In a thrilling five set, five hour and fifty-three minute combat, Novak Djokovic halted Rafael Nadal 5-7,6-4,6-2,6-7,7-5 to earn his second consecutive Australian Open trophy, the third of his career.

With Djokovic having carried their last six encounters, all of them finals, Nadal was eager to find a solution to this troubling riddle. Early on, things looked promising for Nadal.

By pressuring his rival into two successive backhand miscues, Nadal got the break for a 3-2 lead in the opening set. After fighting off a couple of break points, Nadal eventually consolidated for 4-2.

On his fifth break point opportunity, Djokovic converted on a forehand error by Nadal and leveled the set at 4 a piece. But serving at 5 all, Djokovic surrendered his serve by mishitting a backhand down the line. Nadal captured the next game to bag the first set.

In the second set, on break point, Djokovic struck a forehand volley which clipped the tape and landed for a winner. Then, by virtue of a backhand mistake by Nadal, Djokovic extended his advantage to 4-1.

After erasing a break point and hanging on to get to 3-5, Nadal survived two more set points and converted his sole break point chance when Djokovic double faulted.

However, serving at 4-5, with Djokovic manufacturing his fourth set point with a backhand down the line winner, Nadal himself double faulted to hand his counterpart the set.

With momentum in his corner, in the third set, Djokovic arrived at break point by sticking a volley crosscourt for a winner. When Nadal’s forehand crosscourt traveled wide, Djokovic pocketed the game and with a love hold stretched his lead to 4-1.

Later, with a forehand winner, Djokovic broke Nadal a second time to close out the third set and take a two set to one advantage in the match.

In the fourth set, Nadal dug out of triple break point to knot the set at four all. At which point, the proceedings were interrupted by rain. Once the roof was closed, play resumed.

With no further break point on offer, the fourth set went to a tiebreaker. Nadal prevailed and for the first time in their rivalry, the match was decided by a fifth set.

Following a four hour and fifty minute semifinal versus Andy Murray and with Nadal having an extra day of rest, Djokovic was viewed at a disadvantage against his ultra-fit opponent. Once again though, Djokovic demonstrated that these days he won’t be denied.

With Djokovic sending a forehand crosscourt wide, Nadal had break point. Because of another Djokovic forehand miscalculation, Nadal capitalized and at 4-2 was just two games from hoisting the trophy.

Yet, ahead 30-15, Nadal misfired on an easy backhand up the line pass leading to 30 all. That donation spurred Djokovic to break point which he converted and ultimately tied the set.

Despite being weary and even reclining on the court after long rallies, Djokovic refused to relent. After swiftly getting to 5 all, by being aggressive, particularly with the second serve return, Djokovic forced Nadal into a backhand error to capture the crucial break and move to 6-5.

Subsequent to dismissing break point which led to deuce, Djokovic reached championship point when Nadal flubbed a backhand crosscourt. With a forehand winner, Djokovic sealed the victory and punctuated the longest final at a major.

While it’s painful to come up short in such an epic struggle, Nadal stated “nothing to do. . .just accept [it]. I think we played a great tennis match. . . I wanted to win, but I’m happy how I did. . . I am very happy about my mentality tonight”.

Hours prior to the start of the tournament, Nadal needed an emergent MRI because of sudden pain in his knee. Consequently, he felt to have competed this well in this marathon encounter is a triumph in itself “when you are [passionate] about the game, . . . you are able to suffer and enjoy suffering”.

With five majors under his belt, four of the last five, Djokovic said that this victory “comes out on top” as the greatest of his career “because we played almost six hours. . . [either] of us could have won the match. . . I felt my body starting to slow down. . . So mentally, I tried to hang in there. . . We live for these matches”.

Djokovic sympathized with Nadal saying “we both put 100% of our abilities on the court. . .he definitely deserved to be a winner out there tonight. . . . Unfortunately, there had to be one winner”.

After this grueling final, Djokovic was asked whether he thought he could duplicate last year’s amazing success and even win the calendar slam. He replied “if that’s the way I have to go through [with tough matches] . . . I will have to accept it. I’m not concerned about the rest of the year right now. . . I am going to have some weeks off and try to enjoy this victory”.

With Djokovic’s confidence reaching the stratosphere after this performance, it will be fascinating to see if anyone can pull the brakes on him in 2012.

