Roland Garros 2005 (2nd thread)

[lau]

OK, I did the translation. I`m really sorry if it`s not a good one... I`m sure that Marat spoke in english in this press conference , so remember that this was first said in english, then translated to spanish and back to english.... My nightmare is that an english article will appear (or the whole interview) and you`ll realise how bad is my translation. ;D ;D ;D ;D
I translated just what he said, because some of the articles were too long (and some journalists too bad with him, hahaha), but I checked with all the articles to see if what it appeared as Marat`s words (in the spanish articles) were the same.

Federer
Richard Gasquet? Roger Federer? “It`s difficult, but, in my opinión, Federer is the best player of all times. With all my respect to Sampras, he had his weaknesses. Federer is more talented and has more positive aspects than the rest of the tour´s players added. And I`m not so sure that he needs a coach. I need it.”

Nadal
“Winning against him will be tough for anyone. He`s improving a lot and fights for every ball without stop running”

About himself
“I think that when I play bad, I play really bad.”<br>“¿If I am a perfectionist? Probably, in some sense. Clay is not my best surface, but with a good draw y have a chance to win in Roland Garros”

The favourites
“Spaniards and Argentines ares the favourites to win Roland Garros”

About Agassi, his age and playing tennisAnd he`ll play with or against Stefi today!!!, hahaha!!! ;D
"I`ve been playing tennis for 7 years now and I`m definitively not going to be 20 years playing tennis like Agassi. There are more important things in life."

Doping in tennis and “Tour de France” OMG!! This boy loves troubles, hahaha. He said that in Paris, France!!!! ;D ;D ;D
“Can you make 200 kilometres daily with that rhythm and during 21 days? What they do is unbelievable.”<br>“Of course I have to take vitamins, because if I don`t do it, at the end of the season I`m dead.”<br>“Everyone knows that the doping issue is pure politics. They could have destroyed Stefan Koubek`s career”

Calendar
“Rafter, Mantilla, Ivanisevic, Agassi, Ferrero, Coria, Hass.... How many people got injured during the last years? We play too much, 11 months a year with only 1 month to rest. My ideal calendar would be 3 months without tournaments, dedicating one month and a half to preparation (or training…)”<br>“There`s no chance of being “hungry” for the victory! That`s the reason why many leave tennis”<br>“You reach Roland Garros with so many tournaments played, and it`s difficult to obtein that extra motivation necessary for playing five sets matches”

Calendar II (and small tournaments)Please, Marat!!! Let me have the Buenos Aires Open, even if you`re right.... You`re not coming next year, don`t you?? ;D ;D
As Martina Navratilova, Safin considers that the money earning in many tournaments is ridiculous and proposes to erase of the map the smaller ones (I don´t know if this is the expression)
“This year the Scottsdale`s champion earned 40.000 U.S. dollars, and in the golf tournament that is played the same week, 400.000! It`s ridiculous! I`m sorry, but this kind of tournaments can`t exist.”

ATP`s CEO
When he was asked about being ATP´s CEO (they are looking for one) he replied with a smile: ATP`s CEO? No, I have better things to do


You may agree or disagree, but you must admit that this is 100% Marat!!

[lau]

From official site:
www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/2005-05-22/200505221116746514758.html

Lundgren: ''Roland Garros is Marat’s favourite tournament''
By Georges Homsi
Sunday, May 22, 2005


Despite a disappointing clay court season so far, Marat Safin's coach Peter Lundgren insists his man is more motivated than ever coming into Roland Garros.


How have the preparations been going?
Peter Lundgren: Very well. We've been in Paris since Monday and Marat's game has been getting better every day. He's becoming more and more aggressive, and stepping into the court more. He appears ready for a big fortnight. I think his first two matches will be important because they are often the hardest for him.

