Tennishead Blog

Tennishead on Tour: Cowan at the Davis Cup
- Fri 05 Dec '08
- 1 Comments
TV analyst Barry Cowan writes about his recent trip to cover the Argentina-Spain Davis Cup final.

A memorable tennis year ended with underdogs Spain beating Argentina after a great three days of tension-packed tennis. Working for British broadcaster Sky Sports, I follow the World Group of the Davis Cup through its entirety and have been fortunate that this year I’ve been to a wide variety of venues.

We started in Moscow in the first round where Russia beat Serbia (with Novak Djokovic), the second round took us to Winston Salem in the USA (the home of Krispy Kreme doughnuts – and they were good!) where the defending champions USA beat France. After a hectic summer of tennis the semis took place in September and, in Madrid, Spain beat the Americans in a 21,000-seat bull ring in front of the loudest tennis crowd I’ve ever experienced.

During my 10 years on the circuit the small planes were the ones that used to terrify me the most. Nothing has changed

The day after the Tennis Masters Cup had finished we left a very cold London for South America to cover the Davis Cup final between Argentina and Spain in Mar del Plata. On our trips to Davis Cup ties our team consists of two commentators (Barry Millns and myself) a producer and a sound technician. To get to Mar del Plata from Buenos Aires we were faced with either a five-hour coach journey or 40 minutes on a plane. We all thought it was a great decision by the ITF (which runs the Davis Cup) to organise a plane – until we saw it.

During my 10 years on the circuit the small planes were the ones that used to terrify me the most. Nothing has changed. There were 14 people crammed onto the plane – the door was so small I almost had to scramble in on all fours. I can assure you there were some sweaty palms on board, but thankfully we survived the journey and after nearly 24 hours of travelling we arrived on Tuesday afternoon in Mar del Plata, a picturesque coastal city.

As all Davis Cup ties don’t start until Friday, Wednesday is usually a day spent recovering from travelling. In the morning we took our first trip to the stadium, Estadio Polideportivo Islas Malvinas. The arena is normally used for basketball, but the organisers had prepared the venue exceptionally well with room for 10,000 fans. Afterwards we enjoyed the classic Argentine combo of steak and red wine – a well-earned siesta was required after that.

Thursday is always the day the draw takes place, when the weekend’s order of play is decided. Some 500 members of the media arrived at an impressive venue for the draw ceremony which overlooked the sea. There was incredible interest in the tie, Argentina’s third most important sporting event after the 1978 football World Cup and the Pan Am Games that took place in Mar del Plata 13 years ago.

After the draw we are allowed to conduct interviews with the two teams and Barry talked to Argentine captain Alberto Mancini and his star players David Nalbandian and Juan Martin Del Potro. I spoke to a very relaxed and charming Spanish team. Their captain Emilio Sanchez is always very helpful, and while Feliciano Lopez and David Ferrer said they were looking forward to the tie, they also admitted they were nervous. We enjoyed a little time off in the afternoon and Barry and I played some golf at a local club, a true links course – difficult greens and very windy!

As the weekend unfolded the feeling among the press was changing. Spain were playing better and with greater belief

With play starting on the Friday at 1pm we arrived at the venue at 11am. Arriving two hours early means we can watch the teams practice, make sure that as commentators we’ve done our research ahead of the matches and also do a two-minute piece to camera which is shown at the beginning of Sky’s coverage.

In those two minutes we have to give an insight into what we’ve seen and heard in the days leading up to the tie and offer our thoughts on the day ahead. Oh dear. I predicted a first Davis Cup triumph for the hosts and a 2-0 scoreline after the opening day’s singles.

Straight after each match I interview the winners, and also at the end of the day the captains. Interviewing the winners is of course more comfortable but it can sometimes be quite difficult as it’s not always easy to hear their answers when the crowd are still going bonkers, which was certainly the case after Nalbandian gave Argentina an expected 1-0 lead.

The commentary box was a temporary structure outside the main stadium and during the match we didn’t fully realise the noise the crowd were making. All that changed when I stepped on court to interview the players. It certainly rivalled the bull ring in Madrid!

Our routine on Saturday was the same but as the weekend unfolded the feeling among the press was changing. Spain were playing better and with greater belief. The Argentines were having to fend off rumours that there was friction within their camp and Nalbandian had to pay a fine after missing a mandatory press conference when he failed to turn up for an interview after his doubles defeat.

The scenes after Fernando Verdasco beat Jose Acasuso to win the Cup for Spain were amazing. I interviewed Verdasco immediately after his victory and he was understandably lost for words. All credit to the Argentine supporters who were very gracious, but it was time for the Spanish to celebrate. I stayed courtside for the presentation and reflected on how good it would feel to captain a winning side in this incredible team competition.

