2013/05/25

Del Potro Leads Wednesday’s List of French Open Pullouts

Juan Martin Del Potro

(May 22, 2013) Argentine media and Reuters have reported that world No. 7 Juan Martin Del Potro has withdrawn from next week’s French Open, still suffering from a virus.

“I am sad to miss such an important tournament, one that you always dream of winning,” Del Potro was quoted on the Ultima Hora website (www.ultimahora.com).

Joining the Argentine on the sidelines will be Americans Mardy Fish and Brian Baker. No. 2. Andy Murray withdrew from the Paris event on Tuesday and will be replaced by a lucky loser.

Fish is still dealing with heart issues, while Baker is still recovering from knee surgery. Fish and Baker will be replaced by Joao Sousa of Portugal and Guido Pella of Argentina.

Withdrawals on the women’s side include – Chan Yung-jan, Alexandra Dulgheru and Lara Arruabarrena. Shahar Peer, Tatjana Maria and Nina Bratchikova will replace them.

The French Open begins this Sunday, May 26.

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Juan Martin Del Potro Meets Pope Francis

DelPotro 5 228

(May 15, 2013) Juan Martin Del Potro met fellow Argentine, Pope Francis at a Wednesday service in the Vatican City.

The new Pope, his Holiness Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first Pope to come from South America.

“It was an incredible experience with Pope Francis, something that I’ll never forget,” said Del Potro.

“It was a dream come true for a guy like me. It was an unforgettable moment. I was very nervous before meeting him, to be able to congratulate him and talk with him. He was nice. Everybody knows he is very humble. Today was a day that I’ll remember for ever.”

 

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Djokovic Advances, Nadal Cruises, Murray, Berdych and Del Potro Upset in Monte-Carlo

 

Rafael Nadal photo by William Lucas/Inovafoto

Rafael Nadal photo by William Lucas/Inovafoto

(April 18, 2013) Eight-time defending  Monte-Carlo Masters champion Rafael Nadal extended his winning streak at the tournament to 44 matches, while No. 1 Novak Djoovic had to rally from a set down for a second straight day to move into the quarterfinals. No. 2 seed Andy Murray was not so fortunate falling to No. 13  Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2.

Novak Djokovic still nursing a twisted right ankle rallied past Juan Monaco 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday.

“It was very difficult for me today,” Djokovic said to media. “Another tough match. I am trying to take things day by day. I didn’t know what to expect today and I’m really glad that I won.”

“It’s another big test obviously, again a two-hour match,” the No. 1 continued. “Obviously I’m not physically out there feeling my best. Somehow feels that I always miss that half a step. But I’m trying. I’m fighting. After I lost the first set today, I tried to find that inner strength. I found it again. So that’s a positive thing. Every day brings a new challenge and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

Djokovic will face Jarkko Nieminen in the quarterfinals. Nieminen stunned No. 5 seed Juan Martin Del Potro 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4).

The left-hander Finn is into his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 quarterfinal since 2006 Paris.

It was another easy win For Nadal on Thursday as the 8-time Monte-Carlo champion stopped Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2, 6-4. Nadal will take on Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals.

“He’s playing well,” Nadal said of Bulgaria’s Dimitrov. “He’s able to play very well, very aggressive, very good technique. He’s (a) complete player.”

For No. 2 seed Andy Murray, it’s a match he’ll want to forget. In less than an hour the Brit fell to Stanislas Warwinka 6-1, 6-2.

“Just looked at the stats … 24 unforced errors is far too many,“ said a disappointed Murray. “That’s a set’s worth. That’s where half the points went. “I hope that’s not going to be the case over the next five, six weeks. I’ve had tough losses on the clay before and I’ve come back well from them. Hopefully today will be the same.”

“He’s an amazing player. He’s always tough to beat,” said Wawrinka to media. “Therefore, to beat Andy that easy was a big surprise, for sure. I’m playing really good, really strong, really confident with my game. I know what he’s looking for in his game. He’s playing slow, he’s playing from the baseline, he’s not putting so much pressure. For me on clay, it’s perfect.”

The loss means that Murray will fall to No. 3 in the rankings next week, surpassed by Roger Federer.

Italy’s Fabio Fognini recorded the biggest upset of his career as he knocked out fourth seed Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-2. It’s his second career win over a top ten player.

