Showing posts with label Davis Cup. Show all posts
TWITTER: Canadian Compatriots Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov Give Thanks, And Laughs, For Davis Cup Support
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Posted by Shelia Labels: Davis Cup, Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Tennis Canada, Twitter Email this postINSTAGRAM: Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime Prepping For 2019 Davis Cup
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Posted by Shelia Labels: Canada, Davis Cup, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Instagram Email this postU.S. OPEN SERIES WINSTON-SALEM OPEN: Tuesday's Second Round Takes Out Both Blake And Young
Thursday, August 25, 2011
James Blake, USA during second round Winston-Salem Open loss.
Tenth seed Robin Haase took just 61 minutes to dismiss American James Blake 6-4, 6-1. Haase fought off nine of the 10 break points he faced on serve, while breaking Blake five times from eight chances
Former World No. 4 Blake had come into the second-round match with a 7-0 record in Winston-Salem, inclusive of six Davis Cup matches. Haase, currently at a career-high No. 42 in the South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings, extended his winning streak to six matches in his first tournament since claiming the Kitzbühel title earlier this month.
For Blake, it was his first loss ever in Winston-Salem. He was a perfect 6-0 in Davis Cup ties here and won his first-round match against Mikhail Kukushkin 7-5, 6-1 on Sunday night.
The 31-year-old New Yorker called it his worst performance of the summer hardcourt season.
"As I get to this age, I try to have a short memory about matches like that," Blake said. "It was just one of those days. Nothing seemed to be going right, wasn’t serving well, wasn’t returning well, just nothing was effective. It’s frustrating because the first round I thought I played pretty well, especially in the second set. I thought I was getting momentum and playing well. But that’s the worst match I’ve played all summer. It’s frustrating that it’s right before the Open, but the Open doesn’t start until next Monday so I’ve got some time to get on a practice court and get my confidence back hopefully."
Blake said he was disappointed not only for himself, but for the crowd that was clearly on his side.
"It’s a lot of fun to play in front of a crowd that’s cheering for you," Blake said. "It’s frustrating when you can’t come through for them. That’s the tough part of tennis. You feel great when you succeed in front of a home crowd and give them what they want, and it’s frustrating when you can’t. That’s what I’ve learned through the years. It’s a lot tougher to take when you feel like you’re letting others down. But they’ll get over it. They’ve still got Andy Roddick and John Isner to watch."
Donald Young, USA
Fifty-second ranked Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov came back after losing a one-sided second set to defeat World No. 85 American Donald Young in three sets 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(2) in the second round at the Winston-Salem Open in North Carolina on Tuesday. The match lasted for two hours and three minutes.
Source: atptennis.com
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USA Heads To Spain
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
American James Blake defeated Richard Gasquet 67 (4) 64 64 in the fifth rubber to give USA a 4-1 victory over France in the 2008 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinals. In Sunday’s opener, the US No. 1 Andy Roddick decimated Paul-Henri Mathieu 62 63 62 in 1 hr 37 minutes to seal the win for the Americans. The No. 10 ranked Gasquet, who had not played on Friday due to injury, was a replacement for Michael Llodra.
Record crowds
Yesterday’s win by the Americans sets up a Davis Cup Semifinal against Spain in September. Spain, who defeated Germany 4-1 in Bremen, will host the tie but the venue has not as yet been named. Certainly the Spanish will choose a slow clay court not only to play to their own strengths but also to confound the Americans.
The last time the USA played in Spain was the 2004 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final, won by the home team in Seville in front of 27,200 fans daily. This was the largest recorded attendance for any sanctioned tennis event in history.
Andy Roddick is hopeful that the US teams chances have improved since 2004. “Yeah, it’s a different tie,” said Roddick. “That being said, Nadal has won a couple clay court matches since then also. I’m sure he’s licking his chops because it’s gonna be nice conditions for him. So he’ll show.”
