Firstly, welcome to my blog and thanks for reading. I haven't posted in about a year for various reasons, but I am back now and will be covering the upcomming tennis events including, Roland Garros. There will not be much football talk as the season has just ended, but look for that when we get back into the close season, and more exciting times.
In the game of Tennis, very little is unbelievable but the current run by Novak Djokovic is just that. A confident 6-4 6-4 win in Rome tonight, was enough to cement back to back ATP1000 wins in Madrid/Rome in back to back weeks, crucially knocking Nadal off his clay perch in subsequent weeks.
It has been an astounding run of form which has seen Djokovic go 37 games unbeaten. Within this, he has won 7 titles which have included the Australian Open, when he saw off Andy Murray and most recently, the ATP Rome masters - and now, like Nadal, he is being touted as a master on clay.
I think it would be safe to say that Nadal is still the 'King of Clay' as his record on the surface will take some beating. Djokovic looked on fire tonight though and in the past week, and not scared to take on the might of Rafael Nadal.
There will now be a week of rest for the top players, as they prepare for the second grand slam of the season, Roland Garros. It's an event that has been dominated by Nadal and weeks ago it would have been inconceivable that anyone else might be in contention for this event, but after a remarkable week for Djokovic, he has truly put his cards on the table and only a fool would rule him out now.
Looking forward to the week ahead, and to Paris. Well done to Djokovic, but surely his run must come to an end soon? Surely?
Sunday 15 May 2011
Saturday 3 July 2010
Murray melts at Wimbledon...
Andy Murray had the whole of Britain rooting for him this afternoon, as he went to make his second semi final at the all england tennis club. Wimbledon is symbolic to the world of tennis and winning the grand slam event at SW19, has become sacred amongst a privileged few.
Murray went in to the encounter today with a 2-2 record at grand slams against an impressionable Nadal, and of course taking this seasons form into consideration, Murray stormed to victory in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, in Januuary. On the day, Murray lost to an impressive Federer as one would expect, Rodger Federer being arguably the best place ever to grace the game of tennis.
Federer has many record in his sights, but remains the only player to take all four grand slams: Australia, France, Wimbledon and the US Open. The biggest challenge it must be said that Federer faces is to smash the impressive and dominant record set by the legend, Pete Sampras. Federer and Sampras both proudly hold six Wimbledon titles each, but Federer at 28 now continues to enforce his dominance on the worldwide stage, as he tries to reflect his dominance on the worldwide game. Federer, lost amiacbly this year at Wimbledon to Tomas Berdych, a Czech republic internationalist who has been there, or there abouts for the last few seasons.
I looked at the stats going into this game between Murray and Nadal, and looked at the particular records Murray faced against Nadal, Djokovic and Berdych and looking at the statistics, I was confident of what I expected to be a Murray v Djokovic final. In the end, I was completely wrong and it will be Nadal who takes on Berdych at SW19 on Sunday – but who will take the title?
Sundays' final will be the first grand slam final for a largely inexperienced Berdych. I mean don't get me wrong he has performed consistently throughout the last few years but has never made it this far, unlike the other semi-finalists, so for Tomas Berdych to make an impression on Sunday, it is going to take one hell of a performance.
Nadal never got the chance to defend his title last year, after storming to Wimbledon victory in 2008, but this season he has had his change, and although at some points in the tournament he may not have seemed like the Nadal we know and love, he has come through with conviction and confidence and certainly merits his place in Sundays final, versus Berdych,
I am a Murray fan and I have huge faith and belief in him. Up until today Murray may have only dropped one set, and for me that just reflects the fact that amongst the best players in the world, Andy Murray fully deserves his place as the world number 4. Above him is Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, all players who have found form on the grand slam stage, but also all players Andy Murray can beat on the day, and we have seen Murray make two grand slam finals in the US Open in 2008 and Austrlia 2010 – of course he lost both finals, to the eventual Federer.
I have huge faith in Andy Murray and the way he continues to play, and I also have no doubt that he will continue to woe us with his forearm smashes, and backhand wonders – Andy Murray will be a grand slam championship, its not a case of will he do it, but when will he do it?
