Perfect Djokovic Destroys Doubting Tomas
Locker Room
October 5, 2014
Novak Djokovic almost served up a dreaded “double bagel” for Tomas Berdych in a ridiculously one-sided China Open final. ‘Something from above came into me,’ Djokovic claimed later, struggling to explain his own brilliance. No wonder the Serb suggested his tennis had been Heaven-sent. The quality of his game was quite mind-blowing. And then, as […]
Marvellous Maria Wins China Open
Locker Room
Maria Sharapova defeated Petra Kvitova 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to claim the China Open title with a typical display of stamina and determination. In doing so, she leap-frogged Kvitova and Simona Halep to become the world number two, behind her nemesis Serena Williams. Although this was her fourth title of the season, Sharapova hadn’t won a […]
Tearful Nishikori Makes Tokyo History
Locker Room
A tearful Kei Nishikori made history when he became the first man ever to retain the Tokyo title. His second Japan Open was sealed 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-4 and cemented Nishikori’s impressive rise in the sport. The win gave the Far East further confirmation that the region is now a major force in tennis, with […]
Stunning Novak Too Strong For Murray
Locker Room
October 4, 2014
Novak Djokovic thwarted a brave comeback from Andy Murray to register an amazing 23rd successive win in Beijing, where he has never been beaten. The world number one was in imperious form as he brushed Murray aside 6-3,6-4 to show why he is virtually untouchable in the Far East. One more win, against either Tomas […]
Fiery Murray Crushes US Open Champion Cilic
Locker Room
October 3, 2014
With beautifully crafted points and a self-assurance rarely seen in recent times, Andy Murray destroyed Marin Cilic 6-1, 6-4 to set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic. It was one of Murray’s best performances since winning Wimbledon in 2013, although he did lose his head when a straight sets victory appeared momentarily to […]
Rafa’s Back In Style!
Locker Room
September 30, 2014
Rafael Nadal made an impressive return to action at the China Open in Beijing by beating the flamboyant Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-0. It was the ever-popular Spaniard’s first match since Wimbledon, after problems with an injury to his right wrist. Looking a little heavier but proving as aggressive as ever, Nadal broke early in the […]
Murray Wins A Title At Last!
Locker Room
September 29, 2014
When you’ve gone 14 months without winning a tournament it doesn’t matter when, where or how you finally break your barren run. As it happened, this long-awaited triumph was born out of seemingly insurmountable adversity at the Shenzhen Open, in the form of five match points brilliantly saved, the turning point in a thrilling tie-break […]
Did Sachin Twist Federer’s Arm?
Locker Room
September 23, 2014
Is it just a coincidence that Roger Federer has been persuaded to join a tennis team hosted by cricket-crazy India, home to his friend and fellow legend, Sachin Tendulkar? If you had been walking through the Competitors’ Lounge at Wimbledon a couple of years ago, you would have been astonished to see Federer taking tea […]
WTA Must Make Li Na World Ambassador
Locker Room
So the rumours were true, Li Na duly retired last week and tennis lost one of its great characters. But must it really be like this? No one doubts that she had to call it a day, following months of knee trouble. ‘Will I feel regret?’ the 32-year-old asked herself at a recent news conference. […]
Joyful Federer Books Swiss Spot In Davis Cup Final
Locker Room
September 14, 2014
An ecstatic Roger Federer was paraded shoulder-high in front of thousands of fans on a truly memorable day for his country. Switzerland have reached the Davis Cup final for only the second time in their history. They can now look forward to their first showpiece occasion for 22 years, a much-anticipated contest against France, away […]