Tennis News

[mauiguy90]

The news speaks for itself. Three months into the year and Roger Federer has yet to win a title. Excuses or not, Federer has entered 3 tournaments and lost. Is it mononucleosis? Lack of competition? Better competition?

Fed's been the number one player in the world for several years now. No one else in recent memory has been ranked #1. Will someone break Fed's streak of consecutive weeks ranked number 1? Is Roger Federer's domination of men's tennis is coming to an end?

Whether it is or not, will Federer surpass or equal Pete Sampras' record this year? Will Fed finally win the French? Continue his streak at Wimbledon? Take the US Open? The answer to these questions are uncertain now but will unfold in the months to come.

Edited March 23, 2008 by mauiguy90

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Djokovic and Ivanovic Capture Pacific Life Titles

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP)—Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic have given their home country reason to be proud.

The 20-year-old Serbs who practiced together as children won his and her titles in the Pacific Life Open on Sunday. Djokovic ended American Mardy Fish's string of upsets with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 victory, and Ivanovic downed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 6-3.

There has been civil strife in Kosovo since it declared its independence from Serbia last month, but both Djokovic and Ivanovic said they do not want to discuss politics.

Serbian swimmer Milorad Cavic was suspended from the European swimming championships Friday for wearing a T-shirt proclaiming "Kosovo is Serbia" at a medal ceremony.

"I'm really sad to hear about this," Ivanovic said. "But on the other hand, I don't know much about politics and I don't get involved in that area. When I'm out here playing, I just want to represent my country in the best possible way.

"They (Serbs) really love tennis right now. It's a cool thing to wake up (in the middle of the night) and watch us play," she said, alluding to the time difference. "They're proud to be Serbians, like I think everyone is in their own country."

Djokovic, whose father and other relatives are natives of Kosovo, recently taped a video saying he believes Kosovo will always be a part of Serbia.

"It kind of touched me in that moment that this was my quest to give support to my country," he said.

Otherwise, he said, he simply considers himself an athlete representing his country.

"I think professional athletes all over the world … are one of the biggest ambassadors of their country; considering the fact that our country is in a very difficult position, they're struggling in economics and politics, as well," he said.

"But this is something I don't want to get involved in."

Djokovic and Ivanovic figure to represent their country well in tennis, since they both already have accomplished a great deal and seem to be getting even better. He's No. 3 behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who both lost at Indian Wells. Only Justine Henin, who skipped the tournament, is ranked above No. 2 Ivanovic.

The Serbian stars just missed a sweep in the Australian Open. Djokovic beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the men's title, and Ivanovic lost to Maria Sharapova in their final.

Both Djokovic and Ivanovic won their championship matches at Indian Wells mostly by powering shots down the lines, although Djokovic obviously had a tougher time with No. 98 Fish.

Djokovic, who lost to Nadal in the final last year, knocked off Nadal in the semifinals this time.

Despite the loss, Fish had a remarkable run at Indian Wells. He had never beaten two top-10 players in a tournament before, but he upset No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko and No. 7 David Nalbandian before stunning Federer in the semifinals.

The 26-year-old Fish, who rose to No. 17 four years ago but has been hampered by injuries, will move up to the top 50 in the next rankings.

He built an enthusiastic following along the way at Indian Wells, with fans chanting "Mardy! Mardy!" during the final, and one waving a sign reading, "Go Fish."

He said his success in the tournament took a while to sink in.

"I just didn't realize what had happened," he said. "To get a few wins against players like that and to play a match like today, to be in there. A lot of great players to go through, and I was one set away.

Asked if he thought Djokovic could become No. 1, Fish said yes. But as for the top player now, he said, "I think it's Roger Federer, hands down. He's had a few results these past few weeks that are uncharacteristic for him. I think he's going to continue to be No. 1 for a long time."

Djokovic seemed on his way to an easy victory after winning the first set and going up 4-2 in the second. But Fish came back to win five of the next six games and force a third set. Djokovic seemed to slip out of his rhythm during Fish's comeback, twice slamming his racket to the court after missing shots.

But he broke Fish's serve in the second game of the final set, then each held serve the rest of the way. After wrapping it up with a service winner, Djokovic raised his eyes and arms skyward, then shook hands with Fish and hugged him.

In the women's match, Ivanovic used well-placed groundstrokes to keep Kuznetsova scrambling from side to side. She capped her victory with a shot that seemed to typify her play in the final: she whipped a forehand down the line on a service return.

Edited March 24, 2008 by mauiguy90

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Ivanovic crushes Kuznetsova in final

Indian Wells, 24 March 2008

Reuters

Top-seeded Serb Ana Ivanovic clinched her first WTA title of the year by hammering Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 6-3 in the Pacific Life Open final today.

The 20 year old from Belgrade broke Kuznetsova, the second seed, three times in the second set to wrap up victory in one hour 21 minutes at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

After dominating a first set of quality shot-making, Ivanovic held the edge in an error-prone second before sealing the title by hitting a forehand service return winner.

It was the sixth WTA success of Ivanovic's career and the third loss by Kuznetsova in a final this season, following earlier disappointments in Sydney and Doha.

"This feels amazing," a beaming Ivanovic said in a televised courtside interview after beating the Russian for a fifth time in six meetings.

