Can you say cheese! Newly crowned US Open mens singles champion Juan Martin del Potro has become the fifth player to qualify for the end of year Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He has joined Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic for the event which takes place at the O2 in London from 22-29 November.
Oh the life of a professional tennis player must be fun. Novak Djokovic has to be a player who is enjoying his time as a professional tennis player the most. Djokovic always seems to be making jokes and doing funny ads and more. I would love to hang out with him on tour and just cause mayhem.
During Roland Garros Djokovic appeared at Ana Ivanovic’s press conference and pretended to be a journalist. At teh end of the new conference a “journalist” raised his hand and asked “Tell us something about your love or private life”.
Everybody then turned around to see Novak Djokovic asking the question. Novak was in the room because he had the press conference straight after Ana. Ana obviously didnt respond to the question but simply game him a hand shake on her way out.
“Well everybody asked only professional questions,why didn’t someone asked her something personal” – Nole continued joking when when he sat down ready to answer questions for his press conference.
As we mentioned in the French Open preview here on The Tennis Times there is always a big upset at Roland Garros. This year at the French Open was no different with Philipp Kohlschreiber the number 29 seed defeating World No. 4 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros on Saturday.
“I think I played really one of the best matches ever in a big tournament,” said Kohlschreiber. “In the past I’ve played well in small tournaments, but this one was for sure, every set really on the biggest high level from my side. Maybe Novak didn’t play his best today but from my point of view, I played a good match. I was controlling or dictating many, many points. I did a really good job today.”
On Sunday Novak Djokovic won his home tournament and the tournament he owns in Belgrade. The Serbian star lifted his game and finished off lucky loser Lukasz Kubot 6-3 7-6 in the final.
Kubot has some great results in the tournament after losing in the qualifying rounds, but then receiving a place in the draw after another player withdrew.
“Although this is not one of the biggest tournament I had won, it means the most to me,” Djokovic told the crowd following the final.
The Djokovic family brought the tournament to Serbia after buying the former Dutch Open on the ATP calendar. Despite the win, Djokovic will fall to No. 4 on the ATP Rankings on Monday, with Brit Andy Murray rising to No. 3.
Novak Djokovic has decided to make a change and hire a new fitness coach. Novak still understands that he is still a lot way behind Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and hopefully this new addition will bring some improvements.
Djokovic has hired Gebhard Phil-Gritsch, famous for coaching Austrian clay-court specialist Thomas Muster to the No. 1 ranking during the 1990s. “I felt that I needed a change,” Djokovic, 21, said Friday. “I needed something new to improve on.”
As to the specifics of his new regimen, neither the Serb nor his manager, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, would delve into any details. But at the very least, it seems the shuffling has boosted the confidence of an already confident Djokovic. Conditioning has been cited as a weakness in Djokovic’s game over the last few seasons. There has been a sense that the immensely talented Serb is more vulnerable than his opponents to the extreme heat frequently experienced Down Under in January or on the U.S. summer circuit.
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.”
Roger Federer, Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal and Australian Open holder Novak Djokovic are the first three players to qualify for the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai, organisers said on Wednesday.
So we already have 3 out of the 8 field already decided and we have barely just made it past the middle of the year. That means if one of those 3 players dont win the US Open, then whoever does will be straight into the Masters. Well I guess that is just a bonus after winning a Grand Slam.
This year the Masters event is being held out side of China and is making its way to London. Im looking forward to seeing how many people make it to the O2 arena in London to see the best players in the world shoot it out.
I know that millions of people have already seen this clip, but in the first week of this blog I really wanted to share it again with everyone. Every time I see it I have to laugh, its so funny.
