2013/05/26

Berdych Moves into BNP Paribas Open Semifinal with Win over Anderson

Berdych 1 31

(March 14, 2013) Czech Tomas Berdych continued his run at the BNP Paribas Open without dropping a set with his defeat of South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-4 to move into the semifinals of Indian Wells on Thursday.

For Berdych, it’s the first time he’s reached this stage at the BNP Paribas Open.

Berdych says he’s making his way towards the top 4.  “Well, I think I’m getting closer, but those guys are still running away, Berdych told media. “I don’t know how they do it, but it’s really, really tough, you know.

“If you look at the guys who are there, it’s really, you know, very tough time.  But, you know, it doesn’t change anything for me.  I mean, I just trying to focus myself, trying to go one by one, either if it’s weeks or the matches.

“So, really, go day by day and, you know, also trying to be patient in that as well.  You know, hopefully one day I can sit and say, Yeah, all that hard work has been, you know, paying off, you know, that I was able to move, even improve the ranking or make a really big results, Grand Slam or some other, and so that’s my actually key and motivation.

Berdych will face the winner of Thursday nights’ Roger Federer – Rafael Nadal match.

“Well, my position is great, “ said the Czech.  “I’m in the semifinal and I can, you know, just lie in my bed, turn on the TV, and just watching the guys that they’re gonna play.

“So I cannot be in better position than that.  Well, my thoughts on that match, I mean, I think everybody knows who I would prefer to play.

But this is a sport, this is tennis, they will go there, and they will try to fight for the win.  The better is gonna wait for me next day.

“Yeah, need to get ready if it’s Roger or Rafa and try to bring my best game again.”

Berdych spoke about his recent success against Federer.

“Well, I think it’s quite simple,” Berdych said.  “It’s the way what I play.  With my style I can do a bit more damage to Roger, you know, because I can take, you know, his I’d say comfort on the court away and he starts to be more under pressure.

“And then, you know, that’s the way when he doesn’t feel, you know, that optimum and that good on court.  I’m not saying that I’m expert to beat him, but I’m trying to do my best to win the matches with him.  You know, in the past at least it’s been working.

“With Rafa, it’s way different, you know.  With his, you know, lefty hand and heavy spins, it’s very tough, you know, especially in these conditions.  If it’s going to be hot like this, yeah, it’s could be very, very tough one.

“But, you know, one day I hope that I’m going to find the way how to beat him again, and why not here?”

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Tennis Channel to Air Federer-Nadal BNP Paribas Open Quarterfinal Live Tonight

Federer-Nadal by Rosemary Nardone

(March 14, 2013) Tonight on Tennis Channel, Roger Federer will take on Rafael Nadal in the quarterfianls of the BNP Paribas Open LIVE on Tennis Channel at 10 pm ET.

This is the 29th time these two have played, this Quarterfinal match-up is just their second match played prior to a semifinal. The only other time was their first match in Miami in the Round of 32 with Nadal winning 6-3, 6-3.

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Nadal Rallies fo Win Against a Resurgent Gulbis

Rafael Nadal

(March 13, 2013) No. 5 Rafael Nadal ended the run of  qualifier Ernests Gulbis on Wednesday 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 at the BNP Paribas Open to snap the Latvian’s 13 match win streak and to extend a streak of his own to 11.

The Spaniard leapt into the air, took off his headband and pumped his left arm in victory after sealing the win.

The win for Nadal sets up a quarterfinal clash with Roger Federer. The Swiss defeated countryman Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 earlier in the evening in a day session which ended at almost 10 pm at night

Nadal, back on the tennis tour since last month, after being out for seven months due to a left knee injury, spoke to media about his level of play.

“I said before the tournament my knee some days good, some days not that good,“ Nadal answered.  “Today so‑so.”

Nadal said that he fought for every ball:”I tried my best in every moment.  I know I cannot go to some balls that in the past I went today, but I will do it in the future.

