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Roger Federer to Help Launch New Tennis Format in Exhibition Match against Hewitt

Roger Federer to Help Launch New Tennis Format in Exhibition Match against Hewitt

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

Federer12 Roger Federer to Help Launch New Tennis Format in Exhibition Match against Hewitt

 

Following his impressive season on the tour and historic culmination of the Davis Cup, 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is not ready to put 2014 to bed. Apart from spearheading the new International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) next month in India, Federer has signed on to help launch a new tennis format in his upcoming exhibition match against Lleyton Hewitt.

The new fast format, which Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley caims will “revolutionize the game of tennis,” is an Australian-developed system and features a few variations from the traditional style of playing. In the new system, there are no lets, no advantage scoring, a tiebreak at 3-all, and the winner of the set is the first to reach four games.

Federer and Hewitt will test the new format in January in Sydney.

“I can’t wait to come to the beautiful city of Sydney for this very special match against my old friend and rival, Lleyton Hewitt,” Federer said in a statement on Tennis Australia’s website. “We’ve had some amazing battles over the years and I think we still bring out the best in each other every time we play.”

The last time the two competitors faced each other was in the final of the Brisbane International at the start of the season, where Hewitt beat his longtime rival in three sets.

“Playing Roger in this new format will be an exciting challenge for both of us and a lot of fun,” said Hewitt. “It’s a fantastic innovation for tennis, and one that I hope will take off.”

The exhibition is scheduled to take place on Jan. 12, 2015.

Andre Agassi has No Doubt that Kei Nishikori Can Win a Grand Slam

Andre Agassi has No Doubt that Kei Nishikori Can Win a Grand Slam

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

Nishikori US Open Andre Agassi Has No Doubt that Kei Nishikori Can Win a Grand Slam

 

Following a remarkable breakthrough season on the ATP World Tour, Kei Nishikori now has the support of Andre Agassi, who believes he is destined to win a Grand Slam title in the near future.

“There is no question in my mind he believes he can win a slam,” the former world number one told AFP following an exhibition match in Tokyo. “I’ve seen him play with that purpose. From a talent perspective, he’s very capable of winning a grand slam. He’s dynamic and incredibly fast.”

Agassi, 44, explained that Nishikori was just a few sets away from lifting the United States Open title this season – a fortnight in Flushing Meadows that saw him topple world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets in the semi-final round.

“He beat Djokovic on the way to the US Open final, and if he did it once he can do it again,” said Agassi. “He was one match away from US Open. Probably the biggest reason for (not winning the title) was the physical wear and tear over the course of the tournament, and sometimes that’s a bit unlucky.”

Gifted with one of the most versatile games in modern tennis, Nishikori is capable of matching any of the top competitors on his best day. Agassi, who won a total of eight Grand Slam titles throughout his career, has no doubt that the Japanese star’s talents will lead him to a Major championship in the future.

“What he’s done is very impressive in this day and age to do the way he does it. Kei is one of the greatest shot-makers the game has ever seen and there’s no reason he can’t go on further.”

However, Agassi also made it clear that talent is only the tip of the iceberg when considering the necessary sacrifices required to become a champion.

“Being number one and doing it over the course of a career requires good decision-making, not just talent. He’s somebody who has to be mindful of his body, so that he’s healthy all year.

Andy Murray Makes Significant Changes to Coaching Staff

Andy Murray Makes Significant Changes to Coaching Staff

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

Andy Murray French Open Andy Murray Makes Significant Changes to Coaching Staff

 

Andy Murray announced some major changes to his coaching staff, as he will no longer be working with long-time hitting partner Dani Vallverdu and fitness trainer Jez Green.

Both men played a pivotal part in Murray’s team; Vallverdu joined with Murray in 2010 and remained a part of the team while Muray worked with Ivan Lendl. Green spearheaded Murray’s transformation to one of the fittest and healthiest players on the tour with his infamous training methods.

“We sat down at the end of the season and decided that a change would be best for all of us,” Murray said in a statement. “My off season training and Australian Open preparations have already begun and I am very excited for the new year. I thank Jez and Dani for all their hard work over the years and wish them the best for the future.’

Several weeks ago, it was reported that Murray’s coaching staff, mainly Vallverdu and Green were both unhappy about Mauresmo’s sudden appointment and the lack of input they provided in the decision. The news that they have both left the team can be seen as a reaffirmation of Murray’s commitment to his new coach.

Murray will begin his 2015 season at the Hopman Cup, where he will team up with Heather Watson to represent Great Britain. He will then head to Auckland before preparation for the Australian Open.

