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Contents FALL 2009
features 48
ROGER FEDERER A Special Tribute to the 15 Grand Slam World Record Holder
29
PLAYER APPRAISAL A Seasonal Showcase GREAT ACTS 30 Roger Federer 32 V. & S. Williams 34 Andy Roddick 36 Elena Dementieva 37 Svetlana Kuznetsova 37 Robin Soderling SHORT FALLS 38 Rafael Nadal 40 Novak Djokovic 40 Andy Murray 41 Dinara Safina 42 Jelena Jankovic 43 James Blake 43 Mardy Fish 43 M. Larcher de Brito
Landov.com
COMEBACKS 44 Maria Sharapova 46 Tommy Haas 46 Lleyton Hewitt
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Contents FALL 2009
departments
STROKES & STRATEGY 56 Teach Me Return Serve 58 Teach Me Topspin 60 Code of Conduct
GEAR & STYLE 26 Racquet Technologies
HEALTH 65 Benefits of Walking 66 Nadal's Knee Tendonitis
CLUB+COURT 62 Powerfully Petite 8 Reasons I play 63
Match Conflict-Resolution
GAMESETMATCH 72 Last Laugh 74 Final Frame REGULARS 8 Staff + Contributors 10 Publisher’s Note ADVERTISING SECTIONS 67 Buyers Guide Directory Landov.com
FIRST SERVE 12 Rafa and Anti-Doping 13 Economic Impact 14, 20 Interesting Tidbits 15 Carla Suarez Navarro 16 Peace of Mind 18 US Open 2009 22 WTA Fall Schedule 24 ATP Fall Schedule
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Prince Has Discovered A New Source Of Energy. Plug Into It. And Turn On Your Game.
Gael Monfils Plays The Rebel.
Introducing Puts More Energy Where You Want It — Into Your Shot. Available in six distinct models for different player types. Demo An Today.
ENERGY WHERE IT MATTERS
princetennis.com
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:10 AM Page 8
2009
fall contributors
4Charly Rasheed, director of tennis at Wild Dunes Resort, South Carolina, was recently appointed chair for the South Carolina junior player development. Rasheed has a passion for teaching and has introduced tennis to his sons Ian (5), and Isaac (3). Read Topspin Forehand, page 58, where Rasheed expresses the value of topspin in your arsenal.
TENNIS THE ULTIMATE TENNIS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
VIEW
PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Teresa Thompson CIRCULATION / SUBSCRIPTIONS Rana Mickelson, Jeanie Meyers ART DIRECTOR Antoni Pham DESIGN Martie Lopez
4Carole A. Poppleton is a professor of English at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD. In her spare time she enjoys hiking with her dog, yoga and playing tennis. She hopes to see all of the Grand Slams played live, and eventually advance to a 4.5 ranking. Read how ancient Toltec wisdom may help your inner game of tennis, page 60.
4Scott Mitchell is the head tennis professional at Charlotte Country Club, North Carolina. He was named 2008 PTR clinician of the year, and in 2006 he and his wife Ashley reached No. 1 in the USA husband/wife mixed doubles. Turn to page 56 where Scott explains the importance of Return Serve.
4Kim Cashman has had a lifelong love affair with tennis. She played college tennis and then competed on the women’s satellite tour. She’s currently a head professional and tennis store owner in Clearwater, Florida. When she’s not running her business, you can find her on the courts. Turn to pages 26 and 63.
4Kimberly Campbell says she’s the “tall, zany girl in the corner trying to balance in high heels.” The Newnan, Georgia resident has published two nonfiction books and her work has appeared in two anthologies and several magazines. Turn to page 62 where you’ll learn of her wacky reasons for loving tennis.
SPECIAL PROJECTS Leigh Ann Baccich, Maribel Gross INTERN Raechel Kenealy EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Kimberly Campbell, Kim Cashman, Scott Mitchell, Carole A. Poppelton, MJ Thompson, Charly Rasheed ART / PHOTOGRAPHY Leslie Billman, Jon Burdick, Matt Dunn, Arron Spencer
ADVERTISING Teresa Thompson, 727-319-2213 Teresa@TennisViewMag.com BACK ISSUES, EXTRA COPIES, ARTICLE REPRINTS, EDITORIAL/ ART SUBMISSIONS Info@TennisViewMag.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe@TennisViewMag.com FEEDBACK Email comments, suggestions, or compliments to Editor@TennisViewMag.com Attn: FEEDBACK. Please include your name, phone number and email address. Letters chosen for publication may be edited for length and clarity. TENNIS VIEW is published by: TAZ Publications, LLC PO Box 7282 / Seminole, FL 33775 Tennis View (ISSN 1937-7894) is published quarterly (4 times a year) by TAZ Publications, LLC. Copyright 2009 by TAZ Publications, LLC. Title “Tennis View” is registered US Patent and Trademark Office. The opinions expressed in Tennis View magazine are not to be considered official expressions of TAZ Publications, LLC. TAZ Publications, LLC does not accept any responsibility for the actions of its readers. TAZ Publications, LLC encourages safe participation in all sports and activities. Any activities described in this magazine are exclusively undertaken at the readers’ sole risk. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, of any material in this publication without written permission of TAZ Publications, LLC is expressly prohibited. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. Publisher does not assume responsibility for errors, omissions, and/or changes in advertising or editorial material. Fall 2009 Volume 2 | Issue 3
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PUBLISHER | TERESA THOMPSON
L-R: Liezel Huber, Serena Williams, Cara Black and Venus Williams, following the Wimbledon semis.
jonburdickphotography.com
Boundaries and Innovations Statement: The No. 1 ranked singles’ player and doubles’ team are expected to win tournaments.* *Disclaimer: This is true except when the No. 1 player or team faces Venus and/or Serena Williams, especially in a Grand Slam event.
