sâmbătă, 30 aprilie 2011

Lovely Zoo photos (Belgrade)

This week at Belgrade, a few players like Nenad Zimonjic, Marcel Granollers and Guillermo Garcia Lopez had the chance to spend a day at the zoo, in the middle of the nature, with some adorable, - or not-so-lovely -, animals.

Starting with a non-animals photo, Nenad also brought to the zoo his wife Mina and children Leon and Luna.

Unfortunately, I don't know who this guy is (yes, I am ashamed), but I always enjoy seeing a cute face near a cute baby kangaroo.

Nenad's encounter with a *beautiful* white python. Jeez Zimo, you must be crazy!

Nope, I changed my mind. Zimo is perfectly normal in comparision with this guy.

Well, at least I and the python have one thing in common. We both like Nenad's shoes!

Don't ask me why, but those hypos make me LOL.

And here they come. The most adorable photos. With the white lions!

How beautiful are they?! (I'm not sure if I'm talking about the lions or the guys...)

Seriously now, if you know who this guy is, you have to tell me! No no, you MUST tell me!

joi, 28 aprilie 2011

Adi's bad luck

That's a bad luck! After passing the qualifications at Belgrade without any problems, he had to face a Spaniard, Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. Unfortunately, I couldn't watch the match but seeing the score, it makes me strongly believe that it was one of those heart-attack confrontations à la Adrian Ungur.

After this, he couldn't have had worse luck. The infamous unbeaten guy who has scared the West, East and South, Novak Djokovic. I wasn't expecting anything. I was hoping. Hoping for a beautiful match. Again, the tennis gods (tournament organizers, actually) were not on my side and put it in the same time as Real-Barcelona. Sorry, tennis...

So all I can say is that Nole won in two and that I heard that Adi did his best out there and was impressive. And I'm sure he was. I liked him a lot in Davis Cup, firstly against Stakhovsky, in his very first match for Romania, then against Giova Lapentti, when he came back from 0 sets to 2 to give our team a 2-0 lead against Ecuador, everything culminating with a victory against Pico Monaco in Argentina. He amazed me with his gorgeous one-handed backhand that can easily make anyone think he is not a Top 100, but a Top 50 player.

It's too bad that he doesn't leave for once the Challengers and starts to play bigger tournaments, 'cause he prooved he IS able to play at a high level and against anyone.

Doesn't matter, Adi! You're still prettier! :)

Easter fun for Janko and Somdev



How sweet is that? Really.

sâmbătă, 23 aprilie 2011

Nole and Co., the football stars! (Video)



As I expected, I don't understand too much. I don't understand a word, to be honest.

I'm just enjoying Novak, Janko, Viktor, Nenad and the others together, once again, and of course, the best goal celebration! You go, Nole!

vineri, 22 aprilie 2011

Letter to Ivan Dodig


Dear Mr. Dodig,

I am writing with regard to your lattest results in the Barcelona tournament. I am always interested in new talents and I always enjoy seeing lower-ranked players advancing to the final stages of competitions. Please accept my heartiest congratulations on your recent victories, especially those over Robin Soderling and Milos Raonic. I can say I am impressed by the way you fought and the way you could handle the pressure of playing against these seeded players and big names.

Oh please, who am I lying?! You've just beaten two of my biggest favourites! Am I happy for a new name on the tennis map? Yes. Am I happy for you and your strong game? Yes. Am I happy you're here, in the quarterfinals? Yes. Do I want Feli to beat you today? Yes!

I might understand who you defeated Robin. He is not in the best shape, he came after an injury which made him miss the Monte-Carlo Masters, it's okay. But how on Earth have you defeated Milos? I will never know.

Now, Mr. Dodig, please ignore the lattest two paragraphs. I wish you the best luck in your match today! Despite the minor things I complained about, I would like to see you even higher.

Yours sincerely,
Ioana

miercuri, 20 aprilie 2011

Tipsy's team impersonate Nole's team (Video)

I knew these crazy guys are completely crazy, but I didn't know their craziness could become one of the best and craziest moments at the Monte Carlo Players' Show.

First place : Janko Tipsarevic as Novak Djokovic, if you were still unsure.



Special award : Viktor Troicki as Miljan Amanovic (phisio)! Is it only me, or this role really fits him?

duminică, 17 aprilie 2011

Ferru and Bovet!

Wow... This was my first reaction when I saw the awesome photos from David's lattest photoshoot, earlier this month. In an old interview, he claimed that his biggest hobby was and still is reading, something you don't see very often in the sports world, let's be honest.

Q. So you really are capable of sitting for hours with a book in your hands.
A. Yes, I love reading because when you read a book, you tell yourself your own story whereas in movies, the story is already told.

His words already build an atmosphere of ancient creation and love of creation, which is exactly the setting of the next pics.

I won't comment too much, as I am still speechless, but I can say this is more than just a normal photoshoot. This is ART.

Seven!

