Rome and Stuttgart Results

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all looked phenomenal in their victories Thursday, dominating their 3 hopeless opponents in Rome. After Andy Murray was upset Wednesday, the 2nd quarter of the draw became wide open. Juan Monaco and Fernando Gonzalez both took advantage of that and the 2 will meet for a spot in the semfinals. Mischa Zverev upset Gilles Simon and will play Federer in the quarters. Fernando Verdasco beat Richard Gasquet in straights while number 5 seed, Juan Martin del Potro, defeated Stanislas Wawrinka in a thrilling 3 setter. In women's action, Dinara Safina and Elena Dementieva both dominated to reach the quarters in Stuttgart. Jelena Jankovic fought had a 3 set test, but prevailed. Caroline Wozniacki and Nadia Petrova were both upset.

Rome

Men's Singles- Round of 16

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Robin Soderling, 6-1, 6-0

Roger Federer (2) def. Radek Stepanek (16), 6-4, 6-1

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Tommy Robredo (13), 6-1, 6-1

Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (10), 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3

Fernando Verdasco (6) def. Richard Gasquet, 7-5, 6-4

Mischa Zverev def. Gilles Simon (8), 6-4, 6-1

Fernando Gonzalez (12) def. Jurgen Melzer, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5

Juan Monaco def. Marin Cilic (15), 6-4, 6-4

Stuttgart

Women's Singles- Round of 16

Dinara Safina (1) def. Daniela Hantuchova, 6-4, 6-2

Elena Dementieva (2) def. Agnes Szavay, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1

Jelena Jankovic (3) def. Sabine Lisicki, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3

Svetlana Kuznetsova (5) def. Li Na, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5

Flavia Pennetta def. Nadia Petrova (6), 6-2, 6-2

Marion Bartoli def. Caroline Wozniacki (7), 7-6 (8-6), 6-4

Agnieszka Radwanska (8) def. Tsvetana Pironkova, 6-3, 6-3

Rome and Stuttgart Results

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both advanced to the 3rd round of the Rome Masters tournament on Wednesday, after 2 previous days full of rain. This morning, sitting in front of my T.V., I watched Andy Murray completely overwhelm Juan Monaco in the 1st set of their match. I then had to run, but the result was a forgone conclusion, so I thought. Monaco fought back and upset the world number 4. Nikolay Davydenko was also upset, leaving the top half wide open for Nadal. The upsets continued as Jo Wilfried Tsonga and David Ferrer both lost. Richard Gasquet, Paul Henri Mathieu and Radek Stepanek all had to play 2 matches today because of the rain on Monday and Tuesday. Stepanek and Gasquet won them both. In Stuttgart, Jelena Jankovic advanced to the Round of 16, but Victoria Azarenka was upset by Gisela Dulko. Svetlana Kuznetsova, Nadia Petrova and Flavia Pennetta all advanced as well.

Rome

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Andreas Seppi, 6-2, 6-3

Roger Federer (2) def. Ivo Karlovic, 6-4, 6-4

Juan Monaco def. Andy Murray (4), 1-6, 6-3, 7-5

Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Viktor Troicki, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3

Fernando Verdasco (6) def. Mardy Fish, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3

Jurgen Melzer def. Nikolay Davydenko (7), 7-5, 7-6 (7-5)

Gilles Simon (8) def. Fabio Fognini, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 6-3

Stanislas Wawrinka (10) def. Mikhail Youzhny, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)

Fernando Gonzalez (12) def. Janko Tipsarevic, 6-4, 6-4

Tommy Robredo (13) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5)

Marin Cilic (15) def. Christophe Rochus, 6-0, 5-7, 6-2

Radek Stepanek (16) def. Feliciano Lopez, 6-2, 6-1

Mischa Zverev def. Paul-Henri Mathieu, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0

Robin Soderling def. Victor Crivoi, 6-1, 6-7 (2-7), 6-1

Richard Gasquet def. Ernests Gulbis, 6-2, 1-6, 6-4

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Richard Gasquet def. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4

Paul-Henri Mathieu def. David Ferrer (11), 6-3, 2-6, 6-2

Radek Stepanek (16) def. Florent Serra, 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 7-5

Stuttgart

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Gisela Dulko def. Victoria Azarenka (4), 6-4, 6-3

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Jelena Jankovic (3) def. Dominika Cibulkova, 6-1, 6-1

Svetlana Kuznetsova (5) def. Andrea Petkovic, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1

Nadia Petrova (6) def. Zheng Jie, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4

Daniela Hantuchova def. Alize Cornet, 6-3, 6-1

Sabine Lisicki def. Patty Schnyder, 6-4, 6-3

Flavia Pennetta def. Anna Chakvetadze, 6-2, 6-0

Coria retires at 27

Guillermo Coria is done with professional tennis at the tender age of 27. Coria blossomed in 2004, when he reached the Roland Garros final, losing to Gaston Gaudio, the last person other than Rafa Nadal to win the title. Coria won 9 titles in his career, and was notorious for recieving penalties, 1 of them at Wimbledon. In 2003, he was South America's highest ranked player, and his last title was at Umag in 2005. “In 2005 I began to feel less and less like competing,” he said. “My passion just wasn’t the same and it’s impossible to do things well when it’s like that. In this sport, you have to be at 100 percent. I’m very happy with the decision I’ve taken,” said the former world number 3, “since I have new projects and I will be able to spend more time with my family.” Coria's career lasted 9 years.

