Sharapova ends 2013 season and withdrawals from Istanbul

Maria Sharapova has only played three games since Roland Garros and was forced to skip US Open due to a shoulder injury. 

The Russian Word No. 3 played her last match in Cincinnati against Sloane Stephens and unfortunately announced that she wouldn’t play this year at Istanbul.

“I am very disappointed that I will not be able to play in the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships this year.  The fans in Istanbul have welcomed us each year with such intense passion and warmth. I will sincerely miss the energy and excitement they brought to the year-end tournament. I want to thank Istanbul for being a tremendous host and hope to play in Turkey sometime in the future,” said Sharapova about her withdrawal. 

Murray withdrawals from London

Andy Murray announced this Wednesday his withdrawal from Barclays ATP World Tour Finals due to a back injury.

The British number 1 already missed this year Roland Garros due to a back injury and after a surgery in September was forced to announce that he wouldn’t be able to play in London this year.

“"I'm really disappointed not to be playing this year, I love playing in front of my home crowd, it's a great atmosphere,” said Murray. “All the players look forward to competing in London and I'll be doing my best to qualify again for the tournament next year."

After Murray’s withdrawal there are only three players qualified for London so far: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer.

ATP Shanghai – Isner survives while Tipsarevic falls

John Isner was able to comeback from a set down against Santiago Giraldo while Marcel Granollers surprised Janko Tipsarevic

 

The year of 2013 hasn’t been good for Tipsarevic, the Serbian started the year as World No. 9 but is already outside top 20.  Janko has struggled with his game not being able to play aggressive from the baseline and was once again defeated today against Granollers. The Spanish is a very competitive player, not only from the baseline but also around the net. Marcel didn’t drop his serve during all match and claimed clinical breaks in both sets to take this match 6 – 4 6 – 4.

Isner is currently the 13^th placed in the Race to London and still looks to qualify after a good summer. The American No. 1 faced Santiago Giraldo and the Colombian showed all his quality on return breaking Isner serve and taking the first set 6 – 4. Isner raised his service level and tried to be more aggressive in the return with his forehand, Big John had 0 – 40 on Giraldo serve when the Colombian was serving at 4 – 5, however Santiago managed to save all set points. This set seemed to go into a tie break, but John fired some good forehands once again and this time was able to break Giraldo to level the match at 1 set all. The third set was once again all about the serve, John was looking to have things under control but at 4 – 4 he faced 0 – 40 situation, however the serve saved his skin and at 5 – 6 Giraldo served a double fault at match point giving Isner a place in next round.

ATP Shanghai –Federer returns in style

Roger Federer made his debut at Shanghai in the doubles competition along with home favorite Ze Zhang

This was the first game of Federer after his disappointing performance at US Open where he was surprised on the fourth round against Tommy Robredo.

The former Olympic doubles champion played his second tournament of the year in doubles and pulled off an outstanding performance with Zhang. The Suisse-Chinese team dismissed Kevin Anderson and Dmitry Tursunov by 6 – 2 6 – 1 not dropping their serve during all match.

Match Stats:

          Kevin Anderson & Dmitry Tursunov                 Roger Federer & Ze Zhang:

Aces                                   4                                                                     7

                                           

Double Faults                     1                                                                     0
   

First serve in                     75%                                                                 91%

First serve won                  55%                                                                 81%

 

Second serve won              9%                                                                  66%

 

Break Points Saved          2/7 (28%)                                                        1/1 (100%)   

ATP Beijing – Djokovic revenges US Open final against Nadal

Novak Djokovic defeated the new World No. 1 Rafael Nadal to claim Beijing crown

Djokovic was looking for his fourth straight title on four appearances at Beijing in his 38^th meeting against Nadal. The Spanish struggled against Fabio Fognini in quarter-finals and was very close from elimination. In semi-finals the US Open champion saw his opponent Tomas Berdych retires due to a back injury.

