FedEx ATP Performance Zone

[Nieszpory]

A jest odpowiednik tego wskaźnika dla meczów w hali?

[DUN I LOVE]

A jest odpowiednik tego wskaźnika dla meczów w hali?

Tak.

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[DUN I LOVE]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Impressive Indoors


David Ferrer compiled a 16-2 indoor record (.889) in 2012, the best winning percentage, according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander provides exclusive analysis on the three players who compiled the best indoor match records in 2012, according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

David Ferrer, who won an ATP World Tour-best seven titles and 76 matches this season, leads the FedEx ATP Reliability Index with a 16-2 record (.889), the best winning percentage in indoor matches. The World No. 5 won back-to-back ATP World Tour indoor titles at the Valencia Open 500 and BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.

Speaking to ATPWorldTour.com, Wilander outlined the biggest difference in Ferrer’s game compared to 2011. “His serve has improved drastically,” said the Swede, who will compete at next month's Statoil Masters Tennis in London. “I don’t think he has necessarily improved his technique or his pace, but his mindset is more, ‘I need to win free points on my serve, so I am going to go for it’, which is what [Rafael] Nadal did too.

"Ferrer is also playing smarter and constructive. He is probably the most constructive player out there right now. He gets the most out of his game and I think if there was a ranking for someone who is reaching his potential, then David Ferrer would be World No. 1. He plays to his natural strength, which is smart foot movement to seize control. If that doesn’t work, he keeps at it but reins himself back and doesn’t go for as much. He is a pain for other players to play. And that is one of his key strengths. I feel every player, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, has something to learn from Ferrer. He is as ferocious and competitive as you can find.

“In 2012, I think the big difference was that he got a little closer to the Top 4 – maybe not at the majors in three out of five sets, but in regular matches. That has given him confidence. To feel that you have got closer to the Top 4 in your early 30s, compared to what you were three years ago must give him a lot of confidence. It seems like it has. He seems comfortable being a great player, a star, the World No. 5, with a chance to beat the Top 4.”

The player who Ferrer beat in the Paris final, Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, went 14-4 overall at tour-level this year. He compiled a 12-2 record indoors (.857), which included wins over Murray and Janko Tipsarevic in the French capital. Wilander marvels at his game, but asks, “First of all, ‘where has he been?’ When you have a game like that, you have to ask that question.

"Secondly, it is great that he is 22 and he has taken the past four years to play Challengers and to hone his skills. I don’t think anyone will know where he is at. That is what I like. He is not a Milos Raonic or John Isner. This is a guy who serves massive, hits drop shots. He is good enough and creative enough that players won’t get used to him. He will win and fall with his confidence. He can beat anyone, but the big test will be three of five sets. Then, we’ll learn more.”

Juan Martin del Potro finished 2012 at No. 3 in the FedEx ATP Reliability Index for the best indoor winning record (20-4, .833). He won the most indoor matches of any player and lifted three indoor trophies at the Open 13 in Marseille (d. Llodra), Swiss Indoors Basel (d. Federer) and the Erste Bank Open in Vienna (d. Zemlja). "It was great to see del Potro go close to his top form and back to full health,” said Wilander. “By becoming fitter, he has become mentally stronger and grew in confidence throughout the season. He uses his serve effectively to open up the court and looked better moving forwards to the net. Some of his late season match wins proved to me that he is capable of threatening to the Top 4 in future.”

Other players that feature in the Top 10 for the best winning record in indoor matches include Djokovic (5-1, .833, one indoor title), Uladzimir Ignatik (4-1, .800), Tomas Berdych (18-5, .783, two indoor titles), Mikhail Youzhny (13-4, .765, one indoor title), Juan Monaco (6-2, .750, one indoor title), Federer (11-4, .733, one indoor title) and Raonic (11-4, .733, one indoor title).

[Editor: updates made after the conclusion of the 2012 Davis Cup final]

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[jaccol55]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE: CLAY KINGS
by James Buddell | 31.01.2013


Rafael Nadal will compete at three
ATP World Tour tournaments in
February 2013 at Vina del Mar,
Sao Paulo and Acapulco.

On the eve of Rafael Nadal's comeback at the VTR Open in Viña del Mar, we look at career clay-court records, according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Nadal has not competed at an ATP World Tour tournament in South America since 2005 and after a seven-month absence from professional tennis he will return on his favourite surface.

The 26-year-old Spaniard has compiled an outstanding 254-19 record (.930) on clay to lead the FedEx ATP Reliability Index (since 1973).

Six-time Roland Garros champion Bjorn Borg, who is No. 2 overall, with a 245-39 mark (.863) on clay, is looking forward to following Nadal’s comeback. “Tennis has missed Rafa and it will be interesting to see how he performs,” Borg told ATPWorldTour.com. “I am sure he will be ready for the Golden Swing of tournaments.”

Since 2005, Nadal has put together a 227-9 (.962) mark on clay, going unbeaten on the surface in 2006 and 2010. He has won 36 clay-court titles (No. 3 on the all-time list), including eight straight Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters crowns and picked up the Roland Garros trophy in seven of the past eight years.

Thomas Muster, who is third-placed in ATP World Tour history – behind Guillermo Vilas and Manuel Orantes – for most clay-court match wins (422-126 overall record), has no doubts as to why Nadal is the outstanding player on clay courts.



"Nadal has dominated because he has incredible stamina, every shot in the book and because of the way he plays the angles of the court,” Muster told ATPWorldTour.com. “To win on clay, you have to have fantastic endurance, be powerful and flexible, a complete player. I always thought you needed to be physically fit and have every shot. Nadal has that. In my mind, winning on clay was always the greatest test in tennis.”

Borg, who is considered one of the mentally strongest players in tennis history, told ATPWorldTour.com, “You have to realise that to win on clay you will need to stay on court for many hours. So first of all you have to be really fit. When you are physically tired, you soon become mentally tired, and then you start to have trouble concentrating and begin to take risks. In the long run that always means losing matches.”

In ATP World Tour history (since 1973), Nadal, Borg and Ivan Lendl, with a 329-75 record and 29 titles (.814), make up the Top 3 of all-time clay-court match winners. But Vilas, at No. 4 overall, has won more clay-court matches than any other player, with a 632-162 record (.796).

While Nadal is 10 clay-court titles away from breaking Vilas’ Open Era haul of 45 trophies, perhaps the Argentine’s clay-court match wins tally will prove insurmountable. But if any player can break it, it is the ‘King of Clay’.

Welcome back, Rafa!

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[Art]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Hard-Court Heroes


Roger Federer has a 543-112 (.829) hard-court career record (as of 6 March 2013).

