ATP Men's Tennis

Fernando Verdasco’s 2010 Australian Open adidas outfit

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:43:00 +0000

Fernando Verdasco’s 2010 Australian Open adidas outfit

Roger Federer's 2010 Australian Open outfit
Rafael Nadal's 2010 Australian Open outfit
Andy Murray's 2010 Australian Open outfit

Check out what Fernando Verdasco will be wearing at the 2010 Australian Open.... I think he looks great ...

Andy Murray’s 2010 Australian Open adidas outfit

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:32:00 +0000

Andy Murray’s 2010 Australian Open adidas outfit

Roger Federer's 2010 Australian Open outfit
Rafael Nadal's 2010 Australian Open outfit
Fernando Verdasco's 2010 Australian Open outfit

Andy Murray will be wearing adidas clothing in 2010 and here we have a preview of what he will wear at the 2010 Australian Open...

Murray will debut his exclusive adidas Competition and Barricade colourways alongside fellow Briton Laura Robson, at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia in early January.

"I'm really excited to be joining adidas as they are a massive global sports brand with a credible heritage in tennis. Joining a list of stars who have worn the brand, including Muhammad Ali and David Beckham, is an honour. I'm in no doubt that this deal will help me both on and off the court." Murray said.

"We are delighted to welcome Andy Murray in to the adidas tennis family. Andy is a young, dynamic player that embodies adidas’ pure performer qualities. He is a very driven and dedicated athlete and we look forward to working with him on developing our Barricade products and helping him achieve his Impossible in 2010." adidas VP Global Sports Marketing, Jocelyn Robiot added.

Photos MTF

Photos: Roger Federer with wife Mirka and their twin girls

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Photos: Roger Federer with wife Mirka and their twin girls

To finished 2009 in great style, Roger Federer made his fans very happy today after he posted a new photo of his family...

Many friends and fans have asked for an updated picture of our
girls so we thought we'd post this picture for the holiday season. Our
entire family wishes you a safe and happy 2010! said Federer on Facebook

Thanks so much Roger for this great pic!!!

Rafael Nadal is Quely’s New Ambassador

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Rafael Nadal is Quely’s New Ambassador

Rafael Nadal will be Quely’s New Ambassador starting on January 2010 for their international expansion plans.

Nadal will be the face of Quely throughout the world, thanks to an agreement that the tennis player and Quely presented in public at their bakery.

Quely, a family run company that manufactures biscuits, bakery and chocolate coated products, is proud to be able to count with Rafael Nadal in a new stage in which they hope to publicise their products. Nadal has consumed their products ever since he was a little kid.

Congratulation to Rafael Nadal for starting the 2001 season with this new deal!!

Source RN Website

Photos: Rafael Nadal becomes Quely’s New Ambassador

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Photos: Rafael Nadal becomes Quely’s New Ambassador

Staring on January 2001 Rafael Nadal will be Quely’s New Ambassador... Check out some photos of his presentation...

Roger Federer named 2009 ITF World Champions

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:26:00 +0000

Roger Federer named 2009 ITF World Champions

Roger Federer has been named, along with Serena Williams and for the fifth time, the 2009 ITF World Champion.

Serena and Venus Williams were named Women’s Doubles World Champions while Bob and Mike Bryan are the Men’s Doubles World Champions for a record sixth time.

The ITF World Champions will receive their awards at the annual ITF World Champions Dinner on Tuesday 1 June, in Paris, during Roland Garros.

During the 2009 tennis season Roger Federer regained the world No. 1 ranking after a completing a career Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

Federer surpassed Pete Sampras' recors by winning his 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

Federer was also runner-up at the Australian Open and US Open, and helped his country retain its World Group status in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.

Federer said: “It is an honour for me to be named ITF World Champion for a fifth time. It was an incredible year for me both on and off the court.

“To win my first Roland Garros title, break the all-time Grand Slam record and regain the No. 1 ranking is amazing. It means a lot to me to finish the year again at the top.”

