2012 Tennis Thread

[Smallville22]

Chela retires from professional tennis

Argentina's Juan Ignacio Chela has announced his retirement from professional tennis.
"After many years it was time to move to another stage in my life, I retire from professional tennis," a statement in Spanish on the 33-year-old's Twitter account said.
He quits the game having won six ATP Tour singles titles and three doubles' titles in a sometimes controversial career spanning 14 years. Unsurprisingly for an Argentine, all his successes came on clay.
Chela reached a career-high singles world ranking of 15 in August 2004, off the back of reaching the quarter-finals of the French Open in the same year.
He also made it to the last eight at Rolland Garros in 2011 and reached the same stage at the 2007 US Open. He quits the pro circuit ranked 176 in the world.
Compatriot and sometime doubles partner Gisela Dulko, who herself retired last month, led the tributes.
"Congratulations on your great career Juan! Welcome to the club!" said Dulko on her Twitter account.
Chela courted controversy in early 2005, when he was fined for spitting at Lleyton Hewitt during an ill-tempered third round match at the Australian Open.

 

[Smallville22]

Nadal targets clay court return to full fitness

Rafa Nadal is aiming to be back to his best after injury in time for the claycourt season and the run-up to Roland Garros.
The 26-year-old former world number one has slipped down to fourth in the ATP rankings and has not played since his shock second-round exit at Wimbledon in June.
The Spaniard was diagnosed with a partial tear of the patella tendon and inflammation of the left knee, only returning to hitting balls on a practice court two weeks ago.
"My recovery is going well and the doctors are pleased," Nadal told Spanish radio.
"I have to look at my career with a five-year view. I considered having surgery, but the doctors have always preferred not to take risks with my treatment."
The 11-times grand slam singles champion was pragmatic about his return to competition.
"I would like to return in January," he said. "I don't expect to return and win the Australian Open, I have to be realistic. The results will not worry me in the first tournaments back.
"I have to take into account my form after so long out. It wouldn't bother me if I slipped down to 15th in the world as long as inside I knew was able to continue.
"I want to be 100 percent in time for Monte Carlo and the run-up to Roland Garros."
Nadal won a record seventh French Open title in May.

 

[Smallville22]

McEnroe ready to defend Legends title in London

Defending champion John McEnroe has arrived in London for the Masters Tennis Legends tournament at the Royal Albert Hall.
Australia’s Pat Cash begins his campaign against Mats Wilander on Wednesday, while McEnroe’s first match is on Thursday.
Cash and McEnroe could meet in the final again in a repeat of last year’s showpiece match after avoiding each other in the round-robin stages.
McEnroe has drawn Jeremy Bates and Andy Murray’s coach Ivan Lendl, while Cash and Wilander are grouped in with Henri Leconte.
The top player in each group from the field, which boasts 23 Grand Slam singles titles, will meet in Sunday’s final.
In the younger ATP Champions Tour event, Tim Henman and Goran Ivanisevic have been drawn together and will face each other on Saturday as part of the Winter Whites Gala, in aid of the charity Centrepoint.
Henman, the defending champion, will meet the man he beat in last year’s final, Thomas Enqvist, on Wednesday.

 

[Smallville22]

Henman starts Masters defence with win over Enqvist

Tim Henman downed Thomas Enqvist 6-7(4) 6-3 11-9 in a champions' tie-break to kick off the defence of his Masters tennis title on a winning note in London.
The British veteran, who beat Sweden's Enqvist in last year's final to claim his first Champions Tour event, will next face old foe Goran Ivanisevic at the Royal Albert Hall.
“It’s great to be back in London, the Statoil Masters is such a fantastic event," Henman said. "There’s a lot of amazing buildings and architecture in London and the Royal Albert Hall is very, very special so I always look forward to getting back out there."
Frenchman Fabrice Santoro also got off to a winning start, beating Mark Philippoussis of Australia 7-6(12) 6-3 after claiming an epic first-set tie-break.
Carlos Moya completes the six-man line-up for the Champions Tour event, which runs from December 5 to 9.

