Tennis Forum banner

Monica's News and Articles

10K views 114 replies 13 participants last post by  Haihui 
#1 ·
I guess it would be a good start for the News and Articles thread to post the NY Times article:

With Power Ruling the Game, Monica Niculescu’s Slicing Forehand Stands Out at the U.S. Open
By BEN ROTHENBERG

As flat power and topspin increasingly dominate tennis, one woman dares to be different. Very different.

Great quote also by Halep: “Her slice is just a special thing and amazing, and she has talent, I think, to do this. It’s not easy. I tried, to be honest, in the practices, but it’s not easy. She’s special, and she’s fighting a lot. She’s a great, great player, and for sure she can do better now.”


 
See less See more
1
#5 ·
Random tweets since there's nothing elso going on... :zzz:


Maxi_mus ‏@maeggelchen
@alizecornet toughest counterpunchers on tour you've played 2014? #AskAlize

Alize Cornet @alizecornet
@maeggelchen Monica Nicolescu


---


Nick Nemeroff @NNemeroff
Which tennis player would you say has the highest tennis IQ?

Victoria Chiesa ‏@vrcsports
@NNemeroff Monica Niculescu.


---


Victoria Chiesa ‏@vrcsports
"How is what Niculescu does different than, say, Steffi Graf with her slice backhand?" - @ovafanboy

David Kane ‏@ovafanboy
@vrcsports Since when is calling Niculescu this generation's Steffi Graf a controversial opinion tho??


---


Kyle Hopkins ‏@KyleHopkins_
@queen_v21 Who is the funniest female player on tour?

Vania King ‏@queen_v21
@KyleHopkins_ The girls I'm close with aren't personally jokesters, but Moni Niculescu is funny
 
#7 · (Edited)
Sam Stosur on her match with Moni

"There's probably no one else like Monica," she said.

"She's very creative and more crafty than maybe most of the other players out there.

"She's a very different player to a lot of different players on the tour, she likes to slice the ball a lot, slice the forehand even.

"She'll serve and volley a little bit, she'll come into the net, she's very fast, moves well.

"It's going to be a lot about concentrating hard and knowing that it's going to be some funky stuff going on out there, and what I'm going to try to do to combat that."


http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-...for-funky-first-open-test-20150117-3obn1.html
http://t.co/lFLbRm4NzS
http://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/...ublic_rss&nk=a8d04861e6efca04aed4d8a000c5b008
 
#9 ·
Well since Monica is MIA this week and the WTA is apparently deleting old Players Blogs, I might as well repost Monica's here. For some reason they are now last on the WTA site :rolleyes:


Monica Niculescu's Auckland Blog: Monday

Romanian No.1 Monica Niculescu brings us the first WTA Blog of the new season. Check it out now!
Published January 02, 2012 12:00


AUCKLAND, New Zealand - It was a breakthrough fall season for talented Romanian Monica Niculescu, who went into the US Open ranked No.68 and finished the year No.30. Now she hopes to continue her momentum into 2012 and this week brings us the very first WTA Blog of the year from Auckland.



Monday, January 2, 2012


Hello everybody! It's a pleasure to talk to you all.

I arrived in Auckland on the 28th of December after a very long flight. I left my home in Bucharest on the 26th, right after Christmas. I spent Christmas with my family, which was nice. And now I'm looking forward to the new season!

So for New Year's I was actually here in Auckland, preparing for the tournament. It was raining here a lot the first few days so we practiced more indoors.

On Sunday I went to see a movie with my good friend Sorana (Cirstea!) We had a lot of fun. We saw Mission Impossible 4. It was exciting, there was a lot of action. I enjoyed it a lot. It's a good movie - you've got to see it!

Today looks to be a nice day, the first one without rain... I hope!!! In the morning I practiced a little bit with my doubles partner here, Alizé Cornet. It was quite windy but I enjoyed it after playing a lot indoors here.

Right now I'm just getting ready for our first round doubles match. I'll tell you about the match tomorrow, as well as my first impressions of the season.

If you have any questions for me, I'm here - please send them in!

See you soon!!

