Eurosport - Mon, 20 Apr 12:46:00 2009
Solid showings in Monte Carlo from Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray helped put more space between the top four and the chasing pack.
Murray reached his first semi-final on clay during the tournament, while Djokovic's (pictured) appearance in the final consolidated his third place in the rankings.
The top four are now almost 5,000 ranking points clear of Juan Martin Del Potro in fifth spot.
Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka climbs to 12th after knocking compatriot Roger Federer out of the Masters event.
1. Rafael Nadal, Spain
Last week's result: The 'King of Clay' improved his career record to 23-1 in clay court finals with a 6-3 2-6 6-1 victory over number three Djokovic. The Spaniard won his 14th career Masters title and record fifth-straight crown in Monte Carlo. He has compiled a sparkling 138-4 match record on clay since 2005.
Year in review: The 22-year-old Mallorca native has won three titles, reached another final and advanced to two quarter-finals in his first six tournaments of the season en route to a 29-3 record. Captured his sixth career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, his first on hard courts, with a five-set victory over rival Federer. In his semi-final victory over countryman Fernando Verdasco, won a tournament record 5:14 battle in five sets. He became the first Spaniard to win the Australian title and third player under the age of 22 to win three of four Grand Slam titles, joining Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras. Also the first player to win Aussie Open title winning five-set semi-final and final matches since Mats Wilander in 1988. In March, collected his 13th career Masters title in Indian Wells for the second time in three years with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over number four Murray. He saved the most match points (five) in his career in the fourth round against David Nalbandian, all coming in the second set before prevailing 6-0 in the final set. In addition to Murray, his other top-10 wins came over number six Del Potro in the quarter-finals and number seven Andy Roddick in the semis. He followed with the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Led 3-0 (two breaks) in the third set against number seven ranked Del Potro before losing in a tie-break. In mid-February, reached third career indoor final (1-2) in Rotterdam and injured his right knee in three-set loss to Murray. Withdrew from Dubai but returned for first-round Davis Cup tie against Serbia, winning both of his singles matches, over Janko Tipsarevic and world number three Djokovic in straight sets. Has won 12 straight Davis Cup matches since losing in his debut five years ago.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
2. Roger Federer, Switzerland
Last week's result: The 27-year-old Swiss native opened his clay court campaign at the Monte Carlo Masters, losing in the third round to countryman Wawrinka 6-4 7-5. It was his first loss to a countryman since Marc Rosset in 2000.
Year in review: The Swiss superstar is looking for his first title after compiling an 18-5 match record in the first four months. He opened the first month with a semi-final in Doha and followed with runner-up at the Australian Open, falling to rival Rafael Nadal in five sets. It was his first loss in a Grand Slam hard court final (8-1) and he fell short of tying Sampras's all-time record of 14 Slam titles (13-5 in finals. He then withdrew from Dubai and first-round Davis Cup tie versus the US with a back injury. Returned from a six-week lay-off due and advanced to the semi-finals in Indian Wells, defeating number 17 Fernando Gonzalez and number 10 Verdasco before losing to Murray for the fourth-straight time. Followed with a 3-6 6-2 6-3 loss to Djokovic in the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. It was his fourth loss in a decisive set (third or fifth set) and has a 3-4 record in those matches. Married long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in his hometown of Basel on April 11.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
3. Novak Djokovic, Serbia
Last week's result: The Monte Carlo resident reached the final at the Masters tournament there with three consecutive three-set wins before losing to Nadal 6-3 2-6 6-1. It was his second-straight runner-up in a Masters tournament.
Year in review: The 21-year-old Serb has a 26-9 match record this season. He picked up his first title of the year on February 28 in Dubai by defeating Spaniard David Ferrer. In the first month of action he advanced to the semi-finals in Sydney and followed with a quarter-final at the Australian Open where he retired against Roddick due to heat illness. He returned to action in Marseille and lost to eventual champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-finals. Played in first round Davis Cup tie against 2008 champions Spain and lost to Ferrer and Nadal. In March came in as defending champion at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and lost in the quarter-finals to number seven Roddick 6-3 6-2. Followed by reaching his second final of the season at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he defeated number two Federer in the semi-finals before falling to Murray 6-2 7-5.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
4. Andy Murray, Great Britain
Last week's result: The 21-year-old Scot advanced to his first career semi-final on clay in Monte Carlo, defeating ninth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko in the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champion Nadal 6-2 7-6(4).