In the Legends group, Mats Wilander and Pat Cash met in a thriller, with the seven-times Grand Slam champion Frenchman edging the Australian former Wimbledon winner 4-6 6-3 10-6 in a champions' tie-break.
"At the end of that first set I was nervous believe it or not,” said Wilander. “I choked a bit and then suddenly he had won the first set 6-4. It felt good though.
“I love this court. It's great for serve and volley because the ball stays low with a slice serve and kicks up high with the kick serve so we should see some great tennis this week.
"It's amazing that on a Wednesday afternoon, two 48-year-olds are playing tennis in front of a pretty much packed house in the Royal Albert Hall. That's the beauty of this event and the Royal Albert Hall, it's special."
Ivan Lendl was forced to withdraw from the event after the Czech succumbed to knee and hip injuries. Guy Forget of France will replace Lendl, who currently coaches US Open and Olympic champion Andy Murray.
“I am very disappointed that I will not be fit enough to play in the Statoil Masters Tennis in London,” said Lendl.
“I have been looking forward to playing in the tournament all year having heard so much about it. For now I will concentrate on fixing and rehabilitating my knee and hip but I hope to be able to play at the Royal Albert Hall in the future.”
Also featuring in the Legends draw are John McEnroe, Henri Leconte and Jeremy Bates.

 

[Smallville22]

Australia drop troubled Tomic from Davis Cup team

Australia will not consider Bernard Tomic for their Davis Cup tie against Taiwan in February because of doubts about his commitment.
Tomic, 20, was dubbed "Tomic the Tank Engine" this season after appearing to give up towards the end of a string of matches as he tumbled from a career-high world number 27 to his current ranking of 52.
"As a team, we just felt that part of the commitment that we make to athletes and athletes make to the sport is they always put 100 per cent commitment and effort in competing for their country," director of tennis Craig Tiley told the Tennis Australia website.
"It's not one specific incident, just an aggregation of his approach to the game ...
"We just felt that this decision should provide additional motivation every time he walks on the court to be a total professional in his approach to not only his preparation but competing in the match and post-match.
"And it would be no different if he was the number one player in Australia, or the number one player, or a junior."
Tomic's late season slump lost him the title of Australian number one with Marinko Matosevic taking over as the country's top ranked player.
Australia, who lost a World Group playoff to Germany in September to extend their stay outside the Davis Cup elite, face Taiwan in a Asia-Oceania Group 1 tie in Kaohsiung from February 1-3.

 

[Smallville22]

McEnroe begins Legends defence with victory

John McEnroe defeated Jeremy Bates 6-4 6-1 in a triumphant start to his Masters Tennis Legends title defence at the Royal Albert Hall.
Four years ago at the venue, McEnroe lost 11-9 in a final set champions’ tie-break to Jeremy Bates, and decided that it was time to bow out of his favourite ATP Champions Tour event for good.
But on Thursday, McEnroe avenged his defeat to Bates and knew that he had made the right decision to return to the event, which now sees an older ‘Legends’ tournament, alongside Pat Cash, Henri Leconte, Mats Wilander and others.
“It’s incredible to play here, it’s the best spot on the Tour, and I thought I was done (four years ago),” said McEnroe afterwards.
“A couple of years away gave me some perspective, my legs felt healthier to let me get back here again, and I hope I can lift something up - a cup or a trophy - at the end.
“If I can have a bit of fun, compete still, play like I think I can and serve like I did today, it’s going to be pretty tough to beat me.”
Elsewhere, Henri Leconte produced a fabulous display to defeat Pat Cash 6-3, 6-2.
Leconte faces Wilander on Friday, with McEnroe up against Guy Forget.

In the ATP Champions Tour tournament, Thomas Enqvist surprised the 2010 champion, Goran Ivanisevic, with a 7-6(6), 6-4 victory.
On Friday, former world number one and current South African Airways rankings leader, Carlos Moya, will make his debut at the tournament. He will take on his closest challenger in the rankings, Mark Philippoussis.

 

[Smallville22]

John McEnroe took a stunning 6-2 6-4 win to brush aside Guy Forget and progress to the final of the Masters Tennis Legends at Royal Albert Hall.

