Ceblogger's Sports Blog » Tennis

Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open Semis

ceblogger — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:16:13 +0000

It is Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal again in the 2012 Australian Open tennis. How long will the rivalry of these two last? This is their 27th meeting actually, and the Spaniard is up against the Swiss 17-9 in their previous matches.

In the first of the 2012 Grand Slam tournaments, in Melburne, Australia, the two will clash once more, but not in the finals. Both are trailing Novak Djokovic in the rankings, so they are expected to meet in the semis should they beat everyone along their way.

In the quarters, Federer defeated Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. It was an easy victory for the 4-time Australian Open Champion. On the other court, Nadal labored to dismantle the stubborn Tomas Berdych 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 6-3. The Spaniard struggled in the first set before dominating the Czech.

Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal 2012 Australian Open Prediction

Though it is sometimes boring to hear another Federer vs Nadal match, this year should be different as neither one of them is no.1. The last time they met here in 2009, Roger cried as he was beaten in the finals by Rafa. It was also memorable for Rafa as it was his first hard court Grand Slam victory. Also, Nadal is chasing Federer’s 16 Grand Slam titles. With 10 trophies on his possession, a win in Melbourne will lessen the gap.

If we go with the trend, Rafa has the edge. But I’m no follower of Rafa, and I would always cheer for any of his opponents, even if the guy is unranked. So here I go again predicting a victory for Federer in 4 sets.

Gael Monfils Amazing Trick Shot At The 2011 US Open

ceblogger — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:16:37 +0000

Watch this amazing shot of Gael Monfils as he made a “jump and behind the back” trick shot against Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain in the second round of the US Open 2011:

It is not every game you see this kind of shot. He was obviously out of position as his Spanish opponent was hitting the ball hard.

Gael Monfils, also known as La Monf and Sliderman due to his unusual sliding technique, made it to the quarterfinals in last year’s US Open. But this year, he lost a grueling 5 hour match 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-7 (5), 6-4 and 6-4 against former no.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Venus Williams Pulls Out From 2011 US Open

ceblogger — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:15:27 +0000

Venus Williams pulled out from the U.S. Open tennis in New York due to an illness which she says causes fatigue and pain in her joints.

“I have been recently diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain,” she said in a statement on usopen.org.

Before pulling out, Venus defeated Vesna Dolonts of Russia. She was due to play against Sabine Lisicki of Germany in the second round. She was a two-time winner here – in 2000 and 2001.

“I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon,” she added.

Had she progressed, she would have the chance of another showdown with Maria Sharapova (3) or Vera Zvonareva (2) in the later rounds. Venus Williams will surely be missed in this Grand Slam tourney. Another title after a decade would have been a sweeter victory.

2011 Wimbledon Men’s Finals: Novak Djokovic Wins

ceblogger — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:05:33 +0000

2011 is Novak Djokovic’s year. First, he won the Australian Open. Second, he topped the world rankings the other day. And now, he dislodged Rafael Nadal from the top of the rankings and snatched the Wimbledon trophy in an emphatic 6-1, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 victory over the Spaniard.

It was Djokovic’s 50th win in 51 matches and fifth win over Nadal this year. His solitary loss was against Roger Federer in the French Open. They could have set up a rematch but the Swiss failed to stop a resurging Tsonga. Novak easily dispatched the Frenchman to set up the fifth Final against Nadal this year.

Wimbledon is the Serb’s third Grand Slam title after getting two Australian Open trophies. Will it be the US Open title next?

Wimbledon 2011 Men’s Finals: Murray vs Tsonga Anyone?

ceblogger — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:45:27 +0000

As of this writing, the semifinals for men is about to start and the expected 1vs4, 2vs3 seeds semi-finals did not materialize as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (12) came from behind to beat 6-time winner Roger Federer. Waiting for Tsonga is Djokovic, who has an outstanding season starting from his triumph over Murray at the Australian Open.

At the other side of the tie is a match between the no.1 Rafael Nadal and the no. 4 Andy Murray. Nadal has an 11-4 winning record versus Murray but the Scot has some excellent plays that can give any of the top three a run for their money.

