Tennis Tournaments

Djokovic and Nadal set up rematch of last year’s final

Rajesh Srinivasan — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:43:15 +0000

The semi finals in Rome saw the two best players on clay set up a rematch of last year’s final. Five time champion Nadal and two time winner Djokovic beat their opponents in straight sets. Nadal beat countryman David Ferrer 7-6(6), 6-0 while Djokovic beat Roger Federer 6-2, 7-6(4).

Novak Djokovic to meet Rafael Nadal in the finals of Italian Open 2012

Rafael Nadal started off slow and was down 0-40 in his first service game and had to overcome seven break points before holding serve. Ferrer however pounding the Nadal backhand and extracted some errors breaking serve to 3-1. Nadal broke back immediately and then levelled at 4-4. Ferrer continued to put pressure on Nadal’s serve but the “King of Clay” held on saving 9 / 10 break points. The tie break saw Ferrer off to a good start leading 2-0, 3-1 but Nadal evened things at 3-3 and earned a first set point at 6-5. Ferrer came up with a big forehand to save it. Nadal then came up with a breath taking “get” running down Ferrer’s drop shot to flick a cross court winner to earn set point again. This time he forced error from Ferrer’s forehand to wrap the set.

The second set saw Nadal play more freely and raise his level while Ferrer just dropped his level a fraction after losing a tough first set. Ferrer had lost 12 sets in a row on clay to Nadal despite playing so well and pushing Nadal to the limit. The second set was a no contest as Nadal broke early and maintained the momentum. Ferrer fought well in a keenly contested fourth game where both players missed number of game points. Nadal won it and then raced through a love set. It was Nadal’s 15th win in 19 meetings with Ferrer.

The second semi final was a much anticipated showdown between the Top 2 players in the world after Federer overtook Nadal. The match itself was disappointing as Federer did not bring his “A” game and made numerous unforced errors and his serve too was not to his usual standard. That said Djokovic perhaps was an opponent whose quality of play was much higher than his last few opponents. The world No.1 hit some terrific backhand returns and winners to broke serve to 3-1.
Djokovic broke again to 5-2 and served for set at 5-2. Djokovic faced some pressure but prevailed on his fourth set point.

He missed a chance on Federer’s serve in the first game of second set. Djokovic broke at 3-3 when a Federer forehand went long. Serving for the set at 5-4, Djokovic went up 30-0 but then stuttered as Federer started fighting back. The crowd got into the match as Federer broke back after earning his first break opportunity. There seemed to be some momentum shift towards Federer. The first point of the tie break showcased the high quality that we were expecting in the match but did not get. Djokovic won a blistering rally and soon went up 3-0 when Federer made two loose errors. Djokovic then maintained the lead at 5-2 and then closed it out at 7-4. Djokovic will now face Nadal for the title on Sunday.

Nadal, Djokovic and Federer enter semi finals

Rajesh Srinivasan — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:33:43 +0000

The Rome Masters saw the Top 3 players reach the semi finals. Nadal, Djokovic and Federer all won their quarterfinals and were joined by Spain’s David Ferrer. The first match on centre court featured five time winner Nadal against in form Berdych.

Rafael Nadal into the Semifinals of Italian Open

The match produced extra ordinary shot making and brilliant rallies as both players produced their best to give a treat to the spectators. This would certainly be rated as one of the best matches played this year as Nadal and Berdych played to their potential. Nadal broke in the very first game with a blistering forehand and was up 2-0 looking very strong.

Berdych ranked 7th in the world appears to have matured in the last year and has been very consistent in 2012 reaching at least the quarterfinals in 7 out of 8 tournaments. Berdych who is a big hitter showed why he is rated so highly by immediately putting Nadal under pressure with some powerful returns earning a break point for 2-2. Nadal played attacking tennis to stave off the break point and hold to 3-1.

Nadal maintained the lead to serve out the first set. The second set saw the two players exchange furious ground strokes and Nadal earned a break point but Berdych came up with big serve to save it. Nadal then eased off a fraction as Berdych came up with a mix of powerful shots and drop shots to break serve to go up 4-2. Berdych led 40-15 and seemed set to level at set apiece when Nadal fought back with some aggressive winners to earn break points. Berdych’s serve saved him twice but on the third break point Nadal ran down a drop shot to hit a cross court winner for the break back.

