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.

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].

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.

Soderling commenced the first set with a couple of unfettered games. Then, with a forehand down the line error by Nadal had break point. However, Nadal got to deuce when Soderling’s backhand traveled out of play. With Soderling donating two forehand mistakes, Nadal equalized the set at 2 all.  Promptly, when Soderling made another forehand error, Nadal had his initial break point.  Despite Soderling dismissing one, Nadal obtained a second and capitalized with a backhand crosscourt pass for winner.  Quickly, Nadal consolidated to widen his advantage to 4-2.  In the next game, Soderling double faulted on game point resulting in deuce and later gave Nadal two additional opportunities to break. Yet, the Swede maintained his composure to pull off the game and remain one break down. When Nadal himself double faulted, Soderling had break point.  But, on a forehand miscue by Soderling, Nadal rubbed out that previous error.  A second break point came along after Soderling crushed a second serve return and Nadal was unable to deal with the subsequent shot.  Yet, with Soderling gifting another error, Nadal won the point.  Thereafter, Nadal secured the game and eventually seized the set 6-4.

After Soderling’s uncomplicated game to open the second set, on an errant forehand by Nadal, the Swede had double break point. With an ace and a botched backhand by Soderling, Nadal reached deuce.  Soderling manufactured two more opportunities.  Nevertheless, each was snuffed out by Nadal to tie the set at 1.  Soderling short memory helped as he held at love right after.  Nonetheless, Soderling’s next time out, Nadal connected on a couple of winners for triple break point.  When the Swede misfired with the forehand up the line, Nadal broke for 3-2.  Later, with a glut of mistakes, Soderling handed Nadal a double break lead.  The Spaniard easily closed out the set at 6-2.

Unlike last year, for Soderling, the errors far exceeded the winners.  Moreover, the serve, a potent part of Soderling’s game was being neutralized by Nadal’s excellent defense.  Conversely, as the match progressed, Nadal cleaned up his game.  Following an ace for game point, Soderling committed another error for deuce.  With two consecutive forehands flubs by Soderling, Nadal bagged the break to begin the third set.  By charging to net, Soderling forced Nadal to place a backhand pass out of play for his eight break point.  Yet, by netting the backhand return, Soderling was now 0 for 8 on break points.  Eventually, Nadal guarded serve for a 2-0 edge.  The next couple of service games, Soderling comfortably held.  When the Swede double faulted in the seventh game, Nadal had another break point.  Still, Soderling dealt with the pressure and maintained serve for 3-4.  But, Soderling was given no further looks at a break point by Nadal.  As the mistakes flew off Soderling’s racket, Nadal promptly held the rest of the way to take the championship in straight sets.

After the match, Soderling congratulated Nadal saying, “if you play like this, you have a chance to win many more”.  Despite being denied the title a second time, Soderling cited that “it is wonderful to be here and I enjoy this event very much”.  As his coach Magnus Norman who was in a similar position against Gustavo Kuerten 10 years ago looked on, Soderling terminated his speech by stating that he will be back in 2011 and “hope[s] to be third time lucky”.

Brimming with joy, Nadal thanked the crowd in French for their support and shared that this was the most emotional day of his career.  Nadal felt that he “played [his] best match of the tournament”.  The Spaniard declared that it’s “a dream to be back after a difficult year and that he was [grateful] to everyone [because] he has felt at home [in Paris] the last six years”.  In two weeks at Roland Garros, Nadal did not surrender a set.  With the Spaniard having regained his golden touch on clay, the rest of the field may never hoist that trophy for many years.

Ironically, the fifth for Nadal arrived on Bjorn Borg’s 54th birthday. With his 29th clay court title, Nadal has positioned himself alone in fourth place, surpassing Ivan Lendl and Ilie Nastase.  Should Nadal repeat in Paris next year, he will tie Borg’s record there. Moreover, with one more clay championship, Nadal will stand with Borg and countryman Manuel Orantes in the third spot.

Although Soderling failed to become the first Swede since Mats Wilander in 1988 to prevail in Paris, he does not go home empty handed. On Monday, Soderling will move up to number six in the rankings.

In multiple manners, Soderling has made a significant impact with his performance the last two years.  Firstly, in ousting Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, Soderling put the door ajar for Nadal to return to number one.  Secondly, Soderling prevented Federer from equalizing Pete Sampras’ record for most weeks at number one.  Thirdly, Soderling halted Federer’s monumental streak of most consecutive appearances in semifinals at the majors at 23, a feat which is likely untouchable.  Lastly, Soderling may be known as Nadal’s Adrianno Pannatta.  The latter, the 1976 French Open champion, is the only person to defeat Borg at Roland Garros.  So, for Soderling, what a way to make one’s mark on tennis history.

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.

Twice this season, these two have battled with Roddick taking both matches in straight sets.  Yet, the manner in which Berdych moved on to the finals, with wins over Roger Federer, Fernando Verdasco and Robin Soderling, the Czech appeared to have at least an outside chance. With a forehand crosscourt winner, Berdych held at love his initial game.  Then, with a backhand volley winner, Berdych put Roddick in 0-30 predicament.  By coming with 130 mph heat, Roddick managed to hold for 1 all.  Later, Roddick faced another 0-30 situation when Berdych connected on a backhand crosscourt pass for a winner.  Despite not finding first serves, Roddick elicited enough return errors on his second serve to get to 3 all.  Next, as the set progressed, Roddick found the groove on Berdych’s serve.  When Berdych botched  a makeable forehand up the line, Roddick had his first break point of the day.  Although Berdych wiped that one away, later, he double faulted giving Roddick another opportunity.  The American took it when Berdych’s forehand landed wide.  Subsequently, at 40-0, with an ace, Roddick wrapped up the set.

