ATP Race to London rankings: Who will qualify for the World Tour Finals? Mon, October 16, 2017 Roger Federer has edged closer to Rafael Nadal in the ATP Race to London rankings after cruising to victory in the Shanghai Masters final.The superstar duo are both enjoying terrific seasons in 2017, making the most of several high profile injuries and dominating the world rankings.Federer will add an extra 1,000 points to his tally, significantly reducing the gap between himself and Nadal.The Swiss star was dominant throughout the final in China, winning 6-4 6-3 to seal his 94th career title. Federer is the only man who can stop Nadal, a winner of this year's French and US Open championships, from ending the season as world number one.Speaking to Sky … [Read more...] about ATP Race to London rankings: Latest points standings as Federer wins Shanghai Masters
Tennis
Maria Sharapova wins first title since return from doping ban
Maria Sharapova has clinched her first WTA title since returning from a drugs ban after beating Aryna Sabalenka to win the Tianjin Open. The five-time grand slam champion, a tournament wildcard, overcame Belarusian teenager Sabalenka 7-5 7-6 (10/8) in a straight-sets victory on Sunday. Sharapova, who made her comeback in April, is celebrating her first title since she won the Italian Open back in May 2015. It is Sharapova's first tournament win in 29 months (Getty) Sharapova trailed world number 102 Sabalenka 4-1 and 5-1 in the first and second sets. But the 30-year-old Russian, who did not drop a set en route to Sunday's final, fought back on each occasion to claim her first title in 29 months. Sharapova served a 15-month ban after she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium. The former world number one was denied a wild card for the French Open, before missing Wimbledon through injury. She was granted a wild card for the US Open and reached the fourth round … [Read more...] about Maria Sharapova wins first title since return from doping ban
Nadal could hand Federer advantage in race for No 1 after latest development following Shanghai loss
Rafael Nadal confirmed that he was carrying a knee injury during his Shanghai Masters final loss to Roger Federer, but refused to blame the injury for his performance that saw him go down in straight sets to his long-time rival.Nadal had almost blitzed through the field on his way to the final and was seeking his second title in China following his win in Beijing the previous week, but went down tamely 6-4, 6-3 to the Swiss ace on Sunday (15 October).The world number one, who was seeking his seventh title of the season refused to blame his performance on his bad knee, which was strapped up. He also indicated that it was not a problem that concerns him, but hinted that he could skip the upcoming event in Basel.Nadal was expected to play the remaining three tournaments in Basel, Paris and the ATP Finals in London, but his latest setback could see him focus his attention on the Paris Masters and the finals in the English capital."I don't want to talk about that [the strapping on his knee] … [Read more...] about Nadal could hand Federer advantage in race for No 1 after latest development following Shanghai loss
Roger Federer beats Rafa Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters… aged 36
ROGER Federer got one over his old rival Rafa Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday in a showdown between the two best players on the planet. It was a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl, and closes the gap on world No1 Nadal at the top of the rankings as the season reaches its conclusion. In-form Nadal was ahead in their overall record down the years, with 23 wins to Federer’s 14, but he was up against it almost right away. Number two Federer put Nadal under the cosh immediately on the Spaniard’s serve, breaking him in the first game — to roars of approval from the majority inside the arena. The 36-year-old Swiss, fondly known as “Cow” in China for his laid-back personality, had started the better and he rattled through his own service game for 2-0. Federer, a 19-time Grand Slam champion who had beaten Nadal in their last four encounters, was in full flow under the Qizhong Tennis Center roof, which … [Read more...] about Roger Federer beats Rafa Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters… aged 36
Rafael Nadal makes admission after defeat to Roger Federer in Shanghai Masters final
Nadal, who won the China Open last weekend, lost in straight sets in the Shanghai Masters final to Federer earlier today - 6-4, 6-3.Federer produced a superlative display, firing 10 aces to land his 94th career title on the ATP Tour.The Swiss, who has only lost four times this calendar year, is the only man who can pip Nadal to the world number one spot, even though he admitted it is a “long shot”.And Nadal is adamant he can never stop improving. Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal rivalry in Grand Slam finals Sun, October 15, 2017 There is room to improve for me, and I’m going to try Rafael Nadal … [Read more...] about Rafael Nadal makes admission after defeat to Roger Federer in Shanghai Masters final
