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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Juan Martin del Potro, US Open Giant Slayer

Juan Martin del Potro deservedly won the men's singles title at the 2009 US Open.

The five-set final between him and Roger Federer was a sensational match. It lasted five hours, and when he levelled with Federer, after some super play on both sides, at 2-2, the expectation was that Federer would still do his magic and retain his title. But del Potro's determinatin and energy remained undeterred, and he convincingly won the last set at 6-2.  This has removed all doubt that his win against the other most likely contender Rafa Nadal might have been something of a fluke.

Del Potro was electric, and super-charged. Federer also played very well, which gives all the more credit to del Potro for winning the tournament.

At only 20, he has dethroned the reign of Federer, who had won the US Open five times in succession, and the world is looking at new tennis star, who will probably dominate the game for some years to come.


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Sunday, September 13, 2009

Federer Reaches the Semi-Finals in US Open

Roger Federer is moving full-steam ahead. His defeat of Soderling has placed him in the semi-finals. He will be facing Novak Djokovic.


Federer showed his strength right from the start, thrashing Soderling 6-0 6-3  in the first two sets. But Soderling wasn't going to just give away the match. He fought well and got the third set after a tie-break 6-7(6-8), and only lost the fourth set after a close match in a tie-break 7-6(8-6).


There were some tense moments for the crowd, wondering why Federer appeared to be weakening. He did seem to flounder a bit, but in the end his superiority was not in question.

Roger Federer





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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Nadal Goes into Quater-Finals | US Open

Rafael Nadal seems to have overcome his knee injuries, by displaying his prowess against the hapless Monfils. He has now reached the quarter-finals after defeating Monfils 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-1 6-3.

We may yet look forward to a finals showdown between Nadal and Federer, and that would be a great finish for the US Open, whoever comes out the winner of the tournament.


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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Federer and Nadal Fated Not to Meet in Montreal Masters

83372477MS036_ROGERS_CUPImage by Lucky B via Flickr
It's a real shocker. Both Federer and Nadal got ousted in the Montreal Masters quarter finals. It's so disappointing. Many have been waiting and hoping to see a final featuring the two players. Many wanted assurance that Federer won Wimbledon not only because Nadal was not in that tournament, and that Federer was the true champion player.

It's only a game, I know, and upsets happen. But still, had Federer and Nadal fought out the final in this tournament, there would be some sense of closure. It's just too bad, both had performed pretty well to get to the quarter finals, and the fans' expectations were running high. Federer lost in closely fought first set, 7-6(7-5); then thrashed Tsonga 1-6 in the second, and got to 5-1 position in the third. But he couldn't stop Tsonga fighting all the way back, and pulling it off with a final score of 7-6 (7-3).

Nadal was also in fine fettle in the first set, reaching 5-2 against Del Potro, but Del Potro came back to win at 7-6. The second set decided Del Potro's victory easily at 6-1.


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Monday, July 6, 2009

Roger Federer Wins Wimbledon Title

Roger Federer has done it! He's once again the Wimbledon Champion. After a riveting final match against Andy Roddick, with the final score after 5 sets of 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6 and 16-14.

Roddick was a worthy opponent, and there were moments when it seemed he would clinch it, but Federer was just too consistently strong (overall). The last set of 16-14 tells it all - a question of pure stamina, persistence and mental endurance.

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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Wimbledon Finals

Roger Federer has made it to the finals. Supporters and well-wishers look forward to him securing another Wimbledon title. He has won the Wimbledon title five times already. If he wins, he will also have broken the record of 14 Grand Slams, an honour he shares with Pete Sampras.

It was a disappointing loss for Andy Murray in his semi-final against Andy Roddick.  On home turf, the tension was palpable as the British crowd was clearly behind him. But finally to no avail.

The Ladies' Singles Final will be played today. The Williams sisters will be battling it out. No doubt they are absoloutely top players and deserve to be in the positions that they have achieved. But... for me at least, there is no excitement in watching two sisters playing against each other. It will be enjoyable to watch, I am sure, but the excitement and thrill factor will just not be there.  Oh well, a relaxing watch, I suppose, to store up more anticipation for Federer and Roddick.

