All Tennis Considered

Ana Ivanovic 2011 Vanidades Cover Shoot

2012-01-03T11:45:00.001-06:00

Ana Ivanovic's site recently released some of the photos from her 2011 Vanidades cover shoot. The photos were taken by Hollywood photographer John Russo at Red Rock in Las Vegas.

2012 Is Finally Here!

2011-12-31T21:22:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I'm ridiculously excited that 2012 is finally here! It feels like I haven't watched tennis in ages. I really, really miss the sounds of tennis. The constant squeaking of shoes on the courts, the pop of the ball off the racquet, the frivolous grunting. I miss it all. With January comes a string of tournaments in Australia leading up to the Australian Open.

With all the exciting tennis on the way, I cannot wait to see what else 2012 brings. Can Djokovic create another record-breaking streak? Will Rafa come back from his struggles with minor injuries? Will Federer redeem his Grand Slam-less 2011 buy winning a Slam title in 2012? It's all to come and I'm excited to share them with you.

Federer Wins Sixth ATP World Tour Finals Title

2011-11-28T11:31:00.001-06:00

It's official. After a fantastic week of tennis from Roger Federer, the Swiss has prevailed yet again at the ATP World Tour Finals, notching a sixth title under his belt, making him the first player ever to win six WTF's.

Federer beat Jo-Wilfred Tsonga a second time this week with a final score 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3 to win the title. Roger certainly had a lot to prove at the World Tour Finals after failing to capture a Grand Slam title this year, the first time since 2002.

He's been on a hot streak late this year, winning both Basil and Paris going into the ATP World Tour Finals. After this week, Fed is now on a 17 match winning streak. Tsonga also had a fantastic week and has really stepped up his game since dropping his former coach. According to the commentators, Tsonga is now playing coachless. It seems to be working out fairly well for him, as he has continually shown his ability to be aggressive and positive.

Both players are optimistic for 2012 and judging by their play in London, both are primed to have fantastic seasons.

Photo from ESPN

Wimbledon Finals Will Be Filmed and Screened in 3D

2011-07-01T23:33:00.000-05:00

The men's and women's finals at Wimbledon this weekend will be filmed in 3D and consequentially screened in 3D cinemas across the globe by Sony. You can find pics of the cameras used after the break.

I've got to say, this is really neat. I'm not saying that I'll be the first in line to see it, but screening a live sporting event in 3D in a large venue is pretty cool. I mean it's already done for some sports including football and soccer during playoff time. I love the idea and hopefully it's continues the already growing trend of broadcast 3D sporting events. Side note: I'd be curious to see how that would even look, I think awesome.

You can find a more info at the Wimbledon site, including locations where the finals will be screened. Also take a look at Sony UK's Facebook page. Pictures of the cameras and more below.

Video: Novak Djokovic Plays Tennis On A Plane

2011-03-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

Yes, you heard that right. Novak Djokovic literally gets on a plane and volleys with a partner on the opposite wing. I'm pretty sure it's all real except for the actual hitting (but I don't really know). What I do know is that the video is a promo for Head Tennis and is thoroughly entertaining. Enjoy folks! I know, I need to step up my tennis blogging and I'll do my best to do just that in the future.

All Tennis Considered One Year Anniversary

2011-01-26T11:47:00.000-06:00

So today marks the one-year anniversary of All Tennis Considered. I've come a really long way since my first post. Of course, I'll continue blogging, but not with the ferocity I had in mid-2010. I decided to go through and pick out my favorite posts just for the fun of it. I hope you enjoy them.

Has Rafael Nadal Regained His Rhythym? 4/12/10
The Still Unfamiliar Face of Alexandr Dolgpolov 5/19/10 (called it?)
Player Spotlight - Andrea Petkovic 6/15/10
Roger Federer in The New Wilson BLX Commercial 6/23/10
Official Records Made By The Mahut-Isner Match 6/24/10
Player Spotlight - Tomas Berdych 7/1/10
The Buzz - James Blake and The Monf? 7/29/10
Photos: Gladiator Soderling + Andy Murray in Vogue 8/18/10
The Importance of Being Ernests 8/19/10
The Djoker Mentality is Lost 8/31/10
Big Bad John Isner 9/5/10

Justine Henin End Of Career Letter

2011-01-26T11:08:00.000-06:00

So, it looks like it's official. For real this time. Justine Henin is retiring from the game of professional tennis. She wrote a letter to address her fans that was posted on her Facebook page. Here it is:

Dear all, I address my letter to you because this is currently the best way to express meself, I now experience very difficult times. I have unfortunately not good news. I spent the last days undergoing various medical tests and they have confirmed that my elbow has been damaged by my adventure in Australia.

