Browsing Archive: September, 2009
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 29, 2009,
In :
Other News
Sam Querrey needed surgery after badly cutting his right arm when he fell through a glass table in Bangkok.
The American world number 25, broke the table when he sat on it following a practice session at the Thailand Open.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said he is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks, effectively ending his season.
Californian Querrey, 21, who was seeded third for the ATP Tour event, said on his Twitter feed: "Worst day ever."
He had enjoyed a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 25, 2009,
In :
Other News
Switzerland's world number one Roger Federer has pulled out of next month's Japan Open and Shanghai Masters 1000.
The 28-year-old told organisers he was withdrawing to rest his body "after a physically challenging year".
"I decided to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover," Federer added.
The Japan Open takes place between 5-11 October, while the Shanghai Masters begins the following week.
Federer reclaimed his world... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 25, 2009,
In :
Other News
Four-time ATP World Tour Doubles Champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan have seen their debut album shoot to within range of Amazon's New Release Top 10 chart.
The four-song debut album by The Bryans Bros Band Featuring David Baron, "Let It Rip," surged to No. 12 on Amazon's list of New Releases - Pop after its release on 14 September. The four album songs – “Let it Rip,” “Spending My Days,” “Chasing the Sun,” and “Marching On” – can be downloaded and purchased on AmazonMP3 a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 23, 2009,
In :
Davis Cup
|
The draw for the 2010 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas has been made in Geneva with some intriguing World Group ties coming out of the hat.
Spain, the 2008 champion and top seed, has been drawn at home against Switzerland in a mouth watering fixture that could see the world’s top two players, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, going head-to-head.
Spain will be attempting to become the first nation since Sweden in 1998 to successfully retain the Davis Cup when it faces Czech Republic in the Fi... | Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 23, 2009,
In :
Other News
Following in the very successful unretirement footsteps of her countrywoman Kim Clijsters, the former No. 1-ranked Justine Henin announced on Belgian television Tuesday that she would return to the women’s tennis tour in time for the Australian Open in January.
Justine Henin after winning the United States Open in 2007. Henin had been retired for just over a year. bloggers are following every serve, volley and replay challenge of the 2009 Grand Slam tournaments.
“The fire within b... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 21, 2009,
In :
Davis Cup
Spain will host the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final in December after both countries won their semi-finals. The two Contries have played each othe 5 times before, with Spain narrowly ahead 3-2. Spain are aiming to become the first Country since Sweden in 1997-98 to win successive davic Cup titles.
Both teams completed dead singles rubbers on Sunday after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead into the final day.
Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez beat Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 7-6 6-7 6-4 6... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 18, 2009,
In :
US Open
$31,500 – that’s the total amount of fines being collected at the 2009 US Open according to tournament spokesman Chris Widmaier.
The majority of this is obviously covered by the $10,000 fine incurred by Serena Williams for unsportsmanlike conduct for abusing a line judge during her semi-final loss to Kim Clijsters. Williams was also fined $500 for racquet abuse during the same match.
This amount is only 3% of her prize money for reaching the Semi-finals. However, the fine coul... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 17, 2009,
In :
US Open
These may not be the big stories of a US Open that had a Wildcard winning the women’s competition and a 5 set men’s final that saw Federer lose his crown, was witness to Serena losing her cool and for the only the 6th time in it’s history did not have and American in either singles final.
But these tennis players that are know for being intense and focused have to face the press. Then there seems to be a new competition - which journalist can come up with the most bizarre question. B... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 15, 2009,
In :
US Open
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro ended Roger Federer's five-year unbeaten reign at the US Open in five dramatic sets to win his first Grand Slam title.
The 20-year-old sixth seed twice fought back from a set down to win 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.
Del Potro is the first man other than Rafael Nadal to beat Federer in the final of a Grand Slam tournament.
Swiss star Federer, 28, had been going for a record-equalling sixth consecutive title at Flushing Meadows.
American Bill Tild... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
US Open
Kim Clijsters completed an incredible return to Grand Slam tennis with a 7-5 6-3 win over Dane Caroline Wozniacki to claim her second US Open title.
The Belgian, 26, was a wildcard into her first Grand Slam tournament since 2007 after coming out of a two-and-a-half year retirement in August.
