A Winner in Isner?

After dealing with a disappointing loss to Kevin Anderson in the semi final of Del Ray Beach, John Isner stormed back in Indian Wells. 

He came to full attention in the semi final against the world number one, Novak Djokovic.  Isner came through in a thrilling encounter that went to three sets and lasted two hours and 45 minutes, where Isner was able to take his chances to win 7-6(7), 3-6, 7-6(5).  Isner used his height to his advantage firing down 20 aces.  His forehand backed his phenomenal serve up and he was able to finish the points quickly against the relentless Djokovic.  This win takes Isner up to a career high of number 10 in the rankings. 



American John Isner

Isner then faced Roger Federer in the finals of the Masters 1000 event which would see him become the American number one, going into eighth place above Mardy Fish if he was to win.  This was not to be as the master that is Federer beat him 7-6(7), 3-6.  The American fought gallantly earning a set point and saving a few of Federer’s own opportunities. 

Isner had beaten Federer in the Davis Cup a few weeks ago, but Federer made sure that he would take revenge.   The Swiss world number three exploited his movement, although much improved was not going to get him to some of the brilliant drop shots that Federer was displaying.  Federer also showed off his own serving skills serving down the tee on the deuce side making Isner feel uncomfortable when trying to run round it to play a forehand. 

Clearly there are things that Isner needs to work on to stay in the top 10 and beat the top players more consistently, but at 26 he has the desire to improve and become a more complete player and challenge the top four guys regularly on the tour. 

Murray out of Indian Wells

Andy Murray had such a promising start to the season with a run to the finals in Dubai, after losing in an epic semi final match to the world number one Novak Djokovic, that it did not seem at all likely that Murray would stumble out of the draw in his first match at Indian Wells for a second year in a row. 

Murray looked to have overcome his demons after another heartbreaking loss at the first grand slam of the year when he beat Djokovic in Dubai.  But today he was upset by Spaniard Guilermo Garcia-Lopez 6-4, 6-2. 

The Spaniard is currently ranked 92^nd but managed to break the Scott twice in the second set to seal the match in one hour and 40 minutes.  Garcia-Lopez stuck the ball sweetly moving Murray around the court soaking up Murray’s errors on both wings.  He will now play Ryan Harrison in the next round.  Murray on the other hand will travel to Miami hoping to bring his game together for the next event.    

Djokovic eased through to the third round with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Andreev Golubev and will now play Kevin Anderson who has just won his second career title at Delray Beach.  Tomas Berdych also advanced but had it tougher, having to close the match in three sets against Sergiy Stakhovsky.  Rafael Nadal returns to the game after having a month out to play Leonardo Mayer.   

Indian Wells, California

 On the women’s side of the draw Caroline Wozniacki demolished Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-0 although still insisted on her father coming onto court after winning the first set.  She has done enough at this event to secure her top five ranking for another week.  Maria Sharapova made light work of Gisela Dulko with the same score line and will now take on Simona Halep.  The new world number one Victoria Azarenka had a tougher route through against promising player Mona Barthel winning 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(6).     

 

Hawk Eye Timed Out

The use of Hawk Eye in tennis has been very useful in determining the accuracy of a line call.  But there has been some debate on whether players are misusing the technology.  The phrase in the ITF rulebook, ‘a timely manner’¹ has come under scrutiny due to a number of players taking a long time pondering whether to question the line call.  The chair umpire can refuse the Electronic Review if the request has not been ‘made in a timely manner’¹ but the time limit seems to change depending on the umpire. 

‘A request for an Electronic Review of a line call or overrule shall be allowed only on either a point ending shot or when a player stops playing the point during the rally.’¹  Some players are very decisive when asking for Hawk Eye, for instance Roger Federer throws his racket up with an abrupt “CHALLENGE” gruffly spoken to the umpire.  Some spectators feel that the usually suave Federer is being unnecessarily rude, but it is well known that Federer is wary of the challenge system and uses it sparingly.  In the 2007 Wimbledon Championships final, Nadal correctly challenged a call, Federer became so agitated by this that he requested, unsuccessfully, that Hawk Eye should be turned off for the remainder of the match. 