A Nadal vs Djokovic final is expected here considering that tennis god Roger Federer is already a shell of his past achievements. But do you think Tsonga can beat Djokovic and Murray upset Nadal?

Murray vs Tsonga Final

This is just a wistful thinking alright. But we know that both Murray and Tsonga are very good players in the wrong era. Just like poor boy Roddick 4 or 5 years ago who is such an outstanding player but always get stopped by the Swiss no. 1 (now no.3). Djkovic, on the other hand, if he proceeds to the Finals, will become the new no.1, the first guy other than Roger or Rafa to hold it in since 2004.

For Tsonga, who had not beaten the Serb in their two previous meetings, a victory is sweeter with the spoiler. “I have improved a lot mentally. I played three years not far from the top 10, or in the top 10, and now I want more” Tsonga told the press.

Murray, a finalist at the Australian Open this year, but yet to win a Grand Slam, is determined to take the game away from Nadal. “I believe I can win against him,” Murray optimistically said. “I had chances last year. I was a break up in the third set, had break point on my serve in the second set – I think there was only one break in the first set. We both played good tennis.

“I just have to have a better game plan. Sometimes it comes down to strategy, sometimes it comes down to having experience. I just have to go out there and play well, serve well, and believe I’ll have a chance.”

Optimism alone doesn’t win tennis games. But I do really want to see new faces at the 2011 Wimbledon Men’s Finals. Murray vs Tsonga, anyone?

Roger Federer vs Andy Murray: Australian Open 2010 Finals Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:16:19 +0000

Roger Federer vs Andy Murray in Australian Open 2010 Finals! Who would have thought that Murray will find his way to the top? Of course, all expectations were on a Federer – Nadal match on the last day. But Nadal wasn’t as fit as he used too, and if you put a perfect Murray opposite him, this spells trouble. And exit Nadal went.

As of this writing, Federer is still battling Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. But the Swiss is clearly dominating the French in the first two sets. It’s hard for Tsonga to come back at this point in time. Murray, on the other hand, demolished Marin Cilic yesterday. The tall guy was supposed to repeat his victory over the Brit like he did at the 2009 US Open. But not this time.

Okay, so back to the Federer vs Murray feud. In the head-to-head encounter, Murray leads 6-4. What? Yep, this guy has a winning record against the world no. 1. As I said the last time, I like them both. Their styles are so similar and they play relaxed. Their swings are perfect, backhand, forehand and whatever swings they let go from their arms and shoulders. Their footworks are awesome, and they seems like they have Mercury’s sandals.

Roger is most likely to stay at no. 1 for a long time. But he is no longer Champ in many of the latest grand slams. He lost to del Potro at the US Open 2009 finals. Though he won Wimbledon and the French, he was in tears when he was beaten by Nadal in the 2009 edition of the Australian Open.

Murray has not yet won a Grand Slam trophy, yet he’s no. 5 at the rankings. He used to be no.4 but he slipped in points after losing early in some tourney. If he wins this time, he’ll break British records that is unmoved for 74 years.

Results Predictions

Federer may be the god of tennis but he’s not invincible. My apologies to Murray for predicting a Nadal victory in their quarterfinals encounter. Actually, I was elated of his victory. I should have stuck around to my earlier motto: Anyone but Nadal. And so I’ll make good this time. I predict a Murray victory over Federer in 5 sets.

Actual Results

Federer showed his might and demolished Murray in 3 straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.

Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray: Australian Open 2010 Quarterfinals

ceblogger — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:07:00 +0000

Watch Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray live at the Rod Laver Arena on January 26, 2010 19:30 start. This is a battle between two youngsters who are making waves at the top of the world of tennis.

Andy Murray vs Rafael Nadal

World no. 2 and defending Champion Nadal recently conquered Ivo Karlovic in 4 sets. The big-serving Croat, despite taking one set, was no match for the Spaniard, whose all around play is as dangerous as ever.

On the other hand, Andy Murray easily made it through against John Isner 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2. The Scot, who dropped to no. 5 in rankings at the end of 2009, is aiming to repeat his semifinals victory over Nadal during the 2008 US Open. Head to head, Murray has only won 2 in 9 encounters.

