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Serena Opens Roland Garros Campaign
By Craig Gabriel
PARIS: There was no way Serena Williams was going to be underestimating Klara Zakopalova. The player from the Czech Republic is nowhere near being a household name but she can certainly play the game. The last time Serena played her which was not long ago, she lost to her so Serena knew this was a match that needed full concentration.
This was also a frustrating day at the French Open. The day before it had been very hot and sunny so the conditions were playing reasonably quickly but on this day the weather had taken a turn for the worse. For most of the day it was very overcast. The clouds hung low and were dark grey. Play was delayed because of heavy rain and it was chilly, with a biting, swirling wind playing havoc with returns.
Even though Serena had opportunities to close out the match in straight sets, the heavier conditions were suiting Zakopalova and she was retrieving well. The Czech forced the match to a deciding set. Serena got the early service break and lead 5-2 only to have Zakopalova rally.
Eventually, the champion at the last two Grand Slam championships and the player so many, many people believe is the real world number one, stood her ground and closed it out 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 in almost two and a half hours.
"I thought I returned I hit it hard, and she pretty much got everything back," Serena said. "Her serve was pretty slow, and I practiced a lot of slow serves, and then sometimes the wind got it, and there was just nothing I could do about it. So it was it was a little frustrating, but, you know, hopefully if I play her again I'll play better."
Serena has been bothered by an injury to her left knee in recent weeks and she played the match with a strap above the knee. She didn't hold back with her movement and still just went for everything.
"I felt good movement wise," she said. "I felt like I'm sliding well, and I was sliding out well, out wide to the backhand and obviously really good to the forehand. The strap is like it's actually a tendinitis strap for your knee, but I use it as like a tourniquet for my for the IT band."
That win has given Serena a place in the second round against the Spaniard Virginia Ruano Pascual who is known more for her doubles play and has been ranked one in the world for doubles.
Hey Serena.....I just love you. Just finished looking at you in Paris and that guy sitting with your mother. I hope he was not a friend! He looked like he wasn't even happy you won. I was like geez....can we get a little enthusiam here! He really looked like he was discusted you won. You know he looked as that lawyer looked when OJ got acquitted. Can you slap him for me?
Hey Mattie...that guy is Sacha...Serena's hitting partner. He probably was just wanting her to close out the game and dispose of the pesky opponent. Plus, Sacha hardly EVER smiles, even when she wins Grand Slams. he,he Serena, great job today. Really. Sometimes being a Champion means you have to fight for the win. They don't all end in 6-0, 6-3 wins, as you know. Sometimes it's down to the last point, and it's the champions heart that wins it for them. You demonstrated this today. So keep your head up. I know you're upset with yourself because you wanted to play better. But also know that you're ABLE to come back from ANYTHING and win ANYWAY. That's a trait that no one but you and Venus have on the Tour. So just shake this off. You won anyway. Shake it off and focus on your next round. I see you winning this. Especially with your fighting spirit. So just go out there and fight, and do your thing. And you'll be just fine. Aside from that, I'm glad to see you're playing Doubles, as you can use all the clay-court time you can get. So kick butt in Doubles and take the double-title here as well, like you did in Australia. You can do it, I know you can. And lastly, FORGET that RUDE PARISIAN CROWD!!!!!!!! Seriously! DO NOT let them ROB you of another title!!! Because that's what they want to do Serena!! They did it in 2003 when you played Henin, and they'll try to get in your head again if you let them!! DON'T LET THEM GET TO YOU!! WE LOVE YOU BACK HOME AND WE ARE SCREAMING AT THE TV, CELEBRATING YOU AND YOUR SISTER, AND WE ARE CHEERING YOU ON! Don't you ever forget that, okay? Forget those Haters. That Parisian crowd is so nasty, I wouldn't pee on them if they were on fire. Nasty folks, just nasty. So rude. They want to try and get behind the other person to throw you off your game. But nevermind them. You do You...and you'll be winning this thing and your ELEVENTH Grand Slam! So you do the damn thing. Fa' real. It's warrior time now baby. Go on 'head and get what's yours! Okay! :) Kick butt, and know that we love you and support you back home always! You may not be able to hear our cheers, but PLEASE know that we are with you in spirit! Big Hug, J.R. Williams
Hi Serena, I can understand why you were not happy with your self today being the perfectionist you are; but at least you know what to do to fix those things. Unlike when you wasn't heathy and needed rest more then anything. And I agree that Parisian crowd was rude and was trying to feed you negative energy, just ignore them and stay bright. I don't know what their problem is but I was rooting for you today and everyday. Also I was glad they stopped your doubles match because it was getting way to dark to see. Just be your self Serena. I'm so glad your feeling back on the court again.