Case in Point: Cara Black and Liezel Huber Cara Black and Liezel Huber are entirely committed to doubles and have reigned at the top for two years. Ironically, their biggest threat is not the No. 2 team, but the No. 10 team, Venus and Serena, who play doubles sporadically. Regardless of Black and Huber’s top ranking and experience, they were dealt a shocking blow by the Williams in the semis at Wimbledon. The No. 1 team was pummeled, 6-1, 6-2. Case in Point: Dinara Safina As the No. 1 singles’ player, Dinara Safina wins about 70-percent of her matches, and she anticipates winning her first Grand Slam when the time is right. Her championship chances would improve if she could avoid a Williams’ encounter. She has defeated Serena only once in seven tries, and only once in four attempts against Venus. As we recall, Safina most recently lost to Venus in the semis at Wimbledon, 6-1, 6-0. [Special Note] I wish to congratulate Roger Federer for his fabulous record breaking accomplishment of 15 Grand Slam titles. Readers please enjoy the photo collage presentation highlighting some of Rogers greatest career moments [p.48]. In addition, I extend good wishes to Roger and Mirka for the birth of their twin daughters Charlene Riva and Myla Rose, born July 23. Roger says it was the greatest day of their lives.
10 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
The sisters appear to have a renewed desire to control the league, and even though they are two of the oldest women on tour (Venus, 29, and Serena, 28) they plan to play a lot longer. I hope so. Not because I enjoy watching lop-sided 50-minute matches, but in addition to witnessing amazing shots, I look forward to see how the loser responds to their next opposition. During this age of Venus and Serena supremacy, Dinara Safina, Cara Black, Liezel Huber, and other WTA players may not accomplish all of their career goals. I bet, however, that they will realize their potential and learn plenty about themselves. I believe that somewhere in the rankings is a player who finds that breaking the roadblocks set by the Williams is essential to accomplishing their dreams. During struggling times, necessity is the mother of invention. T
Founder/Publisher
Teresa@TennisViewMag.com
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:10 AM Page 11
9th Annual
Andy Roddick Charity Weekend Invited Guests: Venus and Serena Williams, Justin Gimelstob, Shahar Peer, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy
Saturd Saturday day December D Decem mber b 12, 12 2009 Dinnerr Dance Gala 6:30 pm Polo Club b Boca Raton R Price: Ticket Pr rice: $250
Sunda Sunday ay Decem mber 13, 2009 December Tennis Exhibition 1:00 pm (Kid’s Zon Zone ne starts 11:30 am)
Boca Poi Pointe inte C Country ountryy Club Ticket Pr rices: Prices: Courtsid de: $100 Courtside: Canopy: $75 Reserved d: $50 Reserved: Bleacher: Bleacher r: $25 *Children under 12 free with paid adult adullt admission in reserved and bleacher seat seat-ing only **$5 **$5 servic service ce ffee ee perr ticket tick
Sponsored Sponsor red by:
Tickets on Sale Monday, September 14 at 10am To purchase tickets and for more info, contact the Andy Roddick Foundation at 561.620.9449 or visit www.andyroddick.com Proceeds bene!t local children’s charities including: Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Boys Town, Back to Basics Angel Fund, Here’s Help, Inc., Florence Fuller, Kids in Distress, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center and A Safe Haven for Newborns.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:11 AM Page 12
FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
Rafa’s View on Anti-Doping “I WANT MORE OF A NORMAL LIFE,” says Andy Murray. Roger Federer adds, “It’s not fun for anyone.” Fernando Gonzalez insists tennis players are clean and have nothing to fear. These sentiments are in response to the Anti-Doping Rule that requires players to inform drug-testers of their whereabouts for a period of one hour every day, weekends included. Rafael Nadal disagrees with the system and is upset that his friend, Richard Gasquet of France, was suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine earlier this year. Nadal says the Anti-Doping Rule is unfair and he wants the International Tennis Federation to make changes.
