John Isner won the Campbell's Hall of Fame Championship in Newport against veteran Olivier Rochus. This is the first time the #1 seed has won the tournament since it started in 1976. Isner will move up 10 rankings to #36 in the world going into the US Open Series coming up next week. This also marks the end of the grass court season - so sad to see it over already, but that's where the US Open Series comes in!
Isner had an excellent year last year, and he made the final at the Atlanta Tennis Championship (coming up next week) where he lost to Mardy Fish.
In other news, Andre Agassi was inducted into to the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Sunday. For those of you that grew up watching Agassi, he was a phenomenal returner and a clean ball-striker. In a lot of ways he was one of the people to usher in the modern baseline game by countering the serve & volley style of the likes of Pete Sampras.
Agassi also won the Career Golden Slam, meaning he won each of the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, and an Olympic Gold Medal. He is only the second player in the history of tennis to do that (alongside his wife, of course, Steffi Graf). Rafael Nadal is currently the only active player to have the same resume as Agassi for a Career Golden Slam (of course he has 10 majors to Agassi's 7).
Keep checking back for regular updates! This week the last of the clay court tournaments in Europe will wrap up at Båstad, Sweden, and Stuttgart, Germany. I'll keep you updated on those!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Campbell's Hall of Fame Championship in Newport - Grass Tournament
Wimbledon may be over but here in Rhode Island, USA, where the International Tennis Hall of Fame is located, a grass tournament is underway. At the top of the seed, American John Isner is in the main draw along with fellow Americans Ryan Harrison, #72 Alex Bogomolov Jr, Donald Young, #69 Ryan Sweeting, qualifier Michael Yani, and wildcard Dennis Hudla.
John Isner will of course be the heavy favorite but the draw has up and coming talents like Grigor Dimitrov and veterans like Olivier Rochus, so it won't be without challenge along the way. Today, Young and Bogomolov Jr advanced to the second round.
Keep visiting for updates on ongoing tournaments and news on the American players as the US Open series rolls around!
John Isner will of course be the heavy favorite but the draw has up and coming talents like Grigor Dimitrov and veterans like Olivier Rochus, so it won't be without challenge along the way. Today, Young and Bogomolov Jr advanced to the second round.
Keep visiting for updates on ongoing tournaments and news on the American players as the US Open series rolls around!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Novak Djokovic Wins Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic, to ascend to World #1 tomorrow, claimed the Wimbledon crown in formidable fashion. It was definitely an upset for Rafael Nadal, who won in 2008 and 2010. Nadal did not play his best tennis, but more important, Novak raised his own game to such a high level. I have not seen Rafa Nadal get outplayed by someone like that before in a Grand Slam match. Novak did to Nadal what Nadal does to everyone else, and that rightfully earned him the Gentlemen's 2011 Wimbledon trophy.
Courtesy NBC Sports
He's 48-1 on the year now, which is awfully similar to John McEnroe's record when McEnroe started the year with 42 straight wins (I believe he went 49-1 after winning Wimbledon). Some historic tennis being played by Djokovic - look for him to be the top contender at US Open this year (he lost to Nadal in the 2010 final).
This last two weeks at Wimbledon have certainly been special for Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova. Petra was not even close to the favorite, yet she took out the overwhelming favorite Maria Sharapova on Saturady. Today, the match was expected to be tight between Novak and Rafa, but Novak raised his level to do what he needed to win Wimbledon. The next couple months leading to the US Open will surely bring more exciting tennis by the top players!
Till then, I'll keep updating on tennis news and the smaller tournaments going. I went to the Atlanta Tennis Championship last year, which is coming up in 2 weeks, and I look forward to that again this year!
He's 48-1 on the year now, which is awfully similar to John McEnroe's record when McEnroe started the year with 42 straight wins (I believe he went 49-1 after winning Wimbledon). Some historic tennis being played by Djokovic - look for him to be the top contender at US Open this year (he lost to Nadal in the 2010 final).
