Sharapovanovic's Posts - Tennisopolis : Tennis Social Network2024-03-19T12:40:29ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovichttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3139118993?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://tennisopolis.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=0z00gicso5tmo&xn_auth=noThe Architect of Accidents: Gilles Simontag:tennisopolis.com,2010-12-02:1869403:BlogPost:4809612010-12-02T05:55:11.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><img alt="" src="http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/84507843.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF8789215ABF3343C02EA5481A5B8E75B2E1E37F3CD7242996A10752486ECDCEEF756507E30A760B0D811297"></img></span></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><img src="http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/84507843.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF8789215ABF3343C02EA5481A5B8E75B2E1E37F3CD7242996A10752486ECDCEEF756507E30A760B0D811297" alt=""/></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Currently simmering at a plebeian #42, Gilles Simon seeks to rebound in 2011 from an injury-plagued season and reassert his status as a threat to the ATP elite. In response to a request from one of our readers, we discuss the Frenchman’s principal achievements thus far, trace the symptoms of his recent struggles, and outline several reasons to watch his deceptively understated game.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">While Simon first signaled his rise with a victory over reigning Australian Open champion Djokovic at the 2008 Marseille tournament, his crucial breakthrough emerged with his implausible upset of Federer at the Rogers Cup that summer. Despite the immense disappointment of losing the immortal Wimbledon final that year, the world #1 began that match in scintillating style and almost effortlessly romped through the first four games. The first set grew more competitive towards its close, yet this development initially seemed more the product of Federer’s boredom than Simon’s brilliance. Surely anticipating that a routine straight-sets win awaited, the Swiss suddenly found himself in a gritty baseline battle as the Frenchman launched penetrating groundstrokes from both wings throughout the second set. His relentless pressure eventually exacted a toll upon even this legendary opponent, who suffered a lapse in the twelfth game that Simon swiftly exploited with opportunistic backhands. Now awakened to the peril confronting him, Federer predictably soared into an early lead in the final set, much as he had in the opener. But Simon stubbornly refused to bow to the world #1’s apparent supremacy, extinguishing his chance to collect a (probably terminal) insurance break during a multiple-deuce game on his own serve. Shaken by his challenger’s tenacity, Federer won only one more game afterwards, surrendering his serve at love to culminate an encounter that left most fans speechless as they exited the stadium. On that humid evening in Toronto, Simon demonstrated not only his ball-striking fitness and groundstroke consistency but, more importantly, his bulletproof self-belief against the aristocracy of the ATP. To his credit, he did not rest content with this headline-seizing result, charging within a few points of the final at this significant Masters 1000 event, where he would have faced Nadal.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Denied the opportunity to dethrone both of the top two at the Rogers Cup, Simon collided with new world #1 Nadal at his home Masters tournament in Madrid. Once again, Gilles did not declare his ability to challenge the overwhelming favorite early in the match, dropping a rather routine first set. Just as he did against Federer, though, the Frenchman elevated his intensity midway through the second set and caught his opponent off guard by combining tireless counterpunching with crackling, staccato jolts from an enhanced forehand. When this semifinal edged deep into its fourth hour and ultimately a third-set tiebreak, one expected Nadal’s superior experience in such situations to overcome his bold but relatively untested adversary. After 203 minutes of ruthlessly grinding tennis, however, Simon captured a fourteen-point tiebreak to reach his first Masters 1000 final. Predictably weary at that stage, he nonetheless dragged a scowling Murray into a second-set tiebreak before conceding the battlefield. His appetite for competition not sated by this week, the indefatigable Frenchman slipped into the year-end championships; there, he nearly outlasted defending champion Djokovic in a three-set semifinal, the sort of steely struggle of wills that had come to define his most memorable matches. In the round-robin stage, Simon rallied from a one-set deficit against Federer for the second time in 2008. Asked to describe the encore of what he had called an “accident” in Toronto, the charmingly unassuming Gilles said “a second accident.”</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/84507954.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF8789215ABF3343C02EA54850A04FD723B13EA23CD7242996A107526235E6417EF1434EE30A760B0D811297" alt=""/></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Although 2009 began brightly for Simon, his season soon spiraled into disappointment and stagnation. Reaching his first Slam quarterfinal in Melbourne, he engaged in a spirited battle against eventual champion Nadal that offered the audience far more entertainment than a standard straight-setter. A similarly gallant loss awaited in a Dubai semifinal against Djokovic, which uncannily mirrored their tightly contested meeting at the year-end championships. But then two critical losses in Davis Cup seemed to deflate Simon, who failed to repeat his comfortable victory over Stepanek at the year-end championships. After losing the weekend’s decisive rubber to the fading Czech veteran, the Frenchman also sagged twice against the similarly decaying Ferrero, unlikely to have overcome him when at his 2008 best. When we sat behind Simon at the Rogers Cup this time, we observed how swiftly his once-positive body language decayed into negativity during a tepid straight-sets loss to Tsonga. Curtailing his 2009 campaign, a knee injury incurred at the Paris Indoors hampered him significantly during the first half of 2010. Gilles appeared to have reached his nadir, however, when he won just seven games in three sets against Murray at Wimbledon.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">After that defeat, he gradually rekindled his confidence with a victory over Roddick and a five-set comeback against the dangerous Kohlschreiber at the US Open. Celebrating the birth of his first child soon afterwards, Simon won his first tournament as a father in Metz and then recorded characteristically hard-fought three-set victories over Nalbandian and Davydenko during the indoor hard courts where the Argentine and the Russian generally excel. Surely invigorated by these positive omens, the Frenchman should approach 2011 with renewed vigor. A steady grinder rather than a gaudy shot-maker, he relies upon a consistency that only will improve with a fuller schedule of events, now that his injury lies behind him. Thus, Simon must strike a careful balance between playing too much (risking further injury) or playing too little (not often enough to find a rhythm). As suggested above, moreover, the Frenchman often has proved a slow starter in matches and has needed to rally from one-set deficits more frequently than one might wish; greater efficiency, especially in early rounds, would improve his longevity while leaving him with deeper reserves of energy for crucial matches later in draws.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Probably more compelling in person than on television, Simon displays several admirable traits that reward a trip to an outer court if one has the opportunity to watch him. At the core of his arsenal lies a brisk two-handed backhand, struck with precise timing and excellent disguise that often allows him to catch his opponents flat-footed. Although Simon’s forehand remains less technically reliable, he has shown a similar talent for redirecting the ball on that wing, changing direction after a lengthy cross-court rally with a flat, stinging drive down the line. The Frenchman derives his ball-redirecting skills largely from carefully honed footwork that rarely leaves him out of position. Aiding him in that regard, his compact physique has undermined the evolution of his serve into a reliable weapon, but Gilles has devoted substantial effort to bolstering this relative weakness. Often as valuable as raw physical talent, a conscientious work ethic has enabled Simon to maximize his potential and surpass contemporaries with superior innate athleticism. Even when his game dips below its best, moreover, his trademark tenacity and courage still surface. Late in an underwhelming 2009 campaign, Simon injured his knee during an opening-round clash with Ljubicic at the Paris Indoors. Rather than retiring or limping to a justifiable defeat, he struggled against his seemingly inevitable fate and conquered it in a third-set tiebreak. If Simon does return to the ranks of the ATP elite, that uncommon resilience will supply the foundation for his resurgence.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><img src="http://polarisworldsite.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/gilles_simon_master_series_de_madrid_2008.jpg?w=490" alt=""/></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">As the World Tour Finals recedes into the London fog, Simon and his compatriots travel to Belgrade, where Novak Djokovic and 28,000 equally inhospitable hosts await them. We return shortly to preview the first Davis Cup final in Serbian history.</span></p>Czech Him Out: Tomas Berdychtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-09-26:1869403:BlogPost:4635232010-09-26T09:00:00.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=berdych+federer+wimbledon&iid=9264305" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 106, 128); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(207, 226, 229);"><img src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9264305/sports-news-july-2010/sports-news-july-2010.jpg?size=500&imageId=9264305" width="500" height="342" border="0" class="" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0, 106, 128); border-right-color: rgb(0, 106, 128); border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 106, 128); border-left-color: rgb(0, 106, 128);"/></a></span></p>
