Tennis Forever

[ajithfederer]

Congratulations Federer on proving me wrong again. Tsonga/Murray/Djokovic and now Berdych. Not bad for a 32 year old father of 3... It will be great if he wins either one of Miami or Indian wells.

[omega]

Coming back from a set down yesterday & coming back from a set and break down today in the Final!!! Fed is trying to prove something out here @ 32...Just to go a little overboard, Fed has won Wimbledon on all the years he won Dubai (lets keep dreaming!!)...

Proud to be your fan!!!

[omega]

He kept saying he will become No. 1 in 2012 when it sounded bit overambitious, but we know what happened.
He said he would be back to his best by April (back in Jan. @ AO 2014). Lets hope he was correct!!
Waiting for 18. We BEL18VE!!!

[raagadevan]

Dubai Finals Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbSI6b2VmbQ

[raagadevan]

Murray loses Abierto Mexicano Telcel semifinal match to Dimitrov 6-4, 6-7, 6-7.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/02/9/Acapulco-Friday-Murray-Dimitrov-Anderson.aspx

[JamesDap]

Fed was erratic to begin with in both matches and wound up with a masterclass in the third. Amazing Edberg-like volley this time, too good!

[raagadevan]

IPTL: Rafael Nadal is Mumbai's big catch

World No.1 Rafael Nadal will represent Mumbai in the inaugural edition of Mahesh Bhupathi-promoted International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), an Asian inter-city team tournament to be played on a home-and-away basis in November-December. The others members in the Mumbai outfit outside of the Spaniard is Frenchman Gael Monfils, gorgeous Serb Ana Ivanovic, American legend Pete Sampras, Indian doubles stars Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna and Frenchman Fabrice Santoro. What's especially exciting for Indians and Mumbaikars in particular is that they will get to see the best players in action in their city.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/IPTL-Rafael-Nadal-is-Mumbais-big-catch/articleshow/31299953.cms

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Nadal, Wawrinka, Murray and Federer are all in the same draw at the Indian Wells. Possible QF match ups from the top draw- 1) Nadal vs Murray 2) Wawrinka vs Federer . Djokovic's got it easy with only Tomas Berdych, Tsonga and Del Potro being serious contenders and the best part is he doesn't need to meet any of them till the SFs.

[raagadevan]

The Indo-Pak Express (Rohan Bopanna & Aisam-Ul-Haq) derailed by Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka in their first round doubles match at Indian Wells!

[Russellyhd]

http://www.dailythanthi.com/2014-03-10-Indian-Wells-Tennis-2---In-the-second-round-Nadal%252C-Sharapova-Success

இன்டியன்வெல்ஸ் டென்னிஸ் 2–வது சுற்றில் நடால், ஷரபோவா வெற்றி

[VinodKumar's]

Nadal, Wawrinka, Murray and Federer are all in the same draw at the Indian Wells. Possible QF match ups from the top draw- 1) Nadal vs Murray 2) Wawrinka vs Federer . Djokovic's got it easy with only Tomas Berdych, Tsonga and Del Potro being serious contenders and the best part is he doesn't need to meet any of them till the SFs.

He is out :lol:.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

^ Just got to know that result. Djokovic should have probably gotten byes till the semi finals. It's been that kind of a draw for him

[raagadevan]

Nadal, Wawrinka, Murray and Federer are all in the same draw at the Indian Wells. Possible QF match ups from the top draw- 1) Nadal vs Murray 2) Wawrinka vs Federer . Djokovic's got it easy with only Tomas Berdych, Tsonga and Del Potro being serious contenders and the best part is he doesn't need to meet any of them till the SFs.

He is out too! :)

[VinodKumar's]

So the only threat till final could be Baby Federer.

[raagadevan]

Third round:

Federer beats Tursunov 7-6, 7-6; Murray wins over Vesely 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.

[raagadevan]

Doubles Second round:

Leander Paes/Radek Stepanek over Jonathan Erlich/Richard Gasquet 6-3, 7-5

[raagadevan]

Dolgopolov beats Nadal 6-3, 3-6, 7-6!

[Arvind Srinivasan]

A very entertaining match. Dolgopolov just didn't give up. Its so easy to get bogged down when you face a behemoth like Nadal. But this guy never batted an eyelid. Well done....:clap:

[raagadevan]

This match was a repeat of the Rio Open finals. Nadal fought back valiantly from 2-5 in the final set, but Dolgopolov was able to stand his ground in the tie breaker! :clap:

[omega]

With that Rafa maintains his record!! (Never defended non-clay tournament)...
Supposed to be in his hardcourt prime!!!

Bravo Dolgo!!!

[ajithfederer]

Not even once??.. Just checked. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Nadal_career_statistics#Masters_1000_finals


With that Rafa maintains his record!! (Never defended non-clay tournament)...
Supposed to be in his hardcourt prime!!!

Bravo Dolgo!!!

[omega]

Not even once??.. Just checked. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Nadal_career_statistics#Masters_1000_finals

Thats a very unique record he maintains, no former World No.1/greats have!!
Circle backs to his clay goatness!!

Now what will be the reasoning? Back/Knee/Blister??

[cinema]

Thats a very unique record he maintains, no former World No.1/greats have!!
Circle backs to his clay goatness!!

Now what will be the reasoning? Back/Knee/Blister??
According to web sites he still have back issue but failed to admit. May be he is very generous.
This time he let media talk about his injuries.

[raagadevan]

Nadal Talks Down Health Questions, Looks Ahead To Miami

“Forget about the back. I don't want to talk about the back anymore because my back is fine. The bad feelings were with my forehand and backhand,” he said, smiling in his post-match press conference. “When you are pushed to the limit, these things happen. You can lose. I lost today. Congratulations [Dolgopolov]. He played better than me. That's it. Life continues.“

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/03/11/Indian-Wells-Monday-Nadal-Reaction.aspx

[JamesDap]

Maybe the Aus open backlash stung him so he wants to keep quiet for some time after these losses before he resumes whining.

[JamesDap]

Bull bitten by The Dog! :D

[omega]

Fed plays Haas today & it could be tricky.
Whenever he plays his generation or his prior he seems to get a little passive and at times doesn't care to lose...
2012 Halle Final (vs Haas) and 2014 Brisbane Final (vs Hewitt) comes to mind..
Hope this not being a final should help to keep his attention without getting into his charity mode...

Anyway tougher matches are ahead....

[VinodKumar's]

Murray out !!!

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Wawrinka out too...

[VinodKumar's]

Doubles la win panniyachu :).

[raagadevan]

Djokovic and Federer in (singles) quarterfinals.

Paes/Stepanek lose to Federer/Wawrinka in doubles.

[omega]

Federer to take on Anderson who is in form of his life. Fed needs to be on top of his game to get this one.
Expecting a tight match (like the one against Tursunov). Fed has to find his first serves to bail him out..

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Its going to be exciting. Will not be surprised if we get a highly entertaining match.

[VinodKumar's]

Fed won 7-5,6-1. Next in line is Dog.

[omega]

Last couple of matches have been top notch from Federer!! He surely is oozing with confidence out there.
Comeon Rogi bring it on... Two more wins you will be back to No.4 (assured of No.5 right now)....
Looking forward to Dolgo's match!!

[raagadevan]

The pair of Sania Mirza (India) and Cara Black (Zimbabwe) reach the Indian Wells doubles finals!

[Russellyhd]

The pair of Sania Mirza (India) and Cara Black (Zimbabwe) reach the Indian Wells doubles finals!

:thumbsup:

[JamesDap]

WTA is in such a sorry state. Radwanska just made her first Indian Wells final and the poor emcee had to remind the crowd to applaud her for it. It was actually an interesting, though ultimately one sided, match but there seem to be no crowd pullers apart from Serena and Sharapova right now.

