Results for January 30, 2009

Men's singles

Semi-finals

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Fernando Verdasco (ESP x14) 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (1/7), 6-4

Nadal ends Verdasco run

Rafael Nadal fought to the end of his semifinal match against fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, and finally sealed a victory with a score of 67(4) 64 76(2) 67(1) 64.

Verdasco power looked capable of causing an upset as he fired a total of 95 winners, but Nadal mentally wore him down to take the match and get to his first Australian Open final.

He will face his long-time rival, Roger Federer in Sunday's final.

Results for January 29, 2009

Men's singles

Semifinals

Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Andy Roddick (USA x7) 6-2, 7-5, 7-5

Federer aims for 14th Grand Slam crown

Roger Federer continues to show his superb form with a straight sets win over Andy Roddick. Federer hit 11 forehand winners in the opening set and broke Roddick twice to take the first set 62. Roddick then found his serve to put Federer under pressure, but Federer managed to brake in the 11th game of the second and third set to close out the match. The score was 62 75 75. 

Federer will take on either Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco in Sunday's final. Federer has a 6-12 head to head over Nadal, and a 2-0 head to head over Verdasco.

Connors to work for Tennis Channel

Former number one Jimmy Connors is to return to the TV broadcast booth at this year's U.S. Open. He will be broadcasting coverage for the Tennis Channel.

Connors hasn't been a TV announcer for a U.S. network since 1991, when he was calling matches for NBC. The eight-time Grand Slam winner though is most closely associated with the U.S. Open, and footage from his amazing run to the 1991 semifinals at the U.S. Open at the age of 39 is often the time-filler of choice when there are rain delays at Flushing Meadows.

The Tennis Channel will also air part of all the Grand Slam's this year for the first time.

Results for January 28, 2009

Men's singles

Quarter-finals

Fernando Verdasco (ESP x14) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x5) 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Gilles Simon (FRA x6) 6-2, 7-5, 7-5

Nadal and Verdasco set up semifinal

Rafael Nadal had a much tougher time closing out Gilles Simon in the quarterfinals, but still managed to do it in straight sets. Nadal was far from his best but did just enough, with the score being 62 75 75.

The top seed will now face surprise winner Fernando Verdasco. Verdasco had a great run to the semis by beating Andy Murray in the fourth round and now, by beating fifth seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga with a score of 76(2) 36 63 62.

Tonight Federer and Roddick will take to the court for a place in the final!

Aussie Open upgrade includes third covered venue

The Australian Open will be upgraded and expanded with a third covered arena, improved player facilities and a large outdoor gathering area under a $3.3 million proposal unveiled on Monday.

Melbourne Park's contract to host the Australian Open expires in 2016, so the Victoria state Premier John Brumby said "If we want to secure this venue and this Australian Open post-2016, we do need to make further investments."

The plans includes a large piazza-style "Town Hall" that will be covered from the hot summer sun, a retractable roof for Margaret Court Arena, improved player facilities and more practice courts.

Good luck in the future, Aussie Open!

Results for January 27, 2009

Men's singles

Quarter-finals

Andy Roddick (USA x7) bt Novak Djokovic (SRB x3) 6-7 (7/3), 6-4, 6-2, 2-1 retired

Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Juan Martin del Potro (ARG x8) 6-3, 6-0, 6-0

Superb Federer overpowers Del Potro; defending champ goes home

Roger Federer showed his fire power on court as he absolutely humiliated world number six Juan Martin del Potro. The second seed needed just 1 hour and 20 minutes to clinch victory and a place in the semifinal. The score was 63 60 60, which was very surprising.

Federer's next opponent will be Andy Roddick, who beat defending champion Novak Djokovic, with Djokovic retiring because of a cramp and the effect of the heat. Djokovic called the trainer at the end of the third set to ice him down but was still showing signs of weakness at the start of the fourth set, then calling it quits at 2-1 in the fourth with Roddick on serve. The ending score of the match was 67(3) 64 62 21.

Results for January 26, 2009

Rd 4

5-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt 9-James Blake (USA) 6-4 6-4 7-6(3).

14-Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt 4-Andy Murray (GBR) 2-6 6-1 1-6 6-3 6-4.

1-Rafael Nadal (ESP) bt 13-Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) 6-3 6-2 6-4.

6-Gilles Simon (FRA) bt 12-Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-4 2-6 6-1 0-0 ret.

Murray ousted; Nadal in it to win it

Australian Open favourite Andy Murray saw his chance of winning his first Grand Slam end in the hands of Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. Verdasco showed power and aggressive play that Murray just couldn't handle, and won the match in five sets with the score being 26 61 16 63 64. Fernando Verdasco will next play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarters of the event.

