DOHA
Gael Monfils stunned Rafael Nadal for the first time in career wit 6-4 6-4 win in 1 hour and 29 minutes. The Frenchman in the three previous meetings against current No. 1 in the world, wasn’t even able to win 4 games in a set.
“I had an almost perfect start to the match and I played well on most points,” Monfils said. “I didn’t allow him to settle down.”
Roger Federer has extended his streak of consecutive winning sets in Doha to 26 (Federer won the Qatar Open in years 2005-06 but didn’t play there in the next two editions) but was very close to lose finally a set. After comfortable lead 6-2 4:1 against Philipp Kohlschreiber, Federer lost the momentum and found himself 1:5 down in the tie-break – Kohlschreiber who was playing amazingly to that point, made an easy backhand error and allowed Federer back into the match. Federer saved three set points in a row (two on return) and booked his place in the semifinal where he meets Andy Murray. Scottish No. 1 enjoyed a smooth passage over Sergey Stakhovsky 6-4 6-2 – Murray beat Stakhovsky after identical scoreline 5 years ago in the final of junior US Open.
BRISBANE
Spanish hero from last year’s Davis Cup final (won decisive rubber against Argentina), Fernando Verdasco continues his run to reach Top 10. Verdasco (currently No. 15) needed three sets to overcome Florent Serra 4-6 6-0 6-3. At 2:2 in the third set, Verdasco saved break point with brilliant forehand lob, serving for the match at 5:3 saved another break point with astonishing backhand half-volley.
“I think the Davis Cup will be in my mind all my life,” he said. “For example when I was playing today and when it was the tough moments I was thinking ‘I can come back – I came back in the Davis Cup, why can’t I come back today?”.
Either from set down came back Radek Stepanek and Richard Gasquet, both after very similar matches – lost first set easily, were two games away from defeat in the second, only to win the third set almost as easily as they lost the first one.
CHENNAI
Former No. 5 in the world, German Rainer Schuettler, exactly one year ago was ranked No. 99 but since last year’s Wimbledon has been on the road to go back to Top 30. In the quarterfinal Schuettler beat fellow German Bjorn Phau 6-2 7-5 despite a deficit of two breaks in the second set.
A two-time U.S. collegiate champion, Somdev Devvarman has notched the biggest success in his short career beating 7-6 6-4 Ivo Karlovic. Devvarman broke Karlovic’s serve once, in the final game of the match thanks to 4 unforced errors of the Croat, the Indian added one great passing-shot in that game. 23 year-old Devverman plays just 5th ATP tournament.
Doha – Quarterfinals
(5)(WC)Gael Monfils (FRA) d. (1)Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-4 6-4
(4)Andy Roddick (USA) d. Victor Hanescu 6-3 6-2
(3)Andy Murray (GBR) d. Sergey Stakhovsky (UKR) 6-4 6-2
(2)Roger Federer (SUI) d. (8)Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-2 7-6(6)
Brisbane – Quarterfinals
Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) d. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 6-3 6-4
(3)Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. Florent Serra (FRA) 4-6 6-0 6-3
(8)Radek Stepanek (CZE) vs (4)Robin Soderling (SWE) 2-6 6-4 6-3
(7)Richard Gasquet (FRA) vs (2)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 1-6 6-4 6-2
Chennai – Quarterfinals
(8)Marcel Granollers (ESP) d. (WC)Lukas Dlouhy (CZE) 7-5 2-6 6-4
(3)Marin Cilic (CRO) d. (7)Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) 6-4 0-6 6-4
(WC)Somdev K. Dev Varman (IND) d. (4)Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 7-6(4) 6-4
(5)Rainer Schuettler (GER) d. Bjorn Phau (GER) 6-2 7-5
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2nd round results of Doha, Brisbane, Chennai
DOHA
Top 3 seeded players, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray won their second round matches without any troubles. Nadal and Federer lost only 2 games more than in the first round, Murray defeated Philipp Petzschner after identical scoreline like in the first round against Montanes – 6-2 6-4.
“Yesterday, I played good and today also I played good” said Nadal. “It was a little difficult out there because he is a tough, steady player” said Federer. “He was unpredictable at the start, but I managed to get ahead and keep my momentum and that always helps” said Murray.
Sergey Stakhovsky of Ukraine, has reached first ATP quarter final since surprising triumph in Zagreb (February) last year, beating Austrian qualifier Alexander Peya. In the only three-set battle of the second round, Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Kristof Vliegen 6-4 6-7 6-4. Vliegen was two points away from defeat in the second set and was leading 4:3 in the decider but the last three game of the match won the German.
