2013/05/21

Djokovic and Sharapova Cruise, Del Potro Ousted, Azarenka Withdraws in Miami

Novak Djokovic at BNP Paribas Open players' party

(March 22, 2013) No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Maria Sharapova cruised, while Juan Martin Del Potro and Victoria Azarenka exited the Sony Open on Friday.

Azarenka withdrew from Miami citing an ankle injury she sustained playing the BNP Paribas Open last week.

“I’m very disappointed … But I have to take my health into consideration,” said Azarenka. “I tried everything I could but couldn’t make it. It’s an unfortunate part of our job.”

Azarenka’s withdrawal gave American “lucky loser” Lauren Davis a spot in the draw which she took advantage of when saved three match points in beating countrywoman Madison Keys 6-1, 5-7, 7-6(7).

“I just hoped and I wished and I prayed that I would get in,” said Davis to media. “I was just so happy. I didn’t care if I won or lost. I just was so grateful for the opportunity to play.”

Del Potro had a shocking loss to Germany’s Tobias Kamke 7-6, 6-1.

“I mean, we had some long and tough rallies, but I expected him to play like a little bit faster and that he puts more pressure on me and he gave me a little time, so it helped me a lot in the beginning, “ noted Kamke.

“And, yeah, I saved two set points on 5‑2, and somehow I came back in that set and had the chance to win it.  Second set after the break I felt even better.  Then he missed in the beginning some easy forehands, I think, and he was a little bit frustrated, I think.

“He didn’t play obviously his best tennis, but still I think I did a good job and pretty satisfied with that.”

“Just a bad day and he play really well,” Del Potro told media after the match.  “He took the chance to beat me tonight, and I think that’s it.”

“I never played against him until today.  But he’s a good player, of course.”

The match was interrupted by a rain delay.

Sharapova strolled 6-2 6-0 win over Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard. The only thing that slowed down the Russian was the half hour power outage during the night session which. There was also a three hour rain delay earlier which pushed the match schedule back.

“I have been on the tour for many years and I have been part of a few delays” Sharapova said.  “Maybe not a power outage, but you treat it as maybe a rain delay and you go in, and as soon as you have to get out and just be ready, do a quick warmup, and be ready for the match.”

Djokovic’s game certainly had no power shortage. The two-time defending Sony Open champion dismantled Lukas Rosol 6-1, 6-0 raising his Miami win streak to 13 matches in a row. The match followed the Sharapova win on Stadium court.

“It is a great start,” said Djokovic. “After Indian Wells, I tried to rest. There are different conditions here, but tonight was perfect for tennis. I enjoyed every moment of it and I love this court.”

“I probably had a seven-hour delay in Indian Wells before the fourth round, so this was a mild delay,” laughed a jovial Djokovic. “The hotel where we are staying is nearby, so it’s convenient to rest and prepare.”

David Ferrer, the third seed advanced to the next round when his opponent when Dmitry Tursunov pulled out with acute gastroenteritis.

I’m happy to still be out here playing,  said  the 33-yeat-old world No. 95 James Blake who took out No. 27 Julien Benneteau 6-2, 6-3. “Every year it seems like there is new challenges and stuff and now at this age it’s the challenge of still trying to get better and still trying to improve is not as easy as when I was 22 and 23 still learning a ton of stuff.”

“It’s just a matter of still enjoying it so much that it makes it worth it, “  the American wildcard added.  Days like today make it absolutely worth it.  Makes it a lot of fun.

Karen Pestaina for Tennis Panorama

Friday, March 22 2013

WTA Singles – Second Round
*[LL] L Davis (USA) d. [WC] M Keys (USA) 61 57 76(7) – saved 3 M.P.
[3] M Sharapova (RUS) d. [WC] E Bouchard (CAN) 62 60
[6] A Kerber (GER) d. F Schiavone (ITA) 67(5) 63 62
[8] S Errani (ITA) d. D Hantuchova (SVK) 63 61
[11] N Petrova (RUS) d. J Zheng (CHN) 63 61
[12] A Ivanovic (SRB) d. U Radwanska (POL) 62 61
[14] M Kirilenko (RUS) d. [Q] B Mattek-Sands (USA) 61 64
[15] R Vinci (ITA) d. C Mchale (USA) 67(2) 61 63
S Kuznetsova (RUS) d. [18] E Makarova (RUS) 64 64
[20] C Suarez Navarro (ESP) d. J Hampton (USA) 57 75 76(3) – saved 1 M.P.
[21] K Zakopalova (CZE) d. A Medina Garrigues (ESP) 63 76(3)
[22] J Jankovic (SRB) d. [WC] V Duval (USA) 63 75
S Halep (ROU) d. [26] T Paszek (AUT) 61 67(4) 75
[28] S Cirstea (ROU) d. [Q] S Soler-Espinosa (ESP) 26 75 62
[29] E Vesnina (RUS) d. [Q] D Vekic (CRO) 64 62
[32] A Cornet (FRA) d. L Robson (GBR) 57 75 61

