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Miami, FL - American twin brothers Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan defeated Czech Martin Damm and Indian Leander Paes to win the men’s double final of the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open at Crandon Park.The Bryan brothers came back from an opening set loss to win the match 6-7 (7-9), 6-3, 10-7.They picked up their ATP-best third title of the season and split a $185,000 prize. Damm and Paes earned $106,000 for making it to the finals.It was the sixth ATP Masters Series shield and 36th career title for the Bryan’s.© 2007 The Sports Network

‘Fighter’ Serena refuses to lose From correspondents in Miami
Former Australian Captain April 01, 2007

SERENA Williams stormed back from a set down to beat world No.1 Justine Henin 0-6 7-5 6-3 and claim her fourth Sony Ericsson Open title today (AEST).

“It’s just not in me to give up,” said Williams, who showed a steely resolve in saving two match points in the 10th game of the second set.

Playing her first tournament since an improbable Australian Open triumph in January, Williams broke Henin in the 12th game of the second set to force the deciding third.

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Serena Williams has been beaten only once this season The American lost the first set in just 26 minutes and looked to be heading for a comprehensive defeat after being broken at the start of the second set.But Williams saved two match points with Henin serving at 5-4 and won the next six games to take control.And she closed out the two hour, 26 minute marathon with a service winner.”It’s just not in me to give up,” said Williams, who has also won this title in 2002, 2003
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Andy Murray hurtled to a straight sets loss in the semi-final of the Miami Masters losing to Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-0.Murray was never really in the match while Djokovic took full advantage of a rare below-par performance from the Scot.The world number ten was lucky to gain an early lead in the match as Murray found the wrong side of the net cord on a number of occasions in the opening four games.However this gave Djokovic a 3-1 lead and led to Murray losing his temper. This did not do his cause any good and the Serb remained level-headed to claim
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Philadelphia, PA - Guillermo Caas recently rejoined the ATP circuit after serving a 15-month suspension and he’s been nothing short of brilliant since his return.The 29-year-old Caas ventured back to work for the ATP in late January, only to lose in his first match (in Zagreb) since June of 2005. But in his very next tournament, the speedy Argentine ran the table on his way to a title in Brazil, where he beat former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final and took out his tough countrymen Agustin Calleri and Juan Ignacio Chela en route
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Miami, FL - Surging Serbian Novak Djokovic dismantled Britain’s Andy Murray on Friday to reach the lucrative final at the $3.45 million Sony Ericsson Open — the second of nine ATP Masters Series events this year.The 10th-seeded Djokovic pasted a flat 12th-seeded Murray 6-1, 6-0 in a mere 62 minutes at Crandon Park. Djokovic will meet the Ivan Ljubicic-Guillermo Canas winner in Sunday’s title match. Ljubicic was last year’s runner-up here to the great Roger Federer.Djokovic walked all over a lethargic Murray, who committed five doubles faults
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Serbia teen routs jeered Scot From Steve Keating in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 31, 2007

SERBIA’S Novak Djokovic won the battle of the teens and a spot in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open, with a 6-1 6-0 rout of Scotland’s Andy Murray today (AEST).

Just two weeks after losing to Rafael Nadal in the final at Indian Wells, Djokovic, 19, earned another shot at his first career Masters Series title, advancing to tomorrow’s (AEST) decider where he will play either Argentina’s Guillermo Canas or Croatia’sIvan Ljubicic.

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Miami, FL - The men’s semifinals will be staged Friday at the Sony Ericsson Open, where Croat Ivan Ljubicic will take to the court as the highest-remaining seed still standing at this lucrative Masters Series event.A seventh-seeded Ljubicic, last year’s Miami runner-up to the great Roger Federer, will take on unseeded giant-killer Guillermo Canas. The Argentine Canas is 1-0 lifetime against Ljubicic, with the victory coming seven years ago right here in Miami.Canas shocked Federer in the last two ATP events, as he stunned the amazing Swiss in
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Miami, FL - You couldn’t have asked for a better women’s final at the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open, as Saturday’s showdown here will pit bitter rivals Justine Henin and Serena Williams against one another at Crandon Park. The two stars are arguably the top two players on the WTA Tour.The currently top-ranked Henin, seeded second here in Miami, and 13th-seeded Williams will meet for a ninth time, with the powerful American holding a 5-3 lifetime advantage. They’ve never met here in Miami, where Williams captured back-to-back-to-back titles from 2002-04
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So you have decided to take up tennis? Or maybe you are content to be a spectator but you would like to expand your knowledge of the game. There are a lot of variables to tennis, from the proper clothes to the equipment, from the rules to the players, but there are some constants in the game too.