Rafael Nadal
>> speaks d Wants Privacy
I was in Madrid with my friends on my only free evening. Then my mother called and said the guys were at my house for this anti-doping control. I don't know if, from the legal point of view, this is correct. That is, for them to know where you are every single moment of your life. It's wrong. It's a high price to pay to play tennis.
d Supports Richard Gasquet
Richard Gasquet is a good friend of mine, and I discussed this with him. He's most certainly not taking cocaine. You know what the world is like today. When you go to a party, if you kiss a girl who has taken cocaine, anything can happen. That's the reality, and this can destroy your life or your career.
d Wants Freedom
I'll go back to Mallorca, and who will know where I’ll be or if I have access to the Internet to send e-mails to my family? Now, if they knock at my door in Mallorca and I’m not there, they're going to give me a warning. It’s not fair.
d Seeks A Compromise
The vast majority of players are against the Anti-Doping Rule. I don't have the impression that it's good to put so much pressure on us. They harass us. The ITF should do something about it, or come up with another solution for us to play tennis in a more tranquil way. I’m the first one who wants the sport totally clean; it’s just not nice that they’re at your room at 8 o’clock in the morning.
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TIDBITS
| FIRST SERVE
Economic Impact
Caroline Wozniacki
Vera Zvonareva
No, the down economy hasn’t affected me in particular. I still can spend the way I want to spend, but you can see people around whose lives have changed. And I was looking to buy a home and I saw all the houses for sale, you know, bank owned homes – so many families and companies have problems right now. I’m sure it will turn around – sooner or later.
Being tennis players, we always spend a lot on traveling, coaching and stuff, and I think it’s tough for everyone, but the better you play, better living you will make. I’m sure everyone feels it, the sponsorships in general, any sport, and tennis is not an exception. Everyone feels a little bit of a slowdown, and we tennis players are human, too. We feel it as well.
Dominika Cibulkova
Marion Bartoli
I’ve always been aware of the economy. Even though money isn’t a problem, I see all around me the tough times people are having. I’ve never spent money on crazy things that I didn’t need. I’ve always been careful with my money and I try to have a normal life and not make it obvious how much money I have.
Patty Schnyder
It's affecting so many people; we (tennis players) should be happy we still have a job with the opportunity to earn good money.
I have definitely noticed it, I think everyone has. The US dollar is very low right now. Even for us, prize money at tournaments is much lower than what it used to be. I think everyone is affected in some way.
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FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
Venus on Venus
ANA REORGANIZES
Leslie Billman
Ana Ivanovic, struggling to regain the form that earned her top status, was reduced to simplifying her goals. “My goal is to just try and enjoy the match. I wasn't really looking for any outcome or looking too much into the tournament. I just wanted to enjoy,” Ivanovic said when asked about her goals as the defending champion of Roland Garros. Ivanovic lost in the fourth round to Victoria Azarenka and said she was proud of her efforts. After the match, the Serbian slipped out of the top ten rankings and later fired her coach Craig Kardon.
IS ELENA DEMENTIEVA CLAIRVOYANT?
COURT COMMANDO: I'm a control freak. I love controlling. You know, I'm used to that. That's how I was taught to play.
“It looks like he's [Rafael Nadal] actually a little bit tired to me. Even though he has won easily in his first two rounds, it doesn't look like he's fresh enough. Maybe he was playing too much. I think it's going to be a tough challenge for him to win this time, actually,” said the Russian, who forecast Nadal’s Roland Garros fate correctly.
OFF-COURT QUIRK: I'm a little bit obsessive. But I think every tennis player – every athlete – is either obsessive or compulsive or something, because you can't get this good without some kind of a little idiosyncrasy. GREAT QUOTE: I live my life. I don't want to play a role in it.
Serena on Venus
HOW ARE YOU AND TIGER WOODS SIMILAR?
Why is Venus so slow to adopt things like Twitter and Facebook? She's really artsy and into smart things like learning languages and getting degrees. I'm into Twitter. We're quite different.
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Chris Smith
Have you played Venus in any other game or sport and who won? I'm terrible at ping pong. I hit too hard and the court's too small.
Roger Federer: Success, I guess. We've been at the top for a very long time. When you talk about golf, you talk about Tiger; when you talk about tennis, you talk about me. Our mindset and approach are similar. We're very driven. We try to not only just play well, but we try to dominate.
Before hitting tennis balls, Maria Sharapova always warms her shoulder up first by throwing a football.
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PROFILE
| FIRST SERVE
navarro Quietly Breaking Obscurity CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO is quiet, composed, petite and has a whaling one-handed backhand. She is often compared to Justin Henin. “Justine was one of my idols when I was a young player. It's really nice to be compared to her because she was a great No. 1,” says Suarez Navarro. It’s time to get to know Spain’s rising star.
You appear shy. How would your closest friends and family describe you? They would say that I’m a very calm person when I’m not on the courts. I’m quite introverted, but little by little I’m becoming more open.
Most children learn to hit a backhand with two hands. Did you? Even when I was very small, the first time I hit a backhand I did it with one hand. Since I had the strength to use it, my coach didn’t try to change it. I never thought of changing.
Under what circumstances is a onehanded backhand advantageous? When I’m either running for a ball or when I’m finding it hard to reach a ball, one hand is easier to make the shot. With higher balls two hands would be better than one.
