Swinging Showstoppers…The Top Seven Most Entertaining Players on the ATP World Tour

While the sport of tennis is generally a ‘quiet’ game in which fans and players are often encouraged to be as silent as possible, the result is that there clearly isn’t much variety in the way of outgoing, crowd-pleasing performers that realize they are as much an entertainer as an athlete.

Unless it’s the annual U.S. Open (where almost anything goes), or either a Davis Cup or Fed Cup showdown, tennis players and their fans are often chided for any sort of behavior that may be deemed as overly outgoing and not conforming to the ‘tennis norm’. 

Well, on the eve of the 2014 Wimbledon Championships, I started thinking about just which ATP World Tour players are the most entertaining performers in the game today.

Thanks to a bit of assistance from two current title-winning tournament players and several other trusted tennis colleagues, I have come up with a fun-filled list of the seven most entertaining players on the ATP World Tour today.

Whether their entertainment value comes from jaw-dropping athleticism or audience-stirring emotion, these seven ATP World Tour ‘showstoppers’ know exactly how to please a crowd better than any of their current contemporaries.

With that said and the 2014 tennis season rolling right along, let’s get started.

7. Mikhail Youzhny

Now ranked 14th in the world, former World No. 8 Mikhail Youzhny is undoubtedly one of the better and certainly more entertaining ATP World Tour players today. The fiery 31-year-old Russian is as demonstrative as they come and will always be remembered for one of the most bizarre sights in tennis history despite being one of the few players in recent tour history to reach the quarterfinals or better in all four Grand Slam tournaments.

You see, not only is Youzhny known for his often dramatic shot-making and crowd-pleasing persona, but he is also remembered for bashing his head with a racquet during a 2008 Miami Masters match against Spaniard Nicolás Almagro.

Down 4-5 in the final set, Youzhny missed an easy return before making an angry gesture to no one in particular. Quickly thereafter, the 2010 US Open semifinalist began bashing his head with his own racquet and drawing blood from his forehead.

The best part however is that Youzhny then went on to put a convincing smackdown on the underachieving Almagro by winning the next seven points, an ensuing tiebreaker and ultimately, the entire match.

See my guy, Mikhail Youzhny and his ‘head-bash’ right here!

6. Roger Federer

I have absolutely no idea where to start when it comes to the brand of entertainment that only World No. 8 Roger Federer can provide. Unlike some of the other performers on this list however, Fed’s entertainment factors comes solely from his on-court excellence and not much else in the way of histrionics. One minute, the incomparable Federer is hitting the same forehand ‘tracer’ that has made him the game’s greatest player ever, the next, he’s faking out fans – and cameramen across the globe – with one of his inimitable drop-shots. H…and did I forget to mention the jaw-dropping ‘tweeners’ Federer become almost synonymous with in recent years? No matter what stroke he’s hitting, the sweet-swinging Swiss superstar is good for at least a half-dozen oohs and aahs each and every time he takes the court.

5. Marcos Baghdatis

While he’s fallen on a bit of hard times recently, World No. 129 Marcos ‘Big Smiling’ Baghdatis is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining players on tour today. From his often incredible displays of shot-making to his overall fun-loving, crowd-including ways, not many players can please an audience like the wildly popular Cyprian can.

4. Novak Djokovic

While Novak Djokovic has undoubtedly lost a lot of the fun-filled ‘Djoker’ personality that used to reside within the affable Serbian a few years back, watching Djokovic play today is still quite entertaining to say the least. Whether he’s pulling off one of the patented sliding shots (on a hard court no less) he’s now made famous or whether he’s letting out a deafening roar following a stunning winner, watching Novak Djokovic is about as entertaining as it gets tennis fans.

3. Alexandr Dolgopolov

If you haven’t seen the talented, but still wildly inconsistent, Alexandr Dolgopolov, then you have no idea what you’re missing tennis fans. The 25-year-old from Kiev, Ukraine reminds me a lot of his new coach, Fabrice ‘The Magician’ Santoro in the sense that he has – and uses – every shot in the book.

From his one-of-a-kind serve to his whippet-like groundstrokes – and inimitable spinning slices – Dolgopolov is simply pleasing to watch play the game of tennis. While Dolgopolov can often concentrate a bit too much on looking cute and flashy and not enough on actually winning points, the fact of the matter is that there aren’t many players that can make an audience gasp in amazement like the fleet-footed Dolgopolov can.

