1st WEEK

It was a Swiss week – in Doha, Roger Federer after a shaky start in the first round (was forced to save a triple set point against an unknown Dutchman – Thomas Schoorel, 7-6 6-3), showed great form and won another four matches rather comfortably, beating in the final the defending champion Nikolay Davydenko in straight sets. Federer’s 67th singles title, should join this year Connors, Lendl and McEnroe as the fourth player with at least 70 titles won.
Federer’s compatriot – Stanislas Wawrinka has improved his career record in finals to 3-6, after winning a tournament in Chennai. The Swiss No. 2 the toughest match had in the 2nd round against David Goffin. Wawrinka came back from 1:3 in the 1st set and 0:3 in the 2nd set (saving set point at 4:5) to win in two tie-breaks. Winner of the last two editions – Marin Cilic, was beaten in the 1st round by Kei Nishikori, they met at the US Open ’10 and the Croat lost in a similar style again, wasting mini-match points.
Robin Soderling clinches his 7th career title in Brisbane. The Swede advances to No. 4 after the triumph which is very important before the Australian Open because he can’t play before the semifinals against Federer or Nadal. Soderling, who won his previous tournaments indoors (five) and on clay (once), takes the first outdoor title on hard-courts, but this year’s tournament was actually played under the roof, in conditions that might be called ‘half outdoor/half indoor’.

Finals

Doha (250)
S: (2)Roger Federer d. Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4
D: (3)M.Lopez/R.Nadal d. D.Bracciali/A.Seppi 6-3, 7-6(4)

Chennai (250)
S: (3,WC)Stanislas Wawrinka d. (7)Xavier Malisse 7-5, 4-6, 6-1
D: (1)M.Bhupathi/L.Paes d. R.Haase/D.Martin 6-2, 6-7(3), [10-7]

Brisbane (250)
S. (1)Robin Soderling d. (2)Andy Roddick 6-3, 7-5
D: (3)L.Dlouhy/P.Hanley d. (4)R.Lindstedt/H.Tecau 6-4 ret.

Hopman Cup
USA (John Isner, Bethanie Mattek-Sands) d. Belgium (Ruben Bemelmans, Justin Henin) 2-1

Choker of the week:

Richard Gasquet in Chennai (2nd round) – led 5:2 in the 2nd set against Bjorn Phau , and was two points away from victory (30 all) serving in the 8th and 10th game of the set. Phau won 1-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(4).