Verdasco GQ Photo Shoot Pictures

He may be currently struggling with his tennis game, but Spaniard Fernando Verdasco still knows how to rock a suit with the best of the them.

Posing for a variety of pictures in September’s issue of GQ Magazine, Verdasco was photographed at Madrid-Barajas Terminal 4 airport (like he isn’t there enough).

Keeping his tennis racket close by in most of the pictures, Verdasco’s photo shoot will certainly turn a few heads with his fan base.

For Verdasco’s recent photo shoot, click the link below.

Verdasco GQ Photo Shoot Pictures.

Cincinnati Day 3 Photo Gallery

If you weren’t able to make it to day three action at the Cincinnati Masters event in Ohio, our correspondent and good friend to the site, Parsa Samii from GEM Tennis has you covered.

Bringing you some great shots from around the grounds, be sure to check out his site throughout the tennis year.

Double click on each picture to enlarge.

Enjoy.

GEM Tennis.

Movers and Shakers on Tour: Murray Defeats Both Nadal and Federer

by: Nima Naderi

The week in Toronto went by faster than in previous years, but there was certainly a lot of great tennis to behold.

We saw the pink movement take over Canada last week; didn’t Rafael Nadal start that trend at the French Open last year? We saw an underhand serve by Michael Llodra. Heck, what didn’t we see from the Frenchman in his third-round match against Roger Federer? We witnessed David Nalbandian hold his form; Gael Monfils hit the ground and stay there, and finally, Andy Murray defend a Masters title for the first time in his career.

A lot went on in Toronto last week, let’s take a quick look back.

Andy Murray: Coming into Canada without a coach, Murray dusted both Nadal and Federer in straight sets. Using his backhand down-the-line as his go to shot, Murray once again proved his comfort level at the Masters events. Becoming the first player since Andre Agassi to repeat at the tournament since 1994-1995, Murray will head into Cincinnati full of individual confidence. No word yet on weather or not his mother Judy will be attending. I’d hate to lose in front of her if she was my mom.

Roger Federer: The Swiss master showed some moments of brilliance in Toronto, but he also offered a few warning signs that his game is in decline. Struggling at one point or another with all of his opponents throughout the week, Federer’s movement and backhand were a shadow of what they once were. However, Federer will forever hold the experience card over pretty much everyone on Tour, and that should allow him to win a few more Majors.

Just a thought, when was the last time anyone can remember Federer hitting his vintage dip backhand cross-court angled passing shot? Pass along the video if you have it.

Rafael Nadal: Starting his week at the CN Tower, Nadal delighted the Center Court crowds with his ground hugging baseline game. The Spaniard did struggle with the the depth on his forehand and serve all week, and he even showed rare negatively against Murray during his semifinal loss. But good old Rafa appeared mighty relaxed in his post-match presser, when he walked in with a wide smile and a bag of chips in his hand.

I can’t say I blame the Mallorcan for taking his loss in stride. He’d won five of his last seven tournaments after Murray ended his run. I fully expect Nadal to have a great week in Cincinnati, but a US Open victory will be awfully tough to grab this year.

Fernando Verdasco: Too much and too early for Verdasco coming into Toronto. Whipping through his most successful clay-court season to date, Verdasco looked spent and unsure of himself during his second-round loss to Jeremy Chardy. Losing the match after serving for it at 5-4 in the second set, Verdasco swore (on multiple occasions), broke his racket on his foot, and let his camp (highlighted by Darren Cahill) know exactly what was on his mind. Verdasco seemed to be hitting his shots with enough vigor in Toronto, but I believe that he hasn’t mentally recovered from his extensive journey on the clay just yet.

Notable mentions on the week go to Chardy for finally winning some matches; Monfils for putting his body in harms way for the highlight reel; Tomas Berdych for proving that he’ll be a force for the foreseeable future, and the Toronto crowd for coming out by the thousands.

Tuesday night sell out crowds are no joke people.

See everyone soon.

Nima

Rogers Cup: Day 3 Results—Djokovic, Murray Advance; Verdasco Upset

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

Day three action at the Rogers Cup included the following second-round results:

No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic d. Julien Benneteau 7-5, 7-5; No. 4 seed Andy Murray d. Xavier Malisse 7-5, 6-2; Jeremy Chardy d. No. 9 seed Fernando Verdasco 6-7 (7), 7-6 (5), 6-2; David Nalbandian d. Tommy Robredo 6-3, 6-0; Alexandr Dolgopolov d. No. 12 seed Mikhail Youzhny 1-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5; No. 6 seed Nikolay Davydenko d. Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-1; No. 15 seed Gael Monfils d. Theimo de Bakker 7-5, 6-3; Philipp Kohlschreiber d. Viktor Troicki 6-4, 3-6, 6-0; Kevin Anderson d. No. 16 seed Sam Querrey 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4; Michael Llodra d. No. 14 seed Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (5), 6-2, and Victor Hanescu d. Peter Polansky 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Local Hopes, O2 Intake, and No Bull for Chardy

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

We’re almost at the halfway mark of this year’s Rogers Cup, and all appears well on the draw sheet, and from a fans’ perspective. However, I’d bet the Corona hat that I was given yesterday that the level of play of some of the major seeds hasn’t been up to their standards.

