tennisfiend.

Davis Cup First Round: Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Spain Defeats Switzerland 4-1
R4 – David Ferrer (ESP) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 6-2 6-4 6-0
R5 – Nicolas Almagro (ESP) def. Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) 6-1 6-3

Czech Republic Beats Belgium 4-1
R4 – Steve Darcis (BEL) def. Jan Hajek (CZE) 7-6(6) 1-6 6-4
R5 – Lukas Dlouhy (CZE) def. Christophe Rochus (BEL) 1-6 7-6(3) 7-5

France Beats Germany 4-1
R4 – Simon Greul (GER) def. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 4-6 6-2 1-0 RET. (foot)
R5 – Julien Benneteau (FRA) def. Benjamin Becker (GER) 6-2 7-5

Serbia Beats USA 3-2
R4 - Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. John Isner (USA) 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-7(6) 6-4
R5 - Sam Querrey (USA) def. Viktor Troicki (SRB) 7-5 6-2

Russia Beats India 3-2
R4 – Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) def. Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-2 6-1 6-3
R5 – Rohan Bopanna (IND) def. Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 7-6(5) 6-4

Argentina Beats Sweden 3-2
R4 – Robin Soderling def. Leonardo Mayer 6-2 7-6(4) 7-6(5)
R5 – David Nalbandian def. Andreas Vinciguerra 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-4

Croatia Beats Ecuador 5-0
R4 – Antonia Veic (CRO) def. Julio-Cesar Campozano (ECU) 6-4 7-6(4)
R5 – Ivan Dodig (CRO) def. Ivan Endara (ECU) 6-1 6-3

Chile Leads Israel 2-1
R3 – J. Erlich (ISR)/A. Ram (ISR) def. J. Aguilar (CHI)/P. Capdeville (CHI) 6-7(5) 7-6(9) 2-6 6-1 6-0

Spain Looks For 3-Peat

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:45:00 +0000

David Ferrer helped Spain advance into the Davis Cup quarterfinals against France and thus begins Spain’s road to its second-consecutive title defense. Ferrer took no time in taking apart Stanislas Wawrinka and any Swiss hopes with a 6-2 6-4 6-0 victory. Nicolas Almagro finished up strong in his emphatic victory over Marco Chiudinelli at 6-1 6-3 after 75 minutes of play.

It goes to show how deep Team Spain is. Even without Rafael Nadal, Fernando Verdasco and Juan Carlos Ferrero, they still were able to advance comfortably. Hopefully, Spain will be much healthier in their quarterfinal matchup.

Team Spain is much deeper than France. France could be a formidable foe if Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga can stay healthy and play well. Team France now has a great doubles partnership in Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau, which can now handle any of the Spanish pairings.

Tsonga had to retire with a mild foot injury in his dead rubber match against German Simon Greul this afternoon. Why Guy Forget would play Tsonga in a dead rubber matchup seems kind of crazy to me. Luckily, they won the first round in their first-three matches. If they were in a dogfight with Spain, this would definitely be a problem. Injuries are really France’s Achilles heel.

No matter what happens, the France-Spain matchup in July will be entertaining.

Sunday’s Results
R4 – David Ferrer (ESP) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 6-2 6-4 6-0
R5 – Nicolas Almagro (ESP) def. Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) 6-1 6-3

(Image: AP)

Nalbandian Stages Comeback For Argentina’s Victory

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:30:00 +0000

Argentina thought it would lose this weekend without their star players of Juan Martin del Potro, Juan Monaco and David Nalbandian. Nalbandian attended the Davis Cup tie as a cheerleader because of a recent leg injury.

On the first day, Argentina was able to split the singles rubbers. Argentina then activated Nalbandian for doubles with Horacio Zeballos the following day. The pairing proved to be successful, and they beat the Swedes in straight sets. Robin Soderling then came out today and defeated Leonardo Mayer 6-2 7-6(4) 7-6(5) to level the Davis Cup tie at 2-2.