2. Rafael Nadal

He may have lost the 2014 Australian Open to newly-minted World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka, but make no mistake about it, World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is still as entertaining as he ever has been. From his almost supernatural ability to ‘hook’ balls around the net posts (often while on the all-out run) and past stunned opponents to his never-say-die attitude to get to every ball, no one can do many of the things that the fiery Spaniard does. Make no mistake about it, even the hardest of hard core Roger Federer fans can appreciate the incomparable entertainment value that any Rafael Nadal match offers.

1. Gael Monfils

I’m not sure how many coaches World No. 30 Gael Monfils has driven absolutely bonkers with his unmatched athletic prowess – and absolutely boneheaded on-court decision-making, but I do know one thing…and that’s the fact that no player on the planet is as entertaining as the electrifying 27-year-old Frenchman.

While it’s no secret that Monfils may never fulfill his legitimate grand slam potential because of his unwillingness to move forward, the fact of the matter is that no player routinely runs down balls or hits as many crowd-pleasing shots as Gael Monfils does.

Five Things All Tennis Players Can Learn from Rafael Nadal

You know, it’s pretty ironic that I’m writing this ‘Five Things’ column on ATP World No. 1 Rafael Nadal just a couple of days after whimsically watching some YouTube videos of the ‘Running of the Bulls’ in Pamplona, Spain.

Why is it so ironic you ask?

Because I swear, Nadal’s jaw-dropping 2013 campaign was a mirror image of many of those often gory videos I watched today– and it’s not because Rafa played the role of one of the young men running for their literal lives.

No, a year ago, the World’s No. 1 ranked player and reigning 2014 French Open champion, was anything but a wayward victim waiting to happen. Nadal was the ‘bull’ himself, running roughshod over any and all that stood in his way as he climbed back to the top of the sport he’s pretty much dominated ever since picking up a racket as a young child.

Despite his surprising loss to newly-minted World No.3 Stan Wawrinka in the 2014 Australian Open Finals, Nadal has won a stunning seven of the last 13 singles grand slam titles.

Having said all of this, there are certainly more than a few things tennis aficionados across the globe can learn from the fiery southpaw Spaniard.  Thankfully, I have narrowed down Nadal’s vast skill set to five simple things that all tennis players can learn from Nadal – and before you ask, no, his patented ‘butt dig’ isn’t one of them.

Okay, now that you’ve picked yourself up off the floor from laughter, let’s get started with Five Things All Tennis Players Can Learn’ from ATP World No. 1 Rafael Nadal.

Hustle

Just when his opponents think they’ve won a point against him, Nadal comes running from ‘off the television screen’ to not only get to what appeared to be an unreachable ball, but often times, hit a jaw-dropping offensive reply as well. While I’m not suggesting that everyone can turn defense into instant offense like Nadal, I am saying that tennis players everywhere should strive to hustle for every ball just as Nadal does.

There is another component to the ‘hustle’ factor that places sole proprietorship on the player alone and that would be the fact that while footwork and movement can be improved through repetitive exercises, ‘hustle’ can’t exactly be taught. It is a quality that each player has to have within them.

As the lead instructor at Williams’ Sweet Spot Tennis Academy LLC in Schertz, TX, admittedly I have been blessed to work with a multitude of young players that are not only talented, but are extremely hard workers that go all out for each and every ball hit to them. I have however, come across a few players that I couldn’t get to move more than three feet unless I threw Twinkie in front of them.

There are myriad footwork, agility and speed drills that can help you improve your movement, but if you want to learn how to hit all-out winners on the flat-out run like Rafael Nadal, then you’ve got to have the desire to hustle for every ball just like the King of Clay does.

Topspin

While no player on the planet hits with as much topspin off the forehand wing as Rafael Nadal, players everywhere would be wise to observe, imitate and try to incorporate some of the same components Nadal uses to hit his inimitable forehand.

While I’m not suggesting a massive grip change or complete swing shape overhaul, I am saying that players everywhere, especially those that hit flatter groundstrokes, should experiment with creating more topspin, whether through a minor grip change or slight swing shape alteration.

