Federer’s Dream Of An 18th Grand Slam Go On

I had hoped this summer on two occasions now to be writing about the great Roger Federer capturing his 18th Grand Slam title. Sadly, it has not to be.  

The great man found himself in two consecutive Grand Slam finals for the first time since he was in back to back finals at the US Open in 2009 and then at the Australian Open in 2010.

Unfortunately, in both the Wimbledon and US Open final he came up against an inspired Novak Djokovic. Having said that in both finals Federer had his chances. This is especially true in the US Open final where his failure to convert 19 break points saw his chance of an 18th Grand Slam and 6th US Open disappear.

This year I had the opportunity to go to the US Open and it was a fantastic experience. I saw a number of matches including the eventual winner Djokovic defeat of Seppi however to see the practise court seats and the surrounding area rammed with people just to see Roger Federer train was startling. If anything sums up his status it was seeing that. People were in their seats hours before he was due to turn up hoping to get a glance of the widely recognised GOAT in mens tennis.

He has had another good year with titles in Brisbane, Dubai, Istanbul, Halle and Cincinnati. He has also appeared in the final at both Indian Wells and Rome. His performances at Wimbledon were special, that semi-final demolition of Andy Murray was incredible to see.  It was a shame he was unable to repeat the form in the final, arguably something he used to do when he was in his prime.

He continued such form into Cincinnati, defeating Djokovic in the final, and then on to the US Open reaching the final without dropping a set. He is without doubt the main player on the circuit who I try to watch whenever and wherever he is playing.

It is difficult to come up with superlatives for Roger Federer that haven't been said before.

If you can see Roger Federer play you must. No matter how much you've read or watched on the television, seeing him live is a total different experience. Nobody plays the way he does and who knows if we will ever see the like in our lifetime.

He has been written off in recent years, especially after 2013, and I even wrote a piece debating whether it was the end. I have always had faith, maybe blind faith, that he would come back and get himself back in contention for the slams. It has been fantastic to watch his almost re-rise to the top.

He is without doubt the greatest role model a sport could hope for. He along with Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic have taken the game up a level in quality but also popularity. Too often people wish away the greats likes Federer and Nadal but there is no doubt there will be a lull after these two exit the game.

For Federer who is arguably in the greatest form of his life, even though saying that about a man who is now 34 and achieved so much in the game sounds crazy, an 18th Slam is not out of the question.  I hope he does win an 18th Grand Slam however of course with every passing tournament and given the fact he has just been in two finals it seems less likely. Although I still hold out hope and look to forward to witnessing it.

I am of the belief that all of these near misses will just make seeing him finally succeed again at a Grand Slam that little bit sweeter.

Djokovic Downs Murray As He Begins Quest For Calendar Slam

There was something all to familiar about the Australian Open final.

For the third time in five years Murray and Djokovic faced off in the Final and for the third time it was Djokovic was victorious.

After a highly competitive first two sets Murray was eventually beaten 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-0. However there was controversy this year after Djokovic was accused by some of faking injury as he appeared to be struggling before taking the third set and then steam rolling Murray in the fourth. There is no question in my mind that the 'gamesmanship'  of Djokovic certainly affected Murray as he appeared to lose his concentration handing Djokovic the fourth set and with it the match.

It was clear that some in the crowd also thought Djokovic's behaviour was unsporting however we didn't see scenes like in last years final after Nadal called for the trainer against Wawrinka .

However this interruption and Murray reaction to it showed again the metal weakness Murray has in his game at the moment, especially when  facing Djokovic. Mentally there is no question the Serb has the edge over Murray (as he does over most in the tennis world) and in these key matches that is what gets him over the line. Murray capitulation in the fourth set was tough to see and made for an unfitting end to what had been a terrific first two sets.

With regards to the rest of the year, there are plenty of positives for Murray - back in a Grand Slam final for the first time since Wimbledon 2013 and he looks as if he is going to be in the later stages of all the Grand Slams this year. Now given his tough 2014, this is a great sign for Murray, his fans and Great Britain's Davis Cup hopes. I expect Murray to have a solid year finishing in back in the top 3 in the rankings.

As for Djokovic the Calendar Slam is very much on. There is no doubt that at this moment in time he is dominant in the five-set format against any opponent. Looking ahead to Roland Garros, even though Nadal has won it a staggering 9 times and is the current Champion there is no doubt in my mind that he will falter this year. Djokovic will beat Rafa Nadal if they meet I am sure of that. Looking at who could beat him on that surface, I can only see someone like Wawrinka (who beat him in AUS 2013) being able to do it and even then he is going to have to have the game of his life.

With regards to Wimbledon and the US Open, Murray and Roger Federer present the realistic challenges. Federer bowed out early in Australia but expect he to be back and these are two of his most successful tournaments however the biggest problem for Federer against Djokovic is the 5 set format.

