2008-08-11 08:32:36
Dani's MALEbox....Part 1 Hello my Lovlies! Welcome to the first addition of "Dani's MALEbox," where I have the opportunity to answer some of the emails you've been kind enough to send to me during the course of the past week.
Have a question for me? Send it in, and I will try to answer it in next week's column!
1) I was wondering if you had any opinion about Justin Gimelstob's comments regarding Anna Kournikova? -Vitamin C

DdV: Truly an unfortunate situation, for all parties involved. From comments like former Wimbledon champ, Pat Cash's, infamous remark that "women's tennis is two sets of rubbish that lasts only half an hour," to former world #4, Richard Krajicek's declaration that "80% of the top 100 women players were fat pigs who didn't deserve equal pay," controversy in tennis is nothing new.
Media coverage, after the comments were made, certainly fanned the flames, and there was speculation that the comments were taken out of context. In his defense, Mr. Gimelstob did issue a formal apology for his remarks.
For my purposes however, I wished that Mr. Gimelstob had chosen to keep his vitriol to a minimum, and either discussed the matter with Ms. Kournikova privately, or kept his opinions about her to himself.
Dani asks: Do you think that Justin went to far with his comments, or was he tried and convicted in the press? Thoughts?
2) Who is the nicest player you have met? Who is the meanest? -lamictal

DdV: There are many nice players, I am happy to say. In my opinion, the nicest of all of them, is world #8, James Blake. Win or lose, and whatever mood he is in, he never fails to impress with his kindness, and respect for everyone around him. I last ran into him in Toronto, and each time I saw him, he smiled, said hello, and held the doors open for my coworkers and me, as we navigated the building. He is truly a class act. :)

DdV: The most irritable and rude player I have met is Marcelo Rios, without question. I attended a tournament in Mexico a few years ago. As I waiting in the receiving line, chatting with one of the tournament sponsors, the cranky Chilean walked by and hit me in the back with his equipment bag. It didn't hurt, but I was a bit stunned, and I looked to him for the obligatory apology. He stood there for a second, seemingly angry at me because my back had been in the way of his bag! Feeling forced to do so, I said, "Excuse you," to which he responded with a dismissive rolling of his eyes. No wonder he had few friends on tour!
3) As a part of the media machine, aren't you ashamed at the way Richard Gasquet has been treated by the press? -A real parade
DdV: I believe that the press, especially in France, has been extremely harsh in its treatment of Mr. Gasquet, yes. Whether they focus upon his lack of results and commitment to the sport, or his alleged affair with 46-year-old married businessman, Arnaud Lagardère (pictured, far left), the media does seem to have placed a bull's eye upon his chest..
Controversy sells copy. Until Mr. Gasquet enlists the help of a good publicist, who can help him deal appropriately with the media during press conferences and interviews, expect more of the same.
4) Dani, how do you fix tennis' lack of television coverage here in the states? I can't find it anywhere. -SUSTANON250
DdV: I feel your frustration, believe me. All I can do is to quote Roger Federer, who was asked a similar question during an interview. Three words: GLOBAL.TV.DEAL. If the audience cannot find it, they cannot watch it. Cannot watch it, no viable promotion. No promotion.... get the idea? :)
5) I really liked the new commerical with Rafa Nadal and John McEnroe. You know the one where he is driving the bus. Did you think it was funny? -SummerGirl
DdV: I thought it was ridiculous, to be honest with you. The pairing of an aged ex-champion, along with the incoming #1, was a complete misfire.
You have the old guy, dressed up like Nadal, mugging it up in the back of the bus, while Nadal pretends to be frustrated with the whole operation. He utters, "No, I can't believe this," and "This is ridiculous," while McEnroe fumbles around on acoustic guitar.
Rafael Nadal has won everything in sight this spring and summer. Champion in Paris? Check. Champion in London? Check. Being THEE ATP superstar of the moment, at least have your crackerjack ad staff write decent copy for him!
It seemed forced, contrived, and with Nadal's halted delivery of the tag line at the end, it made the whole thing completely cringe-worthy, in my opinion. I refuse to believe that the tennis fan base is entertained so easily.
Dani asks: Did you like the US Open Series commercial with Rafa and John?
Stay tuned for Part 2!
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Wow Dani, i think you let Justin off here bigtime, im surprised more because you guys were pretty harsh on Tursunov for what he did in cincy and toronoto to girls (u and others)...in my eyes this Justin Gimleslob acted much worst. i think he was repulsive and the apology was redundant, what was he apologising for?, threatening a woman or saying he wants his better looking brother to bang her...or the fact that he made those comments publicly, he cant unsay those words or play the "misunderstood card" because those comments are pretty clear. A lot of people dislike Anna but what a total fool. i swear he makes my blood boil. why on earth is this loser on the ATP board anyway.
ps...interesting what you have to say about James Blake because i have heard the total opposite, but i have also heard nice things, but that his PR people. maybe your just a pretty girl? ;)
pss, i was really hoping for some Marat Safin insight from you. :(
Britney , 8/11/08 9:49 AM
It's so obvious.
"I just despise her to the maximum level just below hate."???
"She has a great body but her face is a five (out of ten)."???
A clear case of wounded vanity. Kournikova turned him down and little Gimelstob got very, very mad.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:59 AM
Cindy: I kinda agree with the face comment. LOL, i think the face is overrated, but i guess in tennis context...she was pretty.
Someone like Ivanovic is much pretty in any context, even if she doesnt have that Hollywood body.
Britney , 8/11/08 11:14 AM
Blake has great teeth. Unbelievable. Best teeth on tour.