Rafael Nadal showed his superb form once again, this time against Fernando Gonzalez of Chile. Nadal had total control over the match and took it in straight sets with the score being 63 62 64. Nadal has not yet lost a set at this year's Aussie Open, and it looks like he might go all the way (but we'll see). Nadal's next opponent will be Gilles Simon, who couldn't finish his match because Gael Monfils retired with a wrist injury.

Tomorrow's coverage includes Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, so stay tuned! 

Results for January 25, 2009

Men's singles

4th round

Juan Martin del Potro (ARG x8) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x19) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2

Andy Roddick (USA x7) bt Tommy Robredo (ESP x21) 7-5, 6-1, 6-3

Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x20) 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-4 6-2

Novak Djokovic (SRB x3) bt Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 6-1, 7-6 (7/1), 6-7 (5/7), 6-2.

Federer relieved after mental battle

Roger Federer faced Tomas Berdych on Day 7 of play and received a scare of being two sets down, but then mentally picked it up with Berdych's forehand wearing down. Federer is now through to the quarterfinals with the score being a close 46 67(4) 64 64 62. What a relief!

Novak Djokovic on the other hand also had a close fourth round match but in four sets. Marcos Baghdatis pushed him hard in the second and third sets with Baghdatis taking the third in a tiebreak. The match was finished at 2:30 am local time with Djokovic taking the victory with the score being 61 76(1) 67(5) 62.

Other winners include Andy Roddick who took out Tommy Robredo in straight sets, and Juan Martin del Potro who sealed a win against Marin Cilic.

Results for January 24, 2009

Men's singles

3rd round

Gael Monfils (FRA x12) bt Nicolas Almagro (ESP x17) 6-4, 6-3, 7-5

Gilles Simon (FRA x6) bt Mario Ancic (CRO) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (ESP x14) bt Radek Stepanek (CZE x22) 6-4, 6-0, 6-0

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x5) bt Dudi Sela (ISR) 6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1

James Blake (USA x9) bt Igor Andreev (RUS x18) 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1

Andy Murray (GBR x4) bt Jurgen Melzer (AUT x31) 7-5, 6-0, 6-3

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Tommy Haas (GER) 6-4, 6-2, 6-2

Fernando Gonzalez (CHI x13) bt Richard Gasquet (FRA x24) bt 3-6, 3-6, 7-6 (12/10), 6-2, 12-10

Nadal and Murray continue run; Gonzalez survives

Rafael Nadal continued to impress with another superb win, this time over Germany's Tommy Haas. The Spaniard is yet to drop a set, but beat Haas with a 64 62 62 to advance to the fourth round. Nada will now go face to face with Chile's Fernando Gonzalez who made it through a five set thriller over France's Richard Gasquet with an extremely close score of 36 36 76(10) 62 1210.

Andy Murray showed an impressive performance by taking out Jurgen Melzer of Austria in straight sets. The first set was a close one but Murray got his game together in the other two to take the match 75 60 63. Other winners include the French trio of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon.

Tune in for more!

Results for January 23, 2009

Men's singles

3rd round

Marin Cilic (CRO x19) bt David Ferrer (ESP x11) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-4

Juan Martin del Potro (ARG x8) bt Gilles Muller (LUX) 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-3, 7-5

Novak Djokovic (SRB x3) bt Amer Delic (USA) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4)

Tommy Robredo (ESP x21) bt Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE) 6-1, 6-3, 6-2

Andy Roddick (USA x7) bt Fabrice Santoro (FRA) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2

Tomas Berdych (CZE x20) bt Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x15) 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4

Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Marat Safin (RUS x26) 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5)

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) bt Mardy Fish (USA x23) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4

Federer and Djokovic triumph; Ferrer knocked out

It is the 5th day at the Aussie Open and Federer continues to shine as he walked away with victory in an entertaining match over former champion Marat Safin. The three-time champion Federer shut Safin out in straight sets of 63 62 76(5). Federer will next face Czech Tomas Berdych in the fourth round of the event.

Defending champ Novak Djokovic was tested by American Amer Delic but still overcame the scare with a 62 46 63 76(4) win. Both Djokovic and Delic informed their fans to behave during the match, and they did but after the match fighting erupted between the two groups with 2 men being arrested and another 30 eventually being thrown out after rival fans began throwing chairs and punches at each other. One women was knocked out by a chair.

David Ferrer did not follow the same fate though as he was beaten by 19th seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia in straight sets with a score of 76(5) 63 64. Other winners include Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick.