Meantime, Isner has beaten Djoko before at Indian Wells. Will it be a rematch of the 2012 finals (Fed v/s Isner) or will we have the good ol' Fed-Djoko match up? Pity about the time zone problem, though.

[raagadevan]

Indian Wells Update: Peya/Soares beat Federer/Wawrinka (6-4, 6-1) in the double semifinal match.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Great win for Federer. Beats Dolgopolov 6-3 6-1. Into the final now...

[nvikky]

Federer cruises past Dolgopolov!! 6-3, 6-1

[raagadevan]

Bull bitten by The Dog! :D

The "Goat" mauls "The Dog"! :)

[raagadevan]

Djokovic wins the first set 7-5 and Isner wins the second 7-6. Very close match!

[raagadevan]

Djokovic wins the third set 6-1. Will meet Federer in tomorrow’s “dream” final! :)

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Yes. Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic it is for tomorrow's final

[JamesDap]

I remember when Fed played Tomic at Aus Open (2012), Amritraj predicted that Tomic would find it difficult because Fed was/is basically an improved version of these trickshot players (Tomic, Dolgopolov, Santoro if you go back a bit). It was a big deal for Dolgo to get this far because his game has never held up long enough before to last several matches in succession.

From a Fed fan point of view, would have obviously preferred a Fed-Isner match up because big serving players who don't necessarily return amazingly well can't hurt him. But I like Djoko too, so it should be a good match, hopefully a tough one.

[raagadevan]

Sania Mirza/Cara Black beaten by Hsieh Su-Wei (Taiwan)/Peng Shuai (China) in the women's doubles final 6-7, 2/6.

Top seeded Li Na (China) loses to Flavia Pennetta (Italy) in the women's singles semifinals 6-7, 3-6.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Should be a good match up considering Federer's new found confidence and Djokovic's slight dip this year. Will be great if both players play their A games though.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Federer gets the first set 6-3

[nvikky]

Master class break by Federer!!!! 5-5 third set when Nole was serving for the match!!

[raagadevan]

Federer loses; his ATP World Ranking will still climb to #5 later tonight.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Quite an enjoyable match...Good comeback by Djokovic to have come back from a set down.

[nvikky]

Entertaining tennis!!

[raagadevan]

Big Bets

Is tennis vulnerable to a major match-fixing scandal?

-By Louisa Thomas; March 14, 2014

http://grantland.com/features/tennis-gambling-match-fixing-indian-wells-potential/

[omega]

Miami draw is out,

Federer:

2R - Karlovic
3R - Verdasco
4R - Gasquet/Kevin Anderson
QF - Dimitrov/Nishikori
SF - Murray/Ferrer
F - Novak/Nadal

Not a bad draw really. Lets hope he is fresh enough to reach atleast SF to grab 360 points...
Miami is slow as hell!!

[ajithfederer]

Adhuvumaaa?? :x. Enna ezhavu ya idhu :cry:. Summer kooda innum aarambikkalayae!!

Yes a pretty good draw he can make it to semi's at-least.

Miami draw is out,

Federer:

2R - Karlovic
3R - Verdasco
4R - Gasquet/Kevin Anderson
QF - Dimitrov/Nishikori
SF - Murray/Ferrer
F - Novak/Nadal

Not a bad draw really. Lets hope he is fresh enough to reach atleast SF to grab 360 points...
Miami is slow as hell!!

[omega]

Adhuvumaaa?? :x. Enna ezhavu ya idhu :cry:. Summer kooda innum aarambikkalayae!!

Yes a pretty good draw he can make it to semi's at-least.

The only decently paced courts are Dubai & Cincinnati among hard courts and 1st week of Wimbledon...
Virtually we have a full year clay season on different colored/textured surfaces...
Even the supposedly faster indoor courts are pathetic!!

[VinodKumar's]

Miami draw is out,

Federer:

2R - Karlovic
3R - Verdasco
4R - Gasquet/Kevin Anderson
QF - Dimitrov/Nishikori
SF - Murray/Ferrer
F - Novak/Nadal

Not a bad draw really. Lets hope he is fresh enough to reach atleast SF to grab 360 points...
Miami is slow as hell!!

Omega, I Just checked draw ... Novak and Federer are in same half ..

2R: Ivo Karlovic
3R: Fernando Verdasco
4R: K.Anderson/R.Gasquet
QF: Dimitrov/Nishikori/Ferrer
SF: Murray/Djokovic/Tsonga
F: Nadal/Delpo/Wawrinka/Berdych.

[omega]

Omega, I Just checked draw ... Novak and Federer are in same half ..

2R: Ivo Karlovic
3R: Fernando Verdasco
4R: K.Anderson/R.Gasquet
QF: Dimitrov/Nishikori/Ferrer
SF: Murray/Djokovic/Tsonga
F: Nadal/Delpo/Wawrinka/Berdych.

Yes, pretty much this half is loaded with Murray (defending champ), Ferrer (Runnerup), Novak (3 time champ) & Federer (2 times champ).
Nadal has a cake walk draw (Similar to what Novak had in Indian Wells).........

[raagadevan]

Federer vs. Nadal Rivalry Hits 10-Year Anniversary at Miami Sony Open Tennis

By Jeremy Eckstein (Bleacher Report) - March 19, 2014

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1996351-federer-vs-nadal-rivalry-hits-10-year-anniversary-at-miami-sony-open-tennis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeWyyRRtMaU

[Russellyhd]

http://www.dailythanthi.com/2014-03-25-Miami-Open-Tennis-Sports-News-Federer-Li-Na

மியாமி ஓபன் டென்னிஸ் பெடரர், லீ நா 4–வது சுற்றுக்கு தகுதி

[VinodKumar's]

Stan lost to Dolgopolov. High time he stop posting pics in social media and start practice :@

Sent from my ST25i using Tapatalk

[VinodKumar's]

Now Roger has a chance to get back to #3 if he win this tournament :-)

Sent from my ST25i using Tapatalk

[VinodKumar's]

At least they shud colored these Miami courts in orange..

Sent from my ST25i using Tapatalk

[VinodKumar's]

Federer through to qf..

Sent from my ST25i using Tapatalk

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Federer's already on to number four with David Ferrer,the last year's finalist losing today. Will be interesting to see if Federer can actually get himself to the final let alone win it. Federer vs Nadal in the final would be cool. Sort of a commemoration for a 10 year old rivalry right at the place where it all began in 2004.

[raagadevan]

Miami (Sony) Open Quarterfinals lineup:

Federer –vs- Nishikori
Djokovic –vs- Murray
Nadal –vs- Raonic
Berdych –vs- Dolgopolov

[omega]

Federer's already on to number four with David Ferrer,the last year's finalist losing today. Will be interesting to see if Federer can actually get himself to the final let alone win it. Federer vs Nadal in the final would be cool. Sort of a commemoration for a 10 year old rivalry right at the place where it all began in 2004.

Though it sounds nice, all it would mean is yet another easy Masters 1000 title for Rafa that too the one he has never won!!
Want to see Novak vs Rafa Final with both atleast close to their best (you never know with Rafa, if & when he loses though!!)
Conditions will favor Rafa and it is a mystery as to how he has not won this one already.... (Davydenko)

[JamesDap]

^^^ Bounce is a bit lower in Miami compared to Indian Wells. That's probably the reason. Having said that, he won Cincinnati last year, which still plays much more like a real hard court.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

While I don't fancy Federer's chances, I believe he can put up a good fight against Nadal. He has come back stronger. The backhand is still vulnerable but has definitely improved when compared to last years, he's got his serve back and has been returning much better as well. So why not? I don't care if Nadal's wins the tourney. All I want is some good tennis.

