TENNIS FEAST

ROGER AND SERENA FINED FOR THEIR CONVERSATION WITH THE UMPIRES

2009-09-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

The world No.1 Roger Federer has been fined $1,500 for using a profanity while arguing with the chair umpire during the U.S. Open final. He also lost his first ever US open since 2003.

CBS microphones picked up the exchange during its live broadcast of the match.

Tournament spokesman Chris Widmaier says Federer is being docked the same amount as two other players Vera Zvonareva and Daniel Koellerer for audible obscenity.

Widmaier says a total of $31,500 in fines is being collected by the tournament, topped by Serena Williams $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct. She was also fined $500 for racket abuse. Daniel Nestor was docked $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct toward a fan.

DEL POTRO ON US OPEN

2009-09-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Very brilliant player Roger federer slips his US open this time to Del Potro and He won his first time US open tournament.

Two points from victory against inexperienced, unheralded Del Potro of Argentina -- and two points from a sixth consecutive title at Flushing Meadows and a record-extending 16th Grand Slam overall -- Federer, quite simply, fell apart Monday.

He railed at the chair umpire. His legs grew weary. His double-faults mounted. He could not figure out a way to stop the 6-foot-6 del Potro from pounding forehands past him. In a result as surprising for who lost as how it happened, the sixth-seeded del Potro came back to win his first Grand Slam title by upsetting the No. 1-seeded Federer 3-6, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2.

SERENA APOLIZES FOR HER BEHAVIOUR IN SEMI FINALS

2009-09-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

The No.3 seed Serena williams set about repairing self-inflicted damage to her image Monday, first winning the U.S. Open doubles title with her sister and then taking on the more complex task of explaining her actions and feelings in the wake of her shocking on-court outburst in Saturday's singles semifinal. She just over reacted in the current situation and she apolizes for it.

"I just really wanted to apologize sincerely, because I'm a very prideful person and I'm a very intense person and a very emotional person," Williams said. "I wanted to offer my sincere apologies to anyone that I may have offended." She said she had been humbled by the experience.

SAFINA GOING TOO GOOD IN CURRENT SERIES

2009-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

World number one Dinara Safina demolished the previously in-form Flavia Pennetta for the loss of just two games to make the Cincinnati final.

The Russian won 6-2 6-0 in just 56 minutes to bring an end to Pennetta's 15-match unbeaten run that had included titles in Palermo and Los Angeles.

The Italian had blisters on her feet and played with her right ankle taped.

Safina will face fifth seed Jelena Jankovic in the final after the Serbian beat Elena Dementieva.

Jankovic had a very different route to the final, with a topsy-turvy 7-6 (7-2) 0-6 7-6 (8-6) victory in a match that saw 13 breaks of serve and 25 double faults.

"I can't believe I won this match," said Jankovic, who was 6-2 down in the third-set tie-break before winning six points in a row to clinch the victory.

"Every match I feel better," said Safina. "Today, stepping on the court, I was feeling very good and confident. I was feeling very good stepping in."

Pennetta said: "She was playing much better than me. I was a little bit tired, of course, but I didn't lose for that. She was playing unbelievable."

MURRAY IN FINAL

2009-08-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Britain's Andy Murray completed a superb week by fighting back to beat Juan Martin del Potro in the final of the Montreal Masters.

The 22-year-old Scot defeated the world number six from Argentina 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 for his 13th career title, and fourth at the elite Masters level.

By reaching the final, Murray had guaranteed that he will move to second in the new world rankings on Monday.

He heads to Cincinnati next week to defend the title he won last year.

Following that is the US Open where Murray reached last year's final, only to be beaten by world number one Roger Federer.

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But the British number one has put any thoughts of going one better at Flushing Meadows on the back burner.

"I feel like I've got a good chance of doing well at the US Open, but each week is different and I'm not going to get too far ahead of myself. I'll just focus on Cincinnati," Murray said.

Despite becoming the first Briton in 128 years to lift the Canadian title, Murray considered breaking the duopoly of Federer and Nadal a bigger achievement, though he clearly enjoyed his success in Canada.

"I've won a couple of Masters now, so it still feels great, but the number two - maybe because it's something different - that means maybe a little bit more, but winning a tournament here is still great," he added.

Del Potro was playing in his first Masters 1000 final and for much of the second set looked like taking the title, but Murray's superior fitness played a huge part as he outlasted the 20-year-old in the hot conditions.

After a cagey start that yielded just one break point in the opening 12 games, Murray appeared to just have the edge going into the tie-break, but Del Potro made the breakthrough with a surprise chip-and-charge return to lead 5-4 and two good serves gave him the set.

Murray then won a gripping game at the start of the second by converting his fourth break point when Del Potro put a backhand wide, but he let a 30-0 lead slip in the following game to hand his hard-earned advantage straight back.

Del Potro had beaten Murray for the first time in four meetings on clay in Madrid last time out and has been in tremendous form, winning in Washington last week and extending his unbeaten run to 10 matches in Montreal.

The momentum was certainly with him as the second set progressed and when Murray missed two more break points in game nine, the Argentine was on the brink at just a game away from the title.

Finally, and with perfect timing, the Murray serve began to click into gear and he held his nerve superbly to force a second tie-break, despite clearly being unhappy when Del Potro called an injury time-out for treatment to his shoulder.

Some brilliant scrambling from the Briton earned him the crucial break for 5-3 in the tie-break and he quickly levelled the match from there.

That effectively ended the Del Potro challenge and, as Murray's game went from strength to strength, the Argentine's legs appeared to have gone beneath him.

Murray swept into a 4-0 lead and, despite losing one of the breaks when a now free-swinging Del Potro connected with a few returns, the new world number two sealed victory with an ace after two hours and 42 minutes.

RAFAEL'S STRONG RETURN BACK

2009-08-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal was only on court for 36 minutes on his singles comeback as his opponent David Ferrer retired hurt at the Montreal Masters.

Nadal was back in action after 10 weeks out with knee problems, and was trailing 4-3 in a scrappy first set when fellow Spaniard Ferrer pulled out.

Ferrer played with one knee taped and twice required visits from the trainer before calling it quits.

"I'm very sorry it had to end like this," said defending champion Nadal.

The world number two saved six break points in the fourth game before losing serve, only to break Ferrer again in the seventh game before the early end.

"I must be happy, because I didn't play terrible. In the next round, I have another chance to continue to improve. Every match, every game is important to feel better for me.

"My knees felt OK, but I need more days to have a real test."

HEWITT WON HIS FIRST IN US OPEN

2009-08-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Lleyton Hewitt began his summer hard-court campaign with victory over US wildcard Donald Young at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington DC.
Hewitt, contesting his first tournament since losing to Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, reached round two with a 7-5 6-2 win.
Russia's Mikhail Youzhny required three sets to overcome Robert Kendrick, eventually prevailing 7-5 3-6 6-1.
Philipp Petzschner came from behind to beat Teimuraz Gabashvili 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Former world number one Hewitt, 28, the 2004 champion in Washington, said: "It's always hard after a few weeks off, so it's nice to get through in straight sets."

Top seed Andy Roddick, a three-times winner of the event, will play either fellow American Robby Ginepri or Benjamin Becker of Germany in his first match on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, British number two Alex Bogdanovic enjoyed a morale-boosting win in round one of the Odlum Brown Van Open in Vancouver.
The 25-year-old left-hander beat Dutch qualifier Igor Sijsling 6-2 5-7 7-5 to set up a second-round meeting with American Scoville Jenkins.

SOMDEV MADE INDIA PROUD IN TENNIS

2009-08-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Marin Cilic suffered a shock second-round defeat by Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman in the ATP Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington DC.
The Croat produced numerous unforced errors during the 7-5 6-4 loss to world number 153 Devvarman.

Defending champion Juan Martin del Potro came from a set down to beat Taiwan's Yen-sun Lu 4-6 6-3 6-2.
while Eighth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych downed Lativa's Ernests Gulbis 6-2 7-6 (8-6) to book his third-round spot.

World number 15 Cilic showed signs of rustiness in his encounter with Devvarman having received a bye in the first round, but was still expected to prevail over an opponent he defeated in the final at Chennai, India in January.

However, Devvarman was able to capitalise on Cilic's lack of match practice to record his first win over a top-20 ranked player.
"I knew that it was the first match he was playing this week and I already had three under my belt. That's always a good feeling to bring to the match," said Devvarman.
Roddick will now face either Rainer Schuettler of Germany, who beat Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-1 3-6 7-6 (7-5), or Croat Ivo Karlovic in round three.
In a match that started late on Tuesday night and ended well past midnight, Del Potro lost the opening set after dropping his serve at 3-3 but stormed back with his own break at 4-3 to give him the winning edge in the second set.
After breaking Lu to open the third set, the 2008 champion finished off the long night by winning 16 of 18 service points.
Del Potro now faces a third-round tie with either Australian Lleyton Hewitt or Israeli number 15 seed Dudi Sela.
German Tommy Haas, the only other seeded player in action on Tuesday, edged past Canadian Frank Dancevic 6-1 4-6 6-4 to set up a third-round match with either Tommy Robredo or Juan Carlos Ferrero.

NADA; MAY SEE A BIT RELAX TO COMEBACK

2009-07-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T05:33:00.000-07:00

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.

NADAL IS BACK TO PRACTICE

2009-07-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

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

ISRAEL REACHES SEMIS IN DAVIS CUP

2009-07-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

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."

FEDERERMADE AN EPIC TITLE IN WIMBLEDON

2009-07-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

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.

SERENA TO WIN HER WIMBLEDON TITLE

2009-07-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

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."

