Hahahhaha!! This is funny!!! :))) Russia will play Fed Cup in Moskow on 7th and 8th of February ....  and SERBIA will play Fed Cup in her capital city Belgrade on 7th and 8th of February too!!!! HAhahahhahahahah!!! Serbia is playing against Japan, and I'm going to watch mathes!!! I can't wait for it!!! :)))) I am sooooo excited!!! :)))))))))   GO SERBIA!!!!  :)))))

cbvesna:

Hahahhaha!! This is funny!!! :))) Russia will play Fed Cup in Moskow on 7th and 8th of February ....  and SERBIA will play Fed Cup in her capital city Belgrade on 7th and 8th of February too!!!! HAhahahhahahahah!!! Serbia is playing against Japan, and I'm going to watch mathes!!! I can't wait for it!!! :)))) I am sooooo excited!!! :)))))))))   GO SERBIA!!!!  :)))))

Hi, Sonja. Yes, Fed Cup ties are all held on the same weekend with Zonal Events starting a couple of days earlier (see Live Streams for the one beginning this evening in Montreal.)

Best of luck to Serbia! I am confident that will go well.

The Moscow tie may be little more than an exercise. The China team showed up with only three players--insufficient time to replace the injured Zheng Jie. But they will perform courageously and I still like to see Lenochka play. Apparently, I'm not alone...

Igor Tikhonko, Sergey Leonyk and Marat Safin supervise the Russian Team training. lol!

04/02/2009 - 17:51
Tarpischev: “Rivals fear us”
Tennis - goblet of the federation

Russian tennis players direct fear at their rivals by their successes in the Fed Cup, stated the captain of women's Team Russia Shamil Tarpischev on Wednesday--at the press conference dedicated to the forthcoming match of 1/4 finals with the command of China.

“The level of our command, which in the past five years won the goblet of the federation four times, was such that they fear us,” said Tarpischev. “But from the other side, this and too much forces. I consider that for us the main thing in any match – (our players) be themselves alone. It is necessary normally to be prepared and to show that level of game, which would correspond to that already established by the girls earlier”.

The captain of composite added, “Each of the girls has their operating times how to be prepared for the match. We do not turn attention to that which occurs all around, but we are concentrated on ourselves. If we are well prepared, then not one opposition command frightens us”, he noted.

Tarpischev also allowed himself a little to glimpse into the future, after indicating in this case, that “in this year the calendar is complex. The goblet of federation stands in the calendar after the large tournaments. This is good that now we play at home with the girls more easily adapted”, he said.

“Our next rival (in the case of victory over the Chinese women) will be either France or Italy. If the Frenchwomen win, then with them we will play at home--with the Italians, an away game. In the parallel semi-final, most likely, will play the Czech Republic and the USA. If the American women win, then the final will be in America”, reported Tarpischev.

To the match with the team of China, Tarpischev called Elena Dementieva (4th number of world rating), Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Anna [Chakvetadze] (19) and Alisa Kleybanova (28).

The match of 1/4 cup finals, Russian Federation – China, will pass on February 7 to 8 in Olympic Stadium.

The Russian team captain also noted the colossal progress of representatives. “In the past year the command of China was in the top four in the goblet of the federation, and this speaks, that tennis in China on the rise,” described Tarpischev. “I saw training centers of the Chinese tennis-players, it was familiar with control system. I can say that everything is done very well thought out, this country on the right track”.

Characterizing Chinese tennis players, Tarpischev noted that “they move, healthily play according to plan, they are industrious. Perhaps, their only deficiency is that on court they have lesser creativity”, he added.

Meanwhile the captain of Chinese team Zhang Qi stated that his command, weakened by the injuries of the chief tennis players, will attempt to battle to Russian women. “Russian tennis is very strong. And the command of Russia is, of course, stronger than ours. But, in spite of this, we will try to show everything, on that they are capable”, stated the teacher.

The team of China arrived in Moscow in the composition of only three people, whereas in the official nomination there must be four sportswomen: Zheng Jie (20th number of world rating), Yan Zi (119), Zhang Shuai (273) and Sun Tian-Tian (275). According to the captain, this is connected with the injuries Cheung To [tsze], also, on Lee (29).

