The Last One Standing

As things were unfolding until a couple of weeks ago, 2011 was threatening to become the worst season of Federer’s late career. Besides failing to capture a Grand Slam for the first time since 2002, the Swiss champion was left empty handed for more than 10 months, a period in which his best results were two finals at Dubai and Roland Garros. Moreover, after leaving a two sets to love advantage slip away at both Wimbledon and US Open, many were quick in writing him off, proclaiming the end of his era.
While Djokovic won most of the big prizes this year, his other rivals also enjoyed short moments of fame. Rafa ultimately shone on clay retaining his French Open crown after a difficult clay court season, while Murray found his brilliance in Asia ensuring a hat-trick in Bangkok, Tokyo and Shanghai. The only one to constantly struggle was the Swiss. Nevertheless, at a time when all the other contestants were jaded, injured and lacking focus, Roger came out stronger than ever. With title runs in Basel and Paris Bercy, he was again making headlines, getting himself back in the race for the ATP Masters Cup in London.
It was a vintage display from Federer under the O2 Arena's roof, as he topped the B group with victories over Fish, Tsonga and Nadal. His success over the latter was by far the most impressive, as it marked a clear demolition of his old time foe. The results of the other group worked in his favour and we next faced a semifinal date with David Ferrer, a player who barely troubled him in their 11 meetings. Things followed the same scenario, as Federer was too strong for the hard-working Spaniard who just didn’t have enough in him to challenge back. The win had an emotional edge to it, as the Swiss qualified for his 100 final. Also, he ensured enough points to pass Andy Murray in the rankings and finish the year at number 3.
The final showdown was nothing less than spectacular with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga putting in a fierce battle. Serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, Tsonga found the strength to break Federer’s serve to level to then push the set into a tie-break. He later fought off a match point at 6-5, before coming back to win the set and send the match into a decider. At that stage it was the Swiss’ brilliance that made the difference, a single break of serve being enough to guarantee him a record 6th ATP Masters Cup title.
Despite all the records he broke this week, the most important positive for Federer now is that he looks to have gotten back to his utmost best. The winning appetite is still stronger than ever and considering the recent success, the greatest player of all time has enough to build on going further in 2012. As he didn’t win a major this year, he will be keen on adding a few more titles to his already outstanding collection. However, this main objective for next year will definitely be the Olympic gold medal, his long term dream, probably the only one to elude him so far.
Thanks Federer, for a great end to a rather shabby season. You once again proved to be a genuine wizard in turning it all around. When most of your rivals were kaput following a demanding season, you found the strength to shine through, reminding everyone you are still greatest force in tennis. At the end of the year, you were the last one standing.

For a third consecutive Sunday, Roger Federer went head-to-head with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and their clash ended always with the same result. In the ATP Masters final, the Swiss beat the Frenchman 6-3,6-7,6-3 to claim a record sixth title at the event.

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Tsonga Shows Nadal The EXIT Door

Since coming into prominence at the 2008 Australian Open when he reached the final, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga maintained his place among the world elite, knocking on the door of ultimate glory on several occasions. Although he hasn't been able to emulate his best Grand Slam result, some strong performances this season indicate it won't be long before he will achieve his Grand Slam ambition.

Having qualified for the second time for the prestigious Masters Cup, the Frenchman was keen to make the most out of it. After succumbing to Roger Federer in the inaugural match, he knew he needed to win both upcoming round robin encounters to ensure a passage to the semifinals. He passed the first hurdle by  easing past American Mardy Fish, 7-6,6-1. It all came down to group B's final showdown, as he went head-to-head with Spaniard Rafael Nadal to battle for the last available spot. With both players having a victory under their belt, the winner was guaranteed to progress to the next stage.

While Jo is at home indoors, Nadal has always struggled on this surface. The Season's Ending crown has eluded him in four previous showings and few were counting on him to break the duck this year. It appears like the constant defeats to Djokovic have taken their toll on the former world number 1. After suffering another blow in the US Open final, Rafa became the shadow of the player he used to be. His London experience was a mere reflection of his current poor state of mind. After he scrapped a tight 7-6 third set victory over Fish in his opener, he was slaughtered by arch rival Federer who administered him one of the most humiliating defeats of his career, a 6-3,6-0 thrashing in less than 1 hour. Although he holds a 6-2 advantage over the Frenchman, Jo has always looked capable of troubling Nadal. Relying on his powerful serve and spectacular volleys, Tsonga was untouchable on serve in the first set. Rafa did wonders in forcing a tie-break, but some inspired shot-making from Jo-Wilfried saw him win it 7-2. For most of the second set things followed the same scenario. It was only in a tense 10th game that the Spaniard got a chance to break. He eventually took it and leveled at one set a piece. In the decider it was the Frenchman who drew first blood by breaking for 2-1. It was a cruising journey from then onwards for Jo, who sealed the victory on his second match point to book a semifinal date with David Ferrer.
Judging by his recent achievements, i.e. titles in Metz and Vienna and final showdown at Paris Masters, these past months have been the most consistent of Jo's career. As a result, he is currently enjoying the best ranking at number 6.
For Nadal the loss marks another failed attempt to add this trophy to his resume. And with the Spaniard admitting he has lost his passion for tennis, his fans have serious reasons to be worried. 

