The Whole Delivery

Only two men have defeated Novak Djokovic this year. But both of them egressed on Saturday, as the Top four turned into the Final two of today. Can Rafael Nadal be the third to defend his US Open title? Or will it be the officially the year of the Serbian young king. The tactics and the prediction, right below. The Tactics: For Nadal 1) When you have an opening, go down the line, not cross court. End the point when you are in control instead of letting Djokovic back into the point. 2) Establish the lefty serve with authority. 3) Mix in the serve and volley to make Djokovic not comfortable. 4) Galvanize the crowd to firmly be on your side. For Djokovic 1) Continue being "the better man" at the turnaround points. 2) Aggressive like the last 3 sets against Federer, not passive like the first 2 sets 3) Only come in and mix it up when you aren't in full control of the baseline momentum in this match 4) You own the rivalry now. You survived match points. Nothi...

Photo from Getty Images and Wtatennis.com The renowned phrase before ominous weather hits, "The Calm Before The Storm", is certainly also used frequently in sport. A massive force that can't be stopped when fully ensconced, the feeling of relaxation, prior to the arrival of extreme conditions, can change rapidly when those conditions come. It could cause a player to lose his or her nerve in a sudden instance, never being able to recover from the acerbic nature of such a powerful, pestilent force. Sometimes though, there are special instances where special people have an ability to show "The Calm During The Storm." Moreover, some people are just "The Calm", no matter when or where. Petra Kvitova, in the year of 2011, has shown she is not only level headed and relaxed in the most stressful situations. Instead, she IS that level headed person, blessed with the "Calm gene." It was evidence today, and proved to be the defining differen...

From RolandGarros.org In arguably his most satisfying Grand Slam semifinal win ever, Roger Federer has impressively defeated Novak Djokovic in four amazing sets, ending the Serbian's remarkable 43 match winning streak here in Paris. It was quite the performance from a man desperate to show people that he can be the best again in tennis, despite both his growing age and dealing with the likes of Rafael Nadal and Djokovic standing in his way. All facets of his game, from his deadly forehand to his pinpoint serve, were clicking at optimum levels today for the 16 time Grand Slam champion. And those shots were just too much for even the inform, seemingly impenetrable Djokovic to make the win streak reach an amazing 44. Federer fittingly backed up his world class serving with an ace on match point as darkness beset on Court Chartier. And he made sure to remind anyone who he was exactly again, just in case they forgot. His name is Roger Federer, and he is a legend. From RolandGar...

Rafael Nadal has reached another final here at Roland Garros, defeating good friend Andy Murray once more in a straight sets win that was far from routine. The 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win by Nadal at least secures him his #1 ranking for a few more hours, with Novak Djokovic taking over the top spot from him with a victory over Roger Federer in the succeeding semifinal. To the Scotsman's credit, he validated that despite not having a Grand Slam title unlike his Big 4 colleagues, he can still provide a fiercely competitive match where nothing short of best will beat him. But Nadal was just that today, with clutch serving, wicked forehands, and displaying temerity with some serve and volley play even. The clay court master has relocated the confidence he was in dire search for before his quarterfinal matchup with Robin Soderling. And only a perfect 3 sets will be enough to deny him a record tying 6th title with Bjorn Borg here in Paris. Pre match analysis: From tennis.com Tacti...

At the days' beginning, disappointment would have been on most tennis fans' faces if the dream final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer somehow did not happen. At days end, that disappointment could possibly be made easier, if not be wiped away completely . In a remarkable effort, Novak Djokovic has played the role of ultimate spoiler, fighting off two match points to defeat Federer 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the final against Nadal tomorrow. Nothing short of "terrific" could be the adjective to describe this second semifinal, the total opposite of Nadal's romp over Mikhail Youzhny in the preceding match. Djokovic delivered his best tennis arguably in two years with this display today, hitting his backhand and forehand with the conviction that garnered him the 2008 Australian Open title. No more was that assurance in his strokes more evident than the two match points at 4-5 in the final set he saved, as Djokovic hit two back to back forehand...

It was an affair that was always hanging in the balance until match point was converted. And the one who covered it was, again, the Belgian. For the third time at the US Open, and 5th time in a row, Kim Clijsters has defeated Venus Williams 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4 in a typical sea-saw encounter that these two players can certainly play with each other. For the elder Williams, this is a crushing defeat, especially considering how well she played in the first set. She conceded only three points on serve in that set, and even played decent defense in the long rallies against Clijsters. But her level dropped at the start of the 2nd set, letting Clijsters back in the match. Both players went on to struggle the rest of the set, especially the Belgian on the backhand side and the American on the same wing as well. Eventually, the middle set went to a tiebreak, and featured the first signs of the tension getting to Venus. After doing a fine job on her serve with one double fault up until t...

