Davydenko stuns Del Potro to win the Tour Finals

Nikolay Davydenko stunned the tennis world today as he went one step further than last year to win the biggest title of his career in London and became the first Russian to win the title. Davydenko showed power and preciseness as he stomped all over Juan Martin del Potro who was the favourite to win this match and if he would have, could have moved up to number 4 in the world. Not only did he win to the current US Open champion, he also defeated a number of Grand Slam champions along the way and hopefully that will give him confidence for next year to maybe even win his first Grand Slam. The score was 63 64 and Davydenko goes home with a cheque worth $1,510,000.

Well everyone, this is the end of the 2009 season. It was filled with amazing triumphs and some shocking falls that will be remembered for sometime, and hopefully next year will be even more exciting. Thank you for your support my readers, see you next year.

Federer survives Verdasco scare; Murray cheered on by London crowd

Roger Federer had a close call against Fernando Verdasco after Verdasco won the first set and pressured the four-time Tour Finals champion in the second set. But Federer stepped up a bit and Verdasco started to quickly crumble and allowed Roger Federer to win it in three sets with a score of 46 75 61.

Home favourite Andy Murray also made a winning start to his campaign and got the better of Juan Martin del Potro by winning the match in three sets as well with the score of 63 36 62. Del Potro had to call the trainer for a nose bleed in the first set but otherwise had no signs of his abdominal injury from the Paris Masters.

Tomorrow's headlines include Rafael Nadal who will face Robin Soderling, the man who ended his French Open run this year. And also, Novak Djokovic who will face Nikolay Davydenko.

Djokovic ends Monfils dream run

Novak Djokovic has won his 16th career title, his 5th of the year and his second consecutive title after last week winning in Basel to Roger Federer. Djokovic had to work really hard against Gael Monfils, who was enjoying all the support of the French crowd. Djokovic was in control in the first set and took it 62, then took an early break in the second leaving spectators with no hope of a French champion this year, but Monfils then turned on his fire-power and battled to take the second set 75. The French crowd then roared with happiness and was once again filled with hope, but Djokovic took a 3-0 lead in the third and Monfils once again appealed to his crowd by taking it to a tie-break where he could no longer bring it. Djokovic took the tie-break with a score of 7-3 and is now full of confidence ahead of the year-ending championships taking place in London on November 22.

Djokovic sends Nadal packing; Monfils makes maiden Masters final in home country

Novak Djokovic was all power and confidence today against Rafael Nadal as he didn't give the Spaniard any chances to execute his game plan and denied Nadal his 400th career match win. Djokovic belted 31 winners and closed out an entertaining 77 minute match with a score of 62 63. The positive side for Nadal is that he will have just a bit more time to prepare for the year-ending championships, after missing it last year with tendonitis in his knees.

Djokovic on the other hand is fighting for his 16th career title tomorrow against French favourite Gael Monfils who is looking to win his first Masters shield at the Paris Masters after pulling through a hard fought win against Radek Stepanek with a score of 64 57 64.

Results for November 11, 2009

Singles - Second Round
J Benneteau (FRA) d [1] R Federer (SUI) 36 76(4) 64
[2] R Nadal (ESP) d N Almagro (ESP) 36 76(2) 75 - Saved 5 M.P.
[3] N Djokovic (SRB) d J Monaco (ARG) 63 75
[4] A Murray (GBR) d J Blake (USA) 63 67(5) 76(4)
[5] J Del Potro (ARG) d [WC] M Safin (RUS) 64 57 64
[9] R Soderling (SWE) d I Karlovic (CRO) 64 76(6)
[10] F Gonzalez (CHI) d J Isner (USA) 75 76(3)
[12] M Cilic (CRO) d [Q] L Kubot (POL) 67(3) 64 62
[13] R Stepanek (CZE) d V Troicki (SRB) 64 60
[14] T Robredo (ESP) d T Berdych (CZE) 64 64
[15] G Monfils (FRA) d [Q] D Guez (FRA) 64 75
[Q] A Clement (FRA) d [16] T Haas (GER) 57 63 76(8) - Saved 1 M.P.

Doubles - Second Round
S Aspelin (SWE) / P Hanley (AUS) d [3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) 64 67(6) 10-7
J Kerr (AUS) / T Parrott (USA) d [4] L Dlouhy (CZE) / L Paes (IND) 67(5) 64 10-5
M Granollers (ESP) / T Robredo (ESP) d [5] W Moodie (RSA) / D Norman (BEL) 64 75
[7] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) d J Brunstrom (SWE) / J Rojer (AHO) 64 76(5)
[8] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) d B Soares (BRA) / K Ullyett (ZIM) 63 64

Youzhny takes home crown; Baghdatis wins Stockholm title

Mikhail Youzhny became the 14th Russian in the tournament's 20 year history to lift the trophy at the Kremlin, and is also the sixth consecutive Russian to win the tournament in Moscow.

He defeated Janko Tipsarevic in the final after enduring a first set loss in a tiebreak but winning the next two sets to take the title with a score of 67(5) 60 64 to win his fifth ATP title.

While in Stockholm, former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis gave the Swedish crowd a surprise after he defeated Olivier Rochus to win his first title since February 2007 and his third ATP title of his career. The score was 61 75 and he became the 10th unseeded winner this year.

Davydenko stomped all over Nadal to win fourth title of season

Nikolay Davydenko showed an amazing performance against world number two Rafael Nadal and even surprised himself by taking the Shanghai Masters title in straight sets.

The Russian admitted that he was tired after his long encounter against Djokovic in the semis, and felt like he had no chances of winning the match against Nadal when it was 4-4. But in the first set tiebreak he made three beautiful backhand winners to take it 7-3, and then he was all over Nadal after that, as he took the second set 63. This win gets Davydenko closer to qualifying for the year-ending championships as he is now number seven in the race and marks his fourth title win of the year and his third Masters title of his career.