Do you feel he's better prepared than last year, when he lacked a little patience?
Last year it was different. First off we didn't really know each other that well and were still in a test period. Since then, we've got used to working together. Last year he was a bit impatient, that's true, but he also had terrible trouble with blisters on his hand which prevented him from performing to the best of his ability. In the first week, he was involved in some very long matches that took a lot out of him. The first two matches will be crucial and if he gets through them I'll be confident. He then stands a good chance of facing Juan-Carlos Ferrero who has beaten him twice recently. If Marat plays a bit better, and I know he can, he should get the better of him.

Marat recently said that Roland Garros is his main objective now. He has won the US Open and in Melbourne, and he doesn't really believe he can win Wimbledon…
That's true. Roland Garros is his favourite tournament. The conditions here suit him very well because the surfaces are faster than the other clay tournaments and he likes that. The quality of the courts is far superior to the other events and that helps him to settle. He likes clay, but he needs the courts to be in great condition. Here, more than at Hamburg, Rome or Barcelona, he will be able to play freely.

Since winning the Australian Open, he has found it hard to get on a winning streak.
Yes he was a bit tired, worn out in fact, and found it hard to focus. But since Rome, I feel his attitude has changed, and that he's ready to put his mind to playing to his full potential. We'll see…<br>
Translation: David Tutton (Sportstranslations)

[lau]

It seems to be a nice day on court today ..... ;D ;D (Benney Berthet Day in RG)

Former tennis ace Germany's Steffi Graf, left, jokes with Russia's Marat Safin during a charity match at the Roland Garros stadium, Sunday May 22, 2005 in Paris, on the eve of the French Open tennis tournament. The doubles match was played by Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne, Russia's Marat Safin ,Germany's Steffi Graf and French Gilles Simon

[lau]

The draw came out. Marat`s NOT playing tomorrow (Dinara will play third in court 1 against Virginie Razzano of France)


Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne (R) grabs the hand of Russia's Marat Safin after an exhibition match at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, May 22, 2005. The French Open tennis tournament will start on May 23, 2005. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

high resolution link: www.gotennis.com/Photos/2005-05-22T135859Z_01_ROL108D_RTRIDSP_3_SPORT-TENNIS.jpg

[lau]

Training (yesterday or today...)


Paris, France: Russian Marat Safin greets the crowd as he prepares for his friendly double tennis match with French Gilles Simon against German Steffi Graf and Belgium Justine Henin-Hardenne, on the eve of the French Open at Roland Garros, 22 May 2005 in Paris.

[shacks]

hey guys,
just to let you know that marat did a short interview for lequipe tv today. It was very fast so these are not his exact words (sorry).
Basically he said that he really had great hopes for this year, that RG is a tournament he has been willing to win since he is 18. That he has never been able to reach the final for many various reasons, but with a little bit of luck, he might make it happen this year.
Nothing new, but very positive, which is already something.

[alysha]

thanks guyss
springtime in paris.... im soooo excited

[Teresa]

My nightmare is that an english article will appear (or the whole interview) and you`ll realise how bad is my translation.

LOL lau, it was great thank you, much appreciated
Thanks for taking the time to translate for us and post

And yes.........its Marat

My ideal calendar would be 3 months without tournaments, dedicating one month and a half to preparation (or training…)”

LOL Marat..........3 months!!

"I`ve been playing tennis for 7 years now and I`m definitively not going to be 20 years playing tennis like Agassi. There are more important things in life."

I agree habibi I agree.

Nothing new, but very positive, which is already something.

Posted by: alysha

Thanks alysha, thats is already something and good enough for me

Lau............

Loved the pics with Steffi and Justine, Marat looks relaxed and happy. Those ppl who went there today really got a treat. Marat is really a good sport eh, always so accomodating and gives the crowd a great time.

AND........... I LOVE the hair ;D

[Teresa]

On the eve of Roland Garros I would like to post
our message of support to Marat, and wish him every success over the next two weeks, may his Roland Garros dream be realised Davai Marat


Dear Marat,

When you said,

"You have to be happy with who you are. You cannot change. You can pretend that you can change, but you can't. Nobody's changing and nobody can change you no matter how much you try, no matter how much time you, you know ?? like how much time you put in this. Just you have to live with that. "


Your fans at The Guy From Russia fan site want you to know that we do not want you to change, and that we can live with this.

