2013/05/21

Wilander Sounds Off On Big Four, Monday Finals and More in Atlanta

 

By Erik Gudris

(November 10, 2012) ATLANTA – Mats Wilander is literally getting back into the swing of things when it comes to competitive tennis. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion made his second appearance on the PowerShares Series at the Champions Shootout in Atlanta, Georgia. Wilander joined Michael Chang, Jim Courier, and John McEnroe on the eighth stop of the 12 city tour.

“I’m getting into the swing of trying to channel my focus and concentration into two hours which you get really good at playing professional tennis,” said Wilander during a pre-match media meet with reporters. “You have to be able to switch on and off and when you are not used to the competitive element when the match is on the line you forget how to do that. It would be nice to do this 10 nights in a row because its not that easy. But it gets easier. I was better today in practice than I was yesterday. It’s more getting used to the pace that these guys play at.”

When asked about his Major titles that include three Australian Opens, three French Opens and one U.S. Open and which one was the most special to him, Wilander said, “There are all so different. I mean what’s better? A sunny day on the beach in Caribbean or a sitting near a fireplace on a snowy, cold day in Sun Valley, Idaho? It’s a matter of the big picture and how happy you are with your effort. And then on top of that you get pretty good results that make you wonder to yourself. “How the hell did that happen? Wow amazing.” I hope my best day is tomorrow.”

Wilander, who took part in a pre-match clinic with amateur players, splits half of his time teaching tennis across the U.S. with his “Wilander On Wheels” experience and the rest serving a tennis commentator for Eurosport including hosting his own “Mats Point” show. The former No. 1 is known for speaking his mind about current players and the pro tour and he didn’t hold back when it came to this week’s ATP World Tour finals in London. Though Wilander had high praise for the current “big four”, he also felt it was disappointing that someone else hasn’t shaken up the recent status quo of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal dominating the biggest events.

“It’s great to have the big four playing right now at this time. They’re unbelievable. Don’t get me wrong, they’re amazing. But sometimes you wonder why (the other players) are running around applauding Federer’s shot when they hit to him. ‘Ah great shot Roger’. Why would you do that? He’s kicking your ass. You should be angry and not just happy you are playing the greatest player of all time.”

Wilander took exception to recent statements from players like Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga that beating the ATP’s top four is nearly impossible despite the fact that they have done so in their careers. But Wilander would like to see that happen more often and from more players as he thinks it would help the sport.

“Are they not human,” Wilander says about the ‘Big Four’ so to get his point across. “We have these great players in every generation. But Sampras lost. Agassi lost. They all lost because the other guys thought that they could win. But you don’t get the feeling that the guys now don’t think they are going to win sometimes. It’s hard to be the best player in the world but its not impossible and the other guys think that it is. I think you can say that the top four that we have right now are the best top four we’ve ever had. And the next 96 out of the top 100, in relative terms, might be the worse we’ve ever had because they don’t beat the best guys and that didn’t use to happen. Obviously they (the big four) are much better and the competition is much harder, but in relative terms its very rare that they upset the big four so it’s worrying I think.”

Juan Martin Del Potro, who has now beaten Federer in their last two meetings, still could improve even more according to Wilander, but he may have more of an edge in making the leap into the ATP’s top four since he has already won a Major.

“Obviously he’s done it to Federer, I mean it’s amazing once you beat a guy in a big final you believe you have that in you. That’s it’s going to happen. So Del Potro I think has the biggest heart and he’s got a big game and loves competing and that’s why he sometimes is doing it and has won a Major.”

The ATP World Tour Finals will be played on a Monday but though that event won’t have to worry about weather and schedule delays due to being played indoors at the 02 Arena, Wilander himself is not a fan of Monday finals or even using roofs at events like Wimbledon or the U.S. Open.

“It makes sense (at Wimbledon) but I don’t think it should be used ever until the semis and the finals. I think we should stay away from Monday finals especially at the U.S. Open because I think its little unfair for the game I think. For the players and the crowd? Maybe. But I think for the sport it should be played on the day when its supposed to be played. Beginning of the tournament? I think they should wait and try and play outdoors when they can. I’m not for it but when it comes down to the end its too important for the sport to be played at the right time.”

