http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php en Tue, 21 May 2013 10:14:33 GMT vBulletin 60 http://imgsrv2.tennisuniverse.com/mtf/images2007/misc/rss.jpg http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9682 Thu, 16 May 2013 10:25:11 GMT Serena Williams is in the form of her life after the world number one dismantled clay expert, Maria Sharapova, 6-1 6-4 in the Madrid Open final, much to the delight of fans who risked a tennis free bet (http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/) on the American. The result, her 50th WTA tour title in a... Serena Williams is in the form of her life after the world number one dismantled clay expert, Maria Sharapova, 6-1 6-4 in the Madrid Open final, much to the delight of fans who risked a tennis free bet on the American.

The result, her 50th WTA tour title in a 18-year career, not only proves why Williams is the top-ranked player on the planet right now but also justifies her status as favourite for both the French Open and Wimbledon titles later this summer.

The 31-year-old dropped just one set all tournament, bypassed clay natural Sara Errani in the semis and began her final with such force and power that Sharapova was blown away before the Russian knew what had happened.

The American was on fine form on Sunday, nailing 77% of her first serves and winning 73% of those points. She offered Sharapova just two break points all game (saving one of them) and despatched five of eight afforded to her in return.

What betting fans are most surprised about is her ability to see off an opponent like Sharapova on clay. Williams beat her WTA rival in the Miami final but that was on her much-preferred hard surface and was to be expected.

Under the Madrid sunshine Williams looked like a transformed player and betting fans should back her to win a first French Open title since 2002. If she can avoid injury – a problem that ruined her Australian Open efforts – then neither Sharapova nor Victoria Azarenka will stop her careering to success at Roland Garros.

As for Wimbledon, the recovery period may be short but Williams is well versed to winning on grass and is almost certain to make the semis. She did the summer double in 2002 and betting fans would be wise to back her to repeat that feat.

Take a punt on your favourite tennis players with the WTA Internazionali BNL d'Italia betting: Sharapova in action as top seeds tumble. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9682 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9674 Wed, 15 May 2013 12:28:57 GMT British number one Laura Robson is not mature enough and does not work hard enough to be a constant threat to the top players in women's tennis, according to outgoing coach Zeljko Krajan.

The Croatian joined the Robson camp following last year's Olympics and his introduction appeared to be doing the trick as the 19-year-old claimed notable wins over Kim Clijsters and Li Na on her way to the US Open fourth round.

However, Krajan, who helped Dinara Safina reach number one in the world in 2009, has been unable to push Robson on this year. The teenager has disappointed since reaching the Australian Open third round in January.

The pair parted company last week ahead of the start of the Madrid Masters, where Robson defeated Agnieszka Radwanska to record her first victory over a top-five player.

Krajan admitted he expected more from Robson in the mental stakes. He felt it was best for both parties to move on.

"She was not mature enough to do this kind of work enough times for me. She needed to be more serious and to commit herself more," the 34-year-old told tennis betting news reporters. "She had to do this every day, not only in the big tournaments."
While Robson has continued to climb the rankings this season, the world number 41 has struggled to live up to the hype after an impressive 2012.

She suffered her sixth first-round defeat of the year at the Portugal Open at the end of April and was part of the Great Britain side that failed to reach the Fed Cup World Group.

Robson underlined her credentials in Madrid before losing to former world number one Ana Ivanovic. It will be up to her new coach to ensure she realises her potential.

Don’t forget to head over to Bet365 and take advantage of their in-play bet offer. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9674 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9666 Sun, 12 May 2013 23:58:16 GMT I often hear these words from Fedfans: what a gentleman Federer is!
At our first glance in match, Federer is indeed gentler than Nadal! However, these first impressions are usually inaccurate and even prejudiced without in-depth observation! We'll appreciate the real ruya of Nadal as time goes on!

Nadal is the kind of person who can stand the test of hardship! And he is becoming increasingly attractive owing to his charming personality! I like this humble guy due to my character.I have once suffered terribly in my life because of my high profile so I really envy Nadal's low key and achievement! By contrast, Djokovic and Murray, the two grandstanders, have tasted bitterness due to their high profile. So combining Nadal's low key and great achievement, I have to say that: competing with great Federer, you can't beat him without efforts and humility. Nadal's success makes me firmly believe that sincerity and low key is half done.