“We wanted to appear with the strongest composition, but at the Austtralian Open, Zheng Jie suffered injury. Li Na recently had an operation on her elbow. Therefore we brought only three players. We did not have time to summon a fourth tennis player”, reported Zhang Qi.

The captain of the composite added that the arrival of Chinese fans into Moscow is not anticipated. “I do not know with what this is connected. Most likely, with the fact that we very recently finished celebrating Chinese New Year”, he explained.

Kleybanova, Dementieva, Tarpischev, Kuznetsova, Chakvetadze

paul_pipkin:

cbvesna:

Hahahhaha!! This is funny!!! :))) Russia will play Fed Cup in Moskow on 7th and 8th of February ....  and SERBIA will play Fed Cup in her capital city Belgrade on 7th and 8th of February too!!!! HAhahahhahahahah!!! Serbia is playing against Japan, and I'm going to watch mathes!!! I can't wait for it!!! :)))) I am sooooo excited!!! :)))))))))   GO SERBIA!!!!  :)))))

Hi, Sonja. Yes, Fed Cup ties are all held on the same weekend with Zonal Events starting a couple of days earlier (see Live Streams for the one beginning this evening in Montreal.)

Best of luck to Serbia! I am confident that will go well.

The Moscow tie may be little more than an exercise. The China team showed up with only three players--insufficient time to replace the injured Zheng Jie. But they will perform courageously and I still like to see Lenochka play. Apparently, I'm not alone...

Igor Tikhonko, Sergey Leonyk and Marat Safin supervise the Russian Team training. lol!

04/02/2009 - 17:51
Tarpischev: “Rivals fear us”
Tennis - goblet of the federation

Russian tennis players direct fear at their rivals by their successes in the Fed Cup, stated the captain of women's Team Russia Shamil Tarpischev on Wednesday--at the press conference dedicated to the forthcoming match of 1/4 finals with the command of China.

“The level of our command, which in the past five years won the goblet of the federation four times, was such that they fear us,” said Tarpischev. “But from the other side, this and too much forces. I consider that for us the main thing in any match – (our players) be themselves alone. It is necessary normally to be prepared and to show that level of game, which would correspond to that already established by the girls earlier”.

The captain of composite added, “Each of the girls has their operating times how to be prepared for the match. We do not turn attention to that which occurs all around, but we are concentrated on ourselves. If we are well prepared, then not one opposition command frightens us”, he noted.

Tarpischev also allowed himself a little to glimpse into the future, after indicating in this case, that “in this year the calendar is complex. The goblet of federation stands in the calendar after the large tournaments. This is good that now we play at home with the girls more easily adapted”, he said.

“Our next rival (in the case of victory over the Chinese women) will be either France or Italy. If the Frenchwomen win, then with them we will play at home--with the Italians, an away game. In the parallel semi-final, most likely, will play the Czech Republic and the USA. If the American women win, then the final will be in America”, reported Tarpischev.

To the match with the team of China, Tarpischev called Elena Dementieva (4th number of world rating), Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Anna [Chakvetadze] (19) and Alisa Kleybanova (28).

The match of 1/4 cup finals, Russian Federation – China, will pass on February 7 to 8 in Olympic Stadium.

The Russian team captain also noted the colossal progress of representatives. “In the past year the command of China was in the top four in the goblet of the federation, and this speaks, that tennis in China on the rise,” described Tarpischev. “I saw training centers of the Chinese tennis-players, it was familiar with control system. I can say that everything is done very well thought out, this country on the right track”.

Characterizing Chinese tennis players, Tarpischev noted that “they move, healthily play according to plan, they are industrious. Perhaps, their only deficiency is that on court they have lesser creativity”, he added.

Meanwhile the captain of Chinese team Zhang Qi stated that his command, weakened by the injuries of the chief tennis players, will attempt to battle to Russian women. “Russian tennis is very strong. And the command of Russia is, of course, stronger than ours. But, in spite of this, we will try to show everything, on that they are capable”, stated the teacher.

The team of China arrived in Moscow in the composition of only three people, whereas in the official nomination there must be four sportswomen: Zheng Jie (20th number of world rating), Yan Zi (119), Zhang Shuai (273) and Sun Tian-Tian (275). According to the captain, this is connected with the injuries Cheung To [tsze], also, on Lee (29).