Erik Gudris is a freelance tennis writer and frequent contributor to Tennis Panorama News. Follow him on Twitter at @ATNtennis

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Courier Wins Atlanta to Sweep Southern Swing in PowerShares Series

Jim Courier photo courtesy of PowerShares.com

By Herman Wood

(November 10, 2012) ATLANTA – The PowerShares Series came to Atlanta tonight for the second leg of its southern swing. On Friday night in Tampa, Jim Courier, in front of his hometown crowd, pulled out a narrow 8-7 (2) after being down 1-5.

It’s a very different feel at this event- definitely not a typical tour stop. The night starts with a video montage, highlights of all the PowerShares Series players in their heyday set to loud rock and roll. As the players enter via spotlight, another montage of their personal highlights plays with more raucous rock and roll. The Atlanta program featured some big names, with a total of 19 grand slams between all the participants. The format features two semifinal matches of 1 regular set, then an 8 game pro set final.

Courier had a different path in Atlanta, taking on Michael Chang in the first match rather than Mats Wilander. Before the matches, each player spoke to the media.  Chang says its a little different for him in his forties. “Our body just doesn’t respond. That’s just normal. It’s been fun, but we definitely have to work in order to compete well. I think from a strategic point of view, I’m a better player.” “It’s a lot more fun- interactions with the crowd. At the end of the day we all have egos. We want to win.” For Courier, it isn’t all that different from the tour; “I don’t worry too much about it. I just get out here and go. Get into grind mode. Head down moving forward. It’s fun!”

The match started with Chang serving- or trying to serve. As he stepped to the line, a baby began crying. It looked like he was going to try to play through it, but paused just before his toss. He looked to the child, then to Courier, remarking that ” its a dad thing” Courier said “he wouldn’t know” Play began as the baby settled in. Apparently Chang didn’t, as an early break went to Courier. On Courier’s serve he held, but with a bucket list- “successful serve & volley to Michael Chang. You saw it here first.” with laughter from the crowd. It seemed Courier caught fire until Chang asked what side of the bed he woke up on. “Center- very zen.” After a couple of errors, he finally held off Chang. Both players showed the hallmarks of their game, Chang running down balls, Courier firing from the ad corner, running around backhands. Despite the scrambling and a break back, Courier was too much, breaking again to close the match at 6-3.

A short intermission followed, with Chang out helping some kids win Prince racquets by hitting targets. He fed U10 balls to the kids and gave then an assist with hitting the target. All the kids won a racquet, mostly thanks to Chang!

John McEnroe and Mats Wilander were the second semifinal. Wilander seemed to agree more with Courier’s assessment of the demands; “You’re trying to channel your concentration and focus into two hours, which is what you’re really good at if you’re playing professional tennis.” McEnroe, who has more points than anyone else in the series, said “It’s tough to do it back to back at this point, especially against this competition. Sometimes it’s tough to get that last point at the end. The court can beat you up. Staying injury free is a constant. We’ve got a good trainer. He takes good care of me. You have to work at it all the time. One of the factors is time. You have to take some time. It’s almost more important than practicing. You have to keep with it or you have no chance.” It looked like he needed a bit of service practice early on, as he was broken in the first game. The first point went to Wilander on a net cord. He apologized , but said he was not sorry. The crowd loved that! Early on, it seemed McEnroe had forgotten what his game was, rallying from the baseline much more frequently than making forays into the net. Once he moved in, momentum swung his way. Some service aces on his part didn’t hurt either. After getting the break back, McEnroe turned up the pressure, but Wilander stiffened his resolve and the games got longer. Wilander was often corner to corner and McEnroe had quite the number of volleys and overheads. He ultimately held on, 6-3, to earn another tiff with Courier in the final for a second night in a row.

