HCFoo's Tennis Blog – Tennis Celebrity Photos, News, Gossip and More!

Rafael Nadal does not need to prove himself by winning Wimbledon

2013-06-18T09:26:00.000+08:00

Sports betting has been around for thousands of years. Some claimed that the credit should go to Greece, home of the Olympic Games, for popularizing the social activity. Now, thanks to the advent of the Internet and online sportsbooks, the legacy of Greece has come full circle.

In recent years (or better known as the 'golden years'), we have seen the rise of tennis betting thanks to amazing players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray who have produced some of the most epic matches and notable rivalries in history. Tennis fans have frequently used betting sites , not only to bet on their favourite players but also a source for them to get information such as scores, head to head and other resources.

With the upcoming Wimbledon Championships drawing near, fans will be asking: Will Rafael Nadal continue his winning form on grass after a successful season on clay this year? Is he back at his best? These questions are often posted by the media lately. If you're looking for a place to bet these answers online, I would recommend Au Free Bets for some free bets and the latest betting offers.

Nadal with his second Wimbledon trophy in 2010

Many tennis fans may have forgotten that Nadal has also won on hard court in Indian Wells after his first title on clay at Acapulco despite a seven-month break from tennis since Wimbledon.

Not only that. Nadal made a historic victory at Roland Garros recently making him the first man to win a Grand Slam singles tournament for a record of eight times. That win completes his first half of the year with a total of 6 titles - 2 Masters 1000 titles and 1 Grand Slam.

According to Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni, he is very confident that his fifth-ranked nephew is sitting in a good position to make a run at the no. 1 ranking. Nadal only trails world no. 1 Novak Djokovic by about 5,000 points, with only 90 points to defend the rest of the year. Remember last year when Nadal lost to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon? With an impressive run so far, I can only forsee that Nadal will do better at Wimbledon this year. He doesn't need to win at Wimbledon and yet has a good opportunity to rake up more points and climb a few ranks up to be among the 'Big Four' again.

Roland Garros 2013 - Who are the Contenders?

2013-05-26T17:59:00.003+08:00

With the draw for the 2013 French Open released today, the potential semi final permutations have begun. The most interesting fact out of the draw is that defending champion Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic are in the same half. If they can negotiate against their other opponents, they will meet each other in the semi final stage. This sets up an enticing encounter, and one that many felt would turn out to be the final. One person who wins from this draw is Roger Federer, as he does not have to worry about facing the absent Andy Murray.

If you can get your hands on French Open tennis tickets, you will get the chance to see some of the best players in the world compete for the year's second grand slam title.

Before the draw, Djokovic and Nadal were the favourites to contest the French Open title on the last Sunday of the event. However, Roger Federer has got to be the man to beat now, as he will have a relatively easy passage to the final. Federer will have to be wary of a potential semi final clash against David Ferrer or Thomas Beyrdich. However, these are two players who he has not had a problem beating in the past. Federer would have to be seriously off his game for him to not make the final at the Philippe Chatrier Court.

For Nadal and Djokovic, the draw represents a real chance to face each other sooner than they expected. Nadal has only lost one match at Roland Garros in his career, to Robin Soderling two years ago. However, he has lost eight out of his last eleven games against Djokovic, including a final on clay in Monte Carlo. This will pray on Nadal's mind, especially as he lost two grand slam finals to Djokovic recently: at Wimbledon and the US Open. However, Roland Garros is another ball game. Just like Roger Federer seems to gain super powers at Wimbledon, the French Open is Nadal's back yard. He has been next to invincible on this court, often leaving his opponents with no chance. There was a final a few years back where he beat Roger Federer in three sets, winning one of the sets 6-0.

From Federer's point of view, just getting to the final will be an accomplishment. He is the third ranked player in the world, but that is only because Nadal has been absent through injury. If Nadal continues his stunning form for another six months, Federer would surely drop to fourth in the world. He still has that magic touch in certain games, but no longer has the fitness levels to sustain success in various tournaments. Long clay court matches will certainly test him physically, but the draw will play to his advantage.

There are many available tickets for this year's French Open. There are tickets for the early stages, where you can visit all the courts and experience the atmosphere of a grand slam.

While Nadal and Djokovic will have a gruelling semi final to look forward to, Federer's matches will be a lot shorter. This should leave him with plenty of energy in the tank for the final, should he make it that far. It would not be unreasonable to think that Roger Federer is now the favourite to win this year's French Open title.

