The first two sets were the standard, hard-hitting affairs that were expected between two of the larger and more athletic players on the ATP Tour, ultimately trading 6-3 sets. Then the third set happened. 8-all. 12-all. Neither man had approached a break of serve.
The most explosive match of the Olympic tournament so far happened on Court 1 between Milos Raonic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The three set affair was an example of just how fast grass courts can be. Both men served very well, but Roanic especially. Plenty of muscle was flexed on groundstrokes as well.
6-3, 3-6, -Longest third set in Olympic Tennis History- Elite Level Power Tennis
Game. Set. Match. Tsonga 25-23 in the 3rd set. 3:58 minutes Olympic Record
Tsonga Match pts. at 15-14, 17-17
3rd Set Key Stats-
Total pts.
Tsonga: 129- Raonic: 128
Winners : 41-50
unforced errors 17---28
Net pts. 32/39---47/60
Break pts. 1/4---0/4
--Lleyton Hewitt defeated Marin Clilic in the 2nd round 6-2, 7-5
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
(2) Novak Djokovic (SRB) v. Andy Roddick (USA)
Novak Djokovic felt like a world number one during his second round match dropping Andy Roddick 6-2, 6-1. Roger Federer regained the number one ranking by beating Djokovic in the Wimbledon semifinals and going on the win the tournament. That fact, paired with the pride of representing ones country serves as double motivation for the Serbian to succeed. There were no signs of weakness today in a clean and comprehensive dismantling of the American.
"I've served extrememly well in these opening two matches and today everything was working perfectly well...serving a lot of aces," Djokovic said.
His stats: 13 aces, 33 winners, 4/4 on break point chances.
(3) Andy Murray (GBR) v. Jarkko Niemenen (FIN)
Andy Murray was dominant again on Centre Court, defeating Jarkko Niemenen of Finland 6-2, 6-2. Murray's returns were especially merciless.
"I served well," Murray said. The roof was closed for the match. "I prefer playing outdoors. It suits my game better than the indoor."
Beat Baghdatis at Wimbledon. On playing him again: "He hits a quite flat ball which suits the grass." Murray said.
"I served well," Murray said. The roof was closed for the match. "I prefer playing outdoors. It suits my game better than the indoor."
Beat Baghdatis at Wimbledon. On playing him again: "He hits a quite flat ball which suits the grass." Murray said.
Monday, July 30, 2012
USA Undefeated on Day 3
Six matches ended in victory for the American tennis team on Day 3. Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Andy Roddick and John Isner all won singles matches. The Williams sisters added another victory in doubles. All around an impressive day for the USA.
Isner (USA) v. Jaziri (TUN) - 7-6, 6-2
Isner coming off Newport title is very dangerous. Two out of three sets on grass suits his game perfectly.
Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) v. Andreas Seppi (ITA)
Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) def. Andrea Seppi (ITA) - 6-4, 7-6
(1) Roger Federer (SUI) v. Julien Benetteu (FRA)
(1) Roger Federer (SUI) def. Julien Benetteu (FRA) - 6-2, 6-2
With his doubles match scheduled for later in the day, Roger Federer seemed keen to end his singles match with Julien Benetteu quickly. It took 58 minutes. Federer allowed Benetteu no room to breathe, breaking immediately, and using snappish ground strokes and a consistent serve to stay ahead. This was a more precise Federer than the one we saw drop a set against Fognini.
Benetteu wasn't playing at the level he was during their match at Wimbledon contributing 9 unforced errors in the first set. Benetteu had been within two points of upsetting him at Wimbledon this year. "Conditions were different," Federer pointed out. The roof was closed during their previous match. "I think he may have struggled with his serve in these conditions."
"I was able to put together I think, really, a solid performance today," a happy Federer said.
With his doubles match scheduled for later in the day, Roger Federer seemed keen to end his singles match with Julien Benetteu quickly. It took 58 minutes. Federer allowed Benetteu no room to breathe, breaking immediately, and using snappish ground strokes and a consistent serve to stay ahead. This was a more precise Federer than the one we saw drop a set against Fognini.
Benetteu wasn't playing at the level he was during their match at Wimbledon contributing 9 unforced errors in the first set. Benetteu had been within two points of upsetting him at Wimbledon this year. "Conditions were different," Federer pointed out. The roof was closed during their previous match. "I think he may have struggled with his serve in these conditions."
"I was able to put together I think, really, a solid performance today," a happy Federer said.