After a very short intermission, they went at it just like the clock was turned back, only the groans from the players were a bit more frequent. Courier opened serving, going big right away- 2 aces and a service winner for the hold. McEnroe had a bit of struggle to hold for 1-1, but was able with a little encouragement from the crowd. Courier kept bringing the heat off the ground and from the serve all match. McEnroe soon matched him, holding easily with service aces, winners, and his usual characteristic touch volleys. Both men went corner to corner, with few mistakes and most points earned rather than given. Courier tried a bit of McEnroe touch while up big in a service game, much to his embarrassment. He asked McEnroe for some help, which he obliged with a demo volley. He then asked Courier for help with his forehand. That would have to wait until later.

Joking aside, the match turned a bit more serious as McEnroe turned on the pressure at 6-6, forcing 6 deuces. At one point, Courier asked if they could flip for it and McEnroe surprisingly agreed. They didn’t, but Courier held for 7-6. It turned out the push was too much for McEnroe, as he was broken for the match, 8-6 Courier.

“It’s always special to win and it’s nice to take over the top spot, but we have plenty more ahead of us on this tour,” said Courier. “Andre is going to be coming on strong to compete in these last four events, and John’s been so consistent all season long. So I expect an uphill battle to try and finish in the top spot but it was great to be back on top in Atlanta.”

Herman Wood was in Atlanta covering the PowerShares Series Champions Shootout at the Gwinnett Center  for Tennis Panorama News, follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/hermanewood

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Roddick Wins Second Title of Season at BB&T Atlanta Open

By Audraine Jackson

Atlanta, GA USA – Under a brutally hot July sun in the deep south 29-year-old Andy Roddick raised the BB&T Atlanta Open championship trophy into the air before a capacity crowd after defeating Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2. It was a gesture he has repeated many times in his professional tennis life with 31 ATP World Tour titles already under his belt, but at this stage in his career, titles taste sweeter and number 32 felt like a steady cool breeze on a summer day.

 

“Being a tennis player, a lot of people, they see it on TV. They think about it in terms of one match but it’s almost like a lifestyle. You’ve got to eat right, sleep right. It’s a constant kind of battle when you are out there by yourself a lot,” said Roddick. “To kind of now be approaching numbers that basically tell the story of consistency over time… it’s something I’m proud of. I work pretty hard. I don’t know that I have been able to pull off the shots that Roger or Rafa or someone like that can pull off. But I feel like I’ve done pretty well with what I was given. I sleep well knowing I haven’t really cheated myself.”

 

This title came no easier than many others in a match that lasted two hours and 13 minutes in 91 degree humid conditions under a blazing sun. Roddick had to get past a competitive match with No. 1 seed John Isner that went late into the night to make it to the final. Muller, a left handed player whose highest world ranking reached 42 has experienced an incredible run among marquee players with career victories over Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Roddick in 2005. Despite jumping out fast with a 6-1 victory in the first set forcing two service breaks he lost a close battle in the 2nd when Roddick was able to edge him out in second serve points won and second return points.

 

“I played very well in the first two sets. At the end of the second set, I got very tight,” Muller said.  “I felt like I was in a position to win that match. I was too nervous to close it and then Andy started to play better. He started to return my serves and put a lot of balls in the court. And I started to miss a lot. Maybe I lost the belief in myself to win that match too quickly.”

 

By the third set Roddick became more aggressive, forcing errors and placing balls at speeds and angles difficult to get to. Service points won reached 84 percent while Muller managed only 50. “I know by now the score of a set is irrelevant,” Roddick said. “Whether it’s 7-6 or 6-1, it still counts the same. With most other sports, you get way up in the first quarter and it actually means something in regards to the rest of the game. In tennis, it’s not really the case too often, with the exception of momentum. You just try to start over and put some holds together. I was able to [slide] out the second set and I think he might have gotten a little tired in the third.”

 

Roddick won his second title of the season and his second ATP World Tour victory in Atlanta, the last coming in 2001 on clay. He has an early points lead in the 2012 Emirates Airline US Open Series Bonus Challenge Standings earning 70 in the tournament. He will head to London to join fellow USA teammates in singles and is paired with rival John Isner for doubles, a sight he admits few opponents want to see coming.

