The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships singles’ draw has been released with American John Isner as the top seed.
Isner faces compatriot Jessie Levine in the opening round while 2002 finalist and fourth seed Andy Roddick squares off against German Philipp Petzschner.
For the first time at the All England Club, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the top two seeds. Defending champion Nadal will fight to collect his third hardware at this venue and his third French Open-Wimbledon combo. Djokovic who registered his maiden loss of the year at the previous major after a forty-one match unbeaten run will attempt to reach his first final at SW 19.
Two other competitors are also hoping to make history. Third seed Roger Federer tries to equalize Pete Sampras’ all time record of seven titles while fourth seed Andy Murray carries the aspirations of an isle on his shoulders. This fortnight, Murray aims to terminate his nation’s 75 year drought at its home major. Here’s the breakdown of the 2011 Wimbledon draw.
For world number one Nadal, it should be smooth sailing until the third round. In that session, the defending champion could be bothered by phenom Milos Raonic. Again in the round of 16, Nadal will be on crash alert with Juan Martin Del Potro his likely opponent. Consequently, there are various rocks along the road early on for the top seed.
In the quarterfinals, Nadal could face a rematch of last year’s final with Tomas Berdych. Considering Berdych’s average performance this season, the Spaniard should have the advantage. However, a semifinal against either Andy Roddick, a three time finalist, or Murray will be a harder challenge.
Having won the Queen’s Club trophy for the second time, Murray has once more found his mojo. Murray’s potential third round counterpart is Marin Cilic and either Stanislas Wawrinka or Richard Gasquet in the fourth round. While these are all worthy adversaries, Murray should have the upper hand.
Despite being tested by Kei Nishikori, Rafael Nadal managed to close out his second round match at the Sony Ericsson Open in straight sets. Nadal overcame the talented Japanese 6-4, 6-4 to get to the third round where he will face fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.
After Nishikori wasted a couple of break points which have given him a 3-1 lead, Nadal manufactured double break point. Nadal converted when Nishikori buried a backhand into the net. Nadal subsequently consolidated at love for 4-2.
Later on, Nishikori had double break points with Nadal serving at 4-3. Once more, this was to no avail. Nadal maintained the one break advantage to seal the first set.
In the second set, Nadal seized the break in the first game and guarded the advantage despite Nishikori’s formidable resistance. With triple match point, Nadal aced his rival to punctuate the set.
Nadal was particularly hampered by the serve in the final of BNP Paribas Open last week. Consequently, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired as to the changes he made to fix this problem “I tried to remember what I did when I served well. I slowed down the speed a little bit. . . Because I served 117 to 124, 25 miles almost every time. That’s enough speed if you put the right percentage inside and. . .the balls close to the lines. I think that worked well.”
Furthermore, Nadal said “Nishikori is a good returner. His returns are fast, deep and difficult. . . I have to improve a little bit on the second serve. The speed was [at times] 85, 88, 89, 90, 92. . . But in general, I am very happy with the match of tonight”.
Never one to take his opponent for granted. Despite a 6-2 mark versus Lopez, Nadal’s assessment of the upcoming match when asked by MiamiTennisNews.com was “[it’s] important for me to play my best tennis. . . He has a very good serve, volleys well and he’s an aggressive player. Very dangerous, but if I play very well, I have my chances”.
In addition, Nadal stated “I have to play aggressively with my forehand, try to move him and get to the net when I have the chance. The match will be similar [to the past ones in some ways]. Still, every match is [also] different and always difficult”.
Pablo Cuevas came into the tournament with a record under 500 at 6-7. With defending Andy Roddick across the net, Cuevas must have thought that his week at its end in the second round. To the contrary, Cuevas surprised Roddick 6-4, 7-6.
Cuevas caught a break in finding Roddick not at 100%. After Roddick erased a break point, he manufactured double break point the very next game. However, Cuevas found a way to turn him away.
Robin Soderling thrives playing indoors. Six out of his eight previous titles have been in that setting. After defending in Rotterdam last week, Soderling grabbed his second straight title by beating Marin Cilic 6-7,6-3,6-3 at the Open 13. With that, Soderling bagged his third title of the season.
