There is only one other “person” that is undefeated on the tennis court and that is the backboard and if Novak keeps winning I just might start calling him Novak “The Backboard” Djokovic! The in streak he is on is historic and it seems he is getting more confident as the tournaments go.

Hanescu is 0-5 against Djokovic in his career and things don’t look too good for him heading into this match. He has an all-court game, but he lacks the firepower to push Djokovic back. Djokovic has been taking the ball early, even on the clay, and his conditioning has been world-class throughout this amazing run. I can’t see him losing a set against Hanescu, nevermind the entire match. I look for the streak to hit 38!

Nick’s Pick – Djokovic in 3 sets

David Ferrer (ESP) vs. Julien Benneteau (FRA)

Ferrer faced a tough opponent in the opening round in Jarkko Nieminen, but he made quick work of him and displayed just how good he can be on clay. He grinds for every point and he keeps his unforced errors very low. He also has a great return of serve and his movement is remarkable. There is no glaring weakness in his game, especially when he is on clay.

Benneteau is 3-2 against Ferrer, but the two haven’t met in three years. Benneteau is a very good player and will have the crowd behind him, but right now Ferrer is playing some fantastic tennis and I don’t see him losing this match. I look for Ferrer to advance in straight sets.

Nick’s Pick – Ferrer in 3 sets

Sam Querrey (USA) vs. Ivan Ljubicic (CRO)

Before I mention Querrey, I want to take a quick second to say how proud I am of the way John Isner competed against Rafael Nadal. He gave him everything he could handle and he really played some great tennis. This was a very positive sign for American tennis. Now, back to Querrey, he beat a very tough opponent in Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round in four sets and now gets another difficult test in Ljubicic. He is 1-1 against the hard-serving Croat, but they have never met on clay.

When you break down these two, they both have big serves (don’t expect a ton of brakes of serve) and excellent forehands, but to me it’s the backhand and the movement that make the difference for Querrey. His backhand is superb and his movement for a big guy is very good. I think those two elements of his game will make the difference in this match and I look for Querrey to advance in four or five sets.

Nick’s Pick – Querrey in 4 sets

Robin Soderling (SWE) vs. Albert Ramos (ESP)

When people think of Robin Soderling they often overlook how good of a clay-courter he is. He’s been to the finals the last two years and although he really pounds the ball from both sides, he doesn’t hit with a ton of spin and he is able to push his opponents back off the court.

He had a test in the first round against IMG Bollettieri student, Ryan Harrison, but he proved too much for the young American (although Ryan did take a set). I don’t think Ramos will prove to be a huge challenge for Soderling and I look for the Swede to move on.

Nick’s Pick – Soderling in 3 sets

Keep your eye on…

Kei Nishikori vs. Sergiy Stakhovsky – Around here, Stakhovsky is remembered for taking out Ryan Harrison in the second round of last year’s US Open in a thrilling five-setter. Now, another IMG Bollettieri student will try to beat the powerful Ukrainian. Nishikori doesn’t want to get into long rallies with Stakhovsky and he should try to put the ball away early. When Stakhovsky is on, he doesn’t miss and he can also serve bombs. Should be a close match that could really go either way, but you know I will be cheering for Kei!!

If you missed what I said about Isner earlier this week on ESPN.com I will recap it for you, because I think it applies more than ever when he is going to play Nadal.

“We caught up with Agassi’s former coach, the vastly experienced Nick Bollettieri, to discuss the quartet’s prospects, paltry as they might be, and what they need to do to win a few rounds. Isner, for one, needs to “put a firecracker up his a–,” Bollettieri said.”

“Bollettieri on Querrey and Isner: “The good thing is no one expects them to do anything, so go in and say, ‘Screw you — I’m going to show you I can do something.’ But I don’t think they’re going to do something playing a conservative game on clay. It’s not going to happen.

“They’re big guys. They have to do what [Juan Martin] del Potro does, come inside the baseline on high backhands, which catches the opponent out of position. They have to play that shot and come forward some of the time.

