Scenario: During his match against Tomas Berdych, Nicolas Almagro was forced to hit a short ball on the run and unfortunately, (or fortunately because he won the point) the ball tagged Berdych fairly hard on the arm. Tomas seemed to shrug the point off and eventually prevailed over Nico, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 7-6. However, after the match was over, Tomas refused to shake Nico's hand which made the crowd dramatically turn on him. Watch the video above to see the non-hand shake, the crowd's amazing reaction, and Darren Cahill's take on the point, with which I agree. What do you think?
David Nalbandian arguing with the chair umpireby Kait O'Callahan
We got home late last night, and as a result I sleep past my alarm this morning. We turn up an hour late for day three - it seems insignificant at the time, but we will pay for it later, (bear in mind our 50 matches goal). We start our day with Sergiy Stakhovsky and Kevin Anderson, our favourite Rhino helping South African. It’s exactly what you’d expect; big serves, short rallies, and not a whole lot of rhythm. We leave after a set; there’s an Argentinian I have to watch.
If I’ve known absolute joy as a Roger Federer fan, I’ve had my fair share of heartbreak with Juan Martin del Potro. Thankfully, today isn’t one of those days. Del Potro is never in danger of losing to Blaz Kavcic, despite being broken in each set and falling behind 0-3 in the first. He plays in patches, some brilliant, some far from it. Kavcic never really goes away, although he matches del Potro in unforced errors and throws in more than a few double faults. Del Potro says after the match that he’s happy with his level, and on later reflection, so am I. At the time though, I’m clutching my hands in a prayer position, dangling on the edge of my seat. I’m fairly sure the girl beside me has decided I’m nuts, but then she thinks the best thing Francesca Schiavone’s done is beat Sam Stosur in Brisbane, and is wearing shorts that resemble a denim bikini (these shorts that don’t cover your bottom need to go. Mothers of teenage daughters worldwide- get onto that). Del Potro takes his sweet time winning in straight sets, and by late afternoon we have seen only two matches.
Photo: ATP World Tour/Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell
When I saw this picture of Feliciano Lopez posing as a mannequin in a store window with Nicolas Almagro and Tomas Berdych for the Barcelona Open, this song immediately popped in my head:
How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggily tail? How much is that doggie in the window? I do hope that doggie's for sale.
Just switch out "doggie" for "emo", and instead of "waggilly tail" maybe "curly brown hair" and it fits perfectly. I mean, I'd buy him.
What an interesting week in tennis! The Youth Movement in tennis has been on full display this week with several youngsters going deep into tournaments and 1 (possibly 2 by tonight) hoisting trophies. But first let's start with Kim Clijsters who reached number 1 in the world with her SF win over Jelena Djokic in Paris. Finally we have a number 1 who has won multiple Majors, most recently the Australian Open that everyone can rally behind.
The problem with all of this? If Caroline Wozniacki wins in Dubai next week, the WTA will have to do the ceremony all over again, because she will regain the #1. Here is a message that Kimmie left to her fans after winning.
And now here are your trophy hoisters for the weekend:
Petra Kvitova who is only 20 years old and still rocking braces won her 3rd WTA tournament (her 2nd this year), shocking Kim Clijisters 6-4, 6-3 in the Open GDF Suez Final. She has wicked power off the forehand and backhand and she is only going to improve. Watch out ladies...
Daniella Hantuchova won her first tournament since 2007 at the Pattaya Open defeating Sara Errani 6-0, 6-2.
Nicolas Almagro took out Alexandr Dolgopolov to win his 2nd Brasil Open and his 8th ATP title. I was really hoping Dolgo would get his first ATP trophy here, but I think this year is going to hold great things for him. He is top 10 talent for sure.
And last but not least, Robin Soderling defended his Rotterdam title defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Robin Soderling of Sweden holds up the trophy after winning the final tennis match of the World Indoor Tournament against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in Rotterdam February 13, 2011. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen (NETHERLANDS - Tags: SPORT TENNIS)
Tonight's final at the SAP Open features Fernando Verdasco vs. Milos Raonic. There is no doubt that Milos, also only 20 years old, will be a top ten player. He cracks serves at 147 mph and has touch to boot. Fernando was looking mighty dominant last night, defeating Juan Martin del Potro in straights, but I have a feeling that it will go 3, with Verdasco pulling it out in the end.
And there you have it. Next week's tournaments for the WTA are Dhubai and Bogata, and for the ATP are Memphis, Marseille and Buenos Aires .
Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 9:34AM 