 

The BB&T Atlanta Open doubles title went to Matthew Ebden (AUS) and Ryan Harrison (USA) who defeated Xavier Malisse (BEL) and Michael Russell (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 10-6. Both teams knocked off talented top seeded duos to reach the finals. Ebden said it took confidence to pull off the win. “We had a few chances in the second set and felt like we weren’t playing our best tennis. We were pretty confident if we lifted our level a little, we’d come through. We’re very good friends. I think it helps on the court. It’s great to find someone you really enjoy playing with. You get a lot out of it. Not just the wins, but you get improvements in your game.”

 

Harrison, who is also headed to London to join Team USA Tennis, said aggressive play made the difference. “The way we play, we always try to push forward and play aggressive. That’s the way both of us are comfortable playing. It comes down to execution for us. It doesn’t matter if its singles, doubles, triples or whatever it is. If you win titles, you can always build off of it, so we’re really fired up.”

 

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Audraine Jackson covered the BB&T Atlanta Open for Tennis Panorama News July 14-22, 2012. She is a sports blogger, digital journalist and tennis addict. Follow her personal twitter account @atlstoryteller.

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Roddick Halts Isner’s Third Run for a Title at BB&T Atlanta Open

By Audraine Jackson

Atlanta, GA USA – In 2001 Shirley Franklin was elected Atlanta’s first female African-American mayor.  The Braves defeated the Houston Astros in the National League Division Series and an 18-year-old aspiring tennis champion named Andy Roddick  won his first ATP World Tour title in the city when the tournament was played on clay. Eleven years later with a former No. 1 ranking under his belt, a wiser, more experienced 29-year-old Roddick defeated top seeded John Isner  6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 to move a step closer to earning the title a second time at the BB&T Atlanta Open. “I think it’s good. It was a long time ago, a different surface, a different time of year,” Roddick said. “There are not a lot of parallels but I can say certainly it’s nice to be back in the finals here.”

Both players had loud and vocal fans present as they took the court in a packed, sold out arena under threatening skies that caused a 30 minute rain delay. Isner managed 26 aces to Roddick’s six but the difference was his opponent’s ability to convert points off serves. “I took care of my serve. I did what I was supposed to do. You’re not going to beat John if you get broken a lot.  I was able to play off a little bit of trouble there at the net in the first set. I just competed well. I stayed in it even when I wasn’t real happy about whatever was going on. I kept it together and competed well.”

Isner has made the finals for the past two years losing to Mardy Fish while missing the finals this year in a loss to Roddick. “It didn’t go my way. He was the better player tonight. That’s why he won,” Isner said. “It’s pretty disappointing. Three years in this tournament I lost to two Americans, good friends of mine and it’s tough. I’ve always wanted to win this tournament but it wasn’t to be. It’s really no shame to losing to either one of those guys.”

Roddick will compete for the singles title against Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, a lefty with a big serve that defeated 8th seeded Go Soeda of Japan 6-4, 6-3 to gain a spot in the finals. Muller’s serve dominated the match with 17 aces, winning over 90 percent of his first serve points in only 74 minutes over his 54th ranked opponent.  Muller said he had no plans to watch the semis but understood he would face a good player in the championship match. A victory would mark his fist title at the Atlanta tournament.

At stake is a trophy along with an $86,270 check for the winner with the runner up receiving $45, 435 and 150 ranking points. Roddick has faced Gilles at least three times losing once in 2005 but readily admitted that loss was a long time ago. “I’m going to have to put a lot of returns in play against him. He will probably try and come to the net more often than John (Isner) and his serve will be coming from a different angle.”

Two American players will compete on opposing teams in the doubles final. Matthew Ebden (AUS) and Ryan Harrison (USA) defeated 1st seeded Colin Fleming (GBR) and Ross Hutchins (GBR) 6-4, 6-4. Xavier Malisse (BEL) and Michael Russell (USA) earned a spot in the finals by defeating Raven Klaasen (RSA) and Donald Young (USA) 6-7(2), 6-4, 10-5.

