Morning Walk to the UN

HMMM going to bed late, getting up early.. how long can I keep this up? Woke at 8AM after going to sleep around 3. Arrived back at the hotel last night at one o’clock to find a call from my friend Kiwi Dave .. he’s a New Zealander..hence the nickname, Kiwi .. (which incidentally refers to a large bird in NZ rather than the small green fruit). “Let’s go out for a cocktail”. Never being one to say no to a little social activity, plus have been working hard so I thought I deserved a little refreshment, and headed to the specified bar.

But now.. back to this morning .. woke at eight, threw on my sweats and trainers, turned left out the door of the hotel, and headed for the East River. It’s a beautiful morning, the air is still refreshing, but it will get hot later. Wandering down First Ave, I come to the United Nations Plaza. Love all the flags, and stop to take a few snaps. I do a photo of myself reflected in the huge round sculpture in the plaza.

Seeing this building, and knowing what it stands for … United Nations .. think about it.. wouldn’t it be wonderful for nations to truly be united. Is it possible? Article two of the Charter states as their purpose, “To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.”.

Thinking about this, I can relate it to the tennis tour. Aren’t we a small United Nations? Tennis is the most international sport in the world. Players, writers, photographers, tournament staff, agents, business people, from all nations and cultures, come together in cities from Shanghai to Indianapolis, Indiana, to Buenos Aires. We work, play, dine, drink, and travel the globe together. There can be conflicts, differences and competition, but somehow we work it out and in the end come together.

We’re like family, you may not always agree, but you know if you are in trouble, have a problem with a flight, computer, get sick, whatever, someone will help you out.

We are journalists. We are high profile players. We have a voice. Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to find a way to set an example of how people can forget the color of skin, hair, eyes, the language you speak, the religion you practice, and join together to accomplish a common goal? Shouldn’t we be talking about this, letting the world see how if we try as individuals, person to person, perhaps we can make a difference? Does this sound too idealistic? Does this sound too simple? Well, you know, one small voice can ignite the roar of a crowd.

I’ve always said, the thing I find most fulfilling about my work, is meeting people from all cultures, having friends in cities around the world. The travel has changed and enlarged my world view. I know I’m a very different person from the girl who grew up in a farming community in Illinois. I know that I’m very lucky to have had the opportunity to experience the world, and I hope that I can at least share a bit of the world as I see it through my photos and my writing.

Okay, I’ll step down from my soapbox, and talk a little about the matches today. The big story is Ivanovic going out to 188th ranked Julie Coin, who is playing in her first grand slam. I notice that Ivanovic has joined the mismatched wristband trend. Wonder if she has been influenced by her friend and countryman Novak Djokovic who has been doing this for the last year or so.

Andy Murray, the favorite son from Great Britian, pulled off a tough four setter against s Michael Llodra. In his post match press conference, he credited his win to mental toughness saying, “I thought that the whole match mentally was tough, and I dealt with it well.”.

I’m tuning out for now, because I want to watch Barack Obama’s speech. This is an historic moment for America, and I want to watch, li

More On Fashion

Jelena Jankovic gets the fashion award for today. Love her cute yellow dress, with the pale blue sash and slightly ruffled skirt detail. Very nice, feminine but still sporty. And she’s got it going on with matching yellow soles on her shoes, and even a yellow rubber band holding her pony tail.
Good job Jelena.

Her opponent Sofia Arvidsson gets points for matching the tape on her leg to her hot pink Adidas dress.

On the men’s side, I love the way Tsonga wears his hat... with that cool little tilt, and the diamond stud earrings make a statement, but so far, Donald Young has the earring award sewed up.

Check out the sleeve cut out on the new Nike shirt... gotta have good arms to wear this one... Delcic definitely qualifies.

Spent a little time hanging out at the Red Star Café this afternoon. Heineken, Nachos, TV, this is the onsite sports bar at the Open. They say in New York, that if you stand in Times Square long enough you are sure to see someone you know. Well this is for sure true of the Red Star Café. Located just outside the media center in the main plaza area, if you sit here long enough, you will see a lot of people you know. I actually caught up with three people who I’ve been trying to get together with since I arrived.

