HCFoo's Tennis Blog

ATP pays tribute to Roger Federer, named 'living legend'

2009-07-06T07:23:00.001+08:00

ATP saluted Roger Federer's feat of winning a 15th Grand Slam and placed him on top of legends like Pete Sampras, Roy Emerson (why he's not at Wimbledon?), Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver.

Check out the tribute web page here.

If you want to join the celebration, why not place these desktop wallpapers on your computer screen or on your iPhone?

It's available for download here (scroll down to the bottom of the page).

(Images by Getty Images, ATP)

Roger Federer downs Andy Roddick for record 15th Grand Slam

2009-07-06T02:38:00.011+08:00

Part of me is relieved when Roger Federer won the last point to clinch his record 15th Grand Slam title.

Federer has got everything he and his fans wished for - winning the French Open, breaking Pete Sampras 14-Grand Slam record and reclaiming his no.1 ranking.

From now on, Rafael Nadal is a free man - he'll never will be blamed for stopping Federer from achieving all that.

Coming back to the main topic, Andy Roddick did all he could but he just couldn't break Federer's serve to wrap up the match.

Federer who served a career-high 50 aces, overcame Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 in a nail-biting victory.

The marathon match finally ended after more than four hours.

Federer jumped high in celebration, punched the air and even whacked the net with his racket.

Roddick on the other side of the court tossed his racket.

Later the two men shared a hug at the net.

“It’s not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but man, it’s been quite a career and quite a month,” Federer said.

“It feels amazing, but this is not why I’m playing tennis to break all sort of different records. But it’s definitely one of the greatest ones to have.”

Turning to Sampras, Federer said: “Thanks very much for coming. I know it’s a long way, but you’re a member, man, we like to see you here. It’s such a pleasure to play in front of such greats legends.”

Roddick said: “Sorry, Pete, I tried to hold him off.”

Federer is now the third player to win six Wimbledon championships - Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven.

This was the longest men’s Grand Slam final in history at 77 games and also the longest fifth set in a men’s Grand Slam final in history, surpassing the 20 games from 1927 in France.

“It was a crazy match with an unbelievable end and my head’s still spinning,” Federer said.

“But it’s an unbelievable moment in my career.”

(Via AP, Images by Getty Images)

Who's at the Wimbledon men's final?

2009-07-06T01:24:00.008+08:00

There were a number of celebrities spotted watching Roger Federer vs Andy Roddick at the Wimbledon men's final.

They included Gavin Rossdale, Russell Crowe, Woody Allen, Alex Ferguson, David Coulthard and Micheal Ballack (images in sequence).

I'm not a Federer KAD but I'm so glad Mr Gwen Stefani did not jinx the 15 Grand Slam winners this time (maybe 'cause Gwen Stefani wasn't around at Federer's box).

(Images by Getty Images)

Thai girl Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, Russian boy Andrey Kuznetsov win juniors' crowns

2009-07-06T00:02:00.007+08:00

Noppawan Lertcheewakarn of Thailand has been crowned the 2009 Junior Girls’ Champion after defeating top seed Kristina Mladenovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Lertcheewakarn, the fourth seed and the runner-up to Britain's Laura Robson at last year's Wimbledon girls' final, is said to have been shaped in the mould of Monica Seles and Marion Bartoli.

According to the Wimbledon official website, Lertcheewakarn uses double-handed ground strokes on both sides and has the ability to return serve effectively and draw her opponents into long energy-sapping rallies.

With this win, Lertcheewakarn becomes the first Thai to win the Junior Wimbledon title.

"I spoke to my parents and they are very happy. I can't wait to get back to Thailand."

"But first I want to do some shopping here, and go to Wimbledon Village."

"Mladenovic is a very good player and is qualifying for senior events like me so its great to have won today."

"Last year I was just excited to be in the final, I never expected to get there. This year I just wanted to win as it is my last year in the juniors."

In the boy's singles final, Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov defeated American Jordan Cox in the boy's final match 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Just in case you want to know, Andrey is not related to Svetlana Kuznetsova.

(Images by Reuters/Getty Images)

Daniel Nestor, Nenad Zimonjic repeat as Wimbledon doubles champs

2009-07-05T15:11:00.003+08:00

Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic won their second straight Wimbledon men’s doubles title, defeating top-seeded American twins Bob and Mike Bryan 7-6 (7), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-3.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” Nestor said.

“One of the first things I noticed was our name on the board, on the big plaque. Now we get it twice."