“Querrey moves a little better. The question mark on Isner has always been the physical conditioning and movement. But remember, these guys have good groundstrokes. They have to tell themselves how good they are and go out and play a big game.”

If nothing else, some wins, and thus confidence, ahead of the more fruitful grass-court swing would do nicely for the foursome.” 

On the other side, Nadal has been quoted recently saying that he is in danger of losing his #1 ranking to Djokovic. Well, while that may be true, in my eyes, he is still the favorite to win this tournament (especially since it is best three out of five sets). He needs to forget all that and just take it one match at a time. He is the best clay-courter in the world and he needs to remind everyone of that again.

For Isner to win this match, he is going to have to pull out all the stops. He needs to serve into the body of Nadal and attack his backhand. He is going to have to hope Nadal has an off-day as well, which he doesn’t seem to have on clay. I look for Nadal to win, but this will be fun to watch.

Nick’s Pick – Nadal in 3 sets

Xavier Malisse (BEL) vs. Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)

Malisse is 3-1 against Tursunov, but the two have never met on clay. Tursunov is clearly not the same player he was a few years ago when he was in the top 20. He’s had some injuries and age has caught up with him. He is still very talented, a bit unpredictable and is funny off the court as well! I don’t feel he has enough right now to beat Malisse though.

Malisse has really dedicated himself to tennis over the last year and it has shown. He moves around the court like Muhammad Ali did around the boxing ring, his groundstrokes are solid and his serve is very good as well. As long as he stays focused he should advance.

Nick’s Pick – Malisse in 4 sets

Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Feliciano Lopez (ESP)

I feel as though Federer has been holding back a bit over the last month in preparation for the French Open and that he is going to have a very good tournament. He’s 8-0 against Lopez, so that should give him a confidence boost. Lopez does bring challenges though as he is a lefty with a huge serve that moves well. Once the ball is in play though, it really favors Federer. I look for the Swiss star to use a variety of shots include more forehands and I also expect him to get a higher percentage of his first serves in. Lopez could steal a set, but in the long run, this match belongs to Federer.

Nick’s Pick – Federer in 3 or 4 sets

Kei Nishikori  (JPN) vs. Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE)

This is the first career meeting between the 27-year old Lu and the 21-year old Nishikori. Kei has been working with Brad Gilbert a bit, while also traveling with IMG Bollettieri coach, Dante Bottini. He has recently had a minor injury and that could have an effect on this match as Lu is really a solid player. He won’t make many mistakes and he will force Nishikori to win every point. Kei has to be steady, but also aggressive and he must pounce on any defensive balls. I look for Nishikori to advance, but this could go the distance.

Nick’s Pick – Nishikori in 4 or 5 sets

Berdych needed four sets to beat a tough opponent in Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round. After a great summer in 2010, Berdych ended the year on a sour note. This will be a test to see which Berdych is out on the court – the one from the middle of 2010 or the one from the end.

Gasquet is 2-1 against Berdych, but in their one meeting last year Berdych won easily. Both men were picked to be top players when they were young, and both have spent time in the top ten. Neither has won a Grand Slam, and neither has been extremely consistent over their careers. The key in this match will be Berdych’s groundstrokes. Can he keep Gasquet off-balance and break down the Frenchman’s backhand? Berdych definitely has the overall advantage in this match, but Gasquet has the talent to win. I look for a close match with Berdych advancing in four sets.

Nick’s Pick – Berdych in 4 sets

Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Robin Haase (NED)

Roddick hasn’t dropped a set in his two matches, but he seems to be lacking a little power on his groundstrokes. They don’t seem to be penetrating like they have done in the past, and that is going to be a problem moving forward. It isn’t that he is playing with too much spin, but he isn’t generating enough to keep his opponents pinned behind the baseline.

Haase is a 23-year old Dutchmen who is ranked #62 in the world and is playing in only his third Australian Open. He was a top junior (ranked #3 in the world) and did reach the finals of Junior Wimbledon back in 2005. This is the first time he has been in the third round of any Grand Slam and it’s also his first match against Andy Roddick.

