Djokovic, Nadal in Rome Masters final rematch

Rome: World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic swept past Roger Federer on Saturday to set up a Rome Masters final rematch with five-time winner Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic ends seven year Roger Federer- Rafael Nadal domination at the top

Novak Djokovic ends seven year Roger Federer- Rafael Nadal domination at the top

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal reach Sunday's Wimbledon final

There is no end in sight to Britain's wait at Wimbledon, not with Rafael Nadal of Spain smothering Andy Murray on his home turf once more.

But Novak Djokovic's wait to get to No. 1 in the world is certain to end when next week's computer rankings are released.

Djokovic's deeply convincing, deeply entertaining victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Friday's first semifinal means that for the first time in more than seven years, someone other than Nadal or Roger Federer of Switzerland will hold the top spot.

"They don't give you a lot of chances to become number one," said Djokovic, a 24-year-old from Serbia who is 47-1 this season. "So I guess you need to lose only one match in seven months to get there. If you can do that, then well done."

Well done then to Djokovic for absorbing all of Tsonga's power, showmanship and momentum on Centre Court and answering with plenty of his own to win 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-7 (9-11), 6-3.

"I can beat everybody today, but not Djokovic," No. 12 seed Tsonga said. "He was everywhere."

Djokovic and Nadal will meet in Sunday's final.

Djokovic has defeated Nadal four straight times, but top-ranked Nadal has won 20 consecutive matches at Wimbledon.

Though they have not met each other on grass since 2008, Djokovic is 0-2 on the surface against Nadal, who has won two Wimbledon titles.

Djokovic is playing in his first Wimbledon final.

"I think every child has a dream to become something in his life," he said. "We live from those dreams. Obviously I had a big support of my family and people around me that allowed me to have the opportunity to reach that dream, to reach the life goal."

Murray has yet to reach his major goals. Although he seems increasingly comfortable as the annual focal point of Wimbledon — cracking wry comments — he has not been able to give Britain its first men's finalist here since 1938, let alone its first men's champion since 1936.

Nadal beat No. 4 seed Murray 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.

Nadal said he was even feeling for Murray during the match.

"I'm not a robot when I'm playing; I think," Nadal said.

"He's the best player without a title of Grand Slam that I ever see."

Sharapova's off day good enough for final return

Maria Sharapova, the glamour girl of women's tennis, showed she is not averse to winning ugly as she overcame some jitters to set up a Wimbledon final against Petra Kvitova on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Russian served 13 double faults on her way to a 6-4 6-3 defeat of Germany's Sabine Lisicki to reach the final for the first time since she burst into the spotlight by winning the 2004 title as a carefree 17-year-old.

Eighth seed Kvitova silenced the wailing Victoria Azarenka 6-1 3-6 6-2 to reach her first grand slam final.

Neither match will live long in the memory though after a day that did little to alter the perception that the women's game is struggling without the rivalries that have fuelled interest in the men's game.

Not that Sharapova was too concerned.

"It's a great feeling. It's been many years, but it's a really great feeling," said Sharapova, who has filled the vacuum left by the fourth-round exits of champion Serena Williams, five-times winner Venus Williams and top seed Caroline Wozniacki.

"Today wasn't my best match of the championships so I was real happy to get through in two sets. So yeah, it's pretty amazing to be back on that stage."

Czech Kvitova and Belarussian fourth seed Azarenka thrashed around for an hour and 44 minutes on the hallowed turf but their "heavy metal" variety of tennis hardly captivated a Centre Court liberally sprinkled with empty green seats.

The famous arena was still not full either when Sharapova, the only genuine A-lister to survive until the semis, strode out under cloudy skies to take on wildcard Lisicki.

For three games the fifth seed could hardly get the ball in court, struggling on serve, lashing forehands into the net and shooting panicky glances to fiance Sasha Vujacic as he tried his best to offer encouragement from the players' box.

She improved steadily but her progress to the final was helped by an opponent whose belief drained away as quickly as Sharapova ramped up the volume on the "grunt-o-meter".

When the ninth service break ended the contest, the long-limbed Russian blew kisses to all four stands and added an extra one for her boyfriend before aiming another at the sky in gratitude for the looming rain clouds staying away.

After storming through the draw without losing a set to reach her first grand slam final since her career was threatened by shoulder surgery in 2008, Sharapova will be odds-on favourite to collect her fourth major title.

"But the next match starts from scratch. Everything that kind of went before, that doesn't really matter," said the Florida-based Russian, who gets to enjoy a few of the perks of being a member of the All England Club.

Azarenka's defeat will at least help keep the volume down on Saturday as left-handed Kvitova is relatively quiet when she smites the ball over the net.

The Belarussian, whose sound effects again brought giggles from the crowd, was briefly drowned out by an alarm blaring across Centre Court at one point of the match but it was Kvitova's accuracy that was the real danger.

