Archive for the ‘Tennis’ Category

PostHeaderIcon Tennis Bags For The Fashionistas

Investing in a good bag for keeping equipment for tennis is very necessary. Since there are number of accessories that are vital for playing the game, you will need a spacious bag to keep them. Besides the racquets and balls for playing tennis, many other accessories also need to be placed inside.

There are special types of bags which can accommodate your long tennis racquets with greatest ease. Bags for keeping tennis equipment need to be durable and so you need to hunt for the right kind – one that can last you for quite a longtime. If you are looking for quality then an appropriate budget is necessary.

Funds could be set aside for some time till you have collected enough for a branded bag that can last you really long. Manufacturers understand the needs of tennis players and accordingly manufacture bags to accommodate all the tennis clothing and tennis equipment. Trendy bags are accessible on the internet.

Many of the websites are dedicated to some of the trendiest bags designed for tennis players. Online purchase for tennis racquets and bags is good, but you also need to be cautious about fake replica manufacturers who could rob you of your hard earned money. To match the style of every individual, a number of online shops provide a range of tennis specific gear.

In various sizes, patterns, shapes and designs quality accessories like branded tennis shoes and Wilson Blx bags are available virtually anywhere. Designers tempt you with unique bags for tennis in lovely hues to accommodate your tennis equipment, tennis shoes, tennis apparel etc. Fresh patterns are being created by designers who bring in creativity at its best.

If affordability is your concern then you could try bags from lesser known designers who provide the same designs and patterns as the original branded ones, but cheaper. You could buy a replica till you have enough to spend on a genuine piece. Tennis bags at minimized rates, special offers, discounts etc are available online 24×7, but you need to keep a watch out for the same. Invest wisely to get to Center Court!

PostHeaderIcon Soderling keeps his title in Rotterdam

Swede Robin Soderling, No. 4 worldwide, has retained his crown at the tournament in Rotterdam, the eighth title of his career in Sunday’s final by defeating the French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (No. 18), 6-3, 3-6, 6 -3, after 1:23 of play

Robin Soderling

Robin Soderling

Soderling, seeded No. 1, who had never lost a single round in three previous encounters against the French (No. 8), has faltered this time conceding the second set.

But the Swede then confirmed he is one of the best players in the world indoors by removing the French No 2 who had him over to the finals of a tournament since his victory in October 2009 in Tokyo.

Soderling, 26, is the fourth player to win twice in Rotterdam after the American Arthur Ashe, the Swede Stefan Edberg and French Nicolas Escude.

Already a finalist in 2008, Soderling adopted the Dutch tournament: “I feel so good here: this is the first time I retain a title,” he said after winning his eighth ATP title (in 18 finals).

“Just like my previous matches this week, I was abused, but I was very sturdy at important points. Win here, it’s magic, because the tournament was really found,” added finalist at Roland Garros in 2009 and 2010.

Tsonga has recognized that “Soderling deserves his victory.” “He was just better. He played well and especially well served,” said French.

PostHeaderIcon A duet Djokovic-Murray at Indian Wells?

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, No. 3 worldwide, spoke with Britain’s Andy Murray (No. 5), whom he defeated in the Australian Open final, could join together in the double Masters 1000 Indian Wells Sportske Novosti reported Wednesday.

NovakDjokovic

Novak Djokovic

“We talked to Melbourne the opportunity to play doubles together in Indian Wells and I will mention again (this possibility) with him, ” Djokovic said, quoted by the daily sports Serbian.

The world No 3 said he did not press the issue after the final won in straight sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-3): “If it is to attack the double certainly we will play together. ”

Both players 23 years old, born a week apart in May 1987, maintained a long friendship.

PostHeaderIcon Federer makes the arms against Djokovic

The Swiss, winner of 16 Grand Slam titles and seeded No. 2, was eliminated in the semifinals of the Australian winner of the 2008, Serb Novak Djokovic, ranked third in three sets 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4, Thursday.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic

Before the tournament there was much talk of a possible final between Nadal, who was a fourth consecutive gain in Grand Slam and Federer, who was seeking a fifth title in Melbourne and was perhaps the only tennis player to be able to stop Spanish.

