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Liezel Huber's Doha Blog

DOHA, Qatar - Liezel Huber, ranked No.1 in the world in doubles with Cara Black, puts on her blogging hat one more time this week and keeps us all up to date with what's going on at the Sony Ericsson Championships - Doha 2009!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Good morning everyone!

I say morning, because it's almost 2am... We lost :-( The good thing is that we didn't go down without putting up a fight! Nuria and María José deserve this victory and Championships title! They are a solid, hard working team and on top of that, extremely nice girls! I am sad for us, but very happy for them! I hate losing more than I love winning. Not a good thing, but at least I am aware of it. I work very hard and wish there wasn't anything like losing... :-) How I look at losing, is we are given the opportunity to learn. It's a good thing. Well, I guess it is only a good thing IF you learn!

It was a well played match by both teams. They were just a touch more aggressive and more accurate. They knew what they had to do and stuck to their game plan. They are very determined! We had ups and downs and tried hard, but we for sure could've done quite a few things better.

Cara is done for the year. She flies to London for a few days and then back to Africa for 6 weeks. We are flying to Italy tomorrow at 2pm. We don't get in until almost 11pm... My coach, Roger, is headed to South Africa to visit his family for 10 days. I hope he has a nice break, because he has worked overtime!!! I love our set-up and work environment. Roger is so great for me. I learn every day and want to improve. I enjoy working out in the gym and staying fit (and getting fitter!) Thanks a lot Roger if you read this blog. My husband used to coach me and it worked just fine. We both decided it's best for me to work with someone else and my husband stay my husband! Tony and I don't argue at all anymore! Maybe because we don't talk tennis 24/7 anymore !!! :-)

I have had great news today. First some background... My twin sister was born with a hemangioma on her left arm and shoulder. She had lots and lots of surgeries as a child. Her arm is disfigured and she endures a lot of sleepless nights due to the pain. Some weeks ago it was extremely bad. Monita only slept a few hours in a two week period. My mom was very worried. I did some research and found Dr. Milton Waner, one of the best vascular specialists in the world! I sent him an e-mail and got a response within the hour! My twin sister saw him today! She said that she has had a hemangioma for 33 years and it's fantastic, within a minute she didn't have it anymore (that was her joke!) She says she has been misdiagnosed all these years and what he suspects she has is arterial sclerosis. If not tomorrow, by Tuesday she will have another MRI to determine how deep/clogged the arteries are and what the next step is. I wish I was there for my sister. She is the nicer twin! I wanted to give you Dr. Milton Waner's non-profit website. He is a wonderful man helping a lot of people that are far worse off than my sister. She said that there were mostly children in the hospital today and from all over the world. Anyway, donate if you can. I want to fund raise for his cause! Like I said before, we are so blessed. Here is Dr. Warner's website if you have a spare minute: https://wanervascularanomaly.org/home.

I have to pack... but not now! I am chatting to you all! I am the procrastinator when it comes to packing and then when I have to, I am so sleepy. I am going to double check our flight time for tomorrow and then set my alarm to wake up a bit earlier. Anyway, my doping where-abouts testing time is 7-8am, so I can't sleep late. We have to provide an hour for each day for testing. I'm not going to get into this, but I think it's a bit ridiculous. I understand why we have to give our whereabouts, but it should just be random testing and not a 'surprise' test. I counted the other day... Since the end of the French Open (beginning June) to now, I have been tested 14 times! That not even counting the first five months of the year or next week and the off-season ahead. I tell you how crazy it is... Got tested Monday evening at the US Open and the doping authorities tested me at home Wednesday evening!

It's been great blogging for you all this week. I have been asked to blog for www.usta.com next week. I will leave it up to the young ones... Please cheer for Team USA. We are going to need your support, as I know the Italians will be extremely loud!

Thanks again. Until the next time. Take care.

xoxoxo

Liezel

When you're back at home, what are your favorite TV shows/movies? Simon, USA
My husband normally has the remote control, so I watch what he watches! I am always on the go and find it dificult to relax... When I do watch TV, I enjoy Law and Order, CSI, House and The Dog whisperer (and Intervention!) Haven't been to a movie in ages, I catch up on them when we are flying!