Stan Wawrinka Confirmed for Chennai Open in India

Stan Wawrinka Confirmed for Chennai Open in India

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

Stan Wawrinka serve Stan Wawrinka Confirmed for Chennai Open in India

 

Two-time champion Stan Wawrinka has confirmed his participation in the Chennai Open in India for the sixth consecutive season.

While the entire entry list is yet to be released, Spain’s Feliciano Lopez, Roberto Bautista Agut, Guilermo Garcia Lopez and Marcel Granollers, Yen Hsun Lu and Somdev Devvarman will join Wawrinka in the draw.

Tournament director Tom Annear said, “The 20th edition has top lineup of stars in a very strong player field that underlines the tournament?s status as a marquee ATP tennis event in South Asia.”

Wawrinka, the defending champion from last season where he defeated Edouard Roger-Vasselin in the final, has played this event for five consecutive years – winning the event twice. He also finished runner-up in 2010 when he lost to Marin Cilic in the final.

The Swiss No. 2 took part in a remarkable breakthrough season on the tour, as he won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, and his first Masters 1000 title in Madrid with a victory over fellow countryman Roger Federer. He ended his season with a semi-final appearance at the ATP World Tour Finals and then played a crucial role in helping Switzerland win the Davis Cup title.

The Chennai Open takes place between Jan. 5-11, 2015.

Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki Confirmed for Auckland’s ASB Classic

Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki Confirmed for Auckland’s ASB Classic

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

Venus Williams Miami Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki Confirmed for Aucklands ASB Classic

 

Several of the WTA’s top stars as scheduled to begin their 2015 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, including top seed Caroline Wozniacki, Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens and Sara Errani.

Along with the top stars, the entire lineup was announced on Tuesday afternoon, and will include five Top 30 players and two former world No. 1s. Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova will also be featured in the draw.

“To have a top 10 player in Caroline, a legend in Venus and a further three others in top 30 is a pretty incredible effort considering the competition,” tournament director Karl Budge said.

The full list of seeded players is available below:

1. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark – 8)
2. Sara Errani (Italy – 14)
3. Venus Williams (USA – 18)
4. Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova (Czeck Republic – 25)
5. Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia – 27)
6. Sloane Stephens (USA – 36)
7. Coco Vandeweghe (USA – 39)
8. Mona Barthel (German – 42)

The ASB Classic takes place between Jan 5-10, 2015.

Sergiy Stakhovsky Hires Fabrice Santoro as New Coach

Sergiy Stakhovsky Hires Fabrice Santoro as New Coach

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

sergiy stakhovsky wimbledon Sergiy Stakhovsky Hires Fabrice Santoro as New Coach

 

World No. 58 Sergiy Stakhovsky, who defeated Roger Federer at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, has hired Fabrice Santoro as his new coach for the foreseeable future.

Stakhovsky made the announcement via twitter.

Stakhovsky compiled a 20-20 record on the tour this season – a year highlighted by his semi-final appearance in Sydney and his second round victory over Ernests Gulbis at the Wimbledon Championships. He also climbed back 37 ranking spots over the year.

The decision to hire Santoro is a surprising one since the retired Frenchman is not an experienced coach. However, it is in keeping with the recent trend of hiring so-called celebrity coaches (ie. Federer-Edberg, Nishikori-Chang, Djokovic-Becker and Cilic-Ivanisevic.)

Santoro won six singles titles over his career but never achieved Grand Slam success except in doubles action, where he won three Major championships (2 doubles, 1 mixed doubles).

Andy Murray gets Engaged to Longtime Partner Kim Sears

Andy Murray gets Engaged to Longtime Partner Kim Sears

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

andy murray kim sears Andy Murray gets Engaged to Longtime Partner Kim Sears

 

Two-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray is officially engaged to long-time partner Kim Sears.

The 27-year-old seemingly asked his love of eight years with an expensive diamond ring while on holiday. They met in 2005 at the US Open and Sears remained a regular companion on the tour – even witnessing his rise to stardom, which culminated with Murray’s historic Wimbledon title in 2013.

A source told The Mirror: “Andy spent ages thinking about the ring, he chose the design himself and picked it up last week. He then proposed on Wednesday. “Kim said ‘yes’ immediately. They are completely besotted with each other and have been there for each other through thick and thin.

“They are just going to enjoy themselves before they start planning their big day.”

Following a particularly difficult first half of the year with little to show for it, world No. 8 Andy Murray appeared to have gotten over his injuries late in the season, after he took part in a cramped six week run on the tour that included title wins in Shenzhen, Valencia and Vienna in order to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Final.

