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Post by jimm on Jan 7, 2008 18:32:36 GMT
Rusedski tips Murray for top spot Murray began the new year in the best possible fashion Former British number one Greg Rusedski believes Andy Murray is on course to become the best player in the world. Scot Murray claimed the fourth title of his career on Sunday, beating Stanislas Wawrinka in the Qatar Open final.
Rusedski told BBC Radio Five Live: "He is playing the best tennis of his career and, to my mind, right now he is the third best player in the world.
"If he continues as he is, he can be the number one and win a major in the next few years."
Interview: Andy's mother Judy Murray
Murray, 20, is officially ranked ninth following his win in Doha.
But Rusedski is convinced he can go on to surpass Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the world's top two, adding: "Only they are above him at the moment."
Ninth is Murray's best ranking since June last year, and the Scot's mother says his improved form is down to the technical changes he has made since splitting from coach Brad Gilbert.
606: DEBATE Your views on Murray's win and future prospects
Last year ended with Murray, who suffered an injury-plagued 2007, splitting from Gilbert and opting to work with a team of coaches, rather than one specific individual.
Miles Maclagan and Louis Cayer, his brother Jamie's coach, took care of Murray in Qatar and saw instant reward as he secured a confidence-boosting win in the build-up to the Australian Open.
"He is quite confident in terms of his physical ability and one or two of the technical changes he has made," Judy Murray told BBC Radio Five Live.
"He's made changes on his forehand and serve. They make a big difference.
"One of the things Andy really needed to improve with was first serve percentage and in doubles it's so important to serve well, and he certainly served well in Doha."
She was also keen to clarify the roles of the new coaches.
"Louis is definitely Jamie's coach - he is more the guru guy to Andy, the consultant guy, and Miles Maclagan is the coach who does the travelling with him," she said.
"So far it has worked very well, they are all people he's comfortable with and has fun with off the court, so yes he's enjoying it."
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Post by jimm on Jan 9, 2008 12:28:05 GMT
Guccione serves up huge upset By David Beniuk January 09, 2008 EMBATTLED serving machine Chris Guccione rated his upset second-round win over Lleyton Hewitt at the Sydney International a highlight of his career. Guccione held his nerve against his more-celebrated opponent to win a tense encounter 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2) in a major boost to his Australian Open prospects. "(This) has to be one of the best," Guccione said. "Winning the fifth rubber for the Davis Cup (against Switzerland in 2006) is probably the top one still. "But Lleyton is a great champion, former No.1, two-time grand slam winner. "To beat him here in Sydney, where he's won it so many times, yeah, it's pretty high on the scale." While Hewitt was left frustrated at being unable to capitalise on a series of break-point chances against the big-serving left-hander, the four-time Sydney champion readily acknowledged Guccione as a future top-50 player. "He can win matches on all surfaces," Hewitt said. "He's a dangerous player to play against. He's got one of the best serves in the game, there's no doubt about that, and I think he moves well at the net as well." His supposed lack of movement was one of John Newcombe's criticisms of Guccione when the tennis legend delivered a pre-summer attack on Tennis Australia for not providing adequate support for the former Wimbledon junior runner-up. But Guccione declined to bite back at Newcombe after his day in the sun. "I don't have to prove myself," Guccione said. "I know how hard I work and how hard I work in the off-season. "I guess if this shows that I have worked hard, then it's good." Ranked 104 places lower than Hewitt, the 22-year-old couldn't muster as much as a break point in the match, but kept his cool as Hewitt lost his over umpiring calls in each tiebreaker. Hewitt blew a 2-0 advantage in the first tiebreaker and didn't win another point in it after an argument with officials over a line call. He capitulated in the second after claiming Guccione had come up with a double-hop. Hewitt lamented his inability to take his chances. "I felt I was the better player the whole match and I think the stats showed that," he said. Guccione advances to the quarter-finals where he will meet fourth seeded Czech Tomas Berdych, who beat France's Gilles Simon 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. Top seed Richard Gasquet exited in the second round, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the hands of unseeded Russian Dmitry Tursunov. World No.35 Tursunov will meet another Frenchman, Sebastien Grosjean, who disposed of Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-4. In other men's second round matches, Evgeny Korolev beat Ivo Minar 6-2, 6-3, Radek Stepanek downed Andreas Seppi 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 and Fabrice Santoro thrashed Steve Darcis 6-1, 6-3. AAP" Never liked Hewitt or his attitude
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Post by jimm on Jan 9, 2008 19:29:14 GMT
Hewitt blasts umpires after loss Hewitt saw his hopes of a record fifth Sydney title ended Australian Lleyton Hewitt hit out at the standard of umpiring after crashing out of the Sydney International. Hewitt lost to compatriot Chris Guccione 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2) and complained umpires had become too reliant on line-calling technology. "I feel like the (Indian) cricketers," Hewitt, 26, said. "What's going on with all the refs these days? Useless." Top seed Richard Gasquet also lost 3-6 6-3 6-4 to Dmitry Tursunov but women's top seed Justine Henin sailed through. Hewitt did not face a single break point against Guccione and conceded his luck just ran out, but not before complaining about umpiring standards across the board. "I think central umpires have probably gone into their shell more so since Hawk-Eye (line-calling technology) has come in," said Hewitt, 26. "At the smaller tournaments, where you don't have Hawk-Eye, you have to stand up and make decisions. "It's obviously tough for them because one week they've got Hawk-Eye and the next week they don't." Hewitt will now continue to train with coach Tony Roche in preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne, which starts on Monday. "I wasn't lucky today," he said. "I just hope it all comes together next week." There you go! Its the umpires this time! Not the court surface or his racquets!
