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IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy Ryan Harrison

He also qualified the week before at the Region Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis before losing to eventual finalist John Isner in the first round. He will face talented youngster Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in the opening round. He also moved into the quarterfinals of the doubles in Delray Beach with fellow IMG Bollettieri pro, Taylor Dent.

Speaking of Dent, he is also playing singles in Delray Beach and will take on American James Blake in the first round. Other IMG Bollettieri pros that are playing include Kei Nishikori and Xavier Malisse. Nishikori will take Benjamin Becker and Malisse will face Jeremy Chardy.

Good luck to everyone!!

The talented young Briton must carry on working to improve his future prospects and not dwell on a defeat in which he forced Federer to produce his brilliant best

When push came to shove, Andy Murray was up against the greatest of all time when he faced Roger Federer yesterday, and his defeat was not unexpected. But let’s get a few things straight from the start.

First, there’s no shame in losing to Federer in a Slam final. Some of the greatest players the game has known have also done so, Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi among them. Andy Roddick has lost four Slam finals to Federer, three at Wimbledon when he was playing out of his skin but Federer played out of this world.

Second, Murray’s on the right track. In my preview in these pages on Saturday I praised him for some stunning form during a great fortnight and nothing’s changed. I also said he’d need his best day to win, while hoping Federer didn’t have his best day. Andy didn’t have his best day, Federer was very close to his.

Third, in situations like these, you learn your lessons and you move on. Australia 2010 is gone and you’ll never change it. Concentrate on what you can control: the future.

My advice to Andy Murray is simple. Keep on doing precisely what you’re doing. You’re in great physical shape, your game is magnificent, you’ve got a good team around you. All these things got you a shot at a Slam title and that alone is an achievement. Then you came up against a better player on the day. You know that. The next match, the next tournament, the next Slam – that’s all that matters.

For me, the story of the final, as is typical at this exulted level, boiled down to a few important points, not a chasm in class.

Yes, we can look at Andy’s first serve percentage early in the match and say that it really cannot be down in the 40s if he wants to win Slams. That’s true. And even while it improved later on, he still ended up with “only” a 57 per cent first serve percentage, while Federer was at 66 per cent, and just awesome in places.

Yes, we can say that Andy was nervous. I don’t mean he was in awe of the occasion or crushed by the pressure but I did sense that he was not as calm as Federer, which is understandable. And obviously when Murray dropped the first set, and then the second, and you could see him swearing at himself, he was getting agitated.

But let’s not make the mistake of thinking Federer had it easy, or dismantled your young Briton. The Swiss genius was required to produce the very best of himself to win in straight sets, and there was tennis of the highest quality on both sides. The early trades of breaks in serve showed us that, not just in some wonderful shot-making but in steely mental application by both men.

The first set ultimately came down to the break that took Federer to 5-3, and the points that sealed it were earned with a ballistic backhand down the line followed by an unstoppable forehand. Some things you just cannot do anything about. That left Federer serving for the set, and that’s when his cool head and his big game experience and his sheer quality kick in. It’s worth reiterating that Federer had contested 21 Grand Slam singles finals before yesterday and had won 15 of them. That is off the wall, incredible, record-breaking, genius. For perspective, would-be critics should remember that.

In the second set, it was all about the early break of serve to love. That was Murray wobbling just slightly, Federer taking ruthless advantage, and the set score on course for 2-0.

So then we get to the third-set tie-break and let’s be honest, Andy Murray really should have won it. He was getting a bit tight in that third set, I felt. Then when he was serving, his legs were letting him down. Murray’s first serve requires him to get that lift so he can power down on the ball but he just wasn’t getting the elevation.

How does a player change their game or their approach to get through a situation like this, and make sure that it doesn’t happen again? I’m sure Andy and his team will do this anyway but I’d advise him to sit and watch that breaker again and again, pick it apart forensically, and then work on a mental drill that might be applied in another situation like that.

