The rivalry continues: Pennetta defeats Venus in Cincinnati

Today in Cincinnati, Flavia Pennetta extended to match win streak to fourteen, and she also extended her head-to-head record against Venus Williams to 4-3. 14th-seeded Pennetta is now a breath away from being in the top 10 for the first time; she has been ranked as high as 11 in the past. If she makes it to the top 10--and there is every reason to believe she will--she will be the first Italian woman to do so.

With all of Pennetta's impressive tennis skills, it has taken her a long time to gain belief. That, plus a more reliable serve, has done a lot for her.