"It’s obviously going to be special to come back next year and see that.”

Nestor and Zimonjic were playing in their third Grand Slam final together.

This year’s final was the first time that Nestor and Zimonjic have played the Bryan brothers in a Grand Slam tournament.

“It’s great to be able to play them on a big stage and be able to beat them,” Nestor said.

(Via AFP; Images by Getty Images)

Serena Williams: Cocky and every reason to be

2009-07-05T13:07:00.007+08:00

Serena Williams won a double Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon yesterday, just like her big sister Venus did last year.

Serena added the women’s doubles title to her singles title after teaming up with Venus to beat Australians Rennae Stubbs and Samantha Stosur 7-6 (4), 6-4.

Earlier Serena defeated Venus 7-6 (3), 6-2 in singles to win her third Wimbledon title.

Serena was asked a series of questions at the press conference about being ranked number two in the world behind Dinara Safina, a player who has never won a Grand Slam.

Q. How much of a motivation is it for you to try and regain the world No. 1 ranking?

SERENA WILLIAMS: You know, I'm not super motivated. I think if you hold three Grand Slam titles maybe you should be No. 1, but not on the WTA Tour obviously, so...

You know, my motivation is maybe just to win another Grand Slam and stay No. 2, I guess (laughter).

Q. Does that disappoint you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. If it did, I would go crazy just thinking about it. I think anyone really could. That's just shocking. But whatever. It is what it is. I'd rather definitely be No. 2 and hold three Grand Slams in the past year than be No. 1 and not have any.

Q. Do you see yourself as No. 1?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I see myself as No. 2. That's where I am. I think Dinara did a great job to get to No. 1. She won Rome and Madrid (laughter).

Q. How satisfying is it to have played as much as you've played this year, perhaps more than other years, and here you are sitting holding three Grand Slams? It's kind of annoying for the other girls, isn't it really?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I feel like I've played a lot this year, and I've really been paying the price. For several years now, at least three or four years, I just really wanted to focus on tennis, and I've really been doing that. I feel like, you know, this is where I want to be, and this is my chance to capitalize on everything.

I really enjoy it. I even started playing more doubles because I enjoy being out on the court so much. I think it's pretty much all paying off.

Q. We all know the slams are the key events in our sport. Do you think someone somewhere should sit down and maybe tweak the ranking system a little bit so we don't have this problem?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Uhm, I mean, maybe if I'd have done better at the French Open, like got to the semifinals, maybe things would have been different. But, uhm, honestly, I'm not picking on anybody. Everyone works hard.

I think the girl, Dinara, who is No. 1, you can clearly see by her physique how hard she works. You can't get anywhere by not doing the best and not working your hardest.

So, you know, I'm happy for her. I'm really excited that I won Wimbledon, though, because, like I said, I'd rather win that than not win the Championships.

Q. With all due respect, we're just talking about the system on paper the way the computer works. Do you think that should be changed?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. I don't know what can be changed. I feel like I've had a pretty consistent year, though, you know. I haven't lost too early. I got a little injured, but I fought through it. So it's been pretty consistent reaching at least the further rounds of different events.

But I don't know what to do to be No. 1. I don't even care anymore. I'm just happy to be here.

Personally I don't understand why some people regard her statements as cocky, and even if she does, Serena has every reason to be.

Regarding about the Nike t-shirt she was wearing at the press conference, here's what Serena said.

Q. May you tell us a little bit more about that shirt. Did they prepare it before and then you choose it, or they tell you afterwards and you say you like it or I don't like it? If you had lost, was there another shirt, or that was for your sister?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, this shirt is available in Nike stores, if you guys want to go (smiling). If you want to go get one, everyone can have it. I've been wearing it a little bit this week. I thought last night when I was getting my stuff together, I thought, Well, if I win, I'll wear this 'cause I'll have 11 titles, and I wouldn't know if you guys were looking at my titles or my Gatorade bottle.

And there was ‑‑ yes, there was another shirt if I didn't win.

Q. Which would have said what?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It was just a Nike shirt.

(Images by Getty Images)

Murray disappoints home crowd, fails to reach first Wimbledon final

2009-07-04T19:15:00.009+08:00

Andy Murray could have become the first British man to reach the Wimbledon final in 71 years on Sunday.

Sadly, British fans have to wait for another year.

Although Murray did not play poorly, his 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (7) loss to Andy Roddick had done enough damage to crush Murray's Wimbledon dream final.

Here's an excerpt of Murray's press conference after the heartbreaking loss.

