Although not at his very best today, Murray was outclassed by Djokovic. Murray has not won a set in his three Slam final appearances, a big worry for his fans. His talent is unquestioned, but as I blogged in my July post, he seems to have no answer when he’s being outhit. Djokovic did play an incredible match (and tournament), his retrieving was in the same class as Rafa at his best, & he was able to hit winners while doing the splits from way behind the baseline.
In my September blog I worried that the Fed may not win another Slam. He has now lost two Slam SFs in a row to Djokovic. Notwithstanding his victory at the Tour Finals, last week's results just reinforce my view that another major will elude him. Arguably Djokovic was fortunate to win in five sets in the Flushing SF, but here he won in straight sets. Federer wasn’t hitting his spots on serve, which has often got him out of trouble in the past. Rog will still have a great chance at Wimbledon, where only a select few of the top players are comfortable.
Nadal lost in the QFs, as he did last year. If Rafa can stay largely injury-free, he will still be the man on clay , & I’m still tipping him to be the year-end no. 1.
The hoary old argument that women don’t deserve equal money was blown out of the water here. The second longest match of the tournament, 4 hr 44 min, was Kuznetsova-Schiavone (4th round, 16-14 in the 5th) a new record for a womens Slam match.
Is it the end of an era in the womens game? Venus Williams retired from a Slam with injury for the first time, & there’s still no sign of Serena making a comeback. Sadly Henin has taken doctors’ advice to retire due to her elbow injury, as I’ve said before, my favourite woman player with her volleying ability & sublime backhand. Like Murray, Wozniacki’s wait for a Major title continues, but this despite her being world no. 1. Before winning the final, Clijsters had announced this would her last full-time year on Tour, perhaps Wozniacki won’t be too pleased to hear she’ll be back to defend the title next year.
Showing posts with label Venus Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Venus Williams. Show all posts
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Saturday, 4 July 2009
1936 & All That
The 73 year wait for a successor to Fred Perry will go on for another year.
As Paul Hayward wrote in the Guardian, "Henman was a possible. Murray is a probable".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jul/03/wimbledon-andy-murray-andy-roddick
Unfortunately for British fans Roddick pulled off an improbable victory.
Roddick was a revelation. This was not the same player whose one-dimensional game the 17-year old Murray demolished in straight sets in the 3rd round in 2006. Roddick's serve & forehand have always been his big weapons. But he had showed in his last match against Hewitt how much his backhand has improved since teaming up with Larry Stefanki. His net play against Murray was also much improved, previously his volleying ability had been suspect.
Murray hit more winners, surprisingly more aces, & made less errors. But he lost the match, with the American winning two of his sets on the tie-break.Perhaps the most important stat was Roddick's 1st serve percentage of 75 %. Murray could manage only 52%.
British fans will hope Murray can make another strong showing at the US Open.
In the other semi, Federer comfortably took out Haas in straight sets. Incredibly, he hasn't dropped a set in any of his Wimbledon semis, & has only been broken twice.
With Roddick having won only twice out of 20 matches with Roger, Fed is 8/1 on to win the final with the bookies. Federer in four.
In the Womens semis, Safina was again a massive disappointment in a major, winning only one game against Venus to make a mockery of her no. 1 ranking. Dementieva v Serena was the best ladies match of the tournament so far, Serena saving a match point before winning 8-6 in the final set.
As Paul Hayward wrote in the Guardian, "Henman was a possible. Murray is a probable".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jul/03/wimbledon-andy-murray-andy-roddick
Unfortunately for British fans Roddick pulled off an improbable victory.
Roddick was a revelation. This was not the same player whose one-dimensional game the 17-year old Murray demolished in straight sets in the 3rd round in 2006. Roddick's serve & forehand have always been his big weapons. But he had showed in his last match against Hewitt how much his backhand has improved since teaming up with Larry Stefanki. His net play against Murray was also much improved, previously his volleying ability had been suspect.
Murray hit more winners, surprisingly more aces, & made less errors. But he lost the match, with the American winning two of his sets on the tie-break.Perhaps the most important stat was Roddick's 1st serve percentage of 75 %. Murray could manage only 52%.
British fans will hope Murray can make another strong showing at the US Open.
In the other semi, Federer comfortably took out Haas in straight sets. Incredibly, he hasn't dropped a set in any of his Wimbledon semis, & has only been broken twice.
With Roddick having won only twice out of 20 matches with Roger, Fed is 8/1 on to win the final with the bookies. Federer in four.