Nathalie Narcisse

The 2012 Australian Open marks a bevy of milestones for Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian reached her first final at a major. Moreover, by defeating Maria Sharapova 6-3,6-0, Azarenka claims her maiden major and will ascend to the number one spot for the first time.

Although they were tied at three a piece in their head to head, Azarenka had prevailed over Sharapova in the two previous finals they played. Still, this was a major and with three such trophies under her mantle, Sharapova had a colossal edge in experience.

Azarenka had her “Oh my God! I can‘t believe I‘m here” moment common with first time finalist which often signals disaster. Sharapova took advantage by breaking and consolidating for a 2-0 lead in the opening set. Yet, Azarenka refocused quickly to get back in the match.

After pulling out of a love-30 hole to get on the board, Azarenka broke at love to square the set at 2 all. Later ahead 4-3, Azarenka seized a second break and went on to close out the set.

From that point on, the 22 year old gave her Russian opponent no breathing space. By forcing Sharapova into errors, Azarenka raced to a 3-0 in the second set. By winning nine successive games, Azarenka captured the second set 6-0 and sealed the championship.

Sharapova admitted that she was simply outplayed “she did everything better than I did today. . .taking the first ball, hitting it deep and aggressive”. Sharapova acknowledged that she was disappointed, yet “ to get to the final is a good achievement. . .to end up the one [who] loses is tough. . .[But] it’s a good start to the year and I have a lot to look forward to”.

This was the second time that Sharapova was frustrated by a first time finalist. Petra Kvitova stopped her at Wimbledon last season.

An incredulous Azarenka stated “right after the win I couldn’t understand what was happening. . . I could not believe that the tournament was over”. Azarenka was particularly proud of her fight after the first two games “I really handled the situation well after that little slack in the beginning. . .and just [took] it one [point] at a time”.

As an adolescent, Azarenka‘s talent was evident with the big groundstrokes. But, in the past, her volatile temperament got in the way. Recently, Azarenka’s biggest growth has been on the mental side, controlling her emotions and developing a sense of self belief. For that, Azarenka credits her coach “he has [guided] me towards that winning attitude”.

Come Monday, there is a new pecking order on the women’s circuit with Azarenka at the top, Kvitova second, Sharapova third and Caroline Wozniacki dropping from first to fourth.

Nathalie Narcisse

Andy Roddick is scheduled to play in the 2012 International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach, Florida. Roddick’s appearance will be highly anticipated after he was forced to withdraw last year due to flu-like symptoms.

Ivan Lendl will highlight the Champions Tour event where he will complete along side Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Michael Pernfors, Aaron Kricstein and Jimmy Arias.

Here is the official press release from the tournament :

Roddick and Lendl To Star in 2012 Delray Beach ITC

Delray Beach, FL – 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick will headline the ATP World Tour event while tennis Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl will lead the eight-player ATP Champions Tour event at the 20th annual Delray Beach International Tennis Championships next February.

The combined ATP tennis event, played at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center, has been moved back one week on the ATP calendar to February 24 – March 4.

“Our 2012 field is off to a flying start with Andy and Ivan on board,” said Delray Beach ITC tournament director Mark Baron. “We look forward to welcoming Andy back and seeing him play great tennis, and having Ivan play in Delray Beach for the first time is something I am looking forward to. He redefined the game.”

Roddick has been the most successful American over the last decade and enjoyed a five-year run in the Top 5. The 28-year-old former Boca Raton resident has reached the finals of five Grand Slams and in 2003 became the youngest American ever to be ranked No. 1 at the age of 21.

“I am really looking forward to returning to Delray,” said Roddick, winner of 30 ATP titles and 33 US Davis Cup singles matches – second only to John McEnroe. ” I have a lot of great memories playing so close to where I grew up. You can truly feel the local support of the fans and the city for the tournament.”

Lendl, the eight-time Grand Slam champion who has lived in Florida for more than a decade, will headline an eight-player ATP Champions field that also includes fellow Grand Slam champions Mats Wilander and Pat Cash.

“I am very much looking forward to playing in Delray Beach in February,” said Lendl, who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001. “I have heard many good things about the event and it will be enjoyable to play against my old rivals in front of fans who really appreciate tennis.”

The Czech-turned US citizen was the world’s No. 1 player for 270 weeks during his career, and he was the year-end No. 1 four times (1985-87, 1989). He played in eight consecutive US Open finals, winning the event three straight years from 1985 to 1987, and compiled an amazing 144 tournament wins.