[raagadevan]

Murray loses to Djokovic 5-7, 3-6!

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Very poor match from Murray IMHO. Djokovic didn't have to do anything great to get the win. Murray just handed it to him on a platter.

[raagadevan]

He struggled, but at least stayed alive in the first set. The second set was a disaster! May be he should invite Lendl back! :)

[JamesDap]

Watching the Fed-Nishikori match now, either the court is playing faster than last year or a lot of players have moved to bigger/heavier racquets to counter the problem solver. It could also be that both Fed and Nishikori want to play first strike tennis and are just hitting their shots much harder because they don't mind the occasional unforced error.

[raagadevan]

Going to a third set!

[VinodKumar's]

Fed struggling

[raagadevan]

Federer will have to wait for his revenge match against Djokovic! Nishikori wins 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.

[raagadevan]

Berdych moves to the semifinals.

[raagadevan]

Nadal loses first set to Raonic 4-6!

[raagadevan]

... but fights back to win the second set 6-2.

[raagadevan]

And wins the third set 6-4 to reach the semifinals against Berdych.

[raagadevan]

Nishikori out of Miami, hands Djokovic final spot

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Nishikori-out-of-Miami-hands-Djokovic-final-spot/articleshow/32866591.cms

[VinodKumar's]

Nishikori walked over.. Novak into final ...

[raagadevan]

Berdych retires! Now Nadal is also into the finals without having to play the semifinal!

[VinodKumar's]

WTH !!! Sorry for fans who spent money on tickets.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

^Yep....quite a bummer....

[VinodKumar's]

Nole gets the first set..

[raagadevan]

Rafa Nadal will have to wait for his first Miami Open crown! Novak Djokovic wins 6-3, 6-3.

[VinodKumar's]

nole was flawless.

[venkkiram]

:notworthy:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkAOoyDIEAATTCz.jpg:large

[raagadevan]

Fabio Fognini bets Andy Murray 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in the Davis Cup Quarterfinal match and Andreas Seppi beats James Ward 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Italy beats Great Britain 3 matches to 2!

[VinodKumar's]

France has come back from 0-2.. Hope today swiss win against kasakasa.. Dei Stan :twisted:

[raagadevan]

Roger Federer beats Andrey Golubev 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-3 to help Switzerland beat Kazakhstan (3 matches to 2); and Gael Monfils beats Peter Gojowczyk 6-1, 7-6 (0), 6-2 to take France past Germany (3 matches to 2)!

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Federer decides to play Monte-Carlo. Going to enter the tourney as a wild card. Thought I wouldn't get to see much tennis action for a while, but with Federer coming in, I guess will tune it to watch this.

[omega]

Fed in Novak's half....

1R - Bye
2R - Karlovic/Stepanak
3R - Janowicz/Rosol
QF - Fognini/Tsonga
SF - Novak/Berdych
F - Nadal/Ferrer

Hopefully he could reach SF...

[raagadevan]

Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2014

Singles Draw (Complete):

http://www.montecarlotennismasters.com/Share/Event-Draws.aspx?Year=2014&Draw=ms

[raagadevan]

Nadal loses the first set to Ferrer 6 (1)-7 in a tie-breaker!

[VinodKumar's]

and he is broken early in second set .. hope Ferrer close it out ..

[VinodKumar's]

Ferrer was 5-2 and serving for match only to get broken .... Anegama match maariruchunu nenaikriaen.

[raagadevan]

Ferrer wins 7-6, 6-4!

[VinodKumar's]

Ferrer in history !!! Is this the second loss for Nadal in Monte Carlo ?

[VinodKumar's]

Federer lost first set 6-2

[VinodKumar's]

Roger into semis

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Great comeback by Federer to get the win today. Lost his cool in the middle, but nothing to complain. Good win. Hopefully he does well in the Semis.

[raagadevan]

Ferrer in history !!! Is this the second loss for Nadal in Monte Carlo ?

David Ferrer is the third player in 11 years to defeat Rafael Nadal at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

[raagadevan]

Good come back win by Federer! Looks like Tsonga lost his rhythm after the tie-breaker loss in the second set.

[VinodKumar's]

Nole lost first set and struggling to get rhythm ...

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Djokovic vs Federer it is for the semis. Going to be exciting. Interesting as to how both the players had their backs against the wall at first after dropping the opening set. If the Indian Wells was any indicator, I expect a great contest.

[VinodKumar's]

Come on Roger. This is the best chance to win this title. Switch to aggressive mode oru kai paathuruvom.

[JamesDap]

Didn't expect such a stiff resistance from Lopez. That was classic clay court stuff. Both Djoko and Fed came through after scratchy starts, but Djoko faced the tougher challenge. So he probably has the upper hand. Would love to see Fed win, nevertheless.

[VinodKumar's]

Stan takes first set 6-1. All swiss final :noteeth: ?

[JamesDap]

Wawrinka dropping off the spectacular levels of the first set. Maybe there's life in this match yet.

[JamesDap]

Wawrinka will have to serve to stay in the set and force a tiebreak. Much more solid performance by Ferrer in the second set, more like what we have come to expect from him.

[JamesDap]

Tie break becoming a replay of the first set.

[raagadevan]

WOW! Federer takes the first set 7-5 with a service ace!

[VinodKumar's]

Nole injured ?

[raagadevan]

Stan takes first set 6-1. All swiss final :noteeth: ?

Yes, it will be an "all Swiss final! :)

Federer beats Djokovics 7-5, 6-2!

[VinodKumar's]

:clap:.

[JamesDap]

Nole clearly in terrible pain. Hopefully he gets better in time for RG at least. Great result for Fed. First Monte Carlo final featuring single handed backhand players on both sides since 2001 (Kuerten v/s Arazi).

[VinodKumar's]

Boris Becker plays basketball in Nole's life :D

[VinodKumar's]

Interesting stat ...

"Only swiss players has beaten Novak since US open 2013".

[VinodKumar's]

Another one ...

Stan's only win against Roger in 14 attempts has been in Monte Carlo in 2009.

[JamesDap]

On current form, I would have to back Wawrinka. Fed is also coming into some form but his backhand side is significantly weaker than Wawrinka. On the flipside, he has won so many ATP 1000 titles so he knows what to do whereas Wawrinka might get overawed by the occasion.

[omega]

Nole clearly in terrible pain. Hopefully he gets better in time for RG at least. Great result for Fed. First Monte Carlo final featuring single handed backhand players on both sides since 2001 (Kuerten v/s Arazi).

CK,

Now just rewind back to the comment from RF after his 2011 US SF loss to Nole.....
Does it make sense to you now? (With Nole's latest wrist condition...)

[omega]

On current form, I would have to back Wawrinka. Fed is also coming into some form but his backhand side is significantly weaker than Wawrinka. On the flipside, he has won so many ATP 1000 titles so he knows what to do whereas Wawrinka might get overawed by the occasion.

Fed definitely wants his compatriot to win his first Masters offcourse, but MC 1000 is something missing in his own cabinet, so it would be a good match.
If Stan can play freely, he has the edge for sure, but often he gets a little subdued when playing his senior...
But a dream final atleast for me & it is a win-win situation..

[JamesDap]

CK,

Now just rewind back to the comment from RF after his 2011 US SF loss to Nole.....
Does it make sense to you now? (With Nole's latest wrist condition...)

Not at all. I don't see the relevance. So was there something wrong with RF's technique that he had a back injury last year?

[omega]

Not at all. I don't see the relevance. So was there something wrong with RF's technique that he had a back injury last year?

