Rafael Nadal had to retire midway through the quarter finals against Murray but he had appeared upbeat about his recovery. He had said, "I am not worried, I just have a little tweak and I hope to have recovered in a week or even less,".
Recent update from Nadal camp suggests that Rafa is going to come out with an official statement later in the day. The whole business of making an official release about his injury suggests that it could be much worse that initially suspected. It might keep him out for far longer than the one week he had initially thought.
Will update as soon as the statement is out but if it turns out to be much severe it would be a huge loss to the tour. He could be out long enough to even miss French which possibly would make Roger Federer a top contender in Paris. Could it be all 4 for Roger this year. We will wait and see ...
Make sure to catch the Aussie Open finals between Roger and Murray this sunday.
Showing posts with label federer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label federer. Show all posts
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Federer makes it 23 in a row at slam semis. Fights back to beat Davydenko.
Federer was down a set and a break in the second before he decided to switch on and what followed was a complete annihilation of Davydenko. Federer won a whopping 13 games in a row before Davydenko could hold again.
The start was quite unexpected as Davydenko broke Federer twice to take the first set 6-2. Federer was looking out of sorts as he was soon broken in the second and he looked set to lose it again down a break point. The serve was looking fragile and ground strokes were sailing long and wide as Davydenko was completely running Federer ragged till that moment in the second set when Federer decided to make amends. Amends he made, in-fact he completely ran over his opponent in the next 13 games to take the second and the third set- third at 6-0.
Fourth set was a classic and the quality of tennis produced by both men was scintillating. It was as good if not better than the first set from yesterday's Nadal-Murray quarter final clash. The set started like the third and Federer was soon a break up and Davy was staring down the barrel. The Russian however was not going to go down without a fight and he broke back after facing a match point at 4-5 with some spectacular ground strokes – 3 winners in a row - on Federer first serve. Soon it was deuce at 5-5 with Davydenko serving when the two men produced an epic of a game that finally sealed the match for the champion. He broke and then served 3 aces in the last game to win the set 7-5 and the match 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, 7-5.
Federer turned it around from 2-6, 1-3 and a break point down with some epic tennis. While Davydenko was untouchable - for nearly one and a half sets- the champion showed his class in the end. It was an awesome display of tennis by both men with Federer displaying why he is the greatest man to have ever played this game.
For the record, Federer has now made 23 slam semis in a row and it could be the least decorated of his records at this time but history would make it one of his biggest and possibly the toughest to overcome in the years to come… what a player, what a champion, what a man …
The start was quite unexpected as Davydenko broke Federer twice to take the first set 6-2. Federer was looking out of sorts as he was soon broken in the second and he looked set to lose it again down a break point. The serve was looking fragile and ground strokes were sailing long and wide as Davydenko was completely running Federer ragged till that moment in the second set when Federer decided to make amends. Amends he made, in-fact he completely ran over his opponent in the next 13 games to take the second and the third set- third at 6-0.
Fourth set was a classic and the quality of tennis produced by both men was scintillating. It was as good if not better than the first set from yesterday's Nadal-Murray quarter final clash. The set started like the third and Federer was soon a break up and Davy was staring down the barrel. The Russian however was not going to go down without a fight and he broke back after facing a match point at 4-5 with some spectacular ground strokes – 3 winners in a row - on Federer first serve. Soon it was deuce at 5-5 with Davydenko serving when the two men produced an epic of a game that finally sealed the match for the champion. He broke and then served 3 aces in the last game to win the set 7-5 and the match 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, 7-5.
Federer turned it around from 2-6, 1-3 and a break point down with some epic tennis. While Davydenko was untouchable - for nearly one and a half sets- the champion showed his class in the end. It was an awesome display of tennis by both men with Federer displaying why he is the greatest man to have ever played this game.
For the record, Federer has now made 23 slam semis in a row and it could be the least decorated of his records at this time but history would make it one of his biggest and possibly the toughest to overcome in the years to come… what a player, what a champion, what a man …
Monday, January 25, 2010
Nadal - Murray set to clash in Quarter Finals tonight. Nadal camp picks Murray as the favorite.
It is the biggest draw of this year’s Australian Open so far and I wish it lives up to the billing. Nadal v Murray will happen today and it will be the biggest test for Nadal in his quest towards retaining the crown he won last year.
Nadal and Federer have been so dominant over the past few years and the way they are playing it won’t be a surprise if they make it to yet another final in Melbourne. The biggest threat to that ‘dream’ final stands in front of Nadal today and it’s none other than Andy Murray.
Murray has a good record against Nadal but still it is quite surprising for Nadal camp to consider Murray as the favorite not only for this match but also for the tournament. Uncle Tony and Nadal have put the pressure right on Murray by calling him the top contender this year and it could be a ploy to stress Murray out even before the match starts. Nadal camp believes that the surface in Melbourne is Murray’s best and therefore he would be a favorite.