Joining Lendl, Wilander and Cash in the ATP Champions event will be 1986 French Open finalist Michael Pernfors of Vero Beach, Boca Raton’s Aaron Krickstein, the youngest ever ATP Top 10 player at age 17, and Jimmy Arias, No. 6 in the world as a 19-year old in 1983. Wilander, Cash and Krickstein have played in the ATP Champions Tour event since its inception in 2009 and Pernfors and Arias played last February.

Roddick has played in four Delray Beach ITC ATP World Tour events and last played in 2003. He was the top seed in last year’s draw, but a bout with the flu put on hold his return to the tournament where he played his first professional match.

The tournament is kicking off its third annual “US Open Ticket Promotion,” offering discounts on Delray Beach ITC tickets for the 18-session, 10-day event.

Beginning Sunday, August 28 at 8:00 am and ending Sunday, September 11 at midnight, a 10 percent discount will be offered on all individual box seats ($70 – $90 regular price) and Reserved Series packages ($220 – $540 regular price), while individual reserved seats ($40 – $60 regular price) will be discounted 15 percent.

The most popular Reserved Series packages include the Diamond Series ($540 regular price, all 18 sessions); the Champions Series ($320 regular price, sessions 1-9), which combines all ATP Champions Tour matches and four ATP World Tour sessions; the World Tour Series($430, sessions 6-18), including All ATP World Tour matches plus two days of ATP Champions Tour matches (including the final); and the Weekender Series ($220 regular price, sessions 14-18), featuring ATP World Tour quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. All four packages will be discounted 10% during the promotional period.

Following the promotion, tournament packages will remain on sale, but individual tickets will not be available to the public again until November 1.

Fans can order online through www.YellowTennisBall.com or by calling 561-330-6000. All ticket opportunities, prices and amenities are explained in detail on the website.

Image ©Marricio Paiz

This afternoon, Novak Djokovic tried to will his way to a tenth season title and maintain a perfect mark in finals. Unfortunately for the world number one, his body didn’t cooperate.

Broken for the second time in the second set, a mentally and physically battered Djokovic waved the white flag. Consequently, with a 6-4, 3-0 victory, Andy Murray collected his second Western and Southern Open trophy; his seventh Masters 1000 crown.

With a historic fifth Masters 1000 title this season, Djokovic was attempting for the third time to win back to back such trophies. Yet, his last two matches, Djokovic with a record of 57-1 showed signs of vulnerability.

In the quarterfinals, Djokovic dropped the opening set against Gael Monfils and had to climb back. Then in the semifinals, his opponent, Tomas Berdych served for the initial set before losing it and eventually retiring with a shoulder problem.

With Djokovic not at his best, Murray took advantage early on. By forcing his rival into errors, Murray secured the break in the opening game. With Djokovic’s forehand landing wide, Murray easily consolidated for 2-0.

Still Djokovic battled back. After fighting off a break point to hold serve in the third game, Djokovic had his first break point later in the set when Murray flubbed a backhand. Although Murray erased that one, Djokovic converted on the next to level the set at 3 all.

Yet, Djokovic could not sustain the momentum. With a sleuth of miscues, he promptly handed Murray double break point. A contentious 42 stroke rally ended with a forehand winner by Murray giving him the break for 4-3. After easily consolidating, Murray eventually carried the set.

Djokovic was misfiring from both wings and his serve was being hit with less power. Prior to the second set, Djokovic had therapy to his right shoulder with the hope that this would be enough to remedy his problem. Moreover, Djokovic altered his tactics using the dropshot and coming to net to guard against long rallies. But, these were to no avail.

With Djokovic’s backhand crosscourt finding the net, Murray had double break point to start the second set. When Djokovic pushed a forehand crosscourt wide, Murray captured the break.

With Murray ahead 2-0, Djokovic mishandled an easy overhead to stare at break point. When his subsequent backhand stroke bounced wide, Murray had 3-0, double break edge.

Thereafter, Djokovic decided he had enough and shook Murray’s hand. Seconds later, a huge downpour followed.

In analyzing the match, Murray stated “the standard of play in the first set was good”.. Murray said though “when [Djokovic] slowed down the serve”, he knew all was not well with the world number one.