BRISBANE
The second round was dominated by the French players, four of them (out of six who were playing) advanced to the quarterfinals. In the most exiting match, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga overcame Jarkko Nieminen 0-6 7-6 7-6 despite losing 9 out of the 10 first games of the match. Nieminen had also his chances in the final set, 5:4 (deuce), 4:3 in the tie-break with a mini-break. Both players won 98 points, Tsonga also last year won one match after losing the first set 0-6, in Hamburg against Nicolas Mahut. “Jarkko played very well at the beginning. For me it was tough. He hit the ball very hard – it is difficult when he plays like that” – said Tsonga. Djokovic’s conqueror, Ernests Gulbis celebrated only one day his biggest win. Against Paul-Henri Mathieu, young Gulbis wasn’t able to notch just one break of serve and lost 3-6 4-6.
CHENNAI
Second round matches in Indie were postponed due to rain from Wednsday to Thursday. Nikolay Davydenko pulled out of the tournament because of a heel injury. The fifth-ranked Russian will miss Australian Open .”Here in Chennai, I just couldn’t do anything when I woke up today after playing my first match yesterday,” said Davydenko. The payee of Davydenko’s withdrawal, Lukas Dlouhy will play in the quarterfinal of an ATP tournament for the first time. Local favorite, 23 year-old Somdev Dev Varman has reached second quartefinal in career after upseting 4-6 7-5 6-4 the two-times Chennai titelist – Carlos Moya.
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Doha – Second Round
(1)Rafael Nadal (ESP) d.(q)Karol Beck (SVK) 6-1 6-2
(5)(WC)Gael Monfils (FRA) d. Nicolas Devilder (FRA) 7-5 7-6(4)
(4)Andy Roddick (USA) d. (WC)Arnaud Clement (FRA) 6-3 7-5
Victor Hanescu (ROU) d. Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 6-2 6-4
Sergey Stakhovsky (UKR) d. (q)Alexander Peya (AUT) 7-5 6-3
(3)Andy Murray (GBR) d. Philipp Petzschner (GER) 6-2 6-4
(8)Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) d. Kristof Vliegen 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4
(2)Roger Federer (SUI) d. Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-3 6-3
Brisbane – Second Round
Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) d. Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 6-3 6-4
Kei Nishikori (JPN) d. (5)Tomas Berdych (CZE) 7-6(7) 6-3
(3)Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. Mario Ancic (CRO) 6-2 6-3
Florent Serra (FRA) d. Jurgen Melzer (AUT) 6-4 6-3
(8)Radek Stepanek (CZE) d. Michael Llodra (FRA) 7-6(2) 6-3
(4)Robin Soderling (SWE) d. Julien Benneteau (FRA) 6-3 6-3
(7)Richard Gasquet (FRA) d. (PR)Taylor Dent (USA) 7-5 6-4
(2)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) d. Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) 0-6 7-6(1) 7-6(5)
Chennai – Second Round
(WC)Lukas Dlouhy (CZE) d. (1)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) w/o
(8)Marcel Granollers (ESP) d. Andreas Beck (GER) 6-4 6-1
(3)Marin Cilic (CRO) d. Denis Istomin (UZB) 6-0 6-4
(7)Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) d. Dudi Sela (ISR) 7-6(3) 6-4
(WC)Somdev K. Dev Varman (IND) d. (6)Carlos Moya (ESP) 4-6 7-5 6-4
(4)Ivo Karlovic (CRO) d. Ivo Minar (CZE) 6-1 6-4
(5)Rainer Schuettler (GER) d. Simon Greul (GER) 6-4 6-2
Bjorn Phau (GER) d. (q)Flavio Cipolla (ITA) 6-1 6-2
Voo de Mar's Round Up Of Doha, Brisbane and Chennai
DOHA
Three out of four best players in the world (Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray) arrived to Doha just after an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi where Murray (No. 4) beat Federer in the semis and Nadal in the final (in Doha this scenario can be repeated because Murray and Federer are in the same, bottom half of the draw). All three players won their first round matches very easily: Nadal dropped just one game against Fabrice Santoro who begins his 20th (!) and last season in the professional career; Federer lost 4 games to Potito Starace and defending champion, Andy Murray two more games against Albert Montanes.
Slovakian qualifier Karol Beck who was suspended for almost two years by taking clenbuterol, has won first ATP match since October 2005. Beck defeated 4-6 6-4 7-5 Michal Przysiezny of Poland being two points away from defeat at 4:5 in the third set on return. Also two points away from defeat was Belgian Kristof Vliegen but managed to win five consecutive points in a final tie-break against Oscar Hernandez.
