Spain upsets Argentina to claim third Davis Cup Nov 24, 2008
Despite being without Rafael Nadal, Spain secured first Cup title on the road ... MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (AP) -- Spain won its third Davis Cup title despite missing top-ranked Rafael Nadal, upsetting Argentina 3-1 in the final on Sunday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Davis Cup title caps impressive 2008 for Spain Nov 24, 2008
Fernando Verdasco won 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 against Jose Acasuso at Mar del Plata as Spain rallied from one point down for its third Davis Cup title against the overwhelming favorites, despite losing top-ranked Rafael Nadal to injury before the final. "These are unforgettable moments," Nadal, winner of a fourth straight French Open trophy and his first Wimbledon title earlier this year, told Spanish state television. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Spain wins Davis Cup for 3rd time Nov 24, 2008
Spanish team had to played without their world number one Rafael Nadal, who was out of the competition due to an injure in his right knee. During the game on Sunday, Verdasco was off to a better start and gave no chance to Acasuso before he took the opening set. (Xinhuanet, China)
Lopez claims comeback win to keep Spain in hunt Nov 23, 2008
MAR DEL PLATA, ARGENTINA: FELICIANO LOPEZ, who had been handed the unenviable task of replacing injured world No.1 Rafael Nadal, stormed to Spain's rescue on Friday when he levelled the Davis Cup final against Argentina. The stylish left-hander defeated Argentine No.1 Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 to make the score 1-1 after David Nalbandian had put the home side ahead with an easy 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over David Ferrer in the opening singles rubber. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Spain wins doubles, leads Davis Cup final 2-1 Nov 23, 2008
Lopez and Verdasco defeated David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-3, boosting Spains hopes of winning the best-of-five championship on the road despite the absence of an ailing Rafael Nadal. Spain could be in good position for its third Davis Cup crown if Argentinas leading player, Juan Martin del Potro, cannot play reverse singles Sunday because of a leg injury. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Briefs | Tennis: Spain leads 2-1 in best-of-5 Davis Cup final Nov 23, 2008
Lopez and Verdasco defeated David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, boosting Spain's hopes of winning the Davis Cup despite the absence of injured Rafael Nadal, the top-ranked player in the world. Argentina's leading player, Juan Martin del Potro, might not be able to play reverse singles today because of a leg injury. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
MY SPORTSMAN: Rafael Nadal Nov 23, 2008
Jon Wertheim picks Rafael Nadal for Sportsman of the Year - 2008 Sportsman of the Year - SI.com ... My Sportsman: Rafael Nadal ... Rafael Nadal (right) beat Roger Federer in each of their four meetings this year to wrench the No. 1 ranking away from the Swiss great. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Injured Del Potro replaced by Acasuso Nov 23, 2008
Spain, without top-ranked Rafael Nadal, is one win away from its third triumph. . (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Spain evens Davis Cup final with Lopez win Nov 22, 2008
After star Rafael Nadal withdrew with knee tendinitis this month, Spain's chances were diminished considerably, but it promised to fight for every point. Ferrer, however, was routed by Nalbandian in under two hours. (MSNBC -- Sports)
TENNIS | DAVIS CUP: Del Potro falters, and Spain pulls even in Davis Cup Nov 22, 2008
pez, but Rafael Nadal, the world's No. 1 player. Nadal's prowess on clay led to the Argentines' decision to play this final on an indoor hardcourt, but he withdrew from this final because of tendinitis in his right knee. (International Herald Tribune)
Nalbandian defeats Ferrer in Davis final opener Nov 22, 2008
Spain is playing without top-ranked Rafael Nadal, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Boosted by a boisterous crowd of nearly 10,000 fans at the Islas Malvinas Stadium, the 11th-ranked Nalbandian dominated the match. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Lopez's victory pulls Spain even at Davis Cup Nov 22, 2008
Spain was playing without top-ranked Rafael Nadal, who has knee tendinitis. Captain Sanchez Vicario replaced him with 56th-ranked Marcel Granollers. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Lopez levels Davis Cup final for Spain Nov 22, 2008
MAR DEL PLATA: Feliciano Lopez, who had been handed the unenviable task of replacing injured world number one Rafael Nadal, stormed to Spain's rescue on Friday when he levelled the Davis Cup final against Argentina. The stylish left-hander defeated Argentine number one Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 to make the score 1-1 after David Nalbandian had put the home side ahead with an easy 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over David Ferrer in the opening s 00004000 ingles rubber. (India Times, India)
Nalbandian vs Ferrer to open Davis Cup final Nov 21, 2008
