Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez win ATP World Tour Finals doubles title

Granollers and Lopez defeat Bhupathi and Bopanna to win the ATP World Tour Finals doubles title

Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez win the
ATP World Tour finals doubles title

Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez triumphed over Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna 7-5 3-6 10-3 to win the ATP World Tour Finals doubles title in London. Granollers and Lopez are the second Spanish duo to have won the season ending tournament, the first since 1975 when Juan Gisbert and Manuel Orantes won at Stockholm. This match went right down to the wire between the Spanish and the Indian doubles team but the two Spaniards came out the victors for their best title finish of the year.

The Spanish pairing pulled out the goods at the correct time in a tennis match which was evenly contested right to the very end. The sixth seeded Spaniards took advantage early on when they broke their opponents serve in the third game but unfortunately the Indians broke back straight away levelling the match again. The vital break came in the first set at 5-5 when the couple from Spain broke Bhupathi’s serve and took the 6-5 lead. All they needed to do was serve the rest of the set out to take the match lead and they did so with style when Granollers met a vicious Bhupathi return with a stunning volley.

The second set began and the Indians needed to win it to stay in the game but it began slowly with both sides performing evenly serving out until it was 3-3. Bhupathi and Bopanna then showed what good form they were in as they held their serve to make it 4-3, broke the Spaniards serve and then served out to win the set 6-3 as they took it to a Champions’ tie-break. The four players had a minutes rest before playing the Champions’ tie-break, a vital moment in the match. The Spanish combination used their rest well breaking the Indians serve to take a 4-0 lead and winning the tie-break convincingly 10-3.

One of the new Champions, Marcel Granollers said, “We finished here winning the title, so it's incredible for us. We try to play as best as we can always. I think we have very good relationship. So, I think, that's one of the key of our success.” He continued by commenting about the people involved, “I'd like to congratulate Mahesh and Rohan for their year. They played a great tournament. Good luck next season. Marc is one of my best friends. To win here with him is very special. Thanks to the ATP for a great tournament and to Barclays for supporting our sport.”

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Roger Federer play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

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Novak Djokovic in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals

Novak Djokovic beats Juan Martin del Potro to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals

Novak Djokovic getting frustrated during
the first set he lost

Novak Djokovic defeated the Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-final of the ATP World Tour Finals yesterday to reach the final but not with ease. Del Potro was not gifting Djokovic a route to the last final of the year; he put up a good fight against the world number one which caused some questions early on about whether or not Djokovic would be in the contest at the end of the match. Djokovic reigned victorious over del Potro 4-6 6-3 6-2 but he had to fight back from behind to get there.

Novak Djokovic came through the Round Robin with a clean sheet so Juan Martin del Potro knew he had a tough match to play. However, despite him being the lower ranked and favourite to lose, he got off to a flying start against the world number one smashing shots which the Serbian struggled to return. Djokovic managed to hold his own serve up until 4-4 where del Potro deservedly broke the serve and from then comfortably served out for a first set victory.

Juan Martin del Potro continued his fine form into the second set narrowly missing the chance to break Djokovic’s serve early on. From that moment onwards Djokovic gradually improved adapting to the play of the Argentine and knowing how to return effectively in order to win points. Djokovic came back to defeat del Potro in a 3 set thriller and book his place in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals against the Swiss maestro Roger Federer.

Djokovic commented on the tennis match saying, “I believed that I could come back. I believed that I could turn this match around in my favour and I've done so. I've played, from that moment on when I got the break back, very flawless tennis. That makes me very happy and also confident before the final.”

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Roger Federer play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

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Jonny Marray and Freddie Nielsen reach World Tour Finals semi-final

Doubles team Jonny Marray and Freddie Nielsen reach the semi-final of the ATP World Tour Finals

Jonny Marray and Freddie Nielsen reach the semi-final
of the ATP World Tour Finals

Jonny Marray and Freddie Nielsen are the lowest ranked doubles tennis team in the ATP World Tour Finals being the eighth seeds but they are the first duo in the tournament to reach the semi-final. The British-Danish pairing defeated reigning Champions Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Canadian Daniel Nestor 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 12-10 in a time of 1 hour 41 minutes. With two wins, Marray and Nielsen have ensured they will be one of the pairs to progress from Group B. They are playing their final group match against fourth seeds Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau today.