However there are other players who do not stop play during the rally; they tend to wait till the point is finished usually because of their own error due to their uncertainty, and then they expect to be able to challenge the call.  Thankfully there is more certainty with this rule as this is very rarely allowed to occur.  But it is still annoying and aggravating for spectators who have to watch players stall and waste time. 

Whereas some players are decisive there are others that are the direct opposite.  Some players go to check if their ball was out by walking up to the net to get a better view of where their ball bounced.  Then they decide if they want to make an official challenge.  But all of this has taken a number of precious seconds, wasting time.  You are only allowed 20 seconds between points.  Players then try to challenge the call.  However this is when the phrase ‘a timely manner’¹ is due to interpretation.  Some chair umpires still allow the player to challenge the call but there are others who do not.  There should be a more definite rule that states whether a player can go and look at where the ball bounced before they can challenge.  However I think that some players will take advantage of this and take too long to challenge and consequently players will persistently slow the game down.

Some players are so indecisive that they cannot even make the decision to challenge themselves.  They have to look at their box and their coaches who then tell them to challenge or not.  ‘Coaching is considered to be communication, advice, or instruction of any kind.’¹  This is surely classed as coaching.  In a first round match in Dubai this week Julia Goerges was about to challenge a shot of hers that was called out.  She lifted her arm indicating that she wanted to challenge but after looking at her coach who told her not to challenge her arm hastily retreated.  Players should not be able to consult with their coaches to see if a line call should be challenged just as they are not allowed to be coached during a match. 

Sometimes it is the umpires who get it wrong.  At the 2012 Australian Open John Isner and David Nalbandian were locked in an epic battle.  At 8-8 in the fifth set Isner was serving 30-40 down when his serve was called long.  The umpire Kader Nouni overcalled the call and so the serve was in.  Nalbandian appeared confused by this and walked over to the chair to ask what was happening due to the noisy crowed.  Then when the Argentine understood Nouni he immediately raised a finger and challenged the call.  However at a crucial point in the match Nouni did not allow him to challenge saying it was not in ‘a timely manner’¹.  This confusing phrase ruined a brilliant match as the controversy was the media’s focus point rather than the brilliant shot making. 

The serve was a fault.  The umpire got it wrong. 

Clearly the phrase ‘a timely manner’¹ needs to be defined more clearly as players take advantage of this lack of clarification by walking up to the net to inspect the call and then plead to their coach for a decision.  The chair umpires would also benefit as it would save them having to make their own decision which will always be disputed.  If the rule was made clearer it would save a lot of time and arguments during the match. 

¹ ITF Rulebook

Federer and Azarenka stemrolled through tournament to seize titles

Roger Federer breezed past Juan Martin Del Potro to take the title in Rotterdam in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. 

Federer took his first title of this season in a straightforward encounter easing to a 5-0 lead in the first set.  Del Potro managed to hold one service game but in the end he succumbed to Federer’s master class as the Swiss man took the set in 34 minutes. 

Del Potro did have chances in the match but failed to take any of his seven break points.  Federer on the other hand did not let any of his chances go as he broke the Argentine in the fifth game of the second set and continued in formidable fashion to take the match at the third time of asking in one hour and 26 minutes.  Federer has now managed to win at least one ATP World Tour Title in a season 12 years in a row. 

In the Qatar Total Open Victoria Azarenka faced Sam Stosur for the sixth time in her career and for the sixth time in a row as she beat the Australian without losing a set.  

Azarenka looked invincible even with her ankle injury that she sustained in her semi final match.  The injury focused Azarenka’s mind as she only made eight unforced errors compared to Stosur’s 25.  Azarenka dominated with her forehand taking Stosur’s weapons away from her as she won the match 6-1, 6-2 and looking like a very worthy world number one. 

On court reports, retirements

After finding myself in a final of event without having to play a single match because only one other girl entered along with me, my opponent in the final did not turn up and was therefore disqualified.  I walked away with a trophy in my hand but still feeling slightly annoyed as I would have liked to have won the event properly by stepping onto court.  In the tournament that I was playing in, there was an excessive amount of withdrawals before the tournament begun and during the event a lot of players withdrew due to injury.  This happens at all levels as well as on the ATP and the WTA Tour. 

