WELSH sporting chiefs have joined forces to congratulate Dai Greene on his World Championship success.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sharapova lifts a level to reach third round
Maria Sharapova shifted into a higher gear today as she overwhelmed unseeded Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus with the loss of just two games to surge into the third round of the US Open.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Nick's Picks: 2011 U.S. Open, Day 3
Each day during the 2011 U.S. Open, coach Nick Bollettieri will discuss three of the most intriguing matches on the schedule and offer his predictions.
John Isner [28] vs. Marcos Baghdatis (Louis Armstrong Stadium, fourth match)
This will be the fourth meeting between these two and, incredibly, the third in just the last few weeks. Isner beat Baghdatis in Canada and Winston-Salem, and will now play him again! With those wins under his belt and the crowd behind him, I have to give the edge to Isner. The biggest concern I have is if this match goes deep into a fourth or fifth set, Baghdatis becomes a tougher out. He is great at hanging in there and with a big serve and forehand, he is dangerous. But I look for Isner to advance.
Nick?s Pick: Isner in four sets.
***
Sabine Lisicki [22] vs. Venus Williams (Arthur Ashe Stadium, third match)
Lisicki advanced on Tuesday with a relatively easy win over Alona Bondarenko and comes into this tournament full of confidence. She just won the WTA event in Dallas last week and has had an excellent summer, which included a run to the semis at Wimbledon.
There were questions as to whether or not Venus was going to play in this tournament at all, and she looked a bit shaky in her first-round win. It was good for her to get that out of the way, though, and I saw her practicing and she looked to be in good shape.
When the draw first came out, this was a match that I had my eye on. These two have met twice before and have split those matches. We all know what Venus is capable of when healthy, but she hasn?t played very much tennis in 2011 and for that reason there is a big question mark hanging over her. In her first match, she displayed a good backhand, her movement was excellent, she came forward and seemed comfortable at the net, but her forehand and serve were a little tentative. When her serve is on, it is one of the best in the game, but I don?t know right now where she is at health-wise.
Lisicki played well in her win over Bondarenko. She had a few too many unforced errors and double faults, but that is how she plays. She goes for it all on every shot, and that has been a successful recipe for her thus far in 2011. If Venus tries to slug it out from the baseline, I have to give the edge to Lisicki. Venus must try and come in and force the issue a bit. This is going to be a big test for both girls.
Nick?s Pick: I have to give a slight edge to Lisicki because she is healthier, but this is going to be a great match!
***
Andy Roddick [21] vs. Michael Russell (Arthur Ashe Stadium, first night match)
Roddick is 1-0 against Russell, but that match was back in 2002 on clay and much has changed since then. For years, Roddick had the biggest serve in the game and it was one of the most feared shots in tennis. That is certainly not the case anymore as all the top guys seem to serve big and have the big forehand to go with it. That used to be Roddick?s bread-and-butter and it won him many titles, including the U.S. Open.
Against Russell, Roddick cannot fall 6-8 feet behind the baseline. He needs to step in and take the ball early and win quick points. Russell is a scrapper and will fight Roddick for every point. Roddick should advance in straight sets, but it will be interesting to see how he handles Russell.
Nick?s Pick: Roddick in three sets
Nick Bollettieri of the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy has trained many collegiate and professional players, including 10 who reached the world No. 1 ranking.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/oDtbJoMtKjk/
Belgian players ask court to end doping probe
Belgian tennis players Yanina Wickmayer and Xavier Malisse have appealed to Switzerland's supreme court to end a two-year investigation into whether they broke anti-doping rules.
Athletics: Welsh chiefs praise Dai Greene
WELSH sporting chiefs have joined forces to congratulate Dai Greene on his World Championship success.
Greek PM Papandreou rules out snap elections
ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou Saturday ruled out snap elections and said his government would succeed in bringing Greece out of the crisis by the end of his term in 2013. 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/topNews/~3/zaNS9G5URwk/us-greece-pm-idUSTRE7820T920110903
Tipsaveric advances after injured Berdych retires
NEW YORK (AP) -- Janko Tipsarevic advanced to the fourth round of the U.S. Open when ninth-seeded Tomas Berdych retired in the second set Saturday.
Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/si_tennis/~3/s3Uv2BttKRY/index.html
In throes of injury, Nadal weighed move to golf
Devastated and "without appetite for life," Rafael Nadal contemplated a move into professional golf after a career-threatening injury sidelined him, the 10-time Grand Slam champion writes in his autobiography.
Andy Murray plays Indian at US
Andy Murray will play India's Somdev Devvarman in the first round of the US Open, with Rafael Nadal again a potential semi-final opponent.
Jim Courier Blog: Training for the Champions Series
It?s a little over six weeks until we get started on the 2011 Champions Series, which means it is time for some serious training for yours truly. I just took a two-week vacation where I didn?t touch a racquet, and now I?m starting from ground zero to build my body and game back up again for the tournaments.
So how will I get ready? It's a question I get a lot, so I thought I?d answer it here in the hope that I don?t have to answer it elsewhere! I train in a similar fashion to how I trained when I was playing full-time on the ATP tour. I need to train for my worst case scenario for any given day, which used to be five-setters but is now a little over two sets (we will play a one-set semi-final and an eight-game pro-set at each of the one-night Champions Series tournaments this fall). So I basically do a pro-rata version of what I used to do, i.e. about 40 percent as much time and repetition. My body is not capable of taking the same type of pounding that it once did, but it can still do pretty well for a good amount of time, and I find that my body likes it when I push it to the limit every now and then.
Here?s what a typical week of training will look like for the next five weeks or so. I will taper off the last week as I get ready to play, losing the track work and focusing more on speed and agility.
1. Play tennis four times a week for 90 minutes each time (mostly playing sets/baseline games). I don?t do two-a-days anymore?
2. Hit the weight room (two to three times a week for one hour) to keep toned, not to bulk up
3. Hit the track for some sprint work (50?s, 100?s, 200?s) (once a week for about 20 minutes of intervals)
4. Do on-court foot drills for agility (once a week for about 20 minutes)
5. Stretch (daily)
6. Get massage once a week
While doing the prep work I?ll also be doing my other jobs, like my full-time day job at InsideOut Sports as well as a little U.S. Open TV for CBS, and of course watching the Americans closely at the Open in my role as Davis Cup Captain. It?s going to be a full plate but let it be said that I will not be bored!
Feel free to send in any questions about my training (or anything else) to our twitter page at @cs_tennis or via the Champions Series website in the fanzone Q&A section and I?ll be sure to answer them.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/NKSeGA29m7Q/
Friday, September 2, 2011
Nadal advances when injured Mahut stops (AP)
Defending champion Rafael Nadal reached the U.S. Open's third round when Nicolas Mahut stopped playing because of an abdominal muscle injury while trailing 6-2, 6-2. After needing nearly three hours to get through his first match, Nadal dominated the 99th-ranked Mahut, a Frenchman best known for losing the longest match in tennis history, 70-68 in the fifth set.
