Georgetown Men's Basketball

Staff writer Liz Clarke was online from London on Thursday, July 2 at 1:30 ET to discuss Wimbledon, the Williams sisters and the All England Tennis Club's new retractable roof.

Wimbledon: Full coverage.

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Liz Clarke: Good afternoon! Saturday's women's final is finally set, with Serena and Venus Williams advancing for a reprise of last year's all-Williams final. Two radically different matches today: Serena playing longest women's semi in Wimbledon's modern era to get past Dementieva; Venus crushing Safina in 51 minutes.
Tomorrow brings men's semis.
I'm thrilled to be here for the Post and delighted to talk tennis a bit. let's chat! Liz

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Washington, D.C.: Liz, Because you cover NASCAR and tennis, you are uniquely suited to answer this question: During competition, which is noisier -- a race car, or a female tennis player?

Liz Clarke: Ha! Let's start with humor. Cars win by a mile! But I must say, I've always liked the low, rumbling roar of racecar engines. But the high-pitched shrieking coming out of these young female tennis players grates enormously. It's hardly as loud but FAR more annoying!
(And thanks for noting my peculiar expertise....:-)

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San Francisco, Calif.: Is there any chance of the various tennis organizations banning the "screamers" from the courts? I'm sure all of them have received complaints, yet they do nothing to stop it. Why?

Liz Clarke: Sticking with the topic of screaming, I think it's doubtful the WTA or ITF or any organization with authority will do anything to ban the screamers. Several former players have spoken out against it. And it is incredibly annoying--if not un-sporting. But I think the stumbling block is how to make a rule to police it. In other words, do you issue a warning? If so, at what point does it rise to a penalty? And what would the penality look like? Losing a point? Tow points? Once you try to put meat on the bones, it's a difficult concept to figure out.

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Anonymous: When do you think Roger Federer will retire?

Liz Clarke: Oh my. It's hard to say, although Federer has spoken several times about wanting and planning to represent Switzerland in the 2012 Olympics, which of course will be played in London, with the tennis at his beloved Wimbledon. So that would make Federer 31, if I'm not mistaken.
One thing I've reflected on lately is the grace with which Roger plays--and how that surely has been a factor in his NOT being injured and wearing out his body and mind before its time. (Contrast with Nadal, whose game is predicated on violent bursts and motion).
I think Roger loves the game as much as ever, and he knows how to schedule himself for the long run. So I hope he will retire on a timetable of his choosing. perhaps end of 2012 season.

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Roddick: Liz,

Thanks for the Wimbledon coverage. Does Andy Roddick currently have a coach? If so, who is it?

Appeared Andy was improving under Connors and then when Connors left, Andy took a dip.

And does Andy have the mental side to beat Roger (if they meet in the final)? Since Roger has such an overall lead against Andy in the head to head matchups.

Liz Clarke: Roddick is indeed working with another new coach, having retained Larry Stefanki this past December. He surely has improved in recent months; part of that is Roddick's own commitment in the off season to losing 15 pounds and getting more fit. Im less clear on the ways in which Stefanki is influencing his game, but Roddick surely moves better and has a bit more variety to his game than before (though hardly a racket-weilding Renaissance man yet).
I'm not as convinced as you that Connors helped him. I really am not.
As for Federer, he surely represents the biggest psychological and competitive hurdle for Roddick--particularly on grass. But that's true for every player in the men's game. Roddick, you recall, was crushed by Roger in the Wimbledon finals of 2004 adn 2005, with the second loss worse than the first. Andy has beaten him since, but of course not here, where Roger's strengths are magnified.
That said, Roddick has really impressed me these last few matches--both with his play and his mental resolve.

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Freising, Germany: I was such an ardent fan of Bjorn Borg as a young teenager that I couldn't bear to watch him being defeated by anyone, and when I saw his record of five consecutive vitories at Wimbledon being jeopardized by Roger Federer, I just couldn't help but wish that Roger be defeated, even though Federer is such a fine player to watch.

At this stage of life as a middle aged person who's been plagued by aches and pains preventing me from playing tennis, I still have my difficulties being objective. How do you, as a journalist, deal with these inborn prejudices?

