ATP Men's Tennis

Rotterdam 2012: Berdych and Gasquet advanced

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Rotterdam 2012: Berdych and Gasquet advanced

Tomas Berdych reached the quarterfinals of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament 2012 in Rotterdam when Marcos Baghdatis retired with a leg injury in the fourth game.

Baghdatis injured his left calf in the opening set when Berdych took a 3-0 lead.

A trainer wrapped Baghdatis’ calf and he returned to the court. But the Cypriot looked hobbled by the injury and gave up a few points later.

Richard Gasquet also advanced after defeating Alex Bogomolov Jr. 6-3, 6-2 in 78 minutes.

"I served well and hit good shots on my backhand," said Gasquet. "I am happy to be in the quarter-finals. I am playing well and I am happy the way I am playing at the start of the season."

Monfils withdraws from Memphis with knee injury

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Monfils withdraws from Memphis with knee injury

Gael Monfils withdrew from the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships because of a right knee inflammation.

Monfils also withdrew from the SAP Open and said Wednesday that he plans to take a brief break from tennis. He will have an MRI on both knees when he returns home.

The Frenchman says he hopes to return for the Sony Ericsson Open beginning March 21.

Marin Cilic also has withdrawn from the Memphis tournament because of a knee injury.

Almagro reaches quarters of Brazil Open

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:42:00 +0000

Almagro reaches quarters of Brazil Open

Nicolas Almagro advanced to the quarterfinals of the Brasil Open 2012 after beating Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-3.

Almagro never faced a break point during his victory, he had 12 aces and only one double fault.

Also, Carlos Berlocq defeated Potito Starace 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, while Albert Ramos ousted Igor Andreev 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4).

Filippo Volandri improved to 3-0 lifetime against Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo of Spain after a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 victory in two hours and nine minutes. Volandri converted three of his 11 break point opportunities.

Video: Nadal and Bar Sports Illustrated Outttakes

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:50:00 +0000

Video: Nadal and Bar Sports Illustrated Outttakes

Rafa sexy photos with Bar
Rafael Nadal and Bar Refaeli Sports Illustrated photo shoot Video

Check out the outtakes from the Rafael Nadal and Bar Refaeli Sports Illustrated photo shoot....

Video: Rafael Nadal and Bar Refaeli - Sports Illustrated Photoshoot

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:46:00 +0000

Video: Rafael Nadal and Bar Refaeli - Sports Illustrated Photoshoot

Rafa sexy photos with Bar

Enjoy the following video of Rafael Nadal with Bar Refaeli during the Sports Illustrated Photoshoot....

Roddick advances in San Jose 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:25:00 +0000

Roddick advances in San Jose 2012

Andy Roddick beat Denis Kudla 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-4 in his second round match at the 2012 San Jose.

Roddick saved 12 of 13 break points faced to advance in two hours and 42 minutes.

While leading 5-4 in the second set, Andy ran to his right along the baseline and crumbled to the floor rolling his ankle. He returned with it heavily strapped, only to face three break points in the 11th game of the set.
However, he recovered to win the next five points and eventually took the second set in the tie-break.

“I thought that was it,” opponent Denis Kudla said. “The look on his face looked like it hurt a lot.”.

In the third set, Roddick came back from 2-0 down for a victory even he’s not quite sure how he earned.

Roddick immediately broke back, and followed with a series of slices and spins to stay along the baseline and break again at 4-3.

The former world number 1 relied on his serve the rest of the way, finishing with 14 aces to advance to the third round

Roddick didn't have a fun night as he complained of the glinting video board that hangs from the arena’s rafters, stopped play more than once while fans’ cameras or phones flashed, squeaked his shoes between points on the indoor surface and had his share of words with line judges.

“The best thing I did was just exist out there,” Roddick said.

“When you first go down, you don’t know how it’s going to feel until you take those first couple steps,” Roddick said about the fall. “Unfortunately, it’s become all too familiar recently. I didn’t want to stop. I’m really sick of doing that.”

