Nalbandian defeats Murray in Paris

Andy Murray’s 14 match winning streak came to an end by defending champion David Nalbandian.

The Argentine played some sublime Tennis to knock out the world no.4 in straight sets 7-6, 6-3.

Murray went into the match in incredible form and was arguably the most feared man on the circuit winning Cincinnati, Madrid and St Petersburg in succession.

This match though demonstrated that perhaps the amount of Tennis and travelling he has had to endure was all getting a bit too much for the Scot, who looked jaded at times. His first serve let him down throughout and he struggled to dominate at the back against a man who he had not played since losing to him at Wimbledon in 2005.

The rejuvenated Nalbandian always plays his best on the indoor courts and he defiantly was the aggressor in this quarter final dual. The first set was tightly contested with both players breaking serve, but the World No.11 battled through in the tie break taking it 7-3. After losing the first set Murray could not keep his game together as he became increasingly frustrated. Nalbandian then broke early in the second set as he began to play some exquisite Tennis, the type of Tennis that saw him reach world No.3 in 2006. Murray also showed glimpses of the player that won the previous two master series title, with an incredible sliced forehand cross court shot to break back immediately at 2-2. However Murray could not maintain his A game for long periods and the Argentine exploited this going on to win the match 6-3 in the second set.

Pulled Out

David Nalbandian will now take on Russian Nikolay Davydenko after he knocked out Rafael Nadal who retired hurt. The world No.1 received extensive treatment on court with a knee injury and after battling through the first set losing 6-1, he felt it best to retire and rest for the upcoming Masters Cup in a fortnight.

Another surprise came in the other half of the draw as Roger Federer pulled out of his match against James Blake, with a back injury. This will please the American who is a step closer to clinch a place in Shanghai. James Blake will play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, knowing that a win will secure him a place in the Masters Cup. Tsonga also has the chance of qualify after defeating Andy Roddick from a set down in an enthralling match, winning 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)'

Quarter Final Results:

[6] N Davydenko (RUS) d [1] R Nadal (ESP) 6-1 ret. (knee)[11] J Blake (USA) d [2] R Federer (SUI) W/O (back)[8] D Nalbandian (ARG) d [4] A Murray (GBR) 7-6(3), 6-3[13] J Tsonga (FRA) d [7] A Roddick (USA) 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5)

Semi Final Draw

(6) Nikolay Davydenko v (8) David Nalbandian
(13) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga v (11) James Blake

THE RACE FOR SHANGHAI
1. *Nadal (1335pts)
2. *Federer (1041pts)
3. *Djokovic (929pts)
4. *Murray (684pts)
5. *Daveydenko (463pts)
6. *Roddick (394pts)
7. Del Potro (369pts) – Will qualify if Davedenko or Nalbandian becomes champion.
8. Simon (356pts) – Cannot qualify as either Blake or Tsonga will reach the final.
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9. Blake (355pts) – Will qualify if he defeats Tsonga
10. Ferrer (339pts) – Cannot Qualify
11. Tsonga (335pts) – Will qualify if he defeats Blake
12. Nalbandian (320pts) – Will only qualify if he becomes champion

*= Qualified for Shanghai
Bold = Still competing in the Paris Masters Series event.

Murray’s streak keeps on rolling in Paris

The seemingly unstoppable Scot secured a place in the quarter finals of the Paris Masters today after a straight sets victory over Spaniard Fernando Vedasco. The Britain’s streak has now increased to 14 wins after championing in Madrid and last week in St Petersburg.

The world No.4 will now face a difficult test tomorrow against defending champion David Nalbandain. The Argentine is desperate to make up one of the now two remaining places for the year ending Masters Cup. His victory over current world No.7 Juan Del Potro, will now put Nalbandian in a good position to sneak into the top eight, as his fellow countryman's place looks increasingly vulnerable.

Other News

Andy Roddick defeated Giles Simon 6-3, 7-5 to become the sixth player to guarantee a place in Shanghai. The Frenchman could not maintain his good form which took him to the final of Madrid and will now has to rely on results going his way to be able to still book a trip to China, as he currently lies in an uncomfortable eighth in the 2008 ATP Race for Shanghai. With Simon falling, it has left an opportunity for world No.10 James Blake to capture one of the two remaining positions. The American’s victory over Phillip Kohlshreiber has though set up a tricky tie against Roger Federer.

