Miami Results

In men's action in Miami, the day was full of blow-out victories, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco and Juan Martin del Potro all winning their matches easily. In the battle of the Frenchman, Jo Wilfried Tsonga defeated Gilles Simon in 3 sets after dropping the 1st. Andy Roddick defeated Gael Monfils in 2 tight sets to set up a quarterfinal with Federer. Only 2 quarterfinal women's matches were played on Tuesday, but the first definitly did not lack excitement. Caroline Wozniacki, who has been on a roll throughout the whole tournament, lost the 1st set against Svetlana Kuznetsova. The 8th-seeded Kuznetsova then dropped the second set in a tiebreak. The 3rd, unlike the first 2, was a runaway, as the Russian took it 6-1. In the 2nd match, Victoria Azarenka blew Sam Stosur off the court, dropping just 1 game to reach the semifinals. Rafa Nadal is set to play his 4th round match later tonight as he takes on Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka.

Miami

Men's Singles- Round of 16

Roger Federer (2) def. Taylor Dent, 6-3, 6-2

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Tomas Berdych (21), 6-3, 6-2

Andy Murray (4) def. Viktor Troicki, 6-1, 6-0

Andy Roddick (5) def. Gael Monfils (9), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4

Juan Martin del Potro (6) def. David Ferrer (11), 6-3, 6-2

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (10) def. Gilles Simon (7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (8) def. Radek Stepanek (18), 6-2, 6-2

Women's Singles- Quarterfinal

Svetlana Kuznetsova (8) def. Caroline Wozniacki (13), 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1

Victoria Azarenka (11) def. Sam Stosur, 6-1, 6-0

Miami Results

Both Williams sisters battled through tough 3 set maches on Monday in Miami, while Svetlana Kuznetsova had an easier time advancing to the quarters, winning an easy straight set match. Another top seed was ousted when Elena Dementieva went tumbling down. She was defeated by 13th seeded Caroline Wozniacki. Victoria Azarenka, Iveta Benesova and Samantha Stosur all advanced as well. Rafael Nadal was able to get through a tough test from Federico Gil, while Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro both reached the round of 16 without many difficulties. David Ferrer and Stanislas Wawrinka both came back from a set down to defeat their opponents, Marin Cilic and Igor Andreev, respectively. One surprise player in the final 16 is Viktor Troiki, who defeated Bjorn Phau in 2 sets to advance. Fernando Gonzalez is currently a set down to Radek Stepanek, while Fernando Verdasco's match with fellow Spaniard, Feliciano Lopez awaits.

Miami

Men's Singles- 3rd Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Frederico Gil, 7-5, 6-3

Andy Murray (4) def. Nicolas Massu, 6-4, 6-4

Juan Martin del Potro (6) def. Janko Tipsarevic, 6-4, 6-1

David Ferrer (11) def. Marin Cilic (17), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Stanislas Wawrinka (16) def. Igor Andreev (20), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3

Viktor Troicki def. Bjorn Phau, 6-4, 6-3

Women's Singles- Round of 16

Serena Williams (1) def. Zheng Jie (17), 7-5, 5-7, 6-3

Caroline Wozniacki (13) def. Elena Dementieva (4), 7-5, 6-4

Venus Williams (5) def. Agnieszka Radwanska (10), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4

Svetlana Kuznetsova (8) def. Alisa Kleybanova (24), 6-2, 6-1

Victoria Azarenka (11) def. Agnes Szavay (25), 6-2, 6-4

Iveta Benesova (26) def. Anabel Medina Garrigues (19), 6-4, 6-1

Samantha Stosur def. Amelie Mauresmo (20), 6-4, 6-4

Miami Results

And another one bites the dust. Or another 4 I should say. After Jelena Jankovic was upset by Giselo Dulko in straight sets Saturday night, Dinara Safina, Ana Ivanovic, Vera Zvonareva and Nadia Petrova all were upset on Sunday in their 3rd round matches at the Sony Ericsson Open. Safina lost to Samantha Stosur, while Zvonareva fell to Na Li. Venus Williams won her 3rd round match against Anna-Lena Groenefeld in straights while her sister, Serena, was up a set an 2 breaks against Shuai Peng before play was interrupted. Russians, Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova both rolled on to the round of 16. Other winners included Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska, Jie Zheng and Amelie Mauresmo. In men's action, Roger Federer dominated German Nicholas Kiefer and Andy Roddick got past Dimitry Tursunov. Gael Monfils and Marat Safin played what has been the tightest match of the tournament so far as Monfils came back from a break down in the third set to snatch the match away from the Russian and win in a tiebreak. Gilles Simon, another Frenchman, also came back from a set down to win. Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Taylor Dent also advanced. Novak Djokovic was 3 games into his meeting with Paul Henri Mathieu before the match was interrupted.

Miami

Men's Singles- 3rd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Nicolas Kiefer (28), 6-4, 6-1

Andy Roddick (5) def. Dmitry Tursunov (25), 7-6 (11-9), 6-2

Gilles Simon (7) def. Rainer Schuettler (29), 3-6, 6-1, 6-1

Gael Monfils (9) def. Marat Safin (22), 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (10) def. Robert Kendrick, 7-5, 6-4

Taylor Dent def. Tommy Robredo (15), 7-5, 6-3

Women's Singles- 3rd Round

Samantha Stosur def. Dinara Safina (2), 6-1, 6-4

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Carla Suarez Navarro (31), 6-2, 6-2

Venus Williams (5) def. Anna-Lena Groenefeld, 7-5, 6-3

Li Na def. Vera Zvonareva (6), 6-4, 3-6, 6-2

Agnes Szavay (25) def. Ana Ivanovic (7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-1

Svetlana Kuznetsova (8) def. Nicole Vaidisova, 6-1, 6-4

Ekaterina Makarova def. Nadia Petrova (9), 7-5, 6-1

Agnieszka Radwanska (10) def. Kaia Kanepi (21), 6-4, 6-3

Victoria Azarenka (11) def. Anna Chakvetadze (22), 6-1, 6-4

Caroline Wozniacki (13) def. Patty Schnyder (18), 6-4, 6-4

Zheng Jie (17) def. Alize Cornet (14), 6-4, 6-0

Amelie Mauresmo (20) def. Flavia Pennetta (15), 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-2

Anabel Medina Garrigues (19) def. Dominika Cibulkova (16), 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 5-5, retired
Alisa Kleybanova (24) def. Anastasiya Yakimova, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

Iveta Benesova (26) def. Gisela Dulko, 6-3, 6-2

Miami Results

Juan Monaco gave world number 4 Andy Murray all he could handle in their second round match at the Sony Ericsson Open on Saturday. After Monaco won the first set, Murray converted early breaks in both the 2nd and 3rd set and he eventually took the match. Spaniards Fernando Verdasco and David Ferrer both won their matches while Victor Troiki upset David Nalbandian in straight sets. Other men's winners included Stanislas Wawrinka, Marin Cilic and Fernando Gonzalez. Rafael Nadal is currently a set and a break up in his 2nd round match. Alexa Glatch proved to be no competition for Serena Williams, as the world number 1 defeated her easily to advance. Venus Williams defeated Shahar Peer and Vera Zvonareva beat Tathiana Garbin, both in straights. Nadia Petrova, Agnieszka Radwanska and Alize Cornet were among the other winners on Saturday.