I don’t think there was a physical problem, but maybe a mental misfire. Fixing it could be something as simple as a key phrase, a reminder, words that applied over time will lead to an instinctive reaction, something like: “Legs. Up. Power.”

As it was, Andy had five set points in that breaker and he couldn’t convert any of them. Three of those were saved by Federer brilliance, pure and simple. The other two Andy really should have put away, most obviously at 6-5 when he was serving but ended up netting with an unforced error instead of burying his chance.

These things happen, to everyone, even Federer. The guy has also lost six Slam finals, remember. He’s not perfect. He’s just exceptionally good, the best of all time.

Now back to work Andy. Your time will come.

Nick Bollettieri has coached champions from Agassi to Sharapova and the Williams sisters

End game: Blow by blow account of the classic tie-break which ended Scot’s hopes

*Murray serving: He hits 129mph ace. Murray leads 1-0

*Federer serving: Murray attacks, forcing Federer to put forehand out. Murray leads 2-0

*Federer serving: Service winner. Murray leads 2-1

*Murray serving: Federer puts forehand out as Murray forces the pace. Murray leads 3-1

*Murray serving: Murray puts backhand out. Murray leads 3-2

*Federer serving: Service winner. 3-3

*Federer serving: Murray puts backhand long. Federer leads 4-3

*Murray serving: Murray hits big forehand cross-court winner. 4-4

*Murray serving: Murray hits 132mph ace. Murray leads 5-4

*Federer serving: Murray’s superb cross-court forehand forces Federer into volley error. Murray leads 6-4

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Federer wins point with big cross-court forehand. Murray leads 6-5

*Murray serving (set point to Murray): Hits big serve and fierce forehand, but then nets relatively easy forehand. 6-6

*Murray serving: Federer hits a forehand long. Murray leads 7-6

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Superb rally ends with Murray stretching for backhand volley which just floats out. 7-7

*Federer serving: Ace. 8-7 Federer

*Murray serving (match point to Federer): Murray hits volley to Federer’s forehand. Federer’s running pass down line is just out. 8-8

*Murray serving: Federer nets backhand. Murray leads 9-8

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Federer comes into net and is stranded as Murray hits backhand lob. Ball hits baseline – but is inches wide. 9-9

*Federer serving: Federer hits volley winner. Federer leads 10-9

*Murray serving (match point to Federer): Federer hits huge forehand return, which Murray somehow retrieves. With Murray at back of court, Federer plays drop shot. Murray hurtles into net and hits backhand down line, which Federer leaves, mistakenly thinking it was going out. 10-10

*Murray serving: Federer puts a forehand in the net. Murray leads 11-10

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Service winner. 11-11

*Federer serving: He hits wrong-footing forehand winner. 12-11 Federer

*Murray serving (match point to Federer): Murray puts backhand in net. Federer wins tie-break 13-11

The game of tennis is much more than just striking a ball. When you watch matches you will see all types of hitting styles, various strategies, and lots of variety in movement on the court!  With a few unusual exceptions, top tennis players have quick feet on the court.  Bjorn Borg said it best and proved it on the court, “There is no substitute for mobility.”

Unlike raw natural ability and common sense, mobility is something you can actually improve with practice.  One of the key components to great footwork (and least talked about) is flexibility.  Little children are amazingly flexible (just watch them swing with ease upside down on a jungle gym).  But, as we age we slowly lose our ability to bend, stretch and move quickly.  The key is to find ways to maintain the flexibility we had as children.  For some players it is just a matter of incorporating the right foot drills and great hitting partners to their practices.

However, some players just naturally are not great movers.  For those players I have the trainers work with them using specific foot drills and sprint exercises.  I have even sent some of my more rigid players to yoga just to stretch and loosen them up a little and to ultimately improve their footwork on the court.

The other advantage to improved movement is decreased injuries.  Muscle and tendon pulls decrease significantly if a player is conditioned and flexible.  My suggestion for anyone wanting to improve their game is to find time every day to improve your physical fitness and your flexibility.  At night when you are watching television instead of sitting in your usual comfy chair try sitting on a large exercise ball and stretch your muscles during the commercials.  When you first get up in the morning spend five minutes on that same exercise ball and warm your muscles up for the day.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park in the farthest spot from the work, and try to get up and move around several times a day.  All of the above will keep your muscles warm and flexible.