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<div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Responding to a pre-US Open request, we discuss this year’s surprise sensation in the ATP. Will the Czech bounce, or is he here to stay? Seven topics concerning the world #7 are explored below…</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">1)</strong> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">What was the turning point?</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Having trudged through years of underachievement, Berdych looked ready to crumble once more when he handed Federer a match point in Miami by missing a routine forehand. After a wry smile, however, Tomas stung a second-serve return into his opponent’s backhand corner, boldly ventured into the forecourt, and lashed a vicious forehand past the scrambling Swiss. Perhaps startled by such unexpected resistance, Federer retreated into passivity during the next two rallies, while Berdych refused to relinquish the initiative. Invigorated by this miracle in Miami, the Czech extended his momentum with inspired performances against Verdasco and Soderling there. When the tour shifted to European clay, he ambushed Murray in Roland Garros before severely challenging Soderling in a five-set semifinal. Perhaps most impressive, however, was his ability to repeat his triumph over Federer at Wimbledon, where he defied the magnitude of the occasion with a dispassionate but relentless determination. These two matches against the Swiss #1 thus bookended Berdych’s mid-career metamorphosis.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2)</strong> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Will he regress?</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">At the midpoint of 2010, Berdych loomed large among the leading candidates for the US Open title. On the slick hard courts that he should relish, though, the Czech bounced ignominiously in a first-round loss to the charismatic Llodra. Almost as concerning was his loss to Federer at the Rogers Cup, during which he served for the match and stood two points from victory on five different occasions. In stark contrast to the Miami miracle, Berdych allowed the Swiss legend to control most critical rallies, while his shot selection grew increasingly tentative. Dropping vital Davis Cup rubbers to Tipsarevic and Djokovic last weekend, Tomas again revealed mental frailty under pressure by donating untimely miscues and failing to exploit numerous opportunities. Nevertheless, the surge from Miami through Wimbledon occurred on three different surfaces against a variety of opponents, so it seems unlikely to become an anomaly. More probable is the inference that Berdych merely needs a few months to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere in which he now finds himself.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">3)</strong> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Is he a better best-of-three or best-of-five player?</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Visibly weary towards the end of his five-set Roland Garros semifinal, Berdych won only one five-setter during his two Slam breakthroughs this summer. Efficiently dispatching his first five Roland Garros adversaries in straight sets, he faltered temporarily against the unimposing duo of Denis Istomin and Daniel Brands at Wimbledon. Not always the most focused competitor, the Czech can escape attention lapses more readily in a five-setter than a three-setter. Yet the elevated focus demanded by the compressed format may spur him to perform at a higher level rather than lackadaisically allowing an overmatched opponent to outstay his welcome. On the other hand, Berdych sometimes starts sluggishly before finding his range, and the best-of-five structure offers him more time to recover from such situations. If he grows accustomed to deep Slam runs, his mental and physical endurance probably will rise, so the issue of his intermittent focus may eventually fade from relevance.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">4)</strong> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Is he an all-surface threat?</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Among the most impressive features of the Czech’s spring surge was his ability to translate his momentum from hard courts to clay to grass, rare among the sport’s elite. At Roland Garros, the Czech profits from the additional time to plant his feet before unleashing his groundstrokes, which possess more than sufficient sting to penetrate even the slowest surface. Although one might expect Wimbledon to expose his inconsistency at the net, the grass has grown steadily slower and rewarded aggressive baseliners as much as net-rushers. Meanwhile, the low bounce there hampers a player of his height as much as the high bounce at the French Open assists him. But the serve remains vital and points remain short at the All England Club, two characteristics that favored Berdych during his stirring run to the final. But the Czech’s early loss at the US Open especially puzzles because hard courts should continue to prove his friendliest setting. Having honed a largely programmatic style, he will relish the regular bounces and controlled conditions of the tour’s dominant surface, which provide a predictability distinct from the vagaries of clay and grass.</span></p>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">5)</strong> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">How does he match up to the top players?</strong></span></span></div>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;">Equipped to trade baseline blows with anyone, Berdych should regularly trouble fellow juggernauts Soderling and Del Potro, who share his principal strengths and limitations. Illustrated by his three matches with Federer this summer, the aging Swiss struggles to cope with the Czech’s massive first-strike power on a day when he falls short of his majestic best; those days will only become more frequent as Federer’s career wanes (together with his consistency). Despite a resounding victory over Djokovic at Wimbledon, Berdych matches up less effectively with the Serb, who possesses a less reliable serve but a superior backhand and more fluid movement. Similar issues should arise against Murray, although the Scot’s tendency towards passivity will provide Tomas with more opportunities to command points from the baseline. Like most of his contemporaries, Berdych faces his sternest test against the world #1. Armed with far greater versatility, Nadal not only outwitted but often outslugged the Czech in their one-sided Wimbledon final, and the Spaniard’s enhanced serve has negated the sole advantage that Berdych formerly held over him. In order to take another step forward, Berdych literally should take a few steps forward and refine his net skills, thus separating himself from his baseline-bound peers.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">6)</strong> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">How long can he contend?</strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;">Boyish in appearance and manner, Berdych has accumulated more years on the ATP than one might suppose. Like his stylistic cousin Soderling, he fulfilled his potential later than most of his colleagues and thus faces a more constricted time window in which to achieve his goals. That knowledge should infuse him with a sense of urgency during the next few years. On the other hand, the Czech hasn’t accumulated any significant injuries, and a leg issue early in the clay season failed to forestall his Roland Garros heroics. Relying on an explosive serve and forehand, he should enjoy greater durability than the ATP’s movement-based counterpunchers. The enigmatic Berdych has seemed to struggle with motivation periodically, however, so his results may tumble dramatically once his career starts to fade, and success requires more intense effort. Still less confident than the top five, the world #7 must construct a firmer barrier to psychologically insulate himself from adversity. To be sure, the victories over Federer augured well in this regard, but the late summer undercut that evidence. What will the fall portend?</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">7)</strong> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">What should he seek to accomplish in 2011?</strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;">Two more Slam semifinals would convincingly establish the Czech among the ATP elite, as would a Masters 1000 title or a pair of finals. While winning a major certainly would dazzle, Berdych should strive to enhance his consistency at Slams and Masters 1000 tournaments. In addition to improving his ranking, steadier results would enable him to shed his reputation for streakiness, upon which opponents have often relied. Since he can threaten anyone except (arguably) Nadal, Berdych doesn’t depend upon the whims of a draw. In fact, a more arduous draw can benefit him by preventing him from settling into complacency, a standard ingredient in upset recipes. The clearest measure of Berdych’s maturation into a consistent contender will emerge not just from his ability to sporadically ambush Federer or Djokovic but also from his ability to regularly withstand Llodra, Tipsarevic, Baghdatis, and similarly opportunistic challengers.</p>
<br/></div>Back to Business: WTA Cincinnati / ATP Toronto Previewstag:tennisopolis.com,2010-08-11:1869403:BlogPost:4354022010-08-11T06:12:47.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">Returning from our two-week “WTA vacation,” we were delighted to see that many…</span></em></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">Returning from our two-week “WTA vacation,” we were delighted to see that many of you were eagerly anticipating our next entry. Yet we were even more delighted to see that the Serbian Sleeping Beauty awakened in Cincinnati to overcome a recently revived Azarenka in a memorable three-set collision. Forcing herself to remain positive after a lackluster first set, Ivanovic steadied her emotions and mentally outlasted the blazing-tempered Belarussian, who twice failed to serve out the match. Two points from defeat on three different occasions, Ana somehow found the inner steeliness necessary to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The Serb’s confidence surely will soar after winning the type of closely contested encounter that she had been losing all too frequently. We hope that she can capitalize upon her triumph to profit from a second half during which she will have little to lose and much to gain in the rankings. Meanwhile, though, we head back to the business of bracketology with a somewhat tardy analysis of the draws at the WTA Cincinnati and ATP Toronto events.</span></em></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: italic;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Toronto:</span></em></strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">First quarter:</strong> Following the premature demises of Cilic and Roddick, Nadal’s path to the semifinals suddenly yawns open before him. His only potential seeded opponent is Querrey, who won the LA tournament from Murray but so far has fallen a little short in his meetings with the Spaniard. Moreover, the four-time titlist this year may be fatigued from his recent heroics; the unheralded Michael Russell managed to extend him into a third set on Tuesday. With a reinvigorated, freshly treated pair of knees, Nadal should be able to wear down Wawrinka with minimal ado before confronting the American. If he progresses past Querrey to the final eight, he shouldn’t be excessively challenged by the likes of Troicki or Lu, credible all-court players without the physicality, groundstroke depth, or relentless focus vital to conquering the world #1. Although Querrey possesses the groundstroke depth, he remains lacking in the other departments despite maturing steadily this year. (Interesting fact: a Nadal-Querrey meeting would feature the two players who have won more titles in 2010 than anyone else in the ATP.)</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Semifinalist: Nadal</strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Second quarter:</strong> Question marks hover ominously above the two main<em style="font-style: italic;">dramatis personae</em> in this section; Murray must adjust to his separation from coach Miles Maclagan, while Soderling withdrew from Washington for “personal reasons” and only narrowly withstood the weapons of Gulbis in his opener. Lurking in the shadows is the Washington champion, David Nalbandian, who is riding a nine-match winning streak that started with Davis Cup and who already has dispatched the ever-tenacious Ferrer. The third-round duel between the Argentine and the Swede should enthrall, as should the encounter between Murray and Monfils. Flamboyant, enigmatic, and notoriously unreliable, Nalbandian has developed a habit of alternating prolonged surges with prolonged slides, and he’s in the midst of a surge at the moment. When one ventures out on a limb to expect something from him, he generally cuts the limb down himself. Nevertheless, the current uncertainty surrounding Murray and Soderling persuades us to perch out there anyway.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Semifinalist: Nalbandian</strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4;">Go to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(94, 94, 94); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://sharapovanovic.com">http://sharapovanovic.com</a></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(94, 94, 94); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; font-size: 13px;">to read more of this double preview!</span></p>Two Sports in One? Tennis Live vs. on TVtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-26:1869403:BlogPost:4270002010-07-26T21:29:12.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=sharapova+stanford&iid=5707232" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="" height="327" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/5707232/bank-the-west-classic-day/bank-the-west-classic-day.jpg?size=500&imageId=5707232" width="500"></img></a></p>