"I knew I needed to play aggressively today and just tried to move into the court as much as possible. I think I did that well today."

Kuznetsova, the 2004 US Open champion, conceded she had been totally outplayed in losing her eighth WTA final in her last nine.

"It's painful any time you lose but I prefer to get to the final and lose," the Russian told reporters. "I think she played incredibly well in the first set, every important point she hit the ball on the line.

"In the second set, I felt much more pressure because I had to go for it a bit more and she broke me three times. I think I played a bit too much to her forehand today."

On a sun-drenched afternoon in the California desert, the opening set went with serve until the ninth game when a crunching forehand by Ivanovic forced an error off Kuznetsova's backhand for the Serb to lead 30-40.

Ivanovic, runner-up at the Australian Open in January, coolly clinched the break point with a whipping topspin forehand winner to edge ahead 5-4.

The elegant Serb then served out to take the opening set in 40 minutes, clinching the final point when the Russian hit a forehand long.

Ivanovic took early control in the second set, breaking in the third game when Kuznetsova pushed a backhand wide to lead 2-1.

However, the Serb surprisingly failed to hold serve in the fourth, trailing 0-40 before being broken after a backhand flew wide.

Kuznetsova, increasingly vulnerable on her serve, was again broken in the seventh game when she netted a forehand before Ivanovic held to lead 5-3.

Serving to stay in the match, the 22-year-old Russian double-faulted to trail 0-30 before Ivanovic then unleashed a big backhand winner for 0-40.

The Serb claimed the opening Masters Series event of the year with a service return winner.

Edited March 24, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

The 2008 Sony Ericsson Open Draw Made

The 2008 Sony Ericsson Open held its draw ceremony for this year's tournament. World No. 1 Justine Henin is seeded No. 1 in this year's tournament and will have a first-round bye. Henin finds herself on the same side of the draw as defending Sony Ericsson Open champ Serena Williams and defending Wimbledon champion Venus Williams. Henin lost in an exciting final last year to Serena. On the other side of the women's draw Lindsay Davenport continues her comeback after giving birth less than a year ago. Posing a threat to Davenport in the bottom half of the draw are Jelena Jankovic and Amelie Mauresmo.

On the men's side of the draw, World No. 1 Roger Federer has both Andy Roddick and Nikolay Davydenko on his side of the draw. On the other side of the men's draw, defending Sony Ericsson Open champ Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and James Blake will battle it out for a spot in the finals.

On Friday, March 28 Venus Williams will take center court at 7:00 pm and face the winner of Jill Craybas and Marta Domachowska. On Saturday, March 29, Federer will take over center court and face the winner of Gael Monfils and John Isner.

Tickets to the Sony Ericsson Open are on sale now and can be purchased by phone (305-442-3367) or via internet at www.sonyericssonopen.com. An amazing 12 days of tennis conclude with the women's final on Saturday, April 5 and the men's final on Sunday, April 6.

[mauiguy90]

Federer is unquestionably the top ranked player in the world. However, this season, he has shown that he is not the best player in the world. In three tournaments played, he has lost 3 times, twice prior to the final including a loss to Andy Murray in the 1st round and a loss to Mardy Fish in the Pacific Life Open recently concluded.

Djokovic has won 2 of the tournaments that Federer has been eliminated from including a win over Federer in the Australian Open. He also beat Fish in the final of the Pacific Life Open. In the ATP race rankings, which only counts tournaments in the year to date, Djokovic is the clear leader, with Nadal, Tsonga and then Federer trailing in points. This includes the Australian Open and the recently concluded Indian Wells Pacific Life tournament.

However, the ATP determines rankings for tournaments based on results accumulated from a year ago, which really is not a measure of how the player is presently performing. In fact, in most sports, rankings are generally determined on the current season rather on previous seasons. However, in the present overall tennis ranking system, which incorporates these year old results, Fed actually will extend his point lead over both Djokovic and Nadal even though he lost in the semifinals.

Due to this older and probably outdated ranking system, Fed will continue to be ranked #1 in tournaments this year while Djokovic and Nadal battle to make the finals against him. If you look at the draw from the Pacific Life Open and the Miami Sony Ericsson tournaments, then it will become obvious that this is the case. In both tournaments, DJ and Nadal have been seeded to meet in the semifinals.

In tournaments such as these, DJ will win sometimes and Nadal will win at times. What this means is that the two of them will divide points among themselves and unless one of them dominates the other (i.e. Djokovic), neither will have enough points to take the overall lead. For this reason, it is quite likely that even if Fed continues to play uninspired tennis and gets whitewashed this year in the majors, he will still remain #1 in the rankings even if Nadal and Djokovic were to win the major tournaments.

The only way this will change this year is if Federer loses in earlier rounds to unseeded players such as Mardy Fish and lower ranked players such as Andy Murray. In all likelihood, this will not happen often. Consequently, Federer will likely continue to be the top ranked player for this year even though he is not the best player in the world, as is the case presently.

Edited March 25, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Miami Sony Ericsson Preview; Djokovic to Set New Goals

A sizzling start to the 2008 tennis season has Novak Djokovic re-evaluating his goals heading into his title defence at the Sony Ericsson WTA and ATP Masters Series starting this week.

