NO 7 seed Maria Sharapova at once found herself down 36,14 to home favorite Caroline Garcia, yet we still predict another big blow on women side after Kim departure.
Guess what, Maria might thought of two things to follow Kim packing or to buckle up like her countrywoman Vera who down at match point in both set. Yes she not ready to give up. draw her claw to clinched 11 straight games and prevail the second round match 36,64,60. No hard feeling for the teenager as she might become another future star.
sharapova will face Taipie Yung Jan who dispatch veteren Craybass.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
FRENCH OPEN: Kim Clijsters knocked out by teenager Rus
world no 2 and champion of last 2 grand slam Kim Clijsters succumb to world 114 and former junior no 1 Arantxa Rus of Netherlands.
after holding 2 match point Kim who play her first tourney in week found herself cant finish her business. Rus who just struggling in transition never looked back to sealed the match 36,75,61. Former runner up Kim once gain failed to add new gs tittle in her CV. Better luck next time..........
While world no. three Zvonareva fought back into third round after down from match point in both second and third set in her match with Sabine Lisicki.
Monday, May 23, 2011
FRENCH OPEN: VERA ZVONAREVA FIGHTING HERSELF FOR SECOND ROUND
Russian third seed book a place in second round after battling with unforced error in first round match with Spaniard Lourdes Dominguez Lino. Her opponent clearly no match to her, but the unforced error clearly a threat to her. Zvonareva hit 32 winner and 29 error compared to Lino 6 and 19.
Vera won 63,63 in 80 minutes. She begin to look comfortable in clay but need to cut down the error if she want to retain her good record in grand slam in recent years. She remain as one of the top dog even though her clay court campaign not rally promising.
Vera won 63,63 in 80 minutes. She begin to look comfortable in clay but need to cut down the error if she want to retain her good record in grand slam in recent years. She remain as one of the top dog even though her clay court campaign not rally promising.
FO: ANOTHER SEED FALLS
Nadia Petrova follow Pennetta footstep after fall to former Russian Anastasia Rodionova 7-6,3-6,3-4.
Friday, May 6, 2011
IT IS GORGEOUS TIME FOR GOERGES
LONG TIME NO SEE, how do you do, Im doing some observation lately on tennis blog especially on women side. why, haha it is because of a girl call Goerges has made into tennis radar. Honestly i thinks it is because she beat current world number twice in fortnight. just imagine the reception if the world number one is Williams or Clijsters, how big she would be..............but still she got the attention even though it just Wozniacki's the holder.
never mind what i'm gonna say it not about her achievement because people has talk about much, people do hail her so much. some has assume as a fav at RG and some said she is future number one.
no i not said that she can't win one or can' be on the top, she would if she capable. if i'm not mistaken people had said almost the same thing to Wozzy but then they keep slammed her because her failure. i wonder if someday she be the world number one and still slamless would she receive the same fate like Safina, JJ and Wozzy. Let pray that would not happen to her. i mean praying the best for her, not something like slamless or failure as a top player.
Indeed i'm prefer player like Kuznetsova never been on top but won 2 Slam titles, still behind the radar, but i'm sure she not bother by that. Whatever it is she still a multiple slam champion and more likely to be inducted to Hall Of Fame. People can say anything but it doe not change the fact and the fate of a tennis player.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
CAN SHARAPOVA GO DEEPER IN WORLD RANKING
Maria Sharapova Has Eye on More Success This Season
After playing in the Australian Open this year, Sharapova had to deal with a virus that kept her out of tournament play until late March.
Since coming back, however, Sharapova has had impressive back-to-back showings in the Indian Wells Masters event, where she reached the semifinals and the finals of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.
Even though Maria Sharapova fell to Victoria Azarenka in the Sony Ericsson finals in Miami this weekend, her recent performance has been strong enough to see her rise in the WTA rankings.
For the first time in over two years, the Russian-born Sharapova is back in the Top 10. A big reason for her surge is that she appears to be finally healthy.
Now that she's starting to show the form that once made her the world's No. 1 tennis player, Sharapova may finally be back.
Could a French Open win come this season?
Paul Higham of Sky Sports says that the 23-year-old Grand Slam tournament in mind. Higham writes, "...another aim was to win the French Open - the only grand slam title to so far evade her grasp and on a surface that has not seemed to suit her game over the years."
Sharapova's game is trending upwards. Now that she's playing healthy, building momentum and ranked in the Top 10, this could be the year she finally makes a breakthrough in the clay courts of the French Open.
She's so close to that career Grand Slam, she can smell it.
After playing in the Australian Open this year, Sharapova had to deal with a virus that kept her out of tournament play until late March.
Since coming back, however, Sharapova has had impressive back-to-back showings in the Indian Wells Masters event, where she reached the semifinals and the finals of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.
Even though Maria Sharapova fell to Victoria Azarenka in the Sony Ericsson finals in Miami this weekend, her recent performance has been strong enough to see her rise in the WTA rankings.
For the first time in over two years, the Russian-born Sharapova is back in the Top 10. A big reason for her surge is that she appears to be finally healthy.
Now that she's starting to show the form that once made her the world's No. 1 tennis player, Sharapova may finally be back.
Could a French Open win come this season?
Paul Higham of Sky Sports says that the 23-year-old Grand Slam tournament in mind. Higham writes, "...another aim was to win the French Open - the only grand slam title to so far evade her grasp and on a surface that has not seemed to suit her game over the years."
Sharapova's game is trending upwards. Now that she's playing healthy, building momentum and ranked in the Top 10, this could be the year she finally makes a breakthrough in the clay courts of the French Open.
She's so close to that career Grand Slam, she can smell it.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
INJURED DJOKOVIC OUT OF MONTE CARLO
World No. 2 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters due to a knee injury. Following back-to-back ATP World Tour Masters 1000 victories in Indian Wells and Miami, the Serb said that he would not contest the opening tournament of the European clay-court swing, which begins Sunday. Djokovic has reached the Monte-Carlo semi-finals three consecutive years, including 2009, when he pushed Rafael Nadal to three sets in the final.
Top seed and World No. 1 Nadal, who finished runner-up to Djokovic in Indian Wells and Miami, will be chasing a record seventh consecutive title in Monte-Carlo and a 19th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown. Three-time finalist Roger Federer seeks his first Monte-Carlo title and first clay-court title since he won Roland Garros in 2009.