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Serena you're just going to keep getting better with every match you play. We are all supporting you from Tx! You rock!
serena just brush is off and look a head i mean she did test u but u allow her to cause the match was n your hands the whole time but lets go for the next person and keep your head up and don't give up and yes u do have supporters luv u so much
Miss Serena I am so proud of you for today s performance, you went over every adversity to win... A great champ is one that win in his worst day ..wheather ,wind, adverse crowd, first round against a nothing to lose very good player. But the most important thing was that you never lost your talent, your extraoirdinary classy tennis, your imponent strokes, and that is why why I always will consider you the best women on and off the court...your big fan from venezuela. I know what is like to play that sport I have been on a court for about 30n years now. ) Venezuela.
Serena, I'm so proud of you. I'm so happy.........you won today! You showed everyone that even when the chips are down, you've got the mental toughness to get you through. I never thought for once you would lose the match, because I've come to believe that your mental toughness is just as lethal as your serve. Keep your head up, and don't pay any attention to the crowd or the media. Keep the faith and press on!
Love you, your brilliance, your passion, your strength, your mentality, your heart, your skill, your talent, your love for the game, your generousity, your taste and fashion sense,........... Tennis is you Fashion is you Beauty is you Acting? Well....... Nuke them all in Paris!!!!!!!!!! Cheers from Scotland, T.J
I wish to reconcile
Hi Serena! I hope this tough 3-setter gives you the strength to grind out your next matches. Along with your doubled with Venus, it should help you re-adjust to the red clay. Take it one point at a time, one game at a time, one set at a time, one match at a time. I know you can do it. I've been praying hard for you and Venus, even going so far as to offer my physical discomfort while doing my own exercises for your physical strength. I believe in the power of prayer and positive thinking. GO SERENA!
Go Ree!! u r the real N#1
Hi Serena, First, I wish you a good health beside this I am so proud of you, you won today I have no any word to describe my feeling simple your amazing girl. You show the world how you are mental tough and strong also, keep you word you are the best player of all time Aster you fun Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
Well done girl. I was on the edge of my seat all the while you played. Well played and very real. All the best in your next march.
Serena its with tears i am writing you this world from west africa Senegal first of all i want to tell you that there is no one like you you represent the pure black beauty the pure black character in the way you are playing and winning !!! i am myself i find myself in you the way you concentrate in the court everytime the way you are giving us Joy you cant imagine ! you visited our country and u left and win a title i was not able to meet you in the fact that you was protected but i am you Number one fan here in my country i share the same birthday with you i cry when you cry i remember when you lost and crying in the press conference that was the worst moment i had because seeing you crying not for only losing but of all the fans that love you all over the world.. i Thanx you for that i know in the clay it will not be easy for you and with your leg paining you but I BELEIVE IN YOUR FIGTING SPIRIT i thanx your parents wo made you who you are today by training you and advicing you i hope that you will be the BEST EVER TENNISWOMAN IN THE WORLD i know you already are but we need you more on top because its you !in you that we beleive in you we have hope in you we black people found ourself May the almighty protect you and yourfamily please serena dont cry if you do i will ..i love you so much thanxand good luck for french open just do your best we will understand you sweety!!! Best Regards PS> sorry for my poor english we speak french in my country!
Serena its with tears i am writing you this world from west africa Senegal first of all i want to tell you that there is no one like you you represent the pure black beauty the pure black character in the way you are playing and winning !!! i am myself i find myself in you the way you concentrate in the court everytime the way you are giving us Joy you cant imagine ! you visited our country and u left and win a title i was not able to meet you in the fact that you was protected but i am you Number one fan here in my country i share the same birthday with you i cry when you cry i remember when you lost and crying in the press conference that was the worst moment i had because seeing you crying not for only losing but of all the fans that love you all over the world.. i Thanx you for that i know in the clay it will not be easy for you and with your leg paining you but I BELEIVE IN YOUR FIGTING SPIRIT i thanx your parents wo made you who you are today by training you and advicing you i hope that you will be the BEST EVER TENNISWOMAN IN THE WORLD i know you already are but we need you more on top because its you !in you that we beleive in you we have hope in you we black people found ourself May the almighty protect you and yourfamily please serena dont cry if you do i will ..i love you so much thanxand good luck for french open just do your best we will understand you sweety!!! Best Regards PS> sorry for my poor english we speak french in my country!
