Tennisbone : Tennis Now and Forever

Nadal wins French Open 2011 for the 6th times

2011-06-06T08:39:00.000+08:00

Nadal with his 6th French Open Trophy

How dominant is Rafael Nadal on the clay courts of the French Open? In winning his record-tying sixth championship at Roland Garros, Nadal was challenged more than he had been in any of his previous finals at the event, yet still defeated all-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in four sets, 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1, the final one capping a commanding performance by the world No. 1.

The win ties Nadal with Bjorn Borg for the most ever wins at the French Open and gives him 10 overall, just six behind Federer. Having just turned 25 years old, Nadal could make a run at Federer's record 16. Of course, that total of 16 could go higher in the coming years. Federer showed in Paris that he's not done yet, even as he approaches his 30th birthday.

Nadal was beatable on Sunday, which isn't something you could have said about a vast majority of his 46 previous matches on the red clay of Paris. His defense was as brilliant as ever but his groundstrokes were inconsistent and he played tentatively at times, hitting the ball short and allowing Federer to work the angles for winners.

Runner Up Federer

For the first 40 minutes, Federer was up to the task. He burst to a 5-2 lead before Nadal got settled and rattled off seven straight games. For the first few games, Federer played flawless tennis. Then the drop shots started his the bottom of the tape instead of the top. The backhands that were hitting the line started pushing a few inches past. When he lost the opening set, most expected Nadal to run away with the rest of the match.

He almost did, winning the second and going up a break in the third. Federer stormed back with two breaks to force a fourth set. When Nadal faced a 0-40 deficit in the opening game of that set, visions of the classic 2008 Wimbledon final, when Federer came back from two sets down to play a fifth set, were dancing in the heads of tennis fans. Nadal put an end to that quickly. He won five straight points en route to a 6-1 victory in the final set.

With his sixth title, Rafael Nadal's name is side by side with the great Borg, who also won his sixth French Open title immediately after his 25th birthday. Later that year, the Swede abruptly left the sport later. He never won another Slam.

Rafael Nadal has no plans to go out like that. Wimbledon starts in 15 days. Guess who's the favorite?

My Comment : Nadal was brilliant, he takes every shot that Federer gave him. Truly awesome.

Grand Slam Wimbledon Prize will be $1.8 million for singles winner

2011-04-20T08:54:00.001+08:00

WIMBLEDON, England - The singles champions at Wimbledon this year will each receive $1.8 million.

The All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie announced Tuesday the total prize fund for the 125th championships will increase to $23.8 million.

“Leading international sports events, such as Wimbledon, are all about the quality of the players on show,” All England Club chairman Philip Brook said. “It is important that we offer prize money which suitably rewards the players both for the box office appeal they bring to the event and for their supreme performances on court.”

Last year, prize money for the singles champions was $1.54 million.

Ritchie said tournament organizers had not heard from Serena Williams on whether she intends to defend her singles title. Williams hasn’t played competitively since winning the tournament last year because of complications following two foot surgeries.

Ritchie said the All England Club has been asking the British government to relax tax rules to make the tournament more attractive to competitors.

Athletes visiting Britain for team sports such as soccer are not taxed on earnings and endorsements for their time in the country, but individuals are.

Ritchie said the All England Club had also spoken with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, who is also making a presentation to the government for the change.

“If Lionel Messi comes here for a Champions League final, he does not get taxed, but Roger Federer does,” Ritchie said. “We don’t believe it is an impediment to Wimbledon in terms of people coming here. But it is on their radar screen, let’s put it that way.

“It’s the same with golf. There are certain international golfers who don’t come and play here, as I understand it, for that reason.”

The 2011 tournament will also feature a new 2,000-seat No. 3 court featuring the same Hawk-Eye technology used on the other show courts.

With a new No. 4 court also open for the first time, the total number of courts will be back up to the traditional 19 following several years of redevelopment.

Ground capacity will increase this year from 37,500 spectators to 38,500.

The All England Club will host the tennis competition at the 2012 London Olympics, but Ritchie said spectators expecting the tradition and pomp of the Wimbledon tournament may be disappointed.

“It will look and feel different to the championships,” Ritchie said. “And that is entirely right and proper.”

My Comment : "Instant millionair"

The King of Clay Court (Nadal) wins The Monte Carlo Masters for the 7th time

2011-04-18T08:34:00.000+08:00

Nadal and Ferrer (image by AP)

MONACO, April 17 - Rafael Nadal continued his extraordinary love affair with the Monte Carlo Masters by sealing his seventh straight title on the Monaco clay after a 6-4 7-5 win over fellow Spaniard David Ferrer on Sunday.

The top seed, whose victory here last year made him the first man in the professional era to triumph in the same tournament six times in a row, showed few signs of letting his grip on the trophy loosen despite a generally scrappy display.

“King of Clay” Nadal first broke in the third game when his compatriot netted but Ferrer struck back immediately with his own break of serve thanks to an exquisite drop shot in the final of the first claycourt event of the European season.

However, Ferrer’s joy was short-lived with Nadal breaking next game and winning the first set before seizing the initiative in the second with a superb passing shot only to be broken in the eighth game and then hitting back for 6-5.

He leapt into the air with delight when Ferrer hit the net to seal his victory in one of the world’s most glamorous spots.

“It’s perhaps the best tournament in the world,” Nadal beamed after picking up a trophy he virtually owns.

“I congratulate David on his good start to the year and wish him well. For me today is very special, to win here seven times is much more than a dream. I could never have imagined it.”

My Comment : "Hail to King of Clay Court Rafael Nadal"

Nadal bet Murray to meet Ferrer in Final

2011-04-17T14:57:00.000+08:00

Nadal celebrate victory over Murray

Clay king Rafael Nadal shook off a dogged Andy Murray 6-4 2-6 6-1 to set up a Monte Carlo Masters final against fellow Spaniard David Ferrer.

World number one Nadal, who lost to Ferrer in the Australian Open quarter-finals, broke for 3-1 in the first set when shaggy-haired Murray sent a booming shot long but the Briton hit back in the seventh game only to lose the set's final act.

Murray uncertain

Determined third seed Murray refused to lie down and a superb crosscourt backhand gave him the fourth game of the second set after nearly 20 minutes of slugging before breaks of serve were exchanged three times and the Scot took the set.

Nadal though raced to a 4-0 lead in the third as Murray tired and needed treatment on an arm injury before succumbing.

What happen to federer ? (lost in quaterfinal Monte Carlo)

2011-04-17T08:08:00.002+08:00

Federer lost in QF Monte Carlo

Roger Federer refused to panic or blame the blustery conditions after Friday's defeat by Juergen Melzer in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals threatened to blow his career further off course.

The Swiss is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time thanks to a male record of 16 grand slam titles but the winds of change are gusting through men's tennis.

His 6-4 6-4 loss to the Austrian was his first by anyone other than world number one Rafael Nadal or world number two Novak Djokovic since his Paris Masters defeat by Gael Monfils in November, but since then he has only won two tournaments.

The world number three was slightly unlucky against Melzer, who turned almost everything he hit into gold, but Federer also uncharacteristically missed several easy shots.

"Things didn't go my way. All those things accumulated to make it hard," Federer told a slightly tetchy news conference.

"(The wind) always has an effect on both players but being down in the score it didn't help. It was hard."

The second seed, who has never won the Monaco tournament on his least favoured clay surface, had looked imperious in his previous two matches but never got going against the seventh seed on the breezy shores of the Mediterranean.

Melzer broke for 3-2 in the first set when Federer netted the first of a number of forehands and the Austrian then immediately saved a break point on his own serve before taking the set and similarly sealing the second.

The Austrian, keen to reject comparisons with compatriot and former claycourt specialist Thomas Muster, was overjoyed but cautioned against writing off 29-year-old Federer just yet.

"You always have to respect Roger," left-handed Melzer said having shrugged off a back problem in the first game to win.

"For him to be three in the world is a downgrade and if you think about that it's stupid. For me he's the greatest player ever. Every time he loses it's tragic."

Melzer has now beaten Federer, Nadal and Djokovic but acknowledged he would boast about beating the Swiss more than the Spaniard when regaling tales to his children.

"It started to be difficult conditions because the wind picked up. I played a really good match with no mistakes," the world number nine added.

"I'm climbing to the top of my game on clay and it's not Roger's favourite surface."

My Comment : Don't give up yet Federer.

Shame on you Andy Murray !!!

2011-04-15T08:41:00.002+08:00

Andy Murray (image by AP)

MONACO, April 14 - Andy Murray was booed by the mainly French crowd at the Monte Carlo Masters for using drop shots in his 6-3 6-3 third-round win over France’s injured Gilles Simon on Thursday.

Simon twisted his ankle at the start of the second set and had heavy strapping applied before gingerly carrying on.

Murray showed no mercy and after the first drop had a struggling Simon stranded, the Briton regularly used his favourite shot with the boos for the world number four and cheers for Simon intensifying after each attempt.

“I wasn’t bothered at all. I was doing what I had to,” Murray, who a day ago was saying how the Monte Carlo Country Club was one of the best venues in the world, told reporters.

“Every player on the tour would have done exactly the same thing. I wasn’t doing anything wrong. We’ll see the reaction tomorrow,” he smiled.

Giles Simon (image by AP)

Simon backed his opponent saying :”You play to win.”

Murray earlier told Sky Sports: “You know you are in the driving seat and you want to put the foot down and finish the match as efficiently as possible. Drop shots were winning me virtually every single point, I had to keep moving him.”

Before Tuesday’s second-round win over Radek Stepanek, third seed Murray had not won a match in almost three months since his Australian Open final defeat by Novak Djokovic.

The 23-year-old, whose public image in the past suffered from occasional teenage strops, could face more grief from the crowd when he plays Frederico Gil in the quarter-finals on Friday after the Portuguese beat another Frenchman Gael Monfils.

“I don’t know a lot about him (Gil) but I watched his game,” Murray added. “He did well in Estoril and can play well on clay, he’s proved that by getting to the quarters here this week. I’ll have to be on my game tomorrow.”

Asked if he could win the tournament featuring world number one Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, Murray added: “Yeah, why not?”

My Comment : I understand, "do whatever it takes to win"

Nadal and Federer cruise to Quater final in Monte Carlo Masters

2011-04-15T08:34:00.006+08:00

Rafael Nadal (image by AP)

MONACO, April 14 : Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer continued on a collision course towards the Monte Carlo Masters final after easily winning their third round matches in contrasting conditions on Thursday.

Nadal braved unusually chilly temperatures on the sun-kissed Cote d’Azur to seal a quarter-final spot against Ivan Ljubicic with a straightforward 6-2 6-4 victory over Richard Gasquet.

While the crowd huddled for warmth deciding whether to cheer six-times champion Nadal or local favourite Gasquet, the Spaniard had already broken the Frenchman in the first game as his sheer power on clay again overawed an opponent.

The top seed, bidding to be the first man to win the same tournament seven times in a row as he warms up for next month’s French Open, almost lost the next game but held serve thanks to a stunning backhand down the line and hardly looked back.

“I think I played better than yesterday. In general I think it was a very positive victory against a very difficult opponent,” Nadal told reporters.

“I feel when I’m playing well with the forehand, it’s a very important shot for me. So I can have the control of the point most of the time with the forehand. That’s my style always, no?”

Gasquet broke for 4-4 in the second set to reveal a chink in Nadal’s armour, offering pretenders to his crown a glimmer of hope that the Spaniard is beatable on his favourite surface.

Second seed Federer staked his claim with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Croatia’s Marin Cilic after the sun had broken through.

SUPERB WINNERS

Federer (image by AP)

The Swiss barely got out of first gear but unleashed some superb winners and next meets Austrian Juergen Melzer on Friday.

“I’m mixing it up well (with the serve). Today was another solid performance which I was happy about,” Federer said.

Murray (image by AP)

World number four Andy Murray outwitted France’s Gilles Simon 6-3 6-3 to build on his opening victory over Radek Stepanek—his first win in two and a half months.

Simon had lengthy treatment after turning an ankle but then went on to break the Briton in the first game of the second set only for Murray to storm back using drop shots which the booing crowd felt were unfair given the Frenchman’s injury.

My Comment : Clash of the TITANS

Kenapa 2nd Serve mesti lebih kuat daripada 1st Serve ?

2011-04-14T14:54:00.000+08:00

Soalan yang menarik dan juga amat menarik perhatian, kenapa 2nd serve mesti lebih kuat daripada servis yang pertama ?. Kebanyakkan pemain lebih suka untuk melemahkan pukulan untuk servis ke dua agar kebarangkalian bola untuk masuk ke gelanggang pihak lawan adalah lebih tinggi, betulll keee ... atau sekadar risau permainan akan tamat begitu sahaja dan akan menyesal dengan tindakan sendiri kerana tidak mengawal pukulan servis tadi ?

Apa yang hendak di risaukan ? pernahkan anda mendengar mengenai "muscle memory" ?.

Saya pernah terbaca mengenai suatu artikel lama-lama dahulu, di mana bagi seorang pemain tennis yang selalu melakukan servis yang sama setiap hari dan setiap masa akan membentuk tindakkan refleks yang serta merta ataupun tanpa disedari. Bagaimaan ini berlaku ?.

Pencetusnya adalah kerana latihan dan habit yang berterusan menyebabkan pukulan servis pemain tersebut semakin konsisten dan mantap.

Begini - apabila anda melakukan servis pertama, gunalah pukulan servis yang biasa anda lakukan, tak kira samada servis slice, servis direct ataupun kick serve, yang penting kekalkan kekuatan pukulan. Kemudian, dalam servis kedua, kamu guna kick serve sahaja, pukulannya pula hendaklah sama kuat atau lebih daripada pukulan servis yang pertama.

Kenapa pilih kick serve untuk pukulan servis kedua ?. Ingat tak kenapa saya katakan kita mesti menguatkan pukulan servis kedua daripada servis pertama ?, inilah sebabnya - dengan kombinasi "muscle memory" dan pukulan servis kick serve yang kuat - kebarangkalian bola untuk masuk ke gelanggan lawan adalah jauh lebih tinggi dan lebih kuat berbanding jenis servis yang lain, kerana untuk kick serve kita mesti slice (pusingkan) bola pada permukaan atas untuk menjunamkan bola tersebut ke bawah mengikut graviti.

Dengan itu, bola dijamin masuk ( at least 80% ) ke gelanggang lawan, dan pihak lawan akan lebih berjaga-jaga dan sukar untuk menyambut pusingan bola yang kuat.

Saya berharap anda mendapat manfaat daripada artikel ini, kebanyakkan ilmu/ maklumat diperolehi daripada banyak membaca dan bermain sambil belajar. Sekian.

Artikel oleh marvin/ Tennisbone/ Gambar oleh Manuela Davies/Double Exposure

Wallpaper of Maria Sharapova

2011-04-14T09:58:00.015+08:00

All wallpaper are 1024 x 768 in dimensions

To get wallpaper : Right click on image and then choose "Save Target As"

Andy Murray moves on in Monte Carlo

2011-04-14T09:29:00.004+08:00

Murray (image from AP)

Andy Murray ended his three-month losing streak with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Radek Stepanek in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

The Scot booked a third round match against France's Gilles Simon with a much-improved performance on Centre Court, storming past the Czech Stepanek with a variety of sensational shots.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal dazzled Finland's Jarkko Nieminen with a florescent yellow shirt and his all-round game in a comfortable 6-2 6-2 win.

The world number one, bidding for a record seventh straight title by the turquoise sea in Monaco, broke straight away and the Finn received ironic cheers from the packed crowd when he finally won a point but Nadal was still not quite at his best.

Spain's Nadal, playing his first match of the year on his favoured surface after receiving a first-round bye, will meet France's Richard Gasquet in round three on Thursday after the 13th seed beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-2 6-1.

Fourth seed David Ferrer trounced Feliciano Lopez 6-2 6-0 but sixth seed Fernando Verdasco surprisingly lost 6-4 6-3 to Tommy Robredo in another all-Spanish tie.

Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon, Frederico Gil and Viktor Troicki went through.

Roger Federer won on Tuesday to set up a meeting with Marin Cilic but world number two Novak Djokovic has skipped the first men's claycourt tournament of the year in Europe with a knee problem.

P/S : What's wrong with Andy Murray's hair ?

Rafael Nadal won his super 33rd straight match

2011-04-14T09:00:00.000+08:00

Image from AP

Rafael Nadal won his 33rd straight match at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, defeating Jarko Nieminen, 6-2, 4-1 in their second-round match. The Spaniard hasn't lost at the tournament in eight years.

