mens-tour

Sharapova Wins First Title After Comeback

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:59:17 +0100

Maria Sharapova sealed her first title since her lengthy injury lay-off after Jelena Jankovic retired in the final of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

The 22-year-old Russian was leading 5-2 in the first set when Serbian seventh seed Jankovic was forced to withdraw with a recurrence of a shoulder injury.

It handed Sharapova, who only returned to action in May, her first tournament win since Amelia Island in April 2008.

"It was my second final of the year, so I was a bit nervous," Sharapova said. "It was very tough because Jelena started off so strong."

It was her fifth career victory over Jankovic in seven meetings. Both players are former world number ones, but both have had a tough season.

Former champion Sharapova came into the tournament unseeded after fighting back from arthroscopic surgery to repair a rotator cuff in her right shoulder nearly a year ago.

Ranked 25th in the world, she is yet to rediscover the form that has earned her three Grand Slam singles titles, although she did reach the final in Toronto in August, losing to Olympic champion Elena Dementieva in the final.

"I want to thank all of the fans for coming out here and supporting me, it meant a lot to me," said Sharapova.

"To go from not knowing whether you'll ever play the sport again to holding a trophy, it's an unbelievable feeling. You realise what a gift it is to hit a tennis ball. I've put in so much work and this is just exciting."

Jankovic had overcome China's Li Na in straight sets in her semi-final, despite needing courtside treatment on her right arm.

But she got off to a strong start at the Ariake Coliseum, breaking Sharapova's serve in the first game and taking a 2-0 lead.

Sharapova rallied, though, taking control by winning four straight games before Jankovic took a time-out to have her arm examined by the courtside trainer.

The 24-year-old came back out but lost the first two points of the eighth game before finally calling it a day.

Sharapova added: "I wanted to perform really well. I feel like I played good enough tennis to give her a go and I just wanted to keep fighting out there.

"It's never easy to win a match like this. Obviously, it's very important for Jelena to be healthy and we want to compete at our 100%."

Sharapova, who won her first career WTA singles and doubles titles at the 2003 Japan Open on the same court in Tokyo, added: "It's very difficult for her to perform at her best right now.

"We have gotten a lot of injuries. This is towards the end of the year. I wish Jelena a speedy recovery.

From BBC Sport

Freak Tennis Accidents

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:33:18 +0100

Sam Querrey needed surgery after badly cutting his right arm when he fell through a glass table in Bangkok.

The American world number 25, broke the table when he sat on it following a practice session at the Thailand Open.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said he is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks, effectively ending his season.

Californian Querrey, 21, who was seeded third for the ATP Tour event, said on his Twitter feed: "Worst day ever."

He had enjoyed a good season prior to the accident, winning the Los Angeles Open in August and reaching the ATP Hall of Fame Championship final in Rhode Island in July

Another freak accident happend in July 25, 1986, to a 17 year old Steffi Graf

She broke her toe when a sun umbrella fell on her foot and was knocked out of the Federation Cup match in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Graf, then ranked third in the world, was going to pick up her rackets for practice when the umbrella toppled over in a strong wind and the table landed on her foot.

Querrey article from BBC Sport

Federer to take a Rest

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:11:55 +0100

Switzerland's world number one Roger Federer has pulled out of next month's Japan Open and Shanghai Masters 1000.

The 28-year-old told organisers he was withdrawing to rest his body "after a physically challenging year".

"I decided to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover," Federer added.

The Japan Open takes place between 5-11 October, while the Shanghai Masters begins the following week.

Federer reclaimed his world number one spot from Rafael Nadal this year and won the French Open for the first time and Wimbledon for a sixth.

But he was denied a sixth consecutive US Open title earlier this month by Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro.

However, he followed that by winning both his singles matches to help Switzerland beat Italy 3-2 in their Davis Cup World Group play-off tie.

His next tournament is now scheduled to be the Swiss Indoors in his home town of Basel at the start of November.

