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Andy Roddick celebrated his 30th birthday by announcing his retirement as Roger Federer, the great Grand Slam tormentor of the American, eased into the third round at the US Open.
Roddick, a former world number one, who won his only major title in New York in 2003, admitted his level was struggling to match the big three of Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and he will quit once the US Open is over.
"I have decided that this is going to be my last tournament," said Roddick, who is guaranteed an emotional reception on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night when he plays Australia's Bernard Tomic for a place in the last 32.
"I feel it is the right time to do it. These other guys have gotten really, really good and I'm not interested in just existing on tour. I don't want to disrespect the game by coasting home."
Roddick's annoucement came a day after Kim Clijsters, a four-time Grand Slam champion, suffered a second round defeat which sent her into retirement.
Roddick, whose ranking is now down at 22 in the world, lost to Federer in the Wimbledon finals of 2004, 2005 and 2009.
That last All England Club defeat, an epic match which ended 16-14 in the fifth set, was Roddick's last memorable campaign and he has not got beyond the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since.
Top seed and five-time champion Federer reached the last 32 with an easy 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 win over Germany's Bjorn Phau and next faces Spain's Fernando Verdasco, whom he has beaten four times in four matches.
Read More: Roddick to quit, Federer into US Open third round - Yahoo! Sports
Roddick, a former world number one, who won his only major title in New York in 2003, admitted his level was struggling to match the big three of Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and he will quit once the US Open is over.
"I have decided that this is going to be my last tournament," said Roddick, who is guaranteed an emotional reception on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night when he plays Australia's Bernard Tomic for a place in the last 32.
"I feel it is the right time to do it. These other guys have gotten really, really good and I'm not interested in just existing on tour. I don't want to disrespect the game by coasting home."
Roddick's annoucement came a day after Kim Clijsters, a four-time Grand Slam champion, suffered a second round defeat which sent her into retirement.
Roddick, whose ranking is now down at 22 in the world, lost to Federer in the Wimbledon finals of 2004, 2005 and 2009.
That last All England Club defeat, an epic match which ended 16-14 in the fifth set, was Roddick's last memorable campaign and he has not got beyond the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since.
Top seed and five-time champion Federer reached the last 32 with an easy 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 win over Germany's Bjorn Phau and next faces Spain's Fernando Verdasco, whom he has beaten four times in four matches.
Read More: Roddick to quit, Federer into US Open third round - Yahoo! Sports
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Novak Djokovic will be back in action at the U.S. Open on Friday as the major tournament continues to offer up tennis betting opportunities in both the men's and women's draws.
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Djokovic is set to take on Brazil's Rogerio Dutra Silva on Friday, after he cruised to a 6-1, 6-0, 6-1 win over Italian Paolo Lorenzi in his first-round match. That has the Serbian listed as the huge -10000 favorite for Friday, with Dutra Da Silva the +1600 betting underdog.
Also in action on Friday will be Juan Martin Del Potro, who will be up against American Ryan Harrison. Del Potro dispatched Florent Serra of France 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 in his first-round match, and he's the -1600 favorite for Friday with Harrison a +700 underdog at Bovada.
Djokovic was pegged as the 5/4 favorite on Bovada's tennis betting lines to win the men's draw of the U.S. Open heading into Thursday's action, with Roger Federer at 5/2 and Andy Murray at 7/2. Del Potro was a step back of those top contenders at 12/1 odds.
In the women's draw on Saturday top-seeded Victoria Azarenka will be up against China's Jie Zheng after she got past Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens in her second-round match 6-2, 6-2. Azarenka is the -1200 favorite, with Zheng at +600 underdog on the tennis odds.
As well, Maria Sharapova is the -2500 favorite over American Mallory Burdette (+900) in their third-round match on Saturday after the third-seeded Russian made short work of Spain's Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-0, 6-1 in the second round.
Heading into action on Thursday, Serena Williams was the 4/5 favorite on the tennis odds at Bovada to win the women's draw of the U.S. Open, with Azarenka at 6/1, Sharapova at 7/1, and both Petra Kvitova and Li Na back at 10/1 to claim the major tournament title.
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Djokovic is set to take on Brazil's Rogerio Dutra Silva on Friday, after he cruised to a 6-1, 6-0, 6-1 win over Italian Paolo Lorenzi in his first-round match. That has the Serbian listed as the huge -10000 favorite for Friday, with Dutra Da Silva the +1600 betting underdog.
Also in action on Friday will be Juan Martin Del Potro, who will be up against American Ryan Harrison. Del Potro dispatched Florent Serra of France 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 in his first-round match, and he's the -1600 favorite for Friday with Harrison a +700 underdog at Bovada.
Djokovic was pegged as the 5/4 favorite on Bovada's tennis betting lines to win the men's draw of the U.S. Open heading into Thursday's action, with Roger Federer at 5/2 and Andy Murray at 7/2. Del Potro was a step back of those top contenders at 12/1 odds.
In the women's draw on Saturday top-seeded Victoria Azarenka will be up against China's Jie Zheng after she got past Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens in her second-round match 6-2, 6-2. Azarenka is the -1200 favorite, with Zheng at +600 underdog on the tennis odds.