Miami

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Andy Murray (4) def. Juan Monaco, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (8) def. Benjamin Becker, 6-3, 6-4

David Ferrer (11) def. John Isner, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2

Fernando Gonzalez (12) def. Igor Kunitsyn, 6-4, 6-4

Viktor Troicki def. David Nalbandian (14), 6-1, 6-3

Stanislas Wawrinka (16) def. Andreas Seppi, 7-5, 7-5

Marin Cilic (17) def. Amer Delic, 6-3, 6-7 (7-9), 6-3

Radek Stepanek (18) def. Bobby Reynolds, 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2

Igor Andreev (20) def. Yen-Hsun Lu, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Frederico Gil def. Ivo Karlovic (26), 6-4, 6-4

Nicolas Massu def. Mardy Fish (27), 5-7, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2

Janko Tipsarevic def. Jurgen Melzer (30), 6-4, 6-3

Feliciano Lopez (32) def. Sam Querrey, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 6-2

Bjorn Phau def. Albert Montanes, 6-4, 2-0, retired

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Serena Williams (1) def. Alexa Glatch, 6-2, 6-3

Venus Williams (5) def. Shahar Peer, 6-3, 6-3

Vera Zvonareva (6) def. Tathiana Garbin, 6-4, 6-1

Nadia Petrova (9) def. Michaella Krajicek, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2

Agnieszka Radwanska (10) def. Tamarine Tanasugarn, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Alize Cornet (14) def. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

Dominika Cibulkova (16) def. Karolina Sprem, 6-4, 6-3

Zheng Jie (17) def. Julia Goerges, 6-4, 6-2

Anabel Medina Garrigues (19) def. Alla Kudryavtseva, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4

Kaia Kanepi (21) def. Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5

Ekaterina Makarova def. Ai Sugiyama (23), 6-3, 6-4

Iveta Benesova (26) def. Sabine Lisicki, 6-2, 6-4

Li Na def. Aleksandra Wozniak (29), 7-5, 6-3

Anna-Lena Groenefeld def. Sara Errani (30), 6-4, 6-3

Peng Shuai (32) def. Mara Santangelo, 7-5, 6-3

ATP and WTA Awards go to.......

The numerous awards given to the top players, sportsmans and humanitarians on the ATP and WTA tours were given out on Wednesday. Roger Federer recieved the Stefan Edberg sportmanship award for the 5th consecutive year while he also was given the favorite player award, voted on by the fans, for the 6th straight year. Rafael Nadal received player of the year and Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic were awarded doubles team of the year. James Blake won the Arthur Ashe humanitarian award, Jo Wilfried Tsonga was chosn as most improved, Kei Nishikori won newcomer of the year and Rainer Schuettler got comeback player of the year. Serena Williams recieved player of the year honors, Dinara Safina was awarded most improved, Elena Dementieva was chosen for the sportsmanship award, Zheng Jie got comeback Player, Ana Ivanovic was recognized as humanitarian of the Year and Cara Black and Liezel Huber got doubles team of the year.

Miami Results

Sorry for the brief absence, but I am back and ready to catch you up on what you missed. Many of the top seeds were in action in Key Biscane on Friday as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick and Gilles Simon all easily advanced, giving up no more than 5 games in any of their matches. Frenchmans Gael Monfils and Jo Wilfried Tsonga also advanced, but Monfils was pushed to 3 sets while Tsonga rolled in with no bumps in the road. Of the 16 matches played, just 2 seeded players lost as Nicolas Almagro and Robin Soderling were both upset by Americans Taylor Dent an Robert Kendrick, respectively. James Blake, Tommy Robredo and Marat Safin all won their second rounders as well. The women's top seeds also advanced fairly easily as Dinara Safina, Elena Dementieva, Ana Ivanovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova all advanced. Dementieva and Kuznetsova were taken to 3 sets,but prevailed. Marion Bartoli and Sybille Bammer were 2 of the 3 casualties among the seeded players.

Miami

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Kevin Kim, 6-3, 6-2

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Frank Dancevic, 6-3, 6-2

Andy Roddick (5) def. Diego Junqueira, 6-1, 6-1

Gilles Simon (7) def. Lleyton Hewitt, 6-1, 6-2

Gael Monfils (9) def. Michael Russell, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (10) def. Agustin Calleri, 6-1, 6-1

James Blake (13) def. Julien Benneteau, 6-4, 6-4

Tommy Robredo (15) def. Jan Hernych, 6-4, 6-4

Taylor Dent def. Nicolas Almagro (19), 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (9-7)

Tomas Berdych (21) def. Mikhail Youzhny, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

Marat Safin (22) def. Oscar Hernandez, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1

Robert Kendrick def. Robin Soderling (23), 6-4, 6-2

Dmitry Tursunov (25) def. Mikhail Kukushkin, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Nicolas Kiefer (28) def. Fabrice Santoro, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

Rainer Schuettler (29) def. Jarkko Nieminen, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3

Paul-Henri Mathieu (31) def. Marcos Baghdatis, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Dinara Safina (2) def. Mathilde Johansson, 6-1, 6-3

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Anastasia Pivovarova, 6-0, 3-6, 6-3

Ana Ivanovic (7) def. Mariya Koryttseva, 6-0, 6-3

Svetlana Kuznetsova (8) def. Tamira Paszek, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1

Victoria Azarenka (11) def. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-2, 6-2

Anastasiya Yakimova def. Marion Bartoli (12), 6-4, 6-3

Caroline Wozniacki (13) def. Jelena Dokic, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2

Flavia Pennetta (15) def. Maria Kirilenko, 6-4, 7-5

Patty Schnyder (18) def. Lucie Safarova, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4

Amelie Mauresmo (20) def. Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-3, 1-6, 6-2

Anna Chakvetadze (22) def. Daniela Hantuchova, 6-3, 6-1

Alisa Kleybanova (24) def. Galina Voskoboeva, 6-2, 6-4

Agnes Szavay (25) def. Francesca Schiavone, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2

Samantha Stosur def. Sybille Bammer (27), 6-1, 6-1

Nicole Vaidisova def. Alona Bondarenko (28), 6-1, 6-0

Carla Suarez Navarro (31) def. Nuria Llagostera Vives, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3)

Miami Results

John Isner, Sam Querrey, Bobby Reynolds and Amer Delic raised the American flag high on the home turf at the Sony Ericsson Open on Thursday by advancig to the next round. Other men's winners included Andreas Seppi, Janko Tipsarevic and Juan Monaco. In women's action, Na Li grinded out a 3 set victory while Gisela Dulko and Shahar Peer also advanced. Svetlana Kuznetsova and Amelie Mauresmo teamed up in the doubles and took out Carolina Wozniacki and Sorana Cirstea in 3 incredible sets.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Teimuraz Gabashvili def. Simone Bolelli, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

Frederico Gil def. Mischa Zverev, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2

Yen-Hsun Lu def. Eduardo Schwank, 6-2, 6-2

Andreas Seppi def. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1

John Isner def. Sergiy Stakhovsky, 6-4, 6-4

Amer Delic def. Steve Darcis, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)

Janko Tipsarevic def. Jose Acasuso, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3

Martin Vassallo Arguello def. Potito Starace, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4

Juan Monaco def. Marc Gicquel, 6-0, 6-4

Nicolas Massu def. Ryan Sweeting, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)

Albert Montanes def. Stefan Koubek, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)

Viktor Troicki def. Nicolas Devilder, 6-2, 6-3
Bobby Reynolds def. Juan Ignacio Chela, 0-6, 7-5, 6-4
Sam Querrey def. Gilles Muller, 6-4, 6-3

Benjamin Becker def. Jesse Levine, 6-4, 6-3

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Alexa Glatch def. Timea Bacsinszky, 6-4, 6-1

Mara Santangelo def. Pauline Parmentier, 6-1, 7-5

Julia Goerges def. Virginie Razzano, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4)

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova def. Karin Knapp, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3

Michaella Krajicek def. Ayumi Morita, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3)

Ekaterina Makarova def. Yung-Jan Chan, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3

Li Na def. Urszula Radwanska, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1

Tathiana Garbin def. Klara Zakopalova, 6-3, 6-4

Gisela Dulko def. Lourdes Dominguez Lino, 6-2, 6-4

Sabine Lisicki def. Petra Kvitova, 6-2, 6-4

Alla Kudryavtseva def. Mariana Duque Marino, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6)

Karolina Sprem def. Marina Erakovic, 6-0, 6-2

Tamarine Tanasugarn def. Nathalie Dechy, 6-3, 7-5

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez def. Yanina Wickmayer, 6-0, 6-4

Anna-Lena Groenefeld def. Jill Craybas, 6-4, 6-1

Shahar Peer def. Tamaryn Hendler, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5)

Clijsters is Back!

Kimb Clijsters announced Thursday that she will be returning to the WTA Tour. She said she will be ready by the U.S. Open after 2 years of returment and giving birth to a child. “I still have that craving,” the Belgian announced on Thursday. “I look forward to the challenge.” She has been granted wild-cards into the U.S. Open and 2 tournaments in Cincinnati and Toronto in August. “I want to be back at my peak as soon as possible, but I know that is not logical to ask that. I will have to take it match by match.” The USTA will reserve a spot in the main draw at the Open, which starts August 31st. “We have been in contact with Kim regarding her comeback and have committed a 2009 U.S. Open wild card to her. As a past U.S. Open champion and former world No. 1, Kim has been a great ambassador for our sport. We are excited about Kim’s return to tennis and look forward to welcoming her to New York this summer," said tournament director, Jim Curley. Serena Williams has this to say about the comeback. “It’ll be great for the game, because she had such a great spirit and she’s such a good player,” said Williams, in Key Biscane preparing for the Sony Ericsson Open. “And also, she was just so nice. It’s good to have people like that around. It’ll be good to see her again.” Clijsters claims she has never trained harder, and that she isn't coin back to lose in the early rounds. She knows she is mature enough to juggle a child, marriage and her career. To me, she seems convincing and I think she is in it to win it, but only time will tell.

Miami Results

One of the most crucial events of the season kicked off today. No seeded players ere in action but the matches didn't lack excitement. Marcos Baghdatis proved that he is ready for a comeback by dominating teenage phenomenom, Ernests Gulbis. Former number 1, Lleyton Hewitt came back from a set down against Dudi Sela to avoid elimination. Other men's winners included Mikhail Youzhny, Fabrica Santoro and Jarko Nieminen. In women's action, Nicola Vaidisova, Jelena Dokic and Daniela Hantuchova all advanced to the second round. Indian Wells surprise semifinalist, Anatsasia Pavlyuchenkova came back from a set down to win her opening round match.

Miami

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Robert Kendrick def. Arnaud Clement, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)

Agustin Calleri def. Christophe Rochus, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Julien Benneteau def. Florent Serra, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Mikhail Youzhny def. Jeremy Chardy, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Marcos Baghdatis def. Ernests Gulbis, 6-2, 6-2

Frank Dancevic def. Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)

Diego Junqueira def. Yuki Bhambri, 6-4, 6-3

Mikhail Kukushkin def. Tommy Haas, 6-4, 6-4

Oscar Hernandez def. Ivan Ljubicic, 6-4, 6-4

Michael Russell def. Victor Hanescu, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Jan Hernych def. Brendan Evans, 6-4, 6-3

Taylor Dent def. Ricardo Mello, 6-1, 6-3

Fabrice Santoro def. Thomaz Bellucci, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1

Kevin Kim def. Michael Llodra, 3-6, retired

Lleyton Hewitt def. Dudi Sela, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Jarkko Nieminen def. Ivan Navarro, 6-3, 6-3

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Galina Voskoboeva def. Vera Dushevina, 6-4, 6-4

Anastasiya Yakimova def. Olga Govortsova, 6-2, 6-1

Jelena Dokic def. Edina Gallovits, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)

Lucie Safarova def. Anne Keothavong, 6-4, 7-5

Nuria Llagostera Vives def. Coco Vandeweghe, 6-0, 6-3

Anastasia Pivovarova def. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3

Mariya Koryttseva def. Sorana Cirstea, 6-2, 6-1

Francesca Schiavone def. Tsvetana Pironkova, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3

Daniela Hantuchova def. Melanie Oudin, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova def. Aravane Rezai, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3

Maria Kirilenko def. Kateryna Bondarenko, 6-4, 0-6, 6-4

Magdalena Rybarikova def. Arantxa Rus, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5

Samantha Stosur def. Sofia Arvidsson, 6-1, 2-0, retired

Tamira Paszek def. Monica Niculescu, 7-5, 6-2

Nicole Vaidisova def. Patricia Mayr, 6-4, 6-2

Miami Predictions

Rafael Nadal is coming off another incredible tournament after winning his 13th Masters title at Indian Wells. Andy Murray, the finalist, also hada spectaclar week after he took out Roger Federer in the semfinals. Federer ahs now lost to Murray the last 4 times they have played,m but lucky for the Swiss, Andy Murray is on Rafa Nadal's half of the draw. Andy Roddick could meet Roger Federer in the Miami quarters for the second straight year. In Federer's half is world number 3 Novak Djokovic, who looks to rebound after a dissapointing Indian Wells.