Roddick will next face the winner of the Denis Istomin-Michael Russell match.

“I’ve had some of my best tournaments after really, really ugly first-round matches,” said Roddick. “You get used to them. I’ve learned this far along, you go into a day wanting to get a win. And if you come out of it with a win, then that’s that and you move on.”

Monfils pulls out of San Jose with injury

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:12:00 +0000

Monfils pulls out of San Jose with injury

Gael Monfils withdrew from the San Jose Open with a right knee injury.

Monfils pulled out after playing a doubles match on Tuesday. He didn't played singles as he had a bye in the opening round.

The Frenchman started to feel pain in his knee during his last tournament where he reached the final in Montpellier. He said the pain returned this week in San Jose where he also played in an exhibition match on Monday.

Monfils is expected to return to France to get a magnetic resonance imaging scan on the knee.

He will also miss next week's Regions Morgan Keegan Championship tennis tournament.

Blake Strode will replace him in San Jose. Strode will face qualifier Dimitar Kutrovsky in the second round Thursday.

Video: Rafa and Champions Drink Responsibly in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:29:00 +0000

Video: Rafa and Champions Drink Responsibly in Australia

Just watch and enjoy... Rafael Nadal at the Barcadi's Champions Drink Responsibly event in Australia ...

SAP Open Order of Play Thursday February 16th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:32:00 +0000

SAP Open Order of Play Thursday February 16th 2012

SAP Open
ATP World Tour 250
San Jose, U.S.A,
13-19 February 2012

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2012

STADIUM start 9:30 am
S Darcis (BEL) vs [4] R Stepanek (CZE)
[LL] B Strode (USA) vs [Q] D Kutrovsky (BUL)
M Ebden (AUS) vs [6] K Anderson (RSA)
[5] J Benneteau (FRA) vs G Muller (LUX)
[4] M Knowles (BAH) / X Malisse (BEL) vs J Cerretani (USA) / M Ebden (AUS)
Not Before 7:00 PM
[WC] R Ginepri (USA) vs R Harrison (USA)
M Russell (USA) vs D Istomin (UZB)

COURTSIDE 16 not before 7:00 PM
[1] S Gonzalez (MEX) / C Kas (GER) vs G Muller (LUX) / O Rochus (BEL) - After suitable rest

Brasil Open Order of Play Thursday February 16th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:28:00 +0000

Brasil Open Order of Play Thursday February 16th 2012

Brasil Open 2012
ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil
13-19 February 2012

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2012

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
[Q] I Andreev (RUS) vs [8] A Ramos (ESP)
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) vs V Hanescu (ROU)
Not Before 4:30 PM
[3] F Verdasco (ESP) vs [WC] J Marti (ESP)
Not Before 7:00 PM
L Mayer (ARG) vs [Q] J Chardy (FRA)
D Nalbandian (ARG) vs [2] G Simon (FRA)

COURT 1 start 12:00 noon
F Volandri (ITA) vs [Q] R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP)
P Starace (ITA) vs [5] C Berlocq (ARG)
D Gimeno-Traver (ESP) / F Volandri (ITA) vs [4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA)
D Marrero (ESP) / P Riba (ESP) vs R Mello (BRA) / J Souza (BRA)

COURT 2 start 3:00 pm
[1] E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) vs T Bellucci (BRA) / M Melo (BRA)
[3] J Cabal (COL) / R Farah (COL) vs S Giraldo (COL) / B Paire (FRA)

Federer wins in Rotterdam 2012, goes straight to quarters

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:24:00 +0000

Federer wins in Rotterdam 2012, goes straight to quarters

Roger Federer defeated Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-4 in the second at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

Federer advances straight to the quarter-finals after his opponent in the next round, Mikhail Youzhny, was forced to withdraw from the tournament with a left foot injury.

The former world number 1 won 82 per cent of his first serve points. He broke Mahut once in each set to improve to a 3-0 record against the Frenchman.

"I thought Mahut was dangerous on the day, obviously with his good serve and quick plays, and it was tough getting a rhythm out there," said Federer. "But I came through, so there is a certain relief there now and knowing that I’m in the tournament, knowing what to expect and getting another chance to maybe play better as the days go by."

