Vamos, defending champions! Allez, Olympic champions!

I remember it was Raonic and his partner that knocked Rafa and Nole out of the doubs when they were playing in Rogers Cup last summer. Let's hope the big guns can stay in it.

Does anyone know, then, if the Big Four will be playing singles Saturday?

See how much profile Doubles has with the top players involved, on Stadium 1 in peak time. Never in a million years would that happen without the likes of Nadal and Federer involved.

Vamos Rafa/Marc

I think the numbers are a part of it too, nadline. I don't remember the last time nine out of the top ATP ten played in the doubles. I remember a lot of people didn't even realize Rafa and Nole were playing in Rogers Cup.

That said, I'm sure I probably wouldn't have been watching the IW final last year if Rafa and Marc hadn't been playing. I'm a Bryan Brothers fan, and I was certainly riveted back in Rome 2007 when Rafa and Carlos played Roger and Stan, but I'd like to think the big guns' participation also brings attention to those players who do doubles exclusively and well.

The team Rafa & Marc won te first set! Vamos!

Rafa and Marc win the doubles 76 76.

it looks like Rafa is serving well...they won their doubles match..great...Vamos Rafa!!!

Congratulations to the team Rafa & Marc on the victory!

Vamos! Vamos! Vamos!

This is great news! Congratulations to Rafa and Marc on this victory!

Now it's on to singles for Rafa! I cannot wait to see his first match!

Whoa, Fed and Stan just owned Nestor and Mirnyi. Hoping to see a certain team Spain vs. a certain team Switzerland in the semis.

Nestor/Mirnyi is a new team. Nestor/Zimonjic was the better old team. Still both Fed & Co and Rafa & Co are able to beat the new/old team..(Rafa & Co beat the old team last year in the final). With Fed and Rafa involved in doubles, the doubles specialists will have hard times ahead. If I'm not wrong, the team that Rafa and Marc have beaten, is one of the top eight teams that made it to the WTF last year. Well done to both teams, ie Fed & Stan, Rafa & Co.

PS. I'm a bit sad for the doubles specialists teams, being knocked out in the first round of a masters event. I hope they do better in Miami, and Fed and Rafa please stop playing doubles in Miami. The doubles specialists need to make a living too.

Danny is still one of the very best at doubles. He and Max made the semifinal at Melbourne and he won the mixed doubles.

The team Rafa and Marc beat have done nothing much in their careers compared to a legend like Nestor. Roger and Stan had the much more impressive victory.

I doubt the big boys will keep playing too many doubles tournaments.

número, I know you like to sing Fed praises, but Nestor/Zimonjic has been world no.1 before and yet according to you they've done nothing together! Only when Fed beats Nestor and partner, then suddenly Nestor has done something, heh? What biased view! Are Nestor/Mirnyi world no.1 now?

número, I'm referring to last year's final where Rafa and Marc beat the old team of Nestor/Zimonjic, in case you get me wrong. I may have mistaken your statement about the team which has 'done nothing much together', ie the team that Rafa and Marc beat this year in the first round. Sorry about that!

The top singles players playing doubles is so unfair on many levels. First, this is the doubles specialists' bread and butter, and they have a ranking to uphold. unlike the singles players, who don't. Additionally, when the doubles specialists lose, they can't go over to singles and play a match to cover their expenses and/or earn some extra money, as the singles players are able to do. Aren't these top singles players raking in enough dough and fame? Why do they need to take away the doubles players' only means of earniing an income? Aren't the singles players making more money than they can spend in their lifetime? Unlike the singles players, the doubles specialists lack endorsements and are paid pittance. Playing doubles is the doubles specialists only path to fame. Singles players winn ing doubles only add to their already full resumes. I'm sure if it were the other way around, and the doubles specialists were able to compete at the same level as the singles players, encroaching on their territory and depriving them of income and a title, then we'd hear the singles players making a lot of noise. To reiterate, this is so wrong/unfair!

