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Croatia's Marin Cilic has had his suspension for doping reduced from nine months to four by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Friday.
Cilic, 25, currently ranked 47th in the world, tested positive for the stimulant nikethamide at the Munich Open in May and was banned by an independent tribunal in September.
The ban was backdated to May 1, meaning he would have been able to return to action next February.
However, the CAS ruled the ban should run for four months from June 26, meaning it now expires on Saturday, leaving Cilic free to compete in the Paris Masters from next Monday.
Cilic will open against a qualifier with a potential second-round clash against fourth seeded Juan Martin del Potro.
Cilic, a former world number nine and 2010 Australian Open semi-finalist, provided a urine sample during the Munich event and an accredited laboratory in Montreal found it to contain nikethamide, which is on the WADA list of banned substances.
He claimed he was unaware that Coramine tablets he bought contained nikethamide, for which he did not hold a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption.
"The substance in question originated from a glucose tablet purchased at a pharmacy in France. Unbeknownst to me, the glucose tablets contained a substance that is banned in competition," Cilic said in a statement at the time.
"I wish to emphasise that I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any banned substances in my life and that I am opposed to any use of performance-enhancing substances in sport."
Cilic, the winner of nine titles in his career, has not played since Wimbledon where he withdrew before his second round match citing an injury.
Cilic's tennis doping ban reduced
Cilic, 25, currently ranked 47th in the world, tested positive for the stimulant nikethamide at the Munich Open in May and was banned by an independent tribunal in September.
The ban was backdated to May 1, meaning he would have been able to return to action next February.
However, the CAS ruled the ban should run for four months from June 26, meaning it now expires on Saturday, leaving Cilic free to compete in the Paris Masters from next Monday.
Cilic will open against a qualifier with a potential second-round clash against fourth seeded Juan Martin del Potro.
Cilic, a former world number nine and 2010 Australian Open semi-finalist, provided a urine sample during the Munich event and an accredited laboratory in Montreal found it to contain nikethamide, which is on the WADA list of banned substances.
He claimed he was unaware that Coramine tablets he bought contained nikethamide, for which he did not hold a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption.
"The substance in question originated from a glucose tablet purchased at a pharmacy in France. Unbeknownst to me, the glucose tablets contained a substance that is banned in competition," Cilic said in a statement at the time.
"I wish to emphasise that I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any banned substances in my life and that I am opposed to any use of performance-enhancing substances in sport."
Cilic, the winner of nine titles in his career, has not played since Wimbledon where he withdrew before his second round match citing an injury.
Cilic's tennis doping ban reduced
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What's public knowledge is that the state of Connecticut recently purchased the sanction rights for the New Haven Open at Yale tennis tournament, so that the event would remain here and that women's professional tennis, which has been played at the Connecticut Tennis Center in New Haven since 1998, would continue.
What's not public knowledge is that the United States Tennis Association (USTA), after that 16-year partnership, basically tossed the New Haven Open under the bus.
After 16 years, the USTA suddenly decided to sell the event to someone else. The organization never called tournament director Anne Worcester to see if there was interest in buying the rights. It never called Butch Buchholz or Mike Davies at Connecticut Professional Tennis to see if they were interested.
It simply went ahead and stabbed New Haven in the back.
The backstory here is this: The people at Winston-Salem, N.C. -- who bought the men's event from New Haven after the 2010 season -- were looking to add a women's event and make their tournament the major lead-in to the U.S. Open. They talked to the USTA about it, the USTA said they could buy the New Haven women's event for $618,000, and that was that.
According to a source close to Connecticut tennis, the USTA never told anyone associated with the New Haven Open what was going on.
"As soon as I found out, I immediately notified our four key stakeholders, which is the state of Connecticut, the City of New Haven, Yale (University) and Yale-New Haven Hospital," Worcester said. "I contacted the four stakeholders and the State, at the direction of Gov. (Dannel P.) Malloy, stepped up and led the charge to match the offer and make sure that women's professional tennis stays in New Haven."
Only a twist of fate, however, allowed the state to purchase the tournament rights. The deal to sell to Winston-Salem was contingent on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) agreeing to add a women's event in conjunction with the men's.
The ATP didn't.
So, because of that denial from the ATP, the USTA gave New Haven a chance to buy the tournament. But the USTA only gave them 14 days to figure it all out.
That was Sept. 9.
So, Worcester worked like a woman possessed, spending those next two weeks getting the state to step up and match the Winston-Salem offer and keep the tournament in New Haven.
The USTA did not return any calls seeking comment.
And other than the comment above, Worcester would not speak on the record about the miserable back-door dealings of the USTA. She has always taken the high road.
Not me.
I mean, who does that? You work with a partner for 16 years and you do your best to make the conditions at your event nearly identical to the conditions at the U.S. Open, so you can sell the tournament as a perfect way for players to prepare. You work together to build yourself into a national model for leveraging pro tennis to build community tennis by holding youth clinics throughout the state and bringing in such WTA players -- and rising American stars -- as Melanie Oudin, Taylor Townsend, Christina McHale and Varvara Lepchenko.
And you work together on many, if not all, of the USTA's marketing programs, its sponsorships and its grass-roots programs to help promote and grow tennis.
You think there's a bond, a trust, a sense of loyalty.
And as it turns out, you're wrong.
Can you imagine sitting down with the state's media the day of your tournament finals, telling them that you're working hard to continue the relationship with the five "cornerstone" sponsors -- Yale University, Aetna, American Express, Yale-New Haven Hospital and First Niagara -- and that you were looking forward to the future of the tournament?
Only to find out two days later at a meeting with the USTA in New York that they're selling your event?
Welcome to Worcester's world.
Selling the tournament is one thing, the USTA is well within its rights to do that. But they should have given New Haven the right of first refusal. A simple, `Hey, we're seriously thinking of selling the event. Do you want it?' At least give the people you've worked with for 16 years the first shot, right?
Wrong. The USTA basically could have cared less about New Haven.
One regional voice, with close ties to Connecticut tennis, said: "Who does business like that, especially with a 16-year partner?"
Good question.
Thankfully, along with the state, all the cornerstones (Aetna is still working on a contract length) have agreed to continue sponsoring the New Haven Open through 2016 with each contributing "significant six figures" to the tournament, Worcester said on a conference call when the announcement was made. So there will be women's professional tennis again in New Haven.
No thanks to the USTA.
Chris Elsberry: Tennis survives in New Haven, no thanks to USTA - Connecticut Post
What's not public knowledge is that the United States Tennis Association (USTA), after that 16-year partnership, basically tossed the New Haven Open under the bus.
After 16 years, the USTA suddenly decided to sell the event to someone else. The organization never called tournament director Anne Worcester to see if there was interest in buying the rights. It never called Butch Buchholz or Mike Davies at Connecticut Professional Tennis to see if they were interested.
It simply went ahead and stabbed New Haven in the back.
The backstory here is this: The people at Winston-Salem, N.C. -- who bought the men's event from New Haven after the 2010 season -- were looking to add a women's event and make their tournament the major lead-in to the U.S. Open. They talked to the USTA about it, the USTA said they could buy the New Haven women's event for $618,000, and that was that.
According to a source close to Connecticut tennis, the USTA never told anyone associated with the New Haven Open what was going on.
"As soon as I found out, I immediately notified our four key stakeholders, which is the state of Connecticut, the City of New Haven, Yale (University) and Yale-New Haven Hospital," Worcester said. "I contacted the four stakeholders and the State, at the direction of Gov. (Dannel P.) Malloy, stepped up and led the charge to match the offer and make sure that women's professional tennis stays in New Haven."
Only a twist of fate, however, allowed the state to purchase the tournament rights. The deal to sell to Winston-Salem was contingent on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) agreeing to add a women's event in conjunction with the men's.
The ATP didn't.
So, because of that denial from the ATP, the USTA gave New Haven a chance to buy the tournament. But the USTA only gave them 14 days to figure it all out.
That was Sept. 9.
So, Worcester worked like a woman possessed, spending those next two weeks getting the state to step up and match the Winston-Salem offer and keep the tournament in New Haven.
The USTA did not return any calls seeking comment.
And other than the comment above, Worcester would not speak on the record about the miserable back-door dealings of the USTA. She has always taken the high road.
Not me.
I mean, who does that? You work with a partner for 16 years and you do your best to make the conditions at your event nearly identical to the conditions at the U.S. Open, so you can sell the tournament as a perfect way for players to prepare. You work together to build yourself into a national model for leveraging pro tennis to build community tennis by holding youth clinics throughout the state and bringing in such WTA players -- and rising American stars -- as Melanie Oudin, Taylor Townsend, Christina McHale and Varvara Lepchenko.
And you work together on many, if not all, of the USTA's marketing programs, its sponsorships and its grass-roots programs to help promote and grow tennis.
You think there's a bond, a trust, a sense of loyalty.
And as it turns out, you're wrong.
Can you imagine sitting down with the state's media the day of your tournament finals, telling them that you're working hard to continue the relationship with the five "cornerstone" sponsors -- Yale University, Aetna, American Express, Yale-New Haven Hospital and First Niagara -- and that you were looking forward to the future of the tournament?
Only to find out two days later at a meeting with the USTA in New York that they're selling your event?
Welcome to Worcester's world.
Selling the tournament is one thing, the USTA is well within its rights to do that. But they should have given New Haven the right of first refusal. A simple, `Hey, we're seriously thinking of selling the event. Do you want it?' At least give the people you've worked with for 16 years the first shot, right?
Wrong. The USTA basically could have cared less about New Haven.
One regional voice, with close ties to Connecticut tennis, said: "Who does business like that, especially with a 16-year partner?"
Good question.
Thankfully, along with the state, all the cornerstones (Aetna is still working on a contract length) have agreed to continue sponsoring the New Haven Open through 2016 with each contributing "significant six figures" to the tournament, Worcester said on a conference call when the announcement was made. So there will be women's professional tennis again in New Haven.
No thanks to the USTA.
