On the Line

by Serena Williams

  Tonight I had to go to this Wilson party. They like it when they have some of their players come out. It turned out to be lots of fun. Sometimes these events can drag, but this one was cool. I saw Roger again. He’s the greatest, the nicest guy. So funny!!! We’re running in the same circles. And running is the right word. Sun-up to sun-down, I’m running. Around and around. But I can’t complain. It’s life. Anyway, it’s my life. I feel so blessed to be able to play and do this. Tomorrow I really want to have a good practice. That’s the focus. Tournament starts on Monday, so this is it for all the hype and hoopla. After tonight, it’s just tennis, tennis, tennis. My focus notes:

  • Stay Positive

  • Believe you can do anything, even when down

  • Focus on every point

  • You are the best, Serena

  Believe it. Act it. Become it.

  XXX, S

  Sunday, August 24, 2008

  Finally, an easy day. Almost got away from me, though. The CEO of the WTA asked if we could make an appearance at some dinner. (Me and V.) Wish I could, but I can’t. Plus, it’s a late ask. Need to remember why I’m here. If I plan on winning, I need to lock down. NOW!!! Tournament starts tomorrow, so the plan is to practice for a couple hours, then rest. I’ll get treatment in my room. My back, my knee. Whatever ails and aches. Then I’ll lay down… Finally, I need this. Still pissed about the draw… Quarterfinals? What a joke!

  MORE LATER…

  I never look at the draw other than to see where Venus is playing. After that, I don’t want to know. I prefer to wait until the day of my first match to find out, but my hitting partner, Sasha, spilled the beans. He told me I’d drawn Kateryna Bondarenko. A talented young Ukrainian, ranked 46th. I’ve never played her, so we have no history. Best to start with a clean slate. She doesn’t know my game either, so hopefully she’ll think more about my game than I will about hers.

  Anyway, I’m sure she’ll want to go for broke. She’s a younger sister, too. Her older sister, Alona, has won a bunch of tournaments. We younger sisters have to stick together, but not here. We always feel like we have something to prove. Trust me, I know. Just don’t want her to go proving it on me.

  Still, wish I didn’t know who I was playing just yet. It’s a jinx thing. Plus, now that I know, I have to do my homework. Venus knows everyone’s game, so I’ll have to check in with V, to see how Kateryna plays. I played her sister Alona earlier this year in Rome, on clay. Kicked her butt. 6–2, 6–0. If Kateryna asks her big sister for a report on my game, she might wish she hadn’t.

  Agggghhhh!!! Why am I putting so much into this? Just play your game, Serena, and you’ll be OK. What really has me down is that I’ll have to play Venus so early. Should have shrugged it off, but it’s bugging me. So upsetting. Ruined my whole week. I’m pissed because it means one of us will be out early. The way I’m practicing, it just might be me, I’m afraid.

  Really, really, really need to start having better practices. Today’s session a bit better, but still feeling sluggish, slow. Highlight of my day? A turkey burger, delivered to my room. I don’t eat red meat, but this burger was unbelievable!!! TDF!!! Relaxing in my hotel room, taking it easy, eating this heavenly burger, watching these old Superman cartoons to get me motivated for the tournament. I love that stuff!!! Just watched the one that shows how he was born.

  Off to watch another episode. Then, sleep. Until tomorrow…

  XXX, S

  Monday, August 25, 2008

  I don’t play today. I’m not used to it. I’m in the top half of the draw, and we play Tuesday. All this week, I’ve prepared to play on Monday, but it’s an extra day to get my body right. That’s how I have to think of it, but today at practice my back was killing me again. All because of that stupid flight, I think. That’s what you get, Serena, for trying to save a couple bucks. My knee is okay, though. And my shoulder was giving me some trouble, but now it seems fine.

  Feeling good to go. Only practiced for an hour, then hit the gym. Another hard workout. Hope all this work pays off. Trying not to think about Bondarenko. Let her think about me. Venus says I can run her around. Don’t think I’ll have too much to worry about, if I’m on my game. If I’m strong. If, if, if…

  Watched James Blake play Donald Young, both African-American players. Went to five sets. Donald Young is so so so young, like 20 or 21!!! Came away thinking with another year or two of experience, he’d win the same match. Oh, well… Great to be out there, watching. No pressure. Reminds me why I play. It’s such a beautiful game. You need to be smart, graceful, fierce!!! To shut everything else out and just go for it. It’s just you out there, slugging it out.