Source ITF

Fernando Gonzalez beats Juan Martin Del Potro in tennis exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Fernando Gonzalez beats Juan Martin Del Potro in tennis exhibition

Fernando Gonzalez scored a 7-5 6-4 win over Juan Martin del Potro in an exhibition match played in Santiago de Chile infront of a 9,000 crowd.

The match between Gonzalez and Del Potro responded to the expectations with Gonzalez that brought out his best tennis to take the match in one hour and 24 minutes.

Gonzalez broke Del Potro's serve in the twelfth game of the first set and tenth of second to establish the difference in his favor.

For Gonzalez the victory was revenge for the defeat he suffered against Del Potro a couple of weeks ago in Rosario, where in another tennis exhibition the Argentine won 6-4, 7-5.

This was a good win for Gonzalez because he was not playing at his best lately. He lost in Montevideo in an exhibition against Pablo Cuevas, who beat him 6-4, 6-4 and also in the Copa Argentina was defeated by Juan Monaco (7-5 6-4) and Marcos Baghdatis (6-2, 6-2).

Gonzalez will now have an exhaustive review of his right knee that in the 2009 season caused him several complications, in order to get in shape to the 2010 season, where his first challenge will be at the Australia Open 2010.

Source Juan Martin Del Potro Blog

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga withdrew from the 2010 SA Open

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga withdrew from the 2010 SA Open

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is out of the 2010 SA Open but his compatriot Gael Monfils and Spaniard David Ferrer are in.

Tsonga will not defend his title due to fatigue but the SA Tennis Association CEO and tournament Director Ian Smith said the French star will take part in the tournament in future.

“I do not think it will have a major impact on the tournament at all. Jo had a great year. One of his problems is his body has taken severe strain over this year, so something had to give. Jo has told me in 2011 he will be back,” he said.

The organiser said Monfils and Ferrer will help boost the profile of the tournament.

“Gael Monfils is playing unbelievable tennis so he looks like the number one seed. I think with that and David Ferrer, who has also entered, it looks like it will be fantastic tennis in 2010,” he remarked.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Leaves Wilson to Join Babolat

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:52:00 +0000

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Leaves Wilson to Join Babolat

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has sing with Babolat an international contract that includes racquets, stings and accessories. He will start using Babolat instead of Wilson from January 1, 2010.

“Because we are a French brand—considered among the world leaders in tennis racquets and strings—we are particularly proud to welcome in our Team a French player, who is top 10 in the world” says Eric Babolat, president and CEO of Babolat. “We share the same competitive spirit and the same passion. Our values are bringing us closer.”

Jean-Christophe Verborg, head of competition for Babolat adds, “We are very happy that Jo-Wilfried has chosen Babolat. He is a very nice player and extremely charismatic. His arrival in the team reinforces Babolat’s visibility among the top players in the ATP: Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Fernando Gonzalez.”

“I am very happy to start playing next season with Babolat racquets and strings and I am equally proud of this partnership with a French brand with whom I share the same values,” says Tsonga.

Juan Martin Del Potro spent his vacations in Costa Rica

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Juan Martin Del Potro spent his vacations in Costa Rica

Juan Martin del Potro traveled to Costa Rica with a group of 5 friends to have a little vacation after a year where he took out the U.S. Open and finished No. 5 in the world.

Del Potro spent his days at a beach near Tamarindo, and declared to be very satisfied with his time in Costa Rica.
But the vacation didn't last long as he is already back in Argentina where he will spend time with relatives before returning in January to open in Australia.

Also, Juan Martin del Potro was chosen as the best tennis player and best sportsman of 2009 in the seventh edition of the awards "Fox Sports".
And is expected that he will pick up another award tonight.

David Nalbandian targets Davis Cup

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:41:00 +0000

David Nalbandian targets Davis Cup

David Nalbandian, who is ranked 64th in the ATP ranking after spending the last 8 month out of the tennis tour, has targeted the Davis Cup as a main objective for 2010.
Nalbandian made a return to tennis at an exhibition tournament in San Juan last week and alsp played the Copa Peugeot in Buenos Aires this weekend.