Moni

http://www.wtatennis.com/blogs/article/2563967/title/monica-niculescus-auckland-blog-monday
 
#10 ·
Monica Niculescu's Auckland Blog: Tuesday

Catch up with Romanian No.1 Monica Niculescu in the first WTA Blog of the new season!
Published January 03, 2012 12:00


AUCKLAND, New Zealand - It was a breakthrough fall season for talented Romanian Monica Niculescu, who went into the US Open ranked No.68 and finished the year No.30. Now she hopes to continue her momentum into 2012 and this week brings us the very first WTA Blog of the year from Auckland.



Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Good morning everyone!

Yesterday was my first match of the year after two months of off-season. It was a nice feeling to compete again - I really enjoyed it. Alizé and I won our doubles match against an all-Romanian team in straight sets.

Afterwards I could hardly wait to play my singles match today!

I did a short warm-up this morning with my doubles partner, Alizé, then prepared for my first singles match on my own (that's when I actually started writing this blog!) Then it was time for my match... I played Jamie Hampton and was able to win, 76(1) 61. I think Jamie played good tennis today. I started a little bit slowly because I was adjusting to all the wind and outdoor conditions. She had already played three matches in qualies and was feeling the court very well. But after I took the first set I felt more confident and started to control my strokes and move better. I was in control all through the second set.

Tomorrow I have another match and can hardly wait for the new challenges!

I will talk to you soon - please keep the questions coming :)

Moni

What were you doing at midnight on New Year's Eve? Shelley
Unfortunately I spent midnight sleeping because I was quite tired from the time difference between Romania and here!

What are your goals for 2012?
Jason, UK
The most important goal for me is to be healthy, then to improve my game and try to make better results than last year.

With you, Bartoli and Peng in the Top 30 and more in the Top 100, the two-handed style seems to be coming back - why do you think it's becoming popular again? Stephanie, France
I think this style is rising actually, not really coming back. I don't think there's a special reason to play like this, it's rather a matter of preference. I'm glad to see young players playing this style but you have to move very well on the court to be able to play like this. That's just my opinion!

http://www.wtatennis.com/blogs/article/2564283/title/monica-niculescus-auckland-blog-tuesday
 
#11 ·
Monica Niculescu's Auckland Blog: Wednesday

What she thinks of New Zealand, her favorite men's players and more - all here in her Day 3 blog!
Published January 04, 2012 12:00


AUCKLAND, New Zealand - It was a breakthrough fall season for talented Romanian Monica Niculescu, who went into the US Open ranked No.68 and finished the year No.30. Now she hopes to continue her momentum into 2012 and this week brings us the very first WTA Blog of the year from Auckland.



Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Hello everybody :)

Well unfortunately today wasn't my day. Zheng Jie is a strong opponent. She played very well. I also had some pain in my right shoulder from the beginning of the match - I was trying to do my best, but it just didn't work. I'm still in the doubles though so I hope I can do better there!

I like New Zealand very much, especially Auckland. This is a very quiet country with nice weather and nice people. I also like it here because there's no traffic like everywhere else in the world, and also one of my best friends on the tour, Marina Erakovic, lives here! I got to see all her family this time. We have been good friends for a long time, since we played junior doubles together (we played two finals at Wimbledon and won the Orange Bowl together!)

I'll talk to you all again tomorrow... goodnight from Auckland :)

Moni

Who are your three favorite players on the ATP? Andrei-Sorin, Romania
Federer, Nadal and Santoro!

What is the best advice you have ever been given? Shane
The best advice I've ever received came from my coach, Calin Ciorbagiu. He told me to fight until the last point and never give up.

What are your next tournaments after Australia? Adrian, Romania
After this I have Fed Cup, then Paris, Doha and Dubai. Then of course Indian Wells and Miami. I'm really excited to play all of them!

http://www.wtatennis.com/blogs/article/2566445/title/monica-niculescus-auckland-blog-wednesday
 
#12 ·
Monica Niculescu's Auckland Blog: Thursday

Monica Niculescu's week may have come to an end, but she only has good memories from Auckland.
Published January 05, 2012 12:00


AUCKLAND, New Zealand - It was a breakthrough fall season for talented Romanian Monica Niculescu, who went into the US Open ranked No.68 and finished the year No.30. Now she hopes to continue her momentum into 2012 and this week brings us the very first WTA Blog of the year from Auckland.



