Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wimbledon Day 7



Andy Murray survived a 5 set scare against Stanislas Wawrinka , 2-6 6-3 6-3 5-7 6-3 . Murray keeps the British hopes alive, just one thing theres times you just want to yell out to Murray's mother who fist pumps and shouts more cmon's than Murray to settle down while watching from the players box.Lleyton Hewitt also won in five after being down 2 sets to love against Radek Stepanek .He sets up a quarter final meeting with Andy Roddick who won in three. Roger Federer marches on towards history disposing of Robert Soderling in three straight sets.What about the German surprise packet Sabine Lisicki who is making just her second Wimbledon appearance after losing in the first round on her debut in 2008 beating Caroline Wozniacki .The germans are having a great tournament with Tommy Haas also progressing.Djokovic had no trouble as did Venus Williams who defeated a distraught Ana Ivanovic who after losing the first had to retire with injury, too much golf!

Quotes of the day

Venus Williams "But I'm a little bit obsessive. But I think every tennis player, every athlete is either obsessive or compulsive or something. Because you can't get this good without some kind of a little idiosyncrasy"

Amelie Mauresmo on playing with the roof closed "It makes the conditions a little bit different. It does. I would say the ball is flying a little bit more. That's how I felt. And we both kind of took a little time to adjust. Then was okay."

And Serena was asked this really great in depth question

Q. There's been some controversy about the Wimbledon playing committee perhaps picking players for their looks rather than their tennis talent on Centre Court. They are saying that good looks are a factor with who plays on Centre Court. What do you think about that as an extremely accomplished tennis player who should be on Centre Court?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I think Roger's hot, but he's married, so...

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Wimbledon 2009 -Im a Wild One



With a rest day on Sunday and after a terrible Day 5 for selections I have put together a musical tribute to the early rounds ,including Lodra's fall.Hope you enjoy! Next week will bring on the business end of the tournament and Round 4 promises some intersting match ups,In the men's a repeat of the French Open Final
Robin Soderling vs Roger Federer,Safina vs Amelie Mauresmo ,Venus Wiliams vs Ana Ivanovic being the standout's.

Wimbledon -Day 6


Murray "mania" marched on with his straight sets win over Viktor Troicki 6-2 6-3 6-4,Llyeton Hewitt proved his win over del potro was no "fluke" and he had a tougher time in winning also in straight sets from Philipp Petzschner .However these men's seeds exited in Round three David Ferrer (16),Nikolay Davydenko RUS (12),and Fernando Gonzalez CHI (10).The top womens seed is through with Safina defeating Kirsten Flipkens 7-5 6-1.Jelena Jankovic at one stage looked like she would have to be carried of in stretcher after medical timeout , she continued play but wont be continuing in the tournament losing to young American Melanie Oudin .Svetlana Kuznetsova is also packing her bags losing to surprise package Sabine Lisicki of Germany in two sets.One player I haven't mentioned but have been keeping a close watch on is Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki who is through to week 2 with a win also.

Quotes of the Day

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA on how she was feeling during her loss "I wasn't feeling my comfort at all. I was not moving much and I was not doing my thing. I didn't serve."

Well hello was this not a 3rd round match to get to the second week? Just come out and say today I was beaten by a better player.

ANA IVANOVIC on her relationship with Australian Golfer Adam Scott "Well, I think, you know, I rather talk about my tennis at the moment. Yeah. I wouldn't like to comment on that. It's great to see familiar faces I think in your box when you look for support."

Interesting couple Adam promises so much also but fails to deliver in the big events.

VENUS WILLIAMS on what she may do on the rest day at Wimbledon, "I haven't quite planned out what I'm doing. I always enjoy myself, so every day's fun that I'm alive. It's good."

And Amen to that sister bring on Week 2.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Wimbledon Day 6 -Steve's Picks



Some interesting matches as we complete round 3 matches. Some are very even contests which could go either way, Sam Stosur and Anna Ivanovic looks a very enticing match up.I have gone with the Aussie but i have to say Stosur hasnt been that dominating on the grass.And I have gone out on a limb to pick Hanescu over Simon in the Men's.I also think the Berdych ,Davyedenko match will be tight but have gone with the Russian due to experience.

