TennisToday

Andy Murray Wins 2013 Wimbledon Title

Wimbledon - Men's Final

2 Andy Murray d 1 Novak Djokovic - 64 75 64

FINALLY!

The 77 year drought has come to an end.

The look of disbelief on Andy's face after match point said it all.

It was a mixture of relief and 'wake-me-I'm-dreaming' delight.

I could bore you with stats so let's just hear from Andy:

Winning Wimbledon, I think, is the pinnacle of tennis.

I still can't believe it. Can't get my head around that. I can't believe it.

This one will take a little while to sink in, I'm sure.

***

Andy just turned up the heat on the race for year-end #1.

Since 2004 the Wimby winner has finished the year top of the pile.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

Today's win was one for the ages. Great Scot - well done.

Roger Federer Upset in 2nd Round at Wimbledon

Wimbledon - Men's Second Round

Sergiy Stakhovsky d 3 Roger Federer - 67(5) 76(5) 75 76(5)

Roger likes his records so maybe he wanted to take worst loss ever too.

Debatable of course but he is the GOAT and GOAT on grass.

Not to mention 7-times champ including last year.

So yea, I think this eclipses both of Rafa's losses the last two years.

Sergiy post match: You're playing the guy and then you're playing his legend,

which is following him because he won it seven times. He's holding all

possible career records here, I think, winning matches and everything.

You're playing two of them. When you're beating one, you still have the

other one who is pressing you.

You're saying, ‘Am I about to beat him? Is it possible?

***

And Roger sounds a little crabby in his post: I still have plans to play for

many more years to come. It's normal that after all of a sudden losing

early after being in the quarters 36 times, people feel it's different.

You guys hyped it up so much: me playing Rafa, and we're both out.

So there's a letdown clearly. Maybe it's also somewhat a bit disrespectful

to the other opponents who are in the draw still. I think it sends a

message to you guys as well that maybe

you shouldn't do that so often next time around.

Rafael Nadal Wins 8th French Open Title

French Open - Men's Final

4 Rafael Nadal d 5 David Ferrer - 63 62 63

8.

Rafa moves up to 3rd with Roy Emerson on the Slam list with 12.

Only Pete Sampras with 14 and Roger Federer with 17 are ahead of him.

He improved his French Open record to 59-1. A sick winning percentage.

Rafa also notched his 20th win over Ferrer and 4th of the 2013 season.

He is also the 1st man to qualify for the season ending tournament.

In a rankings quirk the win actually saw his ranking fall back to #5.

But he is firmly atop the Race to London rankings by a mile.

With 90 points to defend the rest of the year - lookout Nole...

Hi8tory: No man has ever won 8 titles at any one Slam before.

History: And no man has ever won a Slam 9 years running.

Post match: Eight times here is a lot. I never thought about that.

But I will keep practising with the same passion and intensity to bring

my tennis to the highest level possible.

***

Rafa has played 9 tournaments this year and made the finals of all 9.

He's won 7 of them making him the tour leader.

Next up is Wimbledon where he's won it twice: '08 & '10.

It's also the place where he lost early in '12 & left the tour with an injury.

This year plan on Rafa hitting Wimby with a hunger for a big points gobble.

Roger Federer Wins Historic 5 Setter to Gain Quarterfinals at the French Open

French Open - Men's Fourth Round

2 Roger Federer d 15 Gilles Simon - 61 46 26 62 63

Roger's 35 match quarterfinal streak was in jeopardy for a sec there.

But Roger being Roger dug deep and powered thru the last 2 sets.

There was also an injury scare as Rog rolled over his ankle a in the 2nd.

The victory also marked the GOAT's milestone 900th ATP match win.

He is only the 4th player to reach 900.

Post match: I knew 900 was on the line. I'm just happy I have been able

to win a lot of matches throughout my career, [giving] myself an

opportunity over and over again. I love this game.

Every time you turn around he's breaking records.

A Qf win over Tsonga and he'll own the record for most FO match wins.

He loves those records.