The Roddick and Santoro match has just started. I think Roddick will win in straight sets, but the contrast in players should make for an interesting match. Roddick, the hardest server in the history of tennis, who plays like a boxer with a one two punch... big serve followed up with a big forehand. And Santoro who is know as the “Magician” for his slice and spin style, hitting with two hands on both sides. At 36, it’s pretty amazing that he is still playing and winning matches, he’s been in the top 100 for fifteen years, and actually won a tour event this summer.

OH MY WORD!! Andy Roddick has just hit a 47 mile and hour serve! Yes, it was an ace. Santoro couldn’t touch it.

Okay, I’m going to go shoot a little of this match … I’ll be back with you soon.

I’m back its 4-1 Roddick and the magician couldn’t pull off any magic tricks against Arods big serve. Grabbed a few snaps of Roddicks player box. His fiancé Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, Brooklyn Decker was all smiles... posing a bit for the camera’s... very pretty, looks a lot like Pete Sampras actress wife. What’s with all these athletes and the blonds ?

Patrick McEnroe looking serious... the Davis Cup Captain will be taking over the coaching job for Roddick during this Open.

Alright!! The match just ended. It’s only 11:05... Early for the US Open. I might get outta here by midnight!

Foot Faults

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Well, you learn something new everyday. In all of my years on the tennis tour, I’ve never seen a sideline foot fault called.

I’m sitting in the photo pit shooting Vince Spadea “I’m not afraid-a-yuh “(one of the lines from his Rap), and the mad Russian, Marat Safin. It’s late in the 4th set... maybe 4 all or 4-5, the score is deuce and it’s second serve so it’s an important point. Safin is at the line ready to serve when we hear a line judge call “foot fault” and Marat starts to go crazy and complain. I turn to the Reuter’s photographer sitting next to me and ask “what is going on?” The official on the opposite end of the court made the call. Everyone was looking around asking what happened … could a linesman make that call from 35 meters away? Apparently yes. The rule is that the server shall stand at rest with both feet behind the baseline and within the imaginary extension of the centre mark and the sideline. I guess I always knew about this, but I’ve never seen it called. The line judge at the opposite end of the court called this foot fault, through the net, saying that Safin went over the center line with his back foot while starting his serve. I have to give Marat credit for not completely loosing it, he argued a bit with the chair umpire, went to his chair, sat down took a drink and continued to argue even though the game wasn’t finished. The score at that point was advantage Spadia. Next we see him get up and walk toward the exit... is he just going to walk off the court? No one can figure this out, but no one would be surprised if he did. Next we see Brian Earley, the Tournament Referee, walk back on the court with Safin. They talk and gesticulate then Earley talks to the Chair Umpire. We are all dying to know what is going down, but the next thing we know, Marat is walking back to his side of the court and finishing the game. Spadia ended up winning that set, but Safin eventually won in 5. Safin’s point made at the post match press conference was the players should receive a warning, “If you are doing a foot fault on a second serve, first of all you need to get a warning. So basically you’re making a foot fault? Just watch out: next time I’m going to call you. This is how it should be.” Frankly I see his point and have to agree. Nice little drama to start my day.

I wanted to catch a bit of the Tommy (Hottie) Haas match, but with all the Safin drama I missed his match... he took out the 12th seed, Richard Gasquet in five sets, so I’ll get another shot at the most gorgeous Haas.

On the Fashion watch, Serena looked good in the red Nike, but I’m not mad about the black knickers underneath, especially with the red and white shoes... would rather see matching red undies. Not my favorite, but way better than a lot of her outfits, but of course she was wearing really nice earrings.


Venus once more got the fashion award for the day in a cool black number with the logo from her own Eleven line in red … only criticism is the shoes … white really doesn’t make it with that outfit… red would be great, but if that seems too much, then something cool in black would be good too.

As for the men, I’m liking Roger’s new taupe colored duds with the orange trim. Pretty racy for the conservative Swiss, but a huge improvement over the Black formal wear with the satin stripe going down the leg of last year.


And speaking of the guys... did you girls get a look at Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina? Wow... another hot Latin on tour. He lost 6-3, 6-0, and 6-3 to Roger in tonight’s match but it was his first pro match on a hard court, and he looked pretty comfortable against the former number one. I’m putting him on my “Player’s to Watch” list.


Well, here it is 11:55 PM, and I’m hoping to catch the 12:30 bus back to the city, so I’m going to wind it up for today.
Posted by Cynthia Lum at 9:00 AM 0 comments

Party's, Celebtation, Late Night Matches, Welcome to the US Open

Monday, August 25, 2008

Party's, Celebtation, Late Night Matches, Welcome to the US Open

The Pre Open Weekend.

