Miscellany

Exactly one week ago, it was reported that Venus Williams would not play in the Fed Cup semifinals. As of today, according to the AP, she is still trying to make up her mind. I can't keep up.

Jelena Jankovic and Daniela Hantuchova are both stranded in Florida, unable to travel to Europe because of the volcanic ash problem. Serbia plays its Fed Cup match against the Slovak Republic this weekend. The Russian team's doctors, coaches and captain are likewise stranded, with Shamil Tarpischev already going through problems with his visa--again.

 Vera Zvonareva was delayed in New York for twelve hours, but made it back to Moscow from Charleston.

Poor Victoria Azarenka had trouble getting out of the U.S. After a failed flight opportunity, she went back to the airport, hoping to get a different flight. ("If not I don't care anymore, I will just live in Chicago.") She was then able to fly to Rome, but could not get out of Rome and into Paris. The flights were cancelled, of course, there were no remaining seats on the trains, and--according to Azarenka--the taxis are not safe. She finally found a car service, but then--on the next leg of the trip--she had problems with her train ticket. She did finally make it to Paris.

Yesterday was Maria Sharapova's 23rd birthday.

According to Peter Bodo, "...none of the very top players was in Charleston...," so perhaps, to some, the number 2 ranking has also taken on a negative meaning.