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THE TENNIS BLOGGER
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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 May 15, 2008 14:51:23. ET
Justine Henin Retires?!
From a historical standpoint, she is in the conversation with anyone who holds fewer than 10 major titles not named Monica Seles. It is difficult to compare players in “who would win?” questions across eras, even recent eras, due to changes in racket technologies, strong technologies and sports medicine. I do know I would have liked to see Henin and Steffi Graf play on any surface as Graf’s speed, slice backhand and devastating forehand would be nicely contrasted by Henin’s top spin backhand.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | May 15, 4:05 pm ET
Henin Hangs it Up; Big Three Advance in Hamburg
A business trip has gotten the better of me this week, so I apologize for being late on the topic of Justine Henin’s retirement, but it really is the big tennis news of the week. And I was really stunned to learn of it.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | May 15, 3:55 pm ET
Tennis and Exercise - Beijing Style: Part II
On a busy street in Beijing I discovered a tennis shop stocked with Wilson and Prince racquets. Since I didn’t have time to ask the sales staff much, it’s unclear how knowledgeable they were. But you don’t need very experienced staff if your clientele aren’t sophisticated. The prices were about full US retail plus maybe [...]
Tennis Diary | May 15, 6:23 pm ET
A coelacanth swims back into the deep
Joshua Gibson praises the rare creature that is Justine Henin’s game.
To watch Justine Henin play tennis was to see something at once indestructible and fragile. She was a creature of another era, emerging from Belgium like a coelacanth from the deep. In a time when her contemporaries were increasingly tall, muscular and strong, Henin was [...]
tennis served fresh | May 15, 5:22 pm ET
Hamburg Thursday + Djokovic/Nadal: Blood on the Horizon
Hamburg action, and some new thoughts as the trivalry heats up on clay.
Nadal/Murray was a disappointment, to say the least. A few of today’s other matches were equally routine, while others were fairly surprising. Verdasco was able to repeat his clay victories over Ferrer at last year’s French Open and in Stuttgart. [...]
Tennis Diary | May 15, 5:01 pm ET
Masha = new number one?!?!
Apparently the brouhaha between Maria Sharapova and the WTA over that photo shoot in Rome is old news. Masha’s done venting (via her blog — how 21st century of her), she’s done posing (a 90-minute photo shoot, down from the 5 hours initially scheduled), and she’s now ready to prove her clay mettle at the [...]
tennis served fresh | May 15, 4:25 pm ET
The Wiimbledon Wiinebago stays in Brooklyn
Much to our disappointment, the Wiimbledon Wiinebago has decided to stay in Brooklyn (instead of making a cross-country trip, as they had originally planned). No more San Francisco event. Le sigh.
Good news to Brooklynites, though, because the event set at Barcade for Saturday, June 7, is still on.
What you really want to know about: Brooklyn [...]
tennis served fresh | May 15, 4:15 pm ET
Justine Henin Retires?!
From a historical standpoint, she is in the conversation with anyone who holds fewer than 10 major titles not named Monica Seles. It is difficult to compare players in “who would win?” questions across eras, even recent eras, due to changes in racket technologies, strong technologies and sports medicine. I do know I would have liked to see Henin and Steffi Graf play on any surface as Graf’s speed, slice backhand and devastating forehand would be nicely contrasted by Henin’s top spin backhand.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | May 15, 4:05 pm ET
The Deuce Club, 5.14
By Heidi Kim, TW Contributing Writer Take a break here on your weekly dedicated OT thread and chat about all matters not related to sudden retirements, first round crash-outs, new #1s... Instead, feast your eyes on this photo sent in...
Peter Bodo's TennisWorld | May 15, 4:00 pm ET
Henin Hangs it Up; Big Three Advance in Hamburg
A business trip has gotten the better of me this week, so I apologize for being late on the topic of Justine Henin’s retirement, but it really is the big tennis news of the week. And I was really stunned to learn of it.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | May 15, 3:55 pm ET
Nadal-Murray live
Live calling Nadal-Murray.
