Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2010

From The Editor

Looking back on the 2010 season, so many memorable moments come to mind: Andy Murray’s runner-up speech in Melbourne, player-led charity efforts for Haiti and Chile, Ivan Ljubicic’s inspiring win at Indian Wells, volcanic ash during the European spring swing, the 11-hour marathon at Wimbledon, the Bryans’ full-circle moment in LA, Roger Federer’s trick shot and ‘tweeners, the example set by the Indo-Pak Express, the list goes on and on...

Above all, 2010 will be remembered by many as the year of Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard put together what could be considered one of the finest seasons in history as he swept the clay court ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments, reclaimed the Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles – in the process seizing the World No. 1 ranking – and completed the career Grand Slam by winning the US Open. Now he comes to The O2 with the goal of winning the one title eluding his remarkable collection.

In this Barclays ATP World Tour Finals issue of DEUCE, we feature Nadal and his fellow competitors at the circuit finale, including the No. 1 duo of Bob and Mike Bryan, who are aiming to make it a perfect dozen in title matches this season. Stephen Huss, a former Finals competitor and Wimbledon doubles champion, gives you a glimpse of how they might be feeling this week.

Mikhail Youzhny barely missed the Finals cut this time around, but can be expected to give it another solid run in the coming year. Be sure to check out the in-depth profile on the Russian and learn about the man behind the military salute. Also, find out why another player with a Russian upbringing, Andrey Golubev, has helped put Kazakhstani tennis on the map.

Enjoy this issue of DEUCE, and share your favourite moments of the 2010 season here.

Alison Kim
Editor, DEUCE Magazine

In This Issue

Roddick As Hungry As Ever

Andy Roddick's physical trainer Lance Hooten and physio Doug Spreen discuss the American's off-season training at the end of the 2010 season.

Major Mikhail

Known for his trademark military salute and fighting spirit, Russian hero Mikhail Youzhny continues to carry on his late father’s legacy with the guidance of his long-time coach.

Tipsarevic's Tightrope

Janko Tipsarevic is hoping to end an injury-plagued year on a high by helping Serbia lift its first Davis Cup trophy.

The Return Of Rafa

Opponents beware. Rafael Nadal returns to The O2 restored to the World No. 1 spot and playing the tennis of his life.

Defining Swiss Success

Four titles, including a Grand Slam crown, might enough for most players in one season, but Roger Federer isn't really like most players...

London Calling

Andy Murray shoulders the privilege and pressure of playing in front of home fans at The O2. Can Britain’s best player of the Open Era rise to the occasion?

Soderling Finds The X-Factor

He always had the brutal groundstrokes and thunderous serve. Now that Robin Soderling has the mental toughness, he’ll be hard to stop at this year’s tournament.

Double Impact

Sixty-seven team titles, 200 weeks at No. 1 and an unbreakable bond – no wonder the Bryan brothers are always doing the chest-bump.

On The Attack

One’s a lefty, the other’s a righty, but Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic both love taking the game to their opponents. And this year they’ll be looking to repeat their 2008 title-winning run.

FEATURES

The Rollercoaster Psyche

Riding the high of his Montpellier doubles triumph, Australian Stephen Huss assesses the effect on-court performance can have on an athlete’s off-court self image.

DEPARTMENTS

The Last Time... With Jurgen Melzer

Austrian Jurgen Melzer reveals the last time he played a practical joke in the locker room, missed a flight, cooked a meal and more.

On The Rise... Andrey Golubev

Andrey Golubev likes nothing more than sitting in front of the television at home, but don't be fooled into thinking this year's Hamburg champion doesn't have burning ambition.