Sunday’s final will see the exciting tie of McEnroe against Mats Wilander, who saw off Henri Leconte 6-2 7-6(2) earlier in the day.
Forget replaced Andy Murray’s coach Ivan Lendl at the last minute after the former world number one was forced to pull out due to his knee and hip injury.
On Thursday, McEnroe beat Jeremy Bates 6-4 6-1, in what is his favourite ATP Champions Tour event and now sees an older ‘Legends’ tournament, alongside Pat Cash, Henri Leconte, Mats Wilander and others.
The win was sweet revenge for McEnroe, who four years ago lost 11-9 in a final set champions’ tie-break to Bates and decided at the time to bow out of the tournament for good.
Despite being an older 'Legend' than his last shot at the event, he is happy with how his body is holding up.
“Unbelievably well. I don't feel a day over 52,” said the 53-year-old.

Earlier in the day, former world number one and current South African Airways rankings leader, Carlos Moya, lost to Australian Mark Philippoussis in a closely fought third-set tie-break (4-6 6-1 10-8).
This was Moya’s Masters debut, and Philippoussis was his closest challenger in the rankings.
Saturday will see Moya face Fabrice Santoro, while Guy Forget will play Jeremy Bates for third place.

 

[Smallville22]

Santoro strolls into Masters Champions final
Fabrice Santoro thrashed Carlos Moya to reach the final of the Champions event in the Masters tournament at Royal Albert Hall.

The Frenchman too victory comfortably in two sets at 6-2 6-3 to defeat Moya, the former world number one and current South African Airways rankings leader.
Santoro, who is in equal third place on the rankings, will face the winner of the current match between Tim Henman or Goran Ivanisevic in Sunday's final.
On Friday Moya also lost to Australian Mark Philippoussis in a closely fought third-set tie-break (4-6 6-1 10-8) and this latest loss wraps up his Masters debut.
Sunday’s Legends final will see the exciting tie of McEnroe against Mats Wilander, who saw off Henri Leconte 6-2 7-6(2) on Saturday.

 

[Smallville22]

Henman sets up Masters final with Santoro
Tim Henman will face Fabrice Santoro in the final of the Champions event in the Masters tournament after he beat Goran Ivanisevic in a thriller at Royal Albert Hall.

The defending champion came back from a set down to claim victory over his Croatian opponent 4-6, 6-2, 10-6.
"I have loved playing here this evening in front of such special company,” said Henman. “I'm glad we could put on a good show, and of course I'm glad I'm in the final.”

 

[Smallville22]

McEnroe dominates Wilander in Legends final

John McEnroe crushed Mats Wilander 6-1 6-2 to win the Legends title of the ATP Champions Tour at Royal Albert Hall, London.
The American former world number one blitzed into a 5-0 lead against the Swede, five years McEnroe’s junior at 48.
"I have six titles here now and this one is as sweet as any of them,” said McEnroe.
"Everyone sounds so surprised when they tell me how well I’m playing! I’m in good shape and I love being out here and winning. This place is like our Wimbledon.
"Mats is such a great player. You give him an inch and he’ll take a mile so I just knew I had to keep the pressure on and keep focussed."
Wilander prevented the bagel and did better in the second set, but McEnroe’s speed to the net and power from the baseline saw him easily win the title.


Classy Santoro beats Henman in Masters final

France’s Fabrice Santoro eased to a 7-5 6-3 win over Tim Henman to win the Champions Masters title at Royal Albert Hall, London.
Santoro, who only retired in 2010, was never among the world’s top-ranked players but extended his career well into his late 30s thanks to fantastic shot-making.
"I am delighted just to play in this fantastic arena, so to win is unbelievable.
"It is my birthday today and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate, especially with having my family here watching me," said Santoro," whose 40th birthday coincided with the final.
Widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players of a generation, his superior handling allowed him to dominate former world number four Henman, who still packs a punch at 38 but whose serve-and-volley has waned with his physical powers.

