Eight players already announced their commitment to join the Malaysian Open scheduled this September - (pictures in sequence) Lleyton Hewitt, Robin Soderling, David Ferrer, Fernando Gonzalez, Nikolay Davydenko, Gael Monfils, Kei Nishikori and Fernando Verdasco.
Malaysia is located near to the equator, so it's extremely hot and humid throughout the year.
Although the tournament is going to be held indoor, there's still high possibility that you'll see the players shirtless on and off court especially during practice, jogging and changovers.
Here's a preview of what you'll most likely see (I mean hot bods!) between September 26 to October 4, 2009.
On Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a media launch organised by IMG at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
I did not know it was the launch of an ATP 250 event as the invitation only stated 'a major annual sports and entertainment event for Malaysia'.
But I sort of know that it was a tennis event - or else why would they want to invite me.
As soon as I registered myself as a tennis blogger (the Media Director was a bit surprised), I took my 'goodie bag' (still not knowing it was the launch of the Malaysian Open) and searched for a place to check out the 'freebies' in the bag.
In the 'goodie bag' - An official guide to pro tennis 2009, ATP World Tour 2009 season book and a ATP 250 Malaysian Open notebook.
Now I bet you can imagine how happy I was when I finally saw the ATP 250 and Malaysian Open logos on the bag!
Then I met up with loose cannon who introduced to me the reporters and people from the press like the Malay Mail and NST.
Being kiasu, I quickly went into the conference room and grabbed the front seat so that I can get a good view to record some footage.
While most people from the media were still outside, I wassitting inside enjoying the slide show - I couldn't believe my eyes that Kei Nishikori, Fernando Verdasco, Fernando Gonzalez, David Ferrer, Gael Monfils and Nikolay Davydenko were some of the players who will be here in September!
With a James Blunt's song in the background, I got goosebumps and a chill running down my spine. I can't remember how many tweets and text messages I've sent out sharing the great news.
So, Kuala Lumpur won the right to host the prestigious ATP World Tour 250 for a period of five years from this year until 2013.
The Malaysian Open, to be organised by IMG, a world leader in sports and lifestyle marketing, will carry a total prize money of USD947,750, more than the amount offered at Thailand Open which is to be held on the same week.
This event will be held at the 16,000-capacity indoor Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 26 till Oct 4. Very, very near to my house indeed!
The Malaysian Open joins the Thailand Open, China Open, Japan Open and Shanghai Masters as Asian events on the ATP Tour schedule.
"There is great demand for cities to host ATP World Tour events and in particular within the Asian region," said Brad Drewett, CEO of ATP International.
"Kuala Lumpur presented a very strong application to become part of the ATP World Tour."
Here's the launch video which I want to share with you.
Tournament director Nick Freyer, who is also IMG Senior Vice-President and Head of Tennis for Asia, confirmed the participation of the 6 players mentioned earlier in this post.
If you haven't watch the welcome messages in my previous blog post, here we go again:
Freyer who received a 'special phone call' in the middle of his speech, later invited the Prime Minister to announce the participation of another player, who turned out to be 2009 French Open runner-up Robin Soderling.
Initially I thought that gimmick 'phone call' came from Roger Federer!
Now during the Q&A session, I managed to ask a question. I was glad when the tournament director assured that wildcards will be given based on merits. I'll be disappointed if wildcards will be given to local players whom I believe not ready to play at this level yet.
The event ended on high note when the Prime Minister officially launched the event and the official website (www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com).
Right after the event, I quickly dashed to the registration counter, got myself the press kit and an extra 'goodie bag' for Esther.
Before I end this post, let me share with you some information which I've got regarding the Malaysian Open. I bet you want to know things like the schedule of event, ticket price, venue and facilities, etc.
After months of speculation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is confirmed the latest stop on the ATP World Tour!
At HCFoo's Tennis Blog, we promise to bring you both on-court and off-court coverage of the ATP 250 Malaysian Open between September 26 to October 4, 2009!
Before I share with you my experience at the press conference today, let me share with you the messages from the players - David Ferrer, Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco, Gael Monfils and Kei Nishikori are some of the big names who will be playing in Kuala Lumpur!
The other players who have confirmed their participations are Robin Soderling and Fernando Gonzalez.
For more info regarding about the tournament, visit the Malaysian Open official website.
Rafael Nadal beat Marcos Daniel 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 for his 29th straight win on the red clay at Roland Garros, breaking the French Open men’s record for consecutive wins.
The win surpassed the mark held by Bjorn Borg, who won 28 straight from 1978-81.