Nole started the match with confidence getting an early break and digging a 3 – 0 lead, the Serbian ball was very deep and not allowing Nadal to hit his forehand top spin forehand as he likes. Both players held serve from that point on and just after 35 minutes Djokovic closed the first set with a forehand inside-out winner.

The second set started with a very close game on Nadal’s serve and after a huge rally Rafa missed the drop shot giving Djokovic the break lead. Nole’s serve was just too strong today, the Serbian didn’t face a single break point all match and only lost 6 points on his service games.  With a service winner Djokovic claimed fourth Beijing title keeping his undefeated record in China Open.

ATP Tokyo – Raonic and Del Potro into final

Milos Raonic and Juan Martin Del Potro claimed straight sets victories to book a place in Tokyo’s final

Raonic was looking for first career victory over Ivan Dodig, the Canadian lost the two previous matches on Barcelona’s clay and this year at Eastbourne grass.  Raonic showed some outstanding service game levels and took a first close set in the tie break losing only 2 points on his first serve.  Dodig wasn’t able to keep his game level and was destroyed by Milos in the second set, the 2012 finalist Raonic returns to Tokyo’s final after dismissing Ivan Dodig 7 – 6 6 – 1.

The 2008 finalist Juan Martin Del Potro was trying to return to the decisive game in Japan’s capital. The Argentinean started strong getting a break in the opening game after an outstanding inside-in forehand winner. DelPo had chances for double break in the third set, but Nicolas Almagro managed to hold his service game and in the following game recovered the break with a delicate backhand crossed volley. Both players held serve until the tie break where Del Potro emerged victorious 9 – 7. The second set was all about the serve, no break points during all set and once again a tie break was needed, but this time the former US Open champion was too strong taking this breaker 7 – 1 with a service winner.

ATP Beijing – Nadal regains World No. 1 spot

Tomas Berdych retired from his match against Rafael Nadal allowing the Spanish to regain the number one spot.

Nadal has played at an outstanding level since his return on February with a remarkable 65 – 3 record so far. Rafa reached his 13^th season final after Berdych retirement from the match because of a back injury.

Nadal was very happy about his achievement: “This is a great year, one of the best years of my career without any doubt. It sure is special be back to the top position of the rankings after more than a half year without playing tennis.”

About his great comeback, Nadal emphasizes all the hard work he had to be back where he is now: “At the end, it's just a number... What makes me happy is everything I did to be back where I am today." 

ATP Tokyo – Almagro edges defending champion Nishikori

Defending champion Kei Nishikori felt in quarter-finals clash against Nicolas Almagro

Home favorite Kei Nishikori was looking to defend his title and started with confidence claiming a 4 – 1 lead with double break up, however Almagro fought back recovering from that disadvantage and taking the first set in the tie break.

Like it happened with Jurgen Melzer, Nishikori was able to claim the second set by 7 – 5 and seemed to be in very good place to take the third.

Both players held serve until 3 – 3 and Almagro’s powerful strokes made the difference giving him the first break in the decisive set. Nishikori tried to fight back getting a 15 – 30 lead, but the Spanish fired two straight aces and after a backhand error from the Japanese was just one game away from taking this match. Nishikori seemed to be struggling with his body and suffered a hold break of serve losing this match and the chance of defending his title. 

ATP Beijing – Nadal one win away from World No.1 after epic comeback

Rafael Nadal overcame Fabio Fognini after dropping the first set and is one game away from World No.1 place

Nadal was trying to extend his perfect Hard Court record, but struggled in the first set against Fognini’s shot making, the Italian played at great level digging a 3 – 0 lead. Fabio got another break and served for the set at 5 – 1. Nadal got the break, however this was Fognini’s set and the Italian got another break to close the first set 6 – 2.

Fognini kept the good level and like in the first set claimed a 3 – 0 lead and was just three games away from beating Rafael Nadal. After two holds of serve Fognini had a huge chance to get a double break in the second set for a 5 – 1 lead, but Rafa saved it with authority. Since that point was all about Nadal winning five straight games and taking the second set 6 – 4.