*[LL] L Davis (USA) replaced [2] V Azarenka (BLR) – right ankle

WTA Doubles – First Round
[WC] S Kuznetsova (RUS) / F Pennetta (ITA) vs [2] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Hradecka (CZE) – cancelled
[4] E Makarova (RUS) / E Vesnina (RUS) d. N Grandin (RSA) / V Uhlirova (CZE) 67(5) 63 10-6
[5] L Huber (USA) / M Martinez Sanchez (ESP) vs K Mladenovic (FRA) / G Voskoboeva (KAZ) – cancelled
A Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) / L Safarova (CZE) vs [WC] G Muguruza (ESP) / F Schiavone (ITA) – cancelled
I Begu (ROU) / A Rosolska (POL) vs *[Alt] T Malek (GER) / T Tanasugarn (THA) 55 – postponed

*[Alt] T Malek (GER) / T Tanasugarn (THA) replaced M Erakovic (NZL) / H Watson (GBR) – Watson (left adductor)
ATP Singles – Second Round
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) d L Rosol (CZE) 61 60
[3] D Ferrer (ESP) d [Q] D Tursunov (RUS) w/o (acute gastroenteritis)
T Kamke (GER) d [5] J Del Potro (ARG) 76(5) 61
[7] J Tipsarevic (SRB) d [Q] D Sela (ISR) 62 64
[11] G Simon (FRA) d [WC] L Hewitt (AUS) 63 63
A Ramos (ESP) d [12] J Monaco (ARG) 62 46 63
[13] K Nishikori (JPN) d V Hanescu (ROU) 63 63
[15] T Haas (GER) d I Sijsling (NED) 60 57 63
[19] A Dolgopolov (UKR) d N Davydenko (RUS) 62 63
X Malisse (BEL) d [22] J Chardy (FRA) 63 62
G Zemlja (SLO) d [23] F Mayer (GER) 63 76(3)
[WC] J Blake (USA) d [24] J Benneteau (FRA) 62 63
[26] K Anderson (RSA) d H Zeballos (ARG) 63 76(4)
J Melzer (AUT) d [31] M Granollers (ESP) 63 64
[32] F Fognini (ITA) d M Llodra (FRA) 64 61
S Devvarman (IND) d [LL] E Roger-Vasselin* (FRA) 46 64 75

*[LL] E Roger-Vasselin (FRA) replaced [30] F Lopez (ESP) (left wrist injury)

ATP Doubles – First Round
M Mirnyi (BLR) / M Youzhny (RUS) d [1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) 64 26 10-5
[3] M Bhupathi (IND) / D Nestor (CAN) d R Gasquet (FRA) / E Roger-Vasselin (FRA) 76(3) 63
[4] R Lindstedt (SWE) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d M Klizan (SVK) / A Seppi (ITA) 76(7) 64
D Marrero (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP) d [6] A Peya (AUT) / B Soares (BRA) 75 64
M Cilic (CRO) / L Dlouhy (CZE) d D Bracciali (ITA) / J Knowle (AUT) 76(10) 62

 

SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, 23 MARCH, 2013

STADIUM start 11:00 am
[25] V Lepchenko (USA) vs [5] N Li (CHN) – WTA

Not Before 1:00 PM
[6] J Tsonga (FRA) vs V Troicki (SRB) – ATP
B Tomic (AUS) vs [2] A Murray (GBR) – ATP

Not Before 4:30 PM
[19] V Williams (USA) vs [16] S Stephens (USA) – WTA

Not Before 8:00 PM
[1] S Williams (USA) vs A Morita (JPN) – WTA

Not Before 9:30 PM
[25] F Verdasco (ESP) vs A Falla (COL) – ATP

GRANDSTAND start 11:00 am
[8] R Gasquet (FRA) vs [Q] O Rochus (BEL) – ATP

Not Before 1:00 PM
[4] A Radwanska (POL) vs M Rybarikova (SVK) – WTA
[20] J Isner (USA) vs I Dodig (CRO) – ATP
[14] M Raonic (CAN) vs [Q] G Rufin (FRA) – ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
D Gimeno-Traver (ESP) vs [4] T Berdych (CZE) – ATP

