For the rest of the tournament, French journalist, Myrtille Rambion will be entertaining us with her thoughts and views from the Sony Ericsson. Rambion is a freelance journalist that resides in Paris, France.

Sunday, April 6

Davydenko. I told you!

You can feel that a tournament is over through what’s happening or not in the players’ lounge. For a couple of days, it’s been like a desert. And sign of the times; the restaurant is actually invaded by these so-called VIPs who are eating and drinking for free but not really caring about the game. When they eat their pasta, both Rafa and Nikolay must feel a bit alone.

Now, let’s go back to the game, for the last time of the year here in Key Biscayne.

Who is actually able to beat Rafa in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2 ? Not so many men. Especially when we’re talking about a final and about the tournament that everybody calls "the fifth Grand Slam of the year." But Nikolay " Davai " ("Come on" in Russian) Davydenko did. I told you ! He’s not that spectacular but, wow, what a player he is ! On Sunday he had the perfect tactic against Nadal; he wasn’t afraid to play him on the forheand and he was so quick and was taking the rebound so high that he put all the pressure in the world on the Spaniard. He made Nadal unplay on his best shot.

Two things about the Sony Ericsson Open ’08 champion. First of all, he’s making his comeback at the top level after he struggled last year both with the ATP (because of this allegation he might have bet on a match he played) and with his elbow. Second thing; this guy loves playing with fire. You don’t believe me ? Look at this; here in Miami, he saved a match point against Ernests Gulbis in the second round and plays with only one racket! He decided to change his Prince for a new model (one with 18 main strings, actually, so he can feel the ball better). But as he’s got only one model in his bag, he has to play practice, warm-up and match with it… and the same strings.

Hey, if you do love stats, here’s just one more before I leave;  since this tournament started (24 years ago) no Russian had ever won it before Davydenko.

And what about Rafa, by the way ? He’s been, as usual (well, not that he is exactly "used" to losses…) one of the "best" losers of the tour. Very supportive and friendly for his opponent during his post-match speech, and always similing. Even if it was of course a pretty sad smile . I can’t wait to see his smile again. On red clay this time. It musn’t be a sad one anymore, huh ?

Saturday, April 5

Serena, please don’t stop the music!

I’m sorry this year we didn’t have Kelly Rowland to perform the national anthem before the final. But, well, she’s quite forgiven; she’s in New York because last night she attented Beyoncé’s wedding. So maybe next year we’ll be lucky enough to have the former Destiny’s Child singer to perform something here, why not?

Did you know by the way that Beyoncé Knowles is actually a good friend of Serena’s? Yes, she is. And when she needed that knee surgery a few years ago, Beyoncé went to help Serena  find a good doctor. “Well, you know, people know each other sometimes… “, Serena told me at that time.

Speaking about Serena. As I arrived pretty early in Crandon Park this morning, in order not to miss the French Davis Cup team’s practice, I heard this particular sound coming from court 9. Bouncing balls? I followed the sound to the court and found Serena Williams hitting the ball deep and returning some good serves, working up a sweat. She seemed to be very focused. Her little dog and Venus’s were kind of hidden in a bag in the shade, right in a corner of the court, and didn’t understand why their ‘mammas’ didn’t want to play with them at that time.

Serena again? The question today was: can she be as good as Steffi Graf ? Answer: here in Miami, yes, she is actually. The Lil’ Sis’ captured her fifth title in Key Biscayne. “I love Steffi Graf,” Serena said. “She was my role model. To be compared to her is awsome.” But it wasn’t exactly a piece of cake for her as Jelena Jankovic gave her some tough times (6-1, 5-7, 6-3) during their nearly   two and a half hours on court. Serena Williams missed her first opportunity as she served for the match at 5-3 in the second set, before she let Jelena come back. Then, in the third, she lead 5-0 but concluded four games later and on her eight match point! I must say that the end of the match was so un-Serena today. I’ve never seen her in such doubt like that before. But, hey, at the end of the day, she’s the one who won.

But during the post-final ceremony, she was suddenly Serena again, booty shakin’ on the court to Rihanna’s “Please don’t stop the music” after she received the trophy. I guess she might be the one who picked the song to be on the official soundtrack of the tournament. And I guess she won’t stop the music, indeed.

Friday, April 4

No, it’s not because of the sun shining high and hot above Key Biscayne. I actually got a smoothie and some fresh air at the beach, thanks. No, I realize it was really my fault; I haven’t spoken for a while about Brooklyn in this blog. You think I did? I’m sorry I can’t remember… So...! I saw her playing cards in the players' lounge with Andy a couple hours before he enterd the Stadium to face Nikolay Davydenko in the semifinals. How cute they were ! And ok, let’s say I still don’t know if she can cook or not. But now I know for sure she can be entertaining. She can play poker and tarot. Well done, Andy !