  Big day tomorrow. First, a couple more Supermans, to put me in the right frame of mind. TTYS…

  XXX, S

  Tuesday, August 26, 2008

  Tired. Late. Still buzzing over straight sets win over Bondarenko… 6–1, 6–4. In control the whole way. Strong. Great start. And yet the whole time I’m thinking about running into Venus so soon, in the quarters. Things keep going this way, that’s where we are headed. Makes me SO MAD!!! And then, it bothers me that it bothers me. I want to put it out of my head, but I can’t. Maybe Superman will help…

  XXX, S

  Wednesday, August 27, 2008

  No match today, so I practiced early. That’ll be the routine. Want to beat the traffic, the heat, the crowds… There’s a lot to consider, playing in New York, this time of year. Logistics shouldn’t be such a big part of such a big tournament, but they come into play here. Such a hassle getting around.

  Back still killing me. Don’t know how I’ll keep going. We landed in NY, and I haven’t felt right since. Just have to deal with it. Had a better practice today, which I’m really excited about. I could move, once I got warm. Trying to work on moving the ball. Those sessions can get boring, but it helps that my body is responding. Today, I’m so excited because my niece and nephews came into town. Jeffrey, Jair, and Justus. So cute. My mom’s here (finally!!!) and I saw them all this afternoon at the hotel. It’s like a Williams family reunion. Everyone came to my room, and we just hung out. And laughed. Always helps to laugh—it’s the BEST medicine. Sent my assistant Nikki to get some clothes because I don’t like to shop during a tournament. (Can u imagine? Me, not wanting to shop?) Last time I went shopping on a day off early in the tournament, I lost. Not in the next round, but during that first week. Ever since, I don’t shop until I’m done. But that doesn’t mean Nikki can’t go for me. LOL…

  Waiting on Nikki to get back. Ordered up some food from this really great place around the corner from my hotel. Waiting on that, too. They have really good chicken… Mmm mmm… Don’t want to eat too late, but I’m hungry!!!

  XXX, S

  Thursday, August 28, 2008

  Oh my God, I played so well today! So proud of myself. OK, so I played… hmmm… who did I play??? (I can’t believe I’ve forgotten her name! I’ll go look it up!) Elena Vesnina, from Russia. Ranked #71. I won 6–1, 6–1. Dominated the whole way. The one negative was I hadn’t lost serve in that first round match against Bondarenko, and here it looked like I’d hold my serve the entire way, too. Always a nice way to jump-start a tournament, but I stumbled in the second set, up 4–0. Had a chance to go up 5–0, but I let this girl take the game from me, so I’m a little frustrated with that. Still, excited with the way I played.

  Been watching some great tennis. Saw Andy Roddick beat this kid, Ernests Gulbis from Latvia, who is going to be a great player. I actually picked Ernests to win. Watched him play at the Olympics. I’m a fan! Andy played incredibly, though, and I was happy to see him win. He’s been struggling but now he’s back. I saw myself in his game, because that’s how it is for a lot of us. You play at your peak for a stretch, and then there’s a dip, and then you’re back up again. Tough to stay sharp and unbeatable tournament after tournament. We’re seeing that now with Roger. Everybody is so quick to write him off, because he loses a set, because he’s not so invincible af
ter all, but he’s still Roger Federer!!!

  I somehow managed to get in late because I played behind Ana Ivanovic and this young French qualifier. Their match went long. I can’t believe it, the girl beat her! The #1 seed! Always such a shocker, when the #1 seed goes in the second round. Changes the whole field. As the tournament goes on, I’m looking to see which seed falls. I’m always thinking, Don’t let it be you, Serena. The fallout here is that my match started so late. Also, it means Ana won’t hold her #1 ranking. Weird!!! They’re saying that if one of the top six players wins the Open, she’ll be the new #1. That includes me, so how’s that for incentive???

  With Ana gone so early, that was all the talk. Who will be the new #1? Some reporter told me I was #3. I’d thought since I was seeded fourth in the tournament that I was #4, going in, but I guess not. Hey, #3!!! I’m excited!!! I mean, a year and a half ago, I was #143, so that’s a long climb!!! WOOOO!!!

  A lot to get my head around… Glad I played better today… Glad the #1 spot is within reach… About to put some ice on my knee and call it a night… Just ordered our turkey burgers, which are incredibly, unbelievably delicious. Next match is Ai Sugiyama, I think. Have to check if she won, haven’t played her in forever. Last time was on clay at the French, 2003. She’s tough. I never like going up against these veterans, because they can find ways to hang in there. Gotta watch some more Superman, keep my thing going…

  XXX, S

  Friday, August 29, 2008

  Today I had to practice early because I have to shoot a segment for “Extra!” the Hollywood television show. Not really a typical off day, in the middle of a big tournament. Don’t really like to schedule one of these when I’m in athlete mode. But I agreed, because it was at the Calvin Klein store, really close to my hotel. The paparazzi are always out, taking pictures. Always, always, always. I didn’t look like I like to look, when I’m out doing my thing. Like I said, I’m in athlete mode, not walking around looking hot or anything. I like to look GOOD…

  But what’s a girl to do? There are so many great dresses. I want them all!!! So excited because after the tournament I’ll be staying on in NY for Fashion Week. Then I’ll get to walk around looking hot. Then I’ll do it up right. I’m going to the Baby Phat show, the Calvin Klein show, and a few others. I’m good friends with Luca at Luca Luca, so I might go to that one. And then Zac Posen. I love Zac Posen! So I will go to his show, too. I’m REALLY looking forward to it!!!

  MORE LATER…

  So, I shot the piece on “Extra!” Calvin Klein gave me the most fabulous, most gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous dresses!!! (OMG!) There’s a Calvin Klein party on Sunday night, so right now my plan is to make it to the finals, and to go to the party as the U.S. Open champion and the new #1. That’s a good plan, right? They gave me this great black dress that I’ll wear, and I’ll get to keep it too!!!

  Got my nails done. I’m wearing a red Nike dress, which I just love. It’s really cute. I’ve been wearing red nails to punch it up, so I had to refresh my nails! I usually like to get a manicure every 4 to 5 days, and it’s been a while, so it was great to get them done!!! It’s so relaxing, to sit there and let someone else do the work. I have to make sure my nails look good on the court and good for when I play tomorrow. Sugiyama did end up winning her second round match, so that should be fun to see what happens.

  Watched some more exciting tennis. It really gets me going, to watch a great men’s match. I love the way these guys play!!! Their footwork is just amazing.

  Thinking about another one of these turkey burgers. I should really lay off, but they’re SO GOOD!!! If I keep eating them I’m going to turn into a turkey burger. Guess I should just go to bed, get ready for tomorrow. Venus is playing really well, BTW. She played this girl from Paraguay and really pushed her around. 6–0, 6–3. She’s got Alona Bondarenko in the third round tomorrow, so the Williams sisters will have a chance to really take it to the Bondarenko sisters. (Sorry!) Still on track for the quarters. (Hope V’s not watching Superman, too, ’cause I need all the edge I can get!) Every match is going to be tough. No free passes, rest of the way. Superman awaits! Talk to you later!!!

  XXX, S

  Saturday, August 30, 2008

  Another seed fell! Svetlana Kuznetsova. I’m sad, because I like her. She’s one of the players I get along with on the tour. So sweet, so funny. And such a strong player. She always plays me tough. Svetlana was actually seeded #3 in this tournament, but ranked #4, while I was ranked #3 and seeded #4. Weird, how that sometimes happens. I can never figure it out! She’s been ahead of me for so long, but this girl from Slovenia really surprised her, so that’s always a real wake-up call to the rest of the field. Can’t take any of these matches lightly.

  I play 3rd match on today, against Ai Sugiyama, who’s been playing well. I know it’ll be a battle, because this girl gets to everything. I have to keep focused, keep the pressure on, keep moving her around. Make her work for her points. Venus played first on, against Alona Bondarenko, and she finished off the other sister for us. She did her job, reaching the round of 16. Now it’s on me.

  I’m a little bored, waiting on Nadal. He’s playing this guy whose name I can’t pronounce. Still just the first set, so I’ve got a while. Hopefully, I’ll be on soon. Would be great to get back to the hotel early, give myself an extra half-day on top of my day-off tomorrow. My back has been better, but it still hurts. The pain has gone up into the upper right side and still continues down into my lower back. I have this tape called Kinesio tape, it’s what a lot of the athletes were wearing at the Olympics. The way it’s supposed to work is it warms up your muscles and makes the pain subside. We’ll see if it helps.

  I just want to play tennis and do well. I don’t want all the extras, but I’m not complaining. I’m really happy to be out here! OK, I need to get focused. G2G!!!