Jonny Marray commented on the situation saying, “We’re pretty surprised we're through after two matches. It wasn't something we really talked about. We were just coming here to try to enjoy and try to perform to the best of our abilities really. We can enjoy the next match really. There's no pressure on us again really. It's really a great situation, I think.” Regardless of results, Marray and Nielsen will win Group B. The second qualifying place will be taken by the winner of Mirnyi and Nestor vs Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna on Friday.

Marray had a chance early on to break but missed it when he couldn’t convert a couple of volleys and the set carried on with either side unable to break taking it to a tie-break. Marray and Nielsen dominated the tie-break allowing their opponents to capture only 2 points taking the first set and the lead. However, Nielsen double-faulted twice to give up a break at the start of the second set, and Mirnyi and Nestor saw out the set comfortably to force a match tie-break. Marray and Nielsen missed their first match point at 9-8 before saving themselves at 9-10, they then counted on a Nector long hit volley off the court to seal their win at 12-10 as they advance into the semi-final of the ATP World Tour Finals.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Roger Federer play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Berdych wins in the ATP World Tour Finals

Berdych beats Tsonga to give himself hope of reaching the semi-final in the ATP World Tour Finals

Tomas Berdych defeats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the
ATP World Tour Finals

Tomas Berdych played against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and ensured that Group A of the ATP World Tour Finals will be decided on Friday. Berdych beat Tsonga 7-5 3-6 6-1 in one hour and 52 minutes during Wednesday’s evening session at the O2 Arena, London. Berdych will play world number one Novak Djokovic on Friday and he will need to defeat him if he has any chance of reaching the semi-final. British number one Andy Murray plays Tsonga and will secure a semi-final position if he is able to triumph over him in straight sets.

During the opening set the tennis players didn't break each other’s serves or go all out for the win until the 11th game when Tsonga struck two lose forehands wide to gift Berdych the game. All Berdych had to do from then on was serve the next game out and win the set, which he did. Tsonga took control in the second set, breaking Berdych for a 3-1 lead when the Czech hit a forehand long. At 5-3 Tsonga was struggling going 30 love down, but he regained his focus and hit back to 40-30 where he pulled off an ace to win the second set. Berdych saved two break points in the first game of the decider, then he turned up the power level to win five straight games as Tsonga started to show signs of tiredness. Berdych needs to win his next match against Djokovic otherwise he cannot advance into the semi-final.

Tomas Berdych after the match said, “I don't like mathematics at all. I will try to play tennis, and that's it. I will try my best. But Novak just has shown how great he's playing right now and that he deserves to be number 1 player in the world. It's a huge challenge for me. But on the other hand, he already has two wins, so let's see what's going to be in that last match.” Berdych has his sights set on beating Novak Djokovic to qualify for the semi-final of the ATP World Tour Finals and he also must rely on Murray to give at least one set away to Tsonga.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Andy Murray play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

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ATP World Tour Finals 2012: Djokovic beats Tsonga

Novak Djokovic wins his first ATP World Tour Finals match for 2012 against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Novak Djokovic defeats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at
the ATP World Tour Finals

Novak Djokovic was coming into this tennis tournament, the ATP World Tour Finals as the new world number one after Roger Federer backed out of the Paris Masters and he wanted to show that he fully deserved that title. Last year, Djokovic didnt make it through the Round-Robin stage but yesterday he made his first move towards the semi-final by defeating Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (7-4) 6-3. These 2 players have met 5 times this year with Djokovic winning every match and his most recent win over Tsonga meant that Djokovic is now top of Group A.

