Wonderful Wednesday

Andy Murray versus Lukas Lacko
Day session, Arthur Ashe Stadium

Amidst all the clamour to etch the names of either Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer onto this year’s men’s trophy, it’s worth keeping an eye on the Scottish former finalist. Lacko should not keep him detained too long but we should see signs of whether Murray is ready to bring the form he showed in winning the Masters Series title in Toronto a few weeks back (which included back-to-back wins over Nadal and Federer) to New York. If he can replicate the scorching tennis he played there over the next two weeks then the understudy might just be about to nudge tennis’s two leading men aside.

Andy Roddick versus Janko Tipsarevic (second round)
Night session, Arthur Ashe Stadium

America’s sweetheart versus tennis’ most celebrated eccentric in a match which has every chance of going five sets and has the tantalising whiff of an upset about it. Roddick is not in the best of sorts this year, having been dogged of late by a viral illness that has sapped him of energy. Tipsarevic loves nothing more than the big occasion – his speciality is pushing more fancied players hard at grand slams – and although he has been nursing an injury in recent weeks, he may still fancy making a big night of it.

The Women

Samantha Stosur versus Anastasia Rodionova (second round)
Day Session. Court 11

Australia’s No.1 Stosur is not only one of the stand-out players of the season after her run to the French Open final but she is also something of a poster girl for the sort of sun-drenched athleticism that one associates with the Antipodes. Rodionova is a naturalised Australian but was born in Russia and, in contrast to Stosur’s laid-back friendliness with her fellow pros, Rodionova does not always play nicely with the other kids in the nursery. She is as much as a fighter as she is feisty and that doesn’t always go down well with her opponents.

Elena Baltacha versus Petra Kvitova
Day Session, Court Six

Okay, we’re biased but that’s not going to stop us giving a mention to our www.10sballs.com columnist Bally. Kvitova showed by reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals this year that she has talent and can give the ball a hefty whack. It won’t be an easy match for our girl but Bally has proved with her charge up the rankings this year that she does not scare easily. The reward for Bally would be a certain place in the top 50 and both women have the incentive of possible third round meeting with Kim Clijsters.

Follow Elena Baltacha on Twitter: http://twitter.com/elenabaltacha

Topics: Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Antipodes, Arthur Ashe, Arthur Ashe Stadium, Athleticism, Clamour, Elena Baltacha, Grand Slams, Janko Tipsarevic, Lacko, Leading Men, Masters Series, Night Session, Poster Girl, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Samantha Stosur, Understudy, Viral Illness

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In Case You Missed It

2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas – draws announced for World Group and World Group II first round ties

The ITF has announced the draws for the 2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group and World Group II first round ties taking place on 4-5 February.

ITF increases use of Hawk-Eye in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas

The ITF announced today that it is further increasing the use of electronic line-calling review in its official team competitions, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, starting with this weekend’s Fed Cup World Group first round ties on 4-5 February.

« WILD-CARDS » POUR REZAÏ ET PARMENTIER

Aravane Rezaï et Pauline Parmentier viendront renforcer le contingent français au 20e Open GDF SUEZ, qui se déroulera du 4 au 12 février 2012 au Stade Coubertin à Paris. La direction du tournoi a accordé une « wild card » aux deux joueuses, qui intégreront donc directement le tableau principal aux côtés de Marion Bartoli.

Interesting Junior or “Keiki” Development by Punahou’s Lee Couillard

Lee Couillard is a major part of Punahou School's junior development program. As part of the USPTA he travels and attends many conferences and discussions about the potential growth of our sport and how to enhance it. I visited with him and learned about an incredible product he made that may revolutionize the way children learn and pick up the game.

SERENA WILLIAMS LEADS U.S. TEAM IN FIGHT FOR FED CUP SPOT

Sisters Serena and Venus Williams, Christina McHale and Liezel Huber Battle Belarus and Australian Open Champion Victoria Azarenka to Compete for 2013 Cup.