Great effort from Davydenko!

Bravo!

Results for October 15, 2009

Singles - Third Round
[1] R Nadal (ESP) d [14] T Robredo (ESP) 61 64
[2] N Djokovic (SRB) d [Q] R Schuettler (GER) 64 62
[9] R Soderling (SWE) d [5] J Tsonga (FRA) 63 63
[8] G Simon (FRA) d T Berdych (CZE) 63 64
[6] N Davydenko (RUS) d [10] F Gonzalez (CHI) 63 75
I Ljubicic (CRO) d [11] G Monfils (FRA) 62 30 ret. (back)
[13] R Stepanek (CZE) d S Wawrinka (SUI) 36 76(5) 42 ret. (abdominal strain)
F Lopez (ESP) d J Melzer (AUT) 57 76(3) 61

Singles - Quarter-finals
[6] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) d [2] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) 61 57 10-8
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d [8] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) 46 63 10-5
J Benneteau (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) d F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) 36 64 10-7

Nadal and Djokovic getting closer to final

The top two seeds showed solid performances yesterday with both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic securing their place in the quarterfinals after both winning in straight sets. Nadal will play Ivan Ljubicic, and Djokovic wil play Gilles Simon.

Ljubicic made it through after 11th seeded Gael Monfils had to retire from a back injury. Another retirement saw Stanislas Wawrinka lose to 13th seeded Radek Stepanek after he retired with an abdominal strain.

Results for October 13, 2009

Singles - First Round [9] R Soderling (SWE) d V Hanescu (ROU) 63 64 [11] G Monfils (FRA) d P Mathieu (FRA) 62 62 T Berdych (CZE) d [12] M Cilic (CRO) 76(8) 36 64 [15] T Haas (GER) d B Becker (GER) 76(5) 64 J Melzer (AUT) d J Chardy (FRA) 64 64 L Hewitt (AUS) d J Isner (USA) 62 64 I Ljubicic (CRO) d J Benneteau (FRA) 63 36 61 N Almagro (ESP) d P Kohlschreiber (GER) 67(2) 61 76(6) V Troicki (SRB) d J Monaco (ARG) 61 62 Singles - Second Round S Wawrinka (SUI) d [4] A Roddick (USA) 34 ret. (left knee) [6] N Davydenko (RUS) d I Kunitsyn (RUS) 64 62 [10] F Gonzalez (CHI) d [Q] T Bellucci (BRA) 63 64 [13] R Stepanek (CZE) d A Beck (GER) 75 64 Doubles - First Round J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d [WC] W Gao (CHN) / X Yu (CHN) 63 63 L Dlouhy (CZE) / P Petzschner (GER) d T Berdych (CZE) / P Kohlschreiber (GER) w/o (Kohlschreiber - right shoulder) T Parrott (USA) / F Polasek (SVK) d J Blake (USA) / J Isner (USA) 75 62 J Benneteau (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) d M Llodra (FRA) / R Stepanek (CZE) 75 75

Injured Roddick out of Shanghai

Just after a day of declaring that the ATP season is too long and that the top players deserve a longer break, Andy Roddick has opted out of his second round encounter over Stanislas Wawrinka.

The American was leading the Swiss 4-3 when he injured his knee and called it quits. Roddick has not yet qualified for the year-ending Finals.

Marin Cilic was knocked out by Tomas Berdych in three sets and Lleyton Hewitt advanced over John Isner in straight sets.

Djokovic triumphs; Tsonga closes in on Finals spot

Novak Djokovic has successfully fended off Marin Cilic to win his third ATP title of the season in Beijing. Cilic, who absolutely shell-shocked world number two Rafael Nadal in the semis looked flat in the first set against Novak, but picked up his game in the second to get it to a tiebreak. Djokovic was too strong for him though and took the set and match with a score of 62 76(4). Djokovic has already secured his place at the year-ending Finals and is the defending champion there, and has returned to the number three ranking after this win.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also has won his third title of the season and has boosted his chances of qualifying for the Finals, after he cruised to a 63 63 victory over Mikhail Youzhny in Japan.

Davydenko and Simon win first titles in the Asian series

Nikolay Davydenko is getting closer to solidifying his spot in the year-ending finals by capturing his third title of the year in Kuala Lumpur. He defeated Fernando Verdasco of Spain in two close sets in which both players kept edging each other and grinding till the end, but eventually Davydenko was the better of the two. The score was 64 75.

While in Thailand, Gilles Simon stopped the hopes of Viktor Troicki by beating him in straight sets as well. Troicki had a dream win against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga the other day and was on his second attempt of capturing his first ATP title. Simon was however to good for him and won the match with a score of 75 63 to capture his first title of the year.

Results for October 1, 2009

Thailand Open

Singles - Second Round
[1] J Tsonga (FRA) d E Gulbis (LAT) 67(3) 76(4) 76(2)
[2] G Simon (FRA) d K Kim (USA) 62 62
[8] J Isner (USA) d M Zverev (GER) 76(5) 64
A Beck (GER) d [LL] D Young (USA) 61 67(3) 64
[Q] M Chiudinelli (SUI) d M Safin (RUS) 63 76(4)
E Korolev (RUS) d R Ginepri (USA) 61 61

Doubles - Quarter-finals
[3] J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d M Kohlmann (GER) / A Peya (AUT) 62 46 10-3
E Butorac (USA) / R Ram (USA) d R Hutchins (GBR) / H Tecau (ROU) 26 64 10-6
G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) / M Zverev (GER) d M Safin (RUS) / G Simon (FRA) 62 63
F Santoro (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) d B Becker (GER) / L Mayer (ARG) 57 61 10-6

