International photographer, Cynthia Lum will be bringing you the excitment and color of the 2008
Pacific Life Open. Check back daily for her exclusive blog for Tennis Life.
"The magic of photography amazes me. The power to stop time, see something that happens in a millisecond. The professional tennis tour, with it's ever changing backdrop of cities around the world, gives me the opportunity to pursue my passion...traveling and taking photos. I hope that I can show what it's like for players to circle the globe in search of a title, to put it all on the line, serve on match point." Cynthia Lum
Happy Easter!
I start my day lying in a softly swaying hammock, the scent of orange blossoms and sounds from a nearby fountain drifting around me, while waiting for my yoga class at the Miramonte Resort to start.
The class is hard, but it feels good to stretch out some of the kinks acquired during this long tournament. The instructor has us twisted into pretzel forms, and tells us to
B-r-e-a-t-h, and r-e-l-a-x, is she kidding? I make it through the hour and a half class and now am feeling quite proud of myself.
 I arrive at the site and am greeted by who else? The Easter Bunny!! In the press center, I notice that Bud Collins is wearing one of his famous colorful outfits, I comment that he’s dressed like an Easter egg, and his wife Anita, reply’s “well, he’s a good egg”.
Time to get down to business. This will be a killer day, with both the men’s and women’s finals being played.
I notice that straw hats are preferred over Easter Bonnets in under the scorching desert sun.
The women’s final featuring Svetlana Kuznetsova and Ana Ivanovic, goes three sets, but is pretty uneventful. Ivanovic wins in three, gives a fist pump and a squeal, and that’s it.
One down and one to go.
On the men’s side there is a lot more excitement. The US crowd is hoping for an American champion in Mardy Fish. It seems like a Davis Cup match, cheering fans bear home made signs, and wave American Flags.
Djokovic dominated the first set, winning it 6-2, and had Fish, who was serving at 4-5 in the second set, down, 0-30. At this point it looked like the match was over, but Fish was able to pull out 4 straight points to even the score to 5-5, and win the second set in a tiebreak However, Djokovic took the third set making it a sweep for the Serbians in Indian Wells.
Djokovich, the Australian champion, has now won both of the major events so far this year, and could be a threat to Nadal for the number one spot. I remember just a couple of years ago at Wimbledon when people first started taking notice of him, asking who is this Joker kid ? Well, he’s proven that he’s not joking.
As for Fish he will move up to around 42, so this tournament was a huge step up for him. He made a lot of new fans this week, and I hope he can keep this roll going.
So that’s it for the Pacific Life Open. I’m signing off, I have a two-hour drive in Easter traffic, and right now, I’m dying to get home.
March 22 - The Cinderella story continues!!
Day eleven, it’s been a long and hard 10 days, and I still have two more to go. Even though I’ve spent a lot of time running from court to court, and up and down stairs, I feel the need for an organized workout.
I drive down Hwy 111 to The Well Spa which is located on the flower filled grounds of the Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells. The Tuscan themed facility, offers a wide range of wellness rituals. Enter to a place of luxury and tranquility. The air is filled with soft eastern music and the scent of fresh lavender.
 I’ve missed the morning yoga class, but Elizabeth takes me on a tour. In the courtyard, is a beautiful Mediterranean style well that the spa takes its name after. Elizabeth hands me a coin and explains that each guest is invited to make a wish.
If you need a break from tennis, this is the perfect retreat. A daily membership is included with the purchase of any spa or salon service, or use of the facility without a Spa service is $30.00. The workout room is complimentary to any resort guest, and fitness classes are offered daily. If you want to sign up for a single class you can do so for a fee of $18.00. I commit to a 9:15 AM restorative yoga class tomorrow, because heaven knows, I need restoration.
On to the tennis.
First up, Djokovic and Nadal. The only surprise here was how quickly Djokovic dispatched the Spaniard. Everyone felt that it could go either way, so Novak winning was not unexpected. Rafa grunting and glistening, never really looked like he was in the match. He called for a trainer when Djokovic went up 5-3 in the first, but later said that it did not affect the match.
 Check out the writing on his left hand. I ask his marketing a public relations manager about this, and was told it was just reminders to himself. I’ve tried to read it, but have not been able to decipher it .. If they are notes on how to beat Djokovic, they weren’t working today.
I go up to the press room to edit and transmit my images, look up at the TV monitor, and see that Fish is up 3-0in the first set against Federer. Oh my word!! What is going on here?
The Cinderella story continues!! Mardy Fish has defeated world number one Roger Federer in two quick sets. Now this is a surprise. Fish has had a great run here, but the feeling was that Roger would end it today.
