14 days later

I would prefer to not move on from Roland Garros. I’d like to bottle that tournament, put it in my back pocket and end my run as a tennis fan. But, much like in years past (US Open 2006 was one of the best ever for me), I know I won’t be able to help myself. Plus, there are people who I can’t possibly stay away from in this sport (faves and friends, alike) so I “play” on.

However, before I completely wash off the virtual dirt stuck on the soles of my shoes and dream of rolling around the pristine grass at SW19, let me revisit, for the last time on this blog, the moment from Paris that I’ll draw inspiration from for… ever?

When you score a Sharapova tribute to Beyonce, you’ll have me.

“I always listened to my own voice, and it always told me that for some reason I’m meant to be better.  I’m meant to succeed again. And I did.”

-Maria Sharapova

Sorry, other voices. You lose.

My thoughts after Maria’s win were summed up nicely in the last paragraph of this blog post (which had nothing to do with me or tennis) by a fellow photographer, James Nord:

“The old man cast his line out one more time, this time impossibly far into the ocean and as I turned around I imagined him pulling in a fish he would talk about for the rest of his life because we all deserve a brush with greatness to remind us to strive for it.”

And with that, it’s time to move along.

Ready? P… NEVER. Question though, is the women’s draw wide open at this Major? Is it?!

• As per yoosh, expert picks and editor picks.
• Steve Tignor’s Dark Horses on the men’s draw.
• WTA Backspin takes on the women’s draw.
• Lindsay Gibbs talks Andy Roddick. And the h-word. (After his Eastbourne win today, Andy has now won at least 1 title for the last 12 years. He’s definitely given fans reason to always h…)
• The annual WTA pre-Wimbledon party in photos! Oh, here’s a gallery just for the Williamses. And, oh, for the World No. 1. Swag away, ladies. I certainly don’t disapprove of you having your own galleries. #oh
• A great collection of photos from the Wimbledon tune-ups.
• And finally, who doesn’t like some pre-frazzle gossip?