Venus Williams won the title at the BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup exhibition tennis series Monday at Madison Square Garden, defeating Kim Cljisters 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in the final.

Williams won $400,000 for winning the one-night, four-player event that featured players who won the previous year’s major titles or ranked No. 1 in the world.

Williams, the former world No. 1 and the five-time Wimbledon champion, defeated French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 in the one-set, no-ad scoring semifinal match earlier in the evening. Clijsters, the 2009 US Open champion, saved a match point in defeating former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic 7-6 (7-2) in the other semifinal. Ivanovic substituted for defending champion Serena Williams, the 2009 Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, who withdrew due to a leg injury.

Cljisters earned $300,000 for the runner-up showing. Losing semifinalists Ivanovic and Kuznetsova earned $250,000 each.

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Hit For Haiti A Hit!

A charity match to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake provided Roger Federer, Serena Williams and handful of the world’s top players some light relief on the eve of the Australian Open.

The two world number ones abandoned their normal training routines to team up with the likes of Rafa Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic for a fundraising exhibition.

“I was following it on TV and saw the devastation and I thought we should do something,” said Federer, the brainchild of the idea.

“It was a lot of fun. It’s a great thing and I’m happy the players were also in such good spirits.”

The hastily-arranged match at a packed Rod Laver Arena raised more than A$200,000 (US$184,700) in aid for the victims.

There were more wisecracks than aces as the players all joined in the irreverent mood of the mixed doubles match, hamming it up for the packed crowd at the Rod Laver Arena centre court.
When a line judge called Roddick for a foot-fault, the American could not resist a verbal volley:

“I can’t believe you called me in a charity match, you do realise Serena’s playing.”

Here is some video from the day!


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Sharapova Out Of Australian Open!

The first shock of the Australian Open landed right on Day One and it was a good one!

Maria Sharapova, along with that HIDEOUS dress of hers, has been bundled out by the other Russian Maria, Miss Kirilenko!

The 14th seed and 2008 Open winner, Sharapova fell to friend and countrywoman Maria Kirilenko 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-4. It was her first match at Melbourne Park since she won the title two years ago, having withdrawn last year with a right shoulder injury.

It was her first match at Melbourne Park since she won the title two years ago, having withdrawn last year with a right shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old said the result was a combination of a lack of confidence and a relentless opponent.

“I certainly had my chances and just didn’t execute,” Sharapova said.

“When she was up and then I’d get back there, back in the game, I just didn’t take advantage of that and let her control the situation again.

“She’s not really the type of player that makes you feel that good, but there are many of those types of players. She changes the pace a lot. She just has a little bit of a different type of game.”

Sharapova said she played a match of extremes: “There is no grey area. It was just up and down in many areas, and I just finished at the down level.”

One down, only Tranny Big Jugs to go!

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Clijsters Back In Melbourne Park

U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters, who came out of retirement last year after a two-year break, was left feeling disorientated on her return to the Australian Open.

The 26-year-old, who gave birth to a daughter during her time away from the game, plays a qualifier in the first round on her competitive return to an altered Melbourne Park.

“Obviously a lot of things have changed around the courts and everything … so that took a few days to get used to,” the 15th seed, who lost to compatriot Justine Henin in the 2004 final, told reporters on Saturday.

“It’s just nice to see (it) again, because I never thought it would happen again (returning), obviously to be playing tennis here.”


Clijsters, who won the U.S. Open title as a wild card in just her third tournament back after retiring, was victorious at the Brisbane International last week, beating Henin in three sets and is considered one of the favourites in Melbourne.

While she put her return to her best tennis down to sheer hard work, the pace of her progress has come as a surprise.

However, it would not mean she would be throwing herself back into the tour like she had prior to motherhood.

“My schedule is this year obviously far from being busy. Obviously I hope to do well at the tournaments but I think I’ll play about 15 or 16 tournaments maybe including Fed Cups and everything.

“My focus is not really based on rankings as much as probably trying to really aim for the big tournaments, of course.

“It’s something that’s done talking a lot with my coach, my fitness coaches too, because I really want to be able to peak at the right time.”

However the balls fall for Kim we wish her all the best!

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So, I thoroughly enjoyed my first day at the Medibank International, even though we were nearly rained out! The seats I had were amazing and were right on the baseline courtside!

We certainly had two very different matches! Tranny Big Jugs just squeaked past French player Aravane Rezai, who actually served for the match while she was up a set and 5-2 but choked it away. T.B.J then came back to life and was mostly in control of the third set!