Serena. I have a feeling that you're more on Twitter now than your own website. Congratulations on winning round 1. Good luck tomorrow. "Du courage" in dealing with the French crowds. They are so annoying.
to Mattie... Sasha is great. If you noticed, Serena's mom also had an unhappy look on her face. They had those faces with good reason. Nine match points! It wasn't a pretty game at all.
You did well Serena. I certainly admire you and Venus playing a tournament that does not seem to appreciate either of you. As hard as you fought, they seems depressed about it not and could not appreciate the fight you have in you. You played someone who had just played you and I'm sure monitored that tape over and over. Klara is a good player but you proved to be the better player. I hope you and Venus play each other but for now, go as far as you can. I wish you and Venus the best. Maybe, must maybe one day the french will appreciate you and Venus. But keep the fight, Althea Gibson did and paved the way, you two are the present Ms. Gibson.
Good luck Serena girl you know we are here stateside rooting for you and V always. Remember haters throw salt like rice at weddings but your fans believe in your abilities and we certainly celebrate your legend in this sport. Now about that apartment of yours. So V has the bigger room? LOL
serena, congrats on your win. i know it wasn't that way you wanted it to play out, but it is still a win and one step closer to the crown that you deserve. Although i understand why you are frustrated try not to focus on it too much. you are an amazing player with unmatched determination and skill and that will show in these upcoming matches at roland garros
Hi Serena please don't scare me again I am 64 years old,I cant take to many more games like your last one, I think you are a very beautiful young lade, and you look good with the new look.I wish I new how you lost weight as\fast as you did.I am praying for you or Venus to win and get back to 1-2.I hope Venus play better tomorrow than she did today.
Hi, Serena! Congrats on taking your game to your challenger in the first round! It is wonderful to read and see that you are moving so well! You looked beautiful as usual - The charcoal and orange look great against that red clay. Your eye for color is spot on. This ensemble might become my new favorite...next to your Wimbledon Whites last year. I will order more of those gorgeous earrings of yours. Please, please, remember that patience is a virtue as you win your 2nd French Open title! Enjoy yourself out there, because I will enjoy watching you play singles and doubles! I love it when you two pair up. Bon Chance to you and Venus! Luv ya'!!
All The Best 2 U,next match ! :~}
Hey Serena.....My name is Kevin and I live in Stone Mountain Georgia.I'm SO glad you were able to grind out that victory in the first round. I know we would've wanted to win a little easier, but you needed to get a "W" and " Get right" . I don't like how the commentators be so critical of you (but I'm sure you"re used to it) I'm just protective of you especially when they're "Hatin' on you". That's why I wish I was your Man & could travel with you to keep your haters off your back & keep you company. Good look to you the rest of the way and I'll be watchin' & pullin' for you 100% ALL THE WAY!!! By the way, you were BEAUTIFUL as usual!!! Stay Healthy, stay hungry, I got your back (as do the rest of your fans). Best believe if I were a rich brotha my butt would be in Paris at Roland Garros representin' for MY BABY SERENA to the FULLEST!!!! Later with Love Kevin!!!
Good luck with your game today. I thought you were extra beautiful out there too. I wish the best for Venus too. I'm rooting for you.
Keep fighting Serena! You´re awesome. I´m proud of you! Life is not always nice, sometimes seems the more sensitive we´re the hardest destiny we bear, but it´s cool to fight, it´s geat to live even if we´re crying just now. I learned from you don´t give up. You´re a great role model for every one. Be yourself as you´re, stay cool and strong, keep fighting and going for your goal. Fingers crossed and best of luck to you and Venus! You both are the best! You can do it! Love, I.