Year in review: The British star is off to a career-best 29-3 start, including an 8-2 mark against top-10 opponents (both losses coming to Nadal). In his first seven tournaments he has won three titles and reached another final. He opened the season by defending his title in Doha with back-to-back wins over Federer and Roddick. Held serve 47 of 50 games throughout the tournament. Then followed with a fourth-round showing at the Australian Open where he lost to Spaniard Verdasco for first time (5-1) in five sets. In February, defeated Nadal in three sets in Rotterdam final to capture his 10th title. Two weeks later advanced to the quarter-finals in Dubai where he withdrew due to a virus against Richard Gasquet. Also pulled out of first round Davis Cup European zone home tie against Ukraine. He returned in March to reach the final at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, falling to Nadal 6-1 6-2. En route to the title match, beat number 15 Tommy Robredo in the fourth round and Federer in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time since losing in last year's US Open final. Followed by capturing his third title of the season at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with his third career Masters crown over Djokovic 6-2 7-5. He became the first British player in the tournament's 25-year history to win the title.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
5. Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina
Last week's result: The 20-year-old Argentine lost his opening round match (after a bye) to former number three Ivan Ljubicic 4-6 6-1 6-4 at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Year in review: The youngest player in the top 10 is off to a career-best 18-6 start, reaching the quarter-finals or better in six of seven tournaments. He began the season by capturing his fifth career title in Auckland. He followed by advancing to his second straight Grand Slam quarter-final at the Australian Open (defeated Cilic, lost to Federer). Jumped from ninth to sixth after Auckland title on January 19. The top South American also advanced to back-to-back quarter-finals in San Jose (lost to Fish) and Memphis (lost to Stepanek). In March, reached the quarter-finals at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells where he won three matches before falling to number one and eventual champion Nadal 6-2 6-4. He then advanced to his first semi-final in a Masters tournament at the Sony Ericsson in Miami where he posted the biggest win of his career over Nadal in the quarter-finals. Trailed 0-3 (two breaks) in the third set before winning in a tie-break for his first win in five meetings against Nadal. Afterwards, moved from seventh to a career-high fifth on April 6.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
6. Andy Roddick, United States
Last week's result: Did not play (married Brooklyn Decker on April 17 in Austin, Texas).
Year in review: The Austin, Texas resident has a 26-5 record, third-most match wins on the Tour. He opened the season by reaching the final in Doha and advancing to his fourth semi-final at the Australian Open. Moved from number nine to six afterwards. Continued success in February with semi-final in San Jose and title in Memphis. Improved his title streak to nine consecutive years (since 2001) with his 27th career title, third-most among active players (behind Federer-57, Nadal-33). He led the US to a 4-1 first round Davis Cup victory over the Federer-less Switzerland squad with straight-set wins over Marco Chiudinelli and Stanislas Wawrinka. He faced only one break point in six sets of action en route to becoming the second-winningest player in US Davis Cup history with 31 match wins (trailing only John McEnroe with 41). Has a 21-2 career record at home in Davis Cup play. In March, advanced to the semi-finals for the third time at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells where he defeated number 12 David Ferrer in the fourth round and number three and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals before falling to number one and eventual winner Rafael Nadal 6-4 7-6(4). The top American then reached the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with a win over number 10 ranked Gael Monfils in the fourth round before falling in three sets to number two Roger Federer.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
7. Fernando Verdasco, Spain
Last week's result: The Madrid native opened his clay court campaign by reaching the quarter-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters, losing to Djokovic in three sets. Came in winless (0-4) in Monte-Carlo.
Year in review: The Spanish left-hander is off to a career-best 17-5 start and he is ranked a career-high seventh on April 20. Has reached the quarter-finals or better in all five tournaments. He opened the first month of the season winning nine of 11 matches, highlighted by his first ATP hard court final in Brisbane (lost to Stepanek). Then followed with a career-best semi-final showing at Australian Open. Posted back-to-back wins over Murray in five sets in fourth round and Tsonga in quarter-final before falling in an epic five-set marathon to countryman and world number one Nadal. Played longest singles match in tournament history (5:14) and afterwards broke into top 10 for first time at number nine on February 2. Injured his left foot in Australia and withdrew from Dubai and first round Davis Cup tie v Serbia. Spent one month working with former Andre Agassi fitness guru Gil Reyes in Las Vegas. Returned to action in March and reached the quarter-finals for the first time at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with three wins before losing to Federer 6-3 7-6(5). The Madrid native reached his first quarter-final at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, highlighted by wins over number 32 seed and countryman Feliciano Lopez and number 18 seed Radek Stepanek before falling to eventual champion Andy Murray.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
8. Nikolay Davydenko, Russia
Last week's result: The 27-year-old Russian returned after a two-month absence due to a left heel injury to reach the quarter-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters, defeating number 12 seed David Nalbandian before losing to Andy Murray 7-6(1) 6-4.
