Novak Djokovic may have won the Australian Open this week but his match against Rafael Nadal might be remembers for a different reason, it was the longest Grand Slam single final in the history of professional tennis.

When all was said and done Djokovic toppled Nadal with a final score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5, good enough for the tennis star to grab his third Australian Open title.

The two men battled well into the night with the final shot being delivered at 1:37am local time. The win also put Djokovic in a special class as he became just the fifth men’s tennis player since 1968 to win three straight Grand Slam final

In celebration of his victory Djokovic tore off his shirt and ran around in celebration of his dramatic victory before heading to the side of the arena to celebrate with his fans.

The victory was likely hard on Nadal who has now lost seven straight finals to Djokovic extending back to March of last year. Nadal nearly managed to pull off the victory, having come from 5-3 down he won the fourth-set tiebreaker and was up 4-2 in the fifth set against a tiring Djokovic.

Novak would eventually respond in kind and break for a 6-5 lead and saved a break point before claiming the championship.

Before these two men met the longest major singles final was between Mats Wilanders and Ivan Lendl during the 1988 US Open, that match was four hours, 54 minutes.

Did you catch the Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal grand slam final round? Let us know what you thought.

Novak Djokovic Edges Out Rafael Nadal For Australian Open Victory is a post from: The Inquisitr

Thursday’s Australian Open match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal was exciting to watch but what might have been more exciting was something that happened after a particular single point.

The ballboy to the left of the screen is hit a fast ball and his fast hands manage to pluck it out of the air extremely quickly.

The coolest part? The ballboy was back on the line just as fast as he had made the play.

Here’s the video so you can judge the ballboys skills for yourself:

Notice how the young kid didn’t even pivot off his left foot to ensure he could stay on his mark and allow play to resume just as fast as it had ended.

Ballboy Makes Amazing Catch During Federer-Nadal Match is a post from: The Inquisitr

Marcos Baghdatis had a smashing time at the Australian Open on Wednesday night. The Cypriot player pulverised four of his rackets in quick succession after going down by two sets to Swiss journeyman Stanislas Warinka in his second round match.

While sitting in his chair during a changeover, Baghdatis was suddenly overcome with rage. From nowhere, he promptly demolished the racket he had been using, smashing it into the court seven times and handing the shattered remains to a ball boy. He then reached into his bag, produced a second racket, and broke that in a couple of swings.

A third and fourth racket quickly followed, and weren’t even removed from their plastic wrapping. As each racket hit the ground, the crowd cheered rowdily. Four rackets had met their end in under sixty seconds.

Nevertheless, it seemed to cheer Baghdatis up. He smiled as the umpire gave him a warning for racket abuse, and then won the next set. Alas, it wasn’t to last – Wawrinka cruised through the fourth set to win 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 5-7 6-1.

The next morning, Baghdatis was fined $800 for his eruption – not bad value for a highly entertaining tantrum. Bravo, Marcos.

He also attracted the attention of Aussie Open women’s champion Serena Williams, who later told press, “I’ve never done that. That’s impressive, wow.” Here’s Baghdatis in all his racket-destroying glory:

Marcos Baghdatis Smashes Four Tennis Rackets in a Row [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rafael Nadal cruised into the third round of the Australian Open after a routine win over veteran Tommy Haas.

The 25-year-old Spaniard, a champion here in 2009, came into the Haas match with speculation over his fitness ringing in his ears. However, a 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory over an outgunned Haas suggested Nadal’s right knee, which he injured before the tournament, isn’t holding him back. After the match, Nadal told reporters:

“I’m very happy about how it improves, I’m able to play without a problem.”

In the women’s tournament, defending champ Kim Clijsters made easy work of her second round match against Stephanie Foretz Gacon of France. Clijsters dismantled her opponent 6-0 6-1 in a 47-minute display of poise and power, then rounded the day off by getnig the Rod Laver Arena crowd to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her younger sister.

Like Nadal, Clijsters arrived in Melbourne beset by rumors that she lacked full fitness – in her case, she retired with a hip problem at a warm-up tournament two weeks ago. However, she also showed no signs of strain.

Elsewhere in the Aussie Open, Roger Federer advanced with a walkover after his opponent Andreas Beck withdrew through injury, women’s top seed Caroline Wozniacki notched a 6-1 7-6 win over Anna Tatishvili of Georgia, and 11th seed Juan Martin del Potro looked comfortable while beating Blaz Kavcic 6-4 7-5 6-3.