The Pragmatic Champion: What's next for Federer
One can?t easily accuse Roger Federer of having delusions of grandeur. He owns more major singles titles (16) than any man in history. He?s fabulously wealthy. He rarely gets injured. He?s happily married with two children. Put Federer up against some of the world?s most influential, and luckiest, people and one would still say the former world No. 1 has lived a charmed life in comparison.
Federer is still convinced that there are more accomplishments, even major ones, ahead. As he prepared to travel to Montreal for the start of the summer hard court swing and his 30th birthday, Federer spoke to reporters from Switzerland, where he has trained for the last few weeks.
?I think I?m really close to making something special happen,? he said. ?I haven?t been thinking too much of what?s been happening. I?m more looking forward to what?s hopefully to come.?
For Federer, what has happened for most of 2010 and all of 2011 are late-round losses. He hasn?t won a major title since the 2010 Australian Open and now finds himself ranked behind Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, two younger and more confident stars. At Wimbledon, he squandered a two-sets-to-love lead at a Slam for the first time in his career. He hasn?t won the U.S. Open since 2008, when he won the last of five straight titles.
So is Federer talking a big game, deluded, or honestly at ease with his chances at this year?s U.S. Open and in future majors? I?ll go with the latter?because he should be.
Djokovic and Nadal are both better than Federer right now. They?re younger, faster, steadier and less likely to make strings of errors with one stroke, as Federer sometimes does with his backhand. Federer can serve better than either of them and has more options to attack, but he can?t out-defend them and defense, in today?s hyper-athletic tennis, usually prevails.
Still, I can?t recall a 30-year-old in the Open Era who had more going for him than Federer. His health has been remarkable over the years, thanks to a strict training regimen and a carefully planned schedule (not to mention the gene that gave him grace). He still likes to travel and doesn?t sound burned out or frustrated by the sport: As Federer put it, ?the mind is there.?
Now consider the case of Andre Agassi. At 30, Agassi had been both high and low, content and fed up, dedicated and lazy. He never moved as well as Federer and didn?t have as many weapons. Through persistent training, he won two major titles in his 30s and reached two other finals, including one against Federer at the U.S. Open (Agassi, a heavy underdog, played Federer more closely than people expected before losing in four sets).
Agassi?s greatest asset in those years was pragmatism, and that?s how the soon-to-be 30-year-old Federer sounds to me. Work hard. Enjoy it. Concentrate. Get to the later rounds?and then hope that things break your way. Maybe a younger, fitter player on a long winning streak gets tight, as Djokovic did at this year?s French Open. Maybe someone gets injured. Maybe the draw implodes and you play Rainer Schuettler in a major final. These and many other things can happen in tennis, and if a player is good enough to stay alive in a tournament until they do, the result might well be a title.
?I?m at peace with myself,? Federer said. ?I know my abilities. I don?t want to say I?m overconfident, but I also know what I can do and I also know, how do you say, my limits. Hopefully that allows me to play the best tennis I can each day.?
It?s a philosophy that has worked in the past?and it can work again.
Tom Perrotta is an editor-at-large at TENNIS. Follow him on Twitter.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/-WwVkjh0Z3E/
American Young bounces No. 14 seed Wawrinka
American Donald Young eliminated 14th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka, winning 7-6, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 after a fifth-set tiebreaker Friday to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open.
2010 Guide to Camps & Clinics
Whether you are a weekend tennis arrior at the local club, or a junior with aspirations to be the next college tennis star, your quest to improve your game is endless. That's why you read TENNIS Magazine and why we have compiled the following list of 40+ tennis camps for Summer 2010. Find the camp that's right for you and sign up today!
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/Tenniscom-Travel/~3/cfOW2MlqKTs/
John McEnroe: Hungry Andy Murray can rock Novak Djokovic
John Mcenroe reckons hungry Andy Murray can feed off the energy of the crazy New York crowd at the US Open.
Washington Kastles win WTT title in 16-0 season
CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 24, 2011) -- It took nearly eight hours through three rain delays, but the Washington Kastles finally made World TeamTennis history by winning the WTT Championship and completing the first undefeated 16-0 record in WTT's 36 seasons. The Kastles overpowered the St. Louis Aces 23-19 at the WTT Finals presented by GEICO on Sunday evening at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C.
Slowed by the first rain delay shortly after the 5 p.m. match start time, it took more than three hours for St. Louis to win the opening set of mixed doubles, 5-3. The Aces, led by Jean-Julien Rojer and 2011 Female MVP Liezel Huber, won 72% of their first service points in a tight battle with Male MVP Leander Paes and Rennae Stubbs.
Stubbs and Rodionova upended Huber and Tamira Paszek in women's doubles, 5-0, to give the Kastles a 8-5 lead after the second set. The Kastles continued to roll in men's doubles, powering past Rojer and Roman Borvanov 5-2.
Rodionova (pictured to the right with Coach Murphy Jensen), who was named MVP of the WTT Finals, took control in women's singles and edged Paszek to push the Kastles lead to seven games heading into the final set. St. Louis staged an impressive rally in men's singles with Borvanov holding off Reynolds 5-4 to send the match into Overtime. Borvanov won the first three games in Overtime to close the gap to 22-19 before Reynolds held serve to close out the historic victory just after 1 a.m.
Rennae Stubbs also made history by becoming only the fourth player in WTT history to be on five Championship teams. Kastles co-captain Stubbs joins an elite list of 5-time WTT Champions - Martina Navratilova; Richie Reneberg; and Craig Kardon (as coach).
The Kastles finished the season with a 16-0 mark, while the Western Conference Champion St. Louis Aces finished at 9-7.
For more on WTT, visit WTT.com.
FINAL RESULTS
WTT Finals presented by GEICO - Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C.
WASHINGTON KASTLES def. St Louis Aces 23-19 (OT)
Mixed Doubles: Liezel Huber/Jean-Julien Rojer (STL) def. Rennae Stubbs/Leander Paes (WAS) 5-3
Women's Doubles: Rennae Stubbs/Arina Rodionova (WAS) def. Liezel Huber/Tamira Paszek (STL) 5-0
Men's Doubles: Leander Paes/Bobby Reynolds (WAS) def. Jean-Julien Rojer/Roman Borvanov (STL) 5-2
Women's Singles: Arina Rodionova (WAS) def. Tamira Paszek (STL) 5-4
Men's Singles: Roman Borvanov (STL) def. Bobby Reynolds (WAS) 5-4
Overtime: Roman Borvanov (STL) - 3, Bobby Reynolds (WAS) 1
Originally published on WTT.com
Slowed by the first rain delay shortly after the 5 p.m. match start time, it took more than three hours for St. Louis to win the opening set of mixed doubles, 5-3. The Aces, led by Jean-Julien Rojer and 2011 Female MVP Liezel Huber, won 72% of their first service points in a tight battle with Male MVP Leander Paes and Rennae Stubbs.
Stubbs and Rodionova upended Huber and Tamira Paszek in women's doubles, 5-0, to give the Kastles a 8-5 lead after the second set. The Kastles continued to roll in men's doubles, powering past Rojer and Roman Borvanov 5-2.