358 289 613
‘05
‘06
169
50
‘09
‘08
‘07
‘04
Season-ending Singles Rankings
AT-A-GLANCE Born: Sept 3, 1988 Country: Spain Residence: Barcelona, Spain Height: 5’4” Weight: 137 Turned Pro: 2003 Current ranking: 33 Plays: Right; one-handed backhand WEAPON: Cross-court backhand
Describe the difficulty of playing a top 10 player. When I play with a top ranked player, the big thing that I notice is the rhythm of the ball – it has more power. And top players play the important points very well!
Your rankings have steadily climbed. Are you on target with your goals? My ranking has gone up quite rapidly but I’m not surprised, because I have worked hard for it. For now I would like to keep it going. I would like for tennis to continue to be my job for a long time. And I hope to enjoy playing as much in the future as I do now. T - Teresa Thompson
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FIRST SERVE | HAWK-EYE
Peace of Mind
BY M.J. THOMPSON
UNLIKE FOOTBALL, WHERE LONG delays follow instant replay, tennis utilizes Hawk-Eye technology that provides instant gratification and allows for continuous play. In its infancy, Hawk-Eye wasn’t embraced by every player, but after more than three years of calling shots “in” or “out,” the system is widely accepted and often preferred.
HAWK-EYE FACTOIDS • Official debut: March 23, 2006, Sony Ericsson Open, Miami. • Men challenge twice as often as the ladies. • Challenge success of women: 36% • Challenge success of men: 35% • Instant replay appeals that overrule original call: 30%
What the pros say... Serena Williams
Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal
Svetlana Kuznetsova
57% 55% 39% 36% 35%
Challenge Success
I don't mind it. Sometimes it sucks when you know your ball is out and they challenge it. But other than that, I don't really use it too much unless I'm sure I’m right.
Challenge Success
Challenge Success
Challenge Success
Challenge Success
It's not that I have eyes of the falcon or something, but I've been quite successful with Hawk-Eye. Some players like the system, some don't. But I'm on the side of the players who really like Hawk-Eye. I think it brings entertainment for fans, and it's interesting. On the other side, it gives players a chance to overrule the first call, which is good.
It's helped me and not helped me. That's why I still believe it's unnecessary. And it's only on center court. I don't even know if it's on grandstand. But all the other matches, poor guys, they don't have challenge systems. Ask them whether they think they could use the challenge system on Court 8.
Sometimes I ask for Hawk-Eye. I don't know why – maybe to relax a little bit. Sometimes I am wrong and make a mistake, and other times I think the machine is not exactly okay.
I’m disappointed when they don’t offer Hawk-Eye. Sometimes I go on the court and I’m like, damn, no Hawk-Eye line calling. But I think I have a very high percentage of making my own Hawk-Eye calls. So when I’m like 80% sure of a call I ask for it, maybe 70%. Some players use Hawk-Eye just for no reason.
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Andy Murray
25% Challenge Success
Players don't challenge thinking the ball is definitely in. A lot of times at the end of sets, match points, or in tie breaks guys will challenge balls that they normally wouldn't do. If you give a player one challenge a set and their life depended on it, I think they would be very good at the calls a lot of times. T
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FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
USOpen2009 A Big Act to Follow
THE 2008 US OPEN was the biggest and most successful US Open in its 40year history. Revenue, attendance, website traffic, and concession sales hit all-time highs, fueling added excitement for this year's Slam as organizers prepare for a bigger extravaganza.
"The record-setting 2008 US Open was the ultimate convergence of sports, celebrity, business and entertainment," said Arlen Kantarian, CEO Pro Tennis, USTA. "We are extremely appreciative of our fans coming out in record numbers, particularly in the midst of a challenging economy." Showcasing the ATP and WTA's top players, the Grand Slam remains the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world - more than 720,000 fans packed the park. For the first time, Arthur Ashe Stadium celebrated a record 99 percent of capacity in 2008.
This year, American favorites Andy Roddick and Serena Williams are expected to give their competition trouble, as both are enjoying great momentum following fantastic performances at Wimbledon. As recalled, Roddick faced Roger Federer in the final and played a thrilling five-sets before narrowly losing. Serena beat her sister Venus in the final and then the duo played together and won the trophy in doubles. With a Roddick-Williams American star line-up, the 2009 US Open has a good chance to match last year's outstanding attendance records. Let the parties begin.
US OPEN FACTS
The United States has the most singles championsMen's Singles: 85 titles by 26 men. Women's Singles: 89 titles by 36 women Richard Sears, Bill Larned, and Bill Tilden are tied for the most men's singles titles with seven (7). Molla B. Mallory won the US Open 8 times, the most of any woman. The US Open is the only major to be played on three different surfaces: grass, clay, and hard. Jimmy Connors is the only player to have won the US Open on all three surfaces. Arthur Ashe Stadium is the biggest tennis stadium in the world. It seats 23,200 spectators. The only major to play outdoor matches at night under lights. The only major to have final-set tiebreakers - the others play the final set until one player wins by two games. It was the first major to implement the instant-replay review system, Hawk-Eye, in 2006. Martina Navratilova played in 21 consecutive US Opens, from 1973 to 1993. Her rival, Chris Evert, played in 19 consecutive US Opens, from 1971 to 1989. -Compiled by Raechel Kenealy
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peachytan.com peach ytaan.com
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FIRST SERVE | TIDBITS
–Caroline Wozniacki
“When you're No. 1 in the world, for some reason people don't like you anymore. It's amazing how society works. I think people always love the underdog, and the one that comes back from behind, or the one that's not expected to win. I'm probably that person.”