Liz Clarke: Guten tag to Germany! Thanks for the dear question.
I rooted for Borg alongside you throughout my childhood, for what it's worth. of all the sports I ever watched, tennis brought out my rooting interest like none other.
That said--and I hope I can explain this without sounding shallow--there are so many "interests" as a journalist that it becomes easy, in a sense, to ignore them all.
Take a given match. You might have a personal rooting interest. But there might be a different outcome that will generate more interest among newspaper readers or the US TV viewers, who I am really here to serve. Or sometimes, when youre right up against deadline, you find yourself rooting for NO tiebreak (whatever outcome will end the match as soon as possible).
All of these are angles you think about it. Some of them trivial. So it's best to put them ALL out of your mind and focus on telling the story exactly as you see it unfold. But inside my heart, i always have a preference, whether it's an athlete, a racecar or even a racehorse.
I can't imagine feeling indifferent to what i cover. But I try not to let it get in the way. and usually i am so busy stressing about everything else, it takes care of itself, at least for that moment.
many thanks

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Washington, D.C. and hopefully London, UK: Liz,

Could you offer a bit of insight on procuring tickets for a Centre Court or Court 1 match at Wimbledon? I'd be interested in attending the tournament and would prefer to see a marquee match, but I don't know if that borders on being either impossible or financially irresponsible.

Thanks!

Liz Clarke: I feel terrible that I cant field this question intelligently. Some form is asked every year, and every year I come up lame. I must research this for you.
But you should start by visiting the Wimbledon website. It explains how to apply for tickets. This happens WELL in advance.
I do know that on the DAY of any given match, a long line forms at the All England Club gates for grounds passes. This can be a fun way to spend the time--if you dont mind hanging on a sidewalk all day (and maybe night)--meeting friends from all over the world who love tennis, too. It's a bit of a roll of the dice, but a great privilege to get in to see lots of matches and watch Centre Court matches from Henman Hill.
I will try to have better info for netx year's chat, if we're lucky enough to do this again.

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Kingstowne, Va.: How many times have the Williams sisters met in a grand slam final, and what is their W-L in those matches?

Liz Clarke: MMM. you are sending me to the record books. Here's what I know off the top of my head: They have meet 20 times in their careers, with the record a neat 10-10 at the moment.
They have met four times at Wimbledon, with the record a neat 2-2.
A small break while I research more...

In addition they have met 7 times in otehr Slams, with Venus 4-3 in those (french, aussie, US)

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More Roddick: To build on the benefits of Stefanki's guidance. The loss of those 15 pounds has made a huge difference to his game. I watched his match vs Melzer who was playing out of his mind and Andy just stayed on top of him. Andy has more energy, speed and court coverage without the excess weight. At the end of almost 3 hours on court, he looked like he was just getting started. He's definitely more in control of his game now than he was even 12 months ago. And being able to hold out for four hours against the rejuvinated mighty mite, Hewitt, also tells of his new form.

Liz Clarke: Am glad you wrote to elaborate. I agree with everything you have said.
I loved the Roddick-Hewitt match btw. BOTH played with incredible heart. Wondeerful stuff!

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Minneapolis: Hi Liz - Thanks for taking questions today. Several of the top women have left the game to do other things -- in the case of Cjlisters and Davenport, to start families; Capriati, Henin. Any chance any of these great players will return to competitive tennis in the future?

Liz Clarke: I am so happay to take questions and thank yu for writing.
Of the bunch you cited, Clijsters has come back. Lindsay Davenport just had her second baby earlier this week (a girl) and is definitely not coming back.
I feel quite sure Capriati, whatever she is up to, is long past the point of any comeback.
And I dont think Henin feels moved in her heart to return.
All of this, to me, is a sad aspect of the women's game--the high burnout rate--whether physical, mental or emotional. I wish the game were more healthy all around (particularly psychologically) for these young women, who must commit their lives to it as teens....

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Boston: How are Venus and Serena doing in doubles? What about other Americans in doubles?