This last two weeks at Wimbledon have certainly been special for Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova. Petra was not even close to the favorite, yet she took out the overwhelming favorite Maria Sharapova on Saturady. Today, the match was expected to be tight between Novak and Rafa, but Novak raised his level to do what he needed to win Wimbledon. The next couple months leading to the US Open will surely bring more exciting tennis by the top players!
Till then, I'll keep updating on tennis news and the smaller tournaments going. I went to the Atlanta Tennis Championship last year, which is coming up in 2 weeks, and I look forward to that again this year!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Ladies Final
I woke up today thinking that Maria Sharapova had this match in the bag and then I see Petra Kvitova, the world #8, win it in straight sets! Sharapova had a lot of nerves going in, and it showed as Kvitova capitalized on that. Great win for Kvitova, always nice to have your first Grand Slam win at Wimbledon!
Courtesy Reuters
I'll be on the edge of my seat for the Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic match tomorrow. Remember, Novak is now the world #1 thanks to his phenomenal year (47 wins to just 1 loss!), and this is his first Wimbledon final. It has been his dream to win it, so will the pressure be too much and the veteran Rafa will take care of Novak? Or will Novak finally fulfill his dream? Can't wait!
I'll be on the edge of my seat for the Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic match tomorrow. Remember, Novak is now the world #1 thanks to his phenomenal year (47 wins to just 1 loss!), and this is his first Wimbledon final. It has been his dream to win it, so will the pressure be too much and the veteran Rafa will take care of Novak? Or will Novak finally fulfill his dream? Can't wait!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Men's Quarterfinals - Who'da thunk it?
To all of those who saw six-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer cruise through the first set against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and dash off to work, what a shock it must have been to see Federer lose. His perfect record in Grand Slams after winning the first two sets will forever be tarnished now by 1 loss at Federer's home court, Central Court at the All England Lawn Tennis (and Croquet) Club. From what I heard it was worth watching, and I plan on doing just that - good thing I remembered to record the match!
In other news, I think everyone expected #2 Novak Djokovic and #3 Andy Murray cruise through to the semis easily. You do have to give credit to the 18-year-old up-and-comer Bernard Tomic for taking a set off Novak. Tomic has an eccentric game, so I look forward to seeing him around more. Murray, meanwhile, took care handily of Feliciano Lopez (nicknamed "Deliciano" by Murray's own mother!).
Last but not least, the #1 and last year's defending champ, Rafael Nadal, held his nerve against Mardy Fish who was broken on serve only once in all his matches leading up to the Quarters (including an upset against last year's finalist Tomas Berdych!). Expect to see Mardy move up the rankings a little bit, and enter the summer US Open Series with serious confidence. By the way, Mardy had a phenomenal summer last year and I actually have an autographed ball from when he was at the Atlanta Tennis Championship - hope to see him around again!
So, Gentlemen's Semifinals at Wimbledon are set: repeating 2010's semifinal, #1 Rafael Nadal will take on #4 Andy Murray. We can expect a high quality clash between #2 Novak Djokovic and #19 Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga, who beat Novak the last time they met at a Slam (2010 Australian Open QF). I can't wait for Friday!
In other news, I think everyone expected #2 Novak Djokovic and #3 Andy Murray cruise through to the semis easily. You do have to give credit to the 18-year-old up-and-comer Bernard Tomic for taking a set off Novak. Tomic has an eccentric game, so I look forward to seeing him around more. Murray, meanwhile, took care handily of Feliciano Lopez (nicknamed "Deliciano" by Murray's own mother!).
Last but not least, the #1 and last year's defending champ, Rafael Nadal, held his nerve against Mardy Fish who was broken on serve only once in all his matches leading up to the Quarters (including an upset against last year's finalist Tomas Berdych!). Expect to see Mardy move up the rankings a little bit, and enter the summer US Open Series with serious confidence. By the way, Mardy had a phenomenal summer last year and I actually have an autographed ball from when he was at the Atlanta Tennis Championship - hope to see him around again!