As well, Maria Sharapova is the -2500 favorite over American Mallory Burdette (+900) in their third-round match on Saturday after the third-seeded Russian made short work of Spain's Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-0, 6-1 in the second round.
Heading into action on Thursday, Serena Williams was the 4/5 favorite on the tennis odds at Bovada to win the women's draw of the U.S. Open, with Azarenka at 6/1, Sharapova at 7/1, and both Petra Kvitova and Li Na back at 10/1 to claim the major tournament title.
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TENNIS officials have accepted Bernard Tomic's humbling US Open exit as a routine beating after John McEnroe accused the Australian teenager of not trying in his second-round loss to Andy Roddick.
Tomic angrily denied "tanking" when asked about McEnroe's claim after Roddick sent the 19-year-old packing from the singles with a 6-3 6-4 6-0 hammering on Friday night.
Tomic insisted he simply had no answer to Roddick's quality performance and failed to handle the occasion.
The youngster was playing at sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world's largest tennis arena with a capacity of almost 23,000 spectators, for the first time and against retiring home hero Andy Roddick.
In contrast, Roddick, the 2003 Open champion, has appeared under New York's bright lights at Flushing Meadows a record 27 times.
"I felt like anything I did, I wasn't quite sure how to respond," Tomic said.
"I wasn't quite comfortable, I think, the whole match on that court. It was very strange.
"It was a good experience to play on that court. I had to get confronted on that court sooner or later."
Officials accepted Tomic's version of events, with a spokesman telling AAP on Saturday that the ITF "looked into the match like it looks at every match but no action will be taken" against the Australian.
Read More: Tennis officials clear Bernard Tomic of tanking at US Open | News-com.au
Tomic angrily denied "tanking" when asked about McEnroe's claim after Roddick sent the 19-year-old packing from the singles with a 6-3 6-4 6-0 hammering on Friday night.
Tomic insisted he simply had no answer to Roddick's quality performance and failed to handle the occasion.
The youngster was playing at sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world's largest tennis arena with a capacity of almost 23,000 spectators, for the first time and against retiring home hero Andy Roddick.
In contrast, Roddick, the 2003 Open champion, has appeared under New York's bright lights at Flushing Meadows a record 27 times.
"I felt like anything I did, I wasn't quite sure how to respond," Tomic said.
"I wasn't quite comfortable, I think, the whole match on that court. It was very strange.
"It was a good experience to play on that court. I had to get confronted on that court sooner or later."
Officials accepted Tomic's version of events, with a spokesman telling AAP on Saturday that the ITF "looked into the match like it looks at every match but no action will be taken" against the Australian.
Read More: Tennis officials clear Bernard Tomic of tanking at US Open | News-com.au
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Andy Roddick said New York's passionate crowd is an invaluable weapon for him as he attempts to win the U.S. Open in a fairytale end to his career.
Roddick's dream run continued in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday (Monday, PHL time) when he defeated Italian Fabio Fognini 7-5 7-6 4-6 6-4 to reach the last 16 and set up a berth against Argentina's 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.
The 30-year-old Roddick had deafening support against Fognini, kindling memories of Jimmy Connors' run to the 1991 semifinals at the age of 39.
Roddick vowed to continue tapping into the raucous cheering against the seventh-seeded del Potro.
"I'd be an idiot not to use the crowd right now," Roddick said. "It's a huge advantage. Each match is almost like it's another memory. I'm certainly going to use them."
Roddick was once coached by Connors, who turned 60 on Sunday (Monday, PHL time), but said one of the game's great showmen had never spoken to him about his stampede through the draw in 1991.
"Jimmy, unlike a lot of people who have had as much success as he's had, Jimmy doesn't like to talk about Jimmy in the past," Roddick said. "He doesn't reference himself at every turn.
Read More: Tennis: Roddick using fans' passion to his advantage at US Open | Sports | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
Roddick's dream run continued in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday (Monday, PHL time) when he defeated Italian Fabio Fognini 7-5 7-6 4-6 6-4 to reach the last 16 and set up a berth against Argentina's 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.
The 30-year-old Roddick had deafening support against Fognini, kindling memories of Jimmy Connors' run to the 1991 semifinals at the age of 39.
Roddick vowed to continue tapping into the raucous cheering against the seventh-seeded del Potro.
"I'd be an idiot not to use the crowd right now," Roddick said. "It's a huge advantage. Each match is almost like it's another memory. I'm certainly going to use them."
Roddick was once coached by Connors, who turned 60 on Sunday (Monday, PHL time), but said one of the game's great showmen had never spoken to him about his stampede through the draw in 1991.
"Jimmy, unlike a lot of people who have had as much success as he's had, Jimmy doesn't like to talk about Jimmy in the past," Roddick said. "He doesn't reference himself at every turn.
Read More: Tennis: Roddick using fans' passion to his advantage at US Open | Sports | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
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Maria Sharapova shrugged off a verbal jab from Nadia Petrova about being saved by the rain after sneaking into the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open on Sunday (Monday, PHL time).
