BALI, Indonesia - She made a strong showing in New York, reaching her second US Open quarterfinal (and first in 10 years). Now, halfway across the world in Bali, Patty Schnyder hopes to continue that form at the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic, where she has reached the semifinals in two of three previous attempts. Follow all of the action with the Swiss No.1 in her latest Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Blog.
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Sunday, September 14, 2008
Today was the perfect day :)
It was all about the final today. My back was hurting the last few days and it was a little bit tight again when I woke up today, but I had a warm-up earlier in the day and once I got going it was okay. We played the final at 4:30pm, which is always a perfect time for me, because it's not too early and not too late. I played some great tennis right from the start. I never lost my focus. We had some great rallies and I was hitting with precision and control, and although she gave me a tough time in the beginning and came up with some great shots, I hung in there and knew I could win if I just kept playing at the level I was. After I won the first set I started to pull away in the second and I won, 63 60. I'm very proud of it.
It has been a while since I won a title, since Cincinnati a few years ago. I'm very proud of all of the finals I've reached since then - like I've reached some Tier I finals and those are really good results - but I definitely wanted to win here this week, and it's a different feeling to win a title, leaving as the champion. I'm very proud that I came here from a tiring summer and the US Open and won all of my matches. I'm surprised - in a good way, of course!
The trophy presentation was really nice. We've had unbelievable photographers here this week, especially for a Tier III. We also got these pearl earrings, which were a really nice touch. Then the closing party was really relaxing. Outdoors, great food, great temperature... We hung out a bit with Tamira and her coach, they're good friends of ours. It was just a perfect ending to a perfect week.
We have to leave at 7am tomorrow to catch a flight out of Bali. I've unfortunately had to pull out of Guangzhou this week because of my back - we put some tape on it yesterday and that took away some of the muscle tension, but it definitely needs to rest, so I'm going back home and just resting for about four days now. Next for me will be Stuttgart; I'm looking forward to playing in Europe.
I'd like to thank every one of you for reading my blog this week. I really enjoyed it. I also really enjoy hearing from my fans and your questions were really great, too. I'm not sure from where, but I'm hoping to do it again next year.
Thanks again everyone and goodbye from beautiful Bali :)
Patty
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Saturday, September 13, 2008
It was another good day today! Well it didn't start out so perfectly... I didn't sleep that well and when I woke up I was really tight. It might have to do with it being so hot and humid outside but the hotel rooms having air conditioning - which is of course nice when you want to cool down, but going in and out of those conditions can catch up with you. Anyway, despite that I started focusing on my semifinal against Petrova right when I woke up. When I went out into the heat to warm up everything moved easier. I had my warm-up and I was ready to go. My mental preparation was really good today.
Just about everything was working for me in the match today. She was serving big but I was returning well, and putting the balls back really deep. I think I was making it hard for her to win free points like she normally does. I reacted well to her game and worked myself into a good rhythm. I was reading her well. I just think I've really adapted to these conditions and courts really well. And now I'm in my first ever final here, which means a lot to me because I really like this tournament. They do so many things for the players and volunteers. And after the final tomorrow there's a closing party. It's a beautiful atmosphere.
I had a few things to do after my match so I couldn't see any of the second semifinal, but I know Tamira won. She's a tough player. I lost to her at the US Open last year, which was a tough loss for me. I feel like I'm always improving though and now, in the last few months of the season, I feel I'm getting better and better. I'll need to serve well and play my best. We'll see how it goes :)
I'm going to have an early night tonight, and hopefully get a good nine hours of sleep. Then the same routine - breakfast outside, warm up around 12:30, rest in the afternoon and eat a bit before the match...
I'll talk to you all one more time after the party tomorrow!
Patty
According to your website you do different types of charity activities. Which of those is the most important to you? - Andras, Hungary
Thank you for your question. It's definitely Amnesty International, so human rights. Every interest is there. They are such a professional organization. I really trust their research. They help a lot of people around the world. I started with them on this TV show, where I could choose a charity to support, and I chose them. I've done some activities with them and some interviews. I get their magazines, too. I feel really in touch with them and everything they're about.
Would you consider playing mixed doubles at a Grand Slam with Roger Federer or Stanislas Wawrinka? - John, USA
Of course, why not? I think they're both so strong in singles - especially Federer - and sometimes if you're going deep in singles at the Grand Slams it's probably not a good idea to play doubles and mixed. But if the opportunity came and one of them wanted to play, I would do it. It would be fun!
