Exclusive Q&A With Marcel Granollers

Competing in his Davis Cup debut last weekend in Spain, current world No. 110 Marcel Granollers recently had a chance to stop by and give Tennis Connected an exclusive interview.

Granollers, 23, began his year by defeating current world No. 7 Robin Soderling during the first-round of the Australian Open for his biggest win to date. Capturing two doubles titles on the ATP World Tour in 2010, Granollers was victorious during the first week of the season in Chennai, India, with partner Santiago Ventura, which was followed by his second title of the year in Costa do Saupie, Brazil, with Pablo Cuevas.

Ranked No. 25 in the world in doubles, Granollers shared an intriguing look into his unique game style; his love for soccer, and why he believes having one coach is ultimately the best decision for a player.

Granollers is currently participating in a Challenger level event in Rabat, Morocco, as the No. 5 seed.

Interview by Nima Naderi:

Q. How much confidence did you take away from defeating Robin Soderling in the first-round of the Australian Open?

A. It was a very important match. It was the first time I expressed top 10 level and it was very important to become aware that I am able to play on a top 10 level. It gave me a lot of confidence.

Q. Capturing your first career title at the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in 2008, what components of your game or confidence do you need to improve in recapturing that level of play?

A. I am a better player than the Marcel who won at Houston. I am a much more mature player with more game solutions then two years ago. For me, winning in Houston came as a surprise. It was the first ATP event in which I was direct acceptance in the main draw and I won it. During the weeks before Houston I had won many matches on Challenger level, and I was used to winning many matches in a row. That is what I have been missing lately, winning many matches in a row [to] arrive at the end of the week still competing. I need to get used to winning.

Q. You recently exited the world’s top 100 after being ranked No. 44 in the world (February 2008). Is regaining a top 50 ranking your priority for this season?

A. Yes, definitely. I believe that the strategy and the work that I did during the winter and these first [few] months [will] make the top 50 a natural and realistic goal for this season.

Q. Your game consists of very low take-backs on both your forehand and backhand groundstrokes. What would you attribute to your unique style of play. Did you ever encounter a coach trying to alter your strokes?

A. I did work on my forehand take-back last year with my former coach Galo Blanco. My take back on the forehand side is now shorter and a bit higher. This gives me much more power on the forehand side, and I can use the forehand more to come in and follow the stroke to the net. It has been a good change.

Q. Playing well on both hard and clay-courts, what would you consider your favorite surface and favorite tournament?

A. I don’t know what to answer. I also think that I play the same level on both courts, and so show also the results. I like both surfaces, and I think that it is necessary if you really aim to the high rankings nowadays.

Q. You currently have two coaches working with you (David de Miguel, Alex Calatrava). Do you find that having more than one coach aids in your overall improvement, or have you ever encountered a conflict of interest?

A. Well, I travelled only three weeks with Alex Calatrava, when David was busy elsewhere, I can’t really say that I have two coaches now. Sometimes when you work in Academies it happens to travel with different coaches, and on the mental side it can be helpful not to see always the same face every day at breakfast and on the court. At the same time one coach needs to have the leading role, and the others need to execute the program that the main coach gives. I prefer having one coach.

Q. How important has Davis Cup competition been to your career? Do you enjoy the team atmosphere of Davis Cup along side your countrymen?

A. Davis Cup is extremely important. Now, after my real debut ( I was in the team last year but didn’t play) I can tell it is an incredible experience. The connection with the people, the team, the media. Everything gets more intensive. I must say that I have not been nervous at any time during my debut, all the team has helped me a lot, knowing it was my first match. I really like to represent my country and to be so close to the Spanish fans. It is one of those experiences you don’t forget.

Q. You’ve increased your doubles ranking recently to No. 25 in the world. Do you find that playing doubles increases your level of play for singles, in terms of working on your volleys and return game?

A. Yes, I think playing doubles helps a lot to improve your singles. The serve, the returns and the volleys get more precise, because you have a smaller court and you decide with your partner where to hit. Doubles also helps me very much to regain my confidence. If I lose first round in singles, but keep going in doubles all week until the final, I get confident to the next singles tournament as well.