Well, Nadal’s gotten off to a fast start. Up an early break, and he’s never lost to Murray on any surface–despite some close calls–so there’s no reason to think he’ll lose this match. But I’m calling it because every time these two have played it’s been well worth watching…
Murray serving at [...]
Tennis Diary | May 15, 3:22 pm ET
(OT) Sharply-divided California Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marraige
Yessssssssssssss.
A sharply divided California Supreme Court today legalized same-sex marriage, a historic ruling that will allow gay and lesbian couples across the state to wed as soon as next month and inflame the social, political, and moral debate over gay unions.
Three Republican judges joined the lone Democrat in the 4-3 ruling.
More: Read the rest of [...]
tennis served fresh | May 15, 2:58 pm ET
Hamburg CC Day 4, Redux
Once again, a Crisis Center has gotten unwieldy. We could run a great tennis site if people didn't keep wanting to use it! Not really. Send your tennis related and mildly OT thoughts in this direction until another one of...
Peter Bodo's TennisWorld | May 15, 2:01 pm ET
The Condo
During the spring European clay-court season, much like during the fall European indoor circuit, the topic de jour invariably becomes the calendar and its flaws, which leads to a host of vaguely interrelated complaints and accusations against the Lords of...
Peter Bodo's TennisWorld | May 15, 10:41 am ET
What’s up with Gasquet?
It seems as though Richard Gasquet is in a funk. After losing yesterday to Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-2 in the second round at Hamburg (the first match he played because of a bye), Gasquet has now only won one match since he reached the fourth round at Indian Wells in the middle of March. That [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | May 15, 9:54 am ET
Levine wins again, will face Puerta
Academy student Jesse Levine won his second round match at the Hurricane Open Bradenton Challenger event yesterday. Levine defeated fellow American Michael Yani 6-3, 6-2 to get into the quarters. His next opponent will be former French Open finalist Mariano Puerta. The Argentinean Puerta beat Victor Estrella 6-3, 6-4 to advance.
Levine said of his match [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | May 15, 9:13 am ET
Andy’s Tribute to Andre in Time 100
Time Magazine asked Andy to write Andre’s tribute for the “Time 100”. The following is Andy’s personal tribute to the great Andre Agassi...
AndyRoddick.com | May 15, 7:15 am ET
Hamburg Crisis Center, Day 4
By Rosangel Valenti, TW Contributing Editor Good morning. This is the Tribe's daily post for discussing the live tennis at the ATP Masters Series event in Hamburg, or the WTA tournament taking place in Rome. Yesterday I spent the whole...
Peter Bodo's TennisWorld | May 15, 1:09 am ET
Poor Andy’s back
A clay curse continues to plague American Andy Roddick as he was forced to pull out of his semifinal match against Stanislas Wawrinka at last week’s Masters Series Rome tournament. The culprit? Back spasms.
We would never wish an injury on anyone (ever) and especially not against Andy, but if an injury can lead to photos [...]
tennis served fresh | May 14, 9:22 pm ET
Justine Henin’s career in photos
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Tennisinfoblog.com | May 14, 2:26 pm ET
No 1 Justine Henin retires from tennis immediately
Needless to say that I am still stunned. I will miss Justine.
Good luck and happiness to you! Au revoir!
(in her own words)
“It’s a big day in my life.”
“This is the end of a child’s dream.” “It is a new beginning for me. I feel like I already lived three lives. I gave the sport [...]
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Tennisinfoblog.com | May 14, 2:24 pm ET
Justine Henin Retires!
Our newest writer, Mike McIntyre, emailed us this morning with the news: Justine Henin has retired! As of now. Immediately. Mike will be joining us regularly in two weeks. Meanwhile, here are his comments about Justine.
A shocking development in the WTA has broken today with the word that world number one, Justine Henin has just announced [...]
Tennis Diary | May 14, 1:58 pm ET
Justine Retires
Justine Henin has retired from tennis, still ranked No. 1, though in the throes of a mysterious (or maybe not so mysterious) slump.
She made the announcement at a press conference just minutes ago, and it certainly doesn’t sound like she’s going to change her mind: “This is the end of a child’s dream…This is a [...]