Instead, Nadal, injured, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by compatriot David Ferrer in three sets small and now it’s time for Federer to leave with his shotgun. Ferrer could join Djokovic in the final. He will face Andy Murray in Friday’s second semifinal.

“I intend to watch this match to bed with some popcorn,” said Djokovic. David played a fantastic match against Rafa, even if Rafa was struggling with an injury.

“They are in great shape. Andy shows good form on this surface. It’s a Grand Slam final, anything can happen. I believe in myself. This is truly one of the best games I’ve played a long time. ”

This is the first time since 2003 that Federer will not hold one of the four Grand Slam titles and the first time that neither Nadal nor Switzerland is in the final of a Grand Slam final in Melbourne since the opponent Djokovic Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in 2008.

“I was ready to deliver two sets easily,” said Federer. It is a pity that I could not push it that far. I wanted to win the tournament for a fifth time, but tonight it was not possible. ”

This is the second consecutive time that eliminates Federer Djokovic in the semi-finals of a major tournament. He had done at Flushing Meadows to win his place in the final against Nadal.

PostHeaderIcon Davydenko Left on the Road to a Physically Diminished Nadal

Nikolay Davydenko Nadal eliminated in Doha
Davydenko Left on the Road to a Physically Diminished NadalRussian Nikolay Davydenko won to advance to the final of the Doha (Qatar), after straight-sets defeat to Spanish Rafael Nadal, the tournament top seed.

At the end might not be the dream start to the year for Nadal, who as a result of an influenza played physically diminished, and ended losing to Davydenko (No.4) 6-3, 6-2.

In this way the tournament is not the dream final between Nadal and Federer, although Russian player battle wills probably Swiss.

In the other semifinal Federer eliminated France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, third seed, by a score of 6-3, 7-6 (2)

Federer will seek his third success in Doha, having won in 2005 and 2006. After the match Federer said briefly: “I am delighted, it’s nice to start the year with a final.”

Stepanek and Soderling advance to semifinals in Brisbane

The Swede Robin Soderling, top seed, advanced to the semi-finals in Brisbane (Australia), after beating local player clearly to Matthew Ebden 6-3 6-2.

In the other match of the day, Czech Radek Stepanek defeated by a double Germany’s Florian Mayer 6-3, seventh favorite, and Soderling will rival in the semis.

The other place in the final look at second-seeded American Andy Roddick, to the South African Kevin Anderson, revelation of the tournament.

Favorites advance in Chennai

Tournament to be played in Chennai (India), the favorites advanced to the semifinals after winning their respective matches of the day.

Czech Tomas Berdych, seeded first, defeated by a double 6-3 to Slovenian Blaz Kavcic, and now will cross the stage semi-final against Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka (N.3), who ousted Dutchman Robin Haase.

The other semi-final star in the Belgian Xavier Malisse, seventh favorite, with the Serbian Janko Tipsarevic, sixth-seeded.

PostHeaderIcon A. Murray parole; Soderling surprised

Andy Murray eliminated Jurgen Melzer in straight sets 6-3, 6-1, 6-1, Monday at the Australian Open for the second consecutive year.

Finalist in 2010 ended the match with an ace and will play in the quarterfinals Alexandr Dolgopolov, who upset fourth-seeded Robin Soderling.

Robin Soderling

Soderling, a finalist at Roland Garros, was eliminated bowing 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 in the fourth round against Dolgopolov.

Soderling won the tournament Preparatory Brisbane without losing a single round and had not conceded a set in Melbourne before crossing swords with the 22 year old Ukrainian, who reached the quarterfinals in his first year at this major tournament.

The reverse cross Dolgopolov that led to his first match was a good example of the winners 50 shots he faced to a successful Soderling stunned. The Swede is the player with the highest ranking to be removed from the table for men.