First Round
(1)Rafael Nadal (ESP) d. Fabrice Santoro (FRA) 6-0 6-1
(q)Karol Beck (SVK) d. Michal Przysiezny (POL) 4-6 6-4 7-5
Nicolas Devilder (FRA) d. (WC)Abdulla Hajji (QAT) 6-0 6-3
(5)(WC)Gael Monfils (FRA) d. Jan Hernych (CZE) 6-2 6-2
(4)Andy Roddick (USA) d. Ivan Navarro-Pastor (ESP) 6-1 6-3
(WC)Arnaud Clement (FRA) d. Diego Junqueira (ARG) 6-1 6-2
Victor Hanescu (ROU) d. Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-4 6-2
Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) d. (6)Igor Andreev (RUS) 4-6 6-3 6-4
(q)Alexander Peya (AUT) d. (7)Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) 2-6 6-3 6-4
Sergey Stakhovsky (UKR) d. Christophe Rochus (BEL) 2-6 6-3 7-6(3)
Philipp Petzschner (GER) d. Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 7-6(2) 6-3
(3)Andy Murray (GBR) d. Albert Montanes (ESP) 6-2 6-4
(8)Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) d. (q)Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) 6-4 6-3
Kristof Vliegen (BEL) d. Oscar Hernandez (ESP) 6-1 6-7(4) 7-6(5)
Andreas Seppi (ITA) d. Denis Gremelmayr (GER) 6-4 6-2
(2)Roger Federer (SUI) d. Potito Starace (ITA) 6-2 6-2
BRISBANE
The tournament has been moved from Adelaide to Brisbane and joined with the woman’s tournament. Ernests Gulbis made the biggest upset defeating 6-4 6-4 Novawk Djokovic. 20 year-old Gulbis broke Djokovic’s serve in the 5th game of the first set and held his serve to the end. The second set began with four breaks of serve. At 4:4 Djokovic lost his serve for the third time in this set, and Gulbis finished the match in the following game with an ace. “I’m not panicking. I’m not seriously a big doubt. The Australian Open is my highest goal for this part of the year” said Djokovic after losing an opportunity to overtake Federer in the ATP ranking this week.
American Taylor Dent has won first ATP match since February 2006. Dent, currently No. 865, didn’t play almost 2.5 years due to the recurring back and groin problems.
In the first all-tie-break match of this year, Mario Ancic edged past Amer Delic 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(6) after 2 hours 52 minutes with no break of serve. Ancic was two points away from closing out the match in two sets but in the third set he found himself in the reverse situation. Delic on three different occasions (5:4 deuce, 5:5 and 6:6 in the tie-break) was two points away from reaching second round but finally the Croat held his nerve and won for the first time in career a match composed of 3 tie-break sets. Ancic was better in aces (23-21) too.
First Round
Ernests Gulbis (LAT) d. (1)Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-4 6-4
Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) d. (q)Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 6-3 6-3
Kei Nishikori (JPN) d. (q)Bobby Reynolds (USA) 6-3 6-2
(5)Tomas Berdych (CZE) d. (WC)Brydan Klein (AUS) 6-0 6-4
(3)Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. (WC)Bernard Tomic (AUS) 6-4 6-2
Mario Ancic (CRO) d. (q)Amer Delic (USA) 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(6)
Florent Serra (FRA) d. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) 6-3 7-6(3)
Jurgen Melzer (AUT) d. (6)Mardy Fish (USA) 6-4 4-6 7-6(4)
(8)Radek Stepanek (CZE) d. Igor Kunitsyn (RUS) 6-2 6-2
Michael Llodra (FRA) d. (q)Joseph Sirianni (AUS) 5-7 7-6(3) 6-2
Julien Benneteau (FRA) d. Robby Ginepri (USA) 3-6 6-3 7-5
(4)Robin Soderling (SWE) d. Samuel Querrey (USA) 6-3 6-3
(7)Richard Gasquet (FRA) d. Marc Gicquel (FRA) 4-6 6-2 6-2
(PR)Taylor Dent (USA) d. Steve Darcis (BEL) 7-6(0) 6-2
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) d. (WC)Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 5-7 6-1 6-4
(2)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) d. Agustin Calleri (ARG) 6-2 7-5
CHENNAI
Nikolay Davydenko as only Top 10 player arrived to India, and won his first match in Chennai Open convincingly 6-2 6-3 over Daniel Kollerer. In the most dramatic match of the first round, Dudi Sela eliminated Ruben Ramirez-Hidalgo despite 4-6 4:5 (0-40) on return. Ramirez-Hidalgo was one out of 7 Spaniards who entered the draw, only two of them have won first round matches, Marcel Granollers and Carlos Moya. Two-time champion (2004-05), Moya was pushed to play a tie-break of the second set in a match against Danai Udomchoke. Moya in the second raound will take on local favorite Somdev K. Dev Varman who posted third ATP win in career but first in straight sets.
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First Round
(1)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) d. Daniel Kollerer (AUT) 6-2 6-3
(WC)Lukas Dlouhy (CZE) d. Go Soeda (JPN) 3-6 6-2 6-4
Andreas Beck (GER) d. Roko Karanusic (CRO) 6-1 6-0
(8)Marcel Granollers (ESP) vs Hyung-Taik Lee (KOR) 6-4 7-5
(3)Marin Cilic (CRO) d. Alberto Martin (ESP) 6-4 6-4
Denis Istomin (UZB) d. (q)Rohan Bopanna (IND) 6-4 7-6(3)
Dudi Sela (ISR) d. Ruben Ramirez-Hidalgo (ESP) 4-6 7-6(3) 6-1 – 4 M.P.