Djokovic said on his official website: "It is a very sad moment not only for this tournament and my fans, but also for myself. This is my favourite tournament and one of my two home events. Monte Carlo is where I spend most of my time away from the circuit and this is my club where I practise and train all year long. Unfortunately I had to take this decision to withdraw and I would like to thank Tournament Director Zeljko Franulovic for his understanding and support."
Elaborating further on his Facebook page, Djokovic said: "This time I had to prioritise my health and rest of the season, for which I have high ambitions. I believe I will be recovered and ready for upcoming events on clay courts."
Top seed and World No. 1 Nadal, who finished runner-up to Djokovic in Indian Wells and Miami, will be chasing a record seventh consecutive title in Monte-Carlo and a 19th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown. Three-time finalist Roger Federer seeks his first Monte-Carlo title and first clay-court title since he won Roland Garros in 2009.
Djokovic said on his official website: "It is a very sad moment not only for this tournament and my fans, but also for myself. This is my favourite tournament and one of my two home events. Monte Carlo is where I spend most of my time away from the circuit and this is my club where I practise and train all year long. Unfortunately I had to take this decision to withdraw and I would like to thank Tournament Director Zeljko Franulovic for his understanding and support."
Elaborating further on his Facebook page, Djokovic said: "This time I had to prioritise my health and rest of the season, for which I have high ambitions. I believe I will be recovered and ready for upcoming events on clay courts."
VESNINA MAKE IT DOUBLE
CHARLESTON: Family Circle Cup Tennis Championship Elena Vesnina make into semifinal after down one set to world no.35 Julia Georges. the hard hitting German was overpowered by the Russian 62 62 in last two set.
Vesnina fired 9 doubled fault to Goerges 2 somehow proved that she has the games to win this match. At a stage in the third set Vesnina face three break point but she able to recover then she save three more to take 42 lead. That should be the turning point if Goerges able to convert the break point but she fail to make it after give a huge opportunity by her lower ranked opponent.
Vesnina said in a interview that she got all the strength after winning double tittle at Indian well, her first title in any kind in three years.
Talking about double she also move into semifinal to face Chinese duo Peng and Zheng. Peng who beat Mirza(vesnina partner)in quarterfinal will also content in single semifinal. it will be intriguing semifinal because Vesnina and Peng are up against each other in both single and double semifinal.
Monday, April 4, 2011
azarenka win Miami
In the final of the Sony Ericsson Open, Victoria Azarenka's powerful tennis made Maria Sharapova's error-prone game surface and the Belarus went first to a 6-1 4-0 lead, and then all the way to a 6-1 6-4 victory for her second title at the tournament in three years.
Sharapova made 43 unforced errors and held serve only once in the entire match. However, after the match Azarenka pointed out how her good selection of shots forced Sharapova to make mistakes: "I think I had the right tactics. She likes to swing big and when she has time it's very heavy and coming fast. So I was trying to take time away and not let her do that… I think she was missing a lot because of my game."
By virtue of winning the $4,5-million event, Azarenka earned $700,000 and a return to her career best ranking of No.6. Sharapova will be back in Top 10, from her current No.13.
Azarenka has won her sixth career title, while Sharapova now has a 0-3 win-loss record in the finals of Miami. However despite the losses Sharapova prove that she still can improve and back as a major contender again.
on double Hantuchova Radwanska secure their first title together following win over Huber Petrova on sunday
Sharapova made 43 unforced errors and held serve only once in the entire match. However, after the match Azarenka pointed out how her good selection of shots forced Sharapova to make mistakes: "I think I had the right tactics. She likes to swing big and when she has time it's very heavy and coming fast. So I was trying to take time away and not let her do that… I think she was missing a lot because of my game."
By virtue of winning the $4,5-million event, Azarenka earned $700,000 and a return to her career best ranking of No.6. Sharapova will be back in Top 10, from her current No.13.
Azarenka has won her sixth career title, while Sharapova now has a 0-3 win-loss record in the finals of Miami. However despite the losses Sharapova prove that she still can improve and back as a major contender again.
on double Hantuchova Radwanska secure their first title together following win over Huber Petrova on sunday
Sunday, March 20, 2011
vesnina-mirza triumph.
The newly team Elena Vesnina and Sania Mirza clinched a Premier Mandatory event BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The duo just playing their third events together after move to last eight at Dubai and Doha.
They beat the last America's hope Mattek-Sands Shaughnessy 60,75. After quick first set, The american look alike wanna to revenge with develop 51 leads however the unseeded pair comeback with 6 straight game in hands to prevail 75 and bring them to victory.
vesnina indeed ends her title drought in any kind for 3 years her last title come in 2008 at the very same tournament here with compatriot Safina. Hence claim her fourth doubles titles, meanwhile Mirza took her tenth. The also planning to play for the rest of the year together. Vesnina projected to re-enter to twenty in doubles next week. With big challenge laying in front to at least repeat her runner up show at Wimbledon. Mirza, also targeting to improve both her single and double perfomances.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
NADAL, FEDERER THROUGH, RODDICK BOW TO GASQUET
MEN fourth round concluded today as top 2 seed through to last 8. Nadal overcome Indian Devvarman 7-5,6-4. meanwhile Fed toppled Ryan Harrison of USA 7-6,6-3.
Crowd favorite Andy Roddick blow out by Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-3, 7-6. Despite inconsistent performance by Qasquet in recent year he still manage to produce some great tennis here to book his place in the quarter final.
in double Indian Pakistani pair Bopanna Qureshi fly into semis after beating Serbian ace Djokovic Troicki 6-1, 7-6(5).