The 98 ranked player defeating the number 1. Big story. The journalists love it! Certainly it shows the depth in men’s tennis. Also, you have to remember that Fish has been ranked in the top 20, but has been plagued by injuries in the past few years causing his ranking to drop. He credits working with former touring pro Kelly Jones with helping to get him healthy and fit.
Thought you’d like a couple of sound bites from the post match press conference.
Q. Congratulation, Mardy. Could you have played much better today?
Mardy Fish Yeah, just, I don’t know. I got a text message from somebody close to me that just said, 3 and 1 would have been better, but 3 and 2 works. Obviously he was joking.
Q. Can you think of another upset in tennis history that maybe compares to this one?
Mardy Fish: I don’t think I’m that bad. ( Laughter)
Q. How calm or how nervous were you serving for the match?
Mardy Fish: I was more nervous maybe than I ever have been with two breaks, serving with two breaks. ( Laughter)
Q. When you walk up to the net, having played a match like that and won a match like that, does you mind race? What am I going to say to him when I actually get there? Do you say, Sorry?
Mardy Fish: Yeah, sorry man. (Laughter) I’ve been on the losing end four times to him, and he’s won 53 tournaments, so I don’t feel too badly for him.
As you can see, the mood was light and Fish was obviously in high spirits. The fans here are huge for him, so let’s see if they can pull him through again tomorrow.
March 21 - Behind the scenes
I thought you might be interested in a behind the scene’s look at the press center.
The media workroom is located on the second floor. It’s a large room with workstations to accommodate 113 journalists and photographers. Each desk is equipped with a TV that will show matches in progress, schedules and results, stats from the three stadiums, and live feed from Stadium 1 and Stadium 2. You can also keep up on other important shows such as college basketball, which is a big favorite here.
Last Monday, all sets were tuned to Dancing with the Stars to watch former 9 time Grand Slam Winner, Monica Seles, foxtrot around the dance floor rather than a tennis court.
When you enter the press center, you will be greeted by our friendly volunteers headed up by Mary Caprielian who has been taking care of the press here for 24 years! These nice women supply us with daily schedules, transcripts of press conferences, stats, donuts, coffee, red licorice, M&Ms, and in general act as our media moms.
 
Our press officer, Matt Van Tuinen and Fred Sidhu, the media coordinator sit in the first row of desks. Matt describes his function as, “catering to the whims and wants of the press core”. This can be a daunting job as there are a total of 450 credentialed media representing 15 countries. This number includes radio, and TV, who have separate work areas.
The ATP representatives sit in the next row. These are the guys who coordinate press conferences, interviews, and field questions about the men. They also produce daily notes for the tournament, and update the ATP website. Next row are the WTA representatives who do the same for the women.
The balance of the room is given over to writers and photographers. It takes great concentration to work here as there is constant conversation, trading of information, announcements, and a few laughs as well.
There is balcony seating for viewing matches, and along the window wall a long counter with high stools where you can watch matches. A lot of people set up their computers here so they can keep track of what’s happening on court while writing, or checking e-mail. All in all it’s a pleasant, friendly place to work.
Out the back door, cross the walkway, and you enter the interview room. This is reporters query players after matches. These interviews can be pretty amusing, depending on the player, and his mood. Certain players, like Roddick, Djokovic, and Baghdatis are known to give good interviews, and often offer some comic relief.
Next to the interview room is the player lounge. This is closely guarded, but under certain circumstances you can gain access. This is where players, family, guests, coaches, agents, and a sea of look alike blond girlfriends hang out.
Downstairs are the media and player dining area. This is without a doubt the best media dining on the tour. It’s the only place where media and players are not segregated, and the press is not treated as though we have a dread illness and must be kept from infecting the royalty.
I notice that the European players hang out on the dining patio playing chess, while the Americans tend to stay in the players’ lounge playing poker. No comment, just an observation.
Last but not least I’ll take you to the photo pit. This venue has the best dining, but the worst court access. You have to go from the second floor workroom down to the main level, and then down a long set of stairs through the crowds to the pit carrying all your gear. Photographers move around and jockey for the best space to shoot from. As all tennis fans know, you can only access the court on changeover, so towards the end of a match, you will see photographers moving from one end to the other trying to get into position for match point. Seems like no matter what you do, someone else is always in a better place than you.
 And since we are now in the photo pit, let’s talk about the Mardy Fish David Nalbandian match. What a great tournament for Fish. So far the 98th ranked Fish has defeated number 4 seed, Davydenko, 24th seed Lleyton Hewitt, and today, took out 7th seed, David Nalbandian. He’s made it to the semi final with the tennis elite, the top three players in the world, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
In a match that looked like it could go either way until the very end, Fish finally won the tiebreak 7-4, dropped to his knees, fell on his back, stood, and sent hugs all around to his fans. Well done Mardy.