“We wanted to appear with the strongest composition, but at the Austtralian Open, Zheng Jie suffered injury. Li Na recently had an operation on her elbow. Therefore we brought only three players. We did not have time to summon a fourth tennis player”, reported Zhang Qi.

The captain of the composite added that the arrival of Chinese fans into Moscow is not anticipated. “I do not know with what this is connected. Most likely, with the fact that we very recently finished celebrating Chinese New Year”, he explained.

Kleybanova, Dementieva, Tarpischev, Kuznetsova, Chakvetadze

 

Hey, Paul!! :))) Thanks for informations- I really didn't knew that!! :))  And thanks for WONDERFUL PIC OF MY LOVELY MARAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)))))))    HE'S THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)))))))

cbvesna:

Hey, Paul!! :))) Thanks for informations- I really didn't knew that!! :))  And thanks for WONDERFUL PIC OF MY LOVELY MARAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)))))))    HE'S THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)))))))

You are welcome, Sonja. Happy that you liked it. I imagine your attention will be locked on Beograd when we're able to get the Moscow streams, but here's more info:

sportbox.ru:

It is necessary to relate seriously to the team of China, noted Chakvetadze

Anna Chakvetadze, who in the composition of Team Russia is prepared for the duel of 1/4 finals of Fed Cup with the command of China, is not quick to underestimate rivals, who arrived in Moscow with a weakened composition.

"In the team of China three players turned up to participate in this match," said Chakvetadze to radio station Zenith. "If all their sportswomen arrived, it would be much more complex for us. This composition is, of course, weaker, but nevertheless it is not possible to underestimate rivals. It is necessary to approach each game seriously. I hope fans will arrive to support us, this would be very nice. The greater the people, the better!"

Let us recall that match Russia - China will pass on February 7 to 8 in the Olympic Stadium. Chinese women will appear in the following composition: Yan Zi (119), Zhang Shuai (273) and Sun Tian-Tian (275). Russian women they will play are Elena Dementieva (4), Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Anna Chakvetadze (19) and Alisa Kleybanova (28).

Sportbox.ru will conduct the text translation of the duels of this match, and also it will show their matches.

The streams referenced are RTR's delayed broadcasts of the matches. Those will follow not long after the live matches. I'll post the linx on Live Streams tomorrow.

With due respect to Chaki's good points, there is now little need for Elena D in this tie. From a purely tennis point of view, she might serve the team better later on. I believe Shamil has called her as much because the Moscow crowd wants to see the Golden Girl play.  

paul_pipkin:

cbvesna:

Hey, Paul!! :))) Thanks for informations- I really didn't knew that!! :))  And thanks for WONDERFUL PIC OF MY LOVELY MARAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)))))))    HE'S THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)))))))

You are welcome, Sonja. Happy that you liked it. I imagine your attention will be locked on Beograd when we're able to get the Moscow streams, but here's more info:

sportbox.ru:

It is necessary to relate seriously to the team of China, noted Chakvetadze

Anna Chakvetadze, who in the composition of Team Russia is prepared for the duel of 1/4 finals of Fed Cup with the command of China, is not quick to underestimate rivals, who arrived in Moscow with a weakened composition.

"In the team of China three players turned up to participate in this match," said Chakvetadze to radio station Zenith. "If all their sportswomen arrived, it would be much more complex for us. This composition is, of course, weaker, but nevertheless it is not possible to underestimate rivals. It is necessary to approach each game seriously. I hope fans will arrive to support us, this would be very nice. The greater the people, the better!"

Let us recall that match Russia - China will pass on February 7 to 8 in the Olympic Stadium. Chinese women will appear in the following composition: Yan Zi (119), Zhang Shuai (273) and Sun Tian-Tian (275). Russian women they will play are Elena Dementieva (4), Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Anna Chakvetadze (19) and Alisa Kleybanova (28).

Sportbox.ru will conduct the text translation of the duels of this match, and also it will show their matches.

The streams referenced are RTR's delayed broadcasts of the matches. Those will follow not long after the live matches. I'll post the linx on Live Streams tomorrow.

