Roger Federer added to Miami Open main draw

The Miami Open announced Thursday its acceptance list for the upcoming 2021 tournament, and the biggest news is that 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer is among the players listed.

The Swiss superstar, who has undergone two right knee operations in the past year, last played on January 30, 2020, when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals. He is scheduled to make his long-awaited return at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which begins March 8.

If all the players on the acceptance list show up, which is unknown, especially during the pandemic, the Miami Open field would boast 21 players with a combined 116 career Grand Slam singles titles, including Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and reigning Australian Open champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka.


All the top 77 ranked men and 75 of the top 78 ranked women are on the acceptance list for the Miami Open, which will be held for the second time at Hard Rock Stadium. It runs March 22 to April 4.

Federer, the 2019 Miami Open champion, and Djokovic, a six-time winner in Miami, lead a men’s field that includes 20-time Grand Slam champion Nadal. The tournament will also feature the next generation of stars including 2021 Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev, 2020 US Open Champion Dominic Thiem, 2019 ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, world No. 7 Alexander Zverev and entertaining Australian star Nick Kyrgios.


Stan Wawrinka and 2018 Miami Open champion John Isner are also on the list.

The women’s field is led by Osaka, who just won her fourth Grand Slam title in Australia, and 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams, who has won eight titles in Miami. World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, the 2019 Miami Open champion, will be back to defend her title. The tournament was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Other top women in the field include: 2020 French Open champion Iga Swiatek, 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, Venus Williams, Garbiñe Muguruza, Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, Sloane Stephens, Jelena Ostapenko, and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Other players to watch include Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady, 2019 Miami Open finalist Karolina Pliskova, World No. 4 and Pembroke Pines native, Sofia Kenin and American, Madison Keys.

Among the teenagers to watch are two South Florida residents — 19-year-old Amanda Anisimova from Aventura and 16-year-old Coco Gauff from Delray Beach. Both won their first WTA singles titles in 2019.

A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend, per COVID-19 restrictions. Approximately 15 percent of the Grandstand Court capacity, or roughly 750 seats per session, will be available. The Grandstand will be the marquee court this year, as the tournament announced it will not have a Center Court inside the stadium, as it did two years ago.

One of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments during the past 35 years, the Miami Open typically draws crowds of 300,000-plus over the two weeks. In 2019, the first year the event moved from Key Biscayne to Hard Rock Stadium, the total attendance was 388,734.

Full tournament packages will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, March 4. Fans can go online to www.miamiopen.com for more information.

Qualifying rounds are March 22-23 and will determine 12 additional slots in each singles’ draw. The Miami Open also will award wildcards to five men and eight women. The women’s main draw begins on Tuesday, March 23, followed by the first round of the men’s main draw on Wednesday, March 24.

miamiherald.com

Iga Swiatek backs up French Open with a 1st WTA title in Adelaide

 

WTA Twitter

Aus Open Twitter

Iga Swiatek's Twitter

Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek is back in the winner's circle, capturing her second career title at the Adelaide International with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 defeat of No.2 seed Belinda Bencic in just 62 minutes.

Swiatek was near-flawless throughout, striking 22 winners and committing a meagre six unforced errors - three in each set. The Pole conceded only six points behind her delivery winning a career best 90.9% of her first serve points (20 out of 22), and was not taken to deuce in any of her own service games.

The result caps a stellar week for Swiatek, who did not drop a set on the way to the trophy - the first WTA title run without the loss of a set since her own Roland Garros route last October. There, the 19-year-old conceded 28 games in seven matches (four per match); this week, she lost 22 games in five matches (4.4 per match). As a result, Swiatek will rise to a new career high of World No.15 on Monday.

"For sure, there is something that clicks," mused Swiatek on the scale of her dominance during her title runs. "Not only in my head but also tennis-wise. I feel pretty good on court. I feel like sometimes I have weeks when everything clicks, and that's just the effect of the work we're doing."

Swiatek has repeatedly stated this year that she is aiming to find consistency on tour - but weeks where she is "in the flow" help with that.

"It's good for me because I can see that I can play good tennis for the whole week," she said. "It wasn't like one time during the French Open. It gives me more confidence that I'm more developed [as a] player and I can play good more often. It just gives me motivation.

"Our goal right now is to have that more often, because I know I can play great tennis. It's just all about planning, aiming for the specific tournament to have the best shape possible."

The serve would be the most glaring difference in the first meeting between the two players. Bencic may have out-aced Swiatek five to four, but the Swiss player paid heavily for eight double faults. Four of those came in the sixth game as Bencic handed the first break of the match over to Swiatek on a platter - a setback from which she would not recover.

