Birthday Boy Murray Progresses in Rome
World number 4 Andy Murray moved into the third round of the Rome masters after being taken to 3 sets thrilling sets by David Nalbandian, eventually prevailing 6-1 4-6 7-5.
The Brit made a roaring start racing to a 4 love lead, taking no time to wrap up the first set! The second set required a lot more work from Murray as Nalbandian started finding his deadly range and pushing the Brit behind the baseline before executing some impressive drop shots, while they were evenly matched throughout Andy slipped up serving to stay in the second set and handed it to the Argentian.
Andy had us worried in the final set going a break down early on and making some uncharacteristic backhand errors, but through hard grinding points he broke back to love and turned the tide of the match, leaving Nalbandian startled and very tight! The British number 1 was forced to serve to stay in the match, but he held his nerve and forced a break in the 11th game to earn a chance to serve the match out. While it looked to be decided by a tiebreak as Nalbandian had 2 break back points, Andy rallied his way back to serve the match out, moving into the third round.
It is Andy Murrays 25th Birthday today so happy birthday and best wishes to him as he continues his Rome 2012 Campaign!
Novak Djokovic: Red Clay Seems Like Paradise!
Novak Djokovic commented that the red clay courts of the Italian Open “seems like parade” compared to the blue clay in Madrid.
Djokovic says that in Rome “you can actually be on the ball and slide well, where there you were slipping and falling down.”
Maria Sharapova Filming Commercial for Samsung
Here is some great behind the scenes footage of Maria Sharapova filming her commercial for Samsung.
Roger Reigns Again
And with the victory in Madrid he has claimed the Number 2 spot from Rafa.
A very productive afternoon for Roger Federer in Madrid. Not only is he #2 but he now holds the record for the number of Masters Titles, 20.
It was not all plain sailing for Federer, he had to work to get his hands on the rather unusual Mutua Madrid Open trophy.
It took a fightback from a set down to beat against Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-5. Is this the first step towards reclaiming the coveted World Number One spot and break Pete Sampras’ record?
Naturally Roger was very pleased with his afternoon’s work.
It is amazing to win here again,”
“It has been a tough tournament. Tough to move, but you’ve got to try to make the most of it. Here there was some good tennis and some bad tennis, but you see that in all tournaments.”
Berdych was understandably disappointed
“I would just say that it was a very close game,”
“You sometimes need to make those small adjustments to win a match like this, but it wasn’t my case today.“The week was great until the last day, right now I am really upset and I am sad because of how I finished it. I lost the final but in a couple of hours I am going to see it in a more positive way. I had a great week, I beat a lot of great guys and made it to the finals.”
Let’s see how Rafa responds and if Novak can build on his lead as Number One. It is going to be tense over the next month in Rome & Paris.
Serena Williams Rap Song! Terrible!
It seems like Serena Williams is trying to become a rapper! According to TMZ, Williams had some fun laying down a couple of rap tracks last year at a studio called B Major Music Group in Florida. The studio is owned by Ravens offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie, who is apparently close friends with the Williams sisters.
Let us know what you think of the track.
I think its pretty terrible!
Groth Hits The Fastest Recorded Serve
Australian Samual Groth has broke the record for the fastest serve.
He not only broke the record held by Ivo Karlovic, he smashed it THREE times! Karlovic’s previous record was 156mph, Groth registered serves at 158mph, 159mph and the current record serve of 163mph!!
Although serve speed records are not official due to variation with radar machines, the ATP “confirmed that the event used approved equipment, and that other data gathered appeared within a normal range.”
The match in which the record was set took place during the Busan Challenger Tournament held in South Korea. Despite the huge serves Groth was beaten in straight sets by Uladzimir Ignatik of Belarus 6-4 6-3.
Blue Row Rolls On
Novak was fuming yesterday in his press conference.
“I want to forget this week as soon as possible and move on to the real clay courts,”
“It took me at least a week to try to get used to this surface and somehow find a way to win matches and play a decent level of tennis,”
“There is no discussion in my eyes, it’s very simple. No blue clay for me.”
The courts were not his only target:
“I don’t blame the new president (Australian former player Brad Drewett),”
“He came to the job in January. It was the last president. He was going away and knew his contract was not renewed. He made the decision on his own.
“Something was going on behind closed doors. He (Helfant) didn’t care about tennis and what the players thought. He was only interested in himself and his interests.”
“The losers this week are the players and their opinions. They (ATP) made the decision without players agreeing on it. This is a rule that has to be changed immediately.
“The tournament has done its job and represented its own interests,” he said of the blue courts, which have proved to be successful for television viewing.
“I can’t blame the event for fighting for its own rights. The fault is from the people who gave them permission. We discussed this in 2011 – we were more than clear we didn’t want it. “
Roger had added his thoughts that are very different from Novak and Rafa.