After my crash at Wimbledon in June, I knew it would be difficult to come back. But I had decided to keep playing and to give everything to overcome the injury. In these recent months I have rarely been spared from the pain, those last months were very hard. Time has passed, and the doubts have grown, and only return to the courts would give me answers. Not the answer I was hoping for... unfortunately. I suffered a lot the last week and every day gave me more and more pain, but I believed that my will would take the upper hand. Today, the examinations are clearly and and the doctors formally, my elbow is too fragile and hurt so that my passion and my profession at high level cannot continue to exist.

I'm in shock, of course, even whith the work of these past seven months I had to understand that there might be a reason for all this. After having well considered and following the advice of doctors, it is now clear and I accept that my career here ... ... finally ends. Even though it's hard, very hard, while I came back with a tremendous fighting spirit. I'm sorry ... I had hoped for a different return and dreamed of a different ending. I will need time to process all this, but I remain convinced that even with little progress, my level with my return did not meet my expectations, despite everything I've learned a lot over the past 15 months.

I turn, and this time, an incredible page of my life ... What a wonderful trip, I have experience during all these years. Today I'm calmer and I can create a positive and rewarding look back on this experience in my life.

I would never have reached this level all alone, and I insist to thank all persons who sticked with me during adventures. My coach and my friend Carlos, my family, my friends, my whole team, all those who helped me when it was hard and have shared in my joy. Thank you to my partners for the confidence they have given me, for their support in all circumstances. Thanks to my medical staff who, these last months, were always available and always with great professionalism there for me.

Finally and most importantly, thanks everyone. Thanks for standing by my side during all these years. I will never forget your support and your loyalty. And if I only regret one thing, this would be that I've protected myself too hard and that I couldn’t stand closer to you. I hope you will forgive me my clumsiness and a wonderful reminder of shared emotions will keep them together. On the way to new adventures ...

See you soon, anywhere ...

Justine

Justine accomplished a whole lot in her career, including 7 Grand Slam titles. She had a career singles record of 503-109 with 43 career titles. Justine also held the number one ranking for a total of 117 weeks, with streaks of 61 and 44 (44 twice). A long and illustrious career has come to an end. I'm not going to make a lengthy tribute because their will be plenty of those to come. I'll post links to various ones below. Farewell Justine, you will be missed.

I've Been Bad.. But Here Are My Predictions for 2011

2011-01-13T00:30:00.000-06:00

Yea, that's right. I've been bad. Really bad. I watched my first tennis match of the year just today. For me, that's like not cracking open my computer for an entire day. It just doesn't happen.

I was really glad to open my first match of 2011 with a showdown between John Isner and David Nalbandian. Big serves, awesome returns, I knew I was in for a treat.

Image from ESPN

I know...it's just a routine match between two top 30 players. But it felt like I hadn't watched tennis for years. I found myself staring in amazement at the shots that were being hit, the power of Big John's serve and the precision of Nalby's backhand. It seemed all so fast and consistent.

I had no idea what I was missing. I can't wait for the Australian Open now (not that I wasn't biting my nails in anticipation before this anyways). It's going to be insane. And since I never really made any predictions for 2011, I thought I'd compile my thoughts for what 2011 may hold for tennis. Here it goes.

BIG YEARS FOR:

Roger Federer - I think we'll see another big year from Federer. At least one Grand Slam for him and I wouldn't be surprised if it only comes in Australia like last year.
Novak Djokovic - We saw a relatively mild year for the Djoker last year, but I think we'll see him in great form this year.
Ernests Gulbis - I don't want to say 2011 will be his breakthrough year, because he's weird with breakthroughs, but I think we may see him breaking into the top 10 in the rankings.
Thomaz Belluci - Belluci had a great 2010 and really made a name for himself in the tennis world, and I only see him going up from here.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Robin Haase - He showed his stuff at Wimbledon last year against Rafael Nadal, pushing him to five sets. Watch for the hard-swinging Dutchmen to move well up the rankings this year.
Illya Marchenko - I recall his skid mark and great performances at the U.S. Open in 2010 and can't help but think there's a ton of talent there just waiting to explode. I think he overworked himself in 2010 but if he keeps a better schedule, he'll be healthy and fit all year long.
Grigor Dimitrov - We've seen him compared to Federer a number of times, but currently on the cusp of making the top 100 in the rankings, I think we'll see him breakthrough in 2011.

