Laver Cup: Teams announced in New York City

Source: lavercup.com

Rod Laver was joined by Roger Federer, John McEnroe, Marin Cilic, Tomas Berdych and Denis Shapovalov in the heart of New York City recently to announce the captain’s picks for the inaugural Laver Cup.

This year, the Laver Cup will be held at the O2 arena Prague from 22-24 September. It will be played in the USA in 2018.

Alexander Zverev, the world no.7 becomes the fifth top 10 player for Team Europe, joining Rafael Nadal, Federer, Cilic and Dominic Thiem. Berdych will also represent the European team at the O2 arena.

Source: lavercup.com

Meanwhile, Juan Martin del Potro and Denis Shapovalov were confirmed as the captain’s picks John McEnroe’s Team World.

To find out the performance of the players prior to the Laver Cup, you're advised to follow the online tennis betting odds especially leading towards the US Open to be held from 28 August to 10 September.

“The last member of Team Europe is going to be picked by Bjorn Borg as a captain’s pick is going to be Alexander Zverev,” Federer announced during the press conference at the JPMorgan Chase center.

“We are very excited about, because he’s had a wonderful year. It’s great news. We were very excited when we heard it."

Meanwhile, Team World’s captain John McEnroe said he was not ‘turning up to Prague to lose,’ and was excited to welcome Shapovalov and Del Potro into his team.

“I think this young man is going to be a great, great player in the future,” McEnroe referred to Shapovalov. “He’s a Canadian, but we won’t hold that against him. He’s also a left-hander, like Mr. Rod Laver and myself.”

McEnroe described Del Potro as a ‘tremendous young man, a little bit older and a veteran and a winner.’

Shapovalov is competing in the qualifying event of the US Open and joined the event in New York on his day off.

“It’s truly an honor to be sitting with past champions and present champions like yourselves, and, you know, I’m very happy to be here with all you guys.”

Federer, winner of 19 Grand Slam titles and two this year (the Australian Open and Wimbledon), said he could not wait to join with Rafael Nadal on Team Europe.

“For us to spend sort of a week together on the same team and, you know, exchanging ideas of how we could win the Laver Cup over the weekend, I think it’s going to be really highly entertaining for both of us.”

Players and captains alike paid tribute to Rod Laver, winner of the Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969, who the Laver Cup is named after.

McEnroe described Laver as his idol growing up and the perfect choice to be honored at this new and hyped event.

“We are looking to do something big here along the lines of the Ryder Cup in golf, and I think this is a magnificent way to try to get this going. It couldn’t be a better man to represent what we are trying to do here.”

Now head over to Geelung Cup Betting for a great online betting experience.

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.

Five legends boasting 60 Grand Slam singles titles gather for Laver Cup

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal say they plan to play doubles together when the Laver Cup debuts at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic next year.

With a combined 31 Grand Slam titles, Federer and Nadal have committed to the inaugural event, which is an attempt to create a tennis version of golf’s Ryder Cup. The tournament will be played from 22-24 September.

Named after Australian tennis great Rod Laver, a team of European players will face off against a group from the rest of the world. Future Laver Cups will rotate between major cities across the globe. The three-day Laver Cup will be scheduled two weeks after the U.S. Open each year, except for Summer Olympic years.

Former rivals Bjorn Borg (representing Europe) and John McEnroe (representing World team) were announced Wednesday as captains.

Images by Laver Cup/Ben Solomon

Post-US Open: Juan Martin Del Potro from NYC and back to Argentina

A day after he dethroned Roger Federer in the US Open final, Juan Martin del Potro knew he would have a busy day meeting the press and fans.

He started the day posing at the top of the Empire State Building and appear on several TV shows including NBC's "The Today Show" and CBS's "The Early Show".

Meets with CBS anchors on "The Early Show"

An interview on the "Charlie Rose Show"

Meets with NBC anchors on "The Today Show"

Q & A with Johnny Mac

Then del Potro attended a promotional activity for his sponsor Nike. He was interviewed by John McEnroe on a Q & A session at Niketown NYC.

With fans upon his arriving at the international airport in Ezeiza, Argentina

Later that day del Potro was back in his homeland Argentina, a country who loves football more than tennis.

Del Potro was greeted at the Buenos Aries airport by chants of “Ole, Ole” and “Del Pooo, Del Pooo".