Q. You seem to have run into the Roddick of 2003. Were you expecting that?

ANDY MURRAY: You always expect your opponents to play well, especially at this stage of the tournament. And he served great. Served really, really well in the tiebreaks. I think he maybe missed two first serves. The second one wasn't until 6‑4 in the tiebreak. He was serving really well at the start.

And I had a few chances, you know, in the first tiebreak. I had chances early in the third set. I didn't take them.

Q. How do you rate your own performance?

ANDY MURRAY: I thought I played well. I mean, you know, if you look at the stats, I hit more winners, less unforced errors, more aces. I'm sure the points that we won were very, very similar. It just came down to a few points here or there on his serve. And he served really, really well. You know, very close to the lines. Hitting at that pace, at such a high percentage, I think he was high 70s for a lot of the match.

You know, sometimes there's not a whole lot you can do with that. But definitely didn't play a bad match.

Q. Do you think you were playing too passive or he was playing too great?

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I don't think I played that passive. I think I hit a lot of winners. You know, my game style against him is not always to sort of go on the court and try and blast winners, you know, all the time. Because he has such a big serve that you need to try and, you know, get into points and make returns. I used my slice well. I didn't passes as well as I normally do. But he came up with some good volleys and big serves, and that is what happened. Like I say, it wasn't through being too passive or me playing a poor match.

Q. Were you surprised with the sheer quality of his play at the net?

ANDY MURRAY: No. I mean, he came up with some good volleys. You know, the one when I had the set point in the third set, well, he apologized. He completely miss‑hit the volley. He was trying to hit it to the other side and it dropped very short and I couldn't get it. I mean, he makes volleys. He doesn't normally miss a lot. You just have to make the passes, and I didn't make as many as I needed to. But I wasn't surprised by anything that he did. I expected him to play very well.

Q. Could you talk about Andy's return? And secondly give us an assessment about the final. Does he have a good chance against Roger?

ANDY MURRAY: His return of serve?

Q. Yes.

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I think a lot of people think that necessarily he doesn't return that well. But he has a decent return. It's not the best and it's definitely not the worst. But, you know, he makes quite a lot. He doesn't miss that many returns on second serves. Because he serves so well, it makes it even more important for you to serve well. If you don't do that, then he's going to create chances. Because he came to the net a lot today. I think if he serves like that he's got a chance against anyone, 'cause it comes down to, like I say, a few points in each set.

So regardless of whether it's Roger or, you know, me or anybody else, if he serves high 70s with the pace he's got on his serve, he's got a good chance.

Q. Despite his record against Roger?

ANDY MURRAY: I had a pretty good record against him as well going into today. Like I say, if someone serves 130 miles an hour consistently throughout the match, and above, you know, in the high like 75s to 80%, it's very tough to break them, especially on a court like this that's quick.

Q. On that point, you went a round further than last year; you're 22 years old. You'll leave here more convinced that you can win Wimbledon now?

ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think I have a chance. And I think the way that I played this year, you know, it was very, very close to getting to the final. If I give myself those sort of opportunities and keep playing well, and my consistency in the Grand Slams the last year or so has been much, much better, you know, a final, a semi and a quarter, I'm going to give myself opportunities to do it. I believe I can win a Grand Slam, whether it's Wimbledon or US Open or Australia or whatever, I'm going to give myself chances.

Q. Will you be able to move on from this, or do you think, you know, I lost to a better guy on the day?

ANDY MURRAY: No, I'll move on very, very quickly and go and work on my game and improve and come back stronger. That's a pathetic attitude to have, if you lose one match and you go away and, you know, let it ruin your year. You know, I've had a very good year so far. I'm very close to, you know, the top of the game. The US Open I've always said is my best surface, my best chance to win a slam, and I'll give it my best shot there.

Q. Talk about the matchup and shots between Andy's serve and Federer's incredible return of serve. How do you think that might work out?

ANDY MURRAY: I think Federer has a good return. I don't think that it's incredible. He doesn't break serve as much as a lot of the guys. But he'll make Andy play. And Andy gives him enough chances, Roger's gonna take them. That's the one thing he needs to serve very well, especially at the start of all of the games to try and get ahead, not give Roger that chance to sort of swing freely at balls. If he can always sort of stay 15‑up, 15‑Love, 30‑Love up in games, it's gonna be tough.

But obviously Roger is the favorite. If he plays his best and passes well, then there's no reason why he can't win.