Well, at least he will be able to chill out a little back at the hotel tonight, maybe even playing cards. Because the guy who defeated King Roger yesterday wasn’t exactly in the zone today. Andy Roddick lost for the first time of his whole career against the guy from Russia who looks like nobody and plays like anyone else, Nikolay Davydenko, number four in the world (7-6, 6-2). I might have bet on this match, I tell you ! But I couldn’t, remember ? When you are a journalist working on a tournament it’s strictly forbidden. Plus, I’m not very fond of it.

My favorite shot of the day, if not of the week, this forehand Davydenko played when he returned a 140 mph serve. What a hand this guy has. And now he is in the final. He’s not so spectacular, I know but, hey, he completly deserves it. And on the other side of the net on Sunday, guess who ? Yes, Rafa.

The Spaniard easily defeated Tomas Berdych on the same score (7-6, 6-2) a few hours before. Mentally perfect, as usual, physically strong, as usual, nothing else to say regarding the game. But what I like the most in Rafa’s behaviour is the way he deals with the popularity. You know what ? This guy is just nice. And he is simple. I’ve never seen him refusing to sign autographs. And this afternoon, as he was already in the courtesy car to go back to his hotel, as he heard some kids shouting and cheering for him " Rafa ! Rafa ! " because they didn’t manage to get the precious signature. What do you think he did ? He went back to see them. He smiled and gave them what they were hoping so deeply for.

I know you guys can’t really wait for the NCAA men’s final four. But, add a few more cool beers and sodas in the freezer ‘cause this Saturday will definitly be THE afternoon for sports on tv. At noon, before the basketball game, two of the best women on the tour will be facing each other in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open. Serena Williams vs Jelena Jankovic, that is it. And, to be honest, I think we couldn’t have asked for more excitment !

Thursday, April 3

What is a day off like when you are a professional tennis player? If you are Jelena Jankovic (unfortunately she didn’t have one today since she had “some business” on the court) you go and visit the hairdresser of the tournament before you sign autographs. If you are Lindsay Davenport you have a little talk with your friends, holding your baby boy in your arms. Eventually you introduce him to Richard Williams when you see him in the corridor. And if you are a French player getting ready to play the Davis Cup tie against USA you go to the Key Biscayne Golf course.

I’m glad; thanks to Richard Gasquet I’ve seen somebody on this course before I leave. Because otherwise, every single morning, arriving in Crandon Park, I couldn’t help thinking who this empty course is actually for? Gasquet, along with his teammate Michael Llodra, captain Guy Forget and two physios, had a pretty good time. And a pretty good drive, too. Not as consistent as Tiger’s, but still not too bad. And a little better than the one we have seen him do with his racket on the court these last few days.

What about the other French guys Paul-Henri Mathieu, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Arnaud Clément ? They all preferred the sun and the surf, so they headed to the beach.

You know, I know something for sure, after watching tonight’s session ? I’m sure Andy Roddick read my column before going to bed yesterday night. And that he wasn’t on Cloud nine, as James Blake said, but far higher, somewhere like on Cloud 11. And I am sure he is going to be there for a little while. Because, yes he did. Andy W.O.N. Andy defeated Roger Federer. Yep ! In three sets (7-6, 4-6, 6-3) playing most of the time on fire. During the entire match he had only one break point, in the third, but converted it to snap an 11-match losing streak to the World’s No. 1. By the way, he aced Roger 17 times. Twice at 146 mph. Frankly, style and consistency were on the American’s side more than on the Swiss one’s tonight. Maybe Mardy gave Andy tips before the match on how to play a “no more no doubt” Roger, I don’t know.

In the post match interview, an American fellow said to Roddick; “You did say you’d hang out around until you beat him. Here it is.” Andy’s response? " I’m just glad I have a little hair left.”

At the end of the match, A-Rod was just a little boy who couldn’t believe what he’d just done. He threw his racket and kissed the crowd who supported him so much all match long. Some called him “baby” by the way. Not so sure that it’s the better nickname for him but why not after all. And now, Andy is facing Nikolay Davydenko in the semis. Wanna make a bet? No, just kidding…

It was a very good day for another American as Serena Williams, the defending champion, qualified for the final. Her opponent: Jelena Jankovic. What a thrill! Both of them will probably see each other at the Toni & Guy hair salon before they enter the court on Saturday, during their day off that is.

