In today’s final at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, compatriot David Ferrer made sure the “king of clay” did it the old fashion way. Nadal prevailed 6-4, 7-5 over Ferrer to earn his seventh successive trophy.

For the second year in a row, two Spaniards clashed in the final at this event. Last year, Nadal destroyed Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-1. Consequently, it was imperative for Ferrer to make his presence felt early on in the competition.

Subsequent to a forehand up the line winner to hold in the opening game, Ferrer produced a backhand crosscourt return winner for double break point. However, Nadal eventually overcame the deficit to guard serve.

Next, with Ferrer netting a backhand crosscourt, Nadal had double break point. On a second consecutive backhand miscue by Ferrer, Nadal seized the break for 2-1. Yet, with Nadal attempting to consolidate at 40-15, Ferrer provoked a few mistakes and got to deuce. Later, with a dropshot forehand winner, Ferrer broke to level the first set.

But, with a forehand down the line winner, Nadal had triple break point. On his third break opportunity, Nadal struck a forehand crosscourt winner to bag the break for 3-2.

Soon, Nadal double faulted to hand Ferrer triple break point the next game. Aided by errors from Ferrer, Nadal reached deuce and ultimately consolidated for 4-2.

Ferrer capitalized on only one of six break points and committed twenty-one unforced errors. Thus, in spite of constant pressure from his rival, Nadal closed out the first set.

As a result of a forehand winner by Nadal, Ferrer faced triple break point in the initial game of the second set. Still, Ferrer survived Nadal’s assault and maintained serve.

Yet, after Nadal comfortably held, Ferrer gifted him a break point. By sticking a forehand down the line pass for a winner, Nadal captured the break for 2-1.

Promptly, at love, Nadal consolidated for 3-1. However, Ferrer refused to waive the white flag, keeping the gap at one break.

With Nadal double faulting at 30 all, Ferrer had his first break opportunity of the second set. When Nadal sent a backhand crosscourt wide, Ferrer squared the set at 4 all. Then, Ferrer quickly inched in front at 5-4.

But, serving at 5 all, Ferrer double faulted to donate a second break chance in that game to his adversary. By misfiring on a fairly routine forehand up the line, Ferrer gave Nadal a 6-5 lead.

With a forehand crosscourt winner, Nadal obtained his second championship point. Once Ferrer dumped his volley into the net, Nadal crossed the victory line.

With that win, Nadal claimed his 19th Masters shield and is the all time leader. Roger Federer and Andre Agassi are second best with 17 shields.

Monte Carlo represents Nadal’s thirtieth clay title. Moreover, Nadal prolonged his winning streak to 37 matches in a row at that venue. Nadal’s sole defeat was as a 16 year old in the round of 16 to Guillermo Coria in 2003. The following year, Nadal avenged that lost in the final.

It was the second week in a row that Nadal and Djokovic, world number one and two respectively, were meeting in a Masters 1000 final. The last time the top two players clashed for the title at this tournament in1995, number two Andre Agassi beat number one Pete Sampras in a third set tiebreaker.

With a backhand up the line pass for a winner on his second break point opportunity, Nadal obtained a 2-1 advantage. It was the first time, Djokovic had dropped serve this tournament.

After going down double break point, Nadal found the equalizer. The Spaniard survived another break point before consolidating for 3-1.

Then, Nadal captured a second break for 4-1. The Spaniard salvaged another break point before widening his lead to 5-1. Nadal dropped serve trying to close out the set the first time around. But, despite difficulties, on his second attempt Nadal banked the set.

After wasting multiple break points in the initial set, Djokovic aided by errors from Nadal seized the break for 2-0 in the second. Subsequent to wiping out a break point, Djokovic consolidated for 3-0 when Nadal’s slice backhand found the net.

Djokovic pressured Nadal on serve while having an easier time himself. At 40-0, Djokovic sent a beautiful lob for a winner to stretch his gap to 4-1. Ultimately, with an ace on triple set point, Djokovic threw the gauntlet for a deciding set.

The opening game of the third, Nadal overcame love-30 to hold. Serving at 1-2, Djokovic battled a similar predicament and got to 2 all. As the set progressed, despite a few 15-30 or 0-30 games, neither manufactured a break point. Fittingly, the championship was settled by a tiebreaker.

The first four points of the tiebreaker, neither competitor maintained serve. When Nadal double faulted, Djokovic had a mini-break at 3-2. With Nadal’s next two strokes sailing wide, Djokovic had a 5-2 cushion.

Following, Djokovic struck a forehand winner down the line for 6-2 and four championship points. Although Nadal won the next two points, on his third opportunity, Djokovic connected on forehand winner to pocket the trophy.

Djokovic became the seventh player to prevail both in Miami and Indian Wells the same season. The last was Roger Federer in 2006. Also, Djokovic collected his seventh Masters’ shield.

Moreover, Djokovic becomes the fourth individual to triumph at the Australian Open and the first two Masters 1000 events the same year. Again, it was last done by Federer in 2006.

Djokovic’s record is 24-0 for the year, however dating back to the 2010 Davis Cup, he is 26-0.
It’s the third longest winning streak in a season. Ivan Lendl’s was 25 in 1986 and John McEnroe 39 in 1984.

After the match, Djokovic expressed “it was one of the closest and best finals that I have ever played. To be able to win against a great champion like Nadal, [the world number one]. . . I think it was very high level of tennis. I think everybody enjoyed, even us. It was very close, and up to the last stroke we really didn’t know which way it was going to go”.

Djokovic felt he turned the match around by “ [decreasing] the number of unforced errors in the second set, which was important to me. I wanted to make him play an extra shot, not give him a lot of free points and get some free points on [my] serve”.

