Tennis

[gabriel]

H'm. But he should know.

wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=876247

Federer-Nadal era ending, says Agassi
19:41 AEST Thu Oct 15 2009

Latest Tennis:

Nadal beaten by 'better man' at Shanghai
Nadal seeks form after Shanghai loss
Andre Agassi says Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's domination of men's tennis is coming to an end, tipping Scotsman Andy Murray as the most likely successor.

"Now we have possibly the changing of the guard," Agassi told reporters by phone from Las Vegas.

"You have those top two who are now losing ground to the likes of (Novak) Djokovic and Murray and (Juan Martin) del Potro."

Nadal has struggled with injuries since his shock exit in the fourth round of the French Open.

Federer won the French and Wimbledon, breaking Pete Sampras' record of 14 grand slams, but was beaten in the US Open final by 21-year-old Argentine del Potro.

It was the first grand slam won by a player other than Federer or Nadal since Djokovic won the 2008 Australian Open.

Agassi, who preceded Federer in winning all four grand slam tournaments over his career, believes the Swiss "still has the chance to do some more special things," but the 28-year-old's chances are diminishing with age.

Agassi, who was promoting his upcoming exhibition match against Pete Sampras in Macau on October 25, worried that Nadal's injuries may be chronic.

"If you're struggling with your knee, it tends to be recurring and not to be easy to do, so I got to believe he'll struggle with it probably for his career," Agassi said.

Agassi earmarked 22-year-old Murray as the man most likely to be the dominant figure in the next few years.

The world No.3 is still seeking his first grand slam title.

"From a talent standpoint, Murray is a person who should win multiple slams," Agassi said.

"When I look at his game compared to the other players, he has what it takes to win and to win against anybody on any surface."

[gabriel]

www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?StoryID=160597

Looks like Federer is the steam train.

Australian Open 2010 Round 3 Results: Roger Federer Earns Straight Set Win Over Albert Montanes to Reach Fourth Round

Atlanta, Ga. 1/23/2010 04:21 AM GMT (TransWorldNews)





Roger Federer looks to be in Grand Slam form as he took apart Albert Montanes in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in the third round of the Australian Open, staying in line for his fourth title in Melbourne and his 16th career Grand Slam singles crown.


Federer was in control the entire match, dominating with a serve that produced ten aces and points on 88% of his first serves put in play. Federer didn’t allow Montanes a single break point opportunity while collecting 36 winners in a match that lasted just under two hours.


Federer has won the Australian Open three times, most recently in 2007. The Swiss star also owns a career Grand Slam having won his first French Open title last year to go along with his five U.S. Open titles and six Wimbledon titles. Federer’s 15 Grand Slam singles titles are most of any male player.

[gabriel]

Federer has just walloped Hewitt. Like he wouldn't. Can any Australian win the Australian Open again? Sigh.

wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=1003960

Hewitt out, Federer reach Open quarters
By Darren Walton22:20 AEST Mon Jan 25 2010


Ruthless Roger Federer dealt Lleyton Hewitt his worst-ever Australian Open defeat to move majestically into his 23rd successive grand slam quarter-final on Monday night.

The world No.1 stunned the capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena with a sublime display, destroying Hewitt 6-2 6-3 6-4 in a mere one hour, 55 minutes.

Federer's 15th straight victory over Hewitt, a remarkable streak stretching back to the South Australian's famous five-set Davis Cup triumph over the Swiss marvel at Melbourne Park in 2003, completed a dreadful night for local hopes.

Women's world No.1 Serena Williams earlier brought Samantha Stosur's Open to an equally abrupt end with a 6-4 6-2 fourth-round demolition job.

Hewitt entered his eagerly-awaited match with high hopes after reaching the last 16 without dropping a set and having pushed Federer to four tight sets in their most recent meeting at the US Open last September.

But lacking the firepower and class of Federer, Australia's former world No.1 must have realised quickly he was up against it.

