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Federer on Wawrinka: “He’s a Fighter and a Winner”
Roger Federer is hoping his friend and compatriot is back in the Top 10 soon.
Stan Wawrinka is slowly but surely finding his form in 2019 after a forgettable 2018 that was more about a test run than a title run.
Roger Federer says it’s just a matter of time before the Stanimal finds his way to the top of the game.
“I mean, he came from very far away,” Federer said on Sunday in press. “Clearly he knew and I knew that he was not ready for the Australian Open [in 2018], but he still wanted to give it a go. I was just hoping he'd get through the Australian Open uninjured, which he did, which I was happy for him.”
Things started to click for Wawrinka more late in the season, when fears of re-injuring his knee finally faded, but he still needed time to find his game with a surgically repaired knee.
Federer, who will face Wawrinka in third-round action on Tuesday at Indian Wells, says he wasn’t far off by the end of the season when he decided to take a long off-season to continue to add layers to what has clearly been a complicated rehabilitation.
“I really feel like he's been back at a normal level, let's say, around the US Open,” Federer said. “But obviously his ranking was low, he was still maybe missing some fitness, you know, that day-to-day match fitness that you need, mental fitness that you require to bring it every single day. I think he was just missing it a little bit. But I think as the season wore on, he only got stronger, even though at the end he didn't play anymore because he didn't want to take a chance, which I totally understand.”
What an atmosphere!
The moment @stanwawrinka defeated Fucscovics after a 3h24 battle under the lights… pic.twitter.com/HwWEawzgqi
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 11, 2019
Now a year and a half from his double knee surgery, Federer feels that it could be any day that the old Stanimal appears and snags a big title or two.
He was close in February, reaching his first final since 2017 Roland Garros before falling to Gael Monfils.
The loss may have been disappointing but the 500-level final was yet another sign that Wawrinka is getting closer to bagging big titles.
“I think, from what I'm gathering, if he's in no pain or injury-free, I think we will see a great Stan [maybe at Indian Wells], down the road, without a doubt, because I know what he can do,” Federer said. “I think a lot of Stan. He's got all the different options how to win points. He's a fighter and a winner. Yeah, I hope he's going to be in the top 20, top 10 very soon again.”
Novak’s Advice to Naomi is No Advice at All
The World No.1 says his fellow World No.1 is doing just fine, thank you.
Asked what advice he would give to reigning two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka by a reporter on Thursday at all-access media hour, Novak Djokovic didn’t hesitate.
She’s got this one, he basically told her.
“She seems very mature,” Djokovic said. “She seems like she has already done it, like she has experienced it already which is quite impressive. The way she handled U.S. Open final closing ceremony—I thought it was terrific under circumstances that were not easy for her and would not be easy for anybody. I thought that it was very impressive for her to win the Australian Open several months after her first Grand Slam win and to position herself as No.1 in the world."
Djokovic says that the 21-year-old is wise beyond her years and he really has no advice to give to her.
“Everything that she has been doing so far is very positive and she is very kind and very genuine,” he said. “She comes across as someone that works hard, that respects the game—everybody likes her. I have no advice, she is doing everything perfect.”
Osaka, working with new coach Jermaine Jenkins at Indian Wells will kick off her title defense with a second-round encounter against Kristina Mladenovic. She fell to Mladenovic 6-3 6-3 in Dubai in her only match after claiming the Australian Open title.
Croatia’s Ana Konjuh Awaits Long, Slow Recovery After Latest Surgery
The 21-year-old has undergone four surgeries in the last five years. Ana Konjuh‘s injury struggles continue. The Croatian announced that she underwent ulnar collateral reconstruction surgery and is not sure of when she’ll be able to return to tennis. Konjuh said that she tried to play through what she deemed to be manageable pain this season, but that it flared up more recently, causing her to go the surgery route.
Just a little update🙏🏻♥️ pic.twitter.com/ojgynyQgn3
— Ana Konjuh (@anakonjuh) March 3, 2019
It’s an incredibly unfortunate situation for a wildly talented player that has been riddled by injuries throughout her career.