With due respect to Chaki's good points, there is now little need for Elena D in this tie. From a purely tennis point of view, she might serve the team better later on. I believe Shamil has called her as much because the Moscow crowd wants to see the Golden Girl play.  

 Thanks once again, Paul!! And thank you for calling my city as "BEOGRAD" and not "Belgrade", thank you for callin' it on Serbian!!! :))))) Yeah, I can't wait for Fed Cup!!! I am sooo excited!!! :)))))) And about Russian Fed Cup, I was wondering, why is Dinara not playing???? :((( Do you know something about that, because you know EVERYTHING? :)))))

cbvesna:

paul_pipkin:

cbvesna:

Hey, Paul!! :))) Thanks for informations- I really didn't knew that!! :))  And thanks for WONDERFUL PIC OF MY LOVELY MARAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)))))))    HE'S THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)))))))

You are welcome, Sonja. Happy that you liked it. I imagine your attention will be locked on Beograd when we're able to get the Moscow streams, but here's more info:

sportbox.ru:

It is necessary to relate seriously to the team of China, noted Chakvetadze

Anna Chakvetadze, who in the composition of Team Russia is prepared for the duel of 1/4 finals of Fed Cup with the command of China, is not quick to underestimate rivals, who arrived in Moscow with a weakened composition.

"In the team of China three players turned up to participate in this match," said Chakvetadze to radio station Zenith. "If all their sportswomen arrived, it would be much more complex for us. This composition is, of course, weaker, but nevertheless it is not possible to underestimate rivals. It is necessary to approach each game seriously. I hope fans will arrive to support us, this would be very nice. The greater the people, the better!"

Let us recall that match Russia - China will pass on February 7 to 8 in the Olympic Stadium. Chinese women will appear in the following composition: Yan Zi (119), Zhang Shuai (273) and Sun Tian-Tian (275). Russian women they will play are Elena Dementieva (4), Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Anna Chakvetadze (19) and Alisa Kleybanova (28).

Sportbox.ru will conduct the text translation of the duels of this match, and also it will show their matches.

The streams referenced are RTR's delayed broadcasts of the matches. Those will follow not long after the live matches. I'll post the linx on Live Streams tomorrow.

With due respect to Chaki's good points, there is now little need for Elena D in this tie. From a purely tennis point of view, she might serve the team better later on. I believe Shamil has called her as much because the Moscow crowd wants to see the Golden Girl play.  

 Thanks once again, Paul!! And thank you for calling my city as "BEOGRAD" and not "Belgrade", thank you for callin' it on Serbian!!! :))))) Yeah, I can't wait for Fed Cup!!! I am sooo excited!!! :)))))) And about Russian Fed Cup, I was wondering, why is Dinara not playing???? :((( Do you know something about that, because you know EVERYTHING? :)))))

My pleasure. I believe the names of cities, countries etc, like the names of people, should be rendered the way the people there say. I'm grandly indifferent to what long dead imperialists "called" a place. I don't always know the real names but, when I learn them, I try to use them.

I expect Dinara is getting rested and will play in a later tie. Overall, Shamil has given a pass to those who are in serious contention for number one ranking--putting their schedule needs first, y'know? (Remember, he's head of the Russian tennis federation, as well as Fed Cup & Davis Cup captain and IOC representative.) But Elena & Dinara are both on his "A" list of nine players to call for Fed Cup.

Safina has launched a new website. http://www.dsafina.com/ with some scheduling info.

paul_pipkin:

cbvesna:

paul_pipkin:

cbvesna:

Hey, Paul!! :))) Thanks for informations- I really didn't knew that!! :))  And thanks for WONDERFUL PIC OF MY LOVELY MARAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)))))))    HE'S THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)))))))

You are welcome, Sonja. Happy that you liked it. I imagine your attention will be locked on Beograd when we're able to get the Moscow streams, but here's more info:

sportbox.ru:

It is necessary to relate seriously to the team of China, noted Chakvetadze

Anna Chakvetadze, who in the composition of Team Russia is prepared for the duel of 1/4 finals of Fed Cup with the command of China, is not quick to underestimate rivals, who arrived in Moscow with a weakened composition.