Year in review: The top Russian has played in only three tournaments this year (4-2 record) due to the heel injury he suffered in the first week in Chennai where he withdrew from his second round match. Also withdrew from Indian Wells and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he captured the title last year due to a left heel injury. Fell from fifth to ninth after his title points came off on April 6 . Also withdrew from Australian Open, breaking a streak of 29 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments played (since 2001 US Open). Returned to action one month later in Rotterdam and lost in the second round.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
9. Gilles Simon, France
Last week's result: Began the clay court campaign with a 7-5 6-1 opening round (after a bye) loss to German qualifier Andreas Beck at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Year in review: The top Frenchman has compiled a 14-10 record and advanced to the quarter-finals or better in three of his first eight tournaments. After opening the season with an opening round loss in Sydney, reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the Australian Open (lost to eventual champion Nadal). Then lost in the second round at Rotterdam (lost to Ancic) before reaching back-to-back semi-finals in Marseille (lost to Llodra) and Dubai (lost to eventual champion Djokovic). He had a tough Davis Cup debut against the Czech Republic, losing to Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek in France's 3-2 first round loss in Ostrava. Of the six sets he lost, four came in tie-breaks. In March he reached the third round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with a three-set win over Yen-Hsun Lu before losing to Ivan Ljubicic 6-3 7-6(3). At the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, the French native reached the fourth round (after a bye) with wins over former world number one Lleyton Hewitt and number 29 seed Rainer Schuettler before losing to countryman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in three sets.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
10. Gael Monfils, France
Last week's result: The Frenchman struggled in his second clay court tournament at the Monte Carlo Masters, losing in the first round to Janko Tipsarevic 6-3 6-1.
Year in review: The 22-year-old Frenchman has a 15-8 match record and one of two players (with Verdasco) to crack the top 10 for the first time this year. He opened the season with a semi-final in Doha, defeating Nadal in quarter-finals before losing to Roddick in three sets. Followed with fourth round at the Australian Open where he retired with a right wrist injury (after three sets) against countryman Gilles Simon. He broke into the top 10 for first time on February 23 and made Acapulco debut by reaching final (lost to Almagro), his sixth straight runner-up. In March in Indian Wells, lost opening round match (after a bye) to big-serving American John Isner 6-7(5) 6-1 6-4. He did advance to the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, saving two match points in a three-set victory over Marat Safin before losing to Andy Roddick 7-6(2) 6-4.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
11. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France
Last week's result: Did not play.
Year in review: The number three Frenchman has advanced to the quarter-finals or better in seven of eight tournaments this season en route to a 25-5 match record, which is second on the Tour. Last year he didn't win his 25th match until mid-October in Madrid. Has already captured titles in Johannesburg (defeated Chardy) and Marseille (defeated Llodra) in the first two months. Made his second appearance in Davis Cup play and accounted for France's two points in 3-2 loss to Czech Republic with singles wins over Radek Stepanek and Jan Hernych in dead rubber. In mid-March, reached the third round at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, defeating Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili in his opening match (after a bye) before falling to number 22 Igor Andreev. Followed with a quarter-final showing at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, defeating countryman Gilles Simon in three sets before falling to eventual finalist Novak Djokovic.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
12. Stanislas Wawrinka, Switzerland
Last week's result: The Swiss number two advanced to the semi-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters with his first win over countryman Roger Federer in the third round before losing to Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-1 6-3. Moved from 16 to number 12 afterwards.
