Tennis News

From around the world

Grand Slam Champions Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci to End Partnership

Grand Slam Champions Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci to End Partnership

  • Posted: Mar 20, 2015

Errani Vinci

One of the great double pairings of the last decade have decided to put an end to their storied partnership, as Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci officially announced the news on Thursday afternoon.

The Italian duo, who won five Grand Slam doubles titles together, announced the news in a joint statement.

Dear all,
After living a wonderful journey for the past several years, which has given us the chance to reach amazing results, we release the following note to inform you about our decision to end our doubles partnership.
We invested lots of energy, both mental and physical, to achieve our goals, which we are very proud of, therefore we now feel the need to rest and catch our breath.
It’s our common purpose to start new individual career paths and set brand new goals to try to reach, also for you to enjoy and take pride in.
As still the World No.1 doubles pair and grateful for the time we had together, we would love to thank our fans from all over the world for the continued support you have been giving us throughout these years, it has been an honor and a privilege for us to represent our Country…
Sara & Robi

The pair won their first two Grand Slam titles at the French and US Open back in 2012 and completed the career slam by winning the Australian Open at the start of 2014 before their crowning jewel at the Wimbledon Championships.

Article Continues Below Ad

Their victory is a magnificent one, as Errani and Vinci are just the fifth pair in tennis history to accomplish the career slam, and the first since Venus and Serena Williams did so in 2001. They join Australians Margaret Court and Lesley Turner Bowrey, American duo Kathy Jordan and Anne Smith, Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver, and Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva.

Source link

Novak Djokovic vs Bernard Tomic Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

Novak Djokovic vs Bernard Tomic Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

  • Posted: Mar 19, 2015

Novak Djokovic

Following impressive showings on both ends, one of the four quarter-final matches at the 2015 edition of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event will feature world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Australia’s Bernard Tomic in their first meeting in almost three years. Djokovic remains undefeated in the head-to-head series with a 3-0 record.

You can watch the QF match Live Here: Djokovic vs Tomic Live Streaming

Faced with the tall task (literally) of beating American No. 1 John Isner at one of his favourite events, the top seed was able to do so without much of a fuss. The Serbian star earned the victory in straight sets, in a match that saw one break in the opening set and a tiebreak in the second to decide the match. Eventually, the content closed out 6-4, 7-6(5), with Djokovic strolling into the final eight.

“Throughout the match it was very difficult to break him, but I played a great game at 3-all in the first set and that gave me the first set,” said Djokovic. “And after that it was anybody’s game really. The second set went over 60 minutes. We were both very tight towards the end, and just very fortunate to go through it.”

Article Continues Below Ad

The Serb will now come up against the resurgent Bernard Tomic, who defeated his fellow countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis in a match that went the distance. He withstood 10 aces from the 18-year-old and saved eight break points to close out the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

“He’s getting mentally more confident, more comfortable on the court,” said Djokovic. “He starts to believe even more. Perhaps also the success of Kokkinakis and [Nick] Kyrgios motivated him to really get serious and work, and the talent is there, the touch is there, he’s got a game. It’s going to be a tricky match for me.”

This marks the fourth time that Djokovic and Tomic will cross paths on the professional tour, with the Serb leading the series with an unblemished 3-0 record. While Tomic is playing some of the best tennis he has in recent memory, he simply does not have the tool t challenge an in-form Djokovic on hard court.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic in Straight Sets

Check out some of the Tennis Shoes Previews in our Shop.

Source link

Roger Federer vs Tomas Berdych Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

Roger Federer vs Tomas Berdych Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

  • Posted: Mar 19, 2015

Federer US Open

Roger Federer is through to the quarter-final round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event, where he will meet Czech No. 1 Tomas Berdych for a spot in the final four of the tournament. Of their 18 previous contests, Federer holds a 12-6 Head to Head lead over Berdych.

You can watch the match Live Here: Federer vs Berdych Live Streaming

In an impressive milestone achievement at the American desert event, 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer earned his 50th win at the Indian Wells tournament when he defeated local talent Jack Sock on Wednesday evening. Federer struck eight aces, won 86% of his first service points and face no break points en route to the 69-minute victory.

In a battle between the two top Czech players on the tour, world No. 9 Tomas Berdych and Lukas Rosol met in the fourth round on Wednesday in a match that went a total of three sets before a winner was determined. In the end, Berdych won the match 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, to oust his fellow countryman and advance to the following stage of the tournament.

Article Continues Below Ad

“We have played on many occasions over many years,” said Federer. “I don’t know when we played the very first time, but I have seen his game evolve, seen how he established himself in the Top 10.

“I think he does very well, and probably also with a new team now he feels eager to try out new things and maybe gives him extra energy. So I think it’s going to be an interesting matchup for him having a new team in the back.”