Day 5 Wimbledon


Ivo Karlovic served 46 aces in a 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France on No.1 Court.It was developing in a battle of the serves with Tsonga serving 26 aces himself.So my major tip of the round gets up again.In other matches no real surprises ,Tommy Haas and Marin Cilic are 2 sets all and 6 all in the 5th when play was suspended due to light.

Day 5 Quotes

Ivo Karlovic on questions that he only has one shot - the serve No. It's actually, I mean, I like it, because if I can win with only one shot, I'm, I don't know, a genius, so I like it

Serena Williams about lack of matches on centre court :Well, I'm happy to have gotten my match over. I'm happy to have won. You know, I always play on Court No. 2. You know, it's not a court for Roger, but it's definitely a court for me. But I haven't won Wimbledon five times.

Roger Federer on his next Match with Robert Soderling :I've had success against him, but I know the danger because he hits extremely hard. Yeah, definitely got to be ready for that match.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Day 5 Steve's Wimbledon Picks



Not a bad Day 3 for selections, there's a few players i just wont tip on principle,this round I'm selecting Ivo Karlovic to take out Jo Wilfred Tsonga in a very even contest.Im also tipping Dulko in the Ladies to keep her form going by beating Nadia Petrova.They are my long shots for the day in what on paper seems a straight forward day at the office for fancied players....but hey this is tennis and nothings over till the final handshake.Why dont you comment and leave me your selections for this round will be interesting to see.

Day 4 Wimbledon


Well if you read my Blog yesterday you would of known I tipped Lleyton Hewitt to roll fifth seed Juan Martin Del Potro .A fit Hewitt simply had too much grass court experience as he won in three straight sets.Out of the 31 picks yesterday i managed 22 correct, even though Ana Ivanovic won yesterday i will still refuse to tip her as her grandslam events since winning the French remain poor.

In Day 4 quotes

Juan Martin Del Potro answered this to a question about his lead up preparation

I don't know. Depends on how I fare in the French Open maybe, if I have time or not. I was sick before this tournament at home. Was a little difficult for me to come early to do a good preparation.


Well mate next year make sure you play some lead in events prior, you need the experience to beat a previous Wimbledon Champion like Hewitt.

And Safina to this no brainer question from her press conference
You have a day off tomorrow now. Do you have any plans to relax, see a bit of London?

DINARA SAFINA: No, not really. I don't think. It's too far going from the Village to London. Well, you know, I'm going to go hit some balls and have some rest.

I mean come on its not a holiday especially if your the number one seed,maybe the reporter thought he was asking her Brother Marat this question and probably would of had a different answer come back.

Day five selections will be up later.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Day 4 Steve's Wimbledon Selections



Yestrday I took a punt on some outsiders and got really burned!You would think I would learn my lesson but on Day 4 I have selected Lleyton Hewitt to beat Juan Martin Del Potro and Thiago Alves to beat Simon of France. I'm expecting a good match between "Andymonium" Andy Murray and Latvian Ernests Gulbis.Gulbis has the game if on to put it "right up Murray" and quieten the English crowd and television commentators.I have also picked Sara Errani over Ana Ivanovic who i will not back and was lucky to be here after her first round win.

And heres another quote from "Russian Serena Williamsonova" “It's a mixture between some of my favourite shows, like Desperate Housewives, and Sex and the City, and actually Family Guy. It's kind of those put together in one, if you can imagine.”Serena Williams on the TV script that she is writing.

Stick to the tennis Serena you will have a lot more ratings there....and i know where the script will get rated the most "the out house"

Day 3 Wimbledon


I guess you would call this an upset Former champion Maria Sharapova had her lack of match practice exposed by unseeded Argentine Gisela Dulko who claimed a 6-2 3-6 6-4 victory in the second round at Wimbledon on Wednesday.No other major upsets as most seeds again made it through to the third roud.Pictured below are left to right Patrick Lee's. Jonny Wills, Hamish Race, Henry Race and Tom Deeley from Tuesday Center Coaching in South Canterbury popping in to centre court Wimbledon for a hit.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Day 3- Steve's Wimbledon selections.

