Archive for January 2015
Jan/15
30
Djokovic looking unbeatable, Maria vs. Serena, the cold war continues
25 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Djokovic struggled with his nemesis Stanimal for four sets but took charge in the fifth and dominated. It was a strange match. Djokovic at his best looks unbeatable but you never know when he can hit the pothole and get a flat tire. Once again Djokovic showed his sportsmanship in the fifth, giving Stan a point on a review which barely touched the line, despite that Djokovic touched the ball with his racquet. Continue to read full article...
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By Jayita Belcourt
History was in the making at this year’s Australian Open, as Tomas Berdych shocked a nation and made his country proud by sending world no.3 Rafael Nadal home. Bidding to reach multiple semifinals at the Australian Open for the first time, the Czech put on an impressive display to take down his opponent in straight sets 6-2, 6-0, 7-6 in the quarter-finals matchup. In doing so, Berdych has finally broken the drought of a 17-match winning streak held by the Spaniard. Continue to read full article...
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Jan/15
27
Why Maria Beat Bouchard Last Night
15 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
It's really clear and obvious why Maria Sharapova destroyed Eugenie Bouchard last night 63 62 in their quarterfinal grudge match. The difference between the two players was not shot-making, tactics, nerves, luck. The difference was DESIRE.
Maria wanted it more, far more, than Bouchard. You may ask, how would I know that Maria wanted to win last night more than Bouchard. Well, I know why because it was obvious and clear for our eyes and ears to see and hear. Continue to read full article...
Jan/15
26
Kyrgios into Quarters: The Birth Of A Superstar in Melbourne
25 Comments · Posted by Staff in Articles
By Louise Belcourt
The most sensational match of the tournament has been played by the spirited young Aussie, Nick Kyrgios, to come from 2 sets down to defeat Roger Federer’s conqueror, Andreas Seppi 5-7 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) 8-8 in the fourth round. In front of a highly charged and boisterous local crowd, Kyrgios drew from the experiences of last year’s epic run to the Wimbledon quarter finals, saving one match point, to beat the Italian in 3 hours and 34 minutes booking a spot in the quarter finals of his home grand slam for the first time. Continue to read full article...
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Jan/15
26
The Iron Man of the ATP is Feliciano Lopez
14 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Feliciano Lopez played his first major at the French Open in 2002 - has not missed a major since. That's 53 in a row. (I believe Federer is the only man who has played more consecutive majors - Fed hasn't missed a slan since the 2000 Australian.)
Last year at the US Open Lopez is when I became a believer in the intestinal fortitude of the Spaniard. He was battling Dodig in the first round on grandstand, first match on. It was hotter than hot. It was scorching Continue to read full article...
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Jan/15
22
Kyrgios Shining Bright At Aussie Open, Also Stirring Controversy
39 Comments · Posted by Staff in Articles
by Louise Belcourt
After a break-out year in 2014, 19 year old Australian Nick Kyrgios has lit up a rowdy Australian crowd at this year’s Australian Open. Ranked 53 in the world, the young Aussie is into the third round for the first time in his home grand-slam.
Having not played many matches in the last few months and carrying a back injury, there was cloud over his physical ability. But despite concerns, his first round match was a long and decisive win over Argentian Frederico Delbonis 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3. Continue to read full article...
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One of the best benefits of Facebook is when Johan Kriek offers some free advice and tips. When he posts on tennis, it's like reading gold...
I hammer away at my juniors that if they can cut their unforced errors in half from year to year as we develop their strokes and their games, they will begin to win not more matches, but tournaments! Unforced errors are just plain STUPID! You have to have the mechanics in your strokes to be able to play your "middle tennis/rally speed/" in order to compete! Your mindset has to be settled and know what is YOUR rally speed. FYI....a rally shot is that shot, no matter if it is a slice or a topspin that you can make 9 out of 10 times to the area of the court you aim at! Continue to read full article...
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Jan/15
20
Hewitt Begins Australian Open Conquest
20 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
And so Lleyton Hewitt has begun his nineteenth Australian Open, winning a tough four set match with flashy Chinese player Ze Zhang.
It's a solid, quality start for Hewitt, who disappointingly lost in five sets last year to Andres Seppi in the first round.
Benjamin Becker is up next for Hewitt and it's a favorable draw - Hewitt is 2-0 career vs. the German in singles, not including a Davis Cup doubles win. Continue to read full article...
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Jan/15
16
2015 Australian Open Draw Review
33 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Let's look at the draw from the top on down...
Top seed and world No. 1 Djokovic could face Isner in third round.
Thiem faces Agut.
F. Lopez vs. Kudla.
Del Potro vs. Janowicz is a heavyweight clash, maybe the best first round matchup.
Benneteau vs. Ben Becker.
Hewitt vs. Ze Zhang.
Continue to read full article...
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Jan/15
13
Steve Johnson: Former USC Standout, Next American Hope
49 Comments · Posted by Staff in Articles
By Peter Bean Hawkins
2014 saw a new wave of talent mark their impression on the ATP World Tour. Marin Cilic captured his first grand slam at the US Open. Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov made his first grand slam semi-final appearance on the grass courts at Wimbledon while Japenese star Kei Nishikori saw his celebrity climb at meteoric speeds as he broke through to his first grand slam final at the US Open. Needless to say, American tennis fans were left scratching their heads, wondering when the next great replacement to Andy Roddick will arrive and join John Isner in his chase to reach the top 5 in the ATP World Tour rankings. Continue to read full article...