The first set whizzed by in 27 minutes with hardly a rally to speak of but Azarenka got a foothold with an early break in the second and went on to level the contest.

With similar playing styles, both smashing the felt off the ball from the baseline, there was a muted atmosphere in the stands as Kvitova pulled away again in the decider.

Kvitova completed victory on her second match point when Azarenka served a double fault.

"I think it was a nervous match for sure," Kvitova, the first left-hander to reach the women's final since Czech-born American Martina Navratilova in 1994, told reporters.

"It was tough mentally but it's something unbelievable to be in the final at Wimbledon."

Andy Murray's quest to become the first British man to win Wimbledon for 75 years takes centre stage on Friday when he takes on world number one and holder Rafa Nadal in the men's semis after Novak Djokovic plays Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Djokovic into Wimbledon final; to get No.1 ranking

Novak Djokovic cut down Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 6-2 6-7 6-3 on Friday to reach his first Wimbledon final and guarantee becoming world number one next week.

The Serbian second seed looked to be cruising to a straight-sets victory but Tsonga suddenly sprung to life in the third set, breaking Djokovic's serve to force a tiebreak which the 12-seeded Frenchman won 11-9.

But Djokovic held his nerve to secure an early break in the fourth set and Tsonga, who fought back from two sets down to beat six-times champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, could not respond.

Djokovic, now certain to knock Rafa Nadal off the top of the rankings, will play top seed Nadal or Briton Andy Murray in the final on Sunday.

Scan reveals no serious injury for Rafael Nadal

A scan on Rafa Nadal's injured left foot has shown no major damage and the holder and number one seed should be fit to play Mardy Fish in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, Nadal said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Spaniard suffered the injury towards the end of the first set of Monday's four-set victory over Juan Martin Del Potro and needed almost 10 minutes of courtside treatment from a physio and doctor.

"I thought I'd have to retire," Nadal said after the match. "I felt something very strange. I felt that I had broken my foot, I felt terrible. I am worried for sure. I will have the scan and then let's see if I can recover for Wednesday."

After having the foot strapped he was able to play the rest of the match, though he said he was suffering some pain whenever he hit a forehand.

He underwent an MRI scan on Tuesday morning and will practise in the afternoon.

Worried Nadal to get MRI on injured left foot

Rafael Nadal felt something "crush" in his left foot, and the intense pain immediately made him worry that it might be broken.

And then, as he limped along between first-set points in the fourth round at Wimbledon, came an idea just as scary to contemplate: What if he needed to quit?

"I thought I wouldn't be able to continue playing," the defending champion and top-seeded Nadal said Monday night. "That's the truth. I'm not lying."

After pulling out a 7-6 (6), 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory over 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, Nadal said he would get an MRI exam on the foot and couldn't be 100 percent sure how fit he'll be for his quarterfinal Wednesday against 10th-seeded Mardy Fish of the United States.

"I'm worried, for sure. I'm going to do the MRI. We'll see what's going on. Tomorrow, we will see," Nadal said. "I cannot predict the future."

By getting past del Potro, Nadal improved to 30-2 at Wimbledon since the start of the 2006 tournament. He's joined in the quarterfinals by the rest of the top four seeded men: No. 2 Novak Djokovic, No. 3 Roger Federer and No. 4 Andy Murray.

"We've all been playing well, I think the top four or five guys really, for a long time," said Federer, a six-time champion at Wimbledon. "I think it's exciting for tennis."

He dropped a set for the first time in his four matches at Wimbledon this year before coming back to beat 18th-seeded Mikhail Youzhny of Russia 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 and reach the quarterfinals at a record 29th consecutive Grand Slam tournament.


Federer, now 11-0 against Youzhny, compiled 54 winners — including 14 aces — and broke six times.

Two-time Australian Open champion Djokovic kept up his bid for a first Wimbledon title by beating Michael Llodra of France 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Djokovic can replace Nadal at No. 1 in the rankings by reaching Sunday's final.

Murray, meanwhile, breezed past No. 17 Richard Gasquet of France 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2 — then took a deep bow to the Royal Box, where Prince William and bride Kate joined the rest of the crowd in giving Britain's top player a standing ovation.

Murray is hoping to become the first British man to win the title at the All England Club since Fred Perry in 1936. After Monday's victory, Murray met with the royal couple, then sheepishly apologized to them for his appearance.

"If I'd known they were coming, I would have shaved," the Scot said with a smile. "I was thinking to myself as I came off I was sweaty and very hairy. I said to them, 'I'm sorry, I'm a bit sweaty.' But it was really nice."

In addition to Nadal-Fish, the quarterfinals will be Djokovic vs. 18-year-old qualifier Bernard Tomic of Australia, who beat Xavier Malisse of Belgium 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 to become the youngest man to make it this far at Wimbledon since Boris Becker won a second consecutive championship in 1986; Federer vs. No. 12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France; and Murray vs. unseeded Feliciano Lopez of Spain.

