Nadal Commences Training For US Open

Rafael Nadal has started his hard court training in Manacor, Spain. Nadal says that after receiving PRP treatment on both knees he was unable to train for two and a half weeks and is still feelings some pain as he trains. He is due to have another treatment at the end of the year.

Murray Splits From Coach

Just after Roger Federer announced he was spending time with Paul Annacone, Andy Murray has announced that he has parted ways with his coach of almost three years Miles Maclagan. Miles, with Jez Green and Andy Irons, played a huge role in the development of Andy and his positioning in the rankings. Over the last three years Maclagan has facilitated not only the physical and tactical development but also the mental maturation of Andy that has seen him improve dramatically as a player.

As has always been the way in camp Murray, Andy his fired his coach when the times have gotten hard. This season since his poor showing in the Australian Open final against Federer, Andy has struggled to string many consecutive matches together and failed to produce any significant, or high quality, results.

For his part Murray has acknowledged Miles' impact, helping him make two Grand Slams finals and two Wimbledon semifinals as well as reaching a career high ranking of number two. “I’ve had a great relationship with Miles over the past 2½ years and I want to thank him for his positive contribution to my career. We have had a lot of fun and success working together.”

The statement released on Murray's website indicated that the split, that people have been talking about for some months, is amicable. It is unfortunate timing for Maclagan who was rumoured to be a favourite to take over the Davis Cup coaching position but he has since missed out because of his firm ties to Murray. Maclagan has been struggling with a back injury for many months now and has had difficultly physically participating in training sessions.

Murray is next scheduled to play in LA and has flown without a coach. It's an interesting move for a player who's best chance of a Grand Slam is in New York.

Murray had also been working with Spaniard Alex Corretja for insight for the clay court season. Alex was on a series of 12 week contracts with Murray and has also reportedly flown home because he doesn't want to work with Murray full-time. Corretja has been spending time with Murray since May 2008 intermittently.

The news comes just after Andy completed his Florida training. The rumour mills indicate that Alex will work with Murray until after the US Open at which point his management company has said he will review the situation. “Andy is completely focused on the U.S. hardcourt season and he will review the situation after the U.S. Open.”

Miles also released a statement which made the split sound as amicable as these things can be. “It’s been a privilege to work with Andy and I’m happy to have played my part in his career. I also want to thank the team for all their hard work over the years and I will miss working with them and Andy on a day-to-day basis. Andy is a great player and I know he will continue to have the success his talent and hard work deserves.” 

A likely replacement would be Daren Cahill who is part of the Adidas player development program. Murray will now have access to him, Gil Reyes and Andre Agassi since signing with Adidas this year.

Verdasco And Nadal Enjoy The High Life

Rafael Nadal has been spotted enjoying last years birthday present, a jet ski, with his family including Uncle Toni and his young cousins who clutched to his back as he raced around the water after putting life jackets on the young boys.

Nadal has been seen all over the Balearic Islands enjoying his time off after flying back to Spain from South Africa where he went to the World Cup finals. Rafa, who won the French Open and Wimbledon a few weeks ago, has received PRP treatment on his knees (see Physio Perspective tab) to help him in his long running battle with tendinitis.

Last week we brought you photos of Rafa and friends enjoying the beach in Formentera. The current world number one was scheduled to be commencing on Thursday last week ahead of the tournaments leading up to the US Open which starts at the end of August.


On the other side of the world fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco Tweeted photos of himself enjoying the practice courts in Las Vegas. Verdasco has been working with the Adidas development squad, most significantly Gil Reyes and Andre Agassi in an attempt to climb higher up the rankings. Since he started working with the Reyes/Agassi duo, Verdasco has seen an enormous improvement in his results, consistency in play, and his ability to challenge the top players.

Verdasco also Tweeted photos of himself pool side after training.

Images from Vamos Brigade and Twitter

Federer Asks Paul Annacone For Help

After an extensive period without any consistent coaching, Roger Federer has decided to look for help and has turned to Pete Sampras and Marat Safin's former coach Paul Annacone. Hilariously tennis media is saying Federer is in 'decline' because he is ranked a lowly 3 in the world. Despite it being Federer's lowest ranking since 2003, number 3 is hardly a crisis.

