Photos: Rafa Balancing The Beast

It seems like with every title, Rafael Nadal is rewriting the history books.   Today he defeated David Ferrer, 6-2, 6-4 to claim the Barcelona crown, and with this win he is the first player in the Open Era to win 2 tournaments at least 6 times. (He won his 7th straight Monte Carlo title last week).  Maybe we should just start calling him King Rafa and be done with it.

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Video: David Ferrer Interview With CNN

This video is like an early birthday present for me.  We rarely get to see David in his element off the court with his family (and girlfriend!).  And how can you not melt when he always uses the word physic for physical.  You done good CNN.  Enjoy!

Thanks Racquet Required for finding this!

Boys Will Be Boys

Unfortunately Juan Monaco lost in the first round of the Monte-Carlo Masters, but he's still in Monte-Carlo having a grand old time playing video games with his buddies David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal.  Above is a screen shot from a video that Rafa posted on his Facebook page, and below is a tweet from Pico's Twitter account with the accompanying twitpic:

Up next in the video game tourney is Andy Murray, so we can only hope there will be photos and videos of that encounter.

ATP World Tour Allstars Take on Fort Lauderdale Strikers To Raise Money For Japan

THIS is why I love this sport. 

Recently there have been a number of devastating events that have happened around the world, from the earthquake in Haiti last year, to the floods in Queensland in early January; and every time something like this happens, tennis players from all over the world take notice and then collectively organize events to try and bring support to the affected areas.  Yesterday was no different when many of the top players from the ATP played a charity soccer match against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to raise money for Japan which has been devastated by an earthquake, tsunamis, and now is dealing with a nuclear crisis.  The Allstars lost 5-2, but it was a lot of fun to watch, and should also remind us that we can all make a difference, no matter how small, to help those in need. 

Here are some photos from the soccer/football match:

Kei Nishikori, Felicano Lopez and Novak Djokovic standing for the Japanese National Anthem.

Andy Murray scored one of the 2 goals for the ATP Allstars.

Whoops!

Marcos Baghdatis scored the other goal on a penalty kick.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga looks a bit pained.

The Spanish Press called Feliciano Lopez the "Messi" of the team.  I was impressed.

Hot and sweaty post-match.

On Friday, March 25, the WTA, ATP World Tour, Sony Ericsson Open and global tennis family will join forces to help raise money for Japan disaster relief. Prior to the start of Friday’s evening session, players from both the WTA and ATP World Tour will participate in an on-court presentation and walk through the stands on Stadium Court collecting donations. Money collected will go to the Red Cross.

Photos:  Getty Images

Video: Fernando Verdasco and The Armada's Celebratory Dance

Sorry for all my Armada posts recently, but the funny videos keep on coming.  In this one, the Spanish Davis Cup team celebrates after winning their 1st round Davis Cup tie.  Nando (Fernando Verdasco) as Raquet Required eloquently put it "pops a squat," Feli (Feliciano Lopez) breaks it down in the middle of the circle, and little Ferru (David Ferrer) jumps around like an energizer bunny...... but is a little off beat.  This video made my day.  Enjoy!

Weekend Wrap Up: Third Time, Second Time, And Not In A Long Time

Ok, first off, my title isn't that great.  I know it, I couldn't think of anything else, I'm moving on...

Third Time:  Novak Djokovic won the Dubai Duty Free Championships in straight sets over Roger Federer, 6-3, 6-3.  He has now won this title for the 3rd time in a row, joining Roger as the only other man to complete the hat trick.  He is 12 - 0 in 2011, and I really think he has a great shot at winning at least another Major this year if he continues this form.

Second Time:  David Ferrer won the Mexican Open for the 2nd year in a row defeating compatriot Nicolas Almagro in 7-6 (5), 6-7 (2), 6-2.  This is Ferrer's 2nd ATP title this year.

Photo via Mexican Open website

Not in a long time:  Vera Zvonareva hadn't won a title in over a year until this weekend when she defeated number 1 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-4 at the Qatar Ladie's Open.  This is her 11th WTA title.

 And last but not least...

I can comfortably say that Juan Martin del Potro is officially back.  Today he won his first ATP title since 2009, taking out Janko Tipsaravic at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships 6-4, 6-4.  I'll be honest, I was rooting for Tipsy to win this because it would have been his first ATP title and also because my title would have been better:  First Time, Second Time, Third Time, and Not in a Long Time.   Oh well.  It's good to see Delpo back.  Although he doesn't seem so happy in this picture.

 

Update on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 9:03PM by [OnTheGoTennis]

I completely forgot Gisela Dulko! (Sorry girl).  She won her 4th WTA title at the Mexican Open.  Doesn't she look cute in her sombrero!!

Poll: Whose Match Point Was Better? Fernando Verdasco vs. Andy Roddick

An ailing Andy Roddick defeated rising star Milos Raonic in the finals of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis 7-6 (7), 6-7 (11), 7-5.   It was Roddick's 30th ATP title, and also the 11th consecutive year he has won a title.  The only other player to hold that stat.........Roger Federer.   It was an amazing match to watch, and the ending did not disappoint.  On match point, Andy dove to make a forehand pass and ate the court in the process, and the kicker is that and didn't even know he had won until he rolled back over!  The look on his face.........priceless.  (The hair missing from his head.......not so priceless.)

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