BNP PARIBAS OPEN( WEDNESDAY RESULT)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
ATP Main Draw Singles - Fourth Round
[1] R Nadal (ESP) d [Q] S Devvarman (IND) 75 64
[2] R Federer (SUI) d [WC] R Harrison (USA) 76(4) 63
[3] N Djokovic (SRB) d [16] V Troicki (SRB) 60 61
[12] S Wawrinka (SUI) d [7] T Berdych (CZE) 36 64 64
[18] R Gasquet (FRA) d [8] A Roddick (USA) 63 76(5)
[25] T Robredo (ESP) d [21] S Querrey (USA) 61 63
I Karlovic (CRO) d [23] A Montanes (ESP) 76(7) 62
J Del Potro (ARG) d [32] P Kohlschreiber (GER) 76(3) 76(7))
WTA Main Draw Singles - Quarterfinals
[23] Y Wickmayer (BEL) d [10] S Peer (ISR) 63 63
[15] M Bartoli (FRA) d [19] A Ivanovic (SRB) 64 76(4)
ATP Main Draw Doubles - Quarterfinals
A Dolgopolov (UKR) / X Malisse (BEL) d A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) 67(7) 63 10-8
R Bopanna (IND) / A Qureshi (PAK) d N Djokovic (SRB) / V Troicki (SRB) 61 76(5)
WTA Main Draw Doubles - Quarterfinals
[8] B Mattek-Sands (USA) / M Shaughnessy (USA) d [3] L Huber (USA) / N Petrova (RUS) 64 63
D Hantuchova (SVK) / A Radwanska (POL) d [4] V King (USA) / Y Shvedova (KAZ) 61 60
ATP Main Draw Singles - Fourth Round
[1] R Nadal (ESP) d [Q] S Devvarman (IND) 75 64
[2] R Federer (SUI) d [WC] R Harrison (USA) 76(4) 63
[3] N Djokovic (SRB) d [16] V Troicki (SRB) 60 61
[12] S Wawrinka (SUI) d [7] T Berdych (CZE) 36 64 64
[18] R Gasquet (FRA) d [8] A Roddick (USA) 63 76(5)
[25] T Robredo (ESP) d [21] S Querrey (USA) 61 63
I Karlovic (CRO) d [23] A Montanes (ESP) 76(7) 62
J Del Potro (ARG) d [32] P Kohlschreiber (GER) 76(3) 76(7))
WTA Main Draw Singles - Quarterfinals
[23] Y Wickmayer (BEL) d [10] S Peer (ISR) 63 63
[15] M Bartoli (FRA) d [19] A Ivanovic (SRB) 64 76(4)
ATP Main Draw Doubles - Quarterfinals
A Dolgopolov (UKR) / X Malisse (BEL) d A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) 67(7) 63 10-8
R Bopanna (IND) / A Qureshi (PAK) d N Djokovic (SRB) / V Troicki (SRB) 61 76(5)
WTA Main Draw Doubles - Quarterfinals
[8] B Mattek-Sands (USA) / M Shaughnessy (USA) d [3] L Huber (USA) / N Petrova (RUS) 64 63
D Hantuchova (SVK) / A Radwanska (POL) d [4] V King (USA) / Y Shvedova (KAZ) 61 60
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
SHARAPOVA ROLLS, MIRZA VESNINA BREEZES THROUGH
Indian wells move into quarter final, and more women saying good bye. 3 time grands slam Maria Sharapova keep rolling vanquish another resurging Russian Dinara Safina. In the clash of former world number one Sharapova top Safina 6-2, 6-0. Both player still struggle with serve,Sharapova firing 5 double faults as Safina 8. But Sharapova have the edge to break Safina six times and win in just one minute over an hour. Thus Sharapova advance to first Premier Mandatory event last eights for first time since her comeback. Next for Sharapova is Chinese Peng Shuai
In just another former world number one and compatriot clash Ana Ivanovic outshines Jalena Jankovic 6-4, 6-2. As Kim Clisjters retired in her encounter with Frenh Marion bartoli.
As in double Mirza Vesnina through to semis after beating Jans Rosolka 6-4, 6-1 just under 60 minutes. Vesnina former champion here in 2008(with Safina)frequently struggle in single with string of first round loses but show some great result in doubles lately. Most notably her quarter final at US Open and Runner Up at Wimbledon and both with Vera Zvonareva. Next up for them either King Shvedova or Hantuchova Radwanska. Kirilenko with former Champion Azarenka(2009 with Zvonareva) also book their place in last four with victory over Puvlyuchenkova Jankovic.
Monday, March 14, 2011
BNP PARIBAS OPEN( MONDAY RESULT)
Monday, March 14, 2011
ATP Main Draw Singles - Third Round
[1] R Nadal (ESP) d [Q] R Sweeting (USA) 63 61
[32] P Kohlschreiber (GER) d [4] R Soderling (SWE) 76(8) 64
[21] S Querrey (USA) d [9] F Verdasco (ESP) 75 64
[23] A Montanes (ESP) d [11] N Almagro (ESP) 46 62 64
J Del Potro (ARG) d [20] A Dolgopolov (UKR) 76(3) 63
[25] T Robredo (ESP) d [Q] D Young (USA) 60 64
I Karlovic (CRO) d [28] G Simon (FRA) 63 63
[Q] S Devvarman (IND) d X Malisse (BEL) 61 36 76(5)
WTA Main Draw Singles - Third Round
[1] C Wozniacki (DEN) d [28] M Martinez Sanchez (ESP) 61 63
D Safina (RUS) d [4] S Stosur (AUS) 76(2) 64
[8] V Azarenka (BLR) d U Radwanska (POL) 76(3) 63
[9] A Radwanska (POL) d [24] M Kirilenko (RUS) 60 26 75
[22] A Kleybanova (RUS) d [13] F Pennetta (ITA) 63 64
[16] M Sharapova (RUS) d [20] A Rezai (FRA) 62 62
[18] N Petrova (RUS) d [WC] C Mchale (USA) 36 64 62
S Peng (CHN) d [Q] L Hradecka (CZE) 63 46 75
ATP Main Draw Doubles - Second Round
L Dlouhy (CZE) / P Hanley (AUS) d [5] J Melzer (AUT) / P Petzschner (GER) 67(1) 76(6) 12-10
N Djokovic (SRB) / V Troicki (SRB) d [7] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) 62 46 10-7
R Federer (SUI) / S Wawrinka (SUI) d J Benneteau (FRA) / R Gasquet (FRA) 63 46 12-10
WTA Main Draw Doubles - Second Round
S Mirza (IND) / E Vesnina (RUS) d [7] I Benesova (CZE) / B Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 62 63
K Jans (POL) / A Rosolska (POL) d C Chuang (TPE) / A Dulgheru (ROU) 61 46 10-5
ATP Main Draw Singles - Third Round
[1] R Nadal (ESP) d [Q] R Sweeting (USA) 63 61
[32] P Kohlschreiber (GER) d [4] R Soderling (SWE) 76(8) 64
[21] S Querrey (USA) d [9] F Verdasco (ESP) 75 64
[23] A Montanes (ESP) d [11] N Almagro (ESP) 46 62 64
J Del Potro (ARG) d [20] A Dolgopolov (UKR) 76(3) 63
[25] T Robredo (ESP) d [Q] D Young (USA) 60 64
I Karlovic (CRO) d [28] G Simon (FRA) 63 63
[Q] S Devvarman (IND) d X Malisse (BEL) 61 36 76(5)
WTA Main Draw Singles - Third Round
[1] C Wozniacki (DEN) d [28] M Martinez Sanchez (ESP) 61 63
D Safina (RUS) d [4] S Stosur (AUS) 76(2) 64
