The X Blog - Dysfunctional Tennis Blogging at its Finest

Want To See Roger Federer Dance? [Video]

Posted by Tom Gainey on December 8th, 2014 @ 9:53 am

Roger Federer arrived as scheduled for the IPTL exo in New Delhi over the weekend. For this his first trip ever to India, Federer broke out something extra special, some dance moves!

Yesterday, Federer led his Micromax Indian Aces to three victories in doubles (w/Bopanna), mixed (w/Mirza) and in singles (d. Berdych).

Federer is back on court today, scheduled to play against Novak Djokovic and his UAE …

Top Finishers in Tennis-X 2014 Year-end Top 10 Picks Contest

Posted by Staff on December 7th, 2014 @ 10:30 am

It was the second straight year that no one could pick all of the year-end Top 10 finishers in the 2014 Tennis-X Top 10 Year-end Rankings Contest due to the Argentine and Croat factors.

About 99% of entrants had Juan Martin del Potro in their Top 10, but the Argentine succumbed to injury in 2014, blowing everyone’s picks. On the other end of the spectrum you have to hand it …

Why Does The ATP And WTA Shorten The Season When All These Players Still Want To Play?

Posted by Sean Randall on December 5th, 2014 @ 2:49 pm

Here’s my annual rant of players who bitch and moan that the tennis season is too long, too arduous and too taxing on the body only to KEEP PLAYING ONCE THE SEASON IS OVER!!!

I won’t name names, but you know who they are. And admittedly some don’t complain. But there are those who are continuing to play long after the season is over, many of whom have been and still …

Poll: Who’ll Finish Ranked Higher In 2015, Roger Federer Or Rafael Nadal?

Posted by Sean Randall on December 5th, 2014 @ 2:11 pm

With the off-season (or cash-money exo season) underway, let’s start looking ahead to next year. Novak Djokovic is the clear cut favorite, but who’ll be ahead between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal? Yes, anything “Fedal” will fire up the fanbases, but it’s a legitimate question, especially for a slow Friday. Will it be the aging Swiss legend or the Spanish Bull who should be well rested after an injury-plagued 2014?

Rafael …

Tony Roche: Roger Federer Can Win More Slams And Play For Another 4-5 Years!

Posted by Tom Gainey on December 3rd, 2014 @ 10:31 am

Speaking during a special camp in Kolkata, India, Australian coaching legend Tony Roche offered a rosy future for the 33-year-old Roger Federer, suggesting the Swiss still has 4-5 good years left on the tour during which more Slam titles are very possible.

“I think he can play as long as he wants to on the mental side. Physically, I think he can play for another four-five years without any problem,” …

Rafael Nadal Returns To Training, Gets Honored In Mallorca [Video]

Posted by Tom Gainey on December 3rd, 2014 @ 9:41 am

Good news for Rafael Nadal fans, the Spanish star has returned to training on schedule. Following appendix surgery last month, Nadal was back on court in Mallorca this week in preparation for 2015.

Nadal opens the new season at the Abu Dhabi exo, then Doha followed by the Australian Open.

Yesterday, Nadal also received a special award in his hometown. Rafa was named “Favourite Son of Mallorca” in a ceremony attended by …

Rafael Nadal: I Won’t Get Back To My 2013 Level, But I Will Try To Get Back On Top

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 29th, 2014 @ 12:17 pm

Following an injury-plagued 2014 season, Rafael Nadal is hoping for a better year ahead. In a recent DPA interview, Nadal talked about his hopes for 2015.

“No, 2013 is magical and unforgettable. 2013 does not return,” he said in an interview with DPA via Google Translation. “I have two more years. I have to try again compete all I need to be at the top. This year I had back …

Juan Martin Del Potro Confirms Return To Tennis At Brisbane

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 29th, 2014 @ 11:57 am

After surgery to his left wrist in March, Juan Martin del Potro will make his return to tennis at the start of the year at Brisbane, the tournament announced earlier this week.

In a star-studded field, del Potro will be joined by Roger Federer, US Open champion Marin Cilic, Kei Nishikori, Grigor Dimitrov, Milos Raonic and Lleyton Hewitt.

“To have eight Grand Slam champions, five of the world’s top 11 men …

Fedal Wars: Uncle Toni Admits There’s No Debate Federer’s Better Than Nadal, But Djokovic Also?

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 29th, 2014 @ 11:45 am

During a recent radio interview in Spain, Uncle Toni fired up the GOAT debate this off-season stating that there is no argument that his son, Rafael Nadal, is not as good as Roger Federer and may not even be as good as Novak Djokovic!

Through Google translation, here’s what was said.

“I do not know. The truth is that Federer’s game is not doing bad at all to Rafael. …

Andy Murray Reportedly Engaged To Girlfriend Kim Sears, Makes Coaching Changes

Posted by Staff on November 26th, 2014 @ 4:50 pm

#173118887 / gettyimages.comAccording to reports out of Great Britain, Andy Murray and longtime girlfriend Kim Sears are now engaged to be married.

No date or venue has been set as of yet, but the 27-year-old Murray will marry Sears. The two …

Eugenie Bouchard And Coach Nick Saviano Split

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 25th, 2014 @ 10:13 am

After a breakthrough season, WTA sensation Eugenie Bouchard is making changes. The 20-year-old is already shopping for a new agency to represent her, and now she’ll also be looking for a new coach this offseason.

Via a press release, longtime Bouchard coach announced his split with the Canadian.

“Genie and I have decided that it is best for us to end our player-coach relationship and to move in different directions for 2015. …

Rafael Nadal To Open A Tennis Academy In Mallorca [Video]

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 25th, 2014 @ 10:02 am

Rafael Nadal announced on Monday that he will open a tennis academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. The Spanish star christened the construction of the new project by laying a time capsule under the foundation.

With a summer 2016, completion date, the sports complex will reportedly have 18 tennis courts, football fields, swimming pools, a Rafa museum, a school and more. All for kids aged 8 to 17.

“Tennis has given …

Andy Murray Tells Federer Fans To “Relax”!

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 23rd, 2014 @ 12:52 pm

Among the many viewers of Roger Federer and Switzerland’s big Davis Cup win today was Andy Murray. With a tweet, the Scot, who’s had his own back problems, took aim at Federer fans (“FedFans”) who were in ruin over the state of Roger’s health and game after Friday’s loss to Gael Monfils.

Federer struggled on Friday and was fantastic today hence a lot can change in a couple of

…

Roger Federer: This Davis Cup Title Is Not For Me, It’s For The Boys [Video]

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 23rd, 2014 @ 12:35 pm

Roger Federer said after leading his Swiss team to their first Davis Cup title, the win wasn’t for him, but it was for the “boys”. Federer clinched the tie today for Switzerland by beating Richard Gasquet in straight sets in the fourth rubber.

“We fought hard to for it,” Federer said on court. “I the have been playing this game for almost 15 years now and clearly never come as close …

Roger Federer Wins The Davis Cup Title For Switzerland, Here’s Video Of Match Point And The Celebration

Posted by Tom Gainey on November 23rd, 2014 @ 10:08 am

Roger Federer led Switzerland to their first Davis Cup title beating French substitute Richard Gasquet 64, 62, 62 in the fourth and clinching rubber.

Despite a bad back, Federer won the last six sets of the tie en route to the title.

Here’s match point:

Post match interviews and celebration: