Top 10 Doubles Matches Of 2016 - UBITENNIS
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Top 10 Doubles Matches Of 2016

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Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez's Olympic match tops the list (SkySports)

Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez’s Olympic match tops the list (SkySports)

There have been some amazing doubles matches throughout 2016, here we are going to separate the best from the rest.

In doubles you need good communication, reflexes and good understanding of the mechanics of a good doubles match. You need to know when your going to make your move at the net and when to attack and defend. Are you going to be a defensive team or an attacking team? Also knowing your partner’s game is essential in order to become a successful team. We are going to look at the ten best doubles matches of 2016 and how this year’s world class doubles teams use the above attributes to put in such spectacular matches. So let’s get to our countdown…

10. Oliver Marach and Fabrice Martin def Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan – 3-6 7-6(7) [13-11] – Delray Beach Final

We start our countdown with a classic ATP world tour final between Olivier Marach and Fabrice Martin of Austria and France taking on the best team of all time Bob and Mike Bryan of the USA, you will see the twins a lot in this countdown. This was a fantastic match which saw both teams pushed to their limits. Marach/Martin, who would go onto win two doubles titles took the match to the American twins and even beat them at their own game. After saving match point in the second set tiebreak and going down 9-5 in the champions tiebreak, they came back to win 13-11 in the final set and become the champions. It was the first of many signs that the Bryan brothers showed they were vulnerable in 2016.

9. Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan def Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco – 6-3 5-7 [10-8]- Indian Wells First Round

Once again we are talking about the Bryan Brothers in a classic match, this time they took on Spanish singles specialists, Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco. It was a classic late night match which saw an electric Californian crowd stay up late to see this epic doubles match. Both teams produced hot shots to stun the local crowd however it was the Bryan Brothers who had the momentum in the final set tiebreak and managed to edge out the thrilling match. This was a confidence booster for the American twins, while the Spaniard’s would go on to have some success themselves especially Nadal who will appear later on in the countdown.

8. Henri Kontinen and John Peers def Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram – 2-6 6-1 [10-8] – ATP World Tour Finals, Final

At number eight in our countdown is the final match of the 2016 season that took place in London between Henri Kontinen and John Peers taking on Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram. It was a big serving and big hitting affair which saw both team dominate in their respective sets. The final set saw both teams produce their very best tennis in a tense and tight match, however Raven Klaasen’s mistake allowed the Finnish-Australian pair to make history and win the season ending championship. Klaasen was in tears after the match as he brought the 2016 season to a Dissapointing end for him. However Kontinen and Peers deserved the victory as they proved to be the hottest team in the last few months of the season, and will be the team to watch in 2017.

7. Vasek Pospisil and Jack Sock def Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez – 4-6 6-3 [12-10] – Indian Wells, Semi Finals

Number seven on our countdown was a controversial contest between Canada’s Vasek Pospisil and USA’ Jack Sock taking on Spaniard’s Feliciano and Marc Lopez (unrelated). The match saw a perfect difference in styles with attack v defence. It was a great match which saw high entertainment for the crowd, and the match was decided by an umpiring decision which saw Marc Lopez go crazy over. This would swing the match in the North American duo’s favour and they took the match 12-10 in the tiebreak. Despite Marc Lopez not being happy with Carlos Bernades it was a classic semifinal and will be remembered as one of the best doubles matches of the season.

6. Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig def Pierre-Hughes Herbert and Nicolas Mahut – 7-6(6) 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 – Davis Cup, Semi Finals

Number six on the list sees the anticipated doubles rubber between Croatia and France take place. It was a match that had a lot on the line with both teams knowing that a win would give their team the advantage for taking their place in the Davis Cup final. The quality of the match was at a high aggressive standard with the Croatian pair edging out their French opponents in four sets. Croatia would advance into the final, while French duo Herbert and Mahut would see their doubles standard slip in the second half of the season. The atmosphere and the aggressive doubles play is one of the main reasons for this match making the list.

5. Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez def Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan – 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 – Roland Garros, Final

Making it into our top five, is the Roland Garros final between Feliciano and Marc Lopez as they took on the Bryan Brothers. The match provided the Parisian crowd with great clay court tennis, with the defensive team taking on the volleyers and more aggressive style of play. The slow surface favoured the Spaniard’s as they fought off a comeback from their American opponents to win their first grand slam. It was nothing short of a grand slam classic and here are some highlights of why this match reached number five on my list:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvTBk8oQt0Y

4. Eduoard Roger-Vasselin and Nenad Zimonjic def Bob and Mike Bryan – 4-6 6-1 [14-12] – Indian Wells, Quarter Finals

Number four on the countdown is the Indian Wells Quarterfinal between Eduord Roger-Vasselin and Julien Benneteau as they beat Bob and Mike Bryan. This was another classic match involving the Bryan Brothers and they looked to be in control of the match when they were 9-2 ahead in the final set tiebreak. However the French-Serbian pair saved eight match points and pulled the comeback of the year to advance into the semifinals. It was a classic example of the American duo showing their vulnerability on the tennis court and their opponents taking advantage. It was one of the best matches of the year, and makes a well deserved place on this list.

3. Julian Benneteau and Eduoard Roger-Vasselin def Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares – 6-4 6-4 6-7(11) 6-7(1) 10-8 – Wimbledon, Semi Finals

Onto the top three now and at our bronze medal position is the Wimbledon Semifinal, where French duo Julian Benneteau and Eduoard Roger-Vasselin won a classic and thrilling contest against Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares. Despite going two sets up the British-Brazilian pair grabbed two tight tiebreaks to pull themselves back into the match. The match pushed both teams to dig into their energy reserves and it was Murray and Soares who couldn’t hold their nerve and the French duo won the last set ten games to eight. This was a classic example of a thrilling grass court contest which entertained the London crowd and as a result will go down as one of the best matches of the year.

2. Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares def Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek – 2-6 6-4 7-5 – Australian Open, Final

Runners up on our contest sees the Australian Open final between Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares win their first grand slam as a pair as they defeated Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek. It was a match of big serving and great shot making by all four men on the court. However in the end after 2 hours and 19 minutes it was Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares who won an enthralling contest. Murray and Soares went on to win another grand slam and become the number one team in the world, this match was a benchmark of what they could achieve and that is why it is on the list.

1. Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez def Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau – 6-2 3-6 6-4 – Olympic, Final

So number one on our list is the Olympic final as Spain took on Romania. Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez took on Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau in a tense affair. The Spaniard’s started out strong outpowering their opposition. However the Romanians started to gain control and were a break up in the final set. However Marc Lopez used his insane lobbing skills to gain momentum and before you know it they were Olympic champions. It was a tense and atmospheric occasion which typified the Olympic and doubles spirit and for this reason it goes on top of the list as the best doubles match of 2016.

So that was our ten best doubles matches of 2016, We can’t wait for what classic matches 2017 has to bring. We look forward to Australia on New Years Day.

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Team World One Win Away From Victory in Laver Cup

Team World take a huge 10-2 lead over Team Europe heading into the final day

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Image via Laver Cup twitter

After losing the first four editions of the Laver Cup, Team World look set to win the event for a second time as the event reaches its conclusion tomorrow.

 

Team World Captain John McEnroe was thrilled with the day’s results but warned against complacency: “We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing. The job’s not done but we’re pretty close.”

American duo Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe both earned straight sets wins over Andrey Rublev and Hubert Hurkacz, while Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton beat Hurkacz and Gael Monfils.

“I want to play well for the guys,” said Tiafoe after his singles victory. “I played really well tonight. Just being in a team environment is so foreign to us as tennis players, it’s such an individual sport.”

After winning his third singles match in three appearances at the Laver Cup, Fritz was also motivated to do well:

“Yesterday, all the guys played really well. I felt that and wanted to come out on court and show what I can do. That definitely motivated me. Any type of team environment, I feel like it always elevates my game. I feel like my record in team events is really strong because I have a team cheering for me. I get pumped up. I’m excited to play for them. It just adds more pressure and fire to it. I think I play better in those situations.”