COURT 1 start 11:00 am
L Kubot (POL) vs [17] S Querrey (USA) – ATP
T Bellucci (BRA) vs [21] J Janowicz (POL) – ATP
[WC] G Pella (ARG) vs [10] N Almagro (ESP) – ATP
S Giraldo (COL) vs [9] M Cilic (CRO) – ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
R Oprandi (SUI) vs [13] D Cibulkova (SVK) – WTA

COURT 2 start 11:00 am
[WC] A Petkovic (GER) vs [WC] A Tomljanovic (CRO) – WTA
[9] C Wozniacki (DEN) vs [WC] G Muguruza (ESP) – WTA
[30] K Flipkens (BEL) vs [7] P Kvitova (CZE) – WTA
C Fleming (GBR) / J Marray (GBR) vs L Kubot (POL) / J Tipsarevic (SRB) – ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
I Dodig (CRO) / M Melo (BRA) vs [WC] L Hewitt (AUS) / B Tomic (AUS) – ATP-After Suitable Rest

COURT 3 start 11:00 am
[18] P Kohlschreiber (GER) vs D Goffin (BEL) – ATP
J Nieminen (FIN) vs [27] M Klizan (SVK) – ATP
[29] G Dimitrov (BUL) vs S Bolelli (ITA) – ATP
T Bellucci (BRA) / H Zeballos (ARG) vs [8] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) – ATP

COURT 6 start 11:00 am
V Dushevina (RUS) / A Parra Santonja (ESP) vs M Moulton-Levy (USA) / S Zhang (CHN) – WTA
E Butorac (USA) / P Hanley (AUS) vs R Bopanna (IND) / R Ram (USA) – ATP

Not Before 3:00 PM
[1] S Errani (ITA) / R Vinci (ITA) vs K Date-Krumm (JPN) / C Dellacqua (AUS) – WTA
[5] L Huber (USA) / M Martinez Sanchez (ESP) vs K Mladenovic (FRA) / G Voskoboeva (KAZ) – WTA
I Begu (ROU) / A Rosolska (POL) vs [Alt] T Malek (GER) / T Tanasugarn (THA) 55 – WTA

COURT 7 start 11:00 am
[16] A Seppi (ITA) vs A Bedene (SLO) – ATP
T Haas (GER) / X Malisse (BEL) vs J Melzer (AUT) / P Petzschner (GER) – ATP

Not Before 3:00 PM
Y Lu (TPE) vs [28] M Youzhny (RUS) – ATP
G Simon (FRA) / V Troicki (SRB) vs [2] M Granollers (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP) – ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
[WC] C Harrison (USA) / R Harrison (USA) vs G Dimitrov (BUL) / F Nielsen (DEN) – ATP-After Suitable Rest

COURT 8 start 11:00 am
C Black (ZIM) / A Rodionova (AUS) vs J Gajdosova (AUS) / S Lisicki (GER) – WTA
[WC] S Kuznetsova (RUS) / F Pennetta (ITA) vs [2] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Hradecka (CZE) – WTA
H Chan (TPE) / J Husarova (SVK) vs [3] N Petrova (RUS) / K Srebotnik (SLO) – WTA
E Birnerova (CZE) / V Lepchenko (USA) vs [7] B Mattek-Sands (USA) / S Mirza (IND) – WTA
A Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) / L Safarova (CZE) vs [WC] G Muguruza (ESP) / F Schiavone (ITA) – WTA

 

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Sony Open Announces Opening Week Featured Matches Schedule

Sony Oprn Tennis

MIAMI, Fla. (www.SonyOpenTennis.com) – Wednesday’s day session features tennis from former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt. The night session on Wednesday features matchup with former World No. 4 James Blake taking on fellow American Ryan Harrison.

On Thursday, March 21,  15-time major champion and World No. 1 Serena Williams opening her 2013 Sony Open during the day session along with former World No. 3 David Nalbandian making his tournament debut. Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will take court during the evening session, as well as Christian Harrison, an emerging American star and younger brother of Ryan Harrison.

The day and night sessions on Friday, March 22 will feature World No. 7 Juan Martin Del Potro, World No. 5 David Ferrer, and World No. 2 Maria Sharapova during the day. World No. 1 and two-time defending Sony Open champion Novak Djokovic will highlight the Friday evening session as he looks to win a record three consecutive Sony Open titles.