Q. With many years left in your career, what would you like to accomplish before you retire?

A. A tournament that is very important to me, and where I never played well is Barcelona. I am a member of this club, like my brother. My parents, my friends and relatives come to watch me play and I would give anything to win that tournament. Of course, I would also love to win a Slam event or another Davis Cup.

Q. Finally, if you could disclose one locker room story that the public is not aware of, what would it be?

A. Well, in the locker it’s all about soccer. Most of the Spanish players are for Barcelona or Madrid. We discuss a lot in the lockers about soccer, but [we] can be pretty loud and annoying for the other players. At this time, being a fan of Espanol they are giving me quite a bit of sh…! I don’t worry, and wait until Espanol beats them to pay them back!

Player of the Month for February 2010: Juan Carlos Ferrero

Seemingly far removed from the best days of his career, an eager and determined Juan Carlos Ferrero poured in a devastatingly consistent month in February to capture Player of the Month honors.

Recording an envious 14-1 record throughout the second month of the season, Ferrero won back-to-back titles in Brazil and Argentina, while advancing to the finals of the 500 point event in Acapulco, Mexico before losing to scrappy countryman David Ferrer.

In total, the month of February brought Ferrero $262,600 in prize money, and 800 ATP World Tour points. The 30-year-old also improved his ranking position seven spots in February, jumping from No. 21 in the world to his current spot of No. 14. With a return to the top 10 in his sights, a confident Ferrero will look to raise the stakes at the upcoming Indian Wells and Miami events which will take place States side. Having not played either Indian Wells or Miami last year, the opportunity for Ferrero to increase his ranking is ever present. (The last time Ferrero saw top 10 status was in August of 2004).

To me, the most impressive attribute of Ferrero’s recent success was highlighted by the belief that he can still win Tour events. Having a lull of nearly six years between Tour titles, Ferrero snapped the forgettable streak last year in Casablanca, but remained modest in his results for the remainder of the season by reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon (l. Andy Murrray), and advancing the final 16 at the U.S. Open (l. Juan Martin del Potro).

The springboard was inevitably set for Ferrero to succeed this season, with his experience and consistent level of play throughout the second half of last year helping him to gain momentum. Working diligently through the offseason with his longtime coach Antonio Martinez, and his secondary coach Samuel Lopez, Ferrero knew that in order to stay on par with today’s generation of hard-hitting, younger, and stronger players, his game, and more importantly his fitness, would have to be paramount.

Although Ferrero injured his knee during his finals loss to Ferrer in Mexico—the injury, to me anyway, was a preventative measure to ensure his withdrawal from this weekend’s Davis Cup first-round tie against Switzerland. Allowing his body to rest after a grueling month of South American tennis will ultimately allow Ferrero to head over to Indian Wells early, and fine-tune his hard-court game for the month of March.

Ferrero will unquestionably have a difficult time in reaching the top 10 this season, simply because the current crop of top 10 players is younger and consistently posting enough quality results that they can sustain their position.

However, the X-factor that Ferrero will have on his side for the remainder of the season, and his career for that matter, is his love for the sport.

Growing up in Onteniente, Spain, Ferrero would spend hours upon hours improving his court craft, even after his training on-court was completed. Ferrero was so adamant on reaching his goal as a professional player that his father Eduardo would oftentimes catch his son hitting against the inside of the garage of their home while aiming to defeat his fierce rival the “light socket.”

Ferrero’s theory on hitting against the light socket was driven from the precise nature one would have to acquire in order to hit such a small area on the wall. Ferrero would also take his “garage training” one step further by imaging that every time he hit the light socket a victory over Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, or Boris Becker had taken place.

Clearly, the love for the game was ever present in Ferrero’s youth, and that same passion for the sport runs deep today.

Owing a junior academy in Villena, Spain, Ferrero readily spends his off Tour training helping to develop new Spanish talent, while squeezing in his own court time.

Battling an 0-2 start to begin the season, Ferrero is now a realistic pick to triumph at Roland Garros this spring. Winning his maiden Slam in Paris in 2003, Ferrero also made the finals in 2002 before losing to current Davis Cup captain Albert Costa in four sets.

All in all, it’s great to see Ferrero enjoying the fruits of his labor, while challenging the new charge on the ATP World Tour.