 

[Smallville22]

Nadal to return in Abu Dhabi this month

World number four Rafa Nadal has confirmed he will return to competitive action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi at the end of December after six months out with a knee injury.
The 11-times Grand Slam singles champion has not competed since a shock defeat to Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June.
The Spaniard was later diagnosed with a partial tear of the patella tendon and an inflammation in his left knee and was unable to defend his Olympic title at the London Games.
He also missed the US Open and the season-ending World Tour championships before returning to the practice court on November 20.
"Can't wait to get back on court in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month," the 26-year-old wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
"I won the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in 2010 and 2011," he added. "Would love to get my hands on the trophy again this year!"
Nadal is due to play either world number three Andy Murray of Britain or ninth-seeded Serbian Janko Tipsarevic on December 28 at the event in Abu Dhabi, which is not part of the ATP Tour.
World number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia, fifth-ranked Spaniard David Ferrer and number six Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic are also taking part.
Nadal said this month he was hoping to be back to full fitness in time for the clay season, when he will be chasing an eighth French Open title on his favoured surface after winning a record seventh Roland Garros crown in May.

 

[Smallville22]

Djokovic and Serena Williams named ITF world champions

Serbia's Novak Djokovic has beaten Andy Murray to the International Tennis Federation's annual men's world champion award with American Serena Williams taking the women's prize for a third time.
Djokovic, who ended a second successive year on top of the ATP rankings, successfully defended his Australian Open title, reached the final at the French Open and US Open and claimed five other titles including the season-ending Tour Finals.
Britain's Murray was a strong contender for the honour after beating Djokovic at the US Open to win his first major title after four losses in finals and claiming Olympic gold at Wimbledon, just weeks after reaching the Grand Slam final there in which he lost to an inspired Roger Federer.
"I am proud to have been named ITF world champion for the second successive year," Djokovic, who dominated 2011 with three of the four Slam titles, said.
"It was very difficult to follow up such a successful season in 2011, but it was extremely satisfying to win another Grand Slam title, reach two other major finals and finish the year at number one."
The 31-year-old Williams was unstoppable in the second half of 2012, winning Wimbledon, singles and doubles gold at the Olympics and the US Open.
"It means a lot to be named ITF world champion for the third time. It has been such an amazing experience this year to win the Olympics and two Grand Slam tournaments, and I look forward to having an awesome 2013," said the 15-times major winner.
Americans Bob and Mike Bryan were named men's doubles World Champions for the ninth time in 10 years after winning Olympic gold for the first time, while Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy, winners of the French Open and US Open, became women's doubles world champions for the first time.
Dutchwoman Esther Vergeer was named women's wheelchair World Champion for the 13th successive year after winning a fourth Paralympic gold. France's Stephane Houdet won the men's award.

 

[Smallville22]

Usain Bolt and Serena Williams win annual gongs

Jamaica sprinter Usain Bolt, who retained his three Olympic titles at the London Games, was named sportsman of the year by French daily L'Equipe on Wednesday while American tennis player Serena Williams took the women's prize.
Bolt had already received the main French sports award in 2008, after he won the 100 metres, the 200m and the 4x100m relay at the Beijing Olympics, and in 2009.
"It has been a great season. I worked a lot to win again. It has been a real pleasure and an honour to defend my titles," Bolt told the new L'Equipe 21 TV channel.
"Now I look forward to Rio to break some records," added Bolt about the 2016 Olympics.
Serena Williams, who finished the year third in the WTA rankings despite winning Wimbledon, singles and doubles gold at the Olympics and the US Open, took the women's award for the for the first time.
The 31-year-old was handed the trophy by the former world number one Martina Hingis.
The Olympics were all important in the annual poll with judo heavyweight gold medallist Teddy Riner and 400m freestyle swimming champion Camille Muffat winning the gongs for French athletes.

