Friday, June 24, 2011

Pironkova surprised to learn about WTA ranking system

Tsvetana Pironkova, a 2010 Wimbledon semifinalist who defeated 2010 runner-up Vera Zvonareva in straight sets today, said she was shocked to learn that other tournaments on the WTA tour provide ranking points. "I've been a pro for a while," Pironkova said, "but I must have missed that memo. I go to some of those tournaments, of course, but--unless I get the urge to upset one of the big stars--I like to leave early. The practice, the locker room chaos, the crowds--it can be so dreary."

The Bulgarian player noted that her father was a canoeing champion and her mother was a champion swimmer, and she grew up doing water sports. "The problem I have with tennis courts," she said, "is that they're dry. That's why I like Wimbledon; there's usually a lot of rain, and I can splash around like I do at home. Also, you get to wear white, and it's nice to get dressed up once a year, even if you do end up with grass strains on your white dress."

Pironkova said that now that she has learned about the ranking points system, she wishes the WTA would do a better job of communicating with players. "It happened to Yanina, too," she said, referring to Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer. "No one told her to call or email those drug people"

Asked if she would approach the tour in a different way now, Pironkova said she would think about that after Wimbledon. "Right now, I have to focus on playing Venus Williams. I beat her in the quarterfinals last year. She doesn't play much in the other tournaments either, so I feel we have something in common."

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

lol, some might think this young lady is full of herself! She reminds me of two sisters that play this game. But when it comes to the sisters, many think they have to much attitude instead of the confidence that they emote. Good win for Pironkova and V. Williams today, monday's match will be a good one, payback time for Venus or another win for Tsvetana!

Wayne said...

"The problem I have with tennis courts," she said, "is that they're dry. That's why I like Wimbledon; there's usually a lot of rain, and I can splash around like I do at home. Also, you get to wear white, and it's nice to get dressed up once a year, even if you do end up with grass strains on your white dress."

hahahaha.

I like Tsvetana. Something about that lubugrious gait and dry Bulgarian sense of humour. She also has interesting game when it is all working. Played well today taking out Vera Zvonareva.

Anonymous said...

Just watched her defeat V.Williams. S.Williams lost earlier, so now a chance for first timer to win championship, maybe her. I just might watch this one. Also I don't think, as another poster said, that she's "full of herself". Rather she has a very dry humor which I like and if you re-read her comments, with that in mind, I think you'll have a good laugh.

Diane said...

If she reads this, I hope she has a good sense of humor ;)