Liz Clarke: Venus and Serena have looked awesome in doubles and will play in semis tomorrow. Amazing to have both wimbledon finalists spend the day before their final playing doubles!
On the men's james Blake and Mardy Fish surprisingly alive, also in semis. (Although they played today and Im not sure of result; will get back to you!). Bryans also still in it

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Liz Clarke: PS. Blake and Fish are still on court, I just learned, but up 2 sets to 0 and looking good..

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Raleigh, N.C.: Is it a widespread assumption that Venus is going to triumph over Serena again in the finals?

Liz Clarke: Not at all! (Always so great to hear from Raleigh!)
Venus has 5 Wimbledon titles to Serena's 2. But I cant imagine counting Serena out of this.....I'd love toknow what British bookmakers say; they give odds for everything. but I would not wager myself, or even make a prediction.

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Vienna, Va.: What's the conventional wisdom on Ivanovic? Was she getting her groove back before the injury in the Venus match, or will she continue to be a question mark in the tournaments to come? Was last year a fluke? What does she need to do to step up to that last level?

Liz Clarke: I guess the convebntional wisdom on Ana is that she is still young and maybe a bit tender-hearted. Though she won her first major last year--The French, on clay--it's as if she doesnt yet believe she is worthy of being consistently among the top 5.
She has huge potential to grow and improve, so I hope she doesnt lose her confidence.
The injury against Venus turned out to be a muscle tear. She's going to take a break from playing at least until August, i understand, to recover for the US Open.
To step up, I think a lot of it is mental She might work on her fitness and speed, perhaps. but she has lots of talent and so much of her career ahead of her.

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Arlington, Va.: Liz, are you on Twitter yet? It seems a perfect venue for your wide-ranging interests.

Liz Clarke: You are kind to ask. At the paper's request, I have begun to Twitter at this very tournament. It's an odd format to get used to, isnt it? but I am trying to Tweet (140 character) obsverations along the way.
It may be hard to locate me, Ive been told, because there are many Liz Clarke's tweeting (who knew?). But my name, for Twitter purposes, is Lizclarketweet.
I think there is a link to it, as well, on the Post website somewhere near my stories.
I welcome your critique! And tweets-back!

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Let's hear it for the boys!: Hey, let's hear it for Blake and Fish who are in their first grand slam doubles SF and are leading Nestor and Zimonjic...not a weak pairing.

With the Bryans already advancing the final, here's hoping for another All American final on Saturday!

Liz Clarke: Cool! We have many doubles fans on this chat. and I agree; it is a great achievement for these US guys, who havetn played a ton of doubles together

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Boston: Hi, Liz! I've submitted a couple questions, but just wanted to say hello and thanks for doing this! Have you actually been at a match under the roof?

Liz Clarke: So glad you wrote and I appreciate your kind words.
I only had a chance to poke a head in briefly during roof's debut on Monday afternoon. Am finding myself quite tethered to laptop, which must remain in pressroom rather than in Centre Court seat, to update for web and write, etc. Quite a different dynamic; loud. humid. Maybe better for fans than players, though.
What will be very interesting is tomorrow, IF it rains and Roddick must play Murray under roof. I'd say that's a bit unfair, as Murray has had a chance to experience how the roof affects play and Roddick has not....we shall see what Mother Nature does!

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Rankings?: I just watched Safina get totally destroyed by V Williams in the semis...and Safina is ranked number one and will be even after the women's final. Can you explain how the ranking system works?

Liz Clarke: Ack. a great question that will get lots of attention in the coming weeks, I think.
I cannot give you a smart, mathematical analysis. But the ranking system, which has been tweaked this year, clearly rewards playrs who play lots fo tournaments and those whose performance in a given tournament has improved this year over the previous.
So Safina has done both: Played a lot of tennis; and had better results than a year ago.
Neither Venus nor Serena play as much and suffer for it in the rankings as a result.
Clearly the rankings need a re-do. At least I think...

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Pittsburgh, Penn.: Liz,

I miss hearing you on the Tony K radio show.

Liz Clarke: A big smooch to you!
I miss hearing TONY K on the radio!
(and of course I miss my occasional turns in the 'chick chair' too.)
Our Mr. Tony is exceptionall gifted on radio, isnt he? And there's nothing to fill the void when he's gone...)