The 21-year-old reached a career-high ranking of 20 in the world. In 2016 she reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals at the age of 18. A year earlier she had won the Nottingham title at the age of 17—becoming the youngest WTA player to lift a trophy since 2006.
This is the fourth surgery that Konjuh has undergone since 2014. She underwent two elbow surgeries on her right arm in 2014 and 2017, and had an elbow surgery on her left arm in 2018.
The former junior No.1 last played at Budapest in February, where she lost to Pauline Parmentier in straight sets.
ATP Rankings: Welcome to the Top 10 Stefanos Tsitsipas, NK Rising
Greece officially has its first Top 10 player in Stefanos Tsitsipas.
it's official. Stefanos Tsitsipas is enjoying his first week as a member of the ATP’s Top 10 at the BNP Paribas Open. The Greek, who fell to Roger Federer 6-4 6-4 in the Dubai final, rises one spot to become the first from his country to ever claim a spot in the Top 10. He bumps Marin Cilic down to No.11.
Welcome to the top 10, @StefTsitsipas 🤘
It's been a rapid rise – how far can Stef go? pic.twitter.com/ATPxsCFJnJ
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 4, 2019
Federer jumps three spots to No. 4 after claiming his 100th title at Dubai.
The biggest riser inside the Top 100 this week is Nick Kyrgios who rises 39 spots all the way back to No.33. The former No.13 defeated three Top 10 players en route to his fifth career title in Mexico.
With the Acapulco title, @NickKyrgios soars 39 places this week to world No.33, more than halving his @ATP_Tour ranking in the space of seven days. #GoAussieshttps://t.co/aehyJjoer8
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) March 5, 2019
Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie makes his Top 50 debut at No.48 as a result of his semi-final appearance at Acapulco, while American Mackenzie McDonald rises to a new career-high at 62 after falling to Norrie in the Acapulco quarters.
Chile’s Christian Garin, 22, rises 20 spots to No.72 after reaching his maiden ATP final at Sao Paulo.
Norway’s Casper Ruud makes his Top 100 debut at 94 after reaching the semi-finals at Sao Paulo.
Kyrgios: I Smell Blood
Nick Kyrgios saved three match points to shock Rafael Nadal—and saved his biggest shot for after the match.
Nick Kyrgios saved three match points to shock Rafael Nadal in Acapulco—and fired his most volatile shot for after the match.
The explosive Aussie exchanged an icy handshake with an annoyed Nadal immediately after streaking through the final five points of a wild 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (6), victory.
Watch: Kyrgios Saves Match Points, Topples Nadal
After conquering the king of clay for the third time in six meetings, Kyrgios showed a social media shark bite with an Instagram post of match point captioned: "I can smell the blood when I play this dude."
Kyrgios, who played with heavy taping around both knees, took two medical timeouts, including one for nausea and one to treat a back strain.
The world No. 72 hit some spectacular shots, repeatedly drop-shotted Nadal, served under-handed and one point and got under the Spaniard's skin with his rapid pace of play on serve that clashes with Nadal's more methodical approach.
Kyrgios also clashed with fans at one point screaming "Shut the f–k up!" at one loud fan and cupping his hand to his ears when some fans jeered him.
The second-ranked Spaniard praised Kyrgios as a player capable of winning Slams and said he does not believe the Aussie is "a bad guy" then slammed him for a lack of respect.
“He’s a player who has enormous talent, could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for the No. 1 ranking,” Nadal said in Spanish. “He lacks respect for the crowd, his opponent and towards himself.
“I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but he lacks a little respect for the public and the rival.”
Photo credit: Guillermo Sanchez
Asked his reaction to Nadal's criticism, Kyrgios shot back "I'm not going to listen to that."
While calling the 17-time Grand Slam champion an "unbelievable champion", Kyrgios said he won't listen to the criticism because Nadal doesn't really know him.