Murray bows out of Wimbledon this season, the same as last as a broken semi-finalist. I think on the face of things, Murray may have had a better chance against Roddick in the semi in 2009 but he showed heart and conviction today, and was unlucky not to take advantage of a set point in the second set. I am sure though that Andy Murray will heed any advice given to him today, and the loss will be taken on as experience and I am confident that as Andy Murray emerges for the beginning of the hard-court season, we can see success at Cincinnati and crucially, at the US open.
Good luck Andy Murray, we have the faith and you have the ability and it is only a matter of time, until that saltire flies high and proud as you do our nation proud, we continue to be proud of you and wish you all the best at the next big event, your best, the US Open :)
Murray went in to the encounter today with a 2-2 record at grand slams against an impressionable Nadal, and of course taking this seasons form into consideration, Murray stormed to victory in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, in Januuary. On the day, Murray lost to an impressive Federer as one would expect, Rodger Federer being arguably the best place ever to grace the game of tennis.
Federer has many record in his sights, but remains the only player to take all four grand slams: Australia, France, Wimbledon and the US Open. The biggest challenge it must be said that Federer faces is to smash the impressive and dominant record set by the legend, Pete Sampras. Federer and Sampras both proudly hold six Wimbledon titles each, but Federer at 28 now continues to enforce his dominance on the worldwide stage, as he tries to reflect his dominance on the worldwide game. Federer, lost amiacbly this year at Wimbledon to Tomas Berdych, a Czech republic internationalist who has been there, or there abouts for the last few seasons.
I looked at the stats going into this game between Murray and Nadal, and looked at the particular records Murray faced against Nadal, Djokovic and Berdych and looking at the statistics, I was confident of what I expected to be a Murray v Djokovic final. In the end, I was completely wrong and it will be Nadal who takes on Berdych at SW19 on Sunday – but who will take the title?
Sundays' final will be the first grand slam final for a largely inexperienced Berdych. I mean don't get me wrong he has performed consistently throughout the last few years but has never made it this far, unlike the other semi-finalists, so for Tomas Berdych to make an impression on Sunday, it is going to take one hell of a performance.
Nadal never got the chance to defend his title last year, after storming to Wimbledon victory in 2008, but this season he has had his change, and although at some points in the tournament he may not have seemed like the Nadal we know and love, he has come through with conviction and confidence and certainly merits his place in Sundays final, versus Berdych,
I am a Murray fan and I have huge faith and belief in him. Up until today Murray may have only dropped one set, and for me that just reflects the fact that amongst the best players in the world, Andy Murray fully deserves his place as the world number 4. Above him is Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, all players who have found form on the grand slam stage, but also all players Andy Murray can beat on the day, and we have seen Murray make two grand slam finals in the US Open in 2008 and Austrlia 2010 – of course he lost both finals, to the eventual Federer.
I have huge faith in Andy Murray and the way he continues to play, and I also have no doubt that he will continue to woe us with his forearm smashes, and backhand wonders – Andy Murray will be a grand slam championship, its not a case of will he do it, but when will he do it?
Murray bows out of Wimbledon this season, the same as last as a broken semi-finalist. I think on the face of things, Murray may have had a better chance against Roddick in the semi in 2009 but he showed heart and conviction today, and was unlucky not to take advantage of a set point in the second set. I am sure though that Andy Murray will heed any advice given to him today, and the loss will be taken on as experience and I am confident that as Andy Murray emerges for the beginning of the hard-court season, we can see success at Cincinnati and crucially, at the US open.
Good luck Andy Murray, we have the faith and you have the ability and it is only a matter of time, until that saltire flies high and proud as you do our nation proud, we continue to be proud of you and wish you all the best at the next big event, your best, the US Open :)
Monday 7 June 2010
Welcome to my new bud, Lennon...
The biggest news of the day was the appointment of Danny Lennon, as the new St Mirren manager for season 2010/11. After the departure of Gus MacPherson, there has been several names linked to the Buddies.
