Passion for Tennis » Sony Ericsson Open

Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams play tennis on WATER to promote the Sony Ericsson Open

Your Host — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:19:29 +0000

We’ve seen tennis played on grass, on clay, in the air, over a river, but ON water??

Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, played on water on a specially constructed tennis court on top of a swimming pool:

The water-covered court was constructed in the 110-foot swimming pool set in the Gansevoort’s exclusive 22,000-square-foot rooftop retreat. A specialist underwater team took five days to construct two invisible platforms at either end of the pool using a combination of bespoke acrylic sheets and supporting acrylic tubes.

Defending Sony Ericsson Open Champion, Serena Williams, commented: ‘It was a once in a lifetime chance to play tennis on water and it was great to be involved in a true world first. Playing against Rafa was a new challenge, but I think the surface helped to level the playing field – particularly as he volunteered to play at the deep end!’

Rafael Nadal commented: ‘I love playing on all surfaces, but this was different and playing against Serena made it even more special. Playing a game on water was a first for me, and I also liked the setting here in Miami overlooking the ocean since I love the sea.’

Night at the 2008 Sony Ericsson Open – Miami, Florida

Your Host — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:23:02 +0000

This is my first time at the Sony Ericsson Open and I have to say there is nothing like sitting back and enjoying championship tennis in Miami in March on a breezy 70′s night. Here’re a few photos from my night to share with you

Above: Venus Williams leaving the stand after her sister Serena Williams‘ win over Italy’s Flavia Pennetta on her way to reach the semi-finals…

Fernando Gonzalez of Chile vs. Guillermo Canas of Argentina in a third round match. Being in Miami, the stadium felt like a soccer match with Argentinian fans chanting “Ole Ole Ole Ole, Willy, Willy” as Gonzo fans waving Chile’s flag rallying support. A match full of winners, Canas defeated Gonzalez 7-6, 7-5!

Video – Mikhail Youzhny frustrated at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida

Your Host — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:23:59 +0000

The world number 11 Mikhail Youzhny was 5-4 down against Nicolas Almagro of Spain in the final set of his third round match on Monday when his frustrations spilled over after he lost a lengthy rally. He wacked his head three times with the edge of his racket and soon the blood dripped down his head and play was stopped.

Youzhny however did not let a little blood get in the way of the match, which he came back and won 7-6 3-6 7-6.

The Russian lost his fourth round match to Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia 3-6 6-0 6-3 on Tuesday.