I have seen Nadal fighting and struggling all the time. 'specialist of clay','one-track mind'-said by Federer while losing to Nadal on clay. No doubt that these contemptuous comments from the GOAT are authoritative as some so-called tennis critics said the same things to define Nadal! Are they controlled by Federer? I think yes. They clearly realize that they can earn more easily by praising federer in their articles. So they give all the compliments to Federer while leaving rafa with the most unfair words! Nadal goes step by step in such a difficult tennis environment! Every step is full of blood and sweat. And every step he goes, he swallows the tears of grievances. Look at the offensive and arrogant words and actions by Djokvic after he won 2008 AO. Look at murray's high profile and frenzy. They were both teased by Federer on tennis court. They were both defeated by Federer's saliva again and again! Murray wanted to prove himself when Federer said he can't win a GS until 150 thousand years later. But he had been defeated by federer 2010 AO. That is beaucause a angry Murray is doomed to be teased by Federer again and again! So murray's 2 bitter fails of GS finals aginst federer are not surprisingly! Oppositely, Nadal is always silent when faced to the criticism by Federer! As LU Xun (a chinese writer) said, if you don't erupt in silence, you‘ll die in it. Nadal erupts!! It's Nadal's silence who defeats Federer! His extraordinary sophisticate and ripeness helps him ends the choking rule of Federer! He pressed Federer to a distressed situation- Fed cried at 2009 AO! This event fully express rafa's great! Only god can press the GOAT fed to such a distressed situation!!! In fact, rafa is god for lots of rafa fans! For competing the position of GOAT, Nadal's capital is his king-qualities, his fighting spirit, his sincere, his harmony with opponent, etc.

Speaking of the fighting spirit, I think nobody can express it better than Nadal! As for Nadal's morality, it's so good that we don't need much more words to praise. When federer is in war of words with Murray, Djokovic, Jankovic, etc.., they counterattack federer by using the example of Nadal! As consequence, the former IOC president, the legend Samaranch has said: Nadal is a model for all young people!

Someone said that Rafa's playstyle is not attractive! Things are completely different for me as I think Rafa's style is the most enjoyable one.Fans will find the essence of sport--strong will and never stopping fighting in his game.I never enjoy servebots,I like the guys who can play for longer rallies for games like these are much more fascinating.I guess this idea is agreed by many tennis fans,as the improvements of tennis is achieved in this way. He proved that Federer is never invincible,his rising pushed the competition to the highest level. Rafa is the benchmark in this era.Look at Djoko,Murray or Federer,they are now much more humble and this can only be developed under Rafa's influence.They have all learned the importance of giving credit to the opponent despite what actual ideas they may have. In the past,Federer would look for a series of reasons outward for his loss.The competiton became fiercer but also more peaceful because of Rafa.Fedal may be the most peaceful rivals in the tennis,and it is the great Rafa who leads this all the time.His Ruya style made all these possible.

Someone also said that Nadal has dull personality for he never breaks racket like Safin does! But if Nadal plays like Safin, maybe he can only win RG titles! The man who breaks his racket will never be promising in tennis career. Federer also rarely breaks racket. So in this era, the man who breaks racket can't obtain great achievements! Because this kind of player is poor in psychological quality. Today only the man with excellent skill, psychological quality, physical strength and willpower can become the king o tennis. And the man with ill temper is just the cloud and mist passing by! Murray is now slowly changing himself and We wish Andy to win a GS title as soon as possible! I don't like Safin's breaking racket while someone likes this action. In my opinion, for these guys who appreciate breaking racket, I wonder they can abreact or celebrate by overturning cars in public places. People are interacted by each other in this world. When we abreact, we must consider the others. I don't oppose the abreaction but I think it's immoral abreacting in public place. I also abreact, also say bad language to my wife. But in public place I must pretend to be gentle! Whether Nadal is fake or not in the eyes of those guys, I still deeply believe that: Nadal is the most gentlemanly man! He is a qualified person, is the benchmark of my life! In public places, we can't be arbitrary, for considering everyone!