In reference to the win at Indian Wells whether it gave him an advantage coming into today. Djokovic responded “I don’t think it affected today’s match too much. Maybe from the mental side slightly you have some advantage knowing that you won against your opponent. . . two weeks ago”.

The clay season is days away. MiamiTennisNews.com asked Djokovic considering the great battles the two had on that surface in 2009, what would he have to do to beat Nadal this year.

Djokovic replied “if I have an opportunity to play him on clay, I have to be aggressive. Clay is the slowest surface and suits him best. Over the years, he’s been the king of that surface. . . I guess you’ve got to step in, believe and play your game. I think I have the game to challenge him on that surface and I showed that in 2009”.

After the match, Nadal said “[Djokovic] is playing with confidence. . .the best moment of his career. I didn’t play as well as I did during tournament today. I was a little bit more tired than usual. But, it’s part of the game. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose”.

Still Nadal cited “ I had chances in both places. . . When you’re winning, it’s easier to keep winning. . . I didn’t serve as well as I had during the tournament. . . [Still] I was fighting until the last point. . . I love these kind of matches. . . I love to win, not lose. But from everything you learn, I had a fantastic American hardcourt season, two finals, and ready for clay”

Nadal had six double faults. Consequently, MiamiTennisNews.com wanted to know what he felt went wrong with his serve. Nadal answered “one [double fault] is too many. . . I always say if I knew the reason, I would never do it again. . . Maybe I was a little more nervous than other days, second final in a row. . . I’ve never won here and this was my third chance. I played against a player who’s playing well and I lost last week”.

Nadal is looking forward to moving to clay “normally when I play well on clay I have a little bit more advantage, so we’ll see what happens in Monte-Carlo. I’m going to start practicing on clay. . .always an [adjustment] after almost ten months [of hardcourt]. . . First tournament on clay is always important, important for my confidence. . . . I’m going to try my best for the seventh [title in Monte-Carlo].

Tim Henman and Goran Ivanisevic faced each other at the Royal Albert Hall in London last night for the first time since their epic semi-final at Wimbledon in 2001. Ivanisevic broke the hearts of the British public by beating Henman in a thrilling five set match spread across three days due to the unpredictable British weather.

I clearly remember listening to the commentary secretly during lessons at my school in North London on my vintage Sony Walkman, nerves on edge.  Arguably, this was Henman’s most promising opportunity to be the first British man since Fred Perry to lift the Wimbledon crown.   With a certain American, Pete Sampras, knocked out in the fourth round by none other than recent ATP Tour Finals champion, Roger Federer, the path seemed clear or so we thought.

However, the stars were shining favourably on the charismatic Croat, who famously ate at the same table at the same restaurant every night during the Wimbledon fortnight.   En route to his well deserved Wimbledon title, the pinnacle of any professional tennis player’s career, Ivanisevic won back the heart of the British crowd in his fairytale win against Aussie, Pat Rafter.  Ranked world number 125 due to a recurring shoulder injury, Ivanisevic reached the final as a wild card entry and previously had three tough Wimbledon final losses to Andre Agassi in 1992 and Pete Sampras in 1994 and 1998.

He famously said to reporters: “If some angel comes tonight in my dreams and says: ‘OK Goran, you’re going to win Wimbledon tomorrow, but you’re not able to touch the racket ever again,’ I will say: ‘OK, I’d rather take that and then never play tennis again in my life.’”

Yet, the changeable Croat with dual personalities is back.  And what a comeback it has been for the 39-year-old.   A regular on the seniors tour, Ivanisevic has won two titles in Barcelona and Knokke this season and recorded his fastest ever serve this year. He was one of the many players who encouraged Henman out of retirement to join legends such as Stefen Edberg, John McEnroe and Britain’s own, Greg Rusedski on the ATP Champions Tour in a more jovial yet competitive atmosphere.

“I saw him at the World Tour Finals in London last year and I told him he should come back and play with us,” Ivanisevic said of Henman. “He’s a great tennis player and we miss players like him.”

The players certainly didn’t disappoint the animated crowd last night. In fact, with the pressure off, they produced an outstanding level of tennis, with Ivanisevic serving as well as I’d ever witnessed, winning the first set 6-4. Indeed, Henman said in the post match press conference that no one had ever served as well against him in his entire career in that first set.  Heady praise for the Croat who revealed he is serving faster than ever before with the “new technology” of rackets these days.

With “good” Goran serving on all cylinders, this could have been a baptism of fire on the fast indoor court for Henman, only in his second match out of retirement. But, the Brit held his nerve well and showed many glimpses of his former glory, with great net play and feel around the court, winning the second set 7-5 and bringing the match to an exciting deciding Championship tiebreak.

Despite the hecklings of the old Tim faithful, Goran served his way to the match with an 11-9 victory in the Champions’ Tie-Break, looking impressively sharp on his backhand returns too.

Both looked exhilarated and liberated by the atmosphere of the ATP Champions Tour, particularly in the historic setting of London’s Royal Albert Hall. In the post match press conference Henman revealed his “body felt good” and was pleased with the “good quality of tennis out there.”  Similarly, Goran was beaming as he said “today I felt great” and emphasized how much he is enjoying his tennis without the mental pressure of the tour.  To my question of whether he still enjoyed playing up to his loveable villain reputation, he laughed and said:  “People have always called me so many things. I don’t mind.”

Well, last night Goran, you were quite simply brilliant.

