PHOTO OP: Doing the heavy lifting

"Ok...can someone say HERNIA?!"

They say when a baller lives to see another day of a tourney by saving match points en route to a win they're living on borrowed time. They should be finished but for some stroke of good fortune (read: dumb-ass luck) or plain big ballin' they've survived; they have nothing to lose and can really let their games fly. The others have been warned.

Such was the case with Robin Soderling + Gael Monfils at Paris-Bercy, the last Masters 1000 of the season. They saved a combined eight MPs in their respective epic semifinals with Sod saving 3 during his 6-7(0), 7-5, 7-6(6) win against Michael Llodra and La Monf doing even better saving 5 while upsetting Roger Federer. Both ballers entered the final match with everything to gain including a first Masters 1000 title. 

In the end the Swede used his big serve (he lost only six points on serve in the first set) and trademark power hitting to win 6-1, 7-6(1) and capture the title. He also denied the Frenchies the pleasure of seeing their homeboy, who showed some brilliant stuff while earning his first win over Fed, lift the trophy for the second consecutive year (he lost in last year's final to Novak Djokovic.) Sod is now a member of The Big Four moving up to a career-high World No. 4 today and knocking former member Andy Murray back a spot - where he belongs, I might add.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

VANtage Point: Paris-Bercy brings the Masters 1000 season to a close

Hey DtL readers, it’s Van — last seen around these parts during the U.S. Open — with a final VANtage Point for the year. It was a pretty good season for the Point with some now-legendary calls, both good (Francesca Schiavone getting to the finals at the French) and bad (and I quote, from my Wimbledon breakdown on Rafael Nadal’s chances: “I think his draw is super, super tough so catch him while you can!”)

Anyway, in consults with Down the Line! honcho Rich, we decided I’d do a wrap-up of the year in ATP Masters 1000 tournaments (or “Super 9s” for you old-schoolers out there) before looking at the final one on the calendar taking place this week in Paris. So in VP fashion, let’s start with …

A Look Back: It was quite a year for the prestigious tournaments.

· If Indian Wells was going to be any indication for how the season would go, then we were all probably shocked. Veteran Ivan Ljubicic won the biggest title of his career, dusting multiple top tenners along the way: Novak Djokovic in the 16s, Rafa in the semis and Andy Roddick in the final.

· Roddick bounced back, though, in a big way in his next event, winning in Miami over Tomas Berdych in the final. This was Roddick’s first Masters 1000 title since Cincinnati in ’06. That win against Berdych was nice, but it was the semifinal win over Nadal that really stood out.

· Not that I want to cheat you out of more of the beautiful prose that makes up VANtage Point but I think I’m going to lump all the clay-court notes into one nifty little paragraph, especially seeing as how one man conquered the three big tourneys: Nadal. Just when doubt was growing about his game, a trip to Monte Carlo worked wonders as he won his first title of the year against countryman Fernando Verdasco. Then, it was off to Rome, where he blew out another Spaniard, David Ferrer, in the final. In his third final of the Masters 1000 clay-court swing, Nadal defeated Roger Federer in Madrid, reversing the previous year’s result. During this run of his, Nadal only dropped two sets in 15 matches and became the first player to sweep the Masters’ dirt stretch.

· After Wimbledon, it was back to North America for the summer hard court season. Andy Murray won the first big event in Toronto, going back-to-back against Nadal and Fed in the semis and finals, respectively.

· Federer won at Cincy in a dogfight with surprise finalist Mardy Fish. Funny that Federer had to work so hard in the finals because the road there wasn’t tough at all with a first-round bye, a retirement in the second round and a walkover in the third!

· Shanghai was number eight on the slate and Murray took the shield there for his second title of the year with both wins coming against Federer.

And now, here we are.

This Week’s Spotlight: The final regular-season event before the ATP World Tour Finals, the Paris Masters. It’s the crown jewel of the indoor season, and the defending champ is Novak Djokovic, who beat hometown fave Gael Monfils in the finals. The tournament, which kicked off yesterday, has already been rocked by the withdrawal of Nadal, but the rest of the gang is there. Plus, it’s the final place those in the hunt for a spot in the ATP World Tour Finals can gain points, which leads to ...

Players to Watch: There are three spots left for the Finals, and right now, Berdych is in sixth place, followed by last week’s Valencia Open champ Ferrer and Swiss Indoors semifinalist Roddick. You remember Berdych, right? That guy that put himself into the mix of Slam contenders after years of unfulfilled promise? Looks like he’s in a bit of a rut, to say the least. So is another Finals hopeful, Verdasco, who’s won only a single match since the U.S. Open. Watch out for Nikolay Davydenko and Monfils hurting their respective chances. I don’t think any of those guys will make the semis, though.