Malaysian Open

Singles - Second Round
[2] F Verdasco (ESP) d K Beck (SVK) 64 60
[4] F Gonzalez (CHI) d [Q] R Bopanna (IND) 64 36 64
[5] G Monfils (FRA) d M Vassallo Arguello (ARG) 64 62
[6] T Berdych (CZE) d S Greul (GER) 63 46 63
R Gasquet (FRA) d [WC] J Johansson (SWE) 46 76(1) 62

Doubles - Quarter-finals
[1] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) d A Golubev (KAZ) / D Istomin (UZB) 57 64 10-1
[3] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d M Melo (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) 64 62
S Huss (AUS) / S Lipsky (USA) d M Elgin (RUS) / F Moser (GER) 63 62

Tsonga survives Gulbis scare

Top seed and world number seven Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was taken to the limit by Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in a 2 hour-12 minute marathon which saw Tsonga have only one break-point chance, only to lose it in the first set. Tsonga won just one point more than Gulbis and handed the Latvian his sixth defeat by a top 10 player this season. The score was 67(3) 76(4) 76(2) and Tsonga lives to play another day. The Thai crowd also saw the defeat of Marat Safin by Marco Chiudinelli with a score of 63 76(4). Chiudinelli will play Tsonga in the next round.

While in Malaysia, Richard Gasquet is getting back to his impressive form as he beat Joachim Johansson who was in his first ATP tournament back after retiring in early 2008 because of injuries. Johansson has won against Lleyton Hewitt in his previous match.

Montanes and Monfils win titles

At the BCR Romania Open in Bucharest, fifth seeded Albert Montanes had a tough day at the office against third seeded Juan Monaco, but came up with his best to beat the Argentine with a score of 76(2) 76(6) to capture his second title of the season.

Gael Monfils meanwhile snapped a four year title drought by capturing the Open de Moselle title against Philipp Kohlschreiber. The Frenchman squeezed past in the first set to take it in a tiebreak, but then lost the second set only to recoup and win the match with a score of 76(1) 36 62.

Next week it's the Thailand Open, and Rafael Nadal has withdrawn to treat his abdominal injury.

Federer withdraws from Asian events

Roger Federer has decided that he will not play the upcoming Masters event in Shanghai and the Japan Open because he feels he needs to rest his body more. He will be playing the Basel tournament which comes after the Shanghai Masters. He has helped Switzerland in the Davis Cup tie against Italy by winning both his rubbers and getting his country to the World Group next year.

Results for September 24, 2009

BCR Romania Open

Singles - Second Round
[3] J Monaco (ARG) d [Q] P Riba (ESP) 64 62
S Greul (GER) d [6] D Koellerer (AUT) 61 64
[8] P Cuevas (URU) d P Luczak (AUS) 75 64
M Gonzalez (ARG) d O Hernandez (ESP) 75 36 61

Doubles - Quarter-finals
[1] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) d D Koellerer (AUT) / J Levinsky (CZE) 63 64
[2] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) d [Alt] F Gil (POR) / D Munoz-De La Nava 60 63
[3] J Brunstrom (SWE) / J Rojer (AHO) d [WC] M Copil (ROU) / H Tecau (ROU) 64 67(7) 10-8
[4] P Cuevas (URU) / M Granollers (ESP) d A Pavel (ROU) / G Trifu (ROU) 75 60

Open de Moselle

Singles - Second Round
[1] G Monfils (FRA) d [WC] S Grosjean (FRA) 61 61
[4] P Petzschner (GER) d [WC] M Llodra (FRA) 76(3) 63
J Tipsarevic (SRB) d [8] I Ljubicic (CRO) 64 76(3)
R Gasquet (FRA) d C Rochus (BEL) 75 46 62

Doubles - Quarter-finals
R Schuettler (GER) / M Zverev (GER) d P Marx (GER) / B Phau (GER) 62 62
P Kohlschreiber (GER) / P Petzschner (GER) d [2] R Hutchins (GBR) / J Kerr (AUS) 75 67(5) 10-7
C Fleming (GBR) / K Skupski (GBR) d [3] C Kas (GER) / R Wassen (NED) 63 36 11-9

Doubles - First Round
[WC] T Ascione (FRA) / M Gicquel (FRA) d Y Lu (TPE) / J Tipsarevic (SRB) 76(3) 26 10-7

Results for September 23, 2009

BCR Open Romania

Singles - Second Round
F Fognini (ITA) d [2] N Almagro (ESP) 64 76(3)
[5] A Montanes (ESP) d M Granollers (ESP) 61 63
R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) d [WC] M Copil (ROU) 63 67(3) 64
[Q] S Ventura (ESP) d A Martin (ESP) 45 ret. (left leg)

Singles - First Round
[8] P Cuevas (URU) d [WC] A Pavel (ROU) 63 76(2)
S Greul (GER) d S Darcis (BEL) 75 63

Doubles - First Round
[1] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) d [WC] A Cruciat (ROU) / P Luncanu (ROU) 76(2) 63
[4] P Cuevas (URU) / M Granollers (ESP) d L Friedl (CZE) / D Vemic (SRB) 60 76(8)
[Alt] F Gil (POR) / D Munoz-De la Nava (ESP) d M Kohlmann (GER) / A Peya (AUT) 63 62
[WC] M Copil (ROU) / H Tecau (ROU) d O Hernandez (ESP) / A Montanes (ESP) 61 62
A Pavel (ROU) / G Trifu (ROU) d R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) / S Ventura (ESP) 76(1) 62

Open de Moselle

Singles - Second Round
[2] P Kohlschreiber (GER) d B Phau (GER) 46 63 62
[3] P Mathieu (FRA) d M Gicquel (FRA) 76(5) 64
[7] A Beck (GER) d [Q] T Ascione (FRA) 62 64
E Korolev (RUS) d D Istomin (UZB) 36 75 76(2)

Singles - First Round
[WC] M Llodra (FRA) d M Zverev (GER) 46 63 63
[WC] S Grosjean (FRA) d J Nieminen (FIN) 76(1) 75

Doubles - First Round
[1] A Clement (FRA) / M Llodra (FRA) d R Bopanna (IND) / J Nieminen (FIN) w/o (Nieminen - illness)
[3] C Kas (GER) / R Wassen (NED) d Y Allegro (SUI) / D Martin (USA) 63 67(4) 10-5
C Fleming (GBR) / K Skupski (GBR) d F Moser (GER) / C Rochus (BEL) 76(2) 61
A Beck (GER) / M Berrer (GER) vs P Kohlschreiber (GER) / P Petzschner (GER)

Spain and Czech Republic into Davis Cup 2009 final

Both Spain and Czech Republic got to the final of this year's Davis Cup after both winning 3-0, Spain winning against Israel and Czech Republic to Croatia. Spain reached their fifth final in 10 years and will host Czech Republic in December.