In 2008 and early 2009 the media talked extensively about the slow end of Federer's career before the Swiss star promptly found himself back at the top. While it would seem that Federer's game and focus good use a helping hand I think we should all wait a little longer before we say that Fed is truly in decline. Sure it is likely given his age and the fact he's been pegged by a lot of younger players that it is indicative of the end of Federer's significant dominance but the end of his winning ways... I don't know.

Let's wait and see if Annacone and Federer end up working together first. Last time Fed went  coach hunting Daren Cahill turned him down because he didn't want to travel full time.


Dear Fans

I've been looking to add someone to my team and I've decided to spend some days with Paul Annacone. As Paul winds down his responsibilities working for the Lawn Tennis Association, we will explore our relationship through this test period. Paul will work alongside my existing team and I am excited to learn from his experiences.

See you soon

Roger

Mardy Fish Claims Atlanta Title

Mardy Fish has showed his good form once again by defeating John Isner in a tightly fought three set final in Atlanta, winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-6. It as the first set Fish lost all tournament.

It is another impressive result for Fish who has made three finals in his last four tournaments, winning Newport two weeks ago and being runner up at Queens before Wimbledon.

Fish claimed 250 points and nearly $100,000 dollars for the win.


"This is as top as I’ve ever been,. I’ve never won two tournaments in one year, I’ve never won two tournaments in a row, and on the ATP Tour, I’ve never won 10 matches in a row. It’s probably as good as it’s been... It was a little lucky to pull through.Today was an extremely physical match just with the heat. He’s no fun to play, that’s for sure. He gives a lot of people a lot of trouble."

In reference to his recent good form after significant training Mardy said "It feels great, obviously putting in the work. This is what we wanted to do. This is where we wanted to be. These are the types of matches we targeting in October when we were rehabbing the knee. It feels like a long time ago. It feels great."


John Isner has also had some great results this season as well as participating in the longest ever match at Wimbledon. "I’ve made four finals this past year and I’ve lost my last three all in three sets. That’s hard to swallow, but it hasn’t stopped me from progressing. I know if I keep putting myself in this position it’s going to happen, and I know I will keep putting myself in this position."

Fish Downs Roddick In Atlanta Semi

Mardy Fish has proven his form, making his third final in four tournament by beating good friend Andy Roddick. Fish, who has reportedly shed nearly 15 kg, has played well this year as he has returned after having knee surgery. Mardy defeated Roddick 7-6, 6-3 despite serving a dismal 40% of first serves in. "It's not something I try to do, but when I beat Federer at Indian Wells I only served at 35 percent."

Fish credits his weight loss for his improved form and ability to train. "You’d be amazed by taking away 30 pounds how much harder you can go. I can work and train harder. It's one of the best wins I’ve had... It's tough to beat a great friend… He said to me at the net: ‘I know how hard you’ve worked, so enjoy it.'... I’ve put away a lot of things I enjoy."

Federer Twins Turn One

Just over a year after a heavy pregnant Mirka Federer sat court-side at Wimbledon, watching he man play a five set final to claim his 6th Wimbledon title and break Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles, their twins, which nobody knew they were expecting, have turned one.

Just before their first birthday the girls enjoyed time with mum and dad on a luxury yacht in Corsica before returning to Switzerland to celebrate their birthday.

Federer released this statement and photo via his Facebook page.


We are celebrating Charlene Riva and Myla Rose's first birthday today!
We are currently staying in Switzerland and are having a great time
together. We will be enjoying a birthday party later today which will
certainly be a treat for our two little ones.

We would like to thank all fans and friends for your gifts, cards and
nice words for Charlene and Myla. We are very grateful to receive all
your support.

All the best and see you soon

Roger and Mirka

Juan Martin Del Potro Talks About Injury

With all the recent talk surrounding Juan Martin's injury progress since he had surgery on his wrist in May. He had originally announced he would miss the US Open, and as a result wouldn't get the chance to defend his first Grand Slam title. Recently rumouors have been circulating that JMDP had not only started practicing but that he would also managed to play the US Open which starts at the end of August.

The towering Argentine has confirmed over Twitter that he has, in fact, not started practicing and is still not sure about when he plans to return to the sport.

