Top 5 Tennis Matches of 2014

What a year 2014 has been in the world of tennis, we fans have seen it all happen with our own eyes, witnessing two Grand Slam shocks in Melbourne and New York from hard working underdogs from Switzerland and Croatia, Stanislas Wawrinka and Marin Cilic.

 

We’ve been proven that the age of 33 is just a number from the Grand Slam King, Roger Federer, grabbing two ATP Masters Titles and coming so close at the Wimbledon final.

 

Serena Williams kept her cool at the top of the ladies rankings sealing another Grand Slam title on home turf against the improved Caroline Wozniacki.

 

So much to look back at in the last 12 months but there is just not enough time to talk about it all.

 

After many hours of short listing the top 5 matches played from present back to when the 2014 season started…

 

We have our best 5 out of the hundred games recorded.

 

5) US Open Semi-Finals – Cilic (CRO) bt Federer (SUI)

 

 

On September 6^th earlier this year was the US Open men’s semi-finals with the first game out of the two caused huge drama. Kei Nishikori handled off Novak Djokovic in four sets booking a place into a Grand Slam final for the first time.

 

Moments after the match saw Marin Cilic and his opponent Roger Federer entering the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

 

Cilic’s run of form was a dangerous threat against the Swiss maestro including his powerful serves that picked up many aces.

 

Federer had no answer against the Croatian throughout the match; he couldn’t even win a set.

 

In the final game of the match, Cilic saved his unstoppable serves until the end to complete a shocking day to be remembered in the history books.

 

 

4) Wimbledon Gentlemen’s ¼ Finals – Dimitrov bt Murray (GBR)


 

 

 

This match was probably noted as the shocking result of this year’s Wimbledon tournament.

 

Murray was unbeaten after two competitions that took place at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, winning Olympic gold and his second Grand Slam.

 

The man from Dunblane reached the quarter finals and was expected to at least make an appearance in the semi-finals but Dimitrov played to disappoint.

 

 

3) ATP World Tour Finals Semi-Finals – Federer (SUI) bt Wawrinka (SUI)

 

 

Two players representing the same country of Switzerland had to fight scrappy for a place in the season ending final.

 

Wawrinka had displayed his potential by winning his first ever Grand Slam against a 14 time winner back in January while Federer was still finishing high in the tournaments on the calendar.

 

The match took place less than a week before the Davis Cup final with both players set to work together to win their country the world cup of tennis.

 

 

2) Valencia Open Final (ATP 500) – Murray (GBR) bt Robredo (SPA)

  

This year’s Valencia Open finale was staging a second battle between Andy Murray and Tommy Robredo within a month from the Shenzhen final which was won by Murray.

 

Robredo was hoping for sweet revenge in front of his fellow Spaniard fans and the 32 year-old had one hand on the trophy. 5 times the man from Spain was just a point away from claiming glory but Murray spoiled the party denying each chance.

 

Both players used up all their energy in the three hours and 20 minutes that was played breaking sweat in the indoor court.

 

After displaying the never give up attitude, Murray had won the tournament dropping to the floor showing how tired he was, Robredo showed his feelings by jokingly giving the 27 year-old two middle fingers.

 

 

 

1) Wimbledon Gentlemen Singles Final – Djokovic (SER) bt Roger Federer (SUI)

  

 

In the 2012 semi-finals of Wimbledon, Roger Federer gave Novak Djokovic a big challenge by attempting to overcome one of the best players that had entered the grass courts.

 

Unfortunately for the Serb, he had failed the challenge resulting in missing out on the final.

 

Two years on they both met in the grand final which would be noted as one of the most thrilling finals we had seen on Centre Court.

 

 

 

 

Written by and all credits to: Jamie Davis.

Rafael Nadal overcomes Novak Djokovic to win ninth French Open title

Victory secures fifth consecutive Roland Garros crown

Rafael Nadal saw off the threat of Novak Djokovic for another year to win his ninth French Open title and a record fifth in succession. The Spaniard, 28, coped better in hot conditions as he won 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 in three hours and 31 minutes. Nadal is the first man ever to win a major title nine times, taking his Grand Slam total to 14.

With the victory, Nadal, who will retain the No. 1 ATP ranking, snapped a four-match losing streak to Djokovic and maintained his dominance over his No. 2 rival at the Grand Slam, having now won nine of their twelve meetings at the majors. Nadal’s win moved him into second place with Pete Sampras for most major titles amongst the men with 14 — just three titles behind Roger Federer’s mark of 17. He also extended the record he set last year to become the first man to win nine titles at any Slam.

It was an emotional match for both men, as the two held back tears during the trophy celebration. Djokovic was playing in his second French Open final and was trying to complete his career Grand Slam. He started out well to take the first set and was the better player for a set and a half. However, he appeared to struggle physically under the Parisian sun, and a poor service game at 5-6 in the second set allowed Nadal to break and level the match.

Hot circumstances played a significant role

“It was a great start, [but Nadal] came back in the second. Could have gone to the tiebreak and was quite even,” Djokovic said. “I lost that service game, and then the momentums went his side. I started playing quite bad, you know, and didn’t move as well. Struggled a little bit physically throughout that third set.”

