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The Tennis Thread

With the way Federer has been playing this year and considering Nalbandian's record against Federer, I wouldn't be surprised if Federer gets eliminated early in this one again.
 
I have nto watched mush of tennis since Henman retired. Used to watch it in smapras, Higgins days. Now days just watch gandslams. Who is teh up coming talent in tennis?
 
Saqlain_doosra said:
I have nto watched mush of tennis since Henman retired. Used to watch it in smapras, Higgins days. Now days just watch gandslams. Who is teh up coming talent in tennis?
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Its definately been a long time since you just mentioned a snooker player :D :D

I know you meant Hingis

Anyhow the best players in the world are Federer and Nadal - Djokovic is only 20 years old and he has shown he can definately compete with the best. Federer has been pretty poor this year BUT the guy is quality so im sure he will get back to form (altho i have predicted he wont win a grand slam this year)
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Its definately been a long time since you just mentioned a snooker player :D :D

I know you meant Hingis

Anyhow the best players in the world are Federer and Nadal - Djokovic is only 20 years old and he has shown he can definately compete with the best. Federer has been pretty poor this year BUT the guy is quality so im sure he will get back to form (altho i have predicted he wont win a grand slam this year)
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I can't even spell her name any more. Federer did beat Sampras in 2001 I think and since then he's been the man. Do get to watch Federer and Nadal but thats about it, other than I don't know who is who(now then I do watch some girl matches(Sharpova)). Didn't know at all who Djokovic was until Australian open, he looks to be decent player for his age.
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Its definately been a long time since you just mentioned a snooker player :D :D

I know you meant Hingis

Anyhow the best players in the world are Federer and Nadal - Djokovic is only 20 years old and he has shown he can definately compete with the best. Federer has been pretty poor this year BUT the guy is quality so im sure he will get back to form (altho i have predicted he wont win a grand slam this year)
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He has had bad form...but Federer OWNS Wimbledon. He'll win either that or the US Open for sure. I can't see Federer going the whole season without a Grand Slam, even though he's been in bad form.
 
MONTE CARLO, Monaco -- Roger Federer rallied from a set down to defeat David Nalbandian 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 Friday and advance to the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Tennis scores

Need the scores from any match played in this or any other tournament? Results
Federer remains on course for a third straight final against three-time defending champion Rafael Nadal, who beat No. 5 David Ferrer of Spain 6-1, 7-5.

"The level of play was excellent today," Federer said. "Tough rallies. I think I definitely played my best match of the tournament, no doubt."

The top-ranked Swiss player was shaky in the first set before dominating the next two and breaking Nalbandian's serve five times in five chances, including the first match point.

"It's always nice playing against him," Federer said. "Because of the great player he is. He's [a] wonderful ball striker."

Federer next plays either third-seeded Novak Djokovic or unseeded Sam Querrey in the semifinals. They played later Friday.

Also, fourth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko defeated unseeded Igor Andreev 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 despite losing his serve seven times.

At 5-2 in the third set, Federer sent a forehand winner down the line, and a crisp backhand made it 0-40. Federer took the match with a crosscourt winner on the run that Nalbandian couldn't get near.

"I think we both played [at] a great level," Nalbandian said. "I got a little tired in the second set and third set."

Nalbandian won his first match against Federer six years ago in the second round at Monte Carlo -- the first of five consecutive wins for Nalbandian. Federer took eight of the next nine meetings, then Nalbandian beat Federer twice last year in the Madrid Masters final and the third round of the Paris Masters.

Nadal was troubled by Ferrer's big forehand in the second set. The 2007 Masters Cup finalist broke Nadal's serve twice to lead 3-0, and was then 40-15 up on his serve before Nadal broke back for 3-1.

Serving for the set at 5-4, Ferrer led 40-0 but then crumbled, allowing Nadal to draw even at 5-5.

Davydenko overcame his serving problems by breaking Andreev's serve nine times.

"Maybe I was lucky on this match," said Davydenko, who attributed his poor serving to the tennis balls. "[They are] really heavy here. I don't feel good topspin or good control, you know, for the serve."

Andreev appeared in a commanding position in the 11th game of the deciding set, with Davydenko needing to rally from 15-40 down on serve to lead 6-5. Andreev then led 40-0 on his serve in the next game, but Davydenko rallied and won the match when Andreev sent a forehand long.

Davydenko is nearing his second straight final on clay after losing to Federer last weekend at Estoril, Portugal. Davydenko withdrew in the second set with a left leg injury.
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http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=3366240

I don't think Federer has a chance to beat Nadal on clay this year.
 
Federer to meet Djokovic in semis

from bbc.co.uk/sport

World number one Roger Federer will take on Novak Djokovic in the last four of the Monte Carlo Masters after beating David Nalbandian 5-7 6-2 6-2.

Nalbandian, who had won his last two meetings with Federer, edged the first set without facing a break point.

But Federer hit back, reeling off four straight games to level the match before booking a semi against Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal will face Nikolay Davydenko in the other semi after beating fellow Spaniard David Ferrer.

Nadal, the world number two, had to recover from a break down in the second set before advancing 6-1 7-5.