At last, we quote the words of Pete Bodo (a tennis commentator): It's immoral crying at the ceremony! I agree this opinion although I think Bodo is an inferior tennis commentator! I don't want to aim somebody, really! As Federer has changed a lot, and he is now quite low-key. I really bless his changes. Maybe only Nadal can help Federer to be a low-key man! Federer's changes are definitely due to Nadal! King Roger has returned to the earth! Bodo is right: the Runner-up is also successful. But we must respect the joy of champion, , is the champion easily obtained??? But the joy of champion was diluted by the tears of runner-up. And is this fair to the champion?? Only the champion is the leading role. We bystanders can't be tolerated that the tears became the leading role!!! So perhaps this is the source of disgust. In that night of championship, we had witnessed the great rafa, kind-hearted rafa, educated rafa.....

It is not because what he said during his peak time that he would be called a great man.It is for what he said and done in his lows.When he is at his prime he said some fuxxing high sounding words like"the titles are not really important and winning means little".But he cried a lot after being defeated.All these words and deeds are perfect reflections of his nature.
Maybe you will learn that I am talking about Federer.It is more appropriate for me to write this at the beginning of the year as he is changing now.However I still keep this in order to let the arrogant ones take warning from that and so that us fans can be reasonable enough to realize:true manners and Ruya are reflected from what we do everyday,not from several particular behaviours on the court!

To my dear rafa: You behave always so low-key and humble not only during the peak time but also in lows! You are always approachable. You have good relationship with federer, Djokovic and murray. You treat all the opponents equally, not only the seniors, but also the youngers! You are never pleased by external gains, never saddened by personal losses! You are the real king in today's tennis! Your personality make all the people stand behind you and support you!

Rafa is the most ruya people in my heart! And I hope that Federer can become someone like my Rafa. ]]> RuyaNagod http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9666 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9658 Wed, 08 May 2013 14:05:03 GMT Six-time Grand Slam champion, Boris Becker, has told Andy Murray he may never get a better chance to win the French Open. The 45-year-old feels Murray must take advantage of problems for the big three – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer –at Roland Garros later this month. The world... Six-time Grand Slam champion, Boris Becker, has told Andy Murray he may never get a better chance to win the French Open.

The 45-year-old feels Murray must take advantage of problems for the big three – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer –at Roland Garros later this month.

The world number three, who has repeatedly stated it takes him some time to make the transition to clay, was humiliated in only his second outing on the surface in 2013. His 6-1 6-2 defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka in April saw him crash out at the third-round stage of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Murray has returned to action in this week's Madrid Masters and will be striving for a much-improved showing as he builds towards the French Open.

Becker has backed Murray to find his best form and challenge Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, who are "in some trouble".

"Rafael Nadal is still not quite there, in my opinion; Roger is getting older and has taken a bit of a sabbatical; and Novak lost surprisingly early in Indian Wells and Miami and has picked up an injury," said the German to the tennis betting news.

"So form-wise it looks like at the moment Murray is on top and this year is probably one of, if not the best chance, he will ever get at winning the French Open."

Nadal and Djokovic have won a tournament apiece in the opening weeks of the clay-court season, in Barcelona and Monte Carlo respectively. Federer has been less active; his outing in Madrid is his first appearance since losing to Nadal at Indian Wells at the start of March.

Injury concerns for Nadal and Djokovic and a lack of match time for Federer could well play into Murray's hands, according to the latest sports betting news, but he must improve his clay game markedly to threaten in Paris. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9658 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9642 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:54:20 GMT Rafael Nadal has played down his chances of winning a ninth Monte Carlo Masters title in a row, stating "everything in life finishes sometime".
The Spaniard has won 42 consecutive matches in Monaco and is well fancied to continue that run into next year.

Nadal goes into this year's event on a high after an excellent comeback from a serious knee injury. He has performed as if he has never been away in winning tournaments in Sao Paulo, Acapulco and Indian Wells.

However, rather than get carried away with his form, the 26-year-old is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

"I cannot say I'm the biggest favourite to win here again. This is not an easy event to win. I don't want to lose perspective, but I don't want to lose either," said Nadal.

"Everything in life finishes sometime. Someday the winning will stop, not everything is forever. But I'm excited to be here, it is always a high motivation for me to play Monte Carlo."

The 11-time Grand Slam champion has not featured since he won the BNP Paribas Open on hardcourt four weeks ago. He has been resting his troublesome knees on doctors' advice.

The clay-court king is still ranked as the fifth best player in the world after missing a large part of last season. He insisted he is more concerned about his recovery than his ranking.

"You can't be in the top four if you did not play for seven months. I've always gone day by day and just want to try and keep improving," added Nadal, who received a bye in the first round in Monaco.

