Let's Talk Tennis: February Follow Through

My Tennis Fantasy

Current Standing: 18th
My MVP for the Week: Nicolas Almagro (Spain) with $85,700, defeating Alexandr Dolgopov (Ukraine) in straight sets to win the title at the Brasil Open


Photo via Sports Club

With 8 career titles, Almagro has to be considered one of the world's top clay-court players. This is his fourth career title in Latin America alone. But Almagro has never been one to make much noise at the bigger tournaments. He's been to the quarterfinals at Roland Garros twice but never beyond. He's never been to the final of a Masters tournament, either. I am surprised to find, in fact, that he's never cracked the World Top 10, topping out at #11.

He is 25, considered by many to be the make or break age for a tennis player. It's been years since anyone beyond Nadal has been much of a threat at the big clay court showcases. Federer's the only one even worth mentioning. Every year, Almagro picks up minor titles only to fall short of the big money. Can he break the trend this year?


Golden Squid Update

Jurgen Melzer (Austria) picked up the tenth doubles title of his career this week at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. It is his third title with partner Philipp Petzschner (Germany). Together, they are the reigning Wimbledon doubles champions. Melzer has paired his rejuvenated singles career with an emergence as one of the world's best in doubles. He currently holds the #8 world ranking on the doubles circuit, higher than he has ever been ranked in singles.


Wimbledon photo via Chadanielle's Blog. Melzer is on the right.