World No. 3 and last year’s U.S. Open Champion Andy Murray and World No. 8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will headline the Saturday day sessions as they start-up their opening rounds. Murray, the 2009 Sony Open champion will attempt to avenge his finals loss in 2012 to Novak Djokovic.

Wednesday, March 20:
Day Session – Lleyton Hewitt vs. Joao Sousa
7:30 p.m. – James Blake vs. Ryan Harrison
Christina McHale vs. Anett Kontaveit

Thursday, March 21:
Day Session – Serena Williams vs. TBD
David Nalbandian vs. Jarkko Nieminen
7:30 p.m. – Venus Williams vs. TBD,
Christian Harrison vs. Thomas Bellucci

Friday, March 22:
Day Session – Juan Martin Del Potro vs. TBD
David Ferrer vs. TBD
Maria Sharapova vs. TBD
7:30 p.m. – Novak Djokovic vs. TBD

Saturday, March 23:
Day Session – Andy Murray vs. TBD
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. TBD

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Kourtin’ Karen’s Tennis News Week in Review

delpoNadalStillerdoubles

(March 11, 2013) NEW YORK, NY –  Kourtin’ Karen takes brief look at the week that was week in the offbeat world of tennis.

15-0

BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden in New York City

March 4 was World Tennis Day. BNP Paribas sponsored two showdowns -  in Hong Kong and the other in New York City.

Highlight of the Madison Square Garden event – Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro were in the middle of the second set of the showdown whe Nadal pulled out Ben Stiller to play with him. Del Potro brought out 9-yeear-old left Rebecca Suarez who proved to be the best player on the court for the “doubles” match

 

BNP Paribas Showdown Debuts in Hong Kong with Wozniacki, Radwanska, McEnroe and Lendl

 

15-15

Jelena Jankovic’s Fila Heritage Carwash tennis dress at Indian Wells

Jelena JankovicJ Jankovic skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30-15

BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party

_MG_0377

On the Green Carpet – Photos from the 2013 BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party

Many of those in the tennis media are not really fans of these type of events and exhibitions, but it draws people who are not normally fans of the game. I’m for whatever draws people to watch tennis.

All of the majors should have a “red carpet” event like this. It’s all in good fun and fans and journalists alike can play “Fashion Police.”

 

 

30-30

No American Men in the Top 20?

With John Isner’s loss to Lleyton Hewitt in his first match at the BNP Paribas Open, depending on how Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish do, there would be no US men in the top 20 of the rankings – this has never happened since the rankings began in 1973.

 

30-40

TMZ Alert

TMZ as well as other media outlets were reporting that there was an arrest warrant out for Jennifer Capriati in conjunction with an alleged assault on her ex-boyfriend Ivan Brannan. Capriati’s publicist denied reports that a warrant had been issued for her arrest.

“What happened has been over-exaggerated. When the full story comes out Jennifer will be vindicated of these charges,” said the spokesperson in a written statement.

 

Deuce

Redfoo sightings

Victoria Azarenka and Redfoo

_MG_0241

Let’s face it,  pop singer Redfoo is here to stay.  Not only is he a big tennis fan, he supports a USTA Pro Circuit event – the Party Rock Open and is now the significant other of No. 2 Victoria Azarenka.

 

Advantage exhibitions

Pete Sampras adn Novak Djokovic

Tennis was back in Los Angeles with the LA Tennis Challenge featuring, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Mardy Fish, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan.

Djokovic, Sampras, Fish and the Bryan Brothers Among Those to Particpate in LA Tennis Challenge

 

 

Deuce look-a-likes

thing1 &thing2_MG_0415

Separated at birth, the hair anyway – Redfoo and Thing 1 and Thing 2 of Dr. Seuss fame.

 

Advantage Karaoke

 1-DSC_0957-001V. Azarenka

In the post-match news conference at the BNP Paribas Showdown, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka announced that they revealed that they will be shooting a karaoke video to Rihanna’s “Stay.”

Deuce

The Rumor Mill

"Austin Powers" and Caroline Wozniacki

“Austin Powers” and Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki put to bed rumors that she and her boyfriend golfer Rory McIlroy had split.

A British tabloid speculated that the reason the golfer had pulled out of the Honda Classic was due to relationship problems with Wozniacki. Meanwhile, why did Wozniacki attend the BNP Paribas Open Players party with Austin Powers. (See above photo)

 

Advantage news

Tennis will introduce biological passports this year and increase the number of blood tests.