The Player Party

The rooftop of the Empire Hotel, glittering lights of NYC below. A sea of blonds, thigh high skirts, pouty glossed lips, Mojito’s, and Heinekin flowing freely, tennis star’s from around the world, this was the setting for the USTA Heinekin Player Party Friday night.

Sorry I couldn’t grab some photos, but I’m a strong believer in not harassing players at during their down time. This is one of the reasons I get invited to these parties where no other photographers are allowed. However, nothing is stopping me from sharing a bit of the evening with you. And I do have one photo … Cynthia on the Red Carpet! Check it out!

James Blake, gorgeous as ever, and the Bryan Bros, also looking good, were among the first arrivals. Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco were all smiles spending the evening surrounded by giggling girls. Is it right for any two guys to be that good looking? I’m for sure going to think about moving to Spain. Then there was the Italian contingent... including the handsome Fabio Fognini. Amer Delic, flashing that oh so charming smile. Donald Young caught exchanging phone numbers with one of the tall blonds… hmm have to keep my eye on him… will let you know if she shows up in the player box for his match tonight.

Saturday morning was able to get up at a decent hour even though I arrived back at the apartment in the small hours of the morning. Walked 5 of the 6.9 miles on Park Avenue while it was closed to traffic from 7AM to 1PM. Very cool, thousands of people walking, running, riding bicycles, skating, and enjoying the day.

Sunday, my last day of freedom before play starts tomorrow. Started the day at the street fair on 3^rd. Walked ALL THE WAY downtown to Soho. Checked out the shops and street vendors. Bought an Obama shirt that I love, from an artist who designs and silk-screens the shirts himself…B&W photos of Obama above the NY skyline … “make art not war”. I’m wearing it at this very moment.

So here we are... Monday. I’m going to go shoot some Rafa, and let you know what’s going down on opening day at the Open.

Well, no big surprises .. Rafa did struggle a bit, winning 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 over a qualifier, but I’m sure he’s still a little jet lagged having just arrived in NY after winning the gold in Beijing. I never really thought he was in jeopardy of loosing the match.

Maria Kirilenko seeded 22 was the first seed to leave, loosing to an unseeded Austrian who I’ve never heard of.

The Opening Ceremony tonight featured forty yes... forty past champions, and although it was nice to see them all together, the introductions and the high fiving took forever.

James and Donald Young are still playing.. I left after James won the first set 6-1, but they are now in the fourth with Donald Young leading 3-2.. This is not making me happy. Its 11:30, it’s freezing cold in the media workroom, and I wanna get out of here, but looks like I should stay awhile longer. James is up 2 sets to 1, but if Young takes the fourth I will really have to stay for the fifth.

Twelve midnight .. Young has just taken the 4^th set .. looks like it’s going to be a late night, I’m drinking horrible strong coffee to try to warm up, and stay awake. Welcome to the US Open. Whatever made me think I might get out of here at a reasonable hour?

Okay, it’s 12:45 AM .. Blake finally won in five, I’m going to post this blog and get outta here!

The Last Day

Well, we’ve finally made it to the last day, but the weather is not being cooperative. It’s been raining on and off all morning, and they are now predicting about a 2 to 3 hour dry spell starting around 2:30. Hopefully the two R’s can finish their final in this time.

Meanwhile, I’ll tell you about the dinner Chuck Culpepper, who is the L.A. Times writer and I had last night. With Rafa in the final today, we decided it was a good thing to try his favorite restaurant in London. Kind of an homage to Rafa.

The restaurant Cambio de Tercio,was awarded the prestigious Premios Alimentos de Espana, 2004 as the best Spanish restaurant in any country of the world outside of Spain, by the Minister of Agriculture, Fishing and Food. Pretty impressive. The restaurant is small, and when we arrived we were told that they had overbooked they had to put us at their more casual restaurant across the street.

We were not too happy about this, and I toyed with the idea of telling them that we were journalists working at Wimbledon and that we were planning to write about the restaurant, but I hate to pull this, so we gave in and went across the street. It turned out to be great. The Tendio Cero is more casual and serves mainly a menu of Tapa’s, which I love. Everything was wonderful, and after knocking off a great bottle of red wine, we really didn’t care in which place we were eating.

