Novak Djokovic arrived in Bercy dressed as Darth Vader ahead of this week London’s Masters. Meanwhile, Roger Federer sent some love to Kakà and Maria Sharapova relaxed in the Indian Ocean.
A record year
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Novak Djokovic arrived in Bercy dressed as Darth Vader ahead of this week London’s Masters. Meanwhile, Roger Federer sent some love to Kakà and Maria Sharapova relaxed in the Indian Ocean.
A record year
No matter that the end of her season was spoiled by defeats and injuries, Maria had a good year. At Istanbul, in beating Azenka in the semi-finals, she won her 60th match of the 2012 season (for only 11 defeats ), beating her previous record of 59 victories established in 2006. Impressive.Target: Wimbledon
Before going on holidays, the Russian talked of her goals for 2013: “Wimbledon will be my number one priority next season” said Maria, winner of Roland Garros this year, the last Grand Slam missing from her collection. Last June, Sharapova left the British lawn in the last sixteen, defeated by the German Sabine Lisicki. “This year it was a bit different because of the Olympics. But if you ask what my main target for 2012 is, it’s undoubtedly Wimbledon.” Careful now...Nasty end of year
In Istanbul, Maria took a spanking in the final against Serena Williams. Not wanting to end the year on defeat, the Russian directly went to Prague for an exhibition game against Petra Kvitova. Completely out of luck, she injured her ankle on a lateral move. Hey, happy holidays!
Holidays in Indonesia
With her ankle back on track after her Prague sideshow, Maria went to Indonesia to chill out, in Java more exactly. She posted a picture of herself watching the sunrise on her Facebook. So romantic…Maria doesn’t like to share
The organizers of the Australian Open announced a 4 million dollar increase to the prize fund of the 2013 edition, with the players battling it out for a share of a 30 million dollar pot and making it the richest tournament on tour. Roger Federer, as President of the ATP Players Council, said he was happy about it, but Maria Sharapova, for her part, isn’t so keen. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to raise the prize for a defeat in the first round,” said the Russian, interviewed by the Times in Istanbul where she was playing the Women’s Masters. “I think the prize money you get after passing more rounds is fair, but for the first ones, I’m not convinced.” Always looking out for those less fortunate... Meanwhile, in the rest of the world…The Bubka son fell from high up
Sergueï Bubka was the greatest pole-vaulter of all time. His son is 186th in the ATP rankings. On Thursday, Sergei Junior fell from the 4th floor of a Parisian building, falling through a light well before ending in the elevator shaft. How? Apparently the pole-vaulter’s son was in a friend’s flat after a night out. After locking himself in the bathroom he tried to make it to the living room passing through the window. At 25 years, the player’s body is completely broken, having suffered severe injuries, although he is at least of the critical list. Life is fragile.Novak Skywalker
To make a nice entry at the BNP Paribas Masters, Novak Djokovic arrived on court with a Darth Vader mask last Wednesday. Funny and topical since George Lucas sold Lucas Film to Disney this week. But the Force wasn’t with Djokovic in Paris, unless he was already looking to the Masters tournament, as he was beaten by Sam Querrey (0-6, 7-6 6-4).
Federer almost emasculated
In the final of his Basel tournament, Roger Federer was a whisker away from taking a 120 mph Juan Martin Del Potro serve right where it doesn’t feel too good… Yes, you know, down there, right under the belt. The proof with this gif.The love letter: Roger and his big heart
Rumours say that Roger isn’t very nice after a defeat. At Basel, at his home, Roger lost. It’s fine. At the end of the tournament, the Swiss player decided to offer a treat to all the ball-boys and ball-girls of the tournament with a message full of love on Twitter: “Tough loss at home yesterday but I always enjoy the post match Pizza party with my fellow Basel ballboys + ballgirls!” Safe Roger.
The quote
“They’re called Maggy and Rusty. Tribute to Rusty Lleyton Hewitt was one of my favourite players, and then Rusty because my dog redhead.” Andy Murray is quite funny when he’s talking about his dogs and the origin of their names. Not sure that the Australian former world number one appreciated it though…The philanthropic Williams
Not satisfied with winning all the available trophies at the end of the season, Serena Williams took advantage of her fame to raise awareness for a few good causes. That’s how she and her sister Venus decided to campaign for the Women’s rights in Africa. Especially in Nigeria where they are to participate in a conference about puberty before engaging in an exhibition match. Afterwards, the Williams’ will be moving on to South Africa for a similar operation. Ambassadors of the “Breaking the mould” operation, the press release of the event says that “they’re coming to Lagos to encourage the woman to break the mould of their own potential.” Case made.Roger, the fan
When Roger Federer met Kakà, the Real Madrid forward, the Swiss player didn’t hide his excitement: “We are pretty much the same size, the same age and I think have some similarities. But he is more beautiful than me” The Brazilian even dedicated a racquet to the Swiss. On another hand, the Gillette shirts – their common sponsor – are pretty strange.
The picture
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf decided to dress up for Halloween. We’re not sure in what yet, but it’s worth a guess to try and find out. Well done to the lovebirds.
By Mathieu Faure