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The Missing Piece

Although Roger Federer found success on the biggest arenas of the world, it took him some time before he eventually managed to conquer Paris. His struggles in the French capital are legendary. For years, the Roland Garros title eluded him. He finally completed his Grand Slam collection in 2009 when a magical run enabled him to get his hands on the precious 'Coupe des Mousquetaires'. The other big Parisian event was also missing from Roger's resume, as prior to this year, the Paris Indoor was the only ATP Masters 1000 in which he didn't reach the final. Last year, in what has been his most successful campaign, he surrendered 5 match points before succumbing to Frenchman Gael Monfils in a dramatic semifinal. A year later, revitalized by a great week in hometown Basel, Roger was ready to go all the way and collect this missing piece.

Considering a field that included world number 1 Novak Djokovic and red-hot Andy Murray, Federer's chances seemed limited. He remained confident though, ensuring easy wins over home hopes Adrian Mannarino and Richard Gasquet in his first matches. The Swiss was far from his utmost best in the quarterfinals, but he still managed to overcome the challenge of Argentinean Juan Monaco, triumphing in two sets, 6-3,7-5 to become the 7th player in the Open Era to join the elite club of those with 800 wins under their belt. Worries were raised following his rather shaky performance especially as his next opponent, Czech Tomas Berdych, has beaten Federer in three of their last four encounters. A day after snapping Murray's fabulous 18-matches winning streak, Tomas seemed prepared to tackle the Swiss superstar. Roger was back at his best though, taking control from the very beginning. A break of serve in the very first game of the match proved enough for him to take the first set 6-4. He followed a similar path in the second set, breaking Berdych's serve to set a 2-0 advantage. It was cruise control from then onwards for Federer who broke again, this time to love, to seal a 6-4,6-3 victory and get the ticket to his first indoor final in Paris. The performance marked the breaking of yet another record, as he became the first player to reach the final act of all Masters 1000 events. This was not enough for the 'greedy' Federer who was determine not to lose this rare opportunity of grabbing the title. After saving two break points in the inaugural game of his final showdown with French number 1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the Swiss was unstoppable. He took the first set 6-1, but Tsonga was not showing any white flags just yet. The Frenchman who experienced a rather successful head-to-head with Federer lately (stopping him in the quarterfinals of both Wimbledon and Montreal) knew he had it in him to challenge the Swiss. After failing to take his chances though, he faltered in the second set tiebreak gifting his opponent once of the sweetest victories of his prolific career.
At this point, one can firmly state that Federer has won it all. Nevertheless, he appears as hungry and driven as always. Riding on this incredible form, he now sets his goals on defending the Season's Ending Championships in London. A victory there would slap the criticism that had him written off and would save his rather poor 2011.

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There's No Place Like Home For Federer

They say there’s no place like home and Roger Federer was the latest to confirm the saying by lifting his 5th title at his hometown event in Basel on Sunday.

Federer’s season has been so poor that debates about a possible retirement have heated up recently. After he failed to win a Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 and he went titleless for 10 months, many were quick in writing him off. Contrary to claims, I don’t think his tennis is actually suffering that bad. But I do believe he lost his mental strength and with it, the invincibility halo that surrounded him while at the peak of his career. There were a handful of matches this year in which he was fully in charge, but ended up losing. In a season of firsts, he surrendered a two sets lead to be dispatched by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, to follow the same scenario later at the US Open in his now infamous defeat to Djokovic in their semifinal clash.

Those two losses must have hurt badly, as the Swiss champion took a lengthy time off to heal his wounds before returning to the tour. He missed the Asian swing, thus allowing Andy Murray to pass him in the rankings, making it the first time since he rose to the top of the world in 2003 that he is positioned outside the top 3.

The ATP 500 in Basel has always been his playground though. The place possesses an emotional richness for Roger, making it one of the most important stops in his yearly calendar. However, considering all he’s been through these last couple of month, Roger did not enter his hometown event from his usual favourite’s spot, as some of the young guns, i.e. Djokovic or Murray, were threatening to steal his crown.

As the tournament unfolded, the Swiss appeard to be back to business, showing some of his imperial calm while easily defeating Italian Potito Starace and Fin Jarkko Nieminen. In the quarterfinals he faced old foe, American Andy Roddick. The duo has been up for some fierce battles in the past, with the Swiss holding a commanding 20-2 head-to-head record. Things weren't about to change this time either, as Federer cruised through an easy 6-3,6-2 win. It was a safe ride from here onwards, as neither his good friend Stan Wawrinka, nor Japanese sensation Kei Nishikori could prevent him from retaining his title to the delight of the partisan crowd.

With two events still to go in 2011, the Swiss looks to bounce back after a lousy season by claiming his first Paris Masters 1000 triumph and by successfully defending his Masters Cup trophy. Ending 2011 on a high, would give a boost to his 2012 campaign where the Olympic gold tops his ‘To do’ list.