Rome and Stuttgart Results

Once again, Rain prevented many matches from getting underway in Rome, but Novak Djokovic, Tommy Robredo and Fernando Gonzalez were all able to advance in thier openers. Andy Murray's 3rd round match and Jo Wilfried Tsonga's 1st rounder were both postponed. Mardy Fish, Ernests Gulbis, Janko Tipsarevic and Feliciano Lopez all advanced as well. In Stuttgart, Dinara Safina trounced Sara Errani, surrendering just 1 game, while Elena Dementieva had difficulty dismissing Anna-Lena Groenefeld in thier match. Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska both advanced as well.

Rome

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Albert Montanes, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Fernando Gonzalez (12) def. Jeremy Chardy, 6-4, 6-1

Tommy Robredo (13) def. Marat Safin, 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

Feliciano Lopez def. Thomaz Bellucci, 6-4, 6-2

Philipp Kohlschreiber def. Simone Bolelli, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0

Fabio Fognini def. Filippo Volandri, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)

Mischa Zverev def. Tomas Berdych, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5

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

Jurgen Melzer def. Julien Benneteau, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3

Mikhail Youzhny def. Daniel Gimeno-Traver, 7-5, 6-4

Ernests Gulbis def. Nicolas Almagro, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

Mardy Fish def. Igor Andreev, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

Andreas Seppi def. Sam Querrey, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Robin Soderling def. Marcel Granollers, 6-3, 6-0

Stuttgart

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Sara Errani, 6-0, 6-1

Elena Dementieva (2) def. Anna-Lena Groenefeld, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Caroline Wozniacki (7) def. Iveta Benesova, 6-3, 7-5

Agnieszka Radwanska (8) def. Aleksandra Wozniak, 7-6 (7-2), 6-0

Li Na def. Peng Shuai, 6-2, 6-3

Gisela Dulko def. Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-3, 6-3

Tsvetana Pironkova def. Alberta Brianti, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4

Marion Bartoli def. Karolina Sprem, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1

Agnes Szavay def. Ai Sugiyama, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4)

Rome Results

Tomorrow, I'll include both Rome and Stuttgart results, but because only 1 match was played at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, I opted to stick with just Rome for today. Marin Cilic dominated Flavio Cipolla in the 1st round, while James Blake continued his dissapointing season by getting trounced by Victor Crivoi, a qualifier. Rain affected play throughout much of the day, so a much anticipated matchup between Tommy Robredo and Marat Safin will have to wait an extra day. Sam Querrey and Nicholas Almagro will both have to wait another day to compete against their opponents as well. Stanislas Wawrinka rolled in his match, while Ivo Karlovic fought off a valiant effort from Jan Henrych. Karlovic will face Roger Federer next. Other winners included Albert Montanes, Christophe Rochus and Juan Monaco.

Rome

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Stanislas Wawrinka (10) def. Igor Kunitsyn, 6-3, 6-4

Victor Crivoi def. James Blake (14), 7-5, 6-3

Marin Cilic (15) def. Flavio Cipolla, 6-2, 6-2

Viktor Troicki def. Victor Hanescu, 6-3, 6-3

Juan Monaco def. Nicolas Kiefer, 6-2, 6-3

Christophe Rochus def. Juan Ignacio Chela, 6-1, 6-2

Albert Montanes def. Potito Starace, 7-6 (10-8), 6-4

Ivo Karlovic def. Jan Hernych, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2

Nadal wins yet another Barcelona Crown

Rafael Nadal won another title at the Barcelona Open on Sunday by defeating David Ferrer. Nadal won the 1st set with ease, but the 2 Spaniards traded breaks 5 times in the 2nd, with Nadal eventually coming out on top. This is Nadal's 5th consecutive title in Barcelona. Last week Nadal won his 5th straight title in Monte Carlo, and next week he will be going for his 4th title in Rome. On May 25th, the world number 1 will begin his campaign to win his 7th Grand Slam and 5th straight French Open crown. Ferrer and Rafa met in last year's Barcelona final as well, with Nadal coming out on to win in 3 sets.