Danny Lennon may be untried at this level, but what he has is great credentials in coaching young talent, and with the investment the St Mirren board have made in their Ralston facility, many St Mirren supporters are of the opinion, that this is a very shrewd capture by Stuart Gilmour.
Lennon leaves Cowdenbeath having steered them to back to back promotions, and into the first division. I think that this is exciting times ahead at new St Mirren Park, and hopefully now Lennon can identify a few players to make the squad stronger, for the upcoming season.
Lennon will speak to the press tomorrow morning and will be unveiled officially as the new Buddies boss, and I am sure I will not be the only one in wishing him all the very best in the season ahead.
I would also like to mention that Queens started today, and I made the constant mistake of confusing Richard Gasquet and Andy Murray, they look very similar in my opinion, and this proved to be extremely confusing in their epic battle at the french open last week. Andy Murray will get his defence underway tomorrow, and will hopefully find the same form which saw him lift the title, this time last season.
Finally, congratulations to Elena Baltacha who won the Aegon trophy in Nottingham, overcoming American Gullickson 6-2 6-2, a fantastic start to her grass season, and hopefully Andy will always win his first tournament on grass.
Danny Lennon may be untried at this level, but what he has is great credentials in coaching young talent, and with the investment the St Mirren board have made in their Ralston facility, many St Mirren supporters are of the opinion, that this is a very shrewd capture by Stuart Gilmour.
Lennon leaves Cowdenbeath having steered them to back to back promotions, and into the first division. I think that this is exciting times ahead at new St Mirren Park, and hopefully now Lennon can identify a few players to make the squad stronger, for the upcoming season.
Lennon will speak to the press tomorrow morning and will be unveiled officially as the new Buddies boss, and I am sure I will not be the only one in wishing him all the very best in the season ahead.
I would also like to mention that Queens started today, and I made the constant mistake of confusing Richard Gasquet and Andy Murray, they look very similar in my opinion, and this proved to be extremely confusing in their epic battle at the french open last week. Andy Murray will get his defence underway tomorrow, and will hopefully find the same form which saw him lift the title, this time last season.
Finally, congratulations to Elena Baltacha who won the Aegon trophy in Nottingham, overcoming American Gullickson 6-2 6-2, a fantastic start to her grass season, and hopefully Andy will always win his first tournament on grass.
Sunday 6 June 2010
Nadal inspires brilliance after he takes 5th French Crown, dropping not one set on the way, to be king of the clay...
The sun set on Roland Garros tonight, with Rafael Nadal storming to his 5th French Open title. The victory regains Rafael to the world number one, overtaking Federer and again showing to the world, that he really is one of the best tennis players ever to grace the clay in Paris.
Robin Soderling was not just there to make up the numbers today, after having a terrific tournament in Paris, knocking out Federer on the way. Soderling was of course a finalist at Roland Garros last summer, losing out to Federer on the occasion, and who knows maybe summer 2011 he will finally reach his crown in Paris.
It is intersting as going in to the final today, Soderling was the only man to beat Nadal in Paris, but today Nadal proved to be his nemesis, like Federer was last year, but take nothing away from Robin, he really does excel on the clay and although Nadal brushed him away in straight sets today, he can go into Wimbledon full on confidence and knowing that he is in terrific form.
Nadal eased to a straight sets victory today, in what was a convincing 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 clean sweep for Nadal, in what took just two hours and eighteen minutes. Nadal picking up what is his 7th grand slam total, managed to see off eight break points served up by Soderling, to keep control of the match and his dominance of Roland Garros.
Nadal will be officially named as world number one on Monday, and will go into Wimbledon looking for ways to emulate Federer, a feat that even Nadal will struggle with.
I must say that the past two weeks in Paris have been fantastic, with shocks galore coming from the courts. Venus Williams exited early and former winner Ivanovic failed to bring the scintillating form that won her silver here just a few seasons ago.
I think Andy Murray will have taken a lot from this tournament and knowing the clay is probably his least favourite surface, Murray did well to overcome Gasquet in a 5 set thriller in just round one and regained dominance against Chela, but Andy lost his footing in a surprise straight sets defeat to Berdych, but Murray will come out to defend his title at Queens tomorrow, in what will hopefully be good preparation for Wimbledon in just a few weeks.