1st Quarter

Nadal, the world number 1, has never triumphed in Miami, but he has been a finalist twice before. Last year, Nadal was defeated by Nikolay Davydenko in the finals. This year, Nadal looks to go one match further and win his second straight Masters 1000. Nadal has a very easy road to the semis, as the highest seed in this quarter besides Rafa is Juan Martin del Potro. Nadal easily defeated the Argentine in Indian Wells and del Potro doesn't have any major weapon to defeat Rafa. One particular threat to Nadal though is fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer. Ferrer has beaten Rafa the last 2 time they have played on a hard court, but Nadal has improved drastically on the surface over the past 6 months. Stanislas Wawrinka, a native of Switzerland, coul pose a miniscule threat to Rafa, as could Croat Marin Cilic, but they both are hot and cold at times, as would need to consistently keep up their best tennis to have a chance to take out the Spaniard. Nadal's first seeded opponent could be 6"10 Croatian, Ivo Karlovic. Nadal has neer lost to Karlovic, but he has had some problems with his over-powering serve. Nadal will roll through his quarter, but his semis might not be so easy.
Quarterfinal Prediction: Nadal def. Ferrer

2nd Quarter

Andy Murray, the highest seed in the second quarter, was a semifinalist in Miami 2 years ago. He had a very succesful 2 weeks in Indian Wells, and he even said he didn't expect to reach the final. The second highest seed in Murray' section is Fernando Verdasco, who defeated Murray 2 months ago in the Australian Open. Murray has only 2 losses this season, one to Verdasco and one to Nadal. Murray's biggest problem though, could be Argentine David Nalbandian. Nalbandian had 5 match points in his Indian Wells match against Nadal, but couldn't seal the deal. Nalbandian is always a threat on hard courts and reached the semis in 2006 and could play Murray inthe Round of 16 this year. Another factor is that Murray has never beaten Nalbandian, posing an 0-2 record against him. Fernando Gonzalez, Richard Gasquet, Radek Stepanek and Mardy Fish are all looking to break through ans reach the semis as well, but Murray is at a high point in his career and looks to strong for any of his competitors in this section.
Quarterfinal Prediction: Murray def. Verdasco

3rd Quarter

Novak Djokovic put himself on the map when he won here in '07, but a recent slump is forcing spectators to doubt him. A dissapointing Australian Open, a controverial racquet change, and an embarrasing loss to Andy Roddick in the IW quarters are just a few problems surrounding Djoko right now. Nole did win in Dubai though, and the second highest seed n this quarter, Gilles Simon, was his victim in the semifinals. The match was exhilirating, as Simon served for the match in the second set. jokovic pulled it out though, wining the last 2 sets 7-5. Simon had a bad Indian Wells, as he was upset early. Jo Wilfried Tsonga, who has racked up 2 titles so far this year, is the number 10 seed looking to make a big run on his favorite surface. In IW, the hard courts are as slow as they get, but in Miami, they re faster and they fit Tsonga's style like a glove. James Blake, Thomas Berdych and Robin Soderling are a few of the most powerful guys on tour, and Blake will have a load of fan support in front of his own country. non-seeded player who ha made a huge leap through the rankings is Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, who could make a big run. I see Chardy defeating Blake to make a big run to the Round of 16, but his journey ends there when he runs into a more expierenced and better Djokovic.
Quarterfinal Prediction: Djokovic def. Tsonga

4th Quarter

Roger Federer enters this tournament coming off a dissapointing semifinal loss to Andy Murray. Federer has not won an ATP title yet this year and needs a championship to prove doubters wrong. With all of the pressure on Nadal and Murray, Federer will come out with a chip on his shoulder and a will to fight like none other. A threat to Fed in this quarter is Andy Roddick, who has the most wins on tour this year. He has 2 trophies so far in his bag and defeated Novak Djokovic badly in IW. One problem for Roddick is his ugly record against Federer. He has beaten the Swiss just twice in there 18 meetings. World number 9, Gael Monfils is another star that is on the rise, having just recently enetered the top 10 for the first time. Monfils, Tommy Robredo, Nicolas Almagro, Dimitry Tursunov and Mart Safin are all potential threats, but Federer has a combined 30-2 record against them. 2006 Miami Finalist, Ivan Ljubicic had a great Indian Wells and he also looks to make some noise.
Quarterfinal Prediction: Federer def. Roddick

Semifinals

Nadal def. Murray
Federer def. Djokovic

Finals

Nadal def. Federer

Sony Ericsson Open draws are out!

In Indian Wells, Andy Murray was drawn to Roger Federer's side of the draw, but fortunately for Federer, Murray will be on Rafa's side in Miami. Although Federer may not have to run into his two toughest opponents until the finals, he doesn't have it easy. World numbr 3 Novak Djokovic and world number 6 Andy Roddick are on the bottom with Fed, and are looking to break through and make big runs. For the women, Serena Williams is the number 1 seed, with Russian Dinara Safina is the 2. World number 4, Elenea Dementieva was drawn to Williams' side, while Serbian World number 3 Jelena Jankovic was drawn to Safina's half. Another All-Williams final is a possibility, as Venus and Serena are on opposite sides of the draw. The top 9 women's seeds are made up of either Americans, Serbs or Russians, as the three nations have dominated women's tennis for the past 5 years. Indian Wells Champ, Vera Zvonerva is on Serena's half.

To see the draws click: http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/3/en/assets/pdfs/draws/09WTA_MDS1.pdf (Womens)
http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/3/en/assets/pdfs/draws/09ATP_MDS1.pdf (Men's)

Indian Wells Analysis

Rafa Nadal put together rediculous topspin forehands and side spinning serves to ultimately win his 13th Masters title and 2nd title at the BNP Paribas Open. Nadal didn't just beat world number 4 Andy Murray, he dominated him and made him look like a child. Murray's 2 weeks in Indian Wells were great nonetheless, but in the end, he ran into a force that was better than he was. And what about the other 2 members of the top 4, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Indian Wells was dissapointing for these 2, as Djokovic suffered a lopsided loss to Andy Roddick in the quarters, while the Swiss lost a devastating match to Murray.We could go on and on about Federer, and the fact that lately he has been incapable of defeating both Nadal and Murray but it all comes down to 2 things that are inevitable. First: If Roger doesn't get a coach, he will not be able to come up with ways to defeat the younger, stronger and fresher crop rising on the ATP tour that is headlined by Nadal, Djokovic and Murray. If he thinks he can discover tactics and mechanisms to beat them, he is wrong, and that is not meant as an insult to FedEx, as I would consider it more of a complement to the players that now can routinely figure Federer out. Second: In 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, Federer passed the game. He was by far the most talented and the young crowd on the tour was no where near a gifted as it is today. Right now, the game is passing Federer,as players like Nadal, Murray, Djokovic, Gilles Simon and Juan Martin del Potro are continuously imprving their games while Federer is struggling to keep up. Their is no doubt that Federer is still one of the players at the top of the pack and is one of the best of the best, but time is running out to get number 14.