In the second set, with a backhand pass for winner, Roddick earned break point.  Again with an unforced forehand error, Roddick seized a 1-0 edge.  Despite letting a 40-15 game reach deuce because of double fault, Roddick still consolidated 2-0.  Following two easy occasions on serve, when Roddick missed an uncomplicated forehand to get to 30 all, Berdych seemed to have a slim opening.  Yet, with a backhand down the line pass, Roddick arrived at game point and with an ace had a 4-2 lead.  After Roddick readily got to 5-3, with a deep return, he caused a forehand blunder from Berdych for his first match point.  In the longest rally of the day, 31 strokes, Berdych terminated the point with an overhead winner.  Later, Berdych saved another match point and finally held for 4-5.  However, for the Czech it was delaying the inevitable. Roddick had permitted no break point the entire day and he had no plan to be generous although it was Easter.  With an overhead winner, Roddick had double championship point.  When Berdych netted a down the line backhand, Roddick wrote his name on the trophy.

Roddick performance was pretty clean with 25 winners and 16 unforced errors, while Berdych had almost twice as many in the latter category and just 2 more winners.  Berdych was the first Czech male to reach the finals in Miami since Ivan Lendl.  Lendl won the tournament twice, in 1986 and 1989. In the post match analysis, Berdych had the following responses when MiamiTennisNews.com posed:

Q.  Seemed [that] your first serve was off?

BERDYCH: . . .  my serve was not that good.  But still, . . . I just lost two close sets. . . He [got] one chance and he just took it.  That’s how it is . . .  maybe I would get one then it would be different.

Q.  It seems . . .on the first break chance that he had in the first set, . . .  you made an error on the first serve and then the clap from the crowd.  Was that a distraction for you?

BERDYCH:  No, that’s usual, especially here . . . when you play in States against American, that’s all right.  That’s how it is.

Coming on the heels of a letdown in the finals in Indian Wells, Roddick admits prevailing a the Sony Ericsson Open is a relief considering he had been the favorite both times.  Roddick spent his formative years in Boca Raton, therefore, this trophy is special to him.  After the victory,  Roddick said he has a lot of fond memories of the area “lots of firsts . . . playing the Orange Bowl, the Sunshine Cup, junior Davis Cup and winning that for the first time . . . [this venue]it’s one of those places where . . . going down a hallway . . . I don’t need to look for signs to see where I’m [going]. . .  it ['s] just kind of   ingrained.  It’s a great crowd. I never feel really uncomfortable on the center court. It’s a big title for me. ”

Berdych’s ranking rises from 20 to 16 while Roddick moves up one spot to number 7.  Roddick earned his 5th Masters shield with this win.  In addition, Roddick becomes only the fifth multiple winner of this title keeping company with Andre Agassi, holder of 6, Pete Sampras with 3, Ferderer and Lendl each with two.  All in all not a bad consolation prize.

If I were to pen a riddle about this topic it would go something like this: what sound is a sign of severe respiratory distress in a child or preparation for speech in babies, yet is a source of annoyance to spectators viewing a tennis match? If you were to guess grunting, you would be on the ball.

One would have to be deaf not to have noticed that the courts on the WTA circuit are somewhat quieter the last few months. This is due to the conspicuous absence of Maria Sharapova. The Siberian diva and her signature ear-piercing grunt have been sidelined for the rest of the season by a shoulder injury. Although Sharapova is an extreme and expert poster child for that note, the men are not immune. Rafael Nadal seems to have taken lessons from some of the great Spanish tenors. Nowadays, grunting has become commonplace on tour. Just like voices, the sound varies in intensity and cadence. Undoubtedly, the player who opened the laryngeal gates and brought grunting into the spotlight was Serbian Monica Seles. This tone turned out to be such a distraction that at the 1992 Wimbledon finals, Seles was asked to keep the decibel down which may have thrown off her rhythm and cost her the match against Steffi Graff. Perhaps, Seles’ inability to vocalize may have dampened the weight of her shots. After all, tennis players are creatures of habit and a bit superstitious.

Facing Andre Agassi in the 1982 semifinal at the U.S Open, Czech Ivan Lendl cited that his opponent’s grunting was a mental distraction particularly considering it had never been an issue he had previously encountered. Luckily, Lendl was able to focus enough and win the match. Although athletes are famous for their powers of concentration, it is hard to fathom how a noise which can seem as loud as a subway train is not a disturbance. Therefore, it leaves one to wonder whether all this ruckus is really necessary.

Unquestionably, with grunting, there is a degree of gamesmanship involved. After all, silence clues the opponent in as to the type of shot coming off one’s racket from the sound the ball makes when it touches the strings. Despite negating that component of the game, grunting has been silently accepted. Even more remarkably, players have found a way to work around that obstacle and still produce high quality matches.

As stadium spectators, we all wish we could turn down the volume, or better yet, press the mute button when watching certain players. With Sharapova’s injury requiring physical rehabilitation, enjoy the relative quiet the next few months. Soon enough, it will be time to break out the earplugs again.