Soderling saved three match points, but his career ended with another unforced error, his 51st of the meeting.

The Swede had 26 years of age lost his service twice a year, but it has been broken nine times Dolgopolov in this game.

“I try to find the weakness of my opponent that he is not comfortable in the game – then if I am likely to hit winners, it’s my game Soderling is one the most powerful on the track, but I was able to read very well service, described Dolgopolov.

“I saw his shots very well, and this has paid off. ”

Dolgopolov told that as a child, his father worked as a trainer with former Ukrainian player Andrei Medvedev, then he would sometimes hit balls with the players when they were training.

“I obviously had some good moments. I can sometimes be annoying for players to play with me. It was a nice way to start a career in tennis. “

PostHeaderIcon Nadal, Soderling and Murray have easy

If Nadal wins the nervousness as he approached a fourth consecutive triumph in a Grand Slam tournament, it certainly shows.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

After his victory of 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 against American qualifier Ryan Sweeting, Thursday at the Australian Open, the Spanish star player seemed equally at ease talking about his next match – against Australia Bernard Tomic 18 years – he seemed to be on the court against Sweeting.

“A little practice tomorrow, rest at the hotel, and perhaps a visit to the aquarium – I go every year. Nothing different, “Nadal said when asked how he would prepare for his showdown on Saturday.

With a shrug and a smile, he added: “If I start to get nervous before a match two days, I have a big problem.”

Nadal has not had significant problems in his most recent Grand Slam tournaments. His victory on Thursday was the 23rd consecutive major events in a series dating back to the first round of the Internationaux de France last year. Since then he has taken home the trophy at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows.

A win in Australia in the coming days, would make him the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four major titles simultaneously.

Tomic, the last Australian in contention, won 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 against Spain’s Feliciano Lopez (31st).

Tomic will play now the biggest game of his career since it will probably take place at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night before 15,000 people who will mostly lined up behind him.

“A lot of things going through my head, but my dream is to see such a thing happen again, hoping it will follow several others throughout my career,” Tomic said the duel coming against Nadal. I will try to put aside my brain … I’ll try to stay relaxed and just play tennis. ”

Swede Robin Soderling, the fourth-seeded men, reached the third round, winning 6-3, 7-6 (1), 6-1 against Gilles Muller of Luxembourg. Andy Murray, seeded fifth, had 16 aces in his win against Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko, on account of 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.

In the last game of the evening, the 2006 finalist Marcos Baghdatis continued his journey with a 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 against Juan Martin del Potro, who has had persistent pain wrist. It’s the same wrist that has bothered last year when he had played just three tournaments.

Argentina’s David Nalbandian, who beat Lleyton Hewitt in five sets in the first round on Tuesday, withdrew during his second round match against Richard Berankis because of fatigue. Berankis was leading 6-1, 6-0, 2-0.

Other seeded players who won in men are Mikhail Youzhny (10th), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (13th), Marin Cilic (15th) and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (32nd).

PostHeaderIcon Wozniacki is to attack Australia

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark began its first major tournament as World No. 1 with a 6-3, 6-4 against Argentina’s Gisela Dulko.

He was a first victory this year for the young woman of 20 years. She had lost against Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova in the tournament last week in Sydney and against No. 2 Vera Zvonareva and Belgian Kim Clijsters during exhibition games in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki

Wozniacki did not have to save break points in the first round and successfully converted the only one she has obtained against Dulko.

Argentina, the favorite in two, offered a nice contrast to the Danish in the second set and even tied the game 4-4 in breaking the service of his opponent. Wozniacki however countered on the next game before entering the meeting service.

Venus Williams, No. 5, has passed the first round by virtue of his 6-3, 6-2 to Italy’s Sara Errani.

Justine Henin overcame a slow start to beat India’s Sania Mirza 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. Henin has lost the 2010 final to Serena Williams in Melbourne a couple of weeks after returning to competition, has disposed of a point set in the first set but allowed Mirza to breakage, then win two following games to remove the sleeve.

