The "What's Wrong With Her?" Thread
- Thread starter soyizgood
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soyizgood
G.O.A.T.
My take on this draw:
- Safina actually lucked out, avoiding Venus, Dementieva, and Kuznetsova. She has two newcomers (one slumping and the other "injured") and an exhausted Jankovic in this group. Could actually get to the SF as she should beat Wozniacki, but has to at least split Azarenka and Jankovic.
- Serena got the "Group of Death" as all three opponents beat her this year. Would not surprise me to not see her advance. Venus humbled her so badly she withdrew last year. Any of these girls could easily go 3-0 or 0-3 though Dementieva always fails against Venus, but Venus has nagging injuries as well.
Group A predictions:
Azarenka 2-1 (beats Safina and Wozniacki)
Safina 2-1 (beats Wozniacki and Jankovic)
Wozniacki 1-2 (beats Jankovic)
Jankovic 1-2 (beats Azarenka)
Group B predictions:
Kuznetsova 2-1 (beats Dementieva and Venus)
Venus 2-1 (beats Serena and Dementieva)
Dementieva 1-2 (beats Serena)
Serena 1-2 (beats Kuznetsova)
I doubt anybody goes 3-0 in their group.
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jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Safina, Azarenka, Wozniacki, Jankovic - the cripple/headcase group. :lol:
soyizgood
G.O.A.T.
Someone called it a pairing of THE GROUP and the other group.
sdont
Legend
Credit to Timea. She played very solid in this match. She got a bit tight serving for the match at 5-4 (which is normal since it was to win her first title) but regrouped in no time, breaking again right in the following game and keeping her head straight to hold easily on her second opportunity.
Nice match btw. I like both players, so I was a bit disappointed for Sabine but Timea deserved it, with good defensive skills, mixed with aggressivity at the right times. She took advantage of her opportunities, without waiting for her opponent to hand her the match. I liked Sabine's attitude too, though she made bad decisions sometimes. Too bad she had such a slow start.
boredone3456
G.O.A.T.
Safina most Definitely lucked out big time, Woz seems run down from a long year and many matches played, Jankovic is coming in with near no consistent good play, and Azarenka has been in a big slump since Wimbledon. Safina though herself has been playing terrible lately...anyone could come out of it.
The 2nd group has all the action, I feel bad for Dementieva, Kuzzy has some momentum and at least on paper Serena is slightly favored over her at this point...and Venus is unpredictable.
My Predictions
Group A- Soy yours sound pretty good to me, I would like to see Woz do better than that but I think that she is way to worn down from all the matches this year and with the injury its just not happening I don't think.
Group B:
Serena: 3-0 (I think since she could get the top spot back and she seems to care more about this year than last year that she'll pull it together and pull it off, I think Kuzzy will be her toughest match though)
Venus: 1-2 (Beats Dementieva, I just think Kuzzy will beat her, can't really say why maybe its just wishful thinking and the fact overall I think Kuzzy has played a little better this year and definitely better lately.)
Kuzzy: 2-1 (Loss to Serena, Serena will likely want to avenge the French open defeat, if Serena cares this year and plays well with no injuries)
Dementieva: 0-3 (she got royally screwed in my opinion, Venus and Kuzzy will, if healthy, both likely beat her, her best shot will be against Serena but Elena has done nothing lately and her game is worse when she is off then Serena's is...so yeah)
Semi's:
Serena vs Safina - Probably Serena....Safina chokes all the time in big matches against the Williams.
Azarenka vs Kuzzy- Tough call actually...I really wouldn't know who would win between the 2 at this point. Kuzzy has more momentum, but I think Aza may be able to pull this out.
Final
Serena vs Aza....Aza....but its wishful thinking completely as lately she has played pretty erratically...but I would like to see her break out. Plus if it goes down this way doesn't Serena get number 1?
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
Some of the Doha 8 need to work on their dolling-up skills
Please tell me those pics are photoshopped. They are that bad.
OK, someone needs to tell Serena that bright red lipstick like that is out of style. More natural colors are in for black women. Still, I'll cut her a break on the cheap-looking unitard. She has lost enough weight to get into it, and that is admirable.
Dinara, nice try with the brown, really. The color suits her. Trouble is, the cut is a mess and the fabric is Mother Of The Bride. A pity, given that she really can look nice.
Venus. Honey. I would not wear that if someone gave it to me for free. And I really need a cute evening dress!
As for the rest . . . . Why are they all wearing white like that? It looks like a cattle call for "Who Wants To Marry A Millionaire?"
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
Who is that to the right of Safina? Is that her backside, or is just a trick of the light or optical illusion? Weird.
I think Dementieva looks awesome. Still, I think blonde women often do better in a color (navy, green, pastels) rather than white. I think the sleeves on Sveta's dress are unflattering.