The US Open is going to start end of this month, and Murray's dream to clinch his first Grand Slam is far from over.

(Images via Getty Images)

Pre-semifinals practice photos

2009-07-03T13:07:00.001+08:00

Here are some practice photos taken a day before the semifinal matches.

Roger Federer will play against Tommy Haas first at the Centre Court today and followed by Andy Murray and Andy Roddick.

Bonus: Federer showing off his sexy back...

(Images by Getty Images)

Stepmom Lakeisha Graham an added strength to the Williams team?

2009-07-03T06:40:00.003+08:00

Serena and Venus Williams' mom, Oracene was spotted sitting far away from her ex-husband Richard and his new bride Lakeisha Graham during the semifinal match between Serena Williams and Elena Dementieva yesterday.

While Richard was busy wiping off his sweat under the beaming sun, his 30-year-old Rihanna-look alike wife cheered for Serena and looked very excited as if that was her first time on the player's box.

The Williams sisters dominate the women's singles and made it to the final at the Wimbledon this year.

Serena beat Dementieva 6-7, 7-6, 8-6 in the longest women's singles match in Wimbledon history, while Venus totally crushed world no.1 Dinara Safina 6-1, 6-0.

Serena and Venus have played each other 20 times and are currently tied at 10-10 in head-to-head meetings.

Surely, Lakeisha will be there at the women's singles final on Saturday to cheer for the girls.

It doesn't matter who wins because the Williams family have proven themselves to be a strong team at Wimbledon this year.

(Images via Getty Images)

Federer, Haas, Roddick, Murray: Thoughts before the semifinals on Day 12

2009-07-02T22:14:00.008+08:00

Here are the final scores for yesterday's men's singles quarterfinals:

Roger Federer beat Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 7-5, 7-6(3), Andy Murray beat Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-3, 6-2, Andy Roddick beat Lleyton Hewitt 6-3, 6-7(10), 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-4, Tommy Haas beat Novak Djokovic 7-5, 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-3.

Let's go through some of their thoughts on their opponents and tomorrow's semifinals:

Federer vs Haas

Q. Before the tournament started, you said you wouldn't start thinking, it wouldn't creep into your mind, about Pete's record until maybe the semifinals. Now you're here. What are your thoughts about Pete's slam record and your opportunity here at Wimbledon this year?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, first of all, I'm happy the way I'm playing, which is always most important, is to focus on my own game.

So from that standpoint, obviously everything is good. I just won, you know, my quarters, so obviously my mind has not started wondering yet. I think tomorrow, you know, I'll prepare for a tough weekend ahead of me, you know, heavily.

Against Tommy I have to play, you know, a good match from the start. And as we saw in Paris, it was brutal. Yeah, it's gonna be tough. But, you know, I'm happy to be back into another semifinals. 21st in a row. It's amazing. Means the world to me. Let's see what happens now.

Q. Wimbledon has been a happy hunting ground for German tennis players in the last 25 years. Are you beginning to believe that you might be able to follow in their footsteps?

TOMMY HAAS: Those are big footsteps to get into. I mean, obviously Steffi had such great success here. I was watching Boris when I was young. Every year I was looking forward to watching it on TV, him playing Wimbledon. He had, what, seven finals here; he won it three times. One time Michael Stich came along and beat Boris in the finals.

We were very blessed in Germany having three of those players. So it was very hard for all of us to maybe try to get in their footsteps. But I don't think you really want to get in their footsteps. You want to try to maybe accomplish some of the stuff they have, but it's not an easy task.

I think German tennis is still, in many ways, if you look at the past with Kiefer or Schuettler, we've had some success with getting very far in Grand Slams. Not as much as they have. Which country has, by the way? How many Steffi Grafs are there, or Boris Beckers? There's not many.

We just go out there, I just go out there and try my best no matter what. You know, like I said, my next opponent is somebody that's probably gonna go down as the greatest player ever. It's gonna be a tough hurdle to go by, but we'll see what happens. It's not over yet.

Q. You mentioned a moment ago that your next opponent will probably go down as the greatest player ever. What do you marvel at most when you consider what has made Roger the greatest?

TOMMY HAAS: What do I like about his game the most or in general?

Q. Everything.

TOMMY HAAS: Oh, well, let's talk about that after the match.

Murray vs Roddick

Q. Have you got anything left in the tank for Andy Murray?

ANDY RODDICK: Yeah, I should. I mean, I felt fine out there physically. I'm sure I'll pull up a little bit sore tomorrow, but that's to be expected. That's not a new condition.

