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

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Time To Say Goodbye: 'El Mosquito' Juan Carlos Flies Away

Living in the Nadal Era, many tend to forget the power of the Spanish tennis even before the ultimate clay-court king became the worldwide superstar he is now. The likes of Bruguera, Moya, Corretja or Albest Costa are lost within the tunnel of time as Nadal's fame has grown to outlived all his precursors. However, before Nadal, there was another great Spanish champion, a former clay-court king and one of the most important contributors to the rise of the modern Spanish tennis powerhouse. 

A worthy successor of Carlos Moya and Alex Corretja, Juan Carlos Ferrero established himself early as a clay-court prodigy by reaching the semis at the French Open on his 2000 debut. Having beaten the likes of Mariano Puerta, Mark Philippoussis and Alex Corretja, Juan ended up losing a marathon match against eventual champion, Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten. His breakthrough year was 2001 when he capped a magnificent clay-court season with titles in Estoril, Barcelona, and Rome, his first Masters 1000 crown. He also reached his second consecutive semifinal at Roland Garros, succumbing once again to Kuerten. 

The French Open became his favourite tournament. He got to love the Parisian courts dearly, as it was here where he shone the brightest. In 2002, after a sensational campaign with wins over Guillermo Coria, Gaston Gaudio, Andre Agassi and Marat Safin, he reached the final. Probably the nerves of disputing his first Grand Slam final got the best of him as he unable to bring his best game into the match, granting the victory to his more experienced compatriot, Albert Costa. Paris did not see the end of him though, as the Spaniard was back to seal the deal a year later. In 2003 he was not to be denied. He avenged his loss to Costa in the semis, before blowing surprise package, Dutchman Martin Verkerk, off the court to claim his maiden Grand Slam title. It was a moment of ultimate glory for Ferrero who, after losing the US Open final to Andy Roddick, went on to become the 21st player to hold the World No. 1 ranking. He was also the second Spaniard to achieve the feat after Carlos Moya.

Despite making the semis in Melbourne, 2004 marked the beginning of the end for Juan Carlos. Injuries and a severe lack of form took their toll and, by the end of the year, the Spaniard was ranked outside the top 30. Some miserable seasons followed and it wasn't until 2009 that he managed to win another ATP crown. It happened at a small venue, in Casablanca, where he defeated Frenchman Florent Serra for the title. 

2010 saw a rejuvenation from the once king of clay. A vintage display during the Latin American swing enabled him to win back-to-back titles in Buenos Aires and Costa do Sauipe, to which he added a final in Acapulco. The last trophy of his career came in 2011 in Stuttgart, when he overcame his compatriot Pablo Andujar to collect his 15th crown.

Ferrero was also a solid rock for his country in all official team competitions. He played in 17 Davis Cup ties, compiling a 18-6 record in singles rubbers and helped Spain to its first triumph in the competition in 2000, as well as to subsequent victories in 2004 and 2009.

The Spaniard announced his retirement on September 12 and chose to end his magnificent career in Valencia. "It’s the best possible stage for me to retire,” he said. “Because of injuries, I was not able to play a full season and it’s been a complicated year as I could see I didn’t have the same ambition after 14 years on the tour.” Although he lost his first round clash with good friend Nicolas Almagro, Juan Carlos remained upbeat about his performance. “I simply want to thank everyone for all their support, not just this year but throughout all the years I have played here. It’s always been a very special tournament for me and this year even more so.”

Still mourning the retirement of Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick, tennis losses another one of its legends. The Spaniard does not intent to stay away from the game though. He will continue his work with his foundation, "La Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana Juan Carlos Ferrero", which promotes sports for youth in and around Valencia and he hopes to one day lead his country to another Davis Cup triumph.

Although the favourite, Juan Carlos lost his first Grand Slam final,  at the 2002 French Open. He was defeated 1-6,0-6,6-4,3-6 by his compatriot, Albert Costa.

Having failed on his previous attempt, Ferrero made it second time lucky, overcoming Dutch surprise Martin Verkerk 6-1,6-3,6-2 to conquer his sole Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2003.

2003 was a sensational year for the Spaniard. In addition to winning in Paris he also got to the finals in New York. It wasn't to be though, as he lost the Flushing Meadows final to American Andy Roddick.

A solid rock in Spain's Davis Cup squad, Ferrero lead his country to its first success in 2000 and subsequent victories in 2004 and 2009.

photos (top-down): GETTY IMAGES, Reuters, GETTY IMAGES (x5)

Time To Say Goodbye: The Last of the Mohicans

Labelled by some as a one hit wonder, Andy Roddick, the last mohican of the American squad, was one of the most popular players of his generation. A wonder kid who quickly reached worldwide stardom following his success at the 2003 US Open, Roddick spent most of his career in the shadow of his arch nemesis, Roger Federer. 

