Masters Cup Shanghai 2005

[blue]

This MC is a bit of a joke, because many of the bests are not there. The season is just too long
But I´m sure the enthusiastic audience in Shanghai will make the best of it

[lau]

From MTF

sina.com.cn
8.11.2005

A Sneak Peek At The Masters Cup’s Suite: Nadal Reserved 10 Rooms No Special Privileges For Federer
Journalist: Pan Lijuan

Players’ Names Imprinted On Towels & Pillowcases

During Shanghai Masters Cup 2002, Agassi was the only player staying in a Presidential suite in Hilton Hotel; a month ago, Federer came to Shanghai for the Masters Cup promotional events, he too stayed in Hilton Hotel’s Presidential suite. However during the tournament, the 8 singles players will all receive the same treatment, they will all be staying in the VIP suites ie. the Executive Panorama.

The 5-star Shanghai Hilton Hotel’s room rates per day are RMB$2,000 for the normal rooms up to nearly RMB$20,000 for the Presidential suites. According to ATP’s arrangements, the 8 singles players will be staying in the VIP suites, costing RMB$6,440 per night.　

I got a sneak peek at Agassi’s room before his arrival yesterday afternoon.　　

The suite’s area’s more than 70 square metres, the single room’s about 40 square metres, as it is a panorama room, it looks bright and bigger when the afternoon’s sunrays shone in. According to the staff’s introduction, the VIP’s suite room’s biggest distinctiveness is the trendy factor, “This is the trendiest room type in the hotel. The interior decoration’s much more modern compared to the other suites, it also comes with the latest technology, eg. there will be a remote control system at every bed’s headrest, you can control the all suite’s facilities just by lying on the bed.”

Inside the suite, the hotel’s unique touch can be seen everywhere; from the players’ names embroidery on their bathrobes, pillowcases and towels to the exquisite chocolate desserts delivered everyday. However, the hotel spokesperson also expressed that they did not made any special efforts this time because "the players are very easy-going, unlike the movie stars or singers they hosted before, they did not have any special or stringent reception requests,” the hotel’s operations manager said.


10 Rooms Await Nadal’s Entourage　　 (10!! LOL)

The 8 singles players, a last minute qualifier and Safin, whom won’t be participating in the tournament, will be staying in the 10 VIP suites. With regard to the less-known doubles players, they will be staying in the Panorama suites.　　

The Panorama suites’ rates are about RMB$5,930 per night, the room’s facilities are similar to the ones in the VIP suites. Everyone will have their own personalised towels and pillowcases. Safin whom has to withdraw due to his injury has already made his room reservation for a week, the hotel not only let him stay in the VIP suite but also provided him with the same necessities as the singles players ie. personalized pillowcases and towels etc. Safin will only be participating in the promotional events.　

Each player will be bringing along his own entourage; accordingly the coaches will be staying in rooms nearby to the players’ VIP suites, with regard to the other staff and players’ entourage, the hotel will try their best to arrange for them to stay on the same floor. However the arrangement for Nadal’s huge entourage will be a tricky issue. “Nadal will be confirmed staying in a single room because he’s unattached.” The hotel’s operations manager added, “However, his entourage which has been confirmed to be a group of 15 will be coming down; including his parents, relatives and friends, we will need to provide them with at least 10 rooms.” (LMAO!!)

In comparison, Federer whom has arrived earlier has been pretty low-key. His mother, sister, coach and trainer etc up to about a group of 10 will be arriving separately over the next few days. Now, he only has his girlfriend/manager by his side, so he’s not easily spotted when going in and out of the hotel. “Mr Federer’s been feeling pretty relaxed staying here, he and his girlfriend went shopping at Prada last night,” the hotel operations manager smiled. 　

Players’ Favourites: Bananas and Dim Sum

Beside all the players, ATP officials, “Players & Home Of Tennis” staff and the sponsors will be staying at Hilton Hotel. The hotel will also be responsible for the food and beverages for all the players and VIPs at the Qi Zhong Tennis Stadium during the tournament. The hotel operations manager said, “This require us to provide high quality food and beverages for about 2,000 people everyday.” So the hotel arranged a group of 500 chefs, among them, 200 chefs are specially recruited for this tournament which includes the chefs from other Hilton branches, eg. Beijing, Chongqing etc, there’s also trainee chefs from other hotel schools in Shanghai.　　

The first meal Federer had upon his arrival was to have lunch with his girlfriend in the suite. Spring rolls, Italian spaghetti, and the hotel’s specialty: yoghurt cake, a very simple combination of the East and West. 　　