"I still have a lot to prove on clay" - Roddick
“I’d love to say I’ve improved a ton,” added Roddick. “I think I’ve become a better Davis Cup player. I still have a lot to prove on clay. And I’m not going to try to tell you that I’m fixed and great on clay and all this stuff. But I’m better in Davis Cup situations and I’m better in away tie situations. So, you know, that’s not gonna hurt.”
“I hoped we would have the chance to play Spain,” said American Captain Patrick McEnroe. “It’s the ultimate challenge, on slow red clay. I think we can do it. We’re the underdogs but I welcome the opportunity.”
Ohhhhh!! Blake Does It Again, Winning A 5-Set Davis Cup Match
Friday, April 11, 2008
I am now convinced that it is American James Blake's sole responsibility to bring the fire to the USA's Davis Cup matches. But how much can we stand?
Both James Blake and Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu were up to the task during Davis Cup play at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina today. It was whip here, whizz there, ace here, lob there, and whatever else you want to call some of those shots. It was remarkable.
At the same time, if you were cheering for the USA, James Blake losing that fourth set was the onset of a coronary. Enduring a fifth set was just almost unthinkable. But you couldn't really complain because neither Blake nor Mathieu was doing anything wrong. They were just both in their own zone.
James Blake saved two match points to win the five-set epic in this quarterfinal encounter. Blake defeated Mathieu 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in three hours and 48 minutes to post his third five-set win in 11 played.
Blake was greeted with a huge ovation by his team, a long hug from his mother and brother and a roar from the American crowd to honour his achievement.
“He was serving so well,” said Blake. “I wanted to give myself a chance, to get those returns in place and then take advantage of any opportunity that I had. He made an error on one of them and, before I knew it, I was back in it. And once you get that feeling of confidence, you feel like you can do anything. You get a second wind.”
“There were so many ups and downs during the match,” continued Blake. “Against a player of a very similar level, 12 in the world, it came down to one-two points, who is at home, who has the surface that’s right for them, down to confidence.”
“There is no better feeling in the world than being up 2-0 and watching the Bryans, sitting back and watching them with their energy and their ability,” added Blake. “No better feeling.”
A victory by the Americans tomorrow would put them into the semifinals against the winner of the Germany/Spain quarterfinal. Spain leads Germany 2-0 and Rafael Nadal and company would relish a chance to play the Americans in a reprise of the 2004 Final.
USA Davis Cup Team Presented With First Time Rings
The USA Davis Cup team was presented with championship rings a' la the NFL Super Bowl rings. These rings are believed to be the first ever presented to a Davis Cup team.
Last night the very dapper USA team attended the 2008 Davis Cup Quarterfinal Players Party in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Davis Cup Play Begins Today
As is well known, I'm a BIG Davis Cup fan. I went to the store today and loaded up on popcorn and adult beverages, both very necessary to thoroughly enjoy the matches. I'm ready, I know the USA team is ready, so let the play begin!
Andy Roddick, will open up the USA versus France tie in Winston-Salem against French No. 2 Michael Llodra. The pair have their first meeting in six years, since Roddick defeated the Frenchman back in 2002 at Delray Beach.
After losing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga due to a right knee injury, France has been dealt a further blow after Richard Gasquet was not included in the line-up due to suffering with blisters. Instead, Paul-Henri Mathieu will fill the French No. 1's shoes and take on American No. 2 James Blake in the second rubber, with Arnaud Clement and Llodra joining forces once again in the doubles against the world No. 1 team Bob and Mike Bryan.
The full draw for the weekend is as follows:
Friday
Andy Roddick (USA) v Michael Llodra (FRA)
James Blake (USA) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)
Saturday
Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA) v Arnaud Clement/Michael Llodra (FRA)
Sunday
Andy Roddick (USA) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)
James Blake (USA) v Michael Llodra (FRA)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Injured, Out Of Davis Cup
Thursday, April 10, 2008
In a stunning development that tips the competitive balance in favor of the United States, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France dropped out of the 2008 Davis Cup Quarterfinal, suffering from a lateral meniscus injury to his right knee.