Djokovic needed seven chances to finally break Sam Querrey's serve in the first set, with the American's drop shot hitting the net to give Djokovic a 5-4 lead and an opportunity to serve out the set.

The Serb converted all three breakpoint chances in the second and claimed the 6-4 6-0 victory on his third match point with a big forehand that bounced on the baseline.

Davydenko was the first man to book his place in the semi-finals with a 6-3 4-6 7-5 win over Russian compatriot Igor Andreev.

Federer, who is working with coach Jose Higueras in the build-up to the French Open, is now unbeaten in eight matches on clay.

However, this was by far his most impressive performance.

He lost a tight opening set after 52 minutes, sending a backhand pass wide at the crucial moment.

But after letting a 2-0 lead slip, he regained composure in the second set, winning four games in a row with some outstanding shots, including a stunning drop shot on the run.

He broke again in the sixth game of the decider with a service return into Nalbandian's feet and the Argentine could not recover.

"Today I think it came together and I was just happy the way I moved especially because on clay that is a big thing for me," said Federer.

"I could have served maybe a little bit better here or there. But my statistics, I think, were very good. So it's always nice playing against David, but also beating him."

Federer, who suffered from glandular fever earlier in the season, is experiencing his worst start to a season since 2004.

"It feels very good to be back like this, especially after my illness", he added.
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Federer started off quite poorly BUT he came back strongly

I look forward to seeing him take on Djokovicm, should be an interesting match
 
Superb Nadal eases past Davydenko

from bbc.co.uk/sport
World number two Rafael Nadal made it through to the final of the Monte Carlo Masters with a comfortable straight sets win over Nikolay Davydenko.

Nadal, the three-times defending champion, won the first set without facing a break point.

A Davydenko break in the second was not enough as two breaks from the Spaniard saw him win the second 6-2.

Nadal will face either world number one Roger Federer or Andy Murray's conqueror Novak Djokovic in the final.

The 21-year-old Nadal reaches the final for the fourth straight year and has not lost a set in Monte Carlo since beating Federer in the 2006 final.

Nadal was rarely troubled by his Russian opponent who failed to convert his chances, winning just one of five break points.

In contrast the Spaniard broke Davydenko five out of seven times and clinched victory when the 26-year-old's attempt at a forehand winner went long.
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It was easy for Nadal - this is his surface and its unlikely anyone will beat him. I hope Federer can beat Djokovic cos I wanna see him take on Nadal
 
Federer & Nadal to meet in final

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Roger Federer will meet Rafael Nadal in the Monte Carlo Masters final after Novak Djokovic withdrew from their semi-final clash.

The world number one was leading 6-3 3-2 before the Serbian retired after complaining of feeling dizzy.

Nadal, the three-times defending champion, had earlier beaten Nikolay Davydenko 6-3 6-2.

The Spaniard was rarely troubled and will meet Federer in Sunday's final for the third consecutive year.

It will be the 15th career meeting between the two top-ranked players in the world and Nadal will be hoping to become the first player since 1914 to win four consecutive Monte Carlo titles.

"I think I served a bit better today," said Federer. "I served well when I had to and I was consistent from the baseline.

"Tomorrow, I will try to push him (Nadal) to see what happens."

Federer, who had been two points away from defeat in his opening match against world number 137 Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo, clinched the first set after breaking in the eighth game.

And after an exchange of breaks early in the second set, which left Federer 3-2 up, 20-year-old Djokovic retired, much to the disappointment of the crowd.

"I haven't been feeling well for three days and I've been waking up with a sore throat," said Australian Open champion.

"I thought it was nothing serious but against the best player in the world you have to be able to run down a lot more balls and need more energy, which I didn't have.

"I was feeling dizzy and I didn't want to risk anything."

Nadal won the first set 6-3 against his Russian opponent without facing a break point.

Davydenko failed to convert his chances, winning just one of five break points, while Nadal broke five out of seven times and won the second set 6-2.

"I have to be satisfied with winning 6-3, 6-2 against the fourth best player in the world," said Nadal.

"I think he was more tired than me and that probably helped. But I played well today. My forehand worked well and when he attacked I kept running.

"I feel like I am becoming more adapted to the clay every day."
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I expect Nadal to win this one with ease - Federer has not been playing too well and he is facing the best clay player in the world - should still be a good match
 
NADAL wins the final of the Monte Carlo Masters

He won 7-5, 7-5

Federer was leading the 2nd set 4-0 BUT Nadal came back with style
 
PlanetPakistan said:
Another fine win for Rafa!

Arguably the finest clay court player EVER.
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Indeed and it scary to think the guy is still only 21

I cant see anyone beating him on clay any time soon - he should make it 4 French Open wins in a row
 
Ancic sends Murray crashing out

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Andy Murray's preparations for the French Open received a blow at the Open Sabadell Atlantico as he was beaten 6-4 6-4 by Mario Ancic in the second round.

The Scot took a late wild card for the Barcelona event to hone his clay-court game ahead of next month's Grand Slam.

However, despite fighting back from 0-3 down in the first set, he went behind after throwing away his serve at 4-5.

And the second set followed a similar pattern, Murray wasting three break points before Ancic won 6-4 6-4.