While he was aware that Djokovic had an issue, Murray cited his primary goal was to “try to stay focus. . . It’s not the way I wanted to [win]. . . I had a chance in Rome [and could not close it out]. . . I’d rather beat him in three weeks’ time, that’s the goal”.

Murray is pleased with his performance this week, but admits “there are still things to work on. . .a few changes here and there. . . U.S. Open is my favorite tournament, I will bring my A game”.

In 1984, John McEnroe had 59-1 mark going into the U.S. Open. Djokovic with only his second defeat this year is at 57-2.

The U.S. Open is approximately a week away. With a 33-1 record on hardcourt, in spite of today’s result, Djokovic is still the person to take down at the U.S. Open. He knows it and so does the entire field.

Nathalie Narcisse

Following her semifinal win, Serena Williams admitted that Samantha Stosur, the tenth seed, would be a tough task in the final. While Williams’ words were proven true early on, she still found the means to neutralize her adversary. Williams prevailed 6-4, 6-2 over Stosur for her second Rogers Cup Trophy.

For Stosur, the 2010 French Open finalist Stosur, it’s been a difficult year. Finally though, in Toronto, Stosur has been able to string together good performances putting down Na Li in the third round and Agniezska Radwanska, the titlist last week in Carlsbad, in the semifinals.

Although at their ultimate meeting, the 2010 French Open, Stosur saved match point in defeating Williams in the quarterfinals. With a record of 2-8 in finals, Stosur would have to come up with something special to beat Williams who has a mark 38-14 at this stage of tournaments.

In her third round match, Williams overcame dropping the first set against Jie Zheng and did the same in the quarterfinals in battling lefty Lucie Safarova. Yet, in the semifinals, Williams dominated world number four, Victoria Azarenka.

At first, Williams had no answer for Stosur’s hugest weapon, the kick serve. With an ace, Stosur sealed her second love game for 3-2. Later, by utilizing her second big asset, the forehand, Stosur connected on a down the line winner for game point. When Williams netted the return, Stosur went ahead 4-3.

Williams was also coasting on her service games and forcing a myriad of errors from Stosur. With no indication of an upcoming break point, the tide suddenly shifted with Stosur serving at 4 all and 40-15.

Williams pulverized a second serve forehand return winner which stunned Stosur. The Aussie’s subsequent first serve was hit with less power resulting ultimately in a backhand mistake by Stosur and deuce.

With Williams’ return more effective, she manufactured a second break point in the game by finding a backhand down the line winner. By connecting on a forehand volley winner, Williams captured the break for 5-4. Then, with an outstanding service game, Williams pocketed the first set.

From that point on, Williams raced to the finish, trying to finish prior to the projected storm. By pushing Stosur into a backhand miscue, Williams had double break point to begin the second set.

Although Stosur got to deuce, Williams fabricated a third break point. With a forehand crosscourt winner, Williams had the break and easily consolidated.

Her next time out, Stosur fought off break point but held for 1-2. Yet, with another love game, Williams stretched her lead to 3-1.

Because of bevy of mistakes by Stosur, Williams had again double break point. When Stosur’s forehand failed her, Williams had a near insurmountable advantage of 4-1.

Serving for the match, Williams committed a forehand error to face her first break point of the day. Still, she quickly recovered with an ace.

Next, with Stosur’s forehand traveling long, Williams had match point. By thumping an ace, Williams placed an exclamation mark on her performance and claimed the championship.

Williams last hoisted this trophy ten years ago, and last collected back to back titles in 2008. Williams is thrilled that she has been doing so well after her medical issues stating “I am happy to be here. . .I keep having fun”.

When asked whether she expected to be at such a level so soon, Williams responded “I like to do the impossible”. With the victory today, Williams’ ranking will move from 80 into the top 30.

Williams also conceded that her objective is to be seeded at the U.S. Open. In a couple of days, Williams will compete in Cincinnati. With good results there, she will meet her goal of being in the top 32 in New York.

Nathalie Narcisse

For the second day in a row, rain disrupted the proceedings at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. But this afternoon, even that was insufficient for top seed and wildcard Gael Monfils to prevail. Unseeded Radek Stepanek bested Monfils 6-4,6-4 to win this ATP 500 tournament, the biggest prize of his career.

With a record of 5-2 against Stepanek, Monfils seemed in good stead to become the first Frenchman to triumph in the nation’s capital since Arnaud Clement beat Andy Murray in 2006.