With two hardcourt ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments in the month of March in Indian Wells and Miami, we look at career hard-court records using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Hard courts are often medium paced and neutralise any advantage a player may have. "So many players can compete well on hard courts now,” Brad Gilbert told ATPWorldTour.com. “The ball obviously bounces higher and it takes a little time to adjust, but the surface suits any style.”

Roger Federer has proven time and again his excellence on the surface, compiling a 543-112 (.829) record with 52 hard-court titles. He leads Ivan Lendl, 394-83 (.826), and Jimmy Connors, 509-108, .825), in the FedEx ATP Reliability Index for the best match wins percentage on hard courts. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is fourth overall with a 309-70 (.815) mark.

Mats Wilander told ATPWorldTour.com, “Federer has the greatest variety and his passion for the sport continues to pay off. He shrugs off losses and bounces back quickly. Obviously, when you get older you do slow down, you become a step slower, but that is where Federer’s mental strength comes into effect. There is no doubt that over the next year or two he will pick up plenty of titles.”

This month, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and Sony Open Tennis in Miami provide different challenges to the cream of the ATP World Tour.

Tim Henman explained to ATPWorldTour.com, "Indian Wells has thinner air in the desert and it can be a hot and dry heat. Whereas you get down to Miami and it can be very humid and windy. So both can make for big adjustments. It is a tough task!" Pete Sampras, who completed the Indian Wells-Miami title double in 1994, added, "The ball goes through the air quicker in California, while you sweat more and have to work a little harder in Key Biscayne".

Justin Gimelstob told ATPWorldTour.com, "The great thing about hard-court tennis is it requires the most diverse variety of skills. Every type of player can be successful because every style can be rewarded. The most successful players on hard courts are well rounded. They need weapons: to get free points on serve, to move and defend well, to feel comfortable finishing at the net and also they need to be fit."

Federer, who is the second seed in Indian Wells, has won the BNP Paribas Open four times, including last year.

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[robpal]

FedEx Reliability Zone: Clay Collossi
FedEx Reliability Zone: Current Clay-Court Records


Rafael Nadal leads the FedEx ATP Reliability Index for the best match wins percentage on clay courts over the past 12 months

Three current ATP World Tour stars look at current clay-court records, according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.
Rafael Nadal was away from the ATP World Tour for eight months. But in the space of six weeks, he left an indelible mark on the 2013 season.

During the Latin American clay swing in February, the Spaniard reached three finals, won two titles and compiled an 12-1 match record.

If that wasn’t enough to worry his rivals, Nadal then backed it up by lifting his 22nd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy at the BNP Paribas Open, on the hard courts of Indian Wells.

Next week, Nadal bids to win his ninth straight Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters title.

Gael Monfils and Fernando Verdasco, who are both competing at this week’s US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston, told ATPWorldTour.com about Nadal’s clay pedigree.

Monfils said, “He is very strong mentally and has tremendous strength from the baseline on clay.” Verdasco admitted, “Of course, Rafa is the man to beat on clay again. He’s been No. 1 on the surface the past seven or eight years. He has started the season well and has proven to other players he will be pretty tough to beat. For sure, he could win all the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 clay tournaments and Roland Garros.”

The 26-year-old Nadal leads the FedEx ATP Reliability Index for the best match wins percentage on clay courts over the past 12 months, with a 35-2 (.946) match record.

“The biggest factors in Nadal’s game are great mental strength and a physique for the surface,” said Verdasco. “He has the perfect game for clay. He uses terrific spin on the ball and recovers so well on the court. Once he gets the initiative in a point, in a match, it is difficult to get it back. He never makes many mistakes.”

Robin Haase told ATPWorldTour.com, "He moves well, his backhand is solid and his serve has improved so much over the years. His forehand does the damage. I know how it feels. You can struggle against the power and spin."



Roger Federer, who has won 10 tour-level titles on clay, is No. 2 with a 15-2 (.882) record over the past 12 months. Juan Martin del Potro is in third place with a 17-3 (.850) mark on clay, which include a successful title defence at the Estoril Open last year. David Ferrer is No. 4 with a 31-6 (.838) mark on clay courts in the same period.

“David Ferrer and Juan Martin del Potro have proven they can win tournaments,” said Monfils. “They are capable of reaching finals at big clay tournaments and have a big chance of upsetting Nadal.”

Verdasco believes, “After Rafa, Djokovic and Federer, Ferrer is the fourth best player on clay. Maybe he could beat Djokovic on clay, but he has never beaten Federer. So perhaps he doesn’t adjust his game well to Federer.

“Juan Martin is a great player too. He has the potential to do really well on clay. If Berdych and Murray bring the confidence they have on hard courts to clay they will do well.”

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[Barty]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Top 10 Records
FedEx Reliability Zone: Current Top 10 Records Records


Rafael Nadal has a 5-1 record against Top 10 opponents in 2013.

ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at Top 10 records (since 1973), using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Being a member of the Top 10 in the Emirates ATP Rankings over a 12-month period is not only about being physically and mentally strong, but also playing consistently on multiple surfaces.

Rafael Nadal has competed in six ATP World Tour tournaments and reached six finals (4-2 titles overall) since his return to the ATP World Tour in February, going 5-1 against Top 10 players.

Over the past 12 months*, Nadal has compiled a 12-1 record (.923) against his Top 10 rivals (as of 2 May 2013) to lead the FedEx ATP Reliability Index with the best winning percentage.

Novak Djokovic is second overall among current ATP World Tour players with a 24-9 mark (.727) in the past 12 months, which includes a 15-1 record against his fellow Top 10 players since he lost the 2012 US Open final to Andy Murray, who is .632 over the past 12 months.

Jonas Bjorkman told ATPWorldTour.com, "If Novak is fresh in his body he can do exactly the same as he did 2011." Gene Mayer adds, "Djokovic continues to improve. He has adopted an incredibly scientific approach to monitoring his progress."

Roger Federer is No. 4 with a 12-11 (.522) record, followed by Tommy Haas at 5-5 (.500) among currently ATP World Tour stars.

Former World No. 5 Tommy Robredo told ATPWorldTour.com, "Tactically, you have to be more astute against Top 10 players. There is no point in going into a match with one game plan. Djokovic, Murray, Federer and Nadal, particularly, are quick to spot weaknesses and a drop in your level.

"For me, the key is to prepare in the same way you do for every match. You have nothing to lose, as your Top 10 opponent is the favourite, but you must concentrate and adjust to the flow of the match. When I was in the Top 10, there was pressure, but my status gave me confidence. It was what I had worked for."

Here is a look at the career Top 10 records of current members of the elite. Interestingly, Nadal has the best career winning percentage against Top 10 players.