(Image via French Open Facebook page)

Arrivals at the Sony Open Player Party

2013-03-21T17:29:00.000+08:00

Players arrived at Sony Open Player Party 2013 held at the JW Marriott Marquis on Tuesday in Miami, Florida.

Missing from the tournament are Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who won the BNP Paribas Open last week.

Maria Sharapova who was also recently victorious at the BNP Paribas Open made an appearance at the players' party along with world no.1 Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Victoria Azarenka and Agnieszka Radwanska among others.

Maria Sharapova is aiming for a rare double at the Sony Open. Only two players in WTA history have won back-to-back Indian Wells and Key Biscayne titles: Steffi Graf (1994 and 1996) and Kim Clijsters (2005).

If you bet on sports you might want to follow the tournament closely.

Novak Djokovic who is the favourite to win the tournament here is set to make a comeback after losing in the semifinals at Indian Wells last week. His 22-match win streak was ended by Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro.

Djokovic will try to claim his fourth Miami title in Key Biscayne while Serena Williams attempts to take her sixth career crown at the $8.5 million ATP and WTA event that began since Tuesday. First-round byes are given to seeded players.

Meanwhile, Victoria Azarenka is still dealing with a nagging, painful injury to her right ankle. After withdrew from Indian Wells last week, Azarenka will enter the Sony Open without a loss. However it is still unsure whether she'll be able to play her first tournament match on Friday.

Another notable player to watch is Spaniard David Ferrer who drew strong contender Del Potro in his quarter at the Sony Open. After a spectacular start to the 2013 season, Ferrer suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Nadal in the finals of Acapulco. That seemed to drag his disappointment with him to Indian Wells. With Del Potro in his half, it could be extremely hard for Ferrer to regain back his no.4 ranking from Nadal.

Looks like the tournament will not lose its shine without Nadal and Federer.

Victoria Azarenka

David Ferrer

Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy

(Images via zimbio.com)

Fernando Verdasco: Valentine's Day with Jarah Mariano

2013-02-15T17:16:00.000+08:00

Fernando Verdasco flew to Memphis to have dinner with his model girlfriend Jarah Mariano on Valentine's Day. How romantic!

The couple has been together since 2010.

Previously, Verdasco had a high profile relationship with Ana Ivanovic which lasted for only a few months.

(Image via Fernando Verdasco's Twitter page)

Rafael Nadal, Juan Monaco: Winners for best bromance and in doubles match

2013-02-06T14:24:00.001+08:00

Rafael Nadal and Juan Monaco are best friends. Last night, they were not only the winners for best bromance on the ATP but also on clay court.

Their mutual understanding for each other gave them the first doubles match win at the VTR Open. They won easily in just over an hour defeating the Czech pair of Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy 6-3 6-2.

This is Nadal's first win and appearance in a tournament since June 28 when he was upset in the second round of Wimbledon by qualifier Lukas Rosol.

Nadal will kick off his singles campaign on Thursday against Argentine Federico Delbonis.

(Images via Juan Monaco's Facebook page, Sina Sports)

Kevin Anderson undergoes LASIK vision correction

2013-02-02T02:25:00.000+08:00

"#Nomorefoureyes" as he puts it in his Tweet today.

Kevin Anderson decided to ditch his contact lenses and glasses and "go under the knife" to correct his vision.

The South African is absent from the Davis Cup match this week. Last year, he has defended his decision to skip the tournament citing financial concerns, along with the risk of injury, as the reasons for not playing.

Meanwhile Frenchman Benoit Paire paid a visit to the dentist. He'll be cheering for his countrymen as he didn't make the Davis Cup team.

(Images via Twitter)

Rafael Nadal meets President Sebastian Pinera, Nicolas Massu and Fernando Gonzalez at La Moneda Palace

2013-02-02T01:28:00.002+08:00

Rafael Nadal arrived in the Chilean capital of Santiago this morning.

The first thing on his schedule since he landed was a visit to the Palace of La Moneda for a meeting with President Sebastian Pinera. Also attended the function were Chilean Olympic medalists Nicolas Massu and Fernando Gonzalez.

Arrives in the official car

Waves like a prince

This is Nadal's first official public appearance since Wimbledon

A happy smile

Nadal, Massu and Gonzalez on the way to meet and greet the President

After the event, Nadal headed off for his workout preparing for his first appearance in Vina del Mar tournament since Wimbledon.