Tsonga got past No. 7 David Ferrer of Spain 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (1), while Lopez came back from two sets down to eliminate Lukasz Kubot of Poland 3-6, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (7), 7-5, 7-5.

In the day's most dramatic match, Nadal's foot began hurting during the first set, particularly when he moved to his left to hit defensive forehands. He was visited twice by a trainer, including right before the tiebreaker, when his foot was taped up, which helped alleviate the problem a bit.


Still, Nadal fell behind 3-0 in the tiebreaker, favoring his left foot during points and stepping gingerly after them. Up in his guest box, Toni Nadal — Rafael's uncle and coach — was gnawing on his finger nails.

Aided by mistakes from del Potro, Nadal won four consecutive points to go ahead 4-3, but then fell behind 6-5. Nadal saved that set point with a service winner, ended a 20-stroke exchange with a backhand that landed right on the baseline, and took the set when del Potro double-faulted.

Del Potro — who missed most of 2010 after right wrist surgery — won the second set, but then he tumbled to the turf early in the third, clutching at his left hip. He left to get checked by a trainer, but continued.

Despite both players' health issues, they provided some scintillating tennis. Del Potro pressured Nadal with his powerful forehand and strong serve, often attacking the net. Nadal countered with a series of spectacular passing shots.

After Nadal served out the match at love, the crowd gave both players a lengthy standing ovation.

"I will try my best," Nadal said, "to be very competitive on Wednesday."

Rafa Nadal and Maria Sharapova storm into second week of Wimbledon

Reigning champion Rafa Nadal was in miserly mood as he reached the business end of Wimbledon on Saturday with a 7-6 7-6 6-0 third-round victory over Luxembourg's Gilles Muller. The top seed returned to Court One a set to the good after rain had interrupted his progress on Friday and after some dogged resistance from wildcard Muller, the last man to beat him here other than Roger Federer, Nadal roared through.

Nadal, who committed just three unforced errors in the match, faces a real test in the last 16 where 2009 US champion Juan Martin del Potro awaits after the Argentine completed victory over Frenchman Gilles Simon. Sixth seed Tomas Berdych, the man Nadal beat to claim his second Wimbledon crown last year, is looking a threat again after an easy third round win over Alex Bogomolov Jr., a result that left Mardy Fish as the sole American survivor in the men's draw at the halfway stage.

Maria Sharapova, the 2004 women's champion, took her customary place in the second week as the fifth seed overpowered Czech Klara Zakopalova 6-2 6-3 after the Russian was given a noon appointment on Court Two. The scheduling of the top women's players on what is the club's third court has been a bone of contention this week after defending champion Serena Williams, five-times winner Venus Williams and world number one Caroline Wozniacki have all made their way across the ground to the eye-catching bowl.

Wozniacki was up-graded to Centre Court on Saturday as the expected sunshine and higher temperatures took a while to materialise and the Dane maintained her trouble-free start with a 6-3 6-2 defeat of 27th seed Jarmila Gajdosova.

The 13-times grand slam singles champion Serena Williams took to Centre Court bidding to continue her impressive comeback from 11 months out with a third-round match against Russian Maria Kirilenko.

Former world number one Ana Ivanovic was sent packing by Czech Petra Cetkovska 6-2 7-6, failing to win a point in the tiebreak.

Nadal complained of a slight thigh injury after dispatching Muller, the result of a slip on Friday when he was required to save two set points, but there was little evidence of any chinks in his armour as he surged into the last 16. "I think I played solid mentally, and in the tiebreak I served all my points with the first serve," Nadal told reporters. "When I had the chance to return, I won the point."

"The third set, two sets to love, I am able to play with less pressure. I started to return unbelievable and to play at very high level." Left-handed Muller, a player with a pleasing array of strokes and dangerous serve, has never really fulfilled his potential since his 2005 victory over Nadal but he dug in to keep his opponent on his toes. He traded blows with the 2 year-old Mallorcan in the second set was still a threat until 5-5 in the tiebreak when one mistake cost him dear.

Nadal put Muller to the sword in the third set and immediately turned his attention to Del Potro. "I'm not lucky to play against Del Potro in the round of 16," Nadal said. "But that's what it is, and I have to be playing my best tennis to try to win." The other two members of the Big Four, six-times champion Roger Federer and second seed Novak Djokovic, aim to join Nadal and British hope Andy Murray, in the last 16 later on Saturday.

Rafael Nadal makes confident start to title defenceRafa Nadal made a confident start to the defence of his Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4 6-2 6-2

Rafa Nadal made a confident start to the defence of his Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4 6-2 6-2 win over American Michael Russell on Monday.

The Spanish top seed lost his serve in the opening set but he quickly broke back and played some inspired tennis against Russell who also contributed to an entertaining match.

Nadal, seeking his third Wimbledon title and 11th grand slam crown, next plays American Ryan Sweeting or Spain's Pablo Andujar.