A few facts about Nadal's historic winning streak:

1. His last (and only) loss at the tournament came to Guillermo Coria on April 17, 2003. Nadal had to qualify to reach the tournament and entered the match ranked No. 104. He defeated No. 7 Alberto Costa in the second round (the biggest win of his career up until then) before dropping the third-rounder in straight sets to the 26th-ranked Coria.

2. Nadal got revenge for the defeat, beating Coria in the next two Monte Carlo tournaments in which he played (2005 and 2006).

3. During the win streak, Nadal has defeated players ranked Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The only single-digit rank he hasn't bested in his Monte Carlo career? No. 2, a position he held for much of the run.

4. Nadal defeated No. 1 Roger Federer in three straight finals (2006-2008).

5. Since the start of the 2007 tournament, Nadal has dropped one set in Monte Carlo, to Novak Djokovic in the 2009 final. Last year he dropped 14 games in the entire tournament.

6. Nadal has won 23 sets by a score of 6-0, 6-1 during the streak. That's 34 percent of all the sets he's played.

7. Only four of his 68 sets have gone to a tiebreak. (Two came in one match against Federer.)

8. Last year was Nadal's easiest run to the title as he didn't face a single player in the top 10. In the previous tournaments, the nine-time Grand Slam champion faced as many as three top-five players en route to a championship.

The last time Nadal lost in Monte Carlo: Michael Jordan was still on an active NBA roster (he officially retired from the Washington Wizards later that day.) 50 Cent's "In Da Club" was the No. 1 song in the country the last time Nadal lost in Monte Carlo. "Bend It Like Beckham" was still in movie theaters. The Concorde was still flying. And Roger Federer hadn't won a Grand Slam.

My Comment : Rafael Nadal is quite talented, no match is too hard for him.

Biography of Lleyton Hewitt

2011-04-13T10:20:00.008+08:00

Lleyton Glynn Hewitt (born 24 February 1981) is a professional tennis player, and a former World No. 1 ranked player, from Australia. In 2000, Hewitt had won ATP titles on all three major surfaces (hard, clay and grass) and reached one final on carpet. By 2001, he became the youngest male ever to be ranked number one, at the age of 20.

His career achievements include winning the 2000 US Open men's doubles, the 2001 US Open and 2002 Wimbledon men's singles, and back-to-back Tennis Masters Cup titles (2001 and 2002). In 2005, TENNIS Magazine put Hewitt in 34th place on its list of the 40 greatest tennis players since 1965. Hewitt is known for his competitiveness and has won most of his matches with fitness, consistency and skilled footwork.

Playing Style
Hewitt is a defensive baseline counterpuncher. He typically likes to stay back towards the baseline during a rally and will usually approach the net only to catch a short reply or drop shot from his opponent. At the 2004 Cincinnati Masters Final, commentator MaliVai Washington said that Hewitt was even more difficult to "ace" than Agassi because he gets more returns in play. Hewitt's tactics typically involve putting difficult service returns in play, consistently chasing down attempted winning shots from his opponent, and waiting for his opponent to make an error.

Although he is known primarily as a baseline defender, Hewitt is a skilled volleyer and is known for having one of the best overhead smashes in the game. His signature shot, however, is the offensive topspin lob, a shot that he executes efficiently off both wings when his opponent approaches the net. US Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe and Jim Courier have both described Hewitt's lob as being the best in the world. In Andre Agassi's book "Open", Hewitt is described as one of the best shot selectors in the history of Men's Tennis.

Equipment
Hewitt is currently sponsored by the Japanese sports manufacterer Yonex, with whom he signed a "Head to Toe" deal in late 2005. Yonex provides all of Hewitt's clothing, racquets, shoes and accessories. Hewitt's Yonex shoes (SHT-306) are inscribed with his nickname "Rusty" along with an image of an Australian flag.

As of 7 August 2007, his first appearance with a new racquet at the Montreal Masters, Hewitt used to use the Yonex RQiS 1 Tour. He used to use the Yonex RDS tour 90 Model, but switched to the Yonex RDiS 100 mid in 2009.

Federer wins second round in Monte Carlo

2011-04-13T08:33:00.015+08:00

MONACO, April 12 : Roger Federer boasted he could finish a point at will as he reminded the tennis world of his destructive power with a 6-2 6-1 rout of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the Monte Carlo Masters second round on Tuesday. All the talk in the buildup to the first men’s claycourt tournament of the year had been about the in-form Novak Djokovic and his recent domination of world number one Rafael Nadal.

But record 16-times grand slam champion Federer took the chance to lay down a marker and show he is not yet a spent force by immediately finding his rhythm against German Kohlschreiber with forehand and backhand. “It’s clearly a good start for me to the claycourt season,” the 29-year-old told reporters. “I was able to do all the things I wanted to. I was consistent. I could finish a point almost when I wanted to.”

The day had started grey and cold but just as the Swiss stepped on court the sun burst through the clouds, the stands filled up and the crowd gave him a superb reception. Second seed Federer, who has never won the title here, has long battled an inferiority complex on clay despite his 2009 French Open title but there was no sign of nerves against the hapless German apart from a mini wobble late in the first set.

Top seed Nadal starts his quest for a record seventh straight title in the wealthy principality on Wednesday when he takes on Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen in the second round as stuttering third seed Andy Murray faces Radek Stepanek. World number two Djokovic, who beat Nadal in the final in his last two events, is skipping Monte Carlo with a knee injury.

“Nadal will be hard to beat,” added Federer, who could meet the Spaniard in Sunday’s final at one of the circuit’s most glitzy events. “He is clearly the overwhelming favourite even though I haven’t seen him play yet. But I still wouldn’t be happy losing to him in the final.”

My comment : A great for our maestro, but please don't be too over confident.

Roddick's ranking went down fast

2011-03-28T10:46:00.010+08:00

After losing to Pablo Cuevas 6-4, 7-6 in his opening match in Miami, defending champion Andy Roddick could fall as far as No. 15 when the rankings are released after the tournament is finished. It would be the top American’s lowest ranking since 2002.

Roddick was having trouble breathing during the match and thinks he’s suffering from a bronchial infection. His coach, Larry Stefanki told FOXSports.com that he began to feel sick when he arrived in Miami, after losing to Richard Gasquet early at Indian Wells.

"I’ve had something for a little while, but I’m going to have it checked out when I get home," said Roddick. "I’ve had it dating back to Memphis [where he won the title] off and on. That’s a little too long, I think. It’s deep in the chest.

It’s not even so much nasally or throat or anything, it’s just when I laugh, I start sounding like a car trying to start."

Article by Matthew Cronin

My Comment : hang in there Roddick, you have my support.

Roger Federer is in doubt ???

2011-03-25T09:50:00.009+08:00

Even if he denies it in front of the press, even if he refuses to talk about a changing of the guard, Roger Federer can't get away from it now: His game is slipping, fast. This isn't to attack his credentials or past but to try and approach the situation with a sober mind, which Federer doesn't want to seem to do.

He's still good enough to reach at least the semifinals of the events he's entering but not to put away other top players like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. What's the problem? His serve doesn't hurt like it used to. Whereas it was a huge weapon for him, this shot isn't decisive anymore and that's why he now has to play many rallies from the baseline. So Federer is giving up easy points on his service games and can't put on the usual pressure when he returns.

He once used to get 10 to 15 aces per match and many more winners (not to mention all the short balls he was getting behind his first serve). Now he's struggling with his serve and it weakens his whole game. A defensive backhand. If this shot was always his "weakness," it was still way better than many others on the Tour. Nowadays he's abusing the chop, which puts him too often on the defense.

Furthermore, this shot has less velocity on it than in years past. It's not low or fast enough. His attacking backhand is often leading to many unforced errors when his rivals stick him on that side, as Djokovic did in the Indian Wells semis. Slowing stamina. Roger remains and his fitness trainer should be thanked — one of the quickest players on court. His footwork allows him to quickly turn around on his backhand and to take the ball as early as possible.

Yet Federer is now suffering on the long runs during a match; some of his ups and downs can be explained by a general fitness that looks like it's slowing. Distracted focus. It's one of his biggest issues of the moment. While he can still play some matches at a very high level, he also can play others in which he commits a lot of unforced errors. Federer's fitness may be suspect, but his focus is low enough where it appears to be tough for him to keep the same level of commitment during a whole match. It's enough to beat many players, but it hampers him when he battles the top players, who take advantage when Federer first cracks that door.

Article by Patrick Mouratoglou

My comment :Federer is aging, give him a break already. Just let him play till his heart content. This man has achieve so much already. My advice to federer : just play and make sure that you can still be a threat to other players in the court.

Caroline Wozniacki wins ATP BNP Paribas Final

2011-03-21T09:55:00.011+08:00

Indian Wells : Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki defeated 15th-seeded Marion Bartoli 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 to win the title a year after the Dane lost in the final.

Wozniacki won her WTA Tour-leading 19th match of the year and her second title while appearing in the final for her third consecutive tournament. Wozniacki won on her second match point when Bartoli’s backhand sailed beyond the baseline.

Bartoli was playing in her first final since 2009, and she fell to 2-6 in matches against the No. 1 player. The victory allowed Wozniacki to improve her results for the fifth straight year in the desert. She lost in the first round in her 2007 debut, reached the fourth round in 2008, the quarterfinals in 2009 and was runner-up to Jelena Jankovic a year ago.

She earned $700,000, and was already assured of remaining No. 1 through the upcoming two-week tournament in Miami. Bartoli is projected to be No. 10 when the rankings are released Monday, her first time back in the Top 10 since June 2008.

“If every single match I could play like that throughout the years, I would be pretty happy,” Bartoli said. “Even though I came up a bit short at the end and she was better than me, I think it was really a great fight.”

Article by beth Harris

My Comment : Caroline looks beautiful in this picture, don't you think so ?

Djokovic beat Federer and Nadal to win ATP BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

2011-03-21T09:35:00.015+08:00

INDIAN WELLS, California : Novak Djokovic beat top-ranked Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win the BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday, keeping the Serbian undefeated this year. Djokovic improved to 18-0, including victories at the Australian Open and in Dubai last month.

He will move into the No. 2 spot when the ATP Tour rankings are released Monday, having bumped Roger Federer down to third after he lost to Djokovic in the semifinals. Nadal will remain No. 1 with a 14-3 record. After Nadal’s forehand hit the net on match point, Djokovic threw his head back and let out a prolonged yell while pumping both arms.

Djokovic became just the third player to beat Nadal and Federer in the same tournament twice, having last done it at Montreal in 2007. That year, Djokovic lost to Nadal in the final here, then won in 2008. Nadal had beaten Djokovic in all five of their previous finals meetings, and he broke him twice to win the first set.

Djokovic broke to lead 5-3 in the second set, then survived a five-deuce game on his serve to take the set, winning when Nadal’s backhand went wide.

Article by Beth Harris

My Comment : Novak Djokovic was truely awesome. I think he would become the next number 1 before the end of 2011, hey ! it's about time he deserve it. This could be Djokovic year indeed.

Beginners : Returned Serve in Double

2011-03-15T09:59:00.008+08:00

Returning serve in doubles is a complicated animal. Not only do you have to get the ball in play, but you have to direct it to a spot that will neutralize your opponents and hopefully make your partner at net a factor.

That’s why it’s a more pressurized situation than returning serve in singles and is a key to your success as a team. Here are some things to consider that will increase your chances of making an impact on your opponents’ service games.

BEGINNER OBJECTIVE 1
Get into the point. The most important thing on the return is to keep it simple. Try to make solid contact and put the ball in play. One of the biggest booby traps for beginners is the tendency to worry too much about the opposing net player. This causes your concentration to waver and makes a successful return more difficult.

Pick a big target area crosscourt that gives you plenty of mar-gin for error, and don’t con-cern yourself with whether the net player poaches. If he does, so be it. Hit a good re-turn and he’ll have trouble with the volley anyway. Once you can get the ball back crosscourt consistently, you can start to get a little more creative. Hit down the line to keep the net player honest or toss up a few lob returns for a change of pace. Much of this will revolve around the movement and activity level of the opposing net player. If he’s stationary, you can focus on getting the ball back to the server.

BEGINNER OBJECTIVE 2
Put your net player in the right position. In a perfect doubles world, the returning team’s net play-er would look to cut off as many balls as possible. But with less-skilled players the role is a less intrusive one, as you should focus primarily on protecting your side of the court and preparing for any potential volleys. It’s impor-tant to make sure you give your partner the best chance to return.

If that means mov-ing back to the baseline so there’s less pressure on him to keep the ball away from the net man, then do it. If you’re going to be up at net, stand on the service line halfway between the singles sideline and the center line. That puts you in a good position to cover your side of the court. It also allows you to move forward if your partner hits a strong return or retreat to the baseline if it’s a weak one.

Article by Paul Annacone

My Comment : very informative

Andy Roddick Spectacular Shot

2011-02-22T09:49:00.014+08:00

Andy Roddick called it the "best shot I've ever hit in my life." Considering it was a tournament-winning, Boris Becker-style, all-out dive for a winner that gave him his 30th career title and a tense victory over an up-and-coming star, it's not just hyperbole.

The miracle shot capped a thrilling 7-6 (5), 6-7 (11), 7-5 Roddick victory over Milos Raonic in the finals of the ATP 500 event in Memphis. If Roddick doesn't get to the ball or hit it in play, Raonic, the big-hitting 20-year-old Canadian would have been serving at deuce to get into a decisive tiebreak.

But, oh, did he get to it: Nobody was as surprised at the end result as Roddick: "I played a pretty good point before that. Just making the return, you get disheartened when he doesn't miss the next ball because it's tough to get a serve back. He had a great volley there. I don't really remember much else besides the fact that I went for the ball, I hit it, I didn't really think much of it. Then I heard people cheering. I was like, ‘No, there's no way that went in.' I guess it did."

Raonic was equally impressed. After the match he said he was proud to be on the receiving end of such a spectacular point and that he looked forward to seeing himself on YouTube as a result. With bloody knees and elbows, Roddick accepted the winner's trophy in Memphis for a third time. On Monday, he withdrew from a scheduled tournament in Delray Beach. I'd say he deserves the rest.

Yonex RDiS 100 Mid

2011-02-14T08:55:00.007+08:00

Offering a crisp response from all areas of the court, this player's racquet rewards those with solid technique. Those with the ability to utilize the mass of this racquet will find excellent plough through from the baseline. Our playtesters found lots of bite from the stringbed and a very crisp feel. Spin production comes easily and our testers were finding lots of hop on topspin shots and plenty of bite on slice shots.

At net the racquet feels very crisp and clean providing lots of feedback for touch and placement shots. The stiff frame result in a high level of stability and lots of pop from the sweetspot of the racquet. Best suited to advance players.

Head Size:93 sq. in. / 600 sq. cm.

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 12.1oz / 343g

Balance: 8pts Head Light

Composition: High Modulus Graphite / Elastic Titanium / CS Carbon Nanotube

Power Level: Low

Swing Speed: Fast

String Tension: 50-65 pounds

Player Using This Racquet : Lleyton Hewit

Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray to win Australian Open 2011

2011-01-31T14:41:00.011+08:00

MELBOURNE, Australia: Novak Djokovic gave his old friend Andy Murray a sympathetic hug and a few consoling words, then got on with the real celebrations. Djokovic walked to the middle of the court, tossed his racket into the crowd, then stripped off his shirt and shoes and hurled them, too.

The 23-year-old Serb had plenty to celebrate after his 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 win over Murray in the Australian Open final on Sunday night. Djokovic’s second Australian title made him only the fourth active player on the men’s tour to win multiple majors. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have had a lock on the men’s side, winning 21 of the previous 23, while Lleyton Hewitt has two titles—the last coming at Wimbledon in 2002.

“It’s been a fantastic tournament for me,” Djokovic said. “I don’t want to fly up to the sky and say, ‘I am the best,’ or whatever. I cannot compare to Rafa and Roger’s success.” He’s the most successful player so far in 2011, though, and that’s what counts right now.

“Certainly this will give me a lot of motivation for the continuation of the season, because to win a Grand Slam at the start of the season is the best start you can ask for,” he said. “It means a world to me. I’m still 23. I still have a lot of time to go.”