Birth
Feliciano Lopez turns 28
day Chris Smith
“Once you step on the court it doesn't matter who you're playing, you want to win. But once you step off the court you're friends again. the loser always wants a few hours to themselves. if you break your friendships with all the girls you lose to you won't have any friends left because you can't win every match. it's important to let go.”
CELEBRATIONS SEPTEMBER 1st, Gael Monfils, 1986 7th, Jamea Jackson, 1986 17th, Tomas Berdych, 1985 20th, Feliciano Lopez, 1981 27th, Serena Williams, 1980 OCTOBER 2nd, Marion Bartoli, 1984 7th, Robby Ginepri, 1982 7th, Sam Querrey, 1987 15th, Elena Dementieva, 1981 18th, Martina Navratilova, 1956 NOVEMBER 6th, Ana Ivanovic, 1987 22nd, Billie Jean King, 1943 25th, Guillermo Canas, 1977 27th, Rodek Stepanek, 1978
–Maria Sharapova
Rethink Pink? Q: Rafa, we know you love the pink shirt, but being superstitious, will you ever wear it again since you lost at Roland Garros sporting pink? A: I am not superstitious and I change the color of the shirts every few tournaments. That has nothing to do with the defeat. If it did, then I should have lost the first match, no?
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MISERY LOVES COMPANY French Open losses for Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal made the calendar year Grand Slam impossible for the two Australian Open winners. “Honestly, I'm glad I didn't go down alone, you know. We both went down together,” said Williams.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:13 AM Page 21
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TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:14 AM Page 22
SonyEricssonWTAtour.com
US Open Aug 31-Sept 13 Flushing Meadows, New York Surface: Outdor Hard Prize Money: TBA (2000 pts) usopen.org 2008 Winner: Serena Williams Guangzhou Int’l Women’s Open September 14-20 Guangzhou, China Surface: Outdor Hard Prize Money: $222,000 (280 pts) sports.21.cn.com 2008 Winner: Vera Zvonareva Bell Challenge September 14-20 Quebec City, Canada Surface: Indoor Carpet Prize Money: $222,000 (280 pts) challengebell.com 2008 Winner: Nadia Petrova Hansol Korea Open September 21-27 Seoul, Korea Surface: Outdor Hard Prize Money: $222,000 (280 pts) hansolopn.com 2008 Winner: Maria Kirilenko Tashkent Open September 21-27 Tashkent, Uzbekistan Surface: Outdor Hard Prize Money: $222,000 (280 pts) tashentopen.uz 2008 Winner: Sorana Cirstea Toray Pan Pacific Open Sept 25-Oct 3 Tokyo, Japan Surface: Outdor Hard Prize Money: $2,000,000 (470 pts) toray-ppo.coljp 2008 Winner: Dinara Safina
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China Open October 2-11 Beijing, China Surface: Outdoor Hard Prize Money: $4,500,000 (470 pts) chinaopen.com 2008 Winner: Jelena Jankovic Generali Ladies Linz October 12-18 Linz, Austria Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: $222,000 (280 pts) generali-ladies.at 2008 Winner: Ana Ivanovic HP Open October 12-18 Osaka, Japan Surface: Outdoor Hard Prize Money: $222,000 (280 pts) hp-open.com 2008 Winner: Caroline Wozniacki
Int’l Tennis TournamentKremlin Cup October 17-25 Moscow, Russia Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: $1,000,000 (470 pts) kremlincup.ru 2008 Winner: Jelena Jankovic BGL Luxembourg Open October 19-25 Luxembourg, Luxembourg Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: $222,000 (280 pts) bgl-bnp-paribas-open.lu 2008 Winner: Elena Dementieva Sony-Ericsson Championships-Doha Oct 27-Nov 1 Doha, Qatar Surface: Outdoor Hard Prize Money: $4,500,000 sonyericsson-championships.com 2008 winner: Venus Williams
Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions November 4-8 Bali, Indonesia Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: $600,000 commbanktennis.com *NEW EVENT IN 2009
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ATPWorldTour.com
US Open Aug 31-Sept 13 Flushing Meadows, New York Surface: Outdoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (2000 pts) usopen.org 2008 Winner: Roger Federer Open de Moselle September 21-28 Metz, France Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (250 pts) opendemosell.com 2008 Winner: Dmitry Tursunov BCR Open Romania September 21-28 Bucharest, Romania Surface: Clay Prize Money: TBA (250 pts) bcropenromania.ro 2008 Winner: Gilles Simon Thailand Open Sept 26-Oct 4 Bangkok, Thailand Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: $608,500 (250 pts) thailandopen.org 2008 Winner: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
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AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships October 5-11 Tokyo, Japan Surface: Outdoor Hard Prize Money: $1,226,500 (500 pts) aigopen.jp 2008 Winner: Tomas Berdych
Int’l Tennis TournamentKremlin Cup October 19-25 Moscow, Russia Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: $1,080,500 (250 pts) kremlincup.ru 2008 Winner: Igor Kunitsyn
China Open October 5-11 Beijing, China Surface: Outdoor Hard Prize Money: $3,337,000 (500 pts) chinaopen.com 2008 Winner: Andy Roddick