I started off my day by watching the last Canadian in the field, Peter Polansky lose in straight sets to Victor Hansecu. Although the match went a close 6-4, 7-6 (4), I found myself asking the same question of Polansky that I did three years ago: Will his backhand groundstroke, and more importantly his backhand return ever gain the margin and penetration that it needs in order to become a top-flight shot?

Polansky is a tremendous athlete, and has beefed up his serve considerably since last summer. Able to drop 120 MPH serves at ease, Polansky has also altered his serve variety to include more slice and kick serves. Unfortunately for Polansky, his backhand does remain a noticeable weakness, and I’m sure that the Tour boys have figured that out by now.

Here’s hoping that Polansky can turn the corner on his career, because he’d be a great ambassador for the Canadian game.

The day really kicked into gear with the arrival of Novak Djokovic. The former champ was in suspect form throughout his straight set win over Julien Benneteau, requesting the trainer on numerous occasions, while suffering from breathing issues. Djokovic’s battle with heat and allergy ailments is by no means a new story. The Serb has encountered, and lost the battle to heat-related problems during some pretty big matches, and he almost found himself out of the first-round of a Masters event for the second time this season.

Djokvovic’s serve was also underwater for most of the contest. He dropped serve on four occasions, but was lucky enough to break serve six times. To be honest, I’m really not confident that Djokovic would have won, or even finished a third-set if it had taken place. I like Djokovic’s game, and I’m in noway claiming that he isn’t sincere when he’s struggling, but it certainly is starting to become a regular occurrence which he could soon do without.

“It was a big struggle. It was obvious that on the court I wasn’t feeling the best, but I overcomed it. It was nothing unusual, just little heat issues that I have, but, you know, the life goes on. I won another match, and usually when you win the tough first round like this, second round, actually, my first match in this tournament, now I get more confidence and hopefully I can be ready for the next challenge.”

I’m not sure if we can call them “little heat issues” for much longer, but it won’t be getting any cooler in Toronto as the week goes on, and that certainly will not bode well for the No. 2 seed.

Moving along through the chaotic bliss that is the grounds of a Masters event, I was fortunate to witness the finishing touches on the Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. Mikhail Youzhny dogfight, before venturing off to catch David Nalbandian obliterate Tommy Robredo.

Dolgopolov, who overcame a disgruntled Philipp Petzschner yesterday, poured in another up-and-coming performance against the Russian veteran. Trailing by a set and 4-1, Dolgopolov roared back to capture the second set, while squeaking out a momentum shifting final set.

Using a superb blend of drop-shots and slice backhands, Dolgopolov is beginning to showcase his mettle—which was once questioned—against formidable opponents.

The 21-year-old will next face Tomas Berdych.

What can be said about David Nalbandian, that hasn’t already been put on pen and paper?

Although the Argentine has been on the DL for the better part of a year, he never really left the conversation, or the minds of the game’s elite. Winning his 10th match in a row against his Spanish foe, Nalbandian’s footwork, forehand, and most importantly his fitness, were all in top gear. The former world No. 3 will next face Gael Monfils in an intriguing third-round match up.

After chowing down on an overcooked hamburger, I decided to check out how Fernando Verdasco was coming along.

I’ve had high hopes for Verdasco during the current hard-court swing, considering that he sustained a relatively poor grass-season. Facing another promising star in Jeremy Chardy, Verdasco was forced to withstand an hour plus first set to edge in front. Displaying his renowned forehand and artistry for the intimate Grandstand crowd, Verdasco quickly gained an early break lead over the Frenchman to lead 1-0 in the second set.

Holding onto his lead until the doorsteps of victory at 5-4 in the second set, Verdasco never really seemed to settle into the match, even though he was ahead. Looking over at his father and coach Darren Cahill on numerous occasions, Verdasco broke a racket over his foot, while letting out a record amount of F-bombs. I’ve never seen Verdasco need his box of supporters more than he did today, but after he lost the second set—a set which he never should have lost—the wheels, and his constant stares to his box subsided.

To Chardy’s credit, the struggling Frenchman continued his strong breathing—doesn’t it seem that the French players have the deepest breathing habits from any Nation?—while blasting his multi-faceted forehand into the corners of the court.

