February 23, 2012

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Memphis Results and Schedule

February 23, 2012 By

Results – Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Women’s Singles - Second Round
Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. (2) Ksenia Pervak (KAZ) 76(3) 62
Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) d. (3) Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 36 64 76(3) (saved 2mp)
Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) d. (5) Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 76(5) 06 63
Stéphanie Foretz Gacon (FRA) d. (Q) Camila Giorgi (ITA) 75 64

Doubles – Quarterfinals
(2) Dushevina/Govortsova (RUS/BLR) d. Watson/Woehr (GBR/GER) 64 60
(3) Dekmeijere/Petrova (LAT/RUS) d. Hampton/Oudin (USA/USA) 62 64

Men’s Singles – First Round
X Malisse (BEL) d [2] A Roddick (USA) 76(8) 75
[3] R Stepanek (CZE) d [Q] B Reynolds (USA) 63 62
[4] M Raonic (CAN) d E Gulbis (LAT) 62 76(3)
O Rochus (BEL) d [5] A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) 16 64 76(5)
P Petzschner (GER) d [6] J Benneteau (FRA) 76(5) 76(6)
[7] K Anderson (RSA) d [Q] R Ginepri (USA) 75 63
J Melzer (AUT) d D Istomin (UZB) 67(2) 63 76(4)
L Kubot (POL) d [Q] J Levine (USA) 76(2) 64
B Becker (GER) d D Sela (ISR) 64 61

Doubles – Quarter-finals
J Isner (USA) / S Querrey (USA) d A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) / L Kubot (POL) 26 63 15-13

Doubles – First Round
[1] M Mirnyi (BLR) / D Nestor (CAN) d K Anderson (RSA) / M Knowles (BAH) 75 62
[WC] R Harrison (USA) / D Kudla (USA) d J Erlich (ISR) / A Ram (ISR) 62 63
C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) d E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) 76(5) 63
I Dodig (CRO) / M Melo (BRA) d [WC] R Sweeting (USA) / B Tomic (AUS) 64 64

SCHEDULE – THURSDAY, 23 FEBRUARY, 2012

STADIUM start 10:30 am
[4] M Erakovic (NZL) vs M Krajicek (NED) – WTA
S Arvidsson (SWE) vs L Tsurenko (UKR) – WTA

Not Before 3:00 PM
[WC] S Querrey (USA) vs [7] K Anderson (RSA) – ATP
O Rochus (BEL) vs [WC] R Harrison (USA) – ATP

Not Before 7:00 PM
[1] J Isner (USA) vs D Young (USA) – ATP
S Stakhovsky (UKR) vs [4] M Raonic (CAN) – ATP

GRANDSTAND start 10:00 am
S Foretz Gacon (FRA) vs V Dushevina (RUS) – WTA
V Lepchenko (USA) vs A Brianti (ITA) – WTA

Not Before 1:30 PM
J Melzer (AUT) vs I Dodig (CRO) – ATP
[3] R Stepanek (CZE) vs R Sweeting (USA) – ATP
B Becker (GER) vs X Malisse (BEL) – ATP
I Dodig (CRO) / M Melo (BRA) vs J Benneteau (FRA) / O Rochus (BEL) – ATP-After Appropriate Rest
[1] M Mirnyi (BLR) / D Nestor (CAN) vs [WC] R Harrison (USA) / D Kudla (USA) – ATP-After Appropriate Rest

COURT 1 start 11:00 am
[1] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Hradecka (CZE) vs L Lee-Waters (USA) / M Moulton-Levy (USA) – WTA
[3] L Dekmeijere (LAT) / N Petrova (RUS) vs [2] V Dushevina (RUS) / O Govortsova (BLR) – WTA – After Suitable Rest
[4] M Krajicek (NED) / A Tatishvili (GEO) vs M Erakovic (NZL) / K Pervak (KAZ) – WTA-After Suitable Rest

Not Before 2:00 PM
P Petzschner (GER) vs L Kubot (POL) – ATP
C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) vs [3] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) – ATP

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Americans Isner, Querrey and Harrison Advance in Memphis

February 22, 2012 By

Americans Sweeting, Querrey, Isner and Harrison Advance in Singles; Benneteau/Rochus Take Out 2011 US Open Champs Petzschner/Melzer

By Brad Hunter

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (February 21, 2012) – On Court 1 at The Regions Morgan Keegan Championships on Tuesday, Frenchman, 30-year old Julien Benneteau teamed with (his fourth different doubles partner in four tournaments played in 2012) Belgian 31-year old Olivier Rochus (himself teaming with his fifth different doubles partner in 5 tournaments) to beat 2011 US Open champions and #2 seeds 27-year old German Philipp Petzschner and 30-year old Austrian Jurgen Melzer  6-1, 3-6, 10-5.  The atmosphere for the intimate Court 1 was intense, and the crowd was animated throughout.  Both teams traded steely glances towards each other, exasperation for missing shots, and some interesting bits of questioning line calls and the chair umpire.  Late in the 1st set, Melzer asked the chair how the lineswoman could possibly make lines calls “because she is wearing sunglasses inside!”  The close quarters on Court 1 heightened the fun of the experience, and there was a palpable buzz running through the crowd most of the match.