Haase hits with a ton of power from both sides and has beaten some top men in the past. This will not be an easy win for Roddick. Look for the American to use his serve to keep Haase back and Roddick has to win easy points. He cannot get into long rallies with Haase. The edge in experience goes to Roddick and this should help him in this match. I look for Roddick to win, but this will be tough.

Nick’s Pick – Roddick in 4 sets

Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. Bernard Tomic (AUS)

Nadal has lost a total of four games in two matches and he is playing absolutely unbelievable tennis. He gets to just about every ball and hits some shots that I used to think were impossible! The guy is amazing to watch and he is getting closer and closer to winning the “Rafa-Slam.”

Tomic pulled off a big upset with a straight set win over the hard-serving Feliciano Lopez. This will be a whole other level against Nadal. Tomic has a great two-handed backhand, his movement is deceptively good, and he doesn’t lack confidence. You will know how this match is going to go right from the outset. If Tomic is 8-10 feet behind the baseline and trying to rally with Nadal, he has no chance. Nadal will hit angled shots, drop shots and move him side-to-side. If Tomic can hang on the baseline and take the ball a little earlier and hit it flat, he could play with Nadal for a couple of sets. This will be a fun match to watch, but you have to think Nadal is going to win in straight sets.

Nick’s Pick – Nadal in 3 sets

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP)

Murray has kept a rather low profile for his standards through the first two rounds and he hasn’t really been tested. He looks confident and seems at ease with everything which is a great sign. He is also playing a little more offensive which I feel is the way to go because his defense is already so good.

Murray is 1-0 against Garcia-Lopez, with that win coming on grass at Queen’s Club back in 2009. Garcia-Lopez is a solid righty who has been as high as #29 in the world. I don’t think he has the game to compete with Murray on the hard courts, and with Murray’s ability to turn defense into offense and to return so well, I see him moving through in three sets.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 3 sets

A couple of other matches to keep your eyes on…

Kei Nishikori vs. Fernando Verdasco – Verdasco is coming off of a come-from-two-sets-down-five-set win over Janko Tipsarevic and Nishikori beat Florian Mayer in four sets. How will that long match affect Verdasco? Can Nishikori move Verdasco around and keep him off-balance? Verdasco is in great physical shape and that should help, but this match could go either way.

Xavier Malisse vs. Roger Federer – It’s weird to see Federer win the first two sets and then get pushed to five sets, but that is exactly what happened against Gilles Simon. Federer hung tough though and won it in five. Meanwhile, Malisse breezed through Albert Montanes, losing only 5 games in three sets. This is a tricky match for Federer, and I am so happy to see “X” playing well again. He is great for the sport!

John Isner vs. Marin Cilic – A battle of two giants. Longer points and longer rallies will not be the way that Isner wins this match. He needs to win quick, easy points and move forward when he has the chance. Cilic has been a little up and down so if Isner gets a chance he needs to jump on it immediately. You have to give a little edge to Cilic, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Isner win.

Richard Berankis vs. David Ferrer – Berankis was cruising by Nalbandian when the veteran retired in the third set. This is going to be a different match because of how well Ferrer moves. Berankis will stand on the baseline and for a smaller guy he packs a huge punch on his groundstrokes and serve. Ferrer probably gets the edge because of his experience, but again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see my man Richard win!

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Karol Beck (ITA)

Murray reached the finals here last year before falling to Federer in straight sets. Can he repeat that performance and maybe win his first Grand Slam? All of England would love that!

Beck is a solid player, but lacks a bit of stamina which isn’t good when playing Murray. He has a good forehand, but no weapons to push Murray around the court. Murray will drive Beck nuts in this match and should move on without much trouble.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 3 sets

David Nalbandian (ARG) vs. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)

This is clearly the match of the first round, especially with Hewitt playing in front of his home crowd. Nalbandian is playing well, but you can never be too sure how fit or healthy he is. Hewitt hasn’t played since September of last year and is coming back from an injury so his health is in question as well.

