Classy Haas Wins in Vienna

What a year this has been for rejuvenated Tommy Haas! Following on a stunning comeback in 2012, the talented German put forth one of the most consistent seasons of his career to now stands an outside chance of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals in London. 

The 35-year-old Haas is going stronger than ever lately, and on Sunday he proved he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The German relied on all his experience, as he negotiated his way out of an extremely dangerous situation. In a tight contest, he managed to come back from 2-4 down in the decider to defeat Dutch Robin Haase 6-3,4-6,6-4 to win the title in Vienna, his second crown in the Austrian capital. "I'm very happy. Obviously it's a great feeling to win a title," he said. "It doesn't come around very often. To do it here after (also winning) in 2001, it's special. You don't win tournaments too often and this year I've won in my two favourite cities."

Although his body does not always allow him to be 100% fit, Tommy has succeeded in staying injury-free. He achieved some amazing performances this year, winning two titles, Munchen and Vienna, as well as reaching his first quarterfinal at Roland Garros. He also made the fourth round at Wimbledon.

As said, world No.12 Haas now stands an outside chance of qualifying for London. There are only two tournaments left, so it would take an incredible twist of fate to actually see him achieve the feat, but independent on the result, there are so many positives the German should take from 2013. Keep up the good work, Tommy! Come back stronger next year, I would really want to see you win a Grand Slam.

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Haas Continues to Break New Ground

Who would have guessed that Tommy Haas would still be battling for his maiden Grand Slam crown at 35? Probably no one, but the extremely talented German continues to break new grounds every day, reaching his first quarterfinal at Roland Garros after a stunning 6-1,6-1,6-3 victory over Russian Mikhail Youzhny.

The rejuvenated Tommy is having a great season so far this year, winning his 14th career title in München and reaching the semis in Miami following a victory over world No.1, Novak Djokovic. Although he withdrew from Düsseldorf due to illness, Haas looked fresher than ever at the start of the French Open. He cruised through the opening two rounds, before winning an epic clash with marathon man, American John Isner, 10-8 in the decider. The German squandered 12 match points and had to rally from 1-4 down in the fifth set before he finally closed out a dramatic victory over the giant Isner.

While some may think that at 35 his body would fail to recover after such an intense effort, Haas proved them wrong yet again. He was sharp and utterly focus in dismissing Youzhny, who only managed to bag six games against his inspired opponent. The win makes him the oldest major quarter-finalist since Andre Agassi, at 35 years and 135 days, at the 2005 US Open. “What I'm really proud about is that I reached the quarter-finals here for the first time, not knowing if that was ever going to be possible,” said Haas “It's a great success for me."

Next up for Haas is an intriguing encounter with Australian Open champion and world No.1, Novak Djokovic. The Serb will probably be looking for vengeance, but I believe the German might be in with a good chance of repeating his sensation performance from Miami. You go Haas!

An inspired Haas left Youzhny miserable, beating the Russian 6-1,6-1,6-3 in the fourth round of the French Open. The German veteran will take on world No.1 Novak Djokovic in his first quarterfinal in Paris.

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Evergreen Haas Rocking at 35

A year ago, Tommy Haas signaled his return to action after a lengthy time off by stunning Jo-Wilfried Tsonga en route to reaching the semifinals in München. 12 months into his comeback, the German is already an established top 20 presence. During this time span, he beat Roger Federer to claim his 13th career title in Halle, and he is just one of two players to defeat world number 1, Novak Djokovic, in 2013. Riding on such good form, Haas entered München with a totally different mindset, his sole goal being to take home the trophy.

Seeded four, the crowd favourite was slightly disadvantaged by the draw as he faced a tough opener against Latvian prodigy, Ernests Gulbis. Gulbis has actually beaten Haas in their last dispute a few weeks ago, in the semifinals in Delray Beach, but this time the German was ready to bring on the big guns. It took three sets, but he managed to progress and he proved unstoppable after. A glorious week culminated with a straight sets win over defending champion, Phillipp Kohlschreiber, 6-3,7-6 to win the title in München at the second time of asking. "I can hardly believe that I still managed to win here after such a long career," said Haas, who lost the 2000 final to Argentinean Franco Squillari. "It's a little dream!"

The German has now become the first 35 years old to collect an ATP trophy since France's Fabrice Santoro won in Newport in 2008. His tally now comprise 14 career titles, four of which being won on home soil.