Swiatek's own serve had been clicking from the start, and the No.5 seed went from strength to strength in every other area as the final progressed. Her heavy forehand did repeated damage as a first strike, but Swiatek also excelled in longer exchanges, out-manoeuvring Bencic with canny wrong-footing winners and at one point conjuring up a marvellous defensive lob.

Bencic, one of the most tactically astute players on tour, admitted afterwards that she had been at a loss.

"I struggled a lot today with how different she played," said the Swiss player, whose record in finals is now 4-7. "I just couldn't figure out her patterns or her serve or anything at all.

"It's the unpredictable-ness," she continued. "I think she plays everything just little bit different than I'm expecting. So not the usual patterns which you would expect. I think I'm a pretty good anticipator. But today it was a little bit off - of course, thanks to her game.

"Then I think she plays with much more spin and heaviness. Also the balls you think you can reach are just jumping over you. It makes it harder to make a defense, to counterpunch."

Bencic is already planning ahead to her next encounter with Swiatek, though.

"I'm thinking about it," she said. "I would definitely start differently. I'm not sure in which direction yet, but something I would change. I would not go to the match [with] the same tactics. I'm not sure which other tactics to use, but for sure I would come up with something when I would be able to go on the court again.

Swiatek has needed only three tournaments to collect her first trophy following her maiden Grand Slam crown. Only seven active first-time major champions needed fewer, and only four of those did it at 500/Premier/Tier II level or higher: Venus Williams (one, Stanford 2000), Victoria Azarenka (one, Doha 2012), Simona Halep (two, Montréal 2018) and Ashleigh Barty (one, Birmingham 2019). Swiatek now owns a 9-1 record in professional finals, having been 7-0 at ITF level prior to her WTA Tour breakthrough. Her sole loss came to Polona Hercog at Lugano 2019.

wtatennis.com

Haven't enjoyed a young player play this much since a young lady named Martina Hingis back in the mid 90's. 

Iga is such an enormous talent. She has great craft and poise and it makes her an absolute pleasure to watch. 

And I'm not just saying that because I'm a bit biased being Polish born and raised. I have no doubt there will be even more big titles in her future. 

I cannot wait to see how the rest of this year goes for her. I'm really looking forward to watching how she plays on grass.

Bianca Andreescu makes triumphant return to tennis at Aussie Open after 15 month absence

Australian Open Facebook

Much like Bianca Andreescu's game, there was a little bit of everything in the Canadian phenom's triumphant return at the Australian Open on Monday. Playing her first match in 15 months, the 20-year-old defeated Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to earn her first win at a Slam since lifting the trophy at the 2019 US Open.

There was the dominant opening set, which saw Andreescu unleash every shot in her varied arsenal to take the set in 30 minutes. As Buzarnescu raised her level and adjusted to Andreescu's pace and patterns in the second set, Andreescu began to trip herself up with poor decision-making and was taken to a third set in a match that seemed fully in her control.

"After the match I sat down with my team a little bit, and I'm like, 'Oh, guys, here we go again, those three-setters,' and they just started laughing because they obviously knew what they were getting themselves into," Andreescu told reporters after the match.

"But those matches are super good for me in my opinion because it really shows that I can scramble when I really need to, or if there's some pressure I can dig my way through it somehow. When my back is against the wall, not only today, but I've noticed throughout my last couple tournaments in 2019, I've been able to pull through with those."

That signature competitive grit that the world saw at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open, where Andreescu's sheer refusal to lose seemed to will her through her stunning run to her first WTA title and trigger one of the most surprising breakout seasons on the WTA Tour, was on full display in the final set.

Down triple-breakpoint to Buzarnescu at 3-3, 0-40, Andreescu found her rhythm. She landed her first serve and constructed three perfect points to hold. Andreescu immediately broke in the next game and closed it out cooly at love.

"I remember during my match against Angelique Kerber in the finals, I had that same kind of roller coaster of a match, and I was down 40-Love on my serve," Andreescu said. "It was in the third set. Around the same score, too.

"I was just thinking about that and how calm I was during that match, so I was telling myself, 'Oh, stay calm, stay cool, just put your first serve in' because I think my first serve today was very effective, which I did.

"It also happened against Serena, too. It wasn't the only time I did it, so I kind of have a little bit of a feel of how it is to be in that situation, but I was super, super relieved to get that game because I'm sure things would have been different afterwards."