David won the Copa Peugeot after beating Marcos Baghdatis in 2 sets on Sunday.

"The first issue is to make it through these first four months. I have to be careful and time will tell what goals I can set. But obviously the Davis Cup is still a clear objective; after that, the big tournaments." Nalbandian said.

Nalbandian will return to the ATP Tour in Auckland as preparation for the Australian Open, then he plans to play in Buenos Aires and Miami.

"I don't think I'll have problems with the short tournaments but the Grand Slams are two weeks," he added.

"I start in Australia, which is not ideal but I feel like I can play. For now I still have the same goals because I think I'm going to feel good. I still have high hopes."

Video: Novak Djokovic gives 7 lessons on the fundamentals of tennis

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Video: Novak Djokovic gives 7 lessons on the fundamentals of tennis

Novak Djokovic actually gives 7 lessons in this video on the fundamentals of tennis (and one wicked John McEnroe impression)...

Richard Gasquet to play at the Copa Telmex in Buenos Aires

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Richard Gasquet to play at the Copa Telmex in Buenos Aires

Richard Gasquet joined today the list of tennis stars who will play from February 13 to 21 2010 the tenth edition of the Copa Telmex in the courts of the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.

Pending publication of the official list the first week of January, the organization confirmed also the presence of Spanish David Ferrer and Carlos Moya and Argentine David Nalbandian and Juan Monaco.

Gasquet, will try to leave behind hin these past months in which he had problems with a suspension for cocaine, but he appealed arguing that the drug entered his body "by mistake", having kissed a woman in a nightclub and he is now clear to play at the ATP tour again.

"Undoubtedly Buenos Aires is a perfect place to get my tennis. Playing in Argentina, against the Argentines and on clay is always a tough scenario to deal with. The level is very high and I will try to keep up, "said the Gasquet.

"Having Richard is a strong motivation. He is a very talented player who is very hungry for tennis after been stopped during the 2009 season, for all I know, will come with a great desire to do well in the Copa Telmex," said Martin Jaite, tournament director.

2010 Australian Open: Nick Lindahl secures Australian Open wildcard

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:12:00 +0000

2010 Australian Open: Nick Lindahl secures Australian Open wildcard

Nick Lindahl defeated Bernard Tomic 6-7(6) 6-1 4-6 7-6(8) 6-3 to win a wild card into the main draw of the 2010 Australian Open.

Lindahl is ranked 265th and will be playing in his second Australian Open main draw, having taken a set off Richard Gasquet in the first round in 2008.

Lindahl enjoyed nice weeks at the American challenger circuit, where he was a runner-up at the Aptos Challenger in July, a semifinal at Tiburon and a quarterfinal in Sacramento.

"I’m really happy, but I’m really tired and really sore," Nindahl said. "I feel fit. Yesterday I was two points from defeat, today I was one point from defeat so I am really proud of myself to hang in there."

Tomic admitted he lacked match practice against Lindahl and was hoping to forget about his lost opportunities as soon as possible.

"Hopefully I can get it out of my mind by tomorrow," he said. "Nick played good tennis and there was no excuses, he played the good shots at the right time. "

Source AO Website

Fernando Gonzalez and Sam Querrey to play at US Men’s Clay Court Championship

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Fernando Gonzalez and Sam Querrey to play at US Men’s Clay Court Championship

Fernando Gonzalez and Sam Querrey confirmed their participation at the singles field for next year’s US Men’s Clay Court Championship.
This tennis event will be played from April 5-11 at River Oaks Country Club.

Gonzalez and Querrey are the first singles players to commit to play in the 2010 event.

Bob and Mike Bryan, the world number 1 doubles team, has committed to return to River Oaks Country Club to defend their US Men’s Clay Court Championship doubles title in 2010.

Richard Gasquet clear of drug charges

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:43:00 +0000

Richard Gasquet clear of drug charges

Richard Gasquet can really celebrate the end of 2009 with a great news. The Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted his claim that he tested positive for cocaine by kissing a woman in a nightclub and he will be clear to play in 2010.