Roddick (USA) v. Martin Klizan (SVK)
American Andy Roddick defeats Klizan 6-4, 6-4. Hit five aces and 19 winners to only five unforced errors. Roddick meets Novak Djokovic next.
Day 3 Matches To Watch
Given the wash that was Day 2, 48 matches were cancelled, Day 3 is full of great matches on the men's and women's sides. 55 matches in all are scheduled, here are the top three to look out for:
(1) Roger Federer (SUI) v. Julien Benetteu (FRA) - These two played a very close match less than a month ago on Centre Court. Benetteu was two points from winning the match. With that close call still in recent memory, Federer will be ready. Prediction: Fed. Straights. Easy.
(8) Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) v. Andreas Seppi (ITA) - Seppi is a dangerous player but del Potro should be able to overpower him. Prediction: del Potro in three.
(13) Marin Cilic (CRO) v. Jurgen Melzer (AUS) - Prediction: Cilic.
Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) v. Go Soeda (JPN) - Prediction: Bagdhdatis.
(1) Roger Federer (SUI) v. Julien Benetteu (FRA) - These two played a very close match less than a month ago on Centre Court. Benetteu was two points from winning the match. With that close call still in recent memory, Federer will be ready. Prediction: Fed. Straights. Easy.
(8) Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) v. Andreas Seppi (ITA) - Seppi is a dangerous player but del Potro should be able to overpower him. Prediction: del Potro in three.
(13) Marin Cilic (CRO) v. Jurgen Melzer (AUS) - Prediction: Cilic.
Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) v. Go Soeda (JPN) - Prediction: Bagdhdatis.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Tsonga v. Belucci
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) def. Thomaz Belucci (BRA) - 6-7, 6-4, 6-4
Both men were dominant on serve which was not a surprise given the closed roof, but Tsonga rallied and separated himself in the second set.
Both men were dominant on serve which was not a surprise given the closed roof, but Tsonga rallied and separated himself in the second set.
David Ferrer v. Vasek Pospisil
David Ferrer (ESP) def. Vasek Pospisil (CAN) - 6-4, 6-4
David Ferrer of Spain continued his fantastic 2012 by advancing with a straight sets win over the 22 year-old Canadian.
David Ferrer of Spain continued his fantastic 2012 by advancing with a straight sets win over the 22 year-old Canadian.
Murray Advances In Straight Sets
Andy Murray (GBR) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) - 6-3, 6-3
What could have been a difficult first-round match ended up as a straight sets win for Andy Murray. Murray hit 20 winners, 12 unforced errors, and converted 88 percent of first serve points on his way to the win over Stan Wawrinka.
Murray returned to the court where he lost the Wimbledon final to Roger Federer three weeks ago. But after the match he was quick to emphasize that this wasn't Wimbledon, "it's so different, there's so many other sports going on, so many other athletes...you don't feel like you're the only one that's playing...in a bubble."
Murray said that the Olympics served as "big motivation to get over the Wimbledon final quickly...I worked really hard on the practice court and that's been the difference."
Wawrinka will remain in London to defend his doubles gold medal alongside Swiss number one Roger Federer.
What could have been a difficult first-round match ended up as a straight sets win for Andy Murray. Murray hit 20 winners, 12 unforced errors, and converted 88 percent of first serve points on his way to the win over Stan Wawrinka.
Murray returned to the court where he lost the Wimbledon final to Roger Federer three weeks ago. But after the match he was quick to emphasize that this wasn't Wimbledon, "it's so different, there's so many other sports going on, so many other athletes...you don't feel like you're the only one that's playing...in a bubble."
Murray said that the Olympics served as "big motivation to get over the Wimbledon final quickly...I worked really hard on the practice court and that's been the difference."
Wawrinka will remain in London to defend his doubles gold medal alongside Swiss number one Roger Federer.
Editorial: HEAD > Yonex
Why did Wawrinka switch to Yonex? He was a HEAD sponsored player using the Prestige line for as long as I can remember watching him play. They are sweet racquets. But are Yonex good? Because I have never seen anyone win anything using one except maybe Lleyton Hewitt like 17 years ago. Nalbandian has always used them. But they have that odd shape that looks like the top the racquet got smashed. Maybe Novak Djokovic's sponsorship with HEAD and his success using the Youtek Speed line of racquets burt Wawrinka's chances for a lucrative deal with HEAD.
Murray WIns First Set
Took it 6-3 off a single break of Stan Wawrinka's serve in what was an evenly matched set for the most part.