Results for January 22, 2009

Men's singles

2nd round

Gilles Simon (FRA x6) bt Chris Guccione (AUS) 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-1, 6-2

Fernando Gonzalez (CHI x13) bt Guillermo Canas (ARG) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4

Richard Gasquet (FRA x24) bt Denis Istomin (UZB) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

Dudi Sela (ISR) bt Victor Hanescu (ROM) 6-3, 6-3, 6-2

Tommy Haas (GER) bt Flavio Cipolla (ITA) 6-1, 6-2, 6-1

Jurgen Melzer (AUT x31) bt Andreas Beck (GER) 5-7, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-3

Nicolas Almagro (ESP x17) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA) 6-2, 7-5, 6-0

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Roko Karanusic (CRO) 6-2, 6-3, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (ESP x14) bt Arnaud Clement (FRA) 6-1, 6-1, 6-2

Mario Ancic (CRO) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO x25) 5-7, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3

Gael Monfils (FRA x12) bt Stefan Koubek (AUT) 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2

Radek Stepanek (CZE x22) bt Michael Berrer (GER) 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 7-5

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x5) bt Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (9/7), 6-2

James Blake (USA x9) bt Sebastien De Chaunac (FRA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

Igor Andreev (RUS x18) bt Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-4

Andy Murray (GBR x4) bt Marcel Granollers (ESP) 6-4, 6-2, 6-2

Nadal and Murray continue to shine; Gulbis beaten

Rafael Nadal continued to rock at the Aussie Open with another easy win. This time he faced Croat Roko Karanusic and showed his dominance with a 62 63 62 victory in an hour and 37 minutes. He will next face former world number 2 Tommy Haas of Germany. Three time Aussie Open semifinalist Haas beat Flavio Cipolla of Italy 61 62 61 for his third round match-up with Nadal.

Andy Murray also won his encounter against 22 year-old Spaniard Marcel Granollers with an impressive score of 64 62 62. He will now face 31 seeded Jurgen Melzer of Austria in the third round. Ernests Gulbis had shock second round exit from 18th seeded Igor Andreev in a close five setter. Andreev gave it just enough to take the match with a score of 64 64 57 36 64. Gilles Simon and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also enjoyed wins.

Results for January 21, 2009

Men's singles

2nd round

David Ferrer (ESP x11) bt Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) 6-2, 6-2, 6-1

Marat Safin (RUS x26) bt Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 7-5, 6-2, 6-2

Marin Cilic (CRO x19) bt Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Novak Djokovic (SRB x3) bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 7-5, 6-1, 6-3

Tommy Robredo (ESP x21) bt Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-1, 6-3, 6-0

Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Evgeny Korolev (RUS) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1

Tomas Berdych (CZE x20) bt Brian Dabul (ARG) 6-1, 6-1, 6-3

Amer Delic (USA) bt Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA x28) 1-6, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 9-7

Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x15) bt Brydan Klein (AUS) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

Mardy Fish (USA x23) bt Simone Bolelli (ITA) 6-4, 6-1, 7-5

Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE) bt David Nalbandian (ARG x10) 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) bt Robin Soderling (SWE x16) 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3

Fabrice Santoro (FRA) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x32) 5-7, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3

Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x8) bt Florian Mayer (GER) 6-1, 7-5, 6-2

Andy Roddick (USA x7) bt Xavier Malisse (BEL) 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1), 6-2

Gilles Muller (LUX) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2

Federer meets Safin in 3rd round; Djokovic victorious

Roger Federer cruised to the third with effortless play and some help from his opponent, Evgeny Korolev of Russia who made 44 unforced errors. It took Federer just 87 minutes to finish the match with a score of 62 63 61. He will now face former champion Marat Safin, who took out Spanish Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in 1 hour and 42 minutes with a score of 75 62 62. Federer and Safin have played against each other at the Aussie Open in a thriller semifanal which Safin won 9-7 in the last set.

Novak Djokovic also got through to the third round with a win over Frencman Jeremy Chardy with a score of 75 61 63. Meanwhile David Nalbandian was upset by Chinese Taipei's Yen-hsun Lu with a score of 64 57 46 64 62. Other winners include Juan Martin del Potro, David Ferrer and Andy Roddick.

Results for January 20, 2009

Men's singles

1st round

Andy Murray (GBR x4) bt Andrei Pavel (ROM) 6-2, 3-1 retired

Fernando Gonzalez (CHI x13) bt Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x5) bt Juan Monaco (ARG) 6-4, 6-4, 6-0

Tommy Haas (GER) bt Eduardo Schwank (ARG) 6-3, 6-3, 6-4

Gael Monfils (FRA x12) bt Martin Vassallo Arguello (ARG) 6-1, 6-3, 7-5

Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Vincent Spadea (USA) 6-2, 7-5, 6-4

Jurgen Melzer (AUT x31) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN) 7-5, 6-2, 6-1

Marcel Granollers (ESP) bt Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-0

Radek Stepanek (CZE x22) bt Nicolas Lapentti (ECU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

Fabio Fognini (ITA) bt Andrey Golubev (KAZ) 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-2

Mario Ancic (CRO) bt Wayne Odesnik (USA) 7-5, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