In that time she gave birth to a daughter, and so becomes the first mother since 1980 to win a Grand Slam.
She is also the first woman to win a major as a wildcard.
"This has been so exciting for ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
Other News
Jack Kramer, the Wimbledon and two-time United States singles champion who became one of the most influential figures in tennis history as a powerful promoter and innovator, has died. During the broadcast of the Rafael Nadal-Juan Martin Del Potro semifinal at the Open, ESPN’s Cliff Drysdale reported the death and Pam Shriver confirmed that the family was aware of the network’s announcement.
Known for his “big game” — a serve-and-volley attack complemented by his stinging forehand t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
Other News
Following her now infamous outburst during her semi-final loss against Kim Clijsters, Serena has been handed the maximum fine of $10,000 (£6,000) for the tirade aimed at the line judge, plus a $500 fine for racquet abuse at the end of the first set. The fine is the maximum on-site penalty that can be given for unsportsmanlike behaviour in a Grand Slam Tournament, and sees a fairly nominal amount given that her prize money for reaching the semi-finals is $350,000. However, and investigation has... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
US Open
Defending champion Roger Federer will face Juan Martin del Potro in Monday's US Open final after the Swiss beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
Federer extended his unbeaten run at Flushing Meadows to 40 matches with a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-5 win.
And the world number one got to match point with a spectacular 'hotdog' through-the-legs shot that he later described as the best of his career.
Argentine Del Potro beat Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-2 6-2 in the first semi-final.
It is the third year runni... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 13, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal took just 34 minutes to complete a rain-delayed win over Fernando Gonzalez and reach the semi-finals of the US Open.
Nadal resumed leading by a set and 3-2 in the tie-break, and he won four straight points for a two-set lead.
The Spaniard then raced away to a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 victory.
The match had been delayed from Thursday, with Friday's play washed out, and Nadal goes on to face Juan Martin del Potro on Sunday.
With the men's final rescheduled... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 13, 2009,
In :
US Open
Kim Clijsters reached the US Open final in dramatic circumstances after Serena Williams received a point penalty on match point for abusing an official.
The Belgian was two points from victory when Williams, who had earlier been given a code violation for racquet abuse, was called for a foot-fault.
Williams launched an angry outburst at the official and got the point penalty, meaning Clijsters won 6-4 7-5.
She will face Caroline Wozniacki who beat Belgian Yanina Wickmayer 6-3 6-3.
Ask... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 13, 2009,
In :
US Open
After a frustrating day of rain delays and no tennis, the revised schedule means that the mens final will be played on Monday. US Open officials have also annonced that they are ready to "develop" plans for a roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium but any decision remains "some time" away.
This year's event has been disrupted by rain and an extra day's play will be required for the second year running.
But the estimated $100m cost of a roof remains a major issue.
"We are substantially farther alo... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 11, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal took the first set against 11th seed Fernando Gonzalez before rain stopped play in their US Open quarter-final.
Third seed Nadal saved two set points and had treatment for an abdominal injury, but still led 7-6 (7-4) 6-6 (3-2) when rain hit the night session.
It was the second interruption, after the players had been forced off for 75 minutes early in the second set.
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro awaits the winner in the semi-finals.
Nadal was four ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 10, 2009,
In :
US Open
Defending champion Roger Federer withstood a superb fightback from Robin Soderling to win in four sets and reach the semi-finals of the US Open.
The world number one, going for a sixth straight title at Flushing Meadows, won 6-0 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (8-6).
Federer will take on Novak Djokvic in his 22nd consecutive Grand Slam semi.
Fourth seed Djokovic survived a tough encounter with Fernando Verdasco to win 7-6 (7-2) 1-6 7-5 6-2 and reach his third straight US Open semi-final.
The final ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 10, 2009,
In :
US Open
Ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki brought an end to the amazing run of American teenager Melanie Oudin with victory in the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The Dane, 19, showed why she is ranked ninth in the world with a 6-2 6-2 win over the 17-year-old Oudin.
Wozniacki will next meet unseeded Belgian teenager Yanina Wickmayer in a first Grand Slam semi for both women.
Wickmayer beat Kateryna Bondarenko 7-5 6-4 in a scrappy encounter to win the first of Wednesday's quarter-finals.