Finding himself a few points from victory, Chardy’s green and lime shoes caught my attention. Tightly wound around his narrow and long feet, Chardy’s shoe of choice dawned the famous Rafael Nadal “bull” symbol.

Playing nothing like the current top dog of tennis, Chardy was undoubtedly looking for any means necessary to dig out of his under .500 season.

The 23-year-old Frenchman will need his dancing shoes and then some, when he next faces Nikolay Davydenko for a place in the quarterfinals.

With no rest for the weary, I’m off to catch Nadal light up the Rexall Center.

Talk soon.

Nima

Rogers Cup: Day 3 Preview

by: Nima Naderi

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

After a hot and sticky Tuesday in Toronto, the Rogers Cup will kick off bright and early on Wednesday morning with Canadian Peter Polansky facing Victor Hanescu.

I really liked what I saw from Polansky against Jurgen Melzer the other night, and if the smooth moving youngster can hold onto his serve, the third-round could very well be achieved. Hanescu has this uncanny ability of lulling his opponents into a state of laziness, and Polansky will have to stay alert and adamant on creating his own electricity between the lines.

No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic and No. 3 seed Andy Murray will highlight and complete the day session on Center Court. Djokovic will challenge all-court Frenchman Julien Benneteau, while Murray will have to keep his thinking cap on tight against Belgium’s Xavier Malisse.

Djokovic hasn’t played an event since Wimbledon, and he will begin what he hopes is another title march in Canada. Capturing the event in 2007, Djokovic has advanced to the quarterfinals or better of every Major event this season. Falling at the hands of a bigger hitting opponent in each of this year’s Slams, Djokovic should remain in control of his powerless opponent.

Defending champ Murray will find a press room full of British and Scottish reporters eager to record his every move. Unable to snag a title this year, Murray’s only two finals have come on hard-courts. Practicing diligently throughout the weekend and early patch of the tournament, Murray may not have the shot-making brilliance of Malisse, but his consistency and point composition is far better.

After a full brim of day session action, Rafael Nadal will look to rock the soldout crowd under the lights. If Roger Federer’s second-round match was any indication as to how the night crowd will react, I suggest bringing earplugs, or selling your tickets if you don’t like noise.

Nadal will be facing Swiss nice guy Stanislas Wawrinka for a place in the third-round. Recently marrying his long-time girlfriend, Wawrinka has yet to defeat Nadal in five career meetings. Never taking a set from the Spaniard, Wawrinka has lost 12 straight sets.

Nadal hasn’t played a match since July 4th—the Wimbledon final—but I wouldn’t let that stat change his historic dominance over the Swiss.

Other matches of interests that will be featured around the grounds will include:

David Nalbandian vs. Tommy Robredo, Fernando Verdasco vs. Jeremy Chardy, and Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. Mikhail Youzhny.

Rogers Cup: Day Two Results

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

Day two action in Toronto featured the following completed matches:

In second-round results: No. 5 seed Robin Soderling d. Ernests Gulbis 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, and No. 7 seed Tomas Berdych d. Sergiy Stakhovsky.

In first-round action: David Nalbandian d. No. 10 seed David Ferrer 7-5, 3-6, 6-3; Viktor Troicki d. No. 11 seed Marin Cilic 6-4 7-6(2); No. 15 seed Gael Monfils d. Somdev Devvarman 7-6(3), 6-3; No. 16 seed Sam Querrey d. Michael Russell 3-6, 6-1, 6-4; Jeremy Chardy d. Marcos Baghdatis 7-5, 2-6, 7-6(4); Philipp Kohlschreiber d. Janko Tipsarevic 2-2 ret. (right ankle); Fabio Fognini d. Radek Stepanek 6-2, 6-4; Yen Hsun Lu d. Pierre-Ludovic Duclos 6-4, 6-4; Alexandr Dolgopolov d. Philipp Petzschner 1-6, 6-2, 7-6(4); Xavier Malisse d Michael Berrer 7-6(2), 6-2, and Michael Llodra d. Santiago Giraldo 7-6 (6), 7-5.

Roger Federer, Fernando Verdasco and Frank Dancevic will be featured during evening action.

Berdych Upset in Washington; Cilic Reaches Semifinals

Legg Mason Tennis Classic—Washington, D.C.

Quarterfinal results:

Xavier Malisse d. No. 1 seed Tomas Berdych 6-4, 3-6, 6-2; No. 8 seed Marcos Baghdatis d. No. 3 seed Fernando Verdasco 7-6(3), 6-4; No. 4 seed Marin Cilic d. Janko Tipsarevic 7-6(4), 6-4, and David Nalbandian d. No. 13 Gilles Simon 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Legg Mason Tennis Classic Quarterfinal Preview

Legg Mason Tennis Classic—Washington, D.C.

