Even though the tour had only 2 tournament stops this week, there was still more than enough action for fans to embrace. Its starting to become the norm this year as most tournaments are having surprise winners or finalist. Dubai and Las Vegas continued in this trend and did not disappoint in bringing forth new names for the public to support.

On to Dubai, where the quality of field was basically that of a masters series. The tours best were present, and the tournament did not waste time in providing some shocking results. Roger Federer, proceed to lose his 2nd straight match at the hands of Andy Murray. It was revealed shortly there after that R-Feds recent troubles have been attributed to his recent bout with mononucleosis. This fatigue draining disease, can now partially provide reasons for Roger’s current lackluster form. Again, I still believe that the tour players are catching up with the mighty Swiss, but I will cut Federer some slack for now, and revisit his form after next weeks Indian Wells tournament.

The week however, did end up belonging to Andy Roddick. I have been critical of Roddick in the past few weeks, but I must say that I was very impressed by his effort and serving throughout the event. Andy, only dropped one set the entire tournament, and did not lose his serve throughout the week. Finalist, Feliciano Lopez had a stellar week himself, by matching his best result as a professional. Lopez was also the finalist in Dubai in 2004, were he lost to Roger Federer.

Roddick’s tremendous week, saw the former number 1 beat the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in succession. These results all came on the eve of Andy announcing his player/coach split from American great Jimmy Conners. I think it was a good move to release Conners as his coach, as Conners does not know the modern game well enough to help a player like Andy Roddick. Initially, their tandem was great, with A-Rod reaching the U.S. Open finals and winning Cincinnati. However, the past year did not bring forth the desired results, and early exits from grand slams were becoming the norm.

On a closing note from Dubai, the tournament also heated up the battle for the number 1 ranking in the world. Federers 1st round defeat, lost him 300 ranking points. Allowing Rafa Nadal to come within 350-points of taking over the top spot. Fed fans should be confident however, as Nadal must defend 500-points in the up coming Indian Wells tournament, as well as 125 quarter-final points from the Miami Masters. Federer on the other hand, has 5 points to defend from Indian Wells and only 75 points from Miami. March should be a great month, with a tight battle for the top spot. Fed should come out swinging as he is healthy again and looking to rack up some more titles.

On to the 2nd stop in this weeks reviews. Again the tour saw a qualifier make a tour level final. South African, Kevin Anderson who is 6′7, had a previous tour record of 0-2 before entering Las Vegas. Anderson has a big serve and moves well for a big man. Top seeds Fernando Gonzalez, Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis all bombed out in the early rounds. Perhaps the culprit of their demise was late nights at the poker tables. Sources say that Fernando Gonzalez is not working hard anymore, and he is content with the 30 million that he has in the bank. Look for a possible split with current coach Larry Stefanki.

Kudos, to big serving Sam Querrey in capturing his 1st tour title. Alot has been expected from the young American, as he attempts to carry the torch from Andy Roddick and James Blake. If Querrey can sustain his current form, the San Francisco native has the potential to be a top 30 player by the beginning of the claycourt season. A great week for the United States, as they complete a sweep of tour titles around the globe.

Check back later in the week, as I will have a comprehensive preview of the up coming master series in Indian Wells, California.

Technorati Tags: Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Feliciano Lopez, Fenrnando Gonzalez, James Blake, Jimmy Connors, Kevin Anderson, Lleyton Hewitt, Marcus Baghdatis, Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Sam Querrey

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