The Final Four: Federer, who has been in great form indoors, will take out Murray in the top half of the draw, while Roddick will stop Djokovic.

And the Winner Is … : Federer, for his first title at this event, which would be a nice way to enter the year-end championships, don’t you think?

So, signing off for VANtage Point this year, it’s Van (Get it? Van? VANtage Point?) saying see you later and enjoy your tennis viewing!

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone?

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Right play, wrong time Muzz

A worn down Andy Murray, who finished off James Blake in an epic 3-set second round match ending at almost 2am local time this morning, was knocked out of the Paris Masters by Radek Stepanek 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. It was the Brit baller's first loss in four matches to the crafty Czech.

He follows Roger Federer's shock exit yesterday at the hands of Julien Benneteau, who had his own letdown and was beaten by compatriot Gael Monfils in their match today.

Oh Muzz. We could all see you were tired but is that really a good way of keeping yourself awake? I usually fall asleep afterwards. But that's just me.

(Photo: Getty)

Jules shocks Fed, dissolves in tears at Paris Masters

Julien Benneteau fell to his knees in tears after shocking Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Masters.

Afterwards, the Frenchie said this win will be one to remember:

It's magic. It's fabulous. Everything you can imagine. All those words. This memory will stay forever in me and in my career with all the emotions I felt. And hearing the crowd when they are all behind you, the noise is enormous. I didn't believe it was possible to experience something like that...


I don't remember any match in my career where I really used my mental resources and physical resources as much as in this match to stay focused, to stay in the present moment, to be aggressive. I needed to go and get that match. I shouldn't be happy with just waiting. I needed to be very precise and to be aggressive, and that is what made the difference.

As for Fed, this early loss has given Rafael Nadal an opportunity to close the gap on the World No.1 and claim the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title. According to the Tour, the Spaniard trailed the top seed by 1,215 points after yesterday's results and could cut that margin to a 305 points should he go on this week to win the Paris Masters.

Oh, this is gonna be good.

*licks chops*

(Photo: Getty)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Dear lucky stars...

"...muchas gracias..."

Rafael Nadal was more an escape artist than a top baller today at the Paris Masters today.

The Majorcan Matador had to save five match points down 5-6 in the second set and overcame a 3-5 deficit in the decider to oust compatriot Nicolas Almagro 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-5. The single-handed slinger clearly had a case of the nagging nerves and needed multiple rub downs for cramps during the 3 hour 15 minute bout. The second seed will face another Spaniard, Tommy Robredo, in the third round.

I imagine Rafa's form will get much better in the next round especially against someone who has no real weapons and who'll give him a nice, steady ball to hit. Oh, the 5-0 H2H in the 23-year old's favor doesn't hurt either.

UPDATE: Here's the new ad for the Balearic Islands that I previewed back in August. It's DEF not better than the first one Rafa shot. No chance.



(Photo: Getty)

MEDIA MASHUP: SO LONG, SAFIN

Marat Safin played his final professional match at the Paris Masters today. In a symbolic passing of the torch, the former U.S. Open champ fought hard but eventually succumbed to the reigning U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. He ended his 13-year career with 15 titles including 2 majors, 422-267 singles record and nine weeks as the world's top baller.

The pair shared some MOMA at the net after match point followed by a sweet gesture by Delpo: he made his way over to SexGawd's side of the ump's chair to spend some time and share some words with the new retiree.



In an emotional ceremony, the 2-time Grand Slammer was given the key to Paris from President of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) Jean Gachassin followed by a video tribute starring the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko. A number of past and present ballers joined him on court to celebrate the moment including Nole, Gilles Simon, Ivo Karlovic, Tommy Robredo, Federico Gil, Albert Costa, Younes El Aynaoui, Marc Rosset and Delpo.

He had a few things to say about his career:

[My best moments] came in different stages of my career. Beginning with 1998 Roland Garros when I qualified and I beat [Andre] Agassi and [Gustavo] Kuerten and I lost to [Cedric] Pioline. And of course there is the next one, winning the 2000 US Open.

I don't have a lot of them [titles] only 15, so not too many majors. But they were really special and very welcome. A lot of people [think] that I'm not really [a] hard worker, but you can ask all my coaches how I dedicated myself to tennis. I worked for it, and I worked very hard.

Here's video of the ceremony in case you missed it.

CHECK IT (thanks Jills) :



Even though he wasn't winning anymore, Marat had a unmistakable presence whenever he stepped onto the court and a unique way with words that could only be described as "Safinisms."