If doubles players could also play singles, there would be no specialist doubles players and hence no question of encroachment on anybody's territory. Maybe doubles players, instead of complaining (assuming they are complaining , which I doubt) should be happy that singles players generally do not play doubles. In any case, in the ATP, the elite singles players don't play doubles in the slams. In the WTA, elite players play singles, play doubles and sometimes even mixed doubles. Martina ( both Martinas), Serena, Venus, the list is long.
There are also numerous lesser tournaments which the singles guys don't even go to and further, even at WTF , the specialist doubles players do not have to deal with "encroachment".
I don't think it is right to object as playing doubles is the right of all the pro players if they qualify for entry.

Sheesh...singles players do whatever they can to improve their game. They should be credited for that. Mayhe the doubles players should think about that! Why should singles players refrain from playing doubles so that others can make extra milk money??? This is sports, not charity!!!

"If doubles players could also play singles, there would be no specialist doubles players and hence no question of encroachment on anybody's territory. '

You've missed the whole point. The doubles players can play singles, it's just that they made a *choice* to do differently. Likewise, it's why singles players choose to play mainly singles. And, further, it's why there is a sin gles and a doubles draw, with lesser prize money goling to the doubles teams.

Well, we are all entitled to our opinions, isn't that so? For a blog to be interesting, there needs to be a diversity of opinions, or else, it would be a church choir singing in unison., as is manifested here a lot of times, which is why many dub some tennis blog sites to be player's so and so, fan site. And, it's why those who have differing opinions, instead of speaking the truth, camouflage it, by pretending to join with the majority by sucking up = majority rules. I'm not that insecure as to stifle my opinions for fear of ruffling anyone's feathers and/or that they won't interact with me. I'm a WYSIWYG = what you see is what you get = you can like me or hate me, and it's not going to stop me from being different or speaking what I feel to be right or wrong.

At the end of the day, there isn't a halo on anyone's head for being non-controversial and/or acquiescent, is there???

"There are also numerous lesser tournaments which the singles guys don't even go to and further, even at WTF , the specialist doubles players do not have to deal with "encroachment". "

No, they don't, and it's why I feel it's not fair to the doubles players, as it's evident that the singles players only want to grab the big titles and prize money, so why would they play in a smaller tournament for $50,000 prize money? I'm sure if the singles fave players weren't winning the titles, their fans wouldn't be so much in favour of them playing doubles. We'd see many stating that they are being stupid and burning themselves out/tired. Whenever a singles player loses early, if he's also playing doubles, we see the excuses that he got tired due to playing doubles.

"I don't think it is right to object as playing doubles is the right of all the pro players if they qualify for entry."

Everyone has a right to obect. And, ikt's got nothing to do with whether it's right or wong on the part of the objector. Yes, it's their right to play whenver they want, but it's obvious why there is the distinction of a *doubles draw* and a *singles draw*. Two separate entities. Do you see in boxing a lightweight participating in a heavyweight match? First off, it's disallowed, and second, it makes for less participation.

I'm sure if the doubles players were polled, many would view the singles top players playing in doubles to be unfair. Ask Nestor/Myrni how they feel today now that they've been ousted in the first round.

I'm stating my opinion, which is my democratic right on this or any blog. If anyone does not like what I say, just scroll down, as I do with many posts I don't care to read.

Well said Von.

I think the singles players have to strike a balance between playing singles and doubles. I understand that the Rafa wants some match practice; and Fed, Nole, Murray etc wants to qualify for the Olympics next year so they need to play in doubles. I'm just saying that going forward, I'm hoping they don't play too much doubles, as first, it may backfire on them, having to spend more time on the courts if they happen to go deep in the doubles. Second, it's nothing to do with charity, as if the doubles players need the singles players mercy, but invading the territory of the doubles players may lead to unhappiness or unpleasant feelings among fellow players, ie singles vs doubles players. I remember when Rafa and Marc won IW doubles last year, Zimonjic seemed rather unhappy about his loss.

On the other hand, the participation of the singles top players in doubles may enhance the viewership of the doubles matches, like last year's IW doubles final. In the long run, the ATP has to do something if they want to promote the doubles. Maybe a cross over from singles to doubles by the top players when they get older and still wish to extend their tennis careers will help boost the doubles popularities.

Von, don't agree with u re doubles, cos if Andy never played doubles, I'd never see him smiling on court....;)

lucky, I suppose Meltzer would count as an "older" player but his success at doubles seems to have actually enhanced his singles career.

