What’s Next on the 2010 Women’s Tour?
Posted on February 9, 2010
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photo credit: emmett.hume
The 1st of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments of 2010 is over, so what’s next in terms of major tournaments on the women’s WTA Tour?
The world’s best players in women’s tennis will all compete against each other in the 4 Grand Slams and another 9 major tournaments which are called Premier Mandatory (of which there are 4) and Premier FIVE (as the name suggest there are 5 of these).
The women battle it out on the WTA Tour all year long to make their best effort to qualify for the Season Ending Championships. Only 8 players can qualify for the Sony Ericsson Championships where the chance to become the 2010 WTA Tour Tour Champion (which is the player who ends the year ranked as the World No.1), will be at stake.
The following is a run down on what the 14 biggest tournaments are in 2010, where they will be played and when the top players will be there competing. This list is in date order and the starting date is the 1st day of qualifying for each event. In this post we will cover the 1st 6 tournaments.
- The Australian Open
- Dubai
- Indian Wells
- Miami
- Rome
- Madrid
- Roland Garros
- Wimbledon
- Cincinnati
- Montreal
- The US Open
- Tokyo
- Beijing
- Sony Ericsson Championships
The Australian Open is the 1st of 4 Grand Slams in 2010
The Australian Open is in Melbourne, Australia, is held at Melbourne Park and is now being called The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific. The centre court is called the Rod Laver Arena. The singles main draw had 128 players in it and was played on hard courts. When it was held: January 13 to 31.
Dubai is the 1st of 5 WTA Premier FIVE tournaments in 2010. Where: Dubai, Qatar in the United Arab Emirates. This year this event is called Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships and is held at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and will be played on hard court. When: February 14 to 20.
Indian Wells is the 1st of 4 WTA Premier Mandatory tournaments. Where: Indian Wells is in the USA. This year this event is called the BNP Paribas Open and is held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The singles main draw will have 96 players in it and will be played on hard courts. When: March 8 to 21.
Miami is the 2nd of 4 Premier Mandatory tournaments in 2010. Where: Miami is in the USA. This year this event is called the Sony Ericsson Open and is held at the Crandon Park Tennis Center. The singles main draw will have 96 players in it and will be played on hard courts. When: March 23 to April 4.
Rome is the 2nd of 5 Premier FIVE tournaments in 2010. Where: Rome is in Italy. This year this event is called the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and is held at the Foro Italico. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and it will be played on clay courts. When: May 2 to 8.
Madrid is the 3rd of 4 Premier Mandatory tournaments in 2010. Where: Madrid in Spain. This year this event is called the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open and is held at the new Magic Box Tennis Venue. The singles main draw will have 60 players in it and it will be played on clay courts. When: May 8 to 16.
Pictured above is Yanina Wickmayer shortly AFTER making contact with the ball with her double handed backhand. The 20 year old Wickmayer won through the Qualifying Rounds to make the 1st round of the Australian Open this year. Wickmayer then won through to the 4th round before being defeated in 3 sets by fellow Belgian Justine Henin.
Wickmayer was too good for Henin in the 2nd set winning 6-1 before going down 6-3 in the 3rd set. At OCA we predict that Wickmayer will be the next young player to achieve a Top 10 ranking for the 1st time and will do so BEFORE the French Open. Further to that she will be a major threat to win a Grand Slam and will qualify for the Season Ending Championships in Doha!!!
Stay tuned as coverage of major tournaments No.7 to 14 will follow soon.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
What’s Next in Men’s Tennis? Part 2
Posted on February 8, 2010
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In this post we will cover the remaining tournaments that are the 14 biggest and most prestigious tournaments of 2010 in men’s tennis. Tournaments 1 to 5 were covered in part 1 of this series (click this link to read part 1-> What’s Next on the 2010 Men’s Tour?).
The following is a run down on the next 9 major tournaments in 2010, where they will be played and when the top players will be there competing. This list is in date order and the starting date is the 1st day of qualifying for each event.
- The Australian Open
- Indian Wells
- Miami
- Monte-Carlo
- Rome
- Madrid
- Roland Garros
- Wimbledon
- Toronto
- Cincinnati
- The US Open
- Shanghai
- Paris
- ATP World Tour Finals
Madrid is the 5th of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Madrid in Spain. This year this event is called the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open and is held at the new Magic Box Tennis Venue. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and it will be played on clay courts. When: May 7 to 16.
Roland Garros is the 2ndof 4 Grand Slams in 2010
Roland Garros is often called the French Open and it is held in Paris, France at Stade Roland Garros. The centre court is called Court Philippe Chartrier. The singles main draw had 128 players in it will be played on clay courts. When: May 18 to June 6.
