Back (I hope) From a MUCH Needed Break

K, so I know it's been quite a while since I last blogged. The day of the men's US Open final, to be exact. School work has been coming left and right and I just haven't been in the mood to blog very much, but I am pretty sure the fire in me is back. That was cheesy.

So, despite the fact that many of you have continued visiting the blog during my absence and been disappointed in the lack of new material, you can now come to Serve and Return and be expecting some news. Most of the time. I'll try to stay on top of my game.

Andy Murray and Fed are set to face off in the Shanghai finals after the Swiss dismantled Soderling and Djokovic back-to-back. Rafa was upset by Melzer. Caro has taken over the top ranking and Serena, Venus and Kim have all called it a year.

Thanks for the continued support. Be back tomorrow!

FInal Thoughts: (1) Rafael Nadal vs. (3) Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic crashed the Nadal/Federer party on Saturday by ousting the 2nd seeded Fed 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-1, 7-5. The match was an epic, and the stunning upset put Djokovic in his first Grand Slam final since winning the 2008 Australian open. His chances in the final match, though, are slim. His opponent is playing the tennis of his life, trying to capture the single Major that has eluded him, easily ousting Mikhail Youznhy 2, 3 and 4 in the semis.

Djokovic is short on rest and has a 7-14 career record against the Spaniard, but a 3 match win streak and a great knowledge of Rafa's game could keep this one, well, close. He needs to get returns in play with the same efficiency as he did against Roger, and the Serb's aggression must be amplified, by a lot.

Still, with the way Nadal is playing, not much stands between the top seed and the career Grand Slam. Nadal has finally adapted his game to the hard courts of New York perfectly, amping up his serve speed and finishing points quicker. Look for Rafa to be on the winner's stand at the end of this one.

Winner: Nadal in 3

US Open Quarterfinal Wrap: Fed and Nadal Dominate, Venus and Clijsters to Meet

Rafael Nadal continues to play near perfect tennis at this year's US Open, as the Spaniard crushed his countryman fernando verdasco in Thursday night's opening match. Nadal had yet to drop serve coming into the quarterfinal encounter, and he continued his brilliant serving, holding every game but one. Verdasco played a great first set, jumping out to an early 4-2 lead, but Rafa soon after adapted to the wind and blew the 8th seed off the court 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

The top seed's opponent in the semis will be a familiar foe, Mikhail Youzhny. who has given Nadal lots of trouble in the past. The Russian earned a 5-set win in a 4-hour plus match against Stanislas Wawrinka. The 12th seeded Youznhy has beaten Rafa on this same stage, 4 years ago in the quarterfinals. Youzhny also defeated Nadal in the Chennai semis 0 and 1 two years ago. Despite having figured out his semifinal opponent's game, Mikhail stands a slight chance, if any, against an on-point Rafa.

Kim Clijsters looked very streaky in a 3-set win over Sam Stosur on Tuesday night, ousting the Australian in a close match 6-4, 5-7 6-3. The win, Clijsters' 19th straight at the Open, sets up a much-anticipated semifinal match-up with 3rd seed Venus Williams.

Venus also didn't look her best in a straight set win over Francesca Schiavone. Fran's high topspin kept the American off balance, but, a 7-0 record, in Williams' favor, against the 6th seed, proved the difference in the 7-6 (5), 6-4 win.

Roger Federer has looked just as good as Rafa through 5 matches, as the Swiss trounced the dangerous Robin Soderling in 3 straight sets on Wednesday night, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. Despite the swirling winds, gusting up to 35 mph, Federer served beautifully, out-acing Le Sod 18-2. The 2 seed also hit 20 more winners than Soderling, who played a surprisingly defensive match.


Novak Djokovic has also been on a role, reaching his 4th straight US Open semifinal with a routine victory over Gael Monfils, 7-6 (2), 6-1, 6-2. The Djoker has yet to lose a set since his 5-set first round match with Viktor Troicki, and he'll be looking to improve on an 0-3 record against Federer in New York.

Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki has had yet another beautiful run in the Big Apple, gaining tons of fans along the way. In Wednesday's night match, the Dane comfortably defeated Dominika Cibulkova 2 and 5. Wozzi looked great in the opening set but was challenged in the second, finishing it out to reach the semis.

She'll play Wimbledon finalist Vra Zvonareva, a 2-set winner over 31st-seeded Kaia Kanepi. In the 6-3, 7-5 win, the Russian was the more solid of the two players, hitting 28 errors to Kanepi's 60.

The women's semis will be contested Friday, while the men's is Saturday.