The two competitors have previously met on 18 different occasions on the professional circuit, with Federer winning 12 of those matches dating back to his first victory at the Athens Olypmics in 2004. Given that Federer has only improved over the course of this season, he will likely be able to secure the victory, even if he needs a deciding set to do so.

Prediction: Roger Federer in Three Sets

Check out some Tennis Racquet Reviews in our shop.

Source link

Andy Murray vs Feliciano Lopez Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

Andy Murray vs Feliciano Lopez Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

  • Posted: Mar 19, 2015

Andy Murray

British No. 1 Andy Murray is through to his fourth ATP World Tour quarter-final of the season, where he will meets Spain’s Feliciano Lopez for the tenth time on the professional tour The British No. 1 remains undefeated with a 9-0 record in the head-to-head series.

Follow the QF match Live Here: Murray vs Lopez Live Streaming

On Wednesday afternoon, Andy Murray opened up play on Stadium 2 against Adrian Mannarino, whom he defeated in straight sets to advance to the following stage of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event. He defeated the Frenchman 6-3, 6-3 to give himself a 1-0 lead in their head-to-head series.

“I thought I played well,” Murray said afterward. “It was a tricky match. He’s played well this year. He’s had a few good tournaments. He’s a tough guy to play against. Very unorthodox style. He has a very, very good backhand cross court. Hits it very low over the net, very flat. He can rush you, take your time away.”

Article Continues Below Ad

In one of the bigger upsets of the day, Kei Nishikori failed to reach the quarter-final round at Indian Wells when he fell to Spain’s Feliciano Lopez in straight sets. The 6-4, 7-6(2) win was Lopez’s first Top 10 win of the season and sets him up for his tenth meeting against Murray.

“Against Lopez, I’ve got a good record against him, but he’s always a tough opponent because of the way that he plays and the way that he serves,” Murray explained. “He’s also still improving. He’s been playing the best tennis of his career these last 18 months or so, and obviously had a great win today against Nishikori. I think these conditions here are good for him. It helps his serve a lot, so it will be a tricky match.”

Murray will look to extend his head-to-head record against Lopez to 9-0 when the two step across from each other on the court on Thursday afternoon. This is their first meeting of the season and in almost a year. While Murray is capable of a straight sets win, do not be surprised if this one goes the distance given Lopez’s recent showing.

Prediction: Andy Murray in Three Sets

Check out other Tennis Tips and Predictions

Source link

Rafael Nadal vs Gilles Simon Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

Rafael Nadal vs Gilles Simon Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Mar 18, 2015

Rafael Nadal

Following a decent showing on Tuesday evening, world No. 2 Rafael Nadal is now through to the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters event, where he will meet France’s Gilles Simon. The two competitors have previously met on six occasions, with the Spaniard leading the head-to-head series 6-1.

Follow the match Live Here: Nadal vs Simon Live Streaming

In a match that was far from his best performance this year, the tournament’s third seed beat Donald Young in straight set in the third round of the Masters 1000 event. While the scoreline ended 6-4, 6-2, it featured a competitive opening set, even though the American faded as the match went on. In the end, Nadal converted six break points to close out the match in 80 minutes.

“Last year is 2014; we are in 2015,” said Nadal. “We cannot think about what happened last year in every round and in every tournament. Every year is different.”

Article Continues Below Ad

Nadal will come up against France’s Gilles Simon, who defeated Michael Berrer in straight sets 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the fourth round berth with the Spaniard. He struck four aces, won 66% of his first service points and converted five break points to end the match in a total of 83 minutes.

“I like playing here – I love the players, I love the organization, I love the fans here and I feel very comfortable,” Nadal added. “I’m happy to be in the fourth round… Tomorrow I have a tough match against Simon. He’s tough, a good player.”

This marks the eighth time these two competitors will meet on the ATP World Tour, with Nadal leading the head-to-head series 6-1. Rafa has won their last four consecutive matches and will likely maintain that momentum when they cross paths on Wednesday evening. Now that he has survived a repeat of his early exit from Indian Wells last season, Nadal is more than capable of a deep run at the tournament.

Prediction: Rafael Nadal in Straight Sets

For some quality tennis tips sites, click here: Best Tennis Tips Sites

Source link

Roger Federer vs Jack Sock Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

Roger Federer vs Jack Sock Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Mar 18, 2015

 Federer

Now that he has avenged his premature exit from the Australian Open, Roger Federer is through to the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters event, where he will come across one of the two remaining Americans in the men’s draw, Jack Sock. This mark the first time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour and could make for an intriguing contest.