Top 10 Player Wins Losses Total (Wins Percentage)
Roger Federer 211 92 303 (.696)
Rafael Nadal 136 52 188 (.723)
Novak Djokovic 111 65 176 (.630)
Andy Murray 77 50 127 (.606)
David Ferrer 46 76 122 (.377)
Tomas Berdych 37 79 116 (.318)
Juan Martin del Potro 34 53 87 (.390)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 31 50 81 (.382)
Richard Gasquet 22 62 84 (.261)
Janko Tipsarevic 16 41 57 (.280)

* The current Index for Top 10 records encompasses the 52-week span from Barcelona 2012 through Monte-Carlo 2013.

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[Art]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Fifth Set Ironmen


Novak Djokovic is No. 6 overall in the FedEx ATP Reliability Index for fifth sets records.

ATPWorldTour.com looks at the best fifth set records, using the FedEx ATP Reliability Zone.

You may have watched your favourite player draw on an inner strength to win a match in a fifth set.
Gael Monfils, as an example, did so on Monday night in beating fifth seed Tomas Berdych 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the Roland Garros first round.

It prompted the question, “How did he do that?”

Johan Kriek, who leads the FedEx ATP Reliability Index for the best fifth set record since 1973, explained to ATPWorldTour.com three key components of winning these lengthy battles.

“Fitness is a must,” said Kriek, who has a 18-4 (.818) fifth-set record.

“Secondly, if you have a clear picture of why you win or lose a fourth set, you know what to change or not change in the fifth set. I call that “reading skills” of the match.

“Thirdly, a player ought to be willing to go for it when it counts. Sometimes, just one point can change the momentum of a fifth set. After many hours of hard work, it can come down to a split second shot.”

Bjorn Borg is tied second overall at .800 in fifth sets with a 24-6 mark alongside Ross Case at 12-3.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and 11-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal lead the current generation of fifth-set ironmen. Both have .750 records: Djokovic at 18-6 and Nadal at 15-5 in fifth sets.

Kriek admits, “Physically fit guys are always able to push themselves much harder than guys that are not.

“At the 1983 US Open, Roscoe Tanner had eight match points on me and I still beat him. It was due to my fitness that I was able to continually pass him even off his huge serves and volleys. Being very fit allowed me to be very accurate on my passing shots.”

It can be mentally beneficial if you serve first in a fifth set. But “serving second can also help you stay focused more,” says Kriek, who learned a lot from Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe.

“They were masters at the ‘calculated’ risk. I was not afraid to risk losing it all. That tactic paid off more than not. Djokovic, today, is extremely good at delivering when the chips are down."

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[DUN I LOVE]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Grass-Court Giants


Roger Federer has the best winning
percentage in grass-court matches
since 1973, according to the FedEx
ATP Reliability Index.

ATPWorldTour.com looks at the best grass-court records, using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Grass is traditionally the fastest of surfaces, but it can also be unforgiving.

During the short grass swing – six tournaments in total – players are required to adjust their games and technique from crushed brick to mown lawns, as bending knees and attacking tennis is in vogue.

Former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, a winner of four Aegon Championships and 2002 Wimbledon, says, “If you go in with the wrong mindset, then it doesn't matter about your footwork.

“If you're positive about playing on grass, then normally you have to be a lot sharper on your feet instead of sliding through the shot like you do on clay.”

Hewitt has a 112-33 record (.772) on grass courts as of 10 June.

On lush grass, early in tournament weeks, the risk of slipping increases.

For taller performers, such as 6’5” Tomas Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up, grass poses other threats.

“My game is based on the fact that if I'm in position and I'm hitting the ball clear, then it's way easier. It all starts with my movement. Then my timing, confidence and everything is there.

Gael Monfils, often cited as one of the most flexible players on the ATP World Tour, has a 19-13 (.594) record on grass-courts as of the start of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.

He admits that, “It’s very hard for me. Movement is very hard. I’m moving, but I feel like I’m moving really weird. It’s tough because sometimes I want to run really fast but I can’t and, especially now, more than before, because I don’t want to get into any trouble with my body. Sometimes I prefer to avoid the point.”

Over the course of the past 10 years, Roger Federer has been pre-eminent.

Twelve of his 76 tour-level titles have been won on grass courts. He leads the career FedEx ATP Reliability Index for the best match winning percentage at 117-17 (.873) as of 10 June.

His record is better than John McEnroe, who compiled a 119-20 (.856) mark and eight titles, and No. 3-ranked Rod Laver at 79-15 (.840) with six Open Era grass-court titles.

Andy Murray, the 2009 and 2011 titlist at The Queen’s Club, is second among current players with a 61-14 (.813) mark, followed by two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal at 50-12 (.806) and Hewitt.

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[Art]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Hard-Court Hardmen


Novak Djokovic has a 20-2 record on hard courts in 2013.

Ahead of the start of the US summer hard-court swing, ATPWorldTour.com looks at records on the surface this year using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.
Hard-court tennis is a great leveller. The bounce is consistent, yet higher than clay or grass, and the surface suits any style. Hard courts also neutralise any advantage a player may have.

Over the next two months, at the Claro Open Colombia, BB&T Atlanta Open, Citi Open, Coupe Rogers, Western & Southern Open – Cincinnati, Winston-Salem Open and US Open, ATP World Tour stars will try and master the conditions in a bid for title glory.

Justin Gimelstob told ATPWorldTour.com, "The most successful players on hard courts are well rounded. They need weapons: to get free points on serve, to move and defend well, to feel comfortable finishing at the net and also they need to be fit, especially during the intense heat of the US summer hard-court swing."

So far in 2013, Novak Djokovic leads the field on hard courts, according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index, with a 20-2 (.909) record that includes two titles at the Australian Open (d. Murray) and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (d. Berdych).

Djokovic, who has a 6-1 hard-court mark against Top 10 opponents in the Emirates ATP Rankings, insists that he always “focuses on quality of practice rather than quantity” when switching surfaces. “Winning matches can bring you necessary confidence to feel good about yourself on and off the court. Then, with experience, you learn to live with pressure and figure out ways to perform at your best level in the biggest tournaments."

Andy Murray has a 19-2 record on the surface, the second-best overall this year. The World No. 2, who often trains in Miami, says that “Hard courts do take a lot out of the body, and this is for sure the most demanding surface.”

But Gimelstob believes that, “Every type of player can be successful because every style can be rewarded." Brad Gilbert confirmed that theory to ATPWorldTour.com, "The temperature at a particular tournament can dictate the pace of the court and balls, but anyone can succeed if they play their game."

