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THE TENNIS BLOGGER

Welcome to the Tennis-X Blog Index, the most comprehensive resource on the web for keeping up with tennis blogging. Our X-blogbot trolls the web for the latest tennis blog entries, with this "blog roll " periodically updated throughout each day. If you have a tennis blog to suggest, please click the link at the bottom of the page.

Last updated on November 20, 2009 17:54:25. ET


ATP World Tour Finals TV Schedule
The 2009 ATP World Tour Finals TV schedule for the US and the UK.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | November 20, 10:35 am ET


Murray Falls in Federer Group; Nadal with Novak at ATP World Finals
The groupings for the ATP Tennis Finals have been announced, find out who landed where.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | November 18, 9:47 am ET


Where were you when Cork got flooded?
I was in the village, thinking it was a great idea to run over there when the electricity in Vic Mills went off. Although it probably was in the end! It was a fun night/morning. Playing games, belittling people,eating bakewell and being one of the first to start leaving the village. Desperate times…………. Apparently it was [...]
Joseph O'Brien | November 20, 2:10 pm ET


Donald Dell Book Giveaway.
Great opportunity for you to get a free copy of Donald Dell’s new book “Never Make the First Offer” which gives sound business advice on negotiating deals and improving your business/career relationships along with many captivating stories about the game including his experiences with Stan Smith, Arthur Ashe, Andy Roddick and more. Simply click on this [...]
Adjusting the Net | November 20, 12:54 pm ET


Dent, Berankis move into semifinals in Illinois
Two IMG Bollettieri professionals, Taylor Dent and Ricardas Berankis, moved into the semifinals of the JSM Challenger in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Dent, who is coming off a challenger win last week in Knoxville, beat fellow American Jessie Levine 6-1, 6-2 and will face top-seeded Kevin Kim in the semis. On the other side of the draw, [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | November 20, 12:49 pm ET


ATP World Tour Finals TV Schedule
The 2009 ATP World Tour Finals TV schedule for the US and the UK.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | November 20, 10:35 am ET


VIDEO: ROGER FEDERER GETS THE GIGGLES

GOTOTENNIS | November 20, 9:17 am ET


ATP WORLD TOUR FINAL PHOTOS: FEDERER, NADAL, DJOKOVIC AND CO. IN LONDON

GOTOTENNIS | November 20, 7:27 am ET


Greatest competitor: Andy Roddick
Andy’s 2009 season may have come to a premature end, but as the No. 1 American heads to London to be a spectator at this year’s World Tour Finals, his impressive year is still the topic of conversation for sports journalists and fans alike.
AndyRoddick.com | November 19, 10:00 pm ET


Warhol Polaroids of Tennis Greats.
While scanning through the New York Times, I caught this brief review of a current exhibition at Danzinger Projects in New York City of famous athletes shot on Polaroids by Andy Warhol during the late 1970s and early 80s. The photos include a glamorous Chris Evert, John McEnroe and Tatum O’Neal during happier times, and [...]
Adjusting the Net | November 19, 9:28 pm ET


Friday cat blogging--songwriter edition

Women Who Serve | November 19, 2:00 pm ET


“and then, in 1997…”
  Andre breaks the news. (tsf illustration by troy venechanos)
tennis served fresh | November 19, 11:06 am ET


WTF: Eight questions
By now everyone who’s anyone will be aware of Roddick’s decision to forgo the festivities in South East London this year. Step forward Big Rob, name-and-number. (Julian Finney/Getty Images) I love the concept of the best eight players of the year pulling out all the stops in an Armageddon like ruckus to cap off perhaps the strangest year of tennis in, well, years. With the calendar being what it is though, the event seems doomed to being perceived as an anti-climactic exhibition that only
Tennis Is Served... | November 19, 10:39 am ET


2009 ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS TENNIS LIVE ONLINE STREAMING

GOTOTENNIS | November 19, 10:32 am ET


2009 BARCLAYS ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS TENNIS TV SCHEDULE

GOTOTENNIS | November 19, 10:09 am ET


I wish I was going out!

Joseph O'Brien | November 19, 9:08 am ET


Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2009 Draw
The contenders of this year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Click on the player’s name to check out their ATP profiles and find out why they made it to the elite line up. Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2009 Group Rank Player Name Ranking Pts A 1 Roger Federer 10,150 A 4 Andy Murray 6,630 A 5 Juan Martin del Potro 5,985 A 7 Fernando Verdasco 3,300 B 2 Rafael Nadal 9,205 B 3 Novak Djokovic 7,910 B 6 Nikolay Davydenko 3,630 B 8 Robin Soderling 3,010         Prize Money Breakdown TV Schedule Watch the ATP World Tour Finals 2009 Live Video Streaming
Tennis Guru | November 19, 7:10 am ET