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Post by jimm on Jan 11, 2008 17:44:58 GMT
Davydenko anger at 'ATP motives' By Simon Austin
Davydenko is unhappy about his treatment by the ATP Nikolay Davydenko claims he is being victimised by the ATP because they want him out of the world's top 10.
The Russian's defeat by Argentine Martin Vassallo Arguello at the Sopot Open last August is being investigated by the governing body of men's tennis.
He told BBC Sport: "Maybe they just found one tennis player who they want to remove from the world's top 10?
"Maybe there is someone below me in the rankings who is more popular and they want to increase his popularity?"
He added: "Maybe I am just not that popular being number four in the world? Someone is trying to increase someone else's popularity."
But Etienne de Villiers, the chief executive of the ATP, described the Russian's claims as "fanciful".
I can understand his frustration (but) our only agenda is to protect the integrity of tennis
Etienne de Villiers ATP chief executive Report: ATP to fight corruption
"We are not investigating either player - we've never ever said this is about Davydenko or Arguello," De Villiers told BBC Sport.
"We said this is about an irregular betting pattern and we need to get to the bottom of it."
Gambling company Betfair voided all wagers on Davydenko's second-round match against Arguello in Poland last August because of irregular betting patterns.
The Russian was ranked four in the world as opposed to his opponent's 87, yet his odds started to lengthen considerably after he won the first set 6-2.
He lost the second set 6-3 and was trailing 2-1 in the third when he withdrew with a foot injury.
BBC Sport has been told that nine Russian account holders with Betfair stood to make about £750,000 from an Arguello victory.
Davydenko vigorously denies all allegations of wrongdoing.
Speaking in his first major interview since the match in Sopot, Davydenko told BBC Sport: "People think that just because I am rated number five in the world then I can't lose to someone who is rated 100.
If you are hurt, you withdraw, but I do not know how to not play in a match
Nikolay Davydenko
"Anything can happen to me. I can just have a bad match or I can be injured and lose the match.
"When I see a player who is tired or in pain or maybe just doesn't want to play, I can understand that - he is not a robot.
"I understand that he can't play in the match, he can withdraw. That's his business. If he is tired he withdraws this week and will try to do better the next.
"I do not think that any of this has anything to do with betting. If you take all the matches I played and lost to those rated 100 and below, should this also be suspicious?
"I have already lost to these players before while being in top five or top four. It happened last year and the year before."
The 26-year-old says he is angry about his treatment at the hands of the ATP since Sopot.
606: DEBATE Is tennis doing enough to combat corruption?
In September, he was fined for not trying during a match against Marin Cilic at the St Petersburg Open, but this was subsequently overturned on appeal.
Davydenko is also frustrated that the ATP investigation into the match against Arguello is still ongoing.
"It makes me angry, because it takes so long," he said.
"I can't understand what they want from me - I have given them everything, all the information.
"When will this end? I do not have any trust in the ATP."
The ATP requested Davydenko's phone records when he was playing at the US Open last Autumn.
He initially refused to hand them over, because "I was playing at a very important tournament and they only gave me a week to do it", but did comply in early December.
Now ATP investigators have requested the phone records of Davydenko's wife, Irina, and his brother and coach Eduard.
The duo have been given a deadline of 15 business days after Davydenko's last match at this month's Australian Open.
Davydenko faces betting inquiry
Davydenko is reported to be determined to dig his heels in and resist the latest request, saying: "If we allowed that to happen, they would be taking data from my grandmother".
ATP chief De Villiers said the reluctance of Davydenko and his entourage to hand over phone records allied with the Russian's complaints that the investigation was taking too long amounted to "a paradox".
"If you want to get to understand what happened, you use all the information you could possibly have," De Villiers said.
"Obtaining the records of players and their entourage is written into our rules.
"I can understand his frustration (but) our only agenda is to protect the integrity of tennis.