Wimbledon is the 3rd of 4 Grand Slams in 2010
Wimbledon is often called The Championships and it is held in Wimbledon, Great Britain at the All England Club. The centre court is simply called The Centre Court. The singles main draw had 128 players in it will be played on natural grass courts. When: June 14 to July 4.
Toronto is the 6th of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Toronto in Canada. This year this event is called the Rogers Cup and is held at the Rexall Centre, York University. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and it will be played on hard courts. When: August 7 to 15.
Cincinnati is the 7th of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Cincinnati in the USA. This year this event is called the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and is held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and it will be played on hard courts. When: August 15 to 22.
The US Open is the last of the 4 Grand Slams in 2010
The US Open is often called The Open and is held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York City, USA at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The centre court is called Arthur Ashe Stadium. The singles main draw had 128 players in it will be played on hardcourts. When: August 24 to September 12.
Shanghai is the 8th of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Shanghai in China. This year this event is called the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 and is held at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and it will be played on hard courts. When: October 9 to 17.
Paris is the 9th and final ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in 2010. Where: Paris in France. This year this event is called the BNP Paribas Masters and is held at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. The singles main draw will have 48 players in it and it will be played on indoor hard courts. When: November 6 to 14.
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is the season ending championship play off’s for the ATP World Tour in 2010. Where: London in Great Britain. This event is the end of year championships for the ATP Tour and only 8 players can qualify to participate in the Round Robin event which then has semi finals and a final. This event is held at the O2 Arena and it will be played on indoor hard courts. When: November 21 to 28.
Pictured above is Novak Djokovic playing a defensive forehand ground stroke. Djokovic who moved up to his highest career ranking of No.2 after the Australian Open. The 22 year old Serbian will need to perform much better than last year in the next 2 Grand Slams to overtake Federer as the World No.1.
Last year Djokovic lost in the 3rd round at the French Open and the quarter finals at Wimbledon collecting just 450 ATP ranking points from those 2 events out of a possible 4,000. Whereas Federer has to win both just to retain the same ranking points tally!
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
What’s Next on the 2010 Men’s Tour?
Posted on February 5, 2010
Filed Under The Tour: Explained | 1 Comment
The 1st of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments of 2010 is over, so what’s next in terms of major tournaments on the men’s ATP Tour?
The world’s best players in men’s tennis will be playing in all 4 Grand Slams and are automatically entered into the 9 major tournaments which are called ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events.
The men battle it out on the ATP Tour throughout the year in an effort to qualify for one extra tournament that only 8 players can qualify for. This event is the end of year championships where the chance to become the 2010 ATP World Tour Champion (which is the player who ends the year ranked as the World No.1), is up for grabs.
The following is a run down on what the 14 biggest tournaments are in 2010, where they will be played and when the top players will be there competing. This list is in date order and the starting date is the 1st day of qualifying for each event. In this post we will cover the 1st 5 tournaments.
- The Australian Open
- Indian Wells
- Miami
- Monte-Carlo
- Rome
- Madrid
- Roland Garros
- Wimbledon
- Toronto
- Cincinnati
- The US Open
- Shanghai
- Paris
- ATP World Tour Finals
The Australian Open is the 1st of 4 Grand Slams in 2010
The Australian Open is in Melbourne, Australia, is held at Melbourne Park and is now being called The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific. The centre court is called the Rod Laver Arena. The singles main draw had 128 players in it and was played on hard courts. When it was held: January 13 to 31.
Indian Wells is the 1st of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Indian Wells is in the USA. This year this event is called the BNP Paribas Open and is held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The singles main draw will have 96 players in it and will be played on hard courts. When: March 8 to 21.
Miami is the 2nd of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Miami is in the USA. This year this event is called the Sony Ericsson Open and is held at the Crandon Park Tennis Center. The singles main draw will have 96 players in it and will be played on hard courts. When: March 22 to April 4.
Monte-Carlo is the 3rd of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Monte-Carlo is in Monaco. This year this event is called the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters and is held at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and is the 1st major clay court tournament of the year. When: April 10 to 18.
Rome is the 4th of 9 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Where: Rome is in Italy. This year this event is called the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and is held at the Foro Italico. The singles main draw will have 56 players in it and it will be played on clay courts. When: April 24 to May 2.
Pictured above is Rafael Nadal driving right through the ball with his double handed backhand. Nadal failed to defend his Australian Open victory over Federer in 2009. This meant that Nadal’s 2,000 points from winning the 2009 Australian Open dropped off his ATP ranking points tally.