On the ATP Tour this week there are three tournaments taking place; Rotterdam, an ATP 500 event, San Jose and Sao Paulo, both ATP 250 events.  In Rotterdam, Roger Federer eased through to the quarter finals after receiving a walkover due to the retirement of Mikhail Youzhny as he had a foot injury.  Marcos Baghdatis left the event due to a left calf injury and Sergiy Stakhovsky retired because of a viral illness.  In San Jose the tournament lost its number one seed just before the event, Gael Monfils, due to a knee injury letting Blake Strode, a lucky loser take his place.  In Sao Paulo there have been no retirements.... so far. 



Youzhny retires from Rotterdam



Doha is celebrating its tenth year on the WTA tour calendar in style with 6 of the top 10 women entering the event.  However Carla Suarez Navarro retired in her match against Ana Ivanovic after losing the first set and down in the second with a right hip injury.  The number 6^th seed Vera Zvonareva also retired due to a left hip injury.      

Unfinished matches upset the fans who feel they have not had their money’s worth as they were desperate to see a man like Roger Federer work his magic.  It also upsets the tournament organisers when they lose their top seeds as they are the top attractions and so they will lose money.  But more than anything it can annoy the players who are hungry to step on court and win matches.  There will be some who are happy to pocket the extra money they receive after reaching another round but the real professionals will want to play matches in order to get into a rhythm and to please the fans.  It also begs the question, which is frequently discussed and debated, if the tour is too tough with a longer break needed between seasons.  Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic seem to think so as they will not be playing in February. 

Davis Cup Glory for Team GB

As always in the Davis Cup, the competition throws up all sorts of surprises no less than USA’s whitewash away from home over Switzerland on the Clay.  Mardy Fish came through a thrilling 5 set match against Stanislas Wawrinka.  But it was John Isner who gave the Swiss team the biggest shock stunning Roger Federer from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 to give the USA a 2-0 lead.  The American team then won the tie on Saturday in the doubles with Mike Bryan pairing Mardy Fish, a smart move from Captain Jim Courier, taking the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. 

Last year’s winners Spain joined the Americans in the quarter finals after winning their tie 3-0 against Kazakhstan.  Argentina and the Czech Republic have moved through to the next round with wins over Germany and Italy respectively. 

Great Britain had a fantastic start against Slovakia with young Dan Evans winning in straight sets against a player ranked in the top 100 Lucas Lacko 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.  James Ward couldn’t carry on the momentum as he lost to Martin Klizan 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in a tough encounter which levelled the tie at 1-1. 

Ross Hutchins and Colin Fleming won their doubles clash against Filip Polasek and Michael Mertinak.  The British pairing fought their way into a 2 set lead but lost their form magnificently in the third set as they managed to lose every single game.  However they rediscovered their form to take the match 6-3, 7-6(4), 0-6, 6-3 to give the Brits a 2-1 lead into the deciding day. 

This lead did not last as Lucas Lacko proved he was worth his ranking beating James Ward in a match where Ward had his chances.  But the Slovak eventually came through 7-6(9), 6-1, 6-3.    

All hopes rested on Dan Evans who had never won a Davis Cup match before this weekend.  But he kept his confidence levels up and won a 5 set thriller to give Great Britain the tie 3-2. Evans played an amazing first 2 sets showing a magnificent array of shot making from all areas of the court.  His opponent Klizan showed why he has the higher ranking as he has beaten six top 100 players in the past year as he fought back to 2 sets all.  But Evans came back to take the tie after his opponent gave away a double fault on match point 6-1, 6-1, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3. 

Great Britain will now play Belgium at home in the next round.

WTA Stars line up in Paris and Pattaya City

The WTA Tour resumes after the Fed Cup with tournaments in two different but very beautiful cities of Paris in France and Pattaya in Thailand. 



Santuary of truth

In Paris there are three Top 10 players that grace the draw; World No.3 Maria Sharapova, World No.7 Marion Bartoli and World No.9 Li Na.  Jelena Jankovic is another seed with Lucie Safarova also in the draw with the latter reaching the final twice previously in 2007 and 2010 – she is the only women in this year’s draw who has reached the final.  Sabine Lisicki was also due to play but has had to pull out due to a viral illness. 

