The Tennis Times http://thetennistimes.com Your Look Inside The World Of Tennis From a Players Perspective Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:34:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 en Tatiana Golovin May Have To Retire From Tennis http://thetennistimes.com/tatiana-golovin-may-have-to-retire-from-tennis/ http://thetennistimes.com/tatiana-golovin-may-have-to-retire-from-tennis/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:34:10 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=377 There have been speculations that France’s Tatiana Golovin might leave tennis because of her persistent back injury, but according to a fan site Tatiana is not losing hope.

In an e-mail Tatiana sent to www.golovin-attitude.com, she said:

“Unfortunately, I’m still suffering from my back, so I have to stop again, I can’t tell you more. It is pretty tough but I am ok and I am still optimistic.“

Well, it doesn’t sound too good, but there still are chances of the 20-year-old’s return.

In addition, they are stating at the site that Tatiana’s disease might be Ankylosing spondylitis, which is a chronic degenerative inflammatory arthritis. According to doctors, athletes who have this disease will have their careers filled with ups and downs.

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/tatiana-golovin-may-have-to-retire-from-tennis/feed/ Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic Are The World Number 1 Doubles Team http://thetennistimes.com/daniel-nestor-and-nenad-zimonjic-are-the-world-number-1-doubles-team/ http://thetennistimes.com/daniel-nestor-and-nenad-zimonjic-are-the-world-number-1-doubles-team/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:09:13 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=375 Canada’s Daniel Nestor and Serbia’s Nenad Zimonjic beat American twins Bob and Mike Bryan 7-6 (3), 6-2 on Sunday in the Masters Cup doubles final to clinch the year-end No. 1 ranking.

The Bryans, seeking their third straight title in the event, had held the top ranking and won the Olympic bronze medal in August.

But Nestor and Zimonjic have beaten the Americans three straight times and went through the tournament undefeated, taking all three of their round-robin matches and the semifinals. Zimonjic also won the mixed doubles in the Australian Open with Tiantian Sun.

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/daniel-nestor-and-nenad-zimonjic-are-the-world-number-1-doubles-team/feed/ Novak Djokovic Claims Masters Cup Title in Shanghai http://thetennistimes.com/novak-djokovic-claims-masters-cup-title-in-shanghai/ http://thetennistimes.com/novak-djokovic-claims-masters-cup-title-in-shanghai/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:03:41 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=371 Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovic is on a high after winning the year ending Masters Cup in Shanghai on Sunday. Novak overwhelmed Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 7-5 in the final.

A jubilant Djokovic seemed to have the best victory celebration of the year, by throwing two rackets, wristbands and his sweat-soaked shirt — into the cheering crowd at Qi Zhong stadium.

Djokovic didnt stop there, then he headed to the plaayers box, where his coach, family and a former Miss Universe were standing and cheering. A joyous group hug ensued, and they all bounced up and down together, reveling in the Serb’s first title in six months. When he walked away from the players box he then realized he had cut his left hand somewhere in the melee.

Congrats Novak on a good win and a solid year. However, you will have to step up your game next year if you are going to compete with Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal.

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/novak-djokovic-claims-masters-cup-title-in-shanghai/feed/ Jonas Bjorkman Retires From Mens Professional Tennis Tour http://thetennistimes.com/jonas-bjorkman-retires-from-mens-professional-tennis-tour/ http://thetennistimes.com/jonas-bjorkman-retires-from-mens-professional-tennis-tour/#comments Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:00:45 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=369 Sweden’s Jonas Bjorkman has bowed out of professional tennis after a glittering 17 year career that earned him nine Grand Slam doubles titles.

Bjorkman, 36, was treated to a special ceremony at Qi Zhong Stadium after he and partner Kevin Ullyett were knocked out of the Tennis Masters Cup doubles.

“They reminded me a little bit that this is obviously maybe my last match,” said Bjorkman, who noticed preparations for the farewell ceremony during the match.

“You know, I was trying to do everything possible to stay alive one more day, or maybe two.”

Bjorkman won all four doubles Grand Slams as well as the 1998 Davis Cup with Sweden and also reached the 1997 US Open singles semi-final and the last four at Wimbledon just two years ago.

Bjorkman and Ullyett fell to Poland’s Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski as the Swede failed in his bid for a third year-end title.

“I still think it’s great to end my career in the biggest event of the year, even if I would have gone further. But you can’t have everything,” he said.

“I’ve been mentally prepared for this because I’m mentally very ready to retire. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to play for so long.”