VENUS, SERENA IN BOTH FINALS

2009-07-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

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."

MURRAY IN LAST 16

2009-06-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

The British number one, Andy Murray will face Stanislas Wawrinka in Monday's fourth round after winning a comfortable 6-2 6-3 6-4 win against Viktor Troicki in one hour 36 minutes on Centre Court.

Murray broke for the first time at 3-2 and Troicki crumbled, losing seven games in a row as the world number three almost toyed with his opponent.

Murray faced one break point in the entire match, saving it with an ace.

The match was played under leaden skies, but despite thunderstorms in the Wimbledon area, the rain never came - and Centre Court's new roof is still awaiting its competitive debut after six days of action.

"Obviously I wanted to finish the match as quickly as possible," said the 22-year-old. "It would have been a nice bit of history, but I wasn't that worried by it."

Murray pleased with opening week

The roof was immediately shut after the players went off, whereupon Murray told BBC Sport he felt he had not peaked yet.

"I have to give myself an A for coming through the first week," he said. "Today was very good. I felt a little bit uncomfortable at the start, but after the first set I started to feel more comfortable.

"I've got to be happy with the first week - I felt better and better with every match. But I'm going to have to play better next week if I want to come away with the title."

Murray's hopes of making his second Grand Slam final received a boost later on Saturday when Fernando Gonzalez, his conqueror at this year's French Open and a possible quarter-final opponent here, was beaten in five sets by Juan Carlos Ferrero.

But on this form, Murray has no-one to fear.

Troicki had won just one game in his last encounter against Murray at the Miami Masters, a tournament the Scot went on to win.

Murray consider this match to be far better than the previous one in this tournament and it will be a good sign for the forth coming matches.

CRACKLING FIRST ROUND IN WIMBLEDON

2009-06-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

Wimbledon has been so beautiful this year as a new retrackable roof has been covered in the centre court during rain. The centre court looks too good for the spectators to watch on. The crowd were also too good and pretty decent as well. Andy Murray being a local player won his first round against American Robert Kendrick 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesdaay. The match seems to be so exciting as Murray being a local player. If Murray win this wimbledon then he will be the first player in Britain since 1936 to win a wimbledon. Nadal feels that his opponent came so vigourous and Murray stayed calm and took the pressure off from him.

Fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro made a mockery of his supposed lack of grass-court prowess by hammering experienced Frenchman Arnaud Clement 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 in the first round.

Del Potro, who has won only two matches in two previous visits to Wimbledon, put Clement out of his misery when the Frenchman ballooned a forehand long after 1 hour, 37 minutes on Court 1. He will face 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt of Australia, a 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 winner over American Robby Ginepri, in the second round.

FEDERER FEELS FOR NADAL'S INJURY

2009-06-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Roger federer is so sad after hearing the news that Nadal withdrawn from the wimbledon because of his knee injury. Federer feels that he is the only rivalry who can fight against Federer and has already won a wimbledon last year by beating Federer. Nadal's loss will definitely make the fans so sad. Nadal is so young to tennis and played excellent tennis and he is the only man who can beat Roger Federer continuously for many a time. Without Nadal it will be easy for Roger to clinch the title of his 15 th Grand slam. If he picks up this title then he will be the first player to acquire 15 grand slams by beating Pete Sampras.

SAFINA CRUSHED IN ORDINA OPEN SEMIFINALS

2009-06-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina, world number one surprisely out of the Ordina open against unseeded Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn in the semifinals 7-5, 7-5. The match was so tough that it could turn to either way as it was the last game break in both the sets.

Tanasugarn, 32, beat Safina in the final of this event last year and once again proved too much for the Russian.

World number 42 Tanasugarn will meet Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer in the final after she beat Italy's Francesca Schiavone 7-6 (7-3) 2-6 6-3.

It will be the third time the 19-year-old Belgian Wickmayer - ranked 72 in the world - will contest a WTA final having lost to Ukraine's Kateryna Bondarenko in Birmingham, though she won in Estoril last year.

Safina must now pick herself up in time for the start of Wimbledon this Monday, as she goes in search of her first Grand slam title.

RAFAEL NADAL OUT OF WIMBLEDON 2009

2009-06-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Defending champion Rafael Nadal is out of the wimbledon because of the knee injury. He was suffering from the injury for the past 6 months and he was playing with the problem, which made him out of the early exit in the French open. Nadal feels that he is not concentrating on the match 100% as he feels that his knee has some problem. With such an intention no one can play to their 100%. He needs some rest in order to recover. When he comeback, he will comeback strongly with 100% in physical and mental. He also said that I am young and I have a plenty of career to spare. Definitely this problem is temporary and it is not going to affect my future career. Definitely this is a big loss to my Fans and the Wimbledon. But I and my fans need to bare it in order to proceed further.

Nadal, struggling with tendinitis, tested out his fitness in exhibition matches on Thursday and Friday, but was unhappy with the state of his knee.

Nadal is the first champion not to defend his SW19 crown since Goran Ivanisevic missed the event in 2002

RAFAEL NADAL WILL COME STRONG IN WIMBLEDON

2009-06-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal, the world No.1 in tennis was unexpectedly moved out in the Round 4 of the French open. He was suffering from both Knee problems continuously for the past 4 months. He played with the pain in the French open so his game is little poor throughout the tournament. He cannot able to fight against Robin soderling because he always feels that his knees were paining. Rafael Nadal is mentally out in this tournament because of his knee problem. After the early exit in French open, he went to Barcelona to go on for the treatment. Nadal revealed that he will be 200% fit in the Wimbledon and he will give the best of him. It will be really good for most of his fans and tennis lovers to see a fantastic match. Roger also hope to wish him best of luck for his upcoming tournament and he hope that Rafael should be fully fit to play in Wimbledon.

ROGER WINS 14TH GRAND SLAM

2009-06-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

The finals between Roger Federer and Robin soderling was taken easily by Roger Federer in straight sets. Roger wins his 14th grand slam to match Pete Sampras. The next moment after Roger took the match winning point, he started to cry and he continued after receiving the title. It was a brillant comebck from Roger Federer after continuous loss to Rafael Nadal. Robin said that "he knew the result the day before the match but he played to his full strength and can't able to succeed". Roger Federer will look forward for his Wimbledon as it is his favourite ground. If Roger wins the Grand slam in Wimbledon then he will the first man to go beyond Pete Sampras in the total number of grand slams won.

KUZNETSOVA WINS THE FRENCH OPEN TITLE

2009-06-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina lost to her opponent Svetlana Kuznetsova in the French open finals. Safina was strong throughout the tournament but always lost in her finals. Safina was so upset with her performance that why she throw her bat down when she lost critical points. Kuznetsova knew that safina is under pressure to win this title. Kuznetsova played her normal tennis with less number of unforced errors. Safina was too ambitious to win this title. We can see the pressure on safina's face but Kuznetsova can be seen relaxed. It was a very confortable win for Kuznetsova over Safina 6-4, 6-2. It was Kuznetsova's second grand slam after winning the 2004 US open. Safina made too much of blunders by putting double faults during the match point for Kuznetsova.

"Today I think she was too tight," Kuznetsova said of her opponent. "She had so much pressure on her but I could bring my better game today - that's why I won."

The 23-year-old has now lost in the French Open final for two years running, and was also heavily beaten by Serena Williams in January's Australian Open final.

"Here I am back in the same situation as last year," said Safina. "Hopefully one day I can win here."

ROBIN SODERLING WILL FACE ROGER IN FINALS

2009-06-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Robin soderling was impeccable during this french open 2009. He started off well with a huge margin defeat by the First round, second and third round opponent. He faced the world No.1 Rafael Nadal in his fourth round. Robin played an outstanding tennis against Rafael Nadal. He won so easily in the first set and the second set was in a tiebreaker to lose for Robin. But Robin was outstanding with his serve as his first serve average speed is about 200km/hr. It is consistent with him. Rafael has no choice to face Robin as his return with forehand is too strong for Rafael to move even a step. Rafael lost his third and foruth set to lose the first ever Roland Garros. Robin faced Fernando Gonzalez and he fired the first two sets but Robin lost his thrid and fourht set. Even at the last set Robin was lagging 1-4. Then Robin soderling came back strongly to take 5 consecutive games to win the match 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 against Fernando Gonzalez in semifinals to face Roger Federer in the finals. Roger will definitely be a tight contender as he is hungry to win this title. Let us hope for a complete entertainer.

SAFINA WINS A THRILLER

2009-06-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina, the No.1 seed won against Victoria Azarenka to reach the french open semifinals. She won against Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. Victoria started the match with the first set heavy double break points. The first set completed in just 23 minutes while the second set rallied for a long of 50 minutes. Safina was very tough to beat and she become ard as cement in the second set. She won by breaking 3 of the 4 break points while Azarenka break only 2 of her 2 break points. In the third set safina took two break points and easily opted her third set to qualify for her semifinals. Safina will play Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova in the last four after the 20th seed ended Maria Sharapova's revival in style, crushing her 6-0 6-2. Safina is very hard defeat at this level as she hasn't took any grand slam so far. So she will be very much hungry to pick the title.

A HUGE SHOCK TO NADAL FANS

2009-06-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal lost by a surprise as he was not in his best in this match. At this level you cannot under estimate anybody around you and you cannot play normally. Rafael Seems to be out of power as Soderling returning the ball with extreme power which cannot be taken by Rafael. I think Rafael lost only because of his lack of power. Soderling was serving at 220 km/hr while Nadal is serving at 175 km/hr. This is a huge difference when it comes to international.

Soderling's win comes a month after he was beaten 6-1 6-0 by Nadal in Rome.