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Audraine Jackson is covering the BB&T Atlanta Open for Tennis Panorama News July 14-22, 2012. Audraine is a sports blogger, digital journalist and tennis addict. Follow her live updates on @tennisnewsTPN and personal twitter account @atlstoryteller.

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Atlanta Results and Schedule

RESULTS – SATURDAY, 21 JULY, 2012

Singles – Semi-finals
[4] A Roddick (USA) d [1] J Isner (USA) 64 67(5) 64
G Muller (LUX) d [8] G Soeda (JPN) 64 63

Doubles – Semi-finals
M Ebden (AUS) / R Harrison (USA) d [1] C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) 64 64
X Malisse (BEL) / M Russell (USA) d R Klaasen (RSA) / D Young (USA) 64 46 10-5

SCHEDULE – SUNDAY, 22 JULY, 2012

STADIUM COURT start 3:00 pm
[4] A Roddick (USA) vs G Muller (LUX)
M Ebden (AUS) / R Harrison (USA) vs X Malisse (BEL) / M Russell (USA)

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Atlantic Station is a winner for fans at BB&T Atlanta Open

John and Robert Frierson at BB&T Atlanta Open

By Herman Wood

ATLANTA, Georgia – Atlantic Station is a hopping place! The first semifinal has been completed, with Gilles Muller over Go Soeda 6-4, 6-3 and Ebden/Harrison over Fleming/Hutchins 6-3, 6-3. The stadium has emptied into Atlantic Station, where folks are shopping, eating, drinking, and generally having a great time. Kids are shooting hoops at the Atlanta Hawks tent, playing tennis at the 10 under courts and playing tennis at Publix family zone. John Frierson was taking the opportunity to teach tennis to his son Robert on the 10 and under courts. He was looking forward to the showdown tonight. Olympic folks are here with interactive booths for adults and kids to try their skills in various Olympic events.

Michael Koenig and Jack Hendry

Michael Koenig and Jack Hendry tried their skills at basketball, Paralympic style! The event had them set up in wheelchairs trying to shoot baskets. They found the going significantly tougher than their typical basketball games, but several baskets were made. Their parents were having dinner at a restaurant somewhere at Atlantic Station while they had all kinds of fun! I asked if they were rooting for anyone in particular tonight. “Roddick!” Not for the Georgia boy John Isner? “No, Roddick is the best American.” I’m sure some Georgia Bulldog fans will have something to say about that. I expect a lot of barking!

Eduardo and Andrea Baetti, with Ricardo and Alejandra Hein

Eduardo and Andrea Baetti, with Ricardo and Alejandra Hein, took in the first semifinal match today. Eduardo was sporting a Georgia hat. They didn’t have tickets for the night session but were planning lots of fun at Atlantic Station. He was definitely pulling for John Isner.

The official shirt vendor for the tourney pulled off a major coup overnight. They were able to work with John Isner and his foundation to have T-shirts printed out that say “Team Isner” in Georgia red and black. A portion of sales will go to Isner’s foundation. Sales were moving very briskly as they were already sold out of size large before the afternoon session was done.

 


Everyone seemed to be having a great time and we’re all very happy to be at Atlantic Station. It seems the players weren’t the only ones serving aces.

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Herman Wood is in Atlanta covering the BB&T Open action from around the grounds for Tennis Panorama News, follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/hermanewood

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Isner, Roddick to meet in BB&T Atlanta Open

By Audraine Jackson

Atlanta, GA USA – John Isner moved closer to reaching the finals for the third straight year at the BB&T Atlanta Open winning a hard fought battle over 19-year old wild card Jack Sock 7-6 (7), 6-4. Isner’s opponent made the first set a grueling match with powerful forehand winners that landed him into a tie break after an hour rain delay. “I came out really flat after the rain delay and that made the set anybody’s set,” Isner said. “I think had it not rained maybe I could have won that set a little bit easier.”