Rodionova (pictured to the right with Coach Murphy Jensen), who was named MVP of the WTT Finals, took control in women's singles and edged Paszek to push the Kastles lead to seven games heading into the final set. St. Louis staged an impressive rally in men's singles with Borvanov holding off Reynolds 5-4 to send the match into Overtime. Borvanov won the first three games in Overtime to close the gap to 22-19 before Reynolds held serve to close out the historic victory just after 1 a.m.
Rennae Stubbs also made history by becoming only the fourth player in WTT history to be on five Championship teams. Kastles co-captain Stubbs joins an elite list of 5-time WTT Champions - Martina Navratilova; Richie Reneberg; and Craig Kardon (as coach).
The Kastles finished the season with a 16-0 mark, while the Western Conference Champion St. Louis Aces finished at 9-7.
For more on WTT, visit WTT.com.
FINAL RESULTS
WTT Finals presented by GEICO - Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C.
WASHINGTON KASTLES def. St Louis Aces 23-19 (OT)
Mixed Doubles: Liezel Huber/Jean-Julien Rojer (STL) def. Rennae Stubbs/Leander Paes (WAS) 5-3
Women's Doubles: Rennae Stubbs/Arina Rodionova (WAS) def. Liezel Huber/Tamira Paszek (STL) 5-0
Men's Doubles: Leander Paes/Bobby Reynolds (WAS) def. Jean-Julien Rojer/Roman Borvanov (STL) 5-2
Women's Singles: Arina Rodionova (WAS) def. Tamira Paszek (STL) 5-4
Men's Singles: Roman Borvanov (STL) def. Bobby Reynolds (WAS) 5-4
Overtime: Roman Borvanov (STL) - 3, Bobby Reynolds (WAS) 1
Photos: Camerawork USA
Originally published on WTT.com
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/HTHmdzpYadg/
Tennis Talk: Q&A with Venus Williams
MASON, Ohio?Hours before main draw matches began at the Western & Southern Open, noise and people and hope filled the players lounge. Bernard Tomic walked through a side door with racquets in tow and, across the big, busy room, Igor Andreev typed away at a computer. Sitting on a couch in a quiet corner, or perhaps it seemed so because of its current occupant, was seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams. She looked as regal as you?d expect and possessed legs longer than you figured. Her dog Harold sat next to her, his head sticking out of the black handbag that held the rest of him. He sniffed the voice recorder at the start of the interview, and at the end, upon discussion, we asked him a question or two. He had no answers, but we did get quite a few from his owner, who withdrew from the tournament with a viral illness but was in town Sunday to fulfill tour obligations. We chatted with Venus about her trophies, interviewing tips, little sis, the upcoming U.S. Open and more.
What have been your proudest moments, on court and off?
I guess the times that it seems like you shouldn?t win but I?ve been able to grab the win. I don?t know. There?s been so many, many, many, many matches that it?s hard to pick just one. Off the court I guess my proud moments are just being a big sister?I enjoy being a big sister.
How are you as a little sister? Going by number of sisters, you?re more of a little sister than a big sister.
Yeah, I?m pretty low on the totem pole. There?s a lot of people ahead of me, but I only have one person that I need to be a role model for. At the end of the day I guess we all influence each other.
You have seven majors. Is there one that stands out for you?
All seven. (Laughs) They?ve been awesome times. I mean, one led to the next. Winning the first one is huge. Maybe the first one is just kind of breaking down all the walls to get ready for the next one.
On court what do you do better and worse now than when you first started playing?
I think I have a lot better strategy, and I?m able to think through things a lot better. Obviously understanding the game better is huge. Worse? Maybe I think more than I used to in the past, which can also be an Achilles heel. Because when you?re younger and you don?t have any strategies, you just hit the ball. Looking back, I don?t remember any strategy. I?m sure I had some, but I just hit the ball. So I?m not sure how I won matches, but I did. There?s definitely a benefit to [not thinking too much], not an overwhelming benefit but definitely a benefit.
Who are some of the best players you?ve played apart from Serena?
Obviously all the players who I played in my time who were at the top of the game?Hingis or Davenport or, even now, Clijsters or whoever you want to name?they?re all great players. [If you had to pick, say, two?] Obviously I played Serena a lot, and I played Lindsay a lot. I think she was a great player. [Apart from Serena] I would say Lindsay was probably the best one.
How about Steffi Graf and Monica Seles?
I didn?t play Steffi a lot and Monica I had a really strong record against. I think she was a great player, but I had a strong record against her.
Did you have any childhood tennis heroes?
I definitely watched a lot of Monica Seles. I started grunting because she grunted and guess I never looked back. I don?t even know why Serena grunts, but regardless?now I?m a grunter.
You consider yourself a grunter?
Yeah, I grunt all the time. I grunt in practice and everything.
Grunting is being talked about a lot again. Did you notice that?
I don?t listen to the commentary too much. Hopefully most of the time I?m able to be playing instead of listening on TV. I don?t know, because I don?t read a lot of press. So I?m not sure what the whole vibe is or what people are saying. I kind of stay from all of that stuff, especially topics like grunting which aren?t really relevant to real tennis.
Talking about not reading press, when asked at Wimbledon what advice you?d give Laura Robson one of the things you said is to not read a lot of press about herself. Can you elaborate on that?
You know, it?s already hard enough to be at the top level that you want to be at. And it?s even tougher when you?re reading press and blogs and a thousand million other people?s opinion of you. No one can perform under those kinds of circumstances. Except maybe a President or something, and he has a whole Cabinet. (Laughs) It?s just important to keep your own thoughts in your head and keep those positive.
Do you follow President Barack Obama much?
No, I don?t follow a lot of politics at all.
What?s the best two pieces of advice your parents gave you? 
Wherever Venus goes, little sister Serena usually isn't far behind. (AP Photo)
Put God first, and put family first. That helps you to really have perspective.
What about on the tennis court?
Run for every ball. Stay positive.
Why do you think a parent-child coaching arrangement worked for you and Serena when it hasn?t for some?
Well I think that parents and children will have to know their roles. Thankfully everything worked out for us?strong, nice parents, our sisters are very supportive, but also Serena and I have our own minds. We were raised to have our own minds so we could make our own decisions.
Do you recommend the arrangement for others?
I don?t know what to tell anybody else. Everyone?s path is always a little different. I think if your parents are positive and you can get along with them, it?s a good idea. But if you can?t, maybe separate it.
How have your roles as coach and student changed over the years? It?s been more than 15 years.
I think it?s just important to continue to listen. It?s easy to kind of tune things out when you?ve been working with someone for a long time. It?s not easy to be a coach. It?s not easy to be a student either.
Does Serena do anything that surprises you on court or off?
No, nothing surprises me on or off the court. I know her pretty well. I believe in her on and off the court.
A long time ago you and Serena had a tennis newsletter. Any chance that will come back?
It?s still making a comeback. It?s hard to write and edit a paper. It was so much fun. We interviewed Sampras, Gimelstob? It was really short-lived, but it?s legendary at this point I guess. (Laughs)
Do you have any interview tips based on what you learned from that experience?
Definitely come into the interview prepared. We came into one interview, and we hadn?t really done our homework. And we realized it?s not really as easy as it looks. So after that we came prepared with questions and background information and goals. So quick learn.