“If you want to be a good claycourt player, you must be able to play everywhere,”
This of course is true. To be the best you should be able to adapt to a variety of surfaces. Is this where Rafa & Novak fall down with their argument? We saw with the Raonic v Federer that attacking, entertaining tennis can be played. The tour is currently too defensive so those at the top who have “less variety” in their game are going to be hardest hit.
But the tour is not only about Rafa & Novak, it is about 100+ players who have different styles & talent. The sooner the tour reflects this the better the game will be.
Toni Nadal Adds Fuel To Madrid Fire
Uncle Toni has added his thoughts to the continuing debate about the blue clay of Madrid.
“The fact that the ATP gave permission for this tournament is an outrage,”
“One of the highlights of Rafa’s year is playing in Madrid and what has happened is that this event puts the Spanish players, who are more (traditional) clay players, at a disadvantage,” he added.
“So you say ‘I want to play in Madrid but not at the cost of my health nor at the cost of losing my feeling on the court’.”
Toni disclosed that after Rafa had first trained on the blue clay he advised him to pull out.
“If he had listened to me he wouldn’t have played this year,”
Tiriac & the ATP were the main targets with Toni adding:
“How much power must this guy have if they let him change the customs and habits of the players,”
“But the main culprit is the ATP,” “He can do what he wants at his own tournament, but the ATP should not have given him permission and I expect them to withhold it next year.”
The ATP have said that final decision regarding the colour of the clay for 2013 will be taken once all feedback from a variety of sources has been taken into consideration.
Rafa Adios To Madrid Return
Clearly Rafa was upset in his press conference last night after his 3rd round defeat to Fernando Verdasco.
The court was once again the aim of his frustration and he has threatened to stay away next year.
“Being able to move is very important for me and if I can’t move well, I can’t hit the ball well either.
“If things don’t change, this will be one less tournament on the calendar for me.
“This surface destabilises the game. It is a completely different game and I don’t want to take risks.”
It will be very interesting to see what does happen in 2013. Will the players carry out threats to not attend?
Drama In Madrid
At the 14th time of asking Fernando Verdasco has finally registered a win over compatriot Rafael Nadal.
Rafa was all over the shop and twice served for the match. To not close out with the chances he was presented is rather very worrying. But credit must go to Fernando, the court is fast and he played for winners and was rewarded. The joy was there for all to see at the end of the match. There was a prolonged lie on the clay, a big hug from Dad and a little cry into his towel at his chair.
The other all Spanish affair was a very closely fought battle with Almagro and Ferrer. Nico had MP’s to try and register his first win over Ferrer but unlike Verdasco he was not able to take advantage and it is David who will next play Federer.
Roger Federer have an easier time on court yesterday against Frenchman Gasquest. A straight sets victory was registered 6-3 6-2.
Novak had a few slips on his way to the Quarter Final against Wawrinka but steadied himself for a 7-6 6-4 win.
Janko Tipsarevic seems to like 3 set matches as he again went the distance against Simon last into the night. He finally booked his spot against fellow Serb Djokovic with a 7-6 5-7 6-1 win.
Other resuts:
Juan Martin Del Potro beat Marin Cilic 6-2 6-4
Alexandr Dolgopolov beat Jo Wilfried Tsonga 7-5 3-6 7-6
Tomas Berdych beat Gael Monfils 6-1 6-41
Madrid Round-up
What a match last night between Milos Raonic & Roger Federer.
Much has been written regarding the blue clay of Madrid but I never thought it would have Federer serving and volleying so much. Regardless of the controversy it was a fantastic match to watch.
Milos showed that he is a great prospect for the future, give him another year and he will be up there, of that I have no doubt. He is still slightly rough around the edges but went toe to toe last night and really tested Roger. Watch Top 10, he is coming for you!
Rafa played his first match on the blue stuff and echoed the thoughts of Djokovic the day before.
‘The court is not one that makes you feel comfortable’
‘The court is a difficult court, it’s very slippery and it makes supporting movements and getting back to defend very tough.
‘But the only thing we can do now is turn the page and we are not going to get the red courts back tomorrow so we have to adapt to the blue courts and the conditions as well as possible and hope for a change next year.’
The battle of the big serves was won in two tie-break sets by Marin Cilic. Disappointed with Isner, he seems to be very stop & start right now. Hopefully he can pick up a few victories in Rome and not draw Rafa in Round 1 at Roland Garros again. Good to see Cilic finding a win after going walkabout for a while.
Have Argentina found a new star? Federico Delbonis gave Tipsarevic a good work-out, taking the number 7 Seed to 3 sets. Another young player to keep on the radar.
Full Results from Wednesday:
R Nadal defeats N Davydenko – 62 62
D Ferrer defeats R Stepanek – 76(4) 62
R Federer defeats M Raonic – 46 75 76(4)
F Verdasco defeats A Falla – 67(4) 64 64
J Del Potro defeats M Youzhny – 64 76(1)
N Almagro defeats M Granollers – 63 76(3)
M Cilic defeats J Isner – 76(4) 76(3)
J Tipsarevic defeats F Delbonis – 76(5) 67(6) 63
G Simon defeats G Garcia-Lopez – 64 63
J Tsonga defeats R Harrison – 62 76(4)
S Wawrinka defeats J Melzer – 61 64
G Monfils defeats I Andreev – 63 10
A Dolgopolov defeats A Seppi – 67(5) 76(5) 63
R Gasquet defeats V Troicki – 75 63
Federer’s Way
I will take a photo of the street sign when I go there next month.