Barcelona

Men's Singles- Final

Rafael Nadal (1) def. David Ferrer (4), 6-2, 7-5

Rome Predictions

Many of you may think that predicting the clay court tournaments are pointless, simply because Rafael Nadal wins almost all of them. True, Nadal will most likely go down as the best clay court player ever, but after 2 consecutive weeks of tournaments (Monte Carlo, Barcelona), Nadal could falter in Rome like he did in 2008. Rafa's lone clay court loss last year was to Juan Carlos Ferrero in Rome. Ferrero did get lucky because of Nadal's previous 2 weeks of work and blistering feet, but it's anyones guess as to whether that will happen again. Novak Djokovic took this title last year, then his play dropped a level the rest of the year, returning at the Masters Cup. Once again, Andy Murray was drawn to Nadal's side, while Djokovic was put on Federer's. Newly-wed Federer, who originally was not going to compete in Monte Carlo, played poorly in a 3rd round loss to Stanslas Wawrinka. Loyal Federer fans are forced to come up with new reasons every week of why Federer is struggling, but the tough times will most likely continue into Rome.

1st Quarter

Nadal headlines this quarter, followed by his Davis Cup teammate, Fernando Verdasco. Verdasco and Nadal played 1 of the best matches ever witnessed 3 months ago at the Australian Open. That was on a hardcurt, and this time, it will most likely not give you goosebumps. Jo Wilfried Tsonga looks to be the next best bet to make a run, but he faces very tough competition early, as the Frenchman is matched up against Richard Gasquet first, and could face Nicholas Almagro after. James Blake, the 14th seed, will most likely not make any noise, as the American has struggled immensely this season.
Quarterfinal- Nadal def. Verdasco

2nd Quarter

Nikolay Davydenko has been injured for much of this season, but impressive results in Monte Carlo and Barcelona are looking like very positive signs. Davydenko gave Andy Murray quite a fight in their Monte Carlo quarterfinal, but was unable to capitalize on oppurtunities. Murray is the 4th seed here, and showed he has what it takes to play Nadal on clay. Murray's semi against the Spaniard in Monte Carlo looked good for the Brit. Barcelona semifinalis, Fernando Gonzalez, is the next highest seed in this quarter, and could definitely make a run to the semis. Marin Cilic could run into Murray in the Round of 16.
Quarterfinal- Murray def. Davydenko

3rd Quarter

Defending Champ Novak Djokovic is the 3 seed here, but is in jeopardy of losing his ranking to Murray. Djokovic has 1000 points to defend in Rome, whle Murray has barely any. Juan Martin del Potro is the 5th seed in this section, followed by the 1th seed, Stanislas Wawrinka. Wawrinka reached the final in Rome last year and reached the semifinal in Monte Carlo 2 weeks ago. Wawrinka played Djokovic in both of those matches, and went to 3 sets in both as well. The most anticipated 1st round match of the tournament will be in this quarter, as Tommy Robredo takes on Marat Safin.
Quarterfinal- Djokovic def. Wawrinka

4th Quarter

Roger Federer was upset in the Round of 16 in Rome last year. He lost to Radek Stapenak in 2 tiebreak sets. Guess who Federer could meet in the round of 16 this year? Noneother than Stepanek. Federer has not won a title yet this year and has struggled wth his serve and forehand. He played a poor match in his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in Monte Carlo, and fell apart against Novak Djokovic in Miami. Gilles Simon, who has also struggled, is the 8th seed in this section. David Ferrer, the 11th seed, is 1 of the best clay courters in the world, and had a fantastic tournament in Barcelona. Tomas Berdych could be a dangerous sleeper.
Quarterfinal: Ferrer def. Federer

Semifinals

Murray def. Nadal
Ferrer def. Djokovic

Final

Murray def. Ferrer

Now, I'm off to enjoy the first beautful day of the year in Baltimore!

ITF declares Australia forfeits tie, Bud Collins discusses Federer

Because of Australia's decision not to send a team to India to play, the ITF has officially declared India victorious in the World Group Playoffs. Then tie was scheduled to take place in Chennai from May 8th to May 10th, but because of the Australian team's concerns, Tennis Australia would not let the team travel. Although the Australian's filled out a questionnaire gave to them by the All India Tennis Association, they decided to go on with an appeal of the match site. The Davis Cup commitee will decide any future consequences that the Australians might face.

Bud Collins took some time out of shooting segments for the Tennis Channel to discuss Roger Federer's struggles and the new crop on the ATP tour. “He’s still one of the great players, but some other people have surfaced — Nadal, Murray, Djokovic, Del Potro — and, all of a sudden, there are guys who can beat him. We went about five years when nobody could beat him. It’s nice to see competition, frankly, " Collins said. “Five straight Wimbledons ought to be enough for any man. I think he’s probably got chasing Sampras on his mind,” said the legendary tennis fanatic. “He could win Wimbledon again. He’s a great champion, no matter what happens.”

Barcelona Results

Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer will once again be the 2 last men standing at the Barcelona Open, as the 2 Spaniards played in last year's title match as well. Nadal dominated Russian Nikolay Davydenko, dropping just 5 games, his most of the tournament. Ferrer, on the other hand, was on the court much longer, winning in a 3rd set tiebreak over 5th seeded, Fernando Gonzalez.