Captain Guy Forget replaced the French star with veteran Arnaud Clement, who had traveled with the team to Winston-Salem as an alternate.
The 22-year-old Tsonga flew back to France on Wednesday for treatment. The news was made official Wednesday afternoon by Davis Cup Tournament Referee Wayne McKewen.
It was initially believed by the Americans that the inclusion of Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu was a smokescreen for Clement's inclusion in the doubles rubber.
Michael Llodra’s steady doubles partner, Clement and Llodra defeated the Bryans this year at the Australian Open and two years ago at Wimbledon.
“I will expect the unexpected,” said McEnroe on Tuesday. “They have a lot of versatility in their players. I certainly don't go in really wondering or worrying about it. As I said, we've got our four guys. If we play well and play at the top of our game, we feel good about our chances.”
“Certainly I think Guy (Forget) has more options available, maybe depending on how the guys look and adjust to the court, it being as quick as it is. It would not surprise me if there's some changes.”
With Tsonga out of the picture, the French will likely nominate Mathieu, ranked No. 12 in the world, to play second singles behind Richard Gasquet.
A career 4-6 in Davis Cup competition, Mathieu last played in the 2007 quarterfinals against Russia. Mathieu is 1-2 against Andy Roddick and 0-1 against James Blake.
Clement, 29, an eight-year Davis Cup veteran, is accomplished in both singles and doubles. In the first round against Romania, Clement partnered with Llodra in the clinching match.
Tsonga made his debut on the French Davis Cup team in the first round, winning his only match over Romania’s Andrei Pavel.
The official draw ceremony, which determines the official order of play, will be held Thursday at the Joel Coliseum.
ATP Tour Tennis Action This Week
Monday, April 7, 2008
Posted by Shelia Labels: Davis Cup Email this post
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga To Play Davis Cup For France; Preparing To Move To Switzerland
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The AFP is reporting that Australian Open singles finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will make his Davis Cup debut for France in a first round clash against Romania next month.
Tsonga, 22, was included in a team that also comprises Richard Gasquet, Arnaud Clement, Michael Llodra and Gilles Simon for the February 8-10 trip to Sibiu.
The AP is reporting that Tsonga is looking into moving to Switzerland, based upon statements made on Tuesday by Swiss officials.
Tsonga reportedly requested residence papers to settle in the village of La Rippe, near the southwestern town of Nyon, said Philippe Pareaz, the president of the village.
The papers have not been signed yet, he added. But Pareaz said the 22-year-old player has taken a lease on a studio in La Rippe.
If Tsonga moves to Switzerland he will join a sizeable community of former and current French tennis players to settle here, including Amelie Mauresmo, Marion Bartoli, Richard Gasquet, Arnaud Clement, Fabrice Santoro and Guy Forget.
Read the rest of this post...........They're Back!
The same group of stellar young men that led the USA to Davis Cup victory in 2007 will make the same effort in 2008, beginning February 8 through 10.
Led by USA Captain Patrick McEnroe, the defending champions, Andy Roddick, James Blake, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, will enter the first round against Austria in Ferry Dusika Hallenstadion, Vienna.
The USA and Austria have previously met on two occasions with the Americans winning both times. Their last encounter took place in 2004 when the USA won 5-0 in a first round tie in Uncasville, Connecticut.
USA, USA, USA!
James Blake Suggests Davis Cup Change
Sunday, December 23, 2007
World No. 13 James Blake believes the Davis Cup should take place as a one-off event rather than a competition lasting most of the year.
Blake, who was part of the USA team that won the trophy last month, said: "It would generate more excitement.
"As tennis players we see the Ryder Cup and how excited everyone gets and the patriotism and TV coverage. And to be honest, I'm a little jealous."