RESULTS – THURSDAY, 18 APRIL, 2013

Singles – Third Round
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) d [14] J Monaco (ARG) 46 62 62
[13] S Wawrinka (SUI) d [2] A Murray (GBR) 61 62
[3] R Nadal (ESP) d [16] P Kohlschreiber (GER) 62 64
F Fognini (ITA) d [4] T Berdych (CZE) 64 62
J Nieminen (FIN) d [5] [WC] J del Potro (ARG) 64 46 76(4)
[6] J Tsonga (FRA) d J Melzer (AUT) 63 60
[7] R Gasquet (FRA) d [9] M Cilic (CRO) 75 64
G Dimitrov (BUL) d F Mayer (GER) 62 64

Doubles – Quarter-finals
M Raonic (CAN) / B Tomic (AUS) d [3] R Lindstedt (SWE) / D Nestor (CAN) 76(7) 63

Doubles – Second Round
[4] A Qureshi (PAK) / J Rojer (NED) d C Fleming (GBR) / J Marray (GBR) 64 61
[5] M Mirnyi (BLR) / H Tecau (ROU) d I Dodig (CRO) / R Stepanek (CZE) 62 62
J Melzer (AUT) / L Paes (IND) d [6] M Bhupathi (IND) / R Bopanna (IND) 62 63
J Benneteau (FRA) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d [7] A Peya (AUT) / B Soares (BRA) 76(7) 64

SCHEDULE – FRIDAY, 19 APRIL, 2013

COURT CENTRAL start 10:30 am
[6] J Tsonga (FRA) vs [13] S Wawrinka (SUI)
G Dimitrov (BUL) vs [3] R Nadal (ESP)
F Fognini (ITA) vs [7] R Gasquet (FRA)
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) vs J Nieminen (FIN)

COURT DES PRINCES start 10:30 am
[5] M Mirnyi (BLR) / H Tecau (ROU) vs D Marrero (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP)
J Benneteau (FRA) / N Zimonjic (SRB) vs [4] A Qureshi (PAK) / J Rojer (NED)
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) vs J Melzer (AUT) / L Paes (IND)

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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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Nadal Rallies To Beat Del Potro for Record 22nd Masters Title

Rafael Nadal

(March 17, 2013) Rafael Nadal rallied past Juan Martin Del Potro to win his third BNP Paribas Open title 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday. For Nadal it’s a record 22nd Masters 1000 title, one better than Roger Federer. Indian Wells is his 53rd ATP title as he notched his 600th win.

Nadal opened the match quickly taking a 3-0 lead in the first set. Del Potro found his game and rallied to take the set 6-4. Del Potro broke Nadal’s serve in the opening game of the second set and looked to take the title. The momentum switched to Nadal as the Spaniard came back from 0-2 to win the set 6-3.

“Then I think Del Potro start to play more aggressive and I lost a little bit my calm,” Nadal said.  “I didn’t make the right thing because I tried to change my direction against his forehand with my forehand in not the right ‑‑ in not a favorable position.  So that produces more mistakes than usual.

“For that reason, I was not able to keep winning games.  He was playing great.  He was playing solid.  I was playing with more mistakes and no chances.  Then I was lucky to have the break back in the second set because the first game of the second set was struggle for me.

“Four mistakes with my forehand, and the last ‑‑ when I had the break back in the second everything changed.  I found the way to win points another time, to be comfortable when the ball is in the middle of the point, know how to play.  And after that break, in my opinion, I played the right tactic another time.

“I waited for the right moment to change against his forehand.”

The third set saw Nadal put even more pressure on the Argentine, breaking him the third game for a 2-1. Del Potro saved three match points while serving  at 3-5, to hold for 4-5 but Nadal sealed the victory in the next game holding easily for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win.

“I think Rafa deserves to win,” said Del Potro. “He plays unbelievable for like an hour there.  The last hour of the match he didn’t make effort.  He played so solid and put me so far to the baseline and make winners from there.

“But I think I made a good tournament anyway, and Rafa played really well today the second and third set.  He broke me early in the third.  Play against him when the score is down is tougher, you know.  But I was fighting all the time but he won in the end.”

Del Potro was asked if he was tired after his three-set win over Novak Djokovic on Saturday.

“I played three sets against Murray then three sets Djokovic,” the Argentine said.  “But the finals are finals.  You know, they are special, and you get the energy from everywhere to play the finals.  I think of course if he had a day off between matches would be fantastic, but Rafa plays yesterday, also.  The conditions are the same for both players.

“I think my body was okay.  Just he played better in the end and he deserved to win.”

Nadal spoke about how emotional this victory was in light of he recent comback to the tour after a seven month hiatus due to a left knee injury:

“A lot of things happened last seven months, to be back here and to have this very heavy trophy with me is amazing, no?  I am winning three straight top 10s, beating the top 5 of the world and No. 4 and not be in the top 4 and you play quarterfinals, no?