I also keep a simple exercise band hung over my bedroom door.  Every morning and before I go to bed I stretch and strengthen my arms, my back and my stomach for five minutes just from this one little band.  Plus it is easy to throw in my suitcase when I travel.

      I will turn 79 years old this year and still stretch a couple of times a day.  One of the benefits of a lifetime of stretching is that I still walk and move like a young man.  My reflexes are still quick and I have no aches and pains like some of my friends who are the same age.  But I am very disciplined and found out a long time ago that if I wanted to work full-time until I’m in my mid-nineties than I was going to have to keep my body in great shape.  Here is my daily schedule:

Not everyone can or wants to keep a schedule like mine but you can still improve your health, your flexibility and ultimately your game just by adding stretching to your daily routine.  For those of you who are truly ambitious…try activities like yoga, Pilates, or tai chi.  If you’re ever at the Academy I’ll show you my version of tai chi…it may not help you, but it is sure to make you laugh!    

Why?

1. She has a very compact swing pattern from both sides with instant backswing preparation.
2. She has a very low base and uses her strong legs for balance and power.
3. She stands very close to the baseline because of the previously mentioned items and this allows her to make early contact and puts her opponents on the defense.
4. She covers all of the court as well as anyone.
5. She is in tip-top shape.
6. She hits with very little spin and still has control and depth.
7. She also plays great defense and anticipates the path of the ball extremely well.

What does she need to improve on?

1. Her second serve needs work.
2. She could play with more variety by hitting slices and adding a little more height and spin. This could really help by moving her opponents even further back behind the baseline and will also throw off their rhythm.
3. She could come into the net more often. Her ability to take the ball so early gives her this opportunity. This addition could increase her chances of being one of the very best in the world.

Overall, I came away extremely impressed by her. Serena gave everything she had and Li was able to resist and I really feel that if this match went three sets, Li would have won it. If Li continues to play like this I wouldn’t be surprised to see her compete for titles throughout 2010.

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Marin Cilic (CRO)

Murray played fantastic in the first two sets against Rafael Nadal in the quarters, and then Nadal retired midway through the third allowing Murray to advance. This is his first career appearance in the semis of the Australian Open and his third career Grand Slam semifinal. A win here would put him in the finals of a Grand Slam for the second time.

Cilic knocked out Andy Roddick in five sets and has now won consecutive five-set matches. This is his first career appearance in the semis of a Grand Slam and at the age of 21 he is certainly one of the best young players in the world. This is a big step for Cilic and if he continues on this path it won’t be long now until people start considering him a title contender each time he takes the court.

Match-Up:

Murray is 3-1 against Cili, but the Croat did win the last time they faced (2009 US Open). Everything about Cilic is big. His serve, his groundstrokes, and his body! Despite that height, Cilic moves well and does a good job of covering the court. He is definitely controlling his emotions better which has enabled him to stay in more points longer. Against Murray this is going to be a must! Murray’s return of serve is going to be a big factor in this match. Once the ball gets into play, I believe Murray has the advantage. His serve is improved and his footwork is fantastic. This is going to be close, but I give a slight edge to Murray.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 sets

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) vs. Roger Federer (SUI)

After dropping the third set to Djokovic 6-1 in the quarters, it looked like Tsonga was done. He dug deep though and was able to win the last two sets 6-3, 6-1. He has had great success at the Aussie Open in the past, reaching the finals in 2008 and the quarters in 2009. In fact, he must love Australia because he has never been past fourth round in any other Grand Slam.

Many people thought Davydenko had a good chance to beat Federer in the quarters, but he demonstrated once again why he is the best player in the world. Federer’s ability to step his game up in big matches is what makes separates him from everyone else, and when he is able to do this consistently: WATCH OUT!