By netting a forehand, Soderling gave Cilic a break point to open the first set. With a forehand crosscourt pass for a winner, Cilic converted. Next, at game point, Cilic threw in an ace for a 2-0 lead. Soderling finally got back on track with a quick hold. Cilic continued to have comfortable games, however, so did his opponent. Yet, serving at 4-3, Cilic could not find his first serve and was made to pay. In provoking another backhand error from Cilic, Soderling obtained double break point. When Cilic’s forehand up the line misfired, the players were locked at 4 all. With a prompt hold, Soderling edged in front for the first time at 5-4. At 5-6, Cilic guarded serve without difficulty to force a tiebreaker.
With a sensational stab at a booming serve, Cilic forced a backhand miscue from Soderling to secure a mini-break at 5-3. After Soderling failed on a crosscourt pass, Cilic was at 6-4. However, Soderling managed to wipe out both set points. Later, when Soderling’s backhand down the line landed long, Cilic had his fifth set point. As a result of Soderling’s return going long, Cilic finally had the set.
Following a love game to start the second set, at 1 all, Cilic sent a forehand out of play to hand Soderling his second break opportunity of the game. Soderling banked the break when Cilic dumped a backhand into the net. Subsequent to consolidating with a love hold for 3-1, his next time up, Soderling committed three successive errors to gift Cilic triple break point. As Soderling’s backhand crosscourt sailed long, the players were knotted at 3 all. Yet, after having multiple game points, Cilic produced an unforced mistake to give Soderling a break chance. By anticipating Cilic’s shot, Soderling struck a forehand pass up the line winner to regain the lead at 4-3. Soderling solidified the break by holding, then broke again at love to push the championship into a final set.
Seven days of competition have passed at the Australian Open. While Rafael Nadal has breezed through his matches to get to the round of 16, defending champion Roger Federer had a hiccup in the second round. As usual, there were a few unexpected departures in the first week. Here’s a summary of what has taken place this initial week.
It’s been smooth sailing for Nadal in getting through to the round of 16. The world number one’s excellent form will come in handy as he faces 2010 semifinalist Marin Cilic. After two easy matches, Cilic edged out John Isner 9-7 in the fifth to earn a crack at Nadal.
After a thrilling first round five setter against Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian called it quit in the second round, four games away from being handed a straight set loss. Mikhail Youzhny also departed earlier than expected. The tenth seed was sent packing in the third round by Milos Raonic. The 20 year old Canadian qualifier with the humongous serve also ousted Michael Llodra, the 22nd seed in the second round. Next up for Raonic will be David Ferrer who is a relentless competitor. Ferrer’s experience may prove too much for the youngster. Thus, a Ferrer-Nadal quarterfinal showdown is the likely scenario.
Without much fuss, both Robyn Soderling and Andy Murray have been taking care of business. Soderling’s fourth round match will be against Alexandr Dolgopolov. The Ukrainian upset 13th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the third round. Following an impressive second round match versus Juan Martin Del Potro, Marcos Baghdatis was forced to retire down two sets to one with a hand injury in his third round match against Jurgen Melzer. As such, Murray will battle Melzer for a quarterfinal berth.
1969 was the year when Rod Laver accomplished the calendar grand slam for the second time. Laver had done so previously in 1962. At the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal will attempt to become the first person to hold all four majors simultaneously, although not in the same calendar year. Like Nadal, Roger Federer has won three majors in a single year on multiple occasions, but never held all four. With a historic sixteen majors, Federer, the defending champion, will be one of the competitors trying to halt Nadal from revising the tennis annals. Indeed, if the Australian Open draw holds up, Nadal’s route to his second title is fraught with red flags.
After seemingly comfortable initial two rounds, Nadal may see Marin Cilic in the round of 16. Despite disappointing results the remainder of 2010 after a semifinal placement in Melbourne, for Cilic knowing that he’s gone that far at this major can be an inspiration. Moreover, the only time these two met in 2009, Cilic was the victor. In the quarterfinals, Nadal also has a few pesky potential opponents to look forward to: Mikhail Youzhny, David Ferrer and David Nalbandian. On any given day, these men can be a real thorn on any individual’s side.
