Sunday, July 26, 2009

NADA; MAY SEE A BIT RELAX TO COMEBACK

Rafael Nadal back to training session after a two month gap. He is somewhat happy man to be back in his training. After an heavy workload in the clay court, Rafael feels that this knee problem wont stop going further and he will definitely defeat Roger to be in his position.

The 23-year-old Spaniard missed out on defending his Wimbledon title this year because of tendinitis in his knee.

"It was just a small dose of contact without too much force, just enough to see how I am feeling," he said.

"I am happy to return to training, to have the racquet in my hand and do what I like doing."

He took to the court for 75 minutes in his home town of Manacor in Majorca on Monday.

"It was just a quick training session with no pressure to get a better idea of how he feels and, on top of everything, make sure there is no pain," said Nadal's coach and uncle Toni.

Nadal says he hopes to return to action to defend his title at the Montreal Masters in August.

"We still have to be cautious and in a week and a half we will know more but I am pleased," he added in a statement on his website.

FEDERER BECOMES FATHER OF TWINS

Roger federer finally become a good father for twin girls. Mirka, Roger wife gave birth to twins on Thursday night and Roger said that all the three were in good condition. Mirka is doing well and he named his twins as Charlene Riva and Myla Rose. After beating Andy Roddick in wimbledon and beating the epic 15th grand slam title, Roger feels very happy with his twins. Roger the most happiest man in the world as of now.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

NADAL IS BACK TO PRACTICE

World number two Rafael Nadal will resume training on Monday before returning to action at the Montreal Masters in August.

The Spaniard, whose last match was a defeat by Robin Soderling at the French Open, was forced to miss Wimbledon because of tendinitis in his knees.

"I am really looking forward to practice again," the 23-year-old told his official website.

"The event in Montreal is important and I expect to be there fit to play."

Nadal was given the go-ahead to resume training after undergoing tests in Barcelona on Tuesday.

"I am happy with the way the tests went and of the positive evolution of the injury as the doctors are saying," added Nadal.

He will train at his home in Mallorca before his planned return to action in Montral on 10 August.

In Nadal's absence, Roger Federer won the Wimbledon title and returned to number one in the rankings at the expense of the Spaniard

Saturday, July 11, 2009

ISRAEL REACHES SEMIS IN DAVIS CUP

Israel, a much awaited country to reach the Davis cup semifinals for the first time after taking a 3-0 lead over Russia in Tel Aviv. It was a splendid performance given from Israel and Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich played a superb tennis to win this quarterfinals.

Russia were favourites, but a 6-3 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 4-6 6-4 win for Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich over Marat Safin and Igor Kunitsyn sealed the surprise win.

On Friday, world number 210 Harle Levy beat Igor Andreev, ranked 24 in the world, 6-4 6-2 4-6 6-2.

And Dudi Sela beat Mikhail Youzhny 3-6 6-1 6-0 7-5 in front of 10,500 fans.

Israel captain Eyal Ran was carried around the Tel Aviv venue by his players after the famous win.

"I have to thank the team for all the remarkable work they have done," said Ran.

Israel will face either Spain or Germany in the last four in September.

Meanwhile, brothers Bob and Mike Bryan beat Roko Karanusic and Lovro Zovko with ease to keep the united states hopes alive against Croatia, cutting their opponents' lead to 2-1.

The Bryan brothers cruised to a 6-3 6-1 6-3 win on the indoor clay at Zatika Hall.

"We're really happy we're back in this thing," said Mike Bryan.

"We wanted to keep it short after they played for about nine hours on Friday. The guys believe we can actually win this tie, and that's the biggest thing."

The US have come back from a 2-0 deficit only once in 35 attempts, and that came back in 1934.

"Tomorrow, we hope to make history," added Mike Bryan, looking ahead to the reverse singles when James Blake meets Marin Cilic before Mardy Fish takes on Ivo Karlovic.

"We certainly think we can win both matches, but first James has to beat Cilic," said US captain Patrick McEnroe.

Argentina fell 2-1 behind against the Czech Republic after Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek defeated Jose Acasuso and Leonardo Mayer 6-1 6-4 6-3.

Eyebrows were raised when Argentina captain Tito Vazquez decided to leave world number five Juan Martin del Potro out of the doubles.

"The decision was planned in advance so that the Czech Republic would put all their best players in the doubles," said Vazquez.

"We were hoping it would be a long match so we had a better chance on Sunday (in the reverse singles).

"Our advantage in the first of the singles is that Berdych will have played eight sets in two days while del Potro will have played only three."

In Marbella, Spain took a 2-1 lead against Germany after the doubles.

Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez beat German duo Nicolas Kiefer and Mischa Zverev in the scorching heat in Marbella.

Left-handers Verdasco and Lopez ultimately had too much firepower for the Germans on the clay at the adapted bull ring and came through 6-3 7-6 6-7 6-3.

"We were in control all the time except for a little blip in the third set," said Lopez.

"We were fighting to the end and I think we deserved the win because we were better."