Later on Center Court, 24-year old American Ryan Sweeting defeated veteran American, 32-year old James Blake 6-0, 6-2.  Six-foot-five Sweeting, ranked 78, moved well throughout the match, and his crisp hitting and defense forced Blake, ranked 61, into many errors.  Blake, playing in his first tournament of 2012, looked deflated for a good portion of the match, perhaps partly because of some rust in his own game.  Sweeting played an impressive mix of defense and high percentage tennis, and capitalized on most short ball and mid-court opportunities he found during the baseline rallies.

Next up on Center Court, was 24-year old American Sam Querrey against 28-year old Colombian, Alejandro Falla.  Querrey, ranked 99, recently hired Brad Gilbert as his coach, and Gilbert was in Memphis watching his new charge tough out a 3-set win over the scrappy Falla.  Falla, ranked 60, consistently attacked Querrey’s backhand throughout the match and built himself a solid lead by taking the first set 6-2.  It took Querrey some time before he got his forehand clicking but he recovered to take the final 2 sets 6-3 and 6-4.  This was a good win for Sam, who has struggled at the start the year and has not won 2 matches in row in 2012- he plays the winner of Robbie Ginepri and Kevin Anderson in his next match.

 

Behind "THE BASELINE"

The first night match pitted 26-year old American and top seed John Isner versus the dangerous 28-year old Gilles Muller from Luxembourg.  From the beginning, the crowd was vocally behind the 13th ranked Isner and he made things even more interesting for spectators sitting behind the baseline to the left of the chair because several of his balls went flying renegade into the crowd.  It happened at least 7 or 8 times, and a man sitting behind “THE baseline” center service line responded by waving a white towel.  Isner even walked up to the behind THE baseline crowd after a changeover to apologize and laugh with them.   Muller, ranked 69, also sent a few balls into the crowd.  Both men, known for their fierce serves, played themselves into 2 tiebreakers.  Isner, who hit 26 aces, ran away with the first tiebreak 7-1 by playing aggressive tennis and attacking short balls and moving forward to the net.  Muller fought well in the second set, saving 5 of 5 break points, but eventually fell in the tiebreak 4-7.  Isner, who combined with his doubles match has won 4 straight tiebreak sets in Memphis, got a loud reception from the crowd for winning the match and next plays Donald Young.

The final match of the evening featured 2 wildcard American teenagers: 19-year old Ryan Harrison and 19-year old Jack Sock.  Both men appeared nervous to start, but it was the more experienced Harrison who saved all 3 of his break points during the 1st set.  Harrison, ranked 73 and off a semifinal run in San Jose last week, played a steadier more high percentage style of baseline tennis to take the 1st set 6-3.  Sock, ranked 306, began the match hitting more flat and powerfully than Harrison and with more errors, but adjusted his game in the 2nd set.  Harrison also appeared to go on a mental walkabout, losing 2 service games and the set 2-6.  The 3rd set brought out the best tennis of the match.  Sock, attacking short balls and utilizing his crisp volleying skills, looked like the stronger player early in the 3rd.  But Harrison played some good defense, and turned the match in his favor by doing what I’ve been seeing a lot of this week: he played some solid defense and prolonged points against the more go-for-broke style of tennis Sock was playing.  The low margins eventually were Sock’s undoing, and he lost the break and the set 4-6 to Harrison.  Both men are the same age, but Harrison’s got a bit more experience playing tour matches, and he used this confidence to good effect in winning this match.

Brad Hunter is covering the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Memphis International as media for Tennis Panorama News this week. Follow his reports here and live updates on our twitter account @TennisNewsTPN. Follow his personal twitter account @BradHunter.

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Memphis Results and Schedule

February 22, 2012 By

Results – Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Singles – Second Round
(4) Marina Erakovic (NZL) d. Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 63 64
Varvara Lepchenko (USA) d. (7) Johanna Larsson (SWE) 62 64
Michaella Krajicek (NED) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 76(2) 63
Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (Q) Jamie Hampton (USA) 64 63

Singles – First Round
(2) Ksenia Pervak (KAZ) d. Rebecca Marino (CAN) 62 64
(5) Pauline Parmentier (FRA) d. Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) 64 46 62
Stéphanie Foretz Gacon (FRA) d. (WC) Melanie Oudin (USA) 62 63

Doubles – First Round
(3) Dekmeijere/Petrova (LAT/RUS) d. Arvidsson/Larsson (SWE/SWE) 60 63
Erakovic/Pervak (NZL/KAZ) d. (WC) Davis/Keys (USA/USA) 62 63
Hampton/Oudin (USA/USA) d. Mikesz/Slupska (GER/UKR) 61 60

Singles – First Round
[1] J Isner (USA) d G Muller (LUX) 76(1) 76(4)
R Sweeting (USA) d J Blake (USA) 60 62
[WC] S Querrey (USA) d A Falla (COL) 26 63 64
[WC] R Harrison (USA) d [WC] J Sock (USA) 63 26 64
S Stakhovsky (UKR) d [Q] R Kendrick (USA) 63 76(6)

Doubles – First Round
J Benneteau (FRA) / O Rochus (BEL) d [2] J Melzer (AUT) / P Petzschner (GER) 61 36 10-5
[3] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) d T Huey (PHI) / X Malisse (BEL) 75 64
A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) / L Kubot (POL) d S Lipsky (USA) / R Ram (USA) 62 46 15-13