From BBC Sport

Tennis Stars in the Charts

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:41:51 +0100

Four-time ATP World Tour Doubles Champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan have seen their debut album shoot to within range of Amazon's New Release Top 10 chart.

The four-song debut album by The Bryans Bros Band Featuring David Baron, "Let It Rip," surged to No. 12 on Amazon's list of New Releases - Pop after its release on 14 September. The four album songs – “Let it Rip,” “Spending My Days,” “Chasing the Sun,” and “Marching On” – can be downloaded and purchased on AmazonMP3 and are available for purchase in four AmazonMP3 territories including the U.S., U.K., France and Germany. The album has been released exclusively on Amazon for 30 days.

Check out the album!

Since Let It Rip was released on Amazon.com, it has also climbed to #23 on all MP3 albums – Pop, #23 on all MP3 albums – Rock and #73 in MP3 albums.

“It’s been a dream since we began this record to get our music out to as many people as possible,” said Bob Bryan, who plays the bass and keys. “With Amazon we hope to get our music to our fans all over the world,” added identical twin Mike Bryan, who plays the drums.

“We are really excited to finally get our CD out there and Amazon has been really gracious in this exclusive partnership to release the album online with them,” commented David Baron, lead vocalist. “We have been really fortunate to get some good exposure."

The Bryan Bros Band Featuring David Baron made its debut appearance at the 2009 US Open Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day and at the Mercury Lounge in New York City during the month of September. Hard copies of the album Let It Rip are available for purchase on the Band’s website along with other merchandise.

For more information on the Bryan Bros Band Featuring David Barron, visit www.bryanbrosband.com.

From www.atpworldtour.com

Davis Cup 2010 Draw

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:51:49 +0100

The draw for the 2010 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas has been made in Geneva with some intriguing World Group ties coming out of the hat.

Spain, the 2008 champion and top seed, has been drawn at home against Switzerland in a mouth watering fixture that could see the world’s top two players, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, going head-to-head.

Spain will be attempting to become the first nation since Sweden in 1998 to successfully retain the Davis Cup when it faces Czech Republic in the Final in December. Switzerland secured its place in the World Group with victory over Italy in the Play-offs.

France, unseeded in the draw after coming through the Play-offs, faces Germany while India travels to Russia and Sweden hosts Argentina.

In the bottom half of the draw, USA faces an away tie against Serbia with a potential match-up between Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick.

Following Nicolas Lapentti’s heroics in the Play-offs, Ecuador travels to Croatia for its first tie in the World Group since 2001.

Czech Republic, who will play Spain in this year’s Final, faces an awkward trip to Belgium for the right to meet Israel or Chile in the quarterfinals.

The full draw for the 2010 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group is as follows:

SPAIN (s)(c) v SWITZERLAND

GERMANY (s) v FRANCE (c)

RUSSIA (s)(c) v INDIA

ARGENTINA (s) v SWEDEN (c)

ECUADOR v CROATIA (s)(c)(*)

SERBIA (c)(*) v USA (s)

CHILE (c) v ISRAEL (s)

BELGIUM (c) v CZECH REPUBLIC (s)

First Round ties to be played on 5-7 March 2010.

Key
(s) = seeded nation
(c) = choice of ground
(*) = choice of ground decided by lot

From www.DavisCup.com

Women's Tour - Henin's Return

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:27:48 +0100

Following in the very successful unretirement footsteps of her countrywoman Kim Clijsters, the former No. 1-ranked Justine Henin announced on Belgian television Tuesday that she would return to the women’s tennis tour in time for the Australian Open in January.

Justine Henin after winning the United States Open in 2007. Henin had been retired for just over a year. bloggers are following every serve, volley and replay challenge of the 2009 Grand Slam tournaments.

“The fire within burns again,” the 27-year-old Henin said in an intervuev with VTM television. “The last 15 months, I’ve been able to recharge the batteries, emotionally as well.”

