Ferrero, Roddick & the legend of the Phoenix

The phoenix has been a symbol of the physical and spiritual Renaissance, the power of the fire, the purification and immortality - these are all the same qualities that were displayed in this year's Masters Series in Cincinnati. We have witnessed the resurgence of two greats of this sport, two ex-number 1's and Grand Slam winners, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Andy Roddick. A Masters Series that was plagued with emotion and the unexpected early defeat of an exhausted Roger Federer at the hands of raising star Andy Murray. The Scot won through patience rather than by good tennis, knew the exact moment to capitalize on the numerous errors of his exhausted rival and to take control of the most important victory of his young career. Murray is applying the wise advice given to him by his new coach Brad Gilbert, and it definately seems to be working.



Brad Gilbert



Federer even in defeat acted like a true sportsman, which makes him an even greater champion. The Masters news didn't stop there, we also witnessed another great event the defeat of Rafael Nadal to former champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, in a match which was a mixture of emotion and a great display of tennis from both players. Nadal playing at his best level was still no match for the inspired Ferrero who managed to play with great flare and determination, going on to eventually win the clash of the Spanish champions.





Ferrero © Andrew Lewis



Another player who has risen again from the ashes in Cincinnati this weekend is American Andy Roddick, playing with aggressive, forceful tennis and ignition that literally blew his rivals away, including Ferrero who he beat in a great final (6-3 6-4) Roddick played like the old Andy Roddick that we used to see a few years ago, his incredible serve was back, and with full power blows and acceleration, these were the determining factors what helped Roddick gain victory on American soil again and makes his a definate favorite to lift the men's title at the US Open in a few weeks time.

Andy Roddick and Carlos Ferrero, Foto © Andrew Lewis

Now for the WTA, this last week has been particularily tough for the organisers of the Montreal tournament, in a week that has seen numerous absences, retirements and rain delays. The week concluded with the final being played a day last due to the showers over Montreal, seeing Serbian player Ana Ivanovic against Swiss Martina Hingis. The latter could not match the power, talent and youth of Ivanovic, who took the title with a 6-2 6-3 victory. The player from Belgrade, aged just 19 years of age and 19th in the world rankings, this is her second title and her first at Tier I level.





Serbian Ana Ivanovic (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)



Another WTA success came this weekend for legend Martina Navratilova who managed to gain title number 176 in doubles with her partner Russian Nadia Petrova, They deafeated the partnership of Black and Groenefeld 6-1 6-2. This new victory is added to the four previous ones that the American already obtained in Canadian in the years 1981, 1982, 1985 and 2004, each one of them won with different partner.




Navratilova & Petrova




More WTA news; Amelie Mauresmo and Justine Henin-Hardenne were the first two players to qualify for this years 'Sony Ericsson Championships', This event will take place in Madrid from the 7-12 November and will feature the world's top eight players of the year.



Amélie Mauresmo - winner of the Sony Ericsson Championships 2005


This week's tournaments: WTA & ATP in New Haven - 'Pilot Pen Tennis'

http://www.pilotpentennis.com


and the WTA Forest Hills Women's Tennis Classic

http://www.foresthillstennis.com


For more information and results visit the lovetennis forum and blog!


Greetings from the 'lovetennis' team


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