<p>After a prolonged sojourn in Europe, live tennis returns to California with tournaments in Stanford and San Diego. While we prepare to visit those consecutive events, we reflect upon a few of the most striking differences between the spectator experience on TV and at the venue. Be aware that these comments are highly subjective, so a different observer might leave a…</p>
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=sharapova+stanford&iid=5707232" target="_blank"><img class="" border="0" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/5707232/bank-the-west-classic-day/bank-the-west-classic-day.jpg?size=500&imageId=5707232" width="500" height="327"/></a>
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<p>After a prolonged sojourn in Europe, live tennis returns to California with tournaments in Stanford and San Diego. While we prepare to visit those consecutive events, we reflect upon a few of the most striking differences between the spectator experience on TV and at the venue. Be aware that these comments are highly subjective, so a different observer might leave a tournament with drastically divergent impressions.</p>
<p><strong>1)</strong> <strong>More ebbs and flows / less constant drama:</strong></p>
<p>Saturated with tense close-ups and portentous prattle, television broadcasts often attach excessive significance to each moment as it arrives. To paraphrase Orwell, all points are equal, but some are more equal than others; a 1-2, 40-15 situation doesn’t carry the weight of 4-4, 15-30. When one watches the match live, the peaks and valleys of its rhythm become more apparent, allowing the spectator to recognize the drama of those moments that matter the most. Consequently, the suspense of a set’s climax accumulates more powerfully in person than on television, where announcers and cameramen alike attempt to maintain dramatic intrigue as relentlessly as possible.</p>
<p><strong>2)</strong> <strong>Serves, returns more impressive:</strong></p>
<p>Seated in the comfortable detachment of one’s home, it’s difficult to appreciate just how rapidly the ball travels through the court and what a fast-paced sport tennis actually is. At the stadium, the serve crackles through the court as a near-invisible blur, which in turn underscores the superb reflexes of the game’s finest returners. First-strike tennis sometimes looks all too simple on television, but the live audience better understands the extraordinary degree of focus and timing essential to executing that style effectively. (One caveat: TV replays illustrate a serve’s placement better than anyone in the audience can discern.)</p>
<p><strong>3)</strong> <strong>Court appears smaller:</strong></p>
<p>Hovering above the baseline, television cameras create the impression of a cavernous, vault-like stadium. Yet even the largest venues in tennis, such as Indian Wells, seem rigidly confined in person and emphasize the proximity between the combatants, thus heightening the intensity of this individual competition. As a consequence of the constricted court, one observes more clearly the contrast between conservative north-south baseliners and more audacious angle-creators, whose gambits seem more ambitious than on television.</p>
<p><strong>4)</strong> <strong>Time between points seems longer:</strong></p>
<p>Armed with an arsenal of technological tools, broadcasters relish multifaceted diagrams and charts that illuminate every statistical dimension of the sport. Although this information certainly fascinates and dazzles, it also saturates the viewer with a ceaseless flow of data to process. At the venue, by contrast, spectators can choose how they fill the time between points rather than finding themselves forced to follow the specific narrative presented to them. Moreover, the absence of the seemingly obligatory post-rally replay breaks the continuous action loop created by television and encourages audiences to perceive the sport as an alternation between intense action and tranquil contemplation.</p>
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<p>Since we will attend the WTA events in California over the coming fortnight, we won’t be posting any articles of our own during that span. Nevertheless, our Spanish friend Alvaro Rama plans to contribute here with a profile on rising German star Andrea Petkovic, which probably will be released around next weekend. Alvaro currently doesn’t operate a blog, but you will agree with us that he should enter the blogging world after you read his insights!</p>
<p></p>Standing Tall: John Isnertag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-23:1869403:BlogPost:4258792010-07-23T02:56:58.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
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<div class="post-content"><div class="snap_preview"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=isner+mahut+wimbledon&iid=9207194" target="_blank"><strong><img border="0" class="" height="750" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9207194/john-isner-usa-during-his/john-isner-usa-during-his.jpg?size=500&imageId=9207194" width="500"></img></strong></a>
<p>For this latest article in our series of player profiles, we have chosen a different format from the “five strength, five weakness” structure that we previously favored. Discussing the towering American, we address eight key questions…</p>
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<p>For this latest article in our series of player profiles, we have chosen a different format from the “five strength, five weakness” structure that we previously favored. Discussing the towering American, we address eight key questions concerning his past, present, and future:</p>
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<p><strong>1)</strong> <strong>What did we learn from the Marathon Match against Mahut?</strong></p>
<p>From a strictly technical and tactical perspective, the match unfolded more or less as one would have imagined. Few observers would have been surprised either by Isner’s ability to hold serve repeatedly against an indifferent returner or by his inability to break serve, considering his mediocre return. Yet the remarkable and encouraging lesson from “70-68” was the fortitude and bulldog-like resolve that the American demonstrated by refusing to abandon the struggle even after it reached surreal proportions. Just as valuable as his serve, this mental trait augurs well for his future in the tour’s most significant events and in his matches against marquee opponents. Still winless against the ATP top 5, Isner displayed the sort of courage that he will need in order to break through against them.</p>
<p><strong>2)</strong> <strong>What effect will that match have upon his career?</strong></p>
<p>One suspects that no second-round Wimbledon loser has received the degree of attention in which Isner was bathed upon his return, where he even participated in the Letterman Show. Before his next tournament in Atlanta, he claimed to have grown weary of discussing “70-68” already, but he should brace himself for relentless rounds of questions on it throughout the summer. Although this early taste of celebrity could erode the focus of a less mature player, we suspect that Isner won’t permit himself to be derailed. Instead, he likely will reflect upon this match as proof that no mission is impossible, reinforcing his already sturdy work ethic. During those eleven hours, he earned himself fresh legions of fans throughout the world, and their support will bolster this player who clearly benefits from an encouraging crowd.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/25jxldm"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading about the American Marathon Man!<br/></p>5(+1) Plotlines to Ponder: US Open Series Editiontag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-20:1869403:BlogPost:4249812010-07-20T06:30:00.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
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<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=del+potro+us+open&iid=6484190" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/6484190/open-champion-juan-martin/open-champion-juan-martin.jpg?size=500&imageId=6484190" width="500"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline"><span style="DISPLAY: inline">Spearheaded by American #1 Roddick, the fledgling Atlanta event initiates the US Open Series today. Similar to the “Road to Roland Garros,” these eleven tournaments (six ATP, five WTA) attempt to serve the dual purpose of affording players ample preparation for the…</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=del+potro+us+open&iid=6484190" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/6484190/open-champion-juan-martin/open-champion-juan-martin.jpg?size=500&imageId=6484190" width="500" height="333"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline"><span style="DISPLAY: inline">Spearheaded by American #1 Roddick, the fledgling Atlanta event initiates the US Open Series today. Similar to the “Road to Roland Garros,” these eleven tournaments (six ATP, five WTA) attempt to serve the dual purpose of affording players ample preparation for the year’s final major while creating a crescendo of enthusiasm among the sport’s followers. Despite the attendant pomp and circumstance, the USOS often falls a bit short of its lofty designation as “the greatest roadtrip in sports,” especially in comparison with its momentous clay counterpart. Yet these events do play a pivotal role in the calendar as the threshold to the season’s second half, which frequently offers a jarringly divergent set of narratives from the first half. We present five potential plotlines for the 2010 edition.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline"><strong>1a) Can the ATP top two extend their momentum?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline">After an indifferent beginning to 2010, vultures were circling around the Spaniard and the Serb as commentators queried whether either of them could recapitulate their 2008 peaks. First to awaken was Nadal, whose literally perfect clay season foreshadowed his second career Channel Slam. Still slumbering on much of the <em>terre battue</em>, Djokovic reinvigorated himself with a Wimbledon semifinal run that once again illustrated his stylish, multifaceted all-court style. So will Rafa dominate the hard courts as he did the clay and grass, and will Novak justify his elevated ranking over the summer? Often weary from first-half exertions, Nadal rarely displays his most brilliant tennis in this phase of the season, whereas Djokovic has garnered his most consistent results at the US Open (three consecutive semifinals). Nevertheless, the world #1 will enter both Masters Series events as the distinct favorite, while the Serb will attract far less attention than a typical #2; such a role might benefit the easily diverted Djokovic, though, allowing him to focus upon forehands and backhands. <em>[Some sources suggest that Nadal will play only one event in the US Open Series, but he has not yet withdrawn from either Canada or Cincinnati.]</em></span></p>