Follow Melina Harris’ coverage for MiamiTennisNews on twitter under the username @thetenniswriter

In the 22nd meeting of an illustrious rivalry that will leave a great legacy for the game for years to come, Nadal and Federer captivated audiences world-wide with a final that sparkled with explosive shot making, drama and as many twists and turns as a Shakespeare play.

The world number one and two are polar opposites with one thing in common; an extraordinary will to win. While many began to question Federer’s mental strength following his failure to capitalize on two match points against an often mentally fragile Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the US Open earlier in the year, Federer seemed to have shrugged off any niggling doubts of his own authority in matches in the run up to the final.

Questions have also been raised about Nadal’s physical problems.  A shoulder injury in his serving arm caused Nadal to take a five week break before the ATP Finals and his recurring knee problems are always a concern.  Many wondered how Nadal’s body would cope after a grueling three set match against Britain’s Andy Murray in the semi-finals.   The tennis world waited with baited breath to see how the latest act in tennis’ greatest rivalry since Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras would play out.

In the opening set, Nadal described Federer as “unplayable” and it was evident from the outset that the Swiss Maestro was back to his absolute best. The players went tactically toe to toe until the seventh game when Nadal’s continued tactic of playing to Federer’s backhand backfired spectacularly.  With a superb cross court winner from that wing, Federer gained the break of serve.  Then, the former world number one closed out the first set 6-3 with a forehand winner in just 32 minutes.

But, with a dramatic swing of momentum, like an incensed lion released from its cage, Nadal characteristically pounced on Federer’s drop in form in the second set.  By switching tactics, Nadal secured a break of serve in the fourth game through working the Federer forehand with spectacular success. Federer took a tumble in the fifth game following an unkind net cord for Nadal and so did his form, allowing the Spaniard to pull ahead with a comfortable 4-1 lead.

The remainder of the second set went with serve.  Nadal held his nerve after losing the first point when serving out the set at 5-3 by finishing Federer off with a wonderfully executed backhand slice right at the master’s feet. Game on.

It seemed as if Nadal had all of the momentum.  But instead, the first set appeared to foreshadow the deciding one as Federer regained his composure to tell the world and all who ever doubted him that he was back.

Brimming with a new found confidence and possibly with fresh direction from his new coach, Paul Annacone (former coach of Tim Henman), Federer hugged the baseline and ventured forward forcing Nadal into more unforced errors from the outset.

Federer gained his first break of serve in the third game following a tense hawk-eye heart thumping moment of pure drama to give him the opportunity of a break point which he finished off with a volley. Nadal made him work especially hard for the following hold of serve, but a flurry of fantastic first serves and an ace at the end secured Federer a 4-1 lead.

With a backhand cross court return straight out of the textbook, Federer broke again.  There would be no comeback for a visibly tired Nadal as a calm Federer stepped up to serve for the match at 5-1.

Once again, Federer’s attacking tactics served him well as he closed down the net to give himself three match points. Despite saving one, Nadal succumbed to a well and truly rejuvenated Roger Federer, who lifted the ATP World Tour Finals trophy aloft to the sounds of Coldplay’s iconic, ‘Fix you’.   Annacone certainly has fixed Roger.

By winning the year-end event, Federer has reignited the rivalry between two of the world’s greatest ever tennis players.  Federer and Nadal revealed the upmost respect for one another in their on court post match interviews, congratulating each other on yet another fantastic year. But who will reign supreme in 2011?

Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Roger Federer isn’t the world number one at the end of next year.”

While former British number one, Tim Henman conceded: “Rafa looked a bit jaded after the Murray match.”

Whatever will transpire between the two in 2011, one thing remains, the balance of power has once again shifted – for the moment, at least.

Melina Harris also reports on twitter under the username @thetenniswriter

Following his Australian Open victory in February, Roger Federer’s game had been in a tailspin.  In his best form since Melbourne, Federer made the final at the Rogers Cup last week, but went down to Andy Murray.  However, today, Federer edged out wildcard Mardy Fish 6-7,7-6,6-4 at the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters for his second straight Western and Southern Financial Group Masters title and  his 17th Masters’ shield.

This hardcourt season, Fish has positioned himself as a man to fear.  After a grass title in Newport, Fish claimed the initial trophy of the Olympus U.S. Open series in Atlanta.  In Cincinnati the first three rounds, Fish dismissed Gilles Simon, 9th seed Fernando Verdasco and Richard Gasquet in straight sets.  Subsequently, in the quarterfinals, Fish defeated Andy Murray for the third consecutive time.  Then, in the semifinals, Fish collected his second successive win over Andy Roddick by erasing a 4-6,2-5 deficit and improved his record to 16-1 since Wimbledon.  Thus, with these results, Fish’s confidence was astronomical.

Moreover, with Fish in the most outstanding physical shape of his career and an easy triumph over Federer in their last meeting at Indian Wells in 2008, the chances were excellent that in his fourth attempt, Fish would gain his first Masters’ shield.  Conversely, despite advancing to two other finals besides Toronto, Federer was denied in Madrid and Halle this year.  In his 90th career final, Federer was hungrier than ever to capture his 63rd career title and gain momentum heading into the U.S. Open.

Subsequent to a comfortable hold by each player, Fish got embroiled in a 15 minute plus game.  After surviving two break points, on the ninth deuce, Fish obtained a game point with a backhand volley winner and sealed the game with a strong serve for 2-1.  Thereafter, both men cruised on serve until the tenth game when Fish misfired on a forehand up the line to give Federer set point.  With an ace, Fish wiped out Federer’s advantage and later tied the set at 5 all.  At 5-6 on Fish’s serve, Federer arrived again at set point when Fish’s stroke hit the net and flew long.  Once more, Fish repelled his opponent and forced a tiebreaker.