Thursday, January 5, 2012

Hi everyone,

The doubles today was a tough match against good opponents, but I enjoyed it a lot. Me and Alizé played very well with big shots and good interception at the net. All the match was very close but at the end, two points made the difference. The stadium was full. I think we made a good show for the spectators and I had a lot of fun on the court with Alizé! I like playing doubles a lot because I love to play at the net, making volleys and interceptions, and I also like the team spirit. I like singles too because I'm on the court making decisions by myself, finding solutions for different opponents with different game styles. I can't say I prefer one over the other - I like both singles and doubles!

It was my first time playing with Alizé. She is a girl full of energy on the court, like me. I'm playing with my Romanian compatriot Irina Begu in the next two tournaments, Hobart and the AO - this is also a new team.

I just finished my match and am about to go and eat something. I'll answer some of your questions first though and will come back :)

What are your favorite tournaments? Shannon, UK
Australian Open, US Open, Beijing and Stanford.

Did you ever get to meet Fabrice Santoro? Irina, Romania
No unfortunately I never met him, but I would love to!

What would you say is your biggest strength on the court? Jason
I think my biggest strength on the court are my legs.

... I'm flying early tomorrow morning to Hobart. I had a really nice time here in Auckland. I want to thank all the sponsors and all the people who organize this tournament. And of course I would like to say HELLO to all of my fans!!

With respect,

Monica Niculescu

Bye ;)

http://www.wtatennis.com/blogs/article/2567771/title/monica-niculescus-auckland-blog-thursday
 
#13 ·
Niculescu, Vekic Advance to Second Round
©2015 Billie Weiss/BNP Paribas Open
Mar 11, 2015

By Leighton Ginn


Monica Niculescu was the first player on Wednesday to complete her match, defeating Aleksandra Krunic 6-2, 6-1 in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open.

“The score looks bad, but it was long rallies and I had to fight for every point,” Niculescu said. “She doesn’t give you mistakes. I was playing aggressive coming to the net. She’s an awesome player. It was our first meeting and I knew it would be tough.”

Now comes the tough one.

Niculescu will next face No. 1 Serena Williams on Friday night in prime time on the Tennis Channel.

This will be the first time Niculescu will face Williams.

Friday night will be the return of Williams to the BNP Paribas Open since she defeated Kim Clijsters for the 2001 title.

Williams has an 11-match winning streak and is coming off winning the U.S. Open, the WTA Tour Championships and the Australian Open.

Niculescu was ranked as high as No. 28 in 2012 and her best result in a major was the fourth round of the 2011 US Open. She has never gotten past the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.

“I always wanted to play No. 1 and Serena is an awesome player,” Niculescu said. “It’s going to be an awesome day palying against Serena. Hopefully I will step up and play good.

“I know when we were playing doubles, she was hitting hard and very good mentally. I’m going to try to play my game and I hope the crowd will be for me also. It’s a good opportunity for me.

“Hopefully I will like it at the end of the match too.”

http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/en/me...03/11/niculescu-vekic-advance-to-second-round
 
#15 ·
Indian Wells Opponent Expects Nothing But Love For Serena Williams
By Melissa Isaacson | Mar 12, 2015
espnW.com


INDIAN WELLS, California -- There was a point this week when nerves took over and Serena Williams panicked, admitting Thursday, "I thought, 'What was I thinking?'"

If she needs a pep talk, she might want to seek out her fellow pros who spoke in support of her much-anticipated return to Indian Wells, beginning with Monica Niculescu, her opening opponent here on Friday night.

"This match is for her, she does this every day and she has so many titles, I don't even know how many she has," the 27-year-old Romanian said of the 19-time Grand Slam winner. "I think it will be a really warm welcome here. I mean, come on, it's Serena."

[...]

Niculescu, ranked 68th in the world, was just 13 in 2001 and said she didn't know what happened back then.

"I know she hasn't played for a long time here," she said. "She's an unbelievable player. Who would not like to see her? You always watch her in the finals and cheer for her and she's always winning and she's No. 1 for how many years? I think they will love her. I mean, come on, who's going to boo her? I don't know. Come on. She's an awesome player."

Niculescu has never played Williams in singles, but lost in straight sets to Serena and Venus in doubles with partner Yung-Jan Chan in 2009.

In singles, Niculescu is best known for an unconventional slice forehand she uses on nearly every opportunity, a shot a New York Times poll termed "the strangest shot in women's tennis," and a shot she is hoping might at least temporarily distract Williams Friday.