You've had so few injuries. What helps you stay so fit? - Debbie, USA
It's a few things. I've really tried learning about the physical side of tennis, which has helped me train better over the years. But I also listen to my body a lot, giving myself a rest when I need it. Also I think I have been a bit lucky, because anyone can get injuries. But I think a lot about this, and have always tried to do the things that keep me from getting injured.
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Friday, September 12, 2008
Hello again everyone!
I feel good about my match today. I was solid from the first point and was able to play my game the whole time. I served well and my movement got better as the match went on. I was mixing it up and I think Marta was having trouble adjusting to it. She's a really dangerous player and against a big-hitter like her you usually have a few games where she's just too good. I knew how good she was and I was really ready for it - that's why I think it was quicker than I expected.
The sun was setting when we played - a really nice background. The lights were on but it was still bright, and you could see some blue sky when we started. It was a change from my first matches of the week, which were a little later.
As I said I really knew today's match would be tough, so my preparation was good. I did some running in the gym earlier to get my legs moving a bit more than usual; although my gym warm-up wasn't too long, it was really intense. I only hit for 20 minutes or half an hour in the afternoon, but again it was more the quality than the quantity, and I also wanted to be fresh for the match. There was a nice, cool breeze in the afternoon, so I was able to be cool and fresh for it :)
Afterwards I had an on-court interview with a headset, talking straight to the broadcasters. Then to the press conference. There's really a lot of interest at this tournament, which is great. We had a quick dinner at the hotel restaurant then headed to the nearby mall for some shopping! First I stopped off at Starbucks for a Frappuccino (if you read my very first blog from Cincinnati two years ago, you know how much I love Starbucks) and then browsed all the stores (I think there are 50 or 60 of them). There were also about 20 restaurants there. It's a great place! I bought a dress to wear for the closing party here in Bali.
I'm not too tired right now. It's about 10pm. I feel good for the semifinals, but Petrova is playing well on hardcourts this year. She had a very good victory today. And we've played each other a lot before. I expect some tough rallies and pressure from her serve. We'll see what happens tomorrow!
We're just going to chill out on the balcony tonight. We have a nice view and the sounds are very calming. Until tomorrow, take care :)
Patty
Does your tattoo have any specific meaning? - Terry
It's a Chinese symbol for dragon. I got it at the end of last year, in November. It has a personal meaning - like any tattoo, really :)
What do you do to stay positive on the court? - Walter
Of course everyone gets frustrated when they're playing, but you just have to remember what you're capable of. I know my strengths and I know I can play well, no matter how things are going at the time. I know it's never over until you've lost the last point, so there's always time to turn things around. And that's what's so great about tennis.
We've asked you about your favorite tournaments and places to visit, but what was the worst tournament you've ever been to? - Brian, UK
When I first started, there were some $10K and $25K tournaments on the ITF Circuit that were pretty rough. I remember one where there wasn't any food and the hotel was pretty bad. The courts were also horrible. But that was a long time ago, and I can honestly say that I've only had good experiences on the Tour. Nothing compares to what we have now!
Does it help or hurt you to be a lefty in today's game?
I like being a lefty. I would definitely say I use it to my advantage. I was always trying to develop my game to benefit from it. There aren't too many lefties in the Top 30 or Top 40, I think just Bammer and me, but there are quite a few in the rest of the Top 100, like Dellacqua, Benesova, Czink, Safarova, Kostanic...
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Thursday, September 11, 2008
A very interesting day today...
I slept in to start the day off. I didn't get to sleep until about 2am last night because of yesterday's match, which ended pretty late because of the rain delay. So I had a bit of a late morning today :)
At about 11am we had a very unique player activity - a temple ceremony. We were all invited to join in the traditional Balinese ritual, where we dressed up in these long, colorful robes, and went to a temple in the resort (they have these temples everywhere in Bali, and it was pretty convenient they had one right on the resort). We held flowers and these sticks that had smoke coming off them and there was a priest speaking to us. There was singing too. I believe the ritual is for the gods to protect us, although I'm not sure because they were speaking in another language! But it was fun and one of the more unique things players get to experience while travelling the Tour. I've attached a picture of some of us :)
The ceremony lasted about half an hour. After that I did some exercises, ab work and stretches then warmed up for my doubles match. It was a tough one - the other team played really well but Anna-Lena and I had too many ups and downs. We lost, but it was still nice to have a match to play on my day off from singles.