On Federer’s backhand crosscourt error, Fish got a mini-break for 4-3.  But, with two forehand winners, Federer stole both points off Fish’s serve for 5-4.  Still, Fish reversed the tides with an overhead winner and a backhand error by Federer to fabricate set point at 6-5.  With Federer unable to catch up to Fish’s serve, the American bagged the tiebreaker.

Yet to face a break point, Federer continued to coast on serve in the second set.  However, Fish had no problem matching the defending champion.  In fact, Fish’s first serve percentage improved as the set progressed.  At two all, Fish pushed Federer to a deuce game.  But, Federer guarded serve to stay ahead 3-2.  After holding at love for 6-5, Federer got to deuce on Fish’s watch with a forehand up the line winner.  By readily finding his first serve, Fish held for a second tiebreaker.

With a forehand crosscourt winner, Federer inched ahead with a mini-break for 2-0.  After stretching his lead to 4-1, Federer provoked two errors from Fish to take command of the tiebreaker at 6-1.  Next with an ace, Federer leveled the match at one set a piece and forced a decisive set.

Most of the ultimate set had a pattern similar to the prior two with neither person giving a millimeter on serve.  Following a quick hold, Fish caused Federer to flub a forehand for 30 all.  Yet, this was the extent of the American’s progress.  With two unreturnable serves, Federer maintained serve for 4 all.  At this point, a third tiebreaker seemed eminent.  But, at 30 all, Fish sent a forehand out of play giving Federer a break point.  Finally, on his fifth break opportunity, by staying patient in a long rally, Federer capitalized as Fish’s backhand sailed wide for a 5-4 advantage.  Then, with Fish’s miscue on a backhand return, Federer had double match point.  Although Fish salvaged one, on the next chance, Federer bagged the championship when Fish failed to accurately stick another backhand.

The last wildcard to prevail in Cincinnati was Boris Becker in 1985.  Fish would have been deserving of the title and a note in the history books after coming so close in the 2003 final against Roddick.  As he collected his second finalist trophy, Fish received a huge round of applause.  Fish recognized the crowd and expressed his appreciation for its support in saying “this is one of my favorite tournaments . . . I gave it everything I had . . . Roger is the greatest of all time . . . I’ll be back next year”.

Federer was also impressed with Fish’s performance citing “Mardy played fantastic. . . It could have gone either way”.  Federer also acknowledged that without the fans the week would not have been as gratifying commenting “you made it special”.  With this win, Federer equals Mats Wilander’s all time record in Cincinnati with four titles and becomes the first person since Andre Agassi in 1995-96 to repeat at this event.

For both athletes, it was a banner week.  By vanquishing Marcos Baghdatis in the semifinals, Federer assured a second place seeding at the U.S. Open.  Last week, Federer reclaimed the number two ranking by overcoming Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.  In Fish’s case, his status as a finalist means that his ranking will shoot up from 36 to 21 thereby locking his spot as a seed in New York.

Unlike the Rogers Cup where the top four seeds reached the semifinals, three crashed out in the quarterfinals.  Rafael Nadal was stopped by Baghdatis, Murray by Fish and Djokovic by Roddick.

Interestingly, since the Australian Open final, both Federer and Murray, the runner-up, have struggled.  But, the last couple of events in North America, these two appear to have rediscovered their form with each successfully defending his respective title.  As such, Federer and Murray will certainly be two of the favorites in New York.  However, with the likes of David Nalbandian, Fish and Baghdatis excelling this summer, the plot thickens as the U.S. Open approaches.

Isner, the fifth seed, squared off against Xavier Malisse.  In March at their initial meeting in Houston, Malisse prevailed in three tiebreaker sets. In the beginning stages of the first set, Malisse had a few break points.  However, Isner promptly brushed those aside.  Later at 4 all, Malisse obtained the break which permitted him to take the set.  But, in the second set, Malisse double faulted on break point to give Isner a 2-1 edge. As usual, this was the minute window the American required to push the match to a third set.  In the third game, Isner had two break point chances, yet converted none.  For his part, with Isner serving at 4 all, Malisse failed to capitalized on love 40.  Thus, the tiebreaker was called upon.  At 5 all, Isner miscalculated an overhead which resulted in the ball landing on his side of the court.  With a mini-break/match point in hand, Malisse connected on a good serve.  With Isner botching the return, Malisse punched his ticket into the subsequent round with  a 6-4,3-6,7-6 win.

Despite recently turning 30, Malisse is enjoying great success the last few months. MiamiTennisNews asked:

Q. Although you are getting on in years, you are playing pretty good tennis.  What keeps you motivated?
Malisse: I had two years of injuries, when you are sidelined and everyone else is playing it hurts. Sometimes you say that you want  a couple of weeks off, when it’s [not on your own terms], it really gets to you . . . Since I had two easy years, I feel I am healthy now . . . The road back has been tough playing challenger last year after being in nice tournaments in nice places. . . But it feels so much more satisfying now . . . Before, I was just playing, not really enjoying it.

At Wimbledon, Malisse teamed up with Kim Clijsters and made it to the quarterfinals in mixed doubles.  MiamiTennisNews inquired:

Q. Do the two of you  plan to do the same at the U.S. Open?
Malisse: I don’t think so.  We have not talked about it. It’s harder considering it’s five sets . . . We had a good time and laughed a lot in [London], that’s the most important thing.

