ALL THINGS ATP

Federer to skip Paris Masters, rest for London

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 18:55:40 +0000

AP
Sunday, October 28, 2012

BASEL, Switzerland — Roger Federer has pulled out of the Paris Masters starting Monday to rest before the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Federer says “it’s the only right decision for me” as “it’s just too much” to play in Paris.

The top-ranked Swiss spoke after losing a 2-hour, 44-minute final against Juan Martin del Potro at the Swiss Indoors.

Federer won the Paris trophy last year. He will defend his London title the following week.

NADAL WITHDRAWS FROM PARIS AND BARCLAYS ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:01:33 +0100

Paris, France

by ATP Staff

Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris as well as the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London on Thursday due to a left knee injury.

Nadal said, “It’s disappointing for me to miss the last two tournaments of the season in Paris and London, but it doesn’t come as a surprise. I will hopefully resume my tennis practice soon since I am making good progress with my recovery from injury. I am not ready to compete in time for these events so I will continue my recovery in Mallorca and work hard to be back as soon as possible.”

Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “We wish Rafa all the best as he continues his rehabilitation from injury. Rafa is an incredible champion and it goes without saying that he has been missed on the ATP World Tour over the past few months. We look forward to welcoming him back on the tour very soon.”

Nadal has not played since 28 June, when he lost to Czech Lukas Rosol6-7(9), 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the Wimbledon second round.

DJOKOVIC SURGES INTO SHANGHAI FINAL

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 19:46:12 +0100

Shanghai, China

by ATP Staff

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic surged into the final of the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Saturday as he recorded his 10th win in 11 meetings with Tomas Berdych, beating the fourth-seeded Czech 6-3, 6-4. Berdych’s only victory against Djokovic came two years ago in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Djokovic will face World No. 3 Andy Murrayin Sunday’s final, the player he lost to in last month’s US Open final.

“I don’t like the word ‘revenge.’ I never like revenge,” said Djokovic. “I just play tennis and I try to win every match that I play. He’s a bit more aggressive [since losing theWimbledon final]. It’s obvious on the court. He goes more for his forehand, which wasn’t his strength in the past. Now this year he’s improved that stroke and he’s more confident on the court, has more self belief. He’s got the results. He won a Grand Slam.”

The 25-year-old Djokovic extended his winning streak to nine matches, having won the China Open title (d. Tsonga) last week in Beijing. He let slip a 5-1 lead against Berdych in the first set as the Czech threatened to get back on level terms, but closed out the first set at the second time of asking. An early break in the second set then secured victory for Djokovic in 85 minutes.

“Obviously it’s a big challenge when you play a Top 10 player,” said Djokovic. “Tomas is in great form the past couple of months. He’s always a difficult player to play against on any surface because he has a very powerful serve and great forehand. I played tactically right. I was putting a lot of returns into the court, putting a lot of pressure on his serve. On the other hand, I was serving well when I needed to.”

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The Serb, who is through to the Shanghai final for the first time after semi-final exits in 2009 (l. to Davydenko) and 2010 (l. to Federer), is chasing his 13th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title of the season. He added to his haul earlier in the year with victory at the Sony Open Tennis(d. Murray) in Miami and the Rogers Cup (d. Gasquet) in Toronto.

The 27-year-old Berdych has boosted his chances of qualifying for theBarclays ATP World Tour Finals this week, reaching his seventh tour-level semi-final of the year. The Czech has a 53-19 record in 2012 and will continue his bid to clinch one of the four remaining berths at the year-end championships at the If Stockholm Open next week.

“He’s a great player,” said Berdych. “I think just the game that he plays; it’s not the one that suits my game that much. I like to play quite aggressive. But this doesn’t hurt him that much. So it’s much more difficult for me to play him. He’s the second player in the world, chasing for the first place. It’s really tough to find the way and have a positive record with him.”

MURRAY DISMISSES FEDERER, SETS UP DJOKOVIC FINAL SHOWDOWN

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 19:44:29 +0100

World No. 3 Andy Murray will challenge for a third successive Shanghai Rolex Masterscrown on Sunday after a dominant, aggressive display saw him dismiss Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals.

The Scot has a perfect 12-0 record in Shanghai, having won the title in 2010 (d. Federer) and 2011 (d. Ferrer). In his bid for a hat-trick of titles, Murray will face World No. 2 Novak Djokovic in a re-match of theUS Open final, which the Dunblane native won in five sets. Murray also beat the Serb in the semi-finals of the London 2012 Olympics, but trails 7-8 overall in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series.

Looking ahead to the clash with Djokovic, Murray said, “I’ve known him for 14, 15 years now. We’ve obviously had some incredibly tough matches which can maybe test a friendship. But we’ve always been I think pretty respectful of each other.”

The 25-year-old Murray improved to a 10-8 career lead over Federer as he defeated the Swiss in one hour and 38 minutes. Breaks were exchanged at the start of the match before Federer gave away his serve in the fifth game, committing three successive double faults.

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The top-seeded Federer fended off seven break points at the start of the second set in a game that was briefly interrupted by rain. The Swiss’ reprieve was shortlived, though, as Murray hit a return winner to break serve in the fifth game. Rain suspended play again with Murray poised to serve for the match at 5-4, but at the resumption the Scot was clinical in his dismissal of Federer.

“He didn’t serve that well for him tonight, so I was able to be very aggressive on his second serve,” explained Murray. “He maybe slowed down his first serve a little bit, so I was able to take a few more chances. Obviously that helped. I went for it, like I did the past few times I played against him, and it worked tonight. When you’re beating the best player of all time probably, it’s obviously going to be special.”

Murray has a 53-12 match record on the season, highlighted by winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open and clinching the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics (d. Federer). He was also runner-up to Federer in the Wimbledon final. He is looking to win his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title of the season and the ninth of his career.

By reaching the quarter-finals this week, Federer guaranteed he will top the South African Airways ATP Rankings for a 300th week on Monday. The Swiss is locked in battle with Djokovic to finish as the year-end World No. 1 and will continue his quest at the Swiss Indoors Basel.

“It was a bit up and down, too up and down for my taste,” said Federer. “To probably beat him tonight, I played okay at times, but overall Andy was just the better player and he deserved to win at the end really.

“It’s been an OK week overall. I played all right. I didn’t play great. But I did come here and reach the 300 weeks. I guess I have to be happy with that. I wish I could have played better tonight against Andy and pushed him further, even though it was somewhat close. I know as well that it could have gone the other way as well, it could have been even more one sided. I tried hard, and that’s all I could do tonight.”

DÜSSELDORF TO HOST ATP WORLD TOUR 250 TOURNAMENT

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:26:44 +0100

Düsseldorf, Germany

by ATP Staff

The German city of Düsseldorf will host an ATP World Tour 250 tennis tournament in the week before Roland Garros after leading promoter Ion Tiriac and the recently retired player Rainer Schuettler joined forces to acquire the tournament membership. The Power Horse Cup, to be staged at the Rochusclub, will be held Sunday May 19 to Saturday May 25.