[8] V Azarenka (BLR) d U Radwanska (POL) 76(3) 63
[9] A Radwanska (POL) d [24] M Kirilenko (RUS) 60 26 75
[22] A Kleybanova (RUS) d [13] F Pennetta (ITA) 63 64
[16] M Sharapova (RUS) d [20] A Rezai (FRA) 62 62
[18] N Petrova (RUS) d [WC] C Mchale (USA) 36 64 62
S Peng (CHN) d [Q] L Hradecka (CZE) 63 46 75
ATP Main Draw Doubles - Second Round
L Dlouhy (CZE) / P Hanley (AUS) d [5] J Melzer (AUT) / P Petzschner (GER) 67(1) 76(6) 12-10
N Djokovic (SRB) / V Troicki (SRB) d [7] L Kubot (POL) / O Marach (AUT) 62 46 10-7
R Federer (SUI) / S Wawrinka (SUI) d J Benneteau (FRA) / R Gasquet (FRA) 63 46 12-10
WTA Main Draw Doubles - Second Round
S Mirza (IND) / E Vesnina (RUS) d [7] I Benesova (CZE) / B Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 62 63
K Jans (POL) / A Rosolska (POL) d C Chuang (TPE) / A Dulgheru (ROU) 61 46 10-5
Friday, March 11, 2011
BNP PARIBAS OPEN( order of play)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Stadium 1 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Jelena Jankovic vs. Coco Vandeweghe
2. ATP: M.López/Nadal vs. Fyrstenberg/Matkowski
3. Alla Kudryavtseva vs. Kim Clijsters
4. ATP: Federer/Wawrinka vs. Mirnyi/Nestor
5. ATP: James Blake vs. Chris Guccione (NB 19.00 hrs)
6. Ana Ivanovic vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm
Stadium 2 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Raonic vs. Ilhan
2. Timea Bacsinszky vs. Vera Zvonareva
3. Francesca Schiavone vs. Zuzana Ondraskova
4. ATP: Djokovic/Troicki vs. Chela/Monaco
5. ATP: Melo/Soares vs. Murray/Murray
6. ATP: Hewitt vs. Lu
Stadium 3 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Harrison vs. Chardy
2. Melanie Oudin vs. Yanina Wickmayer
3. ATP: Andreev vs. Nishikori
4. Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs. Shahar Peer
5. ATP: Isner/Querrey vs. Llodra/Zimonjic
6. ATP: Davydenko vs. Fognini
Court 7 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. Anastasija Sevastova
2. Marion Bartoli vs. Monica Niculescu
3. ATP: Bopanna vs. Tomic
4. Dominika Cibulkova vs. Sania Mirza
5. Lucie Safarova vs. Andrea Petkovic
Court 8 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Alizé Cornet vs. Tsvetana Pironkova
2. ATP: de Bakker vs. Becker
3. ATP: Kukushkin vs. Kubot
4. Chuang/Dulgheru vs. Hampton/Oudin (after suitable rest)
5. Kaia Kanepi vs. Gisela Dulko
Court 4 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova vs. Petra Kvitova
2. ATP: Gabashvili vs. Serra
3. Benesova/Zahlavova Strycova vs. Martínez Sánchez/Medina Garrigues (after suitable rest)
4. Llagostera Vives/Parra Santonja vs. Azarenka/Kirilenko
5. ATP: Berdych/Tipsarevic vs. Dolgopolov/Malisse
6. Jans/Rosolska vs. Peschke/Srebotnik
Court 6 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Cuevas vs. Andújar
2. ATP: Giraldo vs. Gimeno-Traver
3. ATP: Benneteau vs. F.López
4. ATP: Meltzer/Petzschner vs. Almagro/Ferrer
5. Sybille Bammer vs. Julia Goerges
6. ATP: Benneteau/Gasquet vs. Anderson/Kohlschreiber
Court 5 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Ramírez Hidalgo vs. Mello
2. ATP: Petzschner vs. Brown
3. Jarmila Groth vs. Sara Errani
4. Huber/Petrova vs. Hercog/Hsieh
5. ATP: Mayer vs. Golubev
Stadium 1 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Jelena Jankovic vs. Coco Vandeweghe
2. ATP: M.López/Nadal vs. Fyrstenberg/Matkowski
3. Alla Kudryavtseva vs. Kim Clijsters
4. ATP: Federer/Wawrinka vs. Mirnyi/Nestor
5. ATP: James Blake vs. Chris Guccione (NB 19.00 hrs)
6. Ana Ivanovic vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm
Stadium 2 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Raonic vs. Ilhan
2. Timea Bacsinszky vs. Vera Zvonareva
3. Francesca Schiavone vs. Zuzana Ondraskova
4. ATP: Djokovic/Troicki vs. Chela/Monaco
5. ATP: Melo/Soares vs. Murray/Murray
6. ATP: Hewitt vs. Lu
Stadium 3 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Harrison vs. Chardy
2. Melanie Oudin vs. Yanina Wickmayer
3. ATP: Andreev vs. Nishikori
4. Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs. Shahar Peer
5. ATP: Isner/Querrey vs. Llodra/Zimonjic
6. ATP: Davydenko vs. Fognini
Court 7 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. Anastasija Sevastova
2. Marion Bartoli vs. Monica Niculescu
3. ATP: Bopanna vs. Tomic
4. Dominika Cibulkova vs. Sania Mirza
5. Lucie Safarova vs. Andrea Petkovic
Court 8 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Alizé Cornet vs. Tsvetana Pironkova
2. ATP: de Bakker vs. Becker
3. ATP: Kukushkin vs. Kubot
4. Chuang/Dulgheru vs. Hampton/Oudin (after suitable rest)
5. Kaia Kanepi vs. Gisela Dulko
Court 4 (from 11.00hrs)
1. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova vs. Petra Kvitova
2. ATP: Gabashvili vs. Serra
3. Benesova/Zahlavova Strycova vs. Martínez Sánchez/Medina Garrigues (after suitable rest)
4. Llagostera Vives/Parra Santonja vs. Azarenka/Kirilenko
5. ATP: Berdych/Tipsarevic vs. Dolgopolov/Malisse
6. Jans/Rosolska vs. Peschke/Srebotnik
Court 6 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Cuevas vs. Andújar
2. ATP: Giraldo vs. Gimeno-Traver
3. ATP: Benneteau vs. F.López
4. ATP: Meltzer/Petzschner vs. Almagro/Ferrer
5. Sybille Bammer vs. Julia Goerges
6. ATP: Benneteau/Gasquet vs. Anderson/Kohlschreiber
Court 5 (from 11.00hrs)
1. ATP: Ramírez Hidalgo vs. Mello
2. ATP: Petzschner vs. Brown
3. Jarmila Groth vs. Sara Errani
4. Huber/Petrova vs. Hercog/Hsieh
5. ATP: Mayer vs. Golubev
vera zvonareva Q & A (from busted racquet blog)
On Wednesday, world No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam finalist Vera Zvonareva took a break from her preparations for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells to talk briefly with Busted Racquet.