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

FEDERERMADE AN EPIC TITLE IN WIMBLEDON


Roger Federer became the greatest player in Grand Slam history as he beat Andy Roddick in five dramatic sets for a sixth Wimbledon and 15th major title.

The Swiss won 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 16-14 to surpass Pete Sampras's 14 Grand Slam wins and regain the title he lost to Rafael Nadal last year.

And Sampras was back at Wimbledon for the first time since 2002 to watch from the Royal Box as Federer made history.

Federer, 27, will now return to the top of the world rankings ahead of Nadal.

But he had to dig deep against an in-form Roddick, who had four points for a two-set lead and then battled back to force an epic fifth set as the match became the longest men's singles final ever in terms of games played.

Federer lost 9-7 in the fifth to Nadal 12 months ago, but this year's final set alone lasted 95 minutes and with 30 games was considerably longer than the previous Grand Slam record of 11-9 in the fifth set at the 1927 French Open.

"Andy played unbelievable," Federer told BBC Sport, adding: "It feels great. It was a crazy match with an unbelievable end and my head's still spinning, but it's an unbelievable moment in my career."

Federer, who claimed a first French Open title last month, has now won Wimbledon six times, the US Open five times, the Australian Open three times and Roland Garros once.

Sampras was the last man to set a new mark in Grand Slams when he beat Pat Rafter in an emotional final at Wimbledon in 2000, and the American chose to return to the All England Club to witness Federer's achievement.

The 37-year-old arrived to applause during the changeover after the third game and, with his wife, took his seat alongside Manuel Santana, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and Ilie Nastase.

With so many tennis greats on hand, Roddick appeared to be very much the support act as Federer attempted to make history, but the American has been a rejuvenated force this year and played one of his best ever matches in beating British hope Andy Murray in the semi-finals.

He went into the final having won just two of his previous 18 matches against Federer, but with the confidence of having arguably the world's best serve and a new variety to his game brought out by coach Larry Stefanki.

Both men started strongly on serve but it was the Swiss who put the pressure on first, forcing four break points in a tense game at 5-5.

Federer hails 'unbelievable' moment

Federer was twice denied by Hawkeye, while Roddick saved two break points with trademark heavy serves, and the five-time champion was quickly made to regret the missed chances.

Moments later he was under pressure as he leaked a forehand into the tramlines to give Roddick a set point from seemingly nowhere, and when the Swiss made the same mistake in the following rally the American's supporters were on their feet applauding as their man took a shock lead.

The second set followed the same pattern, with neither player able to fashion a break point and Roddick now making 80% of his first serves.

It came down to a tie-break and, knowing his title hopes were under serious threat, Federer made a nervous forehand error to hand over the mini-break before the Roddick serve took over, sweeping the American to 6-2 and four set points.

An imperious Federer backhand and two service winners cut the deficit before Roddick had a chance on his own serve, but he put a high backhand volley well wide.

Federer fired a cross-court backhand pass to win a fifth straight point and earn a set point for himself, and Roddick pushed a backhand well over the baseline to bring Federer level at one-set all.

It was a body blow for the American and he headed straight to the locker room on the changeover before marching to the wrong end on his return to Centre Court.

Roddick's head cleared sufficiently for him to get a foothold in the third set and he saved a break point in game five with a serve.

The 26-year-old could win only two points on the Federer serve throughout the set but he forced another tie-break, and a chance to amend for the disaster of the second set.

A backhand approach into the net gave Federer the mini-break though and, although Roddick did well to close the gap to 6-5, the Swiss converted his third set point with a thumping forehand.

Defeated Roddick hopes for Wimbledon title

If anyone thought that the smooth coronation of Federer was now back on track, Roddick had other ideas, playing a magnificent volley at 2-1 to earn two break points and taking the second with a backhand pass that Federer could not handle.

Roddick served out valiantly from 0-30 in game nine, thrilling the Centre Court crowd who were about to enjoy a fifth set that few had expected to see.

Federer had the first chance at a break in the decider but again Roddick served his way out of trouble, and the Swiss had still not broken his opponent after nearly three hours.

Both men appeared to be getting stronger and stronger and they were well and truly in the groove on serve, with Federer ahead in the ace count as the fifth set rolled on.

Federer is the greatest ever - Sampras

Roddick made his move at 8-8, firing a spectacular backhand winner down the line for 15-40, but five-time champion Federer responded magnificently with a service winner and a nerveless drive-volley.

The set became the longest in a men's singles final when Federer fired three aces in a row to move ahead 13-12, and Roddick began to look the more tired - but he refused to yield until the 30th game of the set.

The American looped a forehand long at deuce, and when he did the same on championship point Federer had his first service break of the day - and a historic victory after four hours and 17 minutes that takes him to the top of the Grand Slam list.

"It's not one of those goals you set as a little boy but it's been quite a career and quite a month," said Federer.

"This is not why I'm playing tennis, to break records, and this doesn't mean I'm going to stop playing tennis. I hope to come back for many years."

Roddick told the crowd: "I'm one of the lucky few who gets cheered for, so thank you for that. I just want to say congratulations to Roger, he deserves everything he gets, so well done Roger."

