6 isn't located on a bus route, though.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 9, 2009

I am going to be keeping an eye on the entry lists, and whichever one my beloved Jie commits to first, may be the one I go to.

Bud · Oct 10, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
I am considering treating myself to a vacation to see the Indian Wells or Sony Ericsson tournmanet in Miami in March 2010. I want to try to see my favorite player in action!
Has anyone done this; and can you give me tips on where to stay, tickets, and which one to choose?
Thanks.

I used to live in Naples (across from Miami) and I now live in San Diego (2 hours from Indian Wells). Definitely Indian Wells if you like superior weather, low humidity, no bugs/mosquitoes, etc. There are also tons of places to stay around Palm Springs for little money. The California desert is beautiful at that time of year.

The quality of the tournaments is about equal, however.

Topaz · Oct 10, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
I am going to be keeping an eye on the entry lists, and whichever one my beloved Jie commits to first, may be the one I go to.

Both are required tournaments for the women. I would think that she has to play both, unless she is injured.

That being said, in two years in Miami, I don't think I've ever seen her.

Another consideration is that Indian Wells is first up in the schedule...so sometimes there is better luck seeing a player there. If they get injured or something happens in IW, then they can pull out of Miami.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 10, 2009

Bud said:
I used to live in Naples (across from Miami) and I now live in San Diego (2 hours from Indian Wells). Definitely Indian Wells if you like superior weather, low humidity, no bugs/mosquitoes, etc. There are also tons of places to stay around Palm Springs for little money. The California desert is beautiful at that time of year.

The quality of the tournaments is about equal, however.

Is there an airport near Indian Wells? I would be flying from Reagan National or Dulles in Virginia to there, and don't want to have to rent a car unless I have to...

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 10, 2009

Topaz said:
Both are required tournaments for the women. I would think that she has to play both, unless she is injured.

That being said, in two years in Miami, I don't think I've ever seen her.

Another consideration is that Indian Wells is first up in the schedule...so sometimes there is better luck seeing a player there. If they get injured or something happens in IW, then they can pull out of Miami.

Did you find the players you were looking for? I mean, she's the main reason I'd make this trip.

Topaz · Oct 10, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
Did you find the players you were looking for? I mean, she's the main reason I'd make this trip.

With the exception of Justine Henin, yes I did!

And now, maybe I get a second chance to see her! (we were stuck in traffic on I95 and missed her match that day)

Also excited by the possibility of seeing Clijsters, too.

Got to see Lindsay, Jankovic, Mauresmo, Dokic, Dementieva, Wozniacki, both Williams', had my picture taken with Mashona Washington and Mauresmo...lots and lots of chances to see players. Saw Fed up close several times on the practice court (as well as Nadal), almost got run over by Roddick one day...ah, I think you get my point! I could ramble on and on as you see!

Cindysphinx · Oct 10, 2009

vbranis said:
Go to Indian Wells, it's very fan-friendly. The practice courts are accessible to anyone, so you can stand just a few feet away from the top players and watch them. The weather's always great in March, and the grounds are really nice. I've been there for the past 6 years, and it got better every year.

The cheapest lodging around is Motel 6 on the corner of Varner Rd. and Washington St. in Palm Desert about 3 miles from the courts. If you want something a bit more upscale and/or closer, try Best Western (also in Palm Desert), which is about 2 miles away. There's always some players who stay there, so you might get a nice chance to spot them (although it is mostly the lower-ranked ones).

If I were you, I'd get tickets on Fri, Sat, and Sun during the 1st week. Tons of great matches and players on all courts from 10 AM until midnight... Plus you can see just about everyone out on the practice courts.

I have been to Indian Wells twice (2006, 2009), never to Miami.

Each time, I have gotten the tix package for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This gives you second and third round action, which is nice because the big names have byes for the first round. There are lots of empty seats, so if you have tix on the lower level, you can drift down and be courtside. I saw some awfully cool stuff from the very front row (Safina v. Azarenka, Nadal v. Nalbandian ending after 1 am) and from the side courts (Bryan Bros v. Nadal/Lopez, Verdasco v. Gasquet, Verdasco v. Kohlschreiber).