Good luck to both nations in the final!

Del Potro returns home as a hero

Juan Martin del Potro came back to his hometown of Tandil, Argentina a couple of days ago and was greeted as a national hero. He paraded the streets on top of a fire engine and was watched by about 40,000 people. He visited his local tennis club in Tandil and then received the keys to the town. After winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open against Roger Federer, Del Potro was invited to the Today Show and Live with Regis and Kelly the next morning. He is the third Argentine in history to win the US Open crown after Guillermo Vilas and Gabriela Sabatini. The victory also secured his place at the year-ending Tour finals in London.

"I owe this to Tandil," he said from the balcony of the municipal palace.

"I don't want to cry but thank all of you - the ones that were cold waiting on the streets, the ones that ran along the route just to greet me."

Del Potro dethrones King of New York

Juan Martin del Potro has achieved a marvelous feat today as he became the second Argentine to win the US Open crown. The Argentine lost the first set 63 to the 5 time defending champ Roger Federer but then went on a roll to make it a five set battle and win with a score of 36 76(5) 46 76(4) 62. Federer surprisingly struggled with his serve, unleashing a total of 11 double faults but Del Potro kept on wowing with his killer forehand and serve, to win his first Grand Slam title. He has dethroned Federer after the Swiss player held a 41 match winning streak and counted 2,200 days since his last US Open loss.

Del Potro is now the fifth youngest US Open winner in the Open Era, and the tallest Grand Slam winner at 6'6"(198 cm).

Juan Martin is just 20 years old!

That is some achievement, and a great way to get the victory!

Federer will take on Del Potro in final

Roger Federer has reached his sixth final in a row at the US Open today as he outmatched Novak Djokovic with a score of 76(3) 75 75. The Swiss Maestro made an incredible shot just a point away from match point that had the crowd standing in applause before he hit a forehand winner to secure his place in the finals. He will face Juan Martin del Potro who absolutely brushed aside Rafael Nadal for his first berth at a Grand Slam, with a score of 62 62 62.

Good luck to both in the final tomorrow!

Another halted day of play

The men's singles schedule was once again pushed back a day, but Rafael Nadal got to finish his match against Fernando Gonzalez with a score of 76(4) 76(2) 60.

Nadal vs Del Potro will take place first on Arthur Ashe Stadium tomorrow, while Federer vs Djokovic will take place afterwards.

Lets keep our fingers crossed that it won't rain tomorrow!

Rainy day in New York: Update

The US Open organizers are sorry to report that today's schedule of play has been cancelled because of more rain coming in. The matches are scheduled to resume tomorrow with Nadal and Gonzalez still having to finish their quarterfinal match. However, Saturday's weather forecast for New York is not looking so good as more rain is expected.

Stay tuned for more news!

Rainy day in New York

After Juan Martin del Potro won his match against Marin Cilic with a score of 46 63 62 61 yesterday and Rafael Nadal led Fernando Gonzalez 76 66 in the night session after having a rain delay. But the second rain delay of the match could not get them to come out again later, so they are now scheduled to play today. New York though has stormy weather at the moment and no matches have started yet, so it is a question of when the tournament will be able to finish.

Stay tuned for updates on the weather in NY!

Federer and Djokovic make first semi

Novak Djokovic played Fernando Verdasco today, and the match was full of ups and downs. The first set Djokovic took in a closely fought tiebreak, but in the second set Verdasco zoomed to take it 61. The third set saw Djokovic just climb ahead of Verdasco, and the fifth set saw Verdasco taking a medical time out at least twice for his abdominal muscle and not playing so well either because of the slight injury. Djokovic then capitalised to take the match with a score of 76(2) 16 75 62 and make it to the semis for the third straight year at the US Open.

Roger Federer was on for the night session against his opponent in the French Open final, Robin Soderling. Federer took the first two sets with no problems, Soderling got him to fight for his victory when he won the fourth set on a tiebreaker after Federer led 4-0 in the tiebreak. The fourth set was another tiebreak, but this time Federer didn't let Soderling get to the fifth set and secured another semifinal appearance with a score of 60 63 67(6) 76(6).

Results for September 8, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round
[16] M Cilic (CRO) d [2] A Murray (GBR) 75 62 62
[3] R Nadal (ESP) d [13] G Monfils (FRA) 67(3) 63 61 63
[6] J del Potro (ARG) d [24] J Ferrero (ESP) 63 63 63
[11] F Gonzalez (CHI) d [7] J Tsonga (FRA) 36 63 76(3) 64

Doubles - Quarter-finals
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d C Ball (AUS) / C Guccione (AUS) 64 76(2)
[5] M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) d [2] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) 67(4) 64 60
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d I Ljubicic (CRO) / M Llodra (FRA) 64 46 76(4)
[4] L Dlouhy (CZE) / L Paes (IND) d [7] W Moodie (RSA) / D Norman (BEL) 63 57 64

Results for September 7, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round
[1] R Federer (SUI) d [14] T Robredo (ESP) 75 62 62
[12] R Soderling (SWE) d [8] N Davydenko (RUS) 75 36 62 ret. (left thigh)
[10] F Verdasco (ESP) d J Isner (USA) 46 64 64 64
[4] N Djokovic (SRB) d [15] R Stepanek (CZE) 61 63 63

