|
Post by jimm on Jan 19, 2008 12:46:08 GMT
Federer wins after epic struggle By Piers Newbery
Federer missed 16 break point opportunities over the five sets World number one Roger Federer survived one of the biggest tests of his career to beat Janko Tipsarevic in round three of the Australian Open.
Defending champion Federer needed four hours, 27 minutes to win 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-1) 5-7 6-1 10-8 and set up a last-16 tie with Tomas Berdych.
Federer's bid for a fourth Australian title was under huge threat as the final set progressed.
But the Swiss remained solid on serve and got the vital break in game 17.
"I don't often get to play five-setters unless they're against Nadal at Wimbledon," said Federer. "It was good to be part of something like this."
It cannot have felt too good for Federer as he missed 16 of 21 break-point opportunities, while his dogged opponent converted all three of his.
Pity somebody has to win, wish we could have draws sometimes too
Roger Federer
With history beckoning every time Federer steps on the court, there were few who could have predicted he would have been taken to the limit by world number 49 Tipsarevic.
The Swiss star has a third straight Australian title and fourth overall in his sights, as well as a potential 13th Grand Slam title as he closes in on Pete Sampras's record of 14.
But all that was on the line after he failed to serve out the first set from 5-3 and went on to lose the third.
He had levelled with a superb performance in the second set tie-break - his best sustained effort of the match - but lost the third despite having two set points on the Tipsarevic serve.
It went into a fifth set, unfamiliar territory for Federer so early in a Grand Slam, and both men focused superbly.
Tipsarevic refused to yield, saving two break points while serving at 2-2, before eventually slipping up in game 17.
He moved 40-0 clear but then faltered and, finally, Federer took advantage to break on his second opportunity as the Serb's volley was forced into the net.
"What a great battle," said Federer. "Fair play, he's a nice guy - pity somebody has to win, wish we could have draws sometimes too.
"This is where you get grey hair early in life. Pity for him, but what a great victory for me."
Berdych, the 13th seed, reached the fourth round with a 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 victory over Argentine Juan Monaco."
Federer seemed to be two steps slower. Some of his shots were poor by his standard.
Tipsarevic didnt do himself any harm with this performance.
|
|
|
Post by SuperMarion on Jan 19, 2008 22:27:26 GMT
Tipsaravic is a good player. He gets compared with Goran. Probably because of his mercurial personality, and looks
|
|
|
Post by SuperMarion on Jan 22, 2008 18:57:58 GMT
What do you make of Tsonga....
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 22, 2008 19:33:07 GMT
What do you make of Tsonga.... Well, he can cover the court for a big man. Be interesting to see how he fares against Nadal. I think he might well edge it.
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 22, 2008 19:41:36 GMT
World number two Rafael Nadal overcame an early hiccup to thump Finland's Jarkko Nieminen 7-5 6-3 6-1 and reach his first Australian Open semi-final.
Nadal was briefly in trouble when Nieminen had two set points at 5-4 in the first set, but two big serves from the Spaniard got him out of trouble.
And despite the energetic Finn's best efforts, Nadal did not look back.
He next faces unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who overpowered Mikhail Youzhny 7-5 6-0 7-6 (8-6).
Highlights: Tsonga v Youzhny
Tsonga is likely to pose a greater threat, although Nieminen battled gamely.
The Finnish 26th seed was far from overwhelmed in his third Grand Slam quarter-final, matching Nadal shot for shot in the opening set and causing his fellow left-hander problems with a raking double-handed backhand.
I felt I was controlling the game in the first set
Jarkko Nieminen
Nieminen came close to taking it when he got to 15-40 on the Nadal serve only for two booming deliveries to close that window as quickly as it opened.
And from that point on, the match was a walk in Melbourne Park for Nadal, who has not dropped a set during his progress Down Under this year.
Nieminen was broken in his next game and dropped serve three times in the next set, before Nadal closed out the match without any further further problems.
"He played great and has started the season very well," said Nadal, who had never previously gone beyond the quarter-finals in Australia.