Pan-European broadcaster Eurosport will be the official domestic and international media partner for a minimum of three years and will televise matches daily during the clay-court event. It is the first time that Eurosport will be the host broadcaster of an ATP World Tour tournament. Live HD coverage will be available on Eurosport and Eurosport2 in 59 countries and the partnership also gives Eurosport digital rights to all matches.

Power Horse Cup Tournament Director Dietloff von Arnim said: “We’re glad the great tradition of ATP tournaments in Düsseldorf can be continued with the staging of the 2013 Power Horse Cup… We’re also proud that we’ve gained Eurosport as the host broadcaster. It guarantees excellent coverage for fans and sponsors alike – not only in Germany but in the whole of Europe.”

Former World No. 5 and Australian Open finalist Schuettler said: “For me, it is great to come from the tennis playing side to now getting involved in tournament organisation. Dietloff von Arnim will organise the event, so we have great experience in this partnership. I am looking forward in the years to come to build a great event there.”

BERDYCH, TSONGA PRESS LONDON CLAIMS

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:25:53 +0100

Shanghai, China

by ATP Staff

Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga both boosted their chances of qualifying for the eight-man Barclays ATP World Tour Finalswith third-round wins at the Shanghai Rolex Masters Thursday. But Serb Janko Tipsarevic, who is ninth in the Race To London, suffered a costly loss.

In advancing to the Shanghai quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-4 win over American Sam Querrey, sixth-placed Berdych moved to 3,900 points, 1,090 points clear of Tipsarevic, who was beaten 6-2, 6-1 by German veteran Tommy Haas.

Tsonga strengthened his grip on the all-important eighth position in the Race To London with a 6-2, 7-6(2) win over CypriotMarcos Baghdatis. The runner-up at last year’s season finale, Tsonga now has 3,295 points, 485 points more than Tipsarevic.

There was mixed news for players with an outside chance of qualifying for London. Croat Marin Cilic (15th), moved to 2,150 points after reaching the quarter-finals with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 win over Fernando Verdasco. But American John Isner (14th) missed his chance to push his claim with a three-set loss to Czech Radek Stepanek. Stanislas Wawrinka (16th) let slip a one-set lead against Roger Federer to bow out in the third round.

BRYANS BEATEN BY BUTORAC/PETZSCHNER

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:24:55 +0100

Shanghai, China

by ATP Staff

Top seeds Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan suffered a shock opening-round defeat at the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Wednesday as they were ousted by Eric Butorac and Philipp Petzschner 6-4, 3-6, 10-6 in 62 minutes.

The Americans saw their 11-match winning streak come to an end. They came into Shanghai having won the US Open title (d. Paes/Stepanek), earned a point for the United States in its Davis Cup semi-final clash with Spain and triumphed at last week’s China Open in Beijing (d. Berlocq/Istomin). It is their earliest tournament defeat since losing in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open in May (l. to Qureshi/Rojer).

Butorac and Petzschner are playing their second ATP World Tour event together; they had beaten Thomaz Bellucci and Bernard Tomic for the loss of just one game in the first round.

Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins won just their second match at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament when the British duo defeatedFabio Fognini and Martin Klizan 5-7, 6-4, 10-5 in 80 minutes. Fleming and Hutchins are contesting their fifth tournament at this level (2-4 record).

First-time pairing Jurgen Melzer and Milos Raonic broke serve five times as they dismissed Chinese wild cards Yu Chang and Zhe Li 6-1, 6-4. Earlier in the day, Raonic had lost a 2hr., 40min., singles second-round match to Marcos Baghdatis in three tie-break sets.

Pablo Andujar and Feliciano Lopez won an all-Spanish clash 6-3, 6-4 overDavid Marrero and Fernando Verdasco in 64 minutes. Andujar and Lopez won 40 of their 47 service points. Meanwhile, Marin Cilic and Marcelo Melo advanced to the second round with a 6-3, 3-6, 10-4 victory overCarlos Berlocq and Andreas Seppi.

Novak

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:55:48 +0100

Novak

RAFAEL NADAL :)

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:54:46 +0100

RAFAEL NADAL :)

NISHIKORI UPSETS BERDYCH TO SEAL MILESTONE; BAGHDATIS UP NEXT

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:54:08 +0100

Tokyo, Japan

by ATP Staff

Eighth seed Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese player to reach the semi-finals of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships, upsetting No. 2 seedTomas Berdych 7-5, 6-4 on Friday in Tokyo.

Squaring off for the fourth time, Nishikori created 13 break point opportunities against the big-serving Berdych, breaking the Czech four times. The 21 year old had no trouble closing out the World No. 6 to advance in one hour and 58 minutes. Nishikori improved to 3-1 versus the recent US Open semi-finalist, avenging an earlier season loss at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

The 17th-ranked Nishikori is into the semi-finals of an Asian-swing event for the second straight week following his last four showing in Kuala Lumpur, where he lost to eventual champion Juan Monaco. Nishikori is aiming to advance to his first final in 2012, with his most recent title match appearance coming last year in Basel (l. to Federer). He is looking to win his first title since capturing the Delray Beach crown in 2008 as a qualifier.

On Saturday, Nishikori will take on Marcos Baghdatis, who dismissed qualifier Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, 6-4 in his quarter-final match. Baghdatis capitalised on three of his six break point chances and saved all three break points he faced to beat Tursunov for the second time this season in one hour and 21 minutes. The Cypriot also won their meeting at the Apia International Sydney.

“Dmitry is a tricky player,” said Baghdatis. “He can find a way to come back with his big shots, big serves and big returns. I felt pressure in the whole match. I’m very happy because when there was pressure, I served really well and took my chances at the beginning of the match and the beginning of the second set.”

With the victory, Baghdatis recorded 30 wins in a season for the fourth time. The World No. 46 will contest his first semi-final since February, when he lost in the Zagreb semi-finals to Lukas Lacko. Baghdatis is looking to win his fifth ATP World Tour trophy, with his latest triumph coming in 2010 at Sydney. His most recent final appearance was in Kuala Lumpur last year.

MURRAY DEFEATS WAWRINKA IN QFS; RAONIC SAVES 1 M.P.

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:53:13 +0100

Tokyo, Japan

by ATP Staff

World No. 3 Andy Murray returned to the semi-finals of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships on Friday, as the reigning Tokyo champion defeated seventh-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

Murray converted four of his 11 break points and won 80 per cent of his first serve points to clinch the win in two hours and one minute. He improved to an 8-4 record against Wawrinka, sealing his 50th victory on the year. He has won 10 straight matches.