What are you and Cara's goals for 2010? Mary, UK
Good question. You are one step ahead of us, we haven't spoken about it yet. I want to be ultra fit. I am going to work hard in the off-season. Our main goal is always Grand Slam titles. It would be awesome to start the year very strong in Australia!

What are your favorite things about life in Texas? Jennifer, USA
I love your question! I love the people! People are so friendly. If you have been to Houston, you will know what I mean :-) I love the weather, although some would say it gets too hot. I love the lifestyle; it's a little laid back. Also Texas is very affordable compared to other states. We are located very central, which makes it easy for travel. I love Texas!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

We won we won we won!!! I am so excited!

Hey you guys! Can't you tell how happy I am!!! We had a battle out there today. Nothing could get us down. For the ones who didn't get to see the match, it was a tough one, as you can imagine. We were prepared for a battle and good tennis. What I wasn't prepared for is what happened on the first point of the second game... I got whacked by Stubbs with an overhead in the face! I got hit full on and it hurt! Was I in shock! I made sure I didn't yell or do anything stupid, as I had done that in the past and know it was more out of shock, but it's not in my nature. I doubt her whacking me was intentional, but if it was, she was very accurate! :-) I am doing fine now and very lucky it wasn't my eye or my nose, just my mouth and jaw. We are very lucky to have extremely qualified physios and of course the tournament doctor was on hand. I have been icing lots and fingers crossed I am not too sore later on.

We won we won we won! We barely did, but a win is a win. That means that we end the year as No.1 for the third straight year! How blessed are we! For sure we could've had a better year, but it's still a rewarding accomplishment for us as individuals and as a team! I know tomorrow there's another match to be played, but for now we are savoring the moment!

I have an hour to get ready for the Sony Ericsson Championships Party. An hour sounds like plenty to you... I however struggle with hair, jewelry, make-up, clothes, shoes and of course getting my husband sorted. Just kidding, he is already dressed in his suit and he looks very handsome :-) He was still feeling quite ill this morning and didn't eat breakfast, but somehow I think the victory gave him new life!

I'll report back to you after the party... bye...

(a little later...)

I'm back! It's a quarter 'til midnight... The party was awesome. All we had to do what look pretty. We took a few pictures, did an interview, went on stage for a group shot and received a gift. We always receive lovely fashion jewelry from one of the sponsors. We stayed and enjoyed the entertainment. I loved the acrobats. Tony admired the girls juggling fire and Roger commented on the drummers!

We came back in time just to find out the score of our opponents tomorrow. The Spanish team beat the Williams sisters and so we will have a rematch with Llagostera and Martínez. Our last meeting was at the US Open. We had also played them in Cincinnati, Wimbledon and Madrid. All of our matches have been nail-biters! Tomorrow will be another great one!

Stacey Allaster presented Cara and I with our year-end No.1 trophies today. Super cool! The presentation took place in the media center in front of journalists. I sat down afterwards with three great journalists. They were asking me mostly Fed Cup questions. You know I am a huge advocate for representing your country when the occasion arises! I wanted to tell these journalists: if you are reading my blog, I really enjoyed our interview and want to thank you for all your hard work. I know we are all just doing our job, but when it's with passion and great interest that you have shown me, it makes it a memorable experience. It was my pleasure.

I heard Vania King joined our US Fed Cup team. I am so happy for Vania. We were together on the Fed Cup team that played against Russia in Russia, last year May. We won our doubles match together :-) Vania has had an excellent year and will be a great asset to Team USA!

Okay folks. I need my rest for tomorrow. We don't play until 8pm. No stress, our flight is only for Monday :-)

xoxoxo

Liezel

I enjoy watching your team play, especially at the end when you lift Cara up! When did you do that for the first time and was she surprised? Blondie, UK
It was when we won Wimbledon for the first time. Cara is light as a feather! I am always scared I crush her, but she is a good sport about it!

Are you meeting my mom (Suniti) this week? She is in Doha this week as she won the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's Heroes Among Us program :) Ajit, USA
I haven't met your mom yet. I read about your mom and hope we get to meet. You must be so proud of her! I hope she is having a memorable week in Doha.