Bank Austria Tennis Trophy Oct 26-Nov 2 Vienna, Austria Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (250 pts) bankaustria-tennistrophy.at 2008 Winner: Philipp Petzschner
Shanghai ATP World Tour-Masters 1000 October 11-18 Shanghai, China Surface: Outdoor Hard Prize Money: $5,250,000 (1000 pts) jussevent.com NEW EVENT
Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon Oct 26-Nov 2 Lyon, France Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (250 pts) gptennislyon.com 2008 Winner: Robin Soderling
IF Stockholm Open October 17-25 Stockholm, Sweden Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (250 pts) Ifstockholmopen.se 2008 Winner: David Nalbandian
St. Petersburg Open Oct 25-Nov 1 St. Petersburg, Russia Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: $750,000 (250 pts) spbopen.ru 2008 Winner: Andy Murray
Davidoff Swiss Indoors Basel November 2-9 Basel, Switzerland Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (500 pts) davidoffswissindoors.ch 2008 Winner: Roger Federer Valencia Open 500 November 2-9 Valencia, Spain Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (500 pts) valenciaopen500.com 2008 Winner: David Ferrer BNP Paribas Masters November 8-16 Paris, France Surface: Indoor Hard Prize Money: TBA (1000 pts) bnpparibasmasters.org 2008 Winner: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Barclays ATP World Tour Finals November 22-29 London, England Surface: Indoor Hard barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com 2008 Winner: Novak Djokovic
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:22 AM Page 25 T
ATP WORLD TOUR FEEL THE PASSION www.ATPWorldTour.com
ONE TOUR. ONE CHAMPION. ONE WEBSITE. FOLLOW THE GREATEST TENNIS STARS AS THEY BATTLE TO BECOME THE 2009 ATP WORLD TOUR CHAMPION
REAL-TIME SCORES LIVE STREAMING OF TOURNAMENTS EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS & INTERVIEWS BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE IN-DEPTH PLAYER PROFILES
Senior Partner
63 32 06 01
TOURNAMENTS COUNTRIES CONTINENTS ATP WORLD TOUR
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ALL AT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:23 AM Page 26
GEAR & STYLE | EQUIPMENT
Will Racquet Technologies Help Me? BY KIM CASHMAN
“IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT,” is often the mentality of too many tennis players when they consider buying a new racquet. If you’re closed-minded, you’re missing out on the technological advancements that may enhance your game. The main objective of tennis racquet companies is to research technologies and develop a better racquet. As a result, new frames are introduced on an ongoing basis with game-improving technologies and superior materials and construction. Will one of these new racquets be “the one” that will magically transform your game? Maybe. Before searching for a new racquet you must first evaluate your game and determine what areas need improvements – perhaps you want more topspin, more control, better touch, or more power? Now you’re ready to sift through racquets looking for ones that match your criteria. You’ll want to hit the court and play-test to help narrow your selection. This process can be fun and educational, but, at the same time, be time consuming and frustrating. Be patient and keep testing. If you try enough racquets eventually you will find your “soul mate” of tennis frames.
Say, Yes! To microfiber fabric socks
Lead Tape:
Head Tape:
Using head-protection tape can drastically improve the life of your tennis racquet. For only a few dollars the use of the tape will not only reduce the wear on the plastic bumper guard, but it will also reduce the chance of small cracks in the exposed graphite. Also, most bumper guards can be replaced for a nominal fee by your racquet stringer.
Cotton socks are terrible for your feet. Even though cotton is a natural fabric, it absorbs moisture which then gets stuck in your shoes causing blisters. Most high performance socks are made from a microfiber fabric with moisture wicking characteristics. This allows the moisture to get pulled away from your foot and circulate to keep you dry and cool. If you’re still using cotton socks, give the new sock technology a try and you’ll be happy you did. T
26 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
You can change the weight and/or balance of your tennis racquet by adding lead tape in certain places. Most certified racquet technicians aare trained in racquet customization, but if you want to give it a try, here is a guideline. To increase head weight, add the lead tape directly at the 12 o’clock position. To increase the torsional stability of the racquet, add the lead tape to the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock position. This will reduce the “twisting” motion on off-center hits. To make the racquet more head light, add the lead tape inside the butt cap or under the grip.
Control vs. Power
Want more power and depth with your stroke? Try a larger-headed frame with lighter weights and bigger beams. Do you already generate your own power and you’re looking for more control? Go for a smaller-headed frame with thinner beams.