The former World No.1 with his quarter final result at this year’s Australian Open earned 360 ATP points. The Spaniard lost 1,640 (2,000-360) points which meant he dropped down from No.2 to be the current World No.4.
Last year the 23 year old Nadal won 4 other tournaments including 3 Masters 1000 events: Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo and Rome. The pressure is really on Nadal now given the points he earned from those 4 tournament victories (3,500), drop off his ranking in a short time frame March 22 to May 3.
Nadal will have to match those results this year or face dropping out of the top 4. If this happens then means will start meeting Federer in quarter finals in tournaments instead of, for example, the French Open final!
Stay tuned as coverage of major tournaments No.6 to 14 will follow soon.
Today’s POST is dedicated to Manuel Orantes. Orantes was born on this day in 1949. The Spaniard won 1 Grand Slam singles title by defeating No.1 seed Jimmy Connors at the 1975 US Open. He first achieved his highest career ranking of World No.2 on 23 August 1973.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
Australian Open Men’s Champion
Posted on February 1, 2010
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The Australian Open Men’s Singles Champion for 2010 is the No.1 seed Roger Federer (pictured above), who went one victory further than last year when he lost to Rafael Nadal in 5 sets. The World No.1 has now won 16 Grand Slam Singles titles.
The Men’s Singles Final was an entertaining match with both players playing a lot of ground strokes. The great champion of men’s tennis played with more confidence and freedom as compared to Murray who due to feeling so much pressure retreated into his shell and played not to lose for the 1st two sets.
Once Murray was down 2 sets to love it seemed as though he was much happier, perhaps he thought the pressure was off as who would expect him to win now that Federer had a 2 sets to love lead. Hence, the 3rd set was the most entertaining, competitive and the highest level of tennis for the match.
After an intensely competitive 3rd set in which Murray had a lot more opportunities than his opponent Federer clawed back from a 2-5 deficit to force a tie break. Murray served for for the set at 5-3 and went up 30-0. Murray had 2 set points at 6-4 in the tie break and had another 3 set points at 7-6 then 9-8 and 11-10.
After a great 72 minute 3rd set somehow Federer who seemed as though he was hanging on for dear life clinched the title after the 24th point of the tie break. Federer recorded his 2nd straight sets victory over Murray in a Grand Slam Final, this time winning 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11) in 2 hours and 41 minutes.
Murray as the runner-up won 1.1 million Australian dollars and 1,400 ATP ranking points to continue his steady progression towards claiming his 1st Grand Slam singles title. Murray appears on course to take the next step this year at the French Open, Wimbledon or the US Open if he can learn how to set aside the immense pressure he has felt in recent times.
As we specifically pointed out in our Men’s final preview (click this link to read-> Australian Open 2010 Men’s Singles Final), the critical factors we predicted were spot on with Murray being unable to control his mental state in order to play aggressively or serve well enough. Murray was out served by Federer especially on the big points where Murray routinely missed his 1st serve.
Federer now has 4 Australian Open singles titles to his credit which includes his 2004, 2006-2007 titles. Federer won 2.1 million Australian dollars and 2,000 ATP ranking points which increased his points lead as the World No.1.
Now that the Australian Open is completed the new ATP Tour Rankings as at February 1, 2010 will see Federer equal the 3rd placed Jimmy Connors for the most weeks ranked as the World No.1.
Both Connors and Federer have 268 weeks ranked as the World No.1 and his 2010 Australian Open victory means Federer will overtake Connors and 2nd placed Ivan Lendl who has 270. Federer is destined to break the record set by Pete Sampras of 286 weeks on June 14th this year.
The current Top 10 ATP Tour Rankings (1 February 2010), are:
- Roger Federer
- Novak Djokovic – moved up 1 spot
- Andy Murray – moved up 1 spot
- Rafael Nadal – down 2 spots
- Juan Martin Del Potro
- Nikolay Davydenko
- Andy Roddick
- Robin Soderling
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – moved up 1 spot
- Marin Cilic – up 4 spots
Stay tuned to this tennis website for a closer look at how the players in the women’s and men’s finals won and lost AND what they were trying to do against their opponent in order to win.
