Robby Ginepri Blog l Lipsky & Martin Blog l Shotgun 21 Blog
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March 8, 2008
I want to thank the Tennis Channel for hooking me up with a wild card! It's nice to know that with the results I've had the last month that I'll be getting into tournaments again with my ranking. I'm definitely going to take a lot of positives from this week. I felt like I did a really good job of concentrating and staying focused, but today I think I let my emotions get to me and that hurt my tennis. I'm going huddle with Jose and go over the match; it's been a real plus having him here with me this week. When I get back to the Hilton I'm going to watch the UNC/Duke game, grab some vittles with the boys and after that maybe we'll hit the tables and have a few drinks. My boy Alex from Under Armor is here so he'll be hanging with us also. I'm looking forward to building on my success here in Las Vegas next week at Indian Wells.
Till next time,
Robby
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March 7, 2008
Editors note: After his impressive quarterfinal win, Robby sat down with a Tennis Channel Producer to answer five questions.
Q) This is your second year playing the Tennis Channel Open what do you like best about playing this event?
There's never a dull moment and you've always got something fun to do between matches and practice.
Q)What is your favorite show on Tennis Channel?
That new best of No Strings show is sweet and I think Murphy Jensen's show is pretty cool.
Q)Talk about working with Jose Higueras?
It's been great. We started working together right after Wimbledon last year and continued through the US summer hard court swing. We kept in touch over the phone while I was in Europe during the fall. The one thing that sticks out about working with Jose is the intensity of our practices, I believe that has been the biggest impact of us working together.
Q)I know the ladies dig you pipes and all but it can get a little chilly at night here, have you ever considered wearing long sleeves during your matches ?
I don't care if it's 110 or 10 degrees I'm coming out sleeveless. I don't like wearing anything tight on my arms.
Q)Who are you picking for Monday night Sampras vs. Federer?
You got to go with Fed in two tie-brake sets.
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March 5, 2008
Well it looks like I'll be playing Marcos Baghdatis in the second round here tomorrow night. I've never faced him before, but I've seen him play plenty of times and I know what he's capable of out there on the court. He also usually brings out the vocal crowd support, so I'll have my work cut out for me.
I haven't played for two days, so I've taken that opportunity to do some Vegas stuff like yesterday when Ryan Sweeting and I went over to the Stratosphere hotel and went to the top and rode all three of their roller coasters. There's one they have that hangs you over the side - if you're the least bit afraid of heights, this one is not for you.
I also have been playing some cards and I'm happy to report I'm about even after a nice run on a particularly generous three card poker table.
After today's practice at the Darling Tennis Center, I had an opportunity to spend some time with some USTA members. I signed autographs, took photos, and answered questions. These are some serious tennis fans as they quizzed me on my career, Davis Cup, and my experiences in Vegas.
I might try to eat some teppanyaki tonight, get some rest, stay off the tables, and come out ready to take on Marcos. Hope to you see you there.
-Robby
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March 3, 2008
Hey tennis fans, thanks for checking out my blog on tennischannelopen.com. I just finished my first round match and while I didn't play my best, it was important to escape with a win over a tough opponent like Xavier Malisse. Looks like I'll be playing the winner of tomorrow night's Marcos Baghdatis/Vince Spadea match next.
My tennis has been improving since I started working with my coach Jose Higueras. He really stresses the mentality of just taking care of my work day by day and my results will show up. There's just such a high respect level I have for him so I'm playing not only for myself, but I find myself playing for him as well.
I was recently asked by Coach Pat McEnroe to join the Davis Cup team to be a hitting partner and travel with the guys when we won the Cup in Portland. I was honored to be sitting there cheering the guys on - it's not often you get a chance to compete as a team in this mostly individual sport. There's really quite a bit of camaraderie between the guys and that involves hazing the new guy. John Isner was that person this time around. We made him give a speech in front of a huge audience and he was forced to mix in four random words. There were plenty of other funny incidents as well, but they're not suitable for this family blog.
But enough tennis talk, we're in Vegas. I caught a Cirque du Soliel show in Atlanta a while back and liked it so much, I plan on seeing O at the Bellagio at some point this week. Also, like many of the guys on tour, I like to play some cards. I sat at a no-limit hold 'em table and proceeded to lose a few hundred dollars, then quickly recouped my losses on the blackjack table.
A lot of us kill time on the road by playing poker, and I have to say James Blake is probably the toughest to read. Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish are pretty wild and unpredictable with their frequent bluffing, and I think Bob Bryan was the big winner during Davis Cup.
My focus this week is a good showing on the courts, so I'm going to get some rest and I'll check back in later.
Enjoy the tennis...
-Robby