As a result I think at 3/1 Djokovic is a very good bet to achieve the Calendar Slam this year. He is consistently performing and expect to see him in at least the semi-finals, if not the finals, at all three remaining slams.

My prediction for the remainder of the year that Djokovic will win both Roland Garros and the US Open but Federer will win Wimbledon.

It promises to be a very exciting year and one that as a huge tennis fan I cannot wait to watch unfold.

London Provides The Perfect Home For The World Tour Finals

'The Super Bowl of Tennis'

It was recently announced that the World Tour Finals will continue to be held in London for the next two years. 

This is fantastic news and seems an obvious decision. This event has had huge success since it arrived in London in 2009. This past week has seen the 17,500 capacity at the O2 packed out for all of the singles matches and the figures show that over 250,000 people attended the event last week.

There is no doubt that the decision to place this tournament in London has been a good one and one which must have brought plenty of revenue to the ATP. This is further highlighted by the fact that Chris Kermode, the managing director of the tournament, will taking over as Head of the ATP. Described by Kermode as the 'Super Bowl of Tennis' the Tour Finals has been seen by over 1.2 million people since 2009. How this man was overlooked for top jobs within the LTA is astonishing but that is another issue.  

Furthermore the tournament provides the public with the best chance to see the top players play one another. For example I saw Rafael Nadal play David Ferrer and Roger Federer play Novak Djokovic as well as two high quality doubles matches including the Bryan brothers for just over £60. This is incredible value. That singles line up was the same as the French Open semi-finals in 2012 of which tickets would be near impossible to get or be unaffordable to the majority of the public.

Another boost for this event has been that the players have come out and spoken very well of the tournament, the arena and the fans. Personally having attended the event this year for the first time I was amazed at just how good it was. The organisation was spot on and the whole production created a very special atmosphere. There was a sense of entertainment about it that is not seen at other tournaments or at the Grand Slams. This is not to say that it is better, but different and that is great for the tour.

However Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal while both being very complimentary of the arena and event have both voiced the opinion that the venue should be changed but for different reasons. For Djokovic he makes the point that Tennis is a global game and as such should move around while Nadal would like to see the surface changed, ideally to clay (no shock there).

Djokovic's point is a perfectly valid one and this event has moved around the world before. However the success that London is having will mean it will be a big decision to take it away. Currently 9 of the top 10 hail from Europe and so taking it outside of Europe would not really make much sense. Also the London time zone is friendly to broadcasters around the world. London will have the tournament to at least 2015 however I can seen this being extended for sure.

On Nadal comments of changing the surface, the tournament has only ever been outside on 3 occasions and none of them were on clay. The reason it is indoor is the time of year. To play a tournament in November it makes sense to have it indoors. Nadal argues the players play on all surfaces to qualify so it should be changed however I do not agree with this. It comes at the end of the indoor season and so it would not make much sense to change surface for one tournament. Also given Nadal's failure to win the event it is no surprise he would wish it could place on clay where he is so strong.

So Djokovic's point is stronger and will ultimately prevail as the tournament will eventually leave London I just hope that it is not in the near future. 

Dominant Djokovic Retains Title

Djokovic retains World Tour Finals title

Novak Djokovic has won the ATP World Tour Finals for the second year in a row after defeating Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6-3 6-4 at the O2 Arena in London.

In a very dominant display Djokovic claimed his second straight win over Nadal, after victory by the same scoreline in the Beijing final, and means that Djokovic ends the year on a 22 match winning run.

It is the World Number 2 third success at the tournament for the having also won in 2008 and 2012.

The result leaves Nadal still waiting for his first World Tour Final having now been beaten in two finals however despite this disappointment it has possibly been his greatest year finishing with 2 Grand Slams and the World Number 1 ranking.

Nadal never really looked comfortable on the night whereas Djokovic, whom the indoor environment favours, looked right at home. The Serb started brilliantly gaining a 3-0 lead however a missed break point opportunity appeared to have changed the momentum as Nadal came storming back to 3-3. But Djokovic dug in from the Nadal onslaught and held for 4-3 before powering on to capitalise on 2 double faults by Nadal to gain the break and serve out the set.

The length and pace of Djokovic's play was just too good for Nadal during the first set and this continued into the second. Nadal's forehand was becoming ever looser as the unforced error count rose and Djokovic soon had a break and a 2-1 lead.

Nadal fought on and saved two break points to stop going further behind but in the end Djokovic was too strong and when another Nadal's forehand went wide the Serb had the victory.

Nadal was certainly not at his best with 4 double faults, 23 unforced errors and only 9 winners illustrating the trouble he was having.

This is a rivalry that now holds a 22-17 head-to-head advantage to Nadal however it is nicely poised for 2014. The battle between the two is sure to continue with the next possible meet being at the Australian Open in January, where Djokovic is the returning champion. Nadal was absent in 2013 but the two did meet in an incredible final back in 2012, one which Djokovic won in 5 sets in over 6 hours of playing time.

