Tennis Tournaments

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.

Nadal in semis of Barcelona, Murray ousted

Rajesh Srinivasan — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:59:18 +0000

On Friday, Rafael Nadal entered the semi finals of Barcelona Open while Murray was ousted by Milos Raonic. Nadal beat 5th seeded World no.8 Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 6-2 in an hour and 23 minutes.

Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of Barcelona Open 2012

The first two games were very competitive as both players tried to counter each other shot for shot. Both players had game point chances but Nadal won the important points to go ahead 2-0. He broke again to 3-0 when Tipsarevic double faulted at break point. Nadal played some of his best tennis of the year to lead 5-1 and had a set point as well. When Nadal was serving for the set, he seemed to relax and was in trouble at 0-40 but came up with some aggressive ground strokes, attacking net play to get back to deuce winning the set at 6-2.

The six time winner then broke serve early in the second set to gain a 2-0 lead. Tipsarevic fought back to level at 2-2 even winning some long rallies from the back court. However that was the end of the fight as Nadal regained control sweeping the last four games to win the second set at 6-2 closing the match with two consecutive aces. The Spaniard must be pleased with his level after a less than convincing display earlier in the tournament.

Nadal next faces 2010 Champion Fernando Verdasco who won when Kei Nishikori retired when trailing 2-4 with an abdominal injury.

The big upset of the day was rising star Milos Raonic’s win over 2nd seed Andy Murray 6-4, 7-6(3). Raonic served 14 aces and used his big forehand too to good effect to record the win. He will next face David Ferrer who had to save 3 match points before subduing fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-7(4), 7-6(7), 6-3. Ferrer saved 2 match points at 4-5 in the second set and one in the tie breaker also to win in 2hours and 45 minutes.

Nadal beats Djokovic to end losing streak

Rajesh Srinivasan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:23:41 +0000

It was a much awaited final at Monte Carlo with the top two seeds facing each other for the first time since the epic final at Australian Open this year. This time the match ended in anti climatic fashion with one of the most one sided victories in this rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning 8th consecutive title

Nadal won a record 20th Masters title with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over his nemesis Djokovic. It was the first title for Nadal in 10 months after his last title at the French Open last year. During the last year and half the world no.1 from Serbia had won 7 consecutive matches over Nadal all in finals. Nadal has finally arrested his slide and now leads 17-14 in career head to head.

The early part of the match saw Nadal break in the third game with a backhand winner and was also helped by couple of errors from Djokovic. Nadal had a further break opportunity in the seventh game but Djokovic fought back to hold serve with the help of a wonderful drop shot to get to 3-4. Thereafter Nadal won the set breaking Djokovic again and dominated proceedings to win 6 games in a row.

Leading 4-0, Nadal relaxed a little losing serve at love but again broke serve and served for the match at 5-1. Nadal closed out the match with an ace on championship point. This was his 42nd consecutive match win at Monte Carlo but probably one of the most significant wins here. Time would tell whether the tide has turned again in this rivalry.

After the match, Nadal said that it was very important for him to break the bad losing streak against Novak and win the title here. It was one of his favorite tournaments and he said that it was all perfect that day. All his 6 finals have been against the Top 6 players and Nadal said that made it more difficult. Djokovic said that Nadal was better that day and showed the spirit of a real champion with the way he approached the sport of tennis. He added that his emotional energy was not the best but he hoped to have enough time to regroup and recharge the batteries.

Novak Djokovic to face Rafael Nadal in blockbuster final

Rajesh Srinivasan — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:23:25 +0000

The semi finals at Monte Carlo on Saturday featured the top two players facing players who had upset the odds previously on Friday.

Novak Djokovic to face Rafal Nadal in the finals of Monte-Carlo Masters

The matches were played in windy conditions and Djokovic took 2 hours and 42 minutes to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Berdych while Nadal beat Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic was under the fire losing the first set 6-4 to Berdych after leading 4-2 at the beginning. Novak faced 2 break points in the first game in the second set. This was a long game where both players were unable to close out at game point. Finally Djokovic held and raised his hands pointing to the heavens. After the passing of his grandfather early in the week, Djokovic struggled to focus during his earlier matches but seemed to be more in control in this match and his concentration was better too.

After holding to 1-0, Djokovic broke serve and then overcame more breakpoints to hold to 3-0. Thereafter Djokovic was in control and served out the set at 6-3. The third set Djokovic dominated to lead 4-0 at the start and won the match closing out the set 6-2. The first half hour in the second semi final saw Gilles Simon take the initiative and the ball early to match Nadal shot for shot. Nadal seemed in trouble at 3-3, 15-40 on serve but fought back to hold serve. This was a crucial phase and Nadal soon broke serve to 5-3 and then served out the first set at 6-3.

The second set saw Nadal break early with some trademark forehands but was in trouble on serve with multiple breakpoints but saved them all with gutsy tennis including a wonderful drop shot to get back to deuce. Nadal then held to 3-1. Nadal wasted chances at a double break and Simon closed the gap to 2-3.Simon fought hard the rest of the time but could not break serve with Nadal serving out the match at love. Simon was unable to convert any of the 7 break opportunities he had on Nadal’s serve. Nadal has now won 41 matches in a row at Monte Carlo and will face his big rival on Sunday.

John Isner gives U.S. victory over France

Rajesh Srinivasan — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:34:41 +0000

World No.11 John Isner displayed great calm and composure to beat World no.6 Jo Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-3 to hand U.S a winning 3-1 lead over France in the Davis Cup 2012 quarter-finals held at Monte Carlo Country club. Tsonga stayed even till 3-3 but played a horrendous game at 3-4 to drop serve serving two double faults and some unforced errors. Isner then served out the first set at love with an ace at set point.

John Isner

Both players faced trouble on their serve early in the second set facing break points but managed to hold serve with some attacking tennis and good net play. At 6-5, Tsonga had 0-30 lead on Isner’s serve but two big serves made it level to 30-30. Soon it went to a tie breaker and the outcome hinged on one point at 4-4. Isner ran around his backhand and hit a blistering forehand return winner to get the mini break at 5-4. Tsonga missed a passing shot to give Isner two set points and he duly converted with an ace.

The third set saw Tsonga gain two break points at 1-1 but Isner came up with courageous tennis to hold serve. At 5-5, Tsonga had two breakpoints again which Isner saved with brilliant aggressive manner but finally lost serve on a double fault. Tsonga served out the third set at 7-5.

Isner then got back on track in the fourth set breaking early to 3-0. World No. 1 Djokovic was an interested spectator as Isner maintained the lead at 5-3 and then served for the match. Isner again displayed no nerves closing out the match with a drive volley on match point. There is no reason why John Isner on this form cannot challenge for a grand slam title soon if he keeps improving like he has done in the last year.

After the match an emotional Guy Forget, the French Davis Cup captain stepped down after 13 years. During his tenure, France won one title and reached three finals. In the last dead rubber Gilles Simon beat Ryan Harrison 6-2, 6-3 to make the final score at 2-3 for France. The U.S will now face Spain away in the semi finals in September. After the match, Isner said that it was one of the biggest matches of the year and he was very happy that he rose to the occasion to secure victory. American captain Jim Courier said that his team will now enjoy the victory as they have exceeded expectations beating Switzerland and France away on clay.