Chris Elsberry: Tennis survives in New Haven, no thanks to USTA - Connecticut Post
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Serena Williams, 32, is at an age when most professional tennis players have put away their rackets for good or are struggling to keep up with rivals a decade younger. But Williams just completed the most dominant season of her 18-year WTA career with a three set victory over Li Na to win her fourth WTA Championship in Istanbul, Turkey. Her 2013 highlights: a 78-4 match record and 11 titles, including two Grand Slams with the French Open and U.S. Open. Williams’ career Grand Slam tally now sits at 17, and in February she became the oldest woman to ever be ranked No. 1 in the world.
Williams defended her WTA title and gutted out a win on Sunday that was worth $2.15 million. It brought her annual winnings to $12.4 million, including $300,000 from the WTA’s year-end bonus pool. The tally smashes the previous single-season prize money record of $7.9 million set last year by Victoria Azarenka. No female athlete had earned $7 million in prize money during one year before Williams and Azarenka turned the trick in 2012. The top two seasons on the men’s side were accomplished by Novak Djokovic who earned $12.8 million and $12.6 million the past two years.
Williams has three of the four highest-earning seasons in WTA history and is the sport’s career top-earner with $53.9 million, which is 86% higher than her older sister Venus, who ranks second. The highest-earning female golfer in the history of the LPGA is Annika Sorenstam, who made $22.6 million during her career.
Off the court, Williams has cut back on her traditional endorsement commitments in recent years in favor of equity deals with HSN, Sleep Sheets, Mission and the Miami Dolphins. She still pulls in $12 million annually from exhibitions and sponsors Nike, Wilson, Gatorade and OPI. Her Nike deal includes significant bonuses for Grand Slam victories. Williams continues to have a huge platform to speak from as the most dominant female player in tennis.
Williams’ career was in jeopardy when she missed nearly a full year recovering from a foot injury and a pulmonary embolism during 2010 and 2011, but she has bounced back stronger than ever. Williams is the ultimate closer in sports winning all but four of her 21 Grand Slam singles finals, as well as all 13 doubles finals with Venus.
How long can Williams keep it up? Martina Navratilova played at a high level for 20 years before retiring for the first time in 1994. Chris Evert retired at 34 after 18 years on the Tour. But few recent champions lasted so long. Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Kim Clijsters were all done by 30. The speed and power involved in the sport today favors young legs.
There are not many goals left for Williams to achieve. Graf’s Slams mark of 22 is the biggest carrot out there and Williams has no plans to retire. Before the Istanbul tourney, Williams told the press: “I am interested for next year to take my game to a new level, which I think I can do.”
Look out WTA, Serena thinks she can do better.
Serena Williams Finishes Historic $12.4 Million Tennis Season With Another Title - Forbes
Williams defended her WTA title and gutted out a win on Sunday that was worth $2.15 million. It brought her annual winnings to $12.4 million, including $300,000 from the WTA’s year-end bonus pool. The tally smashes the previous single-season prize money record of $7.9 million set last year by Victoria Azarenka. No female athlete had earned $7 million in prize money during one year before Williams and Azarenka turned the trick in 2012. The top two seasons on the men’s side were accomplished by Novak Djokovic who earned $12.8 million and $12.6 million the past two years.
Williams has three of the four highest-earning seasons in WTA history and is the sport’s career top-earner with $53.9 million, which is 86% higher than her older sister Venus, who ranks second. The highest-earning female golfer in the history of the LPGA is Annika Sorenstam, who made $22.6 million during her career.
Off the court, Williams has cut back on her traditional endorsement commitments in recent years in favor of equity deals with HSN, Sleep Sheets, Mission and the Miami Dolphins. She still pulls in $12 million annually from exhibitions and sponsors Nike, Wilson, Gatorade and OPI. Her Nike deal includes significant bonuses for Grand Slam victories. Williams continues to have a huge platform to speak from as the most dominant female player in tennis.
Williams’ career was in jeopardy when she missed nearly a full year recovering from a foot injury and a pulmonary embolism during 2010 and 2011, but she has bounced back stronger than ever. Williams is the ultimate closer in sports winning all but four of her 21 Grand Slam singles finals, as well as all 13 doubles finals with Venus.
How long can Williams keep it up? Martina Navratilova played at a high level for 20 years before retiring for the first time in 1994. Chris Evert retired at 34 after 18 years on the Tour. But few recent champions lasted so long. Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Kim Clijsters were all done by 30. The speed and power involved in the sport today favors young legs.
There are not many goals left for Williams to achieve. Graf’s Slams mark of 22 is the biggest carrot out there and Williams has no plans to retire. Before the Istanbul tourney, Williams told the press: “I am interested for next year to take my game to a new level, which I think I can do.”
Look out WTA, Serena thinks she can do better.
Serena Williams Finishes Historic $12.4 Million Tennis Season With Another Title - Forbes
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Martina Hingis has been questioned by Swiss police after her estranged husband said he was attacked by the five-time Grand Slam champion and her family.
Schwyz canton police spokesman Florian Grossmann says Hingis, her mother Melanie Molitor and her mother’s boyfriend Mario Widmer were interviewed at its headquarters last week.
French equestrian athlete Thibault Hutin has said he was attacked on Sept. 23 at his home in Feusisberg. Hutin claimed Hingis and Molitor hit him, and Widmer struck him with a DVD player.
Grossmann tells The Associated Press the canton justice department will decide any possible action. No timetable was set for a decision.
The 33-year-old Hingis came out of retirement this year to play doubles with Daniela Hantuchova at various tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
Read more: Tennis star Martina Hingis quizzed by Swiss police for alleged assault - NY Daily News
Schwyz canton police spokesman Florian Grossmann says Hingis, her mother Melanie Molitor and her mother’s boyfriend Mario Widmer were interviewed at its headquarters last week.
French equestrian athlete Thibault Hutin has said he was attacked on Sept. 23 at his home in Feusisberg. Hutin claimed Hingis and Molitor hit him, and Widmer struck him with a DVD player.
Grossmann tells The Associated Press the canton justice department will decide any possible action. No timetable was set for a decision.
The 33-year-old Hingis came out of retirement this year to play doubles with Daniela Hantuchova at various tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
Read more: Tennis star Martina Hingis quizzed by Swiss police for alleged assault - NY Daily News
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World number one Rafa Nadal broke the stubborn resistance of Poland's Jerzy Janowicz's to win 7-5 6-4 and reach the last eight of the Paris Masters on Thursday.
In the semi-finals of the Paris event - one of only three Masters titles the Spaniard has yet to win - Nadal faces local favourite Richard Gasquet who, along with Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, have completed the ATP World Tour finals lineup.
Both players won their third-round matches at Bercy but it was Canadian Milos Raonic's defeat by Tomas Berdych that sent them into next week's season-ending showdown in London.
They join Nadal, Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Juan Martin del Potro, Berdych and Roger Federer in next week's showpiece. All eight reached the Paris Masters quarter-finals on Friday.
World number two Djokovic and 17-times grand slam champion Roger Federer, who is ranked sixth, also advanced.
Nadal, who has yet to win the Miami and Shanghai Masters either, broke decisively in the 11th game of the opening set and, after an early trade of breaks in the second, got the upper hand when he took Janowicz's serve again in the fifth game.
The Pole, who broke into the limelight by reaching last year's final at Bercy where he lost to Ferrer, contained his frustration but Nadal's top spin was eventually too much to handle.
Djokovic dispensed with his Darth Vader mask and proved too strong for American John Isner in a 6-7(5) 6-1 6-2 victory.
The Serbian, who entered the Bercy arena last year imitating the infamous Star Wars villain, survived a barrage of aces from the towering Isner before ruthlessly taking him apart.
MY FAULT
"I know, I know. It's my fault. I was not prepared enough... so I'm going to have to be pretending that I'm myself this year. No Darth Vader," Djokovic, who watched nine aces fly by him in the opener, told a news conference.
Federer showed glimpses of his brilliant best as he outclassed German Philip Kohlschreiber 6-3 6-4 to advance.
A day after securing his place at the World Tour finals, the Swiss won comfortably to set up a clash with Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who beat him in the Basel final last week.
"It wouldn't be nice to lose once more against him. If it happens I will accept it, but if I win I will have something extra for London," Federer told a news conference.
"I have an idea of my tactics, my gameplan. Now it's important to be able to do it, actually do it on the court."
Compatriot Wawrinka and Gasquet qualified for London after Raonic, who only had a slim chance of snatching one of the last two spots, lost 7-6(13) 6-4 to Czech sixth seed Berdych.
Seventh seed Wawrinka, Djokovic's next opponent, beat Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-3 6-2 while Gasquet, who knew he had qualified for the London event before his match, breezed past Japan's Kei Nishikori by the same score.
Wawrinka is eighth in the ATP Race to London with Gasquet in ninth spot. The cut off point for qualification was lowered to ninth after British world number four Andy Murray pulled out of the season finale because of lower back surgery.
Third-seeded Spaniard Ferrer continued his bid to become the first man to retain the Bercy title by demolishing France's Gilles Simon 6-2 6-3.
UPDATE 2-Tennis-Nadal on track for elusive Paris Masters title | Reuters
In the semi-finals of the Paris event - one of only three Masters titles the Spaniard has yet to win - Nadal faces local favourite Richard Gasquet who, along with Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, have completed the ATP World Tour finals lineup.
Both players won their third-round matches at Bercy but it was Canadian Milos Raonic's defeat by Tomas Berdych that sent them into next week's season-ending showdown in London.
They join Nadal, Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Juan Martin del Potro, Berdych and Roger Federer in next week's showpiece. All eight reached the Paris Masters quarter-finals on Friday.
World number two Djokovic and 17-times grand slam champion Roger Federer, who is ranked sixth, also advanced.
Nadal, who has yet to win the Miami and Shanghai Masters either, broke decisively in the 11th game of the opening set and, after an early trade of breaks in the second, got the upper hand when he took Janowicz's serve again in the fifth game.
The Pole, who broke into the limelight by reaching last year's final at Bercy where he lost to Ferrer, contained his frustration but Nadal's top spin was eventually too much to handle.
Djokovic dispensed with his Darth Vader mask and proved too strong for American John Isner in a 6-7(5) 6-1 6-2 victory.
The Serbian, who entered the Bercy arena last year imitating the infamous Star Wars villain, survived a barrage of aces from the towering Isner before ruthlessly taking him apart.