(7)Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) d. Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-3 6-2
(6)Carlos Moya (ESP) d. (q)Danai Udomchoke (THA) 6-3 7-6(4)
(WC)Somdev K. Dev Varman (IND) d. Kevin Kim (USA) 6-3 6-3
Ivo Minar (CZE) d. Wayne Odesnik (USA) 6-3 6-0
(4)Ivo Karlovic (CRO) d. (q)Rajeev Ram (USA) 6-4 6-3
(5)Rainer Schuettler (GER) d. (WC)Prakash Amritraj (IND) 6-2 4-6 6-1
Simon Greul (GER) d. Daniel Gimeno (ESP) 6-3 6-4
Bjorn Phau (GER) d. Santiago Ventura (ESP) 6-2 7-5
(q)Flavio Cipolla (ITA) d. (2)Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 6-4 6-1
Spain Wins Davis Cup At Expense of Argentina
Argentina was a clear favorite before the Davis Cup final against Spain, because of many reasons. First of all, Spanish No. 1 in the world, Rafael Nadal had to withdraw from the final due to injury, moreover the two best currently Argentinian players, David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro had been very successful autumn, playing indoor tournaments (Davis Cup final in 2008, was also played indoor, in Mar del Plata), finally Argentina hasn’t lost on the home soil for 10 years.
In the first rubber on Friday, as anticipated, David Nalbandian without problems overcame 6-3 6-2 6-3 David Ferrer who has been out of form for a few months. Nalbandian lost his serve twice but from first to the last point of the match dictating the conditions on the court. “I don’t think it was one of my best matches, but I played very well” said Nalbandian.
Feliciano Lopez leveled the tie, after 4-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 win over Juan Martin del Potro. The young Argentinian served 25 aces (the most in career so far), didn’t lose a service game in the first three sets but couldn’t prevail in the tie-breaks which lost 2-7 and 4-7, despite 4:2 up in the second one. Lopez has won 12 tie-breaks in a row, and it’s the best result this year (Andy Roddick is a record holder in this category, since last year with 18 cosecutive wins in the tie-breaks). “When I won the second tiebreak, I had a great injection of hope,” said Lopez. “In the last set, he didn’t look 100 per cent fit” – at 2:3 down in the fourth set, Del Potro started to stagger because of a strain in his thigh. After medical time-out lost his serve and it was crucial point not only for that match but for the whole Davis Cup final.
Argentinian doubles is the weakest link in the team, but David Nalbanian and Agustin Calleri were very close on Satrurday to lead 2-1 in sets against duo Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco who are very experienced in tigh Davis Cup matches, and are dangerous for the best doubles teams in the world. At 1-1 in sets, the Spaniards had wasted set point on Verdasco’s serve at 5:1, and later found themselves at 1:5 down in the tie-break! Nalbandian served a double fault in that moment, began to argue with the chair umpire, and completely lost the concetration. The Spaniards won another 5 points what gave them the set and the fourth set easily, albeit they wasted double match point on Verdasco’s serve in the 7th game. Final score: 5-7 7-5 7-6 6-3 for the left-handed Spaniards.
In the first rubber on Sunday, team captains, Alberto Mancini (Argentina) and Emilio Sanchez (Spain) decided to change nominal players. Jose Acasuso had to replace injured Juan Martin del Potro and Fernando Verdasco replaced David Ferrer.
“When Ferrer found out he was not playing, he took it well,” said Sanchez. “He immediately offered his support to Fernando which helped him come out on court.”
It was just second encounter of these two players but first indoor. After dropping the first set 3-6, Acasuso won second and third set, despite losing his service games twice in both sets, to give the hope for the loud Argentinian spctators. Unfortunately for them, “Chucho” lost his serve at 2:3 down in the fourth set. In the next game the Argentinian had double break point but wasted chances, his last in the match. After the end of the fourth set, Acasuso took a medical time-out because of abdominal strain. Fifth set was one-sided, Verdasco quickly raced to a 4:0 lead and converted third match point with his best stroke – forehand down the line to win almost four-hour match 6-3 6-7 4-6 6-3 6-1.
“I was more relaxed after the fourth set,” said Verdasco who fulfilled his childhood dream of winning Davis Cup for Spain. “I understood we needed tactics to win the match and I realised that he was tired so I took advantage of making him run.”
Acasuso as the first player in history has lost twice decisive rubber in Davis Cup final, two years ago he was beaten by Marat Safin the the fifth rubber of the final between Russian and Argentina in Moscow. In turn, Fernando Verdasco has been 25th player in the Open Era who won decisive rubber in Davis Cup final, only four players have won that final match twice (Stan Smith, John McEnroe, Pat Cash and Mark Phiippoussis).