It's chances of triumphing in its first home final were dramatically improved after world No. 1 Rafael Nadal withdrew injured this month, but Spain has promised to fight for every point in what is expected to be a cauldron of abuse against them from 11,100 spectators. "Being hosts and with Rafa not coming, no one doubts that Argentina is the favorite,'' Mancini said. Ferrer agreed, sort of. "With Rafa we weren't the favorites, and now, without Rafa, even less,'' he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Nalbandian to face Ferrer in Davis final opener Nov 21, 2008
Marcel Granollers, a replacement for the injured Rafael Nadal, could still play because each captain has the right to make changes. Argentina is hoping Nadal's absence -- because of tendinitis in his knee -- will boost its chances to win the Davis Cup for the first time, while Spain is trying to win its third title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
* Nalbandian hoping for Maradona inspiration Nov 21, 2008
But Spanish hopes have been severely dented this year by the loss through injury of world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who was a champion four years ago. Im not going to lie and say it doesnt matter if Nadal is playing or not X but we have to take into account that Spain have a great team, Del Potro said on Thursday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Hostile fans not a problem for Sanchez Vicarios side Nov 20, 2008
Argentina, unbeaten at home in 10 years, had mixed feelings about the absence of Spain s world number one Rafael Nadal, who has failed to recover from tendinitis in his right knee. Personally, I wanted him to be here because he s a friend and it s not nice to miss the Davis Cup final, said David Nalbandian, their most experienced player. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Argentina hosts Spain in Davis Cup Nov 20, 2008
Advertisements The Associated Press On the upside, Argentina's chances of defeating Spain to capture its first Davis Cup at Mar Del Plata, Argentina have increased with the absence of injured No. 1 Rafael Nadal. Argentina will be led by the 20-year-old Del Potro. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Nadal will return in peak condition Nov 20, 2008
Tennis - World number one Rafael Nadal will be back at his peak for the start of the 2009 season, Spanish tennis federation (RFET) doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro was quoted as saying. Nadal had to pull out of the season-ending Masters Cup and Spain's Davis Cup final against Argentina after suffering from tendonitis in his right knee. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
McEnroe tops Borg, Federer beats Blake Nov 19, 2008
Star-filled exhibition also featured Americans winning in doubles. Americans John McEnroe and James Blake are joined by Roger Federr andBjorn Bork at the Showdown of Champions exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Argentina can't relax in Davis Cup final Nov 19, 2008
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -Argentina captain Alberto Mancini finds only so much comfort in knowing Rafael Nadal won't be playing in the Davis Cup final. The top-ranked Spaniard pulled out of the best-of-five championship because of tendinitis in his knee. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Nadal's absence takes shine off Davis final Nov 19, 2008
The absence of world number one Rafael Nadal has taken the shine off the Davis Cup final and left Argentina as firm favorites to beat Spain and win the trophy for the first time. Unbeaten at home for 10 years, Argentina now have higher-ranked players in their favor as well as the playing surface and a partisan crowd. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Roger Federer happy with huge turnout at autograph session Nov 19, 2008
The queue extended to about 100m and spilled outside the building as fans waited to meet the man who held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 237 consecutive weeks before losing it to rival Rafael Nadal of Spain this year. According to an event spokesman, the crowd went absolutely wild when Federer arrived. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Argentina has a chance to step out of the dust Nov 19, 2008
Its chances are only increased because it does not have to host Rafael Nadal, the world's No. 1 player, who withdrew from Spain's team last week because of tendinitis in his knee. Nadal's buff right bicep features prominently on the official poster for the final. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Davis Cup glory awaits Nov 19, 2008
Argentina could win all five rubbers in this weekend's Davis Cup final, a confident home team captain Alberto Mancini said before their clash against Spain who will be without world number one Rafael Nadal. The knee injury to the French Open and Wimbledon champion Nadal, which also meant he missed the season-ending Shanghai Masters, has taken some of the lustre out of this contest which runs from Friday to Sunday in Mar del Plata. (iAfrica.com)
Wimbledon bigger to Federer than No. 1 Nov 18, 2008
Federer is currently ranked No. 2 behind Spain's Rafael Nadal, after spending a record 237 consecutive weeks at the top. He lost to fourth-ranked Andy Murray in the Masters Cup in Shanghai on Friday, hampered by the sore back that had forced him out of the Paris Masters two weeks ago. (MSNBC -- Sports)
