Nadal Commits to Queen’s Club

World No. 3 Rafael Nadal has commited to particpating in the upcoming Queen’s Club event in London, England prior to the start of the Wimbledon Championships in June.

Winning the title in 2008, Nadal used the Queen’s Club event to spring board his chances of capturing his first Wimbledon title over Roger Federer.

Unable to defend his Queen’s title last year because of a knee injury, Nadal will be joined by reigning US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the 32 man field.

The Queens Club event takes place June 6-12.

Preview for BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, California

The season’s first Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, CA will bring forward a few compelling storylines.

Gone are the lonely days of February, where many matches and tournaments were played and won—none of which will really be remembered. The tennis season officially bursts into gear this week in Palm Springs, ushering in seven months of block-buster and meaningful tennis. The meat and potatoes of the season which occupies March through September—Indian Wells through the end of the US Open—remains the pulse, points, and prize money for the game’s best.

A few missing soldiers, who have been absent from action for quite sometime will be the featured attractions at the Tennis Garden in Indian Wells. None other than Roger Federer, who has been sidelined with a lung infection and resting after his Australian Open win will lead the field. Rafael Nadal, who has been busy recovering from a series of persistent knee ailments will bring his vigor and tenacity to Palm Springs, and finally the Masters 1000 man himself, Andy Murray, who thrives in the best of three set format, will be making his first appearance since his brief and controversial stint in Dubai.

I’d be surprised to see nothing short of a Davis Cup hangover for the top players. Although the season has just begun, the back and forth grind through Europe and the United States could very well be a telling factor in this week’s results.

Nevertheless, we have a big tournament to cover here, and yours truly will be on site for the beginning of the festivities. I’m anxiously anticipating the “Hit for Haiti 2″ event, but there could very well be some cause for concern regarding the main draw.

Let’s now take a look at the top four seeds, and their respective quarters.

Federer’s Quarter:

Funny isn’t it, Federer is still the man to beat in men’s tennis, yet he hasn’t played a competitive match since January. The ultra fluid Swiss, who is a three-time champion at the event, remains in harm’s way of a recent lung infection and undetermined form. One can never really bet against Federer, but considering his nonchalant approach to his post-Australian schedule, you’d have to think that something could go wrong for Federer and fast.

Federer is slated to face “life’s a party” Marcos Baghdatis in the third-round, with crafty slicer and dicer Radek Stepanek in the round-of-16. Although Federer would be favored against both foes, both players have the weaponry to cause chaos for the top seed. Baghdatis in particular could give Federer something to think about considering his recent run of good form.

Other potential semifinal candidates in this section could include: Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet and Andy Roddick. The French contingent may find it difficult to make head-ways in the desert considering their Davis Cup heroics over the weekend. Roddick, who has been resting an injured shoulder injury, has been hard at work with California resident Larry Stefanki finetuning his hard-court game. Roddick has yet to win a title in Indian Wells, but could put forth the required effort to complete his quintet of Masters 1000 events on hard-courts.

We’re all aware of Roddick’s dismal record against Federer lifetime—and trust me, it hurts Andy more than anything—but what we must also remember about the veteran American is that his attitude, and blue-colored self-belief, will always resinate through each and every event that he plays.

I know what you’re thinking: Two wins in 21 tries doesn’t leave much in the way for Roddick to prevail in this section. But when taking into account Federer’s inactivity since Melbourne, coupled with Roddick’s recent rest and practice in Palm Springs, a strong claim for an upset could be in order.

Pick: Roddick

Djokovic Quarter:

Entering his first big event with the No. 2 ranking, Djokovic will have the expectation of a deep run plastered on the back of his new Sergio Tacchini attire.

Capturing the title in 2008, Djokovic helped propel his boisterous Davis Cup team into the quarterfinals last weekend, while defending the first title of his career the week before in Dubai.

Considering his recent wear and tear, I’d normally be reluctant to pick Djokovic in reaching the latter stages of the event. But when analyzing his section of the draw, the word “cupcakeish” screams out like the Serb’s players’ box. With no one in sight to challenge Djokovic until the quarterfinals, I’d leave the task of an upset to either No. 11 seed Juan Carlos Ferrero or Tour trailblazer Marin Cilic.

Ferrero had an incredible month in February, which included winning two titles, and recording a 14-1 record. The veteran Spaniard will be eager to prove his mettle on hard-courts, while making tennis fans respect his recent success on clay. Cilic on the other hand has performed well on hard-courts this season—winning two titles and making the final four in Australia. Cilic remains the clear favorite for break out player of the year, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he made Indian Wells the grounds for his biggest title to date.

Trailing Djokovic 4-0 in career meetings, Cilic appears to be on the cusp of figuring out his Serbian nemesis.