For more coverage of the 2010 Australian Open and click these links for further details -> Australian Open Women’s Champion, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Singles Final, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Singles Final, Australian Open Men’s Semi Final #2, Australian Open Men’s Semi Finals, Australian Open Women’s Semi Finals, Australian Open 2010 Schedule of Play, Australian Open Men’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open Women’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Men, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Women, Australian Open 2010 Results: Women, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Survivors, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Seeding and Australian Open 2010 Women’s Seeding.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
Australian Open Women’s Champion
Posted on January 31, 2010
Filed Under Australian Open 2010 | 1 Comment
The Australian Women’s Singles Champion for 2010 is the No.1 seed Serena Williams (pictured above), who successfully defended her title having won this tournament in 2009. Serena is the 1st woman to win back to back Australian Open singles titles since American Jennifer Capriati in 2001-2002.
The Women’s Singles Final was a very entertaining match with both players having opportunities to take the match into their hands. Two great champions in women’s tennis went after each other in the Championship match and both had streaks of dominating their opponent.
As we specifically pointed out in our Women’s final preview (click this link to read Australian Open 2010 Women’s Singles Final), the clear trend in their head to head matches continued where the player wins the 1st set wins the match. This has now occurred in 13 of their 14 battles.
Serena served better, was more determined to hang in there and was the smarter player on the day. Justine Henin had her chances but in the end went down 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in 2 hours and 7 minutes. The 27 year old Belgian’s comeback in just her 2nd tournament has returned 2 runner-up results.
Henin is now 7 wins to 5 losses in Grand Slam Singles Finals and was unable to emulate the Wild Card comeback win that her fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters achieved at the 2009 US Open. Henin won 1.1 million Australian dollars and 1,400 WTA ranking points as the runner-up.
Henin has now compiled 1600 points from just 2 tournaments which would have her ranked as the World No.38. However, Henin has 1 more event to win points from before she can attain an official WTA ranking.
The unranked Henin has won the French Open 4 times so it will be very interesting at the next Grand Slam to see how she performs. The Australian Open runner up would be the early favourite given she has dominated the French Open in the past whereas Serena’s worst Grand Slam record is at Roland Garros.
Serena now has 5 Australian Open singles titles to her credit which is second only to the record of 11 by Margaret Court. Court presented the women’s trophies on the 40 year anniversary of winning THE GRAND SLAM back in 1970. Serena won 2.1 million Australian dollars and 2,000 WTA ranking points.
Serena now has 12 Grand Slam singles titles which ties her with Billie Jean King. Serena has won those titles from 1999 to 2010 and King won them from 1966-1975. The following 5 players have won more Grand Slam Singles titles than Serena and the time frame in which they won them is in brackets next to these players names.
- 18 to Chris Evert (1974-1986);
- 18 to Martina Navratilova (1978-1990);
- 19 to Helen Wills Moody (1923-1938);
- 22 to Steffi Graf (1987-1999); and
- 24 to Margaret Court (1960-1973).
Let’s hope for more showdowns between Henin and Williams in quarter or semi finals of WTA Tour tournaments this year and surely we will see Justine Henin’s name in the top 10 rankings list soon. Now that the Australian Open is completed the new top 10 WTA Rankings as at 1 February 2010 are:
- Serena Williams
- Dinara Safina
- Caroline Wozniacki – moved up 1 spot
- Svetlana Kuznetsova – down 1 spot
- Venus Williams – up 1 spot
- Victoria Azarenka – up 1 spot
- Elena Dementieva – down 2 spots
- Jelena Jankovic
- Agnieszka Radwanska – up 1 spot
- Li Na – up 7 spots
Stay tuned to this tennis website for a closer look at how the players in the women’s and men’s finals won and lost AND what they were trying to do against their opponent in order to win.
For more coverage of the 2010 Australian Open and click these links for further details -> Australian Open 2010 Men’s Singles Final, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Singles Final, Australian Open Men’s Semi Final #2, Australian Open Men’s Semi Finals, Australian Open Women’s Semi Finals, Australian Open 2010 Schedule of Play, Australian Open Men’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open Women’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Men, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Women, Australian Open 2010 Results: Women, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Survivors, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Seeding and Australian Open 2010 Women’s Seeding.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
Australian Open 2010 Men’s Singles Final
Posted on January 30, 2010
Filed Under Australian Open 2010 | 3 Comments
photo credit: Not enough megapixels
The Men’s Singles Final will be played on Sunday 31 January at 7:30pm Melbourne time. The centre court in Melbourne is called the Rod Laver Arena where the great champion of men’s tennis, No.1 seed Roger Federer will be going for his 16th Grand Slam Singles title and his opponent is the No.5 seed Andy Murray of Scotland.
The final promises to be a great clash with the 2 “in form” players of the tournament set to collide at full speed for their 11th head to head battle on the men’s tour. Murray leads with 6 wins to 4 including 4 of their past 6 matches against each other. So he has proven that he CAN beat Federer.