"It would be irresponsible of us not to be thorough, comprehensive and fair. That's the only thing we're trying to do here."
The world number four insists he would not even know how to throw a match.
"I have never done it and I do not know how to," he said.
"I know that if you are hurt, you withdraw, but I do not know how to not play in a match.
"It wouldn't be easy, because being the fifth in the world it is not easy to lose to someone who is ranked 100th."
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Post by jimm on Jan 11, 2008 17:49:11 GMT
Marcos Baghdatis beats Fernando Gonzalez, advances to final against Andy Rodthingy By JOHN PYE, AP Sports Writer January 11, 2008
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Marcos Baghdatis handled the heat, the wind and Fernando Gonzalez's forehand on Friday. His next task: Stopping Andy Rodthingy from his third consecutive title at Kooyong -- the Australian Open tuneup tournament.
The Australian Open starts Monday, but the 2006 runner-up wants only to concentrate on Rodthingy in Saturday's Kooyong final.
ADVERTISEMENT Asked about an Australian Open draw that has him opening against 2002 champion Thomas Johansson and possible first-week matches against 2005 champion Marat Safin and 2005 runner-up Lleyton Hewitt, Baghdatis said "I don't want to know."
Baghdatis prevailed 6-2, 7-5 over Gonzalez, a finalist at last year's Australian Open. The players were laboring in temperatures that reached 100 degrees Friday when the draw for the season's first major was being made.
"I'll see by myself later," he said, responding to questions about the Open. "I come here and try to win, for sure" against Rodthingy on Saturday.
"I'll start thinking about the Aussie Open after the match."
Baghdatis beat Rodthingy in the fourth round at the Australian Open two years ago, but lost their past two encounters.
After peaking at a career-high No. 8 in the rankings in 2006, Baghdatis slipped to 16 last year. But he is concentrating more on fitness and consistency and aiming to get back into the Top 10.
"I have the game to beat anybody -- I don't want to have a big head -- but I have, so I'll just try to go on the court and find a solution to win," Baghdatis said.
Gonzalez's Australian Open draw puts him on course to meet top-ranked Roger Federer -- 27-1 in the past four years at the Australian Open -- in the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park.
He gets one more match at Kooyong on Saturday, playing for third place against Safin -- the only man to beat Federer at the Australian Open in four years.
Baghdatis is glad to get match practice on the new Plexicushion surface at Kooyong, which is also being used for the first time at the Australian Open.
He only entered Kooyong as a late replacement for Federer, who withdrew from his regular Open warmup because of a serious stomach virus last weekend.
David Nalbandian and Tommy Haas also withdrew from the tournament, while No. 4-ranked Nikolay Davydenko forfeited his second match because of the heat.
Davydenko recovered in time to beat Ivan Ljubicic 6-0, 7-6 (1) on Friday, when Britain's Andy Murray beat Australia's Brydan Klein 6-2, 7-6 (4).
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Post by jimm on Jan 12, 2008 12:38:51 GMT
Roger Federer's desire for further greatness
Article from: Leo Schlink
January 12, 2008 12:00am ROGER Federer has an indulgence. It has nothing to do with collecting grand slam titles at will, steadily amassing fortune and fame, or being the envy of virtually every athlete in the world.
Federer's excess is normality or, as he puts it, "having a regular life".
And on this day, this is as close as Federer gets to being ordinary - at least in public.
Federer is pressing the flesh, expertly working a room full of strangers at Crown with ease.
Dressed in blue jeans, black shirt, brown shoes and belt, Federer glides from handshake to handshake. Not a smile or hair out of place.
Not once during what must be an exhausting exercise in maintaining poise and politeness does Federer's impervious guard drop.
In Federer's life, this is all part of the deal.
As an ambassador with Tiger Woods and Thierry Henry for the Gillette Champions program, Federer is obliged to carry out certain duties.
It is business, and if there is one business Federer has cornered better than anyone else, it is the art of winning.
Not even a dozen grand slam titles - five Wimbledon, four US Open and three Australian Open crowns - has come close to satisfying Federer's voracious appetite.
In a slightly unguarded moment, Federer spoke briefly of the fantasy of being a film subject -- and who he would like to play him.
"Anybody cool like Brad Pitt, Matt Damon . . . James Bond," he laughed.
And then it was back to what drives him most. Tennis and the opportunities it affords.
Federer, 26, has already outlined his intention to "play through generations like (Andre) Agassi and (Jimmy) Connors".
He has earmarked the 2012 London Olympics tennis at Wimbledon as the perfect setting for the ultimate blending of his signature excellence.
That is four years and 15 major tournaments away.
Almost everybody, including record-holder Pete Sampras (14), expects Federer will then stand alone as the winner of more singles grand slams than any other man.
