After two days of rain in New York, the men's quarterfinals cast is finally set.
Here are the match-ups:
::Top Half::
[1] Djokovic (SRB) vs [20] Tipsarevic (SRB)
[3] Federer (SUI) vs [11] Tsonga (FRA)
::Bottom Half::
[2] Nadal (ESP) vs [21] Roddick (USA)
[4] Murray (GBR) vs [28] Isner (USA)
The "Big 4" are through to the quarters for the first time in 3 years.
(Murray missed out in 2009 after losing in the 4th Round and again last year after losing in the 3rd Round).
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Djokovic 2011 Watch: 53-1 and 9 Titles Thus Far
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is on pace to break the best single-season record set by John McEnroe in 1984. Earlier in the season, Djokovic fell one win short of tying the best start in a season (42-0) also achieved by McEnroe that same year. Can the "Super Serb" do it this time around? He still has a long way to go, as he is scheduled to play seven more tournaments, including this week's Cincinnati Masters and the year-end WTF. That's about 35 more matches if he keeps on winning. Let's see if the rest of the "Big 4" can impede his progress going forward.
Here are the three best single-season records in men's tennis:
1. John McEnroe (1984) - 82-3, 13 Titles (2 Majors)
2. Jimmy Connors (1974) - 93-4, 15 Titles (3 Majors)
3. Roger Federer (2006) - 92-5, 12 Titles (3 Majors)
Here are the three best single-season records in men's tennis:
1. John McEnroe (1984) - 82-3, 13 Titles (2 Majors)
2. Jimmy Connors (1974) - 93-4, 15 Titles (3 Majors)
3. Roger Federer (2006) - 92-5, 12 Titles (3 Majors)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Canada Masters Update: Nole Last Member of the "Big 4" Standing
It has only been the third round at the Canada Masters in Montreal, and already we've seen three big upsets in succession. The first to go was two-time defending champion Andy Murray in his opening match, and then it was No. 2 Rafa Nadal who also lost in the second round yesterday. Tonight, it was No. 3 Roger Federer who was beaten in the third round by Tsonga, the same opponent who beat him at Wimbledon.
Which leaves us with Novak Djokovic, who enters his first tournament as the new World No. 1. He is through to the quarterfinals, winning his first two matches here with relative ease and pushing his record to 50-1 this season. With the rest of the "Big 4" already eliminated, he will be well on his way to win his ATP-tour leading 9th title of 2011.
Which leaves us with Novak Djokovic, who enters his first tournament as the new World No. 1. He is through to the quarterfinals, winning his first two matches here with relative ease and pushing his record to 50-1 this season. With the rest of the "Big 4" already eliminated, he will be well on his way to win his ATP-tour leading 9th title of 2011.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Adje, Nole!
The 125th edition of the Wimbledon Championships will be remembered as THE tournament where Novak Djokovic fulfilled both his ambition of being the world's best player and his dream of being a Wimbledon champ. Well done, Nole!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
(Probable) Road to the Gentlemen's Final for the "Big 4"
The first two rounds of the 125th Wimbledon Championships are in the books
with no major upsets thus far. Here is a look at (potential) later round
matches for the "Big 4" en route to the Final:
[1] Nadal:
3R - Muller
4R - Del Potro
QF - Berdych
SF - Murray
[4] Murray:
3R - Ljubicic
4R - Gasquet
QF - Roddick
SF - Nadal
------------------------
[3] Federer:
3R - Nalbandian
4R - Almagro
QF - Tsonga
SF - Djokovic
[2] Djokovic:
3R - Baghdatis
4R - Llodra
QF - Soderling
SF - Federer
with no major upsets thus far. Here is a look at (potential) later round
matches for the "Big 4" en route to the Final:
[1] Nadal:
3R - Muller
4R - Del Potro
QF - Berdych
SF - Murray
[4] Murray:
3R - Ljubicic
4R - Gasquet
QF - Roddick
SF - Nadal
------------------------
[3] Federer:
3R - Nalbandian
4R - Almagro
QF - Tsonga
SF - Djokovic
[2] Djokovic:
3R - Baghdatis
4R - Llodra
QF - Soderling
SF - Federer
Friday, June 17, 2011
Wimbledon "Big 4" Ranking Projections
Here are the "Big 4" ranking projections for Wimbledon:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArXMd59RqOuFdG5QclF3QXMwSG9vRlVhM0JiSG84Q2c&output=html
The scenarios are a repeat of last month's French Open:
- Djokovic will be No. 1 if he reaches the Final, or if Nadal doesn't defend his title.