So plenty to look forward to as the battle between these two continues into 2014 and thats not to mention the return of Andy Murray to the fold as well as improving players such as Juan Martin Del Potro and not forgetting the great Roger Federer, can he mount a serious challenge in 2014?

I personally can not wait to watch it all unfold.

Djokovic Battles Past Federer

Djokovic serves to Federer

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer for the second time in a matter of days to start to defence of his ATP Tour Finals title in style.

Djokovic claimed a 6-4 6-7 6-2 victory over the World Number 6 in front of a capacity crowd at the O2 Arena in London. This result keeps Djokovic's slim hopes of returning to World Number 1 alive for a little bit longer. 

This match was the headline act of an already action packed day and the men who have a total of 23 Grand Slams between them did not disappoint.  However Federer could not match the consistency of Djokovic from the back of the court and on serve at the crucial moments in the game. 

Despite both mens success it was obvious from the start that the majority of the crowd were supporting Federer, who despite a disappointing season always has massive support around the world. 

After a tight start which had seen the score at 4-4, Federer managed to manoeuvre a break point chance however his forehand shot just dropped out much to the disappointment of his supporters within crowd of whom the majority thought it was in. 

This miss was compounded as Djokovic then broke Federer after some wayward forehands to hand the World Number 2 the opening set in 37 minutes. 

At the beginning of the second set Federer came out firing but despite breaking Djokovic on two occasions he could not take advantage. At 5-4 Federer was serving for the set however another loose forehand saw him miss the opportunity to seal the set. 

On to a tie-break, and Federer steamed into a 4-2 lead with a stunning forehand that just brushed the line. Federer went on a win the next 3 points and send this match into a deciding 3rd set.

Having only played two days before in his victory at the Paris Masters it appeared that maybe Djokovic was struggling. He was visible angry with himself at the end of the second set. Maybe a chance for Federer to push on and use the forward momentum he appeared to have but such thoughts soon disappeared as Djokovic broke to love in the first game of the third set, which set the scene for what followed.

Djokovic suddenly upped a gear and powered his way to a 5-1 lead breaking Federer twice. Now serving superbly and finding the lines with ease he closed out the set to love to extend his winning run to 18 matches since his defeat in the US Open final back in September. 

The defending Champion looks on course to retain his title and after witnessing his performance today it is hard to back against him. I had never really appreciated just how good he is until I saw him live in this match. Personally I just think he will be too strong for anyone in the competition. 

For Federer it highlighted the problems he has been having all season however he has certainly improved of late. He did not play that badly it was just at the key moments he faltered. I expect him to beat Richard Gasquet however Juan Martin Del Potro with be a very tough match. 

Is This The End For Roger Federer?

Federer left with much to ponder

Roger Federer's dream of an 8th Wimbledon title was ended this evening in sensational style. Fans will have watched on in disbelief as the great Roger Federer, arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, failed to find a way to beat Ukrainian and World Number 116 Sergiy Stakhovsky. 

The returning Wimbledon Champion crashed out in four sets, 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 7-6 (7-5) and became another one of the early casualties at this years Wimbledon after two-time Champion Rafael Nadal exited on Monday.

It must be said that despite Federer not being at his best Stakhovsky played the match of his life, implementing his serve and volley game to perfection. He dominated on serve as Federer's struggled to create break-points chances as he only managed to break Stakhovsky once in the match, coming in the final set.

This defeat will have saddened many and maybe even brought a tear to the eye of his fans as they sense the possible end of a great career. Will this be the Sampras moment for Federer, who never played another Wimbledon after his second round exit to George Basti in 2002? Federer has often stated that he intends to play tennis for years to come, but can he come back from this? 

  

After Federer had edged the first set tie-break, surely he would now go on and dominate using his experience and class to see it out in 3 straight? However Stakhovsky, 27, trusted his game plan and continued to execute it brilliantly. Serving terrifically he took the second set after another tie-break.  

Federer struggled to find top form

For a man on centre court against the seven-time champion Stakhovsky looked calm and controlled. The consistency of his play was incredible to see, and may it difficult to understand his current ranking. Having got the break he served out the third set.

Suddenly you could sense even the crowd were doubting Federer's future in the tournament. After the exit of Nadal, and the shocks that had preceded this match with a number of top players crashing out, could Wimbledon have no Nadal or Federer in the third round.

Having been broken again early in the fourth set, the exit of Federer was becoming increasing likely. But he finally broke to get the set back on serve. However Stakhovsky continued to play well and after saving a set-point at 5-6 down, forced the match into a third tie-break.

Soon Stakhovsky had two match points. Federer saved the the first with a terrific forehand but after another unforced error, this time a poor backhand went wide, the unthinkable had happened.

