Not content to just take out three-time U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters, 18-year-old British star Laura Robson upset Cincinnati champion Li Na today in the second round in Flushing Meadows. Robson, showing no sign of nerves at any time, beat Li 6-4, 6-7, 6-2. It was a big victory--in its own way--more significant than Robson's defeat of Clijsters. Li, after her Cincinnati win, appeared poised to make a full run at the U.S. Open, and then--just like that--she was out of the tournament in the second round.
Robson used her big lefty serve to her advantage, and she put a lot of racquet speed on her forehand in order to destabilize the forehand-heavy Li. Robson broke Li six times and played fearlessly throughout the match. Her next opponent will be defending champion Sam Stosur, who defeated Varvara Lepchenko today. To quote Robson: "I have had a fairly tough draw, haven't I?"
Robson was easily the big story of the day, but also of note is Nadia Petrova's defeat of Lucie Safarova. Petrova had first and second serve percentages of 80 and 54, and she hit 10 aces. Her next opponent will be 2006 champion Maria Sharapova, who put an end of Mallory Burdette's U.S. Open run.
Marion Bartoli defeated countrywoman Kristina Mladenovic in straight sets, and the third Frenchwoman left in the draw--Pauline Parmentier--was defeated by Petra Kvitova. Bartoli and Kvitova will play each other in the round of 16. Also winning was Anna Tatishvili, who defeated Mandy Minella 7-5, 6-0.
Top seed Victoria Azarenka had an easy time of it in her night match. She defeated Zheng Jie 6-0, 6- 1 in just under and hour. Azarenka has lost only six games in three rounds.
5th seeds Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova had a real fight on their hands in doubles today, but they finally prevailed 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 against Nina Bratchikova and Alexandra Panova. Serena Williams advanced, as did top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond. 2nd seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci also went through to the next round, as did 3rd seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka.
In mixed doubles, Kim Clijsters and Bob Bryan advanced to the second round, as did top seeds Liezel Huber and Max Mirnyi.
A note to readers: I'm heading back to Louisiana in the morning and won't get to watch the morning matches, but all should be well by the afternoon. There was terrible flooding from Hurricane Isaac in several of the towns near us, especially in a town that got the spill from a levee breach (haven't we heard that before?). Our parish (county, to normal people) has been under a curfew, and people on the east side have had to boil their drinking water. Beaches on the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been closed because of debris and concern about water quality. Overall, it's a mess, but services have already been restored to my neighborhood.
This is just how it is in south Louisiana. As August comes to a close, you check the U.S. Open television schedule, print your draw sheet, and flee to Alabama.
Friday, August 31, 2012
U.S. Open--what they said
It's been an extremely busy summer, and I have still managed to stay injury‑free. That's a big thing.
I think she gave up chasing balls, and now she is chasing balls.
Will you go home at this point? What are you going to add to your arsenal so you can move to the next round?
Of course I have to take free days off. I can't go back to tennis court tomorrow. I mean, this should be killing me....
I still wake up in the morning and feel like I can be better and motivated. I have energy and I'm healthy. What else can you ask for?
I don't see how I can not be relaxed.
So, yes, friends, Maria Sanchez and I got a win at the United States Open on Wednesday. Sounds more epic when you spell it out.
...Is it good to get a lefty before another lefty?
Yeah, I think that's probably a good thing. You never know when you're going to run into them.
You have Wayne Rooney tweeting about you.
He called me Robinson. I saw that when I was stretching.
He blamed it on predictive text.
Can you blame that on predictive text, though? I'm not so sure.
I was watching the junior girl qualifiers and boy qualifiers. I saw a lot more serve and volley players than before. We see Federer coming in more to end points quicker. Is that something we will see in the future?
Not from me.
Laura Robson
I think she gave up chasing balls, and now she is chasing balls.
Virginia Wade, referring to Laura Robson
Will you go home at this point? What are you going to add to your arsenal so you can move to the next round?
Of course I have to take free days off. I can't go back to tennis court tomorrow. I mean, this should be killing me....
Li Na
I still wake up in the morning and feel like I can be better and motivated. I have energy and I'm healthy. What else can you ask for?
Maria Sharapova
I don't see how I can not be relaxed.
Laura Robson
So, yes, friends, Maria Sanchez and I got a win at the United States Open on Wednesday. Sounds more epic when you spell it out.
Irina Falconi
...Is it good to get a lefty before another lefty?
Yeah, I think that's probably a good thing. You never know when you're going to run into them.
Samantha Stosur
You have Wayne Rooney tweeting about you.
He called me Robinson. I saw that when I was stretching.
He blamed it on predictive text.
Can you blame that on predictive text, though? I'm not so sure.
Laura Robson
I was watching the junior girl qualifiers and boy qualifiers. I saw a lot more serve and volley players than before. We see Federer coming in more to end points quicker. Is that something we will see in the future?
Not from me.
Maria Sharapova
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Kerber wins drawn-out battle against Venus Williams at U.S. Open
During the first set of her second round U.S. Open match against Angelique Kerber, Venus Williams simply could not hit two successful overheads in succession. Over and over, she smashed balls into the net. It didn't help that she got in only eight of 22 first serves, and that she double-faulted five times. Making only seven unforced errors to Williams' 15, Kerber won the set 6-2.
The second set was a different story, though it took Williams four games to hold serve for the first time in the match. Williams continued to make a lot of unforced errors, but she served better, and she also enjoyed a huge swell of crowd support. Kerber, in the meantime, started thoughtlessly--and too safely--hitting the ball back to an increasingly dangerous Williams. Striking hard and coming forward aggressively, Williams overcame an obviously rattled Kerber (we've seen that before) and broke the German when she served for the match at 5-4. Williams would go on to win the set 7-5.
Kerber's funk extended to the third set. In fact, when Williams went up 4-2, Kerber looked so disgusted, it was hard to imagine that she could make any kind of comeback. But in the seventh game, the German player hit a winning stretch volley to get to break point. She waved her finger in the air, demanding that the crowd give her at least a little bit of affection, and then she smiled. It was a moment of relief for Kerber, and probably for most viewers. When Kerber gets down on herself, it's painful--but nevertheless interesting--to watch her.
The 6th seed didn't have an easy time holding after she made that stunning volley, but she did hold. That volley would prove to be a turning point. Kerber fought her way to 4-all, and broke Williams at 5-all. She then won the set 7-5, and advanced to the third round. Williams became error-prone toward the end of the match, and that was certainly part of the story, but the other part was that Kerber started returning with more forethought and authority.
That match lasted two hours and 45 minutes, and the good news for Williams fans is that Williams appeared to be physically comfortable through the entire thing.
Kerber hit only 20 winners to Williams' 43, but the German player also made only 25 unforced errors to Williams' 60. Williams double-faulted 16 times, and seven of those double faults occurred in the final set. Her game just wasn't clean enough to overcome the steady Kerber. But the game was there, and the endurance was there, and that's really good news, when we consider all that Williams has been through in the past several years.
Kerber has become dangerously proficient at winning three-set matches (19 of 22). She showed tonight that she can also overcome some really negative emotions. But she can't afford to continue to lose her edge in hitting her groundstrokes, like she did tonight for a number of games.
