Del Potro early exit from Thailand Open 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Gilles Simon wins ATP Metz Open Final 2010

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

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.

Sampras says Nadal can do it

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."

Del Potro to Play in Thailand Open 2010

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

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

  

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.

Nadal akan bertanding dalam ATP Terbuka Thailand

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

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

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.

Nadal Menang Kejohanan US Open

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

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.

Final Match postponed to Monday due to Rain

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

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.

Rafael Nadal VS Novak Djokovic in Final

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

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

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

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

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.

Semifinal everyone ?

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

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.

Nadal beats Verdasco to reach US Open semifinals

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

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.