We’ve also had our first bona fide upset of the event, with eighth seed and American number one Mardy Fish getting beat in straight sets by the unseeded Alejandro Falla. Falla won a tough match 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 7-6 (8-6).

Rafael Nadal, Kim Clijsters Through to Australian Open Third Round is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry is far from nasty – indeed, the two are never less than utterly respectful to one another. However, a small rift has appeared between the pair on the eve of the 2012 Australian Open.

The subject that divided them is not a new topic: the demands placed on players by tennis and its governing bodies. For some time now, top players such as Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have openly argued that the ATP calendar is overcrowded. This, they claim, increases injuries and exhaustion, potentially damaging players’ health in the long-term.

Yet if Federer feels the same way, we’ll never know. At the weekend, the Swiss said he dislikes players airing complaints publicly, as he feels it tarnishes tennis’ image.

This in turn brought a backlash from Nadal, who on Sunday said Federer was adopting his silent position to reinforce his image as a tennis gent. In comments translated from Spanish, the world number two said:

“I totally disagree. [For Roger] it’s good to say nothing. Everything positive. ‘It’s all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,’ and the rest can burn themselves. Everyone is entitled to have their own opinions.”

The way Nadal sees it, only small changes need to be made to tennis to make things safer and more manageable. He also suggested that the unpopularity of Federer’s view may be telling:

“The vast majority of players have this same opinion. [Roger has] a different opinion. If the vast majority have one opinion, and a small minority think differently, maybe it’s them who are wrong.”

Does he have a point, readers? Are tennis players worked too hard? And does the amount of money they earn mean they lose the right to complain?

Rift Between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as Aussie Open Begins is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams is too busy not enjoying tennis and baring her backside in commercials to have a boyfriend.

Speaking to reporters in Australia ahead of her first game in the 2012 Aussie Open, Williams admitted she was too picky over partners, and that she hadn’t had a date “in forever.”

Joking that she would be lowering her standards in future to include suitors “anywhere between 18 and 80, blond, purple or green,” the 30-year-old said:

“I can be super picky, never satisfied. It’s a little crazy right now because there’s so much going on that when I’m not playing tennis I don’t sleep because I’m always doing something.”

Williams dated film director Brett Ratner back in 2005, and has previously been linked to rappers Common and Drake by the rumor mill, but her schedule has continuously gotten in the way. “I haven’t been on a date in forever,” she told reporters last Thursday.

The star begins her mission for a sixth Australian Open on Tuesday, facing world number 45 Tamira Paszek in the opening round. She’ll also be partnering Andy Roddick in mixed doubles.

Williams, the 12th seed, has come into this tournament with a sprained left ankle that reportedly needs constant treatment, so a Paszek shock victory may not be completely off the cards. And if that happens, Serena may just have time to change her singleton status.

Serena Williams Too Busy for a Boyfriend is a post from: The Inquisitr

Here’s a counterpoint to use against all the people who say you have to live and breathe a sport, career or other pursuit in order to master it.

Tennis great Serena Williams- who has been dominating in the field for many years- actually doesn’t adore tennis. I mean, she seems to like it, but she doesn’t really love it love it. Williams, along with sister Venus, has been on top in tennis since the mid-90s, but the star is kind of meh on tennis as a whole.

Actually, her insouciance and seeming incredulity about her own continuing success in the sport is kind of cool- she recently beat Chanelle Scheepers at the Brisbane international in two rounds, and mused:

“I don’t love tennis today but I’m here. I can’t live without it- there’s a difference between not loving something and not being able to live without it. I have never liked sports and could never understand how I became an athlete.”

Williams was also quoted as saying:

“It’s not that I’ve fallen out of love- I’ve never really liked sports… I don’t want anything that has to do with working physically… If it involves sitting down or shopping I am excellent at that.”

The tennis star did confirm, however, that she has no hope to exit the sport any time soon- she adds:

“I think for me it’s all about motivation as opposed to my skill or anything else. As long as the motivation’s there it’s definitely going to be cool… I’m not playing a full schedule this year. I just want to be able to do other things that I’m doing and I think that will help keep my motivation up.

“I’m always preparing myself for life after tennis (but)… I don’t want to go anywhere anytime soon.”

Are you impressed by Serena Williams’ indifference to tennis as a whole?

Serena Williams Doesn’t Actually Like Tennis All That Much, She Says is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rafael Nadal is keeping his cool under pressure from an Argentina team that he and his fellow players from Spain will play during the Davis Cup final this weekend.