At 5-5, Nadal stepped up his game to another level with two stunning forehands to lead 0-30. Berdych came up with spectacular angle to get to 15-30. Nadal broke with aggressive forehand just out of reach of Berdych. Serving for the match, Nadal had to dig deep as Berdych saved 2 match points with deep ground strokes. The third proved too much as Nadal wrapped up the match in just over two hours. Nadal will next face David Ferrer who beat Richard Gasquet 7-6(4), 6-3.

Djokovic beat Jo Wilfried Tsonga 7-5, 6-1 to enter semi finals. Djokovic started off strongly leading 3-0 before Tsonga fought back to level at 3-3. Serving at 5-6, Tsonga was down 0-40 but fought back to deuce with some superb tennis but a double fault at set point gave the World No.1 the first set. Tsonga again gifted the break in the second game of second set with a double fault and that was end of the contest as Djokovic dominated the rest of the match to win through in 82 minutes.

The night match featured Federer against home favourite Andreas Seppi and it was a total mismatch as Seppi failed to recover from his heroics the past week where he won through 3 consecutive three set matches including 3 and half hours the previous night. Federer won the match 6-1, 6-2 in just 54 minutes. The only moment of concern for Federer came early in the second set when Seppi earned 2 break points but could not convert and then Federer won the last 5 games from 1-2 to set up a show down against Djokovic.

Djokovic, Nadal, Federer reach quarterfinal; Murray crashes out

Rajesh Srinivasan — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:25:28 +0000

Thursday saw the Top three safely through to the quarterfinal at the Italian Open at Rome. Novak Djokovic overcame windy conditions and an opponent playing some of his best tennis to win through in three sets. The top seed beat Juan Monaco 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Monaco lead by a set and break at 6-4, 2-1 but then lost 6 games in a row as Djokovic cut down on his unforced errors.

Andy Murray Loses to Richard Gasquet in Italian Open 2012

Earlier after losing the first set, Djokovic had smashed his racquet to pieces and that seemed to calm him down. Monaco also had 0-30 at 3-3 in the decider but couldn’t win the crucial points. Djokovic will next face Tsonga who beat Del Potro 6-4, 6-1. Tsonga came from a break down to overcome Del Potro who was hampered by a knee injury.

Nadal beat his good friend Marcel Granollers 6-1, 6-1. Nadal started poorly with 2 double faults and saved a few break points early in the first set and then displayed some of his best form in breaking for 4-1 with a spectacular forehand passing shot. Nadal won 8 games in a row leading by a set and 2-0. Nadal then won through easily to the quarterfinal where he will face in form Thomas Berdych who reached the final at Madrid last week.

In a late night match, Federer beat former World no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. Federer was in control except for a letdown late in the second set.

Andreas Seppi continued his good run beating Wawrinka 6-7(1), 7-6(6), 7-6(6) in 3 hours and 20 minutes. The match had a football atmosphere at times as the boisterous Italian crowd went ballistic over their home player reaching the quarterfinal after a splendid comeback win. Seppi broke Wawrinka when he served for the match at 5-3 in the deciding set and saved a total of 6 match points before finally winning through.

The upset of the day came with Gasquet beating World No.4 Andy Murray who was returning from an injury. Gasquet won 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2. Murray only capitalised on 2 /17 break points and that proved to be a crucial factor as Gasquet held tough to record a hard fought win.

Nadal, Federer through to 3rd round

Rajesh Srinivasan — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:57:11 +0000

Wednesday saw Nadal and Federer play their first matches at the Italian Open this year after contrasting fortunes at Madrid last week. Nadal came here after losing in the third round to Verdasco while Federer comes in after winning the title on blue clay at Madrid.

Federer won through easily beating Carlos Berlocq 6-3, 6-4. There was some talk Federer would skip the tournament to rest up before the French Open. The new world No.2 faced a little resistance in the second set exchanging breaks early before getting the decisive break at 4-4 to serve out the match.

