Friday cat blogging--Oregon coast edition

One of the resident cats at the famous Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon

And yet another coaching change...

Tamira Paszek and her coach, Larri Passos, have ended their two-year partnership. Passos, who is best known for coaching three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten, feels he has done all can do for Paszek and is going to devote his time to coaching at his academy, the Instituto Larri Passos, in Brazil. 16-year-old Paszek moved up 330 ranking points after her 2007 Wimbledon run, and is considered one of the most promising young players on the tour.

Passos says he is open to the possibility of coaching another player.

Jankovic resolves her breathing problems

Jelena Jankovic has complained all during the latter part of the season about having trouble breathing while she is on the court, and the problem appeared to get worse as the season wore one. Now there is news that, a few days ago, she underwent surgery to correct her respiratory condition, and she now expects to be able to play at a higher level.

In brief...

Elena Dementieva is really getting around these days, publicity-wise. The latest is Peace Magazine.

Am I the only one who liked the Tennis Week site better before the webmasters "improved" it?

EleVen's prices really are low.

And Venus Williams is injured again.

James Martin has a little fun with the so-called Roadmap.

Maria Sharapova reports that when she returned to her new car a few nights ago, two men--a father and son---were oogling it, so she said "Nice car, huh?" and opened the door, at which point they asked her what she was doing. She told them it was her car. "The father looked at me like how the heck is a 20-year-old blonde chick driving this!" Indeed.

Some 2008 Fed Cup opening round details set

2008 Fed Cup first round venues were announced this month, though not all details have been set.

Here is a glance at what we know so far.

An interview with Sania Mirza

This interview with Sania Mirza, despite the interviewer's annoying lack of knowledge--maybe because of it--is worth reading. Mirza's humor continually shines through, as in this exchange:

You are currently on an injury break?

No, it’s off season now.

We have been reading that you were recovering from an injury.

Yes, but I am fine now.

So, you okay then.

Yes, it doesn’t hurt me when I am talking.

Updates on sick and injured players

Amelie Mauresmo has been training for two weeks, and is doing well, other than experiencing sore legs at night.

Sam Stosur has been back in Australia for a week now, after her lengthy medical timeout in the U.S. Her condition is described as "not 100%" but she is due to begin light training soon.

Zheng Jie has been practicing, and--according to one of the tennis authorities in China--has made a complete recovery from the ankle injury that has kept her out of play since the French Open. She is, according to the official, working on regaining confidence, and will play in the Australian Open.

Li Na, out since she sustained a rib inflammation during the summer, has been recovering in Germany and is also scheduled to play in Melbourne.