2013 Tennis Thread

[Smallville22]

Pressure off as rested Nadal seeks ninth Monte Carlo crown

Relaxed and rested after a break following his successful return to the ATP Tour, Rafa Nadal said he no longer felt burdened by expectation and pressure heading into the European claycourt season.
The Spaniard put the problems with his injured left knee, which sidelined him for seven months, behind him by winning three of four events on his return to the circuit, including the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells last month.
World number five Nadal seeks a ninth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters title this week and has arrived in good shape for his European campaign leading up to next month's French Open.
"I played four fantastic weeks in Latin America and Indian Wells. After seven months, playing that much is never easy so I tried to recover well and do the right things to be here," Nadal said.
"I don't feel the pressure that I've felt in the past."
The 11-times Grand Slam singles champion spent his month off since his Indian Wells triumph by strengthening his left leg on the advice of his doctors.
He would, however, much rather talk about tennis than his knee.
"There has been a lot of talk about the knee for the last year. It's not good to talk about it anymore for me because I'm here, I'm competing so I prefer to be focused on the tennis," he said.
Despite his eight Monte Carlo titles, and with world number one Novak Djokovic doubtful with an ankle sprain and Swiss Roger Federer having opted against participating in the event, Nadal does not believe a ninth crown is inevitable.
"I don't feel like I am the biggest favourite to win this tournament this year. I think I'm a candidate," Nadal said.
"It's probably not easy to understand after eight years, but I don't have to lose the perspective; it's not possible to win every year, and someday that's going to stop.
"I will try my best not to make that happen easily but that's the sport, nothing lasts forever and you have to accept that."
Asked who might take his title from him, the Mallorcan replied: "You don't need to know who are my favourites because you'd say the same as me. If you follow tennis, everybody knows who are the favourites."

 

[rivasky]

Fed Cup weekend! :nanner:

Hev Watson is still down with glandular fever (get well soon, sweetie! :heart: )
The rest of the team takes on Argentina. You go, girls!

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[rivasky]

Oh dear! What in the world made Judy Murray think it would be a good idea to let Baltacha play? 1-3 in Argentina, another year in Tier III.

 

[Smallville22]

Del Potro recovers to beat Dolgopolov in Monte Carlo

Juan Martin Del Potro moved into the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters with a tricky 1-6 6-4 6-3 win over Alexandr Dolgopolov.
The towering Argentine, who had not played on clay since last year's French Open, struggled to find his feet in the opening set as Dolgopolov dictated play and produced some fine drop-shots.
As the sun set over the Mediterranean, Del Potro started to play deeper and took advantage the Ukrainian's wayward shots to wrap up the next two sets for victory.
"It was really tough to start playing on clay against him. You always try to play long rallies to feel the clay, to settle your play," fifth seed Del Potro said.
"He plays fast, he comes to the net often ... After one hour and a half, I felt better," added the world number six, who had not planned to come to Monte Carlo but was given a wildcard.
French number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also made it to the last 16 thanks to an authoritative 7-6 6-2 victory over Nikolay Davydenko.
Sixth-seed Tsonga trailed 0-2 in the first set but quickly regrouped and whipped up the roaring crowd by charging to victory.
World number nine Richard Gasquet completed a successful day for the French favourites as he showed no ill effects of the ankle injury that kept him out of the Davis Cup quarter-finals and completed a 6-1 3-6 6-1 win over countryman Benoit Paire.
Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic was the only top-10 player to suffer an early exit with a 7-6 6-1 defeat by Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
World No.10 Tipsarevic, who has never made it past the third round at the claycourt Masters series event, extended his poor win-loss record to 2-6 since he reached the Australian Open last 16 in January.
The 21-year-old Dimitrov, regarded as one of the most gifted prospects on the tour, recovered from a break down in the first set then easily prevailed in the tie-break, wrapping it up with a subtle backhand pass.
The 34th-ranked Bulgarian then cruised to his first win of the season over a top-10 player to reach the last 16.

Results from the Monte Carlo Masters

Round 2

5-Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) beat Alexandr Dolgopolov (Ukraine) 1-6 6-4 6-3

6-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) beat Nikolay Davydenko (Russia) 7-6(3) 6-2

16-Philipp Kohlschreiber (Germany) beat Pablo Andujar (Spain) 6-2 2-6 7-6(3)

7-Richard Gasquet (France) beat Benoit Paire (France) 6-1 3-6 6-1

Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat 8-Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) 7-6(3) 6-1

Round 1

Ernests Gulbis (Latvia) beat John Isner (U.S.) 4-6 6-2 6-3

10-Nicolas Almagro (Spain) beat David Goffin (Belgium) 2-6 6-1 6-3

14-Juan Monaco (Argentina) beat Martin Klizan (Slovakia) 6-4 6-0

Albert Montanes (Spain) beat Gael Monfils (France) 6-2 2-6 6-4

Kevin Anderson (South Africa) beat Jerzy Janowicz (Poland) 7-5 7-6(9)