Rafael Nadal cruises into the 3rd round in Italian Open

Rafael Nadal too seemed set for an easy win too when he wrapped up the first set at 6-1 in just 26 minutes but things got tougher in the second set as Florian Mayer showed why he had won their only previous meeting last year at Shanghai. The shot of the day proved to be one where Nadal came up with a breath taking lob after running down a Mayer ground stroke with Mayer watching helpless from the net.

Nadal broke at 5-5 with two powerful forehand winners and then served for the match at 6-5. Starting with a double fault, Nadal then missed a sitter at the net to evoke memories of his melt down against Verdasco last week after missing a routine smash up 5-2 in the deciding set. At 0-30 however, Nadal won a gruelling 25 shot rally with a delicately played drop shot and then two good serves brought him to match point which he converted on a backhand error from the German ranked 28th in the world.

Home Favourite Andreas Seppi beat 9th seed John Isner 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-5. Isner won the first set easily looked set to go through to the third round but Seppi hung in and took the second set tie break on his fourth set point with a big serve. Isner saved break points early on in the decider but lost serve at 5-5 and lost the match after 2 hours and 50 minutes. Isner had showed great form on clay earlier in the year beating Federer and Tsonga in Davis cup and reaching the final at Houston. Other players winning through to the third round included Wawrinka, Simon and Gasquet.

Federer wins Madrid title with comeback win over Berdych

Rajesh Srinivasan — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:10:43 +0000

Roger Federer equalled Rafael Nadal with a record 20th Masters title by winning Sunday’s final against Thomas Berdych. Federer came back after losing the first set to win 3-6, 7-5, 7-5. Federer now moves up to No.2 in the world replacing Rafael Nadal. It was his 74th Career title and third title at Madrid.

Roger Federer with Madrid Open 2012 Trophy

The first set saw Berdych play some fantastic tennis coming up with great forehand winners and brilliant returns to put Federer under pressure and broke in the second game to open up 2-0 lead with a spectacular backhand return winner. At 5-2, Berdych had 2 set points on Federer’s serve but two big serves enabled Federer to hold to 3-5. Berdych came up with some clutch winners and good serve to wrap up the first set.

The second set saw Berdych play one loose game early and dropped serve to go down 0-2. Federer served for the set at 5-3 but Berdych came up with some blistering winners to break serve. At 5-6, Berdych crumbled serving a double fault at set point.

In the third set, Federer was under a lot of pressure on serve as Berdych treated Federer’s second serve with disdain but couldn’t find the crucial break. Federer used all his experience to good effect and broke serve to lead 5-3. Berdych came back from 0-40 hole in the eighth game by serving three consecutive aces. But two double faults gave away the break to Federer. Serving for match at 5-3, Federer again was under the scanner and Berdych broke back levelling again at 5-5. Serving to stay in the match at 5-6, Berdych again battled back from 0-40 saving three match points but Federer won through on his fourth match point. The win took 2 hours and 38 minutes and Federer picked up his fourth title of the year.

Berdych to face Federer in Madrid Final

Rajesh Srinivasan — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:00:37 +0000

Saturday’s semi finals did not feature the Top 2 in the rankings as both finalists from last year were beaten early. Thomas Berdych beat Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro 7-6(5), 7-6(6). Roger Federer beat Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the final.

Roger Federer in the final of Madrid Open

Del Potro got an early lead breaking serve and was up 4-2 and also served for the set at 5-4. However Berdych struck back with some powerful ground strokes and broke easily to level at 5-5. The tie breaker which followed saw Berdych get off to a quick start leading 4-1. There was a brief interruption as a spectator needed medical attention and on resumption Berdych kept his cool to lead 5-1. Then Del Potro won 4 points in a row with some excellent tennis including a superb passing shot to get to 4-5. However a weak back hand error gave Berdych set point which he converted with a brilliant forehand winner.

The second set saw Berdych get off to an early break as Del Potro took a tumble in the very first point. Berdych led 3-1 but Del Potro dug deep to break back and force a tie break. Del Potro was confident having won 10 matches in a row and having just won at Estoril last week. Berdych again just edged Del Potro after a bit of controversy regarding a Del Potro first serve that was ruled out at 6-6. Berdych capitalised to win the next two points to win the match.