SCHEDULE – WEDNESDAY, 22 FEBRUARY, 2012

STADIUM start 10:00 am
[5] P Parmentier (FRA) vs S Arvidsson (SWE) – WTA
J Melzer (AUT) vs D Istomin (UZB) – ATP
[Q] R Ginepri (USA) vs [7] K Anderson (RSA) – ATP
[3] R Stepanek (CZE) vs [Q] B Reynolds (USA) – ATP

Not Before 7:00 PM
X Malisse (BEL) vs [2] A Roddick (USA) – ATP
E Gulbis (LAT) vs [4] M Raonic (CAN) – ATP

GRANDSTAND start 10:00 am
L Tsurenko (UKR) vs [3] L Hradecka (CZE) – WTA
[Q] C Giorgi (ITA) vs S Foretz Gacon (FRA) – WTA
A Brianti (ITA) vs [2] K Pervak (KAZ) – WTA
J Hampton (USA) / M Oudin (USA) vs S Arvidsson (SWE) / J Larsson (SWE) or [3] L Dekmeijere (LAT) / N Petrova (RUS) – WTA

Not Before 3:30 PM
J Isner (USA) / S Querrey (USA) vs A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) / L Kubot (POL) – ATP – Possible Court Change
[1] M Mirnyi (BLR) / D Nestor (CAN) vs K Anderson (RSA) / M Knowles (BAH) – ATP
[WC] R Harrison (USA) / D Kudla (USA) vs J Erlich (ISR) / A Ram (ISR) – ATP

COURT 1 start 10:00 am
[Q] J Levine (USA) vs L Kubot (POL) – ATP
[5] A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) vs O Rochus (BEL) – ATP
H Watson (GBR) / J Woehr (GER) vs [2] V Dushevina (RUS) / O Govortsova (BLR) – WTA
[6] J Benneteau (FRA) vs P Petzschner (GER) – ATP
B Becker (GER) vs D Sela (ISR) – ATP
I Dodig (CRO) / M Melo (BRA) vs [WC] R Sweeting (USA) / B Tomic (AUS) – ATP
C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) vs E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) – ATP

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Dushevina beats Qualifier Hampton, Hampton teams up with Oudin for Doubles Win in Memphis

February 21, 2012 By

Vera Dushevina beats Qualifier Jamie Hampton.  Hampton later teams with Melanie Oudin for a Doubles Win in Memphis

By Brad Hunter

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (February 21, 2012) – Twenty-two year old American qualifier Jamie Hampton, who defeated defending 2011 Memphis champion Magdalena Rybarikova in the first round Sunday evening, lost her second round match on Tuesday on the Grandstand court at The Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.

Hampton, ranked 104, started strongly against 25-year old Russian Vera Dushevina by hitting powerful, aggressive groundstrokes and building herself a 4-2 first set lead.  At this point in the match Dushevina, ranked 89, used her defense and higher percentage topspin shots to force the Hampton power game to start missing.  Many rallies saw Hampton gain the court positioning advantage and then miss her put-away shots.

When Hampton started missing she became audibly and visibly agitated and Dushevina’s ability to prolong points ultimately proved too much for Hampton.  She was able to push back against Vera when she was down 1-5 in the second set, but Dushevina closed the win out at 6-4, 6-3.  The last point of the match saw a Dushevina passing shot angle bounce near the line – surely a call Hampton would’ve asked for a shot spot on had that been available.  Hampton angry, laughed and let out an exasperated plea to the chair, to no avail, as the chair was already saying “Game, Set, Match, Dushevina”.  Even with the loss, Hampton showed a powerful and aggressive baseline game which should carry her far in the WTA .

Dushevina showed impressive mental fortitude, getting agitated herself many times during the match but reeling it back in, and looks to be a strong threat for a title in Memphis (she’s also in the doubles draw with Olga Govortsova).  Later in the afternoon, Hampton teamed with Melanie Oudin (who lost today to spectacled Stephanie Foretz Gacon) for a 6-1, 6-0 doubles win against the team of Stefanie Mikesz and Mariya Slupska.

Brad Hunter is covering the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Memphis International as media for Tennis Panorama News this week. Follow his reports here and live on our twitter account @TennisNewsTPN. Follow his personal twitter account @BradHunter.

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Tough Day in Memphis for Young Americans Sloane Stephens, Lauren Davis, Madison Keys and Alexa Glatch