The 2010 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final is their 1st meeting ever at this tournament and only their 2nd meeting in a Grand Slam tournament. The 1st Grand Slam match up was also in a final at the 2008 US Open in which the 28 year old Federer won in 3 straight sets 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.
The 22 year old Murray’s best result to date in a Grand Slam was that 2008 US Open final. Murray has improved in numerous facets of the game since then, illustrated by the fact that he beat Federer 4 times in a row after losing the US Open final match.
Australian Open 2010 is the 1st time that 1.90 metre Murray has made it past the round of 16 in Melbourne. The semi final was the 1st time that Murray lost a set in this tournament. It was the 1st set of the match that he lost against No.14 seed Marin Cilic before winning the next 3 sets.
Federer has the experience and proven consistency in being able to perform in THE biggest matches. Federer is playing in an ATP Tour men’s record 22nd Grand Slam Singles final. The 1.85 metre champion from Switzerland has won 3 Australian Open titles thus far (2004, 2006 & 2007), made the semi finals twice (2005 & 2008) and was runner up last year in 5 sets to Rafael Nadal.
In the semi finals Federer was far more impressive and dominating than Murray. The Swiss won in 3 straight sets against No.10 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in just 88 minutes. Tsonga looked more like Jo “the Fried-Will” Tsonga in comparison to his fantastic play to win through his first two ever 5 set matches. Tsonga won back to back 5 set matches against No.3 seed Novak Djokovic and No.26 seed Nicolas Almagro (by 9 games to 7 in the final set!).
Both Roger and Andy have not spent that much time on court and have had a days rest in Federer’s case and 2 days rest in Murray’s case. Therefore, neither player will be “gone” if they drop the 1st set. A fade out like Djokovic against Tsonga should not occur as both will well and truly have enough reserves to stand up to the physical challenge of, hopefully, a 5 set match.
The mental battle is always a decisive factor in tennis matches and the men’s final will be no exception. Federer has to push himself mentally by challenging himself in a number of key ways that allow his best tennis to occur. If he cannot manage to maintain this mindset throughout he could easily slip back into playing too passively, defensively and without enough aggression. This is possible for the relaxed Federer considering how much he has already achieved.
The mental struggle and problem we foresee for Murray is that he must overcome the enormous pressure to win. This includes the constant expectations of himself and the British Press to become the 1st British player since Fred Perry to win a Grand Slam singles title. Perry won the 1936 US Open. Not to mention the fact that ONLY IF Muuray wins the Australian Open final then he will earn 50 million pounds per year!
If Murray serves very well by making a high percentage of 1st serves “in” and especially in key situations, then he could win the final in straight sets. Unfortunately for Murray the reliability of his 1st serve working is one of his weaknesses but, he only needs to serve well for one match – tomorrow’s final. Will he have an “on” day or not?
We are hoping for a close competitive match where both players display the high level of tennis, great variety of shots and positive attacking play that earned them their 6 wins each to get to the final. Last time round Murray played 3 days in a row before losing in the 2008 US Open final, that is certainly not the case this time.
Murray certainly has the ability to win especially given that he has achieved more including the World No.2 ranking, than a number of other players who have broken through to a a Grand Slam final. Murray has been thereabouts for some time If he does manage to defeat the mental demons then he will definitely deserve to be a Grand Slam Singles Champion.
Federer has dropped only 2 sets, both times it was the 1st set of the match in the 1st round against Igor Andreev and in the quarter final against No.6 seed Nikolay Davydenko.
Both Murray and Federers are physically fresh and obviously have no problem in coming back from losing the 1st set so the match will not be over until match point has been converted.
The critical factors will be: who can show the mental fortitude and discipline to overcome their inner struggles, who can be aggressive and maintain the right balance of attacking play and how well both players serve.
Federer has a knack of serving really well when he is being outplayed in the other areas of the game. Just as he did when he beat Andy Roddick 16-14 in the 5th set of the 2009 Wimbledon final. Federer has the advantage in being more consistently able to get himself into the zone and serve really well when he needs it most.
I do not remember a player under so much pressure to win the final.This will make it very difficult for Murray to stay relaxed enough to serve well and deal with missed opportunities that happen in most matches. The OCA prediction is Federer in 4 sets.