- Even if Murray wins the tournament and Federer loses in the first round, Murray cannot overtake Federer in the rankings.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArXMd59RqOuFdG5QclF3QXMwSG9vRlVhM0JiSG84Q2c&output=html
The scenarios are a repeat of last month's French Open:
- Djokovic will be No. 1 if he reaches the Final, or if Nadal doesn't defend his title.
- Even if Murray wins the tournament and Federer loses in the first round, Murray cannot overtake Federer in the rankings.
Monday, June 6, 2011
"Big 4" at the French Open Semis Ends with Nadal Still No. 1
The parity in the men's game does not often allow the top four seeds to be in the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament. For the first time since 2006, the "Big 4" came through at this year's edition of the French Open.
The Nadal-Murray and Djokovic-Federer semifinals produced some of the best, if not the best, tennis this season. Not to be outdone, the Nadal-Federer final was the most competitive match these two champions have played on the red clay of Roland Garros.
In the end, after all was said and done, the status quo had been preserved. Nadal came out on top, winning his 6th French Open title and keeping his No. 1 ranking along with it. Federer made it happen for Nadal by beating Djokovic in the semifinals, ensuring that Djokovic won't be the new No. 1 and snapping Novak's 43-match winning streak in the process. It goes without saying that Nadal was more comfortable playing Federer, rather than Djokovic, in the final.
Here's to hoping that the "Big 4" comes through again at Wimbledon. Something tells me it's going to be Rafa vs. Roger once more in the championship match, should they land in the opposite sides of the draw, that is. It remains to be seen whether Djokovic or Murray has enough fight in them to reach the final of a non-Hard Court major. (Djokovic has two Australian Open titles to his name and two US Open runner-up trophies; Murray is a losing finalist at the Australian Open twice and at the US Open once.)
The Nadal-Murray and Djokovic-Federer semifinals produced some of the best, if not the best, tennis this season. Not to be outdone, the Nadal-Federer final was the most competitive match these two champions have played on the red clay of Roland Garros.
In the end, after all was said and done, the status quo had been preserved. Nadal came out on top, winning his 6th French Open title and keeping his No. 1 ranking along with it. Federer made it happen for Nadal by beating Djokovic in the semifinals, ensuring that Djokovic won't be the new No. 1 and snapping Novak's 43-match winning streak in the process. It goes without saying that Nadal was more comfortable playing Federer, rather than Djokovic, in the final.
Here's to hoping that the "Big 4" comes through again at Wimbledon. Something tells me it's going to be Rafa vs. Roger once more in the championship match, should they land in the opposite sides of the draw, that is. It remains to be seen whether Djokovic or Murray has enough fight in them to reach the final of a non-Hard Court major. (Djokovic has two Australian Open titles to his name and two US Open runner-up trophies; Murray is a losing finalist at the Australian Open twice and at the US Open once.)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Djokovic in French Open Semi, Now One Win Away from No. 1
Novak Djokovic has made it into the semifinals of Roland Garros after his quarterfinal opponent Fabio Fognini withdrew due to injury. Djokovic will face either 2009 French Open champ and 16-time major winner Roger Federer, or local hope Gael Monfils. Federer and Monfils play their quarterfinal match tomorrow.
The walkover victory doesn't count towards Novak's current winning streak, so it still stands at 41-0 for the year and 43-0 overall. One more win and his life-long dream of becoming No. 1 in the world becomes a reality. He would also tie the record of 42 wins to start the season set in 1984 by John McEnroe.
With so much at stake in his semifinal match, nerves will definitely play a factor. Can the "super Serb" rise to the occasion once again?
Djokovic-Federer Head-to-Head: 9-13 (3-0 over the last three matches)
Djokovic-Monfils Head-to-Head: 6-0
The walkover victory doesn't count towards Novak's current winning streak, so it still stands at 41-0 for the year and 43-0 overall. One more win and his life-long dream of becoming No. 1 in the world becomes a reality. He would also tie the record of 42 wins to start the season set in 1984 by John McEnroe.
With so much at stake in his semifinal match, nerves will definitely play a factor. Can the "super Serb" rise to the occasion once again?
Djokovic-Federer Head-to-Head: 9-13 (3-0 over the last three matches)
Djokovic-Monfils Head-to-Head: 6-0
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Djokovic's Unbeaten Streak On the Line Against Del Potro
It is shaping up to be an exciting first week at Roland Garros. After the fans were treated to a five-set first round match featuring holder Rafa Nadal and marathon-man John Isner, a third round blockbuster is on the way.