Year in review: Has an 11-6 record on the season. He opened with a first round exit in Chennai and followed with third round at the Australian Open (lost to Berdych). He acounted for his country's lone point in a 4-1 first round Davis Cup loss to the US, defeating James Blake in the first rubber. Lost doubles match (w/Allegro) to the Bryans and fell to Roddick in straight sets in the fourth rubber, which clinched the tie. Then followed at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Andreas Seppi and Sam Querrey (saving two match points) before falling in two tie-breaks to defending champion Djokovic in the fourth round. Followed with another fourth round (after a bye) effort at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he beat Andreas Seppi and number 20 seed Igor Andreev before falling in two tie-breaks to Nadal in a 2:43 battle.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
13. David Ferrer, Spain
Last week's result: The 27-year-old Spaniard reached the third round at the Monte Carlo Masters before losing to countryman Fernando Verdasco 6-2 6-1.
Year in review: The Spanish number three has compiled a 19-8 match record, advancing to the semi-finals or better in three of his first eight tournaments. He opened with a semi-final in Auckland (lost to Querrey) before suffering third round exit at Australian Open (lost to Cilic). Then advanced to the semi-finals in Johannesburg (lost to Chardy) at the start of February and later that month reached his 13th career Tour final (7-6 record) in Dubai (lost to number three Djokovic). In first round Davis Cup tie v Serbia, helped his country to a 4-1 victory with wins over Novak Djokovic in opener and Viktor Troicki in dead rubber to close the tie. Spain will host Germany in the quarter-finals in July. In mid-March, reached the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Todd Widom and Jeremy Chardy before losing to Roddick in three sets. He then reached the fourth round (after a bye) at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with back-to-back three-set wins over John Isner and number 17 seed Marin Cilic before losing to Del Potro.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
14. Fernando Gonzalez, Chile
Last week's result: Did not play.
Year in review: The top Chilean has a 10-3 match record on the season. He reached the fourth round at the Australian Open (lost to eventual champ Nadal) after defeating Frenchman Richard Gasquet 12-10 in the fifth set; he then repeated his title on home soil in Vina del Mar (defeated Acasuso) and for fourth time in his career. Withdrew from first round Davis Cup tie v Croatia due to back injury. Returned in March to reach the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over former Lleyton Hewitt and James Blake before losing to Federer in three sets. Afterwards improved ranking from 17 to 13. He then made a third round exit (after a bye) at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, defeating Igor Kunitsyn 6-4 6-4 before falling to number 18 seed Radek Stepanek 7-6(1) 6-4.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
15. David Nalbandian, Argentina
Last week's result: The Cordoba native won back-to-back three set matches over Paul-Henri Mathieu and Marcel Granollers before losing to ninth ranked Nikolay Davydenko 6-4 5-7 6-3 in the third round at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Year in review: The Argentine has a 12-6 match record on the season. He opened the season by capturing an World Tour title for the fifth consecutive year, in Sydney (defeated Nieminen). Overall it was his 10th career World Tour title. He fell to Yen-Hsun Lu in the second round at the Australian Open. In February, advanced to the semi-finals in Buenos Aires (lost to Monaco) and following week in Acapulco was upset by Austrian qualifier Daniel Koellerer in the first round. In mid-March, reached the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Robert Kendrick and Viktor Troicki before falling in three sets to eventual champion Nadal 3-6 7-6(5) 6-0 in two hours and 55 minutes. Held five match points in the second set but couldn't convert. Then suffered a surprise opening round loss (after a bye) to Serb Viktor Troicki 6-1 6-3 at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
16. Tommy Robredo, Spain
Last week's result: The Spaniard reached the second round at the Monte Carlo Masters (defeated Schuettler, lost to Monaco).
Year in review: The Barcelona resident has jumped off to a career-best 23-7 start highlighted by back-to-back clay court titles in Costa do Sauipe (defeated Bellucci) and Buenos Aires (defeated Monaco). Last year he didn't win his 23rd match until July in Bastad. He compiled a 12-match winning streak and won 14 of 16 matches on clay during the four week Latin American circuit. In January, reached the second round in Sydney (lost to Ancic) and fourth round at the Australian Open (lost to Roddick). Played in Davis Cup doubles match (w/Lopez) and lost to Troicki-Zimonjic although Spain beat Serbia 4-1. In mid-March, advanced to the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Igor Kunitsyn and number 19 Marin Cilic before retiring with a right wrist injury against Andy Murray in the second set. Then followed with a third round showing at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he beat Jan Hernych in the opening round match (after a bye) before getting upset by number 467 ranked Taylor Dent in the third round.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
17. James Blake, United States
Last week's result: Did not play.