"I am very happy to be in the semi-final. It's a very important tournament for me to start the season well.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Tsonga had too much power and consistency for Youzhny
"I will be trying my best to continue on in the tournament and I'm playing very well here."
Nieminen knew that his chance had come and gone in the first set, saying: "It was a pity because at that moment, I felt I was controlling the game, I think I was playing better than him in the first set.
"Against anyone it is hard to come back, but against him, you have to hit so many balls, so it would have been very important to have won the first set."
Tsonga continued the impressive progress which had seen him account for ninth seed Andy Murray and eighth seed Richard Gasquet.
606: DEBATE Tsonga seems like the dark horse of the tournament but will he be able to do it against Nadal?
MB
The 22-year-old and Russian Youzhny traded powerful groundstrokes in a high-quality opening set which went with serve until Tsonga produced a tremendous backhand to take it with the first break.
The Frenchman put pressure on Youzhny's serve early in the second and secured the break, to love, with a wonderful lob.
Youzhny immediately called for the trainer to have strapping on both ankles adjusted.
Although it did not appear to hamper him, he had no answer to a series of blistering winners from Tsonga as he raced through the set in quick time.
Fourteenth seed Youzhny could not match his opponent's consistency of power and subtlety, while his serve was under more pressure.
It's just amazing - I played just unbelievably
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
But he drew encouragement as Tsonga's exceptional level of play dipped in the third set and had a set-point at 6-5 in the tie-break.
Tsonga came up with the big shots when they counted, however, to win three successive points and register another tremendous victory.
"It's just amazing. I played just unbelievably," the rising French star said.
"I tried to be relaxed because it's a big event for me and it was difficult to stay calm, it worked and I'm very happy about that."
Of his clash with Nadal, he added: "It's going to be difficult. I'm going to have to run again and again, so I will do my best and I hope to play like this."
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 23, 2008 15:57:44 GMT
Defending champion Roger Federer underlined his quality with a three-set defeat of James Blake in the Australian Open quarter-finals in Melbourne.
The Swiss number one seed produced only glimpses of his best form, but found the big shots when he needed them.
He broke the American 12th seed in the first game of each set and even though Blake fought back, Federer proved too strong in sealing a 7-5 7-6 6-4 win.
Federer will face Serbian world number three Novak Djokovic in the last four.
Highlights: Federer sees off Blake News conference: Roger Federer
It was an efficient performance from the world number one, who also secured the number one ranking for a record 209th week with the win.
"It's great being on top of the game for so long and being compared to greats like (Rod) Laver and Pete Sampras," said Federer. "It's great being part of the pinnacle of the sport in every Grand Slam I'm playing in.
606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action
"I heard rumours I could lose it (top ranking), but we're a long shot away from 'I got to lose, he's got to win'.
"We know how tough it is to win Grand Slams, it's a long way."
The Swiss got off to the perfect start when he broke Blake on his first service game of the match, but a series of powerful forehands saw the American hit back immediately.
Blake was competing on level terms with the Swiss, who has not been at his imperious best during the tournament, but, typically, Federer raised his game at just the right time to take a 6-5 lead and then breaking Blake to take the set.
The second set started like the first, but again Blake continued to test Federer with his athleticism around the court and aggression on first serve.
I thought I played pretty well. But he came up with some of his best at the right times
Blake on Federer
The American was forced to save two sets points on his own serve, but Federer made the most of his vast experience in winning the second-set tie-break 7-5.
"There were two really tough points in a row in the tie-breaker," said Federer. "James played them to perfection and I was a bit lucky to get the ball back and get back into the points. They were key moments.
"James is such a great player, hits some incredible shots and he's so dangerous on any point, he's improved a lot over the last few years."
However, Blake's hopes of producing a remarkable turnaround ended when Federer broke him in the first and fifth games of the third set and, although the American broke back at 5-2, the Swiss favourite served out at the second time of asking to seal the match.
"I really went in thinking I had a good chance to win," Blake said. "I thought I played pretty well. But he came up with some of his best at the right times, and that was the difference."
