Rafael Nadal criticized Roger Federer for being mum about the tough tour schedule of the ATP and letting other players like him to speak out and burn themselves.

From ESPN website

Come on Rafa. Really now?!

I believe that in the past, Federer spoke of being amenable to a reduced tour calendar. And if I remember correctly, he even agreed to re-scheduling the Australian Open to give way to longer off season.

Calling out someone to join your cause is not the smartest way to go about it.

Nadal can not be faulted for asking the greatest of all time to be more vocal about the schedule. Tour officials will surely take notice if Federer does. But to point out how the older Federer manages the physical demands of the tour better than other players speaks of jealousy.

I researched Rafa's and Fed's results for 2011. Rafa had a 69 - 15 record while Federer had 64 - 12 last year. A difference of 8 games. 6 of those are because Rafa represented Spain in the Davis Cup. Not counting the Davis Cup & Grand Slams, Rafa entered (13) just two more tournaments than Federer (11).

Tennis is an extremely strenous sport. Nadal's style of play is punishing to the body. Novak Djokovic had his share of injuries in the latter part of 2011, too. Nadal's body also broke down early in 2009 because of a hectic 2008 that includes the Olympics. But I can not remember him going this route (calling out Federer). Why? because he's winning then?

A message to Rafa. It is a matter of taking care of your body and better schedule management to be consistent on tour and prolonging one's career. Also, if you want Federer to side with any of your advocacy or initiatives, calling him out in public is also "ungentlemanly". Rather it paints a picture of a sourgrape or worse a cry baby.

I sure hope that Federer will be motivated by this criticism for the Australian Open. Given that Fed and Rafa are on the same bracket, it would be good to at least deny Rafa of advancing to the finals.

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The undisputed number one on the tennis court, Novak Djokovic, this year is now assured of taking the top ranking over 2012 as Nadal's latest loss will make him unable to surpass Djokovic on men's world rankings for the rest of 2011. If anything, it is a testament how difficult it is to be a top dog in men's tennis. And, all apologies, a further testament to the greatness of Roger Federer. But coming 2012, I hope Federer will still challenge Djokovic and Nadal. Perhaps, one grand slam more, for the road?

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Andre Agassi has been inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame last July 9, 2011.

Rightfully so, he is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Beyond his achievements on the tennis court, his influence in the global popularity of the sport can not be under stated and his philantropical initiatives secures his place as one of the most famous and well-liked athletes in sports history.

Andre Agassi
Recently inducted to the Tennis'
International Hall of Fame
Image from Wikipedia

True, there are others who outshine him in terms of career or grand slam wins. But that may be attributed to his lack of focus in the early days of his career. He was able to revive his career to become the only male singles player in history to have won all four grand slam tournaments, an Olympic Gold Medal in tennis and the ATP Tour World Championships.

In his autobiography, Agassi admitted using crystal meth and lied about it when he tested positive to avoid being penalized. But I doubt if that would significantly tarnish his legacy.

Agassi should be a source of inspiration to other athletes for coming back after falling so low in the rankings and to other sports superstars, for doing charity right at his hometown.

Thank you, Andre Agassi, for entertaining us with your tennis play and serving as our inspiration.

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Novak Djokovic IS Wimbledon champion and along with that comes the much deserved validation - being the no. 1 rated men's tennis player in the world today and in 2011.

First wimbledon singles title
2nd Australian Open title
Eight Titles (total in 2011 so far)
48 - 1 record in 2011 (so far)
41 wins to start 2011 season

2011 Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion
Novak Djokovic
Image grabbed from Busted Racquet Photo Gallery

New wimbledon champ, Novak Djokovic of Serbia (SRB) dethroned defending champ and former no. 1, Rafael Nadal of Spain (ESP) 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.

The newly-crowned champ, tasted wimbledon grass and gave away Novak Djokovic rackets as part of his celebration for his most recent triumph.

Djokovic's recent victory is his fifth against the great Nadal. Djokovic has turned to become the wall to Nadal's success this year, denying the spaniard 5 titles. Djokovic now owns Nadal as Nadal has owned my Federer in their head-to-head match-ups.

Now, that Djokovic tasted a wimbledon men single's title, and the wimbledon grass for that matter, he would surely be hungry for more.

Congrats, Nole!

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I feel like I'm warming up to Novak Djokovic.

In part because my favorite Roger Federer stopped - The Streak - at the 2011 French Open Semis. More so because of remembering some things I saw watching him play and a an old video of him I saw recently.

Now, I'm remembering that Djokovic applauds great shots of his opponents during games, apologizes for points won on luck and lastly, because of this video.