The doubles was a typically dynamic and feisty affair, and after the match Shelton was full of praise for his partner:

“It’s amazing, when you play with a guy who serves and returns like Felix, is as athletic as him, and goes back for the overhead as strong as him, it’s a fun time,” said Shelton. “We call him ‘Laver Cup Felix’ because he turns into something special this week, just glad I got to share the court with him at least once.”

Auger-Aliassime returned the compliments: “The best comes out of me when I’m playing not only for myself but for team-mates. Ben carried me through the end of that match, it was tough for me to get it done.”

Casper Ruud, meanwhile, beat Tommy Paul for Europe’s only points so far.

Matches on the final day are worth three points each – meaning that Team Europe would have to win all four remaining matches to prevent Team World from winning the trophy.

Results:
T. Fritz def A. Rublev 6-2, 7-6
F. Tiafoe def H. Hurkacz 7-5, 6-3
F. Auger-Aliassime & B. Shelton def H.Hurkacz & G. Monfils 7-5, 6-4
C. Ruud def T. Paul 7-6, 6-2

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ATP RANKINGS UPDATE: Novak Djokovic, No.1 once more

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After the US Open the Serbian champion reclaims top spot. Alexander Zverev is back in the Top 10

 

By Roberto Ferri

Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion”

Rudy Tomjanovich coined this maxim just after his Houston Rockets won the NBA championship in 1995. He was paying homage to Akeem Holajuwon. It perfectly suits the heart of Daniil Medvedev, who proved 99% of tennis fans in the world to be wrong, convinced as they were that he would lose the semifinal to former No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

But his dream to win a second US Open, after his triumph in 2021, was shattered by another champion, whose heart and class is even greater: that’s Novak Djokovic, who affixes his seal on his return to No.1, equalling Margaret Court Smith’s record of 24 majors.

Djokovic dethroning Alcaraz is not the only change in the top 20: Sascha Zverev is back in the top 10 after almost one year and Ben Shelton, great protagonist of the Us Open, debuts in the top 20 best players in the world.

TOP 20

PositionPlayerCountryPts+/-
1DjokovicSerbia117951
2AlcarazSpain8535-1
3MedvedevRussia7280
4RuneDenmark4710 
5TsitsipasGreece46152
6RublevRussia45152
7SinnerItaly4465-1
8FritzUSA39551
9RuudNorway3560-4
10ZverevGermany30302
11TiafoeUSA2690-1
12de MinaurAustralia26851
13PaulUSA26601
14Auger-AliassimeCanada23401
15KhachanovRussia2135-4
16HurkaczPoland20351
17NorrieGB1985-1
18MusettiItaly1925 
19SheltonUSA173528
20DimitrovBulgaria1735-1

A few comments:

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrei Rublev and Alexander Zverev gain 2 positions.

Ben Shelton devours 28 positions.

Sinner, Tiafoe, Norrie and Dimitrov lose one.

Casper Ruud and Karen Khachanov, runner up and semi-finalist respectively  at the 2022 US  Open, drop 4 positions.

One step forward for Fritz, de Minaur, Paul, Auger-Aliassime and Hurkacz.

ATP NITTO FINALS

From 12 to 19 November the 8 best players of the ranking based on the points earned in the ongoing solar season will be playing the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.

Will Novak Djokovic succeed in winning a second straight title? He appears to be heading in the right direction.

RankPlayerCountryPts+/-
1DjokovicSerbia89451
2AlcarazSpagna8175-1
3MedvedevRussia6590 
4SinnerItalia4365 
5RublevRussia36401
6TsitsipasGrecia3570-1
7RuneDenmark3055 
8ZverevGermania3030 
9FritzUSA3010 
10RuudNorway2625 

Thanks to his triumph at the US Open the Serbian overtakes Alcaraz also in the Race to Turin.

Jannik Sinner holds fourth spot while Andrei Rublev overtakes Stefanos Tsitsipas and is now fifth.