Federer beat Nadal in 3 sets of the ATP Barclays World Tour Final

2010-11-29T07:21:00.009+08:00

London, November 28 : Roger Federer clinched his fifth season-ending championship with a 6-3 3-6 6-1 victory over world number one Rafael Nadal at the World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London. The 29-year-old won the opening set after sealing a single and decisive break, before Nadal hit back to level the match as he took the second set by the same margin.

But it was Federer who had the edge, and the Swiss broke his opponent's serve twice to sail serenely through the final set 6-1 and clinch a thrilling victory to end this year's campaign in the perfect fashion. Federer triumphed in one hour, 37 minutes when he looped a forehand on to the baseline. It was his 32nd winner of the match and the 16-times Grand Slam champion walked off with the £1 million jackpot.

Both players received rousing support from a capacity crowd, and the quality was typically high early on as each held serve under immense pressure. Federer seized his opportunity in clinical fashion at 4-3 to seal what proved a decisive break as Nadal faltered fractionally on serve, and two stunning backhand passes saw the Swiss assume a 5-3 advantage. The world number two closed out the opening set in just 32 minutes with an unerring service hold to stamp his authority on the encounter.

But Nadal was not denied for long, and the Spaniard slammed two sensational forehand winners to breach his opponent's defence and seize the initiative with a break at 3-1 in the second set. Federer could not muster a response despite throwing everything at the world number one, and Nadal held his composure to close out the second set in 34 minutes and set up a seemingly inevitable decider.

The final set was absorbing as the pair traded blows in breathtaking extended rallies, and it took until the fourth game for either play to force a breakthrough. Federer took control in the fourth game when he unleashed a staggering array of attacking shots from the back of the court to break at 3-1. The world number two consolidated his break of serve at 4-1, before moving to within a game of the match with a second assault on Nadal's serve .

Federer was utterly relentless and unwavering in his pursuit of victory, and a final service hold with a forehand which landed inside the baseline saw the Swiss end his season on a high.

Article by Dan Quarrell / Eurosport / Photo by Gettys Image

My Comment : congratulation to Roger Federer for a splendid game.

Federer down Soderling in straight sets

2010-11-26T10:11:00.006+08:00

LONDON, November 25: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after winning his men's singles match against Robin Soderling of Sweden during ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena. Federer beat Soderling 7-6, 6-3. Federer will join Murray in the Semi final of the ATP World Tour.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Murray celebrates winning against Ferrer

2010-11-26T10:03:00.004+08:00

London, November 25 : Scotland's Andy Murray celebrates winning the first set while playing against David Ferrer of Spain in a singles match during the Barclays ATP World Tour Tennis Finals in London. Murray stormed into the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals with a crushing 6-2, 6-2 win.

Photo by Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

Roddick frustrated over light and early exit

2010-11-25T07:27:00.006+08:00

LONDON, November 24 : The advertising lights behind the baseline flashed and flickered, even while play was going on, and each time it made Andy Roddick more and more frustrated. Finally, after being broken for the second time in the match, Roddick snapped.

Or, actually, the rim of his racket snapped when he smashed it against his foot. “I was angry with myself and there wasn’t anybody else to talk to at that moment,” Roddick said wryly after losing to Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-3 Wednesday at the ATP World Tour Finals. Roddick had been playing well through the first set, but shortly after wasting a pair of set points on Berdych’s serve while leading 5-4, the eighth-ranked American was broken and eventually dropped the set. In the second, Roddick held his first two service games relatively easily.

Then, at 2-2, the neon lights on the front of the boxes where the line judges stand started to change, flickering red sometimes and then back to the light blue that they’re supposed to be. With Roddick growing increasingly frustrated, Berdych took a 15-30 lead with a forehand winner. Roddick then dumped a forehand wide on the next shot and lost his replay challenge, giving Berdych two break points.

After saving one when Berdych sent a forehand return long, Roddick tried an overhead smash from the baseline but the ball landed out, giving Berdych a 3-2 lead. That’s when he let it all out. First, he whacked a ball high into the rafters—it eventually landed only three rows from the top of the lower section of the O2 Arena.

Then, when he was walking back to his chair for the changeover, he smashed his racket against his foot and drew a code violation from the chair umpire. “The neons in the back weren’t quite to the settled position. They were still advertising fun stuff,” said Roddick, who dropped to 0-2 at the round-robin tournament for the top eight players in the world.

“When you’re trying to track a ball, it’s kind of neon lights and stuff. Then Tomas noticed it. A couple of them just went out before we played a point.” The match finished with the lights off.

By CHRIS LEHOURITES :Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Nadal defeat Djokovic with troubled eye

2010-11-25T07:17:00.006+08:00

LONDON, November 24 : World number one Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 7-5 6-2 at the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday after the Serb suffered eye trouble. What had been an intense battle for more than hour in front of a sell-out O2 Arena suddenly became a stroll for Nadal after the world number three (Djokovic) began to struggle with his vision.

He left the court at 4-4 in the first set after a problem with his contact lenses and was still rubbing his eyes when he dropped serve at 5-5, giving Nadal the chance to serve out an opening set which lasted 76 minutes. Djokovic, who was beaten by Nadal in the U.S. Open final this year, had treatment on his eyes before the start of the second set, slapping his thigh in frustration as a physio shone lights into his eyes.

Nadal prowled the baseline waiting for his opponent to continue and showed no mercy as he seized two breaks in an anti-climactic second set which sped by in 36 minutes. The Spaniard closed out victory when Djokovic wafted a return out and now leads Group A with two victories.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Soderling down Ferrer in straight sets

2010-11-24T07:31:00.005+08:00

ENGLAND, NOVEMBER 23: Robin Soderling of Sweden reacts to a playduring his men's singles match against David Ferrer of Spain during the ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena. Sodeling won ( 7-5, 7-5 ) in straight sets against Ferrer.

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Federer dismantle Murray in O2 Arena

2010-11-24T07:18:00.006+08:00

England, November 23 : Roger Federer dismantled Andy Murray 6-4 6-2 at the ATP World Tour Finals in London to move a step closer to a place in the semi-finals. With two straight sets wins under his belt, Federer is firmly in the driving seat in Group B although Murray and Robin Soderling both have one win and one loss apeice and can still progress with wins in their final group games on Thursday.

Federer was on imperious form as he raced through the match in less than 90 minutes, sealing the win when Murray dumped a forehand return of serve into the bottom of the net. "I think if you play many times against each other, you can't go the distance every single time," a charitable Federer said after improving his career record against Murray to six wins in 14 meetings.

"Tennis is not rocket science. It's pretty straightforward. I think he's going to turn around and come back and play a real good match in the next round." Murray had beaten Federer in similarly easy straight sets in the Shanghai final just over a month ago, but rarely looked likely to trouble the world number two in London as he struggled to replicate the heights of his form against Soderling on Sunday.

Federer quickly made his dominance tell as he broke to love in the third game, when he drilled a forehand passing shot down the centre of the court, over the top of Murray's racquet. The Swiss 29-year-old came out on to court with a clear game plan of rushing the net at every available opportunity on the slow courts, and it paid dividends throughout as Murray was pushed onto the back foot.

Although the Scot started to find some rhythm as the opening set progressed, Federer was already in control and won his first set point when Murray sent a cross court forehand wide. The second set was even more one-sided as Federer raced out to a 4-0, double-break lead before Murray could even get himself on the scoreboard.

Once again the Scot did manage to find some form towards the end, but it was far too little too late and Federer comfortably wrapped up the win on his first match point. "I got off to a bad start in both sets, which doesn't help," a glum Murray said just minutes after walking off court.

"I returned poorly, served poorly. Against him, that's not going to win you the match." With one win and one loss to his name, both in straight sets, Murray will now have to beat Ferrer on Thursday and hope that the result in the Federer-Soderling clash goes his way as well.

Article by Pippa Davis / Eurosport / photo by Gettys image

Djokovic cruise easily against Berdych

2010-11-23T07:28:00.006+08:00

London, November 22 : Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his winning match against Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic. Djokovic won an easily straight sets of 6-3, 6-3. Great match there Djokovic, I'm not sure either Berdych is even putting up a fight there, hmmm ...

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Nadal throught first around after bumpy start against Roddick

2010-11-23T07:04:00.009+08:00

London, November 22 : Rafael Nadal reaction after beating Andy Roddick 3-6, 7-6, 6-4, in an awesome comeback by Nadal after losing first set to Roddick during ATP Barclays World Tour Final. Can Nadal really get throught the whole match after this heated match against Roddick in the first round match ?

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Murray dump Soderling straight sets in first round match

2010-11-22T07:28:00.005+08:00

Andy Murray made a solid start to the ATP World Tour Finals in London as he thumped Robin Solderling 6-2 6-4 in his opening match at the imposing O2 Arena. Murray, the world number five, came into the match a spot below Soderling in the world rankings after the Swedish player's success in winning the Paris Masters last week, but he made a mockery of those standings in the opening set.

Soderling could not live with Murray's court coverage, movement, pace of shot or, indeed, the consistency of his serving as the opening set turned into what could be described as a 'tennis clinic' on how a Tour professional should play the game. "I think tactically it was a great match.

I think I played very smart tennis today," commented Murray, who completed his win in one hour and 20 minutes. "Obviously it was getting tough in the second set with a lot of long rallies, but I stuck to my tactics well and managed to come through.

" He broke to move 2-1 ahead with a lovely backhand winner down the line before letting out a huge yell of "c'mon".

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Federer beat Ferrer straight sets in Barcleys ATP World Tour Opener

2010-11-22T07:12:00.004+08:00

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) and David Ferrer of Spain pose for press on court after their men's singles first round match during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 21, 2010 in London, England. Federer won 6-1,6-4 against David Ferrer.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Biography of Mikhail Youzhny

2010-11-10T07:13:00.005+08:00

Mikhail Mikhailovich Youzhny born 25 June 1982, in Moscow, USSR (now Russia), is a professional Russian tennis player, noted for his consistency and all-court play style. He has been coached by Boris Sobkin for 17 years.

The highest singles world ranking of his career was number seven, achieved on 18 October 2010.

Playing style and equipment :

Youzhny has a unique backhand, in which he mainly hits one-handed, but also has somewhat of a hybrid reminiscent to that of Björn Borg. Youzhny at times will follow through his backhand with both hands, but with only his right hand on his racket. Even so, many consider his backhand to be his best shot. From both sides, Youzhny hits the ball on the rise, achieving a flatter trajectory. He has a good court sense and often makes use of dropshots.

Youzhny has a reputation for engaging the crowd, subsequently taking inspiration from it to attempt high-risk winners, especially when facing matchpoints. After each big victory Youzhny gives a military style salute to the spectators. He does it by holding the tennis racquet above his head with his left hand and saluting with his right hand. The racquet imitates a hat, since according to Russian military tradition one must wear a hat to give proper salute.

As for his equipment, he wears adidas clothing and Barricade V shoes and uses a Head Youtek Extreme Pro racquet.

Federer calls to shorten tennis calender

2010-11-10T07:02:00.005+08:00

Roger Federer has backed calls to shorten the tennis calendar to protect players from burnout by creating a six week off-season. World number one Rafael Nadal, who has also said the season is too long, and top French player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are among the high-profile absentees due to injury at the Paris Masters this week.

"I think it's time we shifted back a bit and we get a proper off-season really," Federer, who has never got further than the quarter-finals, told reporters. The ATP is to finalise its proposed calendars for the 2012 and 2013 seasons at a series of board meetings in London during the World Tour Finals in November.

The governing body has said it was looking at a "meaningful way" to reduce a punishing schedule. "Four weeks is just not enough off-season really," Federer said. "Six weeks I think is much better as already you can take two weeks off...practise three, four weeks which is a lot for us in our world."

Several top players are behind the appeal for a tour overhaul including world number three Novak Djokovic, who sits with Nadal on the Players' Council. Federer, who meets Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the second round on Wednesday, said it was in the "best interests" of tournaments which are often hit with a series of withdrawals towards the end of the tennis calendar year.

World number nine Fernando Verdasco attributed his recent poor form to the heavy schedule. The Spaniard, who came through a tough three-setter against veteran Frenchman Arnaud Clement on Tuesday, had only won one match since the U.S. Open in September.

"Yes, maybe I am a little tired," the sixth seed said. "The year is very long and for me personally it's been an extremely long three years. "In 2008, there was the Davis Cup final ... I had just three days holiday and last year we were again in the Davis Cup final."

Becker said Andy Murray need to be Mature

2010-11-10T06:39:00.009+08:00

Boris Becker has said that one of the reasons Andy Murray has not won a Grand Slam yet is down to his close relationship with his mother. Judy Murray, a tennis coach herself, is regularly seen with Murray at events, and Becker believes it shows a lack of maturity on the Scot's part.

"In many ways, Murray seems younger than 23," Becker is quoted as saying in the Mirror. "Like how close he still is to his mother, Judy. He has also been pretty much with the same girlfriend for the past three or four years. "That is something you don't usually do when you're 23, it's what you do when you're 19 or 20.

Maybe he is maturing a bit slower and that shows on the court. "On a tennis court, you are by yourself. You cannot ask anybody on important points what to do. "You have to be convinced yourself what is the right thing to do. That is called maturity.

I find he still hasn't matured enough to be able to make the right decisions in a Grand Slam." Becker won Wimbledon when he was just 17 but the German legend said there is still plenty of time for Murray to win one of the big prizes in tennis. "I think he is awfully close and one of these days he will break through," said Becker.

"He is like Arsenal because they look pretty and play good but haven't won trophies and their fans get impatient. But stick with the tactics and Wenger and Murray will do it!"

Nadal will be back in London for ATP World Tour Final

2010-11-09T07:16:00.005+08:00

PARIS (AP)—Top-ranked Rafael Nadal said Monday the shoulder injury that forced him out of the Paris Masters won’t prevent him from playing at the ATP World Tour finals later this month. Nadal told a news conference he has a small case of tendinitis in his left shoulder and that he withdrew from the final Masters tournament of the season to avoid risking a serious injury before the London event and next year’s Australian Open.

Nadal said he will need one week of full training to be ready for the ATP Finals, which run from Nov. 21-28. “I’m fine. I went to the doctor and he told me the injury could worsen if I was playing,” Nadal said. “This is the end of the season and all those matches took a toll on my shoulder.”

After winning the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open this season, Nadal is guaranteed to finish the year at No. 1. He has played in 33 of the past 35 Masters 1000 tournaments. “It’s disappointing not to be able to play here,” said Nadal, who reached the finals in Paris three years ago.

“It’s the last Masters 1000 of the year and for sure one of my favorites in the world. It was not an easy decision but I played all others Masters 1000 and all Grand Slams this season.” The Spaniard added he is determined to “play well in London on the most difficult surface for me, where it will be difficult for me to win.”

Nadal was eliminated in the round robin phase at last year’s ATP Finals after losing his three matches without winning a single set. “I will have a special motivation, and I’m going to give everything I can to play well here,” Nadal said. “I want to improve the image of last year. I’ll try to win.”

“Playing less is almost impossible if you want to stay on top,” Nadal said. “After that, I think you can change a few things, but not many. It worked well for me in 2010 and I will more or less try to stick to the same program next year.”

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN, AP Sports Writer

Federer reclaim his home title from Djokovic

2010-11-08T07:24:00.005+08:00

BASEL, Switzerland (AP)—Roger Federer reclaimed his hometown title from Novak Djokovic, beating the defending champion 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in the Swiss Indoors final on Sunday.

The top-seeded Federer broke the Serb’s serve early in the first, and twice in the deciding set to cruise to victory in under two hours. Federer’s 65th career singles title moved him past Pete Sampras into sole possession of fourth on the list in the modern era. Jimmy Connors leads with 109.

The Basel-born Federer was watched courtside by his parents, his wife, Mirka, and their 15-month-old twin daughters, Myla and Charlene. “It’s very emotional winning at home, it makes it extra special. Because I live here and because the fans are behind me,” Federer said.

A former ballboy at the tournament, Federer won three straight Swiss Indoors titles from 2006-08 before Djokovic broke the streak when they met in last year’s final. “It’s great to have won it after losing last year. It reminded me of last year’s match, but (this time) I got off to a great start in the third set,” he said.

Djokovic said he lost “a little bit of balance and focus” in the decider. “You don’t get many chances against Roger when he is on top of you. There was no way back,” Djokovic said. The 29-year-old Swiss improved to 12-6 lifetime against Djokovic, and 3-1 this year.