Tennis Diary | May 14, 1:52 pm ET
THANK YOU CHAMPION!
center20 years of passion, ten years on tour, ten years of victories, ten years of emotions and even a few defeats. Thousands upon thousands of supporters, hundreds upon hundreds of chills, and countless tears of joy... Justine world #1, the...
Justine Henin - Tennis (EN) | May 14, 1:31 pm ET
Cal Drops Duke 4-3; Northwestern Beats Fresno State 4-1
©Colette Lewis 2008--Tulsa, OK--There are 3-1 deficits that are amazing comebacks, but No. 8 Cal's 4-3 win over No. 9 Duke wasn't one of them. Despite losing the doubles point, Cal quickly tied it with Bojana Bobusic's win at No. 6, and were up a set in three other matches. Reka Zsilinszka at No. 3 and Amanda Granson at No. 5 earned uncomplicated victories for Duke to make it 3-1, but at No. 1 and No. 2 Tara Iyer and Ellah Nze were trailing by a set, as was Melissa Mang at No. 4. When Iyer
ZooTennis | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
Stanford Women Roll Past Clemson 4-0; Baylor Downs Miami 4-1 in Women's NCAA Round of 16
©Colette Lewis 2008--Tulsa, OKI'm going to try to post a photo and brief update from each winning team today, to see if that keeps my workload at night more reasonable. After about an hour rain delay when the doubles went indoors briefly, the skies cleared for good and by 1 p.m. No. 4 Stanford had taken down No. 13 Clemson 4-0. Cardinal freshman Hilary Barte set the tone with a much easier win over No. 2 ranked Ani Mijacika at the number one slot than I had thought possible, taking it 6-3, 6-1. Speaking with the press afterward,
ZooTennis | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
Damp Start to NCAAs; Recap of Michigan's Regional Victory
©Colette Lewis 2008--Tulsa, OKIt rained most of Wednesday evening through early Thursday morning here in Tulsa, so there is likely to be a delay in starting the 9 a.m. CDT women's matches. It is also possible that it will be very late this evening before I will be able post given that even with perfect weather, very late nights are the norm during the first four days.Please visit the University of Tulsa's website for more information.My recap of the Michigan men's NCAA regional victory is available today at the Tennis Recruiting Network.Tags: college tennis, The Tennis Recruiting Network, Colette
ZooTennis | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
PHOTO OP: Kiefer returns to form, shares joy (and abs) with the world
Nicolas Kiefer continued his renaissance (not to mention his disrobing) in Hamburg today.The German giant-killer earned his second top-10 scalp of the week taking out world no. 4 Nikolay Davydenko 7-5, 6-3 and making the quarterfinals for the first time this year. Nicolas also took out world no. 10 Stanislas Wawrinka earlier in the week.Doesn't he seem like a man possessed, enjoying every moment and sharing his joy (and body) with the world? I say "onward man"!(image via AP)
Down the Line: raw + uncut | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
Quote of the Day: Sharapova
The ranking has never been a big deal for me. Whether I'm No. 1 or 5, my main goal is just to keep winning tennis matches and the ranking will take care of itself if I keep winning.- Maria "Shriek"apova on taking over the no. 1 ranking from Justine HeninOkay, all together now..."BORING!"(image via Getty)
Down the Line: raw + uncut | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
A-Rod pays tribute to Agassi for TIME's 100 most influential people
Tennis legend Andre Agassi made TIME magazine's 5th annual list of 100 of the world's most influential people this year and Andy Roddick was given the honor of writing his tribute:Andre AgassiBy Andy Roddick"From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." —Arthur AsheArthur could well have been talking about Andre Agassi. We are all aware of his tennis accomplishments, the brilliance and flash of his career. It's impossible to forget his epic U.S. Open victories, and also—though he might want us to forget—the mullet and acid-washed jeans. But the greater challenge for
Down the Line: raw + uncut | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
FASHION FIX: Uninspired Sharapova still regurgitating looks - is she bored by fashion?