The 20-year-old Serb seized his first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open in January and on Sunday captured the first of the year's prestigious Masters Series titles at Indian Wells, California.

"It has been a dream start, of course," Djokovic said after a 6-2 5-7 6-3 victory over unexpected finalist Mardy Fish in the Pacific Life Open final.

"Before I started playing this season, I said that my two goals are to be consistent with the results, reach the Masters Cup and hopefully win one Grand Slam.

"I did all that in a very, very small amount of time."

However, Djokovic doesn't plan to rest on his laurels.

"I don't want to stop here," he said. "I'll try to keep going in Miami and I'm defending champion there.

"Coming up from Indian Wells as the tournament winner, it's much easier."

World No.3 Djokovic has narrowed the gap on second-ranked Spaniard Rafael Nadal to 425 points.

Both Nadal and world No.1 Roger Federer arrive in Miami in search of their first 2008 title.

For Federer, it is the first time since 2000 he has gone so far into a season without hoisting a trophy.

The Swiss, who has reigned atop the rankings since 2004, was slowed early this year by a debilitating bout of mononucleosis.

At Indian Wells he looked more his old self – until he was shocked in the semifinals by the unseeded Fish.

Fish's spectacular run at Indian Wells – where he beat three top 10 players – propelled him from 98th in the world back into the top 50, a welcome advance for the oft-injured player once ranked as high as 17th in the world.

Other players expected to make a run at Djokovic's Miami title are Americans Andy Roddick – the 2004 champion – and James Blake, Russian Nikolay Davydenko and France's Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Defending women's champion Serena Williams returns, seeking her fifth Miami title in seven years.

Williams won three straight crowns from 2002–2004, then returned to Miami in 2007 for the first time since her 2004 title run.

If Williams can win again, she would tie German great Steffi Graf for most singles titles in tournament history.

Gunning for Williams's title will be world No.1 Justin Henin, plus sister Venus, rising Serbian stars Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.

Ivanovic solidified her hold on the world No.2 ranking with a convincing win over Kuznetsova in the Indian Wells women's final.

One notable absentee is Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova, who withdrew after her semifinal defeat in California complaining of a shoulder injury.

Tennis mum Lindsay Davenport, who was forced to retire from her quarterfinal match in Indian Wells with a back injury, remained hopeful that she would bounce back in time to compete in Miami.

Edited March 26, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Here is a link to the overall ATP rankings which determine tournament seedings:

http://www.atptennis.com/3/en/rankings/ent...tem/default.asp

Notable changes in the rankings are Tsonga moving up 5 spots up to #12; Andy Murray falling 2 spots to #13; Fernando Gonzalez falling 6 spots to #18; Stanislas Wawrinka (quarters Indian Wells) moving up to #29; and Mardy Fish up 58 spots to #40.

Federer increased his point lead over Nadal from 350 points to 845 points, further distancing himself from the pack.

For comparison purposes, here is the link to the ATP Race Rankings (which measures current season performance):

http://www.atptennis.com/3/en/rankings/cha...ace/default.asp

Edited March 26, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Federer Hopes to Shake Slow Start at Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)—The best player in tennis has been awfully average this year.

Roger Federer is off to his worst start since 2000, when he was 18 and still three years from his first Grand Slam title. In three tournaments he has yet to reach a final, and he has lost three of his past six matches.

Not that anyone will be eager to face Federer at the Sony Ericsson Open, which begins Wednesday. He's a two-time champion and top-seeded, and he's sure to be highly motivated to jump-start his season.

But for the moment, the debate about whether Federer is the best player ever has given way to another question: Is his game in decline?

Health has been a factor. A stomach virus curtailed his preparation for the Australian Open, and he lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. Last month Federer was diagnosed with mononucleosis, and when he returned three weeks ago, he lost to Andy Murray in the opening round at Dubai.

But even after Federer pronounced himself fit at Indian Wells, his backhand lacked its usual snap, and his lethal forehand was too often wayward. He lost in the semifinals to No. 98-ranked Mardy Fish.

Is this a slump? A slip? A bump? A blip?

Fish says top players don't see Federer as more vulnerable than before.

"In the locker room, we just kind of laugh at it," Fish says. "We just kind of think it's kind of a joke—you know: 'Oh, my gosh, Roger hasn't won a tournament yet this year.' … I think he's going to continue to be No. 1 for a long time."

Federer's domination has been such that he'll remain atop the rankings even if he loses his opening match at Key Biscayne. He has a first-round bye, then will play Saturday against the winner of the match between Gael Monfils and American John Isner.

Before losing to Fish, Federer had won 41 consecutive matches against Americans since 2003. Fish was the lowest-ranked player to beat Federer in nearly three years.

But Federer said the upset was merely a case of confronting a hot player who hardly missed a shot.

"I'm surprised myself it hasn't happened more in the last five years," Federer said. "That's why I'm maybe not that disappointed."

Still, this is the deepest Federer has gone into a year without winning a title since 2000. Since seizing the No. 1 ranking four years ago, this is the first time he has failed to reach a final in three consecutive tournaments.

Federer, who parted with coach Tony Roche nearly a year ago, said his game doesn't need major changes. After all, he's only two Grand Slam titles shy of tying Pete Sampras' record of 14. Last year Federer won three of the four major events, including the U.S. Open in September.