Year in review: The number two American has compiled a 9-7 record with a fourth round at the Australian Open (lost to Tsonga), semi-final in San Jose (lost to Fish) and a pair of third round exits in Indian Wells and Miami. Fell to number 17 on April 6 (from 14). Helped the US to a 4-1 first round Davis Cup victory over Switzerland in Birmingham, Alabama by defeating Marco Chiudinelli in dead rubber. Lost to Stanislas Wawrinka in four sets in the opening rubber. At the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, posted a three-set win over Jarkko Nieminen before losing to number 17 Fernando Gonzalez 7-5 6-1. Reached the third round (after a bye) at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, defeating Julien Benneteau 6-4 6-4 before exiting to number 21 seed Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-7(3) 6-3. He came in as the top seed into his first clay court tournament of the season in Houston and lost to former Argentine top 10 Guillermo Canas 6-4 6-4 in the first round.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
18. Marin Cilic, Croatia
Last week's result: The 20-year-old Croat opened his clay court season with a second round showing at the Monte Carlo Masters (defeated Cipolla, lost to Fognini).
Year in review: The top Croat is off to a career-best 19-5 start with World Tour titles in Chennai (defeated Devvarman) and Zagreb (defeated Ancic). He also advanced to the fourth round at the Australian Open for the second straight year and the quarter-finals in Dubai (lost to Djokovic both times). In first round Davis Cup play, helped his country to a 5-0 victory over visiting Chile by winning singles match (defeated Massu) and doubles match (w/Ancic). Croatia will host the US in the quarter-final in July. In March, reached the third round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with a win over Steve Darcis before losing to Tommy Robredo 7-5 7-6(2). He then reached the third round (after a bye) for the second straight tournament at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with a three-set win over Amer Delic before losing to number 11 seed David Ferrer 3-6 6-3 6-4.
Next tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)
19. Radek Stepanek, Czech Republic
Last week's result: The Czech Republic native fell in the first round to qualifier Nicolas Lapentti 6-3 1-6 6-3 at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Year in review: At 30, he is the oldest player in the top 20. One of three players to reach at least three Tour finals this year (Murray has made four, Nadal three), winning titles in Brisbane (defeated Verdasco) and San Jose (defeated Roddick in semi-final, Fish in final) and reaching the final in Memphis (lost to Roddick). He is off to a personal-best 19-7 start and last year he didn't win his 19th match until Rome in May. He won his first two career Tour titles in a span of 152 tournaments and this year won twice in his first four outings. He clinched his country's 3-2 first round Davis Cup victory over France by defeating World number eight Gilles Simon. Also won doubles match (w/Berdych) over Gasquet-Llodra and lost second singles rubber to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Czech Republic will host last year's finalist Argentina in the quarter-finals in July. In Indian Wells, lost in the opening round (after a bye) to Sam Querrey 6-4 6-4. Followed at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with wins over Bobby Reynolds and number 12 seed Fernando Gonzalez to reach the fourth round (after a bye) before falling to number eight Fernando Verdasco 6-2 6-2.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
20. Marat Safin, Russia
Last week's result: The Russian veteran squandered a 4-0 third set lead and three match points in his 7-6(6) 2-6 7-6(6) second round loss to Ecuadorian Nicolas Lapentti at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Year in review: The 29-year-old Moscow native is 6-6 on the season with his best results the third round at the Australian Open (lost to Federer) and Masters stops in Indian Wells (lost to Isner) and Miami (lost to Monfils). Four of his losses have come in a decisive third set and suffered his last two losses after holding match points.
Next tournament: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, Barcelona (April 20-26)
2009 wins, losses and titles
1= Rafael Nadal 29-3 3
1= Andy Murray 29-3 3
3 Andy Roddick 26-5 1
4 Novak Djokovic 26-9 1
5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 25-5 2
6 Tommy Robredo 23-7 2
7 Marin Cilic 19-5 2
8 Juan Martin del Potro19-6 1
9 Radek Stepanek 19-7 2
10 David Ferrer 19-8 0
Comment 33 - 52 of 52
...I don’t care, just show some respect sometimes, .. like many Serbs here can and do for other players.. Ashit when you say such word for Serbs, maybe you should think about before.. who are you to say this for one nation ? Ashit, is that a Spanish name really, I had to ask you ?
