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Janko Tipsarevic: Road to Roland Garros Q&A...

Very cute Tipsy. Very cute...

Novak Djokovic & Janko Tipsarevic: Giving Tongue

Janko tweeted this moments ago captioned:

Are we Serbian or are we SERBIAN.

It's been retweeted on my feed a dozen times already.

And boy do people think they're funny.

My fave so far: No thanks guys, I use toilet paper.

Serbian Davis Cup Team Receive Diplomatic Passports

Forget Spain - this may just be the best looking Davis Cup team ever.

Team Serbia will continue to defend their title in July against Sweden.

Photo: Stevanovic/Milosavljevic

Stanislas Wawrinka & Janko Tipsarevic Enjoy a Day Off

Both tweeted very enviable photos today.

Stan is having fun paintballing with friends.

I tweeted Stan: Try wearing that at Wimbledon!

Janko taunted Novak say he was practicing & gunning for him on the links.

I tweeted Janko: Novak is too busy winning - at tennis!

Neither replied.

Intimidated by my overuse of the exclamation point I assume.

My plans for the day you ask? Aside from the nap I'll take a little later - nada.

Janko Tipsarevic is in Miami Beach Y'all

Janko tweeted this photo yesterday from his hotel, I'm guessing.

Well, the next time he complain-tweets about his travel woes...

I'm retweeting this photo right back to him!!!!

Oh, and good luck in Miami Janko!

iPhone Photos from My Day at Indian Wells Tennis

Here are 10 iPhone photos I shot on Saturday.

***

Julien Bennetaeu and the lovely Indian Well background.

My favorite pic of the day - the one & only Andrea Petkovic.

David Ferrer slinked into this golf cart just after his loss to Ivo Karlovic.

The lovely Vera Zvonareva signing autographs.

Rafael Nadal caused a near-frenzy as he hit the practice courts.

Thomas Berdych works up a sweat in practice.

Jelena Jankovic working on her hair - then her volleys.

Janko Tipsarevic rocking the Oakley's in practice.

Richard Gasquet serves. Big.

And future (super)star Milos Raonic of Canada.

ATP & WTA Weekend Winners for Feb 27, 2011 - Welcome Back to Winners Circle Juan Martin Del Potro!

Dubai: 2 Novak Djokovic d 1 Roger Federer - 63 63

Very impressive win for Novak as he remains undefeated this year.

This marks the first time in his career he's done a 3-peat.

He also becomes the 7th active player to win at least 20 titles.

A lot of tennis headlines have been sounding the Fed & Nadal 'end of era'.

Too soon: Let's hold off and revisit that after Wimbledon, shall we?

***

Acapulco: 1 David Ferrer d 3 Nicolas Almagro - 76(4) 67(2) 62

David makes it 2 in-a-row in Acapulco - he likes that giant pear trohpy!

As he denies Nico a 3rd title in this years Golden Swing thru Latin America.

***

Delray: Juan Martin Del Potro d Janko Tipsarevic - 64 64

Look out guys: Someone's comeback just got a solid shot in the arm.

This is Juan's 1st title since winning the US Open in '09.

He was sidelined for most of 2010 with a career-threatening wrist injury.

Delray Beach represented his 5th tournament this season.

He's rocking a nice 13-4 W/L - which includes Sf's in San Jose & Memphis.

His ranking just spiked to #89 - FOUR weeks ago he was ranked #485.

It was a matter of time - but who knew it would be this fast?

Doha: 2 Vera Zvonareva d 1 Caroline Wozniacki - 64 64

Vera improves her finals record to 11-16 and H2H with Caro to 4-4.

Acapulco: 4 Gisella Dulko d Arantxa Parra Santonja - 63 76(5)

This is Gisella's 4th WTA title - but perhaps she had a bigger week for this:

She & Flavia became co-#1's on the the women's doubles rankings.

Photos: AP/Reuters/Getty Images

Tennis Twitter Photos

I have to confess that since the Aussie Open I've dropped out.

I haven't even looked at any scores this week.

I'll catch up later and look at the draws for next week.

I'm always exhasted after a Slam.

But that doesn't mean I haven't been following my players on Twitter.

Here are a few fun photo's from some of my faves to follow.

Kim tweeted this from Fed Cup this week.