If you’re using a more traditional Continental forehand, try moving over one bevel to a semi-western or, more drastically, a full western forehand. Depending on your level of comfort with each alteration, these changes could be full-time or even part-time depending on what kind of ball is hit to you.

Case in point…while I use a cross between a continental grip and semi-western, I do like to quickly change my grip to something closer to a full western forehand for high balls I hit near shoulder level. This quick adjustment allows me to drive my high forehand with plenty of power while creating more topspin than I usually use for a waist-high ball in order to get the ball back down on the court. The point is, experimenting with your ability to create more topspin on your groundstrokes is always a good thing.

Shot-making

I don’t think I’m making much of a bold statement by saying that Rafael Nadal is arguably the greatest shot-maker in ATP Tour history. I mean, think about it. How many players have you seen routinely hook balls over and around the net posts like Nadal? 

I can honestly say that I can’t count the times that I’ve seen Nadal hit an absurd groundstroke that left me both, slack-jawed and pleasantly bewildered. Now, while it would be asking a bit much to expect ‘normal’ players to duplicate Nadal’s extraordinary ability to consistently pull off unfathomable groundstrokes, the fact of the matter is that tennis players of all ages should look to become proactive shot-makers more so than reactive reply artists.

To improve your shot-making abilities, set up a series of cones or drop-down lines and routinely practice putting balls in both corners or up the middle while adding some ‘on-the-run’ hitting drills. Before long, you’ll see your ability to create opponent-stunning shots increase like never before.

Emotion

Emotion can be both, a good thing and a bad thing depending on how and when you use it tennis fanatics. Here’s a breakdown on when emotion is both, good and bad.

The Good

Many of today’s top players use their emotions to fire themselves up after a big point or outstanding winner, whether it be a groundstroke, serve or volley. For reference, let’s say Nadal is serving at 15-40 and he and his opponent trade a series of searing groundstrokes until Nadal finishes off the point with one of his patented topspin forehands, eliciting one of his patented ‘Vamos’ screams. At this point, you had better believe that the very next point is almost assuredly going to go Rafa’s way. That’s good emotion at its finest.

The Bad

Now, let’s say another player like talented, but mistake-prone Ernests Gulbis is serving at 30-all after a routine groundstroke rally of seven or eight shots and rips a backhand down the line only to see it hit the tape and fall on his side of the net to go down 30-40. Gulbis then lets out a shriek and slumps his shoulders before heading to the ad court for his next serve.

Not only is this clearly ‘bad’ emotion, but Gulbis’ opponent can now sense that he likely has the mental edge for the next point at the very least.  Making things even worse is the fact that this bad emotion can carry over to another few points or even the next few games, effectively, changing the entire outcome of a match.

Keep your emotions more in check and never let your opponent see that you’re struggling mentally. This is often a tough task to accomplish, but improving your ability to control your emotions and withstand pressure is paramount to playing winning tennis like Rafael Nadal does far more often than not.

Down the Line Backhand

While I wouldn’t say that Nadal has the best two-handed backhand in the world, he does possess more ability than most to hit winners off of this wing. I also love the fact that Nadal isn’t afraid to go for winners off the backhand wing, particularly down-the-line, like a lot of players.

Players everywhere would do well to shore up their backhands as much as possible while honing their abilities to go for outright winners down-the-line. Generally, when players have a slight opening down-the-line off of this wing, one of two things happens. Either a winner is hit outright or an unforced error occurs that is likely caused by either hitting into the tape or slightly long.

What makes Rafa’s down-the-line backhand so good is his ability to create an inordinate amount of topspin and clear the extra few inches at the net that aren’t present when going cross-court.

Practice your down the line backhand, both from a ‘set’ position and on the run. You’ll quickly notice that your winners off this wing will increase dramatically as your opponents start to realize they can’t expect a routine cross-court backhand every time they hit to that wing.

By adding all five of these elements to your own game, you’ll increase your chances of winning every match you play, even if you don’t look quite like Rafael Nadal in doing so.

Federer enlists assistance of legendary Edberg!

Roger Federer (L), and Stefan Edberg.

Whether you agree that Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all-time or not (I do), one thing all sports fans can agree upon is that there is not a classier athlete on the face of the planet today.