I stayed at the Renaissance, where a lot of the top players stay. Better gawking, doncha know. I figure if I'm flying across the country, I'll kick in a few extra bucks to follow Karlovic through the front door and see Hantchukova sunning herself by the pool. The shuttle between the stadium and hotel is free and reliable so you don't need to rent a car and pay for parking.

My reasons for choosing Indian Wells are that the comparable Miami tix package is for the weekend (or it was last time I checked), so you get earlier round matches and are less likely to see the big stars. The main stadium at Indian Wells is smaller than Miami, so it makes for better viewing. There are two other stadium courts, but they are teensy (which is great -- not a bad seat in the house). The weather at Indian Wells is nicer -- no humidity. It can get cold at night, but that is not a big deal to me. Even the hottest days at Indian Wells are nice.

IIRC, I paid about $1300 for the six tix sessions (row 8 behind the baseline, although we usually sat in one of the two front rows) and lodging at the Renaissance. I can't wait to go back!!

Cindysphinx · Oct 10, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
Is there an airport near Indian Wells? I would be flying from Reagan National or Dulles in Virginia to there, and don't want to have to rent a car unless I have to...

You have to take a cab or rent a car. Cab is $60 each way. Ouch.

Sup2Dresq · Oct 10, 2009

Topaz said:
With the exception of Justine Henin, yes I did!

If you weren't lagging on the stairs that day, you would of seen match point.

Lucky for you she's coming back.

Cindysphinx · Oct 10, 2009

Topaz, we totally have to go to Indian Wells!

I am trying to be disciplined and am forcing myself to stick to my every-three-years schedule. Since it is a big expense and huge inconvenience for my husband, I want to make sure things have changed enough in tennis so that each trip is different from the last.

So I am going in 2012, and I am getting those same seats behind the baseline. Start saving your nickels.

Cindy -- still on Cloud Nine from her trip this year

Topaz · Oct 10, 2009

Sup2Dresq said:
If you weren't lagging on the stairs that day, you would of seen match point.

Lucky for you she's coming back.

Dude...I'm short, and I was wearing flipflops! I did see her last serve.

Cindysphinx said:
Topaz, we totally have to go to Indian Wells!

I am trying to be disciplined and am forcing myself to stick to my every-three-years schedule. Since it is a big expense and huge inconvenience for my husband, I want to make sure things have changed enough in tennis so that each trip is different from the last.

So I am going in 2012, and I am getting those same seats behind the baseline. Start saving your nickels.

Cindy -- still on Cloud Nine from her trip this year

Well see...the thing is that Miami fits into my school schedule much better. Especially this year...I have break during the second week.

And...I have friends who live nearby and a cousin in Miami.

But...I'd still love to check out IW someday!

vbranis · Oct 10, 2009

Is there an airport near Indian Wells? I would be flying from Reagan National or Dulles in Virginia to there, and don't want to have to rent a car unless I have to...

There is one small airport called 'Bermuda Dunes' which is much closer to IW than Palm Springs Int'l. But I'm not sure how many civil flights actually land there.:-?

BTW, Zheng Jie did play IW last year.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 10, 2009

What is the comparative costs of IW and Miami? Anyone been to both that can address this? (I am a social worker -- so I am not rolling in dough!)

Sup2Dresq · Oct 10, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
What is the comparative costs of IW and Miami? Anyone been to both that can address this? (I am a social worker -- so I am not rolling in dough!)

Flights are cheap to Miami/Ft Lauderdale from Dulles. I also find that if I don't mind the constant diet of bubba burgers and captain crunch, than hotel Drakulie pretty much rocks. Kidding. He is a good host. Just don't let him know that I steal his chef boy ardee ravioli when he isnt looking.

