Sunday, January 30, 2011

Ravenous Djokovic Pummels Murray, Claims Second Grand Slam Title

Djokovic overwhelms Murray in grand slam sleeper.

Novac Djokovic hammered Andy Murray in the 2011 Australian Open final, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. Both players went into the match full of belief, but it became readily apparent that Murray was no match for the 23-year-old Serb, brimming with confidence after overwhelming Roger Federer in the semis.

The contest was shaping up to be a spirited affair until Djokovic broke Murray ‘s will towards the end of the first set. Murray was serving at 15-30, 4-5 in the first set when both players stretched each other out across the full length of the court with a phenomenal 39-shot rally.

Both players displayed superior defense chasing down sure winners until Novac charged the net and Murray dumped a forehand in the bottom of the net. That gave Djokovic a pair of set points and Murray appeared to be dead in the water after that rally. It stole his spirit and drained his confidence as Djokovic shifted into cruise control, winning the set and running away with the match.

Notice has been served to the tennis world, that Djokovic is now the greatest threat to Nadal’s tennis supremacy. His fitness, confidence and improved serve are the key ingredients that have pushed Djokovic from contender to champion.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Fit and Fiery Djokovic Poised to Punish Murray

Djokovic ready to claim another grand slam title.

Even before David Ferrer extended Andy Murray to four draining sets, third seeded, Novak Djokovic, was and still is the favorite to claim his second Aussie crown in 2011.

Fitness has always been the Achilles heel for Novak, but NOT at this year’s 2011 Australian Open. His fitness is the best of his career and he’s serving lights out getting 69% of his first serves in. This particular tournament has shaped up into a worse case scenario for Murray, who’s also playing top-notch tennis right now.

These two have never faced off before in a major, despite the fact that they have both played in three grand slam finals a piece.

It’s true that Murray has dominated their last three meetings in smaller tournaments, but a major is different. After knocking off Roger Federer in consecutive grand slam tournaments, Djokovic is locked into a world-beater mind set right now and he should be. Anybody not named Rafa, who takes apart Federer in straight sets, has to be the favorite here.

Djokovic’s improved fitness has led to a level of confidence that he hasn’t enjoyed since winning the Australian Open in 2008. He’s dropped only one set on the way to the final and has only had to play a total of ten sets since the third round.

On the flip side, Murray was forced to slug his way out of trouble in both the quarters and the semis, and his mental makeup is not positive. The frustration he displayed against Ferrer and Alexandr Dolgopolov underscores a crack in the armor -- a flaw that will likely be exploited by Djovovic again and again. Prediction: Djovovic in four sets.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Wozniacki Out, Critics Breathe Huge Sigh of Relief

Caroline Wozniacki: Just getting warmed up!

Caroline Wozniacki, squandered a match point against China's Na Li and finally succumbed to her critics, bowing out in the Aussie semis 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. But take notice, Wozniacki exits this grand slam as a stronger player with thicker skin.

"I believe if I keep working hard my time will come," Wozniacki said after the match and her critics should take note.

Tennis experts, sports journalists and the “haters” at the Australian Open spent the entire fortnight dogging the top seed and World’s #1 player, Caroline Wozniacki.

Dozens of analysts made it clear, that the 20-year-old Dane doesn’t pack the gear to win a major. She came very close to proving them wrong, but fell short by the slimmest of margins.

Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver and several other “tennis television personalities” had a field day criticizing Wozniacki for her style of play. She isn’t making a statement, she’s never won a grand slam and she isn’t hitting enough winners. Blah, blah, blah.

Wozniacki is a tough kid with an iron will and she will win a major – Whether the critics like it or not.

At 20-years-old, Wozniacki will continue to improve and at some point in the near future – she will have her grand slam title. What will the critics complain about then? I’m sure they’ll find something.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Dick Enberg: Miscalls, Errors & Non Sequiturs, Oh MY!!

Dick, Time to hang it up!

If you love tennis and know anything about it, you know in your heart of hearts that Dick Enberg needs to hang it up. For the love of Pete!! I have tried not to write this article for the better part of ten years, but I can’t take it anymore.

His commentary is outdated, inaccurate and mindless! Dick has the ability to detract from almost every point. How can we attract a younger crowd to the sport when we have the Crypt Keeper calling match after match?

They banned Bud Collins from calling matches years ago and the sport was better off without him. I’m not saying we have to get rid of him – he can do a few color stories now and again – but Pops has no place in the booth.

Try this for just one set:
Track the miscalls, errors and non-sequiturs and the sheet fills up quick! How about a Dick Enberg drinking game for every unnecessary “Oh My!”

I get it, he’s been calling tennis since the 1970’s and it’s comfortable for the networks to use him. But he brings nothing to the game, if he ever did to begin with. Calling tennis matches can use a bit of an edge.

Dick should stick with baseball, football, cricket or bocce ball, I don’t care, just give it a rest on the tennis. OH MY!!!