We've seen only two rounds, and Kerber is the last German standing. Kerber's next opponent is Olga Govortsova. If she gets past her, as expected, she'll probably have to deal with Sara Errani, and that could be interesting. Dominika Cibulkova and Agnieszka Radwanska are in Kerber's quarter, too, as are Roberta Vinci and Jelena Jankovic--a good mix of baseline stalwarts and tricky all-court players.
The second set was a different story, though it took Williams four games to hold serve for the first time in the match. Williams continued to make a lot of unforced errors, but she served better, and she also enjoyed a huge swell of crowd support. Kerber, in the meantime, started thoughtlessly--and too safely--hitting the ball back to an increasingly dangerous Williams. Striking hard and coming forward aggressively, Williams overcame an obviously rattled Kerber (we've seen that before) and broke the German when she served for the match at 5-4. Williams would go on to win the set 7-5.
Kerber's funk extended to the third set. In fact, when Williams went up 4-2, Kerber looked so disgusted, it was hard to imagine that she could make any kind of comeback. But in the seventh game, the German player hit a winning stretch volley to get to break point. She waved her finger in the air, demanding that the crowd give her at least a little bit of affection, and then she smiled. It was a moment of relief for Kerber, and probably for most viewers. When Kerber gets down on herself, it's painful--but nevertheless interesting--to watch her.
The 6th seed didn't have an easy time holding after she made that stunning volley, but she did hold. That volley would prove to be a turning point. Kerber fought her way to 4-all, and broke Williams at 5-all. She then won the set 7-5, and advanced to the third round. Williams became error-prone toward the end of the match, and that was certainly part of the story, but the other part was that Kerber started returning with more forethought and authority.
That match lasted two hours and 45 minutes, and the good news for Williams fans is that Williams appeared to be physically comfortable through the entire thing.
Kerber hit only 20 winners to Williams' 43, but the German player also made only 25 unforced errors to Williams' 60. Williams double-faulted 16 times, and seven of those double faults occurred in the final set. Her game just wasn't clean enough to overcome the steady Kerber. But the game was there, and the endurance was there, and that's really good news, when we consider all that Williams has been through in the past several years.
Kerber has become dangerously proficient at winning three-set matches (19 of 22). She showed tonight that she can also overcome some really negative emotions. But she can't afford to continue to lose her edge in hitting her groundstrokes, like she did tonight for a number of games.
We've seen only two rounds, and Kerber is the last German standing. Kerber's next opponent is Olga Govortsova. If she gets past her, as expected, she'll probably have to deal with Sara Errani, and that could be interesting. Dominika Cibulkova and Agnieszka Radwanska are in Kerber's quarter, too, as are Roberta Vinci and Jelena Jankovic--a good mix of baseline stalwarts and tricky all-court players.
U.S. Open--what they said
You haven't seen the last of me yet.
Anyone out there who's ever choked to death at a match at the club, you know how Sloane Stephens is feeling right now.
She's very bubbly, that's for sure. She's very happy and upbeat. I do see myself a little bit. But I think over the years I calmed a little bit.
What did you like about your game today?
Nothing.
Really?
Did you see it?
This is tennis, so anything can change very quickly.
Pironkova's posed there, hand on her hip--the international sign for "I'm extremely disgusted."
Serena Williams
Anyone out there who's ever choked to death at a match at the club, you know how Sloane Stephens is feeling right now.
Pam Shriver
She's very bubbly, that's for sure. She's very happy and upbeat. I do see myself a little bit. But I think over the years I calmed a little bit.
Ana Ivanovic, answering a question about Sloane Stephens
What did you like about your game today?
Nothing.
Really?
Did you see it?
Serena Williams
This is tennis, so anything can change very quickly.
Agnieszka Radwanska
Pironkova's posed there, hand on her hip--the international sign for "I'm extremely disgusted."
Kristen Bartel
Cibulkova and Vinci among 4th day winners at U.S. Open
I was disappointed to see Johanna Konta go out today, especially since she served for the match. But Olga Govortsova (glad to see her do well, too) prevailed, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5. Bojana Jovanovski showed off some of her best tennis against 13th seed Dominika Cibulkova, but Cibulkova won in two tiebreak sets. That was a really good match. I also really enjoyed watching Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino, who lost to Jelena Jankovic.
Not all of the matches were available for me to watch, but most of them were, and the one I enjoyed most was the match played between Yaroslava Shvedova and Roberta Vinci. On paper, it was a battle of two contrasting styles--only Shvedova has more touch than one might think, and Vinci can hang in during a baseline rally when she has to.
Shvedova dominated the first set, and won it 6-3. Vinci took over in the second, and won it 7-5. The final set was up for grabs, and was exciting to watch. There were five breaks of serve in that set alone (12 in all), and--in the end--it was Vinci who held it together mentally, and won 7-5.
The match had everything, including power, spin, trickery, and ongoing forays to the net by both opponents. It was a pleasure to watch.
Other matches weren't such a pleasure to watch. Agnieszka Radwanska looked lost in her first set against Carla Suarez Navarro. Down a set and a break, Radwanska suddenly cracked a forehand that seemed to turn on a switch in her head. From then on, it was all about Radwanska, who won eleven straight games. She defeated Suarez Navarro 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.
Sloane Stephens had a time of it, trying to close out Tatjana Malek, who didn't give Stephens the kind of baseline pace she likes. It took Stephens three sets to win, and there were many wobbles along the way. Serena Williams beat Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, but the Spaniard's trickery did wear Williams' patience a bit. Sara Errani ran over Vera Dushevina, who won only one game.
And--look who's in the third round of the U.S. Open: Tsvetana Pironkova! Pironkova, as always, went from brilliant to baffled and back again throughout her match against Ayumi Morita. When her serve was working, Pironkova was very dominant, but then it would stop working, and she would get into trouble. She had some help today from Morita, however, who wound up double-faulting the match away. Pironkova defeated Morita 7-5, 6-2.
I really like the U.S. Open Lacoste dress; my favorite is the gray, but I like them all. And I like Venus's dress (the design looks like roses on a trellis) a lot, though I can't imagine anyone but Venus wearing it with such panache. (There's a bit of Ted Tinling in that dress; I think he would have really liked it.)
There are three Frenchwomen who have made it to the third round--Marion Bartoli, Pauline Parmentier and Kristina Mladenovic. I doubt if anyone saw that coming.
In her press conference today, Ana Ivanovic (not surprisingly) explained that women's tennis is so popular because the players demonstrate that "girls can still be girls and yet do sports and be very athletic."
Defending champion Sam Stosur plays Varvara Lepchenko tomorrow. Lepchenko could give Stosur a bit of trouble. If the defending champ wins, will we see the Stosur Shuffle again? I kind of hope not. I would rather leave that kind of thing to Petko (or Radwanska with Petko). After you've seen the Petko Dance, do you really want to see anything else? I don't.
Laura Robson, who took Kim Clijsters out of the tournament, will play Li Na in the third round. Li is favored to win, of course, but the one thing we can be sure--one way or the other--is a press conference that will make us laugh. I think Li is the funniest woman to ever play on the tour, but for humor, Robson is no slouch, either.