“So win matches in days like today are more important than ever for me, and very happy about what I did on court.  Happy about the attitude.  With all the problems I was able to keep being focused and keep winning.

Today every victory is very important to me, and I really appreciate every moment and every victory.”

Gulbis said, “I feel bad.  I wanted to win, of course.”

“Okay, if you want my match analysis,” Gulbis continued, “honestly, I think that I played better tennis.  I was more aggressive.  I went for my shots much more than he.  But he did really incredibly well, as he always does, on important points.  Just it’s really tough to beat the guy, you know.”

“I think that I’m closing in, ” Gulbis added.  “I just need to continue in this way, and sooner or later I’m going to beat him.”

Nadal gained some inspiration from the crowd: “All the support of the crowd since I am coming back every place, you know, around every tournament that I played was amazing, and today was not an exception.

“I just can say thank you very much all the fans.  You know, in the tough moments like I had, they are very important.  And, you know, in my coming back having matches like today and having matches that I am with some troubles like I had in Chile and Brazil and lot of days and the support, the feeling that you have a lot of people with you around is very important.

That’s, you know, give to me a lot of energy.”

Nadal who holds an 18-10 record against Federer, says it will be a challenge.

“Well, tomorrow will be a nice match,” the Spaniard said.  Always play against Roger is a pleasure.  This match arrives early for me, too early to, you know, to go to the match with the feeling that I can play equal conditions than him.

“I think I am not that level today, but I gonna try, as I do always.  I gonna try to enjoy the match.  I’m going to try to play well and, you know, make the match positive for me with any result.

“I am here in Indian Wells in quarterfinals.  Two weeks ago I didn’t know if I would be able to be here.  Being in quarterfinals is a fantastic result for me, and we’ll see.

“It will be very difficult tomorrow for me.”

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Federer Escapes Wawrinka to Gain Indian Wells Quarters

Federer 3

(March 13, 2013) Roger Federer needed three sets to escape Swiss countryman Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-5 on Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

Federer took the first set comfortably and served for the match at 5-4 in the second when Wawrinka broke Federer at love.

Wawrinka said he felt better in the second set.  “After he broke me I was starting to play much more aggressive, much more better.  My game was better.

“I had few chance(s) before on the same side, and I was just trying to be focused, to make him play a lot, and try to fight like always I do in every match and against every player.

I did great passing, and, you know, I know that when it’s Love‑15, when I can get into the point, I have some chance to do something.

That’s it.

The set went to a tiebreak which ended when Federer double faulted.

At 1-1 in the third set Federer wanted to challenge one of his own serves, but was denied by the chair umpire because he had hit a second shot. He appealed to an ATP tournament supervisor but was denied.

Federer was broken, but broke right back. It remained on serve until Wawrinka was broken at 5-6 to give Federer the match.

“Today it was extremely close again,’ Federer said.  “Okay, I should maybe close it out in the second set, but he did well to stay in it.

“At the end, I don’t know what gets me through.  Maybe it’s the experience or maybe a bit more calm in those moments.  I’m not sure.  Today I think I was a little lucky to come through it in the end.”

Federer who is the defending Indian Wells champion will play the winner of the Ernest Gulbis-Rafael Nadal match in the quarterfinals.

“I have played Gulbis on a few occasions, Federer said.  “He’s always been tough for me to play against.  It’s not always on your racquet clearly when a guy serves this big, but that’s always the case with those guys.

So it’s a matter of staying calm and waiting for your opportunity and making him work as hard on his serve as much as you can try and have an impact on that.

“So he’s obviously on a good winning streak.  That makes him tough to play, clearly.  Yeah, I’m happy to see Ernests playing good again, because he went through a bit of a rough patch.  He’s been injured from time to time, as well.  It’s nice seeing him turn the corner again, because it’s not the first time he’s doing something good.  I hope he can keep it up for the year.