Granted that videos like this may only be for publicity or promotional purposes, Djokovic vibrates a genuine feeling of being loose, enjoying the moment and having fun.

Ate Gigie, would sure enjoy Novak's I Will Survive video. *wink*wink*

Unlike, Federer's very demure turn. In fact, I even liked Rafael Nadal's turn more. [BTW, Ana Ivanovic is hot in here.]

Hat tip to Ms.JessicaZafra.

*****

Apologies for not being able to blog about the 2011 French Open Tennis Championhsips. It coincided with an important family affair.

Congrats, Rafa!

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There seems to be no stopping Novak Djokovic on his sublime season start as he added the Rome Masters/Italian Open to his streak of 37 straight victories.

The Italian Open/Rome Masters is played on clay and Djokovic once again beat world no. 1 and clay court king Rafael Nadal for the title via 6-4, 6-4 straight sets win. Along with the amazing streak is 4 consecutive finals win over Nadal, the last two on clay.

The ultimate test will be the upcoming French Open where the stakes are much higher. Right now, Djokovic appears ready to challenge Nadal's stranglehold of that grand slam.

But the French open being the most unpredictable grand slam event in tennis and produced the most surprising winners, someone may crash and spoil a Rafa - Nole finals.

[Yes, I'm calling out Roger Federer. Let's go, Fed!]



*****

On the women's side, Maria Sharapova won. Women's tennis is looking for a recognizable face or dominant player to market their tour. Well, Sharapova can really help in that department minus the annoying sounds she makes on the court.

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Rafael Nadal said this about Novak Djokovic moments after Djokovic beat him at the 2011 Madrid Open final.

"I came up against a great player obviously -- he's having a monster year,".

When you've just beaten the top ranked tennis player in the men's tour, the greatest clay court tennis player in history, in straight sets and in his home soil, that clinches it. Djokovic is looking like a monster on the tennis court.

[Thanks, Rafa. I'm running out of apt adjectives for blog titles about Djokovic.]

Novak Djokovic's season remained perfect but beating Rafael Nadal for a title on the clay surface is the better headline. Djokovic won the Madrid Open title by dealing a rare loss to Nadal on clay, 7-5, 6-4.

Image from AP, Yahoo Sports/Tennis Gallery

The way he's playing and the confidence of beating Nadal on their last 3 finals clash, augurs well for Djokovic' chances at this year's French Open. The way I see it, Djokovic has better chance of toppling Nadal on his favorite grand slam tourmanent than Federer had on his prime.

Djokovic remains unbeaten in 2011 (30-0). He defeated Nadal for the third straight time in a finals. The Madrid Open is his 6th title of the year including the Australian Open, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, BNP Paribas Open, Sony Ericsson Open and the Serbia Open. It includes three straight wins against Nadal and Federer.

Tennis fans should look forward to Djokovic matching or breaking John McEnroe's record of 42 straight wins at the start of the 1980 tennis tour.

To match the record, Djokovic should capture his next tournament, Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, and reach the semifinals of the French Open. Coincidentally, Djokovic can break it by winning the French Open.

By then, I need to come up with another adjective.



* Somewhere out there, I know that Ate Gigie is smiling pretty because she's a big Novak Djokovic fan.

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Last time I blogged about tennis, I wrote Novak Djokovic is on fire. After his magnificent 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) comeback win against world no.1 Rafael Nadal, I'd say he is more like a super nova.

Running out of description of Novak Djokovic's winning the 2011 Sony Ericsson Men's Tennis title versus Rafael Nadal in Key Biscayne, Miami is understandable.

Novak Djokovic's latest win meant he remained undefeated for the year; his fourth straight tournament title; his 26th consecutive match win; his second straight comeback finals win vs. Nadal; he's 8 - 0 against top-10-ranked opponents and that he is in serious contention for the number one ranking in men's tennis this year.

Wow and all of those isn't hyperbole! That, incidentally rhymes with Djokovic's nickname - Nole. :D

On a sad note, Djokovic win is an affirmation that my favorite Roger Federer is indeed, only just the third best tennis player in the world today.

The way Djokovic came back and won a tie break for the Sony Ericson title says a lot. Had Rafael Nadal won, I can think that the gap between world no. 2 Djokovic and Federer is not that wide. And that Federer's loss to Djokovic could be attributed to an out-of-this world streak. Federer did not even won a set or forced a set tiebreak against Nadal in their semis encounter.

Still I'm a Federer fan. It would be gargantuan task to climb back to the top of the tennis world for him given his age. But that would be the stuff to add to his legend. I just want him to disrupt this budding tennis rivalry, Rafa-Nole, every now and then especially in the grand slam events.