“I’m absolutely relieved. This is the end of a crazy story,” Gasquet said. “I’m happy to be 100 percent cleared.”

The court accepted Gasquet’s claim that he inadvertently consumed cocaine by kissing the woman in a Miami club and thanks to this Gasquet will not spend the next 2 years out of the tennis tour.

Gasquet said he went to the nightclub with friends to see a French DJ perform after pulling out of the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne with a shoulder injury. He met “Pamela” there and kissed her several times.

"It was impossible for the player, even when exercising the utmost caution, to know that in kissing a woman who he had met in a totally unsuspicious environment, he could be contaminated with cocaine,” the court said in a statement.

A CAS panel of three lawyers said the quantity of the drug in Gasquet’s urine test was “minute” and he was “clearly not a regular cocaine user.”

“The possibility of contamination became the most plausible explanation,” CAS said.

“This is a huge relief, mostly for Richard and for the people close to him,” Gasquet’s coach, Eric Deblicker said. “The most important thing now is to see him enjoying on the court.”

The verdict was greeted with dismay by WADA and the ITF, the sport’s world governing body.

“WADA considered that the evidence warranted full and total scrutiny,” director-general David Howman said in a statement. “WADA abides by the CAS ruling and has no further comment at this stage.”

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said the federation was “disappointed” with the court’s ruling.

“The ITF also recognizes the potential implications of the CAS decision with respect to future decisions and will discuss these with WADA,” he said.

Gasquet will play at the Brisbane and Sydney tournaments as part of his preparation for the Australian Open.

Source AP

Albert Costa’s Contract as Davis Cup Captain Extended

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Albert Costa’s Contract as Davis Cup Captain Extended

Albert Costa will continue his work as Spain{s Davis Cup Captain after his contract was extended for another year. In 2010 Spain begins the Davis Cup season in March against Switzerland.

Costa led Spain to a new Davis Cup title last month.

Spanish federation president Jose Luis Escanuela praised Costa’s “fine work behind the scenes” in winning Spain’s fourth Davis Cup.

Costa was grateful for the job extension.

“Being captain of the Davis Cup team is difficult but it also makes you proud, and given that there are a lot of people who could do this job, I am thankful for the renewal of this confidence in me,” he said.

Escanuela said improving Spanish tennis will be tough.

“With the win in Barcelona we reached the summit, once again we hit the heights,” he said. “However, in other aspects of the federation’s project there is a great deal to do, above all at a grass roots level.”

Mike and Bob Bryan leave Adidas for K-Swiss deal

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:05:00 +0000

Mike and Bob Bryan leave Adidas for K-Swiss deal

Bob and Mike Bryan, the world number 1 in doubles, have switched to K-Swiss after 12 years with Adidas as their footwear and apparel sponsor.

The deal is set to be announced today. The four-year agreement guarantees the brothers a combined amount in the high six figures ... not bad uh??

Let´s see if we find more out this news later today...

Davis Cup 2010: Serbia chooses indoor clay to face US

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:15:00 +0000

Davis Cup 2010: Serbia chooses indoor clay to face US

Serbia will play against the USA in the opening rounhd of the 2010 Davis Cup and they have chosen the Belgrade Arena, an indoor clay surface in Belgrade for this tie.

Spain has been granted an extension until Jan. 11 to choose the venue for its opener against Switzerland.

France will play Germany in Toulon, Russia hosts India in Moscow and Sweden faces Argentina in Stockholm—all on indoor hard courts. Chile will host Israel on outdoor clay in Coquimbo.

Croatia will play Ecuador in Varazdin on an indoor surface and is still unknow where Belgium will play against the Czech Republic.

The ITF said all venues are subject to a site inspection and final confirmation by the international body.

Australian Open 2010: Jersey Boys to perform at men's final

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Australian Open 2010: Jersey Boys to perform at men's final

Australian Open organisers announced that the company of JERSEY BOYS will make a special on-court appearance at the men’s final of the Australian Open on Sunday 31 January 2010.