Q. A lot was made after Monday's game about Andy Murray's recovery, that he's only 22. You have four years on him. Is that a significant time in tennis or are you still there or thereabouts at the same level as a 22 year old?

ANDY RODDICK: Physically?

Q. Yes. Is it a significant time factor, that four years, in your recovery compared to his?

ANDY RODDICK: Not yet. I'm sure when I'm 30 it will be. You know, you can look at it in years. Also matches played. I've played a lot more in my career. But, you know, I'm looking at it as far as a two day thing, not a years thing.

At this point I feel fit and I feel healthy. You know, I'm in better shape now than I was when I was 24. Shouldn't be too much of a factor.

Q. Is it possible to grind with him and win?

ANDY RODDICK: You're gonna have to do some of it. You're gonna have to. You know, obviously I'm not gonna get into a match where we're both trying to poke the ball around on the court. That probably wouldn't work. But you're gonna have to do it at certain times, for sure.

Q. What do you think are the weaknesses of Andy Murray's game?

ANDY RODDICK: That's one of the things. He doesn't really have a lot of weaknesses, or any for that matter. He's improved his serve a lot. He returns well.

You know, but to be fair, once you get into the top part of the game, that's why a lot of the guys are up there.

Q. Having come through that, having won comfortably today, do you feel unstoppable now? Do you feel this is the best tennis of your life?

ANDY MURRAY: No, I understand that I can lose the next match if I don't play my best. That's been one of the things that I've learned, and it's made a huge difference to me over the last year or so.

I realize that if I don't bring my best game then I'm gonna lose to guys like Roddick. I feel confident because I've won a lot of matches on the grass. But every day when I get up to play the matches, I know that I'm gonna have to perform very well, and that gets the nerves and the adrenaline going and makes me play better.

(Via Wimbledon official website; Images by Getty Images, Reuters)

Tennis stars let their hair down for Life magazine

2009-07-02T06:54:00.005+08:00

Maria Elena Camerin, Julie Coin and Severine Bremond Beltrame

Professional tennis players work hard when on court.

So LIFE magazine wanted to see what happens when these players leave their competitive spirit behind.

Check these players letting their hair down for some relaxing (as well as some cheeky) poses.

Here are the players in sequence: Severine Bremond Beltrame, Jill Craybas, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Vera Zvonareva, Sabine Lisicki, Gisela Dulko, Jelena Jankovic and Alla Kudryavtseva.

For more pictures, go to Life.com.

A note of thanks to Natasha for this info.

(Images by Lee Jenkins Grooming: Kenny Campbell For Premier via Life.com)

Wimbledon Day 9: Girls, Girls, Girls... But surprisingly no drama...

2009-07-01T18:30:00.003+08:00

Boring day, I should say?

And the results were predictable too...

Besides Dinara Safina, who was made to sweat by Sabine Lisicki, other favourites easily sailed through to the semifinals.

Safina who thought she was a Santa Claus on court yesterday, served 15 double-faults!

However, the top-ranked Russian reached the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time after a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1 victory of unseeded Lisicki.

Venus Williams, the favourite to win the Wimbledon again seems too hot for Agnieszka Radwanska to handle.

Venus won 6-1, 6-2.

Venus's baby sister Serena who was out on a revenge against Victoria Azarenka with a 6-2, 6-3 win.

Serena admitted that the heavy defeat inflicted on her by Azarenka earlier this year in the Miami final did much to fuel her victory.

Finally Elena Dementieva also performed a "Williams" demolition job on Francesca Schiavone, winning 6-2, 6-2.

Tonight the gentlemen will play for places in the semifinals.

(Images by Getty Images)

Andy Murray goes gaga for Lady

2009-07-01T13:06:00.001+08:00

While many girls and tennis fans are going crazy in their support for Andy Murray, the tennis star has revealed that he’s actually a big fan of music misfit Lady Gaga.

Recently he told channelbee.com, "I listen to whatever is good… I really like listening to Lady Gaga at the moment."

The current world no. 3 has long been a fan of playing music to help him focus before a match, but as his on-court fortunes have changed so too, it seems, have his musical tastes.

He added, "I used to really like Shakira, I even went to see her live in Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve."

"But I don’t really listen to her that much anymore."

Not quite a poker face...

Let’s hope Murray will keep his Poker Face when he plays Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarterfinal round at the Centre Court today.