Nadal Returns to Hardcourt with Indian Wells Win; Still Unhappy with 25-Second Rule

 

Mardy Fish

Game, Set and Match – Welcome back Mardy Fish

Mardy Fish has returned to the tour from a heart ailment, his first event since the US Open.

 

Photo galleries from the past week

Photos by Curt Janka, Jennifer Knapp, Maria Noble and Karen Pestaina.

 

 

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On the Green Carpet – Photos from the 2013 BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party

Victoria Azarenka and Redfoo

Victoria Azarenka and Redfoo

"Austin Powers" and Caroline Wozniacki

“Austin Powers” and Caroline Wozniacki

(March 7, 2013) INDIAN WELLS, California – The BNP Paribas Open held their players’ party at the IW club on Thursday night. The tennis players drove up to the “Green Carpet” in classic cars included  Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Victoria Azarenka, Redfoo, Sloane Stephens, Petra Kvitova, Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, John Isner, Agnieszka Radwanska, Sam Stosur, James Blake, David Ferrer,  and a host of others including Austin Powers.

Photos by Curt Janka and Maria Noble. Follow Tennis Panorama News’ BNP Paribas Open coverage here and on our twitter @TennisNewsTPN.

 

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Djokovic, Sampras, Fish and the Bryan Brothers Among Those to Particpate in LA Tennis Challenge

_MG_0387

(March 4, 2013) LOS ANGELES – The inaugural LA Tennis Challenge took place on Monday night on the campus of UCLA at the recently renovated Pauley Pavilion. Participating in the event to raise money for charity were world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, Former No. 1 and member of the tennis Hall of Fame Pete Sampras, Bob and Mike Bryan, James Blake, Tommy Haas and former player Justin Gimelstob.

Los Angeles’ ATP World Tour event, the Farmers Classic, their license was sold to Colombian investors who took it to their home country. Former UCLA Bruin Gimelstob wants to keep pro tennis alive in Los Angeles and organized the event.

Singles and doubles exhibition matches took place including Djokovic pairing with his idol Sampras.

Celebrities in attendance included actress Jodie Foster, actor Bruce Willis and actor/comedian and tennis fan Rainn Wilson.

Proceeds from the event are to benefit the Justin Gimelstob Children’s Fund, the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation, the Novak Djokovic Foundation, Call to Cure and the Southern California Tennis Association’s community tennis initiatives.

 

All photos by Maria Noble

 

 

 

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Hewitt, Blake and Haas Commit to Houston

houston

(February 28, 2013) HOUSTON – Former champions Lleyton Hewitt (2009) and Tommy Haas (2004) as well as former finalist James Blake (2008) are among the players added to the field for the 2013 US Men’s Clay Court Championship as the preliminary entry list was released this week. Twenty-three players, including six ranked within the Top 25 on the ATP World Tour, have committed to the 28-player field for the tournament at River Oaks Country Club April 8-14.

Hewitt, a two-time Grand Slam champion from Australia, and Germany’s Haas headline a list of international stars in the event that includes defending champion Juan Monaco from Argentina, France’s Gael Monfils and Spaniard’s Nicolas Almagro and Fernando Verdasco.

Blake, a former Top 5 player, is among a group of seven Americans that includes 2012 River Oaks runner-up John Isner, 2010 finalist Sam Querrey, Ryan Harrison, Tim Smyczek, Houston resident Michael Russell and wild card recipient Jack Sock.

“Getting the entry list always gives everyone around River Oaks a little energy boost because it means the tournament is now less than six weeks away,” said Tournament Director Van Barry. “With the players that has signed up for the 2013 tournament, I anticipate a lot of excitement for this tournament. It’s such a deep field, I think every day of the week will have plenty of stars and quality matches.”

Here are the first 22 entries for the 213 US Men’s Clay Court Championship, with their nationality and ranking as of Monday, Feb. 25:
Nicolas Almagro (Spain) 12
Martin Alund (Argentina) 91
Ricardas Berankis (Lithuania) 87
Carlos Berlocq (Argentina) 75
James Blake (USA) 99
Flavio Cipolla (Italy) 100
Somdev Devvarman (India) 85*
Tommy Haas (Germany) 19
Ryan Harrison (USA) 76
Lleyton Hewitt (Australia) 98
John Isner (USA) 15
Jesse Levine (Canada) 95
Paolo Lorenzi (Italy) 57
Leonardo Mayer (Argentina) 77
Juan Monaco (Argentina) 14
Guido Pella (Argentina) 88
Sam Querrey (USA) 23
Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo (Spain) 96
Michael Russell (USA) 72
Tim Smyczek (USA) 101
Jack Sock (USA) 130
Fernando Verdasco (Spain) 24
*Protected Ranking

One more player will join the field as wild cards while four more players will advance into the main draw through the qualifying tournament that will be held begin April 6 at River Oaks.

