“10s Whenever” Newsletter, Vol. 49

Written by: Reyes Gonzalez on 18th February 2012

"10s Whenever" Newsletter, Vol. 49 |

Will Federer Boom or Bust—Nathan’s Notice

By: Nathan M. Cuny

Roger Federer has had a fun February. He accomplished his most recent success this month after defeating Jarkko Nieminen, 7-5, 7-6² on Friday the 17th, in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament quarterfinals. Roger Federer has not won a title this year, with his biggest loss so far at the Australian Open semifinals, where his old rival Rafael Nadal defeated him. His most recent loss came at the hands of No. 14 John Isner in their Davis Cup tie.

Federer’s start to the year is nowhere near his end of the 2011 season but his luck is changing. In his quarterfinals match against Jarkko Nieminen at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, Federer did not face a single break point. Federer hit eight aces and won 86 percent of his first serve points. Fridays win made Federer’s 13th straight one over Nieminen.

Nikolay Davydenko, the next man in Federer’s way on his course to the finals, reached his first semifinal of the season after beating Richard Gasquet 7-5, 6-3. Davydenko lost to Federer earlier this season at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in January. [READ MORE].

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Shubert Blog: “Train Until Your Legs Hurt” – David Ferrer

A direct quote from David Ferrer when asked how he likes to prepare and practice, I used this quote along with some customization of my racket to motivate myself during today’s training. One of the coolest things about meeting and practicing with other players is that you learn about their story as well as some of their motivating stories that keep them going in the game. Today, my hitting partner shared some stories about his run-ins and practices with former pros and what their advice about the game was. Sort of like cub-scout badges, we wear and share these stories like badges. Some stories are about unique experiences, heart break, pure awesome-ness, others offer workman-like advice.

Using that Ferrer quote as well as other motivations from players like Jim Courier, todays’ workout was all about “burn the legs” (Gil Reyes) and using “big legs” (Robby Ginepri). My buddy Dennis Lajola also shared similar advice about leg workouts with me a few weeks ago about his time training with Michael Chang (He was known to have a pair of legs on him wasn’t he?). [READ MORE].

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Concern Growing About Top Players Skipping Davis Cup Play

Faced with the evidence of last weekend when three of the world’s elite quartet of male players opted against representing their nations in important Davis Cup matches, the tennis authorities know something needs to be done to regenerate interest in tennis’ longest standing team competition.

The International Tennis Association and the ATP World Tour have long debated the pros and cons of awarding ranking points for Davis Cup victories but anomalies are everywhere and not easily resolved.

While John Isner, playing in the World Group for the United States against Switzerland, was rewarded with 40 ATP ranking points for his upset of former world no.1 Roger Federer in Fribourg, Britain’s Dan Evans was playing a level lower in the Euro/African Zone Group One.

Although Evans, ranked a lowly 273 in the world and clearly in need of any help he can get to boost his ranking, received no points despite scoring two creditable victories against opponents from Slovakia far higher up the ATP World Tour pecking order.

World no.4 Andy Murray, the man Evans replaced in the British line-up, was quick to point out the injustice of the current system. “It’s not something I think about when I make a decision whether or not to play,” said Murray. [READ MORE].

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Maria Sharapova Conference Call Transcript

Maria: Hi everyone. Thanks for joining us today. Obviously this is a huge meet to be coming to New York and playing in Madison Square Garden not only because of its history and history of tennis in that area but because it is New York City and when you have the chance to play at the US Open every year there is really nothing like an experience at Madison Square Garden and I think for every athlete around the world, just to be in the stadium but to be performing there is really an honor and I can’t wait for that opportunity.

Q: Have you enjoyed playing in New York throughout your career and do you enjoy the energy that the crowd brings in New York? [READ MORE].

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Adidas tennis clinic with Vergeer & de Bakker – Sven’s Postcards

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament – Sven’s Postcard

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10sballs.com’s
“10s Whenever” Newsletter, Vol. 49

Many tournaments are taking place at the moment, and the greats show off what they can really deliver in between big events like the Aussie Open that just passed. Stay tuned to our latest news, and expert opinions from our top writers; this last Valentines Day contest was an exciting one, and we may have more to come in time…

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