Aus Open 2011

Well, this year Aus Open turned out be different for 5 players in their career. They are none other than Roger,Rafa,Djocker,Kim and Li. The saddest part is that Serena did not take part in the event.

Men's Draw:

In the first round there were no major upsets than the home town hero Hewitt's exit. In the second round, the come back hero Del Potro tasted his defeat. This is the first open for him after his return from wrist injury. The third round became the land of exit for two french men, Tsonga and Monfils.

Two time Wimbledon finalist and former champion Andy Roddick failed to enter into the last 8. Wawarinka eased past Andy Roddick in straight sets. I think it is high time Roddick has to think about his retirement.

Everything happened in the quarter finals. Rafa who was aiming for Rafa Slam was not able to make into the final because of injury. He was forced to lose to fellow compatriot David Ferrer. Rafa was brought down to tears before exiting the tournament. This is the second time in a row he is existing. This gave Roger chance to regain his title. Roger was progressing well except for his scare in the first round. He was so elegant in his progress which made everyone to think that he will regain the title.

Roger again met Djocker in Aus Open. I thought it would be easy for Roger to clinch the title. Djocker shattered all of Roger's dreams. He won the semis in straight set. Roger did not even stretch to 5 sets. He gave away the game easily. I bunked my work and came early to watch the match,hoping that it wold last for 5 hours and go to 5 sets. But as soon as I entered home my mom gave me the news that Roger lost the match. It was unbelievable since Roger was leading in the 3rd set. I think Roger has to change his tactics and form a new plan.

Murray reached the finals with Rafa out of his way. Everyone expected the scott would clinch his first slam title. The finals was different with Roger and Rafa missing. I wanted Djocker to win and not Murray. I guess my wish worked very well. Djocker took only three sets, straight sets to get his title. Murray was shown again that the slam is delusive for him. In fact it is high time he gets a new coach or he should get used to his despair.

So after two weeks with both top players out, Djocker lifted the Aus Open trophy for the second time. He is the next threat to both Rafa and Roger now.

Women's Draw

Dominoes starts falling when one falls. This is what happened in the Women's draw. Number one ranking Wozniacki who is yet to add a title to her cupboard and Kim preparing herself for the next slam title were the favorites in the tournament.

The Serbian former champion, Ana Ivanovic was expected to better her results in here. But she failed to do so and exited in the first round. Following her Jelena also exited in the second round.

Lot of dominoes fell in the third round. The come back heroine, Henin exited in the third round. With younger sister in the player box cheering, Venus failed to reach the finals. She pulled out of the tournament due to injury. This is first time both the sisters failed to make into the open in both singles and doubles. Then the home town lady, Samantha also exited. With the last Australian player in the tournament exiting the home crowd was disappointed.

Russian model, Sharapova who made much effort to regain her title did not make past fourth round. Andrea Petkovic from germany crushed Sharapova in straight sets. The surprise rise in the game was the Chinese Player Li Na.

The semi finals was very different. Wozniacki was sent home by Li Na. Li Na who crushed Azarenka in the earlier rounds was in a good form. The semis went to decider and finally Li Na entered in to finals. Li became the first Chinese as well as Asian to enter into the finals of the singles slam. On the other Semis Kim eased past Zvonareva. Now Kim was one win away from the title.

The much awaited finals ended pretty exciting. Li secured the first set and sent a message that she can become the first Asian to win a singles slam. But Kim recovered fast and blasted Li in the next 2 sets. Kim sent a message that she has more years of tennis career after returning from her retirement.

Well this time the men's draw was different with Djocker becoming the champion and in Women's draw Kim is planning to create a history.

Catch you all in French Open 2011.

Happy 2011!!!!!!!!

A new way to begin my new year (my last new year as spinster). Me and my family took off to my mom's native place for a family function. My parents left two days ahead of myself and my bro. Me and my bro left with our cousin on Friday night for the function. Since it was new year's eve it was a celebration all over the place. It took nearly past mid night to leave the city limits. We reached a near by place around 5 in the morning from where we have to take another bus to reach our destination. We were joined by another cousin for this short trip.

