TennisToday

Juan Monaco into 3rd Round at Hamburg

Hamburg ATP 500 - Men's Second Round

5 Juan Monaco d Gael Monfils - 64 64

Remember: Juan is the defending champion here.

To continue his defense he'll next play up-and-comer Benoit Paire.

Benoit won their only match - a 3-setter at Rome this year.

Pressure on: Juan will need to repeat to stay in the top 20.

John Isner is 60 points behind and will leap-frog with a loss.

Vamos Pico!

***

Pico posted this pic on Facebook from the gym at Hamburg.

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:

Nicolas Almagro Moves into Semifinals at Barcelona

Barcelona ATP 500 - Men's Quarterfinal

4 Nicolas Almagro d 7 Juan Monaco - 63 75

Nico reaches his 4th Sf on the season: 1-2 and 3rd Sf here at BCN: 0-2.

He'll play a very winnable foe in Philipp Kohlschreiber - H2H: 4-3/Nico.

But... Nico leads 3-1 on clay. I've got a good feeling...

Post match: I've felt great during this week and I'm going to fight

to reach my first final here in Barcelona.

Rafael Nadal Back to Winning Ways at Barcelona

Barcelona ATP 500 - Men's Second Round

2 Rafael Nadal d Carlos Berlocq - 64 62

Seems M-C is a distant memory as Rafa extends his win streak here to 35.

He has not lost a match here in 10 years and is looking for title #8.

Since his return at Vina Del Mar it's been nothing but finals - 3-2:

Vina Del Mar (RU), Brazil (W), Acapulco (W), Indian Wells (W), M-C (RU).

Hard to imagine he won't make it 6 finals out of 6 tournies played.

He'll next face Benoit Parre (ranked 33) - they've never played.

And heading toward possible matches against...

Nishikori, Berdych, Raonic, Almagro and Monaco.

Like I said, it's hard to imagine him not winning the title this week.

Course I just jinx him.

Qualifier Dmitry Tursunov Stuns Top Seed David Ferrer in 2nd Round at Barcelona

Barcelona ATP 500 - Men's Second Round

Q Dmitry Tursunov d 1 David Ferrer - 75 36 61

That old dog nicknamed Dima still has a few tricls up his sleeve.

Quite impressive as Ferrer entered as the runner-up the last 2 years.

Currently ranked #66 he'll get a nifty little boost up on Monday.

Post match: It wasn't Ferrer's best match. He didn't play his best tennis.

He had the advantage over me because he's been playing on clay.

But I played very quickly and I didn't make it easy for him.

Ferrer was the favourite based on surface and ranking.

It was a match where there were a lot of opportunities for both players.

He gets Bellucci next so maybe one more upset is in the offing?

Rafael Nadal Triumphant at Acapulco

ATP 500 Acapulco - Men's Final

2 Rafael Nadal d 1 David Ferrer - 60 62

Um. I think it's safe to the 'King of Clay' is back. Way back.

The Golden Swing was kind to him and his comeback after 7 months away.

He leaves Latin America having played 3 finals - winning 2 titles.

He will head to Indian Wells as the 5th seed...

Someone is gonna be hating the quarter he falls in to, natch.

This represents Rafa's 52nd ATP title and 38th on his beloved clay.

Post match: This was a great week for me and today I played

exceptionally well, I dominated the game against the world No. 4 and

couldn't be happier, especially when I think where I am coming from.

Perhaps the conditions were in my favour but I feel it was maybe

one of the best matches of my career.

Mmmm, I don't know about that. But I'll give it to him.

Novak Djokovic Wins His 4th Title at Dubai

ATP 500 Dubai - Men's Final

1 Novak Djokovic d 3 Tomas Berdych - 75 63

And Nole remains unbeaten in 2012 as he lifts his 2nd trophy of the season.

He's actually won 5 of the last 6 tournaments he's entered.

Nole improves to 36-19 in ATP finals.

He now has 4 titles each at Dubai & Aussie Open - his most anywhere.

Although he can add a 4th this year in Canada and Beijing.

Post match: So this is definitely one of my favourite tournaments...

Winning it four times now is something that I definitely enjoy.

Now he'll head to Indian Wells looking for a 3rd title in the Cali desert.

Nicolas Almagro Reaches 300 Match Wins at Acapulco

ATP 500 Acapulco - Men's Second Round

3 Nicolas Almagro d Tommy Robredo - 64 76(4)

Ok, that's win #301. But better late with the props than never.

#300 was won against Mexican wild-card Cesar Ramirez in the 1st round.

There. Aknowledged. Congrats Nico.