And you did some more interviewing for your book Come to Win?
I have to say, I didn?t really like doing interviews. I was always really nervous. I just wanted to make sure I didn?t talk over someone or interrupt them. And trying to get in all the questions in the allotted time and hopefully get enough information. I just didn?t enjoy the interviews as much.
Could you see yourself being WTA CEO one day?
No. I?ve lived a lot of dreams in tennis, and I have some dreams outside of tennis that I?m going to go for after this.
Like what?
Especially in the design world. There?s a lot of things I?d like to do in fashion and interiors, so that?ll be a lot of work in itself.
Your WTA bio says you like to get packages. What?s the last package you received?
I just like to receive fun packages. I don?t open the packages with orthotics in them or the sports shorts. (Laughs) I?ll open the ones with the DVDs and the new books and the new clothes. I got a textbook in my last package?I find those exciting, sadly. [What subject?] Organizational behavior.
If you were writing a story on the U.S. Open what storylines would you focus on this year?
I don?t know. I guess I?m not into the big story, because the big story never is the story?you can?t predict how these tournaments are going to go. So it [would be] just a story that hopefully people are interested in, that would be fun to read.
Let?s say you wanted to write a fun story, what would it be?
I would talk about [something] like, The Karaoke Times of the Williams Sisters. (Laughs)
You?ve said you tend to base your goals around the Olympics these days. Have you made plans for mixed doubles yet?
I?ll have to be in the shape of my life to play 90 matches in eight days. I don?t commit?I?m not a committer. Hopefully whoever is playing well at the time and has a serious winning attitude, hopefully I?ll be able to play with them.
Do you watch much tennis when you?re not playing?
Yeah, I do watch a lot of tennis?a ton, maybe too much. I like to watch the women more than the men.
Who are the young players you can see doing well in, say, five years?
I don?t know, because I never pick the right player. The player that I think will be good never is good. And the one I don?t think is the best one is always the best. So I?m no scout?I?ll be honest with you on that.
Who else do you like to watch playing?
I actually like watching the legends a lot. They think a little bit different on the court, so I like it when they show some of the older players or the older matches. I?ve watched Billie Jean King play. I?ve watched Ashe and Connors. I really enjoy that.
Think you?ll play the U.S. Open?
That?s my goal obviously. That?s what I?m aiming for the next couple of weeks.
What are your goals for the rest of your career?
To continue to play championship tennis is always my goal, so that?s the plan.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/uAuAaD4C6kU/
Athletics: Dai Greene bursts onto the world stage
DAI GREENE once complained he was the forgotten man in the British athletics team – but just 48 seconds in South Korea means everyone now knows his name.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
9/11 firefighters have higher cancer risk: study
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Male firefighters who were exposed to toxic dust and smoke from the 9/11 attacks on New York's World Trade Center have a 19 percent higher risk of getting cancer of all kinds than colleagues who were not exposed, U.S. researchers said on Thursday. 
Nick's Picks: 2011 U.S. Open, Day 2
Each day during the 2011 U.S. Open, coach Nick Bollettieri will discuss three of the most intriguing matches on the schedule and offer his predictions.
Sabine Lisicki [22] vs. Alona Bondarenko (Court 17, first match)
Like Heather Watson and Maria Sharapova, who played each other on Day 1, Lisicki grew at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy, and I have worked with her for many years. She always has a great attitude on the court, and if she can stay healthy, she has an extremely bright future.
These two have met once before, back in the 2008 U.S. Open, and Bondarenko won that in three sets. Bondarenko is an experienced player who has had excellent results on both the singles and doubles side. She doesn?t have any huge weapons, but she will make you cover the court and won?t roll over. Lisicki likes to go for everything. She hits the tar out of the ball from both wings and her serve is one of the best on tour. She needs to get a high percentage of first serves in to win this match, and she also needs to remain patient. I give her the edge because of Bondarenko?s injury issues (she didn?t compete until May due to wrist and right knee injuries) and the fact that Lisicki has had an excellent year ? and loves playing on hard courts.
Nick?s Pick: Lisicki in three sets
***
Jelena Jankovic [11] vs. Alison Riske (Grandstand, second match)
Jankovic comes in ranked 12th in the world and should have plenty of confidence after reaching the finals of Cincinnati. It will be interesting to see how she rebounds after that performance, to see if she can sustain that level of play for two weeks. She was a finalist here just three years ago and she definitely has the talent to reach that point again.
To me, this match is all about Jankovic. A couple of years ago her movement was off the charts, but she doesn?t seem to be covering the court as well as she used to. Her two-handed backhand is still one of the best, and when she is able to step in and hit it down the line, she is very difficult to beat. Against Riske, she needs to get down to business right away and not let the crowd get into it. Jankovic is a bit unpredictable because of her emotions, so the longer this match goes, the better the American?s chances are of winning. I look for Jankovic to win, but this will be a fun match.
Nick?s Pick: Jankovic in two sets
***
Novak Djokovic [1] vs. Conor Niland (Arthur Ashe Stadium, third match)
When I was working on the picks, I didn?t know who Djokovic was playing and honestly, it doesn?t matter. This match is all about him and his shoulder health. He was forced to retire in the finals of Cincinnati and it could have a major effect on this match. His record is still 57-2 on the year and he?s won nine titles, which is simply amazing.
I was recently asked how I would compare Djokovic to the greats in the game, and I believe he is right up there. I don?t think that there is anyone in the history of the game that has been as solid in all areas as he is right now. He is so well-rounded and his game is so complete that it is extremely difficult to even take a set off of him. The ball is basically on a string and he is the puppet master. He is remarkable to watch. I look for him to advance, but I?ll be keeping my eyes on how his shoulder feels moving forward.
Nick?s Pick: Djokovic in three sets
Nick Bollettieri of the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy has trained many collegiate and professional players, including 10 who reached the world No. 1 ranking.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/ahBXIb9P9b4/
Australians Gajdosova, Dokic snap streaks
If only Jarmila Gajdosova really could earn some points for honesty.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/tennis/5541547/Australians-Gajdosova-Dokic-snap-streaks
Why illness caused Venus Williams to quit U.S. open
Tennis star Venus Williams has announced she's dropping out of the U.S. Open because of an autoimmune disorder called Sjogren's syndrome.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44358608/ns/health-womens_health/
Andy Murray ready to find his form of 2008 at US Open
ANDY MURRAY is determined to shake off his US Open disappointments.
Goodnight, Irene: Hurricane doesn't delay opening day
NEW YORK?Rain is as much a part of the U.S. Open as noisy 747s. And
without a covered stadium court, maneuvering matches through the puddles
has always found a way to play havoc with the tournament schedule. The
last three Opens were all extended to Monday men?s finals thanks to wet
conditions. But enduring rain showers is one thing; planning for a
hurricane is new ground. Actually, by the time Irene arrived in New York
City, she had been downgraded to a tropical storm. Still, with several
inches of rain and wind gusts of over 60 mph, it brought flooding,
closed river crossings and mass transit, and practically shuttered the
city that never sleeps. Fortunately the Open, and its participants,
escaped relatively unscathed.
without a covered stadium court, maneuvering matches through the puddles
has always found a way to play havoc with the tournament schedule. The
last three Opens were all extended to Monday men?s finals thanks to wet
conditions. But enduring rain showers is one thing; planning for a
hurricane is new ground. Actually, by the time Irene arrived in New York
City, she had been downgraded to a tropical storm. Still, with several
inches of rain and wind gusts of over 60 mph, it brought flooding,
closed river crossings and mass transit, and practically shuttered the
city that never sleeps. Fortunately the Open, and its participants,
escaped relatively unscathed.
