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.

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.

Federer and Nadal Fated Not to Meet in Montreal Masters

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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.

Wimbledon 2009 - Federer is Back

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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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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.

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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.

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.

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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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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.

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.

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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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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Related articles by Ze

Nadal in shock exit from Sony Ericsson Open (cnn.com)
Del Potro knocks out Nadal in Miami thriller (canada.com)

Nadal Crushes Murray | Indian Wells

Nadal in action in the 2006 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters Cincinnati, Ohio

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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

Roddick at Legg Mason Aug 2007
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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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• Murray outplays Federer, Nadal beats Roddick (canada.com)
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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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Nadal Reigns Supreme After Historic Wimbledon Win

All doubters can lay to rest their skepticism. Rafael Nadal proved he is the tennis world champion. What a superb display of probably the best and most exciting tennis that's ever been witnessed.

Rafael Nadal


Anyone who saw the match cannot fail to be impressed and feel they were part of a truly historic event.





Nothing can be taken away from Roger Federer either. Down by two sets, he struck back to even the score by winning the next two sets, each one snatched after a tie break., and in the process saved a couple of match points in the fourth set. And the fifth set went to 9-7.

No one can say that Federer did not play his best. The fact is Nadal played better.

The whole match was a gruelling, nerve-wracking and teeth-grinding experience, for the players and no less for the supporters on both sides. Nadal was a tennis machine, yet the beauty of the perfect engine was starkly awe-inspiring.

After the pretty display by the Serena sisters, which was so unexciting, the men's final was a world apart, a class apart. It was truly a historic and epic Wimbledon final - and for that matter the best of any Grand Slam final.

It was a memorable final, unforgettable, showing tennis at its ultimate best, with two champions who reserved nothing, but who simply played the game with all their prowess and skill, with the highest professionalim. Roger Federer has deserved all the adoration of the tennis world. He was remarkable, but Rafael Nadal is the supreme champion, and will surely reign for some time to come.

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Rafael Nadal Dashes British Hopes

Andy Murray had his moment of glory, bringing hopes of a British win into the quarter-finals. But the opponent he faced was Rafael Nadal.

Nadal was unmerciful, and thrashed the British upstart in three straight sets 6-3 6-2 6-4. Murray looked lost and disorganised. He lost the match in 1 hour and 55 minutes. The home crowd knew, as they went into the second set, that hopes alone were not enough, and had to recognise that Nadal was just a class above, and was playing superbly.

Murray himself had to admit that Nadal played so much better than him. "He was playing too well for me," he said.

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Wimbledon 2008 - Rafael Nadal Rolling On

Rafael Nadal is clearly a force to reckon with at Wimbledon 2008. He's second seeded, and hopes are high that he will go into the finals, and may even topple Roger Federer for the title.

Nadal has been doing exceedingly well prior to Wimbledon. His 2008 French Open win was the fourth in a row, the only man to achieve that sincer Bjorn Borg.

Federer has been somewhat unpredictable of late. And in last year's Wimbledon, he was forced to a fifth set against Nadal. On the clay courts, Nadal has reigned supreme, and he is a real contender on grass as well.

This may just be Nadal's year at Wimbledon. But there are always hitches. In his last match against Nicolas Kiefer of Germany, which he won in three sets, the first set had to go to a tie-break 7-6(7-3). After that, however, he more or less crushed Kiefer 6-2 6-3.


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Davydenko Makes History at Sony Ericsson Open

Nikolay Davydenko is not only the first Russian player to be in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, but he has made history by winning the men's singles title.

He thrashed Rafael Nadal, the hot favourite, in two sets 6-4 6-2. Davydenko is jubilant to have beaten Nadal for the first time. Nadal was determined to grab the title, but somehow his performance fell below par.

As for Davydenko, his confidence was so boosted by his recent wins, that he became totally energised. He frankly shunned all modesty by admitting that his tennis was "so good" in the final.

Rafael Nadal Takes His Revenge Against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | Indian Wells Pacific Life Open

It was a re-match that fans were eagerly waiting for. Tsonga stunningly beat Nadal at the Australian Open. And no doubt this was something very much on Nadal's mind. And he went all out to achieve victory.

He got it but it was no easy victory. It was a thrilling match. Tsonga took the lead by winning the first set 6-7 (4-7). Nadal got even in the next set 7-6 (7-3). But he was going downhill in the third set. With 5-3 against him, Nadal fought furiously and brilliantly to recover and finally took the set and the match at 7-5. Sweet but hard-earned revenge!

Though Tsonga lost in this match, it's clear now that he is and will be a force to be reckoned with. He was no flash in the pan with his accomplishments in the Australian Open.