The tie would be decided in the final rubber. Argentine coach Tito Vazquez activated Nalbandian again to face Andreas Vinciguerra. The Argentine veteran took the first-two sets. The Swede cleaned up his game in the third set to keep even with Nalbandian and broke in game 10 to keep hope alive.

Vinciguerra had a lot of momentum in the beginning of the fourth set. The Argentine stomped on Vinciguerra’s momentum by breaking in game three after Nalbandian came up with a couple of huge returns and went up 2-1. Nalbandian never looked back and beat the Swede 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-4 to clinch the first-round tie for Argentina.

Team Argentina will meet Russia in the quarterfinals in July. If Russia can get back Nikolay Davydenko and Argentina can get back Juan Martin del Potro and Juan Monaco, that quarterfinal could be highly entertaining.

Sunday’s Results
R4 – Robin Soderling (SWE) def. Leonardo Mayer (ARG) 6-2 7-6(4) 7-6(5)
R5 – David Nalbandian (ARG) def. Andreas Vinciguerra (SWE) 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-4

(Image: AP)

Serbia Secures First Davis Cup Qtrs Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:15:00 +0000

After the USA’s triumph yesterday in doubles, Novak Djokovic was forced to win it on his racket. Unfortunately for the Serb, John Isner really brought it to the current world no. 2 this afternoon in Belgrade.

Djokovic struggled early on his serve, which made it a long day at the office for the Serb against the big-serving American. Luckily the Serb has other things to rely on. After a couple of broken rackets and a code violation, the Serb eventually prevailed with a 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-7(6) 6-4 triumph after being on the court for 4 hours and 16 minutes. The Serbs now progress into their first Davis Cup quarterfinal.

The US actually played pretty well this weekend without its veterans and on clay. I have been frustrated with the development of the current crop of American players – a group of players with big serves and forehands and nothing else, who ridiculously do not play on clay. Sam Querrey and especially John Isner played pretty admirably this weekend, so let’s hope Isner and Querrey can build on this experience.

Sunday's Results
R4 - Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. John Isner (USA) 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-7(6) 6-4
R5 - Sam Querrey (USA) def. Viktor Troicki (SRB) 7-5 6-2

(Images: AP)

Youzhny Helps Russia Clinch

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After the first day of Davis Cup play, Russia went up 2-0 and found itself clearly in the drivers seat. On Saturday, India played its experienced doubles team of Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes. Bhupathi and Paes were able to give India a lifeline after their straight-set victory over Igor Kunitsyn and Teimuraz Gabashvili.

Looking to close, Mikhail Youzhny was able to shut it down today with his 6-2 6-1 6-3 win over Somdev Devvarman. Russia now advances to play Argentina. If Argentina can get healthy, this could be a problematic matchup for the Russians.

Sunday’s Results
R4 – Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) def. Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-2 6-1 6-3
R5 – Rohan Bopanna (IND) def. Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 7-6(5) 6-4

(Image: AP)

Davis Cup First Round: Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0000

Spain Leads Switzerland 2-1
R3 – M. Granollers (ESP)/T. Robredo (ESP) def. Y. Allegro (SUI)/S. Wawrinka (SUI) 7-6(8) 6-2 4-6 6-4

Czech Republic Beats Belgium 3-0
R3 – T. Berdych (CZE)/R. Stepanek (CZE) def. S. Darcis (BEL)/O. Rochus (BEL) 7-6(0) 6-0 6-3

France Beats Germany 3-0
R3 – J. Benneteau (FRA)/M. Llodra (FRA) def. C. Kas (GER)/P. Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-1 6-4 1-6 7-5

Serbia Leads USA 2-1
R3 – B. Bryan (USA)/J. Isner (USA) def. J. Tipsarevic (SRB)/N. Zimonjic (SRB) 7-6(8) 5-7 7-6(8) 6-3