Not all of the matches were available for me to watch, but most of them were, and the one I enjoyed most was the match played between Yaroslava Shvedova and Roberta Vinci. On paper, it was a battle of two contrasting styles--only Shvedova has more touch than one might think, and Vinci can hang in during a baseline rally when she has to.
Shvedova dominated the first set, and won it 6-3. Vinci took over in the second, and won it 7-5. The final set was up for grabs, and was exciting to watch. There were five breaks of serve in that set alone (12 in all), and--in the end--it was Vinci who held it together mentally, and won 7-5.
The match had everything, including power, spin, trickery, and ongoing forays to the net by both opponents. It was a pleasure to watch.
Other matches weren't such a pleasure to watch. Agnieszka Radwanska looked lost in her first set against Carla Suarez Navarro. Down a set and a break, Radwanska suddenly cracked a forehand that seemed to turn on a switch in her head. From then on, it was all about Radwanska, who won eleven straight games. She defeated Suarez Navarro 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.
Sloane Stephens had a time of it, trying to close out Tatjana Malek, who didn't give Stephens the kind of baseline pace she likes. It took Stephens three sets to win, and there were many wobbles along the way. Serena Williams beat Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, but the Spaniard's trickery did wear Williams' patience a bit. Sara Errani ran over Vera Dushevina, who won only one game.
And--look who's in the third round of the U.S. Open: Tsvetana Pironkova! Pironkova, as always, went from brilliant to baffled and back again throughout her match against Ayumi Morita. When her serve was working, Pironkova was very dominant, but then it would stop working, and she would get into trouble. She had some help today from Morita, however, who wound up double-faulting the match away. Pironkova defeated Morita 7-5, 6-2.
I really like the U.S. Open Lacoste dress; my favorite is the gray, but I like them all. And I like Venus's dress (the design looks like roses on a trellis) a lot, though I can't imagine anyone but Venus wearing it with such panache. (There's a bit of Ted Tinling in that dress; I think he would have really liked it.)
There are three Frenchwomen who have made it to the third round--Marion Bartoli, Pauline Parmentier and Kristina Mladenovic. I doubt if anyone saw that coming.
In her press conference today, Ana Ivanovic (not surprisingly) explained that women's tennis is so popular because the players demonstrate that "girls can still be girls and yet do sports and be very athletic."
Defending champion Sam Stosur plays Varvara Lepchenko tomorrow. Lepchenko could give Stosur a bit of trouble. If the defending champ wins, will we see the Stosur Shuffle again? I kind of hope not. I would rather leave that kind of thing to Petko (or Radwanska with Petko). After you've seen the Petko Dance, do you really want to see anything else? I don't.
Laura Robson, who took Kim Clijsters out of the tournament, will play Li Na in the third round. Li is favored to win, of course, but the one thing we can be sure--one way or the other--is a press conference that will make us laugh. I think Li is the funniest woman to ever play on the tour, but for humor, Robson is no slouch, either.
Defending champions win mixed doubles thriller at U.S. Open
Defending champions Melanie Oudin and Jack Sock won their first round match at the U.S. Open tonight, and it was a real thriller. Oudin and Sock played 5th seeds Katarina Srebotnik and Nenad Zimonjic. Srebotnik and Zimonjic won the first set 6-4, and Oudin and Sock won the second, 6-3. The super-tiebreak was--well, a super tiebreak. Oudin and Sock saved four match points, and won 15-13 on their second match point.
Melanie Oudin was such a standout in this match. She was simply fearless, attacking the net, trading face-to-face volleys with Zimonjic, and coming up with some really impressive passing shots.
In women's doubles, top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond advanced. Kim Clijsters and Kirsten Flipkens did not; they were defeated by Chuang Chia-Jung and Zhang Shuai. Kim Clijsters has one more event at this tournament; she and Bob Bryan are partners in mixed doubles.
Melanie Oudin was such a standout in this match. She was simply fearless, attacking the net, trading face-to-face volleys with Zimonjic, and coming up with some really impressive passing shots.
In women's doubles, top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond advanced. Kim Clijsters and Kirsten Flipkens did not; they were defeated by Chuang Chia-Jung and Zhang Shuai. Kim Clijsters has one more event at this tournament; she and Bob Bryan are partners in mixed doubles.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
U.S. Open--what they said
I'm the most proud of my mental performance out there.
I'm not movie star. I'm athlete. I have to do good job on the tennis court. So I was feeling if I can't doing well, why the sponsor should come for me? They can come for another athlete. I really wanted to do well, but sometimes didn't work. I think I was make a lot--how you say--pressure for myself. I was feeling after I win a Grand Slam, against some player, face to face, they are feeling they nothing to lose. They come to court, boom, boom. Suddenly I'm losing match so easily. It's not still strong in mind.
Kvitova is not enjoying herself immensely today.
This feels like the perfect place to retire; I just wish it wasn't today. I gave it my all today and it just wasn't good enough at the end of the match.
She can just put holes in you when she plays like that.
Would you describe shopping as your hobby?
No. Not hobby. I think it's something that every girl enjoys to do when they're in a good mood, but mostly when they're in a bad mood, I would say.
She plays on a big stage almost every day because she's so good. It's hard out there sometimes. You get outside of yourself and you're worrying about things you can't control. That's one of the things she does a very good job of. You can tell she's in the zone every time she walks up to play a point.
I knew I had to hit as many balls as I could and get as many back as I could, and just work my butt off.
How do you feel coming in, especially coming off the win at New Haven? Do you feel you have tremendous momentum in this tournament?
I think that it's good because I'm still feeling that the tournament is continue and it's not Grand Slam, so I think that it's good that I don't have a time to be nervous too much.
We're playing here in New York. There's so much media. Could you step back and say the one or two things we Americans don't understand about your country, what would that be?
Why Chinese still use chopsticks? Why Chinese have to put the family name first, right? I think lot American people couldn't understand, yeah. Two thing already. I couldn't find a third one.
Mallory Burdette
I'm not movie star. I'm athlete. I have to do good job on the tennis court. So I was feeling if I can't doing well, why the sponsor should come for me? They can come for another athlete. I really wanted to do well, but sometimes didn't work. I think I was make a lot--how you say--pressure for myself. I was feeling after I win a Grand Slam, against some player, face to face, they are feeling they nothing to lose. They come to court, boom, boom. Suddenly I'm losing match so easily. It's not still strong in mind.
Li Na
Kvitova is not enjoying herself immensely today.
Virginia Wade
This feels like the perfect place to retire; I just wish it wasn't today. I gave it my all today and it just wasn't good enough at the end of the match.
Kim Clijsters
She can just put holes in you when she plays like that.
Luke Jensen, referring to Li Na
Would you describe shopping as your hobby?
No. Not hobby. I think it's something that every girl enjoys to do when they're in a good mood, but mostly when they're in a bad mood, I would say.
Victoria Azarenka
She plays on a big stage almost every day because she's so good. It's hard out there sometimes. You get outside of yourself and you're worrying about things you can't control. That's one of the things she does a very good job of. You can tell she's in the zone every time she walks up to play a point.
Mallory Burdette, referring to Maria Sharapova
I knew I had to hit as many balls as I could and get as many back as I could, and just work my butt off.
Laura Robson
How do you feel coming in, especially coming off the win at New Haven? Do you feel you have tremendous momentum in this tournament?