I know that's a very brief preview for 2011 but I'll do previews for individual tournaments as they come along. I'm really excited for tennis in 2011 and I can't wait to see what we've got in store for us!

Well Done Mr. Federer

2010-11-28T13:59:00.001-06:00

To say the least, this year's World Tour Finals were unbelievable. The match the other day between Rafa and Andy Murray was absolutely incredible and to even expect the final to live up to that dramatic event would be far too much to ask.

Yet, the final today between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal came close. It wasn't nearly as dramatic or down to the wire, or even close in comparison to the Murray-Nadal semifinal scoreline. But it was some really great tennis. (On a side note, it meant a lot as a tennis fan to see the world's top two players compete for the final championship of the year, the classic Federer-Nadal rivalry no less!)

Everything that Annacone had hoped to bring out in Federer was present and displayed to near perfection. Powerful groundstrokes, big serves, plenty of net play, Federer was constantly forcing Nadal to come up with the big shot.

As the commentators noted, Roger was standing at the baseline, refusing to be pushed farther back unless completely necessary, always being on the offensive.

At the same time, Rafa was scrambling, running down ball after ball displaying precision and power, constantly battling Federer's aggressive play with inexplicable amounts of topspin and speed. Rafa was returning as well as any player could hope for against Federer's unstoppable serve, not allowing Fed to get easy points on his serve.

Unfortunately, Rafa was obviously tired from his match with Murray yesterday and appeared to break down a bit mentally towards the end. But that shouldn't take too much away from how great of a match both men played.

Federer was just too good today, though. Since his disappointing Wimbledon run and picking up Paul Annacone as his coach, Federer has once again become a dominant player on tour. The first half of the season was dismal for the Swiss number one, but with Annacone's help, he's playing with aggression and consistency, both which were lacking earlier this year.

The victory today marks Federer's fifth World Tour Final championship, tying him with Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl with five year end titles. The argument about who is the GOAT is sidelined, at least for the moment.

I'm just happy I was able to watch the match today. It's the only match this week I've been able to watch in its entirety and I was just so overjoyed to see Roger and Rafa finally play again on such a big stage as the O2 Arena in London. Hopefully, we'll see the rivalry continue to grow and flourish next year.

No More Elena...

2010-10-29T23:22:00.000-05:00

I'm still shell-shocked about Elena's retirement. I'm just so confused. She was still playing at such a high level, she seemed like she had so much left in the tank.

According to her website, it was a very difficult decision for her to make, as her fans, friends, and even family were shocked about her decision. She made a brief remark in her press conference about how if she was a man, she would continue playing but now she has something else to think about, which she later affirmed was starting a family.

It's going to be weird without Elena on tour, there's no doubt about it. And to dip out at the level she was at, it's quite astonishing. But, at the age of 29 (which completely flabbergasts me, she looks like she's in her mid-20's) she ranks among the older women on tour.

You will be sorely missed Elena. Your fighting style, your horrendously awkward serve, your presence as a top-10 player, they'll all leave a large gap in the WTA waiting to be filled by some young up-and-comer.

Looking back on her career, she said "I was giving 100% on the court no matter how well I was playing. This is what I like. You don't have to be perfect, but you have to try very hard, and I did all the time."

Read the entire press conference on her website.

Andy Murray Makes Art

2010-10-20T09:40:00.000-05:00

Andy Murray is the fourth player to qualify for the year-end championship. He had a chance to make some art in the same fashion as the other players. Here is a video demonstrating his skills. If he continues playing like this, he's got a real shot at winning the year-end championship.

Novak Djokovic Makes Art

2010-10-18T21:28:00.000-05:00

Novak Djokovic has now qualified for the year-end championships, and it was his turn to make some art of his own. Nole and Andy Murray were the third and fourth players to qualify.

Welcome Reception at the Rakuten Open

2010-10-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

Here are some great photos from the welcome reception at the Rakuten Open, featuring Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Kei Nishikori, and Ayumi Morita.

Woah. Is it me, or did Gael's hair get really long really fast?