Russia Leads India 2-1
R3 – M. Bhupathi (IND)/L. Paes (IND) def. I. Kunitsyn (RUS)/T. Gabashvili (RUS) 6-3 6-2 6-2

Argentina Leads Sweden 2-1
R3 – D. Nalbandian (ARG)/H. Zeballos (ARG) def. R. Lindstedt (SWE)/R. Soderling (SWE) 6-2 7-6(4) 7-6(5)

Croatia Beats Ecuador 3-0
R3 – M Cilic (CRO)/I. Karlovic (CRO) def. G. Lapentti (ECU)/N. Lapentti (ECU) 7-6(3) 6-3 7-5

Chile Leads Israel 2-0
R1 – Nicolas Massu (CHI) def. Dudi Sela (ISR) 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-4
R2 – Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) def. Harel Levy (ISR) 2-6 6-3 6-4 6-4

Chile Takes 2-0 Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:50:00 +0000

Chile is perhaps the sentimental favorite this weekend after the country suffered from a devastating earthquake. Despite the widespread wreckage, the Chileans were able to still stage the event but at a one day delay.

After slow starts, Nicolas Massu and Fernando Gonzalez won their openers to the hometown crowd’s delight. Chile now leads Israel 2-0.

Gonzalez and Massu will team up tomorrow against the Israeli doubles team of Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich. The Israeli doubles team could be trouble for the Chileans. Even with a doubles loss tomorrow, Gonzalez and Massu should be able to shut it down in the reverse single rubbers on Monday.

Saturday’s Results
R1 – Nicolas Massu (CHI) def. Dudi Sela (ISR) 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-4
R2 – Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) def. Harel Levy (ISR) 2-6 6-3 6-4 6-4

(Images: AP)

Spain Now Controls Its Davis Cup Fate

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:45:00 +0000

Tommy Robredo and Marcel Ganollers triumphed over Stanislas Wawrinka and Yves Allegro by winning 7-6(8) 6-2 4-6 6-4. The Spaniards now have some breathing room and lead 2-1 over Switzerland. They just need one victory tomorrow.

David Ferrer has good odds over Wawrinka, but the second-ranked Swiss can be trouble. Should Ferrer lose, Nicolas Almagro should be able to take out Marco Chiudinelli.

Saturday’s Results
R3 – M. Granollers (ESP)/T. Robredo (ESP) def. Y. Allegro (SUI)/S. Wawrinka (SUI) 7-6(8) 6-2 4-6 6-4

(Image: AP)

France Advances To Davis Cup Quarterfinal

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:40:00 +0000

France was pretty efficient in its 3-0 victory over Germany. Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra defeated Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber.

It looked like the French team would blow out the Germans when they won the first set 6-1, but Kas and Kohlschreiber slowly worked their way into the match. The Germans then returned the favor in the third set when they won it 6-1, but Llodra and Benneteau buttoned it up in the fourth. The French duo kept it close and then broke on the Kas serve for a 6-1 6-4 1-6 7-5 victory.

France now waits for the winner of the Spain-Switzerland duel. Their opponent will most likely be Spain. This French line-up looked good this weekend and could perhaps give Spain some trouble if there are no French flake outs.

Saturday’s Results
R3 – J. Benneteau (FRA)/M. Llodra (FRA) def. C. Kas (GER)/P. Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-1 6-4 1-6 7-5

(Image: AP)

Croatia Gets Past Ecuador

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:35:00 +0000

After their singles victories yesterday, Marin Cilic and Ivo Karlovic teamed up to play doubles against Nicolas Lapentti and Giovanni Lapentti in Varazdin, Croatia. The Croatian twin towers proved too much for the Brothers Lapentti and surpassed the Ecuadorian team 7-6(3) 6-3 7-5 to clinch a quarterfinal spot.

The Croatians now wait for the winner of the Serbia-USA tie. Serbia and the US are still duking it out in Belgrade. The US managed to win doubles today to keep hope alive. Novak Djokovic looks to secure Serbia’s first Davis Cup quarterfinal berth on his racket tomorrow.

