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)

Roger Federer pulls out of ATP World Tour Finals and hands Novak Djokovic trophy

World no. 2 Roger Federer disappointed more than 17,000 fans at the O2 Arena after pulling out of the final against Novak Djokovic, citing a back injury sustained in his semifinal match against Stanislas Wawrinka.

The 33-year-old Swiss announced he was "not match-fit" as he apologised to the crowd in person.

The withdrawal resulted in Djokovic's fourth victory at the season-ending event. He also becomes the first man to win three titles in a row since Ivan Lendl back in the 80s.

No one saw that coming from Federer, who had withdrawn during tournaments on only two previous occasions - in 2008 against James Blake (Bercy) and 2012 against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Doha).

Novak Djokovic won seven ATP events in 2014, including Wimbledon.

Federer declined to speak to the media on Sunday night after his withdrawal.

On Monday Federer and Wawrinka are due to travel to Lille where, starting on Friday, they will joining the Switzerland team that tackles France in the Davis Cup. That is the only major prize in tennis that the Swiss maestro has not won.

Notable ATP tennis statistics in 2013

Finally we have concluded a dramatic year with Novak Djokovic retaining his ATP World Tour Finals trophy beating world no.1 Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

The World Tour Finals have always been regarded as the Super Bowl of tennis and by winning the title, it gives Djokovic a boost after losing the no.1 rank in October. Speaking of the Super Bowl, the big event will take place in February 2014 in New Orleans. Assuming you're a fan, we would encourage you to check out the 2014 Super Bowl betting sites.

Set aside the World Tour Finals, Nadal has made a great comeback this year by winning two Grand Slams, the French Open and the US Open that adds up to 13 in total.

Grand Slam winners in 2013

Grand Slam finals in 2013
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2
French Open: Rafael Nadal beat David Ferrer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3
Wimbledon: Murray beat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4
US Open: Nadal beat Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

Besides winning more Grand Slam titles more than any players this year, Nadal also won 5 more ATP Masters 1000 to come up with a massive total of 26! That's an incredible achievement by the 27-year-old. If Nadal continues to be healthy in 2014, he is expected to keep his winning streak especially on clay. If you want to achieve exactly the same winning moments, we strongly recommend you to go to Super Bowl XLVIII prop bets.

Nadal's achievement in 2013

Masters 1000 tournament winners in 2013
Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal
Miami: Andy Murray
Monte Carlo: Novak Djokovic
Madrid: Rafael Nadal
Rome: Rafael Nadal
Montreal: Rafael Nadal
Cincinnati: Rafael Nadal
Shanghai: Novak Djokovic
Paris: Novak Djokovic

Titles in 2013
Rafael Nadal - 10
Novak Djokovic - 6
Andy Murray - 4
Juan Martín del Potro - 4
Richard Gasquet - 3

This has been the year where we have the most winners over 30 years old. Is that a good sign? Not exactly I guess. We hope to see more young players winning more titles but it seems like it's not going to happen so soon.

Over 30 Winners - 16 (most since 1975)
David Ferrer with the Buenos Aires trophy (Reuters)
David Ferrer - Auckland 30 years, 9 months
David Ferrer - Buenos Aires 30 years, 10 months
Tommy Robredo - Casablanca 30 years, 11 months
Tommy Haas - Munich 35 years, 1 month
Albert Montanes - Nice 32 years, 6 months
Roger Federer - Halle 31 years, 10 months
Feliciano Lopez - Eastbourne 31 years, 9 months
Nicolas Mahut - ‘s-Hertogenbosch 31 years, 5 months
Nicolas Mahut - Newport 31 years, 5 months
Carlos Berlocq - Bastad 30 years, 5 months
Ivo Karlovic - Bogota 34 years, 4 months
Mikhail Youzhny - Gstaad 31 years, 1 month
Tommy Robredo - Umag 31 years, 2 months
Jurgen Melzer - Winston-Salem 32 years, 3 months
Tommy Haas - Vienna 35 years, 6 months
Mikhail Youzhny - Valencia 31 years, 4 months

Longest Winning Streaks
Player - Matches - Duration
Novak Djokovic - 22 - September 13-November 11
Rafael Nadal - 22 - April 22-June 24
Rafael Nadal - 22 - August 5-October 6
Rafael Nadal - 18 - February 11-April 21
Novak Djokovic - 17 (22 back to 2012) - January 14-March 16
Fabio Fognini - 13 - July 8-July 28
Andy Murray - 13 - June 10-August 8
Andy Murray - 10 - January 1-January 27

Most aces served
John Isner (Reuters)
John Isner - 979
Milos Raonic - 883
Kevin Anderson - 651

(Images via Menstennisforums; statistics via Eurosport)

Roger Federer: Last minute race to the World Tour Finals

With Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the ATP Swiss Indoors event in Basel due to fatigue, it is a good news for Roger Federer as his obstacles (based on rankings) are now down to Juan Martin del Potro and Tomas Berdych.