But first things first.
"Well, it is a very exciting and interesting year, I think, with the Olympic Games coming around. The calendar is obviously a little bit different to the other ones," Federer said.
"The French Open is the one I haven't won yet, so it seems to be the one I'm really looking forward to. But at the end it is always Wimbledon that sticks out the most for me.
"There's a lot of highlights, especially in a short period of time.
"From the French Open through to Wimbledon, Olympic Games and US Open in three or four months, that's a huge swing. Hopefully I can pick up some wins there.
"Starting here at the Australian Open is my first focus and finishing the year at No. 1 is a logical goal, because that is what I've been able to do the past few years."
Federer, battling illness, might not be as potent as he has been at Melbourne Park over the past four years, a period in which he has lost only one of 27 matches.
He also returns to Rod Laver Arena without Tony Roche in his corner.
Roche's departure in May has not slowed the Federer juggernaut, as shown by a runner-up finish at the French Open before Wimbledon and US Open victories.
As with most things in Federer's carefully-planned existence, thought has been given to Roche's successor - possibly Swiss Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi.
"Of course I thought about it on vacation, just going through all the different options of 'what do I need, what do I want?," Federer said.
"Should I do it now or later?
"I feel very good actually in the way the situation is now with the captain (Luthi).
"He is doing a great job helping me out. I think he's going to come again to Dubai in February and work with me again there and also in the future.
"In time I might get like a mentor or specialist on the side. This hasn't been decided yet. I'm going to think about it."
Whoever Federer picks, Roland Garros remains the Holy Grail.
Federer twice came close under Roche, foiled each time by world No. 2 Rafael Nadal.
Federer believes the one triumph that would surely remove the last, lingering doubt over his worthiness to be regarded the greatest of all time is within reach.
"I think the last three years I've learnt a lot about how to play on the surface (clay), how to play the best on it and also how to win against the best," Federer said.
"I think I know now also what I need to work on in my game to win there, whereas maybe three years ago I came into the French Open and I knew I'm a good claycourt player, if the draw falls my way I can win there.
"But it was more based on luck, I would think. Now it is much more serious, more professional.
"I think it is better this way to approach the French Open. I'm more relaxed this way, more settled. It's a tough one to win.
"I think I have the game and that's why I've come so far.
"I was a bit unfortunate having to play Rafael in the past three years, he's got an incredible record on clay."
False modesty is not part of the Federer personality.
He loves his station in life and revels in the fact he is a fixture in best-ever discussions alongside Sampras, Rod Laver and Don Budge.
The French Open is a subject of some sensitivity to a man who is rightly affronted by the notion of: "You can't be much good if you can't win the French Open".
"It is for others to say," Federer said. "I really hope I can break the record of Pete Sampras. I really hope I can win the French Open.
"Maybe already now I'm one of the greatest of all time. You still have to wait and see how my whole career turns out, until it's all over."
While Paris in spring might have carried more barbs than the Swiss ever imagined, London in summer has been his making.
He will return to Wimbledon in June chasing a sixth successive title. He is momentarily shaken by that thought as he continues to reflect in memories of last season's success.
"I haven't thought about the sixth at Wimbledon too much yet, but five was a huge hurdle, to be honest," Federer said.
"When I came off the court I really felt this is somehow everything I ever wanted to achieve, five Wimbledons.
"I didn't know it before and then all of a sudden it just felt right, those five Wimbledons, and now that I'm going for six, it's quite surreal, actually."
Should Federer succeed again at the home of tennis, he will not be swayed from his opinion of who the best player he has seen is.
"It's gotta be Pete (Sampras) just because of what he's achieved," Federer said of the American he recently played against in a three-match exhibition tour in Asia.
"And he can take it away from you. You don't decide whether you're gonna win or lose, he decides.
"I saw it there on the exhibition tour, he was still good.
"The surface got quicker and quicker and the ball got lower and lower and he was great."
Of Federer's contemporary foes, Nadal stands out.
"What Nadal has been able to do at his young age has been phenomenal," Federer said. "I really admire his fighting spirit and the way he comes into every match and just the way he fights and plays.
"It's a unique playing style and I need a rival in some ways as well. I think we have a good contrast, different attitudes and different looks.
"I didn't like to talk like this a few years ago because I never thought I needed a rival, but it's good to have some kind of rivalry."
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Post by SuperMarion on Jan 12, 2008 14:47:15 GMT
A wonder what will come first, Roger overthrowing the king of clay. Or Nadal taking the Wimbledon trophy. I would say that Nadal's status on clay looks more secure on clay than Roger's on grass. As for Rusedski's comments, yeh I hear him say that. Greg always was an optimist. So that would be optimistic end of Murray's potential. But yeh, surray Murray's time will come. Talking of Pistol Pete, I wonder if there is anything in the rumor that he may mount a comeback. Certainly fans would love that.. If he still got it. My mom literally hated Pete Sampras I dunno why. I think he was an incredible player. He may not have displayed emotion. But deep inside I can tell there was a burning inferno, a consumming fire of victory.