We were very fortunate to be invited to the official champions’ dinner on Sunday evening where you get to hear the team’s speeches and join in the fun, but it was soured slightly that the local team hadn’t won the Davis Cup for the first time. After the dinner we all celebrated long into the next morning, the Spanish team were also present and they were rightly enjoying an incredible victory.

The Sky team stayed an extra two days and I spent that time playing golf at Buenos Aires Golf Club. If you ever play there I’ve got one piece of advice – bring lots of balls.

It’s been a very long tennis year but a memorable one with some truly golden moments. Who will ever forget the Federer-Nadal Wimbledon final, although I’ll also remember 2008 for Andy Murray’s march towards the top of the rankings.

What a year 2009 could be! Have a good Christmas and see you in January.
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- Fri 21 Nov '08
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Tennishead on Tour: Shanghai, Day 8
- Tue 18 Nov '08
The Qi Zhong Stadium waved goodbye to the Masters Cup with more at stake than just the titles and hefty prizemoney…

The sun rose in a hazy Shanghai on finals day at the 2008 Masters Cup, the last time the event will be held in this part of the world. So it was fitting there were three big things at stake. Which doubles pair would win the Cup and in so doing would also grab the No.1 spot? And would Novak Djokovic or Nikolay Davydenko win their first Tennis Masters Cup?

It began with the doubles contest, which was well attended by an appreciative crowd. Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic took the honours 7-6 6-2 in a compelling contest. The result may have had something to do with Bob Bryan’s shoulder injury, but take nothing away from Nestor and Zimonjic – they played well, and you don’t become world No.1s overnight.

It transpired afterwards that they may have had a very different fate. Nenad Zimonjic revealed that he was actually lucky to be here at all after a bit of confusion on his journey to Shanghai. As he went through customs at Miami he failed to retrieve his passport! But he did arrive, and the pair were clearly delighted to have bagged the trophy and claim the top ranking.

The singles finals looked as if it would be a one-sided affair with Djokovic dominating from the off and taking the first set 6-1 in 32 minutes. Some of the tennis was breathtaking, but in truth the crowd really wanted a contest, especially given the elite field who had arrived in China.

Take nothing away from Nestor and Zimonjic – you don’t become world No.1s overnight…

They would have been much happier with the first point of the second game, when they were treated to some wonderful play, both players drop shotting and moving one another around the court. Davydenko took it, much to the delight of the crowd who participated wholeheartedly in the point – as they were to do throughout the second set – later during the changeover, with Novak leading 5-4, an unstoppable Mexican wave broke out.

But while he managed a stay of execution, it was not to be the Russian’s day. He had clawed his way back from 3-5 down and saved two match points when, just after that Mexican wave, Djokovic was serving for the match at 5-4. The second match point was gifted to Davydenko by a double fault from Novak.

The Serb eventually wrapped up the match 7-5 after 1 hour and 42 minutes, having taken his third match point. What followed after that can only be described as chaos. The new Champion threw two rackets and a shirt into the crowd and went to embrace his box who had been pretty animated throughout.

Djokovic injured himself in the celebrations – but “you don’t feel the pain in moments of happiness”

A few photographers got knocked over in the stampede and a few ‘non-accredited’ photographers managed to sneak onto the court at the same time. After the match Novak revealed that he injured himself in the celebrations – he cut his left hand and received on-court treatment from the trainer during the preparations for the presentation. He joked afterwards that he needed to retire at that point but charmingly added “you don’t feel the pain in moments of happiness.”

Zimonjic was also the other side of the court behind the players seats and he and Djokovic embraced and exchanged a few words. It is truly amazing for Serbia that two Tennis Masters Cup Champions were crowned in one day.

Finally, after all of the necessary preparation and a highlight reel of the week’s action, the closing ceremony and presentation took place. No less than 15 suits appeared on court, among them Britain’s very own Tim Phillips, Chairman of the All England Club, and there was lots of thanks for the tournament organisers and good wishes for the Masters Cup when it hits London. Eventually, Tim Phillips was presented with the Masters Cup flag, in a moment reminiscent of the passing of the Olympic torch. He gave the flag a spirited wave.

The players said their thank yous, particularly for the sponsors and rightly so when you consider the $4.45 million prize money on offer. Nikolay Davydenko didn’t mention Mercedes Benz, not because they are ending their sponsorship, simply because, as he pointed out, Novak was the recipient of the gleaming silver car that had been driven on court, not him. He revealed a sense of humour that sometimes gets lost in translation.