I personally believe that Nadal has not quite touched his form from last years’ Australian Open and that is quite evident from the results since he won here last time. He was quite ordinary in years ending Masters where he was eliminated in the group stages. Nadal is trying to regain his top form and Murray would provide him with sternest of tests tonight. This quarter final clash could well have been a deserving final and therefore the winner of today would be tipped to go all the way this year.
I would pick Murray above Rafa for tonight only because Rafa is still not at his best and Murray has enough firepower to upset him. Whoever wins it would be a close match and the one to watch.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jan/25/andy-murray-rafael-nadal-australian-open1
Nadal and Federer have been so dominant over the past few years and the way they are playing it won’t be a surprise if they make it to yet another final in Melbourne. The biggest threat to that ‘dream’ final stands in front of Nadal today and it’s none other than Andy Murray.
Murray has a good record against Nadal but still it is quite surprising for Nadal camp to consider Murray as the favorite not only for this match but also for the tournament. Uncle Tony and Nadal have put the pressure right on Murray by calling him the top contender this year and it could be a ploy to stress Murray out even before the match starts. Nadal camp believes that the surface in Melbourne is Murray’s best and therefore he would be a favorite.
I personally believe that Nadal has not quite touched his form from last years’ Australian Open and that is quite evident from the results since he won here last time. He was quite ordinary in years ending Masters where he was eliminated in the group stages. Nadal is trying to regain his top form and Murray would provide him with sternest of tests tonight. This quarter final clash could well have been a deserving final and therefore the winner of today would be tipped to go all the way this year.
I would pick Murray above Rafa for tonight only because Rafa is still not at his best and Murray has enough firepower to upset him. Whoever wins it would be a close match and the one to watch.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jan/25/andy-murray-rafael-nadal-australian-open1
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tennis World Cup on the horizon. Could change the sport forever.
ITF, the International Tennis Federation, is trying to shake things up in a bid to reinvigorate Tennis. The move is towards finding new and younger fan base by bringing some interesting and innovative changes to the game. Top men’s tennis players are in consideration towards getting a football world cup like tournament added to the calendar which in turn could mean curtains for Davis Cup.
A lot is still needed to be done on this front but according to top tennis players this might be the best thing for the sport and its future. It could be a tennis version of T20. Following is the summary of the bits currently being evaluated and some of them would be revolutionary:
- World Cup of tennis with 32 countries participating. A 10 day tournament on the lines of football world cup. Davis Cup could be sacrificed if this happens.
- Shorter sets with race to 5 point tie breaker.
- Substitutions allowed. This one could be the most ground-breaking of all. Imagine Federer leading a tired Nadal and suddenly he has to face up with a fresh Verdasco. Could be a great move.
- Reduced time between games and between points. Sort of rapid tennis if you may. Players would have to rush through with an eye on the clock. Great step to speed up the game.
Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jan/13/tennis-calendar-proposals-world-cup
A lot is still needed to be done on this front but according to top tennis players this might be the best thing for the sport and its future. It could be a tennis version of T20. Following is the summary of the bits currently being evaluated and some of them would be revolutionary:
- World Cup of tennis with 32 countries participating. A 10 day tournament on the lines of football world cup. Davis Cup could be sacrificed if this happens.
- Shorter sets with race to 5 point tie breaker.
- Substitutions allowed. This one could be the most ground-breaking of all. Imagine Federer leading a tired Nadal and suddenly he has to face up with a fresh Verdasco. Could be a great move.
- Reduced time between games and between points. Sort of rapid tennis if you may. Players would have to rush through with an eye on the clock. Great step to speed up the game.
Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jan/13/tennis-calendar-proposals-world-cup
Friday, November 27, 2009
Federer crowned ATP World Tour Champion 2009
Roger Federer added another feather to his cap by regaining the year ending #1 rank for the fifth year. Federer now joins Ivan Lendl as the only players to have held, lost and regained the ATP World Tour Champion title in the history of the ATP Rankings (since 1973). He has been crowned ATP world tour champion for 5th year and is now only behind Sampras' 6.
Roger has had a remarkable year and he was candid about it too. He said, “It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1, it was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.” To be able to achieve this after the heart break in Melbourne at the start of the year is an amazing feat.
Federer clinched the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title by beating Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals group stage tonight. Federer and rival Rafael Nadal, the 2008 ATP World Tour Champion, had entered the prestigious circuit finale at The O2 in London locked in a two-man battle to conclude the season atop the 2009 ATP Rankings. While Nadal has been on a decline since Australian Open, Roger has only gone from strength to strength. He reached all 4 grand slam finals and is now poised to win the ATP tour finals to cap an eventful and fulfilling year both on and off the court.