Djokovic, to me anyway, will need some time to recover from his marathon win over John Isner in DC action, while continuing his acquaintance with the No. 2 spot. The aforementioned recipe could very result in an upset of the vibrant Serbian—or Cilic’s skill-set could simply be too good for the rest of the field.

At any rate…

Pick: Cilic

Nadal Quarter:

What up, Rafa? Out of action for nearly six weeks, the defending champion will receive a resonating welcome to the Tennis Garden when he makes his return to his den this weekend. Keeping himself busy with a Gypsy, and a recovering knee, Nadal’s level of play and result in California is honestly unknown. Having a workable opening few rounds, Nadal will begin his title defense with two qualifiers and unheralded Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the third-round.

Nadal’s concerns could heighten in the quarterfinals with a collision course with the future of American tennis. Both Isner and Sam Querrey, who made the US proud over the weekend with their diligent Davis Cup performances, could face Nadal in the final eight. At this point, I’d say that either Isner or Querrey could upset Nadal, with both youngsters utilizing their commanding serve and forehand combinations to power through the 2010 season. Querrey’s game is slightly better suited to the Palm Springs desert, while Isner has proven that his size and heart have no boundaries.

If Nadal can squeeze past his super-sized American foes, either Nikolay Davydenko, or Fernando Verdasco would be his likely quarterfinal opponents.

Davydenko is far from his best form, and could very well withdraw before he strikes a single forehand. Verdasco, a quarterfinalist last year, will be coming in off of an injured back, while adamantly tweaking his new Yonex stick. To me, Isner and Querrey remain Nadal’s greatest adversaries in his quarter.

Nadal, if anything, has always provided his legion of fans with the courage and intensity that has allowed him to become one of the most prolific tennis players in the modern era. He will need every last bit of his mojo if he is to preserve through the traitorous field in Indian Wells this year.

You’d be hard pressed to find a single player or fan (love him or hate him) that won’t admit that a draw with Nadal’s name present makes for better theatre.

It is for that reason of the greater good that Nadal should reach at least his fifth final four in Indian Wells.

Pick: Nadal

Murray Quarter:

Falling apart and putting it back together has always been Murray’s method of operation. Just when we think the steady Scot is playing too defensive for our liking, a curving forehand winner around the umpire and his water bottle snaps off of his racket. By contrast, just when we feel that Murray is ready to make that defining push to greater pastures and triumph in a Major championship, we’re left with the words, “I can cry like Roger, it’s too bad I can’t play like him.”

Well, here’s the good news for Murray and his Union Jack crew of supporters: The world No. 4 relishes the opportunity to shine in a best of three set format, and he’s proven on countless occasions that he can succeed.

Beginning with a relatively easy draw, Murray could face his first real challenge against either Ivo Karlovic or David Ferrer in the quarterfinals. Neither player will likely defeat Murray, but both players could very test the defending finalist and take a set.

The bottom half of Murray’s quarter consists of “slug-em ’til you drop” Robin Soderling and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Again, both Soderling and Tsonga have shown their skills throughout the past year; both will be coming into Indian Wells tired and slightly injured.

I’d certainly be shocked to see Murray go down before the semifinals, and moreover, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t capture his first Masters 1000 title in the California.

Pick: Murray

Semifinals: Roddick vs. Murray; Nadal vs. Cilic

Finals: Murray vs. Cilic

Champion: Murray

Talk soon, everyone.

Nadal Confirms Indian Wells Return

World No. 3 and defending champion Rafael Nadal confirmed on Thursday that he will return to the Indian Wells event in California next week.

Sidelined with a right knee injury since his quarterfinal loss to Andy Murray at the Australian Open, Nadal has spent the last six weeks recovering in his hometown of Mallorca.

Speaking on his facebook page, which has over 2.3 mil. friends, Nadal said: “Practice going well. I’ll be back in Indian Wells for sure.

“Last week was great, with great practice and a lot of work well done. [Fellow pro] Marc Lopez came to practice with me. I am feeling better and better and playing well so looking forward to Indian Wells.”

With 1000 ATP World Tour points to defend in California, Nadal’s ranking could drop down to No. 4 or No. 5 in the world if loses in the opening rounds.

The BNP Paribas Open, an ATP World Tour 1000 event, will take place in Indian Wells, California March 8-21, 2010.

Nadal Helps Take “Gypsy” to No. 1

Currently sidelined from the ATP World Tour, six-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal recorded yet another first in his successful life earlier this week.

Already achieving a great deal of success in the tennis world, Nadal can now add a No. 1 Billboard music video to his resume.

Shakira’s new sultry music video Gypsy, was voted No. 1 on Billboard’s top 10 video list last week.

Inching his way closer to competition next week in Indian Wells, Nadal told Billboard that he throughly enjoyed his music video debut.