That's Kim with Kristen Flipken (middle) and An-Sophie Mestach (right).

As you know Kim won the AO title.

What you may not know: An-Sophie won the junior titles in singles & doubles.

Here we have Janko Tipsarevic playing with a baby lion in Johannesburg.

Careful there Tipsy you may need that finger.

Then of course we have Stan Wawrinka having his Homer fun in the gym.

Australian Open Day 3: A Quick Summary

I've been to busy to keep up. So here is one giant post.

As you read keep in mind all of yesterday's matches were second round...

2 Roger Federer d Gilles Simon - 62 63 46 46 63

A genuine bonafide thriller.

Roger hadn't been dumped from a Slam this early since RG '03.

He improved his career record of winning with a 2 set lead to 166-0.

Gilles still remains 1 of 3 active players with a winning H2H over Fed.

Nadal & Murray are the others. He can only (potentially) face 1 - in the final.

4 Venus Williams d Sandra Zahlavova - 76(6) 60 64

An incredible match of fighting spirit.

V pulled a groin muscle at the end of the tie-break.

She leaves court for treatment only to return to serve-up a bagel.

Although injured V has never retired from a Slam match.

Let's see how that feels tomorrow though.

9 Fernando Verdasco d Janko Tipsarevic - 26 46 64 76(0) 60

This thing was an absolute head-stracher.

Janko served for it twice and completely bungled 3 match points.

And once he lost that 4th set TB - he basically lost all heart to play.

This is probably sting for awhile.

6 Francesca Schiavone d Rebecca Marino - 63 57 97

Yet another of the crazy matches played yesterday.

This is Fran's 6th visit to the 3rd round: 2-3. She's never been to the Qf's.

3 Novak Djokovic d Ivan Dodig - 75 76(8) 60 62

Little signs of struggle and frustration in those 1st 2 sets.

But no doubt Novak is happy with the last 2 sets.

This is his 5th straight year thru to the 3rd round: 4-0.

Nole will next face fellow Serb and good friend Viktor Troicki: 6-1/ND.

Remember, Troicki very nearly got him at the US Open last year.

14 Maria Sharapova d Virginie Razzano - 76(3) 63

The former champion, Maria won the last of her 3 Slams here in 2008.

In the 9 Slams she's played since she has gotten to the Qf's (and lost) once.

Stupid shoulder.

Good news: She lost 1st round last year so her ranking will pop a bit.

8 Andy Roddick d Igor Kunitsyn - 76(7) 62 63

I often wonder if Andy let's himself daydream about tennis w/o Federer.

Cuz they are on yet another collision course to meet here in the Qf's.

Observation: Too many slice backhands. That won't cut it next week.

30 Andrea Petkovic d Anne Keothavong - 26 75 60

From the brink Petko digs deep for the magic.

She has only ventured past the 2nd round at a Slam once before:

Her Sf showing at the US Open last year.

She next plays Venus who, as we mentioned before, is quite injured.

29 Viktor Troicki d Nicolas Mahut - 64 62 16 63

It sure feels like that Davis Cup high has lingered, doesn't it?

Too bad DC teammates must play in the next round.

I wonder whose hair is growing back faster?

Viktor has now been to the 3rd round at all 4 Slams. Never further.

8 Victoria Azarenka d Andrea Hlavackova - 64 64

This is Vika's 14th visit to a 3rd round in a Slam: 6-7.

Remember last year she was wheeled off her Qf match after fainting.

One to watch: She has a legitimate shot at a deep run this year.

14 Nicolas Almagro d Igor Andreev - 75 26 46 76(10) 75

Hey whoa whoa whoa, I thought you were a clay courter.

Even so, this is Nico's 3rd straight year to the 3rd round: 1-1.

One might even fancy his chances in his next round against Ljubicic.

I said: Might.

28 Richard Gasquet d Adrian Mannarino - 63 76(4) 64

Lovely to see Richard winning a couple rounds in a Slam.

He lost 1st round here last year so he'll be happy to be collecting points.

He will next face Tomas Berdych with whom has a winning H2H: 2-1.

That should be a real fun one.

***

Phew, now I can get a few things done before Day 4 begins.

This time difference between Melbourne & Los Angeles is a killer.