Stay tuned to this tennis website for more coverage of the 2010 Australian Open and click these links for further details -> Australian Open 2010 Women’s Singles Final, Australian Open Men’s Semi Final #2, Australian Open Men’s Semi Finals, Australian Open Women’s Semi Finals, Australian Open 2010 Schedule of Play, Australian Open Men’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open Women’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Men, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Women, Australian Open 2010 Results: Women, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Survivors, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Seeding and Australian Open 2010 Women’s Seeding.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
Australian Open 2010 Women’s Singles Final
Posted on January 29, 2010
Filed Under Australian Open 2010 | 2 Comments
The Women’s Singles Final at 7:30pm Melbourne time on Rod Laver Arena between two of the great champions in women’s tennis. Serena Williams (11) and Justine Henin (7) have won 18 Grand Slam singles titles between them.
The final promises to be a great clash when the 2 mentally toughest players over the past 10 years on the women’s tour square off or the 14th time in their head to head battles.
Serena has the height 1.75 metres to 1.67 metres, considerable weight advantage and a bigger and better serve. There is no point in providing the official stats on their current playing weights are as who in there right mind would ever believe what the female player’s report them to be?!?! Well ok, for a laugh, Serena is 68 kgs and Henin is 57 kgs.
The 27 year old Belgian’s comeback in just her 2nd tournament has her in her 2nd final already. Can Henin win one point more than last time? In the Brisbane final she had 2 match points before falling to fellow comeback queen and Belgian Kim Clijsters.
Clijsters won the 2009 US Open as a wild card. Henin retired 20 months ago back on 14 May 2008 and was awarded a wild card into this event. It would be great for women’s tennis if a 2nd dream comeback story came true as opposed to Serena just adding another Slam to her tally.
In the semi finals Henin was far more impressive and dominating than Serena. The 2004 Australian Open champion won in a quick fire 51 minute 6-1, 6-0 semi final victory over China’s Zheng Jie.
After that match Henin said, ”I knew it could be a dangerous match. Grand Slam semifinals are always special. I knew I had to be very focused, very concentrated. I did my job perfectly,” the former World No.1 said. “Sometimes you have big surprises, like at Wimbledon in 2007. I knew there was an opportunity for me. It’s more than a dream. I’m so happy to play against Serena because if I want to win another Grand Slam, I’ll have to beat the best in the world. And that’s the biggest challenge I can get.”
The 28 year old American struggled through against China’s Li Na in her semi final and managed to fight out a win in 2 tie break sets 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-1). Serena leads the head to head encounters by 7 wins to Henin’s 6. Especially interesting is the fact that the player who has won the 1st set in 12 of those 13 matches went on to win the match. So tune in from the 1st point of the 1st set as it seems to be absolutely vital when they battle each other.
The mental battle is always a decisive factor in tennis matches and with Serena playing so much tennis at the Australian Open (she won the women’s doubles final with her sister), together with her growing “Egyptian mummy” look with all that white bandaging, coming back from being down a set could prove to be too physically and mentally demanding.
For Henin who has the edge over Serena in a s far as being fresh, physically ready and having won all 3 Grand Slam matches between the 2 over the past 6 years. Henin also has spent 117 weeks at No.1 versus Serena’s 88 and counting. Henin has the edge in career titles with 41 versus 35. Henin leads Serena with 4 win s to 2 in Grand Slam singles events yet, they have never net in a Grand Slam final despite Serena playing in 14 Grand Slam finals and Justine playing in 11.
The 2010 Australian Open Women’s Singles Final is also their 1st meeting ever at this tournament. Besides Serena being H-U-N-G-R-Y and seemingly more determined than ever, the problem I foresee for Henin in terms of this mental battle will be her overwhelming feeling of relief to have done so well to make a Grand Slam final so soon in her comeback to tennis.
Despite the potential and the build up and as much as we hope otherwise it will be another Serena victory and in straight sets…
Stay tuned to this tennis website for more coverage of the 2010 Australian Open and click these links for further details -> Australian Open Men’s Semi Final #2, Australian Open Men’s Semi Finals, Australian Open Women’s Semi Finals, Australian Open 2010 Schedule of Play, Australian Open Men’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open Women’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Men, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Women, Australian Open 2010 Results: Women, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Survivors, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Seeding and Australian Open 2010 Women’s Seeding.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
Australian Open Men’s Semi Final #2
Posted on January 28, 2010
Filed Under Australian Open 2010 | 2 Comments
photo credit: The iconoclastic yet iconic ionic icon
The semi final between No.1 seed Roger Federer and No.10 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga promises to be great as both Federer and Tsonga fought back from being down in their quarter final matches to show some superb and exciting tennis.
The 1.88 metre Tsonga won his match against Novak Djokovic to move to 5 wins to 2 losses against Djokovic. Federer has a much tougher time against Djokovic than Tsonga does with Federer losing 3 of the past 5 matches against Djokovic. Tsonga played inspired tennis to defeat Djokovic in 5 sets 7-6 (10-8), 6-7 (5-7), 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 and showed no signs of fatigue.
