|
MADRID, Spain -- Roger Federer is ready to challenge Novak Djokovic for the world top ranking after taking a monthlong break from tennis. Carlos Hyde 49ers Jersey. The third-ranked Federer returns to action this week at the Madrid Open, a tournament he won in 2006 and 09. "I am excited to be back after a long off-season, but I needed it after playing so, so much," Federer said on Sunday. "I have put myself in a good position if I do win a grand slam for the world number one (ranking)." "I know how hard it is to win (a grand slam). But it is a dream for me to achieve it this year, I will chase it as hard as possible." To reclaim his top ranking, Federer will have to overtake both Djokovic and current No. 2 Rafael Nadal, the top two seeds in Madrid. Nadal is playing some of his best tennis with back-to-back wins at Monte Carlo, where he broke a string of defeats to Djokovic, and most recently at Barcelona. "Rafa having lost so many times to Novak, it is interesting to see how (Djokovic) will react now," Federer said. "Both are great clay-court players." The 30-year-old Swiss called Nadal the tournament favourite, while postponing judgment on the events new blue-clay surface that the Spaniard clay-court specialist has criticized as going against the tradition of the sport. "It feels a bit different from regular clay. I dont know if it is the visual or just the feel of it. It has been somewhat cold and rainy, so well have to see how it plays when it is hot," Federer said. "(But) I havent had a chance to play on centre court yet, so Ill have to wait until a proper match to give you my opinion." Deion Sanders Mens Authentic 49ers Jersey Mitchell and Ness . KINGS TAKE FREEWAY SERIES The Los Angeles Kings stormed the Anaheim Ducks early in Game Seven, building a 3-0 first-period lead on their way to a 6-2 decision, earning the Kings a rematch with the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Final. Chris Borland Jersey . Hoefl-Rieschs exit — from the downhill course into safety nets, then airlifted from the slope by helicopter — left Anna Fenninger of Austria favourite to win her first giant crystal trophy one month after becoming an Olympic champion.The Jets are back to an even 13-13-4 on the season, 6-7-1 on the road and 3-2 on their current six-game road trip after dropping a 5-2 decision to the Florida Panthers. These are frustrating games for players, coaches and fans - games where you know you are the better team but where "any team can beat you on any given night" comes into play. Panthers meanwhile snapped a three-game losing streak. The Jets got off to the good start with Andrew Ladds goal just 5:27 in giving them the early 1-0 lead. It was Ladds eighth goal of the year with assists going to Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler on the marker. Little now has gone seven without a goal, but in his last 18 games, he has seven goals and 12 assists. In the last 18 games, he has not gone back-to-back games without a point and continues to lead the Jets in scoring. Eric Gudbranson later tied the game with his second of the year in a period where the Jets outshot the Panthers 12-9. In the second, a play that started with a big hit by Gudbranson on Toby Enstrom in the Panthers zone led to an odd-man rush and the first NHL goal for Dylan Olsen. That came at 3:21 of the period and, despite a number of great chances, the Jets couldnt get the tying goal past Tim Thomas before Tomas Fleischmann at 17:59 made it 3-1. Fleischmann, battling an offensive slump, has always put up good numbers against the Jets. In fact, he now has 53 career multiple-point games with 11 of them against the Jets. The Jets outshot the Panthers 11-10 in for the period. Nick Bjugstad made it a 4-1 game before former Panthers captain Olli Jokinen, with his seventh of the year, made it 4-2. Seven goals matches his goal total from last season and Jokinen now has four points in two games (two goals and two assists,) while the assist by Devin Setoguchi gives him fivee points in his last five games (three goals and two assists. Carlos Hyde. .) Chris Thorburn hit a goal post shortly thereafter, but that is as close as the Jets would get as Jimmy Hayes ended the scoring at 17:16 for a 5-2 final. The Jets outshot the Panthers 31-26. It was the first time on this trip the Jets have allowed more than two goals against. The Jets outhit the Panthers 46-19. Players were first to step up after the game and admit that they were not ready to play. But "why" is the question as to which that there did not seem to be a consistent answer. "The game wasnt very good," said a frustrated Jets coach Claude Noel to open his post-game news conference. "We didnt have very many good players," continued Noel. "We played way differently tonight that we did Monday in New York. It was a hard time getting the guys going, getting them engaged in the game." Despite players having said for two days that the "one step forward and two steps back" pattern is not acceptable, it appears they underestimated their opponent. "Why we cant take that next step, I dont know," explained Noel. "We made bad decisions. We have success playing a certain way and then decide to play differently." A win Saturday in Tampa to close out the trip would make it a 4-2 trip and a good six games. A loss, and to go home at .500 after being three and one, it would be disappointing. You can catch that game live on TSN 1290 Winnipeg at 6pm ct. The Jets played without Evander Kane (day-to-day with a lower body injury,) and Michael Frolik (day-to-day with the flu.) Eric Tangradi played in Froliks spot and had five hits in 15:06 of ice time. After Saturday, the Jets return home for games against St. Louis, Colorado and Dallas. ' ' ' |