He then said it is a lucky shot, may be that is how he is brought up (taking undue risks)...
Federer was like, if that is what it requires to beat me, good for you....
Fed will never do that & duely gets blamed for not showing intensity.....
These players showing intensity is what causes them all these injuries.....

You are kidding with the back injury right?

[JamesDap]

Yeah sure...I was being sarcastic there to show you that you are making a false equivalence. You know even Agassi had wrist injuries, right? It's part and parcel of top level sport. So just because Djoko has had an injury doesn't mean what Fed said then were wise words uttered underneath some Bodhi tree. He was just being a sore loser, period. Fed must be one of the rare guys whose body is seemingly perfect for the game he plays (McGrath was another). Otherwise, even players with great technique like Graf have gone through injuries. Djoko used the intensity to hang in there at that time and turn tables on Fed in a match he was winning. It would be good for both you and Fed to just accept that and let it go.

[JamesDap]

In his peak years, Fed himself used to orchestrate the crowd after his tweeners fell in, as if he was 100% sure they would be WINNERS. Djoko was just extracting subtle vengeance at US Open and that obviously found its mark and didn't go down well with Fed.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Gonna be good tomorrow..Didnt see the match. So can't comment as to how the match went about and on Djokovic's injury and how it affected his play.

[omega]

In his peak years, Fed himself used to orchestrate the crowd after his tweeners fell in, as if he was 100% sure they would be WINNERS. Djoko was just extracting subtle vengeance at US Open and that obviously found its mark and didn't go down well with Fed.

So you want to equate a tweener with that extravagant forehand crosscourt stretching far to his right?....
Never did I say that Roger was not butthurt. He was however, all that he said was so true... An absolute peak Novak had to come up with such a risky shot to win against an after shelf Roger.... Novak pulled up that shot mainly because he was up against all odds, with the whole NY crowd against him. That surely irked him...

Anyway Novak is my 2nd favorite after Roger. Hope he recovers soon to win RG!! We need Novak to certainly stop Rafa!!

[raagadevan]

Wish #1: We want our GOAT (Roger Federer) to win a few more masters and/or grand slam titles, so that we can continue to sing that he is the GOAT! We don't care whether the matches are fixed and/or his opponents are injured, as long as our GOAT wins.

Wish #2: If our GOAT does not win, we want ABB (Anyone But Bull) to win. A lot of people think that the Bull (Rafa Nadal) is justifiably the real GOAT, but we have to make sure that we have enough statistics to twist and misquote to prove our point! Of course "We need Novak to certainly stop Rafa!!"

Meaningful head-to head statistics:

Federer 17; Djokovic: 16
Federer: 10; Murray: 11 (very close!)
Federer: 14; Ferrer: 0
Federer: 13; Wawrinka: 1
Federer: 12; Berdych: 6

Meaningless head-to-head statistics:

Federer: 10; Nadal: 23

[omega]

Wish #1: We want our GOAT (Roger Federer) to win a few more masters and/or grand slam titles, so that we can continue to sing that he is the GOAT! We don't care whether the matches are fixed and/or his opponents are injured, as long as our GOAT wins.

Wish #2: If our GOAT does not win, we want ABB (Anyone But Bull) to win. A lot of people think that the Bull (Rafa Nadal) is justifiably the real GOAT, but we have to make sure that we have enough statistics to twist and misquote to prove our point! Of course "We need Novak to certainly stop Rafa!!"

Meaningful head-to head statistics:

Federer 17; Djokovic: 16
Federer: 10; Murray: 11 (very close!)
Federer: 14; Ferrer: 0
Federer: 13; Wawrinka: 1
Federer: 12; Berdych: 6

Meaningless head-to-head statistics:

Federer: 10; Nadal: 23




peRFect!!

Thanks for putting it together...

[JamesDap]

So you want to equate a tweener with that extravagant forehand crosscourt stretching far to his right?....

Actually no, because that forehand was far less flukey. It was in the slot and the only possibly risky thing about the shot was the power with which Djoko sought to hit it (which might have dragged it wide on another day). You can watch it again if you like. Djoko was well balanced and was obviously seeing the ball well when he hit it. I have seen Sampras hit a similar stretch cross court forehand and standing on his toes to boot and still hit a return winner...at Wimbledon when it used to be faster, against Andre Agassi. That is high percentage but to deride it as a fluke is just sour grapes. To pretend it was not the way people used to play tennis is just ageism.

Look, I am a huge Federer fan but in this case, it was simply his reluctance to accept Djoko as the new champion. I am not able to see at all how on earth Fed was justified in talking down his opponent like that and trying to write it off as lucky. It wasn't any luckier than any number of trick shots he used to pull off in his peak to win important points. It's not going to make me like him less for that because Fed is actually pretty cool compared to any number of 90s players who seemed to think they had some obligation to be nasty to their opponents. But I certainly don't find an iota of truth in what he said. Djoko following later in the press conference was correct to say that at the highest level, you have to take your chances because there are bound to be very few. That is the way tennis has been played for years and years and there's nothing new about it except Kaiser Fed was at the wrong end of it and didn't enjoy it.

[raagadevan]

Wawrinka wins 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2!

[JamesDap]

Fed had the match on his racquet. Wawrinka hadn't really turned up for the first half of the match. Fed should have killed it before the tiebreak itself. That was a lifeline for Wawrinka and he grabbed it and got back to the fluent rhythm he showed yesterday.

[VinodKumar's]

Congrats Wawrinka !!!

[raagadevan]

A First For Stan: How The Monte-Carlo Final Was Won

-By Josh Meiseles; ATP News, April 20, 2014

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/04/16/Monte-Carlo-Final-How-Was-Won.aspx

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Stan Wawrika....:clap: :clap:...Well done mate....

[venkkiram]

:clap: Wawrinka

[raagadevan]

Emirates ATP World Rankings (April 21, 2014)

1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 11,040
2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,580
3. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 6,580
4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,805
5. David Ferrer (ESP) 4,910
6. Thomas Berdych(CZE) 4,720
7. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4,215
8. Andy Murray (GBR) 4,040
9. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,715
10. John Isner (USA) 2,555
11. Richard Gasquet (FRA) 2,545
12. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 2,370
13. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,190
14. Tommy Haas (GER) 2,075
15. Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 2,065

Emirates ATP Race to London Points (April 21, 2014)

1. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 3,535
2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3,050
3. Roger Federer (SUI) 2,920
4. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 2,775
5. Thomas Berdych (CZE) 2,135
6. David Ferrer (ESP) 1,440
7. Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 1,175
8. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 1,150
9. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 1,105
10. Andy Murray (GBR) 1,065

[JamesDap]

Wow, at this rate, Andy Murray may not make it to London (though it's too early to comment of course). Wonder if the quest for Wimbledon took too much out of him and he doesn't have motivation to pursue any other goals now that that is done. Wawrinka finishing the year at no.1 would be a welcome break from the big four monotony (but looks very distant right now).

[raagadevan]

How the Krishnans brought Wimbledon home

http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/how-the-krishnans-brought-wimbledon-home/article5947982.ece?homepage=true

[omega]

Looks like we had two Good Fridays in a row!!!

[JamesDap]

^^^ lol. Already the worst clay court season for Rafa in a very long time. Back in 2003, he was the winner of the Monte Carlo event, right? Maybe his body finally can't cash the cheques he's been writing, to refer to Agassi's comment years back. Forehand is just gone. Even last year, the topspin on his forehand was just not what it used to be but he compensated by using more aggressive tactics. He is simply too tentative to try that this year and, as he himself admitted, losing to Wawrinka hasn't helped at all.

[JamesDap]

Also a more graceful acceptance of defeat this time by Rafa, unlike the cold handshake he offered to good friend Ferrer at Monte Carlo. Getting used to the feeling, perhaps?