Thursday’s rain plagued third-round matches at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic ended with no Americans remaining in the draw.

Of the four US players to be eliminated, Andy Roddick’s departure at the hands of Gilles Simon was perhaps the most shocking. Mardy Fish’s 11-match winning streak was halted by No. 4 seed Marin Cilic, while John Isner lost his first ever third set tiebreak in Washington to Xavier Malisse. The most unassuming of all the US men, Ryan Sweeting, also lost in straight sets to Fernando Verdasco.

Marking the first time since 1969 that no American men have advanced to the quarterfinals in the US capital, Friday’s final eight line-up will feature the following four matches.

No. 1 seed Tomas Berdych will face Xavier Malisse in a third career meeting. Splitting two previous matches, the pair have not met since the Roma event in 2006. Berdych is taking part in his first tournament since reaching the finals of Wimbledon, while Malisse continues to enjoy a renaissance year on the circuit. The Belgium has reached five tour quarterfinals or better this year.

Malisse proved that he could tame the vicious serve of Isner on Thursday, but he will have to contend with the much better ground game of Berdych on Friday.

Elsewhere, Verdasco will attempt to reach his sixth semifinal of the year when he takes on Marcos Baghdatis in a first time meeting. Verdasco saved a match point in his first-round victory over Michael Berrer, and was efficient in dismissing American Sweeting in the previous round. Verdasco, who is playing in Washington for the first time, continues to make the transition into his new Dunlop frame. The Spaniard should be relatively fresh during the forthcoming hard-court stretch, considering that he lost early at Wimbledon and the French Open. Baghdatis is also a first time attendee at the event.

Other quarterfinal matches on the day will feature:

Janko Tipsarevic vs. No. 4 seed Marin Cilic, and David Nalbandian vs. Frenchman Simon. Tipsarevic continues his fine form from Los Angeles, but will have to overcome a 4-0 head-to-head series deficit against his Croatian opponent. Cilic has been in a slump as of late, but has always thrived on the hard-courts of North America. The lanky Croat ended Fish’s respectable streak yesterday, and it’s likely that he’ll be too strong for Tipsarevic once again.

The day’s final match will see two players who are returning to action from injury. Nalbandian is playing in his first official event since Monte Carlo, while Simon continues to rebound into form after suffering from a knee injury. The counter-punching pair have never met on Tour, and although they play a similar brand of tennis, Nalbandian does hold more variety in his game and that should pay dividends over the course of the encounter.

For updated scores from all of today’s matches, click the live scores link at the top of the page, or for live streaming from Washington, click here.

Roddick, Verdasco, and Fish Highlight Day 3 Action in Washington

Legg Mason Tennis Classic—Washington, D.C.

Day three action at the ATP World Tour 500 series event in Washington, D.C. will be highlighted by men’s first and second-round action.

In need of a boost in confidence, No. 2 seed Andy Roddick will face unknown Slovak player Grega Zemlja for a place in the third-round. Roddick, who has captured the title in Washington on three occasions, enters D.C. this year without a title or finals appearance since winning in Miami.

Falling to the No. 9 ranking in the world, Roddick could be in danger of exiting the top 10 if he continues his poor string of form. Never playing his No. 128th ranked opponent, Roddick will be the first match on during this evening’s night session.

No. 3 seed Fernando Verdasco will take his baseline game to the heat of the day session against German Michael Berrer. Losing four out of his last five matches on Tour, Verdasco will take a 2-0 head-to-head series lead against his German opponent.

Verdasco, who is making his debut in Washington this year, spent last week training in Las Vegas in order to better prepare for the summer hard-court season. Verdasco currently holds a 12-5 record on hard-courts this season. The Spaniard has not played on hard-courts since losing in the quarterfinals of the Miami Masters 1000.

Elsewhere, Mardy Fish will bring his 10-match winning streak into a second-round match against Serb Viktor Troicki. Winning in Newport and Atlanta during the month of July, Fish remains a forerunner to capture this summer’s US Open Series title. Fish, a two-time quarterfinalist at the event, has never played Troicki on tour.

The No. 50 ranked Serbian reached the finals in Washington in 2008, losing to defending champ Juan Martin del Potro.

Other matches that will take place on Tuesday will include:

John Isner vs. Thiemo de Bakker, Gilles Simon vs. Igor Kunitsyn, Ryan Sweeting vs. Michael Llodra, Denis Istomin vs. Marin Cilic, Julien Benneteau vs. Xavier Malisse, Richard Gasquet vs. Kristof Vliegen, Yen-Hsun Lu vs. Alejandro Falla, Brian Dabul vs. Marco Chiudinelli, and Janko Tipsarevic vs. Arnaud Clement.

For updated scores from all of today’s matches, click the live scores link at the top of the page, or for live streaming from Washington, click here.

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