These two have some history…Hewitt is 3-2 against Nalbandian and beat him in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open back in 2005 10-8 in the fifth set! I have to give a slight edge to Nalbandian because of Hewitt’s health, but if the Aussie crowd can get behind him and will him to victory. I can’t wait to watch this one!!

Nick’s Pick – Nalbandian in 4 or 5 sets

Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Lukas Lacko (SVK)

Federer could be in for a couple of difficult matches here in the first two rounds. Lacko is a zany guy who isn’t afraid to come in to the net and has a very good forehand. If/when Federer gets by him, he has to play Gilles Simon in the second round and he playing very well also. This is the first time in a long time that Federer could get seriously tested in the opening couple of rounds. On the other hand, Federer could play like Federer and just blow throw these guys, demonstrating what has made him the best of all time. Can’t wait!

Nick’s Pick – Federer in 3 tough sets

Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs. Fabio Fognini (ITA)

This is the first career meeting between the 21-year old Nishikori and the 23-year old Fognini. Nishikori made a name for himself a couple of years ago when he won a title in surprise fashion. He has been injured off and on and is now working with Brad Gilbert and IMG Bollettieri Tennis coach, Dante Bottini. He is feeling good and when he is on, he can beat the best. He just took down Marin Cilic and Alejandro Falls in Chennai and demonstrated why he can be such a threat.

Fognini isn’t going to hurt Nishikori, but he can run all day. Nishikori has to be patient and pretend like he is playing on clay. Just wait for his chances and then strike when he has the opportunity. He cannot get over-aggressive and has to remain focused. I look for Nishikori to win, but this will not be a short match.

Nick’s Pick – Nishikori in 4 sets

THE CONTENDERS

Can Roger Federer get back to the winner's cirlce down under?

Roger Federer

Federer is a special player that has a style that few can match: he can play and hit any shot in the book. He ran into a bit of a dry spell in 2010 and no one can really say why, but I think we will see a totally different Roger this time around.

The addition of Paul Annacone (a former student of mine and close friend) was definitely a great move for Federer’s team. Annacone boasts a successful playing career, extensive experience as a coach (USTA, LTA, and private coach of Pete Sampras), and played college tennis at the University of Tennessee. Annacone has had a great influence already on Federer and he explained that Roger had become a defensive player hitting too many slices, chipping the return of serve, not coming to the net enough, and applying pressure at all times. The end result was that Federer won the year-end ATP World Championships. Federer is far from finished and I feel he can win additional Grand Slam titles.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael is only 24-years old and no matter how far back I go in tennis history I cannot find any player that plays the game like he does. Every single point is a match-point to him and very few players can match what he does on and off the court.

He’s won 9 Grand Slam titles and I’m sure he congratulated Roger on winning the year-end championships, but I am sure this is going to give him more of a reason to get out of the gate quickly this year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win this title.

Novak Djokovic

I can evaluate his entire game and I find it almost impossible to find a flaw with his techniques, movement and style of play. At times, you might think he is out of shape because of the way he gasps for air but knowing Djokovic personally, I know this isn’t true. If I was his coach, I would have him attack a little more, especially against Federer, Nadal and a few others. He is definitely a contender to win any tournament and even a Grand Slam.

Andy Murray

Andy is one heck of a player, who has so many of the necessary tools to win a Grand Slam, but it also seems like little things happen here and there that cut down his chances of really contending. I really like Andy and his mother, Judy. He is my kind of player – he excited me because he reminds me of my former student Andre Agassi.

It was recently printed that Andy over-trained during the Holiday Break and did not have his normal energy while playing in the Hopman Cup. Andy has got to tell himself that he is 100% fit mentally and physically and he cannot have any excuses. He is capable of so much and just needs to focus on that. I would like to see him play much more offensively, including attacking at times. He must also play much closer to the baseline.