So, Gentlemen's Semifinals at Wimbledon are set: repeating 2010's semifinal, #1 Rafael Nadal will take on #4 Andy Murray. We can expect a high quality clash between #2 Novak Djokovic and #19 Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga, who beat Novak the last time they met at a Slam (2010 Australian Open QF). I can't wait for Friday!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Women's Semifinals Set
There was a full day of tennis played today at Wimbledon to the point where the roof was closed for the last match. The 2004 Wimbledon Champion, Maria Sharapova, is looking strong as the highest seed remaining in the semis. She will go up against the fast-serving Sabine Lisicki of Germany who is through to her first semis. Will experience hold off the blistering power of Lisicki's serve, who is only a Wildcard going into this tournament? I'm Looking forward to that one!
In the other semis match, Victoria Azarenka, the world #4, goes against Petra Kvitova, the #8 seed . I'm not too familiar with these ladies, but I know Azarenka is one of the loudest person when hitting the ball, and that is such a pet peeve of mine... But you have to hand it to her for having made the Quarterfinals at all the slams except the US Open, so she definitely knows how to play tennis and not just shriek all day long.
But for tomorrow, I can't wait for the men's quarterfinal matches. So much good tennis already in this week, and much more to look forward to! Till then...I'm off.
In the other semis match, Victoria Azarenka, the world #4, goes against Petra Kvitova, the #8 seed . I'm not too familiar with these ladies, but I know Azarenka is one of the loudest person when hitting the ball, and that is such a pet peeve of mine... But you have to hand it to her for having made the Quarterfinals at all the slams except the US Open, so she definitely knows how to play tennis and not just shriek all day long.
But for tomorrow, I can't wait for the men's quarterfinal matches. So much good tennis already in this week, and much more to look forward to! Till then...I'm off.
Monday, June 27, 2011
What a Manic Monday it has been
To all those fans watching Wimbledon, today was truly a spectacular day. One of the highest quality matches was played between #1 Rafael Nadal and former #5 Juan Martin del Potro - they had a total of 105 winners scored to only 37 unforced errors between them - insane!
Of course, the top 4 in the Gentlemen's Draw are always consistent, but the Ladies had some fantastic games as well. Sharapova is looking strong to perhaps reclaim her crown as Wimbledon champ, but we've seen plenty of ups and downs this tournament so we might even have a dark horse winner. Lots to look forward for the Ladies Quarterfinal matches tomorrow!
Lastly, let's not forget Mardy Fish, the highest ranked American, is carrying our flag proudly at the Wimbledon grounds after Andy Roddick was upset last week. Fish vs. Nadal should be a good one to watch with the way Fish has been serving.
Hopefully I'll start to sound less like a commentator after I have more time to devote to this :) I'm currently in my last semester at college so things are busy busy busy...but there's always time for tennis!
Of course, the top 4 in the Gentlemen's Draw are always consistent, but the Ladies had some fantastic games as well. Sharapova is looking strong to perhaps reclaim her crown as Wimbledon champ, but we've seen plenty of ups and downs this tournament so we might even have a dark horse winner. Lots to look forward for the Ladies Quarterfinal matches tomorrow!
Lastly, let's not forget Mardy Fish, the highest ranked American, is carrying our flag proudly at the Wimbledon grounds after Andy Roddick was upset last week. Fish vs. Nadal should be a good one to watch with the way Fish has been serving.
Hopefully I'll start to sound less like a commentator after I have more time to devote to this :) I'm currently in my last semester at college so things are busy busy busy...but there's always time for tennis!
Welcome to Match Point Tennis Blog!
Hello world! My name is Parth, and I have created this blog devoted to all things tennis. Over the next few days I should have this website nice-looking and updated with regular posting. As the site evolves, feel free to check out more information about myself (I love to play tennis and I follow the tour year-round!), and of course, to the wonderful athletes that make the sport of tennis so spectacular to watch!
Most of all, welcome to what I hope becomes a lively tennis community for exchanging news on the pro tour and of course the players! Follow the blog via Gmail, Twitter, or Facebook! (All these networking site links should be up over the next few days so bear with me!)
Most of all, welcome to what I hope becomes a lively tennis community for exchanging news on the pro tour and of course the players! Follow the blog via Gmail, Twitter, or Facebook! (All these networking site links should be up over the next few days so bear with me!)
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