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Monday, June 22, 2009

Wimbledon 2009 - Federer is Back

Roger Federer at Wimbledon, 2005 Photo by Alex...Image via Wikipedia
Wimbledon 2009 is now something of an open field with Rafael Nadal's unexpected withdrawal from the competition due to his knee injury. All eyes are now on Roger Federer. His win at the French Open was no doubt a morale booster, and he seems all geared up to snatch another Wimbledon title.


With Nadal out of the way, Federer's chances are obviously greatly increased. He does seem to have a restored sense of confidence, and his fans are hoping to see him live up to his true form.

It is somewhat disappointing that we will not be able to see a replay between Federer and Nadal. But Federer is nonetheless a true champion. Let's not forget he reigned at Wimbledon throughout 2003 to 2007, and long may he reign again, at least for 2009 if not beyond.

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Wimbledon Grunts

Well, it's not just Wimbledon, but the fact is that the grunts that tennis players - mostly the female ones - emit have reached such a crescendo that Wimbledon officials, it is believed, may be forced to take some action.

The grunts are not only distracting but sound really gross! They have been tolerated for a long time. I don't know whether the female players are just following a fashion or they think that grunting helps them to play better or what. I add my voice to the growing complaints from fans, and I hope that Wimbledon, the prima donna of all tennis tournaments, will act to restore decorum to the game.

It's not only fans who complain, but so do the players - the non-grunting ones anyway. Michelle Larcher de Brito, the Portuguese teenage player, was so noisy at the French Open last month that her opponent complained. 

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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Roger Federer's Chance for French Open Title

In a few hours, Roger Federer will be battling for the French Open title against Robin Soderling. Federer has so far been deprived of the title by Rafael Nadal the last three years running.

With Nadal unexpectedly ousted by Soderling, Federer now has a golden opportunity to capture the title. Soderling has lost every game he has played against Federer, so really all expectations are that Federer will achieve the title. But then Soderling did beat Nadal and went on to win against Fernanado Gonzalez, though it was a hard fought match.

Suzanne Lenglen Court at Roland Garros.Image via Wikipedia

There is a lot of anticiptation for this final, and there are many well-wishers for Federer. Many feel he is morally entitled, if there is such a thing, to a win in the French Open, and are fearful that another chance may not available.
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Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Nadal Finally Gives Federer a Chance at the French Open

I have had to take a few days to recover from the shock of Rafael Nadal's defeat at the hands of giant-slayer Robin Soderling of Sweden. I guess no-one can stay on top all the time. But what a pity to give way at the French Open, one of the most important tournaments.

Rafael Nadal's  loss at the 2009 French Open T...Image by drona via Flickr


Nadal is a four-time champion, and following his recent continued successes, and he was expected by many to notch up another victory at the French Open. Nadal took it in good stead, saying that he had to accept defeat as well as victories with calm.

Federer has been in pretty good form and fighting hard. He had a win over Tommy Hass, fighting back from two sets down, to be amongst the last eight. Now that Nadal is out of the way, perhaps he will fight all the more harder to get to the finish-line.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

French Open: Nadal, Sharapova and Safina Reach Third Round

The unstoppable Rafael Nadal beat Gabashvili of Russia in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round. In doing so, Nadal has set a new record - this was his 30th consecutive win at Roland Garros. Nadal is becoming a legend in his own life-time.

Maria Sharapova beat 11th-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-2, 1-6, 8-6 to reach the third round. This is her first Grand Slam tournament since Wimbledon last year. She had been nursing a shoulder injury since August and is now ranked no. 102.





Dinara Safina, meanwhile, won also in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 over 18-year-old Russian Vitalia Diatchenko.


Thursday, May 14, 2009

Madrid Opeing Ceremony - Madrid Open 2009

Madrid put on a spectacular opening ceremony for the ATP Tennis Madird 2009 - the Madrid Open.

The Magic Box - La Caja Magica - was abuzz with excitement and delight as it showcased a number of acts and performances of dance, music and acrobatics.