His only loss to the 23-year-old Serb this season came in a five-set U.S. Open semifinal in which he wasted two match points. “Results-wise, Roger is the best player ever to play the game,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview.

Federer will take a 57-12 season mark—and No. 1 seeding in the absence with a shoulder injury of top-ranked Rafael Nadal—into the Paris Masters, which began Sunday. It’s the last event before the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals being held Nov. 21-28 in London.

Djokovic dropped to 2-2 in 2010 title matches, with wins in Dubai and Beijing and a U.S. Open final loss to Nadal.

Federer oust Roddick to meet Djokovic in final ATP Basel Swiss Indoor

2010-11-07T08:31:00.009+08:00

BASEL, Switzerland (AP)—Roger Federer made short work of Andy Roddick this time, winning 6-2, 6-4 in the Swiss Indoors semifinals on Saturday in their first rematch since the epic 2009 Wimbledon final.

Federer broke Roddick’s serve twice in each set and fired 13 aces to the American’s four to win in 69 minutes. “He couldn’t serve an ace for a long time, and that’s always a good sign you’re getting a decent read on his serve,” Federer said.

“It’s unfortunate my bad serving day came today,” Roddick said. “I was just a little bit out of rhythm. You can’t afford to do that against Roger.” The top-seeded Swiss improved his career record to 20-2 against Roddick. “For some reason it always kind of works well for me against Andy,” Federer said.

Federer will face defending champion Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday. Djokovic beat his Serbian Davis Cup teammate Viktor Troicki 7-6 (4), 6-4. “It’s obviously a difficult final,” said Federer, whose streak of three Basel titles was ended by Djokovic. “It’s as tough as they come on a quick indoor court.”

“Looking back over this week, there’s more positives than negatives,” said Roddick, who will play in the Paris Masters next week. The second-seeded Djokovic was pushed harder for his victory. He saved three set points in the first trailing 6-5, 40-0 on Troicki’s serve.

“I was very lucky to get out of the first set and I regained my confidence,” said Djokovic, who forced a tiebreaker after starting a run of winners with a blistering forehand return. “I closed my eyes and hit it as hard as I could. That’s what we were joking about.”

Longtime friends, Djokovic and Troicki walked off the court laughing with an arm around each other’s shoulders. They’ll likely play singles for Serbia when it hosts the Davis Cup final against France on Dec. 3-5.

photo by AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI

Equipment : Wilson K Factor KPro Staff 88

2010-11-06T08:16:00.010+08:00

A racquet so hefty it makes the ProStaff Original 6.0 85 and KSix-One Tour 90 feel light and maneuverable in comparison, the KPro Staff 88 was designed especially for Pete Sampras and features his signature on the frame.

Although now playing only senior tour and exhibition tennis, Sampras is striking the ball as well as ever. The KPro Staff 88 has replaced his trusted ProStaff Original 6.0 85 and brings with it a higher swingweight and a less head light balance in stock form. Offering a tremendous amount of follow through, the KPro Staff 88 provides rock solid stability on every shot.

Players will need to have good technique and some strength to get the most out of this stick. Long, smooth and fast swings result in a very heavy and penetrating ball. There's lots of bite from the stringbed, allowing plenty of spin production. Thanks to the weight of the racquet, hitting with depth comes easily.

Once in motion, the weight of the racquet pushes the ball deep into the opposing court. At net, the KPro Staff 88 offers pinpoint precision. The control oriented response and excellent stability combine to allow the player to dominate the ball, even when up against heavy passing attempts. Well-timed serves come off the racquet with lots of pace and weight.

Stronger players will find good access to spin and enough mass to hit with plenty of heat. Although this is a demanding player's racquet, in the right hands (NTRP 5.0+) this stick combines axe like power with scalpel like precision.

Head Size: 88 sq. in. / 568 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12.8oz / 363g
Balance: 6pts Head Light
Composition: 100%[K]arophite Black
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
String Tension: 50-60 pounds
Player Using This Racquet : Pete Sampras

Federer demolish Stepanek to meet Roddick in ATP Basel semifinal

2010-11-06T07:58:00.007+08:00

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer will face Andy Roddick for the first time since their epic 2009 Wimbledon final after both advanced to the semifinals of the Swiss Indoors.

The top-seeded Swiss and No. 4 Roddick set up the rematch by sweeping through their quarterfinals in straight sets on Friday. Federer eased past Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and the American rode his big serve in a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Argentina’s David Nalbandian.

More than 16 months after a classic, 4-hour, 16-minute encounter ended with Federer taking the fifth set 16-14, Roddick pretended to have forgotten all about it. “What final?” he deadpanned to reporters, before acknowledging he relished the fresh challenge.

“I always look forward to playing (Roger),” said Roddick, who hit 11 aces in his win. “You want to play the best if you are an athlete and a competitor. You want to get out there and give it a go.” Federer said his 19-2 career record against Roddick was not a fair reflection of their rivalry.

“He is much better than the head-to-head record shows. We’ve had a lot of close matches,” Federer said.

In the other semifinal, Novak Djokovic and Serbian teammate Viktor Troicki will have to set aside their focus on the Davis Cup final to play each other after both advanced with straight-set victories. Djokovic eased past 67th-ranked qualifier Robin Haase of the Netherlands 6-2, 6-3, after Troicki beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2.

Troicki could face Gasquet again when Serbia hosts France in the Davis Cup final next month in Belgrade. Djokovic said he is already focused on the “chance of a lifetime” to win the title in front of the home fans. “It’s the priority goal for the end of the year, to win that title,” Djokovic said.

“God knows if we are going to have another opportunity to play in the finals, especially at home. We have a quality team and if we all stay healthy and physically ready we have a chance to go the next step.” Serbia hosts France in the 17,000-capacity indoor Belgrade Arena on Dec. 3-5.

While Djokovic is the undisputed team leader, Troicki is using his performance in Basel to make a case for the second singles selection. “Viktor is playing the best tennis of his life,” said the second-seeded Djokovic, who is the defending champion in Basel.

Troicki has played some of the best tennis of his career since Serbia reached the final by beating the Czech Republic in September, winning in Moscow and reaching the semifinals in Tokyo. “Now it’s interesting to play against French players. There’s a little bit more tension,” the 24-year-old Troicki said.

“That is what is keeping me going and motivated.” The 32nd-ranked Troicki will compete for singles duty in Belgrade with No. 46 Janko Tipsarevic. Tipsarevic was courtside on Friday, returning the favor after Troicki attended his second-round loss against Roger Federer on Wednesday.

“This is our biggest strength, we have really good team spirit,” Troicki said. “We are good friends and not just during tournaments.”

Rafael Nadal got himself injured again

2010-11-06T07:44:00.008+08:00

PARIS - Top-ranked Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Paris Masters on Friday because of a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined for at least a week. Nadal said in an e-mail sent out by his management team that he was suffering from “a small case of tendinitis in my left shoulder which came about through forcing my serve too much during training this week.”

“I am very sorry not to be able to play the Paris-Bercy tournament this year,” Nadal said. The Spaniard said the injury wasn’t serious, but he had been advised by doctors that he needed six or seven days rest with intensive rehabilitation treatment.

Nadal is scheduled to play in the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London from Nov. 21-28. The ATP tour said Nadal would still make an appearance at the Paris tournament and would discuss his injury further at a news conference Sunday or Monday.

“It’s always a blow for a tournament to lose Nadal,” event director Jean-Francois Caujolle said. “We still have nine of the 10 best players in the world and I don’t think the tournament has been hampered by his withdrawal, even though it would have been better to have him.”

Nadal recently said he was feeling some fatigue from a successful season in which he won the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Nadal has not played since a third-round defeat to Jurgen Melzer at the Shanghai Masters on Oct 14.

With Nadal’s withdrawal, Roger Federer has been given the No. 1 seed and will start against the winner between Nicolas Mahut and Richard Gasquet.

Defending Champion Djokovic beat Nieminen in ATP Basel

2010-11-05T07:14:00.006+08:00

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates at match point after defeating Jarkko Nieminen of Finland (6-4, 7-6) in straight sets during Day Four of the Davidoff Swiss Indoors Tennis in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Wallpaper Of Ana Ivanovic

2010-11-04T09:28:00.009+08:00

All wallpaper are 1024 x 768 in dimensions
To get wallpaper : Right click on image and then choose Save Target As ...

Elena Dementieva announcing her retirement

2010-11-04T08:47:00.005+08:00

Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, who stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement last week, said starting a family was one of the main reasons for her decision to quit the sport. "It is true that I expect changes in my private life in the near future," the Russian, who ended her playing career at the season-ending WTA Championships in Doha, was quoted as saying by local media on Wednesday.

"I don't want to give all the details because these are very private, intimate things," the 29-year-old said. "But I have to admit I've made a decision to quit mainly because I want to start a family, have kids."

The Muscovite has always been reluctant to discuss her private life but it has been widely reported that she is engaged to Russian ice hockey player Maxim Afinogenov. Dementieva also ruled out the possibility of one day making a comeback like Belgium's Kim Clijsters, who returned to the game in 2009 after more than two years off to start a family and in her third tournament back won the US Open.

"It was a very difficult and emotional but if I decided to quit that was it. I'm not coming back," Dementieva said

Federer to Quaterfinal and Roddick past first round in ATP Basel 2010

2010-11-04T07:04:00.005+08:00

BASEL, Switzerland (AP)—Andy Roddick defeated fellow American Sam Querrey 7-5, 7-6 (6) while Roger Federer cruised into the quarterfinals at the Swiss Indoors on Wednesday. The fourth-seeded Roddick had 16 aces and dropped just six first-service points against the 22nd-ranked Querrey, who served 13 aces.

Roddick faces Andrey Golubev in the second round. Roddick has returned to Basel after seven years in hopes of claiming one of the last three berths in the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals in London this month. Roddick was eighth in the standings coming into the tournament.

Federer, the No. 1 seed, eased past Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic, requiring a single break in each set to complete a 6-3, 6-4 win in St. Jakobshalle. Federer served even more efficiently than Roddick, conceding seven points in nine service games. He sealed the first set with an ace and clinched the match with a service winner.

Ninety minutes after leaving the court, Federer was seated alongside his parents at the soccer game as his Wimbledon conqueror Tomas Berdych was eliminated. The No. 3 seed slumped to a 6-4, 6-1 loss to 72nd-ranked Tobias Kamke, who made the main draw as lucky loser in qualifying.

Novak Djokovic to defend tittle in Davidoff Swiss Indoor

2010-11-03T07:09:00.005+08:00

BASEL, Switzerland (AP)—Novak Djokovic made light work of his opening match at the Swiss Indoors with a 6-4, 6-2 win over big-hitting Ernests Gulbis on Tuesday.

Last year, Djokovic beat Roger Federer to win the title in his Basel debut, and made it six wins in six matches at the tournament on Tuesday. Djokovic will face Daniel Brands or Jarkko Nieminen in the second round, while three-time champion Federer will meet Janko Tipsarevic after the Serb beat Denis Istomin 6-2, 6-4.

Also Tuesday, Richard Gasquet beat Lu Yen-hsun 6-3, 6-1, Santiago Giraldo defeated Karol Beck 6-2, 6-1, and Viktor Troicki beat Michael Berrer 6-3, 6-0.

Gael Monfils wins Sud de France Tennis Open Final

2010-11-03T07:04:00.004+08:00

Gael Monfils of France, left, holds the winner's trophy after defeating Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia , right, during their final match at the Open Sud de France tennis tournament, in Montpellier, southern France, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010.

Kim Clijsters wins WTA Doha Open Final

2010-11-03T06:58:00.006+08:00

Kim Clijsters of Belgium (R) and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark pose with the first and second place trophies respectively following the WTA Championships final tennis match at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex in Doha on October 31, 2010. Clijsters won 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. (Photo by Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty Images)

Federer cruise easily from retired opponent in Basel

2010-11-03T06:44:00.008+08:00

With the score at 6-4 5-2, world number two Federer was serving for the match when 21-year-old Ukrainian Dolgopolov turned his right ankle as he stretched to reach a drop shot at the net.

Federer is looking to regain the title in his hometown after losing in last year's final to Novak Djokovic, having claimed the crown in each of the three preceding years. The Swiss took the initiative midway through the opening set when he converted the first of three break points with a deft drop shot to go 4-3 up.

Dolgopolov, in his first full season on the ATP Tour, had impressed on his serve through much of the first set, but got off to a poor start in the second when a double fault conceded a break point before a wayward forehand gave Federer an early advantage.

The world number 48 then repeated the sequence to put Federer 5-2 up, before his unfortunate injury forced his withdrawal. Federer will now face either Janko Tipsarevic or Denis Istomin in the next round.

Biography of Robin Soderling

2010-10-26T09:01:00.008+08:00

Robin Bo Carl Söderling ( born 14 August 1984 in Tibro) is a professional tennis player from Sweden who is currently ranked #5 in the ATP rankings(26/10/2010). Söderling is best known for reaching successive French Open finals in 2009 and 2010.

In both tournaments, he defeated the defending champion en route to the final—Rafael Nadal in 2009 (becoming the first and, to date, only player to defeat Nadal at the French Open), and Roger Federer in 2010 (ending Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals).

But ironically, it was Federer and Nadal who had beaten Söderling in the 2009 and 2010 French Open finals respectively. He is coached by former world no.2 Magnus Norman. Playing Style and Equipment Söderling's type of game has been described as "brutal". He is known for his competitive drive and powerful game, hitting accurate hard ground strokes.

His serve is heavy and precise, capable of generating a speed of over 140 mph. He can overpower most of his opponents and possesses a very good return game. His double-handed backhand is solid and dependable, while the forehand is regarded as one of the most lethal in today's game. Most of his success has come on faster surfaces (hard courts and indoor carpet), although his best Grand Slam results have occurred at the French Open; this is thought to be due to the heavy conditions and slowness of the clay which allow him more time to set up his powerful shots.

Many people have praised Söderling for his game, saying he is a Grand Slam contender and stable top tenner, though his mental strength and lack of consistency in his game has been his weakness. But in recent years, his mental toughness has improved considerably and this has raised the consistency of his game; much of this has been attributed to the influence of his current coach, former world #2 and 2000 French Open finalist Magnus Norman. Söderling wears Lotto clothing and uses a Head YOUTEK Radical Midplus racquet.

Rivaly With Rafael Nadal Söderling has a noteworthy rivalry with Rafael Nadal originally sparked by a particular incident occurring during a match between the two in 2007. The two met in the third round of Wimbledon in a match that lasted five sets and several days due to rain delays.

Although Nadal won the match, Söderling received considerable media attention for walking off the court while Nadal was preparing to serve to protest Nadal's lengthy time between serves. At the start of the fifth set, Nadal was ready to serve but he didn't realize that Soderling went off to his chair to get a new racquet (on purpose to delay Nadal).

When Soderling went back on court and both were ready to begin the first point, Nadal said to Soderling across the net, "new balls yeah?" and held up his serving ball to show him, which Soderling responded to by "mocking" Nadal's habit of picking at his shorts prior to playing the first point of the final set. Nadal eventually prevailed 6–4, 6–4, 6–7(7), 4–6, 7–5. In 2009 the pair met in a match at the Rome Masters.

Again, a controversial moment took place, where Nadal placed a shot outside the baseline which was then called out by the linesman. Söderling pointed to a mark on the court, but it was clear that it was the incorrect spot where the ball was called out. The umpire left his chair and pointed on the right location yet not the right spot, meaning he ruled the ball to be replayed.

This caused Söderling to lose his temper because the Hawk-Eye replay made it clear that the ball was indeed out. He eventually lost the match 6–1, 6–0. A month later Söderling and Nadal met again at the 2009 French Open. Söderling became the first player ever to defeat Nadal at the French Open by winning in four sets with a score of 6–2, 6–7(2), 6–4, 7–6(2).

The Swede then defeated Nadal again in 2009, in a first-rubber round robin match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (in London), in straight sets 6–4, 6–4. The pair faced each other once again in Paris in the 2010 French Open final, where Nadal won 6–4, 6–2, 6–4. Twenty-four days later, they played each other again in Wimbledon; their previous Wimbledon meeting at the 2007 infamous third round, five-set match.

In this 2010 match, it was a well contested quarterfinal match on grass where eventual champion Nadal dropped the opening set, but ended up coming back to win the match 3–6, 6–3, 7–6(4), 6–1. Nadal now leads the head to head series at 5–2 against Söderling.