The top-seeded Scot is through to his eighth semi-final of the season, highlighted by his first major trophy at the US Open, gold medal performance at the London 2012 Olympics and season-opening title win in Brisbane. Murray is aiming to successfully defend a crown for the first time in 2012.

In the semi-finals, Murray will square off against sixth seed Milos Raonicin a fourth-round re-match from Flushing Meadows.

“I think it will be tough. He’s played well this week. Today was a good win for him,” Murray said. “When you play a guy with a game like has, it’s always going to be tricky. I’ll try to do what I did in New York. I got a lot of returns in play. Once I was in the point, I was able to dictate a lot of them so I’ll try and do the same tomorrow.”

Raonic saved a match point to edge No. 3 seed Janko Tipsarevic 6-7(5), 6-2, 7-6(7).

“I didn’t necessarily serve my best, but I was playing really well from the baseline,” said Raonic. “I’m happy to get through it. I did quite a few things well. I’m happy I played well on the big points.”

In a match similar to their first head-to-head meeting earlier this season in the Chennai final, which Raonic also won in a final-set tie-break, it once again came down to a battle of serves. In the deciding tie-break, Tipsarevic held match point up 6-5 with Raonic serving, but the Canadian wiped it away with a big serve out wide that set up a forehand winner. After missing his first match point at 7-6, Raonic put the clash on his racquet with a backhand-down-the-line winner to move ahead 8-7 and he subsequently cracked his 24th ace to close out victory in two hours and 44 minutes.

Raonic is bidding for his third trophy this year, following early season triumphs in Chennai and San Jose (d. Istomin). He is placed 14th in the South African Airways ATP Rankings Race To London, but can move up the leader board should he go on to win the title. The Top 8 players qualify for the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Tipsarevic is just outside the cutline in ninth position.

MURRAY SETS WAWRINKA QF CLASH; MONACO, TIPSAREVIC WIN OPENERS

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:23:41 +0100

Tokyo, Japan

by ATP Staff

Reigning Tokyo champion Andy Murray needed just 57 minutes to book his place in the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships quarter-finals, overwhelming Lukas Lacko 6-1, 6-2 under a closed roof in Ariake Coliseum on Wednesday.

Murray converted all four of his break point chances, taking 63 per cent of his return points to improve his record against the Slovakian to a 2-0 mark. The Scot has won nine matches in a row, including his US Open triumph that culminated with victory overNovak Djokovic in the final.

“I began the match very well, which was nice because it was long day to get on,” said Murray. “I started the match almost perfect. That was important. Once I got the break in the second set, I started to play better.”

The World No. 3 is seeking to retain a title for the first time this season, having captured five trophies in 2011 and three so far this year. He won an Asian swing hat-trick last year, triumphing in Bangkok, Tokyo and Shanghai. Murray will face off against Stanislas Wawrinka next and takes a 7-4 career lead into the pair’s 12th clash, defeating the Swiss No. 2 most recently on his way to winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

“He had a good US Open and did well in Cincinnati,” said Murray. “I think hard courts are a good surface for him. I’ve had a lot of tough matches with him over the years, especially on the hard courts. I would expect the same on Friday.”

The seventh-seeded Wawrinka became the first player to move through to the quarter-finals after battling past Jeremy Chardy 7-6(1), 6-7(6), 7-5. Wawrinka hit 19 aces and won 55 of his 59 first serve points, including all 16 in the final set. “I usually serve well, especially indoors when the courts are a bit faster,” said Wawrinka. “It was quite good today. I was changing the rhythm a lot and the speed as well. That helped me to be really aggressive after the serve.”

Fourth seed Juan Monaco raced into the second round dismissing qualifier Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-1. Entering the tournament on the back of his first hard-court triumph in Kuala Lumpur, Monaco carried his recent form against Dimitrov, breaking the Bulgarian five times from seven opportunities. The Argentine saved all four break points he faced to advance in 64 minutes. The World No. 10 improved to a 38-15 season record. Monaco is in contention to qualify for his first season-endingBarclays ATP World Tour Finals, tied for 11th place in the South African Airways ATP Rankings Race To London.

Third-seeded Janko Tipsarevic rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory against 18th-ranked Gilles Simon to open his title quest. Tipsarevic won 70 per cent of his return points in the final set to break the Frenchman four times. With the win, World No. 9 Tipsarevic avenged last week’s loss to Simon in the Bangkok semi-finals. Tipsarevic is aiming to win his first ATP World Tour 500 title, having won his third career crown in Stuttgart earlier this year, his first triumph on clay. Ranked ninth in the Race To London with 2,720 points, Tipsarevic trails eighth-placed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga by 185 points. Tsonga is competing in Beijing.

FEDERER'S PLEASURE & PAIN IN NEW YORK

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 20:55:40 +0100

DEUCE US Open 2012

by Joel Drucker

The US Open has been both extraordinarily kind and agonisingly cruel to Roger Federer. JOEL DRUCKER examines the 10 matches that have defined the Swiss master’s eventful career at Flushing Meadows.

The US Open’s swirling blend of commerce and commotion make it arguably more disruptive than any of tennis’ majors. But winning has a way of calming all wounds, so by the time Federer earned the first of five straight US Open titles in 2004, New York’s noisy nuances had become mere background music. In the ensuing years there have been many highs along with some heartbreaking defeats…

No. 10: Daunting Debut
2000 first round: Federer d. Peter Wessels, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 3-4

On the eve of his US Open debut, Roger Federer was ranked 40 in the world – not bad for a 19 year old. But he’d also lost in the first round of six straight ATP World Tour events. Taking on 89th-ranked DutchmanPeter Wessels in the first round of the 2000 US Open, Federer promptly lost the first two sets, rallied to level the match – and was then the benefactor of fortune. In the eighth game of the fifth set, Wessels retired with a sprained ankle. Federer would lose in the third round to Juan Carlos Ferrero. But Hall of Famer Pancho Segura, former coach of Jimmy Connors, would issue a prophetic comment as he witnessed that defeat: “This kid Federer could well have a Pete Sampras-like career.”

“This kid Federer could well have a Pete Sampras-like career”

No. 9: If I Can Make it Here, I’ll Make it Anywhere
2004 quarter-finals: Federer d. Andre Agassi, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3

It began on a Wednesday night, the New York crowd cheering passionately for the 34-year-old American icon. After all, who was Federer at this point but a stylish European who’d yet to bite the Big Apple? The two split the first two sets. But one game after Federer had barely squeaked out the third, rain forced a postponement. The next day was extraordinarily disruptive, winds in excess of 25 miles per hour knocking over chairs and courtside umbrella stands. “Hitting the ball in the centre was a great shot,” said Agassi. Locked into battle, forced to constantly adjust his feet and shot selection choices, Federer dropped the fourth, but found just enough to win the fifth. “You would touch the ball, and the ball would fly a long, long way,” said Federer. “So in the end, it was more just trying to wait for the opponent’s mistake.” Liberated in the wake of such blustery anguish, Federer won his next two matches without the loss of a set – and so began his New York reign.