  

It was Federer's first defeat by a player ranked outside the top 100 since losing to 101-ranked Richard Gasquet at Monte Carlo in 2005 and the earliest defeat for a defending champion at Wimbledon since Leyton Hewitt in 2002.

    

The defeat also brought a end to Federer's incredible record of reaching 36 consecutive Grand Slam quarter-finals, stretching back to Federer first round exit at the French Open in 2003. It was also Federer's earliest exit at Wimbledon since 2002.

It is therefore not surprising that fans and journalists have seen this as the end of an era. Suddenly for Federer, 31, 'father time' has caught up with him and his ability to regularly challenge for Grand Slam titles is over. 

Questions of Federer's decline started a few years ago. Having only won 2 of his 17 Grand Slams since the start of 2010, he has been seen as a continuing fading light. His failure to win a Grand Slam in 2011, signalled for some the changing of the guard with Novak Djokovic taking the great mans place. 

However he defied these critics with his Wimbledon win of 2012. But can he come back from this?

2013 had already been a tough year for Federer with only one title to date coming at Halle two weeks ago.   

This was a crushing defeat  but one Federer will not panic about. He will now be looking at the US Open, but can he make a impression there? Is he still capable of playing to the standard required over a  two week period to win a grand slam? 

At 31, is the motivation still there for Federer? He has won so much, does he have the willingness to put in the hours? 

Is this the last time at Wimbledon for Federer?

All of these questions will continue to be asked and he will be under some pressure going into the US Open however he will not be alone. Rafael Nadal will also be under pressure, can he perform on a hard court or will the knees give way? Is this the end of the 'big 4'? Hopefully both Federer and Nadal can return and perform at the US Open. 

Another point it that unbelievably Federer could now drop to as low as 6th in the ATP rankings by the time the US Open comes round. This will make his US Open even tougher. Federer has failed at the quarter-finals of the US in the last two years, how far will he get this year?

Federer has spoken of how he plans to play for years to come and even indicated he wanted to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. However if this becomes the norm and he struggles to get past the early rounds will he want to continue having been at the top for so long. That will be the true test. In searching for that next Grand Slam will he in fact damage his legacy if he ends with a series of early knock outs? 

It is clear Federer still believes he can compete for Grand Slams but is he deluding himself? Many believe this to be the case, however as much as the fans do not want to see this, it is a fact of life. He is without doubt a fading light but one who can still beat the best. The level he set in the mid-2000's he would never be able to maintain. However he is still a joy to watch and one the crowds always look towards. He is a true artist in his style compared to the sheer strength, power and endurance style of Nadal, Djokovic and Murray. It is very rare to watch an unset in an individual sport and genuinely feel that the crowd and millions of people around the world watching are sad for the outcome. Especially in Britain where we love to cheer on an underdog.

It would be very naive to write Federer off, as there is no doubt he has the experience and the class to beat the best. He clearly does have a back problem but I hope he comes back to form at the US making the latter stages. Federer has done so much for tennis. He raised the level of tennis. He has lead an incredible era of tennis and driven the likes of Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray to produce some fantastic tennis. These three men have subsequently raised the level which has lead to a magnificent era of tennis. 

I do not think anyone should hope for the retirement of Federer as this will be a very sad day. His presence brings so much to a tournament with his style of play and aura. However it is always sad to see one once so great lose his edge. It happens for example with Muhammad Ali and ever Pete Sampras. To watch the decline of a sporting great is tough and why I have heard people say Federer should have retired for over a year now. It is almost that people want to remember him as a great and not an old man who went on too long. However for me he will always be a great no matter how long he plays for. 

There is no doubt Federer will have plenty of thinking to do over the next few months as to his future in the game. Bow out at the top or play on because you can? Honestly I think he will continue but only time will tell if he can recapture that vintage form.

There is no question for me that Federer will continue to have plenty of fans that will follow and support him until the end and I hope that such support coupled with his own desire to win will help to spur him on future successes. 

I for one hope that this is not quite the end of Federer’s marvellous career.  I, for one, believe he can recapture his best form and win tournaments and even again challenge for Grand Slam titles. 

He may be being perceived in the media as a fading light but never has a fading light shone so brightly as Roger Federer.

Tough Draw For Federer as he seeks Eighth Wimbledon Crown

Federer lifted his seventh Wimbledon title in 2012

Seven-time Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer could potentially have to beat all three of his main rivals in order to retain his Wimbledon crown.

Federer has been placed on the same side of the draw as both Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Nadal, seeded number 5, after missing seven months of the last year through injury, could meet Federer in a blockbuster quarter-finals.

The two-men have meet three times at Wimbledon, all finals, but have not met at Wimbledon since the epic final of 2008. 

After a disappointing exit at Roland Garros last month Federer will be hoping to produce his Wimbledon magic and and win the event for a staggering 8th time. 