February 20, 2012 By

By Brad Hunter

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (February 20, 2012) – The first match I sat down to watch at The Regions Morgan Keegan Championships was the Court 1, first round WTA match between 17-year old American Lauren Davis and 25-year old American Varvara  Lepchenko.  Davis was awarded a wildcard into the event, and Lepchenko was fresh off a Round of 16 run in Doha where she beat Alexandra Wozniak and Julia Goerges before falling to Agnieska Radwanska.  Lepchenko, ranked 90, started quickly by powering her way to a 2-0 lead, blasting groundstroke winners and mixing in touch angle volleys and paralyzing Davis’ game.  Lefty Varvara , who plays a bit like Petra Kvitova , can seemingly hit clean groundstroke winners from all over the court, off both sides and from many court positions.  She was a bit agitated from the start though, taking looks at the line judges for calling two foot faults on her early and quickly getting angry at herself for making errors.  Davis, ranked 221, began hitting her topspin forehand deeper into the court, and using her flatter backhand to pounce on short balls.   Davis, who trains at the Evert Academy, is a good competitor, and showed this by sneaking in to knock off volleys on important points and building herself a 5-2 1st set lead.  A frustrated Lepchenko took the opportunity to call her coach out for a quick chat and it helped her calm herself and win the last 5 games of the set to take it 7-5.  Lepchenko kept her edge the rest of the match, taking the 2nd set and the match 6-3.  Her play was patchy at times, possibly due to some fatigue from making the trip from Doha but her more powerful ground strokes and ability to consistently end points from midcourt and the net was too solid for quick, sparky Davis.

Before the end on the Davis/Lepchenko match on Court 1, 25-year old Russian Vera Dushevina and 17-year old American Madison Keys started their match on the adjacent Grandstand court.  Keys, ranked 256 and a wildcard entrant who also trains at Evert Academy, is one of the most talked about young Americans after her splashy US Open performance last year.  Dushevina, ranked 89, who famously gave Venus a 1st round 3-set scare in US Open in 2009, used her experience to take the match 6-2, 7-5.

Another American wildcard entrant into this event, 18-year old American Sloane Stephens, started strongly on the Grandstand court against 23-year old New Zealander Marina Erakovic, winning the 1st set 6-4 by hitting an array of backhand winners.  Sloane, ranked 86, and known for her powerful forehand and run to the 3rd round of the US Open last year never looked settled.  She lost 12 of the last 13 games and the match to 54th ranked Erakovic.

Taking the Grandstand court in the next match, was 22-year old American qualifier Alexa Glatch and 22-year old Ukranian Lesia Tsurenko.  Glatch, ranked 186, looked like the clear favorite to win, using her qualifying momentum, heavy forehand and versatile backhand slice to build a 6-2, 5-3 lead.  Many times, between points, Lesia was breathing heavy and loudly and grabbing her midsection.  Whatever her ailment was, Lesia, ranked 125, found a better level to her game and began playing an aggressive all-court game to overwhelm Glatch and steal the match.  Lesia even fought off a match point on the 2nd set tiebreak.

Although a tough day for Stephens, Keys, Glatch and Davis, all four ladies are still around in the Memphis tourney and will be back on the court playing doubles tomorrow.  Keys and Davis team up to play Erakoviv and Pervak and Stephens and Glatch team up to play fellow Americans Jamie Hampton (who took out defending champion Rybarikova yesterday in the first round) and Melanie Oudin (who plays Foretz Gacon in the first round on Tuesday).  Also seen scouting the American gals, Lead National Coach of Women’s Tennis, Tom Gullikson.

Brad Hunter is in Memphis covering the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Memphis International as media for Tennis Panorama News.

Upset of the day on the men’s side – Croatia’s Ivan Dodig ousted No. 8 seed Bernard Tomic of Australia 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (8) on Monday. Dodig saved two match points on the way to victory.

“I was really happy after the match because I’ve been losing tight, tight matches,” Dodig said. “This is going to give me more confidence.”

RESULTS – MONDAY, 20 FEBRUARY, 2012

Women’s Singles – First Round
(Q) Camila Giorgi (ITA) d. (1) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 64 62
(3) Lucie Hradecka (CZE) d. Anna Tatishvili (GEO) 63 61
(4) Marina Erakovic (NZL) d. Sloane Stephens (USA) 46 60 61
Michaella Krajicek (NED) d. (6) Elena Baltacha (GBR) 62 61
Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) d. Heather Watson (GBR) 62 63
Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (WC) Madison Keys (USA) 62 75
Varvara Lepchenko (USA) d. (WC) Lauren Davis (USA) 75 63
Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) d. (Q) Alexa Glatch (USA) 26 76(5) 62 (saved 2mp)

Doubles – First Round
(1) Hlavackova/Hradecka (CZE/CZE) d. Pavlovic/Rodina (FRA/RUS) 60 63
(2) Dushevina/Govortsova (RUS/BLR) d. Dolonts/Foretz Gacon (RUS/FRA) 46 62 108 (Match TB)
(4) Krajicek/Tatishvili (NED/GEO) d. Kondratieva/Lefèvre (RUS/FRA) 62 60
Watson/Woehr (GBR/GER) d. Brianti/Parmentier (ITA/FRA) 63 61
Lee-Waters/Moulton-Levy (USA/USA) d. (WC) Hibberd/Welcher (AUS/USA) 60 60
Men’s Singles – First Round
I Dodig (CRO) d [8] B Tomic (AUS) 57 64 76(8) – saved 2 M.P.
D Young (USA) d G Dimitrov (BUL) 76(4) 46 76(6)

Doubles – First Round
J Isner (USA) / S Querrey (USA) d [4] S Gonzalez (MEX) / C Kas (GER) 76(1) 76(2)
SCHEDULE – TUESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY, 2012