The eighth position is occupied by Alexander Zverev.

Last year runner up, Casper Ruud is currently 10th. This means he would feature in Turin as a reserve.

ATP NEXT GENERATION FINALS

The Next Gen Finals, dedicated to the best under 21s, (8 effectives and 2 reserves) of the season will take place this year in Gedda, Saudi Arabia.

The 2022 winner, Brandon Nakashima, will not be defending his title, since he was born in 2001.

PositionPlayerCountryPtsYOB ATP rank
1AlcarazSpain817520032
2RuneDenmark305520034
3SheltonUSA1455200219
4MusettiItaly1300200218
5FilsFrance953200444
6Van AsscheFrance597200469
7StrickerSwitzerland576200290
8MichelsenUSA4922004117
9MedjedovicSerbia4852003121
10CazauxFrance4552002130
11CobolliItaly4052002132
12Llamas RuizSpain3702002133

Taking for granted that Alcaraz and, most likely Rune, will be playing the ATP Finals, we have included in the chart the 12 current top under 21s.

BEST RANKING

Besides Ben Shelton, other 11 players have achieved their career highest this week.

We tribute a double applause to the four players who are making their debut in the top 100.

The 25-year-old Croatian Borna Gojo, 22-year-old Australian Rinky Hijkata and the Swiss next gen Dominic Stricker all reap the reward for their brilliant runs at the US Open. Seyboth Wild, the Brazilian who stunned Medvedev in the first round of Roland Garros leaps to No.76 after winning the Challenger in Como last week.

PlayerPositionCountryProgress
Shelton19USA28
Jarry22Chile3
Baez28Argentina4
Fils44France4
Arnaldi47Italy14
Altmaier49Germany4
O’Connell53Australia16
Seyboth Wild76Brazil30
Gojo77Croatia28
Watanuki78Japan7
Mmoh81USA8
Hijkata83Australia27
Stricker90Switzerland38

Translated by Kingsley Elliot Kaye

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COMMENT: Novak Djokovic Proves His Greatness At US Open

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Love him, or hate him. But respect him.

 

No tennis player has ever been better than Novak Djokovic.

Even Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have to take their hats off to Novak, and admire him.

Now that Rafa and Roger have left Djokovic on his own stage at least for now, tennis fans love Novak.

DJOKOVIC WENT ONE STEP FURTHER

Djokovic’s performance on Sunday evening in the U.S. Open final was simply amazing. Daniil Medvedev also played his heart out, but Djokovic went one step further. He was sensational.

It was a thrill-a-minute three-set match. It lasted well into the night after starting at mid-afternoon. The second set alone lasted 104 minutes.

Djokovic was the winner, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3, but New York still loves 2021 champion Medvedev.

A FOURTH AND 24TH TITLE, AND A 24 TRIBUTE

At 36, the oldest U.S. Open men’s champion ever, Djokovic obviously has a special place in his heart for the number four. It’s the number of times he has won this tournament and the 24th time he has won a Grand Slam title.

The number 24 also was displayed prominently on the white jacket. Novak, his team members and family wore for the victory celebration as a tribute to the No. 24 jersey of deceased friend Kobe Bryant.

Djokovic lost his footing at least three times in the tight second set, stumbling to the surface once, apparently due to the length of the rallies.

Djokovic could look like he was almost completely wiped out of it physically one minute, and then play like Superman the next minute.

THREE POINTS MAY HAVE BEEN DECISIVE

Both men played great tennis, especially in the thrill-a-second second set in which Medvedev gained one set point in the 12th game before Djokovic recovered to force a tiebreaker.

Medvedev appeared to be in charge after out-playing Novak to win one of his drop shots to take a 5-4 lead in the tiebreaker. The match may have been decided on the next three points, all won by Djokovic on errors by the 6-6 Russian.

The big question now is what happens next January in the Australian Open. Right now, Djokovic probably wants to play . . . and win what has been his favorite tournament as far as success. But things can change quickly for players in their mid-30s. Just ask Roger or Rafa.

James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

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