Neither man was able to play their best tennis for the next two sets, but Nadal remained steady. With the pressure of match point for Nadal on his shoulders, Djokovic double-faulted to hand over the trophy.

These kind of big matches obviously take the best out of players, and of course it’s a huge challenge,” Djokovic said. “I tried to do my best. My best wasn’t as the best against him in Rome a couple weeks ago. But, you know, it’s how it is. Congratulations to him. He was a better player in the crucial moments. Of course it’s disappointing for me, but life goes on. It’s not the first time or last time that I lost a match.”

Also interesting to read:

• French Open 2014 Predictions
• French Open 2014 Prize Money

French Open 2014 Predictions

Who's the real French Open 2014 favorite?

The 2014 French Open starts this weekend. Clay court giant Rafael Nadal is looking for his fifth straight French Open title and ninth overall. With a victory, he will tie Pete Sampras for second place on the men’s singles grand slam list.

On the women’s side, Serena Williams needs a win to tie Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova for fourth place on the women’s singles grand slam list at 18. How will the two fare? Here are predictions for the 2014 French Open finals.

Prediction Men: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic

Nadal hasn’t been his usual dominant self in this year’s clay court season. He has losses to Djokovic, David Ferrer, and unbelievably Nicolas Almagro.

Still, those losses were in three-set matches where Nadal dropped two sets. Beating him three sets on clay will be extremely difficult.

Nadal should get his first test when he takes on Ferrer in the quarterfinals. Despite this season’s loss, Nadal has 18 victories over him in 19 matches on clay and should win. From there Nadal will face the now elite Stanislas Wawrinka. Wawrinka beat Nadal in the finals of the Australian and has played him tough on all surfaces. I expect it to be a close, possible five set match, but for Nadal to get the victory.

Djokovic, who will be in the finals after a hard-fought battle with Roger Federer in the semis, will give Nadal another tough battle, but the Spaniard will get the win. Nadal’s earlier losses on clay should refocus him. He’s 27 and in his prime. He will get the title on his favorite surface.

Others to Watch:

• Stanislas Wawrinka 
• Roger Federer

Prediction women: Ana Ivanovic def. Serena Williams

Williams has two French Open titles and has often found a way to lose this title. She is the defending champion, so she is looking to continue her winning streak. A matchup with rival Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinals could be tough, but I expect Williams to win.

In the semis Agnieszka Radwanska will likely await. Williams is the better clay court player and should get the win and move into the finals.

That brings us to Ivanovic.

Ivanovic, is a former World No. 1 who is playing her best tennis since that 2008 ranking. That year she also happened to win the French Open. Her draw in the quarters will likely be Simona Halep. They both have wins over each other on clay this year. I think Ivanovic’s experience and nerves will hold up better and she’ll get the victory.

In the semis, Australian Open winner and former French winner Li Na should be her opponent. The two have little history with each other, but Ivanovic’s serve should give her an edge if she can consistently get it in. I think she will and advance to face Williams. Ivanovic knocked Williams out of the Australian, but Williams beat her a week ago. This match will continue to come down to Ivanovic’s and Williams’ consistency. I see Ivanovic’s solid forehand as being the difference maker and her to pick up her second French Open title.

Others to Watch:

• Simona Halep
• Li Na
• Sara Errani

Djokovic wins third Rome trophy

Djokovic to strong for Nadal in Rome

HEAD ambassador Novak Djokovic claimed his fourth straight win over Rafael Nadal, lifting a third Rome Masters title 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and heading to the French Open as a major title favourite. Djokovic, armed with the HEAD Graphene Speed, won his fourth match on clay against the Spaniard and came just a week before the start of the French Open, the only major the Serb has yet to win.

Speaking after the win, Djokovic said: "After three years it is a pleasure to win this trophy again. Rafa has such a tough game and is a difficult opponent always with his game and style."

Djokovic, meanwhile, reports his wrist is better after he withdrew from Madrid to rest the injury. ''Luckily for me I played with no pain, increasing the level of my tennis," he said.

Meanwhile, Nadal put on a brave face after his defeat which followed a tough three-set win over Andy Murray in the quarter-finals.

“I was able to compete good with one of the best players of the moment,” said Nadal. “My chances to play well at Roland Garros two weeks ago weren’t very high, now I arrive at Roland Garros with more encouragement.”

Djokovic has now claimed Rome honours in 2008, 2011 and at this edition. It was Djokovic’s 19th career Masters title and his 19th win against Nadal in 41 meetings.

Nadal and Djokovic to battle for No.1 at French Open

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will compete for the No. 1 ranking at the French Open, where a meeting in the final between the two would decide the top spot.

According to the ATP, Djokovic would also become No. 1 if Nadal does not reach the semifinals. If the Serb reaches the quarterfinals, Nadal would need to win the title to stay No. 1.

Also interesting to read:

• Prize Money French Open 2014
• Andy Murray's next coach