"In the team of China three players turned up to participate in this match," said Chakvetadze to radio station Zenith. "If all their sportswomen arrived, it would be much more complex for us. This composition is, of course, weaker, but nevertheless it is not possible to underestimate rivals. It is necessary to approach each game seriously. I hope fans will arrive to support us, this would be very nice. The greater the people, the better!"

Let us recall that match Russia - China will pass on February 7 to 8 in the Olympic Stadium. Chinese women will appear in the following composition: Yan Zi (119), Zhang Shuai (273) and Sun Tian-Tian (275). Russian women they will play are Elena Dementieva (4), Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Anna Chakvetadze (19) and Alisa Kleybanova (28).

Sportbox.ru will conduct the text translation of the duels of this match, and also it will show their matches.

The streams referenced are RTR's delayed broadcasts of the matches. Those will follow not long after the live matches. I'll post the linx on Live Streams tomorrow.

With due respect to Chaki's good points, there is now little need for Elena D in this tie. From a purely tennis point of view, she might serve the team better later on. I believe Shamil has called her as much because the Moscow crowd wants to see the Golden Girl play.  

 Thanks once again, Paul!! And thank you for calling my city as "BEOGRAD" and not "Belgrade", thank you for callin' it on Serbian!!! :))))) Yeah, I can't wait for Fed Cup!!! I am sooo excited!!! :)))))) And about Russian Fed Cup, I was wondering, why is Dinara not playing???? :((( Do you know something about that, because you know EVERYTHING? :)))))

My pleasure. I believe the names of cities, countries etc, like the names of people, should be rendered the way the people there say. I'm grandly indifferent to what long dead imperialists "called" a place. I don't always know the real names but, when I learn them, I try to use them.

I expect Dinara is getting rested and will play in a later tie. Overall, Shamil has given a pass to those who are in serious contention for number one ranking--putting their schedule needs first, y'know? (Remember, he's head of the Russian tennis federation, as well as Fed Cup & Davis Cup captain and IOC representative.) But Elena & Dinara are both on his "A" list of nine players to call for Fed Cup.

Safina has launched a new website. http://www.dsafina.com/ with some scheduling info.

 

HEY!!!  I LOVE DINARA'S WEBSITE!!! :))) I haven't known rhat she changed it!!! THANK YOU FOR INFORMATION!!!!!!!!! :))))  

It's nice to hear something about that, it's nice to hear someone, who likes learning many things!!! You're smart!!! :))) Are you a student? What are you styding? :))) And belive me, I WILL never forgot that you know so much things about my country!!! I mean, many, many Americans never heard for it, and I think that's for shaming, not because we are talking about my country, it's because, we must know about others countries, specially when they are in Europe, and when they are old countries, and my country is really very old!! :))))  Thanks one again!! :)))

cbvesna:

HEY!!!  I LOVE DINARA'S WEBSITE!!! :))) I haven't known rhat she changed it!!! THANK YOU FOR INFORMATION!!!!!!!!! :))))  

It's nice to hear something about that, it's nice to hear someone, who likes learning many things!!! You're smart!!! :))) Are you a student? What are you styding? :))) And belive me, I WILL never forgot that you know so much things about my country!!! I mean, many, many Americans never heard for it, and I think that's for shaming, not because we are talking about my country, it's because, we must know about others countries, specially when they are in Europe, and when they are old countries, and my country is really very old!! :))))  Thanks one again!! :)))

My classes let out years ago, Sonja. I'm an old man. That's why I know some things--and why I respect old countries, lol. You can't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from. As politicians & media lie about the past all day long, the search for the truth is never-ending.

Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia
07 February - 08 February 2009

Day 1 SAT: 1400 hrs (11:00 hrs GMT)

R1 - S.KUZNETSOVA (RUS) v Z.YAN (CHN)
R2 - E.DEMENTIEVA (RUS) v S.ZHANG (CHN)

See Live Streams: The available stream will probably be the delayed RTR broadcast at 12:27 hrs GMT (2nd rubber shown at 16:45 hrs GMT).