The second part of the top half of the draw has Robin Soderling and Andy Murray as the top seeds. Either player could clash with Nadal in the semifinals. Soderling appears to have a favorable trek until the round of 16 where he will possibly collide with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 2007 Australian Open finalist and 2010 semifinalist. On the other hand, 2010 finalist Murray may get Juan Martin Del Potro, Marcos Baghdatis or Jurgen Melzer. Del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, and Baghdatis, the 2006 Australian Open finalist, would be a contest for anyone. Whether it’s Murray, Soderling or Tsonga in the semis, Nadal will have to his hands occupied in order to reach his second Australian Open final.
To say Federer is hungry for the title is an understatement considering the implications if Nadal prevails. Could Mardy Fish or Sam Querrey trouble the defending champion in the round of 16? Possibly. However, with Federer’s four titles out of five his last five tournaments, it’s unlikely anyone will down him early on. Both Gael Monfils and Stanislas Wawrinka have a win over Federer, but are a combined 2-11. Therefore, it’s inconceivable that either Monfils or Wawrinka will upend Federer in the quarterfinals. Once again, Andy Roddick may find himself in the position of needing to go through Federer to advance to the semifinals. Despite Roddick’s 2-20 against Federer, he is the most formidable rival who can actually put a crimp in Federer’s style.
The initial week at the U.S. Open is complete and the men’s field has been scaled down to sixteen players. Two names missing from the roll call are Andy Roddick and Andy Murray. These two touted favorites were upset early on. Here’s a summary of the past seven days and an analysis of what could unfold the next few rounds.
While Rafael Nadal barely passed his pre-tournament exams in Toronto and Cincinnati, in his first three matches at the Open, the Spaniard gets an A plus. Despite being tested, with a beefed up first serve to the tune of 130 miles per hour at times, Nadal has dispatched each adversary in three sets. In the fourth round, Nadal will face compatriot Feliciano Lopez. With Nadal’s 5-2 record against his fellow citizen, Lopez is likely the subsequent sacrificial lamb.
After surviving a five set tussle in the first round against Fabio Fognini ranked 86th, Fernando Verdasco is in the round of 16 and will take on David Ferrer, the tenth seed. Although Verdasco has a 6-4 edge in their encounters, Ferrer prevailed at their last meeting on clay and at their only battle on hardcourt in 2004. David Nalbandian, one of the few players who could have troubled Nadal, was easily given his marching orders by Verdasco in the third round.
Also in the top section of the draw, seventh seed Tomas Berdych was surprised in the first round by Michael Llodra. However, the jaw dropper came today with Murray, the 2008 finalist and fourth seed, dismissed by Stanislas Wawrinka in the third round. The Swiss advanced for the third occasion to the fourth round in New York. Wawrinka will meet Sam Querrey for a spot in the quarterfinals. Consequently, for Querrey, this is the ideal scenario to book his maiden quarterfinal berth at a major.
The Spaniards have ruled and Tommy Robredo made sure to partake in the round of 16 festivities. With John Isner beaten by Mikhail Youzhny in the third round, Robredo and the Russian will fight for a place in the quarterfinals.
Another American propelled into the limelight this week was eighteen year old Ryan Harrison. After coming through three rounds of qualifying, Harrison stunned Ivan Ljubicic, the fifteenth seed, in the first round. Furthermore, Harrison was one point from a win in a fifth set tiebreaker in the second round. Harrison became the first American teen to vanquish a top twenty player at a major since Roddick in 2001 also at this event.
Although injury prevented Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2008-09 champion, from defending his title at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic; Del Potro’s countryman , wildcard entrant David Nalbandian, proved an excellent substitute. Despite being gravely tested by Marcos Baghdatis, the 8th and sole remaining seed, Nalbandian walked away with the championship with a 6-2, 7-6 victory.