Here's the full interview with Andy Murray:

(Image by Getty Images)

Serena & Venus Williams: Sisters love

2009-07-01T06:20:00.003+08:00

Venus Williams got out from the shower in time to catch baby sister Serena on court with Victoria Azarenka.

Earlier Venus had an easy win over Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinal round.

Now, since we're already in July, the US Open series and US Open are coming up. So, here's a video of Serena talking about the love she has for Venus in anticipation of the events.

(Images by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Ana Ivanovic's injury update

2009-06-30T22:43:00.006+08:00

Ana Ivanovic has been adviced to rest for the next one to two weeks after sustaining a slight tear in her left thigh during her fourth-round match at Wimbledon yesterday.

The former world no.1 left the court in tears following one game in the second set after dropping the first set 6-1 to defending Wimbledon champion Venus Williams.

A statement on Ivanovic's website announced, "Although highly painful, the injury is not serious and, considering that her next planned tournament is not until 3 August, it is not expected to affect her playing schedule.”

(Via Ana Ivanovic's official website; Image by Getty Images)

Wozniacki-Lisicki bump: Move bitch, get out the way!

2009-06-30T07:20:00.007+08:00

Sabine Lisicki was not trying to emulate the Bryan Bros by giving Caroline Wozniacki a chest bump.

Apparently, the girls who dressed like twins, were walking towards their seats during the changover.

The thing was, Lisicki didn't notice Wozniacki, or vice versa. And so they bumped into each other!

Check out Wozniacki's reaction... she looked pretty pissed and had a quick word with the umpire thinking that it was intentional and rude.

(Images by Getty Images)

Wimbledon Day 8: Fans cheer, vintage Hewitt, Haas, Federer, Ferrero roar

2009-06-30T06:38:00.031+08:00

Thousands remained transfixed to the giant screen on Henman Hill to join the 15,000 fans inside the stunning arena cheering for Andy Murray to a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3,5-7, 6-3 victory against Stanislas Wawrinka.

Dubbed as Prince of Darkness, Murray survived the five-set sweat-fest against the Swiss no.2 under Centre Court’s new roof.

Earlier of the day, Federer outserved Robin Soderling 6-4, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals—three weeks after downing the Swede in three sets in Paris for his first French Open title.

Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Tommy Haas also produced vintage displays at Round 4 at the Wimbledon.

Former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt fought back from two sets down on Monday to defeat Radek Stepanek 4-6 2-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and take his place in the quarterfinals.

Juan Carlos Ferrero swept through to the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the second time in three years on Monday, downing French eighth seed Gilles Simon 7-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The Spaniard wildcard will face Murray for a place in the semifinals.

Tommy Haas reached the “elite eight club” at Wimbledon for the first time in his long career after beating Russian Igor Andreev 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Next he will face off with Novak Djokovic whom he beat in Halle.

Joining Djokovic at the quarterfinals are big servers Ivo Karlovic and Andy Roddick.

In the women's singles, a tearful Ana Ivanovic retired 1-6, 1-0 after a leg injury in her fourth-round match against Venus Williams.

Ivanovic took a 10-minute break during the first game of the second set to have her left thigh taped by a trainer.

She returned for two more points, but after hitting a service winner to take the game, she began crying as she walked to her chair and told the umpire she was retiring.

The new retractable roof over Centre Court was closed for the first time Monday after a light sprinkle halted play during the second set of a match between Dinara Safina and Amelie Mauresmo.

The world no.1 Safina defeated Frenchwoman Mauresmo 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Unseeded German Sabine Lisicki continues her great run at the Wimbledon after defeated Caroline Wozniacki with a 6-4 6-4 victory in the fourth round.

Others who also made it to the quarterfinals are Serena Williams, Elena Dementieva, Francesca Schiavone, Victoria Azarenka and Agnieszka Radwanska.

(Images by Getty Images)

Lindsay Davenport gives birth to girl; Mirka next in line

2009-06-29T23:14:00.003+08:00

Former world no.1 player Lindsay Davenport has given birth to her second child.

Davenport and husband Jon Leach have named their baby girl Lauren Andrus Davenport Leach on Saturday morning.

The husband and wife team already have a 2-year-old son, Jagger.

Davenport’s agent Tony Godsick said, “Lindsay and Lauren are doing great, and Jonny and the other man of the family, Jagger, Lauren’s brother, are ecstatic.”

It's going to be Mirka's turn up next.

(Images by Getty Images)

ATP 250 Malaysian Open '09 - The Launch

2009-06-28T16:59:00.008+08:00

On Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a media launch organised by IMG at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

I did not know it was the launch of an ATP 250 event as the invitation only stated 'a major annual sports and entertainment event for Malaysia'.