In recent years Roger has developed the habit of celebrating his Basel success by throwing a big pizza party for the ball kids. It’s a way of inspiring his young fans of following in his footsteps. Also, it proves that the once a ball kid himself, Federer has never forgot his roots, embracing them with utmost pride.

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Birthday Girl Holds On To Bali Crown

She might not have had the season she was expecting, but Ana Ivanovic rediscovered her winning spirit by successfully defending her Bali crown on Sunday.
It's no secret that she has been struggling in recent years. Nevertheless, despite all her trials and tribulations, she remained a believer. She continued to work hard, being confident she has it in her to shine again. This time last year she appeared to be back on track. She started playing some of her finest tennis, showing sparks of the magical form that took her to the top of the ranking in 2008. It wasn't to be though, as some small injuries and the split from coach Heinz Gunthardt took their toll and ultimately her climb was once again derailed. She failed to make a final the entire year, drifting further apart from the player who used to be a strong Grand Slam candidate. 

At the end of each competitive year, the 6 best ranked players who have captured at least one International tournament during the season and who are not participating in singles at the WTA Championships get to dispute the prestigious Tournament of Champions crown. Ana's lack of success did not allow her to automatically qualify. However, luckily for her, the draw included 2 wildcards and the Serbian, as the defending champion, was granted one of them. The organizers was right in doing so, as Ivanovic was up for a sensational delivery. As she stressed it last year, the surreal surroundings of Bali inspire her. She takes the eyes off the prize and just enjoys herself on the court. At the end of the day it pays off, as apparently she is most efficient when she is relaxed, positive and not over thinking things. Armed with such serene attitude, she snapped a two match losing streak to Italian Roberta Vinci by defeating her 6-3,6-3 in their first round encounter. In the semifinals, she fought off a late resurgence from old time rival Nadia Petrova to ensure a 6-1,7-5 win. She saved the best for last though. In the final showdown against Spanish Anabel Medina Garrigues, the Serbian was imperial, dismissing her opponent at the expense of only three games, 6-3,6-0. Celebrating her 24th birthday, she gave herself the best present, collecting her 11th WTA trophy. 

Experiencing such difficult times in 2011 has definitely help Ana mature. She can now take in all the learnings and give it a fresh start in 2012. She is such an explosive player and she gives so much on the court that is always exhilarating to watch her play. She has the big game and her forehand is probably the best in women's tennis. Thus, if she can find the key to unlock it at the right moments, we surely haven't seen the last of miss Ivanovic.

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The Badass Chick

In every generation there should be that one player who has what it takes to rule the world. Currently, the young guns are struggling to keep consistent at top level, as Wozniacki, Azarenka or Radwanska are failing to take the ultimate step towards all-time greatness. This leaves the door open to Petra Kvitova, who is rapidly establishing herself as the dominant force of her times. Moreover, as the old guard, i.e. Clijsters, Venus and Serena, are nearing the end of their professional careers, the Czech could very well be that one player who will top the women’s tennis for many years to come. Her aggressiveness is by far her most redoubtable weapon. However, compared to the likes of Safina or Ivanovic, the Czech possesses the mental strength required to shine on the biggest stages.

She proved it throughout the year and she proved it again in Istanbul. She got her 2011 campaign to a merely invincible start, lifting titles in Brisbane and Paris Indoors and reaching quarters in Melbourne. After a slur, she regrouped for the claycourt season winning Madrid Masters and making the round of 16th at Roland Garros. However, not even her remarkable results could predict what faith had prepared for the talented Kvitova. At Wimbledon, considered by many the most prestigious of the Slams, the cool-blooded Czech kept her composure and served out a straight sets final win against Maria Sharapova. Success took its toll on her, as she needed time to cope with the newly acquired status. She got over the fuzz though and when it mattered most, she delivered.
Taking part in her first Season’s Ending Championships, Petra was at her utmost best, cruising through the matches without loss to set a final showdown with red-hot Azarenka. With the odds on her side, she started full of confidence tearing her opponent’s game to pieces by quickly established a 5-0 advantage. It was the moment her shots completely deserted her, allowing Victoria a spectacular comeback to level up at 5 all. She got herself out of trouble though, bouncing right back to win the next two games and thus the first set 7-5. As in their Wimbledon encounter, the Belarusian stepped it up in the second set, taking it 6-4. The first game of the decider was the turning point of the match. Azarenka raced to a 0-40 lead, but ended up missing out all four break point chances. Petra hanged on, recovered composure and struck the vital blow. She broke right back and was unstoppable from there onwards, winning the set 6-3.
Besides the $1.75 mil jackpot and the number 2 spot, the Czech became the favourite for the Player of the Year award, a distinction she would fully deserve. She can now set her sights on the number 1 ranking, as she is trailing current leader Wozniacki by just 100 points.

Kvitova captured a great season by collecting the WTA Tour Championships with a hard fought 7-5,4-6,6-3 win over Belorussian Victoria Azarenka.

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