Serena! I saw you fight when you are in trouble. But you look a bit negative. Don't worry. Everyone has their own difficulties, and you have yours. Just stay calm, focus, and everything will be fine. Remember, your temper sometimes can make you lose :( I always wish you can go further at the French Open. I wish you every happiness and be patient on that surface. :D
I long to see you win this grand slam and hopefully wish to have back to where you belong.............The best female tennis player in the world. Serena, u can make it..go! baby go!!
HEY,SISTER,U JUST THE BEST NIGERIANS LOVE AND BELIEVE IN YOU.JUST GO GET IT.
My dear SERENA, However they will do, I'm sure you are going to win this tournament in paris this year. Do not forget your real name "SERENA SLEM". People will remember it within a few days. I have seen it alreday. GOD BLESS Your african Father. Michel
I am one of you biggest fans... Keep doing You Remon
Hey Serena!!!! Im a new member on the site. Girl, I am 20 years old and I have been following you and your sister since I can remember. I am a tennis fanatic because of what you both have done for the game and beyond. I also watched the match the other night and I saw that it wasnt an easy win because of the conditions that you were playing in and frankly because Zakopalova was not giving in easily. Were you crying???!! If you were that was really surprising! But I also want you to know that its ok to cry sometimes because it shows us how much you really are in love with your career and that you want to be the best in all that you do. You are HUMAN. However, dont cry too much because you dont want your opponents to get the wrong idea about you and it would be a GREAT mistake ON THEM if they were deceived. You are the greatest fighter that I have seen in any sport and I admire your unfailing tenacity. Keep the great work up Serena and you will be at #1 again. Dont be so hard on yourself- try to remember every morning when you wake up that you are a History maker. You have paved the way for so many others and you have sooooo much to be proud of....your name will last for ages!!! I cant wait until the day that I can tell my grandchildren (years from now) That I lived in the time of SERENA!! P.S. What happened to you and Venus's reality tv show?? Come on man! That was the best show on tv and it all of a sudden went off. Do one more season--JUST FOR ME! PLEASE!!!!
Congratulations on passing the second round. That Parisian crowd sure was dead. But oh well, glad you quickly wrapped it up and are ready for the next round. I hope you wear your lucky heart necklace from now on. lol
what a comback what a domination we are now confident serena incredible today!!!! maybe the oppoment was too not so strong but congratulation this is on of the beautiful win i ever see humm still in love with you sweet serena Good luck!!!Venus was good today too she show taht she gotressources to come back i think both of you can do better and serena all your wins the ball is out i dont know but do the notice urself vs dinara vs venus us open final and today ...and u did not sign the camera today
what a comback what a domination we are now confident serena incredible today!!!! maybe the oppoment was too not so strong but congratulation this is on of the beautiful win i ever see humm still in love with you sweet serena Good luck!!!Venus was good today too she show taht she gotressources to come back i think both of you can do better and serena all your wins the ball is out i dont know but do the notice urself vs dinara vs venus us open final and today ...and u did not sign the camera today
what a comback what a domination we are now confident serena incredible today!!!! maybe the oppoment was too not so strong but congratulation this is on of the beautiful win i ever see humm still in love with you sweet serena Good luck!!!Venus was good today too she show taht she gotressources to come back i think both of you can do better and serena all your wins the ball is out i dont know but do the notice urself vs dinara vs venus us open final and today ...and u did not sign the camera today
Hey Serena I am so proud of your playing in Paris! Go for it Best greatings Lars
HI Serena, u are the best there is and the best there will be.Keep the fire burning, bring the trophy were it belongs.u have what it takes,go for it, babie.
you are the best.be quiet on the court and you will win more championchips again like your last australian open.You did'nt the favorite but you win.For me it's was your best title.Good luck for Roland Garros.
Hi Serena!......I hope you win the French Open!
Hey, Check out "HeyCowBoyBob"(alias Bob Wallace) at his MySpace site. Click the following link>>http://www.myspace.com/phantomcountrymyspacecsscodestart Peace!
Serena u r a great black woman. i dont know what to comment but i thank God for u.
serena thank you for being you young strong woman keep doing what you're doing much love. BUCK
Hey babby keep on you are going to get it,we all your friend are proud of you,it is yours till you retire.i love you and i will forever love love you.it was a supprise when you told them you are having injurry and you are force to pfield,so what did they expect.god will be by you stay bleess