Nadal reclaims ATP no.1 spot and trains for Davis Cup

Source: Marca.com

Rafael Nadal is finally back from his hip injury by training for the upcoming Davis Cup match against Germany. While I bet you are going to enjoy the online live streaming of the match, feel free to also check out Dreamz.com if you're up for a thrilling session of online casino.

After the 10-time French Open champion dethroned arch-rival Roger Federer from the number one spot, Nadal started training again under the direction of Spain captain, Sergi Bruguera alongside with his fellow compatriots David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez, Roberto Bautista and Pablo Carreno Busta.

Source: laht.com

Nadal, who just completed his first training at the iconic Plaza de Toros de Valencia, could be playing when the two countries meet from April 6-8. Spain defeated Great Britain in the last round of the competition to reach this stage of the Davis Cup.

By returning to the top spot in the ATP ranking, it will certainly boost Nadal's confidence a little bit more. I do not mean to jinx him but it seems like every time he reached the no.1 rank, he could go on to finish the year as the no.1 ranked player.

Meanwhile, Roger Federer who had an amazing run in 2018, will not be competing throughout the entire clay court season. With just 100 points behind Nadal, and no points to defend, it seems like the perfect plan for Federer. As for Nadal, he couldn't afford to make any error. A small slip by Nadal's side would make the Swiss maestro the top-ranked player again.

Nadal has been out of action since the Australian Open quarterfinal match in January.

McEnroe urges Kyrgios to decide on tennis career following US Open injury

After yet another major tournament finished in disappointment for Nick Kyrgios, legendary figure within the game John McEnroe has called upon the Australian to seriously consider his future within the game, believing that the 21-year-old should retire if his heart is not in it. Kyrgios had been displaying his usual lackadaisical demeanour during his third-round US Open tie against Illya Marchenko, before eventually retiring from the match with a suspected hip flexor injury. Australia’s number one was trailing two sets to one at the time, with Kyrgios stating that he felt like he had been “hit by a bus”.

Image via gq.com

This is not the first time in which McEnroe has vented his frustration at the way in which Kyrgios acts on court, previously lamenting the player’s tactics during a match with Andy Murray at Wimbledon earlier this year. McEnroe believes that such injuries are a result of Kyrgios not being dedicated enough, pointing to a lack of training when compared to the top players in the game. However, despite this, the loss was Kyrgios’s first in 21 matches against unseeded opponents at grand slam events, and he has recently climbed to a career high of no.15 in the world rankings. Perhaps Kyrgios could take up a career in online blackjack as you don’t have to keep a straight face at online casino’s such as Australia’s Lucky Nugget Casino.

Kyrgios’ compatriot Bernard Tomic is never too far away from controversy himself, with the 23-year-old becoming embroiled in a sledging match with a supporter during his first-round US Open loss to Damir Dzumhur. The Australian was heard calling the fan a ‘peasant’, before launching into a sleazy attack for all to hear. Both Kyrgios and Tomic were both part of Australia’s recent Davis Cup victory over Slovakia, and having secured their place in the world group, will next take on the Czech Republic in their 2017 campaign.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios has received support from another American tennis legend in the form of Andre Agassi. Agassi sees plenty of himself in the young Australian, believing that Kyrgios has all the talent to be one of the best players on the tour. Perhaps kyrgios should give Agassi a call and pick his brains over how to turn talent into titles.

Davis Cup: Can Britain Keep Keeping Up?

Who could forget the last year’s triumphant Davis Cup? After the 79 years of thirst, the Brits finally managed to win this competition in 2015 with Andy Murray leading them to this glorious achievement. Now it’s time to prove it was more than just luck – and more than just the Scotsman – as the team is facing Serbia in the quarter finals of the World group without their best man.

There‘s a whole lot on Murray‘s hands right now – winning Wimbledon was very physically and mentally demanding, and he‘s got Olympics, US Open, and other competitions to think of as well. Even though this is a first tie he‘s going to miss in three years, Andy will most probably come out to support his teammates, if only from the side-lines. However, his absence does leave a considerable hole – especially in the singles event.

Now according to the TonyBet bookies, the Brits are still going into this stage as the favourites, with their odds at a win being 11/20 vs the 13/10 that Serbia got. As it is rather apparent from these odds, Novak Djokovic is also sitting this one out, which is a big plus for the Britain’s team. Instead of Murray, we will see Kyle Edmund and James Ward playing singles, and the team will be also without Dan Evans who suffered an injury.