I think that it's good because I'm still feeling that the tournament is continue and it's not Grand Slam, so I think that it's good that I don't have a time to be nervous too much.
Petra Kvitova
We're playing here in New York. There's so much media. Could you step back and say the one or two things we Americans don't understand about your country, what would that be?
Why Chinese still use chopsticks? Why Chinese have to put the family name first, right? I think lot American people couldn't understand, yeah. Two thing already. I couldn't find a third one.
Li Na
Clijsters makes early exit at U.S. Open
A year or so ago, I wouldn't have given Laura Robson a chance to beat Kim Clijsters at the U.S. Open. Robson had the serve, she had the shots, but her footwork and speed just weren't up to playing someone as athletically superior as Clijsters. But over the past several months, as Robson has no doubt "grown into" her body, she has refined her court movement. We saw just how much she has refined it today. Playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 18-year-old Brit took out the three-time U.S. Open champion in two tiebreak sets. It was a good match by any standard. And though it was sad to see Clijsters go out in the second round in the last singles match of her career, it was kind of mesmerizing to watch Robson.
With her left-handedness as a natural advantage, Laura Robson repeatedly struck the ball with such smooth authority that it seemed natural to wait for her to have some kind of collapse. She showed how tough she was when she saved three set points when her opponent served at 5-3 in the first set, and when the collapse did come, it was a small one, and she recovered quickly. Robson held two match points when Clijsters served at 5-6 in the second set, and when the Belgian player saved those, there was a strong hint of a Clijsters comeback. But Robson faced the second set tiebreak with the same resolve she had faced the first one; she simply out-hit Kim Clijsters.
The sudden end of Clijsters' singles career (she's playing in doubles and mixed doubles in Flushing Meadows) provided the day's biggest drama, for obvious reasons. The day's biggest on-court drama, however, belonged to Marion Bartoli, who had to fight like mad to escape the clutches of Romina Oprandi. That was a hitting contest. Bartoli won 6-1, 1-6, 7-5, and I was tired from just watching the match. Bartoli's victory puts her back into the top 10 (and takes Caroline Wozniacki out of the top 10).
And then there was Mallory Burdette, who has taken her wild card very seriously. Today, the Stanford star defeated Lucie Hradecka 6-2, 6-4, and she did it with first and second serve percentages of 79 and 67. Burdette is an aggressive player who is pleasant and articulate off the court. I'm enjoying every moment of her U.S. Open run. I suppose I should savor it--Burdette's third round opponent is Maria Sharapova.
Casey Dellacqua gave her a good run, but Li Na emerged victorious. Also advancing were top seed Victoria Azarenka, defending champion Sam Stosur, Petra Kvitova, and Russian veteran Nadia Petrova. Kristina Mladenovic pretty much ran over 17th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and Anna Tatishvili ended Sorana Cirstea's brief run.
Tomorrow, wild card Venus Williams will play 6th seed Angelique Kerber. Kerber defeated Williams at the Olympic Games, and tomorrow's contest is expected to be the match of the day.
Is it my imagination, or are the ESPN commentators doing a better job than usual? Chris Evert has certainly returned to form as a commentator--about time. I can't comment on Tennis Channel because I have no access to it at the hotel where I'm staying; in the morning, I watch everything online.
With her left-handedness as a natural advantage, Laura Robson repeatedly struck the ball with such smooth authority that it seemed natural to wait for her to have some kind of collapse. She showed how tough she was when she saved three set points when her opponent served at 5-3 in the first set, and when the collapse did come, it was a small one, and she recovered quickly. Robson held two match points when Clijsters served at 5-6 in the second set, and when the Belgian player saved those, there was a strong hint of a Clijsters comeback. But Robson faced the second set tiebreak with the same resolve she had faced the first one; she simply out-hit Kim Clijsters.
The sudden end of Clijsters' singles career (she's playing in doubles and mixed doubles in Flushing Meadows) provided the day's biggest drama, for obvious reasons. The day's biggest on-court drama, however, belonged to Marion Bartoli, who had to fight like mad to escape the clutches of Romina Oprandi. That was a hitting contest. Bartoli won 6-1, 1-6, 7-5, and I was tired from just watching the match. Bartoli's victory puts her back into the top 10 (and takes Caroline Wozniacki out of the top 10).
And then there was Mallory Burdette, who has taken her wild card very seriously. Today, the Stanford star defeated Lucie Hradecka 6-2, 6-4, and she did it with first and second serve percentages of 79 and 67. Burdette is an aggressive player who is pleasant and articulate off the court. I'm enjoying every moment of her U.S. Open run. I suppose I should savor it--Burdette's third round opponent is Maria Sharapova.
Casey Dellacqua gave her a good run, but Li Na emerged victorious. Also advancing were top seed Victoria Azarenka, defending champion Sam Stosur, Petra Kvitova, and Russian veteran Nadia Petrova. Kristina Mladenovic pretty much ran over 17th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and Anna Tatishvili ended Sorana Cirstea's brief run.
Tomorrow, wild card Venus Williams will play 6th seed Angelique Kerber. Kerber defeated Williams at the Olympic Games, and tomorrow's contest is expected to be the match of the day.
Is it my imagination, or are the ESPN commentators doing a better job than usual? Chris Evert has certainly returned to form as a commentator--about time. I can't comment on Tennis Channel because I have no access to it at the hotel where I'm staying; in the morning, I watch everything online.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
U.S. Open--what they said
Just doing my best. Not really have much point to defend from last year. At least this is the good thing. You know, I'm really trying to do better results than last few years.
Do you have specific goals or steps that you look at?
I do.
Getting into the top 10, winning again?
Yes, but it never happens the way you want it to. That's one thing I found out throughout my whole career. When you don't make it to one goal, just make some more. But, of course, I'm looking forward to the top 10, all that great stuff. I feel like I have it in me.
There are a lot of players who have gone pro right away, and that path has worked for them, but if you're on the fence even just a little bit or stressed about the decision, you're only going to get more stressed if you turn pro. College tennis is a more controlled environment, and there's such a support system in place for players, so it's much easier to improve and get better....
Novak Djokovic was asked about you and Jelena having dropped a little bit since you all came up at the same time. He said you both have the ability and you were No. 1 and won a Grand Slam. He said it's just mental at this point. Your agree with that?
Yeah, it is a lot to do with confidence. I think also since the first time I entered the game has evolved and there is lot more girls that strike and they have nothing to lose. They play really, really well and they're very dangerous. But, yeah, definitely it's just not the belief of, you know, beating those, you know, top players at the moment.
We've had a Kiki and a Coco, and all sorts of things going on.
It is not easy. For me, the recovery is very hard after the match.
I think sometimes I get so involved in my serve I forget to play the rest of the point. It's definitely a balance. But for me and anybody else, when your serve is in, the rest of your game is beautiful usually.
Her serve is good enough for men's tennis, as well.
What is all this like? You're in the second round of the U.S. Open. It's quite a big change for you, isn't it?
To be honest, I actually feel kind of normal, as I would hope to. I feel like I've matured since Wimbledon. Also that was definitely a big eye‑opener. A lot of things were going on. I recently became British, my first Grand Slam, my first main draw. It was an epic match. I think I got a lot of that initial nervousness out of the way there. So I feel much more prepared here with these sort of things. I'm just happy that I'm able to stay level.