Obviously playing Rafa, it’s a classic.  We have played, you know, so many times.  We know each other really well on and off the court.  We know what to expect, both of us.  I mean, we are both a bit suspect going into our match, I guess, you know, so it’s an interesting matchup, especially ‑‑ I mean, it’s not early in the tournament.  It’s still my fourth match here.

It’s not like a first round, but it still is early in the tournament.  In the past this match used to be a final, now it’s a quarterfinal, so obviously it’s a bit of bad luck of the draw for both of us.

“At the same time, it’s very exciting always playing each other.  Doesn’t matter what stage of the tournament.”

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Federer Downs Dodig to Move into Round of 16; Nadal Through on Walkover

Roger Federer

(March 11, 2013) It was ATP World Tour win number 890 for BNP Paribas Open defending champion Roger Federer when he defeated Ivan Dodig of Croatia 6-3, 6-1 on Monday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The Swiss joins elite company with Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl and Guillermo Vilas, the only other men to have won at least 890 matches in their careers.

Federer appeared to tweak his back near the end of the match and he spoke about it to media.

“But it’s not the first time it’s happened in my career,” the Swiss said “so, I don’t know, I know how to deal with it.  I’m walking fine.  I have a day off tomorrow.  Everything is all right”

Federer notes that he’d be surprised if it kept him from playing his next match against the winner of Lleyton Hewitt versus Stan Wawwrinka.

Before Monday’s play, an earthquake struck at 9:55 a.m. near Indian Wells.

“Well, the one in New York I was in the car so I didn’t feel it, and then here today was literally the first time I ever felt one,  “ Federer said.  “For the first few seconds I wasn’t sure what was happening.

“I ran outside.  I was at the house and I didn’t know how long it was going to last, if it was going to get worse from there, or if the worst was already past.

“Thank God family wasn’t in the house.  They were outside somewhere.  It was a very strange feeling to have, because you see the windows shaking and you look up and realize you’re under a structure.  It was quite scary for a second there.”

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal who received a walkover into the round of 16, when Leonardo Mayer withdrew was startled when the earthquake hit.

“I was very scared,” he said.

“I was on the massage table preparing for my warmup.  I think the massage table moves even worse more.”

Nadal said his legs were wobbling while he was experiencing his first earthquake and it took him  “probably a half-second” to realize what was actually happening.

On Sunday Nadal hit with tournament owner Larry Ellison, the co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corp. and one of the richest men in the world.

“Yeah, is great, no?,” said Nadal who was asked about the hit.  “I played with him last year.  I had the chance to play again yesterday a little bit with him.  Always it’s a really honor.

“He’s improving a lot.  His backhand improve especially a lot from last year, so that’s great.  He changed to Babolat racquet, so…

“It means a lot for me,” the Spaniard said about playing with Ellison, “and especially for the tennis, have somebody like Larry who is supporting like this our sport.  I think is very important.  He’s great, one of the most important person of the world.  He loves tennis and support one of the best tournaments of the world.”

Ernests Gulbis by Maria Noble

Nadal will face Ernests Gulbis in the round of 16. Gulbis moved past Andreas Seppi  5‑7, 6‑3, 6‑4.

Gulis who is 0-4  against the 11-time major  champion, says he can beat him.

“I believe that I can win,” Gulbis said. “Yeah, I said it already.”

“It doesn’t ‑‑ okay, it matters if I win or not, but I want to play as much as matches as possible against these top guys.

“Sooner or later I’m going to win something, you know, it’s gonna give me extra confidence, and then just to keep it there, you know.  I need to win the guys who are ranked 20 to, I don’t know, to 100 easier than I did let’s say today, and then I need to have enough shots against the big guys.”

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Nadal, Federer, Hampton, Keys and Anderson on Notes and Quotes from the BNP Paribas Open

 Jamie Hampton

(March 9, 2013) INDIAN WELLS, CA – a few quotes from post-match news conferences from the BNP Paribas Open.

 

Jamie Hampton calls herself “boring.”

 

Q.  And you’re a little bit under the radar screen.  If someone came up to you and said, Hey, what’s the coolest thing about Jamie Hamilton, what would you say?