Day 2 -Wimbledon


All major players from the top half of the men's and women's draw made it through to round two some convincing, some not so convincing.Any Roddick and Andy Murray who tipsters will say will meet in one semi final,I beg to differ however and both men will have to lift their game to do so.The British press and Tv commentators are all ready pushing Murray "mania" and one may have to turn the sound down if watching a television stream from the BBC to combat the "dribble" that some commentator's use in describing Murray. Juan Martin Del Potro was ruthless in disposing of French player Arnaud Clement and has set up a second round clash with former champion "Cmon" Lleyton Hewitt from Australia who was impressive also defeating Robby Ginepri in straight sets also.Marat Safin went out playing his last Wimbledon,and displayed his usual fit of temper during his loss to qualifier Jesse Levine.At least his sister Safina fared better winning over Lourdes Dominguez Lino .Venus Williams also showed why she is a Favourite winning her match on center court in straight sets.Federer heads Day 3 action and my tips for this Day will be up a little later.And news now coming out of spain shows that real life hits superstars as it does ordinary people with Rafael Nadal parents separating.I am sure that all that have been through similar situations with parental breakup's know how difficult it is and real life events take priority no matter who you are.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Day 2 Wimbledon winners Selection

Day 1 Wimbledon


Day 1 Wimbledon provided a few tests ,close matches and a few minor upsets.The biggest upset of the day was in the men's American James Blake,The 17th seed was upset in straight sets 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) by the Italian Andreas Seppi.A fatigued Blake admitted afterwards that it was difficult to stay focused while playing so much tennis and believed the tour calendar attributed to the withdrawal of defending Wimbledon Champion Rafael Nadal.Well Mr Blake toughen up!!! its the same for everyone you have been an underachiever in Grandslam's your Wimbledon track record is not great and now you have time to recover seeing you have exited in the first round...make the most of it.Here are some quotes from he first day.

"Everyone is from Russia. Sometimes I think I'm from Russia, too. I feel like, you know, okay, all these new ‑ovas. I think my name must be Williamsova.” Serena Williams

Nobody can tell me to stop grunting. If they have to fine me, go ahead, 'cause I'd rather get fined than lose a match because I had to stop grunting. That's all. If people don't like my grunting, they can always leave," Michelle Larcher De Brito

I was kind of thinking about what the towels were going to look like this year. They're really nice."
Laura Robson, when asked her thoughts in the locker room before hand.

My tips for round one saw me select 21 winners of the 30 matches i selected , I will post Day 2s tips here later.Wimbledon is underway on with the show!
Visit the official Wimbledon website at this link

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Nadal OUT of Wimbledon


Defending Champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn with injury from this years Wimbledon championships.Nadal said Nadal that he had been playing with considerable pain and he didn't know how long he would be out of tennis. But he said he expected to fully recover from his knee problems and that he would have a "long career".

"I played with some problems on the knee for the last few months. I've been making efforts to play week after week. The truth is that sportsmen always play with pain and don't know where the limit is, where you can get to. I think I reached that limit now.

"I will work very hard to comeback as soon as possible. One of the problems is I’m thinking more about the knees than what is happening on court and it’s very difficult to play like that."

Federer strengthens even more as out right favourite, I will give a preview soon and sum up the main chances of this years event.If you want a good priced player why not put a little on French Open runner-up Robert Soderling who you can get around 40/1 at this stage.And another for the punters Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who is around 16-1.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Our Keen Tennis Juniors are turning up anywhere!



Wimbledon starts in just a few days time.Pictured is South Canterbury rep player Tom Deeley who just cant wait till the first ball is hit next week on the grass courts of Wimbledon.Tom has been showing great improvement under the guidance of Tennis Pro Steve and will be keen to practice some of the aspects of grass court tennis in his next outing.If you serve and volley well you can do well on the grass. Watch out for upsets as players more at home on the grass courts take it to the clay courters.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Heart's On Fire -2009 Wimbledon

This is just a small presentation video i put together with Wimbledon approaching and the two men that have contested the last two finals,if this years final is as good as last years then we are in for a treat.Please be free to comment on what you expect from this years Wimbledon

A Fit Nadal?


