Ernests Gulbis ruins Ivo Karlovic's birthday bash, captures maiden title

Ernests Gulbis crashed Ivo Karlovic's 31st birthday bash at the Delray Beach International Championships final on Sunday by defeating the Croation 6-2, 6-3 to win his first ATP title.

“Everything I do it’s the first for my country,” Gulbis said.

Thanks for the birthday gift, Ernie!

The world no.72 will move to a top 40 ranking next week.

Meanwhile, defending champions Bob and Mike Bryan won their 58th career title at the tournament after a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over Philipp Marx and Igor Zelenay.

The Bryans are four titles away from surpassing the 61 titles record (most doubles titles in the Open Era) held by Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)

Andy Roddick shows kids tennis a tough sport

Andy Roddick is trying to discourage the kids from picking up tennis, huh?

The United States Davis Cup tennis player shows the kids how to hit an oversize ball with an oversize racket during a tennis clinic after a press conference in Birmingham, Alabama yesterday.

Andy and and his teammates will be playing the first round series against Switzerland this Friday in Birmingham.

And talking about kids, I would like to share some photos sent to me by Esther given by the media team at yellowtennisball.com.

These photos were taken by Cecil Wise during Kids' Day at Delray Beach recently. Aren't they cute?


(Images via Yahoo! Sports, Cecil Wise)

Rendy Lu Yen-hsun knocks out birthday boy Lleyton Hewitt at Delray Beach

Esther, thank you for waking me up in the wee hours of the morning with your text message informing me about Rendy Lu's first round victory!

Fans were dying to see Rendy wins again after last month's victory against David Nalbandian at the Australian Open.

So when Rendy defeated former world no. 1 Lleyton Hewitt in three sets, 7-5, 2-6, 6-2, we're the happiest bunch on earth!

“I never thought I would win today,” said Rendy.

“I did just a little better in the wind than Hewitt. I felt no pressure today at all, because I knew I was playing one of the best players in the world.”

Well, Rendy you better start believing that you can win no matter who your opponents are!

Birthday boy Hewitt, who planned to have a birthday cake on court if he won the match, was probably tired after the semifinal match at Memphis last week.

Here's a bit of the match report provided by the friendly media people at yellowtennisball.com.

The first set was close as both Rendy and Hewitt focused on keeping the ball in play due to the windy conditions. Serving at 5-6, Hewitt double faulted at set point for Rendy. In the second set the Australian took an early lead by breaking Rendy at 1-1 and breaking again at 4-2. Hewitt seized the opportunity to serve for the set, which he took with a crosscourt forehand winner. An early break in the third gave Rendy a 3-0 lead, but after a long fifth game at 1-3, Hewitt broke back. A quick re-break by Rendy brought the score to 4-2. Rendy was able to hold his serve and after an unforced error, broke Hewitt who was playing on a wild card.

Rendy will play Stefan Koubek next. So stay tune.

In the meanwhile, here are more photos of Rendy at Delray Beach.

Rendy's victory made the headlines at ATP and Delray Beach tourney websites. Here are the screen caps. You can click to enlarge.


(Via yellowtennisball.com; Images by CameraSport, Cecil Wise)

International debut of the world’s most vibrant tennis court on Monday

Last year Kei Nishikori grabbed the headlines by becoming the first Japanese player to win at Delray Beach in almost 16 years.

But this year Kei will not be back to Delray Beach to defend his title as he'll be heading back to Japan to join his teammates for Davis Cup match against China.

Nevermind that Kei is not here because there's another reason why you should keep an eye on this tennis event.

From next Monday onwards, the world will be introduced to one of the most unique and visual tennis courts right here at Delray Beach!

Describing the tennis courts, yellowtennisball.com said, "Whales, dolphins, swordfish, waves and bubbles are emblazoned on the east and west sidewalls of center court in a palette full of eye-catching colors."

"Doug Hoekzema, Angel Mir, Brandon Opalka, Raphael Rodriguez and Peter Agardy are the visionaries who together in just two days—starting with only a concept—captured the essence and flavor of the waves and marine life to enhance the murals from the on-court wave scenes that first appeared at the 2008 tournament. "

According to the Executive Director of the International Tennis Championships (ITC), John Butler said, “When the world turns on their television or downloads the tournament on-line they will be shocked by the brilliant display of colors and art creatively found on our court backdrops."

“It is simply amazing, a feast for the eyes - which will in no part take away from the players concentration or block their field of play!”

(Via yellowtennisball.com)