It was Murray's second defeat in quick succession to Ancic, having lost to the Croat in Miami last month.

But it could have been a different story had the 20-year-old been more clinical, the British number one matching Ancic until the 10th game in each set - he lost the first from 40-0 up on his own serve and to love at 4-5 in the second.

All of that came after flashes of brilliance had helped him break back at 4-4 following Ancic's flying start. However, Murray insisted his expectations had been low as he simply looked to tune up for the forthcoming Masters Series events in Rome and Hamburg.

"I didn't get that fired up for the match," said the Scot, who is back in the top 20 but well below his former top-10 status.

"I was flat. I was going to be here practising anyway, so I had hoped to get a few matches.

"But my priority is to train for Rome and Hamburg. I wanted to continue from last week, but (playing here) is not the be-all and end-all.

"I've now got four or five days to get ready for Rome. It and Hamburg are the most important ones going into the French Open. All of the major players should be there, which was not the case last week."
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Nadal wins fourth Barcelona title

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Rafael Nadal continued his domination of the clay-court season with victory over fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the final of the Barcelona Open.

The world number two took the title for the fourth straight year with a 6-1 4-6 6-1 win over the second seed.

After starting strongly and dominating the first set, Nadal dropped serve twice as Ferrer took the second.

But the champion stepped up a gear in the decider, moving 5-0 up and sealing the title in two hours 14 minutes.

Having also won the Monte Carlo Masters last Sunday, Nadal heads to next week's Rome Masters as a strong favourite.

He has now won 103 of 104 matches on clay since 2005, with the only defeat coming against Roger Federer in Hamburg last year.

"The first set I played very well, almost perfect, but he was very strong in the second set and I am just very happy to have won here again," said Nadal.

"When I did make mistakes, in the second set, David was unstoppable but I kept very focused throughout and I am very happy to be the first man to win four years in a row."

Ferrer admitted: "The one thing I wanted to do was to not let him dominate early on but he started so strongly.

"I think I played a good match but what can you do? That's Rafa.

"He has been playing at this level for four years now and you never have a moment to relax against him."

Nadal has complained about the crowded schedule this year due to the Olympics taking place in August.

Going into the French Open later this month, the 21-year-old will have played for four consecutive weeks with only one week off ahead of the defence of his Roland Garros title.

"I know I have been complaining about it but there is nothing we can do for this year," he said.

"The players are united so hopefully we can do something in the future.

"I have a tough first match in Rome against (Juan Carlos) Ferrero or (Nicolas) Kiefer, so that helps me keep my feet on the ground.

"I am very happy to have won the first two tournaments but it is going to be very difficult for the others."
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Nadal is just too good on Clay -
 
Nadal falls to shock loss on clay

from bbc.co.uk/sport
Rafael Nadal suffered only his second defeat in 105 matches on clay when he lost 7-5 6-1 to Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters.

The world number two, who was seeking to win his fourth successive title in Rome, struggled with a blister on his foot and needed treatment on court.

The loss comes after Nadal complained recently of an overcrowded schedule.

Ferrero will play Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka, who knocked out Andy Murray, in the last eight.

The defeat is Nadal's first on clay since he lost 2-6 6-2 6-0 to Roger Federer in the final at Hamburg last year and his first ever defeat in Rome.

Nadal had a chance to break Ferrero with the score at 4-4 in the first set but lost four points in a row.

He survived a set point in the next game but was eventually broken at 6-5 with Ferrero hitting a stunning backhand winner.

The world number two immediately called for treatment on his blistered foot and did so again with the score at 4-1 to Ferrero in the second set.

Nadal had lost his serve at 2-1 and, with his movement restricted, was unable to force his way back into the contest.

After his defeat Nadal explained that his participation in the match had been in doubt.

"Juan Carlos is a very tough opponent, but certainly if you're not 100% at a Masters Series event it is very tough," said Nadal.

"Today when I woke up, I said it was impossible to play. I spoke to the doctor today and yesterday and they put special protection on it and cream, but it was still tough.

"I congratulate Juan Carlos, but for sure that was not my best tennis."

Ferrero said: "I had never won a set against him on clay so I'm pretty happy of course.

"It's a very important win for me and I feel special right now. I haven't had this special feeling for a long time.

"I was so strong mentally today. I had things very clear in my mind."

With the addition to this year's calendar of the Olympic Games in August, the clay-court schedule has been squeezed and left Nadal playing consecutive weeks in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and next week in Hamburg.

"The calendar is impossible," he said. "Last week in Barcelona I said it was going to be impossible for me to play well four weeks in a row," he said.

"I'll try to have some rest at home and go to Hamburg with my best feelings."
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Henin announces shock retirement

from bbc.co.uk/sport

World number one Justine Henin has announced her retirement from tennis with immediate effect.

The 25-year-old insists her decision is final after confirming the shock news in her native Belgium on Wednesday.

"It's the end of a wonderful adventure but it's something I have been thinking about for a long time," said the winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles.

Henin headed the WTA rankings for the 117th time this week, but pulled out of the Rome Masters blaming fatigue.

The Belgian has been enduring one of the worst slumps of her career this season, losing four times in the past four months.

