Pim Pim expecting first child

Life's been good to Joachim Johansson lately. He managed to give a fantastic comeback after years of struggling with injuries. In Kuala Lumpur he upset Lleyton Hewitt 7/6 6/3, marking his first win in almost over a year. Now, he and his fiancee Johanna Westerberg are expecting their first child.


The Argwus-Team wishes best of luck to the sporting - soon to be - parents.

~jachal

No comeback from Hingis

Tomorrow ends Martina Hingis' the two year drug suspention from the International Tennis Federation. The Swiss Miss, as her fans used to call her, was suspended for the use of cocaine before her 3rd round match against Laura Granville at Wimbledon 2007. The former world No.1 decided to immidietly retire from the sport, as she didn't want to get into a long term fight in the court, though her hair follicle test didn't show any traces of cocaine. Now, the The Sport Illustrated caught up with Martina, just to see how she was doing and if she would want to start a Clijsters-like comeback.

SI.com: From an emotional standpoint, how do feel you've handled the past two years?Martina Hingis: OK. There were hard times and it was frustrating knowing I did nothing wrong but couldn't really fight this. It was my reputation and I knew the truth. But the process didn't really let me fight.

SI.com: Given your outspoken personality, I think it surprised a lot of people that maybe you weren't as forceful, deciding, for instance, not to appeal. Do you regret that?
Hingis: Like you say, I always spoke [honestly] even if I wasn't always politically correct. I spoke the truth even when the truth may have hurt me. But the system was set up in such a way that there was nothing I could do.

SI.com: Bottom line: have you ever ...
Hingis: No. Taken cocaine? Never. No [recreational] drugs. I don't know even the effects. I've maybe been in a position where I could have. But never, no. If I had ever taken cocaine, I would have said so.

SI.com: Before this happened, did you ever worry about a situation like this?
Hingis: No, because I probably had between 80-100 tests and no problems. The only thing I would ever take was aspirin and I was very particular about these things. Even if I had a flu I'd call my doctor and say, "What can I take?" I was always very cautious. I never took anything that was not approved first.

SI.com: Were any players notably supportive?
Hingis: Billie Jean King wrote a letter on my behalf. But, you know, I wasn't allowed at the Grand Slams, even to enter the stadium during tournaments. So I had little contact with the other players.

SI.com: Richard Gasquet?
Hingis: No.

SI.com: Lots of comebacks going on. You're 10 years younger than Kimiko Date ...
Hingis: I'll leave it Justine [Henin]! It's not so easy. You need to commit. You can't just do it when you want to. I know the women's game isn't at the highest point it's ever been. OK, look at Kim [Clijsters]. But she has the family support, the husband, she's physically strong. She played three tournaments and she's right back and I don't think anyone can hurt her on the court.

SI.com: What is your relationship with tennis?
Hingis: I love tennis, still a big part of my life. I didn't play much in the beginning of the suspension, but then I played more. Now when I play, a lot of the time it's with juniors. I've been able to [distinguish] between the sport and the administrators.

~jachal

Injured Murray withdraws from Tokio

According to Andy Murray's website, curent world No. 3, has decided to pull off from Japan Open in Tokio due to wrist injury. His wrist problems got worse during Davis Cup clash against Poland last week in Liverpool, that Great Britain eventually lost 2:3.


"Andy is disappointed not to be competing in Japan, but on the basis of medical advice, he has decided to give his left wrist further time to recover. His injury is improving on a daily basis and Andy is very close to resuming full-training. The wrist will be assessed again this weekend." said the statement on official website.

After losing Federer few days ago, the tournament organizers must be really dissapointed. Thankfully for them Del Potro already arrived at Tokio, so he will be top seeded.