"It's very hard to play against me because I'm tricky all the time," Niculescu said. "I'm changing my speed, my slice, I come to the net with a drop shot and it's hard to have a rhythm against me. What I know is it's not easy to play against me. ...

"I like to be unique and I think I am, and hopefully it's going to work in the evening with Serena."

http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-comme...n-wells-opponent-expects-love-serena-williams
 
#16 ·
Monica Niculescu opens up about her forehand slice and unique style of play
by Courtney Nguyen

Posted: Fri Mar. 13, 2015



INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — When Monica Niculescu takes the court on Friday night to face No. 1 Serena Williams in her highly-anticipated return to the BNP Paribas Open after 14 years, she knows she will be overmatched. Ranked at No. 68, the 27-year-old from Romania plays the most unique brand of tennis on the WTA Tour, one that lacks the signature shot that defines the current women's game: a topspin forehand.

With a topspin forehand absent from her game, Niculescu has played most of her life with a forehand slice—a shot that floats slowly through the air and lands with enough backspin to stay low after every bounce. Despite various coaches' attempts to drill it out of her, that shot has remained firmly entrenched in her arsenal and it's one that can drive her opponents absolutely crazy. In an era of powerful baseline hitting, players are used to absorbing and redirecting pace. She's tennis' current answer to former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. It's a trying test of patience to have to hit no-pace slices over and over and over again. Add in her flair for getting to the net to finish off points, and she does everything in her power to keep her opponents off-balance.

And then there's this forehand slice that actually comes back over the net. There's never too much spin for Niculescu:



Ahead of her matchup against Serena in Indian Wells, SI.com caught up with the affable Niculescu to talk about how she developed her game, whether she likens herself to "The Magician" Fabrice Santoro, and how she sees the game differently than her power-hungry peers.

SI.com: How did you first start playing tennis?
Niculescu: We had good players in Romania. Ilie Nastase, Andrei Pavel, Ion Tiriac. My mom was always watching and the tennis club was two minutes from our house. She was like "I don't want you to stay indoor all day in front of a computer so you have to do a sport." So we started and suddenly I was winning ITFs and European championships.

SI.com: When did you first pick up a racket?
Niculescu: When I was four years old. I didn't like to play slice when I was four. I was playing normal. Maybe around nine years old I started to change. The players were hitting so hard and I didn't have a coach, so I just played how it came that day. So I started to play like this all the time. I feel very comfortable. For me this is comfortable. Everybody is hitting with topspin but for me it's like somebody doesn't slice at all and then they slice. It's not comfortable for them but for me it is. It's like how somebody hits with topspin all their life. I hit like this all my life.

​SI.com: When did your unique style finally settle in?
Niculescu: When I was young I was with my sister and with my mom all the time traveling and I just started one day to play like this and I was winning and I was European champion. In many ITFs I was winning and I was No. 4 in the juniors. It was working and I stayed with with. I did these shots, I don't know why. Now I'm unique and everybody knows me this way. I play very different, I don't give you a rhythm. It's hard to know when it started. I know I was young. I know I was playing like this and it was hard for the players. Now I like it more.

SI.com: Surely your coaches have tried to change the way you play to make it more conventional?
Niculescu: They did try. I tried so many times to play with more topspin but I came back to this way because I love it. I feel comfortable. I feel relaxed when I can hit many balls without any pressure. I feel better. It does not mean I don't work the topspin. I do it in practice and many situations, like when they put pressure at the net I'm trying to hit with topspin to make the passing shot.
I like it. Everybody knows my style. I'm not a new, fresh girl on the tour. I love it. You have to love it because you have to run a lot with the slice. Ok, you play different, but you have to run a lot because you don't hit many winners. So I try to do more with my backhand, try to play different, and fight for every ball. This I do. I fight a lot.


SI.com: I have seen you hit a topspin forehand from the baseline every once in a while. What percentage of the time to do you go to that shot in a match?
Niculescu: Yeah, I am hitting it. It depends on how I feel that day. Depends on if my slice is a bit high. If it's a bit high then I try to mix it up because I see it is not working that day. But usually my thing is to keep the ball low all the time and try to run the opponent, and then put a drop shot out suddenly of nowhere or go to the net out of nowhere. But I hit topspin. If you see players attack me, I try to play topspin. But most of the times slice [laughs]. And backhand topspin, obviously, otherwise I'd be Fabrice Santoro and no, Santoro is unique.