 

The two were only 27 minutes into the match before it was halted by rain. Conditions became more humid as they resumed the first set with Isner up 4-1 and Sock serving. The first set alone helped pushed the match to over 2 hours, adding in the rain delay it finished well beyond midnight.

 

“That took a little bit out of me. I focused so hard to try to win that second set. I let it slip away a little bit. The second set, it was gross out there. We were both sweating like pigs. Honestly, it was just disgusting. I can’t imagine playing a third set right now.”

 

Isner thanked fans for hanging around under tough conditions late into the night. “I never want to be the last match,” Isner said. “And it’s raining. Thanks for staying until the end. I probably would have left.” With Mardy Fish out due to a turned ankle, Isner will not get the much anticipated rematch with last year’s champion he’d hoped for but will face rival Andy Roddick in a marquee match up to advance to the finals.

 

Roddick made the semis by defeating fellow American Michael Russell 6-3, 6-4 in a two set match that lasted only an hour and 12 minutes. Two-time Olympian Roddick, clad in American stars and stripes tennis shoes, used his powerful serve landing 12 aces to dominate Russell in the match. “I felt good. The hot weather helps. It gives you different options.” Roddick said. “You can kind of go with kicks, slices because everything works in this hot weather. I felt like I could make some speeds pretty accurately. I compare it to pitching a good ballgame. I felt like I could throw any pitch for a strike tonight.”

 

Number 8 seed Go Soeda upset fellow countryman 3rd seed Kei Nishikori in a historic match to advance to the semis 6-2, 6-1. The two players met for the first time in Open Era history (since 1968) with the match broadcast live in Japan during the wee hours of the morning. The only other time two Japanese players met was in 1973 when Jun Kuki defeated Takeshi in Osaka.  Playing with nothing to lose, Go Soeda, 27, overpowered his higher ranked opponent with aggressive ground strokes that pushed Nishikori, 22, far beyond the baseline.  He will face Gilles Muller of Luxembourg who defeated Matthew Ebden of Australia 6-4, 6-4. In doubles action, Colin Fleming (GBR) and Ross Hutchins (GBR) will square off with Matthew Ebden (AUS) and Ryan Harrison (USA) while Xavier Malisse (BEL) and Michael Russell (USA) will see Raven Klaasen (RSA) and Donald Young (USA) to determine who will advance to the finals.

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Audraine Jackson is covering the BB&T Atlanta Open for Tennis Panorama News July 14-22, 2012. Audraine is a sports blogger, digital journalist and tennis addict. Follow her live updates on @tennisnewsTPN and personal twitter account @atlstoryteller.

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Atlanta Results

RESULTS – FRIDAY, 20 JULY, 2012

Singles – Quarter-finals
[1] J Isner (USA) d [WC] J Sock (USA) 76(7) 64
[8] G Soeda (JPN) d [3] K Nishikori (JPN) 62 61
[4] A Roddick (USA) d M Russell (USA) 63 64
G Muller (LUX) d M Ebden (AUS) 64 64

Doubles – Quarter-finals
M Ebden (AUS) / R Harrison (USA) d K Anderson (RSA) / R De Voest (RSA) 67(2) 64 10-4
R Klaasen (RSA) / D Young (USA) d C Ebelthite (AUS) / M Matosevic (AUS) 64 75

 

SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, 21 JULY, 2012

STADIUM COURT start 1:00 pm
[8] G Soeda (JPN) vs G Muller (LUX)
[1] C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) vs M Ebden (AUS) / R Harrison (USA)

Not Before 7:00 PM
[1] J Isner (USA) vs [4] A Roddick (USA)
X Malisse (BEL) / M Russell (USA) vs R Klaasen (RSA) / D Young (USA)

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Men’s Team USA Tennis Recognized at BB&T Atlanta Open

Jay Berger photo by Audraine Jackson

By Audraine Jackson

Atlanta, GA USA – The US Olympic tennis men’s singles team was introduced to a cheering audience at the BB&T Atlanta Open by tournament director Bob Bryant prior to the featured match between John Isner and Ruben Bemelmans. The introduction was preceded by a video montage highlighting American accomplishments in previous Olympic games including the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympics held a few miles south of the venue location.