Jurgen Melzer (Austria) beat Jesse Huta Galung (Netherlands) 1-6 6-3 6-2

Marcel Granollers (Spain) beat Victor Hanescu (Romania) 6-7(8) 6-3 6-1

Florian Mayer (Germany) beat Benjamin Balleret (Monaco) 5-7 6-1 6-2

Marinko Matosevic (Australia) beat Fernando Verdasco (Spain) 7-5 6-3

Albert Ramos (Spain) beat Radek Stepanek (Czech Republic) 6-3 6-3

13-Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) beat Denis Istomin (Uzbekistan) 6-3 7-5

 

[Smallville22]

ITF to hear Pakistan appeal

The International Tennis Federation has agreed to hear an appeal by Pakistan against the awarding of their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 11 tie to New Zealand.
"It is a major breakthrough for us after we got confirmation from the ITF they will be hearing our appeal against the referee's decision," Pakistan Tennis Federation secretary Mumtaz Yousuf told Reuters.
Pakistan were disqualified from this month's Davis Cup tie against New Zealand played in Yangon, Myanmar after Sri Lankan referee Ashita Ajigala ruled that the grass court had become unplayable and dangerous.
The tie was played in Myanmar after New Zealand refused to visit Pakistan due to security concerns.
Pakistani players had officials strongly protested against the decision to award the tie to New Zealand.
"We think that the ITF's decision to consider our appeal shows how seriously we are taking this matter and how seriously the ITF views our reservations on the referee's decision," Yousuf said.
The appeal will be heard by the ITF's Board of Directors next month.

 

[Smallville22]

Djokovic survives scare, Nadal and Murray ease to wins

Novak Djokovic's ****** to test his injured ankle at the Monte Carlo Masters appeared to be backfiring but he dug his heels in to battle past Russian Mikhail Youzhny 4-6 6-1 6-4 in the second round.
While Djokovic grimaced and growled as he played through the pain barrier to fight back from 0-4 down in the opening set, Rafa Nadal was all smiles after he launched his bid for a ninth consecutive Monte Carlo crown with a ruthless 6-1 6-2 win over Australian Marinko Matosevic.
Second seed Andy Murray also looked in fine form as he cruised to a 6-1 6-4 win over Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
World number one Djokovic, who sprained his ankle while on Davis Cup duty 10 days ago, made a late call to participate in the tournament which is held in his adopted home town and was relieved to have survived his first match on clay this season.
"I'm not 100 per cent because of my physical issue but I'm still in the draw. I live here. Everything's alright," Djokovic said in a courtside interview in French.
During a training session on Tuesday, Djokovic avoided putting too much pressure on his stricken right ankle but he did not have that luxury on Wednesday when Youzhny made him chase the ball around the court.
Once Djokovic levelled for 4-4, he relied on his greater weight of shot to see him through the tricky encounter.
Following an exchange of breaks in the third set, Djokovic broke decisively in the ninth game and sent Youzhny packing with an ace on match point.
Third-seed Nadal's outing was more straightforward as he returned from a month-long break to record his 43rd victory in a row at the principality against Matosevic .
The Spaniard, who is being more selective with his schedule this year after being out of action for seven months with knee problems following a shock second-round exit at Wimbledon last year, was loudly cheered by the packed crowd and was never seriously threatened by his Australian opponent.
Matosevic opened a 2-0 lead in the second set but Nadal reeled off the next six to set up a meeting with 16th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany.
"I played well at the beginning, with the right intensity, with no mistakes. I was trying to do the right things to find a good feeling on the ball, to find the right rhythm. And I think I did," Nadal said.
"I played to the right places, and that gave me confidence."
The world number five announced his comeback by winning three of his first four tournaments, including the Indian Wells Masters Series last month, and is favourite to continue his reign on the picturesque Centre Court that has been his stage since he first won the tournament in 2005.
Second seed Murray also had little trouble in reaching the last 16. After a nervy opening game when Roger-Vasselin held an early break point, Murray barely looked in trouble as he eased through the 6-1 6-4 to set up a third round clash with Stanislas Wawrinka.
The Swiss 13th seed was a 6-1 6-1 winner against Albert Montanes earlier in the day.
Tenth seed Nicolas Almagro became the first early casualty of the tournament as he lost 6-4 6-2 to Austria's Jurgen Melzer.
Fourth seed Tomas Berdych had to recover from a break down in each set to move past Spaniard Marcel Granollers 7-5 6-4.
Canadian 22-year-old Milos Raonic, seeded 12, failed to set up a big-serving clash with Juan Martin Del Potro when he was beaten by Finland's Jarkko Nieminen 6-3 1-6 7-6.