How many more years do you envisage playing doubles for? Go Bluber! (That's the nickname many fans have for your partnership!) Rachel
I haven't heard Bluber before. Very funny! I hope to play until the next Olympics. It's a long ways to go, so fingers crossed, but that's the goal.

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Friday, October 30, 2009

Hey everyone!

I can't believe it is Friday evening. Sometimes the week seems to go by so slowly, but then before you know it it is Friday! That's how it is at home too. It's Monday and then it's Friday. We dread Mondays, because all of us have to go back to work, go to appointments and just a ton of stuff to get done. I am sure it's like that for everyone! Fridays mean the weekend is coming up... time to relax a bit and hang out with my friends... On the road though, Fridays mean semis and finals! I wish every day could be a Friday!!!! :-)

We had two practice sessions today. The first one we played sets and tie-breaks against Roger and Abdul. The later practice was only 30 minutes. We just wanted to work on one or two things in preparation for our match tomorrow. I think we are ready. I know we are ready. It's so much fun to compete. That's why we practice. We are on at 2pm tomorrow!

Tonight Cara and I attended a Sony Ericsson sponsor dinner. It meant dressing up, doing our hair and putting on make-up! We don't get to do it often, so it was enjoyable! We had a lovely time talking to our Sony Ericsson WTA Tour sponsor. I love meeting new people! We didn't stay too long, as we have a big day tomorrow.

Tony and I had room service. It was just the easiest thing to do, as I had my media commitment and he has been sick. He is feeling a bit better today. We don't get room service very often, because for the most part the food is just so-so and overpriced! Now we are going in between two channels: a movie and the tennis. It's a nail-biter out there with Radwanska and Azarenka... Some strange things have happened in this round robin format. I had thought that Venus was out of contention and now I read that Venus had qualified once Kuznetsova beat Dementieva. Lots of twists and turns... That's the exciting thing about the match that's on now too... It sure keeps you on the edge of your seat! Maybe we should go to the round robin format in the doubles too :-)

I will report back after our match tomorrow. My friend Julianne always says, fingers and toes crossed!

Good night all!

xoxoxo

Liezel

You mentioned some teams would be changing next year. Will you and Cara still be playing together? As a huge fan of you two I obviously want to hear you say yes! Carolyn, UK
So far as I know we are :-) Thanks for checking and thanks for supporting us!

What is it like playing the Williams sisters in doubles? Raphael
At first a little intimidating as they hit the ball a lot bigger than we had expected. It's a challenge for sure. I hope we get to play again this week!

Does your Tennis Ranch have camps juniors can go to for a week? Do the juniors have to be from Texas? Louie, USA
Thanks for showing interest in Huber Tennis Ranch! We are so proud all of our students! We have juniors and pros from all over the world! Our programs range from hourly, daily and weekly. Please go to www.hubertennisranch.com and contact Mariaan. Hope to see you soon!

You have been very successful but what would you say is your best moment? Curtis, Northern Ireland
My most rewarding moment was helping the hurricane victims. I am all about making a difference and wanting change. This was something where I could do just that. Thanks for asking.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Good evening again!

We play the whole year to reach this week. It's amazing that in a few days' time it will all be over with... and then we have to start next year all over again! Okay okay I am going to enjoy the moment and not get ahead of myself...

Firstly, I am starving (I know I always am!) I will tell you about my day off in a bit... first things first, dinner! I made reservations at Porcini. I love it. The best Italian food outside of Italy. Okay, not quite, but it is very good. I don't like it when we are somewhere overseas and someone recommends a Mexican restaurant. I mean, we are from Texas and we have the best Tex-Mex on the planet! So I won't recommend you this Italian restaurant, but if you are in Doha and feel like Italian, then I will say it is tasty Italian :-) Some Mexican restaurants we have been to overseas (they thought they were 'Mexican'), but they weren't even close to what we know as Mexican... We love our Mexican food! If you come to visit, I will be sure to take you to Alicia's!!!

(time passes...)

We're back from an okay dinner. The service wasn't great,but the food was fine. The good thing is that we wanted to have an early evening and we will!