WTA, ATP tours staying upbeat amid economic downturn Nov 18, 2008
On the court, officials stress that tennis has a long history and a number of compelling story lines, such as the rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Emerging personalities such as Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, along with veterans Venus and Serena Williams, also remain big draws. (USA Today -- Sports)
Djokovic's Masters win adds to Serbia's conquests Nov 18, 2008
Not serious, and he has plenty of time to heal before starting 2009 and think about how close he is to breaking the stranglehold that Rafael Nadal and Federer have had on the top two spots in the rankings since mid-2005. Djokovic reckons he has time. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Federer weathers tough start and finish in 2008 Nov 18, 2008
That was his 15th defeat in a season when he lost his world number one ranking and beloved Wimbledon title to Rafael Nadal, prompting speculation that 2008 might have been the beginning of the end for the Swiss master. The fact is that he s one of the best maybe even the best player that this sport has ever had, said world number three Djokovic, whose victory on Sunday brought him to within 10 points of Federer in the rankings. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Djokovic sets sights on becoming world No. 1 Nov 18, 2008
The Serb, on the brink of breaking Federer and Rafael Nadal s three-and-a-half year stranglehold on the top two spots, said being crowned the best men s player was a realistic goal next season. Certainly I believe that I have the quality to reach the top spot in the upcoming year or next couple of years, 10 years. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Wimbledon means more than world No. 1 spot, says FedEx Nov 18, 2008
There is no substitute for it, said Federer, who has lost his top ranking to Spain s Rafael Nadal. While I would also love to beat Pete Sampras Grand Slam record of 14 titles, and also to regain my number one ranking, I place winning another Wimbledon title above all else, said Federer. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Final world rankings Nov 18, 2008
(1) Rafael Nadal, Spain, 6,675 points. 2. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Federer: Wimbledon means more than top rank Nov 18, 2008
Federer is currently ranked No. 2 behind Spain's Rafael Nadal, after spending a record 237 consecutive weeks at the top. He lost to fourth-ranked Andy Murray in the Masters Cup in Shanghai on Friday, hampered by a sore back. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Jon WertheimTENNIS MAILBAG Nov 18, 2008
Rafael Nadal's longevity, tennis' long season, more - Jon Wertheim - SI.com ... Should we take a step back and consider that Rafael Nadal is very unlikely to have the longevity that Roger Federer will likely have and that Nadal may only have five years in him before the body officially breaks down. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Men's tennis game more interesting than women's, says McEnroe Nov 18, 2008
The controversial American, in Kuala Lumpur to play an exhibition Tuesday with his old rival Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer and James Blake, pointed to Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as crowd-pleasers. But he had few examples to give on the women's side. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Federer targets Wimbledon Nov 18, 2008
" Federer could equal Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam ti 00004000 tles if he wins in Melbourne in January. But Wimbledon is his clear priority. Asked what was more important, regaining the world number one ranking from Rafael Nadal or winning the grass court championships for a sixth time, he emphatically nominated Wimbledon. "I'd take Wimbledon any day in front of my number one rank," he said. "It's a good problem to have, but I love Wimbledon ... " Federer, now 27, has had a tough season,... (India Times, India)
From joker to master: Djokovic claims crown Nov 17, 2008
With the Swiss defending champion knocked out and top-ranked Rafael Nadal injured, it was up to Djokovic to add a dash of class to the final, and he duly delivered in a clinical first set. Djokovic was immediately spraying backhands past Davydenko, and he broke at the first attempt when the Russian netted. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Djokovic wins Masters Cup, narrows gap to Federer Nov 17, 2008
Top-ranked Rafael Nadal has a substantial lead, although he is nursing a sore knee that kept him away from Shanghai. Djokovic, who said he was exhausted after needing nearly three hours to beat Gilles Simon in Saturday's semifinals, was sharp from the start. (USA Today -- Sports)
Federer has tough start and tough finish to 2008 Nov 17, 2008
That was his 15th defeat in a season when he lost his world number one ranking and beloved Wimbledon title to Rafael Nadal, prompting speculation that 2008 might have been the beginning of the end for the Swiss master. Today in Sports. (International Herald Tribune)
Tennis: Andy Murray vows to build on his awesome year Nov 17, 2008