Rafa breaking a sake barrel

Gael and Tsonga follow suit

LOL. This photo is awesome

Tehee this one too

Cheers

Rafa and Roger Make Art

2010-09-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

In celebration of the ATP World Tour Finals coming up later this year, the final top 8 players in the world will be making art by hitting painted tennis balls across a large blank canvas. The final piece will be a silhouette of one of their signature moves on court. At the World Tour Final, the artwork will be auctioned off for charity.

Since Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were the first to qualify, their paintings are already done. You can check out a video from the ATP highlighting the process, because simply reading it doesn't do it justice.

Here are Rafa and Roger's final pieces which will be put up for auction. It's a pretty neat concept and it's great that all the proceeds from it will be going to charity.

You can find the pictures and a lot more information at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals website.

Thank Goodness for Bangkok

2010-09-25T17:12:00.000-05:00

Yup. This is my least favorite time of the year for the tennis season. There are no more majors, no more two-week long tennis affairs. Sure, there are a few big tourneys left on both the men's and women's sides, but everything is kind of slowing down.

Small tournaments are scattered across the globe, dissipating any chance of focusing on a single big tournament. The flare, drama and sheer excitement the Slams bring to tennis starts to fade at this point in the season. But then, this year, Bangkok comes along. It's a small 250 event, but for some odd reason, there are lots of top players like Rafael Nadal participating, or maybe just the one's I enjoy watching.

The reason I'm most excited about it is, of course, because Delpo is returning to action. It's been way too long since I've seen the big man play. The tennis rush is back, at least for a little bit. Even if he does struggle at first, which is highly likely.

There are big 1000 events left on the calendar, but for some reason, with no Slam left in 2010, I'm a bit checked out of tennis. The Slams bring an air of excitement to me that few other tournaments do. (I'm not alone in this.)

So, sincerely, thank you Bangkok. And thank you JMDP. If it wasn't for you, I would have nothing to look forward to in the tennis world until Shanghai and I may have already zoned out of tennis for the year. (Ok. Let's get serious. We both know that's not possible. Let's just say they're bringing some much needed water to my increasingly dry tennis oasis.)

Qureshi and Bopanna Uncovered

2010-09-23T16:59:00.001-05:00

You've all heard the story. Especially because these guys made it to the doubles final of the US Open. Rohan Bopanna, from India, paired up with Pakistan's Aisam Qureshi. The two countries are opposed to each other in ways and in matters I don't know much about. These guys are trying to prove that the two countries can get along, peacefully.

Their Indo-Pakistani combination is attempting to show just that. And it's working. Like a charm. These guys are making this issue global. They love the game and are just happy that a bigger message can be transmitted through them. Check out the video to get to know the guys, their stories, and their recent performances.

Juan Martin del Potro Uncovered

2010-09-22T23:36:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Delpo's return, ATP World Tour releases this teaser, highlighting Delpo's 2009 season and disappointing and dismal 2010. Ah, it's nice to see him on the court again. I'm so glad he's back. Here's some Delpo goodness.

Bob Bryan is Engaged

2010-09-21T18:02:00.000-05:00

Bob Bryan is officially engaged to longtime girlfriend, Michelle Alvarez. It was confirmed on Michelle's Twitter account as well as on the Bryan brothers' Facebook.

I have no idea how this will affect the Bryan brothers as a duo. Could the inseparable twins be growing apart? Let's get serious for a second. This won't affect them at all. I say Mike gets engaged in no time now. They do nearly everything together, why stop now.

Awesome Davis Cup Photos

2010-09-18T12:18:00.000-05:00

Here are my favorite photos from today and yesterday's Davis Cup play. France clinched their spot in the final with a doubles win today, beating Argentina 3-0. After today, the Czech Republic is now up 2-1 on Serbia. Anyways, here are some great photos.

Could we really have expected anything less from Gael Monfils? His acrobatic antics actually payed off yesterday, as he beat Davis Cup juggernaut David Nalbandian.