My husband went to sleep with a sore throat and woke up with it... I know he isn't feeling well and therefore is a bit grumpy. After breakfast I left him to rest in the room. I spent a couple of hours at the mall. Yes, I bought a summer dress from Monsoon. I tried on lots of shoes, but I have difficult feet and couldn't find any comfortable ones. I mainly walked in and out of stores with the hope of getting lucky... Once I got back to the hotel (Tony was still sleeping), I got my swimsuit on and grabbed my new goggles and headed to the pool. The pool was packed. People were sunbathing, swimming and lunching outside. The outside pool's water was too warm. I went to the indoor pool and swam 20 laps. In the scheme of things not enough for someone wanting to improve their swimming stamina for triathlons... I had a time limit, as I had to get ready for our draw ceremony.

Tony and Roger stayed behind. I drove over to the courts with Cara, her husband, Brett and her coach, Christian. It was nice seeing everyone dressed up! The draw went quickly. The number that was drawn was 3. That meant that we play against Stosur and Stubbs in our semifinal match. The schedule hasn't been made, but I think it's a big possibility that we play Saturday at 2pm. They are a great team and we have had some battles with them. The last being at the US Open. Both teams will bring their A-games, so may the best team win!

Last year on our day off we went sightseeing with my parents. The new museum just opened and I would've liked to see it. There's always a next time. Doha still has the rights to a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event in February, so we will be back!

Serena and Elena are slugging it out on court. Serena is on fire!

I am not sure if there will be a picture of us on the website of the draw ceremony. I hope so. If not, I took a picture of myself sitting in front of my computer while blogging (boring I know!) By the way, thanks for all the positive feedback on my blog. You didn't have to, but you did and I appreciate it a lot :-)

xoxoxo

Liezel

Do you wish the doubles competition was also round robin? Dechen
Yes and no. I think Cara and I have done pretty well at this format, so why change it! On the other hand, it is kind of boring to hang out the whole week waiting to play... I doubt it will ever get changed. Doubles takes a back seat unfortunately.

Do you and Cara have a favorite opposing team? Sam, Germany
I don't think we do. We like to win easily, but there are a lot of good players now and that doesn't happen too often. We like to beat up on Roger and Tony! Hehe...

What is your pre-match routine in the hour or two before you play? Jenny, USA
We warm up pretty good. Meaning we work up a sweat before we walk on the court for our match. I have a routine I do with my coach. The main thing for us is to have our heart rate up and ready to go on the first point! I always eat a protein bar before and take bananas and Gatorade on court. I have notes in my bag and sometimes I look over them! Not always. It just depends how nervous I am I guess!

What has happened with Kveta Peschke this year? Mark
She has had terrible luck. She is such a great player and been plagued by injuries. Kveta and Lisa did great together in the beginning of the year. I know that injuries can be frustrating. Hopefully Kveta will be back on tour shortly!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Good evening all!

I am watching Serena and Venus LIVE! Venus just served 127mph! They are on fire!

I can't imagine how it must be for them to play against each other... They are both extremely competitive and such amazing athletes. I am one of two twins and we didn't enjoy playing school tennis together. I pushed Monita's buttons and then she would just let me win. She wasn't as competitive as me and maybe she was happy seeing me happy. At lunch break I was always hungry and my sister would give me her lunch. I couldn't believe it. I would always wonder, why isn't she hungry? Now I realize she probably was, but wanted me to have her lunch instead. My twin sister is so sweet! Today at 33 years of age we share a very special bond. My mom says: when she is down I am down; and when things are going well with me, things are going well with her. Normally when one is sick the other is too (and we live oceans apart). Like I said, I can't imagine the bond Serena and Venus have. I almost don't want to watch them play. When one is up, then I want the other one to win and vice versa.

It was another warm day in Doha. Another successful practice and a light gym workout in the evening. Cara and I did an autograph session at 7pm. Tony, Roger and I went directly to the mall and ate at Nando's! I am not sure if the peri-peri chicken was tastier tonight or two nights ago :-) I am still looking for an outfit to wear either for tomorrow's draw ceremony or Saturday night's party. My stomach felt too full after dinner, so I didn't think it was the best idea to be trying on anything! I will return to City Center tomorrow. We had always planned to have Thursday off. Roger looked at when I have played my best and it's when I have every fourth day off (of course schedule permitting). At the US Open I played nine days straight. Cara played 11 days in a row! There is nothing we could do about it, but when it is in our control we try and work it into our schedule. Any suggestions for tomorrow? I am for sure going to swim. My new hobby! I am dying to try out my new goggles... I will let you know if they're a winner... I am not a great swimmer and my competitive nature makes me want to improve!