MY FAULT
"I know, I know. It's my fault. I was not prepared enough... so I'm going to have to be pretending that I'm myself this year. No Darth Vader," Djokovic, who watched nine aces fly by him in the opener, told a news conference.
Federer showed glimpses of his brilliant best as he outclassed German Philip Kohlschreiber 6-3 6-4 to advance.
A day after securing his place at the World Tour finals, the Swiss won comfortably to set up a clash with Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who beat him in the Basel final last week.
"It wouldn't be nice to lose once more against him. If it happens I will accept it, but if I win I will have something extra for London," Federer told a news conference.
"I have an idea of my tactics, my gameplan. Now it's important to be able to do it, actually do it on the court."
Compatriot Wawrinka and Gasquet qualified for London after Raonic, who only had a slim chance of snatching one of the last two spots, lost 7-6(13) 6-4 to Czech sixth seed Berdych.
Seventh seed Wawrinka, Djokovic's next opponent, beat Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-3 6-2 while Gasquet, who knew he had qualified for the London event before his match, breezed past Japan's Kei Nishikori by the same score.
Wawrinka is eighth in the ATP Race to London with Gasquet in ninth spot. The cut off point for qualification was lowered to ninth after British world number four Andy Murray pulled out of the season finale because of lower back surgery.
Third-seeded Spaniard Ferrer continued his bid to become the first man to retain the Bercy title by demolishing France's Gilles Simon 6-2 6-3.
UPDATE 2-Tennis-Nadal on track for elusive Paris Masters title | Reuters
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Network will Unveil New Set, Studio Show as it Covers Eight-Day Men’s Singles and Doubles Championship in its Entirety, with Each Match Shown at Least Twice Per Day
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Telecast will Include More than 50 Live Hours, 140-Plus Overall, as Top-Eight Singles, Doubles Points Earners Compete for 2013 Titles
Tennis Channel will televise complete coverage of the 2013 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London Nov. 4-11, as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and doubles brothers Bob and Mike Bryan lead a field of all-stars into the last tournament of the 2013 tour. With daylong matches and nightly encore replays, the network will offer more than 140 total hours of championship coverage – more than 50 live – while the top-eight singles players and doubles teams compete for year-end crowns. The first telecast begins at 7 a.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 4, with the first match of the event.
The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is one of the most prestigious, hard-fought events in tennis. Every match has the caliber of a Grand Slam semifinal or final, given the tournament’s round-robin format and strict eligibility requirements. At the end of each season, the eight singles players and doubles teams that have collected the most points during the year qualify for the competition, which is held in London’s O2 Arena. Divided into pools of four, each singles player or doubles pair plays three round-robin matches against everyone else in the group, with the top two advancing to the single-elimination semifinal stage. This means that fans – who pack the O2 Arena and tune in on television – get to see this year’s men’s tennis heavyweights play at least three matches each, with every one coming against a top-ranked opponent.
Tennis Channel’s coverage of the year-end championships will get underway at 7 a.m. ET every day other than Monday, Nov. 11, the last day of the event. The network’s usual daily schedule will include two two-match blocks of coverage, with a morning session that begins at 7 a.m. ET, and an afternoon session at 12:30 p.m. ET (complete schedule follows). Following its first-run coverage Tennis Channel will show an encore of every match of the day, beginning at roughly 5 p.m. ET each evening and running into late night and the early morning.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, the network will air both doubles semifinals live, at 7 a.m. ET and 1 p.m. ET, respectively. Both singles-semifinal encores will be shown beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The doubles championship airs live on Monday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m., followed by the singles championship encore at 8 p.m. ET. Encores of both championships will run throughout Monday night.
The network’s coverage this year will include a new studio set and the launch of Tennis Channel Live, an in-house lead-in and wrap-up show hosted by sportscaster Brett Haber, Hall of Famer Tracy Austin and network analyst Jimmy Arias. Similar to the network’s Live at the US Open tournament lead-in show, Tennis Channel Live will be partnered with select tournament coverage in 2014 and feature analysis, highlights, interviews and other conversation from the network’s Southern California base. During the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Tennis Channel Live is set to run in two 30-minute segments between matches in both its morning and afternoon sessions. The show will also lead into and out of the afternoon session. In addition to Haber, Austin and Arias in Los Angeles, analyst Justin Gimelstob will be on the ground for Tennis Channel in the O2 Arena in London.
Beyond Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, the five players that have qualified for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals singles draw are David Ferrer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet (with the year’s third-ranked Andy Murray unable to play due to injury).
Six other doubles partners have qualified with the Bryans: Alexander Peya/Bruno Soares, Ivan Dodig/Marcello Melo, Marcel Granollers/Marc Lopez, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi/Jean-Julien Rojer, David Marrero/Fernando Verdasco and Leander Paes/Radek Stepanek.
Web visitors can follow the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Where Champions Live :: Tennis Channel, including an authenticated coverage stream at Tennis Channel Live ::Tennis Channel. The site will offer daily highlights, scores, schedules and columns from longtime tennis reporter and author Steve Flink. Mobile-device users can keep pace with the competition on the network’s Tennis Channel Everywhereapp, which also offers the channel’s TV Everywhere linear stream through select distribution partners.
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Telecast will Include More than 50 Live Hours, 140-Plus Overall, as Top-Eight Singles, Doubles Points Earners Compete for 2013 Titles
Tennis Channel will televise complete coverage of the 2013 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London Nov. 4-11, as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and doubles brothers Bob and Mike Bryan lead a field of all-stars into the last tournament of the 2013 tour. With daylong matches and nightly encore replays, the network will offer more than 140 total hours of championship coverage – more than 50 live – while the top-eight singles players and doubles teams compete for year-end crowns. The first telecast begins at 7 a.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 4, with the first match of the event.
The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is one of the most prestigious, hard-fought events in tennis. Every match has the caliber of a Grand Slam semifinal or final, given the tournament’s round-robin format and strict eligibility requirements. At the end of each season, the eight singles players and doubles teams that have collected the most points during the year qualify for the competition, which is held in London’s O2 Arena. Divided into pools of four, each singles player or doubles pair plays three round-robin matches against everyone else in the group, with the top two advancing to the single-elimination semifinal stage. This means that fans – who pack the O2 Arena and tune in on television – get to see this year’s men’s tennis heavyweights play at least three matches each, with every one coming against a top-ranked opponent.
Tennis Channel’s coverage of the year-end championships will get underway at 7 a.m. ET every day other than Monday, Nov. 11, the last day of the event. The network’s usual daily schedule will include two two-match blocks of coverage, with a morning session that begins at 7 a.m. ET, and an afternoon session at 12:30 p.m. ET (complete schedule follows). Following its first-run coverage Tennis Channel will show an encore of every match of the day, beginning at roughly 5 p.m. ET each evening and running into late night and the early morning.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, the network will air both doubles semifinals live, at 7 a.m. ET and 1 p.m. ET, respectively. Both singles-semifinal encores will be shown beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The doubles championship airs live on Monday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m., followed by the singles championship encore at 8 p.m. ET. Encores of both championships will run throughout Monday night.
The network’s coverage this year will include a new studio set and the launch of Tennis Channel Live, an in-house lead-in and wrap-up show hosted by sportscaster Brett Haber, Hall of Famer Tracy Austin and network analyst Jimmy Arias. Similar to the network’s Live at the US Open tournament lead-in show, Tennis Channel Live will be partnered with select tournament coverage in 2014 and feature analysis, highlights, interviews and other conversation from the network’s Southern California base. During the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Tennis Channel Live is set to run in two 30-minute segments between matches in both its morning and afternoon sessions. The show will also lead into and out of the afternoon session. In addition to Haber, Austin and Arias in Los Angeles, analyst Justin Gimelstob will be on the ground for Tennis Channel in the O2 Arena in London.
Beyond Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, the five players that have qualified for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals singles draw are David Ferrer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet (with the year’s third-ranked Andy Murray unable to play due to injury).
Six other doubles partners have qualified with the Bryans: Alexander Peya/Bruno Soares, Ivan Dodig/Marcello Melo, Marcel Granollers/Marc Lopez, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi/Jean-Julien Rojer, David Marrero/Fernando Verdasco and Leander Paes/Radek Stepanek.
Web visitors can follow the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Where Champions Live :: Tennis Channel, including an authenticated coverage stream at Tennis Channel Live ::Tennis Channel. The site will offer daily highlights, scores, schedules and columns from longtime tennis reporter and author Steve Flink. Mobile-device users can keep pace with the competition on the network’s Tennis Channel Everywhereapp, which also offers the channel’s TV Everywhere linear stream through select distribution partners.
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Tunisia has been suspended from the Davis Cup tennis tournament after Tunisian player Malek Jaziri was ordered not to compete against an Israeli opponent last month.
The International Tennis Federation said there was no room for prejudice in sport and the one-year ban was a "fitting penalty".
Jaziri withdrew from the Tashkent Challenger last month ahead of a match against Amir Weintraub.
He was cleared of wrongdoing.
Officials found Jaziri - who had claimed to be suffering from a knee injury - had been ordered to pull out of the match.
The ITF board voted unanimously to suspend the Tunisian Tennis Federation for one year from the Davis Cup, one of the most important tournaments in men's tennis.
"There is no room for prejudice of any kind in sport or in society. The ITF Board decided to send a strong message to the Tunisian Tennis Federation that this kind of action will not be tolerated by any of our members," said ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti.
BBC News - Davis Cup tennis ban for Tunisia over Jaziri Israel row
The International Tennis Federation said there was no room for prejudice in sport and the one-year ban was a "fitting penalty".
Jaziri withdrew from the Tashkent Challenger last month ahead of a match against Amir Weintraub.
He was cleared of wrongdoing.
Officials found Jaziri - who had claimed to be suffering from a knee injury - had been ordered to pull out of the match.
The ITF board voted unanimously to suspend the Tunisian Tennis Federation for one year from the Davis Cup, one of the most important tournaments in men's tennis.
"There is no room for prejudice of any kind in sport or in society. The ITF Board decided to send a strong message to the Tunisian Tennis Federation that this kind of action will not be tolerated by any of our members," said ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti.
BBC News - Davis Cup tennis ban for Tunisia over Jaziri Israel row
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Marta Sirotkina, of Russia, won the singles title at the AEGON GB Pro-Series Barnstaple international tennis tournament today.