We'll miss you SexGawd. May you go happily into the tennis afterlife.

*sniffles*

More images from the ceremony below.




(Photos: Getty, AP)

PHOTO OP: Death becomes him

"Don't be afraid. It'll be slow and sweet."

Novak Djokovic continued what seems to be his now annual "masked" entrance onto Court Central at the Paris Masters today.

Last year the Serb came out as his alter ego, The Green Hornet, and this year he arrived dressed looking like "death." Though, to be honest, if that's what death looks like then bring. It. AWN.

Oh yeah, he defeated Juan Monaco 6-3, 7-5 and will face either 16th-seeded Tommy Haas of or homeboy Arnaud Clement in the third round.


(Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: What do you get when you put a bunch of Frenchies in a room?

"We're Frenchies. And we're hawt. So what?"

A number of French footballers recently visited with compatriots Jo-Wilfried Tsonga + Gilles Simon in Paris. The team was in attendance to check out some matches at this week's Paris Masters and support their boys.

I have to say I'm disappointed. I've come to expect some serious Frenchie MOMA when the boys get together like here and ESPECIALLY here. Come to think of it, why is Gilly always involved?

*scratches head*

Thanks Sara!

(Photo: Getty)

(UPDATED) SexGawd Safin defeats Thierry at Paris-Bercy, offers us one more match

Brace yourselves peeps.

We've landed in Paris-Bercy, the final stop on the Marat Safin So Long Tour. *cries*

It's here, and we're here, to watch the final serves, groundies, and tantrums we've all come to know and love from our tortured Russian.

And, the SexGawd decided he wanted to thrill us (or torment us?) a little bit more by saving 3 match points in his 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 win over homeboy Thierry Ascione in the Paris Masters first round.

He spoke about his game afterwards saying,

The tennis I'm playing at the moment is not the best of my career. I always came here to win but this time, frankly, I don't think I can do that.

I'll just try to finish on a high note and say goodbye to everybody.

That might come in the next round when faces a tough task in U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro. But who knows?

In the meantime, enjoy it y'all. Soak it in.

UPDATE: Here's SexGawd speaking about the match and his next one against the Argentine. He looks relaxed and ready to be sent into retirement. Prepare thy racquet, Delpo.



(Photos: Reuters)

PHOTO OP: Cheery Nalbandian accepts runner-up award, smirks and says "die" to the camera

In typical style, David Nalbandian looked absolutely thrilled after losing his Paris Masters shield to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga this weekend.

Doesn't the Argentine look like he's about to smack the nearest Parisian he can find with his lovely runner-up trophy (wait, where's Jo-Willy in that pic btw?) I guess he's pissed he couldn't pull off his October surprise this year and grab the Madrid-Paris double again.

David should know by now you can't put all of your season's eggs in these two baskets. No worries - there's always the Davis Cup final to save his season.

(image via Getty)

(UPDATED) Rafa + Fed share injury woes, withdraw from Paris Masters

In one of the strangest turn of events in recent memory, both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer withdrew from the Paris Masters today with injury.

Rafa, who lost the first set 1-6 in his match against Nikolay Davydenko, called it quits after getting treatment on his injured right thigh and losing the set. He complained of a knee injury during his post-match presser:

I had some pain in the knee yesterday. I felt the pain a lot when I woke up this morning. When I push (on my right knee) I feel a sharp pain.

Fed was scheduled to play James Blake later in the day but withdrew sighting back stiffness according to his website:

Dear Fans,

Due to a stiff back, I have decided to pull out of my match against James Blake tonight. My back has been stiff for the last couple of days and I woke up this morning and it did not respond to the treatment I had last night. As a precaution and because I would be unable to play at 100% tonight, I have unfortunately had to take the difficult decision not to play. I thank the tournament and French fans for their understanding and support.

All the best,

Roger

Tough break for the Paris Masters officials and fans. It's unusual to see either of these ballers withdraw from any tourney with injuries, nevermind at the same time (is this the first time ever? someone please confirm!). But after all the recent reader bickering comparing Rafa + Fed's physical fitness it's clear they're both fatigued and need a long-ass break.

Unfortunately for them, the season's not over...yet.

UPDATE - Rafa's appearance at the Masters Cup is not 100% certain after today's injury withdrawal according to the AP:

Nadal said he has never had a similar injury and that he needs further tests before he decides whether to play the season-ending Masters Cup, which begins Nov. 9 in Shanghai.

"We are going to have the tests and everything," Nadal said. "Hopefully it's going to be fine for Shanghai, but you never know."

(images via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole's game continues to falter during the fall - what's the deal?