Barcelona

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Nikolay Davydenko (3), 6-3, 6-2

David Ferrer (4) def. Fernando Gonzalez (5), 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5)

Barcelona Results

Rafael Nadal didn't have to play a quarterfinal match to reach the semis, but 6 other players fought hard for a spot in the final 4 in Barcelona on Friday. In a matchup of the Fernando's, Fernando Gonzalez defeated Fernando Verdasco in 3 tough sets. Gonzalez, the 5th seed, won the first set. Verdasco, seeded 2nd, won the second, but dropped serve once to lose the decider. Nikolay Davydenko dropped the 1st set of his match with Radek Stepanek in a tie-breaker, but dominated the next 2 to win the match. David Ferrer defeated fellow Spaniard, Tommy Robredo, in 2 sets. Ferrer finished runner-up to Nadal in 2008 in Barcelona.

Barcelona

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Fernando Gonzalez (5) def. Fernando Verdasco (2), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4

Nikolay Davydenko (3) def. Radek Stepanek (9), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-2

David Ferrer (4) def. Tommy Robredo (6), 6-3, 6-4

Barcelona Results

Rafael Nadal's demolition of Christophe Rochus was a Round of 16 match, but the win catapulted the world number 1 into the semis, because of his quarterfinal opponent, David Nalbandian's, withdrawal fom the tournament. The Argentine defeated Nicholas Almagro fairly easily, but withdrew from the Barcelona Open because of injury. Fernando Verdasco, Nikolay Davydenko and David Ferrer all fought through 3 setters on Thursday advance to the quarterfinals, while Monte Carlo semifinalist, Stanislas Wawrinka, was defeated by Radek Stepanek. Tommy Robredo and Fernando Gonzalez also advanced.

Barcelona

Men's Singles- Round of 16

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Christophe Rochus, 6-2, 6-0

Fernando Verdasco (2) def. Tomas Berdych (15), 7-5, 5-7, 6-4

Nikolay Davydenko (3) def. Feliciano Lopez (16), 7-6 (10-8), 3-6, 6-4

David Ferrer (4) def. Potito Starace, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2

Fernando Gonzalez (5) def. Juan Monaco, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3

Tommy Robredo (6) def. Igor Andreev (12), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3

David Nalbandian (7) def. Nicolas Almagro (10), 6-3, 6-4

Radek Stepanek (9) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (8), 6-4, 1-6, 7-5

Monfils questionable for Roland Garros, Clijsters practicing with Belgium Fed Cup

Gael Monfils could miss next month's French Open because of a serious left knee injury. Monfils' style of play could finally be taking a toll on him, and could cause him to fall far down in the rankings. Monfils is ranked 10th in the world at the moment, but with plenty of points to defend from his incredible semifinal showing at Roland Garros last year, a no show at the year's 2nd Grand Slam could cost the Frenchman. “Frankly, it’s really hard to explain. It’s something pretty serious and there is a possibility that I will not play at Roland Garros,” Monfils explained “But I want to keep hope alive. For the moment I’m rested, the only thing I can do is to wait.” Monfils withdrew from the Barcelona Open, the Rome Masters and the Madrid Masters. The French Open starts on May 25th.

Kim Clijsters has been practicing with the Belgium Fed Cup team in preparation for her much anticipated return to the tour, at the U.S. Open. The team has a tie against Canada this week, and Sabine Applemans, the coach for the Belgian team, had this to say about Clijsters. "With Kim Clijsters, we have the best practice partner that could exist," said Applemans. "But if Kirsten Flipkens should not be able to play, Kim will certainly not be the replacement. Plus she has not played a single competitive match since announcing her return."

Barcelona Results

Clay King, Rafael Nadal, advanced to the 3rd round in Barcelona on Wednesday with an impressive victory over Federico Gil. Number 2 seed Fernando Verdasco and 3 seed Nikolay Davydenko both advanced with wins, but looked vulnerable at times. Spaniards Nicholas Almagro, Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez also advanced. Argentines David Nalbandian and Juan Monaco both won 7-5, 6-4, while Stanislas Wawrinka looked commanding in his win over Mikhail Youzhny. Other winners included Fernando Gonzalez, Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych. Robin Soderling and Richard Gasquet were both upset.

Barcelona

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Frederico Gil, 6-2, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (2) def. Nicolas Lapentti, 7-5, 6-3

Nikolay Davydenko (3) def. Arnaud Clement, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2

Fernando Gonzalez (5) def. Jose Acasuso, 6-4, 6-4

Tommy Robredo (6) def. Gaston Gaudio, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1

David Nalbandian (7) def. Igor Kunitsyn, 7-5, 6-4

Stanislas Wawrinka (8) def. Mikhail Youzhny, 7-5, 6-1

Radek Stepanek (9) def. Janko Tipsarevic, 7-6 (7-2), 6-0

Nicolas Almagro (10) def. Juan Ignacio Chela, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Christophe Rochus def. Richard Gasquet (13), 6-1, 6-7 (2-7), 6-3

Potito Starace def. Robin Soderling (14), 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-2

Tomas Berdych (15) def. Oscar Hernandez, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3

Feliciano Lopez (16) def. Santiago Ventura, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3

Juan Monaco def. Daniel Gimeno-Traver, 7-5, 6-4

Barcelona Results

Defending Runner-Up, David Ferrer, was pushed to 3 sets in his 2nd round mach in Barcelona. Marat Safin was upset by Juan Monaco in his 1st round match, and Frenchman Richard Gasquet and Arnaud Clement advanced to the 2nd round. Other winners included Radek Stepanek, Robin Soderling, Feliciano Lopez, Nicolas Lappenti and Mikhail Youzhny. Number 12 seed, Igor Andreev, advanced to the 3rd round.

