TennisPlanetBlog

Chilean Earthquate Leaves Gonzales, Massu and Capdeville Stranded

Fernando Gonzales and his fellow mates were unable to return home after the massive 8.8 earthquake in Chili closed down the airports. Here is a link to 45 unbelievable pictures of the devastation in Chile. There is an additional link after the first two pictures that gives you a "warning" of the graphic content of the pictures to follow. So if you shock easily don't click on it.

TennisPlanetBlog Tournament Updates

Roger Federer

Sad news for Fed fans. Roger Federer pulled out of the Dubai tournament today due to a lung infection. Although Roger's website makes no mention of how he got the infection, and even though there are no facts from to support it; there are fans on his web site who have concluded that he must have contracted some sort of virus on his visit to Ethiopia. Roger says he's weak and has problems breathing. He is hoping to recover for Indian Wells, he makes no guarantees, as such an infection could take 6-weeks to heal. Take care and get well soon Rogi. We will miss you.

Rafa News

Check out this video of Rafael Nadal and Shakira! They look really nice together, as if they were in love with each other . . . . hmmmmm . . . . wonder what his little girlfriend from Mallorca thinks about this; but it's only suppose to be acting! Although we know that Shakira is a devoted follower and admirer of Rafa . . . this is suppose to be just Rafa appearing on her latest video.

Rafa is also not playing tennis in Dubai and is suppose to make his return at the Indian Wells tournament next week.

Venus wins in Dubai Tennis Tournament!

Venus Williams was able to defend her title in Dubai by taking out a determined Victoria Azarenka in two tight sets. Fortunately for Venus she managed to cut down on the errors, served well and held it together to hold on to her title. But make no mistake about it Azarenka is an upcoming star. She plays a great game. She is certain to continue her climb up the rankings and with both Venus and Serena boycotting the event at Indian Wells, she will be one of the top contenders to win that tournament.

Justine Given a Wildcard into Indian Wells!

Justine Henin was given a wild card into the Indian Wells tennis tournament. It's unfortunate the tournament chose not to seed her. She is too good of a player to be a wild card floater. As a wild card we could see the same type of misfortune that occurred at the Australian Open - where Justine played Kim Clijsters in the second round. If Justine meets a Clijsters or Azarenka or some other top player in an early round - this would result in the elimination of one of two players that could eventually win the title. This would be most unfortunate for the tennis tournament.

Tennis Awards and Accolades

Well there's lots going on around the tennis circuit these days, here are some of the highlights

• Roger Federer was named again as "player of the year" by his fellow players - a great honor for sure . . . I believe the 5th time. Roger also was voted "fan favorite" and received the Edberg "Sportsmansip Award! Congradulations Rog!
• Big John Isner received the "most improved" player of the year award!
• And for you FabFedFans "Chuidinelli" [the Swiss No. 3] received the "comeback player of the year" award - Pros to Marco!
• Congratulations also to the Bryant brothers who received the "players of the year in doubles" award as well as "fan favorite" for doubles!

Check out the "awards video clip".

Roger Federer in Ethiopia

In addition to Ethiopia and South Africa, Roger Federer has foundations in Tanzania, Mali, Malawi and Zimbawe. The inspiration for starting his first foundation in South Africa came from his mom who's from South Africa. The first $1 million was donated following his first Grand Slam win in 2003. Roger donates $1 million a year to education in Africa; and has said "tennis players come and go, what I really want to be remembered for is my foundations. I will make sure that my daughters know that this world exists too [as he points to the tin roofed school houses]". He also said that his daughters will know this world well, as they will be traveling with me and he believes that they will continue the work long into the future.  Hence, the theme you see on the red tee shirts [which I have 4 of] - "I am tomorrow's future." Love it!

By the way Roger finished in the back of the pack in the foot race with young Ethiopian athletes over dangerous terrain. They [not Roger] were running barefoot! He says he admires greatly the stamina of runners . . .

View this clip of Roger in Ethiopia.

Cilic beats Berrer in Zagreb Tennis Final

Marin Cilic is a tennis player to watch - he just defended his title at Zagreb, beating Germany's Michael Berrer (6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4).  Cilic made it to the semis at the Australian Open falling only to the Scott, Andy Murray . . . and we all know the "rest of that story." Check out this report on Cilic.

Serena Williams has pulled out of the Paris Open . . . needs to heal the thigh muscle that hampered her at the Aussie Open . . . here's to a successful rehab and rest for Serena! . . . away from the battle front

Tennis Blog Flashback

Remember that racist heckler at Serena Williams' match in Miami or Indian Wells a few years back. . . geez I had forgotten all about this - check this guy out - absurd.

Speaking of Serena, here's a nice interview of her on the Ellen Degeneres show. Serena fans will like this one. See Serena.

Tennis Tidbits

We are now "in between" majors and 1000 Point ATP tournaments, but there is still lots going on around the tennis world.

So all of you die hard students of the game here's some of the latest tennis titbits . . .

• Tommy Haas has just become a US Citizen. Congradulations Tommy, didn't know you had such aspirations. For those of you who have followed the German's illustrious tennis career may like to read more about Tommy.
• Marin Cilic is on 'kruz kontrol' in Zagreb.  For a review and update on the tournament check out Marin.
• Roger Federer, after his stellar performance at the Australian Open, has now a very comfortable 3000 points lead over the next competitor in the ATP World Rankings List.  That Number One ranking is safe for awhile. Check out the rest of the world rankings.
• Serena Williams is the toast of the town after her 4th Australian Open Grand Slam Title.  Here's "Serena in her Other Life" on the Jimmy Kimmel show.
• Look for Martina Hingis to make a tennis comeback.  I wish her well.  I think they really "screwed her over" with the one year suspension for some alleged drug test violation.  She's playing "team tennis" this year.  That's a good sign.  Look forward to watching team tennis this year on the Tennis Channel.  Here's the link to the latest on Martina.