Victoria Azarenka on the Ellen DeGeneres Show
Victoria Azarenka had time after winning the Australian Open 2012 to fly to the USA just so she could do the chat show tour. Here is Victoria on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Archive for: usa
Madison Keys and Jesse Levine Win USA Australian Open 2012 Wildcard Playoff
Madison Keys is only 16, but she performed above her years to defeat Gail Brodsky in the USA Australian Open 2012 Wildcard Playoff final 6-3 6-4.
While on the mens side Jesse Levine hammered Robby Ginepri 6-0 6-2 6-1 to win the mens wildcard.
Irina Falconi Hoping To Have a Strong Year in 2012
Irina Falconi has reached the final of the Pan American Games and she is hoping to have a strong year in 2012. Falconi has had a strong year and is ranked 77 in the world and even has a win over Dominika Cibulkova to her name at the US Open.
“By this time next year, if I’m Top 40 in the world, Top 50 in the world, it means we defended all of our points that we got this year,” Falconi said. “It would be really impressive.”
Mardy Fish Continues His Great For in 2011
Mardy Fish is still going strong towards the end of 2011. Mardy has defeated Bernard Tomic to make the semifinals of the Japan Open. Im really surprised how good Fish has been playing in the second half of 2011. Hopefully he can improve over the summer and be ready for even better results at the Australian Open.
Daniela Hantuchova Makes Appearance at New Haven Fashion Show
Daniela Hantuchova is a woman with a lot of talents. Daniela made a guest appearance at the New Haven Open Vineyard Vines Fashion Show. Interest PR tactic!
It seems like the New Haven tournament tries to bring all different entertainment to the tennis tournament. Very unique, but to me it just seems a little too commercial.
Rafael Nadal on the David Letterman Show
As you may have heard, Rafael Nadal has made an appearance on the David Letterman show in the USA. Here is how the interview went.
He looked very nervous!
The State of Men’s Tennis in America
If you were to ask the casual tennis fan to name as many American male tennis players off of the top of their head as possible, most would easily name Mardy Fish, Andy Roddick, and John Isner. After these three, a blank would be drawn. The lack of resurgence from American male players since the end of the Sampras-Agassi era has been disappointing in the eyes of many fans to say the least. The only two American players to have reached a Grand Slam semifinal since 2003 are Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. In the defense of American players, the male game has become very top heavy in recent years with Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic becoming fixtures in the final four of majors.
The letdown of American male tennis players in the last 5-7 years is often viewed the wrong way. Many have been led to believe that there simply has been a lag in American talent. This statement is easily falsifiable. Currently, there are 10 Americans in the top 100 in the world. This is the most of any country apart from Spain, which has 13 men ranked in the top 100.
Now this begs question of has there actually been a letdown of talent or a failure of high expectations? I think undoubtedly the latter is the answer. Following the legacies of greats such as Agassi, Sampras, and Courier is no short task. It would be unreasonable to expect any group of any players from any country during any time period to achieve on the same level as these Americans did during the 80s’ and 90s.
If you go back in history, the only county since the beginning of the open era (1968) to achieve something comparable to what the Americans of the 1990′s achieved were Swedes in the 70s and 80s. Wilander, Borg, and Edberg combined for 24 grand slams over an 18 year period. The combination of Agassi, Sampras, Courier, collected 27 grandslams in 13 years.
A prime example of a player that has “failed” in the eyes of many Americans is Donald Young. When Donald Young was 15 people were sighting him as the next big star and a shoe in as a future number one based on his success at Junior National Championships in Kalamazoo which he was winning. Currently ranked 89th in the world, Young is 22 and already considered a bust. It is extremely premature to declare the career of a 22 year old a disappointment. Recently, many players have enjoyed their greatest successes near the end of their careers. Two examples of this are Mardy Fish, who has surged to a career high ranking of number 7 at age 29 and Jurgen Melzer, a journeymen Austrian who made his deepest career run in every single major coincidentally at the age of 29.
With players on the rise such as Mardy Fish, Ryan Harrison, Sam Querrey, Donald Young, John Isner, Alex Bogomolov Jr. , and Ryan Sweeting the future of American tennis appears to be very promising. And while this group of players will unlikely achieve the greatness of those in the 1990s, it would be wise to hold off on the bust word for a while.
USA TV Schedule for 2011 Cincinnati Western and Southern Open
Here is the USA TV schedule for the 2011 Cincinnati Western and Southern Open.