Oudin, ra... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 9, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal put his injury worries behind him to beat France's Gael Monfils and reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The Spaniard, who is on his way back from a serious knee injury, has also had an abdominal problem but showed no sign of it in Tuesday's night match.
Nadal showed great reserves of strength to win 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-1 6-3 and set up a match with Fernando Gonzalez.
Juan Martin del Potro and Marin Cilic also won to set up a quarter-final tie.
In the f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 9, 2009,
In :
US Open
Kim Clijsters continued her remarkable run at the US Open, beating Li Na 6-2 6-4 to set up a semi-final against defending champion Serena Williams.
The 26-year-old Belgian, who has come out of retirement to play in her first Grand Slam since the 2007 Australian Open, made a confident start.
Li briefly rallied in the second set but a series of errors sealed her fate.
Clijsters will next play Williams after the American beat Italy's Flavia Pennetta 6-4 6-3 in the night session.
Pennetta... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 8, 2009,
In :
US Open
Reigning champion Roger Federer booked a US Open quarter-final clash against Robin Soderling with a 7-5 6-2 6-2 win over Spaniard Tommy Robredo.
The world number one broke Robredo in the 11th game to clinch a tight first set before breaking twice more in a far more comfortable second.
An aggressive Federer wrapped up victory in the third set with an ace.
Novak Djokovic remains on course for a semi-final against Federer after beating Radek Stepanek 6-1 6-3 6-3.
Djokovic, seeded fourth,... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 8, 2009,
In :
US Open
American Melanie Oudin continued her remarkable run at the US Open with a 1-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 win over Nadia Petrova to reach the quarter-finals.
It seemed that luck had run out for the 17-year-old as she was overpowered in the first set by the Russian 13th seed.
But back came Oudin to win the next on a tie-break and she then broke serve twice in a tense final set to record another famous victory.
Oudin will play Danish ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki in the last eight.
Wozniacki, 19, bea... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 7, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal played through pain to beat fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 7-5 6-4 6-4 and stay in the hunt for his first US Open title.
Nadal, who missed this year's Wimbledon through tendinitis in both knees, was hampered in the later stages by a midriff injury and required treatment.
The 23-year-old looked short of his best but Almagro repeatedly lost the initiative after taking the upper hand.
Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga both won in straight sets.
... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 7, 2009,
In :
US Open
Kim Clijsters claimed her biggest win since coming out of retirement as she defeated third seed Venus Williams 6-0 0-6 6-4 in the US Open fourth round.
The former world number one, in her first Grand Slam for two years, breezed through the opening set with a flurry of powerful winners.
Williams regrouped and came blazing back, but was undone as the Belgian clung to a solitary break in the third.
Serena Williams advanced with a 6-2 6-0 demolition of Daniela Hantuchova.
Clijsters and Ve... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 6, 2009,
In :
US Open
Defending champion Roger Federer moved into round four of the US Open with victory over Lleyton Hewitt but Andy Roddick was knocked out by John Isner.
Top seed Federer came from behind to beat Hewitt 4-6 6-3 7-5 6-4 and will next play 14th seed Tommy Robredo.
But Roddick, seeded fifth, was stunned 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 5-7 7-6 (7-5) by unseeded fellow American Isner in a thriller lasting just over four hours.
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic battled to a four-set win against Jesse Witten.
Ferna... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 6, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number one Dinara Safina was knocked out of the US Open after an error-strewn display led to a 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-5) defeat by Petra Kvitova.
Safina made 39 unforced errors and served nine double faults as the unseeded Kvitova, 19, won in two hours and 34 minutes.
Earlier, unseeded American Melanie Oudin beat former world number one Maria Sharapova 3-6 6-4 7-5.
But sixth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova won through, beating Shahar Peer 7-5 6-1.
It was the kind of result Kuznetsova's fellow ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Saturday, September 5, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal was given a stern test by Nicolas Kiefer before coming through in four sets to reach round three of the US Open.
The Spaniard dominated the first set but a number of unforced errors allowed the veteran back in before he regained control to win 6-0 3-6 6-3 6-4.
The 23-year-old will next face 32nd seed and compatriot Nicolas Almagro.
Elsewhere, sixth seed Juan Martin Del Potro and seventh seed Jo-Wilfred Tsonga eased through in straight sets.