The city of Pattaya welcomes other top players including Vera Zvonareva, twice a champion and leading this year’s field.  Sorana Cristea has already played her first round match here dispatching her opponent, Erika Sema 6-2, 6-2 in 74 minutes.  Cibulkova has also played her first match but lost to Britain’s Anne Keothavong 4-6, 1-6.  Keothavong managed to adjust to the conditions better after having played in the Fed Cup in Israel last week which saw Great Britain win all their ties and will now go to the play offs for World Group II.  The news was not so good for Heather Watson who lost to Vania King 4-6, 2-6.   



Azarenka and Djokovic emerge victorious down under

The women’s champion was decided with Azarenka dispatching her Russian opponent Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-0 in a very one sided match.  She lost the first two games of the final but managed to get back on track with ferocious baseline winners and powerful serving.  Sharapova could only compete with the decibel levels as her racket gave to many unforced errors which ultimately led to her undoing.  Her wait for another grand slam lives on.  But for Victoria Azarenka she won her first grand slam and is the new number one with Caroline Wozniacki dropping down to fourth position. 

It was not as straightforward for Novak Djokovic as it took him five hours and 53 minutes to retain his Australian Open crown.  It was the pair’s 30^th meeting and ended up being the longest match in the tournament s history.  Djokovic managed to come through 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5.  Nadal had his chances, none more so than when he was a break up in the final set and at 30- 30, when he missed a straightforward backhand down the line.  It turned out to be the most crucial point in the match as Djokovic managed to break back and seal the set and the match.     

Azarenka and Sharapova to meet in Aussie Final

Victoria Azarenka reached her first Grand Slam final, by coming through her 3 set match against Australian favourite Kim Clijsters, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.  A nervous looking Clijsters could not take her chances in the first set and was dominated by Azarenka.  However she fought her way back in the second set hitting huge ground strokes to secure a break in just the second game.  In the final set momentum swung as both players struggled with their nerves as they both lost their service games.  But Azarenka kept her cool and won the match with a smash winner.  Kim Clijsters walked off court to affectionate applause to what could be her last appearance on the Rod Laver Arena. 

Victoria Azarenka will be joined by the Russian Maria Sharapova in the final after she defeated Petra Kvitova in another three set victory, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.  After losing the first set Kvitova relaxed in the second putting constant pressure on her opponent making fantastic winners.  The Czech also had lots of opportunities to take the final set due to Sharapova being 15-40 or love-30 on her serve but could not take them thanks to the Russian being able to find her first serve when it mattered.   

Rafael Nadal came from behind in what was an eagerly awaited semi-final clash against Roger Federer.  Federer made the better start cruising into a 3-0 lead, taking the ball early and hitting some unbelievable winners.  But Nadal battled back with some more super shot making, but went onto lose the first set on a tiebreak.  Nadal then stormed through the next set but looked a bit nervous in the third with them both making unusual errors.  This ultimately led to Federer’s demise as Nadal was able to get through this and continue to make fabulous winners to take the match, 6-7(5), 6-2, 7-6(5), 6-4.  He will now face either Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray in the final.   

Top seeds go through to Melbourne semis

Petra Kvitova booked her place in the semi final with a win over Sara Errani.  It was a tough match which saw the erratic Czech go 4-1 down in the second set making 44 unforced errors.  She managed to get through the match winning 6-4, 6-4 and is still in with a chance of the number one spot.  Kvitova will now face Maria Sharapova who beat her fellow Russion Ekaterina Makarova who had stunned Serena Williams in the round before.  But for Sharapova it was very straightforward winning 6-2, 6-3. 

Andy Murray dominated his match against Japans Kei Nishikori strolling into the semis with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win, ending Nishikori’s successful run at the Australian Open.  Fatigue seem too show with the 22 year old Japanese failing in the third and what proved to be the final set.  He will now face the reigning champion Novak Djokovic who suffered with a leg strain and breathing difficulties in his match against Spain’s David Ferrer coming through 6-4, 7-6, 6-1.  Djokovic spent two hours and 44 minutes on court participating in some long epic rallies.  It will now be a rematch of last year’s final for Djokovic and Murray. 

Supreme performance seals semi final place for Rafa

Through to the semi finals in the men’s draw is Roger Federer who beat Del Potro 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.  Federer put in an excellent performance to see off the Argentinean making sensational winners.  He will now face Rafael Nadal who also put in a supreme performance to beat Tomas Berdych 6-7(5), 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-3.  His forehand was impressive as he out powered the Czech hitting some untouchable returns sealing the match at the 1^st time of asking after 4hours and 16 minutes on court.      