Post match: I'm happy for the number and

I hope there will be many more [wins] to come.

I want to enjoy the moment a little but I need to keep working hard.

Vamos.

Novak Djokovic Thru to Semifinals at Dubai

ATP 500 Dubai - Men's Quarterfinal

1 Novak Djokovic d 7 Andreas Seppi - 60 63

Novak & brother Marko (above) played doubles here as well.

Again, they lost 1st round - they have yet to win a match together.

On the flip side Novak is thru to his 6th Sf at Dubia - in 7 visits.

He is looking to make it 4 straight Dubai titles.

The Aussie Open champ is also undefeated this year: 9-0.

Of course, this is only his 2nd tourney on the season.

He will next play Juan Martin Del Potro - H2H: 7-2/ND.

Remember Juan kept Nole from medaling at the Olympics last year.

DVR set.

Janko Tipsarevic Speaks to His Slump on Facebook

Poor guy sounds like he's in the dumper.

He posted this sad photo on his Facebook with the paragraph:

Hard period for my career... Injury, Davis Cup, 3 first rounds in a row..

Not feeling particularly good. I will search for consolation in endless

hours of practice and hope that Indian Wells and Miami go better.

A big "thanks" to some of you who, are giving me your love and support,

cause now I really, really need it.

You're allowed to have a little slump. It won't last long. Trust.

Since his injury retirement in the Aussie 4th round...

He's yet to win a set in 3 1st round losses including yesterday at Dubai.

That will change at Indian Wells.

Novak Djokovic and the Turtles of Dubai

When Nole isn't busy being the #1 player in the world ---

He's saving turltes. Thug life.

***

He's the top seed at ATP 500 Dubai and seeking for his 4th title in the UAE.

Federer is the second seed and he's hungry for a 6th title at Dubai.

Oh yea, and there are 30 other guys in it to win it.

Like for instance 6th seed Janko Tipsarevic:

Juan Monaco Wins Hamburg Title & Enters Top 10

Hamburg ATP 500 - Final

3 Juan Monaco d WC Tommy Haas - 75 64

This is Juan's 3rd title of the year, 6th of his career & 2nd at the 500 level.

Of course all of them have come on clay.

With the win he'll move into the top 10 for the first time.

Tandil: Never mind Argentina - the city of Tandil has 2 top 10-ers next week.

Monaco & Del Potro will be side-by-side at #'s 9 & 10 - doing Tandil proud.

The German Open began in 1892 - he becomes the 3rd Argentine to win.

Following in the triumphant footsteps of 2 Guillermo's: Vilas and Coria.

Post match: It's amazing [to break the Top 10], it's a dream come true.

I will always remember this great week...

Because it's very important for me and my team.

It was a big goal we had pre-season when we were practising very hard.

About the quick turn-around for the Olympics next week he said:

To change the courts is not going to be easy for me...

 But I have five days for practice to be with the guys there.

So, let’s see how it goes. This tournament will bring me big confidence and,

I’m feeling great, no injuries. So, I will try my best in London.

Juan lost in the 3rd round at Wimby so yea, we'll see.

Photo: Reuters

Verdasco & Marrero Win 4th Title of Year at Hamburg

Hamburg ATP 500 - Doubles Final

Marrero/Verdasco d Silva/Munoz De La Nava - 64 63

There is a new power couple in town.

This win will move then as a team into the doubles top 10.

And they may end up in London but not at the Olympics - the season finals.

#4: Buenos Aires, Acapulco, Umag and Hamburg.

Fern post match: I'm very happy, of course.

It's our second [ATP World Tour] 500 title of the year and...

It will help us to be close to the Top 8...

For the chance to be in London at the end of the year.

It's a very important victory for us.

We've all seen a million shirtless photos of Fern, how about one of Marrero:

Juan Monaco into ATP Hamburg Final

Hamburg ATP 500 - Semifinal

3 Juan Monaco d 1 Nicolas Almagro - 36 63 64

Second straight Sunday final - he lost Stuttgart last week to Tipsarevic.

This is his 4th final on the year: 2-1 and 15th of his career: 5-9.

Win or lose tomorrow he will move past Fish to a career high of #13.

Juan is inching ever closer to that top 10 goal.

Post match: I played a great match to beat Almagro...

The top seed and a Top 10 player.

I’m very happy about that and getting through to the final.

He'll face the old man, Tommy Haas in the final - H2H: 3-1/JM.

Then he's off to proudly represent Argentina at the London Games.

Photo is from Juan's Facebook page.