Sharapova won a nail-biter 6-1 4-6 6-4 against her fellow Russian to set up a clash with Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli.
Petrova led 2-0 in the third set when rain halted proceedings for an hour and 13 minutes.
Sharapova spoke to her father, Yuri, on the telephone during the break and took his advice to play with increased energy and aggression when play resumed.
Petrova said it was Sharapova's lucky day because she could regroup when the match was slipping away.
"You should ask her what happened," a frustrated Petrova said. "I don't know what went through her head. I had been in control in the third set. I had everything in my hands.
"Maria looked hesitant and she couldn't get a hold of her game. But then after the rain break, actually it went in her favor because she had time to think, regroup, talk to her coach.
Read More: Tennis: Sharapova shines after the rain delay | Sports | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
Sharapova won a nail-biter 6-1 4-6 6-4 against her fellow Russian to set up a clash with Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli.
Petrova led 2-0 in the third set when rain halted proceedings for an hour and 13 minutes.
Sharapova spoke to her father, Yuri, on the telephone during the break and took his advice to play with increased energy and aggression when play resumed.
Petrova said it was Sharapova's lucky day because she could regroup when the match was slipping away.
"You should ask her what happened," a frustrated Petrova said. "I don't know what went through her head. I had been in control in the third set. I had everything in my hands.
"Maria looked hesitant and she couldn't get a hold of her game. But then after the rain break, actually it went in her favor because she had time to think, regroup, talk to her coach.
Read More: Tennis: Sharapova shines after the rain delay | Sports | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
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Marcy Teitelbaum, a petite nurse from Northbrook, Ill., had successfully edged her way through a thicket of tennis fans Monday morning at the United States Open practice courts to sneak a peak of Serena Williams. Williams, who played singles and doubles Monday, had already attracted several dozen fans as she warmed up on the smaller courts, one of the places on the grounds that at times can feel like a well-mannered mosh pit.
“I did get to see her,” Teitelbaum said, standing a few feet from the crowd along the fence. “But I’m not tall and I’m not wearing heels.”
Over Labor Day weekend, the spectators packed into stadiums and under umbrellas in the food court at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. They lined up for the women’s (and men’s) rooms in full force. They perched on benches around the grounds and packed into subway trains before and after key matches. They were often hot, sticky and smelly, but all sought to enjoy some of the best tennis in the world.
Some 59,971 people filed into the Open on Monday, the latest in a string of some of the biggest crowds ever here. While some records may be broken on the courts, the event has already rewritten the books on attendance, with plans in the works to add as many as 10,000 seats in coming years, organizers said. That has left some fans and officials examining the relationship between the quantity of spectators and the quality of their experience.
Read More: www-nytimes-com/2012/09/04/sports/tennis/us-open-draws-record-crowds-but-fans-are-feeling-the-squeeze-html?pagewanted=all
“I did get to see her,” Teitelbaum said, standing a few feet from the crowd along the fence. “But I’m not tall and I’m not wearing heels.”
Over Labor Day weekend, the spectators packed into stadiums and under umbrellas in the food court at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. They lined up for the women’s (and men’s) rooms in full force. They perched on benches around the grounds and packed into subway trains before and after key matches. They were often hot, sticky and smelly, but all sought to enjoy some of the best tennis in the world.
Some 59,971 people filed into the Open on Monday, the latest in a string of some of the biggest crowds ever here. While some records may be broken on the courts, the event has already rewritten the books on attendance, with plans in the works to add as many as 10,000 seats in coming years, organizers said. That has left some fans and officials examining the relationship between the quantity of spectators and the quality of their experience.
Read More: www-nytimes-com/2012/09/04/sports/tennis/us-open-draws-record-crowds-but-fans-are-feeling-the-squeeze-html?pagewanted=all
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Victoria Azarenka survived a ferocious comeback from defending champion Sam Stosur to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals on Tuesday, as the remnants of Hurricane Isaac played havoc with the schedule and left organisers juggling with a backlog. Only two of six singles matches were completed due to rain, forcing tournament officials to reschedule the remaining four for Wednesday in the hope they can finish the year's last grand slam on time.
However, the prospects are bleak with more showers forecast in the 'Big Apple' for the rest of the week.
Azarenka traded blows with Stosur for nearly two and a half hours on a blustery Arthur Ashe Stadium court to beat the foul weather and her opponent in a 6-1 4-6 7-6 thriller.
The world number one will play either Maria Sharapova or Marion Bartoli in Friday's semi-finals and will remain atop the world rankings regardless of how much further she goes in the tournament.
"It means a lot, but it's nothing like lifting a trophy," said Azarenka. "I definitely don't want to stop. I really want it bad."
While the defeat was disappointing for Stosur, the big-hitting Australian was satisfied to have proved that her surprise win here last year was no fluke.
Read More: Tennis - Azarenka, Ferrer advance at rain-hit U.S. Open
However, the prospects are bleak with more showers forecast in the 'Big Apple' for the rest of the week.
Azarenka traded blows with Stosur for nearly two and a half hours on a blustery Arthur Ashe Stadium court to beat the foul weather and her opponent in a 6-1 4-6 7-6 thriller.
