Die Macht » been.Probably because I look after myself

NEW YORK -- If Serena Williams thought the pressure that surrounded her like a thick, toxic fog while she sought to complete a historic calendar-year Grand Slam last year at Flushing Meadows has dissipated for good, she might be in for a surprise when she launches her campaign at this years US Open on Tuesday in Arthur Ashe Stadium.The first hurdle in Williams path is a tall one: 29-year-old left-hander Ekaterina Makarova. Once again, there is enough at stake to give even the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion palpitations. The way she meets this first challenge might speak volumes about what the coming days have in store.I think its OK, Williams said of the matchup when the draw was made Friday. Im OK with it. I think I try to look at it [as] we all always have tough matches. Ive just got to do the best I can.Only two left-handed players have ever beaten Serena Williams at a Grand Slam event: Angelique Kerber, who is 1-1 against Williams in Grand Slam finals this year, and Makarova. Williams first-round opponent pulled off her victory in the fourth round of the 2012 Australian Open.Makarova, a 5-foot-11 Russian with a two-handed backhand and a tricky lefty serve, is the most accomplished and highest ranked among Williams recent first-round Grand Slam opponents. She has often played better at major events than her ranking suggests. Her confidence ought to be sky high, as she excelled at the Rio Olympics, winning a gold medal in doubles with Elena Vesnina and making it to the third round in singles.Williams can draw inspiration from the fact that she has punished Makarova severely since that loss. The Russian hasnt won a set in three matches, and two of those six sets were 6-0 blowouts. In their most recent meeting, Williams cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 demolition of Makarova in the 2014 semifinals at Flushing Meadows.Since then, however, Makarova has hit her physical peak and logged a career-high ranking of No. 8 (April 2015). Shes currently ranked No. 29, which puts her higher than the lowest seed in the tournament (who is separated by at least one spot from any other seed) but unseeded because of the rules and deadlines governing entry.Williams has struggled with injury and has experienced puzzling lapses of confidence and motivation alternating with brilliant fits. At Wimbledon, after she finally tied Steffi Grafs Open-era record with a 22nd major, Williams conceded that the pressure had been ruinous. The one thing I learned about last year is to enjoy the moment, she said.It might be difficult for Williams to do that, no matter how much love the Ashe crowd showers on her. History beckons with its aged finger: A US Open win would make Williams the top Open-era champion, with 23 major singles titles. It would also keep alive her chance to catch or even surpass all-time leader Margaret Court (24 titles).Williams is almost 35 and increasingly injury-prone. At her age, the months between majors seem like years. Each opportunity becomes increasingly precious at this point in her career.Some of the more immediate honors and obligations at stake might also play on Williams mind, motivating or spooking her. Although shes guaranteed to tie Steffi Graf for most consecutive weeks ranked No. 1 (186), Angelique Kerber is beautifully positioned to take the top spot away if Williams takes her foot off the gas even a little.Whats more, a first-round loss by the top seed would mean nothing less than humiliation. Williams was the No. 5 seed when she suffered the only first-round loss of her Grand Slam career. It was at the hands of wild card Virginie Razzano at the 2012 French Open.How could Williams not feel pressure? Conversely, what would it say about her as a competitor if she didnt?I think each [situation] is different, Williams said Friday, when asked to compare this year to 2015. At this point, Im taking it a day at a time. I think I just am more relaxed, for sure.There are some similarities between the situations today and when Makarova upset Williams in Australia. Williams went into that tournament having played just two competitive matches after her loss to Sam Stosur in the final of the 2011 US Open. She twisted her ankle in the second of those matches in Brisbane and was still hobbled as she fought her way through to meet Makarova in Melbourne Park.Williams is probably in better shape now than she was then. She won Wimbledon less than two months ago. But she was just 2-1 in singles in Rio, where she developed a bad right shoulder. The injury curtailed her practice time and forced her to withdraw from the important US Open tune-up at Cincinnati.Williams three previous wins over Makarova will give her some authority going into the match. But she knows what shes up against.Shes a big fighter, Williams said of Makarova. She never really stops. She gets a lot of balls back. You think shes not super quick, but she is.Williams needs to be ready for this one. Shes a hard read, but it seems like she might be. After a while, even that toxic fog of pressure might not smell so bad. Glenn Hall Jersey .ca. Kerry, Just watched the shootout in the Coyotes/Leafs game and I have to ask, why was the James van Riemsdyk goal allowed to count? All of the video replays we were shown on TV were inconclusive about whether the puck had entirely crossed the line or not. Clark Griswold Blackhawks Jersey . The catch: It needs a lot of money, and it needs it fast. http://www.officialblackhawksfanstore.com/authentic-brendan-perlini-blackhawks-jersey/ . Cote was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 15. Cote helped running back Jon Cornish run for a league-high 1,813 rushing yards en route to being named the leagues most outstanding player. David Kampf Blackhawks Jersey . 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Evergreen Australia skipper Cameron Smith claims he feels fitter than ever and has no plans to call time on his glittering representative career just yet.The 33-year-old will make his 49th appearance in the green and gold on Sunday against New Zealand in the Four Nations final - 10 behind Darren Lockyers record.With the Rugby League World Cup in Australia just 11 months away, theres a real possibility Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Greg Inglis, wholl all be over 30 when the tournament kicks off, could follow Johnathan Thurston into representative retirement.Smith admits hes unlikely to play again in England after Sundays Four Nations decider against New Zealand at Anfield, but is open-minded about the possibility of playing on after next years showpiece and eclipsing Lockyers milestone.I think Ill just carry on playing, Smith said.I havent really looked to the future and put an end date on my representative career. Its a huge year next year, having a World Cup on home soil.I want to give myself every opportunity to be involved in that and after that tournaments finished theres a whole off season to think about continuing on the following year.Im still contracted to the Stormm in 2018.dddddddddddd Ill probably think about that after next year.I am sort of doing the opposite to other players, I am as fit and as strong as I have ever been.Probably because I look after myself a bit better now. I eat a fair bit less junk food.Physically I feel great and mentally I am enjoying the game as much as at any other time in my career.Despite being on his fourth Kangaroos tour of the UK, Smith said he feels as pumped as he did ahead of his first in 2009 when he scored a late try to earn a 20-all draw with New Zealand in the opening match - the only match on English soil hes not tasted victory in.Im still excited to get a jersey and have my name read out at the start of each week when Mal names the team, he said.Its a bit more difficult now because Ive got three young kids and my wife at home and its hard to leave those guys for six weeks.I love spending time with my family.But as far as playing and being around the team and playing in great stadiums and having victories, its still as enjoyable as when I debuted back in 2006. ' ' '