The National Tennis Center suffered only minor damage and the inconvenience of removing and then replacing banners, benches, and television cameras. Grounds crew members stayed over on Saturday night to get an early start on the Sunday cleanup and prepare for opening day. Doors opened to fans at 10 a.m., but several of the courts had staggered start times to allow personnel extra time to arrive. Play commenced on Louis Armstrong Stadium at the customary 11 a.m., but play on Arthur Ashe Stadium was delayed until 1 p.m. With surrounding areas still suffering from power outages and road closures, the early-arriving crowd felt lighter than the typical opening day.
Perhaps the biggest casualty of Irene, though, was Arthur Ashe Kids? Day. The yearly all-day event held at the National Tennis Center the Saturday before the start of the tournament?with free grounds activities for kids and a ticketed stadium show?was cancelled due to the unsettled weather in the area. For players, the anticipation of the storm and its effect on preparation caused the most difficulties.
?It?s taken quite a few days for us sort of waiting for it and kind of having to decide how we?re going to practice,? said No. 4 seed Andy Murray. ?If we?re going to try to get in sort of more practice early in the week outdoors, or stick to kind of what the normal plan is and practicing hour and a half, two hours a day and maybe having to go indoors. That?s been the only problem.?
Players are creatures of habit and abhor anything that takes them out of their routines. Mardy Fish is a native Floridian and accustomed to dealing with hurricanes. But taking away his Starbucks?the store closed in advance of the storm?frustrated the top-seeded American. Five-time champ Roger Federer wasn?t too concerned that the wet weather could alter his preparation, as he generally takes a short break before the tournament anyway. ?Maybe I just go back and relax instead of trying to hustle around and trying to get an indoor hit,? said Federer. ?I'm not 18 anymore where that's the kind of stuff you do to show how badly you need it, how professional you are. But at my age you kind of know what it takes to get ready, and you don't panic.?
Since everybody is in the same position, players all try to roll with it. And if you?re Serena Williams, the storm can even offer a chance at entertainment. ?I played a little bit in the rain,? said Serena Williams. ?I went to Park Avenue because it was empty and danced a little bit in the streets. It was kinda fun.?
Jon Levey is covering the U.S. Open for TENNIS.com.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/nNHwt8c2GJ0/
Novak Djokovic top dog for US
WorlD No.1 Novak Djokovic has been rewarded for his amazing 2011 form by being named top seed for the US open, which starts on Monday.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Bernard Tomic notches maiden US Open win
Top ranked Australian Bernard Tomic has secured a place in the second round of the US Open after dismissing American qualifier Michael Yani 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/tennis/5531585/Bernard-Tomic-notches-maiden-US-Open-win
Andy Murray ready to find his form of 2008 at US Open
ANDY MURRAY is determined to shake off his US Open disappointments.
Soderling withdraws from US Open due to illness
Sixth-seeded Robin Soderling withdrew from the U.S. Open because of illness.
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44342957/ns/sports-tennis/
Rogers Cup: Andy Murray has no case for the defence as he crashes out
ANDY MURRAY'S Rogers Cup defence ended at the first hurdle last night as he slumped to a shock 6-3 6-1 defeat to Kevin Anderson in Montreal.
Boxing: Nathan Cleverly to face Tony Bellew in title clash
WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly will defend his title against Tony Bellew in October, with the winner facing a potential clash with American legend Bernard Hopkins.
Novak Djokovic named top seed for US Open
WORLD No.1 Novak Djokovic has been rewarded for his amazing 2011 form by being named top seed for the US Open, which starts on Monday.
Andy Murray plays Indian at US
Andy Murray will play India's Somdev Devvarman in the first round of the US Open, with Rafael Nadal again a potential semi-final opponent.
Andy Murray: Change of diet could pave way for success at US Open
ANDY MURRAY believes a change in eating habits can help him put the bite on his US Open rivals in the Big Apple.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Davis Cup: Non-ranked rival Laurent Bram excited ahead of clash with Andy Murray
ANDY MURRAY is second match on at Braehead against Luxembourg tonight but don't cancel any dinner reservation you may have made.
Horse racing: Libranno wins Supreme Stakes at Goodwood
RICHARD Hughes proved he is certainly no one-trick pony with a deft front-running ride aboard Libranno in the Supreme Stakes at Goodwood yesterday.
Good Evans goes close to causing an upset in big clash with Prosser
THRICE winner of the Molson Coors Merthyr West End Open Bowls Tournament and current holder, Mike Prosser of Ely Valley, survived a first round scare against Ystradfechan’s Ceri Evans on Monday morning to keep his dreams of winning a record fourth title very much alive.
Washington Kastles win Eastern Conference title
CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 22, 2011) -- The Washington Kastles moved one step closer to their second World TeamTennis title and the first undefeated season in WTT Pro League history with a 23-15 victory over the Boston Lobsters in the WTT Eastern Conference Championship final. The Kastles advance to Sunday's WTT Finals presented by GEICO to face the winner of Saturday's Western Conference Championship match.
Leander Paes, who was announced as the 2011 WTT Male MVP prior to the match, partnered with Rennae Stubbs to power past Boston's Eric Butorac and Mashona Washington, 5-2, in the opening set. That opening match set the tone for the rest of the first half as Stubbs and Arina Rodionova dominated Washington and her partner Irina Falconi in women's doubles 5-1. The Kastles cruised to a 15-5 halftime lead after Paes and Bobby Reynolds defeated Butorac and Jan-Michael Gambill in men's doubles, 5-2.
Falconi tried to turn the tide in women's singles as she faced off against WTT's Female Rookie of the Year Rodionova. Falconi jumped out to a 3-1 lead before Rodionova shifted gears and evened out the set at 4-4. Falconi hit a crosscourt forehand winner for the 5-4 victory and the first set win for the Lobsters.
Gambill won men's singles 5-3 to send the match into overtime. Reynolds closed out Washington's 15th consecutive victory by winning the first Overtime game to give the Kastles the 23-15 win. The win gives 2011 Coach of the Year Murphy Jensen and his squad a shot at making WTT history in Sunday's final. No team in WTT history has ever gone undefeated throughout the entire regular and post-season.
The St. Louis Aces and the Sacramento Capitals face off for the Western Conference title at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. The winner will play the Kastles at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, for the King Trophy in the WTT Finals. The Finals will be televised live on Tennis Channel and live streamed on http://video.wtt.com.