Saturday’s Results
R3 – M Cilic (CRO)/I. Karlovic (CRO) def. G. Lapentti (ECU)/N. Lapentti (ECU) 7-6(3) 6-3 7-5

(Image: AP)

The Czech Republic Clinches QF Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:30:00 +0000

Czech Coach Jaroslav Navratil activated double trouble to play doubles today. Lukas Dlouhy and Jan Hajek were slated to play for the Czech Republic, but it looks like the Czechs went with what was tried and true.

Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek were back to crushing dreams this afternoon in Belgium. They had an impressive victory over Steve Darcis and Olivier Rochus and beat the Belgians 6-3 6-0 6-4. The win allows the Czechs to advance into the Davis Cup quarterfinals. The Czech Republic now awaits the winner of the Chile-Israel match.

Saturday’s Results
R3 – T. Berdych (CZE)/R. Stepanek (CZE) def. S. Darcis (BEL)/O. Rochus (BEL) 7-6(0) 6-0 6-3

(Image: AP)

Picture Of The Day

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:10:00 +0000

Gael Monfils get Frenchie love from teammates Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet after his straight-sets victory against Philipp Kohlshreiber.

(Image: AP)

Davis Cup First Round: Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:05:00 +0000

Spain Tied Switzerland 1-1
R1 – Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) def. Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 3-6 6-4 3-6 7-5 6-3
R2 – David Ferrer (ESP) def. Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) 6-2 7-6(5) 6-1

Czech Republic Leads Belgium 2-0
R1 – Tomas Berdych (CZE) def. Oliver Rochus (BEL) 6-3 6-0 6-4
R2 – Radek Stepanek (CZE) def. Xavier Malisse (BEL) 6-2 6-4 7-6(3)

France Leads Germany 2-0
R1 – Gael Monfils (FRA) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-1 6-4 7-6(5)
R2 – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) def. Benjamin Becker (GER) 6-3 6-2 6-7(2) 6-3

Serbia Leads USA 2-0
R1 – Viktor Troicki (SRB) def. John Isner (USA) 7-6(4) 6-7(5) 7-5 6-4
R2 – Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. Sam Querrey (USA) 6-2 7-6(4) 2-6 6-3

Russia Leads India 2-0
R1 – Igor Kunitsyn (RUS) def. Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-7(6) 7-6(4) 6-3 6-4
R2 – Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) def. Rohan Bopanna (IND) 6-4 6-2 6-3

Sweden Tied Argentina 1-1
R1 – Robin Soderling (SWE) def. Eduardo Schwank (ARG) 6-1 7-6(0) 7-5
R2 – Leonardo Mayer (ARG) def. Joachim Johansson (SWE) 5-7 6-3 7-5 6-4

Croatia Leads Ecuador 2-0
R1 – Ivo Karlovic (CRO) def. Nicolas Lapentti (ECU) 6-2 5-7 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4
R2 – Marin Cilic (CRO) def. Giovanni Lapentti (ECU) 6-4 6-3 6-3

Spain & Switzerland Even At 1-1

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Team Spain enters their Davis Cup matchup pretty banged up. Rafael Nadal, Fernando Verdasco and lastly Juan Carlos Ferrero all pulled out with injuries. Spain debuted today in Longrona, Spain against Switzerland with its C team – David Ferrer, Nicolas Almagro, Tommy Robredo and Marcel Granollers.

Almagro is recovering from a wrist injury, and Robredo is not having the best year. Granollers has had success on the doubles side over the last two years and has even won a title with Robredo. Ferrer is their only rock. If the Spanish were going to be picked off, it would be this weekend.

Almagro opened well against Stanislas Wawrinka and put away the first set. The 24-year-old Swiss was able to get back into the match by taking the second set. The two players battled it out until the final set. The world no. 40 went up a break, and it looked like he would be able to put Wawrinka away. He instead allowed the Swiss back in to the match, and world no. 20 was somehow able to win the match 6-3 4-6 6-3 5-7 6-3 in just under four hours of play to put Switzerland up 1-0.