Murray became only the third person to beat Federer at least three times in a calendar year, while also recording wins over world No 1 Rafael Nadal and Serbian world No 3 Djokovic. After losing to Nadal in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, Murray beat Djokovic to win the Cincinnati Masters before downing the Spaniard in an epic semi-final at Flushing Meadows. (WalesOnline)
Davydenko shocks Murray, sets up Djokovic final Nov 16, 2008
The Serb's victory ends a fairytale run by Simon, who only qualified for the eight-man event when top-ranked Rafael Nadal pulled out injured. The piano-playing world No.9 had been gunning to become the only French end-of-year winner and the first from his country to reach the final since Sebastien Grosjean in 2001. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Seven match points show the thump in Fed's ticker Nov 16, 2008
Well, after Federer's elimination from the Masters Cup in Shanghai at the hands of mirthless Scotsman Andy Murray, in a three-set thriller that included the exhausted and injured Federer saving seven match points, and given his epic battles with new world No.1 Rafael Nadal all year, ticker is clearly in abundance. And decent competition is charging at him like the cavalry. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Djokovic crushes Davydenko to win Masters Cup Nov 16, 2008
Serbia's Novak Djokovic crushed Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 7-5 to win the Masters Cup Sunday, underlining his credentials as a major challenger to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the top of men's tennis. The Australian Open champion, who lost all his matches without winning a set on his debut at the season-ending shootout last year, earned $1. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Spain arrive in Argentina for Davis Cup final Nov 16, 2008
BUENOS AIRES (Argentina): Spain arrived in Argentina on Friday for next weeks Davis Cup final hopeful of winning its third title despite the absence of top-ranked Rafael Nadal, who pulled out with a knee injury. Independently of whether Rafa is here or not, were a competitive team and weve come seeking victory, Spain player Feliciano Lopez said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Masters title is a fitting finish to Djokovic's season Nov 16, 2008
Rafael Nadal has a substantial lead as world No.1, although he is nursing a sore knee that kept him away from Shanghai. Djokovic, who said he was exhausted after needing nearly three hours to beat Gilles Simon in Saturday's semifinals, was sharp from the start. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Murray ends Federer's Masters Cup title bid Nov 15, 2008
He lost the French Open and Wimbledon finals to Rafael Nadal, who overtook him for the No. 1 ranking ... Simon, who beat Federer in their opening Red Group match, was called in when a sore knee forced top-ranked Rafael Nadal to pull out of the season-ending tournament before it began. (CNN -- International)
Murray ousts Federer from Masters Cup Nov 15, 2008
16: Roger Federer needs a win over Rafael Nadal to boost his confidence heading into 2009 ... He lost the French Open and Wimbledon finals to Rafael Nadal, who finally overtook him for the No. 1 ranking. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Djokovic beats Simon to reach Masters Cup final Nov 15, 2008
Simon, added to the field of the season-ending tournament when No. 1 Rafael Nadal withdrew with a knee injury, was twice unfortunate with net courts to lose his serve in the third game of the third set. Djokovic got a winner on a shot that hit the tape and dropped over. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Djokovic reaches Masters Cup final Nov 15, 2008
Defeat ended a fairytale ride for the 23-year-old Simon, who won his ticket to the season finale when world number one Rafael Nadal pulled out injured and then beat defending champion Roger Federer in a round-robin match. Simon, who will now move up to seventh in the world, struck early, converting his third break point for a 2-1 lead when Djokovic made the first of a string of errors with simple shots at the net. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Spain ready for Davis final without No. 1 Nadal Nov 15, 2008
Spanish team preparing for Davis Cup final without Rafael Nadal - Tennis - SI.com ... BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- The Spanish team has arrived here for next week's Davis Cup final, saying that despite top player Rafael Nadal's absence, they've come to carry off their third tournament title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Ailing Federer falls at Masters Cup Nov 15, 2008
He lost the French Open and Wimbledon finals to Rafael Nadal, who finally overtook him for the No. 1 ranking. But he won the Olympic doubles gold, then his fifth straight U.S. Open to pull within one of Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Simon beats Stepanek and waits on Federer-Murray Nov 14, 2008
The 23-year-old, who won his ticket to the season finale when world number one Rafael Nadal withdrew injured, finished with a 2-1 record in the round robin but his fate hangs on the outcome of Roger Federer's match against Andy Murray. "It is not an easy situation since my qualification does not depend on my match," Simon, who would be the first Frenchman in the knockout stage since Sebastien Grosjean in 2001 if he goes through, told Canal Plus TV.. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