She's lying on the ground like a dead frog....
Agnieszka Radwanska
Do you have specific goals or steps that you look at?
I do.
Getting into the top 10, winning again?
Yes, but it never happens the way you want it to. That's one thing I found out throughout my whole career. When you don't make it to one goal, just make some more. But, of course, I'm looking forward to the top 10, all that great stuff. I feel like I have it in me.
Venus Williams
There are a lot of players who have gone pro right away, and that path has worked for them, but if you're on the fence even just a little bit or stressed about the decision, you're only going to get more stressed if you turn pro. College tennis is a more controlled environment, and there's such a support system in place for players, so it's much easier to improve and get better....
Mallory Burdette
Novak Djokovic was asked about you and Jelena having dropped a little bit since you all came up at the same time. He said you both have the ability and you were No. 1 and won a Grand Slam. He said it's just mental at this point. Your agree with that?
Yeah, it is a lot to do with confidence. I think also since the first time I entered the game has evolved and there is lot more girls that strike and they have nothing to lose. They play really, really well and they're very dangerous. But, yeah, definitely it's just not the belief of, you know, beating those, you know, top players at the moment.
Ana Ivanovic
We've had a Kiki and a Coco, and all sorts of things going on.
Hannah Storm
It is not easy. For me, the recovery is very hard after the match.
Kimiko Date-Krumm
I think sometimes I get so involved in my serve I forget to play the rest of the point. It's definitely a balance. But for me and anybody else, when your serve is in, the rest of your game is beautiful usually.
Venus Williams
Her serve is good enough for men's tennis, as well.
Novak Jokovic, referring to Serena Williams
What is all this like? You're in the second round of the U.S. Open. It's quite a big change for you, isn't it?
To be honest, I actually feel kind of normal, as I would hope to. I feel like I've matured since Wimbledon. Also that was definitely a big eye‑opener. A lot of things were going on. I recently became British, my first Grand Slam, my first main draw. It was an epic match. I think I got a lot of that initial nervousness out of the way there. So I feel much more prepared here with these sort of things. I'm just happy that I'm able to stay level.
Johanna Konta
She's lying on the ground like a dead frog....
Sloane Stephens, referring to Christina McHale and her long wait to get on the court
Drama builds on day 2 of the U.S. Open
It's just the second day of the U.S. Open, but the drama has already begun. Most of it occurred in a match which received little attention: Johanna Konta--who was playing in her first major--came from 1-5 down in the second set to achieve a straight-sets win over Timea Babos. There was a 14-deuce game at 5-3, which Konta won. Konta's 6-2, 7-5 victory puts her into the second round against Olga Govortsova, who defeated 29th seed Tamira Paszek in straight sets.
Moving on to a match that received a lot more attention: 8th seed Caroline Wozniacki, playing with the knee injury that took her out of New Haven, lost in straight sets to Irina-Camelia Begu. Wozniacki was clearly struggling throughout the match, but--to her credit--Begu played extremely well in both sets, and her serving was superb.
Yaroslava Shvedova beat her close friend and doubles partner, Vania King. Serena Williams rolled past Coco Vandeweghe, 6-1, 6-1, in just 56 minutes. Sloane Stephens held her nerve and defeated 22nd seed Francesca Schiavone. For a few moments--toward the end of the second set--it looked like this match might turn into a typical Schiavone drama-filled comeback, but Stephens didn't let it happen; she won on her third match point.
Who would have thought that, at the end of the second round, Angelique Kerber and Tatjana Malek would be the last two Germans standing? Sabine Lisicki, Julia Goerges and Andrea Petkovic (understandably) went out yesterday, and today, it was Mona Barthel who said goodbye to Flushing Meadows. Barthel lost to Bojana Jovanovski. The two remaining Germans face two players from the USA in the next round. Malek will play Sloane Stephens, and Kerber will play Venus Williams, who beat countrywoman Bethanie Mattek-Sands today. Kerber beat Williams at the Olympic Games, so there's some built-in drama surrounding their U.S. Open second-round match.
Both Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic advanced today, as did Sara Errani and Ekaterina Makarova. Kiki Bertens beat Christina McHale, and.Irina Falconi lost to Olga Puchkova. Stephens, Williams, Williams, Varvara Lepchenko, and Mallory Burdette are the five players from the USA who are still in the draw.
Tomorrow, world number 1 Victoria Azarenka takes on Kirsten Flipkens, who--on her good days--is fun to watch. Kim Clijsters plays Laura Robson.
Moving on to a match that received a lot more attention: 8th seed Caroline Wozniacki, playing with the knee injury that took her out of New Haven, lost in straight sets to Irina-Camelia Begu. Wozniacki was clearly struggling throughout the match, but--to her credit--Begu played extremely well in both sets, and her serving was superb.
Yaroslava Shvedova beat her close friend and doubles partner, Vania King. Serena Williams rolled past Coco Vandeweghe, 6-1, 6-1, in just 56 minutes. Sloane Stephens held her nerve and defeated 22nd seed Francesca Schiavone. For a few moments--toward the end of the second set--it looked like this match might turn into a typical Schiavone drama-filled comeback, but Stephens didn't let it happen; she won on her third match point.
Who would have thought that, at the end of the second round, Angelique Kerber and Tatjana Malek would be the last two Germans standing? Sabine Lisicki, Julia Goerges and Andrea Petkovic (understandably) went out yesterday, and today, it was Mona Barthel who said goodbye to Flushing Meadows. Barthel lost to Bojana Jovanovski. The two remaining Germans face two players from the USA in the next round. Malek will play Sloane Stephens, and Kerber will play Venus Williams, who beat countrywoman Bethanie Mattek-Sands today. Kerber beat Williams at the Olympic Games, so there's some built-in drama surrounding their U.S. Open second-round match.
Both Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic advanced today, as did Sara Errani and Ekaterina Makarova. Kiki Bertens beat Christina McHale, and.Irina Falconi lost to Olga Puchkova. Stephens, Williams, Williams, Varvara Lepchenko, and Mallory Burdette are the five players from the USA who are still in the draw.
Tomorrow, world number 1 Victoria Azarenka takes on Kirsten Flipkens, who--on her good days--is fun to watch. Kim Clijsters plays Laura Robson.
Passing shots
We have ESPN2 in our hotel now, so I can watch more than one match at a time. The cats have become their hotel-loving selves (they are seasoned evacuees), and are playing with their toys and chasing each other.
You can buy Sugarpova online, and why wouldn't you? Flirty, Sporty and Quirky (I know--I want to name some, too) have already sold out. Sugarpova is also available at selected stores throughout the USA, and will soon go international.
Sorana Cirstea is blogging from the U.S. Open.
World number 1 Victoria Azarenka is the newest international Brand Ambassador for the Citizen Watch Company.
Here is another "Strong Is Beautiful" video:
You can buy Sugarpova online, and why wouldn't you? Flirty, Sporty and Quirky (I know--I want to name some, too) have already sold out. Sugarpova is also available at selected stores throughout the USA, and will soon go international.
Sorana Cirstea is blogging from the U.S. Open.