Tennis Equipment : Wilson BLX Six.One Tour

2010-10-25T10:52:00.012+08:00

Roger Federer's Six.One Tour gets updated with Wilson's BLX technology. Wilson has woven Basalt fibers in the construction of the racquet for what it calls the most advanced composites in the industry. On court the BLX version of the Six.One Tour picks up where the KFactor version left off.

With a very similar spec, the differences between the two are subtle. The playtesters found the power level and control pretty much identical to the KFactor version with the main difference coming in feel. With Basalt in the construction, the BLX Six. One Tour is designed to resist vibration and offer a cleaner feel.

Compared to the KFactor version, the Six.One Tour BLX feels slightly more dampened. As with previous versions, the racquet is incredibly solid from all areas of the court. The racquet's mass offers excellent plow through on everything from groundstrokes to serves.

At net, there is a high level of control thanks to the solid response and solid bite from the stringbed. All in all an excellent choice for the advanced 5.0+ level player seeking the ultimate in control.

Head Size: 90 sq. in. / 580.64 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 12.5oz / 354.37g
Balance: 9 pts HL
Composition: Karophite Black / Basalt
Power Level: Low Swing Speed: Fast
String Tension: 50-60 pounds
Player Using this Racquet: Roger Federer

Sharapova gets engaged to Lakers' guard Vujacic

2010-10-25T10:35:00.005+08:00

Three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova got engaged to her boyfriend, Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic, after he proposed on Tuesday night at his Manhattan Beach, Calif. home. The two had been dating for nearly a year. TMZ was the first to report the news.

Sharapova's agent has since confirmed it to CNBC's Darren Rovell. Sharapova and Vujacic first went public with their relationship last November when they were seen cuddling at a U2 concert in Los Angeles. Since then, the relationship has become the fodder of tabloids and paparazzi, as the athletes have been photographed together in Los Angeles and Italy, where they vacationed.

This summer, Sharapova invited Vujacic to join her in training at the IMG Academy in Florida. The backup guard for the two-time defending champions credited his girlfriend for helping him prepare for the upcoming basketball season.

Neither should be worried about the inevitable questions on whether marriage will negatively impact their games. Vujacic averaged a career low in points, rebounds, minutes and assists with the Lakers, while Sharapova struggled in Grand Slams and didn't live up to the high expectations following her comeback from shoulder surgery.

No wedding plans have been announced, but given that Vujacic's seasons in Los Angeles often last until mid-June, a post-Wimbledon date could be in the offing.

Federer wins Stockholm Open, to ties with Sampras 64 career titles

2010-10-25T10:19:00.007+08:00

STOCKHOLM (AP)—Roger Federer beat Germany’s Florian Mayer 6-4, 6-3 to win the Stockholm Open on Sunday and match Pete Sampras’ total of 64 career titles. Since 1968, only Jimmy Connors (109), Ivan Lendl (94) and John McEnroe (77) have won more singles tournaments than Federer and Sampras.

“It’s amazing that I’m there where Pete’s ended his career on,” Federer said. “You never know when it’s your last one. That’s why you want to savor every tournament victory.” In beating the 47th-ranked Mayer at Royal Tennis Hall, Federer won his third title of the year. The unseeded German broke serve in the seventh game before Federer started spraying winners to take the set.

Federer showed glimpses of his best form in the second set, mixing power and finesse and ending the match in 63 minutes. By KEITH MOORE, Associated Press Writer

Federer, a 16-time Grand Slam winner, won his 50th match of the year Friday. He became only the fifth man, and the first since Sampras, to win 50 matches in at least nine straight years in the Open era. “Early on, I think that feeling of wanting to prove yourself to the world and all the doubters is a very strong one, so you’re very aggressive in your ways of winning and not enjoying them,” Federer said.

“Today it’s much more of the enjoyment part because I don’t need to prove myself to anyone anymore, except to myself.” Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria presented the trophy to Federer, who was appearing at this tournament for the first time in a decade. “For me, every tournament victory is special,” the Swiss star said. “This is one I’ll definitely remember, maybe more than other ones.”

Mayer, yet to win an ATP title, was appearing in his third career final and first in four years. He knocked out second-seeded Robin Soderling in the quarterfinals and his unorthodox style also gave Federer difficulty. Federer has beaten Mayer in all three of their matches without losing a set. Indeed, Federer has lost only five matches against players ranked above 40 in the past five years.

“It was over really after the first set,” Mayer said. “I got tired while his game improved a lot, but I felt it was a closer match than the score showed.” Federer had to come from a set behind to beat countryman Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarterfinals and was broken in the third game of Saturday’s semifinal against fourth-seeded Ivan Ljubicic before coming back.

This was Federer’s first tournament title in Sweden and the 18th country in which he has won. “It feels great winning any tournament, but especially in a country where I’ve never been successful before,” Federer said. “Mayer played a really good match in the final, and I had to really come up with some good tennis.”

Federer cruise Soderling to reach Semifinal ATP Shanghai Open 2010

2010-10-16T15:27:00.007+08:00

Roger Federer thumped old foe Robin Soderling 6-1 6-1 in the Shanghai Masters last eight to book a semi-final match with Novak Djokovic. The Swiss master was rarely tested by the Swedish fifth seed, who endured a forgettable afternoon against the man he upset in the French Open earlier this year.

Federer's win was not quite up the standard of his 6-4 6-4 7-5 victory over Soderling at the US Open last month, but in truth it did not have to be as his opponent suffered with the heavier conditions in Shanghai and his timing. The pair split the opening two games of the match before Federer won the next 10 as Soderling began to bleed games with worrying regularity.

Soderling held to prevent a whitewash in the second set, but he was put out of his misery in the seventh game as Federer polished off the match boasting 62 per cent success on his first serve. Federer completed his progress in 53 minutes and should be fresh to face Djokovic.

The Serb saved two match points in downing Federer in the semi-finals of the US Open last month. "Today was a quick match but tomorrow's against Novak will not be based on fitness, it will be in the details," said Federer. "It will be a bit more tactical, with more rallies, and more interesting," added the Swiss, who will be seeking revenge for the epic five-set defeat by the Serb in the U.S. Open semi-finals last month.

Djokovic, who won the China Open in Beijing on Monday, was hopeful of downing Federer again. "I just need to focus on my game. If I play as well as I have done recently, I think I have a good chance," he said.

Soderling eases into Malaysian Open quarterfinals

2010-10-01T12:54:00.005+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (AP) —Top-seeded Robin Soderling breezed past Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-0, 6-1 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Malaysian Open. The fifth-ranked Swede dominated the match with his blistering serves and accurate shots to set up a meeting with Andrey Golubev.

Golubev edged Kevin Anderson 6-4, 7-6 (4). Soderling dropped only eight points in the 22-minute first set. Roger-Vasselin got on the board in the second set when he held serve to lead 1-0. Third-seeded Tomas Berdych defeated Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-3, and David Ferrer of ousted Yuki Bhambri 6-2, 6-2.

Del Potro early exit from Thailand Open 2010

2010-09-29T09:37:00.006+08:00

NONTHABURI, Thailand (AP)—Juan Martin del Potro’s return from an eight-month injury layoff ended in a 7-6 (7), 6-4 loss to Olivier Rochus at the Thailand Open on Tuesday. The 2009 U.S. Open champion hasn’t played since the Australian Open in January.

He withdrew from several tournaments before having surgery on his right wrist in May. “I played a good match,” Del Potro said. “I had my chances in the first-set tiebreak and he played some great points. I’m just happy to be back on the circuit, and I hope I get better and better.” Rochus, who is a foot shorter than the 6-foot-6 Del Potro, was solid from the baseline and used a strong counter-attacking game against an erratic opponent.

Del Potro faced set point at 6-5, 30-40, but he blasted three successive aces to force the tiebreaker. The Argentine fought back from 3-0 down to earn a set point following a backhand winner. Rochus used a sharp backhand to tie it 6-6, and a powerful forehand wrapped up the first set.

Del Potro took a 2-0 lead in the second set, but unforced errors cost him the next three games. Trailing 5-3, Del Potro took risks with big shots to save two match points. But Rochus sealed victory in the next game when the Argentine’s backhand sailed wide.

Nazim-Davydenko pair lost in Malaysian Open Doubles match

2010-09-29T09:25:00.005+08:00

Kuala Lumpur : In fairness, 17-year-old junior Nazim and singles specialist Davydenko had little chance in their match against the 4th seeded doubles pairing of American Eric Butorac and Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands Antilles, as they went down 3-6, 3-6 in front of a highly supportive local crowd.

"It was a great experience for me today with Nicolay supporting me throughout the game and teaching me some tactics as we went along," said Nazim, who although played for the first time in the main draw of an ATP Tour event today, hopes to break into the ATP world rankings by the end of next year.

Nicolay, who stayed back to practice on Centre Court with Nazim after the game, praised the teen's ability as he looked forward to opening his singles campaign against fellow Russian qualifier Igor Andreev tomorrow night. "He played pretty good today and I think he has a bright future.

I need to fight and run a lot against Igor tomorrow. His ranking may not be so high, but he is a tough player," said the world number six, who aims to defend the title he won last year.

Nadal in Bangkok planting trees

2010-09-29T09:07:00.007+08:00

World number one men's tennis player Rafael Nadal sprinkles water on a tree as he takes part in a tree planting project in honour of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's "One Million Trees for the King" during a visit to the Thai city of Hua Hin on September 28, 2010. Nadal will compete in the ATP Thailand Open tennis tournament starting on September 27.

AFP PHOTO / PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL

Baghdatis beat Nishikori in Malaysian Open 2010

2010-09-29T09:00:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)—Marcos Baghdatis routed Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1 Tuesday in his first match after a month’s layoff to reach the second round of the Malaysian Open. Baghdatis, who was upset in the first round of the U.S. Open, will meet Santiago Giraldo.

“I had to stay focused and concentrate on the game as I have not played for four weeks,” he said. “I’m happy with the way I responded to Kei’s challenge and even happier that I didn’t give him a chance to find a way into the match. I’m still finding my feet out there.”

Two qualifiers—Russia’s Igor Andreev and Canada’s Milos Raonic—also advanced. Andreev beat Go Soeda 6-1, 6-4, while Raonic defeated Igor Kunitsyn 7-6 (8-6), 6-3. Defending champion Nikolay Davydenko will face Andreev on Wednesday.

Malaysian player Nazim Khan playing double with Nikolay Davydenko today

2010-09-28T10:48:00.012+08:00

Now we are left with one more Malaysian tennis player, that is Nazim Khan, who will be playing double with the defending champion Nikolay Davydenko, against Eric Butorac and Jean-Julien Rojer today at 6.00 pm.

Nazim Khan is one of the top rising tennis player in Malaysia, together with Davydenko, hopefully they can get through in this first round of the Malaysian Open 2010 and bring our Malaysian flag to the final match. But first thing first : Get through the first Round ! Malaysia Boleh !!!

Famous Golfer advice help Nadal Improve his Serve

2010-09-28T10:15:00.007+08:00

The greatest golfer in history may have had a direct impact on whether Rafael Nadal becomes the greatest tennis player in history. A tennis tip by Jack Nicklaus gave in a video helped shape Nadal's new serve, according to the world No. 1's uncle and coach, Toni Nadal. The ATP website reports: "I saw a video by Jack Nicklaus that changed my vision," Toni Nadal, Rafa's uncle and coach, told daily newspaper ABC.

"In it Nicklaus said: 'First strike far, then we will think about getting the ball inside.' I said to myself: 'This man must be right'. That is what I applied with Rafael. First strike hard, then we will get the ball inside," he added. Nadal's increased the speed of his serve at the Open and was able to put away service games with ease.

He was only broken five times during the tournament. Nicklaus, who won 18 golf majors, is an avid tennis player. He has three grass courts on his property and tries to play every weekend.

Note : That was a very good advice, player like us should think about it.

Yew Ming lost to Bhambri in first Round Malaysian Open

2010-09-27T22:16:00.012+08:00

Kuala Lumpur : Just got the news, our Malaysian wildcard - Si Yew Ming lost to Yuki Bhambri of India in straight sets ( 6-2, 6-0 ) in Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur of the Malaysian Open 2010 first Round.

To tell the truth, it was actually a dissapointing match, there's no fight at all, the opponent - Yuki Bhambri has some good skill, and our Malaysian player were unable to give much of a fight even though he lead 2-0 in the first set, after thet Bhambri took over the game straight to the end of 2nd sets.

But this will be another good experince for our Malaysian player to improve themselves. Malaysia Boleh !!!

Equipment : My Review of Babolat Vibrakill New 2010 Shock Dampener Black

2010-09-27T12:08:00.009+08:00

Originally submitted at Tennis Plaza

The Babolat Vibrakill is a shock absorbing device made of silicone developed and patented by Babolat. Guarantees total vibration absorption. Clips on easily between the strings for contact and pressure over all the diameter of the stringing. Guarantees total vibration absorption. Vibration absorption enhanced thanks to the anticinetic system

Babolat Vibrakill New 2010 Shock Dampener Black

Babolat Vibrakill Dampener

By Marvin from Malaysia on 9/26/2010

Pros: Effective, Easy to Use

Best Uses: Warm Weather, Casual Wear, Weekend Match, Cool Weather

Review : I been using it for a month already. Really like the product, hitting ball feels very good to the arm. The only problem is the ball bearing inside the dampener became rusty. But still doesn't effect the performance.

Federer still the best to Nadal in term of Grand Slam Title ... for now

2010-09-27T08:56:00.013+08:00

Tomas Berdych, Robin Soderling and David Ferrer in Macau

MACAU (AP)—Roger Federer is tennis’ all-time best player—at least in the opinion of some of his top-ranked peers. Despite having won only the Australian Open this year while Nadal won the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, Federer is still considered the greatest because he has won a record 16 Grand Slam tournaments. “Rafa is probably the best player in the history of Spain.

But in the world, at this moment—maybe it’s Federer because he has more Grand Slams and more titles,” fellow Spaniard and 11th-ranked David Ferrer said Saturday in the southern Chinese city Macau on the sidelines of a four-man exhibition.

Sweden’s Robin Soderling agreed: “He has won so many Grand Slams already, so many titles, but to me, Roger is still the best.” Added seventh-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych: “To be the player who won the most Grand Slams, he is still missing a couple of them. Still, I think it is a long way to go for him.”

But the players in Macau were quick to point out that the 24-year-old Nadal is five years younger than Federer and still has a long career ahead of him, barring injuries. Nadal is currently the top-ranked player in the world and Federer is No. 3.

“Rafa is still very young. If he’s going to be healthy, if he has a lot more years to play, he could definitely give it a shot. I think he has the chance to be known as the world’s best player ever,” Soderling said. The fifth-ranked Swede lost to Nadal in this year’s French Open final. The players were also asked about the difficulty of winning a Grand Slam tournament in an era dominated by Federer and Nadal.

“I think I can say for all of us here that I think everybody is trying to chase them as close as possible,” said Berdych, runner-up at Wimbledon in July.

p/s : Federer is still leading in term of Grand Slam titles ... for now :)

Gilles Simon wins ATP Metz Open Final 2010

2010-09-27T08:51:00.003+08:00

METZ, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 26: Gilles Simon of France celebrates with the trophy after the singles final match against Mischa Zverev of Germany (6-3, 6-2) during day seven of the Open de Moselle at Les Arenes on September 26, 2010 in Metz, France. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Malaysian wildcard : Yew Ming to face Bhamri in first Round

2010-09-26T07:02:00.012+08:00

Si Yew Ming of Malaysia will face Yuki Bhamri of India this Sunday Kuala Lumpur : Sweet surprise was in store for national tennis player Si Yew Ming, who was gifted a wildcard entry into the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur main draw. Yew Ming, 31, was originally a wilcard entrant in the singles qualifying.

However, Australian player Lleyton Hewitt was reportedly unable to play due to an injury, and had to pull out in the eleventh hour. Lleyton injured his wrist during the Davis Cup campaign for Australia, and was awaiting the doctor's report on whether can he play in Kuala Lumpur.

However, doctors have advised against Lleyton playing here, dealing a blow to the Australian, and his fans in Malaysia. "When they told me that I will be in the main draw, I was shocked. "It is hard to describe how I feel, but happy would be one of it," he added. The draw ceremony conducted at the Putra Indoor Stadium has pitted Yew Ming against India's rising star Yuki Bhambri in the first round.