World number... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Saturday, September 5, 2009,
In :
US Open
The Williams sisters had to utilise all their resolve and battling prowess to progress into the US Open fourth round.
Defending champion Serena snatched the first set against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and then survived a second-set fightback before prevailing 6-3 7-5.
Third seed Venus produced an erratic display against Magdalena Rybarikova and, after struggling on serve throughout, eventually won 6-2 7-5.
Serena now faces Daniela Hantuchova, with Venus up against Kim Clijsters.
Num... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 4, 2009,
In :
US Open
Fifth seed Andy Roddick maintained his good form as he swept past France's Marc Gicquel in the night session to reach the third round of the US Open.
The American won 6-1 6-4 6-4 in a match that finished after midnight local time on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Roddick goes on to face 6ft 9ins American John Isner, who beat Turkey's Marsel Ilhan 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-1)
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic earlier made smooth progress into round three with a straight-sets win over Carsten Ball.
The Serb, 22, c... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 4, 2009,
In :
US Open
Elena Dementieva and Jelena Jankovic became the first big-name casualties at the US Open with second-round defeats.
Fourth seed Dementieva lost 5-7 6-4 6-3 to American teenager Melanie Oudin, who survived a thigh injury in the third set to close out a famous victory.
Fifth seed Jankovic, the runner-up last year, lost a thrilling encounter against Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (8-6).
Dinara Safina laboured to victory but Maria Sharapova powered through.
World numbe... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 3, 2009,
In :
US Open
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were in good form as both enjoyed straight-sets wins at the US Open on Wednesday.
World number three Nadal swept past Richard Gasquet in round one on his return to Grand Slam action.
The third seed, who missed Wimbledon with tendonitis in both knees, powered to a 6-2 6-2 6-3 victory to set up a match against Germany's Nicolas Kiefer.
And Federer, playing his second-round match, beat Germany's Simon Greul 6-3 7-5 7-5 in the night session.
Greul, the world... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 3, 2009,
In :
US Open
Defending champion Serena Williams gave a stunning display of power tennis as she demolished Hungary's Melinda Czink in the second round of the US Open.
The American, playing in front of a record night-session crowd of 24,206, won 6-1 6-1 in 53 minutes.
Her sister Venus, the third seed, came through her earlier match with Bethanie Mattek-Sands despite wearing heavy strapping on her injured knee.
Venus made plenty of errors but still saw off the world number 124, 6-4 6-2.
Venus was aga... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 2, 2009,
In :
US Open
Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga opened their US Open campaigns with crushing wins.
Fourth seed Djokovic, who is a possible semi-final opponent for Roger Federer, thrashed former world number three Ivan Ljubicic 6-3 6-1 6-3.
Tsonga needed just 78 minutes to outclass American wildcard Chase Buchanan 6-0 6-2 6-1.
The Frenchman, seeded seventh, is looking to get beyond the third round for the first time in his career.
"I'm here to win and to go to the next step," said the 24-year-ol... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 2, 2009,
In :
US Open
Top seed Dinara Safina survived a huge scare to beat Australian world number 167 Olivia Rogowska 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 and reach the US Open second round.
Safina, who is still yet to win a Grand Slam title, had four set points in the first set but lost it in a tie-break.
She hit back to take the second set but struggled with her serve in the decider and had to dig deep to clinch victory.
Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva all made much easier progress... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 1, 2009,
In :
US Open
Third seed Venus Williams was three points from defeat before recovering to beat Russia's Vera Dushevina in the first round of the US Open.
Williams, 29, required treatment to her left knee after just three games of the first of the night session matches.
And Dushevina, the world number 47, was close to a shock victory in game 10 of the second set before Williams came back to win 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-3.
Williams will face fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands in round two.
It was a wildly ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 1, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number one Roger Federer began the defence of his US Open title with a 6-1 6-3 7-5 victory over American teenager Devin Britton.
Federer started magnificently and broke his 18-year-old opponent twice before taking the opening set in 18 minutes.
The 28-year-old Swiss was broken first in both the second and third sets but came through in 88 minutes and will play Germany's Simon Greul next.
Fifth seed Andy Roddick beat Bjorn Phau 6-1 6-4 6-2 in the night match.
Roddick did not get ... Continue reading ...
Browsing Archive: September, 2009
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 29, 2009,
In :
Other News
Sam Querrey needed surgery after badly cutting his right arm when he fell through a glass table in Bangkok.