Heres hoping that Nadal will be fully fit to defend his Wimbledon Title , in what could be a truly historic championship.Federer will be chasing history as he try's to go one better in beating Sampras's all time record for Grandslam's and Andy Murray will be trying to get his name engraved on the all England club's trophy and ending the long drought of English winners.Here is a link to a great article on just why being an ordinary person attributes to Nadal's success.In the article from the Times online Nadal comments on Uncle Tony's threat of racket abuse Nadal Say's "He told me when I was very young that if I ever started throwing my rackets around, smashing them or hitting balls out of the park, then he would send me out of the park,” recalls Nadal.Read the full story here.Other articles worth a read are Tim Henman's comments on British funding to playersand the lack or interest in tennis in the US

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Anna and Amelia On Top of the World


Anna Cochrane went undefeated in the South Island Teams Event held recently in Timaru.Anna Playing in the 10's age group won all her singles matches against Nelson,Otago,Southern Lakes,and Canterbury Teams.Teaming with Amelia Race Anna also went undefeated in the girls doubles.Amelia lost just the one match ,however the girl was ineligible as she had turned 11 prior to the event. Amelia and Anna are coached by Stephen Dries.Both girls are among the best for their age in the South Island.Both Amelia (left) and Anna (right) are pictured above.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Lord of the Dance-Federer and Nadal

Footwork is a key component for any one that wants to reach the top.
Juniors need to work hard and keep improving in this area.Here is a small presentation with a little fun added,make sure you subscribe to new articles, with Wimbledon approaching this is where the news will be.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Grass is for Cow's and the World's best tennis players.


Grass is for the cows," said Ivan Lendl, while deciding to give the Wimbledon a miss in 1982 and go holidaying instead!! Lendl was a former World number one that could never master the surface of Wimbledon.Marat Safin was another who echoed Lendl's sentiment also.Now with Roland Garros behind us it's on to grass court circuit and of course Wimbledon.Lots of interesting news and events will be reported here as well as local news.Make sure you drop in occasionally.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Preview Men's French Open Tennis 2009 Final



By the time most readers see this the result will be known , I hope my predication is right.

Stop Press Live Blogging of Final

Set 1 Federer all class goes to a 5-1 lead.Soderling yet to hit a groundstroke winner.Federer serving well and untroubled on serve.Federer playing the backhand dropshot to perfection.Federer 2 set points on the Soderling serve.Soderling saves one, but federer prevails on the second set point with a backhand pass.Soderling so far outclassed in all departments.

Set 2. Federer holds to 15 first game of second set.Soderling must hold.Total points 31 Federer, Soderling 13.Soderling holds 1-1.Federer working the forehand side of Soderling over.Federer again holds serve to 15 with an ace wide to the forehand side.Noticeable in the rally's is the shortness of Soderling ground strokes allowing federer to step into the court and dictate.2-1 Fed.Someone from the crowd has jumped onto the court with a flag run up to Federer and put a hat over him.Very unnerving!!!!!!!Where was security!!!What an Idiot!!! Federer definately unsettled.Soderling holds to love!2-2.Federer holds to 30 again attack to the forehand deep and hard 3-2.Soderling misses an easy smash 15-30,Kicking second serve
federer unable to do anything.30-30.Soderling volley winner and again comes to net for put away 3-3.Drizzle starting to fall.Federer with another drop shot winner 40-15.Federer holds 4-3.Federer opening up the court well and being able to use the dropshot when this happens.Soderling serving ,fed wins opening point, rain getting heavier.15-30 Soderling with a forehand long,Soderling let off! federer open court for passing shot ....misses.Soderling forehand winner holds 4-4.Federer 30-0,backhand down the line winner federer 40-0,Wild forehand swinging volley by federer 40-15.Federer again attacks the forehand court deep game 5-4 Federer.Chant goes out for Soderling the crowd wants a match!Soderling improving first serve percentage 40-0 ,SOderling overhead winner 5-5.Federer opens with an ace 15-0,another ace 40-0, Federer forehand winner game 6-5.Soderling serving to stay in the second set.Backhand winner down the line Federer 0-15, 15 all ,Soderling winner forehand across court 30-15,again strong forehand by soderling 40-15 we are going to tie-break!not yet however 40-30.Whoooo! running forehand pass federer 40-40.Soderling add soft point.Again passing shot federer this time off the backhand 40-40.Big first serve 215 klm.Soderling add.Game Soderling 6-6 and a must win set for Soderling. Ace Federer 1-0, Soderling ace 1-1, Federer wrong foots Soderling 2-1 fed,ace federer 3-1,and again!!! 4-1 federer.Federer pulls Soderling wide to the backhand ,soderling can't control 5-1 fed,another dropshot winner federer after deep return off serve 6-1,Ace FEDERER 7-1 and two sets to love lead.