Photos: AP/Reuters/Getty Images

Janko Tipsarevic Wins 1st Round Match in Chennai

Chennai ATP 250 - 1st Round

6 Janko Tipsarevic d Eduardo Schwank - 63 64

The hair is coming in nicely. So loving the Davis Cup reminder.

Currently ranked #49 - Janko got all the way to the Sf's last year.

He's due: Will 2011 finally be the year Janko wins his 1st ATP title?

Serbia Wins Davis Cup Over France 3-2

Serbia beats France: 3-2

R4 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) d Gael Monfils (France) - 62 62 64

R4 Viktor Troicki (Serbia) d Michael Llodra (France) - 62 62 63

Serbia came back from 1-2 deficit heading into today's matches.

Smart money was always on a live 5th rubber.

Captain Forget subbed Troicki for Tipsarevic.

It was an inspired moved as he mowed down French sub Llodra.

And so a national hero was born.

Djoker's Hall of Fame checklist: Slam, check. DC win, check. #1, coming...

Novak: This is the best moment of my career and probably of my nation.

This is like winning the World Cup for us.

Afterward the team made good on their promise: shaved heads in victory.

Well done - time to celebrate boys.

Photos: Reuters/Getty Images

Davis Cup Day 1: France & Serbia Tied at 1-1

Pretty much as expected, no?

R1: Gael Monfils (France) d Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) - 61 76(4) 60

R2: Novak Djokovic (Serbia) d Gilles Simon (France) - 63 61 75

Doubles tomorrow... decisions, decisions, decisions.

Brewing: I am always happy when Davis Cup ties are decided on Sunday.

***

Photos: Gael from Getty Images / Novak from Reuters

The Davis Cup Draw has been Set

The fun begins tomorrow in Belgrade. Live on Tennis Channel in the States.

R1 Janko Tipsaervic (Serbia) vs Gael Monfils (France)

R2 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) vs Gilles Simon (France)

R3 Zimonjic/Troicki (Serbia) vs Llodra/Clement (France)

R4 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) vs Gael Monfils (France)

R5 Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) vs Gilles Simon (France)

Photos: Taken from the Davis Cup website

Quotes & Pics from the Serbian Davis Cup Presser

Team Captian Obradovic: The surface is, of course, prepared for my team. They like to play on it. We already beat a couple of teams on this surface.

Obradovic: I spoke to Janko and Viktor. Tomorrow they're going to have one more practice and then we're going to make the decision.

Novak Djokovic: I came here on Sunday so I’ve had time to rest a little bit. Now I'm ready to practice and give my best throughout the weekend.

Photo & Quotes: Getty Images & Davis Cup Twitter page

Roger Federer Improves His Record to 35-7 in Basel

Basel ATP 500 - Second Round

1 Roger Federer d Janko Tipsarevic - 63 64

Roger was runner-up last year to Novak Djokovic here in Basel.

This is 1 of 10 tournaments Roger has won at least 3 times.

Even better: And 1 of 8 that's he's been to the final of at least 5 times.

Roger will play wildcard Radek Stepanek in the Qfs Friday - H2H: 8-2/RF.

Photos: Getty Images

Janko Tipsarevic: "Biggest Choke Ever" in Moscow

Moscow ATP 250 - Men's First Round

Horacio Zeballos d 8 Janko Tipsarevic - 46 64 63

Afterward the tough loss Janko Tweeted: Biggest choke EVER...All my life playing like shit when I defend the points(finals here last year) on the same week... sigh... no comment...

He foreshadowed some of this earlier in the week as he was returning home from the Asian swing:

1. If something will shorten my life, its the flight complications that happen to me on the ATP tour...

2. Omw to Shangai airport... Ticket change was made, lets see if the plan works...

3. Dubai airport is freeking huge... Needed to walk 25 minutes to my transfer desk... So full of energy now after a 9h flight from Shangai...

4. After a 24h trip I am home. Even thou I will be here for like 20h, before I go to Russia, it helps sleeping at least 1 night in your own bed!!!

***

This is a good insight to the part of the tour that the fans don't see. All that travelling has to take its toll. Although, that photo he tweeted above (on his way to Asia) doesn't look like the inside of any part of an airplane I've ever been seated in... Yes, eternally stuck in coach am I.