Richard Gasquet (FRA x24) bt Diego Junqueira (ARG) 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4

Nicolas Almagro (ESP x17) bt Nicolas Massu (CHI) 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3

Ivo Karlovic (CRO x25) bt Daniel Gimeno-Traver (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

Gilles Simon (FRA x6) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-4, 6-1, 6-1

Chris Guccione (AUS) bt Nicolas Devilder (FRA) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4

Andreas Beck (GER) bt Colin Ebelthite (AUS) 7-5, 6-1, 6-0

Victor Hanescu (ROM) bt Jan Hernych (CZE) 3-6, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4), 8-6

Stefan Koubek (AUT) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2

Dudi Sela (ISR) bt Rainer Schuettler (GER x30) 1-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4

Ernests Gulbis (LAT) bt Albert Montanes (ESP) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (ESP x14) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 6-0, 6-2, 6-2

Igor Andreev (RUS x18) bt Peter Polansky (CAN) 5-7, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4

Michael Berrer (GER) bt Carsten Ball (AUS) 6-2, 6-4, 6-3

Sebastien De Chaunac (FRA) bt Steve Darcis (BEL) 2-6, 6-3, 0-6, 6-2, 6-2

Guillermo Canas (ARG) bt Dieter Kindlmann (GER) 3-6, 7-5, 5-7, 6-0, 7-5

Roko Karanusic (CRO) bt Florent Serra (FRA) 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

Arnaud Clement (FRA) bt Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) bt Igor Kunitsyn (RUS) 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (9/7), 5-7, 6-3

Flavio Cipolla (ITA) bt Dmitry Tursunov (RUS x29) 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5

James Blake (USA x9) bt Frank Dancevic (CAN) 6-4, 6-3, 7-5

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Christophe Rochus (BEL) 6-0, 6-2, 6-2

Nadal and Murray deliver; Hewitt out

On Day 2 of action, Andy Murray was up first on Rod Laver Arena and gave it his all by beating Andrei Pavel of Romania 62 31. Pavel was unable to continue because of a back injury. Pavel was considered no threat for Murray, with a ranking of 1,140th and 34 years of age. After the match, Pavel told reporters he is retiring from tennis.

Rafael Nadal showed some awesome tennis by easily taking his victory of 60 62 62 in just 1 hour and 17 minutes over Belgium's Christophe Rochus. Home favourite Lleyton Hewitt has been upset by 13th seeded Fernando Gonzalez after battling it out in a five-setter, with the final score being 57 62 62 36 63.

Other winners include Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Ernests Gulbis, Richard Gasquet, James Blake and Gael Monfils.

Volandri banned from tour for three months

Filippo Volandri of Italy has been banned by the ITF for abusing an asthma drug. He will miss the Australian Open and be banned from the tour for three months.

The Italian Tennis Federation announced the ITF's news on Friday, saying Volandri's use of the salbutamol was deemed beyond therapeutic needs. The ban began on Thursday and will end on April 14.

109th ranked Volandri failed the drug test at a tournament in Indian Wells, California; and was supposed to play Mario Ancic at this week's Australian Open.

The ITF also announced that all of Volandri's results from March 13 will be voided, including $166,000 in prize money and the ranking points gained in the last nine months.

Results for January 19, 2009

Men's singles — First round

Andy Roddick (7), United States, def. Bjorn Rehnquist, Sweden, 6-0, 6-2, 6-2.

Tomas Berdych (20), Czech Republic, def. Robby Ginepri, United States, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.

Brian Dabul, Argentina, def. Philipp Petzschner, Germany, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

Florian Mayer, Germany, def. Lamine Ouahab, Algeria, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.

Robin Soderling (16), Sweden, def. Robert Kendrick, United States, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Xavier Malisse, Belgium, def. Michael Llodra, France, 7-6 (10-8), 6-1, 6-1.

Dominik Hrbaty, Slovakia, def. John Isner, United States, 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Tommy Robredo (21), Spain, def. Bobby Reynolds, United States, 6-2, 7-5, 6-1.

David Ferrer (11), Spain, def. Denis Gremelmayr, Germany, 6-1, 6-7 (6-8), 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4.

Juan Martin del Potro (8), Argentina, def. Mischa Zverev, Germany, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Marcos Baghdatis, Cyprus, def. Julien Benneteau, France, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-2.

Stanislas Wawrinka (15), Switzerland, def. Ivo Minar, Czech Republic, 6-1, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (11-9).

Bernard Tomic, Australia, def. Potito Starace, Italy, 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (8-6).

Viktor Troicki, Serbia, def. Alberto Martin, Spain, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Jeremy Chardy, France, def. Marcos Daniel, Brazil, 6-4, 6-4, 6-1.