Day 2 SUN: 1300 hrs (10:00 hrs GMT)

R3 - E.DEMENTIEVA (RUS) v Z.YAN (CHN)
R4 - S.KUZNETSOVA (RUS) v S.ZHANG (CHN)
R5 - A.CHAKVETADZE / A.KLEYBANOVA (RUS) v T.SUN/ Z.YAN (CHN)

PS: See Ilnur's TV interview translation (in Elegant Elena thread )

From Fed Cup site:

Russia out and out favourites
 
There were no surprises from Russia's captain, Shamil Tarpishchev, as he picked his two strongest singles players, Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova, for the defending champions first round tie with China, as Russia start their bid for what would be a 5th Fed Cup by BNP Paribas crown in 6 years.
 
Russia so strong

Such is the talent at Shamil Tarpishchev’s disposal, he was able to name his side for the tie with China before the start of the New Year, while the Russian Fed Cup captain was able to rest Dinara Safina who reached the final of last months Australian Open, and Vera Zvonareva who made the semis in Melbourne.

The second match of Saturday’s opening singles certainly won’t be any easier for the visitors. Zhang Shaui, ranked 273 in the world will go up against Elena Dementieva, who’s only lost one match, against Serena Williams in the semi-final of the Australian Open, in 2009. There may be a massive ranking gap between the two, but the Russian, who mentioned Shuai used to be a good junior player, isn’t underestimating her opponent.

“Playing in the Fed Cup is a very special event, so you always feel under a little bit more pressure, and I’ll just be trying to focus on my game and do what I need to do on the court.”

http://www.fedcup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?articleid=12144

Don't you think Yan Zi rather resembles a Chinese Safina?

paul_pipkin:

cbvesna:

HEY!!!  I LOVE DINARA'S WEBSITE!!! :))) I haven't known rhat she changed it!!! THANK YOU FOR INFORMATION!!!!!!!!! :))))  

It's nice to hear something about that, it's nice to hear someone, who likes learning many things!!! You're smart!!! :))) Are you a student? What are you styding? :))) And belive me, I WILL never forgot that you know so much things about my country!!! I mean, many, many Americans never heard for it, and I think that's for shaming, not because we are talking about my country, it's because, we must know about others countries, specially when they are in Europe, and when they are old countries, and my country is really very old!! :))))  Thanks one again!! :)))

My classes let out years ago, Sonja. I'm an old man. That's why I know some things--and why I respect old countries, lol. You can't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from. As politicians & media lie about the past all day long, the search for the truth is never-ending.

Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia
07 February - 08 February 2009

Day 1 SAT: 1400 hrs (11:00 hrs GMT)

R1 - S.KUZNETSOVA (RUS) v Z.YAN (CHN)
R2 - E.DEMENTIEVA (RUS) v S.ZHANG (CHN)

See Live Streams: The available stream will probably be the delayed RTR broadcast at 12:27 hrs GMT (2nd rubber shown at 16:45 hrs GMT).

Day 2 SUN: 1300 hrs (10:00 hrs GMT)

R3 - E.DEMENTIEVA (RUS) v Z.YAN (CHN)
R4 - S.KUZNETSOVA (RUS) v S.ZHANG (CHN)
R5 - A.CHAKVETADZE / A.KLEYBANOVA (RUS) v T.SUN/ Z.YAN (CHN)

PS: See Ilnur's TV interview translation (in Elegant Elena thread )

From Fed Cup site:

Russia out and out favourites
 
There were no surprises from Russia's captain, Shamil Tarpishchev, as he picked his two strongest singles players, Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova, for the defending champions first round tie with China, as Russia start their bid for what would be a 5th Fed Cup by BNP Paribas crown in 6 years.
 
Russia so strong

Such is the talent at Shamil Tarpishchev’s disposal, he was able to name his side for the tie with China before the start of the New Year, while the Russian Fed Cup captain was able to rest Dinara Safina who reached the final of last months Australian Open, and Vera Zvonareva who made the semis in Melbourne.

The second match of Saturday’s opening singles certainly won’t be any easier for the visitors. Zhang Shaui, ranked 273 in the world will go up against Elena Dementieva, who’s only lost one match, against Serena Williams in the semi-final of the Australian Open, in 2009. There may be a massive ranking gap between the two, but the Russian, who mentioned Shuai used to be a good junior player, isn’t underestimating her opponent.