The women's tournament was equally exciting, although the absense of the Williams sisters decreased the interest that avid tennis fans usually have. Dinara Safina had a golden oppurunity to dethrone Serena Williams from the number 1 spot. Safina had her work cut out for her, as all she had to do was reach the final. In her way was Victoria Azarenka, who didn't end up winning the tournament, but made an impressive run to the semis and is starting to put her stamp on the women's game. A few other young talents that had impressive showing in the desert are Caroline Wozniacki and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. 17 year old Pavlyuchenkova dominated the junior ranks and proved she could hang with the big girls by reaching the semifinals. Although Azarenka and Pavlyuchenkova worked hard and fought in their semifinal matches, 2 women prevailed and proved they were stronger than the rest. Vera Zvonareva and Ana Ivanovic fought it out in a final that was almost controlled by mother nature. The wind in California reached record highs as shots that were aimed to the middle of the court somehow ended up 7 to 8 feet wide. Tosses that were planted perfectly above the girls' heads landed either several yards behind them or infront of them. Ultimately, the girl who got more balls back won. That is a simply put a it gets, and that girl was Zvonareva. "I was trying to put as many balls as I can in the court," was how Zvonareva explained her strategy. The presence of the Williams' sisters in Key Biscane may create for more fn interest, but the Russian women at Indian Wells created an amusing tournament anyway.

Indian Wells Results

2 players emerged from the harsh winds at Indian Wells on Sunday. Vera Zvonareva and Rafael Nadal both defeated their opponents in straight sets to grab the crown of one of the most crucial tournaments of the year. After losing to Andy Murray 2 straight times prior to their Sunday meeting, Rafael Nadal showed who is boss and who is number 1. The first set started slowly, as Nadal would hold easily and Murray's service games typically went to mulitple dueces. Each time the Scot held serve, which ended up being very rarely, he was fortunate to do so. Rafa ultimately prevailed 6-2, 6-1 and proved the few doubters left wrong. The wind died dwn a bit by the time the men's match started, bt for the women's matchit was in full swing, as was Vera Zvonareva. The world number 5 Russian was playing former number 1, Ana Ivanovic. The first set was as tight as they get, as Zvonerva prevailed in a tiebreak. The second set though, was a runaway. The wind affected both players, but it really got the best of Ana Ivanovic. Zvonareva was either hitting forehand winners or watching Ivanovic's shots sail long, as the crown went to the Russian.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- Final

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Andy Murray (4), 6-1, 6-2

Women's Singles- Final

Vera Zvonareva (4) def. Ana Ivanovic (5), 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

Davydenko withdraws from Miami

Maria Sharapova withdrew from the Sony Ericsson Open a few days ago and another Russian is doing the same today. Nikolay Davydenko, the defending champion in Miami, will not be competing due to a lingering foot infection. The same problem caused Davydenko to miss the Australian Open. The world number 5 will now lose 1000 points that were earned last eyar and will have to deal with the probability of him dropping out of the top 5. Davydenko has been in the top 5 for several years now but world number 6 Juan Martin del Potro and number 7 Andy Roddick could surpass him next week. If Roddick, del Potro and Gilles Simon ll ave good showings, Davydenko could fall to as far down as 8th.

Indian Wells Results

The semifinals at Indian Wells were much anticipated and featured 4 players who completely deserved to be there. Two players though, emerged from the group and will be playing on Sunday in the finals. Andy Murray, who defeated Roger Federer in 3 sets, and Rafael Nadal, who defeated Andy Roddick in 2 tight sets, will be competing for the trophy at the BNP Paribas Open. Murray won the opening set if his match, as Federer came out with no tactics to defeat the Scot. After being on the defense for a good portion of the first, Federer played much more aggresively and got the 1 break he needed to take the second. Murray though, dominated the final set to advance. The first set in the Nadal-Roddick match was close, but Nadal was able to break Roddick's serve once to win it. In the second, no break points were converted and Nadal won in a tiebreaker. Murray has now defeated Federer 4 consecutive times.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Andy Roddick (7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

Andy Murray (4) def. Roger Federer (2), 6-3, 4-6, 6-1

Sharapova pulls out......AGAIN!

Maria Sharapova pulled out of the Sony Ericsson Open today and I'm sure we all have no clue when she will play singles again. Sharapova competed in the doubles at Indian Wells with fellow Russian, Elena Vesnina. The two lost in a very tight match in he first round. Sharapova says she still isn't ready to play alone though. "It felt great to be on tour last week even if it was just playing doubles," announced Sharapova on her website. "I am still not ready to play seven consecutive matches and will have to withdraw from the Sony Ericsson Open, which is one of my favorite tournaments of the year." Pesonally, as you already know, I can't wait till Maria returns, but I'll admit, I'm starting to get annoyed. And yes, I want her to be in top form when she does return, but I just hope she is trying her absolute hardest to come back as soon as possible. Maria will be traveling to the tournament in Miami so she can sign autographs for fans. Save the date!She'll be there March 26th at noon.

Indian Wells Results

It's a safe bet to say that Indian Wells will feature two exciting men's semfinal matches. The first one was decided yesterday, As world number 2 Roger Federer takes on world number 4 Andy Murray. Today, 2 quarterfinals matches were played to decide the other semi, and Andy Roddick destroyed Novak Djokovic while Rafael Nadal blew away Juan Martin del Potro. Roddick and Djokovic have a developing mini rivalry after trash talking at last years U.S. Open. Prior to today's match, the series was 2 a piece, but in their quarterfinal in California, Roddick surrendered just 5 games and rolled on. Nadal used his powerful and spinning groundstrokes to force del Potro to be on the defense on most points. The Argentine showed some positive signs late in the second set, but Nadal served the set out before andybody in del Potro's box could start to smirk. In the women's tournament, Vera Zvonereva easily defeated Victoria Azarenka in the semifinals. Even After Azarenka defeated Dinara Safina and was brimming with confidence, the Russian still matched the teenager shot for shot and eventually got the breaks of serve she needed to close out both sets. Zvonareva now has an incredible oppurtunity to rise in the ranking if she can defeat her fellow finalist. The other semifinals is just starting up and features world number 5 Serb Ana Ivanovic and young yet powerful Russian Anastasia Pavluychenkova.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Juan Martin del Potro (6), 6-2, 6-4

Andy Roddick (7) def. Novak Djokovic (3), 6-3, 6-2

Women's Singles- Semifinals

Vera Zvonareva (4) def. Victoria Azarenka (8), 6-3, 6-3

Tracy Austin, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova and John McEnroe to play in exhibition

Jim Couier, Tracy Austin, and John McEnroe, all tennis legends, and Anna Kournikova will be competing in an exhibition at the Turning Stone Event Center in Verona, New York. The event, nicknamed "Legendary Night" will mark the opening of the Arena. The event will kick off with a singles match between Courier and McEnroe, both former number 1's. After that, a mixed doubles match will be paired up asMcEnroe and Austin versus Courier and Kournikova. The event will take place May 2nd at 7 pm.