 

[Smallville22]

:bowdown: Clijsters downs Venus to sign off for good :hatsoff:

Kim Clijsters finally drew a line under her career with victory over Venus Williams in a ceremonial farewell match in Belgium.
The former world number one beat her American opponent 6-3 6-3 in front of a crowd of 13,000 at the Antwerp Sports Palace.
Clijsters retired after this year's US Open but always wanted to say goodbye to her fans, among whom were Crown Prince Phillipe and Princess Mathilde on the night.
The Belgian boasts a 7-6 winning record over Venus on the women's Tour and was never going to lose this one, yet she still delivered a reminder of what she was capable of before her second retirement from the game.
"I had no regrets at stopping my career on August 29 at the US Open, and I still don't have any. Sorry to stop you," said Clijsters.
"There's not just tennis in my life. I like cooking, gardening, reading, decorating the house, putting up the Christmas tree and running."

 

[Smallville22]

Murray wants five more years with Lendl

Andy Murray envisages his relationship with coach Ivan Lendl continuing for the next five years.
The world number three won gold at this year's London Olympics and then broke his Grand Slam duck at the US Open under the tutelage of the Czech trainer.
Murray and Lendl paired up at the beginning of the year and the Scot sees their partnership remaining intact for some time to come.
"Ivan and I have a very good relationship, it's very honest and open, that's why it has worked so well and why both of us are planning long term," the British number one said.
"We spoke at the end of last year and it was much more short term - 'let's see how the first few months of the season go'. Now it's, 'What are we going to be doing in four or five years' time?"'
Murray, 25, added that winning the Olympic tennis tournament at the All England Club in the summer represented a turning point for him.
"Since the Olympics I just feel a bit better about myself," he said. "I find it easier to walk around with my head up, whereas before I was always head down, not wanting anyone to see me or say anything.
"Maybe I felt that having lost in Grand Slam finals I was letting whoever it was down.
"I know I had been reminded every day for the last six years that it's this long since someone from our country won a slam. So there was part of me probably that felt a little bit of responsibility.
"It's nice not to have worry about that anymore and see what else I can achieve."

 

[Smallville22]

Wimbledon achieves record profits for LTA

Profits from this year's Wimbledon championships increased by seven percent to record levels, the Lawn Tennis Association has revealed.
The LTA, which organises the two-week grand slam, published its annual report and financial review which showed profits at the grasscourt tournament rose to £37.8 million, up from £35.2m the previous year.
The surplus is invested back into British tennis.
The LTA also said it spent £12.3m on player development with £17.4m going on encouraging people to take up the sport.
The governing body highlighted the impact of an excellent year for Britain's Andy Murray, who claimed Olympic gold before taking the US Open title, in boosting grassroots participation.

 

[Smallville22]

Extra day added to US Open schedule
The US Open tennis tournament will move the women's final to Sunday and the men's final to Monday at the 2013 event after a fifth successive year of weather delays disrupted the schedule this September.

The new program will feature a Sunday women's final followed by the men's title match on Monday, and provide a day's rest between the semi-finals and finals for both the men and women, bringing the US Open in line with the other Grand Slams.
The change, which affects just the 2013 event pending a decision on the years going forward, will abolish the Open's controversial Super Saturday, that for nearly 30 years had the men's semi-finals and women's final scheduled on the same day.
The USTA, which had been harshly criticized by players over the scheduling, also announced an addition of $4 million to the prize money pool for the year's final Grand Slam, bringing the total to $29.5 million.
"Both the prize money increase and the addition of a day of rest are great for the players," Serena Williams, who won the 2012 women's crown for her fourth Open title, said in a statement. "These moves make the tournament stronger than it's ever been for all players."
Men's champion Andy Murray, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the National Tennis Center, also applauded the change.
"I'm pleased that the USTA has modified the US Open schedule to include a day of rest between the semi-finals and final," said the Scotsman, who became the fifth men's champion in a row to claim his title with a Monday finish.
"Together with the prize money increase, it's good that they've taken on board the players' concerns."
Rain delays wreaked havoc with the completion of the 2012 championships, triggering an annual debate and complaints from players and spectators over why the showcase courts are not covered.
Wimbledon and the Australian Open both have retractable roofs over their centre courts and the French Open has announced plans to do the same at Roland Garros.
The new program will spread the US Open's finish over four days.
The men's singles semi-finals will continue to be played in a single day session on Saturday, with the men's singles final to take place on Monday.
The women's semi-finals will be played on Friday as usual, with their championship match on Sunday.