Maria "Shriek"apova, the almost world no. 1 after Justine Henin's shocking retirement yesterday, played a rematch of the Amelia Island final defeating Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the second round of Rome.The Russian fashionista also sported the same style Nike duds in this match that she worked in Amelia Island but wore the Nike Paris tank in dark obsidian and the Paris skirt in lilac. I much prefer the color combo from Amelia Island - I've always thought a dark top over a lighter bottom looks strangely unflattering.Anyway, in more Maria news here are a few captures of the
Down the Line: raw + uncut | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
Cornet to get another shot at Williams
Alize Cornet gave it everything she had against Serena Williams in the Charleston semifinals, but it wasn't enough. Cornet had already gone through Michaella Krajicek, Sara Errani, Sorana Cirstea, and Agnes Szavay (great match) to get to the semis, but then Williams defeated her, 7-5, 6-3.Soon, Cornet will get another chance, on slower clay, to test her game against Williams' game. Today, she upset number 3 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-2, 6-4. I don't know much about Cornet's game on other surfaces, but on clay, she is explosive, and displays beautiful court movement.Number 2 seed Maria Sharapova got past Caroline Wozniacki,
Women Who Serve | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
What they're saying about Henin
Here are some thoughts on and tributes to Justine Henin:Steve FlinkPeter BodoKamakshi TandonGreg GarberBonnie D. FordAaress LawlessRichard PagliaroJon WertheimWomen Who ServeAnd Amelie Mauresmo:I was surprised like everyone. At no moment has she expressed any kind of fatigue. The question I ask is why she didn't take a break. It's true that with her method of [play]--lot of investment in the game, but also a lot of tension and fear--you can understand that fatigue would set in.
Women Who Serve | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
Dokic gets wild card for Strasbourg
Jelena Dokic, who recently won her first tournament in six years, has received a wild card to the Internationaux de Strasbourg main draw.
Women Who Serve | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
Hantuchova withdraws from Istambul
Her foot has not recovered, so Daniela Hantuchova has withdrawn from the Istambul Cup.
Women Who Serve | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
GoToTennis Vids of the Day:Justine at her best
There's surprisingly few great clips of Justine on youtube, at least when you compare her to Maria Sharapova or Roger Federer. Still, here are some nice ones.Justine's last big victory: a hard fought battle over Maria at the 2007 Year End Championships in Madrid. This was only 6 months ago!Justine's slice backhand: a gorgeous, stand-out shot:Justine having some fun:
GOTOTENNIS | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
HEARTBREAKER?
I'm obsessing over Justine's retirement. WHY, WHY, WHY???? Can't someone important just ORDER her to come back to tennis - after two weeks in Maui with Simone Bolelli? Come on Simone, you lost early in Hamburg and it's for the good of the GAME!One of the main sources of my anxiety over Justine's decision - besides the huge gaping hole she's leaving on the tour - is how out of the blue it was. What if another World No. 1 decides to take similar drastic measures after suffering a few uncharacteristic losses? Far fetched? Sure. But she opened the door.
GOTOTENNIS | May 14, 1:00 pm ET
The Blue-Flame Professional
I have to admit that the first thing I thought this morning when I learned that Justine Henin has announced her retirement from tennis was that she'd decided to enter the contemplative orders. I've often called her the Sister of...
Peter Bodo's TennisWorld | May 14, 11:20 am ET
Henin Retirement Statement by WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott
This is a sad day for our sport and for her millions of fans around the world, but I know that I speak for so many in wishing Justine the very best in her future endeavors and hope that she will stay connected to the sport to which she gave so much.
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | May 14, 10:48 am ET
Top-seeded Ivanovic goes down
For the first time in 2008, Ana Ivanovic lost before the third round of a tournament. Previously, her worst results came in Doha and Miami where she lost in the third round. Today, however, she fell to Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the second round at Rome. Ivanovic only capitalized on five of 19 [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | May 14, 10:32 am ET
April 2008 Blog
"...nobody (not even Roger) beats me 12 times in a row ha ha ha…."