Bjorkman, who will now concentrate on editing a Swedish tennis magazine, cited the 1997 US Open loss to Britain’s Greg Rusesdski as his biggest regret.

“Obviously losing to Greg Rusedski in the semi-final was a tough loss because I think that was a chance for me maybe to go all the way,” he said.

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/jonas-bjorkman-retires-from-mens-professional-tennis-tour/feed/ Lacoste Will Continue Its Partnership With The ATP Tour http://thetennistimes.com/lacoste-will-continue-its-partnership-with-the-atp-tour/ http://thetennistimes.com/lacoste-will-continue-its-partnership-with-the-atp-tour/#comments Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:16:00 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=365 Lacoste Shanghai, China – LACOSTE, renowned lifestyle brand of relaxed Elegance, and the ATP, governing body for the men’s professional tennis circuit, today announced that they have extended their partnership. LACOSTE will continue as the official apparel and footwear partner of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals until 2013. As the exclusive provider of apparel and footwear on the court of the tournament, LACOSTE will also continue to dress the linesmen and ball kids.

As part of the restructuring of men’s tennis in 2009, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals will replace the Tennis Masters Cup, currently held in Shanghai, as the year ending finale of the ATP World Tour. With only the year’s top 8 singles players and doubles teams in the world, including the Grand Slam champions, qualifying to compete, it is the year’s climactic final event that determines the official year-end South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings.

This partnership includes a sales area dedicated to the brand that will offer the next LACOSTE collection, including outfits worn by the LACOSTE champions.

With a strong and unique heritage in the world of sports due to its origins and founder, the famous “Crocodile” tennis champion René Lacoste, LACOSTE today implements an active sponsorship policy. LACOSTE’s values of integrity, performance and elegance are exemplified by a number of ambassadors, including tennis players such as Andy Roddick, Richard Gasquet, Alizé Cornet and Tatiana Golovin. LACOSTE also has a presence at prestigious international tennis tournaments such as the US Open, Roland Garros and the Australian Open; these last two together add up to a cumulative 3.19 billion TV spectators a year worldwide.

“I am delighted that LACOSTE have decided to extend their partnership with the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals,” said Etienne de Villiers, Executive Chairman of ATP. “LACOSTE are one of the world’s most inspiring brands and we have had a hugely exciting and successful partnership over the last six years. I am delighted that LACOSTE share in our excitement and vision for our new end-of-season finale.”

“After signing with the Australian Open, renewing the partnership with an event that symbolizes our values of tenacity, performance and excellence such as the finals of the ATP World Tour season is a further demonstration of LACOSTE’s attachment to tennis as well as the voluntary and active policy of our brand in this sport,” said Christophe Chenut, CEO of LACOSTE.

As one of the world’s leading sporting occasions, television coverage of the 2007 Tennis Masters Cup was distributed to over 166 countries and watched by a cumulative worldwide audience of 50 million people. The 2009 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals will be held in late November at London’s O2 Arena.

Article courtesy atptennis.com

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/lacoste-will-continue-its-partnership-with-the-atp-tour/feed/ Bernard Tomic To Make Attack on ATP Tour If Possible http://thetennistimes.com/bernard-tomic-to-make-attack-on-atp-tour-if-possible/ http://thetennistimes.com/bernard-tomic-to-make-attack-on-atp-tour-if-possible/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:00:43 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=367 The reigning Australian Open junior champion is eligible to spend another two years bolstering his already impressive age record, if he wants to.

But, after mixing junior and senior events in roughly equal measure in 2008, the talented Gold Coast teenager would prefer to speed up his development by committing fully to the men’s circuit next year.

“I’ve started this year to play more and more (open) Futures and Challengers, but then again I’ve played also juniors,” German-born Tomic said.

“I think it’s time to put juniors away next year hopefully and just focus on Challenger level and Futures and getting my ranking up to where I want it to be.”

Tomic is the junior world No.3, with the two players ranked above him both about 18 months older.

In the senior rankings, he is 772.

While he hopes to steadily cut that number, he needs to rely on the generosity of officials if he is to play in ATP events or senior grand slams.

His chief aims for the coming summer are to make his ATP debut at the Brisbane International, starting January 4, and then play in the Australian Open later that month.

He will need wildcards for both, a prospect that remains uncertain, particularly given Tennis Australia’s recent emphasis on awarding wildcards on a merit basis, with Tomic only the 26th-ranked Australian man.

