The Swiss master’s astonishing return has proved that longevity is still possible at the top of the game if you manage your schedule and know your body’s limitsRoger Federer’s decision to abandon the Tour for two months while playing tennis that stands favourable comparison with his golden years is a stark challenge to the game’s administrators to end the grind of a schedule that is pushing players to breaking point. As he said after winning his third title of the year, his second Miami Open and the 91st title of his career: “The body needs a break, the mind needs a break.”It was his 20th match of the season after returning from an enforced six-month rest to heal knee surgery...
The British No1’s Miami Open triumph was the result of improving her win percentage and adopting a methodical approachIt takes a lot to impress Martina Navratilova but her considered judgment that Johanna Konta can take her tennis to higher places after her breakthrough win in Miami will be worth much more than any hype generated in the heat of celebration. Related: Johanna Konta announces her arrival at the next level of her sport | Kevin Mitchell Continue reading...
Johanna Konta’s victory over Caroline Wozniacki in the final of the Miami Open takes her to No7 in the world, and could herald a bright new era for British tennisJohanna Konta’s tense 6-4, 6-3 win over Caroline Wozniacki in the final of the Miami Open – much tougher than her quick dismissal of the former world No1 in the third round of the Australian Open in January – was an achievement that announced her arrival at the next level of her sport. Related: Johanna Konta beats Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3 to win Miami Open – as it happened Continue reading...
Jordan Spieth is hoping to make amends after blowing a five-stroke lead by dropping six strokes in three back-nine holes during the final round of last year’s MastersIf afforded an each-way Masters bet to save your life, there would be no cause for deliberation. Jordan Spieth finished tied second on his Augusta National debut in 2014, returned to win the opening major of 2015 and, despite an epic, painful collapse last year, showed enough resolve to play the closing six holes in one under par to be joint runner-up.Leading sportspeople insist career lows resonate far more than the ultimate highs. If that is the case, Spieth’s stumble from a seemingly unassailable position of five shots in front of the 2016...
Few expected the 35-year-old to win the Australian Open after his injuries but he has been on stunning form since and a more relaxed attitude has helpedTwo comeback kids met in Miami and played a very fine match of tennis this week. One was Juan Martín del Potro, the lanky, lugubrious Argentinian who has suffered two career-threatening wrist injuries. Since returning last year, after a two‑year hiatus, he narrowly lost to Andy Murray in the Olympic final and led Argentina to their first Davis Cup win.His is an uplifting story of triumph over adversity, stalwart determination in the face of debilitating physical and psychological setbacks. He played beautifully this week, with his elegant backhand slice and his thunderous slap of...