@ Vamos - positive ?
and how do you look like when you are not positive ?
:-)
No one is forcing you to love Novak.. he doesn’t need such people at all !
Hey Igor K. I am honoured for all the attention you give me.
I am indeed very positive after my holiday watching Rafa beat your Mr Time-Out Djoker.
Positive that Djoker is nowhere near the capabilities of Rafa!
And I will NEVER turn. NEVER will I see Djoker the way you do.
So go on..burst a vein!
ive been following and reading the hatred beetween so called tennis fans on this forum, and im disgusted at their inability to get above their rasist remarks, let me give you a bit of advice....Federer has achived something all of you can only dream about,Nadal is surely heading in that direction too, so is Murray and Djokovic. Tennis is a beautyfull sport so lets just enjoy it
igor k firstly learn how to write english you moron !!!!!!! serbs are complete losers for starters. secondly keep on dreaming about novak's success coz it aint happening. He still has a losing record both to Federer and Nadal. They have always kicked his butt and i wont be surprised if the trend continues. i am spanish but i fairly admit that federer is the greatest i mean nadal is awesome but federer has achieved nadal still has to do a lot to be in his league. Get some perspective man and dont be bias , i know you always support your country men but if someone is better than you, then call spade a spade !!!!!!!!!
ha ha ha jerks.. Especially you Vamos, I thought you will get some positive energy on your holiday,, clear up your poisoned mind ! you don’t have a piece of dignity and moral at all ... I have many nice words for many good players.. particularly for Nadal. For Federer constructive critics not insulting, like you re doing all the time for Novak.. For Novak, JJ , and Ana I have only love because they are mine nationality, and great respect because they really are genial, especially having in mind Serbia does not have Tennis history at all, except Monika Seles..
I can bee also constructive in critics for them, and if you read more thoroughly before my post, you could see I was not satisfied with Novak’s game at all in many occasions this year, for instance.. but if you are here only to spit venom, go ahead, that speaks for it self what kind of persons you are !
at the end time will show.. time already showed that you were totally wrong regarding Novak`s abilities ..I’m pointing and preparing you people.. don’t cry when Novak finish second this year, and beats Nadal on clay.. I`m tracking Novak for very long time - It could happen soon ! and WILL happen sooner or later.. before him, it can only happen to Murray
.. Federer, or someone else, no way !
At one point, Novak was actually on his knees. He's prayers were a bit late when Nadal cross court return from a Djokers drop shot cought the line. That should have been a break of serve. That alone was an indication that Nadal always has an answer to Djokers good shots. Djoker needs to be more pius to defeat Nadal.
on comment 37. I am deeply wandering how Igor would come up with such kind of analysis of the recent finals match. I can only make presumptions that Igor watched the game with Serbian commentators analysing (with biases) the game. Or simply tennis is yet to become scientific in his homeland. "Nadal incredibly lucky in the opening of 3rd set?"...hahaha. What do you think tennis is Igor? a card game?
He's definitely a Serb. Not only a stalker but a Djoker ground worshipper, brown noser and protective mum (can-see-no-wrong) all rolled into one kind of behaviour. And a short fuse too.
Well said Ashit! Igor K will see no wrong in his beloved Novak. It's pathetic really. He really sounds like a stalker.
ty ASH
Have to agree with clispy duck federer is great legend. it is very sad to see him fade like this. Seriously if federer does not win wimbledon then i would enjoy seeing murray win. No doubt federer greater than Novak or Murray as he has achieved so much in the game and to be compared with federer murray and novak have to traval a billion miles. But having said that they are great young players with very bright future. BTW i wanted to knw igor k are you serbian coz u seem to lick novak's bum all the time. Believe me even though novak is a good player he is no less than a cry baby who thinks he is a legend already. lolzzzz what a freaking joke !!!!!
Have to agree with clispy duck federer is great legend. it is very sad to see him fade like this. Seriously if federer does not win wimbledon then i would enjoy seeing murray win. No doubt federer greater than Novak or Murray as he has achieved so much in the game and to be compared with federer murray and novak have to traval a billion miles. But having said that they are great young players with very bright future. BTW i wanted to knw igor k are you serbian coz u seem to lick novak's bum all the time. Believe me even though novak is a good player he is no less than a cry baby who thinks he is a legend already. lolzzzz what a freaking joke !!!!!