Henin’s decision comes nine days after Clijsters, who is also from Belgium, punctuated her return with an impressive run to the US Open title. Clijsters, 26, came back 18 months after having a child but brought a fierce competitiveness to the WTA Tour that seems to be missing among many of the top-ranked players.

Henin, who won seven Grand Slam singles titles as one of the tour’s toughest competitors, said Clijsters’s success was not the reason she decided to come back.

“Subconsciously, it might have had an impact,” Henin said. “But it certainly was not the most important reason.”

Henin’s longtime agent, Ken Meyerson, said in a telephone interview that she had decided to come out of retirement before the United States Open began. He said she had been practicing, felt rejuvenated by the time off and was thrilled at how well she was hitting the ball.

“I think these gals — and guys, too, because it’s not just the women — have played so much tennis for so long, and it’s just so comprehensive,” Meyerson said. “They might have two, three weeks off a year, with all the foundation and philanthropic work they do. They do that for years and years. It’s physical and it’s mental burnout. These girls just need time to rest and rejuvenate. That’s exactly what happened to Justine.”

Henin was ranked No. 1 in May 2008 when she abruptly announced her retirement, citing nagging injuries and emotional burnout. She had an Olympic gold medal to go with her Grand Slam titles, but she also endured a troubled marriage and a divorce, which complicated her personal life and career.

Henin’s retirement shocked the sport and seemed to surprise even Meyerson. “It certainly was spontaneous,” he said. “She just needed to stop.”

Henin became an ambassador for Unicef and traveled in Europe and Africa. She is the public face of a campaign to provide tetanus vaccinations for women and children in developing countries.

From NYTimes.com

Davis Cup - Semi-Finals

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:57:54 +0100

Spain will host the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final in December after both countries won their semi-finals. The two Contries have played each othe 5 times before, with Spain narrowly ahead 3-2. Spain are aiming to become the first Country since Sweden in 1997-98 to win successive davic Cup titles.

Both teams completed dead singles rubbers on Sunday after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead into the final day.

Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez beat Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 7-6 6-7 6-4 6-2 to put Cup holders Spain 3-0 up against Israel in the best-of-five tie.

Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych sealed the Czech Republic's win over Croatia with a 6-1 6-3 6-4 victory over Marin Cilic and Lovro Zovko on Saturday.

And Roger Federer helped Switzerland beat Italy in the World Group play-off.

Stepanek and Berdych's triumph came on the back of singles victories for the pair on Friday when the Czech Republic opened up a 2-0 first-day lead in the semi-final, despite Ivo Karlovic firing a record 78 aces.

Karlovic broke his previous ATP record, but still lost in a gruelling five-set match to Stepanek.

In the second singles rubber, Berdych beat Cilic in four sets.

Earlier, champions Spain had secured a 2-0 lead over Israel thanks to convincing singles wins by Juan Carlos Ferrero and David Ferrer.

Ferrero thumped Dudi Sela 6-4 6-2 6-0 after Ferrer thrashed Harel Levy.

Spain went into their semi-final without injured top-10 pair Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco but that mattered little with Ferrer and Ferrero both impressing.

"It certainly wasn't as comfortable a win as it might have looked," said Ferrer, a 6-1 6-4 6-3 winner.

Spain have won 17 consecutive times at home, and 19 straight on clay since 1999 when they were beaten by a Gustavo Keurten led Brazil. They can now look ahead to their 7th Davis Cup final appearence.

While Spain eased to a 2-0 lead, the Czech Republic only opened up their lead after a marathon day's play.

In total, Stepanek and Karlovic played out 81 games before the first break of serve at 14-14 in the decider.

During that time, Karlovic had sent down 78 aces, 23 more than his previous record in losing in this year's French Open first round to Lleyton Hewitt.

"I did my best, but Stepanek was there all the way," Karlovic said.m "After the loss, the serve record means little."