STADIUM start 10:00 am
[WC] M Oudin (USA) vs S Foretz Gacon (FRA) – WTA
R Marino (CAN) vs [2] K Pervak (KAZ) – WTA
J Blake (USA) vs R Sweeting (USA) – ATP
[WC] S Querrey (USA) vs A Falla (COL) – ATP
Not Before 7:00 PM
[1] J Isner (USA) vs G Muller (LUX) – ATP
[WC] R Harrison (USA) vs [WC] J Sock (USA) – ATP

GRANDSTAND start 10:00 am
[Q] R Kendrick (USA) vs S Stakhovsky (UKR) – ATP
[7] J Larsson (SWE) vs V Lepchenko (USA) – WTA
V Dushevina (RUS) vs [Q] J Hampton (USA) – WTA
[5] P Parmentier (FRA) vs A Hlavackova (CZE) – WTA
O Govortsova (BLR) vs M Krajicek (NED) – WTA
S Arvidsson (SWE) / J Larsson (SWE) vs [3] L Dekmeijere (LAT) / N Petrova (RUS) – WTA

COURT 1 start 10:00 am
[4] M Erakovic (NZL) vs E Rodina (RUS) – WTA
J Benneteau (FRA) / O Rochus (BEL) vs [2] J Melzer (AUT) / P Petzschner (GER) – ATP
A Bogomolov Jr. (RUS) / L Kubot (POL) vs S Lipsky (USA) / R Ram (USA) – ATP
T Huey (PHI) / X Malisse (BEL) vs [3] F Cermak (CZE) / F Polasek (SVK) – ATP
M Erakovic (NZL) / K Pervak (KAZ) vs [WC] L Davis (USA) / M Keys (USA) – WTA
A Glatch (USA) / S Stephens (USA) vs J Hampton (USA) / M Oudin (USA) – WTA

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Third Brazil Open Title for Almagro

February 19, 2012 By

Almagro photo by Marcelo Ferrelli/Inovafoto

By Lucia Hoffman

SAO PAULO, Brazil – The 2012 edition of the Brazil Open moved from Costa do Sauipe to Sao Paulo – but the champion remained the same. Nicolas Almagro who won the tourney in 2008 and 2011 became the biggest winner in the history of the tournament winning his third title on Sunday by defeating Italy’s Filippo Volandri 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

“Obviously I have a special relationship with Brazil and I’m always happy to return to the country. I wanted to make this clear, so the shirt,” said Almagro.

“This was not my best match here in Brazil, as I was tense and nervous. But once again, I had control of my emotions, which is what I have always demanded, controlling the important moments. I think it’s good to win a tournament and be able to think that I can still play a little better.”

“I am happy. I am on a cloud, winning a tournament three times and twice in a row. It’s hard. I got here and all I want is to continue working to keep improving in my career.”

“I think all titles are equally important in your career. In 2008, it was an amazing tournament. I managed to beat Carlos Moya in a tough final. Then last year, it was the beginning of a run that I really could not have dreamed. I won in Brazil, I won Buenos Aires, and I was very close to winning Acapulco.

“It is always difficult to win two years in a row and this year was just as hard, because it was my third crown. Every title has a great place in my heart and is very difficult to choose one. I take all three and I hope that next year will be four.”

Almagro photo by Marcello Zambrana/Inovafoto

Volandri who was in his first final in the last five years said, “I think I played another very good match today. I tried my best and fought a lot. I think in the third set, I was playing better than him but he was serving unbelievable.”

“This result is more than what I was expecting this week. It gives me a lot of confidence to keep on pushing through. If I am consistent, I can play with all the players, especially on clay.”

Butorac/Soares photo by Marcelo Ferrelli/Inovafoto

Top seeds Eric Butorac from the US and Brazilian Bruno Soares defeated the team of Brazilian Andre Sa and Slovak Michal Mertinak for the doubles crown.
“It’s been a dream week in Brazil,” Butorac said. “I didn’t know what to expect playing on a clay court, in tough conditions with the altitude. Even when things were not great, we managed to find a way to win. A lot of credit goes to Bruno and his family and friends, who’ve shown me a good time and treated me like a member of their family. It’s better than I could have ever expected.”

“I’m really happy to win our first title. It’s been a good start to the year for our partnership, and hopefully we can continue to improve and raise our level throughout the year.”

Soares added, “It’s very nice. We had an amazing week. The atmosphere was great. Having a packed house, with my family watching, makes it a great feeling to win here. I think it comes in a good moment, in my home country. But now we’re going to play bigger tournaments. I think we have the rhythm we need to play well at the larger events.”

Lucia Hoffman was in Sao Paulo covering the Brasil Open for Tennis Panorama.

Photo by Lucia Hoffman

Singles – Final
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) d F Volandri (ITA) 63 46 64

Doubles – Final
[1] E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) d [4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA) 36 64 10-8

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Almagro into Third Brazil Open Final, Volandri Takes Out Tired Bellucci

February 18, 2012 By

By Lucia Hoffman

SAO PAULO, Brazil – A sellout crowd saw Spain’s Nicolas Almagro and Italy’s Filippo Volandri advance to the final of the Brazil Open.  Top seed Almagro took out fellow countryman Albert Ramos 6-4, 7-6(4) and is looking to put a third Brasil Open title on his resume and an 11th ATP World Tour title overall.