Results Prediction

These two are favorites to win the Australian Open Tennis 2010 Men’s singles. If Nadal is really back in full form after that injury of his, then this could spell the end for Murray in this Australian Open 2010. But we also know that Murray is capable of an upset, like what he did in 2008. Maybe, he needs more than luck to progress. If he indeed makes it past this round, there is another obstacle in Roger Federer. My prediction – Nadal winning in 5 sets.

Actual results

Murray was leading 6-3, 7-6, 3-0 when Nadal retires. Murray goes into the semis as he faces Marin Cilic next. Could it be a Federer vs Murray finals – a repeat of the 2008 US Open?

Maria Sharapova Exits Australian Open 2010

ceblogger — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:39:57 +0000

Maria Sharapova, the 2008 Champion, got a shock of her career when she lost to fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-4, in just the first round of the tournament.

Maria Kirilenko beat Maria Sharapova

Sharapova made 76 unforced errors and struggled throughout the game against the world no. 58. In the third and final set, it seemed that the 14th seed Sharapova was on her way to victory when she lead 2-0. But Kirilenko fought back and took the set 6-4.

Last year, the 14th seed missed the tourney due to shoulder injury. 2010 could have been her comeback year but the dismal performance killed all her hopes for this tournament. It is such a bad grand slam start for the Russian beauty who lost to an equally stunning tennis beauty in Kirilenko.

Kirilenko’s confidence grew when her childhood friend made mistakes one after another. She’ll face Yvonne Meusburger of Austria in the next round.

Australian Open Tennis 2010 Favorites – Men’s Singles

ceblogger — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:36:36 +0000

A few more days, and it will be grand slam tennis once again at the Australian Open. Who are the favorites to capture the Men’s singles title this 2010 edition? We still have Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Del Potro. Davydenko and Murray can also rattle opponents on every corner. Tell me, who do you think will win this time? Will it still be another Nadal-Federer classic rivalry?

Rafael Nadal – Ah, the defending Champion and current world no. 2! It was tough for him the last time winning in 5 sets against the three-time winner Roger Federer. Is he back to his winning self this 2010? He recently lost to Nikolay Daydenko at the finals of the Qatar Open. But we know how awesome a player he is.

Roger Federer – The world no. 1 is still my bet to win the Australian Open. Tears flowed from his eyes when he lost to Nadal last year. Tennis courts other than clay are supposed to be his. But not anymore! He lost to Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open finals despite being the favorite. But he won the French earlier, making him one of the players to have won titles on all grand slam events.

Novak Djokovic - The Joker is still at no.3. He was the 2008 Australian Open Champion and came off with some awesome tennis too. But for 2010, he needs more than luck to make past the top 2.

Juan Martin del Potro – The young Argentine, who won is also the current US Open Champion, is a revelation in 2009. I did not expect him to win against Federer. But he held his ground and shocked the world no. 1. Can he do the same at Melbourne Park?

Andy Murray – The Scot dropped to no. 5 but he is not to be counted out in the race. We know he is capable of beating any of the top 4.

The Australian Open Tennis 2010 is at Melbourne Park from January 18 – 31, 2010. Watch out for your favorite Men’s tennis player.

Federer vs Del Potro 2009 US Open Finals Video Replay

ceblogger — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:32:22 +0000

I won’t be able to watch the game live but I will just settle to watch the Federer vs Del Potro US Open finals video replay. I want to see my tennis idol whip the 20-year old grand slam finals noob from Argentina. I heard he’s beaten Nadal black and blue. Awesome for some kid.

The reason why I want to see the video replay is that I want to see Federer’s forehand and it’s tremendous power. I want to see him swing a backhand that will send opponents scrambling. I may just be imagining things but surely, surely, Del Potro cannot stop the Swiss from winning his 6th US Open title.

Nadal was dispatched at the semis. Murray was sent packing early. These two had the best chances of dethroning of Roger. But no no no. Not this time Rafa. Not this time Andy. Better luck next time at Aussie Open. 2009 is Roger Federer’s year. Anyway, here’s video replay clip: Federer vs Del Potro at the 2009 Australian Open.

Enjoy and be sure to bring popcorns!