Doubles - Third Round
[2] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d R Kendrick (USA) / J Tipsarevic (SRB) 62 57 64
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d Y Lu (TPE) / D Sela (ISR) 64 64
[4] L Dlouhy (CZE) / L Paes (IND) d J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) 75 64
C Ball (AUS) / C Guccione (AUS) d L Friedl (CZE) / J Levinsky (CZE) 62 61

Federer dismisses Robredo

Roger Federer was in top form once again as he beaten Tommy Robredo in straight sets. The first set was a bit of a warm-up for Federer but the next two were all business as Roger got to the quarterfinals with a score of 75 62 62. Federer stays unbeaten at the US Open. Novak Djokovic also had the same luck against Radek Stepanek. Novak was sharp and focused from the start and didn't give Stepanek any chances to pressure him as he beat him with a score of 61 63 63.

Other winners include Robin Soderling who won after Nikolay Davydenko had to retire from a left thigh injury, and Fernando Verdasco who beat the last American in the draw John Isner.

Results for September 6, 2009

Singles - Third Round
[2] A Murray (GBR) d [WC] T Dent (USA) 63 62 62
[3] R Nadal (ESP) d [32] N Almagro (ESP) 75 64 64
[6] J del Potro (ARG) d D Koellerer (AUT) 61 36 63 63
[7] J Tsonga (FRA) d J Benneteau (FRA) 76(4) 62 64
[24] J Ferrero (ESP) d [9] G Simon (FRA) 16 64 76(5) 10 ret.
[11] F Gonzalez (CHI) d [17] T Berdych (CZE) 75 64 64
[13] G Monfils (FRA) d J Acasuso (ARG) 63 64 10 ret.
[16] M Cilic (CRO) d D Istomin (UZB) 61 64 63

Doubles - Third Round
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) / O Rochus (BEL) 75 63
[5] M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) d S Bolelli (ITA) / A Seppi (ITA) 76(5) 67(8) 62
[7] W Moodie (RSA) / D Norman (BEL) d [11] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) 67(4) 76(2) 76(5)
I Ljubicic (CRO) / M Llodra (FRA) d J Chela (ARG) / P Cuevas (URU) 75 26 63

Murray and Nadal Labour their way to quarters

Andy Murray showed a classy performance against American Taylor Dent tonight as he won in straight sets. Dent has a mostly serve and volley game and Murray didn't expect him to be so into it, so he sometimes got down on himself but found ways to get around it and claim the quarterfinal spot with a score of 63 62 62.

Rafael Nadal didn't have a lot of trouble against Nicolas Almagro either as he also beat him in straight sets. Nadal received some treatment to his abdominal muscle and Almagro received treatment to his back and the crowd were abit worried about the players' performance. Though both players exchanged breaks of serve quite a lot of times in the match, Nadal was the one who picked up his game in the important moments to win the match with a score of 75 64 64.

Gilles Simon retired from his match against former US Open finalist Juan Carlos Ferrero and Juan Martin del Potro also got his ticket to the quarters.

It was a great Labour's Day weekend and looking forward to Labour Day action tomorrow!

Results for September 5, 2009

Singles - Third Round
[1] R Federer (SUI) d [31] L Hewitt (AUS) 46 63 75 64
[4] N Djokovic (SRB) d [Q] J Witten (USA) 67(2) 63 76(2) 64
[8] N Davydenko (RUS) d [Q] M Chiudinelli (SUI) 64 75 75
[10] F Verdasco (ESP) d [20] T Haas (GER) 36 75 76(8) 16 64
[12] R Soderling (SWE) d [22] S Querrey (USA) 62 75 67(8) 61
[15] R Stepanek (CZE) d [23] P Kohlschreiber (GER) 46 62 63 63
J Isner (USA) d [5] A Roddick (USA) 76(3) 63 36 57 76(5)
[21] J Blake (USA) vs [14] T Robredo (ESP)

Doubles - Second Round
[2] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d J Nieminen (FIN) / A Qureshi (PAK) 76(5) 63
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d J Levine (USA) / R Sweeting (USA) 75 62
[4] L Dlouhy (CZE) / L Paes (IND) d N Almagro (ESP) / R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) 62 63
J Chela (ARG) / P Cuevas (URU) d [8] B Soares (BRA) / K Ullyett (ZIM) 16 63 63
S Bolelli (ITA) / A Seppi (ITA) d [10] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) 76(3) 67(5) 62
J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d [16] M Melo (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) 57 64 64
L Friedl (CZE) / J Levinsky (CZE) d M Kohlmann (GER) / R Wassen (NED) 76(3) 46 61
C Ball (AUS) / C Guccione (AUS) d R Harrison (USA) / K Van't Hof (USA) 67(5) 75 62

Federer survives Hewitt scare; Isner knocks out Roddick

Roger Federer had a little bit of trouble playing against former world number one and Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt as he lost the first set 64. The next three sets Federer made a few changes to his game plan and eventually won it in four although he was far from his best today. The score was 46 63 75 64 and Federer will head to the fourth round where he will play either James Blake or Tommy Robredo.

Andy Roddick experienced one of his worst defeats at the US Open today as he was defeated by another American John Isner. The match was a five setter and Isner took his opportunity in the last set tiebreak when he won it 7-5. It was one of Isner's best wins to date and he will play Fernando Verdasco who beat Tommy Haas in a five setter as well.

Other winners today were Novak Djokovic who beat American breakthrough 26 year-old Jesse Witten in four sets, Nikolay Davydenko and Robin Soderling.