“So beating three top 10, three very important players, and win title like this is just something unbelievable for me.  Very, very happy and very emotional.

“When, you know, when you have one comeback like I’m having is, you know, you remember all the low things, lower moments that you had during this seven months, doubts and all these things.

“Hopefully I passed, and just can remember all the people that really helped me a lot during all this time.”

Nadal is now leading the ATP with tournament titles at three and has 17-1 record this year. He is currently on a 14-match win streak. Nadal has withdrawn from the Sony Open in Miami and will be back on tour for the Monte Carlo Masters event in late April.

Nadal apologized about having to miss Miami: “I’m very sorry for the organization of the tournament and I’m very sorry for the fans, but we never thought we’d be able to play all matches possible since I came back.

“The doctors recommend me to be back home for a few weeks and rest a little bit and keep practicing the right way.  You know, I need more power on the left leg quadriceps, so I need to keep working hard.  The competition is hard for the body, so after four fantastic weeks I can’t go to Miami.  I need to prepare and rest for the next one.”

 

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Del Potro Upsets Djokovic and Will Meet Nadal in BNP Paribas Open Final

 

DelPotro 5 228

(March 16, 2013) Juan Martin Del Potro rallied from 0-3 down in the third set to end the 22 match win streak of  No. 1 Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to move into his first BNP Paribas Open final on Saturday.

Serving for the match, Del Potro clinched the victory with an ace to defeat the Serb for only his third time in 11 career meetings in two-hours-and-49-minutes – the longest match of the tennis  tournament. The win also ended a 4 match losing streak to Djokovic.

The last Argentine to reach the Indian Wells final, was Guillermo Vilas in 1977.

Del Potro will be playing No. 5 Rafael Nadal in the final on Sunday at Indian Wells. Nadal defeated Tomas Berdych 6-4, 7-4 earlier in the day.

Del Potro credited his third set comeback to the fans. “I think the crowd help me to keep fighting and to come back in the 3rd set,” Del Potro said on court after the match.

“I was doing a very good match until the third set, but Novak had the chance to beat me when I was 3‑Love, Del Potro said later in a post-match news conference.

“But I come back soon, and that give me a little confidence to come back in that set.

“Then also the crowd want to watch more tennis and help me to play my best tennis in the end, and I think it was my best match in this tournament, for sure.”

 

“His fighting spirit and my lack of concentration,” Djokovic told media were the reasons for the turnaround after leading 3-0 in the final set.  “I just ‑‑ I didn’t deserve to win today.  You know, whenever I had chances, second, third set, I throw them away with some unforced errors.  My movement was poor, and I congratulate to my opponent.”

“I never think about my yesterday match, Del Potro said about his win over Andy Murray in the quarterfinals.  Djokovic is completely different player.  He’s the No. 1 and always is a big challenge against him.

“I was so close to lose because he got the chance to beat me, but I think I got lucky in very important moments, very important points when I made a fantastic winners on my forehands.

“Also good aces, and that’s help me to go through.

Djokovic on Del Potro’s game:”He has a big serve; he moves around the court very well for his height; he uses that forehand as a great weapon, you know.  Great running forehand, so he’s opening that side.

“I didn’t use my backhand along the line as I usually do.  It’s one of my best shots.  Today I just wasn’t there.  My backhand generally wasn’t there.  It’s okay, you know.  It happens.  It’s sport, and I just didn’t make it this time.”

Del Potro’s use of the slice proved to be very effective in this match and in the tournament. “I use it a lot, because that help me to play more aggressive with my forehand and trying to do different things, Del Potro said.  “That help me to beat Murray yesterday; today Nole.

“I don’t know if I’m going to use tomorrow against Rafa because he’s lefty and he move really, really fast in the baseline.

“But what I know about him is playing more aggressive than today, trying to make a few winners with my forehands, coming a lot to the net, and I need to serve well also.”

Nadal in press 3 11

Rafael Nadal beat Tomas Berdych 6-4, 7-5 to gain his fourth berth in the BNP Paribas Open final. Nadal is now 16-1 in his comeback from a left knee injury since taking a seven month hiatus off the tennis tour, including a current 13 match win streak.

“It’s very, very difficult to imagine something like this. But here we are today, and very happy about all what happened the last month, especially last three weeks,” said Nadal, who took out No. 2 Roger Federer in straight sets in the quarterfinals.

“So coming back is certainly something amazing for me, totally unexpected, and I received more support than ever from the crowd every place that I played.  That’s always a very, very special feeling.  Thank you very much, all the people.

“I am enjoying, sure.  Every match means a lot to me.  Every time I am able to come back on court and play these kind of matches makes me very happy.”