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Raleigh, N.C.: Liz, I suppose this question has been asked numerous times, but I'm curious. In basketball, physical differences in the venue (such as the height of the roof, etc.) seem to have some effect on at least some of the players -- usually from the visiting team. Have any of this year's tennis players at Wimbledon suggested any effect or influence of Centre Court's new retractable roof on their game?

Liz Clarke: Great question!
Only 4 players have competed under the roof so far this tournament: Safina and Mauresmo finished a match there; and Murray and Wawarinka played a full match there.
Of the bunch, Murray was the only one to speak at length about its effect on the game. His comments were cast in the British press as him "bitterly lashing out" against the roof, but I didnt hear it that way at all.
To my ears, Murray was simply giving a blunt critique rather than whining. And he said the roof makes it incredibly humid indoors. And the heavy air, in turn, slows down the ball and makes players sweat profusely. "I felt I was taking a bath," he said.
Regarding the ball's weight (or air's weight), he said you can slam the ball as hard as you want and it still wont go anyway. Surely a bit of hyperbole. But it's a fairly stunning comment. And if he's prepared for this, while it takes Roddick a few games to adapt (should they play Friday under roof), this will be a pity for Roddick.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you take one more comment on the screaming/grunting of women players? I have watched professional tennis at tournaments and on TV since the 1970s. I no longer can watch women's matches because of the shrieking. It's unprofessional and unnecessary. It annoys both one's opponent and the spectators. Screaming does not help a player produce more power, it only consumes energy. Many male players will exhale when they strike the ball, but they don't actively shriek at the tops of their lungs, as these girls do. This stunt is making a mockery of women's tennis, and I for one will boycott women's tennis until it is stopped. I wrote Larry Scott about this, but guess what, he didn't reply.

Liz Clarke: Am glad you wrote. I agree with everything you have said--although will stop short of a boycott, as covering tennis is part of my job and one I am honored and love to do.
That said, good for you that you wrote Larry Scott, pres of the Womens Tennis assn, to complain. Sadly, Larry just resigned this week. (NOT over this issue, btw)
But you should keep writing the WTA! At least I think you should...

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Boston: Thanks for the doubles updates. For the person wanting to go to the tournaments, USTA.com also has trips to the Grand Slams, with prices posted. My friends paid $600.00 per ticket for the semi's women last year.-In 1995, I paid the equivalent of $10.00 for one of the general admission grounds tickets. The experience in the line was priceless -- everyone was great -- happy, eating, sharing newspapers, stories, clues about what to do, how to get around. Get there early!] Wimbledon towel: $80.00; flight to London from Boston: $369.00; ticket for the semi: $750.00; Wimbledon experience: priceless! (Couldn't resist!)

Liz Clarke: Thank you , Boston, for sharing your insight and expertise. And in good humor!
Hope this helps all you potential Grand Slam-goers out there.

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Laurel, Md.: All Williams final? Bad for the game?

Liz Clarke: mmmmm. GREAT question.
It is clearly not bad for the game from the perspective of U.S. broadcasters, who see the TV ratings spike whenever the sisters meet. I personally dont think it's bad for the game in any sense, given that they are the best in the game at this moment--certainly on grass-and I love to see merit and hard work rewarded.
That said, there has been chatter in the British press that another all-Williams final is bad for women's tennis. British media seem to feel the public is weary of the sisters and their style of play. Others argue that it suggests a weakness or paucity of talent in women's tennis just now. A Scottish journalist suggested as much to Venus in her post match press conference today--commenting that Safina's miserable showing said something dreadful about the state of the women's game. And Venus rose to defend women's tennis AND Safina in a forceful, terrific way--saying, "I have nothing but respect for Dinara Safina, and you should, too!"
It was quite a spirited exchange.
And it's a provocative question.

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Washington, D.C.: Does tennis test for steroids? Women and men?

Liz Clarke: yes on both counts

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Liz Clarke: Well, we are at the end of our chat.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the terrific questions.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comments and queries. And I hope you enjoy every match that remains.
With a piercing shriek of thanks to all,
Liz

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