Results for September 4, 2009

Singles - Second Round
[2] A Murray (GBR) d P Capdeville (CHI) 62 36 60 62
[3] R Nadal (ESP) d N Kiefer (GER) 60 36 63 64
[6] J Del Potro (ARG) d J Melzer (AUT) 76(8) 63 63
[7] J Tsonga (FRA) d J Nieminen (FIN) 75 63 64
[9] G Simon (FRA) d T Bellucci (BRA) 63 62 64
[11] F Gonzalez (CHI) d J Ouanna (FRA) 64 67(5) 63 64
[13] G Monfils (FRA) d A Beck (GER) 63 75 63
[16] M Cilic (CRO) d J Levine (USA) 46 26 60 63 60
[17] T Berdych (CZE) d H Zeballos (ARG) 63 67(3) 76(2) 62
J Acasuso (ARG) d [18] D Ferrer (ESP) 63 36 16 63 62
[24] J Ferrero (ESP) d P Petzschner (GER) 16 36 64 62 64
J Benneteau (FRA) d [30] V Troicki (SRB) 61 36 61 60
[32] N Almagro (ESP) d R Ginepri (USA) 67(9) 62 63 46 64
T Dent (USA) d I Navarro (ESP) 64 57 67(1) 75 76(9)
D Istomin (UZB) d N Lapentti (ECU) 26 64 46 75 76(4)
D Koellerer (AUT) d P Cuevas (URU) 36 62 61 64

Doubles - Second Round
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d A Pavel (ROU) / H Tecau (ROU) 76(2) 63
[5] M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) d D Vemic (SRB) / M Zverev (GER) 75 36 61
[7] W Moodie (RSA) / D Norman (BEL) d M Gicquel (FRA) / F Santoro (FRA) 76(5) 76(4)
[11] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d M Gonzalez (ARG) / J Monaco (ARG) 62 64
I Ljubicic (CRO) / M Llodra (FRA) d J Isner (USA) / S Querrey (USA) 36 76(12) 62
Y Lu (TPE) / D Sela (ISR) d M Granollers (ESP) / T Robredo (ESP) W/O
R Kendrick (USA) / J Tipsarevic (SRB) d R de Voest (RSA) / R Ram (USA) 62 46 75
G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) / O Rochus (BEL) d O Hernandez (ESP) / A Montanes (ESP) 63 63

Doubles - First Round
C Ball (AUS) / C Guccione (AUS) d T Bellucci (BRA) / M Daniel (BRA) 63 64

Results for September 3, 2009

Singles - Second Round
[4] N Djokovic (SRB) d C Ball (AUS) 63 64 64
[5] A Roddick (USA) d M Gicquel (FRA) 61 64 64
[8] N Davydenko (RUS) d J Hernych (CZE) 64 61 62
[10] F Verdasco (ESP) d F Serra (FRA) 63 60 63
[12] R Soderling (SWE) d M Granollers (ESP) 20 ret.
[14] T Robredo (ESP) d G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 62 46 62 64
[15] R Stepanek (CZE) d L Mayer (ARG) 76(5) 63 64
[20] T Haas (GER) d R Kendrick (USA) 64 64 76(3)
[21] J Blake (USA) d O Rochus (BEL) 64 36 76(6) 63
[22] S Querrey (USA) d K Kim (USA) 75 67(6) 64 64
[23] P Kohlschreiber (GER) d S Devvarman (IND) 63 64 06 62
J Witten (USA) d M Gonzalez (ARG) 67(3) 64 75 62
M Chiudinelli (SUI) d M Youzhny (RUS) 26 76(4) 64 63
J Isner (USA) d M Ilhan (TUR) 63 64 76(1)


Doubles - First Round
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d J Acasuso (ARG) / M Vassallo Arguello (ARG) 63 64
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d J Cerretani (USA) / L Zovko (CRO) 63 64
[7] W Moodie (RSA) / D Norman (BEL) d J Benneteau (FRA) / J Chardy (FRA) 64 67(4) 64
L Friedl (CZE) / J Levinsky (CZE) d [9] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) 36 64 63
I Ljubicic (CRO) / M Llodra (FRA) d [12] S Aspelin (SWE) / Paul Hanley (AUS) 46 63 64
Y Lu (TPE) / D Sela (ISR) d [13] T Parrott (USA) / F Polasek (SVK) 36 76(2) 62
[16] M Melo (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) d D Koellerer (AUT) / C Rochus (BEL) 26 63 63
J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d F Fognini (ITA) / P Starace (ITA) 63 64
J Nieminen (FIN) / A Qureshi (PAK) d A Golubev (KAZ) / D Istomin (UZB) 46 76(11) 64
N Almagro (ESP) / R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) d T Gabashvili (RUS) / D Tursunov (RUS) 61 76(7)
M Gonzalez (ARG) / J Monaco (ARG) d D Nguyen (USA) / J Sundling (USA) 36 62 61

Results for September 2, 2009

Singles - Second Round
[1] R Federer (SUI) d S Greul (GER) 63 75 75
[31] L Hewitt (AUS) d J Chela (ARG) 63 63 64

Singles - First Round
[3] R Nadal (ESP) d R Gasquet (FRA) 62 62 63
[6] J Del Potro (ARG) d J Monaco (ARG) 63 63 61
[9] G Simon (FRA) d D Gimeno-Traver (ESP) 64 76(3) 63
[13] G Monfils (FRA) d J Chardy (FRA) 61 64 63
[18] D Ferrer (ESP) d A Martin (ESP) 75 57 63 63
[24] J Ferrero (ESP) d F Santoro (FRA) 64 63 63
[32] N Almagro (ESP) d S Darcis (BEL) 62 64 26 76(8)
J Melzer (AUT) d M Safin (RUS) 16 64 63 64
A Beck (GER) d E Korolev (RUS) 63 64 26 26 64
N Kiefer (GER) d M Llodra (FRA) 63 64 64
P Cuevas (URU) d C Guccione (AUS) 64 76(4) 60
T Bellucci (BRA) d Y Lu (TPE) 64 62 63
J Acasuso (ARG) d M Daniel (BRA) 62 64 63
D Koellerer (AUT) d [LL] R Machado (POR) 62 64 26 62
R Ginepri (USA) d A Pavel (ROU) 57 62 64 60
P Petzschner (GER) d S Stakhovsky (UKR) 76(3) 67(6) 64 46 63