Other notable contenders for Player of the Month honors included:

Novak Djokovic: The recent world No. 2 defended the first title of his career in Dubai, while displaying his grit and determination in winning four straight three-set matches en route.

David Ferrer: The never-say-die Spaniard also had a glorious month in February which included making the semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa, the finals in Buenos Aires, and winning his eighth career title in Acapulco. Ferrer, who has always endured a crisis of self belief, preserved through his self doubt to record a splendid 12-2 record in February.

Marin Cilic: Leading the Tour with a 17-2 record, Cilic banked his second title of the season in Zagreb, Croatia, while raising his ranking to a career high of No. 9 in the world. Continuing his sensational run from Australia, Cilic will continue to be a mighty force on Tour for the remainder of the season.

Novak Djokovic: Acquiring a Taste for Second

Throughout the proposed sarcasm, ball-bouncing, hits with Johnny Mac, and arch in his serve, Novak Djokovic has chalked up a pretty good tennis resume up until this point. Capturing 17 career singles titles which includes his maiden Slam victory in Australia in 2008, Djokovic remains a threat to win any tournament he enters.

However, foiled within the young Serb’s success lies the constant anxiety that Djokovic plays under; through the emotional rollercoaster that has allowed him to gain a legion of fans throughout the years, and finally, after waiting nearly three seasons to move out of the No. 3 spot to his current rank of No. 2, will the 23-year-old be able to sustain his current form amongst the giants of the sport?

I have my doubts to be honest, and it has nothing to do with Djokovic’s ability to hit a drop shot or save a break point. The Belgrade native was simply sensational last week in Dubai, defending the first title of his career after winning three, three-set matches in a row. Djokovic’s level of play wasn’t particularly the highest we’ve seen from him, but his ability to fight and persevere through the heat of the desert, and a slew of hungry competitors proved that his mettle was in check, irrespective of his ball-striking ability.

My concerns for the Serb simply stems from his overuse of emotion on court. Unlike Rafael Nadal, who uses his volumed fist pumps and leg hikes to spur on his sonic forehand, Djokovic’s constant yells and looks of dismay to his players’ box seem to take its toll on him during the bigger tournaments. It appears that the exertion of Djokovic’s emotions has also increased with his improved status.

I remember covering a tournament in 2005 at the Paris Masters 1000 against Djokovic and French Open runner-up Mariano Puerta. Puerta was at the time the N0. 9 ranked player in the world, while Djokovic occupied a respective position at No. 85. Puerta had also come off his best season to date, which would later end with a career rattling suspension because of a performance enhancing drug. Nevertheless, Puerta was a formidable player, and he knew exactly what he was looking at when he lost to Djokovic in straight sets.

After going down 6-3, 7-6(9) to the Serb, Puerta told the media that: “He’s a future champion. His poise and calmness on-court, along with his shots will take him to the top.”

Going through the archives of post-match press conferences, (which takes up a brilliant amount of my time) I have only heard one other player in recent memory (Nadal telling reporters that he believed Kei Nishikori would be a top three player one day, after defeating the Japanese youngster at Queens Club event in 2008) receive the type of accolades that Puerta gave to Djokovic in Paris.

So far so good for Puerta’s prediction, and if not for a knee injury to Nishikori, the 20-year-old could have potentially made Nadal add his prognosticator views to his long list of off-court ability.

If we look closer into Puerta’s comments about a younger Djokovic being “calm” and “poised”, can we honestly say that those characteristics embody the current world No. 2? Through his loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Australian Open this year, to his out-of-gas performance against Roger Federer at the US Open last fall, will Djokovic be able to consistently put it all together when he needs to in a best of five format?

I’m not disputing Djokovic’s ability to supplant Federer at the No. 1 spot (I actually picked Djokovic to end the year No. 2 with the chance of overtaking the No. 1 spot at some point)—my concern for Djokovic resides more around his ability to win multiple Majors and put a stamp on the top spot similar to Federer, or even Nadal.

Can Djokovic in essence do the top spot proud?

It just seems to me that Djokovic would be better served if he would allow for a more independent approach to the Grand Slam events, as opposed to the constant dialogue he constructs with his players’ box and ultimately himself. Historically, the greatest champions of the sport, Federer, Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver have all approached tennis matches—regardless of their magnitude—with more of an introverted silence when competing. They all showed emotion from time to time, but it was based more around a mechanism of momentary uplifting, and not three hours of attempting to ask for approval from outside the lines.