Having said that…tennis fans everywhere should know that ‘Camp Federer’ just got a tad more sophisticated thanks to the part-time addition of legendary six-time grand slam winner Stefan Edberg, Federer’s acknowledged boyhood idol.

The former Swedish superstar says he was surprised to receive a call from Federer, an even bigger legend in his own right while adding that the all-time slam leader was the only player he make a return to the game for.

"I was very surprised (that Federer asked) because it's so long since I left tennis," he said.

"But I was also very flattered. I've never really thought about coaching and if it had not been Federer doing the asking, honestly, I would not have been interested."

Edberg has already worked with Federer a few days this month at his pseudo-home base in Dubai.

"The idea of the camp was that I would give my views and come up with some feedback. He wants to try some new things," said the serve-and-volley king.

Edberg admitted that he advised Federer to try and end points quicker against the likes of younger superstar baseliners like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic while also adding that he believes Federer can win more majors before he retires.

"Of course I have some comments as to what needs to change and evolve, but it's not the done thing that I sit here and talk about it," he said. "I think he will be coming back. He's a great player and all the pieces are in place, he can definitely win some more grand slam titles."

Personally, I think Federer has made a very intelligent move in seeking some assistance from one of the game’s great serve and volley masters and that any time any athlete is trying new things in order to improve by even the slightest margin – that is most assuredly a good thing!

Novak hires ‘Boom Boom’ Becker…Okay, but why?

It’s nice that ATP World Tour No. 2 Novak Djokovic has hired all-time great Boris Becker to help him get over whatever demons are plaguing him after losing to Rafael Nadal in two of last season’s four majors.

My only question for the clearly gifted and extremely versatile Djokovic is…why?

"He is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge and his experience will help me win new trophies from the Grand Slams and other tournaments," Djokovic said in a statement. "Becker is a great person, too, and I am sure he will fit in our team in the best possible way."

The 46-year-old Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, will travel with Djokovic and other coaches to tournaments, including next month's Australian Open.

Why hire a guy that has both, never coached the game before, particularly when you’ve already won six grand slam titles?

For his part, Becker says he’s more than ready to take on his latest challenge.

"I will do my best to help him reach his goals, and I am sure we can achieve great things together," said Becker, who became the youngest man to win Wimbledon when he was 17 in 1985.

Don’t get me wrong, I can surmise Djokovic made the hire most likely because he lost a bit of his mojo a year ago, particularly against Nadal, but the fact of the matter is that it wasn’t very long ago that Djoker pretty much owned Rafa – and everyone else – en route to a season for the ages.

Besides, it’s not like 2013 was a total loss. Djokovic won his fourth Australian Open title last year and finished the 2013 season ranked No. 2 behind Nadal. Djokovic also already has an unbelievably gifted staff that includes coach Marian Vajda, Miljan Amanovic and Gebhard Phil-Gritsch. Surprisingly, Vajda, who has been working with Djokovic since 2006, said the Serb needed a new head coach to continue improving.

"Becker's assignment will not affect much my position in the team, since I will do all I can for Novak, just like I did before," Vajda said. "On the other hand, choosing Boris as the head coach is a good solution, I am sure we will get along very well, and that Novak will continue to progress."

Once again Eye on Sports readers, I don’t really get what Becker is supposed to add to Djokovic’s already well-rounded game, but hey, if it helps one of the game’s most personable players win at least one more grand slam than he did in 2013, I guess it was worth adding a little Boom Boom even if it was mostly as a morale boost.

Forget About Fed…At Your Own Peril!

While I am admittedly one of the biggest Roger Federer fans on the face of the planet, in no way, do I let that fact cloud my judgment as a longtime member of the media and fully realize that the days of Fed’s total domination, are now, a thing of the past. With so many younger, bigger, stronger and yes, faster, opponents beginning to make names for themselves, Federer will undeniably have a tougher time in winning a major than at any time in his career.

Having said that…I also genuinely believe that Federer can and ultimately will, add at least one more major title to his already impressive cache whether that title comes in 2014 or beyond. While it is true that Federer now faces more top-notch competition than ever, I think it’s also a fact that, outside of NovakDjokovic, Rafael Nadal and a returning Andy Murray, not many tennis fans in their right minds would pick someone other than Federer to hoist one of next season’s four major titles, so basically, people still expect to see Federer in semifinals of majors and that says something in and of itself.

Are these expectations realistic?

