LONDON, UK - Now a year since coming back from an illness-induced hiatus, Alicia Molik has been enjoying an impressive rise back up the ranks in singles and doubles. Now, straight from the All-England Club and fresh from her second Grand Slam doubles title at Roland Garros, she adds blogging to her already-packed resumé. Enjoy the Wimbledon fortnight through the eyes of the Australian star in the latest Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Blog.
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Saturday, July 7, 2007
Hello again everyone,
Mara and I lost in three very tight sets today. We played very well but so did our opponents and they were just too good in the end so I can live with that. Only an hour after the women's doubles I was back on the same court partnering Jonas Bjorkman in the mixed, which we won in two sets. Then another 30-minute break before our quarterfinal, which we won in three, so it's fair to say it was an action-packed day! No rest for the wicked, as they say! A bunch of my friends were courtside cheering me on throughout my matches which was nice. The Sun was out the entire day so I could see everyone in the crowd becoming more red by the minute! I do have a spot of sunburn myself, so I'll get the SPF out Sunday!
If all goes to plan on Sunday, Jonas and I should play two matches, our semifinal then the final. We've been improving every single match as far as combining goes, so I'm imagining we will take it up a few notches in our next match.
Everyone probably thinks we all get a holiday after Wimbledon finishes; I wish that were the case! Instead, many players like myself represent their respective countries in the Fed Cup, the women's equivalent to Davis Cup. Australia is scheduled to play Ukraine next weekend IN AUSTRALIA, on the Gold Coast! As soon as I'm done playing here it's essential I jump on the next flight out direct to Australia as I must get there as soon as possible to become accustomed to the court surface, so I'm ready to play Saturday should I be selected. What a mad rush, a lot of you probably think? It's actually an ordinary situation for a tennis player to be rushing to get to an event, checking our flights before a tournament has even finished... it's very normal. However, in saying that, I'm also very much looking forward to having a break after Fed Cup. I'll head back to Melbourne, recharge my batteries then prepare on hard courts for my next major trip, where I start at Toronto first, it's go, go, go! But as I mentioned earlier, regarding a rest, it's an absolute must after such a long and intense European season. It's as much taxing mentally as it is physically; I'd say it takes an emotional toll more than anything. So, it'll be good to have a mental break from tennis soon.
... but not before I hopefully win the mixed with Jonas!
Bye for now... and cross your fingers for us!!!
Alicia Molik
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Friday, July 6, 2007
Mara and I won our quarterfinal today, so we're in the semis tomorrow. My coach has a slight - or should I say large - dilemma. Saturday is the wedding of his best friend, who happens to be Josh Eagle, a former player. He is marrying Barbara Schett in Innsbruck, Austria. Five months ago, upon receiving the invitation, Killer (my coach) would've thought the date a certainty to attend, and so did I. There's no way four months ago when I didn't have a doubles partner and was arranging someone to play with week to week, that I would ever have dreamed of winning the French and getting to the semis of Wimbledon. Only great teams who combine well can do that; I think it's a sign that Mara and I do compliment each other well. But it's very strange in a way that for so long Killer and I have been talking about the wedding and how much fun it would be. I have encouraged him to attend as it is special moments like these we experience with our friends that are memories for the rest of our lives. And I know it would mean the world to Josh if Killer were there also. It's just not my decision to make. I support my coach whatever he chooses. I know how difficult it is being away because of tennis and how many important events are missed due to travel and logistics. Tennis is very important and so are friends; in my eyes they are equally important. But I love weddings!
Killer is staying to support Mara and I, so I will be doing my best to make sure it's worth his while. I'm looking forward to Saturday - semifinal day and crunch time. I'm quietly confident, as I have been all tournament long with Mara. It's important we start well and on an even keel with our emotions. Mara likes to get fired up; I'm a little more reserved in that department, however under my skin I'm a big believer in the way we play. I'll save my emotion for a victory!
I can't wait to see Josh and Babsi's wedding photos, and the video, maybe if they have one made. To be honest, I secretly wish I was there too!
Bye for now, see you soon...
Alicia Molik
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Thursday, July 5, 2007
Shock! It rained for most of the day, and at about 5pm, play was cancelled for myself and Jonas. Tomorrow will be a flat out day, weather permitting. No doubt I'll play my women's doubles first and then possibly two mixed doubles matches to catch up. Bring it on! I'm ready for anything!
I'm home watching a bit of TV and relaxing to music whilst writing my blog. I'm catching up for dinner tonight with an old friend of mine, Catherine Barclay. It's been a while since it was just the two of us so I look forward to hearing how her trip coaching the juniors has gone, and also how married life is treating her in Sydney! We were good mates on Tour before she retired, so it's nice we've been able to maintain contact and stay in touch. Staying in touch with friends is always difficult when you are travelling the world, however I believe it's really important to keep a sense of home.
Friday is beginning back in Australia, which means footy, and it's time to check the Australian Rules website to keep a check on the week's events and what I can look forward to over the weekend. If time permits tomorrow, I'll listen to the radio live online, which is always a favourite past-time of mine! Also Nova100, which is my favourite radio network in Melbourne.
Goodbye for now, I have to get ready for dinner!
See you soon...
Alicia Molik