 

The event is the last tournament before the 2012 Olympics in London, July 28 – August 5, hosting 12 participants from a variety of countries. Jay Berger, Team USA tennis coach was on hand as part of the introduction. Berger has been the USTA Player Development Head of Men’s Tennis since 2008. The crowd applauded and cheered in a standing ovation for Atlanta native Donald Young who was named first, followed by Ryan Harrison and University of Georgia’s John Isner. Fourth team member Andy Roddick who is also part of the tournament was not present at the introduction. 1984 Olympian and Atlanta native Evander Holyfield joined the lineup on court as the crowd chanted “USA, USA” while waving Team USA flags.

 

Coach Berger, who has spent the week in Atlanta talked about the exciting opportunity for the team and helping players manage the distractions that may come along with a world staged event.  “The Olympics are just an incredible event overall. To participate in China was amazing and to be able to go over there and hopefully help these guys be able to win medals is something I will really cherish the rest of my life and hopefully I will be able to make a difference in how we do over there.” He says he will help players try to balance out the Olympic experience keeping them focused on the main goal while understanding the importance of non-tennis events like the Opening Ceremonies and the atmosphere of the Olympic Village along with any logistical barriers.

 

The tennis competition will be staged at the grass courts at Wimbledon. Young, Harrison and Isner will be making their Olympic debut while Roddick will make his second appearance. 2008 Bronze medalists Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan will return in doubles. Isner and Roddick, who have never teamed before, will round out the men’s US doubles. On the women’s side, undefeated two-time gold medalist Serena Williams will represent the US in singles along with her sister, three time gold medalist Venus Williams, Christina McHale and Varvara Lepchenko. The world’s number 1 doubles team of Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond will compete along with the Williams sisters who are undefeated in Olympic doubles seeking to gain their third gold medal since 2008.

 

The US has taken home 17 Olympic medals in previous years in men’s and women’s tennis, more than any other nation. Andre Agassi is the last American male to win Olympic gold in men’s singles when he defeated Spain’s Sergi Bruguera in Atlanta in ’96. The last gold in doubles for the US was won by Ken Flach and Robert Seguso when they defeated Spain’s Sergio Casal and Emilio Sanchez at the 1998 Seoul games.

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Audraine Jackson is covering the BB&T Atlanta Open for Tennis Panorama News July 14-22, 2012. Audraine is a sports blogger, digital journalist and tennis addict. Follow her live updates on @tennisnewsTPN and personal twitter account @atlstoryteller.

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Isner Advances, Fish Withdraws in BB&T Atlanta Open

John Isner photo by Audraine Jackson

By Audraine Jackson

ATLANTA, Georgia – Three of the four top seeds advance in the BB&T Atlanta Open. Hometown favorite John Isner gave fans what they came to see by handling Ruben Bemelmans 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 advancing to the quarterfinals. A few unforced errors by his opponent allowed the former UGA All-American to go up 5-4 before closing out the first set. Bemelmans of Belgium gave Isner all he could handle at times but it was his consistent serving scoring 16 aces in the match that made the difference.  “This event helped me build my confidence a lot going into the Olympics”, said Isner.  “I don’t like playing lefties. He’d won four matches already. It’s never easy playing a qualifier. I knew it was going to be tough.”

While most players experienced rain delays, one lasting more than five hours Wednesday, the featured singles match had a 25 minute lighting delay when a circuit breaker overheated. Fans took the opportunity to start an impromptu wave while Isner took the time to adjust his game and his attire. “I was sort of rushing prior to the lights going out. I had changed my clothes completely. I was gross. What took the longest was redoing my socks and ankle bracelets. That takes forever, and I felt bad. When the lights came off, it gave me a lot of time. But I’d rather deal with that than deal with rain.”