You will be able to watch the match Live Here: Federer vs Sock Live Streaming

In a match that was a far cry from their Aussie Open thriller less than two months ago, the world No. 2 Federer routed Italy’s Andreas Seppi in straight sets to advance to the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters event. The four-time champion faced little adversity in the match apart from a break back in the second set, which Federer immediately snatched back in the following game. The Swiss star eventually closed out the match 6-3, 6-4 in under 85 minutes of court time.

Coming off a personal tragedy, few expected much from Jack Sock in his opening tournament back in 2015. However, following wins over Lu and Muller, Sock upset Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in three sets to advance to the fourth round of the tournament. He rallied back from a set down to beat Agut 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win the match in one hour and 44 minutes.

Article Continues Below Ad

“I had a lot of time off, a lot of time to regroup physically and mentally,” Sock said. “A few years ago I would have gotten a little bit more discouraged than I do now. I’ve lost three first sets in a row now. It’s just regrouping for me… I’m playing pretty free, with a lot of inspiration and motivation.”

Federer and Sock have never crossed paths on the ATP World Tour previosly, which makes this Tuesday match-up a particularly interesting one. Sock is clearly motivated to pick up where he left off last year, and an upset win over the 17-time Grand Slam champion would certainly propel him back into the discussion.

Prediction: Roger Federer in Three Sets

For more tips, click Here: Tennis Betting Tips and Predictions

Source link

Novak Djokovic vs John Isner Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

Novak Djokovic vs John Isner Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Mar 18, 2015

Novak Djokovic

Three years ago, John Isner stunned Novak Djokovic in a deciding tie-break in the semi-final round here in Indian Wells and will now look to replicate his efforts on Wednesday evening en route to the quarter-final stage of the tournament. Of their seven previous encounters on the professional tour, with the Djokovic vs Isner Head to Head standing at 5-2.

Follow the fourth round match Live Here: Djokovic vs Isner Live Streaming

Unlike his opening match, Djokovic slightly more inconsistent and struggled to find the break in the opening set. He eventually downed Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-5, 6-3 in a match where he hit 32 unforced errors to 18 winners.

“It wasn’t as good as the first round, that’s for sure, but a win is a win,” said Djokovic,. “I did struggle a lot, had some unforced errors. From the back of the court I didn’t feel so great. But towards the end of the match was better, so hopefully it can be better in the next one too. I definitely need to work tomorrow on the balance and hopefully in the next one there will be fewer mistakes.”

Article Continues Below Ad

The top American on the men’s tour ousted 16th seed Kevin Anderson en route to the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters event. He managed to smash 18 aces to Anderson’s 11, and closed out the encounter in one hour and 19 minutes. Now, he will look to generate a similar number of aces and dominant serves to make his next match a difficult match for the defending champ.

“It will be totally different against Isner, not as many rallies,” said Djokovic. “There will be a lot of serves, returns. Got to be ready to battle for the few points that will decide that match. He has a big serve. His entire game depends on his serve. he serves a high percentage of first serves and can beat any player on any surface. If he has a good day with serving, it’s going to be very difficult for me.”

This marks the eighth time that these two competitors will meet on the ATP World Tour, with Djokovic leading the series 5-2. Isner’s only two wins against the Serb were on American soil, including a semi-final win over Djokovic at this very event in 2012. While he is capable of another upset, Djokovic far more consistent lately, while Isner continues to disappoint, particularly following the Davis Cup loss to James Ward several weeks ago.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic in Straight Sets

For more match predictions, click here: Tennis Predictions and Tips

Source link

Serena Williams vs Timea Bacsinszky Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

Serena Williams vs Timea Bacsinszky Preview – Indian Wells 2015 QF

  • Posted: Mar 18, 2015

Serena Williams

World No. 1 Serena Williams extended her undefeated record in 2015 to 11-0 on the WTA tour when she won her fourth round match at the Indian Wells on Tuesday afternoon. The American will next come up against the surging Timea Bacsinszky. This is just the second time that these two competitors will meet on the professional tour, with Williams leading the head to head series 1-0.

You can see the match Live Here: Williams vs Bacsinszky Live Streaming

18 months removed from their last meeting on the WTA tour, Williams and Stephens took part in another entertaining match that went a total of three sets before a winner was announced. In the end, after a 59-minute deciding set, Williams won the match 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-2. She struck 14 aces, won 81% of her first service points and converted six break points to close out the match in two hours and six minutes.

“Sloane played really well in the first set. Actually in the whole match,” Williams said. “I’ve always thought Sloane can be really great. She’s on the right track. She played really well, and she had some very good wins here against two seeds. It was a really positive result, even today.”

Article Continues Below Ad

27th seed Timea Bacsinszky reached the quarter-final of the Indian Wells Masters event with a three-set victory over Elina Svitolina. She rallied back from a set down to beat the Ukrainian 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 to close out the match in one hour and 58 minutes.

