David Ferrer took on Harel Levy and won with a final score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 while Ferrero blew past Dudi Sela 6-4, 6-2, 6-0.

image: TSN

Spain is hosting the event on red clay at Polaris World la Torre Golf Resort but they are playing without former No. 1 Rafael Nadal who is taking some much needed time off after dealing with injuries this past summer.  As such, the Spaniards are being captained by Albert Costa while Eyal Ran is leading Israel.  Spain is 3-0 all-time versus Israel.

Tomorrow, Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo will square off against Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram in a doules match and then on Sunday the singles will switch off with Ferrer trying his luck against Sela and Ferrero taking on Levy.

Post from: EveryJoe

Spain Leads Israel at Davis Cup

image: TSN

Not only was it sad to see a player bow out in pain, it was a letdown for the crowd who were waiting to see how Nadal’s return would end.  The spectators all groaned when the ump announced the end of the match with Nadal leading 4-3 in the set.

“It’s always a pleasure to come back,” said Nadal.  It’s only been (two) months and a half, it’s not three years outside of tennis. I’m happy to come back and play in Canada again, but the feeling is normal, like always. But when you have some time off competition, when you come back, it’s a little more exciting.  I never expected this from David.  I’m sorry for him.”

I wouldn’t want to win that way but I’m assuming Nadal is taking whatever he can get since he added: “For me, it was nice to have a victory like this. I’m here to improve every day, to enjoy very game, every point. Sure, it was a bit strange. The first movements are tough and it’s hard to move well and to feel confident when you touch the ball. But that’s normal. I must be happy because I didn’t play terrible. Next round, I have another chance to continue to improve.”

Nadal will face Philipp Petzschner of Germany in the third round later today.

Post from: EveryJoe

Nadal Match Ends Early Over Sore Knee

Novak Djokovic defeated Gilles Simon of France 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 on Friday (February 27) and has advanced to the finals at the Dubai Championships.

This is the third ranked Djokovic first final of the season. He will play David Ferrer of Spain, who defeated Richard Gasquet of France 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic didn’t start the match off real well and was broken in the first set, but came back for a victory.

“I feel a bit lucky, but I think you have to work for luck,” Djokovic said. “It doesn’t just fall through the sky. I think I fought my way through in the match, really believed until the end, and mentally, this is a very important win for me.”

Ferrer looked very good in his match against Gasquet and was consistent and focused.

“This was the best match of the season for me,” the 26-year-old Spaniard said. “I was very consistent and very focused. But even though the score reads 6-2, 6-2, it was a tough match and I think I was a bit lucky as well, because I saved a few break points during the match.”

Who do you think will take away the Dubai Championship title? More photos from the Djokovic/Simon match below.

Source: Tennis.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Djokovic and Ferrer Will Play in Dubai Final

I wonder how it feels. That whole making history part. And winning a professional tennis tournament. And being a man.

Rafa owned Ferrer in the first and third sets; Ferrer just couldn’t carry his game plan from the second set to the third which is why Rafa is the one biting the trophy instead of his countryman. Is it a Spanish thing? A Rafa thing? Apparently that trophy literally tastes goooood.

(Image by Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

Barcelona: Surprise! (or not) Nadal Wins Title

So I thought a nice break of pace might be to look at how these stars act off the court – namely in the press conference following their wins or losses.

Media attention is pretty paramount in an athlete’s life - especially a professional athlete. I like to think I know a fair bit about the media, press conferences and all that goes with it considering I work in that profession.

It comes as no surprise that Roger Federer is just about the best you can have in front of the microphone. He fields questions like he fields Andy Roddick’s powerful serves.

Speaking of Roddick – he’s a bit of an unleashed beast in the reporters’ room. After losing in the 2008 Australian Open, Roddick played nasty in the following press conference.

One reporter pointed out that Roddick had been “sweating buckets” on the court. Roddick’s response? “Yeah, I have a sweating problem. It’s been a real problem in my personal life.”

To another who mentioned the match had slipped away from him, Roddick responded, “Is that a question? Or are you having a monologue here?”

Easy does it on the barbs there Roddick. Just because you played a piss-poor match doesn’t mean you have to be a piss-pot in the media room.

Maybe I’m a little tainted from my job or maybe I’m just old-school but I’m all about class. Win or lose, be classy.

And speaking of – Djokovic is really turning on the heat. He looks good – and he’s being classy right now…go Serbia, go.

Post from: EveryJoe

Handling the Media as a Tennis Player

The world No. 1 demolished Rafael Nadal yesterday in a 6-4, 6-1 clinic and ousted David Ferrer Sunday 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in another show of dominating tennis. The victory gave Federer his fourth Masters Cup title as he put to rest any mumurings about the possible changing of the guard at the top of the tennis game.

This is what Federer had to say about the match: “I suprise myself at times, obviously. Once I get on a roll, it’s so hard for my opponents to come back. I don’t allow them.”

Really…we hadn’t noticed.

And here is what the defeated Ferrer had to say: “Roger is the best player in history. You don’t enjoy a beating like that. He can do it all. I’m not on the same level.”

Thanks for your time Ferrer and congratulations on finishing the season at No. 5 in the world. Good luck the next time you face Federer, you’ll need it.

Post from: EveryJoe

A Victory in Tennis

Thank you, and good day sir. The two are actually good friends – accordingly. I don’t personally know that. I mean…I think I may have lost Nadal’s cell number. I knew I needed to hang on to that but, shucks, guess I can’t get in touch with him for our weekly lunch. Bumm-er.

Anyway. They’re both in. Yay. But it’s always interesting – and I’m sure a nerve strainer – when your fate is in someone else’s hands. For Nadal – Ferrer pulled through.

Post from: EveryJoe

Two Spaniards Still In

I’m a day behind, but Spaniard David Ferrer clinched the sixth spot for the Masters Cup which leaves *drum roll* two spots left! Woo! (Speaking of, on a swimming roster today, there was a person who’s last name was “Woo.”)

Fernando Gonzalez and Tommy Haas are serving the front of the pack as the race for the final two spots resumes at the Paris Masters series tournament Sunday.

Stay tuned for more Masters Cup watch.

Post from: EveryJoe

Masters Cup Watch