Roger Federer reveals new-found secret to beating Rafael Nadal after Shanghai Masters win
Roger Federer extended his winning streak against Rafael Nadal to five matches with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the Shanghai Masters final.The 36-year-old is beginning to narrow Rafa's head-to-head lead which currently stands at 23-15 in favour of the Spaniard.And Federer has claimed the secret to his new-found success is increasing the size of his racquet head and avoiding playing the 31-year-old on clay."I’ve not played him so much on clay – that’s helped me not lose there," he joked after the win in Shanghai. Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal rivalry in Grand Slam finals Sun, October 15, 2017 "That’s definitely helpful to avoid the entire clay-court season."Other than that I think with the bigger … [Read more...] about Roger Federer reveals new-found secret to beating Rafael Nadal after Shanghai Masters win
Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in straight sets to clinch Shanghai Masters
Roger Federer claimed his sixth title of the year after beating Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday morning (15 August). The Wimbledon champion only needed 72 minutes to dispose of his old foe 6-4 6-3 as he secured his fifth consecutive success against the Spaniard and the fourth this year, meaning he has now beaten Nadal 15 times in 38 meetings. The 36-year-old Swiss has lost only four times this year and was in scintillating form in Shanghai, sending down 10 aces to secure the 94th title of a glittering career, moving him level with Ivan Lendl in terms of Open era titles. With 109, only American Jimmy Connors has secured more titles in the Open era than Federer and Lendl. Sunday's was the 24th time Federer and Nadal met in a final and the former started on the front foot, breaking the latter's service in the opening game to take control of the first set from the start. Federer then secured his early service hold with three aces and … [Read more...] about Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in straight sets to clinch Shanghai Masters
ATP Rankings: Roger Federer set to close gap on Rafael Nadal after Shanghai Masters win
ATP Race to London rankings: Who will qualify for the World Tour Finals? Sun, October 15, 2017 Roger Federer will edge closer to Rafael Nadal in the ATP rankings after cruising to victory in the Shanghai Masters final.The superstar duo are both enjoying terrific seasons in 2017, making the most of several high profile injuries and dominating the world rankings.Federer will add an extra 1,000 points to his tally, significantly reducing the gap between himself and Nadal.The Swiss star was dominant throughout the final in China, winning 6-4 6-3 to seal his 94th career title.CLICK TO REVEAL THE CURRENT ATP RANKINGS BEFORE THE SHANGHAI MASTERS UPDATE. … [Read more...] about ATP Rankings: Roger Federer set to close gap on Rafael Nadal after Shanghai Masters win
Roger Federer reveals how he dominated Rafael Nadal in Shanghai Masters final
Federer battered Nadal and won 6-4 6-3 in straight sets with a brilliant display.Nadal didn’t get a look in and didn’t even have a break point through the game to test.And Federer admits he was in great form and started perfectly.“I played a great match today with hardly any mistakes," said Federer."It was very clear for me how I had to play and I was able to do it for the one hour and 12 minutes that I was out there. I played a great match today with hardly any mistakes Roger Federer "I started perfectly and kept the pressure on before creating more opportunities on the return, stayed on the offensive, and then also pull back at the right times to make sure Rafa could make some errors on his own and that is exactly what happened."Federer is the only man who can stop Nadal, a winner of this year's French and US Open championships, from ending the season as world number … [Read more...] about Roger Federer reveals how he dominated Rafael Nadal in Shanghai Masters final
Maria Sharapova secures first WTA title in over two years with Tianjin Open victory
The former world number one, who returned to the tour in April following a 15-month doping ban, started the stronger, breaking Sabalenka in her opening service game, but struggled on serve and soon found herself trailing 4-1 in the first set.At 4-2 the Russian managed to hold serve for the first time before taking the score to 4-3 on her fourth break point to get back on serve.Her nerves settled, Sharapova began to hit her stride, breaking Sabalenka again to go 6-5 up before closing out the set.Sabalenka came back in the second set opening up a 5-1 lead before serving to send the match into a decider, but Sharapova once again fought back to erase the deficit.The 30-year-old broke Sabalenka twice in succession and held her nerve when facing a set point on serve at 5-4 to level things up, and broke the Belarusian to give herself the chance to serve out the match at 6-5.But there was more drama to come. The Russian, who sent down seven aces during the contest, double faulted when facing a … [Read more...] about Maria Sharapova secures first WTA title in over two years with Tianjin Open victory