Speaking to The Herald Sun Nadal revealed:

“We’re under the same pressure as they are, we have to win the Davis Cup.”

Nadal has a good chance of bringing home a victory to Spain, he has lost just one singles rubber in the Davis Cup since he made his debut in 2004.

In the meantime Spain has experience on their side, having won four of the last 10 Davis Cup championships while Argentina over the same 10 year time span has finished in the runner-up position three times, never once winning the top prize.

Among his fellow teammates are 24th-ranked Fernando Verdasco, 20th-ranked Feliciano Lopez and number 5 ranked David Ferrer. If that lineup seems familiar it’s the same team that brought home int e2009 Davis Cup against the Czech Republic.

Also sounding cool and collected was Spain captain Alberta Costa who said:

“The Cup stays here” and “It’s hard to say who has the greater percentage chance of winning between the teams. I don’t like giving figures. If we do things well than we’ll have a chance.”

“One thing that’s sure is that all the matches will be long and tough.”

In the meantime Argentina captain Tito Vazquez says of his teams chances:

“They are favourites with (Rafael) Nadal and (David) Ferrer, but anything can happen, we could lose 1-4 or win 4-1.”

Who do you think will win the 2011 Davis Cup?

[Image via Neale Cousland / Shutterstock.com]

Rafael Nadal Keeps His Cool Under Pressure From Argentina Team is a post from: The Inquisitr

If he continues on his current pace, Federer, at 30 the oldest competitor in the eight-man field, could become the first player to win six ATP World Tour Finals titles.

“It’s an amazing career I’ve had,” Federer told reporters in a courtside interview, after the crowd cheered to acknowledge his making his 100th final. “I don’t know how I do it, 100 finals and I am still walking normally.”

Watch Roger Federer’s post-win interview at the 2011 ATP World Tour Finals:

Roger, who is currently on a 16-match winning streak is all set to face the winner of the second semifinal between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych – which is being played now -  in Sunday’s final.

In addition to ATP World title No.6, a victory on Sunday would would give Federer his 39th in the Tour Finals, tying him with Ivan Lendl for most all-time.

A win in Tomorrow’s final would also push Roger, who will now finish 2011 ranked in the top 3, a feat he has accomplished for 9 straight seasons, past Lendl and Pete Sampras for the most titles in the season-ending event.

via Fox Sports

Roger Federer Reaches 100th Career Final, Eyes Sixth ATP World Title is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dinara Safina is retiring from professional tennis. The 25-year-old former No. 1 has been suffering chronic back problems and has decided to call it quits.

Her brother, Marat Safin, said:

“Dinara has decided to end her career… She has taken the decision relatively well. She considers it just to be the end of a period in her life.”

The BBC reports that Safina was ranked No. 1 in the world back in April of 2009. Since then her career has been plagued by chronic problems. Safina played her last match last April in Madrid.

In August, Safina said that she wouldn’t play for the rest of the year because of her back. But it looks like the temporary hiatus has been extended indefinitely.

Safina said in August:

 ”I’m sorry to report that my back is still acting up. I will not be able to play until at least the end of the year. I don’t know how long my time out is going to last. I don’t want to torture myself and my body anymore. I’m just tired of fighting with myself. At the moment I can’t do anything tennis-wise. When I can do certain moves without feeling lots of pain, then I would consider resuming my training.”

Safina won a silver medal for Russia at the Beijing Olympics and has made three Grand Slam singles finals. She won 12 singles and nine doubles WTA titles in her career, but was never crowned a Grand Slam champion.

Her brother added:

“Everything is all right with her health. She feels good in everyday life, but she simply can’t play tennis professionally any more.”

Marat said that Safina would make an official announcement soon.

According to the BBC, Marat and Dinara are the only brother-sister combination to both reach the No.1 spot.

Will Dinara Safina be missed from the world of tennis?

Dinara Safina Retires From Tennis is a post from: The Inquisitr

Novak Djokovic was nearly flawless on Monday night as he toppled Rafael Nadal in four sets  6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1.

Following a nearly perfect season the No. 1-ranked Djokovic improved his season to 64-2 with 10 titles after brilliantly hitting the ball from all angles, dominating his opponent at every turn during the 2011 U.S. Open.

The win gives Djokovic his third Grand Slam trophy of 2011.

Speaking after the match Novak told the press:

“In big matches, the winner is decided by small margins, a couple points,” while adding, “I guess the winner is the one who believes in victory more. I’ve had an amazing year, and it keeps going.”