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:23 AM Page 27
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TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/29/09 12:23 AM Page 28
TENNIS VIEW_FALL 09:F09 7/30/09 7:58 AM Page 29
>> player BY TERESA THOMPSON
Grand Slam heaven. That’s how tennis fans describe summer 2009. There were veteran revivals, mental meltdowns and extraordinary feats. And no one will soon forget the injuries, the grunting and unexpected defeats. It was a season Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe called as one of the best, which included two women named Williams, a Swiss, and Andy from the mid-west. Inside these pages you’ll relive some of the best moments and look forward to the final Slam of the year at the US Open.
CONTENTS Great Acts 30-37 Roger Federer Venus & Serena Williams Andy Roddick Elena Dementieva Svetlana Kuznetsova Robin Soderling Short Falls 38-43 Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic Andy Murray Dinara Safina Jelena Jankovic James Blake Mardy Fish Michelle Larcher de Brito Comebacks 44-46 Maria Sharapova Tommy Haas Lleyton Hewitt
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PAGreatActs
Roger Federer is on top of the world. Back-to-back wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon gave the Swiss 15 Grand Slam singles titles, bumping him beyond Pete
roger
Rederer
Sampras’ record, an achievement that Sampras expected to stand for decades.
30 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
No Finish Line “I know how much the record meant to him and he knows how much the record means to me,” Federer said. “In a way, I still feel like we share it, just because he was such a wonderful champion.” Following Wimbledon the new rankings showed Roger had resumed the No. 1 spot. The consummate perfectionist had spent 10 agonizing months at No. 2 – the majority of ATP No. 1 record holders recover the top spot within one month of losing it. When Federer reclaimed No. 1 he did it without facing his arch rival, Nadal. That scenario stirred debate regarding the validity of his success. “Roger needs to buy [Robin] Soderling some champagne for getting Nadal out of the way,” said John McEnroe, after Soderling’s surprise win at Roland Garros. However, sports psychologist Adam Naylor said Federer earned the titles fair and square: “Critics that suggest Federer had an easy path to the finals fail to appreciate the level of performance of an elite athlete.” Federer’s ultimate French Open goal was to face Nadal in the finals. “That’s just the way it goes. It’s not the mistake of the one who wins at the end. You never know how [Nadal] would have played – he had the injury. Tennis moves very quickly, you know.” “I'm happy at least that I became No. 1 in the world by winning the tournament, not just by him [Nadal] not playing at all, or by me playing decent or someone else playing decent and getting to No. 1. That's not the way it's supposed to be. You’re supposed to win big matches and big tournaments to get back No. 1,” said Federer. Nadal is a close second in the rankings. If his tendonitis of the knees improves and he returns to schedule, he will wrestle Roger for position. Remember, Nadal’s record against Federer is good. He beats him two-thirds of the time. Incidentally, when they have met on hard courts their record is even. That may soon change if they meet in Flushing Meadows. The Swiss will bring calm confidence through the hard court season and continue to build on his staggering successes.
Landov.com
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PAGreatActs
Is there anything that the William sisters can’t achieve? Not only do they dominate the WTA Tour, but they also dabble in fashion, writing, modeling and theatre. And in between the commotion, they spend quality time with their pet dogs and regularly send Tweets to their fans. Venus and Serena took a two-week break from their extracurric-
venus & serena
Williams
ular activities, swung their racquets at Wimbledon, and made tennis headlines.
32 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
Double Trouble Little sisters have a knack for stealing the spotlight from their siblings, as fans witnessed during the Wimbledon final with the Williams’ sisters. Venus attempted to win her sixth Wimbledon title, but little sister Serena snatched the crown with a 7-6(3), 6-2 defeat. The win brought Serena’s Grand Slam singles titles tally to 11 – Venus holds seven. Serena said that her game plan was to move Venus (who played with a heavily strapped knee) side-to-side. Venus assured her fans and the media that her injury didn’t affect the outcome. Following their singles match, the sisters met Australian’s Rennae Stubbs and Samantha Stosur in the doubles’ final. Throughout the tournament, the Williams’ echoed a theme: stay focused. “We were really serious and never wanted to underestimate anyone, no matter if we were far ahead or not. We really wanted to win the title,” said Serena. The American’s prevailed, 7-6(4), 6-4. “One out of two’s not bad,” said Venus. Hard court season may play havoc on Venus’ aching knee, but one would imagine that Serena will pick up the slack at the US Open. Serena says she brings her best game to the Slams and always enters a tournament expecting to win. And who are we to doubt her?
Landov.com
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PAGreatActs
It appears that last year’s off-season was more like military boot camp for Andy Roddick than a holiday break. He rang in the New Year with a fresh crew cut, chiseled physique and poised to destroy. Despite the obvious changes to his physical appearance, there was something curiously different with Andy. It was understood later at Wimbledon
andy
Roddick
2009: Roddick had morphed into a mature, purpose-driven man.