Had Maria made the cut, she would have rocked that photo.
I think Dementieva looks awesome. Still, I think blonde women often do better in a color (navy, green, pastels) rather than white. I think the sleeves on Sveta's dress are unflattering.
Had Maria made the cut, she would have rocked that photo.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
^^^^^OK, them's fightin' words.
I say we have a separate thread, Maria v. the WTA. Should you accept my challenge, we will settle this in the Shoes and Apparel section. Mano a mano, picture a picture.
But first . . . how do you say "picture" in Spanish?
Cindy -- thinking a fair handicap would be to start Topaz off as owning both Williams sisters
I say we have a separate thread, Maria v. the WTA. Should you accept my challenge, we will settle this in the Shoes and Apparel section. Mano a mano, picture a picture.
But first . . . how do you say "picture" in Spanish?
Cindy -- thinking a fair handicap would be to start Topaz off as owning both Williams sisters
Topaz
Legend
Are you sure? I mean, one of Maria's latest outfits looked like...liederhosen! I'm not kidding!!!!
Edit, talk to me about this in about a week...I have an exam tomorrow, grades are due, and I'm moving this weekend.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
All right. You're *On Notice.*
I have a lot of stuff happening soon, but I am free as a bird on Nov. 6. Until then, consider this my opening salvo:
I have a lot of stuff happening soon, but I am free as a bird on Nov. 6. Until then, consider this my opening salvo:
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Azarenka gives away a break late in the 3rd through pt penalty by smashing racquet. Loses after taking 1st from Wozzi 6-1 and being up a break in the 3rd.
It is funny how earlier this year some though she was tennis's next big thing. She seems far from that now, and Wozniacki who is younger than her is even overshadowing her now.
Tanya
Hall of Fame
Didn't Azarenka also have a match point in the third set?
Lefty5
Hall of Fame
agree something is definitely up with Azarenka, looks a little unfit and a little unpatient. Woz could collapse just as easily any day now too.
soyizgood
G.O.A.T.
Add Wickmayer to the list.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-wickmayersuspended&prov=ap&type=lgns
She could be facing a 1 year ban. Forced to withdraw from Bali.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-wickmayersuspended&prov=ap&type=lgns
She could be facing a 1 year ban. Forced to withdraw from Bali.
Topaz
Legend
Which is absolutely freakin' ridiculous, IMO.
Interesting how the punishments for women (Hingis, Wickwayer) seem to vary so much than those for the men (GASQUET).
Wickmayer (and Xander Malisse) haven't even tested for anything, it is just that their whereabouts weren't accounted for...even the prosecutor suggested less of a punishment for Wickmayer, and the 'tribunal' (sounds very cave-man like) went way beyond.
*shaking head*
I hope her appeal works.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
What do you mean? Guys like Canas, Coria, and Gasquet included have lost playing time due to wrongful doping suspensions. Maybe Gasquet's is questionable, but both Canas' and Coria's suspensions were reduced. I don't see how you say there's bias in the way dopers are punished between men and women. If anything, more top men stars get punished than WTA players at all.
Topaz
Legend
Were Canas's and Coria's wrongful? And if they were, you said yourself, they were reduced.
Hingis got two years...she had a hair test (a test that pretty much is 99% conclusive) that proved her innocence...and still got two years. Gasquet...three months. Where's Hingis's reduction?
Perhaps more men get punished because more men dope? Don't jump all over me...just a suggestion.
Anyway, don't want to derail this thread onto this topic. There are marked differences between punishments players get...from nothing (Andre) to way too severe (Hingis...who again, willingly got a hair test to prove her innocence and that was pretty much ignored).
My suggestion that there is a bias is just that, a suggestion...but there are some pretty conclusive examples. I also think there is a bias between lower ranked and higher ranked as far as whether or not they even *get* punished.
My .02 cents.
SteveI
Legend
Why can't they all shut the heck up and just play...drive me nuts. I will not watch a match with anyone playing that makes all sorts of noise when they play. Sharapova and Serena are the worst. And does anyone play slower than Sharapova?
Topaz
Legend
Do you watch Nadal? Pretty loud (though not as loud as shriekapova) and plenty slow.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
The problem is Hingis didn't try and continue to play. She retired on the spot. That may be another factor in the difference between the cases.
Topaz
Legend
In subsequent interviews, she has said that she did just kind of 'give up', which really is a shame. I don't think many people know that she actually had a hair test which proved her innocence, and instead think of her as a drug user.
Bloodshed
Professional
I wouldn't waste my time with Topaz. She thinks women doesn't get treated properly with the suspensions, doesn't get the salary they trully deserve, blah blah sexist arguments while men hardly gets a suspension and gets all the benefits in the world or some BS like that.
