Kvitova Favourite To Win A Wide Open Australian Open Ladies Crown

The ladies singles championship at this year’s Australian Open looks set to be one of the most open for years with injuries and loss of form likely to affect the outcome.

Defending champion, Kim Clijsters, has only just returned to the game after injury kept her out of the game for the latter half of 2011. However, she cannot claim to be 100% fit even now after she forced to withdraw from the recent Brisbane International semi final with a hip injury. By all accounts, it is only a minor setback and she will be lining up for the first round of the Open on Sunday but caution must be exercised about her chances of a repeat success.

Injury too has upset the preparations for five time champion Serena Williams, who twisted an ankle in the Brisbane event but she too claims she will be fit enough to play in Melbourne. The 30 year old in fact has been made the second favourite to win the tournament with odds of 4/1, whilst Clijsters is third in the betting at 8/1.

The 3/1 favourite to win in fact is Wimbledon champion, Petra Kvitova who has started 2012 in great form, producing some great tennis to help her country the Czech Republic defeat France in the final of the Hopman Cup. The 21 year old certainly made 2011 her breakthrough year winning a number of tournaments including Wimbledon and the prestigious end of season tour title in Istanbul in October. Her scintillating form earned her number two in the women's rankings at the end of last year and she has started this year as she means to go on. In the Hopman Cup she not only defeated world number three, Victoria Azarenka in the final but also world number one Carline Wozniacki in the semi final, underlining the fact that she is the one to beat in Melbourne and she is the one in top form ahead of the tournament.

Australian fans of course will be rooting for their Samantha Stosur, who helped put Australian tennis back on the map in 2011 with her victory in the final of the US Open where she beat Serena Williams. It was a wholly unexpected win although the plucky 27 year old has been ‘knocking on the door’ of the Grand Slam events in recent years. Indeed she reached the final of the French Open in 2010 only to lose to Italian Francesca Schiavone and has twice been into the 4^th round in Melbourne.

It is interesting to note that the Bookies appear to have no faith in Wozniacki at all, despite her number one ranking in the world. This is because the Dane simply crumbles in the "Grand Slam" events and has only ever made one final which came at the US Open in 2009. She did make the semi final here last year and would certainly have the game to at least repeat that feat this time around, but winning a first ever ‘Grand Slam’ still looks a little beyond her.

Respect has to be shown to the likes of China’s Li Na, who was runner up 12 months ago before going on to win a first Grand Slam at the French Open in May. However, her form dipped alarmingly after that victory and she has shown only few signs that she is getting her act back together.

2008 winner, Maria Sharapova will also be playing in Melbourne and has to be among the genuine contenders to lift the crown. She showed throughout the 2011 season that she has re-discovered the zest to return to the top of the ladies game. She was a semi finalist at Roland Garros as well as runner up to Kvitova at Wimbledon and she is a decent looking bet at 14/1 to win the 2012 Australian Open.

Two way battle for Mens Austrlain Open Crown

With the first round of the opening tennis Grand Slam of the year already underway at the Australian Open in Melbourne, it is interesting to see that the Bookmakers do not see the mens tournament as anything other than the latest chapter in the Rafael Nadal v Roger Federer ongoing battle for tennis supremacy.

Federer who won the title last year for the fourth time when defeating Britain’s Andy Murray in the final is bidding to win his 17^th career Grand Slam, while Nadal is looking for his tenth and his fourth on the trot. Should Nadal win then he will become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time.

It is clear to see why therefore that Bookmakers are looking at the tournament as a two horse race and why they are not taking any worthwhile money on any other players other than the two principles. It seems to matter not that Murray knocked out Nadal last year and reached the final or that Novak Djokovic won the title here three years ago, after dumping Federer out in the semi finals. The bookmakers fully expect to see a Nadal v Federer final and will hope that it will be played to the same epic standards as it was when the two men played out the 2009 final – a match won in five sets by Nadal.

Both men are odds on to make the final in an individual sense, but there is some value in the Australian Open betting on the two reaching the final which carries best odds of 6/4. A repeat of last year’s final Federer v Murray is next best at 9/2, while Nadal Djokovic is a 5/1 chance. Murray of course cannot meet Nadal in the final as he is in the same side of the draw as the Spaniard and might meet him in the quarter final as he did in 2010.

As far as the Ladies singles is concerned the betting has not been so brisk, largely due to the absence from the tournament of defending champion, Serena Williams who is still out injured. Favouritism has therefore gone to Kim Clijsters who is around the 12/5 mark to win her first Australian Open, while compatriot, Justine Henin, only just back from injury herself is next best in the betting with odds of 11/2. The number one seed and current world number one, Caroline Wozniacki looks a good value bet to win a first Grand Slam with odds of 17/2. Her best performance to date in Melbourne however was reaching the fourth round which she achieved in both 2008 and 2010.