(Images via Soychile.cl, Rafaholics)

The wig prank continues

2013-02-01T16:12:00.000+08:00

Caroline Wozniacki is the latest player to pull a wig prank on Facebook. However, unlike Victoria Azarenka who copied Maria Sharapova, Wozniacki is a bit more original by putting on a black one.

Still on Wozniacki, she'll be on the February issue of Expatriate Lifestyle (Malaysia version). There will be an exclusive interview inside. I haven't purchase the magazine yet but I will share the content once I get hold of it.

(Images via Wozniacki's Facebook page, Expatriate Lifestyle)

Mom-to-be Kim Kardashian hangs out with Serena Williams

2013-01-31T12:10:00.000+08:00

Kim Kardashian enjoyed a night out with girl pal Serena Williams without boyfriend Kanye West. They had a dinner at Nobu restaurant in Los Angeles.

"I simply cannot get out of bed," Williams tweeted earlier that evening, to which Kardashian replied, "You better! We have dinner tonight!"

Despite her exhaustion after long weeks at the Australian Open, Williams ended up having a great time with Kardashian.

They even took a picture together and Kardashian tweeted "Fun girls night!!! But where's my nose @serenawilliams ??? Lol #tooflashy."

"Such a fun night," Williams agreed. "Love you!"

(Via US Magazine; Images via Tennisforum.com)

Infographic: Who are the social media champions of Australian Open 2013?

2013-01-30T15:07:00.000+08:00

The guys at IBM has analysed social media posts across Twitter, Facebook, news sites, blogs and videos to understand fan sentiment for the first time at the Australian Open this year.

Some of the predictable facts are Maria Sharapova's first tweet (she has garnered more than 115k followers so far), Sloane Stephens tripled her Twitter followers since defeating Serena Williams and Bernard Tomic being the most popular Australian player at the Grand Slam.

There are a couple of surprises though. Firstly, Victoria Azarenka's negative sentiment is way lower than I expected and secondly, Li Na is not even listed among the Top 5 popular female players ranked by number of positive mentions. It doesn't make sense to me.

So, what do you think?

Click the image to enlarge

(Image via @desteed of IBM)

Bernard Tomic likely to lose his driving licence

2013-01-30T14:17:00.000+08:00

Bernard Tomic has run into trouble with traffic police again.

Tomic was reportedly driving his yellow Ferrari at 78kph in a 60kph zone on Australia's Gold Coast after the conclusion of the Australian Open.

According to Eurosport, around the same time last year, Tomic made headlines after he refused to stop for police while driving an orange BMW, leading to a bizarre stand-off with police outside his home.

If found guilty, he is likely to lose his driving licence this time.

(Image via Menstennisforums.com)

Marta Domachowska poses for Polish Playboy

2013-01-30T13:54:00.000+08:00

Polish tennis player Marta Domachowska is the latest tennis player who will appear on the cover of the Playboy magazine.

Back in 2008, Ashley Harkleroad created a huge sensation when her Playboy spread was revealed.

The 27-year-old Domachowska is currently ranked no. 230 in the world but has been as high as no. 37 back in 2006.

How we wish the other Polish tennis player (who is way more successful) is the one who will be taking these shots instead.

(Images via kozaczek.pl)

Daniela Hantuchova and Maria Kirilenko in Pattaya

2013-01-29T13:00:00.001+08:00

Daniela Hantuchova and Maria Kirilenko are happy to be back to Pattaya, Thailand.

Both players, who are known for their beauty, get to try out dresses together when they are not practising on the court.

Hantuchova won her second consecutive PTT Pattaya Open title last year after defeated Kirilenko in the final.

Personally, Pattaya is my favourite vacation place and I hope to be back there for the fourth time soon.

(Images via Daniela Hantuchova's Facebook)

Radek Stepanek to undergo surgery due to neck injury

2013-01-28T01:52:00.000+08:00

Veteran Czech player Radek Stepanek has withdrawn from next week's Davis Cup tie against Switzerland due to an escalating neck injury since the tournament in Sydney.

According to ATP website, "a neck disc was pressing on a nerve and was creating a big problem in Stepanek's neck and right hand".