In addition to these singles players, four-time doubles champion the Bryan Brothers will return to River Oaks. The twin brothers Bob and Mike are the World No. 1 doubles team. They own the record for Grand Slam titles with 13 together as well as total career titles together with 85.

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Hewitt, Blake and Nalbandian Named Sony Open Men’s Wildcards

 

MIAMI, Fla. (www.sonyopentennis.com) – The 2013 Sony Open has announced three men’s wildcard entries featuring former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, former World No. 4 James Blake and former World No. 6 David Nalbandian.

 

The women’s main draw will begin Tuesday, March 19, while the men’s main draw kicks-off on Wednesday, March 20. The men’s and women’s qualifying rounds start Monday, March 18.

 

Blake will be making his return to South Florida in a quest to improve on his career-best quarter-final showings in 2006 and 2008. Hewitt, a two-time Grand Slam champion, is hoping to advance to his first finals appearance at the Sony Open while David Nalbandian, a former Wimbledon runner-up is looking to return to the form that helped him win 11 career ATP singles titles.

 

Hewitt is  a former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion.  Nalbandian hopes to continue his promising start to the 2013 season after finishing runner-up at the Brasil Open in February.

The 2013 Sony Open will be played March 18-April 31 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG. The Sony Open is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 Series events on the ATP calendar, a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA calendar, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world. In 2012 Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray for his third Sony Open title, while Agnieszka Radwanska knocked off Maria Sharapova to capture her first title in Miami.

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BNP Paribas Open Names Wildcards – Includes Nalbandian, Blake and Date-Krumm

(February 27, 2013) INDIAN WELLS, Calif., – Former top-five players David Nalbandian, Tommy Robredo, James Blake and Kimiko Date-Krumm; Americans Tim Smyczek, Steve Johnson, Madison Keys, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Maria Sanchez, Melanie Oudin and Taylor Townsend; and Shahar Peer and Kristina Mladenovic were granted wildcards into the main draws of the BNP Paribas Open, to be held March 4 – 17 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, it was announced today by Steve Simon, tournament director.

David Nalbandian has won 11 ATP World Tour titles since turning professional in 2000 and reached the 2002 Wimbledon finals in his first appearance at the event. The Argentine and former World No. 3 will be making his tenth appearance at the BNP Paribas Open. Last year in Indian Wells, Nalbandian equaled his best result, reaching the quarterfinals for the second time in his career.

Former World No. 5 Tommy Robredo is continuing his comeback to the ATP World Tour after an injury derailed much of his 2012 season. The Spaniard has won 10 career titles and has reached five Grand Slam quarterfinals. American James Blake, former World No. 4, also has 10 career titles and defeated then-World No. 2 Rafael Nadal to reach the 2006 BNP Paribas Open finals. Kimiko Date-Krumm turned pro in 1989 and is currently the oldest player in the top 100 at 43 years old. The former World No. 4 has eight career singles titles and four doubles titles, including one in 2013 at Pattaya City.

In addition to Blake, seven other Americans have been granted wildcards into the main draws including two-time NCAA Champion from USC Steve Johnson, who reached the third round of the 2012 US Open; Milwaukee native Tim Smyczek, who is at a career-high ranking just outside the top 100 and pushed World No. 4 David Ferrer to four sets at the 2013 Australian Open; 19-year-old breakout star Madison Keys, who has already defeated five top-50 players in 2013 and cracked the top 80 earlier this month; WTA veteran Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who won the 2012 Australian Open Mixed Doubles title; another USC standout – Maria Sanchez, who is at a career-high ranking after jumping 560 ranking places in 2012 – more than any other player in the WTA; Georgia native Melanie Oudin captured her first WTA title last year in Birmingham (UK); and 17-year-old Taylor Townsend, who turned professional in 2012 after reaching the top of the junior rankings earlier that year.

Two other international players receiving main draw wildcards are Israeli Shahar Peer, who was a BNP Paribas Open quarterfinalist in 2007 and 2011 and reached a career-high ranking of No. 11 and French teenager Kristina Mladenovic, who is at a career-high ranking after defeating three top-25 players to reach the Paris semifinals earlier this year.