"I told myself this is just another match," said the 24-year-old Swede, who now plays 10th seed Nikolay Davydenko.

"All the time, I was trying to play as if it was a training session. When I was 4-1 up in the (fourth set) tie-break, I started to believe.

"I just couldn't believe it when I won that last point. I'm so proud of myself. This is the best win of my career against a man who is the greatest clay-court player in history."

"He didn't surprise me because I know how he plays and how dangerous he can be," said the 22-year-old.

"When I practised this morning I felt good. I felt very good, but it wasn't the case during the match. I didn't play my best. I played very short and I couldn't attack. I made it easy for him to play at his level. But I lost.

"I was not calm enough to face the important points, so I had to fight. But sometimes fighting is not enough. You have to play a good level of tennis.

MURRAY "THE ALL TIME FAVOURITE ENTERS QUARTER"

2009-06-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Andy Murray passed to the quarterfinals after a long fight against Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 and reach his last eight for the first time. From the start both the contenders were fighting hard and each of them broke in their first game of their first set. Finally Murray wins a thriller in tie-breaker. The first set was a tale of two in-form players exchanging blows but Murray broke at 5-5 before serving out. Murray took the second set on a tie-break after breaks were exchanged and the third seed stormed past a deflated Cilic in the third to wrap up victory. Gonzalez, the 12th seed from Chile, claimed an emphatic 6-2 6-4 6-2 win against Victor Hanescu. The pair have played twice previously - Gonzalez triumphed in Basel in 2005 and Murray in New York in 2006 - but never on clay. Murray will definitely win against Gonzalez in the quarter finals.

DEMENTIEVA LOST IN HER THIRD ROUND FRENCH OPEN

2009-05-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Elena Dementieva, No.4 seeded lost in her third round against Samantha Stosur 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. Samantha stosur outplayed dementieva in her first set. The reigning Olympic champion was broken twice to lose the opening set but fought back to edge the second.

Dementieva's problems on serve helped Stosur go 4-0 up in the decider and the 30th seed broke at 5-1 for the match.

Second seed Serena Williams almost followed Dementieva out, but beat Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 4-6 6-3 6-4.

Martinez Sanchez took an ill-tempered opening set after breaking in the fifth game with a controversial shot which appeared to have bounced off her arm.

Annoyed with the call, Williams went on to level the contest and her opponent eventually ran out of steam, bowing out after two hours 11 minutes on the first match point.

"The ball did touch her 100% on her arm," said Williams afterwards. "The rules of tennis is when the ball hits your body, then it's out of play. You lose a point automatically.

"So the ball hit her body, and therefore, she should have lost the point instead of cheating."

DJOKOVIC OUT IN THIRD ROUND FRENCH OPEN

2009-05-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

Serbian Star Djokovic lost in his third round against germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic ranked No.4 lost this third round and this made a huge upset to him and his fans. Djokovic from the start was outplayed by Philipp Kohlschreiber. He took his serve points and he breaks Djokovic serve quite easily. The fourth seed looked out of sorts and was broken twice in the first and second sets of the third-round match.

Kohlschreiber, who had only won two of his previous six matches at Roland Garros, broke at 4-4 in the third set and served out for a famous victory. While in another match Roger Federer beat Paul-Henri Mathieu 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Roger seems to lose the match as his opponent took the first set quite easily. But from the second set he overtook his opponent and through to the fourth round.

VENUS OUT OF FRENCH OPEN

2009-05-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

Venus williams crashes out of the third round in French open against Agnes Szavay in straight sets 6-0, 6-4. Venus didnt play good tennis and Agnes played a fantastic tennis and she played with excellent timing and placement. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, has now fallen at the third round in each of the last three years. Szavay, the 29th seed from Hungary, stormed through the first set and then outplayed Williams in the second to set up a meeting with Dominika Cibulkova.

SAFINA IN THIRD ROUND

2009-05-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Safina, the world No.1 took almost an hour finish her opponent No.151 Diatchenko in her second round. Safina will next play against 27th seeded Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who beats France's Julie Coin 6-2, 7-6 (7-2). Safina extended her winning streak to 17 matches in Roland Garros. Safina is very confident that she can win the title. Safina haven't won a grand slam so far. If she won this then it will be the firt grand slam and first in Roland Garros. She said there are tough competitors and I need to play good tennis and make myself confident against any opponent.

FIRING MARIA SHARAPOVA MOVES TO THIRD ROUND

2009-05-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

Maria sharapova, former World No.1 won her second round against 11th seeded Nadia Petrova 6-2, 1-6, 8-6 in an epic three set battle to make french open third round. Sharapova recovered after an injury, now ranked 102 and she played only last year wimbledon and now she came back. The third set took almost 71 minutes and it was mind blowing experience for Maria Sharapova. Sharapova said after the post match that "These types of matches are very important for me although I spent more time on the court than I wanted to. But I'm learning new things. It was a great match where I had to fight really hard and that's what I did. I'm glad I picked myself up and I could win." Sharapova will next play Kazakhstan's Yaroslava Shvedova in her third round. Sharapova is almost hot to win this title and she was in hungry to win this title as she never won a Roland Garros.

VENUS, JELENA KUZNETSOVA IN THIRD ROUND

2009-05-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

French open has all set to open of 24th May. Venus williams struggled a bit to win her second round against Lucie Safarova. Lucie Safarova was ranking No.46 and played a superb tennis to her fans. Venus managed to get past Lucie Safarova to the third round. Williams fought back strongly to level when the match resumed but had to save a match-point at 4-5 in the decider on her way to a 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 7-5 victory. Venus will play Agnes Szavay of Hungary in her third round.

In another match Jelena Jankovic won against Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova 6-1, 6-2. She played not an excellent tennis eventhough she won to get past the second round. Serbian star Jankovic will play Jarmila Groth of Australia for a place in the last 16.

Svetlana Kuznetsova ranking No.7 won so easily against her opponent Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan 6-0, 6-2. She just crushed the match in 49 minutes. She is more powerful and she has to be watch on for this title.

WIMBLEDON COURT 3 TO OPEN ON 2011

2009-05-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Wimbledon has another court to construct from July 2009 and it is prepared for 2011 championship. Spectators and fans of England are happy with the way that Things are progressing towards tennis. Wimbledon matches are always of high expectation and the court officials have to meet those expectation with comfort. A new Court 3 will be built at Wimbledon in time for the 2011 championships.

This court can occupy around 2000 seats and the work will get started from july and it is scheduled to finish by may 2011. All England Club chairman Tim Phillips said " With its unofficial name of the 'Graveyard of the Champions,' old Court 2 has played its part in framing Wimbledon history". The officials also said that the spectators will be fully satisfied with the comfort we provide over in the court.

FRENCH OPEN IS ALL SET TO OPEN ON SUNDAY

2009-05-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

French Open is approaching and all the players landed in Roland Garros. Top players like Nadal, Federer, djokovic and Murray were set for a big platform. Nadal will look forward to win his fifth grand slam in French Open. Federer will also look forward to match Pete Sampras. Federer recently won against Nadal in Madrid open and it will be a bonus to Federer as he win Nadal in clay court. Fans were extremely happy as they can see a fantastic contest. Nadal will meet only either Djokovic or federer in the final. Nadal most likely to meet andy murray in the semifinals. Nadal said that his only pressure is to play good tennis against anybody and comeback with his form.

SHARAPOVA LOST IN HER QUARTERFINALS IN WARSAW OPEN

2009-05-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Maria sharapova lost her quarterfinals round against Alona Bondarenko of the warsaw open on Thursday. Bondarenko was the 39th ranked player and she won against sharapova in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. Sharapova didnt make much of unforced errors but she couldnt complete her serve and return well. She is bit tensed when playing and she was over ambitious by coming close to the net for a drop. After a 10 months break she make a good come back and she said I will come storngly by gaining from mistakes. Mistakes make everyone stronger.

Bondarenko of Ukraine dictated the pace of the points from the outset, and Sharapova struggled throughout the despite connecting on 78 percent of her first serves.

"I give her all the credit for doing all the right things and stepping up and playing her game and playing it really well," Sharapova said.

Sharapova, a three-time Grand Slam winner and former top-ranked player, had surgery for a torn rotator cuff last year and missed the past two Grand Slam tournaments.

SAMPRAS WILL MEET AGASSI IN AN EXHIBITION MATCH

2009-05-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

King of Tennis in 1990's Pete sampras will be seen shortly against his long time rival and his countrymen Andre Agassi playing in an exhibition match on October 25 in Macau. Pete sampras is the only man to win 14 grand slam title and Roger Federer will be seen equal in wimbledon as Pete sampras hasn't won any title in Roland Garros. So as Roger Federer too.

Last year Roger federer came close to match Sampras in the number of Titles but Rafael Nadal won against him in the upcoming grand slam. This french Open will be a tight competition as Federer seen with soem come back after winning the Madrid open final against Rafael Nadal. Sampras said, " Roger was in hungry to win the french open and match him".

He has a bright chance in his wimbledon as it is his favourite spot. Sampras said Agassi is always my rivalry as he play some good tennis and he has excellent serving capacity. People say that after ME AND AGASSI, American tennis has spoiled a bit but sampras says that with Andy Roddick and James Blake we are still in the competition.

MARIA SHARAPOVA COMEBACK WOULD BE STRONG ON WIMBLEDON

2009-05-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Maria Sharapova came back after a nine month injury break. She will come back in the next month's Edgbaston Classic. She is really excited about getting back on the grass court again. She always get great support from Birmingham crowd and she has won twice. She feels nice to come back so early for her wimbeldon return.