For his part, Stepanek was on a quest to end his nation’s 29 year drought at this venue. Petr Korda, Stepanek’s coach, was the last victorious Czech in 1992.

The preamble to a disastrous afternoon for Monfils came in his initial service game. Monfils had two successive double faults despite holding.

Subsequent to guarding serve, Stepanek struck a backhand crosscourt winner for break point. When Monfils dumped a forehand into the net, Stepanek took a 2-1 lead.

In trying to consolidate, Stepanek went down 0-30. However, Monfils obliged with a sleuth of errors to allow the Czech to consolidate for a 3-1 advantage.

Later with Stepanek serving, the skies opened up and a thunderous downpour followed. Once Stepanek returned and completed the game for 4-2, showers came anew.

When play resumed, Monfils appeared more willing to fight and comfortably maintained serve. Yet despite Stepanek’s horrendous 30 percent first serve, Monfils could not capitalize on his second serve.

With Monfils stuck ten feet beyond the baseline and his returns falling short, an aggressive Stepanek proficient at volleying thrived at the net. Consequently, Stepanek easily bedded the first set.

For Monfils, the following set was a duplicate of the previous one. With a backhand volley winner, Stepanek had break point in the initial game. With Monfils’ forehand crosscourt pass finding the net, Stepanek converted.

Next, with an emphatic love game punctuated by his maiden ace, Stepanek raced to a 2-0 lead.

At times, Monfils uncorked his frustration on his racket. The crowd did it’s utmost to lift the Frenchman, however, without success. Despite losing solely two points his subsequent four service games, Monfils could not fabricate a single break point.

Stepanek’s first serve percentage picked up slightly this set at 46, winning 12 out of 12 points. With Monfils’ return not clearing the net, Stepanek had triple championship points.

When Monfils flubbed a backhand, Stepanek claimed his first title since San Jose in 2009. He also became the second oldest titlist. Jimmy Connors hoisted the trophy in 1988 at age 35.

With yesterday’s semifinals completed in the wee hours of the morning, Monfils did not go to sleep until four. Thus, the Frenchman felt the lack of rest made him “a fraction of a step slower. . . [so I] caught the returns late”.

Monfils admitted that Stepanek was “better than me today. . . He returned pretty deep and fast. . .then reached the net very fast. So it was hard to play my game”.

Because of the narrow preparation window, MiamiTennisNews.com asked Monfils if he had any indication that he would not be at his peak while in practice. Monfils said “No. I had a good warm-up. . .I think I played good, but sometimes, the other guy plays better”.

With this defeat, Monfils’ record in finals is now 3-11. Considering he’s such a gifted and talented individual, the questions is why.

Monfils responded “my first [three] finals [were] impossible. . .I lost to [Roger] Federer, he was [ranked] number one, [Ivan] Ljubicic was number three and [Andy] Roddick number two. So, you can forget [those]. . . To be honest, I’m unlucky. Last year in the finals, I twisted my ankle. Today, I finished at 1:15 a.m.”.

In his prior rounds, Monfils was willing to venture to the net quite a bit. A couple days ago Monfils was asked by MiamiTennisNews.com whether his coach was working on making him more offensive.

Monfils answered “ I try , but sometimes, I need more confidence. . .I’m a good worker when I try to approach the net, but sometimes I don’t feel it. So I need to keep working on that”. Today there were only four visits to the forecourt.

To celebrate his victory, Stepanek did ‘the worm’ on the court. He explained “I do it when I win tournaments”. At age 32, this victory is confirmation for Stepanek after “coming back from a lot of injuries with [self-belief] and hard work”, he can still compete with the ‘young guns’.

Stepanek’s plan was to be offensive from the initial stroke “I wanted to be in control of the match. . .be the boss on court. . .I wanted to have the match in my hands. . .I was right to come to the net because that’s my game”.
Stepanek is the senior of the ATP top 100 rankings. Prior to today, Juan Carlos Ferrero at 31 was the only person around that age to bank a title. Stepanek was asked about players winning titles at that age “we are like fine wine, the older we get, the better we are. . .Age doesn’t matter, it depends on how your [body] feels”.

On Monday, Stepanek’s ranking will improve from 54 to around 30. His goal is to keep progressing as the U.S. Open nears.

At number 7, Monfils is at the highest ranking of his career. His best showing at a major was the 2008 French Open semifinals. A few days ago, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired from the Frenchman what it will take to get to a final.