In the Womens semis, Safina was again a massive disappointment in a major, winning only one game against Venus to make a mockery of her no. 1 ranking. Dementieva v Serena was the best ladies match of the tournament so far, Serena saving a match point before winning 8-6 in the final set.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Wimbledon 2009
Most of the British media seem to think a Murray-Federer final is practically a nailed-on certainty. However, the guys left in the draw are no gimmes. Fed is seeded to meet Djokovic in the semis, & the Djoker has beaten him the last two times they've played. I reckon Roger in four sets though. Fed faces Soderling next up in the 4th round. I was courtside for the Swede's match on Monday, & he played well, but there's nothing to suggest that Roger wont take care of him again comfortably, as he did in the French final. Karlovic is a possible QF opponent, who with his huge serve always a big threat on grass-he hit 46 aces in beating Tsonga on Friday.
Murray plays Stan Wawrinka next, who will be no pushover, although Murray seems to have gone up a level since he was last beaten by the Swiss no. 2. Thomas Berdych was very impressive yesterday beating Davydenko, & next plays Roddick, which looks like a 50-50 match.
On the womens side, the smart money has to be on another all-Williams final. Ivanovic might give Venus a tough match in the 4th round, but the Serb has been struggling with the ball toss on her serve. Sharapova's 2nd round exit wasn't a huge surprise, watching her match on Monday she was struggling with her movement. Having only recently returned from a long layoff with he shoulder injury, her match fitness should improve with increased activity.
Ronster's tips for the championship: Fed & Venus.
Murray plays Stan Wawrinka next, who will be no pushover, although Murray seems to have gone up a level since he was last beaten by the Swiss no. 2. Thomas Berdych was very impressive yesterday beating Davydenko, & next plays Roddick, which looks like a 50-50 match.
On the womens side, the smart money has to be on another all-Williams final. Ivanovic might give Venus a tough match in the 4th round, but the Serb has been struggling with the ball toss on her serve. Sharapova's 2nd round exit wasn't a huge surprise, watching her match on Monday she was struggling with her movement. Having only recently returned from a long layoff with he shoulder injury, her match fitness should improve with increased activity.
Ronster's tips for the championship: Fed & Venus.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Form is Temporary
Roger Federer: An Apology
In my post of 12 July I had dared to suggest that Roger would never win another Grand Slam. In the US Open final Monday against Murray, he was back to his imperious best. On this form, he could match Sampras all-time record of 14 Slams as early as January in Melbourne. The runner-up was the first Brit in a Slam final since the Gregster in 1997(L to Rafter, also at the US).This has been Murray’s breakthrough year. He had never gone beyond a Slam fourth round before this year, but then reached the quarters of Wimbledon. He then beat Djokovic twice, including winning TMS Cincinnati, and beat Nadal for the first time to reach the final at Flushing Meadows, taking him up to no. 4 in the world rankings. Murray has all the ingredients-talent, guts, focus & fitness- to reach, & win, more Slam finals in the future.
Serena Williams regained the no. 1 ranking by becoming champ again (beating Venus in the quarters). The Williams sisters seem to have been around forever, so the tendency is to become blasé about their achievements, but they have now won 16 Slam singles titles between them (the US was Serena’s 9th). Arguably they are the most successful sporting siblings ever, though you could also make a case for the Charlton brothers or the Waugh twins.
Olympics review
So many highlights to pick from. Apart from the obvious candidates, Phelps & Bolt, my personal faves: Lezak overhauling a body length deficit in the last 50 in the 4x100 free relay. The GB rowing four overhauling the Australians in the last 250 m. Amazing final lap sprints from the Ethiopian men & women in the 5 & 10 k track races. From a British perspective, the ‘sitting-down’ sports exceeded expectations, but the underperformance of the athletics is a worry. The athletes need to raise their level or there will be a lot of finals at 2012 with no home representation. However, the Team GB result to finish fourth in the medals table was a fantastic achievement, behind only the superpowers (China, USA, Russia)
In my post of 12 July I had dared to suggest that Roger would never win another Grand Slam. In the US Open final Monday against Murray, he was back to his imperious best. On this form, he could match Sampras all-time record of 14 Slams as early as January in Melbourne. The runner-up was the first Brit in a Slam final since the Gregster in 1997(L to Rafter, also at the US).This has been Murray’s breakthrough year. He had never gone beyond a Slam fourth round before this year, but then reached the quarters of Wimbledon. He then beat Djokovic twice, including winning TMS Cincinnati, and beat Nadal for the first time to reach the final at Flushing Meadows, taking him up to no. 4 in the world rankings. Murray has all the ingredients-talent, guts, focus & fitness- to reach, & win, more Slam finals in the future.
Serena Williams regained the no. 1 ranking by becoming champ again (beating Venus in the quarters). The Williams sisters seem to have been around forever, so the tendency is to become blasé about their achievements, but they have now won 16 Slam singles titles between them (the US was Serena’s 9th). Arguably they are the most successful sporting siblings ever, though you could also make a case for the Charlton brothers or the Waugh twins.
