In the longest match of the ATP World Tour Finals so far, world number one, Andy Murray, outlasted Kei Nishikori in a three-set marathon that lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes by the scoreline of 6-7 6-4 6-4. In the end, Murray’s impressive fitness got him the win countless of long rallies where he forced Nishikori to keep coming up with that extra good shot. The court seems to fit counter-punchers Murray and Djokovic really well and it plays remarkably slower than what I would have expected. Murray extends his win streak and Nishikori needs to fight for a place …
Stan the Man
Wawrinka had won two consecutive titles in Chennai and as the number one seed it sure seemed like he could do it again. But Stan the Man doesn’t yet have the consistency of Federer, Djokovic or Nadal (sans last year) and you never really know a hundred percent what you will get from him. However, I think this is improving all the time and coach Magnus Norman must surely have a positive influence on the world number #4’s mental ability. That’s why it’s not a big surprise he managed to edge out youngster Coric 6-3 7-5. His serve looked especially …
It didn’t go five sets, but was still a fantastic battle. I don’t know if I should be surprised that Stan the Man Wawrinka overpowered the world number one in four sets: 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4, but I’m definitely IMPRESSED. How did he beat the almost supernaturally talented Djokovic? He played with more aggression and courage. He went for his shots. And most of all, he believed he could do it. The only way you can beat a player in the form Djokovic is in is play the best tennis of your life. Wawrinka did that. He has the talent …
Tomorrow they play the final at Roland Garros and most tennis lovers will hope for a tight match. In fact, their last four grand slam matches has gone to five sets, with Djokovic winning three of them. When it comes to head-to-head stats in total, Djokovic is leading 17-3 and should in his position as number one in the world, be the favourite. But this is tennis and anything can happen. Deciding factors: * How nervous will Djokovic be to win his first French Open and have the chance at a “real” Grand Slam? * Will the fearless Stan the …
It makes for a good headline, let’s just hope it makes for a good match as well. You always worry when you get deep into the slam draw that a match will fizzle out into a one-sided affair, three sets, little action, no drama. This one is no Nadal vs Djokovic, but it should pack a punch – literally. These guys hit the felt of the ball and they both speak French (should have something to do with something). But obviously, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga is the home favourite and should possibly be able to ride that wave all across the finish …
It was almost scripted. After two epic five set matches in the previous slams (Australian Open and U.S. Open 2013), a third one was almost too good to be true. Yet, the tennis Gods smiles on us one more time and Djokovic and Wavrinka gave us another treat. This time it was Wavrinka’s turn to emerge victorious in a beautiful 2-6 6-2 6-4 3-6 9-7 display of tennis drama which gave him a place in the semi-finals vs Tomas Berdych (not an impossible opponent). That’s all I have for now. Looking forward to the other quarters: Federer vs Murray and …
It might sound like a weird headline to you, but there were quite a few upsets in Rome Masters today. Since it’s popular to use lists I will rank them here: Drumrolll……. Upset 1: Andy “Muzza” Murray lost to Granola Bar (Granollers) after being down 6-4 4-1, getting treatment and making it back to a tie-break, winning the tie-break and then quitting the match. Apparently he has some hip problems. Not a good warm-up for Roland Garros for the Scot who hasn’t had a good clay court season. Upset 2: Stan the Man Wavrinka didn’t show up against Dolgopolov. Don’t know what …
It was never in doubt was it? (Okay, maybe at 15-30 against Ferrer). Rafa was going to take his fifth title of the year in seven tries (two finals) since his injury time-out. The king of clay was simply too good against a slightly nervous or tired Stan “the Man” Wavrinka today in the Madrid Open final and rolled over the Swiss by 6-2 6-4. Going into Rome and then Roland Garros, it’s hard to see who’s going to challenge Rafa with the form he’s in. Federer? The only one who is even remotely close to his clay court game …