Sirotkina, the 22-year-old world No 171, came from a set down to defeat seventh seed Kristyna Pliskova, of the Czech Republic, 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(6).
There was some consolation for Pliskova later when she won the doubles title with Britain’s Naomi Broady.
Sirotkina, who was unseeded, defeated four seeds on her way to lifting the Dartington Vase at the Tarka Tennis Centre, with Pliskova following Tadeja Majeric, Alison Riske and Johanna Konta.
It was her fourth singles final in a year interrupted by a bout of glandular fever but her first victory.
She made the most of the vast difference between her opponent’s first and second serves and, after twice serving for the match and twice having championship point, finally got over the line in the third-set tie-break.
The powerful, deep first serve of left-hander Pliskova brought her 21 aces. But Sirotkina won 33 of the 42 points – more than 78% – on Pliskova’s second serve.
The 21-year-old Czech player, currently ranked 134 in the world but as high as 86 in January, came from a break down to win the first set in a tie-break.
That only turned more in a crowd of about 250 to support underdog Sirotkina and she came out firing in the second set.
She held serve to love in the first game and, despite committing some unforced errors, did the same in the ninth to take the set 6-3.
Again the Russian showed her determination in the final set, coming back from 2-0 down to win five successive games.
Serving for the championship for the first time, Sirotkina double-faulted to give Pliskova a break point that she converted.
The next time she served for the title, Sirotkina saw a championship point slip away as a rally ended with the Russian, with her back to the court, putting a backhand lob just long. Pliskova broke serve, then held her own with two aces to wipe out Sirotkina’s advantage.
Sirotkina had championship point for the second time at 6-5 in the tie-break and her eyes must have lit up when Pliskova failed to get her first serve in. But again she could not make the most of the opportunity and netted a backhand.
The third chance came after a superb backhand kissed the line and this time, on her own serve, Sirotkina forced Pliskova to net.
There was little respite for the Czech player who was soon back on court with Broady for a doubles final that also went the distance.
The fourth seeds, teaming up at a tournament for only the second time, eventually won in a champions tie-break, beating second seeds Raluca Olaru, of Romania, and Tamira Paszek, of Austria, 6-3, 3-6 (10-5). It was Broady’s fifth doubles title of the year.
Read more: Russia's Marta Sirotkina wins Pro-Series Barnstaple tennis title | North Devon Journal
Sirotkina, the 22-year-old world No 171, came from a set down to defeat seventh seed Kristyna Pliskova, of the Czech Republic, 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(6).
There was some consolation for Pliskova later when she won the doubles title with Britain’s Naomi Broady.
Sirotkina, who was unseeded, defeated four seeds on her way to lifting the Dartington Vase at the Tarka Tennis Centre, with Pliskova following Tadeja Majeric, Alison Riske and Johanna Konta.
It was her fourth singles final in a year interrupted by a bout of glandular fever but her first victory.
She made the most of the vast difference between her opponent’s first and second serves and, after twice serving for the match and twice having championship point, finally got over the line in the third-set tie-break.
The powerful, deep first serve of left-hander Pliskova brought her 21 aces. But Sirotkina won 33 of the 42 points – more than 78% – on Pliskova’s second serve.
The 21-year-old Czech player, currently ranked 134 in the world but as high as 86 in January, came from a break down to win the first set in a tie-break.
That only turned more in a crowd of about 250 to support underdog Sirotkina and she came out firing in the second set.
She held serve to love in the first game and, despite committing some unforced errors, did the same in the ninth to take the set 6-3.
Again the Russian showed her determination in the final set, coming back from 2-0 down to win five successive games.
Serving for the championship for the first time, Sirotkina double-faulted to give Pliskova a break point that she converted.
The next time she served for the title, Sirotkina saw a championship point slip away as a rally ended with the Russian, with her back to the court, putting a backhand lob just long. Pliskova broke serve, then held her own with two aces to wipe out Sirotkina’s advantage.
Sirotkina had championship point for the second time at 6-5 in the tie-break and her eyes must have lit up when Pliskova failed to get her first serve in. But again she could not make the most of the opportunity and netted a backhand.
The third chance came after a superb backhand kissed the line and this time, on her own serve, Sirotkina forced Pliskova to net.
There was little respite for the Czech player who was soon back on court with Broady for a doubles final that also went the distance.
The fourth seeds, teaming up at a tournament for only the second time, eventually won in a champions tie-break, beating second seeds Raluca Olaru, of Romania, and Tamira Paszek, of Austria, 6-3, 3-6 (10-5). It was Broady’s fifth doubles title of the year.
Read more: Russia's Marta Sirotkina wins Pro-Series Barnstaple tennis title | North Devon Journal
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Stanislas Wawrinka showed no signs of debut nerves as he got the better of Tomas Berdych to kick off his ATP World Tour Finals campaign with a victory.
The Swiss is at a career-high eighth in the world rankings having been to the quarter-finals of the French Open and pushing Novak Djokovic all the way at the Australian Open, as well as losing out to the Serb in the semi-finals of the US Open.
And he demonstrated the reason why he has qualified for the season-ending event at the O2 for the first time as he edged out Berdych 6-3 6-7(0) 6-3 in two hours and 25 minutes to kick off with a win.
Berdych, playing at the season-finale for the fourth year in a row, wobbled in the sixth game having held his serve comfortably in the opening few games.
With the break to his name, Wawrinka opened up a three-game lead to go 5-2 in front, and unlike Berdych was strong on his serve towards the end of the set, winning 92% of points when making a first serve.
Former Wimbledon finalist Berdych managed to force a decider after not dropping a point in the second set tiebreak, a set which lasted 65 minutes.
In the past, Wawrinka has struggled to stay with opponents due to fatigue, but the Swiss No. 2 put the disappointment of losing the tiebreak behind him to claim a debut win to collect his eighth triumph in 13 meetings against the Czech.
Read more at Stanislas Wawrinka beats Tomas Berdych on ATP World Tour Finals debut | Tennis News | ESPN.co.uk
The Swiss is at a career-high eighth in the world rankings having been to the quarter-finals of the French Open and pushing Novak Djokovic all the way at the Australian Open, as well as losing out to the Serb in the semi-finals of the US Open.
And he demonstrated the reason why he has qualified for the season-ending event at the O2 for the first time as he edged out Berdych 6-3 6-7(0) 6-3 in two hours and 25 minutes to kick off with a win.
Berdych, playing at the season-finale for the fourth year in a row, wobbled in the sixth game having held his serve comfortably in the opening few games.
With the break to his name, Wawrinka opened up a three-game lead to go 5-2 in front, and unlike Berdych was strong on his serve towards the end of the set, winning 92% of points when making a first serve.
Former Wimbledon finalist Berdych managed to force a decider after not dropping a point in the second set tiebreak, a set which lasted 65 minutes.
In the past, Wawrinka has struggled to stay with opponents due to fatigue, but the Swiss No. 2 put the disappointment of losing the tiebreak behind him to claim a debut win to collect his eighth triumph in 13 meetings against the Czech.
Read more at Stanislas Wawrinka beats Tomas Berdych on ATP World Tour Finals debut | Tennis News | ESPN.co.uk
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It's no coincidence that some of the world's most prolific writers have Bovada Sportsbook in there list of what I feel to be the Nr: 1 greatest sports books ever.
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Novak Djokovic laid into the tennis' anti-doping program following his opening 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-2 defeat of Roger Federer at the ATP World Tour Finals Tuesday.
The second-ranked Serb ripped the process that saw his childhood friend and fellow Serb Viktor Troicki's ban partially upheld by the Court of Arbitration of Sport.
The decision, announced Tuesday, reduced Troicki's suspension for skipping a blood test at the Monte Carlo Masters in April from 18 months to 12 months.
"I think it's not just bad news for him, it proves again that this system of WADA and anti-doping agency does not work," said Djokovic, referring to the World Anti-Doping Agency and its code, which has been adopted by tennis.
"I don't have trust in them anymore," added Djokovic in his 1,039-word critique. "I don't have trust (in) what's going on." Due to the ban, Troicki, 27, who once ranked as high as No. 12 in the world, cannot participate in Serbia's Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic later this month and will not be able to return to competition until July 2014.
Djokovic called the tribunal system a "total injustice" and the anti-doping process, which is overseen in tennis by the International Tennis Federation, "ridiculous."
He called the CAS tribunal procedure a sham.
"For me, the whole procedure of the court case is totally against the player and player's rights first of all," he said.
Djokovic noted that Troicki, who was not feeling well and has a phobia of needles, was not without fault. But he attacked the doping representative for "negligence" and "unprofessionalism" for allegedly informing him it was OK to skip the test and re-take it the next day.
Djokovic, 26, also blasted the ATP, saying the organization, whose constituents are made up half by players and half by tournaments, would not come to Troicki's defense.
"The ATP, who is supposed to be an association of of tennis professionals, who is supposed to be the governing body, the association that stands behind the players, are not going to answer on this announcement, are not going to do anything for Viktor," he said. "So Viktor is there by himself."
Novak Djokovic rips tennis' anti-doping program
The second-ranked Serb ripped the process that saw his childhood friend and fellow Serb Viktor Troicki's ban partially upheld by the Court of Arbitration of Sport.
The decision, announced Tuesday, reduced Troicki's suspension for skipping a blood test at the Monte Carlo Masters in April from 18 months to 12 months.
"I think it's not just bad news for him, it proves again that this system of WADA and anti-doping agency does not work," said Djokovic, referring to the World Anti-Doping Agency and its code, which has been adopted by tennis.
"I don't have trust in them anymore," added Djokovic in his 1,039-word critique. "I don't have trust (in) what's going on." Due to the ban, Troicki, 27, who once ranked as high as No. 12 in the world, cannot participate in Serbia's Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic later this month and will not be able to return to competition until July 2014.
Djokovic called the tribunal system a "total injustice" and the anti-doping process, which is overseen in tennis by the International Tennis Federation, "ridiculous."
He called the CAS tribunal procedure a sham.
"For me, the whole procedure of the court case is totally against the player and player's rights first of all," he said.
