[doni1212]

Yeah, they're talking the new blue courts and a photo shoot that is taking place with models and the ballkids. The second girl was saying that there is a controversy about them but she likes it. She said something about how the center court will be blue next year too so I'm not sure if she meant that it isn't blue this year or just that they will continue the tradition again next year. Does anyone else know?

[doni1212]

Originally Posted by goldlion

What's the point of being blue anyways?

The last lady on the video said it's because the cameras can see the bounce of the ball better and it makes it easier to resolve any problems with the ball being in or out.

That's confusing because they don't use the cameras to decide mark issues.

[atominside]

^theyr obviously talking bout viewers being able to see the mark..

[JamieOwen3]

i for one welcome blue clay plz let it happen! i hope that we doget them wonder what rafa might think of it? would it have a different feel somehow?

[doni1212]

Originally Posted by atominside

^theyr obviously talking bout viewers being able to see the mark..

But she said to resolve problems and viewers obviously can't do that. Only the umpire can so it doesn't matter.

[joão.]

Is Yuri also in Madrid?

[Craig.]

Eighth seed Maria Sharapova struggled in her first clay contest of the season, with the three-time Grand Slam champion coming through for a defeat of Alexandra Rus of the Netherlands 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The challenger saved a match point on her own serve before the Russian seed moved ahead into the second round on her second winning opportunity.

"She started well and playing aggressive," said the Russian, already training for a week in Madrid. "I was the tentative one and she took advantage.

"But I'm happy I was able to turn it around. It was my first match on clay in some time (almost a year). I was in a similar situation here last year and I lost. I'm happy I came back for the win."

Sharapova finished with a disappointing 37 unforced errors and just 14 winners on the high-altitude clay of the capital.

The eighth seed converted on seven of 14 break points against a teenaged opponent ranked 99th who lost in first round at Marbella and Fez.

Sharapova is still hopeful of improving on her 2007 French Open semi-final placing when the second Grand Slam event of the year rolls around.

"I wasn't even in my best shape when I did it. I've improved a lot in my game, I'm recovering better and I've improved my fitness. It all adds up."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...0c9a6a041f8.01

Alexandra Rus Those stats though

[Светльо]

37 UEs Errorpova was involved

[Maria Croft]

Gosh, let's hope those stats are wrong (and they usually are when articles mention them) because that's just awful.

[Vodkapova]

Wow. That's some God awful stats.

[joão.]

Alexandra Rus?!

[pedropt]

37 UE?

[Break My Rapture]

14W/37UE is terrible, but understandable.

[18majors]

Originally Posted by Pieter.

14W/37UE is terrible, but understandable.

37UE is not unusal but 14W is a big concern.

[madmax]

14 winners and 37 UE's? LOL, I'm glad this match wasn't streamed then...one thing is for sure - this kind of play won't cut it against Makarova