All Swiss Final In Monte Carlo

You'd have had very long odds for an all Swiss final at the Monte Carlo Country Club this year, but an all Swiss affair it will be, with both Stanislas Wawrinka and Roger Federer through to the final in the Principality of Monaco!

2014 Monte Carlo Masters Final: Stan v Roger

Ferrer v Wawrinka:

What a difference a day makes. After stunning Rafael Nadal yesterday, Ferrer was simply blown away by a rampaging Wawrinka who hit 40 winners in a 6-1, 7-6(3) win.

The 11 time ATP clay court champion Ferrer, was no match for Wawrinka's accurate firepower, despite his fairly dominant head to head record against the current Swiss No. 1.

"He started playing unbelievable," stated Ferrer. "I didn't have any option to stop him. I didn't return serve very well. In the second set, he made a few more mistakes. I played with more power on my forehand. But, anyway, Stan was better. All the time he moved the ball better than me."

After a drop in form in Indian Wells/ Miami, it seems the 'Stanimal' has returned.

Djokovic v Federer:

Chasing an unprecedented 5th consecutive Masters 1000 title, Djokovic's reign was ended overnight by the 32-year-old Federer  with a 7-5, 6-2 victory in 75 minutes.

Hampered by an injured right wrist, which was heavily strapped, Federer took full advantage of a struggling Djokovic and broke the Serb twice.

"Of course, I did see that Novak was struggling at one point," said Federer. "For me it was more just making sure that from my side I was playing a good, solid, tough match with some good defensive play sometimes, but mostly trying to stay on the offensive as much as I could. I think I was able to deliver from my side, which is key."  He lost just five points on serve in the second set.

Djokovic may be sidelined for multiple weeks following the injury, which places doubts on his return to World Number 1.

Highlights:

The semifinals wins mean it will be the first all-Swiss ATP World Tour final since 2000 Marseille.
Who will you be cheering for?

It's Over?

As the stands get cleaned, the stalls removed and the gates closed, we've come to the end of another Aus Open. But it certainly wasn't without its stories.

Stanislas Wawrinka proved to be the big one.

The Swiss press on Monday hailed the "impossible exploit" of newly-crowned Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka, who has finally come out of the shadows of more illustrious compatriot Roger Federer. Anyone who would have said 13 months ago that Wawrinka would shortly win a grand slam title, would probably have been classified as insane, yet Stan's victory served to demonstrate the triumph of work, courage and humility.

However, Wawrinka may now need to focus on shaking off his nicknames, Stan the Man, or Fed's crazy creation - the Stanimal...

On the other side of the net that night, was a man who proved himself once again as a champion.

But during Sunday night's men's final, why did such a large part of the crowd boo world number one, Rafael Nadal, after he took an injury timeout? This group decided, without evidence, that one of the most competitive sportspeople ever to bounce a ball, was resorting to blatant gamesmanship when a set down in a major championship watched by millions.

Yes, Nadal pushes the rules to the brink in terms of time-wasting, but he is a fighter, an admirable role model, renowned for his tenacity. Nadal refused to blame his injury for his loss, and understood the visceral reaction of the crowd. "I tried to finish the match as good as I can, for the crowd, for the opponent, for me, Nadal said at game's end.  (Will Brodie, The Age)

Nadal defends the crowd that booed him. That shows you the measure of this man.
But it was gut wrenching to see the crowd boo a character who is one of the most humble, gracious, sincere players to have ever stepped on court.

This weekend the Davis Cup kicks off around the globe.
Australia will take on France for a spot in the round of 8.
Stay tuned. The year has only just begun.

Top 3: Matches Of 2013

With the Australian summer of tennis just around the corner, we look back on the highlights of the incredible season that has just been. Here is the best of the best; the top 3 matches of 2013.

3.  Novak Djokovic Defeated Juan Martin Del-Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-7(6), 6-3 - Wimbledon Semifinal

 Leading into the Wimbledon semi final of 2013, the only previous grass court encounter between these two heavyweights of tennis had been at the London 2012 Olympics. With the previous encounter going the way of the Argentine, the stage was set for a match which could go in anyone's favor.  In the longest Wimbledon semifinal in history, Djokovic won 6-3 in the fifth in four hours and 43 minutes. "It was one of the best matches that I've been a part of, one of the most exciting definitely" Djokovic said.

2. Rafael Nadal Defeats Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(3), 9-7, Roland Garros Semifinals

Highlights: http://eurosport.yahoo.com/video/highlights-djokovic-v-nadal-160620584.html

With Djokovic seeking to become the first male to win the first two Grand Slams of a calendar year in over 20 years and Nadal searching for a record eighth Roland Garros title, the stakes were incredibly high for this semi-final match-up.  The match itself did not disappoint. Going toe to toe for nearly five hours, the Serbian jumped out to an early fifth set lead. Yet the will and spirit of Nadal (as well as Djokovic's net touch at a crucial moment) allowed Nadal to eventually close out the match 9-7 in the deciding set. Afterwards John McEnroe stated this was the highest quality clay court match he had ever witnessed.

1. Novak Djokovic Defeats Stanislas Wawrinka 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 12-10 - Australian Open Fourth Round

 Considered by most as the match of the tournament, the fourth round encounter between once again Novak Djokovic and the Swiss number two Stanislas Wawrinka  even outshone the Federer v Murray match in the semifinals. Incredibly even Djokovic clinching his third Aussie Open crown provided merely the footnote to this encounter.  With blistering shot making and grueling rallies, this match had it all. Ending at 1:41am on Monday morning, the Sunday night blockbuster lasted five hours and two minutes.

“Especially I was dealing with myself all the five hours, trying to always find solutions, trying to always fight against me and against him to stay with him. At the end I was really, really close. For sure I'm really sad. But I think there is more positive than negative.” - Wawrinka reflecting on his loss to the then world number 1.