Top 6 Men's Players in Action Tomorrow in Shanghai

Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 - Men's Second Round

1 Rafael Nadal vs Stanislas Wawrinks - H2H: 6-0

Stan has never taken a set from Rafa.

2 Novak Djokovic vs Ivan Ljubicic - H2H: 6-2

They are 2-1 for Novak on 2010.

3 Roger Federer vs John Isner - H2H: 1-0

Easily the match of the day.

4 Andy Murray vs Yan Bai - H2H: 0-0

Bai is ranked #465.

5 Robin Soderling vs Janko Tipsarevic - H2H: 1-0

They played once in 2006.

6 Nikolay Davydenko vs Mischa Zverev - H2H: 0-0

Nikolay is the defending champ.

***

There are some potential great matches on tap tomorrow.

Damn good day to have a ticket.

Davis Cup Semifinal Day Five Results

France defeats Argentina 5-0

4. Gilles Simon d Eduardo Schwank - 76(5) 67(6) 63

5. Arnaud Clement d Horacio Zeballos - 75 61

The weekend didn't just belong to Llodra - Clement won two matches too.

The French team will now be going to their 10th DC title - in France.

Their last title came in 2001 defeating Australia at Melbourne Park.

Common denominator: Arnaud Clement was part of that '01 team.

***

Serbia defeated Czech Republic 3-2

4. Novak Djokovic d Tomas Berdych - 46 63 62 64

5. Janko Tipsaveric d Radek Stepanek - 60 76(6) 64

Nice come from behind win for Serbia - dinner at Novak's!

This would be a great way to cap Novak's year - with a DC title.

I do love this photo of him:

***

USA defeated Colombia 3-1

4 Mardy Fish d Santiago Giraldo - 36 63 75 46 86

This keeps the US in the World Group for the Cup in 2011.

It also allows Patrick McEnroe to step down with a win.

Mardy is the first USplayer to win 3 matches since Pete Sampras in '95.

Not surprising -the Bryan Bros kept Roddick & Blake to singles for 10 years.

Photos: AP/Getty Images/Reuters

Davis Cup Semifinal Day Two Results

France defeats Argentine 3-0

3. Clement & Llodra (FRA) d Schwank & Zabellos (ARG) - 64 75 63

Nine-times the champion France advances to it 16th Davis Cup final.

They previously won in 1927-'32, '91, '96 & '01. Their last final was in '02.

With the big stars sidelined Michael Llodra stepped in and stole the tie.

***

Czech Republic leads Serbia 2-1

3. Berdych & Stepanek (CZE) d Dokovic & Zimonjic (SRB) - 36 61 64 61

How much you wanna bet Novak is playing singles tomorrow? Sorry Viktor.

The Czech Republic is seeking it's 2nd straight final - they lost to Spain in '09.

Serbia, a young nation, is trying to advance to its 1st final.

***

And in the World Group Play-Offs

The US leads Colombia 2-1

3. Fish & Isner (USA) d Farah & Salamanca (COL) - 64 64 67(5) 63

You get the feeling Isner is playing tomorrow instead of Querrey?

Maybe Fish can clinch the 1st match & PMac'll give Ryan Harrison a 1st taste.

Photos: Getty Images & Reuters

Davis Cup Semifinals Day One Results

Well, of course Arnaud is gonna cheat to the camera. I expect nothing less.

France leads Argentina: 2-0

1. Michael Llodra (FRA) d Juan Monaco (ARG) - 75 46 75 63

2. Gael Monfils (FRA) d David Nalbandian (ARG) - 64 26 64 63

Note: Argentina has never come back from 2 match dwon in DC play.

With Novak out owing to flu Janko steps in to rescue the day...

Serbia and Czech Republic are tied 1-1

1. Radek Stepanek (CZE) d Viktor Troicki (SRB) - 46 62 64 64

2. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) d Tomas Berdych (CZE) - 75 62 26 76(5)

One wonders: Can the Serbs get to their first final without Novak playing?

*****

And the US squad is in Colombia trying to stay in World Group play...

USA is tied with Colombia 1-1

1. Mardy Fish (USA) d Alejandro Falla (COL) - 46 61 64 36 64

2. Santiago Giraldo (COL) d Sam Querrey (USA) - 62 64 75

Hind-sight: Even before Querrey played I thought Isner was a better choice.