After sealing the decisive break and serving out for a match that lasted just six minutes shy of six hours, Stepanek said: "Everything is known about Karlovic. He really has a phenomenal serve."

In the second rubber, Cilic - who beat Andy Murray in the US Open - went down 6-3 6-3 3-6 4-6 6-3 to world number 18 Berdych.

Meanwhile, Federer helped Switzerland to a 3-2 win over Italy in Genoa to ensure World Group status for another year.

Federer had only just flown back to Europe following his five-set defeat by Juan Martin Del Potro in Monday's US Open final, but beat Simone Bolelli on Friday and then secured the decisive third point with a 6-3 6-0 6-4 win over Potito Starace on Sunday.

"It was a tough weekend for us and I'm happy I could help Switzerland win," said Federer. "I was able to play very well.

"I have to go on holiday badly. I have a problem with my leg, I have a problem with my arm - everything is hurting."

Other World Group play-off winners were Belgium, Chile, Ecuador, France, India, Serbia and Sweden.

US Open - Fines

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:40:32 +0100

$31,500 – that’s the total amount of fines being collected at the 2009 US Open according to tournament spokesman Chris Widmaier.

The majority of this is obviously covered by the $10,000 fine incurred by Serena Williams for unsportsmanlike conduct for abusing a line judge during her semi-final loss to Kim Clijsters. Williams was also fined $500 for racquet abuse during the same match.

This amount is only 3% of her prize money for reaching the Semi-finals. However, the fine could increase depending on the outcome of the investigation to see if the abuse should be considered a ‘major offence’.

Three players received fines of $1,500 for audible obscenity. The most noteworthy being Roger Federer, whose curse during an argument with the umpire during his final loss to Juan Martin Del Potro, was picked up by CBS microphones during the live broadcast.

The two other players facing the same fine are Vera Zvonareva and Daniel Koellerer.

Another player facing a significant fine is Canadian Daniel Nestor. Playing in the doubles quarter-finals with Serbian partner Nenad Zimonjic, Nestor became enraged by a rowdy group of fans and was was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct aimed at said fans;

During the match, which the pair eventually lost to Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Andy Ram of Israel, Nestor said to the chair umpire "Your job is to say something, this is not Davis Cup," adding. "There is something called sportsmanship.". He complained that the umpire was not controlling the group, who were calling our and distracting him with their support for Mirnyi and Ram.

After the match he and Ram exchanged harsh words, and in his post match interview he said "I don't mind losing if we get beat, But not losing if some guy in the crowd is acting like a jackass.”

US Open - Quotes

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:36:01 +0100

These may not be the big stories of a US Open that had a Wildcard winning the women’s competition and a 5 set men’s final that saw Federer lose his crown, was witness to Serena losing her cool and for the only the 6th time in it’s history did not have and American in either singles final.

But these tennis players that are know for being intense and focused have to face the press. Then there seems to be a new competition - which journalist can come up with the most bizarre question. Below are the picks of the bunch, the most random of the fortnight and some priceless moments from the post match interviews:

American Jesse Witten, a qualifier, won two rounds before losing to Novak Djokovic, and enjoyed the experience.
Question: Was there like a best perk of playing in this tournament for you that you're going to miss, you know, back on the challengers?
JESSE WITTEN: The new laundry every day.
Question: That doesn't happen elsewhere?
JESSE WITTEN: I don't have to worry about conserving one shirt. I can just go through them and just throw them in the laundry bag. No, it's nice.
You get chauffeured around with the cars. Everything is nice here. This is the best tournament in the world. You can't beat this.
Question: May I ask (where you got) your shirt? I can't see a logo.
JESSE WITTEN: This is just a white T‑shirt.
Question: It is?
JESSE WITTEN: Yeah. I bought this.
Question: Bought it like at Sports Authority or something?
JESSE WITTEN: This one? Somewhere in the mall. I think it was like 10 bucks, but it's comfortable. I go for comfort. Doesn't matter where it's from.