Federer begins against  Romania's Victor Hanescu in round one on Monday. 

Elsewhere, Nadal on the back of his historic eighth Roland Garros, begins his campaign against Belgian Steve Darcis. If results go in line with seedings, the two-time champion would have to beat Federer, Murray and Djokovic to win his third Wimbledon title.

Britain's Andy Murray will face Germany's world number 95 Benjamin Becker in the first round of Wimbledon. The beaten 2012 finalist is in line to meet Frenchman and sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter final, before meeting the winner of Nadal vs Federer. 

World number one Novak Djokovic will be happy to have avoided Murray, Federer and Nadal until the final. If the tournament goes to the seeding then Djokovic will face sixth-seed Tomas Berdych and fourth seed David Ferrer in the quarter-final and semi-fianl respectably. 

Top seed Djokovic, the 2011 champion, will play Germany's Florian Mayer in his opening match on Tuesday.

Magnificent Murray claims first title in thriller

New York Fairytale for Murray

Finally the 76 year wait for a British Grand Slam winner is over. British tennis fans had to stay up until the early hours of this morning to watch Andy Murray win his first Grand Slam title defeating Novak Djokovic in a five-set-thriller, 7-6 (12-10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 , to win the US Open in four hours and 54 minutes. Emulating the achievement of Fred Perry 76 years to the day since his US open victory.

Judy Murray and Andy's
Girlfriend Kim Sears show their delight

As Djokovic's forehand went long on Championship point Murray sank to his knees by the corner of the court, head in hands, as he realised what he had just achieved. His family were exultant and Ivan Lendl was his usual self showing little to no emotion but standing and applauding his man. This win also made sure that Murray would not enter the record books for losing his first 5 Grand Slam finals and raises him to World Number 3 in the rankings.  

Many famous Scotsman were in the crowd as both James Bond aka Sean Connery and Sir Alex Ferguson watched on willing Murray to victory. 

Murray has grown in strength throughout the year as the 'Lendl' effect has come into play. His run at Wimbledon showed to many that he could do it. His performance at the Olympics was staggering. Weeks after losing a final he was unstoppable. I have never seen him play as well as he did during that tournament. That win gave him so much belief and was the reason why so many tipped him for the US Open. This confidence was added to when Rafael Nadal pulled out due to a knee injury. One of Murray's main rivals out of the running. 

Roger Federer then suffered a shock defeat to Tomas Berydch meaning Murray would avoid Federer in the semi-final. People began to say it is his year, it is fate. Then when defending Champion Novak Djokovic's semi-final was suspended to the following day meaning Murray would get an extra day off before the final also seemed to give Murray the advantage. 

Both players had to deal with poor conditions as winds caused serving to be proving difficult for both men  as they shared breaks early on. But it was Murray that lead 4-2 after a game that included an astonishing 54 shot rally. However it is never easy with Murray and with a player of Djokovic standard mistakes tend to be punished as Djokovic forced a tie-break. Murray had the upper hand in the tie-break and produced some superb shots to win a pulsating but nervy tie-break 12-10 after no less then 6 set points. 

Murray started the second set in similar style as he powered to a 4-0 lead breaking Djokovic twice. However again nothing is easy with Murray as the reigning Champion struck back to somehow get back to 5-5. Although Murray broke him again to clinch the set, 7-5, to win the second set. This was the first time he had ever won 2 sets in a Grand Slam final. 

A tired Djokovic realises its not to be his day

Being the Champion that he is Djokovic suddenly found his feet as he blitzed Murray to win both the third and fourth sets 6-2 / 6-3. At the end of the fourth it appeared that Murray had lost his way as he was struggling to find his best whereas Djokovic looked on top form. Everything pointed to a Djokovic win. 

Although Murray shocked Djokovic at the start of the decider by breaking him. Murray then held before breaking again by producing some defensive play of the highest order. How Murray was getting some of Djokovic's powerful shots back was incredible. A 3-0 lead, British tennis fans began to dream. However again a nervous Murray lost serve and Djokovic held and suddenly it was 3-2. Then in a crucial game Murray held his nerve for 4-2 before Djokovic faltered as he seemed to be struggling to move from tiredness. Murray then stepped up served it out for glory before falling to his knees. 

The standard of tennis in this final was incredible and made for amazing viewing. Was it as good as Nadal/Djokovic at the Australian? Maybe not however it was not far off. The ebb and flow, the drama and the sheer brilliance of both players at times was phenomenal. 

Is this the first of many?

This is without doubt Murray's greatest achievement and one I did not see coming this year. In my predictions back in February I did not expect Murray to make a final let alone win one. I thought next year would be his year, as Lendl would have had time to really work on his game however it has happened early. Will Murray go on and win 5/6 titles I do not know. There is no doubt that he is in his prime and should be contesting finals over the next two years. His main rival is Djokovic as Federer is past his best despite that being difficult to believe when you watch him sometimes and will retire in the next two years and Nadal has knee problems that will hamper him and I would not be surprised if he retired in the next two years. Murray has a great chance to be very successful and from a British tennis point of view I hope he will be. 