Take your pick: Who will win the 2009 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals?
Who do you think will win this year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals? The undefeated champion of this event will earn 1,500 ranking points. Could this be Rafael Nadal’s chance to grab the top spot from Roger Federer? Or would there be someone other than these two top-ranked players who will emerge as the victor. Defending champion Novak Djokovic will surely make things interesting and British number one Andy Murray will certainly exert more effort since this event will take place in his home country. Make that vote on the poll posted on the right column of this site.
Tennis Guru | November 19, 6:49 am ET


ATP World Tour Finals 2009 Live: Barclays ATP World Tour Finals [Live Online Video Stream]
The world’s top eight singles players and best eight doubles team for this season will be featured in the year-end Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. This highly anticipated tournament will take place for the first time at The O2 Arena in London from November 22 to 29, 2009. The players who qualified for this event were based on the final standings of the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings. Here are the players who qualified for this event: Singles: Roger Federer (SUI), Rafael Nadal (ESP), Novak Djokovic (SRB), Andy Murray (GBR), Juan Martin del Potro (USA), Nikolay Davydenko (RUS), Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
Tennis Guru | November 19, 6:25 am ET


Tournament winners (BNP Paribas Masters)
Here are the winners of last week’s ATP 1000 Paris Masters event held from November 9 to 15, 2009. BNP Paribas Masters (ATP) - Paris, France Singles: Novak Djokovic (SRB) Doubles:  Nenad Zimonjic / Daniel Nestor Prize money:  €450,000 (singles), €166,500 (doubles)
Tennis Guru | November 19, 5:42 am ET


Andy Roddick pulls out of ATP World Tour finals due to injury
World number six Andy Roddick has decided to pull out of next week’s Barclays World Tour Finals due to knee injury. It can be remembered that Roddick also pulled out of last year’s year-end event after sustaining an injury after playing one match. “I’m really disappointed. I love playing in London and I’ve heard so many good things about the venue. I have not fully recovered from my knee injury and I won’t be able to compete. One of my goals in 2010 will be to qualify for this event again,” Roddick said in a statement. First alternate Robin Soderling, this year’s
Tennis Guru | November 19, 5:39 am ET


Wimbledon champions are turning out to be liars……
First it was Agassi and the now infamous drug scandal he admitted in his autobiography and now it’s the posh Virginia Wade misleading poor arthritis sufferers……tut tut. What’s next? The advert claimed the patch uses a “low-level micro-electric current to deliver drug-free pain relief” for conditions including arthritis, back pain and sciatica. Former Wimbledon champion Ms Wade [...]
Joseph O'Brien | November 18, 8:01 pm ET


Book Review: Open by Andre Agassi
As I neared the end of Andre Agassi's best-selling autobiography "Open", I had so many conflicting emotions that I thought it might help to do spreadsheet with one column for things I liked about the book and another for what I didn't like about it. It proved to be a useless attempt to organize my thoughts, because often the things I liked about it were the things I didn't like about it. In others words, my reactions are complicated and contradictory, and in many ways that mirrors the book itself.Joel Drucker, in his excellent review of the book for
ZooTennis | November 18, 2:00 pm ET


Groups dynamic
First, sorry it's been a few days: A lot of baby action has been happening around the house!Now that that's out of the way, I'm ready to ride out the rest of the season and beyond!The ATP World Tour Finals are a matter of days away and the round-robin groups have been set up. I think it's hard to find a favorite in either group, except maybe Roger Federer in Group A. He should be able to handle Juan Martin del Potro and Fernado Verdasco (recent loss to Julian Benneteau notwithstanding). I'm going to call his match with Andy Murray
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | November 18, 2:00 pm ET


WTF: Round Robin Groups Announced
Andy Murray and the Bryan twins attended the draw ceremony for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (WTF), at the London Eye yesterdayHere's the full line-up for Group A and Group B for singles and doubles. Personally I think both groups in the singles round robin are equally tough.Let's see who will FTW!Singles round robin groups for the ATP World tour finals:Group ARoger FedererAndy MurrayJuan Martin del PotroFernando VerdascoGroup BRafael NadalNovak DjokovicNikolay DavydenkoRobin SoderlingDoubles round robin groups for the ATP World Tour finals:Group ADaniel Nestor/Nenad ZimonjicMahesh Bhupathi/Mark KnowlesFrantisek Cermak/Michal MertinakMariusz Fyrstenberg/Marcin MatkowskiGroup BBob Bryan/Mike BryanLukas Dlouhy/Leander PaesLukasz Kubot/Oliver MarachAndy Ram/Max
HCFoo's Tennis Blog – Tennis Celebrities Photos, News, Gossips and More! | November 18, 2:00 pm ET


Watch Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Astro SuperSport 2 (CH 816)
Astro SuperSport 2 (Ch 816)Barclays ATP World Tour Finals23/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 1: Session 1 @ 2025 Live24/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 1: Session 2 @ 0300 Live24/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 2: Session 1 @ 2230 Live25/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 2: Session 2 @ 0255 Live25/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 3: Session 1 @ 2025 Live26/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 3: Session 2 @ 0255 Live26/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 4: Session 1 @ 2025 Live27/11 - Men's Doubles & Singles: Day 4:
HCFoo\'s Tennis Blog – Tennis Celebrities Photos, News, Gossips and More! | November 18, 2:00 pm ET