​SI.com: Playing against you has to be frustrating. You don't give them any pace, you keep the ball low and you retrieve a lot of balls. Have you seen players get visibly frustrated or angry with the way you play?
Niculescu: I played against players—I don't want to name names—which suddenly started laughing during the match and started to hit slice forehands. They couldn't anymore. They were like "That's it, I can't." And they started to hit slice or dropshots or, I don't know. They were frustrated. They started to play weird. I was like "What's going on?" At one point at the net I hit the drop shot and then lobbed my opponent and suddenly she hit the ball somewhere else because she couldn't anymore. When I see frustration I try to play more aggressive. ​

SI.com: People might watch your game and think "Oh, she's only reacting. She's defensive." But you just said that your goal is to be "aggressive." What does that mean to you?
Niculescu: Come to the net. Hit a slice and come to the net. Go more with my backhand all over the court to open it up. From the return, hit a strong shot. This is for me aggressive [laughs]. I don't know for other people how it looks. If I do a slice and it's low and I can put it wherever I want on the court, this is for me, aggressive. If I put the ball wherever I want and then when I have a short ball I hit it strong with my backhand. This is what I want.

SI.com: Do you think you see the game differently from a tactical perspective compared to the other players?
Niculescu: I try to do the same thing they do. I try to move the opponent, but maybe in a different way than they do it. But again, it's not easy because I have to run a lot. It's not easy because sometimes it's a short ball and other players can hit the crap out of the ball. I have to hit a slice and come to the net and hit one more shot.

​SI.com: The conditions in Indian Wells can be tricky for the power players. The desert air is thin and the ball can really fly. Do you like that or do you prefer slower conditions?
Niculescu: I like when the balls are flying. I don't like heavy balls. I like when I can put spin on the ball and hit my backhand.

SI.com: When you were younger and coming up through the junior ranks, were you ever embarrassed by your unorthodox style? Kids can be cruel.
Niculescu: I could not understand so much when I was young. I would tell my coach that the players want to feel the ball so I better hit with lift. And my coach would say hit the slice because that's how you play. But with practice partners, I want them to feel rhythm and if I hit with slice they don't want that. So not embarrassed, but like this. I was thinking for the practice partner. I would try and play normal for them.

SI.com: That's a great point about practice partners. Other players obviously want to get their rhythm in practice and exchange power shots. How do you go about finding people to practice with?
​Niculescu: I do practice but I try to put myself down on the practice sign-up sheet as "looking" (meaning a player is looking for a practice partner) and if somebody wants to practice with me then it's ok. I don't want to pick someone to have to practice with me. But honestly I have rhythm. It's good to practice with me. But the only thing is they have to bend the knees all the time [laughs].

SI.com: So what's your favorite surface then? Grass?
Niculescu: No no, no grass.

SI.com: But the ball stays so low there.
Niculescu: I know but maybe I have to serve better. [My results] didn't come on the grass. I like hard court. Best results on hard court.

SI.com: What are your thoughts about facing Serena for the first time in your career on Friday?
Niculescu: For me I have to run a lot with this game. It's not easy for me. Sometimes with the powerful players it's very tough to control the game. If I feel pressure it's not easy. We'll see with Serena. Hopefully it will be a great match. I have to play my best tennis, otherwise it will not be easy. And to stay and have fun because it's not going to be easy. Center court at night, a lot of people, if I relax and I can play my game it's gonna look good. If I am tense, it's not going to look good. So this is the plan.

http://www.si.com/tennis/2015/03/13/monica-niculescu-forehand-slice
 
#18 ·
http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/en/media-and-news/news/2015/03/13/serena-williams-wins-on-comeback

“I'm a bit sad that I could do 3-0 first set maybe, who knows? I had that chance, that volley, so easy, and I missed it. It was 2-1. It was big difference if I could do 3-0,” Niculescu said. “But I don't know. She's an amazing player, and I'm happy that I could play my game. This was my plan: just play relaxed and play your game, because it's going to be fine. If I'm relaxed and I could do my game, my game how it is, it's special and unique. If I'm relaxed and I can play, it's gonna be tough.”


http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/4561204/title/niculescu-earns-serenas-respect

"I played also one time on a big court in China against [Li Na]," Niculescu said. "They had a big court for her and it was the same; I felt amazing when I walked on the court - but that match I won!"