No. 8: Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright
2006 final: Federer d. Andy Roddick 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1

Sitting in Federer’s box was new friend Tiger Woods. “He promised to come if I’m in the finals,” said Roger, “and so I had some pressure.” Additional pressure came from his opponent, 2003 US Openchampion Andy Roddick. A big factor in Roddick’s resurgence was his own tiger: new coach Jimmy Connors, who’d often worn a necklace with the word ‘Tig’ on it. At one set apiece, with Roddick serving at 5-6, Federer broke it open, winning seven of the next eight games. Federer out-aced Roddick 17 to 7, struck twice as many winners – 69 to 33 – and made only 19 unforced errors. Federer had been delighted to please his special guest. “That’s something I haven’t felt before,” he said, “a guy who knows how it feels to be invincible at times.”

No. 7: Newcomer At The Dance
2009 final: Juan Martin del Potro d. Federer, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2

Federer sought a record sixth straight US Open title – and his first Slam since the July birth of his twin daughters. Carving up Slam final newcomerJuan Martin del Potro, in the second set Federer served at 5-4, 30-love – two points away from a near-impregnable two sets to love lead. But then, at 30-all, del Potro won a challenge and soon leveled the match. The fifth was nearly a formality, del Potro running away with it, 6-2. Said del Potro, the only the only man to date to have intruded on the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic Slam domination over the past 30 majors, “To win in five against Federer makes it even more special.”

“Seeing them challenge me, beating them in the final, it’s really for me the best feeling”

No. 6: If You Strike A King, You Must Kill Him
2007 final: Federer d. Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2), 6-4

Twenty-year-old Novak Djokovic was the belle of the ball; his powerful groundstrokes and humorous impressions charming the world. Federer of course was intent on ringing the midnight bell on New York’s Cinderella – and also becoming the first man since Bill Tilden in the 1920s to win four straight US men’s singles titles. Djokovic struck boldly. In the first set the Serb served at 6-5, 40-love. But Federer rallied, fighting off a total of five set points in that opening stanza. Djokovic also held two set points in the second, but again Federer emerged the victor – and in time, Roger took the third, 6-4. Said Federer about how he’d repelled a young upstart, “Seeing them challenge me, beating them in the final, it’s really for me the best feeling.”

No. 5: Eyes Wide Shut
2010 semi-final: Novak Djokovic d. Federer, 5-7, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5

For the fourth straight year at the US Open, Federer took on Novak Djokovic. The energy was electric, each player striking powerful groundstrokes into every corner of the court. Federer, hungry to reach the final again following his 2009 loss to del Potro, won a tight first set, 7-5. But Djokovic’s rapid 6-1 second set win gave an indication of strong resistance. Back and forth it went, till in the fifth Federer held two match points on Djokovic’s serve. Djokovic fought them both off boldly – a forehand drive volley winner on the first, a topspin laser of a forehand on the second. Said Djokovic, “I was just closing my eyes and hitting forehands as fast as I can on the match points.” Finally, after three hours and 44 minutes of body blows, Federer netted a forehand and Djokovic had emerged the winner. Said Federer, “It’s a tough loss for me but it’s only going to fuel me with more motivation to practise hard and get back to Grand Slam finals.”

No. 4: Taking the Fifth
2008 fourth round: Federer d. Igor Andreev, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

For the first time since 2002, Federer arrived in New York without having won a Grand Slam singles title all year. In the fourth round he came up against Igor Andreev. It didn’t matter that prior to 2008 Andreev had only won two matches at the US Open. It didn’t matter that Andreev was ranked 23rd in the world. It didn’t matter that Federer had won their only previous match. What mattered was that on this day Andreev – streaky, with a massive forehand – had snapped up the first set and the second was deadlocked at 6-6. Even after Federer levelled the match and took the third, Andreev would not go away, sending it into a fifth before Federer at last closed it out after three-and-a-half hours. Saving 13 of 15 break points, coming to net 84 times, Federer was elated. “I expected a tough one,” he said. “You always get ready for five-setters… and the pressure is huge on me, because Igor doesn’t have a whole lot to lose.” Three more victories brought Federer his fifth straightUS Open title.

No. 3: Roger’s Reign Begins
2004 final: Federer d. Lleyton Hewitt, 6-0, 7-6 (3), 6-0

It was Federer’s first US Open final. Across the net stood Lleyton Hewitt, a gritty past champion who at that point had beaten Federer seven out of 12 times. What to expect? Answer: utter dominance. In 18 amazing minutes, Federer dropped just five points and won the first set 6-0. With trademark tenacity, Hewitt stiffened, but Federer squeaked out the second in a tie-break – and once again poured it on, inflicting another bagel on the Aussie in the third. Barely a year after he’d earned his first major, Federer was already making big history, becoming only the fourth man in the Open era to win three majors in a calendar year. Longstanding tennis legend Jack Kramer watched the action from the USTA President’s box in awe. Said Kramer, “He’s good on defence and so good at the return of serve that he’s forcing the other player mentally to get a little of scaredness.” Though he’d rapidly won his first four Slam finals, Federer repelled any talk of an epic tally. Asked if he could rival Sampras’ record of 14 major victories, the 23-year-old Swiss said, “It’s not a goal for me to beat his record. For me, this is not motivation. This would just kill me.”

“He plays the game in a very special way that I haven’t seen before”

No. 2: Sequel from Hell
2011 semi-final: Novak Djokovic d. Federer, 6-7 (7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5

For the most part, the concept of history repeating itself has been pleasing for Federer fans. But Federer’s 2011 US Open semi versus Novak Djokovic was a sequel of another colour. Once again, Federer won the first set. But this time he also won the second, surely a sign he’d be on the way to his seventh US Openfinal. Not quite. Djokovic handily took the next two sets. At 3-4 in the fifth, Federer broke and soon reached match point at 5-3, 40-15. Alas, his wide serve into the deuce court was what baseball players would call a hanging curve, a 108 mph delivery not quite short or deep enough. Credit Djokovic, though, who saw an opening and crushed a forehand crosscourt winner John McEnroe called, “one of the all-time great shots.” On the next point, a Federer forehand clipped the net and went out. Djokovic went on to win 15 of the next 19 points, beating Federer from double match point down in the semis for the second year in a row. Federer had been denied a Grand Slam singles title in a year for the first time since 2002. Said Roger, “Sometimes in sports it just goes the other way. Maybe you’ve already won so much that it evens it out a bit sometimes. I don’t know.”