Azarenka had her toughest test so far against Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska in their quarter final match.  Radwanska won the first set in a tie break winning it 7-0, but Azarenka fought her way back, shouting and screaming herself through the games to take the next two sets, closing out the match, 6-7(0), 6-0, 6-2.  Azarenka who has not been a favourite with the Aussie crowed due to her screeching will now play Kim Clijsters who is affectionately known as Aussie Kim due to her engagement to Lleyton Hewitt.  The Belgium beat the world number one Caroline Wozniacki in another tough match winning, 6-3, 7-6(4); the defending champion was in stunning form as she battled past Wozniacki who also produced some fantastic points.  But her wait for a grand slam lives on.

Federer and Clijsters through to Quarters

When Roger Federer was 19 years of age, the up and coming player, he had to face Pete Sampras at Wimbledon, he won.  Now there is a new kid on the block, Bernard Tomic, the story of this year’s Australian Open, it was questioned whether history was going to repeat itself, but there was no such luck for the home favourite as he succumbed to the class that is Roger Federer, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.  Federer used his drop shot superbly and Tomic could not come up with an answer to Federer’s skill and expertise this time round.  Del Potro will be Federer’s next opponent as he dispatched Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 as he continued his quest to get back to the form that won him the US Open in 2009. 

Nadal also had an easy way through to the quarters against fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.  He will now play Tomas Berdych who had an epic encounter against Nicolas Almagro, winning 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in what was a thrilling match which saw the Czech hold his nerve far better than his opponent.   

Agnieszka Radwanska won her 4^th round match incredibly easily against Julia Gorges 6-1, 6-1 in 54 minutes with the German only winning 22points.  Her opponent will now be Victoria Azarenka who again stormed through her match making light work of her opponent winning 6-2, 6-2. 

Wozniacki at Wimbledon

Things were a lot tighter in the match between Kim Clijsters and Li Na.  After Clijsters fell over on her ankle in the first set which saw have to have an injury time out she managed to fight back to gain a 3 set win, 4-6, 7-6(8), 6-4.  Li Na had four match points in the second set tiebreak but squandered them all and the Belgian took the match in what was a repeat of last year’s final.  Clijsters now plays Caroline Wozniacki in what was a very nervy second set, but she managed to come through it with a 6-0, 7-5 win over Jelena Jankovic.     

Last 16 emerges for top seeds

The top seeds in the top half of the draw carried on where the seeds from yesterday left off.  Djokovic carried on his superior form seeing off the injured Nicholas Mahut, 6-0, 6-1, 6-1.  The pundits who doubted whether Djokovic could carry on his amazing run from 2011 into 2012 seem to be well and truly silenced as the Serb has only lost 10 games so far.  Djokovic will play the winner of Milos Raonic and Lleyton Hewitt.  Andy Murray also cruised through against a potentially difficult opponent, Michael Llodra, but Murray’s flare proved too much for the Frenchman as he was dispatched, 6-4, 6-2, 6-0.  Jo Wilfred Tsonga also went through convincingly against Frederico Gil, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 and will now play Kei Nishikori in the last 16.  Richard Gasquet put in a superb performance against Janko Tipsarevic winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 and will now play Spaniard David Ferrer who had a tougher round against Chela, although he still managed to win in three sets.  The biggest upset in the men’s draw today was Gael Monfils losing in five sets to Kukushkin, 6-2, 7-5, 5-7, 1-6, 6-4.  Kukushkin’s coach, who also happens to be his wife, must be pleased that Kukushkin was able to set up a clash with Britain’s Andy Murray. 

Serena Williams went safely through to the last 16, as she was never troubled by Greta Arn winning 6-1, 6-1.  She will now face the German, Sabine Lisicki who after dropping the first set against Svetlana Kuznetsova fought back to win the match, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.  Sharapova made her opponent Angelique Kerber look like a junior as she went on to win 6-1, 6-2, so far only losing 5 games in the whole tournament.  Sharapova is still seeking another grand slam after winning her last slam here in Australia.  Ana Ivanovic continues to progress through the tournament under the guidance of Nigel Sears, beating Vania King 6-3, 6-4 convincingly; she will now face Petra Kvitova who had an even easier ride against Maria Kirilenko who pulled out after losing the first set 6-0 and 1-0 down in the second.  There were a few more upsets in the women’s draw today.  Marion Bartoli was out powered by Chinas Zheng, 6-3, 6-3 and Vera Zvonareva losing to a fellow Russian Makarova, 7-6, 6-1. 