Results from the Monte Carlo Masters Men's Singles Round 2 matches:

1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) 4-6 6-1 6-4

3-Rafa Nadal (Spain) beat Marinko Matosevic (Australia) 6-1 6-2

4-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) beat Marcel Granollers (Spain) 7-5 6-4

9-Marin Cilic (Croatia) beat Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 6-2 6-3

Jarkko Nieminen (Finland) beat 12-Milos Raonic (Canada) 6-3 1-6 7-6(3)

13-Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) beat Albert Montanes (Spain) 6-1 6-1

Fabio Fognini (Italy) beat Albert Ramos (Spain) 6-3 7-5

Florian Mayer (Germany) beat Roberto Bautista (Spain) 5-7 6-4 6-4

Jurgen Melzer (Austria) beat 10-Nicolas Almagro (Spain) 6-4 6-2

 

[Smallville22]

Murray to face Lendl in charity doubles at Queen's

Ivan Lendl will take on the man he coaches after joining ****** with Tomas Berdych to face Andy Murray and Tim Henman in the Rally Against Cancer doubles exhibition on finals day at the Aegon Championships.
Lendl, who began coaching Murray last year, was invited by British player Ross Hutchins to play in the June event 16 at The Queen's Club.
The event will raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports The Royal Marsden - the world-leading cancer centre treating Hutchins, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma last December.
'I am delighted to be playing in the Rally Against Cancer event on the brilliant centre court at The Queen’s Club,” said Lendl, who twice won the titles at The Queen's Club, in 1989 and 1990. “
The event is for a great cause - the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity - and I'm very excited to be playing on a grass court for the first time in 20 years.
"To be able to play with Andy, Tim and Tomas will be a joy for me and I look forward to the match. I have got to know Ross well over the past couple of years and have known his ****** for a long time. I am right behind him and everyone in similar situations to him."

 

[Smallville22]

Djokovic and Nadal through, Del Potro and Berdych shocked

World number one Novak Djokovic avoided becoming the latest big-name casualty at the Monte Carlo Masters in a 4-6 6-2 6-2 win over Juan Monaco.
With Andy Murray, Juan Martin Del Potro and Tomas Berdych all falling to lower-ranked opposition on Thursday, Djokovic lost the first set to the Argentine 14th seed as he appeared to struggle with the ankle injury that threatened to rule him out of this tournament.
But the Serb showed just why he is the undoubted best player in modern tennis by adjusting his game, finding a second wind, and delivering some of his trademark agile slides and power returns to fly past Monaco into the last eight.
Djokovic will face Jarkko Nieminen for a place in the semi-finals after he beat world number five Del Potro in a three-setter.
"It was very difficult for me today," Djokovic said.
"Another tough match. I am trying to take things day by day. I didn't know what to expect today and I'm really glad that I won."
Juan Martin Del Potro lost an engrossing contest 4-6 4-6 6-7(4) to Jarkko Nieminen, while Fabio Fognini ousted Tomas Berdych with an excellent 6-4 6-2, although favourite Rafael Nadal moved through with little fuss.
Del Potro was ousted by an inspired performance from Finn Nieminen, who played some marvellous winners from all over the court in an all-action retrieving masterclass in the day's final match.
The fifth-seeded Argentine responded to losing the opener with an excellent second-set recovery but, after a frenzy of breaks and break-backs, failed to serve out a ding-dong decider that went to a tie-break.
Nieminen, the 31-year-old world number 49, saved the best for last though, taking the tie-break 7-4 thanks to some incredible brave and accurate winners under pressure.
Fourth seed Berdych traded breaks with Italian Fognini early on but fell to pieces after a vital break at 4-4.
Fognini - whose forehand was too much for Berdych at times - went on to dominate the rest of the match, breaking the error-prone Czech twice in the second set before serving it out in style.
Fognini will face Richard Gasquet in the next round who beat Marin Cilic in two sets 7-5, 6-4.
Reigning champion Rafael Nadal notched up his 44th win in a row in the principality over Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2 6-4 and set up a quarter-final encounter with 34th-ranked Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria.
German Kolschreiber did not pose a big threat to Nadal, who had taken a month-long break to rest his knee after making an impressive comeback to the tour from seven months out injured by winning three titles including the Indian Wells Masters last month.
The Spaniard pleased the big crowd with a solid display on the sun-baked Centre Court that has been his stage since 2005.
"The match started with a lot of intensity for both of us and I was able to have the break. After that, I was comfortable with my serve," Nadal said.
"The second set, I think the intensity went down a little but I was in control," he added.
Dimitrov, who at 21 is making his debut in the Monte Carlo main draw, beat German Florian Mayer also by 6-2 6-4.
Tsonga eased into the quarter-finals with a dominant 6-3 6-0 win over Juergen Melzer.
The Frenchman’s forehand and athleticism were too much for the Austrian, who was broken at the second time of asking in the first set before being utterly blown away in the second.
Tsonga, who won in less than an hour, will face Wawrinka for a place in the last four.