Roger Federer admits 2017 has stunned him after beating Rafael Nadal in Shanghai
Federer put in a sublime display to beat great rival Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 in straight sets to seal his 94th career title.Federer has now won six titles and two Grand Slams this season and admits he didn’t think he’d do so well.“Almost to this day, Rafa and myself, we were in Majorca and opened the Rafa Nadal academy and we didn’t think we’d have the year we did, I definitely didn’t,” Federer said. “So it’s nice to share this court with you today and hopefully there’s more to come in he tournaments we’ve got left. “It’s been a pleasure to play against you today.” ATP Race to London rankings: Who will qualify for the World Tour Finals? Sun, October 15, 2017 … [Read more...] about Roger Federer admits 2017 has stunned him after beating Rafael Nadal in Shanghai
Rafael Nadal sends Roger Federer a message after Shanghai Masters final defeat
Federer beat Nadal 6-3 4 6-3 in a brutal display.Federer put in a sublime display to beat great rival Nadal and seal his 94th career title.Nadal was broken in the first game and twice in the second set.He didn’t get a break opportunity the whole game such was Federer’s dominance.And afterwards Nadal simply had congratulations for Federer. You’ve had a great year and today you played a fantastic match, so well done. Many congratulations. Rafael Nadal to Roger Federer "I want to congratulate Roger,” he said. “You’ve had a great year and today you played a fantastic match, so well done. Many congratulations.”And Federer admits he was surprised by the year he’s had. ATP Race to London rankings: Who will qualify for the World Tour Finals? Sun, October 15, 2017 … [Read more...] about Rafael Nadal sends Roger Federer a message after Shanghai Masters final defeat
Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal to win Shanghai Masters title
Roger Federer has defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets to win the Shanghai Masters title. The Swiss at his brilliant best was far too good for his old rival with the world number one going down in straight sets 6-4 6-3 in just an hour and 12 minutes. The victory, a 15th of his career over the Spaniard and a fourth of 2017, makes it 94 career titles for the 36-year-old and ends Nadal's 16-match winning streak this year. show all Federer's maiden crown came after beating Mark Philippoussis in the final … [Read more...] about Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal to win Shanghai Masters title
Roger Federer beats Rafa Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters 6-4, 6-3
ROGER Federer got one over his old rival Rafa Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday in a showdown between the two best players on the planet. It was a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl, and closes the gap on world No1 Nadal at the top of the rankings as the season reaches its conclusion. In-form Nadal was ahead in their overall record down the years, with 23 wins to Federer’s 14, but he was up against it almost right away. Number two Federer put Nadal under the cosh immediately on the Spaniard’s serve, breaking him in the first game — to roars of approval from the majority inside the arena. The 36-year-old Swiss, fondly known as “Cow” in China for his laid-back personality, had started the better and he rattled through his own service game for 2-0. Federer, a 19-time Grand Slam champion who had beaten Nadal in their last four encounters, was in full flow under the Qizhong Tennis Center roof, which … [Read more...] about Roger Federer beats Rafa Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters 6-4, 6-3
Rafael Nadal makes bizarre demand to umpire during Roger Federer clash at Shanghai Masters
The world no.1 was left frustrated by the electric machine that ajudicates on let decisions in the ATP Masters 1000 event.In the opening exchanges of the match, the device appeared to be ultra sensitive with Nadal believing it was going off incorrectly.That came to a head in the seventh game of the match when he was serving at 30-15 up.Nadal delivered a swinging serve out wide to the Roger Federer backhand that caused the device to go off - despite the ball not touching the net.It prompted the angry Spaniard to shake his head and tell the umpire to turn the machine off.Sky Sports commentator Mark Petchey said "Rafa just said turn it off" while his co-pundit Peter Fleming joked "turn it off, technology?"The decision especially didn't help the Spaniard's mood given he was already a break down.It is unclear whether the umpire acted on Nadal's request. Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal rivalry in Grand Slam finals Sun, October 15, 2017 … [Read more...] about Rafael Nadal makes bizarre demand to umpire during Roger Federer clash at Shanghai Masters
Roger Federer hammers Rafael Nadal in Shanghai Masters final to secure 94th career title