Source - The Press Association
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Manic Monday: "Ship"
Monday, December 3, 2007
James Blake Ships Dmitry Tursunov Out Of Davis Cup Final
James Blake punctuated the U.S.A.'s Davis Cup Final celebrations Sunday, winning the last 10 points of the match after being within two points of defeat to beat Russian Dmitry Tursunov 1-6, 6-3, 7-5. Earlier, Igor Andreev defeated Bob Bryan 6-3, 7-6(4) to claim Russia's only point of the final. Bryan stood in for Andy Roddick (pictured), who preferred to cheer on his team mates from the sidelines.Blake set the tone for the free-spirited dead rubber by taking some popcorn from Mardy Fish's giant-sized tub just seconds before receiving the opening serve of the fifth and final match. Blake came out swinging, torching a couple of forehands in the opening two points, setting the tone for a match of unrestrained aggression from the baseline.
Tursunov nailed a crushing crosscourt backhand winner to claim the first break to go ahead 3-1 and also broke Blake's next service game to bust open the first set. But it would be the last time in the match that Blake would surrender his serve. He did find himself in danger at 4-5 30/30 in the third set, but the 2006 Tennis Masters Cup finalist reeled off the last 10 points to close out the match.
In the earlier match on Day 3, Andreev dictated play with his monster forehand against Bryan, who one day earlier had teamed with his brother Mike to clinch the U.S.A.'s first Davis Cup title in 12 years by winning the doubles rubber against Andreev and Nikolay Davydenko. Anytime Bryan attempted to chip the ball back Andreev would run around and pound his forehand, clipping 28 winners on that wing alone to Bryan's three.
Bryan, who dropped serve twice in the first set, saved all six break points he faced in the second set before Andreev eventually came through in the tie-break to clinch Russia's first point of the tie.
Source -- ATP Tennis
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USA WINS 32ND DAVIS CUP!!!!!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Photographs by Paul Zimmer/Ron Angle
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Davis Cup Number 32 Coming Up!
Now that I'm back down to earth, I can truly say that when Bob and Mike Bryan win their doubles match tomorrow and clinch the Davis Cup for the USA, it will have been one of the most fulfilling tennis moments that I've ever had. Yes, I know that Bob and Mike Bryan are going to win tomorrow, no feeling, no intuition, no brag, strictly fact.....just watch and see.
Today however, both Andy Roddick and James Blake committed to their games and pulled out wins. Both of them actually scared me a bit, although Blake hit me with the fear of God. Roddick seemed so pensive throughout the first set, even though he won. He seemed to play a bit more aggressively in the second and third sets, either way he won. Blake was lightening charged in his first set against Youzhney, but came down quite a bit in the second. When he lost the third, that he should have won, I started having heart palpitations. When Youzhney broke back at 5-4 Blake in the fourth set, I took a drink and turned the channel at 9:57 p.m. I refused to turn back until 10:15 p.m. when only one of two things could be occuring, either James Blake and the entire USA bench would be jumping for joy, or it would be the fifth set.
When I turned back to Versus (VS) at 10:15 p.m. on the nose, a middle-aged man was sitting on a rock in some river talking about deer. I leapt out of my chair because it was off, over and Blake had pulled it out. So what I missed the big hug fest, I'd catch it later on The Tennis Channel and save myself some of life's breath!
This is what Davis Cup match victory looks like:
Post match Blake said:
"They've believed in me the whole year, so I wanted to prove them right, to be honest." Blake said of the U.S. team. "They've had confidence in me every time."
"Every time I came over I saw Patrick with a fist pump saying, 'Keep doing what you're doing,' That's the best feeling," Blake said. "That's the confidence I talked about that my teammates have, that if I play my game I'm going to give myself the best chance to win."
Roddick stated:
"It's kind of like 'so close but so far away.' There's no celebration," he said. "It's one match. The celebration will be saved for when we win, if we win."
"If there are 12-and-a-half thousand people behind you and you can use them to help you win a tennis match, you would be stupid not to, right?" Roddick said. "Other than cheating, I'll do anything I can to win."
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