That's why women's YEC just finished while men still has a few tourneys left going on before the YEC and doesn't earn as much as women.
Yeah talk about favoritism big time for the men
Bloodshed
Professional
No I'm not trolling, I'm just saying you act like it's the end of the world when a WTA gets banned (Hingis, Wickmayer) while you hardly show any support towards men (Coria, Puerta, Gasquet)
As far as the Hingis Gasquet situation goes:
Hingis I'm sure she took cocaine not because she wanted to but because she wanted to ease the pain that she suffered throughout her career. Of course little did she knew she would get caught and being suspended for 2 years, she was just fed up with the system and automatically retired. In no way she wanted to use performance drugs to increase her tennis abilities.
Gasquet though, as much as I like the guy, I can't help but thinking his whole story is bogus. He probably took drugs to relieve stress (sort of like Agassi with Meth back in 1997) but lied because he doesn't want to get ban for 2 years. Gasquet got away with it (which is sad because like Puerta, he should be suspended for a while).
Just wanted to point out how unfair you can be at times.
Topaz
Legend
Because I am talking about two very specific cases...Gasquet and Hingis. The other guys were brought up by JB, and I didn't comment, because I do not know enough about their cases to do so (which is also why I asked JB questions about their cases).
I think Hingis and Gasquet can be compared because their cases both involved the same drug. One was exonerated by a hair test, the other came up with some half-baked excuse. One got three months, the other got two years which effectively ended her career. Guess what...the one who was exonerated by a hair test was Hingis...the one with the two year ban.
I have also stated that I believe there is inconsistency in punishment in regards to ranking...IE lower rated players get slammed harder than higher rated.
Me stating my opinions is not unfair at all. Last time I checked, I was allowed to do that on a discussion board. You didn't actually read my statements, and decided that you had me 'pegged' in a certain way, and came out of nowhere with yet another personal attack. That's trolling.
Hingis was proven innocent by a hair test, btw...maybe you are the one being a bit unfair in your assessment of her above?
I think Hingis and Gasquet can be compared because their cases both involved the same drug. One was exonerated by a hair test, the other came up with some half-baked excuse. One got three months, the other got two years which effectively ended her career. Guess what...the one who was exonerated by a hair test was Hingis...the one with the two year ban.
I have also stated that I believe there is inconsistency in punishment in regards to ranking...IE lower rated players get slammed harder than higher rated.
Me stating my opinions is not unfair at all. Last time I checked, I was allowed to do that on a discussion board. You didn't actually read my statements, and decided that you had me 'pegged' in a certain way, and came out of nowhere with yet another personal attack. That's trolling.
Hingis was proven innocent by a hair test, btw...maybe you are the one being a bit unfair in your assessment of her above?
Bloodshed
Professional
Well that's the thing with the ban, Hingis should of never got a 2 year ban which is unfortunate because I like Hingis as a player. They were certainly unfair to her at the time but now it's too late unfortunately for her
I have to agree with the punishment regards of the rankings that's the way it always has been unfortunately.
No I'm trying to be fair myself, it's just there are times which I totally disagree with you that I need to verbally interrupt and say "listen Topaz, I think you're wrong about this". I didn't want to attack you but you seem very stubborn about certain things.
In no way do I think you're a bad person but you seem to get pisssed off rather easily when someone disagrees with you.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
In Canas's case, he essentially lost a year of his career (Aug 05-Sept 06), and all his ranking points, and had to work his way back up from the bottom after it was found he was wrongfully suspended.
The CAS agreed Canas had not knowingly taken a banned diuretic when he was given medicine by staff at the Mexican Open in February 2005.
Although the court noted he failed to check the product, it found his negligence was "not significant".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/5009718.stm
As for Coria:
Coria tested positive for nandrolone in April 2001 and was initially suspended two years. Coria claimed that the only supplement he was taking was a multivitamin made by an NJ supplements company. His family had a private lab test the multivitamin, which found them contaminated with steroids. Subsequently, the ATP reduced his suspension to only the seven months that had already passed. Coria sued the company for more than $10 million in lost prize money and endorsements and settled after the third day of the trial for an undisclosed amount.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillermo_Coria
So I don't see a bias in the way these cases are handled.
SteveI
Legend
No one is as loud and slow as shriekapova. When they give Nadal time warnings he does move things along and does know he is playing slow. I have never seen anyone give shriekapova a time warning. Things are so bad on the WTA tour they can't afford to make any of the Divas mad. BTW.. I guess S. Williams repaid the USTA's and Billy Jean King's support (no additional fines.. etc).. by winning the end of year event.. taking the cash.. and then backing out on Fed Cup...a REAL CLASS ACT.. way to go... S Williams. A credit to the "Ladies Game" and WTA. Woman of the year!