Fabio was still thinking about lost opportunity in the third and wasn’t able to produce good tennis, Nadal took advantage of that winning the third set 6 – 1.

WTA Beijing – Serena edges Kirilenko in two close sets

World No. 1 Serena Williams overcame Maria Kirilenko in two tought sets 7 – 5 7 – 5.

Serena was looking to extend her outstanding head-to-head record over Kirilenko, Williams won all the 7 previous meetings between the two players.

The Russian played very solid from the baseline with some quality shots and in the first set she had chance to serve for the first set, Maria broke Serena serve at 4 – 4 and served in the 10^th game to close the first one. Kirilenko seemed to be in control leading 40 – 0 with three set points, however Makiri felt the pressure and lost all set points with double fault, backhand unforced error and a forehand crossed winner from Serena. After two more errors Serena got the break back and leveled the set at 5 games all. Williams held serve and got another break to close the set at her first set point with another double fault by Kirilenko.

Kirilenko was once again the first to get the break in the second set getting a 4 – 2 lead, but Serena once again came back and after two holds and a break was leading 5 – 4 with Maria serving to stay in the match. Despite being able to save herself from that game, the Russian wasn’t able to repeat that at 5 – 6 and lost this set once again 5 – 7 at match point number 4 with a backhand unforced error. 

ATP Beijing – Djokovic survives three sets clash against Verdasco

Novak Djokovic needed three sets to overcome Fernando Verdasco

Djokovic started the first set in style getting a 3 – 0 lead and seemed to be in control of the match, but Verdasco fought back and recovered the break after a double fault from Djokovic in the 7^th game. Both players held serve comfortably, but in the 12^th game, when Verdasco was serving to stay in the set, Djokovic made the difference getting the break and a decisive set to claim the first set.

The second set was all about Verdasco, the Spanish managed to save the two break points he faced and took advantage of the two break point chances he had on Djokovic’s serve.  Fernando lead the match into a third set after taking this one 6 – 2.

Nole raised his game level in the decisive set, the Serbian saved the break point he faced and broke Verdasco serve two times. This time was Djokovic to win a set with 6 – 2, closing the match after a backhand crossed error from Verdasco.

ATP Tokyo – Nishikori continues title defense

Kei Nishikori overcame Feliciano Lopez in straight sets and keeps his chances of second straight title in Tokyo alive

This was the fourth meeting between the two players, the third this season. Nishikori triumphed at Memphis final while Lopez emerged victorious at Cincinnati.

The first set was a close one and a tiebreak was needed to decide it. Lopez won the two previous tie breaks, but this time Nishikori was able to claim the breaker and take a 1 – 0 lead in the match.

The second set was all about Nishikori outstanding shot making ability. Lopez didn’t find answer for Nishikori strokes and just after 1 hour and 9 minutes Nishikori claimed the match at second match point with a forehand return winner. 

Nalbandian retires from tennis

After 13 years on professional tennis, the former World No.3 David Nalbandian announced his retirement.

Known for his world class two-handed backhand, Nalbandian has struggled in the last years with his body. Four years ago he suffered a serious injury on his hip, needed surgery and took long time until return to ATP Tour. This year the Argentinean needed new surgery on his shoulder, but this time he isn’t able to comeback.

“I can play matches, but my shoulder won't let me continue my career. I can't play like that at a [professional] level.” Nalbandian said that to the media in Buenos Aires.

Nalbandian won 11 ATP World Tour titles, his best results were Tennis Masters Cup in 2005, ATP Masters Series Madrid and Paris both in 2007.

The 31-year old left a final message thanking everything tennis gave him: “"It's tough because I have to announce my retirement from the sport that gave me so much. I'm very grateful."