I understand that creating a vortex of calmness and independence in the men’s game is far from easy; if anything, that’s why every player doesn’t win over 10 Majors, or if they’re lucky even five. But a player of Djokovic’s caliber certainly has the wherewithal and physical gifts to post significant numbers—it will inevitably come down to his emotional management in the end.

It seems, anyway, that Djokovic has a lot more to think about now that he’s acquired a taste for second.

Exclusive Q&A with Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr.

In a recent interview given to TennisConnected.com, world No. 81 Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. shared his struggles of growing up with an ex-professional coaching father, mentoring former French Open finalist Andrei Medvedev, and how he spends his downtime on Tour.

Possessing a rocket forehand and competent serve, Dolgopolov Jr. uses his off-the-rise ball-striking skills to compete on the ATP World Tour. Currently coached by Jack Reader, Dolgopolov Jr. has improved his ranking almost 200 spots in the last year.

Winning three ATP Challenger level titles last season, the out-spoken and rugged 21-year-old will undoubtedly be a name for the future.

Interview by: Nima Naderi

Q. At what stage in your development did you decide that turning professional was the right decision?

A. I actually never did. I was just practicing while my father was coaching Andrei [Medvedev], and from the early years I was in tennis and wanted to play it. So there wasn’t even a question or a decision to take. That was just my life.

Q. Did you enjoy having your father, who was an ex-touring professional, coach you from an early age? (Dolgopolov Jr. was coached by Oleksandr Dolgopolov Sr. during his formative years).

A. I mean of course its good for my development, because I got so much information in my early years. But as I grew up, I also started to see some negatives in a father-coach relationship. Anyway, my father is the reason why I’m playing now, without him I would not be a player, so I’m happy with it (the relationship).

Q. Did the expectations of having Medvedev around as a youngster give you added incentive or pressure when becoming a professional?

A. No, my pro career started a few years later than the last year of my father coaching Andrei. So he didn’t really have anything to do with me after 10 years of age. But before that of course I had a good time, watching and learning from him. But my goals and results have nothing to do with him, and are not based on his career.

Q. Having played a few top ranked players thus far in your career, what type of mindset do you take when approaching higher ranked competitors? (Dolgopolev Jr. recently lost to Radek Stepanek in Brisbane, Australia after leading by a set and a break).

A. I mean it doesn’t really matter who I play. I just try to think before the match which one is the best way to play the guy. What are his bad and good sides. Maybe the only difference of playing against a player who is ranked way higher than me is that I go on-court and think just about my game, and no other thoughts about the tournament level, the draw or the points. Just having fun playing a good player. So maybe I am a bit more relaxed, but nothing special.

Q. What would you consider the essential parts of your game that must improve in order for you to experience continued success on the ATP World Tour?

A. I play a game which is pretty hard. I don’t prefer one or two strokes, I use almost everything I know. [I] don’t have a particular favourite shot or game [plan]. My tennis is mostly improvisation, so I would like to improve in all my tennis game, no exceptions. The most important thing for me now is to stay injury free, and makeup [for] my physical [injuries]. Because of [the] last two years [the] injuries [that] I [had], [I] couldn’t do that at all. So I have almost everything to get better, to be where I would like to be. I think I have two to three good years of hard work still to come.

Q. You entered last week’s South African ATP World Tour rankings at No. 101 in the world, what are your immediate and long-term goals for the season?

A. The immediate goal is to get [to] [into] top 70-80 because I have no points to defend and I don’t need a lot of points to get there. The long-term goal for the season is [to] finish [in] [the] top 50. [I] Hope I can do that, but I just try to play my best, and than we’ll see.

Q. Growing up in Kiev, how did you find the conditions for training and traveling? Did you ever lose or gain motivation throughout your experiences?

A. Actually I never really grew up in Kiev. At first, when my father was coaching Andrei we traveled all the time, then form the age of 11 I started having every year a month and a half [of] preparation in Florida, during the Orange Bowl. So Kiev was just home, but never a training base for me. Coming back home I stayed in shape, but don’t really do the preparation there, nor the hard practice. For that I find other places.

