TennisToday

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.

Roger Federer Updates Facebook Page from Shanghai

Roger posted this photo on his Facebook page with the caption:

Just arriving for practice in Shanghai...

at one of the coolest tennis stadiums in the world.

He has a 1st round bye & will play John Isnor or Lukasz Kubot in the 2nd.

A Federer/Isner 2nd round match sure would be interesting...

Roger Federer Practice Session in Shanghai

Roger Updated his Facebook: Great to be back in Shanghai! I missed being here last year and I am looking forward to playing in front of my Chinese fans next week. Fbook is tough to access in China but I will try and post a few pictures if I can. Thanks!

  

Roger is playing the Shanghai Masters 1000 event for the 1st time (last year was its debut) but let's not forget that he won the year-end championships twice when they were played here. 

He has a 1st tound bye and will open against either John Isner or a qualifier. He is in Robin Soderling's quarter and Novak Djokovic's half. He can only meet Rafa should they get to the final.

Roger also has an opportunity to tie Rafa's record of 18 Masters 1000 titles should he raise the trophy on next Sunday.

Now let's get back to his first match which I'll asume will be against Isner. I've bitched about this a few times already in previous posts but Roger's decission to skip all warm-up tournaments continues to puzzle me and Isner is the reason why...

Isner, having reached the Sf's in Beijing, will have played 5 matches in Asia by the time he he gets to Roger on Tuesday/Wednesday. Roger will not have played a tour match since his Sf loss at the US Open a month ago.

For me, it just feels like poor planning. Isner is due a big scalp. Couple that with a lot of players taking care of the 0's in their H2H this year (and last) and Fed Fans might be justified in their worry.

I know I am.

Novak Djokovic & David Ferrer to Play for Title in Beijing

Beijing ATP 500 - Men's Final Preview

1 Novak Djokovic vs 8 David Ferrer - H2H: 4-4

Novak's win over Isner, 76(1) 62, qualifies him for the season-ending finals.

And with David making the final here he's making a serious push for London.

Novak is into his 3rd final of 2010: 1-1, David his 4th: 1-3.

Drought: The #2 player's last title dates back to February - in Dubai.

To be honest, Novak's grip on #2 isn't secure. Roger has room to move up.

#1 is all locked-up but the race for year-end #2 could get interesting.

Photos: Reuters/Getty images

Semifinals Set to Go at Beijing Stop for ATP & WTA

Beijing ATP 500 - Men's Semifinal Preview

1 Novak Djokovic vs WC John Isner - H2H: 1-0

There only match was this year in Davis Cup - a 5 set thriller in fact.

Novak is the defending champion & is closing in on a spot in London.

This is Novak's 7th Sf of 2010: 2-4 - and John's 5th: 4-0.

Both players are seeking their 2nd title of the season.

Been a while: Novak won Dubai in Febraury & John won Auckland in January.

8 David Ferrer vs Ivan Ljubicic - H2H: 5-1

These 2 spoiled the party beating Murray & Soderling respectively yesterday.

Ivan won their 1st match in '03 - been all David since, including 1 this year.

This is David's 10th Sf of 2010: 3-6 - and Ivan's 2nd: 1-0.

Both have won 1 title this year - David in Acapulco & Ivan in Indian Wells.

London calling? David has 45 points to defend for the rest of the year.

***

Beijing Women's Semifinal Preview

1 Caroline Wozniacki vs 15 Shahar Peer - H2H: 3-1

They have split matches this year - Caro at the Aussie, Sharhar in Dubai.

The real question here is, how does Caro's knee feel the day after?

This is Caro's 9th Sf of '10: 6-2 - and Sharhar's 6th: 1-4.

2 Vera Zvonareva vs 9 Li Na - H2H: 3-3

They have yet to play this year but they split 2 matches in '09.

This is Vera's 6th Sf of '10: 5-0 - and Na's 5th: 1-3.

Both have 1 title this year - Vera in Pattaya City, Na in Eastbourne.

Vera has an outside shot at year-end #1. Seriously.

Photo: Reuters

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.