<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline"><strong>1b) Can the next two reverse their momentum?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline">Since a sparkling Melbourne campaign, Federer has suffered a series of prodigious blows on all three surfaces, culminating in an uninspired quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon. To be sure, a similar scenario unfolded two years ago before the Swiss grandmaster rallied to capture three of the next four Slams, so discussions of his demise sound a trifle premature. Yet his mid-season swoon looked much more disquieting this time, for his Slam losses occurred against players whom he had formerly dominated instead of against long-time nemesis Nadal. Inscribed on almost every meaningful page in the sport’s record book, Federer recently has struggled for motivation at Masters Series events and will be vulnerable to any ball-bruising baseliner brimming with confidence. Positively horrific between Melbourne and Wimbledon, meanwhile, Murray must avoid the mental torpor that descended upon him after his previous Slam disappointment. The Scot excelled in Canada and Cincinnati last year but has exited before the semis at all five Masters Series events in 2010.</span></p>
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<p><span style="DISPLAY: inline">Click <a href="http://sharapovanovic.com/">here</a> to continue reading our preview of the US Open Series!</span></p>
<p></p>To Have and Have Not: Ernests Gulbistag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-15:1869403:BlogPost:4228202010-07-15T06:41:15.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>Moving from the WTA to the ATP and from defense to offense, we respond to a pre-Roland Garros request for a profile on the “little Safin,” Ernests Gulbis. After a hideous 2009 campaign, this longtime underachiever finally began chipping into the vast iceberg of his talent during the spring of 2010, when he scored a possibly career-redefining victory over Federer en route to the Rome semifinals. The scion of an affluent Latvian family, Gulbis was named after American author Ernest Hemingway,…</p>
<p>Moving from the WTA to the ATP and from defense to offense, we respond to a pre-Roland Garros request for a profile on the “little Safin,” Ernests Gulbis. After a hideous 2009 campaign, this longtime underachiever finally began chipping into the vast iceberg of his talent during the spring of 2010, when he scored a possibly career-redefining victory over Federer en route to the Rome semifinals. The scion of an affluent Latvian family, Gulbis was named after American author Ernest Hemingway, who entitled one of his minor novels <em>To Have and Have Not</em>. We find the phrase especially apt to characterize this highly individual player, nearly as famous for quips and quirks as for power and precision. Below are outlined five key traits that Ernests has, in addition to five that he has not...</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2c4vx7a"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading this latest article in our series of player profiles!</p>"Pushing" Upward: Caroline Wozniackitag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-12:1869403:BlogPost:4214842010-07-12T04:17:25.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=wozniacki+indian+wells&iid=8337560" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8337560/2010-bnp-paribas-tennis/2010-bnp-paribas-tennis.jpg?size=500&imageId=8337560" width="500"></img></a><br />
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<p>As Spain exchanges the Davis Cup for the World Cup, we shift from our match-oriented analyses to another article in our series of player profiles. Turning 20 today (July 11), Caroline Wozniacki already has embedded her name among the WTA elite, yet the engaging Dane still struggles to shed the label of “pusher.” Employed to characterize counterpunchers with few…</p>
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=wozniacki+indian+wells&iid=8337560" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8337560/2010-bnp-paribas-tennis/2010-bnp-paribas-tennis.jpg?size=500&imageId=8337560" width="500" height="338"/></a><br />
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<p>As Spain exchanges the Davis Cup for the World Cup, we shift from our match-oriented analyses to another article in our series of player profiles. Turning 20 today (July 11), Caroline Wozniacki already has embedded her name among the WTA elite, yet the engaging Dane still struggles to shed the label of “pusher.” Employed to characterize counterpunchers with few offensive weapons, the term overlooks the manifold strengths that the precocious world #3 has developed already as a teenager. We discuss those dimensions in her game as well as areas that she might wish to enhance in order to break through at majors and brand her imprint on tennis history.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2g23pms"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading about five strengths and five flaws in the Dane's game!</p>Clash of Nations: Davis Cup Quarterfinal Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-08:1869403:BlogPost:4206852010-07-08T22:27:10.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>Conventionally considered a second-tier competition populated by mid-level players, the Davis Cup also can be perceived as a theater where those outside the ATP elite can seize a rare chance for immortality. Contrasting with most tournaments in this individual sport, the raucous atmosphere of the national team competition often christens unexpected heroes. Studded with several marquee attractions, though, will the quarterfinals perpetuate or diverge from this pattern?…</p>
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<p>Conventionally considered a second-tier competition populated by mid-level players, the Davis Cup also can be perceived as a theater where those outside the ATP elite can seize a rare chance for immortality. Contrasting with most tournaments in this individual sport, the raucous atmosphere of the national team competition often christens unexpected heroes. Studded with several marquee attractions, though, will the quarterfinals perpetuate or diverge from this pattern?</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=verdasco+davis+cup&iid=7319589" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/7319589/spain-czech-republic-davis/spain-czech-republic-davis.jpg?size=500&imageId=7319589" width="500" height="351"/></a>
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<p><strong>France vs. Spain</strong>: Surely thrilled not to see the Wizard of Wimbledon and Ruler of Roland Garros (aka Nadal), the French will be disappointed to contest this tie without the services of fast-court specialist Tsonga. Likely to rise to the occasion is Gael <strong>Monfils</strong>, who delighted his compatriots last year by reaching the final of the Paris Indoors. Yet one never knows precisely what to expect from the mercurial “La Monf,” who exited prematurely at the last two majors while his first-rubber opponent, <strong>David Ferrer</strong>, excelled even on his worst surface. Surging within a set of the Wimbledon quarterfinals, the second Spanish singles player has thrived in Davis Cup and can be expected to deliver as sturdy an effort as possible despite the fast indoor court. This first rubber must be claimed by the home nation, for the visitors will be heavily favored to win the <strong>Verdasco-Llodra</strong> clash that follows it. Although the left-handed Llodra did claim the Eastbourne title before testing Roddick at Wimbledon, Fernando will relish the surface speed and enjoys a far more imposing arsenal of weapons than his opponent.</p>
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<p>Somewhat unusually in Davis Cup, the doubles match will oppose two teams who often compete together at ATP events (<strong>Benneteau/Llodra</strong> vs. <strong>Verdasco/Lopez</strong>) , so one should expect a hotly contested match at the pivot point of the weekend. If France can secure the 2-1 lead, the hosts will head into the reverse singles with a vital boost of confidence, but Spain’s greater experience in crucial Davis Cup ties must provide them with a slight edge. One of the key factors in the tie will be Verdasco’s ability to win three best-of-five matches in three days (albeit one in doubles), a feat that he nearly performed last year against Germany. Potentially tasked with closing out the tie against Monfils in the fourth rubber, the highest-ranked Spaniard outside Nadal generally responds with aplomb to the demands of Davis Cup. In the 2008 final, he scored the clinching victory over Argentina’s Jose Acasuso after a poorly played but suspenseful five-setter. Since Ferrer will struggle to win either of his singles rubbers, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Spanish captain Albert Costa substitute the superior fast-court player <strong>Almagro</strong> for him in the fifth rubber should it prove decisive. It probably won’t, for the Spanish team’s far superior teamwork and shared experience should prevail over their flaky trans-Pyrenean rivals. <strong>Spain, 70-30.</strong></p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2vdde3g"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading our preview of the remaining ties!<br/></p>Five to Frame: Top Five ATP / Top Five WTA Matches of the First Halftag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-08:1869403:BlogPost:4206702010-07-08T22:04:11.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><h1 class="post-title" id="post-884"><font size="2">Three of the four Slams complete, we’re precisely halfway through the 2010 tennis season, so it’s time to reflect upon the most momentous and meaningful achievements of the first half. We count down the top five on both the men’s and women’s sides, not all of which went to a final-set tiebreak (although a few did) but all of which were laden with meaning for the second half of 2010…</font></h1>
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<div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><h1 id="post-884" class="post-title"><font size="2">Three of the four Slams complete, we’re precisely halfway through the 2010 tennis season, so it’s time to reflect upon the most momentous and meaningful achievements of the first half. We count down the top five on both the men’s and women’s sides, not all of which went to a final-set tiebreak (although a few did) but all of which were laden with meaning for the second half of 2010 and beyond.</font></h1>
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<div class="post-content"><div class="snap_preview"><p><font size="2"><strong>5) Djokovic d. Isner (Davis Cup, 1<sup>st</sup> round, 4<sup>th</sup> rubber):</strong> In the midst of a desultory spring, Djokovic delivered a stirring melodrama in five parts before a fervent Belgrade audience and frenzied family, whose soccer-style vibe clashes with some tournaments but meshes smoothly</font> with Davis Cup. As the visiting villain, Isner performed more convincingly than anyone could have expected for his debut with Team USA. Littered with jagged plot twists, the match ebbed and flowed from one determined competitor to the other, infusing this often moribund competition with renewed energy and relevance.</p>
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=tsonga+almagro+australian+open&iid=7652758" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/7652758/australia-melbourne-tennis/australia-melbourne-tennis.jpg?size=500&imageId=7652758" width="500" height="336"/></a> <br />
<p><strong>4) Tsonga d. Almagro (Australian Open, 4th round):</strong> The men’s tournament in Melbourne was rife with spectacular first-week epics such as Youzhny-Gasquet, Blake-Del Potro, Del Potro-Cilic, and Roddick-Gonzalez. But this marathon five-setter climbed above the rest as a result of its steadily escalating intensity, for each brilliant shotmaker forced the other further into the realm of implausibility during its final stages. Generally more focused upon the journey than the destination, both Tsonga and Almagro shine most brightly in such moments, while their cordial post-match greeting shone just as brightly for those who appreciate classiness on court.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2aapy93"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading our countdown of the first half highlights!</p>
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<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=nadal+serena+wimbledon&iid=9290173" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9290173/wimbledon-championships/wimbledon-championships.jpg?size=500&imageId=9290173" width="500"></img></a></p>