JAMIE HAMPTON:  I’m pretty boring, actually.  I wouldn’t consider myself cool at all.

Q.  Oh, come on.

JAMIE HAMPTON:  No, really.

Q.  Why is that?

JAMIE HAMPTON:  My life pretty much revolves around tennis.  I eat, sleep, and dink tennis.  There is not too much time for anything else for me.

I have to take care of my back and body.  That’s a full‑time job in itself.  To add tennis on top of that…

Q.  In the small sliver of time that you’re spending that you’re not playing tennis, what are you doing?

JAMIE HAMPTON:  Sleeping.

Q.  TV, sleeping?  Do you know who won the Oscar for best picture?

JAMIE HAMPTON:  Argon.

Q.  Close.  Argo.

JAMIE HAMPTON:  Argo.  I said Argon, didn’t I?  Dang it.  Okay.

 Madison Keys Tennis Panorama

 

Madison Keys on baking and candy.

 

Q.  Outside of listening to every country music station that’s on the radio, what do you do on your off time when you’re not killing yourself on the court?

MADISON KEYS:  I love baking, which I have to get it out of my house as soon as I bake it or else I’m going to eat it all.  But I like baking.  I have little sisters, so I hang out with them all the time, so…

I feel like I don’t really have off time, though.  When I do have off time I’m usually having to do homework still, so…

Q.  Favorite go‑to dish baking‑wise?

MADISON KEYS:  Oreo cheesecake cupcakes.  They’re so good.

Q.  Is that the one you put on your Facebook?

MADISON KEYS:  Those were just cupcakes.  The Oreo cheesecake cupcakes you put an Oreo on the bottom and fill the top with Oreo cheesecake.  They’re just in little muffin tins.  They’re delicious.

Q.  So when you break through and win a big, big tournament, will you promise to give us a round of cheesecake?

MADISON KEYS:  I was actually going to make them in Miami and bring them.  If I see you around, I will give you one.

Q.  Ever tried Sugarpova before?

MADISON KEYS:  I have, and it’s delicious.  Every time I see Max walking around with a bag of it, I’m like, Is there one for me?

Q.  Can you imagine getting a little of Maria’s candy into your baking?

MADISON KEYS:  That could be good.  Now I’m going to think about it.

 anderson600400

Kevin Anderson a member of the ATP Council on the 25-second rule

 

KEVIN ANDERSON:  Well, we’ll be meeting next week in Miami, so we will be getting an update on that.

I think it’s a good rule.  I think it’s always tough because it’s not like ‑‑ I mean, you have to sometimes take into consideration, you know, extenuating circumstances.  If you play like an incredibly long point or the ball kids ‑‑ maybe the ball goes out or something.

Just from the standpoint I think it’s a good rule.  It makes it fair for everybody.  But I have heard ‑‑ as the year has gone on, some guys are saying it’s getting a bit more lax.  There aren’t as many time violations going on out there.  I just heard a couple guys saying with different matches some people are sticking to the rule and some people aren’t.

It’s a work in progress, so hopefully after Miami we will be able to sort of assess where it’s at and see what other people are feeling.  I mean, just have to go from there.

Asked about if he’s in favor of a shot clock

 

KEVIN ANDERSON:  Yeah, and when we implemented the rule at the US Open we chatted about that a bit, whether there is an affordability issue.

Also, I don’t think it’s ‑‑ it’s one of those things where there are sometimes circumstances that come up that you do need more than the 25 seconds that’s out of your control.

But if there is a shot clock there it might make things trickier.  I don’t think it’s like basketball where the time continues all the time.  You are waiting for other people.  That would be something we’d have to have a trial or something to see how that would work out.

 Roger Federer-001

Federer on Nadal

 

Q.  What will be a sign on a hard court that he’s (Nadal) playing well?  Anything in particular?

ROGER FEDERER:  Progressing in the draw.  (Laughter.)