And so the Qi Zhong Stadium emptied for the final time at this year’s Masters Cup. Novak departed delighted with his win which he puts “in the same league as a Grand Slam because the best eight players in the world are participating here.” He would not reveal the recovery secrets that allowed him to return to court today looking refreshed after seeming so tired last night. ”I was so surprised in a way I could move so well on the court today. It’s not easy but you just have to get used to it because this is the way it is.”

It’s not the end for tennis in Shanghai, however. The stadium will be in use again in November for the Masters 1000 event, and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals as the event has been re-named will hit the 02 Arena. It should be a fantastic event – especially if Britain’s No.1, who played some magnificent tennis this week, has an even better year next year.

Picture the scene, if you dare. It’s November 29 2009, a wintry day in London’s Docklands, and Andy Murray, slightly more weighty and with a track record of staying the distance, steps up to receive the Masters Cup.

He won’t be sharing his recovery secrets either, because the Tour will still be gruelling and it’s some feat to make it through the tennis season and share the spoils of this rich tournament wherever it is in the world. But hey, that new title and hefty cheque will probably help…
Tennishead on Tour: Shanghai, Day 7
- Sat 15 Nov '08
After a pulsating end to the group stages, semi-final Saturday had a tough act to follow – but it was a day of breathless players rather than breathtaking plays…

Semi-final Saturday had a lot to live up to after Friday’s incredible tennis, and despite the names on show there was always the possibility that the day might be a bit of an anti-climax.

In the singles draw, Simon and Djokovic were first on court. The Frenchman and those billowing yellow shorts took the first set 6-4 in 47 minutes before Novak found his range. The Serb claimed the second and third sets 6-3 and 7-5, and so in 2 hours and 51 minutes had booked his place in tomorrow’s final.

As a result, Andy Murray didn’t take to court until 8.25pm for his match against Nikolay Davydenko. But a few minutes extra recovery time wasn’t enough to stop him looking tired, lurching his head back between points. That he was broken in the first game was little surprise; that he broke back immediately is testament to his fighting spirit.

Murray mentioned the fact he has beaten Roger Federer three times. It clearly means a lot to him…

The set was punctuated by long rallies, the wily Russian pushing the Scot from corner to corner, often hitting winners into the sort of space that a fully fit Murray would have gratefully tucked away, but today it took all he had just to run those balls down. Davydenko looked sharp and broke in game 12 to take the first set 7-5 in just over an hour.

The second set went with serve until the 5th game when Davydenko broke once more. At the changeover Murray looked frustrated, taking a drink of water. As he sat on the Rolex bench looking shattered, Davydenko looked the very picture of composure. The Russian went on to take the second set and the match 6-2, sealing victory with a 219kmph ace.

The result was far from surprising, after yesterday’s 3 hour and 1 minute match. Murray simply struggled to keep up the pace against a talented player. Davydenko moves well, he returns well and he was ready for this match.

As Murray admitted magnanimously afterwards, “he takes the ball so early, I thought he played really really well and I couldn’t get much going because he was making me do a lot of running. My legs just weren’t like they were in the rest of the matches.”

His season now over, Murray is going to “take a little bit of time off, then work as hard as possible to get ready for the beginning of the next season, try to put on a little bit more weight and try to get physically stronger.”

2009 may well be the year he adds a Slam to his list of achievements this year – 5 ATP titles, a Grand Slam final and a ranking of fourth in the world, not to mention a few sizeable pay cheques along the way. It was no exagerration when he said “the year as a whole has been awesome.”

Once again after this match, he mentioned the fact he has beaten Roger Federer three times. Beating the player who in his opinion is the best player in the world clearly means a lot to him, and when asked if he had any regrets for giving his all yesterday – in a match which from the point of view of his progression through the tournament did not matter – he replied, “to beat him means a similar amount to winning a tournament like this.” Maybe that view is an indication of the high standards the 21-year-old sets himself – and the regard he has for the Swiss.

Earlier in the day The Bryan Brothers booked their spot in the final by beating the Polish pair Fyrstenberg and Matowski. They’ll meet Nestor and Zimonic who crushed Cuevas and Horna.

It all kicks off at 1.30 pm local time with the singles final between Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko at 4pm. The Serb thinks that he has come to this tournament a more mature player, and physically and mentally stronger than last year when he lost all of his three matches.

We’ll see. Novak is not Murray’s favourite to win – he thinks the Russian has the edge. One thing’s for sure though – success at the season-ending Masters Cup is certainly about the survival of the fittest.