Spain has won Davis Cup for the third time in six final appearances (lost finals in 1965, 1967 and 2003, losing to Australia on all three occasions), has triumphed every four years with different squad in the finals on each occasion since lifting the trophy for the first time in 2000 with victory on clay in Barcelona over Australia (Juan Carlos Ferrero, Albert Costa played in singles, Alex Corretja, Juan Balcells in doubles); it defeated the USA on its favored clay in Seville in 2004 (Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya in singles, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Tommy Robredo in doubles). In 2008 beside Ferrer, Verdasco and Lopez, Marcel Granollers (a substitute of Nadal) was the fourth member of the winning team.
Spain d. Argentina 3-1 at Mar del Plata, Argentina: Hard (Indoor)
David Ferrer (ESP) l. David Nalbandian (ARG) 3-6 2-6 3-6
Feliciano Lopez (ESP) d. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 4-6 7-6(2) 7-6(4) 6-3
Feliciano Lopez/Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. Agustin Calleri/David Nalbandian (ARG) 5-7 7-5 7-6(5) 6-3
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. Jose Acasuso (ARG) 6-3 6-7(3) 4-6 6-3 6-1
Feliciano Lopez (ESP) vs. David Nalbandian (ARG) Not Played
Novak Djokovic Takes Home Shanghai Crown
Final
In the final met two players who had played against each other in the group stage. On Tuesaday Novak Djokovic had defeated Nikolay Davydenko 7-6 0-6 7-5, five days later the Serb won much more easier, beating the Russian 6-1 7-5 to notch his first Masters Cup title (for the sixth time in the last 10 years in Masters Cup, two players met twice within one week, and for the third time in that period, one of them won both meetings, previously Roger Federer beat Andre Agassi twice in 2003). Djokovic won the first five games of the final and was two points away from taking the first set 6-0. In the second set Djokovic was close to gain a double break lead at 3:1. At 3:5 Davydenko saved double match point and in the next game broke opponent’s serve for the first time in the match after Djokovic’s double fault. Djokovic found himself in a very similar situation the day before playing against Simon and again didn’t panic in tense situation.
“It’s not easy, you know,” Djokovic said about that moment.
“There is a lot of pressure involved. It’s very important after not closing out the match to hold your nerves, and that’s what I did.”
In the 11th game Davydenko lost his serve netted a forehand on break-point. Djokovic didn’t waste second chance to close out the match and converted third match point with service winner. 21-year-old Djokovic obtained $625,000, Mercedes SUV and finished the season just two points behind No. 2 Roger Federer in the Champions Race.
“The secrets of the recovery, I think I’m going to keep more myself,” said Djokovic about his tight match against Simon and quick recovery. “But, yes, I was surprised in a way that I could move so well on the court today. I was a bit skeptical after a long match yesterday and a late finish.”
(2)Novak Djokovic (SRB) d. (4)Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 7-5
Semifinals
Gilles Simon won first encounter against Novak Djokovic, earlier this year in Marseille and started very well their semifinal in Shanghai. Simon broke Djokovic’s serve in the 3rd game and held his serve to the end of the set (could have won first set one game earlier but wasted 4 setpoints at 5:3). From the beginning of the second set, Djokovic was playing much more better, athough broke Simon’s serve just once – it was enough to level at one set a piece. In the third set Djokovic was 3:1 (40-0) up on Simon’s serve when felt pain in the left calf. Simon saved triple break point, won fifth game, and Djokovic took a medical time-out. After that Djokovic had been struggling with his baseline game but won reliably two service games and was serving for match at 5:4 – Simon ribroke after Djokovic’s double fault. In the next game at 30-30 Djokovic played good combination at the net with volley winner and it was decisive moment of the match. The Serb converted his second chance to close out the match which lasted 2 hours 51 minutes.
“Final is something special,” said Djokovic. “Every player has a motive more to do well and to win the title. I didn’t win a title for a long time already, since Rome, so I would like to end up my season in a good way.”
Murray’s game in the second semifinal, was infected by the marathon match against Roger Federer the day before. The Scot was even 4:3 (30-0) in the first set against Nikolay Davydenko but his physical tiredness was very visible. Davydenko won 7-5 6-2 in a very convincing style, reeled off five straight games, to advance for the first time to Masters Cup final in 4 appearances.
“Naturally I was going to be tired, I played a long match last night but he played a lot better than me in the circumstances. I think Davydenko will win the final” said Murray. “Djokovic had a long match today. Davydenko’s probably going to be fresher. I think that should make a big difference.”
Davydenko said: “Djokovic will have more confidence in the final”.