I just think it means the doubles players need to get their act together! Teamwork plays a big role in doubles, which would put players who play mostly singles at a disadvantage. The best doubles players should not be losing to singles players, even if the singles player's initials are RF.

at least Zimonjic seems to be doing his job...

luckystar: thanks.

"I understand that the Rafa wants some match practice; and Fed, Nole, Murray etc wants to qualify for the Olympics next year so they need to play in doubles."

Lord have mercy, now you're going to get me on a roll here. :) This is the very thing that makes me feel it's all so unfair to the doubles players. Why should they be placed into that sort of competition from a class of players who are proven to be much better? lightweight vs. heavyweight = unfair. It's also sending a clear message that some singles players feel the only way they can win an Olympic medal is by playing doubles. OUCH. Why don't they win their medals against the competition that's on their level? At the point of being redundant, it's unfair to the doubles players!!! Puh-leeze let them have their day of glory, especially at the Olympics. It's what they've dedicated their whole careers to achieve. No fair!!!!

Every fan likes to see his/her fave win, but let them win at their own level, and not by going up against lesser competition. It's the reason why many in the tennis world don't feel that the doubles Gold Medal Fed won is as meritorious as the gold medal nadal won in singles. if it was, it would have been the golden slam for Fed also.

Now if the bryans won their gold medal in doubles plus the other slam wins, thehirs would be recognized as the golden slam, as doubles is their area of expertise. I hope the difference is clear.

"I remember when Rafa and Marc won IW doubles last year, Zimonjic seemed rather unhappy ..."

And, I bet Nestor/Myrni must be spitting nails tonight. Another reason I say it's unfair. How would Fed/Nadal/joker/ et al., like it if they are knocked out first round by a doubles player at IW, and they have nothing else to look forard to, but pack their bags and head for home? I can answer that? First, their pride/ego would be taking a huge hit, and second, they'd be breaking down the locker room walls.

deuce: Awwhhh, he smiles, except you're not around when he does. Just go by those machines he likes to tinker with, and you'll see the smiles. or stand behind Kim when she appears. LOOL.

BTW, I saw some pics of kate, she looks very gaunt. Did you receive your invite? :)

Not true, stu. Fedal are special in that they can win in singles and in doubles. Can't fault the top ranked doubles teams for losing to Fed or Rafa's team at times. I think Fed and Stan won the Olympics doubles gold by beating some of the best teams in doubles; that's why I don't wish to see Fedal being involved in too many doubles matches.

Maybe we'll see some of these top players, like Davy, Youzhny, Verdasco, Ferrer switching to doubles once their singles career comes to an end. They may be inspired by Melzer, for I think Melzer may be planning a switch over to doubles once he's done with the singles.

I'd like to add re the older singles players playing doubles instead of retiring, I'm all for it, as they can still be productive and it would be more even competition wise at that time. But, when you have a top singles player vs. an older doubs player, then the competition is lopsided. it's like taking candy from a baby.

luckystar; "Not true, stu. Fedal are special in that they can win in singles and in doubles. Can't fault the top ranked doubles teams for losing to Fed or Rafa's team at times."

See, this proves my point. Top singles player vs. top doubles player, = unfair advantage, with serve, endurance, expertise, et al. No fair!!!!!

Anyway, I'd better stop as next I'd be accused of starting a war, as i don't want to disturb the peaceful waters, as it's not on my agenda for tonight, but then again, what the heck. :)

Anyway, I'd better stop as next I'd be accused of starting a war, as i don't want to disturb the peaceful waters, as it's not on my agenda for tonight, but then again, what the heck. :) "

too many *as* , s/b and i don't want to start a war. LOL.

Von, Am permanently waiting by the front door for postman to deliver my invite, hasn't arrived yet, can't understand it...meanwhile am busy making bunting and a huge cake decorated with...ROYAL icing.....frock will probably be a tasteful little number like Liz Hurley's at her friend's wedding.....;)

If singles players do not play doubles, it is by choice. How can specialist doubles teams claim doubles as their territory? It is really ridiculous to say that singles players would feel bad if doubles players encroached on their territory. There is no such demarcation. This is evident when you look at WTA.
On the ATP tour, as slams are best of 5, singles players who want to go deep in the tournament, do not play doubles. Not because doubles is off-bounds for them.
If Zimonjic feels unhappy, it is his problem. He has no monopoly on doubles.