Nadal also equaled the overall tournament record, matching the 29 straight that Chris Evert won between 1974-75 and 1979-81.
Opening his first match at the tournament with a striking fashion statement, people however are more interested to talk about his pink Nike gear rather than his record wins.
Now seriously, if only Maria Sharapova wear the same colour as Nadal, then it would be great.
Instead Sharapova's opponent Anastasiya Yakimova was the one in pink.
Although Sharapova had a shaky start, she eventually won 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
Earlier of the day, poor Anne Keothavong was bageled twice by the world no.1. Dinara Safina.
Venus Williams also advanced into the second round after defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.
Asia enjoyed a successful day at the expense of French hopes.
World no.15 and Asian hope, Zheng Jie of China had an easy win over Stephanie Cohen-Aloro 6-1, 6-3.
Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn also made it through when she overcame Camille Pin 6-3, 5-7, 7-5.
Another Frenchwoman who was sent packing was Stephanie Foretz.
She lost to Kirsten Flipkens 1-6, 6-4, 4-6. I guess those cool looking shades didn't help.
Roger Federer cruises into the second round after beating Spaniard Alberto Martin 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.
Here's an interesting read on CNN. It's fresh from the oven.
I bet Federer can't wait to meet Nadal to prove how 'human' his rival is on clay.
Let's wrap up the day with a shirtless Nikolay Davydenko.
Davydenko admitted that he was not in the best shape.
But still he won his first round match 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 against Stefan Koubek.
Since we already have shirtless photo, let's add another one: Nadal's sexy shoulder. For more results, you go check it out here.
I'll be away for the weekend to celebrate Mother's Day and Wesak Day.
Hence, I'm not going to update my blog.
So, are you planning something special for your beloved Mom?
If you haven't come up with any plan, let Nikolay Davydenko and Sabine Lisicki show you how to make the world famous Portuguese tarts "Pasteis de Belém" for your Mom.
Prakash Amritraj, Horia Tecau, Nikolay Davydenko and Mahesh Bhupathi
In keeping with tradition, Kingfisher Chennai Open Good Times Opening Party kicked off with a fashion show featuring the spring/summer collection of Manoviraj Khosla and Vivek Karunakaran’s uber-chic collection.
Players who did the catwalk were Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Prakash Amritraj, Nikolay Davydenko, Yves Allegaro and Horia Tecau.
Leander Paes
Mahesh Bhupathi
Here are more off court photos.
Leander Paes and dubs partner Lukas Dlouhy pose on elephant sculptures.
Alberto Martin and Pablo Andujar show us Spain's other favourite sport.
Top-seeded Nikolay Davydenko advanced to the second round of the Chennai Open after beating Daniel Koellerer 6-2, 6-3.
A favourite to win at this tournament, Davydenko will next face Lukas Dlouhy, who needed three sets to beat Go Soeda of Japan.
Third-seed, Marin Cilic had little difficulty in making the second round with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Alberto Martin in 91 minutes, while Bjorn Phau did not exert much in getting past Santiago Ventura of Spain 6-2, 7-5.
Indian player Prakash Amirtraj suffered a disappointing defeat to Rainer Schuettler 2-6, 6-4, 1-6 in 85 minutes, becoming the topic of criticism on continuing to falter despite getting the wild cards in succession in the event.
Rohan Bopanna who qualified for the event after beating Michael Berrer 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 however lost in the first round to Denis Isomin 6-4, 7-6(3).
Shakira who performed at a New Year's Eve concert in Abu Dhabi was spotted at the tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Russian Nikolay Davydenko.
Nadal won the match 6-2, 6-3 to reach the finals where he will meet Andy Murray who defeated Roger Federer 6-4, 2-6, 6-7(6) in another semifinal match. The Capitala World Tennis Championship offers 250,000 dollar prize during this three-day elimination event.
By the way, how do you like Nadal's new gear?
I totally dig his new look :D (Image via Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images)
The star players at ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour send out a very cute Christmas message to fans.
Lead by world no. 3 Novak Djokovic, the players came up with a hilarious rendition of the "12 Days of Christmas'.
Some of the players include Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Jo-WIlfried Tsonga, Vera Zvonareva, Nikolay Davydenko, Dinara Safina, Nicolas Kiefer and many more. Do check out Sam Querrey singing too!
At the end of the video, ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour invite tennis fans to check out the brand new TennisTV.com, which will live stream more than 700 matches, highlights, exclusive interviews and behind the scenes features from more than 40 tournaments around the world in 2009.
