Tennis Replays: Rafa Rules Armani, Injuries Creep Back, Berankis Slams

Tennis tidbits that caught my attention from the Australian Open Day 4 and twitter yesterday.

Rafa Rules Armani

Rafa is featured in Giorgio Armani’s Spring/Summer 2011 campaign.

I think the picture says it all.

What do you think?  (If you like the pic below, there are more here.)

Injuries are Creeping Back

I mentioned in yesterday’s article that the players seemed to be fitter, stronger and less injury prone than in previous years, and then bam, the injuries creep back in!

After missing a big part of last year’s season due to a wrist injury, there were high hopes for Juan Martin Del Potro’s successful return to Men’s tennis at this Australian Open.

Unfortunately for the fans, Del Potro was beaten last night by Marcos Baghdatis in 4 sets.  Del Potro called the trainer twice to look at his wrist, creating concern that there might still be some issues hindering his play.

In a separate incident, David Nalbandian withdrew from his match against Ricardas Berankis after calling the trainer.  He was either injured, or still recovering from the huge previous round match against Lletyton Hewitt.

In this interview when asked “Was it an injury or just tiredness?”, Nalbandian replied:

“Everything. Nothing specific. Like emptry, you know? I toss a ball for the serve and everything was moving around. It’s tough playing like that.

Call the doctor. Told me that dangerous playing like that. That’s why I retired”.

Hopefully Nalbandian will be back fit and strong for his next major tournament.

There’s Something About Berankis

Nalbandian’s opponent in the match he withdrew from was Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis, ranked 95.

We’ll never know how the match would have played out if Nalbandian had been at 100%, but with Berankis’ slamming serve and rowdy supporters, look out for more on him on way to the top!

Read more about Berankis on the Spin Off Court Thirteen blog.

Until next time

Grand Slam Gal

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