~shaw

Pennetta totally honest

This will surely go down as Flavia Pennetta's year. You could see her constantly giving us reasons to talk about her. First she made an unforgettable appearance in the Fed Cup, where she came from match point down to beat Amelie Mauresmo, securing Italy a win against France and by the way causing a scandal when she showed the middle finger to the chair umpire. Then for the milionth time in a row, she reached the final in Acapulco. After a slump in the early part of the year, she showed some sort of form during the claycourt season, just to bow out in the 1st round of the French Open with an injury. Then when it seemed like, she lost her chance to ever make it to the top ten, she won Palermo & Los Angeles (her biggest title to date) in a row, went on a 15 match winning streak, with wins over Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Vera Zvonareva and Nadia Petrova. She made the Italian curse go away, by entering the Top 10. At the US Open, she made headlines, when she saved 6 match points to beat Vera Zvonareva in a fantastic night match and reach the quarters of the US Open for the second year running. And if U thought, this was all, then you are all mistaken. Flavia isn't done yet. She gave probably the most commentated and honest interview of the year for the Italian televison. Just watch this (and if you don't understand it, there's a rough translation taken from the www.tennisforum.com).

ROMA. The bigger is the amount of beautiful female players in the tour, the tighter is the connection between tennis players and sex. There were big rumors about Barbara Schett, a very beautiful player from Austria, and her habit of having sex after matches in locker rooms. Well known also the hard date fixed by Francesca Schiavone to someone who was watching her match in the stand. Follows that trend also Flavia Pennetta, who talked without taboos in a interview to the TV show “Le iene”. On a tone serious and facetious in the same time, the beautiful Italian player discusses burning issues, such as sex and doping.

A QUICKIE WITH SAFIN. She started recalling the well known love story with Carlos Moya: “During the tour, we shared the rooms and made not abstinence, we made free sex.” Currently Pennetta is single but she confesses that, in the tour, three or four male players (the latest one was a Brasilian player) tried to sexually accost her, but she refused because she didn’t like them. On the same issue, the Italian player said that Tommy Haas is the most handsome player, but she “ would make a quickie with Safin”. No chances to Federer, Nadal, Del Potro, Yannick Noah…and to Maria Sharapova. She admits that in the tour there are many lesbian tennis players, but she never had advances from female colleagues; then she jokes putting sexy poses, and she admits to have had sex in a locker room, on cement, on grass, and even in a airplane “during a long leg”

DOPING AND TENNIS. She said that Serena Williams always beats her because “she is an animal compared to me” and then said that Italian tennis players are non competitive because they are “not confident”. Then Pennetta doesn’t evade the question about doping in tennis: “I think it exists”. If some tennis player use cocaine, that’s for fun but she never used it. Finally she elects Kournikova as the most beautiful in the tour, and says that, on a aesthetic basis, it’s a big fight between her and Francesca Schiavone.

~jachal

Cellphone curse

There's something wrong with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour at the moment. The marky players are not able to compete at their highest level and are losing in their first rounds time after time right now. The plague hit the premier event in Tokio the hardest. With 9 of the worlds top 10 players at start, only two managed to win their first match. Terrible stats. Now, the Argwus Team found out a possible reason for their slupms - the stars are spending too much time, playing with their cellphones. Do we have a mobile phone curse? Just look at that...

No.1 Dinara Saina lost her 1st match to a qualifier Chang 6/7 6/4 5/7

No.2 Venus Williams lost her 1st match to qualifier Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6/7 5/7

No.4 Caroline Wozniacki lost her first match to Aleksandra Wozniak

No.6 Vera Zvonareva lost her 1st match to Alisa Kleybanova 6/3 4/6 2/6

No.12 Samantha Stosur lost her 2nd match to Maria Sharapova 0/6 1/6

No.13 Nadia Petrova lost her 2nd match to Magdalena Rybarikova 2/6 2/6

~jachal

Federer with Jura

World No. 1 Roger Federer participated in a sponsorship event at the Swiss headquarters for JURA coffee makers. Roger's interview during the event was televised on a big screen outside of the JURA headquarters.