"To finally come through in 2005 and win the tournament as World No. 1 was a great feeling and I can’t believe I haven’t been back. I’ve tried for many years to come back so I’m really excited to be here. The buzz is huge, I got a standing ovation walking in and walking out and people are really super-happy that I’m here so it’s a really nice feeling to have," he said.

Federer will next face Jarkko Nieminen, who overcame Lukasz Kubot 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (2).

Source ATP

Players Take Samba Lessons In Sao Paulo

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:07:00 +0000

Players Take Samba Lessons In Sao Paulo

David Nalbandian, Santiago Giraldo, Juan Sebastian Cabal, Robert Farah, Diego Junqueira, Frederico Gil and Daniel Gimeno-Traver, who are playing at the Brasil Open 2012. visited the Sao Paulo School of Samba.

The players attended a Carnival rehearsal, where they were treated to food and drinks before receiving a Samba lesson.

"It was fun. It was a good opportunity to be able to come here to learn more about the Brazilian Carnival and to see them preparing," said Nalbandian. "I can see that it would take a long time to learn to samba but at least we tried a little."

"I loved it. I think it is a very traditional Brazilian activity (the dance), very nice, and we South Americans love to dance," Giraldo said. "The truth is that samba fascinates me. I am amazed at how incredible they dance. I learned a little. They tried to teach me but I am not so good at it."

Gil acknowledged that his dancing is not at the level of his tennis, stating, "I learned a little but I do not have rhythm! I liked it a lot. It was very good to be here all together eating and dancing."

Source ATP

ATP Rotterdam Order of Play Thursday February 16th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:50:00 +0000

ATP Rotterdam Order of Play Thursday February 16th 2012

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
ATP World Tour 500
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
13-19 February 2012

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2012

CENTRE COURT start 11:00 am
P Kohlschreiber (GER) vs A Seppi (ITA)
A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) vs [5] R Gasquet (FRA)
Not Before 1:30 PM
M Baghdatis (CYP) vs [2] T Berdych (CZE)
[WC] T de Bakker (NED) / R Haase (NED) vs A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) / D Norman (BEL)
Not Before 7:30 PM
[Q] K Beck (SVK) vs [3] J Del Potro (ARG)
[7] V Troicki (SRB) vs [WC] J Huta Galung (NED)

COURT 1 not Before 3:00 PM
T Berdych (CZE) / L Kubot (POL) vs [2] M Llodra (FRA) / N Zimonjic (SRB) - After Suitable Rest

ATP Tennis Results: Brasil, Rotterdam and San Jose - Wednesday February 15th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:46:00 +0000

ATP Tennis Results: Brasil, Rotterdam and San Jose - Wednesday February 15th 2012

Brasil Open 2012
ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil
13-19 February 2012

R16 (4) T Bellucci defeats R Mello 60 16 63

R32 D Nalbandian defeats B Paire 76(3) 63
R32 (8) A Ramos defeats S Giraldo 63 64
R32 P Starace defeats P Capdeville 57 76(7) 62
R32 L Mayer defeats (6) J Ferrero 76(6) 62
R32 J Chardy defeats B Kavcic 64 64

Doubles
R16 (2) D Bracciali / P Starace defeats R Dutra Silva / B Sant'anna 64 64
R16 (4) M Mertinak / A Sa defeats F Gil / D Junqueira 63 60
R16 J Chardy / G Simon defeats R Machado / R Ramirez Hidalgo 64 63

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
ATP World Tour 500
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
13-19 February 2012

R16 J Nieminen defeats L Kubot 63 57 76(2)

R16 N Davydenko defeats P Mathieu 64 67(7) 61

R32 M Baghdatis defeats M Bachinger 76(2) 62
R32 (1) R Federer defeats N Mahut 64 64
R32 (2) T Berdych defeats L Rosol 64 62
R32 (3) J Del Potro defeats M Llodra 64 67(3) 64
R32 K Beck defeats P Petzschner 76(6) 63
R32 A Bogomolov Jr. defeats S Stakhovsky 63 01 ret.