Rafael Nadal makes confident start to title defenceRafa Nadal made a confident start to the defence of his Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4 6-2 6-2

Rafa Nadal made a confident start to the defence of his Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4 6-2 6-2 win over American Michael Russell on Monday.

The Spanish top seed lost his serve in the opening set but he quickly broke back and played some inspired tennis against Russell who also contributed to an entertaining match.

Nadal, seeking his third Wimbledon title and 11th grand slam crown, next plays American Ryan Sweeting or Spain's Pablo Andujar.

Rafael Nadal makes confident start to title defenceRafa Nadal made a confident start to the defence of his Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4 6-2 6-2

Rafa Nadal made a confident start to the defence of his Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4 6-2 6-2 win over American Michael Russell on Monday.

The Spanish top seed lost his serve in the opening set but he quickly broke back and played some inspired tennis against Russell who also contributed to an entertaining match.

Nadal, seeking his third Wimbledon title and 11th grand slam crown, next plays American Ryan Sweeting or Spain's Pablo Andujar.

Rafael Nadal wins sixth consecutive Monte Carlo title

Rafael Nadal produced a devastating display to beat fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco and secure a sixth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters title.

Nadal won 6-0 6-1 in just one hour and 26 minutes - his 32nd straight victory at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

It is his first tournament win since Rome last May and he has struggled with knee injuries in the meantime.

But the former world number one showed he is back to his best as he dropped 14 games in five matches in Monte Carlo.

The victory also served notice of Nadal's intent to regain the French Open crown he surrendered to Roger Federer last year after four straight titles.

"Last year I did not play well [here] but I won. This year my level is completely different," he said.

"This year is really special for me because I had a little bit of a hard time for the last year.

"I was back to my best level on 1 January. I was ready to win before this tournament."

The 23-year-old becomes the first player to win six consecutive titles at the same tournament since tennis turned professional in 1968, and moves level with Federer on 16 Masters titles - one behind Andre Agassi's record of 17.

"If he plays like this, no one can beat him," said Verdasco. "He beat everyone in six years here and I'm just one of them."

Nadal began in blistering fashion, reeling off the first seven points on the Verdasco serve on his way to a double-break.

One breathtaking backhand cross-court winner left an advancing Verdasco helpless at the net, and there was no let-up from the four-time French Open champion.

After a third break of serve was secured for 5-0, a shell-shocked Verdasco called for assistance and lay flat out at the changeover as the trainer massaged his neck.

The world number 12 was on the ropes early in the second set and did well to hang on, fending off four more break points - one with a huge backhand winner - to finally get a game on the board.

A tortuous afternoon took another bad turn for Verdasco at 1-1 when he made two double-faults in succession and, after gamely saving another two break points, Nadal whipped a mighty forehand across him at the net for the crucial breakthrough.

There was a half-chance for Verdasco at 30-30 in the following game but Nadal found the perfect angle with a sliced backhand to get past him at the net and consolidate his advantage.

A forlorn Verdasco gave up a fifth break as he frustratingly thumped a forehand into the net to fall 4-1 behind moments later.

Verdasco did win the rally of the match in an entertaining game six that included drop shots, lobs, scrambling and smashes, and ended with the challenger falling to his knees in mock celebration as he at last enjoyed a victory of sorts.

But even in such a commanding position, and with the title within his grasp, Nadal battled fiercely to save six break points before using his forehand to dismantle the Verdasco serve yet again - confirming that he remains very much the man to beat on clay.

"I think he had an unbelievable day and he played really good," said Verdasco. "He played really good during the whole week, not only today."

Nadal added: "It was emotional for me. It was my best week for a long time. It's unbelievable, Monte Carlo is my favourite tournament."

Roger Federer reclaims year-end No. 1 ranking

Roger Federer has reclaimed his spot at the top of the tennis world, securing the year-end No. 1 ranking for the fifth time.

The record 15-time Grand Slam champion is closing in on Pete Sampras' all-time mark of six.
"It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1," Federer said Wednesday after accepting a trophy on court at the ATP World Tour Finals. "It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing."

Federer earned the top year-end ranking after winning his opening two matches at the season-ending tour finals at the O2 Arena. Rafael Nadal, who ended Federer's five-year run as the end-of-season No. 1 last year, had a mathematical chance of overtaking Federer for the top spot but lost his opening match.

Federer struggled in the 2008 season, but reached all four Grand Slams finals yet again in 2009 and won two titles. The first championship came at the French Open, making the Swiss player only the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam.

At the All England Club, he reclaimed the Wimbledon title by defeating Andy Roddick 16-14 in the fifth set and surpassing Sampras with his 15th major title.

"After having a rough 2008, coming back this year and being able to dominate and play at the top when the depth in tennis is so, so great at the moment, I think it's a wonderful achievement," Federer said after beating Andy Murray on Tuesday. "It's a wonderful feeling."