US Open Labor Day Results: Wozzi Downs Shazza, Federer Sets Up Showdown with Soderling

If their were still doubters who believed Caroline Wozniacki didn't deserve the number 1 seed at the 2010 US Open, I'm sure, after the Dane's match on Monday, they were decreased. The 20 year-old played beautiful defense, wearing out Maria Sharapova to earn a 2-set victory, 6-3, 6-4. The win puts Wozniacki, who made just a 1/3 of the amount of errors that her opponent did, in the quarterfinals, where she will face Dominika Cibulkova, an upset winner over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Sharapova and Wozniacki played almost the entire match at an incredibly high level, with long rallies pitting the Russian's powerful ground strokes against the 2009 finalist's high top-spin shots. As i was clear that Sharapova couldn't hit through her opponent, the 14th seed began to go for more and more, eventually breaking down her own game with several errors at a time.

Roger Federer advanced in routine fashion past Jurgen Melzer in the 2nd night match, reaching his 26th straight Major quarterfinal with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory. The 2nd seeded Swiss has yet to los a set, but that could all change when he runs into the always-dangerous Robin Soderling in the enxt round. The Swede dropped the first set against Albert Montanes before reeling off the next three easily to win.

Soderling ended Federer's miraculous Grand Slam semifinal streak at the French Open, and the two have a long history. Expect a brilliant encounter on Wednesday.

Vera Zvonareva kicked off the night session with a dominating win over Andrea Petkovic, 6-1, 6-2. The Russian imploded against Flavia Pennetta on this same day at last year's Open, but she kept her emotions in check long enough to dispatch of the gritty German, giving the 7th seed a spot in the quarters. She'll meet Kaia Kanepi, who got off to a very slow start against 2009 semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer, dropping the opener 6-0, before recovering to win the next two sets 7-6 (2), 6-1.

Gael Monfils squared off against countryman Richard Gasquet in an exciting 4th-rounder in which the 17th seeded Monfils won 6-4, 7-5, 7-5. Afterwards, Gasquet deservedly referred to Le Monf as the "Usain Bolt of Tennis," and his ability to run down even the best of shots will have his quarterfinal opponent, Novak Djokovic's, hands full.

The Serb crushed Mardy Fish on Arthur Ashe, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1, pushing the American around and serving beautifully.

US Open Catch-Up: Sharapova, Djokovic, Federer and Wozzi Cruise into Round 3

Sorry guys, I know, I haven't blogged in like, a year.

I'm sure you've all kept up with the US Open action through your TVs, and if you grinned and beared the hundred-degree weather and attended, more power to you. If you're a little behind, here's a catch-up so you'll be set for an exciting labor day weekend of tennis.

On the women's side, possible 4th-round opponents Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova have cruised into the third round, each notching quick straight-set wins over Kai Chen-Chang and Iveta Benesova, respectively. Sharapova will take on Beatrice Capra, one of the stories of the tournament, for a chance to reach the Round of 16. Capra, who won in 3 sets against Aravane Rezai, has made headlines with her Melanie Oudin-like run, and will get an opportunity to knock off the same 3rd-round opponent Oudin did; Sharapova. As big of a Maria fan as I am, I might have to root for Treecy on Saturday, as she graduated form my high school.

Jelena Jankovic has survived to 3-setters to find herself in a wide-open section that includes 7th-seeded Vera Zvonareva and 15th seed Yanina Wickmnayer. Agnieszka Radwanska was upset by Shuai Peng in 3 sets and Svetlana Kuznetsova advanced.

Novak Djokovic improved his night-match record to 6-0 with a 3-set win over tricky Phillip Petzschner. Roger Federer also turned in a stellar performance, beat Andreas Beck 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Federer is just two matches away from a blockbuster quarterfinal match with Robin Soderling, who dominated Taylor Dent. Mardy Fish finds himself in the third round after an easy victory over Pablo Cuevas. Djokovic seems to be Mardy's only remaining obstacle before the semis, as Roddick and Davydenko have fallen.

Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic fought a marathon 5-hour 5-setter which the Croatian 11th seed lost 5-7, 7-6 (6), 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1. Jurgen Melzer and Tomas Bellucci fought in two tough matches that went the distance to advance, while Juan Carlos Ferrero won comfortably in straights.

US Open Men's Predictions

In Juasn Martin del Potro's absence from the year's final major, no one comes in as the defending champion, but this year's Open could be the year where the big 4's authority is restored.

1st Quarter

Rafael Nadal comes into the Open as the top seed, but it's no mystery that his best results don't come in New York. He's reached two semifinals here, but his road usually ends there, as he ran out of gas in an embarrassing defeat to JMDP in 2009. The Spaniard, though, is well rested and hopes to complete the career Grand Slam. His quarter, which includes Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez, is relatively soft, with the exception of an Argentine, not Del Potro, who is injury-free and finding his game again just in time to make a big run.

That person is David Nalbandian, who has missed the last 6 Majors with various injuries. His backhand is lethal and he has the experience to return to the late stages in a slam. He won two titles in the US Open Series, which included an 11-match winning streak, and has a manageable road to the quarters, where he would most likely meet Rafa. I imagine Nalbandian to reach the second week, but the world number 1 could be a bit too much for him to handle.