The day we reached was a bit busy since the start of the function was happening in a grand way. We, youngsters attended the function for sometime and one by one started going out. Since we have two home there the function was in one place and the other home was free. We bunked the function and started playing cards. This continued till noon. After finishing our lunch we started with the Roll and Dice game. The game lasted for some 2 hours. Then we had no other choice than to sit in for the function till 2 in the night. Then it was time for everyone to sleep. By the time we went to sleep it was 3 and was woken up early. The next day was very mandatory that we should sit for the function. Post lunch was the gaming session for us. Again some lap of cards and a game of roll and dice. It was fun filled.

Later part of the evening was filled with carnatic musical concert. This was skipped by most people. I attended a small part of the concert. Then we had dinner and left for our night journey to Chennai. We had to come out of 20kms from village to catch our train.

The station had nothing but some notice board for the passenger list. There was no station master or any other kind of officials. Our train was delayed for half hour. The train was scheduled around 11:20, but we boarded around 11:50. I had sleepless night.

Next day we arrived at the correct time at Chennai. But since there was no sleep for 3 days I called in that I missed my train and would not be able to make to work. My PL was convinced and I had a nice 15 hrs sleep.

Feeling fresh after attending this function. The new year was different. More than that it gave us a chance to be away from technology. Every year we used to sit and scan the so called idiot box. But this time we got to spend some valuable time with our family and loved ones. It was also pollution free and Eco friendly new year. I also felt good living in a Terra Cotta roofed home.It gave a different environment feeling than the usual concrete roof buildings. I can never forget this new year function in my life.

Hope I have a good year ahead. Wish all of you a Happy 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Big B-Day

Every year my b-day turns out to be different. This year it was remarkable. A day to be cherished in my whole life. This year it was different coz I got someone special in my life and he was the first person to wish me at mid night. Then my friends called me and woke me up from my sleep. I m not complaining for this happens only once every year. My dad surprised me by giving his gift at mid night.

My best friend Jaisree didn't call me at mid night. I was not disappointed coz I know the reason behind it. Then I sent a text to her and gave a missed call in the morning. Then she called me back and wished me. Her wish means a lot to me and I don't mind calling and asking her to wish. She has always been with me and thats why I always wanted her to wish in the first place than any of my other friends.

In my office, they celebrated by cutting a cake for me and also gave me a gift. I m first person to get a gift since we celebrated by cake cutting only not gifting. I think they have started this tradition recently in my project. Anyways I was happy to see some on my colleagues who mean a lot to me. Thanks a lot to them too.

Last year, it was my bro who gave the pleasant surprise. But this year it was that special someone who gave me all the surprise. First surprise was that he came to my working place directly to wish. He never gave me a clue that he would come and stand in front me and wish me in person. Then I took off from my office and spent the evening with him. It was an amazing evening with him. Had nice dinner and came back home. Though the time which we spent was little it was so personal that it is close to my heart in all ways.

This would be my last birthday with my family, I mean with my parents and bro. In that way also it was so special. My mom made my favorite paal payasam. Nothing can beat my mom's recipe. I will be starting to miss pretty soon.

ATP World Tour FInals

Finally, I have watched one match for this year which ended the way I wanted. I was able to watch the finals of the ATP World Tour. As expected(by me) the finals was set up between Roger and Rafa. I decided to watch the match. The match began with a good service game for Roger. The first set starting was inspiring with both players defending each point. Finally Roger found a break in Rafa's Service and took the first set.

But at the end of first set Rafa's spirit was kindled. He was unstoppable and started hitting the ball to the corners. Roger changed his game play and was mostly able to attend the balls. Even then Rafa proved his capability and clinched the second set.

Both player capturing each set the match went into the final set. I am always superstitious in case of Roger's match against Rafa. Every time I see the match between them Rafa will clinch the title. This time also I made up my mind that Rafa is going to blow Roger into pieces. But Roger was unstoppable and took an early break.

Rafa started making all kind of errors and Roger was getting a stronger back hand return and fiery fore hand return. Rafa was not able to touch the ball and rather started getting frustrated. Finally Roger got three championship points, but Rafa didn't give up so easily. He defended the first championship point. But he was not able to stop Roger from clinching the title.