Rafael Nadal Wins 8th ATP Title at Barcelona

Barcelona ATP 500 - Men's Final

2 Rafael Nadal d 4 Nicolas Almagro - 64 63

This is Rafa's 8th title at BCN - he's only lost 1 match here - 10 years ago.

This marks his 54th title and 39th on clay.

He is now 13-0 against fellow Spaniards in finals. And 10-0 against Nico.

If that weren't enough - Rafa is the only man to win 2 tournies 8 times.

And he'll be looking for an 8th in about a month at Roland Garros.

Post: I feel very happy to lift the trophy once again here in Barcelona.

It means a lot especially after the difficult year I’ve had.

But what a comeback: 6 finals in 6 tournies - winning 4 of them.

In fact, he is the tour leader is titles so far in 2013.

Talk about a big vamos.

And the point of the match - Rafa's twenner realness:

Serena Williams Set to Return to #1 after Doha Quarterfinal Win Over Kvitova

Doha - Women's Quarterfinal

2 Serena Williams d 7 Petra Kvitova - 36 63 75

Well. This was only a matter of time.

And with not a ton to defend before Wimby she'll stay at #1 for a spell.

On Monday she'll become the oldest #1 in WTA history - nearly 31 1/2.

It also marks Serena's 6th time at #1 - her first: July 8, 2002.

Post match: I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to get back to #1.

It has been a long road back and it's a great feeling.

It has been a lot of hard work but I don't want to stop here.

Oh honey, it won't.

The Bryan Brothers Win Historic 13th Grand Slam Title at Australian Open

Australian Open - Men's Double Final

1 Bryan Brothers d Hasse & Sijsling - 63 64

The boys win their 84th tour-level tour and historic 13th Slam title.

Post match: It feels real good to have that record.

To be a part of history is pretty special.

We weren't thinking about it much out there, but now that we have it,

it's going to be fun to look back on our career

andsay we have the most Grand Slams.

It's a big record, so we're pretty excited about it.

Look out folks they're in it til Rio. And want to cross the 100 title mark.

Easy-peasy.

Maria Sharapova is Pretty Stingy in Losing Games en Route to Quarterfinals at Australian Open

Australian Open - Women's Fourth Round

2 Maria Sharapova d Kristen Flipkens - 61 60

This is the fewest games lost since '88 when the draw went to 7 matches.

Post match: It's really about keeping your focus,

no matter what the score is, no matter if you're up or down.

If we're being honest Maria hasn't face a tough opponent yet.

And yes, I'm including Venus in that. V is a shadow of her once great self.

I doubt Makarova will be too tough either.

Maybe she'll get some decent opposition in the final. Where she is heading.

Maria Sharapova Serves-Up 2nd Double Bagel at Australian Open

Australian Open - Women's Second Round

2 Maria Sharapova d Misaki Doi - 60 60

Oh crap - it's on!

To be fair tho... I ain't never heard of either of the double bageled girls.

But I've heard of her next opponent. Her name is Venus Williams.

Their H2H is 4-3 with the advantage going tp Maria.

If I'm betting I'd place my bet on Maria in straight sets. Sadly.

***

History was made with this back-to-back double bagel.

The last time this happened was before Maria was even born.

Wendy Turnbull produced this feat at the Aussie Open in 1985.

Maria isn't impressed: It's not really the statistic I want to be known for.

I want to be known for winning Grand Slam titles,

not that I won two matches 60 60. I'm just happy that I won the match.

Sorry Tennis Channel but you got it wrong - Steffi Graf is the Greatest Player of All Time

How Steffi finished #3 is beyond me. Let's compare their stats shall we:

Steffi Graf  ***  Roger Federer

Weeks at #1

377  ***  285

Year-End #1 Ranking

8 years  ***  5 years

Grand Slam Titles

22  ***  16

Tour Titles

107  ***  73

Olympic Gold in Singles

Yes, in 1988  ***  No

Calendar Grand Slam

Yes, in 1988  ***  No

Years with at Least 3 Slams

5  ***  3

Steffi has at least 4 titles at every Slam  ***  Roger only 1

And Roger places higher than Steffi? I think not.