No. 1: Rinse & Repeat
2005 final: Federer d. Andre Agassi, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-1

To take one US Open title? Yes. To take another? Altogether different. So it was that Federer’s quest to repeat at theUS Open required vaulting a considerable hurdle: Andre Agassi, making one last go. At the age of 35, playing his 20th straight Open, Agassi had New York in his hands – and even more, wielded his racquet with all the power and flair that had earned him eight major titles, including two US Opens. With the match levelled at a set apiece, Agassi led 4-2, 30-love, a storybook close to his career tantalisingly close. Suddenly, Federer snapped the door shut, breaking back. In the third set tie-break, Federer lost the first point, and then ripped through it – seven straight to take a commanding lead. In the fourth, he again seized the day, dropping just one game. Said Agassi, “He’s the best I’ve ever played against. He plays the game in a very special way that I haven’t seen before.” Federer was well aware of what the occasion had meant. “This is probably the most special Grand Slam final in my career,” he said. “To play against Andre in New York, it’s a dream.”

BRAIN GAME: OUT WIDE SERVE PROPELS MURRAY

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 20:02:17 +0100

US Open

by Craig O’Shannessy

Craig O’Shannessy breaks down the US Open final.

Andy Murray is one of the best returners in the game but it was his serve that carried him to his first Grand Slam singles title at the US OpenMonday evening.

Murray won the first two sets 7-6 (10), 7-5 but Novak Djokovicrebounded to win the next two 6-2, 6-3 in very blustery conditions, so a fifth set was needed for the third time in 22 years to decide the champion.

Murray was under attack headed into the fifth and needed to find a way to wrestle back the momentum, keep the points short, and keep Djokovic off the net.

Murray’s first serve, particularly hitting his spots out wide, was the perfect way to gain back control and minimize the effectiveness of Djokovic’s aggressive play. It would prove to be the difference between the two players in the deciding set and change the flow of play much more to suit Murray. Murray did get broken once in the fifth set, but was able to break three times off just three break points.

Murray served brilliantly in the fifth set, stretching Djokovic out wide in both courts with his first serve - which also had the added benefit of pressuring Djokovic into his poorest serving performance of any set of the match. Murray regained his confidence through his first serve, which washed over the rest of his game and carried to him to an epic victory.

Fifth Set – Murray 1st Serve Location

LocationMade/AttemptedWonDeuce Court Wide5/54/5 (80%)Ad Court Wide5/75/5 (100%)Deuce Court Middle1/41/1 (100%)Ad Court Middle2/20/2 (0%)

Murray won a dominating 9/10 (90%) when he made his first serve out wide in the fifth set. It was the engine room of his stunning performance.

In the deuce court he also was able to force three forehand return errors to begin the point. In the Ad court he was just as lethal – hitting two aces and also forcing another return error.

Murray went out wide twice as much as down the middle (12 to 6), but the middle serves still played their role in keeping Djokovic guessing as to where the serve might go. They were a bluff as he only won one point serving down the middle in the fifth set.

Murray made 70% of his first serves in the pressure-packed fifth set, winning 71% of them, which was the highest winning percentage of any set he played. This greatly reduced his exposure to his second serve, as he only had to hit six of them for the entire set, winning three (50%).

This also had an impact on Djokovic’s serve as well.

Djokovic made 83% of his first serves in the fourth set, winning 67% of them. But the fifth set was a completely different story where he made only 45% first serves, winning 38%. Djokovic hit five second serves in the fourth set, but that more than tripled to 16 in the fifth set, where he managed to win seven (44%). In none of the five sets did both players serve well at the same time, so it was a critical component of Murray’s victory to own this area of the match in the fifth set.

Fifth Set – Djokovic 1st Serve Location

LocationMade/AttemptedWonDeuce Court Wide3/41/3 (33%)Ad Court Wide0/40/0 (0%)Deuce Court Middle3/72/3 (66%)Ad Court Middle3/71/3 (33%)

Djokovic struggled mightily with his serve location in the fifth set, only winning five points on his first serve for the set and only one of them out wide in either court.

This greatly impacted the pressure on Murray’s return, where he only made two return errors in the fifth set – both routine forehand errors off second serves.

By contrast, Murray forced six return errors from Djokovic – five from his first serve and one from his second serve. All four of Djokovic’s forehand return errors were in the deuce court, including on match point when Djokovic unloaded on a second serve return that went long and handed Murray the title.

Serving out wide in both courts was something that worked well for Murray throughout the match, but became much more of a weapon when he really needed it in the fifth set.

Entire Match – Murray 1st Serve Location

LocationMade/AttemptedWonDeuce Court Wide28/4119/28 (67%)Ad Court Wide12/229/12 (75%)Deuce Court Middle6/175/6 (83%)Ad Court Middle27/3315/27 (55%)

Murray is not ranked in the Top 10 in any of the Ricoh ATP MatchFacts serving categories in 2012, but features in the Top 10 in three of the four return categories – including number one in the world in points won returning second serves at 57%.

He will have newfound confidence in his serve from winning his first Grand Slam title and will rely on it heavily as he makes a genuine run at the number one ranking in the world in the coming months.

Craig O’Shannessy is the founder of the Brain Game , a tennis analysis website that uses extensive tagging, metrics and formulas to uncover the patterns and percentages behind the game.

FERRERO TO END CAREER IN VALENCIA

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:14:03 +0100

Valencia, Spain

by ATP Staff

Former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero announced Wednesday that he will play his final tournament at the Valencia Open 500, which celebrates its 10th anniversary. The 32-year-old Ferrero has been hampered by a number injuries the past two seasons.

“The Valencia Open 500 will be my last tournament, it’s the best possible stage for me to retire,” said Ferrero. “Because of injuries, I was not able to play a full season and it’s been a complicated year as I could see I didn’t have the same ambition after 14 years on the tour.

“I am very excited about my new life and new projects. I will of course still be involved with tennis through the Valencia Open 500, the academy and my foundation.”

His best season came in 2003, when he won his first major title at Roland Garros and became the first Spaniard since 1975 to reach the US Openfinal. Ferrero’s showing in New York enabled him to become the 21st player to ascend to the top of the South African Airways ATP Rankings. That year, Ferrero won a career high 67 matches and at the time, joinedIvan Lendl as the only player since 1980 to win at least 30 matches on both clay and hard courts. The Villena resident also thrived in Davis Cup, leading Spain to its first title in 2000 by winning his two singles rubbers against Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt to clinch victory over Australia.

“My greatest memories include the Davis Cup in 2000 because I realised the impact it had on the country, but it’s true that for a tennis player, to win a Grand Slam or become world No.1 is the most important achievement,” said Ferrero. “I will miss the competition tremendously. It will leave a void which will be difficult to replace.”

Ferrero has won 15 titles from 33 finals, including ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crowns in Rome (2001) and Monte-Carlo (2002-2003). He reached the quarter-finals or better at all four Grand Slam tournaments. His latest triumph came at the MercedesCup in Stuttgart last year (d. Andujar).