<p>Standing head and shoulders above their respective challengers (figuratively in Nadal’s case), the two #1s asserted their authority with emphatic victories in Wimbledon’s final weekend. As the victors bask in the glow of their well-deserved triumphs, we present report cards for the principal contenders as well as those who surprised us, for better or for worse.…</p>
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=nadal+serena+wimbledon&iid=9290173" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9290173/wimbledon-championships/wimbledon-championships.jpg?size=500&imageId=9290173" width="500" height="347"/></a>
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<p>Standing head and shoulders above their respective challengers (figuratively in Nadal’s case), the two #1s asserted their authority with emphatic victories in Wimbledon’s final weekend. As the victors bask in the glow of their well-deserved triumphs, we present report cards for the principal contenders as well as those who surprised us, for better or for worse. Brace yourselves for a lengthy but hopefully entertaining read.</p>
<p><strong><em>A:</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Nadal</strong>: For the third consecutive year, the men’s tour witnessed a Channel Slam as the same player swept Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but this feat may become commonplace considering Nadal’s dominance at both venues. Especially important to his legacy are his non-clay majors, which cement his reputation as a magnificent all-surface player and eventually will incorporate him in the GOAT debate if he remains healthy. Also significant were his straight-sets triumphs over ball-bruising behemoths in the last two Slam finals, for the style of Soderling and Berdych will characterize most of the opponents whom he must vanquish in the later rounds of majors. Finally, we saw Nadal outside the stifling context of his evaporating rivalry with Federer, the narrative of which often cast him as the foil to the Swiss legend’s majesty, an upstart who courageously sought to dethrone the king. Now Rafa reigns supreme, fortified in the #1 ranking for the foreseeable future and ideally positioned to pursue the elusive career Slam at the US Open.</p>
<p><strong>Serena</strong>: “Dependable” and “steady” might not be the first words that spring to mind when describing the flamboyant Serena, yet they accurately evoke the order and continuity that she has brought to the mercurial WTA. While Belgians bomb, Russians reel, and a sister sinks, the world #1 fires ace after ace, makes top-50 players look like practice partners, and wins virtually at will. During her seven victories here, she lost her serve just three times and faced ten total break points (none in the final); only once, against Sharapova, was the American in any real danger of losing so much as a set. Having won five of the last six non-clay majors, Serena will enter the US Open as the clear favorite to record a 14<sup>th</sup> major. We’ll be curious to see whether she ends her career with more Slams than Federer.</p>
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=berdych+wimbledon&iid=9289552" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9289552/sports-news-july-2010/sports-news-july-2010.jpg?size=500&imageId=9289552" width="500" height="400"/></a> </p>
<p><strong>Berdych</strong>: Proving that Miami was no accident, the enigmatic Czech appears to have solved his own riddle and finally assembled his mighty game, which for so long was less than the sum of its parts. At the core of his last two Slam performances was his vastly improved confidence, which carried him past the six-time champion in a quarterfinal that offered multiple opportunities to falter. In future majors, he’ll want to take care of business more efficiently in the first week, during which he played a five-setter against Istomin and a four-setter against Brands. But his achievements in the most pressure-laden environment of all demonstrated that he’s ready to breathe the rarefied air at the top of the game. With few points to defend on the American hard courts, his ranking should keep rising.</p>
<p><strong>Zvonareva</strong>: She didn’t hold the Venus Rosewater Dish on Saturday, but in a personal sense Zvonareva achieved even more than did Serena during this fortnight. Whereas we’ve accustomed ourselves to the younger Williams sister delivering such performances, the rebirth of this volatile Russian as a mature competitor should have elated the WTA. Armed with a complete arsenal of weapons and an excellent tennis IQ, Zvonareva should build upon this tournament as Berdych built upon his Miami breakthrough. Even in the final, she competed courageously rather than folding as have so many of Serena’s craven foes, while her two previous matches featured n uncharacteristically sturdy comebacks by a player formerly most famous for her meltdowns. It’s a pleasure to see the prettiest pair of eyes in women’s tennis sparkling with joy rather than brimming with tears.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/25ovs5t"><strong>here</strong></a> to read the rest of this Wimbledon recap!</p>Fields of Glory (XIII): Wimbledon Day 13 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-04:1869403:BlogPost:4193112010-07-04T03:18:00.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><h1 class="post-title" id="post-867">Fields of Glory (XIII): Wimbledon Day 13 Preview</h1>
<p class="post-metadata">July 3, 2010 in <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/news/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in News"><font color="#006A80">News</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/predictions/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Predictions"><font color="#006A80">Predictions</font></a>,…</p>
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<div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><h1 id="post-867" class="post-title">Fields of Glory (XIII): Wimbledon Day 13 Preview</h1>
<p class="post-metadata">July 3, 2010 in <a title="View all posts in News" href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/news/" rel="category tag"><font color="#006A80">News</font></a>, <a title="View all posts in Predictions" href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/predictions/" rel="category tag"><font color="#006A80">Predictions</font></a>, <a title="View all posts in Previews" href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/previews/" rel="category tag"><font color="#006A80">Previews</font></a>, <a title="View all posts in Tournament Analysis" href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/tournament-analysis/" rel="category tag"><font color="#006A80">Tournament Analysis</font></a>, <a title="View all posts in Tournament News" href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/tournament-news/" rel="category tag"><font color="#006A80">Tournament News</font></a> | Tags: <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/all-england-club/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">All England Club</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/atp/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">ATP</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/day-13/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">Day 13</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/mens-final/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">Men's Final</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/rafael-nadal/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">Rafael Nadal</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/tomas-berdych/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">Tomas Berdych</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/vera-zvonareva/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">Vera Zvonareva</font></a>, <a href="http://en.wordpress.com/tag/wimbledon/" rel="tag"><font color="#006A80">Wimbledon</font></a> (<a class="post-edit-link" title="Edit Post" href="http://sharapovanovic.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=867&action=edit"><font color="#006A80">Edit</font></a>)</p>
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<div class="post-content"><div class="snap_preview"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=zvonareva+wimbledon&iid=9281537" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9281537/britain-london-tennis/britain-london-tennis.jpg?size=500&imageId=9281537" width="500" height="393"/></a>
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<p>For a second straight day, a first-time Slam finalist targets perhaps the most coveted prize in the sport; can Tomas Berdych succeed where Vera Zvonareva failed? Confronted with a similar conundrum of tackling the world #1 (although not the top seed in his case), the rising Czech shares the Russian’s reputation as a former mental midget who recently has surmounted emotional foibles to unlock previously unexploited potential. In a more relevant sense, though, Berdych differs dramatically from the 2010 ladies’ runner-up, whose serving and shot-making abilities fell far short of those displayed by her opponent. Superior to Nadal in serving and at least equal in shot-making, the nemesis of Federer and Djokovic possesses a game much more aligned with grass-court tennis than Zvonareva’s style. Also unlike his Russian counterpart, the Czech has resoundingly proclaimed his right to play for the title by defeating two of the top three players in the world here, including the six-time champion. Nevertheless, he has lost his last six meetings and last fourteen sets against the Spaniard, who ousted him from the All England Club three years ago. The three wins that Berdych did score over Nadal occurred on hard courts in 2005 and 2006, when Rafa remained well below his scintillating best on what is still his least comfortable surface.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2f49ad7"><strong>here</strong></a> to read a detailed preview of the Wimbledon men's final!</p>
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<div id="content"><div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><div class="snap_preview"><h1 class="post-title" id="post-861"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=nadal+murray+wimbledon&iid=9274784" target="_blank"><font size="2"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9274784/rafael-nadal/rafael-nadal.jpg?size=500&imageId=9274784" width="500"></img></font></a>
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<p><font size="2">After four high-quality but largely straightforward semifinals, the two Wimbledon singles finals present remarkably similar narratives. Both matches oppose a world #1 and former…</font></p>
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<div id="content"><div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><div class="snap_preview"><h1 id="post-861" class="post-title"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=nadal+murray+wimbledon&iid=9274784" target="_blank"><font size="2"><img border="0" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9274784/rafael-nadal/rafael-nadal.jpg?size=500&imageId=9274784" width="500" height="393"/></font></a>
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<p><font size="2">After four high-quality but largely straightforward semifinals, the two Wimbledon singles finals present remarkably similar narratives. Both matches oppose a world #1 and former champion against a challenger from outside the top 10 whose exertions here will carry them into that elite group in next week’s rankings. Although the two top dogs will be heavily favored to reclaim the Wimbledon crowns this weekend, their two adversaries enjoy a more than negligible chance to achieve an upset to remember. We discuss the women’s final today before returning to outline the men’s final tomorrow…</font></p>
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<p><font size="2">Click</font> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2f988q8"><font size="2">here</font></a> <font size="2">to read the Serena-Zvonareva preview!</font></p>