That is all.. *you didn't see anything.. these aren't the droids your looking for*

p.s. seriously Zheng... when are we going to hit? Send me an email.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 10, 2009

Sup2Dresq said:
Flights are cheap to Miami/Ft Lauderdale from Dulles. I also find that if I don't mind the constant diet of bubba burgers and captain crunch, than hotel Drakulie pretty much rocks. Kidding. He is a good host. Just don't let him know that I steal his chef boy ardee ravioli when he isnt looking.

That is all.. *you didn't see anything.. these aren't the droids your looking for*

p.s. seriously Zheng... when are we going to hit? Send me an email.

Where r u located?

Fee · Oct 10, 2009

I don't know what the costs of attending Miami are, but I can give you an idea of how to do IW cheap because I've been there a few times (and I swear each trip got a lower budget than the one before).

1. Decide how many days you can afford to go. Since you want to see a woman, you'll need to be there on Tuesday or Wednesday because they start their main draw matches a day earlier than the men. The first few days are far less crowded and that increases your chances of seeing whatever player you want to see on court and at practice. Saturday and Sunday have been crazier and crazier the last few years, selling out completely last year. Don't make either of those days the first day you go, you'll hate it.

2. If you are not going to have a car, I would suggest checking to see if Super Shuttle runs from Palm Springs airport, it might be a little bit cheaper than a taxi.

3. Get a room as soon as possible at one of the tournament hotels because all of them have free shuttles to the tournament site. Those shuttles run well after the last match has ended. I would suggest the Embassy Suites Palm Desert, Best Western, or Holiday Inn Express. They are all across the street from each other, and right next to a grocery store and a few fast food places. I've stayed at Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn in the past, and both provided free breakfast at that time. Here are the 2010 IW hotels, from the tournament website:

http://www.bnpparibasopen.org/3/hotels/description.asp

You might want to consider a hotel ticket package, it might be worth it.

I've stayed at the Motel 6 on Washington, and the Super 8 down Highway 111 in Indio, but I always take a car to IW and do whatever I want. You need a car to stay at both of those places, and then you'll have to pay for parking. That added expense can be put towards a better room in a better location, with an easier trip to the tennis. Get your hotel reservations as soon as possible, you can always cancel it later if you change something in your plans.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any more questions about IW.

Bud · Oct 11, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
Is there an airport near Indian Wells? I would be flying from Reagan National or Dulles in Virginia to there, and don't want to have to rent a car unless I have to...

Cindysphinx said:
You have to take a cab or rent a car. Cab is $60 each way. Ouch.

I'd call ahead and ask if there's a shuttle that will take you to your hotel/motel from the PS airport.

Cindysphinx · Oct 11, 2009

I looked into the hotel shuttle idea, including Super Shuttle. No dice. Even the Renaissance doesn't have a shuttle.

If you can coordinate with friends to share a ride, that is wonderful, of course. Or maybe ask around at baggage claim for someone else headed your way?

One other tip: If you do the Mon, Tues, Wed package, you can always just buy a ticket for Sunday day or evening. These tix were available, but we opted to go out for a nice dinner instead because there was no one playing that we cared about.

And honestly, if you really go all three days from beginning to end, you are looking at 36 solid hours of tennis. Our Wednesday ran from 11 am to past 1 am. That is a lot of tennis, so I question whether it is worth it to plan to buy more tix than what you get in the package!

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 11, 2009

I've emailed the travel agent to ask about packages for Indian Wells. It's starting to sound like Miami might be a less expensive deal. But we'll see...

rasajadad · Oct 12, 2009

Personally, I enjoy the Sony Ericsson. My frame of reference is that it's a more accessible, fan-friendly version of the US Open. I can almost always get a cheap flight into Miami as well as a bargain in the Art-Deco section of Miami Beach. From there it's a 20 minute drive to Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.

I've never been to Indian Wells so I'm not knocking it. I just enjoy Miami.

SoCal10s · Oct 12, 2009

Indian Wells is a great place to view players practicing ,which I feel is the most fun part of watching pro tennis.. you can get really close here... IW is a bit boring city/site ,most spectators are rich retirees from snow belt states and Canada .. if you're looking for the best deal.. you should consider flying into Ontario airport and renting a car so you can drive everywhere.. there are some smaller Indian reservation gambling casino where you may book a real nice room for cheap and stay there and drive into IW.. at that time ,it's usually high season and golf resorts won't be a good deal price wise..