Results from the Monte Carlo Masters Men's Singles

Round 3 matches:

Jarkko Nieminen (Finland) beat 5-Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) 4-6 4-6 6-7(4)

1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 14-Juan Monaco (Argentina) 4-6 6-2 6-2

13-Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) beat 2-Andy Murray (GBR) 6-1 6-2

3-Rafael Nadal (Spain) beat 16-Philipp Kohlschreiber (Germany) 6-2 6-4

Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat Florian Mayer (Germany) 6-2 6-4

Fabio Fognini (Italy) beat 4-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 6-4 6-2

6-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) beat Jurgen Melzer (Austria) 6-3 6-0

7-Richard Gasquet (France) beat 9-Marin Cilic (Croatia) 7-5, 6-4

 

[Smallville22]

Murray crushed by Wawrinka, drops back to third

Andy Murray will lose his world number two ranking after a poor performance in losing 6-1 6-2 to Stanislas Wawrinka in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Murray looked disinterested at times as the switched-on Swiss blew him away with accurate serving and dominant ground-strokes, the British number one not helping himself with some terrible unforced errors.
Wawrinka will now face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals, while Roger Federer returns to the world number two slot despite not lifting a racquet.
After a bright start to the match in which he earned two break points at the first time of asking, Murray collapsed to lose the next six games – including three breaks – as the Swiss exploited some lazy, disinterested play from the British number one with a contrasting display of power and precision.
Murray appeared to snap out of his malaise in the second set, even saving a break point with three brilliant shots under pressure.
But Wawrinka was not letting up, dominant at the baseline as he happily switched from backhand to forehand, while Murray appeared to lose interest again as he was broken following a terrible missed volley with the Swiss stranded.
The Scot was broken again at the last, yet another unforced error doing for him as he served to stay in the match, and he was booed by the French fans while ambling off court.
"I made a lot of mistakes - 24 unforced errors is far too many, that's where half the points went," Murray told a news conference. "I started hitting the ball shorter, then he was able to dictate the play."
Wawrinka said Murray's negative body language is easier to read when he plays badly on clay.
"I think when he's not feeling that good, he cannot just play from the baseline against me. For me it's perfect because he's playing so slow," Wawrinka said. "
You never expect to beat a top-four player, especially that easy."

 

[Smallville22]

Nadal battles past brave Dimitrov, faces Tsonga semi

Rafael Nadal was given a scare by Grigor Dimitrov before booking his place in the Monte Carlo Masters last four with a 6-2 2-6 6-4 win.
Nadal, who made an unusual number of errors and looked uncomfortable throughout against his 21-year-old opponent, slowly ground him down and fired an ace to clinch his 45th successive victory at the first big claycourt event of the season.
The Spaniard now has a 47-1 win-loss record at the glamorous venue and will next face Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 2-6 6-3 6-4 on the picturesque Centre Court to reach the last four for the first time.
The straight-laced crowd, for once reluctant to support Nadal with Dimitrov threatening to pull off a shock win, stood up to cheer the 34th-ranked Bulgarian as he left the court after a thrilling performance.
Nadal had his share of applause after keeping his bid for a ninth consecutive crown alive by the Mediterranean, where he is coming back from a month-long break after winning three titles including the Indian Wells Masters following seven months out with injury.
"I had a fantastic first set and that's important. That means my level is here," Nadal told a news conference.
"I am losing a bit of intensity at some moments. That's normal after a long time out of competition," added the Spaniard.
In the other half of the draw, Fabio Fognini beat seventh-seed Richard Gasquet 7-6 6-2 to make his first significant breakthrough in a Masters Series event.
The 32nd-ranked Italian, who enjoyed huge support in a stadium located just kilometres away from his country, will next face world number one Novak Djokovic - still recovering from a sprained ankle - or Finland's Jarkko Nieminen.
Tsonga had opened the chilly grey day, with the sun hidden by the clouds and a cool breeze refreshing the sparse crowd, by winning a fierce battle against Wawrinka.
Both players started brightly, with a solid Wawrinka looking on course to repeat the superb third-round performance which knocked out world number two Andy Murray.
However, Tsonga's aggression paid off with the Swiss-based Frenchman making the most of his break chances to overcome his occasional training partner.
Tsonga, who had not reached the last four in a Masters series event since his 2011 home triumph at the Paris Open, saw himself as the underdog ahead of the semi-final with Nadal.
"It's a incredible challenge. If I win, I'll be a hero. If I lose, I'll just go back home like everybody else," he said.