Novak Djokovic overcame Tsonga but struggled for most of the first set on the back foot. Djokovic just about managed to save 3 break points before winning the tie-break and capturing the first set. The second set Djokovic won in a much more dominating style only losing 2 points on his serve and showing the tennis community that, despite his father unfortunately being ill, he can still perform on the top of his game.

Tsonga has now lost his last 7 meetings against Djokovic and had this to say about the match yesterday, “I had many chances in the first set, I think the difference was there. It's more he's taking his chance all the time and me, I miss on big points. That was difficult for me because then he's playing free in the second set.”

Djokovic is now top of Group A and he will meet the man that stopped him winning the US Open title, Andy Murray at midday on Wednesday. Murray also won his match against Berdych yesterday which means that both Murray and Djokovic are currently in semi-final qualifying places and have to face each other tomorrow. Group B are playing today with Roger Federer taking on Janko Tipsarevic and Juan Martin del Potro facing David Ferrer.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Novak Djokovic play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitaltyonline.co.uk

Novak Djokovic out of Paris Masters

Novak Djokovic gets eliminated from the Paris Masters in the second round

Novak Djokovic enters the arena wearing a
Darth Vader mask for Halloween

Novak Djokovic is set to finish the tennis season as world number one but his performance in the Paris Masters second round against Sam Querrey wasn’t a performance that the best in the world should produce. Djokovic lost to the American 0-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 after he strode onto the court in full festive spirit wearing a Darth Vader mask for Halloween. However, the force was not with him in this match as he got thrashed by Querrey.

Novak Djokovic was looking to finish the year on a high by winning the final 2 tournaments of the season, the Paris Masters and the ATP World Tour Finals but Querrey was there to stop him on his journey at an early stage. To begin with, Djokovic was dominating the match winning the first set without dropping a game 6-0 and he continued his fine form into the second set going 2-0 up. It looked as though it was going to be an embarrassing defeat for the American but he came out of nowhere to put Djokovic’s performance to shame.

Sam Querrey used his powerful serve to his advantage hitting 10 aces in the second set leading him to a tie-break. During the tie-break, Djokovic played too many loose shots which Querrey took advantage of and levelled the match at a set each. The match then turned into Querrey’s favour in the fifth game of the deciding set, when he broke for a 3-2 lead and held his serve for 4-2 after another sloppy forehand from Djokovic landed in the net. Djokovic fought his way back to 4-4 but Querrey had the spirit to continue, winning the final 2 games to advance into the third round to face Milos Raonic.

Djokovic said after the match, “physically I'm not feeling very good in last couple of days. During the second set I already felt that physically I'm down, and I struggle every game. It's unfortunate, but on the brighter side, I have a little bit more time to rest because I had really difficult period in the last couple of weeks. Some things happened and (there are) a lot of things on my mind.” Rumour has it that Djokovic’s father has been in hospital in Belgrade, so it is understandable if he doesn’t play up to scratch as his thoughts are naturally with his family.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Novak Djokovic play his final tournament of the year when he plays against seven of the world’s best tennis players at the Barclay's ATP World Tour Tennis Finals at the O2 Arena in London. He will also play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wins in Paris Masters

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beats Julien Benneteau in his first match of the Paris Masters

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wins his first match in
the Paris Masters

French tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has begun his quest for qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals with a first win at the Paris Masters. Tsonga struggled in the middle of the match but pulled out a win against Julien Benneteau 6-2 4-6 7-6to advance to the third round and edge that little bit closer towards qualifying for the end of season tournament at the O2 Arena in London.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had an impressive start dominating the first set winning 6-2 and showing why he should and probably will qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals. However, Tsonga allowed Benneteau to break decisively in the fifth game and serve out the rest of the set to level the match and need a third set to be the decider.

Tsonga served for the match after breaking in the eighth game of the deciding third set, only for Benneteau to break back and force a tiebreak, though he promptly lost five points in a row as Tsonga claimed it 7-2 and advanced into the third round. If Tsonga can secure a victory in the third round of the Paris Masters he will certainly secure a spot in the ATP World Tour Finals. Last year in the Paris Masters, Tsonga was able to reach the final where he lost to Federer and similarly in the ATP World Tour Finals last year, he reached the final but again lost to the Swiss tennis magician, Roger Federer.

