Who Is the Real Favorite at the 2014 Mutua Madrid Open?

Here comes the 2014 Mutua Madrid Open. If Spain’s Masters 1000 tournament was a work of art, it would be a Picasso painting in all its bizarre angles and distortions. La Caja Magica is expensive but insecure, surrounded by fancy high-rise seating that lacks a soul. It’s a tournament with little identity, let alone tradition. In 24 years, it has changed its court surfaces from carpet (1990-97)... 

Why Coach Magnus Norman Is Stan Wawrinka’s Secret Weapon at 2014 French Open

The rise of Stanislas Wawrinka has the tennis world buzzing about his chances for the 2014 French Open title. He won the 2014 Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters, and he loves to play on clay. He is also coached by one-time tennis star Magnus Norman, who knows a thing or two about winning at the French Open. The fruits to Coach Norman’s current coaching success with Wawrinka are rooted far... 

Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and the Winners and Losers at 2014 Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova headlined most of the action at Barcelona and Stuttgart. One of them is holding a trophy, and the other is still searching for answers. What are their French Open prospects in the  upcoming weeks? We also pay our respects to the Barcelona Open and its great Spanish dominance. Who would have thought this monopoly would be halted from someone born in the Far East? The... 

Why the Grind of Clay-Court Tennis is a Special Tradition Worth Protecting

Clay-court tennis does not appeal to every tennis fan. It’s the red-surfaced stepchild to regal grass and prosperous hard courts, and it has a hard, grinding reputation that is often derided. Not everyone sees the beauty in its brick-red hue, but deign to call it “dirt,” as if it belonged at the bottom of a tennis caste system, encircled by chain-link fences and miles away from beautiful... 

How Much Longer Will Rafael Nadal Extend Clay-Court Dominance?

Rafael Nadal looks for his ninth career title at the Barcelona Open, but more importantly he will be searching for his clay-court dominance. Following a disappointing quarterfinal loss at Monte Carlo, Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell reported that Nadal immediately went to work with his uncle Toni on his forehand. Is this week’s Barcelona Open where Nadal regains his best form, or will he need more... 

Rafael Nadal, Stanislas Wawrinka and the Winners and Losers at 2014 Monte Carlo

Stanislas Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal were once again creating Bizarro-history at the 2014 Monte Carlo Masters. Guess who is once again holding the trophy? It was a fantastic week of clay-court action at perhaps the most beautiful venue in all of tennis. And it witnessed wonderful success by the likes of David Ferrer and Roger Federer. Two shocking stories really dominated the week and could have... 

How Novak Djokovic Can Join Clay-Court Legends at the Monte Carlo Masters

Each year, Novak Djokovic is getting closer to fulfilling his dream of winning the French Open. Monte Carlo is the first big stop, and maybe the unconscious motive for his residency there: It’s a perpetual reminder that the grueling road to Paris is long rallies, brick-stained socks and cruel heartbreak. Monte Carlo has been a distinguished member of the Clay Triple Crown. If Rome is personified... 

What’s on the Line in the Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic Rivalry in Monte Carlo?

Monte Carlo is where it will really get serious for the Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic rivalry. It’s the first stop of the European clay-court season and longtime watchtower to Nadal’s Roland Garros fortress. But this time Djokovic comes in as the defending champion and a three-match winning streak versus Nadal. Will Monte Carlo be another stop with more of Djokovic‘s conquests, or will... 

Roger Federer, Switzerland, Italy and the Winners and Losers of Davis Cup Week

Roger Federer saved the Swiss team from a shocking upset at Davis Cup. But is everything OK with his teammate Stanislas Wawrinka? Andy Murray failed to be perfect, and Italy’s clay feet proved to be the difference. It helps to have a solid team as demonstrated by one country in Davis Cup play this week. Find out which country continues to fly under the radar. There was also the very pleasant... 

Breaking Down Roger Federer’s Clay-Court Legacy

Roger Federer will not join the clay-court tour until Madrid, so the tennis spotlight will shine most on Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic when Monte Carlo gets underway. It’s understandable that he has trimmed back his schedule the past few years, but it’s regrettable for tennis fans who will miss his presence. Still, appreciation is in order for his clay-court accomplishments. At times,... 

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