At seventy-eight feet long from baseline to baseline, and twenty-seven feet wide – thirty-six feet for doubles matches – the size of the tennis court is one of those constants, and one can learn a lot about the game simply by understanding this field of play.

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Miami, FL - Last year’s Miami runner-up Ivan Ljubicic was a straight-set quarterfinal winner Thursday at the $3.45 million Sony Ericsson Open — the second of nine ATP Masters Series events this year.The seventh-seeded Ljubicic got past 23rd-seeded Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela 6-3, 7-5 at Crandon Park. The big-serving Croat will meet Argentine qualifier Guillermo Canas Friday night in the semifinals. Canas picked up a 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 win over sixth-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo Thursday evening.Ljubicic converted on his second match point of
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Murray (left) has lost to former junior rival Djokovic twice as a senior The Scot, who is poised to join the Serbian in the world’s top 10, lost to Djokovic in the Indian Wells semis two weeks ago but aims to avoid a repeat.”It will be a good match for me, a good test, and one that I’m looking forward to,” said Murray.Djokovic added: “We’re playing two Masters Series semi-finals in a row and I’m expecting a really good match.”The Serbian world number 10 holds a 2-0 career
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Srichaphan rules out retirement From correspondents in Bangkok
Former Australian Captain March 30, 2007

INJURY-plagued Thai tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan has played down talk he will quit the sport and says he is determined to return to winning ways.

Although the former world No.9 has been eliminated early or been forced to pull out of most tournaments over the past eight months, he insists retirement is still a long way off.

“Athletes only retire when they are chronically injured or too old to compete, but I am not,” Paradorn told local media today.

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Serena to play Henin in final From correspondents in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 30, 2007

WORLD No.1 Justine Henin and three-time champion Serena Williams scored contrasting semi-final wins at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami to set the stage for the renewal of a great rivalry.

While Henin stormed into the final with a crushing 6-2 6-3 win over Russian Anna Chakvetadze, Williams needed almost two hours to tame gritty Israeli Shahar Peer 7-6 (7-4) 6-1.

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Canas marches into semis From correspondents in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 30, 2007

ARGENTINA’S Guillermo Canas, conqueror of world No.1 Roger Federer,booked a semi-final spot in the Sony Ericsson Open with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 win over No.6 seed, Spain’s Tommy Robredo today (AEST).

Canas, who defeated Federer in the fourth round - his second upset of the mighty Swiss in as many tournaments - now faces No.7 seed Ivan Ljubicic from Croatia.

Ljubicic defeated Argentina’s Juan Ignacio Chela 6-3 7-5.

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Ljubicic reached the world’s top three last year Croat Ljubicic will face either Spanish sixth seed Tommy Robredo or Roger Federer’s conqueror Guillermo Canas in the last four.Ljubicic, 28, reached the final in Miami in 2006 where he lost to Federer.The other semi-final pits Britain’s Andy Murray against fellow 19-year-old Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Justine lines up hat-trick From Steve Keating in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 30, 2007

WORLD No.1 Justine Henin stormed into the finals of the Sony Ericsson Open with a crushing 6-2 6-3 win over Russia’s Anna Chakvetadze today (AEST).

After missing the early part of the season following her split with husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne, Henin has been almost unbeatable, and has now reached her third consecutive final after collecting consecutive titles in Dubai and Doha.

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Henin reclaimed the world number one spot last week Second seed Henin, who has lost just one of her 16 matches this season, won the first set in 33 minutes.The Belgian then broke the ninth seed at the start of the second set and went on to secure a comfortable win.In Saturday’s final, Henin will play either three-time champion Serena Williams or 14th seed Shahar Peer.Henin had never previously been beyond the quarter-finals at the event and admitted she had expected a stiffer test in the last four.
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Miami, FL - Current world No. 1 Belgian Justine Henin and former top-ranked American star Serena Williams will play semifinal matches Thursday at the $3.45 million Sony Ericsson Open.The second-seeded Henin will battle ninth-seeded rising Russian Anna Chakvetadze, while a 13th-seeded Williams will face 14th-seeded Israeli Shahar Peer at Crandon Park. The three-time Miami titlist Williams captured this event from 2002-04.The 24-year-old French Open champion Henin is 1-0 lifetime against the 20- year-old Chakvetadze, with the victory coming in
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Court upholds Canas appeal From correspondents in Geneva, Switzerland
Former Australian Captain March 29, 2007

THE Swiss supreme court has overturned an arbitration ruling that confirmed the doping ban of Argentine tennis player Guillermo Canas last year, the Court of Arbitration of Sport said tonight.