The 2nd womens SF was a complete debacle, with Elena Dementieva (The Ro’s new g/f…..well in his daydreams anyway!) absolutely steamrolled Viktoria Azarenka 6-3 6-1!

Then the really bad news hit! Lleyton Hewitt was up next in a mens QF match against Marcos Baghdatis. The former world No.1 met his counterpunching match in the Cypriot, who rallied from a set and a break down to advance to the semi-finals with a 4-6 6-2 6-3 win.

So all in all a gorgeous day, good food, good beer, great tennis. Tonight?……..Womens Finals!

Enjoy the photos I took! This is how close I was to the players!

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Tranny Big Jugs

The Infamous Elena Serve!

The Infamous Elena Serve!

End Of Match Shake

End Of Match Shake

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Tranny Big Jugs Wins Easily!

Serena Williams cruised into the semi-finals of the Sydney International with a straight sets victory over Vera Dushevina on Wednesday.

The world No.1 took 61 minutes to dispose of the Russian 6-2 6-2 and will now face France’s Aravane Razai for a place in the final.

Dushevina broke Williams’ serve in the fifth game of the second set, but it proved to be a minor setback for the American as she broke back in the next game before closing out the match.

Go T.B.J! We are all behind you girl!……………………NOT!

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Elena Dementieva will again be considered one of the favourites when the Australian Open starts next week and although she has yet to win a grand slam title, the Russian does not feel weighed down by the burden of expectation.

The world number five has reached at the semi-finals of all four majors including two finals — the 2004 French and U.S. Opens — and at 28 time is not on her side, but Dementieva will arrive at Melbourne Park perfectly content with her achievements.

Winning the Olympics in Beijing was the highlight of her career, she said, and anything else would be a bonus.

“I don’t feel any pressure, to be honest with you, because I like to play,” Dementieva told Reuters in an interview.

“I really enjoy to compete and no matter what tournament I am playing, I try to play my best.”

Like many Russians, Dementieva takes enormous pride in playing for her country and when she won the gold medal in 2008, she said her career was effectively complete.

“For me there is nothing bigger than the Olympic Games,” she said.

“For sure, as a tennis player I would like to win a grand slam but the biggest goal of my career was to win a gold medal for my country and I’ve done this already.

“I still have my motivation, especially when it comes to the grand slams. I still have some goals in my career and that’s why I am playing.”

Whether she wins the Australian Open or not, one thing is for sure…………………….I can ALWAYS get The Ro to watch tennis when Elena is playing!…….LOL

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Justine Henin Still On Track!

Former world number one Justine Henin’s comeback gathered pace on Wednesday with a hard fought 6-4, 6-3 win over Sesil Karatantcheva in the second round of the Brisbane International.

Henin remains on track to meet fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters in the women’s final but she will need to lift several notches if she is to trouble the reigning US Open champion.

After downing second seed Nadia Petrova in the first round, Henin was expected to crush the colourful qualifier from Kazakhstan, via Bulgaria. However she struggled initially and found it hard to quell the challenge of a determined and aggressive Karatantcheva.

Henin was forced to fight back from early breaks in both sets and despite the Belgian being in control for most of the match, Karatantcheva always seemed in with a chance.

Henin explained that she was simply rusty after being away from the game for 20 months.

“It was a night game so we had different conditions (from the first round),” she said.

“Playing in the evening, waiting all day long, I’m not used to that so it took me a few games to get into the match.

“I wasn’t aggressive enough, but it’s a question of rhythm and being used to playing these types of matches.”

Looks like a Henin-Clijsters final could be heading our way!

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Jelena Dokic Goes Down To Ivanovic!

Her bad luck with tournament draws may have continued, but Jelena ‘Jellybean’ Dokic could only see good fortune ahead after being knocked out of the Brisbane International on Monday by adopted Australian Ana Ivanovic.

Dokic, 26, was hardly blowing up after the 7-5 1-6 6-3 loss to the Serbian third seed, even drawing comparisons with the lead-up to her golden run at the 2009 Australian Open.

All was forgiven for Dokic despite her tumultuous early years in Australia when she became the darling of Melbourne Park last year, taking her wildcard all the way to the grand slam’s quarter-finals.

Dokic was bundled out in the 2009 Brisbane International first round by French powerhouse Amelie Mauresmo.

“It was also disappointing to lose to Mauresmo last year – I had my chances in that match as well. It was a little bit similar to today,” Dokic said.

Jellybean had her chances but the Australian Open is only 2 weeks away, and I predict her to go deep in the draw again this year!