When the championship point shot was struck Roger stood for a moment wondering if the ball had been on the line, then gave out his usual loud cry and finished the game. Both the players showed their own new techniques of game play.

With this win Roger proved that he is still hungry for more games and titles. Let us hope he adds few titles to his list.

Catch you all soon with the Australian Open 2011 where Serena will not be defending her title due to her foot injury.

US Open 2010

I know it is has been a month since the event closed. I was so held up with my personal things. I believe it is better late than never. So here is my post.

Men's Draw:

Every slam has it own upsets and surprises. First upset was Tomas Berdrych who stopped Roger in Wimbledon 201. He exited in the first round. Andy Roddick followed suit and exited in the second round crushing all hearts. Being his home land there was a lot of expectation from him.

All top seeds excelled themselves in the earlier rounds save for the scottish. Andy Murray who is yet to pocket a slam title was crushed by Stanislas Wawarinka. I feel that Scott is carrying some curse. Earlier this year he fired his coach since he was not able to succeed in Australian Open. Now he can't even fire his coach for she is none other than his mother. Murray plays defensive which has to be corrected if he plans to get a slam title.

On the other hand Rafa and Roger were battling well. Rafa needed this title to complete his career slam. Roger needed this title to increase his record number. Novak was desperate to clinch the title for the second time.

The replay of french quarters happened in new york meadows when Soderling met Roger. Roger took his revenge by defeating in straight sets. Roger was unstoppable. He refused to drop a set. The silent surprise was Stanislas Wawarinka who progressed to quarter finals. Youzhny and Monfils also suprised entering their quarters. Youzhny went a step ahead and placed a seat in semis. Rafa also progressed well.

Rafa and Roger had never met in the new york meadows. Till this year Rafa exited early. This time it was Roger who exited. The serbian stopped Roger. Roger had two match points in his hands. He missed both and gave away the match to Novak.

The final showdown was between Novak and Rafa. It was a piece of cake for Rafa. The match went only for four sets and Rafa proved once again that he is untouchable. I wanted to Novak to win. But Rafa was extra ordinary. He became the second young man to clinch the career slam.

Rafa is ahead of Roger in one record. Roger is yet to pocket to Olympics single Gold medal. I hope Roger finishes that record also. Now Rafa has only one aim, to break all the other records created by Roger. Will he be able to become the greatest player ever? Lets see in the forthcoming year.

Women's Draw:

In case of Women I was so sure from first that the Belgian mom would flush the meadows again and she didn't disappoint me. The big star, youngest of Williams sisters was absent due to foot injury

First round upset started with the Chinese star Na Li followed by a second round exit by Agnieszka Radwanska. Victoria Azarenka retired from the game in the second round. Every other top seeds advanced to the third round.

Major upsets started in the third round. First the Serbian, Jelena Jankovic who is yet to clinch a slam was thrashed by unseeded player Kanepi. Maria Sharapova regained her touched and was progressing silently. Sharapova was stopped by the top seed Wozniacki. On the other hand Kim was progressing fine with her hip injury. She moved on the court like a cold breeze. She didn't even show any trace of sloppiness.

The quarters was not a disappointment since most of the top players were present. Kim stopped Stosur and booked her place in the final four. Wozniacki easily made into the final four. Venus williams set up a show down with Kim where as Vera Zvonareva buckled herself up to face Wozniacki.

Like last year this year also the semis was interesting, where last year Serena was present this year Venus was present. Kim played beautifully and booked her place in the finals. Kim was taken to the deciding set by Venus. Kim didn't give hope and went into the finals. For Vera Zvonareva the semis was a piece of cake. She thrashed Wozniacki in straight sets and made into the finals. It was a big shock for most of the tennis fans expected wozniacki to get her maiden slam.

Vera Zvonareva was expected to get her maiden slam where as Kim was expected to defend her title. Finals was a unexpected. The match got over in one hour. Kim thrashed Vera Zvonareva in straight sets and defended her title. Kim returned to tennis to prove her stand. For Vera Zvonareva the title remains as a dream. Lets see what happens in the next few years.