March 20 - Time for shopping!
 Thought it was time for a little shopping therapy, so I headed to El Paseo. Located in Palm Desert, this is the Rodeo Drive of the desert. As I turn off Highway 111 onto 74 to reach El Paseo, I see an incredibly beautiful building. I brake and slow down to get a closer look. Oh my word, there is a glass protrusion coming out of the second floor corner, displaying a huge Dale Chihuly glass sculpture. I love Chihuly’s work. He is best known for his development of complex, multipart sculptures of dramatic beauty, often featuring fantastic colorful flowers and plant life. I go around the block and cruise past it slowly looking for a sign, a small tasteful sign tells me this is Imago Galleries. I have to check this out.
The interior is amazing. A large, beautiful space featuring contemporary work of well-known artists. An exhibition celebrating artists with ties to California showing art world heavyweights dominates one of the main floor rooms. Upstairs I check out and try to surreptitiously get a photo of an incredible Chihuly hanging from the ceiling, without getting caught. In general, galleries certainly do not want you taking photos of their works, this is the time when I’m glad I always have a small point and shoot camera with me. If you are in the area, be sure and stop by this gallery even if you are not a big art buff, it’s truly beautiful, I’m sure you would enjoy it.
 I now have my art fix, so I proceed down El Paseo which boasts, high end shopping, galleries, and restaurants. The street, lined with palm trees, flowers and sculpture is so over the top that even the fire hydrants are artfully painted.
As much as I’m enjoying my morning, unfortunately I do have to go to work.
 First up today is Ivanovic vs Zvonareva. Due to my gallery visit, I don’t arrive until the middle of the second set; Ivanovic finished Zvonareva off so quickly all I got was the last game. Oh well, I got a decent photo of her throwing kisses to the crowd … who started this custom. .. I think maybe it was Andre .. anyway it has become standard for the girls and I guess it’s okay since sometimes it makes a nice photo … after all that is what I care about!!
Next is Djokovic and Wawrika, everyone thinks it’s going to be a blow out, but Wawrinka forces a tiebreak, but ends up loosing in two, so the day is moving along nicely.
Jelena Jankovic, wins the first set against Lindsay Davenport, and just when all the photographers are heading down to the court to shoot the second set, Davenport retires. The wire service guys are in shock as no one has any photos of this match. Oh well, we’ll catch Jankovic in her semi-final.
We now have a nice break before the night match between Blake and Nadal. The European Press guys are heading for Margaritaville and invite me to join, but I decline as I don’t want to have to use the Photoshop sharpening tool on my images tonight, and I know if I start drinking Margarita’s that will probably be the case.
Well, Rafa has just pulled out a 3 set win over Blake, and I’ve reached the bottom of the page, so that’s it for today.
March 19, WOW!
Wow, what a day. 7 big matchs all going on at nearly the same time!! Tried my best, but no way could I get to all of them, so I’m going to give you a brief overview of my day. It’s going to be brief because it is 12:20 AM and I’m just starting to write. Yes, this is the life of a tennis photographer, journalist. There are still around 10 people left in the media center, and we are all feeling sorry for ourselves that we are still here.
Actually, I would have gotten to more matches, but even though I’m a long time tennis veteran, I couldn’t tear myself away from the Tsonga - Nadal match.
 This rematch of the Australian Open semi-final where Tsonga took out Nadal featured the two young guns giving their all in a knock down battle. Both of them are wild and colorful showmen. Both give great photos. Both are emotional and great looking. Both wanted this badly. The tension on the court was like watching someone dance across a high wire strung over the Grand Canyon. It lasted for 3 hours and 3 minutes, and there wasn’t a moment that you could look away. Tsonga has 3 modes of hitting. Hard, harder, and killer. Nadal is also no slouch in the hard hitting category. The two of them trading primal forehands, grunting and fist pumping in turn.
Tsonga won the first, lost in a tiebreak in the second, and was up 5-2 in the third, but I felt he let his nerves get the best of him. He stated in press that his serve was not very good in the third, which was true, but from where I was sitting, which was in the photo pit right next to the court, I could see that the pace Rafa was dictating was bothering Tsonga. Nadal, like Djokovic, would bounce the ball 20 or 25 times before serving. Sometimes, maybe bouncing it 5 times, making you think he was going to serve, catching it, and then bouncing it 10 more times. I could see that this was getting to Tsonga who likes to play fast. He loves to dance, dive and bounce around the court, and would get nervy and twitchy waiting for Rafa to serve. Check out the bleeding knuckles from his falls. He later said, “when you play Rafa or Novak, it’s difficult when they put like 25 times the ball on the ground. You are like this. You never know when he’s going to serve. Yeah , it’s tough but it’s the game and there is umpire here for respect the rule. That’s it. So I have nothing to say about it. I just have to play.” Truth is, I love this attitude. No whining or crying.