The world number one will play either Maria Sharapova or Marion Bartoli in Friday's semi-finals and will remain atop the world rankings regardless of how much further she goes in the tournament.
"It means a lot, but it's nothing like lifting a trophy," said Azarenka. "I definitely don't want to stop. I really want it bad."
While the defeat was disappointing for Stosur, the big-hitting Australian was satisfied to have proved that her surprise win here last year was no fluke.
Read More: Tennis - Azarenka, Ferrer advance at rain-hit U.S. Open
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With rain halting play three times Tuesday at the U.S. Open and thunderstorms forecast throughout the night, American Andy Roddick was sent off Arthur Ashe Stadium court with his future in limbo.
Playing in what may be the final match of his 13-year career, Roddick bolted to a 5-2 lead against Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro. But before the opening set could be completed, del Potro leveled the score and the rain returned to halt the proceedings just after Roddick won the first point in the tiebreaker.
Read More: U.S. Open tennis: Andy Roddick-Juan Martin del Potro match is suspended by rain - The Washington Post
Playing in what may be the final match of his 13-year career, Roddick bolted to a 5-2 lead against Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro. But before the opening set could be completed, del Potro leveled the score and the rain returned to halt the proceedings just after Roddick won the first point in the tiebreaker.
Read More: U.S. Open tennis: Andy Roddick-Juan Martin del Potro match is suspended by rain - The Washington Post
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Five-time champion Roger Federer was knocked out of the US Open by Tomas Berdych today, with the Czech completing a 7-6 (1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory.
It is the first time since 2003 that Federer had not reached the semifinals at Flushing Meadows.
"I just didn't come up with the goods tonight," Federer said. "It was unfortunate."
Federer's forehand was way off, while Berdych kept pounding serves and groundstrokes right where he wanted them. It was Berdych's fourth victory in his past seven meetings against Federer, including in the 2010 Wimbledon quarterfinals.
"There is no better moment than this one so far," said Berdych, who will face Olympic champion Andy Murray in the semifinals Sunday (NZT).
Federer hadn't competed since Saturday, and he looked rather rusty, particularly for the first two sets Wednesday. The man he was supposed to play in the fourth round Monday, Mardy Fish, withdrew because of a health scare.
Read More: Tennis: Federer loses to Berdych in quarterfinal - Sport - NZ Herald News
It is the first time since 2003 that Federer had not reached the semifinals at Flushing Meadows.
"I just didn't come up with the goods tonight," Federer said. "It was unfortunate."
Federer's forehand was way off, while Berdych kept pounding serves and groundstrokes right where he wanted them. It was Berdych's fourth victory in his past seven meetings against Federer, including in the 2010 Wimbledon quarterfinals.
"There is no better moment than this one so far," said Berdych, who will face Olympic champion Andy Murray in the semifinals Sunday (NZT).
Federer hadn't competed since Saturday, and he looked rather rusty, particularly for the first two sets Wednesday. The man he was supposed to play in the fourth round Monday, Mardy Fish, withdrew because of a health scare.
Read More: Tennis: Federer loses to Berdych in quarterfinal - Sport - NZ Herald News
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MARIA SHARAPOVA maintained her remarkable record in deciding sets to defeat Marion Bartoli and reach the US Open semi-finals for the first time since winning the title six years ago.
Not since her third-round loss to Flavia Pennetta 12 months ago has Sharapova lost a three-set match, winning 12 out of 12 so far this season.
She was pushed to the limit by Bartoli, who had led 4-0 when rain forced the match to be postponed on Tuesday, but eventually came through 3-6 6-3 6-4 to set up a meeting with world number one Victoria Azarenka.
Rain had come to Sharapova’s aid in her fourth-round match against Nadia Petrova when she had looked in trouble early in the deciding set, and the Russian certainly would not have been disappointed by Tuesday’s abrupt halt.
Read More www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/tennis-news/2012/09/06/tennis-maria-sharapova-into-semi-finals-at-us-open-91466-31777247/#ixzz25faiSU7A
Not since her third-round loss to Flavia Pennetta 12 months ago has Sharapova lost a three-set match, winning 12 out of 12 so far this season.
She was pushed to the limit by Bartoli, who had led 4-0 when rain forced the match to be postponed on Tuesday, but eventually came through 3-6 6-3 6-4 to set up a meeting with world number one Victoria Azarenka.
Rain had come to Sharapova’s aid in her fourth-round match against Nadia Petrova when she had looked in trouble early in the deciding set, and the Russian certainly would not have been disappointed by Tuesday’s abrupt halt.
Read More www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/tennis-news/2012/09/06/tennis-maria-sharapova-into-semi-finals-at-us-open-91466-31777247/#ixzz25faiSU7A
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As Andy Roddick fell behind Juan Martin del Potro Wednesday in what would turn out to be the final match of his career, the 30-year-old American admits all his previous tennis milestones began drifting through his mind.