Match-Up:

Federer and Tsonga have played twice before with each player winning a match. Tsonga won the last time they faced which was in the quarterfinals in Canada. This match will be determined by Federer, and Federer alone. I’m not saying that Tsonga can’t win, but basically everything Tsonga does, Federer can do it a little better. He has the mental, physical and tactical edge and will need all of it for this match. I look for Federer to advance, but Tsonga will give him everything he has.

Nick’s Pick – Federer in 4 sets

Nadia Petrova (RUS) vs. Justine Henin (BEL)

Petrova has played extremely well in the last two rounds, beating Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova in back-to-back rounds. This is her second appearance in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and she is looking to reach the semis for the first time in her career. In fact, Petrova has only been to the semis of a Grand Slam twice before, and those were both at the French Open (2003 and 2005).

Henin’s comeback has gone perfectly to script thus far, and she is definitely one of the favorites to win this tournament. She showed a little vulnerability in the fourth round when she slipped by Yanina Wickmayer in three sets. I don’t think that it’s a bad thing for her to lose some sets in the early rounds, because she hasn’t played a lot of tennis recently and she could use the match play.

Match-Up:

Henin is 12-2 against Petrova and just beat her earlier this year 7-5, 7-5 in Brisbane. Despite that lopsided record, I really feel that Petrova has an excellent chance to win this match. She has already beaten two contenders and really has it going on. She is serving well, her groundstrokes are extremely solid and she has the mental approach to win. The longer this match goes, the more it favors Petrova. If Henin is able to get off to a fast start and use her versatility and movement to keep Petrova off balance than she will win. This match could go either way.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 2, Petrova in 3

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) vs. Jie Zheng (CHN)

It seems like every year we have a women’s quarterfinal that features two players you didn’t expect to be here. Kirilenko beat Sharapova in the first round, but really hasn’t been tested since. She was up 5-4 in the first set against second-seeded Dinara Safina in the fourth round, but Safina was forced to retire from the match with a back injury. Now, Kirilenko finds herself one win away from the first Grand Slam semifinal of her career.

Zheng made a great run to the semis of Wimbledon back in 2008, but this is her best result at a Grand Slam since. She beat Marion Bartoli in the third round and then Alona Bondarenko in the fourth round to get here. She is an excellent doubles player and she did win the doubles title at the 2006 Aussie Open, so she has had success in Melbourne.

Match-Up:

Zheng is 4-1 against Kirilenko and beat her once last year in Madrid. The weakest point of Zheng’s game has been her serve, but she seems to have worked on that during the off-season and she is serving better. Her movement is fantastic, she is comfortable at the net, and she is an extremely fierce competitor. I think with Zheng’s footwork and her groundstrokes, she has the edge in this match. Kirilenko has the talent to win this match for sure, but Zheng has been here before and I see her advancing.

Nick’s Pick – Zheng in 3 sets

Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Marin Cilic (CRO)

Down two sets to one in the fourth round, Roddick dug deep and beat Fernando Gonzalez 6-2 in the fifth to advance. He’s been to the semifinals down under four times previously, including last year, but he has never been to the finals. Could this be the year that Roddick makes an appearance on the final Sunday?

Cilic took down fellow young-gun Juan Martin Del Potro in five sets to advance to the quarters of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. Cilic certainly stepped his game up during the big points and with a win here, he will reach the semis of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

Match-Up:

Roddick and Cilic have played twice, with each player winning a match. They most recently met back in 2008 at Canada with Cilic winning in three sets. Both of the quarterfinal matches on this half of the draw are tough to call, but I’ll do my best to break them down for you. Roddick is in fantastic shape, he’s getting a high percentage of his first serves in, he mobility is excellent, his slice is now a weapon, he is in control of his emotions and he is a fierce competitor. Right now, he is playing some of the best tennis of his life and I truly feel he could beat anyone at this point. On the other side, Cilic is also playing great tennis. He has monster strokes from both sides, has a sonic serve and is brimming with confidence. With the way Roddick is playing right now, and with his complete game I have to give him a slight edge.