Worst teeth on tour? Murray.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 12:47 PM
Yep, Murray doesnt do much to deny that "britsh have the worst teeth" saying much. Mine are gorgeous though :-).
Britney , 8/11/08 1:08 PM
BE, I always thought that Mr. Cash was a jerk. When I was writing this entry, and talking to a couple of sources who have met him- I have not had the pleasure- he just seemed like the type of guy who gives women fits. He engaged in a battle of wits with our TEAM MIRKA! leader as well, but she shut him down.:)
I've been trying to answer the tv situation for years. In the states, you are able to see bowling, fishing, college gridiron, and all sorts of other garbage 24/7. Try to find any tennis, and you are usually reduced to a livestream, if you are lucky. I didn't know that coverage in Australia was just as bad.
Blake is just a gorgeous, sweet man. He was like that to everyone.
DdV , 8/11/08 4:20 PM
Britney, I thought Mr. Gimelstob's comments were repugnant. Comments can, and often are, taken out of context. I'm not saying that they were in this case, but I was not present when they were made, nor was anyone else I know. I was told by a friend of his, that "The Junkies" radio show had reworked his answers.
The situation you are referring to in Toronto, there was an eye witness recipient, who told me directly about what happened. When a direct source, or myself witnesses something, the write up will be different.
DdV , 8/11/08 4:29 PM
As a personal friend to the Dani DeVine Family, I just want to say that despite his suspect dental work, we love you anyway, Andy. :)
DdV , 8/11/08 4:31 PM
i think that gimelstob was removed from the player council. his comments about anna were repulsive, i agree. i feel sorry for richard, but he does keep getting himself into trouble. have you read his answers to questions? he can't wonder why the gay rumors keep following him. he could do better than that guy on the left though.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 5:00 PM
No, I don't think he has. I'm sure he is still a member of the council. Really sad that he is, considering what kind of a worm he is. I don't care if it was taken somewhat out of context, it was assault in my mind. He should be completely ashamed of himself. I agree that this blog took it easy on him. I'm not surprised, because the ATP did also.
The commercial with Rafael and John is terrible. None of it seems genuine to me. :x
Allez , 8/11/08 5:15 PM
Carmel should see this... erm, yeah okay. :x
mimilovesmarat | 8/11/08 4:51 PM
Dani, love your blogs, and these threads are riveting.
@carmel - I?m a bit behind the times here, and maybe it was an ironic remark - but how do you know Marat has a small one, and who is the everybody (bar me) who knows this? Other players, locker room attendants, someone on the boulevard? His mother no less? According to a certain size-related thread on menstennisforums, Safin is hung like a horse and outrageously good in the sack, and for some reason I refuse to believe otherwise. The ?pravda? on Marat please, before my fantasies go up in smoke and ashes!
Allez , 8/11/08 5:30 PM
neither one is true, actually. people need to build him up to god like proportions, or tear him down completely. everyone knows that the truth is in the middle. i've never heard outrageously good either.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 5:38 PM
it was perfectly ironic. simple provocation.
carmel , 8/11/08 5:45 PM
you know nothing and that's been proven, matt. stop trying. you're lame.
carmel , 8/11/08 5:56 PM
DejaBlue tell us more about the blonde who's going to NY. girl from la was some tourney directors relative they say on MTF.
carmel , 8/11/08 5:58 PM
lol matt. is that a real person? if that is the blond, then this isn't the right blond. i don't know about a director's relative. the blond i know of is going to dc with their people. american girl from the east coast, but for sure not matching that description you mentioined. too many to keep up with i guess.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 6:03 PM
DC? i thought NY! you never know. LA girl was mistaken for a date. she just sat there.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:08 PM
is east coast girl the off-duty prostitute from cincy?
carmel , 8/11/08 6:09 PM
Matthew is the little sicko who pretends to be a feature showgirl.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:11 PM
the girl i know of is not with safin, i don't think. his coach but not him. she said she is going to dc for sure. maybe continuing on to ny if she earns her wings? always hard to tell. she was not in cincy definitely lol no off duty hooker no.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 6:13 PM
Dani-Re: Gimelslob, You said a "friend of his..." hmm how does that make it any more reliable...? Did anyone hear or read him deny the comments? NO, he simply said sorry and that he should not have said it in the place. Guilty.
PS. Everyone knows Marat has a big one
Britney , 8/11/08 6:19 PM
Trinity: Get over yourself please.
Britney , 8/11/08 6:20 PM
Wait a minute. If we are talking about the same blond girl and Safin's coach, that story is a lie. Everyone heard that, it was a big blow up and nothing came of it.
Allez , 8/11/08 6:21 PM
i don't know why i care about this. but which blond are we talking about? there are two. there is an older blond with short hair, and a younger blond with long hair. which one do you guys mean? lol, this is like a figuring out a maze.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 6:27 PM
now i see. with the coach not with the guy. alright. that clears things up. blonde with short hair? i saw one in queens at safin practice.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:34 PM
wasn't old tough. let's say tursy would have blocked her on the stairs. lol how many blondes. glad i'm no blonde.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:37 PM
huh? i never heard the story with the girl and the coach!!! where did that come from? where did you guys read that?
carmel , 8/11/08 6:39 PM
how do y o u know which blonde that was?
carmel , 8/11/08 6:40 PM
Great. Once again, nobody is attached to a red head. Do tennis players have something against red heads? I feel so left out all the time. :(
Trinity, you need psychological help.