Interesting, David Ferrer has the third best hard-court winning percentage this year according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index. The World No. 3 has compiled a 16-4 (.804) record that includes a fourth title at the Heineken Open.

Roger Federer, a winner of 52 hard-court titles, has an all-time ATP World Tour best 546-113 on the surface (13-4 this year). Juan Martin del Potro has a 16-5 mark in 2013.

Since The Championships at Wimbledon, some players will have undertaken more distance running and track work to build a solid physical base and core strength for the stretch ahead.

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[DUN I LOVE]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Grand Slam Greats


Rafael Nadal leads current players and is No. 2 overall with the best Grand Slam match winning percentage according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

This month, to mark the start of the US Open, ATPWorldTour.com takes an in-depth look at Grand Slam championship records using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index, with exclusive analysis from some great champions.

Every player attempts to peak for each major championship by working hard off the court and by gaining valuable match practice at ATP World Tour tournaments, but only a lucky few are able to take home silverware from the major championships: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.

Bjorn Borg leads the all-time Grand Slam match-wins list with a 141-16 record (.898) since 1973, including 11 titles, ahead of current players: second-placed Rafael Nadal, who has a 164-23 (.877) mark and 12 trophies. Roger Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam title-leader, is third overall with a 257-40 record (.865).

Borg told ATPWorldTour.com, "The goal for me every year was to win the Grand Slam tournaments. It helped if I arrived at each Grand Slam well-rested and alert no matter what surface it was. It was most important to hit peak form at those events.

"You could lose anyway, but if you did, you knew that you were in good shape and did your best. After the first two rounds I began to feel that I was in the tournament and I got more confidence. I played much better the longer the race went on." Borg's worst performance in 27 majors was a US Open second-round exit in 1974.

Novak Djokovic, who is currently No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, is sixth for the best Grand Slam match winning percentage in the all-time list (152-29, .840). Meanwhile, defending US Open champion Andy Murray is ranked No. 18 overall, with a 113-28 mark (.801).

Six-time major champion Boris Becker, who won his first big title, at 1985 Wimbledon, aged 17, told ATPWorldTour.com, "The difference between the top players, those who win Grand Slams titles, and other players is not a question of technique or their actual game, but having a positive attitude.

"When you play a major final, you have to play to win with aggression. You must take your chances and not give it away. Just by getting to a final, you should be confident. Then, it is a case of going out to win."

Becker, who is No. 17 in the all-time list since 1973, with a 163-40 match record (.803), added, "In any era of tennis, talent has only gotten a player so far. The simple fact is that no one is going to lose a Grand Slam for you. The winner is the guy who dominates the middle of the court."

Last year, Novak Djokovic, Nadal, Andy Murray and Federer all won Grand Slam titles. So far in 2013, Djokovic has won the Australian Open, Nadal at Roland Garros and Murray at Wimbledon.

Borg, who believes that he was at the peak of his form when he won Roland Garros in 1978 and 1980, is not surprised. "Tennis is a mental sport, you need to be physically strong and know how to handle the important situations, through perfect practice. The difference between playing well in tight situations is the difference between the players at the top."

So is it Roger Federer’s turn for major glory? Former World No. 1 Tim Mayotte told ATPWorldTour.com, “Don't underestimate Roger. A lot depends on his draw. He could beat two of top three but not three.”

But Pete Sampras and Mayotte are both impressed by Nadal. “I think for Rafa to take the time off he did last year and to come back the way he has is truly amazing,” Sampras told ATPWorldTour.com. Mayotte admits, “Rafa seems in great form. Strong and focused.”

Nadal recently won the Rogers Cup in Montreal (d. Raonic) and the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati (d. Isner). The last player to win the Canada-Cincinnati double and went on to lift the US Open trophy was Andy Roddick in 2003.

Nadal will regain No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings if he gets to the final and Djokovic loses before the quarter-finals, or if Nadal wins the title and Djokovic loses before the final.

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[Art]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: First Set Frontrunners
After Winning The First Set


Rafael Nadal leads the current FedEx ATP Reliability Index with a 52-1 record (.981) when winning the first set.

Spoiler:

ATPWorldTour.com looks at the positive effect winning the first set can have on a player's confidence using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Tennis players like to get off to strong starts as it often settles early nerves. A player’s confidence level can often depend on winning the first set.

Rafael Nadal knows all about it. The Spaniard leads the current FedEx ATP Reliability Index (since 1973) with a 52-1 record (.981) when winning the first set.

His only loss this year, when he has won the first set, incredibly came was at his first tournament (to Horacio Zeballos at the VTR Open in Vina del Mar) after a seven-month injury lay-off.

His rival for year-end No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, Novak Djokovic, is second among current players with a 45-2 mark after winning the first set this year.

His two losses, in 2013, after winning the first set, were to Juan Martin del Potro in the BNP Paribas Open semi-finals and to Tomas Berdych in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia quarter-finals.

Milos Raonic, who broke into the Top 10 for the first time on 12 August, is third overall with a 26-2 record this season after winning the first set. His losses came to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Indian Wells fourth round and to Richard Gasquet in the US Open fourth round.

Top players share the ability to figure out their opponents’ tactics and match conditions quickly in order to play their A-game. By imposing their own game plan early on in best of three set match, they can put their opponents on the back foot.

Philipp Kohlschreiber told ATPWorldTour.com, “Winning the first set gives you a mental advantage and the realisation that your tactics are working. In best of three sets, it is then important to stay calm, maintain your game plan and double your efforts to not let your opponent back into the match.”

Gilles Simon, the recent Moselle Open titlist, told ATPWorldTour.com, “Winning the first set is the best way to settle early nerves. You’ve started to figure out the conditions of the court and winning the first set can often free you up and allows you to feel more confident in your strokes. If you have won one set, you know you can win another. For your opponent, doubts may creep into their game.”

Physiologically, it is easy to switch-off mentally after you win a particularly close first set. But that can let your opponent back into the match.

Tomas Berdych explained to ATPWorldTour.com, “The best thing you can do, once you win the first set, is to double your effort to ensure you extend your lead by maintaining your concentration on each point and minimising the errors you make. You know your opponent may attempt to change their tactics and, maybe, their patterns of play. But when an opportunity to break serve does come your way: take it.”

No player can compete at their highest level throughout an entire match, but if you get on top of an opponent by winning the first set, it is essential to try to maintain the mental advantage.

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[Barty]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Impressive Indoors
London, England


Rafael Nadal won the Sao Paulo indoor title in February 2013.

Spoiler:

In the build-up to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, we look at the 52-week indoor records of the current Top 10 in the Emirates ATP Race To London.

