A PERSON
In recent years, not the most successful for French men's tennis, hardly anyone considered the 22-year-old Gilles Simon able to make the top ten ATP ranking happy with his presence. More often the laurels of the new Yannick Noah tried on the heads of the more talented Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils. "Simon? He’s still a dope. He still has a childhood playing in one place. Let him win at least one title first, ”the tricolor fans sneered. Beating Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in the final of the tournament in Marseille - 6: 4, 7: 6, Gilles not only won the first trophy in his professional career, but also surprised many with the level of tennis shown. Childhood always ends unexpectedly.
MATCH
The confrontation between Kim Kleisters and Amelie Moresmo in the final of the tournament in Antwerp gave fans another chance to watch the duel of the most successful tennis players of the beginning of the century. Maybe for the last time. The Belgian has already announced that this year will be the last in her brilliant career. From a Frenchwoman who misses a third of tournaments a year due to injuries, they expect such a statement - some with joy, some with sadness - from day to day.
In the first set, won by Moresmo 6: 4, a stubborn struggle did not work, but the next returned the debts to the stands with interest. Having made a quick break and led 2-0, Kleisters seemed ready to turn the tide of the game, but already in the next game two double mistakes forced the mistress of the court to start all over again. Moremore, having learned the lesson, she no longer took any risks on her serve. It all came down to a logical tie-break with a completely unpredictable denouement.
Amelie quickly led 4: 2, having another ball in her serve. The Kleisters had the strength to equalize, but they were the last. Moresmo took the fifth point on the opponent’s pitch, then made a spectacular ace, and in the decisive draw the ball sent out to Kleisters brought the Frenchwoman a third victory in Antwerp and a souvenir racket from the tournament sponsors - local jewelers, which took five kilograms of gold and 1900 diamonds to make total weight of 240 carats.
SENSATION
19-year-old Muscovite Yaroslav Shvedova won the first professional title in her career, winning the tournament in Indian Bangalore. In the final, the Russian woman beat last year's Italian winner Maru Santangelo - 6: 4, 6: 4. “It was a great week. For each player to win the first title in his career is a special moment, said Shvedova after the victory. - What is my secret? I just completely concentrated on this match, tried to play wisely and not be distracted. "
After the victory on the courts of Bangalore, the Russian athlete climbed 65 places in the WTA rating and now occupies 78th place. She is already 27th in the championship race.
THE WORDS
“She should calmly relate to my fans and the fact that sometimes their underwear is in my training cabinet. Of course, she should cook well and tasty, and also be able to wash the dishes. I will not wash the pots and pans that she stains? Since I am very fast and agile on the tennis court, in the kitchen she must move no less quickly. She must have a giant libido! After all, I like to relax after a delicious dinner. What did I forget? Surely! It would be nice for her to take an oath to shut up forever, or better to be dumb altogether! PS If there are applicants, send your resume with photos to the forum of my official site, ” Dmitry Tursunov , temporarily not speaking because of an injury, shares with his fans his dreams about the woman of his dreams.
VIDEO
Not all tennis players found the time to spend Valentine's Day with their loved ones. But they were not taken aback and celebrated the holiday right on the tennis court.
NUMERAL
Croatian Ivo Karlovich made 113 aces, speaking at the SAP Open tournament in the US San Jose. This extraordinary achievement helped him reach the finals, but did not beat British prodigy Andy Murray in it - 7: 6, 4: 6,
6: 7.=
Andrey IVANTSOV