Allez , 8/11/08 6:41 PM
trinity is a fake. how does he wanna know all the blondes on the planet??? sorry not buying.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:43 PM
if that comment was directed at me, i can't say, i'm sorry. i know this girl and it really is her story to tell, not mine. if allez is talking about marat and not gumy, that i don't know anything about. if she was talking about his coach, then that part is true. they have been seen together a bunch of times. this is the girl with the short blond hair. cute girl, but not great. allez, if that is what you meant, and you said it is a lie, it isn't.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 6:44 PM
complicated. the blonde i saw knew marat. don't know about coach. but likely it's the same as DejaBlue talks about. so trinity get's flown all over the place for her "job" coz she can tell it wasnt the same. lollollol.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:50 PM
trinity is tursunov.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:51 PM
Dani, I'm curious how you feel about the comments on your blog? Nobody is discussing the blog itself, it's seems all about the fighting with each other, and competition who writes the most nasty post.
Tian , 8/11/08 6:52 PM
what's lj?
carmel , 8/11/08 6:52 PM
anyway. gotta go everybod. have fun.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:54 PM
ok. london blonde wasn't cute. was more pornstyle. so trin/matt/dima is right i guess. night.
carmel , 8/11/08 6:59 PM
Safin? Why? No, no, no. I'm being serious. Why? The guy belongs in a zoo.
Tian, how are things in Russia? Medvedev alive and kicking? Are you a Moscow girl?
Carmel, are you Souljaboy?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 7:33 PM
It never is going to end is it? Could we at least agree not to talk about Soulja when she isn't here to defend herself? Classless if you ask me.
Allez , 8/11/08 7:38 PM
Trinity is Federer. Carmel is Nadal. Allez/Souljaboy is Gasquet.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 7:40 PM
Trying to keep this on topic, I found some of Justin's apology. It doesn't help, but it was better than nothing.
In his apology, Gimelstob said there was "no excuse" for his comments.
"I am extremely disappointed in myself," Gimelstob said in the statement. "I take full responsibility for all the words that came out of my mouth...Anna Kournikova, World Team Tennis and many others deserve my deepest apologies.
"I recognize that my access to communicate to the public should be used in a positive way, and this was clearly not the case last week."
Allez , 8/11/08 8:09 PM
Cinderella, what's with Medvedev that you are so much interested? Maybe Tinity has some insider info on him too?
Moscow girl, yes.
Tian , 8/11/08 8:18 PM
No, but Carmel does.
Carmel knows EVERYTHING.
And Trin is a virgin.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 8:30 PM
Moscow girl, I see. Been to any Davis Cup matches?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 8:33 PM
Cinderella , have been and not once ;)
Tian , 8/11/08 8:41 PM
God Trin, PLEASE keep posting!!! Love you!
Tian, who's calls the shots? Tarpi or Volkov? How about the players? Do they like each other? Any top dogs? Who gets mobbed? Davydenko, the Ukrainian dude or the little one, Karolev?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 8:48 PM
Trin, I love you.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 8:54 PM
Trin, Djokovic or Tipsarevic?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 8:55 PM
Ugh, in case you were wondering, YES Trinity you are gross. Please find another place to stalk.
I hope I don't get into trouble for saying so, but erm..................... (I think Gasquet might be gay.) Where there is smoke, there is fire. Always too much smoke around him, and his denials aren't convincing. :x
Allez , 8/11/08 8:58 PM
Cinderella , wow how many questions. I was on the matches not in the locker rooms :p
Tian , 8/11/08 9:01 PM
Too bad, Tian. Too bad. Who's your fave player?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:04 PM
Allez , who else do you think is gay? ;)
Tian , 8/11/08 9:04 PM
Cinderella , try to guess
Tian , 8/11/08 9:05 PM
So Djokovic got a fat one instead of you, Trin?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:06 PM
trin would you at least take it down a notch? out of respect, come on.
lol at the djokovic revelation. that isn't really news. everyone knew that last year. i think richie is just cute and shy, not gay.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 9:07 PM
My gaydar doesn't go off for anyone else really. I can't explain it, but there is something about Gasquet that does it. I used to think that Jim Courier might be, but he's been gone forever.
Allez , 8/11/08 9:10 PM
Oh Tian, come one! You're better than that!
Okay, let me explain. He is what, 194 cm, and trim and all that, facial symmetry okay, but would you really want to be with him if you could? Even just for one night?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:10 PM
Cinderella, he's 195 cm now;) And no, I wouldn't want to be with him. I don't even interested in his sex life (not much). But what it has to do with being a fan though? :)
Tian , 8/11/08 9:15 PM
Let's hope there are some queers on the tour.
The locker rooms of all male athletes are filled with homo fear. Some crazed homo player might find and attack them.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:19 PM
So you like his game and not his "game"?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:21 PM
They can't be all stright, right? :)
Tian , 8/11/08 9:22 PM
Nice comment Cinderella. :x
Allez , 8/11/08 9:25 PM
Hey Trin, why is Djokovic a mule?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:25 PM
Cinderella , there are enough reasons to like him, not only his game.
Tian , 8/11/08 9:26 PM
Okay.
His voice?
His style?
His sister?
His PERSONALITY???
I give up, Tian. Tell me.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:30 PM
Trin, how do ya know? He chose the fat one, right? Or the midget? A fat midget?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:32 PM
Cinderella, it's pointless. And I'm not going to praise him here :P I would say personality, but this word is overused. Anyway you have to know much more about the guy apart from silly goss to get the idea. The same goes for all players or any person.
I feel this is too serious talk for this blog. Let's get back to gay thing.Much more interesting. :))
T
Tian , 8/11/08 9:33 PM
Trinity , it's not all about f-ing. Hard concept for you to understand, huh?