Set 3 Soderling to serve, 0-15, Soderling forehand winner 15-15.Long long baseline rally , lucky volley soderling 30-15.Soderling again forced to come in off short return ,federer pass 30-30.Double fault 30-40 break point fed.Wild foehand by soderling off miss hit return by federer ,game 1-0 federer.Soderling wins another long rally but federer 40-15 on serve,Game federer 2-0.Federer so far has 13 aces.Federer serving at 75%.Soderling 40-0 on serve.Drizzle again falling.Game soderling 2-1 Fed.15-0 Federer ,soderling cnat win a first point off serve, double fault federer 15-15, ace federer 30-15,miss hit federer 30-30,federer sitter!!!! misses Soderling has break point,40-40 forehand winner fed.Forehand winner down the line federer add,another long rally federer wins it 3-1 fed.Lot's of miss hits from fed in the last game ,,,,is he feeling history?Soderling hanging in there holds serve 3-2 federer.Federer goes to 30-15 wide swinging serve, ace 40-15 and again ..ace 4-2 federer.Federer wins first point off soderling serve,0-15, big first serve soderling 15-15.Soderling again holds to 30 ,Federer 4-3.The mexican wave goes up during the change over.Federer up 30-0 but now 30-30,Federer cleans the line with a forehand winner 40-30, second serve kicker, uncontrollable, game 5-3.Soderling serves to stay in the match,he holds 5-4 federer ,federer to serve for history!!! and the title.The hardest game to win is the last one, federer will be nervous,first serve fault,second serve kicker down the line, soderling hits it out 15-0 ,15-15missed forehand by federer, 30-15 soderling hits long,30-30 , federer tight with swinging volley out 30-40, MISS HIT Soderling 40-40 , federer's wife feeling it, MATCH POINT Federer volley winner...........Thats its FEDERER MAKES HISTORY HE WINS FIRST EVER ROLAND GARROS TITLE EQUALS SAMPRAS GRANDSLAM RECORD. Federer is the best player of all time.!
6-1 7-6 6-4

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Great, Greater, Greatest?


Roger Federer is one match away from winning the French Open Tennis Men's Singles Title the only major event Federer has not won.In the semi Finals he defeated Juan Martín del Potro ,3-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.If he goes on to beat Soderling from Sweden who also won his semi final against Gonzales in 5 gruelling sets coming from 4-1 down in the 5th,Federer will be largely acknowledged by most as the best tennis player ever to pick up a tennis racket.Safina and Kuznetsova will contest the womens titles where I lean with my pre tournament favourite Safina to come up with the win.

Monday, June 1, 2009

I thought the winner of Britain's Got Talent was an Upset


Robert Soderling of Sweden created the biggest upset at this years French Open by defeating the King of Clay Rafael Nadal in four sets.Just 4 weeks ago Nadal had defeated Soderling 6-0 6-1 in Rome,today Soderling won 6-2 6-7 6-4 7-6.A packed Philippe Chatrier court watched on in disbelief as the Swede handed World No. 1 and reigning ATP World Tour Champion Nadal his first defeat in 32 matches (31-1 record) at Roland Garros and his first-ever loss in a best-of-five-set clay-court match (48-1). What went wrong out there today for Rafa? ,that's the questions on every ones lips,Not taking anything away from Soderling and I'm going to be bold and say right now there is no way he will win this tournament,so how did the Swede cause perhaps the biggest "boilover" in French Open History?.Reminiscent of Arther Ashe beating Jimmy Connors in a Wimbledon final Soderling kept a towel over his head at end changes exactly how Ashe kept his focus for the whole match against Connor's so did Soderling against Nadal.Soderling hit 61 winners for the match compared to Nadal's 33.He won 27 of 35 net approaches and this was very significant in the end result.Nadal who always has great depth and height with his ground strokes was always on the back foot as he could not find his normal consistency and made vital unforced errors as he wilted under the onslaught of Soderlings service power and huge forehand. The French crowd spurred Soderling on with constant chants and one must feel a little sorry for a champion such as Nadal with support well and truley for Soderling.

Nothing lasts forever and Nadal's reign has come to an end at Roland Garros, for me i would rather of seen that in the final maybe by the hands of Federer ,Good luck to Soderling however I think he has played his final for sure.Federer is looking good as is Andy Murray but after today anything is possible.I am sure Nadal did not take his opponent cheaply but be it a lesson for juniors you cant take any of your opponents lightly and its important you play your game and keep your intensity high who ever you face across the other side of the net.