FINAL RESULTS FROM THE EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
(Home teams in capital letters)
WASHINGTON KASTLES def. Boston Lobsters 23-15 (OT)
Mixed Doubles - Leander Paes\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Doubles - Arina Rodionova\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Irina Falconi\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-1
Men's Doubles - Leander Paes\Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Singles - Irina Falconi (Lobsters) def. Arina Rodionova (Kastles) 5-4
Men's Singles - Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) def. Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) 5-3
Overtime - Men's Singles - Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 1-0
Leander Paes, who was announced as the 2011 WTT Male MVP prior to the match, partnered with Rennae Stubbs to power past Boston's Eric Butorac and Mashona Washington, 5-2, in the opening set. That opening match set the tone for the rest of the first half as Stubbs and Arina Rodionova dominated Washington and her partner Irina Falconi in women's doubles 5-1. The Kastles cruised to a 15-5 halftime lead after Paes and Bobby Reynolds defeated Butorac and Jan-Michael Gambill in men's doubles, 5-2.
Falconi tried to turn the tide in women's singles as she faced off against WTT's Female Rookie of the Year Rodionova. Falconi jumped out to a 3-1 lead before Rodionova shifted gears and evened out the set at 4-4. Falconi hit a crosscourt forehand winner for the 5-4 victory and the first set win for the Lobsters.
Gambill won men's singles 5-3 to send the match into overtime. Reynolds closed out Washington's 15th consecutive victory by winning the first Overtime game to give the Kastles the 23-15 win. The win gives 2011 Coach of the Year Murphy Jensen and his squad a shot at making WTT history in Sunday's final. No team in WTT history has ever gone undefeated throughout the entire regular and post-season.
The St. Louis Aces and the Sacramento Capitals face off for the Western Conference title at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. The winner will play the Kastles at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, for the King Trophy in the WTT Finals. The Finals will be televised live on Tennis Channel and live streamed on http://video.wtt.com.
FINAL RESULTS FROM THE EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
(Home teams in capital letters)
WASHINGTON KASTLES def. Boston Lobsters 23-15 (OT)
Mixed Doubles - Leander Paes\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Doubles - Arina Rodionova\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Irina Falconi\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-1
Men's Doubles - Leander Paes\Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Singles - Irina Falconi (Lobsters) def. Arina Rodionova (Kastles) 5-4
Men's Singles - Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) def. Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) 5-3
Overtime - Men's Singles - Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 1-0
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/QU7TyErBZp8/
Wozniacki takes 4th straight title in New Haven
No one has ever beaten Caroline Wozniacki in New Haven, and Hurricane Irene couldn't do it either.Source: http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/6901677/caroline-wozniacki-wins-fourth-straight-title-new-haven
Gilles Simon holds nerve to seal victory in German Open
GILLES SIMON clinched the German Open with a three-set win over Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in Hamburg.
Athletics: Greene unfazed by van Commenee expectations
DAI GREENE kept his cool and composure as he cruised into the semi-finals of the 400 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships.
Maria Sharapova is world's highest paid sportswoman
Maria Sharapova remains the world's highest paid sportswoman despite failing to win a single Grand Slam since 2008.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Andy Murray can use energy from US Open crowd to inspire him to first Grand Slam, says John McEnroe
JOHN McENROE reckons hungry Andy Murray can feed off the energy of the crazy New York crowd at the US Open.
Djokovic not concerned about shoulder at Open
Novak Djokovic says that his sore shoulder is feeling better. The world No. 1 retired in the final of Cincinnati against Andy Murray, citing a shoulder problem.
"My shoulder is feeling fine," he said at the U.S. Open. "I had a little trouble in Cincinnati throughout the whole week, and I carried that up to the finals. It was unfortunate to finish this way the match against Murray. But I think it was right decision, because I needed not to risk any further major injuries. So I decided to take some time off and went to MRI and everything is fine. I have been serving in last couple of days, playing 100%, so I'm ready for the tournament."
"My shoulder is feeling fine," he said at the U.S. Open. "I had a little trouble in Cincinnati throughout the whole week, and I carried that up to the finals. It was unfortunate to finish this way the match against Murray. But I think it was right decision, because I needed not to risk any further major injuries. So I decided to take some time off and went to MRI and everything is fine. I have been serving in last couple of days, playing 100%, so I'm ready for the tournament."
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-news/~3/9NSt1Pgn20M/
Novak Djokovic named top seed for US Open
WORLD No.1 Novak Djokovic has been rewarded for his amazing 2011 form by being named top seed for the US Open, which starts on Monday.
US teen Harrison out of Open
American teenager Ryan Harrison lost 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 (6) to 27th-seeded Marin Cilic in the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday.
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44316350/ns/sports-tennis/
Roddick cruises into quarters in final tune-up
Fit-again Andy Roddick kept his US Open preparations on a smooth track by crushing Colombian Santiago Giraldo 6-1 6-3 in the third round of the Winston-Salem Open today.
Washington Kastles win Eastern Conference title
CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 22, 2011) -- The Washington Kastles moved one step closer to their second World TeamTennis title and the first undefeated season in WTT Pro League history with a 23-15 victory over the Boston Lobsters in the WTT Eastern Conference Championship final. The Kastles advance to Sunday's WTT Finals presented by GEICO to face the winner of Saturday's Western Conference Championship match.
Leander Paes, who was announced as the 2011 WTT Male MVP prior to the match, partnered with Rennae Stubbs to power past Boston's Eric Butorac and Mashona Washington, 5-2, in the opening set. That opening match set the tone for the rest of the first half as Stubbs and Arina Rodionova dominated Washington and her partner Irina Falconi in women's doubles 5-1. The Kastles cruised to a 15-5 halftime lead after Paes and Bobby Reynolds defeated Butorac and Jan-Michael Gambill in men's doubles, 5-2.
Falconi tried to turn the tide in women's singles as she faced off against WTT's Female Rookie of the Year Rodionova. Falconi jumped out to a 3-1 lead before Rodionova shifted gears and evened out the set at 4-4. Falconi hit a crosscourt forehand winner for the 5-4 victory and the first set win for the Lobsters.
Gambill won men's singles 5-3 to send the match into overtime. Reynolds closed out Washington's 15th consecutive victory by winning the first Overtime game to give the Kastles the 23-15 win. The win gives 2011 Coach of the Year Murphy Jensen and his squad a shot at making WTT history in Sunday's final. No team in WTT history has ever gone undefeated throughout the entire regular and post-season.
The St. Louis Aces and the Sacramento Capitals face off for the Western Conference title at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. The winner will play the Kastles at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, for the King Trophy in the WTT Finals. The Finals will be televised live on Tennis Channel and live streamed on http://video.wtt.com.
FINAL RESULTS FROM THE EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
(Home teams in capital letters)
WASHINGTON KASTLES def. Boston Lobsters 23-15 (OT)
Mixed Doubles - Leander Paes\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Doubles - Arina Rodionova\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Irina Falconi\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-1
Men's Doubles - Leander Paes\Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Singles - Irina Falconi (Lobsters) def. Arina Rodionova (Kastles) 5-4
Men's Singles - Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) def. Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) 5-3
Overtime - Men's Singles - Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 1-0
Leander Paes, who was announced as the 2011 WTT Male MVP prior to the match, partnered with Rennae Stubbs to power past Boston's Eric Butorac and Mashona Washington, 5-2, in the opening set. That opening match set the tone for the rest of the first half as Stubbs and Arina Rodionova dominated Washington and her partner Irina Falconi in women's doubles 5-1. The Kastles cruised to a 15-5 halftime lead after Paes and Bobby Reynolds defeated Butorac and Jan-Michael Gambill in men's doubles, 5-2.