*All times ET
Mon. 8/15
11:00 am – 11:00 pm Western & Southern Open – Tennis Channel
Tues. 8/16
11:00 am – 11:00 pm Western & Southern Open – Tennis Channel
Wed. 8/17
11:00 am – 11:00 pm Western & Southern Open – Tennis Channel
Thu. 8/18
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Western & Southern Open - ESPN2
7:00 – 9:00 pm Western & Southern Open – ESPN2
Fri. 8/19
1:00 – 5:00 pm Western & Southern Open - ESPN2
7:00 – 9:00 pm Western & Southern Open – ESPN2
Sat.8/20
1:00 – 5:00 pm Western & Southern Open – ESPN2
7:00 – 11:00 pm Western & Southern Open – ESPN2
Sun. 8/21 4:30 – 6:30 pm Western & Southern Open – ESPN2
12:30 – 3:00 pm Western & Southern Open – CBS
Jack Sock Retains USA 18s USTA National Boys Championship
Jack Sock has retained his USTA National Boys 18s Championship. Sock was the top seed and cruised to a win in the final 6-3 6-0 over Mitchell Frank.
Frank, who had beaten Sock at their last meeting back at the 2009 Orange Bowl was just unable to compete. Frank gave away a lot of free points and just couldnt handle Sock’s serve.
“Things obviously could have been a lot different if I had gotten broken there,” said Sock, who needed only an hour to retain his title and collect his 23rd gold ball. “I was fortunate to get out of that game.”
“I felt I was dictating a lot of points and I feel when I’m dictating a lot of points, hitting a lot of forehands in the middle of the court, I’m going to do pretty well,” said Sock, who ended the match with a 125 mph ace. “With serving well, and putting a lot of returns back in play, getting in points, I think I was able to force some errors, and the momentum just took it.”
Ryan Harrison Throws Out First Pitch at Cincinnati Reds Game
Im not exactly Ryan Harrison’s biggest fan, but he was at the Cincinnati Red’s game yesterday to throw out the first pitch. He was very nervous and as you can see in the video he actually gets it right!
Harrison is currently ranked No. 78 this week on the ATP computer. He is the youngest American in the Top 100.
Jack Sock Decides to Skip University and Turn Professional
Last years US Open junior boys champion Jack Sock has decided to turn professional and not go to University. It must have been a very tough decision to not go to college and test it out on the pro tour. Especially considering Sock has an ITF ranking of only around 550 in the world!
“The past few weeks, I thought my game was to the point to where I thought I could go out and compete with the top players in the world,” the 18-year-old said. “I’m ready to make a full-time commitment to it.”
Sock is now going to be represented by CAA Sports and has Adidas as his new clothing sponsor.
He will attempt to defend his 18s Nationals title at Kalamazoo Aug. 5-14.
Melanie Oudin Claims She Has Been Unlucky on Tour of Late
Melanie Oudin reached the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2009, but hasnt performed well since. Recently Melanie jumped into a conference call and stated she hadn’t had any luck lately.
“I’ve hadn’t luck on my side lately” (terrible English!). “I’ve tried to stay positive, keep working hard I have a lot to learn, and hopefully, I still have a long career ahead of me. My goals right now is just to start playing better again. Start to get some more matches under my belt.”
Melanie you need to just keep working and the wins will come. It has nothing at all to do with luck! Whoever works the hardest gets the victories eventually.
Robby Ginepri Returning and Hoping for US Open 2011 Success
Robby Ginepri hasnt had the greatest year, but he is hoping the rest of the year will bring great results. Ginepri has been away from the tour since the end of last year when he fell off a mountain bike and broke his elbow.
“I feel stronger coming out of it, feel more mature. Hopefully, I can use it to my advantage. When you are out that long you always hope to get back to where you were. I think I’m on the right track.”
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal: Our Predictions for US Open 2011
Starting in a few months time is the final Grand Slam of the year the US Open 2011. There have been two players dominating tennis in 2011 and that has been Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, but who is really going to do well at the US Open and take the title?
Novak Djokovic has only lost 1 match all year and that was at the 2011 French Open. I hate to say it, but I cant see Novak winning the US Open 2011 as the number 1 seed. I think there will be too much pressure for him to handle (although I think he will make the semifinals).
Rafael Nadal seems to always be in great form and Im sure at the US Open 2011 it will be no different. Rafa likes the high bouncing hard courts of the US and it fits his game very nicely. I can see Rafael making the final of yet another Grand Slam event this year.