Clijsters in fact has been given a very tough opening round match against former world number one, Dinara Safina whose fall from the top spot in the world 18 months ago to a current ranking of 75 has been nothing short of spectacular. She was a finalist here in Melbourne two years ago as was Clijsters in 2004, but such has been her form that she is not expected to trouble the favourite in this match.

Although Serena will not be playing, big sister, Venus will and she might just represent good value with odds of around 20/1 to win the tournament for the first time. She reached the quarter finals here in 2010 and 2008 and was a finalist in 2003. She loves playing in Australia usually and although she is only just back to playing tennis after an injury, she could be very difficult to beat.

US Open 2009: Roger Federer's best shot ever

Master Roger Federer executed a stunning shot in the US Open semifinals against Novak Djokovic and the master himself claimed it to be best shot he had ever hit. Check out that shot.

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Amazing shot - Watch

Wimbledon 2009: Roddick beats Murray enters final

Roddick won the battle of Andys as he dispatched home hope Murray in four sets to reach his third Wimbledon finals. The American who had got better after each match admitted that he played his best tennis and even jokingly said, "Even I can play a bit of tennis at times". His serving was immaculate and his powerful returns were too heavy for Murray. He fought back in the 3rd set to take it to tie breaker but again Roddick's booming serves saw him through and the 4th set also went to the tie break where Roddick did not even give a sniff and closed out the match. On Sunday he will face Roger Federer, whom he lost to in his previous two appearances in the finals at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon 2009: Federer reaches final for record 7th time

Roger Federer has booked his spot in the Wimbledon final after a straight sets masterclass over Tommy Haas. The former world no.1 is in rousing form and took that into the match against German Tommy Haas, who in the past has given some tough matches for Roger. But the five-time champion reached his seventh straight final at the All England Club after overcoming the 24th seeded German 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-3 and now has the chance to land a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam. The swiss master was in a punishing mood as he fired 49 winners in the two hours and two minutes contest and now awaits the winner of Friday's other semi-final between British hope Andy Murray and American Andy Roddick. He now has a date with destiny that he can overtake Sampras at the very same venue where he beat Pete to get his first Grand Slam. Come on Roger........

Tennis : Roger Federer wins French Open 2009

Roger Federer finally managed to break his French Open jinx. The Swiss overcame Robin Soderling 6-1 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 at Roland Garros to become the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam. This win surely makes him the Greatest Player of All time. And it was fitting that the last man to complete a career Grand Slam, Andre Agassi gave him the trophy. Federer was emotional and it was understandable as he had lost here in the finals in the last three years. Roger was the clear favourite going into the match and he had a 100% record (9-0) against Soderling. But Soderling had beaten Nadal on his way to the finals and an upset was also on the cards but Roger broke him in the very first game of the match and raced through the first set 6-1. The second was a bit even and Fedex sealed that in a tie breaker (7-1). In the deciding set Roger closed out at 6-4 after saving a break point. Federer is now level on 14 major titles with Pete Sampras and, at just 27-years-old, appears almost certain to make that record his own in the future. "It might be the greatest victory of my career," said Federer, who can go past Sampras at his favourite Wimbledon. Come on Roger !!!!!!!!!!

Federer to become a Dad

Roger Federer is going to become a father soon. Federer and his long time girl friend Miroslava Vavrinec are expecting their first child this summer. This was announced by Federer on his website. Federer and Mirka first met during the 2000 Sydney Olympics and they have been together since then. Mirka is a former WTA tour player and has even played a few mixed doubles matches with Federer himself. And later she quit tennis and become Federer's manager and accompanies him to all the tournaments. This news comes at a time when Fedex is heading back into the courts since Australian open. Hope this just fuels him a bit more. All the best soon to be papa Fedex-Mirka.

Australian Open 2009:Federer Nadal set to rock

After much hype surrounding Murray and a few others, its the top two guns in the world tennis who will fight it out for the crown of the Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific. Federer who did not start off well has managed to reach his peak for the closing stages of the tournament. You must ask Juan Martin Del Potro on Federer's form, the Swiss master just destroyed him in a horribly one sided last 8 match. Federer was playing some unbelievable tennis and he even volleyed a ball with his head after Potro was lying on one side of the court. And against Roddick in the semis, Royal Roger turned up once again and he outclassed the American. Nadal, on the other hand had been blowing away all his opponents and was not tested till the semis where the epic semifnals against country man Verdasco which lasted nearly 6 hours ended with Verdasco double faulting. He too is in top shape and all eyes are on the finals. So will Federer avenge his French open and Wimbledon losses to Nadal last year???? wellll......I wish he does so. Can't wait to see Federer winning his 14th Slam. Come on Roger......

Australian Open 2009:Big Four on the charge

The field for the first slam of the year, Australian Open is very open. Any player in the "Big Four" of tennis can end up with the title. But the outsiders like Tsonga and Roddick can also prove a tough but to crack. Murray was labelled as the pre-tournament favourite by many but the defending champ, Djokovic did not agree with that saying one among the top 3 will win it. Federer, whose form has been poor by his standards started very ordinarily by but his stunning straight set win over Safin in the 3rd round seem to have brought the swiss great back to his best. Nadal has been merciless in the first two rounds, dipatching his opponents with his utmost ease. Murray has been having a comfortable couple of rounds while Djokovic had to dig deep to get into the 4th round match. With all four hitting form his could turn out into a great opening Grand Slam. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Federer to get his 14th slam.