Two distinct themes arose when Andreescu sat with reporters three days before the start of her tournament. First and most importantly, she was healthy and had been training full for a long period before landing in hard quarantine when she landed in Melbourne. Learning from past mistakes, when she played through injuries only to trigger long-term issues, Andreescu had played things cautiously. She withdrew from last week's Grampian's Trophy to continue her work on the practice court, not due to any concerns over her body.

The second theme? As much as she will try and fight it, Andreescu is as competitive as ever. Any professional athlete making a return after 15 months away would be forgiven if they met the moment with trepidation or insecurity. Yes, Andreescu paid lip service to those impulses, repeatedly telling reporters that she did not know what she could expect from herself in her first match back, but deep down, the 20-year-old could not deny her ambition. And when push came to shove in the third set against Buzarnescu, Andreescu found another gear.

"I do know that I am stronger in many different ways than I was before, so I do know I can be just as good if not better than I was in 2019 in every aspect," Andreescu told WTA Insider. "But I won't know for sure until I actually go out there because it's a different story practicing and doing things in competition.

"I have high hopes for myself. I'm healthy first of all, and I know if I'm healthy I can get out there and compete at my best.

"I am being a bit kinder to myself, yes, because of all that time off. But I also want to do very well and win. So I still have those goals for myself. But yes, I'm a little bit kinder. If I lose - and I don't want to think like that - but if I do, I won't be as hard on myself."

Maintaining an even keel was key to Andreescu's incredible 2019 season, which saw her start the season outside the Top 100 and win Indian Wells, Toronto, and the US Open while also dealing with injury during the clay and grass season. There were highs and lows, but Andreescu did well to keep it all in perspective, not surprising from a player who relies heavily on meditation, visualization and imagery. That outlook again paid dividends during her 14-day hard lockdown in Australia.

"I really do believe that everything happens for a reason, as cliché as that might sound," Andreescu told reporters. "I try to focus on the things I can control. I can't stress that enough. I always say it. But that really helps me stay less stressful than if I don't follow that rule.

"I try to kind of use these things and think of these things as an advantage towards me, my body, my mind. For instance, I trained for, like I said, five months before that, so maybe it was a good thing for my body to rest a little bit and my mind, too. I was able to do other things, like play my XBOX, just read a little bit more, focus on myself, just enjoy my time off."

In addition to sessions of Call of Duty with friends and strangers, Andreescu spent her quarantine rewatching her old matches from that magical 2019 season.

"It was inspiring," Andreescu told WTA Insider. "I realized I was super motivated, super hard-working during those matches. I did not let up. I fought until the last point. I played my best tennis.

"I really got into the mood, into the mindset. I felt the same things like I did in 2019, which I think really helps me just get in character.

"I don't normally like to do that. But I think it was good for me since I haven't played for so long. Hopefully that can help me bounce back on the court quicker."

On Wednesday, Andreesc will play crafty Hsieh Su-Wei, who played the best match of her season so far to defeat US Open quarterfinalist Tsvetana Pironkova 7-5, 6-2. Andreescu's first priority will be to see how her body pulls up after a tense and grinding three-set match.

"I feel surprisingly pretty well," Andreescu said. "I had an ice bath, I did those recovery boots, and then playing in a Grand Slam you have the day off tomorrow. I mean, I'm going to practice a little bit, but that definitely helps.

"I have played [Hsieh] before, so I kind of know what to expect. It's been over a year and a half now. Things have changed.

"But I feel pretty good considering my match today going up against her. I know it's not going to be easy, though. She's a pretty crafty player, so I think that's going to be a fun match."

Before the tournament, Andreescu was asked if she had a message for fans who have been champing at the bit to see her return to competition.

"I want them to know that I am ready to go," she said. "I've put everything in the past in the past and I'm ready to start a new chapter this year."

wtatennis.com

The 15 month wait has been excruciating, but turned out to be completely worth it. Because boy was it nice to have Bianca Andreescu back on a tennis court.  I found myself smiling the entire time she was out there. 

Her court craft, but especially her fighting spirit when her back is against the wall is unmatched. And it just reinforced why tennis needs someone like Andreescu in the game. 

Someone who has so much self belief they will fight till the very last ball no matter what the score and somehow manage to come out on top. 

Very few players have that ability. She just has a presence on the court that is so enjoyable to watch. 

It was especially great to see her healthy and without any strapping on her body for the first time since she made her mark. 

Welcome back Bianca. Canadians, and the world of tennis has really missed you. :)

Roger Federer to make long awaited return to ATP tour at Doha in March

Roger Federer will make his long-awaited return to the ATP Tour in March when he is set to compete at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha.

