Runners-up in New York

Runners-up in New York

8 Sep 2008

Runners-up in the Women's Doubles

Hi there, I’m disappointed to lose the doubles final today but being in another final is a good thing. We had a couple of set points and it was disappointing not to take it to a third set, but still, it was a great tournament.

I was nervous before we went out and that took over from the start. Lisa played well and I started to get better and held serve in the second set then Lisa got a bit tired. If we had both started playing well at the same time, it could have been different. They certainly played well and they’re a great team.

I’m pleased with the way things went overall this time in New York: to be in another final and have a chance to win another Grand Slam. I’m going to stay positive and I’m looking forward to the next tournament.

After we practised yesterday we went to Macy’s for an hour and a bit. There were so many people there. I hate shopping and being in crowds doesn’t interest me. I still bought a shirt…it’s the best place to shop. My shirt cost $75 and I had a discount coupon on top of that. You can’t go wrong in the States.

I’m about to be drugged tested. Every Grand Slam we get drug tested and then randomly throughout the year. I’m going to meet my parents after it’s over at the beer garden, head back into town, finish packing, round up a few friends and have a bit of a celebration.

It won’t be a late night…I fly out early tomorrow to Florida and then onto Japan. I’m going to Tokyo, Seoul, Zurich, Linz and then back home.

I don’t feel that fresh right now. I probably won’t get to practise before I get to Japan, so I hope I get through qualifying and have a few matches. I’ve played eight tournaments since I came back and I’m trying to pace myself. I have to be sensible with what I’m doing, but it’s more the travel time that wears you down. This is going to be my second trip to Asia in a month and that can take a toll.

If I’m tired I sleep on planes and if I’m not I watch movies. I have no trouble sleeping on planes so long as I have an aisle seat.

I’m hoping to qualify for the season-ending championships. Every year Lisa and I have played together we’ve made it, so it would be great if we could get back again.

Summer in Australia will be pretty big, but I hope to start training hard again in December with Dave Taylor.

Working with Dave has been unbelievable on the court and off the court we get along well. I’d love to keep working with him. I’m playing as well as I’ve ever played and I have to hand it to him.

Bye for now, Sam

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  • caro

    Sad you couldn’t win the title, but congrats for a great presentation at the Open. It’s a pleasure to see you back on tour and already making it to two majors finals, and very impressive how you still have real chances to qualify for The Championships having played less tournaments than the majority of teams (less than half than 3 of the 4 that are currently in). It comes to show you’re in the right path and soon you’ll be back to the top where you belong.

    Have a safe trip and good luck in Asia!

  • Lorna

    Congrats on another final! Pity you didnt win, but you’ve done yourself proud. You’re a real inspiration!! You’ve done brilliantly to come back so strong. Keep fighting and stay strong! wishing you much success and happiness.

  • Ice

    Unlucky Sam. Good luck for Japan, keep you head up, have fun, play well and smash ‘em Sam ;)

  • Sam

    Well done Sam. Unfortunately Sky Sports did not show your final match and by the time I found a live streaming of it the match was nearly finished.
    You both certainly had a good chance to win that match and I felt had you won one of those set points in the tiebreak then you would have gone on to win the match.
    Well a good strat next year and you and Lisa can try and win all 4 grand slams together, assuming that you are going to continue playing together. I know Lisa is 35 years old now but hey she still looks fit and healthy and can probably go on for another 2 years.
    I am in Florida from Saturday on holiday for 2 weeks staying in Cape Coral where i have stayed before. I have also stayed in Naples and Fort Myers great places to stay. Thank god that hurrican Ike seems to have vered off into the gulf and the Tropical Depression Josephine looks likely to miss completely. Have a great trip to Asia Sam.

  • TN

    And it’s all over in New York – so quickly!

    All the best in the singles in those Japanese tournaments which you like, and recovery in Australia.

    I hope to get some time off work to see some tennis, and you in action, at Indian Wells.

    You always play your best tennis when you attack.

  • Roger Dale

    Keep up the good work Sam.

    You make all of us Aussies proud. Cant wait to see you in action at the Australian Open.

    Congratulations.

  • robin

    What a wonderful and positive role model you are for the younger players out there, Congratulations

  • Robert

    This is the first time I have actually looked at a tennis players website and it’s great to read the personal comments of the players. Sam, I have followed your career from the start and have always thought you would become a top ten singles player. Your doubles career has been great and I still think you will become a top ten singles player. I remember Wendy Turnbull, a similar type of player to you, I think she actually made it to the top 5 at quite a mature age. Good Luck and stay injury free.

  • Mark

    It was very inspirational to see you competing at such a high level in the U.S. Open. I also contracted Lyme disease in 2007 and was out of work for over 6 months. I know how hard it is to regain fitness after experiencing such a debilitating disease. Congratulations on your outstanding tournament.

  • Ice

    Well done today, turning things around after losing the first set. Hope you win the doubles in the Toray tournament in Japan. Good luck Sam.

  • Damo12

    Good Luck against Erakovic tomorrow Sam! Surprised to see you and Lisa haven’t made the doubles draw also? Admin – any reason? I know ye are trying to qualify for the season ending championships…. and if i’m right ye have won it every time ye have played??

  • Damo12

    2nd semi of the year – congrats Sam! I can see you lifting your first title on Sunday… fingers crossed!
    PS anybody any idea about the doubles question i posed earlier?
    PSS – when will the forum be available??

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