Monfils answered “ I have to have confidence in myself, have a stronger belief. . . I’m a believer, but to reach the real top, I have to believe more. [For instance], now I’m practicing two hours, I need to increase by 30 minutes more. Even though it’s hard. . . I know I have the potential but sometimes, I forget. I say to myself this guy is playing good. I have to remind myself I’m playing good also. I show too much respect to my opponent. Maybe I need to be more selfish as well.

There’s no truer testament to that statement than his performance today.

Although this semifinal was scheduled for Saturday night, it’s conclusion came after one in the morning Sunday. Following a couple of shower intermissions, top seed Gael Monfils edged local favorite John Isner 6-4,3-6,7-6 to reach his initial final at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.

Four years ago, Isner surprisingly advanced to the final in Washington. Along the way, in their first encounter, Isner prevailed over Monfils, a top 50 player, in a thrilling semifinal third set tiebreaker.

Tonight, subsequent to Isner carrying the opening game, Monfils’ turn was halted by rain. Ultimately when play resumed, the points went along quickly.

After Monfils erased a break point to hold, Isner’s did the same with a 135 mph serve. Despite further difficulties, Isner maintained serve for 3-2.

Later though, when Isner misfired on a forehand, Monfils had his second break point of the ninth game. The Frenchman converted courtesy of an errant forehand by Isner to ascend 5-4. Soon, with a strong service game, Monfils closed out the first set.

Isner and Monfils had tussled five times prior, with each meeting decided by a third set. Apparently, Monfils did not feel like deviating from the script.

By hitting a forehand wide, Monfils handed Isner double break point. The Frenchman compounded that mistake with a ill advised dropshot to gift the break. Promptly with a love game, Isner consolidated for a 3-0 lead.

In the fifth game, a dreadful incident occurred whereby one of Isner’s serving bullets struck a spectator in the eye. After the injured person was attended to and a horrified Isner gathered himself, play resumed.

With Isner leading 5-2, another rain stoppage came. With Monfils incapable of a break point, Isner captured the second set.

At 3-2 in the decisive set, Monfils forced Isner into a forehand mistake for break point. By taking out his big gun, Isner salvaged the game to level the set at 3 all.

The next time Isner served, Monfils was again at 0-30. Yet, he could not fabricate a break point. However, ahead 5-4, Monfils arrived at his first match point when Isner committed a forehand error.

But with a crisp volley, Isner got to deuce. A second match point by Monfils was dismissed with a second serve ace. Not certain of the umpire’s call, Monfils challenged. With the review system malfunctioning, the call stood. Monfils shrugged it off; the two even exchanged a knuckle high five.

Eventually, the tiebreaker settled the winner. As each competitor guarded serve, Isner thumped an ace to get to his first match point. Monfils replicated to square the breaker at 6 a piece.

Then, with a courageous lob winner, Monfils secured his third match point. When Isner dumped his forehand into the net. Monfils booked a place in the final of a U.S. tournament for the first time.

It’s conspicuous that these two share a mutual respect as they embraced at the net. Monfils said as much after the match “I have great respect for John. I like his mentality and it’s always a pleasure for me to play him”.

Monfils expressed that he was relieved to finish the match. During the breaks, he had his coach to distract him and did not get too anxious.

With the momentum after the first set, Monfils lost his way early on in the second. MiamiTennisNews.com asked him to evaluate that part of the match “he played two solid points and I played two fancy shots”.

Monfils admitted that his judgment was flawed “instead of the dropshot, I could have hit another forehand . . . because from the baseline I’m a bit stronger than him. I did not play with my weapon. Once you lose serve against John, you know it’s three sets”.

Although it’s less than twenty-four hours before the final, Monfils stated that fatigue will not be a factor. The shear adrenaline from being in his first final of the season will squelch any physical or mental tiredness.

Isner was attempting to reach his third consecutive final after bagging the title in Newport and runner up status in Atlanta. Isner was also glad to resolve the semifinal tonight. Now, he can move on to his next stop, the Rogers Cup.

In tomorrow’s final, Monfils will collide with Radek Stepanek. They last clashed in Hamburg a few weeks ago with Monfils victorious.

Monfils is at a career high ranking of seven while Stepanek is world number 54. Although Monfils has been a finalist the last two years at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris, his three ATP titles have been at the 250 level.