In artificial light, where court temperatures vary between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, tennis balls bounce lower and generally skid through on indoor courts. It means that a player is forced to be more aggressive.

Ivan Lendl, No. 2 overall in the indoor FedEx ATP Reliability Index list, who compiled a 344-71 (.829) indoor record including 42 titles, told ATPWorldTour.com. "It you hit the ball pretty clean, it means you can be more aggressive. When I played, and even today, the faster the indoor court, the more aggressive you can and should be."

Justin Gimelstob, who is now an ATP Board member, told ATPWorldTour.com, "Indoor tennis favours players with weapons. The controlled environment, no variables like sun or wind, gives aggressive players with weapons a huge advantage. Indoor tennis favours players who can finish points. Huge weapons everywhere on the court, serve, return, forehand and backhand."

David Ferrer led the ATP World Tour in 2012 with a 16-2 (.889) indoor record, while fellow Barclays ATP World Tour Finals qualifiers Juan Martin del Potro, Tomas Berdych and Roger Federer were among the Top 6.

Below, ATPWorldTour.com looks at the 52-week indoor records of the current Top 10 in the Emirates ATP Race To London (from 29 October 2012 to 28 October 2013). Players marked in bold have qualified for the 2013 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London from 4 November.

Player Match W-L Titles
1) Rafael Nadal 4-0 (1.000) 1 title - '13-Sao Paulo
2) Novak Djokovic 11-1 (.916) 1 title - '12 London Finale
3) David Ferrer 16-4 (.800) 1 title - '12 Paris
4) Juan Martin del Potro 14-4 (.777) 2 titles - '13 Rotterdam, Basel
5) Richard Gasquet 13-5 (.722) -
6) Roger Federer 9-4 (.662) -
7) Tomas Berdych 13-7 (.650) -
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 12-7 (.632) 1 title - '13 Marseille
9) Stanislas Wawrinka 5-4 (.555) -
10) Andy Murray 3-3 (.500) -

Buy Your London Tickets

Rafael Nadal has the best winning percentage outdoors (.859) of any player since 1973, according to the FedEx Reliability Index, but indoors he is positioned 36th overall (.659). Courtesy of February's Brasil Open 2013 indoor title at Sao Paulo, in his second tournament back after a seven-month injury lay-off, Nadal has a perfect 4-0 record indoors (as of 29 October 2013) and leads the list with the best winning percentage.

Interestingly, Nadal's only indoor hard-court title came at the 2005 Mutua Madrid Open.

Novak Djokovic, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals defending champion, has compiled an 11-1 indoor mark (.916) over the past 52 weeks.

While del Potro is the only player this year to have lifted two indoor trophies at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam (d. Benneteau) and at last week's Swiss Indoors Basel (d. Federer).

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... kovic.aspx

[Jacques D.]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Best Under Pressure


Rafael Nadal leads four 'under pressure' categories, according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Spoiler:

We take a look at the players who were the best under pressure in the 2013 ATP World Tour season, using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

NADAL STRONG AGAINST ELITE

Rafael Nadal lost one match against a Top 10 opponent in the Emirates ATP Rankings through the first nine months. He lost three times to Novak Djokovic (Monte-Carlo, Beijing and Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, once to Juan Martin del Potro (Shanghai) and once to David Ferrer (Paris).
Versus Top 10 (min. 5 matches) W-L Index
1 Rafael Nadal 24-5 .828
2 Novak Djokovic 24-6 .800
3 Andy Murray 5-5 .500
Michael Llodra 3-3 .500
5 Juan Martin del Potro 6-7 .462
6 Stanislas Wawrinka 9-12 .429
7 Vasek Pospisil 2-3 .400
8 Ernests Gulbis 3-5 .375
John Isner 3-5 .375
Tommy Robredo 3-5 .375
Dmitry Tursunov 3-5 .375

BAUTISTA AGUT TOPS TIE-BREAK LIST
Roberto Bautista Agut, who reached his first ATP World Tour final at the Aircel Chennai Open (l. to Tipsarevic) in the first week of 2013, lost just five tie-breaks during the season. He maintained his place in the Top 100, rising as high at No. 48 on 22 July.
Tie-Breaks (min. 15) W-L Index
1 Roberto Bautista Agut 16-5 .762
2 Dmitry Tursunov 16-6 .727
3 Rafael Nadal 18-7 .720
4 Andy Murray 16-7 .696
5 Federico Delbonis 9-4 .692
6 Novak Djokovic 22-10 .688
Marin Cilic 11-5 .688
8 John Isner 38-18 .679
9 Juan Martin del Potro 21-12 .636
10 Ivo Karlovic 18-11 .621

GASQUET PERFECT IN FINALS
Richard Gasquet won three ATP World Tour titles at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open (d. Davydenko), the Open Sud de France (d. Paire) and the Kremlin Cup by Bank of Moscow (d. Kukushkin) and a career-high 50 matches. He finished the season at the top Frenchman (at No. 9) for first time since 2007.
Finals (min. 3 matches) W-L Index
1 Richard Gasquet 3-0 1.000
2 Andy Murray 4-1 .800
3 Novak Djokovic 7-2 .778
4 Rafael Nadal 10-4 .714
5 Juan Martin del Potro 4-2 .667
Fabio Fognini 2-1 .667
Tommy Haas 2-1 .667
Mikhail Youzhny 2-1 .667
9 John Isner 2-2 .500
Milos Raonic 2-2 .500

NADAL STRONG FRONTRUNNER
Nadal lost only one of 66 matches after winning the first set. It came in his fourth match of the year, following a seven month lay-off, to Horacio Zeballos in the Royal Guard Open Chile final. In contrast, he was 10-6 overall after losing the first set.
After Winning First Set W-L Index
1 Rafael Nadal 65-1 .985
2 Novak Djokovic 64-2 .970
3 Tommy Robredo 28-1 .966
4 Milos Raonic 37-2 .949
5 Andy Murray 34-2 .944
6 Nicolas Mahut 16-1 .941
7 Albert Montanes 15-1 .938
8 Juan Martin del Potro 40-3 .930
9 Nicolas Almagro 36-3 .923
10 Robin Haase 22-2 .917

After Losing First Set W-L Index
1 Rafael Nadal 10-6 .625
2 Andy Murray 9-6 .600
3 Novak Djokovic 10-7 .588
4 Juan Martin del Potro 11-13 .458
5 John Isner 9-14 .391
6 David Ferrer 12-19 .387
7 Marin Cilic 5-8 .385
8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 8-13 .381
9 Roger Federer 7-13 .350
10 Lleyton Hewitt 8-15 .348