We discussed late bloomers, graduation and why she doesn't follow any fellow women's players on Twitter.
Busted Racquet: You're at Indian Wells and getting ready to play a second-round match later this week. Have you looked at the draw? Caroline Wozniacki said she hadn't.
Vera Zvonareva: [Laughs] No, I haven't looked at the draw and never do. My coach tells me "you're playing this player" or "you're playing that player." When I come off the court I might say, "oh, who am I playing next." And if I lose, I lose.
BR: This is the first really big tournament since the Australian Open. Are your expectations different when you play a Premier event like this?
Zvonareva: I never have any expectations, I'm just trying to improve myself every day and am trying to do my best every day. I really take it one match at a time and see where it takes me. I never put any pressure on myself and say, "you've got to get to this round and win this tournament." Of course I'm coming to the tournament and want to win the whole thing and I'll do everything to do that.
BR: At 26, you're right in the middle of the top 10 in terms of age. [Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur, Francesca Schiavone, Li Na and Venus Williams are older, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Victoria Azarenka and Ageniszka Radwasnka are younger.] That seems to be skewing a bit older than usual. To what do you attribute this shift?
Zvonareva: Everyone lifted their physical condition, so the sport is quite physical. Everyone is at a high level in that way. But you have to have that experience on top of that. Before some players weren't as physical as others, so younger players were coming in and working on their fitness. Maybe they were overpowering the other players. Now everybody has power so it comes down to experience and maturity.
BR: You've peaked at a later age than many. Why do you think that is?
Zvonareva: I think I'm much more mature than I was before. Everyone has their own path. I was always late with everything, I was never so good at 14 -- I mean I was OK, but I was never the best. And then in the last year of 18s I really picked it up. For me, it always takes a long time to reach potential. Some players reach it when they're very young. Then a lot of them retire earlier as well. You can't really predict.
BR: In almost every single interview you're asked the same two things. So which topic are you most sick of hearing questions about: your emotions or going to school.
Zvonareva: [Laughs] Probably, my emotions, I guess. I don't know, people saw me getting upset in two matches andthey still talk about it five years later. You look at other players, everyone got upset in a few matches throughout their career. It's normal. Emotions are a part of the game. If you're not emotional when you do any kind of sport, it's not worth doing it. Fans have emotions, they cheer. Players have emotions and it's very good for the sport.
BR: School it is. How much longer do you have? This is your last year?
Zvonareva: Yes, this is my last year. I'm working on my thesis so hopefully I can graduate.
BR: I went to school with a guy who was the fifth lead in a sitcom [Minkus from "Boy Meets World," because I know you were curious] and was always amazed at how people still whispered around him every time he was around. You're infinitely more famous than him. When you're at school do you find yourself getting that treatment or are you a regular student?
Zvonareva: I'm just a regular student and there is no difference to what I do once I leave school. It's good because, for me, the most important thing is to try and get some knowledge and to know things outside the tennis court that contributes to my life after the sport. I'm trying to develop myself not only as a tennis player but as a person. Study is important for everyone. Nothing is different, I have to do all the tests and sit in the class. I feel like I'm not a tennis player when I'm out there and just a regular student and I enjoy that life.
BR: You follow 16 people on Twitter. Andy Roddick, Ashton Kutcher, Barack Obama among them. You also follow a fake Rafael Nadal. At least I assume he's fake because he spelled his uncle's name wrong.
Zvonareva: Yeah, I think he's a fake one, so I have to unfollow him. But it's fine.
BR: You also don't follow any women's players. Any reason?
Zvonareva: No, no reason. When I signed up for Twitter I did it as something to share about me throughout the day, between the tournaments to get in touch with my fans. I didn't really sign up to follow someone because I don't want to spend all day on my phone following somebody. If I want to talk to other players, I text them.
BR: I hear you. You're not missing much. You list your favorite bands as Rihanna, Pink, Nickelback, Linkin Park and Avril Lavigne. Are there no good bands in Russia?
Zvonareva: There are good bands in Russia and I like a few, but I mostly listen to those bands that you mentioned. [She chuckled after this, but I couldn't tell if it's because she enjoyed the question, was annoyed by the question or because she's embarrassed to admit to liking Nickelback. My guess is B and C.]
BR: Final question: This is going on the Yahoo! Sports blog Busted Racquet. We spell it with a "q" but "k" is also fashionable. How do you like your racquet?
Zvonareva: With a "q."
BR: You're the third person in a row to answer that [Andre Agassi and Caroline Wozniacki were the others]. I don't know if you all are just humoring me, but I appreciate it nonetheless. Thank you and good luck at Indian Wells.
Zvonareva: [Laughs] Thanks.
We discussed late bloomers, graduation and why she doesn't follow any fellow women's players on Twitter.
Busted Racquet: You're at Indian Wells and getting ready to play a second-round match later this week. Have you looked at the draw? Caroline Wozniacki said she hadn't.
Vera Zvonareva: [Laughs] No, I haven't looked at the draw and never do. My coach tells me "you're playing this player" or "you're playing that player." When I come off the court I might say, "oh, who am I playing next." And if I lose, I lose.
BR: This is the first really big tournament since the Australian Open. Are your expectations different when you play a Premier event like this?
Zvonareva: I never have any expectations, I'm just trying to improve myself every day and am trying to do my best every day. I really take it one match at a time and see where it takes me. I never put any pressure on myself and say, "you've got to get to this round and win this tournament." Of course I'm coming to the tournament and want to win the whole thing and I'll do everything to do that.
BR: At 26, you're right in the middle of the top 10 in terms of age. [Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur, Francesca Schiavone, Li Na and Venus Williams are older, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Victoria Azarenka and Ageniszka Radwasnka are younger.] That seems to be skewing a bit older than usual. To what do you attribute this shift?