Early-rounder to watch for: Gilles Simon vs. Donald Young

Quarterfinals: Nadal def. Nalbandian

2nd Quarter

Andy Murray enters this year's Open after a very successful summer, where the Scot triumphed in Montreal, beating Nadal and Federer along the way. The 4th seed could face potential sleepers as early as the third round, as Sam Querrey and Nicolas Almagro pose a threat. On the other side of the quarter, Wimbledon finalist and 7th seed Tomas Berdcyh looms, along with John Isner.

Murray won't have an easy time maneuvering through a quarter of this depth, but, this being his favorite tournament, the 2008 runner-up should reach the semis. Unless Berdych gives Andy another royal beatdown like he did at the French, look for yet another Murray/Rafa battle on Super Saturday.

Early-rounder to watch for: Radek Stepanek vs. Tommy Robredo

Quarterfinals: Murray def. Berdych

3rd Quarter

Novak Djokovic is no stranger to success at the last major of the year, as he has reached the last 3 semifinals, including a 2007 runner-up finish. He'll be looking to continue his success in the big apple and win his first major since the 2008 Australian Open, but he has some hard-court specialists standing in his way. Andy Roddick is the 9th seed and has always had success at his country's Grand Slam. He is coming off a brief bout with mono that slowed him down over the summer, but should he be healthy, the American's always a danger. 6th seed Nikolay Davydenko is also a seasoned hard-courter, but a shortage of momentum, confidence and a possible 2nd round encounter with Richard Gasquet will probably send the Russian home early.

Mardy Fish, though, is a legitimate threat. He played the tennis of his life over the summer, winning two titles and giving Roger Federer a run for his money in the Cincinnati final. It's been a long time coming for the American, but could he have peaked a week or two early? That remains to be seen, but it's no doubt the 3rd quarter will pack the drama.

Early-rounder to watch for: Gael Monfils vs. Igor Andreev

Quarterfinals: Djokovic def. Roddick

4th Quarter

Could Roger Federer regain his title at the US Open and silence his many doubters? That's what the pundits are saying, as the Swiss is the most popular pick to win the title. In 6 years worth of matches in NYC, the world number 2 has lost just 1 match, in last year's final, to DelPo. Without the Argentine here, and after a title last week in Cincy, Fed will be entering the Open with tons of confidence. Before a possible meeting with Robin Soderling, a familar foe, in the quarters, Federer will have to get by Lleyton Hewitt and Juan Carlos Ferrero, two former number 1's.

Soderling has consistently given Federer troubles in the past year, most notably ending his semifinal streak in Roland Garros. But, should the meet, the Maestro will be playing with a vengeance, and he's awfully hard to beat if you catch him in the second week.

Early-rounder to watch for: Hewitt vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu

Quarterfinals: Federer def. Soderling

Semifinals: Murray def. Nadal, Federer def. Djokovic

Finals: Murray def. Federer

Champion: Andy Murray

US Open Seedings Announced; Rafa and Caro Earn Top Seeds

The U.S. Open seedings, announced on Monday for the men and Tuesday for the women, strictly followed the rankings, but withdrawals by the likes of Serena Williams and Juan Martin del Potro have thrown a bit of a twist into this year's list. Caroline Wozniacki, ranked 2nd in the world, was awarded the top seed after Williams announced that she would be unable to compete due to a foot injury. Rounding out the top 4 is Kim Clijsters, Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic. On the men's side, Rafael Nadal takes the top seed, followed by Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Rankings Reports: Federer Drops to 3, Venus to 4 and Zvonareva Back in Top 10

The rankings were rattled in more ways than one after 2 weeks of craziness at Wimbledon, but none probably more shocking or surprising or noticeable than Roger Federer with a 3 next to his name. Yes, you hard me right. THE Roger Federer is now outside of the top 2 for the first time in 7 years. Novak Djokovic takes his place at number 2, while Rafa remains in the drivers seat. Robin Soderling entered the top 5 for the first tme in his career, Andy Roddick dropped two spots to 9th and Tomas Berdych reached a career-high 8th. Surprise quarterfinalistYen-Hsun Lu jumped an incredible 40 spots to 42nd.

In the WTA rankings, Venus William's shocking quarterfinal loss resulted in a drop to the 4th spot, behind Serena, Jelena Jankovic and Caroline Wozniacki. Vera Zvonareva's run to the finals got the Russian back in the top 10 for the first time in almost a year, to 9th, while Czech Petra Kvitova's semifinal appearance bumped her from 62nd to 29th. Dinara Safina continued to fall rapidly, as she is now out of the top 30 and the same goes for Ana Ivanovic, ranked 64th. Semifinalist Tsvetana Pironkova increased 47 spots to 35th and Sabine Lisicki, out with an injury, fell to 79th.