Photo from AP Rafael Nadal has impressively advanced past good friend Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 for the 11th time in as many matchups to reach his third straight US Open semifinal. Unlike the previous two years, Nadal is a heavy favorite to reach the final, as the world number one is both healthy and confident in his game at Flushing Meadows more than he's ever been before. Verdasco came in to try and replicate the form that lead him to his thrilling comeback win over David Ferrer on Tuesday as well as the memorable 2009 Australian Open 5-set semifinal he had with his fellow Spaniard, breaking Nadal's serve in game three of the first set. It was the first time Nadal was broken in the entire tournament, and it was the last time Verdasco made any serious headway into his opponent's serve. From then on, Nadal slowly adjusted to the blustery conditions to hammer and frustrate Verdasco, getting the break back and then taking the first set eventually 7-5. The #8 seed...

Photo: AP Photo/Mark Humphrey Roger Federer has advanced to his 7th straight US Open semifinals, impressively dispatching of his French Open conqueror Robin Soderling 6-4. 6-4, 7-5. It was a match that turned out to feature Federer's usual legendary mentality, winning the big points and not letting Soderling get comfortable with any lead in the match. Making the win more impressive was the 5 time champion's serving and hitting in this atrocious windy condition tonight, though credit has to also be given to Soderling for his lack of groundstroke shanks in "The Wind Bowl" that was Arthur Ashe Stadium. But the Swede will be chastising himself over not taking his chances to turn the match around, wasting his early comeback from a break down in the 2nd set and dropping his chance to serve out the third with four brutal errors at 5-3. And with Federer's sensing Soderling's dejection at letting his chances go to push the match further than the minimum, the 16-...

What a display today from the top seed, as her placidity on the court when Sharapova pressed her was terrific to see. And she was able to remain level headed by being so forceful at times with her serve, forehand, and her brilliant two handed backhand. The full review is here .

The 2010 US Open has already commenced so far, as here is live coverage of the tournament. While it would be a surprise if the likes of Federer, Nadal, Murray or even both Roddick and Djokovic fail to win the title on the men's side, the women's field does provide a very wide open feel with Serena Williams' freak injury caused by a beer bottle. With how the draw has worked out, Caroline Wozniacki is snake bitten by drawing Maria Sharapova in the 4th round, while Kim Clijsters really should have a free run to at least the semis before she plays Victoria Azarenka (unless Venus Williams somehow shows ominous form, something really unlikely considering her time off and non clinical showings at the Grand Slams this year.) Jankovic is off form, Dementieva's week in New Haven a few days ago signifies her struggles, and Kuznetsova is Kuznetsova. At fortnight's conclusion, regretfully, I think the Shriester that is Sharapova will take home her 4th Grand Slam (provides...

Photo From AELTC Serena Williams has won her 13th Grand Slam championship and 4th Wimbledon title, defeating Vera Zvonareva in a 6-3, 6-2 masterclass of her genius and talent. The bright Russian tried her best today, as she was lively in the first set in the first 7 games. But the crucial 8th game in the set was the difference, as Serena kept the pressure on and got the crucial break in the match to take full dominion of the counter. Serena faced no breaks points on her serve, culminating one of the greatest serving displays in women's grand Slam history. More to come folks. And look at her holding the trophy upset (h/t @ KimonoGirl ):

Photo from AELTC Rafael Nadal has halted Andy Murray's dreams of winning Wimbledon here, as the Spainard was masterful in a 6-4, 7-6 (6), 6-4 win here in the second semifinal here at Wimbledon. It is a masterful display from the 2008 champion, looking to reclaim the title that he could not defend because of injury last year. It wasn't the huge pressure on Murray shoulders that got to him, but for the third straight year, just like last year to Andy Roddick and two years ago to Nadal, he just was defeated today by the better man. That man, who is on the poise of doing another French Open-Wimbledon, and furthering his already growing legacy. To the final he returns to, and Tomas Berdych awaits. It should be a fascinating encounter, where it really is 51/49 right now, with the slight balance shifting to Nadal only because of him being there before. More summer despair for British sports fans, just 5 days after England bowed out to Germany in the World Cup. Photo from AEL...

Photo from AELTC Outstanding against a still valiant, strong, and classy Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-6 (9), 6-3 to advance to his first Grand Slam final. The 2nd set classic tiebreak could have been a moment where the Czech could have doubted himself, as Djokovic saved four set points down 2-6 and had a few set points in that tiebreaker. But the new and improved Berdych showed why he defeated Roger Federer on Wednesday , staying rock solid and accurate with his massive serve. And at 10-9 in that tiebreak, the assiduous Djokovic cracked under pressure, as his double fault gave Berdych the break and the momentum regained to secure a wonderful win for himself. Berdych awaits the winner of the other blockbuster semifinal, between Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal.