AndyRoddick.com | May 14, 10:09 am ET
Blake, Berdych upset in Germany
American James Blake, seeded seventh, was beaten in the second round today at the Masters Series event in Hamburg. He lost to Serbian Janko Tipsarevic 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Blake had reached the quarters last week in Rome, but after this loss he will turn his attention to the French Open where he will try to [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | May 14, 9:56 am ET
Henin retires from tennis
Reports from a Belgian newspaper are saying that Justine Henin will retire from the sport of tennis today. According to the article, Henin will call a press conference to announce her retirement from the game.
Henin is currently the #1 ranked player in the world, but has been in a slump for the entire year. Henin [...]
Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimb | May 14, 9:34 am ET
Justine Henin to announce retirement on Wednesday
Belgian media report that the world’s top ranked woman, 25-year-old Justine Henin plans to make her retirement on Wednesday. It could mean she is retiring immediately, at the end of the season. or limiting her schedule.I hope she doesn’t have health related issues.
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Tennisinfoblog.com | May 14, 8:46 am ET
Justine & Carlos: More Than A Duo
center/center It's a rarity in modern professional tennis that a player stays true to one coaches vision. But 12 years is unthinkable. Player and Coach, pupil and teacher. Justine's collaboration with Carlos began at the age of...
Justine Henin - Tennis (EN) | May 14, 8:23 am ET
Justine's Decade
For ten years Justine was tennis. Passion, bravery, and with soul she always gave it all on court. It started with her first big honour - Junior Roland Garros winner 1997. She began on the WTA tour in 1999, and the breakout year was 2001 with her...
Justine Henin - Tennis (EN) | May 14, 8:22 am ET
2007 The Year Of Justine
The magic year of 2007. It started with difficulty, but ended with tears of joy. It was an unforgettable year of tennis for fans, the sports world and Justine. center/center January 4, 2007 Justine withdraws from the Australian tour for...
Justine Henin - Tennis (EN) | May 14, 8:22 am ET
Messages To Justine
You enjoyed watching the tennis. You've followed Justine's on court adventures day and night. Perhaps she was the reason you became so fascinated with the game? When things were fantastic, you cheered, when things were difficult...
Justine Henin - Tennis (EN) | May 14, 8:20 am ET
Justine Henin Retires!
A shocking development in the WTA has just broken with the word that world number one, Justine Henin has just announced her retirement from professional tennis today. This is a big blow to Belgian tennis, having already lost Kim Clijsters...
Pro Tennis Fan | May 14, 4:22 am ET
Coaches Q and A: How Do I Market Myself to College Coaches?
With college tennis championships in full swing, today we have Andy Brandi of the Harold Solomon Tennis Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida providing advice on getting the attention of the college programs you might like to join. Before joining the HSTI, Brandi was a long-time coach of the University of Florida women.Today's question: How do I make myself visible to coaches before the start of my senior year and what makes me attractive to those coaches?Andy Brandi responds: It is almost time to begin the final year in the recruiting process for
ZooTennis | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Technical Problems with Feedburner
No email notifications have gone out the past two days. I am trying to get help, but the company I'm using was recently acquired by Google and tech support is now gone. Thank you for your patience while I attempt to solve the problem. I will be posting every day as usual, so bookmark zootennis.com and visit often for NCAA reports from Tulsa.Tags: Feedburner, Google, Colette Lewis
ZooTennis | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
It's official ...
Justine Henin is really retiring from tennis, effective immediately. Some snippets from her presser:“This is the end of a child’s dream. This is a definitive decision. Those who know me know it is serious.”“I thought long about this,” Henin said, her voice cracking and eyes watering. “I started thinking about it late last year. I was at the end of the road. I leave with my head held high.”Okay, now that she's announced, what is really going on here? More on my theories later, but I open the floor. What do you guys think?