Soon-to-be-World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is now 39-0 for 2011 (41-0 overall), but none of those wins came against Juan Martin Del Potro, the only other Grand Slam champion outside of the "Big 3" in the French Open Men's Draw. It was Del Potro who halted Federer's five-year run at the US Open, which at that time, seemed improbable.
Djokovic and Del Potro's career head-to-head record is 3-0 in favor of Novak, their last meeting coming at the clay courts of Rome in 2009. An upset seems impossible -- after all, Del Potro is coming off a hip injury and Djokovic's form is nothing but spectacular. Can DelPo score his first W against Djokovic? Let's just hope he doesn't retire even before the match begins.
Prediction: Djokovic over Del Potro in straight sets
Soon-to-be-World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is now 39-0 for 2011 (41-0 overall), but none of those wins came against Juan Martin Del Potro, the only other Grand Slam champion outside of the "Big 3" in the French Open Men's Draw. It was Del Potro who halted Federer's five-year run at the US Open, which at that time, seemed improbable.
Djokovic and Del Potro's career head-to-head record is 3-0 in favor of Novak, their last meeting coming at the clay courts of Rome in 2009. An upset seems impossible -- after all, Del Potro is coming off a hip injury and Djokovic's form is nothing but spectacular. Can DelPo score his first W against Djokovic? Let's just hope he doesn't retire even before the match begins.
Prediction: Djokovic over Del Potro in straight sets
Sunday, May 22, 2011
French Open "Big 4" Ranking Projections
The French Open is underway!
Here are the "Big 4" ranking projections for Roland Garros:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ArXMd59RqOuFdHA2TTRNYk5nbDZSaG5mN3haZkMwZlE&output=html
Potential Quarterfinal Matchups:
Top half:
[1] Nadal v [5] Soderling
[4] Murray v [8] Melzer
Bottom half:
[2] Djokovic v [6] Berdych
[3] Federer v [7] Ferrer
Here are the "Big 4" ranking projections for Roland Garros:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0ArXMd59RqOuFdHA2TTRNYk5nbDZSaG5mN3haZkMwZlE&output=html
Potential Quarterfinal Matchups:
Top half:
[1] Nadal v [5] Soderling
[4] Murray v [8] Melzer
Bottom half:
[2] Djokovic v [6] Berdych
[3] Federer v [7] Ferrer
Monday, May 16, 2011
Unbeatable Djokovic Now Six Wins From No. 1
37-0 to start the year and 39-0 overall. Wins over top-ranked Rafael Nadal in four finals (including two on clay!), over No. 3 Roger Federer in three matches, and over No. 4 Andy Murray (who, at the Rome Masters semifinal was a service game away from snapping the Djokovic streak) in two matches. Win six more in the French Open, and the No. 1 ranking will be his to cap it all off.
What an amazing run indeed for super-Serb Novak Djokovic, who continues to defy all expectations. The biggest test is coming up soon - a probable French Open final against "King of Clay" and five-time champ Rafa Nadal, second only to "King of Clay" and six-time champ Bjorn Borg for the most French Open titles in the Open Era.
What an amazing run indeed for super-Serb Novak Djokovic, who continues to defy all expectations. The biggest test is coming up soon - a probable French Open final against "King of Clay" and five-time champ Rafa Nadal, second only to "King of Clay" and six-time champ Bjorn Borg for the most French Open titles in the Open Era.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Whose Streak Ends First?
Madrid Masters at La Caja Magica sets the stage.
On one end, we have World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who is yet to concede defeat on clay
since 2010, winning six titles along the way:
[1-0] Madrid (ongoing)
[5-0] Barcelona (2011)
[5-0] Monte Carlo (2011)
[7-0] Roland Garros (2010)
[5-0] Madrid (2010)
[5-0] Rome (2010)
[5-0] Monte Carlo (2010)
On the other end, we have World No. 2 Novak Djokovic, who is perfect thus far in
2011, winning all five tournaments he entered this year:
[2-0] Madrid (ongoing)
[3-0] Belgrade
[6-0] Miami
[6-0] Indian Wells
[7-0] Australian Open
[5-0] Dubai
Sunday's final between Rafa and Nole would be the ideal decider, but let's wait until
then and see if both men survive the quarters and semis.