Seeded third, the five-time Basel champ needs to have a strong run this week as well as the upcoming Paris Masters in order to secure one of the four spots left in the World Tour Finals (WTF) at the O2, London in November. If you are following these events very closely and looking for online sportsbooks that provide a straightforward and convenient way for your sports betting needs, go to list of top sportsbook sites.

A couple of days earlier, Federer admitted that he had made disastrous errors in this year's campaign. However he said retirement is not on his agenda.

The seventeen-time Grand Slam winner proved made a winning start at the Swiss Indoors with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Adrian Mannarino yesterday. He will face either Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin in the second round tomorrow. While Federer needs to keep winning this week and in coming week, you can achieve exactly the same winning moments by visiting this sports handicapping guide.

Federer has qualified for the season-ending tournament WTF every year since 2002, winning it six times. I believe he is not going to miss it this year too.

(Images via menstennisforums.com)

Rafael Nadal does not need to prove himself by winning Wimbledon

Sports betting has been around for thousands of years. Some claimed that the credit should go to Greece, home of the Olympic Games, for popularizing the social activity. Now, thanks to the advent of the Internet and online sportsbooks, the legacy of Greece has come full circle.

In recent years (or better known as the 'golden years'), we have seen the rise of tennis betting thanks to amazing players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray who have produced some of the most epic matches and notable rivalries in history. Tennis fans have frequently used betting sites , not only to bet on their favourite players but also a source for them to get information such as scores, head to head and other resources.

With the upcoming Wimbledon Championships drawing near, fans will be asking: Will Rafael Nadal continue his winning form on grass after a successful season on clay this year? Is he back at his best? These questions are often posted by the media lately.

Nadal with his second Wimbledon trophy in 2010

Many tennis fans may have forgotten that Nadal has also won on hard court in Indian Wells after his first title on clay at Acapulco despite a seven-month break from tennis since Wimbledon.

Not only that. Nadal made a historic victory at Roland Garros recently making him the first man to win a Grand Slam singles tournament for a record of eight times. That win completes his first half of the year with a total of 6 titles - 2 Masters 1000 titles and 1 Grand Slam.

According to Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni, he is very confident that his fifth-ranked nephew is sitting in a good position to make a run at the no. 1 ranking. Nadal only trails world no. 1 Novak Djokovic by about 5,000 points, with only 90 points to defend the rest of the year. Remember last year when Nadal lost to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon? With an impressive run so far, I can only forsee that Nadal will do better at Wimbledon this year. He doesn't need to win at Wimbledon and yet has a good opportunity to rake up more points and climb a few ranks up to be among the 'Big Four' again.

Roland Garros 2013 - Who are the Contenders?

With the draw for the 2013 French Open released today, the potential semi final permutations have begun. The most interesting fact out of the draw is that defending champion Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic are in the same half. If they can negotiate against their other opponents, they will meet each other in the semi final stage. This sets up an enticing encounter, and one that many felt would turn out to be the final. One person who wins from this draw is Roger Federer, as he does not have to worry about facing the absent Andy Murray.

If you can get your hands on French Open tennis tickets, you will get the chance to see some of the best players in the world compete for the year's second grand slam title.

Before the draw, Djokovic and Nadal were the favourites to contest the French Open title on the last Sunday of the event. However, Roger Federer has got to be the man to beat now, as he will have a relatively easy passage to the final. Federer will have to be wary of a potential semi final clash against David Ferrer or Thomas Beyrdich. However, these are two players who he has not had a problem beating in the past. Federer would have to be seriously off his game for him to not make the final at the Philippe Chatrier Court.

For Nadal and Djokovic, the draw represents a real chance to face each other sooner than they expected. Nadal has only lost one match at Roland Garros in his career, to Robin Soderling two years ago. However, he has lost eight out of his last eleven games against Djokovic, including a final on clay in Monte Carlo. This will pray on Nadal's mind, especially as he lost two grand slam finals to Djokovic recently: at Wimbledon and the US Open. However, Roland Garros is another ball game. Just like Roger Federer seems to gain super powers at Wimbledon, the French Open is Nadal's back yard. He has been next to invincible on this court, often leaving his opponents with no chance. There was a final a few years back where he beat Roger Federer in three sets, winning one of the sets 6-0.