As a result of that, Kei Nishikori of Japan will move into the main draw top 20 from a wildcard spot to replace Llyton Hewitt's absence, while Yew Ming will take the third main draw wildcard spot alongside Yuki Bhambri of India and Australian prodigy Bernard Tomic.

Yew Ming could not contain his excitement of being in the main draw. "I was really happy," said a surprised Yew Ming.

On his expectations for the all-Asian wildcard battle, Yew Ming is determined to bring in his game, plus a few tricks from the recent training session in Barcelona, Spain. "I hope to utilize a couple of techniques we learned there. But what is important for me is to bring in my 'A' game.

"This will be the first time we will meet on court, so I will be ready to put on a good performance at home," he added.

Sampras says Nadal can do it

2010-09-25T09:38:00.006+08:00

Rafael Nadal is "a beast" on the court who is capable of overtaking Roger Federer as the all-time Grand Slam king, according to Pete Sampras. "If he's smart with his schedule and the fact that he has so many at such a young age, he could very well do it," Sampras said.

The 24-year-old Spaniard claimed his ninth Grand Slam crown by winning the US Open earlier this month and became the seventh man to complete a career Grand Slam in the process. Federer holds the record for most Major titles with 16, having eclipsed the previous mark of 14 set by Sampras.

"The only question with Rafa is physically how much his body can handle the pounding with how hard he works for every point. You just watch him play, the kid is relentless," said Sampras, promoting an exhibition against his old rival Andre Agassi at Madison Square Garden in February.

"It's a huge goal, it's a lot of Majors, a lot of work." When asked whether Nadal needed to pad his resume to cement his place among the sport's all-time greats, Sampras said, "Quite honestly I don't think he needs to."

"He's won all the Majors. He's won the Olympics. He's dominated his main rival, in Roger," Sampras said, referring to the Spaniard's 14-7 head-to-head edge over the Swiss master. "I don't think his goal is 16, or 17 or 18, he's just going to try to improve as a tennis player and if it happens, great.

"He could do it, it's a lot of work ahead and he works so hard in every match he plays. But he's a beast." That does not mean Sampras is dismissing the 29-year-old Federer's chances of adding to his own total. "He's a strong favorite for every major he plays. He had two match points against (Novak) Djokovic," Sampras noted about Federer's five-set loss to the Serbian in the US Open semi-finals.

"He could very well have been in the final. He's playing fine, I don't see any big decline. Other guys are playing better. The next two or three years is a challenging time. "But Roger is up to the task and can win more majors." Sampras would not be drawn into a debate about the best of all time. "Everyone wants to name the one guy. The way I look at all sports, especially tennis, is that each generation has their own guy.

"In the '60s it was Laver, you had Ivan (Lendl) and John (McEnroe) in the '80s, myself and Andre in the '90s. It's hard to answer. It's just that each decade has their guy," said Sampras, later throwing the likes of Bjorn Borg and Don Budge into the mix. "But Rafa is definitely up there.

You got to definitely put him in the top three or four just on what he's been able to do and it's not over yet. He's in the middle of his career so he can do a lot more great things."

Del Potro to Play in Thailand Open 2010

2010-09-23T09:11:00.005+08:00

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)—Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina says he will return to tennis next week in the Thailand Open, ending eight months on the sideline after wrist surgery. The 2009 U.S. Open champion expects to travel to Bangkok this week. Del Potro had surgery in May but has not played since a loss Jan. 24 in the Australian Open. He underwent surgery after other methods of treatment failed to improve his right wrist.

Nadal gets royal treatment in Thailand

2010-09-23T09:07:00.007+08:00

BANGKOK (AP)—Thailand has given Rafael Nadal a welcome more suitable for royalty than a tennis player upon his arrival for a tournament in Bangkok. Nadal will take part in the Thailand Open beginning Monday. Fresh off his U.S. Open victory, Nadal was greeted with flower garlands at the airport and was led through throngs of reporters by tennis officials and police.

The world’s top-ranked player had been a late withdrawal from the tournament the previous two years, but is injury free for this year’s event. After a few days at a beach resort, Nadal will meet Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and visit Parliament next week before turning to tennis.

Anna Kournikova After 7 Years

2010-09-23T08:47:00.008+08:00

It seems like a long time ago now, but there was a point when Anna Kournikova was most famous for playing tennis. Now the Russian beauty is best known for her swimsuit spreads (another of which appears in this month's issue of Maxim), high-profile relationships and for being the go-to reference for any overhyped athlete with a pretty face, but it wasn't always that way.

For a few years, Kournikova was the "hot tennis player" not "the tennis player who's hot." When she made a deep run at Wimbledon in 1997 at the age of 16, it was supposed to be a harbinger of tennis greatness to come. Kournikova was a product of Nick Bolletieri's famed tennis school and had become the youngest winner of the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl tournament. She was cute, sure, but there was the expectation that she'd be able to back up the hype that developed because of her looks.

It never happened, of course, and now Kournikova carries around her lack of a WTA singles title like a scarlet letter. There's a segment of the sporting public that resents Kournikova's off-court success because they don't believe she earned it on the court, but the fallacy of that logic has never made sense. Kournikova got into the public consciousness because she accomplished something.

She wasn't Serena Williams or Chris Evert, but getting to No. 8 in the world and winning two Grand Slam doubles tournaments are achievements of which to be proud. She did something. Can Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton or Snooki say the same? Say what you will about Anna, but if you're reading this sentence right now, you're clearly interested in her as well.

Still only 29 years old (two months older than Roger Federer), Kournikova has been off the WTA tour since 2003. She still finds time for tennis, having played on the fan-friendly World Team Tennis circuit for the past eight summers (she currently is the headliner of the St. Louis Aces) and occasionally playing exhibitions (earlier this month, she and former doubles partner Martina Hingis faced off against Mats Wilander and Pat Cash at the U.S. Open).

Kournikova recently became a U.S. citizen, a decision she made because of her work with the USO. "You know, I've always considered myself half Russian and half American," she said in an Australian Daily Mail story. "It never seemed to really matter if I had a passport or not. But when I started working with the USO and the troops overseas, it just seemed the logical next step." She has dated singer Enrique Iglesias for eight years, but the two have no plans to marry.

Article by Chris Chase

Nadal akan bertanding dalam ATP Terbuka Thailand

2010-09-22T08:48:00.005+08:00

21/9/2010 : Rafael Nadal disambut oleh Suwat Lipatapanlop - Pengerusi Kelab Tennis Thailand, di Lapangan Terbang Suvarnabhumi di Bangkok pada 21/9/2010. Nadal akan bertandiing dalam Kejohanan ATP Terbuka Thailand pada 27/9/2010 hingga 3/10/2010.(Gambar oleh Pornchai Kittiwongsakul/AFP/Getty Images)

Serbia Mara ke Final untuk bertemu Perancis

2010-09-21T12:48:00.008+08:00

Janko Tipsarevic dari Serbia serta rakan senegara bergembira setelah berjaya mengalahkan Czech Republic (3-2) di dalam kejohanan dunia Davis Cup berkumpulan Separuh Akhir pada 19/9/2010 di Arena Belgrade. Tipsarevic berjaya mengalahkan pemain utama Radek Stepanek dari Czech Republic dalam straight set. Serbia akan bertemu Perancis pada 3hb Disember di Arena Belgrade. Gambar dari AFP - Andrej ISAKOVIC

Pemain Tennis Generasi baru memiliki kelebihan

2010-09-14T14:13:00.005+08:00

Del Potro 1.98 meter & Soderling 1.92 meter

Berdych 1.95 meter & Querrey 1.98 meter

13/9/2010 - JUAN Martin del Potro, Robin Soderling dan Tomas Berdych, masing-masing mempunyai ketinggian sekurang-kurangnya 1.92 meter dan mengasak lawan dengan pukulan kencang daripada garisan belakang. Setiap gerakan sempurna, diperkuatkan dengan kepantasan dan kehebatan sesuai dengan susuk tubuh mereka.

Mereka juga pernah menewaskan Roger Federer dalam acara Grand Slam tahun lalu di tiga gelanggang berbeza iaitu del Potro di Terbuka Amerika Syarikat, Terbuka Perancis (Soderling) dan Wimbledon (Berdych) menunjukkan evolusi tenis lelaki, di mana satu ketika dahulu pemain tinggi dan kuat mampu menguasai permainan menerusi servis semata-mata.

“Itu yang anda perlu lakukan ketika menentang Federer,” kata Justin Gimelstob, pengulas Tennis Channel dan bekas pemain profesional. “Anda perlu memberi tekanan terhadapnya, memberi pukulan padu untuk dibalas dengan pukulan kilas dan perlu setanding dengan pergerakan dan tubuh yang sasa. Itulah haluan sukan itu ketika ini. Saya anggap mereka sebagai pemain hibrid baru,” katanya.

Pemain profesional biasanya dibahagikan kepada dua kategori iaitu pemain bertubuh besar yang membuat pukulan bertenaga tetapi pergerakan tidak menentu di gelanggang dan pemain bertubuh kecil tetapi bermain dengan cantik dan penuh bergaya, satu cara untuk mengatasi kekurangan dalam melakukan pukulan padu. Sudah pasti terdapat pengecualian.

Kini tidak ramai pemain mampu melakukan pukulan lebih kuat daripada Rafael Nadal yang mempunyai ketinggian 1.85m. Bagaimanapun dia dikelilingi evolusi pemain tenis baru dengan del Potro, 1.98m, Berdych, 1.95m dan Soderling, 1.92m diikuti pemain Amerika Syarikat, Sam Querrey, 1.98m dan John Isner, 2.05m.

Mereka adalah pemain muda elit atau mungkin lebih layak menyertai NBA. Trend penyertaan pemain tinggi serta tubuh badan tegap turut mempengaruhi tenis wanita dan sukan lain. Malah, Nadal baru-baru ini mengakui dia perlu bermain lebih agresif dalam kejohanan penting dan itulah yang dilakukannya untuk menjuarai Terbuka Perancis dan Wimbledon.

“Pemain seperti ini mempunyai kebolehan menentukan sama ada mereka tewas dalam permainan,” kata bekas pemain, Darren Cahill yang kini menjadi penganalisa ESPN. “Pukulan mereka begitu padu. Gerakan mereka cantik dan kini tenis menjadi permainan lelaki bertubuh besar,” katanya.

Boris Becker yang digelar Boom Boom dengan ketinggian 1.90m yang sebelum ini dianggap pemain terkuat dalam jelajah tetapi tidak boleh bergantung kepada saiz semata-mata hari ini. Dalam satu wawancara di Wimbledon, Becker berkata, keadaan memaksa pemain tinggi ketika itu melakukan pukulan kuat, bertindak agresif dan berharap dapat mengecewakan lawan.

Pemain seperti itu sukar ditemui. Kini, pemain seperti itu boleh bermain corak bertahan dan strategik dan mendapatkan mata menerusi pukulan dari garisan belakang. “Pemain lelaki begitu kuat di garisan belakang dan kini mereka tidak perlu datang ke jaring untuk mendapatkan mata,” kata Becker.

“Itulah sebabnya kami bergerak ke jaring, untuk mendapatkan mata. Hari ini, pemain besar boleh mendapatkan mata biarpun empat meter daripada garisan belakang.” Bagaimanapun ia hanya memberi penjelasan sebahagian daripada evolusi.

Ketika bahan raket ditukar daripada kayu ke grafit, ada yang mengeluh jika pemain mempunyai lebih kekuatan akan menguasai tenis sedangkan sejak bertahun lamanya pemain dengan gaya permainan cantik menang perlawanan. Becker seperti kebanyakan pemain berkata, perkembangan terkini teknologi raket dan tali turut memberi pengaruh.

Putaran tambahan membolehkan pukulan yang sepatutnya keluar jatuh dalam garisan. Kebelakangan ini, Federer turut diminta mempertahankan tempatnya dalam gaya permainan moden. Mungkin keputusan yang tidak konsisten kebelakangan ini, menjadi punca utama kemerosotannya. Seperti diperkatakan Federer di Toronto, servis dengan kelajuan lebih 200 kilometer sejam sebelum ini dianggap hebat tetapi kini ia sesuatu yang biasa. Sementara servis kedua pula menurut Federer meningkat 40kmj.

Pukulan balas juga semakin pantas dan memandangkan tidak ramai pemain menuju ke jaring, pukulan tepat dilihat semakin kurang penting. Menurut Federer, teknologi raket membolehkan bola dari pelbagai arah, jarak dan gaya dipukul dengan kelajuan maksimum. Semua ini, menurut Federer mengurangkan kesilapan.

“Pukulan pemain lebih hebat daripada sebelumnya,” katanya. “Saya mempunyai pukulan yang baik tetapi tidak mempunyai kelebihan yang dimiliki tenis wanita di mana anda boleh mendominasi lawan setiap masa. Ia tidak berlaku dalam tenis lelaki,” katanya. Federer memberitahu BBC bahawa dia mahu memenangi 20 kejuaraan Grand Slam atau empat lagi sebelum bersara.

Katanya, dia tidak perlu lihat dengan peningkatan kuasa dalam permainan akan menyingkirkannya. Paul Annacone, jurulatih yang mula bekerjasama dengan Federer baru-baru ini menyifatkannya sebagai seseorang yang berpandangan jauh berbanding individu yang mampu menyesuaikan diri. Dia merujuk kepada kejohanan yang dimenangi Federer di Cincinnati serta komitmen dan kepercayaannya.

Cahill turut membayangkan bahawa gaya servis dan voli yang dianggap 'dinosaur tenis' akan kembali dan ia dilihat satu kitaran yang biasa dalam sukan. Ada yang mencadangkan teknologi raket dan tali yang lebih mudah bagi menghalang evolusi. Mungkin bintang tenis seterusnya adalah pemain yang tinggi, melakukan pukulan kuat tetapi bermain dengan gaya cantik seperti Federer.

“Masih ada ruang untuk permainan bergaya dan cantik yang berjaya mengelirukan orang ramai,” kata Cahill. “Federer membuktikannya berkali-kali. Biarpun dengan teknologi tali yang baru sepanjang 10 tahun lalu, dia masih menjuarai 16 kejohanan utama.” Apa pun, gelombang baru sudah tiba. Kita memanggilnya generasi hibrid.

Nadal Menang Kejohanan US Open

2010-09-14T10:40:00.016+08:00

New York : Akhirnya setelah sekian lama, reaksi Rafael Nadal dari Sepanyol setelah berjaya mengalahkan Novak Djokovic dari Serbia (6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2) untuk memenangi kejohanan US Open perseorangan.

Nadal berjaya merangkul Kejohanan Grand Slam yang ke 9 beliau dan sekali gus memasukkan nama beliau dalam sejarah antara pemain yang berjaya memenangi semua ke empat-empat kategori kejohanan Grand Slam. Tahniah kepada Rafael Nadal

Artikel dari marvin : Tennisbone blog / gambar dari Getty Images

Lesson : The Forehand of Roger Federer

2010-09-13T16:27:00.008+08:00

A full shoulder turn, good balance, and tremendous racquet-head speed make this a much-feared weapon. On the list of all-time great forehands, Roger Federer’s should be near the top.

It’s struck powerfully and has remarkable variety and adaptability. Of all the shots in his arsenal, it’s his forehand that he relies on most to win points. Whether he’s defending or attacking—as he’s doing in this sequence—Federer makes it all look effortless.

1. Federer is turning his shoulders as he’s moving to the ball. Notice how his left hand is on the racquet even though he’s well into his preparation. This forces him to turn his shoulders. Federer uses a semi-Western grip and he’s bringing his racquet back with the head cocked above the wrist. This will ensure a loop back-swing and good spin production. He’s moving diagonally forward, rather than straight to the side, so the ball doesn’t get away from him.

2. Federer brings his racquet back and his left hand comes off the throat but stays to his right side. That’s a big change from my day, when players such as Chris Evert had their non-dominant hand out front and pointing to the oncoming ball at this stage. Keeping your off hand on the same side as your racquet produces a fuller shoulder turn, which helps you get more racquet-head speed and a more powerful shot.

3. After taking a big stride to reach this point, Federer is now calculating the distance of his next step so the ball will be at the perfect point for contact. Although he’s preparing to hit a low ball, he’s taken his racquet back quite high. Federer’s left arm remains to the right side, still assisting in his shoulder turn. In this frame and the next one his rotation is so complete that you can see much of his back.