The first set went along swimmingly for Malisse’s quarterfinal opponent, Berdych against Andrey Golubev.  After securing the break in the third game, Berdych cruised on serve.  Nevertheless, serving to send the second set into a tiebreaker, Berdych dropped serve at love.  In the decisive set, Berdych broke for 3-2.  Though, serving for the match and ahead 30-0, Berdych surrendered four straight points to enable Golubev back in.  Still, Berdych managed to break once more and hold for a 6-3,5-7,7-5 victory.

First round at Wimbledon, Berdych faced Golubev and send him packing in straight sets. Hence, MiamiTennisNews wanted to know:

Q.  Why was it so difficult to close Golubev out this time around?
Berdych: He’s really improved [in the last couple of weeks].  He won his first [title] in Hamburg which is a big tournament . . . Even before, he’s had a couple of good results . . . Hardcourt is going to be the best surface for him. . . The conditions, the fast courts suit his game . . .

The Sony Ericsson Open was a pivotal point in Berdych’s career.  Since, he’s had extraordinary results at the French Open and Wimbledon.  MiamiTennisNews questioned whether Berdych felt the same way.

Q.  In making the final in South Florida, did that give you the mental boost to propel you to additional success?
Berdych:  Yes. . .  But not only the tournament in Miami. It started the Davis Cup week right before Indian Wells. . . I won a couple of matches . . . Then at Indian Wells, I made the quarters which showed me even if I am . . .  not playing  well, I can [have] good results which gave me a lot of confidence. . . Coming to Miami which is really my favorite tournament . . . The key match against Roger [Federer] turning it around match point down . . . [getting] to the final . . .  I am happy I can keep the form, keep the consistency and bring more and more good results.

Sixty nine minutes was the length of Gilles Simon’s match against 2009 finalist Roddick. For the Frenchman, it was surprisingly easy in light of his knee problem.  Moreover, although the two had not played since 2008, Simon had never carried a set.  Subsequent to getting the break for 2-1, Simon stole another game from Roddick to seal the first set.  As in the prior set, Simon captured the break for 2-1. Roddick manufactured one break point in the set, his second of the night which Simon salvaged.  Nonetheless, Simon sustained the lead to eventually triumph 6-3,6-3.

With an ice pack strapped to his right knee, Simon stated that the difference tonight is that unlike before, he “managed to return serves which was not the case the last times” they met.  Moreover, as a defensive player and with Roddick camping at the baseline, Simon cited “when we play a lot of points from the baseline, I feel more confident”.

While Roddick credited his opponent as usual and said “I have no defense, it was a pretty bad effort”.  Roddick’s results have been poor lately and he admits that he has “struggling”  with his energy level  which is “concerning“.  As such, Roodick acknowledged that a visit to the doctor is warranted since “I’ve been feeling like crap”.  With that disclosure, it will not be shocking if Roddick sits out the Masters in Toronto.

Simon clashes with David Nalbandian in the quarterfinals.  At their maiden meeting, Nalbandian squashed Marco Chiudinelli 6-1,6-0.  Gradually, the Argentine has been making a comeback following hip surgery last year.  Currently ranked 117, this is the best Nalbandian has performed on hardcourt reaching his initial quarterfinal of the year on that surface.

The rain slowed down Verdasco enough to give qualifier Ryan Sweeting a glimmer of hope.  After wrestling the first game from Verdasco, Sweeting bounced back from love 40 to consolidate.  Down the road, Verdasco broke to level the first set at 3 all.  Benefiting from Sweeting’s miscues, Verdasco took a second game from the American to pocket the first set.  Break opportunities against Verdasco were plentiful early on in the second set.  Finally at 3 all, Sweeting capitalized to move ahead 4-3.  Yet, serving for the set, Sweeting produced a bevy of forehand errors which let Verdasco equalize for 5 a piece.  Later, Verdasco arrived at double break/match point thanks to another unforced error by Sweeting.  As Sweeting’s backhand sailed long, Verdasco claimed a quarterfinal berth with a 6-4,7-5 victory.

At the press conference, MiamiTennisNews questioned Verdasco:
Q.  You seem to get off to a sluggish start. Was the rain delay a factor at the beginning for you ?
Verdasco:  I don’t know maybe.  Nobody knows that . . . Waiting for a long time is not easy  [with an uncertain start time]. . . I am happy that I finally won the match that’s the most important thing . . .And I am feeling better day by day, match by match.

Q.  You go to Las Vegas frequently to train with the Addidas program, how has that helped to elevate your game?
Verdasco:  When I have tournaments in Europe, it’s more difficult . . .  When the tournaments are in the States, I go because I think it really helps me to have people like Gil Reyes, Darren Cahill, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff . . . I was the first of the Addidas players to go there . . . Since Gil speaks Spanish, we hit it off right away. . . I have an incredible relationship with [everyone].  I did a big change before the Australian Open 2009.  They are still helping me and making me a better player.  That’s why I go every time I can.

Marcos Baghdatis, Verdasco’s subsequent challenge, made his match against Illya Marchenko more intricate by wasting  a 4-0 lead in the second set tiebreaker.  Still, Baghdatis recuperated to vanquish his rival 6-3,6-7,6-3.

The last beacon for the Americans, Fish was extinguished by Marin Cilic. Cilic improved his record to 3-0 versus Fish.  After the former seized the first set, Fish gained the break at 5-4 in the second set to force a third.  But, the last set, Fish withered and Cilic pocketed the match 6-4,4-6,6-2.  Therefore, for the first time since the creation of the tournament, there will be no American in the quarterfinals and for only the third occasion has it happened with the semifinals.