(2)Novak Djokovic (SRB) d. (8)Gilles Simon (FRA) 4-6 6-3 7-5
(4)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) d. (3)Andy Murray (GBR) 7-5 6-2
Shanghai – Thursday & Friday
Gold Group
Match between this year’s Australian Open finalists, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokovic, was completely irrelevant for the rest of the tournament, because Djokovic had secured 1st place in the group on Tuesday and Tsonga hadn’t had any chance to qualify to the semifinals. After winning first set easily, Djokovic had chances in two Tsonga’s service games to take a decisive break: 2:2 (40-15), 3:3 (30-0). Tsonga escaped troubles and in the 12th game broke Djokovic’s serve for the first time in the match to win the second set. Djokovic apparently wanted to save much energy before the semifinals, and in the third set, lost two service games without special involvement. Tsonga notched third win over Djokovic this autumn and gained 20 ranking points to move one place above Andy Roddick in the Champions Race.
In the second match of the day, Nikolay Davydenko and Juan Martin del Potro were fighting for a third spot in the semifinal. Unfortunately their match has been the most one-sided duel in Shanghai so far. Since 4:3 in the first set Davydenko’s advantage wasn’t questionable. The Russian won 8 out of the last 10 games of the match and joined to Murray and Djokovic as a third semifinalist. “Today, I played so good, I feel great” Davydenko said. He advanced to the Masters Cup semifinal second time in four appearances. Del Potro about his first Masters Cup appearance said: “I know these tournaments are very complicated for every player. That’s a good experience for me, for my career. I just need more experience to play better the next Masters Cup.”
(6)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) d. (2)Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1-6 7-5 6-1
(4)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) d. (7)Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 6-3 6-2
Red Group
Gilles Simon found himself in paradoxical situation: he could have won his match against Stepanek and didn’t walk out from the group or lose that match and play in the semifinal, because his fate depended upon the Murray-Federer match. Simon won easily against Radek Stepanek 6-1 6-4 never facing break point and was hoping that Murray would beat Federer.
The last match in the group stage between Andy Murray and Roger Federer was the longest, the most dramatic and the best (given the quality of play) this year in Shanghai. Murray won 4-6 7-6(3) 7-5, for the third time this season rallied from a set down against Federer. The Swiss had been complaining of back and stomach problems this week but in the first set played his best tennis. Had break points in 4 Murray’s service games, notched 2 breaks of serve (lost own service once, in the 6th game). In the second set Murray led comfortably 5:2 (40-15) on serve but Federer won 4 games in a row, breaking Murray’s serve twice! In the intense tie-break Murray won 7 points, lost 3, and the match went to the deciding set. At the beginning of the third set, Federer had the trainer come out and massage his lower left back. Murray led 3:0 (30-15), but Federer playing unusually many dropshots, had later 4:3 (40-15) on serve – Murray broke back and had double match point at 5:4. That 10th game of the final set was amazing, Murray did two simple errors on first two match points, then both were playing for quite a while on the highest level, there were 10 deuces, Murray had another 5 match points but finally Federer converted 4th gamepoint to level up at 5:5. It was all what the 4-time Masters Cup champion could have done that day, fighting with the opponent and the back pain. Last two games Murray won without too much trouble, converting 8th match point after Federer’s forehand error. The match lasted 3 hours, 1 minute. “A win over Roger Federer means almost as much as winning the Masters Cup to me,” said Murray “He’s the best player of all time.” Federer won’t play in the Masters Cup semifinal for the first time in 7 appearances (4 triumphs, 1 final, 1 semifinal). He said: “I almost made a miracle happen, you know. I can’t believe how close I got, to be honest. So I’m actually very happy.”
(8)Gilles Simon (FRA) d. (alt.)Radek Stepanek (CZE) 6-1 6-4
(3)Andy Murray (GBR) d. (1)Roger Federer (SUI) 4-6 7-6(3) 7-5
Shanghai – Tuesday & Wednesday
Gold Group
In the match between two young guns who participate in Masters Cup for the first time, Juan Martin del Potro ousted Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in two tie-break sets (7:4, 7:5) after 1 hour 51 minutes. Both sets had very similar process – Del Potro was leading 2:0, Tsonga got back on level terms at 2:2. In the first tie-break Tsonga was leading 3:1 but hit forehand wide from comfortable position and moment later Del Potro was 5:3 up and finished the set with two service winners. The second tie-break was mainly decided by stunning Del Potro’s backhand passing-shot which landed on the line and gave him leading 4:2. At 5:2 Del Potro served double fault, Tsonga saved with great serves (17 aces in the match, 12 in the first set) two match points but on the third match point, Del Potro hit strong first serve and forced Tsonga to an error after aggressive forehand. Del Potro has won third match this year 7-6 7-6 (previously against R.Schuettler and M.Fischer) and keeps alive his chances of qualifying for the semifinals, Tsonga lost his own chances after next match in that group between Djokovic and Davydenko. I’m very happy,” said Del Potro. “I beat the winner of Paris. He’s playing with a lot of confidence, like me. I played a great match. I played very good on the important points in the second set, and that was the key to beat him.”