4. Federer is lowering his body with his legs (not bending at the waist) and starting to bring his racquet down. Notice how the racquet face is closed (the strings are facing down). This is due in part to his grip, but also because of the way he leads his backswing with his elbow, pronating his forearm. This type of take-back—another big change from the straight-back, straight-forward forehand of my day—allows you to produce tremendous racquet-head speed.

5. As he starts his forward swing, Federer begins to open his torso and bring his left arm around to the front of his body. The string bed is still facing the ground. The oncoming ball is low—you can tell because he’s looking down—but his head has barely moved throughout the sequence. Federer follows the ball by moving his eyes while keeping his head as still as possible.

6. Federer has opened up completely at this point and his body is facing his target. His racquet has come forward with tremendous speed and he’ll make contact at a point that’s even with his right foot. Notice how he keeps his left hand close to his body. Just as ﬁgure skaters pull their arms close to spin faster, Federer tucks in his left arm to help his upper body turn more quickly and to get more racquet-head speed. Here we also get a good look at his semi-Western grip.

7. Though he’s well past striking the ball, Federer’s eyes are still glued to the point of contact. This is one of the reasons Federer makes such consistent contact on his shots. His follow-through, which is to the side rather than extended out front, shows just how important rotation is in his forehand. In my era, ground strokes were more linear—straight back and straight forward.

8. The ball has been directed down the line and Federer is moving back toward the center of the court, probably with the intention of following this shot to the net if it isn’t an outright winner. He’s ﬁnished his forehand while maintaining his balance, which will allow him to make a smooth transition forward. Article By Stan Smith Photos by Tommy Hindley / Professional Sport

Final Match postponed to Monday due to Rain

2010-09-13T09:18:00.005+08:00

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Ground crew workers try to dry the court during day fourteen of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal will have to wait at least one more day as he bids to complete his collection of Grand Slam titles after persistent rain washed out Sunday's US Open men's final against Novak Djokovic. For the third year in a row, the tournament's men's final was postponed until Monday after foul weather ruined any chance of the match proceeding as scheduled.

Rain began falling less than two hours before the match was due to begin, forcing a halt to the women's doubles final that was nearing completion in Arthur Ashe Stadium. About three and a half hours later, with no end in sight to the downpours, tournament officials decided to abandon play and said the final would be held at 16:00 local time (21:00 BST) on Monday.

"Due to the continued uncertainty of the weather forecast for the remainder of the evening, and with the desire to be fair to the players and to our fans, the US Open men's single championship will be postponed until Monday," tournament organisers said. More than 20,000 people who bought tickets for the match were forced to make a retreat while the delay stalled Nadal's bid to capture the one Grand Slam title that has eluded him.

Clijsters beats Zvonareva for 3rd US Open title

2010-09-12T21:48:00.008+08:00

NEW YORK (AP)—Getting to every ball, putting most shots right where she wanted them, Kim Clijsters was so dominant in the U.S. Open final that it would have taken a perfect performance to top her. Vera Zvonareva did not produce one. Far from it.

Playing on the blue hard courts she’s come to love, Clijsters won a second consecutive U.S. Open championship and third overall by easily beating a shaky Zvonareva 6-2, 6-1 Saturday in a match that lasted 59 minutes and lacked any drama. “It’s always an honor to go back to a place, especially a Grand Slam, where you’ve done well and you’ve won, and you want to bring your best tennis again,” Clijsters said.

“I know if I bring my best, I’m capable of beating the best players.” That she did, including Venus Williams in the semifinals, although Zvonareva — also the runner-up at Wimbledon in July—hardly presented much of a challenge on this night. Not since 1995 has a U.S. Open women’s final lasted three sets, and this one wasn’t about to end that trend. And not since 1976 was there a women’s final where the loser won only three games.

Put simply, the second-seeded Clijsters was too dominant; the seventh-seeded Zvonareva too shaky. “She didn’t really give me chances to get into the match,” Zvonareva said. “But I also think that physically today she was just much better.”

Clijsters is the first woman since Williams in 2000-01 to win the title in Flushing Meadows two years in a row. And Clijsters’ U.S. Open winning streak is actually up to 21 matches because she also won the 2005 title. She missed the tournament in 2006 because of injuries, including wrist surgery, and skipped it the next two years while taking time off to get married and have a baby.

Her 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Jada, spent the evening in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium, munching on a thick slice of watermelon, then savoring some sweets. “It’s been an incredible year being back. This is the first time I’ve been able to defend my title here at the U.S. Open,” Clijsters said, reaching down to fix Jada’s hair, getting blown about in the breeze.

“The conditions have been very hard the last two weeks with wind—I’ve always tried to keep her curls down. I’m always hoping.” Last year in New York, when Jada pranced around the court during the postmatch ceremony, Clijsters became the first mother since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 to take home a Grand Slam trophy.

This time, in addition to another championship, Clijsters was awarded $2.2 million—the winner’s check of $1.7 million, plus another $500,000 for finishing second in the U.S. Open Series standings that take into account hard-court tuneup tournaments. “I’ve always felt more comfortable on this surface. Not just this year, but even when I was 14, 15, 16,” Clijsters said in an interview the week before the U.S. Open began.

“Everything comes easier.” Over and over, Clijsters would scramble to balls that seemed out of reach and get them back over the net, sometimes doing full splits right there along the baseline. She compiled a 17-6 edge in winners, and made nine fewer unforced errors than Zvonareva, 24-15.

Clijsters broke twice to take the first set, and often let Zvonareva cause her own problems. Clijsters needed only four winners in that set, because Zvonareva made 13 unforced errors, including dumping a backhand into the net on the last point. After that mistake, Zvonareva told a ball person to get out of the way, so she could take a practice swing on her backhand side.

When Zvonareva failed to get to a backhand and fell behind 40-love in the opening game of the second set, she cracked her racket against the court twice, breaking it, and earning a warning from the chair umpire. “I was trying to find a way to pump myself up, to change something up,” Zvonareva explained later. She yelled at herself after two unforced errors in the second game of that set, and proceeded to double-fault to get broken at love and trail 2-0.

All things considered, it was nothing compared to the tantrum Zvonareva threw in her fourth-round loss at last year’s U.S. Open, when she wasted six match points. She bawled. She pounded her palm on her leg while sitting on the court. She slammed her racket against her leg.

She begged the chair umpire to let her have some scissors so she could cut tape off her knees. Clijsters never allowed Zvonareva to find any sort of groove Saturday and there were moments when things weren’t really competitive. It got so lopsided that John McEnroe, providing TV commentary on the match, felt compelled to tell viewers early in the second set:

“This might be the most I’ve ever wanted Kim Clijsters to lose serve. She’s such a great person, but this is difficult to watch right now.” Zvonareva said she lacked energy, and thought that might be because she played doubles in New York. “It must be frustrating for her to not be able to play at her best level when it was most needed,” Clijsters said.

Zvonareva never had made it past the fourth round at the U.S. Open before, but she won all 12 sets she played to get to the final, including an upset of No. 1-seeded Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals. Her victory complete, Clijsters picked up Jada, cradling her in the crook of her left elbow, while holding the U.S. Open trophy in her right hand as photographers snapped away. Moments later, after being put in a chair by her mother, Jada pointed to the nearby cameras and said, “No photos.”

Article by HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Tennis Writer

Rafael Nadal VS Novak Djokovic in Final

2010-09-12T08:58:00.008+08:00

Wow... wow... wow ! I did not expect this to happen, Federer lost to Djokovic was some what unbelieveable, especially that long ralley, Djokovic return every shot that Federer make, hoping for Federer to make some error in his shot, but Djokovic got his rythm right at that time. Federer on the other hand seems at be unease, especially with a lot of error from his side.

Well ... sometimes you win, sometime you don't, that's the way it is. As for Nadal, he play brilliantly against Youzhny, without losing any set, he cruise through the game easily but aggresive against his opponent.

Now, it's time for the final, who will win ? My bet is on Nadal. Say what ever you want, Nadal still has the advantage here.

Article by Marvin of Tennisbone

Nadal goes into Final of the US Open

2010-09-12T08:42:00.007+08:00

Rafael Nadal of Spain reaction after winning the semifinal match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia (6-2, 6-3, 6-4) in a straight set match in New York. This will be his first time entering the final of the US Open Grand Slam, and will try to win it for the first time.

Federer leaving the court after losing to Djokovic

2010-09-12T08:39:00.005+08:00

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to fans as he leaves the court after losing to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men's singles semifinal match on day thirteen of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Djokovic wins in semifinal after defeating Federer

2010-09-12T08:36:00.004+08:00

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 win over Roger Federer of Switzerland in the Men's Semifinals at the US Open 2010 tennis tournament September 11, 2010 in New York.
(Photo by Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

Djokovic upset Federer in Semifinal

2010-09-12T08:17:00.008+08:00

NEW YORK (AP)—So much for Rafa vs. Roger in the U.S. Open final. Novak Djokovic prevented what would have been the eighth Grand Slam championship match between tennis’ top two men—and first such showdown at Flushing Meadows—by saving two match points and coming back to stun Roger Federer 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 in Saturday’s semifinals. “One of those matches,” Djokovic said, “you’ll always remember.”

It means that the third-seeded Djokovic will be standing between No. 1 Rafael Nadal and a career Grand Slam in the final Sunday. Nadal owns eight major titles but never had been past the semifinals at the U.S. Open before beating No. 12 Mikhail Youzhny 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 earlier Saturday. Federer had reached six consecutive finals at the U.S. Open, winning five trophies from 2004-08, but he repeatedly let leads slip away this time.

Federer took the first set against Djokovic, then the third. And even after Djokovic forced a fifth set, Federer twice was a single point from winning.

With the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium trying to will Federer to victory— probably because of the tantalizing prospect of a final between him and Nadal— the owner of a record 16 Grand Slam titles couldn’t close the deal. “They all pretty much feel the same: You feel so empty at the end, I guess, because you tried everything,” said Federer, who hadn’t dropped a set all tournament before Saturday, but was hurt by 66 unforced errors, 28 more than Djokovic.

“You feel like you left something out there if you lose a match having had match point,” Federer added. “It wasn’t a final, so I’m not as disappointed if it would have been a final.” This setback comes after losses in the quarterfinals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, and Federer closes the 2010 Grand Slam season having played in one major final—the first year since 2003 that he hasn’t reached at least two.

Nadal, meanwhile, will be bidding Sunday to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the same season. The 24-year-old Spaniard also can become the seventh man in tennis history to own at least one championship from each Grand Slam tournament.

“I won’t watch,” Federer said, “but I hope he wins.” Federer’s 3-hour, 44-minute loss to Djokovic was far more entertaining than the day’s first semifinal. Nadal dominated with his serve again, holding 13 of 14 times Saturday, making him 89 of 91 for the tournament. “After a lot of work,” said Nadal, who hasn’t dropped a set these two weeks, “I am here in the final.”

He lost in the semifinals in New York each of the past two years. In 2008, he lost to Andy Murray, and now says he was wiped out mentally after a long, if successful, summer that included a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. In 2009, he lost to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro, while dealing with achy knees and a torn abdominal muscle.

“Well, it’s another step, I think, in my career, so for sure it’s a very important victory for me,” Nadal said. “To be in the final of the last Grand Slam of the year is something new, because I always arrived here with problems.”

Not this year. He took three weeks off after Wimbledon—skipping Spain’s Davis Cup quarterfinal—to rest and get treatment on the knees that bothered him so much of last season and the beginning of this season. “Tough to say who is better than Rafa,” Youzhny said. “I mean, he’s No. 1 and he played really good tennis.”

On a day when the wind that has plagued the tournament finally eased up, Djokovic managed to be barely enough better than Federer. Djokovic is always rather demonstrative, and Saturday was no different. After losing one point, he whacked himself in the head a few times with his racket.

After another, he pounded his leg with the racket. And after several others, he would put his hands on his hips and shake his head. But Djokovic never gave up, even after getting broken at love in the next-to-last game of the first set, then losing serve in the last game of the third. Instead, he kept coming up ways to fluster Federer. Djokovic is generally regarded as one of the game’s best returners, which forced Federer to go for more, and that in turn led to problems.

After putting in an average of 61 percent of first serves in the tournament, Federer only was at 53 percent Saturday. Djokovic broke serve twice in the second set—en route to handing Federer his first 6-1 loss of a set at the U.S. Open since a 2001 defeat against Andre Agassi—and twice more in the fourth.

Djokovic also showed off tremendous defensive skills, sliding into shots the way he would with red clay underfoot, his sneakers squeaking loudly with each step. Djokovic then served out the victory—although only after saving one last break point. Federer let that slip by pushing a forehand long, then set up Djokovic’s first match point with a forehand into the net.

The last point went 22 strokes, with Djokovic displaying some of the tremendous defense he used all match, until Federer sent a backhand wide. Djokovic held his arms up, and looked up at his guest box, where his parents — both wearing T-shirts emblazoned with likenesses of their son—were jumping and hugging. Djokovic stared ahead, his jaw agape, as though even he couldn’t quite believe what he accomplished.

“It’s really hard to describe the feeling I have right now,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview. “I was a point from losing this match, and now I managed to come back.” Djokovic had lost to Federer at each of the previous three U.S. Opens, in the 2007 final and the 2008-09 semifinals.

That was part of why everyone was expecting to see the 22nd career meeting between Federer and Nadal. They would have been the first pair of men to meet in the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments. Instead, Sunday’s final will have, coincidentally, the 22nd career meeting between Djokovic and Nadal, one of whom will become a U.S. Open champion for the first time.

“To be honest, I was just closing my eyes and hitting forehands as fast as I can on match point. If it goes in, it goes in. If it goes out, just another loss to Federer in the U.S. Open,” Djokovic said. “I managed to come back. I was very lucky.”

Article by howard Fendrich/AP Tennis Writer/Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images

Semifinal everyone ?

2010-09-11T08:40:00.006+08:00

All four player are playing today in the semifinal match of the US Open grand Slam in New York. Everyone expect someone to win, but majority expect Nadal - Federer in the final, is it possible, well.... the chances are there, both are very determine to win, nadal really wants to win the US Open, while Federer insisting another Grand Slam singles title. What about Djokovic and Youzhny ? can they do the impossible ?, actually nothing is impossible as long they have the will. Today Nadal will meet Youzhny, while Federer will meet Djokovic in the semi final. All four have the determination to win the US Open Grand Slam. Nadal even though has never set foot inside the final of US Open, has prove himself worthy by eliminating all opponent along the way, including his spaniard compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the quater final. I think Nadal is starting to play smart tennis and minimise is aggresive playing in the hard court that could lead to his injury again. Federer on the other hand just woud'nt let go to add another Grand Slam singles title, even though some people expect him to rest or even retired early, since he broke Pete Sampras 14 Grand Slam Singles title. Currently Federer still holds 16 Grand Slam singles title. Well ... do you think he will play to win or play just for the fun of it ?. Remember now, federer is a very determint and emotional person ( Australian Open 2008 ), i think he won't drop his guard down that easily since he is the 5 time winner in the US Open. So what ever the result is, as the old saying - may the best man win :) Article by Marvin from Tennisbone 11/9/2010

Getting closer to Federer - Nadal final at US Open

2010-09-11T08:11:00.008+08:00

NEW YORK (AP)—Looking back at recent U.S. Opens, Rafael Nadal sees simple explanations for why it’s the only Grand Slam tournament he has yet to win. In 2008, Nadal says now,

“I was ready to do something very important here … but mentally, I was destroyed” by the time the semifinals rolled around. He lost in that round. In 2009, he reminds everyone, it was an accomplishment simply to reach the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, given that he was playing with an inch-long tear in his abdominal muscle. He lost in that round again. And 2010? This year, Nadal says, is different.

He is sound of body and mind as he approaches Saturday’s semifinals at the U.S. Open, the only major tournament where he never has reached the final, as well as the only one where he never has played Roger Federer—in any round.

“Man, I’m great. Last year, I was in the semis, and that was close to a miracle. This year has been the opposite. When you’re in perfect condition, there’s a different perspective,” said Nadal, bidding to become, at age 24, the seventh man in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam.

“I’m happy, because everything has turned out great with my physical form. Without being healthy, you cannot aspire to anything. And when you’re OK, then at least you have the chance to do it.” Neither he nor Federer has dropped a set so far, steady as can be in the windy conditions that have flummoxed others.