At their one prior tussle in the first round at Roland Garros this year, Janko Tipsarevic was booted by Alejandro Falla.  Tipsarevic got off to a fast start in the first set, taking it 6-3. In the second set though, Tipsarevic encountered resistance from the Columbian.  In the end, the Serbian ousted Falla 6-4, 6-3 to reserve the quarterfinals’ terminal slot.



Berdych’s track to the finals was dramatic.  In the quarterfinals, the Czech defeated six time champion Roger Federer.  Moreover, Berdych halted Federer’s seven straight Wimbledon final streak.  Subsequently, in the semifinals, Berdych ousted Novak Djokovic, the world number 3, and became the first player from his nation since Lendl in 1987 to reach the finals at the All England Club.

With injury barring him from the defense of his title last year, Nadal had his knees come into the picture the earlier rounds.  But, in the quarterfinals and semifinals against Robin Soderling and Andy Murray respectively, Nadal had no issues.  Thus, the Spaniard appeared fit to battle.  Although Berdych and Nadal are the same age, their careers have had divergent paths.  Nadal holds 40 titles and has a 8-2 mark in finals of majors.  On the other hand,  Berdych’s overall record in finals is 5-5.

Berdych coolly carried the opening game at love while Nadal duplicated with four easy points.  Later in the first set, with a forehand crosscourt winner, Berdych held at 15 to stay in front 3-2.  However, after mildly pushing Nadal on serve, Berdych committed two quick unforced errors.  Then, with a forehand up the winner, Nadal arrived at triple break point.  With Berdych unable to locate a first serve the entire game, Nadal punished another second serve with a backhand crosscourt shot leading to another miscue by Berdych and the break.  Previously, Berdych had surrendered only two points on his serve.  Promptly with a forehand crosscourt winner, Nadal consolidated at love for 5-3.  After Berdych misfired on another forehand resulting in double break point, Nadal teed off on an abysmal second serve to get the error and claim the first set.

Still, in the second set, Berdych had his chances.  With two double faults and Nadal’s forehand floundering, Berdych had three opportunities to break in the first game.  With Berdych failing to capitalize on second serves, Nadal maintained serve.  Despite being denied, Berdych held with a love game.  Although Nadal committed a few uncharacteristic mistakes, he never allowed Berdych back in.  With Nadal ahead 4-3, at 40-30, Berdych connected on a backhand volley winner to level the set.  After readily keeping pace with comfortable games, Berdych produced a rash of errors as he served to send the set to a tiebreaker.  As a result, Nadal had triple break point.  In a mirror image of the first set, with a forehand error by Berdych, Nadal broke to take a two set advantage.

At one all in the third set, Berdych got a break point when Nadal’s backhand pass found the net.  Again, errors got the better of Berdych and Nadal guarded serve for 2-1.  Both men continued to cruise on serve with Berdych giving up just three points the next three game.  Nadal not too shabby himself, held at love for 5-4. Despite trying his best, Berdych faltered precisely at the wrong moments.  After Berdych shoveled out of 0-30 to obtain game point, by taking control of the rally on a second serve, Nadal crushed a forehand up the line winner for deuce.  When Berdych’s forehand missed its intended mark, Nadal had championship point.  By connecting with a forehand crosscourt pass, Nadal closed out the set and wrapped up the championship.

Subsequent to collecting the runner-up trophy, Berdych was asked his thoughts on his remarkable run.  Berdych cited that it was “a great two weeks for me . . . . [ but Nadal] was strong today and deserves to win”.   Berdych stated “the results the last two months are pretty good” and this is due to “my team in the box” to which he extended his gratitude.  Although Berdych is thankful for experiencing his first final at a major, he wants a different outcome next time, “it’s hard work, but [I will] do it again . . . [I] will be stronger for next time”.  Berdych will go from 13 to the number 8 slot in the rankings with this performance.

Nadal congratulated his counterpart on his incredible fortnight and said “sorry for today, wish you best of luck for the rest of the season”.  Considering what occurred last year, Nadal iterated that this is “more than a dream” to hold up the trophy and acknowledged that he owed his triumph to the “great team behind me” .  Furthermore, Nadal wanted to thank the crowd for “always mak[ing] me feel at home”.  He especially appreciated “the respect” it showed when he battled Murray in the semifinals.

This Wimbledon is significant in various ways. Firstly, once again, Murray and the British public will need to wait at least another year for a homegrown champion.  Secondly, after the memorable final last year and diligently working to have another shot at the title, Roddick fell to Yen-Hsun Lu ranked 82nd in the fourth round.  Thirdly, with his quarterfinal loss, Federer slips another notch to third in the rankings, a position Federer has not occupied since November of 2003.  Djokovic climbs up to the number two spot, a place he held earlier in the year. More importantly, Murray stands within striking distance of the number three.  With a possible injury and Federer having so many points to defend on the North American swing, at the end of the year, the rankings board may look radically different from its start.

Incredibly, an entire year had gone by since Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal clashed in a final.  At the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open, these two rectified that by battling for yet another Masters 1000 shield.  Nadal, the 2009 finalist, vanquished Federer, the defending champion, 6-4, 7-6 to claim an unprecedented 18th Masters shield surpassing Andre Agassi and a historic third straight Masters trophy.

Since prevailing at the Australian Open, Federer has been in a slump with early exits in Indian Wells, Miami and Rome.  The top seed in Estoril last week, Federer was stopped in the semifinals by the defending champion Albert Montanes.  Conversely, this season, Nadal has been again the “it guy” on clay with titles in Rome and Monte-Carlo.  By avenging his loss to Ernests Gulbis in Rome and beating David Ferrer, the hottest player on clay besides Nadal, in the semifinals, Federer seemed to be finding his form.  Still, Nadal would be the most intricate puzzle to solve.