She suffered a shock defeat by Russia's Dinara Safina in the third round of the German Open last week in only her second match after a month off with a knee injury, losing 5-7 6-3 6-1.

The news comes less than two weeks before the start of the French Open, which Henin has won four times, including each of the past three years.

"I'm at the end of the road," confirmed the winner of 41 WTA singles titles, after the Belgian press leaked stories of her imminent retirement on Wednesday morning.

"This is the end of a child's dream."

"I have experienced everything I could have. I have lived completely for tennis.

"I am relieved and proud of what I achieved."

Henin also insists that, unlike many other sports stars who have retired at an early age, she will not change her mind.

"A new future is ahead and I won't go back on this decision," she added.

Speaking in Berlin just before the German Open, Henin revealed that she had been thinking hard about life beyond her career in professional tennis.

"I'm young in life, but starting to get old on the tour," she said. "I'm growing up and I need different things.

"Even physically I don't recover as well as I did when I was 20. That's normal.

"Now I've been playing tennis for 20 years and it's been my whole life but as a woman, as you get older, you need to think about the future."

Henin retires on top of the WTA singles rankings ahead of second-placed Maria Sharapova by some distance.
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Bit of an odd decision to retire at that age and when you are Number 1 in the world - I still reckon she will make a comeback in a few years
 
Shocking! One player who I enjoy watching in the women championships. The graceful game of Graf, Martina, Henin will no longer be on display in the final stages of the grand slams. :(
 
Off the court she has always been a bit mentally fragile but ON the court she was the female version of Fedex.
 
HAMBURG, Germany -- Rafael Nadal beat defending champion Roger Federer 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-3 on Sunday to win the Hamburg Masters and add the only major clay-court title missing from his impressive collection.

It was the reverse of last year's final, when Federer won his fourth title in Hamburg and snapped Nadal's 81-match winning streak on clay.

Nadal rallied from big deficits in the first two sets, although he lost the tiebreaker in the second. He led 4-1 in the third and held on to raise his record against the top-ranked player to 8-1 on clay and 10-6 overall.

"All the week has been very special for me," Nadal said.

The second-ranked Spaniard has 26 career titles, 21 of them on clay, including the last three French Opens. Nadal also won in Monte Carlo -- beating Federer in the final -- and Barcelona this year.

"It was a strange match," Nadal said. "Roger made some mistakes in the first set that helped me. ... It was important to win because it was the last big clay-court tournament I never won."

Federer lost his seventh match of the year and has only one title so far, at a relatively minor clay-court tournament in Estoril, Portugal.

The Hamburg Masters is a major warm-up tournament for the French Open, the only Grand Slam that Federer has not won.

"I could have served a little better; it wasn't my best performance, maybe. I have to go for big serves -- he is a good return player," Federer said. "It was a fun match."

Federer went into Sunday's final with a 41-match winning streak in Germany and a 9-0 career record in finals on German soil. His last loss in Germany was in 2003.

Federer has been No. 1 since February 2004, but Nadal is the top player on the slower clay surface. Since April 2005, he has lost only twice in 110 matches on clay -- to Federer last year in the Hamburg final and last week in Rome to Juan Carlos Ferrero, when Nadal was slowed by a painful blister on his foot.

Federer led 5-2 in the first set and wasted two set points before Nadal completed a comeback by winning seven straight games. That gave him the first set and a 1-0 lead in the second.

Federer then won the next four games and went on to lead 5-2, but could not close out the set before the tiebreaker.

Nadal had a three-hour match Saturday in beating Novak Djokovic in three sets to protect his No. 2 ranking, but he appeared fresher in the third set Sunday.

Serving for the match, Nadal won the first three points and then hit a backhand crosscourt winner. He fell to his knees and looked to the sky.

"I am happy that I won and that I beat the No. 1 in the world and the best player of the year [Djokovic], and that should give me some more confidence for the French Open," Nadal said.

Nadal became only the third player to own all three clay-court Masters Series titles, in Rome, Monte Carlo and Hamburg.

"He had a great week and a great clay-court season," said Federer, who finished with 41 unforced errors to Nadal's 28.

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It seems like the only way Federer is ever going to win the French Open is if Nadal is injured. Also surprising that he has had only one tournament win so far. He needs to pick up the pace, but I bet you as soon as Wimbledon time comes around again, Federer will be once again on top of his game.
 
Showman said:
It seems like the only way Federer is ever going to win the French Open is if Nadal is injured. Also surprising that he has had only one tournament win so far. He needs to pick up the pace, but I bet you as soon as Wimbledon time comes around again, Federer will be once again on top of his game.
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Thing is Federer was on top and leading BUT somehow Nadal manages to come back and blow him away

I agree the French Open has Nadal's name on it for the foreseeable future

Federer will be favourite for Wimbledon BUT im still sticking by my prediction of him wining 0 Grand Slams this year
 
Don't count out Djokovic, he gave Nadal a very severe test in the semis, although the French Open may have come a bit too early for his liking, given his relative inexperience on clay compared to Federer and Nadal.

The number of times Federer has let it slip away against Nadal is phenomenal. He really should have won this match. The key against Nadal is keep the match as short as possible, the longer it gets the more stronger he becomes.

