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.

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.







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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.

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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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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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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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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Roger Federer Out of Toronto Masters

Roger Federer crashed again. This time at the Toronto Masters, in his first match since losing at Wimbledon.

He lost to unseeded Frenchman Gilles Simon 2-6 7-5 6-4.

Perhaps he was haunted by his Wimbledon loss and just has not recovered. He was disappointed by his own performance. But he says he will get ready for the Olympics and the US Open.

His Wimbledon final was really superb, and he can really do better. If he keeps on like this, his star is going to sink fast, as will his ranking.

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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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Marat Safin Disgraces With Spoilt Brat Behaviour - Federer Goes Into Finals

Marat Safin was a disgrace. Not only did he got thrashed by Federer, but his childish tantrums did nothing to enhance his lacklustre performance.

At one point, he hits his racquet onto the ground, then during the change over, he slams it on his chair. What disgraceful behaviour!

The scores 6-3 7-6(7-3) 6-4 do not show how badly Safin played and acted during this match.


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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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Wimbledon 2008 - First Day

The first day of Wimbledon saw the favourites go through. Roger Federer had a straightforward win against Dominik Hrbaty 6-3 6-2 6-2. Novak Djokovic beat Michael Berrer of Germany 7-5 2-6 6-3 6-0.

Ana Ivanovic thrashed Rossana De los rios 6-1 6-2. Serena William also sailed through 7-5 6-3. Fourth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova had a tougher time, with 30 unforced errors, but defeated Mathilde Johansson of France 6-7(5-7) 7-5 6-3.


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Wimbledon 2008 - Federer and Ivanovic in Opening Matches

Today is the commencement of Wimbledon. Top of the list in today's schedule are the top seeds Roger Federer in the men's games, and Ana Ivanovic in the women's.

Federer is playing against Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia. Federer has already won five consecutive finals, and is looking to top it with a record of six. He is already two games ahead in the match at 6-3, 6-2.

Ana Ivanovic will be facing Rossana De los rios of Paraguay. Ivanovic went to the top rank after her French Open win.

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Federer is the Best - says Sampras

Roger Federer has won five Wimbledons, and if Sampras is right he will win his sixth consecutive Wimbledon title. Sampras says, "He's still the guy most likely to win the majors. He's lost a couple but if anything that'll do him some good, it'll get him fired up."

Federer has certainly been disappointing of late. Recently in the French Open final, he only managed to get four games against Rafael Nadal.

Sampras' words of confidence will hopefully spur him on. Maybe that's all the encouragement he needs to revive his performance.


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Federer Disappoints

Wherefore Art Thou, Federer - Rome Masters

The recent poor performance from Federer raises some questions about the durability of the world number one.

In the Rome Masters he suffered a surprise defeat in the quarter-final, losing to Radek Stepanek 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7). He had seemed to be coming back on form, but his quarter-final upset is a great disappointment. This was his sixth defeat in the season.

The Rome Masters concluded with Novak Djokovic taking the title after beating Stanilas Wawrinka.

Andy Murray Beats Federer at Dubai Championship

Andy Murray won the match against Roger Federer in the first round of the Dubai Championship (6-7(6-8),6-3,6-4).

In his last match against Federer in 2006 Murray also claimed victory.

Perhaps there is something about Murray that Federer just cannot quite figure out. Federer is experiencing a bit of bad run. This was his second loss in a row, having last lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-final.

Federer blames himself for making mistakes in the match, and says Murray hasn't really changed his game since they first played against each other in the 2005 Thailand Open. He says Murray stays too far behind and spends too much time waiting for his opponent's misses than looking to win a point.

Murray says he has to do different things against different players. He feels he is serving better and moving quicker. He thinks that mentally he has improved. Part of his training now involves the practice of Bikram yoga.