And this post was written by someone that NEVER supported Steffi.

Photos: Tennis Channel

Novak Djokovic Wins Historic Title at Montreal

Montreal Masters Series 1000 - Final

1 Novak Djokovic d 6 Mardy Fish - 62 36 64

This is just getting down-right scary. I mean look at these stats:

2011 W/L: 53-1. 9 titles. Only 17 sets lost. 16 wins over top 10 players.

His lone defeat was in the Sf's at Roland Garros to Roger Federer.

Novak also becomes the 1st man to win 5 Masters titles in a single season.

This is his 2nd title in Canada ('07) & his 10th Masters Series 1000 title.

He is the 1st #1 since Sampras to win a title in his 1st tourney at the top.

He seems on course to have the most incredible season in ATP history.

Novak: History making, of course it’s special.

Of course, it’s an honour and privilege to be part of the history...

Of the sport that I love and that I play.

ADJE.

Photo: Getty Images

Marat Safin Featured in Russia's InStyle Magazine

It took me a couple days to get to this - but I'd say it was worth the wait.

Marat retired in '09. Crushing the hearts of gals & gays worldwide.

As the French Open starts tomorrow - Marat's best run at RG: Sf's in '02.

Photos: Erez Sabag - Thanks for the heads up On the Go Tennis

And the reminder LA Surf Punk

An Historic Week for the WTA Rankings...

I realize I'm a few days late on this but like I mentioned yesterday - after the Australian Open ended I took a few days off. All those late nights really do a number on me as I've always been an 'early to bed' kind of guy.

Ok, back to history. For the first time in WTA history the top 10 is populated by ladies from 10 different countries. It's truly a remarkable landmark. And it goes a little deeper as #11 is held by Israeli Shahar Peer.

Well done ladies.

A couple things to note about the rankings in the coming weeks.

Kim Clijsters is playing in Paris this coming week. She is only 140 points behind Caro (who is inactive this week) so a decent run will move her back to #1 - a position she last held the week of March 19, 2006.

#6 Venus Williams is currently sidelined owing to the injury she sustained in Australia. She is the defending champion at 2 events this month (Dubai and Acapulco) and if she doesn't play she will surely join her sister in dropping out of the top 10. That means... no American woman in the top 10, wow. Off the top of my head I'm thinking this will be a first.

And there is no real hope on the American horizon - Bethanie Mattek-Sands is #48 and Melanie Oudin is way back at #61.

This diversity in the rankings may not last too long... there are 2 Russians knocking on the door as Maria Sharapova looks to make a move at #13 and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (spell check came up empty on this name) is also on the rise at #14.

In the meantime, let's take a moment to savor this rare achievement in WTA history.

Roger Federer Plays 900th Career Match in Stockholm

AND WINS!!!

Stockholm ATP 250 - Men's Second Round

1 Roger Federer d Taylor Dent - 61 62

Winning in match #900 he improves his career W/L to 727-173.

WOW: And of those 900 matches... not a single retirement.

Those numbers also represent 63 titles, including 16 Slam.

Open Era standings in matches:

Roger is 27 matches behind Boris Becker who is #12 with 927 played.

He is #9 in matches won & #6 in winning percentage (in 400+ matches). 

***

Roger's 1st tour match was a loss at Gstaad to Lucas Arnold Ker in 1998.

His 1st match win came 2 months later in Toulouse over Guillaume Raoux.

Roger's 1st final was at Marseille in '00 & his 1st title at Milan in '01.

For 2010 his W/L is 49-12 with 2 titles: Australian Open & Cincinnati.

***

Here are some H2H stats:

He has a losing record to 21 guys - only 11 if they've played at least twice.

In all H2H's he has a double-digit lead over 13 players.

Of those players he has played Lleyton Hewitt the most: 23 (17-6).

Roger has the most victories over Andy Roddick: 19 - with just 2 losses.

Rafael Nadal is the only player to have double-digit wins over Roger: 7-14.

***

A major milestone was reached today in Stockhom. Well done Rog.

Photo: Reuters

Women's Tennis: 40th Anniversary of Independence

Nothing doing without the Original 9.