Tennis With Attitude | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Thanks a lot, Serena, for beating the will out of Justine Henin
Check this out. I'm stunned over here. But we'll see. This is pretty weird.BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP)—Top-ranked Justine Henin will make a major announcement about her career Wednesday amid reports she will quit professional tennis.Henin, who has been in a slump all spring, called a news conference, while local newspapers already carried headlines saying “Henin quits.”The 25-year-old Belgian has always said she sought a long career and despite injuries and a divorce, she had a sterling 2007 with two Grand Slam victories and eight other tour titles.However, after winning her home tournament in Antwerp in February, she has been on one
Tennis With Attitude | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Inside Junior Tennis
Inside Junior Tenniswith Kevin G. McClure and Colette Lewis Inside Junior Tenniswith Kevin G. McClure (http://www.thetennispodcast.com/) and Colette Lewis (http://www.zootennis.com/) This show is sponsored by Tennis 2 U, the online tennis and fitness proshop at www.Tennis2U.com. Type in their simple web address for great products and prices now.May 12, 2008This show is sponsored by Tennis 2 U, the online tennis and fitness pro shop at www.Tennis2U.com. Go to their site today to get great products and prices!!!Discussion Includes:NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen start Thursday May 15 in Tulsa15 of the 16 Men's seeds advance; 14 of 16
The Tennis Podcast: Inside Tennis | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
THE LOW DOWN: Gasquet may skip French Open - did he read my open letter?
Sometimes it's fun to think that you write these posts, blogging about things you think you know about and maybe, just maybe, some of the ballers are actually reading them. Fine - not likely but weirder things have happened (right Justine?).Such is the case with Richard Gasquet. I wrote an open letter to the Frenchman laying out the terrible start to his year and suggesting he skip Roland Garros and take a sabbatical - well, more to the effect of taking time off to hook up with one of Amelie Mauresmo's fave sports shrinks.Now comes word today that Richard,
Down the Line: raw + uncut | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Stosur gets French Open wild card
Word comes from On the Baseline that Sam Stosur has been given a wild card into the main draw of the French Open. Stosur has just returned to the tour following a lengthy illness layoff.
Women Who Serve | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
THE EXPERTS' OPINIONS
Okay, I haven't come up with any satisfying explanation to Justine's retirement. Click here to see what insiders like the Kooze and Todd Martin have to say. Personally, I think Goran and Pat Cash come closest.
GOTOTENNIS | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
GoToTennis Video of the Day:Justine Retires
This is so sad.
GOTOTENNIS | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
THE END OF A CHILD'S DREAM
Justine Henin is retiring from tennis. Click here and here for the reports."This is the end of a child's dream. This is a definitive decision. Those who know me know it is serious.""It is a new beginning for me. I feel like I already lived three lives. I gave the sport all I could and took everything it could give me. I take this decision without the least bit of regrets. It is my life as a woman that starts now.""Because of her I am somebody," said coach Carlos Rodriguez, breaking down in tears.I'm shocked. Leave it to Justine to
GOTOTENNIS | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Whoa, part 2
And I thought it would've all just turned out to be a bunch of baloney. You see an article at 5:45 in the morning like I did today reporting something no one saw coming, what else would you think? But turns out it was true: Justine Henin, the number-one player in the women's game, only 25 and coming off a career year, announced her retirement, effective immediately. Now after reading all the stories, here's what I think:I'm not buying it.It's not that I don't believe she's leaving the game right now, because it's obvious she's doing that. I honestly think
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Whoa
How's about this little bombshell I saw at 5:45 on my way to go play tennis?More later as the story develops; if there's one at all.
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Justine, say it ain't so
Justine Henin is one of my favourite players on the women's tour. I've always admired her game - that one handed backhand! - but also the way she has punched above her weight and size to win almost everything in the game. So I was really surprised and disappointed to hear that the World No 1 and reigning French Open, US Open, and Olympic champion is retiring with immediate effect. I guess every great champion wants to bow out at the top, but at only 25 year's old this decision feels premature. The French Open won't be the same without
Top spin tennis blog | May 13, 1:00 pm ET
I was there…for the Spring Swing
The Davies’ family went on a road trip to follow Andy during the Spring hard court season. They wrote to AndyRoddick.com to share their experience.
AndyRoddick.com | May 13, 9:33 am ET
Tennis-X Notes: Yet Another U.S. Event Leaving the Country?