 

Yeah, wins don’t lie.

 

Nadal

Nadal on hardcourts and Federer

 

 

Q.  Here in America it’s hard court, hard court, hard court.  Do you think there should be more clay court tournaments?

RAFAEL NADAL:  I don’t want to say that, because anything that I will say not gonna affect in my career.  That’s not going to change during the years that I will be playing, no?

I think it’s more medical things than players think.  Hard courts are aggressive for the body.

If for the next generations wants to have longer careers and want to finish his careers with better conditions physically, that’s my humble opinion.  ATP have to find a solution and not continue playing more and more tournaments on this surface that is the harder one for the joints and for the knees, for the foot, for the ankles, for the back, for everything.

Q.  You’re the main one who talks about hard courts and wanting to have more tournaments not on hard courts.  Not as many as the other top players discuss that.  Do you think that a lot of players discuss your opinion, or do you think it’s more your personal experience, more you than other people?

RAFAEL NADAL:  Depends.  If you will ask a player who plays fantastic on this court is a thing that ‑‑ sorry.  At the end, we are here.  At the end, it’s an individual game.  At the end, everybody thinks for himself.

And if somebody plays great on this surface, it’s difficult to go against this surface, no?  Is normal that if the volume of the tournaments on hard are more than in the rest of the surfaces, is normal than like the top players of the world, best players of the world, are specialists on hard courts.

So they not gonna go against the hard court.  That’s why I say is not another players’ thing, it’s a medical thing.  Somebody have to think not for today.  I repeat:  I’m not talking about my career.  My career is done.

We gonna finish my career playing on the same or more tournaments on hard, because that’s the dynamic.

But, yes, no, my opinion is for the next generations that something have to change.

 

Q.  Is it kind of amazing how healthy Roger has stayed throughout his career, considering all the hard court tennis he’s played?

RAFAEL NADAL:  No.  It’s amazing?  I don’t think so.  I think, you know, he’s very good.  Don’t take my words because my English is not perfect, no?  But I think he’s very lucky to have this talent, no?  The talent of Roger is amazing, and the things that he’s able to do it, you know, the rest of the ‑‑ all the players, we are not able to play this way.

He win a lot of matches with, you know, short points; win a lot of matches with the serve, with one forehand.

So, you know, that’s why he’s able to keep having big, you know, big career and very long.

That’s amazing thing that’s have a lot of value.  No, nothing to say about that.  He’s great, and for many reason he’s the best of the history, no?

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Federer Dominates Istomin in Second Round of the BNP Paribas Open

Roger Federer-001

(March 9, 2013) Roger Federer  began defense of his BNP Paribas Open title by defeating Russia’s Denis Istomin  6-2, 6-3 in the second tound on Saturday. Federer is going for his fifth Indian Wells title.

The Swiss was dominant with his serve, winning 96 percent of his first serve points, losing only lost just four points on serve, all in the first set in the 58 minute match.

“It felt good from the start and was able to maintain that level of play,” Federer said to media.  “I never thought he got into the match, you know, at all.  That gives you obviously even more confidence.”

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Players Including, Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Azarenka and Ivanovic Help Break Ground for BNP Paribas Open Expansion

 

_MG_0402

(March 8, 2013) INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the home of the BNP Paribas Open unveiled its expansion plans expected for the 2014 tournament.

The expansion will include a permanent Stadium 2 that will contain 8,000 seats and two restaurants, additional practice courts, additional parking and moving the TV Production compound.

“We are extremely excited about our expansion and thrilled that the City of Indian Wells had approved the plans,” said Raymond Moore Chief Executive Officer of the tournament. “Larry Ellison’s vision for this tournament has been nothing short of incredible, and the innovations and enhancements he has put forth have benefited fans and players alike. These tournament-specific changes will continue to put this facility on par with the best in the world, deliver an unparalleled experience for fans and ultimately make the BNP Paribas Open better than ever before.”