Tomic battles past Dolgopolov

In a thrilling and controversial 5 set match, that could have gone either way, Tomic sealed the match with amazing finishing shots 4-6, 7-6(0), 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-3.    

Bernard Tomic had never won against the Ukrainian and 13^th seed Alexandr Dolgopolov but with the crowed behind him the match was always going to be close.  Dolgopolov took control of the 1^st set winning 6-4 in 42 minutes with very aggressive tennis.  But the home favourite battled back to win the next two sets on the tiebreaker with a stunning array of shot making, which Dolgopolov had no answer too. 

In what looked to be a 4 set win for Tomic, Dolgopolov managed to fight back after an injury time out with the Aussie giving way thinking the final set showdown was inevitable after a loss of concentration.  The Ukrainian taking the 4^th set, 6-2. 

In the electrifying final set, controversy was created by the confident Tomic after he appeared to challenge a ball midpoint, raising his racket and looking at the umpire, Carlos Ramos.  However no verbal communication was made, and so after a backhand error by Dolgopolov he was understandably fuming with the point not been stopped for a challenge.  This looked to throw the 13^th seed as he went a break down which led Bernard Tomic to have a 5-3 lead giving him the chance to serve for the match.  Tomic continued with his calculated and fearless play to create 2 match points.  Tomic failed to take his first chance after being played out of position by Dolgopolov.  But he took the second after Dolgopolov missed a return of serve to take the match and create a 4^th round match up against Roger Federer . 

Cruise control for top seeds

It was a very straightforward day at the office for the women with none of the top seeds really struggling.  Caroline Wozniacki, the world number 1, looks to be having no trouble as she dispatched Niculescu, 6-2, 6-2 in 1hr and 15 minutes.  Jelena Jankovic continues her run of form beating American Mchale6-2, 6-0; the nerves that she has suffered from in the past don’t be affecting her ability to close out matches this year.  The ever consistent Agnieszka Radwanska went through her match easily with a 6-2, 6-2.  Azarenka also went through in 2 sets, 6-2, 6-4, although it was tough against the inform Mona Barthel who won the title in Hobart the week before the Open.  Kim Clijsters also won in straight serves, 6-3, 6-2 against Daniela Hantuchova, in what could have been a tough match if the Hantuchova hadn’t been injured. 

The top seeds in the men also went through in straight sets, with Rafael Nadal coming through against Lacko, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.  The Spaniard looks in imperious form with no sign of an injury to hamper his progress so far in the Australian Open.  Federer continued his run against the big serving Croatian, Ivo Karlovic, 7-6, 6-5, 6-3.  Federer managed to get the crucial breaks when needed and always looked comfortable when serving.  Thomas Berdych set up a fourth round clash against Nicolas Almagro, after conserving his  energy to just a 3 set match against South African Kevin Anderson winning 7-6, 7-6, 6-1.    

Roddick retires, Djokovic advances

Lleyton Hewitt continues his run at the Australian open with a win against rival Andy Roddick, after the American retired after winning the 1^st set.  His movement was hampered due to an injury which meant he could not carry on in front of the Rod Laver Arena; the score finished at 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 ret.  Another upset developed when the Serb Victor Troicki losing in 5 sets to Kukushkin of Kazakhstan, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. 

Novak Djokovic fared better than his compatriot easing into the 3^rd round with the loss of just 5 games.  Andy Murray also went through comfortably winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.   Number 5 seed David Ferrer had to battle his way through against Ryan Sweeting eventually winning 6-7(4), 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. 

Top seeds had to battle hard in the women’s game too with Kvitova beating Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.  Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams both went through in straight sets with Sharapova looking incredibly dominant over both of her opponents so far. 