Our Fed cup team has been announced! It's Serena, Melanie, Alexa and myself. We are going to miss Venus! What a team though. I know we will do our best and fight 'til the end! Yeah! GO USA!

Thank you for the questions you all sent. I am waiting for more and of course the suggestions I had asked for.

Goodnight

xoxoxo

Liezel

Who is your tip to take the singles title this year? Harvs, Australia
That's a tough one. They are all so good! I am going to have to say, Serena. She wants that No.1 ranking and knowing her determination, she will bring her best game this week!

Do you get homesick or are you used to life on the road? Tyler, USA
I miss my own bed, my two best friends and my four dogs! I am so lucky that my husband travels with me. Of course I miss my parents and siblings. It's part of the job I guess. We are lucky to have a good off-season, where we spend most of the time at home or visiting with family.

Which is more exciting, playing the Championships or Fed Cup? Patrick, USA
They are so different from each other. Both being huge! I love playing for the US and think you can't compare the feeling representing your country! It's such a high!

Do you intend on teaching your children Afrikaans? John, Canada
I hope so. I really do. I only speak English to my dogs... I would also like my children to speak Spanish. I hope to speak it myself one day!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Hi y'all! That's how we greet in Texas!

I am just looking at the picture posted on the blog, the one Tony and I took together yesterday... Looking at it, it is like when we first got married. It doesn't seem like we have changed any. Of course we have, we have been married 10 years in February! Anyway, just wanted to say that it's so much fun taking pictures.

We were lucky and managed to hit on center court. We are trying to start our practice later in the day, because the matches only start at 5pm. That way we get in a routine for when we have our matches (always thinking ahead!) And that's my personality. It's got a lot of pros and cons to it. Trust me.

I am very organized, because I don't like chaos. I am also very impatient. My husband says I am patient, I just don't use my patient skills very well. So, I am practicing them! He is very patient... and that is good and bad for me. The moral of the story is, if I didn't have some of my personality traits I probably wouldn't have gotten as far in my tennis career. Also, the older I am getting, I am trying to work on my traits I don't like and I try to be a bit more relaxed. So there you have it...

Where was I? Oh yes, our practice... It felt cooler to me today. Maybe getting used to the heat. I definitely felt a little breeze in the shade. Cara and I did some drills with Roger and Abdul (Cara's hitting partner). I think we beat them (but not by much!) We are both hitting at 6pm again. We want to experience hitting under the lights.

The stadium was buzzing this afternoon. They were doing sound checks with the speaker system. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Supervisors were measuring the court and distances to the cameras (there are a lot of regulations!) The court was being swept and washed when we left. I told you, they do an awesome job here, and once again it's going to be a spectacular Championships!

I was going to relax, but ended up not. My husband took a nap. Now we are heading back to the courts. We have a driver allocated for Cara and me. I love being spoilt like this!

I know some might find my blog boring. I am sorry. I can't help it if I am boring. The idea behind me blogging is just to give you a little insight into our week in Doha. Any suggestions appreciated! Also, thanks everyone at Huber Tennis Ranch for cheering me on!

On a more exciting note: I keep checking the USTA's website, but no announcement has been made about who is on our Fed Cup team. I hope Venus and Serena are available. I am sure that would give the Italians sleepless nights! Go USA! I respect Italy's team. They are very strong, but I think we are going to make them work for it!

For those who follow the doubles... be ready for some changes in partnership for next year... not all for the same reasonings... Some due to retirements, some due to concentrating on singles, some due to injury and some I am not sure of... Stay tuned!

Just came back from our late practice. We ended up eating at the courts. Every week the food is pretty much the same; pasta, chicken and salad... It made for an earlier night, instead of going out. I took this picture of Roger and Tony at dinner.

Back at the hotel and can't find the match live on TV... Watching the scores online!

Okay, suggestions appreciated for the blog!!!