 

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Berdych Stuns Federer and Will Play Djokovic in Dubai Final

Berdych 9 228

(March 1, 2013) DUBAI – Tomas Berdych upset defending champion Roger Federer to reach his first final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and will face former three-time winner Novak Djokovic in Saturday’s final.

 

Federer fell to Berdych  3-6, 7-6(10-8), 6-4  not taking advantage of  three match points. Those came when he led 6-4 and 8-7 in the second set tiebreak.

 

Once that set got away from him Berdych looked the more likely winner in the third, breaking to lead 3-2, holding but losing three break points for 5-2 and holding two match points on Federer’s serve at 5-3.

 

“Obviously I leave this match with a lot of regrets, I’m feeling, serving for the match, having chances in the beginning of the second when he wasn’t quite in the match yet to go set and a break up, a few points where things just didn’t happen for me. Pity to lose that one, but Tomas did well to hang in there,” Federer said.

 

Berdych, who also beat Federer in their last meeting at the US Open, is the first player from the Czech Republic to reach the final since Jiri Novak in 2003.

 

“I couldn’t be better feeling than this one,” said Berdych, “coming from court playing Roger I would say almost in front of his home crowd, I would say that, and to be the one who won that match. It really feels great. I’m very pleased the way I played today.”

 

And previous experience of fighting back from match point down against Federer served him well.

 

“I already have some experience with him with some match points down, and then being able to turn the match the other way. In every single point I was believing in myself, trying to be just focused on that single point and not wanting to see the score and just going one by one.”

 

Novak Djokovic won his 17th straight match and his 12th of the season as he defeated Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3, 7-6(7-4).

 

“I was very pleased with the performance overall and the way I handled myself in the tough moments,” said Djokovic. “Mentally I stayed tough and believed that I could, you know, that I could go all the way and win in straight sets. I didn’t really allow myself to be negative.”

 

Fourth-seeded Del Potro was bidding to become the first player from Argentina to reach the final, but although he saved a match point at 5-3 and prevented Djokovic serving out the match at 5-4 he was outplayed in the tiebreak.

 

Djokovic held the edge in the first set, giving up only five points on serve and breaking to lead 4-2 when Del Potro made a forehand error.

 

Del Potro earned an early advantage in the second set, breaking for 2-0, but he was then distracted by a time violation from the umpire for taking too long to serve. That came at break point down in the fifth game and Djokovic went on to break serve and then level at 3-3.

 

Djokovic also broke serve again to lead 4-3, and having failed to serve out the match just one mini-break to lead the tiebreak 5-3 was enough to put the world number one into the final.

 

“He deserved to win. He played so well in the tiebreak,” said Del Potro. “I was break up in the second set, and I made mistakes. I lost the calm when I start to discuss with the umpire, and he come back in the second (set) so quick.”

RESULTS – FRIDAY, 1 MARCH 2013

Singles – Semi-finals
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) d [4] J Del Potro (ARG) 63 76(4)
[3] T Berdych (CZE) d [2] R Federer (SUI) 36 76(8) 64 – Saved 3 M.P.

Doubles – Semi-finals
[3] R Lindstedt (SWE) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d J Erlich (ISR) / M Youzhny (RUS) 76(2) 76(2)
M Bhupathi (IND) / M Llodra (FRA) d R Bopanna (IND) / R Ram (USA) 63 67(2) 10-5

SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, 2 MARCH 2013

CENTRE COURT start 5:00 pm
[3] R Lindstedt (SWE) / N Zimonjic (SRB) vs M Bhupathi (IND) / M Llodra (FRA)

Not Before 7:00 PM
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) vs [3] T Berdych (CZE)

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Djokovic Leads Top Four Seeds into Dubai Semis

Djokovic 6 228

(February 28, 2013) Top seed Novak Djokovic dominated  Andreas Seppi to win 6-0, 6-3, Roger Federer took only 54 minutes to overwhelm Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 6-2, Tomas Berdych defeated Dmitry Tursunov 6-3, 6-2 and Juan Martin Del Potro beat qualifier Daniel Brands 6-4. 6-2 in Dubai tennis.