ATP Tokyo – Tsonga falls against Dodig

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was surprised today against Ivan Dodig and compromises his chances to qualify for London

The French number 1 is currently the 10^th in the race to London and needs to collect as many points he can in order to qualify. Today he faced Croatian Ivan Dodig and was trying to avoid a second straight loss against Dodig, in the previous match last year at Queen’s Dodig claimed the victory 7 – 6 3 – 6 7 – 6. Tsonga is still recovering from knee injury and struggled against Ivan strong serve not being able to break the Croatian serve. After less than 1 hour and 30 minutes Dodig closed the match 6 - 4 7 - 6.

Dodig pulled off a major upset and second career victory over Tsonga, the Croatian will play in the next stage against Jarkko Nieminen

Match Stats:

                 Ivan Dodig:                                                Jo-Wilfried Tsonga:

Aces                                   9                                                                     9

                                           

Double Faults                     1                                                                     2
   

First serve in                     72%                                                                 65%

First serve won                  79%                                                                 79%

Second serve won              55%                                                                  52%

Break Points Saved          3/3 (100%)                                                        0/1 (0%)   

ATP Beijing – Nadal and Djokovic cruise into second round

The 2013 US Open finalists (Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic) were in action today at Beijing and both collect an easy win.

Djokovic was the first to get on court against Lukas Rosol and was trying to repeat this year’s success at Miami where Nole defeated Rosol 6 – 1 6 – 0. The Serbian started even better this match claiming the first set 6 – 0, losing only two points on serve.  Rosol raised his game level on the second set and had two break point chances, however Djokovic saved both and a break of serve was enough for the World No. 1 to book place in next stage.

Nadal aims for World No. 1 spot and to keep his unbeatable record on Hard Court this season (Rafa won all 22 games on Hard Court this year). The Spanish faced Santiago Giraldo and was looking for sixth win over the Colombian player. Despite losing his serve twice, Nadal didn’t have much trouble to take this match. The Mallorca’s player dismissed Giraldo 6 – 2 6 – 4 and kept his outstanding record on Hard Court

ATP Tokyo – Del Potro, Tipsarevic, Lopez and Nishikori come from set down

This Tuesday some of the best players at Tokyo had a difficult start losing the first set and needed to recover from set down

Juan Martin Del Potro overcame an inspired Marcos Baghdatis. The player from Cyprus served at great level with 17 aces, however DelPo managed to recover and keep himself alive in this competition. The Argentinean is the number 1 seed at Tokyo and will face in the second round his fellow countryman Carlos Berlocq.

Janko Tipsarevic has struggled in the last months and is now out of top 20. The Serbian faced Victor Hanescu and lost the first set after a close one decided in the breaker (6 – 8 in the tie break). Janko reacted very well after disappointing first set and took the second with expressive 6 – 1. Things got mental in the third and Tipsarevic proved to be better saving all three break points and claiming the victory with 6 – 4.

Feliciano Lopez faced Japanese Wild Card Tatsuma Ito and had a hard time in the first set, the Spanish only got 37% first serve in and was broken two times by Ito. Feli improved his service level and was able to hold all his service games after the first set firing a total of 18 aces to get a place in the second round.

Home favorite and defending champion Kei Nishikori also had to battle to book a place in next stage. The Japanese lost first set in the tie break against Jurgen Melzer, but managed to repeat this year triumph in Madrid against the Austrian. After a close first set (7 – 5), Nishikori cruised into victory with a 6 – 2 result in the third and decisive set. 

WTA Beijing – Lisicki dismisses Venus

Sabine Lisicki destroyed Venus Williams in Beijing’s second round 6 – 1 6 – 2

Venus was trying to keep the good momentum after Tokyo’s performance, but in the other hand was an inspired Lisicki. The German served at outstanding level and the American struggled to return Sabine’s first serves. The German only lost one point on first serve during all match and this was the key for her to be confident in her forehand.

This was a match that went like predicted with Lisicki’s victory.In the next stage the German will face the winner of the match between Na Li and Bojana Jovanovski.