Djokovic noted that Troicki, who was not feeling well and has a phobia of needles, was not without fault. But he attacked the doping representative for "negligence" and "unprofessionalism" for allegedly informing him it was OK to skip the test and re-take it the next day.
Djokovic, 26, also blasted the ATP, saying the organization, whose constituents are made up half by players and half by tournaments, would not come to Troicki's defense.
"The ATP, who is supposed to be an association of of tennis professionals, who is supposed to be the governing body, the association that stands behind the players, are not going to answer on this announcement, are not going to do anything for Viktor," he said. "So Viktor is there by himself."
Novak Djokovic rips tennis' anti-doping program
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Novak Djokovic launched an astonishing attack on tennis' anti-doping programme claiming he no longer has any trust in the system.
The world number two was reacting to the verdict of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which on Tuesday ruled Djokovic's fellow Serbian Viktor Troicki should serve a 12-month ban for missing a doping test.
Troicki had originally been suspended for 18 months by an International Tennis Federation anti-doping tribunal but had appealed to CAS to have the sanction overturned.
Troicki refused to take a blood test at the Monte Carlo Masters in April because he was feeling unwell and has a severe phobia of needles.
The player has always maintained the doping control officer (DCO) had assured him he would not face punishment.
The CAS panel accepted the DCO should have made sure he understood the gravity of the situation but found he had committed a doping offence.
The verdict came only 11 days after Croatia's Marin Cilic had his ban for failing a doping test reduced from nine months to four months by CAS.
Djokovic has been one of Troicki's most vocal supporters and, following his victory over Roger Federer at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, he arrived at his press conference with written notes on the case.
An angry and emotional Djokovic said: "It's very bad news that we got for him, and for me, for all of us who are close to him.
"But I think it's just not bad news for him, it proves again that this system does not work.
"First of all, he's not positive on any banned substance. I'm not saying that it's completely not his fault.
"She (the DCO) did not clearly present him all the severe consequences that he will have if he avoids that. She told him that he needs to write a report and that he will be just fine.
"And because of her negligence and because of her unprofessionalism, he is now off the tour for one year. And now it makes me nervous as a player to do any kind of test.
"I don't have trust in them anymore. I don't have trust in what's going on.
"I don't know if tomorrow the (anti-doping) representative, because of their unprofessionalism, because of their negligence, because of their inability to explain the rules in a proper way, I don't know if they're going to misplace the test that I have or anything worse than that.
"For me, the whole procedure of the court case is totally against the player and player's rights.
"Now in Viktor's case, he's going to be sanctioned until July next year, and this lady, the DCO, she's going to come back tomorrow for the job. Nobody is going to answer for that. Only him. Why?
"For me, this is total injustice. It's just incredible."
The ATP, the governing body for players and tournaments on the men's tour, did not escape Djokovic's wrath.
He said: "After this kind of announcement and after this particular situation, the only one who is suffering here is the player. The ATP, which is supposed to be an association of players of tennis professionals, which is supposed to be the governing body, the association that stands behind the players, is not going to answer on this announcement, is not going to do anything for Viktor.
"So Viktor is there by himself. Tomorrow it can be anybody else. Cilic was there in this situation.
"I'm emotionally connected to Viktor but, looking at the whole scenario, it doesn't give me any trust in that, in them, in the whole procedure, in the whole rules, in anything.
"That's it. That's my statement. Sorry, but that's what I had to do. Not just because of him, but because of the sake of the players and because of the sake of the sport. It's just ridiculous."
Novak Djokovic launches astonishing attack on tennis' anti-doping programme - Tennis - Sport - The Independent
The world number two was reacting to the verdict of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which on Tuesday ruled Djokovic's fellow Serbian Viktor Troicki should serve a 12-month ban for missing a doping test.
Troicki had originally been suspended for 18 months by an International Tennis Federation anti-doping tribunal but had appealed to CAS to have the sanction overturned.
Troicki refused to take a blood test at the Monte Carlo Masters in April because he was feeling unwell and has a severe phobia of needles.
The player has always maintained the doping control officer (DCO) had assured him he would not face punishment.
The CAS panel accepted the DCO should have made sure he understood the gravity of the situation but found he had committed a doping offence.
The verdict came only 11 days after Croatia's Marin Cilic had his ban for failing a doping test reduced from nine months to four months by CAS.
Djokovic has been one of Troicki's most vocal supporters and, following his victory over Roger Federer at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, he arrived at his press conference with written notes on the case.
An angry and emotional Djokovic said: "It's very bad news that we got for him, and for me, for all of us who are close to him.
"But I think it's just not bad news for him, it proves again that this system does not work.
"First of all, he's not positive on any banned substance. I'm not saying that it's completely not his fault.
"She (the DCO) did not clearly present him all the severe consequences that he will have if he avoids that. She told him that he needs to write a report and that he will be just fine.
"And because of her negligence and because of her unprofessionalism, he is now off the tour for one year. And now it makes me nervous as a player to do any kind of test.
"I don't have trust in them anymore. I don't have trust in what's going on.
"I don't know if tomorrow the (anti-doping) representative, because of their unprofessionalism, because of their negligence, because of their inability to explain the rules in a proper way, I don't know if they're going to misplace the test that I have or anything worse than that.
"For me, the whole procedure of the court case is totally against the player and player's rights.
"Now in Viktor's case, he's going to be sanctioned until July next year, and this lady, the DCO, she's going to come back tomorrow for the job. Nobody is going to answer for that. Only him. Why?
"For me, this is total injustice. It's just incredible."
The ATP, the governing body for players and tournaments on the men's tour, did not escape Djokovic's wrath.
He said: "After this kind of announcement and after this particular situation, the only one who is suffering here is the player. The ATP, which is supposed to be an association of players of tennis professionals, which is supposed to be the governing body, the association that stands behind the players, is not going to answer on this announcement, is not going to do anything for Viktor.
"So Viktor is there by himself. Tomorrow it can be anybody else. Cilic was there in this situation.
"I'm emotionally connected to Viktor but, looking at the whole scenario, it doesn't give me any trust in that, in them, in the whole procedure, in the whole rules, in anything.
"That's it. That's my statement. Sorry, but that's what I had to do. Not just because of him, but because of the sake of the players and because of the sake of the sport. It's just ridiculous."
Novak Djokovic launches astonishing attack on tennis' anti-doping programme - Tennis - Sport - The Independent
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In the wake of Novak Djokovic's attack against tennis' anti-doping program, Roger Federer defended the system and asked for more doping tests on Thursday.
Djokovic lashed out at the World Anti-Doping Agency and at tennis authorities this week, saying the decision in Victor Troicki's case proved the fight against doping was badly organized.
Troicki had an 18-month ban reduced on appeal to 12 months for skipping a blood test in April, though he provided a urine sample which proved negative. The Court of Arbitration for Sport empathized with Troicki but had to uphold a ban.
Asked about the case, Federer said at the ATP Finals he has faith in the system but the testing program should be reinforced because he feels "like we're not getting maybe tested enough."
In 2012, the ITF conducted 1,727 in competition urine samples but only 124 blood tests during tournaments. There were a total of 2,185 samples taken either in or out of competition, from urine and blood.
"I didn't get tested in Basel, I don't think. I didn't get tested in Paris, I don't think. I got tested here after the first match. I just feel like there needs to be more testing done," Federer said, recalling his recent tournaments.
"I know the budgets can be small sometimes, all these things. I had out-of-competition testing before Basel. I just feel like I used to get tested more, I felt. I think I was tested 25 times in 2003, 2004. Ever since, I think it's been clearly going down this season."
Last year, International Tennis Federation anti-doping manager Stuart Miller said in an interview with The Associated Press that the ITF tested Federer an average of eight times per year during 2004-06, 11 times per year during 2007-09 and nine times per year in 2010-12.
Troicki blamed a tournament anti-doping officer, who he claimed advised him to write to the ITF explaining that he was ill and could not give a blood sample.
"I do believe that when you are requested for a sample, you have to give the sample," Federer said. "It doesn't matter how bad you feel. I'm sorry. I think it's just very important to give the sample when you're requested to give it because there you are in front of them and there is no way to escape anymore. That's where we just need to be extremely firm, I believe."
Roger Federer has faith in tennis anti-doping program
Djokovic lashed out at the World Anti-Doping Agency and at tennis authorities this week, saying the decision in Victor Troicki's case proved the fight against doping was badly organized.
Troicki had an 18-month ban reduced on appeal to 12 months for skipping a blood test in April, though he provided a urine sample which proved negative. The Court of Arbitration for Sport empathized with Troicki but had to uphold a ban.
Asked about the case, Federer said at the ATP Finals he has faith in the system but the testing program should be reinforced because he feels "like we're not getting maybe tested enough."
In 2012, the ITF conducted 1,727 in competition urine samples but only 124 blood tests during tournaments. There were a total of 2,185 samples taken either in or out of competition, from urine and blood.
"I didn't get tested in Basel, I don't think. I didn't get tested in Paris, I don't think. I got tested here after the first match. I just feel like there needs to be more testing done," Federer said, recalling his recent tournaments.
"I know the budgets can be small sometimes, all these things. I had out-of-competition testing before Basel. I just feel like I used to get tested more, I felt. I think I was tested 25 times in 2003, 2004. Ever since, I think it's been clearly going down this season."
Last year, International Tennis Federation anti-doping manager Stuart Miller said in an interview with The Associated Press that the ITF tested Federer an average of eight times per year during 2004-06, 11 times per year during 2007-09 and nine times per year in 2010-12.
Troicki blamed a tournament anti-doping officer, who he claimed advised him to write to the ITF explaining that he was ill and could not give a blood sample.
"I do believe that when you are requested for a sample, you have to give the sample," Federer said. "It doesn't matter how bad you feel. I'm sorry. I think it's just very important to give the sample when you're requested to give it because there you are in front of them and there is no way to escape anymore. That's where we just need to be extremely firm, I believe."
Roger Federer has faith in tennis anti-doping program
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In the wake of Novak Djokovic's attack against tennis' anti-doping program, Roger Federer defended the system and asked for more doping tests on Thursday.
Djokovic lashed out at the World Anti-Doping Agency and at tennis authorities this week, saying the decision in Victor Troicki's doping case proved the fight against doping is badly organized.