At 26, still in his prime, Federer figures all his game needs are a few tweaks.

"I think I have really a lot of potential toward playing more aggressive," he said. "The rest is sort of trying to maintain good fitness and good defensive skill. My offensive skills will always be very good. I just having to continue improving little things.

"I think it's about details at this stage of my career. I'm not going to become a different player. I don't want to."

Among the top men and women, only Maria Sharapova will be absent at Key Biscayne. Justine Henin is seeded No. 1 on the women's side and is in the same half of the draw as Serena and Venus Williams. Serena beat Henin in last year's final.

Three-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal is seeded No. 2 in the men's draw, and defending champion Djokovic is third.

Djokovic, who won his first major title this year, is one reason the gap between Federer and other top players seems to be shrinking.

"There is more variety of players at the top, which is an encouraging thing for this sport," Djokovic said. "Obviously a lot of people got a little bit bored, Federer and Nadal winning and being so dominant. It's always good to see some new faces winning major events. I think the people like it."

Edited March 26, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Paradorn to Make Comeback During Thai-Aussie Davis Cup Match?

Thai tennis hero Paradorn Srichaphan is considering a desperate comeback against Australia in next month's do-or-die Davis Cup encounter in Townsville.

Srichaphan hasn't played competitive tennis since the 2007 Miami Masters exactly one year ago, consequently vanishing from the top 1000 rankings.

Reports out of Bangkok, though, indicate the former world No.9 is poised to make a dramatic return from a persistent wrist injury for the Asia-Oceania zone play-off from April 11-13.

In addition to Chinese news agency Xinhua reporting overnight that Srichaphan is "expected to return to face Australia", Srichaphan is understood to have been included in the Thai team's travel and accommodation arrangements for the trip to north Queensland.

Srichaphan is a sporting superstar in his homeland and celebrated well beyond for his achievements, including becoming the first Asian-born player to crack the world top 10 in 2003.

He carried the Thai flag at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympics and last year married Canada's 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova.

His presence alone would be a huge morale booster for the Thai underdogs in the Davis Cup tie, although he also boasts an imposing 31-10 Davis Cup singles record.

Optus Australian Davis Cup team captain John Fitzgerald was today intrigued to learn of Srichaphan's possible inclusion in a Thai line-up otherwise devoid of world-class talent.

"It creates interest in the tie, doesn't it?" Fitzgerald said.

"I've heard rumours, seen a couple of articles. I think they've maybe made bookings for him ... but I don't know if he'll come. It would be a big move."

If Thailand were to gamble on using Srichaphan as their No.2 singles player behind world No.209 Danai Udomchoke, he would have to take on Australian No.1 Lleyton Hewitt on the opening day of the hardcourt tie - a huge ask even when fully fit.

"He's the main guy but, along with him, only their team would know what his form's like, how he's practising and whether he thinks he's a chance," Fitzgerald said.

"But that's their issue. It's their problem. Not mine.

"We just have to show up with our best team. If he's in the opposition, he's in the opposition.

"I think it will create interest for the tie and it would be a healthy thing for the Davis Cup competition, because I'm a great admirer of him.

"But I don't know and I don't know if they know how he's going to react after 10 months or whatever out.

"It's certainly of interest to me."

Australia, with Chris Guccione, Peter Luczak and doubles specialist Paul Hanley supporting Hewitt, are heavy favourites to win the tie and advance to a World Group play-off in September.

Fitzgerald, though, as ever, was taking nothing for granted and said it was vital Australia won the opening two singles rubbers.

"This competition can go in so many directions after the first day. There's so many variables," he said.

"They've got a good doubles team. They've got two brothers who have won two events together. So they're no pushovers.

"So it's always nerve-wracking, no matter who you play."

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Serena Williams Focuses on Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)—A conversation with Serena Williams can cover a wide range of topics, from screenplays (she wants to write one) to electric cars (she wants to buy one) to her love life.

"Right now," she said, laughing, "I'm dating my tennis racket."

Yes, amid her many interests, Williams still finds time for tennis. She's seeking her fifth Key Biscayne title at the Sony Ericsson Open, which began Wednesday with matches involving unseeded players.

Williams is seeded eighth but perhaps the woman to beat, given her 23-1 record in the event since 2002. While she sometimes seems more excited about acting and fashion design than tennis, Key Biscayne usually earns her undivided attention.

Maybe it's because she lives 90 minutes up Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens and always has lots of friends and family at her matches.

"I love having people come out," she says. "It's pressure on me to keep winning."

The tournament is only her third this year. She lost in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open to Jelena Jankovic, then won in Bangalore, India in early March, beating sister Venus in the semifinals and Patty Schnyder in the final.

Williams says she has since been practicing more than usual, and she shrugs off persistent talk she's insufficiently devoted to her career.

"Tennis is No. 1 in my life," she says. "I really enjoy the game. I love nothing more than walking on the court. To me that's just the best feeling."

Plus, she says: "It's a great job. It pays well."

Slowed by injuries in 2006, Williams mounted a career comeback last year. She won the Australian Open for her eighth major title, the most among active women. She also won Key Biscayne, making it seven titles at the event for the Williams sisters since 1998.