Buddies John Isner & Sam Querrey Win 2nd Round Matches at US Open

US Open - Men's Second Round

18 John Isner d Marco Chuidinelli - 63 36 76 64

20 Sam Querrey d Marcel Granollers - 62 63 64

They are on a collision course to meet in the quarterfinals. 2 matches away.

John's in a better position to make it - Sam may have to go thru Murray.

The farthest either has been in the US Open (or a Slam) is the 4th round.

Time for one or both to edge into the latter stage?

John will next face 12th seed Mikhail Youzhny - H2H: 1-0 to Mikhail.

Sam takes on Spaniard and 14th seed Nicolas Almagro - H2H: 1-0 to Sam.

Not really upsets but a betting man might just go with the Americans.

John Isner Retires Match Today in Cincinnati - Tweets: "Should be fine for New York"

Cincinnati ATP Masters 1000 - Second Round

David Nalbandian d John Isner - 4-5 ret.

Later in the day he took to his Twitter account to send his fans a message. Caroline Wozniacki, no stranger to a sprained ankele, engaged him in this cute conversation:

John Isner: This really sucks. Was playing really well too. Should be fine for New York.

Caroline Wozniacki: What Happened?

John: Rolled my ankle up 5-3 in the first set.

Caroline: Nooo! How bad is it? Did you get an MRI?

John: I just did. I think I'll be fine but it looks nasty, ugh.

Caroline: Oh, I'm sorry! I know, have been there! Is it very swollen?

John: Unfortuneately yes. I know you have been there before!

Caroline: Ok :( Rest up well!! Ice ice ice. Leg up and you will be ok!! (Says the expert...haha)

John: Thanks doc!

Caroline: Haha! You are welcome... Anytime. LOL

No Americans Through to DC ATP 500 Quarterfinals

Andy Roddick (above), Mardy Fish & John Isner all tried yesterday - all failed.

This is the 1st time in the Open Era no Americans in Qf's in DC.

***

Washington, DC ATP 500 Quarterfinals

1 Tomas Berdych vs Xavier Malisse - H2H: 1-1

They split matches back in 2006. Berdych is a much deffierent player now.

Malisse beat Isner 76(5) in the 3rd last night.

3/WC Fernando Verdasco vs 8 Marcos Baghdatis - H2H: 0-0

They've both been on tour for so long it's surprising they haven't played.

Fern is looking for his 6th Sf on the year - Marcos, his 4th.

4 Marin Cilic vs Janko Tipsarevic - H2H: 4-0

Janko tweeted that he didn't get back to his hotel til 2:30AM - factor?

Add to that the H2H and it's not looking too good for Janko.

Marin went 3 last night too (d Fish) - but Janko got the latest start of all.

Stupid rain.

13 Gilles Simon vs David Nalbandian - H2H: 0-0

Again, surprised these two haven't played one another before.

No idea what to expect from these comeback kids...

A sign: Gilles sure crushed Roddick (63 63) last night.

Photo: AP

ATP & WTA Weekend Winners for July 25, 2010

Hamburg ATP 500

Andrey Golubev (above) d 3 Jurgen Melzer - 63 75

Golubev wins his 1st title. He becomes the 3rd first-time titlist of 2010.

He is the biggest mover inside the top 100 rankings - up 45 spots to #37.

Golubev is scheduled to play Gstaad this week - Melzer in Umag.

***

Atlanta ATP 250

6 Mardy Fish d 2 John Isner - 46 64 76(4)

Fish wins his 2nd title of '10 and 5th career title. Weight loss = results!

With this upset win Mardy jumps 14 spots to #35.

He has nearly no points to defend this summer - seeded for the US Open?

Tough break for Isner who now owns a 1-4 record in ATP finals.

***

Portoroz WTA

Anna Chakvetadze d Johanna Larsson - 61 62

This was Anna's 8th title & 1st in a million years. Ok, just over two.

In '07 Anna was ranked as high as #5 then she completely disappeared.

This win will move her back in the top 100 at #74.

As for Larsson, this was her 1st final - she will move up to #66.

An aside: I love that my spell-check had zero suggestions for Chakvetadze.

***

Bad Gastein WTA

3 Julia Goerges d 2 Timea Bacsinzky - 61 64

Julia wins her 1st WTA title in her 1st final after 4 previous Sf loses.