Troicki had an 18-month ban reduced on appeal to 12 months for skipping a blood test in April. The Court of Arbitration for Sport empathized with Troicki but had to uphold a ban.
Asked about the case, Federer said he has faith in the system but the testing program should be reinforced because he feels "like we're not getting maybe tested enough."
Roger Federer wants more doping tests in tennis
Djokovic lashed out at the World Anti-Doping Agency and at tennis authorities this week, saying the decision in Victor Troicki's doping case proved the fight against doping is badly organized.
Troicki had an 18-month ban reduced on appeal to 12 months for skipping a blood test in April. The Court of Arbitration for Sport empathized with Troicki but had to uphold a ban.
Asked about the case, Federer said he has faith in the system but the testing program should be reinforced because he feels "like we're not getting maybe tested enough."
Roger Federer wants more doping tests in tennis
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Six-time ATP World Tour Champion Roger Federer has had to come from a set down to beat Juan Martin Del Potro to reach the semi-finals of the event in London.
Federer rallied past Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5 on Saturday to reach the semifinals of the ATP World Tour Finals for an 11th time and set up a clash against top-ranked Rafael Nadal.
In the other semi, defending champion Novak Djokovic, who finished Group B with a 100 percent record after a 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3 win over Richard Gasquet on Saturday, takes on Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka.
Federer and del Potro needed a win in their final round robin match to progress from Group B and treated the crowd to a tense and entertaining back-and-forth match. Federer trailed in all three sets before coming out on top.
"I don't get a day off, I've got to back it up and be ready to go again tomorrow. I'll try to make his life a bit difficult," Federer said of Nadal.
World number two Djokovic, bidding for a third Tour Finals title, will go into his meeting with Wawrinka on a 20-match winning run after defeating French eighth seed Gasquet in a dead rubber.
The Serb, who has racked up 70 wins for the third straight year, had already qualified for the last four as group winner, but he showed no signs of letting up against Gasquet, who had been eliminated after losing his first two matches.
Djokovic has won his last 13 matches against Wawrinka, including a pair of thrilling clashes at the Australian and US Opens this year.
But Wawrinka has made the last four on his debut and Federer said of his compatriot: "I don't know if I'm more excited that I won or we're both in the semis. It's historic."
Earlier, Wawrinka beat David Ferrer on Friday to clinch his semi-final spot.
"It's certainly a dream season,'' said the seventh-seeded Wawrinka after rallying to beat David Ferrer 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-1 in his final round robin match.
"I started as the world No. 17, I then reached my first quarters at the French Open, I made it to US Open semis and I'm now doing well at the Finals. It's magic.'' Wawrinka still had a nervous wait as he needed Nadal to beat Thomas Berdych in the late match to advance.
The top-ranked Spaniard had already clinched a place in the semis but did not falter, winning 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to finish the group stage with a 3-0 record.
Nadal's decisive break
Nadal just needed to claim a set against Berdych to be guaranteed of first place in Group A and lost his grip on the match in the second set, dropping his serve twice. However, Nadal made the decisive break in the eighth game of the decider after Berdych double-faulted twice.
"I wish him a good holiday and good luck for the Davis Cup,'' Nadal said of Berdych, who will be playing in next week's Davis Cup final between defending champion Czech Republic and Novak Djokovic's Serbia in Belgrade.
"In the second set he played great, it was very difficult to stop him.''
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has won Group B - meaning he'll play Wawrinka in the last four - and the winner of Saturday's match between Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer will face Nadal in the semi-finals.
Source: AP
Federer rallied past Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5 on Saturday to reach the semifinals of the ATP World Tour Finals for an 11th time and set up a clash against top-ranked Rafael Nadal.
In the other semi, defending champion Novak Djokovic, who finished Group B with a 100 percent record after a 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3 win over Richard Gasquet on Saturday, takes on Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka.
Federer and del Potro needed a win in their final round robin match to progress from Group B and treated the crowd to a tense and entertaining back-and-forth match. Federer trailed in all three sets before coming out on top.
"I don't get a day off, I've got to back it up and be ready to go again tomorrow. I'll try to make his life a bit difficult," Federer said of Nadal.
World number two Djokovic, bidding for a third Tour Finals title, will go into his meeting with Wawrinka on a 20-match winning run after defeating French eighth seed Gasquet in a dead rubber.
The Serb, who has racked up 70 wins for the third straight year, had already qualified for the last four as group winner, but he showed no signs of letting up against Gasquet, who had been eliminated after losing his first two matches.
Djokovic has won his last 13 matches against Wawrinka, including a pair of thrilling clashes at the Australian and US Opens this year.
But Wawrinka has made the last four on his debut and Federer said of his compatriot: "I don't know if I'm more excited that I won or we're both in the semis. It's historic."
Earlier, Wawrinka beat David Ferrer on Friday to clinch his semi-final spot.
"It's certainly a dream season,'' said the seventh-seeded Wawrinka after rallying to beat David Ferrer 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-1 in his final round robin match.
"I started as the world No. 17, I then reached my first quarters at the French Open, I made it to US Open semis and I'm now doing well at the Finals. It's magic.'' Wawrinka still had a nervous wait as he needed Nadal to beat Thomas Berdych in the late match to advance.
The top-ranked Spaniard had already clinched a place in the semis but did not falter, winning 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to finish the group stage with a 3-0 record.
Nadal's decisive break
Nadal just needed to claim a set against Berdych to be guaranteed of first place in Group A and lost his grip on the match in the second set, dropping his serve twice. However, Nadal made the decisive break in the eighth game of the decider after Berdych double-faulted twice.
"I wish him a good holiday and good luck for the Davis Cup,'' Nadal said of Berdych, who will be playing in next week's Davis Cup final between defending champion Czech Republic and Novak Djokovic's Serbia in Belgrade.
"In the second set he played great, it was very difficult to stop him.''
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has won Group B - meaning he'll play Wawrinka in the last four - and the winner of Saturday's match between Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer will face Nadal in the semi-finals.
Source: AP
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The numbers are staggering. One-hundred thirty-seven titles, 30 Grand Slams and 409 weeks as the top-ranked players in the world between them. The amount of history Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have created is enough to fill all 20,000 seats in London's O2 Arena -- and then some.
But the great irony is that with all the records, trophies and milestones, there really is nothing new in this story of storied rivals. For the 22nd time in 32 career meetings and for the fourth time this season, it was Nadal who cracked a few too many crosscourt forehand winners and converted too many key points in a 7-5, 6-3 win over Federer to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals.
It's only fitting that Nadal, who has dominated the tour for most of the season with 10 titles since coming back from a seven-and-a-half-month hiatus after knee surgery, will be playing in the final match of the season. And now he has a chance to write in the final piece of what is an already sprawling résumé.
In five previous trips to the year-end championships, Nadal has never won. The quick, low-bouncing surface of the indoor hard-court season has never been conducive to Nadal's grind-it-out game. But this has been a very different year for Nadal. Starting in late July, Nadal swept the summer with wins in Montreal, Cincinnati and then the US Open -- a feat that reignited his place in history and one that officially recognized him as an elite all-court player.
"For me, [it] means a lot every match," Nadal told reporters afterward. "Means a lot every tournament. Is true that this tournament is special and I never had the chance to win here. So will be great if any year I have the chance to finish the year with a victory."
Nadal made subtle but eminently effective changes when the hard-court season began. He crept a little closer to the baseline and took the ball on the rise more frequently. The amount of energy and lateral movement that have aided Nadal to a record eight French Open titles were something of an impediment on quicker surfaces. Players like David Ferrer, Andy Murray and even lesser-knowns like Ivan Dodig had figured out how to expose Nadal off clay in the past.
That's not the case anymore. After Nadal beat Federer on Sunday, ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert, who called the match, said this was as good as he's ever seen Nadal look on an indoor court.
In 2010, Nadal won his first four matches at the ATP World Tour Finals before falling to Federer in the final. But this time around, the Spaniard's considerable lefty topspin and potent kick serve (he won 69 percent of second serves) proved to be too much.
"Every year is different," Nadal said. "Is very difficult to say or make comparisons between years. I never did. Anyway, most important thing for me is in the toughest surface for me to play, most difficult one, for me was able to win four matches against top-eight players. That's a great new [accomplishment] for me. Is a very good way to finish the year."
Nadal is now an astounding 75-6 this season and 36-3 on hard courts. According to the ATP, he improved to 24-4 against top-10 opponents in 2013.
For Federer, the question now becomes, will we ever see him back here again? He owns a record six championships at the year-enders, but this was the worst year since 2002. Federer won one title and reached only a solitary Grand Slam semifinal, in Australia. At Wimbledon, Federer suffered an improbable four-set loss to journeyman Sergiy Stakhovsky -- who was ranked 116th at the time -- before falling to two other players outside the top 50 during an experimental summer swing on clay. And then Federer capped off a frustrating Slam season by losing to Tommy Robredo in the fourth round in New York.
It looked like age had finally caught up for the all-time Slam King. He fell outside the top five for the first time since 2003 and was perilously close to missing the ATP World Tour Finals. Only the top eight players (in this case top nine with Murray's absence) make the field. But Federer played well down the stretch, reaching the Paris Masters semifinals and solidifying his place in London.
As bad as things were for Federer, he did play impressively at the O2 Arena this week. After dropping his opening round-robin match to Novak Djokovic, Federer dumped Richard Gasquet in straight sets and then showed some serious aplomb in coming back to beat Juan Martin del Potro on Saturday -- a match in which the Swiss star was down a break in the third set.
"For me I was happy I was able to play Basel, Paris, here in London, through extremely tough conditions with a lot of running, tennis, traveling, so forth," Federer said. "From that standpoint, I'm very pleased. You know, just again beating two top-10 players is a good thing for me after not having beaten any for almost seven or eight months. Considering the back issues I've had, I'm pleased that I'm pain-free for a long period of time now with a lot of tennis. That's definitely also going to give me confidence physically and also mentally."
Nadal will now play Djokovic in the grand final of 2013. And the Spaniard is keenly aware he can't let up now.
"I think the tournament is important one," Nadal said. "So to be able to win the final is much more important than any victory against any opponent."