On one end, we have World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who is yet to concede defeat on clay
since 2010, winning six titles along the way:
[1-0] Madrid (ongoing)
[5-0] Barcelona (2011)
[5-0] Monte Carlo (2011)
[7-0] Roland Garros (2010)
[5-0] Madrid (2010)
[5-0] Rome (2010)
[5-0] Monte Carlo (2010)
On the other end, we have World No. 2 Novak Djokovic, who is perfect thus far in
2011, winning all five tournaments he entered this year:
[2-0] Madrid (ongoing)
[3-0] Belgrade
[6-0] Miami
[6-0] Indian Wells
[7-0] Australian Open
[5-0] Dubai
Sunday's final between Rafa and Nole would be the ideal decider, but let's wait until
then and see if both men survive the quarters and semis.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Djokovic's Perfect Hardcourt Season: Closing in on No. 1
t all began in December of last year, when Novak Djokovic led Serbia to its first-ever Davis Cup championship by winning his two singles matches. He has not lost since, collecting four titles along the way, including his second major:
Dubai (5-0): Defeated Federer in the final
Australian Open (7-0): Defeated Murray in the final
Indian Wells (6-0): Defeated Nadal in the final
Miami (6-0): Defeated Nadal in the final
With 4,500 points to begin the season, World No. 2 Djokovic leads the race to the ATP World Tour Finals, and has been steadily closing in on World No. 1 Rafael Nadal. Only 3,170 points separate the two players.
Having had a perfect claycourt season last year where he went 22-0, Nadal now has the burden of defending 5,000 points. Djokovic didn't do as well on clay last year, and only has 945 points to defend. If Novak can steal a title or two from Rafa, we could be looking at a new No. 1 player sooner, rather than later.
Dubai (5-0): Defeated Federer in the final
Australian Open (7-0): Defeated Murray in the final
Indian Wells (6-0): Defeated Nadal in the final
Miami (6-0): Defeated Nadal in the final
With 4,500 points to begin the season, World No. 2 Djokovic leads the race to the ATP World Tour Finals, and has been steadily closing in on World No. 1 Rafael Nadal. Only 3,170 points separate the two players.
Having had a perfect claycourt season last year where he went 22-0, Nadal now has the burden of defending 5,000 points. Djokovic didn't do as well on clay last year, and only has 945 points to defend. If Novak can steal a title or two from Rafa, we could be looking at a new No. 1 player sooner, rather than later.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Djokovic in Miami Masters Final, Now 23-0 in 2011
World No. 2 Novak Djokovic defeated newly installed American No. 1 Mardy Fish in the semifinals of the Miami Masters. He now awaits the winner of the Nadal-Federer semifinal and will be attempting to achieve the Indian Wells-Miami double, last achieved by Roger Federer in 2005 and 2006.
The "super Serb" extends his 2011 winning streak to 23-0. It is the best start to a season since Ivan Lendl was 28-0 in 1986.
Djokovic defeated both Federer (semifinal) and Nadal (final) en route to the Indian Wells title; now he just needs to beat one of them to claim the Miami Masters shield. King of the hardcourts, anyone?
The "super Serb" extends his 2011 winning streak to 23-0. It is the best start to a season since Ivan Lendl was 28-0 in 1986.
Djokovic defeated both Federer (semifinal) and Nadal (final) en route to the Indian Wells title; now he just needs to beat one of them to claim the Miami Masters shield. King of the hardcourts, anyone?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Indian Wells Super Saturday Storylines
Grand Slam Winners Gallery
The men's Final Four consist of Grand Slam champions of the past 5 years. Since 2006, 21 majors have come and gone and no other man has made it into this exclusive club. Federer leads the pack with 10 majors in this period, followed by Nadal with 8. Djokovic has 2 majors while Del Potro has one.
Battle For No. 2
The semifinal match between Federer and Djokovic will determine who gets the No. 2 ranking. Djokovic has gotten the better of current No. 2 Federer in recent matches, and will be trying to maintain a winning streak dating back to last year's Davis Cup finals where he captained Serbia to victory.
Federer-Wawrinka In Doubles Final
The Olympic Gold medal winning duo of Federer and Wawrinka outduelled defending champs Nadal and Lopez last night and will be vying for their first title since the Olympics in Beijing 2008.
The men's Final Four consist of Grand Slam champions of the past 5 years. Since 2006, 21 majors have come and gone and no other man has made it into this exclusive club. Federer leads the pack with 10 majors in this period, followed by Nadal with 8. Djokovic has 2 majors while Del Potro has one.
Battle For No. 2
The semifinal match between Federer and Djokovic will determine who gets the No. 2 ranking. Djokovic has gotten the better of current No. 2 Federer in recent matches, and will be trying to maintain a winning streak dating back to last year's Davis Cup finals where he captained Serbia to victory.