Novak Djokovic (3), Serbia, def. Andrea Stoppini, Italy, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

Brydan Klein, Australia, def. Bjorn Phau, Germany, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

Gilles Muller, Luxembourg, def. Feliciano Lopez (27), Spain, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 4-6, 16-14.

Mardy Fish (23), United States, def. Samuel Groth, Australia, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-0.

Evgeny Korolev, Russia, def. Carlos Moya, Spain, 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (9-7).

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Spain, def. Agustin Calleri, Argentina, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-0.

Amer Delic, United States, def. Taylor Dent, United States, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Marin Cilic (19), Croatia, def. Kevin Anderson, South Africa, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3.

Yen-hsun Lu, Taiwan, def. Thomaz Bellucci, Brazil, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.

Simone Bolelli, Italy, def. Kristof Vliegen, Belgium, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3), 7-5.

Philipp Kohlschreiber (32), Germany, def. Sam Querrey, United States, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 6-2.

Paul-Henri Mathieu (28), France, def. Jarkko Nieminen, Finland, 6-2, 4-1 retired.

Marat Safin (26), Russia, def. Ivan Navarro, Spain, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

Fabrice Santoro, France, def. Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2.

Janko Tipsarevic, Serbia, def. Oscar Hernandez, Spain, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.

David Nalbandian (10), Argentina, def. Marc Gicquel, France, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Roger Federer (2), Switzerland, def. Andreas Seppi, Italy, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5.

Federer and Djokovic win on Day 1

Well, the Aussie Open finally began, so lets get to business. The first Slam of the year is underway!

Roger Federer won his first match in three sets, but gave a bit of a rusty performance. Federer showed superb form to win the first set, but the other two were less than perfect from the Swiss master. He managed to win it with a score of 61 76(4) 75, managing to save a set point in the second set.

Djokovic took to his title defence with a win over Andrea Stoppini of Italy with a score of 62 63 75. other winners of the day include Andy Roddick, Juan Martin del Potro and David Ferrer who had to battle it out in a marathon against Denis Gremelmayr of Germany.

Federer humiliates Wawrinka at Kooyong

Roger Federer cruised to the title at the AAMI Classic Exhibition tournament with a confident win over fellow countryman Stanislas Wawrinka. Federer broke Wawrinka three times in the first set and before sealing it in 27 minutes. The second set wasn't much different except that Wawrinka stepped it up a bit, but Federer still used his mojo to shut Wawrinka down and take the title on his first match point.

"I don't want to get too excited about it - but I think I played a really great match," Federer said.

"I'm always confident entering any grand slam because of all the success I've had the last six years."I always feel at the end of the day I'm going to play well at the slams and it will take an incredible performance from someone else to beat me."

Results for January 17, 2009

Medibank International

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Singles - Final
[4] D Nalbandian (ARG) d J Nieminen (FIN) 63 67(9) 62

Doubles - Final
[2] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d [1] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) 61 76(3)

Heineken Open

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Singles - Final
[1] J del Potro (ARG) d [6] S Querrey (USA) 64 64

Doubles - Final
[1] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d [2] S Lipsky (USA) / L Paes (IND) 75 64 

Argentines win titles

Juan Martin del Potro had a perfect start to the season with a win to Sam Querrey in the Auckland final. Del Potro started the match by breaking Querrey, and then clinching the first set 6-4. He then broke Querrey at 4-4 in the second set, and closed out the match in 1 hour and 24 minutes.

 

Another Argentine, David Nalbandian also won a title in Sydney in a more tougher encounter against Jarkko Nieminen. The score was 63 67(9) 62, and marks the first time since July 31, 2005 that two Argentines won a title on the same day (Gaston Gaudio - Kitzbuhel; Guillermo Coria - Umag).

Indian Wells tournament changes name

The Indian Wells tournament which draws most of the world's top players each year, now has new financial backing and a new name.

Formerly the Pacific Life Open, the event will now be named the BNP Paribas Open, with the title sponsor being a France-based bank that's one of the largest in the world. BNP Paribas also sponsors other tennis events such as the French Open, the Davis Cup and the Fed Cup.

The new name will be used for the tournament on March 9-22 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Organizers also announced that for the first time in the history of the event, both men and women will be offered an equal purses of $4.5 million.

Results for January 16, 2009

Medibank International

Friday, January 16, 2009

Singles - Semi-Finals
J Nieminen (FIN) d [1] [WC] N Djokovic (SRB) 64 76(3)
[4] D Nalbandian (ARG) d R Gasquet (FRA) 64 63

Doubles - Semi-Finals
[1] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d [4] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) 26 75 10-5
[2] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d [3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) 61 67(4) 10-5 

Heineken Open

Friday, January 16, 2009

Singles - Semi-Finals
[1] J del Potro (ARG) d R Soderling (SWE) 64 63 
[6] S Querrey (USA) d [2] D Ferrer (ESP) 36 63 76(4) - Saved 2 M.P. 