At one point I had lost the motivation. I mean playing all the time [was] hard from 10-11 [years-old] with no vacations (except during the injuries) was tough, and I was tired of it. But it didn’t last for a long time, and when I finally got back into tennis in a month or two I got back in shape again.

Q. Who would you consider your closest friends on Tour? How do you spend your free time on the circuit?

A. I mean I’m friends with almost everybody I know on the tour. Probably most of all the post-USSR countries and the countries like Poland, Czech Rep., Slovak Rep. etc are the people who understand each other the best. Of course, I’m good friends with players from Ukraine, but not anyone in particular.

In my free time I don’t do anything special, I spend my time in hotels, on the Internet, and resting. Sometimes we have time to go out, if there is a good company [around] and no matches to play during the next days.

Q. If you could win one Grand Slam event which one would it be and why?

A. Roland Garros, I grew up on clay.

Q. Finally, if you could disclose one locker-room story that the public doesn’t know about what would it be?

A. Uh, that’s a tough one. Never had this question, so now sitting and trying to remember something interesting. Sorry but no luck, for the next time I remember some of the stories or funny moments that happened, so I can really answer this question.

Getting to Know Michael Llodra: The Wily Veteran Remains a Force on Tour

In a day and age where power and youthful exuberance reign supreme on the ATP World Tour, French veteran Michael Llodra has once again proved that a well designed serve and volley game, coupled with years of invaluable experience, can and will turn into victory.

Capturing the fourth tournament victory of his career over the weekend in his native Marseille, France, Llodra defeated top seed Robin Soderling in straight sets during the quarterfinal round before dismissing his doubles partner and countryman Julien Benneteau in the finals.

Llodra is by no means a newcomer to the circuit. Traveling the Tour since the age of 18, the 29-year-old Paris native, who will turn 30 in May, has amassed an impressive resume which has seen him reach the No. 34 spot on the computer rankings in June of 2008.

Possessing a deadly left-handed serve which ushers forward his one-handed backhand, Llodra’s classic French game is a delight to witness.

Llodra’s sense of humor has perhaps been the catalyst to his longevity on Tour. After defeating Soderling in Marseille, Llodra told the French media he really wanted to win the match because he had missed a wine tester ahead of his quarterfinal contest.

Showing the world that tennis was indeed more important than sipping expense wine, Llodra disposed of Soderling in ruthless fashion, losing only two points on his serve throughout his straight set win. Defeating a player of Soderling’s caliber in a straight set indoor match was never an easy task, let alone not allowing the lanky Swede to gain a beat on his return of serve points.

Although Llodra is by no means a household name even back home in France, those avid tennis fans around the world (and you know exactly who you are) will remember Llodra’s shot of the year against German Tommy Haas during the Indian Wells event in 2007.

I’ll leave the interpretation of Llodra’s between the legs shot for you to determine (click here), but I will add that, in my opinion anyway, the shot was better than Roger Federer’s between the legs winner that he miraculously put past Novak Djokovic along the way to his semifinal victory at last year’s U.S. Open.

I must confess that I’ve had my own run in with Llodra at an ATP World Tour event—and no, it wasn’t on court where he does his best work.

During the 2008 Masters event in Toronto, (a year in which more rain drops fell than actual shots on court) yours truly received an utter beat down while running from the tournament shuttle to the media center.

Brilliantly not having an umbrella or change of clothes in site, I decided to take matters into my own hands and venture off to the players’ hair salon. There, I would find the on-site hairstylists, who were gracious enough to allow me to use their trusty hairdryers to regain warmth and suitable work attire (did I mention that it was 9:30 am and I had a 12 hour work day ahead of me?).

At any rate, my task would require some time to accomplish, due to the monsoon that I had encountered.

Being in the players’ hair salon meant that players would often come in for a haircut, trim, or a nice scalp massage (none of which I had the pleasure of receiving).

The lovely Caroline, who undoubtedly saved my day, had none other than Llodra as her first appointment of the morning. Strutting in with five minutes to spare, the 6′3″ Rueil Malmaison native took one look at me and knew that his first-round match against Richard Gasquet was pale in comparison to what I had endured.