It‘s difficult to say whether the team will be able to carry through, as Murray was responsible for 11 out of the 12 total points they managed across the triumphant run. Meanwhile Serbia is a strong team on its own, and they won the Davis Cup in 2010 and were the runners-up in 2013 – so this will be a good test for the Brits.

If Britain does manage to advance to the semi-finals, it will have been a very strong claim that their team was not, in fact, solely relying on Andy Murray. Will that prove to be true? It’s not like Serbia is an easy opponent, so they will have their work cut out for them – which will make for some excellent tennis.

Image via Zimbio.com

Switzerland wins first Davis Cup title

Roger Federer put his bad back and his brief difference of opinion with his Swiss team mate Stanislas Wawrinka and claimed the one prize that has always eluded him and Switzerland - the Davis Cup.

Switzerland won the Davis Cup for the first time in their history after Federer crushed France's Richard Gasquet in Lille. An inspired Federer raised his game to beat Gasquet 6-4 6-2 6-2. He collapsed in tears onto the clay at the Stade Pierre-Mauroyto after giving the Swiss a 3-1 lead.

On Saturday, Federer and Wawrinka had put Switzerland into a 2-1 lead with a straight sets defeat of Gasquet and Julien Benneteau in the doubles.

Federer was thrashed by Gael Monfils in his first singles match after struggling with a back trouble but recovered as the weekend progressed.

"I'm happy I was able to stay calm and play a good match, and I'm really happy for the guys in the team, everybody worked incredibly hard to get me match ready," Federer said. "Stan has put in so much effort over the years and played an unbelievable weekend that gave me the opportunity today. I'm very much aware of that, this one is for the boys."

It took 15 years for Federer to win the Davis Cup after making his debut in the prestigious event back in 1999.

"It's not for me, I've won enough in my career and did not need to tick any empty boxes," Federer said. "I'm just happy for everybody else. I'm happy we could live a great tennis historic moment in our country."

(Images via Facebook)

Kevin Anderson undergoes LASIK vision correction

"#Nomorefoureyes" as he puts it in his Tweet today.

Kevin Anderson decided to ditch his contact lenses and glasses and "go under the knife" to correct his vision.

The South African is absent from the Davis Cup match this week. Last year, he has defended his decision to skip the tournament citing financial concerns, along with the risk of injury, as the reasons for not playing.

Meanwhile Frenchman Benoit Paire paid a visit to the dentist. He'll be cheering for his countrymen as he didn't make the Davis Cup team.

(Images via Twitter)

Radek Stepanek to undergo surgery due to neck injury

Veteran Czech player Radek Stepanek has withdrawn from next week's Davis Cup tie against Switzerland due to an escalating neck injury since the tournament in Sydney.

According to ATP website, "a neck disc was pressing on a nerve and was creating a big problem in Stepanek's neck and right hand".

Team captain Jaroslav Navratil announced that Stepanek will be replaced by world ranked 189 Ivo Minar, who will join Tomas Berdych and Lukas Rosol  for the trip to Geneva. The defending champions will meet the Swiss team who will be without Roger Federer.

(Via Sport.cz, NDTV Sports, ATPWorldTour)

TENNIS WATCH: Davis Cup Final, Federer's 100th, dope accusation & corruption

Rafael Nadal may be tired after an uncharacteristic season.

However he is still motivated to lead Spain in its attempt to win a 5th Davis Cup title against Argentina.

This time Nadal will lead a Spain team on the clay surface at Olympic Stadium which includes David Ferrer and probable doubles partners Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco.

Argentina is seeking its first title in four attempts. Juan Martin del Potro and David Nalbandian could face Nadal and Ferrer in singles.

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On Sunday, Roger Federer overpowered Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win his 6th ATP finals title.

After a year that saw Federer , the Swiss star shrugged off a second-set letdown to beat Tsonga 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 for a record sixth title in the ATP World Tour Finals.

Playing in his 100th career final, Federer won 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 , sealing his 70th career title and took over the third place in the ATP rankings from Andy Murray.

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It seems like Yannick Noah refused to back down from his accusations of doping in Spanish sports.

Nadal said Noah should be banned from commenting in the media.

Until he can produce any proof, I think Noah should keep his mouth shut.

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Austrian tennis player Daniel Koellerer has appeared at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge his lifetime ban for attempting to fix matches between October 2009 and July 2010.

Koellerer was the first tennis player banned for life for attempted corruption.