Sabemos que estáis dando todo de tí para prepararte para RG.

Marat, estamos contigo en cada uno de los torneos.
Estuviste tan cerca de darte por vencido, no lo has hecho, y nosotros no lo haremos.

Whether you are winning or losing.... you are a genuine human being whom we admire and support.

Watching you is worse than a roller coaster ride.....much worse. But that's what makes us admire you even more, tennis is not tennis when you watch it indifferently.

Tenemos fe en ti y siempre te vamos a apoyar y querer, seas como seas y pase lo que pase.

We know you are having a difficult time right now, but we want you to believe in yourself as we believe in you, you are not letting us down. Most of all we want you to be happy.

Tú nos haces felices, a veces nos ponemos tristes, pero siempre nos preocupamos cuando tu no eres feliz..

Sólo deseamos lo mejor para ti.

We love to watch you play with your entertaining style. We wish you the best for the rest of the season.

No matter what.....nadezhda umiraet posledney (hope dies last)





May this beautiful message of support to Marat give him encouragement, comfort, and luck.

May it also renew our faith in that genuine human being Marat Safin whom we admire and support.


Marat Safin I give you my unconditional support

[Kristin]

Hey, all...curious for a live report? (Apologies ahead of time for the length)

Sometimes I just love my life and today was one of those days where being alive is just so much fun.

I arrived at Roland Garros a little after noon and thanks to Vee (really, I send you my many, many thanks), I learned where he was practicing. Ok, I am going to start with one of the more irrelevant details, but one that IS a subject of conversation of late (my justification for not feeling like too much of a girl)...the curls. In person, they are so adorable. I just wanted to reach out and grab one (yes, I was that close to him at one point...sigh). Now returning to the mature tennis fan that I am...

I missed the first part of the practice so I don't know how that went. Maybe Vee can fill you in. She left shortly after I arrived, so I'll give you the second half update. He seemed to be becoming increasingly frustrated with his serve. There were a couple of racquet bounces, no smashes. It was a bit worrisome when for the last five minutes he kept muttering to himself in what seemed to be self-admonishment. After the practice he was smiling a bit so maybe it was just typical Marat-style practice. I've never attended one of his practices before. Peter didn't say much. There were two men on the court sitting on a side bench who were with him, but I didn't recognize either of their backs. The one just sat and read from a Russian newspaper most of the time. I was trying to figure out which paper because I was curious, but I couldn't see that far.

Now for the fun part - the exhibition...

Marat has been/is/will always be my favorite tennis player. Yes, I love his court antics and the beauty of his game (when he is on), but most of all I am a fan of his because of who he is. On one hand it sounds strange to say that about someone I've never met in person, but obviously through all of his interviews and quotes, I've learned of his wisdom and unique perspective on life. I gained a lot of respect for him after he won Bercy. Most tennis players when they win tournaments are jubilant (and deservingly so) but you feel as if you are just watching their own private celebration. When Marat won Bercy, while the smile on his face relayed his happiness, the overwhelming feeling you felt as a fan was his gratefulness to you for being there and supporting him. Besides thanking us A MILLION times, he kept putting his hand on his heart and bowing and waving to us.

Even though I've realized what a special person he is, I never until today truly realized the extent to which he is one of those rare beings in life who when they enter a room, they just command everyone's attention/respect/awe. It was so palpable when he stepped onto the court today. Now the details...

First, they introduced Justine. Then they introduced Steffi. The crowd went wild when she came out onto the court. Marat was the third introduction and again the crowd went mad. They really love him (it would be interesting to see how they reacted to a Safin/Santoro match). Gilles, even though he is French, received much less applause than Marat. Marat was really cute when he came on to the court, he did this little strut, which I couldn't begin to describe.