Doubles - First Round
[5] M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) d E Butorac (USA) / S Lipsky (USA) 63 61
R Harrison (USA) / K Van't Hof (USA) d [6] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) 63 67(10) 75
[8] B Soares (BRA) / K Ullyett (ZIM) d J Coetzee (RSA) / J Erlich (ISR) 36 63 64
[10] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) d F Moser (GER) / F Serra (FRA) 64 61
[11] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d S Prieto (ARG) / S Roitman (ARG) 75 62
R De Voest (RSA) / R Ram (USA) d [14] A Fisher (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) 76(4) 64
R Kendrick (USA) / J Tipsarevic (SRB) d B Becker (GER) / I Kunitsyn (RUS) 63 64
J Isner (USA) / S Querrey (USA) d W Odesnik (USA) / M Shabaz (USA) 63 64
D Vemic (SRB) / M Zverev (GER) d B Evans (USA) / A Kuznetsov (USA) 76(6) 75
M Kohlmann (GER) / R Wassen (NED) d D Martin (USA) / D Young (USA) 76(3) 46 64
J Levine (USA) / R Sweeting (USA) d J Brunstrom (SWE) / J Rojer (AHO) 64 75

Federer and Nadal shine on Day 3; Safin and Santoro leave Grand Slam spotlight

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both showed great movement and shots to beat their opponents today, and now Federer will head to the third round while Nadal will head to the second.

Federer played against Germany's Simon Greul and though he won in straight sets, Greul pressured him in the second set as he had two set point chances but couldn't convert. In the third set Greul was up 4-1 but couldn't get a grip on himself as he let the lead slip and Federer take the match with a score of 63 75 75. Nadal played against Richard Gasquet, this being Gasquet's first Grand Slam after his suspension was finished. Nadal won the match in three easy sets, 62 62 63. Another seeded winner was sixth seeded Juan Martin del Potro, who ousted Juan Monaco, 63 63 61.

Also, Marat Safin played and lost his last match at the U.S Open against Jurgen Melzer, and the score was 16 64 63 64. This was Safin's last appearance in a Grand Slam since he is retiring at the end of the season. Fabrice Santoro also played and lost his last match in a Slam since he also is retiring at the end of the season.

Stay tuned for more news on the last Grand Slam of the year!

Djokovic and Murray enjoy wins on Day 2

Novak Djokovic fired himself up with a precise performance against former top 3 player Ivan Ljubicic. Djokovic took charge from the start and showed no mercy towards Ljubicic when he won with a comfortable straight sets win. The score was 63 61 63 and he will continue his campaign against Carsten Ball on Thursday.

Andy Murray also had a confident win over Ernests Gulbis after the Latvian pressured him in the first and third sets. The pair's last meeting was at Wimbledon this year and Gulbis showed no passion whatsoever, so this match was a slight improvement from him since he had such a slump this year. Murray goes on now to the second round which he will also play on Friday against Paul Capdeville of Chile. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Sam Querrey also had successful first round wins.

(This is yesterday's wrap of events.)

Federer and Roddick headline Day 1 winners

Roger Federer started his US Open 2009 campaign for his sixth straight title with a three set win over American wildcard Devin Britton. The American posed no threat to the number one as Federer wrapped up a win with a score of 61 63 75. He will meet Germany's Simon Greul in the second round.

Andy Roddick had a late night yesterday as he started his match at 11 pm local time and finished shortly before 1 am. Roddick stayed sharp throughout his match and didn't let Germany's Bjorn Phau have any chances to pressure him. He won with a score of 61 64 62.

Other winners of the day include James Blake, Nikolay Davydenko, Tommy Haas and Robin Soderling.

US Open 2009 starts tomorrow!

Get ready for the action as the world's best players take to the courts at Flushing Meadows in New York!

On day one of play some household names such as Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick, Serena and Venus Williams among others. For the first day of play it will be shown on The Tennis Channel and on ESPN2 in the USA, but not sure about other countries.

The event will be covered for the whole 2 weeks, so stay tuned to this blog for all the latest news!

Verdasco captures first hard-court title

Fernando Verdasco cooled down Sam Querrey's fire as he won his first career hard-court title yesterday night. The Spaniard won in straight sets although he served up 11 double faults, and is going into this year's US Open with confidence. The score was 64 76(6) and Verdasco came out to play the final just a little after four hours after winning in two tiebreaks against Igor Andreev. He is seeded 10th at this year's US Open, while Querrey is seeded 22nd at the Open.

Great run for Verdasco after winning first title of this year, and good luck at the US Open!

Rain delay in New Haven

Today's play has been halted by rain and will start tomorrow with both semifinals on schedule.

Results for August 27, 2009

Singles - Quarter-finals
[2] [WC] F Verdasco (ESP) d [11] J Melzer (AUT) 63 61
[6] S Querrey (USA) d [1] N Davydenko (RUS) 63 36 64
[7] I Andreev (RUS) d L Mayer (ARG) 64 67(4) 63
J Acasuso (ARG) d F Serra (FRA) 75 64

Doubles - Quarter-finals
M Melo (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) d [3] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) 63 64
[4] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) 62 36 10-6

Doubles - First Round
P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) d [WC] D Martin (USA) / R Ram (USA) 62 63

Davydenko shocked by Querrey

Top seeded Nikolay Davydenko let himself down today after he had 2 break point chances to lead 5-4 on serve in the last set against America's second best player Sam Querrey. Sam Querrey took a dramatic turn to win his serve in that game and also then broke the Russian in a love-game to get himself to the semis of the event in New Haven. The score was 63 36 64 and Sam Querrey is looking to win the Olympus US Open Series and have a chance to play for an extra $1 million at NYC next week. He will play Jose Acasuso in the semis, while the other semi will have Fernando Verdasco and Igor Andreev battle it out for a spot in the final.