And looking up to the Royal Box, he told compatriot Sampras: "I tried, sorry Pete."

UNEXPECTED DEATH FOR MONTCOURT

Montcourt, who was ranked 119 in the world, was was found dead by his girlfriend in the stairwell of his Paris apartment.

The reason for his death is as yet unexplained and an autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause.

"Mathieu was an enthusiastic young man, passionate, and extremely appreciated for his kindness and politeness," read a French Tennis Federation statement.

In June, Montcourt achieved his highest career ranking of 104 after reaching the second round at the French Open, where he lost to Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in four sets.

"Mathieu was a promising young player," added Patrice Dominguez, the FFT's technical director.

"We are totally devastated. Our first thoughts are with his family."

In August 2008, Montcourt was banned for eight weeks and fined £7,420 for betting on matches.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

SERENA TO WIN HER WIMBLEDON TITLE


Serena Williams, the all-time champion in wimbledon and most favorite player among the tennis fans, won her 11th grand slam title here in London. Serena beat her sister venus williams in wimbledon to win her title. Serena leads her number when it comes to her sister. Serena won 11 times while her sister venus won 10 times in a head to head contest. Serena won in straight sets 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. It was the fourth time the sisters had met in a Wimbledon final.

However, the defending champion was still wearing the heavy strapping on her left leg that she had repeatedly insisted was not an issue throughout the fortnight.

Early matches between the pair were often disappointing as nerves and sibling concern took the edge off two usually fearsome competitors, but recent matches had been better, notably last year's Wimbledon final.

This latest contest was dominated by serve, and Serena was the first to falter in game eight when a forehand into the net brought up 15-40 and two break points for Venus.

Venus said: "Today she was too good, she had an answer for everything. She played the best tennis today so congratulations. I don't think the loss has set in yet because I'm still smiling.

"I've had so many great times here and of course I'm looking forward to next year and the doubles final later. I love what I do and most of all I love playing these finals."

Friday, July 3, 2009

VENUS, SERENA IN BOTH FINALS


Venus and Serena Williams swept through to the final of the ladies doubles with an emphatic 6-1 6-2 victory over Cara Black and Liezel Huber at Wimbledon.

The sisters, who meet in Saturday's singles final, showed no sign of fatigue en route to a 61-minute win.

Black and Huber fought off several match points before finally succumbing to their opponents' power.

Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs will form their final opposition after wining the second semi-final.

The Australian pair overcome the second-seeded Anabel Medina Garriques and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-2.

After losing the opening set on a tie-break, Stosur, who was beaten by Ana Ivanovic in the third round of the singles competition, and Stubbs found their service range and eventually wore down their Spanish opponents.

ANDY MURRAY OUT OF WIMBLEDON


Andy Murray a very tough player on his home ground struggled a lot. The 22-year-old missed out on becoming the first British man in 71 years to reach the final when he was beaten in four sets by Andy Roddick.

"I'll move on very quickly and come back stronger," said the Scot.

"It's a pathetic attitude to lose one match and let it ruin your year. I've always said the US Open is my best chance and I'll give it my best shot."

With his form over year and his 6-2 winning record against Roddick, Murray had been hotly tipped to match Bunny Austin's 1938 run to the final.

Instead, he joins Mike Sangster, Roger Taylor and Tim Henman on the list of Britain's losing semi-finalists in the 71 years since.

He believes his chance will come again.

"I believe I can win a Grand Slam, whether it's Wimbledon or US Open or Australia or whatever, I'm going to give myself chances."

Roddick, along with many others in the game, agrees that Murray is on course to win at least one Grand Slam title.

"He's going to break through and win one of these titles and probably numerous ones. He's too good not to," he said.

"In my mind it's a matter of time - it's not if, but when."

On Friday though, Murray was frustrated by a brilliant display by Roddick, who will face Roger Federer for the third time in a Wimbledon final on Sunday.

"If he serves like that, he's got a chance against anyone," said Murray.

"If someone serves at 130mph consistently throughout the match, it's very tough to break them - especially on a court like this that's quick."

Roddick told BBC Sport immediately after the match that Murray "had a lot of pressure on him", but the Scot denied it had been a factor.

"I put pressure on myself to play well, but there weren't moments where I felt too tight to go for my shots," he said.

"Maybe I made some mistakes I shouldn't have in the third-set tie-break, but I don't think I could say I wasn't swinging freely."

Murray also cited the match statistics, which had him on top in both aces and winners.

But Roddick's stunning serving display, allied with a tactical plan he carried out to the letter, gave the American the edge.

Murray, though, said he was pleased with his tournament on the whole.

"It's been very good. I did better than I ever had before," he said.

"I had some very good matches. I thought I dealt with everything put in front of me. It was a good tournament."

He added: "The last few slams that I've lost, I've come up against some guys that have played great, great tennis.

"Mentally, for me, I've got much better at it, understanding that guys can do that against you. That's happened to me a few times now in slams.

"I need to keep making sure I bring my best game to the court in every match."