Following a love opening game, with a forehand up the line error by Nadal, Federer had break point.  But, by provoking mistakes from Roger, Rafael held for 1 all.  Quickly, Nadal turned the tables and as a result of errors captured a break for 2-1.  However, as a backhand crosscourt by Nadal sailed long, Federer had triple break point.  Roger converted when Rafael’s forehand missed its mark.  With the players at 3 all, three successive miscues by Federer gave Nadal triple break point.  An unreturnable serve and two forehand winners allowed Federer to get to deuce.  Yet, after Federer failed to capitalize on a game point, Nadal connected on a backhand crosscourt pass for a winner and his fifth break chance.  When Federer netted the backhand, Nadal took a 4-3 lead.  Then, despite resistance from Federer, Nadal consolidated for 5-3.  Subsequent to a love hold, Federer hit a couple of great forehands and with a Nadal double fault obtained double break point.  Promptly, with back to back errors by his rival, Nadal got to deuce. Still, Federer manufactured two more break points,  But, with the return finding the bottom of the net on the next point, Federer could not get over the hump.  Finally, with a forehand crosscourt pass for a winner, Nadal punctuated the first set.

After Federer flubbed a volley on game point, Nadal went on to break to start the second set.  However, by baiting Nadal into a few mistakes, Federer arrived at double break point.  With a backhand crosscourt winner, Federer leveled the set.  Then, at 2 all, leading 40-15, Federer found himself at deuce.  By passing Federer two consecutive times, Nadal broke for 3-2.  After Nadal consolidated with an easy hold, Federer had a love service game to maintain a one game difference.  Taking the dropshot out of his arsenal for the first time, Federer fabricated triple break point.  When Nadal misfired with the forehand, the set was equalized at 4.  Then, with back to back aces, Federer crept ahead 5-4.  As neither guy was able to gain a break point, the decider was the tiebreaker.

An error by Nadal gifted Federer a 2-0 mini-break edge.  But, with Federer mishandling a volley, the tiebreaker was at 2 all.  Later, with a dropshot winner, Federer again had a 4-2 advantage.  Next, Federer netted another makeable dropshot; afterwards, his play veered south.  By misfiring on the following two strokes, Federer gave Nadal a mini-break for 5-4.  Then, with Roger dumping a backhand into the net, Nadal had his first championship point.  With a bold forehand up the line winner, Federer salvaged the initial match point.  However, off a great serve by Federer, Nadal’s return took an unforeseen turn causing the ball to travel over Federer’s racket.  With that bizarre hometown bounce, Nadal sealed the victory.

Nadal now stands in the fifth position, tied with Ilie Nastase and Ivan Lendl, with 28 clay court titles.  Nadal’s win in the semifinals over Nicolas Almagro permitted him to reclaim the number two ranking. Considering how dominant Rafael has been on the red stuff, it’s difficult to envisage a Robin Soderling emerging in Paris to upset the ‘pomme’ cart.

Earlier today, Mike and Bob Bryan produced fireworks of their own in the Spanish capital.  The two defeated the number one team and defending champions, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic, 6-3,6-4 to collect their 61st career title.  With that conquest, the Bryan brothers equalized the record set by Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde.  In addition, with this triumph, their 15th Masters shield, Mike and Bob displace Nestor and Zimonjic at number one.

Despite giving it the old college try, neither the rain nor David Ferrer could alter Rafael Nadal’s destiny.  In the finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia ATP Masters 1000, Nadal bested Ferrer 7-5,6-2 to grab his fifth trophy in Rome. In addition to garnering his 27th clay court title, Nadal tied Andre Agassi’s record of 17 Masters shields.

Following two easy service holds, Ferrer sent a forehand crosscourt long to face double break point.  With two un-returnable serves, Ferrer got to deuce. After dismissing five break points, with a forehand crosscourt winner, Ferrer held for 3-2.  The subsequent game, Ferrer had 15-30 with a crosscourt backhand pass for a winner.  However, Nadal connected on a few forehand winners to guard serve.  Then, by double faulting and netting a forehand, Ferrer was behind 0-30.  Still, by serving well and being aggressive at the right time, Ferrer maintain serve for 4-3.  Upon the heels of an uncomplicated game by Nadal, with Ferrer at play and 40-15, sprinkles turned into heavy rain causing the match to be suspended.

After nearly an hour intermission, Ferrer double faulted when play resumed.  Yet, with a return error by Nadal, Ferrer stayed ahead 5-4.  Next, with two consecutive miscues by Nadal, Ferrer had a 0-30 opening.  Unfortunately, Ferrer misfired on a second serve return. With three additional errors, Nadal equalized the set.  Subsequent to committing a double fault to allow a third game point to evaporate, Ferrer’s mistakes on two forehands gave Nadal the break and a 6-5 edge. Later, Ferrer crushed a backhand crosscourt return resulting in an error by Nadal on the next stroke and Ferrer’s first break point.  However, that break point was quickly wiped off when Ferrer sent a return long.  With a forehand volley winner, Nadal arrived at set point.  Nadal converted when Ferrer’s return missed its destination.