Doubles - Semi-Finals
[1] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d [4] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) 63 62
[2] S Lipsky (USA) / L Paes (IND) d P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) 63 67(4) 10-7 

Del Potro heads to the final; Djokovic upset

Juan Martin del Potro has given yet another superb performance to reach the final at the Heineken Open. In the semis, he took out Sweden's Robin Soderling with a score of 64 63. He will now face Sam Querrey who enjoyed a win to David Ferrer after a marathon, with a score of 36 63 76(4). Qurrey also saved two matchpoints during the match.

Sydney saw disappointment, since Novak Djokovic lost to Finland's Jarkko Nieminen and lost the chance to become number two in the world rankings. Nieminen won with a score of 64 76(3). Nieminen will now face David Nalabandian in the final of the event.

Results for January 15, 2009

Medibank International

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Singles - Quarter-Finals
[1-WC] N Djokovic (SRB) d M Ancic (CRO) 63 64
J Nieminen (FIN) d [3] J Tsonga (FRA) W/O (back)
[4] D Nalbandian (ARG) d [WC] L Hewitt (AUS) 76(3) 75
R Gasquet (FRA) d [Q] J Chardy (FRA) 62 76(4)

Doubles - Quarter-Finals
[1] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d M Melo (BRA) / M Melo (BRA) 64 75 
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d S Aspelin (SWE) / P Vizner (CZE) 63 62

Heineken Open

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Singles - Quarter-Finals
[1] J del Potro (ARG) d V Troicki (SRB) 63 62
[2] D Ferrer (ESP) d [5] P Kohlschreiber (GER) W/O (right shoulder)
[6] S Querrey (USA) d [4] N Almagro (ESP) 63 62
[3] R Soderling (SWE) d [Q] J Isner (USA) 64 64

Doubles - Quarter-Finals
[1] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d D Ferrer ESP) / M Granollers (ESP) 63 36 10-2
[2] S Lipsky (USA) / L Paes (IND) d N Almagro (ESP) / I Navarro (ESP) 75 61 
[4] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) d M Kohlmann (GER) / P Petzschner (GER) 61 64
P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) d A Calleri (ARG) / J Monaco (ARG) 76(3) 62

Del Potro stays on course; and so does Djokovic

Juan Martin del Potro continued his superb run at the Heineken Open by beating Serbian Victor Troicki. The Serb had three break point opportunities in the first set, but the Argentine denied them all and took the match with a score of 63 62. David Ferrer had a walk-over into the next round because of a right shoulder injury, and John Isner lost to Robin Soderling.

In Sydney, Novak Djokovic also solidified his preparation for the Aussie Open with a win over Mario Ancic, the score being 63 64. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Lleyton Hewitt endured the same fate as John Isner, but Tsonga lost because of a back injury (walkover).

Semi coverage coming up soon!

Results for January 14, 2009

Medibank International

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Singles - Second Round
[1] [WC] N Djokovic (SRB) d P Mathieu (FRA) 61 62
R Gasquet (FRA) d [2] G Simon (FRA) 64 64
[3] J Tsonga (FRA) d S Bolelli (ITA) 64 61
[4] D Nalbandian (ARG) d M Llodra (FRA) 61 63
[Q] J Chardy (FRA) d [5] I Andreev (RUS) 64 46 64
M Ancic (CRO) d [7] T Robredo (ESP) 62 61
[WC] L Hewitt (AUS) d J Tipsarevic (SRB) 75 64
J Nieminen (FIN) d [WC] C Guccione (AUS) 76(8) 63

Doubles - Quarter-Finals
[2] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d F Lopez (ESP) / T Robredo (ESP) 76(8) 76(5) 
[4] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) d L Arnold Ker (ARG) / D Nalbandian (ARG) 62 36 10-8

Doubles - First Round
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d B Soares (BRA) / K Ullyett (ZIM) 75 57 10-7

Heineken Open

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Singles - Second Round
[1] J Del Potro (ARG) d E Gulbis (LAT) 46 64 61 
[2] D Ferrer (ESP) d M Gicquel (FRA) 67(3) 64 64
[3] R Soderling (SWE) d [Q] B Reynolds (USA) 63 46 62
[4] N Almagro (ESP) d Y Lu (TPE) 67(4) 63 62
[5] P Kohlschreiber (GER) d J Ferrero (ESP) 64 46 76(5)
[6] S Querrey (USA) d [Q] G Muller (LUX) 36 63 64
V Troicki (SRB) d [8] J Monaco (ARG) 36 64 62
[Q] J Isner (USA) d R Ginepri (USA) 64 67(1) 76(5)

Doubles - First Round
[2] S Lipsky (USA) / L Paes (IND) d I Kunitsyn (RUS) / D Martin (USA) 61 46 12-10 - Saved 1 M.P.
M Kohlmann (GER) / P Petzschner (GER) d S Huss (AUS) / R Hutchins (GBR) 46 64 10-8
A Calleri (ARG) / J Monaco (ARG) d J Cerretani (USA) / V Hanescu (ROU) 75 75 

Del Potro stops Gulbis in a battle

Juan Martin del Potro came on court with confidence, but had a completely different experience. Ernests Gulbis gave the Argentine a run for his money by taking the first set 64, but the other two sets saw Gulbis break down mentally, allowing Del Potro to finish him off with a score of 46 64 61.