"We've got seven of the last 10?" three-time champion Venus said. "That's nice. It's exciting. We love this tournament."

Both sisters returned to the top 10 in 2007. Serena's ranking rose to seventh from 95th at the start of last year.

The sisters first cracked the top 10 in the late 1990s, and they're now the lone American women in the top 30. Only one American younger than 26—Ashley Harkleroad—is in the top 100, and Serena blames the U.S. woes on a lack of tournaments.

"There are only a handful in the United States," she says. "When I was younger there were so many—Chicago, Houston, D.C., everywhere. I got to see a lot of tennis. That's how my dad got us into tennis.

"If you have every tournament in Europe or Asia, you're going to get more European or Asian players, as opposed to American players. I think that's the root of the problem."

At 26, nearly nine years removed from her first Grand Slam title, Williams sees the benefits of being older and wiser when it comes to her sport.

"The older you get, the more appreciation you have for the game," she says. "When you're younger, maybe you don't have to work as hard. When you get older, you have to do a lot more to keep your body right and your game tight."

She says she's "really healthy" at the moment, and plenty of challenges await in 2008. It has been nearly five years since Williams won a non-Australian major title, and she's eager to play in the Beijing Olympics, even though she's concerned about the pollution in Beijing.

"I'm an environmentalist," she says. "I try to recycle, and I don't have a Prius, but I'm going to get an electric car soon."

She's also excited about a new TV commercial she did with Rafael Nadal, and she still wants to pursue work in Hollywood—in front of the camera, and behind the scenes as well.

"I've gotten into writing a lot. I think I want to write a couple of screenplays," she says. "I write a lot of love stories and funny stories."

How about an autobiography?

"Not anytime soon," she said, laughing. "I don't know who would write an autobiography at 26."

Williams still has a few tennis chapters to go.

Edited March 27, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Familiar Sight: Roddick, Blake, Bryans to Suit up for Davis Cup against France

The announcement of the U.S. Davis Cup team used to be filled with drama. Would Pete Sampras suit up? Could Jimmy Connors be coaxed into playing? Would frustrated John McEnroe call out the other stars who refused to sign on?

No more. Captain Patrick McEnroe on Thursday reeled off the same four names for a record 10th straight time. Andy Roddick and James Blake will play singles, and Bob and Mike Bryan doubles in next month’s quarterfinal with France in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The U.S. has had the same Davis Cup roster since Andre Agassi played for the final time in March 2005. Roddick, Blake and the Bryan twins led the U.S. to its first Davis Cup title in 12 years in 2007. The foursome beat Austria 4-1 in the first round of this year’s competition in February.

“I think I’m pretty lucky,” McEnroe said Thursday by phone from Baltimore, where he was testing a quick, indoor hard-court surface for the April 11-13 matches.

France has yet to announce its team. The U.S. and France have split 14 meetings. France won the last time they met, in the 2002 semifinals in Paris. The winner will face Germany or Spain in the semifinals.

Davis Cup is a passion for Roddick, No. 6 in the ATP rankings. He’s won his last seven singles matches and is 27-9 overall in Davis Cup singles.

Roddick will make his 21st Davis Cup appearance, nine shy of John McEnroe’s American record. Agassi played in 22 Davis Cup events, Sampras 16 and Connors seven.

“You want players that want to be there, that want to be part of the process, that you don’t feel as a captain like you have to twist their arm to be there,” McEnroe said.

McEnroe is sticking with Blake as the No. 2 singles player ahead of the hot Mardy Fish, who beat No. 1 Roger Federer on Saturday. Fish will practice with the U.S. team and would be available if there’s an injury.

Blake is ranked ninth in the world and has won three straight Davis Cup matches and six of seven.

“The rankings don’t lie and the rankings still say that James Blake is in the top 10,” McEnroe said. “Clearly we have a great 1-2 punch. If Mardy comes in and has a great week of practice, anything is possible. But I’m certainly not expecting anyone other than James and Andy will be playing singles.”

The Bryans are the top-ranked doubles team and have given the U.S. almost an automatic point in the best-of-five event. They’re 14-1 since 2003.

The U.S. will be tested against the French. The matchup could produce four singles players in the top 12 of the ATP rankings.

No. 8 Richard Gasquet and No. 12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the Australian Open runner-up, won singles matches in France’s 5-0 rout of Romania in the first round. Paul-Henri Mathieu, ranked 16th, is another possibility for French captain Guy Forget. Arnaud Clement is 11th and Michael Llodra 12th in the doubles rankings.

Gasquet beat Roddick at Wimbledon last year, and Clement and Llodra beat the Bryans in the Wimbledon final.

“I think they’re all dangerous. It’s a great matchup,” McEnroe said. “Each match, individually, could be a Grand Slam semifinal.”

Edited March 28, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Djokovic Upset in Ball Bouncing Controversy

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)—Novak Djokovic often bounces the ball more than a dozen times before serving, and the tedious ritual may have cost him a match Friday.

The defending champion at the Sony Ericsson Open went into a funk after being warned for taking too much time between points, then blew a third-set lead to lose his opening match.

Qualifier Kevin Anderson, a 6-foot-7 former NCAA doubles champion at Illinois, beat the third-ranked Djokovic 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-4.