Match Stats:

                 Sabine Lisicki:                                                Venus Williams:

Aces                                   7                                                                     1

                                           

Double Faults                     6                                                                     3
   

First serve in                     60%                                                                 64%

First serve won                  96%                                                                 58%

Second serve won              33%                                                                  23%

Break Points Saved            0/0                                                            3/7 (42%)   

ATP Tokyo – Del Potro vs Baghdatis Preview

Juan Martin Del Potro will face Marcos Baghdatis in Tokyo’s first round

This will be fifth meeting between Juan Martin Del Potro and Marcos Baghdatis, the last match was this year at Dubai in a closed match where DelPo edged Baghdatis in a third set tie break.

After disappoint performance at US Open Del Potro tries to repeat 2008 performance when he reached the final and lost to Tomas Berdych. On the other hand Baghdatis reached semi-finals last year and looks to defend that performance.

The previous matches were always very tied and this should be another fiery contest. Del Potro hasn’t played in the last month and may struggle before he gets some game rhythm. Baghdatis has good shot making skills and has proved in the past that he knows how to play against the player from Tandil. I expect a very interesting match and my prediction is for a Del Potro win in three sets.  

WTA Beijing – Williams’ sisters in action

Serena Williams and Venus Williams will play today at Beijing’s second round against Francesca Schiavone and Sabine Lisicki respectively.

Serena defeated Elena Vesnina in two easy sets on the first round and will take on Schiavone for the third time this year after easy wins on Toronto (6 – 3 6 – 2) and US Open (6 – 0 6 – 1).  Francesca isn’t able to deal with Serena powerful shots and the World No. 1 should take another easy two sets victory.

After last week’s great performance at Tokyo, Venus Williams tries to keep the good momentum here at Beijing. This should be a very fiery contest between two aggressive players who hit the ball very strong. Venus is lightly favorite, but Lisicki has quality to take this match and I think the German may surprise here and defeat another Williams’ sister like she did at Wimbledon against Serena.

ATP Beijing – Nadal and Djokovic return

This Thursday the 2013 US Open finalists, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, will return to action at Beijing.

Djokovic will be the first in action on National Tennis Stadium against Lukas Rosol, the Czech who beat Rafael Nadal in 2012 Wimbledon. This will be the second meeting between the two players, they faced each other earlier this year at Miami and Djokovic won that match 6 – 1 6 – 0. The Serbian should be able to take once again this match in two easy sets.

Nadal plays after Nole on National Tennis Stadium with Colombian Santiago Giraldo. The two players have already played five times and Nadal won all those matches not losing a single set. The Spanish is playing some of his best career tennis and this will be a very hard game for Giraldo. I expect Rafa to take this one in two sets also.

ATP Tokyo – Tsonga wins 100% French clash

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated his fellow countryman Gael Monfils in straight sets

 

Tsonga and Monfils faced for the fifth time in their career, Jo-Wilfried leads the head-to-head 3-1 and was looking to repeat 2009 success at Tokyo.

Tsonga knows he has to produce good tennis in order to qualify for London, he is currently the 10^th player on the race to London. The player also known as Ali served at great level not allowing Sliderman to have a single break point. In a very close match between two good friends, was Tsonga who emerged victorious 6 – 3 7 – 6.

 

Match Stats:

                 Gael Monfils:                                                Jo-Wilfried Tsonga:

Aces                                   11                                                                     8

                                           

Double Faults                     2                                                                     0
   

First serve in                     53%                                                                  54%

First serve won                  66%                                                                  78%

Second serve won              58%                                                                   58%

Break Points Saved         3/4 (75%)                                                             0/0   

 

ATP Beijing: Dimitrov and Haas out

In the starting day of the men’s competition at Beijing, Grigor Dimitrov and Tommy Haas suffered straight sets loss against Roberto Bautista Agut and Lleyton Hewitt respectively.

Dimitrov returned this week after poor performance at US Open where he lost in the first round against Joao Sousa. The Bulgarian faced qualifier Bautista Agut and struggled against the Spanish baseline consistency not being able to get a single break point all match. Dimitrov was broken three times during the match losing 4 – 6 2 – 6.