They started off playing Marat/Steffi vs Gilles/Justine. Then they switched halfway through to Marat/Gilles vs Steffi/Justine. Marat, of course, was hilarious. Unfortunately, from where I was siting I couldn't hear most of what he said, but the stadium burst out into laughter at most of it. The audience, the umpire, the linesmen, the other players were amused by him. I just felt so much joy that he could change the atmosphere like that. This match proceeded Roddick and I-why-can't-I remember-his-opponent (some French dude). That match was - yawn. Before that was Santoro/Nadel - somewhat interesting, but boring nonetheless. And Marat...

Like I said I didn't hear most of what he said, but the few things I heard were "the racquet is too small" when he missed a volley. He said something almost before every serve like "do I do this now?" "Should I stand here?" When Justine/Steffi first served, he instructed Gilles that they should both stand way behind the baseline. I really wish I could tell you guys more, but I didn't hear (even though I still laughed).

They had an interview with him at the end and the last question was "Thank you for coming. How do you feel?" He responded with thank you for having me, thank you for supporting me. He said he hoped the weather was good for two weeks (oh, that reminds me - it was a bit windy today), and then he asked the crowd to support all the players, no matter their nationality, whether they are French or Spanish or Italians or even those Russians. It was funny the way he said the Russian part.

Well, that is it. Sorry this is so long and for throwing in so many personal commentaries. I don't know if I am going to go and see anymore of the open, which will be really annoying if I don't. I've watched it every year on TV from the States and now that I live in Paris, I can't watch because I don't have tickets or a even a TV. If I manage to go, I'll let you all know.

Good luck, Marat!

[lau]

Kristin rocks!! , hahaha. Thank you very much Kristin (and Vee )!!! It`s really nice knowing what happened there!!! I`m happy for you, lucky girl
Do you know what the score was in the exhibition match (I know it`s not really important, just curious)??
And about the personal comments, .... they are great!!. They let us catch the spirit, the atmosphere of the moment, so, you don`t have to excuse yourself ;D.
Thanks, one more time .

[Kristin]

When it was Steffi/Marat, I believe they were winning. Once they switched to Steffi/Justine vs Marat/Gilles, they switched off the scoreboard. Marat/Gilles definitely won most of the points, but they weren't scoring the match anymore. I'm glad you enjoyed my ramblings!

[Teresa]

lau said:

Kristin rocks!! , hahaha.

(and Vee )!!!

*ditto* like a hundred times


Great report, loved it!! read it twice ;D and as lau correctly saidl, all your personal comments gave that extra, made one feel like they were actually there themselves.

I liked, I really liked the bit about the curls....... ;D

If i were to go thru and say how many of your comments etc that I really liked, I would pretty much be repeating your whole report, but one really touching comment

Even though I've realized what a special person he is, I never until today truly realized the extent to which he is one of those rare beings in life who when they enter a room, they just command everyone's attention/respect/awe. It was so palpable when he stepped onto the court today.

Is sooooo true

Thank you again

I do so hope you get to go another day, and sorry to hear about no tv, but at least you can follow on the computer, and hopefully those of us that get live matches will be able to give you details.

[tall_one]

Teresa said:

Now, now.......no need to make us feel jealous

yes there is lol besides being this tall sucks, need something to make it sound good lmao

[lau]

About today`s exhibition ;D

Posted by ***Daniela86*** from MTF in this forum: www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=37921&page=7&pp=15

I was in the crowd for that match and it was simply especially thanks to Marat who did a great show He was laughing all time and made some exchanges especially with Hénin Hardenne.For example,once, he served at more than 200km/h on Juju and the crowd booed him so he went to hold Juju's hand and apologized On the next point, Juju smashed on him and everybody was clapping,then Marat pretended that he was mad and everybody laughed It's really worth seeing
Btw, Steffi was really applauded a lot,it's obvious that the french crowd really love her

And another video of Marat (speaking and prectising..., you can watch Federer, Agassi, Sharapova and Henin-Hardenne, too) Click on "RG: Big guns practice"
www.eurosport.com/home/pages/v4/l0/s57/playermultimedia_lng0_rub9_spo57_ven20239.shtml