He's improved so much in the last couple of years and it's exciting playing the best in the world
Federer on semi-final opponent Novak Djokovic
The victory sent Federer into a remarkable 15th successive Grand Slam semi-final and continued his flawless record against Blake, which now stretches to eight matches.
However, he may have to up his game when he faces the 20-year-old Djokovic, who has yet to drop a set in this tournament.
"He's done a phenomenal job, four semi-finals of Grand Slams at his age," the Swiss said of Djokovic.
"I was never close to that at his age. He's improved so much in the last couple of years and it's exciting playing the best in the world."
World number two Rafael Nadal will play unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the other semi-final.
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 23, 2008 16:03:55 GMT
Defending champion Roger Federer underlined his quality with a three-set defeat of James Blake in the Australian Open quarter-finals in Melbourne.
The Swiss number one seed produced only glimpses of his best form, but found the big shots when he needed them.
He broke the American 12th seed in the first game of each set and even though Blake fought back, Federer proved too strong in sealing a 7-5 7-6 6-4 win.
Federer will face Serbian world number three Novak Djokovic in the last four.
Highlights: Federer sees off Blake News conference: Roger Federer
It was an efficient performance from the world number one, who also secured the number one ranking for a record 209th week with the win.
"It's great being on top of the game for so long and being compared to greats like (Rod) Laver and Pete Sampras," said Federer. "It's great being part of the pinnacle of the sport in every Grand Slam I'm playing in.
606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action
"I heard rumours I could lose it (top ranking), but we're a long shot away from 'I got to lose, he's got to win'.
"We know how tough it is to win Grand Slams, it's a long way."
The Swiss got off to the perfect start when he broke Blake on his first service game of the match, but a series of powerful forehands saw the American hit back immediately.
Blake was competing on level terms with the Swiss, who has not been at his imperious best during the tournament, but, typically, Federer raised his game at just the right time to take a 6-5 lead and then breaking Blake to take the set.
The second set started like the first, but again Blake continued to test Federer with his athleticism around the court and aggression on first serve.
I thought I played pretty well. But he came up with some of his best at the right times
Blake on Federer
The American was forced to save two sets points on his own serve, but Federer made the most of his vast experience in winning the second-set tie-break 7-5.
"There were two really tough points in a row in the tie-breaker," said Federer. "James played them to perfection and I was a bit lucky to get the ball back and get back into the points. They were key moments.
"James is such a great player, hits some incredible shots and he's so dangerous on any point, he's improved a lot over the last few years."
However, Blake's hopes of producing a remarkable turnaround ended when Federer broke him in the first and fifth games of the third set and, although the American broke back at 5-2, the Swiss favourite served out at the second time of asking to seal the match.
"I really went in thinking I had a good chance to win," Blake said. "I thought I played pretty well. But he came up with some of his best at the right times, and that was the difference."
He's improved so much in the last couple of years and it's exciting playing the best in the world
Federer on semi-final opponent Novak Djokovic
The victory sent Federer into a remarkable 15th successive Grand Slam semi-final and continued his flawless record against Blake, which now stretches to eight matches.
However, he may have to up his game when he faces the 20-year-old Djokovic, who has yet to drop a set in this tournament.
"He's done a phenomenal job, four semi-finals of Grand Slams at his age," the Swiss said of Djokovic.
"I was never close to that at his age. He's improved so much in the last couple of years and it's exciting playing the best in the world."
World number two Rafael Nadal will play unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the other semi-final.
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 24, 2008 11:02:02 GMT
Tsonga stuns Nadal to reach final Tsonga played some remarkable shots from all angles Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga produced an outstanding display to oust second seed Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-3 6-2 and reach the final of the Australian Open. The unseeded 22-year-old, who beat Britain's Andy Murray in round one, was coolness personified and some precise volleying created a break in game two.
He maintained his awesomely powerful shots into the corner and a love game secured the next set in 50 minutes.
Nadal found no answer to his inspired opponent and bowed out in 117 minutes.
Tsonga was in such complete command that Nadal did not not have a break point until the second game of the third set.
The Spaniard had two chances in that game, but Tsonga somehow managed to return a fierce groundstoke aimed straight at his body from close range.