* Tsonga comes alive to beat Djokovic at Shanghai Masters Nov 14, 2008
Djokovic, continuing his efforts to end the stranglehold that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have had on the top two spots in the rankings, broke Tsonga twice while finishing the first set in just 25 minutes. Tsonga pulled himself together in the second set, saving two breakpoints while serving at 2-2, then finally broke through as Djokovic served at 5-6. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Sport Briefs Nov 14, 2008
Not all Argentines are happy that top-ranked Rafael Nadal wont be playing in the Davis Cup final next week. Tennis fan Julian Baena launched an Internet campaign at quieroganarleanadal. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Sports briefs Nov 14, 2008
Simon got into the elite field because top-ranked Rafael Nadal withdrew before the tournament began. EDBERG ON SENIOR TOUR: Stefan Edberg, 42, will make his debut on the Outback Champions Series circuit next week at the Emirates NBD's The Legends "Rock" Dubai at The Aviation Club in Dubai. (News & Observer -- Sports)
* Simon beats Stepanek as Bjorkman says farewell Nov 14, 2008
It was easier tonight because my match was not really important, said the ninth-ranked Simon, who got in when a sore knee forced top-ranked Rafael Nadal to pull out of the season-ending tournament before it began. Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko have qualified from the Gold Group. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Mighty Murray eases into Masters Cup semis Nov 13, 2008
Federer said he got a lucky break when Roddick pulled out with an ankle injury, joining world number one Rafael Nadal on the sidelines. "At the end of the day I still have a chance. I hope with a day of recovery, I'll make a miracle happen here and get through into the semis," he said. (CNN -- International)
Tennis chiefs snub Roddick over schedule Nov 13, 2008
Roddick pulled out of the ongoing Tennis Masters Cup with an ankle injury, joining world No.1 Rafael Nadal on the sidelines, and then blasted the new schedule. "I think too much is asked of us as far as playing 11 months of the year and now they're imposing more mandatory tournaments," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Spain captain wants Nadal to stay away from final Nov 13, 2008
16: Roger Federer needs a win over Rafael Nadal to boost his confidence heading into 2009 ... MADRID, Spain (AP) -Spain's chances of beating Argentina in the Davis Cup final will improve if injured Rafael Nadal stays away, according to captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Federer keeps hopes alive as Roddick joins injury list Nov 13, 2008
Simon, who won his place at the event when injured world number one Rafael Nadal pulled out, could still qualify from the group at Federer s expense despite losing to Murray. The French world number nine again impressed but paid the price of converting just one of eight break points he held on Murray s serve. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Gilles joins fray in Sydney International Nov 13, 2008
Simon is one of only eight men to beat both Federer and Rafael Nadal since they assumed the top two positions on the men s tour. He has climbed to number nine in the world after a stellar year and his signing has bolstered the French numbers at the Sydney tournament, joining fellow top 10 player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Tennis | Masters Cup: Murray advances and Federer stays in the picture Nov 13, 2008
Murray advances and Federer stays in the picture - International Herald Tribune. Aly Song/Reuters Radek Stepanek losing to Roger Federer 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 on Wednesday. (International Herald Tribune)
Spain captain: Nadal should skip Davis Cup final Nov 13, 2008
MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Rafael Nadal might want to skip the trip to Argentina to be a cheerleader for Spain at the Davis Cup final. Emilio Sanchez Vicario, captain of the Spanish team, says his country will stand a better chance if the world's No. 1 player -- injured and unable to compete -- is not courtside for the championship in Mar del Plata on Nov. 21-23. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Federer wins at Masters Cup, Murray into semis Nov 13, 2008
Simon was added to the field when Rafael Nadal withdrew last week with a knee injury that also forced the top-ranked player to pull out of next week's Davis Cup final between Spain and Argentina. In the Gold Group, Nikolay Davydenko of Russia will face Juan Martin del Potro, with the winner assured a semifinal spot. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Donovan top US player for fifth time Nov 12, 2008
Marcel Granollers, 22, will replace the injured Rafael Nadal when Spain plays Argentina in the Davis Cup final Nov. 21-23. Miscellany Price scores big for Champions Tour Nick Price shot a 7-under-par 65 to lead the Champions Tour team to two nine-hole tournament victories at the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge in Henderson, Nev. (Boston Globe)