Barcelona

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

David Ferrer (4) def. Mikhail Kukushkin, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1

Igor Andreev (12) def. Alberto Martin, 6-2, 6-2

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Radek Stepanek (9) def. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4

Juan Monaco def. Marat Safin (11), 6-4, 6-1

Richard Gasquet (13) def. Jan Hernych, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Robin Soderling (14) def. Teimuraz Gabashvili, 6-1, 6-4

Feliciano Lopez (16) def. Jarkko Nieminen, 6-2, 6-1

Daniel Gimeno-Traver def. Fabio Fognini, 6-1, 6-3

Oscar Hernandez def. Eduardo Schwank, 6-2, 6-4

Nicolas Lapentti def. Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2

Arnaud Clement def. Guillermo Canas, 7-6 (7-0), 6-3

Mikhail Youzhny def. Viktor Troicki, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (8-6), 6-3

Gaston Gaudio def. Diego Junqueira, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4

Safina ascends to number 1

Dinara Safina became the number 1 player in the world on Monday. This is the 1st time the Russian has ever been number 1, and the first time a brother and sister have both reached the number 1 position. Marat achieved the feat many years ago, after his U.S. Open victory. Dinara has reached the finals of 2 of the last 4 Grand Slams, but she has never won one. Safina takes Serena Williams place, even though Serena has won the last 2 Grand Slams. Williams' first round exit in Marbella catapulted Safina to the top spot. Dinara must defend loads of points at Rome and Roland Garros, so look for more ranking changes to occur.

Nadal wins 5th straight Monte Carlo title

Rafael Nadal has proved that a number 1 deserves to be next to his name. He beat both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to win his 5th consecutive Monte Carlo title on Sunday. Nadal won the 1st set against the Serb with ease, but Djokovic fought back and dominated the 2nd. The 1st game of the 3rd set lasted 14 minutes, but Nadal held and fought off 3 break points. That game proved to be the turning point, as the Spaniard took 5 of the next 6 games to win the title. 

Monte Carlo

Men's Singles- Finals

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Novak Djokovic (3), 6-3, 2-6, 6-1

Roddick and Decker tie the knot!

Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker got married Friday night. The former U.S. Open champion and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model wed in Austin, Texas, just 1 week after Roger Federer married Mirka Vavrinec. Billie Jean King, James Blake, Mardy Fish and Patrick McEnroe were all in attendance for the star-studded marriage. Elton John performed for the couple at a reception held at a country club after the ceremony. Roddick is currently number 6 in the world.

Monte Carlo Results

World number 4, Andy Murray, gave Rafael Nadal some trouble in the semifinals in Monte Carlo on Saturday, but it wasn't enough to derail the king of clay. Nadal came out firing, winning the first set 6-2, but Murray closed the gap in the second. Nadal eventually took the second, and the match. Nadal will meet Novak Djokovic, who fought off a valiant effort from Stanislas Wawrinka. Wawrinka took the 1st set, but Djokovic sweeped the last 2 with ease. In the final, Nadal will be going for his 5th consecutive Monte Carlo trophy.

Monte Carlo

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Andy Murray (4), 6-2, 7-6 (7-4)

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (13), 4-6, 6-1, 6-3

Monte Carlo Results

The Monte Carlo Country Club started play a little late on Thursday due to rain, but once the gloomy weather passed, the action got underway and the excitement was in the air. Stanislas Wawrinka pulled off the biggest win of his career over an unconfident Roger Federer. The 2 were doubles partners in the 2008 Olympics representing Switzerland, but although Federer has handed his friend some dominating defeats, Wawrinka payed back the favor, defeating the world number 2, 6-4, 7-5. Novak Djokovic showed Albert Montanes the difference betwen being the best and the best of the best. After splitting the first 2 sets, Djokovic showed his superior killer instinct in blanking the Spaniard in the 3rd. Fernando Verdasco handed countryman, David Ferrer, a crushing defeat on Thursday when he beat the former U.S. Open semifinalist 6-2, 6-1. Qualifier, Andreas Beck, defeated Juan Monaco in 3 sets. Rafael Nadal and Nicholas Lapentti were only 1 game into their match when the storms started. Andy Murray was leading by a set when rain halted his match with Fabio Fognini. Nikolay Davydenko was set to play David Nalbandian, and Simone Bolelli had a matchup against Ivan Ljubicic before both matches were postponed.