Clearly never experiencing a drenched reporter that early in the morning, Llodra quickly enlightened me with his thoughtful take of the situation: “You are wet,” he said. With a sheepish and determined look on my face I responded, ”not for long.”

Llodra continued with his analysis of my attire by saying, “it will take a long time to dry.” I quickly responded by changing the topic and asking what kind of haircut he was going for, since it was always so short.

His response: “Short enough that the hair gel will stay in place; I move around lot,” he laughed.

My lone encounter with Llodra, though brief, illustrated his calm French poise and his determined outlook on-court. I mean, how could a world class tennis player find enough time to think of his hair while upholding a top 50 ranking?

Moving along to present day, Llodra’s hair remains the same, and so does his ability to bank titles. Holding a steady rank of No. 65 in the world, Llodra is guaranteed entry into the remainder of the year’s Major events.

Never pulling in grand results on the clay, Llodra holds a respectable record on grass-courts at 27-21, while winning one title in The Netherlands in 2004.

Entering the autumn of his career in 2010, Llodra’s continued belief in his skills (and his hair of course), should result in continued success in his ranking, and tournament results.

Never one to shy away from the limelight, look for Llodra to continue his fine season on the circuit.

Clay Dreams Continue for Juan Carlos Ferrero, but Will He Deliver?

The willingness to compete at the highest level never really subsides for the world’s best tennis players. Even though age and injury may interfere with their ability to win, the sheer determination of continuing a childhood dream remains ever present.

Other the past few weeks on the ATP World Tour, Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero has shown the tennis community that his desire to recapture his glory days of 2003 are all but possible. Winning his 13th and 14th career Tour titles in Brazil and Argentina, Ferrero elevated his ranking from No. 23 at the beginning of the year to its current position of No. 16.

Perhaps, though, what was even more impressive than his back-to-back titles—the first time he achieved the feat since winning Barcelona and Roma in 2001—was Ferrero’s claim that he wanted to reach the top 10 once again (Ferrero last graced the world’s top in Aug. 2008).

“This victory makes me believe in this goal,” said Ferrero. “I don’t have much to defend in Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami so I hope I will do well, get extra points and move back up in the rankings.”

But why the extra motivation? Why would a former world No. 1 and French Open champion get in the best shape of his life at age 30 to begin yet another difficult trek to the world’s top 10?

“I feel unbelievable after winning two weeks in a row,” he said. ”I think the key to my current success is the physical work I have done. I have been working very hard and I know that I can be on the court forever. That helps my game a lot because I get to the ball much earlier and can be more aggressive.

“This also helps me mentally. I feel very strong and know that I have more resources now when playing important points. I have been working with a friend on the mental aspect and all is coming into place.”

Training diligently with longtime coach Antonio Martinez, Ferrero used the offseason to strengthen his legs and increase in VO2max (the oxygen intake for an athlete), while sparring with the junior players at his academy in Villena, which is appropriately named Equelite-Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Did we mention that Ferrero has his own hotel in Bocairente?

Using his renowned blend of heavy-hit forehands and well-placed serves, Ferrero’s form in Brazil and Argentina was reminiscent of his run during his maiden Slam victory at the ‘03 French Open.

Having gone without a title for six years before winning in Casablanca last May, Ferrero’s future looked bleak at best. The dazzle and pop in his game had diminished, while a new kid on the block by the name of Rafael Nadal had begun to takeover his mantle.

Encountering a shoulder injury in the summer of 2008, Ferrero’s drop in the rankings resulted in a loss in confidence and the possible end to the man coined the “Mosquito.”

To be honest, I’m not convinced that Ferrero’s march to the top 10 will be fulfilled. Even though the Spaniard showed great resolve in capturing back-to-back titles this month—the fields in which Ferrero toppled were not comparable to a Masters 1000 or Grand Slam field.

If we look back to this time last year, Ferrero’s countryman Tommy Robredo captured the exact same tournaments in succession, but later faltered against Juan Martin del Potro in the quarterfinals of Paris. Could Ferrero be down the same path as T-Rob, or will his past accomplishment help to overshadow, and dismiss the failures that Robredo endured?

Well, first things first, Ferrero is a much more accomplished player than Robredo. Reaching three Major finals in his career, Ferrero has also captured three Masters 1000 titles on the European dirt.