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Dokic Aiming For Top 20!

Jelena Dokic believes she’s fitter and hitting the ball better than before her nation-stopping run to the Australian Open quarter-finals last January.

After resolving to return to the WTA’s top 20 in 2010, Dokic on Friday indicated she can repeat the heroics of last year’s stunning comeback at Melbourne Park. The Serbia-born right-hander recaptured Australian hearts by upsetting a series of seeds before falling to Dinara Safina in a three-set cliffhanger in the quarter finals.

As brightly as she starred at the Open, Dokic said she was now in superior shape and possessed a more refined all-round game than 12 months ago.

“I do feel I’m playing better actually,” she said. “I feel like I’m hitting the ball well.

“I feel that my biggest improvement has been my fitness, I think I’m moving very well and my endurance is really good so I feel like I’m in much better shape than I was last year.”

The 26-year-old worked extra hard to regain her fitness after a three-month layoff for glandular fever, which came after suffering a back injury when up a set and a break at the second round of the French Open against Elena Dementieva.

Dokic will be among the most scrutinised players at the Brisbane International, starting Sunday, along with drawcards Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters and Ana Ivanovic. She didn’t rest over Christmas, motivated to continue her late-season momentum and play more consistently to break back into the top-20.

“I still have to prove myself and I still have to have more consistent results and that’s what I’m looking to do this year, I would like to have 15-20 tournaments where I do well, not three or four,” she said.

I’ll be there to cheer you on Jellybean!

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Henin Ready To Be Back On Top!

The time away from tennis has helped Justine Henin “grow up” as an individual and the former world number one is confident she is returning to the tour a better player.

Seven-times grand slam champion Henin announced her comeback to the women’s tour in September after a 15-month absence and the Belgian will kick off her preparation for the Australian Open at next month’s Brisbane International.

“I believe I can be a better player, I believe I can use my experience more than in the past,” she told the Brisbane event’s website (brisbaneinternational.com.au).

“It’s been a great experience to go out of the tennis world for 18 months and to come back because I feel I grew up.

“I really needed to come out of this bubble. The tennis world is a small world. There are so many things around that and I never realised that before.

“To come back to my passion, to what I love so much, after this part of my life is such a great feeling.

“I’m 27, now I just want to live my second career differently to how I did in the past.”

Henin won 41 WTA Tour titles and over $19 million in career prize money before quitting professional tennis.

The 2004 Australian Open champion is a wildcard in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne before the season’s first grand slam.

“When you are into (playing tennis at) 200 percent you have no time to realise it.

“You are too involved all the time and all this time off helped me to realise everything I achieved.

“What I can say is I know myself much better and that’s the most important thing.”

“Of course I will need some time to be 100 percent to be the level I was when I stopped my career but I’m ready to live anything here.”

Can’t wait to see you play when I am Down Under Justine! Allez!

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Former world No.8 Alicia Molik and rising tennis star Bernard Tomic are among five local players given wildcard entries to next month’s Australian Open.

Nick Lindahl and Casey Dellacqua had already received berths after winning last week’s Open playoffs.

“It’s exciting, obviously a great story line in Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua coming back,” said national selector Nicole Pratt.

Pratt also said Molik, an Open quarter-finalist, and Dellacqua would take a careful approach into the first grand slam event of the year.

“Both of them now are just trying to accumulate one match at a time, they’re not going to be looking too far ahead in the draw,” Pratt said.

“They’ve been working hard physically, especially Alicia, she played the whole summer circuit.”

Molik has enjoyed strong form on the domestic Pro Tour, winning 37 of 40 matches before losing to Jessica Moore in the quarter-finals of the wildcard playoffs.

Tomic is a two-time junior grand slam winner, adding the US Open boys’ title to last year’s Australian Open junior crown and, at 17, held match points in an epic five-set final of the playoff before succumbing to countryman Nick Lindahl.

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE……….OY OY OY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

alicia

Alicia Molik

Bernard Tomic

Bernard Tomic


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TAG Heuer To Stand By Tiger!

Looks like there is a small glimmer of hope for Tiger Woods and his dwindling endorsement deals. After speculation that TAG Heuer had ended their partnership with the pro golfer, the Swiss Watch company has now decided to stand by their man… for now!

In a posting on their Web site they declare, “TAG HEUER stands with TIGER WOODS.” The statement continues to say that the company will continue its relationship with the pro golfer, but “will respect his desire of privacy by modifying his role in the coming months’ marketing programs.”