holdserve, if everyone thinks like that, then there'll be wars all over. Do you think Fed and Rafa don't know that they are so good that they can win in doubles? It's just that they wish to concentrate their efforts in singles, as to them winning the slams in singles is more important than anything else. I'm sure both Fed and Rafa are not that selfish and wants to win everything under the sun. And that's why Rafa proposes having a shorter season for mandatory events and have some 250 events during the off season so that those who want to earn ranking points and money can compete in those, in other words, take care of those lower ranked players who needs the prize money more. So, the same applies to the doubles players, whose prize monies are way below those of the singles players. I'm sure Fed and Rafa only play doubles when necessary, for I don't think they want to create any animosity among players and so I hope Miami won't be a necessity for them to play the doubles.

Exactly, Holdserve!

Zimonjic also lost in the doubles, maybe he and Nestor should get back together as a team, at least they reached the final last year.

There is nothing stopping the regular doubles players from playing singles and vice versa. Rather than resent the singles players 'encroaching' on their patch they should be grateful they only do it occasionally which gives the doubles players the opportunity to win some titles. When players turn pro they don't elect to play one or the other, so in the eyes of the ATP they are all tennis players and can enter any tournament for which they qualify. It's not just the odd singles pair who win significant titles it's a few of them, which just exposes the fact that people resort to doubles because they can't make it in singles.

"which just exposes the fact that people resort to doubles because they can't make it in singles." I hope the 'Opinion Police' won't arrest me for saying this!

In years gone by the top doubles players were by and large the same as the top singles players. McEnroe and Flemming won most GS titles repeatedly. It's because the calendar is so crowded that the singles players don't participate in doubles so much.

In the WTA, agreeing with holdserve, this kind of discussion doesn't arise because Venus and Serena have been ranked No 1 in doubles from time to time over the years and have won many many major titles as doubles players. They can afford to play doubles often because they don't have to worry about best of 5 matches in GS.

Maybe the ATP should take a cue from this and relax the schedule to enable their top players to play more doubles to widen the appeal. The final blow will be if the Bryan Bros get beaten by a singles pair.

lucky, I think Nole and Andy M are playing doubles at Miami. stu might be able to confirm this?

Right, that's why I say in time to come, singles players like Ferrer, Verdasco, Davy, if they choose to become doubles players when they are older, the doubles matches may become more interesting. We all know the singles pays better prize money than the doubles so naturally no one wants to become doubles players if he can make it in the singles; that may explain why top singles players can still beat top doubles players in doubles matches. At least in slams, the singles players are too busy with their singles matches and so not many, except Melzer, Petzchner, Llodra, Clement, Benneteau, are playing in the doubles.(though Melzer/Petz and Llodra/Clement are regular doubles team) Anyway, I think only Fed and Rafa, together with their doubles partners, are capable of beating the top doubles teams in Masters and the Olympics. I think I've not seen Nole or Murray winning doubles in the Masters.

amazing, all four top singles players are through to the second round in doubles! i wish i'd watched some. most impressive imo was fed/waw - that was an absolute demolition of a really good doubles team.

deuce, i know nole said he is interested, i dont know if andy has confirmed though.

I hope the 'Opinion Police' won't arrest me for saying this!
nadline , 3/12/11 9:19 AM

There are only 2 'opinion police' officers on this site - you and Maxi. Stop being vindictive!

jean, you are entitled to your opinion.

I think Andy would like to help Jamie along by playing doubles with him rather than with anyone else. If Jamie can't play then he'll go with Nole, but I can't see Andy pairing up with anyone else, and run the risk of even playing against his older brother and beating him.

Does anyone here thinks that it is kind of odd that Feliciano Lopez and Milos Raonic are teaming up to play doubles? What happened to Raonic's partner the one who help to defeat Rafa and Nole last year in Toronto?

I heard that Robin is sick so he pulled out of the doubles and maybe Feli/Milos just teamed up at the last minute to fill in.

deuce: You seem to be going all out for this wedding. Please save a piece of cake for me. I like oodles and oodles of marzipan. Don't worry, your invite will be sent out shortly. The Obamas are still waiting for theirs. LOL.