BTW.. Topaz.. I enjoy your posts!
. See ya!
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Topaz
Legend
No one is as loud and slow as shriekapova. When they give Nadal time warnings he does move things along and does know he is playing slow. I have never seen anyone give shriekapova a time warning. Things are so bad on the WTA tour they can't afford to make any of the Divas mad. BTW.. I guess S. Williams repaid the USTA's and Billy Jean King's support (no additional fines.. etc).. by winning the end of year event.. taking the cash.. and then backing out on Fed Cup...a REAL CLASS ACT.. way to go... S Williams. A credit to the "Ladies Game" and WTA. Woman of the year!
BTW.. Topaz.. I enjoy your posts!
See ya!
Why thank you!
The gals don't have the market cornered on shrieking and slowness, though because it happens at a higher pitch, I think it grates on the nerves more. Even still, I can't understand Masha's shrieking (especially since she does *not* do it in practice!). Others, like Azarenka, have done it since they were little...and it is part of their exhale.
I wasn't surprised at all by Serena's withdrawal...I think it was cruel that she even said yes to begin with and gave MJF some hope.
The US gals will certainly be underdogs, but they've been underdogs the whole way through!
I've always had a bit of issue with Fed Cup (and Davis Cup) when the 'scrubs' get the job done in the early rounds, and then the 'stars' come in later and get the glory for winning the whole thing....doesn't seem quite fair. Part of me is happy to see almost the same crew at the end, even though it lessens their chances. Nevertheless, I will be watching and cheering them on!
Topaz
Legend
Thanks for the info. Again, my thoughts of bias are specifically with Hingis and Gasquet in mind.
I think we can all agree, though, that the testing seems to be inconsistent and quite faulty at times. And in the case of Wickmayer, who didn't even miss a test, much less test positive for anything, I think the punishment is quite severe. Another difference is that her ban was handed down by the Belgian tribunal (again, that sounds so barbaric in a way!) and not by the WTA or ITF or WADA. I do think they are making examples out of both her and Malisse in light of the recent Agassi revelations.
It will be interesting to hear what comes of Wickmayer's appeal.
Also, it will be interesting to finally hear what, if any, punishment is going to be doled out on Serena for her outburst...wonder what is taking so long there?
Again, bias regarding *rank*, IMO.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
Just because Hingis says she got a clean hair test does not mean she in fact did get a clean hair test.
I think she gave up because she knew she was guilty. When you have her resources, it is not that difficult to hire an attorney and fight it if you are actually innocent. She knows there is value in clearing one's name.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
David Ferrer is crazy-loud.
Topaz
Legend
The hair test was done after she was accused. She claimed that the testers mixed up samples, and willingly submitted to the hair test to clear her name. It is on record...it isn't a matter of her saying she had it and it didn't show up anywhere.
And then it was ignored, she got a 2 year ban, and yeah...she gave up. Two years for her would essentially end her career, her comeback was losing steam, and I think she decided to move on. She's interviewed to that several times, and I don't see any reason to not believe her.
SteveI
Legend
Why thank you!
The gals don't have the market cornered on shrieking and slowness, though because it happens at a higher pitch, I think it grates on the nerves more. Even still, I can't understand Masha's shrieking (especially since she does *not* do it in practice!). Others, like Azarenka, have done it since they were little...and it is part of their exhale.
I wasn't surprised at all by Serena's withdrawal...I think it was cruel that she even said yes to begin with and gave MJF some hope.
The US gals will certainly be underdogs, but they've been underdogs the whole way through!
I've always had a bit of issue with Fed Cup (and Davis Cup) when the 'scrubs' get the job done in the early rounds, and then the 'stars' come in later and get the glory for winning the whole thing....doesn't seem quite fair. Part of me is happy to see almost the same crew at the end, even though it lessens their chances. Nevertheless, I will be watching and cheering them on!
I was up very early watching Fed Cup.. 5 AM today and they indicated that MJF was "quite disappointed" in Serena's withdrawal. Nice way to say she was very mad. I am sure BJK was also "quite disappointed" as was the USTA.
Yes it was very was cruel that she even said yes to begin with and gave MJF some hope. In "team based" tennis one player can make all the difference. I am sure it would been quite the hardship to spend a week in Italy.. playing tennis... any takers here???
Topaz
Legend
I'm hoping to catch the replays this evening on TTC...I was on court this morning, and didn't think to set the alarm to get up before then.
I think MJF is a great pick for captain...she was a favorite player of mine to watch growing up. She's done a great job just getting our gals there, and I hope they enjoy their week in Italy no matter what happens! If nothing else, they will gain some valuable experience.
I think moving forward, too, that MJF should just never, ever count on the sisters being there, regardless of what they say.
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