Even though he was a later bloomer, Federer quickly established himself as the dominant force in men's tennis winning almost every Slam, leaving the American desperately searching for another crown. He came close on four occasions, but every time he failed to achieve his goal. Responsible for his misfortune was none other than the extraterrestrial Federer, who always got the best of him in those finals. Probably the most heart-breaking of them all was that epic 2009 Wimbledon final when Roddick played the match of his life, but was unable to succumb the almighty Swiss. After a marathon five-setter, Roger won 16-14 in the decider crushing his opponent to pieces. 

It might be that he never recovered from the disappointment, or maybe his body just gave in, but Andy quickly faded into the background making room for new guns such as Nadal, Djokovic or Murray to steal the limelight. 

A constant top 10 figure, the American shone the brightest on the American hardcourts where he always felt at ease. He also performed brilliantly on grass, the surface he loved most dearly, but he never got another chance to the Wimbledon title. Following a series of injuries, Andy missed the beginning of the 2012 season, making an emphatic return to form with a title in Eastbourne. Although he added another crown by winning in Atlanta, he struggled with a lack of motivation, which ultimately led him to announce his retirement at the start of the US Open. Cheered by the partisan crowd, he reached the last 16th, but his run was eventually ended by Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro, who won their clash in four sets. 

Benefitting from his immense popularity, Andy is set to follow on his wife's footsteps, making a transition to television and radio. He married actress Brooklyn Decker in 2009. His retirement leaves a huge void in the American tennis with no one really up to take his place. Following generations of fabulous champions like Connors, McEnroe, Courier, Chang, Sampras or Agassi, the Americans have failed to give another Grand Slam champion since Roddick. Mardy Fish or John Isner can be extremely dangerous, especially on hardcourts, but they are yet to reach the same heights as their predecessors. Consequently, Roddick's retirement is more than a sad news for his numerous fans, it marks the end of an era. 

A look back at Andy's golden career

North American season 2003: A former Australian and US Open junior champion, Andy Roddick made a glorious transition to the ATP tour. The American  quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with, winning back-to-back Masters titles in Montreal and Cincinnati in 2003. 

US Open 2003: Andy's ultimate moment of glory came after a sensational 2003 North American hard court season. Riding on an impressive run of form, the new American wonder kid claimed his sole Grand Slam of his career by defeating Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero in the Flushing Meadows final.

2003: Quickly after winning his first Grand Slam trophy, Roddick rose to the top of the ATP rankings. The American maintained his position till the end of the season, securing the year-end number 1 finish.

Wimbledon 2004: Andy's dynamic game made him a very dangerous opponent on grass. Relying on a vintage serve and volley display, Roddick fought his way to his first Wimbledon final in 2004. He was unable to stop Federer from a successful defence though, as the Swiss proved too good for his American opponent.

Wimbledon 2005: Desperately seeking a Wimbledon crown, Roddick got another shot a year later. Unfortunately for the American though, he run into his extraterrestrial nemesis, Roger Federer, again. The Swiss prevailed once more, leaving his opponent broken hearted as he witnessed another opportunity go by. 

US Open 2006: Andy played another Grand Slam final in front of his home crowd, but once again came out empty handed, being defeated relatively easy by Roger Federer.

Davis Cup 2007: Andy established himself as the best American player of his generation, winning all six matches to lead his country to its most recent Davis Cup success in 2007. Roddick also brought in a vital point in the final against Russia, defeating Dmitry Tursunov.

Wimbledon 2009: Probably the saddest memory of Andy's career came on his beloved London grass. In an epic final against nemesis, Roger Federer, the American gave it his all, but he was unable to subdue the powerful Swiss. Having been so close to collecting his first Wimbledon trophy, Roddick was left broken-hearted after losing a nail-biting marathon, which ended 16-14 in the decider. The final will always be remembered as one of the most dramatic battles of all time.

Miami 2010: Andy's last big victory came in front of his home crown in Miami. The American produced a vintage performance managing to overcome Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the semis and powerful young hope, Czech Tomas Berych, in the final to clinch his 5th and final Masters 1000 title.

Miami 2012: Roddick got the sweetest victory of his late career in Miami earlier this year,  defeating nemesis, Roger Federer, to end their legendary rivalry on a high.

photos (top-down / left-right): ? (x2) , USTA, ? (x2), AFP, ?, GETTY IMAGES, ?, GETTY IMAGES (x5)

The 2012 New York Fashion Scoop

By far the poshest of the Slams, Flushing Meadows is the biggest and most spectacular fashion event of the tennis world (see the 2011 New York fashion scoop). Under the New York lights, all the players are dressing up hoping to conquer the biggest fashion scene and run away with the US Open crowns.

One thing that makes this Slam so special is its night session. Due to the fragmented schedule, top players like Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer, Caroline Wozniacki or Serena Williams made a habit of preparing separate outfits for the day and the night matches. Usually the day look is less precious and more functional, while the night one is glamorous, chic and ultra sophisticated. Some of the most spectacular tennis garments were actually wore during the night sessions here in New York.