He thought about his mom driving him to practice when he was little. He thought about matches he played when he was 12. And he thought about all the memorable moments he experienced during a bumpy yet brilliant career. The emotion of the match finally overcame Roddick after he sprayed a forehand wide on match point to send del Potro into the quarterfinals with a 6-7 (1), 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-4 win. A red-eyed Roddick buried his face in a towel as del Potro saluted him, then choked back tears once again as he addressed the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium one final time.
"For the first time in my career, I'm not sure what to say," Roddick said. "Since I was a kid, I've been coming to this tournament. I felt lucky just to sit where all of you are sitting today, to watch this game and to see the champions who have come and gone and I've loved every minute of it.
"It has been a road with a lot of ups, a lot of downs and a lot of great moments. I've appreciated your support along the way. I know I certainly haven't made it easy for you at times, but I really do appreciate it and love you guys with all my heart."
Roddick's four-set loss to del Potro on Wednesday evening concluded a career that at times has been hard to define. He never became the dominant player many predicted he'd become, yet he displayed longevity, resolve and charisma in winning one grand slam and reaching the finals of four others.
He emerged as the new face of American tennis post-Sampras and Agassi by beating back opponents with his booming serve. He briefly thrived in the role of Roger Federer's primary foil until other rivals eclipsed him. And he remained a fixture in the top 10 for a decade until injuries and age diminished his power and forced him to rely on other facets of his game.
Read More: Andy Roddick tearfully bids farewell to tennis after career-ending loss | Busted Racquet - Yahoo! Sports
He thought about his mom driving him to practice when he was little. He thought about matches he played when he was 12. And he thought about all the memorable moments he experienced during a bumpy yet brilliant career. The emotion of the match finally overcame Roddick after he sprayed a forehand wide on match point to send del Potro into the quarterfinals with a 6-7 (1), 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-4 win. A red-eyed Roddick buried his face in a towel as del Potro saluted him, then choked back tears once again as he addressed the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium one final time.
"For the first time in my career, I'm not sure what to say," Roddick said. "Since I was a kid, I've been coming to this tournament. I felt lucky just to sit where all of you are sitting today, to watch this game and to see the champions who have come and gone and I've loved every minute of it.
"It has been a road with a lot of ups, a lot of downs and a lot of great moments. I've appreciated your support along the way. I know I certainly haven't made it easy for you at times, but I really do appreciate it and love you guys with all my heart."
Roddick's four-set loss to del Potro on Wednesday evening concluded a career that at times has been hard to define. He never became the dominant player many predicted he'd become, yet he displayed longevity, resolve and charisma in winning one grand slam and reaching the finals of four others.
He emerged as the new face of American tennis post-Sampras and Agassi by beating back opponents with his booming serve. He briefly thrived in the role of Roger Federer's primary foil until other rivals eclipsed him. And he remained a fixture in the top 10 for a decade until injuries and age diminished his power and forced him to rely on other facets of his game.
Read More: Andy Roddick tearfully bids farewell to tennis after career-ending loss | Busted Racquet - Yahoo! Sports
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ANDY Murray does not believe his poor record against Tomas Berdych puts him at a disadvantage heading into today’s US Open semi-final at Flushing Meadows.
Aside from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Murray has a winning record against every other member of the top 10, with the exception of Berdych.
The pair have met six times before, with the big-hitting Czech winning four of those matches, including their only previous grand slam clash in the fourth round of the French Open two years ago.
Murray did beat Berdych in Dubai earlier this year for his first win over the world number seven in six years, but he lost their most recent match on clay in Monte Carlo in April.
The threat of Berdych was all too clear in his stunning four-set victory over Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, but Murray is confident he has done everything to prepare in the right way.
The 25-year-old said: “It’s about who plays the best tennis on the day. I’ve got great respect for Tomas and he’s got a big game and I’ll need to be at my best in the semi-final if I want to have a chance of winning.
Read More www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/tennis-news/2012/09/08/tennis-andy-murray-ready-for-us-open-semi-final-challenge-91466-31791469/#ixzz25rsIaFjL
Aside from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Murray has a winning record against every other member of the top 10, with the exception of Berdych.
The pair have met six times before, with the big-hitting Czech winning four of those matches, including their only previous grand slam clash in the fourth round of the French Open two years ago.
Murray did beat Berdych in Dubai earlier this year for his first win over the world number seven in six years, but he lost their most recent match on clay in Monte Carlo in April.
The threat of Berdych was all too clear in his stunning four-set victory over Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, but Murray is confident he has done everything to prepare in the right way.
The 25-year-old said: “It’s about who plays the best tennis on the day. I’ve got great respect for Tomas and he’s got a big game and I’ll need to be at my best in the semi-final if I want to have a chance of winning.
Read More www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/tennis-news/2012/09/08/tennis-andy-murray-ready-for-us-open-semi-final-challenge-91466-31791469/#ixzz25rsIaFjL
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Hurricane Isaac was forecast, but Cyclone Serena arrived instead and threatens to blow Victoria Azarenka away in the women's US Open final at midday (NZ time).
Sweeping unrelentingly towards a 15th grand slam crown, Serena Williams ensured a showdown between the two most dominant forces in women's tennis with a 6-1 6-2 semifinal swamping of Italian Sara Errani.