World number 1 Victoria Azarenka is the newest international Brand Ambassador for the Citizen Watch Company.
Here is another "Strong Is Beautiful" video:
Monday, August 27, 2012
U.S. Open--what they said
Did you realize how close you were to having a golden set?
Yeah, I knew at 4‑Love, 40‑Love that I hadn't missed a point and the match had been going pretty quick and obviously in my favor. It did pop into my head for a split second. Then I hit the double fault and it was erased and I was quickly on with the next point.
If you become a mom, would you bring your kid to an academy? Do you like the academy environment?
That's a tough question. Obviously if my kid wants to play sport and I feel like that would be beneficial to the kid, then yes. But I hope not.
You've got a nice little winning streak going now. How are you feeling on court?
I mean, I really have to say I really happy I can win first match of these few years. Last few years always lose first round. So, yeah, I see the schedule, I say, Okay, you have to do for yourself. You really have to win the first match, otherwise same like last year and now I have to pack, I have to go back to airport to fly back home.
But overall I think once she settled down, I think she was pretty happy with the way that she played. So that's good to know that she's pleased with the experience. Obviously I saw her afterwards. It was pretty funny. It was all like a lot of excitement. She had a friend in there who still plays juniors, as well. So it was kind of fun to still see the youngsters.
My name is Irina Falconi. Professional tennis player who is competing in this year’s United States Open. I’m also an avid blogger and writer. I am also a part-time comic and fortune teller. No joke.
Ultimately can a gumball stand up to a truffle?
It depends what your preference is. I mean, mid-afternoon I'm not a big truffle person; I'm more of a gum girl. But it depends what everybody likes.
Yeah, I knew at 4‑Love, 40‑Love that I hadn't missed a point and the match had been going pretty quick and obviously in my favor. It did pop into my head for a split second. Then I hit the double fault and it was erased and I was quickly on with the next point.
Samantha Stosur
If you become a mom, would you bring your kid to an academy? Do you like the academy environment?
That's a tough question. Obviously if my kid wants to play sport and I feel like that would be beneficial to the kid, then yes. But I hope not.
Maria Sharapova
You've got a nice little winning streak going now. How are you feeling on court?
I mean, I really have to say I really happy I can win first match of these few years. Last few years always lose first round. So, yeah, I see the schedule, I say, Okay, you have to do for yourself. You really have to win the first match, otherwise same like last year and now I have to pack, I have to go back to airport to fly back home.
Li Na
But overall I think once she settled down, I think she was pretty happy with the way that she played. So that's good to know that she's pleased with the experience. Obviously I saw her afterwards. It was pretty funny. It was all like a lot of excitement. She had a friend in there who still plays juniors, as well. So it was kind of fun to still see the youngsters.
Kim Clijsters
My name is Irina Falconi. Professional tennis player who is competing in this year’s United States Open. I’m also an avid blogger and writer. I am also a part-time comic and fortune teller. No joke.
Irina Falconi
Ultimately can a gumball stand up to a truffle?
It depends what your preference is. I mean, mid-afternoon I'm not a big truffle person; I'm more of a gum girl. But it depends what everybody likes.
Maria Sharapova
If they're in Flushing Meadows....
....there must be a hurricane coming.
Greetings to all from Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham is one of my favorite cities, but I'm not here for the great art and the great restaurants--I'm here because you-know-what is about to hit you-know-where. After watching much of the Open in hotel rooms during Katrina and Gustav, I now associate the tournament with rain, wind and misery. And here I am, once more, in a hotel room, but with no Tennis Channel and no ESPN2 (no kidding--ESPN2 is not functioning throughout the entire hotel). The television channels are supposed to be re-set in the morning, and I have live streaming--if there aren't too many guests using the wireless connection. Worst case scenario: I spend a lot of time in the lobby.
Being from Louisiana, I've done many hurricane evacuations. Today, I decided to make a fashion statement on my way out, and what better way to represent the insanity of an approaching hurricane than to honor Queen Chaos?
I did get to see some of day 1, before we left the state. I wasn't surprised by the Lisicki upset. Both Sabine Lisicki and Sorana Cirstea can come apart mentally, but Cirstea kind of likes to pull these upsets at big events. The German player won the first set, but after a rain delay, the momentum changed dramatically; Lisicki gave Cirstea her championship point with a double fault.
Lisicki, of course, wasn't the only German seed to depart. Julia Goerges was defeated in straight sets by qualifier Kristyna Pliskova. And Andrea Petkovic, who just recently returned from a very long injury layoff, also went out in the first round. Angelique Kerber, Germany's top player, who will play Anne Keothavong tomorrow.
USA player Lepchenko defeated Mathilde Johansson 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
 | |
| The fountain at Five Points in Birmingham |
Being from Louisiana, I've done many hurricane evacuations. Today, I decided to make a fashion statement on my way out, and what better way to represent the insanity of an approaching hurricane than to honor Queen Chaos?
I did get to see some of day 1, before we left the state. I wasn't surprised by the Lisicki upset. Both Sabine Lisicki and Sorana Cirstea can come apart mentally, but Cirstea kind of likes to pull these upsets at big events. The German player won the first set, but after a rain delay, the momentum changed dramatically; Lisicki gave Cirstea her championship point with a double fault.
Lisicki, of course, wasn't the only German seed to depart. Julia Goerges was defeated in straight sets by qualifier Kristyna Pliskova. And Andrea Petkovic, who just recently returned from a very long injury layoff, also went out in the first round. Angelique Kerber, Germany's top player, who will play Anne Keothavong tomorrow.
USA player Lepchenko defeated Mathilde Johansson 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
How "open" is the Open?
Today, Rennae Stubbs said she thought the women's U.S. Open draw was more "open" than experts were predicting. I agree. Though Serena Williams is an obvious favorite, other players--namely, Petra Kvitova and Li Na--have peaked recently, and shown their readiness to compete in Flushing Meadows. Add to this reality the fact that the U.S. Open has become something of an issue for Williams in the past few years--the famous "foot fault" incident of 2009 and the "hindrance" issue of 2011.
Can Williams win another U.S. Open? Of course. But she does have some competition.
There are other players who could step in and win. Maria Sharapova isn't being talked about much, but she's nevertheless a contender, as is world number 1 Victoria Azarenka. Defending champion Sam Stosur doesn't seem like a contender, but last year, she very quietly went about the business of breaking all kinds of records and then going home with the trophy.
Azarenka, Li and Stosur are all in the same quarter, but there's more--three-time U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters is in that quarter, too, as are some potentially dangerous players--Julia Goerges, Sorana Cirstea, Sabine Lisicki (those two play each other in the opening round), and Varvara Lepchenko. Clijsters could run into trouble as early as the second round, in which she is most likely to meet Laura Robson. This is a tricky quarter, filled with top players and upset specialists, and anything can happen.
The second quarter has Sharapova and Kvitova headed toward each other, yet again. Nadia Petrova, Lucie Safarova and Marion Bartoli (not much of a threat lately, but you never know) stand in the way. Perhaps most significant, however, is the presence of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in that quarter. Seeded 17th, the Russian has been on a comeback journey lately--and though she has a potentially tough first round against Daniela Hantuchova--her chances of advancing are good. Pavlyuchenkova is deceptively proficient, and is perhaps finally coming into her own.