 

[Smallville22]

Djokovic strolls past Nieminen

Novak Djokovic remains on course for a Monte Carlo Masters final meeting with Rafael Nadal after a 6-4 6-3 win over Jarkko Nieminen.
Italian Fabio Fognini reached his first Masters event semi-final after completing a surprise 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 win over seventh seed Richard Gasquet.
World number one Djokovic was not bothered by his sprained ankle.
The 32nd-ranked Fognini made his first significant breakthrough in a Masters Series event.
Fognini, who lives just across the border and said he felt "at home" in Monaco, produced a fine performance with his dropshots and deep spinning forehands troubling France's Gasquet.
The stands started to empty after he secured his victory and he will need his status as a fans' favourite when he faces Djokovic, who moved far better on the clay than he did in the first two rounds when he had to recover from a set down.
Last year's runner-up Djokovic, who picked up a ankle injury while on Davis Cup duty with Serbia less than two weeks ago, was pleased by his physical improvement.
"It's a great step forward for me," he said.
"I did not have the feeling that the ankle was bothering me, I was very solid. I elevated the level of my game in the past two matches, definitely," he added while a rainbow shone in the light rain falling over Centre Court.

 

[Smallville22]

GB's Robson and Konta to face Argentina in singles rubbers

Great Britain's Fed Cup Captain Judy Murray named British number one Laura Robson and number three Johanna Konta as her singles players to face Argentina.
With British number two Heather Watson sidelined as she recovers from a bout of glandular fever, Murray selected Robson and Konta to take on the South American team.
Robson and former British number one Anne Keothavong have been confirmed as the doubles team for the middle rubber.
Murray said: “It was a very difficult decision to make. We have some very good options in the team with good strength and depth. Ultimately I based my decision on what I felt was the best match up on clay.
"Jo has been out in America playing on clay for the last four weeks and I felt that her game would be the best match up for tomorrow. We have really enjoyed the time we have spent here so far, but now the real challenge begins tomorrow."
Robson added: "I don’t know much about my opponent, I believe we have played once previously a few years ago. It’s a surface that definitely suits her but I have been practicing really well this week. I am confident in our team’s chances and I think we’ll do really well."
The winning nation will be promoted to the World Group II in 2014.

Saturday, April 20

Johanna Konta (GBR) v Paula Ormachea (ARG)

Laura Robson (GBR) v Florencia Molinero (ARG)

Sunday, April 21

Anne Keothavong/Laura Robson (GBR) v Mailen Auroux/Maria Irigoyen (ARG)

Laura Robson (GBR) v Paula Ormachea (ARG)

Johanna Konta (GBR) v Florencia Molinero (ARG)

 

[Smallville22]

Nadal reaches Monte Carlo Masters final

Third seed Rafael Nadal remained on course for his ninth straight Monte Carlo Masters title with a 6-3 7-6(3) win over sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Nadal looked to be on track for a demolition win when he served for the match at 6-3 5-1 but Tsonga, despite facing triple match point in the next game, stormed back into the match with four straight games.
In the end, however, Nadal proved too strong for the Frenchman, sealing his 46th consecutive win in Monte Carlo with a cross court forehand winner in the tie-break.
Now only world number one Novak Djokovic stands in Nadal's way as he bids for that ninth Monte Carlo title, the Serb setting up a repeat of last year's championship match when he beat Fabio Fognini 6-2 6-1 in the second semi.
The final against Djokovic will give a further measure of Nadal's physical power as he eyes the French Open, especially as the Serb is showing no obvious signs of being worried by the ankle he twisted while on Davis Cup duty two weeks ago.
"It's fantastic to be in a fifth final in a row after seven months out," Nadal said. "Novak always pushes you to the limits."
Tsonga made a bright start to the match, earning himself break points as early as just the fourth game.
But Nadal saved all the three, the best of which he saved with a backhand passing shot winner down the line, and from there Tsonga fell apart.
With Tsonga suffering an immediate hangover from that game, the world number three broke straight away to take the lead before taking the first set four games later when Tsonga sent a forehand long.
Things only got worse for Tsonga when Nadal broke in the second game of the second set before the Spaniard also went on to break again sixth game to leave himself serving for the match.
Nadal quickly earned himself three match points but it was at that point that Tsonga finally found some form.
The Frenchman reeled off four straight games, including two breaks of serve, to level up the second set at 5-5 before ******* the tie-break.
But the world number three regained his composure at just the right time, easing through the breaker and sealing his place in the final after 96 minutes with the forehand winner.