Monte Carlo

Men's Singles- Round of 16

Nicolas Lapentti leads Rafael Nadal (1), 1-0, suspended

Stanislas Wawrinka (13) def. Roger Federer (2), 6-4, 7-5

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Albert Montanes, 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0

Andy Murray (4) leads Fabio Fognini, 7-6 (13-11), 1-0, suspended

Fernando Verdasco (7) def. David Ferrer (10), 6-2, 6-1

Andreas Beck def. Juan Monaco, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5

U.S. Fed Cup team announced, Li Na speaks out against her country

The United States Fed Cup team will consist of 17 year old Melanie Oudin, 19 year old Alexa Glatch, WTA veteran Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber, who holds the top spot in the world in doubles. The U.S. coach, Mary Joe Fernandez, announced the team on Wednesday, as the 4 players prepare for the best of five match series, which begins on April 25th. The tie will take place on an indoor hardcourt at the Starabrno Rondo Arena in Brno, Czech Republic. Glatch and Mattek-Sands will be making their Fed Cup debuts, while Oudin contributed hugely to the team's win 2 months ago against Argentina. Huber became a U.S. citizen in the summer of 2007, and has dreamed of competing for the U.S. Her wish will come true when she plays doubles with Mattek-Sands. The 2 youngsters, Glatch and Oudin will be the 2 singles players.

Li Na has released a statement towards Chinese National Sport Administrators encouraging her country to give it's children "more right to choose" their career path. The 31st ranked Na spoke to the China Daily on Wednesday before going to Germany to prepare for her country's Fed Cup tie. "If I had an opportunity to choose what I wanted to do in childhood, I wouldn't go for tennis. It is a sport that I was always pushed to do, first by my parents, then provincial and national sports administrators. "It is very important for us to have the right to choose," said Li. "I really mean it. Na along with Jie Zheng are China's top 2 players and both are against China's system.

*Thanks to the China Daily for the pic and quotes

Monte Carlo Results

While Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer impressed in their opening matches in Monte Carlo, the rest of the top 15 didn't look so great, as upsets continued. Nadal and Federer both won in straight sets, but Juan Martin del Potro was defeated in 3 sets by Ivan Ljubicic. 14th seeded Marin Cilic was dominated by Fabio Fognini, while Fernando Verdasco and Nikolay Davydenko both won comfortably. Nicolas Lapentti upset Marat Safin in 3 sets. Other winners included David Ferrer, David Nalbandian, Stanislas Wawrinka and Albert Montanes.

Monte Carlo

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Juan Ignacio Chela, 6-2, 6-3

Roger Federer (2) def. Andreas Seppi, 6-4, 6-4

Ivan Ljubicic def. Juan Martin del Potro (5), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4

Fernando Verdasco (7) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-3, 6-4

Nikolay Davydenko (8) def. Ivo Karlovic, 6-4, 6-3

David Ferrer (10) def. Marc Gicquel, 6-1, 6-0

David Nalbandian (12) def. Marcel Granollers, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1

Stanislas Wawrinka (13) def. Martin Vassallo Arguello, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2

Fabio Fognini def. Marin Cilic (14), 6-2, 6-0

Nicolas Lapentti def. Marat Safin, 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 7-6 (8-6)

Simone Bolelli def. Janko Tipsarevic, 7-5, 6-3

Albert Montanes def. Jean-Rene Lisnard, 6-2, 6-4

Monte Carlo Results

Day 3 in Monte Carlo was woeful for the French, as Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon were upset. Paul Henri Mathieu only made the day worse when he was pummeled by David Nalbandian. Novk Djokovic and Andy Murray both looked impressive in their clay debuts as Djokovic dropped just 3 games, while Murray surrendered only 5. In a clash of former number 1's, Marat Safin defeated Lleyton Hewitt in 2 close sets. Other winners included Ivo Karlovic, Juan Monaco and David Ferrer, while Nicholas Almagro and Tommy Robredo were both upset.

Monte Carlo

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Janko Tipsarevic def. Gael Monfils (9), 6-3, 6-1

David Ferrer (10) def. Feliciano Lopez, 6-2, 6-3

David Nalbandian (12) def. Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Albert Montanes def. Nicolas Almagro (16), 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5)

Jean-Rene Lisnard def. Christophe Rochus, 6-2, 6-2

Martin Vassallo Arguello def. Igor Andreev, 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

Ivo Karlovic def. Florent Serra, 6-4, 6-4

Fabio Fognini def. Tomas Berdych, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3

