TennisToday

ATP & WTA Weekend Winners for July 29, 2012

Kitzbuhel ATP 250 - Final

3 Robin Haase d 1 Philipp Kohlshcreiber - 67(2) 63 62

Robin wins his 2nd carrer title as he defends at Kitzbuhel.

As a result he moves up to a career high ranking of #33.

Post match: I'm happy I won here again.

I don't think many players have won here twice.

It doesn't happen too often nowadays. I'm very proud of that.

***

Los Angeles ATP 250 - Final

2 Sam Querrey d Ricardas Berankis - 60 62

Sam put a beatdown on the first time ATP finalist.

This is Sam's 7th title and 3rd at LA. The win moves him up to #38.

Post match: I feel like I always play well here.

I grew up kind of playing around this area and...

I’m really comfortable out there on the courts.

It’s fun to play in front of my friends and family.

It all came together this week, and especially today.

Rafael Nadal & Marc Lopez Win Doubles Title at Indian Wells

ATP Masters Series 1000 Indian Wells - Doubles Final

Marc Lopez & Rafael Nadal d John Isner & Sam Querrey 62 76(3)

Well lookie here, Rafa did not leave IW without a consolation prize.

Deja vu: In 2010 Rafa lost in the Sf of singles & won dubs title with Lopez.

Marc has a good friend.

There is an idea being bandied suggesting they enter the Olympics together.

It's a cute idea but it won't happen.

Photo: Getty Images

Tommy Robredo Thru to Qf's at Indian Wells

Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 - Fourth Round

25 Tommy Robredo d 21 Sam Querrey - 61 63

Tommy injured his groin & played one-legged for 20 minutes & still won.

Tommy moves into his 15th Masters Qf: 5-9. And 2nd straight at IW: 0-1.

As for Sam, they reported that he left all his rackets on the court.

In wrestling when you retire you leave your shoes (or something) in the ring.

Hmmmm... maybe Sam is thinking of taking a break?

The trio of Querrey/Isner/Fish have played a combined 87 Masters 1000's.

Of the 87 together they have gone to the Qf's a total of 5 times.

FIVE.

***

I took the photo of Tommy during his match at IW on Saturday.

Four Upsets Mark Day 1 of Australian Open

Australian Open - ATP 1st Round

Lukasz Kubot d 18 Sam Querrey - 57 62 36 61 86

Florian Mayer d 23 Nikolay Davydenko - 63 46 76(4) 64

Tough: I sure did not expect either of these boys to lose this early.

This is the 3rd consecutive year Sam has been bounced in the 1st round.

He seems to excel in the 250's but the bigger tournies not-so-much. Yet.

8-6 in the 5th has to hurt like hell.

He and Isner might've considered a doubles run...

As for Niko... with Qf points last year that ranking's gonna go south.

And this loss, just weeks after beating (an ill) #1 Rafa in Doha.

As for Kubot remember he made it to the 4th round here in 2010.

And Mayer, in his 8th Aussie Open, was a 3rd rounder last year.

***

Australian Open - WTA 1st Round

Barbora Zahlavova Stycova d 17 Aravane Rezai - 60 36 75

Regina Kulikova d 28 Daniela Hantuchova - 76(3) 36 97

Those are two 3rd set scores that'll sting for awhile. Nuf said.

Photos: Reuters/Getty Images

Sam Querrey & John Isner: Are They Really the Future of American Men's Tennis?

Don't get me wrong - Sam & John represent the US admirably but...

I bristle at the idea that they are the future of American men's tennis.

Sam is 23 and John is 26 in April - 2011 is a year they both need to step up.

In 2010 between them they played in a combined 23 Slams & Masters 1000's.

And not a single Qf appearance by either one in any of them.

Hell, throw in 2009 and one can count 41 Slams/1000's without a Qf showing.

In fact, John has never been to a Slam or Masters Qf.

Yes, he made history at Wimbledon - in the first round.

Sam has only been to 2 career Masters Qf's - none since Monte Carlo in '08.

