Womens Final

I can’t believe we are already on day thirteen, the women’s final. Where has the time gone? The match doesn’t start until 3PM, but I have a lot of editing to catch up on so I’m heading straight to the site today.

The weather is dark, and cold with heavy clouds that look as though they are ready to burst at any moment. I’m saying a little prayer to just get this one match finished without rain delays.

The early part of the afternoon is spent working on photos that I haven’t had time to edit yet. People don’t realize how much post production there is after the shooting is finished. I long for the days when we handed our film into the lab at the end of the day and went out for drinks and dinner.

A glance at my watch tells me its 2:40. Time to get ready to go to the court. I want to start shooting from the pit, and then move to my seat for the second set. I’m going to have to get organized because the pit is popular and it will fill up soon. Okay, I made down a flight of stairs and a long hall way, with all my gear, and have secured the last spot in the pit. I’m glad I made this decision because it looks like it’s going to rain any minute.

Ivanovic and Safina enter the court carrying large bouquets of white flowers. This is tradition at all the slams, but frankly I don’t get it. They never know what to do with the flowers, and usually just put them on the chair next to them where they are forgotten and left to wilt.

Ivanovic wins the first set pretty quickly, and I move to my assigned seat. Seating is open until the semi-finals but from then until the end of the event, seats are assigned. There are never enough seats to go around, but spots in the pit and on the roof are open, so a lot of photographers shoot from these locations. A limited number of people can also shoot from the writer’s balcony, but you have to be careful not to bother or stand in anyone’s way because the writers really don’t want us up there. The other problem with shooting from there is everyone stands up on match point and blocks your view. You see, our job is much more complicated than you think.

I find my seat, and of course a large guy who doesn’t speak English is using it. I convince him that he has to move and proceed to try to get a few snaps. It’s dark and the photos are not going to be great, but I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances.

Both players look a little nervy, but Ana has been to two grand slam finals and although she lost, I think the experience will pull her through. Safina has never been to a slam final, so I have high hopes of this being done in two sets.

I notice the Russian being very picky about which ball she is serving with, sometimes examining the ball that is given her, then sending it back to the ball kid and asking for another. Is this some Russian superstition? I know players do get the idea that certain balls are lucky, but I think it’s going to take more that a lucky ball to lead Safina to victory today.

The Serbian Beauty has match point... YES... she makes it...but Darn!! She has her back to me. I’m sitting right next to the TV camera which should be a good spot, but she celebrates facing her box rather than the TV. Players need to be trained to face the camera if they want to have good match point celebration photos.

Well, match point is done, so there is not use in crying about it, time for the trophy photos, another nerve wracking shoot, with a hundred photographers all jostling for a shot, calling out Ana! Ana! Trying to get her attention. I get lucky when she looks directly my way, I press the shutter and that’s it. Done with the women’s final.

Back at my desk, I download my images, give them a quick edit and caption, post them to my website, and YES!! I’m outta here.

I’m meeting some of my Parisian friends at one of my favorite places, Café Marle at the Louvre.

The restaurant overlooks the main courtyard of the museum featuring the fabulous glass pyramid designed by the Chinese American architect I M Pei. I love the contemporary idea of the steel and glass and the ancient aspect of the pyramid juxtaposed against this former renaissance palace that is now the Louvre museum.

We linger over coffee until 1AM then I walk back over the Pont des Artes, which is still humming with people, and back to my Place at the Top.

Monet's Water Lily Paintings

I started my day with a walk through the Tuleries Gardens to the Orangerie Museum. This small museum holds the works of several French Impressionist, but the main reason to come here are the Claude Monet Water Lily Murals. This eight panel set is housed in a pair of oval rooms with natural light flooding in from skylights.

This is the perfect setting to experience these stunning paintings. Entering the first gallery through a stone archway, you are completely surrounded by the changing light and swirling colors of Monet’s water garden. Each of the two rooms holds four panels. There is an oval bench in the center of each room for visitors to sit and contemplate the paintings. Monet’s idea was to install these works in an oval to encompass the viewer in a sensually enveloping space. The aim, he said was to supply “the illusion of an endless whole, of water without horizon or bank. To give you some idea of the value of these works, one of Monet’s paintings from this series sold for 18.5 million pounds at a Sotheby’s auction in London last year.

I Regretfully, I leave this lovely meditative space and catch the metro out to the site.

I was hoping to catch the end of the mixed doubles final, but Bob Bryan and Victoria Azarenka have won the title in one hour and seven minutes. This makes Bob the only American male to take home a trophy from Roland Garros in 2008. Well done Bob! At least the U.S. didn’t get completely closed out.