Nadal spurned another rare chance, while Tsonga was briefly infuriated when an ace had to be replayed having been overruled by an official, only for replays to prove the ball had been inside the line.
It did not prove significant as Tsonga then sent down successive aces and quickly held serve.
That proved to be Nadal's final hope and after sending a cross-court attempt wide of the line he lost his serve to trail 2-1 and was soon shaking his head in disbelief beneath his towel at the changeover.
Tsonga broke again and sealed an epic victory with an ace, a match which saw him produce 48 winners to 13 from the Spaniard.
Nadal met someone he could not bully or thump off the court. Tsonga made Nadal look like a rookie.
If Tsonga can maintain the standard he has throughout the AO, I think Tsonga will be too much for Federer.
|
|
|
Post by SuperMarion on Jan 25, 2008 0:00:00 GMT
What do you make of Tsonga.... Well, he can cover the court for a big man. Be interesting to see how he fares against Nadal. I think he might well edge it. No way! You forecasted that! A STRAIGHT SETS win over Rafa. Unbelievable. What's Tsonga on just now. Certainly will make the final more interesting. Because Federer will be wary. Well done Jim. Your predictions about Maria and Tsonga have been strikingly accurate.
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 25, 2008 14:16:26 GMT
"Well done Jim. Your predictions about Maria and Tsonga have been strikingly accurate." More luck than anything Alice Watching Tsonga I suddenly realised who he played so similar too. Pete Sampras! Great to see a serve and vollyer do so well. If he can keep the composure he has shown throughout the AO, he will lift the Cup. Masha S vs Ana. Against Jankovic Maria's serve was not as good as usual. She will need to get it working as Ana has good serve. Plus she must play as she has done here. If she tries to pound Ana into the ground as she did at RG 2007, she will lose. She cant afford to drop her concentration as she said she did against Jankovic. I think 3 sets, and Ana might just take it. Maria (like Marion and Makiri) fights to the end though. Looking forward to both finals for a change
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 25, 2008 17:30:35 GMT
Another surprise as Federer falls By Christopher Clarey Published: January 25, 2008
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic, a master of imitating the quirks and strokes of other tennis stars, did a fine impression of a champion on Friday by refusing to surrender even one set to Roger Federer, of all people, in the semifinals of the Australian Open.
It was the latest twist in a surprising tournament, but Federer's loss was not quite the press-stopper it might have been if Federer had been at the peak of his powers here in Melbourne. Instead, enough bugs had crept into Federer's beautifully designed tennis machine over the last week for Djokovic's 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) victory to feel more like an upset than an earthquake.
"There's no doubt I've played better in my life, that's for sure," Federer said.
Yet, even with Federer looking intermittently flat and failing to get consistent depth on his groundstrokes, this was still quite a psychological hurdle to clear for Djokovic, the charismatic 20-year-old Serb, who will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, an unseeded Frenchman, in the final Sunday.
Federer had reached a record 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals. He had won the last two Australian Opens and has won 12 major singles titles in all, just two short of Pete Sampras's all-time record. Today in Sports Another surprise as Federer falls Star pitcher stays loyal to his roots in Venezuela Sharapova and Ivanovic offer contrasting styles Click here to find out more!
He also had won five of six matches against Djokovic, beating him in straight sets in the final of the U.S. Open last year, in which Djokovic had often looked edgy and had squandered set points in bunches.
But young tennis players with extraordinary gifts have a way of maturing quickly, and with the pressure mounting Friday.
Djokovic held admirably firm in the final two sets, particularly in his own service games.
"An indescribable feeling to beat number one in the world, probably one of the best players this sport has ever had," the third-seeded Djokovic told the crowd. "I'm very, very proud of myself."
The Australian public, accustomed to more self deprecation from its champions, reacted with ambivalence to that final comment, but perhaps Djokovic's tendency to wear his confidence on his short sleeves is exactly what is required to stop a juggernaut like Federer.
He has been saying he intends to be No. 1 since he was a boy in a war-ravaged country trying to find a way to do justice to his talent. He has not stopped saying it since he joined the professional ranks, and matches like this one make it seem much more like a vision than a boast.