Haas played against another veteran, Lleyton Hewitt, and was trying to avoid a 7^th loss for the Australian player. Hewitt showed great tennis at US Open where he reached 4^th round and the Aussie’s baseline aggressive game proved to be too good for Tommy today. The German lost a close first set in the tie break (6 – 8) and in the second set was only able to win 38% points on serve allowing Hewitt to break him three times.

Results of the Day:

Bernard Tomic 7 – 6 6 – 4 Ze Zhang (W)

Roberto Bautista Agut (Q) 6 – 4 6 – 2 Grigor Dimitrov

Lleyton Hewitt (W) 7 – 6 6 – 3 Tommy Haas (7)

Fabio Fognini 7 – 5 4 – 6 6 – 3 Tommy Robredo

Philipp Kohlschreiber 7 – 5 1 – 6 7 – 6 Albert Montanes

WTA Beijing – Victoria Azarenka suffers second early straight loss

Although having physical difficulties, Andrea Petkovic overcame Victoria Azarenka in three sets

After last week disappointing performance at Tokyo where Victoria Azarenka lost to Venus Williams 2 – 6 4 – 6, the World No. 2 was surprised once again in Beijing against Andrea Petkovic.

The Belarusian struggled with her serve with 15 double faults and despite Petkovic physical problems in the second set, the German was able to recover from a set down in the third to claim her best season victory.

Match Stats:

                 Andrea Petkovic:                                                Victoria Azarenka:

Aces                                   2                                                                      6

                                           

Double Faults                     5                                                                     15

First serve in                     69%                                                                  56%

First serve won                  63%                                                                  70%

Second serve won              34%                                                                   36%

Break Points Saved         6/11 (54%)                                                           4/9 (44%)  

WTA Beijing – Serena Williams starts title quest in style

World No. 1 Serena Williams opened her campaign at Beijing with comfortable win over Russian Elena Vesnina 6 – 4 6 – 2. 

The first set was a close one and Williams dropped her serve twice, but at 4 – 4 she got a decisive break and served for the first set with authority.

The second set was all about Serena, not facing a single break point and only losing 5 points on serve. The American broke two times Vesnina's serve to get a place in the second round.

In the next round she’ll face Francesca Schiavone, the Italian was leading 3 – 2 in the first set when Alize Cornet retired.

Completed Matches Today: 

Serena Williams (1) 6 - 4 6 - 2 Elena Vesnina

Maria Kirilenko 7 - 5 6 - 2 Jie Zheng (W)

Agnieszka Radwanska (3) 4 - 6 6 - 4 6 - 4 Stefanie Voegele

Madison Keys 6 - 4 6 - 3 Dominika Cilbukova

Laura Robson 7 - 6 4 - 6 6 - 1

Misaki Doi (Q) 6 - 1 6 - 1 Silvia Soler-Espinosa (Q)

Sabine Lisicki (13) 6 - 3 6 - 2 Chanelle Scheepers (Q)

Na Li (4) 6 - 0 6 - 4 Daniela Hantuchova 

Lauren Davis (Q) 6 - 0 5 - 7 6 - 4 Mona Barthel 

Lucie Safarova 7 - 5 6 - 3 Samantha Stosur (15)

Kaia Kanepi 7 - 5 6 - 4 Julia Goerges

ATP Bangkok – Milos Raonic conquers Thailand’s crown

Milos Raonic served at great level with 18 aces to overcome Tomas Berdych

Tomas Berdych was playing his third season final and still looking for first title after defeats in Dubai (against Novak Djokovic) and Marseille (against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga).  

The first set was a big battle of serve both players had good percentages of first serves, Berdych with 76% first serve in and Milos Raonic 68%. With such good serves from both players, this set was decided in a tie break, Milos took it with 7 – 4 in the breaker.