 

[Smallville22]

Djokovic to meet Nadal in Monte Carlo final

World number one Novak Djokovic set up a Monte Carlo Masters final clash against eight-times defending champion Rafael Nadal after a 6-2 6-1 demolition of Fabio Fognini.
Djokovic, who also reached the Monte Carlo Masters final in 2009 and 2012, had far too much for Fognini, playing in his first Masters series final, and booked his place in the championship match in just 52 minutes.
Djokovic, who has branded Nadal "the ultimate challenge on clay", will hope to improve on his previous Monte Carlo finals against Nadal. He was beaten 6-3 6-1 in the final last year and in three sets in 2009.
Italian showman Fognini played some crowd-pleasing winners against Djokovic but was no match for the ruthless Serb who was in no mood to mess around on the centre court.
The 32nd-ranked Italian, who has enjoyed a huge support this week at a stadium located just kilometres away from his home, offered little fight and was booed off court after only 50 minutes by the restless crowd.
Djokovic seems to have put his injury problem - he twisted his ankle on Davis Cup duty with Serbia a fortnight ago - behind him.

 

[Smallville22]

Defending champions Czech Republic two down against Italy

Czech Republic's hopes of a third consecutive Fed Cup title are receding fast as Italy surged 2-0 ahead in their semi-final in Palermo on Saturday.
The Czechs, looking for a third consecutive title in the competition, were outplayed in Palermo where former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was beaten by Roberta Vinci to leave them needing to win every match on Sunday.
In Moscow, an inspired Dominika Cibulkova came from a set down to beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 5-7 6-1 6-4 in the opening match, lasting two-and-a-half hours, before 75th-ranked Daniela Hantuchova made short work of Maria Kirilenko 6-2 6-4 in the second singles to put Slovakia in command.
The Slovaks are making their first semi-final appearance since 2002 when they went on to win their only title to date.
After dropping the first set, world number 13 Kirilenko led 2-0 in the second before her game fell apart on red clay in the outskirts of Moscow as Hantuchova took complete control, sealing the match with a crisp cross-court forehand.
"I have enough experience to deal with tough situations," said former top 10 player Hantuchova, who has slipped in the rankings in the last few years.
"This is the Fed Cup and we were playing as a team here."
Earlier, world number 15 Cibulkova secured a key break in the seventh game of the deciding set for a 4-3 lead before clinching victory on her first opportunity when Pavlyuchenkova's lose forehand sailed wide.
"It was a very, very tough match especially playing in a foreign country," Cibulkova told reporters.
"I was very nervous at the beginning, was making a lot of errors, double faults, but gradually I got back into the match. I was telling myself not to give up, to keep fighting. This inner strength has helped me win this match."
In the other semi-final world number seven Sara Errani got the Italians off to a great start with a 6-4 6-2 defeat of Lucie Safarova. Then, Vinci stunned Kvitova 6-4 6-1.
Kvitova, who had won 13 of her last 14 singles rubbers in the competition, was no match for Vinci with her superior power unable to make any impact on the slow Palermo clay.
Kvitova, who will play Errani in the first reverse singles, said she had struggled to adapt to clay.
"I hope I can cancel this match in my mind and have a free mind for tomorrow," Kvitova said on Saturday. "I'm still getting better, and it's obviously tough to be 100 per cent ready to play these girls on clay but we'll see."
Italy are looking to reclaim the title they won in 2009 and 2010 but captain Corrado Barazzutti was urging caution.
"Tomorrow is another day," he said. "We played fantastic today and it was really important that Roberta beat Petra but we have to stay focussed."

 

[Smallville22]

GB's Robson levels play-off tie with Argentina

Laura Robson beat Florencia Molinero 6-1 6-1 to level Great Britain's Fed Cup play-off tie against Argentina in the Parque Roca.
Robson thrashed Molinero in straight sets after earlier in the day Johanna Konta lost 6-3 6-2 to Paula Ormaechea in Buenos Aires.
"I was very pleased with how I played," Robson said afterwards. "I stuck to my game plan and hitting some higher balls to her backhand and apart from a few double faults nothing to complain about. It’s 1-1 going into tomorrow, it’s going to be tough but we can totally do this."
Konta, who became eligible to represent Britain last year, had been entrusted with the opening match for Judy Murray’s team, but the world number 164 was no match for her Argentine opponent on the clay.
After a breezy start Ormaechea bagged two breaks of serve and a 3-0 lead in the opener, and closed out with confidence.
In the second set Konta had opportunities to break early on, but Ormaechea, who had won seven of nine Fed Cup singles matches on clay courts, came through confidently to wrap up the contest.
“It was a great experience being out there today and a real honour to represent GB," said Konta. "I didn’t get off to the best of starts but found my rhythm after the first four games and played better after that. I really hope Laura can level up and we can win the tie tomorrow.”
The tie now moves to a packed schedule on Sunday with Robson in doubles action alongside Anne Keothavong before the reverse singles rubbers.
"We are probably where we expected to be," Murray reflected. "We’re looking forward to tomorrow, it’s all to play for."

