January 27th, 2012
Novak Djokovic: That Was Definitely One Of My Best Matches
Novak Djokovic is back in the finals of a Grand Slam for a third straight time following an epic 5-set win over Andy Murray. The rematch was nothing like Djokovic’s prior only win over Murray coming in the 2011 final won by the Serb in straight sets.
Murray was far more aggressive and offensive than previous meetings in this series which Djokovic now leads 7-4, 2-0 in Slams.
Djokovic’s win puts him in a third straight final against rival Rafael Nadal. Djokovic …
Posted by Staff @ 10:23 am in Australian Open | 14 Comments »
January 27th, 2012
Andy Murray: Coach Lendl Told Me To Prepare For Pain Before The Match
In the 2011 final rematch Andy Murray came in second again this time just by a hair today losing in an epic 5-setter 6‑3, 3‑6, 6‑7, 6‑1, 7‑5 to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals.
Murray led the defending champion by two sets to one after winning an incredible third set breaker. But Djokovic, who has won the last two Grand Slams, rallied to take the third then fought off Murray in the fifth to win his 13th straight match …
Posted by Staff @ 10:04 am in Australian Open | 1 Comment »
January 27th, 2012
Djokovic Outlasts Murray in 5 in Australian Open Semifinal
Defending champion and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic moved into the Australian Open final where he will face Rafael Nadal after Friday night defeating Andy Murray in five sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 7-5.
The almost-five-hour match will be a recovery test for the world No. 1 in the final against Nadal.
“It was a very physical match. It was one of the best matches I have played,” Djokovic said. “I am extremely delighted to be in to the final round, …
Posted by Staff @ 9:22 am in Tennis | 10 Comments »
January 26th, 2012
Who Will Face Nadal In The Australian Open Final, Djokovic Or Murray?
Rafael Nadal is through to his fourth straight Grand Slam final after dispatching arch rival Roger Federer last night in four convincing sets.
Tonight, it’s Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s stage to see who’ll meet the Spaniard on Sunday in the Australian Open final.
Defending champion Djokovic is the clear favorite in this one. He’s beaten Murray six of ten times including their only Slam meetings which came in the 2011 Australian Open final won by the Serb comfortably in three sets.
“He …
Posted by Sean Randall @ 8:13 pm in Australian Open | 330 Comments »
January 26th, 2012
Rafael Nadal: Playing Federer Best Of Five Outdoors Gives Me “Calm”
Rafael Nadal has his eyes firmly set on an 11th career Grand Slam Sunday at the Australian Open. The 25-year-old Spaniard is into his fourth straight Slam final after defeating Roger Federer 67, 62, 76, 64 a thriller Thursday night.
Nadal, who leads Federer 18-9 and 8-2 in Slam play, will meet the winner of Friday night’s Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray match on Sunday in Melbourne.
Nadal met the press after his thrilling win:
Q. Congratulations. How do you think you have …
Posted by Staff @ 9:34 am in Australian Open | 38 Comments »
January 26th, 2012
Sharapova, Azarenka Shriek Into Australian Open Final; Tennis-X Notes
WTA screamers Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka both weathered three-set wins on Thursday to advance into the final of the 2012 Australian Open. The winner will not only claim the first major of the year, but the world No. 1 ranking as well.
“It means so much to be back in a Grand Slam final, a stage I have been to before a few years ago here,” said Sharapova, who avenged last year’s Wimbledon final loss to No. 2 Petra …
Posted by Staff @ 9:22 am in Tennis | 21 Comments »
January 26th, 2012
Roger Federer After Loss: I Feel Okay, It’s In The Past Already, It’s Not That Bad
Roger Federer suffered yet another crushing loss Thursday night in Melbourne. In the semifinals of the Australian Open Federer lost in four sets to arch rival Rafael Nadal 67, 62, 76, 64.
The loss snapped Federer’s 24-match win run and extended his Slam-less streak to eight.
Further, Nadal now leads Federer 18-9 in their head-to-head series, and 8-2 in Grand Slam play.
Federer said after the loss that he isn’t overly disappointed by the defeat.
Here’s Federer’s presser:
Q. It was another great, great …
Posted by Staff @ 9:14 am in Australian Open | 20 Comments »
January 26th, 2012
Federer Has No Answer Again For Nadal In Australian Open Semifinal, Is This It For The Swiss?
Unless it’s indoors or on a grass court, I’m done thinking Roger Federer can beat Rafael Nadal anymore. On clay or on outdoor hardcourt in big matches, best-of-five Federer simply doesn’t have an answer for Rafa.
This morning at the Australian Open, Federer played the right game to beat Nadal. He attacked, he served well, though not great at the end, and his backhand held up as strong as it could. And it still wasn’t anywhere near enough.
Federer’s normal game …
Posted by Sean Randall @ 8:44 am in Australian Open | 83 Comments »
January 25th, 2012
With No. 1 on the line, four of the best hardcourt players meet tonight in the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Kim Clijsters (2011) and Maria Sharapova (2008) are former Australian Open champions and former world No.1s. Both have also finished runner-up at Melbourne Park, Clijsters in 2004 (l. Henin) and Sharapova in 2007 (l. S.Williams). Clijsters has reached a further four SFs here; Sharapova, two.
Clijsters is gunning to become the 8th woman to defend the Australian Open title in the …
Posted by Staff @ 9:33 pm in Australian Open | 111 Comments »
January 25th, 2012
Novak Djokovic: My Nose Was Clogged, But I Don’t Have Any Physical Issues
Novak Djokovic earned a hard-four three set 64, 76, 61 victory over David Ferrer Wednesday night in Melbourne to advance to the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Of most concern, Djokovic appeared to have injured his hamstring early in the match but says it’s nothing to worry about. His nose was closed.
Djokovic has now won 12 straight matches in Melbourne and with his win the Top 4 seeds have advanced to their second straight Grand Slam semifinal where he’ll meet Andy …
Posted by Staff @ 11:56 am in Australian Open | 6 Comments »