The American world number 25, broke the table when he sat on it following a practice session at the Thailand Open.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said he is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks, effectively ending his season.
Californian Querrey, 21, who was seeded third for the ATP Tour event, said on his Twitter feed: "Worst day ever."
He had enjoyed a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 25, 2009,
In :
Other News
Switzerland's world number one Roger Federer has pulled out of next month's Japan Open and Shanghai Masters 1000.
The 28-year-old told organisers he was withdrawing to rest his body "after a physically challenging year".
"I decided to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover," Federer added.
The Japan Open takes place between 5-11 October, while the Shanghai Masters begins the following week.
Federer reclaimed his world... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 25, 2009,
In :
Other News
Four-time ATP World Tour Doubles Champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan have seen their debut album shoot to within range of Amazon's New Release Top 10 chart.
The four-song debut album by The Bryans Bros Band Featuring David Baron, "Let It Rip," surged to No. 12 on Amazon's list of New Releases - Pop after its release on 14 September. The four album songs – “Let it Rip,” “Spending My Days,” “Chasing the Sun,” and “Marching On” – can be downloaded and purchased on AmazonMP3 a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 23, 2009,
In :
Davis Cup
|
The draw for the 2010 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas has been made in Geneva with some intriguing World Group ties coming out of the hat.
Spain, the 2008 champion and top seed, has been drawn at home against Switzerland in a mouth watering fixture that could see the world’s top two players, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, going head-to-head.
Spain will be attempting to become the first nation since Sweden in 1998 to successfully retain the Davis Cup when it faces Czech Republic in the Fi... | Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 23, 2009,
In :
Other News
Following in the very successful unretirement footsteps of her countrywoman Kim Clijsters, the former No. 1-ranked Justine Henin announced on Belgian television Tuesday that she would return to the women’s tennis tour in time for the Australian Open in January.
Justine Henin after winning the United States Open in 2007. Henin had been retired for just over a year. bloggers are following every serve, volley and replay challenge of the 2009 Grand Slam tournaments.
“The fire within b... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 21, 2009,
In :
Davis Cup
Spain will host the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final in December after both countries won their semi-finals. The two Contries have played each othe 5 times before, with Spain narrowly ahead 3-2. Spain are aiming to become the first Country since Sweden in 1997-98 to win successive davic Cup titles.
Both teams completed dead singles rubbers on Sunday after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead into the final day.
Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez beat Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 7-6 6-7 6-4 6... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 18, 2009,
In :
US Open
$31,500 – that’s the total amount of fines being collected at the 2009 US Open according to tournament spokesman Chris Widmaier.
The majority of this is obviously covered by the $10,000 fine incurred by Serena Williams for unsportsmanlike conduct for abusing a line judge during her semi-final loss to Kim Clijsters. Williams was also fined $500 for racquet abuse during the same match.
This amount is only 3% of her prize money for reaching the Semi-finals. However, the fine coul... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 17, 2009,
In :
US Open
These may not be the big stories of a US Open that had a Wildcard winning the women’s competition and a 5 set men’s final that saw Federer lose his crown, was witness to Serena losing her cool and for the only the 6th time in it’s history did not have and American in either singles final.
But these tennis players that are know for being intense and focused have to face the press. Then there seems to be a new competition - which journalist can come up with the most bizarre question. B... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 15, 2009,
In :
US Open
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro ended Roger Federer's five-year unbeaten reign at the US Open in five dramatic sets to win his first Grand Slam title.
The 20-year-old sixth seed twice fought back from a set down to win 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.
Del Potro is the first man other than Rafael Nadal to beat Federer in the final of a Grand Slam tournament.
Swiss star Federer, 28, had been going for a record-equalling sixth consecutive title at Flushing Meadows.
American Bill Tild... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
US Open
Kim Clijsters completed an incredible return to Grand Slam tennis with a 7-5 6-3 win over Dane Caroline Wozniacki to claim her second US Open title.
The Belgian, 26, was a wildcard into her first Grand Slam tournament since 2007 after coming out of a two-and-a-half year retirement in August.
In that time she gave birth to a daughter, and so becomes the first mother since 1980 to win a Grand Slam.
She is also the first woman to win a major as a wildcard.
