Best Player has its money on Andy Murray taking the Montreal tourney and Kim Clijsters in Toronto.
Both draws are very strong. Montreal features Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, Monfils, del Potro, Berdych, et al, while Kim will have to triumph over both Williams sisters, Zvonareva, Wozniacki, Li Na, and more.
Should be some great tennis upcoming.
Murray: already a two-time Rogers Cup champ
Clijsters - the toughest competitor on the women's side
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The remarkable comeback of Kim Clijsters moved another step forward this weekend, with her victory over Li Na at the Australian Open. Clijsters has now taken over world #2 spot from Vera Zvonareva, and many believe she’ll scoop the #1 position from Caroline Wozkiaki sometime this year.
But Kim isn’t all about tennis. She’s also got a healthy sense of humour, and isn’t afraid to turn the tables on the media. Watch as she scores another victory in Oz, this one over broadcaster Todd Woodbridge.
The men’s final is Sunday – Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic. World #’s 1 & 2 Nadal and Federer will watch from the boxes…
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Kim repeats as US Open champion
Belgian ace and World #2 Kim Clijsters won the US Open – again – with a sound spanking of Russia’s Zvonareva during Saturday’s final. Here at BP, we’re always interested in the psychology of greatness as much as in the physicality of performance – and so Clijsters’ is an interesting story.
She’s a former World #1 who retired from professional tennis in 2007 at the age of 24. At the time, she said it was injuries that forced her retirement, but there were also stories of burnout a la our oft-cited Andre Agassi, and her evident (and entirely understandable) interest in getting married (she did) and her father’s health (he died).
Fast forward to 09, and Kim, just like any Belgian mom returning to work after mat leave, gets back on the circuit with her baby daughter in tow. She’s not sure how it’ll all work out – but on the court at least, she’s a smash, winning the US Open over Serena Williams. And now she’s gone and done it again, although her triumph Saturday was a tad easier than the 09 victory.
From The Herald Scotland, here’s what Clijsters said of her young – and outclassed – opponent: “I was in a different situation a few years ago when I played my first grand slam final. I think when you’re younger, it overwhelms you. She’s been on the tour a long time and she’s has played some big matches and has beaten a lot of really good players. But a grand slam final have a different vibe, a different occasion, and it just becomes so much more important.”
A different vibe, a different occasion. There’s the psychology part. The best players know how to deliver their best when it matters. They aren’t as likely to be fazed by big pressure. Clijsters clearly knows, even with (or maybe even more so due to) her new family responsibilities. Zvonareva too may learn – although at 26 she’d better get on her horse. Because sure, the mind is important, but the flesh must be willing…
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This is freakin’ amazing. Honestly – as over 1.2 million youtube hits might suggest.
The US Open has seen some great performances so far, like Kim Clijsters’ return to form, and young Canadian Peter Polansky’s second victory over a top-35 opponent in two weeks. But nothing comes close to the pure beauty, athleticism, and – let’s face it – ballsy insouciance of Roger Federer’s between-the-legs classic shown here.
Federer may have slipped to world #2 behind Rafa Nadal, but he’s still a beast. Here’s hoping he produces some more sublime tennis at this week’s tourney. Oh, and while you’re waiting for more miracles from the Fed Express on the court, feast your eyes on this trick shot he does – a la Swiss countryman William Tell – knocking a can off the head of a scared-stiff video crew dude.
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Kim Clijsters controversially defeated Serena Williams at the 2009 US Open - after being away to look after a newborn and her battered body.
Serena is herself currently away due to the little disagreement with the line judge at that same US Open - and her own problematic body.
Tennis may sweat the absence of Serena but when she does return it will be nice for her to have someone to play against.
Here’s what Jay Greenberg wrote about the return of Clijsters:
‘We do know Henin, and Clijsters, 4-3 and 1-0, respectively, against Serena in majors, don’t need their best day ever to beat the best player in the world.
“From what I’m hearing, for a lot of people, that’s really important,” said Clijsters. “But that wasn’t my goal, to come back to help the tour, I wanted to prove for myself.
“I’m hitting the ball well, feel in better physical shape than at the Open. I have cut back a lot, not just for the family and but for all the injuries I’ve had. I have experience now and have my hunger back, that’s a good combination.”
A blessed one, too, for women’s tennis.’ (Source)
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