I can sense another Federer-Nadal final at Roland Garros, although I sense Nadal will be bitching about the packed clay court schedule should he lose.
 
Raz said:
Don't count out Djokovic, he gave Nadal a very severe test in the semis, although the French Open may have come a bit too early for his liking, given his relative inexperience on clay compared to Federer and Nadal.

The number of times Federer has let it slip away against Nadal is phenomenal. He really should have won this match. The key against Nadal is keep the match as short as possible, the longer it gets the more stronger he becomes.

I can sense another Federer-Nadal final at Roland Garros, although I sense Nadal will be bitching about the packed clay court schedule should he lose.
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yeah but similarly Nadal should have won that Wimbledon final.
 
Nadal eases to win over Bjorkman

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Rafael Nadal overpowered Jonas Bjorkman to reach the third round of the Artois Championship at Queen's Club.

The top seed, playing his first singles match of the year on grass, was quickly into his stride against the veteran Swede and closed out a 6-2 6-2 victory.

Defending champion Andy Roddick also progressed, beating fellow American Robbi Ginepri 6-7 (8-6) 6-1 6-1.

And Australia's Lleyton Hewitt - like Roddick a four-time winner at Queen's - thumped Xavier Malisse 6-3 6-2.
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A comfortable win for Nadal - he looked good, i reckon with the way Federer has been playing Nadal can beat him at Wimbledon.

Also fair play to Nadal for playing in this tournament so soon after winning the French Open Final - altho he barely broke a sweat in the final

Djokovic is on centre court now - taking on Karanusic
 
Gonna be strange watching Wimbledon without 'Tiger Tim' being cheered on by thousands in centre court as well as 'Henman Hill'...
 
Mohsin_Pak786 said:
Gonna be strange watching Wimbledon without 'Tiger Tim' being cheered on by thousands in centre court as well as 'Henman Hill'...
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Here's what we will be missing out on...this...

Love proves to be a fleeting emotion on Henman Hill
By GARY SHELTON, Times Sports Columnist

WIMBLEDON, England -- Here on Henman Hill, the upper lips are not particularly stiff.

The English fans trudge around aimlessly, their eyes downcast, their heads shaking sadly at the latest disappointment. The flag of St. George falls from the shoulders of an Englishman and drops to the muddy ground. A woman removes a plastic bowler hat with the Union Jack painted on it and swears loudly.

Here on Henman Hill, the sun has set on the British Empire.

Alas, poor Tim Henman. He has lost again. Another year, another semifinal, another disappointment. Once again Henman allowed England to dream. Once again a nation has been awakened rudely.

Here on Henman Hill, the real estate prices are dropping sharply.

Friday was a tough day for the home crowd. For the fourth time in five years Henman was bounced from Wimbledon's semifinals. This time Henman was blown away in straight sets by Lleyton Hewitt. In a sight that has become agonizingly familiar, Henman was measured for greatness, and once again the tailor had material left over.

Pity. The English fans wanted this badly. The English newspapers wanted this badly. Even Henman, who should know better, wanted this badly. This is what happens when ungodly expectations are placed upon mortal men.

This is who Henman is. This is what he does. When you look at Henman's resume, frankly, reaching the semis is pretty good. Certainly there is nothing to suggest his reach should be extended.

Yes, he arouses the rabble here every year, but Henman has never made it to the quarters of any other major. Perhaps the achievements are not too low. Perhaps the expectations are too high.

Poor Henman. It is going to be difficult to be him today. The nation that has chanted his name will curse it instead. The fans will talk not of what he has done, but what he lacks. The tabloids that wrote all the cheerleading headlines about Brave Tim, Timbo, the Timinator, will eat him alive. They will hoist him like a pinata, and every one of them will take a whack. No one will call him Tiger Tim. Tiny Tim, perhaps.

They want him to be so much more than he is, these resilient English fans. They try so desperately to believe. Year after year, disappointment after disappointment, they wear the colors, they wave the flags, they wear the silly hats. They manage to find a way to believe that this year somehow, some way, will be different. That Henman will be different.

The fans were there again Friday on this clump of ground outside Court One. Officially the area is called the Aorangi Food Garden, but the unofficial name is Henman Hill (and, at times, Rusedski Ridge). The fans pay their money to enter the grounds, then sit in the rain and the damp grass to cheer a television screen the size of a drive-in movie screen. Also, you can buy beer.

On Henman Hill, they love Tim. Also, they hate him. The relationship comes and goes, excitement and frustration, adoration and agony, until you become convinced these fans and the rest of those in this country don't know how they feel about Henman.

He has made them care, and he has taught them disappointment. Bless him, and while you're at it, curse him. For a very long time Wimbledon was the most un-English part of England. It has been 66 years since an Englishman won Wimbledon, 64 since one reached the final. The history of the tournament is that it has had plenty of mad dogs, but precious few Englishmen.

Most years the English looked upon Wimbledon as a very nice, very foreign art exhibit. It was wonderful to see, of course, but no one locally actually owned a pallet. It wouldn't be ... proper.