I will be following Andy Murray as he does defend his honour in London this week, and really hope that he can find his feet on the grass, but just want to add that it is one thing that Nadal has dominated this event for the past five years, but what I think is a terrific feat was Nadal took the honours today without dropping a set, not only in the final but in the whole tournament, which he also did in 2008 - and I don't think anyone would disagree with Nadal being named, the king of clay and the unstoppable in Paris.
Bring on Queens!
Robin Soderling was not just there to make up the numbers today, after having a terrific tournament in Paris, knocking out Federer on the way. Soderling was of course a finalist at Roland Garros last summer, losing out to Federer on the occasion, and who knows maybe summer 2011 he will finally reach his crown in Paris.
It is intersting as going in to the final today, Soderling was the only man to beat Nadal in Paris, but today Nadal proved to be his nemesis, like Federer was last year, but take nothing away from Robin, he really does excel on the clay and although Nadal brushed him away in straight sets today, he can go into Wimbledon full on confidence and knowing that he is in terrific form.
Nadal eased to a straight sets victory today, in what was a convincing 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 clean sweep for Nadal, in what took just two hours and eighteen minutes. Nadal picking up what is his 7th grand slam total, managed to see off eight break points served up by Soderling, to keep control of the match and his dominance of Roland Garros.
Nadal will be officially named as world number one on Monday, and will go into Wimbledon looking for ways to emulate Federer, a feat that even Nadal will struggle with.
I must say that the past two weeks in Paris have been fantastic, with shocks galore coming from the courts. Venus Williams exited early and former winner Ivanovic failed to bring the scintillating form that won her silver here just a few seasons ago.
I think Andy Murray will have taken a lot from this tournament and knowing the clay is probably his least favourite surface, Murray did well to overcome Gasquet in a 5 set thriller in just round one and regained dominance against Chela, but Andy lost his footing in a surprise straight sets defeat to Berdych, but Murray will come out to defend his title at Queens tomorrow, in what will hopefully be good preparation for Wimbledon in just a few weeks.
I will be following Andy Murray as he does defend his honour in London this week, and really hope that he can find his feet on the grass, but just want to add that it is one thing that Nadal has dominated this event for the past five years, but what I think is a terrific feat was Nadal took the honours today without dropping a set, not only in the final but in the whole tournament, which he also did in 2008 - and I don't think anyone would disagree with Nadal being named, the king of clay and the unstoppable in Paris.
Bring on Queens!
Saturday 5 June 2010
Game, Set: We have a match!
Heylo!
I am new to the world of blogging, but I hope that everyone who reads this, will get something out of it.
My name is Hollz and all you need to know about me is that I am female and Scottish - and damn proud. I am so passionate about my sport and that is what I will be blogging about! I am passionate about many sports: football, tennis, snooker, athletics, rugby, badminton, golf...
I support St Mirren, Scotland, Andy Murray and Elena Baltacha. I also like to watch the Arsenal play, John Higgins fix matches and Scotland earn yet another wooden spoon at the six nations. Seriously, the Scottish rugby team must be mean at making cakes by now?
In all seriousness, I would like to write about the sports I love and I hope that I will be able to convey my passions with you: my readers!
There are so many upcomming sports events that I would love to discuss. Today, there is the final of Roland Garros, in what looks to be a fantastic encounter between Soderling and Nadal. After yesterdays surprise winner in the ladies event, can Soderling overturn the odds, against an unstoppable Nadal? I will certainly be watching and waiting, and I hope that you will share the journey with me!
Lets not forget though, that the Tennis does not stop there, we have Queens, we have Wimbledon but lets not get ahead of ourselves, we have the World Cup starting in just 5 days, and I can not wait! Scotland are not going but we will be with everyone playing against 'the auld enemy' and next Saturday is sure to be a fantastic insight as to how god England really are, or if the USA will come out fighting, like they normally do - I can't wait!