Seven years of supremacy on the hot Monte Carlo clay! This is the lattest achievement of THE one and only. THE Rafa Nadal.

According to the official website of the tournament, Rafa broke, with this victory, two of his own existing records. I guess that happens when you have broken almost all of the others' records... He became the first player in the history to win a title in seven consecutive years, having been the first player to do it six times last year. Then, he became the first player to win 19 Masters 1000 titles, having already held the record with 18.

The season also started very well for Ferru. Despite the fact that in many people's opinion, including mine, he was having a huge chance to play the final, this is not that easy at a Masters. He played impeccably in the previous stages of the competition, so the reason why he didn't win can be only Nadal. Both sets were tight (6-4, 7-5), which says lots about the high level of the match.

What I'm waiting right now is probably what most tennis fans are. A Djokovic-Nadal confrontation on the red surface, Rafa's territory, we could say. 'Cause it's been clear for the past months who the real problem is for the Spaniard.

Although I would not be surprised with something like "I am Rafa and SOMEHOW I beat this one too."

Vamos and Ajde, Rafole!

vineri, 15 aprilie 2011

Aye, Novak!

Hotness. This is the right word. Nole's lattest photoshoot (which I'm not even sure what is for) was a total success. Here are some super-pics.

Nole as a bad boy? Yes please.

Yum, mysterious...


Okay, did they know I have a weakness for men dressed like this?! Either way, my answer regarding these pics could not be other than 'AYE, Novak!'

joi, 14 aprilie 2011

Ferraonic!

Oh, boy! I don't know yet if it's good or bad. I'm sure it will be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament and that's good. But it's too bad that one of them has to lose so early, because I could see both of them in the quarterfinals, semifinals or, why not, final.

We already know Ferrer is one of the best players of the moment on clay. He simply destroyed Feli yesterday, 6-2, 6-0. Not that Lopez could have been the biggest challenge. Maybe only at hotness, but anyway. David has everything to be a champion on this surface. He is the prove that you don't need Rafa's forehand or Novak's backhand to be a real Top 10 player and a real danger for the best players in the world.

Milos, on the other hand, keeps amazing me more and more with each match. He doesn't have only the monster serve, he doesn't have any weak shot actually. It's true that he has the strong forehand, but I wouldn't like to be in front of his backhand either. (Jealous, Nando?) And the way he can play on both clay and hard AND such a short time after leaving the ITF circuit, reminds me of young Federer. Yes, I can say it and I don't think it's too early. Young Federer with better mental composure and focus, which are impressive at someone of his age. Young Federer's grandeur and today's Federer's psyche. Only good things can come out from that.


I hope whoever wins today will be able later to face Federer or Nadal from equal to equal and to play strong, solid matches against anyone. 'Cause I'm sure today will be played one hell of a battle out there!

miercuri, 13 aprilie 2011

Gulbis vs. Mariana Alves

Better later than never. And this piece could not be missed for anything! While Milos was basically hitting and winning against him, Ernie was giving the umpire probably the best replies since Marat Safin. (And by the way, this is the only aspect where he can be compared to Marat.)

"I have a racquet, I have feelings. Can we watch this match together after the match?"

Heartbreaking. Aaand flirty.

"Can we maybe go to a bar later and watch the shot in replay? Or maybe I send you a present, a DVD of the shot?"

How many umpires shouldn't receive something like that, really?
P.S.: Flirty.

M.A.: "I'm trying to do my best."
E.G.: "It's good that we're all trying."

Okay, that was pretty hilarious.


Here is one reason why I kiiinda like him. One and only, to be honest. Dear opponents, make Ernie angry more often! Only hilarity can result from that.

marți, 12 aprilie 2011

Monte Carlo : Crazy first round

Is loss the new black?! Seemed trendy in the first matches at Monte Carlo. Favourites' loss, to be exact. Can you imagine what might happen in the next rounds? Pff, where is Nole when you need him?

Haase def. Davydenko, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. I miss the old Kolya... I really do.

Stepanek def. Baghdatis, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6.

Mayer def. Youzhny, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. Wait WHAT??!!

Gulbis def. Dolgopolov, 61, 6-4. I support you ONCE and you?!

Tsonga def. Monaco, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Well, my pick was Pico. But it's Jo! You know, JO! Although I have to say: bring the fro back!

Raonic def. Llodra, 6-3, 0-6, 6-0. Nice match, girls! Again, my pick was Llodra. I mean, who knew the guy would be that amazing on clay too? Believe me, if you need one more confirmation after all the others, he is the next big thing! Vamos, come on, allez Miiiilooooos!!!

luni, 11 aprilie 2011

Romanian Tennis Week - I'm happy

Woohoo!!! Sorry, couldn't help it. Last week was such a great week for the Romanian tennis, with surprises and prooves of the players' real calibers. They made me happy.

I'm happy for Alexandra Dulgheru, for breaking the black streak from the beginning of the season and playing in the quarterfinals at Marbella, although she could have done much better.

