April 25, 2008

It’s my first blog and I don’t really know how and where to start…

First of all I quickly want to introduce myself. My name is Jasmin Woehr, I come from Germany and I’m a professional doubles player on the WTA Tour.  I played my first WTT season last year for the St. Louis Aces.  I’m writing to you from Argentina where I’m playing Fed Cup.

What can I say . . . it was one of the best decisions in my tennis career to play World TeamTennis.

When I came to the states after Wimbledon, I didn’t know what to expect, how it would be…but all that I experienced with my team was just exciting and so much fun!

I still think I was lucky that I was picked by the Aces because I can’t imagine being on a better team. My team mates and everyone around us was just so so nice and I really enjoyed every moment on and off court.

I was shocked that so many people came to watch us…our fans in St. Louis were amazing and the whole atmosphere was overwhelming.

I wasn’t used to playing in front of so many people, especially in the evening, under the lights.

Additionally you play with different rules, the no ad scoring, a colourful court and the pressure is on because every game counts for the team score!

I had to get used to the atmosphere quickly and I can imagine that some players get nervous because they feel pressure, but to be honest…the more matches I played, the more I loved it!

When the season came to an end, I was so sad. I knew that I will miss everyone and everything.

BUT, the new season is coming soon and I will be back in my second home – St. Louis!!!

I want to share a bit more with you about my season for the Aces last year . . . I remember it like it was yesterday.

From the perspective of a tennis player, it was a great experience to play with two of the world’s best doubles players Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich as my teammates.  I never met them in person.  These guys are absolutely fantastic. Not only great players, but also personalities.  We had lots of fun on and off the tennis court.  Andy won already a few Grand Slam Titles in Mixed and it was a pleasure for me to play with him.  He knows how to treat the girls. He always smiles, makes compliments . . . so in the end you have no other choice than playing well with him.  I was so happy when Andy and Jonathan won their first Grand Slam title in Australia this year.  These guys really deserve it . . . and I’m sure they will keep winning more & more tournaments!  I will miss them on the team, but I know they’ll still be cheering for us and hopefully, they’ll be back in 2009.

Two more team mates of mine were Aleke Tsoubanos and Brian Wilson. I want to mention them because throughout the time we spent together, they became close friends of mine.  From the first moment, the chemistry was totally there and I’m thankful that I had the chance to meet you guys!  Brian is playing WTT this year, but for another team – NY Sportimes. I’m sure he’ll play well and thank God we don’t have to battle against them!

There were two major highlights for me last summer – playing against Pete Sampras; he is a legend and it was so special to watch him play and having Serena Williams on my team.  She was supposed to play but unfortunately was injured.  She still came to support us and offered some coaching tips! Serena is very cool . . . another big personality.

I will take all of these memories with me as I look forward to the upcoming season – and I know there will be so much more ahead.

It’s just worth it to play and worth it to watch because that’s what tennis is for . . . to entertain, to make a big show and - as a player - to share the fun & excitement with the crowd!

I send greetings to all the fans out there and I send a special big hug to all my St. Louis fans!!!

Stay tuned for my next blog.  I’ll update everyone on Fed Cup and the tournaments I’ll be playing next.  Wish me luck, I’m headed to Prague, Berlin, Strasbourg and then to the French Open!