I hope everyone enjoyed the Family Day Long Weekend and welcome to another edition of the Coach’s Corner. The eyes of the sports world are undoubtedly on the Winter Olympics currently held in Sochi, Russia. However, the ATP and WTA Tours had a very busy week with 4 stops in Rotterdam (Netherlands), Memphis (USA), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Doha (Qatar). All tournaments were played on hard courts with the exception of the Copa Claro in Buenos Aires. Today’s topic deals with a distinct contrast between the 2 court surfaces and game styles that must be adopted if a player wishes to be successful on both venues. Spaniards are famous for long rallies and tireless clay court exchanges; hence, most of them didn’t mind the long flight to Buenos Aires to enjoy the friendly confines of red clay. Please watch the following clip during which David Ferrer, Pablo Andujar and other clay court specialists discuss the difference between competing on clay as opposed to a hard court: 

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Media/Video-Landing/*/Tennis/Media/Videos/Uploaded/2014/2/18/ATP-World-Tour-Uncovered-Buenos-Aires-Scene-Set.aspx

Bottom line: On hard courts, the game is much faster and the points are shorter. The focus is on fast serving and looking for shots that will quickly end the point (for the most part). On clay, a more methodical approach is required as the playing surface is heavier and slower and, thus, the points have to be constructed to systematically wear the opponent down and force him/her to make an error. Here are the final round results from Buenos Aires as well as the other 3 tournaments played last week:

 

Copa Claro in Buenos Aires: Final Rounds.

Men’s Singles: David Ferrer (Spain) defeated Fabio Fognini (Italy)   6-4, 6-3.

Men’s Doubles: M. Granollers (Spain) and M. Lopez (Spain) defeated P. Cuevas (Uruguay) and H. Zeballos (Argentina)   7-5, 6-4.

 

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands: Final Rounds.

Men’s Singles: Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) defeated Marin Cilic (Croatia)   6-4, 6-2.

Men’s Doubles: M. Llodra (France) and N. Mahut (France) defeated J. Rojer (Netherlands) and H. Tecau (Romania)   6-2, 7-6(4).

 

US National Indoor Championships in Memphis, USA: Final Rounds.

Men’s Singles: Kei Nishikori (Japan) defeated Ivo Karlovic (Croatia)   6-4, 7-6(0).

Men’s Doubles: E. Butorac (USA) and R. Klaasen (South Africa) defeated B. Bryan (USA) and M. Bryan (USA)   6-4, 6-4.

 

Qatar Total Open 2014 in Doha: Final Rounds.

Ladies’ Singles: Simona Halep (Romania) defeated Angelique Kerber (Germany)   6-2, 6-3.

Ladies’ Doubles: S. Hsieh (Chinese Taipei) and S. Peng (China) defeated K. Peschke (Czech Republic) and K. Srebotnik (Slovenia)   6-4, 6-0.

 

Next week, I’ll bring you the results from 3 tournaments played on 3 different continents: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Marseille (France) and Delray Beach (USA). As always, I welcome your comments and/or questions. Please feel free to contact me directly at (416) 821-5555 or email: mctennisacademy@hotmail.com. Enjoy the Olympics and have a great week!

 

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