An interview with: NOVAK DJOKOVIC

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:08:23 +0100

Monday, September 10, 2012

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Is gonna be the first question in English for you: You come from Serbia; you are our brother; you showed you are brave; we love you and we admire you and we are very proud to have you as a Serbian.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Thank you.

Q. So how do you feel about this final today?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, any loss is a bad loss, you know. There is no question about it. I’m disappointed to lose the match, but in the back of my mind I knew that I gave it all. I really, really tried to fight my way back through. I had a great opponent today. He deserved to win this Grand Slam more than anybody, I’m sure, because over the years he’s been a top player. He’s been so close; lost four finals. Now he has won it, so I would like to congratulate him. Definitely, you know, happy that he won it.

Q. As you just said, any loss is a bad loss. Andy has been so close so many times. You and Roger and Rafa have all said at various times it’s bound to happen for him to win one. If there is any consolation in the loss? You know, is it nice to see Andy finally ascend to that hierarchy?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: As I said, it’s nice, definitely. There is no doubt that he deserves to win the Grand Slam. I mean, playing so consistently well and winning against the top players for many times on many surfaces. He has proven today that he’s a champ and he deserves to be where he is, no question about it.

Q. I mean, he looked like a man possessed out there tonight. Obviously with the gold medal and just not giving up out there. You have played him so many times on big arenas. Talk about the way he played tonight.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: He played well. I mean, it was a struggle for both of us, you know, to deal with the conditions. Yeah, you know, at times we made a lot of unforced errors; at times we played some great points. Two sides of the court with two different conditions, you know. Playing down the wind and against the win is a huge advantage or disadvantage the way you look at it. But it was the same for both of us. The beginning of the fifth set was the turning point. Was crucial, you know. I should have not lost the two breaks in a row. After that, it was really tough to come back. And, you know, I definitely congratulate him, because he came up with big serving when he needed to. I’m just satisfied and proud of my achievement, you know. I know that I gave it all. That’s always the goal.

Q. The way you fired that last return of the match kind of reminded me of the return you had last year against Federer. Did you have similar preparation towards that point as you did a year ago?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, obviously he was 5‑2 up in serve and 40‑15. I mean, I didn’t give up. I mean, I had trouble moving already for last couple of games. I knew that my only chance really was to go for the shots. It didn’t work this time; it worked last year. That’s sport.

Q. Memorable night. Can you remember running so much in a single match? Do you think it contributed to what looked like cramping up towards the end?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think we both did a lot of running. Yeah, it was unfortunate really to not be able to come up with big shots at the right time. Yeah, it forced me to go for winners or mistakes. Unfortunately I did a lot of mistakes on the 2‑4 in the fifth and lost the crucial break. After that, it was just a routine hold for him.

Q. Obviously he, not enjoys, but handles these conditions very well. You don’t like them. You didn’t like them in your previous match. You know, you got unlucky with net cords and everything else. I think it would be very easy for you to say, This is not going to be my night. Obviously the first two sets it looked that way. How did you push through that and get to a fifth set?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I had matches to this similar in my career, especially in the last two years. We had a long around five‑hour match in Australia as well earlier this year. I really tried mentally to be out there and physically always push myself over the limits, you know. It’s a Grand Slam final and you want to win. There is no question about it. We both wanted this trophy. We were very hungry for it. You know, if I won that first set and had some chances maybe the match would go a different way. But look, you know, there is no reason to go back and say, What if? What if? He’s a Grand Slam winner and he deserves to be there.

Q. Talking about the match, can you talk about the frustration and angry at the conditions? You fought to the fifth set. Do you think maybe the start of the match was the key to it?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, we were both frustrated. It’s the same for both players, you know. It’s just the way you handle it. Even though I was two sets down I still believed I could come back to the match. I played really well third and fourth. Yeah, a little bit slow start of the fifth and cost me the victory today.

Q. Every year the journalist have to decide who is the best player of the year. This year since 2003 is the first year that there are four players who won four different majors, but he won the Olympic Games plus he was in the final in Wimbledon. Do you think right now even if the year is not over he deserves to be possibly the No. 1 of 2012?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I’m not a journalist. (Laughter.) I guess it’s on you to decide.

Q. I want to ask you to just reflect on your year, which has been a tremendous year and a lot has gone on. I want to ask particularly what was physically going on with you at the end of the match? What was the problem?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it was great two weeks for me overall. I played really good tennis when I needed to. Today it was just not meant to be. You know, we played almost five hours. A lot of running, a lot of rallies. I think that says enough about the effort that we both put, you know, physical, mental effort. This time I didn’t win the match, and that’s sport.

Q. You had some good early wins and then you had some real tough times. You were in the shadow of Rafa and Roger. You hung in there, kept on going, and then you scored your incredible breakthrough. Andy now has persevered through many, many losses and has broken through. My question is: How does a pro deal with that? How does he keep on going? How does he keep his arc of his career going upward?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I think in my experience it was just a matter of belief, really mentally to mature and to understand what you need to do to become a Grand Slam champion and to become the best in the world. Andy has all the capacity he needs, all the talent on the court. He’s dedicated; he’s professional. He has proven that many years already, you know, with his results. Us four, you know, we are taking this game to another level, and it’s really nice to be part of such a strong men’s tennis era, you know. Obviously last couple of years ‑‑ I mean, I’m sure he’s gonna answer better ‑‑ but it was a necessary experience for him also to understand, you know, what he needs to do to be in the position that he is today. So it was kind of similar story for me couple years back. You know, he has done it.

Q. Two years ago after the final you mentioned Rafa made one step; last year you made giant step; this year four different men can day, four gentlemen, four musketeers. What do you think about today’s men’s field? It’s so competitive, so close.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I’m not sure what’s gonna happen next couple of years. Obviously nothing is predictable. You know, I’m trying to think about myself. As I said, it’s a privilege to be part of this era. It’s obvious that the four of us, you know, we get to the later stages of every single Grand Slam. Andy winning tonight makes it even more competitive and more interesting for people to watch it.

Q. Does it change your approach for the fight for No. 1 in any way? Andy Murray winning today, does it change in any way your approach to the fight for No. 1?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No. My approach is always the same, you know. I’m going to continue on to do what I’ve done so far. I have a great team of people around me. Being No. 1 of the world this year, end of this year is, yes, one of the objectives. I’m going to try to recover from this and move on.

Q. You seemed to play a lot of slice tonight especially on the backhand side especially early in the match. Was that a tactic to adjust to him or to adjust to the wind? Both?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, yeah, the conditions were requiring a lot of change of pace and variety. I think we both used the slice efficiently, you know. It’s really difficult to predict because the wind was blowing very strong from all parts of the court. You know, sometimes ball just sits there and you have to make an extra step to come to it. You know, it was difficult to play, yeah.