"There's nothing he can do," said respected coach Brad Gilbert, commentating on ESPN, as the 15-times grand slam champion continually painted the lines in the two-hour mismatch.

Hewitt started positively enough, matching Federer's two aces in his opening service game and then holding for love for 2-2.

But the South Australian had to scrap for every point from then on.

The pressure told in the sixth game when Hewitt gifted Federer the first break of the match with four lame unforced errors.

The top seed held to love for 5-2 and then drilled a crosscourt forehand to break Hewitt again to pocket the opening set in 32 minutes.

It was more of the same in the second set, with Federer smoking a backhand down the line to break Hewitt and charge to a 4-1 lead.

Hanging on for dear life, Hewitt staved off further break points in the sixth game.

There was no stopping the Swiss juggernaut, though, as he eventually served out the set to take a stranglehold on the match.

Typically, Hewitt put up a fight in the third set, breaking Federer back for 4-4 after dropping his serve for a fourth time in the seventh game.

But Federer broke back immediately with another beautiful crosscourt forehand pass before finally putting Hewitt out of his misery the next game to book a quarter-final date with in-form Russian Nikolay Davydenko.

The victory extended Federer's flawless record over Hewitt in grand slam encounters to 8-0.

Federer said he never expected to put away his long-time rival and former doubles partner in such routine fashion.

"He's a champion and you're always going to go through some tough moments against him," he said.

"I have gone on an incredible run against him the last few times we have played, but you're not going to go through an easy match with him.

"When I already saw the draw and I saw Lleyton floating around, it's not something I like seeing.

"He did great to come through in his section so I knew it was going to be extremely hard tonight - I'm sweating buckets.

"We've had some great battles, one of them here that ended in tears for me.

"He's playing well again and I hope he can keep it up."

Federer even admitted to nerves when Hewitt struck back late in the third set.

"The crowd starts getting into it, sensing this is his chance, and you start doubting yourself - and that's what happened," he said.

"If he gets back into the match, you never know what's going to happen.

"I've lost a match like that before here."

[gabriel]

Latest scores from the Aus Open. Murray V Nadal. 6-3, 3-2.

Go Nadal. I want him in the final against Federer. Then I want him to beat Federer. I don't have anything against Roger. I just think Rafael is the superior player.

[trubble]

Jan 26, 2010 10:36:29 GMT gabriel said:

Latest scores from the Aus Open. Murray V Nadal. 6-3, 3-2.

Go Nadal. I want him in the final against Federer. Then I want him to beat Federer. I don't have anything against Roger. I just think Rafael is the superior player.

I hate when Nadal and Murray play against each other. I want them both to win.

[gabriel]

The latest. 6-3, 7-6, 1-0 to Murray. Nadal, get your ar** into gear and play tennis. Not Murray. Nooooo.

[Big Lin]

msn.skysports.com/tennis/tournaments/story/0,25174,17643_5886198,00.html


Murray: Through to semis

Andy Murray produced one of the best performances of his career as he knocked defending champion Rafael Nadal out of the Australian Open.

Nadal had toppled Roger Federer to win the title last year, however he found Murray in simply irresistible form on the Rod Laver Arena.

The British No.1, who is yet to lose a set in the tournament, stormed into a 6-3 7-6 3-0 lead before Nadal was forced to retire with a knee injury.

Murray will now go on to tackle Croatian Marin Cilic for a place in the final.

Things had looked ominous for Murray as he was broken in only the third game of the match by the world No.2.

However, the Scot responded in sensational fashion as he secured the next four games on the bounce - with Nadal's serve failing him - before going on to take the set.

The Spaniard again broke early in the second set - following a delay for a firework display to celebrate Australia Day - but was guilty of failing to consolidate his advantage as Murray responded immediately.

Physio
The 22-year-old, who had former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton in his supporters' box, had four break chances in the 11th game and although Nadal managed to hold, Murray took the set into a tiebreak.

Murray crucially gained the early break and never gave Nadal the chance to get into the tiebreak to move into a two-set lead.