However, my winner for the US Open 2011 has to be Roger Federer. I think after Wimbledon he is going to be very hungry and will put absolutely everything into getting this title. Roger’s game fits in perfectly with the courts and the surroundings in the US. He will also have a lot of support from his superstar American friends. Roger is my prediction to take the title.
Outsider of the tournament: My outsider is John Isner. The American is playing some great tennis at the moment and just won the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport with relative ease. Isner to make the Quarterfinals and knock out some top players!
USTA Adding More Kids Courts to Austin Tennis Center
The USTA has just announced they will be refurbishing the Austin Tennis Center. Two courts at the Austin Tennis Center will be converted into eight permanent 36 foot: 10 and under Tennis courts. Plus, there will be four more courts added that will be 60 foot.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with how the entire Austin community has embraced this Davis Cup quarterfinal,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “Our mission is to bring more tennis to more people in more ways than ever before, and our Davis Cup Legacy program is another example of how the USTA achieves this goal.”
The USTA will invest a total of $41,000 into this project.
Davis Cup World Group 2011 Quarterfinal Results
In case you missed the results from the Davis Cup this weekend here they all are. This is of course the 2011 World Group.
Serbia def. Sweden = 4-1
V. Troicki (SRB) def. M. Ryderstedt (SWE) = 6-3 6-1 6-7 7-5
J. Tipsarevic (SRB) def. E. Eleskovic (SWE) = 6-2 1-0. def.
S. Aspelin and R. Lindstedt (SWE) def. N. Djokovic and N. Zimonjic (SRB) = 6-4 7-6 7-5
J. Tipsarevic (SRB) def. M. Ryderstedt (SWE) = 6-2 7-5 6-3
V. Troicki (SRB) def. R. Linstedt (SWE) = 3-6 6-4 0-0
Argentina def. Kazakhstan = 5-0
J. Monaco (ARG) def. A. Golubev (KAZ) = 6-3 6-0 6-4
J. Del Potro (ARG) def. M. Kukushikin (KAZ) = 6-2 6-1 6-2
J. Chela and E. Schwank (ARG) def. E. Korolev and Y. Schukin (KAZ) = 6-3 6-2 7-5
J. Chela (ARG) def. E. Korolev (KAZ) = 2-6 6-2 6-0
J. Monaco (ARG) def. M. Kukushkin (KAZ) = 6-4 6-1
Spain def. USA = 3-1
F. Lopez (ESP) def. M. Fish (USA) = 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-7 8-6
D. Ferrer (ESP) def. A. Roddick (USA) = 7-6 7-5 6-3
B. Bryan and M. Bryan (USA) def. M. Granollers and F. Verdasco (ESP) = 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-4
D. Ferrer (ESP) def. M. Fish (USA) = 7-5 7-6 5-7 7-6
France def. Germany = 4-1
R. Gasquet (FRA) def. F. Mayer (GER) = 4-6 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-3
G. Monfils (FRA) def. P. Kohlschreiber (GER) = 7-6 7-6 6-4
M. Llodra and J. Tsonga (FRA) def. C. Kas and P. Petzchner (GER) = 7-6 6-4 6-4
P. Petzchner (GER) def. M. Llodra (FRA) 6-3 6-4
J. Tsonga (FRA) def. P. Kohlschreiber (GER) 7-6 7-6
Third Match Results from The WTT
This weekend was yet another round of the WTT. Have you been looking for this weeks results? Well they are all here.