Indian Wells Results

Andy Murray spoiled a birthday Thursday at Indian Wells by defeating Ivan Ljubicic in two very close sets Thursday. It was a milestone birthday for Ljubicic, as he was turning 30, which is a pretty big one. Murray has yet to drop a set so far in the BNP Paribas Open. He barely kept that streak alive, but was abl to do it and now is in the semfinals. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova continued her unexpected yet brilliant run at Indian Wells by defeating 7th seeded Agnieszka Radwanska on Thursday. Pavlyuchenkova (quite the tongue twister) has now defeated Jelena Jankovic and Radwanska and is deservedly in he semfinals. She will play Ana Ivanovic, who will be well rested after winning by walkover in her match. Sybille Bammer cited a shoulder injury as her reason for being unable to continue on. The women's semfinals will feature Vera Zvonareva taking on teen Victoria Azarenka. The other match will feature the two winners from today. Last night, I was not able to post about Rafael Nadal's match because of the timing, but it was quite a match. Nadal lost the first set but ended up victorious after saving a stellar 5 match points against David Nalbadian. Roger Federer and Fernando verdasco are just getting started in their quarterfinal match.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Andy Murray (4) def. Ivan Ljubicic, 7-5, 7-6 (8-6)

Women's Singles- Quarterfinals

Ana Ivanovic (5) def. Sybille Bammer (23) (walkover)

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova def. Agnieszka Radwanska (7), 7-6 (10-8), 6-4

Pics from Indian Wells

My blogging friend Candice from the amazing "Sports Scoop" blog to your right, took a visit to the BNP Paribas Open this week. She was nice enough to send awesome pictures and videos from her trip. She is quite the blogger, but who knew she was such a good photographer. Here are some of them.

I smell a comeback....

Kim Clijster's retirement from the WTA Tour never really affected me much, but with rumors floating around that she could be on the verge of a comeback, I am very excited. I was never a fan of Clijsters, but if she could cokme back in good form, it would make the mixed up women's tour that much more, well, mixed up. Lindsay Davenport, who is expecting her second child this summer, revealed that Clijsters has been seeking her advice about traveling around the world with a child. Davenport did this succesfully after having her first child in June 2007, and then returning to the tour in September '07, and winning two titles. Davenport also returned to the top 25. Clijsters had her first child in February 2008, and Davenport released this statement. "Kim Clijsters sent me an email with questions about how to travel and live with a child on the WTA circuit. So I think she will play WTA tournaments beside exhibition games in Wimbledon and the United States." Not enough proof? Kim's former coach said, "When she stopped I never said it would be the last time we would see her on the tour. I think it's too early to tell but, somewhere in the back of her mind, it must be something that she's considering. If she's fit and wants to play then I think it's a possibility. I wouldn't be completely surprised."

Indian Wells Results

Roger Federer needed 3 sets to defeat Fernando Gonzalez while Andy Murray needed just 1 and a half to take out Spaniard Tommy Robredo. Federer will next play another Fernando, this time Verdasco, who defeted Phillip Kohlschreiber. Ivan Ljubicic defeated Igor Andreev in 3 grueling sets. Ljubicic won the 3rd set tie-break just seconds ago. Also within the last minute, Novak Djokovic defeated Stanislas Wawrinka in 2 tie-break sets, The first tie-break ended 9-7, while the second went long as well, Djokovic emerging victorious 8-6. Andy Roddick is set to play David Ferrer next. Following that will be Dinara Safina's match with Victoria Azarenka, which will be proceeded by the world number 1, Rafael Nadal, who will take on Argentine David Nalbandian, one of the few players with a winning record against the Spaniard. Just one women's match has been completed so far, as Vera Zvonareva handedly defeated Carolina Wozniacki in straights. Zvonareva now adavances to the semifinals, where she will be joined by either Safina or Azarenka, along with the top flight women that play tomorrow.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- Round of 16

Roger Federer (2) def. Fernando Gonzalez (17), 6-3, 5-7, 6-2

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (16), 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6)

Andy Murray (4) def. Tommy Robredo (15), 6-2, 3-0, retired

(12)Fernando Verdasco (10) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1

Ivan Ljubicic def. Igor Andreev (22), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4)

Women's Singles- Quarterfinals

Vera Zvonareva (4) def. Caroline Wozniacki (9), 6-4, 6-2

Indian Wells Results

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick all won on the men's side Tuesday in the deserts of California, while Dinara Safina and Ana Ivanovic healined the winners on the women's side. Nadal cruised in straight sets over Dimitry Tursunov while Djokovic defeated Tommy Haas. Other men's winners included David Ferrer, David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro. Other women's victors included Victoria Azarenka, Carolina Wozniacki and Sybille Bammer.

Indian Wells
Men's Singles- 3rd Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Dmitry Tursunov (26), 6-3, 6-3
Novak Djokovic (3) def. Tommy Haas, 6-2, 7-6 (7-1)
Juan Martin del Potro (6) def. Jurgen Melzer (30), 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7-2)
Andy Roddick (7) def. Nicolas Kiefer (31), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
David Ferrer (12) def. Jeremy Chardy, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4
David Nalbandian (14) def. Viktor Troicki, 6-4, 6-2
Stanislas Wawrinka (16) def. Sam Querrey, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (8-6)
John Isner def. Marat Safin (24), 6-4, 6-4

Women's Singles- 4th Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Jill Craybas, 7-5, 6-4
Vera Zvonareva (4) def. Li Na, 6-4, 6-4
Ana Ivanovic (5) def. Flavia Pennetta (12), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
Agnieszka Radwanska (7) def. Agnes Szavay (22), 6-0, 5-7, 6-3
Victoria Azarenka (8) def. Shahar Peer, 7-5, 6-4
Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Urszula Radwanska, 7-5, 6-3
Sybille Bammer (23) def. Daniela Hantuchova (30), 6-3, 6-2
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova def. Nuria Llagostera Vives, 6-3, 3-0, retired

Indian Wells Results

Roger Federer and Andy Murray both emerged victorious Monday as Federer took out Ivo Karlovic and Murray dominated Paul Henri Mathieu. Other men's winners included Fernando Verdasco, Fernando Gonzalez and Tommy Robredo. Ivan Ljubicic upset 8th seeded Gilles Simon. On the women's side, Ana Ivanovic, Agnieszka Radwanska and Victoria Azarenka all won to advance. Sorry, but for today and wednesday, I will not be able to provide the scores of all of these matches, but I will continuously provide you with the news.