Ferrer started out the second set with mistakes leading to 15-40.  But, with well struck serves, Ferrer got to deuce.  Then, with a volley winner off a dropshot, Ferrer carried the game for 1-0.  After a comfortable hold, Nadal terminated a long rally with a volley winner for 0-15.  Perhaps feeling the effect of the prior point, Ferrer committed two miscues to hand Nadal triple break point.  Although Ferrer got to deuce, because a few more errors, Nadal eventually captured the break.  Again, there was a prolonged pause due to rain.  Upon returning, with backhand down the line winner, Nadal consolidated at love for a 3-1 lead.  Following an easy game, Ferrer placed pressure on Nadal at 30 all. Once more, let down by his forehand, Ferrer failed to progress further as Nadal maintained serve for 4-2.  Then, with back to back double faults, Ferrer eyed double break point.  As another of Ferrer’s forehand landed long, Nadal widened his advantage to 5-2.  Next, with a forehand volley winner, Nadal had double championship point.  When Ferrer’s returned sailed out of play, Nadal secured for the fifth time consecutive Masters shields in Rome and Monte-Carlo.

This was another clay tournament where the Spaniards reigned supreme.  In the semifinals, Ferrer battled compatriot Fernando Verdasco.  Ferrer overcame a 1-5 deficit in the first set to prevail in straight sets 7-5,6-3 thereby ending a three match losing streak to Verdasco.  Later on, Latvian Ernests Gulbis, who shocked Roger Federer in the second round, clashed with Nadal.  Nadal had his hands full.  Even though Gulbis went down, the Latvian is the sole competitor to steal a set from the Spaniard this clay season.  So far this year, Gulbis has recorded two major milestones; his maiden career title in Delray and now his first Masters 1000 semifinal.  From 40th, Gulbis’ ranking jump up.

Although Ferrer was a finalist at the 2007 Tennis Masters Cup, this was his initial final in a full-fledged Masters series event.  With 23 wins on clay and a title in Acapulco, Ferrer leads the tour with 29 victories.  Today, Ferrer was attempting to plug a run of six straight losses to Nadal.  Despite coming short, Ferrer’s ranking will get a boost from 17.

Prior to the singles, Mike and Bob Bryan collected their 60th career title by defeating John Isner and Sam Querrey 6-3,6-2.  The American duo is one trophy short of equalizing the all time mark set by Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.  Thus, Nadal and the Bryan Brothers share something in common; both are on the threshold of making history with their next triumph.

In getting to the finals, Verdasco jumped two huge hurdles. First, he reached his first ATP 1000 Masters final and defeated top seed Novak Djokovic for the first time since 2006.  Yet, Verdasco’s biggest hindrance laid ahead.  With a lifetime mark of 0-9 versus Nadal, Verdasco was searching for his maiden win, moreover on clay.  It was transparent from the initial game that Verdasco chances were bleak.

With three mistakes by Verdasco, Nadal had triple break point to open the match.  When Verdasco’s forehand sailed long, Nadal secured the game.  After Nadal got to 40-15 with an ace, Verdasco smoked two forehand winners for deuce.  However, two points later with an absurd crosscourt backhand pass for a winner, Nadal held for 2-0.  Slightly jaded, Verdasco fell behind 0-40 when Nadal connected on a backhand down the line winner.  Despite three consecutive winners to arrive at deuce, Verdasco surrendered the double break by netting the next two shots.  Verdasco’s suspension in perpetual hell seemed unending as Nadal curled a forehand up the line for break point and later captured the game for 5-0.   At intermission, Verdasco needed medical attention to his neck.  It was most likely tension from being crushed by Nadal’s play than true physical ailment.  When at 40-15 Verdasco’s forehand landed out of play, Nadal carried the set.

With a backhand crosscourt miscue in the second set, Verdasco faced break point.  As Nadal’s forehand up the line landed long, Verdasco was at deuce.  After erasing two more break points, on a missed return by Nadal, Verdasco had his initial game point of the match.  With an ace, Verdasco got on the board at 1-0.  Following a hold by Nadal, Verdasco appeared on the verge of an easy game at 40-15.  But, with two consecutive double faults, Verdasco was at deuce.  Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Nadal capitalized on his third break opportunity by sticking a forehand crosscourt pass for winner and a 2-1 lead.  The next game, with an unbelievable one handed backhand crosscourt pass, Nadal got to 40-30.  Subsequent to Verdasco sending the return out of play, Nadal consolidated for 3-1.  Then, by forcing errors from Verdasco’s forehand, Nadal broke at love for 4-1.  With a couple of errant forehands, Nadal gave Verdasco a sliver of hope at double break point; but quickly recuperated for deuce.  What was unquestionably the point of the tournament, Nadal tracked down Verdasco’s lob, then an overhead before misfiring with a volley by millimeters in a 29 stroke rally.  This caused Verdasco to drop to his knees in gratification for his fourth break point of the game.  But, the tennis gods would not be swayed.  Nadal wiped out five break points to extend his lead to 5-1.  At double break/championship point, Nadal struck a forehand up the winner to terminate the match.

The knee injuries, the loss last year at the French Open and an eleven month title drought gave way to chatter that Nadal’s domination on clay may be a thing of the past.  With his majestic performance this week, Nadal muzzled any lingering skepticism by redressing  himself in his clay cloak of invincibility.  Whether friend or foe, Nadal demonstrated no compassion.  Opponents took great pride in simply winning a solitary game.  Nadal permitted his rivals only two games the first two matches and a total of 14 the entire tournament in recording his 32nd win in a row in Monte-Carlo.

With his 37th career title, Nadal also ties Roger Federer with 16 Masters shields.  The Spaniard is now one victory from tying record holder Andre Agassi.  With a couple of Masters 1000 event upcoming, Agassi’s record is in certain danger.

In congratulating Nadal, Verdasco, who will rejoin the top ten, said “I hope Rafa gets tired [of winning] and lets [us] win one of these days”.  This seems a sentiment many players will be reiterating the remainder of the clay court season.