“He doesn’t know the journey I’ve been through,” Kyrgios said. “He doesn’t know anything about me. So, I’m not going to listen at all. That’s the way I play.
“The way he plays is very slow in between points. The rule in the book says he has to pay to the speed of the server, but Rafa has his speed every time, so I’m not going to comment on him. “He’s got his own game. I’ve got my game. We played well. That’s the sport. People are different so I’m not going to take that into consideration at all.”
Photo credit: Guillermo Sanchez
Watch: Zverev Spoils Popyrin’s Fun in Magical Rally at Acapulco
The 19-year-old Aussie thought he could wow the crowd with a Sampras-esque smash…
Alexander Zverev and Alexei Popyrin played some solid tennis against one another on Tuesday night in Acapulco. The 19-year-old Aussie has an explosive game and he made his presence felt on the court against the World No.3.
Case in point: This magical point in which Popyrin goes for a flying overhead smash and nearly hits the winner. Unfortunately the ball was a tad low in its trajectory and the cagey Zverev was there to spoil Popyrin’s fun once again.
Zverev floats a mystical lob over the 6’5” qualifier and the crowd goes nuts.
Look no further—this was the point of the day in Acapulco. Full credit to both Zverev and Popyrin for making it so exciting to watch.
And if you're scoring at home, Zverev notched the comfortable 6-3 6-3 win.
Puig Partners Pop Star Luis Fonsi
Gold medal champion getting in tune in Acapulco.
Monica Puig is getting in tune in Acapulco.
The 2016 Olympic gold-medal champion stopped sixth-seeded Maria Sakkari, 7-5, 4-6, 6-0, to reach the Abierto Mexicano Telcel second round for the fifth straight time.
Nishikori: Osaka Will Adapt to Pressure
The two-and-a-half hour grind was Puig's first WTA main-draw victory since she defeated wild card Bethanie Mattek-Sands in her first match of the year in Auckland.
The tournament is a fresh start for the 58th-ranked Puerto Rican, who is now working with coach Kamau Murray, who guided Sloane Stephens to the US Open championship and Roland Garros final.
Puig is also sporting Yonex apparel to go along with her Yonex racquet. She previously wore ellesse.
Photo credit: Guillermo Sanchez
The 25-year-old Puig will plan China’s Wang Yafan in round two. Wang beat Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-2. Puig is aiming to win back-to-back main-draw matches for the first time since last September when she advanced to the Wuhan quarterfinals.
An avid dancer, Puig prepared for her first round match partnering Puerto Rican pop star Luis Fonsi to victory in a desert smash charity exhibition doubles match to benefit the Luis Fonsi Foundation.
The "Despacito" singer appears to have serious skills on court.
Photo credit: Guillermo Sanchez
Federer Set to Resume Quest for 100th Title in Dubai
The Swiss will meet Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in first-round action at Dubai.
Eight Top 15 players will descend on Dubai next week for the men’s portion of the two-week tennis festival known as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The Women put on an incredible show, with Belinda Bencic capping off a brilliant run by defeating Petra Kvitova in the final and, based on the loaded men’s singles draw, the ATP side of things promises to be every bit as spectacular.
Seven-time champion Roger Federer, seeded second, will begin his bid for his 100th career title with a tough first-round clash with Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Federer could face Fernando Verdasco in the second round and Milos Raonic in the quarters, if seeds hold.
If you want to know more about Federer and his plans for the clay this spring, check out Reem Abulleil’s column with quotes from Federer from Dubai.
Roger Federer says his decision to play on the clay this year isn't because he's planning his farewell tour.
"This doesn't mean this is my last clay court season, whatever, or I had to play one more time before I retired. That was not the thinking."https://t.co/1UW95UWI4q
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 24, 2019
Kei Nishikori is the top seed and the Japanese star will face Benoit Paire in his first round. Nishikori could face last week’s Marseille champion Stefanos Tsitsipas if the seeds hold.
See the full Dubai draw below to find out where the other seeds have landed in this stacked 500-level draw.