I don’t think today was an anti-climax – it simply underlined how gruelling the men’s tour is, and it whetted the appetite for the 2009 season. Now before signing off from Shanghai, we just have to wait and see which new name will go on the 2008 Tennis Masters Cup…
Tennishead on Tour: Shanghai, Day 6
- Fri 14 Nov '08
With the groups decided ahead of the weekend’s semi-finals, it was the end of the line for one man’s torrid season, and another’s fine career…

The heart of old Shanghai is known as the Bund. The literal meaning in Anglo-Indian is an embankment on a muddy shore – but it looks much better than that today.

On one bank of the Huangpu river there is a combination of colonial architecture from the 1920s and 1930s. Look across the water, and the new modern skyscrapers of Pudong make a dramatic skyline.

The river is teeming with boats, a reminder in this congested city of the trade and shipping that makes Shanghai such an important international business centre.

So it was fitting that Shanghai should produce a day showcasing the old, new and dramatic at the Qi Zhong Stadium – and none more exhilirating than the three hours and one minute Roger Federer and Andy Murray spent on court.

There was no questioning whether or not Roger wanted a semi-final spot…

If there had been any suspicion that Murray was happy with his semi final place that had already been booked you only needed to be here to know that was not the case. And, despite nursing a back injury that received attention at the start of the third set, there was no questioning whether or not Roger wanted a place too.

It was full of marvellous play and gladiatorial combat that just got better as the match went on. Despite the pre-match news about the Swiss’ medical reports and Murray’s assertions about knocking the world No.2 out, Federer won the first set 6-4.

Murray, having woken up to the fact that he was in a real contest, had the chance to take the second set when he served at 5-2, but never reached set point. Looking back, he’ll kick himself given how the match then unfolded, but the Scot made amends in the tie-break to take the match into a decider.

The third set had it all. For a split second, Federer looked as though he was contemplating pulling out after going a break down, as he sat in a line judge’s chair. But he didn’t. Instead he broke Murray twice to lead 4-3 with some blistering play, hitting out early in rallies to keep the points short. It made for a great spectacle.

Murray, however, broke back, and held to put himself on the brink of eliminating the world No.2.

The outstanding game of the third set, which had some simply wonderful tennis from both players, then came at 5-4 with Federer serving. It contained 10 deuces and Murray had a staggering 7 match points, none of which he managed to convert. Federer had 5 game points, and roared in relief as he finally closed out the game.

But it was clear that the game had taken it’s toll on the Swiss. Murray, having held serve then found himself on Federer’s serve with two further match points and finally the match was his 6-4 7-6 7-5.

The first singles match had already taken place between Gilles Simon and Radek Stepanek . The computations of the round robin format were such that the outcome of that first match could not guarantee Gilles Simon a place in the semi finals – his place was dependent on a Murray victory.

You can’t help but wonder how much the match and the late finish will have taken out of him…

The Frenchman was so anxious to reach the semis that, after beating Stepanek, he delayed the post match press conference at the request of the French press so that they could produce a more informative piece, ideally with the knowledge of whether Simon would be playing tomorrow or not.

As Federer and Murray started the third set, however, he arrived in the interview room. He had been watching the match from the locker room, but at 10pm he decided he’d rather go back to his hotel than hang around. Who could blame him?

As it turned out it was 11.13pm by the time Murray had claimed his victory (and 12.45am by the time Murray had completed his press conference). Presumably Gilles Simon was suitably tucked up in bed, as were Novak Djokovic and Murray’s semi-final opponent NIkolay Davydenko.

The Scot has 20 hours to recharge his batteries. This is nothing new to him – he’s used to it with other Masters Series events. But you can’t help wondering how much the match and the late finish will have taken out of him.

The day had also seen the 36-year-old Jonas Bjorkman, who announced at Wimbledon that he would retire at the end of the year, finally hang up his racket when he and Kevin Ullyett, suffered a defeat at the hands of the Poles, Fyrstenberg and Matkowski.

It was fitting that, for a player whose career spanned two decades during which the game has changed so much, the match was decided by that thoroughly modern invention – a super tie-break which the Swede and his partner lost 10-6.

There was a particular poignance to the moment since Bjorkman when asked about if after the match, said “I have never been the biggest supporter of it (super tie break)” although “I still think it’s good and I think it was better than losing in two sets. At least you have a little bit of drama in the end.”

There’s no doubt he really would rather have won this match and progressed at least to the semi finals and ideally bagged the trophy and his 55th career title, but it wasn’t to be.

So, a day of drama. Two Masters Cup rookies still in with a chance of winning. Roger Federer, who has reached the semi-final of this event ever since he started playing in 2002, on his way out of Shanghai. Andy Murray showing true grit. And the curtain finally coming down for Jonas Bjorkman.

Semi-final Saturday has a lot to live up to.