Next up, Nadal vs, Djokovic. Even though Novak is very tough and playing well, Rafa, has been unbelievable for the whole tournament, so it’s no surprise that the King of Clay is through to the final on Sunday. This win gives Nadal the chance to be the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1981 to win four consecutive French Open titles.

The second match looks to be more interesting. Federer is playing the wild French showman, Gael Monfils. The stadium is full. You can feel the anticipation in the air. Federer has been to the final here but clay is not his best surface, and Monfils is on a roll. Unfortunately that roll ended in four sets, so we will have a … surprise, surprise,.. Federer, Nadal final.

Last but not least, a few words about the Media Party last night. If the measure of a good party is the condition of the participants the following day, then this was a huge success. Everyone is dragging today. This is a party everyone looks forward to, offering media members a chance to relax, have some fun and mix with the colleagues they have been working side by side with for the last 12 days.

Champagne, Mojito, French Wine, good food, music by a live band, dancing, gift of Chocolate,

what more could you ask for?

One idea I loved, and am going to steal for one of my party’s was a hot chicken dish served in little cellophane bags that you slit open and ate directly out of the bag. The French are SOOOOO inventive.

I’ve had a busy day, and I got very little sleep last night, so this is it for today. Tune in tomorrow for the women’s final and more adventures in Paris.

Retail Therapy

Matches don’t start until 2PM today, so I decide I need and deserve a little retail therapy.

The narrow, winding streets in my quarter are filled with small intriguing shops that hold great possibilities for browsing. Two doors down from my apartment is a wonderful shop specializing in olives and olive oil. If you're an olive affectionado, this is heaven. Green, purple, black, red, large, small, tiny, all cured in different ways, with different herbs. Did you know that all olives are the same? That the difference in color and size is merely the difference of the age at which the olives are picked?

The shop also has a large selection of beautiful olive oils, some of which are treated like fine vintage wines. These olive trees are often grown by wine producers, and are priced like fine wine as well. I buy a small selection of olives, which I will share with friends when they visit my Place at the top.

I’m a book lover so my next stop is Metiers Arts Appliques, a tiny bookstore specializing in art books. I’m only going to browse here because I don’t want to be carrying books home. A few doors down the street there is tiny used book store, carrying old, beautifully hand bound volumes. I almost buy a book of French poetry just because I love the red leather cover, the old binding, the gold leaf titles, but I come to my senses in time and give it a pass.

The Herboristerie is a shop I've been meaning to check out. It’s filled with herbs, and vials of exotic oils for medicinal use and aromatherapy. I buy a small satin pillow filled with French, lavender, it’s supposed to help you sleep well, and even if you can’t sleep at least you are laying awake smelling something nice.

I’d love to find something great to wear to the press dinner tonight, how about this dress with the heart shaped skirt? No, I don’t think so; however you could be sure that no one else would show up in the same outfit.

I check out a dress that I’ve been eyeing in the window of another small boutique, but they don’t have my size so my credit card is saved once more.

I’ve had a nice morning, but now it’s time to go shoot the women’s semi final. Hopefully they will both be two short sets, but at least they are best of three rather than five.

First up, Safina and Kuznetsova. Safina is looking very strong, and keeping her temper under control. I heard that her brother, Marat has been sending her text messages with advice and support, so maybe he advised her not to be as mad as he has often been, and blow the match. She wins in two mercifully short sets.

Next up is the battle of the Serbs, Ivanovic and Jankovic. I’m a little annoyed at Ana for blowing the second set, losing 7 straight games in a row, but she prevailed taking out Jankovic and will meed Safina on Saturday.

After defeating Jankovic, the Serbian beauty came into press all smiles dressed in a cute, sexy little tank top and white addidas pants.

This win makes Ana the new number one, and it looks like she is also taking over the glamor girl title, so the screamer is out and Ana is in.

Champions Dinner

The Champions dinner is tonight, but first I want to say:

Happy Birthday Rafa!

Rafael Nadal must have been in a hurry to get to his 22^nd birthday celebration today. He barely broke a sweat during his 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, forty four minute match against fellow countryman Nicolas Almagro. Roger is hoping that this will be the year that he will be holding the French trophy over his head, but he definitely has his work cut out for him. Rafa is looking VERY tough.

On the women’s side, Ana Ivanovic, strolled to the semi final with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Patty Schnyder. Ana’s coral dress, the orange clay, and red geraniums made a picture worthy of colors in a French Impressionist painting.

I have to leave the site early, so I can get dressed for the ITF Champions Dinner. This is an annual event set in the elegant surroundings of the Pavilion d’Armenoville. The dinner commemorates a year of spectacular tennis, and honors players who will are named World Champions. This includes men’s and women’s singles and doubles, junior boys and girl’s singles and doubles champions, and means and women’s wheelchair champions.