The current development in men's tennis isn't good for Federer's fans like me but it's good for tennis in general.

I wouldn't mind blogging about Novak Djokovic if he continues with this kind of tennis excellence. Or for that matter, any other tennis players who can treat fans to a thrilling tennis match.

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Novak Djokovic is, in basketball parlance, on fire.

2011 is shaping out to be Djokovic' year, seemingly at the expense of Roger Federer, to the gloom of die hard fans like me.

Novak Djokovic on Fire
Image from tennis-wallpapers.net

Over last week, I was keeping tab on the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. I fought the urge to blog about it because Roger Federer is playing & I do not want to jinx him.

I was doing my regular online sports browsing this morning when I learned that Novak just won the BNP Paribas Open championship over world no. 1 Rafael Nadal, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.


2011 is heaven for Djokovic.

• 2011 Australian Open
  
• Dubai Duty Free Tournament Championship
  
• BNP Paribas Open
  
• 18 consecutive wins in 2011
  
• 3 Semis win over Federer
  
• 3 - 0 in finals (so far)
  

To the sadness of Federer, die hard fans like me, Novak now seemed to have Federer's number.

Federer, my good ol' great Federer. I don't think he suffers a dip. It is just that his opponents improved over the times he was giving them a beating on the tennis court.

If these achievements come down to Novak's confidence, it probably came from leading Serbia to the Davis cup title at the end of last year.

Well, the good thing. Roger Federer will playing for Switzerland in the Davis Cup July this year. :)

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia & Kim Clijsters of Belgium are the singles champion of Tennis' first major of the year, the 2011 Australian Open.

Australian Open via Wikipedia

Novak Djokovic increased his men's singles grand slam title, wnning his second Australian Open Singles title after masterfully denying Andy Murray's hope of his own very first grand slam, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

© Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
from Australianopen.com Photo Gallery

Caught the replay over cable with Djokovic leading with a set and a 5 - 0 lead in the second. Murray held serve and broke Djokovic to move to 5 - 2 before Novak held serve to close the set. The third set was competitive and I felt thta Murray is still in it until he failed to held serve in a much contested game that gave Djokovic a 5 - 3 3rd set lead.

Murray, I think, is quite unlucky with a net. Him shanking so many shots while Djokovic was gifted with one. I think it helped Djokovic held serve at 4 - 3 when obviously, Murray was in great position to hit a great return.

With the loss, Murray probably felt much more, albeit unfairly, the weight of Britain, angling for its first men's single grand slam champion since Fred Perry who won in 1936.

Djokovic & Murray both still young can surely vie for more future grand slam titles if they continue to improve. I think Nadal will be injury prone and Federer is not that dominating anymore.

In the women's side, Kim Clijsters never disappointed in her favorite role, ending an amazing and inspiring campaign of Li Na, the first chinese to reach a grand slam singles final in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 finals win.

© Ben Solomon / Tennis Australia
from Australianopen.com Photo Gallery

Clijster came back from a set down to win his 4th grand slam singles title and first Australian Open singles title and her first outside of the US Open.

Unlike Britain, China is probably on a high, after their very own made history and made them proud.

***
I still believe that Federer will win another Australian Open singles title before he retires. :)

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Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4, at the Australian Open semis, dethroning the defending champ and gave himself a chance of repeating in this tennis grand slam event.

Novak Djokovic at the 2011 Australian Open
Image via flickr - Mo 8910

I was foregoing on blogging about this year's Australian Open for fear of jinxing (again) Roger Federer. But now that it happened, I'm typing this entry with a heavy heart.

After world no. 1 Rafael Nadal was eliminated by compatriot David Ferrer, I was itching to blog that the grand slam is Federer's for the taking.

But Novak Djokovic have plans of his own.

Probably more confident after defeating Federer in the US Open semis last year, Djokovic was steadier in the key moments of their match, defeating Federer in straight sets. In 2008, Djokovic also eliminated Roger enroute to winning the tournament, his only singles grand slam title, so far.

He now awaits the winner of the other semis pitting Andy Murray and David Ferrer.

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Roger Federer won the 2010 ATP World Tour title after defeating World no. 1 and arch-rival Rafael Nadal 6 - 3, 3 - 6, 6 - 1 at the O2 Arena in London.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Image from Yahoo! Sports Tennis Gallery

Federer ended an average-by-his-standard tennis season with a win the same way he opened it with a major title - the Australian Open grand slam crown in January.

In between, he lost his grand-slam semis streak in the French Open, lost in the quarterfinals of his favorite Wimbledon, lost in the semis in the US Open and another finals lost to Nadal in the Madrid Masters in May.