But I sort of know that it was a tennis event - or else why would they want to invite me.

As soon as I registered myself as a tennis blogger (the Media Director was a bit surprised), I took my 'goodie bag' (still not knowing it was the launch of the Malaysian Open) and searched for a place to check out the 'freebies' in the bag.

In the 'goodie bag' - An official guide to pro tennis 2009, ATP World Tour 2009 season book and a ATP 250 Malaysian Open notebook.

Now I bet you can imagine how happy I was when I finally saw the ATP 250 and Malaysian Open logos on the bag!

Then I met up with loose cannon who introduced to me the reporters and people from the press like the Malay Mail and NST.

Being kiasu, I quickly went into the conference room and grabbed the front seat so that I can get a good view to record some footage.

While most people from the media were still outside, I wassitting inside enjoying the slide show - I couldn't believe my eyes that Kei Nishikori, Fernando Verdasco, Fernando Gonzalez, David Ferrer, Gael Monfils and Nikolay Davydenko were some of the players who will be here in September!

With a James Blunt's song in the background, I got goosebumps and a chill running down my spine. I can't remember how many tweets and text messages I've sent out sharing the great news.

So, Kuala Lumpur won the right to host the prestigious ATP World Tour 250 for a period of five years from this year until 2013.

The Malaysian Open, to be organised by IMG, a world leader in sports and lifestyle marketing, will carry a total prize money of USD947,750, more than the amount offered at Thailand Open which is to be held on the same week.

This event will be held at the 16,000-capacity indoor Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 26 till Oct 4. Very, very near to my house indeed!

The Malaysian Open joins the Thailand Open, China Open, Japan Open and Shanghai Masters as Asian events on the ATP Tour schedule.

"There is great demand for cities to host ATP World Tour events and in particular within the Asian region," said Brad Drewett, CEO of ATP International.

"Kuala Lumpur presented a very strong application to become part of the ATP World Tour."

Here's the launch video which I want to share with you.

Tournament director Nick Freyer, who is also IMG Senior Vice-President and Head of Tennis for Asia, confirmed the participation of the 6 players mentioned earlier in this post.

If you haven't watch the welcome messages in my previous blog post, here we go again:

Freyer who received a 'special phone call' in the middle of his speech, later invited the Prime Minister to announce the participation of another player, who turned out to be 2009 French Open runner-up Robin Soderling.

Initially I thought that gimmick 'phone call' came from Roger Federer!

Now during the Q&A session, I managed to ask a question. I was glad when the tournament director assured that wildcards will be given based on merits. I'll be disappointed if wildcards will be given to local players whom I believe not ready to play at this level yet.

The event ended on high note when the Prime Minister officially launched the event and the official website (www.MalaysiaOpenTennis.com).

Right after the event, I quickly dashed to the registration counter, got myself the press kit and an extra 'goodie bag' for Esther.

Before I end this post, let me share with you some information which I've got regarding the Malaysian Open. I bet you want to know things like the schedule of event, ticket price, venue and facilities, etc.

Dummies' Guide To Malaysian Open

Stay tune for more as HCFoo's Tennis Blog will provide you with more info regarding the Malaysian Open.

(Images by HCFoo)

Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova outclassed by teens on Wimbledon Day 6

2009-06-28T10:22:00.005+08:00

American Melanie Oudin pulled the biggest upset on Day 6 by beating the struggling former world no.1 Jelena Jankovic, 6-7 (8), 7-5, 6-2.

When the 124th ranked Oudin (pronounced Oo-dan') concluded the match of her life she had to ask where to find the exit from the court. Still finding her way around the All England Club, Oudin has made her way into the fourth round.

French Open champion and birthday girl Svetlana Kuznetsova did not get the birthday present she hoped for when she was also knocked out of Wimbledon by unseeded teenager Sabine Lisicki.

The Russian was outclassed 6-2, 7-5 in just one hour and 26 minutes.

(Via AFP, Images by Getty Images)

Justin Timberlake & Chace Crawford spotted at Wimbledon

2009-06-28T09:27:00.004+08:00

Is Justin Timberlake the biggest celebrity to have graced Wimbledon this year?

Someone needs to fill up that seat.

Dressed casually in a jeans, black T-shirt and granddad cap, Justin was there to support his friend Andy Roddick in the third round clash against Jurgen Melzer.