Federer beat Nadal for the fifth time in a row to secure his 94th career title.Federer won 6-4 6-3 in a blistering performance in China. He didn’t face one break point and was simply unstoppable.Nadal had no answer to the Swiss. The Spaniard started slowly and was broken in the opening game of the match.And it was all Federer needed to edge the first set. His serve so precise he managed to wrap up the first set with little fuss. ATP Race to London rankings: Who will qualify for the World Tour Finals? Mon, October 9, 2017 Federer got the break in the second in the fifth game to make it 3-2 and from there it was only ever going one way.He broke again in the final game of the match to wrap things up.FULL REPORT … [Read more...] about Roger Federer hammers Rafael Nadal in Shanghai Masters final to secure 94th career title
Rafael Nadal has no idea how to beat Roger Federer – Greg Rusedski
Nadal went down to Federer in straight sets in the Shanghai Masters final as the Swiss legend pulled off the perfect display.Federer didn't give his old rival a sniff of his serve - Nadal had no break point chances - and he closed the game out in just 1hr 12mins.Nadal still leads the head-to-head record 23-15 but Sky Sports pundit Rusedski believes Federer now has the secret to churn out wins.He said: "The court was too quick for Rafa, it didn't buy him any time. Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal rivalry in Grand Slam finals Sun, October 15, 2017 "If you're going to beat Roger Federer at the moment, you have to be able to make a hole through him."We saw yesterday the big serve and forehand from Del Potro pushed Roger around … [Read more...] about Rafael Nadal has no idea how to beat Roger Federer – Greg Rusedski
Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal stopped by POLICE during middle of Shanghai Masters final
The dozy duo were caught walking around the stands before Federer served instead of taking their seats.Federer was a set and a break up - he led 6-4 4-3 - before he took to the baseline to extend his advantage.The pair, both wearing full police uniforms, couldn't work out why the Swiss legend was serving at first.But it took Nadal, Federer and the umpire all to look at them before they realised they were to blame.They swiftly scuttled down the stairs before sheepishly taking their seats to watch the final moments of the match.The short delay couldn't disrupt Federer who was in imperious form to take a 6-4 6-3 win to lift the Shanghai Masters title.Sky Sports pundit Greg Rusedski said: Sky Sports pundit Greg Rusedski said: "The court was too quick for Rafa, it didn't buy him any time."If you're going to beat Roger at the moment, you have to be able to make a hole through him."We saw yesterday the big serve and forehand from Del Potro pushed Roger around but Roger found a way. … [Read more...] about Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal stopped by POLICE during middle of Shanghai Masters final
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rumours, this is what I’ve heard – Greg Rusedski
Sky Sports pundit Rusedski got wind of the fact the roof of the court in Beijing would be shut today.And that's convinced him to the fact that Federer will come out on top in the ATP Masters 1000 event.Rusedski said: "I'm convinced he'll win - and it's because of a few factors we talked about like the roof being closed. Federer indoors is five and one. Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal rivalry in Grand Slam finals Sun, October 15, 2017 "The rumour I'm hearing is the roof is closed."If it was outdoors it's 8-5 to Rafa - although Roger has won the last three."Tactically, Nadal had a game-plan to beat Roger Federer. Serve to the backhand, chip it and I'll dictate and break Federer down."But Federer doesn't allow that anymore. … [Read more...] about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rumours, this is what I’ve heard – Greg Rusedski
Rafael Nadal INCHES from hitting Roger Federer round the head with racket
The famous old rivals were pairing up with one another for Team Europe in the doubles at the Laver Cup against the Rest of the World.Federer was serving and he fired a rocket down the tee which had opponent Sam Querrey, who was playing with Jack Sock, scrambling.American Querrey, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon this year, managed to get a racket on it but he could only lob the return high into mid court.It was an easy putaway for either Nadal or Federer except there was just one problem - they couldn't decide who was having it.Federer called early but Nadal seemingly ignored the man he's met 37 times in some of the best games in tennis history.As Federer advanced towards the net, Nadal refused to budge and he wound up for an overhead smash.ROGER FEDERER VS RAFAEL NADAL: UPDATES FROM SHANGHAI MASTERS FINALFortunately, at the last minute Federer pulled out and ducked for cover as the Spaniard put away the point. Roger Federer v Rafael … [Read more...] about Rafael Nadal INCHES from hitting Roger Federer round the head with racket