Other winners of the day include John Isner, David Ferrer and Philipp Kohlschreiber, who beat Juan Carlos Ferrero.

And in Sydney, Novak Djokovic gave an effortless performance to beat Paul Henri Mathieu with a score of 61 62. Richard Gasquet recorded an upset with a win over second seeded Gilles Simon with a score of 64 64. other winners include Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

More tomorrow!

Results for January 13, 2009

Medibank International

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Singles - First Round
[WC] C Guccione (AUS) d [6] T Berdych (CZE) 63 64
J Tipsarevic (SRB) d [8] M Fish (USA) 64 36 64
P Mathieu (FRA) d A Seppi (ITA) 62 26 63 
[WC] L Hewitt (AUS) d J Benneteau (FRA) 57 62 64 
[Q] J Chardy (FRA) d R Stepanek (CZE) 64 30 ret. - illness
R Gasquet (FRA) d D Tursunov (RUS) 76(4) 64

Doubles - First Round
[1] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d I Andreev (RUS) / J Nieminen (FIN) 64 64
[2] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d S Bolelli (ITA) / A Seppi (ITA) 63 62
L Arnold Ker (ARG) / D Nalbandian (ARG) d J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) 26 62 10-8
F Lopez (ESP) / T Robredo (ESP) d M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) 75 46 10-6

Heineken Open

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Singles - First Round
[5] P Kohlschreiber (GER) d [WC] D Hrbaty (SVK) 61 62
[Q] J Isner (USA) d [7] A Montanes (ESP) 76(4) 75
[8] J Monaco (ARG) d V Hanescu (ROU) 63 64
[Q] G Muller (LUX) d F Serra (FRA) 63 64
Y Lu (TPE) d S Darcis (BEL) 76(5) 62
E Gulbis (LAT) d M Granollers (ESP) 64 67(5) 61
[Q] B Reynolds (USA) d [Q] O Hernandez (ESP) 76(4) 57 62 
M Gicquel (FRA) d A Calleri (ARG) 36 64 64

Doubles - First Round
[1] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) d [WC] D King-Turner (NZL) / T Perry (AUS) 63 62
[4] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) d T Parrott (USA) / F Polasek (SVK) 64 61
N Almagro (ESP) / I Navarro (ESP) d R Bopanna (IND) / J Coetzee (RSA) 36 63 10-6
D Ferrer (ESP) / M Granollers (ESP) d [WC] J Statham (NZL) / M Statham (NZL) 57 64 11-9

Hewitt survives a scare while Kohlschreiber tops Hrbaty

Lleyton Hewitt faced Julien Benneteau in the first round of play at the Medibank International, and it wasn't a piece of cake. The first set went to Benneteau, then Hewitt got his act together to win the encounter with a score of 57 62 64. Other winners of the day include Richard Gasquet and Paul-Henri Mathieu.

And in Auckland, past champion Dominik Hrbaty got ousted by Philipp Kohlschreiber with an easy score of 61 62. And after the match, Hrbaty got presented with coins and a gift from the sponsors and officials of the tournament. Other winners of the day include Ernests Gulbis and John Isner.

Stay tuned for more!

Results for January 11, 2009

Brisbane International

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Singles - Final
[8] R Stepanek (CZE) d [3] F Verdasco (ESP) 36 63 64 

Doubles - Final
M Gicquel (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) d F Verdasco (ESP) / M Zverev (GER) 64 63

Chennai Open

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Singles - Final
[3] M Cilic (CRO) d [WC] S Devvarman (IND) 64 76(3)

Doubles - Final
E Butorac (USA) / R Ram (USA) d J Scherrer (SUI) / S Wawrinka (SUI) 63 64

Cilic and Stepanek win titles

Marin Cilic took to the court against local hope Somdev Devvarman at the Chennai Open. Cilic had a tough time but managed to finish his opponent with a 64 76(3) win. The Croat beat World No. 202 for his second ATP title.

Radek Stepanek had a three set encounter with third seeded Fernando Verdasco but managed to take the title with a close score of 36 63 64.

Tournaments for next week are: Heineken Open and Medibank International.