Tian , 8/11/08 9:38 PM
Your choice, Tian. I gave you the opportunity to say something nice about a guy who's being talked about like a mindless breeding stallion, but you don't want to. You of all people. It's okay.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:41 PM
@trin yes there was a blonde. didn't say she was there with them, just said she knew them. maybe she was with somebody else. you know everything not me. djokovic did you too? everybody did you! how many can you do in one night??
carmel , 8/11/08 9:43 PM
Trin, how do ya know that Nole is a mule and has a big one?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:44 PM
none of them wants white weddings with them. we only want to talk about them. we get white weddings with nicer guys.
carmel , 8/11/08 9:44 PM
Here is a first, Trinity has some kind of point? Don't be that bitter. There is more to relationships than just the physical. Could it be that because you chase after famous people who don't want anything more that...... That would make a girl bitter, I think?
Allez , 8/11/08 9:45 PM
Carmel, Nole didn't do her. He chose the fat midget. So Trin, I'm asking you how do you know that he has a big one.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:46 PM
How?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:48 PM
trin are you blond or dark?
carmel , 8/11/08 9:48 PM
Cinderella , the question is where he's talked about like that? And by whome? Maybe if you went go to the sites where something else is discussed apart from who f-cks whome, you would now better. He's definitely not mindless. If you just to come to his fan sites and read his intervews, his biography, what people who know him tell about him, fan reports etc etc then you will get some idea. But that would take your time and I'm sure you just not intereseted much. It's ok ;)
Tian , 8/11/08 9:49 PM
Trinity dear, even when people are willing to give you a chance your carry on with your retard ways, People here are over your "ive fucked every atp player bull" what else you got? For a working girl you sure post here a lot. Ever watched a tennis match? What do you make of tennis at the olympics? who in your opinion is going to win the US open on current form? is Roger in decline? Im giving you a chance, why not prove to everyone here your just a fucking machine??
Britney , 8/11/08 9:49 PM
"nicer guys". A synonym for "boring guys with boring jobs and boring lives"?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:50 PM
yeah. exactly. the ones who you can rely upon. they exist. and they're not boring.
carmel , 8/11/08 9:51 PM
trinity we all know you are matthew. people are lauhging about you in other places.
carmel , 8/11/08 9:52 PM
Who the hell is Matthew??
Britney , 8/11/08 9:52 PM
Carmel, I know they do. Oh and Carmel, are you a "psycho safinette"? No offense, just curiosity.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:53 PM
Matthew = trinity
carmel , 8/11/08 9:53 PM
not really a psycho safinette. i like james blake best. but he's boring on the goss side.
carmel , 8/11/08 9:53 PM
And to think I tried to defend her. Okay fine, I won't repeat that mistake.
Allez , 8/11/08 9:55 PM
Tian, fan reports as well as reports of friends and family are terribly biased. And I didn't say he was mindless. I said peole here talk about him like that.
Is it charisma?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 9:57 PM
Hey you Safin afficianados, I have a question. Is Safin only into blondes or can I start a Black/Mixed Race Girls for Safin club? In other words, is he an equal opportunity whore? Thanks in advance.
MaryMary , 8/11/08 9:58 PM
as long as it's female
carmel , 8/11/08 9:59 PM
@Trinity: i didnt even ask whether you fucked roger, you really dont do yourself any favours and to think i was willing to give you a chance. Stop being so bitter, if people want to drool over tennis players let them, just coz you have been "used" by them doesnt mean you can come here and rain on our parade.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:00 PM
@MaryMary: Marat will take anything half decent, every Safin fans knows that, but his 2 official gfs have looked frighteningly similar tall, skinny and brunette.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:02 PM
What player would go for a fat girl??? even gasgay woouldnt LOL.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:03 PM
Cinderella, I know that they are biased.) It's inevitable. But still, many people who are not really supposed to be his friends like him. I don't know, like Myskina for example or Kafelnikov (who was never his friend, but now he's very pro-Marat). Or the leader of that stupid Tibat expedition last year.. etc.
But as I said it's pointless. His fans know all good and bad things about him. All the rest just consider him mindless stallion as you said. It won't change and it;s ok )
Charisma is also overused word, just like personality. Wouldn't want to use it here. LOL
Tian , 8/11/08 10:03 PM
Trinity darling, your reply says it all. i guess this place is therapy for u
Britney , 8/11/08 10:05 PM
MaryMary , Safin's both REAL official gf he dated for more than 3 years each were brunettes! ;)
Tian , 8/11/08 10:05 PM
Okay, Brit and Allez, Trin is not a showgirl. Trin is Matt. We just pretend that Matt is a showgirl who did each and every ATP player because a.) we enjoy the show, b.) Matt is a psycho who needs attention, and c.) we are very nice people willing to pay attention.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:07 PM
Tian i know what you mean, the Safin stereotype is annoying.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:07 PM
Britney, it's ok. We live in stereotype world after all. ))
Tian , 8/11/08 10:10 PM
Ok Allez, Cindy, Mary and Tian nice chatting. later.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:10 PM
That is just fine with me. I tried to be nice and was slapped in the face for it. Matt is an attention whore.
On a real note......... um, do people really stereotype Safin all that much? It looks like he has a lot of devoted fans everywhere? (shrugs)
Allez , 8/11/08 10:10 PM
Ok have a nice day Britney. :)
Allez , 8/11/08 10:12 PM
Tian, the expedition thing was the most interesting and fascinating story about him. "Hhhhm, what can I do? Got it! I could climb a mountain. That's cool, right Dinara?"
