OOPS, THERE GOES THE QUAKER OATS: When a reporter asked Maria Sharapova whether or not the WTA Tour should provide “a mental health break or a sabbatical” for its players, the Russian nearly tossed her breakfast, saying, “I just about spit my oatmeal out of my mouth. That was really funny.”
SHOCKED AND AWED: Boris Becker called Andre Agassi‘s revelation that he used meth “probably the most shocking thing I’ve heard in tennis.”
THE NUMBERS
$5 million: Advance Agassi reportedly banked for his tell-all book Open.
7: Years since Serena Williams last finished the year at No. 1.
13-10: Serena’s head-to-head advantage against sister Venus after Sunday’s win at the WTA Tour Championships.
68: Matches won by Caroline Wozniacki in ’09 — tops on the WTA Tour.
HEADLINES
Agassi’s Lies are Crystal Clear
QUOTEBOOK
“If Agassi’s autobiography stands for anything, then let it sound the death knell for any sports star seeking the benefit of doubt when it comes to drugs and an end to the idea that any sport can police its own competitors.” — Des Kelly
“Maybe it was me being naïve, but I had no clue.” — Agassi’s former coach Brad Gilbert
“It’s possible that Andre Agassi has never been who he appeared to be — that he has never been himself. And, now, no matter the consequences, perhaps the rebel has finally found a cause.” — Former ATP Communications VP Pete Alfano
“Andre, you just know, is performing again: as if he wants this book to be every bit as engrossing as a five-setter at the U.S. Open against Pete Sampras.” — David Walsh
“It’s not that Agassi took a recreational drug at a stressful time that shocks. It happens in all walks of life. It is the telling of lies and the tame acceptance of the Association of Tennis Professionals.” — Ian Ridley
“Tennis is heavily under the influence of doping and they are in denial if they don’t accept that.” — John Mendoza, former chief of the Australian Sports Drug Agency
“I think I was more surprised she retired than [about her] coming back.” — Maria Sharapova on Justine Henin