Both restaurants are open to the sidewalk and we had a table in the front so we could “Rafa watch” easily. He never turned up, but we could hear the waiters talking about the fact that he had been there several times during the tournament. Chuck wants to go back tonight after the final, but we’ll have to wait and see what time we get out of here.

I got up early this morning so I could go to Covent Garden before the match. This former produce market with a history dating back to the 1600, is now filled with trendy shops and restaurants. On Saturday and Sundays the Apple Market and the Jubilee Hall Market feature a variety of high quality crafts, antiques, jewelry, clothing and gifts. I’m up for a little shopping therapy, but this is deterred by the sky high prices in London, and the rock bottom low of the US dollar. Never mind, I intend to enjoy my last morning in London anyway. As I wander though the market, I keep thinking of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, selling her flowers in this market, and wonder what stories these streets could tell

There’s an attractive Pub advertising breakfast, so I decide to give it a try and soak in a little atmosphere at the same time. The menu features a “Traditional English breakfast” I know what this means, beans on toast, bangers (fat greasy sausages), thick fat, greasy bacon, fried eggs, and fried tomatoes. Yes, I said beans on toast. I’m not kidding. That is not a typo. They actually eat canned baked beans, the Heinz 57 variety with that sort of watery pink sauce on toast. Needless to say, I opt for a waffle and cappuccino.



They get the match on around 2:30, just like they said, they are amazingly good at predicting weather here, and I find my way to my seat. The pit is crowded with photographers and cameras. Fortunately I’m sitting between two thin guys.

Fast forward. 5:20 PM. We are in rain delay. Of course. Things were going too well out there. Rafa is up 2 sets to love and the score was 4 all in the third. He just needed to win two more games, and we could have gotten out of here. It’s freezing and dark. I’m sitting in the pit wearing a sweatshirt and my French Open Jacket zipped up to my neck with the hood pulled up. I’m silently begging Rafa to win the next game, but he’s not cooperative, and Federer goes up 5-4. Darn. This is probably going 4 sets. I glance to my right and see the rain crew ready and waiting. One of them moves to the net that protects them from flying balls… huge drops start to fall they run onto the court, pull the cover, and that’s it. We all make our way back to the press center to wait the next break in the rain.

Second rain delay. It’s 8 PM and I haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast. I run up to the press dining room and find that the only thing they have left are steak pies. Normally, I wouldn’t dream of eating one of these, but I don’t want to faint from hunger so I go for it. Note the wooden utensils. Only at Wimbledon. The rest of the world uses plastic.

Okay, we’ve made it through 2 rain delays, it’s darker and colder with arctic wind, I can barely shoot my hands are so cold. The ball children are still working in only shorts and short sleeved polo’s. Didn’t anyone think of getting sweaters or jackets for them? There are going to be a lot of kids with colds tomorrow.

This is a great match, the air is thick with tension, but the weather is so awful I just want it to be over. It goes to 7 all in the fifth, and I’m wondering how long this can go on. There is no tiebreaker in the fifth at grand slams, they just keep playing until someone wins by two. It is really dark now, the photographers aren’t shooting, everyone is just waiting for match point, and we already know that we aren’t going to get anything great because of the horrible light... or I should say lack of light.

Rafa breaks Roger at 7 all and is serving for the match at 8-7, he finally hits an ace, and falls on the ground in celebration at 9:20 PM.

This is an historic match for Nadal. He is the first Spanish male to win the title since Manolo Santana in 1966, and I would love to have some wonderful photos, but it’s not going to happen tonight. We do the trophy photos, and I head back to the press center to edit and transmit.

It’s 11:40 PM and I have to wrap it up even though there is a lot more I’d like to say about the match. This is the final blog for Wimbledon 2008, I hope you’ve enjoyed this little journey with me.