MEMPHIS MOVING?: The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that a deal to sell the combined ATP/WTA event to keep it in the city fell through, and now the event could be sold to outside interests who could move the event (see: Middle East, Asia, the usual suspects -- goodbye to another U.S. event).
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | May 12, 5:03 pm ET
Your Comments: ESPN, Tennis Channel Get US Open Broadcast Rights
"This completes a five-year process of reinventing the television and digital landscape for the sport of tennis in North America," said Arlen Kantarian, CEO Pro Tennis, USTA. "Tennis will now be prominently featured for eight straight weeks on ESPN -- the premiere destination in sports; Tennis Channel -- our sport's namesake network; and CBS -- our longtime network partner. This new partnership will provide more tennis, to more people, in more ways than ever before."
The Dysfunctional Tennis Blog | May 12, 12:16 pm ET
May 2008 Fan Of The Month
Congratulations to Jeremy and Rebecca who sent in this excellent entry. We applaud you for your magnificent effort guys!
AndyRoddick.com | May 12, 1:11 am ET
French Open Preparation Continues
As we begin the last major tournaments on the men's and women's tours this week before the French Open, both Rafael Nadal and Justine Henin appears to have hit a bump in the road as they prepare to defend their...
Pro Tennis Fan | May 11, 5:22 pm ET
Federer's New Coach - Will It Make A Difference?
After 4 years of failing to come up with a way to beat Rafael Nadal consistently on clay (we all know about Hamburg last year), Roger Federer recently hired Jose Higueras as his new coach.The real question is what can Higueras, or any coach really, bring to the Federer game?I don't think that there's much technically that Higueras can change in the Federer game. Federer has a fairly conservative grip for his backhand topspin which tends to be his main liability against Nadal. Fed doesn't have the more extreme backhand grip of a Gustavo Kuerton or a Richard Gasquet --
Tennis-tips-tactics | May 11, 1:00 pm ET
Federer's New Coach - Will It Make A Difference?
After 4 years of failing to come up with a way to beat Rafael Nadal consistently on clay (we all know about Hamburg last year), Roger Federer recently hired Jose Higueras as his new coach.The real question is what can Higueras, or any coach really, bring to the Federer game?I don't think that there's much technically that Higueras can change in the Federer game. Federer has a fairly conservative grip for his backhand topspin which tends to be his main liability against Nadal. Fed doesn't have the more extreme backhand grip of a Gustavo Kuerton or a Richard Gasquet --
Tennis-tips-tactics | May 11, 1:00 pm ET
Twins peaking
As Novak Djokovic and Dinara Safina were bagging the big titles at Rome and Berlin, respectively, a step closer to history was made on the doubles court. As I've mentioned before, I'm a pretty big stat-head, or tennis dork, if you will, and there's something I've been wondering the past couple of years: Taking singles and doubles players into account, will the Bryan Brothers win a wider range of major tournaments than anyone in the history of the Open Era? And if so, does this make them true legends of the game, and put them up there in a class
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | May 11, 1:00 pm ET
High stakes tennis
The pressure is well and truly on at the top of the rankings. It's what Alex Ferguson would describe as squeaky bum time.Djokovic's win in Rome and Nadal's early exit have really mixed things up. I predicted on Sunday night that the points gap would shrink to 400 or so points.Turns out its even closer that than - just 310 points separate No 2 and No 3. Meanwhile, Federer has put real distance between himself and Nadal, with a cushion of 1,400 points. As I wrote the other day, Federer's results on clay to date should be enough for him
Top spin tennis blog | May 11, 1:00 pm ET
Andy Withdraws from Hamburg
After experiencing back spasms in Saturday’s semi-final match, Andy has withdrawn from next week’s Masters Series in Hamburg.
AndyRoddick.com | May 10, 6:35 pm ET
Crashing the parties
It looks like all the action today on the court was at the WTA's German Open, where at least the two semifinal matches were finished! Over in Rome, the day was pretty much a bust with Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka both advancing when their opponents quit. In Germany, Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina both continued their impressive runs.Regardless of the outcomes of the two finals tomorrow, the stories of the week have been the coming-out party for Wawrinka and Safina beating top players left and right. I have mixed feelings on these two. First, Dinara: I think the main
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | May 10, 1:00 pm ET
Is Djokovic a lucky general?