Tiger became a TAG Heuer brand ambassador in 2002 and the relationship between the golfer has been lucrative and beneficial to sports watch company.

“The partnership with Tiger Woods will continue,” President and CEO of TAG Heuer Jean-Christophe Babin, said in a statement on the Web site, “but we will downscale the use of his image in certain markets for a period of time, depending on his decision about returning to professional golf.

“We will continue to actively support the Tiger Woods Foundation.”


Sounds like it’s all code for “You %$#@ up one more time and you’re out on your &%$ buddy” to me!

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Henin Receives Sydney Wildcard!

Former world No. 1 Justine Henin will extend her tennis comeback in Australia after officials announced Monday she has been granted a wild-card entry to the Sydney International.

Henin is due to make her official return to the WTA circuit, after an 18-month absence, at the Brisbane International tournament that starts on January 3 next year. She will now play in the January 10-16 Sydney event which serves as a lead-up to the Australian Open starting in Melbourne on January 18.

“I have a lot of happy memories of Sydney and have won the title three times, so I am looking forward to returning in January as part of my preparation for the Australian Open,” Henin said.
“The women’s draw is very impressive and it will be great to get some tough, competitive matches at the Medibank International Sydney before heading to Melbourne.”

9 out of the Top 10 ranked players in the world will be at the Sydney tounament in 2010 and guess who else will be?…………..Moi!……….I’ll wave from the 40 degree heat and all you freezing Canadians can yell and swear at me!

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If you are interested in watching any of the matches from the Australian Open Wildcard Playoff’s you can do so by clicking on the link below!

http://showdown.tennis.com.au/

A live stream is offered by Tennis Australia!

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Australia’s former world number eight Alicia Molik says she has no injury concerns as she continues her return to competitive tennis in Melbourne. Molik, 28, beat Queensland’s Jade Hopper 6-1, 6-2 in her opening match at the Australian Open wildcard play-offs.

The winners of this week’s men’s and women’s events will gain direct entry to January’s Open.

Injury and illness forced Molik to retire briefly last year, but she says that is all behind her now.

“I’ve been feeling great – that’s something that I have worked on, strength, is to make sure my body holds up,” she said.

“I’ve really worked hard and lifted a lot of weights and doing plenty of running and I think that’s helped with my movement too.

“It’s not just a matter of being quick but recovering back to the centre of the court.”

MOLI MOLI MOLI………..OY OY OY!!!!

alicia


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Safina Out Of Brisbane International

Questions have been raised over Dinara Safina’s Australian Open availability after the Russian world No.2 withdrew from January’s Brisbane international with a back injury.

Fears first emerged for Safina when she left courtside in tears after being forced to withdraw from her first match at last month’s WTA Championships at Doha due to the complaint. Safina later revealed she had been battling the problem for three months. Brisbane International organisers were still hopeful Safina would be fit, announcing her arrival a day after the Russian told reporters in Doha that she may not play on the Australian summer circuit at all.

Tournament director Steve Ayles confirmed on Friday that Safina had simply run out of time to be fit for the January 3-10 tournament.

“Safina was very much looking forward to starting her year in Brisbane and it is a real shame that she will not be fit in time to attend,” Ayles said.

Get well soon Dinara!

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Amelie Mauresmo Retires!

My heart is breaking right now!

Former Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, Amelie Mauresmo, announced her retirement from professional tennis today.

“I came here to announce the end of my career. I made this decision after careful consideration,” the 30-year-old Frenchwoman told a news conference before bursting into tears.

“It was becoming tough mentally. What happened is I simply did not want to go training any more. My tennis life lasted 25 years, there were extraordinary things and tough moments.”

“I had three main goals in my career, becoming world number one, claiming a grand slam title and a Fed Cup. I achieved all of them,” said Mauresmo.

“When I look back I have no regret and great pride.”

Amelie collected 25 singles titles including the 2006 Australian Open and Wimbledon titles, and won Fed Cup with France in 2003.

While I am saddened by her decision, (Momo still has plenty of game people!), I want to wish her nothing but the best for the future!

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Mauresmo To Announce Future

Former Australian Open winner Amelie Mauresmo is expected to announce whether or not she will continue her tennis career at a scheduled press conference on Thursday.

Mauresmo announced in October she was skipping her final two tournaments of the season, and rumours have swirled since that she is considering hanging up her racquet for good. The Frenchwoman got off to a good start early in the season, winning the Paris Indoor Open, but struggled to maintain her form.

Stay with us Momo! I know you can regain the Number 1 ranking! You still have game, girl!