There are 2 places left in the ATP World Tour Finals and Tsonga is looking towards grabbing one of those places if he can defeat either Spain's Nicolas Almagro or Albert Ramos in the next round. Tsonga will be competing against Djokovic, Federer, Murray, Ferrer, Berdych and del Potro if he does qualify with the final place possibly being filled by either Tipsarevic, Gasquet or Almagro with it most likely going to be filled by Tipsarevic.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Jo-Wilfried Tsonga play his final tournament of the year when he plays against seven of the world’s best tennis players at the Barclays ATP World Tour Tennis Finals at the O2 Arena in London. He will also play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Serena Williams wins the WTA Championships

Serena Williams beats Maria Sharapova in the WTA Championships final

 Serena Williams wins the WTA Championhsips title

Serena Williams has won her third WTA Championships this weekend against Maria Sharapova with a dominant 6-4 6-3 showing at Istanbul. It was doubtful that Sharapova was going to defeat Williams in this final as she had not yet dropped a single set all tournament and as first thought before the game, Sharapova made no impact on Williams’ fine form. Williams said, “Maria won the last time we played in the Championships final (in 2004) and she's ranked ahead of me so I had nothing to lose.”

World number three Williams has won seven titles in 2012, including the US Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics. The 15-time major winner leads Russian world number two Sharapova 10-2 in head-to-heads and has won her last 13 matches against top-four players. She is certainly on form and hopes that she can carry her form into next season now that this season has finished for the women.

Williams carried on to say, “It feels great to have achieved my dream. The Turkish crowd were fantastic. I have never seen so many signs with my name on them before.”  She continued, “It's awesome. To come back after being in the hospital, I feel so happy whether I win or lose,” Serena commented after her career-threatening injury and illness in 2010 and 2011.

Sharapova said after the game, “She had another great serving day against me. I don't think I even had a break point. Maybe it was partly me not doing enough on the returns and partly she was serving well, but that's one of the reasons she's such a great champion and has had a tremendous amount of success in her career.”

This tennis season may be over but you can start planning your trips to the major tennis events today.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonticketsonline.co.uk. For all other tennis events please see our sister site, Eventality.

David Ferrer wins Valencia Open

David Ferrer captures his third Valencia Open trophy in his home country

Juan Carlos Ferrero alongside David Ferrer

David Ferrer won the Valencia Open at the weekend and he dedicated his victory to his good friend and former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero who retired in the same tournament. The Spaniard has won the Valencia Open twice before in 2008 and in 2010 and he retains his title this year yet again by defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1 3-6 6-4 in one hour and 49 minutes. Ferrer celebrated by hugging his friend Juan Carlos Ferrero, who he partnered to the doubles semi-finals this week.

David Ferrer has said, “It's always very difficult to play at home. I knew it would be more difficult to win the title again. He's a very talented opponent. I played aggressively and it went well for me. I want to dedicate the victory to Juan Carlos Ferrero on his farewell. He has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and as a player.” Ferrero, who had trained Ferrer in his younger years, wanted to celebrate his win with his friend for all the happy years they have known each other.

Ferrer received €342,850 in prize money and 500 South African Airways ATP Ranking points, while Dolgopolov picked up €154,570 and 300 points. These South African Airways ATP Ranking Points go towards the seaon total and ultimately qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals. Ferrer doesn’t need to worry about qualifying for the Finals as he’s already racked up enough points to compete as one of the top 8 men this year. He is going to play against 7 of the world’s best players including Djokovic, Federer, Murray, Berdych and del Potro at the O2 Arena on 5th November.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see David Ferrer play his final tournament of the year when he plays against seven of the world’s best tennis players at the Barclays ATP World Tour Tennis Finals at the O2 Arena in London. He will also play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk 

Williams defeats Azarenka in WTA Championships

Serena Williams threatens Victoria Azarenka’s world number one spot with victory over her

Serena Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka at the
WTA Championships

Serena Williams has a very impressive head-to-head tennis record against the world number one Victoria Azarenka now holding 11 wins to 1 loss thanks to another victory over her on Thursday. She triumphed 6-4 6-4 in the final tennis tournament of the season for the women players, the WTA Championships. Williams showed her class and why she is world number 3 against Azarenka winning the first set comfortably 6-4, but she did struggle at the start of the next set going 3-0 down in games. However, Williams picked up her form, came back and won that final set to claim another match against Azarenka.