Safin and the mountain. A love story.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:13 PM
Allez , yes they do stereotype his much. But it was mainy his own fault after all. And of course journalists juts love stereotypes.
Tian , 8/11/08 10:15 PM
Cinderella, he didn't even tell Dinara about expedition LOL It was a big "surprise" for everyone. Russian tennis commentators didn't believe it until last moment. I remember I wanted some match and Marat was alreadt in Nepal, and our commentators talked about silly rumours that Marat goes to the mountains. I was totally LMAO.
Tian , 8/11/08 10:17 PM
i was about to leave but since some people are willing to chat on a more intellectual level here goes
@Allez: Your right Safin has a lot of general fans see MTF, he might not be their top player but he draws peoples attention, just looks at how practically every tennis commentator drools over him, all straight and mainly male, its says a lot about ones character.
As for the stereotyping, Marat is part at fault but i think he generally, esp in the russian press couldnt give a damn, he is not imo Andy Roddick, someone that reads about himself and Mr PR and all.
He is all those things, but much much more, only if you go and decide to look into it yourself you would see.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:18 PM
I can't say that I have followed his career all that much, after he won the US Open. Sorry, what is the mountain story?
I know he has struggled a lot with injuries. Okay, I will take your word for it then. I always made the assumption that the press was good to him.
I don't like stereotypes either. I try to look at people, even tennis players who I don't know, as being individuals.
Allez , 8/11/08 10:19 PM
"chat on a more intellectual level". Yeah, Shakespeare would be proud of us.
Hey, Andy Roddick reads about himself? How do ya know?
Safin woke up one day and decided: "Hey, today is a good day to climb a mountain." So he went and did it.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:22 PM
Allez, re mountain story. His two very goods friends were going to climb a mountain in Tibet in September. Marat after losing second round in USO and apparently fed up with everything and depressed and probably considering retirement decided to join them. Decision was made in less than one week and was a shock to everybody including his family.
Tian , 8/11/08 10:24 PM
Lol the Mountain saga.
its said alot about him. he mentioned in Aus open 2008 that last year he took a break due to problems in his private life and tennis, he wasnt playing well and needed a break. it was announced on his website as soon as he left, not one fan thought he would compete it, we know what hes like. Every person i spoke to said "marat is off his head climbing the mountains middle of season, he could get injured etc etc" everyone knew except marat, Only after he experienced it, did he realise, but i liked how he was man enough to admit, "i cant do it, its not something i should take lightly" and even said it on his website.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:24 PM
Cindy lol its intellectual if you compare to you know who... ;), notice how "its" stopped? lol
Well AR is MR PR, very good at it too. dont tell it fool you, ive been a longtime fan, he is overall a decent guy but americans like their stars polished.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:26 PM
Erm..... I would be a great person to make fun of here, but this is a REAL story? Marat really climed a mountain for real, or somebody wrote about this? It's so hard to tell when people are pulling your leg over the internet lol.
Allez , 8/11/08 10:26 PM
Britney , Marat knew it too. His goal was different from other guys in expedition who prepared for it for many monthes and look at it as a chellange. Marat sinple wanted to go as far away as possible from everything. If his friends went to south pole he would have gom with them to south pole, but it happened to be a mountain. LOL
Tian , 8/11/08 10:29 PM
Allez trust me
go to his site he talks about it. LOL pics are in every offcourt pic thred and if you go to MTF you will find a thred dedicated to it.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:30 PM
Allez, he spent only two weeks in the mountains, came to 4000 or 5000 I don't remember, and then came back. According to expedition leader he was talking a lot on the phone with his team and apparently they talked some sense in his head. Besides, he has obligations for sponsors and can't just disappear in the middle of the season.
Tian , 8/11/08 10:32 PM
Tian, maybe your right, maybe he jus wanted to get away from it all, never considered that, he did come back more refreshed thats for sure. their is only so much cheap tarts a man can take right....
ps BYE DONT COME BACK (not you tian)
Britney , 8/11/08 10:33 PM
Tian he didnt play since the US open, almost 4 months.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:34 PM
Wow you don't hear that very often! Climbing a mountain? That takes a lot of courage. That was maybe not the best choice if he is dealing with injuries all the time.
Allez , 8/11/08 10:35 PM
Britney , he didn't come refreshed. It was a huge mistake of his. And he paid for it with low ranking this year. I saw him at Kremlin Cup right after his return. He looked terrible.
Tian , 8/11/08 10:35 PM
i believe he was with daria because she reminded him of silvia. first big love given up for sex drugs and rocknroll. one day he'll find the right woman too. it's the way of life.
carmel , 8/11/08 10:35 PM
he didn't climb up coz he realised it was harder than he thought. i think we all can't understand what its like to lead their lives. i also see why they f*ck matt and his boys.
carmel , 8/11/08 10:37 PM
Allez , he didn't climb it. He went only half way. it was not about courage, it was about getting away from his everyday life. He seriously considered retirement I guess at that point.
Tian , 8/11/08 10:37 PM
lol has this blog been turned into a safin only blog? i remember the mountain story.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:39 PM
GREAT GOSSIP NEWS! Boris Becker got engaged to Tommy Haas' ex girlfriend Sandy!
carmel , 8/11/08 10:40 PM
matt and his boys are certifiable. btw, carmel the blond from before was with gumy for sure, not safin. she is with him in dc. if matt said something else, it isn't true.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:41 PM
hey, Gumy is marries with newborn. Easy on him with all this goss.