At a news conference in Buenos Aires

The champ is set to return to his hometown of Tandil where the city of 100,000 was expected to hold a parade in his honor.

He will be designated the official “sports ambassador” and receive a key to the city.

(Via AP, Images by Getty Images, Nike)

US Open Day 8 Wrap-up: *Yawn* Djokovic impersonates again, teens rule the court

Coincidentally, after posting about the lack of star power at the US Open, we begin to see more celebrities in the second week.

Here are some of the celebrities who attended Day 8 matches.

Just like last year, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are not here for tennis.

Mirka & Anna Wintour - Roger Federer #1 fans


Robert Federer & Gavin Rossdale - Also Roger Federer's #1 fans

Rob Thomas and wife

And speaking about celebrities, Novak Djokovic is a star of his own.

He has impersonated Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal and others in the past.

Last night, Djokovic added to his repertoire of memorable impersonations by channeling his inner John McEnroe in front of the majority-American crowd.

Check out the video here by tennisnakama.

Earlier Djokovic defeated Radek Stepanek 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.

There was another thing for the American crowd to cheer about last night.

America's newest darling, Melanie Oudin, continued her dream run at the US Open with another upset over Russian Nadia Petrova.

The teenager won 1-6, 7-6, 6-3.

The biggest upset of the day has to be Caroline Wozniacki who sent off Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The Danish teen toppled the former US Open champ 2-6, 7-6, 7-6 to reach her first grand slam quarterfinal.

American John Isner’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Fernando Verdasco marked the first time since 1968 that no American men's players advanced to the US Open quarterfinals.

Here's the rest of the results:

US Open men's singles fourth-round results from New York on Tuesday (prefix denotes seeding)

4-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 15-Radek Stepanek (Czech Republic) 6-1 6-3 6-3
10-Fernando Verdasco (Spain) beat John Isner (US) 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4
1-Roger Federer (Switzerland) beat 14-Tommy Robredo (Spain) 7-5 6-2 6-2
12-Robin Soderling (Sweden) beat 8-Nikolay Davydenko (Russia) 7-5 3-6 6-2 (Davydenko retired)

US Open women's singles fourth-round results from New York on Tuesday (prefix denotes seeding)

9-Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) beat 6-Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) 2-6 7-6(5) 7-6(3)
Yanina Wickmayer (Belgium) beat Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4-6 6-4 7-5
Melanie Oudin (US) beat 13-Nadia Petrova (Russia) 1-6 7-6 (2) 6-3
Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukraine) beat Gisela Dulko (Argentina) 6-0 6-0

(Via AP, Reuters, TVNZ, US Open website)

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams & John McEnroe: NYC Nike fan challenge, set to unveil 2009 US Open looks

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and John McEnroe will gather on August 26, in the heart of New York City to challenge local youth tennis players and the general public to try their hand at experiencing what it’s like to return a pro serve.

So, if you're in NYC on Wednesday, you can drop by at the Nike-built regulation tennis court on 23rd Street and Broadway New York, NY.

10:15AM – 10:45AM Roger Federer Appearance

1:30 PM – 2:00PM Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal Appearance

In addition to that, Nike, for the first time will also unveil the players look for the 2009 U.S. Open.

Chengdu Open: Goran Ivanisevic, Sergi Bruguera, Thomas Enqvist complete star-studded event

The names are in and the field is now set.

Tournament organisers of the Chengdu Open has announced the final three players to join John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Michael Chang, Mats Wilander and Marcelo Rios.

Tournament Director Nick Freyer said Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, French Open champion Sergi Bruguera and Australian Open finalist Thomas Enqvist will complete the eight-man field.

Incredible line-up, huh?

Never before have eight greats of the game played a Champions Tour event in China but from November 5 to 8, 2009, the Sichuan International Tennis Center is going to be abuzz with excitement and entertainment.

“Between them they had won a total of 26 Grand Slam crowns, now with Goran, Sergi and Thomas part of the group that amazing tally has increased to a staggering 29 Grand Slam titles," Nick Freyer said.

“It is indeed an incredibly unique situation for any host city to be in and Chengdu and its sporting fans is privileged to be able to watch tennis from some of the most iconic players ever. The four days at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre will be something to remember.”