Berdych lost his focus and started this set dropping his serve. Raonic just had to hold serve and that’s exactly what he did not losing a single point on his first serve in this second set and taking this one 6 – 3.

Match Stats:

                  Milos Raonic:                                                Tomas Berdych:

Aces                                   18                                                                     4

                                           

Double Faults                      1                                                                      0

First serve in                     66%                                                                  74%

First serve won                  95%                                                                  82%

Second serve won              54%                                                                   64%

Break Points Saved         1/1 (100%)                                                           0/1 (0%)  

ATP Kuala Lumpur – João Sousa claims first career title

João Sousa came back from set down to be the first Portuguese player ever to win an ATP title

Benneteau was the favorite for this match and started with confidence, his backhand and net game were making the difference. After 2 – 2 the French won 4 straight games to take a 1 – 0 lead.

Julien was not closer from his first career victory after 8 straight losses and the second serve was a battle of serves. At 5 – 4 huge opportunity for Benneteau, the French had match point on Sousa’s serve but the Portuguese saved it with an outstanding passing shot forehand down the line. Sousa came strong after that hold getting his first break and with a love hold of serve claimed the second set.

Benneteau seemed to be lost in the match and started the third set dropping his serve, the French wasn’t able to deal with Sousa’s consistency and aggressive game. Despite having 4 break point chances in the decisive set, Benneteau wasn’t able to confirm any of those. After 2 hours and 18 minutes Sousa claimed first career title with a backhand unforced error from Benneteau. 

ATP Kuala Lumpur – João Sousa vs Julien Benneteau Preview

A new ATP champion will emerge at Kuala Lumpur this Sunday, Julien Benneteau will try to avoid a ninth straight defeat in an ATP final while Portuguese João Sousa tries to be successful in first career final.

Benneteau has lost 8 finals so far in his career, the last one this year at Rotterdam against Juan Martin Del Potro. The French hasn’t been able to play his best tennis in decisive matches and this might be one of his last chances to claim an ATP trophy. Benneteau is last year’s finalist, likes to play in Indoor with solid baseline strokes and has good game around the net. Today he defeated Stanislas Wawrinka in a match where he proved to be solider from the baseline.

Sousa can become the first Portuguese player to win an ATP title, after 2010 Frederico Gil lost in Estoril Open (now known as Portugal Open) final against Albert Montanes, this will be the second time Portugal has a player at a final. João has played some outstanding tennis, after his US Open performance where he defeated Grigor Dimitrov and Jarkko Nieminen, the Portuguese player reached St. Petersburg semi-finals and is now playing Kuala Lumpur final after defeating players like Jurgen Melzer and David Ferrer.

Benneteau has a huge chance to claim a title, but the French may suffer with the pressure of 8 straight losses and the fact that he is the favorite in this match. Julien has 72% chances of success, but Sousa has proved to be a very tough opponent. Sousa’s consistency and aggressive play style may difficult Benneteau’s life and I won’t be surprised if the Portuguese could surprise once again.

ATP Bangkok – Tomas Berdych vs Milos Raonic Preview

This Sunday Berdych and Raonic will face in Bangkok’s final, this will be the second meeting between the two players after last year’s Raonic victory at Cincinnati 6 – 4 2 – 6 6 – 2.

After losing this season’s finals at Dubai and Marseille, Berdych has a good chance to claim first 2013 title. The Czech plays very good tennis in Indoor, his serve and massive forehand are very difficult to deal with.

Raonic loves to play in Indoor and three of his four career titles were won in these game conditions.  The serve is so hard to break, Raonic serves consistently over 200 km/h and his forehand is getting better and better throughout his career.

Both players had difficult tests today against French players, Berdych defeated Simon 6 – 7 6 – 2 7 – 5 needing almost three hours while Raonic also needed to come back from set down against Richard Gasquet 3 – 6 7 – 5 6 – 4.

This might be a very close match and the key for this match may be the serve. Both players got today good first serve percentages, Berdych got 60% first serve in and Raonic 63%. Another important factor is the backhand, Berdych’s backhand is better than Raonic and the Czech has to force Milos to play with his weakest stroke.