She knew that it is going to be tough as she may lost her form. But I feels that she would have gained extra power because of her rest.
The 22-year-old Russian, who owns three Grand Slam singles titles, made her singles comeback on Monday in Warsaw after recovering from a shoulder injury. The Wimbledon warm-up tournament begins on June 8.

DAVYDENKO OUT OF AUSTRIAN OPEN

2009-05-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Nikolay Davydenko is one of the finest player and has lot of potential to play against the toughest player. He was pulled out of the Austrian open because of the muscle strain in his left leg. Davydenko has the capability to serve very hard at the opposition. Paul Capdeville of chile will replace the 10th ranked Russian for first round match against Diego Junqueira of Argentina. Last week also he withdrew from the Madrid open because of the leg injury and this week he was completely out of Austrian open. He already won 3 times in the last four Austrian open.

FEDERER WINS MADRID OPEN

2009-05-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

It was federer from the start of the final against Rafael Nadal. Nadal was struggling a bit with the odd bounces and it seems to be a very good for Roger Federer and everything went on well. Roger Federer stopped the winning streak of Rafael Nadal on 33 victories. It was a bit easy finish for Roger as he won the match in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 on the Madrid open. Nadal feels that he can come back strongly in Paris and the environment and altitude is so different and difficult for Nadal to beat Roger Federer. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played 10 matches head to head on clay court but Roger wins only 2 so far and 8 of them won by Nadal. While in grass court Nadal won 1 match and 2 matches won by Federer. While in Hard court surface Nadal won 2 and roger won only 1.

Nadal lost only because of some the unforced errors he made during the match. Federer is also confident that Nadal will bounce back strongly in French Open. In women match Dinara Safina won against Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 6-4 in the final on Madrid Open.

FANTASTIC PLAYING CONDITIONS INSIDE RETRACTABLE ROOF IN WIMBLEDON

2009-05-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Wimbledon has picked up its grace as thr retractable roof on completion in centre court. The system worked perfectly and the legends played on the centre court after a very long interval. The roof has been in operation from sunday officially and it takes around 10 minutes to complete the whole ground and it takes another 30 minutes for maintaining the playing environement inside the roof.

Graf said it is really nice to play in the closed environment and it increase the pressure. It will be definite treat for the crowd when two tough players play all round the ground. On sunday Tim Henman and Kim clijsters were facing Agassi and Graf in the doubles and they also play singles match. To kick off the event, the sliding roof slowly started unfolding with a soft whirring in an afternoon ceremony as British singers Faryl Smith and Katherine Jenkins sang "Amazing Grace" in the center of the court.

The guest Boris Becker were given with a fine applausing as the game progresses. There were 15,000 spectators enjoying alroung the ground. As the two-parted roof closed without a hitch, it was greeted by a thunderous applause.

Then shortly after the tennis began, as if on cue, it started to rain. Not that anyone inside the stadium noticed. In the match agassi defeated Henman 6-4 , graf lost to Kim clijster 6-4 , in the doubles agassi , graf lost to Henman and kim clijsters . Everyone were aware that it is definitely going to be a treat for the audience as the match progresses.

NADAL MEETS ROGER IN MADRID OPEN FINALS

2009-05-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal will meet Roger federer in the Madrid open finals after Nadal wins Novak Djokovic for a record of 4 hours and 3 minutes match that ended in 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(9) on saturday. It was definitely a tight match and the match went for so longer. Roger federer and Nadal will face for championship just before the french open.

Both of them knew well and both of them were excellent with their performance. Nadal wins his 33rd straight win on clay and this lifted him to his seventh final this season. Federer has lost his last five matches against Nadal, including the finals at the French Open, Wimbledon and Australia in February, when the Swiss player was in tears after the defeat.

But now Roger is so confident that he can win this and the grand slam which is approaching as well. Fans were excited for a wonderful and exciting match on sunday.

SAFINA IN MADRID FINALS

2009-05-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina defeated Patty Schnyder 6-4, 6-2 on saturday to set up a madrid open Finals against Caroline Wozniacki. who defeated Amelie Mauresmo 7-6(1), 6-3. Safina feels that most of the players around me feels jealous that I am young to be in the No.1 spot. "I have no won any grand slam title yet but I reached two finals and a seminfinals in grand slam" said Safina.

Safina said " winning grand slam dont make you to the top spot but winning consequently for the whole year will make you to be in the top spot. Safina was much disturned by many of the critics but what I wish to express is that she should not listen to any critics and stick to her basics right and try to perform. There is always lot of people for critcising each and every one as most of us dont like others to develop. So she dont think of it and she should speak with her game and bat.

TIGHT SEMIS IN MADRID OPEN

2009-05-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Roger federer advances to the semis of the Madrid Open by defeating Andy Roddick 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-1. Both of them played excellently and Federer was outstanding. Roger Federer started his clay court start just before the French open. French open seams to be more powerful as Roger has got the form back. Rafeal Nadal also advances to the semis by defeating Fernando Verdasco with a 6-4, 7-5 victory.

While Andy Murray lost to fifth seeded Juan Martin del potro 7-6 (4), 6-3 for first time. Djokovic advances to the semis to face Rafeal Nadal. Djokovic has a wide chance to defeat Nadal for fourth time in a row. When it comes to women top seeded Dinara Safina advances to her semis by defeating Alona Bondarenko 6-4, 6-3 and will play against Patty Schnyder in her semis. In other semis Mauresmo will face Caroline Wozniacki.

NALBANDIAN UNDERGONE SURGERY SUCCESSFULLY

2009-05-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

David Nalbandian has undergone surgery on wednesday and he will miss the upcoming tournaments atleast for four months. The surgeon, who operated told that he needs to be in Barcelona atleast for a month in order to recover from the surgery. He needs pure rest and he ranks No.15 will miss the French open, Wimbledon and the US open. He should be returned only after a month to Argentina. Nalbandian was in grest touch before he got injured. He is an excellent server and he smashes hard.

QUATERFINALIST IN MADRID OPEN

2009-05-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal, top seeded advanced to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. He tool charge against opponent and he won so comfortably. He is naturally tough player and now he is becoming even more tougher. As the day progresses he skills getting improved. While Andy Murray and Roger federer also advances to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open.

Nadal passed easily as the opponent Philipp Kohlschreiber withdrew after leg injury. Nadal will play against Fernando Verdasco in the next round. Murray defeated Tommy Robredo 7-5, 6-1. Roger federer will next face Andy Roddick, who defeated James Blake 6-2, 6-4. Novak Djokovic defeated Andreas Seppi 6-4, 6-4.

Federer told that he has played against Roddick previously and now we will play in different surface. In the women's section Dinara Safina won against Lucie Safarova 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals.

NADAL ADVANCES TO THIRD ROUND IN MADRID OPEN

2009-05-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal playing well in the Madrid open and he just passed his second round victory over Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-1. Nadal feels playing very high above the sea level is always difficult. Nadal just made three unforced errors and converted all of his 4 break points to victory. The only break in Nadal's concentration came when a ball girl fainted and had to be carried off the center court for medical assistance in the second set.

Nadal was very comfortable playing against any opponent and he can easily pass semifinals to meet someone in finals. Nadal dont speak much with mouth but his bat and playing skills speaks more. Novak Djokovic also passes to the third round by defeating Oscar Hernandez 6-3, 6-3. Djokovic now ranking No.4 was troubled by his opponent in the second set but managed to get passed it. Djokovic feels that the ground is bit watered which luckily didnt hurt him in injury concern. Djokovic needs to pay more attention towards winning matches and not on rankings. Nadal will face Phillipp Kohlschreiber, who just passed Marin cilic 6-1, 6-7 (5), 7-6(2).

VENUS WILLIAMS OUT AND ROGER ADVANCES IN MADRID OPEN

2009-05-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

Venus williams, 3rd ranked american player defeated to Alisa Kleybanova by 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 on the sidelines of the Madrid Open on Tuesday. Venus joined her sister as serena was out becaus eof her knee injury and now Venus was out becaue of her performance. Serena watched the match from the stands as her sister losing to Alisa on Tuesday.

The match prolonged for about 2 hours and 12 minutes. Venus didnt able to capitalize on her serve as she lost her serve in the final set. Williams consolted her fans by giving a hard message to digest that "I will meet you next year", williams said. Roger Federer won easily against Robin Soderling 6-1, 7-5 as he puts his platform for Roland Garros. Roger said" I will play hard tennis for the upcoming Roland Garros and I will definitely beat Rafeal and I have faced him so much times in my career".

Roger has excellent class and he has skill as well. But Rafeal Nadal is not that easy to predict as he is in top form and he is so young when compared to Roger Federer. While in another Match Andy Murray won over simone Bolelli with 7-6(9), 6-4. Andy Murray may took Roger's position as roger lost most of his matches recently.

SERENA WILLIAMS MAY MISS OUT FRENCH OPEN

2009-05-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Serena williams has been pulled out of Madrid open on monday after Aggravating an injury to her right knee during the first round against Francesca Schiavone. She immediately said that she wont miss the Roland Garros i.e. french open. But she doesnt know how serious the injury was and she wish to recover soon in order to play in French open.

She feels that she has more commitment so she has to pay for it. Eventhough she has strong body, her body didnt cooperate well. She already said that she is the No.1 player inspite she loss No. 1 Ranking to safina. f this injury may prolong then her career will be go behind safina. "I was just really hindered.

My movement was hindered as a result of an injury I've been struggling with for some time," Williams said. Since there is no information about how serious the injury is, we cannot come to a conclusion.