Niculescu faced Li in the 2011 China Open and swept to a 6-4, 6-0 victory in front a stunned and adoring Chinese crowd.

"But it was almost the same because the people were expecting Li to play well and they made that court just for her and so many people and yeah, it was a different result [against Williams]," she added. "But I felt good. The crowd helped me also and they were nice to me and Serena also and that's why I could play a good match."
.
 
#19 ·
Monica Niculescu Press Conference Transcript
March 13, 2015
INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA


S. WILLIAMS/M. Niculescu 7‑5, 7‑5

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Words can't say. You played so awesome. How did you feel playing Serena? I mean, you were just so fabulous. I was like, wow. I was like, what is her name again?
MONICA NICULESCU: I actually felt really good on the court. I was surprised, because I didn't know how I'm going to react. I was waiting all day for this match. It wasn't easy. Going out on the court I felt amazing.
I think I played pretty good. I'm happy. The crowd was very nice. I felt awesome on the court. I think was a good game.
Yeah, surprisingly I felt really good on the court, even though the crowd was ‑‑ at the beginning it was ‑‑I had so many emotions because I saw the crowd like standing up when Serena came on the court.
But I felt good. I felt good. I'm happy that I could play my game.


Q. You have obviously such a unique game. Did you have any doubts you'd be able to match up against the No. 1 player, Serena, with all her power and everything?
MONICA NICULESCU: Yeah, it was tough. I didn't know what to expect, because I played one time against her but was doubles, her and her sister. It was a final in Stanford, and I remember I could not put too many returns back because she was serving really good.
But, yes, I think I was doing pretty good, and I'm happy. I'm a bit sad that I could do 3‑0 first set maybe, who knows? I had that chance, that volley, so easy, and I missed it. It was 2‑1. It was big difference if I could do 3‑0.
But I don't know. She's amazing player, and I'm happy that I could play my game. This was my plan: just play relaxed and play your game, because it's going to be fine. If I'm relaxed and I could do my game, my game how it is, it's special and unique. If I'm relaxed and I can play, it's gonna be tough.
But it was important for me, this, and I'm happy that I was relaxed.


Q. How long did it take for you, Monica, to put aside all of the, I don't know, maybe nerves or things, just all of the hoopla surrounding Serena's return? Were you able to settle into the match immediately, or did it take a few games?
MONICA NICULESCU: I mean, as you could see, I was 2‑0 up and almost 3‑0, so it was okay. But all the match I felt pressure.
I mean, when I was serving, she was standing so close. Like her game, all the time she wanted to hit fast the ball. I just tried to run and put the ball a bit longer, you know, near the baseline because she was so near the court to make her a bit in trouble, you know.
I mean, I don't know. Some balls, there were ‑‑I wanted to ‑‑I always wanted to be aggressive and for me to, how do you say, to start the point good.
But she was always putting pressure, and I could not always control, you know. I wanted to do much more with the ball, but all the time putting pressure. So I tried and, I don't know, that was it today.


Q. You said when you came on the court maybe you had some mixed emotions, but do you think in some way the energy of the crowd, even though it was for her, also helped you and helped you lift your game?
MONICA NICULESCU: Maybe, because I felt amazing. I mean, I went on the court and I thought my heart will be so tiny and beating, but I felt good. I was happy that the crowd overreact ‑‑no, that the crowd did like that.
I was happy. I felt better. I played also one time I remember on a big court in China against Na Li. They did a stand, a big stand for her, and a big court. The same. I felt amazing when I entered on the court.
But that match I won, but anyway... (Laughter.)
It was almost the same because the people were expecting for Na Li to play good. They did that court for her and so many people for her.
Yeah, it was different result, but I felt good, yes. The crowd helped me also. I felt they were very nice to me. And to Serena, also. That's why I could play my game, and it was nice, I think.


