London - Svetlana Kuznetsova is leaving Wimbledon without the corn-row braids which she wore during the fortnight. The fifth seed who never fails to surprise, had the look done for the month-long grass season, replacing her normal cut. She admitted that part of the reason for changing back was the inherent discomfort involved in wearing such a tight braid.
The complex "do" also included hair extensions, with the Russian taking tips from Venus and Serena Williams, who wore the style for a year or so themselves in the early days of their careers.
"They tell me what I have to do to take care of it," the 21-year-old Kuzy said. In response to the usual question of time involved, she informed: "Three and a half hours."
Venus Williams said she happily gave styling advice to her fellow player. "She wanted to know how to keep it. I was born in braids so of course I know all about them."
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NOTEBOOK: Wind won't be an issue when Wimbledon roof is done =
London - Britain's Tim Henman can't wait for 2009, when Wimbledon's moveable roof over Centre Court will be complete.
The current iteration of the most famous venue in the game has given players a shock with it's temporary open feel allowing unaccustomed wind to sweep through the venue.
Friday's play was a prime example, with blustery conditions making matches a particular challenge.
Henman, who lost early in the fortnight but vows that his career is not done at age 32, has hopes for a return to normality once the new roof is in place.
"I prefer it the way that it was,"he said of the current stark outline. "Hopefully when the roof is put in place, then it will look better again.
'I just think it's missing something. The view when you are looking towards the Royal Box, just looks bizarre. It looks very sort of isolated, the Royal Box itself.
"There's only eight or ten rows of seating. It's a very different complexion when you are out there."
But the Briton said that even a mass makeover can't change one unique aspect of the showcase playing experience:"In terms of the atmosphere, I don't think it (the construction work) has had any effect. It's still incredible."