Over the years Roger has won some weird and wonderful prizes (a cow for Wimbledon) but now he has a street all to himself.
The road where the Gerry Weber Open in Halle takes place has been given a new name. Weststrasse is now known as Roger-Federer Allee. Roger has stayed loyal to the pre-Wimbledon tournament and is a 5 time champion.
In a statement released Roger is said to “extremely humbled” and called it an “amazing honor”.
Halle Press Accreditation
I have received confirmation from the Gerry Weber Open in Halle that we have been granted press accreditation for this years tournament.
Like with the Paris Masters last November I shall be bringing you match reports, player press conferences, photos, videos and a tournament guide should you decided to visit yourself in 2013.
I will be adding a new feature to our coverage, Fan Focus. I shall be talking to the fans who are attending the tournament. Finding out their favourite players, their thoughts on different aspects of the game etc etc.
Any suggestions/input from you guys would be most appreciated. Give me suggestions or questions and we will do our best to accommodate.
Prince File for Bankruptcy in the USA
Prince Sports Inc has filed for bankruptcy protection in the USA for around $100 million. This is a big hit for Prince and they blamed declining demand and increased competition over the past five years.
Prince, the exclusive licensee of the All England Club for Wimbledon-branded rackets, racket bags and accessories, was bought in 2007 by Providence, Rhode Island-based buyout fund Nautic Partners LLC.
Prince today said its subsidiaries outside the U.S., including those based in Europe, Taiwan and China, are not subject to the proceedings and “are expected to operate in ordinary course.”
Isner Signs New Endorsement Deal
Now that he has cracked the Top 10 and recorded some high profile victories in 2012, John Isner is now adding to his off field activities.
Ebix Inc, an on-demand software and E-commerce company providing services to the insurance industry, are delighted to have Isner on board.
“We are excited to have John as an Ebix ambassador,” said Robin Raina, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ebix. “He is one of the most talented and popular players on the ATP circuit, and he personifies the same winning attributes — such as persistence, passion and performance — that make Ebix the leading provider of insurance software services around the world.”
Isner too is happy about the deal.
“I am really excited to align with a global services brand such as Ebix,” said Isner. “I look forward to a very successful partnership with Ebix and to build on the momentum I’ve gained this year.”
Well done John, all your hard work is paying off for you and you deserve all your success.
Dusty Brown Brilliance
LOL, you can keep your tweeners, this is just sheer class. He hits the ball so casual, for him this is a normal way to return serve.
Such an entertainer 
Andy Murray Out of Madrid
World number 4 Andy Murray has withdrawn from next weeks Madrid masters, citing a back injury as the cause.
The Brit looked to be finding his feet on the clay and was looking to repeat his 2008 success where he lifted the trophy. Although Murray will fail to defend points at the Mutua Madrid open, he must be fully fit for Roland Garros which is only three weeks away!
Olympic Gold More Precious Than A Slam
I do wonder sometimes just what Rafa has been drinking to come out with such comments.
No way is a Gold medal more important than a Slam. A Slam is the ultimate test of a player with 7 matches over a 2 week period against the best. Some people will even argue that tennis should not be an Olympic sport as it is contested by professionals. The whole idea of the Olympics is for the amateurs to shine in their field.
“The Olympic Games is very special for many reasons and in my opinion the biggest one because you are representing your country,” Nadal said as he prepares for the Madrid Masters event starting next week.
“You have the feeling that you are with all the Spanish sportsmen representing our country,”
If Rafa cares so much for his country why does he not make himself available for all the Davis Cup matches? He withdraws as he wants to concentrate on ATP tournaments. But wait, playing for Spain is “the biggest”.
Bizarre statement Rafa. Tennis is about an indivdual with a tournament held 4 times a year for you to wrap yourself in the flag. Don’t forget where you made your name Rafa and that was not Beijing.
Andy Murray Joins The Sick List
The blue clay may not be the only talking point in Madrid this weekend. Another high profile player, 4th Seed Andy Murray, has today withdrawn from the tournament.
This is in addition to the earlier story we brought you regarding the withdraw of Americian duo Andy Roddick & Mardy Fish, the former also pulling out of Rome.
A back injury is the reason behind the withdraw.
“It is with regret that on doctors advice I have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open with injury,” Murray said in a statement on the Madrid website. “I always love coming to Madrid so it is a big disappointment. I look forward to returning next year and wish everyone a great week of tennis.”
Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, an early casualty in Munich this week, will take the No. 4 seed slot. The draw for the tournament will be held on Saturday afternoon.