Lots of reporters' questions focused on Roger Federer and fatherhood. The all-time Grand Slam champion now has twin daughters. Apparently, he doesn’t do everything as well as he plays tennis.
Question: How are your diaper-duty-changing skills?
ROGER FEDERER: Thank God nobody is judging me on it, but I'm trying hard.

Federer, of course, isn’t the only new parent. Kim Clijsters’ run through the tournament just a year and a half after becoming a mother was inspiring, as well.
Question: What kind of things do you have to pack and do?
KIM CLIJSTERS: Obviously, there are a few more toys in the suitcase that we take onboard just to keep her entertained.

The enthusiasm of the fans is one of the great aspects of the Open, but some fans can get a bit carried away, like a fan who ran onto the court after Rafael Nadal’s win over Gael Monfils. Nadal took it in stride in typical style.
Question: What did you think when the man came out of the stands and came up to you?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, for me it wasn't the problem. The guy was really nice.
Question: Did he say anything?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yes. He was a great fan. He said, I love you, and he kiss me.

Nadal often entertained the crowd with his ability to juggle a tennis ball. Tennis players aren’t just great athletes; many are fans of other sports, as well, as we learned in this exchange with John Isner.
Question: Looking ahead to the indoor season, your biggest results have come in the States. How important is it for you to start getting big results overseas?
JOHN ISNER: Yeah, um, I've never been to Asia ever, so I'm going to have three weeks over there. It's going to be different. I like staying at home and watching football. But I've got to be over there and not watch football. It's going to stink.

Isner has one of the biggest serves on tour. Like many players, he goes through a routine of looking at a bunch of balls before deciding which to serve with. Does it make a difference? Well, that’s not entirely clear. Just ask Novak Djokovic.
Question: Most men's players, when you go to serve, you take three balls, reject one of them. How big a deal is it with the balls, and is part of it just a ritual or a superstition or a time killer?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't think it's a time killer. It's just some ritual that most of us guys have. Some look for more fluffy balls. Some look for more balls that are bald and new so you can have faster serve. You're just imagining things, obviously. So yeah, I mean, you try to take your time, a little focus, and I look for a faster ball.
Question: Do you think it makes a difference?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't think that much, but I'm convinced in my head that it does.

Djokovic doesn’t only serve well, he is also trying his hand at reporting, as we found out in this exchange with the loveable Marat Safin.
Question: Djokovic said yesterday you told him you were going to go and climb a mountain in South America. Is that right?
MARAT SAFIN: Djokovic has the breaking news, huh? I think he should stick to his tennis and keep his mind into tennis instead of giving up my private life.

Melanie Oudin’s run to the quarterfinals was one of the great stories of the tournament. Reporters wanted to find out about the other details of her life.
Question: Young girls watching you and looking up to you, they see you also as just a 17-year-old girl. So what things do you do outside of tennis that help you relax? Do you like going to concerts? Movies? What's on your iPod?
MELANIE OUDIN: I'm basically a normal 17-year-old kid. I still go to movies and go to the mall. Like to shop. Here we've seen a couple of plays. I just like going back and watching TV. Playing - I have a Wii at my house. I love playing that.
Just different things, like board games and cards with my grandma. I mean, I just love doing all of that stuff, so basically I'm just a normal kid.

US Open - Men's Final

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:42:49 +0100

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro ended Roger Federer's five-year unbeaten reign at the US Open in five dramatic sets to win his first Grand Slam title.

The 20-year-old sixth seed twice fought back from a set down to win 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.

Del Potro is the first man other than Rafael Nadal to beat Federer in the final of a Grand Slam tournament.

Swiss star Federer, 28, had been going for a record-equalling sixth consecutive title at Flushing Meadows.

American Bill Tilden achieved the feat in 1925.