Both had great years in small events...

But neither player could get higher than #18 (John) & #19 (Sam).

They are currently #19 & #20 - but Mardy Fish is the 2nd ranked US man.

I suspect S & J will show up in Australia eager (and willing) to make noise.

But at this rate - Andy Roddick is still the future of American men's tennis.

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 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.

Mikhail Youzhny & Stanislas Wawrinka Set Up Quarterfinal Match at US Open

US Open - Men's Fourth Round

12 Mikhail Youzhny d Tommy Robredo - 75 62 46 64

This is Mikhail's 2nd trip to the Open Qf's - he got to the Sf's in '04.

Been saying this all year: Mikhail has put together a solid winning season.

He'll be in the top 10 before you know it - maybe even next Monday.

Confession: That salute thing he does after a win really bugs me.

***

25 Stanislas Wawrinka d 20 Sam Querrey - 76(9) 67(5) 75 46 64

Stan earns his way into his 1st Slam Qf. Long time coming.

All this talk about the US quartet of Fish, Isner, Querrey and Roddick...

Not a single one is through to the quarterfinals.

Sam got really close tho. This loss might sting for a bit.

***

12 Mikhail Youzhny vs 25 Stanislas Wawrinka - H2H: 2-2

Mikhail won their last match in Miami this year in a very close 3-setter.

This will be their 3rd meeting on hard courts - Mikhail won the other two.

Stan has dropped 3 sets to this stage - Mikhail has dropped 4.

Hard to call: This a major opportunity for one to make the Sf's of a Slam.

Photos: Reuters

Stanislas Wawrinka Upsets Andy Murray at US Open

US Open - Men's Third Round

25 Stanislas Wawrinka d 4 Andy Murray - 67(3) 76(4) 63 63

This was a sweet win for the Swiss #2.

Stan reaches his third 4th round at the Open & 6th at a Slam: 0-5.

He'll next face Sam Querrey - H2H: 1-0 for Stan.

Stan seemed to tweak his hamstring during the match - factor?

Big time approaches: One of them will reach their 1st quarterfinal at a Slam.

***

As for Andy - it's back to the drawing board.

If you had told me 3 years ago that he'd be Slam-less thru 2010...

Post-match Andy spoke of being lethargic for the 1st time in years.

Photos: Getty Image

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.

Pres. Obama Hangs with Sam Querrey & the Bryan Brothers on the South Lawn of the White House

At least 3 out the 4's approval ratings are fairly high...

Pres. Obama stopped by to say hi to the boys while they attended the QuickStart event for DC's kids on the South Lawn.

Bob Bryan later tweeted this photo with the caption:

Back from a morning at the White House. Hit balls with kids on the South Lawn and hung out with the President.

Querrey & Azarenka Win ATP & WTA Titles in California

Los Angeles ATP 250

2 Sam Querrey d 1/WC Andy Murray - 57 76(2) 63

How on earth Sam won this title I'll never know - he was done a 100 times.

He is the 1st player to defend in LA since Andre Agassi in '01 & '02.

This is Sam's 4th title on the year, 2nd only to Rafael Nadal who has 5.

The American's have 4 legit US Open contenders - seriously:

Andy Roddick, John Isner, Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish.

Sam has a 1st round bye in Washington, DC next week.

***

Stanford WTA

8/WC Victoria Azarenka d 5 Maria Sharapova - 64 61

After a string of Spring match retirements Vika finally gets it together.

This is her 1st tournament win in '10 and 4th of her career.

Great week also beating the defender (Bartoli) & the top seed (Stosur).

You know what they say - those who grunt the loudest... ah, not really.

She was scheduled to play in San Diego next week. She's since pulled out.

Murray & Querrey to Play for Los Angeles ATP 250 Title

Los Angeles ATP 250 Final

1/WC Andy Murray (above) vs 2 Sam Querrey - H2H: 4-0

These two lucky ducks have played some crazy matches to get here.