"This has been so exciting for ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
Other News
Jack Kramer, the Wimbledon and two-time United States singles champion who became one of the most influential figures in tennis history as a powerful promoter and innovator, has died. During the broadcast of the Rafael Nadal-Juan Martin Del Potro semifinal at the Open, ESPN’s Cliff Drysdale reported the death and Pam Shriver confirmed that the family was aware of the network’s announcement.
Known for his “big game” — a serve-and-volley attack complemented by his stinging forehand t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
Other News
Following her now infamous outburst during her semi-final loss against Kim Clijsters, Serena has been handed the maximum fine of $10,000 (£6,000) for the tirade aimed at the line judge, plus a $500 fine for racquet abuse at the end of the first set. The fine is the maximum on-site penalty that can be given for unsportsmanlike behaviour in a Grand Slam Tournament, and sees a fairly nominal amount given that her prize money for reaching the semi-finals is $350,000. However, and investigation has... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
US Open
Defending champion Roger Federer will face Juan Martin del Potro in Monday's US Open final after the Swiss beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
Federer extended his unbeaten run at Flushing Meadows to 40 matches with a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-5 win.
And the world number one got to match point with a spectacular 'hotdog' through-the-legs shot that he later described as the best of his career.
Argentine Del Potro beat Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-2 6-2 in the first semi-final.
It is the third year runni... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 13, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal took just 34 minutes to complete a rain-delayed win over Fernando Gonzalez and reach the semi-finals of the US Open.
Nadal resumed leading by a set and 3-2 in the tie-break, and he won four straight points for a two-set lead.
The Spaniard then raced away to a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 victory.
The match had been delayed from Thursday, with Friday's play washed out, and Nadal goes on to face Juan Martin del Potro on Sunday.
With the men's final rescheduled... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 13, 2009,
In :
US Open
Kim Clijsters reached the US Open final in dramatic circumstances after Serena Williams received a point penalty on match point for abusing an official.
The Belgian was two points from victory when Williams, who had earlier been given a code violation for racquet abuse, was called for a foot-fault.
Williams launched an angry outburst at the official and got the point penalty, meaning Clijsters won 6-4 7-5.
She will face Caroline Wozniacki who beat Belgian Yanina Wickmayer 6-3 6-3.
Ask... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 13, 2009,
In :
US Open
After a frustrating day of rain delays and no tennis, the revised schedule means that the mens final will be played on Monday. US Open officials have also annonced that they are ready to "develop" plans for a roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium but any decision remains "some time" away.
This year's event has been disrupted by rain and an extra day's play will be required for the second year running.
But the estimated $100m cost of a roof remains a major issue.
"We are substantially farther alo... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 11, 2009,
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US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal took the first set against 11th seed Fernando Gonzalez before rain stopped play in their US Open quarter-final.
Third seed Nadal saved two set points and had treatment for an abdominal injury, but still led 7-6 (7-4) 6-6 (3-2) when rain hit the night session.
It was the second interruption, after the players had been forced off for 75 minutes early in the second set.
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro awaits the winner in the semi-finals.
Nadal was four ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 10, 2009,
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US Open
Defending champion Roger Federer withstood a superb fightback from Robin Soderling to win in four sets and reach the semi-finals of the US Open.
The world number one, going for a sixth straight title at Flushing Meadows, won 6-0 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (8-6).
Federer will take on Novak Djokvic in his 22nd consecutive Grand Slam semi.
Fourth seed Djokovic survived a tough encounter with Fernando Verdasco to win 7-6 (7-2) 1-6 7-5 6-2 and reach his third straight US Open semi-final.
The final ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 10, 2009,
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US Open
Ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki brought an end to the amazing run of American teenager Melanie Oudin with victory in the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The Dane, 19, showed why she is ranked ninth in the world with a 6-2 6-2 win over the 17-year-old Oudin.
Wozniacki will next meet unseeded Belgian teenager Yanina Wickmayer in a first Grand Slam semi for both women.
Wickmayer beat Kateryna Bondarenko 7-5 6-4 in a scrappy encounter to win the first of Wednesday's quarter-finals.
Oudin, ra... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 9, 2009,
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US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal put his injury worries behind him to beat France's Gael Monfils and reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The Spaniard, who is on his way back from a serious knee injury, has also had an abdominal problem but showed no sign of it in Tuesday's night match.