Olympics review
So many highlights to pick from. Apart from the obvious candidates, Phelps & Bolt, my personal faves: Lezak overhauling a body length deficit in the last 50 in the 4x100 free relay. The GB rowing four overhauling the Australians in the last 250 m. Amazing final lap sprints from the Ethiopian men & women in the 5 & 10 k track races. From a British perspective, the ‘sitting-down’ sports exceeded expectations, but the underperformance of the athletics is a worry. The athletes need to raise their level or there will be a lot of finals at 2012 with no home representation. However, the Team GB result to finish fourth in the medals table was a fantastic achievement, behind only the superpowers (China, USA, Russia)
Monday, 23 June 2008
Strawberries & Cream
Wimbledon
The most probable match-up for the womens final, as well as the dream for the tv executives, is Ivanovic v Sharapova. The Williams sisters are formidable on grass though & could halt the glamour final in the semis. Dinara Safina could have another good run to match her form in Paris, but the winner will come from the first four mentioned.
I tipped Fed to win here back in January, & i still think he'll win his sixth straight title. The form of Nadal, & his crushing win over Federer at Roland Garros have made him the favourite for many pundits.However, I still feel that if Roger plays his 'A' game, he has the edge over Rafa, though it wil be very tight. Djokovic is in Federer's half, they are drawn to meet in the semis & the Serb won their match at the same stage in Australia. Nadal could face a tricky second round tie v the Latvian Ernest Gulbis. British hopes again rest with Murray. He's seeded to meet Gasquet in the fourth round, who made the semis last year. Murray has yet to reach a Grand Slam QF & I think Gasquet will prevent that statistic changing.
Euro 2008
My prediction of a Spain-Germany final is still on. Holland looked a good bet for the semis after their impressive displays in the group stages, especially v Italy & France. In the quarter final though they were completely outplayed by Russia, who look a team transformed with Arshavin back from suspension. Germany will have to be wary of the comeback kings, Turkey. I can't understand why Fabregas isn't a starter for Spain, but Aragones has preferred Xavi for the playmaker role. My player of the tournament so far is Ballack. Germany have played some good football, I had expected them to be more in the mould of Sweden, but they scored a great team goal with the first strike against Portugal.
The most probable match-up for the womens final, as well as the dream for the tv executives, is Ivanovic v Sharapova. The Williams sisters are formidable on grass though & could halt the glamour final in the semis. Dinara Safina could have another good run to match her form in Paris, but the winner will come from the first four mentioned.
I tipped Fed to win here back in January, & i still think he'll win his sixth straight title. The form of Nadal, & his crushing win over Federer at Roland Garros have made him the favourite for many pundits.However, I still feel that if Roger plays his 'A' game, he has the edge over Rafa, though it wil be very tight. Djokovic is in Federer's half, they are drawn to meet in the semis & the Serb won their match at the same stage in Australia. Nadal could face a tricky second round tie v the Latvian Ernest Gulbis. British hopes again rest with Murray. He's seeded to meet Gasquet in the fourth round, who made the semis last year. Murray has yet to reach a Grand Slam QF & I think Gasquet will prevent that statistic changing.
Euro 2008
My prediction of a Spain-Germany final is still on. Holland looked a good bet for the semis after their impressive displays in the group stages, especially v Italy & France. In the quarter final though they were completely outplayed by Russia, who look a team transformed with Arshavin back from suspension. Germany will have to be wary of the comeback kings, Turkey. I can't understand why Fabregas isn't a starter for Spain, but Aragones has preferred Xavi for the playmaker role. My player of the tournament so far is Ballack. Germany have played some good football, I had expected them to be more in the mould of Sweden, but they scored a great team goal with the first strike against Portugal.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Fed Express Derailed
Aus Open
What should we read into Djokovic's straight-sets defeat of Federer in the semi ? The great man certainly had an off-day with an uncharacteristically high amount of unforced errors. Does it mean his dominance of the game is over, or is it just a temporary blip ? I think the latter. The younger generation of Djokovic & Nadal may have to wait a while longer . I'm convinced Roger will win Wimbledon again this year, though Nadal will probably thwart him again at Roland Garros. Against Djokovic, though, Fed's Sampras-like ability to produce a couple of aces to get out of trouble, was absent.
The revelation of the tournament has been Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Ranked 38 coming into the tournament, he plays Djokovic in tomorrow's final, having crushed Nadal in the semi as well as dispatching Andy Murray in the first round. Tsonga was in the zone against Rafa- he hit 49 winners in three sets. I think Djokovic will just be too consistent in the final though, & win it in five sets. It could be a classic if both men can reproduce the form they showed in the semis.