Berdych is the favorite for this match with 60% chances of victory and I agree with that. I expect the Czech to claim his first season title.

WTA Tokyo – Kvitova claims 2nd season title

Petra Kvitova overcame Angelique Kerber in three sets to earn Tokyo’s trophy

This was the fourth meeting between Kvitova and Kerber, the Germand lead 2 - 1 the head-to-head, but Kvitova was looking to keep her impressive career record in finals (10 – 4 before this final).

Kvitova started strong with an early break of serve hitting the ball very flat and powerful with her forehand. Kerber tried to fight back and had two break point chances with 15 – 40 when she was 1 – 3 down, but Kvitova save those opportunities. The Czech was just too strong and got a double break in the 8^th game that was also a set point after a forehand error by Kerber.

Kerber raised her level in the second set with some amazing counter-puncher skills. Kvitova tried to be aggressive, but Angelique was finding answer for everything. The German crushed her opponent in this set with 6 – 0.

Petra’s forehand came once again in the decisive set and the Czech was the first to get the break digging a 4 – 1 lead. Kvitova proved once again to be very strong in finals, after 1 hour and 40 minutes the 2011 Wimbledon champion closed the match and won her second season title after her earlier success in Dubai. 

WTA Tokyo – Petra Kvitova reaches final after third set tie break victory over Venus Williams

Venus Williams played some of her best career tennis this week with huge victories, but wasn’t able to overcome 2011 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.

This was a very fiery contest between two aggressive players, the American started stronger getting an early break for a 2 – 0 lead, but Williams wasn’t able to keep that advantage and with a double fault Kvitova got the break back. After a couple holds of serve, Kvitova dropped her service game once again after a backhand that went long. Both players held serve from this point and Venus claimed the first set 6 – 3 with a return error from the Czech.

Kvitova played solid tennis in the second set not facing a single break point. A break in the fourth game was enough for Kvitova to win this set and take the match into a third and decisive set.

The third set was once again all about the serve. Venus had huge opportunity at game number 6 with two break points, but lost them after two forehand errors, one into the net and the other long. The game was decided in a tie break and Kvitova was just too strong getting a 6 – 0 lead. At match point number three Petra closed the match after another forehand error from Williams.

ATP Kuala Lumpur – Wawrinka gets fourth career victory over Baghdatis

Stanislas Wawrinka repeats US Open success against Marcos Baghdatis in his debut at Malaysia

After his great performance at US Open, Wawrinka returned to competition at Kuala Lumpur with a solid exhibition against Baghdatis. The Suisse claimed the match 6 – 1 7 – 5, not facing a single break point during the entire match. 

Match Stats:

                   Marcos Baghdatis:                                                Stanislas Wawrinka:

Aces                                    2                                                                      6

                                           

Double Faults                      3                                                                      3

First serve in                     52%                                                                  49%

First serve won                  84%                                                                  85%

Second serve won              36%                                                                   67%

Break Points Saved       1/4 (25%)                                                                0/0  

WTA Tokyo – Caroline Wozniacki recovers from set down

Caroline Wozniacki lost the first set against Lucie Safarova, but was able to comeback from that disadvantage to reach Tokyo’s semi-final.

Safarova was just unstoppable in the first set losing just four points on serve and breaking Wozniacki two times to close the opening set 6 – 2.

The Danish player fought back in the second set and at 3 – 2 she got her first break after a double fault from Safarova. Caroline held serve and closed this one 6 – 3.

In the decisive set was all about Wozniacki, Safarova struggled with Caro’s consistency and the former world No. 1 took this decisive set 6 – 2.

In the next round Caroline Wozniacki will face Angelique Kerber.

Other results:

Angelique Kerber 6 – 4 6 – 4 Agnieszka Radwanska

Petra Kvitova 6 – 4 6 – 1 Svetlana Kuznetsova