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Post by jimm on Jan 13, 2008 15:35:39 GMT
"Talking of Pistol Pete, I wonder if there is anything in the rumor that he may mount a comeback. Certainly fans would love that.. If he still got it." I forget who said it, but the guy reckoned Pete would beat 80% of the players on the tour.
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Post by jimm on Jan 13, 2008 15:38:33 GMT
He sacked the most expensive coach in the world but now Murray has an army behind him By MALCOLM FOLLEY Last updated at 11:00am on 13th January 2008
If Andy Murray wants to ferry his new support team to Melbourne for the start of the Australian Open tomorrow, he will need to hire a minibus.
Even so, the journey from his hotel will be infinitely more enjoyable than in the days Brad Gilbert was his sole counsellor.
For the garrulous American had opinions on matters from the state of the game to the State of the Union — and articulated them all without invitation.
Murray's life in the seven weeks since he sacked Gilbert, at £750,000 a year the highest-paid tennis coach in the world, has become a more crowded yet more vibrant affair.
Laughter has replaced the silence and dark looks that accompanied Murray to work in the final months of his fruitful, but strained relationship with the Californian.
And tomorrow tennis will await with heightened interest the debut on a Grand Slam stage of Team Murray, the army of coaches, experts, family and friends that now accompany the 20-year-old British No 1 as he attempts to reach even greater heights in the game.
Murray's first task at the Australian Open is an awkward meeting with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The young Scot has arrived in Australia with a tournament victory in Qatar already to his credit in 2008, bolstering his belief in himself and those assembled around him.
"The things I worked on during the off-season have been very good, a big improvement from what they were like at the end of last year," said Murray.
His approach to moving his game towards the summit is a radical one. He has access in Australia to the minds of two coaches, Miles Maclagan and Louis Cayer, the expertise of two fitness trainers, Jez Green and Matt Little, a physiotherapist, Andy Ireland, as well as the omnipresent voice of his mother, Judy, an accomplished coach herself.
On top of those six, Murray also calls on the support of Leon Smith, his first coach and confidant, manager Patricio Apey, brother Jamie and girlfriend Kim Sears.
In contrast, world No 1 Roger Federer is reliant on just Mirka Vavrinec, his girlfriend and Girl Friday, while his nearest rival in the rankings, Rafael Nadal, looks for advice to only 'Uncle Toni'.
Murray has an independent spirit which was enhanced when his mother sent him as an adolescent to advance his tennis education at a tennis academy in Barcelona.
In adulthood, Murray has reinforced the message to all those who encounter him that he is in charge of his own destiny. That is why Gilbert lost his job.
Maclagan, 33, a contemporary and friend of Tim Henman, was a journeyman professional but announced himself as a coach of some potential when he helped take Paul Hanley and Kevin Ullyett to No 4 in the ATP world doubles rankings.
Although born in Zambia, Maclagan has a rich Scottish heritage and a mellow temperament that Murray is finding refreshing after the abrasive nature of Gilbert.
Cayer, a former Canadian Davis Cup captain, was recruited onto the Lawn Tennis Association payroll at the suggestion of Judy Murray, who identified him as the ideal coach to enhance the doubles game of her older son, Jamie.
Cayer is described as a technical guru and while he will focus on Jamie, and other British doubles players like Ross Hutchins and James Auckland, he is making an undeniable contribution to Andy Murray's game.
Andy said: "I spent one week with Louis in the off-season for an hour or an hour-and-a half a day, then I went over to Miami and just worked on my net game and my approach shots with him. The rest of the time, about threeand- a-half weeks, I spent with Miles.
"Louis is obviously here with my brother, and Ross and James, but they come and watch me to keep an eye on me so when I do some technical work after the Australian Open they can see what I've been doing. Louis and Miles are different. Miles played more tennis, and he gives me more tactical advise. Louis has studied bio-mechanics and watches videos of players to see exactly what they're doing when they hit the ball. He knows more technically. It's a perfect mix.
"There are not too many coaches who have both skills, so to have a couple of guys who do the two biggest things you need is important. It has been working well. I've made a big improvement on a few things, especially my serve and volleys."
Murray, publicly, talks about reaching his peak in another two or three years. Privately, he is not oblivious to the opportunities that exist for him in the coming year.
After missing the French Open and Wimbledon through a wrist injury, this Australian Open will be a barometer as to his position in the game. Is his ranking of No 9 in the world a false indication of the threat he poses?