Up next for Federer, who got married and had twin daughters this year, is trying to match Sampras with a sixth year-end No. 1 ranking. He's tied with Jimmy Connors with five apiece.
But this year's achievement was also special because Federer became only the second player to reclaim the distinction after losing it. Ivan Lendl, who was No. 1 from 1985-87, did it in 1989.
At the ATP World Tour Finals, Federer has twice rallied after losing the first set, first beating Fernando Verdasco on Sunday and Murray on Tuesday. He will face Juan Martin del Potro on Thursday to guarantee a spot in the semifinals of the season-ending tournament.

Del Potro, who is 1-1 in the round-robin tournament, beat Federer in five sets in the U.S. Open final.

"It could be a make-or-break match for us to get through," Federer said. "If that's the case, I'll give it all I have and try to beat him this time. Last time we played, it was a fantastic match in New York."

Nadal Ensnared in Tennis' Silly Season

Rafael Nadal is weak. His mind is mush. He can't run. What else can we conclude from his performance at the ATP Tour finals?

In three matches, he didn't win a set. Maybe he's finished as a dominant player?

Well, there is one other possibility. The tournament was a disaster.

Great, new sold-out indoor facility. Great to have just the select top players together. But the tournament was not a gathering of the best as much as a sign of a serious problem on tour, one that is costing Nadal.

That's what I'm going with. But the truth is, there are plenty of questions about Nadal, too. It's shocking when a guy known as a warrior says that in decisive moments, he didn't have the "necessary calm.''

But whatever the reason, this tournament was billed as the decider in the great Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal debate. Which will be No. 1 for 2009? Yet we ended up nowhere near a Federer-Nadal final.

We never do. Since their classic Wimbledon final in July of 2008, they have played each other just twice. The sport had a breakthrough moment with that final. And tennis has some momentum, as a recent survey shows. But in trying to milk that momentum, the tour has made demands with a schedule that endangers its best players, its best rivalry.

"Finish(ed) battery,'' Nadal said. "I need to charge a lot.''

This time last year, Nadal owned Federer and was tennis' dominant force, storming the court on every match. Now, he has lost four matches in a row. Storming the court? He isn't even a spring shower anymore.

"Not very disappointing, no,'' he said. "It's disappointing if you arrive here with the feeling that you have a big chance to win. But I didn't arrive here with that feeling ...

"The goal (for next year) is try to play hard and arrive generally in perfect condition. Have the feeling that when you are playing a point, you're not going to have a mistake.''

Nadal looks dangerously spent. The question is whether it's temporary.

You can say it's the result of his excessive work ethic or his throw-everything-into-every-shot style. Those are real issues.


But it's not just him. Andy Roddick didn't come to the tournament because his knee hurts. Federer, who did finish the year No. 1, lost his last two matches, couldn't find the court with his forehand and ran out of steam against Juan Martin del Potro. No. 3 Novak Djokovic was cranky all week, mentally worn out.

In the final Sunday, Del Potro looked like he could he barely find the energy to say "Uncle,'' against Nikolay Davydenko, who won 6-3, 6-4.

Davydenko is the last man standing on the ATP Tour. A short, skinny guy, winning because of his ability to stay consistent and because the top players were unable to find the patience or muscle to put him away.

The tour schedule is far too long and unrelenting. It is an 11-month season.

"I don't think it's coincidental that you see (Andy) Murray and Roger a little bit hurt now, or Rafa missing four months in the middle of the year, or maybe some odd results from del Potro and myself last week,''

Roddick seemed to agree in October, when he called the tour schedule, "ridiculous.''

"I just hope that the short-sightedness doesn't affect the length of players' careers. In tennis you definitely want your stars around as long as possible."

After years in dormancy, tennis has something going here. A survey showed that 30 million Americans played in 2009, up 12 percent from last year and more than 40 percent from 2004.

On top of that, there's a great rivalry to push, and, also, suddenly an American, Roddick, who is resurgent. So it has to be tempting to keep pushing for more.

But it's on the game's governing bodies to put the players in position to be on the court at their best, not their most vulnerable.

Nadal missed time this year with tendinitis in his knees, a wear-and-tear injury. Some people are asking whether he's done, at 23.

The truth is, you can't draw conclusions from this tournament. These weren't really the top players, but shells of them. They were on fumes.

Nadal pulls out of Thailand Open

World number two Rafael Nadal has pulled out of next week's Thailand Open as he continues to recover from an abdominal injury.

The Spaniard, 23, suffered a heavy defeat by Juan Martin del Potro in his last outing in the US Open semi-finals.

Nadal was hampered by the injury at Flushing Meadows and withdrew from the Spanish squad that beat Israel to reach the Davis Cup final.

"The injury needs to be taken care of," said Nadal who must rest for 10 days.

An ultrasound found Nadal has an "acute rupture of his right abdominal muscle".