ATP Finale Draw – Is Fed a Lock?
The singles draw of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals was announced today from the London Eye. Here’s how it broke out. Group A Roger Federer (SUI) Andy Murray (GBR) Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) Fernando Verdasco (ESP) Group B Rafael Nadal (ESP) Novak Djokovic (SRB) Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) Robin Soderling (SWE) Even with his recent losses, Roger Federer is [...]
Adjusting the Net | November 18, 11:37 am ET


Murray Falls in Federer Group; Nadal with Novak at ATP World Finals
The groupings for the ATP Tennis Finals have been announced, find out who landed where.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | November 18, 9:47 am ET


And the London draw is out!
The tournament we’ve all been waiting for is finally almost here. With so much at stake be it prizemoney, ranking points or just the pride of it. The draw has been made in the London eye (was there only days ago!) and these are the groups Group A Roger Federer Andy Murray Juan Martin Del Potro Fernando Verdasco Group [...]
Joseph O'Brien | November 18, 9:25 am ET


Andy Withdraws from Finals
On Tuesday, Andy withdrew from the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Andy has been unable to regain his fitness since injuring his knee in Shanghai.
AndyRoddick.com | November 18, 8:25 am ET


ROGER FEDERER VIDEO: IVE WON FOUR GRAND SLAMS THIS YEAR!

GOTOTENNIS | November 18, 7:18 am ET


short balls wednesday
Vera Gets Glittery: We’re a little confused with that background, Vera. The Russian most famous for her on-court meltdowns is trying to outdo her real self with a virtual self that is bright, sparkly and downright frightening. We do give Vera the credit for having her site available in three languages (English, Russian and Chinese), [...]
tennis served fresh | November 17, 11:15 pm ET


London town!
Ahhhh, had a great weekend in London with Jason on the big adventure to visit Sarah! At one stage I thought I would never get there. Anything that could possibly go wrong was seeming to happen….. HORRIBLE landing in Gatwick, actually thought I was going to die Train from the airport broke down for ages and we [...]
Joseph O'Brien | November 17, 8:01 pm ET


Update – Roddick out of ATP Finals.
The rumors became reality as Andy Roddick officially withdrew from the Barclays ATP Finals in London due to his ongoing knee injury suffered in Shanghai. “I am really disappointed,” Roddick said. “I love playing in London and I’ve heard so many good things about the venue. However, I have not fully recovered from my knee injury [...]
Adjusting the Net | November 17, 6:37 pm ET


Roddick Withdraws From London ATP Tennis Finals
Andy Roddick has been forced out of the upcoming year-end London ATP Finals event according to the London Times. ADHEREL “I am really disappointed to miss the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals,” Roddick said. “I love playing in London and I’ve heard so many good things about the venue. However, I have not fully recovered from [...]
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | November 17, 3:00 pm ET


Stanford Men Play San Quentin Inmates; LSU Team Gets Media Training; Abanda Barely Misses Upset in
Six members of the men's tennis team at Stanford spent last Saturday morning just an hour north of Palo Alto, but it might as well have been a moon of Jupiter, so alien their destination would be to student-athletes on The Farm. Alex Clayton, Greg Hirshman, Matt Kandath, Bradley Klahn, Denis Lin and Ryan Thacher, along with head coach John Whitlinger, played tennis with inmates at San Quentin, the state prison housing California's death row.The Stanford Daily spoke with Whitlinger and several of the players for this story, and the descriptions of their initial fears and the subsequent reality
ZooTennis | November 17, 2:00 pm ET


Ruano Pascual ends outstanding career
Virginia Ruano Pascual, one of the greatest doubles players of the Open era, is retiring. Ruano Pascual, who is 36 years old, holds 42 doubles titles and three singles titles on the tour. Ten of the Spanish player's women's doubles titles are majors, and eight of those were won in partnership with the great Argentine player, Paola Suarez.Ruano Pascual won the French Open six times. The last two victories, in 2008 and 2009, she shared with countrywoman Anabel Medina Garrigues. Ruano Pascual also has a mixed doubles major title; she and Thomas Carbonell won the French Open in 2000.Ruano Pascual
Women Who Serve | November 17, 2:00 pm ET


Novak Djokovic goes bananas
Novak Djokovic chomps down on a banana while his lovely girlfriend Jelena Ristic is all smile with their family dog, a caniche poodle named Pierre in Paris.Last weekend, Djokovic won the Paris Masters 1000 tournament after beating Gael Monfils in the final.(Image by PacificCoastNews.com) HCFoo's Tennis Blog
HCFoo\\\'s Tennis Blog – Tennis Celebrities Photos, News, Gossips and More! | November 17, 2:00 pm ET


guardian.co.uk: “Greatest competitor: Andy Roddick”
In the press conference after his Wimbledon final with Roger Federer in July, Andy Roddick was asked to describe the extraordinary events of the previous four hours, particularly the surreal fifth set in which he was forced to serve to stay in the championship nine times, before eventually losing the last of his cat’s lives, [...]
AndyRoddick.com | November 17, 1:16 pm ET