Novak Djokovic, 20, from Serbia, who accelerated onto the shoulders of Federer and Nadal last year, senses Murray is primed to advance.
"Last year was not easy for him to hang in with his injury, but he's willing himself to get to the top five in the world," said Djokovic. "He wants to prove himself and I think he's going to make it."
After Gilbert, meet the British No1's new back-up team...
Miles Maclagan COACH Born in Zambia, played five Davis Cup ties for Britain due to his Scottish heritage. Mellow personality.
Louis Cayer COACH Canadian of worldwide renown as a doubles coach, ostensibly recruited by LTA to assist Jamie Murray
Jez Green HEAD TRAINER 35, physical fitness conditioner who has worked with Murray in the past and is responsible for his great shape
Matt Little TRAINER Employed by the Lawn Tennis Association and leased to Team Murray
Andy Ireland PHYSIOTHERAPIST Also leased by Team Murray from the LTA, where he is based at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton
Leon Smith COACH Murray's first coach and confidant. The Scot now heads the LTA's 16-and-under boys age group
Patricio Apey MANAGER Chilean businessman domiciled in London who controls Murray's commercial portfolio and PR
Jamie Murray BROTHER Wimbledon mixed doubles champion. A rising doubles star but hugely supportive of his little brother
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Post by jimm on Jan 13, 2008 15:39:43 GMT
Federer says he's ready for tennis Open
January 13, 2008 - 6:07PM
Sadly for his challengers, Roger Federer has ominously declared himself back to peak condition for his Australian Open defence.
The world No.1 was hospitalised last week and forced to withdraw from the Kooyong Classic after being stricken with a stomach virus upon his arrival in Melbourne for the season-opening grand slam.
But the Swiss master dispelled any doubts about his fitness ahead of his first-round clash on Tuesday with Argentine Diego Hartfield.
"I've been playing sets the last couple days, which was very important for me, to be able to play points," Federer said.
"I'm happy with my form, to be honest. Very pleased. Physically, I'm fine now, too. No more issues ... yeah, I would consider myself a hundred per cent."
Bidding to become the first player in the professional era to complete a hat-trick of Open triumphs, Federer insisted his untimely illness had left him no more vulnerable than before his first match at any other major.
"I always know the difficulties of a first round. They're never easy, no matter how you enter, with full confidence or little," he said.
"Of course it's been some sort of a different preparation to some other grand slams. It's always tough in Australia because you don't have many matches coming in.
"But I'm very much used to it, not playing for four weeks or six weeks and then coming in and playing a big tournament. So, for me, it's not much of a change.
"I haven't been playing any matches. But, honestly, I practiced very well (at home) in Dubai before coming here, so I definitely created a good base for this fortnight.
"I feel the way I would like to feel. Tennis comes back very quickly. It's not like I haven't been playing tennis for four weeks. It's only been one week I couldn't play tennis."
"I feel like I'm moving well. Surface seems to, again, suit my game, which is obviously important after all the talk about it. Now we'll see how it goes."
While others - mere tennis mortals in comparison - have expressed concern over the change of court surface from Rebound Ace to Plexicushion, and also complained about the balls fluffing up too quickly, Federer said he had no real issues.
"I don't care, seriously. As long as it's hard court," said the 12-time grand slam champion.
He was more worried about keeping his nominated greatest threat, world No.2 Rafael Nadal, "and the usual guys ranked behind me" at bay as he sought to extend his amazing record of reaching the finals of the last 10 grand slam tournaments, and winning eight of them.
"Obviously I'm surprised at how consistent I've been at all the majors," Federer said.
"It's not just I've played many grand slam finals; it's consecutive, and I think that's the great effort.
"The danger always looms around the first few rounds because you know you want to get the feeling for the court, the balls.
"It's been a year. You come back with a lot of pressure trying to defend the points. There's always a lot of pressure, but somehow I always get through."
Providing he survives the opening rounds, Federer's first serious test is likely to come in the quarter-finals against seventh seed Fernando Gonzalez in a sequel to last year's championship match.
World No.3 Novak Djokovic or dangerous Argentine David Nalbandian, if he can shake the back spasms that forced his scratching from the Kooyong Classic, loom large in the semi-finals, with Nadal or Andy Rodthingy likely to be waiting in the final.
© 2008 AAP
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Post by jimm on Jan 14, 2008 12:39:38 GMT
British number one Andy Murray crashed out of the Australian Open in the first round, slumping to a 7-5 6-4 0-6 7-6 (7-5) defeat by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Tsonga took control in the early stages and his solid serve and fierce forehand gave the ninth seed few opportunities.
The Frenchman, ranked 38th in the world, went two sets up before Murray hit back with a whitewash in the third.
A tense fourth set went to a tie-break before Tsonga, despite struggling with a thigh injury, came through to win.