Madrid Opening Ceremony

Monday, May 11, 2009

Richard Gasquet Fails Drugs Test

22-year old Richard Gasquet has tested positive in a drugs test for cocaine.

The tests were done at the Miami tournament in March. Urine samples tested positive.

Richard GasquetImage by paulafunnell via Flickr












He is adamant that he is innocent. An independent lab test of a hair sample showed no trace of the drug.

Ranked at No. 23, Gasquet is seen as a rising star in French tennis.

Unless he succeeds in clearing himself, he faces a two-year ban and that could spell the end of his career in the tennis world.

It's a sad day for tennis fans to hear news like this, and brings a great sense of disappointment.

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Nadal - Master of Monte Carlo

It wasn't the most easy win, as Djokovic put up a good fight, but Rafael Nadal has done it again. He has won the Monte Carlo Masters title - and he's now done it five times in succession, the first player to do so.rafael nadal monte carlo

The King of Tennis, Nadal is like an unrelenting machine. And his prowess is undisputed. Djokovic got the second set, and all credit to him. Nadal just would not give up, and fought a hard third set to clinch the title.

More magic to come, no doubt, in Barcelona and the big event later at the Rome Masters.


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Friday, April 3, 2009

Miami Latest - Nadal Beaten in Sony Ericsson Open Quarter-Final

Well something had to give some time. Nadal, after a string of victories, was beaten by Del Potro of Argentina 6-4 3-6 7-6(7-3) in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile Andy Murray was in fine form and demolished Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-2.

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Nadal Crushes Murray | Indian Wells


Rafael Nadal vs Tommy Haas 2006 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters Cincinnati, OhioNadal in action in the 2006 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters Cincinnati, Ohio

Image via Wikipedia

Rafael Nadal simply crushed Andy Murray 6-1 6-2 in the Indian Wells final.

What a let-down!

One was hoping that Murray would be able to put up a better show. But King Nadal just didn't let it happen. The gusty winds didn't help Murray either, and he conceded that Nadal was playing incredibly well.

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Indian Wells - It's a Nadal/Murray Final

Andy Roddick at the Legg Mason tennis tourname...Roddick at Legg Mason Aug 2007
Image via Wikipedia
Andy Roddick, the home favourite, failed to make it past the semi-finals, but was knocked out by Nadal 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). Meanwhile Federer disappoints again. He lost to Andy Murray 6-3 4-6 6-1.

Nadal compliments Murray on having a solid game, and staying focused all the time. Well, we'll see very soon whether the Sccot will stay at that level, and get the better of Nadal.

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Saturday, March 21, 2009

Defending Champion Novak Djokovic Thrashed by Andy Roddick | Indian Wells


Djokovic at his 2008 Australian Open quarterfinal.Image via Wikipedia
Defending champion Novak Djokovic was taken out of Indian Wells by Andy Roddick in the quarter finals. He was devastated by Roddick 6-3 6-2.

Roddick was on top of the game with consistent paly, while Djokovic succumbed to a series of unforced errors.

Djokovic said he just felt no momentum and this was one of the worst matches he played.

Roddick will face Nadal next. 
It will be worth watching to see if the American can make a break-through to the final. Nadal is feeling a little apprehensive, or so he says. Maybe he's just giving Roddick a little bit of false confidence.



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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Nadal Suffers Knee Injury - Andy Murray Takes World Tennis Tournament Title

Andy Murray has won the World Tennis Tournament title in Rotterdam, but feels uneasy about it, as his win was on the strength of Rafael Nadal's knee injury during the match.

Nadal was fine in the first set, but he injured his knee at the start of the second set.

Murray's win marks a first for the Brits in the tournament.

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Andy Murray Loses His Chance in the Australian Open

Andy Murray has crashed out of the Australian Open, losing to Fernando Verdasco in the fourth round.

There were high hopes that he would score a British win in the Australian Open, but that was not to be.

Murray has been unwell. but stoically refuses to say that was the cause of his loss. He said Verdasco just played too well.

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