Murray started off the third set by holding his serve before Nadal called for the physio, complaining of a problem in his right knee.

Although Nadal came back out, he never looked comfortable as Murray was able to secure the break.

Nadal, though, was not about to throw in the towel as he put the Murray serve under pressure, but he was unable to take advantage of two break chances.

And with Nadal clearly struggling he opted to call it a day, leaving Murray to progress through to the last four.

[gabriel]

I know. I just gave another sigh when Nadal called it. Federer's just gone though to the semis. The only one who could have given him a decent match and had a chance to win was Nadal.

And it will be one of the Williams again I'm guessing for the women's. It get's boring when it's the same ones going around and around and around.

[trubble]

Jan 27, 2010 11:29:15 GMT gabriel said:

I know. I just gave another sigh when Nadal called it. Federer's just gone though to the semis. The only one who could have given him a decent match and had a chance to win was Nadal.

And it will be one of the Williams again I'm guessing for the women's. It get's boring when it's the same ones going around and around and around.

I am sad about Nadal, of course, and a Williams Sisters fan but..

Everything's all shook up! Li and Murray might win! It's very exciting.


Gabe's a guest?

Now everything really is all shook up. I just gave a sigh myself.

[Big Lin]

Murray's through to the final now!

Good luck, Andy!

[firedancer]

Yes, good luck Murray...

How about that incredible point at 2-2 in the second set? Unbelievable. As was that amazing forehand winner between the net post and the umpire's chair in the fourth set.

Murray can be inconsistent, lose focus and his second serve can be a bit of a dolly at times but he has every shot in the book and incredible speed. Plus he has the best tennis brain on the circuit (even if he does overuse the drop shot sometimes ) He's got to win a slam one day surely? Let's hope it's Sunday

[firedancer]

Did anyone see the world record shattering match today at Wimbledon between John Isner and Nicholas Marhut?

Just in case there is anyone who didn't know it was stopped yesterday at two sets all, resumed today and was stopped for bad light again at 59-59 in the final set, to be finished tomorrow.

I had to go to a meeting in London this afternoon. The fifth set had just started as I left home, drove 15 miles to the station, went 75 miles on the train, had the meeting, 75 miles back on the train, 15 mile drive back home and turned on the telly to see they were 49-48......

Anyone who said tennis is for wimps should see this. The fifth set alone last longer than any previous match in history. Marhud seemed remarkably fresh, Isner looked dead on his feet and running on fumes but big serve and a tremendous effort of will kept him going.

Extraordinary.

[DAS (formerly BushAdmirer)]

Firedancer - that was amazing. Tennis is a great sport.

Years ago I had an opportunity to attend a professional tennis match in the California desert near Palm Springs. The old pro Ilie Năstase was up against a then unheard of newcomer in the finals. His name was Ivan Lendl.

Someone gave us the tickets because they weren't able to attend. When we arrived we were delighted to find that our free seats were front row center court.

Watching the best players in the world up close like that really says a lot. I don't think I could have returned Lendl's serve no matter how many chances. It was a rocket.

And Năstase had the most amazing ability to track down and retune seemingly unreturnable balls.

That was a real treat.

[sadie1263]

I got to see the end of the Isner - Mahut match.....well not the end....the end of today's part.......will try to catch Part II tomorrow.

Unbelievable!!! How were they even able to stay upright?? Ten hours today. You just don't want either one of them to lose tomorrow.

[firedancer]

Kept going dyslexic over Mahut's name and spelling it wrong

Anyway, for those interested it resumes on Court 18 at 3.30 BST today.. that's if they've managed to put one foot in front of the other.

When I was a spring chicken and playing tennis I used to go to Wimbledon every year - saw the "greatest ever" match (Nastase-Smith final) in 1972 - and the famous Borg-McEnroe tie breaker in 1980. Both now consigned to the history books after the Nadal-Federer "greatest ever" in 2008 ;D which I would love to have seen live.

