[TrollPova]

Originally Posted by gc-spurs

I reckon dsanders is on point with the climate change reasoning, I would suggest something similar. Not to mention a hefty travel session which would wear a lot of people down.

As for clay expectations, once Maria is noted as 'the best at...' or 'best chances of winning', the flopeth cometh. Always better as a Bambi.

I know

But she managed the high expectations really well at RG after R1, so who knows. Maybe she just has more confidence on clay then she does on HC now

[Pavstry.]

Originally Posted by dsanders06

I was referring more to her going from the Australian climate to the States, rather than going to Doha. It's not just something exclusive to Maria either -- I've heard a lot of players get ill after the AO, because their immune systems are run down after a Slam anyway and it's compounded by the sudden change in climates and jetlag.

**

I just don't see what she has to gain from playing Doha tbh Even if she wins, it's a relatively meaningless title, it's not like this is a warm-up for anything. (And that's even ignoring the wind factor which probably means she wouldn't win it anyway.) Plus, let's not forget how gassed she was at Wimbledon last year -- obviously ideally we all want her to have as good (and therefore as tiring) a claycourt season as last year, so imo it would be a good idea to conserve as much energy as possible now, seeing as from March onwards it's pretty much nonstop until July I dunno, just if I was in her shoes it would seem to be to have quite a lot of drawbacks with not even much of an upside in a best case scenario.

But most of those who get sick is because they rush back to cold Europe to play tennis in Paris or FED Cup. Maria will go back to California or Florida to enjoy the pretty weather and not playing tennis.

The thing with Doha... even if she was in Australia for a full month, she barely played actual tournaments. And you hardly can justify another 5 week break between AO and IW just saying "she has to conserve energy for the rest of the season" because nobody can tell how she'll perform.
Yeah, location and time of Doha sucks, but I dont think she needs 5 weeks "rest" now, if she is healthy.

Originally Posted by dsanders06

Also, Angelpova, please be on the lookout for Miffedtwat attempting to ban you because of your signature

There are not many mod who like Maria, even if Max is obnoxious fan of Dementieva or Foorenka, there are worse things for Maria fans than him.

Originally Posted by Mexicola

I think expectations are way too high for Maria to perform well again on clay. If you asked her right now, I'd bet she'd still say it's her weakest and least favorite surface to play on. Everything just seemed to come together perfectly for her last year in those 3 tournaments. All aspects of game were on, especially her serve in Stuttgart. And she had that great draw unfold for her at the French, which, like Vika this year in Melbourne, she took advantage of. Plus, I think Maria was extra determined and motivated after those 3 finals losses to start the year. If she wins just one clay court title this year, I'd be ecstatic.

But hard court remains her bread and butter and she needs to end this drought on it as soon as possible. It's still the surface that suits her the best. Now if Maria goes out there and proves once and for all that she really is Claypova, Dirtballer Extraordinaire, then I'd gladly admit I was wrong. It would be one of most incredible transformations and stories in the history of tennis if Maria did actually become strictly a clay court specialist at this stage of her career.

Expectations on clay are high because she embraced it last year.
Plus add that clay is easily the weakest surface of all the other top10 players bar Li Na and Errani Stosur.
Yeah, it is possible she'll only win one clay title this year, but that can be very easily the French.

[Mexicola]

It's only January, but Angelpova already has the "Sig of the Year" award wrapped up. You won't see a better one in 2013.

[Silas]

Originally Posted by Mexicola

It's only January, but Angelpova already has the "Sig of the Year" award wrapped up. You won't see a better one in 2013.

'

a positive post for Mexicola!!!

[Asanty]

Originally Posted by SILAS

'

a positive post for Mexicola!!!

I noticed that too

[gc-spurs]

Wait, who is Angelpova? (previous name?)

[Angelpova]

Originally Posted by gc-spurs

Wait, who is Angelpova? (previous name?)

[gc-spurs]

Originally Posted by Angelpova

Have you always been Angelpova?

[domon17th]

Originally Posted by SILAS

'

a positive post for Mexicola!!!

That GIF!!

[stegall]

I just noticed that Serena posted on twitter today that she is going to play Doha

[SilverSlam]

There's still time

[Trih]

Never doubted she was playing all the top 10 was supposed to play there since before AO.
I hope it will be a great tournament.

[Cosmic Voices]

I'd rather have a strong field and Masha compete with her rivals, than a weak-ass MM tbh

[stegall]

oh I mean I'm all for a strong field,I just didn't expect Serena to play til Miami..

[Trih]

Originally Posted by Cosmic Voices

I'd rather have a strong field and Masha compete with her rivals, than a weak-ass MM tbh

Approved!