Hey Changeover friends!
So, as many of you know, I am in Charleston right now. I am here covering the tournament and tweeting for 10sWorld.com, but the plan is to post stuff here too. Some may call it the reject stuff, but I prefer to think of it as the “hidden gems” of the Family Circle Cup. And really, what is The Changeover if not the home of hidden gems that others consider rejects?
Anyway, things right now are a bit of a complete mess. I didn’t pack any of the right clothes, my computer charger broke on the trip down here, my phone seems to refuse to charge at all even though nothing is technically broken, and I forgot sunscreen and more importantly LIP BALM. But despite the fact that my personal life is in shambles and I only have 10 minutes to write this blog before my computer dies, I’m having a blast.
There are a lot of “firsts” happening right now. This is my first tournament of 2013, my first WTA-only tournament, and my first time ever in Charleston. I get emotional every time I walk up to a tournament, I am so excited to get to talk one-on-one with some of the WTA players and experience my first All Access Hour, and I might never leave Charleston because it is just so amazing. So basically what I’m saying is, the good by far outweighs the bad.
Today was a brief day for a tennis tournament. I got in last night and got a good night of sleep–likely my only one for the week–and headed with Steph to the tournament around 10:00 a.m. After we spent about an hour tracking down parking and media credentials, we finally landed in the media center that was filled with the nicest and most wonderful people I have ever met in my entire life. When I have more battery life, I’ll tell you more about them.
(OHMYGOD nine minutes I need to hurry.) The first qualies match I watched was between Larcher de Brito and Pegula, and for the few game I watched (nearly the full first set) was great. Both were hitting the ball well, moving extremely well, and were focused. There was a great crowd and everyone was engaged. Also, Larcher de Brito was not loud AT ALL. The only sound she made was the occasional soft whistle after her strokes, but it was barely audible. I thought she had control of the match, but was surprised to see that Pegula ended up taking it.
Most of my day was spent watching Vania King play Karolina Pliskova in a really fun match. Vania King is just such a smart and assertive tennis player when she’s on her game, and boy was she on her game today. Karolina did not play poorly (her forehand is pretty impressive in person), but Vania was in control of nearly every point. Everything was fabulous: Her service placement, movement, lobs, volleys, and OMG backhands, backhands, backhands. Did I mention backhands? I’d like to say it again. Backhands. She demolished Pliskova 6-4, 6-2.
Afterwards, I talked with her for about 20 minutes, and she could not have been nicer or more open about her recent struggles, her relationship with the game, and her current mindset. I can’t wait to share all that with you, hopefully tomorrow.
That was pretty much it–I told you it was short! Afterwards, we headed out to a bar in downtown Charleston where we ended up sitting a few feet from Sofia Vergara, so we’re certainly doing something right! I’ll write more about this as the week goes on, but mostly I’m impressed with the friendliness, the foods, and the amazing crowds in Charleston. I have never seen so many people at a qualies day, EVER.
Okay, just enough time to post a few crappy camera-phone pics:
Shvedova is awesome. End of story.
I have always wished that tourneys did this–Charleston is so on top of things! Now fans/(media) don’t have to wonder who the player on the practice court is- the sign tells them. Duh!
Karolina Pliskova in the foreground, and the adorable Clubhouse in the background. This is “Althea Gibson Court”, and I think it is going to be my favorite. Look at all the people- there were packed stands on all four sides.
Okay seriously I have to run right now, not even time enough to edit this. More later though. Oh, and let me know if there are players you want me to interview or matches you want me to watch. I can’t be everywhere at once, but I will try!
-Lindsay
Loving it Linz.
Looking forward to more insider scoop at Charleston.
I am an aspiring young writer here for the Family Circle Cup as well! I love your writing and hope that I will get a chance to possibly meet and gain some tips from you this week. Tomorrow the main matches that I will be watching are Cirstea vs Malek and Townsend vs Petkovic. Hope to see you around!
Jason
Hey Jason! Are you on twitter? I’m not 100% sure what my schedule will be tomorrow but if you remind me I’ll definitely try and say hi!
i’m going to enjoy these series. i love that my hometown loves the tournament and the wta in general. hoping to get out there on tuesday. hope you enjoy the week here lindsay.
If you get a chance to attend, please post your experience and if you meet Linz, I need to know the “scoop” LOL!
Thanks! Let me know if you make it out on Tuesday, would love to say hi! I’ll bribe you to make sure you tell Master Ace nice things!!
The more I hear about FCC, the more I want to be there (I’m already in love with Charleston – the Lee Bros. will be in Nashville this week. So psyched!), and this post is strengthening my resolve to get myself there in 2014 or 2015.
Donna Vekic or Kristina Mladenovic seem like they might be fun interviews. If I _were_ there, I’d be sad at having to choose between Lepchenko v. McHale and Burdette vs. Mladenovic (and Rodionova v. Mattek-Sands on AG court at the same time, that has a ton of potential as well).
How far are the courts from each other? Are the paths between them relatively clear or congested? Looking forward to your reports (and tips for future visitors)!
+1.
It’s a fairly big “campus” at the tournament, feels more spread out than other small tourneys I’ve been too, but it might just be because Stadium and Althea Gibson (the 2nd biggest court) are pretty far away from each other. It will be interesting to see how the movement is tomorrow, without the Easter/family day craziness.
Oops- and other things. You should DEF put this tourney on your list, it’s a haven for WTA fans. And good calls on Vekic and Mladenovic. Will do my best! And yes- so much good stuff tomorrow–why can’t we be multiple places at once?
Linz,
I can not wait to read more about Charleston. Glad you picked to attend a WTA only tournament. Besides S Williams, could you get an interview with Wozniacki. On Wozniacki, please discuss her coach situation, 2012 struggles and where she believes her game is headed. Since S Williams, V Williams and Stephens will probably have crowded round tables, could you arrange an one on one with Stosur or Barthel. On Stosur, ask about her time since winning 2011 USO and on Barthel, ask her where she needs to improve her game.
Have fun!!!
Thanks Master Ace–all those you mentioned will be at the All Access Hour tomorrow, so I’ll do my best to talk to them all! Will try and get you the scoop =)
Please interview Genie Bouchard and/or watch her matches! The Canadian (who qualified for this tournament) will be a breakout star.
I will try and watch her for sure, very curious.
I’m also just seeing Madison Keys in the draw. Knowing you pull for your own (Americans), you have to watch her for sure!
Lindsay, this might be a good time to have a chat with Francesca Schiavone, a player who seems to be universally liked and admired, but one whom you might not have too many more chances to talk to. Reflections on her long career, her epic match with Kuznetsova, her favorite cities to visit, whether she thinks doubles is on a bit of an upswing (I think so), how to make it more tenable for top players to play doubles, at least occasionally.
Thanks,
Pat
That’s a great idea Pat- thanks
Sounds like a great tournament. It always looks attractive on tv. I would second the chat with both Mona and Fran. I’d love to know what both of their goals are and how they would rate their progress so far this year. Could be quite an interesting contrast between a fading player ( I say this with affection!) and a rising (hopefully) player
Yes, any interview with Genie Bouchard would be greatly appreciated.
Judging by their Facebook accounts, the Family Circle Cup and the Abierto Monterrey are arguably the most fan-friendly event on the WTA.
Much appreciated “exposes” Linz.Please keep them coming and blow a huge kiss on Serena and Venus’s way whenever you get a chance for me…
Also have fun in Charleston,never been to the tennis venue but South Carolina had breathtaking sites if you get time to visit on your off time…
Looking forward to reading more…
Thank you!