Ferrer then came out in the next rubber and put in a solid performance against Marco Chiudinelli. Though he disappeared in the second set, the Spaniard was able to sneak off with the set and slam the door in the third set. He beat Chiudinelli 6-2 7-6(5) 6-1 in under 2 ½ hours of play to level the Davis Cup tie 1-1.

Granollers and Robredo will play Yves Allegro and Wawrinka tomorrow and have a good shot at winning. Ferrer has solid odds against Wawrinka with a 4-2 record for the fourth rubber. The Spaniard also leads their meetings on clay 3-1.

If Spain loses in doubles, it has a much tougher field to hoe. Almagro should be able to beat Chiudinelli, but his wrist issues could complicate matters. It would not be surprising if Coach Alberto Costa substitutes Robredo to play the final rubber, though current world no. 23 is not having a great year with a 3-5 singles record.

Spain vs. Switzerland
Friday’s Results
R1 – Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) def. Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 3-6 6-4 3-6 7-5 6-3
R2 – David Ferrer (ESP) def. Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) 6-2 7-6(5) 6-1

Saturday’s Match
R3 – M. Granollers (ESP)/T. Robredo (ESP) vs. Y. Allegro (ESP)/S. Wawrinka (SUI)

(Images: AP)

Serbia Off To Good Start Against US

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Viktor Troicki and Novak Djokovic cleared their openers against John Isner and Sam Querrey respectively today in Belgrade. Troicki put in an admirable performance in his upset against Isner.

The Americans faced an uphill battle from the beginning since the Davis Cup tie is played on clay, and I guess American men do not play on clay anymore. They could have been in a sweet spot if Isner had beaten Troicki. The Bryan brothers are handle themselves on clay, so a 2-1 lead could have been possible.

Now, the only way for an American victory is a total Serbian implosion. Nenad Zimonjic has been a nemesis for the Bryan brothers, but he is without his partner, Daniel Nestor. Even if the Serbs lose in doubles tomorrow, Djokovic should be able to put away Isner on Sunday.

Serbia vs. USA
Friday’s Results
R1 – Viktor Troicki (SRB) def. John Isner (USA) 7-6(4) 6-7(5) 7-5 6-4
R2 – Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. Sam Querrey (USA) 6-2 7-6(4) 2-6 6-3

Saturday’s Match
R3 – N. Zimonjic (SRB)/J. Tipsarevic (SRB) vs. M. Bryan (USA)/B. Bryan (USA)

(Images: AP)

Tricolor On Track

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:45:00 +0000

What a difference a year makes. France now leads Germany 2-0. Gael Monfils won his first Davis Cup match. He put in a solid performance against Philipp Kohlschreiber and defeated the German 6-1 6-4 7-6(5). Monfils is now 1-1 in Davis Cup play.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga then followed up Monfil’s win with another French victory over Benjamin Becker. The top-ranked Frenchman was on his way to a dominant win until he had a hiccup in the third set. In the fourth set, Tsonga was able to wrap it up with 6-3 6-2 6-7(2) 6-3 win. The victory brings the world no. eleven’s Davis Cup record to 7-0.

Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra are up for France in doubles tomorrow. The French duo has proven to be a winning combination. They will meet Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber and could easily put France through to the quarterfinals.

France vs. Germany
Friday’s Results
R1 – Gael Monfils (FRA) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-1 6-4 7-6(5)
R2 – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) def. Benjamin Becker (GER) 6-3 6-2 6-7(2) 6-3

Saturday’s Match
R3 – R. Benneteau (FRA)/M. Llodra (FRA) vs. C. Kas (GER)/P. Kohlschreiber (GER)

(Images: AP)

Czech Double Trouble Gains Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:30:00 +0000

Czech double trouble was back to doing what they do best -- kicking other Davis Cup teams to the curb. Last year’s Davis Cup finalists put themselves in the driver's seat today against Belgium. Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek jumped out into a 2-0 lead after just 4 hours and 37 minutes and six-consecutive sets.

