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WASHINGTON, September 12, 2020 (by Michael Dickens)
There is a lot of wisdom and personality, and a lot of heart and soul, that comes from seeing Naomi osaka and Victory Azarenka, finalists for women’s singles at this year’s US Open, give their virtual press conferences. Unlike on-court interviews that take place moments after the completion of a match, virtual press conferences generally occur about an hour after the conclusion. It gives players a chance to take a break, whether it’s to take a shower or a physical massage, maybe even get together with their team or family and friends, and collect their thoughts.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a health and safety measure by the US Tennis Association, only streaming partners are on site for this year’s US Open. That means the media conference rooms usually packed with reporters at the venue are empty and quiet. Instead, the media is covering the American Slam from the comfort of their living rooms and work studios while being invited to participate in pre-arranged Zoom conference calls with players in English (and, as warranted, in their native language, that is, Spanish for players like Pablo Carreño Busta, Czech for Petra Kvitova, French for Alizé Cornet, etc.). Not everyone is asked to ask a question, as most sessions last 10-15 minutes at the discretion of the host of the press conference. Often the best questions and answers go beyond the baseline. This is where the players shine.
Fortunately, the US Open website, Usopen.org, has been posting videos of the virtual press conferences and printed transcripts. That’s where the fun begins, as you can find plenty of quotes and quotable ideas.
After Thursday night’s women’s semifinals, here’s a taste of what Osaka and Azarenka had to say:
Question for Osaka: We know it was an exceptional match, of incredible quality. Can you really appreciate the level and standard of play, the excitement of a match like that, when you’re in the middle of it?
Naomi: “I mean, I’m not sure I feel the emotion, but I feel very happy. Sometimes I think that I have no choice but to play as hard as I can, because my opponent is not looking at me.
“For me, normally if I focus so hard then the match could end in two. But I felt like it kept happening. Honestly, it was a bit of fun for that quality of opponent … We are in the final stage of a tournament. Yes, it was fun. “
Question for Azarenka: How is reaching the final at this stage in your career different than the last time you made it this far seven years ago?
Victory: “How is it different? I mean, mentally I’m in such a different place. I think seven years ago, after winning the Australian Open and stuff, and playing consistently with good results, it was something I wouldn’t say expected, but it was expected for me to be in the final, I don’t think that was the case this year.
“But it feels more fun this year, more satisfying, more enjoyable for me, yes. It feels good, better. “
World TV Premiere of Mariah Carey’s “Save the Day” on ESPN
The US Tennis Association announced on Friday that the world premiere of the world’s top music superstar and best-selling female artist of all time, Mary Carye’s new song, “Save the Day,” will kick off. ESPN’s coverage of the US Open women’s singles championship on Saturday. late. ESPN coverage begins at 4pm ET (9pm London, 10pm Central Europe).
Carey’s video performance was filmed on the grounds of the USTA’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center shortly before the start of this year’s US Open. According to a press release from the US Open, Carey performs her song “In the shadows of Arthur Ashe Stadium, with images of some of the most notable names in the history of women’s tennis embedded in the video.
Watch SAVE THE DAY tomorrow at the women’s final event of the @ United States Open! Honored to celebrate these amazing women and game changers 🎾❤️ pic.twitter.com/xH9YnCpnNP
– Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) September 11, 2020
“The song sends a message that inspires hope, resilience and, most importantly, people coming together for the collective good.”
Patrick Galbraith, USTA Chaiman of the Board and President, said: “Mariah Carey is a megastar and we are honored to show her new song to the world. Her song captures the spirit of this moment in time, and through the global reach of the US Open, we can carry this message to our millions of fans around the world. “
Charity Art Buzz at the US Open
Black artists and BIPOC have transformed the front row seats at Arthur Ashe Stadium into the #United States Open with 18 works painted on canvas. The canvas pieces are now up for charity auction to benefit the USTA Foundation + the charity chosen by each artist. Offer now: https://t.co/8mHx35IIyM pic.twitter.com/RDm8fSkJiX
– US Tennis Open (@Usopen) September 11, 2020
What does Naomi’s coach think?
It is always interesting to hear @wimfissettethoughts from https://t.co/XoOkbkXalr
– Simon Cambers (@ scambers73) September 11, 2020
What are they saying
My message to @Serena Williams today.
Greater respect for @ vika7 his return, his level yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Dd4IlLo069
– Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) September 11, 2020
Thank you # Original9
We wouldn’t be here without you!-I am grateful to have recently joined the Players Council and I look forward to continuing the @WTA and the girls the job you started 50 years ago. https://t.co/Yn5lhDWk4i
– Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) September 11, 2020
What are they writing
Naomi Osaka vs. Jen Brady was the undercard Thursday, but his #United States Open the semifinal turned out to be a main event on its own. @Stevetignor about how each woman pushed the other to play better and how @naomiosaka ended up with the best of it: https://t.co/GB0QUvL1El
– TENNIS (@Tennis) September 11, 2020
What they are tweeting
“From baffled and bad to Grand Slam finalist – all in one game. Alexander Zverev bounces back to beat Pablo Carreño Busta 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in a US Open semifinal that won’t win awards for visibility, but still meant the world for the German “. – Christopher Clarey, New York Times tennis match
What are they sharing on social media
SvenTennis / My Favorite Court on Tour!
My favorite field on tour! @InteBNLdItalia Nicola Pietrangeli Stadium! @toalson_official @tennisjobs #tennis #tennisbag #tennis coach pic.twitter.com/fPC5AwTssw
– SvenTennis (@sventennis) September 11, 2020
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