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/bernard-tomic-to-make-attack-on-atp-tour-if-possible/feed/ Ana Ivanovic and Fernando Verdasco Have Been Taking In Some Football http://thetennistimes.com/ana-ivanovic-and-fernando-verdasco-have-been-taking-in-some-football/ http://thetennistimes.com/ana-ivanovic-and-fernando-verdasco-have-been-taking-in-some-football/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:15:58 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=363 We have previously reported about the relationship between Ana Ivanovic and Fernando Verdasco and this time they have been out and about together.

It is good to see Ana and Fernando are just being open about their relationship. Ana has to be one of the best looking female tennis players on tour and Fernando is just Spanish. Stay tuned for more photos and more information in the coming months as the Paps start to follow them. Oh and by the way they were watching Real Madrid play against Real Union.

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/ana-ivanovic-and-fernando-verdasco-have-been-taking-in-some-football/feed/ Daniela Hantuchova Confirms For Brisbane International http://thetennistimes.com/daniela-hantuchova-confirms-for-brisbane-international/ http://thetennistimes.com/daniela-hantuchova-confirms-for-brisbane-international/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:37:24 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=357 Slovakian glamour girl, Daniela Hantuchova, is the latest to confirm her attendance at the Brisbane International in January.

The world number 19 was a semifinalist at the Australian Open in 2008 and broke into the top 10 when she reached number 5 in August 2002.

She will be joined by French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic and reigning Australian Women’s Hardcourt Champion Na Li in the women’s draw.

The men’s draw boasts Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Marcos Baghdatis, Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet and Mardy Fish with the player cut off date, for the tournament ,on the 21 November.

Daniela Hantuchova said “I am really excited about returning to Australia and playing a strong field in the lead up to the Grand Slam.

“I took home some really nice memories last year. It was something very special for me.

“With my preparation this year and the quality field at the Brisbane International, I will be even more ready.

“I love Australia and have played in tournaments there since 2001. I am looking forward to playing in this new event and challenging some high quality players in the lead up to the Australian Open.”

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/daniela-hantuchova-confirms-for-brisbane-international/feed/ The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Have Released Season Ending Rankings http://thetennistimes.com/the-sony-ericsson-wta-tour-have-released-season-ending-rankings/ http://thetennistimes.com/the-sony-ericsson-wta-tour-have-released-season-ending-rankings/#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:33:29 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=355 The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has released the official 2008 season-ending tennis rankings.

Jelena Jankovic has ended the tennis year as the number one tennis player in the world, followed by Serena Williams, Dinara Safina, Elena Dementieva, and Ana Ivanovic.

2007 POINTS DROPPED ON NOVEMBER 10: Madrid (SEC)

Top 20 Rankings (November 10, 2008)

1. Jelena Jankovic - Serbia - 4710

2. Serena Williams - United States - 3866

3. Dinara Safina - Russia - 3817

4. Elena Dementieva - Russia - 3663

5. Ana Ivanovic - Serbia - 3457

6. Venus Williams - United States - 3272

7. Vera Zvonareva - Russia - 2952

8. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Russia - 2726

9. Maria Sharapova - Russia - 2515

10. Agnieszka Radwanska - Poland - 2286

11. Nadia Petrova - Russia - 1976

12. Caroline Wozniacki - Denmark - 1678

13. Flavia Pennetta - Italy - 1670

14. Patty Schnyder - Switzerland - 1590

15. Victoria Azarenka - Belarus - 1494

16. Alize Cornet - France - 1492

17. Marion Bartoli - France - 1410

18. Anna Chakvetadze - Russia - 1363

19. Dominika Cibulkova - Slovakia - 1337

20. Katarina Srebotnik - Slovakia - 1272

SONY ERICSSON WTA TOUR RANKINGS

The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Rankings is the worldwide computer ranking for women’s professional tennis.

The ranking system is a 52-week, cumulative system in which the number of Tournament results that comprise a player’s ranking is capped at 17 Tournament results for Singles and 11 Tournament results for Doubles.

The results used to determine a player’s ranking are the Tournaments yielding the player’s highest Ranking points over the past 52 weeks.

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]]> http://thetennistimes.com/the-sony-ericsson-wta-tour-have-released-season-ending-rankings/feed/ Watch the 2009 Australian Open Television Commercial http://thetennistimes.com/watch-the-2009-australian-open-television-commercial/ http://thetennistimes.com/watch-the-2009-australian-open-television-commercial/#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:29:01 +0000 The Insider http://thetennistimes.com/?p=353 The Australian Open is slowly starting to launch their own TV advertising campaign in Australia. The tournament is scheduled to run from January 21st to February 1st. Take a look at their new ad and let me know what you think!


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