34 TENNISVIEWMAG.COM FALL 2009
Tennis Soldier Throughout Wimbledon Roddick remained emotionally steady and physically sound. His energy was channeled into a simple task: Fight one battle at a time. “I’m just trying to stay the course, to go about my business,” said Roddick. One-by-one Roddick’s rivals fell – Jeremy Chardy, Igor Kunitsyn, Jurgen Melzer, Tomas Berdych, Lleyton Hewitt, and Andy Murray. “That’s the most complete, intelligent match I’ve ever seen Andy Roddick play,” said television commentator Mary Carillo following his semifinal’s encounter with Murray. England was stunned. Murray’s loss ended their dream of a British Wimbledon champion. But then, as Roddick fell to one knee on Centre Court and fought back tears, their applause grew louder and louder. At that moment, the crowd experienced closure with Murray and adopted the Andy from America. Roddick then turned his focus to his toughest Tour opponent: Roger Federer. “You don't go back to a Wimbledon final by accident,” said Roddick. “It certainly is a process. And it's probably been a longer process than I would have liked.” His renewed commitment to tennis had led him to hire a different coach, train harder and improve his fitness. Still, after 4 hours and 16 minutes and the longest fifth set in major final history, Federer edged Roddick, 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14. Fan’s cheered for Federer’s record 15 Grand Slam title win and supported Roddick for making the accomplishment difficult. “I’ve had a lot of short comings throughout my career, trying hard is not one of them,” said Roddick. He has upset Federer twice in his career – both victories were on a hard court surface. Expect Roddick in combat zone come September in New York.
Landov.com
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Laborious Tennis Elena Dementieva accomplished what few WTA players have – she forced Serena Williams to work hard for her money. "It was really, really tough," Williams said after the 2 hour and 49 minute Wimbledon match. Dementieva said she played her best grass court match against Serena, but the American prevailed, 7-6, 5-7, 6-8. “She was serving very well today. I wasn't sure if it was Serena or Andy Roddick on the other side, 125 all the time. I really enjoy this kind of match when you have to push yourself very hard and try to play an extra ball, an extra point. To play against the best players in the world makes it interesting for me,” said Dementieva. Landov.com
elena
Dementieva
PAGreatActs
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svetlana
Kuznetsova Growing Trophy Collection A Roland Garros title ended Svetlana Kuznetsova’s fiveyear Grand Slam drought. The 24-year-old beat fellow Russian, Dinara Safina, in 75-minutes, 6-4, 6-2. Her last singles’ title at a Major was in 2004. “This is big. It didn't happen just by luck. To have two Grand Slam trophies – that’s big,” said Kuznetsova. The victory was extra special, she said, because her idol and confidante, Roger Federer, won in Paris, too. “I was very happy for Svetlana that she was able to win. Russian tennis has been incredibly strong over the last few years. I always said I liked her game,” said Federer. Kuznetsova said she couldn’t ask for anything more from the sport of tennis.
robin
Soderling An Unforgettable Match Robin Soderling beat Rafael Nadal. In France. On Clay. “I know how he can play, how dangerous he can be. I didn't play my best tennis. When one player is bad, they must lose,” said Nadal. The loss ended Nadal’s French Open winning streak of 31 matches, a record spanning four years. It was the underdog’s greatest moment in tennis. “I made what was supposed to be impossible, to beat Nadal on clay in the best of five sets, so I will remember that for a long time,” said the Swede after his 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 victory. He advanced to the final where he met Roger Federer. The Swiss won, 6-1, 7-6, 6-4. Afterwards, Soderling said he looked forward to a rematch and joked, “No one beats me 11 times in a row.” However, when they met in the fourth round at Wimbledon, Federer prevailed again. Soderling was asked what sport, if any, other than tennis, he could dominate Federer. “I think I could beat him in a marathon – easy. I think I'm stronger than him,” he said smiling.
Landov.com
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PAShortFalls
The former World No. 1 is neither gone nor forgotten, but merely taking a necessary break from competition says orthopaedic surgeon Timothy Hosea. “The tendonitis finally progressed to the point where he couldn’t take it anymore…Nadal needs to let time and the healing process take their course.” Nadal resumed training in late July with hopes of partaking in the hard court season. Beware fellow ATP, the twitchy Spaniard is rejuvenated
rafael
Nadal
and would be expected to unleash the beast on Center Court. Vamos Rafa!
Summer Limp The King of Clay was expected to win his fifth straight Roland Garros title until the unimaginable happened. He lost. Robin Soderling beat Rafael Nadal in the fourth round, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6. In search of an explanation for the profound upset, Nadal was drilled: “Was it the wind? Are you sick? Did you adequately prepare?” An agitated Nadal replied: “Stop it. Stop it. Had I played my best level against Soderling, maybe the results would have been different. But he played a very good level of tennis and I didn't play well, so the results are what they are.” Meanwhile, Soderling of Sweden, celebrated the biggest moment of his career. “I didn't want him to make me run. I tried to be the one to make him run.” As it turned out, forcing Nadal to scamper may have been Soderling's smartest scheme. After the tournament, Nadal announced that he had been diagnosed with tendonitis of the knees. The painful and debilitating condition played a role in his French Open defeat, and then forced the Spaniard to cancel Wimbledon. Due to circumstances arguably out of his control, Rafa makes the Short Falls list.
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