Xoxo

Liezel

Tony Huber, Roger Anderson

Monday, October 26, 2009

Hey everyone!

It's 10pm and we are still awake! It's quite unusual for me as I am an early riser, which means I go to sleep early too.

Tony and I are sitting at Starbucks in the City Center Mall. On average we visit the mall at least three times during the week. It's fun just to walk around and watch people and, of course, eat somewhere besides at the hotel. We came here at 7pm and headed straight to Nando's! The best Portuguese peri-peri chicken in the entire world! We ate a lot! Then we had to walk it off...

We bought some swimming goggles, flip-flops and aqua gloves, 'cause my husband is a slow swimmer... Only my 200-pound English Mastiff Ace swims slower (my husband is sitting next to me and laughing!)

Today was a great start to our practice week before we play on Saturday. Firstly, it was hot! Cara and I hit at noon. We took more water breaks than normal. The center court has been resurfaced and plays slowly. It's swirly inside, which makes it a bit tricky when you are with the wind.

We ate lunch at Bennighan across the street from the courts. Lunch was provided for us on-site, but we knew we would eat there all week. It was good!

Cara and I did our afternoon practices seperately. I worked on my net game and returns with my coach. My husband joined us and he was my target! Not so much fun for him, but fun for me! We left the courts at 5pm.

Tony and I swam laps in the indoor pool at the hotel. It was more just to do something else and I think it will help us get over our jetlag. We will see...

I didn't see mant girls at the courts, as I had hoped. I assume they all took it easy today. The first matches start tomorrow.

This week we have a few media engagements, where we have to dress up. It's always fun, but a bit stressful for me. I don't like to shop and never have anything to wear. Tonight I tried on a couple of dresses in Monsoon. Tony gave me the thumbs up, but I am going to have to think about it. I wasn't planning on spending so much!

We met some South African people at Nando's. A father and his son. I invited them to the tennis this week. I am sure they will enjoy it! It was nice for me to speak Afrikaans!

Okay, our coffee is finished and think the mall is closing shortly... Plus it's past my bedtime!

Until tomorrow...

Xoxo

Liezel

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Hi from Doha! Thought we would never get here... or at least that is what it felt like! One of the advantages of living in Houston is that we can pretty much fly direct anywhere. We could've to Doha too, but the fare was more than triple. We stopped in Washington DC and flew United operated by Qatar Airways. It was long, but happy to be here!

We are staying at the Ritz Carlton! Probably the nicest hotel we stay at during the whole year. The Championships provide us with two free rooms. On Tour we get a hotel room while we are still in. It's awesome getting my coach's room free this week! We really are spoilt here. The rooms are amazing. Ours is a suite with two balconies... I am going to have to take pictures for you all!

We showered and then grabbed a bite to eat. I have to unpack. I can't 'live' out of my suitcase. That's next on my list. I am super organized and like things to be tidy. I feel so much better once I am unpacked. Then I can relax!

We tried booking practice courts for tomorrow, but I think they left for the day. I'll check again in the morning. Usually my coach takes care of the arrangements, but he was on a later flight. He just called to say he arrived. Last year he overslept and missed his flight... Glad he made it this time!

Roger has been coaching me since August 2008. We work well together. He has me trying new things, which is not always fun for me... ('cause I don't like to struggle with things!) I have learned a lot from Roger and feel fitter than ever now. My husband will help us once in a while when we are battling to 'get' something. All and all, I am so lucky having Roger and Tony with me!

When we landed at 6pm it was 33 degrees Celsius! I can't imagine how we are going to be baking tomorrow in the heat! I have my hat, sunscreen, gatorade and wristbands. The hotter the better for me! Growing up in South Africa and now living in Texas, we are accustomed to the heat and humidity. I couldn't live anywhere up north. We are visiting Tony's relatives in December in Oregon and Washington. It's minus degrees there! I will be dressing in layers!!!

I am sooo looking forward to tomorrow. The atmosphere at the Championships is always a special one. I can't wait to experience it again. I love watching the players with their entourages. It's beautiful. Each player has her most important people with her. It's so special for them too. Everyone who has qualified for Doha has had a tremendous season. I hope they end strong and everyone stays healthy, 'cause they are all such amazing players! So tomorrow before and after our practices, I will get to see some of them and watch them practice. Good luck ladies! I know everyone is honored to be here.