This victory means that Williams tops her table in the WTA Championships and has secured a place in the semi-final. China’s number one Li Na defeated German Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-3 meaning that she has a chance of advancing into the semi-final but if Azarenka can beat Li Na on Friday then Azarenka will join Williams in the other semi-final spot where she will play whoever finishes top of the other table.

Williams has played all of her games against Azarenka, Na and Kerber and won each one meaning Kerber is out of the tournament finishing bottom of the table. Williams said, “I've been struggling with my serve in the first two rounds and I knew I could do much better. I knew I needed to play better to win against Victoria, who has had a stellar year.”

Azarenka must beat Li Na on Friday to secure her place in the semi-finals of the season-ending event in Istanbul, Turkey. The Belarusian commented on her match against Williams saying, “I have been practising hard and expected to play better. When I did the right things I was in control much of the time, but I didn't have the consistency today.” She continues to talk about her upcoming match against Li Na stating, “I will give everything to win tomorrow. I will give 200%. I have another opportunity to stay in the tournament and to keep the dream alive.”

Author Daniel Foster.
You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Roger Federer wins in his home town

Roger Federer advances to the quarter-final in the Swiss Indoors Basel

Roger Federer scrapes a win at the
Swiss Indoors Basel

Roger Federer has entered the Swiss Indoors Basel in his home country, Switzerland, a tournament close to his heart as he has entered it every year since he became a competing professional player. Despite Federer having the advantage of playing in his home country with the fans largely in his favour, he struggled against Thomaz Bellucci in order to reach the quarter-final however, he did beat him 6-3 6-7 7-5, but it was a close run match.

Top seed and defending five-time tennis Champion of the Swiss Indoors Basel got off to a good start against Bellucci winning the first set with ease; it was the second set where he started to struggle. The second set was close between Federer and Bellucci with neither player dropping their serve making the set go all the way to 6-6 and into a tie-break. Federer could only capture 2 of the first seven points putting himself 5-2 down, but he clawed his way back to 6-6 where he could have finished the match but Belllucci grabbed the next 2 points winning the second set. Similarly to the previous set, the final one was quite close with both players holding their serves until 6-5 in Federer’s favour where he then broke Bellucci’s serve to reign victorious in the match advancing into the quarter-final.

Federer has had an exceptional season so far grabbing his 17th Grand Slam at Wimbledon, and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crowns in Indian Wells, Madrid and Cincinnati. However, despite him doing well this year, his world number one title is under pressure with Djokovic coming in close behind him lacking by only 195 points. If Djokovic wins a tournament worth 200 points or more and Federer does not enter or win any matches in the remaining tournaments, then Djokovic could take the world number place from him. Federer needs to have a replay of last year to secure his number one spot and win the final 3 tournaments of the year in a row when he won the Swiss Indoors Basel, the BNP Paribas Masters and Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, to finish the 2011 season with a 17-match win streak.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Juan Carlos Ferrero retires

Juan Carlos Ferrero emotionally retires from tennis after Valencia Open

Juan Carlos Ferrero retires

Former world number one and French Open 2003 Grand Slam winner, Juan Carlos Ferrero has retired after 14 glorious years as a professional tennis player playing in ATP World tour tournaments. Ferrero announced last month that he was going to retire from professional tennis at his home tournament, the Valencia Open even if he lost in the first round, which unfortunately happened. The match-up was Ferrero against his good friend and fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in the first round and Ferrero was not expected to defeat the sixth seed.