~jachal

Srichaphan comeback cut short

Paradorn Srichaphan lost his first competitive match in over two years in Thailand Open. He teamed up with countryman Danai Udomchoke in a 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 defeat against Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Peya.


"I hit the ball okay. Of course there is still a lot of work to go. I hope to play from January, maybe in Chennai, India." said Srichaphan.
"I would have loved to have come back in singles... but I knew physically I was not ready. I have only been able to train with the racquet for the past two weeks." he added.

The 30-year-old Srichaphan had been sidelined with a recurring right wrist injury since March 2007, when he retired against Luis Horna in the Sony Ericsson Open first round. He underwent surgery in Los Angeles in October later that year.

~shaw

Thai boxing better than tennis...?

John Isner, Gilles Simon and Robby Ginerpri took some time off the court and went for a thai boxing practice session during Thailand Open in Bangkok.

~shaw

Verdasco Braveheart

Fernando Verdasco has made a decision to delay foot surgery in order to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London and be available for Davis Cup final against Czech Republic.


"The doctor told me that I can postpone the surgery as it would not affect me. But when I went home to Spain, my doctor told me I will need three weeks to recuperate. If I had it done, I would not be able to make it here for the Malaysian Open." said Verdasco yesterday.

“The doctor also told me that I can postpone the surgery as it would not affect me. My focus is to qualify for the World Finals and help Spain win the Davis Cup.” he added.

~shaw

Delpo's new girlfriend is a model

If you fight for something long and hard enough, there's always a good chance, you might get what you want. Newly crowned US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro perhaps used that knowledge to win his maiden major title, as he had to fight almost 9 months to win the heart of his girlfriend - Yanina Screpante.


The two met a year ago in a dance club in Buenos Aires. Delpo is told to have stalked the model, until only three months ago they started a relationship. Screpante with her 25 years, is way older than Del Potro. The pair is trying to keep a low profile, so that's why there are no photos af them together.

~jachal

changes, changes, changes???

It seems like 2010 may bring many changes. The players seem to be tired of having to constantly wear the same brand of clothes.


There are some speculations, that Novak Djokovic is in serious negotiations with K-Swiss. This would leave Adidas without his top gun, but the German sport clothes producer is quick to react. They want to sign Andy Murray in. Earlier this year there were rumors, that K-Swiss was going after Murray, but as this plan failed, they seemed to have found a new target.


Another man, who is rumoured to change his clothing line in 2010 is Andy Roddick. The American, who has sticked to the french brand - Lacoste for the last few years, may now be changing to Babolat. This would mark a total turn to Babolat for Roddick, as this is the company he works with from the beginning of his career, using its products. Now he will be all Babolat :P

~jachal

Sugiyama's emotional goodbye ceremony

So guys, an era has come to an end and there's nothing left but tears and good memories. Ai Sugiyama has decided to retire from professional tennis. For many of us, it will be really sureal to look at a draw and not to see the name Sugiyama in it. Ai has the all-time record, for both male and female players, for the most consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances which currently stands at 62. I'm sure, she could easily extend that number, but what for? She felt it is the right time to say goodbye and so she is leaving us.


Ai decided to end her long and successful career in Tokio in front of her home crowd. It was kinda ironic, that the player, who I honestly never remember retiring in a match, had to give up in the middle of the second set against Nadia Petrova. Surely, she had other plans, but as Alanis Morissette once sung - "It's like rain on your wedding day" - " life has a funny way of sneaking up on you".

Sugiyama's list of achievements is endless. You wouldn't think otherwise - after 17 years on Tour. She was No. 1 in doubles, winning 38 titles (three Grand Slams) and reached No.8 in singles, collecting 6 titles. The most memorable of those all, came in Scottsdale in 2003, where she had to play four matches in one day and won them all. She started with her singles semifinal against Alexandra Stevenson, in which she saved three match points, eventually prevailing 6/7; 6/2; 7/6. Than she came up against Kim Clijsters. Once again she came from behind, as the Belgium was 2 points away from vistory, but Ai managed to come through this one with a 3/6; 7/5; 6/4 result.