Novak Djokovic vs. Fabio Fognini
Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. Fabio Fognini (ITA) - 6-7, 6-2, 6-2
Novak Djokovic began his quest for an Olympic gold medal by dropping the opening set. The match was delayed by rain with the first-set tiebreaker tied at seven all. When the match resumed Fognini nicked two quick points and the first set was over. Fognini deserves credit for his clean ball-striking and for being solid at net when he had to be.
Novak Djokovic was clearly irritated. "I was thinking about those two points," he said. He was about to raise his level. Over the final two sets he was dominant.
'Everything happens very fast on this surface," Djokovic said. "I had to be really focused for each game. Second and third [sets] were really going my way. I believe there is bigger intensity on the courts. This is the fastest surface."
Djokovic noted the change in conditions for three weeks ago: "it's different from the Wimbledon courts speed-wise and bounce-wise. It's faster and bounces lower."
Novak Djokovic began his quest for an Olympic gold medal by dropping the opening set. The match was delayed by rain with the first-set tiebreaker tied at seven all. When the match resumed Fognini nicked two quick points and the first set was over. Fognini deserves credit for his clean ball-striking and for being solid at net when he had to be.
Novak Djokovic was clearly irritated. "I was thinking about those two points," he said. He was about to raise his level. Over the final two sets he was dominant.
'Everything happens very fast on this surface," Djokovic said. "I had to be really focused for each game. Second and third [sets] were really going my way. I believe there is bigger intensity on the courts. This is the fastest surface."
Djokovic noted the change in conditions for three weeks ago: "it's different from the Wimbledon courts speed-wise and bounce-wise. It's faster and bounces lower."
7/29 Matches To Watch
1. Djokovic(SRB) v. Fognini(ITA) - After a feeble semi-final loss to Roger Federer on Centre Court which saw him lose his world number one ranking, Djokovic will have something to prove this Olympics as his confidence has been waning. The bronze medalist from Beijing will be looking for gold. A match-up with Federer in the final would be the minimum result. Prediction: Djokovic in straight sets.
2. Wawrinka(SUI) v. Murray(GBR) - Andy Murray will be carrying the weight of representing the host nation. But he's used to dealing with that sort of pressure every year at Wimbledon, where he reached the final this year. However, his first-round match looks more like a Wimbledon quarterfinal. Wawrinka is very dangerous and has beaten Murray before. Prediction: Murray in three sets. Two of them will be decided in the breaker.
3. Tsonga(FRA) v. Belucci(BRA) - Tsonga is perhaps the next most dangerous player on this surface after Federer. A huge serve and flat ground strokes are always effective on grass, and Tsonga has both in spades. The lefty Belucci is a tough draw for an opening match, but Tsonga should advance. Prediction: Tsonga in three.
4. Soeda(JPN) v. Baghdatis(CYP) - Baghdatis carried the flag for Cyprus in the opening ceremonies and could have done so with no more pride. Baghdatis will look to respresent Cyprus further against Soeda of Japan. Prediction: Baghdatis should have no problem. Straights.
2. Wawrinka(SUI) v. Murray(GBR) - Andy Murray will be carrying the weight of representing the host nation. But he's used to dealing with that sort of pressure every year at Wimbledon, where he reached the final this year. However, his first-round match looks more like a Wimbledon quarterfinal. Wawrinka is very dangerous and has beaten Murray before. Prediction: Murray in three sets. Two of them will be decided in the breaker.
3. Tsonga(FRA) v. Belucci(BRA) - Tsonga is perhaps the next most dangerous player on this surface after Federer. A huge serve and flat ground strokes are always effective on grass, and Tsonga has both in spades. The lefty Belucci is a tough draw for an opening match, but Tsonga should advance. Prediction: Tsonga in three.
4. Soeda(JPN) v. Baghdatis(CYP) - Baghdatis carried the flag for Cyprus in the opening ceremonies and could have done so with no more pride. Baghdatis will look to respresent Cyprus further against Soeda of Japan. Prediction: Baghdatis should have no problem. Straights.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Dominant del Potro
Juan Martin del Potro announced himself as a medal contender with a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory over Croation Ivan Dodig. While not a difficult opening match for del Potro, he was efficient. All while Federer was again inefficient and mighty Berdych was stunned by a little known Belgian outside the top 50. Dodig contributed 24 unforced errors, but del Potro made only ten and his serve was huge. He will present huge problems for anyone he faces later in the draw. del Potro will face Andreas Seppi of Italy next in what could turn out to be one of the best matches of the tournament.