Wimbledon Day 9 Results: Berdych Trounces Fed; Rafa, Murray and Djoko Advance

This historic Wimbledon of surprises stuck to the storyline for the men's quarterfinals, as Roger Federer went crashing out to a dynamite Tomas Berdych in 4 sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The 12th seeded Berdych dominated play from the baseline and out-served the top seed, handing the Swiss his 2nd consecutive Major quarterfinal defeat. Berdych hit 51 winners to Fed's 44 and converted 4 of 6 BP chances, while his opponent was 1 of 8, most notably letting a 0-40 game in the 4th on Berdych's serve get away.

It's clear that Federer just doesn't have the ability to flip the switch and turn his game on when he needs to, like he did in his dominant 2004-2007 reign, and I'd be surprised if he ever wins another Major title (I know, bold prediction), but the lack of credit given to his conqueror in his presser afterwards makes me think that perhaps Roger himself is the one person oblivious to this thing called aging.

"You know, I am struggling with a little bit of a back and a leg issue. That just doesn't quite allow me to play the way I would like to play," Federer whined, also referring to 'luck' as a key reason for the loss. Berdych had the balls to fire back and say that Fed was "searching for excuses."

Yes, Roger may be my favorite player and a personal hero, but can't he walk in Berdych's shoes and realize how life-changing this win is for the 24 year-old? Guess not.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga entered his match with Andy Murray saying he had "nothing to lose", as the man on the other side of the court had all of England's hopes to bare. Well, turns out that mindset wasn't the right one to have. Despite a valiant effort in the first two sets on the part of the Frenchman, Murray later figured out the 10th seed's game to dominate the final 2 sets and win in 4, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-2.

Both men finished with 14 aces, but Tsonga threw in 8 double faults to match, while Murray ahd just two. A key factor, though, just as in the Federer/Berdych match, was their break point conversions. The Scot was 31% at 5 of 16, while Tsonga, a first time Wimbledon quarterfinalist, was an unimpressive 1 of 6.

Rafael Nadal and Robin Soderling a quite familiar with each other, as their rivalry began 3 years ago on the same court they contested their quarterfinal match on yesterday. Since that 2-day, 5-set epic a few years ago, in which Soderling first started the trend of mocking Nadal's famous yanking-at-the-behind move, both players have improved immensely. Soderling lost to Rafa in the French open final 3 weeks ago but looked headed for revenge after a quick start. The Swede won the first 5 games and took the opening set 6-3. Rafa won by that same score in the next set, and the 3rd was a nail biter. The world number 1 lost serve at 5-4 and the set went to a tiebreak, which the Spaniard won 7-4.

After that it was all Rafa, as Soderling was never able to regain his form from the beginning of the match, dropping the fourth set and the match 6-1. Soderling cracked 35 unforced errors and was erratic throughout the match, while throughout 4 sets Nadal hit just 12 UE's, reaching his 4th straight Wimbledon semifinal.

Rafa will take on Murray in the semis, a match many predicted and will surely have tennis fans glued to their tv screens.


Novak Djokovic's semifinal was less thrilling than the other 3, as the Serb made quick work of Yen-Hsun Lu, who beat Andy Roddick 9-7 in the fifth set in the 4th round. Lu hit just 13 winners to the Djoker's 29, and was completely overpowered throughout the 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 loss. With the win the 3rd seeded Djokovic reaches his 2nd career Wimbledon semi, and will face Tomas Berdych for a spot in the finals.

Wimbledon Day 7: Roddick Stunned by Lu, Federer, Nadal and Serena Win in Straights

If you looked at the schedule for day 7 of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, you probably would have thought, just as I did, that some of the match ups looked more fit for final-round encounters. Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova took to Centre Court in a rematch of the final in 2004, as both women have had their fair share of ups and downs since they began their rivalry 6 years ago. Serena, though, avenged her loss to the then 17-year old Sharapova, serving beautifully to reach the quarters with a tight 7-6 (9), 6-4 win. Both women saw very few looks on each others serve, but Serena proved the opportunistic of the two, converting the two break points she had.

9th seeded Li Na will be Williams' opponent in the final 8, as the Chinese dominated a defensive Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded 7th, 6-3, 6-2. Li reached the quarterfinals at SW19 in 2006, and she'll be looking to turn the tables on Serena after the American beat her in the Aussie Open semis 6 months ago. Caroline Wozniacki was playing the best grass court tennis of her career ehading into her 4th round match with Petra Kvitova, but she looked helpless against her 62nd ranked opponent. 3rd seeded Wozzi lost 2 and 0 and just 45 minutes in yet another GS dissapointment. Kvitova will take on qualified Kaia Kanepi, who beat Klara Zakopalova, next.

