The Saturday round up

Maria Sharapovas return to the game after a shoulder injury ended in defeat. In a exhibition tournament held in Bogotá, Colombia she lost to Anna Ivanovic 1-6 6-1 10-12. Sharapova returns to the tour on December 29^th at the Brisbane International. After the match Sharapova tweeted:-“After months of not competing, tonight was a baby step forward! I missed this so much!Thank you Colombia for such a warm welcome. “

One of the most promising youngsters on the ATP tour, Nick Kyrgios has had to withdraw from this months Australian open wildcard play-offs due to a recurring elbow Injury. The former junior number 1 and this years Australian Open Junior champion told theage.com.au that he was disappointed to withdraw. Further more he said:-

“''Looking ahead to the summer and what I want to achieve, I know it's the right decision to withdraw from the play-offs and make sure I'm 100 per cent fit for the coming months.''

Forbes does a special story on Pablo Carreno Busta which is what he definitely deserves after such a successful 2013. Busta has won an impressive 80 matches this season (5 more than his better known countryman Rafael Nadal). This year Busta has won 7 futures and 4 challengers titles. He also qualified for his first grand slam this year at the French Open before losing to a certain Roger Federer. These magnificent achievements lead to Busta being awarded ATP more improved player of 2013. The Forbes article can be read here.

Roger Federer better not hire John Mcenroe for any inspirational talks. The speak his own mind tennis star said (quoting USATODAY):-“[Federer will] be a factor for as long as he steps on a court but to win 7 best of five set matches and against at least two of the top 3 guys, that’s going to be extremely difficult.

I’d be surprised if he didn’t get to the quarters, semis and possibly the final of a Major before he quit.
To win one? I personally don’t see that. It doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen. Maybe he can use that as motivation. I just don’t think that physically at this stage he is going to be able to overcome the hurdles of those younger, hungrier guys.”

Personally i would disagree with this as you should never write off such a sporting great like Federer. Ok his season has been bad but it happens to players every year. Ok age need to be taken into account as Federer is no spring chicken (saying that neither is Tommy Haas, who has had a good 2013) but with the average age rising in the game I think tennis fans will just need to play a wait and see game with as far as Federer is concern.

There is also reports of Greg Rusedski having more a less the same opinion as Mcenroe on Federer but as of yet there is no reliable sources to confirm that he thinks this.