Highlights: Murray knocked out Aussie Open Interview: Andy Murray
Murray, who won the Qatar Open in the lead-up to the tournament, admitted he had under-performed but denied his defeat had anything to do with physical problems.
I'm obviously disappointed but it's not the worst I've felt after a defeat
Andy Murray
"I don't think it's anything to do with not getting to Australia early enough," he said.
"I had six, seven days of preparation. I trained in the hot conditions. It was nothing to do with the physical thing why I lost the match.
"The most important thing is to get his serve back because he's obviously got a very good serve but I didn't make enough returns at the start of the match to have a chance of really breaking him.
"I didn't put enough returns in court with enough depth to let his inconsistency be a problem at the start of the match and it was only at the end when I started to do that.
"I did all the right preparation, worked very hard on my game and I've improved a lot of my shots.
"I'm obviously disappointed that I didn't win the match. I would have wanted to win more than anything. I gave it my best effort out there. But it's not the worst I've felt after a defeat."
It was a massively disappointing display by the Scot, who had gone into the tournament with realistic hopes of claiming his first Grand Slam title.
Tsonga, who ended Tim Henman's career when he beat him at the 2007 US Open, was always thought to be a dangerous opponent but it was Murray's failure to perform that ultimately proved to be his downfall.
From the start, Tsonga dominated rallies with his powerful groundstrokes - and Murray never got to grips with his serve either.
Murray was on the back foot but continued with his approach of trying to draw errors from his opponent, even when Tsonga seemed unable to miss.
Only in the third set, when Tsonga needed treatment for a thigh injury, did Murray seize the initiative but the fourth set was a far tighter affair.
Tsonga served for the match at 5-4 up only to produce his worst service game by some distance, allowing Murray to haul himself level.
Things got even more tense as the match went into a tie-break but, after some mesmerising tennis, Murray double-faulted to trail 5-4 and never recovered - a wild forehand flying out to give Tsonga a memorable victory in three hours and 14 minutes. "
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Post by jimm on Jan 14, 2008 12:41:10 GMT
Baker ambitions ended by Karlovic
Ivo Karlovic lost a set to Britain's Jamie Baker, but pulled through British outsider Jamie Baker bowed out of the Australian Open in the opening round after going down 6-4 6-4 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 to 20th seed Ivo Karlovic.
Scottish qualifier Baker, 21, broke the giant Croatian twice but Karlovic showed his quality at crucial times.
Baker said: "I was a bit disappointed by the way I started, I played a bit cagey, but I don't think the deficit of 200 ranking positions showed that much.
"I've kept the number 20 in the world on court for three-and-a-half hours."
Ranked 217th in the world and the British number three, Baker could take plenty of credit from his performance against Karlovic.
After Karlovic broke in the 10th game of the first set to win it, the two players exchanged breaks at the start of the second before Karlovic again won 6-4.
Baker saved two match points in the third, broke Karlovic again, and won the tie-break impressively.
But Karlovic showed no further favours and efficiently won the fourth set to seal the match.
Baker added: "It's kind of difficult when you are playing against someone with as big a serve as that because you know your service games are so important.
"Every time I got into a rally I had to take chances to win points.
"But I want to get into these tournaments where I can challenge the world's best players and to get a bit more money in my pocket.
"Once you get into the top 100 you unlock the door a bit and it's a little easier to stay within those rankings.
"I've beaten three or four top-100 players and am troubling that guy today so there's no reason why I can't do that.
"It's to do with learning and I'm a fast learner."