Miami is a different kind of tennis atmosphere ... the players like it because they can party up after losing... IW is where a lot of the players really start their yearly schedule and they a bit more serious to do well.. they will bring their coaches/trainer ect. and the tension at the practice courts is really fun to watch..
the IW outer courts(practice courts) are sunken ,with steps like platform where rolls of chairs can be placed.. when the crowd gets bigger people sit around and stand around the practice and everyone up to maybe a few hundreds can watch without fighting to get a unobstructed view,,
for me rather go to Miami and kill my extra time walking around the 'art deco' section and seeing the beach.. IW is a desert ,if you do golf then IW is great for golf too..

Topaz · Oct 12, 2009

^^^There is also great access to practice sessions at Miami...you can literally stand at the fence on the side of the court.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 12, 2009

The more I learn, the more appealing Miami seems to be for someone on a limited budget.

Cindysphinx · Oct 12, 2009

Probably so. I suspect IW is better for the high end, and Miami probably has more options to cut costs.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 12, 2009

Just as long as I get to see Jie practice and play....I'lll be a happy guy.

Spokewench · Oct 12, 2009

Indian Wells if you have to travel by air and rent a car, it would be expensive!

I drove out last year with the tent trailer and stayed at Lake Cahuilla Lake Park. It was cheap and pretty close to the stadium.

And, I just got tickets for the day (upper seating) in the stadium; which allowed me in to go to any of the other courts all day and any practice courts. So, you have a reserved seat in stadium, but can see all the rest of the tennis as well (I spent most of my time wandering around) I only got day seating only, cause I can only watch so much tennis in a day. Got tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Call the line for the Indian Wells Tournament and the people there are very helpful with what will work for you. They also tell you about USTA deals, etc. (that is if you are a USTA Membership) With my USTA membership and staying at a campground, my trip was not pricey at all.

You don't need a travel agent to find the deals, just go to the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament site and you can find all the info you need; if you don't see something, just call, they really are helpful

spoke

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 12, 2009

I've pretty much settled on Miami -- maybe I'll watch SCARFACE tonight to get in the mood...

SoCal10s · Oct 12, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
The more I learn, the more appealing Miami seems to be for someone on a limited budget.

Miami hotels aren't cheap .. I think you can find better deals on hotels at around IW area,but you'll need a car..

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 12, 2009

SoCal10s said:
Miami hotels aren't cheap .. I think you can find better deals on hotels at around IW area,but you'll need a car..

OK, first I have to get my vacation apporved by my supervisor; but in the meantime I will do a comparative study of the costs and post it on here. Can I assume the cost of food in Miami and IW will be the same? I will have to rent a car in IW, probably not in Miami.
What other cost differentials need to be considered?

LuckyR · Oct 13, 2009

An additional think that I found helpful is that there are plenty of high quality tennis courts to actually play on yourself in Palm Springs. Someone else can comment on the availability in the part of Miami where the tournament is held.

Cindysphinx · Oct 13, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
OK, first I have to get my vacation apporved by my supervisor; but in the meantime I will do a comparative study of the costs and post it on here. Can I assume the cost of food in Miami and IW will be the same? I will have to rent a car in IW, probably not in Miami.
What other cost differentials need to be considered?

Food costs were insignificant for me. I get coffee and a bagel somewhere, then head to the stadium. I buy lunch there, dinner there, margaritas there. Then I take the shuttle back to the hotel. The food prices are typical "sporting event food" prices, so I think I was paying $9 for a salad with grilled mahi mahi on it (those were really good!).

I believe you can pack in water and snacks, which helps keep the food bill down. The bottled water prices will eat you alive on a hot day.

I think I consumed more frozen lemonade than water. Yum.

Cindysphinx · Oct 13, 2009

Man, I need to stop following this thread. I desperately want to go back this year. Wah!!!!!!