[omega]

Rafa has never been able to dominate for a full complete year.
Normally he tames off by USO and completely loses steam by the indoor season (End of year).
He has been competing non-stop starting from Feb 2013 last year going deep in many tournaments, so its obvious his body is not able to handle the physical toll.
Its a tricky situation for his camp that it has come around during his favorite time of the season (clay) where he rakes 60% of his points.
He should have took a good break after the AO loss and skipped all those tournaments (Rio/IW/Miami) and come fresh for the Clay swing. Toni the mastermind got it completely wrong on the schedule... With 4000 points still to defend in clay, losing to lapdogs in his favorite surface is doing no good for his already sinking confidence.
Still he is the favorite for FO, but lot will depend on how he does in Madrid (his weakest clay tournament) and Rome. I am sure Nole will have a big say on FO..

Very interesting clay season ahead!!

[JamesDap]

Yeah, I can somewhat understand losing to Ferrer even though Nadal has always beaten the latter very comfortably. But if he starts losing to Almagro on clay, he is losing the plot. Djoko himself is struggling with that wrist problem, so, as my dad put it, Nadal's very presence in the RG draw will deem him a favourite. But this should be his toughest defence yet as if Nole didn't push him around enough the last two times.

[ajithfederer]

My man - Stan(wawrinka) the man - posted this pic in his twitter account and is trolling everyone . :lol:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BmIwkpIIcAAcHxJ.jpg:large

[raagadevan]

Leander Paes receives Padma Bhushan award

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Leander-Paes-receives-Padma-Bhushan-award/articleshow/34259087.cms

[raagadevan]

Kei Nishikori wins the Barcelona Open; and Grigor Dimitrov wins BRD Nastase Tiriac Trophy.

[raagadevan]

Emirates ATP Race to London Points (April 28, 2014)

1. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 3,535
2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3,050
3. Roger Federer (SUI) 2,920
4. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 2,865
5. Thomas Berdych (CZE) 2,135
6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 1,525
7. David Ferrer (ESP) 1,440
8. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 1,355
9. Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 1,175
10.Fabio Fognini (ITA) 1,150

[VinodKumar's]

Madrid draws is out ..

Roger Federer

1R: Bye
2R: Simon/Paire
3R: Seppi/Robredo/Verdasco
QF: Murray/Tsonga
SF: Nadal/Berdych
F: Djokovic/Wawrinka

Evalo mukkunalum SF thaanda mudiyaadhu until unless there is a new Almagro/Ferrer :noteeth: ...

[raagadevan]

Sania-Cara win first title of season in Portugal

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Sania-Cara-win-first-title-of-season-in-Portugal/articleshow/34598067.cms

[VinodKumar's]

Novak withdraws from Madrid due to right hand wrist injury!!! Good for him considering the toughest draw ...

[omega]

Madrid draws is out ..

Roger Federer

1R: Bye
2R: Simon/Paire
3R: Seppi/Robredo/Verdasco
QF: Murray/Tsonga
SF: Nadal/Berdych
F: Djokovic/Wawrinka

Evalo mukkunalum SF thaanda mudiyaadhu until unless there is a new Almagro/Ferrer :noteeth: ...

Looks like trouble all the way for Fed!!
He has to take one at a time. With Paire retiring he is up against Simon first, which he could get thru'.
Somehow I feel he may be troubled by Bautista Agut Roberto in the the 3R if he makes thru'.
If Fed does play well & reach SF, I really fancy his chances against Nadal!!

[omega]

Fed withdraws from Madrid Masters to be with his wife the next few weeks (hopefully doesn't include RG)...
https://www.facebook.com/Federer/posts/10152391601439941?stream_ref=1

[omega]

Stars couldn't have aligned this well for the "Son of Madrid"

[VinodKumar's]

:twisted: :lol:.

[omega]

Mirka delivers twin boys Leo & Lenny...
Congrats Fed!!

Time to rewind back to 2009 & deliver natural surface twins FO & Wimbledon....

[Arvind Srinivasan]

^ Hopefully he turns up in time for Paris. But one cannot blame him if he wants to give it a miss though. Family will have to take centre stage eventually at some point in time especially after 20 odd years of slogging it out on the courts

[VinodKumar's]

Wawrimka lost ada thu

[raagadevan]

Kei Nishikori retires in the third set, and Rafa Nadal wins the Mutua Madrid Open men's title 2-6, 6-4, 3-0.

Bryan Brothers lose the doubles final to Daniel Nester & Nenad Zimonjic 4-6, 2-6.

Maria Sharapova beats Simona Halep 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the women's final.

[raagadevan]

Nishikori vs Nadal - Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOUis3BTW18

[raagadevan]

Emirates ATP World Rankings (May 12, 2014)

1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 12,900
2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11,030
3. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 5,785
4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,715
5. David Ferrer (ESP) 5,030
6. Thomas Berdych(CZE) 4,600
7. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4,215
8. Andy Murray (GBR) 3,950
9. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 2,860
10. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,625
11. John Isner (USA) 2,600
12. Richard Gasquet (FRA) 2,535
13. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 2,235
14. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2,200
15. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,190

[raagadevan]

Agassi picks Nadal over Federer as all-time best

"Federer separated himself from the field for four years. He separated himself from (Andy) Roddick and (Lleyton) Hewitt," Agassi added. "Nadal had to deal with Federer, (Novak) Djokovic, (Andy) Murray in the golden age of tennis. He has done what he has done and he's not done yet."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Agassi-picks-Nadal-over-Federer-as-all-time-best/articleshow/34823187.cms

Of course; what does Agassi know, eh? ;)

[raagadevan]

Jeremy Chardy stuns Roger Federer 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) at Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome.

[VinodKumar's]

Expected. Idhukku varamalae irundhurukkalam :|.

[VinodKumar's]

I thought he played badly... Watched replay he choked after that match point sigh

[raagadevan]

Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome

Semifinals - May 17, 2014:

Novak Djokovic beats Milos Raonic 6(5)-7, 7-6(4), 6-3.

Rafael Nadal beats Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2.

[raagadevan]

Djokovic beats Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the final match.

[VinodKumar's]

Djoker return oda fast ah irukinga :P ....

[raagadevan]

Roger Federer through Google Glass

Federer and Edberg at a practice session - through Glass...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Eabp3Jpy-I#t=64

Source: ATP News/youtube

[raagadevan]

Roland Garros 2014

Men's Singles Seedings:

1 Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2 Novak Djokovic (SRB)
3 Roger Federer (SUI)
4 Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
5 David Ferrer (ESP)
6 Tomas Berdych (CZE)
7 Andy Murray (GBR)
8 Milos Raonic (CAN)
9 Kei Nishikori (JPN)
10 John Isner (USA)
11 Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)
12 Richard Gasquet (FRA)
13 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)
14 Fabio Fognini (ITA)
15 Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
16 Tommy Haas (GER)
17 Tommy Robredo (ESP)
18 Ernests Gulbis (LAT)
19 Kevin Anderson (RSA)
20 Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR)
21 Nicolas Almagro (ESP)
22 Jerzy Janowicz (POL)
23 Gael Monfils (FRA)
24 Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
25 Marin Cilic (CRO)
26 Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
27 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)
28 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER)
29 Gilles Simon (FRA)
31 Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)
32 Andreas Seppi (ITA)

[raagadevan]

Roland Garros 2014

Men's Singles Draws:

http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/draws/ms/r1s1.html

[VinodKumar's]

Wawrinka out of RG in first round

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Federer ousted by Ernests Gulbis in the 4th round. Went the distance to five sets.