The top-ranked Azarenka won the semifinal battle of the scream queens 3-6 6-2 6-4 against French Open champion Maria Sharapova then dubbed Williams the elephant in the room that she must block out to have any hope of taking home the trophy.
Showing no mercy, the American juggernaut has conceded only 19 games in six rounds and never dropped while blasting a tournament-best 50 aces en route to her sixth final in New York.
Oh, and she will carry a 9-1 winning record over Azarenka into the title match.
"She is definitely the toughest opponent in the draw and being in the final makes it even more difficult," Azarenka said. "So it's definitely going be a tough one.
Read More: Tennis: Serena storms into final - Sport - NZ Herald News
Sweeping unrelentingly towards a 15th grand slam crown, Serena Williams ensured a showdown between the two most dominant forces in women's tennis with a 6-1 6-2 semifinal swamping of Italian Sara Errani.
The top-ranked Azarenka won the semifinal battle of the scream queens 3-6 6-2 6-4 against French Open champion Maria Sharapova then dubbed Williams the elephant in the room that she must block out to have any hope of taking home the trophy.
Showing no mercy, the American juggernaut has conceded only 19 games in six rounds and never dropped while blasting a tournament-best 50 aces en route to her sixth final in New York.
Oh, and she will carry a 9-1 winning record over Azarenka into the title match.
"She is definitely the toughest opponent in the draw and being in the final makes it even more difficult," Azarenka said. "So it's definitely going be a tough one.
Read More: Tennis: Serena storms into final - Sport - NZ Herald News
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Given all of the setbacks Serena Williams shrugged aside over the years — on tennis courts and, more daunting, away from them — she probably shouldn’t have been worried when she stood two points from losing the U.S. Open final.
And yet, she explained afterward, ‘‘I really was preparing my runner-up speech.’’
No need for that. When the going gets toughest, Williams tends to shine.
Finally tested, and even trailing, at Flushing Meadows, Williams suddenly found her composure and her strokes, winning the last four games for a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory over top-ranked Victoria Azarenka on Sunday night, collecting a fourth U.S. Open championship and 15th Grand Slam title overall.
‘‘I never give up. I never, never quit,’’ Williams said after the first three-set U.S. Open women’s final since 1995. ‘‘I have come back so many times in so many matches.’’
In other ways, too.
She missed eight months after having surgery on her left knee in 2003, the year she had completed a self-styled ‘‘Serena Slam’’ by winning four consecutive major titles. Of more concern: Only a few days after winning Wimbledon in 2010, Williams cut both feet on broken glass while leaving a restaurant in Germany, leading to two operations on her right foot. Then she got clots in her lungs and needed to inject herself with a blood thinner. Those shots led to a pool of blood gathering under her stomach’s skin, requiring another procedure in the hospital.
In all, she was off the tour for about 10 months, returning in 2011.
Read More: www-boston-com/sports/other-sports/tennis/2012/09/09/serena-williams-comes-back-win-open/EbsPwXoUdSx6pnuzau5HoL/story-html
And yet, she explained afterward, ‘‘I really was preparing my runner-up speech.’’
No need for that. When the going gets toughest, Williams tends to shine.
Finally tested, and even trailing, at Flushing Meadows, Williams suddenly found her composure and her strokes, winning the last four games for a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory over top-ranked Victoria Azarenka on Sunday night, collecting a fourth U.S. Open championship and 15th Grand Slam title overall.
‘‘I never give up. I never, never quit,’’ Williams said after the first three-set U.S. Open women’s final since 1995. ‘‘I have come back so many times in so many matches.’’
In other ways, too.
She missed eight months after having surgery on her left knee in 2003, the year she had completed a self-styled ‘‘Serena Slam’’ by winning four consecutive major titles. Of more concern: Only a few days after winning Wimbledon in 2010, Williams cut both feet on broken glass while leaving a restaurant in Germany, leading to two operations on her right foot. Then she got clots in her lungs and needed to inject herself with a blood thinner. Those shots led to a pool of blood gathering under her stomach’s skin, requiring another procedure in the hospital.
In all, she was off the tour for about 10 months, returning in 2011.
Read More: www-boston-com/sports/other-sports/tennis/2012/09/09/serena-williams-comes-back-win-open/EbsPwXoUdSx6pnuzau5HoL/story-html
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Andy Murray will use his Olympic victory for inspiration when he meets defending champion Novak Djokovic in the US Open final today.
It will be the Scot’s fifth time in a grand slam final and, like the other four, he will go in as the underdog.
Djokovic looked supreme in hitting back to beat David Ferrer today in his semi-final, which was held over from Saturday because of tornado warnings in the area.
Murray and Djokovic have met in a grand slam final before, at the Australian Open last year, where the Scot was handed one of the most painful beatings of his career, while his three other finals have all ended in defeat by Roger Federer.
Djokovic came out on top in Australia again this year but Murray pushed him all the way in a classic five-set semi-final, and the new world number three got his revenge at the Olympics, winning another last-four clash before going on to take gold.