In the second semi final Federer crushed Tipsarevic in straight sets taking only 67 minutes. Federer adapted to the windy conditions at the start better and broke to 3-1 at the end of a long game when Tipsarevic hit a short forehand into the net. In the next game, Federer started off with two consecutive double faults but won 4 points in a row to lead 4-1. Federer wrapped up the set at 6-2 breaking again.

The Serbian fought harder in the second set but still a single break was enough for Federer to go through. Federer now gets a chance to get back to No.2 in the world if he wins the tournament on Sunday.

Tipsarevic upsets Djokovic; Federer through to semi finals

Rajesh Srinivasan — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:38:36 +0000

A day after Nadal went out of the Madrid Masters, Top seed Novak Djokovic too went out losing in straight sets to fellow countryman Janko Tipsarevic. The defending champion who has been a vocal critic of the blue clay along with Rafael Nadal never looked at home on the slippery courts. The Seventh seed Tipsarevic beat Djokovic 7-6(2), 6-3.

Novak Djokovic exits Madrid Open 2012

The first set saw Djokovic miss four break points and in the tie break Djokovic quickly fell behind 4-0 including a double fault. Tipsarevic wrapped up the tie breaker at 7-2. The second set saw Tipsarevic earn his first break point opportunity at 3-2 and immediately broke on a forehand error from Djokovic. Djokovic showed fighting spirit by saving three match points at 0-40 at 2-5 coming up with big serves. Serving for the match, Tipsarevic fought off three break points before sealing the win at 6-3. This was his second win over Djokovic after ATP Tour Finals. He will next face Federer.

Federer beat familiar opponent David Ferrer 6-4, 6-4. This was 13 wins in 13 meetings over the Spaniard. Ferrer’s serve proved to be a major weakness in his encounter against Federer. He committed seven double faults including two consecutive double faults to lose serve at 1-1 in the first set. On the other hand Federer never faced a break point on serve, serving very high percentage and losing only six points on serve. The second set saw Ferrer fight hard at 4-4 but dropped serve to 4-5 before Federer served out the match.

The other semi final will feature Czech Thomas Berdych and Argentine Del Potro. Berdych beat Verdasco 6-1, 6-2. Verdasco quickly came down to earth after his stunning victory over World No.2 Nadal the previous day. The Spaniard seemed emotionally drained and was easily beaten by the hard hitting Berdych. Del Potro beat Dolgopolov 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the semi final.

Verdasco stuns Nadal; Djokovic, Federer win

Rajesh Srinivasan — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:37:25 +0000

Thursday saw a major upset with Nadal crashing out to Fernando Verdasco at Madrid. Second seed Rafael Nadal saw his 22 match winning streak on clay end against fellow Spaniard Verdasco 3-6, 6-3, 5-7 in three hours and 10 minutes. His last loss had come at Rome against Djokovic in last year’s final.

Fernando Verdasco stuns Rafael Nadal at Madrid Open 2012

Nadal was not at his best making a slow start and dropped his serve and going down 2-0 first set. He fought back to 2-2 but again lost serve to 2-4. Verdasco had lost all his previous 13 meetings against Nadal. In the second set Nadal fought back to win 6-3 and then seemed to be in control leading 5-2 in the deciding set. Serving for the match at 15-0, Nadal missed an easy smash and then went on to lose serve. What followed was a strange sight- Nadal missing easy ground strokes and Verdasco striking the ball with authority past Nadal. Verdasco completed amazing comeback winning five consecutive games to win the match on second match point.

Nadal said that he did not adapt his game to the slippery court, was in control of match but could not close it out. Verdasco played better and won. However Nadal said that he may not play the tournament next year if the conditions were not changed for the better.

Federer had no such problems cruising past 14th seed Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-2 in 58 minutes. Federer got an early break to lead 3-1 and maintained that top close out the set in 27 minutes.