Q. What's your memory of this match? What's the memory that will stand out for you?
MONICA NICULESCU: Memory? Just that I could‑‑ you know, I was happy that it was not, you know, like 5‑0 and then I was coming back and 5‑2. I was all the time close to her, and I felt that I can do much more and I can play much better.
At one point I could even guess her serve, so it was amazing feeling for me. I mean, today my backhand was really great. I felt my backhand okay. Just the memory, because I always wanted to play No. 1 in the world. I wanted to play with Serena.
I didn't know What to expect, and I was thinking, oh, my God, what's gonna happen, you know? It's 7:00 p.m. and hopefully the match will not be short.
You never know with Serena. It was okay. I felt great. The plan was to play relaxed, to play my game, to try to mix it up. Don't play the same, because she likes it.
I think it worked. I mean, I didn't win, but‑‑ I don't know. Yeah.


Q. Do you feel this match and the way you played gives you more confidence going forward because you played Serena so well?

MONICA NICULESCU: It's always about luck, you know. I mean, now I'm going to focus on doubles, and then I'm going to go to Miami. But it's all the time depending how lucky I am. If I like the opponent, their style and how it's gonna play.
I'm hoping to stay focus and practice good here and maybe do something good in doubles. We had a good result yesterday. We beat No. 6 seeded, and who knows now what to do? Focus on doubles.


Q. The anticipation for this match was very different than almost any other match with all the attention on Serena coming back here. Did the crowd, the atmosphere, feel like something totally different than any other match ever for you? Did you sense this sort of moment?
MONICA NICULESCU: Just at the beginning when we walk on the court. When I saw everybody stand up and they were so happy seeing Serena, it was a big moment for me and for everybody.
And also, yeah, playing Serena. I never played against her. The doubles, which is doubles. Yeah. It was big. I liked it. I mean, was nice.
I really like to play on these big courts, and I felt great. Hopefully in Miami, with a little bit luck, it's gonna be okay.


Q. You said that you could read Serena's serve? You thought you could guess it.
MONICA NICULESCU: Very rarely, but sometimes.

Q. Were you just guessing, or was there something she was doing that was tipping you off?
MONICA NICULESCU: No, guessing. I was guessing. No, she's tossing, and you cannot see exactly where she's hitting. That's why she hit many aces. I was trying to put the ball back and try to play many balls, but she was acing me all the time. Was not easy.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=107295
 
#20 ·
Sorry, article in german but I know some of you understand..

Die andere Spielerin - Monica Niculescu

Monica Niculescu bot im Zweitrunden-Duell bei den BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells gegen die Weltranglisten-Erste Serena Williams eine durchaus ansehnliche Leistung. Die US-Amerikanerin, die nach einer 14-jährigen Pause wieder in der kalifornischen Wüste aufschlägt, war mit dem eigenwilligen Spiel der Rumänin gut beschäftigt. Der Hot-Shot des Tages ging am Freitag dann auch zu Recht an die 27-jährige Südosteuropäerin – ein ausgezeichneter Rückhand-Cross-Ball passierte die 19-fache Grand-Slam-Siegerin gnadenlos. Auch sonst zeigte sich Niculescu von ihrer bekannt unorthodoxen Seite.


Das US-amerikanische Magazin „Sports Illustrated“ interviewte die Dame aus der großen Walachei und befragte sie zielgerichtet zu ihrem auffälligen Schlagrepertoire. Besonders ins Auge sticht der häufig eingesetzte Vorhand-Slice. Niculescu erklärt dazu: „Als ich vier Jahre alt war, begann ich mit dem Tennisspielen. In dem Alter konnte ich den Slice nicht ausstehen, da spielte ich ganz normal. Etwa als ich neun Jahre alt wurde, habe ich dann gewechselt. Meine Gegnerinnen schlugen so hart, und ich hatte damals keinen Coach, darum begann ich einfach so zu spielen, wie es mir einfiel. Und dann spielte ich eigentlich immer so.“

„Ich gebe niemand einen Rhythmus“

Für die Rumänin fühlt sich diese Spielweise ganz natürlich an: „Ich fühle mich damit sehr wohl. Wie andere ihr ganzes Leben die Bälle mit Topspin schlagen, schlage ich halt mein ganzes Leben lang meine Bälle so. Ich spiele anders, und meine Gegnerinnen kennen mich so. Ich gebe niemand einen Rhythmus. Es gefällt mir einfach, Bälle ohne jeglichen Druck zu spielen.“ Was aber nicht bedeutet, dass Niculescu den Vorhand-Topspin-Schlag gar nicht beherrscht: „Ich spiele ihn ihm Training und auch ab und an in bestimmten Situationen während eines Matches, zum Beispiel wenn meine Gegnerin Druck aufbaut und ans Netz geht, versuche ich mit Topspin einen Passierball zu landen.“