Q. You came around the net to congratulate him and hug him in a very sporting gesture. You’re the first person he sees in an extremely historic moment for Britain. What did he seem like to have having won it and what did you say to him?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: What I said is what I said to you, that he deserves to win and I’m glad that he has won this trophy. I mean it. I mean, it must feel great for him. It’s his first Grand Slam.

Q. Could you see on his face…

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I mean, you know, at that point a lot of emotions go through your mind. He’s gonna answer better how he feels.

Q. Going back to the match a little bit, you spiked that ball into the stands to win the fourth set; can you take us into the into your mind going into the fifth set?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I was serving against the wind the first game. Was 30‑15 up; he played couple good points; then, you know, 4‑2, to make a break, I didn’t ‑‑ it was a bit lucky shot. But, look, you know, that’s sport. You know, you are lucky; the opponent is lucky. You can’t affect that. You try always to fight and give your best. Fifth set was decided in first couple of games.

Q. Not many people in Britain can remember the Fred Perry match in 1936. You have to be I guess in your 90s to have any memory of that. Do you think that the gold medal match for Andy Murray gave him the self‑confidence, the self‑belief that was the critical psychological issue for him?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s again a question for him, I think. He’s gonna answer better. But from looking at it from the side, I mean, he definitely changed his mindset, I think, you know, towards the big matches. I mean, he has won gold medal in his country. A lot of expectations. He has won it in a very impressive way in finals, so it must have been a great confidence boost for him.

Q. I wasn’t here for the first question. When you played in Australia the long, long match, and this one, can you compare them? Was this more difficult because of the wind? Also, you were more tired then or today?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, conditions are there, and you have to adjust as a player. Both of the Grand Slams are played on hard court but obviously a different setting, a different conditions that you’re playing.

Q. The rhythm? Everything?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, yeah. I mean, as I said, it was obvious. We had to make a lot of improvization with the shots. We had to try to stay in there and stay focused and be in a good balance. You know, the wind was doing everything to keep us out from balance. So it was tough to play in.

Q. That match in Australia he only had obviously started working with Ivan Lendl. Now they have been working together for eight months. What are the main differences that you see? Is it mainly mental or is there a change in his game?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think it’s mental in the end mostly. He has maybe couple of adjustments in his game. Maybe he goes for forehand more than he used to. But, you know, he was he was always out there one of the best players to play in the men’s game last couple of years. It was always a challenge to any of us on any surface. I think it was mental for him in the end to really, you know, make a breakthrough.

Q. What’s the key for you to get over this?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Have days without tennis.

MURRAY'S MOMENT AT LAST!

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:01:48 +0100

New York, U.S.A.

by ATP Staff

10.09.2012

Buoyed by winning the longest-ever tie-break in a US Open title match, Andy Murray became the first British man since 1936 to taste Grand Slam victory after outplaying defending champion Novak Djokovic in an epic five-set US Open final Monday.

Djokovic rallied from a two-set deficit and four falls to the court surface to force a decider, but Olympic champion Murray, who like his coach Ivan Lendl had suffered agonising defeats in his first four major finals, would not be denied.

In a pulsating match that will be long remembered for gruelling side-to-side baseline exchanges that drew loud gasps from energised New York fans during points, both players produced inspired performances in difficult, blustery conditions. Murray was at his best when he upped his aggression from the baseline, and both players dazzled with dogged defense, exceptional court movement and a series of protracted baseline rallies, several of which topped 30 strokes.

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“It was incredibly tricky conditions,” Murray said during the trophy presentation. “After the third and fourth sets it was tough mentally for me… Novak is so, so strong. He fights till the end in every single match and I don’t know how I managed to come through in the end.

“It was close to five hours and I’ve had some really long and tough matches. I just managed to get through.”

“It wasn’t to be. I want to congratulate Andy for his first Grand Slam,” Djokovic said. “He absolutely deserves it. I gave it all. It was another tremendous match to be a part of.”

ATP Executive Chairman and President Brad Drewett praised Murray after the final, saying, “Andy’s breakthrough Grand Slam victory is not only a tribute to his exceptional talent but also a deserving reward for his hard work and perseverance.”

At January’s Australian Open, Djokovic defeated Murray 7-5 in the fifth set in a match that lasted 4 hrs., 50 mins.

By winning his first major, Murray joined Juan Martin del Potro (2009 US Open) as the only players to break the Grand Slam dominance of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The trio has won 29 of the past 31 majors dating back to 2005 Roland Garros.

Murray, who needed six set points to win a 24-minute first-set tie-break 12-10, broke through for his first major title in his fifth Grand Slam final with a 7-6(10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Djokovic. At 4 hrs., 54 mins., the match equalled the longest US Open final in history.

How The Final Was Won: Read Set-By-Set Analysis

Cheered on by countryman Sir Sean Connery and fellow actor Kevin Spacey, Murray initially dealt with the frustrating wind better than Djokovic and in the fifth set produced aggression from the baseline that his supporters knew would eventually lead him to Grand Slam glory.

The victory propelled Murray to No. 3 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings ahead of Nadal. Following his gold medal performance at the London Olympics (d. Federer) and his first run to the Wimbledon final (l. Federer), Murray has put himself into position to challenge for the year-end World No. 1 ranking.

After winning the first set, Murray had the weight of numbers on his side. In the past 13 encounters between Murray and Djokovic, the winner of the first set had gone on to win the match. And 18 of the past 20 US Open men’s finals had been won by the winner of the first set.

There were nervous moments, however, as Murray squandered a 4-0 lead (and later 5-2 lead) in the second set before he broke Djokovic at 6-5 to shore up the second set.

Chasing his fourth consecutive hard court Grand Slam title, Djokovic dropped serve five times in the opening two sets but then steadied to win the third and fourth sets for the loss of just five games. However, the Serb dropped his opening two service games of the fifth set as Murray raced to a 3-0 lead. Those seven breaks of serve equalled the number of breaks he had surrendered in his six matches leading into the final.

Murray held his nerve to close out the fifth set 6-2.

BJORN PHAU: THE QUICKEST MAN ON TOUR

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 12:45:39 +0100

by Matt Fitzgerald

Bjorn Phau may not be the tallest, the strongest or the fiercest competitor on the ATP World Tour, but he is regarded by a number of his fellow players as the quickest man in tennis.

At 5’ 9’’, Phau discusses how he’s needed to compensate for his lack of height, his similarities to one of his idols, Michael Chang, and the player he’d like to race in a 100m sprint as part of Compeed’s Form & Fitness series.

You’ve been named by several of your colleagues as the quickest player on the ATP World Tour. How do you feel about being given that distinction?
Of course, it’s an honour to be called that. I’m not that tall, so I have to be quite quick to compensate for it. I always try to get to the balls. That’s what I can rely on the most when I’m on the court.