They will perform a medley from the hit show, followed by the National Anthem, for the live audience in Rod Laver Arena and a national and international television audience of millions.

At the announcement, Olivia Rogowska was happy to ham it up with members of the cast who looked just as comfortable on a tennis court as they do on stage.

JERSEY BOYS is currently playing at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.

Source and Photo AO

Rafael Nadal looks forward to play in Abu Dhabi

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Rafael Nadal looks forward to play in Abu Dhabi

Rafael Nadal will have one thing on his mind when he kick-starts his 2010 campaign at the Capitala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi later this month — that's playing well.

Nadal says he is looking forward to putting an injury-plagued year behind him and focusing on getting back to playing his best tennis.

"At the moment I just want to focus on playing well, winning matches and staying injury free during 2010."

"It all starts in Abu Dhabi and I can't wait to return to the event and compete against what is another strong line-up of the world's best players.

"The event is a great way to start the year and is the perfect warm up for the Australian Open. The fans and warm hospitality in Abu Dhabi make it a really enjoyable tournament to begin the season and I am very much looking forward to coming back."

Despite missing more than two months with knee problems, Nadal still enjoyed plenty of success on the court, including his sixth career Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open.

He won another five titles for the fifth straight year which saw him ranked No 1 for the first half of 2009. He also ended the year on a high after Spain sealed back-to-back Davis Cup wins following victory over the Czech Republic to become the first nation to successfully defend the title since Sweden in 1998.

source golfnews

Copa Peugeot Buenos Aires 2009 Tennis Exhibition Draw and Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Copa Peugeot Buenos Aires 2009 Tennis Exhibition Draw and Schedule

Group 1:
David Nalbandian, Carlos Moyá, Gastón Gaudio

Group 2
Marcos Baghdatis, Juan Mónaco, Fernando González
Schedule

Thursday, 20,30 hs.
Moyá vs. Gaudio
González vs. Mónaco

Friday, 20,30 hs.
Nalbandian vs. Moyá
Baghdatis vs. González

Saturday, 20,30 hs.
Baghdatis vs. Mónaco
Nalbandian vs. Gaudio

Sunday, 19,30 hs.
Final

Roger Federer among the Who's Who of international celebrities

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Roger Federer among the Who's Who of international celebrities

Roger Federer is among the Who's Who of international celebrities in the 2010 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica.

Federer is one of the youngest personalities to have been added this year.

The Encyclopædia Britannica is the oldest English-language encyclopaedia still in print, widely regarded as the most scholarly of encyclopaedias. Published for the first time in 1849, the Who's Who section now contains over 33'000 names of people that will stay there until their death.

Roger Federer listed third in AP's Athletes of the Decade

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Roger Federer listed third in AP's Athletes of the Decade

Tiger Woods has topped AP's list of athletes of the decade, with Lance Armstrong coming in second and Roger Federer third.

Woods received 56 of the 142 votes cast by AP members, while Armstrong got 33 and Federer 25.

Federer and Serena Williams represented tennis the 10-athlete shortlist, which also included Michael Phelps, Tom Brady, Usain Bolt, Kobe Bryant and Barry Bonds.

Win a place at a tennis training clinic with Rafael Nadal

noreply@blogger.com (WTA and ATP Tennis Blogs) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Win a place at a tennis training clinic with Rafael Nadal

The Capitala World Tennis Championship starts on December 31st 2009 in Abu Dhabi.

The world's top players are holding clinics each morning for the Capitala Community Cup winners and readers of The National. This is a great way for them to get closer to their fans who assist every year to watch them play and to support them.

The National has places for four readers to be coached by Rafael Nadal on the morning of December 31. Each winner will also win a pair of tickets to watch him play on the afternoon of January 1. For the chance to win, SMS "Rafa" and your answer to the question below to 3538 (Etisalat) or 9104 (du) or email Contest@thenational.ae before midnight on Saturday, December 19. Please note winners must be over the age of eight.