The 28-year-old Swiss held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 237 straight weeks from 2 February, 2004, to 17 August, 2008, before Nadal ended his streak. Federer reclaimed the top rankings spot on 6 July, 2009, after winning a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
For more read on:
http://www.rogerfederer.com/en/rogers/news/newsdetail.cfm?uNewsID=993
Roger has had a remarkable year and he was candid about it too. He said, “It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1, it was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.” To be able to achieve this after the heart break in Melbourne at the start of the year is an amazing feat.
Federer clinched the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title by beating Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals group stage tonight. Federer and rival Rafael Nadal, the 2008 ATP World Tour Champion, had entered the prestigious circuit finale at The O2 in London locked in a two-man battle to conclude the season atop the 2009 ATP Rankings. While Nadal has been on a decline since Australian Open, Roger has only gone from strength to strength. He reached all 4 grand slam finals and is now poised to win the ATP tour finals to cap an eventful and fulfilling year both on and off the court.
The 28-year-old Swiss held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 237 straight weeks from 2 February, 2004, to 17 August, 2008, before Nadal ended his streak. Federer reclaimed the top rankings spot on 6 July, 2009, after winning a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
For more read on:
http://www.rogerfederer.com/en/rogers/news/newsdetail.cfm?uNewsID=993
Sunday, November 22, 2009
ATP world tour final- Fight for #1
ATP tour final kicks off this weekend and it promises to be one hell of a tournament. Tennis season has hardly been as eventful over the past decade and while Nadal just about slipped from being completely in control, Federer has made it one of his most memorable by adding the only missing piece of silverware - the French title.
Australian open saw Nadal completely overwhelming Federer and the post match tears could have meant the end of Federer era, but it wasn't to be. Roger has been one the greatest tennis champions and he showed exactly that by bouncing off the psychological low of Melbourne to such an extent that he has all but closed the argument about the "Best" player in the world.
I witnessed the dethroning of my favorite champion in Australia and while Federer shed his tears it made Nadal's dominance complete. Rafa at that time was threatening to completely wipe Federer off and he looked poised for a brilliant year with people even mentioning "the Grand Slam". Federer comeback was least expected on the red clay of Paris but it started when he defeated Rafa on clay just before French Open and then grabbed the French title that has almost tilted all scales of greatness in his favor. I would have to agree that Soderling did Roger a favor by eliminating Rafa in the quarters but since then Rafa has shown nothing about him being the same player as he was at the start of the year. It appears that his physical style of play has taken some toll on his body and now it's time for him to make a comeback of his own.
While Nadal has been struggling since the French open, Federer has gone from strength to strength and has added another Wimbledon to his tally. Alongside the ever simmering rivalry of these two champions we have seen the arrival of some of the future tennis stars and all of those would be playing in the year ending ATP masters tournament starting today.
The lineup for this tournament is brilliant and it's hard to find an easy game in the draw. The format is also different to the conventional Grand Slam tournaments and every game promises to be as good as a slam semi-final/final. Though slams are still the most sought after prizes in tennis, master finals would make sure no single match is a walk in the park. I wish to see Federer and Nadal face off at the finals but it's going to be hard to even get there for both of them. All in all I am hoping for some fine tennis action over the next few days to close off the brilliant year in style.
For details check - http://www.atpworldtour.com/
Australian open saw Nadal completely overwhelming Federer and the post match tears could have meant the end of Federer era, but it wasn't to be. Roger has been one the greatest tennis champions and he showed exactly that by bouncing off the psychological low of Melbourne to such an extent that he has all but closed the argument about the "Best" player in the world.
I witnessed the dethroning of my favorite champion in Australia and while Federer shed his tears it made Nadal's dominance complete. Rafa at that time was threatening to completely wipe Federer off and he looked poised for a brilliant year with people even mentioning "the Grand Slam". Federer comeback was least expected on the red clay of Paris but it started when he defeated Rafa on clay just before French Open and then grabbed the French title that has almost tilted all scales of greatness in his favor. I would have to agree that Soderling did Roger a favor by eliminating Rafa in the quarters but since then Rafa has shown nothing about him being the same player as he was at the start of the year. It appears that his physical style of play has taken some toll on his body and now it's time for him to make a comeback of his own.
While Nadal has been struggling since the French open, Federer has gone from strength to strength and has added another Wimbledon to his tally. Alongside the ever simmering rivalry of these two champions we have seen the arrival of some of the future tennis stars and all of those would be playing in the year ending ATP masters tournament starting today.
The lineup for this tournament is brilliant and it's hard to find an easy game in the draw. The format is also different to the conventional Grand Slam tournaments and every game promises to be as good as a slam semi-final/final. Though slams are still the most sought after prizes in tennis, master finals would make sure no single match is a walk in the park. I wish to see Federer and Nadal face off at the finals but it's going to be hard to even get there for both of them. All in all I am hoping for some fine tennis action over the next few days to close off the brilliant year in style.
For details check - http://www.atpworldtour.com/
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