The Swiss superstar, who has undergone two right knee operations in the past 12 months, last played on 30 January 2020 when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals.

Speaking to Swiss broadcaster SRF, Federer said, “I thought for a long time when and where I should come back. Australia was still a bit too early because of my knee… I want to celebrate big victories once again. And for that I am ready to go the long, hard way.”

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open, where Federer has won three titles in 2005-06 and 2011, begins on 8 March. The ATP 250 tournament is traditionally held in January each year.

The 39-year-old Federer has won 1,242 matches and 103 tour-level titles during his legendary career. Only Jimmy Connors (1,274 match wins and 109 titles) has won more matches and titles in the Open Era (since April 1968).

atptour.com

'One Day More' of President Trump - Les Misérables parody

First post of the new year and it feels very appropriate.

Today 4 years of hell known as Trump end. And a new U.S. President is sworn in.

We are still in a pandemic and everything is still horrible.

But the world is undoubtedly breathing a huge collective sigh of relief. 

Here's to better days ahead.

No more Trump indeed.

Roger Federer to miss the 2021 Australian Open due to ongoing knee rehab

Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, the tournament confirmed on Sunday.

Tony Godsick -- Federer's longtime representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8 -- said he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who plans to get back on tour soon after the year's first major tennis tournament.

"Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open. He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness. However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open," Godsick said in a statement released to the AP.

"I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year," Godsick said.

The start of the Australian Open's main draw was delayed by three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and is now scheduled to begin on Feb. 8 at Melbourne Park.

Federer, 39, has spent more weeks atop the ATP rankings than anyone else but is No. 5 after his hiatus. He is training in his usual offseason home of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The choice to delay his comeback came with input from coaches Severin Luthi and Ivan Ljubicic and fitness coach Pierre Paganini.

"We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement confirming that Federer pulled out of the field, "and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.''

Federer hasn't played a tournament match since late January at the 2020 Australian Open, where he was clearly injured while losing in straight sets to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Soon after, Federer played in an exhibition charity event with Rafael Nadal in front of a record tennis crowd of more than 50,000 people at a soccer stadium in Cape Town, South Africa.

Just weeks later, Federer announced he had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and would be sidelined for at least four months. He later had a second procedure on that knee and wound up missing the rest of the pandemic-altered season.

One measure of Federer's popularity: Despite appearing in only six matches in 2020, he recently was voted the winner of the ATP Tour fans' favorite award for the 18th consecutive time.

Until this knee issue, Federer had his career interrupted only once by an operation -- on his left knee in 2016. He sat out the second half of that season, including the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the US Open, but was back at his best when he resumed playing, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017.

He won the Australian Open again the following year for his sixth trophy there, to go along with eight from Wimbledon, five from the US Open and one from the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam.

While Federer was sidelined this year, Nadal equaled his men's record for most major championships by collecting his 20th at Roland Garros in October. Federer posted a congratulatory message on social media to Nadal that day, saying he hopes "20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us.''

Djokovic's title in Australia this year moved him closer to Federer and Nadal with a total of 17.

espn.com

Well it seems that 2020 will continue it's fine tradition of being the worst year on record right to the very end.  

Also way to depress me hours before my Birthday. 2020 can well and truly fuck off. 

The news is not surprising given what Roger said recently about not being where he wanted to be with his knee rehab. 

But still so disappointing. Australia has always been good to Roger and it's always been so fun to watch him play there. 

Hopefully he can play in Dubai and do well there. Would really love a new champion at the Aussie Open, anyone other than Djokovic or Nadal. Perhaps Thiem will make it his year to shine down under. 

That would be something to see. 

At least all the ladies will still be in the draw. 

Really looking forward to the return of Bianca Andreescu. Hope she can shake things up in Aus. 

And I'm hoping Angie Kerber will have a better year as well. Do not screw this up for me 20201.

Roger Federer congratulates Rafa Nadal tying him for most Grand Slams with 13th Roland Garros win

I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion. As my greatest rival over many years, I believe we have pushed each other to become better players. Therefore, it is a true honor for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory. It is especially amazing that he has now won Roland Garros an incredible 13 times, which is one of the greatest achievements in sport. I also congratulate his team, because nobody can do this alone. I hope 20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it.

from Roger Federer's Facebook

From one G.A.O.T. to another. ♥ Congrats Rafa on your 20th Grand Slam. 100 wins #13 titles at Roland Garros. Insane.