His victory means that all top four men players one a grand slam this year. 

Comments welcome. 

Weekend Tips

This week it is the international break and as such top flight football has been put on hold. Although there is still plenty of betting opportunities to be had. There are still football fixtures in both league 1 and 2. There is also racing from Haydock, Kempton,Ascot, Stratford and Thirsk as well as the final round of Super League action and the US Open reaches it conclusion. So as you can see there is plenty going on.

Tennis:

Williams looking so strong

The US Open reaches it conclusion this weekend as Serena Williams (right) and Victoria Azarenka face-off in the Women's singles final while the men have Semi-finals today with the final tomorrow. Familiar faces are present as Novak Djokovic takes on David Ferrer and Andy Murray takes on Tomas Berdych. The biggest shock is obviously the non-apperence of Roger Federer after he was beaten by Berdych. As a result Murray's route to the final on paper would appear even easier. For me it is a straight forward affair as Murray will face Djokovic in tomorrows final. 

This will give British tennis fans another chance to dream of Grand Slam glory for Murray (right). It goes without saying that Murray has been playing the tennis of his life over the past few months. He looks stronger and will present Djokovic will a real test. His game under new coach Ivan Lendl has improved and will continue to do so. But I have to say I do not think his Grand Slam duck will end here. SkyBet go 9/4 for Murray to win the tournament which is a good price but one I will not be taking. Djokovic at 4/9 looks the best bet, or better still you can forecast the final of Djokovic to beat Murray in the Final at @ 8/11(SkyBet), this bet must be made before either semi-final starts.  Djokovic's performance against Juan Martin Del Potro was enough for me to see him as the winner. 

In the Women's final Serena Williams is hot favourite and considering her recent form you would not bet against her. Stunning displays at Wimbledon and the Olympics would make me extremely confident of  Williams victory. She looks fitter now then she has for the past few years. At 1/6 (SkyBet) she is too short, but perfect for the multiple bet. 

Bet of the day: Djokovic, Murray and Williams @8/11 SkyBet

Football:

I think that a Goals bet is the way to go this weekend. League 1 and 2 always provide plenty of goals.  

Goals: Brentford/Colchester, Yeovil/Bournemouth, Oxford/Exeter , York/Chesterfield, Northampton/AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale/Rotherham  @  20/1 (SkyBet)

Win bet: Sheffield United, Swindon, Southend and Gillingham @8/1 (SkyBet)

Also a Serbian win over Scotland at 13/8 (SkyBet) looks very tempting. 

Rugby League: 

Wins for : Catalan, Wakefield, Hull, Warrington, Leeds @11/10 (SkyBet)

Horse Racing:

Each-Way bet: 2.50 Haydock- Rockinate @14/1 (SkyBet)

Win Bet : 4.30 Haydock - Star of Rohm @7/1 (SkyBet) 

Good Luck with all your bets this weekend.

Comments are welcome.

Nadal seals Magnificent Seven

Nadal Dominence at Roland Garros continues

The undoubted 'King of Clay'. Rafael Nadal produced another masterful performance to win an incredible 7th French Open title at Roland Garros yesterday. The Spanish World Number 2 defeated Novak Djokovic in a rain-affected final in 4 sets with a 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win. World Number One Djokovic was simply outgunned and outplayed by the powerful groundstrokes as well as being worn down by the sheer fitness and mental strength of Nadal. 

The victory gave Nadal his 11th Grand Slam and meant that he now surpassed the great Bjorn Borg record of six French open titles and asks the question is Nadal the greatest Clay court player of all time? Djokovic was aiming to become only the fourth man in history to hold all four of the Grand Slam at the same time. 

Djokovic shows his frustration

Serbian Djokovic (left) fought bravely however constantly found himself on the defensive unable to really attack Nadal. The weather affected the final just as it had done throughout the tournament.  The wet conditions on Sunday night seemed to frustrate Nadal who amazingly lost 8 consecutive games before play was suspended and ended for the day. After convincingly losing the first two sets Djokovic had suddenly won the third and was a break up in the fourth at 2-1. However when play resumed on Monday the dry but testing conditions put Djokovic serve immediately under pressure. When his  forehand flicked the tape and went out to make it 2-2 the body language of both players was a complete contrast to what had been seen the previous night. Nadal looked re-energised whereas Djokovic knew the chance he had missed and let his frustration show as he smashed his head with his racket strings. The momentum was back with Nadal who from that moment never looked in danger serving to love twice as he dominated his serve. Compare this to Djokovic who looked very vulnerable and despite the immense mental strength he has shown against the likes of Federer, Tsonga and Nadal in the past saving match-points he looked a beaten man. The match ended on a bit of a anti-climax as Djokovic double-faulted to end a run of three straight Grand Slam titles and gave Nadal his seventh French Open win in the last eight years. 