"I'm always excited to be back here and have the chance to work hard and try to win. Now my job is to try and play well."

Don’t forget to head over to bet365 for all the latest tennis betting news odds, tips, advice and expert opinion as well as plenty of promotions, including their latest in-play bet offer. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9642 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9634 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:40:24 GMT World number six Tomas Berdych was given a going over by Nikolay Davydenko at the Barcelona Open before eventually seeing him off 3-6 7-5 6-4 to secure a spot in the last 16. Berdych is seeded three at the Real Club de Tenis and so had a bye into the second round, but looked out-of-sorts against... World number six Tomas Berdych was given a going over by Nikolay Davydenko at the Barcelona Open before eventually seeing him off 3-6 7-5 6-4 to secure a spot in the last 16.

Berdych is seeded three at the Real Club de Tenis and so had a bye into the second round, but looked out-of-sorts against his Russian opponent.
He saw his serve broken twice in the first set, allowing Davydenko to move into the lead.

The 27-year-old dug deep to turn things around in the second set, though he still only managed to edge it 7-5.

Berdych was the better player in the third set, sealing victory with his ninth ace of the game. He will now go on and play the winner of the game between Grigor Dimitrov, the 14th seed, and Spain’s Tommy Robredo for a place in the quarterfinals.

Elsewhere Latvian qualifier Ernests Gulbis provided the shock of the day, knocking out 12th seed Fernando Verdasco 6-3 6-4.

‘King of clay’ Rafael Nadal begins his quest for an eight title in nine years with a match against Carlos Berlocq.
Nadal, favourite in the Barcelona Open betting, saw his 46-uneaten run at the Monte Carlo Masters brought to an end by Novak Djokovic last Sunday, raising suggestions that his injury woes have weakened his dominance on clay.

He is seeded second behind fellow Spaniard David Ferrer, who lost to Nadal in the finals of 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012.

Ferrer will play Russian qualifier Dmitry Tursunov in his second round clash on Wednesday.Click here if you want to Bet on Betfair Tennis markets throughout the tournament. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9634 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9626 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:09:51 GMT Sure as day follows night and spring follows winter, Rafael Nadal would sweep up during the clay court tennis season – until now. The Spaniard saw his mammoth 46-match winning streak at the Monte Carlo Masters blown away by world number Novak Djokovic in a performance that suggests a sea change is... Sure as day follows night and spring follows winter, Rafael Nadal would sweep up during the clay court tennis season – until now.

The Spaniard saw his mammoth 46-match winning streak at the Monte Carlo Masters blown away by world number Novak Djokovic in a performance that suggests a sea change is afoot at the top of the men’s game.

There are, of course, extenuating circumstances, Nadal has been sidelined for seven months thanks to niggling injury problems in both knees – a condition that saw him miss two majors and the Olympic games.

Indeed it was even asked whether he would play again given the severity of the problem. When Nadal did return though, such was his dominance on clay; even a lack of match practice was not expected to hinder his progress. His passage though to the final of this tournament was fairly serene and suggested he was edging his way back to fitness. He began the final as warm favourite in the Tennis betting with the status quo expected to continue.

Djokovic, however, was in no mood to test that theory and appeared determined to avenge his 6-3 6-1 defeat in last year’s final.

The Serb flew out of the blocks and was close to inflicting a first ever 6-0 defeat for Nadal, who saved five set points but was unable to prevent losing the set 6-2.

The second set was much more even with Nadal forcing his way into a 6-5 advantage. But any hope of a tie-winning break was ruthlessly quashed by a fearsome Djokovic, who won his service game to force the tiebreak, which he then won convincingly 7-1.

It brought to an end Nadal’s eight-year winning streak at the tournament and is the perfect preparation for Djokovic ahead of the French Open next month click here for more info).

For Nadal is must be encouraging to be simply back on the tennis court, but this defeat may be significant in that it signals the end of his domination on clay. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9626 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9650 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:14:00 GMT If Novak Djokovic proved anything last Sunday is was that he can win the French Open crown this summer as a shocked Monte Carlo Masters crowd looked on while he dismantled clay king Rafael Nadal. Djokovic, playing in only his fifth tournament of the season, must have known the scale of the... If Novak Djokovic proved anything last Sunday is was that he can win the French Open crown this summer as a shocked Monte Carlo Masters crowd looked on while he dismantled clay king Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, playing in only his fifth tournament of the season, must have known the scale of the challenge ahead of him. Nadal had won all eight previous Monte Carlo titles and with two clay trophies on his mantelpiece already this season was clear favourite in the betting world to clinch another.