Second, Ferrero has proved that he has what it takes to battle the best players in the world, even though recent years have shown otherwise.

If I were to determine the fate of Ferrero this year, I’d say that his results against a formidable top 10 foe (remember, that’s where he wants to be), will determine how far he can go. If he can defeat a player like Robin Soderling or Fernando Verdasco in the upcoming weeks, that will give the Spanish veteran the added confidence he needs to progress deep in the bigger events.

If Ferrero falters against a greater rival, then all his hardwork through February could go undone.

With the clay-court season starting early for JCF, he couldn’t have asked for a better start. Ferrero will attempt to add to his recent glory this week in Acapulco, Mexico where he is the No. 4 seed. Aiming to win his third title in a row for the first time in his career, Ferrero will be up against the likes of Verdasco and Fernando Gonzalez.

It will be interesting to follow Ferrero’s progression throughout the coming months, observing his success at the Masters 1000 events (especially on clay), in order to determine whether or not he can be classified as a viable threat to this year’s French Championship.

One thing is for certain for the swashbuckling Spaniard: Ending the year on a Robredo low, would mean February’s triumphs were all for nothing.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

Ferrer Wins 300th Career Match in Argentina

Tour workhorse and former world No. 4 David Ferrer captured his 300th ATP World Tour match victory on Saturday at the Copa Telmax in Argentina over Igor Andreev.

Dismissing Andreev 7-5, 6-2, Ferrer returned later in the day to reach the finals by defeating Albert Montanes 6-1, 6-1.

Ferrer was forced to play two matches on the day because of persistent rain on Friday.

Ferrer will attempt to win the eighth title of his career on Sunday against countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero. Ferrero is currently riding a nine match winning streak which included capturing his 13th career title in Brazil last week.

Andy Joins Tampa Tennis Classic Benefiting Courier’s Kids

from AndyRoddick.com

A celebrity packed tennis lineup, featuring Andy Roddick, James Blake, Jim Courier and Vera Zvonareva come together for fifth time in the Tampa Tennis Classic benefiting Raymond James Courier’s Kids, an inner-city youth tennis program founded by Jim Courier that supports First Serve tennis programs.

The Tampa Tennis Classic will feature America’s biggest names in tennis, and will be held at the St. Pete Times Forum, Monday, March 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. On the men’s side, with 60 singles career titles between them, these three are sure to wow the crowds in Tampa in a battle of the stars. Representing the women, Zvonareva is currently ranked number nine in the world and holds nine singles titles.

Raymond James Courier’s Kids and the USTA’s First Serve Program are dedicated to providing opportunities and positive life alternatives to at-risk youth. The programs offer a blend of tennis instruction, computer classes, academics and mentoring to promote positive values, healthy habits and education.

The First Serve Program is the USTA’s national initiative to introduce inner city youth to the life-long sport of tennis. The program was launched in Florida and has 4 basic components: tennis instruction, computer classes, academics and mentoring. First Serve offers its programs free to participants. For more information, or to get involved with the program, visit firstserve.org.

Tickets: Tickets for this event are on sale at the McDonald’s Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum and all Ticketmaster Outlets. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are priced at $20.00, $30.00, $55.00, and $95.00. Prices do not include service charges. For dinner reservations at Medallions Restaurant on the day of the event please call 813.301.6926. For more information please call 813.301.2500 or visit www.sptimesforum.com. Advanced parking passes are available at Ticketmaster.com and the McDonald’s Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Roger Federer: Player of the Month for January 2010

Roger Federer’s comprehensive performance in Melbourne was perhaps one of his best to date.

Defeating a handful of quality opponents along his trek to capturing his 16th Grand Slam title, the 28-year-old Swiss native proved that his status as the world’s best player was far from over. Surviving a stern test from Igor Andreev in the first-round, Federer later ended a two-match losing skid to Nikolay Davydenko in the quarterfinals. It was perhaps his match against Davydenko which ignited a confident flame under Federer’s continued success in the event. Brushing aside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray in the semifinals and finals, respectively, Federer was without a doubt the best player in January.