Tennis - Rafael Nadal slows down Roger Federer at ATP World Tour Finals - ESPN
But the great irony is that with all the records, trophies and milestones, there really is nothing new in this story of storied rivals. For the 22nd time in 32 career meetings and for the fourth time this season, it was Nadal who cracked a few too many crosscourt forehand winners and converted too many key points in a 7-5, 6-3 win over Federer to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals.
It's only fitting that Nadal, who has dominated the tour for most of the season with 10 titles since coming back from a seven-and-a-half-month hiatus after knee surgery, will be playing in the final match of the season. And now he has a chance to write in the final piece of what is an already sprawling résumé.
In five previous trips to the year-end championships, Nadal has never won. The quick, low-bouncing surface of the indoor hard-court season has never been conducive to Nadal's grind-it-out game. But this has been a very different year for Nadal. Starting in late July, Nadal swept the summer with wins in Montreal, Cincinnati and then the US Open -- a feat that reignited his place in history and one that officially recognized him as an elite all-court player.
"For me, [it] means a lot every match," Nadal told reporters afterward. "Means a lot every tournament. Is true that this tournament is special and I never had the chance to win here. So will be great if any year I have the chance to finish the year with a victory."
Nadal made subtle but eminently effective changes when the hard-court season began. He crept a little closer to the baseline and took the ball on the rise more frequently. The amount of energy and lateral movement that have aided Nadal to a record eight French Open titles were something of an impediment on quicker surfaces. Players like David Ferrer, Andy Murray and even lesser-knowns like Ivan Dodig had figured out how to expose Nadal off clay in the past.
That's not the case anymore. After Nadal beat Federer on Sunday, ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert, who called the match, said this was as good as he's ever seen Nadal look on an indoor court.
In 2010, Nadal won his first four matches at the ATP World Tour Finals before falling to Federer in the final. But this time around, the Spaniard's considerable lefty topspin and potent kick serve (he won 69 percent of second serves) proved to be too much.
"Every year is different," Nadal said. "Is very difficult to say or make comparisons between years. I never did. Anyway, most important thing for me is in the toughest surface for me to play, most difficult one, for me was able to win four matches against top-eight players. That's a great new [accomplishment] for me. Is a very good way to finish the year."
Nadal is now an astounding 75-6 this season and 36-3 on hard courts. According to the ATP, he improved to 24-4 against top-10 opponents in 2013.
For Federer, the question now becomes, will we ever see him back here again? He owns a record six championships at the year-enders, but this was the worst year since 2002. Federer won one title and reached only a solitary Grand Slam semifinal, in Australia. At Wimbledon, Federer suffered an improbable four-set loss to journeyman Sergiy Stakhovsky -- who was ranked 116th at the time -- before falling to two other players outside the top 50 during an experimental summer swing on clay. And then Federer capped off a frustrating Slam season by losing to Tommy Robredo in the fourth round in New York.
It looked like age had finally caught up for the all-time Slam King. He fell outside the top five for the first time since 2003 and was perilously close to missing the ATP World Tour Finals. Only the top eight players (in this case top nine with Murray's absence) make the field. But Federer played well down the stretch, reaching the Paris Masters semifinals and solidifying his place in London.
As bad as things were for Federer, he did play impressively at the O2 Arena this week. After dropping his opening round-robin match to Novak Djokovic, Federer dumped Richard Gasquet in straight sets and then showed some serious aplomb in coming back to beat Juan Martin del Potro on Saturday -- a match in which the Swiss star was down a break in the third set.
"For me I was happy I was able to play Basel, Paris, here in London, through extremely tough conditions with a lot of running, tennis, traveling, so forth," Federer said. "From that standpoint, I'm very pleased. You know, just again beating two top-10 players is a good thing for me after not having beaten any for almost seven or eight months. Considering the back issues I've had, I'm pleased that I'm pain-free for a long period of time now with a lot of tennis. That's definitely also going to give me confidence physically and also mentally."
Nadal will now play Djokovic in the grand final of 2013. And the Spaniard is keenly aware he can't let up now.
"I think the tournament is important one," Nadal said. "So to be able to win the final is much more important than any victory against any opponent."
Tennis - Rafael Nadal slows down Roger Federer at ATP World Tour Finals - ESPN
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Spanish doubles tennis player Nuria Llagostera Vives has been suspended for two years after testing positive for methamphetamine at a tournament.
The International Tennis Federation said the 33-year-old Llagostera Vives's ban expires Sep. 7, 2015.
Llagostera Vives now plays only doubles, though her singles ranking reached No. 35 in June 2005.
The ITF said she was due to play with doubles partner Francesca Schiavone at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, California in July, but withdrew because the Italian was unwell.
Llagostera Vives was still randomly selected for a doping control and could not explain how the drug entered her system, according to a ruling by the ITF's independent tribunal which the governing body published.
The day before the doping control, Llagostera Vives had visited San Francisco but said she had "only consumed a bottle of water" while there, the ruling stated.
ITF expert witness Christiane Ayotte said the banned substance "was and is available only as a street drug (crystal meth or meth) or as a stimulant or as a party drug," except when prescribed for some behavioral disorders.
The ruling stated that Llagostera Vives did not claim a medical exemption which would explain why the substance was present, and only later informed that she took some supplements and over-the-counter medications in the days before the doping control.
The tribunal panel expressed concern about how the ITF educated players in completing paperwork when asked to give samples.
"The main concern would be if the player's professed ignorance of the significance of completing this part of the form correctly and fully were to be attributable to a lack of education in this respect of Ms. Llagostera and her fellow professionals," the tribunal panel said.
Llagostera Vives will retain prize money and ranking points in five tournaments played since July, including reaching the last 16 in doubles at the U.S. Open together with Liezel Huber.
Nuria Llagostera Vives gets tennis ban for positive test
The International Tennis Federation said the 33-year-old Llagostera Vives's ban expires Sep. 7, 2015.
Llagostera Vives now plays only doubles, though her singles ranking reached No. 35 in June 2005.
The ITF said she was due to play with doubles partner Francesca Schiavone at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, California in July, but withdrew because the Italian was unwell.
Llagostera Vives was still randomly selected for a doping control and could not explain how the drug entered her system, according to a ruling by the ITF's independent tribunal which the governing body published.
The day before the doping control, Llagostera Vives had visited San Francisco but said she had "only consumed a bottle of water" while there, the ruling stated.
ITF expert witness Christiane Ayotte said the banned substance "was and is available only as a street drug (crystal meth or meth) or as a stimulant or as a party drug," except when prescribed for some behavioral disorders.
The ruling stated that Llagostera Vives did not claim a medical exemption which would explain why the substance was present, and only later informed that she took some supplements and over-the-counter medications in the days before the doping control.
The tribunal panel expressed concern about how the ITF educated players in completing paperwork when asked to give samples.
"The main concern would be if the player's professed ignorance of the significance of completing this part of the form correctly and fully were to be attributable to a lack of education in this respect of Ms. Llagostera and her fellow professionals," the tribunal panel said.
Llagostera Vives will retain prize money and ranking points in five tournaments played since July, including reaching the last 16 in doubles at the U.S. Open together with Liezel Huber.
Nuria Llagostera Vives gets tennis ban for positive test
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2006/12/07
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Novak Djokovic said he will use his 22-match winning streak as a launchpad for an all-out assault on more grand slam titles next year.
The Serb claimed the ATP World Tour Finals title for a third time on Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) with an authoritative win over world number one Rafa Nadal and believes he has taken his game to a new level since losing to the Spaniard in the U.S. Open final.
Throughout his career the 26-year-old has used setbacks as motivation to sharpen his game and the way he has steamrollered through the last two and a half months of the ATP season is ominous for Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and any other player with designs on the top silverware in 2014.
His form is reminiscent of his incredible 43-match unbeaten streak in 2011 when he won three of the year's four majors - a run that was sparked by Serbia's Davis Cup triumph over France at the end of the previous year.
Djokovic's first priority is to regain the Davis Cup for Serbia in this week's final against the Czech Republic, then after re-charging his batteries it will be all-systems go.
"This can serve as a great platform for 2014 season," Djokovic told reporters.
"I'm extra motivated and inspired to work and get myself, first of all, rested and recovered in the off-season, and then work on my game and get ready for the Australian Open.
"The only thing I'm not as satisfied about [this season] is the fact that I lost the three big matches in the three grand slams. The grand slams are the tournaments where I want to win, where I want to get my hands on the title.
"That will be my highest priority for next year."
Djokovic lost to Nadal in an epic French Open semifinal, Murray in the Wimbledon final and Nadal again in the U.S. Open final, and also lost his No.1 ranking to the Spaniard in November.
That defeat in New York was particularly tough to take and Djokovic has since worked on a more attacking style of play to go with his incredible defensive qualities.
On Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) he volleyed superbly, giving his game a new dimension.
"Maybe I didn't do that in U.S. Open final as much as I should have," he said. "In our last two matches, in finals of Beijing and here, I've done it pretty well.
"I feel more comfortable on the net than I was last year, that's for sure."
Djokovic's rivalry with Nadal now stretches 39 matches and there have been periods of domination for both.
Nadal won five in a row in 2008-09 and Djokovic won seven in succession in 2011, but the two players are so well-matched that Djokovic believes the balance of power will keep shifting.
"It hasn't been the case that one player wins, you know, 10 in a row being very dominant because really goes up and down," Djokovic said.
"We push each other to the limit. We make each other better players. We make each other work harder, especially when we play against each other. It's always a huge challenge."
Tennis: Djokovic lays out 2014 titles assault plan | Sports | GMA News Online
The Serb claimed the ATP World Tour Finals title for a third time on Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) with an authoritative win over world number one Rafa Nadal and believes he has taken his game to a new level since losing to the Spaniard in the U.S. Open final.
Throughout his career the 26-year-old has used setbacks as motivation to sharpen his game and the way he has steamrollered through the last two and a half months of the ATP season is ominous for Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and any other player with designs on the top silverware in 2014.
His form is reminiscent of his incredible 43-match unbeaten streak in 2011 when he won three of the year's four majors - a run that was sparked by Serbia's Davis Cup triumph over France at the end of the previous year.