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Serena Williams Fined $175,000

World No.1 Serena Williams has been fined $175,000 and put on probation for 2 years after her outburst at the U.S Open earlier this year by the Grand Slam Committee. The committee said a further major offense at a grand slam in the next two years would see her suspended from the U.S. Open in 2010, 2011 or 2012. The fine will be reduced to $82,500 if she commits no further major offense through 2011.

The committee, who are responsible for organizing the four grand slam events, met on Saturday at the World Tour Finals in London to discuss administrator Bill Babcock’s recommended punishment.

Williams’ outburst was prompted by an incident in her semi-final against eventual champion Kim Clijsters at Flushing Meadow in September trailing 4-6 5-6 15-30, Williams launched into a second serve but the line judge called her for a foot-fault, meaning the American had served a double-fault to go match point down.

Astounded by the verdict, Williams launched into an expletive-laced rant at the official. She waved her racket in the lineswoman’s direction and then shook a ball in her clenched fist as she threatened to “shove it down” her throat.

This decision is clearly a HUGE double standard. It’s a commonplace occurrence that the men swear at lines people, and nothing is ever done about it. It is always put down to “the heat of the battle.” Why then must it be different for the women? Is it because of the perceived threat of violence? Who knows?

Tell us what you think.

"Are You For Real?"

"Are You For Real?"

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Davydenko vs Del Potro!!!!

Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko stunned Roger Federer to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals with a 6-2 4-6 7-5 victory over the world No.1 on Saturday. Federer had never lost to Davydenko in 12 previous meetings, but the Wimbledon and French Open champion was unable to extend that run in the semi-finals at London’s O2 Arena.

Davydenko, who will face Argentine (and my boyfriend……….shhhhhh…..he doesn’t know yet!),  Juan Martin Del Potro in Sunday’s final, had only qualified for the last four late on Friday and he was back on court just 14 hours later. Fifth seed Del Potro meanwhile overcame Swedish eighth seed Robin Soderling 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in an equally tight second semi to earn his place in the trophy match despite his rival firing down 16 aces.

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Dokic In For Hobart international!

Former world No. 4 Jelena Dokic (Jellybean!) has signed on for the Hobart International tournament which is played in the weeks leading up to the Australian Open in January.

Dokic will join another high profile Aussie, Alicia Molik (on the comeback trail…….YAY!), in the field.

Jellybean has a lot of points to defend at next years Australian Open, after a disappointing year fending off injury after illness after injury, she has been playing great these last few weeks in the Challenger circuit!

Good Luck guys!

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Jellybean!

TENNIS-AUS-OPEN-MOLIK

Alicia Molik

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Michael Phelps In Trouble Again!

Poor Michael Phelps. I wish people would leave the poor guy alone! According to reports Mr.Phelps owes the State of California over $23,000 in back taxes! This after his notorious bong huffin’ photo and a $40- ticket for producing an out of state license after a car crash in Baltimore! The eight times Beijing Gold medalist (although let’s get one thing straight you Americans reading this! If Thorpey had swum he would have kicked Phelps’ a**!) seems to be in all sorts of strife these days.

That’s all fine by me! I likes me the bad boys!

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Federer Survives Verdasco Scare

Roger Feder came romping home after an early fright in his opening Round Robin match at the ATP World Tour Finals yesterday. Andy murray also won through a tough 3 setter against  Juan Martin del Potro! Federer, looking to regain the year-end top ranking after being overthrown by Rafael Nadal last year, dug himself out of trouble to win 4-6 7-5 6-1. The start to Group A has been a great one!

Group B action opens on Monday when Rafael Nadal, who can still beat Federer to the year-end world number one ranking, faces Swede Robin Soderling and (my boyfriend) Novak Djokovic takes on Nikolay Davydenko.

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Roger To Rafa – Bring It On!!!!!!

Roger Federer admits the prospect of finishing the year as world number one ahead of Rafael Nadal will fuel his bid to win the ATP World Tour Finals in London. Roger may be in pole position to retain the No. 1 spot, he is aware that if Rafa wins the prestigious year end championships he may snatch it back!

“I am aware of it (the race to finish world number one) and I would be lying if I said I was just here to play well,” Federer said on Friday. “Definitely I am here to win the tournament and to try to stay number one in the world. It is obvious.

“The competition is really stiff so it is not going to be easy for me or Rafa if he wants to get it. “I think it is fun that it is on the line for the last tournament of the season. I will try my best and see where it takes me.”

Should be a week of great matches and it all starts tomorrow!

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