Another final indeed. Petra Kvitova showed terrific spirit there, and hopefully she will play like her talent is and not No.62 in the rankings, like she is currently ranked indeed. Nevertheless, the serve has been so important on the women's side this tournament, and that is refreshing to see.

To a final set they go, one set all, 18 games split down the line, and a spot for the first time in the Wimbledon final: Photo From AELTC Vara Zvonareva has placed herself into his first Grand Slam final in 30 tries, a terrific 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 over a gamed Tsvetana Pironkova. Just like her quarterfinal win over Kim Clijsters, the Russian kept her nerve after dropping the first set and stuck to her narrative of solid and sound all court tennis. She was efficient and only lost serve once the entire match, which was in the opening set of course. She will await the winner of Serena Williams and Petra Kvitova, the second semifinal for the ladies here at Wimbledon 2010.

Photo from AELTC Djokovic through impressively over "Randy" Lu. Tomas Berdych is up two sets to one over Roger Federer, as this potential upset could lead to the first weekend since 2002 that Federer is not at Wimbledone. Just a stunning thought. And speaking of stunning thoughts and constant upsets, Serena and Venus has lost in doubles to a terrific display from Zvonareva and Vesnina, who was the best player on the court today. The Live blog is here, or here . Update: Tomas Berdych has done it, ending the terrific 7 year run of Roger Federer's final appearances with an unbelievably satisfying 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 defeat of the title holder and 16 time Grand Slam champion. Almost congruent to his defeats to Juan Martin del Porto at the US Open last September and Robin Soderling at the French Open last month, Federer was hit off the court again, and questions will persist on his mind as to whether he will be able to solve these accurate power hitters. Meanwhile,...

Photo from AELTC

And the first winner of "Tennis Greatest Day" has advanced today: Photo from AELTC Vera Zvonareva has advanced passed a poor and then injured Jelena Jankovic. Venus Williams locked in a struggle with the hard hitting on fire Jamlia Groth. And Justine Henin has taken the first set in "Blockbuster Battle #1", 6-2 over rival Kim Cijsters. In "Blockbuster Battle #2", Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will follow Roger Federer and Juergen Melzer. The live blog besides this one . Besides this one of course. Update : Despite Jamith Groth playing the best tennis of her life, the five time champion Venus Williams goes through in a tough two sets 6-4. 7-6 (5). Very tough was that match. Meanwhile, Roger Federer is feeling comfortable, up two sets to love on Melzer. And Kim Clijsters, after dropping the first set, is now up a break in the second in her battle with Justine Henin.

Photo from AELTC A tired John Isner went down unsurprisingly in straights to talented young Thiemo De Bakker, as that epic match clearly did him in (and the nuttiness that is a no 5th tiebreak rule at the majors). Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters have fulfilled their blockbuster Round of 16 encounter, as both beat dangerous Russians Nadia Petrova and Maria Kirilenko respectively. Novak Djokovic is looking sharp today, up two sets and a break on Albert Montanes. Djokovic's countrywoman Jelena Jankovic is also impresseing today, dominating Alona Bondarenko 6-0, 6-3, the third time those players have met each other in a Grand Slam this year. Still to come on Day 5 is Roger Federer, Venus Williams, and Andy Roddick, with Lleyton Hewitt and Gael Monfils locked in what looks to be a captivating match on Centre court as of this post. Update: Impressive wins from Federer, Venus, and Lleyton Hewitt today, while Andy Roddick is locked in another battle with Phil Kohlschreiber, thou...

Photo from Neil Tingle of AELTC Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and the currently shaky Maria Sharapova are the notable names here on Day 2 at the Championships. It doesn't look like today will be as long as yesterday's record setter marathon , but it will be as good as it usually is. Already as of this post, seeded players Aggie Radwanska, Flavia Pennetta, and Sam Querrey have progressed to the second round comfortably. The live blog of the day's action . Update: Serena Williams has progressed to the Round of 64, with a very good 6-0, 6-4 win over the dangerous youngster Michelle Larcher de Brito. The defending champion had 14 aces on the day to start off her 2010 Wimbledon campaign in impressive fashion. Rafael Nadal is to follow her, taking on a talented youngster himself in Japan's Kei Nishikori. Svetlana Kuznetsova survived her first round match against tall Uzbekistan player Akgul Amanmuradova 2-6 7-6 (5), 6-4, and delightful Chinese play...