I'm happy for Monica Niculescu and her Marbella semifinal, and also for her partner, Vitalia Diatchenko.

I'm happy for our one and only Victor Hanescu, for his Casablanca semifinal and his bright break from these dark times.

I'm happy for the amazing newcomer Irina Begu and her surprising tournament at Marbella. For her thrilling semifinal win over Sveta and her good final against Vika. For the beautiful moment of her career where she escaped from anonymity and entered among the first 100 playes of the circuit.

And last, but most important, I'm happy for my most favourite doubles team in the world, Horia Tecau and Robert Lindstedt and their fifth title together, at Casablanca. I'm happy 'cause Brad is healthy again and ready to kick the opponents' asses! (I had to say that.) I'm happy 'cause the clay season is here and a first step to the World Tour Finals can be made soon.

I'm happy for the ROMANIAN TENNIS!

joi, 7 aprilie 2011

RAndy's golf skills

Here is a video that made me smile today.




That smile!!! :)
(Thank God it's engulfing the outfit!)

DiViHo FTW!

First of all, CLAY SEASON IS HERE!!!!

I don't know why most people don't like it, but I can say it's my favourite, along with the grass season. This week Charleston, Casablanca, Houston and Marbella are opening their gates for the first matches on the red hot surface. Watch out, things can get dirty! ;)

Nicest surprise in Marbella: Dinara took Pironkova out! In two! 6-3, 6-4! Yes, we can be happy for this. I would say a few things about her still not good serve and her many double faults, but I got used to it. It's Dinara and with this serve she was a world No.1 and a Grand Slam finalist, so let it go! The key to her old form is the rest of the game.

Hanescu beat Berrer in two aswell, 6-3, 7-6. I am still impressed by his serve which has both force and placement, but the inconstancy is a problem. So keep it the way you did yesterday!

Lindstedt/Tecau def. Kohlmann/Ventura, 6-4, 6-4. Welcome back, Brad! :) Too bad he was injured at this beginning of the year, they could have done MANY good results. In the quarters they made the good powerful game that brought them trophies. In the commie's opinion, it was such an amazing match that he couldn't even decide which team was better, as he said about each player he was the best. (Gotta love commies!)

In Casablanca I'll be with last year's finalist in singles and last year's winners in doubles. Despite the fact that, being realist, especially in singles is not that easy...

luni, 4 aprilie 2011

And it goes on... ATP thoughts

Unbelievable, but Novak's streak is still going! After about three months and a half of invincibility, Rafa again couldn't solve the Serbian problem. At Indian Wells Djokovic def. Nadal in three. At Miami Djokovic def. Nadal in three. That says much about the real world leader!

Nole didn't climb to the top of the rankings yet and still has a long way to go, but Nadal seemed to believe in him. "He will be No.1 in the next month, month and a half, two months," he said. Very nice, Rafa, knowing that the clay season is close.

Although this start of the year was very interesting and I love the Rafole rivalry, what ATP needs right now is diversity. I think the post-clay season will be the one where the other players' interventions will become more visible and will cause real problems to these two guys.

The beginning of this year was a promising one for Soderling, but in the past few weeks he suffered surprising defeats from weaker players and very early in the tournaments. Someone who I am really sorry for, for having this little meltdown, is Andy Roddick. It's too bad that he can't play like he used to anymore, but after all this years in Top 10 and all his performances during his career, he is forgiven (lol). No, really, I don't know about you, but I do have a big respect for him and his work.

Ferru also seemed to be in a good period of his career at the end of 2010, but this year was not awesome. Don't get me wrong, Australian Open semifinal and Miami quarterfinal, defeating top players, this IS something, he is definetly among the strongest guys in the tour, but not strong enough to face Rafole from the same level.

A pleasant surprise, maybe the most pleasant was, like many times, a newcomer, young Milos Raonic. To be honest, I remained speechless at his performances, especially the famous two weeks (San Jose and Memphis). I was surprised not only by his game, but also the attitude during matches, interviews and press conferences. It is a big plus for someone of his age, being so relaxed and confident. Let's remember of young Federer. Brilliant and impulsive. When did he seriously start his way to becoming the GOAT? When he decided to be only brilliant. You go, kid! :)

Another nice surprise for me, a comeback this time: Delpo. After his 2009 season it would have been a pity his glory days to be over because of the bloody injury. After the past few weeks I have all the reasons to believe that until the end of 2011 or the beginning of 2012 he will be back into his place. Slowly but surely. And by the way, the short-sleeved shirt looks nice! :)

The lattest ATP actions are raising many questions. Who will stop Novak? When will he get tired? What will Federer do now?
What do I think? Federer will never go down. Maybe he won't win many Grand Slams, maybe he won't win any Grand Slam, but he will stick in the top and will stay strong in front of the young challenges.

But 'till then, once again, let's bow our heads in front of the King: Novak Djokovic. :)