New York Sportimes def. PHILADELPHIA FREEDOMS 23-13 (OT)
Men’s Singles – Jesse Witten (Sportimes) def. Brendan Evans (Freedoms) 5-2
Women’s Doubles – Martina Hingis\Abigail Spears (Sportimes) def. Lisa Raymond\Beatrice Capra (Freedoms) 5-2
Mixed Doubles – Abigail Spears\Greg Jones (Sportimes) def. Nathan Healey\Lisa Raymond (Freedoms) 5-4
Women’s Singles – Martina Hingis (Sportimes) def. Beatrice Capra (Freedoms) 5-0
Men’s Doubles – Nathan Healey\Brendan Evans (Freedoms) def. Greg Jones\Jesse Witten (Sportimes) 5-2
Overtime – Men’s Doubles – Greg Jones\Jesse Witten (Sportimes) def. Brendan Evans\Nathan Healey (Freedoms) 1-0
WASHINGTON KASTLES def. Boston Lobsters 25-10
Women’s Doubles – Rennae Stubbs\Serena Williams (Kastles) def. Coco Vandeweghe\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-2
Men’s Doubles – Leander Paes\Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 5-1
Men’s Singles – Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 5-2
Mixed Doubles – Serena Williams\Leander Paes (Kastles) def. Coco Vandeweghe\Eric Butorac (Lobsters) 5-1
Women’s Singles – Serena Williams (Kastles) def. Coco Vandeweghe (Lobsters) 5-4
ST LOUIS ACES def. Newport Beach Breakers 21-20
Men’s Doubles – Travis Rettenmaier\Lester Cook (Breakers) def. Roman Borvanov\Jean-Julien Rojer (Aces) 5-4
Men’s Singles – Roman Borvanov (Aces) def. Lester Cook (Breakers) 5-4
Mixed Doubles – Jean-Julien Rojer\Liezel Huber (Aces) def. Marie-Eve Pelletier\Travis Rettenmaier (Breakers) 5-3
Women’s Singles – Anne Keothavong (Breakers) def. Maria Sanchez (Aces) 5-2
Women’s Doubles – Maria Sanchez\Liezel Huber (Aces) def. Anne Keothavong\Marie-Eve Pelletier (Breakers) 5-3
Sacramento Capitals def. KANSAS CITY EXPLORERS 23-16 (OT)
Men’s Doubles – Mark Knowles\Nick Monroe (Capitals) def. Alex Kuznetsov\Ricardo Mello (Explorers) 5-3
Women’s Singles – Yasmin Schnack (Capitals) def. Madison Brengle (Explorers) 5-0
Men’s Singles – Nick Monroe (Capitals) def. Ricardo Mello (Explorers) 5-2
Mixed Doubles – Kveta Peschke\Alex Kuznetsov (Explorers) def. Yasmin Schnack\Mark Knowles (Capitals) 5-3
Women’s Doubles – Madison Brengle\Kveta Peschke (Explorers) def. Christina Fusano\Yasmin Schnack (Capitals) 5-4
Overtime – Women’s Doubles – Madison Brengle\Kveta Peschke (Explorers) tied Christina Fusano\Yasmin Schnack (Capitals) 1-1
Standings
Eastern Conference MP W L PCT MB
Washington Kastles 3 3 0 1.000 –
New York Sportimes 3 2 1 0.667 1
Boston Lobsters 3 1 2 0.333 2
Philadelphia Freedoms 3 0 3 0.000 3
Western Conference MP W L PCT MB
Newport Beach Breakers 3 2 1 0.667 –
St Louis Aces 3 2 1 0.667 0
Sacramento Capitals 2 1 1 0.500 0.5
Springfield Lasers 2 1 1 0.500 0.5
Kansas City Explorers 2 0 2 0.000 1.5
Next Matches: 7/8/2011
Philadelphia Freedoms @ BOSTON LOBSTERS, 7:00 PM (EDT)
Washington Kastles @ SPRINGFIELD LASERS, 7:05 PM (CDT)
New York Sportimes @ SACRAMENTO CAPITALS, 7:30 PM (PDT)
Newport Beach Breakers @ KANSAS CITY EXPLORERS, 7:35 PM (CDT)
For live scoring and complete player / match statistics, please visit www.WTT.com
Rafael Nadal To Miss Davis Cup Quarterfinal Against USA in a Few Weeks
It has been reported by La Marca that Rafael Nadal wont be playing the Davis Cup quarterfinal against the USA in Austin July 8-10. It seems as though Nadal expects to make the Wimbledon final and then doesnt want to jump on a plane the next day to travel to Texas. Dont blame him really!
Tennis Legend Pauline Betz Addie Dies at 91
Pauline Betz Addie who was entered into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1965, has won 5 Grand Slam singles titles as well as being the top ranked woman player from the United States in the 1940′s, has died on May 31st, 2011. She had suffered from Parkinson’s disease and died in her sleep at an assisted living facility in Potomac, Maryland.
Some will remember her for touring the country as a pro with Gussie Moran and top male players of the day such as Bobby Riggs and Jack Kramer. After her career, she played the game she loved into her 80′s and was also a teaching professional in the Washington D.C. area.
She is survived by five children, one brother, five grandchildren and a great-grandson.
You will be greatly missed Pauline, and thank you for your contribution to the game. RIP.
Tennis Channel Streaming Live French Open
The Tennis Channel has announced that they will be streaming the French Open in the USA live and on-demand. If you are after more information check out their website.
If your a customer with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast or DirectTV you will be able to get VIP access to Philippe Chatrier Court for free on May 28-30.
Im really looking forward to the French Open!