In the bottom half of the men's draw lies British hope Andy Murray, who has quietly (at least here in the States) advanced to the quarters, his latest victory being a comfortable 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 over Sam Querrey on Monday. Murray is the only remaining player in the draw who has yet to have his serve broken, and that streak will be tested against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the next round. The Frenchman earned a 4-set win over countryman Julien Benneteau.

After two nail-biting 5-set victories, Rafael Nadal returned to his usual, dominating self with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win against Paul-Henri Mathieu. Robin Soderling, a very familiar foe to the Spaniard, will be Rafa's opponent in the quarters. The 6th seeded Sod prevailed against David Ferrer in a thrilling 5-setter, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. Soderling and Nadal have played numerous times in the last year, most recently 3 weeks ago in the French Open final, where Rafa won easily.

The rivalry between Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, one that dates back to their childhood in Belgium, was reignited on Monday, as the two contested their first matchin Major play since their 2006 Wimbledon semifinal. Henin got off to a quick start, overwhelming Clijsters with her crafty play to take the first 6-2. Kim, though, reversed the storyline in the next two sets to win the match in 3 and advance to the quarters, where she'll take on Vera Zvonareva. Jelena Jankovic retired against the Russian down 6-1, 3-0.

Venus Williams overcame a tough test from Jarmila Groth to win 6-4, 7-6 (5), while Tsvetana Pironkova, who took our Venus in the 2006 Australian open first round, beat Marion Bartoli, a 2007 Wimbledon finalist, 6-4, 6-4.

Roger Federer made quick work of Jurgen Melzer in their first ever head-to-head meeting, crushing the 16th seed 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Federer will face Tomas Berdych who dropped the first set against Daniel Brands but won the final 3. Novak Djokovic was tested by Lleyton hewitt, a popular dark-horse pick, but won in 4 sets to reach his 3rd Wimbledon quarterfinal.

The upset of the day was Yen-Hsun Lu's stunning 5 set victory over Andy Roddick. After the American won the opening set, the 26 year-old Lu won the next two in breakers. Roddick fought back to push the match to a fifth set, where he lost 9-7 to see yet another Wimbledon title get out of hand. Roddick's frustration and devastation was evident in his press conference, as it was clear he regretted his defensive play against an agressive Lu.

Roland Garros Results: Fed, Rafa, Serena and Venus Win in Straights; Henin and Sharapova to Meet

Ticket holders for Friday at Roland Garros got much more than they bargained for. With rain delays pushing matches back to Day 6, almost every top player was on court today, and the countless 3 and 5 set thrillers provided the drama that rounded out a perfect day of tennis.

On the women's side Serena Williams gave her best clay court performance of the year, crushing Julia Georges 6-1, 6-1 for a spot in the 3rd round, where she'll meet Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Aleksandra Wozniak gave a brilliant effort in almost defeating en emotional Elena Dementieva, but the Russian's experience proved pivotal in her advancing to the 4th round, 6-7 (2). 6-3, 6-4. Sam Stosur also made an impressive recovery from a set down to Rossana de los Rios to eventually prevail 4-6, 6-1, 6-0. Nadia Petrova and Aravane Rezai's match was suspended late while the two were deadlocked in a suspenseful 3rd set, 7-7. Rezai won the opener in a tiebreak while Petrova took the second 6-4. Caroliner Wozniacki, Flavia Pennetta and Yanina Wickmayer all advanced as well.

On the men's side Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer continued to cruise, with the Spaniard reaching the 3rd round and the Swiss reaching the 4th. Federer will play close friend and countryman Stanislas Wawrinka, while Nadal and Lleyton Hewitt, a 5 set winner, are set to face off tomorrow. Robin Soderling has been the most impressive player so far at this year's French open but on Friday he showed his first sign of vulnerability, dropping a set to 25th seed Albert Montanes, but holding on to win in 4, 6-4, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych and Nicolas Almagro all advanced in straights while others like Fernando Verdasco and Marin Cilic had much more difficulty, advancing in 4 over Florent Serra and 5 over Leonardo Mayer, respectively.

Caroline Wozniacki has been able to grin and bear her way to the 4th round despite a painbful ankle injury, defeating Alexanmdra Dulgheru in 2 sets on Friday to advance. In Wozniacki;s quarter lies the dangerous Maria Kirilenko, who ousted last year's champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Kuznetsova is the highest seed in either draw to lose thus far. Francesca Schiavone defeated Li Na and both Yanina Wickmayer and Daniela Hantuchova triumphed, setting up a compelling match between the two of them in the third round.

Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin have not played each other since an Australian Open quarterfinal match that played a large part in Henin's abrupt retirement. In that encounter 2 years ago Sharapova demolished the Belgian, and since then, the two have gone on very different paths in their tennis careers. Both experienced breaks from tennis, one voluntary and one from injury, but the dice landed perfectly, and they are set to meet in the 3rd round of the French open on Saturday. On paper the 12th seeded Russian, who took out Kirsten Flipkens 3 and 3, is supposed to win, but Sharapova will be a heavy underdog against the 4-time RG champ, seeded 22nd.