 The ruling last week, which has not yet been published, followed an appeal by Canas against the CAS decision on his ATP suspension in 2005 on a doping charge.

“The
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Miami, FL - Second seed Rafael Nadal and third seed Andy Roddick were both sent packing from the $3.45 million Sony Ericsson Open on Wednesday, but for different reasons.Andy Murray was leading Roddick in the first set on Wednesday when the American star retired with a strained upper left leg injury in quarterfinal action.A 12th-seeded Murray was leading a third-seeded Roddick 5-3 in the first set when the American called it quits. Roddick suffered the injury earlier in the stanza, later headed to the locker room for treatment while trailing
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The Queen is the patron of the Lawn Tennis Association The Lawn Tennis Association, of which The Queen is patron, moved to its new headquarters in February.British player Greg Rusedski and The Duchess of Gloucester will be present as The Queen tours the 26 outdoor and indoor courts.Members of Great Britain’s Davis Cup Team will also be practicing at the new state-of-the-art facility.The National Tennis Centre cost an estimated £39million and has 20 outdoor courts, six indoor
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Djokovic dumps Nadal From correspondents in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 29, 2007

SERBIAN teenager Novak Djokovic upset Spaniard Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-4 in Miami today to reach the semi-finals of the Masters Series hardcourt tournament.

Djokovic, 19, avenged his loss to Nadal in the final of the Masters Series tournament in Indian Wells, California, two weeks ago.

He fought off three break points in the final game before closing out the match with an ace after 1hr 37min.

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Semi spot for Serena From correspondents in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 29, 2007

SERENA Williams booked a semi-final berth at the $US6.9 million ($8.6 million) Sony Ericsson Open with a straight-set win over Czech Nicole Vaidisova today (AEST).

Williams, seeded No.13, defeated the No.8 6-1 6-4 to set up a clash with Israel’s Shahar Peer, a 6-0 6-3 winner earlier in the day over Italy’s Tathiana Garbin.

In the other semi-final, world No.1, Belgium’s Justine Henin will take on Russia’s Anna Chakvetadze.

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Roddick hands Murray walkover From correspondents in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 29, 2007

SCOTLAND’S Andy Murray advanced to the semi-finals of the Sony Ericsson Open when America’s No.3 seed, Andy Roddick, was forced to retire injured.

Murray led 5-3 after 29 minutes when Roddick pulled out with a left hamstring injury. He had taken treatment before the final game in an ultimately vain attempt to continue.

Murray, 19, ranked world No.12, with now meet either Spain’s Rafael Nadal or Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

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Peer took only 80 minutes to book her place in the last four The 16th seed beat her Italian opponent 6-0 6-3 and will face either Serena Williams or Nicole Vaidisova in the last four.Peer won the first nine games of the match on the way to her third semi-final of the year. The other semi-final sees Justine Henin face Russia’s Anna Chakvetadze.

Murray is into his fifth semi-final from six events this year Murray had just broken the American in the eighth game to lead 5-3 when Roddick withdrew.The American had earlier had treatment from the trainer on a hip injury. The British number one will now have a day off before meeting either second seed Rafael Nadal or Serbian Novak Djokovic in the last four.The Scot made a determined start against the world number three with a forehand winner in the opening point of the match
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Miami, FL - World No. 2 Spaniard Rafael Nadal and former top- ranked American star Andy Roddick will play their quarterfinal matches Wednesday at the $3.45 million Sony Ericsson Open — the second of nine ATP Masters Series events this season.The second-seeded Nadal will battle 10th-seeded rising Serbian Novak Djokovic, while a third-seeded Roddick will take on 12th-seeded surging Brit Andy Murray. The 20-year-old reigning two-time French Open champion Nadal beat the 19-year-old Djokovic in a Masters Series finale at Indian Wells just 10 days
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Miami, FL - The women’s quarterfinals at the $3.45 million Sony Ericsson Open will wrap up with two more matches on Wednesday, with the marquee bout pitting eighth-seeded Czech Nicole Vaidisova against three-time Miami champion Serena Williams.Vaidisova and the 13th-seeded Williams will square off in a night session affair, while an afternoon clash will pit 14th-seeded Israeli Shahar Peer versus 24th-seeded Italian Tathiana Garbin, with the winners to do battle in the semifinals. Peer and Garbin have never met in a WTA Tour match.The 25-year-old
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“Hey! You know my son just plays it like a pro and I believe he is going to be a big star someday but i don’t know how should I tell him more about it. I need to know some real necessary information. ”.

If you are one of those parents who had to say or feel the words above, we have some guidelines for you. Some information that can help your child to perform better or at least make a foundation for becoming a good player.