Soderling on Standby for London.
According to the London Times yesterday, Andy Roddick was preparing to announce he was withdrawing from the Barclays ATP Finals in London due to his ongoing knee injury. The internet was abuzz with the rumor and waited for the news. Well, we’re still waiting. As of now, Roddick is still officially in the field although Robin [...]
Adjusting the Net | November 17, 10:48 am ET


Agassi on the Late Show with David Letterman
Andre Agassi appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman on November 11th, 2009 to promote his new autobiography, "Open." Agassi candidly discusses his revelations of recreational drug use in 1997, his hatred towards the game of tennis in his...
Pro Tennis Fan | November 16, 3:33 pm ET


New Junior Tennis Podcast; Australia to Study "Hot Spots;" Learning From the French System
Andy Gladstone, Competitive Tennis Coordinator at USTA Florida, launched his new junior tennis podcast, called the G Cast, earlier this month, and he snared an impressive guest for his first episode, Patrick McEnroe. In the 26-minute podcast, which is available on iTunes, Gladstone asks McEnroe about his personal development as a junior, his vision for Player Development, college tennis, and what things he would change if he could just snap his fingers and have it done.In the college tennis portion of the podcast, McEnroe presents what has been his consistent message--go to college unless it is obvious that you
ZooTennis | November 16, 2:00 pm ET


Off season getaway photos: The Fab Four, JJ & BF, Tipsy & marriage
I'm not sure if it's just me. Looks like there are more vacation photos this year.Here are more photos from Mauritius where Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska, Urszula Radwanska and Angelique Kerber switched into relaxation mode during their off season holiday.For more pictures, click here.Meanwhile, Serbian Janko Tipsarevic took a big leap in his relationship with TV host girlfriend Biljana Sesevic by proposing to her during their romantic vacation in Maldives.Yes, she has agreed to marry Tipsarevic.Fellow Serbian Jelena Jankovic and boyfriend Mladjan Janovic also took the off season opportunity to spend a romantic weekend together in Cannes last week. However
HCFoo\\\\\\\'s Tennis Blog – Tennis Celebrities Photos, News, Gossips and More! | November 16, 2:00 pm ET


Finally Rafael Nadal speaks about his parents' divorce
"My parents' divorce made an important change in my life. It affected me. After that, when I can't play Wimbledon, it was tough. For one month I was outside the world." ~ Rafael Nadal Then Nadal continued saying:"I am OK now (on his parents' divorce) but you need time to accept. And it's more difficult to accept when you are outside home and don't know what's happening. At least the injury (his severe tendinitis) gave me time to be with my friends and family."(Via guardian.co.uk) HCFoo's Tennis Blog
HCFoo\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Tennis Blog – Tennis Celebrities Photos, News, Gossips and More! | November 16, 2:00 pm ET


blake plays in, talks about tr
James Blake was in New York at the City View Racquet Club last month and hit around with a NY news anchor. The American, who debuted his Fila Thomas Reynolds line earlier this fall, will not appear in next week’s season-ending tournament in London, but will bring tennis (and Andy Roddick) to NYC for an [...]
tennis served fresh | November 16, 10:39 am ET


Paris: Novak Repackaged, Not Reborn
Djokovic d. Monfils 6-2 5-7 7-6 (3)For a set and a half yesterday Novak Djokovic played the kind of flawless tennis that made you think it was 2007 all over again. It all looked very grand indeed. Only twenty four hours earlier Novak had dusted off Nadal using the same blend of unrestrained flamboyance, and precision guided play, not seen from him for well over 18 months. (Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images) Gael, for all his flamboyant bravado, looked like a school kid well and truly out
Tennis Is Served... | November 16, 9:46 am ET


sunday survey
With another incredible run this week, Novak Djokovic has upped his title count to five for the year. But here at TSF, we can’t help but wonder if the Serb has it all wrong. Is he peaking too soon? What’s wrong with his training regimen? Sure, it’s great to collect a few ATP trophies for [...]
tennis served fresh | November 16, 9:03 am ET


Djokovic Stops Gael Force for ATP Paris Masters Title; Tennis-X Notes
Djokovic has captured titles at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships (d. Dave Ferrer), the Serbia Open 2009 (d. Luke Kubot), the China Open (d. Marin Cilic) in Beijing and at last week's Davidoff Swiss Indoors Basel (d. Federer).
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | November 15, 11:29 pm ET