Tian , 8/11/08 10:42 PM
bit of an age difference there. is this the girl who broke up with tommy 8 times or something? the pretty blond. jeez do they always go for blonds? other than marat of course.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:43 PM
Tian, i think it helped him in his mind more...maybe not physically, after being out for soo long you will play crap. like u said the Kremlin Cup was more due to sponsor pressure, he wasnt match fit then. Gumy said that Marat put a lot of hardwork in preseason training and that results will show sooner than later. even all the commentators were saying marats results early in the year didnt do him justice, Marat said sooner or later it would, then Wimbledon happened. With marat its up the down then up then down, nothing is ever consistent.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:43 PM
unless i am mistaken the wife is not there with the baby. i know the girl is in dc for a fact. maybe not staying with him to avoid being caught. you know how that goes.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:45 PM
Sandy is stunning saw a pic.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:45 PM
matt said the blonde i saw with short hair was "not the same blond". then he said there was no blond.
so one of his stories is wrong anyway. your blonde you said is cute. my blonde was more pouty lips big boobs arrogant bitch. how does matt know they're not the same before anybody described them??? so either matt is a chair umpire or he is richard gasquet and gay. or a big time stalker. no full time exotic dancer. can't know all that if so emplyed with undressing and climbing up and down a pole.
carmel , 8/11/08 10:46 PM
Wife is at home with baby, seems fishy.
Britney , 8/11/08 10:47 PM
Boris Becker. There is a name from when I was watching tennis a lot more. What a character he was. I hope this relationship will last for him. :)
Allez , 8/11/08 10:47 PM
saw gumy chat up a driver girl in queens too. matt seems quite right on him.
carmel , 8/11/08 10:47 PM
Of course she's at home.The baby is less than 6 months old!
Tian , 8/11/08 10:48 PM
definately leaving now guys, be nice to each other :)
Britney , 8/11/08 10:48 PM
Boris Becker with a blond? wasn't he only with mixed and black girls for ever? guess he most know Sandy forever. Said she's his manager's daughter.
carmel , 8/11/08 10:48 PM
ROTFLMAO @ carmel's post. I vote for her for the unofficial blog award! *worship*
Allez , 8/11/08 10:49 PM
It's so funny. Becker beds dark-skinned beauties but marries a blond model.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:50 PM
and some other beds blondes but dates brunettes LOL Life is unfare :)
Tian , 8/11/08 10:51 PM
newborn or no newborn, gumy has a reputation. this isn't speculation, sorry. carmel just said as much. gumy has always been a bit of a player. like i said, i have no idea if he is meeting up with the girl. she is in dc, and she is the same blond as before. if nothing is going on, it would be quite a coincidence.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:52 PM
I am joining Britney. It is time to pick up my son. Goodbye for awhile, ladies. Have a good day, or night. :)
Allez , 8/11/08 10:53 PM
DB, is the blond younger than Gumy? If yes, how much younger?
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:54 PM
marat doesn't only bed blondes, he beds all. brunettes too. his fans will certainly tell you.
carmel , 8/11/08 10:54 PM
now i am confused. carmel, is sandy the blond or not?
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:55 PM
sandy is becker's blonde!
carmel , 8/11/08 10:56 PM
the girl is younger, but i am not sure by how much.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:57 PM
The dude could be her father! What is she thinking!
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:58 PM
so there we have it. tommy and boris both with blonds. there is a new one lol.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 10:58 PM
DB, but it's not child molestation, right? Cause with Becker and Sandy it is.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 10:59 PM
seems they have different levels of female companions. wives, gfs, occasionals, one nighters, hookers. crazy.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:02 PM
Sandy probably loved Becker since she was born. Finally got her hands on him.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:02 PM
oh stop that lol. sandy is 24 and boris is 40. i was just saying that it is a bit of a difference. when she is his age, he will be "older" that's all. the gumy girl is at least as old as sandy.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:03 PM
And being a wife doesn't confer much status compared to a occasional.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:03 PM
puke. of course sandy is a jewelry designer.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:04 PM
Thank God for Kutcher and Moore.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:05 PM
i can't say i blame them. women can be aggressive in this type of environment. that's why i said that even if matt and his boys are crazy, the story isn't that far fetched. wives, mistresses, gfs, it is a circus.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:05 PM
where's matt when we need him! he knows all the blondes!
carmel , 8/11/08 11:05 PM
Moore thanks God for plastic surgery.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:06 PM
jewelry is nice. lol there can't be a damn thing wrong with designing it.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:07 PM
Matt has to work.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:07 PM
@deja. perfectly agree. anyway better paying a Matt before deluding schoolgirls.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:07 PM
i meant of course she never really had to work. model and designer. that's what they all do.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:08 PM
*snap* carmel brought out the whip! plastic surgery has been good to her. matt, stay away for the day. i need a drink before listening to your bull**** again.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:09 PM
i think demi must feel leathery.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:10 PM
Or actress.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:10 PM
oh of course. model, then into designing. tough life, really tough. :/ matt is greasing up his pole as we speak.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:10 PM
Sandy is only 24. she must have been about 10 when she first dated tommy.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:10 PM
trying not to imagine matt and pole. maybe some clients from greenland tonight...