Federer Advances
ROGER WINS!!! Was there ever any doubt? It was just a matter of what level Alejandro Falla would force Roger Federer to meet and exceed. Falla brought his big time game and put up a surprising and impressive fight that provided three sets of great tennis. Ultimately, Falla's serve was too weak to sustain any momentum, even as Federer failed to convert opportunities to end the match.
Two Wimbledons Are Better Than One
How nice is it that we have two Wimbledons this year. We are really, really, really lucky to have this. Federer on Centre Court.
Roger Federer v. Alejendro Falla
A slightly rusty Roger Federer won his first round match 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, but was challenged by Colombian Alejandro Falla. It looked as though Federer would cruise up a break in the
second set, but Falla decided to remind Fed that he was in a tennis
match. Federer suffered a major lapse late in the second set, failing to convert three match points, getting broken at 5-5, and ultimately throwing the set away.
Federer broke immediately to start the third set but was promptly broken back. This sort of inefficiency has plagued Fed in the recent past. In the second and third sets Falla raised his level of play and focus significantly. Federer failed to match that intensity.
It looked as if everything was in control. Roger Federer was serving for match at 5-3 in the second against Colombian Alejandro Falla. Match point was on his racquet.
Federer failed to take full advantage of a weak Falla serve. Wouldn't let the same lead get away in the third set finally converting on his fifth match-point.
Federer broke immediately to start the third set but was promptly broken back. This sort of inefficiency has plagued Fed in the recent past. In the second and third sets Falla raised his level of play and focus significantly. Federer failed to match that intensity.
It looked as if everything was in control. Roger Federer was serving for match at 5-3 in the second against Colombian Alejandro Falla. Match point was on his racquet.
Federer failed to take full advantage of a weak Falla serve. Wouldn't let the same lead get away in the third set finally converting on his fifth match-point.
Berdych Ousted by Darcis
Tomas Berdych, a guy who had realistic expectations of a medal in London, was upset by Steve Darcis of Belgium in the first round. Berdych fell several times and had trouble with his footing throughout.
Isner, Williams Advance
In other matches Andreas Seppi beat Donald Young 6-4, 6-4. Janko Tipsarevic beat David Nalbandian 6-3, 6-4. Verdasco was eliminated by Istomin and Youzhny lost to Benneteu.
McHale, Harrison Eliminated
Regardless of the what the score says, Ryan Harrison deserves a Gold Medal for racquet abuse alone. McHale lost of Ana Ivanovic.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Rafa's Knees
Tendonitis has been a problem with Rafael Nadal since he withdrew from defending his Wimbledon title after losing in the French Open to Robin Soderling in 2009. Since then, the status of his knees has been in constant question. 2010-2011 saw a resurgent and healthy Nadal playing and winning (a lot) without the heavy taping we had been seeing around his knees. It wasn't until early 2012 that news of continuing knee tendonitis surfaced.
Nadal has long been critical of hard court tennis in general, as well as the year-round schedule that the ATP demands of its players, mostly on hard court. However, these are universal factors that every pro tennis players deals with and Nadal isn't any different. No one likes playing tennis on a 103 degree August day in Cincinnati. But its part of the gig.
However, given the nature of Nadal's game, and of the injury, the year-round schedule may be the problem here. Nadal puts huge loads of force of his lower body when he plays. His knees suffer the consequences of playing a clay court game on hard court. Nadal is the first pure clay court player to be a dominant number one and legitimate all-time great. His athleticism and mental toughness allowed him to translate clay court success into success on other surfaces in a way that no one, except Bjorg, has been able to. That meant that he ended up playing a lot of matches.
Tendonitis is a long-term diagnosis with only one legitimate cure. Rest. Long-term rest is the only cure for tendonitis and the ATP schedule simply doesn't allow for that kind of time off. Three months off would be a minimum for recovery. However, tendonitis has a tendency to slowly return. And since Nadal hasn't changed his style of play I would assume the pressure on his knees will continue to be the same: massive.
Nadal has long been critical of hard court tennis in general, as well as the year-round schedule that the ATP demands of its players, mostly on hard court. However, these are universal factors that every pro tennis players deals with and Nadal isn't any different. No one likes playing tennis on a 103 degree August day in Cincinnati. But its part of the gig.