Saturday, April 20

Johanna Konta (GBR) lost to Paula Ormachea (ARG) 3-6 2-6

Laura Robson (GBR) beat Florencia Molinero (ARG) 6-1 6-1

Sunday, April 21

Anne Keothavong/Laura Robson (GBR) v Mailen Auroux/Maria Irigoyen (ARG)

Laura Robson (GBR) v Paula Ormachea (ARG)

Johanna Konta (GBR) v Florencia Molinero (ARG)

 

[Smallville22]

Berdych: Passports should end doping "disaster"

Current anti-doping measures in tennis are a "disaster" and the introduction of biological passports can only improve matters, world number six Tomas Berdych said.
"The system right now... I don't know how it works with the others but with me, it does not work at all," the Czech told Reuters in an interview at the Monte Carlo Masters this week.
"You have to say every single day... where you are. I've done this for three or four years already and I had only two tests out of the tournaments," Berdych said.
"So why do I have to do this all the time and then they come twice in four years? It's just like complete nonsense."
Under International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules, players must give their location for at least one hour of each day in case they are required for an out-of-competition ***** test, usually by means of a ***** sample.
"If some people were hired to think about that and have come up with this kind of idea, if it was me, I would have fired them straight away," Berdych said.
"This system is a complete disaster. So whatever they're going to do differently, it's going to be good, new or whatever."
The ITF said last month it would introduce biological passports for players this year, in line with measures adopted in other sports such as cycling.
The new system, under which test results are collated over time to enable testers to track any changes which might indicate doping, would involve more ***** tests being done every year, the federation said.
According to their website ( Premium Link Upgrade ), the ITF carried out 21 out-of-competition ***** tests in professional tennis in 2011.
By comparison, cycling's world governing body UCI conducted 3,314 in the same year.
Top players, including 17-times Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, have welcomed the introduction of biological passports in tennis and Berdych added his backing.
"Sure, I'm definitely on this side. There should be more tests," Berdych said.
World number nine Richard Gasquet of France also praised the new system.
"We still have ***** tests that are a bit behind the times and we know that potential cheats always are way ahead," he told Reuters.
***** tests can detect many ***** including EPO, one of several substances taken by disgraced former Tour de France cycling champion Lance Armstrong, but only ***** tests can detect human growth hormone.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) head John Fahey earlier this year called on tennis officials to increase the number of ***** tests.

 

[Smallville22]

Djokovic downs Nadal to claim Monte Carlo title

Novak Djokovic denied Rafael Nadal a ninth Monte Carlo Masters title with a superb 6-2 7-6(1) final victory.
Serbia's world number one claimed a double break as he cruised into a 5-0 lead in the opening stanza of a rain-affected final, although Nadal did break back late in the set.
The second set was closer, although Djokovic dominated the tie-break to end a 46-match winning run at the clay-court event for former world number one Nadal, who had won the last eight tournaments here.
Nadal had also gone 81 straight matches without defeat on clay during the month of April, and was on a 19-match unbeaten run since his after his return from a knee injury that sidelined him for nine months.
Despite the defeat, the Spaniard was gracious in the post-match presentation: "Congratulations for winning my favourite tournament," he told Djokovic.
The Serb was also magnanimous in victory, saying: "Rafa, thank you for allowing me to win it once. I couldn't ask for a better start to the clay season."
Djokovic celebrated his 14th Masters crown and became the first player to defeat Nadal in three different finals on clay, having already beaten him in Madrid and Rome in 2011.
Monaco-based Djokovic, who made a late call to participate in the tournament after injuring an ankle while on Davis Cup duty two weeks ago, produced a superb performance to outplay Nadal on the picturesque centre court that has been the Spaniard's stage since 2005.
After light rain delayed the start of the final for 45 minutes, Djokovic punished an error-prone Nadal with a blistering start to the first set.
The match had little in common with last year's Monte Carlo final, when Nadal overwhelmed Djokovic 6-3 6-1 in the first big clay-court event of the season a month before he secured his seventh French Open crown.
Nadal, who took a month-long break before the tournament after winning three titles following his return from seven months out with a knee injury, saved five set points on his own serve and fought back to 5-2, only to hand his opponent the set with a double fault.
A more aggressive Nadal put Djokovic under pressure by taking a 4-2 lead in the second set.
But Djokovic dug in to level at 4-4, and after another exchange of breaks the Serbian ran away with the tie-breaker 7-1.
Nadal admitted he lacked the physical dominance of old, but said he was delighted with where he was fitness-wise after his long-term injury problems.
"I need to put in a little bit more physical performance," Nadal told a news conference. "That's the real thing - to play all the points with the same intensity. I get too tired to play with that intensity, earlier than when I used to.
"Five finals in a row. If you had told me that four months before, I would have cried for emotions, no? I'm very happy to be able to play against the best players of the world and play with real chances.
"I think for me it was a positive week...I didn't practise in Mallorca (his home base). I just practised here before the tournament. With not much preparation, I was able to play in the finals."
Djokovic has had his own relatively ***** injury problems, with an ankle issue almost ******* him to withdraw from Monte Carlo.
"I cannot be happier than I am in this moment knowing what I've been through the whole week, actually two weeks," he said in reference to twisting his ankle in a David Cup match against the USA.
"If somebody told me 10 days ago I'd be winning the trophy, I wouldn't think it's so realistic, to be honest."