For his part, Maria Sharapova won her first match at Melbourne Park since she won the title at the Australian Open in 2008, with the Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1, 6-3 on center court.

Sharapova, the former favorite world who missed the Australian Open in 2009 because of a shoulder injury and was eliminated in the first round last year by compatriot Maria Kirilenko, has had trouble with his service and lacked consistency in the second set. After being broken in the first play of the game without registering a single point, Sharapova has won seven consecutive games to take the lead 6-1 1-0.

The Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone has seen hard times before finally defeating Spain’s Arantxa Parra Santonja 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-4.

The sixth-seeded got the chance to service for the match at 5-3 in the third set but was broken. The Italian has quickly replaced and the service broke Parra Santonja in the next game, so to close the books.

In other first-round matches in the women, the No. 20 Kaia Kanepi beat Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 and No. 29 Cibulkova defeated Germany’s Angelique Kerber 6-2 6 -7 (4), 6-4. Evgeniya Rodina of Russia eliminated the Australian Olivia Rogowska – who got a bye for the tournament – 6-3, 6-1.

Due to the absence of the defending champion Serena Williams – the victim of a foot injury – Clijsters is considered the favorite to win the title for the women at Melbourne Park.

PostHeaderIcon Greta Arn crowned in Auckland, beating Wickmayer

Greta Arn Auckland Open champion
Greta Arn Auckland Open champion The Hungarian Greta Arn finished his dream week, which was crowned with the title at the Auckland Open, played in New Zealand.

The 31-year-old defeated in the final of New Zealand to the Belgian Yanina Wickmayer, second seed and defending champion by a score of 6-3 and 6-3.

Arn had been surprised in Quarterfinals, when he defeated first-seeded Russian Maria Sharapova, a scorer of 6-2 and 7-5, while in semi-finals eliminated the Germanic Julia Goerges.

For Hungary this was his second title on the WTA circuit after obtained in Estoril (Portugal) in 2007. “I feel great. I’m so happy I do not know what to say. It’s a dream come true, “said Arn to the local public was taxed his applauded him after the match.

Petra Kvitova win in Brisbane

Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic was crowned at the Open in Brisbane (Australia), after winning in straight sets to Germany’s Andrea Petkovic, in the final of the tournament.

Kvitova played with great credit from the beginning of the meeting, and passed without trouble, 6-1, 6-3 to the Germanic player in just 71 minutes gone.

This was the third title in the circuit for Kvitova, a Czech player up 20 years of age, born in the town of Bílovec.

He had previously taken the titles in Hobart (Australia) in January 2009 and the Open in Linz (Austria) in the month of October also 2009.

PostHeaderIcon Roddick and Soderling in Brisbane Finalists

Andy Roddick reached the final in Brisbane
Andy Roddick reached the final in BrisbaneThe Swede Robin Soderling, Andy Roddick advanced to the final of the ATP tournament is being held in Brisbane (Australia).

Soderling, tournament top seed, beat in one hour and 22 minutes to Czech Radek Stepanek by a score of 6-3 and 7-5.

For his part, Andy Roddick, seeded second and who defends the title in this tournament, beat South African Kevin Anderson in straight sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.

Both players have faced five times so far, and the balance is very even, with 3 wins and 2 for Roddick Soderling.

Wawrinka and compete for the title Malisse in Chennai

Open in Chennai (India), Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka and Belgian Xavier Malisse will be contesting the title, after winning their respective commitments to this day.

Wawrinka, seeded third, will try to win the title that got away last year after falling in the final.

In the semifinals Wawrinka won by a clear 6-4, 6-1 to Czech Tomas Berdych in a match that lasted just 1 hour and 16 minutes.

His opponent in the decider, the Belgian Xavier Malisse, seeded seventh, came from behind to end September 1 defeating side a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Serbian Janko Tipsarevic.

Wawrinka and Malisse so far no clash between themselves, so the first opportunity to see the faces.