Fee · Oct 13, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
OK, first I have to get my vacation apporved by my supervisor; but in the meantime I will do a comparative study of the costs and post it on here. Can I assume the cost of food in Miami and IW will be the same? I will have to rent a car in IW, probably not in Miami.
What other cost differentials need to be considered?

If you are going to rent a car for IW and stay at a cheaper hotel (don't forget to factor in the cost of gas and parking), then you should look at the comparitive cost of flights into Ontario airport instead. Without traffic, it's about 75 - 90 minutes, straight down the 10 and very easy to do. Both the flights and the car rental might be cheaper at Ontario Airport.

If you are going to stay at the Motel 6 on Washington, reserve a room now (you can always cancel it later). I got stuck with a smoking room last year and it was HORRIBLE. My luggage and everything smelled just from being in the room for a few days. It wasn't actually a bad place, I felt safe there because it was full of other tennis fans and people there for some other major event. It was clean and not too noisy, grocery store and coffee place right across the street.

sureshs · Oct 13, 2009

Sup2Dresq said:
Flights are cheap to Miami/Ft Lauderdale from Dulles. I also find that if I don't mind the constant diet of bubba burgers and captain crunch, than hotel Drakulie pretty much rocks.

On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself,
�this could be heaven or this could be hell�
Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor,
I thought I heard them say...

Welcome to the hotel drakulie
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the hotel drakulie
Any time of year, you can find it here

Her mind is tiffany-twisted, she got the mercedes bends
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys, that she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget

So I called up the captain,
�please bring me my wine�
He said, �we haven�t had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine�
And still those voices are calling from far away,
Wake you up in the middle of the night
Just to hear them say...

Welcome to the hotel drakulie
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
They livin� it up at the hotel drakulie
What a nice surprise, bring your alibis

Mirrors on the ceiling,
The pink champagne on ice
And she said �we are all just prisoners here, of our own device�
And in the master�s chambers,
They gathered for the feast
The stab it with their steely knives,
But they just can�t kill the beast

Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
�relax,� said the night man,
We are programmed to receive.
You can checkout any time you like,
But you can never leave!

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 13, 2009

Cindysphinx said:
Man, I need to stop following this thread. I desperately want to go back this year. Wah!!!!!!

Well, if you decide to go and need a traveling companion,let me know.

sureshs · Oct 13, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
Well, if you decide to go and need a traveling companion,let me know.

She is married with kids

Topaz · Oct 13, 2009

We've always had a car in Miami...you have to go over a bridge to get to Key Biscayne...I'm not sure of the shuttle options (if any).

Also, good to note...if you're in the toll lanes, do *not* get into the 'citrus pass' or 'sun pass' (what they heck was it called?) lane!!!

pabletion · Oct 13, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
I am going to be keeping an eye on the entry lists, and whichever one my beloved Jie commits to first, may be the one I go to.

Dude.... post some picks of Jie in Guys Only, I know u got em!

Im seriously considering going to Miami for the Sony-ericsson 2010............

If I end up going, I'll be sure to bring my "Pablolat" Pure Storm with me to create some havock in Hurricane Alley............., as well as my self rated 5.0, probably 3.5 ass to go along with it.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 13, 2009

pabletion said:
Dude.... post some picks of Jie in Guys Only, I know u got em!

Im seriously considering going to Miami for the Sony-ericsson 2010............

If I end up going, I'll be sure to bring my "Pablolat" Pure Storm with me to create some havock in Hurricane Alley............., as well as my self rated 5.0, probably 3.5 ass to go along with it.

If you're wanting me to post pics of beautiful Jie in the Guys Only section, how come your MySpace page (very nice, BTW) says you are a woman?
As to your request to post pics of her in that section, no, I am not going to do that because immature boys (and I do not mean to imply that you are among them; for all I know you appreciate beauty without degrading it by making stupid and hurtful comments) may make lewd comments about someone who is an inspiration, not just to me, but to many, many people. And not just in tennis, but as a humanitarian and genuinely good person.
Zheng Jie is a beautiful woman. But she is so much more besides. Putting pics of her in the Guys Only section isolates one dimension of who she is. It just so happens that it is in that area that women can be hurt, and hurt badly. We all know that boys can be cruel. But immature boys are the worst.