As a former world number three, Nalbandian’s current ranking of 117 due to hip surgery and other injuries the past twelve months did not reflect his talent. In phenomenal form this week, dropping just one set prior to the final, Nalbandian felt his game was now coming together. Classify it as arrogance, confidence or clairvoyance, after his semifinal win yesterday, Nalbandian intimated that if his form held up, he would run away with the title.
The first game of the match, following two errors by Baghdatis, Nalbandian connected on a forehand crosscourt return winner to earn triple break point. When Baghdatis’ forehand landed long, Nalbandian took the game. Next, the Argentine consolidated for a 2-0 lead. His next time serving, Baghdatis got on the board for 2-1. Too many return mistakes by Baghdatis especially on second serves led to short rallies and permitted Nalbandian to maintain the break advantage for 4-2. After having game point, Baghdatis double faulted for deuce. Then, by netting a backhand down the line, the Cypriot donated another break point. Nalbandian capitalized by hitting a backhand pass for a winner and 5-2. By comfortably holding, Nalbandian wrapped up the first set in 32 minutes.
In yesterday’s semifinal, Nalbandian required just 72 minutes to dismiss fourth seed Marin Cilic. His first set performance gave off the vibe that this might be another short match. After having a game point, Baghdatis double faulted and later on in the first game gave Nalbandian a break point. Fortunately for the Cypriot, he guarded serve. The subsequent game, it was Nalbandian who cracked, committing two double faults to gift Baghdatis his first break and a 2-0 lead. Quickly though, Nalbandian rebounded with a forehand down the line winner for double break point which he banked after a backhand error by Baghdatis. In the fourth game, Baghdatis obtained double break point on another Nalbandian double fault. Despite Nalbandian having to resort to his second serve, Baghdatis failed to seize those chances. Too casual on a forehand volley, Baghdatis dumped it in the net on his fifth break point. Ultimately, Nalbandian salvaged six break points to level the set at 2 all. Next, on another mistake filled game, Nalbandian broke to move ahead 3-2. Nevertheless, Baghdatis did not relent and promptly stole the following game to get back on serve. After holding, Baghdatis knocked at the door again, earning two break points, yet was rebuked by Nalbandian. Following three love holds by the players, with Nalbandian serving at 5-6, Baghdatis reached set point. As before, Nalbandian dug out of trouble and pushed the set to a tiebreaker.
Aided by miscues from Baghdatis, Nalbandian rolled off five straight points in the tiebreaker for 5-0. With Baghdatis misfiring on an easy forehand, Nalbandian arrived at 6-3 and had three championship points. As Baghdatis’ forehand up the line sailed wide, Nalbandian claimed his 11th career trophy. The Argentine’s first since Sydney 2009.
Subsequent to the match, Baghdatis’ analysis was as follow when asked by MiamiTennisNews:
Q. Did you feel you had to go for more on your second serve because Nalbandian returns so well?
Baghdatis: Yes. I felt in the second set I had to mix it up a bit, go for more. I think I did pretty well in the second set. We are two players who are great at returning. I think if I served better today especially first serve, with more free points, I could have won.. I did not do that which was the key to the match.
At the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, the first semifinal showcased Marcos Baghdatis, the eighth seed, against Xavier Malisse. Baghdatis defeated Malisse 6-2,7-6 to earn his initial spot in the final of a tournament States side. Later, David Nalbandian booked his maiden berth in a final on U.S. soil by thumping fourth seed Marin Cilic 6-2,6-2.
Although this was their first meeting on the ATP tour, Malisse and Baghdatis faced off twice in the finals at the challenger level with Baghdatis prevailing both times. From the difficult hold that Baghdatis had his primary game, Malisse gave the impression that he was going to reverse the former results. However, with Malisse unable to make the volley off a dipping forehand, Baghdatis gained double break point. As Malisse’s forehand went out of bounds, Baghdatis nudged ahead 2-1. By surprising Baghdatis with a sliced backhand down the line and forcing an error, Malisse attained break point. But, with Malisse misjudging the second serve return, Baghdatis eventually consolidated for 3-1. By inciting a few unforced errors from Malisse, Baghdatis captured a second break and later shut down the set with a love game.