In fact, Sam saved a match point in the Sf against Tipsarevic.

Despite the lopsided H2H this one ought to be a doozey.

Murray won (pretty easily) their only match in '10 - at Wimbledon.

Andy is looking for his 1st title on the year - Sam his 4th.

Sam is 2nd behind Rafa (5) in titles won this year. He would narrow the gap.

***

Semifinal Results

1/WC Andy Murray d 4 Feliciano Lopez - 60 16 64
2 Sam Querrey d 6 Janko Tipsarevic - 67(3) 76(5) 64

Photo: Reuters

Semifinals are all set for Los Angeles ATP 250

Los Angeles ATP 250 - Semifinals

1/WC Andy Murray vs 4 Feliciano Lopez - H2H: 2-0

Oddly enough Andy is still looking for his first title of the season.

In fact, in 11 tournies played this year he's only been to Sf's 3 times: 1-1.

This is Feli's 3 semi too: 1-1. He went on to win the title in Johannesburg.

This match feels ripe for an upset - just have a feeling.

***

2 Sam Querrey vs 6 Janko Tipsarevic - H2H: 1-0

The only match they played was 4 years ago in Indy: 3 tight sets.

Janko has yet to win an ATP tour title... I wouldn't mind it happening here.

Defending champ Sam has 3 titles in '10 - & looking for a 5th final this year.

***

Quarterfinal Results

1/WC Andy Murray d Alejandro Falla - 76(3) 61
2 Sam Querrey d Rainer Schuettler - 62 36 76(4)
6 Janko Tipsarevic d 3 M Baghdatis - 63 75
4 Feliciano Lopez d WC James Blake - 36 76(6) 64

Gotta feel for Rainer and James - all those chances blown.

Men's ATP & Women's WTA Title Count for 2010

The Men

1 Man with FOUR titles: Rafael Nadal

1 Man with THREE titles: Sam Querrey (above)

4 men with TWO titles: Marin Cilic, Juan Carlos Ferrero,

Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco

***

18 ONE title: Marcos Baghdatis, Thomaz Bellucci, Juan Ignacio Chela,

Nikolay Davydenko, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, David Ferrer,

Richard Gasquet, Ernests Gulbis, Lleyton Hewitt, John Isner,

Ivan Ljubicic, Michael Llodra, Feliciano Lopez, Albert Montanes,

Robin Soderling, Stanislas Wawrinka, Mikhail Youzhny

The Women

5 ladies with TWO titles: Kim Clijsters, Elena Dementieva,

Maria Sharapova, Francesca Schiavone (above), Venus Williams

***

17 ONE title: Iveta Benesova, Alona Bondarenko, Alexandra Dulgheru,

Justine Henin, Jelena Jankovic, Alisa Kleybanova, Mariana Duque Marina,

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, Li Na, Flavia Pennetta, Aravane Rezai,

Anastajia Sevastova, Sam Stosur,

Yanina Wickmayer, Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Vera Zvonareva

Sam Querrey Wins Prestigious Title at Queen's Club

8 Sam Querrey d Mardy Fish - 76(3) 75

Sam bags his 3rd title of 2010 - 5th of his career - and 1st on grass.

His '10 titles won on 3 different surfaces: Houston (hard) & Belgrade (Clay).

Tho it's but an ATP 250 event this is the biggest title of Sam's career.

The win will move Sam up to #21. Wimbledon will seed him much higher.

Here is a big heads up:

Queen's Club is often referred to as a breeding ground for Wimby champions.

Photo: Getty Images

Sam Querrey & Mardy Fish to Play for Queens Club Title

7 Sam Querrey vs Mardy Fish - H2H: 0-1

Mardy's win came in '07 on the hardcourts in Los Angeles.

Sam is looking for his 3rd title of '10 - to add to Memphis & Belgrade.

Sam can't add very many points here even with a win tomorrow...

Let's hope Wimbledon bumps his seeding within the top 16.