Yet the Serb had other plans and got out the trap fast, storming to a 5-0 lead before taking the first set 6-2. Nadal eked his way back into the second with some determined serving but there was no stopping Djokovic on the tie break, the world number one recording a 7-1 finish to clinch the match and championship.

What will please Djokovic most isn’t necessarily the title or the €500,000 prize money but the knowledge he can match Nadal on clay, despite an ankle injury that threatened to keep him out of the tournament.

How Djokovic has coped over this past week with that hurt only he knows and betting fans shouldn’t be surprised if he pulls out of a couple of tournaments between now and Roland Garros.

Indeed, he may well do simply to protect that ankle, for a fully fit Djokovic under the Parisian sunshine is going to be difficult to stop.

Nadal is still the favourite with Betfair French Open to win the contest and rightly so, but fans should seriously consider Djokovic a close second. Roger Federer and David Ferrer both have the quality to reach the final, but this year’s clay Grand Slam will boil down to two competitors – the clay king and his usurper.

Don’t forget that there are plenty of big priced trades in the women's draw! ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9650 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9618 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:16:54 GMT British number one, Andy Murray, is a clear frontrunner with Betfair tennis (http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/) to win the Monte Carlo Masters this weekend, alongside clay specialists, Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer. Murray, 25, has never reached the final of Monaco’s illustrious ATP event and was... British number one, Andy Murray, is a clear frontrunner with Betfair tennis to win the Monte Carlo Masters this weekend, alongside clay specialists, Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer.

Murray, 25, has never reached the final of Monaco’s illustrious ATP event and was dumped out of the last eight to Tomas Berdych last season. However, he is targeting the title this year as a means of steeling himself for the French Open, which is now less than two months away.

If Murray is to win Monte Carlo, he must be prepared to take down both Ferrer and Nadal. He met the former in the Miami Masters final on Easter Sunday and came through a gruelling match to win 2-6 6-4 7-6 on the American hard surface.

Despite the victory, Murray’s camp will be concerned a player so used to the conditions and surface in Miami could not finish off an opponent versed to win titles on clay.

For Ferrer is a far better player on the red surface than hard and, if all goes as planned next week, will probably meet Murray in the semi-finals.

If Murray survives this test – he must make use of his solid defensive game on the soft Monaco clay – then a final clash with Nadal is almost certain.

Having won the title each year for the last eight seasons Nadal is clear favourite on Betfair to make it nine this April and is a dead cert to make the final. Despite his knee injuries the Spaniard is on fire this spring with three titles from four tournaments and proved himself the clay king of South America last month.

Murray’s job in the final will be to stay in return rallies and keep perennial French Open betting favourite, Nadal, moving. It seems the only way to beat the Monacan machine is to wear his knees down and Murray has proven already this season capable of lasting hours on court. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9618 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9610 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:26:57 GMT Andy Murray held off a spirited challenge from Grigor Dimitrov to advance into the last 16 of the Miami Masters with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win. The world number three was broken twice in the opening set and looked in danger of going behind in the match when he faced two set points at 2-5. However, he... Andy Murray held off a spirited challenge from Grigor Dimitrov to advance into the last 16 of the Miami Masters with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win.

The world number three was broken twice in the opening set and looked in danger of going behind in the match when he faced two set points at 2-5. However, he saved them both and then benefited from three double faults by Dimitrov in the next game.

Murray wrapped up the set on a tie-break as his Bulgarian opponent lost his grip on the contest.

Dimitrov was broken early in the second and appeared set to fall further behind when Murray was presented with two break points in the sixth game.

The world number 32 showed some fight, though, to thwart the Scot, before denying Murray twice more when forced to save match points. That only delayed the inevitable as he put a backhand into the net on the third to hand Murray the victory.

Murray admitted to the tennis betting news that he was up against it in the opening exchanges and had to work hard to book his place in the next round.

"He was taking the ball early very aggressively and hitting very clean at the beginning of the match and I had to weather the storm a bit," said Murray to the sports betting news; he will leapfrog Roger Federer into second place in the world rankings with a second tournament win in Miami.

"If you don't feel like you are playing at your best, you don't go for the lines, you just try to keep a good depth and hit the ball mainly crosscourt and make your opponent have to beat you. I did that in the first set."