As described at the start of the North American swing, neon colours are the biggest hit of the summer and they totally dominated the Flushing Meadows courts. Nike was the one who fully embraced the trend with its neon yellow and pink garments who really shone brightly under the lights. Adidas responded too by introducing some really cool vibrant yellow and light turquoise to its 'canvas' inspired designs.

Roses for the Queen

Venus Williams - EleVen

Venus always provides the fashion highlight of any tournament she enters. In New York, the fashion queen opted for a rose print which totally transformed her 2012 EleVen dress, giving it that extra edge needed for such an important event. Unfortunately, Venus lost early so we could not see her entire collection. 

Day & Night

Caroline Wozniacki - Adidas by Stella McCartney 'Night Look'

The same thing happened with Caroline Wozniacki. Hoping to launch Stella McCartney's latest fall collection in true style, the Dane succumbed to an injured knee which saw her crush out in the opening round. As she got to play just one match, Wozniacki showcased only her night look, which is by far the best of the collection anyways. She wore a classy little black dress which had some really cool touches.

Roger Federer - RF Group NIKE 'Night Look'

Roger Federer - RF Group NIKE 'Day Look'

Elegant as ever, Roger Federer chose an all navy look for the night sessions and some more colourful garments for day. I really like the baby blue-red colour combination as it's so vibrant and cool. Also, the red and white stripes on the polo are great. These are the kind of small editing touches that can make or break a garment.

Maria Sharapova - 'Maria Sharapova' Group NIKE 'Night Look'

Maria Sharapova - 'Maria Sharapova' Group NIKE 'Day Look'

Maria Sharapova has always shone brightly under the Flushing Meadows lights. This year though, her night dress was really dull. The front is so booooring and I don't quite get the odd mix of fabrics. I do like the spiderweb back and the choice of yellow though, but overall the look fails to fulfil the sophistication and glam requirements of the night session. However, the Russian did a better job with her day garment. The colour scheme is great, though the big eye on the front is strange.

Kim Clijsters - FILA 'Night Look'

Kim Clijsters - FILA 'Day Look'

Oooohh poor Kim! I reall don't understand what was she thinking to end her illustrious career dressed like that. This is a clear example of 'too much is too much'. Probably wanting to offer Clijsters a sparkling farewell, Fila went overboard and ended up creating a complicated, heavy ensemble which looked overly designed. The starry sky back was a great idea for the US Open, but things got messy when they added the thick red lines. It really is a pitty this was the last we've seen from the New York queen.

Jelena Jankovic - FILA

Nadia Petrova - FILA

Contrary to Clijsters' fiasco, her Fila 'team mates' Jelena Jankovic and Nadia Petrova showcased cool, simple garments. I like Petrova's garment in particular as it has a certain vintage feel. Also, due to the black - neon yellow colour combo the look is pretty cool and modern.

Teal Love

Gilles Simon - AdiPure

Maria Kirilenko - AdiPure

I'm so in loooooove with this Adidas design. It was an instant crush when I first saw it at Wimbledon and I grew fonder of it ever since. It's one of my favourite pieces so far this season and this colour combo makes it stand out even more. The teal with the turquoise works perfectly, making both fashionista Maria Kirilenko and Frenchman Gilles Simon look stunning.

Vintage Lacoste

Milos Raonic - Lacoste

Richard Gasquet - Lacoste

Andy Roddick - Lacoste

John Isner - Lacoste

In the Lacoste camp, the big guns looked great in vintage inspired clothing. While Raonic and Gasquet opted for some colourful garments, Americans Andy Roddick and John Isner chose simpler pieces, with A-Rod looking sharper than ever, as he stepped into retirement.

Neon Lights

Serena Williams - NIKE 'Night Look'

Serena Williams - NIKE 'Day Look'

Victoria Azarenka - NIKE

Julia Goerges - NIKE

Lucie Safarova - NIKE

Sabine Lisicki - NIKE

Fully embracing the neon trend, Nike produced some really cool, vibrant garments which shone brightly under the New York lights. Serena was the only one to display two looks (day&night) and although at the beginning I wasn't totally convinced by the mix of shapes and bold colours, I actually got to like her dress a lot. I find Julia's skirt a bit problematic though with that strange waistband which is not really complementary. However, overall I like these clothes a lot. It is probably the most modern, current collection I saw at the Open.

Colourful Canvas

Laura Robson - AdiZero

Angelique Kerber - AdiZero

Sorana Cirstea - AdiZero

Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero

Fernando Verdasco - AdiZero

Adidas is not falling behing either though, with as they took the wild yellow and tone it down, giving it a sweeter vibe by matching it with the light turquoise.

photos: GETTY IMAGES