"I haven't picked up a racquet yet so I can't tell an exact date. When I know I'll tell you the news here. I'm improving, that's a good thing." - JMDP

Jankovic Injured Again

Jelena Jankovic has been forced to retire from the Slovenia Open on Thursday after hurting her ankle while playing Anastasiya Yakimova. Jankovic was leading comfortably 6-1, 2-1 when she stepped awkwardly and rolled her ankle.

Jankovic continued to play but lost the second set 3-6. When she lost the first game of the third set she retired from the match.

Jelena retirement history is not favourable with numerous last minute withdrawals and retirements. She has been criticized for frequently citing illness of some sort of physical problem when she loses matches that should be straightforward. She also recently retired with a back injury from the fourth round of Wimbledon.

Del Potro Possible USO Title Defense

Juan Martin del Potro is looking increasingly likely to attempt a defense of his US Open title. Juan Martin has not played since the Australian Open and as a result has slipped to number 7 in the rankings, and will fall well outside the top ten if he doesn't do well in New York. Since having surgery on his wrist earlier this year the Argentine has apparently been doing better than expected.

USTA spokesman Tim Curry has said that the reigning US Open champion has started hitting balls and "is expected to return to Grand Slam competition" in NYC. Even Juan Martin's agent Ugo Colombini is optimistic that we may finally see his charge playing again, saying "Del Potro is working and hopefully he will be back soon."

It would be a shame to see him unable to attempt a defense on his maiden Grand Slam title. Even if he doesn't play in New York he has been scheduled to play th Thailand Open 27th September.


"I am looking forward to playing the PTT Thailand Open on my return from injury. I really enjoyed myself on my last visit to Bangkok and hope for good results at this years tournament." - JMDP

Meet Feliciano's New Lady

According to Hola! Magazine Feliciano Lopez has a new girlfriend in the wake of news that his former girlfriend Maria Jose Suarez is no longer pregnant. The photos posted by Hola! show that not only does Feli own some seriously short shorts, but that he was also seen walking on the beach with the mystery lady in Marbella, Spain.

Apparently the two were seen kissing court-side, at the solarium and at the beach. Feliciano recently said to media that he was 'hurt' by the loss of the child.

Top Players Enjoy Beach Getaways

Three of the worlds top four male tennis players have been enjoying beach getaways. Just yesterday we brought you photos of Rafael Nadal enjoying some fun in the sun, posing for photos with fans and playing golf with his trusty girlfriend watching his every move. Before that there was Roger Federer enjoying a huge yacht with his family in Corsica, and before that Feli Lopez and Fernando Verdasco continuing their bro-mance in Ibiza.... Now it's Andy Murray's turn.

Normally this time of year Murray is in Miami doing the hard yards in the gym and on the fitness tracks. Instead he was seen with girlfriend Kim Sears in the Bahamas apparently ahead of his Miami training. Hilariously after he was rumoured to have been dumped by Miss Sears last year for spending too much time playing video games, he continued to do so pool-side while she wandered around the pool and rubbed sunscreen into his back. Another perfect exhibit of a tennis star's girlfriend being scarily attentive.

Now the only question that remains is... Which beach is Novak on?

Ivanovic Snubbed

Ana Ivanovic won the Rogers Cup tournament four years ago but her recent poor form hasn't impressed anyone. She has been denied a wild card into the Canadian event. Tournament director Eugene Lapierre has said that Ivanovic will have to go through qualifiers to get a position in the main draw.

After losing the first round of Wimbledon, Ivanovic's ranking has plummeted from 45 to 64. Instead the wild card went to Stéphanie Dubois the Canadian number two. It is an interesting decision given that Serena Williams and Justine Henin, two big draw cards have been forced to withdraw with injury. That leaves Kim Clijsters and Venus Williams as the biggest names - Williams also recently struggling with her form. Dinara Safina and Jelena Jankovic are also likely to play but both have had issues with injuries and one would've thought the tournament could use a little help from Ivanovic, but they have to be applauded for giving their juniors a chance, which is exactly what the wild card are for, not sparking the careers of fallen stars.

"The way I analyzed it was that, yes, she's a player who has done a lot for our tournament -almost saved it one year. She has a lot of charisma. Everyone likes her. But the fact is that she hasn't demonstrated  that she deserves a wild card. It's not the same as a player who has been injured and away for a while. ... She is the one who dropped down to No. 65, not because of an injury."