[raagadevan]

Score: 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3

Gulbis: “Sorry I had to win. I know how everyone likes Roger. It was a tough match but this is sport. I’ve been playing very well in France. I won tournaments in Marseille and Nice, hopefully Paris is the next one.”

Source: ATP News June 1, 2014 - http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/05/22/Roland-Garros-Sunday2-Federer-Gulbis.aspx

[VinodKumar's]

I dont like Fed's post match speech :twisted:.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

What did he say Vinod....

[raagadevan]

Roland Garros 2014 - Men's Quarterfinals lineup:

Rafael Nadal - ESP (#1) vs David Ferrer - ESP (#5)

Gael Monfils - FRA (#23) vs Andy Murray - GBR (#7)

Tomas Berdych - CZE - (#6) vs Ernests Gulbis - LAT (#18)

Milos Raonic - CAN (#8) vs Novak Djokovic - SRB (#2)

[VinodKumar's]

What did he say Vinod....

“Mentally I have already switched to the grass, to be quite honest,” said Federer. “For me, it's like, ‘the clay-court season was fun, but we are moving on.’ Clay doesn't need me anymore, I got flushed out here.

[raagadevan]

Semifinals...

Rafael Nadal (ESP) [#1] vs Andy Murray (GBR) [#7]

Ernests Gulbis (LAT) [#18] vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [#2]

[venkkiram]

கடவுளே இந்தமுறையும் ஜெகோ-நடால் இறுதிப் போட்டியை அமைத்துவிடாதே! ஒத்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.. ஈடு இணையில்லா ஜெகோ-நடால் ஜோடிதான் டென்னிஸ் காணும் வரலாறு. ஆனால் சலித்துப் போகுது..

[raagadevan]

கடவுளே இந்தமுறையும் ஜெகோ-நடால் இறுதிப் போட்டியை அமைத்துவிடாதே! ஒத்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.. ஈடு இணையில்லா ஜெகோ-நடால் ஜோடிதான் டென்னிஸ் காணும் வரலாறு. ஆனால் சலித்துப் போகுது..

Sorry Venkkiram! :) Even கடவுள் couldn’t help it... It is going to be another ஜெகோ-நடால் இறுதிப் போட்டி! :)

[raagadevan]

Novak & Rafa: The Rivalry

By ATP Staff - ATP News, June 6, 2014

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will meet for a record 42nd time in their storied rivalry in the
2014 Roland Garros final on Sunday, and this time there’s more than just trophies on the line.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/Rivalries/Nadal-Djokovic-Rivalry.aspx

[leosimha]

though nadal is in great form in french open; but is there a decline in nadal's tennis after the aus open loss to stan wawrinka? he has also lost to djokovic continuously in the atp masters. how different is nadal going to match up with djoko in the french open finals? hope the match is tough one for both the opponents and the better one wins though my mind and heart goes with Vamos Rafa!!

[raagadevan]

Rafa wins his 9th French Open Championship; 5th in a row. Beats Novak 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4! To remain #1 In the Emirates ATP World Rankings!

[venkkiram]

Incredible! Nadal becomes the 1st player in history to win at least one Grand Slam in 10 successive calendar years!

[venkkiram]

Nadal. Nadal. Nadal. Nadal. Federer. Nadal. Nadal. Nadal. Nadal. Nadal.

:notworthy:

[leosimha]

Vamos Rafa!! :)

[leosimha]

Incredible! Nadal becomes the 1st player in history to win at least one Grand Slam in 10 successive calendar years!

Truly incredible!! But federer won at least 2 or 3 slams a year for some 3 to 5 years, right?

[leosimha]

Actually, Nadal deceived Djokovic to win the French open. :lol:

[raagadevan]

How The Roland Garros Final Was Won: Nadal Upends Djokovic

-By Josh Meiseles; ATP News, June 8, 2014

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/06/23/Roland-Garros-Final-How-Was-Won.aspx

The last point of the match...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgpPJwmC4Bw

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Rafael Nadal...:bow: :bow:...to think a guy could win a grand slam 9 times out of the ten times he has played it is downright freakish...Once in a lifetime player...

[raagadevan]

Brain Game: Rafa's New Tactics Fell Novak

-By Craig O'Shannessy; ATP News, June 8, 2014

"Rafael Nadal’s masterful counter-tactic of bombarding Novak Djokovic’s forehand took time to develop but ultimately carried him to a historic ninth Roland Garros title on Sunday."

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/06/23/Roland-Garros-Brain-Game-Nadal-Djokovic-Final.aspx
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________


More from all over the world:

The Daily Mail, UK:

"When faced with someone as spectacularly good as Rafael Nadal on clay you do not require idiots in the crowd calling out as you try and survive a match point in the fourth set. That was what Novak Djokovic had to contend with and, just as had happened in losing the 2012 final, he ended with a double fault that completed a 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 defeat to the man cementing his place as the all time great dirtballer."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2652039/Rafael-Nadal-beats-Novak-Djokovic-claim-incredible-ninth-French-Open-crown.html
__________________________________________________ _________________________________________

The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia:

"He's the first man in tennis history to win five consecutive Roland Garros titles, and is now tied with Pete Sampras with 14 major championships."

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-beats-novak-djokovic-to-claim-ninth-french-open-title-20140609-zs1as.html#ixzz346tegKpd
__________________________________________________ _________________________________________

USA Today, USA:

"These kind of big matches obviously take the best out of players," Djokovic said in the news conference later. " And of course it's a huge challenge. I tried to do my best. My best wasn't as the best against him in Rome a couple weeks ago ... He was a better player in the crucial moments. Of course it's disappointing for me, but life goes on."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/french/2014/06/08/rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-french-open-final/10198417/
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________

The Hindu, India:

"Nadal, who will retain his place at the top of the rankings with the victory, has now won 14 Grand Slam titles, tied for second among the men with Pete Sampras. Only Roger Federer, with 17 majors, has more."

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/nadal-downs-djokovic-to-win-ninth-french-open-title/article6095143.ece?homepage=true

[omega]

Congrats! Rafa.....Well done...
This must be one of his most memorable FO win for him with a lot of things on line (Trying to equal Sampras GS record for the 2nd time, No. 1 ranking, coming off a worst clay season in his career etc etc...).

He is simply unbeatable in a best of 5 particularly in dirt. He is made up of "Never give up until the last point" mentality & sticks to it....
Tough luck Novak....You have been knocking hard for the last 4 years but couldn't get over that final bump...

[Russellyhd]

Congrats nadal & maria :)

[venkkiram]

Just posted in Twitter..

6–4, 6–3, 2–6, 7–5 (year 2012) 3–6, 7–5, 6–2, 6–4 (year 2014) Only position of numbers changed. Final #nadalvsnovak @rolandgarros Beauty!

[raagadevan]

Sania achieves career-best ranking

Touching a new high, India’s tennis ace Sania Mirza on Monday became world number six in doubles,
her career-best ranking, as the new chart was released following the conclusion of the French Open.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/sania-achieves-careerbest-ranking/article6097558.ece?homepage=true

[leosimha]

Just posted in Twitter..

6–4, 6–3, 2–6, 7–5 (year 2012) 3–6, 7–5, 6–2, 6–4 (year 2014) Only position of numbers changed. Final #nadalvsnovak @rolandgarros Beauty!

sorry, didn't get the position of numbers. my eyes are deceiving.

another notable point mentioned during the commentary and in a news article was that nadal won the match with djokovic's double fault in 2012 and 2014. what a co-incidence!!