The third quarter is anchored by Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams, and--while we all know how we think this is going to go--danger does lurk, in the form of Sloane Stephens and clever New Haven runner-up Maria Kirlenko.
Cincinnati runner-up Angelique Kerber shares the fourth quarter with a recently-ailing (recurring shoulder injury) Agnieszka Radwanska. Venus Williams and Tamira Paszek (you never know) are also in that quarter, as are Christina McHale, Sara Errani and Stanford champion Dominika Cibulkova. Former big-time doubles partners Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova play each other in the first round. Either is capable of pulling of an upset later in the tournament, but one has to look especially at Shvedova as a dangerous opponent.
First round matches of interest:
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova vs. Kirsten Flipkens: They are both so much fun to watch.
Sorana Cirstea vs. Sabine Lisicki: Drama potential!
Nadia Petrova vs. Jarmila Gajdasova: Meltdown potential (both ways)
Melanie Oudin vs. Lucie Safarova: Can Oudin do it?
Marion Bartoli vs. Jamie Hampton: Bartoli had better be ready.
Daniela Hantuchova vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova: Already noted
Peng Shuai vs. Elena Vesnina: Always fun
Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs. Venus Williams: Potential high-quality entertainment (or not)
Vania King vs. Yaroslava Shvedova: Already noted
Urszula Radwanska vs. Roberta Vinci: Just because (note: Vinci just won her first outdoor hard court title)
There are so many questions involving this Open. Will Serena Williams be able to keep her focus away from the umpires? Will the weather turn more humid and cause Petra Kvitova's asthma to do her in? Will Kvitova be too exhausted to compete at her top level? Will Kim Clijsters, who is about to retire, suddenly go on a big tear and take out top players? Will a rested Victoria Azarenka pull out her earphones, remove her hoodie, and run over the rest of the field?
We'll know the answers soon!
Can Williams win another U.S. Open? Of course. But she does have some competition.
There are other players who could step in and win. Maria Sharapova isn't being talked about much, but she's nevertheless a contender, as is world number 1 Victoria Azarenka. Defending champion Sam Stosur doesn't seem like a contender, but last year, she very quietly went about the business of breaking all kinds of records and then going home with the trophy.
Azarenka, Li and Stosur are all in the same quarter, but there's more--three-time U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters is in that quarter, too, as are some potentially dangerous players--Julia Goerges, Sorana Cirstea, Sabine Lisicki (those two play each other in the opening round), and Varvara Lepchenko. Clijsters could run into trouble as early as the second round, in which she is most likely to meet Laura Robson. This is a tricky quarter, filled with top players and upset specialists, and anything can happen.
The second quarter has Sharapova and Kvitova headed toward each other, yet again. Nadia Petrova, Lucie Safarova and Marion Bartoli (not much of a threat lately, but you never know) stand in the way. Perhaps most significant, however, is the presence of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in that quarter. Seeded 17th, the Russian has been on a comeback journey lately--and though she has a potentially tough first round against Daniela Hantuchova--her chances of advancing are good. Pavlyuchenkova is deceptively proficient, and is perhaps finally coming into her own.
The third quarter is anchored by Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams, and--while we all know how we think this is going to go--danger does lurk, in the form of Sloane Stephens and clever New Haven runner-up Maria Kirlenko.
Cincinnati runner-up Angelique Kerber shares the fourth quarter with a recently-ailing (recurring shoulder injury) Agnieszka Radwanska. Venus Williams and Tamira Paszek (you never know) are also in that quarter, as are Christina McHale, Sara Errani and Stanford champion Dominika Cibulkova. Former big-time doubles partners Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova play each other in the first round. Either is capable of pulling of an upset later in the tournament, but one has to look especially at Shvedova as a dangerous opponent.
First round matches of interest:
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova vs. Kirsten Flipkens: They are both so much fun to watch.
Sorana Cirstea vs. Sabine Lisicki: Drama potential!
Nadia Petrova vs. Jarmila Gajdasova: Meltdown potential (both ways)
Melanie Oudin vs. Lucie Safarova: Can Oudin do it?
Marion Bartoli vs. Jamie Hampton: Bartoli had better be ready.
Daniela Hantuchova vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova: Already noted
Peng Shuai vs. Elena Vesnina: Always fun
Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs. Venus Williams: Potential high-quality entertainment (or not)
Vania King vs. Yaroslava Shvedova: Already noted
Urszula Radwanska vs. Roberta Vinci: Just because (note: Vinci just won her first outdoor hard court title)
There are so many questions involving this Open. Will Serena Williams be able to keep her focus away from the umpires? Will the weather turn more humid and cause Petra Kvitova's asthma to do her in? Will Kvitova be too exhausted to compete at her top level? Will Kim Clijsters, who is about to retire, suddenly go on a big tear and take out top players? Will a rested Victoria Azarenka pull out her earphones, remove her hoodie, and run over the rest of the field?
We'll know the answers soon!
U.S. Open predictions
Steve Tignor--Serena Williams
Darren Cahill--Serena Williams
Peter Bodo--Serena Williams
Chris Evert--Serena Williams
Richard Pagliaro--Serena Williams
Ed McGrogan--Petra Kvitova
Pam Shriver--Serena Williams
Cliff Drysdale--Serena Williams
Brad Gilbert--Serena Williams
Todd Spiker--Li Na*
Patrick McEnroe--Serena Williams
Greg Garber--Serena Williams
Kamakshi Tandon--Petra Kvitova
Mary Joe Fernandez--Serena Williams
Ravi Ubha--Victoria Azarenka
Matt Wilansky--Serena Williams
Courtney Nguyen--Serena Williams
*carla's Beautiful Selections--Serena Williams
Darren Cahill--Serena Williams
Peter Bodo--Serena Williams
Chris Evert--Serena Williams
Richard Pagliaro--Serena Williams
Ed McGrogan--Petra Kvitova
Pam Shriver--Serena Williams
Cliff Drysdale--Serena Williams
Brad Gilbert--Serena Williams
Todd Spiker--Li Na*
Patrick McEnroe--Serena Williams
Greg Garber--Serena Williams
Kamakshi Tandon--Petra Kvitova
Mary Joe Fernandez--Serena Williams
Ravi Ubha--Victoria Azarenka
Matt Wilansky--Serena Williams
Courtney Nguyen--Serena Williams
*carla's Beautiful Selections--Serena Williams
Kvitova wins in New Haven
Petra Kvitova saved a set point in the first set tiebreak, and then saved another set point in the second today when she won the New Haven championship match against Maria Kirklenko. It was a very good match--quite deserving of its final status--and it showed just how much Kirilenko has worked on her already-admirable game.
Commentator Rennae Stubbs--observing Kvitova's second set fatigue, when she "went off"--kept asking what was wrong with the Czech player. Has she never seen Kvitova play?! Kvitova (who didn't drop a set in New Haven) often takes a hard road to get to the end, and sometimes the end just isn't what she had expected. Today, though, she came back more than once to defeat the clever and hard-hitting Kirilenko 7-6, 7-5.
Kvitova, the winner of the U.S. Open Series, won in both Montreal and New Haven.