The women's tournament has also seen its share of upsets. In my last post I predicted a Henin-Venus Williams final. My betting slip was torn up after the the quarters: Ivanovic took out Venus Williams, & the biggest shock of the same round was Sharapova beating Henin 4 & 0, ending Justine's 32 match win streak. Sharapova's tournament win is being seen by some pundits as a sign that she will dominate this year, but I still expect Henin to be no. 1 at the end of the season, & to win in Paris for a fifth time.
What should we read into Djokovic's straight-sets defeat of Federer in the semi ? The great man certainly had an off-day with an uncharacteristically high amount of unforced errors. Does it mean his dominance of the game is over, or is it just a temporary blip ? I think the latter. The younger generation of Djokovic & Nadal may have to wait a while longer . I'm convinced Roger will win Wimbledon again this year, though Nadal will probably thwart him again at Roland Garros. Against Djokovic, though, Fed's Sampras-like ability to produce a couple of aces to get out of trouble, was absent.
The revelation of the tournament has been Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Ranked 38 coming into the tournament, he plays Djokovic in tomorrow's final, having crushed Nadal in the semi as well as dispatching Andy Murray in the first round. Tsonga was in the zone against Rafa- he hit 49 winners in three sets. I think Djokovic will just be too consistent in the final though, & win it in five sets. It could be a classic if both men can reproduce the form they showed in the semis.
The women's tournament has also seen its share of upsets. In my last post I predicted a Henin-Venus Williams final. My betting slip was torn up after the the quarters: Ivanovic took out Venus Williams, & the biggest shock of the same round was Sharapova beating Henin 4 & 0, ending Justine's 32 match win streak. Sharapova's tournament win is being seen by some pundits as a sign that she will dominate this year, but I still expect Henin to be no. 1 at the end of the season, & to win in Paris for a fifth time.
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Up for the Cup
FA CUP
Dig out all the old cliches about the romance of the FA Cup. The Third Round saw its share of shocks. The biggest was third division (League One as its now ridiculously called) Oldham beating Everton away. Championship sides Huddersfield & Coventry also dispatched top-flight opposition. Havant & Waterlooville earned a replay against Swansea, to keep non-league representation in the competition. Incidentally, Sutton United were the last non-league side to beat top-flight opposition- Coventry in 1989 (3rd round). Coventry had been finalists the year before. The most replayed cup shock on TV is probably Motty's favourite, Hereford (Ronnie Radford et al. v Newcastle,1972).
Aus Open Tennis
Justine Henin is the hot favourite amongst the women, & is on a 28 match win streak. I think she will make the final, although Serena Williams should give her a tough match. Venus Williams is in the easier lower half of the draw, from which I would pick only Ivanovic & Kuznetsova as having realistic chances of beating Venus. So my tip is a Venus-Henin final.
In the men's, Andy Murray is in hot form after winning the title in Doha. He faces the big-hitting Frenchman, Tsonga, in the first round. Richard Gasquet is also in Murray's section though, against whom AM has a 0-2 record. I'll pick Federer to win, although some of the chasing pack (Djokovic, Nalbandian) showed last year it's not just Nadal who can beat the Swiss- Federer has lost some of his dominance. Other potential winners then, are Djokovic, Nalbandian & Gonzalez from the top half; Nadal, Gasquet, Murray, & Roddick from the lower half.
Dig out all the old cliches about the romance of the FA Cup. The Third Round saw its share of shocks. The biggest was third division (League One as its now ridiculously called) Oldham beating Everton away. Championship sides Huddersfield & Coventry also dispatched top-flight opposition. Havant & Waterlooville earned a replay against Swansea, to keep non-league representation in the competition. Incidentally, Sutton United were the last non-league side to beat top-flight opposition- Coventry in 1989 (3rd round). Coventry had been finalists the year before. The most replayed cup shock on TV is probably Motty's favourite, Hereford (Ronnie Radford et al. v Newcastle,1972).
Aus Open Tennis
Justine Henin is the hot favourite amongst the women, & is on a 28 match win streak. I think she will make the final, although Serena Williams should give her a tough match. Venus Williams is in the easier lower half of the draw, from which I would pick only Ivanovic & Kuznetsova as having realistic chances of beating Venus. So my tip is a Venus-Henin final.
In the men's, Andy Murray is in hot form after winning the title in Doha. He faces the big-hitting Frenchman, Tsonga, in the first round. Richard Gasquet is also in Murray's section though, against whom AM has a 0-2 record. I'll pick Federer to win, although some of the chasing pack (Djokovic, Nalbandian) showed last year it's not just Nadal who can beat the Swiss- Federer has lost some of his dominance. Other potential winners then, are Djokovic, Nalbandian & Gonzalez from the top half; Nadal, Gasquet, Murray, & Roddick from the lower half.
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