Mardy is ranked #90. A loss gets him up to about #70 - a win about #50.

1994 was the last time 2 American played for the Queen's Club title:

Todd Martin defeated Pete Sampras in a pair of tiebreak sets.

***

Semifinal Results

7 Sam Querrey d Rainer Schuettler - 67(9) 75 63

At 34 the old dog (Rainer) proves he can still roll around on the grass (below).

Mardy Fish d 8 Feliciano Lopez - 63 64

Lopez follows a big win over #1 yesterday with a big loss to #90.

Photo: Getty Images/Reuters

Sam Querrey Leads Semifinalists at Queen's Club

Queen's Club ATP 250 Semifinal Matches Tomorrow

8 Feliciano Lopez vs Mardy Fish - H2H: 2-2

Mardy has the last 2 wins - including here last year in the round of 16.

This is Mardy's 3rd semi of the year: 0-2.

This is Feliciano's 2nd semi in '10 following his title in Johannesburg.

Feli has the better grass court record with 2 Sf showing at Wimbledon.

***

7 Sam Querrey vs Rainer Schuettler - H2H: 0-1

Rainer's win was earlier this year in the 1st round of the Australian Open.

This marks the 1st time he has been past the round of 16 all year.

The 34 year-old Rainer is a former Wimbledon semifinalist in '08.

Sam is playing in his 6th semi for '10 - he is 3-2 (including 2 titles).

He has yet to impact a Slam - he's played 15 & been to the 4th round once.

That is due to change any time now.

***

Quarterfinal Results Today

8 Feliciano Lopez d 1 Rafael Nadal - 76(5) 64
Mardy Fish d 12 Michael Llodra - 64 64
7 Sam Querrey d Xavier Malisse - 63 75
Rainer Schuettler d 14 Dudi Sela - 75 64

Photo: Getty Images

Sunday's ATP Winners: Albert Montanes in Estoril, Mikhail Youzhny in Munich & Sam Querrey in Belgrade

Estoril ATP 250

4 Albert Montanes d Federico Gil - 62 67(4) 75

The defending champ defends - beating Roger Federer along the way.

Ranked #34 - he is only the 7th highest ranked Spaniard - now that's deep.

This is Albert's 4th career title and not surprisingly they've all come on clay.

He'll play Ernests Gulbis in the 1st round in Madrid on Tuesday. H2H: 2-1/EG.

Munich ATP 250

2 Mikhail Youzhny d 1 Marin Cilic - 63 46 64

Youzhny has played three finals this season - today he finally bagged one.

Youzhny collects his 6th title and 1st since winning in Moscow last year.

Last Jusly he was ranked #70 - since then he has quietly moved up to #15.

He will face Lukas Lacko in the 1st round in Madrid. H2H: 1-0/MY.

Belgrade ATP 250

3 Sam Querrey d 2 John Isner - 36 76(4) 64

Two American's. On European clay. Contesting a final. What are the odds?

At the beginning of the week John & Sam were ranked #'s 21 & 22.

Sam's win will leapfrog him over John into the top 20.

This is Sam's 4 career title and second of 2010 following his win in Memphis.

Both Sam and John will open against a qualifiers this week in Madrid.

The pic above: Novak (right) is 6'2" and is the short one in the pic!

Photos: Reuters/AP

A Shocking All American Final on Clay in Belgrade

Q: Seriously, when is the last time 2 American's played for a Euro clay title?

A: Like in forevs.

***

Tomorrow's Final

2 John Isner vs 3 Sam Querrey - H2H: 1-1

These two good friends split matches this year.

John won R32 in Indian Wells - Sam got him in the final of Memphis.

Sam (6' 6") is going for his 5th title - John (6' 9") his 2nd.

It would be a first for either on clay. You read that right - on clay.

*****

Semifinal Results

3 Sam Querrey d WC Filip Krajinovic - 61 62

2 John Isner d Stanislas Wawrinka - 75 75

***

Who among these players will have anything left for Madrid?

Photo: Getty Images