The best match of the men's tournament thus far featured Ivan Ljubicic and Mardy fish, a pairing unlikely to produce an electrifying encounter. The 14th seeded Ljubicic won the opening set 6-2 but lost his momentum in losing the 2nd and 3rd 7-6 (8) and 6-4. The Indian Wells champion then came back to win the last two sets and the match 6-2 and 10-8. 3rd and 4th seeds Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray both reached the 3rd round with wins on Friday. Djokovic played his best match of the fortnight, beating 18 year old Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 and Murray fought off Marcos Baghdatis to earn a 6-2, 6-3, 0-6, 6-2 victory. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga got much needed crowd support in his 6-7 (6), 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-4 win against Thiemo de Bakker. as the Frenchman was ostensibly in an incredible amount of pain throughout the 4-setter. Juan Carlos Ferrero also struggled, needing 4 sets to eliminate Pere Riba, while Fernando Gonzalez, 2009 semifinalist, was upset by Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr.

Novak and Troicki Bring the LOLs Recreating Gypsy

Thank God the French Open has a hidden camera in the players' karaoke room. Because without it, we wouldn't have caught Novak Djokovic and Viktor Troicki poking fun at Rafael Nadal's cameo in Shakira's music video for "Gypsy."

What would tennis be without Nole?

Watch the hilarity above.

Roland Garros Results; Murray Fights off Gasquet, Serena, Federer and Djokovic Advance

Serena Williams kicked off her Roland Garros campaign pretty solidly on Monday, knocking off Stefanie Voegele 7-6 (2), 6-2. The number one seed was joined in the next round by a wobbly Carolina Wozniacki, who despite a serious ankle injury was able to quickly defeat Alla Kurdyatseva. 11th seeded Li Na, 8th seeded Agnieszka Radwanska and Lucia Safarova all advanced to round 2 with straight set wins, while Alona Bondarenko and Francesca Schiavone had to fight their way through 3 setters to earn their spot in the next round.

On the men's side the defending champion stepped out onto the same court that solidified him as the G.O.A.T just under a year ago, and he definitely impressed, crushing Peter Luczak 6-4, 6-1, 6-2. In Federer's quarter is Gael Monfils and Stanislas Wawrinka, both of whom advanced, Monfils in 4 sets and Wawrinka in straights. 2009 Roland Garros semifinalist Fernando Gonzalez fought off Thiago Alves in 4 sets while Spaniard Nicolas Almagro won a thriller, 6-4 in the 5th. Big servers Ivan Ljubicic, Tomas Berdych, John Isner and Taylor Dent all defeated their respective opponents in straight sets (Dent hit a 149 mph serve, a French Open record).

Jelena Jankovic continued her impressive Spring, having little trouble in defeating Alicia Molik. Elena Dementieva also looked primed for a serious run, conceding just 3 games against Petra Martic. In Dementieva's quarter is fellow Russian Alisa Kleybanova, who also won an easy 2-setter. Agnieszka Radwanksa, seeded 8th, won 6-0, 7-5 over Elena Baltacha and Sam Stosur, 7th, beat Simona Halep 5 and 1.

It was no secret that Andy Murray's struggles have been more than just a mid-season slump, but the Scot's determination (or perhaps it was his opponent's lack of endurance) was on display in his thrilling comeback 5-set win against Frenchman Richard Gasquet on Monday. A popular pick to send Murray home early, Gasquet jumped out to a 2-set lead 6-4, 7-6 (5) before falling apart and allowing the 4th seed to run away with the final 4 sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. Novak Djokovic also struggled in reaching the 2nd round, beating Evgueni Korolev 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. Seeded Spaniards Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez were ousted by in straights respectively by Viktor Troicki and Julian Reister. American Mardy Fish joined countrymen Dent and Isner in proving wrong the assumptions about the US men on clay, mounting a comeback from 2 sets to 1 down to triumph.

Roland Garros Men's Predictions

This year we enter Roland Garros with one question. How easily will Rafael Nadal triumph? Sure, it's quite unfair to completely disregard the world number 1 and resident G.O.A.T, Roger Federer, but the Swiss has been very shaky and Rafa, well, he's been anything but. Nadal isn't entering this year's French Open playing as well as he did in 2008, but one must have the experience, confidence and talent to derail the Spaniard this year, as he's been so far ahead of the pack. Many of this year's possible "Soderlings" have 2 of those 3, but without the whole package, no one is coming between Nadal and his 5th French title.