A-Tomic Win

The 3^rd day was completed at Melbourne Park with easy wins for the top seeds.  Roger Federer will be thankful to Andreas Beck who gave him a walkover after withdrawing from injury.  He will now face the big serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic.  Rafael Nadal had to battle a bit harder than Federer to get through to the 3^rd round, but ultimately eased through with a straight set victory over Germany’s Tommy Haas, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. 

The Australian flag is still flying due to the young Bernard Tomic beating the American Sam Querry, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.  Tomic will have another battle on his hands against Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.  The German born Queenslander will be hoping the Ukrainian will be struggling after his 5 set match and with the injury he sustained after losing the final to Andy Murray in Brisbane 2 weeks before. 

The Americans kept struggling on day 3 with 8^th seed Mardy Fish losing 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 to Alejandro Falla, in a match that left Fish uncharacteristically bad tempered after he questioned the rules of injury time outs when his opponent took an injury time out for cramping.  Things got slightly better for the Americans when John Isner emerged victorious over David Nalbandian winning, 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6, 10-8 in an encounter that lasted 4hrs and 14 minutes. 

On the women’s side, Clijsters strolled past France’s Stephanie Foretz Gacon, 6-0, 6-1 along with Li Na who does not appear to be suffering with the nerves that came after her French open win, as she got through to the 3^rd round closing out the match against Olivia Rogowska 6-2, 6-2.  The Number 1 in the world Caroline Wozniacki had to dig deep against Tatishvili after finding herself 4-1 down in the second set.  The Dane eventually managed to win 6-1, 7-6 after her opponent lost her nerve along with her forehand.  Victoria Azarenka looked sharp after winning her second match to set up a meeting with Anne Keothavong’s victor Mona Barthel. 

Finally it may just be down to Andy Murray to represent Great Britain in the singles, but as the doubles tournament started, Ross Hutchins & Colin Fleming won 6-4, 6-4 over the American duo Ryan Harrison & Ryan Sweeting.   

Aussies go down under

The 1^st round at the Australian open has been completed and it has not been without upsets.  Samantha Stosur has never been past the 4^th round at her home grand slam and she won’t again this year losing to Sorana Cristea 7-6(2), 6-3 in a match full of Stosur’s 33 errors.  Stosur was not the only grand slam champion 0f 2011 to lose early in the next grand slam – Kim Clijsters lost second round at the French Open, Li Na lost second round at Wimbledon and Kvitova lost first round at the US Open.   On the men’s side of the draw things looked slightly better.  Lleyton Hewitt set up a second round clash against Andy Roddick, but his energy levels may be diminished after a tough 4 set match which lasted 3hr and 18 minutes.  Bernard Tomic won his 1^st match yesterday with a stunning fight back against Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2, 7-5.  The 19 year will be looking to do well at his home grand slam and further his run with a win against Sam Querry, the very beatable American who is slowly climbing his way back up the rankings. 

Andy Murray managed a 4 set win over the American teenager, Ryan Harrison, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-2. It was a tough match to get through especially with it being ferociously hot but this could stand the Brit well in the latter parts of the tournament...if he gets there.

Djokovic, Federer and Nadal also came through their matches along with Clijsters, Kvitova, Sharapova and Williams. 

Austraila Warm up - Round Up

The 2012 tennis season has already begun with 3 main ATP tournaments already completed.  World No. 4 Andy Murray was number 1 seed for this tournament and he got his first trophy of the year defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1, 6-3.  Although the final was a relatively easy win for him due to the Ukrainian not being fully fit, he struggled in the early stages of the tournament having to win the first two rounds in 3 sets but maybe his loss of concentration will be ironed out by his new coach Ivan Lendl. 

It was all French affair at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open with Jo Wilfred Tsonga going head to head against Gael Monfils winning 7-5, 6-3.  Hopefully it will serve up as a good warm up towards his Australian open hopes, he will certainly be looking to do well at the first grand slam event of the year. 

The final men’s 250 event was one by Milos Raonic in Chennai.  2011 was an amazing year for the Canadian but the 21 year old had some doubters who did not believe he could follow up his breakthrough year.  He has started to prove them wrong winning a hard fought match against Janko Tipsarevic, 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6(4) to win his second ATP World Tour title.  Now Milos Raonic is now tied with Andy Murray and Jo Wilfred Tsonga at the top of the ATP 2012 race – a place where I am sure he wants to stay!

The Australian Open starts on the 16^th January.