To break the lengthy draw analysis in two parts I have separated the explanation about what’s at stake for the big boys Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic and what to look for in the early rounds into another post (click here).
If we look at the draw as a whole it’s hard to look beyond Federer as champion. Read more
Posted in Alejandro Falla, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, David Ferrer, Dudi Sela, Ernests Gulbis, Fabio Fognini, Feliciano Lopez, Fernando Verdasco, Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon, Injury, Ivan Dodig, Ivan Ljubicic, Ivo Karlovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner, Juan Martin Del Potro, Juan Monaco, Marcos Baghdatis, Mardy Fish, Milos Raonic, Nicolas Almagro, Nicolas Mahut, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Radek Stepanek, Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Robin Soderling, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Thomaz Bellucci, Tomas Berdych, Viktor Troicki, Wimbledon
Given the recent form of some of the higher ranked players (Berdych I’m looking at you here) and the significant number of highly ranked fatigued (Djokovic, Federer, Nadal) and injured players (Simon, Fish) looking at the first round match ups took longer than it normally does. Recently players like Ivan Dodig, Andreas Seppi, Philipp Kohlschreiber and Janko Tipsarevic have stepped up and played some great tennis on grass and should make for an interesting Wimbledon. Read more
Posted in Andy Murray, Fabio Fognini, Fernando Gonzalez, Fernando Verdasco, Gilles Simon, Injury, Ivan Dodig, Ivan Ljubicic, Ivo Karlovic, Janko Tipsarevic, John Isner, Marin Cilic, Milos Raonic, Nicolas Mahut, Novak Djokovic, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Philipp Petzschner, Radek Stepanek, Rafael Nadal, Robin Haase, Robin Soderling, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Wimbledon
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t’s hard to try and not read too much into some of Rafael Nadal’s recent comments. It doesn’t help that even Iva Ljubicic is saying Nadal’s not hiding the fact that he’s not feeling confident. I’m starting to think Rafa would be a terrible poker player because he’s showing his cards and clearly doesn’t believe in his ability to bluff or win. Read more
Posted in Ivan Ljubicic, Media, Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Roland Garros
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afael Nadal has booked a place in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros after defeating Ivan Ljubicic in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 in today’s fourth round match. Read more
Now before 
you all get seriously concerned I am not suggesting that Rafael Nadal has actually had some sort of traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries of any sort are very serious but it is also the body part or organ that I think is affecting Rafa most at the moment.
Nadal has long been known for his exceptional mental toughness and while he is still more mentally focuses than most other players something seems to have switched. Read more
Posted in Body Watch, Injury, Ivan Ljubicic, John Isner, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros
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van Ljubicic has halted the progress of Fernando Verdasco, beating him 6-3, 7-6, 6-4 and preventing an all Spanish fourth round.
Early in the first set it looked like Verdasco was getting his backside well and truly kicked by veteran player Ljubicic as Ivan served for the first set at 5-1 with a set point in hand. The Spaniard, who has had a less than fabulous year, managed to recover one break and hold serve to see a more respectable 6-3 scoreline once Ivan served it out. Read more
Posted in Fernando Verdasco, Ivan Ljubicic, Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal has surged on in pursuit of a seventh consecutive title in Monte Carlo, defeating Ivan Ljubicic 6-1, 6-3 and setting up a semi final meeting with Andy Murray who has now won three consecutive matches after ending a career worst losing streak.
The opening three games of Nadal’a match with Ljubicic were not particularly high quality as both players struggled to adjust to the gusty conditions. Nadal broke in the opening game. Ljubicic broke back when a cranky Rafa failed to get a first serve. Nadal broke again and from there on it was the Spanish world number one who adjusted better to the conditions, Ivan struggling to control his main weapon – his serve. Read more
Posted in Ana Maria Parera, Andy Murray, Ivan Ljubicic, Monte Carlo, Rafael Nadal, Xisca Perello
Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, has displayed his clay court prowess in Monte Carlo in his opening two games. His opening match, the second round after receiving a first round bye, Nadal blasted past Jarkko Nieminen 6-2, 6-1 in 69 minutes. Next up was Richard Gasquet who was also easily dismantled by Rafa 6-2, 6-4 in just over 90 minutes for Nadals 34th consecutive win at the Monte Carlo club.
Nadal has claimed the Monte Carlo title every year over the last 6 months and now faces Ivan Ljubicic who defeated Tomas Berdych. Read more
Posted in Ivan Ljubicic, Monte Carlo, Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet
Ivan Ljubicic came to Indian Wells hoping for a chance to defend his one and only Masters 1000 title, but today his hopes were snuffed out by the returning Juan Martin del Potro. Del Potro beat Ljubicic 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.
The title defense was always unlikely, the 14th seed injuring his ankle and damaging some cartilage in his right ankle recently. Read more
Posted in Indian Wells, Injury, Ivan Ljubicic, Juan Martin Del Potro
As the seasons first Masters 1000 tournament kicked of players including Ana Ivanovic, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters and Andy Murray joined other top players at the players party. The players seemed in good spirits, Novak posting a photo of Nikolay Davydenko having a great time on Twitter. Read more