“Ramos is a great player who knows how to defend … and, moreover, has a good service. Fortunately, my serve has not been too bad either,” said Almagro. “I always felt very loved playing in Brazil, and increasingly the country is special to me.”

Spain has had  a representative in the Brasil Open finals for the eighth straight year.

Bellucci photo by Ricardo Valarini

In the second semifinal, Thomas Bellucci was not able to recover completely from  his “intense” match on Friday against Argentinian, Leonardo Mayer.

According to Bellucci, he could barely see the ball today. “I was very tired, in pain throughout the body, cramps, and not even able to think straight.” An emotional, Bellucci, looked very sad and exhausted during  his on- court interview.

Bellucci made use of some medical time outs, even leaving the court, but was not able to recover during the match and play his best. “Yesterday the game was very heavy and I could not recover right. I tried not to give up, but it really was no longer able to fight.” Bellucci added.

Volandri on the other hand, said he felt sorry for Bellucci, and could see he was hurt, but as a player, he also understands it’s part of the game. He knew coming to this match that the crowd would be tough  with Bellucci favored.  So Bellucci tried  to concentrate for most of the match, and he felt  he was lucky today because of his opponent’s poor  physical condition.

 

Volandri feels it’s an honor to be in the final, and is looking forward to playing Almagro.  It will be Volandri’s  first final in the last five years. He lost twice in semifinals last year. He is very happy about this week, didn’t expect to get that far, since he doesn’t play in indoor clay often and the  courts are fast, which proved good for his game at the end. He felt he fought a lot during the match, and thanked his coach and girlfriend who are here with him, and everyone that supported here over the years.

Looking confident for this final, Almagro will be the favorite to win the title against Volandri. Almagro holds a 6-3 head-to-head record against the Italian.

Sá/Mertinak photo by Gaspar Nóbrega

In doubles play, Michal Mertinak of Slovakia and André Sá of Brazil defeated the Italians Daniel Bracciali and Potito Starace seeded No. 2 6-3, 6-4 to make the doubles final.

Sa told media that he feels that the level of play herein Brazil has been very high and they are able to focus more in the event here in Sao Paulo, then in Costa do Sauipe, where the tournament was held until last year.

Sa  is satisfied playing with Mertinak, who unlike Sa , is more shy. This is their second tournament together. They played at the Australian Open and they will be playing again in Buenos Aires and will decide whether to continue after that. So far, they’re both very happy with the results and very confident that they can win the title on Sunday. They will be facing the team of Eric Butorac of the US and Brazil’s Bruno Soares.

Lucia Hoffman is in Sao Paulo covering the Brasil Open for Tennis Panorama News.

 

ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil  (-2 hours GMT)
13-19 February, 2012     Surface: Indoor Clay

RESULTS – SATURDAY 18 FEBRUARY, 2012

Singles – Semi-finals
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) d [8] A Ramos (ESP) 64 76(4)
F Volandri (ITA) d [4] T Bellucci (BRA) 57 60 62

Doubles – Semi-finals
[1] E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) d [3] J Cabal (COL) / R Farah (COL) 46 76(5) 10-2
[4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA) d [2] D Bracciali (ITA) / P Starace (ITA) 63 64

ORDER OF PLAY – SUNDAY, 19 FEBRUARY, 2012

CENTRE COURT start 1:00 pm
[1] E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) vs [4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA)

Not Before 3:00 PM
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) vs F Volandri (ITA)

 

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Verdasco is Beaten by His Knees and Ramos at Brazil Open

February 17, 2012 By

By Lucia Hoffman

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Third seed Fernando Verdasco was betrayed by his knees at the Brazil Open on Friday. In a battle of Spanish left-handers, Albert Ramos knocked out Verdasco 7-6(5), 6-3 in less than an hour to reach the semifinals in Sao Paulo.

Ramos said it is “like a dream” to get to an ATP semifinal and he will be ready for it. He also explained to media that he is taking an online administrative course. The 24-year-old Ramos is thinking about his future, and after he retires from tennis he hopes to have a career. He said he has always liked to study and learn.

As for his opponent on Friday, Verdasco was feeling pain in his knees and his movement was affected by it. He could barely move during the match, clearly in pain. But he still has Buenos Aires, Acapulco, Indian wells and Miami tournaments to play. He says he will take it day-by-day and see how his injury heals.
Verdasco also mentioned that he hasn’t worked with Gil Reyes in a few months in Las Vegas, because of injuries and Davis Cup, but he has plans on going back to train as soon as his knees feel better, and perhaps after Acapulco, before Indian wells.

His injury will be evaluated by his doctors. He doesn’t want to injure his knees even more. But his schedule is still same and if he can’t go to Buenos Aires, he will go to Acapulco.  If he can’t go to Acapulco, he will go to Indian Wells and Miami, which are his priorities because of their importance.

Top seed Nicolas Almagro of Spain beat Carlos Berlocq of Argentina 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the semifinals.

Thomaz Belucci photo by Marcello Zambrana

Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci rallied to beat Argentine Leonardo Mayer 3-6, 6-2, 7.5. “He was focused on the match, but the tension was high and I think I messed up a few balls that should not,” Bellucci said. He (Mayer) also played well, especially with the service, and was pounding on both sides.”