RICHARD GASQUET WILL MISS FRENCH OPEN AS COCAINE TEST RESULTS POSITIVE

2009-05-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Richard Gasquet on Monday was suspended because of the following positive cocaine test and will miss the French Open. Gasquet was a good player and he was just 22 years old and if he is found to be true then he will miss out a 2 year ban otherwise he will be suspended till the enquiry gets over. The process will complete only after 60 days. He is a french player and he will miss the french open this year. ITF spokesman Neil Robinson said. "We're now assembling an anti-doping tribunal. The ideal time frame is within 60 days, but people have to fly in from all over the world for it." Gasquet ranked No.21 was ranking as No.7 since july 2007. He had right shoulder injury and returned sometimes late to comeback. If he found to be positive then It is a big shame to french government.

SHARAPOVA'S COMEBACK

2009-05-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Maria Sharapova will be back in few days as she has recovered well from her shoulder injury. She was not in news as she has been in rest because of her injury. She feels that it to be passionate to paly again in tournaments and matches. She wrote in her website that she will play in singles match on may 18-23 in warsaw, poland. She has been in rest for about 10 months. Definitely she will be not in form as she was in break.

Once she was No.1 but now she is in 65th place. She didnt mention anything about the french open and we prays for her to play in french open too. The three-time Grand Slam title winner was sidelined in August by a torn rotator cuff in her right shoulder and had surgery two months later. She feels that she wants to be playing matches and she should be in that groove. She was forced to miss the last two Grand Slam tournaments, the U.S Open and Australian Open.

she also said about their family and coach that "My family and coach have been a tremendous part of this comeback, and I think it's important to acknowledge that without their drive, daily laughs and endless belief in my ability, I would be sipping a pina colada on a deserted island [not that there's something wrong with that, but playing tennis is just so much more exciting at this stage of my life]".

JAMES BLAKE LOST TO ALBERT MONTANES IN ESTORIL OPEN

2009-05-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

Albert Montanes won the Estoril open against US James Blake 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-0 on sunday to win his first ATP title since july 2008. James blake played both the semifinals and finals on sunday as the semifinals were suspended because of darkness on saturday. James Blake played the semifinals against Nikolay Davydenko 6-7 (3), 7-6(2), 6-3 just few housr before the finals.

James Blake was playing for his country's first ATP title on European Clay since Andy Roddick in 2003. Blake was happy with his performance in semifinals but was completely upset in finals. He had a good chance to win the title but he missed a easy chance. Montanes defeated Paul capdeville 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals on saturday.

Montanes played a superb innings and he was at his best. Montanes won the last set with a 6-0, where he broked all the three serve of Blake. Montanes feels that he was really happy with his performance.

JANKOVIC REGAIN HER CONFIDENCE

2009-05-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic started to regain her confidence as she lost in last tournament in semifinals. Now she made it to the second round after winning Nuria Llagostera of spain 6-2, 6-1 on sunday to reach the second round of the Madrid Open. This open is one of the prestigeous open as it is a joint venture of ATP and WTA tour Tournament. In another match Agnes Szavay of Hungary won over Flavia Pennetta of Italy 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-2 in the first round at Madrid's new "Magic Box" tennis center. Flavia Pennetta, who was 12 seeded lost to Agnes was an upset to the audience.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC WON SERBIA OPEN

2009-05-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Novak Djokovic took the title on his home ground on sunday by beating Lukasz Kubot of Poland 6-3, 7-6(0) in Serbia open. Serbia open is one of his favourite open as he belongs to serbia. This was his first ATP title and he reached four finals this year but he can succeed only in this open. The other matches were djokovic reached finals were Miami, Monte carlo and Rome. This title adds up to his 13th career title. He likes to play this title next year too and he will succeed in that. Djokovic feels that winning will improve my confidence level adn I doesnt mind whether it is not big tournament or smaller one. I make my fans and spectators happy and enjoyable.

The 179th-ranked Kubot served for the second set, but Djokovic managed to return two difficult drop shots to force the tiebreaker, where he won all three points on Kubot's serve.

Djokovic's family brought the first ATP event to Serbia this year after buying the license from the former ABM Amro Open in the Netherlands. Inspite of winning this open Djokovic falls to 4th rank after losing his 3rd rank to Andy Murray, who beat him in Miami Final.

SAFINA WINS HER TITLE IN ITALIAN OPEN

2009-05-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Safina clinched her first title after she attained the No.1 spot. Safina was so happy with her performance as she made the finals quite easily. Safina said " Kuznetsova made lot of unforced errors which made me easy to qualify". Safina defeated her opponent 6-3, 6-2 in the Italian open finals. Safina said " Kuznetsova is not an easy opponent and that too in clay court". Kuznetsova disappointed as she made lot of unforced errors. Kuznetsova was not to her best and she is not an easy opponent. Safina finished her set in just 43 minutes. Safina is all set for French open, which is about to start on May24. Marat Safin is giving lot of tips as safina reflects those in her match against her opponent.

SAFINA WILL FACE KUZNETSOVA IN FINALS

2009-05-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

Top seeded Safina defeated Venus Williams 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4 on friday to move on to finals to meet Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Italian open. The finals is going to be all Russian Match as both the contenders are Russian. "It was a hard match" said safina. Venus williams fighted well but safina's form continues and she overtook venus quite easily.

Safina and Venus were strong at the baseline and venus often come closer to the nets to finish the point. But it didnt work all the time. From the second set Safina completely taken the game away from Venus as she complete quite easily. In the third set, Safina served out the 3-hour, 9-minute match after committing three double-faults and saving four break points. Safina had 32 winners, compared to 38 for Williams.

Williams, by reaching the semifinals in Rome, is still assured of moving to third in the rankings -- her highest spot in six years.

The final on Saturday will be a repeat of last week's Porsche GP final in Germany, where Kuznetsova defeated Safina in straight sets to capture her first title in almost two years. Both players have been runners-up in Rome, Kuznetsova in 2007 and Safina in 2006.

NALBANDIAN REQUIRES 3 MONTHS REST

2009-05-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

David Nalbandian will have surgery by next week on his right hip. Nalbandian will miss the upcoming French Open, Wimbledon and the Davis cup quarterfinals against the Czech Republic in July. Nalbandian atleast require 3 to 4 months of rest.

Nalbandian is a hard player and he will serve beautifully. He is the most powerful player in tennis. He was a wimbledon finalist in 2002, and reached the french open semifinals in 2004 and 2006.

He played in last year's Davis Cup final loss to Spain and was expected to team with Juan Martin Del Potroon Argentina's Davis Cup team. Nalbandian is ranked No. 19.

SAFINA AND VENU IN SEMIFINALS

2009-05-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina won the tight quarterfinals against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 on Thursday to reach the Italian Open semifinals. Safina lost the first set because of the errors she made. She didnt score quite well and lot of shots went to net and away. Safina after losing the first set didnt start good for second set as the opponent was 3-1 and safina continuously won 11 games to win the match.

Safina is so strong of her backhand and forehand. "It is not easy to be in the No.1 spot" said Safina. During the second set Safina called for the trainer to have her right ankle taped. The 23-year-old Russian, who tripped during her first match here in Rome, said she wanted to avert a bigger injury with the French Open coming up on May 24.

Venus williams won against Agnieszka Radwanska of poland 6-1, 6-2. Venus williams will be playing against Safina in the finals, if both of them won the semifinals. Last time defending champion Jelena Jankovic lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova quite easily in the straight sets.

AVERAGE PERFORMANCE FROM JAMES BLAKE

2009-05-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

James Blake, 16th seeded started of poorly against Frederico Gil 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 on Wednesday in the first round of the Estoril Open. James blake is an excellent player and he has lot of stuff beat top class players. Blake was not comfortable with his return from the baseline and he overcome it and won the match at the end.

Gil won the first set by breaking his serve at the 11th game. Blake qualified for the ext round by defeating 68th ranked Gil. Blake said" It was a tough match and i learned from my experience and mistakes to quickly adapt to the conditions".

Second Seeded Nikolay Davydenko won over Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-2 to reach quarterfinals. Davydenko will meet Mardy fish in the next round. Davydenko, the 2003 champion and a two-time runner-up at the outdoor clay-court event, broke the Spaniard in the ninth game of the first set and cruised to victory in the second.

EXCELLENT SHOW FROM DJOKOVIC

2009-05-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

Novak Djokovic is an excellent player and he has excellent temperament as well. He defeated his countrymen Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 4-6, 6-0 on wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Serbia Open. It was difficult time for Djokovic when he lost the second set but overcome quite easily in the third set.

But Djokovic, whose family helped bring the tournament to Belgrade this year after buying the license to the ABM Amro Open, dominated the third set as Tipsarevic only won 11 points. Djokovic said " it was a goog match and i love to play in this kind of situation and the atmosphere is great as well". Djokovic has to meet another serbian Victor Troicki, fifth seeded, who beat Marcel Granollers of spain 6-3, 6-4.

GOOD SHOW FROM JELENA JANKOVIC

2009-05-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Safina is in good form but she didnt won any title after acquiring the No.1 spot from Serena williams. She reached quarterfinals by passing against Zheng Jie 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (3) on wednesday in the Italian Open. Defending champion Jelena Jankovic also advances to the next round after her opponent retired with an illness.

Safina really played aggressive tennis as she came back strong to take the second and third set. Safina was little disturbed with her game as she is not giving to her best. She needs to focus on tennis rather than answering to serena williams. Serena willimas almost acquired 10 grand slams and safina didnt even won any, so she have to focus on tennis.

Venus Williams initialyy struggled to get past Anna Chakvetadze 6-0, 6-7 (8), 6-4 but managed to do it quite well. Venus have to play hard tennis otherwise she have to leave the tournament just like her sister.