However, given the nature of Nadal's game, and of the injury, the year-round schedule may be the problem here. Nadal puts huge loads of force of his lower body when he plays. His knees suffer the consequences of playing a clay court game on hard court. Nadal is the first pure clay court player to be a dominant number one and legitimate all-time great. His athleticism and mental toughness allowed him to translate clay court success into success on other surfaces in a way that no one, except Bjorg, has been able to. That meant that he ended up playing a lot of matches.
Tendonitis is a long-term diagnosis with only one legitimate cure. Rest. Long-term rest is the only cure for tendonitis and the ATP schedule simply doesn't allow for that kind of time off. Three months off would be a minimum for recovery. However, tendonitis has a tendency to slowly return. And since Nadal hasn't changed his style of play I would assume the pressure on his knees will continue to be the same: massive.
Rafael Nadal Injury Update
Roger Federer said he was shocked by the withdrawal of Rafael Nadal from the 2012 London Olympics due to knee problems.
"It was a big surprise to see Rafa pull out of the Olympics as the defending champion from four years ago," Federer said. "It is a big blow to the tournament but he must have his reasons. I don't know if it was his knee or his preparation wasn't good enough. I thought it was more his preparation and that would mean he is probably close to coming back on tour. He is only missing maybe a week or two here."
Federer would not admit that he was relieved that Nadal was not competing. "It's exciting for the rest of the field regardless if Rafa is here or not," he said.
He then expressed concern about some of the remaining competitors in the field, "Novak has a good chance after such a wonderful run over the last year and Andy Murray has played so well at Wimbledon recently."
Looking into the near future for Nadal reveals the unforgiving US hard court season. Nadal has made it known in the past that hard court is his least favorite surface. And given that it was his knee(s) that kept him out of London, a long hard court season could be disastrous for his future if he his not fully healed.
"It was a big surprise to see Rafa pull out of the Olympics as the defending champion from four years ago," Federer said. "It is a big blow to the tournament but he must have his reasons. I don't know if it was his knee or his preparation wasn't good enough. I thought it was more his preparation and that would mean he is probably close to coming back on tour. He is only missing maybe a week or two here."
Federer would not admit that he was relieved that Nadal was not competing. "It's exciting for the rest of the field regardless if Rafa is here or not," he said.
He then expressed concern about some of the remaining competitors in the field, "Novak has a good chance after such a wonderful run over the last year and Andy Murray has played so well at Wimbledon recently."
Looking into the near future for Nadal reveals the unforgiving US hard court season. Nadal has made it known in the past that hard court is his least favorite surface. And given that it was his knee(s) that kept him out of London, a long hard court season could be disastrous for his future if he his not fully healed.
Best of 3
The Olympics will be set up more like a Masters 1000 event than like a Grand Slam. Because there will be less players but with higher rankings, and best of three sets, not five, for a victory.
It will be odd to watch Men's tennis at Wimbledon be decided in best of three sets. But the result will be more exciting tennis matches and a less predictable tournament. Less of a fitness match and more pure Poundtown.
The best of five sets that is used in the four major tennis tournaments is designed for the all-around better player to survive. Winning three sets off a superior opponent is extremely difficult. Best of three matches can get away very quickly. You go down and set and a quick break, next thing you know you're off court and going home in under an hour. Best of five gives good players time to get knocked down once, regather, and raise their level. Best of three doesn't.
Will Roger Federer be able to translate his best of five success at Wimbledon to best of three success on the same surface at the Olympics? One legitimate criticism of post-age 30 Roger Federer is that he doesn't start matches as well, and ends up quickly behind more often than he used to. However, Federer's recent record at Master 1000 events indicates no struggles in adapting to the best of three format. In fact, he has won more best of three formatted tournaments in the past three years than Grand Slams.
It will be odd to watch Men's tennis at Wimbledon be decided in best of three sets. But the result will be more exciting tennis matches and a less predictable tournament. Less of a fitness match and more pure Poundtown.
The best of five sets that is used in the four major tennis tournaments is designed for the all-around better player to survive. Winning three sets off a superior opponent is extremely difficult. Best of three matches can get away very quickly. You go down and set and a quick break, next thing you know you're off court and going home in under an hour. Best of five gives good players time to get knocked down once, regather, and raise their level. Best of three doesn't.
Will Roger Federer be able to translate his best of five success at Wimbledon to best of three success on the same surface at the Olympics? One legitimate criticism of post-age 30 Roger Federer is that he doesn't start matches as well, and ends up quickly behind more often than he used to. However, Federer's recent record at Master 1000 events indicates no struggles in adapting to the best of three format. In fact, he has won more best of three formatted tournaments in the past three years than Grand Slams.