Doubles
R16 T de Bakker / R Haase defeats M Fyrstenberg / M Matkowski 76(2) 75
R16 (3) R Lindstedt / H Tecau defeats O Marach / A Peya 61 75
R16 A Qureshi / J Rojer defeats R Gasquet / I Ljubicic 76(4) 61
R16 T Schoorel / I Sijsling defeats J Nieminen / V Troicki 16 75 10-8
R16 M Granollers / M Lopez defeats (1) M Mirnyi / D Nestor 76(5) 75

SAP Open
ATP World Tour 250
San Jose, U.S.A,
13-19 February 2012

R32 D Istomin defeats S Querrey 57 63 75
R32 R Harrison defeats (8) O Rochus 46 62 63
R32 M Ebden defeats D Sela 67(7) 62 76(1)

Doubles
R16 (1) S Gonzalez / C Kas defeats G Dimitrov / J Fruttero 76(5) 76(3)
R16 (4) M Knowles / X Malisse defeats M Elgin / D Istomin 76(2) 16 10-7

QF K Anderson / F Moser defeats (3) P Hanley / J Murray 61 64

Berdych and Del Potro Win Rotterdam Openers

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:47:00 +0000

Berdych and Del Potro Win Rotterdam Openers

Tomas Berdych beat Lukas Rosol 6-4, 6-2 in the first round at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.

Berdych hit 10 aces and dropped 12 points on serve during the 76 minutes encounter.

"It's always tough, especially the transition," said the Czech, following on from his team's Davis Cup victory over Italy at the weekend. "Our court in Davis Cup was much faster and the bounce was much lower, but I coped with it pretty well and was able to find my rhythm quite quickly and able to play my game."

Juan Martin del Potro defeated Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to reach the second round in Rotterdam.

Del Potro had eight aces, and saved all six break points against his serve.

"Llodra has a very difficult game for me," said del Potro. "He made a lot of serve and volley, drop shots and slices and it's not easy, that way, for me. But I was really focused in the last game of the match, making two passing shots with my backhand, and that gave me confidence for my next match."

Marcos Baghdatis made it past Matthias Bachinger 7-6(2), 6-2 in 76 minutes.

Jarkko Nieminen reached the quarter-finals, edging Lukasz Kubot 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(2).

Djokovic received Serbia’s top state honor

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Djokovic received Serbia’s top state honor

Novak Djokovic says he felt even more indebted to his compatriots after receiving Serbia’s top state honor from President Boris Tadic in a ceremony at the national assembly building.

President Tadic said Djokovic deserved the Karadjordjeva Star Medal for “special merits in representing Serbia.”

Djokovic said in his speech that “my people have indebted me even further with this.”

He added, “I may have dreamed of raising the trophy at Wimbledon, but I could never have thought that my country would reward me with such great honor.”

Video: Monfils, Dimitrov, Harrison Charm The Ladies On Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:04:00 +0000

Video: Monfils, Dimitrov, Harrison Charm The Ladies On Valentine's Day

Gael Monfils, Grigor Dimitrov and Ryan Harrison charm the women at the Valentine's Day Ladies' Day at the SAP Open.

Video: Roger Federer from 1996 to 2011 in 40 seconds

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:02:00 +0000

Video: Roger Federer from 1996 to 2011 in 40 seconds

Check out how Roger Federer changed since 1996....

Thanks to Martina for sending us the link to the video!