Nadal showed great reserves of strength to win 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-1 6-3 and set up a match with Fernando Gonzalez.
Juan Martin del Potro and Marin Cilic also won to set up a quarter-final tie.
In the f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 9, 2009,
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US Open
Kim Clijsters continued her remarkable run at the US Open, beating Li Na 6-2 6-4 to set up a semi-final against defending champion Serena Williams.
The 26-year-old Belgian, who has come out of retirement to play in her first Grand Slam since the 2007 Australian Open, made a confident start.
Li briefly rallied in the second set but a series of errors sealed her fate.
Clijsters will next play Williams after the American beat Italy's Flavia Pennetta 6-4 6-3 in the night session.
Pennetta... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 8, 2009,
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US Open
Reigning champion Roger Federer booked a US Open quarter-final clash against Robin Soderling with a 7-5 6-2 6-2 win over Spaniard Tommy Robredo.
The world number one broke Robredo in the 11th game to clinch a tight first set before breaking twice more in a far more comfortable second.
An aggressive Federer wrapped up victory in the third set with an ace.
Novak Djokovic remains on course for a semi-final against Federer after beating Radek Stepanek 6-1 6-3 6-3.
Djokovic, seeded fourth,... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 8, 2009,
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US Open
American Melanie Oudin continued her remarkable run at the US Open with a 1-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 win over Nadia Petrova to reach the quarter-finals.
It seemed that luck had run out for the 17-year-old as she was overpowered in the first set by the Russian 13th seed.
But back came Oudin to win the next on a tie-break and she then broke serve twice in a tense final set to record another famous victory.
Oudin will play Danish ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki in the last eight.
Wozniacki, 19, bea... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 7, 2009,
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US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal played through pain to beat fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 7-5 6-4 6-4 and stay in the hunt for his first US Open title.
Nadal, who missed this year's Wimbledon through tendinitis in both knees, was hampered in the later stages by a midriff injury and required treatment.
The 23-year-old looked short of his best but Almagro repeatedly lost the initiative after taking the upper hand.
Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga both won in straight sets.
... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Monday, September 7, 2009,
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US Open
Kim Clijsters claimed her biggest win since coming out of retirement as she defeated third seed Venus Williams 6-0 0-6 6-4 in the US Open fourth round.
The former world number one, in her first Grand Slam for two years, breezed through the opening set with a flurry of powerful winners.
Williams regrouped and came blazing back, but was undone as the Belgian clung to a solitary break in the third.
Serena Williams advanced with a 6-2 6-0 demolition of Daniela Hantuchova.
Clijsters and Ve... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 6, 2009,
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US Open
Defending champion Roger Federer moved into round four of the US Open with victory over Lleyton Hewitt but Andy Roddick was knocked out by John Isner.
Top seed Federer came from behind to beat Hewitt 4-6 6-3 7-5 6-4 and will next play 14th seed Tommy Robredo.
But Roddick, seeded fifth, was stunned 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 5-7 7-6 (7-5) by unseeded fellow American Isner in a thriller lasting just over four hours.
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic battled to a four-set win against Jesse Witten.
Ferna... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Sunday, September 6, 2009,
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US Open
World number one Dinara Safina was knocked out of the US Open after an error-strewn display led to a 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-5) defeat by Petra Kvitova.
Safina made 39 unforced errors and served nine double faults as the unseeded Kvitova, 19, won in two hours and 34 minutes.
Earlier, unseeded American Melanie Oudin beat former world number one Maria Sharapova 3-6 6-4 7-5.
But sixth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova won through, beating Shahar Peer 7-5 6-1.
It was the kind of result Kuznetsova's fellow ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Saturday, September 5, 2009,
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US Open
World number three Rafael Nadal was given a stern test by Nicolas Kiefer before coming through in four sets to reach round three of the US Open.
The Spaniard dominated the first set but a number of unforced errors allowed the veteran back in before he regained control to win 6-0 3-6 6-3 6-4.
The 23-year-old will next face 32nd seed and compatriot Nicolas Almagro.
Elsewhere, sixth seed Juan Martin Del Potro and seventh seed Jo-Wilfred Tsonga eased through in straight sets.