Zvonareva: Everyone lifted their physical condition, so the sport is quite physical. Everyone is at a high level in that way. But you have to have that experience on top of that. Before some players weren't as physical as others, so younger players were coming in and working on their fitness. Maybe they were overpowering the other players. Now everybody has power so it comes down to experience and maturity.
BR: You've peaked at a later age than many. Why do you think that is?
Zvonareva: I think I'm much more mature than I was before. Everyone has their own path. I was always late with everything, I was never so good at 14 -- I mean I was OK, but I was never the best. And then in the last year of 18s I really picked it up. For me, it always takes a long time to reach potential. Some players reach it when they're very young. Then a lot of them retire earlier as well. You can't really predict.
BR: In almost every single interview you're asked the same two things. So which topic are you most sick of hearing questions about: your emotions or going to school.
Zvonareva: [Laughs] Probably, my emotions, I guess. I don't know, people saw me getting upset in two matches andthey still talk about it five years later. You look at other players, everyone got upset in a few matches throughout their career. It's normal. Emotions are a part of the game. If you're not emotional when you do any kind of sport, it's not worth doing it. Fans have emotions, they cheer. Players have emotions and it's very good for the sport.
BR: School it is. How much longer do you have? This is your last year?
Zvonareva: Yes, this is my last year. I'm working on my thesis so hopefully I can graduate.
BR: I went to school with a guy who was the fifth lead in a sitcom [Minkus from "Boy Meets World," because I know you were curious] and was always amazed at how people still whispered around him every time he was around. You're infinitely more famous than him. When you're at school do you find yourself getting that treatment or are you a regular student?
Zvonareva: I'm just a regular student and there is no difference to what I do once I leave school. It's good because, for me, the most important thing is to try and get some knowledge and to know things outside the tennis court that contributes to my life after the sport. I'm trying to develop myself not only as a tennis player but as a person. Study is important for everyone. Nothing is different, I have to do all the tests and sit in the class. I feel like I'm not a tennis player when I'm out there and just a regular student and I enjoy that life.
BR: You follow 16 people on Twitter. Andy Roddick, Ashton Kutcher, Barack Obama among them. You also follow a fake Rafael Nadal. At least I assume he's fake because he spelled his uncle's name wrong.
Zvonareva: Yeah, I think he's a fake one, so I have to unfollow him. But it's fine.
BR: You also don't follow any women's players. Any reason?
Zvonareva: No, no reason. When I signed up for Twitter I did it as something to share about me throughout the day, between the tournaments to get in touch with my fans. I didn't really sign up to follow someone because I don't want to spend all day on my phone following somebody. If I want to talk to other players, I text them.
BR: I hear you. You're not missing much. You list your favorite bands as Rihanna, Pink, Nickelback, Linkin Park and Avril Lavigne. Are there no good bands in Russia?
Zvonareva: There are good bands in Russia and I like a few, but I mostly listen to those bands that you mentioned. [She chuckled after this, but I couldn't tell if it's because she enjoyed the question, was annoyed by the question or because she's embarrassed to admit to liking Nickelback. My guess is B and C.]
BR: Final question: This is going on the Yahoo! Sports blog Busted Racquet. We spell it with a "q" but "k" is also fashionable. How do you like your racquet?
Zvonareva: With a "q."
BR: You're the third person in a row to answer that [Andre Agassi and Caroline Wozniacki were the others]. I don't know if you all are just humoring me, but I appreciate it nonetheless. Thank you and good luck at Indian Wells.
Zvonareva: [Laughs] Thanks.
Monday, March 7, 2011
DAVIS CUP FIRST ROUND WRAP UP
Holders Serbia completed a 4-1 Davis Cup victory over India on Sunday with Germany joining them in the quarter-finals after Philipp Petzschner clinched victory in a thriller in Croatia.
World Group debutants Kazakhstan provided the biggest shock of the first round, winning both of Sunday's reverse singles to beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in Ostrava.
Last year's runners-up France also squeezed through despite a valiant Austrian fightback in Vienna.
Andy Roddick smoothed the United States' path to a quarter-final match at home to Spain, beating Chile's Paul Capdeville to give his side a 3-1 lead in Santiago.
Spain, Argentina and Sweden had all wrapped up their World Group first round ties by taking unassailable leads over Belgium, Romania and Russia respectively on Saturday.
World number one Rafael Nadal used Sunday's dead rubber as some useful practice, beating Belgium's Olivier Rochus 6-4 6-2.
Unfancied India had fought toe-to-toe with Serbia in Novi Sad during Friday and Saturday to trail 2-1. Serbia's Viktor Troicki, playing as his country's top player in the absence of world number three Novak Djokovic, finished the job.
Troicki, who won the decisive fifth rubber when Serbia beat France in last year's final in Belgrade, was too strong for Somdev Devvarman, winning 6-4 6-2 7-5 in the first reverse singles to set up a July quarter-final in Sweden.
"It is a great feeling to be in the last eight of the competition because this means we have stayed in the World Group, while it also gives us a chance to carry on with our title defence," Troicki told reporters.
PETZSCHNER TRIUMPHS
"We are through to the quarter-finals, we know it's going to be very tough against Sweden and we hope to have our best player Novak Djokovic back for that tie."
Australian Open champion Djokovic missed the tie to concentrate on the Indian Wells event which begins this week.
In Zagreb, 2005 champions Croatia levelled 2-2 with Germany after Marin Cilic defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2 6-3 7-6 but Ivo Karlovic, who in Saturday's doubles broke Andy Roddick's serving speed record with a 156 mph (251 kms) rocket, was beaten by Petzschner 6-4 7-6 7-6.
"I got so much support from my team mates," Petzschner told reporters. "It is just unbelievable that it ends like this. Absolutely crazy."
France will be Germany's quarter-final opposition after Guy Forget's injury-weakened side beat Austria inside an airport hangar at Vienna airport. Jeremy Chardy won the fifth rubber against Martin Fischer 2-6 7-6 6-3 6-3 when victory appeared to slipping from their grasp.
Kazakh Andrey Golubev beat Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych 7-5 5-7 6-4 6-2 to drag his side level before Mikhail Kukushkin held his nerve to beat Jan Hajek 6-4 6-7 7-6 6-0 and send his jubilant side through to a clash with Argentina.
World Group debutants Kazakhstan provided the biggest shock of the first round, winning both of Sunday's reverse singles to beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in Ostrava.