Indian Wells Results

Rafael Nadal is currently clicking on all cylinders as he just won the first set of his match against fellow left Michael Berrer. Dinara Safina prevented yet another upset at Indian Wells by winning in straight sets. After Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva lost on Saturday both Safina and Carline Wozniacki played great matches to advance. Wozniacki won the first set easily, then seemed to lose focus a little, causing her to drop the second. She quickly got back to her 1st set ways and dominated the final set. Other men's winners included Novak Djokovic, John Isner, who upset Gael Monfils and Juan Martin del Potro who had to mount a comeback to advance.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Martin Vassallo Arguello, 7-5, 6-4

Juan Martin del Potro (6) def. Ryan Sweeting, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 6-1

John Isner def. Gael Monfils (9), 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-4

David Ferrer (12) def. Todd Widom, 6-4, 7-5

Stanislas Wawrinka (16) def. Andreas Seppi, 6-1, 6-3

Jeremy Chardy def. Mardy Fish (20), 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-1)

Dmitry Tursunov (26) def. Michael Russell, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-3

Tommy Haas def. Rainer Schuettler (29), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-4

Jurgen Melzer (30) def. Taylor Dent, 7-5, 6-2

Nicolas Kiefer (31) def. Bobby Reynolds, 6-4, 6-2

Women's Singles- 3rd Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Peng Shuai (28), 7-5, 6-4

Vera Zvonareva (4) def. Petra Kvitova, 6-3, 6-1

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Kaia Kanepi (18), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

Jill Craybas def. Nicole Vaidisova, 6-4, 6-3

Urszula Radwanska def. Alexa Glatch, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)

P.S. My NCAA bracket is filled out. Purdue is my sleeper pick but Pittsburgh is winning it all.

Djokovic says he doesn't deserve to be called a "quitter'

Sorry Djoko, but you do. You retired in the 2006 French quarters, 2007 Wimbleon semis and the 2009 Aussie Open quarters. Most dedicated tennis players, whether in 130 degree heat or not, would realize the occasion. GRAND SLAM SEMIFINALS. I guess that never went through Djokovic's head when he retired at tennis' grandest stage in '07. The Serb is attempting to defend his 2008 BNP Paribas Open championship this week in Indian Wells. Just 2 months ago, Novak retired from his Australian Open quarterfinal against Andy Roddick down 2 sets to 1. "I'm just playing tennis for myself and I always have put my health as a priority to everything. Tennis is probably my life at this moment, but it's not the only thing in my life," Nole said at a press conference Friday. Right. So tennis is your life, but you quit at stages of tournaments that tennis players dream of reaching. He went on to say, "It's just that this reputation which has been going around, I don't think it's right. But everybody has a right for their own opinion. It certainly isn't pleasant when something isn't right and people are talking about something which isn't true, but I'm tired of proving whatever I need to prove." Personally, Djokovic is fully deserving of the reputation he has brought upon himself. Second, the Serb did win a grand slam, but mabe he should try doin that now, whil Rafael Nadal is playing un-humanly.

P.S. I am watching Djokovic's IW match against Martin Vassallo Arguello. Djokovic attempted to serve a ball, when the racquet flew out of his hand, landing near the first row.

Indian Wells Results

Both Roger Federer and Andy Murray got tougher matches than they expected in the second round at the BNP Paribas Open, but both won in straight sets. Federer with his serving and Murray with exceptional shotmaking. Federer served at 59% first serve and never faced a break point. After losing the first set, Marin Cilic dominated the next two to reach the third round. Other men's winners included Frenchmen Richard Gasquet and Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Tommy robredo and Ivo Karlovic. On the women's side, Vera Zvonareva won late last night while Svetlana Kuznetsova was upset by teenager and sister of Agnieszka Radwanska, Urszula Radwanska. Ana Ivanovic, the older Radwanska and Alisa Kleybanova. Elena Dementieva was upset in 3 sets by Petra Cetkovska.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Marc Gicquel, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4

Andy Murray (4) def. Albert Montanes, 7-5, 6-3

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (11) def. Teimuraz Gabashvili, 7-5, 6-3

Tommy Robredo (15) def. Igor Kunitsyn, 6-1, 6-4

Marin Cilic (19) def. Steve Darcis, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-1

Igor Andreev (22) def. Ernests Gulbis, 6-4, 6-4

Richard Gasquet (23) def. Michael Llodra, 6-4, 6-0

Nicolas Lapentti def. Robin Soderling (25), 6-4, 7-6 (9-7)

Ivo Karlovic (27) def. Sergiy Stakhovsky, 6-4, 6-2

Ivan Ljubicic def. Mario Ancic (28), 3-3, retired

Paul-Henri Mathieu (32) def. Potito Starace, 6-4, 6-7 (11-13), 6-4

Philipp Kohlschreiber def. Olivier Patience, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Petra Cetkovska def. Elena Dementieva (3), 7-6 (7-2), 2-6, 6-1

Ana Ivanovic (5) def. Anastasiya Yakimova, 6-4, 6-3

Agnieszka Radwanska (7) def. Samantha Stosur, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5

Kristina Barrois def. Alize Cornet (11), 6-2, 6-2

Nuria Llagostera Vives def. Dominika Cibulkova (14), 7-6 (8-6), 6-0

Vera Dushevina def. Zheng Jie (15), 6-2, 6-2

Alisa Kleybanova (21) def. Tamira Paszek, 6-3, 6-2

Agnes Szavay (22) def. Edina Gallovits, 6-2, 6-2

Sybille Bammer (23) def. Roberta Vinci, 6-2, 6-3

Karin Knapp def. Sara Errani (27), 6-3, 3-2, retired

Gisela Dulko (31) def. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 6-1, 6-3

March Madness is heating up!

And no, not the march madness you may be thinking of. Or maybe you're thinking about the one that has the 2 most crucial ATP and WTA tournaments after the grand slams. That is the one I'm talking about. UConn and Syracuse may have played a 6 overtime game a few nights ago, but, although I am an avid follower of NCAA basketball, my focus is on tennis. Yes, I will fill out a bracket tomorrow night, but the T.V. is turned to the Tennis Channel. After Indian Wells is the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, and these 2 tournaments are what start the full swing of the tennis season, up until September, when it starts to die down a bit. Sitting here by my laptop, Andy Murray just defeated Albert Montanes 7-5, 6-3. The match was closer than you might expect, and some points between the two were amazing, with spins and lobs from Montanes, and Murray chasing them down for rediculous winners. Montanes had his fare share of nice shots, but the spotlight was in the world number 4, Murray. Seconds ago Steve Darcis won the first set of his match against Marin Cilic. Cilic was leading 5-3, but a sloppy service game allowed Darcis to get back a lead. I'll admit it, I am switching back and forth between tennis and the Maryland-Duke game, but I'll be sure to keep you posted on all the Indian Wells news over the next week and half. For now, sit back and enjoy the tennis, while I enjoy the fact that the weather is finally starting to warm up in Baltimore.