His ranking peaked at No. 55 in October 2009.

(Via Yahoo News, Images via Getty Images, Sina Sports)

Rafael Nadal gets to bite the World Cup trophy

Rafael Nadal gets to taste the sweet success after his country Spain
wins the World Cup final last night.

¡VAMOS ESPAÑA! Spain won their maiden World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.

However, bad news for Spanish tennis fans - France ended Spain's hopes of a Davis Cup hattrick triumphs the day before the World Cup final.

(Images via menstennisforums)

Fernando Gonzalez saddened by Chile quake

Chilean Fernando Gonzalez posted in his official Twitter account on Monday saying that he has been attempting to return to his family in Santiago following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck early Saturday morning.

He also posted a message on his official website:

"Hello friends. I was watching TV and I found out about the earthquake. I’m so sad for the victims and families. I’m at Mexico City. This night I’ll fly to Lima to try to get a new flight to Santiago."

"Thank God I could talk with my family after the earthquake. I watched TV all the time and I’m so sad with the news. It’s tough I can’t be in Chile. I’m praying. I would like to help with the reconstruction of my country."

"I hope to see them again as soon as possible."

"A big hug for everyone and ¡Fuerza Chile!"

Gonzalez and his Chilean Davis Cup team are scheduled to host Israel in first round World Group action beginning Friday in Coquimbo.

The Chilean tennis federation would like the tie to go ahead as planned.

Albert Costa celebrates too hard

Spain Davis Cup captain Albert Costa was admitted to a hospital in Barcelona after complaining of heart problems.

He was released hours later and was at home resting. Costa has no history of heart problems, said federation spokesman Pedro Hernandez, who put the episode down to stress.

He led led Spain to its fourth Davis Cup title with a 5-0 sweep of the Czech Republic last Sunday.

(Via AP)

Spain Davis Cup team meet the Prime Minister

Spain’s Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero honoured the Davis Cup champs in a ceremony at his official residence yesterday.

Rafael Nadal and his teammates including Albert Costa, Fernando Verdasco, Tommy Robredo, Feliciano Lopez, David Ferrer and Juan Carlos Ferrero successfully defended the title after completing a clean 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the final on Sunday.

Nadal and Ferrer sign a shirt for Spain's PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero

Spain has won the Davis Cup in 2000, 2004 and 2008, and is the first country to successfully defend the title since Sweden in 1998.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)

Davis Cup: Spain's win is perfect therapy for HCFoo to blog again

My blogging mood is pretty much determined by Rafael Nadal's performance and success.

So, to know that the Spanish team won in the Davis Cup final and Nadal is indeed a huge boost for me to blog again.

Rafael Nadal closed out this season with a bang by earning two points for Spain in the Davis Cup final.

Here are the final scores:

Rafael Nadal (ESP) def. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 7~5, 6-0, 6-2
David Ferrer (ESP) def. Radek Stepanek (CZE) 1-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 8-6
Feliciano Lopez/Fernando Verdasco (ESP) def. Tomas Berdych/Radek Stepanek (CZE) 7-6(7), 7-5, 6-2
Rafael Nadal (ESP) def. Jan Hajek (CZE) 6-3, 6-4
David Ferrer (ESP) def. Lukas Dlouhy (CZE) 6-4, 6-2

Hopefully 2010 will be a better year for Nadal after this win.. perhaps he could start by defending his Australian Open title :D

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)

TENNIS WATCH: Does Federer inspire Nadal to propose to Xisca?

• It has been rumoured that Rafael Nadal supposed to propose to Xisca in Krabi while in Thailand this week. Nadal was said to have booked into a five-star Thailand resort of Rayavadee with a three-bedroom villa facing the sea. He also reserved a private boat for a day, private plane and three dedicated butlers. However, Nadal had to drop out from Thailand Open at the last minute because of an injury to an ab muscle. So there goes the possible marriage proposal too. [More]

• Look who's a calendar boy! Andy Murray has released his official 2010 calendar published by Danilo.com. [More at downthelinetennis.com]

• Kim Clijsters welcomed Justine Henin's comeback in her official website. She said, "I think Justine's return is very good news for women's tennis, but even better for Belgian tennis. Justine worked very hard in the past to get the magnificent results she got during her first career. It's magnificent for tennis that she is coming back."

• Next year's Davis Cup draw has been decided and the biggest news buzzing around the internet is the potential Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal face-off when Switzerland meet Spain in their first round tie (March 5-7).