World number... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Saturday, September 5, 2009,
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US Open
The Williams sisters had to utilise all their resolve and battling prowess to progress into the US Open fourth round.
Defending champion Serena snatched the first set against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and then survived a second-set fightback before prevailing 6-3 7-5.
Third seed Venus produced an erratic display against Magdalena Rybarikova and, after struggling on serve throughout, eventually won 6-2 7-5.
Serena now faces Daniela Hantuchova, with Venus up against Kim Clijsters.
Num... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 4, 2009,
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US Open
Fifth seed Andy Roddick maintained his good form as he swept past France's Marc Gicquel in the night session to reach the third round of the US Open.
The American won 6-1 6-4 6-4 in a match that finished after midnight local time on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Roddick goes on to face 6ft 9ins American John Isner, who beat Turkey's Marsel Ilhan 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-1)
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic earlier made smooth progress into round three with a straight-sets win over Carsten Ball.
The Serb, 22, c... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Friday, September 4, 2009,
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US Open
Elena Dementieva and Jelena Jankovic became the first big-name casualties at the US Open with second-round defeats.
Fourth seed Dementieva lost 5-7 6-4 6-3 to American teenager Melanie Oudin, who survived a thigh injury in the third set to close out a famous victory.
Fifth seed Jankovic, the runner-up last year, lost a thrilling encounter against Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (8-6).
Dinara Safina laboured to victory but Maria Sharapova powered through.
World numbe... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 3, 2009,
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US Open
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were in good form as both enjoyed straight-sets wins at the US Open on Wednesday.
World number three Nadal swept past Richard Gasquet in round one on his return to Grand Slam action.
The third seed, who missed Wimbledon with tendonitis in both knees, powered to a 6-2 6-2 6-3 victory to set up a match against Germany's Nicolas Kiefer.
And Federer, playing his second-round match, beat Germany's Simon Greul 6-3 7-5 7-5 in the night session.
Greul, the world... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Thursday, September 3, 2009,
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US Open
Defending champion Serena Williams gave a stunning display of power tennis as she demolished Hungary's Melinda Czink in the second round of the US Open.
The American, playing in front of a record night-session crowd of 24,206, won 6-1 6-1 in 53 minutes.
Her sister Venus, the third seed, came through her earlier match with Bethanie Mattek-Sands despite wearing heavy strapping on her injured knee.
Venus made plenty of errors but still saw off the world number 124, 6-4 6-2.
Venus was aga... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 2, 2009,
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US Open
Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga opened their US Open campaigns with crushing wins.
Fourth seed Djokovic, who is a possible semi-final opponent for Roger Federer, thrashed former world number three Ivan Ljubicic 6-3 6-1 6-3.
Tsonga needed just 78 minutes to outclass American wildcard Chase Buchanan 6-0 6-2 6-1.
The Frenchman, seeded seventh, is looking to get beyond the third round for the first time in his career.
"I'm here to win and to go to the next step," said the 24-year-ol... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Wednesday, September 2, 2009,
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US Open
Top seed Dinara Safina survived a huge scare to beat Australian world number 167 Olivia Rogowska 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 and reach the US Open second round.
Safina, who is still yet to win a Grand Slam title, had four set points in the first set but lost it in a tie-break.
She hit back to take the second set but struggled with her serve in the decider and had to dig deep to clinch victory.
Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva all made much easier progress... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 1, 2009,
In :
US Open
Third seed Venus Williams was three points from defeat before recovering to beat Russia's Vera Dushevina in the first round of the US Open.
Williams, 29, required treatment to her left knee after just three games of the first of the night session matches.
And Dushevina, the world number 47, was close to a shock victory in game 10 of the second set before Williams came back to win 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-3.
Williams will face fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands in round two.
It was a wildly ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Sorrel Stewart on Tuesday, September 1, 2009,
In :
US Open
World number one Roger Federer began the defence of his US Open title with a 6-1 6-3 7-5 victory over American teenager Devin Britton.
Federer started magnificently and broke his 18-year-old opponent twice before taking the opening set in 18 minutes.
The 28-year-old Swiss was broken first in both the second and third sets but came through in 88 minutes and will play Germany's Simon Greul next.
Fifth seed Andy Roddick beat Bjorn Phau 6-1 6-4 6-2 in the night match.
Roddick did not get ... Continue reading ...
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