Results for August 26, 2009

Singles - Third Round
[1] N Davydenko (RUS) d [15] F Santoro (FRA) 75 63
[2] [WC] F Verdasco (ESP) d [16] A Seppi (ITA) 76(3) 62
[6] S Querrey (USA) d B Phau (GER) 75 63
[7] I Andreev (RUS) d [Q] F Gil (POR) 64 64
[11] J Melzer (AUT) d [8] V Hanescu (ROU) 76(5) 46 61
J Acasuso (ARG) d [14] I Kunitsyn (RUS) 36 76(3) 63
L Mayer (ARG) d S Bolelli (ITA) 62 64
F Serra (FRA) d [WC] R Ram (USA) 46 76(6) 75

Doubles - Quarter-finals
J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d C Kas (GER) / P Petzschner (GER) 76(2) 46 10-8
[2] B Soares (BRA) / K Ullyett (ZIM) d J Chardy (FRA) / F Santoro (FRA) 61 76(3)

Doubles - First Round
[3] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) d W Moodie (RSA) / H Tecau (ROU) 76(4) 46 10-7
[4] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d [WC] R Kendrick (USA) / S Lipsky (USA) 75 64
M Melo (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) d S Huss (AUS) / R Hutchins (GBR) 75 63
P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) vs [WC] D Martin (USA) / R Ram (USA)

Results for August 24, 2009

Pilot Pen Tennis New Haven, U.S.A. ATP World Tour 250 Singles - Second Round [6] S Querrey (USA) d M Gicquel (FRA) 64 67(3) 62 Singles - First Round S Bolelli (ITA) d C Rochus (BEL) 63 64 P Starace (ITA) d M Zverev (GER) 63 26 63 [Q] P Cuevas (URU) d A Golubev (KAZ) 63 64 K Kim (USA) d T Gabashvili (RUS) 64 57 63 B Phau (GER) d B Becker (GER) 26 62 63 R Kendrick (USA) d [Q] F Nielsen (DEN) 63 75 [Q] F Gil (POR) d [WC] M Baghdatis (CYP) 64 63 Y Lu (TPE) d G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 62 62 J Acasuso (ARG) d M Gonzalez (ARG) 61 67(7) 62 [WC] R Ram (USA) d [Q] N Lapentti (ECU) 75 16 76(3) Doubles - First Round C Kas (GER) / P Petzschner (GER) d [1] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) 75 63 J Chardy (FRA) / F Santoro (FRA) d T Parrott (USA) / F Polasek (SVK) 64 36 10-7

Federer seals 16th Masters title

Roger Federer played against another rival Novak Djokovic today and Djokovic didn't pose any threat to him as he trampled him in straight sets. The first set was a one sided affair as Federer showed tremendous poise and skill to execute the chance and take the first set 61. The second set saw Djokovic change shirts from red to white and then started to put Federer under pressure by having a lead of 3-0, but Federer's mental composure was top-notch as he rallied to take the match and his 16th Masters shield with a score of 61 75. He is second on the list of players who won the most Masters titles only second to Andre Agassi, who has 17 of them.

Federer also felt it special to win his first tile since becoming a father and will next head to the US Open which will begin on August 31.

Federer in first final since Wimby; Djokovic outclasses Nadal

Roger Federer packed up all the good stuff today and showed superb tennis to beat rival Andy Murray in straight sets. Federer showed effortless winners throughout the first set to take it 62, but then showed a bit of tightness with Murray picking up momentum. In the end it was Federer who was the more consistent and could hold his nerve better of the two and booked his place in the final with a score of 62 76(8). His opponent in the final will be Novak Djokovic, who gave Rafael Nadal a wake-up call and beat him with an easy score of 61 64. Rafa didn't look comfortable from the start and Djokovic kept on attacking and attacking to make this year's Cincy final.

Federer and Djokovic have a head-to head record of 7-4 in Federer's favor.

Good luck to both of the champions!

May the best player win!

Results for August 20, 2009

Singles - Third Round
[1] R Federer (SUI) d D Ferrer (ESP) 36 63 64
[2] R Nadal (ESP) d P Mathieu (FRA) 75 62
[3] A Murray (GBR) d [16] R Stepanek (CZE) 64 61
[4] N Djokovic (SRB) d J Chardy (FRA) 75 63
[9] G Simon (FRA) d [8] N Davydenko (RUS) 67(6) 64 64
L Hewitt (AUS) d S Querrey (USA) 61 26 63
[LL] J Benneteau (FRA) d G Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 46 64 76(4)
T Berdych (CZE) d [Q] C Guccione (AUS) 64 63

Doubles - Second Round
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) 64 62
D Ferrer (ESP) / T Robredo (ESP) d [3] L Dlouhy (CZE) / L Paes (IND) 62 64
[6] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) d J Chardy (FRA) / G Simon (FRA) 62 64
[8] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) d [WC] J Isner (USA) / S Querrey (USA) 46 62 10-8

Top four make Cincy quarters

Roger Federer made it to the quarters today by dispatching David Ferrer in three sets. Ferrer gave Federer a scare in the first set by winning it 63. But Federer stepped up his game in the next two sets to take the victory with a score of 36 63 64. Rafael Nadal also got the spot by beating Paul-Henri Mathieu after being down 1-4 in the first set. Fighting hard helped in this case and rescued his campaign when he won with a score of 75 62. Both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic got their share of the deal by booking their place in the quarterfinals with two set wins as well.

Other winners include Gilles Simon and Lleyton Hewitt, who took out Andy Roddick's conqueror Sam Querrey.