Henman (and to a lesser degree, Rusedski) changed all of that. He made Wimbledon interactive for the Brits. He added the painted face and cheering masses to the stuffy, old sergeant majors who ran Wimbledon. He made the crusty codgers clear their throats and wonder if all of this Henmania was good for Wimbledon.

Ah, but achieving a small portion of success doesn't satisfy fans for long. Never has so much newsprint been dedicated to a player so far from greatness. The papers in this country are the true Henmaniacs. They write everything about him. Everything.

They talk about his teeth, his hair, his serve. They suggest he lacks personality, passion, perseverance. They suggest there is a large gooey filling inside. They call him a "Mummy's boy."

Earlier in the tournament the Mirror carried this headline: "No Pressure, Timbo, But If You Choke Now, We'll Never Forgive You."

Then there was this from Martin Samuel of the Times of London: "How should I put this? Tim is Friends. Tim is a film where someone dies young from cancer. Tim is a chick thing."

On Friday, the day Henman played the No.1 player in the world for a right to play for the title of the No.1 tournament, the Mirror carried a story on how Henman's fist-pump wasn't authoritative enough. His fist-pump! They showed four photos, labeling the action "Soppy," "Limp-Fist," "Knuckle Fluster" and "Armless."

Then, of course, there are the other stories, the ones that prop Henman up as if overcoming a dodgy stomach is the same thing as storming an enemy stronghold. Heroic, they call him. Gallant. You can almost picture one aging World WarII veteran spinning his wheelchair toward another and saying, "Courageous, wasn't he?"

All of this is a little humorous, of course. And it isn't as if American newspapers don't take little bites out of our celebrities, too. When it comes to hounds, the Baskervilles have nothing on us.

The difference is that, usually, we feast on greatness. We don't bother with semifinal losers. We save our obsessions for Michael, for Tiger, for Muhammad.

That's the sorrow here. Henman is a nice little player, but really he's a lot more chariot than fire. He reached the semis by beating players ranked Nos.165, 230, 51, 45 and 90. The legends were not exactly calling.

So now they will pack Henman in mothballs, and next year they will take him and shove him toward the semis. They will gather on the hill, paint their faces and ask for more than he can give. They should know better, but they won't.

Here on Henman Hill, we wait.

Next year, perhaps things will be different.

http://www.sptimes.com/2002/07/06/Columns/Love_proves_to_be_a_f.shtml
Click to expand...

No more next year for Tiny Tim. :(
 
Mohsin_Pak786 said:
Gonna be strange watching Wimbledon without 'Tiger Tim' being cheered on by thousands in centre court as well as 'Henman Hill'...
Click to expand...

'Murray molehill' perhaps?
 
Murray plays down Wimbledon fears

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Andy Murray is confident he will be fit for Wimbledon despite pulling out of his quarter-final with Andy Roddick at Queen's Club because of a thumb injury.

The British number one sustained the injury when he fell during his win over Ernests Gulbis on Thursday.

With Wimbledon starting on 23 June, the Scot chose not to risk further damage by facing Roddick on Friday.

But Murray said: "I hope to be playing again early next week and I don't think Wimbledon will be a problem at all."

Murray's next scheduled match is in an exhibition event at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire on Tuesday.

The Scot struggled to keep his feet during his win over Gulbis and sustained thumb, groin and neck injuries after continually slipping over.

His right thumb was so badly strained he could not sign autographs after the match or take the top off a bottle of water.

Roddick, chasing a record fifth title, advances to the semi-finals and will play either Rafael Nadal or Ivo Karlovic in the last four.

Murray was disappointed to have to pull out but felt he had no choice.

"I spoke to doctors and if it was a groin injury or something like that it would have been a different story," he explained.

"But if I cannot hold on to a racquet properly then there is no point going out on court. It is unfortunate because I have had some great matches with Andy in the past.

"It is pretty badly bruised and I will take three or four days off before I start playing properly again. I should get a full week's practice before Wimbledon."
Click to expand...
 
Murray, one of THE unfittest players on the tennis circuit. Every time the guy’s bloody injured, or he has cramp etc etc!
 
Its the final of the Artois Championship between Nadal and Djokovic

Djokovic is currently leading 2-0
 
Fantastic!

Hope Nadal wins the wimbledon this year! I also hope Nadal wins the US open even if i have to lose my 5 bucks
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Its certainly not going well for Federer whilst Djokovic is flying high at the moment.

The grand slams are certainly going to be interesting - Nadal should still have the French one. Methinks Federer is going to go Grand Slamless this year
Click to expand...

Just the US Open to go :D
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Just the US Open to go :D
Click to expand...
I hope your prediction does not come true lol. Before this match, I was sure that Federer would win in straight sets.
 
Showman said:
I hope your prediction does not come true lol. Before this match, I was sure that Federer would win in straight sets.
Click to expand...

I wanted him to win tonight and i want him to win the US Open BUT i reckon my prediction shall come true
 
tmac4real said:
djovick can't handle Federer. If not Nadal then I'd go for Fed to win US.
Click to expand...

