serve and volley

Somdev Devvarman’s brave fight in vain: India lose 1-4 to Serbia

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If there were any doubts that Somdev Devvarman is the rightful inheritor to Leander Paes’ mantle in the Davis Cup , they were put to rest by his stellar display at Novi Sad against defending champions Serbia.

Novak Djokovic—the World No.3 and architect of the successful Serbian title run last year—opted out of the first round tie. India were hit hard by Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi’s withdrawals due to injuries. The doubles point was considered to be in the bag with the duo around.

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Soderling hangs tough to oust Llodra,Federer capitulates to Monfils

It will be Robin Soderling versus Gael Monfils this Sunday at the Paris Masters but not before both protagonists overcame hiccups en route to the final.

The first semi featured Michael Llodra—on a hot streak—against Swede Soderling.

The initial set went with serve 6-6. And it was Llodra—playing with the foot pressed to the accelerator—who romped home 7-0 in the tie-break.

That served as a wake-up call to Soderling who started to find his feet in the second, hitting his returns nice and deep. But it was all bazookas and Llodra’s brilliance until 5-5.

Soderling broke Llodra to go up 6-5 and then served out the set to make it 1-1.

Scintillating tennis continued with Llodra negating an early break to come roaring back into the match in the third set.

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Davydenko rides the tail of a tiger: Llodra sails through

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How does it feel to ride the tail of a tiger?

Nikolay Davydenko found out when he took on Michael Llodra in the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters.

The 10th seed must have felt secure leading 4-3 in the first set, serving for the 8th game.

But Llodra broke back and the scores were soon level at 5-5.

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A Comeback Lesson In Serve And Volley

Aided by the sultry Chennai weather, the Indian Davis Cup team scripted a famous come-from-behind victory at Chennai, outplaying Brazil in both the singles matches on Sunday, the 19th of September, 2010.

This time though, the victory was achieved in a thoroughly professional manner with the entire team carrying its weight.

 Rohan Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman had their say. They have reassured Indian tennis fans that the country’s Davis Cup hopes are in secure hands for the foreseeable future.

Bellucci caved in to cramps and dehydration in the morning after just a set and a half. Somdev Devvarman was left feeling a little bemused but why look a gift horse in the mouth?

Llodra slips a mickey to a doubting Tomas

The Has!

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Serve and volley? Ha!Ha! Ha! Serve and volley is dead!

Net play? Ha!Ha!Ha!

Are you nuts?

A woman coach? Amelie Mauresmo? Ha! Ha! Ha! You must be crazy!

These are the kinds of barbs , taunts, scorn and scathing attack you would imagine that Michaël Llodra endured when he decided to seek coaching from his compatriot Mauresmo.

Changing your game plan is never easy. Remolding and remodeling it is even harder, especially late in your career. The trick lies in not changing a lot of stuff, just a few things.

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