“Playing in the Fed Cup is a very special event, so you always feel under a little bit more pressure, and I’ll just be trying to focus on my game and do what I need to do on the court.”

http://www.fedcup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?articleid=12144

Don't you think Yan Zi rather resembles a Chinese Safina?

 

Yeah, you're right!! I agree with you definetly!! :)) And how old are you? :))) 25, maybe? :)))

I'll check it!!! :)))

^ ( I am apologise for disturb on  your conversation)but i suppose he is +25, because on our talk when i asked about that he said that he older then me if really Paul you first memeber who older than me hehehhee. Exclusive photos as always Pauly THANKS

 about FED cup well today was good day but not GREAT cause Sveta's game  in second set was just SUCKS!!! thanks god we not playing in first round against  USA or SERBIA  i am scare even think about that.... but anyway i am glad about RESULTS!!!!:))))))))))

abut Elena's game she was perfect and has cold-blooded and smart shots as always. APPLAUSE!!!

and BTW!! congrats SONJA with win hehe. SERBIAN GIRLS show us nice game

---

WAYNE KRASAVCHIKKKK!!!!

We don't need to go there--let's just agree that I'm way old--kinda like Philli...

Yeah, I looked at the live scores during that second set and said, "Kuzi girl, who said you were supposed to make this interesting, hunh?"

But, I notice the Frenchies are dropping the ball. Now, Shamil indicated, if the Italians win, Russia may play the semifinal in Italy. Probably on clay, y'know? And Kuzi is pretty good on clay.

Davaiii, Lenochka!!! And congrats to the Serbs, indeed!

 

Congrats to Shamil, Elena & all Team Russia!

I thought it a good move to get Chaki & Kelbanova into the mix in a big way--and to partner Elena & Kuzi again after several years. (Y'know, there was some alienation there once. Looks like they're good with each other now. )

Next tie in Italy on the clay. I see no reason that Barazzutti would deloy any other than this same team--Pennetta, Schiavone, Vinci & Errani. They're as tough away as they are at home (look at 'em in France; facing someone's home crowd doesn't faze 'em.)

The whole thing will be the surface. If I were advising Shamil, I'd recommend Safina and Kuzi with maybe Petrova & Vesnina as the doubles team--because there might be a deciding doubles and we know those two are not bothered by an away crowd at crunch time.

PS: Later, on Russia Today sports, I heard Chaki say that she & Zvonareva will be on the semifinal squad--so I don't know what Shamil has in mind. But the old fox always has a plan.

Interesting Elena interview: http://www.fedcup.com/shared/medialibrary/audio/mp3/FC_5499_mp3.mp3

ilnur86:

^ ( I am apologise for disturb on  your conversation)but i suppose he is +25, because on our talk when i asked about that he said that he older then me if really Paul you first memeber who older than me hehehhee. Exclusive photos as always Pauly THANKS

 about FED cup well today was good day but not GREAT cause Sveta's game  in second set was just SUCKS!!! thanks god we not playing in first round against  USA or SERBIA  i am scare even think about that.... but anyway i am glad about RESULTS!!!!:))))))))))

abut Elena's game she was perfect and has cold-blooded and smart shots as always. APPLAUSE!!!

and BTW!! congrats SONJA with win hehe. SERBIAN GIRLS show us nice game

 

Yeah!! Thanks Ilnur!! :)) It would be nice if I could play on next Fed cup!!! hahahahah!! :))) Yeah, Serbian girls did a great job!! :)) I'm very proud, although I think that Ana can be much better than now!!! :))))

paul_pipkin:

We don't need to go there--let's just agree that I'm way old--kinda like Philli...

Yeah, I looked at the live scores during that second set and said, "Kuzi girl, who said you were supposed to make this interesting, hunh?"

But, I notice the Frenchies are dropping the ball. Now, Shamil indicated, if the Italians win, Russia may play the semifinal in Italy. Probably on clay, y'know? And Kuzi is pretty good on clay.

Davaiii, Lenochka!!! And congrats to the Serbs, indeed!

 

 

Hahahha!! :))) Are you scaring about you years, Paul?? hahahah!! :))) Hey, calm down, my Enrique will be 34 this year, and he is SOOOO HOT and HANDSOME!!!! :))) Don't worry!! :)))))