Two-time defending champion Mardy Fish will not have an opportunity to earn a third consecutive Atlanta tour title after being forced to withdraw due to injury.  Fish was leading Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 6-4, 3-2 when he stumbled going for a drop shot injuring his left ankle. “I didn’t have my complete balance and I was coming so close to the net. I was going to go head first into the post,” said Fish. “So I did everything I could to bring my head back. That brought my right leg out sort of sliding, jarring it back.  It was going to be my knee or my ankle or my head.” Fish will await the results of an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.  This year has been a challenging one for the 12th ranked player who recently rejoined the tour after undergoing surgery to address severe arrhythmia.

Australia’s Matthew Ebden advanced after defeating James Blake in their first ever match 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-4. Ebden referred to Blake as a dangerous offensive player that you sort of have to get on the attack against because if you let him attack too much, he’s too good to beat himself. Blake seemed to struggle in the hot and humid conditions appearing to cramp a few times during play.

Jack Sock faced fellow American Steve Johnson showing incredible resiliency prevailing 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) in a battle of two wild cards. Two Japanese players will face each other for first time in an ATP quarterfinal as number 3 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan plays Go Soeda, the 8th seed.

All players, including those with a bye have had an opportunity to play on the in town courts with the back drop of a city skyline surrounded by hotels, shops, restaurants and exhibits. “Nothing against the past two venues,” said Isner. “But this is just spectacular. Especially for a 250 event, it’s just cut pretty much right into the city and its right in this great area here in Atlantic Station and there’s a lot going on. When I first saw it on Monday I was pretty impressed. I had seen pictures of it but I really didn’t expect it to be this nice.”

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Audraine Jackson is covering the BB&T Atlanta Open for Tennis Panorama News July 14-22, 2012. Audraine is a sports blogger, digital journalist and tennis addict. Follow her live updates on @tennisnewsTPN and personal twitter account @atlstoryteller.

RESULTS

Thursday’s Second-Round Singles Scores

Matthew Ebden, Australia, def. James Blake, U.S., 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4

Gilles Muller, Luxembourg, def. (2) Mardy Fish, U.S., 4-6, 2-3, retired

(wc) Jack Sock, U.S., def. (wc) Steve Johnson, U.S., 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5)

(1) John Isner, U.S., def. (q) Ruben Bemelmans, Belgium, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

Thursday’s Doubles Scores

Raven Klaasen, South Africa-Donald Young, U.S., def. (2) Santiago Gonzalez, Mexico-Scott Lipsky, U.S., 6-2, 7-6 (5)

Colin Fleming, Great Britain-Ross Hutchins, Great Britain, def. Lukas Dlouhy, Czech Republic-Nicolas Mahut, France, 7-6 (2), 6-2

Matthew Ebden, Australia, def. Ryan Harrison, U.S., def. (3) Treat Huey, Philippines-Dominic Inglot, Great Britain, 6-3, 7-5

Kevin Anderson, South Africa-Rik De Voest, South Africa, def. Paolo Lorenzi, Italy-Rajeev Ram, U.S., 6-3, 6-7 (3), 10-6

Xavier Malisse, Belgium-Michael Russell, U.S, def. (4) Jamie Delgado, Great Britain-Ken Skupski, Great Britain, 7-6 (0), 6-4

Colin Ebelthite (AUS) / Marinko Matosevic (AUS) def. [WC] Kevin King (USA) / Ignacio Taboada (USA) 7-5, 7-5

Friday’s Quarterfinal Schedule

Matthew Ebden, Australia, vs. Gilles Muller, Luxembourg

Go Soeda (8), Japan vs. Kei Nishikori (3), Japan

Andy Roddick (4), U.S., vs. Michael Russell, U.S.

John Isner (1), U.S., or Ruben Bemelmans, Belgium, vs. (wc) Jack Sock, U.S.

Matthew Ebden, Australia-Ryan Harrison, U.S. vs. Kevin Anderson, South Africa-Rik De Voest, South Africa

Colin Ebelthite, Australia-Marinko Matosevic, Australia  vs. Raven Klaasen, South Africa-Donald Young, U.S.

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