Murray said: “I handled a big match against him well in Australia this year. It was a great match. I think both of us played very well. It came down to a couple of points.
“I know how much the Olympics meant to all of the players, and winning against him in the Olympic semi-final was a big win for me. I know how tough it is to beat the top, top players in big matches.
“I have had some tough losses against him but also had some big highs against him as well.
“Obviously it will be an unbelievably tough match. He moves very well on the hard courts. He’s a top, top player, one of the best players that’s played. The year he had last year was incredible.”
The fact Djokovic has not lost in a hard-court match at a grand slam since the US Open final in 2010 illustrates the size of Murray’s task.
Read More: TENNIS: Murray looks for inspiration from Olympic triumph - Other Sports - The Star
It will be the Scot’s fifth time in a grand slam final and, like the other four, he will go in as the underdog.
Djokovic looked supreme in hitting back to beat David Ferrer today in his semi-final, which was held over from Saturday because of tornado warnings in the area.
Murray and Djokovic have met in a grand slam final before, at the Australian Open last year, where the Scot was handed one of the most painful beatings of his career, while his three other finals have all ended in defeat by Roger Federer.
Djokovic came out on top in Australia again this year but Murray pushed him all the way in a classic five-set semi-final, and the new world number three got his revenge at the Olympics, winning another last-four clash before going on to take gold.
Murray said: “I handled a big match against him well in Australia this year. It was a great match. I think both of us played very well. It came down to a couple of points.
“I know how much the Olympics meant to all of the players, and winning against him in the Olympic semi-final was a big win for me. I know how tough it is to beat the top, top players in big matches.
“I have had some tough losses against him but also had some big highs against him as well.
“Obviously it will be an unbelievably tough match. He moves very well on the hard courts. He’s a top, top player, one of the best players that’s played. The year he had last year was incredible.”
The fact Djokovic has not lost in a hard-court match at a grand slam since the US Open final in 2010 illustrates the size of Murray’s task.
Read More: TENNIS: Murray looks for inspiration from Olympic triumph - Other Sports - The Star
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Late Monday night at the United States Open, Sean Connery danced and Kevin Spacey clapped and the capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium stood and roared in unison. Andy Murray, Scotland’s perennial tennis bridesmaid, covered his mouth with both hands, suspended in disbelief. The crowd cheered for Murray, for Britain, for the tennis history it witnessed for nearly five hours. When the match ended, after Novak Djokovic’s service return sailed long, Murray had become the first British man to capture a Grand Slam singles championship since Fred Perry in 1936.
The final score was 7-6 (10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. All of Britain, or so it seemed, heaved a sigh of relief. Its men’s singles drought, which started when Perry was just a tennis champion and not a name behind a clothing brand, had ended.
The match lasted 4 hours 54 minutes, tying the record for the longest Open final. The 1988 version, between Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl, Murray’s coach, lasted the same amount.
When he served for the match, Murray said he felt “a sense of how big a moment that is in British tennis history.”
“I know more than most,” he added. “I’ve been asked about it many times.”
As he stood on the doorstep, three games from his first Grand Slam title, Murray scowled. His expression matched the wind that made for the most unpredictable of finals and the weight he felt from seven decades’ worth of hope and despair and close-but-not-quite that rested on his shoulders.
Read More: www-nytimes-com/2012/09/11/sports/tennis/us-open-tennis-andy-murray-beats-novak-djokovic-to-win-title-html?pagewanted=all
The final score was 7-6 (10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. All of Britain, or so it seemed, heaved a sigh of relief. Its men’s singles drought, which started when Perry was just a tennis champion and not a name behind a clothing brand, had ended.
The match lasted 4 hours 54 minutes, tying the record for the longest Open final. The 1988 version, between Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl, Murray’s coach, lasted the same amount.
When he served for the match, Murray said he felt “a sense of how big a moment that is in British tennis history.”
“I know more than most,” he added. “I’ve been asked about it many times.”
As he stood on the doorstep, three games from his first Grand Slam title, Murray scowled. His expression matched the wind that made for the most unpredictable of finals and the weight he felt from seven decades’ worth of hope and despair and close-but-not-quite that rested on his shoulders.
Read More: www-nytimes-com/2012/09/11/sports/tennis/us-open-tennis-andy-murray-beats-novak-djokovic-to-win-title-html?pagewanted=all
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For years, more than seven to be exact, men’s tennis was defined by its three best players: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. They divvied up almost every Grand Slam trophy, and in the process created a separation from the pack. The ATP World Tour split into two divisions. There was Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. And there was everybody else.
Andy Murray stood closer to them than anyone. But he also stood apart.
That started to change earlier this summer and became official Monday night, when Murray, with his hornet’s nest hair and celebrity rooting section, won the United States Open and collected his first Grand Slam title, the first for a British man in 76 years.
Murray became the fourth player to win a major title in 2012. He followed Djokovic at the Australian Open, Nadal at the French and Federer at Wimbledon. In the process, he joined their exclusive club and added credence to the term Big Four, of which he was previously the only member without championship hardware in his trophy case.