At the beginning of the year I outlined my predictions and hopes for the coming year in the world of tennis. Djokovic had just won a thrilling Australian Open final and predictions of a Djokovic domination were constant. In my prediction I thought that Nadal would again win the French Open due to his ultimate domination of the clay surface. This prediction was correct, and on this years showing at only 26 should Nadal stay injury free I can see him winning at least the next four French Opens titles. Never in my lifetime have I witnessed such a domination. The closest is the great Federer at both Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows. Roland Garros remains the only Grand Slam tournament in which Djokovic has not beat Nadal. 

For Djokovic his attentions will now turn to retaining his Wimbledon title. This is very realistic ambition. For me he has to be the favourite and if he were to meet Nadal in the final my money would be on Djokovic. I do expect Djokovic to have a good Wimbledon, however I would like to see him meet the great, King of Grass, Roger Federer. Unfortunately Federer has not had a good Wimbledon in the last two years. They have never met on grass and for me this would be a great contest. Also  it saddens me to see people seeing Federer as a semi-finalist and not a winner anymore. For any great on the way down it is his best surface which will always be last to leave him. As a result this would be a great test. If Djokovic were to beat Federer it would for me signal the end. However from a personal view point I do believe that Federer can beat him. As I said at the beginning of the year, it is my hope that Roger Federer can win Wimbledon and equal Pete Sampras' record. My heart says Federer however my head would say Djokovic. 

Nadal will also be targeting a return to winning ways at Wimbledon and with British hope Andy Murray playing in Jubilee year it does promise to be a fascinating Wimbledon, all to hope for now is that the rain stays away. 

Comment Welcome. 

Djokovic Looking Unstoppable For 2012

As Novak Djokovic wins the first Men's Grand Slam of this tennis year, I am going to take a look at the leading contenders for the remaining Men's Grand Slams and give my predictions.

More glory for Djokovic?

Firstly who else to start with but the World Number One and the man of the moment Novak Djokovic (right) who is without doubt the one to beat. Over the last year he has established himself as the undoubted number one. His record of 70 wins out of 76 matches in 2011 says it all. He has also brought this form into 2012 with an unbeaten start. After being the world number three for a few years and really taking a back seat as he struggled to break the dominance of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, 2011 was his break-through year. He won the Australian Open in 2008 however did not build on it however this did give him the confidence to know he was capable of wining Grand Slams. He has been improving from 2007 when he reached the US Open final. The potential was there and his breakthrough in 2011 is testament to the two greats of Nadal and Federer to keep him at number three for so long. Although I think that these two have made him a greater player as he knew the level that he needed to get to to compete. Also his progression in 2010 where he reached the quarters at Australian and French Opens, the semis at Wimbledon and then the final at the US Open showed a clear progression that set up the 2011 success. This jump is something that Andy Murray has failed to yet achieve.

SkyBet make Djokovic 8-1 to win the remaining three Grand Slams titles in 2012. They also make him 9/4 to win two of the three. This is an interesting bet and the one I would look at if I were to have a flutter. On current form he is unstoppable and he has already proven he can win at Wimbledon and at the US Open. My fear for the clean sweep is that of the French Open (Roland Garros) as this is his weakness. That is why 8-1 is not a good price and should be more around 16-1. Beating the likes of Nadal at the Australian Open is an incredible achievement however it will take an exceptional performance to beat him on 'his' surface that of clay at Roland Garros. Nadal dominance at Roland Garros is sensational. He also holds a 9-2 winning advantage over Djokovic on clay, although that 2 for Djokovic have come the last two times they have played.

More French Open success for Nadal ?

Rafael Nadal (left) is facing therefore a huge fight in order to regain the World Number One spot. Djokovic would seem to have the advantage over Nadal on hard-court surfaces with an 11-5 advantage. The feeling is that Djokovic has the edge over Nadal and last weekend's result will not have helped Nadal. To play so well and for it still not to be enough will be hard for the Spaniard to take. Djokovic has now won the last seven encounters, all were finals and twice on clay. However the French Open is Nadal's tournament and one clay surface that I can not see him being beaten on at the moment. If fit for the French Open then I think his dominance will continue. SkyBet go even money on this being the case. I am confident, that if fit, Nadal will be at the latter stages of all the Grand Slams this year and would not be surprised to see Nadal/Djokovic the final at every Grand Slam.

Does he still believe?

Roger Federer - The great man is entering the final few years of his tennis career however is still the best player to watch. The effortlessness in which it seems he plays is incredible. He makes the game look so easy and elegant compared with many other players where strength and power is the order of the day. Even though Federer (right) has both of these qualities he is majestic in his approach and that is why he is the greatest player I have ever seen. It is his style that allows him to play year after year as he does not get the injuries of the other, e.g Nadal style gives him knee trouble.

