Sunday’s BNP Paribas Open Men’s Tennis Final will feature two swash-buckling, flamboyant players. Scotsman Andy Murray faces the unflappable 22 year old Spaniard and world’s number one big-match talent, Rafael Nadal, in what promises to be a hard-hitting test of wills. The match pits the game’s two greatest heavy weights against each other in a battle for the $605,500 first prize.
In his semifinal win, the 21 year old Murray became the first British player to reach the finals at Indian Wells since 2004 when Tim Henman was at the peak of his game. With a 20-1 2009 record, Murray is the hottest player on the tour. The rising red-headed star disposed of second-seeded 27 year old Swiss counterpart, Roger Federer, in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. The win was Murray’s fourth consecutive over Federer and extended his lifetime record against the former number one to 6-2.
In preparation for BNP Paribas Open event, Federer had rested his troubled back for three weeks. The rust showed as the three-time Indian Wells Champion committed an uncharacteristic 32 unforced errors. Fourteen of those errors took place in the tell-tale first set.
Murray’s aggressive and confident play kept Federer on the defensive and out-of-position most of the day. Federer gambled more than usual while often playing around his backhand. His forehand attempts left the Swiss star scrambling for court coverage and his fans wondering what was next in store for the road-weary and battle-tested former tennis monarch.
Murray made the most of his opportunities converting 4 of 5 service break point opportunities while committing just 19 unforced errors. On the other hand, Roger was only able to convert 2 of 10 break point chances.
In the final set, the Scotsman was meticulous. He broke in the fourth and sixth games to build an insurmountable lead and seal the match. Federer’s boisterous fans fell eerily silent.
After losing serve in the fifth game of set one, crowd favorite Federer, stormed back breaking Murray’s first service game in set two. The pair traded breaks once again in the second set but Federer had momentum and seemed on a wave heading into the final set. Murray came out strong and never let up on the pressure in closing out the match. Play was marked by exhausting baseline rallies that broke down when Federer was out of rhythm.
Murray is playing as if he has something to prove. He heads into the finals seeking his 11th overall title and 21st victory this year. But Nadal, the left-handed Spanish number one does not shy away from competition. In fact, no current player relishes the moment more than the irrepressible Nadal whose timely shots overcame the much-improved and fleet-afoot American star Andy Roddick, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). The 22 year old Spanish star defied the well turned out Indian Wells crowd who was desperate to see Roddick pull the upset.
After another decisive quarter-final win over defending champion and third-seeded Novak Djokovic, Roddick was poised to challenge the world’s top player. Roddick’s power serve is now complimented by a new conditioning program that has increased his court speed and Djokovic fell in a strikingly easy 68 minute match 6-3, 6-2.
Nadal methodically set about ending the American’s 11 game winning steak. His relentless style and singular ball control abilities rise to the fore in big matches. Saturday’s semifinal was no different.
The game’s premier retriever, Nadal and Roddick held nothing back in the day’s second hard-hitting semifinal. After a tense first set that featured just one service break, the second set was loaded with momentum swings as Roddick, spurred on by the noisy crowd, tried to battle back.
The pair traded breaks in games three and four. Nadal led 30-0 at 5-4 in set two before Roddick rallied to break back again. When Roddick held serve to go ahead 6-5, the crowd responded in kind. As usual, the heady Nadal seized the moment and overcame the swirling winds and crowd distractions to stem the tide and force the tiebreaker, which was never in doubt.
The 22 year old Nadal should be concerned with Murray, who is 3-0 against top ten competitors in 2009. Murray has a two match win streak against the Spaniard and most recently defeated him in Rotterdam. Nadal is an 11 time Masters Series Champion and seeks his second trophy at Indian Wells.
In post match interviews, Nadal credited Murray with his decisive shot making and deft drop shot. Citing his offensive capabilities and his ability to turn defensive plays into winners, Nadal showed uncommon respect for the Scotsman’s game.
Sunday’s final looks to have pivotal implications for both players. Bookmakers like Murray and have since the beginning of the year. While both players are supremely confident, they are certainly not crowd favorites. The surface and playing conditions would seem to favor Murray. That is precisely when Nadal is at his best. Sunday should be a thriller at Indian Wells.
Showing posts with label Rafael Nadal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rafael Nadal. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Nadal, Verdasco To Meet in Semis
Two left-handed Spaniards decimated two highly regarded right-handed Frenchmen in the upper bracket’s quarterfinal pairings. Top-seeded, Rafael Nadal continued his impressive 2009 Australian Open dominance with another straight set win over France’s 6th seeded Gilles Simon. Nadal arrived at Melbourne fit and in good form. The hard hitting lefty has proven able to play through the heat and tough opponents with relative ease.
