Daniela's Indian Wells Blog Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Hey everyone!

I pretty much spent all day at the courts today. It was mostly a training day. I practiced twice, did my gym workout... I don't usually watch any matches unless it's Roger or Rafa playing. There's always lots to learn from watching them! For sure I'll be watching some of their matches these two weeks...

Tomorrow I'm going to take it a little bit easier because my matches are coming up. I'm really looking forward to my first match on Saturday. I'm happy I have these extra few days to prepare, I'll for sure be refreshed and ready.

We went for a great steak at LG's tonight - the restaurant where we celebrated my first title here! Nice memories... and the steak was excellent. Here it's all about superstitions. I've done so many things the same for so many years, like I've been in the same hotel room the last four years. The room is so far from the elevators too, so it takes such a long time, but I can't change it!

Tomorrow I'll have more exciting things to talk to you about! I'm going golfing and will hopefully have some pictures... also the player party is tomorrow.

Have a good night and keep those questions coming!

Dani



What are your goals this year and what are you working on? Nathan
My goal this year is to get back to the Top 10 and every day I'm working hard and giving my best. There are plenty of things to work on. I'm just trying to get better and better. I did a lot of training in the off-season. It was very intense and very hard, but I really feel it made me stronger.

Do you have any pets? Jake
We have a dog, Stella, a Golden Labrador. She's back at home though, I hardly see her because I'm never there!

What is your lowest score in golf, and your handicap? Lynn
I don't play often enough to have a handicap, but I did get a hole in one once!! It was at Hopman Cup in Perth, in 2003. It was awesome. By the way, my favorite player is Ernie Els. He's got the best swing... his technique is so relaxed.

Roberta Vinci bageled Oudin in the third set, so she's up next for Daniela. That seriously hinders our chance to see Daniela on TV on Saturday, because she was a lock for center court in Oudin won.

Daniela's Indian Wells Blog, March 11, 2010

Today was a perfect day...

I had a very good hit at the La Quinta resort, then I had a golfing afternoon. We only had time to play nine holes but it was awesome. Really awesome. Me and my team, my family is here too... I won! It was fun but I might have gotten a little competitive I won a dinner, I'll wait to claim it though. I've attached a photo I took of the course... The course is unreal, it's almost like a postcard. Snow on the mountain tops, beautiful flowers and palms on the ground...

After golf I went to the gym for a workout, then it was off to the player party. It was right here, so nobody had to go far. It was convenient for everyone so lots of players came, which was great. We drove in with a really old style car and there was a very interesting dog on a skateboard... I'm not sure who he was but he's probably famous if he's doing that! He was going around the party on it, between the people... Anyway, the food was great and the whole clubhouse is very nice. They just rebuilt the whole thing and it's nice the party was there. I hope it will be held there for many years to come. The tournament did an excellent job with the party, and they've done an excellent job in general, really. This is one of the most popular tournaments among the players. Everyone loves coming back.

Now some questions then off to bed... talk to you tomorrow!

Dani


Besides tennis what is your favorite thing to do? Sasko
If it had to be a sport, probably skiing or golf. If not a sport, probably something to do with fashion... more along the lines of designing.

What is it about Indian Wells that brings you such success? Sandra
Waking up here, you already want to do so much. It's such a relaxing place so it's easy to be really focused and work hard. Also the courts really suit me, the fans are always so nice... It's just a beautiful place.

It's nice to see that you are close with your mother. Does she also like playing tennis or does she prefer supporting you? Andrew, Toronto
She loves playing tennis! She is also very supportive. When she was young she was an ice skater, so she knows what it takes to do well... and she has been the biggest support for me, for sure. Unfortunately we don't play tennis much, but I think she understands I'm here to play the tournament. Sometimes we do play, but not during tournaments

Stadium 3 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Simon vs. Dabul
2. ATP: Benneteau vs. Ancic
3. ATP: Cilic vs. García-López
4. Daniela Hantuchova vs. Roberta Vinci
5. Anastasija Sevastova vs. Ana Ivanovic
6. Dominika Cibulkova vs. Sara Errani

They've got no name American Sloane Stephens in the main event, primetime spot on center court. So Oudin's loss yesterday cost us a chance to see Daniela. Anyway, it's probably an easier opponent so all's well than ends well.

Daniela had a close match against Vinci at Rosmalen last year and at Wimbledon in 2006, so Vinci can make it difficult for Daniela. However, it's Indian Wells and Vinci's hardcourt record isn't that great, so Daniela should win.

There's been a few upsets with Henin and Li Na losing and Wozniacki having to come from behind in the third set to beat Vania King.

Im afraid of Wickmayer...

But we will see


Shame we cant see Danielas match, cos Cilic is on the same stadium before and they are streaming it...

Daniela as 2-times-winner of this tournament deserves to be on air, I think...

I will rather go to bed. maybe will watch score on mobile for a while. But hope Dani will get into it :/