Falconi tried to turn the tide in women's singles as she faced off against WTT's Female Rookie of the Year Rodionova. Falconi jumped out to a 3-1 lead before Rodionova shifted gears and evened out the set at 4-4. Falconi hit a crosscourt forehand winner for the 5-4 victory and the first set win for the Lobsters.
Gambill won men's singles 5-3 to send the match into overtime. Reynolds closed out Washington's 15th consecutive victory by winning the first Overtime game to give the Kastles the 23-15 win. The win gives 2011 Coach of the Year Murphy Jensen and his squad a shot at making WTT history in Sunday's final. No team in WTT history has ever gone undefeated throughout the entire regular and post-season.
The St. Louis Aces and the Sacramento Capitals face off for the Western Conference title at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. The winner will play the Kastles at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, for the King Trophy in the WTT Finals. The Finals will be televised live on Tennis Channel and live streamed on http://video.wtt.com.
FINAL RESULTS FROM THE EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
(Home teams in capital letters)
WASHINGTON KASTLES def. Boston Lobsters 23-15 (OT)
Mixed Doubles - Leander Paes\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Doubles - Arina Rodionova\Rennae Stubbs (Kastles) def. Irina Falconi\Mashona Washington (Lobsters) 5-1
Men's Doubles - Leander Paes\Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Eric Butorac\Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 5-2
Women's Singles - Irina Falconi (Lobsters) def. Arina Rodionova (Kastles) 5-4
Men's Singles - Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) def. Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) 5-3
Overtime - Men's Singles - Bobby Reynolds (Kastles) def. Jan-Michael Gambill (Lobsters) 1-0
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/QU7TyErBZp8/
Andy Murray and Jamie Murray get comfortable win over Luxembourg
Andy and Jamie Murray withstood some early resistance in their first Davis Cup doubles match as a pair, but the brothers still recorded a comfortable straight-sets doubles win over Luxembourg.
Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic: I've found extra two per cent to beat Nadal & Federer.. Andy Murray can do the same
NOVAK DJOKOVIC last night challenged Andy Murray to prove he has the inner strength to join him at the summit of men's tennis.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Ice Hockey: Devils star Voth primed for final push
BRAD Voth flew into the UK yesterday to complete the Cardiff Devils’ roster and promised: “I’m ready for one big final season.”
Andy Murray faces daunting final prospect
Britain's Andy Murray faces the daunting prospect of world number one Novak Djokovic in the final of the Cincinnati Open Sunday after both men advanced past the semis in contrasting style.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/tennis/5481258/Andy-Murray-faces-daunting-final-prospect
U.S. Open preps for approaching Hurricane Irene
NEW YORK (AP) -- The U.S. Open tennis tournament is bracing for Hurricane Irene.
Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/si_tennis/~3/4s8TcN_-LtE/index.html
U.S. Open aiming for scheduled Monday start time
NEW YORK (AP)?The U.S. Tennis Association says the site of the U.S. Open has ?minimal damage? from Tropical Storm Irene and the aim is to begin the Grand Slam tournament on time.
In a posting on the tournament website Sunday, the USTA says workers are preparing the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for a scheduled 11 a.m. start Monday.
The USTA says it is in contact with New York City officials about mass transit, road conditions ?and the ability to start the event on Monday.?
Irene made landfall in New York as a tropical storm with 65 mph winds, not the 100-mph hurricane that had churned up the East Coast.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-news/~3/qqYLV9_1ZgM/
Fish at center stage for US men at US Open
Back before Mardy Fish transformed himself into the player he is today, he compiled a record of 5-8 in his first eight visits to the U.S. Open, never making it past the second round from 2000 to 2007.
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44294242/ns/sports-tennis/
Fish likes position as highest-ranked American
Mardy Fish says that coming into the U.S. Open as the highest seeded American for the first time is significantly different for him. The No. 7 seed will open play on Monday against German Tobias Kamke.
"This is probably one of the biggest events that I'll ever play, just being in this position right now and coming in playing extremely well," Fish told reporters. "Winning the U.S. Open Series and just coming in on a high and playing great the last two events [at Montreal and Cincinnati]. It's one of those where a lot of times you kinda want to work your way into the tournament. I want to play Monday. I want to get out there and start, because it's exciting for me?[There is a] slight bit more pressure. Certainly different pressure than I've ever felt. But a great feeling. It's just one of those experiences that not everybody can go through. I can understand just a little of what Andy [Roddick] has gone through and respect the job that he's done with it and how well he's handled the expectations with his play."
"This is probably one of the biggest events that I'll ever play, just being in this position right now and coming in playing extremely well," Fish told reporters. "Winning the U.S. Open Series and just coming in on a high and playing great the last two events [at Montreal and Cincinnati]. It's one of those where a lot of times you kinda want to work your way into the tournament. I want to play Monday. I want to get out there and start, because it's exciting for me?[There is a] slight bit more pressure. Certainly different pressure than I've ever felt. But a great feeling. It's just one of those experiences that not everybody can go through. I can understand just a little of what Andy [Roddick] has gone through and respect the job that he's done with it and how well he's handled the expectations with his play."
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-news/~3/OGyYHMRmb8c/
Seeded 8th, Fish takes center stage for U.S. men
NEW YORK (AP) -- Back before Mardy Fish transformed himself into the player he is today, he compiled a record of 5-8 in his first eight visits to the U.S. Open, never making it past the second round from 2000 to 2007.
Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/si_tennis/~3/TGykD56DLR4/index.html
3-time champ Serena seeded 28th at Open
Serena Williams was seeded 28th for the U.S. Open, which stuck with its policy of following the rankings instead of taking into account players' past performances.
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44243238/ns/sports-tennis/
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Maria Sharapova is world's highest paid sportswoman
Maria Sharapova remains the world's highest paid sportswoman despite failing to win a single Grand Slam since 2008.
Rowing: North Wales trio inGB Elite squad
A TRIO of North Wales rowers have flown to Slovenia as part of Great Britain’s elite squad for the 2011 World Championships.
Nadal, Fish attend BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis
NEW YORK (AP)?There was plenty of serving, but it all involved food as the U.S. Open held its ?Taste of Tennis? event in advance of Monday?s grand slam.
Reigning open champ Rafael Nadal, James Blake and Mardy Fish were on hand for the culinary event Thursday night, designed to raise funds for the New York Junior Tennis League.
Tommy Haas, Mikhail Youzhny and Marin Cilic were among the former and current tennis players who acted as food servers, handing people small plates of miniburgers, ceviche, steak and more.
Michelle Bernstein was among the top chefs who prepared food for the event and served up shrimp to the crowd.