This marks the second time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, with Williams leading the series 1-0. However, this is their first meeting in four years and much has changed since then. Timea is on an impressive win streak and could prove to be a difficult obstacle en route to the semi-final.

Prediction: Serena Williams in Three Sets

See other match tips Here: Tennis Previews and Predictions

Source link

Andy Murray vs Adrian Mannarino Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

Andy Murray vs Adrian Mannarino Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Mar 18, 2015

 Andy Murray

Following a rollercoaster match-up in his third round encounter on Monday afternoon, Andy Murray is through tot the following stage of the Indian Wells tournament, where he will now encounter France’s Adrian Mannarino to determine who will advance to the final eight of the tournament.

Watch the 4th round match live here: Murray vs Mannarino Live Streaming

The 2009 runner-up at Indian Wells needed three sets to defeat German No. 1 Philipp Kohlschreiber and reach the fourth round of the Masters 1000 event. After storming through the first set, Murray went down a break in the second set and was forced into a deciding set to conclude the match. He won 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 in just under two hours of court time.

“I think he definitely started to return better,” said Murray of his second-set lapse. “The game where I got broken, I played a few poor shots in that game, as well. It can happen in these conditions where it’s so lively that you can miss-time a few balls. Apart from that, I thought I played a good match against a tough opponent who I think plays well in these conditions, and it was a good win for me.”

Article Continues Below Ad

World No. 38 Adrian Mannarino upset 14 seed Ernests Gulbis to set up his fourth round meeting with Murray. It was a straightforward affair apart from a late comeback from the Latvian, and ended 6-4, 6-4. The Frenchman won 79% of his first service points and converted three break points to close out the match in one hour and 29 minutes.

This marks the first time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour. While Murray had a slight hiccup in the third round, he should have less trouble against the inconsistent Mannarino. Given that Murray’s semi-collapse in the second set was entirely his own doing, he will be fighting more of an internal battle to do well and not drop another unnecessary set.

Prediction: Andy Murray in Straight Sets

Source link

The Fred Perry or Andy Murray Debate – A Few Observations

The Fred Perry or Andy Murray Debate – A Few Observations

  • Posted: Mar 17, 2015

MurrayTrophy

If there’s one thing that tennis fans can argue about endlessly, it is about which era was the strongest. Inevitably, this also comes to comparing the various top players and discussing about which one was the greatest of them all. Andy Murray, who finally brought the Wimbledon title back home in 2013, is often compared to the man who achieved that feat before him, Fred Perry. The achievements are split apart by 77 years, so direct comparisons of their results are pretty hard to do, but one can nonetheless get a feeling about how things have evolved since then. This Huffington Post infographic is going to serve as the starting point for our observation.

During this career, Fred Perry amassed a record of 106 victories and 12 losses, which equals to a win percentage of roughly 90%, a truly staggering number. Andy Murray, on the other hand, was sitting at just 76% after his Wimbledon victory, with 406 wins and 128 losses. On the percentage account, one would be tempted to glorify Perry, but what the numbers show is how much busier tennis is in this era. Perry had plenty of time to prepare for the important events and matches, while Murray is playing in an age in which he has to play basically week in and week out –

This factor is also crucial if we are to compare the other numbers – Fred Perry might have won 8 Grand Slam titles, but only 14 total professional titles in total, while Andy Murray had 27, almost twice the total, to his name back in 2013 despite winning just two Grand Slams. One could say that Perry was dominating his era in a way which Murray will never be able to replicate, but the field of players he had to compete against was incredibly thinner than it is now – for example, a small dig into the history books reveals that the 1934 Australian Open, one of the Grand Slams Perry won, featured players from just two countries (!). Those are things that today’s tennis fans don’t seem to realize. Tennis bettors usually consider things like tournament situations and fitness issues these days – well, things like that didn’t really play a role back then. Another thing that needs to be taken into account and which should play into Murray’s hands is that many – and we even dare to say most – tennis players had the sport as a hobby, with other jobs filling most of their time. Can one even imagine an amateur getting into the main draw of a Grand Slam in the 21st

So, who’s the greater player of the two – Andy Murray or Fred Perry? As far as we are concerned, it has to be Andy Murray by a decent margin, especially since he still has at least a couple of good years ahead of himself. The Scot is playing in an era in which tennis is much more competitive than it was back in Perry’s days, in an era in which he has to play about 70 matches each year if he’s reasonably health, a number that was unthinkable when Perry played. The matches are longer, the demands are higher – and Grand Slam tournaments are a league of its own these days. In fact, we wouldn’t hesitate to say that reaching a Grand Slam final in this era is slightly harder than it was to win a Grand Slam title eighty years ago – and Murray, at the time of writing, already had six of those to his name.

Article Continues Below Ad

Source link