“It has been a great experience and I had a lot of fun doing it. I had some time in between tournaments and preparation and could not miss this opportunity. “Shakira, as always, was spectacular. Working with a woman as charming as her, well, it makes it a lot easier to tell the truth. It was great, very easy, she’s really sweet and that always makes the hours go by faster,” said Nadal.

Shakira, who was seen attending Nadal’s matches at last year’s Sony Ericsson Open, told the press that she has a lot in common with the Mallorcan.

“Shooting this video with Rafa was a great experience, he is very sweet and made it easy and fun,” said Shakira. “He and I have so much in common — starting out so young in our respective careers and traveling the world — I felt this would translate the spirit of the lyrics in the song and I was thrilled he wanted to be a part of it.”

Billboard added their own interpretation of the successful video on their website: Shakira might “steal your clothes and wear them,” but all is forgiven with her new music video for “Gypsy,” in which the Colombian firebird looks hotter than ever. Shakira braves the desert with (shirtless) tennis heartthrob Rafael Nadal and plays the harmonica, but we’re pretty sure that’s not what catches his eye.

Nadal has been out of action since injuring his right knee at Australian Open January.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

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.

Nadal-Shakira – Gypsy (Official Music Video)

The highly anticipated music video for Shakira’s new single Gypsy featuring Rafael Nadal was released today.

The racy video features Nadal and Shakira in many “interesting” poses, but was done in tasteful fashion.

Nadal seems to find comfort in front of the camera, while Shakira anticpates another blockbuster hit.

Check out the video below.

Gypsy Video

Spanish Captain Costa Talks About Nadal’s Injury

Spanish Davis Cup captain Albert Costa admitted on Wednesday that six-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal was “worried” about his knee injury.

“He is worried about his physical state, but he’s working every day to get better,” Costa said.

Retiring from his quarterfinal match with Andy Murray at the Australian Open, Nadal’s right knee injury has forced him out of action for over a month.

Having withdrawn from next week’s Davis Cup tie in Spain, Costa suggested that Nadal’s injury woes are normal after achieving his level of success.

“Until last year at Roland Garros and the problems, he had achieved everything,” Costa said. “It’s normal, after 22 years and winning everything, to have some down time.”

Costa, who recently picked Juan Carlos Ferrero and David Ferrer to lead Spain against Switzerland next week, told the media that the withdrawals of Nadal and Fernando Verdasco (back injury) could be overcome.

“That was my decision, that was a technical decision,” Costa said. “I think (the others) also deserve a chance to represent Spain. You have to have alternatives, so you’re ready for any future tie also.”

Spain will battle Switzerland March 5-7 in northern Spain.

Quotes courtesy of the Associated Press.

Wawrinka Commits to Davis Cup Tie Against Switzerland

Swiss No. 2 Stanislas Wawrinka has confirmed his participation in next week’s Davis Cup tie in Spain.

Originally uncertain of his participation, Wawrinka had not committed to the tie because of the pending birth of his first child.

With the absence of top ranked Roger Federer, Wawrinka will lead his undermatched squad against the formidable defending Spaniards.

Even though Spain will not field Rafael Nadal, team captain Albert Costa is confident that Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez, and Tommy Robredo—all competent on clay—will get the job done.

The first-round of Davis Cup World Group competition get underway March 5-7.

Nike Court Ballistec 2.3 2010 Full Line-Up

The full line-up for the Nike Court Ballistec 2.3 shoe collection for 2010 is featured below.

The Court Ballistec is the shoe of choice of Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal. The shoe will also be worn by other sponsored Nike professionals such as Gael Monfils, Thomas Berdych, John Isner and Carlos Moya.

Federer, Nadal, Sampras, and Agassi Will “Hit for Haiti” in Indian Wells

Past and Present BNP Paribas Open Champions will “Hit for Haiti” to Raise Funds

The BNP Paribas Open, home of the year’s first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, California announced today that a “Hit for Haiti” event will take place on Friday March 12 at 7:30 pm.

The event will feature: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, the four all-time greats, who hold a combined 44 Grand Slams between them, in doubles action.

Larry Ellison, who recently purchased the tournament, decided to organize the event after seeing the success it brought in Australia. The goal for the event is to raise $1 million.

“When I saw the first Hit for Haiti event in Australia, I was very moved by the players coming together, on the eve of an important tournament, for such a worthy cause,” said Ellison. “I wanted to bring together an exceptional group of players, with an unprecedented amount of Grand Slam titles, at the BNP Paribas Open. Our goal is to leave a memorable impression on fans, while raising a substantial amount of money that will directly impact the needs of people in Haiti.

The world’s most attended tennis tournament outside of the four Grand Slam events, will take place between March 8-21, 2010.

The event will be broadcasted on Tennis Channel.

Quotes courtesy of www.bnpparibasopen.org.

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