Even though Nadal is only his his first ATP world tour final played in hardcourts & needed to work harder to get past Andy Murray in the semis, Federer's great win in 2010 ATP World Tour finals displayed a fine form that can do wonders for Roger (and his confidence against Nadal) going to next season and aspiring to reclaim the no. 1 ranking in the Tennis world.

via [ESPN Tennis]

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Comebacking mom Kim Clijster continues her amazing run at the 2009 US Open Womens Single Tennis Championships as she defeated defending champ Serena Williams in a terrific match with the most bizaare ending 6-4 7-5 to advance to the Women's Final.

Clijsters played a superb game winning the first set 6 - 4.

On the second set, Clijster, still up at 4 - 3, had a double breakpoint against the serving Williams. However, Williams came up with two big aces to level to deuce and added another to erase another breakpoint and level the match.

With Clijster up 6 - 5, Serena was called for a foot fault on serve. She got mad on the line umpire that called it. The chair umpire called the line umpire. After which, a point penalty was given to Serena which led to her losing the game and the match at 7 - 5.

Later, Caroline Wozniacki advance to the final after defeating fellow 19 year old Wickmayer.

Obviously, the sentimental favorite to win is Kim Clijster who won the event in 2005.

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Roger Federer finally broke a resilient Andy Roddick in the 5th Set of another memorable Wimbledon final to capture the 2009 Wimbledon crown , his 6th and more importantly his 15th Singles Grand Slam title.

The floodgates of the debate as to who is the Greatest Of All Time is now wide open. Federer makes a strong case because he now holds the all-time singles grand slam titles record at 15. And last month, became just the six person to win all grand slam events titles..

The 2009 Wimbledon got on an inauspicious start with the pull-out of defending champ and world no. 1 Rafael Nadal due to injuries. Without Rafa, the road to the title was expected to be easier for Federer. He practically breezed his way to the finals to face Roddick, a foe he has dominated. And everyone thought the title is already in bag.

Everyone was right in the result, not with the way it was achieved.

When I caugght the telecast on cable, it was Roddick who was up a set and leading on the second set tie break 6 - 2. Seeing that score, I already conceded the set to Roddick and check on some other programs. When I came back, it was all leveled up.

With that, I thought Roddick will just implode. More so when Federer won the third set on another tie break. But Roddick played better in the fourth, taking it 6 - 3. The fifth set was a marathon.

Federer had many break opportunities to break Roddick in the match but Roddick kept coming up with booming serves and great plays. I guess it just but fitting that Federer wins after breaking Roddick for the only time in the match.

I salute Roddick for a great match and a great post-match humour. The way each held serve is phenomenal and they kept at it all throughout that is good for the fans and the sport.

Last year finals between Rafa and Fed was called the greatest ever played. This years final comes a close second only because last year featured a better rivalry and the top men in tennis.

Is there anything more to aspire for Federer? A calendar grandslam and a grand slam final win over Rafael Nadal on any surface.

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Roger Federer finally triumphs in Paris as he captured the elusive French Open Men's Singles Tennis grandslam crown after beating the tournament's surprise Robin Soderling in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6 and 6 - 4.



After falling short against Clay court king Nadal for the past 3 years, Federer finally won the one grandslam he has yet to win not until now. In the process, he adds two more achievement in his already illustirous Tennis career.

The French Open crown he just won is his 14th grandslam single title that equals the record held by another tennis great Pete Sampras. I guess more importantly Federer became only the sixth man to complete a career grandslam.

Andre Agassi, the last man who completed a career grandslam and coincidentally also in Roland Garros in Paris, was the man who presented the trophy.


Federer can thank his finals opponent in clearing an easier route for him towards the crown. Soderling, the losing finalist, is the one who upset and eliminated four-time and defending champion Rafael Nadal in the earlier rounds.

Soderling played the best tennis week of his career but only managed to threaten the eventual champ on the second set. Federer needed a tie break to win the set against him.

The magnitude of the victory has Federer tearful while the Swiss national anthem is being played. Truly, he can now be at ease for the rest of his career.

And because Sampras never won the French Open, Roger Federer is now more aptly called, albeit still arguably, the greatest tennis player of all time.

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I was switching channels; on CS9, Game 5 of Magic-Cavs and on Studio 23 the French Open 2009 featuring World No.2 Roger Federer in the 2nd round.

The first time I went to Studio 23, the score on the bottom displays Federer won the first set. And they where about to start the second set.

When I came back, it was a set apiece.