Though she called herself an admirer of the game, she wasn?t staying to watch any of the Open. She planned to leave as soon as possible to head back to Miami to avoid Hurricane Irene, which was expected to hit New York on Sunday.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-news/~3/dU8Z9vYSdQE/
Irene hits North Carolina as it moves up East Coast
MOREHEAD CITY, North Carolina (Reuters) - Hurricane Irene howled ashore in North Carolina on Saturday on a path that triggered evacuations in New York and threatened the densely populated East Coast with flooding and power outages. 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/topNews/~3/dzGYWljLhdU/us-storm-irene-idUSTRE77K01820110827
Evert: Serena at same level as Graf, Navratilova
Chris Evert calls Serena Williams the favorite to win the U.S. Open and also says the 13-time Grand Slam champion?s career can be placed alongside those of 22-time Grand Slam winner Steffi Graf and 18-time Grand Slam winner Martina Navratilova.
"We saw her at Wimbledon, and I think even though she lost a close match to [Marion] Bartoli, Bartoli played out of her head," said Evert in an ESPN conference call. "I think that exceeded people's expectations, that Serena would do that well at Wimbledon after being out for a year and all her health issues. She committed herself. She practiced. She's won two tournaments. That's unbelievable. Not to undermine the rest of the field, but it just shows that she's head and shoulders above anybody else, again, when she's healthy.
"I'd put her right up there [as the greatest of all time] with Martina and Steffi. She's the best comeback player we've ever seen. If you look at the last 10 years, she's been out, she comes back. Even when she hasn't been in shape, she can still win a Grand Slam. She is an incredible athlete. She's got the power. She's got the speed. She's got the mental toughness. There isn't a chink in the armor there at all. Her health is her own worst enemy. Her health is her rival or competitor."
"We saw her at Wimbledon, and I think even though she lost a close match to [Marion] Bartoli, Bartoli played out of her head," said Evert in an ESPN conference call. "I think that exceeded people's expectations, that Serena would do that well at Wimbledon after being out for a year and all her health issues. She committed herself. She practiced. She's won two tournaments. That's unbelievable. Not to undermine the rest of the field, but it just shows that she's head and shoulders above anybody else, again, when she's healthy.
"I'd put her right up there [as the greatest of all time] with Martina and Steffi. She's the best comeback player we've ever seen. If you look at the last 10 years, she's been out, she comes back. Even when she hasn't been in shape, she can still win a Grand Slam. She is an incredible athlete. She's got the power. She's got the speed. She's got the mental toughness. There isn't a chink in the armor there at all. Her health is her own worst enemy. Her health is her rival or competitor."
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-news/~3/d7IqGtNmF2Q/
Athletics: Tanni Grey-Thompson predicts best Paralympics
BARONESS Tanni Grey-Thompson predicts the London 2012 Games will set a new benchmark and raise Paralympic sport to new heights.
USTA cancels Arthur Ashe Kids' Day due to Irene
NEW YORK (AP) -- The U.S. Tennis Association has canceled Saturday's Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the site of the U.S. Open because of worries about approaching Hurricane Irene.
Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/si_tennis/~3/_GkD-8V4KJs/index.html
Friday, August 26, 2011
Nadal, Fish attend BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis
NEW YORK (AP)?There was plenty of serving, but it all involved food as the U.S. Open held its ?Taste of Tennis? event in advance of Monday?s grand slam.
Reigning open champ Rafael Nadal, James Blake and Mardy Fish were on hand for the culinary event Thursday night, designed to raise funds for the New York Junior Tennis League.
Tommy Haas, Mikhail Youzhny and Marin Cilic were among the former and current tennis players who acted as food servers, handing people small plates of miniburgers, ceviche, steak and more.
Michelle Bernstein was among the top chefs who prepared food for the event and served up shrimp to the crowd.
Though she called herself an admirer of the game, she wasn?t staying to watch any of the Open. She planned to leave as soon as possible to head back to Miami to avoid Hurricane Irene, which was expected to hit New York on Sunday.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-news/~3/dU8Z9vYSdQE/
Scots tennis ace Andy Murray admits he may have to miss crucial Davis Cup clash
ANDY MURRAY helped push Great Britain a step closer to a Davis Cup promotion play-off - but doesn't know if he'll play in the crucial tie in September.
Fish's best shot at Open title
Tennis.com: American in best shape of his career ahead of Slam.
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44247373/ns/sports-tennis/
No. 5 Lisicki advances to Texas Open semifinals
Fifth-seeded Sabine Lisicki continued her roll through the Texas Open, going into the semifinals as the top seed remaining and having yet to lose a set.Source: http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/6897352/sabine-lisicki-advances-texas-open-semifinals
Jim Courier Blog: Training for the Champions Series
It?s a little over six weeks until we get started on the 2011 Champions Series, which means it is time for some serious training for yours truly. I just took a two-week vacation where I didn?t touch a racquet, and now I?m starting from ground zero to build my body and game back up again for the tournaments.
So how will I get ready? It's a question I get a lot, so I thought I?d answer it here in the hope that I don?t have to answer it elsewhere! I train in a similar fashion to how I trained when I was playing full-time on the ATP tour. I need to train for my worst case scenario for any given day, which used to be five-setters but is now a little over two sets (we will play a one-set semi-final and an eight-game pro-set at each of the one-night Champions Series tournaments this fall). So I basically do a pro-rata version of what I used to do, i.e. about 40 percent as much time and repetition. My body is not capable of taking the same type of pounding that it once did, but it can still do pretty well for a good amount of time, and I find that my body likes it when I push it to the limit every now and then.
Here?s what a typical week of training will look like for the next five weeks or so. I will taper off the last week as I get ready to play, losing the track work and focusing more on speed and agility.
1. Play tennis four times a week for 90 minutes each time (mostly playing sets/baseline games). I don?t do two-a-days anymore?
2. Hit the weight room (two to three times a week for one hour) to keep toned, not to bulk up
3. Hit the track for some sprint work (50?s, 100?s, 200?s) (once a week for about 20 minutes of intervals)
4. Do on-court foot drills for agility (once a week for about 20 minutes)
5. Stretch (daily)
6. Get massage once a week
While doing the prep work I?ll also be doing my other jobs, like my full-time day job at InsideOut Sports as well as a little U.S. Open TV for CBS, and of course watching the Americans closely at the Open in my role as Davis Cup Captain. It?s going to be a full plate but let it be said that I will not be bored!
Feel free to send in any questions about my training (or anything else) to our twitter page at @cs_tennis or via the Champions Series website in the fanzone Q&A section and I?ll be sure to answer them.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/NKSeGA29m7Q/
Golf: rain-hit day for Rhys Pugh was great start for Welsh star
THE summer of 2003 seemed pretty much just like any other – cold and rainy with the odd spell of drizzle.
Athletics: Chris Tomlinson aims to jump to it
CHRIS Tomlinson believes he can increase his own British long jump record as he looks to claim a medal in the upcoming World Championships in Daegu.
Li Na to lead China in Hopman Cup debut
French Open champion Li Na will lead China's first foray into the mixed team Hopman Cup at the start of next season, organisers said.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/tennis/5475269/Li-Na-to-lead-China-in-Hopman-Cup-debut
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