Well he handled him in the US Open

Federer has not been the same this year , even tho its been SF,Runner Up and Runner Up so far in grand slams
 
Well Sampras, Aggasi, Mcenroe etc also went without winning any major in a year and they came back. During the Sampras vs Aggasi era, I like Sampras more for two reasons - his game and the commentators were always supporting Aggasi more (he was more marketable I guess). There always seemed a bias in USA commentary when he was playing. Aggasi wasted his first 5-6 years probably because of that but when he got older (probably 7-8 years ago when careers start going down) he looked more focused and wanted to win instead of putting a show and looked like a champion
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Well he handled him in the US Open

Federer has not been the same this year , even tho its been SF,Runner Up and Runner Up so far in grand slams
Click to expand...
It was mononucleosis...the mononucleosis, I tell you!
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Well he handled him in the US Open

Federer has not been the same this year , even tho its been SF,Runner Up and Runner Up so far in grand slams
Click to expand...

one match doesnt count. He hasn't consistently beat him like Nadal has.

Jerkovick is a arrogant ***** that lacks that class to beat Federer. I hope when they face him Federer beats him in straight sets and puts him back in his place.
 
tmac4real said:
one match doesnt count. He hasn't consistently beat him like Nadal has.

Jerkovick is a arrogant ***** that lacks that class to beat Federer. I hope when they face him Federer beats him in straight sets and puts him back in his place.
Click to expand...
Based on what?
 
Nadal aint gonna win on hard courts coz he doesn't have the cross court shot selection that is a pre-req for the surface.
 
Djokovic is good guy. He is funny, intensed at the same time. It is hard to humor when everyone is so tensed. I wouldn't call him arrogant. He is very confident. Certainly he is not in the class of Sampras or Federer in front of the media.
 
Superb Murray wins Masters title

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Andy Murray won his first title at the elite Masters Series level with a stunning victory over world number three Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati.

Murray repeated his defeat of the Serb at last week's Toronto Masters, beating his fellow 21-year-old 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) in two hours and 23 minutes.

He needed six match points to seal victory after failing to serve out the match at the first attempt.

The win will see Murray ranked at a career high six in the world on Monday.

Djokovic enjoyed a fantastic win over world number one in waiting Rafael Nadal in the semis and went into the final with a 4-1 record against Murray.

But that solitary win for the Scot came only nine days ago and was evidence of the significant leap he has made in recent months.

It was the Briton who started the better and he cranked up the pressure in game five, forcing a break point, before earning another chance two games later.

The Serb held him off but as the set progressed it seemed a matter of when, rather than if, Murray would force the break, all the while holding his own serve with ease.

Despite not being taken past 30 on serve the Scot still required a tie-break but he remained ice cool, breaking immediately and consolidating with a huge ace.

A couple of wild Djokovic forehand errors saw Murray reach the changeover at 5-1 and he wrapped up a commanding set when the Serb sent a backhand long.

Murray finally let his level slip at 1-1 in the second set and, after two crunching forehand winners saw off the immediate danger, he went long with a backhand on the third break point to hand Djokovic the lead.

It did not last long.

The Australian Open champion double-faulted on the first point of the following game and immediately handed back the break, looking suitably disgusted with himself.

Murray stepped up a gear in game eight, moving to break point with a forehand winner and taking it when Djokovic netted a smash after some breathtaking scrambling from the Scot.

But with the title in his sights, Murray played his first edgy game of the day, throwing in two double-faults and missing four match points before Djokovic broke back.

It could have been a shattering blow for the Briton but he held on as the confidence flowed through Djokovic and managed to force a second tie-break.

Murray led 4-2 at the changeover after Djokovic double-faulted but was pegged back to 4-4, at which point the Scot won an epic rally with a fizzing backhand winner.

He finally earned a fifth match point with following another Djokovic double-fault but failed to make a return.

The sixth chance to seal victory came on his own serve and, finally, Murray secured a landmark win with a thumping volley.

"I'm much much more confident of competing with top players on a regular basis," he said afterwards.

"It's huge to win here. To win these tournaments now is so tough - I played five days in a row, so I've played a lot of tennis.

"It means a lot because I put in the physical work off the court and it's paying off."

The Scot now heads to Beijing to represent Great Britain in the Olympic Games before moving on to the US Open.
Click to expand...

Congrats to Murray - have to see he played very well and fully deserved this.
 
yessss so Nadal lost in the semis??? and does this mean Federer is still ranked first..???
 
kingusama92 said:
yessss so Nadal lost in the semis??? and does this mean Federer is still ranked first..???
Click to expand...

Yeah Djokovic beat him

Not too sure what it does to the rankings
 
lol Djokovic must have had a great day... beating Nadal takes some skill especially with his current form... i am highly impressed regarding his win against Nadal...
 
wow what a feat from murray. Djokovic's confidence ust be sky high after beating Nadal, to bring him down must be applauded.

Murray can go on to do great things for UK asi fell he is a better player than Henman
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Yeah Djokovic beat him

Not too sure what it does to the rankings
Click to expand...

Nadal will be the new world no.1 on aug 18 2008
 
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PlanetPakistan said:
Murray beats Djokovic in the final
Click to expand...
Djo had too many unforced errors. Not sharp at all. He was the aggressor but failed to contain Murray. Murray, on the other hand, exchanged fire with fire. He deserved to win. Some of the rallies were top class. One of them where Djo ended up wrong footed was too good (second set).