Nole continues to party hard and Muzza will take over his no. 3 position very soon.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer rolled into the Paris Masters quarterfinals but this time without Novak Djokovic.
Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, defending champion David Nalbandian and amazingly Nikolay Davydenko also made the last eight.
Rafa has bigger biceps than Monfils.
Nadal beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2, Federer defeated Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-4, while Djokovic lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.
“I’m not playing my best level, but I’m not playing badly,” Nadal said.
“If I can improve a bit for tomorrow and for Shanghai I think I can finish the year playing well.”
Nadal will play Davydenko, who crushed 2005 champion Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-1.
Even though Nadal was guaranteed to start 2009 ahead of Federer in the rankings, he feels like he’s still behind him.
“Roger had four or five years with the No. 1, winning two, three Grand Slams a year,” Nadal said.
“So for that reason I think everybody says Federer is the best.”
Federer sets his eyes on his first semifinals at the Bercy Indoor Arena but he has to go through James Blake first, who defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-4, 6-4.
“I prefer to come back to a place where I had success in the past. This is not the case here,” Federer.
Federer is 8-1 against Blake, with the Swiss star’s only loss in the quarterfinals at the Beijing Olympics in August.
“I’m not the revengeful type, but I would be pleased to beat him,” Federer said.
Djokovic beat Tsonga in the Australian Open final for his first major title, but has lost to the Frenchman in successive matches since then including the recent Thailand Open.
“I just don’t feel quite comfortable on the court,” the Serb said.
“When you play indoors, points get quicker. (Tsonga) was serving really well.”
Tsonga will next meet Roddick for the first time in nearly two years.
“If I manage to stay in shape physically, I will go from strength to strength in this tournament,” Tsonga said.
Gilles 'Crybaby' Simon
The seventh-seeded Roddick overcame 10th-seeded Gilles Simon 6-3, 7-5 on his fifth match point.
“It wasn’t going to do me any good to play patty-cake back and forth with him today,” Roddick said.
“I’m not as quick as he is and I’m not as consistent as he is. It actually made for a pretty simple game plan.”
Murray topped Fernando Verdasco of Spain 6-3, 7-6 (6) for his 14th straight win, staying on track for a third straight Masters title.
Fat Dave shows del Potro he's still the big brother of Argentina tennis.
Murray will face Nalbandian in the quarterfinals, after the Argentine defeated countryman del Potro 6-4, 6-0.
“His results have been pretty special the last couple of years. Should be a great match,” Murray said of Nalbandian.
“He picks his schedule very well and is fresher than the other players toward the end of the year.”
After victories at Cincinnati and Madrid, Murray hopes to become the only player to win three straight Masters titles.
I'm not sure if it's only me. I thought Roger Federer look pale. Hope he's not sick or experiencing fatigue still.
Last night, Federer returned from a 5-week break to beat Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-6 (6) in the second round of the Madrid Masters.
“Happy to be back on tour,” Federer said.
“Happy with this first round. it was always going to be tough against Radek and he played a great second set.”
Federer, playing his first ATP event since winning the U.S. Open last month, will face Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
“I’m excited. He’s had a rocky season with injuries this year, so I feel for the guy,” Federer said of his French opponent.
“He’s probably one of the guys you wanna be playing out there.”
In an earlier match, Novak Djokovic advanced after Victor Hanescu retired because of an apparent groin injury while trailing 6-7 (8), 7-6 (8), 3-1.
“It’s a big relief to win … this is a big boost up for upcoming matches,” Djokovic said.
“He used his biggest weapon which was his serve. I couldn’t find any rhythm in return, so he used that wisely.”
Top-ranked Rafael Nadal pulled out of doubles with Carlos Moya on Tuesday because of a slight upper leg injury.
“Every match is important, including doubles, but I’ve got priorities,” said Nadal, who will face Richard Gasquet of France in singles tonight.
“You can’t win everything.”
American qualifier Robby Ginepri had the biggest upset of the day, beating fifth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Andy Roddick had little trouble getting past Spain’s Tommy Robredo, 6-3, 6-4.
The 8th-ranked American’s booming serve was never seriously challenged by Robredo and Roddick used breaks in each of the sets to pace out his win.
David Nalbandian won his sixth straight match by defeating Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1.
Updates: 6th seed Ferrer suffered a shock defeat to fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in straight sets, recording a 6-4 7-6 triumph.
There will be an all-Argentinean clash in the next round when Nalbandian will meet his Davis Cup team-mate Juan Martin del Potro, who was 6-4 6-2 ahead when his Finnish opponent, Jarrko Nieminen, retired. (Via AP, Images via Yahoo! Sport)
Argentine and Russian teams trained on Monday in the central stadium of Roca Park in the city of Buenos Aires, where on Friday they will open the semifinals of the Davis Cup.