Every one of the eight players reached a career high ranking of at least four in the world while four of the eight players reached the absolute summit: world no. 1: Borg, McEnroe, Rios and Wilander.

Personally, Ivanisevic is one of the popular player which I remembered most.

He was one of the most unpredictable stars on the court because no one ever knew what they were going to get.

Ivanisevic even suggested that he had a split personality (appropriate enough since he came from the city of Split) and did not know himself if the “good Goran or the bad Goran is coming on the court”. That was part of his charm.

“I am looking forward to be in China again; I was in the final one time in Shanghai when Michael Chang beat me,” Ivanisevic said.

“It was a very good experience with the tennis fans in China and I am looking forward for the chance to play Michael again in China."

“This is an incredible draw … to have John and Bjorn and the others coming to Chengdu. It will be a fantastic experience for everyone who comes and watches. It will be a lot of fun.”

Bruguera meanwhile was considered the Rafael Nadal of his time. He was almost unbeatable on the red clay courts.

“This is my first time to play an official tournament in China because when I was playing there were no tournaments here so I am very excited to come to Chengdu,” the Spaniard said.

“To play alongside the guys that are coming is very exciting for me. I have been playing on the Champions Tour for only a short time so to see it expanding so quickly with new cities like Chengdu being part of it is very good.”

Enqvist was another tough opponent for anyone and was so typically Swedish with his persona and attitude during a match. He was always so cool and calm and it never seemed as though anything bothered him.

“I’ve loved being back playing tennis and seeing all my friends again but I will still be like the rookie at the Chengdu Open because I am just starting my new career on the Champions Tour,” Enqvist said.

“This is a new experience for me and to be playing alongside Bjorn and Mats my fellow Swedes is an honour for me and one that I am looking forward to. I didn’t think I would ever be playing a tournament with Bjorn Borg.”

The full order of play for the four days was announced by Freyer who commented that “every match is like being at a Grand Slam final”.

THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER:
Start at 4:00 pm Group B : Rios vs Bruguera
Start not before 5:30 pm Group A : Borg vs Ivanisevic
Start not before 7:30 pm Group B : Chang vs Enqvist
Start not before 9:00 pm Group A : McEnroe vs Wilander

FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER:
Start at 4:00 pm Group A : Borg vs Wilander
Start not before 5:30 pm Group B : Rios vs Enqvist
Start not before 7:30 pm Group A : McEnroe vs Ivanisevic
Start not before 9:00 pm Group B : Chang vs Bruguera

SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER:
Start at 4:00 pm Group A : Ivanisevic vs Wilander
Start not before 5:30 pm Group B : Bruguera vs Enqvist
Start not before 7:30 pm Group A : McEnroe vs Borg
Start not before 9:00 pm Group B : Chang vs Rios

SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER:
Start at 2:30 pm Group A 2nd vs Group B 2nd
Start not before 4:00 pm Group A 1st vs Group B 1st

Tickets will be available soon at www.ChengduChampions.com.

Michael Chang, John McEnroe to lead star-studded line-up in Chengdu

From November 5 to 8, 2009, eight tennis legends will assemble at the Sichuan International Tennis Center for the Chengdu Open, Asia's only event on the 12-leg ATP Champions Tour circuit.

“Chengdu is part of an elite group of cities to host an ATP Champions Tour event and I am thrilled to say that the first five players we are announcing today are John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Michael Chang, Mats Wilander and Marcelo Rios,” Tournament Director Nick Freyer said.

The other three players will be announced soon.

The eight players will be divided into two groups for round-robin play, the top two players from the groups will meet in the final while the runners-up from each group will play-off for third and fourth place.

According to McEnroe, "I am extremely excited to be making my first trip to China in a very long time; this is a country that is fast becoming a major player in world tennis."

"I know that Chengdu and Sichuan Province is already famous as the home to the giant panda."

"It is a great honor for the city to host an ATP Champions Tour event. I understand the field of players is very strong and I am of course happy that my good friend Bjorn Borg will be returning to China. We always have such great matches; which are part of tennis history."

Bjorn Borg meanwhile is returning to China more than 30 years after he first played here.

"I am delighted to be returning to China, this time to the vibrant city of Chengdu, home of the famous giant panda and I really look forward to playing in the Chengdu Open," Borg said.