Well, it’s not a big deal; Tennis practice can be started even without a net or even if you have not bought a new good
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Miami - Guillermo Canas stunned Roger Federer for the second time in 15 days as the aggressive Argentine scratched out a 7-6 (7- 2), 2-6, 7-6 (7-5) fourth-round victory Tuesday at the Miami Masters. The major upset over the Swiss was the second in succession for the 55th-ranked Argentine, who has roared back to form after serving a 15-month doping ban that ended in the autumn. Canas tagged Federer in Miami in front of a wildly partisan crowd of Latin Americans, the top seed exiting in two hours, 38 minutes after converting only a quarter of
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Miami, FL - Top-ranked Roger Federer was sent home by Guillermo Canas Tuesday at the $3.45 million Sony Ericsson Open, the second of nine Masters Series events this year.Canas, who stunned Federer at Indian Wells earlier this month, outlasted the Swiss 7-6 (7-2), 2-6, 7-6 (7-5) to advance to the quarterfinals. Just two weeks ago, Canas was responsible for Federer’s 41-match win streak ending.Canas is just the fifth player in ATP Tour history to record consecutive victories over Federer, who lost just two matches all last season on the hardcourt.The
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Stunned … Federer is not used to losing to the same man. Pic: Reuters Canas makes it Miami twice By staff writers
Former Australian Captain March 28, 2007

ARGENTINA’S Guillermo Canas appears to be in a world of his own after defeating world No.1 Roger Federer for the second time in a fortnight today at the Masters Series in Miami.

The Swiss looked to be heading for revenge when he led 3-1 in the final set today.

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Federer had lost to Canas at Indian Wells Canas ended Federer’s 41-match winning run earlier this month but the Swiss looked to be heading for revenge when he led 3-1 in the final set.But Canas lifted his game to force a tie-break, which he won 7-5 to seal a 7-6 (2-7) 2-6 7-6 (7-5) victory.He will now play Tommy Robredo, while Andy Roddick also progressed.Spaniard Robredo had a real battle with Czech 24th seed Radek Stepanek before coming through 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 7-6 (7-3).Third
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Miami, FL - The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s board of directors approved a package of reforms under its ‘Roadmap 2010′ circuit structure plan.The reforms will be launched in 2009, one year earlier than planned, and are highlighted by a shortened and streamlined schedule that includes a series of 20 premier events anchored by four crown-jewel mandatory tournaments, a fan- friendly structure that will feature enhanced player participation in top events, and record prize money.’The future success and growth of women’s tennis, and tennis as a whole,
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Open rematch is no contest From Emmanuel Pionnier in Miami
Former Australian Captain March 28, 2007

AUSTRALIAN Open champion Serena Williams demolished top seed Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-1 in a rematch of their Melbourne final at the Sony Ericsson championships this morning (AEST).

Williams, who also rolled to a lopsided victory Down Under in January, will face Czech Nicole Vaidisova for a berth in the semi-finals after dispatching last year’s Miami runner-up.

“If I’m playing well then anything can happen,” Williams said.

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The new schedule, which will begin in 2009, features fewer top-level events and a nine-week off-season - a fortnight longer than the current one.Injury withdrawals from events by top 10 players more than doubled in 2006.”Players deserve a longer off-season and healthier schedule so that they can avoid injury and fatigue,” said WTA chief executive Larry Scott.”In return fans deserve to see more players consistently performing at their best at our tournaments.” (more…)

Williams won the last six games of the match Williams, playing in her first event since beating the world number two in the Australian Open final in January, took just 58 minutes to win in Miami.Thirteenth seed Williams, a three-time champion in Miami, faces eighth seed Nicole Vaidisova in the quarter-finals.Anna Chakvetadze became the first woman to reach the semi-finals after beating Li Na of China 4-6 7-5 6-2.The Russian will play either world number one Justine Henin of
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Nadal has been struggling with injuries in recent months Nadal, who has been replaced by Tommy Robredo, decided against competing in North Carolina to avoid aggravating a persistent foot injury.David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco make up the rest of Spain’s team.Nadal also missed Spain’s first-round win against Switzerland in February.The US named their team last week including Andy Roddick, James Blake and doubles pair Bob and Mike Bryan.The tie will be played
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WTA unveils tour revamp From correspondents in Miami, United States
Former Australian Captain March 28, 2007

PLAYERS will take part in revenue sharing and will play a shorter schedule with fewer top-level events from 2009, under planned changes to the WTA Tour unveiled in Miami. The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Board of Directors voted Tuesday (AEST) to make the major changes with an eye to easing the workload on players and making them greater partners in the financial success of tournaments and the series.
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