Argentine team formed by David Nalbandian (world no.7), Juan Martin Del Potro (13th), Agustin Calleri (51st) and Guillermo Canas (55th), trained in the morning under the supervision of their coaches and the captain Alberto Mancini.
The players complained about the conditions of the court.
On the same day, Russians Igor Andreev (19th) and Dmitry Tursunov (26th) arrived for training but Nicolay Davydenko (6th) is nowhere to be seen.
In Russian team, the main last-hour news was the confirmation that Marat Safin (38th) will not compete in the Davis Cup.
The other semi final will be played between Spain and U.S. in Madrid.
Here are some of their practice photos.
Argentina's Captain Alberto Mancini drinks a tradtional drink called "mate".
Russia's Dmitry Tursunov wishes he had some boobs.
Argentina's Guillermo Canas serves during a practice.
Argentina's David Nalbandian returns a ball during a practice.
Russia's Igor Andreev, says hi to Argentina's Alberto Mancini during a tennis practice.
Igor Andreev, the Russian PR guy greets Argentina's Agustin Calleri during a practice.
Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro getting some advice from Captain, Alberto Mancini.
Russian tennis star Nikolay Davydenko was cleared by the ATP after a yearlong investigation into suspicious betting patterns on a match he lost to a low-ranked opponent.
The governing body of men's tennis said it found no evidence of wrongdoing by Davydenko, opponent Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina or anyone else associated with their match in Sopot, Poland, back in 2007.
"The ATP has now exhausted all avenues of inquiry open to it and the investigation is now concluded," the association said in a statement.
Davydenko, then ranked No. 5, pulled out of the match against the 87th-ranked Vassallo Arguello in the third set, citing a foot injury.
Betfair, an online bookmaker, voided all bets on the match. It received about $7 million in wagers on the match, 10 times the usual amount for a similar-level match. Most of the money was on Arguello, even after he lost the first set.
ATP investigators spoke to Davydenko, his wife and family members and reviewed telephone records. This summer, Davydenko said he may have inadvertently tipped off bettors by talking too loudly about his injury to his wife during the tournament.
Davydenko, now ranked No. 6, has always denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence he would be cleared.
The ATP said it interviewed "a number of individuals involved in the match" and reviewed betting account details of those who wagered on the match. It also reviewed phone records from Davydenko, Vassallo Arguello and their support personnel.
However, "certain individuals" declined to provide phone records, the ATP said. Some records eventually were turned over but they had been destroyed by telephone companies in line with data protection laws, the ATP said.
Speaking at Wimbledon this year, Davydenko said Russian spectators might have overheard him talking to his wife and entourage in the stands at the Sopot tournament.
"Everything was going on. I spoke in the center court with my wife ... (in) Russian," he said. "Maybe it's possible, if I can say something, 'I don't want to play or I can retire.' ... some people can understand."
That sort of inside information could have sparked the flood of telephone or Internet betting.
A string of players has been punished for betting violations this year. Last month, France's Mathieu Montcourt was banned from the tour for two months and fined $12,000 after being found guilty of betting on matches.
Doubles specialists Frantisek Cermak and Michal Mertinak were suspended in July, and five Italians have also drew similar bans. Other players have said they were approached by people trying to influence a match.
Under new guidelines, players are required to report any suspicious contact from gambling syndicates within 48 hours. Sanctions include life bans for players found guilty of match fixing. Players, their families and entourages also could be banned from betting on matches. (Via The Associated Press)
Novak Djokovic has a good reason to throw his racket during the men's final match at the Artois Championship tennis tournament in Queen's Club. Just like the French Open semifinal match recently, Djokovic has been leading quite comfortably at 3-0 in the first set but Nadal stormed back and win the tie breaker.
Nadal continues to win another tie breaker in the second set making him the first Spaniard since Andres Gimeno in 1972 to win in a grass court title. Nadal won 7-6, 7-5.
In Germany, Roger Federer won the final match of the ATP International Series tennis tournament Gerry Weber Open against Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in Halle. Federer won 6-3, 6-4.
In another tournament, Russian Nikolay Davydenko defeated defending champion, Tommy Robredo 6-3, 6-3 to win at the Orange Warsaw Open.
(Images by Christopher Lee/IAN KINGTON/Eckehard Schulz/WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
If you like what you see, book your tickets now. Go to: http://malaysianopentennis.com/tickets.html