The first time we came to Doha was in 2001. How I remember, we got married in February 2000 and we had our first anniversary here. My husband was so sweet and bought me 24 red roses! Good memories in Doha. Tonight when we drove from the airport, we could barely see the Sheraton hotel. Eight years ago it was a landmark and you could see it from afar. It shows how much development has been going on here. I love Doha and look forward to another exciting week!

I need to unpack...

Good night!

Liezel

Liezel Huber

Friday, October 23, 2009

Hey everyone! I am back to blogging! I have never been a good 'writer'... When I was at school, my mom would write a lot of my essays (I got great marks!) Don't tell anyone! While I am confessing, I might as well tell you that my grandma knitted socks for me for my home economics class. The teacher caught me out on that one! I was always busy with tennis, which left minimum time for homework.

Back to my blog... I am really excited to be blogging this week. So excited that I decided to start writing before we even get on the plane to Doha! We fly tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon from Houston via Washington. It doesn't matter how you look at it, it's a long trip. My husband and I are travelling together. My coach, Roger, is on a direct flight. He is going to South Africa after Doha, so therefore on a different itinerary. We usually fly together, but this time we will see him on the other side.

We have been home for two weeks. It's been awesome! I did my first triathlon! I didn't train much, so that made it even more challenging. He he! I have heard that once you do one triathlon, you are hooked. Well, the bug has for sure got me and I already have my schedule for my next three events! I have included a picture that my friend took of me when I finished the race. My best friend Mariaan and I entered in the relay division. She swam and I rode the bike and ran. We won the relay division! We had three other friends competing in their age groups too. I think we all exceeded our own expectations. My next race is a duathlon on November 14. (I am trying to talk my husband into training for one of the triathlon legs... I will let you know when I think I have been successful in convincing him! It's not going to be easy!)

Of course I have been practicing hard on the tennis court too. My coach bought a house 1.7 miles down the street from us. We have 11 courts at Huber Tennis Ranch, so Roger and I just jump on whenever we like. We have had pretty good weather except for some rain on Wednesday afternoon. We had our last practice this morning. I am very ready to play next week. Cara and I both get in on Sunday evening. Our first match is only on Saturday, so we will have a good practice week and gym sessions. We will be doing a variety of things, but that I will tell you about once we are there.

After Doha, my husband Tony and I fly to Italy. USA plays Italy in the Fed cup final (and I am a part of Team USA!!!!!) Wow! I can't believe how lucky I am to be part of one of the best teams ever. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself, because I can't believe I am American. It's always been a dream of mine... I will be telling you about my past Fed Cup experiences and my expectations for the finals. So much to tell...

It's always traumatic to leave home. We have four dogs. Two inside and two outside dogs. The two inside ones for sure get a bit depressed when they see us packing our suitcases. When we come home again, they go crazy! They are my babies! I get up at 5am every morning. I take them out, feed them, clean their bowls and put lots of fresh water out. Take them out again. Play with them, etc. They take up a lot of my time, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Ace is an English Mastiff, Amelia a Shepherd-mix, Dora a Lab-mix and Sam is a Jack Russell. All shapes, sizes, colors and personalities. Anyway, I will hide my suitcase and do the packing in my closet.

Huber Tennis Ranch is so busy. We have 200+ kids a week. In the mornings we have ladies drills and leagues and at night, adults too. On Friday nights they have mixers. It means you just show up, play social tennis and bring your own food and drink. They start at 7pm and most Fridays they are still playing by the time I go to sleep! I feel so proud of what we have accomplished here. We built courts and people came. It's so rewarding seeing so many people enjoy the game!

Halloween is soon. Here in Houston they have haunted houses. You pay a fee and then you can go in a few houses. I don't! They are scary! Tony, Roger and a few others friends are going tonight. They are big kids! There is never a dull moment here at the ranch...

Doha here we come. Mom and dad we will miss you there this year! Can't wait to see you in February! I'll tell you'll about that later :-)

I have to go and pack!!!!!!

Bye for now and have a lovely weekend!

Liezel

Liezel Huber