[VinodKumar's]

did he double fault this time too ? what a jerk he is :banghead:

[leosimha]

http://www.firstpost.com/sports/french-open-now-it-is-rafael-nadals-turn-to-seek-la-decima-1562163.html

a very interesting article - nice read - http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/what-if-rafael-nadal-never-won-a-grand-slam-title/

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/french-open-2014-maria-sharapova-rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-simona-halep/

[omega]

http://i59.tinypic.com/2uzc8ye.jpg

[raagadevan]

85th ranked Dustin Brown of Germany beats Rafa Nadal 6-4, 6-1 at the Gerry Weber Grass Court Championships in Halle, Germany. This was Nadal's first grass-court match since a first-round loss to Steve Darcis at last year's Wimbledon.

[leosimha]

85th ranked Dustin Brown of Germany beats Rafa Nadal 6-4, 6-1 at the Gerry Weber Grass Court Championships in Halle, Germany. This was Nadal's first grass-court match since a first-round loss to Steve Darcis at last year's Wimbledon.

so that's it. will nadal play his game at wimbledon?

[raagadevan]

so that's it. will nadal play his game at wimbledon?

Who knows! :) As far as as Rafa is concerned, Wimbledon could be a first round loss to an unranked qualifier, or another championship! Keeping my fingers crossed!

[omega]

Who knows! :) As far as as Rafa is concerned, Wimbledon could be a first round loss to an unranked qualifier, or another championship! Keeping my fingers crossed!

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2014/06/nadal-lacking-grass-court-matches-having-back-problems-ahead-wimbledon/51765/#.U5yNuChCw1w

If he survives the first week, then he is a lock for the trophy..

[raagadevan]

Federer going for 7th Halle title, final vs Falla

Federer fired 10 aces and defeated the fourth-seeded Kei Nishikori 6-3, 7-6 (4) [in the semifinals]. After a first-round bye, Federer began his Wimbledon preparations by defeating Portugal's Joao Sousa on Thursday then had a walkover in the quarterfinals.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Federer-going-for-7th-Halle-title-final-vs-Falla/articleshow/36562150.cms

[JamesDap]

Queens has been a lot more exciting this year than Halle (not usually the case because Halle tends to play a bit faster). Lopez has been in outstanding form and yesterday's match against Stepanek was a trip down serve and volley lane. Dimitrov is also showing signs of maturing and realising his potential. Should be a great final though it might get over quickly if Lopez finds his serve...as he has throughout the tournament so far.

[raagadevan]

Seventh Heaven!

Roger Federer captured his seventh Gerry Weber Open title on Sunday.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/06/24/Halle-Final-Falla-Federer.aspx

[raagadevan]

...and Grigor Dimitrov wins the Aegon (Queen's Club) Championship beating Feliciano Lopez in a very "tight" match! Score: 6-7, 7-6, 7-6.

[raagadevan]

Wimbledon 2014 - Men's Singles Seedings:

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB)
[2] Rafael Nadal (ESP)
[3] Andy Murray (GBR)
[4] Roger Federer (SUI)
[5] Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
[6] Tomas Berdych (CZE)
[7] David Ferrer (ESP)
[8] Milos Raonic (CAN)
[9] John Isner (USA)
[10] Kei Nishikori (JPN)
[11] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)
[12] Ernests Gulbis (LAT)
[13] Richard Gasquet (FRA)
[14] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)
[15] Jerzy Janowicz (POL)
[16] Fabio Fognini (ITA)
[17] Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
[18] Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
[19] Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
[20] Kevin Anderson (RSA)
[21] Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR)
[22] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER)
[23] Tommy Robredo (ESP)
[24] Gael Monfils (FRA)
[25] Nicolas Almagro (ESP)
[26] Andreas Seppi (ITA)
[27] Marin Cilic (CRO)
[28] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)
[29] Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP)
[30] Ivo Karlovic (CRO)
[31] Marcel Granollers (ESP)
[32] Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)

[Russellyhd]

when wil feddy come to top ? :(

[omega]

Wimbledon draw is out...

Federer:

1: ‪#‎Lorenzi‬
R2: ‪#‎Benneteau‬
R3: ‪#‎Granollers‬
R4: ‪#‎Janowicz‬
QF: ‪#‎Wawrinka‬
SF: ‪#‎Nadal‬
Final : ‪#‎Djokovic‬/‪#‎Murray‬

Nadal:

1: ‪#‎Klizan
R2: ‪#‎Rosol
R3: ‪#‎Karlovic
R4: ‪#‎Gasquet/Monfils
QF: #Nishikori/Kohlschreiber
SF: #Federer/Wawrinka
F: #Novak/Murray

Novak:

1: ‪#‎Golubev
R2: ‪#‎Stepanek
R3: ‪#‎Simon
R4: ‪#‎Tsonga
QF: ‪#‎Berdych/Gulbis/Cilic
SF: ‪#‎Novak
F:#Nadal/Federer

Murray:

1: ‪#‎Goffin
R2: ‪#‎Andujar
R3: ‪#‎Bautista
R4: ‪#‎Fognini
QF: ‪#‎Dimitrov/Ferrer
SF: ‪#‎Novak
Final : ‪#‎Nadal/Federer

Murray has relatively easy early rounds...
Fed's draw looks better but Benneteau could cause some trouble in 2nd round.
Nadal has Rosol (who will be straight setted this time) & Karlovic who will be a real cause of worry.
Novak has a bit of tough ride with Stepenak & Tsonga before QF...

[JamesDap]

Fed has a better chance this year than last. Of these four, I am still betting on Djoko but he hasn't played at either Queens or Halle and that *could* go against him. I wouldn't be surprised if either Dimitrov or one of the veteran grass journeymen like Stepanek go all the way this time. Top players are looking so out of touch with grasscourt tennis they don't know what to do with low balls. Of course, for all I know, while I write all this, Problem Solver may be working with the tournament officials to increase the bounce even more because 'grass is dangerous for ze knee'. IF that is not the case, it's good news for Fed. He knows how to win on grass. The question is can he, can he just play consistently for two weeks to get through all the matches.

[raagadevan]

Nadal vulnerable at Wimbledon - Federer

Roger Federer claims Rafael Nadal`s vulnerability on grass will be a significant boost to his chances of winning Wimbledon for a record-breaking eighth time.

http://zeenews.india.com/sports/tennis/nadal-vulnerable-at-wimbledon-says-federer_789869.html

[JamesDap]

lol @ Indian media and their headlines that distort the actual report. Fed actually said at Wimbledon he wouldn't worry about Nadal too much while at RG Nadal is so dominant it is important for him to find a way past Nadal.

[raagadevan]

The heading was the same in India, England, Australia, Canada and all over the world!

http://www.sport24.co.za/Tennis/Wimbledon/Federer-Nadal-weak-on-grass-20140621

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/06/22/nadal-vulnerable-wimbledon-says-federer

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nadal-vulnerable-wimbledon-says-federer-140605925--ten.html

[omega]

How arrogant?..
LOL @ media, waiting to misinterpret Fed's words...

[JamesDap]

Not the headline, sorry, but the opening para " Roger Federer claims Rafael Nadal's vulnerability on grass will be a significant boost to his chances of winning Wimbledon for a record-breaking eighth time." is not there anywhere in the direct quotes of what Fed has said. And what is quoted of him suggests he wants to focus on his game and is not worried about Nadal, so it is contradictory. Yeah, all three articles have the same headline and opening para so I guess one guy wrote the story and others simply copied it! :P But anyhow, the opening para just seems to be a misinterpretation of what he said, maybe to stir controversy and get a lot of hits and likes and arguments, etc.

[JamesDap]

And lol also to the Bull fan in the comments on the Australian website. Nadal is a better person, yeah, that's why he thinks umpires are nasty for imposing time violation penalties in spite of taking an eternity between serves and that's why he wants fewer tournaments along with slower courts.