SERENA IN WORDS AND SAFINA IN ACTION

2009-05-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday Serena Williams said that "she is still the world's best player eventhough she loss the No.1 ranking to safina". Everyone thought that Serena will comeback strongly to defeat safina. But serena lot in her first round to Patty Schnyder 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at the Italian Open.

Serena just says that she is the best still but Safina does it in action by winning streak. Safina won over Virginie Razzano 7-6 (1), 6-1. Safina is just 23 and she has lot of tennis still in her bank locker and she will does it well. She is younger sister to Marat safin and She got lot of tips from him. Safina is strong with her forehand and she serves well. Also defending Champion Jelena Jankovic advances to the third round quite comfortably. French open champion Ana Ivanovic advanced to the third round as well.

HEWITT REACHED 500 MARK

2009-05-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Lleyton Hewitt was the man in Form and he just now passed the 500 mark in the total number of matches won and he became the third player to reach the 500 mark after Roger Federer (638) and Carlos Moya (573). Hewitt was very happy with his performance and this life time achievement. Hewitt reached 500 victory against Philipp Petzschner 6-2, 6-7(2), 7-6(8) in the opening round of the BMW open. This match went on for 2 hours and 34 minutes and finally it gave a positive result to Hewitt.

Hewitt was playing hard tennis after his hip injury and he wants to come back in top 10, who is currently in No.55.

Hewitt now has a 500-170 career record, which includes two major titles.

NALBANDIAN IN SURGERY THIS WEEKEND

2009-05-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

David Nalbandian was severely injured in his hip. The wound is always itching and paining heavily to him. He was in urgent to get his surgery down so he can cured within 6 months of interval. Nalbandian will miss out the Davis cup which is about to held on july 10-12 in Czech Republic.

He might take surgery by this week end and he needs atleast 4 -6 months to recover. He might loss his form because of this surgery. But he can also comeback strongly after the surgery. Anything can happen and its all up to Nalbandian.

He was expected to team up with Juan Martin Del Potro on the Argentine team. Nalbandian, ranked No. 19, lost 6-2, 6-2 on Monday to Paul Capdeville of Chile in the first round of the Estoril Open in Portugal.

VENUS WILLIAMS STARTED HER WINNING STREAK

2009-05-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Venus Williams started her winning streak in the opening match against Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 at the Italian Open. Venus was happy with the match as she had lot of aces in the first set and she dropped down in the second set.

In the deciding set she was quite comfortable and win over Safarova to clinch the first match. Venus was hitting the ball hard and it was a nice match to watch on. Venus took control of first set in just 28 minutes and only second set took over 45 minutes.

Both players had 22 winners, but Safarova had 33 unforced errors, seven more than Williams.

"We both played aggressive," Williams said. "She's just going for every shot, for the lines."

FIGHT BETWEEN SERENA AND SAFINA FOR No.1 SPOT

2009-05-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

Serena Williams is still the No.1 to her, eventhough she is not the actual No.1 as per ATP ranking. Serena told that she will come back strongly in the upcoming series and she will definitely overtake te current No.1 Safina. Serena Williams is very strong player in women and she has lot of talents as well.

She told that "people know who is No.1 still and I will prove it". When asked about this to Safina, she said "Serena has lot of experience than me as she is elder than me and she also has wom more grand slam than me".

Safina also added "lets wait and see when I reach her age, how many grand slams I acquire and then we can speak about it". Safina told that it wont come out of luck as there are many contenders for it and everyone will fight towards it. If Serena says like this then she should win over me to acquire this. Safina said "I dont think so that she will beat me in the upcoming series". "I am working hard and I will work hard to be in the No.1 spot" said safina.

NADAL IN 4TH ROME MASTERS TITLE

2009-05-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal won his fourth Rome Masters title on Sunday against Novak Djokovic quite easily 7-6 (2), 6-2. It was the third clay court title for Nadal within three weeks. Nadal is all set for French Open as he made all the three clay court this time to set very well for the French open (Grand slam).

Nadal was one who won 4 times Rome Masters title, most by an ATP player in the Open era. He won 8 career wins against Novak Djokovic on clay without a loss. He was the second by acquiring 15 Masters 1000 titles after agassi, who won 19. This win against Djokovic made him to win 30 consecutive clay court victory.

Nadal was very happy with his performance just before the French Open. Djokovic was little bit high on pressure which overtake him and lead a chance to Nadal.

KUZNETSOVA WINS TITLE

2009-05-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Svetlona Kuznetsova, ranked No.9 won the Porsche Grand Prix for the first time defeating the world No.1 Dinara safina 6-4, 6-3 on sunday. Kuznetsova was in command with her strong return and big hitting game. She had lost her last six finals and had not made any this year before Stuttgart.

Kuznetsova feels happy and she is proud to win against world No.1. she enjoyed her victory with her team and she made quite comfortably. She also said that "this victory is always special to me". Kuznetsova won at Stuttgart in her fifth try.

Safina, the Australian Open runner-up, dropped her serve in the final game of the first set. Kuznetsova set it up with a perfect return down the line and Safina then put a backhand into the net. Safina cant able to really return properly as she might hoped.

She had two chances to break Kuznetsova's serve in the third game of the second, but Kuznetsova held. Kuznetsova never looked back after taking a 4-2 lead.

Safina saved one match point at 5-3 and one more in the next game, but Kuznetsova had too much fire power.

"She played very well and I didn't feel very well today," Safina said. "But I am still No. 1."

NADAL WILL FACE DJOKOVIC IN ROME MASTERS FINAL

2009-05-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Nadal, top seeded and the No.1 player on clay court won against Fernando Gonzalez in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Nadal extended his clay-court winning streak to 29 matches, stretching back to an opening-round loss here last year.

Nadal will face Djokovic in the sunday's final as Djokovic won the terror match against Roger Federer. Djokovic won the match with 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Federer was not upto his mark as he gave the match to Djokovic quite easily.

Roger says" I didnt miss opportunities like this before, but this was a blunder". He hasn't won a tournament since taking the title in October at home in Basel, Switzerland. Djokovic reached his second round of consecutive Masters series final on clay, losing to Nadal in Monte Carlo Masters two weeks before. Nadal holds a 12-4 career edge over Djokovic.
In Monte carlo, Djokovic became the only player to win a set against Nadal on clay court this year.

SAFINA WILL MEET KUZNETSOVA IN FINAL

2009-05-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina defeated Flavia Pennetta 3-6,7-5,6-0 on saturday to play in the final against Svetlana Kuznetsova of the Porsche Grand Prix. Safina struggled at the beginning and Flavia almost to win the match, then Safina came back strongly to take the second set and the third set was a comfortable win over Flavia. Kuznetsova defeated Elena Dementieva 6-4 , 6-2. Elena the second seeded cannot able to finish it in Semis. It was a big mess for elena Dementieva. She has to improve her performance in order to compete the next open.

"I was a bit slow at the start," said Safina, who improved to 6-0 against Pennetta. "And she was playing her best tennis."

Safina, who became No. 1 last week, advanced to her third final of the year. She was runner-up at Sydney and at the Australian Open.

It should be safina's show in the sunday's finals. But we need to wait and see who acquire the trophy.

NADAL, FEDERER, DJOKOVI IN ROME MASTERS QUARTER

2009-04-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal, top seeded in the world, won against Robin Soderling of Sweden. Nadal extends his winning streak in clay court to 27 matches on thursday. Nadal really played a hard tennis and could not be defeated by anybody. He is not making any mistakes and he is in full form right throughout this year. Soldering became frustrated enough to call the ATP supervisor, Mark Darby, onto the court early in the second set over a disputed call. Computer replays showed Soderling's shot was clearly out. Nadal in the mind set of breaking the past records and he has already made lot of records in his favourite court, clay court. Nadal will next face Verdasco, who eliminated Richard Gasquet of France 7-5, 6-4.

Federer won against the 16th seeded to enter his quarterfinals. Federer should need to win this tournament to win against Rafeal Nadal in the french open finals. Nadal will be the tight contender for Federer and he breakes his records of 14th grand slam. Nadal stopped him from wimbledon and he always won in french open. If a player like Nadal wasn't there then Roger Federer would have past Pete sampras in the number of Grand slams won.
Federer said conditions were a touch slower than when he played Stepanek last year, and he could read his opponent's serve better.

"I told myself I have to be very disciplined in my playing today, the way I play my tactical game against him and just the way I have to focus," Federer said. "Last year I got a little bit unsure about my own game and he played well, and then I was not 100 percent sure of what I wanted to do."

Djokovic also won against 13th-seededTommy Robredo 6-1, 6-1. This win made him to enter his quarterfinals.

SAFINA WILL SOON MEET JANKOVIC

2009-04-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Safina played really a hard tennis and she won in a straight sets on thursday to meet in the Porsche Grand Prix Semifinals. Safina ended a three-match losing streak against Daniela Hantuchova by beating the Slovak 6-4, 6-2 in the second round. Safina said" I have some close matches in the past and I really played well to beat everyone coming up".

Jelena Jankovic outlasted Germany's Sabine Lisicki 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 and will next play against Flavia Pennetta of Italy, who won 6-2, 6-2 over sixth-seeded Nadia Petrova, the 2006 champion and 2008 runner-up.

Safina will soon meet Jankovic in their semis if Safina win against 8th seeded Agnieszka Radwanska in their quarterfinals.

Elena Dementieva started of slow by beating Agnes Szavay of Hungary 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 and set up a quarterfinal against Marion Bartoli of France.

Jankovic led 4-2 in the second set but couldn't stop a comeback by the big-hitting Lisicki, who won her first WTA title in Charleston, South Carolina, two weeks ago.