The fall indoor season continues to be a thorn in the side of Novak Djokovic.

The Serb started the year by earning his maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne and winning Indian Wells and Rome but his results have suffered since. Today Nole was defeated 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 at the Paris Masters today by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, his second consecutive loss to the Frenchie baller after defeating him for the Aussie Open crown. A couple of weeks ago, Nole fell in straight sets to Ivo Karlovic in Madrid's third round and before that lost to Jo-Willy in the Bangkok final.

Last season, the 21-year old won Vienna but fell off in a big way taking a semifinal loss in Madrid, a second round loss in Paris, a went 0-3 in the Masters Cup round robin play. Could it be that he peaks during the first half of the season but lacks the physical fitness to end the season strongly? Or is it something about indoor play that bothers him?? I believe it's the former.

Rafael Nadal used to face similar criticism (and, to some extent, still does) - his grinding style and emphasis on the clay-court season left nothing in the reserves for the fall. Nole is a grinder as well - he plays a good share of defensive tennis, prefers long rallies in long matches, and doesn't possess a "kill" shot to close out points quickly. He's certainly gotten better at playing shorter matches at the start of tourneys, but not consistently enough and it's caught up to him again. Over time, this style takes its toll and it seems to be doing the same to Nole as he even admitted recently.

This week he strangely arrived to his opening match wearing a black mask. It seems Nole may have been hoping he could be anyone else right about now.

(image via Getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa, Nole, + James take the Paris practice court together

Here's a cool video of behind-the-scenes action at this week's Paris Masters called "Backstage". Rafael Nadal is shown doing some strengthening exercises with bands on the sidelines before hitting the practice court with James Blake. Novak Djokovic also makes an appearance, cracking jokes with the American then getting his practice in on the ad-court next to Rafa + James.

Check it:



The Paris Masters site hosts the extended version featuring a stringer discussing Janko Tipsarevic's and Filippo Volandri's racquets and tension, Marcos Baghdatis working with coach Peter Lundgren, and interviews with Mikhail Youzhny, Olivier Rochus, and David Ferrer.

PHOTO OP: The Green Hornet arrives in Paris, scares off Dmitry

Novak Djokovic arrived for his match against Dmitry Tursunov donning a mysterious black mask. Nole was leading 6-2, 4-3 when his Russian foe unexpectedly retired from the match.

Move over Seth Rogen: Nole as The Green Hornet? I like.


(images via AP, Getty)

The ATP asks fans to 'FEEL IT' for new global marketing campaign

The ATP is giving the world a preview of its new multi-million dollar 'FEEL IT' campaign at this week's Paris Masters tournament. The ad campaign, which will officially launch in 2008, stars many of the top player's in the men's game including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Roddick. The spots highlight the sport as a "one on one gladiatorial battle, full of intensity and passion."



Here's some of what the players starring in the spots had to say about the campaign:

Roger Federer -
“I think ‘FEEL IT’ is a very good idea and I like the legends aspect with all the other great players on my photo. It makes me proud as I'm not only playing against the current players but also against history. The ‘FEEL IT’ campaign looks good and we need something like this as there are a lot of new players coming up as well as players that are well established. I think it's great to try it as a test at the BNP Paribas Masters tournament in Paris.”



Andy Murray -
“I think ‘FEEL IT’ is a really good idea. Sometimes when you watch tennis on TV you don't understand the intensity that the players are playing with. This kind of campaign can really show that to the fans. I like the flames coming out of my racket. I like to think that when I hit the ball, there's a bit of fire coming off my racket!”




David Nalbandian -
“’FEEL IT’ is a very good idea. It shows fans what we all feel for the sport and anything that can help the sport of tennis, whether it's through the ATP or the players, to attract more fans is excellent. The video showing me smash a giant racket into a bench is very funny.”



The campaign has developed a full line of executions including TV spots, billboards, online banners, virals, merchandise, fan giveaways and PR stunts. The ‘FEEL IT’ campaign is one part of a wider marketing initiative to support the extensive changes being undertaken by the ATP including a new global calendar for 2009, added investment into facilities, increased prize money, and a new brand look and identity.

FASHION FIX: Nike continues their tedious tennis sponsorship

This is getting bad: We harped on Nike's recent repeat performance with their players' tennis gear at the Madrid Masters and now they're at it again. Feliciano Lopez and Juan Martin Del Potro played against each other at the Paris Masters today, but they might as well have been playing with themselves.

How boring for the fans, frankly, to see two players battling it out on the same tennis court looking like mirror images of each other. If you're sitting in the nose bleed sections, you can't tell who's who.

Nike - tennis is not a team sport, it's an individual sport. Get it?