Usually Berdych and Stepanek pull double duty, but Lukas Dlouhy and Jan Hajek are slated to play doubles tomorrow against Steve Darcis and Olivier Rochus. Even if the Czechs lose tomorrow, double trouble should be able to wrap it up on Sunday.

Czech Republic vs. Belgium
Friday’s Results
R1 – Tomas Berdych (CZE) def. Oliver Rochus (BEL) 6-3 6-0 6-4
R2 – Radek Stepanek (CZE) def. Xavier Malisse (BEL) 6-2 6-4 7-6(3)

Saturday’s Match
R3 – L. Dlouhy (CZE)/J. Hajek (CZE) vs. S. Darcis (BEL)/O. Rochus (BEL)

(Images: AP)

Gulbis Wins First Title

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:16:00 +0000

Ernests Gulbis won his first title of his career. Gulbis is actually a peer of Novak Djokovic but has struggled due to lack of focus and training. The 21 year old went through a hot mess period, but it now looks like the Latvian could be looking forward to a new era.

This fall, Gulbis hired Hernan Gumy, who was Marat Safin’s last coach and turned the Russian champion around after he lost focus. The current world no. 72 had never been past the quarterfinals of a tournament until last week in Memphis where he made it to the semifinals.

Gulbis was able to mount another impressive run this week in Delray Beach. He made it to the final without dropping a set. Despite drawing the always-troublesome Ivo Karlovic, he made easy work of the Croat with a 6-2 6-3 victory to secure the first title of his career.

Hopefully, Hernan can continue to turn the Latvian’s career around. It would be a shame if Gulbis did not live up to his potential.

(Image: AP)

Ferrer Snaps Ferrero’s Streak

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:05:00 +0000

Juan Carlos Ferrero was on a 14-game winning streak before last night's final in Acapulco. The Spaniard attempted to go for his third-consecutive title. The current world no. 16 had to first get past David Ferrer, his compatriot, friend and business partner.

This final was rematch of their championship matchup in Buenos Aires, which the 30 year old got the best of his friend that time. This time, Ferrer outlasted Ferrero 6-3 3-6 6-1. The title is Ferrer’s eighth-career title.

Both players will unite to take on Switzerland in Davis Cup next week. Spain will go for their third-consecutive title.

(Images: Mexport)

Djokovic Tops Again In Dubai

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Novak Djokovic successfully defended his title and points in Dubai this week. After being forced to play the final over two days because of a rain delay, Djokovic eventually overcame Mikhail Youzhny 7-5 5-7 6-3. The victory is the Serb’s 16th title.

(Image: Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships)

Djokovic Books Final Spot In Dubai

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:45:00 +0000

Novak Djokovic made it into the final by the skin of his teeth. The world no. 2 again had a slow start. He staved off a charge from Marcos Baghadatis but was ultimately victorious with a 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 win. The win was not pretty, but it was enough to advance.

The Serb will now defend his title against Mikhail Youzhny tomorrow. The Russian has been playing well but has not been tested this week since his quarterfinal opponent, Janko Tipsaravic sent home Andy Murray in the second round.

It should be an interesting matchup with Djokovic still struggling and Youzhny playing well. Their head-to-head record is 3-3 with the world no. 15 winning their last meeting in the Rotterdam semifinals.