Svetlana Kuznetsova: Don’t call me Kuzy
Did you know that Svetlana Kuznetsova has a blog? Sorry, but it is in Russian, and she doesn’t update it often. There are only a couple of entries. Here are a couple of tidbits from her blog posts. She doesn’t like being called Kuzy “The fans have been asking me if I like being called Kuzy. I [...]
Tennisinfoblog.com | November 15, 5:29 pm ET


ITA Indoor Recap; Duke Women Get NCAA Rings; College Connections on Pro Circuit This Week; Comment
My recap of the ITA Indoor Championships is posted today at the Tennis Recruiting Network, and with that, the fall college tennis season comes to a close for me. It will be two months before the spring season begins and it's three months until the next collegiate major: the Team Indoor championships. But many college players compete in Pro Circuit events throughout the fall, and the last two weeks, with Challengers in Charlottesville, Va., Knoxville, Tenn., and this week, with a Challenger in Champaign-Urbana, Ill., there are current and former college players filling up the draws.The University of Illinois
ZooTennis | November 15, 2:00 pm ET


Australian wild card playoff initial list published
The U.S. wild card playoffs for the Australian Open begin December 5. So far, entered in the playoffs are: Alexa Glatch, Madison Brengle, Christina McHale, Asia Muhammad, Alison Riske, and Coco Vangeweghe.Last year's winner was Christina McHale, whose main draw experience turned out to be an unfortunate one.
Women Who Serve | November 15, 2:00 pm ET


Miscellany
The Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic just concluded; four former number 1 players were on hand to help Evert raise money for at-risk children. Evert, Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, and Lindsay Davenport all participated.Yanina Wickmayer has begun an appeal of her one-year suspension.Virginia Ruano Pascual is expected to retire in the near future. The word is that her doubles partner, Anabel Medina Garrigues, will team with Caroline Wozniacki.In case you were wondering...Sam Sumyk is still Vera Zvonareva's coach; he was just unable to accompany her during the last part of the season. Zvonareva is currently resting after having ankle
Women Who Serve | November 15, 2:00 pm ET


New Contest!
As we eagerly await Andy’s appearance at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in two weeks time, we thought we’d pass the time with a new contest on www.andyroddick.com
AndyRoddick.com | November 15, 12:34 am ET


Djokovic Blasts Nadal, Meets Monfils in Paris Final
Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils will battle for the Paris Indoors title Sunday.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | November 14, 6:45 pm ET


McPhillips, Kontinen Win Grade 4 at Evert's; Orange Bowl Acceptances; Translating Junior Success to
Fifteen-year-old Kyle McPhillips won her second consecutive ITF today, defeating No. 7 seed Caitlyn Williams 6-2, 6-0 at the ITF Grade 4 tournament at the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton. She and Chanelle Van Nguyen, the fifth seeds, also won the doubles title, defeating sixth seeds Mary Clayton and Kate Fuller 6-3, 6-2. It's been a great two months for McPhillips, who in between her win at the ITF Grade 4 in Atlanta and this one reached the finals of a $10,000 Pro Circuit event near her home near Cleveland. McPhillips didn't lose a set in singles and
ZooTennis | November 14, 2:00 pm ET


who wore it best: highway edition
Thanks to Twitter, and player web sites (we love modern media!!!), we came across this photo of Maria Kirilenko roadside in the States. We’re not sure what or when it’s from, but the picture is both frightening and hilarious all in one. So we’re wondering, who wore it best? (photo via MariaKirilenko.com) [...]
tennis served fresh | November 14, 10:22 am ET


Paris: Comforting thoughts.
Comforting to know perhaps, that whatever happens from this point on, we’ll have a new winner this week in Paris. (Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images) There can really be no excuse for Nole not to clean up now. Aside from some wobbles against Big Rob, he’s been playing the most convincing tennis of the week. Not a wholly dissatisfactory outcome if it does come to pass. Rafa pulled off what I think of as an upset against Tsonga yesterday, when he somehow found his way to some
Tennis Is Served... | November 14, 7:00 am ET


Andy Nominated for SI Sportsman of the Year!
Andy joins a distinguished list of influential leaders across all sports with his nomination for the 2009 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. The nod comes from his valiant efforts and gracious attitude during this year’s Wimbledon Finals.
AndyRoddick.com | November 13, 3:59 pm ET


2009--a look back at a year of drama
At the end of last year, I called 2008 a "strange" season. 2009, however, was just as strange, if not more so. The year did not lack drama; in fact, there was too much of it. The U.S. Open alone provided enough drama to fill an entire season, but there was even more to come after the last ball was struck in Flushing Meadows.There was quite a bit of coming and going: Larry "I don't sell sex" Scott resigned as CEO of the tour, and was succeeded by Stacey Allaster. Justine Henin announced her return to the tour, and U.S.
Women Who Serve | November 13, 2:00 pm ET


