Friday, November 7, 2008

Williams and Ivanovic withdraw from Doha--Ivanovic wins Diamond Aces Award

It was no surprise to hear that Ana Ivanovic had withdrawn from the Sony Ericsson Championships. She has had problems with heat and dehydration since she arrived in Doha, she is suffering with a virus, and she is out of the competition. The dead rubber she was to have played against Svetlana Kuznetsova (who is also out of competition) will be played by alternate Agnieszka Radwanska instead. One bit of consolation for Ivanovic was that she was awarded the 2008 Diamond Aces Award, which goes to the tour player who has done the most to help promote the tour during the season.

Serena Williams is another story. Looking completely lackluster against her sister in yesterday's match, Williams good-humoredly chided herself in the press conference. But today, citing an injured stomach muscle, she withdrew from the tournament. The maroon group alternate, Nadia Petrova, now plays Elena Dementieva, who is guaranteed a spot in the semifinals.

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