"I'm very disappointed not to be able to play in Bangkok," added Nadal.

"I'm really looking forward to playing next year in Thailand where I have a very loyal and big fan base."

Del Potro's Open win a new chapter for tennis

Twenty-year-old Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro, aka "The Tower of Tandil," won his first major title on Monday at the U.S. Open, where he defeated Roger Federer in five sets. Here are five reasons why his victory changes the tennis landscape more than any win since Rafael Nadal's first French Open title in 2005.

1. He wasn't in awe of Federer. Most of Federer's opponents can't handle the pressure of playing a tennis legend. Pretty much every player on the ATP Tour considers Federer the greatest player of all time, and he's a nice guy, too. Everyone likes him and looks up to him. Not many players, unfortunately, seem to think they are worthy of beating him (Nadal being the exception). Del Potro looked feeble against Federer at the Australian Open earlier this year, when he lost two love sets to him in the quarterfinals, and he started out in similar fashion in the U.S. Open final. By the middle of the match, though, del Potro was playing with confidence and aggressiveness. Few men have been able to do this against Federer, never mind at the U.S. Open, which Federer had won five years in a row.

2. He came from behind. The last man to defeat Federer in a major tournament after trailing two sets to one was Marat Safin in the 2005 Australian Open semifinals. Only two other men have done this against Federer, according to ATPWorldTour.com: Tommy Haas at the 2002 Australian Open and Jiri Novak at Wimbledon in 1999, when the 17-year-old Federer was ranked outside the Top 100. To do it on a stage this large shows how tough del Potro can be.

3. He won without his A-game. The U.S. Open final is the toughest major final in the sport. It's held the day after the semifinals, so the players are a bit more tired than usual. It begins in late-afternoon shadows, and often ends under the lights. This year, the wind was strong. Del Potro hadn't played at night the entire tournament and he plays a riskier game than Federer, which is more dangerous in difficult conditions. He missed far more easy shots in this match than he did against Nadal in the semifinals or, for that matter, in any other round of the tournament. Yet he kept his composure and made adjustments to his tactics when necessary. That's the sign of a champion.

4. He showed off a new weapon. Great players introduce something new to the sport. John McEnroe reinvented touch. Pete Sampras redefined the serve. Ivan Lendl brought fitness to a new level. Federer has super-charged the all-court game of yesteryear; Nadal makes the topspin of the 1980s look like slice. Del Potro's contribution is the hardest forehand in the history of the game (one was clocked at 110 mph). I've never seen a player who could consistently hit winners from four feet behind the baseline and wide of the doubles alley. If del Potro can continue to hit that shot, and even improve it, he'll be a threat to win every tournament he plays.

5. He can get a lot better. Del Potro is 20 years old and hardly in extraordinary condition. He can add muscle to his lanky frame and improve his stamina. He can refine his volley technique and his slice backhand. If he has the desire to do these things, he's going to be a great player for years to come.

Andy Murray slips to third in rankings

Britain's Andy Murray has fallen one place in the world rankings to third after being overtaken by Rafael Nadal following the results at the US Open.

Murray was beaten by Marin Cilic in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, while Nadal reached the semi-finals.

The Spaniard was knocked out by Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who went on to win his first Grand Slam.

But Nadal's performance ensured he regained his world number two spot, behind beaten finalist Roger Federer.

Del Potro moved up one place to fifth in the rankings after his victory against Federer.

Melanie Oudin gives U.S. tennis a big hope for the future

Melanie Oudin ran out of Russians to play and lost.

Beating a Danish 19-year-old who is closer to her age group was always going to be a different task and, as it turned out, a more difficult one.

To the disappointment of the vast crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium and everyone down there in Marietta, Ga., Oudin's fantastic run at this year's U.S. Open came to a fairly abrupt end Wednesday night at the hands of No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki, who employed just the right kind of tactics to beat the 17-year-old starlet 6-2, 6-2.

"I knew she was going to be tough and I knew she was going to fight to the last point," said Wozniacki afterwards. "So I was like, I have to get as many balls back as possible and try to make her run. Keep her on her backhand and make her run on her forehand. That was my goal and I think it was a good way to play the match today."

Unfortunately for Oudin — the feisty teen with the word "BELIEVE" stamped across the heel of her shoe — Wozniacki was absolutely right. Moreso than those three famous Russians that Oudin had outfought from a set down, the Dane had the perfect game to outplay an opponent who, unsurprisingly, didn't move with quite the same alacrity as she had done in her previous encounters.

"I think I started off slow," Oudin admitted. "I wasn't able to come back. She's such a strong player. She doesn't give you anything for free. She plays incredible defense. Makes me hit a thousand balls so I don't know what else I could have done."

Oudin admitted that, being a perfectionist, losing was a disappointment. But she is a bright, level-headed girl and added, "The whole experience here is going to take me a long way, I think. I've gained a lot of confidence and I think I can only get better. I've played with top 10, former No. 1 players in this tournament and I've been able to do well. I mean, I got to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, so I know that hopefully I can do it again and again."