His 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 win over Simon left little doubt about the merits of his world or tournament ranking. Nadal’s driving forehand pressured the Frenchman throughout the match. Simon uncharacteristically committed 41 unforced errors. This was a match where Simon needed to be consistent and cash in on every opportunity. Nadal refuses to melt.
Instead, the Spaniard reversed the roles and played near flawless tennis. He forced Simon well behind the service line and never stopped pressing. In the last two sets, Nadal seized the break opportunities when presented and ran out the string. The Spaniard won 105 points to Simon’s 83. Nadal only double faulted twice in the match. He remains the only player in the draw to have not lost a set.
Each bracket has a would-be challenger in each semi-final pairing. In the lower bracket, Roger Federer will have to get past American Andy Roddick, who beat Federer the last time the two played. Roddick may well be playing the most consistent tennis of his career. Federer has been almost as sharp as Nadal in turning back challenger after challenger.
Nadal will face the tournament’s most improved and surprising player in country-mate Fernando Verdasco. The Melbourne crowds have been awed by Verdasco’s stellar play. His sleek, athletic build is well suited for the Australian summer. He has worked hard on adding velocity to an already extremely consistent serve.
These attributes were on display in his quarterfinal pairing with 2008 Runner-up Jo Willfried Tsonga of France. Tsonga had his big serve working, but Fernando Verdasco had the answers. Playing with focus and purpose, Fernando bullied his way to a 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over the heavily favored Tsonga.
After defeating tournament favorite and fourth seeded Andy Murray in the round of sixteen, Verdasco kept the momentum in knocking out the fifth seeded Frenchman. In the quarters, Verdasco started the match fast and finished without a hitch in rolling over another big seed.
The first set was the type set Verdasco would not have won a year ago. As solid as Verdasco’s play was, Tsonga relied on his big serve to stay with the Spaniard. During the tiebreaker, Verdasco rose to another level and showed why experts believe he is ready for a rapid ascent into the top ten.
Using a 135 mph, wide serve to the deuce court, Verdasco was able to ace Tsonga on many key points. When Tsonga pressed, the lefty cut him off with sharply angled backhand drives that took Tsonga’s net game away. When serving to the add court, Verdasco crowded Tsonga and would not allow him to hit fully extended strokes. The strategy was brilliant and the Melbourne crowds now have two decided underdogs in the 14th seeded Verdasco and the 7th seeded Roddick to cheer on in the semis. The 2008 Champion, Novak Djokovic and Runner-up Tsonga are both gone. Two contenders are in the middle of the long-awaited Nadal-Federer finals. Watch for the upsets!
His 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 win over Simon left little doubt about the merits of his world or tournament ranking. Nadal’s driving forehand pressured the Frenchman throughout the match. Simon uncharacteristically committed 41 unforced errors. This was a match where Simon needed to be consistent and cash in on every opportunity. Nadal refuses to melt.
Instead, the Spaniard reversed the roles and played near flawless tennis. He forced Simon well behind the service line and never stopped pressing. In the last two sets, Nadal seized the break opportunities when presented and ran out the string. The Spaniard won 105 points to Simon’s 83. Nadal only double faulted twice in the match. He remains the only player in the draw to have not lost a set.
Each bracket has a would-be challenger in each semi-final pairing. In the lower bracket, Roger Federer will have to get past American Andy Roddick, who beat Federer the last time the two played. Roddick may well be playing the most consistent tennis of his career. Federer has been almost as sharp as Nadal in turning back challenger after challenger.
Nadal will face the tournament’s most improved and surprising player in country-mate Fernando Verdasco. The Melbourne crowds have been awed by Verdasco’s stellar play. His sleek, athletic build is well suited for the Australian summer. He has worked hard on adding velocity to an already extremely consistent serve.
These attributes were on display in his quarterfinal pairing with 2008 Runner-up Jo Willfried Tsonga of France. Tsonga had his big serve working, but Fernando Verdasco had the answers. Playing with focus and purpose, Fernando bullied his way to a 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over the heavily favored Tsonga.
After defeating tournament favorite and fourth seeded Andy Murray in the round of sixteen, Verdasco kept the momentum in knocking out the fifth seeded Frenchman. In the quarters, Verdasco started the match fast and finished without a hitch in rolling over another big seed.
The first set was the type set Verdasco would not have won a year ago. As solid as Verdasco’s play was, Tsonga relied on his big serve to stay with the Spaniard. During the tiebreaker, Verdasco rose to another level and showed why experts believe he is ready for a rapid ascent into the top ten.