Afterwards she teamed up with Kim and won two matches in doubles - semifinal and final. Thankfully for the Japanese, those two encounters were two-setters.

"After winning the first doubles we were feeling good, and we thought that tomorrow we might be feeling tired, so I wanted to play today, Kim was playing good and we both wanted to play, so we went back out on the court." Sugiyama said.

Over the last few years Ai has been playing doubles mostly with Katarina Srebotnik, Elena Dementieva and Daniela Hantuchova, all of which were present during Sugiyama's farewell ceremony.

Hantuchova held an emotional speech, where she couldn't hold up tears.


Sugiyama will not only be remembered for her speed around the court, unconventional forehand and fantastic serve and volley abilities, but what's more importnant - for her positive attitude, kind heart, amazing sportsmanship and a never fading smile. Just what an amazing person she is, underlined the fact, that many of her greatest doubles rivals were present during the ceremony.

She was a role model and will be greatly missed.

Goodbye Ai :((((

~jachal

Querrey cut his arm

If there was an award for the silliest injury ever, Sam Querrey would defenitely be in the running for the top spot. The American cut his right forearm in a freak accident after practicing for the Thailand Open in Bangkok.


Querrey, the world No.25, sat on a glass table after practice Monday and fell through, hurting his arm. The injury required emergency surgery. The 21 year old will be out of the Tour for four to six weeks.

Sam summed up the whole incident very shortly:

"Worst day ever."

~jachal

Serena fights Mother Nature

So, Serena Williams maybe finally gets to shove that fucking ball down somebody's fucking throat. It seems like that someone will be nobody less than the Mother Nature herself.

"I swear to God. You don't know me!"

In an ad campaign for Tampax, Serena will be fighting Mother Nature, while the latter will be trying to bring a monthly gift to the current world No.2, just to throw her off her game - on and off the court. Will Serena be able to outsmart Mother Nature?

~jachal

Gasquet uses Head & Shoulders

Richard Gasquet is now making an ad campaign for Head & Shoulders. After difficult months, where the Frenchman had to stay away from the Tour, because of a failed doping test, he's now trying to start a comeback. Until now he's doing quite good, as he reached the semis in Metz last week.


But don't forget Richard - a good shampoo ain't gonna solve all your problems...

Roitman announces retirement

While the whole tennis world is still talking about Argentina's biggest tennis sensation in many years - Juan Martin Del Potro, another Argentine tennis player, Sergio Roitman is about to finish his career. He will play his final match at a challenger in Buenos Aires.


“It is a strange moment for me, but the time has come for me to leave professional tennis. Physically, I cannot compete at the highest level anymore. I think this is the best place to retire, at a tournament that has given me a lot of pleasure and surrounded by people that have helped me and whom I love very much. I extend my warmest thanks to Ale (Lombardo), because he has always been by my side and with him I have achieved the best victories of my sporting career.” - said Roitman.

Rotman never won a singles title on The ATP World Tour, but managed to get two in the doubles competition. He reached a career high of No.62 in singles and 45 in doubles.

~jachal

Nude Radwanska? Quite possible soon...

Agnieszka Radwanska, current nr 12 in WTA ranking, surprised tennis world one more time. In her interview for "Super Express" she said that she is willing to perform in a naked session...

"I'm 20 years old, so I don't know if I am in a proper age to do that... But I would like to do it one day. I definitely don't say no to a naked session..."

"I'm only afraid what my father will say - laughs Radwanska. "I will have the courage in the future, but I think I will wait a few years..."

What can we say Aggie? You surprised us one more time, but we are looking forward to seeing your performance...

~shaw

Comebacks update

Plenty of comebacks this and next week...

1) The hero of the week is Kimiko Date Krumm, who at the age of 38 (she will be 39 in two days) has reached the Seul WTA tournament final. She outgunned in the semifinal the title defender Maria Kirilenko 3/6 6/2 6/4. On her way to the final she also managed to beat some other good names such as Hantuchova or Kleybanova. It's just incredible.

2) Joachim Johansson, who retired in February 2008 is trying to comeback to the circuit. The 27-year-old Swede sidelined by injuries and illness made a comeback in Stockholm just over eight months later, but has played sparingly since then, playing in only four challengers.

The former top-10 player receivd a wildcard into ATP 250 tournament in Kuala Lumpur next week. He will play Lleyton Hewitt in first round. Worth mentioning is the fact that Hewitt's sister, Jaslyn is Joachim's ex-girlfriend. The two were dating for 5 years and ended their relationship in 2005. Good luck Joachim!

3) Paradorn Srichaphan, who didn't play tennis for more than 2 years due to a wrist injury (or a neverending honeymoon with his wife Miss Universe) asked for a wildcard to ATP 250 Bangkok tournament. He will play only in doubles competition, in pair with Danai Udomchoke.

Let's see how it goes and hope that Paradorn can camback for good.

~shaw

Giant Sharapova

Maria Sharapova, who is already in Tokyo preparing to Toray Pan Pacific Open took a run in a park this morning. She had quite funny adventure right there...


"Just took a run in the park and happened to pass by a group of 20 children who were clearly fascinated by my height. I don't speak much Japanese (none at all as a matter of fact) but I thought I overheard them say 'ooooh giant'. Made me laugh..."

Yes Maria, you are a giant in all meanings of that word...

~shaw

Time to say goodbye Ai

Toray Pan Pacific Open will be the last tournament in Ai Sugiyama's career. We have some nice words about her that Daniela Hantuchova wrote on her blog...


"We're playing our last tournament together in Tokyo. It's really sad, but I'm really glad I'll be a part of her last tournament. Ai has given me so many wonderful memories on the court, and we're great friends, so it's going to be tough to see her go. She's such a great fighter and a great person. The tennis world will miss her, for sure I will. It won't be easy to find another one like her. Next year I may play some doubles here and there but I'm really going to try focusing on my singles. One of the reasons I was playing doubles so much was because Ai was one of my best friends, and we were having so much fun."

We will miss you Ai!

~shaw

Fatigued Federer withdraws from Tokyo and Shanghai

Roger Federer has pulled out of Tokyo and Shanghai. He wrote today on his official website:

"I am disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities in the world and the fans have been great to me over the years. After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover from a physically challenging year.

Kind regards,

Roger"

It's quite interesting that Roger can already predict that he will be also fatigued in almost 3 weeks, when the Shanghai Masters 1000 would begin. Anyway, get some rest Roger and see you in Basel.

~shaw

Dokic in prison

Jelena Dokic's father - Damir - has been jailed by a serbian court for 15 months in a retrial for thratening to bomb the Australian embassy in Belgrade and few more other charges.


Damir Dokic was jailed for 10 months for threatening several people, including Australian ambassador Claire Birgin, and another seven months for illegally possessing two bombs and other weapons, lawyer Bosiljka Djukic told AFP.

"The two sentences were joined under Serbian law, and he is to serve 15 months," she said, adding that Dokic would remain in detention until the sentence took effect.

She added that she would launch a further appeal on his behalf within 15 days.

~jachal

Pennetta on catwalk

Flavia Pennetta made history for Italian tennis as she reached the Top 10 as the first Italian woman ever. Pennetta comes of a fantastic summer, where she won 2 titles and reached three further semifinals, notching many top ten wins underway. After a second quartefinal finish at the US Open in a row, she went back to Italy to finally celebrate. Oh and by the way - did I mention she's looking hotter than ever? Here you can see her at a runway in Milan during a presentation of Pin-Up Stars' Spring/Summer 2010 women's collection.

~jachal