From Federer's point of view, just getting to the final will be an accomplishment. He is the third ranked player in the world, but that is only because Nadal has been absent through injury. If Nadal continues his stunning form for another six months, Federer would surely drop to fourth in the world. He still has that magic touch in certain games, but no longer has the fitness levels to sustain success in various tournaments. Long clay court matches will certainly test him physically, but the draw will play to his advantage.

There are many available tickets for this year's French Open. There are tickets for the early stages, where you can visit all the courts and experience the atmosphere of a grand slam.

While Nadal and Djokovic will have a gruelling semi final to look forward to, Federer's matches will be a lot shorter. This should leave him with plenty of energy in the tank for the final, should he make it that far. It would not be unreasonable to think that Roger Federer is now the favourite to win this year's French Open title.

(Image via French Open Facebook page)

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)

Australian Open 2013: Kids Tennis Day with Nickelodean and tennis stars

A special show was presented at the Rod Laver Arena in conjunction with Kids Tennis Day today. The annual kids event featured Novak Djokovic, Victoria Azarenka, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Ana Ivanovic.

The event also featured singer Guy Sebastian. Nickelodeon stars SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Starfish, Dora the Explorer and Diego joined the entertainment line-up as well. 

Federer's and Lleyton Hewitt's children were spotted at the event.

(Images via Australian Open website, Sina Tennis, Tennisfoum)

Australian Open 2013: Novak Djokovic eyeing a hat-trick

Reigning champions Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka, both currently ranked no.1 in the world attended the Australian Open official draw ceremony this morning. The event was made public this year and was held at the Crown Riverside.

Djokovic's bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title received a boost when Roger Federer and Andy Murray landed in the other half. The Serbian will face Paul-Henri Mathieu in the first round and also has Tomas Berdych in the quarter of the draw and David Ferrer in his half. Click here for the complete draw.

Meanwhile, Azarenka is in the same quarter as Caroline Wozniacki and has Serena Williams in her half. Maria Sharapova, who is launching her Sugarpova in Melbourne today is on the other half of the draw and could meet Venus Williams in the third round. Click here for the complete draw.

(Images via Yahoo! Tennis)

Australian Open 2013: The heat is on

Last year I had the opportunity to attend my first Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. Everything was great except the crazy weather. Although I only spent one day at the Australian Open due to a packed schedule but I thought I had enough of the heatwave. I only managed to sit through a game where Stanislas Wawrinka was playing and that was it.

While I look to bet on march madness online, the same month Rafael Nadal is scheduled to be back on court in Indian Wells, I'll still be following up closely with the AO tournament despite the absence of Nadal. I believe the competition is going to be very tight this year (isn't that happen every year?).

Here are some training pictures from Melbourne before the tournament kicks off next week.

Ana Ivanovic (she looks too skinny these days)

Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray

Victoria Azarenka

Lleyton Hewitt

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Serena Williams

Roger Federer

(Images via Sina Sports)

Roger and Mirka Federer vacation in Sardinia after Wimbledon win

After his historic Wimbledon win, Roger Federer spent his vacation with his wife Mirka on a day-long yacht cruise, setting sail from Porto Cervo off the northern coast of Sardinia, the Italian island.

The couple left their twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva behind, enjoying some well-deserved time together before the Olympics kick off on July 27.

(Images via rogerfedererfans.com, dailymail.co.uk)

Roger Federer and Serena Williams attend Wimbledon Championships 2012 Winners Ball

Roger Federer Serena Williams attend the Wimbledon Championships 2012 Winners Ball at the InterContinental Park Lane Hotel last night.

It is Federer's seventh Wimbledon title and Williams' fifth. Both of them are 30-year-old.

Federer with wife Mirka

(Images via zimbio.com)

Roger Federer waves to crowds after Wimbledon win

Just like a king, Roger Federer met the fans, waving at them after winning his 7th Wimbledon final today.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)

Roger Federer wins record-tying 7th Wimbledon

Roger Federer ended Britain's hopes of a first Wimbledon men's singles' title in 76 years after defeating Andy Murray in today's final.

The 30-year-old Federer equalled Pete Sampras's seven SW19 titles after after winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 in the final.

(Images via dailymail.co.uk, Yahoo! Sports)