 

[Smallville22]

'Tired' Nadal takes positives despite Monte Carlo defeat

Rafael Nadal admitted he is still trying to recapture his best form but remained optimistic for the French Open after losing his Monte Carlo crown to Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
Nadal, who returned to action in March after seven months out with injury, went down 6-2 7-6 to the Serbian world number one, ending his eight-year reign on the principality's clay.
"I need to put in a little bit more physical performance," the Spaniard said.
"That's the real thing - to play all the points with the same intensity. I get tired to play with that intensity, earlier than what I used to."
Nadal had won three tournaments, including the Indian Wells Masters, and reached the final in Vina del Mar since returning from the serious knee injury that kept him out for the second half of last season.
And although he had said this week he wanted to concentrate on his tennis rather than his fitness, he added: "I think I'm in the right way.
"Five finals in a row. If you had told me that four months before, I would have cried for emotions, no? I'm very happy to be able to play against the best players of the world and play with real chances.
"I think for me it was a positive week...I didn't practise in Mallorca (his home base). I just practised here before the tournament. With not much preparation, I was able to play in the finals."
The French Open begins on May 26, when Nadal will be aiming to win his eighth Roland Garros championship.
"This week is going to help me be fit for the next weeks," he said. "Hopefully I can play another great week in Barcelona next week, play some matches that will keep helping to put me in 100 per cent (shape) physically.
"Roland Garros is very far. I needed more matches to play with this intensity all the time. The competition gives you these special things, extra things that you may need sometimes when you are playing against some players.
"We have Barcelona, then we have Madrid, then we have Rome. It's enough time, I think. Yes. It's more than enough."

 

[Smallville22]

Agony for Britain as Argentina win play-off

Defeats for Laura Robson and Elena Baltacha saw Great Britain lose their Fed Cup World Group II play-off to Argentina at the Parque Roca in Buenos Aires.
Baltacha put in a brave effort after her surprise selection in what proved to be the deciding rubber, going down 7-5 3-6 6-1 to Maria Irigoyen.
The 29-year-old Baltacha is Britain’s number five these days, only in the squad after Heather Watson withdrew as she recovers from glandular fever.
But, despite battling to one set apiece against the world number 202, the former British number one wilted in the heat as GB lost out.
“I gave it everything and I’m obviously really disappointed," Baltacha said.
"She didn’t give me any pace and it was very hard work to keep dictating every single point. Thought I was on my way when I broke to start the third but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Robson had earlier lost 6-4 4-6 6-2 to Paula Ormaechea to leave Argentina one win away from victory.
“I’m disappointed not to win my match today and not get the team 2-1 up," Robson said.
"Ormachea played better than I was expecting and her backhand really surprised me. It was tough with the crowd but a good learning experience. I know we’ll come back next year stronger.”
Johanna Konta had been expected to face Florencia Molinero, but Baltacha stepped in in for the Australian-born world number 164, who was easily beaten by Ormaechea in the first rubber.
Argentina also made a change as Irigoyen – who is ranked higher than Molinero but did not figure in the first day’s action – came in for the vital win.
In the absence of Watson Britain had hoped Robson - the world number 38 and comfortably highest-ranked player on both sides - would win both her rubbers to give them a fighting chance of victory.
The doubles clash between the two nations is now a dead rubber.

Saturday, April 20

Johanna Konta (GBR) lost to Paula Ormaechea (ARG) 3-6 2-6

Laura Robson (GBR) beat Florencia Molinero (ARG) 6-1 6-1

Sunday, April 21

Laura Robson (GBR) lost to Paula Ormaechea (ARG) 6-4 4-6 6-2

Elena Baltacha (GBR) lost to Maria Irigoyen (ARG) 7-5 3-6 6-1