The shock of the day came when Jo Wilfred Tsonga defeated the world No.3 Novak Djokovic in a thrilling three set match, winning 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. Tsonga demonstrated the type of aggressive Tennis which saw him reach the Australian Open final. The other top seeds though came through unscaved, including Davydenko who crushed Berdych 6-1,6-1, also Federer dispatched the young and upcoming Croat Marian Cilic 6-3, 6-4, while the world No.1 Rafael Nadal booked his place in the last eight with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Gail Monfils.

THIRD ROUND RESULTS

[1] R Nadal (ESP) d [16] G Monfils (FRA) 6-3, 6-2; [2] R Federer (SUI) d M Cilic (CRO) 6-3, 6-4; [13] J Tsonga (FRA) d [3] N Djokovic (SRB) 6-4, 1-6, 6-3; [4] A Murray (GBR) d [15] F Verdasco (ESP) 6-3, 7-6(6); [6] N Davydenko (RUS) d T Berdych (CZE) 6-1, 6-1; [7] A Roddick (USA) d [10] G Simon (FRA) 6-3, 7-5; [8] D Nalbandian (ARG) d [9] J del Potro (ARG) 6-4, 6-0;[11] J Blake (USA) d P Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 6-4

TOMORROWS QUARTER FINAL DRAW

(4)Andy Murray vs. (8) David Nalbandian

(1)Rafeal Nadal vs. (6)Nikolay Davydenko

(11)James Blake vs. (2) Roger Federer

(7)Andy Roddick vs. (13)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Murray is a potential World No.1 after Madrid Master's Series Win

I agree with Harry Cicma’s comment on his blog Tennis Talk about Murray becoming a potential world number One. This statement comes after Murray managed to follow up his win in Cincinnati with another Master's Series in Madrid this week, demonstrating his ability to remain consistent at the top of his game.

image by tallgareth

Madrid Master Series Result

Final: Andy Murray defeating Gilles Simon 6-4 7-6(8-6) Watch Final Highlights

Murray’s route to the final

Semi Final: bt Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5

Quarter Final: bt Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-2

3rd Round: bt Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6 (7-2)

2nd Round: bt Simone Bolelli 6-0, 2-1 retired

1st Round: Bye

View Completed Draw

After watching Andy Murray’s brilliant performances in recent week’s I have also been considering the possibility of Murray being a future world No.1. He undoubtedly has the talent to be at the top whilst having the versatility to play on all surfaces.

At the moment I would rank Murray as the top hard court player in the world, considering his performances in Cincinnati, the US Open and now in Madrid. While Andy Murray’s grass court game is getting better year by year, as his serve is becoming an ever increasing weapon. Clay though has been the Brit’s weaker surface. However a straight sets victory over clay court specialist Jose Acasuso in this year’s Roland Garros, demonstrated that he has the game to challenge for titles on clay. Murray has also now brought in coach Alex Corretja into his ever expanding team. Corretja was once a French Open finalists and is a very experienced clay court player, so with his help we should start seeing an upward curve in Andy’s performances on the red clay.

To be one number one though you have to be winning slam titles and I am sure sooner rather than later Murray will claim he first slam. That slam may even come as soon as next year’s Australian Open in January if he carries on his good form.

‘Musical Chairs’

Harry Cicma also stated that he believed in the next few years we will see ‘musical chairs’ with Federer, Murray, Nadal and Djokovic, trading the No.1 spot. The musical chair effect he suggests is particularly plausible taking into account the year we’ve had: Beginning with the Austrialian Open, which saw the emergence of Novak Djokovic to the elite, as he claimed his first slam title. Then Rafael Nadal dominated by winning the French open title once again and then Wimbledon, defeating Roger Federer in what was arguably the greatest match of all time. Nadal then went on to replace Roger as world number one. However after losing the No.1 spot Roger Federer bounced back, defying all who doubted the great man by winning his fifth US Open title and 13th slam. While in recent months we have seen Andy Murray come of age and become the most feared man on the ATP tour at the moment. This accolade comes after winning back to back ATP Master’s series events and also reaching his first slam final in this year’s US Open.

In conclusion, this year has demonstrated the closeness of these top four players and I am pretty certain there will be a few chopping and changing in 2009. It is going to be an exciting few years ahead for men’s tennis that’s for sure.

By Geoff Berkeley

Preview to the Madrid ATP Masters Series

View The Madrid ATP Master Series Draw

The season is fast approaching its end and there are plenty of positions still to be decided.

The Mutua Madrilena Madrid Masters is the penultimate ATP Masters series event with Paris following later this month. All these events are leading up to who will be participating in the final tournament in China with only the world’s top eight eligible to play.