NADAL DEADLY IN DECIDERS
Nadal's three-set loss to Zeballos in the Vina del Mar title match on 10 February was the only time he failed to win a deciding set.
Decisive Set W-L Index
1 Rafael Nadal 14-1 .933
2 Andy Murray 9-1 .900
3 Tommy Robredo 14-4 .778
4 David Ferrer 20-8 .714
Novak Djokovic 15-6 .714
6 Albert Montanes 7-3 .700
7 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 11-5 .688
8 Robin Haase 17-8 .680
9 Milos Raonic 10-5 .667
Gilles Simon 12-6 .667
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 12-6 .667

DONSKOY, ROBREDO AMONG IRONMEN
Evgeny Donskoy and Tommy Robredo both had perfect 3-0 records in fifth sets. Donskoy won fifth sets against Mikhail Youzhny in the Australian Open second round, on Davis Cup duty versus James Ward in April and against Peter Gojowcyzk in the US Open second round. Robredo won three straight fifth sets at Roland Garros against Igor Sijsling, Gael Monfils and Nicolas Almagro en route to the quarter-finals.

Fifth Set (min. 3 matches) W-L Index
1 Evgeny Donskoy 3-0 1.000
Tommy Robredo 3-0 1.000
3 Andreas Seppi 7-1 .875
4 Novak Djokovic 3-1 .750
Ivan Dodig 3-1 .750
Marcel Granollers 3-1 .750
Gilles Simon 3-1 .750
Janko Tipsarevic 3-1 .750
Mikhail Youzhny 3-1 .750

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... ssure.aspx

[Art]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx Reliability Zone: Best By Surface
London, England


Rafael Nadal was the top clay-court performer of 2013, according to the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

Spoiler:

We take a look at the match wins leaders by surface of the 2013 ATP World Tour season, using the FedEx ATP Reliability Index.

DJOKOVIC DOMINATES ON HARD

Six of Novak Djokovic's seven titles in 2013 came on hard courts. He is 20 matches unbeaten on the surface since losing to Rafael Nadal in the US Open final on 9 September.

Mats Wilander told ATPWorldTour.com, "Djokovic had a great year, but Nadal’s comeback was just a little bit better so he deserved his year-end No. 1 [Emirates ATP] Ranking. But Djokovic is not the sort of player who will want to stay at No. 2 for long. I can see him being No. 1 for the next four years. He can play on every surface and has incredible desire."

Nadal won four North American hard-court tournaments and compiled a 26-match winning streak on the surface before he suffered his first loss to Djokovic in the China Open final on 6 October.
Hard Courts W-L Index
1 Novak Djokovic 53-5 .914
2 Rafael Nadal 36-4 .900
3 Andy Murray 26-5 .839
4 Juan Martin del Potro 42-12 .778
5 Milos Raonic 36-12 .750
6 Ernests Gulbis 24-9 .727
7 Roger Federer 28-11 .718
8 Richard Gasquet 39-16 .709
9 Marin Cilic 14-6 .700
10 Tomas Berdych 37-17 .696

NADAL REMAINS KING OF CLAY

Nadal, who returned from a seven-month injury lay-off in February, won six clay-court finals from eight finals. His two losses came in title matches - against Horacio Zeballos at the Royal Guard Open Chile in his first event and to Djokovic in his ninth straight Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters final.

Pat Rafter told ATPWorldTour.com, "Freaky players do freaky things. It didn't surprise me!" Wilander added, "Nadal adjusted his game style, after his injury. He seemed to be more aggressive on his forehand; he served hard and used his backhand slice to great effect."

Clay Courts W-L Index
1 Rafael Nadal 39-2 .951
2 Novak Djokovic 15-3 .833
3 David Ferrer 21-6 .778
4 Stanislas Wawrinka 24-7 .774
5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 12-4 .750
6 Fabio Fognini 28-10 .737
7 Tommy Robredo 25-10 .714
8 Roger Federer 12-5 .706
9 Tommy Haas 14-6 .700
10 Kevin Anderson 11-5 .688

MURRAY'S GREATEST TRIUMPH

Andy Murray won the Aegon Championships for the second straight year (and the third time overall) en route to becoming the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to lift the trophy at The Championships at Wimbledon.

Mats Wilander told ATPWorldTour.com, "I don't know how much of an effect that Ivan Lendl has had on Murray winning two major titles. But Murray has certainly got more poise and greater discipline in his shot selections. Now that he has won Wimbledon, ending a drought for a British champion, what is his next goal? How will he inspire himself? Only Murray can answer that question."

Rafter added, "He has become a better and better player over the years. He has learned things along the way and from players who he has played a lot. He is a great player and I expect him to win a couple more majors."

Nicolas Mahut, 31, lifted ATP World Tour singles silverware for the first time at the Topshelf Open (d. Wawrinka) and the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships (d. Hewitt).

Grass Courts W-L Index
1 Andy Murray 12-0 1.000
2 Nicolas Mahut 12-2 .857
Novak Djokovic 6-1 .857
4 Marin Cilic 5-1 .833
Roger Federer 5-1 .833
6 Feliciano Lopez 9-2 .818
7 Juan Martin del Potro 7-2 .778
Mikhail Youzhny 7-2 .778
9 Tomas Berdych 6-2 .750
Lleyton Hewitt 9-3 .750
Andreas Seppi 6-2 .750
Fernando Verdasco 6-2 .750

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... rface.aspx

[Art]

FEDEX ATP PERFORMANCE ZONE
FedEx ATP Performance Zone: Current Tie-Break Records


Rafael Nadal has the best 52-week record in tie-breaks, according to the FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index.

Spoiler:

Using the FedEx ATP Performance Zone, this month ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at the players who perform well under pressure when a set enters a tie-break.

Tie-breaks challenge every facet of a player's game, especially confidence and determination under pressure. They condense the constant strategic battles that players wage into one critical game and are an intense struggle of psychological warfare that can often decide the outcome of a match.

What makes a particular player excel in tie-breaks? Experience is certainly advantageous in closing out a set with little margin for error and can mitigate shortcomings in composure that have the tendency to plague youngsters.

"I'm a little more relaxed because I'm older, wiser and I know what I have to do," the 'King of Tie-breaks' Ivo Karlovic told ATPWorldTour.com. Among active players, Karlovic is second overall in the career tie-breaks FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index with 240, behind only Roger Federer's 343.

While the 6'11" 34-year-old's tie-break efforts are certainly buoyed by his veteran mindset and particularly a mammoth serve, he does not hold the best winning percentage in tie-breaks over the past year, according to the FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index.