1st Quarter

Of course, Roger Federer sits atop the draw, like he always has. He comes into Roland Garros not having won a tournament since the Aussie Open, and he hasn't gone winless between the year's first two slams in 7 years. That being said, the Swiss was able to eliminate the erratic shanks from his game in Madrid that were ever-so-present in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Rome. The man he beat in last year's final, Robin Soderling, lies in Fed's quarter, but he hasn't been very impressive either. And Le Sod doesn't have an soft draw either, as he could possibly meet clay-court specialist Albert Montanes in the 3rd round, where I would give the edge to Montanes. Marin Cilic and Ernests Gulbis, who has already contested three 3-setters with Federer this year (winning 1 of them) all are possible quarterfinal opponents for Federer, who needs to get past the quick and crafty Gael Monfils and countryman Stanislas Wawrinka to reach that stage. Despite a rough path, Federer is the clear favorite to reach a 24th consecutive GS semifinal, and expect him to do it without too much difficulty.

Early rounder to keep an eye on: Gulbis vs. Cilic

Quarterfinals: Federer def. Cilic

2nd Quarter

I'll be honest- I have no effing clue who is going to win this section. It's by far the weakest of the four, with Andy Murray, playing pretty craptasticly as of late, leading the way. Right behind the Scot, is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who tends to suffer from the infamous "Frenchies at the French" disease, a syndrome Parisians tend to be infected with around May, when playing in front of their home crowd in Roland Garros. In other words, he can't handle the pressure or expectations placed on him by his country. Mikhail Youzhny, Tomas Berdych, John Isner and Tommy Robredo also lie in the 2nd quarter, and I would figure that one of them would be the semifinalist. Youzhny is a headcase, Isner is an American 9that should say it all) and Robredo is a grand-slam punching bag. Berdych, though, has the experience and the game to make a big run. Look for the Czech to cause an upset or two and reach a long overdue Major semifinal.

Early rounder to keep an eye on: Murray vs. Richard Gasquet

Quarterfinals: Berdych def. Tsonga

3rd Quarter

Novak Djokovic has been quite the mystery this year. Like Murray, he has all the talent in the world and top-notch results to prove it but a major case of choking (or what Nole would call it: allergies) have put a damper on the Serb's 2010. Poor results all Spring, which tends to be a thriving time of the year for the world number 3, have weakened Djoko's confidence and he isn't playing like a possible contender. Andy Roddick is the 2nd highest seed here, but the American has yet to play a clay-court match in 2010. not ideal circumstances for a solid Roland Garros campaign. The obvious choice would be David Ferrer, and as much as I would love to be a contrarian, everything points in the Spaniard's favor. Ferrer's clay-court run this Spring has been phenomenal, reaching the semis in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, and the finals in Rome. Juan Carlos Ferrero and Sam Querrey are the next two highest seeds and could possibly meet in the 3rd round, both having had success on the clay.

Early rounder to keep an eye on: Ferrero vs. Querrey

Quarterfinals: Ferrer def. Ferrero



Rafael Nadal has to like the looks of his section this year. Beating Fernando Verdasco has been comically easy for Rafa this year, and you'd have to be insane to think that Fernando Gonzalez and Ivan Ljubicic pose any sort of threat to the Spaniard's clay-court dominance. Nicolas Almagro gave Rafa all he had in the Madrid semis, but over 3 out of 5 sets any menace Almagro previously provided is gone. I'd be surprised if Nadal lost much more than 10 games en route to the semis.

Early rounder to keep an eye on: Lleyton Hewitt vs. Jeremy Chardy

Semifinals: Federer def. Berdych, Nadal def. Ferrer

Here we go again. Federer and Nadal. Expect something along the lines of the 2008 final, but just not as harsh. Win number 5 for El Matador.

Finals. Nadal def. Federer

Rome Results: Rafa and Ferrer to Fight for Title

David Ferrer pulled off yet another upset in Rome yesterday against his compatriot Fernando Verdasco. Ferrer, seeded 13th, won the semifinal in 2 tight sets, 7-5, 6-3, while Verdasco, coming off a huge win over Novak Djokovic, looked sluggish and unprepared. Verdasco jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first set, only to lose 12 of the next 15 games and a chance at a 3rd final in as many weeks.

"These were the best three weeks of my life and my career,” said Verdasco. “I need to stay positive, recover for a few days and practice hard to be perfect for Madrid and Roland Garros."

Ernests Gulbis came oh-so-close to derailing Rafael Nadal on his favorite surface, but the Spaniard was able to keep his game from unraveling late in the match as nerves started to rattle Gulbis. Nadal wore Gulbis out in the first set in typical Rafa fashion, but an early break for the Latvian in the 2nd eventually tied the match at 1-set-a-piece. The two traded service holds in the deciding set until Gulbis served at 4-5, when Nadal broke to win the match.