Rafael Nadal Wins 7th Title at Barcelona

ATP 500 Barcelona - Final

1 Rafael Nadal d 3 David Ferrer - 76(1) 75

Another Sunday - another historic title. This time a 7th title at Barcelona.

With 8 titles in M-C, Rafa becomes the 1st man to win 7 titles at 2 events.

He extends his match streak in the month of April to 77.

He now has 34 consecutive wins in Barcelona, he didn't play in '09.

Tough day for David as he goes home a 4-time runner-up. All to Rafa.

Instead of going on and on, how about you watch the point of the match.

Hmm, no. The point of the tournament:

Rafael Nadal & David Ferrer to Play for Barcelona Title

ATP 500 Barcelona - Seminfinal Results & Final Preview

1 Rafael Nadal d 9 Fernando Verdasco - 60 64

3 David Ferrer d 11 Milos Raonic - 76(2) 76(5)

1 Rafael Nadal vs 3 David Ferrer - H2H: 13-4/RN

Rafa is going for his 7th title at Barcelona tomorrow.

He will see a familiar face in the final - it will be their 4th at BCN.

Rafa has won the previous 3: '08, '09 and '11.

David is only 1 of 7 players to have 4 or more wins over Rafa.

Elite club: Only Federer, Djokovic, Davydenko & Murray have 5 or more.

Daunting: Rafa rarely loses in the month of April. Or on clay.

David is looking to add a 4th title on the season - Rafa just his 2nd.

Prepare for some long grinding points and lots of sliding.

Clay court tennis sure is fun to watch when two masters play. Enjoy.

Photos: Reuters

David Ferrer Fights into Semifinals at Barcelona

ATP 500 Barcelona - Quarterfinal

3 David Ferrer d 7 Feliciano Lopez - 67(4) 76(7) 63

Phew: David saved 3 match points to move into the semifinals.

David improves his year to 27-4, this includes 3 titles.

Remember, he's had frustration at Barcelona over the years...

3 times he's lost to countryman Rafael Nadal in the finals: '08, '09 and '11.

Can he finally break thru?

He'll have to get past 11 Milos Raonic first - H2H: 3-0/DF...

For a right to play the winner of Nadal/Verdasco in the other Sf.

Any way you slice it a great final is in the offing on Sunday.

Photo: Reuters

Rafael Nadal & Kei Nishikori Promote the Barcelona ATP Stop with Exo at the Sagrada Familia

I love these promotions.

Rafa enters Barcelona having won it the last 6 times he's played here.

He won 5 straight titles then skipped it in '10 and the won again last year.

He opens against Garcia-Lopez and drew (5) Tipsarevic in his quarter.

If on form his Sf opponent will be (8) Nishikori or '10 champ (9) Verdasco.

This is the time of year Rafa fans relish...

1 down (Monte-Carlo) - 4 to go (Barcelona, Madrid, Rome & Roland Garros).

As they hashtag all over my Twitter feed: #VamosRafa!

David Ferrer Wins 3rd Straight Title at Acapulco

ATP 500 Acapulco - Final

1 David Ferrer d 8 Fernando Verdasco - 61 62

Oh yea, that sombrero!

This is David's 14th career ATP title and a tour-leading 3rd title of 2012.

Um: Ferrer is now 18-1 on the year.

The win will bump him back up to #5 after a week at #6.

All 3 of his Acapulco titles have come at the expense of fellow Spaniards:

In '10 Ferrero was his foe and in '11 it was Almagro - both in 3 sets.

David: I am very proud to have won in Acapulco for a third consecutive time.

David next plays Indian Wells where he lost 2nd R to Karlovic last year.

Oh wait... I was there for that match. It was a tough loss.

***

Armada: The doubles too was an all-Spanish affair.

Fernando Verdasco & David Marrero beat Marcel Granollers & Mark Lopez.

That's back-to-back weeks with a dubs title for Fern & David.

They might want to consider keeping this partnership going.

Photos: Reuters

Roger Federer Takes 5th Title at Dubai

ATP 500 Dubai - Final

2 Roger Federer d 3 Andy Murray - 75 64

And that there's title #72 - and already his 2nd on the 2012 season.

This is now the 6th ATP tourny where he has at least 5 titles...

6 titles at Wimby, Year-End Champs & 5 at US Open, Basel, Halle & Dubai.

He can add another this year at Cincinnati where he's sitting pretty with 4.

Roger didn't drop a set this week - in fact he was only broken once all week.

Watch out boys, he's playing well. Maybe even turning back the clock a bit.

He next heads to the Indian Wells/Miami swing - Sf-ist in '11 at both.

He last won either event in '06 but his fine form of late suggests maybe...

Just maybe.

Photo: Reuters