„Durch den Slice muss man enorm viel laufen“

Fitness ist ein wichtiger Aspekt im Spiel der 27-Jährigen, denn durch ihren Spielstil entwickeln sich oft langandauernde Ballwechsel: „Man muss es schon mögen, so zu spielen wie ich, denn durch den Slice muss man enorm viel laufen – viele Winner schlage ich ja nicht. Das versuche ich dann eher mit meiner Rückhand. Außerdem kämpfe ich um jeden Ball – ich kämpfe überhaupt sehr viel.“ Frustration ihres Gegenübers, ob der ungewohnten Spielweise, nutzt Niculsecu schamlos aus: „Wenn meine Gegnerinnen frustriert sind, beginnen sie oft etwas seltsam zu spielen. Wenn ich das bemerke, werde ich aggressiver, das heißt ich komme eher ans Netz.“
Probleme Trainingspartner zu finden, hat Niculescu eigentlich nicht. „Ich trage mich oft in die Trainingslisten ein, und wenn jemand mit mir trainieren möchte, bin ich dabei. Ich will aber nicht jemanden heraussuchen, der dann mit mir trainieren muss. Ich glaube schon, dass ich meinen Trainingspartnern Rhythmus geben kann. Eine Session mit mir ist gut. Das Einzige ist, dass sie ständig in die Knie gehen müssen“, erzählt die Rumänin mit einem Lächeln. Rasen ist für Niculescu, wie man vermuten könnte, allerdings nicht der Lieblingsbelag – „Nein, nein, ich mag Rasen nicht. Dafür müsste ich besser servieren.“
 
#23 ·
#26 ·
DÉJÀ VU: SERENA GETS NICULESCU AGAIN

Two Fridays ago, Serena Williams played one of the trickiest players on the tour at the BNP Paribas Open - and it'll happen all over again this Friday at the Miami Open.
Published March 24, 2015 12:14

MIAMI, FL, USA - Two Fridays ago, Serena Williams made her long-awaited return to the BNP Paribas Open, playing one of the trickiest players on the tour - Monica Niculescu - in her first match at the Premier Mandatory-level event in 14 years. She won that one - watch highlights in the above video.

Well, it didn't take long for the rematch. Niculescu won her first round match at the Miami Open on Tuesday to set up a second round clash with the No.1-seeded Williams, who has a first round bye.

Niculescu was in trouble early on against Shelby Rogers, even facing a set point serving at 3-5, 30-40 in the first set, but she battled back to take that 64-minute opening frame and ended up cruising to victory against the WTA Rising Star in the second set, eventually closing it out, 7-6(1), 6-1.

Now the Romanian will face Williams again - last time she pushed her to a 7-5, 7-5 scoreline.

"I actually felt really good on the court," Niculescu said after their Indian Wells clash. "I was surprised, because I didn't know how I'd react, but going out on the court, I just felt amazing. It was great.

"I think I played pretty well. I'm happy. And the crowd was very nice. At the beginning I had so many emotions because I saw the crowd standing up when Serena came on the court, but I felt good."

Niculescu also gave all kinds of props to the World No.1's legendary game that night.

"She's an amazing player," the Romanian commented. "When she's tossing the ball to serve, you cannot see exactly where she'll be hitting it. So I was guessing. Just guessing. That's why she hit so many aces. I was trying to put all the balls back, but she was acing me all the time. It wasn't easy."


http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/4588643/title/dej%E0-vu-serena-gets-niculescu-again
 
#28 ·
Two things here:

1. Moni :awww: :hug: Get well soon!!!

2. I understood nothing reading that article, I mean it's like I have more questions then before. So she's injured but will play Katowice... what, why??? How can playing with a injury be preferable to paying that damn fine? :confused:
Also, her injury is more or less manageable in Europe but a transatlantic flight makes it even worse?? Like who even made this diagnostic, was it a doctor like Dr. Pepper??? :confused: If the problem is the Atlantic why doesn't she just fly the other around... there you go, solution!

Anyway, don't mind me, I'm just amusing myself of this whole situation. It's as mindboggling actually as Monica's tennis :lol: :bounce:
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top