However he has not won a Grand Slam since 2010 but it would be wonderful for him to win Wimbledon this year however I do not think it will happen. The question is does Federer still believe he can win? I think he does and that is why he had continued to play. I hope he has at least one more Grand Slam in him and hope that that is Wimbledon. Although it is a sign of the times when SkyBet go 2/5 that he will not win a single Grand Slam this year. This a man who dominated men's tennis for years and has won 16 Grand Slams. At the US Open last year Federer was on the cusp of winning before Djokovic antics. He for me would present a greater challenge to him then Nadal does. I think a real test for Djokovic would be a French Open final against Nadal and a Wimbledon one against Federer. Two matches that would be incredible to watch. That is my wish for 2012.

Will 2012 be his year?

Finally Andy Murray (right), he has threatened for years however not quite made it. With new coach Ivan Lendl his game will improve however not to the standard it needs to for success this year I feel. I do not think he will win any of the Grand Slams despite his recent display against Djokovic I just feel he does not have the mental toughness to win a tournament. Could you ever imagine Murray doing what Djokovic did last week? The answer is no. That is why SkyBet offer of 1/4 that he will not win a Grand Slam in 2012. However a positive for Murray is that this is what many said about Djokovic a few year ago and look at him now. So there is hope, however I can not see him making a genuine impression this year.

So I predict that all Men's Grand Slams will be won by one of the top three this year. However ones to watch are young Bernard Tomic who I think will have a big year and Juan Martin Del Potro. A few years ago he looked terrific however injury has hampered him however he may be a surprise player this year and maybe one to watch out for at the US Open later this year.

Also this year there is the Olympics and so another aim for the top players. Will be an interesting tournament with the final at Wimbledon. My tip is Roger Federer however this could be a shock result as the players may still be tired from Wimbledon only finishing 3 weeks earlier. 

Predictions: French Open- Rafael Nadal

                    Wimbledon- Novak Djokovic (but would love it to be Roger Federer)

                    US Open- Novak Djokovic

                    Olympics- Roger Federer 

Ones to watch: Bernard Tomic and Juan Martin Del Potro

It is looking like a terrific year of tennis is in store and one many can not wait to unfold. 

Djokovic Wins Epic Australian Open Final

World number one Novak Djokovic (right) has retained his Australian Open title after winning one of the greatest tennis matches of all time. He overcame the world number two Rafael Nadal 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 in a match lasting a staggering 5 hours and 53 minutes.

At the end Djokovic fell to the floor in exhaustion while Nadal was left to wonder what could have been. 

Djokovic describes this as his greatest triumph.

"This one I think comes out on the top because just the fact that we played almost six hours is incredible, incredible," he said. "I think it's probably the longest finals in the history of all Grand Slams, and just to hear that fact is making me cry, really. I'm very proud just to be part of this history."

Nadal gave it his all however it was ultimately not enough to overcome the powerful Serbian. The array of shots and rallies by both players was sublime. The number of time that Djokovic found the line was unreal and this forced Nadal to possibly go for shots he did not want to. Having said this Nadal also played some magnificent shots. The quality of the tennis remained high throughout the match despite the tiring of both players. Djokovic found himself 4-2 down in the fifth set and it looked that he would suffer due to the effort he had put into the tournament in previous rounds. Djokovic had come through another five-set clash against Andy Murray in the semi-final only two days before. In that match he was showing signs of physical tiredness however had enough to win the match. He also overcame injury problems against David Ferrer in the quarter-final. This is why pundits were tipping Nadal to have edge in the Final. The resolve shown by Djokovic to comeback in that final set is a testament to the mental and physical toughness the man. That to against a player like Nadal who has shown over the years his own never say die attitude which has won him 10 Grand Slam titles.

After the match Djokovic describes the his feeling during the match :

"It's just incredible effort. You're in pain, you're suffer(ing). You're trying to activate your legs. You're going through so much suffering your toes are bleeding. Everything is just outrageous, but you're still enjoying that pain."

Nadal described it as one of the toughest matches of his career, and that is saying something after his epic win over Federer in 2008 at Wimbledon. He congratulated Djokovic however the disappointment was clear to see after the effort he had put into the near 6-hour match. It is difficult to say that Djokovic deserved to win as had Nadal won the plaudits would have been just as much.

Djokovic becomes the eleventh man in the very prestigious list of player to win three grand slams in the row. Other players on the list include the great Fred Perry and Jimmy Connors along with his current tennis rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic had an incredible 2011. He won 70 out of the 76 matches he played winning ten titles including three out of the four grand slams. It was this record the propelled him to World Number One. His achievement is even greater as he has two of the greatest tennis players ever playing on the tour at the same time. He is definitely the man to beat in 2012.