I think they are and I can see him managing to reach at least one grand slam final in 2014, if not two.  If you thought this past season was telling as Federer fell to No. 7 in the world, then think again. The fact of the matter is that 2014 will almost assuredly be a far more telling year for the incomparable Roger Federer, whether good or bad. 

Djoker Delivers Message to Rafa and…You Heard it Here First!

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

After seeing World No.2 Novak Djokovic dispatch newly minted World No.1 Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 on Monday to win the 2013 ATP World Tour Finals, I’m going on record to say that Nadal – and everyone else – should be prepared to see a hungry Djokovic at his very best as he looks to regain the No. 1 ranking he lost this season – and his recent string of dominant performances – against Nadal in particular. Djokovic went 3-3 against Nadal this season but Rafa still leads the head-to-head series 22-17.

2014 Aussie Open Prediction!

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic delivered a 

strong message in winning the 2013 ATP 

World Tour Finals this month.

Call me crazy, but I’m picking the Djoker to back up the powerful message he sent to Nadal and everyone else in the World Tour Finals by plowing through his half of the field to meet none other than Roger Federer (okay…or someone else) in the Aussie Open finals, which, by the way, he will win on four commanding sets.

“This was the best possible ending” to the ATP season, said Djokovic, who won his seventh title of the year. “I really feel that now [after the fall run] my season was really good. This is definitely a great confidence boost for the start of next season.”

Novak Djokovic DYK Moment!

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

Did You Know that Novak Djokovic has won 22 consecutive matches since losing to Rafael Nadal in the 2013 U.S. Open Finals?

Five Things All Tennis Players Can Learn From Roger Federer!

If you’re an avid tennis player or dedicated, longtime fan of the sport, then you likely already know all about the incomparable Roger Federer, the sport’s all-time leader in Grand Slam victories and a player that is now, widely considered the game’s greatest player ever.

While Federer’s skill level is obviously extremely high in every aspect of the game, players of all ages and skill sets would do well to incorporate a few snippets of the Swiss superstar’s one-of-a-kind game into their own respective game to maximize their chances of on-court success.

Of course, there are about a thousand things every player can learn from the Swiss superstar, but hey, I’m not writing a book, but these helpful tips are a start at the very least. To that end, I have come up with a fun-filled list of five things that all tennis players can learn from the great Roger Federer.

Serve

I always say that Roger Federer’s impressive, but not overpowering, serve, is a lot like real estate.

It’s all about location, location, location!

Federer’s serve isn’t nearly as overpowering as former contemporary Andy Roddick’s once formidable 145-mph bombs or even today’s big servers like John Isner, Milos Raonic or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

  

No…Federer’s ‘service greatness’ certainly doesn’t come from having the ability to crank up a serve to 140 mph whenever he feels like it. Yet, the game’s most popular player uses a nearly unmatched array of serves to befuddle his opponents that all feature deadly pinpoint accuracy.

One moment, Federer is hitting his incomparable – and unhittable – slice out wide from the deuce court  and the next he’s going up the ‘T’ with a flat blast that may only top out at around 130 mph, but one that generally catches lines so often that it either ends up as an ace or service winner.

Make no mistake about it…learning to put a little bit of variation into your service game like Roger Federer will go a long way toward improving the on-court results of all tennis players.

Approach Shot

If there’s one aspect of Federer’s game that all tennis players (particularly American ones) should incorporate into their respective games, it’s his simplistic approach to the approach shot, pardon the pun.

When Federer gets a short ball (to either wing) inside the service box and moves forward to attack it, you just never know what shot is going to come next – unlike many mindless Americans that routinely think ‘bash the ball’ right before striking it.

Well, not Federer mind you… and recreational players everywhere would do well to take notice of Fed’s myriad approach shots. From his deftly disguised drop shot to his laser-like cross-court winners or down the line ‘slow rollers’ Federer is a master of mixing up the short ball approach shot while maximizing his chances of winning the point with a single groundstroke or ensuing volley.

Forehand

If you know anything about tennis, then you already know that Roger Federer’snow-legendary forehand is in a class of its own. The Swiss superstar uses his multi-faceted forehand in a variety of ways that tennis players everywhere would do well to copy. 