Marat Safin def. Lleyton Hewitt, 6-4, 7-5

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Oscar Hernandez, 6-1, 6-2

Andy Murray (4) def. Victor Hanescu, 6-3, 6-2

Andreas Beck def. Gilles Simon (6), 7-5, 6-1

Juan Monaco def. Tommy Robredo (11), 6-2, 6-4

Monte Carlo Results

Tennis fanatics will have to wait 1 more day to see all the top names in action at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, but the tennis on Monday didn't lack excitement. Fans in the upper levels of "Le Court Central" at the first Masters Event of 2009 on clay got the privelage of overlooking one of the most breathtaking views in tennis. Monte Carlo Country Club, overlooking the Mediterranean, saw 14th seed Marin Cilic overpower Flavio Cipolla, while the other seed in action, Radek Stepanek was upset in 3 sets by Nicholas Lappenti. Crowd favorite Julien Benneteau was upset by Oscar Hernandez, while Andreas Seppi, Victor Hanescu and Juan Monaco all won without much difficulty. Other winners on day 2 included Ivan Ljubicic, Marcel Grannolers and Jun Ignacio Chela.

Monte Carlo

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Marin Cilic (14) def. Flavio Cipolla, 6-3, 6-2

Nicolas Lapentti def. Radek Stepanek (15), 6-3, 1-6, 6-3

Ivan Ljubicic def. Kristof Vliegen, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4

Victor Hanescu def. Alberto Martin, 6-2, 6-3

Marcel Granollers def. Jose Acasuso, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2)

Marc Gicquel def. Eduardo Schwank, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-2)

Oscar Hernandez def. Julien Benneteau, 6-4, 6-4

Andreas Beck def. Nicolas Kiefer, 1-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4

Juan Monaco def. Jeremy Chardy, 6-2, 7-5

Andreas Seppi def. Jurgen Melzer, 6-2, 6-0

Juan Ignacio Chela def. Igor Kunitsyn, 6-4, 2-6, 7-5

Monte Carlo Results

Only 4 matches were played at the year's 1st clay court masters tournament, but some exciting action was witnessed. The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 1000 kicked off on Sunday and 2 seeded players were on court. 11th seeded Tommy Robredo dominated veteran Rainer Schuettler while 13th seeded Stanislas Wawrinka got the best of Viktor Troiki. Simone Bolleli and Robin Soderling played the only 3 set match of the day, with Bolleli prevailing. German, Philipp Kohlschreiber showed youngster and teenage phenomenon Ernests Gulbis just what it takes to make it to the elites, by dropping just 4 games in a pounding of the Latvian.

Monte Carlo

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Tommy Robredo (11) def. Rainer Schuettler, 6-1, 6-4

Stanislas Wawrinka (13) def. Viktor Troicki, 6-2, 6-3

Simone Bolelli def. Robin Soderling, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3

Philipp Kohlschreiber def. Ernests Gulbis, 6-1, 6-3

Ferrero, Hewitt and Jankovic Triumph

Sunday was a day of firsts for the WTA and ATP's elite. Juan Carlos Ferrero won his 1st title in 5 years in Casablanca on Sunday, while Lleyton Hewitt won his 1st tournament in 2 years, and Jelena Jankovic won her 1st title of 2009. Ferrero, a former number 1 and 2003 French Open Champion, beat Florent Serra in 2 tight sets. Hewitt dominated the first set with crowd favorite Wayne Odesnik in Houston, and went on to win in straights. Jelena Jankovic battled through yet another nail-biting 3-setter in Marbella, but the Serb fought off a push from Carla Suarez Navarro.

Casablanca

Men's Singles- Finals

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Florent Serra (5), 6-4, 7-5

Houston

Men's Singles- Finals

Lleyton Hewitt def. Wayne Odesnik, 6-2, 7-5

Marbella

Women's Singles- Finals

Jelena Jankovic (2) def. Carla Suarez Navarro (5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

Casblanca, Hoston and Marbella Results

In Marbella, Jelena Jankovic won her semifinal match, without any biting of the nails. Unlike Jankovic's exhilirating quarterfinal, the semifinal was a comfortable straight set win. She will play Carla Suarez Navarro in the finals, who defeated Sorana Cirstea. Juan Carlos Ferrero disposed of number 1 seed, Igor Andreev, in the semis in Casablanca. The 2003 French Open champion will face Florent Serra in the finals. In Houston, Wayne Odesnik and Lleyton Hewitt both won their semifinal matches to set up an interesting final, where Odesnik, playing in front of his home crowd, will have the fan support.

Casablanca

Men's Singles- Semfinals

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Igor Andreev (1), 7-6 (11-9), 6-3

Florent Serra (5) def. Albert Montanes (3), 6-4, 6-4

Houston

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Lleyton Hewitt def. Evgeny Korolev, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4
Wayne Odesnik def. Bjorn Phau, 6-4, 6-3

Marbella

Women's Singles- Semifinals

Jelena Jankovic (2) def. Anabel Medina Garrigues (4), 7-5, 6-2

Carla Suarez Navarro (5) def. Sorana Cirstea (7), 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2

Federer and Vavrinec Wed!