Last year's runners-up France also squeezed through despite a valiant Austrian fightback in Vienna.
Andy Roddick smoothed the United States' path to a quarter-final match at home to Spain, beating Chile's Paul Capdeville to give his side a 3-1 lead in Santiago.
Spain, Argentina and Sweden had all wrapped up their World Group first round ties by taking unassailable leads over Belgium, Romania and Russia respectively on Saturday.
World number one Rafael Nadal used Sunday's dead rubber as some useful practice, beating Belgium's Olivier Rochus 6-4 6-2.
Unfancied India had fought toe-to-toe with Serbia in Novi Sad during Friday and Saturday to trail 2-1. Serbia's Viktor Troicki, playing as his country's top player in the absence of world number three Novak Djokovic, finished the job.
Troicki, who won the decisive fifth rubber when Serbia beat France in last year's final in Belgrade, was too strong for Somdev Devvarman, winning 6-4 6-2 7-5 in the first reverse singles to set up a July quarter-final in Sweden.
"It is a great feeling to be in the last eight of the competition because this means we have stayed in the World Group, while it also gives us a chance to carry on with our title defence," Troicki told reporters.
PETZSCHNER TRIUMPHS
"We are through to the quarter-finals, we know it's going to be very tough against Sweden and we hope to have our best player Novak Djokovic back for that tie."
Australian Open champion Djokovic missed the tie to concentrate on the Indian Wells event which begins this week.
In Zagreb, 2005 champions Croatia levelled 2-2 with Germany after Marin Cilic defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2 6-3 7-6 but Ivo Karlovic, who in Saturday's doubles broke Andy Roddick's serving speed record with a 156 mph (251 kms) rocket, was beaten by Petzschner 6-4 7-6 7-6.
"I got so much support from my team mates," Petzschner told reporters. "It is just unbelievable that it ends like this. Absolutely crazy."
France will be Germany's quarter-final opposition after Guy Forget's injury-weakened side beat Austria inside an airport hangar at Vienna airport. Jeremy Chardy won the fifth rubber against Martin Fischer 2-6 7-6 6-3 6-3 when victory appeared to slipping from their grasp.
Kazakh Andrey Golubev beat Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych 7-5 5-7 6-4 6-2 to drag his side level before Mikhail Kukushkin held his nerve to beat Jan Hajek 6-4 6-7 7-6 6-0 and send his jubilant side through to a clash with Argentina.
WTA- KUALA LUPUR, MONTERREY
WTA-BMW MALAYSIAN OPEN
Singles - Final
Jelena Dokic (AUS) d. (5) Lucie Safarova (CZE) 26 76(9) 64
Doubles - Final
(WC) Safina/Voskoboeva (RUS/KAZ) d. Lertcheewakarn/Moore (THA/AUS) 75 26 105
WTA WHIRPOOL MONTERREY OPEN
Singles - Final
(2/WC) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 26 62 63
Doubles - Final
(1) Benesova/Zahlavova Strycova (CZE/CZE) d. (2) Groenefeld/King (GER/USA) 67(8) 62 106
Saturday, March 5, 2011
A WEEK ROUND UP
Jalena Dokic found herself into final for first time after more than 7 years not doing. She make into Malaysian open title bout after sent Holland's Michaella Krajicek to home in straight set(also make into first semis after quite some times) so, it is just short tenure or a mark of rising for the former world no 4. no one can conclude anything just let time tell us. hence, good luck for the Australian. All the best for her.
SECOND SERVE!!!!!!!!
Serena once again hospitalized, after a foot injury now she warded again because of blood clot in her lung. luckily it was removed, she expected to make come back at Roland Garros. hurm what a dissapointment for people who expect to she her in Miami by end of this march.
DOUBLE FAULT!!!!
Defending champion of Malaysian Open Alisa Kleybanova bounced out to Michaella Krajicek(eventually knocked out by Dokic in semis)
SMASHER!!!!!!!!!
Former world's number 1 Dinara Safina of Russia won first match in single event after string of opening round losses, but knocked out in second round by Lucie Safarova.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
wait up for Davis Cup coverage in next posting a...........
Friday, March 4, 2011
PROFILE: MARGARET COURT.
For the first player profile i would like to feature legendary Margaret Court, her achievement is nothing could be compared to other. winner of 62 Grand Title the mst of all.
Margaret Court, AO MBE, (born 16 July 1942, also known as Margaret Smith Court) is a retired former World No. 1 tennis player from Australia. In 1970, she became the first woman during the open era and the second woman in history to win all four Grand Slam tournament singles titles in the same calendar year. Court won a record 24 of those titles during her career. She also won 19 women's doubles and 19 mixed doubles titles, giving her a record 62 Major titles overall. Her all surfaces (hard,clay,grass,carpet) career match winning percentage of 91.74 (1177/106) is an all-time record. She also shares the Open Era record for most Grand Slam singles titles as a mother with Kim Clijsters. The International Tennis Hall of Fame states, "For sheer strength of performance and accomplishment there has never been a tennis player to match (her)
Career timeline
1960 - Won her first singles title at the Australian Championships but lost the junior girls final there to Lesley Turner Bowrey.
1962 - Won three of the four Grand Slam singles tournaments.
1963 - Became the first Australian woman to win a singles title at Wimbledon. She and Ken Fletcher became the only team to win all four Grand Slam mixed doubles titles during the same calendar year.
1964 - Won three of the four Grand Slam mixed doubles tournaments. Her women's doubles title at Wimbledon completed her career "boxed set" of Grand Slam titles.
1965 - Won three of the four Grand Slam singles tournaments and all four Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, with three different partners.
1966 - Temporarily retired.
1969 - Won three of the four Grand Slam singles and mixed doubles tournaments.
1970 - Won all four Grand Slam singles tournaments, defeating Kerry Melville Reid in the Australian Open final, Helga Niessen Masthoff in the French Open final, Billie Jean King in the Wimbledon final, and Rosemary Casals in the US Open final. Maureen Connolly Brinker in 1953 and Steffi Graf in 1988 are the only other women who have won all four Grand Slam singles tournaments during the same calendar year.
1971 - Won the Australian Championship for the 10th time. After losing the Wimbledon Singles Final, temporarily retired to prepare for the birth of her first child in March 1972.
1972 - Returned to the tour after missing the Wimbledon Championships.