What types of exercises and drills are part of your training program to work on having good court speed?
Before and after practice, I do physical exercises. But for most of my footwork drills, I do them on the court with a ball.

How have you been able to maintain your quickness since turning professional 13 years ago? Is building strength (through lifting weights) part of this process?
I did weights a lot at the beginning of my career. I also think being fast is a talent God gave me. I try to train hard so I can maintain it.

Growing up, you admired the quickness of Michael Chang. Having similar frames, would you say you’ve emulated his style of play during your career?
A little bit. He was a very good baseliner. He was unbelievably solid from the back. He was very quick as well, but he played with a two-handed backhand. I play with one hand. That’s the main difference between our games.

How does having premier court speed benefit other areas of your game?
I think my strength lies within the rally. For example, if my opponent approaches and hits the ball into the corner, I’m able to get the ball back and recover.

What is a misconception that junior tennis players have in trying to improve their quickness and what would you suggest they do to correct it?
On-court exercises are really good because at the end, it’s all about tennis and getting to the ball. The best way to improve is to practise.

If given the opportunity to race one of your ATP World Tour colleagues in a 100m sprint at Olympic Stadium, who would you want to go up against and why?
Nadal, because he’s also one of the quickest players, so I think I’d want to go against him.

Which player on tour do you think…
Has the best footwork? Novak Djokovic
Has the greatest muscular endurance? Gael Monfils
Is the quickest? Rafael Nadal
Is the most flexible? Gael Monfils
Has the strongest core? Novak Djokovic
Has the best balance? Roger Federer

With assistance from Alison Kim.

BRYANS ROLL ON IN NEW YORK

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:48:04 +0100

New York, U.S.A.

by ATP Staff

Americans Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan moved into the third round of theUS Open with a 6-3, 6-2 win Friday over Eric Butorac and Paul Hanley. The No. 2 seeds converted four of their six break points for the 58-minute victory.

The three-time US Open champions are chasing their first Grand Slam title of the season after runner-up finishes at the Australian Open (l. to Stepanek/Paes) and Roland Garros (l. to Mirnyi/Nestor) and a semi-final exit at Wimbledon (l. to Marray/Nielsen).

Fifth seeds Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek closed out a 7-5, 7-6(3) win over Brazilians Thomaz Bellucci and Joao Souza in one hour and 45 minutes. The Czech-Indian duo won the hard-court titles at theAustralian Open and Sony Open Tennis earlier this year.

They go on to face Jesse Levine and Marinko Matosevic, who ousted 11th seeds and Wimbledon champions Jonathan Marray and Frederik Nielsen6-1, 6-7(6), 6-4. Levine and Matosevic are teaming up for the first time in tour-level action.

Spaniards Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez, the No. 6 seeds, prevailed against Lukasz Kubot and Mikhail Youzhny 7-5, 6-7(7), 7-6(4) to secure their place in the third round. Granollers and Lopez recently reached the hard-court ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final in Toronto (l. to Bryan-Bryan).

US OPEN FRIDAY DIARY: RODDICK'S EMOTIONS RUN HIGH

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:46:31 +0100

ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at the news and talking points at the US Open on the first Friday.

A Human Hallmark Commercial
American Andy Roddick has been trying to stay collected in the 24 hours since announcing that he will retire, but admitted he nearly lost it just before his second-round match Friday night. “I made the mistake of walking by one of the TVs while they were doing one of those slow dramatic things. I couldn’t hear volume, but I assume it was set to an ‘80s ballad and it got me a little bit so I had to get away from it,” he admitted.

His coach, Larry Stefanki, helped bring him back to reality. “Larry patted me on the back and said, “Alright, let’s calm down. You look like a human Hallmark commercial.”

All In The Family
Roddick’s parents, Jerry and Blanche, and brother John were among those in attendance Friday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Blanche shared that their son broke the news of his retirement to them Thursday morning, while John said he found out in the afternoon when he returned his brother’s call upon his arrival in New York.

“It was strange coming out not knowing if this was going to be his last match or which one is, so a little different feeling coming out knowing this is the last time you’re going to see him play,” John said in an interview with ESPN during the match. Blanche also summarised her feelings: “Sadness, humor, great thoughts and memories.”

Roddick Remembers
Six years ago, Roddick nearly played Andre Agassi in the American legend’s final tournament appearance. Agassi knocked off an eighth-ranked Marcos Baghdatis in five sets to reach the third round, and needed to defeat German Benjamin Becker for a chance to go head-to-head with Roddick. The 112th-ranked Becker played the role of spoiler, defeating Agassi in four sets - admittedly to Roddick’s relief.

“I remember Andre retiring and I remember I was so torn because I didn’t want to have to play Andre in his last match,” said Roddick on a visit to the ESPN set. “It would’ve been terrible for me if I was serving for the match against him. He would’ve been crying and I probably would’ve been crying, too.

“But I remember him coming into the locker room afterwards and everyone giving him a standing ovation and I’m getting emotional because he’s been a mentor to me, but I’ve got to go out and play my third round right after that. It was hard. It was a special day when he left.”

Bryans Battle Averted
There will be peace in the Bryans’ camp after a second-round mixed doubles clash was averted following Mike Bryan and Lisa Raymond’s 6-1, 7-5 loss to Bruno Soares and Ekaterina Makarova on Friday.

“It’s probably for the best,” said Bob Bryan, who teamed with Kim Clijsters for a 6-2, 6-2 victory. “We don’t want to be competing mid-tournament. We’ve still got a run going in the doubles. So it’s best, one of us laying down, I don’t have to go head-to-head against this guy. That would freak him out.”

The Bryans last faced off in the 2008 Wimbledon final, when Bob and Samantha Stosur beat Mike and Katarina Srebotnik 7-5, 6-4.

Match Of The Day
Australian Lleyton Hewitt, the 2001 champion, battled past Luxembourg’sGilles Muller 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-4 in four hours and 35 minutes. “That’s why you still play the game,” said Hewitt of the drama in the fifth set. “It all happens pretty quick when you’re actually out there playing. Sometimes you wish you had a few more seconds to just sort of soak it up and enjoy the moment a little bit more.”

Roddick, Hewitt Come Full Circle
Roddick lauded Hewitt’s efforts in his second-round match Friday, calling the 31 year old “the best competitor I played against”. He then shared how they’d gone from not liking each other much initially to becoming friends. “Now we’ll text each other back and forth after matches and stuff. It’s funny, the cycle we were talking about earlier, how that’s come full circle. I come in today and he’s in the throes of a battle. Our lockers are right next to each other. He came in and he was really pumped up. It would be hard for me to respect what he’s done in this game more than I do.”

Tweet Of The Day
@MardyFish: Fav @andyroddick moments… 1. 2003 US Open 2. Davis Cup ‘07 3. When he went from visor to regular hat.