Roger Federer and Mirka Vavrinec have tied the knot. I am the 3rd most delighted person in the world (after the couple, ofcorse) , and as a loyal Federer fan, this has to be 1 of the best things that have happened in 2009. Federer and Vavrinec met at the Olympics in 2000 and have been dating ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Federer are expecting a child together this summer. Federer announced the great news on his website Thursday.

Dear Fans

Earlier today, in my hometown of Basel, surrounded by a small group of close friends and family, Mirka and I got married. It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion.

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Federer wish all of you a Happy Easter weekend.

Love,

Roger

Monte Carlo Draws

The draws for the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 1000 have been released. For the second straight time in a masters tournament, world number 4, Andy Murray, was drawn to Rafael Nadal's half, while number 3, Novak Djokovic, is on Roger Federer's side. For the 3rd consecutive masers, Juan Martin del Potro was drawn to Nadal's quarter. Del Potro stunned Nadal in the quarters in Miami last week. Nikolay Davyenko, who dropped 4 ranking spots because of injuries, will make his much anticipated return in Monte Carlo. The Russian was drawn to Murray's quarter. Gilles Simon was drawn to Federer's quarter, while Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco is in Djokovic's. Nadal has won the tournament the last 4 years.

Men's Singles Draw: http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/common/TrackIt.asp?file=http://www.atpworldtour.com/1/posting/2009/410/mds.pdf

Nadal to play Queens Club, Murray partners with Corretja

Rafael Nadal has changed his mind and decided to attempt to defend his title at the Wimbledon leadup tournament, Queens Club. Nadal won the title in 2008 and wenton to win his first Wimbledon. Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in the final at Queens, 7-6, 7-5. The tournament will take place from June 8th- June 14th and it will be Nadal's 5th appearance.

With the European clay cour season just days away, Andy Murray, who has not fared well on clay in his young career, has hired Alex Corretja to give him clay advice for Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid and Roland Garros. Murray will mantain his succesful partnership with coach, Miles Maclagan, but the Brit says that having a "different voice" to give him tips will be good. Murray is among the elite on hardcoursts, but he failed to reach the quarterfinals at all 5 clay events he participated in last year. Corretja, a former world number 2, will be crucial in helping Murray take over the number 3 ranking, which is just 170 points away. "I'll see how it works out. I don't want to complicate things. Miles is my coach and Miles will be the one talking to me about my tactics and hitting with me before matches and going through what I've done well and what I haven't done well. If you are watching on TV you can sometimes see things that you can't see on the side of the court. It's good sometimes to have someone else looking out for things. Miles and I get on well. Hopefully Alex and Miles can make a good team," said Murray. Murray says that as a junior, he loved the clay but has weakened on the surface since. "I need to get used to playing on it again, get used to all the different sort of skills needed on clay which you don't necessarily use on hard courts." Murray will have very little points to defend this dirt season, while number 3 Djokovic, will have plenty, after his 2008 title in Rome and semifinals in Paris and Monte Carlo.

Sharapova's Cole Haan Ad

Maria Sharapova will make her much anticipated return to the tour soon, but while we are all anxiously awaiting, here are Maria's new pictures from her Cole Haan campaign. The Russian startlet has delayed her return several times, but pormises she will be back some tim during the clay court season. I can't wait until Sharapova returns, and I hope she can make big strides and make some noise come Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

* thank you to sportsscoop.wordpress.com for providing the pics

Casablanca, Houston and Marbella Results

Number 1 seed, Igor Andreev, will be joined by unseeded Juan Carlos Ferrero, number 3 seeded Albert Montanes and number 5 seed Florent Serra in the semifinals of the Grand Prix Hassan II in Casablanca. The U.S. Clay Court Championships in Houston will feature no seeds in it's semifinals, as Wayne Odesnik, Bjorn Phau and Evgueni Korolev have advanced to the final 4. Guillero Garcia Lopez and Lleyton Hewitt will be competing for the last spot later tonight. Jelena Jankovic, Sorana Cirstea, Carla Suarez Navarro and Anabel Medina Garrigues have all advanced to the semifinals in Marbella, Spain. Jankovic won in a nail-biter prevailing 8-6 in the 3rd set tiebreak. Suarez Navarro was the only winner to triumph in straight sets.

Casablanca

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Igor Andreev (1) def. Marc Gicquel (6), 6-1, 6-3

Albert Montanes (3) def. Frederico Gil, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Victor Hanescu (4), 6-3, 7-5

Florent Serra (5) def. Teimuraz Gabashvili, 6-0, 6-4

Houston

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Evgeny Korolev def. Guillermo Canas, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4

Wayne Odesnik def. John Isner, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5)

Bjorn Phau def. Tommy Haas, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

Marbella

Women's Singles- Quarterfinals

Jelena Jankovic (2) def. Roberta Vinci, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6)

Sorana Cirstea (7) def. Kaia Kanepi (3), 6-4, 2-6, 7-5

Anabel Medina Garrigues (4) def. Sara Errani (6), 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 7-5

Carla Suarez Navarro (5) def. Klara Zakopalova, 6-1, 6-2