Controversial Post: The effects of steroids in tennis
I had the opportunity a couple of days ago of having the unique experience of seeing what it’s like to play under the influence of steroids, and thought it would be interesting to document especially given the current press attention Andre Agassi’s memoir has been receiving lately.I don't mean this to be an advertisement for steroids or drugs. Just to set it straight, I was taking steroids for health reasons and happened to play tennis during that period. And I didn’t play an important match. My brother tells me that the steroids I took aren’t performance enhancing (prednisone),
Tennis Brain | An analytical tennis blog | November 13, 2:00 pm ET


Listen: Andre Agassi’s interview with Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated
Senior writer Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated interviews Andre Agassi; Wertheim and host Richard Deitsch discuss the interview and Agassi’s future. Here is the podcast. I love Jon’s Tennis Mailbag. Did you know that he has a law degree from University of Pennsylvania?
Tennisinfoblog.com | November 13, 3:47 am ET


PHOTO OP: Right play, wrong time Muzz
A worn down Andy Murray, who finished off James Blake in an epic 3-set second round match ending at almost 2am local time this morning, was knocked out of the Paris Masters by Radek Stepanek 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. It was the Brit baller's first loss in four matches to the crafty Czech.He follows Roger Federer's shock exit yesterday at the hands of Julien Benneteau, who had his own letdown and was beaten by compatriot Gael Monfils in their match today.Oh Muzz. We could all see you were tired but is that really a good way of keeping yourself awake? I
Down the Line: raw + uncut | November 11, 2:00 pm ET


SIGHTING: NaturAna and the Adam Scott Support Tour take Melbourne
"Where's the green? I can't see. Anything."Ana Ivanovic and her WAG ways were spotted taking part in the Adam Scott Support Tour, this time in Melbourne.The Aussie is competing at the 2009 Australian Masters being held at the Kingston Heath Golf Club. In October, they traveled to Singapore where Adam was playing in the Barclays Singapore Open.Not much to say here, actually. I'm sure NaturAna is happy doing what she's doing at the moment - being a good girlfriend. I just hope to see some training shots soon.(Photo: Getty)addthis_url=''; addthis_title=''; addthis_pub='chulobear';
Down the Line: raw + uncut | November 11, 2:00 pm ET


Jules shocks Fed, dissolves in tears at Paris Masters
Julien Benneteau fell to his knees in tears after shocking Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Masters.Afterwards, the Frenchie said this win will be one to remember:It's magic. It's fabulous. Everything you can imagine. All those words. This memory will stay forever in me and in my career with all the emotions I felt. And hearing the crowd when they are all behind you, the noise is enormous. I didn't believe it was possible to experience something like that...I don't remember any match in my career where I really used my mental resources and
Down the Line: raw + uncut | November 11, 2:00 pm ET


What an epic day in Paris Bercy
It's been a while since we've had a genuinely exciting day of tennis, and yesterday was it. The billing would not have suggested it, standard early round matches for the big guns, Nadal vs Almagro and Federer vs Benneteau. I was originally more interested in the outside court, and it's a testament to how dramatic the matches were, that I was somehow able to feel the tension in it while knowing the result of it (but not the scoreline).Marat Safin vs Juan Martin Del PotroIt was Marat Safin's final tour match officially, an occasion that meant something to
Tennis Brain | An analytical tennis blog | November 11, 2:00 pm ET


The strengths and weaknesses of the ATP top 10
I wrote this article about the playing styles, strengths and weaknesses of the top 10 ATP players - Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, Roddick, Davydenko, Verdasco, Tsonga, Soderling.Please read it and click on it a couple of times for good measure if you like it! (and give it a thumbs up rating as well)From Federer to Soderling - the strengths and weaknesses of the ATP top 10
Tennis Brain | An analytical tennis blog | November 11, 2:00 pm ET


A Blow for the Little Man…
Julian Benneteau has just played the match of his life, knocking out Roger Federer in three sets, in his opening match. (Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images) The funny thing is it’s difficult to see what Federer did wrong. If anything. He’s cruised through similar stages in the past playing only fractionally as well. Today, he hit fifteen aces, hit more winners than Benneteau and served in the 70s. That’d be percentages, not the era of disco jingles. He could maybe have thrown
Tennis Is Served... | November 11, 1:39 pm ET


(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Dear lucky stars...
"...muchas gracias..."Rafael Nadal was more an escape artist than a top baller today at the Paris Masters today.The Majorcan Matador had to save five match points down 5-6 in the second set and overcame a 3-5 deficit in the decider to oust compatriot Nicolas Almagro 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-5. The single-handed slinger clearly had a case of the nagging nerves and needed multiple rub downs for cramps during the 3 hour 15 minute bout. The second seed will face another Spaniard, Tommy Robredo, in the third round.I imagine Rafa's form will get much better in the next round especially against someone
Down the Line: raw + uncut | November 10, 2:00 pm ET


