Luxilon on Tour

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

Roger Federer - using his favorite combination of Alu Power 125 Rough and Wilson natural gut - beat Brit challenger Andy Murray in three sets to clinch his 5th straight US Open title. Murray never looked likely to create the upset that the British fans have so desperately hoped for. Roger’s dominace of the match was underlined by the fact that Murray only managed to win 3 points in the first 5 games of the third and final set and the end of the match seemed to be as much a relief for Murray as for Federer..!

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

Federer was dominant in all areas of his game and produced an impressive display of power, accuracy and finesse. In spite of everything his two trainers and physiotherapist had done for him, Murray had nothing with which to hurt Roger or avoid the inevitable.

After his semifinal win over Novak Djokovic, Roger had been asked if he had a preference for an adversary in the final. A confrontation with his arch-rival, Rafa, was his positive response. But Andy Murray took care of both Rafa’s and Roger’s hopes for a third 2008 Federer/Nadal final. But if Roger was disappointed, he certainly didn’t show it when lifting the trophy for the 5th time and becoming the first player to have ever won two grand slam events five successive times (Wimbledon and now the US Open).

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

Roger will now be able to take a rest - and maybe find time for a haircut. There are still two Masters Series events before the biggest test of the season - the Masters Championship in Shanghai when all will be decided. We will be ther to bring you news from the event.

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

Spanish Luxilon players Annabel Medina Garrigues (Original 130) and Virginia Ruano Pascual (Alu Power 125) took time from their busy US Open doubles schedule to bring in and show us the silver medals that they won at the Beijing olympics.

They both really enjoyed the excitement of being part of such a spectacular and world-absorbing adventure and we congratulate them on their great achievement.

They had no time to go home to Spain between Beijing and the US Open and are both eager for a rest from their hectic schedule and, of course, to show the medals to their families.

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

Roger - playing with a hybrid of Luxilon Alu Power Rough and Wilson Natural Gut - advanced to the US Open final with a convincing semifinal win over 3rd seed Novak Djokovic. Roger was the clear fan favorite - but not only because of his well-known gentlemanly sportsmanship. His opponent had upset the sensitive New York crowd after his quarterfinal beating of fan-favorite Andy Roddick by referring to their hero’s criticism of the Serb’s numerous injuries. “Not too many injuries tonight, Huh?” he asked them…

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

In the final, Roger will play 6th seed Andy Murray who upset top seed Rafael Nadal in 4 sets after the match was interrupted and postponed overnight because of bad weather courtesy of Tropical Storm Hanna. Murray was, at that stage up 2 sets to none. Rafa took the next set when play resumed but Murray kept his composure to take the 4th set and the match.

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

Before the match, Roger had said that he would prefer a rematch with Rafa as he relished the rivalry that has built up between them - and, no doubt, for a chance of revenge after Rafa’s surprising win in Wimbledon a couple of months ago.

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

While Roger will be disappointed not to be facing his arch-rival, he will still need all of his outstanding abilities to hold off the challenge of Murray - aiming to be the first Brit to win a Grand Slam final since
Fred Perry 72 years ago!

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

Roger will also be seeking to keep his US Open winning streak alive by winning his 5th successive title in New York - and being able to place his order for a new belt to remind him of yet another challenge ahead - and keep his shorts up, of course…

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

The match should be an exciting one with Roger eager to regain the number one spot that he has enjoyed for so long and the newly-matured Murray anxious to prove that he is more than just a dream in the minds  of the fervent and desperate British fans.

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

For the occasion, Roger will have his full retinue in his box to cheer him on with Dad, Robert…

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

…Mom, Lynette…

© Manuela Davies - doubleXposure.com

… and long-time girlfriend and manager Mirka Vavrinec.

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

Andy Murray will be supported by girlfriend Kim Sears, daughter of Nigel Sears - former long-time coach of Daniela Hantuchova - trying to keep on the good side of the New York fans and generate a little support with her choice of T-Shirt..!

It is going to be an interesting match…!

Mardy Fish of the USA (Timo 110) beat seeded Gael Monfils of France on Arthur Ashe Stadium 7-5 6-2 6-2 to earn a place in the quarterfinals.

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

The match was watched by Mardy’s fiancee, Stacey Gardner, the briefcase-wielding feature of the TV game show ‘Deal or No Deal’.

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

Mardy’s quarterfinal match will be against top-seeded Rafael Nadal.

© Jeff Davies - doubleXposure.com

In the women’s draw, Flavia Pennetta of Italy (Alu Power 125) beat Amelie Mauresmo 6-3 6-0 to secure her place in the quarterfinals where she will meet Dinara Safina of Russia.

Which is the most popular string with both men and women pro players at the US Open?

Click on the video link to find out….