Post-Paris News of the Weird
The French Open may now be in our rearview, but the zany days roll on in the world of tennis. J'aime le sport, et j'aime le drame. Here are a few reasons why today:
Haas Has Words for Murray: German-turned-American-turned-German Tommy Haas had harsh words for Andy Murray, basically accusing the world No. 4 of being an actor when it comes to injuries. Of course, if Haas still played for the States, a number of observers would refer to this as "ugly American" wordage. In reality, he's on point with his crit. "Sometimes he looks like he can barely move," said Haas. "Then comes the trainer and then he moves like a cat. I believe everyone knows this. People talk about it in the locker room." Suffice it to say, these words do nothing to rehab Murray's image in the wake of Virginia Wade, who once coached alongside Murray's mother Judy, dubbing him a "drama queen" at Roland Garros.
When JJ Met Bee: All of the buzz in Birmingham was that Francesca Schiavone and Sabine Lisicki lost in the second round, but Jelena Jankovic faced a tough out herself when a bee came at her as she prepared to return serve against UK challenger Melanie South. Here is the best part of that write-up: "Instead, Jankovic suddenly darted toward the back stop, calling out 'Wait, wait, wait.' South then double-faulted."
And About That Birmingham: Don't look now, but another Melanie by the surname of Oudin won two straight matches there, besting No. 10 seed Sorana Cirstea and perennial siren Michelle Larcher de Brito.
Watch Out: The $375,000 watch stolen from Rafael Nadal's Paris hotel room has been recovered, and an employee of the hotel charged with the theft. Needless to say, with this incident, timepiece maker Richard Mille did nothing for Nadal's image in the "He's just like us" Everyman realm.
As the ATP and WTA head onto grass courts now, expect nothing less than the best manicured drama that UK tabloid embellishment can afford during these impending Wimble-days.
—Jonathan Scott (Talk to me on Twitter @jonscott9.)