The iconic Ted Tinling photo above features the 9 brave women who signed $1 contracts to start a stand-alone women's tennis tour in Houston 40 years ago today. These pioneers are: Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Judy Dalton, Kerry Melville Reid, Julie Heldman, Kristy Pigeon, Peaches Bartkowicz and Valerie Ziegenfuss. Honorable mention must be paid to Gladys Heldman who's help with these initial steps was invaluable.

Billie Jean King remembers, "I felt a sense of both fear and exhilaration. We knew we were making history and we had such a strong sense of purpose. I just kept thinking about the vision we had for the future of our sport. We wanted to ensure that any girl in the world that was good enough would have a place to go and make a living playing tennis."

King continues, "Today's players are living our vision. In 1970, and even a few years after we signed the $1 contract with Gladys, people never believed women's tennis would be a global sport and that players would be making the money they make today. But it is a reality and I know today's players will continue our dreams for future generations."

Andrea Petkovich made a nice tibute video - view it HERE.

King Quotes: from the wonderful WTA article on the Original 9 - Photo: Ted Tinling

Rafael Nadal in Bangkok having Clinched Year-End #1

Rafa is looking for his 1st Asian title since winning the Olympics in Beijing.

He will finish 2010 and the #1 ranked player.

Rafa currently leads the tour with 6 titles on the year & a W/L of 59-7.

By the way, he has yet to reach 100 losses in his ATP career: 460-98.

Rafa is the 3rd man to regain the year-end #1: Lendl in '89 & Federer in '09.

He is also the 9th man to finish the year at the top more than once:

Sampras, Federer, Connors, Lendl, McEnroe, Borg, Edberg, Hewitt.

In 13 tournaments played in '10 he has only failed to make the Sf's 3 times.

Here is a recap of his 2010:

Titles: Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open

Runner-up: Doha

Semifinalist: Indian Wells, Miami, Toronto

Quarterfinalist: Australian Open, Queens Club, Cincinnati

In January who would have guessed he'd have this kind of year.

Well done Rafa.

Photo: Reuters

Caroline Wozniacki at the US Open: From Runner-Up to Champion a Year Later?

Caroline Wozniacki will head to the US Open as the tournament's top seed. She was the runner-up to Kim Clijsters last year.

She is trying to become the 14th player in the Open Era to win a 1st Slam title at a particular venue a year following a runner-up finish. She would join quite a list of Hall of Famer's should it happen.

Here is a list of 16 times it's happened previously:

Stan Smith - Wimbledon: '71 (Newcombe) - '72 (Nastase)

Evonne Goolagong - Australian Open: '71-'73 (Court & Wade) - '74 (Evert)

Chris Evert - Roland Garros: '73 (Court) - '74 (Morozova)

Chris Evert - Wimbledon: '73 (King) - '74 (Morozova)

John McEnroe - Wimbledon: '80 (Borg) - '81 (Borg)

Chris Evert - Australian Open: '81 (Navratilova) - '82 (Navratilova)

Ivan Lendl - US Open: '82-'84 (Connors & McEnroe) '85 (McEnroe)

Steffi Graf - Wimbledon: '87 (Navratilova) - '88 (Navratilova)

Steffi Graf - US Open: '87 (Navratilova) - '88 (Sabatini)

Mats Wilander - US Open: '87 (Lendl) - '88 (Lendl)

Jana Novotna - Wimbledon: '97 (Graf) - '98 (Tauziat)

Juan Carlos Ferrero - Roland Garros: '02 (Costa) - '03 (Verkerk)

Marat Safin - Australian Open: '04 (Federer) - '05 (Hewitt)

Ana Ivanovic - Roland Garros: '07 (Henin) - '08 (Safina)

Rafael Nadal - Wimbledon: '06 & '07 (Federer) - '08 (Federer)

Roger Federer - Roland Garros: '06, '07 & '08 (Nadal) - '09 (Soderling)

***

Photo: Reuters

PS: I did this research myself. Took me an hour. So there.

Thanks Wikipedia.