Roddick dropped the third set but eventually won 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-3.

Another celebrity spotted at Wimbledon was Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford.

Coffee, tea or me?

(Images by Getty Images)

Adam Scott courts Ana Ivanovic at Wimbledon

2009-06-28T00:10:00.006+08:00

The picture of Australian pro golfer Adam Scott watching Ana Ivanovic's second round match at the Wimbledon has finally surfaced!

Earlier, Scott has skipped the Tiger Woods AT&T National to join Ivanovic at the Grand Slam.

"I met her in Australia. But I'm not going to say any more," Scott said after he was seen watching Ivanovic disposing Sara Errani in the second round.

Asked whether he'd be back to see more of Ivanovic, he said: "I sure hope so."

If their romance is true, they could be the next hottest sporting love match since Greg Norman and Chris Evert.

Updates:

Ivanovic has advanced to the fourth round at Wimbledon after defeating Australian Samantha Stosur 7-5, 6-2.

Perhaps Scott's courtside support helps?

(Image by David Murray, Getty Images)

WAGs on Wimbledon Day 5

2009-06-27T23:28:00.008+08:00

Remember this interview question?

Q. We notice today after many years Mirka wasn't in your box. Should we wait for some special announcement to be made sooner than expected, or not?

ROGER FEDERER: No, no, not really. She's just not feeling, you know, a hundred percent. She only felt 95%, so we decided it's better if she takes it easy instead of sitting in the sun maybe, feeling worse the next day.

It's important for her to rest. She's already feeling better, which is good.

Apparently Mirka is still hanging around at Federer's box.

So, no special announcement from Federer yet as Mirka was seen at her husband's match against Philipp Kohlschreiber yesterday.

Federer dropped the third set but went on to win 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-1.

Tommy Haas' actress girlfriend Sara Foster was also spotted at the Wimbledon.

The 90210 star showing off her Blackberry and pouty lips.

The match against Marin Cilic continued on the 6th day and Haas eventually won 7-5, 7-5, 1-6, 6-7, 10-8.

I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Foster.

(Images by AP Photo)

Williams, Federer, Roddick pay tribute to Michael Jackson

2009-06-27T02:36:00.005+08:00

It's almost 3 a.m. but I think I need to post this up before I go to bed.

It was heartbreaking to learn that Michael Jackson has passed on. May he rest in peace.

A few tennis stars joined the world in paying tribute to the King of Pop.

Serena Williams who has met the King of Pop a couple of times said, "Words can't express my shock and horror."

"He was just a complete icon."

Although Serena wasn't able to name her favorite Jackson song she praised him, calling him "the greatest entertainer for me of all time".

"He did things that no one else did," she said.

"Like 'Thriller' is the best video ever made still to this day. The videos that he did for his songs, no one had ever even went that far."

"And he started a whole new trend with that. Dances, singing, beats, you know, everything."

"I think Michael Jackson, everyone listens to his music," she said.

"It's like you think of the Beatles, you think of Elvis Presley, you think of Michael Jackson. Those are just lifetime icons that I've never forgotten. The things that he did was beyond iconic."

Serena took time to post a personal condolence message to the bereaved family on her twitter page.

“My heart goes out to the entire Jackson Family,” she wrote.

Other players who also expressed regret at the loss of Michael were Roger Federer and Andy Roddick.

"It was 1988 or 1989, he came to Basel and I went down to the stadium with my sister. We were still very young and we listened to the music while we stood outside," Federer said.

"I love his music. He touched many people and I will listen to his music for many years to come."

Andy Roddick wrote on Twitter, "oh my lord..... michael jackson died........ RIP sad and surreal."

And in a later post he added: "regardless of what u think of him he was completely revolutionary and will be missed."

(Via nbcsports, AFP, The Daily Record)

Breaking news: Kuala Lumpur confirmed the latest stop on ATP World Tour

2009-06-26T18:39:00.011+08:00

After months of speculation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is confirmed the latest stop on the ATP World Tour!

At HCFoo's Tennis Blog, we promise to bring you both on-court and off-court coverage of the ATP 250 Malaysian Open between September 26 to October 4, 2009!

Before I share with you my experience at the press conference today, let me share with you the messages from the players - David Ferrer, Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco, Gael Monfils and Kei Nishikori are some of the big names who will be playing in Kuala Lumpur!

The other players who have confirmed their participations are Robin Soderling and Fernando Gonzalez.

For more info regarding about the tournament, visit the Malaysian Open official website.

Stay tune for more....