In this blog, I hope it will become apparent that I am extremely passionate about sport. With regards to the tennis, I have been supporting Andy Murray since he won the junior title, at the US Open. I know that Andy has what it takes to win a grand slam: make no mistake, Murray will reach the top of his mountain, he isn't Henman who had a measly hill - he can and will do it, either at Wimbledon or the US Open, this year of next, I absolutely guarantee it. Can Murray stop Roddick though at Queens: that is the burning question?
Elena Baltacha is the ladies number one in our country, and will normally get a mention at Wimbledon and other majors when she is playing. Elena is no Jankovic, Ivanovic or Williams sister: Elena is a warrior of her own accord. I think that to be where she is, having endured so many health problems, yet battled and overcome them - is a terrific achievement. Elena may have Lara Robson burning at her heels, but she has done the country proud over the last decade, and comes from a sporting family with both her brother and father professional footballers. I think that she has brought honour in representing the ladies in Britain for so long, and may not be the best Britain has ever seen, personally though I think that despite everything, Elena Baltacha has had a great career and I wish her all the best for Wimbledon (and Andy of course!)
Bring on the tennis tomorrow, and I really do hope that Soderling will be a match for Nadal, as he has dominated the French Open for too long. Thanks for having a look at my blog, I will be reporting on all the important sporting events that matter - and I hope to have you with me all the way. Remember everyone, 5 days...
I am new to the world of blogging, but I hope that everyone who reads this, will get something out of it.
My name is Hollz and all you need to know about me is that I am female and Scottish - and damn proud. I am so passionate about my sport and that is what I will be blogging about! I am passionate about many sports: football, tennis, snooker, athletics, rugby, badminton, golf...
I support St Mirren, Scotland, Andy Murray and Elena Baltacha. I also like to watch the Arsenal play, John Higgins fix matches and Scotland earn yet another wooden spoon at the six nations. Seriously, the Scottish rugby team must be mean at making cakes by now?
In all seriousness, I would like to write about the sports I love and I hope that I will be able to convey my passions with you: my readers!
There are so many upcomming sports events that I would love to discuss. Today, there is the final of Roland Garros, in what looks to be a fantastic encounter between Soderling and Nadal. After yesterdays surprise winner in the ladies event, can Soderling overturn the odds, against an unstoppable Nadal? I will certainly be watching and waiting, and I hope that you will share the journey with me!
Lets not forget though, that the Tennis does not stop there, we have Queens, we have Wimbledon but lets not get ahead of ourselves, we have the World Cup starting in just 5 days, and I can not wait! Scotland are not going but we will be with everyone playing against 'the auld enemy' and next Saturday is sure to be a fantastic insight as to how god England really are, or if the USA will come out fighting, like they normally do - I can't wait!
In this blog, I hope it will become apparent that I am extremely passionate about sport. With regards to the tennis, I have been supporting Andy Murray since he won the junior title, at the US Open. I know that Andy has what it takes to win a grand slam: make no mistake, Murray will reach the top of his mountain, he isn't Henman who had a measly hill - he can and will do it, either at Wimbledon or the US Open, this year of next, I absolutely guarantee it. Can Murray stop Roddick though at Queens: that is the burning question?
Elena Baltacha is the ladies number one in our country, and will normally get a mention at Wimbledon and other majors when she is playing. Elena is no Jankovic, Ivanovic or Williams sister: Elena is a warrior of her own accord. I think that to be where she is, having endured so many health problems, yet battled and overcome them - is a terrific achievement. Elena may have Lara Robson burning at her heels, but she has done the country proud over the last decade, and comes from a sporting family with both her brother and father professional footballers. I think that she has brought honour in representing the ladies in Britain for so long, and may not be the best Britain has ever seen, personally though I think that despite everything, Elena Baltacha has had a great career and I wish her all the best for Wimbledon (and Andy of course!)
Bring on the tennis tomorrow, and I really do hope that Soderling will be a match for Nadal, as he has dominated the French Open for too long. Thanks for having a look at my blog, I will be reporting on all the important sporting events that matter - and I hope to have you with me all the way. Remember everyone, 5 days...
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