Like this, for instance:

UW_Husky88 said:
Pfft, Sabine Lisicki is FUGLY to say the least, 2/10 at best, look at her knees, they are too pointy. And don't get me started on her elbows. I would NOT hit it, yes I've had better...

pabletion · Oct 13, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
If you're wanting me to post pics of beautiful Jie in the Guys Only section, how come your MySpace page (very nice, BTW) says you are a woman?
As to your request to post pics of her in that section, no, I am not going to do that because immature boys (and I do not mean to imply that you are among them; for all I know you appreciate beauty without degrading it by making stupid and hurtful comments) may make lewd comments about someone who is an inspiration, not just to me, but to many, many people. And not just in tennis, but as a humanitarian and genuinely good person.
Zheng Jie is a beautiful woman. But she is so much more besides. Putting pics of her in the Guys Only section isolates one dimension of who she is. It just so happens that it is in that area that women can be hurt, and hurt badly. We all know that boys can be cruel. But immature boys are the worst.

Like this, for instance:

1. Ehm, yah, thats not my MySpace, its a guatemalan girl who I just happen to think rocks and that shes gonna make it big.... (shes just finished touring with Tracy Chapman btw)

2. Dude, chill out.................. I just wanted to see some pics, no biggie

sureshs · Oct 14, 2009

Totally apologize for poking, but I find it strange that a guy who probably doesn't even know Jie personally, is obsessed with her.

Do you know her personally? Does she know you apart from thousands of fans in a tournament? I first thought you were a woman, and it made sense - a woman fascinated by a WTA player. But a guy? Most guys prefer the ATP when it comes to level of play. So I am just curious about this, though it is none of my business.

ZhengJieisagoddess · Oct 14, 2009

sureshs said:
Totally apologize for poking, but I find it strange that a guy who probably doesn't even know Jie personally, is obsessed with her.

Do you know her personally? Does she know you apart from thousands of fans in a tournament? I first thought you were a woman, and it made sense - a woman fascinated by a WTA player. But a guy? Most guys prefer the ATP when it comes to level of play. So I am just curious about this, though it is none of my business.

No, it's not. But since you asked, I am inspired by people who overcome great odds and play their hearts out. In the level of grit she shows on the court, Jie reminds me of Jimmy Conners. Maybe she doesn't show the same level of intensity that Jimmy did; but it's there. Jie is also a humanitarian, having donated her prize winnings at Wimbledon in 2008 to the people of her home province in China, after they sustained a devastating earthquake. She also has spent time with the victims of this tragedy, encouraging them.
In a sport filled with egos and on a tour that has its own prima donna, it's nice to be a fan of someone whose most ostentatious display is a little fist pump (in singles) or a high-five (in doubles).
There are men on the ATP tour I love to watch as well: Djokovic, Monfils, to name a couple. But I do find the women's game more interesting from a learning point of view. Besides, as a man, I have always found women more fascinating anyway.
Obsessed? I think not...otherwise you'd find me plastering her pics over on the adloescent thread for boys. I'd like to consider myself her best fan outside of China, though.

sureshs · Oct 14, 2009

Sharapova has donated money to Chernobyl and met the children there, etc. It is no big deal. Any famous player, even if only locally known, has to make these shows of charity these days for various reasons. I think Jie's donations came at a time when her government was demanding more of her prize money. She fought against them to keep more money and train on her own schedule, not theirs. Charity work might have been a political ploy to earn popularity after being seen as "unpatriotic."

But you did not say whether she knows you at all.

sureshs · Oct 14, 2009

ZhengJieisagoddess said:
Besides, as a man, I have always found women more fascinating anyway.

I agree with you on that. Men are boring. I don't like them at all.

Indian Wells or Sony Ericsson Open 2010?

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