Federer-Wawrinka In Doubles Final
The Olympic Gold medal winning duo of Federer and Wawrinka outduelled defending champs Nadal and Lopez last night and will be vying for their first title since the Olympics in Beijing 2008.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Indian Wells Update: Potential "Big 4" Semis
An interesting draw is shaping up at Indian Wells, where a potential "Big 4" semifinals might just happen. We're not talking about the men's singles draw, as we've seen that a few times before already. We're talking about the men's doubles draw! None of the "Big 4" doubles teams are actually seeded, so the odds that they were drawn in different quarters are incredibly low.
The Spanish duo of Nadal-Lopez, the defending Indian Wells doubles champs, have already booked a spot in the semis. It's up to the three other teams to make this fantasy draw a reality. It also helps that the top seeds have already been eliminated from the tournament.
[Top half]
A. Murray-J. Murray vs. A. Dolgopolov-X. Malisse
N. Djokovic-V. Troicki vs. R. Bopanna-A. Qureshi
[Bottom half]
R. Nadal-M. Lopez def. L. Dlouhy-P. Hanley
R. Federer-S. Wawrinka vs. M. Knowles-M. Mertinak
The Spanish duo of Nadal-Lopez, the defending Indian Wells doubles champs, have already booked a spot in the semis. It's up to the three other teams to make this fantasy draw a reality. It also helps that the top seeds have already been eliminated from the tournament.
[Top half]
A. Murray-J. Murray vs. A. Dolgopolov-X. Malisse
N. Djokovic-V. Troicki vs. R. Bopanna-A. Qureshi
[Bottom half]
R. Nadal-M. Lopez def. L. Dlouhy-P. Hanley
R. Federer-S. Wawrinka vs. M. Knowles-M. Mertinak
Monday, March 7, 2011
2011 Thus Far...
Is 2011 going to be much like last year wherein the Rafa-Roger duopoly claimed all the Grand Slam titles and occupied the top two ranking spots throughout much of 2010?
Well, it's only been a good two months and the new season is shaping up to be a little "different".
1. Djokovic Undefeated
The biggest surprise to date is Novak Djokovic's undefeated record in 2011, winning his second Grand Slam title in Melbourne and defending his title in Dubai. The world No. 3 defeated Roger Federer en route to the title on both tournaments. If this trend continues, Djokovic will soon be in the top two. In fact, Novak will be No. 2 if he beats Federer at Indian Wells (should they meet in a potential semifinal or final).
2. Soderling Piling Up Trophies
World No. 4 Robin Soderling has three titles to date, winning his latest trophy in Marseille. Barring an injury, he should be a serious threat in any tournament he enters.
3. Del Potro on the Comeback Trail
Juan Martin Del Potro finally won a tournament (in Del Ray Beach) after returning from the long injury layoff. The victory has brought him back into the Top 100, and if he continues his winning ways, he will be back in the Top 20 in no time. A repeat of his 2009 US Open triumph shouldn't be too far-fetched.
What's Coming:
1. Indian Wells-Miami Double
Who do you pick as a favorite to win this pair of Masters tournaments? Djokovic, if his recent form on the hard courts is any indication. But really, anyone from the Top 5 can easily win either shield.
2. Rafa's "Clay Slam" Title Defense
If Rafa is 100% going into the European clay season, he wouldn't have a very hard time defending his title haul from last year, as well as the 5,000 ranking points that go with them. But Djokovic should give him a run for his money.
Well, it's only been a good two months and the new season is shaping up to be a little "different".
1. Djokovic Undefeated
The biggest surprise to date is Novak Djokovic's undefeated record in 2011, winning his second Grand Slam title in Melbourne and defending his title in Dubai. The world No. 3 defeated Roger Federer en route to the title on both tournaments. If this trend continues, Djokovic will soon be in the top two. In fact, Novak will be No. 2 if he beats Federer at Indian Wells (should they meet in a potential semifinal or final).
2. Soderling Piling Up Trophies
World No. 4 Robin Soderling has three titles to date, winning his latest trophy in Marseille. Barring an injury, he should be a serious threat in any tournament he enters.
3. Del Potro on the Comeback Trail
Juan Martin Del Potro finally won a tournament (in Del Ray Beach) after returning from the long injury layoff. The victory has brought him back into the Top 100, and if he continues his winning ways, he will be back in the Top 20 in no time. A repeat of his 2009 US Open triumph shouldn't be too far-fetched.
What's Coming:
1. Indian Wells-Miami Double
Who do you pick as a favorite to win this pair of Masters tournaments? Djokovic, if his recent form on the hard courts is any indication. But really, anyone from the Top 5 can easily win either shield.
2. Rafa's "Clay Slam" Title Defense
If Rafa is 100% going into the European clay season, he wouldn't have a very hard time defending his title haul from last year, as well as the 5,000 ranking points that go with them. But Djokovic should give him a run for his money.
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