Gael Monfils

He is truly an entertainer, but at the same time, he is a fantastic athlete who at any time can hit any shot whether he is standing still, running, jumping, lying on the ground, well, you get the point. He has shown flashes of brilliance against the very best in the world and is a tough out. He has been plagued by injuries and I am sure that has cut down on his chances of winning the big ones! If healthy, watch out, he can take you down.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

He is another guy, like Monfils, who has shown the ability to play at a very high level but he has been injured off and on and that has really affected his performance. Back in 2008 he reached the finals of the Aussie Open and he really got the crowd on his side with his flashy play. It’s really a shame that he has had so many injuries because when he is on, he is incredible to watch.

Robin Soderling

He takes it to you at all times with very aggressive, quite flat, groundstrokes from both sides. It isn’t that easy to take advantage of his serve, and he puts a ton of pressure on your serve, and he will not hesitate to come to the net. I like the way he competes and his movement is excellent. Don’t be surprised to see him playing well into the second week.

Andy Roddick

He has come so close in many tournaments, but has come up short of winning a Grand Slam title since 2003. Yes, he has a huge serve, big forehand, and an improved backhand, but when you have Federer and Nadal playing alongside you it doesn’t make it easy to win a Grand Slam. He is a fierce competitor, but some are saying his time may be running out. I think he still may have some good runs left in the tank!

Tomas Berdych

He’s another guy who has all the physical ability in the world, but at times loses his mental focus. He was able to correct that in the middle of 2010, reaching the semis of the French and the finals of Wimbledon, but then a first-round exit at the US Open left us all wondering again. Will 2011 be more of the same, or will Berdych put it together consistently?

WATCH OUT FOR THESE GUYS!

Can Querrey and Isner make some noise in Melbourne?

Sam Querrey/John Isner

Sam and John are big boys with off the wall serve, darn good groundstrokes, they move well for their height and are capable of playing on all surfaces. They both look to attack and are very comfortable at the net.

Isner was an All-American tennis player at the University of Georgia and by all accounts his time at college was well spent. He was at the center of one of the most historic matches of all time last year at Wimbledon, but I don’t think he wants to be remembered for that.

Both men hold their own well against the top guys, but can they win a Grand Slam? I am not sure.

Mardy Fish

Every time you feel his time is up, Mardy will come up with a big win. His two-handed backhand is one of the very best and he is extremely aggressive. His forehand has improved, he has a big serve and is a very sound volleyer. The US needs him to come through with a big tournament.

Stanislas Wawrinka

Wawrinka stated that he is ready to get down to business in 2011, and we will have to see how that pans out. He and his wife have recently separated and he has added Peter Lundgren as his coach. These are some big changes, and they will have a significant impact on the way he plays. No one has ever doubted his physical talents, but sometimes his mind goes in all directions.

Ernests Gulbis

What can I say? He is a very dangerous player with all sorts of weapons, but he comes and goes.

Marin Cilic

Never, never count him out. He can play against any player, but seems to get to a high point and then flame out. I’ll be keeping a close eye on him in 2011.

Richard Gasquet

The years are rolling on and we can no longer call him “someone to watch out for in the future.” It’s time for Gasquet to step up to the plate and demonstrate his talents consistently.

YOUNG AND DANGEROUS

Kei Nishikori

Kei has been a student at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy since he was 13-years old. He is a shot-maker with brilliant speed and a flair for the dramatic. He was on a roll and all of Japan was behind him as he became not only one of the best Japanese males to play, but he was also starting to beat some of the top men in the world. His run to the top came to a sudden halt when he injured his elbow and was basically out for a year.

He is now back and looking good and has a new look and team which includes the ugliest technical tennis player I have ever known: Brad Gilbert (he sure knew how to win though!). Glenn Weiner (his former traveling coach of two years) did one heck of a job, but there comes a time when change is a must. In addition to Brad, Bollettieri Academy coach Dante Bottini will be on the road with Kei.

Kei is already off to a great start in 2011 with wins over world #14 Marin Cilic and Alejandro Falla in Chennai. If he stays healthy, I feel very optimistic he will have a banner year.

Ryan Harrison is the new hope for American tennis.

