All the latest tennis results, media, injury updates and gossip

Category Archives: Japan Open

Murray Tops Nadal In Japan Final

Posted on October 9, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

Andy Murray has defeated Rafael Nadal in Japan, beating the Spaniard 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 to claim his second title in two weeks and fourth this year.

Nadal was playing his first tournament since the US Open and looking to defend his first title on a hard court while Murray was looking for consecutive titles, having won Bangkok last week. Nadal got off to a quick start with a 4-1 lead after a poor opening service game from Murray. Rafa clung to the lead despite some off shots, using his improved serve to defend Murray’s only chance to break before taking the set 6-3. Read more »

Posted in Andy Murray, Bangkok, Japan Open, Rafael Nadal

>Nadal Claims Toyko Title

Posted on October 10, 2010 by admin| Leave a comment

>

Rafael Nadal has added another trophy to his cabinet for the year, claiming the Japan Open moments ago against Gael Monfils. Nadal won 6-1, 7-5 to claim his 7th title of the season.

Top seed and world number one Nadal followed fifth seed Monfils out onto center court, both players hand in hand with local boys. Nadal looked smart and ready to go as he bounded up to the net, waiting, uncharacteristically, for his flamboyantly dressed opponent to join him for the coin toss.

A beautiful display of ruthless accuracy gave Nadal an early 3-0 lead. After a love service game to get on the board at 3-1, Monfils took a nasty stumble and stayed on the ground for some time. He appeared to be OK and moved tentatively for a few points before he started moving properly.

Nadal’s forehand was brutal as the Spaniard used his depth and power to dictate play and gain a handy double break for a 5-1 lead. Some incredible rallies pushing both players around the court gave Monfils a ray of hope at 0-30 to try and recover one service break. However, any hope of delaying the second set was quickly snuffed out by Rafa.

With the second set level at one all, the Frenchman started using some of his famous acrobatics, leaping into the air to thump away a volley. At 2-2 Gael hopped as he tried to put a drop shot just out of Nadal’s reach, but the jump did little to disguise the shot which dropped well inside Rafa’s grasp.

Monfils managed to stay in front despite Nadal using his forehand to open the court and keep the pressure on the Frenchman who felt the need to throw himself across the court to try and reach a  volley. Two points later as Nadal went to put a smash away, Monfils made a suicide run to the net (possibly to try and put Nadal off) only to have to leap into the air again to avoid being hit by the ball, much to both players and the crowds amusement.

Huge serves kept Monfils ahead at 5-4 before he required treatment to a graze from his earlier dive. He also had his elbow and should checked. The world number one, undeterred, held his next service game comfortably before proceeding to break Monfils and serve the match out.

Posted in Gael Monfils, Japan Open, Rafael Nadal

>Seeds Struggle In Toyko: Nadal Survives, Roddick Falls

Posted on October 9, 2010 by admin| Leave a comment

>

The China Open has produced some interesting results. First Andy Murray went down in straight sets against Ivan Ljubicic, then Roddick lost to Gael Monfils and now world number 1 Rafael Nadal has narrowly survived a third set tie break against Viktor Troicki in the first men’s semi final.

Roddick battled Monfils in their quarterfinal match up and struggled against the  flamboyant shot making abilities of the Frenchman. When in form Monfils is a force to be reckoned with, however, often his showy style can create some trouble for him, even if only in terms of injuries. Monfils eventually took the encounter 7-6, 4-6, 7-6.

The aggressive play from the Frenchman forced Roddick to try and come to the net to try and end points earlier. Monfils managed to grab the final tie break by showing how gutsy a player can be, throwing lobs, drop shots and a series of volleys at Roddick, keeping the America off balance.

Monfils then went on to beat Radek Stepanek in the semifinals. He will now play Nadal for the title.

After the match Monfils said he was happy with his recent level of play “It was a great match, it was fun, the type of match you want to play. We both played great tennis. I came to the net more often than usual and it was a good idea. I also had to focus a lot on my return of serve. We have always had tough matches.”

After having 26 break point chances in the semifinal in Thailand and failing to win, Rafael Nadal was making no mistake in his next  semi. 

After cruising against Dmitry Tursunov in the quarters, the Spanish golden child was forced to work hard for his spot in the finals by Troicki, eventually winning 7-6, 4-6 7-6 in a tightly fought tiebreak. Troicki served extremely well, producing 26 aces throughout the match and forcing the world number one to defend two match points.

Nadal, who is not known for his service prowess despite recent improvements, produced 18 aces of his own, racing ahead to a 5-3 lead in the third set. The Spaniard walks into the final with a 6-1 head to head lead.

Posted in Andy Roddick, Dmitry Tursunov, Gael Monfils, Ivan Ljubicic, Japan Open, Rafael Nadal, Viktor Troicki