Both men have a losing mark in finals with Monfils at 3-10 and Stepanek 4-7. However, Monfils has a 5-2 record over his opponent. For both men it will be their maiden ATP 500 trophy.

Last year, Marcos Baghdatis was the runner up at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. Today, in the quarterfinals, the seventh seed and 2006 Australian Open finalist was cut down by Donald Young 6-3,7-6.

Although this was their first meeting, with the success he’s had this week, Young was not intimidated by his opponent’s credentials. Young took advantage of Baghdatis’ dismal serving, 39 percent first serve, and converted the only break point donated early on in the opening set.

However, the second game of the next set, on triple break point, Baghdatis connected with a winner. With Young dumping a return in the net, Baghdatis raced to a 3-0 lead.

After finally holding serve, Young broke his adversary to get back on serve. Later, with Baghdatis’ forehand sailing long, Young secured double break point. With Baghdatis’ forehand crosscourt traveling wide, Young was at 4-3.

Yet, by gifting a double fault and with a miscue on a backhand, Young faced triple break point. When the American’s backhand up the line found the net, the players were back on equal footing.

As a result of a backhand volley winner, Baghdatis had two chances to break and capture the second set. But with his backhand return and volley off their mark, Young was at deuce. One more break point had to be wiped out before Young could send the set into a tiebreaker.

The initial point went to Young as Baghdatis flubbed a forehand up the line. Subsequent to erasing Young’s mini-break advantage, Baghadtis double faulted.

Eventually, the Cypriot squared the tiebreaker at 4 all. But when Baghdatis fumbled a backhand volley, Young was two points from the win.

With a spectacular overhead winner and backhand error from his rival, Young clinched his first ATP semifinal spot.

Baghdatis admitted that he was somewhat tired this afternoon after playing two matches yesterday which went the distance. The Cypriot felt that his energy level was low. The fact that Young kept him on the move was not helpful.

With his serve inconsistent and Young “ playing smart”, Baghdatis said even if it had gone to a third set, he is not sure that his experience would have carried him through.

In reference to Young’s future in the game, Baghdatis stated that he’s “very talented, but it’s a tough world out there. . . [He] has to keep working hard and fight the way he did today. If he does. . . .he will have a bright future”.

After the match, Young expressed that it’s thrilling to find himself in his first ATP semifinal particularly with victories over “the quality players. . . I’m very excited and hopefully I can keep moving forward”.

Subsequent to obtaining the crucial break for 4-3 in the second set and dumping his serve at love, Young stayed focused. MiamiTennisNews.com inquired whether his current success is attributable to his mentally maturing.

Young replied “for sure. Before, that would have set me off. But, [now], I try to look at the positive. . . Even though he broke back, I was actually still ahead . . .and could still close it out in two”.

As far as his goal for the remainder of the year when asked by MiamiTennisNews.com, Young set the bar at breaking into the top fifty. For him, that would define a successful year.

Next up for Young will be Radek Stepanek. Again, he will be clashing for the first time with a veteran. Young expressed “I’ve seen him play quite a bit and I don’t know what it will feel like on the court”. Nevertheless, Young opined that he will continue to do what he has been doing and hopes that will get him to his maiden ATP final.

Last June in the round of 16 at Wimbledon, Marion Bartoli stared down Serena Williams for her initial victory over the defending champion. Despite Williams’ twelve month absence from competition and only her second tournament back, Bartoli’s triumph was classified as a major upset.

Whether one calls it revenge or redemption, Williams was looking to make a statement in the final against Bartoli. After a tough first set, Williams vanquished Bartoli 7-5,6-1 at the Bank of the West Classic to claim her premier title since 2010 Wimbledon.

Due to Dominika Cibulkova withdrawing from their semifinal match because of an abdominal strain, Bartoli had an extra day of rest. Yet, unlike Wimbledon, fitness has not been an issue for Williams this week.

A noticeably more in shape Williams required just 69 minutes to dismiss 2011 Wimbledon finalist Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinals. The following night in the semifinals, Williams dispatched 2011 Wimbledon semifinalist Sabine Lisicki in 59 minutes.

However, knowing that she won their ultimate meeting gave Bartoli a lot of confidence. Early on, the 2009 Bank of the West Classic champion gave Williams plenty to ponder.