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</div>Fields of Glory (XI): Wimbledon Day 11 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-02:1869403:BlogPost:4181312010-07-02T05:56:11.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=serena+williams+wimbledon&iid=9268135" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="401" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9268135/sports-news-july-2010/sports-news-july-2010.jpg?size=500&imageId=9268135" width="500"></img></a><br />
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<p>For once, form held in the women’s tournament as the two seeded players expelled their unseeded challengers from these fabled lawns (not without considerable effort, to be sure). Will the upset genie now shift to the men’s tournament, where a pair of mini-upsets look somewhat plausible? We explore the less than insurmountable tasks confronting each underdog as they…</p>
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=serena+williams+wimbledon&iid=9268135" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9268135/sports-news-july-2010/sports-news-july-2010.jpg?size=500&imageId=9268135" width="500" height="401"/></a><br />
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<p>For once, form held in the women’s tournament as the two seeded players expelled their unseeded challengers from these fabled lawns (not without considerable effort, to be sure). Will the upset genie now shift to the men’s tournament, where a pair of mini-upsets look somewhat plausible? We explore the less than insurmountable tasks confronting each underdog as they collide with the two players who will tower above the ATP rankings next Monday.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2vx369p"><strong>here</strong></a> to read detailed previews of both men's semifinals at Wimbledon!</p>Fields of Glory (X): Wimbledon Day 10 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-07-01:1869403:BlogPost:4152602010-07-01T06:54:44.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=zvonareva+wimbledon&iid=9257161" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="701" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9257161/vera-zvonareva-rus-during/vera-zvonareva-rus-during.jpg?size=500&imageId=9257161" width="500"></img></a><br />
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<p><strong>Zvonareva (21) vs. Pironkova</strong>: Amidst widespread reports of Russia’s demise as the dominant WTA power, Zvonareva has bravely upheld her nation’s honor by reaching the semifinals in both singles and doubles. This unexpected heroine demonstrated uncharacteristic mental tenacity by rebounding from adversity more than once in her quarterfinal victory over…</p>
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=zvonareva+wimbledon&iid=9257161" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9257161/vera-zvonareva-rus-during/vera-zvonareva-rus-during.jpg?size=500&imageId=9257161" width="500" height="701"/></a><br />
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<p><strong>Zvonareva (21) vs. Pironkova</strong>: Amidst widespread reports of Russia’s demise as the dominant WTA power, Zvonareva has bravely upheld her nation’s honor by reaching the semifinals in both singles and doubles. This unexpected heroine demonstrated uncharacteristic mental tenacity by rebounding from adversity more than once in her quarterfinal victory over Clijsters. Hampered by untimely net cords as she failed to serve out the second set, Zvonareva contained her disappointment and broke the Belgian a game later. In the third set, however, the eighth seed conveniently dropped her own serve rather than compelling the Russian to serve out the match, so one remains unaware of how she would have responded to that ultimate challenge. Unfailingly positive and poised throughout her absurdly one-sided win over Venus, Pironkova looked like a much more mature, experienced player than the trembling cannon fodder who offered no resistance whatever against Sharapova at last year’s US Open. Remarkably, she looked as though she expected to win and showed barely a flicker of nerves even as the finish line approached. Earning break points in all but two of the second seed’s games, the world #82 returned overhead after overhead, swing volley after swing volley with improbable retrievals; Zvonareva must prepare to win the point two or even three times instead of assuming that one penetrating groundstroke will suffice. Pironkova’s knack for placing balls in awkward locations thus proved startlingly effective on a surface where defense traditionally has reaped few rewards.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2am3hvn"><strong>here</strong></a> to read more about Zvonareva-Pironkova and Serena-Kvitova, plus a brief thought on Federer's loss and a discussion on what this bizarre semifinal lineup tells us about the current state of the WTA.<br/></p>Fields of Glory (IX): Wimbledon Day 9 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-30:1869403:BlogPost:4150362010-06-30T10:01:39.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><h1 class="post-title" id="post-844"></h1>
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<div class="post-content"><div class="snap_preview"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=berdych+wimbledon&iid=9246463" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9246463/tomas-berdych-the-czech/tomas-berdych-the-czech.jpg?size=500&imageId=9246463" width="500"></img></a><p><strong>Federer (1) vs. Berdych (12)</strong>: Far from flawless in his first two rounds, Federer rediscovered his range during the next two matches and has dropped just 16 games in his last 6 sets. Having fallen to a…</p>
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<p><strong>Federer (1) vs. Berdych (12)</strong>: Far from flawless in his first two rounds, Federer rediscovered his range during the next two matches and has dropped just 16 games in his last 6 sets. Having fallen to a mighty slugger in his last Slam quarterfinal, Federer will find himself forced to solve the similar, slightly less formidable conundrum posed by his recent Miami nemesis. Surging to his first career Slam semifinal at Roland Garros, Berdych enjoys a reasonable chance to match that accomplishment if Federer reverts to his early-tournament malaise rather than rising to the occasion as he typically does in the second week. The Czech has progressed to this stage only slightly more compellingly than the top seed, for he dropped three sets in his past two matches against the anonymous Denis Istomin and Daniel Brands. Whereas the defending champion’s form has steadily accelerated, therefore, his challenger’s form has dropped a bit. Also in Federer’s favor is the best-of-five format, which allows him the time to rebound from an indifferent start while also providing his opponents greater opportunity to ponder the magnitude of a potential upset. Almost as relevant to this clash as the Miami meeting this year, their 2009 Australian Open encounter witnessed the Swiss star’s stirring comeback from a two-set deficit; after dominating Federer in those first two sets, Berdych sharply declined thereafter as a result of mental insecurities and his inferior fitness. Although the fitness remains an issue, the mental insecurities may no longer hamper Berdych, since his remarkable results in Miami and Paris appear to have silenced his inner demons. (Or are they only temporarily silenced? We might find out.) The early stages of this match will be crucial for the Czech in order for him to implant doubts in the defending champion’s mind, a bit more frail in 2010 than in preceding years. Much more adept at the net than his challenger, Federer should attempt to drag Berdych forward in uncomfortable circumstances while fearlessly venturing into the forecourt himself whenever an opportunity arises. If Berdych can protect his serve and force Federer into tiebreaks, the top seed might well blink. But he must slam the door as soon as possible before the Swiss can catch his balance. Otherwise, the next Slam semifinal streak starts here. <strong>Federer, 60-40.</strong></p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2w64ozm"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading previews of the scintillating men's quarterfinals at Wimbledon!</p>Fields of Glory (VIII); Wimbledon Day 8 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-29:1869403:BlogPost:4147082010-06-29T08:36:33.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><h1 class="post-title" id="post-839"><strong><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=zvonareva+wimbledon&iid=9212970" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9212970/russia-vera-zvonareva-hits/russia-vera-zvonareva-hits.jpg?size=500&imageId=9212970" width="500"></img></a></strong></h1>
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<div class="post-content"><div class="snap_preview"><p><strong>Clijsters (8) vs. Zvonareva (21)</strong>: Who would have guessed that Zvonareva would be the last Russian standing at Wimbledon? While Kim has won all five of their previous meetings,…</p>
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<div id="primary"><div class="entry"><div class="post-meta"><h1 id="post-839" class="post-title"><strong><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=zvonareva+wimbledon&iid=9212970" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9212970/russia-vera-zvonareva-hits/russia-vera-zvonareva-hits.jpg?size=500&imageId=9212970" width="500" height="348"/></a> </strong></h1>
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<div class="post-content"><div class="snap_preview"><p><strong>Clijsters (8) vs. Zvonareva (21)</strong>: Who would have guessed that Zvonareva would be the last Russian standing at Wimbledon? While Kim has won all five of their previous meetings, including a 2006 first-round clash here, Vera has extended their last two clashes to three sets and has showcased unexpectedly compelling tennis this fortnight. Despite the pressure inherent to her exalted surroundings, Zvonareva hasn’t dropped a set in four matches here while restraining her infamous temper. Unaccustomed to playing on Centre Court, however, she might enter the match a little tentative, which could allow Clijsters to establish an early lead. Rallying from a one-set deficit against her archrival on Monday, the Belgian either will charge forward with the momentum acquired from overcoming Henin or will suffer an emotional hangover from the relief of reversing Justine’s dominance over her on major stages. At Miami, an emotionally fraught semifinal triumph against her compatriot preceded a highly capable performance in the final. “Highly capable” should suffice to vanquish Zvonareva, who can equal Clijsters from both the service notch and the baseline but not above the neckline. Since neither player wins quantities of free points on their serve, engaging rallies should develop that showcase the balanced groundstroke arsenals and crisp footwork of these competitors. If one feels rather jaded by the abbreviated points and spasmodic rhythm of conventional grass-court tennis, therefore, this match should offer a refreshing antidote. We expect a reasonably competitive encounter, perhaps even a three-setter, that Clijsters should capture through her superior consistency unless her game abruptly deserts her as it has a few times this year. <strong>Clijsters, 70/30.</strong></p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/29jq6fv"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading this preview of the women's quarterfinals at Wimbledon!</p>Fields of Glory (VII): Wimbledon Day 7 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-28:1869403:BlogPost:4144262010-06-28T08:48:58.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=sharapova+wimbledon&iid=9232601" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9232601/sports-news-june-2010/sports-news-june-2010.jpg?size=500&imageId=9232601" width="500"></img></a></p>
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<p>Effective but unspectacular in her third-round victory, Sharapova reached the second week of a Slam for just the second time in her comeback from shoulder surgery and extended an encouraging passage of play that began with her Strasbourg title in May. Compiling a 14-3 record since her return from elbow injury, Maria now confronts a monumental challenge in…</p>