Ryan Harrison

Ryan and the entire Harrison family live and train at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy. At the age of 18, Ryan’s performance at the 2010 US Open vaulted him into another level of play and stardom. His style of play includes a huge Bollettieri forehand, steady two-handed backhand, very aggressive 1^st and 2^nd serve, attacking game style, excellent movement and physically prepared to battle the higher ranked players.

It’s very important for Ryan to control his emotions and listen to his new coach, Martin Damm, because that could make a huge difference in the rest of his career. I am looking for big things from Ryan in 2011 and beyond and I really enjoy working with him and his father, Pat, here at the Academy.

Richard Berankis

Berankis is another student of the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy and he and his coach, Remigijus Balzekas (a top Lithuanian coach) are a perfect team. Berankis isn’t tall, but he packs a wallop with his outstanding groundstrokes and serve. He moves extremely well and players very aggressively. Another strong point of his game is his ability to compete for every single point – he fights like a lion! He is currently the youngest player in the top 100 and has shown the ability to compete with the top pros. I look for big things from him this year.

DARKHORSES

Ivo Karlovic

Karlovic is coming back from an Achilles tendon injury that kept him out of action for much of 2010. He spent his Holiday Break training at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy with his team and he looks to be in good shape. No one has a more dangerous serve than Karlovic and he is also a fantastic volleyer. I worked with him on his backhand during his stay and suggested that he might not want to hit every backhand with a slice. When on a roll his aggressive forehand can beat the best in the world.

P.S. He has a great support team and is a great person.

Kevin Anderson

Anderson spent some time at the Academy during the Holiday Break and he is really a great guy. Standing at 6’8”, he can serve big bombs and then capitalize on any defensive return with a very aggressive forehand and backhand. He must come in towards the net more often though to beat the best.

Xavier Malisse

He has been a favorite student of mine since he came to the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy when he was 16 years of age. No one ever has questioned his techniques, movement and talent, but he has lacked focus at times and has also battled injuries. Just recently, Xavier told me he is really enjoying playing tennis again which is great to hear.

Andrey Golubev

He is a hard-hitter with a killer forehand and a one-handed backhand that can penetrate at any time. The serve is good, but his percentages go down when the pressure is on.

Viktor Troicki

This man is dangerous, and I mean dangerous! His serve and two-handed backhand are a lethal weapon. He can be a little off the wall at times, and sometimes his forehand can break down.

Alexandr Dolgopolov

This man is still very young, but he has very smooth strokes with a two-handed backhand. He is fast, fast, fast, but still might need a year of playing before winning a big match.

L to R: IMG Bollettieri elite coach Dante Bottini, Nick Bollettieri, Kei Nishikori, Brad Gilbert, IMG Bollettieri Director Chip Brooks

Top-100 Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori has added Brad Gilbert, one of the game’s most sought-after coaches, as his new traveling coach and mentor, for the 2011 season.

Kei Nishikori will be expanding his IMG Academies coaching team with a consulting role for Brad Gilbert. Gilbert is currently a guest coach at the Bradenton, Fla.-based IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy, where Nishikori trains year-round under the tutelage of legendary coach Nick Bollettieri and his world class staff.

A fierce competitor, Nishikori ended his 2010 season with one goal in mind – to make 2011 his best season of record. To help him achieve this, he has sought assistance from Gilbert, the man Andre Agassi relied on for nearly a decade, coaching him to six Grand Slam titles between 1994 and 2002. Gilbert has also coached Andy Roddick and Andy Murray. Said Gilbert, “Kei is a fierce young competitor. He knows what he wants from the game of tennis. I’m excited to expand my relationship with the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy and help consult Kei during the 2011 season.” Both Brad Gilbert and his sister Dana Gilbert were students at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy in the 80s.

“I am excited about the addition of Brad to my team. Brad’s knowledge as a former top player, as well as his coaching success, is something that can help me become a better player,” added Nishikori.

In the 2011 season, Nishikori will travel full-time with IMG Bollettieri elite coach Dante Bottini. Bottini is a long-time member of Nick’s elite coaching staff.