1973 - Won three of the four Grand Slam singles and women's doubles tournaments. Became the first mother in the open era to win the Australian, French and US Open Championships. Lost her match with Bobby Riggs. Her women's doubles title at the US Open completed a "boxed set" of Grand Slam titles won exclusively after the start of the open era in 1968.
1974 - Absent from the game due to the birth of her second child.
1975 - Played the final Grand Slam singles match of her career, losing to Martina Navrátilová in a quarterfinal of the US Open 6–2, 6–4. Partnered with Virginia Wade at the US Open to win her 62nd Grand Slam title and 19th Grand Slam women's doubles title, defeating King and Casals in the final. This was Court's last Grand Slam title.
1976 - Absent from the game due to the birth of her third child.
1977 - Played the final singles match of her career, defeating Greer Stevens in the third round of the Virginia Slims Championships of Detroit 5–7, 7–6, 6–3. Court defaulted the quarterfinal to Françoise Durr upon learning that she was pregnant with her fourth child.
Grand Slam titles and world rankings
Court won a record 62 Grand Slam titles, including a record 24 singles titles, 19 women's doubles titles, and a record 19 mixed doubles titles. She won 64 Grand Slam titles, including 21 mixed doubles titles, if the shared championships at the Australian Championships/Open in 1965 and 1969 are counted. The finals were not played because of bad weather. Court could have won even more mixed doubles titles had the event been held at the 1970, 1971, 1973, and 1975 Australian Opens.
Court won 62 of the 85 Grand Slam finals (72.9%) she played, including 24-5 (82.8%) in singles finals, 19-14 (57.6%) in women's doubles finals, and 19-4 (82.6%) in mixed doubles finals.
Court reached the final in 29, the semifinals in 36, and the quarterfinals in 43 of the 47 Grand Slams singles tournaments she played. Her won-lost record in Grand Slam singles tournaments was 210-23 .901 (47-5 at the French Championships/Open, 51-9 at Wimbledon, 51-6 at the U.S. Championships/Open, and 61-3 at the Australian Championships/Open). She won 11 of the 16 Grand Slam singles tournaments she entered beginning with the 1969 Australian Open and ending with the 1973 US Open. She also won 11 of the 17 Grand Slam singles tournaments she entered beginning with the 1962 Australian Championships and ending with the 1966 Australian Championships. Court was 146-2 (98.6%) against unseeded players in Grand Slam singles tournaments.
Court is the only player to have won the calendar year Grand Slam in both singles and mixed doubles. She won the singles Grand Slam in 1970, the mixed doubles Grand Slam in 1963 with fellow Australian Ken Fletcher, and the mixed doubles Grand Slam in 1965 with three different partners (Fletcher, John Newcombe, and Fred Stolle).
Court won more than half of the Grand Slam events held in 1963 (8 of 12), 1964 (7 of 12), 1965 (9 of 12), 1969 (8 of 12), 1970 (7 of 11), and 1973 (6 of 11).
According to the end-of-year rankings compiled by London's Daily Telegraph from 1914 through 1972, Court was ranked World No. 1 six times: 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1969, and 1970. Court also was ranked No. 1 for 1973, when the official rankings were produced by the Women's Tennis Association.
FIRST SERVE!!!!!!!!
WELCOME TO MY TENNIS BLOG,
glad to be here, after a long time finally i make it. it always to be my dream to share the desire of tennis, for first time i would like to share about the up coming joint ATP, WTA event at indian well we will see the star line up for BNP Paribas Open INDIAN WELLS.
With the Australian Open concluding this weekend, the next major stop on the tennis calendar will be the BNP Paribas Open, the most-attended tennis tournament outside of the Grand Slams. Once again the tournament, to be held March 7-20 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, will feature hundreds of the best players in the world, including the top three players on both tours – Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki (No. 1), Roger Federer and Vera Zvonareva (No. 2) and Novak Djokovic and Kim Clijsters (No. 3).
Nadal, who had an incredible season in 2010 capturing three of the four majors, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, will be in search of his third crown in Indian Wells (2007, 2009), and would join Jimmy Connors, Michael Chang and Federer as three-time winners of the BNP Paribas Open. Wozniacki became the 20th World No. 1 in WTA history last year, and captured six titles. A finalist at the 2010 BNP Paribas Open, she is seeking her first Grand Slam title this week at the Australian Open and is into the semifinals.
Federer, who is the only man to ever win the BNP Paribas Open three years in a row (2004-2006), bookended 2010 by winning the sixteenth major of his career in Australia in January and the ATP World Championships in the final week of the season. A win this week would continue to increase his all-time leading major title record. Zvonareva had a fantastic 2010 reaching the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open, and climbing to an all-time high ranking of No. 2 in the world. The 2009 BNP Paribas Open champion has another shot at a major title this week at the Australian Open.
Djokovic had another strong campaign in 2010, and entrenched himself further into the Serbian history books by helping his country capture its first ever Davis Cup title with a win over France in December. The 2008 BNP Paribas Open champion is trying to capture the second major of his career this week in Australia, with the first coming in 2008 in the land down under. Clijsters, who has three major titles, including the last two US Open’s, will look to become the only woman to ever win the BNP Paribas Open singles title three times (2005, 2003). She is currently in the hunt this weekend for her fourth Grand Slam title and her first at the Australian Open.
In addition to these six stars, the fields will feature a host of others who have captured titles in Indian Wells including the last six women to win the title – defending champion Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic (2008), Daniela Hantuchova (2007, 2002), Southern California resident Maria Sharapova (2006), Zvonareva and Clijsters. On the men’s side, defending champion Ivan Ljubicic and Lleyton Hewitt (2001-2002) join Nadal, Federer and Djokovic as former champions in the draw.
In addition to these champions, numerous other top ten stars such as Robin Soderling (No. 4), Andy Murray (No. 5), Tomas Berdych (No. 6), David Ferrer (No. 7), American Andy Roddick (No. 8), Fernando Verdasco (No. 9), Mikhail Youhzny (No. 10), Samantha Stosur (No. 6), Francesca Schiavone (No. 7) and World No. 9 Victoria Azarenka will also vie for the title. Other American stars that will compete include Mardy Fish, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Sam Querrey, Melanie Oudin, John Isner and the World No. 1 doubles team, Mike and Bob Bryan, who will be seeking to capture one of the few titles that have eluded them in their record-setting career.
One of the new additions for the players and fans this year will be the addition of Hawkeye replay technology and video displays on all match courts. While most tournaments feature Hawkeye replay technology and video displays on one, two, or three courts, none have made it available on eight match courts.
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