The 28 year old Federer is going for his 16th Grand Slam singles title and has extended his world record for the most consecutive semi final or better results in Grand Slam singles events to an amazing 23 in a row! The Swiss beat Nikolay Davydenko in 4 sets 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, 7-5.
The 1.85 metre Federer was close to being 2 sets to love down against Davydenko and Tsonga has beaten Federer before. In fact their head to head results in the past are squared at 1 win each and both matches were played on hard courts. The 24 year old Tsonga of France won their last match in 2009 at the Montreal Masters 1000 and Federer won back in 2008 at the Madrid Masters 1000 event.
Federer is the heavy favourite and it is hard to bet against his consistency in winning Grand Slam matches but somebody has got to do it. Tsonga has a great chance to win and is pumped up, it would be great for men’s tennis if another one of the younger players especially somebody as like able and adored by the fans could win the Australian Open instead of the ageing Federer just adding another number to his record tally.
Federer is not unbeatable he was being outplayed by Davydenko in his interview after that match Federer said, “Was in a tough situation at 6‑2, 3‑1 down and 15‑40 on my serve. I knew I wasn’t looking very good, you know. But that’s the beauty of best of five sets. I wasn’t panicking, even though I maybe would have lost the second set had I lost another point there at that stage.”
When asked in his interview after beating Novak Djokovic in 5 sets ???? in the quarter final what he has to do to beat Federer Tsonga said, ”What do I have to do? I have to play my best tennis. Roger played unbelievable today again, because Nikolay was in good shape, so it’s gonna be tough. But like today, I will give everything and we will see.”
Tsonga was also asked if it was good to know that he has beaten Federer before and whether that gave him confidence for tomorrow’s semi final to which Tsonga replied, “Yeah, of course. Of course. I know I can do that, but it was completely different. Now I have to win three sets, and it’s gonna be difficult for sure.”
Tsonga can do it he has been to the final before and he can go one better this year! His interview indicates he is in the right frame of mind and he has a big game with a wide variety of ways to win, which is always great to watch. Tsonga is in full flight in Melbourne this year as captured in the picture above and switching to the French made racquets this year seems to have given him an extra edge.
Stay tuned to this tennis website for more coverage of the 2010 Australian Open and click these links for further details -> Australian Open Men’s Semi Finals, Australian Open Women’s Semi Finals, Australian Open 2010 Schedule of Play, Australian Open Men’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open Women’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Men, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Women, Australian Open 2010 Results: Women, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Survivors, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Seeding and Australian Open 2010 Women’s Seeding.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
Australian Open Men’s Semi Finals
Posted on January 28, 2010
Filed Under Australian Open 2010 | 3 Comments
The Australian Open men’s singles event is now up to the semi-final stage with one semi final played today and the other tomorrow. To see the schedule of play for exactly what time these matches are being played click this link -> Australian Open 2010 Schedule of Play.
Below you will find the seeded players whose names have a line drawn through them because they were defeated in that section of the draw. The player’s name that is bolded is OCA’s prediction of who will win.
Semi finals:
- (1) Roger Federer versus (10) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (3) Djokovic
- (4) Del Potro (14) Marin Cilic versus (5) Andy Murray (2) Nadal
The winners of the semi-finals are guaranteed 1,050,000 Australian dollars in prize money and 1400 ATP ranking points. The players who get knocked out earn 400,000 Australian dollars and 900 points.
The match up between Murray and Cilic is played today and it appears as though Murray has the advantage due to his 3 wins to 1 loss head to head record over Cilic and his great form in disposing of his opponents far more easily than Cilic has. Murray displayed great tennis to take out Nadal in the quarter finals without dropping a set whereas Cilic has struggled through 3 long 5 set battles to make it this far.
Cilic has shown his fighting spirit in overcoming his more fancied opponent’s including knocking out 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro and former World No.1 and US Open champion Andy Roddick.
The last match between Murray and Cilic was a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 win for Cilic in the US Open just gone. The circumstances were similar, Murray showing great form in earlier matches and being the favourite to make the final if not win the US Open yet as many may argue here.
Cilic dismantled Murray at the US Open and is another young and fast improving player just like Del Potro, so given Cilic beating Murray last time and only lifting his game in 2010 the 1.98 metre Croatian is extremely hard to bet against in this match.