But, boy, I wish I'd had a seat on Court 18. One of those "I was there" moments for the lucky spectators.

Whoever Mahut's fitness trainer is, I bet he has players queuing up to employ him.

[sadie1263]

It's over!!!! OMG!!!!! Won't say who won for those that are still trying to catch it on TV!!!

Amazing.....wish both guys could get an award of some kind!!!

[firedancer]

Wow, or what! I won't spoil it either for those who haven't seen it yet.

But both players were given a special award on court at the end. I gather they were given sets of crystal champagne flutes and a crystal bowl. The umpire also got an award.

A lovely touch from Wimbledon.

And what gracious sportsmen.

[sadie1263]

Australian Open started.........love love love to watch tennis.

Querrey is out in the first round. Which I hated. Really thought he would do better. Fish had a first round 5 setter. Thought he was going to go out....but he just seemed to get stronger in that 5th set.

Davydenko lost to some unranked person.....so that was an upset.........but all the others cruised.

Justine Henin, who I adore, went 3 sets.....lost the first but then cruised the last two......so shaky start.....hope she pulls it together!!!!

My main guy Nadal plays today. Hope he wins it all!!

[gabriel]

H'm sadie. Our man Nadal isn't fighting fit. However, Rog is. It's gonna come down to those 2 again and I think Nadal isn't going to make it.

Just my prediction. Hope I'm wrong.

[sadie1263]

I believe Nadal is in Roger's head though.

Spoilers if you haven't watched!!!


Nadal won his first set in 19 minutes yesterday. Then the guy retired 5-0 in the second. Said he hurt his knee in practice. I think it took a total of 48 minutes.

What is the matter with Dinara Safina? She has always had temper problems (like her brother) but her playing??? She lost 6-0 6-0 to Clijsters! It was just awful to watch.

Oh man, Hewitt.......I wanted him to win.....so bad!!! I didn't watch it.....it started at something like 3 or 4 a.m. here........I was going to watch the replay later today....I probably still will because it looks like it was awesome. But gosh I was pulling for Hewitt!

Andy Murray's guy retired in the 3rd round......Soderling cruised in 3 sets...Isner also three sets

Del Potro is back in the mix.......played Sela.....tricky guy....first set went to a really lock tie break....the next two were tight but down in 3 long sets.

[iamjumbo]

i feel sorry for the poor chick left with only part of the racket handle in her hand. awful tough to hit a ball that way

[sadie1263]

Jan 18, 2011 19:42:56 GMT iamjumbo said:

i feel sorry for the poor chick left with only part of the racket handle in her hand. awful tough to hit a ball that way

Wasn't that funny? Never seen that before!! But she had smacked the ground with it a couple of shots before.......but the look on her face was priceless!

[sadie1263]

Justine looked awesome.

Federer went five sets against Giles Simon.

Venus is hurt but managed to win her game. Will be surprised if she doesn't pull out of the tournament. Don't think she can play anymore. Seems to have a groin injury or something. Really looked in pain. I think the other girl may have won it.....she was doing well....and then Venus had a really long injury time out and it messed with the girl's timing and her head....and she just lost it after that.

[gabriel]

Venus isn't gonna do it and I don't think Nadal will either.

Federer showed up here with Nadal and a host of others, male and female, to play charity matches last weekend to aid the victims of the QLD floods. He was pumped up and with it and even then Nadal was not looking good.

You know, I could be wrong but I don't think this is Nadal's tournament.
And it's certainly not going to belong to one of the Williams. There's this new Russian chick and blowed if I can tell you her name - it's like 26 letters long but she blew Molik out of the water today and I think she's the one to watch out for.

I could be wrong. Usually am. Quite.

[sadie1263]

Nadal had the flu before the tournament. Was just getting over it is my understanding. So, maybe that was it. Hopefully it that is better. He played last night and was awesome, but played someone that really couldn't hurt him. Plays a tricky Australian next. Tomic.....or something like that.