ATP Tennis Schedule: Brasil, Rotterdam and San Jose - Wednesday February 15th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:57:00 +0000

ATP Tennis Schedule: Brasil, Rotterdam and San Jose - Wednesday February 15th 2012

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
ATP World Tour 500
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
13-19 February 2012

CENTRE COURT start 11:00 am
[Q] M Bachinger (GER) vs M Baghdatis (CYP)
L Rosol (CZE) vs [2] T Berdych (CZE)

Not Before 1:30 PM
M Llodra (FRA) vs [3] J Del Potro (ARG)
[WC] T de Bakker (NED) / R Haase (NED) vs M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL)

Not Before 7:30 PM
[1] R Federer (SUI) vs N Mahut (FRA)
[Q] P Mathieu (FRA) vs N Davydenko (RUS)

COURT 1 start 11:00 am
[3] R Lindstedt (SWE) / H Tecau (ROU) vs O Marach (AUT) / A Peya (AUT)
J Nieminen (FIN) vs L Kubot (POL)

Not Before 4:00 PM
R Gasquet (FRA) / I Ljubicic (CRO) vs A Qureshi (PAK) / J Rojer (AHO)
J Nieminen (FIN) / V Troicki (SRB) vs [WC] T Schoorel (NED) / I Sijsling (NED)

COURT 2 start 1:00 pm
A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) vs S Stakhovsky (UKR)
[Q] K Beck (SVK) vs P Petzschner (GER)

Not Before 5:00 PM
[1] M Mirnyi (BLR) / D Nestor (CAN) vs M Granollers (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP)

Brasil Open 2012
ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil
13-19 February 2012

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
P Starace (ITA) vs [Q] P Capdeville (CHI)
S Giraldo (COL) vs [8] A Ramos (ESP)

Not Before 4:30 PM
[6] J Ferrero (ESP) vs L Mayer (ARG)

Not Before 7:00 PM
D Nalbandian (ARG) vs B Paire (FRA)
R Mello (BRA) vs [4] T Bellucci (BRA)

COURT 1 start 12:00 noon
B Kavcic (SLO) vs [Q] J Chardy (FRA)
F Gil (POR) / D Junqueira (ARG) vs [4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA)
[WC] R Dutra Silva (BRA) / B Sant'anna (BRA) vs [2] D Bracciali (ITA) / P Starace (ITA)

COURT 2 start 4:00 pm
R Machado (POR) / R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) vs J Chardy (FRA) / G Simon (FRA)

SAP Open
ATP World Tour 250
San Jose, U.S.A,
13-19 February 2012

STADIUM start 9:30 am
M Ebden (AUS) vs D Sela (ISR)
D Istomin (UZB) vs S Querrey (USA)
R Harrison (USA) vs [8] O Rochus (BEL)
[5] J Benneteau (FRA) vs R Sweeting (USA)
J Cerretani (USA) / M Ebden (AUS) vs [WC] R Ginepri (USA) / T Rettenmaier (USA)

Not Before 7:00 PM
[Q] D Kudla (USA) vs [2] A Roddick (USA)
[3] M Raonic (CAN) vs T Kamke (GER)

COURTSIDE 16 start 1:00 pm
[1] S Gonzalez (MEX) / C Kas (GER) vs G Dimitrov (BUL) / J Fruttero (USA)
K Anderson (RSA) / F Moser (GER) vs [3] P Hanley (AUS) / J Murray (GBR)
[4] M Knowles (BAH) / X Malisse (BEL) vs M Elgin (RUS) / D Istomin (UZB)
G Muller (LUX) / O Rochus (BEL) vs C Ball (AUS) / T Huey (PHI)

ATP Tennis Results: Brasil, Rotterdam and San Jose - Tuesday February 14th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:55:00 +0000

ATP Tennis Results: Brasil, Rotterdam and San Jose - Tuesday February 14th 2012

Brasil Open 2012
ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil
13-19 February 2012

R32 I Andreev defeats F Gonzalez 62 63
R32 V Hanescu defeats J Souza 63 63
R32 (5) C Berlocq defeats E Prodon 64 60
R32 R Ramirez Hidalgo defeats R Machado 63 16 62

Doubles
R16 T Bellucci / M Melo defeats A Montanes / A Ramos 63 62
R16 D Gimeno-Traver / F Volandri defeats G Clezar / C Zampieri 64 63

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
ATP World Tour 500
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
13-19 February 2012

