From The Editor
On the eve of the US Open, when World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is eyeing a "career" Grand Slam and five-time former titlist Roger Federer aims to reach a seventh straight final at Flushing Meadows, a handful of ATP World Tour stars start as title contenders and pose significant threats. Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych, who features in this issue of DEUCE Magazine, is one such player.
Pete Sampras, who in this issue reflects on his stunning victory as a 19 year old at the 1990 US Open, believes Berdych and Robin Soderling could do some damage this year. "I'm not surprised by the breakthroughs of Berdych and Soderling on the major stage," says Sampras, "as players that hit the ball flat and hard, they will pose a threat at any tournament.
"But, I am a big fan of Nadal's and believe he has a great shot to complete a career Grand Slam at the US Open. I love the way he competes whether it is 0/40 or 40/0. He is an animal, has the fitness of a marathon runner and can win on any surface. I'm sure Federer will win more majors - there was a big over-reaction after his Wimbledon loss."
DEUCE also profiles four players who are at different stages of their careers, but each shares an appetite for working hard. Jurgen Melzer saw his career turnaround by winning on home soil at Vienna in October 2009, while long before his Wimbledon epic John Isner laid the foundation stone for a solid all-court game.
Ernests Gulbis, a tennis heavyweight in waiting, has developed a systematic plan that he hopes will take him to the pinnacle of the sport, while Thiemo de Bakker explains why he isn't resting on his laurels after breaking into the Top 50 of the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings earlier this year.
With three months left of the regular ATP World Tour season, doubles stars and family men Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman also explain why they are determined to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November. Lukasz Kubot, who also hopes to be in London with Oliver Marach, discusses his life as a Top 100 singles and doubles player.
I hope you enjoy this edition of DEUCE, and I welcome your comments.
James Buddell
Editor, DEUCE Magazine
In This Issue
© Getty Images
PLAYERS
The Buzz On Berdych
Czech Tomas Berdych once seemed content with a Top 20 ranking, but no longer. He's now a genuine Grand Slam title contender after his performances at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year.
PLAYERS
Making Up For Lost Time
American John Isner has begun to ramp up the intensity that was lacking in his University of Georgia days to build a well-rounded game that is reaping dividends this year.
PLAYERS
Jurgen's Journey
Playing the best tennis of his life, thanks to his A-Team that toned down the flair for greater substance, Jurgen Melzer has his sights set on double-duty at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
PLAYERS
Ernests' Evolution
Latvian Ernests Gulbis is working hard to step from dangerous floater to stand-out performer, but appreciates consistency is the key if he is to achieve his goal of becoming a future World No. 1.
PLAYERS
Moodie & Norman: The Right Balance
Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman, who have both struck a balance between tennis and family commitments, are determined to succeed in qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
PLAYERS
Lukasz's Double Life
Poland's Lukasz Kubot, one of the most popular players on the ATP World Tour, is proving that hard work and a solid doubles game can be transformed into a viable force inside the doubles alley.
EXTRA
Paes Brings Hope To Cambodia
As spokesperson for Cambodia's "Killing Fields To Tennis Courts" project, Leander Paes has made it his mission to help a country overcome the lingering effects of a brutal regime.
FEATURES
Terracotta Warriors Ready For Duty
Terracotta warriors have become synonymous with tennis in Shanghai. This year, five new ATP World Tour star-statues will become permanent fixtures at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center.
DEPARTMENTS
On The Rise... Thiemo de Bakker
Thiemo de Bakker has once again lifted hopes of a new 'golden generation' of Dutch tennis with his Top 50 breakthrough this year, and he is determined to raise his game to the next level.
DEPARTMENTS
The Last Time... With Sam Querrey
American Sam Querrey, a winner of four ATP World Tour titles this year, reveals the last time he had to rent a tennis court, had a bad hotel experience, being recognised helped him and more.
DEPARTMENTS
Scoreboard & Calendar
Only one player has qualified for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals so far this year. With three months left of the regular season, the race is heating up to compete at The O2 in London.
DEPARTMENTS
Shark Bites
ATP stats and information guru Greg Sharko takes a look at the numbers behind the Olympus US Open Series, the final Grand Slam championship of the year and American players.
Videos
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Tomas Berdych
In season 2, episode 33, ATP World Tour Uncovered profiles Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych, who has ended the Czech Republic's long wait for a new global tennis star.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - John Isner
In season 2, episode 25, ATP World Tour Uncovered profiles American John Isner, the winner of the 11-hour match at Wimbledon.
Bryans - Doubles Titles Record
A tribute to Americans Bob and Mike Bryan, who won a record-breaking 62nd team title at their hometown tournament in Los Angeles.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Tecau and Lindstedt
In season 2, episode 31, ATP World Tour Uncovered profiles Wimbledon doubles finalists Horia Tecau and Robert Lindstedt.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Los Angeles Tour
In season 2, episode 30 of ATP World Tour Uncovered, Vince Spadea gives a tour of his hometown of Los Angeles during the Farmers Classic.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Toronto Player Facilities
In season 2, episode 32 of ATP World Tour Uncovered, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the player facilities at the Rexall Centre in Toronto, home of the Rogers Cup.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Footwork
In season 2, episode 29, ATP World Tour Uncovered showcases the importance of good footwork at every level of the game and demonstrates exercises that you can incorporate into your own training routine.
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