“This year’s main draw wildcards span from seasoned veterans, to rising American and international stars to those returning from injury,” said Simon. “Awarding wildcards to players like David Nalbandian, James Blake, Madison Keys and Taylor Townsend add to the allure of early-round matches for fans and provide the potential for these deserving athletes to break through and make a move up their respective Tour’s rankings.

Qualifying wildcards were given to Americans Christian Harrison, Jack Sock, Rhyne Williams, Dennis Novikov, Grace Min, Jessica Pegula and Irina Falconi, German Andrea Petkovic and Croatian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Harrison, the 18-year-old younger brother of American No. 6 Ryan Harrison, reached the quarterfinals in doubles with his brother at the 2012 US Open and is making his debut to the BNP Paribas Open. Sock is at a career-high ranking after reaching his first ATP World Tour quarterfinal in Memphis earlier this month. Williams, a former University of Tennessee standout, is also at a career-high ranking after capturing the ATP Challenger tour title in Dallas. Novikov, who won the 2012 BNP Paribas Open pre-qualifying tournament, is now a sophomore playing at UCLA and won the 2012 USTA Boys Championships in Kalamazoo. Min won the 2011 US Open Junior Championship and three ITF titles in 2012. Pegula won two matches in the qualifying tournament to reach the 2012 BNP Paribas Open main draw. Falconi cracked the WTA top 100 in 2011 and has won 4 ITF singles titles.

Petkovic is a former World No. 9 and has reached the quarterfinals in every Grand Slam. She is returning to tennis after a series of injuries kept her from competing consistently for more than a year. Tomljanovic has three ITF singles and 3 ITF doubles titles.

In addition to the aforementioned qualifying wildcards, the winners of each pre-qualifying tournament, which takes place February 25 – March 2, will also be granted a berth into the 2013 BNP Paribas Open qualifying draw. Women’s qualifying starts March 4 and men’s qualifying begins March 5 at 10:00am.

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Blake and Haas Added to LA Tennis Challenge

Westwood, Calif., (Feb. 20, 2013) – It would be unfair to say that Tommy Haas’ best tennis is still ahead of him, but there’s no denying the fact that the 34-year-old ATP World Tour veteran is still managing to play some of the best tennis of his career having reached the final of last week’s SAP Open in San Jose.

 

The current world-ranked No. 18-player Haas and former world-ranked No. 4 James Blake have been added to the already stacked lineup card for the inaugural Los Angeles Tennis Challenge featuring World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, Mardy Fish, Pete Sampras and Bob and Mike Bryan to be played March 4 at newly renovated Pauley Pavilion.

 

On Sunday, the former world No. 2 and Olympics silver medalist Haas was beaten by Canadian Milos Raonic, 6-4, 6-3. “I have always loved playing in L.A. and have had some of my best results there winning the LA Open in 2004 and 2006,” Haas said. “It is sad that the LA ATP event is leaving but I am ecstatic that the LA Tennis Challenge can help showcase professional tennis in one of the most important markets in the world.”

 

The LA Tennis Challenge is being promoted by Tennis Channel broadcaster Justin Gimelstob and ATP World Tour star Mardy Fish. Sponsors include Audi, Esurance, K-Swiss, 10sBalls.com and the Los Angeles Daily News.

 

Middle-level general admission tickets and reserved seating are now available starting at $35 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling the UCLA Central Ticket Office at 310-825-2101 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling the event directly at 310-824-1010, ext. 251.

 

“Tommy and James are two of the most talented tennis players of this generation,” Gimelstob said. “Their shot-making and variety will surely entertain the fans at Pauley Pavilion on March 4th. We feel adding Tommy and James will complement an already exceptional field.

 

“The buzz is certainly building for the first LA Tennis Challenge, and we are confident this is shaping up to be a premiere event on both the sports and social calendar in the years to come.”

 

Haas has won one singles title since 2009, beating Roger Federer in Halle last year. Blake is a former world-ranked No. 4.

 

“I’m excited to join the already incredible field at the LA Tennis Challenge,” Blake said. “I’ve been spending a lot more time in LA, and as an American tennis player the loss of the ATP World Tour event is a huge disappointment. We need to start building a new event in Los Angeles and the LA Tennis Challenge is a positive step in that direction. This is a tremendous opportunity to watch some competitive and entertaining tennis, while raising some important funds for great causes.  I am really looking forward to both being there and to participating.”