Olympic Draw
Many argued during Wimbledon 2012 that even before Rafa went out that Federer had received a "soft" draw. Meaning that it was set up to give Roger the easiest possible route to the semifinals where he would likely meet Djokovic. The logic was that no one wanted to see Roger get bounced by the likes of a Tomas Berdych, or a Jo-Wilfried Tsonga early on. I will certainly admit that Roger's draw at Wimbledon was surprisingly easy and gave him a better chance to win by staying fresh early in the tournament.
The same calls of conspiracy that we heard in June are being renewed for the Olympics given another relatively easy draw for Fed at the All England Club, err...uh, I mean the Olympics. This is incorrect because the Olympic tournament sets up more like Masters 1000 events than it does like a Grand Slam. There are fewer players, but all with high rankings.
But if you look at his half Federer could still see Janko Tipsarevic, John Isner, Jo Tsonga, Juan Martin del Potro, Mairin Cilic or David Ferrer before the gold medal match. These are all top-12 players capable of beating Roger. In addition, Federer's first-round match is against Alejandro Falla, whom took two sets off him at Wimbledon 2010.
The same calls of conspiracy that we heard in June are being renewed for the Olympics given another relatively easy draw for Fed at the All England Club, err...uh, I mean the Olympics. This is incorrect because the Olympic tournament sets up more like Masters 1000 events than it does like a Grand Slam. There are fewer players, but all with high rankings.
But if you look at his half Federer could still see Janko Tipsarevic, John Isner, Jo Tsonga, Juan Martin del Potro, Mairin Cilic or David Ferrer before the gold medal match. These are all top-12 players capable of beating Roger. In addition, Federer's first-round match is against Alejandro Falla, whom took two sets off him at Wimbledon 2010.
LONDON 2012 Preview
London 2012 is the first major tournament that this blog is going to cover. The biggest story so far from England has been the withdrawal for defending gold-medalist Rafael Nadal. Nadal hasn't seen in action on a tennis court since losing to Lucas Rosol in the second round of Wimbledon. We hadn't heard anything out of the Nadal camp before Wimbledon, but it seems the knee tendonitis that kept Nadal from defending his title in 2009 is keeping him out of the Olympics, too.
After Beijing, Roger revealed that his failure to win gold was a source of sadness for the all-time great. In fact, coupled with the heartbreaking five set loss to Nadal in the Wimbledon final earlier that summer, it was the first sign of the struggles Roger would have over the next few years. Although he would rebound in 2009 season to win the French Open and Wimbledon, younger players had closed the gap and Federer would fail to win another major for three years.
Fast forward to today. Fresh off his Wimbledon championship, Roger Federer seems prime to capture the only major award that has eluded him throughout his tennis career. An Olympic gold medal. And with Nadal out, many place Roger as the favorite. Add to that that he won't have to play either Murray or Djokovic until the final. Add to that the tournament is being played at the All England Club, site of Wimbledon, where he is a seven-time champion and I think we're heading to POUNDTOWN!!!
After Beijing, Roger revealed that his failure to win gold was a source of sadness for the all-time great. In fact, coupled with the heartbreaking five set loss to Nadal in the Wimbledon final earlier that summer, it was the first sign of the struggles Roger would have over the next few years. Although he would rebound in 2009 season to win the French Open and Wimbledon, younger players had closed the gap and Federer would fail to win another major for three years.
Fast forward to today. Fresh off his Wimbledon championship, Roger Federer seems prime to capture the only major award that has eluded him throughout his tennis career. An Olympic gold medal. And with Nadal out, many place Roger as the favorite. Add to that that he won't have to play either Murray or Djokovic until the final. Add to that the tournament is being played at the All England Club, site of Wimbledon, where he is a seven-time champion and I think we're heading to POUNDTOWN!!!
Winning Never Gets Old...
After Roger won Wimbledon for the seventh time and regained his world No. 1 Ranking after a nearly three year hiatus I had to start a tennis blog. I featured Wimbledon coverage on the other blog I run, The Chandelier Incident, during the fortnight. (You should check that out, it's pretty good.) However, since that is more of a pop-culture, current events, general sports blog, I felt the need to give pro tennis a blog of its own. Hell yes...
Poundtown Tennis
Welcome to Poundtown Tennis. This is a blog about all things Tennis. Tournaments, matches, players and equipment. If you love watching tennis, playing tennis and having a great time this is the spot for you. Enjoy.
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