Compared to exquisite food provided for the VIPs, the players’ food and beverages are very simple. Even though the hotel’s chefs comprises of chefs from 6 different countries etc, the chefs need not prepare French or Japanese food, the only dietary requirements are high in protein and nutrition. “If they have any special requests, the only special request would be after every meal, there must be a supply of bananas; a big basket of bananas,” the hotel operations manager revealed. “As at todate, 200 chefs have already set up a temporary kitchen at the tennis centre, 300 chefs will remain at Hilton Hotel. The workload will be massive too. We have estimated the required ingredients during the tournament to be between 25,000kg to 30,000kg.” 　
　
The first 3 days’ menu for the players have been released, beside breakfast, every meal will consist of 10 appetizers, 3 to 4 types of spaghetti, 3 types of roasted meat, grilled fish, 3 Chinese dishes, 3 Western dishes, 8 choices of desserts and a large quantity of salad and fresh fruits. 　　

“Professional players’ food and beverages are very healthy, heavy sauces are normally not required for roasted meat. In consideration of their bland taste, we will provide a blander version of the Cantonese-style and Shanghai dim sum.”　　

Glutinous rice cakes, prawn dumplings, fresh pork wontons, Xiao-long baos and dumplings, these common dim-sum to us are all popular Chinese food with the players, thus they are a must-have on the buffet table.　　

It is a challenge to ensure food hygiene due to the enormous ingredients required. There has been a recent outspread of bird flu in Asia and China, will the players refrain from eating poultry?

“Not to worry.” The hotel operations manager expressed that the hotel will ensure fresh ingredients to be delivered everyday, and it’s from the suppliers approved by the authorities, plus the hotel have specially engaged a health doctor; 3 forms of guarantees, the players can set their minds at ease and enjoy their meals.　　

Border: 24 hours Inspection Gantry

From Sunday onwards, there will be an extra inspection gantry in front of Hilton hotel’s main entrance, this means that everyone coming in and out of the hotel – the players are already staying in the hotel, stringent safety measures will be taken.

“From the moment the players checked in, we will assign at least 1 security guard to be on duty around the clock on every floor they are staying.” In addition, the players’ private restroom inside the stadium will also have security guards on duty all day. The players’ dining area in the hotel will not be opened to the public, this stringent security measures are taken to ensure that the players’ private time will be uninterrupted, “so if the fans are thinking of trying their luck outside the stadium, sorry, they too will not have any chances.”　　　　

During the tournament, the hotel will be in full co-operation with the police, there will be a number of plainclothes policemen stationed nearby. “If the players encountered zealous fans while returning or leaving the hotel, the plainclothes policemen will help out to escort the players away, especially when they are going to the stadium, so that there will not be any delays for their matches and training.”

Sitting Next To Safin In The Bar (please Marat, don´t talk about beer in any other interview!! LOL)

The tournament’s about to start, the hotel’s atmosphere is relaxed on the outside but uptight inside. There will definitely be a big group of journalists and fans, the hotel has a strategy – rather than being stiff, why not smile and welcome them.　　

Since year 2001, Shanghai’s Hilton hotel has always been the selected hotel accommodation for all ATP and WTA tournaments in Shanghai, including the year 2002 Masters Cup, Heineken Open and Polo Open, the hotel operations manager jokingly said, “We are already prepared for the large number of media and fans.”　　

When you stepped into the basement lobby, what welcomes you is a “Heineken Bar” with a bright blue and green theme. The striking colors signify the close link between here and tennis. The place is not big, a round-shaped bar counter, 4 to 5 tables, what grabs your attention instead is the big sign behind the bar counter, which list out the mug shots of the players and database, maybe even the players will drop by for a drink. 　　

“Heineken Bar” was set up as a “resting place” for the media and tennis fans, so grab a seat and have a drink, maybe you might be sitting next to beer-lover Safin. (hahaha)

[Annie]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA grrreat one lau!!!!!!!!!!! thanks ;D

I read this big article about Nadal yesterday and aparently it said that if he makes it to the final, his whole family will come to Shanghai...and they're about 30 people LOL

Re: Marat AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice treatment though ;D Glad they treat him just like all the players

[SAFINNO1]

What a flippin funny article.
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

As for marat what treatment he is getting.
Looks like nalbandian will be coming for the trtip as the 9th player.

Hewitt withdraws from Masters Cup

has withdrawn from this weekend's Masters Cup in Shanghai as he awaits the birth of his first child.
And world number three Andy Roddick has cast doubt over his participation in the season-ending tournament because of back and shoulder injuries.

Hewitt will be replaced by Argentina's Gaston Gaudio, ranked ninth overall.

"With my baby due in the next two weeks, it is not possible for me to come," said Hewitt.

"I wish the event well and am sure it will be a great success and I hope to qualify for next year."

Hewitt has also been nursing a toe injury.

Marat Safin announced last week he will not play because of injury, while Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi all have injury worries too.

But Roger Federer has already confirmed he will be fit to defend his title after recovering from an ankle injury.

Roddick was first hurt on Saturday, when he was upset by Ivan Ljubicic in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters.

"I'm very sore right now. I feel my status is about so-so," the third-ranked Roddick said after playing in a charity event in Pennsylvania.