Having spent so much time off court battling a never-ending list of injuries, the German is actually a much younger player than his age might indicate. Fully recovered and hungrier than ever, Tommy's talent has shined through once more. One of the most promising players of his time, the former world No.2 provides a great inspiration to the younger generation. Having someone aged 35 who plays at such a high level is an amazing win for the game. If things go down the same path, Haas could be a dangerous underdog at the upcoming French Open. Keep on rockin' Tommy, let's hit the 40s!

Tommy Haas produced a stunning display to defeat defending champion, Phillipp Kohlschreiber, to win his first title in München. This is the German's fourth title on home soil and second on clay.

In addition to a consistent cheque, Haas also took home a super BMW cabrio courtesy of the tournament's official sponsor.

The 35 aged German is celebrating his success with daughter Valentina.

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The 2012 ATP Moods Awards

What a sensational year has 2012 been! So many amazing stories, so many great comebacks, some heart-breaking retirements, but overall an exhilarating season. It started with Novak's extraterrestrial defence in Melbourne highlighted by the epic final against Nadal. The Spaniard got his revenge though, sweeping through his favourite red dirt with victories in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Roland Garros, straightening his credentials as the best clay-court player of all time. It was long time coming, but Federer finally collected his 17th Slams, making an emphatic return to number 1 following his stunning Wimbledon triumph. 

With Nadal sidelined by a persistent knee injury, the latter half of the season belonged to Andy Murray. The Briton claimed the Olympic gold medal in London to the delight of the host nation. He then broke the 'curse' becoming the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win a Grand Slam. In a topsy-turvy Flushing Meadows final, Andy defeated Novak Djokovic in a marathon five-setter. The Serb however stepped into the limelight at the right moment, securing the number 1 year finish with an impressive success at the ATP World Tour Championships in London.

Tennis Moods looks back at a rich 2012, recognizing the stand-out players of the year. Congrats to all the 2012 ATP Moods Awards winners!

The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Andy Murray

The 'He Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)

Winner: Andy Murray

Runner-up: Juan Monaco

The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)

Winner: Tommy Haas

Runner-up: Sam Querrey

The 'He Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)

Winner: David Ferrer

Runner-up: Rafael Nadal

The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)

Winner: Brian Baker

Runner-up: Jerzy Janowicz

The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)

Winner: Novak Djokovic

Runner-up: Mike & Bob Bryan

The 'Broken Hearted Boy' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)

Winner: Gael Monfils

Runner-up: Mardy Fish

The 'King of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'We Miss You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Andy Roddick

Runner-up: Arnaud Clement

The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)

Winner: Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Robert Lindstedt & Horia Tecau

The 'Fashion of His Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: Andy Murray winning the Olympic gold medal

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

Winner: Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray

Runner-up: Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal

SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards

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Monaco Takes A Big Step Forward

Juan Monaco is one of the feisty clay-court players who has threatened the top 10 since bursting into the scene in 2007 with titles runs in Buenos Aires, Pörtschach and Kitzbühel. However, years have passed and the Argentinean got a bit lost, losing touch of his goal after failing to win another trophy, even though he contested seven finals. 

2012 proved a turning point in his career. After managing to break the 'curse' and return to the winning circle following a victory over Carlos Bercocq in Vina del Mar, Juan felt at ease. He started playing his best tennis again and little by little, he fought his way back towards the top of the rankings. Another title in Houston, backed up by some decent results in big tournaments and two weeks of magic were all it took for him to accomplish an important career milestone: cracking the top 10.

Fresh off a great performance in Stuttgart, the Argentinean continued his love-affair with the German clay managing to avenge his defeat to Tipsarevic in the final with a spectacular triumph in Hamburg. Monaco was utterly sharp when it mattered most, taking out defending champion, Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, in the semifinals, before dashing the home hopes with a 7-5,6-4 victory over Tommy Haas in the final. "I can't complain about the way I played today," he said. "I was 4-1 down in the first set, but I never gave up. I was fighting every point, very focussed and very motivated to win this tournament. I think it was very important to win the first set. In the last two games of the match I think I played very well."

Haas, the author of a spectacular comeback which saw him beat Roger Federer for the Halle title, was quick in complimenting his opponent. "All credit to him. He performed really well, especially when it came down to the big points. I tried to play my best; I thought I played really well throughout the match. Having the crowd support really lifted me to another gear, but it just wasn't enough today." Although he fell short in his quest to lift his first hometown trophy, Haas focused on the positives of what has been another dream week for him: "I really didn't know if I was going to be able to get this feeling one more time, especially here in Hamburg. To have experienced another week like this with getting to the final is obviously another dream week for me."