“I’m very happy to be part of this era,” Murray said. “Everyone probably would agree it’s one of the best ever.”
For Djokovic, the opponent Murray toppled in five windy sets Monday, the narrative arch felt a bit familiar. For years, before Murray became this Murray, Djokovic was the player who looked up to — and at — Federer and Nadal. Djokovic was, it seemed, born in the wrong era, alongside two of the greatest players in tennis history.
Read More: www-nytimes-com/2012/09/12/sports/tennis/with-grand-slam-title-murray-joins-tennis-elite-html
Andy Murray stood closer to them than anyone. But he also stood apart.
That started to change earlier this summer and became official Monday night, when Murray, with his hornet’s nest hair and celebrity rooting section, won the United States Open and collected his first Grand Slam title, the first for a British man in 76 years.
Murray became the fourth player to win a major title in 2012. He followed Djokovic at the Australian Open, Nadal at the French and Federer at Wimbledon. In the process, he joined their exclusive club and added credence to the term Big Four, of which he was previously the only member without championship hardware in his trophy case.
“I’m very happy to be part of this era,” Murray said. “Everyone probably would agree it’s one of the best ever.”
For Djokovic, the opponent Murray toppled in five windy sets Monday, the narrative arch felt a bit familiar. For years, before Murray became this Murray, Djokovic was the player who looked up to — and at — Federer and Nadal. Djokovic was, it seemed, born in the wrong era, alongside two of the greatest players in tennis history.
Read More: www-nytimes-com/2012/09/12/sports/tennis/with-grand-slam-title-murray-joins-tennis-elite-html
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While Andy Murray basked in the glow of his first major championship, his coach celebrated the U.S. Open title with a few rounds of golf with his buddies.
There was little talk of tennis, and that was just fine with Ivan Lendl.
''I'm just with my friends, and we have a good time,'' he said Wednesday night in a phone interview.
It's a well-deserved break for Lendl, who was on hand Monday when his pupil Murray beat defending champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in the Flushing Meadows final.
It was Britain's first major men's tennis title since 1936, and Lendl said it went to a worthy champion.
''It's very nice to see when somebody who wanted to work hard and is willing to put the work in gets rewarded for it,'' he said.
Now Lendl is returning to the court himself to sub for Jimmy Connors on four stops in an upcoming series of matches around the country featuring several former Grand Slam champions.
Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras also are in the group of competitors scheduled to take part in the four-player mini-tournaments. Each event will feature one-set semifinals and a one-set title match.
''I enjoy playing every now and then,'' the 52-year-old Lendl said. ''I don't want to play too much. It's too hard on my body.''
Read More: Lendl to help replace Connors on tennis tour - Yahoo! Sports
There was little talk of tennis, and that was just fine with Ivan Lendl.
''I'm just with my friends, and we have a good time,'' he said Wednesday night in a phone interview.
It's a well-deserved break for Lendl, who was on hand Monday when his pupil Murray beat defending champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in the Flushing Meadows final.
It was Britain's first major men's tennis title since 1936, and Lendl said it went to a worthy champion.
''It's very nice to see when somebody who wanted to work hard and is willing to put the work in gets rewarded for it,'' he said.
Now Lendl is returning to the court himself to sub for Jimmy Connors on four stops in an upcoming series of matches around the country featuring several former Grand Slam champions.
Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras also are in the group of competitors scheduled to take part in the four-player mini-tournaments. Each event will feature one-set semifinals and a one-set title match.
''I enjoy playing every now and then,'' the 52-year-old Lendl said. ''I don't want to play too much. It's too hard on my body.''
Read More: Lendl to help replace Connors on tennis tour - Yahoo! Sports
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Serena Williams is hands down the best women’s tennis player on the planet right now, so obviously that gives us the right to stalk her with no regard for her personal life. In that spirit, the good folks at PKT Tennis somehow got their hands on a couple of photos of Williams and her tennis coach, Patrick Mouratouglou, looking admittedly close while walking the streets of Paris.
Now, it’s worth noting that there is really nothing in these photos that confirms them dating. They just look a little cozier than friends typically do.
photos: Photos: Is Serena Williams Dating Tennis Coach Patrick Mouratouglou?
Now, it’s worth noting that there is really nothing in these photos that confirms them dating. They just look a little cozier than friends typically do.
photos: Photos: Is Serena Williams Dating Tennis Coach Patrick Mouratouglou?
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The 25-year-old, speaking ahead of his overnight second-round clash with Croatia’s Ivan Dodig, has been much criticised in the past for his on-court demeanour and difficulties controlling his emotions, but there has been a noticeable change since he hired Lendl at the end of last year.
Although Murray did not win the Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, it was by far his best performance in grand slams, and he dealt with the impact of that loss so well that three weeks later he thrashed the Swiss to win Olympic gold.
Murray talked during his golden run about a new mature attitude that had helped him cope much better with the highs and lows than he had previously, and he credited both Lendl and the tight-knit team he has around him.
Read More www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/tennis-news/2012/08/30/tennis-andy-murray-hails-ivan-lendl-influence-91466-31724556/#ixzz250drhIYI