From The Editor
Rafael Nadal has never been better. In a flawless display over the past month, the Spaniard clinched titles in Monte-Carlo, Rome and Madrid to complete a sweep of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 clay tournaments for the first time. Nadal and clay-court success may go hand-in-hand, but his historic feat and quest to regain the Roland Garros crown are made more compelling considering the challenges he's come through professionally and personally over the past year.
In this issue of DEUCE, we not only look at Nadal's recent resurgence but also that of two of the ATP World Tour's classiest players. Juan Carlos Ferrero evoked memories of his 2003 Roland Garros triumph during a three-week stretch in Latin America, while Ivan Ljubicic celebrated his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells. Find out what continues to drive this pair of 30-somethings.
Robin Soderling sent shockwaves through the tennis world last year when he upset Nadal at Roland Garros, but still remains a mystery to many. Learn more about the enigmatic Swede, and also meet up-and-comer Thomaz Bellucci, whom Brazilians have labelled Guga's heir apparent.
Doubles players are among the ATP World Tour's most interesting personalities, and here, we feature three duos from different angles. Bob and Mike Bryan reveal their secrets for keeping the Twitterverse entertained, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic share their on-court aspirations, and the 'Indo-Pak Express' of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi reflect on a partnership that transcends a political divide.
I hope you enjoy this edition of DEUCE, and I welcome your comments.
Alison Kim
Editor, DEUCE Magazine
In This Issue
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Ljubicic Turns A New Page
Ivan Ljubicic’s run to the BNP Paribas Open title in March was widely toasted as a triumph for veterans of the ATP World Tour. It also added a new chapter to an extraordinary life.
Heart Of A Warrior
Robin Soderling is known for his competitive drive and powerful game, but the journey to the top has revealed a new side of Sweden’s lone wolf.
Juan Carlos’ Golden Touch
Juan Carlos Ferrero has already built a lasting legacy on and off the court, but following his resurgence during this year’s Golden Swing, the former World No. 1 is intent on a return to the Top 10.
Tweeting Twins Set Standard On & Off The Court
They’ve been ATP World Tour Doubles Champions five of the past six years. And, in the eyes of many tennis fans, the Bryans are also the reigning champions in the tennis Twitter stakes.
Nestor & Zimonjic Ready For More
After an incredible 2009 season finished with the disappointing loss of the No. 1 team ranking, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic look for more consistency in their third year as a duo.
Bridging A Great Divide
Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna have transcended the Indian-Pakistan political-divide by forming a successful tennis partnership that has heightened interest in the sport on the cricket-mad sub-Continent.
Butch Buchholz Leaves His Legacy
As he passes the torch in Key Biscayne, Sony Ericsson Open founder Butch Buchholz reflects on a rich life and a dream realised.
The Last Time... With Andy Murray
Scotland's Andy Murray reveals the last time he missed a flight, shared a hotel room with another player, his fame helped him and more.
On The Rise... Thomaz Bellucci
Brazil has waited years for a successor to Gustavo Kuerten, and Thomaz Bellucci looks poised to take on the weight of expectations after breaking through to win two clay titles.
Scoreboard & Calendar
Reigning champion Roger Federer returns to Roland Garros and Wimbledon with two Pete Sampras records within reach.
Shark Bites
ATP stats and information guru Greg Sharko takes a look at the three-way race for the World No. 1 ranking.
Videos
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Rafael Nadal Masters 1000 Record
In season 2, episode 19, ATP World Tour Uncovered celebrates Rafael Nadal's historic 18th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Madrid.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Mark Knowles
In season 2, episode 17 of ATP World Tour Uncovered, Mark Knowles reflects on winning his 700th career match. Tune in to ATPWorldTour.com every Wednesday for the latest features and watch the full episode on television. View Global TV Schedule.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Ivan Ljubicic
In season 2, episode 16 of ATP World Tour Uncovered, Ivan Ljubicic talks about his playing some of his best tennis after the age of 30. Tune in to ATPWorldTour.com every Wednesday for the latest features and watch the full episode on television. View Global TV Schedule.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Jo Wilfried Tsonga
In season 2, episode 18, ATP World Tour Uncovered takes a look at Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's commitment to promote the sport off the court. Tune in to ATPWorldTour.com every Wednesday for the latest features and watch the full episode on television. View Global TV Schedule.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Sam Querrey
American Sam Querrey reveals to ATP World Tour Uncovered that he is better equipped for the court than the kitchen. Tune in to ATPWorldTour.com every Wednesday for the latest features and watch the full episode on television. View Global TV Schedule.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Roger Federer In Ethiopia
Roger Federer visits Ethiopia to meet with many of the 700 children supported by his Foundation. Roger talks about his emotional journey on ATP World Tour Uncovered. Tune in to ATPWorldTour.com every Wednesday for the latest features and watch the full episode on television. View Global TV Schedule.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Evgeny Korolev
ATP World Tour Uncovered joins rising star Evgeny Korolev for coffee in Moscow and learns why he switched allegiances from Russia to Kazakhstan. Tune in to ATPWorldTour.com every Wednesday for the latest features and watch the full episode on television. View Global TV Schedule.
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