 

After a seven-minute opening game during which Djokovic saved a break point the world number one took charge against Seppi, who swon just three points on his own serve in the first set.

 

Seppi finally held for 1-1 in the second set after fending off two break points, but he was never able to offer anything more than token resistance against an opponent who felt he was hitting his stride at the right time.

 

“It was an even better performance than first two matches, so match after match I’m elevating the level, which is good,” said Djokovic. “I’m trying to do my best on the court.  Tomorrow obviously I have a big challenge, the biggest so far. Hopefully I can sustain the level from today.”

 

Federer was in dominating form against Davydenko, and he was stretched on serve only once. That came as he served for the first set and let a 40-0 lead slip away before he finally sealed the set on his fifth game point. In the second set, Federer surrendered just one point on his serve.

 

Photo by Tennis Panorama

Photo by Tennis Panorama

“I was very happy. Good match for me,” said Federer. “I served well from the start. Then also I thought I had good timing on the return in particular after missing a lot of returns in the first match.

 

“Today I thought I was really striking it well, and then by virtue of that I was getting the first strike in and then I was able to control the baseline more. So it was a good match for me.”

 

Berdych hit nine aces and won almost two thirds of the points against an opponent who was troubled by a hamstring injury. The number three seed had to be patient before getting on top of his opponent, but once he broke to lead 4-2 he took almost total control.

 

“If you are in the position to playing one of the top guys and you just have a small issue in your body, it’s just a terrible match,” said Berdych. “At least you want to try. You never know what’s going to happen, but once you are not really 100% ready then it’s tough.”

 

Del Potro and Brands had met just once before, in Vienna last October when Del Potro fired 30 aces and Brands 32 in a match that Del Potro won at the end of three tiebreak sets. This time the path to victory was much smoother for the number four seed.

 

The first set went with serve with neither player earning a break point until, with Del Potro leading 5-4, Brands played a miserable game and dropped his serve at love to concede the set.

 

Brands then made a backhand error on break point to give Del Potro a 2-0 lead in the second set, and he surrendered his serve to love for a second time when down 5-2 to give Del Potro a comfortable 62-minute win.

 

“Looks easy but into the court wasn’t easy,” said Del Potro. “I played really well in the second set, and I take my chance to break his serve in the end of the first set. Today he made a few double faults in the important moments, and I took that to break his serves. I think that was the key.”

RESULTS – THURSDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2013

Singles – Quarter-finals
[[1] N Djokovic (SRB) d [7] A Seppi (ITA) 60 63
[2] R Federer (SUI) d N Davydenko (RUS) 62 62
[3] T Berdych (CZE) d [WC] D Tursunov (RUS) 63 62
[4] J Del Potro (ARG) d [Q] D Brands (GER) 64 62

Doubles – Quarter-finals
J Erlich (ISR) / M Youzhny (RUS) d [1] M Granollers (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP) 63 64
M Bhupathi (IND) / M Llodra (FRA) d [4] M Fyrstenberg (POL) / M Matkowski (POL) 46 64 10-8
R Bopanna (IND) / R Ram (USA) d V Hanescu (ROU) / L Rosol (CZE) 46 75 10-4

SCHEDULE – FRIDAY, 1 MARCH 2013

CENTRE COURT start 2:30 pm
M Bhupathi (IND) / M Llodra (FRA) vs R Bopanna (IND) / R Ram (USA)

Not Before 5:00 PM
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) vs [4] J Del Potro (ARG)

Not Before 7:00 PM
[3] T Berdych (CZE) vs [2] R Federer (SUI)

COURT 1 start 2:30 pm
J Erlich / M Youzhny vs [3] R Lindstedt (SWE) / N Zimonjic (SRB)

All photos by  Nida Alibhai. Follow Nida Alibhai’s coverage of  Dubai on Twitter @TennisNewsTPN.

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