"My concern is not to play if I'm hurt," Roddick said. "I'm not going to go try to limp through the year on something that's not feeling great.

"It's really tough to beat the world's best when you're not feeling your best."

Agassi has been inactive since losing the US Open final to Federer, and a suspect back means it remains uncertain whether he will play.

[mara]

hahhah...thanks for the articles...

[lau]

admin said:

Arrival of Da King LOL

OK..., I know this is silly..., but I LOVE how he is dressed
He looks elegant, cool, and.....mmm...kinda..... (I never though I would say this of Roger)..... sexy? (naaah, not really... Marat with shorter hair and dressed like that would look HOT )

[Annie]

Lau I found this photo of Rog on his official site and I cannot believe I am saying this but I ACTUALLY THOUGHT he looked really sexy...did I just say that out loud? OMG!!!! lol Lau I will send it to you

[lau]

According to (at least) chilean and argentinean press, Roddick´s out and Nalbandian´s in.
So, Coria, Gaudio and Nalbandian are playing and Puerta is the first alternative player...

EDIT: The source of the news is DPA news agency

[Annie]

lau said:

According to (at least) chilean and argentinean press, Roddick´s out and Nalbandian´s in.
So, Coria, Gaudio and Nalbandian are playing and Puerta is the first alternative player...

EDIT: The source of the news is DPA news agency

OK...WTF is this? An Argentinean Cup final? ROTFL

[Annie]

It's official

from www.masters-cup.com

Nalbandian Replaces Roddick in Shanghai Field

Andy Roddick reached the
Masters Cup SFs in 2003-04.A lower back injury has sidelined World No. 3 Andy Roddick, forcing him to withdraw from Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai. Roddick sustained the injury on Friday during his quarterfinal match versus David Ferrer at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.

The 23-year-old American was to make his third consecutive appearance at the $4.45 million circuit finale, which begins this Sunday at the new Qi Zhong Stadium. Roddick owns a 5-3 record in the event and reached the semifinals of Tennis Masters Cup Houston in both 2003-04.

"Though I have tried to continue with practice, the lower back spasms continue,” said Roddick. “After being evaluated by medical staff upon my return to the United States, it is now clear that I am not able to resume tennis-activities for 10-14 days.

“I apologize to the loyal fans and sponsors that have expected my participation in Tennis Masters Cup. It is an honor for me to have qualified for this event for the third-straight year. I realize the tremendous amount of time and effort the ATP and the Chinese government have spent on the event, and know it will be a huge success. I look forward to getting healthy, starting my off-season workouts for the 2006 season, and working towards qualifying for Shanghai next year.”

Roddick’s injury translated into David Nalbandian’s good fortune. The Argentine, who had a strong circuit finish that included back-to-back semifinal appearances in Masters Series Madrid and Basel, was elevated from his alternate status to a berth in the elite eight-man field. The Argentine titled in Munich this year, and was one of three players along with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt to reach the quarterfinals or better in three Grand Slam tournaments.

Nalbandian played in the 2003 Masters Cup, and is the third Argentine to qualify for this year’s finale, joining countrymen Guillermo Coria and Gaston Gaudio. The other contenders set to take the stage in Shanghai include World No. 1 Federer, Spanish teen sensation Rafael Nadal, 12-time circuit finale competitor Andre Agassi, and first-time qualifiers Nikolay Davydenko and Ivan Ljubicic.

Tennis Masters Cup Doubles will be played concurrent with the singles final in Shanghai. Teams competing are Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan and Jonas Bjorkman/Max Mirnyi – who are locked in a battle for year-end No. 1 honors - Wayne Black/Kevin Ullyett, Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor, Leander Paes/Nenad Zimonjic, Michael Llodra/Fabrice Santoro, Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley and Wimbledon champions Wesley Moodie and Stephen Huss.

[Annie]

Nadalmania Hits Shanghai

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal has landed in Shanghai to prepare for his assault on the Tennis Masters Cup. Nadal has won 11 titles - including four ATP Masters Series shields - in a stunning 2005 season.

[Annie]

TMC Groups ;D

Red Group

Roger Federer
Guillermo Coria
Ivan Ljubicic
David Nalbandian

Gold Group:

Rafael Nadal
Andre Agassi
Nikolay Davydenko
Gaston Gaudio

[Annie]

Damn, Kolya and Coria are not in the same group I thought Kolya would beat Coria..now he'll just have to beat Gaudio LOL

[annie]

Hahahaha...Our Marat is such a VIP, isn't he? and he's not even playing....

[SAFINNO1]

Koyla should beat Gaudio, has a chance against Aggasi, Nadal no chance.

No offence to players taking part but i doubt i am gonna be keen to watch TMC, Nadal and Roger wont lose a set until SF or F and frankly i am just waiting for a Nadal v Federer final.

The ATP really should look at their schedule and Marat should listen to his doctor.