Tsonga was out to prove that his win in Australia was no fluke, and Nadal trying to prove that it might have been. “It was a very important match for me, because I would like to show everybody it’s not—my run in Australian Open is not lucky, it’s not—yeah, it’s not lucky. I want to prove everybody I can play at this level, so yeah, I’m disappointed about this” Well, after today’s performance, I think even though he lost, he has proven that he can play with the big boys. It’ll be interesting to see what the rest of the year brings for him.
Djokovic’s victory over Canas apparently didn’t tire him too much as he was seen playing soccer shortly after his straight set win.
Mardy Fish pulled off another upset, defeating Lleyton Hewitt in three sets.
 And now since it’s 1:04 AM and I’m the last person here, I’ll skip to the last match of the day, where Roger Federer handed Ivan Ljubicic a straight set defeat on Ljubicic’s 29th birthday, but then presented him with a cake while the fans sang Happy Birthday.
March 18, Art 101
 
Shooting Jelena Jankovic today, I was thinking how much she reminds me of paintings by Amedeo Modigliani, one of my favorite portraitists. His style was unique, his portraits, featuring people with long swanlike necks, elongated features, and slightly almond eyes. Look at the painting; don’t you agree Elena could have been one of his subjects?
I find this interesting, and am now thinking of other player, artist connections. Roger Federer would have to be a painting by one of the old master’s. I’m thinking a Rembrandt, whose work was quiet, contemplative, with great attention to detail. Rich in shadow and highlight like Roger’s game.
 
While Andy Roddick the all American boy would be pop artist, Jasper John’s American Flag. This painting startled the art world and was considered outrageous and irreverent when it was first viewed; does this sound like a description of our friend Arod?
For Rafa I would choose Joan Miro, the Spanish artist whose work is vibrant, colorful, alive, and powerful. Born in Barcelona, Miro, actually spent the last years of his life in Nadal’s home town of Mall orca.
 
Now for Maria, the obvious choice would be,. What else … The Scream by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The painting depicts lone figure screaming while colors and emotions swirl around her, the perfect painting for Sharapova.
This is just the beginning! I’m sure I will think of others as the week goes by, so keep tuned for more Art 101.
Now would you like to know a little of what went on here today? The big upset of the day was unseeded Mardy Fish taking out the 4th seed, Nicolay Davydenko. I had planned to shoot this match, but got stuck on the Bryan Bros match and missed it. This is one of the hardest things about this job, figuring out what to shoot first. I did catch Mardy in his press conference. First question, “must be excited to beat a guy like Nikolay and to do it so convincingly tonight.” Mardy’s answer, “Yeah, absolutely. I felt like I played well, I felt like I stayed aggressive.” He’ll meet Hewitt in the next round, so let’s hope he can keep that aggressive game going.
With golden tress’s flying, in the Battle of the Blonds, Sharapova screamed her way to a win over Alona Bondarenko in three sets. Other than that, things went pretty much as you’d expect. Federer sailed to a 6-1, 6-1 win over France’s Nicolas Mahut, I didn’t even bother to shoot this match, because I know I’ll have a lot more chances for Federer, and I needed to have lunch.
Andy Murray just defeated Ivo Karlovic in three sets, its 10:26, and Davenport is at 1-1 with Bartoli. It looks like it’s going to be a late night here, so I’m going to say goodnight to you, shoot a little of this match, and try to get out of here as soon as possible.
Blog March 17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Seen wearing the green … Gael Monfils wins the Leprechaun prize in his bright green Air Nike.
Start my day with a cup of Green Tea figure this is appropriate, even if it is Japanese.
First match up, Jankovic and Sugiyama, not really exciting, Jankovic won 6-1, 6-1, but this is not a bad thing, at least the day matches will move along. It’s a nightmare when the first match on goes 3 long sets and everything runs late the rest of the day.
Jankovic is pretty in pink, and check out the wrist motion on her serve. Not surprising that Sugiyama couldn’t break her.
I have a bite of lunch, and for desert … Blake and Moya. Would not mind if this match went 3 sets. The eye candy is excellent. Watching these two guys through a long lens is my idea of a nice way to spend the afternoon.
This promises to be in interesting match. Blake has met Moya 12 times on the ATP tour, making the Spaniard his most frequent opponent.