Murray will take on world number 19 Andreas Seppi in the fourth round. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9610 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9609 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:43:39 GMT Canada’s attempts to make the Davis Cup semi-finals this April may have taken a blow after star performer Milos Raonic pulled out of the Miami Masters on Sunday with illness. Raonic, the central component of Team Canada and leader on the tennis court, was set to face Sam Querrey in Sony Open third... Canada’s attempts to make the Davis Cup semi-finals this April may have taken a blow after star performer Milos Raonic pulled out of the Miami Masters on Sunday with illness.

Raonic, the central component of Team Canada and leader on the tennis court, was set to face Sam Querrey in Sony Open third round but due to a strep throat withdrew on Sunday morning.

The news will come as a major concern for Davis Cup betting fans, many of who expect Canada to wipe the floor with Italy when the teams meet in less than two weeks.

Having beaten Spain in the previous round 3-2, Canada are on course to equal their best ever Davis Cup finish: a semi-final berth in 1913.

Although Raonic is staying confident he will be fit the for tie, the concern doesn’t lie with whether or not he’ll represent Canada but instead his fitness and levels of preparation on court in Vancouver.

For Davis Cup action takes a lot of time to prepare for and Raonic will be expected to work hard with his team over the next fortnight. He cannot afford seven days of rest to get over a throat infection – in doing so he will jeopardise his performances and that of his team.

It’s a difficult one to call – especially when Raonic, 16th in the world, is 81 places higher than the next Canadian Jesse Levine – but is nevertheless one Team Canada captain Martin Laurendeau may have to take.

Betfair Wimbledon pundits believe that if Raonic isn’t fully prepared for the Italy test, he should not play: a move that will sway the Betfair Tennis odds in Italy’s favour but that could nevertheless still be more beneficial to Canada on the whole. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9609 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9601 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:59:21 GMT World number three Andy Murray hopes his knowledge of Miami can help him get his season back on track at the upcoming Sony Open. The 25-year-old took a long break following his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final but the decision did not have the desired effect as he struggled to... World number three Andy Murray hopes his knowledge of Miami can help him get his season back on track at the upcoming Sony Open.

The 25-year-old took a long break following his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final but the decision did not have the desired effect as he struggled to get going at Indian Wells. He eventually fell in the last eight to Juan Martin del Potro.

Murray has an immediate opportunity to right the wrongs of the BNP Paribas Open at the second ATP Masters 1000 event of the season in Florida.
The US Open champion has an apartment in the state and has used Miami as a training base in recent years. He is determined to lift his game in a familiar place and improve on his performance in California.

"I would hope by Miami I should be playing much better than I did last week. I obviously know the conditions well there, I practice there regularly. I'm comfortable in Miami," Murray told tennis betting news reporters.

Murray will begin his bid for a second Sony Open title against emerging Australian talent Bernard Tomic or a qualifier in round two later this week.

He will benefit from the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have decided to sit the event out, and most sports betting news writers think he should at least make the final.

The Scot has once again praised coach Ivan Lendl in the build-up to the tournament. He said the Czech's experience is invaluable when things are not going so well.

"When I spoke to him after my last match and I wasn't happy with the way I played, he's very much 'don't worry about it, you can't expect to play perfect after taking a break like that'," Murray added.

However, like Murray, Lendl will demand an improved showing in Miami. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9601 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9594 Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:47:39 GMT Rafael Nadal reflected on an "unforgettable week" after leaving Indian Wells with his 22nd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy.

The Spaniard went into the BNP Paribas Open in fine form but with question marks over his fitness when faced with the most demanding surface on the circuit, hard court.

Nadal, who spent seven months on the sidelines with a knee injury, answered those questions with one of the most satisfying victories of his career. He came from behind to defeat Juan Martin del Potro on Sunday and lift his third BNP Paribas Open title.

The win saw Nadal retake his place in the top four and he will look to move even higher up the rankings as the season progresses. For now, though, he is revelling in a significant victory.

"It's probably one of the most emotional victories of my career. The support since I came back has been huge," said Nadal to the tennis betting news.

"It's an unforgettable week for me and an unforgettable tournament."

The 11-time Grand Slam champion has now enjoyed success in three tournaments since his return, winning 17 out of 18 matches.