Djokovic won his first Grand Slam title at this year's Australian Open and was coming off a title at Indian Wells last week. But he struggled from the start against Anderson and was rattled by the warning from the chair umpire.

Serving at 2-0 in the third set, Djokovic won the next point after the warning to reach deuce, then lost 13 points in a row. Jeers from the crowd further agitated him, and by the time Djokovic collected himself, Anderson was up a break at 3-2.

"I didn't focus myself in that moment," Djokovic said. "But, you know, that's OK. It's all part of the game."

Anderson, a big-serving South African, played for three years at Illinois and won the 2006 NCAA doubles title. He turned pro last year, and the victory was his first over a top-10 player.

"I kept telling myself, 'I can do this. I've just got to believe in myself,"' said Anderson, ranked No. 122. "Even still, just knowing what he's done and what a great player he is, to have beaten him is a tremendous experience for me."

Another qualifier, Benjamin Becker, had no luck against second-seeded Rafael Nadal, who won 7-5, 6-2. No. 7 David Nalbandian lost to Xavier Malisse 6-1, 6-4, and No. 8 Richard Gasquet was beaten by Dmitry Tursunov 6-3, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5). No. 9 James Blake eliminated Andreas Seppi 7-5, 6-3.

In women's play, defending champion Serena Williams, three-time champion Venus Williams and top-ranked Justine Henin won their opening matches in straight sets.

Serena, seeking her fifth Key Biscayne title, reached the third round by beating Edina Gallovits 6-1, 6-2. Her older sister double-faulted seven times but swept Marta Domachowska 6-4, 6-3. Henin defeated Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-2.

Seeded players had opening-round byes and were in action for the first time Friday.

Djokovic, leading 2-0 but facing break point, was dribbling before a serve when umpire Norm Chryst warned him for taking too much time. Djokovic whacked a forehand winner to end that point, then screamed in the umpire's direction and shook both fists. The crowd hooted at the Serbian.

Two points later, when Djokovic hit a first serve into the net, several fans cheers. He glared toward the stands, then lost the point and the game when he blew an easy volley.

Djokovic said he broke a shoelace during that rally.

"Obviously, the time violation and a lot of different things affected my service game," he said.

He rapidly unraveled from there, losing the next two games at love. Once Anderson took the lead in the final set, he kept it by serving well down the stretch, and on match point Djokovic slammed a forehand into the net.

Djokovic said he battled nerves at important moments against Anderson.

"Maybe I went for some shots too much, and he was wisely waiting for my mistakes," Djokovic said. "That was a crucial point."

Djokovic said he also felt a little tired. He's 17-4 this year as he heads to clay—not his best surface.

"The good thing about this loss is that I can get a bit longer period of preparation and vacation as well," he said.

Serena Williams made herself right at home, as usual. Williams, who lives 90 minutes up Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens, improved to 24-1 at Key Biscayne since 2002.

"I love playing here, I love having all my friends come and see me play," Williams said. "It's like playing at home. So I think any time you play at home, like the Patriots playing at home, you always have the extra oomph."

Henin showed no signs of the knee injury that troubled her at the start of the year. The Belgian hit 40 winners to only eight for her 80th-ranked opponent in raising her record this year to 13-2.

Henin began the year with pain in her right knee and considered surgery before deciding to treat the injury with cortisone and rest.

"I feel much better physically today than I did a few weeks ago—that's for sure," Henin said. "So we could see it in my serve. … I can play with my forehand again, and I feel that everything is better now."

Edited March 29, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Djokovic Stunned by Qualifier in Opening Match

South African qualifier Kevin Anderson sent defending champion Novak Djokovic packing today, ending the third-seeded Serbian's bid for a second straight ATP Masters Series title.

Anderson, ranked 122nd in the world, defeated the world number three and reigning Australian Open champion 7-6 3-6 6-4 in a second-round match at the US$7.54 million (A$8.21 million) Sony Ericsson Open, which features both the prestigious ATP Masters Series draw and a WTA tournament.

One of the 32 seeded players to enjoy a first-round bye, Djokovic was launching his title defence fresh from claiming the first Masters Series title of the season at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Anderson, 21, notched the biggest win of his career – his first over a top 10 player.

The South African newcomer to the ATP circuit had already shown he was on form this season.

He reached the final of the ATP event in Las Vegas earlier this month, where he fell to American Sam Querrey. Prior to that run, Anderson had lost the only two ATP matches he had ever played.

Djokovic, 20, defeated Argentinian Guillermo Canas in the championship match here last year, becoming the youngest player in the 23-year history of the tournament to take the title.

Surprised in the first set by Anderson, Djokovic responded in the second, and broke early in the third to take a 2-0 lead.

But in the following game, Djokovic appeared rattled by a time violation warning while preparing to serve at deuce.

He was broken, and broken again to love in his next service game.

Anderson made the most of his advantage, finishing off the contest on his third match point.

In other second-round men's matches on Friday, second-seeded Rafael Nadal took on German qualifier Benjamin Becker.

Nadal, who fell to Djokovic in the semifinals at Indian Wells at the weekend, is seeking his first title of 2008.

Seventh-seeded David Nalbandian of Argentina and number eight seed Richard Gasquet of France were also in action.