Qatar Open:Murray beats Roddick, wins title

It was a battle between two Andys, Murray and Roddick in the Qatar Open final and in the end it was the Scot who got the better of Roddick with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory. By doing so Murray has successfully defended his Qatar Open title and this is his second title in two weeks as he won the exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. Murray has been in great form since his loss to Federer in the finals of US open last year and has taken his form into this season. He will be high on confidence as he has defeated Nadal and Federer twice over the last few weeks and heads off to Australia, seeking his first career Grand Slam as a genuine title contender. Way to go Murray.........

Chennai Open: Somdev Varman beats Karlovic,enters Semifinals

Indian wild card Somdev Varman sent the world number 25, Ivo Karlovic packing out of the Chennai Open 2009 and booked a place in the semifinals to become the first Indian after Leander Paes to reach this stage. He overcame the Croatian with a 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 victory. It was the second big name who had fallen prey to the young Indian, who had earlier dumped former World No.1 Carlos Moya out of the tournament. It was a tight match with both the sets stretched but a decisive break in the tenth game of the second set was enough to seal the match for Somdev, who was cheered on by a vociferous home crowd. It is really heartening to see a player who had shown lot of promise, deliver at the big stage. Somdev, who is studying in US on a student's visa knows how to handle it all. When asked about his nationality he said "I have an Indian passport and I must not talk more and screw it up", such was the poise with which he handled the media. But as of now I hope he overcomes Rainer Schuettler in the semifinals and go on to win the title. An Indian has finally arrived on the world scene in singles....Watch out for him......

Paes & Bhupathi for Chennai Open 2009

The Indian Express is back in Chennai, but they wont be playing together. Paes will be playing with his partner Dlouhy while son in law of Chennai, Bhupathi will be playing with Mark Knowles. It's been a while since they both came to Chennai and their presence will compensate the absence of World No.1 Rafael Nadal, who is taking part in Qatar Open. And after quite a long time there will be more focus on doubles than the singles at the Open. Apart from Paes and Mahesh, the Bryan brothers are in the fray making it a very tough field. This will be a great warm up for the players before the Australian Open as they will once again square off down under for the doubles honour. But the singles will also have some interest with the crowd favourite Moya present and the ever battling Davydenko make it a competitive Chennai Open 2009. So come 5th, expect some fireworks at the SDAT stadium in nungambakkam,Chennai.

The "Real" fans....

Rafael Nadal , Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are synonymous names with the tennis fans across the globe but there is something that all Real Madrid fans must be aware of, yes all three are staunch Real Madrid fans. Roger Federer once said that had he not been a tennis player, he would have taken up football. Rafael Nadal needs no introduction as a Real Madrid fan. He regularly attends the matches at the Bernabeu when is in Spain. It must be noted that Nadal's uncle Miguel Angel Nadal is a former Barcelona player but the world number 1 from Mallorca has taken only "The Whites" to his heart. His passion for the club was so much that he kept asking the club president Roman Calderon about "Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer" even when he was in England playing Wimbledon. And Nadal, who predicted a 2-1 win for Real against Athletico in the Madrid derby has gone for 0-1 win for the Whites in the "El Gran Classico". Even I'm hoping that his prediction comes true as it did against Athletico.

Nadal disappoints Chennai!!!

Rafael Nadal's absence from Chennai Open 2009 has left not only me but also each and every tennis fan in Chennai very disappointed. Chennai has been a special place for the world number 1 as he won his very first ATP title in Chennai, but it was the doubles in which he emerged on top. And from there he has gone from strength to strength and now is sitting at the top of the world rankings. I still can't forget the semifinals of last year's edition, Rafa was up against his good friend Moya. I thought it would be a walk in the park of the then World Number 2, but Moya had other ideas and started belting his forehand and the crowd was entirely behind him. I could remember only a few children shouting for Nadal but that did not mean Nadal's point's were not cheered. And Moya took the first set in a tie break and in the second set tie break Nadal came from being knocked out to take the set and also the next set in another tie break. I was standing and watching from the last row of the stadium and it was 3.56 hrs of pure action. Three thrilling tie breakers and it was a treat for all those who came to witness the match. But it would have been even more fitting had that been the finals, which Nadal lost to Youzhny without even putting up a fight. And during the presentation Nadal said "Last year semis, this year finals, next year Winner". The crowd roared as he said those words. Though I'm a Federer fan I started liking Nadal after that tournament because he signed me an autograph, which I treasure a lot. Anyway he has opted for Qatar open this year and will be playing in a field which also has Federer. All we hope is that he comes back in 2010. But one thing is for sure, we will miss Nadal this year.