He made a better fist of things than Murray did;)
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Post by jimm on Jan 14, 2008 12:42:47 GMT
Andy Rodthingy stormed in to the second round of the Australian Open with a straight sets win over Lukas Dlouhy. The sixth seed cruised to a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory over the Czech qualifier, who self-destructed with 12 double-faults in the first two sets. Fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko also progressed in straight sets, beating Michael Llodra 7-5 7-5 6-3. Other seeds that progressed on day one included Richard Gasquet, Tommy Robredo and Mikhail Youzhny. Rodthingy, fresh from winning the Kooyong Classic for the third time, was happy to successfully negotiate his first round clash. 606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the opening day's action at the Australian Open "I think those are the type of matches where if you're not match tough it can get a little tricky," he said. "I just tried to stay the course and get through his kind of peaks and valleys." French number eight seed Gasquet saw off the challenge of Australian wildcard Nick Lindhahl in four sets, but Robredo needed five sets to beat his German opponent Mischa Zverev. The Spaniard, seeded 11th, fought back from losing the opening two sets to win 4-6, 2-6, 7-6, 6-4, 7-5. Davydenko's Russian compatriot and 14th seed Youzhny had no trouble in seeing off Mathieu Montcourt winning 6-0 6-2 7-6. Nikolay Davydenko Fourth seed Davydenko cruised to a straight sets win Carlos Moya, runner-up in 1997 and seeded 16th for this year's tournament, was sent crashing by the unseeded Austrian Stefan Koubek in four sets. Elsewhere, Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, seeded 23rd, was a straight sets victor over Romanian Victor Hanescu, while 24th seed Jarkko Nieminen of Finland needed five sets to beat Canadian Frank Dancevic. Unseeded Guillermo Garcia-Lopez upset 18th seed Juan Ignacio Chela with a 6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 win, while 28th seed Gilles Simon beat American Bobby Reynolds in five sets. Stanislas Wawrinka, seeded 26th from Switzerland, and the German 29th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber both went through in straight sets as they beat Julien Benneteau and Roko Karanusic respectively. After dropping the first set against Andrei Pavel, Russian 31st seed Igor Andreev bounced back to win the next three, while 2003 runner-up Rainer Schuettler of Germany also progressed as he beat 2001 runner-up Arnaud Clement of France 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4." "After dropping the first set against Andrei Pavel, Russian 31st seed Igor Andreev bounced back to win the next three, "Makiri's bf
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Post by SuperMarion on Jan 14, 2008 15:50:38 GMT
Yes I agree.
When I heard Jamie Baker had drawn Karlovic in the 1st round I felt that was really hard luck. Because, even Federer wouldnt want to face him in the first round. Balls hammering down at you from 7 foot!
In the end, Jamie did himself proud. And hope he will continue his progress. He seems a nice lad too.
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Post by jimm on Jan 18, 2008 16:31:48 GMT
Rodthingy beaten in titanic contest Andy Rodthingy Rodthingy went out to the inspired German Kohlschreiber Sixth seed Andy Rodthingy crashed out of the Australian Open to number 29 seed Philipp Kohlschreiber after a five-set thriller in the third round.
The American never looked comfortable and the German ran out a worthy winner after a four-hour epic which ended after 0200 local time on Saturday.
Rodthingy saved four match points in a pulsating fifth set but eventually went down 4-6 6-3 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-3) 6-8.
Kohlschreiber now faces Finland's Jarkko Nieminen in the fourth round.
"I was just thinking don't make mistakes," said Kohlschreiber, 24. "I just said full power on every shot, and it worked out perfectly.
"I enjoyed every second of it and both of us was doing our best to come out on top."
Both Kohlschreiber and Rodthingy had gone into the tournament on hot streaks, Rodthingy winning the Kooyong Classic title last week and Kohlschreiber claiming the Auckland title.
The word in the locker-room was that the match was poised to be a close affair and the predictions were correct.
It's not good, it's not fun
Andy Rodthingy is virtually speechless after his defeat
Rodthingy did not look focused in the opener and Kohlschreiber's probing groundstrokes saw him break at 5-4 and serve out the set.
In the second, the German fended off three break points at 1-1, but a revitalised Rodthingy broke him in the fourth game and held on to level at one-set all.
Both players settled into a rhythm in the third, and while both had opportunities to break, the tie-break was inevitable.
Rodthingy worked his way to two set-points in the breaker but remarkably Kohlschreiber clung on, eventually claiming the breaker 11-9 to edge ahead.
With things not going his way, the American sixth seed threw down his racquet and yelled at umpire Emmanuel Joseph; "you're an idiot".
606: DEBATE Seriously, can Kohlschreiber reach the final?
GT
A rattled Rodthingy, already on a warning for bad language, continued to rant at the umpire, complaining vociferously about rowdy German fans in the seventh game.
Despite his rising temper, Rodthingy managed to push the set through to the tie-break, winning it 7-3 to level the match once more.
Unbowed, the German continued to attack and forced four match points in the 10th game, but Rodthingy hung on.
The match was finally settled in the 14th game as Kohlschreiber pulled out two more well-timed groundstrokes to move to 0-30 on the Rodthingy serve.
Philipp Kohlschreiber Kohlschreiber celebrates reaching the last 16 of a Grand Slam for a second time
The American responded with another ace - to mark a career-best match total of 42 - but a superb Kohlschreiber passing-shot and a wide forehand from Rodthingy handed the German a place in the last 16.
"It's not good, it's not fun," shrugged Rodthingy. "I am trying to think of a new and exciting way to say that.
"He was swinging from the first ball. I don't know if I had two feet set the whole match."
Rodthingy's defeat saw him slide to his earliest exit from the event since his debut in 2002, while Kohlschreiber equalled his career-best Grand Slam performance.
Ironically that was in the fourth round of the Australian Open in 2005, where he lost to Rodthingy.
A particularly nasty display of temper from Rodthingy. He was well beaten in the end
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