In their fourth clash, Bartoli was aggressive from the start. By forcing errors from Williams, Bartoli capitalized on her third break point chance and went ahead 2-1. Through varying her serve, Bartoli flummoxed Williams to conserve a 4-2 lead.

With Williams’ forehand finding the bottom of the net, Bartoli had the opportunity to get a double break cushion. Still, with clutch serving, Williams fended off a total of three break points to keep the arrear to one break.

Subsequent to obtaining the upper hand in a long rally and finishing with a forehand winner, Williams manufactured double break point, her initial ones of the day. When Bartoli double faulted, the players were leveled at 4 all.

The two traded breaks the next two games until Williams ultimately held to go in front 6-5. On a miscue by Bartoli, Williams arrived at set point. With Bartoli’s pass sailing long, Williams secured the maiden set.

From that moment on, Williams was on cruise control. Following a prompt service game, Serena broke for a 2-0 edge in the second set. Then, with an overhead winner, Williams consolidated for 3-0.

Still famished, with a backhand down the line winner, Williams captured a second break for 4-0. After Bartoli carried her first game of the set, by striking a winner, Williams had championship point. As Bartoli’s return landed out of play, Williams sealed her extraordinary week.

Although Williams was satisfied to reach her first final in thirteen months, she was overjoyed to bank the title. Serena was especially grateful to the crowd for “their love and support . . .It’s so cool. . . I’m happy to be back”.

Williams acknowledged that she knew it would be a battle coming into the final saying “[Bartoli] has a good serve and she is a good player”. Williams admitted that she prepared herself for the possibility of being runner-up: “I got this far and no matter what happened”, this week is a step in the right direction.

With her maiden title in Stanford, the 38th of her career, Williams will leap from a ranking of 169 into the top 80. Depending on how well Serena performs in Toronto and Cincinnati, she could be seeded by the time the U.S. Open rolls around.

The U.S. summer hardcourt series got under way this week with the Atlanta Tennis Championships. In a replay of last year‘s final, Mardy Fish and John Isner collided in the ultimate match. The result was similar as Fish vanquished Isner 3-6,7-6,6-2 to defend his trophy.

With the title in Newport a few weeks ago, Isner was trying to win back to back title for the initial time in his career while Fish was in his maiden final of the season.

As a result of a double fault, Isner faced double break point to open the match. However, by finding his serve, Isner held. Later on, when Fish’s forehand sailed long on break point, Isner took a 3-1 lead. This was the difference in the first set, as Isner went on to guard serve and carry it 6-3.

With a forehand miscue by Fish on break point, Isner capitalized and secured the initial game of the second set. Soon though, with a backhand down the line winner, Fish manufactured double break point. When Isner double faulted, the players were back on serve.

Since neither contender could fabricate another break point, the second set went to a tiebreaker. Subsequent to getting the initial point, Isner got on a roll and built a 5-1 advantage. Then, with a powerful forehand, Isner forced Fish into a mistake to obtain double championship point at 6-4.

Yet, by pushing his backhand long and with Fish thumping an ace, Isner watched two chances combust. Promptly, with a superb backhand crosscourt volley winner, Fish had set point. Next, as Isner hit a forehand wide, Fish captured the second set.

At the start of the previous set, Isner seemed to be suffering from the heat. On the other hand, Fish looked like he had hardly warmed up after tiebreaker. Consequently, Isner would need to draw on all his reserves to pull off a victory.

With Isner double faulting, Fish arrived at double break point. When Isner’s backhand dropshot missed its mark, Fish banked the opening game of the decider.

After Fish consolidated with a love game, Isner easily guarded serve to stay one game behind. With Fish serving at 3-2, Isner struck a nice backhand down the line winner for double break point.

Still in the longest rally of the afternoon, fatigue bested Isner causing him to send a forehand long. Ultimately, Fish maintained serve and extended his lead.

When Isner double faulted on break point, Fish had a 5-2 edge. After quickly reaching triple match point, Fish crushed a forehand crosscourt winner to claim the championship.

Fish stated that he was “lucky” to come away with the win because “nine out of ten times when John is up a set and a break, he will close it out”. Furthermore, Fish expressed he cannot remember Isner ever surrendering a tiebreaker after a 5-1 advantage.

Fish admitted that fitness was in part a factor “I felt great. . . I pride myself on my fitness now”.

This upcoming week, Fish will be the top seed at the Farmers’ Classic. Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2008 champion, will make his summer hardcourt debut as the second seed at the same event.