From his original – and now widely-duplicated – windshield wiper forehand to his flatter more penetrating drives deep into the court, Roger Federer has used his No.1 offensive weapon to win a record, 17 majors. One of the things I like best about Federer’s forehand is the fact that he can hit his inside-out forehand nearly as fast as his cross-court forehand, a task that certainly isn’t as easy as he makes it look.

  

Whether he’s going inside-in or disguising his forehand to hit one of his opponent-freezing, crowd-stunning drop shots, Roger Federer uses his inimitable forehand to its maximum and players everywhere would do well to imitate the game’s greatest player ever in this area, particularly since approximately all winners in tennis come off the forehand wing.

Footwork

This area may be Federer’s greatest strength and those that know tennis, take this for fact. I am often amazed at how graceful Federer moves around the court, but this is one of the big aspects of his game that has helped to separate him from nearly all of his era’s counterparts.

Thanks to his Fred Astaire-like footwork, rarely is Federer off balance or out of position to hit a clean shot. Federer has what’s called ‘early preparation’ as he tracks the ball quickly and gets into position to hit whatever shot he chooses and this is one area of the game that all tennis players should think about improving.

Remember, if you’re not in the right position to hit your shot correctly, then bad things – and a likely unforced error – are almost assured. Conversely, moving quickly and setting up early like Roger Federer and you’ll see an increase in shot productivity – and winners.

Mental Fortitude

Is there a stronger mind in all of sports?

I think not!

There’s a reason why Federer was voted the second most respected person in the world a year ago and much of it has to do with his on-court demeanor.

According to a recent poll conducted by The Reputation Institute, Federer had thesecond-best worldwide reputation, landing only behind beloved former South African president Nelson Mandela.

The survey measured the public's respect, admiration and trust in 54 public figures and was taken by 50,000 people in 25 countries. Federer came in ahead of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Richard Branson, and well ahead of last-place finisher, Kim-Jong Il.

However, polls aside and it’s easy to see how calm and relaxed Federer always appears no matter the situation. I often marvel at the fact that it’s impossible to tell whether Federer is leading 4-0 in the first set or losing in a fifth-set tie-breaker. Tennis players of all ages would be wise to try and duplicate one of his most amazing traits – the ability to keep your composure at all times.

Djokovic’s sister or something?

Novak Djokovic's convincing 2011 season 

apparently has some  believe he will never lose - again. 

I have no idea who Joanne Gerstner is, but after reading her thoughts on whether World No. 1 Novak Djokovic would win both, the current Indian Wells – and approaching Miami North American Masters tournaments, Gerstner wrote the following over at ESPN.

“Why not? When Djokovic is dialed in, as he has been for nearly a year now, he has proved to be impossible to beat. Federer, Nadal, Murray and del Potro, along with the rest of the field, have yet to show they can raise their games -- for an entire match -- to surpass Djokovic. Everything they can do, Djokovic can do better on the big stage. It's clear that he's relishing every chance to play at such a high level, showing the emotional flair that fans love.”

Now, don’t get me wrong Eye On Sports tennis enthusiasts, but Gerstner, makes it seem as Djokovic could single-handedly lay a smack down on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, which I assure you, certainly is not the case.

For Gerstner to make it seem like no one on the face of the planet stands a chance against Djokovic is pure foolishness. The fact of the matter is that the Djoker just got his tail handed to him in straight sets by World No. 4 Andy Murray in the semifinals at Dubai and that World No. 3 Roger Federer ended his 43-match winning streak a year ago at the French Open, before failing to close out what should have been another win against Djokovic when he held two match points in their quarterfinal matchup at last year’s U.S. Open.

Hell, even though he’s lost seven straight time to Djokovic, even Rafael Nadal would seem to have a great chance of beating Djokovic after their epic final at this year’s Australian Open.

One thing’s for sure, Novak Djokovic isn’t going to rule the ATP World Tour this season like he did a year ago when he unfurled one of those once-in-a-quarter-century seasons.

While it’s quite possible Djokovic could still manage to win three majors this season (I have him winning two) I think the simple fact that Djokovic will ‘come back to earth’ with a more ‘normal’ season says he certainly won’t be able to duplicate the result he unfurled a year ago.

Not only that, but apparently, someone needs to tell Joanne Gerstner, that God hasn’t made an athlete that can’t be beaten – even the world’s No. 1 tennis player! 