The first two games of the second set, Baghdatis had two break points; Malisse handled the pressure to stay in front 2-1. Following a couple of easy holds, Malisse connected on a forehand down the line winner for break point. But, by sending a backhand outside the field of play, Malisse wasted that opportunity. As Baghdatis shifted his movement in an attempt to track down the ball, he twisted his left ankle slightly.
With Baghdatis on the ground, play was interrupted and the trainer dispatched. Genuinely concerned for his opponent, Malisse quickly crossed the net and brought Baghdatis a bag of ice to apply. After the ankle was attended to, play resumed and Baghdatis held for 4 all. Subsequently, Malisse rebounded from love 30 to keep his nose in front 5-4. Later, following a loose forehand by Malisse, Baghdatis connected on a forehand crosscourt pass for break point. With another mistake by Malisse, Baghdatis claimed a 6-5 lead. Yet, serving for the match, Baghdatis was bitten by the error bug. Therefore, the set moved on to a tiebreaker. At that stage, Baghdatis justified his 11-3 tiebreaker record. In baiting Malisse into two miscues, the Cypriot raced to a 5-1 advantage. Then, on his fourth match point, Baghdatis succeeded to punctuate the match.
In reference to his noble act, Malisse cited in the post match briefing: “I know he has been injured for a while . . .you don’t want [the ankle to] be more inflamed. . . You don’t want to win a match in that way”.
MiamiTennisNews asked:
Q. You got the equalizer in the second set, what went wrong in the tiebreaker?
Malisse: At 3-1, I hit a good forehand but it clipped the tape. He served well the whole tiebreaker . . . I kept [going] for my shots . . At 6-4, it’s a little different because he feels he has to win the point because it’s on his serve . . . I made a couple of mistakes, but if you are going to hit your shot, you are going to miss a couple. Too bad, it’s in a tiebreaker.
Q. Despite the result today, it’s been a good week for you. What are the positives you take away?
Malisse: I’ve played good matches, so I can’t really complain . . . I gave it my all and beat a lot of good players in the top 20. I lost today, but I fought hard . . . You can’t win everything . . . But the positive is that my ranking [will go] up to almost 50 . . . The pressure is off now, I can play freely. My confidence is really high . . I’m a bit tired, but we will see how Toronto goes after some days of rest.
In assessing his performance, Baghdatis surmised that the key to his victory was “playing smart” and coming up with “the perfect game” plan. Essentially, Baghdatis said: “I played the right point at the right time . . .not opening the court on his forehand and not giving him any angles”. On the ankle, Baghdatis’ comment was “I twisted it a bit . . . I feel ok now and hope that it won’t be bad tomorrow”.
In the second semifinal, Nalbadian clashed with Cilic. The last time these two tangoed, it was in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup in 2006 and Nalbandian was the victor. Needless to say, with 21 year old Cilic now ranked 13th, Nalbadian was facing a different player.
In the first game, Cilic took advantage of multiple errors by Nalbadian and broke. However, Nalbandian also pressured the Croatian into miscues to promptly level the set at 1 all. Nalbandian then held at love for 2-1. After getting to double break point with a backhand down the line winner, Cilic failed to capitalize on Nalbandian’s second serves. Thus, the Argentine inched ahead 3-2. With Cilic netting a forehand, Nalbandian earned his third break point of the sixth game. Nalbandian converted when Cilic made his third forehand error in that game. In his three previous matches, Cilic had only been broken twice, dismissing 12 of 14 break points. After consolidating with a love game for 5-2, Nalbandian bagged another break to polish the first set in just 36 minutes.
The customary Washington heat returned today melting down two of the top remaining seeds. In the first match of the afternoon, Tomas Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon finalist and number one seed, was booted by Xavier Malisse 6-4,3-6, 6-2. The same fortune befell Fernando Verdasco, the third seed. The Spaniard was ushered out by Marcos Baghdatis 7-6,6-4.