Using a 135 mph, wide serve to the deuce court, Verdasco was able to ace Tsonga on many key points. When Tsonga pressed, the lefty cut him off with sharply angled backhand drives that took Tsonga’s net game away. When serving to the add court, Verdasco crowded Tsonga and would not allow him to hit fully extended strokes. The strategy was brilliant and the Melbourne crowds now have two decided underdogs in the 14th seeded Verdasco and the 7th seeded Roddick to cheer on in the semis. The 2008 Champion, Novak Djokovic and Runner-up Tsonga are both gone. Two contenders are in the middle of the long-awaited Nadal-Federer finals. Watch for the upsets!
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Australian Open 2009 - Tsonga Leads French Assault
2008 Runnerup and 2009 number 5 seed, Jo Wilfried Tsonga leads a strong corps of Frenchmen at the top of the Men’s Draw into the third round. Tsonga was pushed to the limit on a muggy and windy Day Three in Melbourne. Surprising Croation Ivan Ljubicic gave the fans their money’s worth pressing Tsonga all the way in a tough four set loss. Tsonga’s tournament preparation paid off as he sealed a hard-earned 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 6-2 marathon-like match. Tsonga will next play 30th seed Israeli Dudi Sela, a 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 winner over Victor Hanescu.
Tsonga and his cast of four French teammates charged into the third round at the Australian Open and established the French team as the top entry in the year’s first Grand Slam. 24th seed Richard Gasquet defeated Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, 12th seeded Gael Monfils, a 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 winner over Stefan Koubek and 6th seeded Gilles Simon, a 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 winner over Australian Chris Guccione joined Tsonga at the top of the draw in round three. The quartet will join lower bracket countryman Fabrice Santoro, who plays Andy Roddick on Day Five, in a making a huge statement about the quality of French tennis.
In the third round, Gasquet will play Fernando Gonzalez, Monfils will take on 17th seed Spaniard Nicolas Almagro and Simon will play five set winner Mario Ancic. All five French second round winners are capable of victory. If the fabulous five move onto the round of 16, it would put a stamp on the resurgence of French tennis.
Top seed Rafael Nadal was again impressive and composed in his straight set 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 win over Roko Karanusic. Nadal will play another hot player in German Tommy Haas. Haas has been impressive through the first two rounds. His second round 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 win put him on the brink of a breakout performance to jump into the upper echelon of the tennis world. 2009 could well be the year for Haas, whose big game potential has never been denied. The Nadal – Haas matchup in round three will be the Spaniard’s first real challenge in Melbourne.
4th seeded Scotsman Andy Murray’s new found maturity is impacting his play and most likely the results of this tournament. Murray cruised past upset-minded Marcel Granollers 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 and will entertain a challenge from Austrian Jurgen Melzer, the 31st seed.
American James Blake, the 9th seed, displayed all aspects of his versatile game in overcoming France’s Sebastian De Chaunac 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Blake will next play Igor Andreev in what should be a hard hitting third round match.
The game is on at Melbourne and Round Three begins on a hot and humid Day Five. There is no doubt that endurance will come more and more into play as the rounds advance. Thus far, the big names have not been severely challenged.
Tsonga and his cast of four French teammates charged into the third round at the Australian Open and established the French team as the top entry in the year’s first Grand Slam. 24th seed Richard Gasquet defeated Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, 12th seeded Gael Monfils, a 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 winner over Stefan Koubek and 6th seeded Gilles Simon, a 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 winner over Australian Chris Guccione joined Tsonga at the top of the draw in round three. The quartet will join lower bracket countryman Fabrice Santoro, who plays Andy Roddick on Day Five, in a making a huge statement about the quality of French tennis.
In the third round, Gasquet will play Fernando Gonzalez, Monfils will take on 17th seed Spaniard Nicolas Almagro and Simon will play five set winner Mario Ancic. All five French second round winners are capable of victory. If the fabulous five move onto the round of 16, it would put a stamp on the resurgence of French tennis.
Top seed Rafael Nadal was again impressive and composed in his straight set 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 win over Roko Karanusic. Nadal will play another hot player in German Tommy Haas. Haas has been impressive through the first two rounds. His second round 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 win put him on the brink of a breakout performance to jump into the upper echelon of the tennis world. 2009 could well be the year for Haas, whose big game potential has never been denied. The Nadal – Haas matchup in round three will be the Spaniard’s first real challenge in Melbourne.
4th seeded Scotsman Andy Murray’s new found maturity is impacting his play and most likely the results of this tournament. Murray cruised past upset-minded Marcel Granollers 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 and will entertain a challenge from Austrian Jurgen Melzer, the 31st seed.
American James Blake, the 9th seed, displayed all aspects of his versatile game in overcoming France’s Sebastian De Chaunac 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Blake will next play Igor Andreev in what should be a hard hitting third round match.
The game is on at Melbourne and Round Three begins on a hot and humid Day Five. There is no doubt that endurance will come more and more into play as the rounds advance. Thus far, the big names have not been severely challenged.
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