Friday's Results
Singles Semifinals
2 Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4
7 Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) def. Jurgen Melzer (AUT) 7-5 7-6(4)

Doubles Semifinals
2 L. Dlouhy (CZE)/L. Paes (IND) def. C. Kas (GER)/D. Norman (BEL) 2-6 7-6(6) 10-7
S. Aspelin (SWE)/P. Hanley (AUS) def. F. Lopez (ESP)/T. Robredo (ESP) 6-2 3-6 14-12

Championship Saturday
Singles Final
2 Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. 7 Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)

Doubles Final
2 L. Dlouhy (CZE)/L. Paes (IND) vs. S. Aspelin (SWE)/P. Hanley (AUS)
Saturday's Order of Play

Watch Live
Tennis Channel – 10:00 AM ET

(Image: Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships)

Tipsy Kneecaps Scotsman

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Janko Tipsarevic upset third-seed Andy Murray 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4. After losing the first set, Murray rallied to win the second set, but the world no. 39 was able to hold off the current world no. 4. It is a solid victory for the third-ranked Serb, who has had a so-so year so far. The two-match streak this week brings his record this year to 4-2.

He is the second Serb to book a spot in the quarterfinals after Novak Djokovic was able to skirt trouble from another Serb, Viktor Troicki. Tipsarevic will play seventh-seed Mikhail Youzhny in the quarterfinals. The 25-year-old Serb leads Youzhny 2-1 in their head-to-head meetings.

Wednesday’s Results
Singles Second Round
2 Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. Viktor Troicki (SRB) 3-6 6-4 6-2
Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) def. 3 Andy Murray (GBR) 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4
Michael Berrer (GER) def. 4 Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) 6-3 RET. (left wrist)
Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) def. 5 WC Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 7-5 6-3
6 Marin Cilic (CRO) def. Q Stefan Koubek (AUT) 6-2 7-6(6)
7 Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) def. Q Bjorn Phau (GER) 7-6(2) 6-4
Jurgen Melzer (AUT) def. Tommy Robredo (ESP) 6-3 7-5
Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) def. Q Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-3 3-6 6-1

Doubles First Round
F. Lopez (ESP)/T. Robredo (ESP) def. 1 D. Nestor (CAN)/N. Zimonjic (SRB) 6-3 3-6 10-7
A. Clement (FRA)/R. Lindstedt (SWE) def. WC R. Bopanna (IND)/A. Qureshi (PAK) 5-7 7-6(5) 10-8
4 F. Cermak (CZE)/M. Mertinak (SVK) def. 4 N. Davydenko (RUS)/I. Kunitsyn (RUS) walkover (Davydenko - left wrist)

Doubles Quarterfinals
S. Aspelin (SWE)/P. Hanley (AUS) def. 3 M. Bhupathi (IND)/M. Mirnyi (BLR) 6-4 6-4

Thursday’s Order of Play

Watch Live
Tennis Channel 5:00 AM ET – 9:00 AM ET, 10:00 AM ET – 2:00 PM ET

(Image: Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship)

Delray Beach Int'l Tennis Championship: Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:58:00 +0000

Wednesday's Results
Singles First Round
7 James Blake (USA) def. Taylor Dent (USA) 6-1 3-6 6-3 (resumed from Tuesday night)

Singles Second Round
Leonardo Mayer (ARG) def. 6 Florian Mayer (GER) 6-4 76(4)

Doubles First Round
P. Marx (GER)/I. Zelenay (SVK) def. 3 R. Hutchins (GBR)/J. Kerr (AUS) 6-7(8) 6-1 10-8

Thursday's Order of Play

> The rest of the day's matches were postponed due to rain.

Nando Receives Italian Wake Up Call

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Top-seed Fernando Verdasco had to rally to beat Italian Fabio Fognini. The Spaniard eventually overcame the world no. 57 2-6 6-4 6-0 in just under two hours of play. The world no. 10 will play Pole Lukasz Kubot in the second round.

Once a doubles specialist, Kubot had a good year last year and is off to a promising start this year. The Pole is enjoying his best career ranking at world no. 48 to date. Kubot could be trouble for Verdasco if he does not clean it his act by tomorrow.