Federer still elite? Ya’ think?

World No. 3 Roger Federer is 39-2 since last year's U.S. Open

 - and still elite !

I’m always amazed at how some so-called ‘tennis experts’ continue to question whether or not World No. 3 Roger Federer still has what it takes to win a grand slam title, mostly because the all-time career grand slam leader hasn’t won one since beating World No. 4 Andy Murray in the 2010 Australian Open final.

Well, I’m here to say what I’ve continued to say over the last two years.

Yes Federer still has what it takes to win grand slam titles – and then some if you ask me.

Now, with the game’s most regal-like player having recorded an insane 39-2 mark since the completion of the 2011 U.S. Open, many of Fed’s same critics are backtracking on their previous claims.

As Federer correctly pointed out, most of his detractors want to point to one thing as a sign of decline – and it’s not his on-court performances either.

"I think it's more the age that people always talk about right now. That's what stands out to me," Federer said following his win over world No. 1o John Isner at Indian Wells. "Some don't understand how you can play tennis at 30, which is shocking to me because normally that's when you're still young enough to play some of your best tennis. I think I'm showing that since I turned 30 in August. That's basically when my run began."

Eye On Sports expects Roger 

Federer to win a grand slam title in 2012.

30-years-old or not, all I see when Federer plays is a guy that still moves around the court like someone half his age – and if you haven’t heard the terminology before – it truly looks like Fereder is ‘floating’ most of the time instead of running (I know, amazing).

What I like most about Federer how much he genuinely loves the game of tennis, which is why I believe he’ll be able to maintain his level of play for at least the next half-decade.

"Sometimes people think so much in the short term," Federer said. "It's a bit unfortunate. But, it's nice that I'm putting together a lot of wins in a row at the moment and just that I have shown also great reaction after the tough loss I had against Djokovic at the U.S. Open, because obviously that hurt."

Now ask yourselves this Eye On Sports tennis fans.

Is there anything you’d put past Roger Federer?

What’s wrong with Rafa?

World No.2 Rafael Nadal looks like a different player
after absorbing a series of beat-downs -
all in finals - from World No.1 Novak Djokovic. 

Maybe it’s me Eye on Sports tennis enthusiasts, but if you ask me, something about Rafael Nadal’s recent play looks just a bit “off” if you know what I mean.

Yeah, he did manage to almost win this year’s Aussie Open, while reaching the semis at Indian Wells, but I just don’t see the same fire and passion from one of the game’s most emotional players. Last but not least, I also don’t see the same fear from Rafa’s opponents that I once routinely saw when the unique southpaw routinely took the court – mostly because everyone’s seen how World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has routinely made minced meat out of Spain’s best player.

"He was better than me, and that's it," a disgruntled Nadal said following his loss to Federer. "I understand what I had to do too late to have more chances to win the match."

Not this year Novak!

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has already suffered two
losses this season and  has 'come back to earth'
after winning three grand slams a year ago.

While I’ve still got mad love for World No. 3 Novak Djokovic and fully believe he will likely win another grand slam tournament this season, I said it at the end of last year and prior to this year’s Australian Open … there was no way possible that the Djoker could continue playing at the insanely high level he played at a year ago.

I said Djokovic was bound to “come back to earth” a bit this year and sure enough, he has – if only a little. Djokovic did manage to win the first grand slam title in Australia this year, but he’s also suffered a pair of recent losses to John Isner and – believe it or not – World No. 4 Andy Murray.

Now, I’m not going to say that Djokovic is going to even lose his No. 1 ranking this season, but he’s clearly going to have a bit tougher time winning titles this season!

Revenge on Fed’s mind!

World No.3 Roger Federer extracted some revenge
on Rafael Nadal and John Isner at the BNP Paribas
at Indian Wells this past weekend.
Nadal and Isner are the only two players to have
beaten Federer since the end of the 2011 U.S. Open.

I knew heading into Sunday BNP Paribas final at Indian Wells that World Np. 3 Roger Federer had revenge on his mind when he took to the court against now, World No. 11 John Isner after losing to the hard-serving big man in their Davis Cup showdown in Switzerland just last month.

How’d I know Fed was looking for a little payback?

Well, just listen to this quote tennis fans.