STANDINGS FROM THE WEEK COMMENCING 13/10/08:

1.Rafael Nadal (1265pts)
2.Roger Federer (921pts)
3.Novak Djokavic (899pts)
4.Andy Murray (520pts)
5.Nikolay Davydenko (417pts)
6.Andy Roddick (354pts)
7.David Ferrer (337pts)
8.Juan Martin Del Potro (312pts)

THE RACING PACK:

9. James Blake (309pts)
10.Stanislas Wawrinka (286pts)
11.Fernando Gonzalez (283pts
12.Gilles Simon (261pts)

View Full ATP Ranking List

Rafael Nadal goes into his first ATP Masters Series as world number one in his homeland, however it is still undecided whether he will finish the year at the top with Federer chasing him down, desperate to retain the crown once again. However while Roger is still tussling with Rafa, Novak Djokovic is only just behind in third and if results go Novak's way he could then claim a career high second place when overtaking Federer. While the Cincinnati Masters winner Andy Murray is in good form and another win here would put pressure on the Serb, who he is looking to catch.

The draw is unkind for Rafa who has talented Latvian Ernest Gulbis and Stan Wawrinka who is very much in the race for a top eight place and also he could meet rival Djokovic in the semi finals, which has always been a difficult match for him. While Roger seems to have the easier draw with only defending champion Nalbandian or in form Del Potro as potential quarter final opponents. Andy Murray has probably the best path to the semi finals out of the top four seeds, as the Briton will be hoping for back to back series win.

The racing pack will be hoping for good performances this week, such as Gonzalez, who possibly faces a difficult test again world number six Andy Roddick in the second round. While James Blake and Gilles Simon will be likely opponents in the second round, which will be an interesting match-up, with both players desperate to gain those vital points to play in the desirable Shanghai Masters Cup event in November.

By Geoff Berkeley

Will Jankovic now make the No.1 spot her own?

With Jelena’s win in Stuttgart backing up her win in China a week earlier, she will now take on the role as women’s world number one. This form has now begged the question: Is Jankovic the long term answer as the No.1 women’s player?

The women’s game is in desperate disorder at the moment in its search for a figure head, after Justine Henin's shock departure from the game last May. Many players have touched the summit, including; Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic and recently Serena Williams, however none have been able to grasp it. Jelena Jankovic will now regain the responsibility of the women’s game once again after a brief spell at the top before the US Open.

There have been many twists in this year’s race for No.1 after Justine Henin’s dominance came to an abrupt end as she retired with immediate effect in the spring, much to the shock of the sporting world. Then suddenly the limelight was on Maria Sharapova who stepped into the role. At the beginning of the year she looked to be back to her sublime best winning in the Melbourne sunshine to claim her third slam of her career. However a niggling shoulder injury hindered her game for the rest of the season and now lies sixth in the race. Next it was Ana Ivanovic’s turn to capture the world and not just in a tennis sense. She has the looks, the personality, the game and the winning mentality to become the WTA’s saviour. And after winning the French in style all was looking rosy for the Serb as number one, although perhaps the pressure and the attention began getting to Ana, as she suddenly started hitting bad form, being dumped out of the early stages of both Wimbledon and the US Open. The next half of the year saw the resurgent’s of the Williams sisters who got back to their powerful best, sweeping aside any challengers at Wimbledon to face each other in the final. But even though Venus got on top that time it was Serena who began to look as if she could begin dominating again winning the US Open and looking in good shape. However in the midst of all this chopping and changing, it may be the consistent Jelena Jankovic who will finish top of the class at the end of 2008. She has somewhat been the dark horse in this race, as she has quietly gone about her business, with solid performances in all the slams, whilst picking up many tour titles along the way, demonstrating that she is very much a strong contender for No.1.

Jankovic has undoubtedly got the ability to hold the top spot; the problem is that unlike Maria, Ana and Serena she has not yet got her name on a slam title. This has been her downfall in her young career, but having reached the semi finals in three out of the fours slams and recently got to her first final in this year’s US Open, the Serbian nation and the tennis world are sure that it will not be long until she captures that allusive slam.

Her performances in recent weeks have not just given her a flash red Porsche after winning the Stuttgart Porsche Grand Prix but also given her an edge in the WTA rankings with over a 600 points advantage over nearest rival Serena Williams. And now with Serena pulling out of next week’s Kremlin Cup in Moscow with an ankle injury there is a serious opportunity for Jelena to drive on even further and make the number one spot her own.

By Geoff Berkeley