Latest Top 10 ATP & WTA Rankings

Here's the latest Race and Standing rankings as released by the WTA and ATP Tour on Monday:

WTA Race 2008:

1. Jelena Jankovic - 4355
2. Serena Williams - 3681
3. Dinara Safina - 3628
4. Elena Dementieva - 3040
5. Ana Ivanovic - 2952
6. Maria Sharapova - 2515
7. Svetlana Kuznetsova - 2513
8. Venus Williams - 2246
9. Vera Zvonareva - 2135
10. Agnieszka Radwanska - 2096

WTA Standings 2008:

1. Jelena Jankovic - 4230
2. Serena Williams - 4017
3. Dinara Safina - 3782
4. Elena Dementieva - 3470
5. Ana Ivanovic - 3388
6. Maria Sharapova - 3041
7. Svetlana Kuznetsova - 2920
8. Venus Williams - 2311
9. Vera Zvonareva - 2182
10. Agnieszka Radwanska - 2146

ATP Race 2008:

1. Rafael Nadal - 1265
2. Roger Federer - 921
3. Novak Djokovic - 899
4. Andrew Murray - 520
5. Nikolay Davydenko - 417
6. Andy Roddick - 354
7. David Ferrer - 337
8. James Blake - 309
9. Juan Marin Del Potro - 307
10. Stanislas Wawrinka - 286

ATP Standings 2008:

1. Rafael Nadal - 7000
2. Roger Federer - 5930
3. Novak Djokovic - 4960
4. Andrew Murray - 2995
5. Nikolay Davydenko - 2400
6. David Ferrer - 2315
7. David Nalbandian - 1975
8. Andy Roddick - 1970
9. Juan Marin Del Potro - 1685
10. Stanislas Wawrinka - 1670

Latest Results - Stuttgart, Tokyo, Japan Open

Here's the latest results (finals) of the WTA tournaments in Stuttgart and Tokyo, as well as the ATP tournament in Japan:

• Jankovic - Petrova 6-4 6-3

• Caroline Wozniacki - Kaia Kanepi 6-2, 3-6, 6-1

• Tomas Berdych - Juan Martin Del Potro 6-1 6-4

Stuttgart 2008 - Semifinal Results

Here's the latest results of the WTA tournament in Stuttgart:

• Jankovic - V. Williams 6-7 7-5 6-2

• Petrova - Azarenka 6-4 6-4

Venus on Fire!!

My word!!

The way that Venus Wiliams dismantled world #3, Dinara Safina last night clearly shows her intent to not only qualify for the season ending WTA Tour Year-end Championship in Doha in November but to win it and perhaps fight for her right to sit on the throne of women's tennis held by her sister, Serena.

Safina and Venus were clearly playing the game of who hits the hardest - each player trading baseline blows like 2 heavy-weight boxers!

What stood out for me was Venus's return of serve; clearly the best in the business! Venus's return of serve position was, on average, 1.5 meters within the baseline and ALL her returns were taken well within the baseline.

Return of serve is a major part of my own game and can fully appreciate Venus's guile in attacking both the second and first serves (Tennis Tips).

Coupled with her strong, 200kph serves, Venus easily won the match 6-4 6-2.

Hopefully she can carry this form to the finals of not only this tournament but to the Doha Finals on November 4.

"Go Venus!!"

Stuttgart 2008 - Results

Here's the latest results of the WTA tournament in Stuttgart:

• Jankovic - Zvonereva 7-6 7-6

• V. Wlliams - Safina 6-4 6-2

• Petrova - Li 6-2 6-3

• Azerenka - Dementieva 7-6 3-6 6-1

Stuttgart 2008 - Results

Here's the latest results of the WTA tournament in Stuttgart:

• Jankovic - A. Bondarenko 6-2 6-0

• V. Wlliams - K. Bondarenko 6-4 6-2

• Safina - Pironkova 6-1 7-6

• Petrova - Schnyder 6-4 6-1

China Open - Roddick vs Sela

I saw a little of the final match between Roddick and Sela at the recent China Open 2008 and boy, was it a cracker! Never under-estimate a lower ranked player such as Sela!

Dudi Sela has one of the best single-handed backhands in today's men's game and it was amazing watching his variety of shots from the backhand side - down the line, cross-court passing shots, etc.

A sight to behold in modern tennis considering the lack of good single-handers in the ATP's top ranks.

Those of you who employ a single-hander should take a look at this Israel player's backhand shot. Because of his smaller stature, he reminds me of a male version of Justine Henin.

Of course, Roddick won in the end with his consistent serve and power play but it was Sela who stood out for me.

Roddick won 6-4 6-7 (6) 6-3 to capture his third ATP title of the season.

On the women's side, Jelena Jankovic beat Russian, Svetlana Kutznetsova to win in straight-sets.

Selamat Hari Raya!!

Wishing all my Muslim buyers and friends
Selamat Hari Raya and to all other Malaysian's, Happy Holidays!


Regards,
Tom "Satchman"