Team captain Jaroslav Navratil announced that Stepanek will be replaced by world ranked 189 Ivo Minar, who will join Tomas Berdych and Lukas Rosol for the trip to Geneva. The defending champions will meet the Swiss team who will be without Roger Federer.

(Via Sport.cz, NDTV Sports, ATPWorldTour)

Novak Djokovic wins fourth Australian Open title

2013-01-28T01:22:00.000+08:00

Novak Djokovic didn't rip his shirt off after winning this year's Australian Open final. He just did a little dance after a 3-hour and 40-minute match against Andy Murray.

The Serbian player who retains his no.1 world ranking became the first man in the Open era to win three consecutive Australian titles when he beat Murray 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Born just a week apart in May 1987, both players are friends since their early junior playing days.

So close yet so far

Murray who won his first Grand Slam at the US Open last year is yet to make a breakthrough in Australia after losing a third final here in the last four years.

Djokovic has now won 6 Grand Slam titles in total.

Djokovic opens a bottle of champagne to celebrate his record breaking win

With Alessandro Del Piero after the win

(Images via Zimbio.com)

Victoria Azarenka defends Australian Open crown in dramatic final

2013-01-26T23:44:00.001+08:00

Victoria Azarenka not only had to fight against Li Na who was a crowd's favourite but also overcame an accusation of gamesmanship after taking a medical timeout late in the semifinal against Sloane Stephens to triumph in the Australian Open women's final.

Li Na takes a tumble

Luck was clearly on the defending champion's side when Li Na had to have her ankle taped after the first fall. The second tumble came and Li Na was blacked out momentarily after hitting her head.

The dramatic final was also interrupted by a nine-minute break due to the Australia Day fireworks.

It was an emotional win for Azarenka

Azarenka prevailed after playing for two hours and 40 minutes with the score 4-6 6-4 6-3 to win her second Grand Slam title. She will retain her no.1 world ranking.

"I feel really happy right now," Azarenka said. "It's been a long match. It's been a tough match. Li Na was absolutely playing great tennis. Unfortunate things that happened to her, you know, but that's sport."

Azarenka poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in the changerooms

A bottle of champagne to celebrate the win

Redfoo was at the changerooms to celebrate Azarenka's triumph

(Images via Zimbio.com, Sina Tennis)

Angelique Kerber gets birthday wish and a cake

2013-01-18T18:59:00.001+08:00

It's Angelique Kerber's 25th birthday today.

She described that she had one of the most beautiful moments that she could ever experience on a tennis court on her Facebook.

Right after she defeated 17-year-old Madison Keys in the third round earlier today, a cake was immediately presented to her at Rod Laver Arena and the crowd sang her a birthday song.

(Images via Dailymail.uk.co)

Rafael Nadal spotted leaving his hotel in Barcelona

2013-01-18T12:39:00.000+08:00

Rafael Nadal was seen leaving his hotel in Barcelona. He was carrying his racquet bag. So he could be heading out for a day of training at the Real Club Tenis Barcelona.

(Images via Zimbio.com)

Happenings: Dope claim, tech-savvy grandparents, wins and losses

2013-01-18T12:23:00.000+08:00

Lu seems to have gotten over the loss yesterday after befriending a wombat

It was quite a devastating loss for Rendy Lu Yen-hsun yesterday. After bageled the 'injured' Gael Monfils in the third set, it seemed like Lu had the ticket to the third round in his bag. He also twice forced Monfils to hold to stay in the match. However, Monfils who double faulted 23 times converted his fourth match point to win in an ugly fashion.

Sexy Seppi

It wasn't an easy match for Italian Andreas Seppi either. After enduring a 4-hour long match against Denis Istomin, Seppi cooled down at the Garden Square fountain on-site at the Australian Open while doing an ATP photo shoot.

Stephens and her grandpa

Meanwhile, Sloane Stephens who is currently world no. 25 said the reason why she likes winning at the Australian Open is that her tech-savvy grandparents can keep watching her from the States.

"My grandpa texted me," the 19-year-old Stephens said. "He said they stayed up again to watch me 'on the machine' as my grandpa calls it."

Murray defends tennis over Rochus doping claim

On a more serious note, retired Belgian tennis player Christophe Rochus recently gave an interview to a newspaper in his home country claiming that doping was widespread on the ATP tour.

“There’s a lot of cheating,” he said. “Simply, people don’t like to talk about it. I simply would like to stop the pretending. This hypocrisy is exasperating.”