The tennis match ended 7-5 6-3 in Almagro’s favour despite him having a slight discomfort in his shoulder late in the second set, which he shrugged off and sealed the victory. The match between two Spanish friends was an entertaining battle in which the pair exchanged smiles and jokes throughout. When the match ended, the two players embraced at the net with the tears brewing in Ferrero’s eyes whilst the crowd gave him an emotional ovation before he threw his racquet, shirt and some personal items into the crowd to thank them for supporting him on his journey as a professional tennis player.

Ferrero said after the match, “This is a very special week, a very emotional week. Today on court it was very emotional, but it’s been very emotional since the tournament started. When I first saw the draw, I was really not happy because he was one of the few players I didn’t want to play. We’re best friends, we practise together, and Nico is also trying to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. I was really not happy, but then, the nice side of it is that I played my last match against a very important person for me, a great friend.”

Ferrero has retired now from his singles career, but he will play in the doubles part of the Valencia Open alongside Ferrer on Wednesday afternoon and after that match, there will be an official send-off for Ferrero with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Alex Corretja, Carlos Moya, Albert Costa and golfer Sergio Garcia all attending.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Watson disappointed with Murray Olympics choice

Heather Watson was disappointed that Andy Murray chose Laura Robson over her in the Olympics

Heather Watson looks to improve even more

Andy Murray had a choice to make in the Summer when the Olympics came to Great Britain to play the mixed doubles tennis with Laura Robson or Heather Watson. He chose Robson. The Murray Robson partnership did very well with them winning Silver but Heather Watson said that she was disappointed that he didn’t choose her. However, Watson said that Murray not choosing her, made her stronger for the Japan Open and it helped her raise the trophy.

Watson commented on the Olympics incident saying, “Honestly, yeah. I wanted to play. It was the Olympics. I think anyone in my position would have wanted that opportunity. But it was his decision. It's made me stronger.” Although Watson was not chosen by Murray, she was still happy for them winning Silver, “It's fine. They ended up with a Silver medal. That's brilliant.”

Heather Watson achieved the best result of her career so far recently winning the Japan Open, and by doing that she got into the world’s top 50 and regained her British number one title from Laura Robson. Since this success, she has revealed that she wants to improve even more, “My ambition is to get to number one in the world and win one of the grand slams,” Watson stated, “You have to be selfish to win. You can't be sympathetic to your opponent.” Watson has got her eyes on the big prize but can she do so well as winning a Grand Slam? Either way, with Watson and Robson in women’s tennis, the future for British women’s tennis certainly looks bright.

Author Daniel Foster.
For your chance to see Heather Watson, Laura Robson and other world class tennis players in action, you can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonticketsonline.co.uk

Heather Watson could be tennis world number one

Heather Watson says she could become tennis world number one after her Japan Open victory

Heather Watson says she could be world number one

Heather Watson has become the first British woman to win a WTA singles title since 1988 after beating Chang Kai-chen 7-5 5-7 7-6 (7-4) in the Japan Open final and now Watson says she could become world number one. The Japan Open triumph saw the 20-year-old rise 21 places to 50th in the world rankings, replacing Laura Robson as British number one. Watson said, “I definitely believe in myself. I wouldn't be in the game if I didn't. I have the mental toughness and the capability. You know all these girls think the same thing, so it's just who can do it, and I'm just going to do whatever it takes.”

Before her title win at the Japan Open Watson had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals. By winning the Japan Open, Watson repeated Sara Gomer who was the last British female to win on the tour. Her triumph in the Northern California Open in 1988 came four years before Watson was even born. Watson has now overtaken previous British number one Laura Robson who has had a very successful season and sits 2 places behind Watson in 52nd place in the world.

New British number one Heather Watson had this to say about herself and Laura Robson, “I think we have been starving a little bit for a female player to come through. At the moment me and Laura are coming through at the beginning stages of our career and it's exciting.” These 2 young women players could grow up to be British tennis superstars and legends.