The top three players in the past 52 weeks with the highest percentage, as of 19 February, happen to be three members of the Big Four. Winners of 14 of the previous 16 Grand Slams and all nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in 2013, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have something else in common: they are exceptional returners.

In an era of big servers, an often undervalued quality of today's tie-break titans is not necessarily their ability to win free points on serve, rather their aptitude in scratching for that pivotal early mini-break which steers momentum to their side of the net.

World No. 1 Nadal leads the way over the past 52 weeks (as of 19 February) with a 23-7 record (.767) in tie-breaks, according to the FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index, while Djokovic is a close second at 22-8 (.733). Reigning Wimbledon champion Murray is not far behind, boasting a 15-5 mark (.727) despite being sidelined late last year to recover from minor back surgery. It's no surprise the trio was also among the Top 5 players with the highest return points won percentages in 2013.

Big serves make tie-breaks easier to navigate, with free points at a premium, but a strong return game is often just as, if not more, essential.

Karlovic acknowledges this. "[A big serve is] really an advantage but on the other hand I have to return well, which is not my strength so it's a constant battle in my head.

"Every point counts. If you don't do well one point, you can lose the set. That is why there is a lot more pressure."

Following his 7-6(4), 7-6(7) victory over Yen-Hsun Lu in the final of last month's Heineken Open in Auckland, John Isner's comments reflected those of Karlovic.

"[Tie-breaks] favour me a bit, given I can get free points on my serve," said Isner. "I serve extremely well and I'm a tough player to break no matter who I'm going up against. But at the same time, my advantage on my serve is sort of sometimes a disadvantage in the other areas of my game.

"When it comes down to a situation like a tie-break, I usually have a bit more adrenaline. I'm a little more keyed in on my serve."

Isner, who enjoyed a win streak of 12 consecutive tie-breaks last year from late May to late July, had the sixth-highest winning percentage over the past 52 weeks (.667) and also the most tie-breaks won at 41.

Sitting at No. 9 on the 52-week FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index is Tommy Haas, whose strong tie-break proficiency (.643) is a testament to the German's strong mental fortitude in negating the effect of nerves. "You have to go into a tie-break with confidence and feel positive," the 35 year old told ATPWorldTour.com in Rotterdam.

For Haas, a tie-break should warrant the same approach as the previous games. That is, stay aggressive but play within your game. "Assess what worked for you in the set and ensure that you maintain a high first serve percentage in the tie-break," Haas added. "Tie-breaks are decided by one or two points and a player can easily get on a run. Obviously, if you are leading and get a second serve to return you have to be aggressive and take a chance. Winning any tie-break or set gives you confidence."

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... cords.aspx

[Mario]

FEDEX ATP PERFORMANCE ZONE
FedEx ATP Performance Zone: Isner's Tie-Breaks Record


John Isner has the best tie-breaks record of any player, according to the FedEx ATP Performance Zone.

Spoiler:

World No. 10 John Isner has the best tie-breaks record of any player in ATP World Tour history, according to the FedEx ATP Performance Zone.

At 6’10” in height, Isner has a distinct advantage when it comes to serving… and he makes sure it counts in the quick fire nature of a tie-break. The 28-year-old American has a 212-114 (.650) record in tie-breaks.

Roger Federer (346-187, .649), Novak Djokovic (162-90. 643), Rafael Nadal (173-98, .638) and Pete Sampras (274-156, .637), who played his last match in 2002, are among the Top 5 performers in tie-breaks.

This week, Isner returned to the Top 10 of the Emirates ATP Rankings for the first time since 24 September 2012. That year, when he ranked in the Top 10 for 18 weeks, he led the ATP World Tour for the most tie-breaks won in 25 years (41-18) and ranked in the Top 6 of six serving categories.

So far in 2014, Isner has compiled a 13-5 record in tie-breaks. Seven of his 11 sets en route to lifting his eighth ATP World Tour title at the Heineken Open (d. Lu) in January resulted in tie-breaks (6-1). He won all four of his tie-breaks at last week’s BNP Paribas Open, where he reached the semi-finals (l. to Djokovic).

Isner is No. 3 among service leaders this season, according to ATP MatchFacts, winning 90 per cent of his service games in 15 matches. Only Ivo Karlovic and Tomas Berdych have a better record. Isner is also winning 78 per cent of his first service points (No. 10) and has struck 215 aces (No. 5) so far this year.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... Isner.aspx

[robpal]

FEDEX ATP PERFORMANCE ZONE 2014
Nadal Stands Alone On Clay


Rafael Nadal is the undisputed king of clay.

Spoiler:

As ATP World Tour players turn their focus to clay, we look at the standouts on the surface according to the FedEx ATP Performance Zone.

When it comes to clay, Rafael Nadal is the undisputed king.

The Spaniard, who will be the top seed at next week's Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, far outdistances other greats, according to the FedEx ATP Win/Loss Index. The lefty boasts a stellar .934 winning percentage and 298-21 mark on the surface. Only two other players have a winning percentage over .800: Bjorn Borg (.863) and Ivan Lendl (.814).

Nadal’s nearest contemporary is Novak Djokovic, who last year dethroned the eight-time defending champion at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. The Serbian is eighth among all-time leaders with a .774 mark, and is followed on the active leaders list by Roger Federer (.766), David Ferrer (.718) and Tommy Robredo (.693).

To further illustrate Nadal’s excellence, take a look at the Open Era leaders in the other FedEx ATP Win/Loss Indexes:

Clay Rafael Nadal .934 298-21
Grass Roger Federer .871 122-18
Carpet John McEnroe .844 346-64
Hard Jimmy Connors .827 515-108

Nadal’s dominance on the surface has also translated into another telling statistic in the FedEx ATP Performance Zone: less clay-court titles for his peers. Beginning with his first title in 2004, Nadal has triumphed on clay in 43 tournaments - 31 times more than the next active player.

Nicolas Almagro’s dozen currently places him in a four-way tie for the 20th position in the all-time leaders list. Fellow Spaniards David Ferrer and Tommy Robredo each have 11, while Roger Federer and Nikolay Davydenko have 10 apiece. Of those collective 54 titles, only four - won by Federer - came at tournaments where Nadal had competed. Federer defeated Nadal in the final to win two of those.

Outside of Federer, only two players have prevailed against Nadal in a clay-court final: Djokovic has done it three times, all in Masters 1000 action, while Horacio Zeballos accomplished the feat last February in Nadal's comeback tournament in Vina del Mar.

The World No. 1 can continue to add to his legacy over these next couple of months, with a chance to surpass Guillermo Vilas at the top of the FedEx ATP Clay Titles Index. The Argentine claimed his first title in 1973 in Buenos Aires and his 46th a decade later in Kitzbuhel.

