STANFORD, CA, USA - Having won her first five titles before turning 17 (the sixth in Sony Ericsson WTA Tour history to achieve that feat), Nicole Vaidisova came into the 2006 season as one of tennis' fastest-rising stars. But few expected such a resonant showing at Roland Garros; after winning her sixth career title at the tune-up in Strasbourg, the Czech phenom made an inspired run to her first Grand Slam semifinal on the terre battue, stunning current No.1 Amélie Mauresmo and former No.1 Venus Williams along the way. Now, experience what it's like for Nicole to debut in Stanford, in the latest player blog.
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Saturday, July 29, 2006
I'm sad to say that I lost my match today against Kim Clijsters. But she's Kim and as we all know, she's an unbelievable player. She was No.1 in the world, is the defending champ here and at the US Open. I had to expect a tough match, but I'm happy with my week overall. It was my first time at this tournament, my first time to play Kim, and I think I played well, especially in the first set. I had a chance to take the first set, but Kim served this ripper up the "T" on her second serve (her second serve!) that was just too good.
I felt good this morning and got a lot of rest last night. After I was all excited about going to that Japanese restaurant last night, I couldn't get in!! After a certain time, you have to be 21 years old to get in, so that wasn't going to happen. Then, we tried to go to the Cheesecake Factory, but the wait was way too long. University Avenue was the place to be on Friday night in Palo Alto, and after two failed attempts to eat dinner, we finally got into an Italian restaurant.
Tonight is my last night here, so I'll probably make one last visit to University Avenue. After my match today, I went back to the hotel, packed (uggh!) and killed some time painting my nails and decorating them with these cool little crystals. I did my toes last night. I was really just playing around to see what they would look like but it was kind of fun.
Then, tonight, I had some sponsor visits with Bank of the West and Nexxus and signed autographs with Sony Ericsson. A lot of the fans said very nice things about my match against Kim, which made me feel better.
Now, I'm going to finish packing and get ready for San Diego.
Thanks everyone for reading my blog this week. I had a great time keeping in touch with you and I hope to do it again.
All the best to you and thanks for supporting me.
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Friday, July 28, 2006
I'm happy to return to my blog as a semifinalist today. I won late Thursday night, did my press and crashed out as soon as I got back to the hotel. I didn't even watch a movie - shocker!
Woke up early today, had some apple and cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast (no Starbucks today, enter sad face here) and back to courts to get ready for my quarterfinal match this afternoon against Sam Stosur. Practiced a lot of returns today because Sam can serve really well, especially that kicker, and she can serve and volley well.
Spent the rest of my free time at the hotel, checking e-mail. I got to see some pics from my photo shoot with Annie Liebowitz, who is an amazing photographer. It was such an honor to work with her and I'm excited seeing the photos in Vogue China when it comes out in October.
I caught up on the news at home in the Czech Republic - gotta stay updated. Then, back to the site for some lunch - a mozzarella sandwich. I know it's a boring choice but I didn't want to walk on court for my match with a heavy stomach. Definitely not good for running around.
Before my match, just did my usual routine - listened to my iPod, Madonna to be specific. Love her. Great pre-match music. Relaxed with my dad and watched TV in the lounge.
After I won, I did the usual press, including a fun interview with ESPN. If you're in the US, keep watching ESPN in the coming weeks. You'll get to see it. Now, I'm off to dinner. I want to check out this funky Japanese restaurant on University Avenue called Miyake. It's a sushi place and at night people start dancing on the tables when the music cranks up. It's hilarious - one moment you're taking a bite of sushi. The next thing you know, someone is dancing on the table next to you and the lights and music are going crazy.
It won't be a late dinner because I play the day match again. I don't know who I'm playing yet, but it will either be Kim Clijsters or Vera Zvonareva. They're on the court right now so I'll check on the score after dinner.
Keep reading and hopefully, my next blog will be after I reach the final.
Talk to you later!
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Thursday, July 27, 2006
Finally! I get to play my first singles match tonight, so today has been pretty mellow - just hanging out in the hotel room between practices and training.
Yesterday, my dad took a tour of the Stanford campus on a golf cart. I was disappointed that I couldn't go, but work called, and I had to get ready for my doubles match. He said that the campus was amazing. They have great facilities, especially for sports, like their own golf course. Tiger Woods played here. Obviously, I have a special interest in golf because of my brother, who is a great golfer. Actually, last week, I got to meet Paula Creamer in Bradenton, which was pretty cool. She also trains at the academy, and it was interesting to hear about what it's like to be a pro golfer. We're pretty close in age and both starting our careers, and it's nice to compare stories.
Anyhow, back to tennis. Sorry, I really didn't do too much today except practice. I was able to try out my new Reeboks. I've been working with the design team to come up with next year's line of clothing and shoes. I know it's early, but it takes a lot of time and work to put these designs together. I didn't realize how much is involved. It's been really fun for me to see the whole process.
Like I said, other than practice, I just relaxed at the hotel. I caught up with some friends in the Czech Republic and Florida, which is always great. Because we travel so much, it's important to stay in touch. Sure, the phone bill is pretty high, but it's worth it. I have to say hi to Yvette Hyndman.
Well, it's getting closer to match time, so I'm going to sign off now. Hopefully, the next time I talk to you, it will be after a win.
Take care!