Nole and Rafa Take Time out in Rome to Check out Some Football

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic proved that they don't let their rivalry effect their off-the-court friendship when the two attended a Champions league football match between Tribuna Roma and Sampdoria on a day off in Rome. They snapped a few photos of their fun experience at the match with their matching bberrys.

Rome Results: Nadal Crusing; Verdasco and Djokovic to Clash in Quarters

Sorry about the lack of Rome results postings. Things have been hectic!

We all have probably heard that Roger somehow lost to Ernests Gulbis, marking the Swiss' 3rd consecutive loss before the third round in ATP-level tournaments.

Rafael Nadal, of course, has been rolling through the tournament, most recently taking out Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-2 to clinch a berth in the quarterfinals. For a chance to reach the semis the Spaniard will take on Stanislas Wawrinka, who also won 3 and 2 over Robin Soderling. In the same section as Nadal and Wawrinka, Gulbis and Feliciano Lopez will square off in the final 8 after Lopez got a walkover against Ivan Ljubicic. Gulbis continued his unexpected run with a 7-6 in the third win over Fillipo Volandri.

In the bottom half of the draw, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won easily over Santiago Giraldo. Tsonga's quarterfinal opponent will be David Ferrer, a 6-3, 6-4 upset winner against 4th seeded Andy Murray. Fernando Verdasco ousted countryman Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-4, 7-6 (2) and will face Novak Djokovic, whom he beat in Monte Carlo, in the quarters. Djokovic comfortably beat Tomaz Bellucci 6-4, 6-4.

Get ready for some exciting quarterfinal action. I'll be watching Real Housewives of New Jersey marathons while stuffing my face with cold-eezing pills, covered in dozens of tissues!

Monte Carlo Results: Rafa, Djokovic Reach Quarters, Tsonga and Cilic Out

Rafael Nadal may have been going through a slight drought in his tennis career lately (for his standards) but the Spaniard is back on the clay, his favorite surface, and is crushing every opponent across the net in his return to the dirt. Thursday in Monte Carlo was no different, as Michael Berrer fell victim to the clay-court mastermind 6-0, 6-1. Nadal's quarterfinal opponent will be 9th seeded Juan Carlos Ferrero, an outstanding clay-courter himself, who took out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 for a shot to play his compatriot. David Nalbandian reached the final eight with a straight-set win against Tommy Robredo, while Phillip Kohlschreiber beat fellow German Phillip Petzschner 6-3, 6-4.

Monte Carlo's number 1 seed, Novak Djokovic was up against a tricky opponent in Stanislas Wawrinka in his 4th round match, but the Serb prevailed 6-4, 6-4 to book a quarterfinal spot. Albert Montanes upset 4th seeded Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, while two other Spaniards David Ferrer, 6-0, 7-6 (4) and Fernando Verdasco, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, also prevailed, giving Spain five of the eight quarterfinal spots.

Djokovic and Todd Martin Go Their Separate Ways

Novak Djokovic has called off his short-lived pairing with coach Todd Martin. This comes as no surprise, as the Serb's results since he started his campaign with Martin have not at all reflected his talent. Djokovic, ranked 2nd in the world, will now work full-time with Marian Vajda, who was sharing the coaching position with Martin.

“I tried to work with two coaches, but it didn’t work,” said the 2008 Aussie Open champ. “You always will have problems like that when you have two coaches. Even though they understood each other very well. Todd faced a lot of difficulties to work on and off the court. It’s not an easy job definitely. He just didn’t have enough time to understand what I need what I do and how I am at the end, so life goes on.”

Clearly Djokovic and Martin weren't on the same page, as the American tried to change Nole's service motion and strongly encouraged him to play with greater aggression. Good thing Novak ended things before they went the Ana Ivanovic way, which is where he seemed headed, because that would have been ugly.

The two are still cordial, though, as Djoko said, "Todd is a fantastic person, and he shared a lot with me, but it just didn’t work out."

The Boys Hit the Carpet for the Monte Carlo Players Party

The men of the ATP Tour hit up the Monte Carlo Masters players party last night to officially kick off the Spring clay-court swing. 5 of the tour's top 10 are competing, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Usually Rafa attends these player parties and fails to make much of an effort. For example, his typical ill-fitting button down with some sort of embellished design and baggy jeans. Last night, though, the Spaniard put more time into his look, sporting straight dark-wash jeans and a blue blazer over a white button-down. Nice work Rafa!

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is usually the best dressed at the player events, and last night was no different. The Frenchie suited up in black and added a pop of color with a plaid tie.

Novak Djokovic attended with his GF, Jelena Ristic. The Serb sported a black trench coat and jeans while Jelena was in a white dress with an off-white shaw.

Tomas Berdych, finalist at last week's Miami Masters, sported a leather jacket, standing out among his peers.

And, of course, Andy Murray looked frumpy and unhappy with an unshaven beard and a three sizes-too-large shirt.