EXHEFRA great job man !!!! Very interesting seems like Murray will be the biggest gainer at the end of claycourt season. He will sure be NO3 atleast but even federer is not safe. But if some miracle happens and nadal losses at RG then its going to be dog fight all the way for the top spot. Very interesting !!!!
hehe it works all the time! Go figure this one out, Igor.
on his knees, ha ha ha ! You don`t even have some dignity to admit Djokovic is finally in form playing phenomenal !
And Nadal was pushed so hard that Novak dominated and dictated tempo bigger part particularly having in mind he was playing King of Clay.. Why always hanging to some minor things ? Yes he felt to the knees thinking "how unlucky I`m and how lucky this guy is" .. why ? Nadal saved three break points, Novak could not win one of three game points after, and immediately Nadal takes break from first opportunity. That`s how incredibly lucky Nadal was at the beginning of third set.. and you can interprate this gesture in your way, of course always the worst for Djokovic from you mouth. Yet of course, Nadal deserved to win.. but only slightly, because this unlucky beginning broke Novak totally in third set. If was very obviously from his body language he knew that there is no point to keep fighting so hard ..when Nadal has break advantage in final set, it is still impossible.. And honestly his fitness is also a problem, precise strokes let him completely after this.
Still Novak will beat Nadal on Clay in two setter, maybe very soon, he is the only one who knows how to play Nadal on Clay, he has great experience also from last year (Murray is very good, but still has to learn some things – didn’t suffer jet like Novak did last year).. If he manages to take first set, he will win the match, be sure in that little fellow !
It will be a fight for 2nd 3rd between Murray and Novak. I take my hat off slightly to Novak as he's shown a little fight but the saying "once a quitter always a quitter" doesn't go away.
My biggest worry is Federer. He is the true champion of the sport and it's a shame to see a champion go down the way he has.
Nadal is the best at the moment without a doubt. I just hope Federer goes on to retain his Wimbledon crown (if Murray doesn't win it) as I'd hate for Nadal to win everything and tennis become boring. A healthy sport needs 5 or 6 players that can beat each other. At the moment we have 2 or 3.
hey Igor. And I thought your english would have improved....
I liked especially when Djoker was on his knees to the great king!
Hope he didn't scratch his knees too much..but why not? another excuse for later.
RANKING AFTER CLAY SEASON?
If You take a CLOSER LOOK at ATP Ranking, You will notice that Monte Carlo 2008 POINTS will be subtract at 27.04.2009!
As we know they were:
Nadal 1000
Federer 700
Djokovic 450
Murray 150
THE REAL ATP RANKING should be:
Nadal 14470 ( - 1000 MC 2008 + 80 DC 2009)
Federer 10060 ( - 700 MC 2008 + 0 no 19th Tournament)
Djokovic 9160 ( - 450 MC 2008 + 90 Marseille 2009)
Murray 9050 (- 150 von MC 2008 + 250 Doha 2009)
P.S. Estoril 2008 is allready subtracted!!!
POINTS TO DEFEND ON CLAY:
NADAL = 3610 (RG 2000, Hamburg (Madrid ) 1000, Rome 10, Barcelona 600)
FEDERER = 2350 ( RG 1400, Hamburg 700, Rome 250)
DJOKOVIC = 2350 ( RG 900, Hamburg 450, Rome 1000)
MURRAY = 370 !!! (RG 150, Hamburg 150, Rome 70)
SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Ashit once more, don’t be so sure they are so much better then Nadal or Murray or Djokovic (spiking for them when they are in their best form)..Yes they are legends, won so many GS-s -They were tremendous players Sampras, Aggasi, Hewit, Saffin.. but until last two years, I mean maybe some 3 years before - in THAT PERIOD Federer didn’t have right opposition.. that is the point. I say now competition is much harder, you have lots of great player, everyone could beat everyone.. Even guys from top 100 can beat guys from top 10, it was not the case before. And this doesn’t min top 10 is bad.. sport advanced, I would like to see if possible clash of the generations.. Some players advanced. like Nadal who was as you said second for 4 years.. then Novak advanced, then Murray.. Until Murray came in brilliant form, Federer already had pretty disrupted play, because too many players found the key to force him make more errors.. On the other side yes he is older, not moving so fast and precise.. but even that would be enough to cope with others, unless others didn’t advance.. but others advanced pretty much - this is my point..
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