This evening, Rainer, me, Anna-Lena and her coach had dinner here at the resort. They have all of our meals right here and the surroundings are beautiful - ponds, designs, waterfalls - it's just a great open air atmosphere. We hung out for a little while, and now I'm back at the hotel writing to you guys!
I'm playing Marta Domachowska in the quarterfinals tomorrow. I watched some of her match against Craybas yesterday and she's playing well. I'm ready for some big serves and winners from her, and I'm hoping to do better than I did in my first match. We'll see what happens - I will do my best!
Talk to you all tomorrow,
Patty
What do you think of the new 2009 calendar? - Alex, Switzerland
I think it's a great improvement. It's a great challenge and a new dimension for all of us. It changes my schedule in a few places, for instance I usually don't play Indian Wells, but I'll be playing there now.
Is it difficult to play with such long hair? - Magdas, Netherlands
Actually I'm used to it, because I've always had it. This is actually the first time I've been asked this! I've been asked before if it goes into my eyes but that's about it. If it's a really windy day I'll put something in my hair to keep it back but otherwise it doesn't bother me at all.
Which players do you like watching the most? - Neta, Israel
When I was young it was Andre Agassi and Stefan Edberg. Right now it's definitely Roger Federer. I was really happy he won the US Open this week!
Where would you like to go, where you haven't been? - Lindsay, USA
I've always wanted to go to South Africa. There's no tournament there, but if there was one I'd go. But I would like to visit there even without a tournament. I'd love to go on a safari, see the landscape, nature...
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
It was a pretty late night! I finished my match against Yuan Meng, did press and am now back at the hotel, and it's just before midnight. It was a very strange match - I was at match point and it started raining. I've never been stopped at that point before. I've also never seen rain at this tournament before! I thought maybe a bird was maybe, well, you know... haha. But it was rain. Anyway, during the delay I came back to the hotel room, which I don't think I've ever done either! But I had to change, and the hotel is so close because it's all in the same resort. It only takes me about four minutes.
I ended up winning the match, 62 75. I played well in the beginning but it's my first match after the US Open and the long trip, so it's tough to stay focused and intense throughout the whole match. She played me close in Canada this summer so I knew I had to do my best. I'm just lucky we were delayed when it was my match point, because I was nervous anyway. And I really didn't want it to go to a third set. When we got back and played the match point I missed a second serve return by what must have been 3cm (it was so close!) She had a game point in that game too but I saved it and luckily closed it out on my second match point.
I have a new picture up, as you can see! My racquet was strung too tight here, so I took it to the beach and left it out in the sun. We turned it into a little bit of a photo shoot :) Leaving it in the heat helps reduce the tension of the strings. Other players do it too - some even use a hair dryer!
I'll answer some of your lovely questions and then it's off to bed...
Take care and talk to you tomorrow,
Patty
You're such an experienced player and you've been playing for so many years now. What goals do you still have? - João, Portugal
It's still a dream for me to be in a Grand Slam final and even win one. I've played so many years and haven't had that dream come true, so I cannot really have any other goals - that's the one.
Who is your toughest opponent on court? - Kurniadi, Indonesia
Venus Williams. She's so powerful, and I've also never beaten her! She's such an amazing athlete. It's so tough to hit a winner against her, because her court coverage is incredible. I've been close before but never managed to win.
I heard you play golf. Do you have time to play in the tennis season, and do you you have a handicap? - Alex, Austria
I do like to play golf, although it's hard to find the time. I don't have a handicap. I usually play when I'm in Amelia Island, but not really anywhere else.
Do you ever watch other players' matches when your not playing? - Phil
I do. I always try to see some of my opponents for the next round, but I also just like watching the night sessions of some tournaments, especially on TV. I've always enjoyed watching night matches from the Australian Open and US Open.
