15-0
Walking on air water – the 2011 tennis season has begun!
15-15
Back on the bottom
Fresh off of serving a shortened suspension for HGH possession, Wayne Odesnik will compete this week in a USTA Pro Circuit Futures event, the $10,000 Plantation Open in Plantation, Florida.
30-15
Planning Ahead
The WTA has announced the 2012 and 2013 calendars 2012_WTA_Calendar 2013_WTA_Calendar
30-30
Marital Mishaps
Stan Wawrinka announced his separation from his wife on twitter this week : “I would like to announce my separation with my wife Ilham Vuilloud. Our main concern now is to look after the best interests and….. education of our daughter Alexia.”
During Thursday’s loss to Andrea Petkovic in Brisbane, Jarmila Groth and her husband Sam were heard cursing at each other during an on -court coaching session. Mrs. Groth’s coach was absent so her husband filled in. Mrs. Groth was later apologetic and blamed the outburst on the intensity of the match.
30-40
Break point- flu in the desert
Rafael Nadal was battling the flu last week in Doha Qatar and was ousted in the semifinals by Nikolay Davydenko. Nadal intends to delay his travel to Melbourne until he gets over his illness. Despite the flu, he and his partner Marc Lopez won the doubles title at the Qatar Open.
Deuce
In the News this week
Racquet swapping – Maria Sharapova is now with Head, Caroline Wozniacki with Yonex and Ernests Gulbis with Wilson.
Kei Nishkori has signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with a leading Japanese apparel retailer – UNIQLO.
Andy Murray is negotiations for renewing deals with Highland Spring water and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Former No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo has been named joint director of the WTA Paris Open.
Wilson Racquet Sports Rolls Out Social Media for the Australian Open.
Fed Cup Nominations for Asia/Oceania Zone Group I and II, and Americas Zone Group I announced
2011-12 USTA Board of Directors Takes Office
Expanded and Re-Formatted Champions Series Tennis Circuit to Debut in the Fall
Advantage
Ma-hoot!
With all the injures during Hopman Cup which forced retirements and team withdrawals, a special exhibition match was held with US team Bethanie Mattek -Sands and John Isner facing off against French team Nicolas Mahut and Kristina Mladenovic. Highlight of the quickly organized match – Nicolas Mahut wearing his partner’s dress and Mattek Sands’ socks.
The Hopman Cup was also the scene for a rematch of the combatants in the longest match in tennis history- John Isner needed just 90 minutes to defeat Nicholas Mahut 6-3, 7-6.
Deuce
“Tweeners” of the Week
Laura Robson
Nicolas Mahut
Another week another between-the-legs shot, this week there were at least three of them – Roger Federer in Doha, Laura Robson and Nicolas Mahut at Hopman Cup.
Disadvantage
Injuries
Out of the Australian Open: Juan Carlos Ferrero, Laura Robson, Paul-Henri Mathieu.
Deuce
A double pleasure is waiting for you….
In a spoof of the old Doublemint Gum spots, the Bryan Brothers are featured in a new ESPN “It’s Not Crazy It’s Sports†promotional campaign.
Advantage
Outfits of the week
From Hopman Cup this week-Bethanie Mattek-Sands wearing what appear to be pajama pants and Nicolas Mahut in a Lacoste tennis dress.
Game, Set, Match and Champions This Week:
John Isner and Bethanie Mattek-Sands took home the Hopman Cup for the USA.
Greta Arn of Hungary took Auckland by storm, leveling Maria Sharapova along the way.
Petra Kvitova Czeched out the trophy in Brisbane.
Roger Federer captured the Qatar crown.
Another Swiss in the winner’s circle this week as Stanislas Wawrinka wins his second Chennai title.
Not only was Robin Soderling victorious in Brisbane, but his tournament win has moved him to No. 4 in the rankings leapfrogging Andy Murray.