In the evening session, David Nalbandian bested Gilles Simon, the 13th seed, 3-6,6-2, 6-3. At number four, Marin Cilic is the highest surviving seed. Cilic toppled Janko Tipsarevic 7-6,6-4.
Having split their prior two encounters in 2006, for both Malisse and Berdych it was case of getting reacquainted. Malisse drew first blood by capitalizing on his second break point chance in the third game. The Belgian went on to readily consolidate for 3-1. Down love-30 in the fifth game, Berdych worked his way back to game point. However, with Berdych failing to convert on eight game points, Malisse seized a second break and 5-2 lead. Although Berdych narrowed the arrears to a single break, with the insurance edge Malisse managed to wrap up the set.
Unable to break in the second game, Berdych was gifted a double fault on double break point by Malisse for 5-4. The Czech secured the following game to force a third set. After opening the fourth game with a double fault, Berdych compounded it with a series of unforced miscues. As a result, Malisse inched ahead 4-3. With Berdych misfiring on three consecutive backhands, Malisse increased his lead to 5-3. For good measure, Malisse broke Berdych one last time to earn his first semifinal berth in Washington.
After the match, Berdych expressed his discontentment with playing his third round on a non-show court and being scheduled first today after getting to his hotel late this morning. At the preceding conference, Berdych alluded to jet lag being an issue, the early match he felt added to his wretched play in the first set. Nevertheless, Berdych acknowledged that Malisse merited the win because he performed well.
For his part, Malisse commented that the key to his victory was his ability to return. Malisse remarked that the third set was near perfect tennis from his end.
In the second singles, Verdasco had three break opportunities in the opening game. Baghdatis survived the challenge and went on to break for 2-1. Yet, Verdasco quickly got back on serve by manufacturing a break of his own. Ultimately, the set was decided by a tiebreaker. Courtesy of three double faults by Verdasco, Baghdatis built a 5-2 advantage. As another Verdasco forehand traveled out of play, Baghdatis bagged the first set.
After Verdasco held to carry the initial game of the second set, Baghdatis netted a backhand giving the Spaniard triple break point. However, Baghdatis once again disappointed his rival. The next game, a disenchanted Verdasco dropped his serve. Although Verdasco immediately equalized the set at 2 all, the errors became uncontrollable leading to further breaks. When Verdasco’s forehand pass sailed long, Baghdatis had double break point. With Verdasco flubbing a backhand down the line, Baghdatis secured a 5-3 lead which was the difference in the match.
MiamiTennisNews asked:
Q. This was your first meeting with Baghdatis, was his game different than expected?
Verdasco: No . . . I did not play [well]. It was very windy . . .so it was tough to play for both of us . . . [Too] many double faults [because of ] the changing direction of the wind . . . The bounce of the court was sometimes [irregular] . . . The conditions were not easy.
MiamiTennisNews was curious about Verdasco’s racket conundrum.
Q. Earlier in the year you experimented with a different brand and you’ve since switched back. What’s the reason?
Verdasco: Before [the season started] I tried Yonex and I was suppose to play in Australia with it. But, [the manufacturer] did not [fabricate] the racket the way I wanted. So, I was told to play with my old racket in Australia . . . In San Jose and Memphis, I played with the Yonex racket. On clay in Acapulco, I [noticed] it was not the racket I want . . . After Acapulco, the [team] spoke to Dunlop to see if it can make the [equipment that suits] my game. Dunlop worked on it for a few months, that’s why I played the clay and grass seasons with a black racket. It’s still an [evolving process], trying to find the perfect racket. It’s never easy like changing clothes or sunglasses because it’s such an [integral] part of the game.
Q. Any plans to defend your title at the Pilot Pen?
Verdasco: I will just be playing the two Masters and the [major]. Last year I won New Haven, it was great and I enjoyed it . . . The people really treated me well . . . But, last year, when I got to the U.S. Open, I had a micro-tear in my abs and lost in the first round because of too many matches in a row. I don’t want that to happen this year because I want to do well in [New York].