Recording his eighth straight finals appearance at a Major while keeping his worldly streak of reaching 23-straight Grand Slam semifinals alive, Federer made a strong case going forward that he may very well finish No. 1 in the world for a sixth time this year. Surpassing the $55-million mark in career prize money, Federer remains 12 wins shy of reaching his 700th victory on Tour. Adding his 62nd career title in Australia, Federer is now tied with Bjorn Borg and Guillermo Vilas at the No. 5 position on the all-time titles’ list. Could Jimmy Connors’ record title count of 109 tournaments be in jeopardy? Only time will tell. With Federer conceding that he intends to play well into his mid 30’s, the Swiss remains well in line to capture Pete Sampras’ 64 career titles, and John McEnore’s 77.

There were certainly many who doubted Federer’s form coming into 2010. His final set flop against Juan Martin del Potro in New York seemed to summon a complacent and content Federer, one who wasn’t bothered by Major defeat. Adding onto his disappointment at Flushing Meadows, Federer remained winless on the Tour for the remainder of the season. Losing to Novak Djokoivc in Basel, while leaving the Paris Masters at the hands’ of Julien Benneteau, became a cause for concern. Although the fall season was a preverbal time of rest for the big boys, it appeared that Federer had began to relinquish his aura of invincibility.

Meek results during the Tour final in London, as well as the Qatar event to begin the season, didn’t provide much in the way of a Federer romp Down Under. However, what the naysayers and pundits continually forgot when assessing Federer’s form during the non-Slam events, remained his mastery of playing five-set matches.

Federer’s relaxed and injury-free physic had historically allowed him to achieve optimal playability throughout a fortnight of tennis. Where players such as Murray, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokoivc push their physical and mental limits to achieve success, Federer’s uncanny ability to remain calm and composed under the most difficult of times remains bar-none his greatest asset. I’m not quite sure if Federer’s ability to remain reserved and in complete control of his emotions is a taught trait, but I may be able to provide a few reasons for the Swiss’ impenetrable focus.

First, Federer has some of the best footwork in the game. As Patrick McEnroe suggested during the final’s on Sunday, “Federer gets to every shot so early that he has so many options when making contact.” This vital and well-versed part of Federer’s game allows him to take initiative on pretty much each and every point. Never appearing a step slow when riffling a forehand crosscourt, Federer’s horizontal and vertical movement remains sublime.

Secondly, Federer is undoubtedly the most relaxed ball-striker the game has ever seen. Next time Federer is playing in an event, make sure you take a look at his face while he’s hitting a groundstroke. Keeping his eye on a shot even after it has left his racket, Federer remains utterly emotionless when hitting his strokes. This ability to keep his face and shoulders relaxed allows for the fluidity in his game to shine through. When players are tense and grunting through their shots—more often than not they are muscling their shots—and not allowing for their time and rhythm to take over—not Federer.

Lastly, there can’t be enough said about Federer’s experience. He’s played in every Major final on at least four occasions, and he’s aware that no one on the Tour can come close to that stat. I remember asking James Blake a few year’s back who he favored going into the 2008 the US Open, and without a moments hesitation, he responded with Federer. Blake went onto comment that his immediate response was driven around the “been there, done that” formula which Federer had always played under. What perhaps surprised me the most about Blake’s answer was that Federer had not won a Slam going into the ‘08 US Open. I guess I’ve been caught with own share of doubting Federer on more than one occasion.

Moving onto the remainder of the year, I’d say that Federer will be aiming to win his second French Open title as a major priority. In the event that he can defend his Roland Garros crown, the Swiss would have won every Slam on at least two occasions, while leading the all-time list. I’m sure Federer would love nothing more than to defeat an injury-free Nadal during the event—even though the odds and history would suggest a less than favorable result.

With one month into 2010, the tennis world remains centered around its staple figure. Federer has withstood all criticism and adversity which has been thrown his way, only to redirect those trying times into record success.

The scary thing about Federer is that the guy just loves playing tennis; not for money or for fame, but the for simplicity of competition and dedication to that competition.

It appears now, anyway, that a fit and ready Federer will remain on top.

Photos: Federer With Australian Open Trophy

Roger Federer won his 16th Grand Slam this past weekend in Melbourne and although he has won so many titles in his career, it seems as if he never gets tired celebrating.

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