Author Daniel Foster.
For your chance to see Heather Watson and other world class tennis players in action, you can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Andy Murray wants a National Tennis Academy

Andy Murray backs the idea of a New National Tennis Academy in Scotland

Andy Murray meets his fans in Dunblane, Scotland.

Andy Murray returned to his hometown of Dunblane, Scotland on Sunday following his triumph in the US Open beating world number two Novak Djokovic in the final. Murray was greeted by thousands of fans who had waited in the pouring rain to welcome back and see their tennis hero. Whilst he was there he played a few games of tennis with local school children in the same tennis courts he played as a child; he believes there should be a national tennis academy in Scotland for upcoming juniors.

Murray said, “One of the things that is missing is a focal point for tennis that a lot of the promising juniors can go to practise at and have the best coaching. It doesn't need to cost £40m like the one in Roehampton cost - it will be much, much less than that. But if we could have something like that, I think it would make a big difference. I know how difficult things like that can be to pass off and it is a lot of money as well but it would be a nice thing to have and I will support it.” It is obvious that Murray wants Scotland to produce more tennis stars and it could improve British tennis as a whole if the academy gets underway.

Scotland does already have a national centre for tennis at the University of Stirling. The Gannochy National Tennis Centre, where Murray trained as a child, has six indoor courts and two clay courts outside. The US Open 2012 Champion and his mother discussed the idea of a tennis academy with the first minister during a meeting in Dunblane on Sunday and they sounded enthusiastic about the idea. Murray has had a successful Summer coming runner up in Wimbledon, getting Gold and Silver in the Olympics and winning his first Grand Slam, the US Open; therefore it will certainly help the cause with Andy Murray backing the idea of a new National Tennis Academy.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can see Andy Murray play his final tournament of the year when he plays against seven of the world’s best tennis players at the Barclays ATP World Tour Tennis Finals at the O2 Arena in London. He will also play at Wimbledon 2013, Boodles 2013, Aegon Championships 2013 and the US Open 2013 and you can get hospitality and tickets through our sister company Eventality. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102 or request a call back via e-mail.

You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk

Laura Robson wins first round of the Guangzhou International in China

GB Tennis star Laura Robson is carrying on her form into China winning her first match of the Guangzhou International tournament

Laura Robson beats Maria Teresa Torro in the
Guangzhou International first round.

Laura Robson has entered the Guangzhou International in China following her more than impressive showing in the US Open putting Kim Clijsters into retirement and defeating French Open winner, Li Na. Laura Robson reached the last 16 where she unfortunately got knocked out by the US Open 2011 winner, Sam Stosur. The 18-year-old exceeded expectations in the US Open she overtook Heather Watson in her WTA Rankings to be the number one women’s tennis player in Britain. The Olympic mixed doubles silver medallist is now ranked 74th in the world, one place ahead of Heather Watson.

Robson has now entered China's Guangzhou International and she won her first-round match 6-2 3-1 as her opponent Maria Teresa Torro retired in the second game. Robson was dominating Torro and she is clearly growing as a player and getting stronger the more matches she plays and the more she trains. Having forced Maria Teresa Torro to retire in the second game of the first-round match, Robson will play either second seed Zheng Jie or Chinese Taipei's Yung-Jan Chan in the second round of the Guangzhou International, which also features France's world number 10 Marion Bartoli as the top seed.

Robson is looking to tally up as many WTA points as she can ahead of the new tennis year, before the Australian Open gets underway. The world’s top 108 players receive an automatic place in the draw for the Australian Open therefore Robson will try and be as high in the rankings as possible so she doesn’t have to go through qualifiers. Robson is still young and she is improving as a tennis player, she might not win the Australian Open now but she definitely has the potential to be a Grand Slam winner in the future.

Author Daniel Foster.
You can book your Wimbledon 2013 tickets & hospitality packages today. Call us on 0844 293 2350 or +44 (0)208 166 5102, request a call back via e-mail or go online www.wimbledonhospitalityonline.co.uk.