FASHION FIX: Closing the Loup between simplicity + style in tennis
Danielle Ribner is the founder and designer behind Loup, a new tennis apparel collection that "gives a woman the confidence to play hard, while ensuring that she looks and feels feminine."The line, whose name was inspired by her family nickname "Lou," is smartly focused (11 pieces in various colors make up the first collection) and aims to bring a modern silhouette to performance pieces. In other words, you CAN look good while getting your game on.I offered a Q & A to Danielle and she obliged! You guys know I'm a fiend for fashion.Anyway, check it out...DtL: What is your
Down the Line: raw + uncut | November 10, 2:00 pm ET


Yuki Bhambri receives award at prestigious Sahara Sports Awards
IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy student Yuki Bhambri was one of the winners at the prestigious Sahara Indian Sports Awards yesterday.  The Sahara Indian Sports Awards are the biggest awards of its kind given to athletes in India during a yearly show that will be aired nationally in the next two weeks.  Some of India’s biggest athletes [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | November 10, 10:36 am ET


Serena Williams on the Joy Behar Show tonight
Have you been watching the Joy Behar Show? I love her! You can double the pleasure and watch her program today since Serena Williams is going to be her guest. If you have a questions for Serena, you can submit to Joy on her Facebook page. It is also interesting to read the suggestions there.
Tennisinfoblog.com | November 10, 9:01 am ET


Andre Agassi’s 60 minutes interview
If you missed Andre Agassi’s 60 minutes interview, you can still watch it, where else, but on YouTube:-) Part 1, Part 2, (YouTube) Full interview (60 minutes). Buy Agassi’s Open: Autobiography . The link is on your right!
Tennisinfoblog.com | November 9, 6:42 pm ET


‘Something Special’ from Djoko, and Daveed makes an honest event of Valencia.
“It’s disappointing to lose at home in the finals, no doubt,” Federer said. “I thought I missed plenty of opportunities. I’m not looking for excuses. He played tough and he played well when he had to, and saved a ton of break points that were crucial.” Djokovic improved to 3-2 this year against Federer, and said the top-ranked Swiss pushed him to his limits. “I have to produce something special to win,” Djokovic said at sold-out St. Jakobshalle. The second-seeded Serb clinched the first set
Tennis Is Served... | November 9, 11:42 am ET


Novak Djokovic mentally breaks down Radek Stepanek
For almost the bulk of the first two sets, Radek Stepanek had Novak Djokovic right where he wanted him, 0-40, three match points to reach the Basel finals. Three mediocre points later, and Stepanek’s window of opportunity was gone. When Stepanek gets tense, everything slows down and he can’t hit anything with pace, or volley with any conviction. That’s the downside of having such flat strokes, you can’t really overexaggerate your groundstrokes and still find decent racquet head speed by adding topspin.It’s a shame that Stepanek’s game fell off track so rapidly in the third set, because
Tennis Brain | An analytical tennis blog | November 7, 2:00 pm ET


Bollettieri student Hong Chung takes down top seed
IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy student Hong Chung, who is only 16 years old, defeated the world #8 and top seed of the Asian/Oceania Closed Championships (ITF GB1) to move into the quarterfinals. Hong won 6-3, 6-3 over Liang-Chi Huang, who has been ranked as high as #3 in the ITF junior world rankings. Hong recently [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | November 5, 3:08 pm ET


OK. Now I'm confused.
"The 22-year-old player is gathering evidence to prove his innocence despite two samples testing positive."No, that's not Yanina Wickmayer, who has just been suspended by a Belgian anti-doping committee panel. (Besides, she's a girl, and it clearly says "his.") Why? Because she didn't report her whereabouts to the same officials three times. Sounds about right. Rules are rules. And when you blow off officials three times, it does appear as if you're hiding something. It will be interesting if her one-year suspension stands. Because, of course, these are the same people (the ITF, or an independent group assembled by same)
Tennis With Attitude | November 5, 2:00 pm ET


Italian open — and shut?
This weekend's the Fed Cup finals and we all know the story of how WTA Championships winner Serena Williams decided to pull out of the tie. But you know what? I don't think it really would've made a difference because, man, that Italian team is tough!Francesca Schiavone has been one of the hottest players on tour the past couple of months and Flavia Pennetta has been having a career year. Plus, the tie is being played on a slow red clay court. Plus, plus, it's being played in Italy. Plus, plus, PLUS … naw, I'm just kidding, those are enough
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | November 5, 2:00 pm ET


Under Armour and IMG Performance form unprecedented partnership
Under Armour and IMG Academies announced today that they are forming a partnership to develop a unique comprehensive athletic training platform that will establish a global measurement standard for improved sports performance, health and fitness called “Combine360.” By utilizing the performance and training expertise of Under Armour and IMG Performance, Combine360 will measure and record [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | November 2, 11:41 am ET


Oh, Andre ...
I can't believe the news:Andre Agassi wore a hairpiece in the early 1990s! What a bombshell he dropped in his new book! (I promise I'm not being sarcastic; I really was shocked to hear that.)And speaking of that autobiography of his, how about the other big news that came out a few days ago? You know, the whole crystal meth thing? All I have to say is I don't know what to say about that. I guess I do want to say this: Agassi is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite athlete of all time. Tennis has been as close
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | October 29, 3:00 pm ET