Murray will return to court this week at the debut event of the International Premier Tennis League for the Manila Mavericks. He is scheduled to begin his 2015 season at the Hobart International before moving on to prepare for the Australian Open.

Federer, Sharapova to Lead Brisbane International 2015 Draws in January

Federer, Sharapova to Lead Brisbane International 2015 Draws in January

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

Roger Federer16 Federer, Sharapova to Lead Brisbane International 2015 Draws in January

 

In what is expected to be a fantastic kickoff to the 2015 season, eight Grand Slam champions are scheduled to commence their seasons at the Brisbane International this coming year.

17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic , reigning US Open champion Marin Cilic and Grigor Dimitrov lead the men’s draw, while Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic , Sam Stosur and Victoria Azarenka will be the main attractions in the women’s draw.

Defending champion Lleyton Hewitt will also return in front of his fellow countrymen.

“We’re thrilled with the calibre of the fields we have assembled for this summer’s event, the tournament continues to grow each year and 2015 is shaping up as one of our best yet,” he said. “It’s fantastic to welcome Roger Federer back to Brisbane as well as our men’s defending champion Lleyton Hewitt, newly-crowned Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic and crowd favourites Grigor Dimitrov and Bernard Tomic.

“Each year the event attracts many of the world’s top women and 2015 will be no exception, with Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Sam Stosur, Victoria Azarenka and many more big names set to compete.”

The official fields are as follows:

Men

[2] Roger Federer (SUI)*
[5] Kei Nishikori (JPN)
[7] Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)* – Injury protected ranking
[8] Milos Raonic (CAN)
[9] Marin Cilic (CRO)*
[11] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)
[16] Kevin Anderson (RSA)
[21] Gilles Simon (FRA)
[23] Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR)
[25] Julien Benneteau (FRA)
[27] Jurgen Melzer (AUT) – Injury protected ranking
[29] Jeremy Chardy (FRA)
[34] Martin Klizan (SVK)
[35] Sam Querrey (USA)
[37] Steve Johnson (USA)
[50] Lleyton Hewitt (SA)*
[56] Bernard Tomic (Qld)
[57] Donald Young (USA)
[70] Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ)
[72] Carlos Berlocq (ARG)
[73] Jarkko Nieminen (FIN)

Women

[2] Maria Sharapova (RUS)*
[5] Ana Ivanovic (SRB)*
[9] Angelique Kerber (GER)
[10] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)
[13] Andrea Petkovic (GER)
[15] Jelena Jankovic (SRB)
[17] Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP)
[20] Garbine Muguruza (ESP)
[22] Sam Stosur (Qld)*
[23] Karolina Pliskova (CZE)
[26] Sabine Lisicki (GER)
[28] Elina Svitolina (UKR)
[30] Madison Keys (USA)
[31] Victoria Azarenka (BLR)*
[34] Camila Giorgi (ITA)
[35] Varvara Lepchenko (USA)
[37] Caroline Garcia (FRA)
[38] Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL)
[43] Alison Riske (USA)
[50] Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK)
[51] Kaia Kanepi (EST)
[52] Christina McHale (USA)

* denotes Grand Slam champion
All rankings as at 24 November 2014

The Brisbane International begins Sunday 4 January at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Murray, Williams, Bouchard and Others Prepare for IPTL Debut on Friday

Murray, Williams, Bouchard and Others Prepare for IPTL Debut on Friday

  • Posted: Nov 28, 2014

Andy Murray4 Murray, Williams, Bouchard and Others Prepare for IPTL Debut on Friday

 

According to the latest press release, the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), the inaugural international city-based professional tennis league will begin this Friday in Manila, Philippines with matches available for live viewing via TV and on-line pay-per-view in the United States by Integrated Sports Media.

Friday’s matches feature Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray and the host Manila Mavericks taking on Marin Cilic, Genie Bouchard and the UAE Royals while Serena Williams, Tomas Berdych and the Singapore Slammers will play Gael Monfils and Ana Ivanovic and the Indian Aces. Each IPTL match will consist of five sets played by different players that will include men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, mixed doubles and former champions singles.

“There has been a lot of anticipation and curiosity about the inaugural season of the IPTL and we are thrilled to provide it for American audiences to view via pay-per-view on TV along with access online,” said Integrated Sports Media President Doug Jacobs. “This is an event that no tennis fan is going to want to miss.”

