posted May 4, 2008

Fedex, as I said on a personal level you're really a very lovely man (and I'm not being patronising, it just feels strange disagreeing with you so strongly. Its a rarity!)

I've read all your posts in great depth - its really not that I've misunderstood you, you don't need to explain it again. I think 'neothinking' puts across my views on this topic quite well, although I've also expressed my feelings a number of times but with less eloquence. Sorry. This is one of those agree to disagree times. No hard feelings.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 4, 2008

No probs.
I'm not actually making a definitive conclusion on the whys and why nots. In fact, as you know, I don't follow the WTA tour that much, so I don't have very strong feelings on it either way, although my perception is that the WTA have generally been doing a decent job for their members, even if they've messed up on this one.
It is a bit strange though, that none of the other players complained. Or did they?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 5, 2008

I don't think that Ms. Sharapova can bend WTA rules as she assumes that her "Uber-star" status makes her more special that someone like Serena Willaims. Just not long ago Ms.Sharpova and her not so well-mannered father came to US begging for help in training, financing etc. of Maria's tennis career. Should she have stayed in Russia her rapid advancement in tennis and marketing (thx to IMG) most likely would have taken a different turn. WTA should stop dancing aroung her lightly and treat her like any other player on a tour. She is lucky she is not fined for her groaning on the court which is very disturbing to the players (I have to turn volume off when she plays).

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 6, 2008

An interesting article which puts it into more perspective.

Not a "fine" for Berlin, more a reduction in bonus for not complating obligations.

Bit more info on photashoot - Its for year end publicity and is not quite the day before she plays.

http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=128360

Does this affect people's views?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 12, 2008

It's one time to ask and another to force someone to do something they don't want to do. After all MARIA has always been a classy young lady and has done much for women's tennis in her short career and should not be bullied by the WTA who make lot $$$$$$$$$ on her and other feature players. .......LOVE YOU MARIA!!!!!!!!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 13, 2008

Classy?!?!?!?!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 14, 2008

She is not only talented and beautiful, and a great champion. And enigmatically Russian. She is also a fighting trade-unionist!!

She is a 10 Woman, the perfect woman.

I love Sharapova.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 14, 2008

Sharapova's image is worth far more than her tennis skills. Her face and figure on the page are the current gold standard. Who can blame her for being chagrined that the WTA is in effect demanding a free modeling session from her?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 17, 2008

Your article is very informative and neutral. I personally think that maria is rightr. To try and force a player to do a photo shoot before a tournament, which is against her will and normal attitude is absolutely wrong. It's a pity Maria compromised with the WTA. She should have paid the fine rather that give in!

add comment | complain about this comment