"I think he made the more important points today," Federer said. "It was a bit unfortunate for me, but he did play well and served really well when he had to."
Federer, however, did not. With both players clearly fighting through nerves in the early stages, he served for the first set at 5-4 and made three unforced errors in the final four points to allow Djokovic to get back to 5-5.
Serving to stay in the set at 5-6, Federer was broken again, missing a backhand pass he would usually rip cleanly and then producing another unforced error off the same wing.
"It was important to win that first set," Federer said. "I didn't do it, and I paid for it."
In all, he would be broken four times in a hurry, as Djokovic jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the second set and then held on tightly the rest of the way as Federer's tennis began to rise to a more familiar level. But the pilot light of Federer's game, his whipping forehand, kept flickering under pressure, even from mid-court, and Djokovic kept taking his time - bouncing, bouncing, bouncing the ball - and then pounding down big serves on big points.
The Serb saved two set points in the third set at 5-6 and then got to match point in the tiebreaker with two more serves that Federer could not handle. The last rally ended with Federer smacking a forehand hard into the tape, with the sound dropping Djokovic to his knees.
"It can't always go your way, I know that," said Federer, who looked more resigned than angry as his errors and Djokovic's winners piled up. "I've won many, many times when I didn't expect myself to win. So tonight's one of those nights when you're a little bit disappointed. But it's going to go over, and I'm going to look forward to the rest of the year."
"Of course I've created a monster, so I know I need to always win every tournament," Federer added. "But semis are still, you know, pretty good."
When questioned, Federer agreed that the case of food poisoning that cut significantly into his preparation for this tournament might have played a role in his defeat.
"Obviously the approach has been unique this year," Federer said. "It's the first time I've been ill before a Grand Slam. I would still rather have it before than during, that's for sure.
"It might have had an effect on my movement. I don't know. But I definitely did not feel as quick, you know, as some other times."
After cruising through his first two rounds, Federer was pushed deep into a fifth set by Djokovic's Serbian compatriot Janko Tipsarevic in the third round. Tipsarevic received tactical advice from Djokovic before the match and is still in contact with him, even though he is now snowboarding in the Serbian mountains.
"I'll join him after the finals," Djokovic said.
The last man to beat Federer in Melbourne was Marat Safin of Russia in the semifinals of the 2005 tournament. Safin then went on to beat Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in the final, which was the last major final that did not involve either Federer or Rafael Nadal.
But there will be new talent on the new, blue court in Melbourne on Sunday: Djokovic and the 22-year-old Tsonga, who stunned, truly stunned Nadal in straight sets in his semifinal.
"I think the dominance of Federer and Nadal, as well, especially in the men's tennis was just amazing the last couple of years," Djokovic said. "So I think it's great for the media, for tennis lovers all around the world, to see something new."
Tsonga is a lot newer than Djokovic, whose progress has been strong and steady since he became a tour regular in 2004. He has taken his meteoric approach since recovering from a bulging disc in his back that doctors feared might hinder his career.
He has yet to win even an ATP tournament but is now in position to hold up the trophy at a Grand Slam event. The conventional wisdom is that his inexperience and the 72-hour waiting - and thinking - period between the semifinal and final will lead to stage fright. But there are precedents to support a contrarian view.
Gustavo Kuerten, the elastic-limbed Brazilian, won the French Open in 1997 in only his third Grand Slam tournament with a world ranking of 66. Mats Wilander also won the French Open in 1982 without first having won a tour event.
What argues in favor of Tsonga is that he has been winning his matches against top 10 players with relative ease here and has seemed anything but intimidated: watching Nadal jump and flex in the locker room in his typically energetic pre-match routine and then walking on court and calmly coming up with winners, both bold and subtle, again and again.
Through it all, he took the time to look into the stands after big points and feed off the crowd and savor the moment: Something few tennis newcomers have the presence of mind to manage.
|
|
|
Post by SuperMarion on Jan 26, 2008 0:52:20 GMT
What an eccentric AO this has been, both Williams out before the semi's, and a mens final without Rafa or Roger.