There is no reason why not because Oudin has the mind for the game — a maturity to stay calm, focused and determined in the heat of battle that is rare in one so young. She has been the story of the championships and women's tennis in America is a lot healthier after what she has achieved.

Another great story on the women's side

The WTA will be delighted with the way in which new, attractive stars have burst through to grab headlines at this U.S. Open. Oudin and Wozniacki are not the only ones. The other quarterfinal pitted Yanina Wickmayer from Belgium against the Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko, and it was the tall, powerful Wickmayer who came through 7-5, 6-4.

Ranked just two places higher than Bondarenko at No. 50 coming into the tournament, the 19-year-old Wickmayer made that gap look a little too small as she took charge of the match from the start with solid serving and backcourt hitting.

"She didn't give me any chance to win it," Bondarenko said. "She just played unbelievable today."

Like Maria Sharapova, Wickmayer was taken to Florida by her father at the age of 9 but the circumstances were rather different. Yanina's mother had just died of cancer and, wanting to get away and concentrate on the game she loved, she settled at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy.

"I guess I just decided as a little girl to get away from home and put my memories and thoughts to something else," she said. "To focus on other things in life and try to move on. ... It's been a really tough time for me but I see now it's one of the best decisions I've ever made."

It appears that it was very much Yanina's wish to try the Florida experiment, and her father went along with it just to try and bring some happiness into his daughter's life.

"He was just a normal guy in Belgium and he just gave up his whole life for me," Wickmayer said. "He listened to a little girl who was 9 years old and gave up his life, his dreams. I guess I'm always going to respect him for that. He's just a great guy."

You think he's a proud Dad, or what?

Federer-Djokovic clash set

In the first of the day's men's quarterfinals, Novak Djokovic had to hang tough before finally getting the better of that talented Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco, winning 7-6, 1-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Djokovic seems at ease again in New York this year, following his strained relationship with the crowd 12 months ago, and thoroughly enjoyed his little hit with John McEnroe after his victory over Radek Stepanek in the previous round.

"It feels like 2007, you know, when I played finals here and did all those crazy things, impersonating players," he said. "So it was really a lot of enjoyment playing with McEnroe the other night. You know, it was unexpected. I promise it wasn't planned. It just came out. It was good."

Even better is the fact that Djokovic, who knows what it is like to live in a city that is being attacked, has been hosting the children of 9/11 victims in his box. He hasn't publicized it but was asked to verify the fact in press conference.

"I don't really want to talk about it," he said. "I've been meeting four different guys in these past two weeks. I have been giving them presents. ... I know what it feels like so I just try to bring some smiles and make them enjoy. I hope that's what I did."

After he had lost to Roger Federer for the 11th straight time in the final of the French Open in June, Robin Soderling was very honest about the problems he has with the great Swiss.

"I can't play him," he said simply. "He plays too fast for me. I can never get into the match."

That seemed to be holding true as Federer raced away to a 6-0, 6-3 lead and then went 4-0 up in the third-set tiebreak. But suddenly, Soderling found the extra gear and decided to go for everything. A couple of great forehand winners, backed up by some great serves, enabled the big Swede to claw his way back and take that breaker 8-6 and then push Federer all the way into another one.

The reigning champion needed consecutive aces to keep level with a suddenly rampant opponent, but when he reached set point at 6-5, nerves clutched at Soderling's arm and he hit a forehand wide. A backhand error cost him on the next point and Federer closed it out, again at 8-6.

The victory extends Federer's astonishing run in Grand Slams to 22 consecutive semi-final appearances or better. He thinks it is one of his greatest achievements and his peers will agree. When other players talk about it, they just shake their heads in disbelief.

Federer & Djokovic into quarters

Reigning champion Roger Federer booked a US Open quarter-final clash against Robin Soderling with a 7-5 6-2 6-2 win over Spaniard Tommy Robredo.

The world number one broke Robredo in the 11th game to clinch a tight first set before breaking twice more in a far more comfortable second.

An aggressive Federer wrapped up victory in the third set with an ace.

Novak Djokovic remains on course for a semi-final against Federer after beating Radek Stepanek 6-1 6-3 6-3.

Djokovic, seeded fourth, had a surprisingly easy time in the final night-session match as he eased past the 16th seed in one hour and 46 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium to set up a quarter-final against Fernando Verdasco.

Soderling became the first man into the quarters when Nikolay Davydenko retired in the third set of their match.

The Swede, who lost to Federer in the French Open final, was 7-5 3-6 6-2 ahead when the Russian quit.

"He's got a big game and we had the final of the French Open - one of the most important matches of my career - so it's nice to play him again," Federer said of his forthcoming clash.

"He has got some great shots and is strong off the baseline."