Full IPTL team rosters are as follows:

Manila Mavericks – Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kristen Flipkens, Daniel Nestor, Carlos Moya, Treat Huey

Singapore Slammers – Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, Thomas Berdych, Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Krygios, Daniela Hantuchova, Patrick Rafter, Bruno Soares

Micromax Indian Aces – Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna, Fabrice Santoro

UAE Royals – Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Caroline Wozniacki, Goran Ivanisevic, Genie Bouchard, Malek Jaziri, Nenad Zimonjic

The November 28-30 IPTL matches will be played in Manila, Philippines. The December 2-4 matches will be played in Singapore. The December 6-8 matches will be played in New Delhi, India and the December 11-13 matches will be played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The full schedule of matches (with US TV times) are as follows:

Dates and times from Manila, Philippines:

November 28th
Aces vs. Slammers (3:00 am ET/12:00 Midnight PT) Mavericks vs. Royals (6:30 am ET/3:00 am PT)

November 29th
Royals v Slammers (3:00 am ET/12:00 Midnight PT) Mavericks vs. Aces (6:30 am ET/3:00 am PT)

November 30th
Royals vs. Aces (3:00 am ET/12:00 Midnight PT) Mavericks vs. Slammers (6:30 am ET/3:00 am PT)

Dates and times from Singapore:

December 2nd
Aces v Royals (3:00 am ET/12:00 Midnight PT) Slammers v Mavericks (6:30 am ET/3:30 am PT)

December 3rd
Mavericks v Royals (3:00 am ET/12:00 Midnight PT) Slammers v Aces (6:30 am ET/3:30 am PT)

December 4th
Mavericks v Aces (3:00 am ET/12:00 Midnight PT) Slammers v Royals (6:30 am ET/3:30 am PT)

Dates and times from India:

December 6th
Royals v Slammers (5:30 am ET/2:30 am PT) Aces v. Mavericks (9:00 am ET/6:00 am PT)

December 7th
Aces v Slammers (5:30 am ET/2:30 am PT)
Mavericks v. Royals (9:00 am ET/6:00 am PT)

December 8th
Mavericks v. Slammers (5:30 am ET/2:30 am PT) Aces v. Royals (9:00 am ET/6:00 am PT)

Dates and times from UAE:

December 11th
Aces v Slammers (7:00 am ET/4:00 am PT)
Royals v Mavericks (10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT)

December 12th
Mavericks v Slammers (7:00 am ET/4:00 am PT) Royals v Aces (10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT)

December 13th
Mavericks v Aces (7:00 am ET/4:00 am PT) Royals v Slammers (10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT)

Each game won in an IPTL team match counts as one point for the team points total and the team that wins the most games overall across the five sets wins the match. The IPTL matches will feature live entertainment, a running shot clock and many more features to ’Break the Code’ of the traditional etiquette of tennis to attract a new audience to the sport across the world. The team with the most accumulated points during the season are declared league champions and are awarded the IPTL Challenge Trophy in Dubai on December 13.

All 24 matches of the highly anticipated inaugural season, that runs through December 13, will be available on both cable and satellite pay-per-view – live and for replay – via iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH and Vubiquity and online at www.GFL.TV starting at $9.95 per match and $69.95 for packages.

Report: Stan Wawrinka, French Davis Cup Members involved in Bathroom Confrontation

Report: Stan Wawrinka, French Davis Cup Members involved in Bathroom Confrontation

  • Posted: Nov 26, 2014

Stanislas Wawrinka9 Report: Stan Wawrinka, French Davis Cup Members involved in Bathroom Confrontation

 

Following a turbulent week that culminated in a historic first title for Switzerland, it appears the drama is far from over. It is being reported that shortly after the title celebration on Sunday, Stan Wawrinka and members of the French Davis Cup team were involved in a heated quarrel in the bathroom.

Notable French sports daily newspaper l’Équipe reported that six members of the French team – Julien Benneteau, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon, and two other staff members – confronted Stan Wawrinka in the bathroom and explained their feelings regarding some comments he had made to the media ahead of the final.

While Wawrinka’s remarks were not particularly insulting, he said things along the lines of “I thought I was the stronger player on the court. I’m not No. 4 for nothing.”

“The boys told him they didn’t appreciate his statements. There was five minutes of explanations, man to man. They never raised their tone, but it was direct, and frank,” Benneteau told l’Équipe.

It appears the tone remained moderate and respectful but Richard Gasquet, the unfortunate player who had to take part in the losing fourth rubber against Roger Federer, was particularly aggressive. This came as quite a surprise considering he was generally described as a timid and reserved member of the team.

Gael Monfils seemingly interfered, squashed the beef and made room for Wawrinka to apologize.