Added Bollettieri, “As a coach, Brad adds the little things to a player that make a big difference in the higher echelon of the game. Brad’s long-term relationship with the Academy and me as a student, a player, and a guest coach, make Brad a great addition to consult Kei’s coaching team, as well as to assist the program at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy.”

Nishikori returned to play in February 2010 after a year-long lay-off following elbow surgery. He won consecutive ATP Tour Challenger series titles at Savannah and Sarasota in May, before playing in his first French Open shortly thereafter. By summer’s end, the 20-year old advanced through to the third round of the U.S. Open, posting his best Grand Slam finish since 2008.

For more on Kei, you can find him on Facebook!

Yuki Bhambri training at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy

Congratulations to IMG Bollettieri pro, Yuki Bhambri, on winning his first career ATP match earlier today at the Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur. Bhambri, the former world #1 junior, beat Malaysian wildcard Yew-Ming Si in straight sets. He will play his next round either Wednesday or Thursday. In addition, he will play his first round doubles with fellow IMG Bollettieri Kei Nishikori on Wednesday.

Congrats to Yuki again and good luck in the next round!

You can also see some photos from the match on Yuki’s Facebook page and you can stay up-to-date on Yuki by following him on Twitter.

Ryan Harrison at the 2010 US Open

As Ryan Harrison and Sergiy Stakhovsky battled through the 5th set in a wild match that featured an injury time out, a rain delay and three cameramen getting pelted with three separate errant shots, an announcement repeatedly echoed through the grounds telling spectators that the Grandstand was at full capacity.

So, the throngs of fans now fully aware of Harrison flocked to the huge television outside of the stadium and chanted for Ryan, disregarding the fact that he was well out of earshot.

Even though he lost a dramatic 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 match to Stakhovsky on Thursday, the 18-year-old Harrison won the hearts of countless fans at his first US Open. He attacked the net, boomed serves at 130-plus and pulled off a shot that rivals Federer’s between-the-legs, driving the Twitter world crazy with people posting amazed comments.

Early in the match, Stakhovsky lobbed Harrison. Harrison sprinted to the far back of the court, spun and hit a whirling forehand passing shot that rocketed past an approaching Stakhovsky. The Ukrainian looked at Harrison and gave a slight smile of appreciation.

The match added to the two other five-setters played by fellow IMG Bollettieri players Ricardas Berankis and Kei Nishikori represent quite likely the three most exciting matches of the men’s side in the 2010 Open. All 20 years old or younger, the three represent the next generation of great players, with Hannah Storm calling Harrison “the next great American player” on a post-match interview.

“America needs a young player to rally behind,” Nick Bollettieri said. “That builds excitement and energy and increases coverage for the entire tour. Ryan reminds me a bit of Andre Agassi in that even people who might be rooting against him are drawn to pull for him because of his talent, playing style and flair.”

That Japan native and IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy player Kei Nishikori also had to battle 100-plus degree court temperatures only adds to the unbelievable story of Nishikori’s 5-7, 7-6, 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 victory over No. 11-seeded Marin Cilic.

The 20-year-old rose as high as No. 56 in the world in early 2009 before missing much of last year with an elbow injury.

“Kei was a true warrior today,” said Nick Bollettieri. “He is without a doubt one of the best conditioned players on tour. His work ethic and desire to train as hard as he can came through today by outlasting a tough opponent in brutal weather.”

Check out this video of Kei Nishikori, Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova and others training at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy before the 2010 US Open:

IMG Bollettieri players have now knocked out the No. 11 and No. 15 seeds, with 18-year-old Ryan Harrison defeating Ivan Ljubicic on Wednesday. Academy player Ricardas Berankis, 20, today almost claimed the No. 13 seed in Jurgen Melzer. Berankis saved four match points, but ultimately fell 4-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-1, 5-7 to the Austrian. Taylor Dent also fell 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to No. 5-seeded Robin Soderling.

On the women’s side, the Academy’s Jelena Jankovic (No. 4) advanced with 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 win against Mirjana Lucic, while Vera Zvonareva (No. 7) defeated fellow Academy player Sabine Lisicki 6-1, 7-6.