Wednesday, April 2

As I was asking a few players where their favorite place in the Roland-Garros Stadium is (for a feature just before the French: remember, I am here to work), I couldn’t help wondering what my answer would be. But if being asked about here, in Miami, I would without any doubt answer immediately: a seat at the top of the Stadium. Most important: in the axis of the court and with Key Biscayne at my back.

Why? First of all, because here you are among “real” people. I mean people who paid to get inside Crandon Park, people who really like tennis. They eat, they drink, they cheer, they sweat, and they’re having a good time. You can easily tell it by the look in their eyes and the smile on their faces all day long. Even if sometimes the sun burns them, too. Then, the view is amazing. Just in front of you the sky and the sea. On your left hand Coconut Grove. On your right hand the Harbor, Bayside and Fisher Island. You can even see a piece of SoBe. And the cherry on the top of the cake: you’re seated at the best place to enjoy the game. Because from here, you can appreciate how the players know exactly (if they’re good, of course) how to use the geometry of the court.

Tennis is a game. It has to have a plan. It has to be built point after point. That’s precisely what James Blake and Rafa showed to the crowd today. I’m sorry James lost (3-6, 6-3, 6-1). But Rafa isn’t exactly a nobody. “The way he was hitting his forehand,” James said afterwards, “he was doing everything he could in terms of his footwork to hit a ton of forehands. He did that.” Yes, exactly. And Blake wasn’t the same guy on the court as he was in Indian Wells a few days ago. “Today I felt like towards the end of the match I was playing much, much too passive, and that’s frustrating.”

But, you know what? In spite of this defeat, I still have much, much respect for Gentleman James. I think since Andre Agassi retired, he’s the most interesting guy in the interview room. Win or lose. Keep on going that way, James. Furthermore, I just love that smile…

Wanna bet just for fun and glory? Try this one, on the A-Rod vs. FedEx quarterfinals. They play tomorrow. This is right from James: “I feel like Andy’s got some confidence going right now the way he played in Dubai. One bad match in Indian Wells I don’t think affected him. Maybe just riding on Cloud 9 so well with his recent news off the court that he’ll take that and go into this match just fine.” Yeah. Maybe. Hopefully Andy is reading this.

Tuesday, April 1

Crandon Park is a strange place. No, Really!  First of all, to get there, you have to drive on a road on the sea. I mean, not next to the sea or under the sea, like they do in Great Britain, with the Channel and Eurotunnel-thing. No, you copy me: ON the sea. And that’s great: when the sun is shining, like often is the case this time of the year in South Florida (except during night sessions), you’ve got blue (turquoise blue, I would even say) in every direction you look. It’s a strange feeling to be just in the middle of nothing.

Then as you walk the grounds, you can find a booth where they sell (I quote, not my invention…) “fine magnetics” just in front of a Pretzel and lemonade stand, and just next to one hawking french fried potatoes (with the skin on it, the ad says), kind of weird? BTW: these are not “French” fries, actually. They are more Belgian, but, hey, that’s another story.

Or not, because I must tell you something. When you say Belgian fries, I think automatically Justine Henin, from Belgium. Yeah, I know… Sorry… But, still. Justine: the small-and-strong-at-the-same-time number one in the world. Who wasted two match points in the final last year against Serena Williams and in the end lost. But then beat the “little” sister three times in a row just after that. I found her really, really impressive in ‘07.

But, listen, on Tuesday Justine was just like a shadow of herself. Serena punished her, literally speaking: 6-2, 6-0. And now, you have to believe, this is the worst defeat that Justine ever conceded since she’s a professional tennis player. And she knew that as well as we did when she entered the main interview room. As she entered you could sense she was in a bad, bad mood.

“Today I lacked courage” she said. Wow!!!

On the opposite, as you can imagine, Serena was more easy-going and pretty happy a few minutes later. When asked when she has looked this good, she replied, “Since 1982.” And then, she laughed.

But she wasn’t laughing at all after the first night match in the Stadium. She got a glimpse of her opponent in the semis: not Venus. Nope. But Svetlana Kuznetsova, the US Open ‘04 champion, who beat Serena’s big sister 6-4, 6-4. And you know what? At 9 pm, while Venus was answering journalist’s questions, “Sveta” was still hitting balls on the court. Court 1 this time. Didn’t sweat enough during the match? That’s probably it!

Last thing for today. I must confess I’ve failed in my mission. I still do not know if Brooklyn Decker, Andy Roddick’s fiancée, can cook. But I’m sure she loves salad. All models do.