Singles First Round
1 WC Fernando Verdasco (ESP) def. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2-6 6-4 6-0
2 Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) def. Sam Querrey (USA) 6-4 3-6 7-6(2)
3 David Ferrer (ESP) def. Potito Starace (ITA) 6-2 6-4
4 Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) def. Q Diego Junqueira (ARG) 6-2 6-3
Simon Greul (GER) def. 5 John Isner (USA) 7-6(4) 7-5
6 Nicolas Almagro (ESP) def. Dudi Sela (ISR) 6-1 7-6(0)
7 Juan Monaco (ARG) def. Q Alberto Martin (ESP) 6-7(6) 7-5 6-2
8 Albert Montanes (ESP) def. Daniel Gimeno-Traver (ESP) 7-5 4-6 6-2
Pablo Cuevas (URU) def. Marcos Daniel (BRA) 1-6 7-5 7-6(8) - saved 3 M.P.
Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG) def. Peter Luczak (AUS) 6-0 1-6 6-0
Victor Hanescu (ROU) def. Frederico Gil (POR) 7-6(5) 6-3
Igor Andreev (RUS) def. Q Victor Crivoi (ROU) 6-3 6-4
Lukasz Kubot (POL) def. Horacio Zeballos (ARG) 6-1 6-2

Doubles First Round
WC S. Gonzalez (MEX)/N. Massu (CHI) def 4 J. Brunstrom (SWE)/J. Rojer (AHO) 6-2 6-7(2) 11-9
WC J. Elizondo (MEX)/C. Ramirez (MEX) def. L. Arnold Ker (ARG)/T. Bellucci (BRA) 7-6(5) 4-6 10-8

Wednesday’s Order of Play

(Image: Mexsport/Hector Rivera)

2010 Davis Cup Teams Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:01:00 +0000

Spain vs. Switzerland
Team Spain:
Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo and Marcel Granollers
Notably Missing: Rafael Nadal, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez
Team Switzerland:
Stanislas Wawrinka, Marco Chiudinelli, Michael Lammer and Yves Allegro
Notably Missing: Roger Federer

France vs. Germany
Team France:
Jo-Wilfied Tsonga, Gael Monfils, Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau
Notably Missing: Gilles Simon
Team Germany:
Philipp Kohlschreiber, Benjamin Becker, Simon Greul and Christopher Kas
Notably Missing: Tommy Haas and Nicolas Kiefer

Russia vs. India
Team Russia:
Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Teimuraz Gabashvili and Igor Kunitsyn
Notably Missing: Igor Andreev and Dmitry Tursunov
Team India:
Somdev Devvarman, Rohan Bopanna, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi

Sweden vs. Argentina
Team Sweden:
Robin Soderling, Andreas Vinciguerra, Simon Aspelin and Robert Lindstedt
Team Argentina:
Juan Monaco, Horacio Zeballos, Leonardo Mayer and Eduardo Schwank
Notably Missing: Juan Martin del Potro and David Nalbandian

Croatia vs. Ecuador
Team Croatia:
Marin Cilic, Ivo Karlovic, Ivan Dodig and Antonio Veic
Notably Missing: Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic
Team Ecuador:
Nicolas Lapentti, Giovanni Lapentti, Ivan Endara and Julio-Cesar Campozano

Serbia vs. USA
Team Serbia:
Novak Djokovic, Viktor Troicki, Janko Tipsarevic and Nenad Zimonjic
Team USA:
John Isner, Sam Querrey, Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan
Notably Missing: Andy Roddick and James Blake

Chile vs. Israel
Team Chile:
Fernando Gonzalez, Nicolas Massu, Paul Capdeville and Jorge Aguilar
Team Israel:
Dudi Sela, Harel Levy, Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram

Belgium vs. Czech Republic
Team Belgium:
Olivier Rochus, Xavier Malisse, Steve Darcis and Christophe Rochus
Team Czech Republic:
Tomas Berdych, Radek Stepanek, Jan Hajek and Lukas Dlouhy

World Group Draw