"It will be all the more special as my good friend John McEnroe will be joining us together with so many other Grand Slam champions."

"I look forward to playing well but also to enjoying the city and the company of the other Champions. Thank you for your vision in making this tournament possible and see you in November."

Of all the players, I believe Michael Chang will get the most attention here when they play in November.

"With the boom in tennis in China, I am happy that Chengdu has taken the bold step to host this tournament which will allow me to return to China to play official ATP tennis once more," the Taiwanese said.

"China has always held a special place in my heart."

"Since I retired from the ATP Tour, China has won medals in tennis at the Olympic Games, won titles at Wimbledon and the Australian Open and now hosts major ATP and WTA events in Beijing and Shanghai, so by hosting one of the 12 ATP Champions Tour tournaments, China now plays host to the full suite of professional tennis events."

"Although the field of players will be exceptionally strong, I will be ready to play my best and really look forward to a successful, enjoyable and high profile tournament in Chengdu."

In addition to the tennis action, the Chengdu Open will also stage clinics with many of the tournament stars to develop grassroots tennis.

The tournament is being co-organized by Chengdu Sports Bureau, Chengdu Sports Industry Co. Ltd and CCTV IMG Sports Management Company.

The tickets are not available for sale yet. But I'll keep you guys informed.

Thanks to Nick of IMG for the press release.

(Via chengduchampions.com)

If tennis players were rock stars...

Found a hilarious post on Bleacher Report called "If Tennis Players Were Rock Stars: Who Would They Be?"

Top professional tennis players are no difference from celebrities. They get 5-star treatment wherever they go. And whether it's on-court or off-court, their move are being watched constantly.

According to contributor Vinny Do, "Tennis players are a lot like rock stars. They all have a certain voice."

Here are what he thought the tennis players would be if they were rock stars.

Roger Federer: John Lennon. Just greatness all round, from songwriting to singing to leadership.

Rafael Nadal: Carlos Santana. Virtuoso skill and grit; enough vibrato to make you go wow!

Lleyton Hewitt: Bon Scott from AC/DC. Both Aussies, and wear school uniforms.

Serena Williams: Tina Turner. Simply the best, and those hmm...thunder thighs.

Marat Safin: Bon Jovi. The looks and the women.

Andy Murray: The guy from "The Darkness." Looks like him, scruffy. Slim.

Andy Roddick: Any boy band member. But he thought it's Brian from the Backstreet boys, can hit the notes, but rarely anything special (Ouch!)

John McEnroe: Bob Dylan. They are both magicians, but couldn't give a hoot what anyone else thinks.

(Via Bleacher Report)

Macau Tennis Showdown: Roger Federer wraps up Asian exhibition with another win

Roger Federer wraps up his 2008 season in Macau last night as he, James Blake, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe conclude this week's lucrative pair of Asian paydays.

Personally I don't care about the results as these are only exhibition tours.

Nevertheless, here are the final scores:

Kuala Lumpur
Borg vs McENROE 6-7 (11-13)
FEDERER vs Blake 7-6 (10-7)
TEAM AMERICA (McEnroe & Blake) vs Team Europe (Borg & Federer) 7-5

Macau
BORG vs McEnroe 7-6
FEDERER vs Blake 6-4, 6-4
Team America (McEnroe & Blake) vs Team Europe (Borg & Federer) (No results provided)

Here are some photos before and during the exhibition match as well as post match press conference photos in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.

Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

And here are some photos of the players in gondolas during their appearance at the Macau Tennis Showdown at the Venetian resort.

While Roger and Blake have wrapped up their Asian exhibition, Borg and McEnroe will continue to play in Bangkok tomorrow.

(Images via Mike Clarke/AFP/Getty Images)

Federermania hits Malaysia!

Tennis is Malaysia's new favourite sport.

For a country like Malaysia who prefers badminton and football, it's amazing to see fans queuing up for almost 4 hours just to catch a glimpse of Roger Federer and get his autograph.

When Esther and I arrived at the KLCC foyer, we met up with some fans from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and also from Japan!

As a Rafatard, I must say that Roger is still a King here in Asia, and ASEAN to be specific.

I'm exhausted after covering the event for 2 days, I said to myself, I'm glad I'm just a tennis blogger, not a reporter or photographer.