R32 J Nieminen defeats I Sijsling 61 67(7) 75
R32 (7) V Troicki defeats T de Bakker 76(6) 60
R32 M Youzhny defeats I Kunitsyn 60 67(4) 60
R32 N Davydenko defeats R Haase 75 62
R32 A Seppi defeats R De Voest 16 76(5) 62
R32 P Kohlschreiber defeats (8) M Granollers 61 16 64

Doubles
R16 A Bogomolov Jr. / D Norman defeats (4) M Bhupathi / R Bopanna 64 36 10-6
R16 J Del Potro / P Petzschner defeats F Cermak / F Polasek 75 63

SAP Open
ATP World Tour 250
San Jose, U.S.A,
13-19 February 2012

R32 D Kutrovsky defeats D Lajola 67(7) 63 76(3)
R32 G Muller defeats T Smyczek 26 76(5) 63
R32 D Kudla defeats J Sock 64 67(6) 63

Doubles
R16 K Anderson / F Moser defeats L Dlouhy / I Zelenay 62 63

Gonzalez eliminated in 1st round of Brazil Open 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:38:00 +0000

Gonzalez eliminated in 1st round of Brazil Open 2012

Fernando Gonzalez lost to Igor Andreev 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Brazil Open 2012.

Gonzalez lost in just more than an hour. The Chilean had the support of the Brazilian crowd but won only six points on Andreev’s service games.

“I was happy, I tried to enjoy all the moments because I know the end of my career is near,” said Gonzalez, currently ranked 266th in the world.

Fernando announced he was retiring because he lacks the energy to play at the top level after a series of back, knee and hip injuries in recent years.

He will play the Copa Claro in Argentina in the next few weeks and then will end his career after the Masters tournament next month in Miami.

Troicki beats De Bakker in ABN Amro first round

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Troicki beats De Bakker in ABN Amro first round

Viktor Troicki beat Thiemo de Bakker7-6 (6), 6- in the first round of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament.

Troicki squandered three break points in the first set before edging De Bakker in a close tiebreaker.

De Bakker said “I should have won that tiebreak,” and that “I blew my chances in the first set.”

In other first-round matches, Jarkko Nieminen beat Igor Sijsling 6-1, 6-7 (7), 7-5, Andreas Seppi overcame Rik De Voest 1-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2 and Phillip Kohlschreiber beat Marcel Granollers 6-1, 1-6, 6-4.

Del Potro primed for Rotterdam test

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Del Potro primed for Rotterdam test

Juan Martin del Potro will head warily into his Rotterdam Open debut match on Wednesday when he faces Michael Llodra.

Del Potro is wary heading into his high-profile first-round clash. .

"Llodra will be a big danger for me," said Del Potro,.

"His slice and drop shots are tricky. I'll have to be ready to fight for every point. It will be a test of my form right now," he said of Llodra.

The Argentine is making few big wishes for this season, other than to play through it solidly and without any injury interruptions.

"I'm just glad to be back in the Top 10 and improving my game. My goal is to play healthy all season. I'm close to my best level again and can only gain confidence."

Joining Del Potro is Roger Federer, competing here for the first time since lifting the trophy during his golden period in 2005. He faces France's Nicolas Mahut.

Photos: Nole and his wax sculpture

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Photos: Nole and his wax sculpture

Novak Djokovic unveiled his wax sculpture a few days ago at the Wax museum in the central Serbian town of Jagodina.

Djokovic returned to Serbia after winning the Australian Open in the longest finals in the history of the tournament against Rafael Nadal.

Check out the pictures...

Photos from Getty Images

Photos: Rafa Nadal Sexy photo shoot with Bar for Sports Illustrated

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:31:00 +0000

Photos: Rafa Nadal Sexy photo shoot with Bar for Sports Illustrated

Rafael Nadal and Bar were photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. in Montreal, Quebec, Canada... For this amazing and sexy Sports Illustrated photo shoot.... I wonder what Xisca, Rafa's girlfriend, thinks about these pictures.... specially the ones that Bar is topless.... mmmmmmm....

Photos from Sports Illustrated