“I don’t have nothing to lose after seven months. I did much more than what I dreamed.”

Nadal will be seeking his third Indian Wells title.

“He looks strong again,” Berdych said. “He still play very aggressive, and what he was missing in his first matches when he come back after the injury was maybe a bit of confidence in his game, but definitely not today and not anymore.”

“When it was 5-3 ( in the second set) since that time I serve only one first serve and he serve only one second serve,” Berdych said. “Actually, that was the difference.”

“I was very nervous at the end of the match to close the match and was lucky that my serve worked amazing in the last game in important moments,” Nadal  said. “Victories like today, like the other day, helps you a lot for the confidence and to remember all the things that you have to do in every moment.”

Nadal holds a 7-3 head-to-head record versus the Argentine.

In order for Del Potro to win Sunday’s final, Del Potro explained that everything has to be “perfect.” “ It’s the final against Rafa.  For sure I need to play better and better every day.  All finals are special to play.

“Also when you play the top guys, they are the favorites, but I will try to do my game like just like today and then see if Rafa give me a little chance to win.”

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Del Potro Moves Past Murray to Earn Spot in BNP Paribas Open Semis

Juan Martin Del Portro

(March 15, 2013) Juan Martin Del Potro came back to stop No. 3 Andy Murray 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 to move into the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Friday. The match, ending on a Murray double fault, reflected on the large number of unforced errors Murray committed – a total of 49 to Del Potro’s 27.

It was the first time Del Potro has beaten Murray on a hard court.

“I was close to beat(ing) him in 2009 in Montreal finals, but I did today, “ Del Potro said.  I played my best match of the tournament.  I was positive all the time, even when I lost the first set, tough first set.

“But in the end, I play my game.  I be aggressive all the time, I’m hitting all the time hard the ball with my forehands, and I play a few slices as well and dropshots.  I think I did a very good game today.”

Murray won a close first set tiebreak 7-6(5) but but could not break the Argentine’s serve throughout the match. Murray in turn was broken a total of four times during the two-and-a-half hour match.

“I thought the first set I was playing pretty decent,“ Murray said.  “I thought I hit the ball decent throughout the match, but I played better when I needed to in the first set; then obviously hadn’t managed to break him in the match.  I had some chances in the second set; didn’t manage to get them.

“He had a big second serve on to the back edge of the line.  Yeah, he played like someone that’s won a lot of matches recently.  Especially in the second and third set when the important moments came he played well.”

For the seventh seed Del Potro, it’s his second victory over Murray. Del Potro has lost only one set in his Indian Wells run. He’ll play Novak Djokovic for a place in the final on Saturday. Djokovic has an 8-2 record against Del Potro.

“But tomorrow against Nole I will need to play better than today,” said Del Potro.  “I remember the match in Dubai I was close to win the second set, but he takes all the chances to beat me.  He’s the No. 1.  You never know if he give to you a little chance to win, you know. “

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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

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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

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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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Del Potro Starts Slowly, Eases Past Davydenko

Del Potro

By Curt Janka

(March 10, 2013) INDIAN WELLS, California – Nikolay Davydenko can be a dangerous floater in any draw, but that worry never seemed to occur to a nonplussed Juan Martin Del Potro as the Argentine casually notched a 6-3, 6-4 win. Despite conceding a break at the beginning of both sets, Del Potro hardly appeared concerned as he gradually wore down the defenses of Davydenko.

Del Potro looked downright sluggish at the opening of the match and quickly found himself trailing 0-2. The crowd didn’t gasp at a booming Del Potro forehand until the seventh game, and that one was out.  Still, for the stretches of the match that Del Potro reined in his errors, he was able to force his opponent to start missing.

Looking ahead in the brackets, he will need to get in gear more quickly against the likes of Nicolas Almagro, should they meet in the quarterfinals.

Similarly, Marin Cilic looked unfazed by Albert Ramos in their earlier match. The opening set was tightly contested, but the second set quickly got away from Ramos as Cilic walked away with a 7-6(7), 6-2 win. Neither player faced a break point until the second set. Then Cilic earned two consecutive breaks to secure an insurmountable lead.

Throughout their match, Cilic played safe, but deep balls while it was Ramos going for the bigger shots, win or lose. In the end, Ramos was hitting more errors than winners. Cilic was content to punch his time card and advance to the next round where he will face a tougher opponent in Milos Raonic.

Curt Janka is covering the BNP Paribas Open for Tennis Panorama News. Follow his tournament updates @TennisNewsTPN. Follow his personal twitter @CurtJanka.

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