carmel , 8/11/08 11:11 PM
18 maybe? that is really young. seriously, wtf was the greenland comment about? that is about the dumbest thing i have heard. what was it supposed to be, canada, sweden, norway? education is a good thing to have and matt missed his.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:14 PM
guess so. somewhere cold.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:16 PM
you know the gumy girl in person? it's all a little depressing don't you think? so loveless. dunno. cold.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:18 PM
Matt is most likely a physics major at Dartmouth or something. A nerd who hates sexy players but jerks off pretending to be them doing strippers.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:19 PM
A Rushmore guy with a vivid imagination, yeah.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:25 PM
like any of us most probably. LOL
carmel , 8/11/08 11:26 PM
I'm a psychology major. Oh God.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:27 PM
not surprised. me = geology
carmel , 8/11/08 11:29 PM
i have never met her in person carmel. i have seen her at us tournaments a few times before.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:30 PM
Carmel, I'm depressed.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:31 PM
and that woman writes about her affair with g.u.m.y on message boards?
carmel , 8/11/08 11:31 PM
thought so cindy.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:32 PM
cindy. is it because you can't dance on a pole?
carmel , 8/11/08 11:32 PM
Yes. Matt is one lucky bastard.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:33 PM
i better keep that answer quiet to avoid any trouble. enough people seem to know what is going on, and you know that women can tell of their experiences.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:34 PM
why does everybody know what's going on? i follow many boards but i never heard anything like it.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:35 PM
Matt is one hell of a guy. i wished i had enough dosh to pay his *** whatever *** may be.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:36 PM
what will tommy haas say about the becker story? well he found a new skinny blond. he really likes skinny blonds.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:38 PM
i meant people who i know in my own circle of friends. i don't know her personally, and have no idea what boards she might visit. i didn't want to get anyone into trouble.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:39 PM
the world loves skinny blonds i guess. lol we hear it all the time.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:40 PM
i wouldnt want to be his wife. every anonymous psychologist, geologist and stripper knows when and with who my husband's "meeting".
carmel , 8/11/08 11:41 PM
the world also loves skinny brunettes.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:42 PM
DB, his wife won't aim a knife at him. Not the first semi-public humiliation, not the last one.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:42 PM
agree. maybe she'll aim a knife at her.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:47 PM
i don't think sara foster has a pretty face btw. she must be very tall.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:48 PM
no offence intended to any of these guys, but i would never want to get involved with them. too big of a headache watching their every move.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:49 PM
maybe after they're retired. :p
carmel , 8/11/08 11:50 PM
even if they're being good people will assume or state they're not. what a nuisance.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:52 PM
Prettier than Sandy's.
Bye everyone. I'm depressed. A strong sex drive is a good thing and healthy, I guess.
DB and Carmel, name one ATP player who is one of the good guys. I'll read it tomorrow.
Bye everyone.
Cinderella , 8/11/08 11:54 PM
don't know any. was only saying so. tommy robredo?
carmel , 8/11/08 11:55 PM
sandy has good stylists.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:56 PM
you can't be depressed, cindy. come on lol this isn't news to anyone. let me think on it. i swear i can come up with one who is a good one. tommy robredo is barely alive. have you seen his interviews, carmel? he is a spanish corpse.
DejaBlue , 8/11/08 11:58 PM
that's why i think he's good. no drive in any direction.
carmel , 8/11/08 11:58 PM
marat tried to climb a mountain? it was because he was upset with his personal life and tennis? that's really admirable. i can understand that. maybe sometimes people just need to get away from their usual routine. expand their horizons and open their mind. everyone needs to escape here and there.
chloe , 8/12/08 12:52 AM
Everyone seems to have stopped fighting for the moment... thank god!
Also in relation to Jim Courier being gay... Give the gay people more credit that that... the poor Aussie's are subjected to Jim's comemntary at the AO... and it is BBBAAAADDDD! Why we can't listen to McEnroe is beyond me. Actually in the Wimbledon just gone Mark Woodforde commentated and I was surprised that he was as bad as Jim.. nightmares returning!
And I laughed so hard "The question of the day: "Is Safin an equal opportunity whore?" by MaryMary" I thought you meant gender equal opportunity... who knows? can never guess these days.
BernieEliza , 8/12/08 12:54 AM
what does it really matter what anybody's sexual preference is? i mean, if it weren't for gays, good fashion and great hair may be non existent!
i'm confused about that the "equal opportunity whore" as well. maybe because i am coming into the discussion so late.
oh, about the commentating! does anyone else get annoyed when they start talking about unrelated nonsense during serves. especially during big points when i'm on the edge of my seat! maybe i'm just being too picky.
chloe , 8/12/08 1:17 AM
Something about Courier rubs me the wrong way. I don't care if he or anyone else is gay, but I don't like him. His commentary, his face, it all bugs me. I agree with you chloe. When the broadcasters chat during important points, it is annoying. I turn down the volume so I don't have to listen.
Hi BE are you having red today? ;) Matt aka Trinity had to work the pole today, so he is gone for the night.
Whoever said that "equal opportunity" thing needs to answer. What do you mean by that?
Allez , 8/12/08 1:25 AM
hey Allenz... I have been stone cold sober since Thursday night. That Friday at work after the last session was horrendous. I have a few parties coming up (think 80s fluoro themed) so I will be back to my old ways in no time. I will aim to have water in between glasses this time around.
My (non) fave commentator bits are when the double back... talk negatively about a player. Something like "so and so is unlikely to even get anything going in this set - why are they even on the tour?" and then the player does well and the commentators go on "I love so and so, always play so brilliantly. Tennis can't function without so and so" How do these people even get hired??
BernieEliza , 8/12/08 2:21 AM
Hello there!
Trinity, your cheque has been mailed to you. We will be printing your garbag...er stories shortly. Thank you in advance for your contributions. :)
Britney, you are right- what Mr. Gimelstob said was astonishingly inappropriate. He was completely out of line and boorish in his speech. I have received a number of emails that agreed with all of your points, including my softball treatement of what took place.