The team Rafa & Marc won the doubles match against M.Cilic/I.Karlovic.
Congratulations to Rafa & Marc!

Vamos! Vamos! Vamos!

It was the crush of the giants with Rafa & Marc defeating Cilic/ Ivo, and the Murray's defeating Isner/ Querry.

Which team will Rafa/Marc meet next? I hope they can defend their title, but I know Fed/Stan and the Bryan brothers will be tough opponents, not forgetting the other strong doubles teams.

@luckystar, 3/14/11 9:25 AM

Rafa/Marc will meet the winner of the match Melzer/Petzschner vs Dlouhy/Hanley.

The Bryan brothers could be next opponents for the Murray brothers.

http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/Scores/Draws.aspx

OK thanks Augustina.

Wow! Muzz Bros v Bryan Bros. I hope that happens, it will be one for the history books, bet it's the first time 2 brother teams will have met each other on court.

On singles players playing doubles...

The ATP changed how doubles is played SPECIFICALLY to entice popular singles players to enter. They shortened the matches with the super tie-break and by doing away with ad scoring at deuce. The ATP and tournament directors LOVE it when singles players choose to play doubles.

Furthermore, it's good for doubles tennis...because the only time it gets any exposure is when the top players participate.

Thanks for enlightening us Cheryl. What I hope for now is for the TV companies to follow suit and show more doubles matches, you can't even get them on live stream most of the time.

Nice run for rafa and marc again. Are they playing in miami or is rafa playing with that other guy like he did last year?

And is andy murray a dubs specialist now?

Thanx cheryl, I never knew that was the reason :)
Ricky, at the mo. Andy could take up down hill cheese rolling and as long as he won, I would not care ;)

Yes, it would indeed be good for doubles if more and more elite singles players play. I think I see a trend towards this. Elite players probably get reminded of how much fun tennis is when they play doubles. It is not a life and death intense lonely struggle like singles.

cheryl,

I didn't know that information about the ATP changing the rules to entice singles players to play more doubles. I personally think it's great for the game.

Congratulations to Rafa and Marc on their second victory!

Ricky,

If Andy enjoys playing doubles, then at this point in time maybe that's a good thing.

The team Rafa & Marc won their third doubles match today.

Congratulations to Rafa & Marc!

Vamos! Vamos! Vamos!

Augustina,

Did you see the score of that match? I think Rafa and Marc must have been out there longer than the time of Rafa's first two matches combined!

If Fed/Wawa win their match, then Rafa and Marc will play them in the doubles!

Congratulations to Rafa and Marc on another great win!

Yes congrats to Rafa and Marc for the win! I hope they go all the way to defend their title. Vamos Rafa and Marc!

@Nativenewyorker, 3/16/11 5:38 AM

Your are correct. The match lasted 2hrs 6mins. Rafa's first single match lasted 1hr and the second - 1hr 8mins.
Marc & Rafa won 7:5, 6:7(3), 10:7.

@nadline, 3/14/11 10:34 AM

The history books must wait. The Bryan brothers are out, they lost to Dolgopolov/Malisse.

will we ba able to see another FEd/Nadal match, though it is in doubles..

Now Fed and Wawrinka needs to win one more match.

Augustina,

Bryan brothers never won in IW.

Yes Augustina, I would have loved the 2 sets of Bros to make history this week the opportunity may never arise again. If Fed/Wawa win their match then it will be the first time Fedal will have played against each other in a doubles match.

Well Done to Dolgo/Malisse, fancy them beating the Kings of Doubles, if the Bryan Bros play Rafa and partner in the DC, they will stand no chance.

@nadline

This will not be the first time Federer and Nadal face off against one another in a doubles match. That happened back in Rome 2007, 1st Rd. That day, Nadal partnered with Carlos Moya and they defeated Federer and Wawrinka

^^^I see. I hope history repeats itself.

don't count on it. Fed and Wawa have a very tough match on their hands today.

Augustina,

I finally went to sleep after congratulating Rafa and Marc on their victory, however thank you for the actual time information regarding Rafa's singles versus doubles matches.

I also am quite surprised to see that the Bryan brothers are out! Congratulations to Dolgo and Malisse for their efforts!

I also see that Ricky isn't that optimistic about the chance of a Fed/Wawa versus Rafa/Marc match in doubles!