Cynthia

Last Night and Today

Last Night

Okay, I am going to talk about the sisters, but first, I want to give you a little report on my activities of last night. I had the best time!! Went to the fireworks at Southbank, had drinks and a bite to eat at Young’s, and then went to the Midnight production of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Shakespeare’s Globe. Whether or not you like Shakespeare; this is something you should not miss if you are in London. This late night show draws an interesting, fun crowd.
Costumed musicians entertain with Elizabethan music as you enter the theatre. I could picture how it must have been in 1599, when the plays were first performed. The stage juts out into the audience, giving an air of familiarity and intimacy to the work. The theatre goer becomes an important part of the performance, reacting, applauding, and responding to the actors. This couldn’t have been a more English and uniuqe experience.
I was tempted to hit one of the clubs after the play, but thought better of it, because, (a) I didn’t want to be comatose today, and (b) I knew that getting back to Southfields where I’m staying was going take a long time. The underground stops running at about midnight, so I had to take the N (night) bus back to the house I’m renting. From Southbank, I caught a bus to Piccadilly, then walked to Trafalgar Square where the N buses stop. The square is buzzing at this late hour with hundreds of people who have been out at bars, restaurants, and clubs, waiting for busses that stop here for all points in London. It’s very confusing because there are a lot of corners and busses here and you have to find the place where your bus stops. The signage is not good, and people tell you lots of different places where you should be standing to catch your bus. I’ve done this many times in the past so I sort of remembered where to go, and as luck would have it, I got it right. The N57 came in about 20 minutes and I boarded to the 45 minute ride to Southfields. The bus is populated with people who have had a lot to drink, some sleeping, some rowdy, and a couple across the isle from me who should have gotten a hotel room. I’m seriously tired, but don’t’ want to fall asleep and miss my stop, so I stay awake and amuse myself talking to the guy next to me. He’s young, probably around 22. He and his pals came from Scotland to see Andy Murray. They were all out at a club, and somehow got separated so he decided to go back to Wimbledon on his own. His accent is so thick I can hardly understand him, but he’s had enough to drink so I doubt if my answers really matter anyway. I finally make it back to my house around 3:30 AM, and am SO happy to see my bed! The Women’s Final Well, everyone was right about Venus, and I want to tell you that the photographers in the pit were glad to see her holding the gold trophy after only two sets. The match, frankly was nothing special. Shooters was expecting a big match point, hoping for one great photo, but I didn’t think this would be the case as Venus would not want to rub it in to her sister that she had won, and I was right. She smiled, waved and hugged Serena. I think this photo of them hugging is the most interesting photo I got today. Note where Serena’s arm is … she is not hugging back.
Revealing? No comment.

Happy Fourth of July!! The worst part of this job is being away from home on holidays. I’m in Paris for Memorial Day, New York for Labor Day, and Miami for my birthday. Now many of you may say, “so what’s so bad about that?” Well, things could definitely be worse, and I’ve learned to make the best of it. I’m planning a big evening here in London, celebrating my Independence from the Brits.

I’m leaving here at 8PM weather or not the matches are finished, taking the train to Southbank to watch the fireworks display over the river. I did this last year and it was great!! From there I’ll head to the Midnight Matinee at the Globe Theatre. I’m very excited about this! Shakespeare’s Globe is one of my favorite places, and they are doing the Merry Wives of Windsor tonite so it will be fun light entertainment.

The theatre is very cool, it’s a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599 where the original works of Shakespeare were performed. Built in 1997, it is approximately 225 yards from the original Globe Theatre. The building is circular in shape, with the stage along one wall, and a large circular yard area where you can buy standing room tickets for 5 GBP. This is surrounded by three tiers of steeply banked seating where the tickets go for between 15 and 33 pounds. I like to buy the standing room so I can mill around and see the show from different perspectives. You can also get right next to the stage if you are in the yard. It’s very casual and people are friendly.

Then, if I’m still standing I’ll hit one of the nearby clubs where you can dance until 5. I may be a bit slow tomorrow, but hey... it’s the Fourth of July! I’ll share photos and tales tomorrow.

As for tennis, we have the sisters in the final tomorrow, and surprise surprise, Roger and Rafa on Sunday. Venus has already won in the fashion department. She definitely had the best dress in the tournament, after saying that she didn’t care what she wore, she was just concentrating on the yellow ball. Serena is another story. This is a girl who should not be wearing ruffled tail feathers.

Most of the press I’m talking to is thinking that Venus will be holding the golden trophy at the end of the match. The last time they met in a major final was at Wimbledon five years ago. Serena won, but Venus was injured, and unfit, so it really wasn’t a good test. Whoever wins the photographers are sure there will be good photos, and truth is… that’s all we really care about. Both sisters are very good at giving big match points and huge celebrations after winning, so tomorrow should be a good day.