In women's play, top-seeded Belgian Justine Henin and defending champion Serena Williams moved smoothly into the third round.

Henin, runner-up to Williams here last year, defeated Germany's Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2, while Williams, the eighth seed, beat Romanian Edina Gallovits 6-1 6-2.

Results here today from the third day of play at the Sony Ercisson Open.

Men

Second round

Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) d Marin Cilic (CRO) 4-6 6-1 6-4

Igor Andreev (RUS) d Michael Berrer (GER) 6-2 6-1

Radek Stepanek (CZE) d Sebastien Grosjean (FRA) 6-3 6-3

Nicolas Kiefer (GER) d Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) 6-3 6-2

James Blake (USA) d Andreas Seppi (ITA) 7-5 6-3

Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) d Albert Montanes (ESP) 6-3 6-2

Feliciano Lopez (ESP) d Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 6-4 6-2

Kevin Anderson (RSA) d [3] Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7-6 (1) 3-6 6-4

Women

Second round

Ashley Harkleroad (USA) d Virginie Razzano (FRA) 6-4 6-4

[1] Justine Henin (BEL) d Angelique Kerber (GER) 6-4 6-2

Marina Erakovic (NZL) d Michaella Krajicek (NED) 6-2 3-6 6-2

Shahar Peer (ISR) d Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 7-6(6) 6-3

[8] Serena Williams (USA) d Edina Gallovits (ROM) 6-1 6-2

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d Agnes Szavay (HUN) 6-2 4-6 6-1

Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) d Rossana de Los Rios (PAR) 6-2 6-2

Kaia Kanepi (EST) d Alona Bondarenko (BLR) 7-6(7) 1-6 6-3

[3] Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 6-1 3-6 6-0

Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d Anastasia Rodionova (RUS) 6-4 6-2

Sara Errani (ITA) d Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 6-4 4-6 7-6(2)

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d Marion Bartoli (FRA) 6-3 6-1

Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) d Agnieska Radwanska (POL) 2-6 6-3 7-5

Edited March 29, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Roddick Rallies to Win 3 Set Thriller against Troicki

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)—Andy Roddick hit a shot not found in any how-to manual Saturday, and it came at a critical time to help him survive a scare in his opening match at the Sony Ericsson Open.

The sixth-seeded Roddick beat qualifier Viktor Troicki 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

With Troicki serving at 4-5 in the final game, Roddick's creativity helped him win the first point. A rally forced him to the sideline near the net, and when Troicki sliced a volley to the other side, Roddick chased down the ball as it bounced away from him, then spun to yank a backhand crosscourt past the Serbian.

The ball landed on the sideline, but Roddick wasn't sure the shot was good until the crowd erupted with a standing ovation.

"I didn't even see it," he said. "I heard people yell and scream afterward, and I figured that was a good thing. As far as freak show trick shots, that's up there. You don't hit shots like that every day."

Five points later Troicki pushed a backhand wide, and Roddick had his victory. But five seeded men lost, including No. 21 Lleyton Hewitt, beaten by Jose Acasuso 6-3, 7-6 (4).

On the women's side, Lindsay Davenport played at Key Biscayne for the first time in five years and needed only an hour to eliminate Camille Pin 6-2, 6-1. Second-seeded Ana Ivanovic beat Emelie Loit 6-1, 6-2.

Roddick, off to his best start in three years, improved to 16-3 in 2008. He won despite struggling with his serve early, and survived a 20-point game at 1-1 in the final set, erasing five break points.

"To my credit, on a couple of break points we played long points and there were rallies, and I didn't play myself out of them by making an error," Roddick said. "I kind of stayed the course. After I got through that game, I felt like the match was mine to take."

Roddick fell behind early because he made only 35 percent of his first serves in the opening set.

"I normally have pretty high percentages on my first serve," he said. "It was just a technical adjustment. Maybe I was a little anxious to get out there, but the toss was out in front. I brought it back, and it clicked back in."

Davenport, seeded 32nd, lost just six service points in her successful return to Key Biscayne. Injuries, an aversion to the island's windy weather and a pregnancy last year kept her away.

"I would have never thought that five years ago would have been my last time I played here," she said. "But I have to say I've really enjoyed myself so far this year. I was excited when I got back out on that court. It's a great, great center court."

Davenport left the WTA Tour in late 2006 to have her first child. The three-time Grand Slam champion rejoined the tour last summer and is 16-3 this year, with two titles.

She needed only an hour to beat Pin.

"I was kind of trying to get used to the conditions out there," Davenport said. "For here it's a pretty calm day, but it's still a steady breeze going one way. But I was happy to get off the court relatively fast and pretty efficient."

No. 5 Anna Chakvetadze reached the third round by beating Tamira Paszek 6-3, 6-2. No. 7 Daniela Hantuchova and No. 10 Elena Dementieva also won. Seeded players had first-round byes.

No. 12 Nicole Vaidisova lost to qualifier Alisa Kleybanova 6-4, 6-0. No. 14 Nadia Petrova retired in the first set against Zheng Jie because of strained thigh.

In other men’s play, Ivo Karlovic remained winless at Key Biscayne, even though he keeps coming close. The 19th-seeded Karlovic fell to Julien Benneteau, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2).

Karlovic has played in the event the past five years, losing his opening match every time. He has gone to a third-set tiebreaker each of the past three years, and his latest defeat came despite 21 aces.