This black tie gala is a great opportunity to dress up, and have a beautiful dinner. The room, with windows overlooking the beautiful gardens of the Bois de Boulogne is done in French Regency décor. Gold chairs upholstered in Champagne colored brocade, round tables for eight are covered with dark green table cloths accented by wide gold ribbons. Glowing candles highlight the artful flower arrangements.

Guests include former tennis players, sponsors, Grand Slam representatives,National and Regional Association dignitaries, officials, coaches, and the media. I have a hard time recognizing players when they are not in tennis gear and have to follow other photographers around asking who everyone is. I decide to have a glass of Champagne and stop worrying about identifying the guests.

As always, at any event planned by Barbara Travers of the ITF, the food and wine are perfect. I’m having a little problem figuring out what to do with my bread. I just can’t get used to not having bread plates. So here I am in at this elegant dinner, wearing my favorite dressy pink silk dress, trying to figure out what to do with the roll that I just took from the basket proffered by the waiter. I notice that the French just put their bread on the table, but I don’t like this idea, so I pulling off small bites and eating it seems like the best solution. I will remember not to take any more rolls.

My first course arrives, beautifully arranged cold vegetables with a small glass vial of oil and vinegar. As stated in a previous blog, everything here is art.

The awards are presented after the first course. Roger Federer, looking very GQ is honored for the fourth consecutive year, and the Bryan Bros. for a record fifth year. Justine Henin is the woman's champion, but cannot be at the dinner. .

Photos done, we now settle down to finish our meal. The main course is Bresse Chicken with Morels and Arbois Jus, but I opt for the vegetarian, which turns out to be 3 different vegetable pates’s wrapped in thin pasta served with greens. Beautiful and delicious.

A choice of wines if offered and glassed refilled by white coated servers. I could get used to this. Desert is apricot Tart Tartin. I try to use the large spoon that the French use for this course, but I’m having a hard time with this and switch to a fork before I really make a fool of myself and drop food in my lap. Coffee, and chocolate follow, then the official cars provide transportation back to hotels. A perfect evening.

The Pont des Arts

The Pont des Arts or Passerelle des Arts is a pedestrian bridge in Paris which crosses the Seine River. It links the Institue de France and the central square of the palais cu Louvre . This is one of my favorite places in Paris. There is a special atmosphere here. People picnic, watch the sunset, drink wine, or just hang out. There are street musicians, and art exhibits. There is a photo exhibit there now that I’ve been wanting to see. It’s called, “Palestine, Life As It Is”. The exhibit features two Palestinian photographers now living in Paris.

The show is not political, nor does it dwell on the suffering and hardships, it is more of a personal memoir, a family album. It is more about the trivial everyday life that goes on there.

Rula Halawani’s photos depict life in Palestine and Jerusalem. In “Under the Gaza Sky”, Taysir Batniji takes us to his family home in Gaza.

As I look into the faces of people in the photos, I keep thinking, “these are real people”, the have the same needs and desires as you and I. The children laugh and play and their parents love them. Young boys play sports, and old men gather in pubs and café’s for gossip and drinks. Women go to the market, take care of household chores, mind the children. There are weddings, and celebrations. Picnic’s at the beach. I’m taken by one photo of an old woman swathed in black, sitting in the shade under a table at the market. I wonder what her life is like.

Both photographers show moments of happiness and sorrow, in a landscape that is both beautiful and ugly. Urban and contemporary activities live side by side with the more traditional, religious customs. These people, like us, have dreams and disillusionment. It’s obvious that the painful history of this area is very much a part of their daily life.

I walk away thinking how lucky I am, knowing that I could have been one of these people but for the luck of the draw.

And speaking of the draw Gael Monfils became the first Frenchman to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals in seven years by defeating Spanish No5 seed David Ferrer 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-1 . This will mean he will meet Federer in the semi-final. This is a match I'm looking forward to. The French fans will pack the stands to support their player, and will go mad if he gets past Federer, and frankly I think he has a chance.

Sleeveles Shirts

I’m loving the trend of sleeveless shirts on the guys! Everyone talks about Nadal,s arms, but check out Monfils, chocolate eye candy at it’s sweetest.

The Ginepri express came to a screeching halt today on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Robby will be on the airport limo along with the Bryan Brothers.

Considering the fact that Gonzalez clay court record for this year is 16-0 and Robby’s is 5-4 three of which were won here at Roland Garros, it’s disappointing but not surprising that the Chilean won in straight sets.

Robby, playing without his lucky bandage, looked good in the first set, hanging in with Gonzo on looooooong points. I held my breath on one 17 stroke exchange at 4 all, but Ginepri ended up netting a volley off a Gonzalez passing shot. Maybe he needs to wear that white tape more often.

Ginepri expressed disappointment in his post match press conference, but went on to say, “it was a great last week and great tournament." Yes, it was a great week for him, and hopefully he can keep his game going at have a good result at Wimbledon.