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Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Hello again from beautiful Bali :)
It was another relaxing day today. I practiced from 11-12, although it was more of an extended warm-up rather than a full practice session, but it was great to get my feet moving. We didn't do much in the afternoon, just going to the beach, cooling off in the shadows... I played some cards with Rainer, a Swiss game called Yass, although because there's only two of us we played with French rules (normally you need four people). I sometimes play card games on my mobile as well. As you can probably tell, I'm adjusting nicely to peaceful Bali :)
When we went for an early dinner we found out my doubles match ended in a walkover, because one of our opponents - Julia Vakulenko - was injured. I wasn't following the scores so I didn't see when it happened, but it's too bad, and hopefully Julia can recover soon. I stayed on site for a little bit longer to see the physios but then we just came back to the hotel. We've just been spending time talking on the balcony. I did a bit of texting earlier. I haven't watched any TV or gone on the internet here either. Normally I like keeping busy but I would have been playing the match now, so we didn't really plan anything for tonight. Basically this was a typical tennis day, just without the match!
I'll have lots to tell you about tomorrow, as I have my first singles match of the week! For now I'll answer some of your questions then head to bed...
Patty
What is your favorite city? - Olga
It's hard to pick between Berlin and Melbourne. Both are really big cities with lots of quiet spots, lots of beautiful areas and really nice people. Neither is stressful. And in Berlin, it seems like every second corner you turn there's so much history. Melbourne is great too, but not just because of the Australian Open. You wouldn't think it had such a high population, because it never seems busy or noisy. No traffic jams. And it has the best food in Australia!
Who is your best friend on the Tour? - Simon
I'm close with Kuznetsova, although I haven't seen her much lately. Janette Husarova is a good friend, as is Kveta Peschke. I'm friendly with a lot of people but it's tough to be friends with other players, because you're always travelling to different places and you don't see the same faces too much. The younger players are nice. I would say my best friends on the Tour aren't playing anymore, like Babsi Schett, Anke Huber... my fellow German speakers! And my husband travels everywhere with me, so he's probably my best friend on the Tour :)
If you could win one tournament, which would it be? - Raphael, Brazil
Paris - Roland Garros. It was my dream as a kid to win there, and it was always my favorite Grand Slam. Now, I probably like Melbourne even better, but all of my life I've wanted to win in Paris.
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Monday, September 8, 2008
Hello again!
It has been a while since I last did the blog - since Cincinnati last summer. It has been a good year for me. I made the quarterfinals of the French Open and came here from New York, where I made the quarters of the US Open as well. It's like 10 years ago all over again! The US Open has given me a lot of confidence. I had a lot of close matches leading up to the quarterfinals, especially against Srebotnik in the fourth round, and to be able to turn them around and win in the end is just great. The match with Katarina was very high quality, just unbelievable tennis. So, I am excited about the rest of the season, including this week in Bali!
I left New York last Wednesday night, the day after my quarterfinal. I didn't have too much time to see the sights but I've been there so many times and seen a lot of it already. It's always a great experience to be there because there's so much happening all the time, but I'm happy I'm away from the stressful life!
The flight was pretty long - non-stop from New York. It was 18 and a half hours. Some people can't get good sleep on planes, but that's not a problem for me. I was so tired from the US Open that I slept about 10 hours on it! My husband, Rainer, got even more than me, about 13 hours. We ended up getting here at about noon on Friday, and spent the first day and a half mainly at the pool.
There are so many pool creations and designs, waterfalls, beautiful trees (to get some shadows!) and the beach is right here, too. I can see so much beauty right from my hotel room balcony. And the tournament site is great too, it's very close to the hotel. The courts are pretty fast and I like them that way. I've always liked it here. I haven't gotten to a final here yet but I'm hoping to go far this time ;)
We did a turtle release today, which was very different! They gave us boxes of these tiny little turtles, like just a few inches big, and we took them to the ocean and let them go. We each had about four or five of them. Sometimes the waves would wash them back up the sand and they had to walk all the way back, but I think they all made it! They were very cute. Apparently these are the ones that will grow up to be 100 years old and three feet long, which is amazing. I think this was the first time they did it here. I've attached a picture so you can see!
I have a first round bye in singles so I probably won't play my first match until Wednesday or Thursday, but I do have my first doubles match tomorrow night. I'm playing with Anna-Lena Groenefeld. We made a last minute decision to play together at the US Open and we had a great result. Our second round match was the most exciting one, because we saved something like seven match points, and the fans stuck around even though we were playing until midnight, so the atmosphere was just incredible. I've known Anna-Lena since she started coming up in the rankings. She's a nice person and is getting back to her best level. She played great tennis at the US Open and it's nice to see her happy again.
That's all for now, I'll talk to you all again tomorrow!
Patty