"Without taking anything away from John in Switzerland, the conditions were extremely tough for both of the players. It was altitude, it was a clay that was virtually unplayable. Every second bounce had a bad bounce in it," Federer said. "So tomorrow hopefully will be a bit more normal."

Federer handled Isner in Sunday’s fnal, beating the quickly-improving American 7-6 (9), 6-3 in a match that was a lot closer than the score would seem to indicate.

Federer in fine form!

World No.3 Roger Federer is 39-2
since the conclusion of the 2011 U.S. Open.

Who says World No. 3 Roger Federer is done winning grand slams?

Not me – and the all-time career grand slam leader’s recent play backs up my beliefs.

Federer easily handled his arch rival, World No. 2 Rafael Nadal in Saturday’s 6-3, 6-4 semifinal win at the BNP Paribas tourney at Indian Wells.

"I had a no-lose mentality," said Federer, who was one of several players suffering the effects of a virus. "I didn't expect myself to play so well, and this is sometimes when you can pull off the biggest wins of your career. That's where I'm happy I gave myself a chance this week."

Three cheers for John Isner!

New World No. 10 John Isner knocked off
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in their BNP Paribas semifinal matchup at Indian Wells on Saturday.

Who says Americans can’t hang with the ‘big boys’?

New, World No. 10 John Isner pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career on Saturday by beating World No. 1 Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (5) in a thrilling semifinal showdown.

Isner fired a whopping 20 aces against the multi-faceted Djoker and finished the match off with a blistering 135 mile per hour offering.

Isner is the first American player to beat a world No. 1 since respected veteran James Blake defeated Federer in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"It's something that you don't experience every day," Isner said. "I was just trying to take it all in."

Isner connected on a whopping 74 percent of his first serves, but he’ll have to duplicate his Herculian feat in order to top World No. 3 Roger Federer in Sunday’s BNP Paribas final at Indian Wells.

Federer weighs in on Lin

Career grand slam leader
Roger Federer likes Jeremy Lin.

Well, since every professional athlete on the face of the planet these days seems t have an opinion on New York’s Knicks overnight sensation, Jemery Lin, I guess no one should be shocked that all-time career grand slam leader Roger Federer, a huge hoops fan, has his own thoughts on the overlooked Lin.

The likable Lin has made fans worldwide.

On a conference call with reporters last Thursday to promote a March 5 exhibition against Andy Roddick at Madison Square Garden, Federer said he's "heard a bit about" Lin before adding these thoughts.

“It's quite an incredible story, actually, and I hope he can come to the exhibition,” Federer said. [Lin is] "why, I think, we all follow sports -- because of great stories like this," when "all of a sudden, someone breaks through that you didn't know or didn't expect."

Mattek-Sands Stands Alone!

Veteran, Bethanie Mattek-Sands was the only
American to win a grand slam title  at the 2012 Australian Open!

The state of American tennis isn’t very good these days, even though the near future would appear to be fairly bright for the good ‘ol U.S. of A.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Romania's Horia Tecau
won the mixed doubles portion at the 2012 Australian Open.

No American player won a grand slam title in 2009 and only Bethanie Mattek-Sands took home some hardware this season when she won the mixed doubles title with Romania’s Horia Tecau, beating Elena Vesnina and Leander Paes 6-3, 5-7, 10-3 in the final.

It was the first Grand Slam victory ever for the 26-year-old Mattek-Sands, who is generally more known for her often outlandish outfits as she is for her on-court play.

Things Looking Fine Thanks to Ivan!

Ivan Lendl has Andy Murray looking a lot better mentally
 in no time at all!

Things are definitely on the upswing for World No. 4 Andy Murray thanks to the contributions of eight-time grand slam title winner Ivan Lendl. The former superstar agreed to coach Murray early this year and has the formerly fragile Murray like a rock of mental stability in no time at all. Murray refrained from the often childish displays of anger, confusion and frustration that have both, marked and plagued his career.

Andy Looking Fine and Dandy!

Andy Murray looks like a new man with eight-time grand slam 

champion Ivan Lendl now coaching him.

As a longtime Andy Murray critic, I’m now going to go on record and say that I really liked the mental improvements that I saw in the World No. 4 and I now believe that he has a more than legitimate chance to win a grand slam title in the very near future if he can maintain and improve on the mental aspects of the game.