Nadal has won at least three clay-court titles during the European spring swing since his breakout season in 2005, when he finished the year with a total of eight. His haul includes a record eight titles at Roland Garros, the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters and the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, and seven at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... Nadal.aspx

[robpal]

FEDEX RELIABILITY ZONE
FedEx ATP Performance Zone: At Home On The Big Stage
FedEx Reliability Zone: Finals Records


Nikolay Davydenko last lifted a trophy in Munich in 2011.

Spoiler:

ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at players with superior finals records using the FedEx ATP Performance Zone and finds out what makes a big match player, with analysis from former ATP World Tour favourites.

Nerves always play a factor in tennis matches, especially so during finals – where a trophy is on the line. Some players rise to the challenge, others struggle to play their best tennis. It takes experience and time to gain this mindset, says former World No. 4 Brad Gilbert.

"The journey to become a big-match player is a process," Gilbert told ATPWorldTour.com. "A big-match player has played a lot of matches and doesn't feel overwhelmed by the moment. It then comes down to how he executes his tactics."

Of active players who have played in a minimum of 10 finals, Russian Nikolay Davydenko has had the most success in finals, recording 21 wins over 28 attempts, followed by Gilles Simon (11-4) and Juan Martin del Potro (18-7). Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, and Murray follow on the list.

FedEx ATP Performance Zone - Career Finals Performance
(of active players who have played a minimum of 10 finals)
Player Pct. W-L
Nikolay Davydenko .750 21-7
Gilles Simon .733 11-4
Juan Martin del Potro .720 18-7
Rafael Nadal .697 62-27
Novak Djokovic .672 43-21
Roger Federer .667 78-39
Andy Murray .667 28-14
Lleyton Hewitt .644 29-16
Tommy Robredo .632 12-7
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga .583 10-7

Grigor Dimitrov shares the same FedEx ATP Performance Zone index as leader Davydenko, with a 3-1 mark in finals. As one of the ATP World Tour's young guns, Dimitrov marked a big occasion in October of 2013 when he hoisted his first ATP World Tour trophy, defeating David Ferrer in the 2013 If Stockholm Open final.

“I was a bit nervous but less nervous than the first final I had at the beginning of [2013, in Brisbane],” said the Bulgarian. “I was even nervous in the last point.”

The 22-year-old Dimitrov entered his second championship match, against the veteran Spaniard, with his newly hired coach Roger Rasheed by his side. Dimitrov approached his second final with a new game plan.

"I knew I had to stay in the match. I'm playing against a good guy, a great competitor," said Dimitrov. "I'm sure [Ferrer] felt really comfortable.”

"Big-match players are players that can compartmentalise the pressure and play with a level of relaxation comparable to a less significant match,” Justin Gimelstob told ATPWorldTour.com.

"It is important to realise every player feels pressure; the most successful players just handle it better,” Gimelstob adds. “The best players are technically more efficient, and technical flaws reveal themselves in pressure moments, causing errors."

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... cords.aspx

[DUN I LOVE]

FEDEX ATP PERFORMANCE ZONE
FedEx ATP Performance Zone: Great On Grass
FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index: Career Grass-Court Records


Roger Federer leads FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index for the best grass-court record. He has won 13 titles on the surface.

Spoiler:

ATPWorldTour.com explores the secrets of success on grass courts, using the FedEx ATP Performance Zone.

Crushed brick will soon be replaced by mown lawns. Ribbed soles have been unlaced in favour of pimple-soled shoes. Baseline battles and lengthy rallies won't be commonplace as knee-bending, dinks and sliced shots are now essential for success during the five-week grass-court swing. In 2015, the MercedesCup in Stuttgart will become a grass-court event in an expanded six-week season on the surface.

In ATP history, since 1973, Roger Federer leads the FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index for career grass-court matches with a 122-18 mark and 13 titles (.871 per cent). Federer has clinched seven of his record 17 Grand Slam championships at Wimbledon, with six coming at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, where he will compete next week.

John McEnroe is second among players who have competed since 1973, with a 119-20 grass-court record and eight titles (.856), followed by Bjorn Borg, who won Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back for three straight years (1978-80). The Swede, who was the first to wear pimpled grass-court soles, compiled a 61-11 mark, including six Wimbledon titles (.847).

Andy Murray, the reigning Wimbledon champion and four-time titlist at the Aegon Championships, is 73-14 (.839) on grass and has not been beaten on the surface in 18 matches. Rod Laver (147-29, .835) and Pete Sampras, who won 10 titles and ended his career with a 101-20 tally (.835), are tied fifth overall since 1973.

So what attributes are needed to succeed? Seven-time Wimbledon champion Sampras believes it is "a person who moves well on grass and is a good athlete. When I played folks said that the serve was the key, but I always felt the return of serve was the key."

Australian John Newcombe, a three-time titlist at the All England Club, says, "A classical grass-court player must have a very good offensive and defensive volley, which has to be backed up by a solid serve that features a variety of pace and spin."

Neither Sampras nor Newcombe found the transition from clay to grass-court play difficult. It was entirely natural to them. "It was more of a mind set and making minor adjustments to your strokes," says Sampras. "At the end of the day by the time you get to Wimbledon you should have had plenty of time on the grass to make those adjustments."

Over the past 12 years, serve and volley play has dwindled. The 2002 Wimbledon final featured, for the first time, two players, Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian, who played solely from the baseline.

Indian Vijay Amritraj, a long-time favourite among British galleries, says, "Grass-court technique and play was different 30 years ago, when I played. It was a tremendous attacking game and you cut off shots with volleys. Today, there is pretty much no serve and volley. The game does not warrant it. The serve and volleying games of Stefan Edberg, Patrick Rafter and Tim Henman are long gone."

Newcombe agrees. "Most players today can put away a volley at net height or above but hardly any can volley effectively below net height such as Edberg and Rafter could. The problem is not so much in the court speed but the players' lack of ability to play difficult volleys. Subsequently there is a natural reluctance to come to the net."

Federer and Murray are the only active players among the Top 30 in the all-time grass-court matches list. Murray has put together a 24-2 record on the surface over the past two seasons.

"I think you have to have a weapon to be successful," said three-time Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, who attacked the net off his serve. "Sampras was able to serve himself through bad days on grass. The reason I feel I am good on grass is that everything I do naturally translates well to grass, whereas on clay I always feel like I am battling myself a bit."

Another former World No. 1, Hewitt admits, “If you go in with the wrong mind set, then it doesn't matter about your footwork. If you're positive about playing on grass, then normally you have to be a lot sharper on your feet instead of sliding through the shot like you do on clay.”

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis ... cords.aspx