 

[Smallville22]

ATP does not support US Open's Monday finish

The US Open's decision to extend the 2013 tournament to a third Monday has drawn criticism from the men's govening body the ATP who have called on Flushing Meadows organisers to fall into line with the three other Grand Slam tournaments.
Next year's men's singles final will be played on Monday allowing the players to have a day's rest after the semi-finals which have traditionally been played on "Super Saturday" along with the women's singles final.
The 2013 women's singles final will take place on Sunday with the semi-finals also on Friday - ending 30 years of the Super Saturday - although no decision has yet been taken on whether the change will be a permanent one.
"By modifying the schedule to allow a rest day between the semi-finals and the final, the US Open has recognised the incredible physical demands of men's tennis," a statement from the ATP said on Monday.
"However, the ATP and its players have made it clear to the US Open that we do not support a Monday final.
"We strongly believe the US Open should keep a similar schedule to the other Grand Slams, with the men's semi-finals completed by Friday and the final on Sunday.
"It is unfortunate the US Open response did not reflect our views on this issue and the ATP and its players will continue to pursue this matter in its discussions with the USTA."
Bad weather has wrought havoc with the US Open schedule in recent years with the men's final, including this year's epic between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, being pushed back to Monday for the past five years.
The ATP also gave a lukewarm response to the USTA's announcement of a $4 million rise in prize money for the tournament to a record $29.5 million.
"The prize money increase announced by the US Open for 2013 is appreciated and, together with the 2012 increase, represents the largest increase by the US Open since the ATP Tour began in 1990," it said.
"However, over the last nine months the ATP and its players have asked that the US Open fully recognise the fundamental role of the players in driving US Open revenues, which are the largest in our sport.
"The ATP therefore remains committed to continuing discussions on this issue, with the objective of ensuring that the players' share of the revenues at the US Open truly reflects the value that they generate for the event."
Players have complained about prize money for years, saying purses for the four Grand Slams were too small in relation to the revenue they brought in and too lop-sided in favour of the top competitors who regularly advance to the later stages.
The matter came to a head before this year's Australian Open although talk of a possible strike never came to fruition.

 

[Smallville22]

Sanchez-Vicario quits as Fed Cup captain

Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario has resigned from her position as Spain's Fed Cup captain as the row between the country's federation and its female players escalates.
The spat deepened recently when a group of players ended their relationship with the federation amid claims the president of the Spanish Tennis Federation José Luis Escañuela has failed to deliver on promises.
The group, which includes the likes of Carla Suarez Navarro, Silvia Soler Espinosa, Lourdes Dominguez Lino and Laura Pous Tio, say Escañuela has gone back on his word regarding the future of the women's game in Spain.
Last week they expressed their “profound disappointment and disillusionment” with Escanuela, and now Sanchez-Vicario appears to have sided with the players.
"Although I have not been part of any meeting between players or contract talks, I cannot ignore most of the players and stay on the sidelines," the former world number one said.
“I hope this serves as a lever for the Spanish Tennis Federation to take action and decisions in favour of a radical change in its approach to women’s tennis."
Spain lost the two Fed Cup matches played under Sanchez-Vicario and must now find a replacement before their next encounter, a World Group II clash against Ukraine in February.

 

[Smallville22]

Serena Williams has operation on toes

Serena Williams has undegone surgery on her big toes, rocking the American's preparations for January's Australian Open.
The procedure has forced Williams to pull out of in an exhibition match against world number one Victoria Azarenka in Thailand later this month.
A medical certificate from Florida podiatrist Jeffrey Rockefeller said Williams “was treated for a chronic foot disorder which involved minor procedures on both of her great toes.”
The problem with her toes began when the 2012 WTA Tour player of the year stepped on broken glass on her way out of a restaurant in Munich in 2010.
"I am being advised by my doctors to take more time to heal following a minor procedure I needed to address my ongoing foot issues," said Williams, who won Wimbledon, the US Open and Olympic gold this year.
China's Li Na has replaced Williams for the match on December 29 in Hua Hin.