Good news for Andy and bad news for France: he defeated Julien Benneteau (4-6, 6-3, 6-2). France doesn’t have a player in the draw anymore. USA does. So, what do you expect for the Davis Cup tie in Winton-Salem, North Carolina, huh ? Furthermore, I presume A-Rod will go there a bit angry and upset, looking for victory again. Why? No other reason than he’s taking on Roger on Thursday, here in Miami…

Monday, March 31

My first thought of the day while driving on Rickenbacker Causeway, enjoying this beautiful sunny Monday morning was, "Hey, that’s exactly what we are made for". Pretending, just once a year, that we actually are glamorous and superficial people. Just Miami-fashion, you know. Listening to loud music in the car. Kanye, 50, Jay-Z. Even Beyoncé. Sun glasses. Sliding Roof. Fresh soda (too early for mojito) in the left hand. Sun tan lotion in the right one. Remember ? I’m French. My friends told me yesterday that winter in Paris is so cold and sad at the moment. So, I must enjoy this for them. I mean, in the name of our friendship. I’m glad to be there and I can’t complain. And I won’t for sure ! My Kingdom, my Tour Eiffel, my Arc de Triumphe, for a day in Key Biscayne !

Then, just arriving at Crandon Park, my second thought was, "Look at this Kiss Cam! How funny it is!" If you haven’t been to the Sony Ericsson Open before, you must probably wonder what the Kiss Cam is exactly. During the matches on the Stadium, cameras are looking for people sitting next to each other in the stands and show them on the big screens above the centre court. And guess what? Yes, that’s it ! They have to kiss each other ! Imagine just a minute you are sitting next to someone you didn’t even know a nanosecond before. Whether he’s a carnivore, or she’s not your type, bad luck… Otherwise, maybe it could be the chance of your lifetime. Please, think about it while I’m watching tennis.

Yes, because, that’s the point here. Tennis is why I’m in Miami. Officially, at least. And I wasn’t upset with that today. Neither were the main seeds. Venus Williams was the first into the quarters. Lil’sis’ Serena rushed to follow. And she will be facing Justine (yes, again!) on the big stage. I can’t really wait for this one. It was the final last year. So, I guess it will be a real treat. I bet!

Speaking about the Sisters. I’m sorry, but today one of them did the best press conference of the tournament so far. Venus actually, after she defeated Caroline Wozniacki from Denmark (6-3, 6-3). "I think I played some good tennis and agressive when I needed to, and a lot of really good service games." she said. "So I played really good against a really good opponent." No kidding. I’m gonna try not to get a headache thinking too much about that sentence. Maybe I should have studied philosophy in college to undestand it properly.

And what about A-Rod? He won against Ivo Minar (7-6, 6-4). And on Tuesday night, he will take on my homeboy Julien Benneteau (come on, Julien!). But, I have to be honest. The only thing that really mattered to me all day long was Andy announced he’s engaged to that swimmsuit model girl. Listen, man! Where did you get that from? A model? Come on, let’s be more creative ! Hum… well, yes, she looks pretty. But I have to be a real investigator yet... can she cook ? I promise I’ll let you know.

Tennis Life Publisher, Todd Goldman, blogs from Miami

Miami, What a Unique Place

As one of the biggest weekends in American tennis was in full swing it was an exciting one for those that attended. The weather was great, the sun was shining and upsets were in the air.

As everyone was still talking about Novak Djokovic’s departure the following players joined him at Miami International Airport: Lleyton (Put a fork in me-I am done) Hewitt, Tommy (on-again, off-again) Robredo, David (go-figure?) Ferrer and the biggest shocker Andy (I can beat Federer, but then lose the easy ones) Murray.

As for the women, let’s be for real, that tournament is just starting. Sorry to say it, but the first two rounds of a women’s 128 draw is really questionable. First of all, while this is a 128 slotted draw the top seeds all get byes in the first round. Second , the seeds then rarely lose in the second round and in many cases the wins are extremely lopsided.

But let’s get back to South Florida first. Our day started in Fort Lauderdale at a great deli called the Pastrami Club. Man you just can’t get deli like this anywhere but in South Florida and New York. Boy do I miss it. You don’t even want to know what they call “deli” in Tampa.

Later on we were driving through South Beach and I have to tell you the sites are like nowhere else in the world. And if you think that the sites of CSI Miami and even Miami Vice are all made up you are so wrong. Ok, the first show is really awful in its acting and story lines, but the backdrops are so accurate. Here is what I mean.

Where in the world do you see women running down a street in skimpy bikinis and hi-heels?  You got it, Miami Beach. And what gets me is I have no idea where they are going. It is not like they have towels and you can go, “oh they must be going to the beach.” Nope, no towels. Just a tiny little purse and they are not even running in the direction of a beach, just hotel to hotel. Gotta love it.