The Bryan’s loss was a different story. It was raining so hard I had to leave for fear of damaging my camera. The balls were soaked with water and mud. Water flew off them every time they were hit. Play on all the other courts had been halted. I have no idea why they kept playing this match.

Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay, teamed with Luis Horna of Peru to beat

I watched the end of the match on TV and saw that the Bryans declined to shake hands with their opponent’s, Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay, and Luis Horna of Peru.

The twins grew up in Southern California and I’ve known them since they were kids. They are two of the best mannered, most respectful, nice guys you ever want to meet, so this was really surprising to me. Later in press, they explained that they felt the team of Horna and Cuevas was out of line and disrespectful when Cuevas jumped the net landing close to the Bryans, when they were changing sides with the Latin Americans leading 5-1 in the tiebreaker.

"He was really disrespectful," Mike said. "He jumped the net right in our face. It's classless.” Bob added, "I thought he was rubbing it in our face a little bit”.

We are now in our THIRD rain delay. I have enough rain photos to last a lifetime.

The sun has peeked out, and The Screamer is

back on court. against Dinar Safina.

I don’t have my ear plugs with me, so I guess I’ll have to suffer possible ear damage, but this match promises to have good photos, so I’ll take the chance.

Safina, like her older brother, Marat Safin, has no problem showing her emotional make up. Same blood, same drama. The 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 match was not disappointing.

With Sharapova up 5-2 in the second, and then again holding a 5-2 lead in the tiebreak Safina, in turn angry, joyous, bouncing her racquet in disgust, pumping her fist in joy, managed to pull out that set, the went on to defeat Maria 6-2 in the third.

On to Monfils. I love to shoot him. Always good stuff going on, good photos, great atmosphere. There is a controversy when the umpire gives a code violation for coaching, The popular Parisian argues but the coaching stops, and Monfils defeats Ljubicic in three without any help from the stands.

I’ve had enough. I want to get back to St. Germain, talk a walk, dinner, enjoy my evening.

Sunday Morning

Sunday Morning and the bells of Notre Dame are ringing. The great Bourdon bell weighs over 13 tons and is tolled to mark the hours of the day, and for various occasions and services. There are four additional bells in the North Tower which are rigged to swing freely. Although I know that the bells are no longer rung manually, every time I hear them I am reminded of Victor Hugo’s classic book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

I stroll along the river browsing in the used book stalls until I reach plaza in front of Notre Dame. Construction on this French Gothic masterpiece was started in 1163 and completed in 1345. Today it is still used as a Roman Catholic Cathedral. The plaza is buzzing with tourists, having portraits sketched, their name done in Chinese calligraphy, having their photo taken on the marker denoting point zero, which is the official center of Paris, where the city first began. And if all this activity wears you out, or if you've had a late night, you can always take a nap!

Just past Notre
Just Past Dame, I cross a short bridge to the Ille de St. Louis. This is a small Island on the River Seine, between the left and right banks. Uninhabited until the 17^th century this Isle was often used for duels. In the years 1614 to 1646, he real estate was developed into an area of luxury homes. Today, the main street, rue St Louis I’lle, is filled with small upscale shops where you can buy one of a kind artist designed jewelry, clothing by young designers, gifts, or for the gourmand, a shop devoted to foie gras. I love the small village atmosphere where you can escape the busy streets of Paris. I stop at a six table Mediterranean restaurant for breakfast, buy fresh flowers for my Place at the Top, and browse the shops. One of my favorite photo galleries is here, and they are currently featuring a show on Picasso, but it’s closed on Sunday, so I’ll have to come back. As much as I’d like to linger, I have to get to the site, so I head back to the metro.

I decide to shoot from the pit today. This is an area at the end of the court that is almost eye level with the red clay. I love to shoot from here because you can get some really nice and interesting images.

Also, it is covered, so if it starts to rain, you are protected. The stadium is full for the Mathieu/Djokovic match. The French fans do their best to cheer their player to victory, but Djokovic is too tough and wins in three sets.

Next up is the match everyone has been looking forward to, Nadal/Verdasco, but first there is a short rain delay.

The players are back on the court warming up, I am back in the pit thinking, wow, it doesn’t get much better than this. Two of the hottest players on the tour on court at the same time. This is going to be a pleasure. Everyone has been talking about this match between the two Spaniards, Nadal seeded two, and Verdasco twenty two. Verdasco is on his way up and could give Nadal trouble. The two Davis Cup teammates square off, but it is a totally one sided match. Nadal was never challenged his 25-year-old compatriot, and cruised to a 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 victory.

Well, it’s raining AGAIN, so I’m going to wrap it up for today. Tune in tomorrow for more adventures in Paris.