Tian, the course of blog discussion is not my call to make, but that of the site owners. I am not at liberty to steer the conversation in any direction, even if it veers completely off track. As long as there are no spam posts, nor extreme attacks upon any member of the forum, my hands are tied.
Should anyone wish a particular post to be removed, you are more than welcome to email a request to me, and I promise to do my best to accomodate you.
Please be aware, however, that once you respond to another poster directly, the conversation is considered ongoing, and the staff is not likely to remove nor edit any part of the dialogue.
BE is not drinking red tonight, this is distressing. ;)
DdV , 8/12/08 2:54 AM
I am slow off the mark DdV... Friends with Andy Murray and spelling cheque correctly... Are you an English lass??
BernieEliza , 8/12/08 3:58 AM
I haven't been able to see any of the Olympic tennis. BE I am beginning to think that Aussie tv and US tv are run by the same conspiracy group. :x
Allez , 8/12/08 4:10 AM
I don't think she is English lol. I am sure she used the word "apartment" instead of "flat." Isn't the word "flat" English, or is that Aussie?
Allez , 8/12/08 4:12 AM
Allez - yours truely may work for the 'corporate' that has a stake in controlling what people see (but I don't work in that particular section)... but I better not go into any further details as I may upset my (far off) chances of wooing the heir who is already married to the most stunning underwear model in the world.
In Aus we use both flat and apartment... I tend to use unit. ie - I hate my unit and my landlord is a cheeky bugger who leaves me using a fahrenheit oven from 1970... good news is if/when I get to the US I will be able to cook without too much trouble... Celsius baby!
We must take note if DdV uses her "u"... as in Colour, Neighbour etc
BernieEliza , 8/12/08 5:48 AM
I heard when Gimlestob was on the Junkies, then I went back and listened to the online thingy again before they took it down. It wasn't as bad as the tabloid headlines made it out to be, but it was pretty stupid. It was just classless, and it surprised me because I was introduced to that guy twice before at events in LA and he was always a gentleman to me and other women around. It sounded like one of those dumb jock type shows that you would see on Fox Sports late at night or something. The ATP Council is a bunch of guys, so I can see why they didn't get rid of him.
fangirl , 8/12/08 6:29 AM
I think the Pro Tennis culture is all about the man's club and the 'perks' and hence the comments by Gimlestob are (sadly) not all that surprising. Regardless of whether or not Anna K was/will ever be taken seriously (or any of the WAGS/groupies) the culture is such that I am sure those things are said all the time and this is an example of when more people have heard it.
If that doesn't make any sense it is because I am brain fried and it is only Tuesday!
BernieEliza , 8/12/08 8:10 AM
Hi dani! in an older post you spoke of a coach who bedded to many groupies and wasted his mercurial player's money. was it gumy? seems he's still in charge. any news on that?
carmel , 8/12/08 10:08 AM
Carmel, mostly likely.
Britney , 8/12/08 11:52 AM
Carmel, Safin wasn't in Indianapolis as far as I know.
Cinderella , 8/12/08 3:37 PM
Sandy is pregnant by the way.
Cinderella , 8/12/08 4:01 PM
she only wrote it from indianapolis. i mean she could've picked it up there.
carmel , 8/12/08 4:06 PM
pregnant? haven't heard that one yet.
carmel , 8/12/08 4:07 PM
How if Safin and Gumy weren't around? Not sure if Gumy is that interesting.
Cinderella , 8/12/08 4:08 PM
It's not Gumy. He was never A-list player. Besides, Gumy was in Argentina with his wife for the whole clay season before RG, and went again to Argentina after Wimbledon leaving Marat on his own till Cincy. So, it was not about him for sure.
Tian , 8/12/08 4:11 PM
Yup, pregnant. According to a European newspaper.
Cinderella , 8/12/08 4:11 PM
Dani, where are you?
Cinderella , 8/12/08 4:13 PM
it was the word "mercurial" which is usually used for marat. not a-list? where does a-list start?
carmel , 8/12/08 4:20 PM
carmel , I guess at at least consistent top 20, if not top 10;)
Anyway, according to all fans reports and words of Tarpishev and other people with insider info, Gumy is making Safin work really hard, more than he has ever worked. So, I guess it can't be Gumy or it's just silly goss.
Tian , 8/12/08 4:26 PM
"Word on the street is that this former A-list tour player, and skirt chasing coach, is about to be given a pink slip for the third time in as many years. Apparently, bedding groupies, partying until the wee hours, and spending his mercurial charge?s money has been more important than working on a winning game plan."
There is no other coach to match this description except Gumy. Maybe Dani got carried away with the A-List comment.
Cinderella , 8/12/08 4:33 PM
Fact is:
Safin is "mercurial", has no "winning game" and Gumy IS "bedding groupies". Like I said, maybe Dani exaggerated a bit with the A-List thing. Gumy was #39. Not bad, right?
Cinderella , 8/12/08 4:37 PM
that description better fits peter lundgren and not gumy imo?
and no offense, but some of you really need lives.
servolova , 8/12/08 4:38 PM
Is Baghdatis "mercurial"?
Most Aussies are also embarrassed by Pat Cash... Does anyone want to trade?
Lack of TV in the states... I have to laugh... has to be better than aus - On Channel 7 the Aus open is usually rated the highest of any sporting event through out the year... yet they will not air any other tournaments. I am jealous I am not in the US or Europe for coverage!
I really liked the James Blake book. My sister is a "sometimes" tennis fan and loves James Blake too - no surprised DdV finds him to be the nicest on tour... Bring on the Blake!
BernieEliza , 8/11/08 9:13 AM