 

Added Haas: “Justin Gimelstob and Mardy Fish are two of my best friends, and when they asked me to support the event I jumped at the opportunity to help raise money for their foundations. In addition, being able to compete and get some intense match practice against one of my friends and rivals, James Blake, leading into one of my favorite events, the BNP Paribas Open, is ideal.

 

Three exhibition pro-set matches will take place beginning at 7 p.m. Haas will face Blake in the opening singles match while Djokovic will take on Los Angeles resident Fish in singles followed by a doubles match pitting Djokovic and his childhood idol Sampras against Southern California natives Bob and Mike Bryan.

 

“The field for a first-year event is incredible,” Haas concluded. “With guys like Djokovic and Sampras and the Bryan Brothers, and now adding James and me, we will make Pauley Pavilion the place to be the night of March 4th. I can’t wait to be there.”

 

It has also been announced that longtime and respected Southern California Tennis Association Executive Director Henry Talbert will be honored March 4 with the Gussy Moran Humanitarian Award that has been named for the 2007 SCTA Hall of Fame inductee who recently passed away.

 

The LA Tennis Challenge will be broadcast by Tennis Channel in the United States.

 

To learn more about the LA Tennis Challenge go to www.LATennisChallenge.com. Like the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LATennisChallenge and follow on Twitter at @LA10sChallenge. For more information you can email: info@latennischallenge.com.

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James Blake To Be Guest Analyst For Tennis Channel’s Davis Cup Coverage This Weekend

JamesBlakeLeggMason

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2013 – American tennis player  James Blake, whose career includes a top-five ranking and 10 singles titles, will appear as a guest analyst during Tennis Channel’s exclusive first-round Davis Cup coverage this weekend. A Davis Cup team member from 2001-2003 and 2005-2009, Blake played a significant role in helping the U.S. squad capture its first cup in 12 years in 2007, and will offer his unique perspective at the competition between the Americans and initial 2013 opponent Brazil, live beginning Friday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. ET.

 

It is the first time that Blake will appear on television in an analyst’s role. He will share Tennis Channel’s booth with announcer Brett Haber (@BrettHaber) and interact with sideline reporter Ashley Fisher (@ashley_fisher75).

 

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to participate in Tennis Channel’s Davis Cup coverage,” said Blake. “There are few matches in our sport that take place in such a passionate, intense atmosphere. I’ve always loved how energized the crowds are during Davis Cup.”

 

Blake was a fixture of the U.S. Davis Cup team from 2001-2009, with the exception of 2004, which he missed for health reasons, and compiled a 21-12 record for his country. In 2007, en route to winning the championship with fellow stars Andy Roddick and twins Bob and Mike Bryan, Blake posted a 5-2 record, including two wins in the final against Russia. The team was captained by Patrick McEnroe.

 

During a professional career that begin in 1999, Blake has put together a 357-242 record and amassed 10 ATP World Tour titles, among them a 2006 championship at a Las Vegas tournament then owned and aired by Tennis Channel. That same year he reached a career-high No. 4 in the singles rankings, battling all the way into the top five after having missed extensive time in 2004 while recovering from injury and illness. In 2008 Blake competed in the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

 

Blake joins a list of tennis stars who first tested the television broadcast waters with Tennis Channel while still active as players, among them Lindsay Davenport, Justin Gimelstob, Rennae Stubbs and Corina Morariu.

 

“We couldn’t be happier to have James as part of Tennis Channel’s Davis Cup team this weekend,” said Bob Whyley, senior vice president, production, and executive producer, Tennis Channel. “We’ve been fortunate to work with a number of players while they were still on the tour, and to allow our viewers to experience the sport through people who know what it’s like to be out there right now, competing in these types of matches and against today’s players. James knows what it takes to be a Davis Cup champion, and we think he’s going to be a great guest analyst for Tennis Channel.”

 

After back-to-back singles matches beginning Friday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. ET, the U.S.-Brazil competition resumes with a doubles match Saturday, Feb. 2, also at 2 p.m. ET. The remaining back-to-back singles matches take place Sunday, Feb. 3, at 12 p.m. ET. In Davis Cup play, each of the five matches is worth one point, with the nation that wins at least three points advancing to the next round. The winner of this weekend’s first-round battle will face either Serbia or Belgium in April’s quarterfinal round.

 

In addition to live United States-Brazil action, this weekend Tennis Channel will televise the first-round matchup between defending champion Czech Republic and Switzerland.

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