WHO WILL FIGHT IN FRENCH OPEN FINALS

2009-04-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

I dont have any doubt in Nadal reaching the final but I have doubt whether the opponent will be Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray or someone else. Most of the people are having some frame of mind that Roger have lost his form and he cannot compete with Nadal or Djokovic. But I feels that Roger is man born to win and he will do it. He needs this Grand slam to equal Pete Sampras. If he lost this it will make a big mess in his career. He has a son now and he needs to dedicate it to him.

MURRAY FELT CHEAPLY IN ROME MASTERS

2009-04-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Andy Murray, fourth seeded in the world lost in his second round against Argentina's Juan Monaco of the Rome Masters. Murray an excellent player lost his grip in clay court as he approaches the French Open.

He feels it to be a hurdle for him in clay court before French Open. Murray had a first round bye and he finished the First set in 33 minutes and he started struggling from their till the last return from Monaco.

It is the first time Murray has lost his opening match at a tournament since the 2008 Olympics.

Monaco faces Marin Cilic in round three after the Croat overcame Belgium's Christophe Rochus 6-0 5-7 6-2.

SHARAPOVA RECOVERING FROM SURGERY

2009-04-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

Maria Sharapova formerly the world No.1 moved on to No.64 as she was suffering from her right shoulder surgery. She may miss out her next upcoming next week's Italian Open and the Madrid Open the following week as she recovers from right shoulder surgery. She played only one in this year on March 12 and she lost that too. She is an excellent player and she looks beautiful as well. I think she will regain her confidence and come back strongly in the french open.

SAFINA WON HER FIRST MATCH AS No.1

2009-04-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina has been the world No.1 for second week has won her first match after No.1 against Sara Errani 6-0, 6-1 on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Porsche Grand Prix. This tournament is a nine match version and safina has won one of it with lot of aces. Safina said"everything went on to my plan and it seems to be i was in great form". She also said that she was bit nervous before the match starts but she feels that she was very much focussed to tennis. It was a good match and most of the top players are there in this circuit and I need to win it. Elena Dementieva also advances to her second round by winning against Anna lena Groenefeld 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Definitely this circuit was a tight competition as it was like a warm up match before Grand slam title (French open).

CORIA RETIRED AT 27

2009-04-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Argentine Guillermo Coria retired from world tennis at his young age of 27 on Tuesday. He feels that he lost his rhythm and the flow of his form. He is one of the finest player in world tennis. He reached the grand slam final(French open) only once and he was the runner up. He formerly ranked No.3 in the world, said he had been stepping down in his form and that is the reason for his retirement.

Coria feels that "This game is full potential and even if we lose 1%, we cannot win the match". Coria won nine titles during his career, reaching his peak in 2004, when he lost in the final of the Roland Garros to Gaston Gaudio, catapulting him to third in the world rankings.

Coria feels "I have made the decision firmly and i will follow it". Coria's decline began a year later after he won the Umag tournament -- his last title. Coria, who is currently ranked 672. Israeli Harold Levy beat Coria in the Argentine's last match in March, 6-3, 6-2 in a challenger tournament in Bangkok.

WHO WILL WIN WHEN "NADAL FIGHTS WITH WILLIAMS SISTERS"

2009-04-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

Nadal, top seeded in men and a strong guy in general, who has excellent skill and rally with him. Will Nadal wins against Williams sisters i.e. both venus and serena on one side and Nadal on other side. It will be definitely a tough match and no doubt about it. But it seems to be of high chance for Rafeal as his serve will be excellent and he wont miss out any of his serve. He can also break either serena or Venus serve to win the match. I welcome tennis lovers to say something about the result.

JAMES BLAKE DIDNT SUITE TO WINDY CONDITIONS

2009-04-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Fully shaved player James Blake struggled with the windy conditions and lost his first qualifying match against Victor Crivoi 7-5, 6-3 on Monday in the Rome Masters. Victor Crivoi ranked 112th and blake lost the first 5 games in the first set and then he cameback strongly by taking other five games.

But at the end it was Victor, who made it easily in the other two games.
Blake said "I didnt put any pressure on Victor by was little nervous when I came close to the first set". He also said " It was a really bad and most anonying day". Blake said these days should not come in his life again and he should over come this by gaining confidence and suites to all conditions.

With intermittent rain falling in the second set and the wind swirling on the makeshift secondary stadium court at the Foro Italico, Blake wasted a 2-0 lead and handed Crivoi his first tour victory this year.

"He did a better job of handling the conditions. I should have put more balls on the court," Blake said. "It makes when you're playing bad even less fun when you're out there and the conditions are like that. You got clay in your eyes and you can't control the ball because of the wind. And when it starts to drizzle, it makes it not so much fun."

NALBANDIAN MAY NEED SURGERY ON HIS HIP

2009-04-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

David Nalbandian is an excellent player and he withdrew from the Barcelona open quaterfinals few days back, which made Nadal to pass to semifinals without a match. Nalbandian withdrew because of hip pain and now it becomes series. He may need surgery on his right hip and could miss Argentina's Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Czech Republic in July.

His physician in Europe, Angel Cotorro, told the Argentine newspaper Clarin that Nalbandian would receive three or four days of treatment including physical therapy and medication before a decision is made on surgery.

Argentina lost the Davis Cup final last year to Spain and is among the favorites to reach the final again with a team lead by world No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro and the 15th-ranked Nalbandian.

Argentina faces the Czech Republic from July 10-12 in Ostrava

NADAL WON HIS FIFTH BARCELONA TITLE

2009-04-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal, top seeded won his fifth straight Barcelona Open title on sunday beating his rival David Ferrer 6-2, 7-5. Both of the players are from spain and they are good friends apart from tennis. Ferrer was not consistent with his serve as Nadal easily broke his serve in the first set. Rafeal Nadal have just won his fifth Monte Carlo Masters final and now he has won his Barcelona open for the fifth time.

Rafeal Nadal becoming the hottest guy for this season and he can become a giant in Tennis. Rafeal played really well and he didnt made any error for the opponent to take charge. While David ferrer made too much of mistakes to take advantage of rafeal Nadal. Normally ferrer wont make mistakes but these mistakes may came of from his pressure against nadal. Nadal won for the 35th time in 44 finals.

RAFEAL NADAL IS ALL SET FOR FIFTH TITLE IN BARCELONA

2009-04-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal will face Davis ferrer in the finals on sunday. Nadal won against the Davydenko 6-3,6-2. It was a very easy match match said Nadal. He like this past year as he was started good in the clay court and he will continue to do it again and again. He won his 24 clay court match consecutively. He is the "king in clay". Nadal feels that he can win the title this time too as the match on sunday is just a repeat of last season. Ferrer is a good player and he needs to work very hard to win against Rafeal Nadal. Nadal has not dropped his serve in the tournament and saved all six of Davydenko's break points in windy conditions. Ferrer rallied to defeat Fernando Gonzalez 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5) in Saturday's semifinals.

AUSTRALIA WITHDREW FROM DAVIS CUP

2009-04-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Australian team has announced that they wont send their players to chennai for the Davis cup which is about to start on May 8-10. Australia has already requested ITF for the security concerns in India. As election process is happening it is very difficult to process the match in chennai. Chennai is in the third face of polling and it is about to start on May 13th i.e. just 3 days after the match. ITF have already sent many officials to visit the security in Chennai. Chennai is highly secured place to play on. Australia always make a big drama like this. It not only in tennis but also in cricket and they are prone to act in movies. Their ultimate aim is "India shouldnt conduct the match".

NADAL MEETS DAVYDENKO IN BARCELONA SEMIS

2009-04-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal will meet Nikolay Davydenko in the coming semifinals in Barcelona Open. Nikolay Davydenko rallied for a 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Radek Stepanek on Friday to reach Semifinals against Rafeal. Nikolay Davydenko is the third seeded and he need to face the top seeded and the best player in clay court. Fourth seeded David Ferrer and Fernando Gonzalez of chile will meet in the other semifinals match. Davydenko is an excellent player of both backhand and forehand. He has excellent timing sense and very high energy level. He made slight mistakes in the quarterfinals and he is gaining to recover from it. He knows that if he makes mistakes in the upcoming semifinals against Rafeal, then he needs to pay for it.

Davydenko used strong returns to break twice more in the third to set up a meeting with the top-ranked Nadal.

The Spaniard is vying to follow up his fifth straight Monte Carlo Masters trophy with a fifth straight title at Barcelona.

NADAL CLOSING TO HIS VICTORY IN BARCELONA OPEN

2009-04-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal is the strongest player ever tennis have seen in clay court. He has excellent temperament especially in clay court. He won his 23rd straight match on clay court on thursday, beating Christophe Rochus of Belgium 6-2, 6-0 to reach Barcelona Open Quarterfinals.

The top-ranked Spaniard is looking to win a fifth straight Godo trophy in Barcelona. He got one step closer when quarterfinal opponent Nalbandian withdrew with a right hip injury on Thursday.

Nalbandian is a fantastic player of this generation and he has won over Nicolas Almagro of spain 6-3, 6-4.

Rochus wilted in the warm conditions, losing his serve twice in the opening set as Nadal overcame a number of unforced errors.

Nadal, who has lost only three of his past 131 matches on clay, stretched to his right to send a backhand passing shot beyond Rochus to open the second set with a break. He closed it out on his second match point when the Rochus sent a backhand wide.