Djokovic beat Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6(5), 6-4. Wawrinka played well to save five set points in the first set at 4-5 with some wonderful winners but then could not carry forward the momentum losing the tie breaker that followed. Djokovic who took a 5-2 lead in the second set was broken while serving for match. However he won through on the second occasion with the help of three big serves.

David Ferrer saved 3 match points in beating Nicolas Almagro 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-6(8) to maintain a perfect 10-0 record against his countryman. In other matches Del Potro and Berdych went through in straight sets.

Nadal wins seventh title at Barcelona

Rajesh Srinivasan — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:22:15 +0000

Rafael Nadal created history on Sunday by winning his seventh title at Barcelona beating David Ferrer 7-6(1), 7-5 n 2 hours and 40 minutes. This was his second title in two weeks and his 48th career title. Nadal became the only player in the Open Era to win two tournaments at least 7 times following his eighth title at Monte Carlo last week. This was his 34th title on clay only behind Thomas Muster and Guillermo Vilas.

Rafael Nadal wins Barcelona Open 2012 title

The first set saw Nadal start off making more errors than usual particularly off the backhand wing and Ferrer capitalised to break serve and 2-0, 30-0 but gave away the advantage with some errors of his own. There was a brief hold up in play as a spectator needed medical attention and on resumption Nadal again was in trouble at 0-30 on serve. Nadal fought back to hold to 2-2 but faced more threat on serve staving off a break point at 2-3.

The key to Ferrer’s good performance was his ability to take his backhand on the rise by stepping in and hitting it deep cross court for winners and his volleying at the net. At 5-5, Ferrer saved a break point on his serve and then attacked Nadal when he served to stay in the set at 5-6. Nadal staved off five set points in a marathon game with some ferocious forehands and good serves. Nadal dominated the tie break to win it 7 points to 1.

The second set saw Nadal break early to 3-1 but the very next game was down 0-40 on serve. After fighting back to deuce, Nadal then missed a pretty easy backhand at the forecourt to lose the game. At 4-4, Nadal was again in trouble at 0-40 and saved two break points but a double fault handed Ferrer the break and a chance to serve for the set. Ferrer was a couple of points from taking the set to the decider at deuce but could not close out the set. When Ferrer was serving to stay in the match at 5-6, Nadal seized the opportunity by hitting aggressive ground strokes to break at love. Nadal did not play at his best but won the points that mattered most. It was Nadal’s 21st consecutive match win on clay.

Nadal reaches seventh final at Barcelona; will meet David Ferrer

Rajesh Srinivasan — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:39:33 +0000

Saturday’s semi finals at Barcelona saw three Spaniards battling for a place in the final. World no.2 and Top seed Rafael Nadal reached the final with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Spanish team mate Fernando Verdasco. David Ferrer beat young Canadian Raonic in a close affair 7-6(2), 7-6(5).

Rafael Nadal into the semifinals

Rafael Nadal raced off to a 3-0 lead in the first few minutes as he made an aggressive start hitting with good pace and depth to get the break at love in the first game. The first set saw Nadal quickly get off to a 5-0 lead and faced a little trouble saving a break point before winning the set on a long rally that saw both players show off their wonderful shot making prowess.

The beginning of the second set saw Verdasco fight harder and even had a break opportunity on Nadal’s first service game but Nadal came up with three big serves to level at 1-1. At 2-2, Verdasco was down 0-40 and hit a poorly executed drop shot. Nadal reached the ball early but hit it straight back to Verdasco who hit it into the open court for a winner.

Nadal missed two more break points but converted the fourth on a double fault. Games went on serve and Nadal served for match at 5-4. Again Nadal was in trouble at 15-40 but was helped by two return errors from Verdasco to get back to deuce. Nadal capitalised by holding to win for the 13th straight time.

The other semi final was much tighter with Ferrer fighting off 15 aces from Raonic to win in two tie breaks. The first tie break was all Ferrer who raced to a 6-0 lead and won it 7-2. The second tie break was much closer as Raonic led 3-1 but Ferrer fought back to win it 7 points to 5. Sunday sees Nadal and Ferrer facing off in the final for the fourth time at Barcelona. 30 year old Ferrer is looking to win his fourth title of the year while Nadal is gunning for his second title in 2012.