Onwards and upwards for Djokovic with his win in the Rome final. Believe it or not, events over the past few days reminded me of Napolean and his preference for lucky generals.Djokovic is a real talent and could be a great champion (if he can break his bad habit of retiring injured.) But I'm starting to think that Lady luck is currently in the serbinator's corner. Take this week. Djoko hasn't been playing well and struggled against Andreev in the third round.However,a combination of shock defeats for the best two players in the world - one of which was only
Top spin tennis blog | May 10, 1:00 pm ET
Dinar Safina keeps impressing, beats Serena Williams
In the last two days, Dinara Safina has earned her new name — the Giant Killer. She took her second major victory in two days as she sent former world number one Serena Williams out of the German Open just a day after dispatching world no. 1 Justine Henin.
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Tennisinfoblog.com | May 9, 1:22 pm ET
Venus Williams to appear on HBO’s Real Sports
Tennis News reports that Venus Williams will appear on HBO’s very popular sports program called Real Sports with Bryan Gumbel. The program will air on May 12, 10 p.m. on HBO EAST.
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Tennisinfoblog.com | May 9, 1:09 pm ET
Play of the week
Mercedes ATP Play of the week. Janko Tipsarevic V Paul-Henri Mathieu. Killer forehand down the line winner. Watch it here.
Top spin tennis blog | May 9, 1:00 pm ET
Close it out, James: CLOSE IT OUT!
I haven't seen the match report yet, just the scoreline, but James Blake just lost to Stanislas Wawrinka 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 6-1. There's been a few matches that JB has lost this year when he's been in a winning position, mainly both his final-round appearances. And what happened in the third? Come on, James! You fought off Verdasco yesterday; you could've done the same here!I hope this isn't the case, but I always feel U.S. male players on clay nowadays just let matches go when it gets tight: "Hey, clay isn't my best surface" or "Oh well, I'm not going to
Tennis Talk, Anyone? | May 8, 1:00 pm ET
Richard ‘tank’ Gasquet
Richard Gasquet’s first round match in Rome was a spectacle for all the wrong reasons.
Firstly due to various rain delays throughout day there was hardly any people watching as they had all got fed up of waiting around.
There was literally three old men and a dog watching the clash between Horna and Gasquet which made for a deadly silent [...]
The Tennis Centre | May 7, 4:00 pm ET
How the clay has saved Federer's top spot
Two months ago, when he was stuck in his slump, there was a real chance Federer could lose the No 1 spot to Nadal before Wimbledon. When the ATP rankings came out on 10th March the gap between Roger and Rafa was only 350 points, the closest it has ever been. To put it context, winning a Masters Event like Monte Carlo is worth 500 points and the French 1,000 points. Federer then scraped together enough points in Indian Wells and Miami to extend his lead to 670 points coming into the clay season. So Nadal was within touching distance.The
Top spin tennis blog | May 7, 1:00 pm ET
NCAA Cavs
The Virginia men’s tennis team had three singles players and one doubles team selected for the 2008 NCAA Individual Championships, to be held May 21-26 at the Michael Case Tennis Center at the University of Tulsa. The selections were headlined by Somdev Devvarman (Chennai, India), who is the No. 1 seed for the singles tournament, and with Treat Huey (Alexandria, Va.), the No. 1 seed for the doubles tournament.Devvarman, the 2007 NCAA Singles Champion, is looking to be just the fourth player in the past 50 years to win consecutive singles crowns. Also the 2006 NCAA singles runner-up, Devvarman could
No Man's Land | May 4, 1:00 pm ET
Match Prediction 04/05
ATP Barcelona Final Clay
Rafael Nadal (2) - David Ferrer (5)
My tip Nadal won the Monte Carlo Masters last week beating Federer in straight sets. He gave chances to Federer however the Swiss master was unable to capitalise particularly in the second set where he was 4-0 up.
It was interesting to see Nadal not having the upper hand in [...]
The Tennis Centre | May 4, 10:07 am ET
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