Despite the general consensus that Murray will win you must consider that even though Murray looked great against Nadal, Nadal gives you the time to play more aggressively including attacking the net. Whereas Murray will have a tougher time to get on the front foot especially on Cilic’s service games due to Cilic being a far more attacking player than Nadal. It should be a great match and let’s see if Murray can steel himself enough to beat his less experienced, lower ranked and younger opponent!
Cilic who is pictured above just after making contact with the ball with his double handed backhand drive has achieved his career best result at a Grand Slam singles event and will also improve his career high ranking (currently No.13) regardless of the outcome of today’s match.
Stay tuned to this tennis website for more coverage of the 2010 Australian Open and click these links for further details -> Australian Open Women’s Semi Finals, Australian Open Men’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open Women’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Men, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Women, Australian Open 2010 Results: Women, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Survivors, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Seeding and Australian Open 2010 Women’s Seeding.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
Australian Open Women’s Semi Finals
Posted on January 27, 2010
Filed Under Australian Open 2010 | 3 Comments
The Australian Open women’s singles event is now up to the semi-final stage with both semi finals to be played one after the other on Thursday 28 January. The order of play is as follows.
Semi-finals:
- (1) S.Williams versus (4) Wozniacki (16) Li Na
- (3) Kuznetsova (WC) Justine Henin versus Zheng Jie (2) Safina
The winners of the semi-finals are guaranteed 1,050,000 Australian dollars in prize money and 1400 WTA ranking points. The players who get knocked out earn 400,000 Australian dollars and 900 points.
The 1st semi-final match up is between No.1 seed and defending Australian Open champion and No.16 seed Li Na who is playing in her 1st ever semi final in a Grand Slam singles event. These two players are backing up immediately after just completing there quarter final matches today. This seems to be an unfair advantage to the winner of the 2nd semi final who had a rest day today after playing their quarter finals yesterday.
Both Serena and Li were very close to being beaten in their matches with Serena trailing Victoria Azarenka 2-6 0-4 before coming back to win the 2nd set 7-6 by 7 points to 44 and then taking the 3rd set 6-2. Li defeated No.6 seed Venus Williams after trailing of the match including being 2 points away from defeat at 2-6 3-5. Li also trailed 2-4 in the 3rd set but triumphed 7-6 (7-4) and 7-5 in the final 2 sets.
The short break between matches for Serena and Li means that it is likely that the player who bounces back better from today in terms of physical condition may have the edge. Serena was heavily bandaged today, add to that Li finished her match and began her recovery before Serena even stepped out to take on Azarenka.
Li who is pictured above in the early stages of her service action has achieved her best result at a Grand Slam singles event now and will also achieve her career high ranking right after this event. Both players showed their fighting spirit today and despite things pointing to Li winning Serena cannot be bet against in the Grand Slams she just has the amazing toughness to pull out a win from the jaws of defeat.
On Tuesday 26 January Zheng Jie of China made it to her 2nd semi final in a Grand Slam singles event by defeating Maria Kirilenko 6-1 6-3 in very convincing fashion. The other semi finalist from the bottom half of the draw is wild card Justine Henin. Henin defeated No.19 seed Nadia Petrova 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 to make an impressive comeback to the WTA Tour.
The 26 year old Zheng lost heronly previous encounter with Henin and admitted than Henin is her 3rd favourite player (after No.1 Steffi Graf & 2. Roger Federer), and inspired her when she was younger. Now that she plays Henin she believes Henin will have the mental edge and it will be tough but she will relish the battle.
The 1.64 metre Zheng said “First of all, I favor her for her is have the so strong the mentally. I watch her play always ‑ how you say ‑ enjoy to watch her for play. For second I think is tough match for me, is big challenge. But I like it. I want do something, yeah.”
The 27 year old 1.67 metre Belgian won in straight sets back in 2006 and has Kim Clijsters comeback from retirement to win the 2009 US Open as motivation that she too can go all the way. As much as it would be great to see the 1st ever Chinese woman make the final 2 of the mentally toughest champions look to be set on a collision course Saturday.
Henin has already earned 1,100 WTA ranking points in her comeback and will remain unranked until she has earned ranking points in a 3rd WTA Tour event. Henin would be ranked No.59 even if she loses her semi final or No.37 if she makes the final.
Stay tuned to this tennis website for more coverage of the 2010 Australian Open and click these links for further details ->Australian Open 2010 Schedule of Play, Australian Open Men’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open Women’s Quarter Finals, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Men, Australian Open 2010 Last 16 Women, Australian Open 2010 Results: Women, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Survivors, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Results, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Women’s Qualifying, Australian Open 2010 Men’s Seeding and Australian Open 2010 Women’s Seeding.
© OnCourtAdvantage.com 2010
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