Federer beat Soderling with ease at Roland Garros and will be expected to perform another demolition job on the 12th seed, following a straightforward win over Robredo.

The Swiss superstar played in third gear for much of the first set but then began to dictate the play in the second, breaking in the third game and then securing another break to move to 4-1 up before serving out for a two-set cushion.

Federer then began coming to the net with more frequency as he became more comfortable. Robredo looked more and more ragged and was broken in the opening game of the third set, and again in the third.

The Spaniard held serve for 4-1 but it only delayed the inevitable.

"I tried to figure him out a little bit, the way he played me," Federer said of a cautious first set. "I thought he really played my backhand a lot.


"I expected him to open it up sometimes towards my forehand but he didn't. I was a little unsure there for a while, how I should play him. He was doing a good job of keeping me off balance and being intense from the baseline.

"Once I got the lead I could also hit a bit more freely. That didn't allow him to play his game any more. I got on top of him and played good tennis."

Soderling was in confident mood ahead of the rematch, saying: "I have improved my game in every aspect and I just need to do it in majors.

"I have been beating good players and that has boosted my confidence. I think I have a chance to do well on hard courts."

A disappointed Davydenko, who was seeded eighth, seemed unsure as to what caused his pain.

"Just some muscle problem, like groin muscle maybe," he said. "In the middle of second set I felt something painful in the muscle, and every point I have more and more pain.

"I called physio as I was thinking, 'What is wrong?' I really don't know if it was a big injury or small injury. And physios also cannot tell me anything. I need some MRI scan to check my muscle."

Spanish 10th seed Verdasco beat John Isner 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4, leaving no American men in the last eight for the first time since the Open era began in 1968.

"We got a lot of people to the round of 32 then I played Andy (Roddick) and one of us moved on," said Isner. "But after that we didn't do too well. But we had tough draws.

"I wanted to go further, but I just got outplayed today. It was a good tournament and I can build on this for the rest of the year."

Venus Williams Joins Women’s Seeds Exodus at U.S. Open Tennis

Venus Williams became the latest women’s seed to be eliminated from the U.S. Open, losing in three sets to former champion Kim Clijsters after sister Serena advanced to the quarterfinals.

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal avoided any mishaps in the men’s draw yesterday, winning in straight sets to reach the fourth round of the year’s final Grand Slam tennis tournament at the National Tennis Center in New York.

Wildcard entrant Clijsters, in her first major since ending a two-year retirement last month, won 6-0, 0-6, 6-4 to send Williams to her earliest exit in five years at the tournament she won in 2000 and 2001. Only six of 32 women’s seeds remain.

“I feel I’m at a point where, if I play good and if I stay consistent, I can make it tough for the other girls,” Clijsters told reporters.

It was the first meeting between Williams and Clijsters since the Belgian beat the American in the quarterfinals four years ago en route to the title. Clijsters, who has won 34 singles titles and spent 19 weeks ranked No. 1 in the world, returned after a 28-month break during which she got married and had a daughter.

Clijsters will play China’s Li Na, the No. 18 seed, for a place in the final four, where she could face Serena Williams. The defending champion cruised past Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-0 to set up a quarterfinal with 10th-seed Flavia Pennetta of Italy, who defeated No. 7 Vera Zvonareva of Russia 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-0.

“I just want to keep this level and just stay focused,” said the second-seeded Williams, who’s seeking a 12th Grand Slam singles title.

Oudin Upsets

The next highest-seeded woman remaining is No. 6 Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, who seeks a spot in the quarterfinals today against No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. American Melanie Oudin, who upset former champion Maria Sharapova and 2004 runner-up Elena Dementieva her past two matches, is also in action against another Russian in No. 13 Nadia Petrova.

The top four men are all into the round of 16 after second- seeded Murray raced to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over American Taylor Dent and No. 3 Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.

Britain’s Murray next faces 16th-seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia, while Nadal meets No. 13 Gael Monfils of France.

Also moving into the fourth round yesterday were No. 6 Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina, No. 7 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, No. 11 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile and No. 24 Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain.

Federer Streak

Five-time defending champion Roger Federer is back in action today against Spanish No. 14 seed Tommy Robredo.

The top-seeded Swiss hasn’t lost a match at the U.S. Open since 2003 and is trying to become the first man to win six consecutive titles since tennis turned professional in 1968.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth, plays in today’s final scheduled match against No. 15 Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic. Elsewhere in the men’s draw, No. 8 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia takes on No. 12 Robin Soderling of Sweden and No. 10 Fernando Verdasco of Spain faces unseeded American John Isner.

The 6-foot-9 Isner was a five-set winner in his third-round match against Andy Roddick, who was the last American man to win a major at the 2003 U.S. Open. This is the just the second time in seven Grand Slam appearances that Isner got past the first round. Roddick, at No. 5, is the highest men’s seed to be eliminated so far, as only two of the top 10 have lost.