The win also gives Djokovic a 6-0 record against No. 2 Nadal, all wins coming in finals. Among his wins against Nadal were three hard court victories, two clay wins and one grass victory at Wimbledon. Unlike his win at Wimbledon Novak didn’t celebrate this victory by eating part of the court as he did Wimbledon’s famous grass.

Taking a moment to reflect on his loss Nadal said of Djokovic:

“I’m disappointed, but you know what—this guy is doing is unbelievable.”

Can anyone stop Djokovic and his dominating play? What do you think about Novak Djokovic’s unbelievable record on the season?

Novak Djokovic Topples Rafael Nadal To Win First U.S. Open Title is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams Outburst At U.S. Open To Cost Her $2,000 [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams lost her cool for the second time in three years at the U.S. Open after umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that the tennis players loud “come on!,” was screamed before she had actually won the point, interrupting opponent Sam Stosur’s attempt at a return.

Upon review of the shouting Asderaki properly awarded Stosur the point because of the “hindrance rule” which forbades verbally interrupting another players attempt at a return.

Serena became fed up after Asderaki awarded an undeserved point to Stosur when Serena was serving at 30-40 in the pairings first game to which Serena accused the umpire of being the same judge she blew up at in 2009, even though it was not Asderaki who caused that tantrum.

Serena said to Asderaki:

“Aren’t you the one who screwed me over last time here?” adding, “Yeah, you are.”

It was an odd remark considering Asderaki and Louise Engzell don’t look alike in the least (they both do have high ponytails however), perhaps Serena couldn’t be bothered remember any of the “little people.”

Over the next two changeovers Serena Williams continued to attack the judge, stating:

“A code violation because I expressed who I am? We’re in America last I checked. Am I gonna get violated for a water? Really, don’t even look at me. I promise you, don’t look at me because I am not the one. Don’t look my way.” [...]

“If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way. Because you’re out of control. Totally out of control. You’re a hater, you’re unattractive inside. Who would do such a thing? And I never complain. Wow.”

After losing in a stunning upset to Stosur in straight sets (6-2, 6-3) Williams was gracious at the net and she didn’t harp on the incident during post-match interviews.

It amuses me that tennis stars such as Serena (actually just specifically Serena) throw fits when a break doesn’t go their way, I’m sure over the entire period of her career a few non-points were awarded in her favor by an umpire.

Does Serena Williams‘ recent outbreaks seem like she feels “entitled” to you? I say out with the old, in with the new.

Serena Williams Loses All Poise Again, Goes Off On Umpire At U.S. Open is a post from: The Inquisitr

Venus Williams abruptly withdrew from the US Open on Wednesday citing Sjogren’s syndrome as the cause of her withdrawal.

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain, while long-term problems can also arise from the disease.

According to USA Today the star tennis player had been suffering from an “energy-sucking” illness for years, however it wasn’t until recently that she had a name for her illness.

Regardless of the disease and the toll it was taking on her body, Williams reported to the court on Monday and managed to pull off a victory, while talking in an upbeat manner about her health during her withdrawal from the tourney, telling reporters:

 ”I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to,” while she added, “I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”

Venus Williams announced her disease in a simple statement that read:

“’I have been recently diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain.”

Fans of the star tennis player believe she’ll be back on the court as soon as possible and given her fighting nature on the courts I have to agree with those supporters.

Do you believe Venus Williams can once again dominate on the courts with an energy deficiency disease.

Sjogren’s disease affects more than four million people in the United States.

Venus Williams Sidelined By Auto-Immune Deficiency is a post from: The Inquisitr

Mardy Fish is America’s top seeded player in the 2011 U.S. Open and he showed today that he was deserving of such an honor. Fish easily advanced through the first round with a dominating performance over Germany’s Tobias Kamke 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.

Andy Roddick has been the number one U.S. player for years, but he handed that title to Fish at the start of the U.S. open.

Fish said:

“Andy’s been the No. 1 player in our generation for years. This is extremely different for me, this feeling coming out here and trying to show everything you can, to show you’re the No. 1 guy, at least for this tournament. It’s been a lot of fun.”

But as the top seed, there is a lot of pressure on the 29-year-old from Los Angeles. It’s been 8 years since an American won a Major (Roddick won in New York in 2003) and Fish has an uphill battle against the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. Fish did beat Nadal at the Western & Southern Open 10 days ago, but it would be quite an upset if he did the same this weekend.