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=sharapova+wimbledon&iid=9232601" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9232601/sports-news-june-2010/sports-news-june-2010.jpg?size=500&imageId=9232601" width="500" height="388"/></a> </p>
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<p>Effective but unspectacular in her third-round victory, Sharapova reached the second week of a Slam for just the second time in her comeback from shoulder surgery and extended an encouraging passage of play that began with her Strasbourg title in May. Compiling a 14-3 record since her return from elbow injury, Maria now confronts a monumental challenge in world #1, top seed, defending champion, and twelve-time Slam champion Serena Williams. Six years ago, they clashed on these fabled lawns in the ladies’ final, which unexpectedly proved the spark that launched Sharapova’s sensational career as the world’s highest-earning and arguably most recognizable female athlete. Since that fateful Saturday in July, however, the American has regained the advantage with a nerve-jangling victory at an Australian Open semifinal and two lopsided 2007 wins during a period when the Russian’s shoulder injury severely undermined her game. Consequently, what once had seemed likely to become a leading rivalry in women’s tennis evolved into no rivalry at all, as Sharapova wryly reminded the media during her postmatch press conference on Saturday. We explain below why this narrative has unfolded.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/24hqhvb"><strong>here</strong></a> to read our extensive preview of Sharapova-Serena, Henin-Clijsters, Querrey-Murray, Djokovic-Hewitt, and all of the other exciting matches on Manic Monday at Wimbledon!</p>Fields of Glory (VI): Wimbledon Day 6 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-26:1869403:BlogPost:4134792010-06-26T07:00:00.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=djokovic+wimbledon&iid=9214099" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9214099/the-championships/the-championships.jpg?size=500&imageId=9214099" width="500"></img></a> <br></br><br></br><br></br>
<p>Among the most compelling reasons to watch Novak Djokovic is the Serb’s unpredictability, which echoes the pleasantly surprising narratives that emerge from this unpredictable sport. Expecting an engaging Day 5 after perusing the order of play, however, we were unpleasantly surprised by the dreary day that developed from what had seemed fascinating encounters.…</p>
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=djokovic+wimbledon&iid=9214099" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9214099/the-championships/the-championships.jpg?size=500&imageId=9214099" width="500" height="333"/></a><br/><br/><br/>
<p>Among the most compelling reasons to watch Novak Djokovic is the Serb’s unpredictability, which echoes the pleasantly surprising narratives that emerge from this unpredictable sport. Expecting an engaging Day 5 after perusing the order of play, however, we were unpleasantly surprised by the dreary day that developed from what had seemed fascinating encounters. On the women’s side, not only were there no three-setters, but only one of the sixteen sets even reached 5-5. On the men’s side, most of the matches that weren’t routine ended anticlimactically, including a fifth-set retirement and a Roddick-Kohlschreiber collision that grew less rather than more dramatic as it progressed. Settling into the monochrome mood, even Federer returned to routine efficiency after the tension-soaked rollercoasters that had characterized his first two rounds. Relatively unpromising compared to its predecessor, the Day 6 order of play perhaps will startle us in the opposite sense by unfolding a thriller or two. Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/37ynzxo"><strong>here</strong></a> to read about the most likely candidates for that role...</p>Fields of Glory (V): Day 5 Wimbledon Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-25:1869403:BlogPost:4132552010-06-25T04:59:58.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=petrova+wimbledon&iid=9190774" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9190774/nadia-petrova/nadia-petrova.jpg?size=500&imageId=9190774" width="500"></img></a></p>
<p><strong>Henin (17) vs. Petrova (12) (Centre Court, 1<sup>st</sup> match):</strong> Two Slams ago, Petrova scored a stunning third-round upset over a member of Belgium’s dazzling duo, and she has an opportunity to repeat the feat on the grandest stage of all. Typically tormented by Henin’s graceful, versatile style, the programmatic Russian dropped two tight matches to…</p>
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=petrova+wimbledon&iid=9190774" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9190774/nadia-petrova/nadia-petrova.jpg?size=500&imageId=9190774" width="500" height="343"/></a> </p>
<p><strong>Henin (17) vs. Petrova (12) (Centre Court, 1<sup>st</sup> match):</strong> Two Slams ago, Petrova scored a stunning third-round upset over a member of Belgium’s dazzling duo, and she has an opportunity to repeat the feat on the grandest stage of all. Typically tormented by Henin’s graceful, versatile style, the programmatic Russian dropped two tight matches to the seven-time major champion early this year in Australia, during which she revealed the mental frailties that have undermined her formidable game. Nevertheless, Nadia has shone at Slams this year with consecutive quarterfinal appearances that will have boosted her confidence for a clash against Henin, whose comeback has slowed after an explosive start at Brisbane and Melbourne. Effective but not overwhelming in her first two matches, Justine continues to struggle with her modified service motion; in this match, she can’t afford the chronic wobbles on serve that she suffered in her second-round clash with Barrois. A quarterfinalist at last year’s Wimbledon, the Russian centers an outstanding grass-court style around a reliable serve and dexterous net play. Just as Stosur relied on her massive delivery to defuse Henin’s shotmaking brilliance at Roland Garros, Petrova’s unglamorous but functional game might well end the Belgian’s Wimbledon campaign, as long as the Russian doesn’t ponder the situation too deeply.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/26z8sc2"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading about the most intriguing matches of Day 5!</p>Fields of Glory (IV): Wimbledon Day 4 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-24:1869403:BlogPost:4129662010-06-24T08:04:33.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=mahut+isner&iid=9193846" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9193846/france-nicolas-mahut-leans/france-nicolas-mahut-leans.jpg?size=500&imageId=9193846" width="500"></img></a></p>
<p>Trudging to the locker room after a 16-14 fifth set against Santiago Giraldo, Thiemo De Bakker must have feared that this protracted encounter would leave him at a physical disadvantage against his next opponent, either Isner or Mahut. As all tennis fans know well, such thoughts proved unfounded as the Frenchman and the American shattered virtually every record in every…</p>
<p><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=mahut+isner&iid=9193846" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9193846/france-nicolas-mahut-leans/france-nicolas-mahut-leans.jpg?size=500&imageId=9193846" width="500" height="340"/></a>
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<p>Trudging to the locker room after a 16-14 fifth set against Santiago Giraldo, Thiemo De Bakker must have feared that this protracted encounter would leave him at a physical disadvantage against his next opponent, either Isner or Mahut. As all tennis fans know well, such thoughts proved unfounded as the Frenchman and the American shattered virtually every record in every single-match category. In fact, their seven-hour, 118-game final set-in-progress stretched so far beyond the boundaries of credulity that one expects its statistical superlatives to endure forever. Ten hours and 193 aces later, though, what difference does it really make? This first-round battle between two non-contenders stalled the first-week schedule and virtually eliminated both of its participants from sheer exhaustion. Once an advocate of the no-tiebreak format in Slam deciding sets, this match compelled us to reverse our opinion and call for a merciful ending to these inhumane endurance tests well before 50-50, as Kuznetsova whimsically suggested. Surely this fast-paced sport doesn’t deserve such a mind-numbing, kidney-challenging stalemate, which provided a gluttonous serving of generally monotonous tennis. In order to compensate for the difference between the best-of-five and best-of-three formats, perhaps the doubles super tiebreak (first to 10, win by two) could be implemented instead of the conventional first-to-7 structure. At least, Slams could employ such a deadlock-denying tactic in the first week before the marquee stars intersect. A marathon final set between Federer and Roddick in the championship match is a classic, but a marathon final set between Isner and Mahut in the first round is a human rain delay. Here are a handful of Day 4 matches to note while Wimbledon’s Believe It Or Not winds into its eleventh hour of futility.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/23m2gsb"><strong>here</strong></a> to read about some of the most scintillating matches on Thursday at Wimbledon!</p>Fields of Glory (III): Wimbledon Day 3 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-23:1869403:BlogPost:4127012010-06-23T08:20:18.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>Eagerly exploiting the faster surface, Sharapova followed her Birmingham finals appearance with a suffocating salvo to ignite her Wimbledon campaign. The transition from clay to grass proved a bit less hospitable, however, to two terrors of the <em>terre battue</em>. Unceremoniously ushered out of their All England Club debuts, Verdasco and Stosur failed to translate their six combined clay finals into the language of grass. But their defeats speak less about their shortcomings than about…</p>
<p>Eagerly exploiting the faster surface, Sharapova followed her Birmingham finals appearance with a suffocating salvo to ignite her Wimbledon campaign. The transition from clay to grass proved a bit less hospitable, however, to two terrors of the <em>terre battue</em>. Unceremoniously ushered out of their All England Club debuts, Verdasco and Stosur failed to translate their six combined clay finals into the language of grass. But their defeats speak less about their shortcomings than about the prodigious achievements of Nadal and Federer in winning “Channel Slams” during the past two years. A relatively obscure feat in the tennis statistical pantheon, the Roland Garros-Wimbledon sweep ranks with the elusive Indian Wells-Miami double. One Andy came within a single victory of that rare accomplishment last year, while another Andy duplicated that near-miss this year. He opens Centre Court and our Day</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2782o54"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading about the highlights of Day 3!</p>Fields of Glory (II): Wimbledon Day 2 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-22:1869403:BlogPost:4125202010-06-22T08:15:16.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>If Wimbledon used the best-of-three format for the first week of its men’s matches, three of the top eight seeds would have fallen in their openers to Alejandro Falla, Olivier Rochus, and Kevin Anderson. While the travails of neither Djokovic nor Davydenko surprised us, the near-disaster suffered by the six-time champion was completely unexpected, since Federer had comfortably dismissed Falla twice in the last month. Forced to extricate himself from a two-set deficit, the feckless top seed…</p>