Novak Djokovic as a first player this year secured a place in the semifinal after 7-6 0-6 7-5 win over Nikolay Davydeko. The Russian was 5:3 up in the first set and was two points away from taking the first set at 5:4 (30-30) on serve. Djokovic after winning first set tie-break easily, completely lost concentration what almost cost him losing 8 games in a row – Davydenko won second set 6-0 in just 18 minutes and had double break point at 1:0 in the third. Later Davydenko had gamepoint for a 6:5 lead but did an abysmal volley error and lost his serve. In the next game Djokovic quickly jumped to 40-0 and converted second match point with forehand winner. This outcome means Tsonga is eliminated from the tournament (he had theoretical chance to go to the semifinal if Davydenko would win against Djokovic). “It’s a great achievement for me, going through the semifinals, which kind of gives me a relief of the upcoming match,” said Djokovic. Davydenko has lost for the first time in ATP a match when he won a set 6-0. After the match he said about his next match against Del Potro: “You know it’s your last chance. If I win, I can qualify. If not, then I go on holiday.”
(7)Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) d. (6)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 7-6(4) 7-6(5)
(2)Novak Djokovic (SRB) d. (4)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) 7-6(3) 0-6 7-5
Red Group
In the battle of very long rallies, Andy Murray overcame Gilles Simon 6-4 6-2 and advanced to the semifinals. Murray has beaten Simon in straight sets for the third time this year. The Scott began the match with a 4:0 lead but Simon with his “never say die” attitude had break point to level up to 4:4 – did a return error. At the beginning of the second set Simon had three break points at 1:0 but couldn’t convert his chances and quickly found himself being 1:5 down. “The more I got him moving, the more I changed the pace of the ball and he started to make more mistakes,” said Murray.
Andy Roddick withdrew from the tournament because of injury (sprained ankle in the practise session). Before the tournament started, many players had refused to go to Shanghai as the altenates. The invitation accepted Radek Stepanek (26th in Champions Race) and Nicolas Kiefer (35th), therefore after Roddick’s withdrawal, Stepanek was playing against Roger Federer, becoming the lowest ranked player who has participated in Masters Cup history. Federer won 7-6(4) 6-4 but his form was far from his best, lost a break advantage in both sets and won match point after Stepanek’s double fault. Stepanek, who was on holiday in Thailand before arriving in Shanghai, said: “I had a racquet from Novak Djokovic, and I got socks from Andy Murray. But he’s using the same ones as I do, so I asked him if I could borrow one.” Federer has to beat Murray to qualify to the semifinals, Stepanek after losing first match, hasn’t any chance to play in the semifinal.
(3)Andy Murray (GBR) d. (8)Gilles Simon (FRA) 6-4 6-2
(1)Roger Federer (SUI) d. (alt.)Radek Stepanek (CZE) 7-6(4) 6-4
SHANGHAI – Sunday & Monday
Gold Group
Novak Djokovic lost all three matches in stright sets last year at Masters Cup but this time began the tournament much more better, defeating Masters Cup youngest and tallest player and debutant as well, Juan Martin del Potro 7-5 6-3. Djokovic was leading 5:2 in the first set but Del Potro managed to level up before lost first set. In the second set Del Potro took early break (2:1) but since then, Djokovic was a dominant player, breaking his opponent twice (having break points in three consecutive games). Del Potro hasn’t won yet a set against three best players in the world in 8 matches (the Argentinian is 0-3 against Nadal and Federer, 0-2 against Djokovic… 0-19 in sets against all of them). “I have the best fans here in China,” Djokovic said. “I get presents every day I get back to the hotel.”
Another Masters Cup debutant, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fell behind 0-40 in his first service game against Nikolay Davydenko. Tsonga saved triple break point and was winning service games comfortably till a tie-break. In the tie-break Davydenko was 3:2 up with serve but Tsonga won 4 out of the next 5 points what gave him double set point. The Russian saved both set points but at the third chance for the Frenchman, did an awful backhand volley error. Tsonga began 2nd set with break of serve but lost his service game immediately. At 5:4 (40-30) Davydenko hit backhand return on the line and the match went to a third set. Davydenko had raced to a 3:0 lead in the deciding set before Tsonga saved break point to win 4th game of the final set, endind the stream of dropping 5 games in a row. At 2:5 Tsonga saved match point with surprising dropshot. In the next two games Davydenko was two points away from victory but risky Tsonga leveled up to 5:5. The match was decided in an extremely quick tie-break. Davydenko opened the tie-break with an excellent volley and won the next 6 points thanks to Tsonga’s errors. It has been Tsonga’s first loss after 7 consecutive wins in three-setters. “It was a tough match,” Tsonga said. “He was just better than me at the end.”