While Haas achieved a new comeback high cracking the top 35, Monaco joined fellow Tandil mate, Juan Martin del Potro inside the top 10.

Visibly upset, Tommy Haas threw his racquet several times during his match against Monaco. The Hamburg native was seeking a first triumph at his hometown tournament. The defeat was the first in a final since 2002.

By denying Haas, Juan Monaco won the biggest title of his career. He was also guaranteed a place inside the top 10 for the first time in his career, being ranked at number 10 as of Monday, July 23.

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Tommy's Lucky #13

A couple of weeks ago Tommy Haas stirred some waters with a stunning victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in München, but it's only now after the German denied Roger Federer a 6th Halle crown that his comeback is starting to gain true momentum.

Although at the prime of his time he showed flashes of brilliance, reaching four Grand Slam semifinals and the Sydney Olympics final in 2000, the former world number 2 failed to fulfill his entire potential. Battling injuries and family problems for most of his career, Haas became more like a part-time player on the ATP tour. He took a 14 months break to undergo a hip surgery in February 2010 and even though he returned in May last year, the recovery was tedious. 

Ranked outside the Top 200 at the start of the season, the German star had to start again from scratch, having to play qualifyings in order to reach the main draw. Although doubting his decision, he went through with it and his hard work eventually paid off. A semifinal in München, a third round at Roland Garros and most importantly, a 13th career title in Halle. 

Returning to the grass-court tournament for the first time since the title run in 2009, Tommy reproduced his best tennis, defeating the likes of Bernard Tomic, Marcel Granollers, Tomas Berdych, Phillipp Kohlschreiber, and ultimately, the king of grass, Swiss Roger Federer, to win collect one of the sweetest crowns in his career. 

Having lost the last nine encounters with Federer, Haas was keen to get his revenge. Although the Swiss was quicker off the blocks, breaking serve in the first game of the match, the German kept his cool. Soon the unforced errors started pilling up for the Swiss and Haas took full advantage of his opponent's erratic display, closing out the victory in two sets.

“I don’t have many words to say really, except that it is an amazing feeling to win another title in Germany,” an emotional Haas said after the match. “[Winning] my thirteenth title was a goal of mine to maybe achieve in the next coming months, years or however long I am going to play. To have somebody across the net like Roger is a real honour for me. To have that picture with the winning trophy and Roger next to me is something really special, something I’ll obviously never forget. I’m just really happy and proud.”

For Federer, the loss marks another poor performance, very similar to the one against Djokovic in the semifinals of the French Open. With Wimbledon and the Olympic Games nearing up, Roger needs to readjust his game in order to be competitive enough to beat his arch rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. 

Due to his success, Federer quickly became a royalty in the small German town of Halle. To mark his committment to the Gerry Weber Open, the Swiss received a street named after, the 'Roger Federer Allee'. However, although hot favourite to bag his 6th crown, he was denied by the revigorated German Tommy Haas, who ensured a 7-6,6-4 win in the final.

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Haas Turns Back Time

Former world number 2, Tommy Haas, showed glimpses of his vintage form, by producing a stunning display to dispose of  Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in München. 

Haas, whose career has been rued by major injuries is making another attempt at a comeback this season, but he has yet to stir any waters. At 134 in the rankings, he entered his home event courtesy of a wildcard. The draw was not beneficial though, as he was scheduled to square off against top seeded Tsonga in the second round. The Frenchman, an established top 10 figure now, started the dispute as the clear favourite. However, a flawless performance from Tommy in the beginning of the clash saw his rose to a 5-0 advantage. Two games later, the German bagged the first set 6-1 and looked set to cause the biggest upset of the week. Jo failed to react, allowing his opponent to continue to dominate. A single break of serve made the difference in the second act, as Haas won 6-1,6-4 to celebrate his biggest triumphs in years. He moves on to tackle 8 seeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in the quarterfinals.

Tsonga on the other hand, had no excuses for the shock defeat. "Simply said, it was that Tommy played better than me," he said. "He didn't allow me any time to express myself, or to control the ball. "It wasn't down to a lack of practice as I put in two-hour sessions and normally that is sufficient. "Obviously conditions are different when you are practising and playing a competitive match, the court as well. But I played well at Monte-Carlo and before that in the Davis Cup so I was match ready."

Haas, heavily cheered by the partisan crowd, qualify for his first quarterfinal of the year after a stunning disposal of top seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round in München.

Tsonga looked rusty in his first match in München, failing to find his rhythm against an inspired Tommy Haas.

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