[raagadevan]

Federer: I Can Win Wimbledon

By ATP Staff; ATP News, June 21, 2014

“I feel like I’m a contender for the tournament,” said the World No. 4, seeded fourth this year. “I feel like if things click here, I should be able to win the tournament; whereas at Roland Garros I feel like I'm slightly more dependent on [Nadal].

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/06/25/Wimbledon-Preview-Federer.aspx

[JamesDap]

Luke Saville may have lost in straight sets to Dimitrov (who is playing phenomenally well) but he has a great game and did exceptionally well for a first timer 20 year old at Wimbledon. His game has very classical elements, unlike other upcoming (or not so upcoming) players like say Raonic or Tomic. Would be disappointed if he doesn't shape up to be a star in the future.

[raagadevan]

Looked like history was going to repeat itself. Lukas Rosol was ahead by a set and up a break in the second set of the Wimbledon 2nd round match,
but Rafa Nadal fights back to win 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4!

[JamesDap]

Dimitrov-Dolgopolov was epic. Just a whole array of unbelievable strokes plus monstrous serves. I have never seen The Dog play so well, so consistently. Amazing that he would still lose. Dimitrov is looking more and more like the real deal.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

That was a great match wasn't it. Would like to second McEnroe's thought. I guess we are looking at a future grandslammer in Dimitrov. And I have high hopes on Raonic too.

[JamesDap]

Raonic has an even more monstrous serve but his movements need to improve. The only thing Dimitrov needs to work on is using cross court angles more. He only seems to hit DTL and inside out forehands. But yes, we are indeed looking at a future champion. It is, at least ought to be, a question of when rather than whether. He bravely attacked the net at critical junctures yesterday, otherwise breaking Dolgo's serve was not easy. There are some exciting youngsters coming through - Saville, Kuznetsov - and they seem to favour attacking rather than defensive tennis.

[JamesDap]

Compared to Dolgo-Dimitrov, Murray match was semma blade. The man's love for dull rally shots is phenomenal.

[VinodKumar's]

Nole defeats Tsonga.. But he had to fight the crowd more than Tsonga...

[Rbee]

Kyrgios leading Rafa 2 sets to 1. Come on Rafa

[raagadevan]

Nadal loses to Kyrgios 6-7, 7-5, 6-7, 3-6!

[Arvind Srinivasan]

If there is one word to describe Kyrgios performance today, its fearless. Careless of the fact that there's an equal chance to be error prone while attempting an insane fh, unfazed by the opponent and seemingly undaunted by the aura of the centre court. Special talent

[raagadevan]

Nick Kyrgios stuns Rafael Nadal with four-set Wimbledon victory

-Kevin Mitchell; The Guardian, July 1, 2014.

"Nick Kyrgios, an Australian teenager with no fear and a golden arm, blew the world No1, Rafael Nadal, off Centre Court in four extraordinary sets on Tuesday night to reach the quarter-finals on his Wimbledon debut."

"And the aces just kept coming, like the rigged reel of a fruit machine. By the end, there were 37 of them next to his name, delivered to all parts of the box, regardless of circumstance, with and without spin or swerve, at various speeds up to 133mph. This, clearly, was a young man in a hurry."

[omega]

While most of the Rafa fans were jumping around that he has made it to the second week of Wimbledon, it is understood that Rafa was waiting for the right man to keep his streak going....

The streak,

2012 - Loses to 100th ranked Rosol in 2nd round
2013 - Loses to 135th ranked Daricis in 1st round
2014 - Loses to 144th ranked Kyrgios in 4th round.

Is it the back?, knee? or an abdomen tear??....

[raagadevan]

Is it the back?, knee? or an abdomen tear??....

None of the above!

This is what Rafa Nadal said in a post-match interview: "I think in the second and the third set I was better than him (Nick Kyrgios), but I was not able to convert those opportunities. And for the rest, I think he played better than me. So, in general, talking about what you need to win in this surface, he did the things better than me." [Source: ATP News]

[omega]

None of the above!

This is what Rafa Nadal said in a post-match interview: "I think in the second and the third set I was better than him (Nick Kyrgios), but I was not able to convert those opportunities. And for the rest, I think he played better than me. So, in general, talking about what you need to win in this surface, he did the things better than me." [Source: ATP News]

That is exactly what he said in 2012 after his loss to Rosol (post match interview)..........
Did you hear what he had to say about that loss recently (I don't consider it as a loss as I was playing with a bad knee almost starting from the clay season).
Actually he even doesn't know what Toni will ask him to say a week later or may be a year later about this loss.
We will wait and watch...

[JamesDap]

lol. Anyway, the bull's horns have finally been plucked out brutally. I don't think Nadal could have played much better than he did yesterday. Nadal has actually been serving very well this Wimbledon, not usually one of his weapons. Amazing that he was still thoroughly outplayed. If the match went to 4 sets, that was more on account of Kyrgios' inexperience which led him to make mistakes. We have had a few guys with monster serves on tour like Karlovic or even Del Potro but Kyrgios is pretty classic in the way he places the serves so effectively. 37 aces! His return game was not consistent but when he did bring it on, some of the return winners were mindboggling, almost like Djoko who!

But my absolute favourite moment of the match was when Rafa was taking too long to get ready to receive at the start of the 3rd. Kyrgios just decided to get on with it and Rafa was barely looking up at the ball when Kyrgios was through with his serve motion! :D No words spoken, just quietly sent the message, "I don't give a shit about you." It's high time players stopped pussyfooting over Nadal's time wasting tactics in trying to be nice. Glad that a 19 year old outside the top 100 finally did it.

Raonic has improved his netgame a lot so Kyrgios won't have it easy against him. Should be interesting. If the match goes to 5 sets, the combined ace count may well cross 100! :D

[raagadevan]

Highlights from the Nick Kyrgios-Rafa Nadal match:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnV28ydcHm8

[svaisn]

Nick Kyrgios was exceptional yesterday but I wouldn't be surprised if he is knocked out by Raonic... nadal didn't have the game for a Grass court..

[Dinesh84]

Kyrgios, wow. Saw this match yesterday. This guy was too quick on Nadal. nalla varuva thambi.. 8-)

[ajithfederer]

A lesson in serving well in an important grandslam match against a top player. Well done Kyrgios. I hope other players realize the importance of serving well. This is becoming a lost art.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Murray trailing Dmitrov by a set. Is an upset around the corner.

[venkkiram]

Murray trailing Dmitrov by a set. Is an upset around the corner. இன்றைக்குள்ள நிலவரப்படி, ஆண்டிப்பட்டி ஜெயித்து அடுத்த சுற்றுக்கு முன்னேறினால்தான் "அப்செட்" என கருதப்படும்.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Dimitrov beats Murray 6-1 7-6 6-2. Will not be an overstatement if one calls it an annihilation.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

True considering his wretched form in general these days. But wrt the tourney he had played well till today and looked hardly hassled. What was displayed today was hardly a fight.

[venkkiram]

True considering his wretched form in general these days. But wrt the tourney he had played well till today and looked hardly hassled. What was displayed today was hardly a fight. அவன் அந்த அளவுக்கு உகந்தவன் இல்லையென்பதே என் கருத்து. அவனுடைய காலம் மலையேறிவிட்டது. முற்றும். என்னைக் கேட்டால் அவனைவிட ஃபெர்ரர் தேவலாம். கன்ஸிஸ்டன்சி இருக்கு.

[VinodKumar's]

Djokovic cilic 1 all.. Cilic up with a break in 3rd set

[CEDYBLUE]

Raging Bull tamed.
Local Hero annihilated.
This Wimbledon is shaping up in an interesting way.

[VinodKumar's]

Roger trails. Stan's backhand haunting him :shaking:.

Nole's match into fifth set having momentum in his side.