Indian Wells Results

Dimara Safina, Victoria Azarenka and Caroline Wozniacki were just a few of the top names that were in action on Friday in the dessert. Safina won in straight sets, although she was a point away from dropping the first. Azarenka struggled, but slugged out a victory in 3 and Wozniacki looked stellar in dominating Timea Bacsinsky. Shahar Peer upset 10th seeded Marion Bartoli and Amelie Mauresmo mounted a comeback to win in 3. On the men's side, teen phenomenom Ernests Gulbis defeated Kevin Kim to win in straights, while Sam Querrey upset struggling Guillermo Canas to win 7-6, 6-2. Other men's winners included Tommy Haas, Jeremy Chardy and Ivan Ljubicic.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Michael Berrer def. Kevin Anderson, 6-3, 6-3

Michael Russell def. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, 7-5, 6-2

Robert Kendrick def. Bjorn Phau, 7-5, 6-2

Taylor Dent def. Diego Junqueira, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3)

Ryan Sweeting def. Wayne Odesnik, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)

Tommy Haas def. Oscar Hernandez, 6-3, 6-3

Sam Querrey def. Guillermo Canas, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2

Andreas Seppi def. Juan Ignacio Chela, 6-2, 4-1, retired

Todd Widom def. Ivan Navarro, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

Jeremy Chardy def. Victor Hanescu, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2

Daniel Koellerer def. Mischa Zverev, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Tsvetana Pironkova, 7-6 (10-8), 6-2

Victoria Azarenka (8) def. Yaroslava Shvedova, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Timea Bacsinszky, 6-1, 6-1

Shahar Peer def. Marion Bartoli (10), 1-6, 6-4, 7-5

Amelie Mauresmo (17) def. Anna-Lena Groenefeld, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4

Kaia Kanepi (18) def. Virginie Razzano, 7-6 (7-2), 1-0, retired

Peng Shuai (28) def. Olga Govortsova, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

Alexa Glatch def. Carla Suarez Navarro (29), 6-3, 6-1

Indian Wells Results

After having the tournament of her life in her hometown of Melbourne, Jelena Dokic fell short of expectations when she lost her opening round match at the BNP Paribas Open. Dokic reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, but Jill Craybas came up big in California today and dominated the Aussie. In men's action, former number 1 Lleyton Hewitt, German Phillip Kohlschreiber and Jarko Nieminer all won their first round matches.

Indian Wells

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Igor Kunitsyn def. Vincent Spadea, 6-3, 6-4

Potito Starace def. Denis Gremelmayr, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1

Albert Montanes def. Florent Serra, 6-3, 6-0

Philipp Kohlschreiber def. Julien Benneteau, 6-3, 6-2

Michael Llodra def. Feliciano Lopez, 6-4, 6-3

Jarkko Nieminen def. Nicolas Devilder, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1

Lleyton Hewitt def. Jan Hernych, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3

Marc Gicquel def. Simone Bolelli, 7-5, 6-3

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Anastasiya Yakimova def. Varvara Lepchenko, 6-4, 6-1

Sania Mirza def. Mariya Koryttseva, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2

Vera Dushevina def. Petra Martic, 6-4, 6-3

Roberta Vinci def. Ayumi Morita, 6-3, 6-4

Yanina Wickmayer def. Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-3, 6-2

Petra Cetkovska def. Stephanie Foretz, 6-2, 7-5

Samantha Stosur def. Francesca Schiavone, 6-1, 6-4

Lucie Safarova def. Melanie Oudin, 6-3, 6-1

Edina Gallovits def. Maria Kirilenko, 3-6, 7-5, 7-5

Kristina Barrois def. Klara Zakopalova, 6-1, 6-2

Nuria Llagostera Vives def. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (11-9)

Tamira Paszek def. Mara Santangelo, 6-3, 6-2

Karin Knapp def. Vania King, 6-2, 6-1

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova def. Marta Domachowska, 6-1, 6-3

Also, Maria Sharapova, who played her first competitive match in 8 months, lost her doubles match with partner Elena Vesnina. The match went to 3 sets, with the Russian team losing 10-7 in the third.

FEDERER IS GOING TO BE A DAD!!!!!

Roger Federer announced on his website Thursday that girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec is expecting a child this summer. The news is released one the eve of Federer's first match since his devastating loss to Rafael Nadal in the finals of the Australian Open. I am thrilled about the news and I know that many of you are too. Federer's next focus will be winning his first ATP title of the season at the Masters tournament in Indian Wells, California. After a 1 1/2 month absence because of a lingering back injury, I am sure Federer will be ready to go. Federer also released a statement saying that Darren Cahill is NOT his new coach. He said that it just didn't work out because of Cahill's fatherhood conflicting with the required time and effort needed to put into the coaching job. Ultimately, it was Cahill's decision. Federer released this statement about the baby news:

Dear Fans I arrived in Indian Wells earlier this week and I am eager to get back out on court. My back is feeling much better and I am ready to go.

I also have some really awesome news to share with all of you: Mirka and I are excited to let you know that we will be parents this summer! Mirka is pregnant and we are so happy to be starting a family together. This is a dream come true for us. We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well.

Speak soon and thanks for all your continued support!

Roger

Indian Wells Results

None of the top players were in action Wednesday, but great tennis was played nonetheless. The BNP Paribas Open got underway featuring 7 of the top 10 WTA players and the top 20 ATP players. Venus and Serena Williams continued their boycott of the event because of an incident in the past. The men's tournament starts tomorrow, and the women's started today.

Indian Wells

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Nicole Vaidisova def. Michaella Krajicek, 6-3, 6-4

Jill Craybas def. Jelena Dokic, 6-4, 6-2

Shahar Peer def. Kateryna Bondarenko, 6-2, 6-1

Ekaterina Makarova def. Nathalie Dechy, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3

Elena Vesnina def. Sabine Lisicki, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5

Anna-Lena Groenefeld def. Monica Niculescu, 6-3, 6-0

Li Na def. Tamarine Tanasugarn, 6-4, 6-4

Timea Bacsinszky def. Sofia Arvidsson, 6-2, 6-3

Alexa Glatch def. Stephanie Dubois, 6-3, 6-2

Tsvetana Pironkova def. Marina Erakovic, 6-4, 6-1

Olga Govortsova def. Anne Keothavong, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1