On my next return, Federer's opponent was up 4 - 1 in the third set. And I thought oh-oh... Federer is about to lose... again. My theory that I am jinxing Federer grew by the minute. And honestly I have resigned to accept the fact that Federer would lose again.

So, I just decided not to switch channels anymore but I can't helped it. Hehehe!!! To my surprise, when I returned to Studio 23, Federer is now up 6 - 5.

Probably, the comeback of Federer demoralized his opponent and fought not as persistent as before.

In the fourth set, Federer prevailed to moved on to the third round.

Roger Federer celebrates victory over Jose Acasuso in Paris.
Photograph: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images

Link to Image Source

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Rafael Nadal is already the number 1 player in the world. He once again showed that to Federer and the whole tennis world.

The ever improving Nadal defeated Roger Federer in another epic five set final to capture his first ever Australian Open singles title and thwarting Federer's attempt to equal Pete Sampras's grand slam record.

From claycourts to grass and now, even in hardcourts, Nadal continued to lord over Federer.

And this one really, really hurts for Federer and his fans including me. Nadal has so vastly improved in all surfaces that perhaps it is eating away Federer inside.

Federer cried during the awarding ceremonies. I can't tell if its the pain of loss or being overwhelmed by the fans appreciation. I guess it was the former. While watching, I silently wish the crowd would just stop applauding in respect of Federer.

When you have soared so high, the paid of downfall would be so much painful, as in the case of Federer. After years of dominance, he now suffers what his opponents felt when he made that amazing run of grand slam crowns.

The bottomline I think is that, Nadal improved while Roger remained the same. Perhaps, its now the best time for Federer to analyze what made Nadal this dominating. A full time coach for example.

All is not lost however. Sorry, I am just a die hard Federer fan. He should win the French Open against Nadal. That will be the only redemption I can think of for him.

As for Nadal, he is now making his run to the be the greatest of all time for himself. If only, Federer can do something about it.

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The tennis world could not have wanted it any better. Right in the first grand slam final of year comes the match everyone yearned.

The 2009 Australian Open Grand Slam Single Tennis finals will be disputed by the Number 1 tennis player in the world, Rafael Nadal and Number 2, Roger Federer.

Roger Federer continues his quest for Tennis immortality against the man who upended him last year. He will seek his 14th Grand slam title to equal Pete Sampras's record and 4th Aussie Open singles title. At the same time, get some measure of revenge against Nadal.

Rafael Nadal, the number one player in the world is seeking to conquer all surfaces. Initially rose to fame for reigning in clay, Nadal showed he can dominate grass last year, ending Federer's reign on it last year in the best Wimbledon final ever. Another win against Federer will now clearly manifest his completeness in all surface. Aside from that, he will include his name into the greatest of all time talk that Federer's name had been hogging for the last five years.

At first glance, Federer is slightly favored. He has won this major thrice and has advantage over Nadal in the past in this kind of surface.Aside from that he had ample of rest after quickly dismissing Andy Roddick in their semifinal. Whereas Nadal, had to go through the longest match ever in Aussie Open history against compatriot Fernando Verdasco to reach the final.

I like Federer to win. If Nadal prevails, then clearly, he really had Federer's numbers. The reason perhaps is that Nadal improved a lot. Federer on the hand, after dominating for so long is perhaps has less idea on what to work upon to defeat Nadal.

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Perhaps Roger Federer is from the Sayyan race of planet Vegetta. You know... the warrior race that goes stronger after surviving a near-death hard-fought battle.

Federer recovered in time to escape the upset ax thrown at him by Thomas Berdych in the form of a five-setter 4th round 2009 Aussie Open match. On his next match, Federer unleashed the Federer we all have been accustomed to see as he delivered a sublime performance in crashing Juan Del Potro's wishful thinking of beating him, 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 in their quarterfinal encounter.

If it's true that what can't kill you makes you stronger, then that applies to Federer. He surely looks stronger than a year ago. His amazing streak of 19 straight semifinal appearance in a grand slam is awesome even with mono last year. I am guessing he's back. I mean, him. Back.

I don't like to jinx him but I am sure Federer would get past Roddick whom he beaten a lot of times and reach the 2009 Australian Open final. Roddick actually won their last match but that's 2008.

A year when Federer vacationed in Planet Vegetta.

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Roger Federer continued his quest to reclaiming Tennis supremacy as he defeated Marat Safin in their 3rd Round match in the on-going 2009 Australian Open, 6-3 6-2 7-6.

Safin gave it all, especially in the third set but was not enough to overcome the No. 2 seed and prolonged the match.

Federer will face Thomas Berdych on the 4th round.

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