Bellucci is aiming to become the first Brazilian to win the championship since 2004 when Gustavo Kuerten took the Brazilian Open title.

Lucia Hoffman is in Sao Paulo covering the Brasilian Open for Tennis Panorama News.

ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil  (-2 hours GMT)
13-19 February, 2012     Surface: Indoor Clay

RESULTS – FRIDAY, 17 FEBRUARY, 2012

Singles – Quarter-finals
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) d [5] C Berlocq (ARG) 63 62
[8] A Ramos (ESP) d [3] F Verdasco (ESP) 76(5) 63
[4] T Bellucci (BRA) d L Mayer (ARG) 36 62 75
F Volandri (ITA) d D Nalbandian (ARG) 36 63 75

Doubles – Quarter-finals
[2] D Bracciali (ITA) / P Starace (ITA) d R Mello (BRA) / J Souza (BRA) 64 64
[3] J Cabal (COL) / R Farah (COL) d J Chardy (FRA) / G Simon (FRA) 76(4) 57 10-8

SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY, 2012

CENTRE COURT start 2:00 pm
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) vs [8] A Ramos (ESP)
[4] T Bellucci (BRA) vs F Volandri (ITA)
[4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA) vs [2] D Bracciali (ITA) / P Starace (ITA)
[1] E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) vs [3] J Cabal (COL) / R Farah (COL)

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Nalbandian Stuns Simon; Almagro, Verdasco Move on to Brazil Open Quarterfinals

February 16, 2012 By

By Lucia Hoffman

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Defending Brazil Open champion Nicolas Almagro needed three sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the Brazil Open by taking out Victor Hanescu of Romania 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-3 on Thursday in the Ibirapuera sporting complex.

Almagro feels the difference between the indoor courts  in Sao Paulo and the outdoor courts in Costa do Sauipe where the tournament was held until last year, is the heat, light, and level of humidity. He finds the Brazil Open a “very charming and beautiful event” and he hopes to get to the finals.

Regarding his opponent Hanescu, he laughed when asked about the Romanian’s poker face when playing matches. He said it’s very difficult to read Hanescu’s emotions during the match as he is always very focused.

Almagro was very happy with the way he served against Hanuescu and said that one of the techniques he uses when serving is to choose a point and hit as hard as he can. His serve is a big weapon which sets up a dangerous forehand always ready to attack. And Nicolas is also a patient man out there, making his opponent try a different game plan to break down his solid groundstrokes. Hanuescu did try at times, drop shots, slices and it paid off for him, winning the second set.

Almagro blamed his lack of concentration for losing the second set in the tiebreak 7-4, but was able to focus again in the third set and beat a very focused Hanescu.

With the carnival celebrations and parties happening over the weekend, Almagro said that unfortunately the busy ATP schedule will not allow him to participate, “even if samba is good for foot working skills.” He is going to Buenos Aires next, then to Indian wells and Miami.

Almagro came into the tournament as a wild card to try and defend his title as he was not certain he’s play due his Davis Cup commitment.

Fernando Verdasco, playing in his first match since losing his first round match at the Australian Open to Bernard Tomic  struggled  in a 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-6 win over fellow Spaniard and wild card Javier Marti.

Verdasco seemed unfocused at the end of second set, and made many unforced errors, helping Marti to hold easily and then dominate tie breaker.

Verdasco used his experience to beat young Marti who out played Verdasco for most of the match. Fernando did start focusing better at end of third set, down 2-5. Verdasco found his forehand again, became patient and forced Marti to try to rise to the occasion, which he did not. Verdasco took the next five games and the match.

Verdasco mentioned to media that he will be playing Davis Cup  in the future and that he never said that he would no longer play. He feels that if he is healthy he will play and the Olympics will have no impact on his decision.

David Nalbandian made quick work of  second seed Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-2 in sixty-eight minutes. Simon’s poor serving gave Nalbandian many opportunities to break, which he did four times.

Eighth seed Albert Ramos of Spain knocked out Igor Andreev of Russia 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4). Ramos played a very smart, intense baseline game, with powerful groundstrokes, with killing forehand drives that proved too much for Andreev.

Fifth seed Carlos Berlocq of Argentina defeated Potito Starace of Italy 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. Starace seemed little slower in the third set, and Berloq kept balls deep, trying to move his Italian opponent around.

Brazilian No. 1 Thomaz Bellucci will face Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer in the night match on Friday for a spot in the semifinals.

“Bellucci is an aggressive player like me, then the tendency is to take advantage of one who is able to impose its rhythm before,” said Mayer.”It will be nice to play with the crowd excited. I hope we can give a good show.”

Lucia Hoffman is in Sao Paulo covering the Brasil Open for Tennis Panorama News.

ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil  (-2 hours GMT)
13-19 February, 2012     Surface: Indoor Clay

RESULTS – THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2012

Singles – Second Round
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) d V Hanescu (ROU) 63 67(4) 63
D Nalbandian (ARG) d [2] G Simon (FRA) 63 62
[3] F Verdasco (ESP) d [WC] J Marti (ESP) 64 67(2) 75
[5] C Berlocq (ARG) d P Starace (ITA) 36 62 63
[8] A Ramos (ESP) d [Q] I Andreev (RUS) 76(4) 76(4)
L Mayer (ARG) d [Q] J Chardy (FRA) 46 75 62
F Volandri (ITA) d [Q] R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) 64 16 63

Doubles – Quarter-finals
[1] E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) d T Bellucci (BRA) / M Melo (BRA) 75 63
[4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA) d D Gimeno-Traver (ESP) / F Volandri (ITA) 62 61

Doubles – First Round
[3] J Cabal (COL) / R Farah (COL) d S Giraldo (COL) / B Paire (FRA) 76(4) 61
R Mello (BRA) / J Souza (BRA) d D Marrero (ESP) / P Riba (ESP) 67(3) 75 11-9

SCHEDULE – FRIDAY, 17 FEBRUARY, 2012

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) vs [5] C Berlocq (ARG)
[3] F Verdasco (ESP) vs [8] A Ramos (ESP)
Not Before 4:30 PM
R Mello (BRA) / J Souza (BRA) vs [2] D Bracciali (ITA) / P Starace (ITA)
Not Before 7:00 PM
F Volandri (ITA) vs D Nalbandian (ARG)
L Mayer (ARG) vs [4] T Bellucci (BRA)

COURT 1 not before 4:00 PM
[3] J Cabal (COL) / R Farah (COL) vs J Chardy (FRA) / G Simon (FRA) – Possible Suitable Rest

 

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Ferrero Falls, Bellucci Wins Battle of Brazilians in Sao Paulo

February 15, 2012 By

Bellucci photo by Wander Roberto/Inovafoto

SAO PAULO, Brazil – 2010 champion and No. 6 seed Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain was upset by  Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 7-6 (6), 6-2 in the first round of the Brazil Open on Wednesday.  Mayer dominated with his serve smashing 11 aces in the match.

“That first set was key, especially after I had the advantage in the tiebreaker,” said Ferrero. “But Mayer had a great match throughout and served really well.”

The night match was a battle between Brazilians and good friends saw fourth seeded Thomaz Bellucci stop Ricardo Mello 6-0, 1-6, 6-3 to move on to the third round.

“My confidence took a hit after the 1-6 in the second set but I kept focused and was able to revert the score in the third,” said Bellucci, “In the first set, everything was going well. Knew it would be difficult to maintain that pace in the second, but did not expect the game changed so much. Fortunately, I managed to maintain concentration for the third set and I won this great victory.”

Mello said that Bellucci played all of the important points well.

Bellucci started working with Argentine Daniel Orsanic in the beginning of 2012. Orsanic is trying to keep his game intact, focusing more on maintaining his aggressive style, and improving his net game, which he has been doing through practice with , Brazilian doubles specialist, Marcelo Mello.

Other winners on Wednesday included David Nalbandian, Potito Starace, and Jeremy Chardy.

Lucia Hoffman is in Sao Paulo covering the Brasil Open for Tennis Panorama News.

 

ATP World Tour 250
Sao Paulo, Brazil  (-2 hours GMT)
13-19 February, 2012     Surface: Indoor Clay

 

RESULTS – WEDNESDAY, 15 FEBRUARY, 2012

Singles – Second Round
[4] T Bellucci (BRA) d R Mello (BRA) 60 16 63

Singles – First Round
L Mayer (ARG) d [6] J Ferrero (ESP) 76(6) 62
[8] A Ramos (ESP) d S Giraldo (COL) 63 64
P Starace (ITA) d [Q] P Capdeville (CHI) 57 76(7) 62
[Q] J Chardy (FRA) d B Kavcic (SLO) 64 64
D Nalbandian (ARG) d B Paire (FRA) 76(3) 63

Doubles – First Round
[2] D Bracciali (ITA) / P Starace (ITA) d [WC] R Dutra Silva (BRA) / B Sant’anna (BRA) 64 64
[4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA) d F Gil (POR) / D Junqueira (ARG) 63 60
J Chardy (FRA) / G Simon (FRA) d R Machado (POR) / R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) 64 63

 

SCHEDULE – THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2012

CENTRE COURT start 12:00 noon
[Q] I Andreev (RUS) vs [8] A Ramos (ESP)
[1] [WC] N Almagro (ESP) vs V Hanescu (ROU)
Not Before 4:30 PM
[3] F Verdasco (ESP) vs [WC] J Marti (ESP)
Not Before 7:00 PM
L Mayer (ARG) vs [Q] J Chardy (FRA)
D Nalbandian (ARG) vs [2] G Simon (FRA)

COURT 1 start 12:00 noon
F Volandri (ITA) vs [Q] R Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP)
P Starace (ITA) vs [5] C Berlocq (ARG)
D Gimeno-Traver (ESP) / F Volandri (ITA) vs [4] M Mertinak (SVK) / A Sa (BRA)
D Marrero (ESP) / P Riba (ESP) vs R Mello (BRA) / J Souza (BRA)

COURT 2 start 3:00 pm
[1] E Butorac (USA) / B Soares (BRA) vs T Bellucci (BRA) / M Melo (BRA)
[3] J Cabal (COL) / R Farah (COL) vs S Giraldo (COL) / B Paire (FRA)

 

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