<p>If Wimbledon used the best-of-three format for the first week of its men’s matches, three of the top eight seeds would have fallen in their openers to Alejandro Falla, Olivier Rochus, and Kevin Anderson. While the travails of neither Djokovic nor Davydenko surprised us, the near-disaster suffered by the six-time champion was completely unexpected, since Federer had comfortably dismissed Falla twice in the last month. Forced to extricate himself from a two-set deficit, the feckless top seed nearly embarrassed the organizers who placed him atop the draw instead of Nadal. Two potential outcomes could emerge from this excruciating brush with catastrophe, one positive and one negative for Federer. Relieved to have escaped the Colombian, he might well relax in his future matches and remind himself that he managed to win despite playing several notches below his immortal best. Don’t forget what happened after he hovered within five points of a straight-sets loss to Haas at the 2009 French Open, but also don’t forget what happened after he hovered within four points of a third-round loss to Tipsarevic at the 2008 Australian Open. On the latter occasion, Federer’s frailty spurred the rest of the draw to assault him with renewed confidence, which resulted in his only straight-sets loss at a non-clay Slam since 2003 (semifinal vs. Djokovic). Berdych, Roddick, Hewitt, and others should take note of how the defending champion’s tournament began as they devise their plans for how it will end. Meanwhile, Federer’s fellow top seed attempts to make a more authoritative impact tomorrow morning.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2vw8z7z"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading the Day 2 preview!</p>Fields of Glory (I): Wimbledon Day 1 Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-21:1869403:BlogPost:4122582010-06-21T09:19:19.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>Welcome to the debut of our daily preview series on all of the Wimbledon action, which will briefly discuss an intriguing topic from the previous day’s action before examining several key matches in detail. They will conclude with a “briefly noted” section on matches of lesser interest that might be worth more casual attention when the central action ebbs. Since there’s little to discuss from today’s action beyond the arrangement of Federer’s trophy room (read his interview if you haven’t…</p>
<p>Welcome to the debut of our daily preview series on all of the Wimbledon action, which will briefly discuss an intriguing topic from the previous day’s action before examining several key matches in detail. They will conclude with a “briefly noted” section on matches of lesser interest that might be worth more casual attention when the central action ebbs. Since there’s little to discuss from today’s action beyond the arrangement of Federer’s trophy room (read his interview if you haven’t already), we ignite this series by previewing a former champion who will grace Centre Court on Monday. No, not you, Roger.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/33cfc25"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading our Day 1 Wimbledon preview, and keep checking back for more as each day comes!</p>Drawn and Quartered: Wimbledon Draw Previewtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-20:1869403:BlogPost:4120712010-06-20T10:35:53.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>Glancing through the Wimbledon draws, we found them more balanced and intriguing than their Roland Garros counterparts. Rather than reaching a premature climax early in the second week, the narratives should build compellingly throughout the fortnight. Yet perhaps this impression merely stems from the fact that grass suits more elite players than does clay; there are many fewer “grass specialists” than “clay specialists,” especially as the former surface slows over the years. At any rate,…</p>
<p>Glancing through the Wimbledon draws, we found them more balanced and intriguing than their Roland Garros counterparts. Rather than reaching a premature climax early in the second week, the narratives should build compellingly throughout the fortnight. Yet perhaps this impression merely stems from the fact that grass suits more elite players than does clay; there are many fewer “grass specialists” than “clay specialists,” especially as the former surface slows over the years. At any rate, welcome to the quarter-by-quarter breakdown of what to expect early, middle, and late at the All England Club.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/24zjd4o"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading this preview of the Wimbledon draw!</p>Wimbledon Preview (III): The Dark Horsestag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-18:1869403:BlogPost:4116512010-06-18T07:29:24.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>As players and fans anxiously await the Wimbledon draws, we turn our lens towards the snakes in the grass: dangerous lurkers who won’t hoist the trophy but from whom the top competitors hope to keep their distance. Often quirky and typically opportunistic, this group spans a spectrum from grizzled veterans (only figuratively grizzled, in one case) to surging newcomers eager to brand their imprint onto the pristine lawns of the All England Club. Ladies, gentlemen, and Jelena Jankovic, meet…</p>
<p>As players and fans anxiously await the Wimbledon draws, we turn our lens towards the snakes in the grass: dangerous lurkers who won’t hoist the trophy but from whom the top competitors hope to keep their distance. Often quirky and typically opportunistic, this group spans a spectrum from grizzled veterans (only figuratively grizzled, in one case) to surging newcomers eager to brand their imprint onto the pristine lawns of the All England Club. Ladies, gentlemen, and Jelena Jankovic, meet your Wimbledon dark horses:</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2f3zk7j"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading this final episode in our three-part Wimbledon preview! Coverage continues over the weekend with an article on intriguing storylines that emerge from the draws, while Sunday will witness the debut of "Fields of Glory," the daily preview series (a la "Feats and Feet of Clay") that will continue throughout the fortnight. Happy watching...and reading!</p>Wimbledon Preview (II): The Challengerstag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-17:1869403:BlogPost:4113482010-06-17T04:50:12.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>Having discussed the five tournament favorites, one of whom won’t even enjoy his own quarter, we turn our lens towards the group of players who might produce a slightly unexpected champion or champions. Once again, this article breaks down each challenger into causes for confidence and causes for concern. You might find one or two surprises in the list!</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2b5joad"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading the second article in the series of…</p>
<p>Having discussed the five tournament favorites, one of whom won’t even enjoy his own quarter, we turn our lens towards the group of players who might produce a slightly unexpected champion or champions. Once again, this article breaks down each challenger into causes for confidence and causes for concern. You might find one or two surprises in the list!</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2b5joad"><strong>here</strong></a> to continue reading the second article in the series of Wimbledon previews that we're writing this week!</p>Wimbledon Preview (I): The Favoritestag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-16:1869403:BlogPost:4111032010-06-16T07:43:03.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>It seems like only a week or so ago that Schiavone was ingesting particles of crushed brick and Nadal was crying softly into his towel. Well, it <em>was</em> only a week or so ago. Nevertheless, another Slam looms on the history-laden lawns of Wimbledon, which means that another preview is straight ahead. We start at the top with the tournament favorites, profiling causes for confidence and concern in each of their individual circumstances.</p>
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<p>Click…</p>
<p>It seems like only a week or so ago that Schiavone was ingesting particles of crushed brick and Nadal was crying softly into his towel. Well, it <em>was</em> only a week or so ago. Nevertheless, another Slam looms on the history-laden lawns of Wimbledon, which means that another preview is straight ahead. We start at the top with the tournament favorites, profiling causes for confidence and concern in each of their individual circumstances.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/297mjpx">here</a> to read the first of three Wimbledon preview articles, and stay tuned for the rest as the week unfolds! <br/></p>Falling Star: An Ana-tomy of Ivanovic's Strugglestag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-13:1869403:BlogPost:4104242010-06-13T07:38:32.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>In the 2008 French Open, the new world #1 Ana Ivanovic proudly lifted the first Slam trophy of what seemed destined to be a career replete with such memorable moments. In the 2010 French Open, the world #42 Ana Ivanovic cowered helplessly behind the baseline as the burly Alisa Kleybanova crammed a second-set bagel down her throat in the second round. How did this precipitous two-year plunge from glory to misery accelerate with such alarming speed? We look at seven of the principal…</p>
<p>In the 2008 French Open, the new world #1 Ana Ivanovic proudly lifted the first Slam trophy of what seemed destined to be a career replete with such memorable moments. In the 2010 French Open, the world #42 Ana Ivanovic cowered helplessly behind the baseline as the burly Alisa Kleybanova crammed a second-set bagel down her throat in the second round. How did this precipitous two-year plunge from glory to misery accelerate with such alarming speed? We look at seven of the principal explanations for Ivanovic’s struggles, arranged in order from least convincing to most convincing, before concluding with two potential paths by which she can move forward from the crossroads at which she tentatively stands.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://sharapovanovic.wordpress.com/2010/06/12/falling-star-an-ana-tomy-of-ivanovics-struggles/">here</a> to read about the implosion of this sultry Serbian supernova and to find out how she can rescue herself!</p>The Quiet Australian: Samantha Stosurtag:tennisopolis.com,2010-06-11:1869403:BlogPost:4097512010-06-11T04:15:28.000ZSharapovanovichttp://tennisopolis.com/profile/Sharapovanovic
<p>Understated and businesslike when she takes the court, Samantha Stosur represents a striking anomaly amidst the melodramatic, made-for-TV extravaganzas produced and directed by the WTA’s current elite. Although scowls, sneers, and sobs provide compelling entertainment, it’s also refreshing to observe a sturdy competitor who simply plays tennis in an unruffled, methodical manner. Dedication to the sport shines clearly from Stosur’s focused attitude, which should enable her to build upon the…</p>
<p>Understated and businesslike when she takes the court, Samantha Stosur represents a striking anomaly amidst the melodramatic, made-for-TV extravaganzas produced and directed by the WTA’s current elite. Although scowls, sneers, and sobs provide compelling entertainment, it’s also refreshing to observe a sturdy competitor who simply plays tennis in an unruffled, methodical manner. Dedication to the sport shines clearly from Stosur’s focused attitude, which should enable her to build upon the remarkable results that she has recorded over the past year. Over the next three or four years, the Aussie will constitute a substantial threat in the draws at Slams and Premier events on all surfaces. Therefore, we outline five crucial weapons in her game as well as five areas that she might wish to address in order to establish herself as a perennial contender.</p>
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<p>Click <a href="http://sharapovanovic.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/the-quiet-australian-samantha-stosur/">here</a> to continue reading the fifth article in our series of player profiles!</p>
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