The full draw is as follows (hosting nation first):
Spain vs. Switzerland
France vs. Germany
Russia vs. India
Sweden vs. Argentina
Croatia vs. Ecuador
Serbia vs. USA
Chile vs. Israel
Belgium vs. Czech Republic

VIDEO: Roger Federer showcases his monotonous dark, deep voice to the world

Some people believe Roger Federer already started showing signs of ageing.

To prove he still full of energy and knows how to have fun, check out this video.

Leading his fellow team mates, Federer showcased his dark, deep voice chanting/singing "We are the Swiss" to celebrate their victory over Italy after winning 3-2 in the Davis Cup playoff yesterday.

(Image via menstennisforums.com)

Spain to meet Czech Republic in Davis Cup final

Spain will host Czech Republic in the December's Davis Cup final after the two teams recorded 3-0 victories in the semifinals.

Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo clinched the tie for Spain, defeating Israel's doubles specialist Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 7-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.

Spain, winners in 2000, 2004 and 2008, play without Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco who were watching from the sidelines.

David Ferrer and Juan Carlos Ferrero filled in for their injured team mates and recorded straight-set wins in both matches on Day 1.

Ferrer defeated Harel Levy 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 and Ferrero ground down Dudi Sela 6-4, 6-2, 6-0.

Meanwhile, Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic defeated Croatia's Marin Cilic and Lovro Zovko 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 yesterday.

The first day of play stretched to almost 10 hours as the Czechs narrowly win two five-setters to go up 2-0.

Stepanek withstood 78 aces for almost six hours to edge past big server Ivo Karlovic 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 7-6(6), 6-7(2), 16-14, while Berdych held firm after losing a two-set lead to defeat Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3.

It will be the Czechs’ first final since their only Davis Cup triumph in 1980, led by Ivan Lendl.

(Via AP, tennis.com)

TENNIS WATCH: The Bryan Brothers Band, Djokovic's new coach, Davis Cup, top 8 in Montreal, Clijsters' in Williams' out

From chest bumping to music recording, Bob and Mike Bryan are set to take the music world by storm with the release of their debut album "Let It Rip", with close friend and accomplished singer/songwriter David Baron on September 1, 2009.

The album will contain 5 songs that feature Bob playing the bass and keyboards, Mike on the drums, and Baron as the lead vocalist also playing piano and guitar.

More information on The Bryan Brothers Band Featuring David Baron can be found on www.bryanbrosband.com, which will be made live before their debut at Arthur Ashe Kids Day.

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Novak Djokovic will be training under Todd Martin after Cincinnati. Martin is the new addition to Djokovic's team, which will continue to engage with full-time coach Marian Vajda.

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World Group Davis Cup dates for next year are out:

World Group First round (5-7 March)
World Group Quarterfinals (9-11 July)
World Group Semifinals and World Group Play-offs (17-19 September)
World Group Final (3-5 December)

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For the first time, all top eight-ranked players in the world have reached the quarterfinals in Montreal.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Juan Martin del Potro, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Nikolay Davydenko have all made their way to the final eight at the Masters event.

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Kim Clijsters continues her winning comeback, defeating 2009 French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to reach the Cincinnati quarterfinals.

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Serena Williams is ousted 7-5, 6-4 by Sybille Bammer in Cincinnati.

With Venus' loss to Flavia Pennetta earlier, both Williams sisters are out of the tournament.

2009 Davis Cup: Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain through to the semifinals

Croatia, Czech Republic and Spain join Israel to qualify for the September's Davis Cup semifinals.

CRO-USA 3-2: The Croats remain undefeated against the Americans in Davis Cup, having now won all three meetings between the two nations.

Marin Cilic wrapped up this quarterfinal tie 3-1 by defeating James Blake 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 and setting up a meeting with the Czech Republic in September's semifinals.

CZE-ARG 3-2: Juan Martin del Potro began the day by defeating Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to put the Argentines back on level terms and send the tie to a deciding fifth rubber.

But the Czechs' decision to rest Radek Stepanek in the opening singles paid off – he clinched the tie 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-2 against Juan Monaco.

ESP-GER 3-2: The Germans pushed the tie into a deciding fifth rubber when Philipp Kohlschreiber prevailed 6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 2-6, 8-6 against Fernando Verdasco.

Later, the experienced Juan Carlos Ferrero sealed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Andreas Beck to send the Spanish Armada into the semifinals against Israel.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)