She jumps 23 spots to her career high ranking of #42

As for Timea - she lost the doubles final too. Tough luck.

John Isner & Mardy Fish to Play for Atlanta Title

Atlanta ATP 250

2 John Isner vs 6 Mardy Fish (above) - H2H: 0-1

Their only match was a thriller - 75 in the 3rd in San Jose '09.

That was just before Isner became well, Isner.

Both guys are into their 4th final of '10 & both are 1-2 in finals on the year.

Fish is looking for his 5th career ATP title - Isner his 2nd.

Fish's upset of Roddick in the Sfs snapped a 9 match losing streak to him.

***

Semifinal Results

6 Mardy Fish d 1/WC Andy Roddick - 76(5) 63
2 John Isner d Kevin Anderson - 63 67(7) 63

Photo: Reuters

Andy Roddick Leads Semifinalists at ATP 250 Atlanta

Atlanta ATP 250

1/WC Andy Roddick vs 6 Mardy Fish - H2H: 9-1

The good friends haven't played each other in a couple years.

Andy has battled through 2 tough 3 setters - today won't be any easier.

The one Fish win came in their 1st meeting back in Delray Beach '03.

In fact, Fish has only won 5 out 23 sets played.

***

2 John Isner vs Kevin Anderson - H2H: 2-1

Talk about a battle of giants: Isner is 6'8" and Anderson is 6'9".

And talk about a battle of aces: Isner has 44 and Anderson has 30.

To be fair that ace count is with Isner playing one less match (1st R bye).

This match will be hot. And I'm not just talking about the weather.

***

Quarterfinal Results

1/WC A Roddick d 7 Xavier Malisse - 46 63 64 
2 John Isner d Michael Russell - 61 62 
6 Mardy Fish d Taylor Dent - 63 60 
Kevin Anderson d Lukas Lacko - 63 64

Photo: Getty Images

I've heard there are a lot of bugs in Atlanta but...

This wasp popped up during the Isner/Russell match a few minutes ago.

I guess it wanted a closer look at what that Wimbledon fuss was all about.

I'm surprised the cameraman didn't shriek. I would have.

Photo: ESPN2 on my TV

Andy Roddick Leads Quarterfinalists at ATP Atlanta

The last time Atlanta held a tounament was in '01. Andy Roddick won.

Atlanta ATP 250 Quarterfinals

1/WC Andy Roddick vs 7 Xavier Malisse - H2H: 8-0

And just who did Andy beat in that '01 final? Yep, Xavier Malisse.

6 Mardy Fish vs Taylor Dent - H2H: 0-1

I would never have guessed that they've only played once.

***

Kevin Anderson vs Lukas Lacko - H2H: 0-0

Both boys are at a career earnings of 500,000 each. How do they do this?

2 John Isner vs Michael Russell - H2H: 2-0

Their last match went to a 3rd set tiebreak in Miami this last March.

***

Interesting that 5 of the 8 quarterfinalists are over 28, 1 will be a finalist.

John Isner & Nicolas Mahut Win ESPY for Record-Breaking Performance

A bizarre one-off match trumps Federer's breaking Sampras' Slam record?

Taking nothing away from these boys and their incredible effort, I think not.

Roger Federer & Serena Williams won for Best Male & Females Tennis Players.

Kim Clijsters won Comeback Player in a non-tennis specific field of nominees.

John Isner: First Pitch at Yankee Stadium Last Night

I love that John is getting and enjoying all this well-deserved attention.

And for the record, the Seattle Mariners beat the NY Yankees 7-4.

 

Photos: Reuters/Getty Images

John Isner's Top Ten List on Late Show with David Letterman

#6 is my favorite.

John Isner: Loses Quickly Today at Wimbledon

The day after his historic 11 hour win John was back out on court playing his 3rd round match. The poor guy just wasn't up for it - AND WHO COULD BLAME HIM as he lost to Thiemo De Bakker in just over an hour. Doesn't matter. Well done John. Go home and rest for a few weeks. We'll see you on the summer hardcourt circuit in the States. Here is a video clip from the end of the match today.