Djokovic's first priority is to regain the Davis Cup for Serbia in this week's final against the Czech Republic, then after re-charging his batteries it will be all-systems go.
"This can serve as a great platform for 2014 season," Djokovic told reporters.
"I'm extra motivated and inspired to work and get myself, first of all, rested and recovered in the off-season, and then work on my game and get ready for the Australian Open.
"The only thing I'm not as satisfied about [this season] is the fact that I lost the three big matches in the three grand slams. The grand slams are the tournaments where I want to win, where I want to get my hands on the title.
"That will be my highest priority for next year."
Djokovic lost to Nadal in an epic French Open semifinal, Murray in the Wimbledon final and Nadal again in the U.S. Open final, and also lost his No.1 ranking to the Spaniard in November.
That defeat in New York was particularly tough to take and Djokovic has since worked on a more attacking style of play to go with his incredible defensive qualities.
On Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) he volleyed superbly, giving his game a new dimension.
"Maybe I didn't do that in U.S. Open final as much as I should have," he said. "In our last two matches, in finals of Beijing and here, I've done it pretty well.
"I feel more comfortable on the net than I was last year, that's for sure."
Djokovic's rivalry with Nadal now stretches 39 matches and there have been periods of domination for both.
Nadal won five in a row in 2008-09 and Djokovic won seven in succession in 2011, but the two players are so well-matched that Djokovic believes the balance of power will keep shifting.
"It hasn't been the case that one player wins, you know, 10 in a row being very dominant because really goes up and down," Djokovic said.
"We push each other to the limit. We make each other better players. We make each other work harder, especially when we play against each other. It's always a huge challenge."
Tennis: Djokovic lays out 2014 titles assault plan | Sports | GMA News Online
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It took 21 matches to happen, but the Hart Indians girls tennis team finally lost on Wednesday at Hart High School.
Locked in a tie halfway through their CIF-Southern Section Division II semifinal showdown with San Marino, the Indians dropped critical sets in singles, eventually falling 10-8 to the Titans and seeing their historic 2013 season come to a close.
“I thought Valencia was loud. Oh boy, these people went crazy for their team,” said Hart No. 1 singles player Natalia Munoz of the opposing fans. “I remember I whiffed on a ball and some guy went nuts. It was a hostile environment but it was pretty fun.”
Munoz captured one set win, 6-0 on the day.
Had Hart won it would have been the first Santa Clarita Valley tennis team to reach a CIF final since Valencia reached its fourth straight championship match in 2008.
Hart’s singles lineup had been dependably dominant all season, but on Wednesday, San Marino’s Devon Jack and Madeleine Gandawidjaja got the better of Munoz and teammate Proyfon Lohaphaisan.
With the two teams locked in a tight contest halfway through the second leg of matches, Munoz led Gandawidjaja 3-2 on the first court. On the third court, Lohaphaisan was up 3-1 on Jack.
With the wins, the Indians would have led 6-4 with Munoz and Lohaphaisan still left to play the Titans’ No. 3 slot.
But in a complete break from what had been the trend all season, Munoz and Lohaphaisan were unable to close out the must-win sets.
Gandawidjaja downed Munoz 6-3, and Jack fought back to put away Lohaphaisan by the same score.
San Marino took a two-set lead and never gave it back.
“The first four games against her (Lohaphaisan) I made a lot of mistakes, I had done well when I’d played against her in the past, but she improved a lot and we noticed that right away,” said Jack, who swept 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. “Being down 1-3 my mindset changed, and I knew that I had to literally get every ball back, just stay in every point and not be the first one to miss a shot.”
Strategically speaking, the Indians (20-1) benefitted from Hart head coach Chris Mansfield’s decision to move No. 3 singles player Jackie Resler to doubles.
Resler and teammate Madi Ladanyi picked up two sets, while Hart’s senior anchors Lauren Dam and Bailey Sindle contributed two sets of their own.
Once again though, the Titans’ No. 1 unit was the difference maker, as San Marino seniors Vivian Le and Monique Gandawidjaja swept 6-0, 6-2, 6-0.
The Titans (14-2) are now headed to the Division II final against the undefeated No. 2 seed Canyon of Anaheim.
San Marino has not lost to a Divison II opponent all season — both of its losses came in preseason play to Division I powerhouses Peninsula and Campbell Hall.
To add perspective, both Peninsula and Campbell Hall reached the CIF-SS Division I semifinals, with Peninsula advancing to the title match.
As for the Indians — no Hart tennis team, boys or girls, has ever put together a more successful season than this year’s girls squad.
When asked about his experience coaching the team, Mansfield was succinct.
“Phenomenal,” he said.
It’s hard for one word to encapsulate a season as special as the one that the Indians girls tennis team had during the Fall 2013 semester.
Mansfield put it perfectly.
Historic season ends for Hart tennis
Locked in a tie halfway through their CIF-Southern Section Division II semifinal showdown with San Marino, the Indians dropped critical sets in singles, eventually falling 10-8 to the Titans and seeing their historic 2013 season come to a close.
“I thought Valencia was loud. Oh boy, these people went crazy for their team,” said Hart No. 1 singles player Natalia Munoz of the opposing fans. “I remember I whiffed on a ball and some guy went nuts. It was a hostile environment but it was pretty fun.”
Munoz captured one set win, 6-0 on the day.
Had Hart won it would have been the first Santa Clarita Valley tennis team to reach a CIF final since Valencia reached its fourth straight championship match in 2008.
Hart’s singles lineup had been dependably dominant all season, but on Wednesday, San Marino’s Devon Jack and Madeleine Gandawidjaja got the better of Munoz and teammate Proyfon Lohaphaisan.
With the two teams locked in a tight contest halfway through the second leg of matches, Munoz led Gandawidjaja 3-2 on the first court. On the third court, Lohaphaisan was up 3-1 on Jack.
With the wins, the Indians would have led 6-4 with Munoz and Lohaphaisan still left to play the Titans’ No. 3 slot.
But in a complete break from what had been the trend all season, Munoz and Lohaphaisan were unable to close out the must-win sets.
Gandawidjaja downed Munoz 6-3, and Jack fought back to put away Lohaphaisan by the same score.
San Marino took a two-set lead and never gave it back.
“The first four games against her (Lohaphaisan) I made a lot of mistakes, I had done well when I’d played against her in the past, but she improved a lot and we noticed that right away,” said Jack, who swept 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. “Being down 1-3 my mindset changed, and I knew that I had to literally get every ball back, just stay in every point and not be the first one to miss a shot.”
Strategically speaking, the Indians (20-1) benefitted from Hart head coach Chris Mansfield’s decision to move No. 3 singles player Jackie Resler to doubles.
Resler and teammate Madi Ladanyi picked up two sets, while Hart’s senior anchors Lauren Dam and Bailey Sindle contributed two sets of their own.
Once again though, the Titans’ No. 1 unit was the difference maker, as San Marino seniors Vivian Le and Monique Gandawidjaja swept 6-0, 6-2, 6-0.
The Titans (14-2) are now headed to the Division II final against the undefeated No. 2 seed Canyon of Anaheim.
San Marino has not lost to a Divison II opponent all season — both of its losses came in preseason play to Division I powerhouses Peninsula and Campbell Hall.
To add perspective, both Peninsula and Campbell Hall reached the CIF-SS Division I semifinals, with Peninsula advancing to the title match.
As for the Indians — no Hart tennis team, boys or girls, has ever put together a more successful season than this year’s girls squad.
When asked about his experience coaching the team, Mansfield was succinct.
“Phenomenal,” he said.
It’s hard for one word to encapsulate a season as special as the one that the Indians girls tennis team had during the Fall 2013 semester.
Mansfield put it perfectly.
Historic season ends for Hart tennis
Join:
2006/12/07
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In the past she occasionally was teaching players from scratch. There were a few instances when girls didn't even know how to hold the racket.
But not this past summer.
"I looked out at all four courts, and the kids were actually playing good, hard, aggressive tennis," Dolatowski said. "I stood there and said to my staff, 'This warms the cockles of my heart.'
"You have no idea how long I've waited for this."
It turns out Dolatowski knew what she was talking about.
For the first time in school history — girls and boys — Burlington qualified for the state team tennis tournament and will face Divine Savior Holy Angels in the quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Madison.
"I've known Coach my whole life," said Burlington senior and No. 3 doubles player, Paige Puntillo. "She taught me how to play tennis when I was 7 years old at her summer camp. When I think of tennis, she is the first person I think of.
"But to be honest, it's been an idea of mine to go to state, but I never did think it would actually come true or actually happen."
Burlington junior and No. 2 singles player Sophie Grandi says she also has worked with Dolatowski since she was 7.
"To see her at sectionals when we got first place was probably one of the best things ever, when she was in tears of joy," Grandi said.
Last year at the Lake Geneva Badger Sectional, the host Badgers qualified for their first state tournament. Burlington finished with a total of just four points — only two of the 17 teams had fewer points.
This year, all three doubles teams returned, and freshmen Lacey Londre and Emily Crabtree joined juniors Grandi and Coral Miller in the singles lineup to lead the Demons to first place at the Badger Sectional.
"Maybe it's a good-karma sectional," Dolatowski said.
Of the eight teams in the Division 1 tournament and the four in Division 2, Burlington is the only school not in the latest state rankings by the coaches' association.
"I see it as a great accomplishment, to work this hard to get to this level, whether we're ranked or not," said Burlington senior Laura Christoph, who plays No. 3 doubles. "We proved we don't have to be ranked to be a strong team.
"A lot of my friends and people that don't really talk to me that much have come up to me to say congratulations. It feels awesome to be in that position because we see our volleyball teams go to state. To be the first tennis team to make state is really cool to have that honor."
Burlington realizes what it is up against, however.
One only needs to look at the tournament program issued by the WIAA to see the other teams have a much richer history at state.
In the program's state preview page, every other team has at least two sentences describing its tournament appearances.
And the Demons' consists of just eight words: "Burlington qualifies for state for the first time."
Said Dolatowski: "Absolutely we are the underdog. I'm going in eyes wide open knowing that. ... I kind of like that. We have nothing to lose. Our opponents are expected to blow us off the court."
Read more from Journal Sentinel: Girls tennis - Burlington embraces underdog role prior to state tennis tournament
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