All Murray needs is a Razor.
 
BD-fan said:
Djo had too many unforced errors. Not sharp at all. He was the aggressor but failed to contain Murray. Murray, on the other hand, exchanged fire with fire. He deserved to win. Some of the rallies were top class. One of them where Djo ended up wrong footed was too good (second set).

All Murray needs is a Razor.
Click to expand...

lol Amen!:))
 
I have started disliking federer lately....his ' if I play well , no one can beat me ' kind of interviews are very annoying ....hes probably shy , but certainly not the gentleman hes made out to be by the media ....while couple of time I have heard Djokovic , found him quite funny !
 
jusarrived said:
I have started disliking federer lately....his ' if I play well , no one can beat me ' kind of interviews are very annoying ....hes probably shy , but certainly not the gentleman hes made out to be by the media ....while couple of time I have heard Djokovic , found him quite funny !
Click to expand...
Some athletes grow this kind of attitude to intimidate opponents. This is a bit of arrogance but also confidence in himself. Believing he is the best player in the planet. You will find very few global superstars without that kind of attitude.

Ali, Maradona, Edwin Moses, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods all had/has it. FedEx falls in the same category. Winning that many majors in such a short time, being the #1 player for that long, modern day tennis never experienced this before. He is truly among best tennis players of the world.

Just winning one NBA title (with the help of two other superstars), Boston's Paul Pierce jabbed back to Kobe that he who wins Finals MVP is real man. Kobe is 0-5. Pierce 1-1.

As long as you are not a chinese and play table tennis against me I will also have that kind of attitude against you. ;) Use have that while playing Football and Basketball. Can't run that fast anymore, lost stamina a bit also. Old knees are to be blamed.
 
Murray beats Federer to reach the final of the Madrid masters

He will take on Gilles Simon who beat Nadal
 
Murray beats Gilles Simon 6-4 7-6 (8-6) to win the Madrid masters title

Back to back titles for Murray
 
Andy Murray just beat Rafael Nadal to win the world tennis championship in Abu Dhabi.
 
Murray beats Roddick in straight sets

DOHA, Qatar -- Andy Murray downplayed talk that he's the favorite heading into the Australian Open after his successful defense of the Qatar Open title.

The fourth-ranked Murray defeated No. 8 Andy Roddick 6-4, 6-2 Saturday to win his first ATP title of the year, and ninth overall.

En route to the title, the Scotsman beat Roger Federer in the semifinals. He also defeated Federer and top-ranked Rafael Nadal last week in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

With the Australian Open starting in Melbourne on Jan. 19, Murray heads into the first major of 2009 in fine form.

"I feel good going into the Australian Open but after what happened last year, I don't want to get too carried away," Murray said. "I am one of the top guys, but I don't know if I am the favorite at the Australian Open. There is Roger, Rafa and Novak [Djokovic], who won last year."

A year ago, Murray lost in the first round to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who eventually reached the final.

He travels to Australia after a convincing win against Roddick.

Murray broke Roddick to go up 3-2 in the opening set, and used two more breaks in the second to take a 4-1 lead. Roddick's only break-point chance came with Murray serving for the match, but the Scotsman saved it with an ace and clinched the title with a backhand winner down the line.

"He's in top form right now," Roddick said. "I think he is capable of winning the big ones."

Murray wasn't broken in the semifinals or final, and showed no sign of the back injury which bothered him against Federer.

"I am not close to my best tennis," Murray said. "But if I play my best tennis, then I can beat the top players."

Roddick was impressed with Murray, and seemed satisfied with his week in Qatar.

"He was hitting great balls," Roddick said. "But I am happy with my form. I made him beat me. I didn't give it away so easily. It was a successful week for me."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Link
Click to expand...
Murray looks to be in top form right now. I hope Federer can come back from these losses to win the Aussie Open.
 
When was the last time a British tennis player was favourite for a grand slam event? Fred Perry I suppose.
 
I think he's been ill for 3 days - just didnt have anything in the tank
 
Did anyone else see the ridiculously flawless performance from Federer against Safin? He has to be the favorite, he had a perfect array of shots in that game.
 
Murray!!! He's a 3 set player and that's it. You can only get so far hoping for the opponent to make mistakes. It may wrk in 3 sets, but 5? I think it's time Murray accepted his limitations and joined the williams brothers in the ladies circuit....
 
I saw the Federer match against Berdych. He was amazing in those last three sets, absolute class under pressure.
 
Pretty disappointing stuff from Djokovic. He looked unstoppable in the first set against Roddick and then just hit a wall. Definitely didn't train hard enough/prepare well enough. Roddick looked as if it was 30 degrees out there, not 60. I can't quite believe it gets that hot and they deem it cool enough to keep the roof open.

EDIT: What was up with ESPN and their thermometer? They had the court side temperature at 136 Farenheit at one point. That would be the hottest ever recorded.
 
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^ It was 40 degrees outside in the air, and on the court it would have been much hotter. I dont know if that makes sense but I think thats what it was.
 
Federer through to another final, a totally dominant performance yet again, beating Roddick 6-2 7-5 7-5, Nadal vs Verdasco in the other semi.
 
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