(2)Novak Djokovic (SRB) d. (7)Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 7-5 6-3
(4)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) d. (6)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 6-7(6) 6-4 7-6(0)
Red Group
Masters Cup debutant, Gilles Simon (replaced injured Nadal) defeated four-time Masters Cup champion Roger Federer, second time this year. The Frenchman won 4-6 6-4 6-3 after 2 hours and 7 minutes. Like in their previous and first meeting, earlier this year (Simon won 2-6 7-5 6-4 in Toronto) through a set and a half Federer was dictating the conditions of the match. After winning first set, broke Simon’s serve to lead 2:1 in the second but the Frenchman ribroke immediately and at 5:4 converted first setpoint after great rally with exchange of volleys. At 3:2 in the deciding set, Simon was 40-0 up, then Federer won 8 points in a row what gave him triple break point in the 7th game. The Swiss squandered all break points and it was crucial point in the match. Simon won Federer’s serve to “30” to lead 5:3 and finished the match with an ace on second match point. “I was sort of skeptical going into the match because the practice sessions haven’t been hard at all,” said Federer who committed 50 unforced errors.
Simon will next face another Masters Cup debutant, Britain’s Andy Murray, who beat Andy Roddick 6-4 1-6 6-1. The Scott broke Roddick’s serve in the fifth game and closed out the first set with a big serve. Next two sets had the same scenario – 5:0, 5:1, 6-1 after rather one-sided games. Murray finished the match with high backhand volley and said after the match: “Legs don’t quite have the snap in them that they did, you know, a few months ago. I’ll try and do my best to recover for the next match.” Murray now extends his series lead to 5-2 over Roddick. The American, known from big-serving, served only 3 aces this time (Murray 9).
(8)Gilles Simon (FRA) d. (1)Roger Federer (SUI) 4-6 6-4 6-3
(3)Andy Murray (GBR) d. (5)Andy Roddick (USA) 6-4 1-6 6-1
Voo's Final Wrap Up From Paris
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat David Nalbandian 6-3 4-6 6-4 and became the first Frenchman since 2001 (Sebastian Grosjean) who won Paris-Bercy. Tsonga like Grosjean 7 year ago, secured a place in Masters Cup right after the final. Tsonga started his first encounter against Nalbandian in a great style, winning quickly first three games. Since then Nalbandian raised the level of own game and held his service games comfortably.
At 4:3 in the second set Nalbandian had triple break point but inspired Tsonga saved them all. At 5:4 Nalbandian had triple break point again and this time converted first opportunity after Tsonga’s unforced error from the baseline. Decisive break of the third set came in the third game – Tsonga broke Nalbandian’s serve to lead 2:1. The Frenchman had problems with his backhand but held service games, especially thanks to great serve (25 aces in the match – the most in career so far) and was only two points from winning the title at 5:3 (30-15).
Nalbandian escaped with a couple of good serves and in the next game for the third time in the match had tripe break point, though brave Tsonga (two risky second serves, at 0-40 and 30-40) won 5 points in a row and captured his second ATP title of the season. The final lasted exactly 2 hours.
“I think everyone contributed to my victory today, this one’s for you,” Tsonga told the home crowd. “This ends a great season for me. I’ve played really well and the cherry on the cake is that I will go to Shanghai.”
“He’s a great player and has played brilliantly all week,” Nalbandian said. “He deserves this title.”
Tsonga now will become the No. 1 French player and join countryman Gilles Simon in Monday’s Top 10 – the first time since October 3, 1988 (Yannick Noah No. 8; Henri Leconte No. 10) two French players are in the Top 10.
Paris – Final
(13)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) d. (8)David Nalbandian (ARG) 6-3 4-6 6-4
Voo's Semi Final Round Up – Paris
David Nalbandian advanced to the second straight Paris final after 6-1 5-7 6-4 win over former-champion Nikolay Davydenko. Nalbandian started the match very well and after winning first set easily, had a break up at the beginning of the second set. Davydenko quickly took a ribreak and the set was going to the tie-break. In the 12th game the Russian broke Nalbandian’s serve second time in the match and levelled up at one set a piece. Davydenko had 3:2 in the decider but since then Nalbandian won 3 games in a row (converted the only break point in the set) and held his serve at 5:4.
“Maybe I didn’t play perfect like yesterday or the day before,” Nalbandian said. “In the second and third set he started serving better, and the rallies were very good. He hit a lot of lines.”
In the second semifinal Jo-Wilfried Tsonga played a superb match against James Blake who needed to win this match to secure his place in Masters Cup. Tsonga hit 12 aces and never faced a break point. The Frenchman is now one win from taking the last Masters spot – his final opponent Nalbanian is in the same situation, so the final will have double importance.
“I came onto the court like a tiger, I hit at everything that moved and that made the difference,” Tsonga said. “I had to keep going forward, be more aggressive and start better than I did against (Andy) Roddick.”
Paris – Semifinals
(8)David Nalbandian (ARG) d. (6)Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 5-7 6-4
(13)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) d. (11)James Blake (USA) 6-4 6-3