Round (and around and around) robin
The semifinals are now set at the WTA Year-End Championships in Doha with Serena Williams set to play Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams slated to go against Jelena Jankovic.But honestly, aside from Serena going undefeated, the way everyone else advanced has my head spinning! Venus got there on sets won, Jankovic benefited from Dinara Safina's retirement and Wozniacki got help when Victoria Azarenka had to retire against alternate Agnieszka Radwanska, a real tough break for the Ukrainian.It's been an interesting tournament, to say the least, just by the sheer unpredictability of the results. And you want to know what's really
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | October 29, 3:00 pm ET


Davis Cup Final Could Determine ATP Year-End No. 1
Did you know Rafael Nadal could overtake Roger Federer for the No. 1 ranking at the Davis Cup final? It could happen.
TennisTweets.com | October 27, 4:40 pm ET


Hunh. I would have guessed cocaine.
So, the top eight women in the world (now minus Dinara Safina with a back injury) are battling it out in Doha. Venus and Serena Williams just finished a heckuva match with a lot of great hitting and entertaining points, especially at the end. But, really. Who cares about that?So Andre Agassi used meth while he was playing tennis! As far as autobiographies go, it's no Mackensie Phillips-sized revelation, but this is a pretty big deal and not for the reason one might think. Yes, Agassi is a role model and he ought to be ashamed of himself and his
Tennis With Attitude | October 27, 3:00 pm ET


Sampras Defeats Agassi in Exhibition Match
By Mike McIntyre More than seven years since their last meeting, American tennis legends Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras renewed their storied rivalry on Sunday in Macau. Okay, so it's not exactly Flushing Meadows, but many have still been quietly...
Pro Tennis Fan | October 25, 6:55 pm ET


Smile and the whole world smiles with you
The winners' lists at last week's tournaments brought a show of pearly whites to this old blogger's face. Maybe not as much as Marcos Baghdatis', but a pretty decent-sized one! A lot of players showed signs of rounding into form after dropping from their earlier highs. Why not take a quick trip back? OK, I will!• In Stockholm, Baghdatis won his first ATP title since 2007 by beating Olivier Rochus in the final. Now about Baghdatis: Waay back when this season first kicked off, I made a mention that I thought he was due for a big comeback year. He
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | October 25, 3:00 pm ET


Ryan Harrison: Live from Macao – Part 2
IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy student and up-and-coming American talent, Ryan Harrison, is blogging live from Macao while he participates in the Venetian Macao Tennis Showdown with fellow Bollettieri student Yuki Bhambri and tennis legends Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Here is his first entry! Hello everyone from Asia. So, I had much better luck sleeping last [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | October 25, 2:07 pm ET


Seven Retirements in Shanghai, an ATP Tournament Record?
Seven retirements at an ATP event? Is that a record?
TennisTweets.com | October 15, 11:23 am ET


The TWA Crystal Ball
I don't think Andy Roddick's really injured. Come on -- one day he's complaining about the long tournament schedule, the next he pulls up lame doing almost nothing on court. Grow up, dude and get back on that calendar! One month is puh-LENTY of time off!Seriously, though. Seems like the fastest way to get the powers that be to do something about that calendar is to make them travel all over the world and play from January to November -- in their work shoes! Now we're talking. This annual debate begs the question -- what if the players went on
Tennis With Attitude | October 13, 3:00 pm ET


Marin Cilic makes waves in Beijing
It’s hard to know what to make of Marin Cilic’s run to the Beijing final, and his upset win over Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.Cilic is a tough guy to read.  Whether he plays well, or not so much, he plays at a similar level of intensity.  In terms of body language, there’s not much of a difference, because he seems to be one of those players that try to find themselves in ‘automatic’ mode to find their best tennis, rather than an inspired mode.  It’s not too dissimilar to Tomas Berdych’s approach to ball-striking except that Cilic is relaxed,
Tennis Brain | An analytical tennis blog | October 12, 3:00 pm ET


Safina Will Return to No. 1 in Two Weeks
Serena's No. 1 now, but only for two weeks.
TennisTweets.com | October 12, 2:01 pm ET


Henin Already the #3 Favorite at 2010 Australian Open
Justine Henin hasn't hit a ball in 18 months but that doesn't matter to the oddsmakers.
TennisTweets.com | October 12, 12:56 pm ET


Two Spots Remain for Year-End ATP London Masters
The London Masters are a month away and two spots are still up for grabs, who will get them?
TennisTweets.com | October 12, 1:34 am ET


Andy Murray’s Radical Messenger Competition Winners
Thank you to everyone who entered Andy Murray’s Head Radical Messenger Competition. The winners of the prizes are as follows. HEAD Microgel Raptor OS Raquet – Kimberley Stone HEAD Radical Backpack – Victor Storey HEAD limited edition wristband – Claire Constable
The Tennis Centre | October 11, 11:28 am ET



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