WOODBRIDGE NOT INTERESTED IN DAVIS CUP IN CHENNAI

2009-04-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Davis cup is still in a problem as the match is about to be held in Chennai. Chennai being the No.2 city in the world police force, has facing certain problems because of the elections underway. Todd woodbridge, who helped australia to win and played in a national-record 32 matches, said that the ITF has been irresponsible in conducting the Davis cup in Chennai. Chennai is being a good place but the Indian government is heading up with Elections. There may expect a fight between opposite parties. So Todd feels that it is not safe to conduct matches in Chennai. Last year Mumbai terror attack has cancelled the champions trophy cricket match, which was about to be held on India. The latest were the srilankan Players were attacked by the terrorist in Pakistan. This causes the movement of IPL to south Africa. Todd feels then how can We move to India. ITF is totally rubbish in this decision.

DOCTOR GLICK DIES AT 92

2009-04-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Irving V. Glick, the U.S. Open tennis tournament doctor for more than 25 years, has died after a prolonged illness. He was just 92 and he died at his home town on friday. He has a loving wife and son. Glick served in the olympic games and he also ran a medical department at US open until 1991. He served as a doctor in south Korean olympic in 1988 and in spain in 1992.

Glick was team doctor for St. John's men's basketball for about 20 years, including the school's 1985 Final Four team.

NADAL "THE REAL CHAMPION"

2009-04-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal, the No.1 seed won easily in the Barcelona's second round on wednesday. I think he should be rested by himself as he need to play in upcoming big title French open and Wimbledon. He is naturally a hard worker but should give his full potential in all the tournaments he is playing. He won over Frederico Gil with 6-2, 6-2. As he was the four time winner in Barcelona, he came straight to second round as a bye. Nada feels" I should play hard tennis and not as I played now". He was the first man to focus on the stright fifth title in Barcelona. Nadal has lost only one of his 23 matches at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona. He's also on a 22-match winning streak on clay.

PRIZE MONEY FOR WIMBLEDON INCREASED AGAINST EURO, BUT DECREASED AGAINST DOLLAR

2009-04-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wimbledon champions are prone to a big increase in prize money this year, at least when it comes to the British pound as the recent recession hit the dollar.

The prize for each of the men’s and women’s champions went up by 13.3 percent to $1.24 million, organizers said Tuesday, but the pound’s weak exchange rate means that the dollar rate weakens when compared to the previous prize money of $1.49. Lot of New television contract has been signed this year and the extension of its commercial agreement with IBM, the tournament has also raised the total prize fund for the June 22-July 5 tournament by 6.2 percent to $18.38 million.

But that still compares unfavorably to last year’s $23.46 million despite the increase being nearly double the 3.4 percent hike the All England Club managed 12 months ago.

Tim Phillips, who is the chairman of All England club said the event was doing what it could to help offset the weakened exchange rates and maintain the prestige among players of the only grass-court Grand Slam.

“Most of the players here don’t bank in sterling,” Phillips said. “We have to be mindful of the fact that a year ago it was $2 to the pound.”

The pound has dropped by more than 25 percent against the dollar since last year’s prize money was announced, and has slumped by about 11 percent against the euro. On Tuesday, the exchange rate was $1.45 to 1 pound.

All England Club also announced a five-year extension of its sponsorship with IBM, which makes the new deal with star sports Asia. They also said that lot of new technologies have been introduced in order to increase the efficiency of the grass court grand slam.

“In this climate, it’s a vote of confidence in Wimbledon,” All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie said. “In the current climate, it would be foolish for anyone to be complacent, but we feel the strength of the brand is coming through and commercial opportunities continuing unabated.”

This year’s tournament will feature the unveiling of a sliding roof over Centre Court.

Ritchie said the tournament was in good financial health despite the global economic crisis, pointing out that the All England Club had received 20 percent more ticket applications than in 2008.

WORKING OF WIMBLEDON RETRACKABLE ROOF

2009-04-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Wimbledon retrackable roof was executed and it worked as planned. This roof helps to conduct all matches without any natural disturbances. The roof looks beautiful from the ground. Most of the officials look at it and they were satisfied with it.

SAFINA CLINCHES THE NO.1 SPOT

2009-04-21T01:19:00.000-07:00

Safina has been announced as the No.1 ranking on WTA tour on Monday. She was the second women from Russia after Maria Sharapova to acquire the No.1 spot. Safina is the sister of Marat Safin, who also ranked No.1 in 2000. She shares her happy moment with her brother and she feels very excited as well. She said"its a previlege to be No.1 in world tennis". She has not yet won a grand slam title yet and she wants to win it. Safina becomes the 19th woment to top the ranking since they were introduced in 1975. Safina feels that her brother is better than him.

NADAL WON FIFTH CONSECUTIVE TITLE IN MONTE CARLO MASTERS

2009-04-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal, the No.1 seeded won over third seeded Novak Djokovic in the final. Nadal won his straight fifth title after losing a set to Djokovic since 2006 to Roger Federer. Nadal took 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to win Djokovic. Nadal said" I knew that I am not serving well and its not to my full potential, especially the second serve were very slow". He also said" I need to improve in order to compete with the upcoming players in the oncoming tournaments. Djokovic is an excellent player and he will surely get the titles if his performance will keep pace a little bit higher. Djokovic said" Nadal is an excellent player in clay court and nobody is in his form since tennis turn up".He also said that he need to improve in order to beat Nadal.

RAFEAL TO MEET DJOKOVIC IN FINAL

2009-04-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal won his 26th consecutive match in Monte Carlo Masters since 2006. Rafeal Nadal won his semifinal against Andy Murray 6-2,7-6 (4). He is approaching to his fifth straight victory in this french open tuneup. He was extremely tough player and has excellent stamina and power with him. He is very strong in rallying with opponent. Rafeal has never lost a set since 2006 in Monte Carlo Masters.

Murray said"rafeal is the greatest clay court player ever he saw in his career".

Now Nadal has to face 3rd seeded Novak Djokovic in his final. Djokovic won over wawrinka 4-6 6-1 6-3. Wawrinka is the one who won over Roger Federer. The final frontier will start on sunday and let us hope that Nadal won his fifth straight title.

FAMILY CIRCLE UPSETS TOP SEEDS

2009-04-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

Caroline Wozniacki, who the 5th seeded won terribly against 3rd seeded Elena Dementieva. It was a 3 hour match that lasted in clay court. It makes Dementieva feel the pressure and Caroline was very confident of winning the match from the start as her service and rally was very powerful and skillful. She won her by 6-4,5-7,7-5. It was really a nice match to see in the television. I was so excited when I saw the break points taken by dementieva in the second set to advance to the third set. Wozniacki is looking for her second straight tour victory after winning last week on clay at Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Now Caroline wozniacki have to face Lisciki in her finals. Lisciki was the 16th seeded and she won over Venus williams. She won over sixth-seeded Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-1 in the other semifinal. Lisciki is very powerful with her serve as she serves at 125 mph.

RODDICK WEDS BROOKLYN DECKER

2009-04-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

Andy Roddick, the all time favorite for the US tennis fans, married to a swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker yesterday at his Austin, Texas, home. They have already told about their engagement happened last year March. Roddick is just 26 year old and She is 22 year old. They seems to be good couple as they share lighter moments with the media person. The couple said that it was a private function and not open to media. Elton John sang for the bride and groom at a reception held at a country club after the ceremony Friday night. Some of his close contenders came to the function and they are Billie Jean king, James Blake, Mardy fish and PatricK Enroe. Roddick is currently No.6 in the ATP ranking. This month is going to be tennis stars marriage week as Federer married last week and Roddick this week.

RAFEAL NADAL HEADING TOWARDS TO HIS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE TITLE

2009-04-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

Rafeal Nadal, top seeded in singles tennis, has just won Ivan Ljubicic 6-3 6-3. Rafeal Nadal has never taken to 3 sets since his win over roger federer in 2006 Monte Carlo Masters. He has taken 25 straight sets wins. Nadal played two matches on the day as the previous one was a rain delayed match and he won that against Nicolas Lapentti 6-3 6-0. Rafeal said" I am extremely fit to play the second match as the first match wasn't that tight". He feels being a sports player, he should have energy, stamina and power. In the next round Nadal meets Andy Murray, the fourth seeded, who won against Nikolay Davydenko 7-6(1) 6-4. In another match Novak Djokovic will face Wawrinka, who upset federer.

DEMENTIEVA TO MEET WOZNIACKI IN FAMILY CIRCLE SEMIFINALS

2009-04-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Family circle is going to be the most trendy tournament as good players are advancing towards the final stage of the tournaments. No.1 seeded Elena Dementieva advanced to her semifinals as the opponent Dominika cibulkova moves out of the tournament because of the leg injury. She had a groin it seems and first set was taken by dementiva (6-4). While in the second set she was out after first game.

Cilbulkova is one of the most couraging player and dementiva feels tough to win over her as she has excellent talent and skill. In the next round Dementeiva meets Caroline Wozniacki, who is the fifth seeded. Sabine Lisicki also won over Elena Vesnina and she is ready to meet the winner of the match between Marion Bartoli and Melinda Czink. Wozniacki is enjoying her win in the last match and she said"she needs to be running the whole match as dementieva is one of the greatest fighter and tough player. She also like to play against her".

DAVIS CUP IS ALL SET

2009-04-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Chennai is one of the ideal place to play tennis and this time Davis cup is all set to start on May as the Davis cup committee members from London announced that Davis cup will be held in chennai as the ITF Members saw the security over in chennai. They gave a good report on chennai. India is upcoming nation in Tennis and there are huge tennis lover in India, especially in south India. The ITF (international tennis federation) told that Davis cup will be held in chennai as per schedule. This suspect exist only because of the terror attack happened in Mumbai last year and Srilankan cricket team was attacked by terrorist in Pakistan. The second-round match in Asia-Oceania Group 1 will take place in May.