I'm really happy to meet so many tennis enthusiasts from so many places.

Sorry for those whom I can't return call or couldn't meet up. I've tried to return as much calls as I can but at certain situation, I wasn't convenient to do that.

I hope you guys enjoy the event. Do write to me on how you felt.

Now I believe the WTA Tier II event could be a reality next year.

I'll come back to you guys soon on photos and videos of the activities took place yesterday: James Blake tennis clinic, Roger's meet-the-fans/autograph-signing session, Mirka, at the exhibition match and post match press conference.

I've just called Esther, who's at the Mandarin Oriental now. She said she managed to meet the players and take photos and autographs!

The players will be heading to the Subang airport at 10 a.m. on private jet to Macau for another exho.

(Images via Yahoo! Sport)

Showdown of Champions: Roger Federer, James Blake, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe in Malaysia!

Tennis legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe together with Roger Federer and James Blake are already in Malaysia!

Thanks to the management and media team at LD Sports and Media 247, I had the opportunity to attend the press conference today at Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

I arrived early hoping to catch a glimpse of the players' arrival at the official hotel, Mandarin Oriental.

I missed the opportunity to witness Blake, McEnroe and Borg's arrival although I reached the hotel at about 10.30 a.m.

Roger and Mirka arrived almost at approximately 4 p.m. Mirka is so much prettier in person!

Together with my Sis, Nick and Jamie who are hardcore Roger fans, we had the opportunity to welcome them from afar (as we were brushed off by the huge and not-so-friendly bodyguards who are just doing their job :D).

Roger and Mirka were lead to their suite while Blake, Borg and McEnroe were nowhere to be seen. They must have been locking up themselves (or by the organizer) in the suites since morning.

I quickly registered myself for the press conference and Jamie was brave enough to ask for a permission to join the press conference as a representative from Roger Federer's Malaysia Fan Club :D.

Then I humbly joined the other photographers (with big huge DSLRs and video cameras) to go outdoor shooting at the bridge near the park overlooking the proudly erected Petronas Twin Towers.

According to Jamie back at the hotel, Roger managed to grab some bites before heading to the photoshoot location.

(Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images)

I gotta admit that I took bad photos as I can't fit in the players and the towers together into my sis's humble Sony digital camera. Not to mention that I had to 'wrestle' with the other professional photographers who know exactly what they are doing.



After that I was back to the hotel waiting for the press conference to start. My Sis, Jamie and Nick joined me in the conference room.

The press conference was moderated by Mahadzir Lokman, who will also be the MC for tomorrow's Showdown of Champions. (At the end of the press conference, Mahadzir asked the players to do the thumbs up gesture and he chuckled when they did!)



The players were really ecstatic about the exhibition match tomorrow. According to Bjorn Borg, who is 'missing' from the video, said he wished the exhibition match is tonight!

Roger Federer said he is recovering fast from his back injury and is really looking forward to team up with Borg for the first time.

John McEnroe is as usual, funny and yet serious-looking while Blake is simply a gorgeous guy (drooling!).

I managed to ask two questions, one for Blake and one for Roger (which the question was suggested by Rizal of LD Sports).

1. Blake, you'll be teaming up with Serena Williams at the Hopman Cup early next year. What do you think of the brother and sister team, Marat Safin and Dinara Safina?



2. You are a big fan of the FC Basel. What is your plan after retiring from tennis? I mean are you going to buy a football club or something?



:D tennis legends, Borg and McEnroe have retired long, long time ago and yet still involved with so many activities (be it tennis or non-tennis related) so I guess it was appropriate to ask Roger what he's looking forward when he decides to hang his tennis racquet.

The press conference ended at about 5.30 p.m.

Fans were already outside waiting for the players (Roger to be exact) to come out. The bodyguards were trying to do their job brushing away fans but Roger was so sweet to stop and take pictures with rogerfederer.commers! At this time I had the opportunity to get Blake to sign his autobiography and took a picture with him, thanks to my Sis.

(Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images)

(Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images)

I bet Roger fans who were there today will be having sweet dreams tonight (or maybe they can't sleep tonight). Glad you guys had the opportunity to meet and took photos with him. Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines fans united!

Stay tune for more.

(All photo credit should read HCFoo's Tennis Blog except those stated by Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images)