Dubai draw features:
Fed v Kohlscreiber r1
Khachanov v Basilashvili r1
Cilic v Monfils r1 pic.twitter.com/WmgHtwa23G— Chris Oddo (@TheFanChild) February 23, 2019
Del Potro Withdraws from Acapulco with Knee Concerns
The Argentine says he needs to rest his right knee and plans to return to action at Indian Wells. After falling in three sets to American Mackenzie McDonald in Delray Beach on Friday night, Juan Martin del Potro has announced that he won’t defend his title in Acapulco.
The World No.4, who wore heavy strapping on his right knee during his quarter-final with McDonald on Friday, says he needs to rest the knee and hopes to be fit to play at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in early March.
Juan Martin Del Potro has announced he has withdrawn from Acapulco…He won the tournament last year…Said his knee needs rest for Indian Wells #ATP
— John Horn (@SportsHorn) February 23, 2019
Del Potro on his injured knee.."The doctor says if I want to be 100% it will need time. But I don't want to be at home anymore watching the tournaments on TV because I had this in the past & it was really bad to me. But in this condition it's not easy to play my best level" #ATP
— John Horn (@SportsHorn) February 23, 2019
Del Potro fractured his right patella last October at Shanghai and played his first tour-level matches this week at Delray Beach. He won two rounds but needed more tape on the knee each round. On Friday he was hobbled and it was clear that he was not moving anywhere near 100 percent.
"The doctors say I need time if I want to be 100 per cent, but I don’t want to be home watching the tournaments on TV,” Del Potro told ATPWorldTour.com. “I’ve done that before and it was really bad for me,” he said. “I wanted to do a big effort tonight. I fought until the last ball and had many opportunities, but it’s hard to win matches when you can’t move at 100 per cent."
Munar Hits Breaking Point After Bad Call in Rio
The Spaniard got a horrible break during his match with Cameron Norrie on Wednesday in RioJaume Munar contested a fierce battle against Cameron Norrie—not to mention umpire Mohamed Lahyani and himself—on Wednesday in Rio, and eventually came away victorious with a dramatic 7-6(5) 5-7 7-6(4) victory to reach his first 500-level quarter-final at the Rio Open.
Things were tense to begin with, as both players sensed big opportunity in a wide open draw that saw seven of the eight seeds fall in first-round action, and a see-saw battle ensued that saw Norrie save a pair of match points in the second set before forcing a decider.
Norrie then saved another match point in the third set to bring things to a tiebreaker.
Then things really got weird.
Hit a winner.
Umpire stops play thinking you asked him to check a ball mark.
The result: #RioOpen rowdiness 😬 pic.twitter.com/IIdXKFOdtg
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 20, 2019
With Norrie serving and leading 3-2 in the breaker, umpire Lahyani thought he saw Munar make a signal to stop a point so that a mark could be checked at his baseline (see full video above). In reality, Munar was just completing an awkward follow-through on a backhand that landed for a clean winner on the other side of the court.
Since Lahyani had, in his mind, stopped the point as soon as he saw what he perceived to be Munar’s challenge, he ended up ruling that the point be replayed—after a VERY heated discussion with a riled up Munar.
Strangely, after the controversial call it was Norrie who couldn’t keep it together. He played three bad points in a row to fall behind 5-3 before Munar went ahead 6-3 on the next point and went on to finally converted his fifth match point of the match to seal the victory in three hours and 19 minutes.
After the match Munar said that he was really struggling to keep it together, especially after he had blown four match points in defeat to Guido Pella of Argentina at Buenos Aires in the quarter-finals last week.
“I had many chances in the second, also chances before the tiebreak in the final set,” Munar said. “I lost a difficult match last week against Pella in Buenos Aires with match balls and it means too much to make this after a tough battle.”
Munar will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Christian Garin in the quarter-finals on Friday.
“It’s going to be a tough one for sure,” he said. “Both cracked the Top 100 not long ago-same as me, so it’s going to be a beautiful one. I think we are both going to be ready and it’s going to be fun.”