Well, this year the slams were different where Rafa clinched a career slam and in case of ladies, return of Kim proves that the Williams reign is getting over.

Lets check what happens in the next year. I hope Roger creates some new records and in ladies will Wozniacki and Vera Zvonareva be able to touch the slam? Catch all you next year with the Australian Open 2011 as the first slam.

Inception

I didn't have time to update my blog for a long time. I had kept this post in the draft for a long time. So here I am at at last to finish this post.

Mind boggling plot, awesome casts. These are the two words that I can actually use to describe this movie. The director has thought a plot which is not possible in real life but made every human being who has watched this movie to question "Why not?". Till the last frame the thrill was maintained. I m not gonna discuss the plot for it has to be savored by watching it in the big screen. The tag line that I can think of for the movie is "What if there is no difference between reality and dream?". Di Caprio has proved that he too can act well. The movie is not a sci-fi but fiction. Unlike certain movies which would have used sci-fi base for this kind of plot the director has drawn a thin line not to touch the sci-fi. All I can say is that now a days I try to remember my dream. I also think sometimes what happens when you can read others dream and manipulate them?

My bro recommended this move and asked me to watch the movie in big screen. He denied to tell me the plot, not even a single line. Now I realize that it was worth it. Soon I m planning to watch the movie again. Catch you all with the next movie.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Being a great fan of this series I wanted to watch the entire season fro a very long time. My sweet brother got me the entire season from his friend and gave it to me. I watched them crazily for two months. I finished the entire Friends season. I would like to share my views about the characters.

Ross Geller:

Most of my friends told me that he was the sweetest character in the series. But I didn't feel anything like that. I felt him to be over possessive and reactive. But he was also nice at some points like realizing his love life and trying all possible ways to patch up that relationship. At the end of the season he proved to be the guy who loves a woman truly with full heart and succeeds in conquering the lady love's heart too.

Rachel Greene:

One character which showed the truth about human mind. A typical character which has flaws and tries to fix those flaws. A woman who wants to be loved and cared. A normal woman who is confused when choosing her career, her love life etc. I liked her for what she is. At the end of the season she realizes her true love for Ross and finds what she truly wants in her life.

Chandler Bing:

The funniest guy in the lot. I liked him for his true love for Monica. The way he sacrifices everything for the love was a good one. He always gives up the fight to keep the relationship alive. Nice character. Of all the characters in the series he is the only guy who didn't sleep with lot of woman.

Monica Geller(Bing)

I became a great fan of this character. I think that is because there are certain things common for both of us. One annoying thing that I found is that she wants everything to be perfect which is not at all possible in case of human life. She also wanted to be number one in all the case like 3rd grade child. Other than that she is a good caring sister.

Joey Tribbiani

I hate this character to the core for one reason, he set an example for being promiscuous. Other than this he also values friendship. He always stands next to his friends when they are in need of help. In the later season when he realizes that he is in love with Rachel he stops seeing other women as a big gesture. The entire season was funny mostly of this character. They way he is portrayed as dumb witted guy is good. He has done a good job for his character.

Phoebe Buffay

I like her for her frankness. More than that I like her for her weirdness. A very touching character who decides to be surrogate mother to her brother's children. But, at times she too had been irritating. A different character who also values friendship.

The Love Life

The love life in the friends are too many. Out of which only few succeeded like Chandler and Monica's love life. The love between them was portrayed in a very good manner. The way they both supported each other when they find out that they can not have a child was beautiful.

Ross and Rachel's love life were different. Ross never tried to give up where as Rachel tried to move on. But they both realises their love for each other at last. Desperate to find a person to settle in her life Phoebe becomes the luckiest girl to get a guy who accepted her as she was.

Value of Friendship:

A friend in need is a friend in deed. The series had few episodes like that. When Rachel leaves the guy at the altar, Monica and others help her to stand in her own. They help her to get a job. Until Joey gets a break in her career all of them take care of him. Phoebe with a very bad background is always under the roof of herfriends. Chandler gives away Phoebe on her marriage. Like wise there are many such instances.

On the whole the entire season was very funny and at times made me realize certain aspects of life. I cannot get it out of my mind so I have started watching the series again for the second time.