Nick’s Pick – Roddick in 4 sets

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Murray is the only man left in the draw who has yet to drop a set and he has done so rather quietly. He beat John Isner in the fourth round and is into the quarterfinals of the Aussie Open for the first time in his career. Murray has now been to at least the quarterfinals in every single Grand Slam.

Nadal needed four sets to get past big-serving Ivo Karlovic in the fourth round. Karlovic was able to test Nadal, but the Spaniard had too much for him in the end. He has been to the at least the semis of six out of the last eight Grand Slams and anything less for him is a disappointment.

Match-Up:

Murray is 4-2 against Nadal, but has lost to him the last two times they have played. They actually met in the fourth round of the 2007 Australian Open and Nadal won that in five tough sets. Murray’s movement is off the wall, he is both fast and quick. He is able to turn defense into offense better than just about anybody, and that is what really makes him stand out above his competition. His return of serve remind me of Andre Agassi. He has a very short backswing and comes forward into the court as he hits the ball. I think he is darn close to having everything to winning a Grand Slam, but the one thing he needs a little more of is power on his driving forehand. Nadal hasn’t looked like the Rafa of old. He doesn’t seem to have the same pop on his forehand or his serve, but Nadal at 90% is better than most players at 100%. He still has the ability grind out points and use his strength to keep his opponents pinned back.

I really feel like the longer this match goes, the more it favors Murray. In the past, I would have said Nadal, but right now I think Murray has the edge. I am going to go with the Scotsman, but it is very close.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 or 5 sets

Nadia Petrova (RUS) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)

Petrova surprised just about everyone with her complete annihilation of Kim Clijsters in the third round. I don’t think anybody would have seen that coming considering the way Clijsters had been playing and her victories prior to the start of the tournament. A win here would put Petrova in the quarters for the first time since 2006. Petrova has been to the quarters of every Grand Slam, but has only been to the semis of one Grand Slam (French Open).

Kuznetsova needed three sets to shake off Angelique Kerber in the third round, but once again, her consistent play is just too much for many of the women to handle. In recent days, she has made it very clear that her intentions are winning Grand Slams and that alone. She has said that being #1 in the world isn’t a priority, and that winning the big ones is her focus.

Match-Up:

Kuznetsova is 5-1 against Petrova, and won the only time they played last year. This looks to be one heck of a match for darn good reasons. Both girls have significant strength and can do just about anything with the ball. Both girls have for the most part flat groundstrokes and both have two-handed backhands. Both girls stand fairly close to the baseline and love to pound the ball. I give a slight edge to Petrova at the net because of her doubles play and their serves are fairly equal. I see this match going three sets, but in the end I like Kuznetsova because of her mental focus and her grit. She has the ability to step up during the big moments and I think that will be the difference.

Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 3 sets

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) vs. Dinara Safina (RUS)

Kirilenko knocked off Maria Sharapova in the opening round and has played solid tennis since. This is only the second time she has been to the fourth round of a Grand Slam, and both have come at the Australian Open (2008). Can she knock off another tough Russian to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal?

Despite being seeded second, Safina has been overlooked by many of the pundits because of Serena and Justine. Let’s not forget that Safina is ranked this high for a reason, and she has the ability to beat anyone if her nerves hold up. Her side of the draw is wide open now that Jankovic is out and she could face Henin or Kuznetsova in the semis.

Match-Up:

Safina is 2-0 against Kirilenko, but the two haven’t played since 2007. Safina has looked much calmer in the first three rounds then she has in the past couple of Grand Slams. This has been a major boost for her, but who knows if that will hold up. Safina doesn’t have any glaring technical weaknesses except for sometimes she tries to be too physical and that hurts her. Kirilenko covers the court exceptionally well and has excellent groundstrokes. She has already proved that she is capable of taking on the big girls; it is just a matter of confidence for her. I see this match going three sets, and if Safina is able to control her emotions she should move on.

Nick’s Pick – Safina in 3 sets