Prize money boost for Australian Open champs

It has been announced that the men's and women's singles champions at the Australian Open will earn $1.42 million, which is increasing overall prize money by a whole 12 percent.

All the extra money is going to the singles finalists basically. So now the losing singles finalists will receive $706,300.

Good luck in "Down Under" guys!

Tennis Hall of famer Wood dies

Sidney Wood, who in 1931 became the only uncontested winner of Wimbledon died today. He was 97.

He died in Palm Beach, Florida; and his opponent in the final of the 1931 championship was his countryman Frank Shields. Shield could not play because of an ankle injury. 

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1964 and had been the oldest living Hall of Famer. A memorial service is planned for spring.

Results for January 10, 2009

Brisbane International

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Singles - Semi-Finals
[3] F Verdasco (ESP) d P.H. Mathieu (FRA) 62 61 
[8] R Stepanek (CZE) d [7] R Gasquet (FRA) 26 62 64 

Doubles - Semi-Finals
F Verdasco (ESP) / M Zverev (GER) d [WC] C Ball (AUS) / C Guccione (AUS) 64 62
M Gicquel (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) d T Parrott (USA) / F Polasek (SVK) 75 67(4) 10-7

Qatar Open

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Singles - Final
[3] A Murray (GBR) 64 62 d [4] A Roddick (USA) 

Chennai Open

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Singles - Semi-Finals
[3] M Cilic (CRO) d [8] M Granollers (ESP) 64 63
[WC] S Devvarman (IND) d [5] R Schuettler (GER) w/o - left wrist

Doubles - Semi-Finals
J Scherrer (SUI) / S Wawrinka (SUI) d [4] S Lipsky (USA) / D Martin (USA) 64 64
E Butorac (USA) / R Ram (USA) d B Phau (GER) / R Schuettler (GER) w/o - Schuettler (left wrist) 

Murray overpowers Roddick for the title in Qatar

Andy Murray and Andy Roddick took to the court with the same thing in mind: winning the title. But unfortunately there can only be one winner. And the winner is... Andy Murray. Murray gave it his all and Roddick came up with some silly choices during the match, so that made Murray the winner. The final score was 64 62, and Murray was in no surprise with the win.

Brisbane got set up with a final of Verdasco vs Stepanek, and the Chennai open got set up with a surprise final of local wildcard Devvarman vs Cilic.

Stay tuned!

Results for January 8, 2009

Brisbane International

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Singles - Quarter-finals
[3] F Verdasco (ESP) d F Serra (FRA) 46 60 63
P Mathieu (FRA) d K Nishikori (JPN) 63 64

Doubles - Quarter-finals
[WC] C Ball (AUS) / C Guccione (AUS) d [1] M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) 64 64
F Verdasco (ESP) / M Zverev (GER) d [4] M Damm (CZE) / R Lindstedt (SWE) 63 63

Qatar Open

Thursday, January 9, 2009

Singles - Quarter-finals
[5] [WC] G Monfils (FRA) d [1] R Nadal (ESP) 64 64 
[2] R Federer (SUI) d [8] P Kohlschreiber (GER) 62 76(6)
[3] A Murray (GBR) d S Stakhovsky (UKR) 64 62
[4] A Roddick (USA) d V Hanescu (ROU) 63 62 

Doubles - Semi-finals
[1] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d J Cerretani (USA) / V Hanescu (ROU) 61 67(8) 10-3
[WC] M Lopez (ESP) / R Nadal (ESP) d F Santoro (FRA) / M Youzhny (RUS) 16 76(2) 11-9

Chennai Open

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Singles - Second Round
[3] M Cilic (CRO) d D Istomin (UZB) 60 64
[4] I Karlovic (CRO) d I Minar (CZE) 61 64
[5] R Schuettler (GER) d S Greul (GER) 64 62
[WC] S Devvarman (IND) d [6] C Moya (ESP) 46 75 64
[7] J Tipsarevic (SRB) d D Sela (ISR) 76(3) 64
[8] M Granollers (ESP) d A Beck (GER) 64 61
B Phau (GER) d [Q] F Cipolla (ITA) 61 62

Doubles - Quarter-finals
E Butorac (USA) / R Ram (USA) d [3] R Wassen (NED) / L Zovko (CRO) 62 63
[4] S Lipsky (USA) / D Martin (USA) d O Marach (AUT) / J Tipsarevic (SRB) 67(6) 75 10-8 

Doubles - First Round
[1] M Bhupathi (IND) / M Knowles (BAH) d [WC] P Amritraj (IND) / S Devvarman (IND) 76(3) 76(8)
B Phau (GER) / R Schuettler (GER) d [2] L Dlouhy (CZE) / L Paes (IND) 46 62 10-7
J Scherrer (SUI) / S Wawrinka (SUI) d Y Allegro (SUI) / H Tecau (ROU) 76(5) 64