They already have met to decide seven Grand Slam championships: three at Wimbledon, three at the French Open, and one at the Australian Open, with Nadal holding a 5-2 edge in those matches, and leading their head-to-head series 14-7 overall. If No. 1-seeded Nadal beats No. 12 Mikhail Youzhny, and No. 2 Federer gets past No. 3 Novak Djokovic on Saturday, the two greatest players of their generation will resume their rivalry in Sunday’s U.S. Open final—and become the first pair of men to play each other at least once in the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments.

“Well, for sure, Roger is the favorite of the tournament, especially because he won five times,” Nadal said. “And I am in (the) semifinals, so I don’t think about the final.” OK, well, first things first, then. Nadal has won 7 of 11 matches against Youzhny, who will be playing in only the second Grand Slam semifinal of his career.

The other also was at the U.S. Open, in 2006, and Youzhny got there by knocking off Nadal in the quarterfinals. The prevailing theory for Nadal’s failure to add a U.S. Open trophy to his collection—which includes five from the French Open, two from Wimbledon and one from the Australian Open—is that he arrives in New York with too much wear and tear.

He plays a hard-charging brand of tennis, and hard courts only add to the pounding. But he feels fresher this time. The Spaniard skipped Davis Cup matches after winning Wimbledon, taking three weeks off both so he could rest and get treatment for his knees, which were such a problem last season. “I know how important is the US Open for me right now, and I know I have to arrive to this tournament fresh if I want to have any chance to have a very good result.

That’s what I tried. I think I did,” Nadal said after beating No. 8 Fernando Verdasco in straight sets in the quarterfinals Thursday. “I am at the right round without problems, so that’s very positive.” A couple of days before the tournament began, Nadal made an adjustment to the way he grips his racket to serve, and the results are nothing short of remarkable: He has won 76 of 77 service games through five matches.

Nadal is in the U.S. Open semifinals for the third consecutive year; he lost to Andy Murray two years ago, and to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro last year. Djokovic, meanwhile, has made it this far for the fourth U.S. Open in a row, and he keeps running into 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer. Djokovic lost to him in the final in 2007, and in the semifinals in 2008 and 2009, when Federer hit his YouTube-sensation, back-to-the-net, between-the-legs passing shot winner. “He’s obviously waiting for a breakthrough where he can win this title,” Federer observed.

“But for the last three or four years, he’s gone through me, and he hasn’t been able to get it done.” Federer, who is 10-5 against Djokovic overall, will be playing in his seventh consecutive U.S. Open semifinal. He won the other six, and is 45-1 in New York since the start of the 2004 tournament. The only loss in that span came against del Potro in the 2009 title match.

The U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam tournament that schedules the men’s semifinals for Saturday instead of Friday, eliminating a day of rest before the final. So while everyone else might be thinking ahead to the possibility of Nadal vs. Federer on Sunday, the players themselves are not.

“If you’re going to play an epic, maybe, on Saturday, that’s going to really influence your chances on (the) final day. That’s what’s rough about this format here at the Open,” Federer said. “Nothing is safe until you’re through, until you’re in the final.”

Article By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Tennis Writer

Nadal beats Verdasco to reach US Open semifinals

2010-09-10T11:33:00.008+08:00

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating against Fernando Verdasco of Spain (7-5, 6-3, 6-4) during his men's single quarterfinal match on day eleven of the 2010 U.S. Open in New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham & Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

After one early miss, Rafael Nadal slapped himself in the right thigh. After another, he put his hands on his hips and stared at the spot where his shot went awry. It did not take long for Nadal to put a slightly slow start behind him and move one step closer to the only Grand Slam title he hasn’t won.

The top-seeded Nadal figured out how to handle the wind that’s plagued the tournament, got his serve in gear after being broken for the only time in five matches, and beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 Thursday night in the first all-Spanish quarterfinal in U.S. Open history.

Federer downs Soderling brilliantly

2010-09-10T11:10:00.007+08:00

NEW YORK, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Roger Federer won a measure of revenge and a return to the U.S. Open semi-finals as he beat fifth-seeded Swede Robin Soderling 6-4 6-4 7-5 on Wednesday to book his place in the last four for a seventh successive time.

Federer, showing the all-round brilliance that has won him a record 16 grand slam titles, refused to let gusty winds at Arthur Ashe Stadium to slow down his charge as he routed Soderling, who had eliminated him in the quarter-finals at this year’s French Open.

The 29-year-old Swiss, whose string of five consecutive U.S. Open titles was snapped in last year’s final, commanded his serve with power and precision through the adverse conditions to quash Soderling in just under two hours.

Federer demoralised the big-hitting Swede, who was runner-up at the last two French Opens, by firing in 18 aces, while Soderling could only muster two as he went down meekly on a cold, windy New York night. The Swiss master said figuring out how to deal with conditions was simply part of his job description.

“I’ve practiced my serve my whole career,” said Federer, who put 64 percent of his first serves in play and won 86 percent of them. “If I can’t serve in the wind I’ve got a problem. “You can wake me up at 2:00 in the morning or 4:00 in the morning I can hit serves. It’s what we do.”

RIGHT PLACE Soderling, who lost his first 12 matches against Federer before beating him at Roland Garros, was full of praise for his opponent. “He’s a good wind player,” the 26-year-old Soderling said. “He moves really well. He’s always in the right place.” On Federer’s serving, he said: “He was brushing the lines with his first serves which is not easy.”

Soderling squandered some early chances to get ahead, letting three break points slip away in Federer’s first service game and then another one before the second seed used a deft drop shot to break in the seventh game and served out the opening set. Federer took the decisive break of the second set in the fifth game. Soderling came alive in the third set, hitting out more powerfully and hustling around to engage the Swiss in rallies and broke for a 5-3 lead after three Federer errors. But serving for the set, Soderling’s big forehand let him down when he dumped two forehands into the net to give the break right back.

Federer then ran off the next three games, closing with a bullet ace out wide. Next up for the second-seeded Federer will meet third seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who beat France’s Gael Monfils to advance. Federer beat Djokovic in the Flushing Meadows final in 2007 and in the semi-finals the last two years.

“He’s obviously looking for that big breakthrough here in the Open, so it’s going to be a tough one,” Federer added.

Article by Larry Fine on 9/9/2010

Wallpaper of Lleyton Hewitt

2010-09-09T09:14:00.007+08:00

All wallpaper are 1024 x 768 in dimensions

To get wallpaper : Right click on image and then choose Save Target As.

Djokovic move into US Open semifinals

2010-09-09T08:28:00.006+08:00

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Gael Monfils of France during his men's singles quarterfinal match on day ten of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Djokovic defeats Monfils 7-6, 6-1, 6-2.

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Biography of Pete Sampras

2010-09-08T08:34:00.007+08:00

Pete Sampras (born August 12, 1971) is a former American tennis player and former World No. 1. During his 15-year tour career, he won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, the second most that any male player has achieved, surpassed in 2009 by Roger Federer.

He had a 203–38 win-loss record over 52 Grand Slam singles tournament appearances. He is frequently regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Sampras debuted on the professional tour in 1988 and played his last top-level tournament in 2002 when he won the US Open, defeating rival Andre Agassi in the final.

He was the year-end World No. 1 for six consecutive years (1993–1998), a record for the open era. His seven Wimbledon singles championships is a record shared with William Renshaw. He spent 286 weeks at top of List of ATP number 1 ranked players, the most of any player.

His five US Open singles titles is an open-era record shared with former World No. 1 players Jimmy Connors and Federer. Sampras is the last American male to win Wimbledon.

Playing Style

Sampras was an all-court player who would often serve and volley. In the early years of his career, when not serving, his strategy was to be offensive from the baseline, put opponents in a defensive position, and finish points at the net.

In his later years, he became even more offensive and would either employ a chip-and-charge strategy; just chip back the return and run up to the net, waiting for a volley or try to hit an offensive shot on the return and follow his return to the net. He was known for producing aces on critical points, even with his second serves. He had an accurate and powerful first serve, one of the best of all time.

His second serve was nearly as powerful as his first, possibly his most dangerous weapon. He had great disguise on both his first and second serves. Sampras was also known for having arguably the best "running forehand" of all time. He was able to catch attacks wide to his forehand using his speed and hitting a forehand shot on the run. When successfully executed, he won many points outright or put opponents immediately on the defensive, due to the extreme pace and flat nature of the shot.

He also popularized the jump smash, or "slam dunk", where he jumps and then hits the smash in mid-air. The regular smashing shot, along with the downward force of a falling body, make this type of smash nearly undefeatable. The nearest Sampras came to having any weakness in his arsenal was his backhand. Many players tried (especially late in his career) to serve a high "kicker" out to the Sampras backhand in an attempt to draw a weak return.

A similar tactic was employed by many players in rallying Sampras; they would play shot after shot to the Sampras backhand, hoping to wear him down. Many times in this situation Sampras could be seen running around his backhand to employ his forehand to devastating effect; his dangerous running forehand allowed him to camp on the backhand wing in many rallies daring his opponents to challenge his running forehand; this court positioning made it easier for Sampras to run around his backhand.

The Sampras forehand was extremely potent, particularly on faster surfaces such as grass, hardcourt and indoor carpet, due to the combination of extreme pace and almost no spin; the ball would skid through extremely low making it even harder to retrieve than the more common topspin shots most players employ.

Equipment

Sampras used one racket type, the Wilson Pro Staff Original, for his entire professional career - a racket first introduced in 1983. He played with Babolat natural gut, with all his rackets re-strung before each match (used or not) at 75 lbs tension (more or less depending on conditions). His rackets had weight added to bring them close to 400g, but the proper frame was a production model manufactured from St. Vincent, an island factory in the Caribbean.

The handles were custom-built. Post-retirement, Sampras has used the slightly modified Pro Staff Tour 90 and in 2008 had a new version of the original Pro Staff produced, with in-between head size of 88 square inches and heavier weight at 349 grams unstrung.

Wawrinka beats Querrey in 5 sets at US Open

2010-09-08T07:58:00.007+08:00

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP)—Stanislas Wawrinka beat Sam Querrey in five sets to put two Swiss men in a Grand Slam quarterfinals for the first time in the Open era—and keep the Americans out of the U.S. Open quarters for the second straight year. Wawrinka won 7-6 (9), 6-7 (5), 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 on Tuesday to join a countryman whose presence this deep in a major tournament is just assumed: Roger Federer.

Not so for Wawrinka. The 25-year-old had been 0-5 in the round of 16 at Grand Slams. “Roger, he’s always in quarterfinals since many years, so that’s not something different,” Wawrinka said. “But for me, it’s my first time, so it’s something important for my career.”

The U.S. men, meanwhile, had at least one quarterfinalist at their home major each of the first 41 years of the Open era. That changed in 2009, and now it’s happened again. Querrey himself is still searching for his first Grand Slam quarterfinal berth. He had his chances Tuesday.

So did the 25th-seeded Wawrinka, as momentum swung back and forth as quickly as the wind whipped around Arthur Ashe Stadium. The two players traded mistakes and big shots for nearly 4 1/2 hours. No. 20 Querrey wasted three break points in the third game of the final set, which seemed headed to another tiebreaker until Wawrinka made one final push leading 5-4.

Querrey fought off one match point with a lob that was just high enough to force deuce. But after Querrey hit a forehand into the net, Wawrinka made the most of his second chance. This goes down as the worst year for American men in Grand Slam events. They had only one quarterfinalist at the four major tournaments: Andy Roddick at the Australian Open.

In the first two sets, each player went up 3-0 to start a tiebreaker only to go on to lose it. Querrey was fortunate to even be in that second tiebreaker after saving four set points at 4-5. He appeared to be in control in the third set, going up a break, but Wawrinka rallied to break him twice and close out the set.

The youngest man left in the draw, the 22-year-old Querrey was in the midst of a breakthrough season, reaching the fourth round at a second straight Grand Slam. He entered the top 20 in the rankings for the first time in July and had won four titles this year; only No. 1 Rafael Nadal has more.

With Wawrinka upsetting fourth-seeded Andy Murray in the third round, the draw seemed to be opening up for Querrey to make a deep run. His quarter of the bracket didn’t have anybody left seeded in the top 10. In contrast, Wawrinka didn’t come into the Open looking like a future quarterfinalist. A former top-10 player, his ranking had slipped to No. 27, the lowest in more than two years.

But Wawrinka had the experience of a 13-7 record in five-set matches. Querrey was just 1-2. Wawrinka will next face Mikhail Youzhny, who briefly slowed Spain’s march through the U.S. Open bracket.

Article by RACHEL COHEN, AP Sports Writer

Federer beats Melzer to reach US Open Quarter finals

2010-09-07T17:40:00.004+08:00

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 06: Roger Federer (L) of Switzerland is congratulated by Jurgen Melzer of Austria after Federer won their men's singles match (6-3, 7-6, 6-3) during day eight of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Djokovic beat Fish an Impressive straight sets

2010-09-07T08:47:00.006+08:00

NEW YORK (AP)—Third-seeded Novak Djokovic rolled into his sixth straight Grand Slam quarterfinal, defeating Mardy Fish in straight sets. Djokovic beat the 19th-seeded Fish 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 on Monday.

Djokovic converted 6 of 8 break points. Djokovic, the 2008 Australian Open champ from Serbia, has reached at least the semifinals at Flushing Meadows the last three years. Fish was making his deepest run at a Grand Slam this year after failing to advance past the second round at the first three majors.

Djokovic improved to 6-0 against Fish.

Wozniacki beat Sharapova in straight sets

2010-09-07T08:34:00.007+08:00

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 06: Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark celebrates after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia during the women's singles match on day eight of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Wozniacki defeated Sharapova 6-3, 6-4. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Soderling Qualified to Quater Final US Open 2010

2010-09-07T08:24:00.005+08:00

(Photo by Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP)—No. 5 Robin Soderling advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, serving 15 aces in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory over 21st-seeded Albert Montanes on Monday. Soderling, a popular dark-horse pick because of his past success against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, moved to the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows for the second straight year. He beat Federer in the quarters of the French Open to end the Swiss star’s record run of 23 straight semifinals in Grand Slam events.

He is one of only two players with victories over both Federer and Nadal at Grand Slam events. Against Montanes, Soderling only faced one break point against him—which Montanes converted to win the first set. Soderling dominated the next three sets, breaking Montanes five times.

Choosing a Perfect Shoe

2010-09-06T10:18:00.013+08:00

Playing tennis is very fun, especially with friends. I prefer playing singles, but doubles are a lot more fun. My topic here is about shoes, tennis shoe actually. So why do we need the right tennis shoe ? Well hellooooo ! it's for the comfort of course. Choosing the right shoe also help with your game as well.

A good shoe will help you running around the court with ease and comfort. Trust me when i say that the right shoe can improve your game dramatically, even if it's expensive. So how do you choose the right shoe ? Here a tip that you can follow when choosing or buying a new tennis shoe :

1. It doesn't bite your nail :

A good tennis shoe doesn't bite your toe nail, trust me that when you're running around the court, and turning left to right and vice versa, your toe nail will eventually become the victim here. Make sure your shoe has some space for your feet to move around, that way your toe can move freely inside.

2. Fit your feet perfectly :
When your feet goes inside a shoes, you must feel the comfort, the perfect match as you would say it. When you move around, you won't feel any tightness around the feet, and it must be able to flex without any difficulty.

3. Long lasting shoe :
Why long lansting shoe ? For a regular tennis player, that would save a lot of money, even though expensive, in long term, it's worth buying. Unlike Pro tennis player, they have their own sponsor to back them up.

4. Light with cushion ( means not to heavy ) :
Well, light tennis shoe also help to improve your game, especially running around like crazy. You would'nt want a shoe that 's going to slow you down isn't it. A cushion shoes also makes your feet feel at ease when running. As long it does'nt hurt your feet.

Nadal beats Simon in 3rd round of US Open

2010-09-06T08:49:00.004+08:00

Top seed Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Gilles Simon of France 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 5, 2010. TOPSHOTS/(Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP)—Top-seeded Rafael Nadal beat Gilles Simon of France 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round of the U.S. Open on Sunday. Nadal has won all his matches in straight sets, but this was the first time he didn’t need any tiebreakers. Nadal has not had his serve broken at the Open.

He will face fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the fourth round. The 42nd-ranked Simon was hoping to catch a flight home to Europe later Sunday to see his son who was born Thursday.

Murray Early Exit from US Open 2010

2010-09-06T08:22:00.005+08:00

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 05: Andy Murray of Great Britain walks off the court after the men's singles match against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland on day seven of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Wawrinka defeated Murray 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-3.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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