Ok, so back to the tennis. Andy Roddick averted near disaster. After losing in the second (really his first match) round in the Masters event in Indian Wells last week he nearly repeated that fiasco in Miami this week. Up against Viktor Troicki of Serbia, Roddick dropped the first set, 7-5, but came back to win the match 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. And lucky for Roddick his side of the draw is opening up a little bit with looses by two seeds, Ivo Karlovic and Juan Ignacio Chela.

Well Sunday should offer some real tests for players that are trying to make a comeback and others that are in the midst of one.  Lindsay Davenport will take on Ana Ivanovic, Juan Carlos Ferrero takes on Tomas Berdych and Carlos Moya is pitted against Paul-Henri Mathieu. And then again we have a player that is retired in the draw, or I guess was supposed to retire. I really am not sure but Fabrice Santoro, known as the magician, will take on James Blake. I hate to say it but this is a dangerous match for Blake and he better be careful. Santoro, who should be known as Mr. Slice and Dice, can do exactly that to anyone on the tour and players are always mindful of that on the tour.

March 29 - Miami, One of a Kind

I always love coming to Miami since it is where I grew up. It brings back so many great memories of the great times I had back in the 70’s. Miami was a fantastic place to grow up and I believe the 70’s was one of the greatest decades to grow up if you were a kid. Let me explain.

First: tennis was abundant. Parks built courts everywhere. Whether you had money or not (we were the have nots) you could play on pristine hard courts. The competition was great. We had some of the best juniors in America. I had the pleasure of playing with some of them and then again I had the displeasure of being dismantled by some of them.

And as for the rest of the sports, you got to play them all. There were seasons for each sport and you did not have to think about specializing in any one. Today, if kids want to consider being an athlete they have to specialize or else those that do gain a tremendous advantage.

Second: Miami was not overcrowded like it is now. The crush of cars and people is overwhelming today. In the 70’s there never seemed the same amount of traffic yet, for the most part, there are the same roads.

Fast forward to 2007. It took us 90 minutes to get to the Key. Jeez who would want to fight that? But when we got there the tennis was nearly as good as ever. While walking the grounds there was even some of the players making their way to practice courts or to some of the events.

Saw Gael Monfils practicing. Wow, what a difference a few years makes. Monfils and Querry are a perfect example of junior tennis. Monfils won three junior Grand Slam titles and today is ranked #65 in the world, while Querry, who was a relative nobody in junior tennis (just ask the USTA who ignored him) is now ranked #50. Goes to show you that you don’t have to be #1 to make it on the ATP circuit.

Then saw Svetlana Kuznetsova giving a press conference/fan event in one of the villages set up. Sveta, as she is known, is such a great example for the other players. This gal shows up wherever she is asked and I am sure does not ask for a check each time. I have seen her at numerous press conferences and fan events giving her all (while some of the other players, are you listening Williams’ sisters, only do it when there is something in it for them).

Just after that Anna Kournikova was making her way to the official car tent of the tournament.  Yes, she still draws crowds and the paparazzi flock to her. And of course she is never the one to ignore them, knowing how valuable the attention is for her. I mean she does have the image to hold up of the “hottest player to never win anything.” And yes she is still as pretty as ever.

Oh and there was some tennis as well on the grounds. James Blake and Rafael Nadal moved into the third round, while Novak Djokovic will be heading home after being upset by recent college grad Kevin Anderson, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4. So that makes both of last week’s finalists homebodies after Mardy Fish was sent packing in an embarrassing loss to Arnaud Clement, 6-3, 6-3.

As for other shockers: Marat Safin, three set loser to Bobby Reynolds, Sam Querry also on his way home after a straight sets loss to Carlos Berlocq, David Nalbandian thrashed by on-again/off-again Xavier Malisse.  On the women’s side this early in the tournament there is never that many upsets to talk about. However, Michelle Larcher De Brito did take out 17th seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. Ah, isn’t it nice when your agents own the tournament and they can put you in as a wild card. Thank goodness in other sports your opponents have to earn their way in.

Today’s matches promise to be the second round at least. Whether they will be interesting is yet to be seen. However, the match of the day will be Mario Ancic against Andy Murray.  Ancic, another IMG wildcard, has been recovering from something, I think it is Mono, but hey you have to keep a scorecard for why this guy is either playing or not, will take on Britain’s number one. Murray who is sure to have brilliant moments in any tournament, will need to be loaded with them here. Ancic is a very dangerous player and one you don’t want to have to play against him in the early rounds.

Well its back to the grind, maybe I will head to the beach for a little while, before I make my way out to the matches. Hope to see you there.