Blake trailed in both sets, but prevailed, defeating Moya in strait sets, thus evening the record to 6 and 6. Blake in his post match press conference commented, “I’m really happy with getting through it in two sets, and either way just getting the win was something I was proud of."
Donald Young the upcoming American hope, is up next against Rafa. Young hits the fuzz off the ball, but can’t intimidate Rafa. Nadel wins 6-1, 6-3.
 I want to check out Feeder’s autograph session at the Tennis Warehouse to see how he fares against Nadal in the popularity challenge …. No contest!! There are crowds, and they are awed and respectful, but nothing likes the madness at the Nadal session yesterday.
Next I head out to court 2 for the battle of the French’s. Mathieu and Tsonga. The fact that the stands are packed for a third round match between two Frenchmen is significant. Tsonga has captured everyone’s imagination, and he doesn’t disappoint. The Muhammad  Ali looks alike, play alike dances around the court throwing punches like the champ. This one is exciting. He has huge star potential, and the fans feel it. The atmosphere is electric. Tsonga and Mathieu are closely matched. Mathieu ranked 14 and Tsonga 17, and the match could go either way, but Tsonga takes the first set in a thrilling tiebreaker, and wins the second 6-4 with the fans cheering him all the way. He loves the crowds and they love him. When ask about his popularity, he said, "Without the, how you say, crowd, I won't play," he said. "I try to share with them."
Well, that’s all I have to share with you today, I’m heading out for a green beer.
March 16, 2008
Greetings from Indian Wells California.
During the next eight days, I’ll share news, ideas, and yes, a little gossip too, from The Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, California.
Okay.. I know what interests you … gossip first!!
I started my day with breakfast at the Renaissance-Esmeralda Resort. This is the official hotel for the tournament, and a great place for player watch. I was half way through my cheese omelet when I noticed a couple in the corner being very friendly…. Radek Stepanek and Nicole Vaidisova! Hmmmm interesting. This guy must have hidden talent he certainly gets the high profile, hot women on the tour.
Started my shooting day with Andy Murray, who defeated Jurgen Melzer in 3 sets. I expected some good photos from Murray, who is usually pretty emotional, but to my dismay, he was quite well behaved. You know, photographers love it when players throw tantrums and make interesting photos.
Next I hit the Nadal autograph session at the Tennis Warehouse tent. Wild. People started gathering one hour before he was scheduled to arrive, and the line stretched for at least a city block. Rafa arrived on the back of a golf cart and the women went mad!! He’s tall, even more gorgeous up close, and totally charming. Smiling and making eye contact with each fan, he made the day for a lot of people. One woman ask to shake his hand, he did so, and she put it to her chest, and said, “ I’ll never want to wash it again!” Wow, what power.
  
 Headed back to the press center, and noticed a huge crowd around two of the practice courts. Guga on court A and Sharapova on court B. Talk about star power. Both courts are packed with fans watching. Guga is not playing here, but is in the desert for treatment on his hip and some practice before playing in Key Biscayne. The fans still love him and are thrilled to have a chance to see him before he retires at the French this year.
Now for the big story of the day. Roddick who had a bye in the first round is out in the second. Straight set loss to Tommy Haas. Haas has defeated Roddick in 7 of their last 10 meetings, so is not really a surprising loss. Haas is a dangerous player who was ranked in the to ten before undergoing right shoulder surgery last November.
This is also his first tournament working with Roddick’s former coach, Dean Goldfine, so he might have had the book on the 6th seeded Arod .
Post match press conference. Fielding obvious questions about the match, “You know, I was hitting the ball the way I wanted to” “He played well, he played well”. About meeting the French in Davis cup next month, “ Of course we respect them, but I think I might be able to get out there and play a tennis match without shaking”. On weather press conferences are fun or a pain in the neck, “ Oh, gosh, it really depends on what kind of a mood I’m in”. “Yeah. I’d say 95% of the time they’re a lot of fun. On yesterday’s press conference where a reporter ask, “Andy, what’s going on, if you don’t mind, in the love department? You know, you’ve got all these pretty little kitty girls in the tennis skirts and they’re going to come and oogle and ogle you and give you the little winky.” To which Roddick replied, Yeah! Woo! You need to come around more often. This is fun!” When a reporter today ask if that was the weirdest press conference ever, Roddick said, “ Weirdest question, I’ll go with that. I’m still on the fence about the weirdest press conference, though.
With some time before Miami, Roddick plans to try to find a player here that lost early and head home to Austin for four or five days and get in some good training.
We’ll look forward to more fun press conferences in Key Biscayne. As Roddick himself stated, you never know what you’re going to get.
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