Fish, who is ranked 8th overall, is one of 14 American’s competing at the U.S. Open this year. But the American’s have one less player now as 19-year-old American Ryan Harrison lost today to 27th-seeded Marin Cilic.

On the women’s side, Petra Kvitova was the first major name to fall. Kvitova won the Wimbledon championship this year, but couldn’t make it out of round one at the U.S. Open. Kvitova lost to Romanian Alexandra Dulgheru 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.

Mardy Fish will now go up against Malek Jaziri.

Mardy Fish Starts U.S. Open With a Dominating Victory is a post from: The Inquisitr

When Andre Agassi wasn’t throwing fits on and off the court he was capable of playing some of the most energetic, exciting, fun tennis we have ever witnessed and it’s for that reason Agassi was inducted this weekend into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

During his career Agassi racked up 60 titles with an 870-274 win/loss record. Agassi’s records included eight Grand Slams, the No. 1 ranking for 101 weeks and the fourth highest winnings of all-time at $30 million.

Speaking to the crowd Agassi said:

“I’m thrilled and humbled and quite terrified, to be honest, to stand in front of you,” while adding, ”I’ve grown up in front of you. You’ve seen my ups and downs. You’ve given me compassion, understanding and love, more than I expected — and many times more than I deserved.”

Congratulations to my favorite tennis player, watching him on the court was like watching lightning bottled only to be released on anyone in the vicinity of her verbal and physical assaults. Agassi wasn’t also pleasant to watch in a refined sport like tennis, but he made it all seem like so much fun thanks to his never ending passion for winning and the sport.

Agassi was accepted into the hall of fame in the “Recent Player” category, while Kellmeyer was inducted in the “Contributor” category.

Andre Agassi Inducted Into Hall Of Fame is a post from: The Inquisitr

Actually real. Um?

Appropriate! In a We Dare sort of way, that is. Apparently publisher 2K Sports is going around getting these videos pulled, so you may have to do a little YouTube browsing for this very questionable ad for Top Spin 4.

[Via YouTube]

[VIDEO] Serena Williams’ ass used to sell tennis game (NSFW) is a post from: The Inquisitr

Tennis is hardly known for its brawls, and rightly so. But that doesn’t mean the crowd can’t make up for the players on center court.

At the US Open September 2 during the Djokovic vs. Petzschner game, a couple of tennis fans did exactly that. We’re not sure what was being said or what the issue was, but sit through it until about half way in, when the old guy on the right decides to take it further.

In case you were interested in the on court result, Djokovic won 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6).

A Fight At The US Open Tennis: More Common Than You Think is a post from: The Inquisitr

Is there a sport as god-awfully boring as tennis in existence?

Okay, perhaps golf. I don’t know many people would have even noticed that the US Open is apparently currently happening in New York, but some jackasses in the stands were beating on each other and that shit made YouTube. Luckily, the clip doesn’t involve any actual watching of tennis. In the footage, a woman gets all up in a guy’s face because he, like most of New York at any given time, is loudly dropping “f-bombs” all over the place. Hey, homeboy had money on the match.

Then the guy and the woman bitch at each other some more. Then some old dude that’s apparently the lady’s dad hops in, making that old man gesture for “I want to strangle you, theatrically.” This lasts for about 3 seconds until Cranky Old Man falls over a few rows of seats in his asphyxiation attempt. You can watch the whole saga, which by the way occurred during a match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Philipp Petzschner of Germany, below.

[Video] Fight breaks out at US Open, tennis finally gets interesting is a post from: The Inquisitr

Don’t ever accuse me of not bringing you the hardest-hitting gaming news out there, reader.

According to the Daily Telegraph, slightly whingey, snaggle-toothed Scottish tennis star Andy Murray has been given the boot by girlfriend Kim Sears over the amount of time he spends on his PlayStation 3 each day. *Sniff* I’m so proud of you, Andy.

The culprit game? Well, it’s Modern Warfare 2, isn’t it. Surprised you need to ask really. Does anybody out there play anything else nowadays? Anyway, here’s what a “source” told the paper:

“One of the causes was the world number four’s long hours playing video tennis and PlayStation 3 games such as the best selling Call of Duty sequel.”

According to former coach Brad Gilbert, Murray regularly plays games for seven hours a day. Apparently, that’s not “normal.” Pffft.

[Daily Telegraph, via CVG]

Tennis star Andy Murray dumped over PlayStation 3 addiction is a post from: The Inquisitr