  XXX, S

  Sunday, August 31, 2008

  The life of a tennis player is really boring, really repetitive. I pretty much do the same thing every day. Today I practiced at 9:00 a.m., like I do every day when I don’t have a match. (Oh, I forgot to write that I beat Sugiyama. Another straight set victory. V, here I come!) After practice, I went to the gym, also like I do every day I don’t have a match. Same basic exercises. Today, I actually got tired of doing the same leg exercises so I only half-way did them! I’m just so tired of doing the same things. Mix it up, Serena!!!

  Anyway, I’m here at the hotel. Bored. My sister Isha is here, so we hung out. Not like we can go out and do the town, but I welcomed the company. Now I’m getting some treatment, which is always good. The treatment table is in Venus’s room, so I go to Venus’s room after practice. I get treatment and talk to V. We talk about our next opponents, what we liked in each other’s game, things like that. Then I usually go back to my room, but I get so much treatment on my back and on my legs that by the time I get back to my room it’s about 7:00 p.m.

  I go to my dad’s room a lot. Every night. We go over game plans, and I swing my racquet. That’s a real constant, this tournament. Going into Daddy’s hotel room, getting in my swings, talking strategy. Now that I’ve set it up as a pattern I have to keep at it. Another jinx thing, I guess, so I can’t stop now. Too deep into it. Keep to the same routine, as long as it’s working.

  Got this French girl in my path tomorrow. Severine Bremond. Never played her before. Don’t think Venus has either, so she’s a real wild card. Ranked #121, but I can’t take her lightly. Remember what happened to Svetlana. Ivanovic. Think like Superman. Don’t let her be your Kryptonite, Serena. Remember, she’s never faced you, either. Get in her head before she gets in yours.

  XXX, S

  Monday, September 1, 2008

  Hate drawing these wild cards in the later rounds. Severine Bremond. Been around a while, beaten some good players. Have to be careful. Spent this whole tournament looking ahead to V, can’t look past these players on the way.

  Tuesday, September 2, 2008

  Okay, so that went
well. 6–2, 6–2… Easy on, easy off. One good thing is there wasn’t much for V to look at. It’s not like there’s anything new for Venus to pick apart in my game, but my serve was on. That was most of it. Another good thing is I wasn’t out there too long. I’m fresh. Back feeling fine, first time all tournament. Maybe this is my year, after all. Maybe everything is lined up.

  Want to be sharp, rested for tomorrow. The match of the tournament. Got my practice in this a.m. and came back to the hotel to chill. Tried to sleep. Ordered another turkey burger and tried to eat half. (Not telling if I succeeded!) Talked to V for a little, but not about tomorrow’s match. Other stuff.

  I’ve run through all my Superman episodes, but that’s okay. Just as good the second time around. Positive thoughts tonight as I go to sleep.

  XXX, S

  Wednesday, September 3, 2008

  Quarterfinals today. I play Venus. Big surprise. She beat Radwanska. I watched the match to see what Venus did so I could expose her weakness, but she beat the girl so fast! At Wimbledon, I noticed she served a lot of balls at my body. I will definitely be ready for that, but I don’t want to over-think! I’m just sad we have to play each other so soon. It’s only the quarters. That’s my killer round. Don’t know how many Grand Slam tournaments I’ve lost in the quarterfinals. Have to give it my all today and hope for the best. Might even need a little luck. I know I can do this! I feel like I’m the best player out there. I just have to continue to think positive and do what I do best. We have the night match, just woke up, so I’m going to get some more rest and go from there…

  MORE LATER…

  At the tennis center, just had a pretty good practice. Told my hitting partner, Aleksandar Bajin, to make sure he hits hard. (We call him Sasha.) Noticed when Venus and I practiced right next to each other that pace is giving her some trouble. Today I hit longer than V. She got to the court before me, though. We were going to ride together because we’re staying at the same hotel, but I’m always running late so Venus left me behind. That’s OK because I think she’s taking it really seriously. I’m going to take it just as serious. I want to win this. This is it!! For me, this is the match of the tournament. If I win this match, I feel like I can win the tournament. I’m really tired of losing in the quarterfinals! Here we go! I’m going to get ready to do my thing. Unfortunately right now it’s raining. We have a rain delay. And now a match is going over and they are trying to finish. I guess I’ll be on soon, so I need to get focused!