Nadal will take a break from action before he attempts to extend his 14-match winning run. He will miss the Sony Open in Miami next week to recuperate ahead of next month's Monte Carlo Rolex Masters.

The 26-year-old will be determined to maintain his early-season form when he takes to the clay courts, his favoured surface. At the same time, he is keen to enjoy his latest triumph.

"A lot of things happened the last seven months. To be back here and to have this very heavy trophy with me is amazing," added Nadal to the sports betting news.

"Beating three top 10 players and winning a title like this is just something unbelievable for me. I'm very, very happy and very emotional." ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9594 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9586 Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:42 GMT Roland Garros organisers have acted swiftly to the news fellow Grand Slam tournament hosts, the US Open, have increased their prize fund by confirming their own pot will rise over the coming years. According to The New York Times, French Open tournament director, Gilbert Ysern, is putting plans in... Roland Garros organisers have acted swiftly to the news fellow Grand Slam tournament hosts, the US Open, have increased their prize fund by confirming their own pot will rise over the coming years.

According to The New York Times, French Open tournament director, Gilbert Ysern, is putting plans in place to raise the total prize money available at the clay Slam between now and 2016 so it is in line with fellow majors.

Already this season, we have seen the Australian Open up their pot to $31m, while Flushing Meadows organisers recently revealed their $33.6m purse for 2013 will increase to $50m by 2017.

“We’re going to be below the US Open, but we’re on the same path,” said Ysern. “I am particularly convinced there’s a logic to reducing the gap between the first-week players and the second-week players and to raise the prize money for the first week.”

Indeed, narrowing the earnings gap between finalists and those who fall in early rounds is a major concern for tennis organisers, with Betfair French Open pundits expressing their dissatisfaction that lower-ranked players earn very little for their parts in these illustrious tournaments.

Last year at Wimbledon, Spaniard Albert Ramos earned just £14,500 for his first-round exit to eventual winner, Roger Federer. The Swiss, meanwhile, recouped £1,150,000 for his title success.

With Roland Garros set to increase its prize fund for both ATP and WTA competitors, fans at betting.betfair.com can expect even greater intensity on the clay courts than ever before.

Rafael Nadal returns as defending champion and will want to prove his mettle after comeback from injury, while Juan Martin del Potro, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet and Juan Monaco all stand a real chance of causing an upset on the clay. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9586 http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9578 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:46:01 GMT Tennis fans hoping to strike big money on an eventual winner at the Miami Masters should stay clear of backing Rafael Nadal. Nadal goes into the tournament as one of the heavy favourites following his triumphant hard-court return at Indian Wells last week, where he defeated Juan Martin del Potro... Tennis fans hoping to strike big money on an eventual winner at the Miami Masters should stay clear of backing Rafael Nadal.

Nadal goes into the tournament as one of the heavy favourites following his triumphant hard-court return at Indian Wells last week, where he defeated Juan Martin del Potro 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the final to claim his third title of 2013.

The Spaniard was back at his powerful best that day, nailing his serves and maintaining that renowned consistency from the baseline against an Argentine opponent in a rich vein of form himself.

All the signs that Nadal can go on to win the French Open and even Wimbledon this year are there – he has proven dominant on clay already with titles in Sao Paolo and Acapulco and has taken to his hard-court return with ease.

However, a challenge for the Miami title is out of the question, for the Sony Open Tennis starts just too soon for the 26-year-old to fully recover and prepare for the onslaught.

Nadal’s problem is that he needs longer than most to recover his body from gruelling tournaments and, according to his comeback schedule, should not even be making the finals stages of events right now, let alone winning them.

Having sat out the game for seven months with chronic knee tendinitis and a torn patella tendon, Nadal was expected to ease his way back into the ATP Tour but instead has pushed his body far to claim three titles from four tournaments.

He may be bang in form but he simply cannot keep up this level of aggressive tennis, especially on Miami’s hard surface that will only strain and inflame his knees still further.

If winning Indian Wells were a surprise, then claiming the Miami Masters title would be a miracle and, although Nadal often plays like a demi-god, he doesn’t have enough to push through this time.

Fans placing a bet on tennis should stay away from backing him to win in Florida and instead side heavily with the Spaniard to win his eighth French Open title later this year. Nadal is also ranking well on the Betfair Wimbledon site, coming in at 5/1, ahead of auld rival, Federer. ]]> Philip Oliver http://www.menstennisforums.com/blog.php?b=9578