No. 14-seeded Tommy Robredo, No. 26 Philipp Kohlschreiber, No. 29 Fernando Verdasco and No. 30 Juan Ignacio Chela also lost.

Robredo was eliminated by Dudi Sela 7-6 (5), 6-1. Kohlschreiber lost to Simone Bolelli 6-4, 6-3. Verdasco was beaten by Janko Tipsarevic 6-4, 7-6 (4). Chela lost to qualifier Ivo Minar 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

No. 12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lost serve only once and rallied past Jurgen Melzer 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-1.

Edited March 29, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Davenport Upsets Ivanovic at Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)—When an infant in the stadium stands began to cry during a rally Sunday, Lindsay Davenport won the point anyway. Motherhood hasn't diminished her focus at work.

Still gaining momentum in her career comeback after becoming a parent, Davenport upset second-ranked Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-2 in the third round at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Davenport, 31, left the women's tour in late 2006 to have her first child, then returned last summer. The three-time Grand Slam champion is 17-3 this year, with two titles, and the win over Ivanovic might be her most impressive yet.

The 20-year-old Serb was the Australian Open runner-up, but her game unraveled against Davenport, who broke serve six times and won 13 of 14 points at the net.

Davenport is playing at Key Biscayne for the first time in five years. She next faces No. 13 Dinara Safina, who rallied past No. 18 Sybille Bammer 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.

Top-seeded Justine Henin and No. 6 Venus Williams also reached the fourth round. Henin beat Sara Errani 6-2, 6-1, and Williams defeated wild card Marina Erakovic by the same score.

No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova had a tougher time. In the second set she overcame a 5-2 deficit and a match point, and she swept the final 11 games to beat No. 25 Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 7-5 6-0.

No. 22 Katarina Srebotnik lost to Caroline Wozniacki 2-6, 6-3, 6-1. American Ashley Harkleroad was beaten by Elena Vesnina 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

In men’s play, No. 9 James Blake outlasted 35-year-old Fabrice Santoro, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-4. No. 16 Paul-Henri Mathieu beat No. 20 Carlos Moya 7-6 (1), 7-5, and Dmitry Tursunov rallied past No. 32 Feliciano Lopez 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The 20-year-old Ivanovic was the Australian Open runner-up and won Indian Wells this month. But her game unraveled against Davenport, who repeatedly swatted deep service returns and broke six times.

“She played like a top 10 player easily today,” Ivanovic said. “I must say I haven’t played against many players who can return so well and so deep, so she puts a lot of pressure on my serve.”

Davenport relied on her customary power but also showed surprising finesse, winning 13 of 14 points at the net.

“I picked the right shots to come in on,” she said, laughing.

Henin had more trouble with the sunny, 85-degree weather than with her opponent. The Belgian won 19 of 20 points on her first serve, including five with aces, and she was glad to get off the court after only 63 minutes.

“It’s very hot out there,” Henin said. “It was quite difficult to breathe. I usually like when it’s hot, but I haven’t been in this heat for a long time. Even in Australia it wasn’t that hot this year, so it’s quite difficult.”

Henin swept the final three games of the first set and won the final four games of the second set. She’s a seven-time Grand Slam champion, but is seeking her first title at Key Biscayne.

Williams is trying for her fourth Key Biscayne title, and her first since 2001. She has lost only 10 games in two matches and was pleased with her latest performance.

“I played consistent and not too many errors, which is great for me,” she said. “I was just winning all of the important points.”

Edited March 30, 2008 by mauiguy90

[mauiguy90]

Henin and Federer on Track

World number ones Roger Federer and Justine Henin advanced at the US$7.54 million (A$8.23 million) ATP and WTA hardcourt event in Miami, Henin in straight sets and Federer thanks to an injury retirement.

Belgium's Henin, who won titles at Sydney and Belgium in four starts this year, beat Russia's Elena Vesnina 6-2 6-2 in a fourth-round match.

This is Henin's first event after a Dubai quarterfinal loss to Italy's Francesca Schiavone.

Swiss superstar Federer was leading Robin Soderling 6-4 3-0 when the Swedish player retired with a right wrist injury, advancing the world number one into a fourth-round match.

Federer, upset by American Mardy Fish at the Indian Wells semifinals in his most recent event, will next face the winner of a later match between Israel's Dudi Sela and Argentina's Jose Acasuso.

Australian Open runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was eliminated by fellow Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-3 6-3 in another third-round match.

Benneteau, ranked 72nd, awaits the winner of a night match between US sixth seed Andy Roddick and Czech qualifier Ivo Minar.

Russian third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 2006 winner here and a finalist last week at Indian Wells, defeated Israeli 16th seed Shahar Peer 7-6(4) 6-3, to book a quarterfinal date with US sixth seed Venus Williams who beat Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-3.

Also reaching the final eight was Russian Dinara Safina, who ended the run of US tennis mum Lindsay Davenport 6-3 6-4.

In other matches on the men's side, Russian fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko reached the round of 16 by defeating Italy's Simone Bolelli 6-7(5) 7-5 6-1 and will next face Croatian wildcard Mario Ancic or Argentina's Juan Monaco.

Edited April 1, 2008 by mauiguy90