Gonzalez has had a strong debut when he soundly defeated Czech player Jiri Vanek 6-3, 6-2 and 6-3 in one hour and 26 minutes. He played very strong in all three sets.

The Chilean tennis star recorded a video clip called “On the Road to Roland Garros”. He talks about the French public and how much they enjoy tennis. Check out the video clip below, plus a few more photos from the match.

Image Credit: ZUMA Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Gonzalez Defeats Machado at 2009 Roland Garros

Rafael has sent out a little warning to rivals Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic saying that he has played “almost perfect tennis” leading up to the French Open. Nadal is very confident that he can continue his flawless record at a grand-slam event.

"I am very happy about my clay-court season, very happy," the Mallorcan said.
"Winning in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome and reaching the final in Madrid makes it an almost perfect clay-court season.

"I am very happy with how I have been playing. And it’s always a pleasure playing at Roland Garros – coming back here gives me a special sensation."

Who do you think has a shot at defeating Nadal this year? Most sources are saying that Andy Murray looks to be the most capable. Murray is cautious, but upbeat about the 2009 French Open.

"It’s different here, there’s not as much expectation," he said. "But I feel if I play well, I’ve got a very good chance of doing well.

"On grass and hard (courts), I can come through matches when I’m not necessarily playing my best; on clay, I feel like I have to play tough tennis from the start and play some of my best to win all the matches.

"I have to go into the tournament switched on."

 

Here are some more photos of Rafael and Ana at the draw.

Source: Daily Mail

Image Credit: Bauer Griffin

Post from: EveryJoe

Ana and Rafa Draw Names

The two tennis legends will face off on October 25th at The Venetian Macao casino. Sampras went on to say, “When people ask me who my great rival is I always tell them Andre.”

Sampras has a slight lead over Agassi when it comes to singles titles. Sampras has 64 and Agassi holds 60. So, what are the stats when it comes to the times these two have played each other? They’ve met 34 times and Sampras took 20 of those matches.

Also during the conference, Sampras talked about Roger Federer and how he believes the tennis star will tie his record of 14 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon. Federer just needs on more major title. Do you think he can do it?

Source: Tennis.com

Image Credit: ZUMA Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Agassi and Sampras Will Meet in October

Since becoming number one over Serena Williams on April 14th, she has posted a 14-1 record and was very dominate at Madrid.

"I was getting a bit tired by the end," said Safina. "But I dominated at the crucial times. I was very dominant in the first set.

"In the second I had a chance at a double-break."

 

Dinara has now won 11 career titles and probably won’t be taking any more criticism over her number one ranking. At the time she received that coveted number one spot, she had not won a title in 2009. That’s all changed now. I can’t wait to see what happens at the French Open.

Image Credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Dinara Safina Wins at Madrid Open

What did Nadal think of this loss? Not much.

“To me, this tournament has nothing to do with Paris. This tournament is practically another surface compared to Paris,” said Nadal. “The conditions favored him more than me.”

What conditions is he referring to? The high altitude which carried with it some odd bounces and a faster pace. Nadal went on to say, “There are no positives, there is little to analyze. He broke and broke and I went home.”

If you’ll remember, Federer was in tears when he lost to Nadal at Melbourne. So, to say this is a sweet victory for Federer is an understatement.

“I thought I took all the right decisions today. In the end it was a perfect game for me,” said Federer. “(You) stay positive and I did. I got the win I needed badly.”

What’s up next for Nadal and Federer? The French Open and according to Federer, his Madrid Open win came at just the right time. Talk about some great preparation mentally for Roger Federer. Congrats to the Swiss player!

Source: Tennis.com

Image Credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Roger Federer Wins Madrid Open Final

Other’s who have made it to the quarterfinals include Jelena Jankovic, Patty Schnyder, Agnes Szavay, Amelie Mauresmo, Caroline Wozniacki and Vera Dushevina.

Dinara Safina, who is currently ranked number one, is seeking her first major title at the upcoming French Open

Image Credit: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Dinara Safina Reaches Madrid Open Quarters

It’s obvious that Federer has the edge over Roddick, but Federer has definitely been struggling in the 2009 season. The Swiss player would really like to grab a hold of his first title of the year. Roddick does have his 2008 win over Federer at the Masters Series Miami to give him the confidence he needs on Friday. He knows he has what it takes to beat Federer and that is huge! What does Roddick have to do on Friday? He needs to serve well, really well.

Who do you think will take this one?

Image Credit: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Federer and Roddick in Madrid Quarters

“It’s about playing well and getting ready for Paris,” said Federer. “It’s good to get the first match.”

Federer came out strong and took advantage of his opponents unforced errors.

The Swiss star hit 24 winners and took advantage of the Swedish player’s 25 unforced errors to capture four break points. Federer fired down 11 aces, including on the final point to clinch his place in the third round.

Andy Murray had a tough win against Simone Bolelli, 7-6 (9), 6-4. Next up for Murray is No. 16 Tommy Robredo who defeated Mardy Fish of the United States 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2.

Source: NBC Sports

Image Credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Roger Federer Wins Over Robin Soderling

Serena was really struggling through this match and Kleybanova lead early in the match.

“I felt like she won by just being aggressive from both sides (of the court),” Williams said. “Against me she had to go for everything and make everything. All her balls landed in today.”

What did Serena have to offer her fans? “See you next year” was all she could say.

In other women’s tennis news, Jelena Jankovic defeated Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova 7-5, 6-2.

Source: Miami Herald

Image Credit: Bauer Griffin

Post from: EveryJoe

Kleybanova Defeats Williams at Madrid Open

Both Safina and Kuznetsova have been runners up in the finals at Rome, but have never taken the title.

The match between Safina and Williams lasted for 3 hours and 10 minutes! “She pushed me to play my best,” Safina said. “Sometimes you need this kind of match … It gives me a lot of confidence to beat such a big player like her, such a champion.”

Williams, who is currently number 5, will jump to number 3 by reaching the Rome semi-finals. This is her highest ranking in 6 years. Williams isn’t really concerned with the ranking, it’s the titles she concentrates on.

“The ranking will come when it comes. I like to keep my titles and have my trophies at home,” she said.

Stay tuned for results from the Women’s Italian Open, which takes place today (May 9).

Source

Image Credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Safina and Kuznetsova in Rome Final