He suggested that the authorities might as well give up and legalise performance-enhancing drugs.

However Andy Murray hit back at Rochus doping claim.

"I would say that is far from the truth," said Murray. "Anyone can see the amount of hours of training and practice that go into what we do and there are other sports that are endurance-wise far more challenging than tennis."

"The guys can't play five or six hours and then come back the next day and run around like a rabbit.

"When guys play five or six hours in the slams, like we often do, we have a day's rest. I was told that after our match last year here, I was told that Novak, on the day off, didn't practice, didn't hit a ball, didn't get out of bed till three o'clock. Providing you put the work in, it doesn't mean it hurts any less when you have to play a couple of days later after a five-hour match, but I would not say it is impossible."

(Images via Rendy's FB Fanpage, ATP website, Sloane Stephen's Twitter page, Zimbio.com)

Victorious Blaz Kavcic collapses after a nearly 5-hour long match

2013-01-18T11:07:00.000+08:00

The longest match so far at the Australian Open was clocked at 4 hour 52 minutes by Slovenian Blaz Kavcic who defeated Australian James Duckworth in their second round match yesterday.

When the players returned to the locker room, the winner Kavcic collapsed into a fetal position as he suffered a full-body cramp. It was said that doctors had to treat him with morphine but he denied that it was just a joke later on his Twitter page.

(Image via Blaz Kavcic's Twitter page)

Paul-Henri Mathieu's partner Quiterie Camus has cancer

2013-01-17T11:46:00.000+08:00

After news about Ross Hutchins and Brad Drewett, the ATP family suffers another blow after Paul-Henri Mathieu's partner/companion was diagnosed with cancer.

Mathieu who lost to Novak Djokovic in the first round at the Australian Open, said Quiterie Camus had her first chemo treatment on his Twitter page on January 15.

The couple has a son Gabriel who was born last year.

(Image via Familledesport)

Rafael Nadal passes medical tests, sets for return

2013-01-17T11:01:00.000+08:00

More good news for the fans.

Rafael Nadal has passed the latest medical tests on his injured knee and he is scheduled to return to the tour after more than seven months hiatus. The Brazil Open in February will be his first tournament.

Nadal who is currently training in Barcelona took advantage of his stay in that city to undergo tests at the Mapfre Tennis Medicine Clinic under the supervision of the head of the Spanish Tennis Federation's medical team, Dr. Angel Ruiz-Cotorro.

Both Flavia Pennetta and Nadal are recovering from their injuries and practising in Barcelona

(Image via Flavia Pennetta's Twitter page)

Brian Baker wheeled off court at Australian Open

2013-01-16T16:38:00.001+08:00

Brian Baker must be the most unlucky man on tour.

He was wheeled off court earlier today after retiring from his second round match against fellow American Sam Querrey at the Australian Open.

The 27-year-old only returned to the tour last year after almost six seasons out with a variety of injuries.

However, sadly, Baker who was making his debut at the first grand slam of the year was forced to quit with a knee injury.

"He's the last person that deserves anything like that with his five or six surgeries already," Querrey said.

Baker under the knife:

Left hip (2005)
Hernia (2006)
Right elbow reconstructive surgery (February 2008)
Left hip (April 2008)
Right hip (June 2008)

(Via Dailymail.co.uk)

Victoria Azarenka signs endorsement deal with Red Bull

2013-01-16T13:14:00.001+08:00

Victoria Azarenka has just signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Red Bull.

This is the first time the energy drink giant signs a deal with a tennis player.

"I am really excited to be part of the Red Bull family,” said Azarenka. “I've always enjoyed the product and admired how they have worked with their athletes."

The current world no. 1 already has Wilson, Nike, MuscleTech, Citizen Watches, Six Star Pro Nutrition and Tourna Group as her sponsors.

(Image via ESPN)

Players at the Lacoste lounge

2013-01-16T12:36:00.000+08:00

David Goffin and Albert Ramos spent some time at the Lacoste lounge today for some photo shoot.

Sadly the two players lost in their first round matches. Both Goffin and Ramos fought hard in five-setters but eventually defeated by Fernando Verdasco and Marcos Baghdatis respectively.

Albert Ramos

Arnaud Clement who retired from professional tennis last year also dropped by at the lounge.

(Images via Lacoste's Twitter page)