Nice get Monf. ESPN

Another great get. Splits anyone? ESPN

It wouldn't be a match without a signature Gael dive. Greatest. Monf. Dive. ESPN

More Gael antics after they beat Argentina today. :) TENNIS

Oh Pico...You'll get 'em next time. I have faith. ESPN

My day was brightened by a Mardy Fish victory (even if it took five sets). He not only pulled off the win, but whipped out a tweener too. ESPN

This is where Colombia and the United States dueled it out in the Davis Cup World Group Playoff. It's actually a bull ring turned tennis court for the Playoff. Pretty gnarly if you ask me. ESPN

Here's a better view of the ring during the Mardy Fish-Alejandro Falla match. Very cool. TENNIS

Dustin Brown Uncovered

2010-09-16T15:57:00.000-05:00

Just when I didn't think I could be a bigger fan of Dustin Brown, this comes along. This video from the ATP World Tour is a great insight into the life and personality of the Jamaican number one. It's hard not to like the guy. With his awesome dreads and laid-back personality, you can't help but respect what he's done to get where he is now.

Rafael Nadal on Regis and Kelly

2010-09-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

Rafael Nadal found himself on the set of Regis and Kelly this morning after winning the US Open. It's a short video, but in that short time, you'll discover Regis' man-crush on Rafa. Well, man-crush of sorts. He just seems to have a lot of respect for Nadal as a player, and rightly so. Check out the video.

Rafa, I Never Should Have Doubted You

2010-09-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

Rafa, you've blown well beyond anything anyone could have every expected from you, me especially. I always had this thought that you were never going to dominate a hardcourt major ever again. You've proved me wrong. Big time.

What I find most impressive in your victories at the French, Wimbledon, and here at the US Open is that you overhaul and revamp your game in a way that will put you in the best place for victory. At the French, you had the way-behind-the-baseline-with-unearthly-amounts-of-topspin style of play, outlasting your opponents. Then at Wimby, you stepped into the court and took balls early, hitting a surprisingly odd amount of balls inside the baseline. Photo from ESPN.

That same approach was used here, but with even more weapons. You've amped your serve to speeds I thought I'd never see from you. And what about that slice!? That thing has more curve(s) than Kim Kardashian. Your quickness and speed are almost ridiculous. Add to that being (arguably) the fittest guy on tour, and you've got one incredible combination.

I could go into the match with more detail, but you saw it. Nole put up a great fight. I'm starting to see the heart and will for battle that had disappeared from Novak. Rafa was impenetrable, merciless. Nothing was quite good enough to quench Rafa's thirst for this US Open title.

There's really not much more that I feel needs to be said. Well done Rafa. You've finally gotten the US Open title and the coveted career slam. You earned it you ruthless Spaniard, you earned it.

Awwwww, Jada

2010-09-11T23:26:00.000-05:00

Jada is so adorable. Just look at her. That is all.

Oh yea, and her mom Kim won her second consecutive US Open title, her third in her last three appearances. In under one hour. Not a big deal or anything.

Ace of Cakes Meets the US Open

2010-09-11T00:34:00.001-05:00

"Ace of Cakes" is a television show on Food Network, where Duff Goldman and fellow chefs create one of a kind cakes for their clients through their company, Charm City Cakes. I guess Duff Goldman and the "Ace of Cakes" crew love tennis. Or they had some partnership with the US Open. I don't really know. All I know is they made a giant cake replica of Bille Jean National Tennis Center and, as with all the cakes they make, it looks pretty dang good. Kudos "Ace of Cakes". You blow my mind again.

Kinda weird that it's two cars playing each other...but I'll let this one slide, it looks too good.

That. Is. Awesome.

To continue with the "Ace of Cakes" awesomeness, two of the shows chefs, including Geoffry Manthorne, were ballpeople (ballpersons?) on Day 11 at the US Open.

ATC Favorites - September 1-10

2010-09-11T00:16:00.000-05:00

This is a new thing I'm starting where I highlight some of my favorite articles, posts, pictures, and videos in the tennis world. Here are my favorites from the first third of September.

The Pakistani-Indian duo of Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna won over the hearts of many in their epic performance (and their great cause) this week in NY. [LA Times]
There was a crazy and completely unnecessary fight during one of Djokovic's matches, all caught on video. [I Take Thee Tennis]
Erik Gudris from Adjusting The Net helps us decide if Ryan Harrison's the real deal [Adjusting The Net]
Forty Deuce breaks down Isner and Caro's constant Twitter flirting [Forty Deuce]
Greg Couch takes a look at Venus' US Open semifinal run [Tennis Fanhouse]

I can't stop watching this commercial...I want those shoes. Not because they look cool, or comfortable, or awesome, but because the commercial is awesome. Touche, K-Swiss. Touche.