Break Points: Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray Are Upset on Grass

Notable Results:

  • London R2: [15] Radek Stepanek d. [3] Andy Murray 7-6(10) 6-2
  • Halle R2: [2] Roger Federer d. Joao Sousa 6-7 6-4 6-2
  • Halle R2: Dustin Brown d.[1] Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-1
  • Halle QF: Philipp Kohlschreiber d. Dustin Brown 6-4 5-7 7-6(16)
  • Birmingham R2: Kimiko Date Krumm d. [7] Daniela Hantuchova 6-4 6-0
  • Birmingham QF: [9] Shuai Zhang d. [3] Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-1

News & Links:

Lindsay looked at the Mauresmo and Murray partnership, the “controversy,” and the lack of female coaches in tennis for Sports on Earth

Judy Murray also wrote a great piece on the subject. She is the expert, after all.

I saw one report that mentioned the possible “stigma” of a woman coaching a man. There shouldn’t be any at all. It’s a bold move but I think it’s a very good move. And it raises awareness.

I don’t see any reason why you can’t have more women coaching at the top end of the game. At the moment we’re heavily outnumbered.

At grassroots level, the ratio of male to female coaches is 4:1. In the performance area that expands to 12:1. When you analyse the men and women’s tour, you can count female coaches on the fingers of one hand.

Ana Ivanovic is into the semifinals in Birmingham, and is currently the favorite to win the title. David Kane took a look at Ivanovic for his new site, Backhand Compliments. Do check both out.

Richard Pagliaro looked at the epic 18-16 third-set tiebreaker between Brown and Kohlschreiber. That’s one instance where “epic” is appropriate.

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