I seen some of the Tsonga Nadal watch on bbci. Spot on about the Sampras comparison. To hammer Rafa in that way is impressive. He made the big Spanish beastie look like a girl thingycat.
In tennis everything is possible!
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 27, 2008 12:21:34 GMT
Serbia's Novak Djokovic beat unseeded French sensation Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The third seed withstood an early barrage from Tsonga to win 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-2) and become the first Serb to win a Grand Slam singles title. His victory in three hours six minutes ends a run of 11 straight majors won by Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. "I'm very, very happy that I won my first Grand Slam here," said Djokovic. "I wanted to thank everyone in my box who supported me through all my whole life. "Jo - unbelievable tournament and you should be proud of your fantastic result. If he had won tonight it would have been absolutely deserved. "I know the crowd wanted him to win more but that's okay. I still love you guys don't worry." I hoped Tsonga would win, but the occasion was to much for him. Some silly shots didnt help either, but a fantastic performance from him. Looking forward to see him at RG
|
|
|
Post by jimm on Jan 27, 2008 17:43:49 GMT
Tsonga proud despite defeat Sunday, 27 January, 2008 By Luke Buttigieg
Share del.icio.us Digg Facebook Newsvine Permalink Jo-Wilfried Tsonga says he will leave Melbourne Park a very proud 22-year-old despite losing the Australian Open men's singles final in four sets against Novak Djokovic on Sunday night.
Having announced himself to the tennis world when he gave Andy Rodthingy a fright in the opening round of the tournament 12 months ago, Tsonga went on a giant-killing run this year.
The man who has become known as 'Ali' because of his likeness to the American boxing legend, opened up with a stunning win over No.9 seed Andy Murray and took out three more seeds in Richard Gasquet (No.8), Mikhail Youzhny (No.14) and Rafael Nadal (No.2) along the way to the decider
And while he was obviously disappointed to fall one victory short of claiming the ultimate glory, Tsonga will depart a happy man, especially having had his parents in the stands to watch his match against Djokovic.
"I'm very proud of myself," Tsonga said. "I'm happy for Novak, because he played unbelievable today. I don't know if I have to be sad or happy of this final, but I feel great."
Tsonga's fairytale may not have had the happy ending he wanted but having enjoyed amazing crowd support throughout the fortnight because of his personality and superb shot-making, he spoke of his appreciation for the fans' reaction.
"It's just unbelievable because the crowd was unbelievable," he said. "A lot of noise and everything. I had frisson (goosebumps). It was crazy."
Having played just 40 ATP Tour matches in his fledgling career before taking to Rod Laver Arena, the 22-year-old's inexperience when compared to that of 20-year-old Djokovic - who had played 178 matches coming in - was a factor.
Tsonga overcame the loss of his serve in the first game of the match to break twice and take the opening set, with the centre-court crowd erupting when he sealed it with a forehand winner and then a lob over a stranded Djokovic.
As the match wore on though it was Djokovic who began to stamp his authority on the contest, with one break in the second set and two in the third putting him ahead before he ran away with the contest in the fourth-set tie-breaker.
But Tsonga, who started the event ranked No.38 in the world, will leap up to No.18 with his results, and if he can stay healthy with his confidence now soaring he could yet join Djokovic as a challenger to Roger Federer's throne.
"Yeah, of course, (he can become a top-10 player)," Tsonga said. "Not everybody can beat players who I beat. So I know Richard (Gasquet) or (Mikhail) Youzhny or Rafael (Nadal), they are very good players. And I beat them, it's very difficult, and I did it. Of course, I'm confident now."
|
|
|
Post by SuperMarion on Jan 27, 2008 23:50:31 GMT
I was searching the other night. The guy hasnt even got a website! He's came from nowhere to hoover the seeds.
And he wasnt far away this morning. First set in the bag. And a 4th set tb. Yeh he's onto something just now Jim. I expect to see him in the 2nd week of slams now. If a player like Berdych manages it. Then Tsonga certainly can.
|
|