But Federer found Del Potro, in a Grand Slam final for the first time, in determined mood as he became the second Argentine to win the US title after Guillermo Vilas, who was in the Arthur Ashes Stadium to witness his compatriot's victory.

"I had two dreams this week," said Del Potro. "One was to win the US Open and the other one is to be like Roger.

"One is done, but I need to improve a lot to be like you," he said, looking at the five-time champion.

"You fought until the final point. You are a great champion. I'm very happy to be here with this crown, with these people, on this court. This will be in my mind forever."

After a final that lasted four hours and six minutes, Federer said: "I would like to congratulate Juan Martin on an unbelievable tournament. I had a great one but he was the best.

"I would have never believed I could win five in a row here. It has been an amazing run for me."

He added: "I was two points from the match today. That's the way it goes sometimes. But I've had an unbelievable run this year. Being in all major finals and winning two of those.

"Sure, I would have loved to win those two as well. But the year has been amazing already. Got married and had kids, don't know how much more I want."

Federer went into the match on a 40-match unbeaten run in New York, his last defeat coming against another Argentine, David Nalbandian, in the fourth round in 2003.

He also held a 6-0 career record against Del Potro and was playing in his 22nd Grand Slam final, targeting a 16th major win.

However, Del Potro has rocketed up the rankings over the last year and pushed Federer desperately close over five sets in the French Open semi-finals in June.

His 6-2 6-2 6-2 demolition of Nadal in the semi-finals also left no-one in any doubt that he posed a real threat to Federer.

The question was whether he could handle the weight of expectation in a final that Federer has dominated since 2004.

The signs were not good early on as Federer converted his fifth break point of a lengthy second game with a beautiful forehand pass and went on to serve out the set.

Del Potro then double-faulted twice in succession at the start of the second set to hand over another break, and the 23,000 spectators groaned as one as it appeared the younger man was crumbling under the pressure.

It was not until the fourth game of the second set that Del Potro finally made some impression, but Federer saved three break points and looked poised for a two-set lead when serving at 5-4.

The match turned at 30-30 when Del Potro hit a magnificent forehand down the line that was called 'out' but overturned by Hawkeye.

A furious Federer protested to the umpire but there was to be no overruling the computer, and Del Potro then cracked another forehand winner to break back.

From 3-3 in the tie-break, Federer mishit a forehand return before Del Potro came up with two blistering winners and converted his third set point with another.

The sixth seed was now hitting the ball as he had done in his semi-final against Nadal, the power and depth constantly troubling Federer, but after breaking in game seven he allowed his opponent to level at 4-4 by dropping his own serve.

Federer served his way out of trouble in game nine, despite an angry exchange with the umpire over how long Del Potro was taking to challenge with Hawkeye.

Del Potro then appeared to hand the match to Federer in game 10, serving two double-faults in a row to give the world number one a two-sets-to-one lead.

Del Potro's fitness and ability to last five sets at the highest level had remained about the only question mark hanging over his game going into the final, and he was about to dismiss it for good.

Staring down the barrel at 15-40 early in the fourth set, he found two huge forehand winners to save, then broke to love for a 3-2 lead, only to see Federer level at 4-4 with some brave attacking play.

Federer was just two points away from the title in game 10 before Del Potro came storming back to earn break points in game 11.

But a pulsating encounter would require another tie-break.

There was more bad feeling over the use of Hawkeye but it was two missed forehands from Federer that allowed Del Potro to take the match into a fifth set.

It was the first time since Andre Agassi beat Todd Martin 10 years ago that the US Open final had gone to a decider, and the experience and fitness of Federer suggested he would start favourite.

However, the Swiss paid the price for playing to Del Potro's fearsome forehand too often, the Argentine breaking for 2-0 with yet another huge winner.

Federer had one chance in the next game to get back on serve but put a backhand long, and from then on Del Potro played nervelessly.

He reached two championship points on the Federer serve in game eight, converting the second when Federer hit a backhand long.

From BBC Sport, image by Getty Images