Top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond won the doubles championship, defeating 2nd seeds Andrea Hlavackoa and Lucie Hradecka 4-6, 6-0, 10-4.
Commentator Rennae Stubbs--observing Kvitova's second set fatigue, when she "went off"--kept asking what was wrong with the Czech player. Has she never seen Kvitova play?! Kvitova (who didn't drop a set in New Haven) often takes a hard road to get to the end, and sometimes the end just isn't what she had expected. Today, though, she came back more than once to defeat the clever and hard-hitting Kirilenko 7-6, 7-5.
Kvitova, the winner of the U.S. Open Series, won in both Montreal and New Haven.
Top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond won the doubles championship, defeating 2nd seeds Andrea Hlavackoa and Lucie Hradecka 4-6, 6-0, 10-4.
Vinci wins Texas Open
Roberta Vinci won the Texas Open yesterday when she defeated Jelena Jankovic 7-5, 6-3 in the final. Jankovic served for the first set, but was broken. She was down 0-3 in the second set, but caught up for 3-all, then had break points against Vinci, but was unable to convert them. This is Jankovic's fifth loss in a final this season. The Dallas win gives Vinci her seventh WTA title (her first on an outdoor hard court).
Stanford champions Heather Watson and Marina Erakovic won the doubles championship. They defeated Lega Dekmeijere and Irina Falconi 6-3, 6-0.
Stanford champions Heather Watson and Marina Erakovic won the doubles championship. They defeated Lega Dekmeijere and Irina Falconi 6-3, 6-0.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Passing shots
Petra Kvitova has won the U.S. Open Series. Kvitova's quarterfinal victory over Lucie Safarova in New Haven puts her in first place.
The U.S. Open draw has been announced, and the Heather Watson curse continues. Watson's first-round opponent is Li Na. More on the draw soon.
Roberta Vinci has advanced to the final of the Texas Open in Dallas. Her opponent will be Jelena Jankovic, who defeated Casey Dellacqua in the semifinals. Vinci defeated Bojana Jovanovski 6-0, 6-0. Ouch.
Vera Zvonareva has withdrawn from the U.S. Open because of a viral illness.
Here's a look at the previously mentioned special Fila Kim Clijsters tribute collection. I like it.
Caroline Wozniacki, the defending champion in New Haven, has a knee injury and may not be able to advance to her semifinal match. She played through the injury and defeated Dominika Cibulkova in the quarterfinals.
The WTA has released the second part of its "Strong Is Beautiful" campaign. Here is one of the best photos ever. And here is one of the videos:
The U.S. Open draw has been announced, and the Heather Watson curse continues. Watson's first-round opponent is Li Na. More on the draw soon.
Roberta Vinci has advanced to the final of the Texas Open in Dallas. Her opponent will be Jelena Jankovic, who defeated Casey Dellacqua in the semifinals. Vinci defeated Bojana Jovanovski 6-0, 6-0. Ouch.
Vera Zvonareva has withdrawn from the U.S. Open because of a viral illness.
Here's a look at the previously mentioned special Fila Kim Clijsters tribute collection. I like it.
Caroline Wozniacki, the defending champion in New Haven, has a knee injury and may not be able to advance to her semifinal match. She played through the injury and defeated Dominika Cibulkova in the quarterfinals.
The WTA has released the second part of its "Strong Is Beautiful" campaign. Here is one of the best photos ever. And here is one of the videos:
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Radwanska retires in New Haven
Top seed Agnieszka Radwanska, whose shoulder injury came back to haunt her a couple of weeks ago, retired today in New Haven against Olga Govortsova. Govortsova won the first set 6-0, and when she was ahead 2-1 in the second, her opponent retired. The U.S. Open begins in less than a week, which doesn't bode well for Radwansksa. On the other hand, she has done extremely well before while injured---and that includes her 2011 back-to-back Asian wins--so we'll just have to wait and see.
Sloane Stephens won nine games in a row against Marion Bartoli, putting her ahead 3-0 in the third set, but she lost. Bartoli defeated her 6-1, 0-6, 6-3.
In Dallas, 2nd seed Jelena Jankovic has made it to the third round, having defeated both Yaroslava Shvedova and Arantxa Rus.
Sloane Stephens won nine games in a row against Marion Bartoli, putting her ahead 3-0 in the third set, but she lost. Bartoli defeated her 6-1, 0-6, 6-3.
In Dallas, 2nd seed Jelena Jankovic has made it to the third round, having defeated both Yaroslava Shvedova and Arantxa Rus.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Li wins Cincinnati championship
Sometimes a match has such a distinct turning point, one can almost place a bet on the outcome after that point has passed. Such was the case today in the eighth game of the second set in the Cincinnati championship match between 5th seed Angelique Kerber and 9th seed Li Na. After winning only one game in the opening set and going down a break in the second, Li fought for around 13 minutes in that eighth game, watching multiple chances to break go by. But break she finally did, and after that, the match was all about the Chinese star.
This was Li at her best, playing a smart game (with new coach Carlos Rodriguez) and not falling into the same fate as Petra Kvitova did. Li slowed herself down and took every advantage of an exhausted Kerber, who appeared to be having some trouble with one of her thighs. Li hit three times as many winners as Kerber, and she served well. Kerber's defensive skills are high, but she faded in the third set, as Li moved her around the court expertly and took almost total control of the match.
This is Li's first title--a big one--of the year, though she played in three other finals. Depending on how Kvitova does in New Haven, Li could win the U.S. Open Series. At any rate, she can now be considered a serious contender at Flushing Meadows.
The doubles title was taken by Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka, who defeated Katarina Srebotnik and Zheng Jie 6-1, 6-3. This is the eighth title for the team. Hlavacova and Hradecka won the French Open in 2011, and they were the runners-up this year at Wimbledon.
This was Li at her best, playing a smart game (with new coach Carlos Rodriguez) and not falling into the same fate as Petra Kvitova did. Li slowed herself down and took every advantage of an exhausted Kerber, who appeared to be having some trouble with one of her thighs. Li hit three times as many winners as Kerber, and she served well. Kerber's defensive skills are high, but she faded in the third set, as Li moved her around the court expertly and took almost total control of the match.
This is Li's first title--a big one--of the year, though she played in three other finals. Depending on how Kvitova does in New Haven, Li could win the U.S. Open Series. At any rate, she can now be considered a serious contender at Flushing Meadows.
The doubles title was taken by Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka, who defeated Katarina Srebotnik and Zheng Jie 6-1, 6-3. This is the eighth title for the team. Hlavacova and Hradecka won the French Open in 2011, and they were the runners-up this year at Wimbledon.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Li and Kerber to play in Cincinnati final
Tomorrow, for the second week in a row, Li Na will have a chance to win her first title of 2012. Li beat an ailing Venus Williams 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 in a semifinal that had its good moments, but that was inconsistently played by both opponents. Williams' back was bothering her from the moment she stepped onto the court, but she kept right on playing.
In the other semifinal, the relentless Angelique Kerber got her eighth win over a top 10 player this year when she beat Petra Kvitova 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. "She didn't know what's going on," Kvitova's coach said of the 4th seed's first set performance. She didn't. She redeemed herself in the second set--in a big way--but you know Petra. By the time the third set rolled around, she was engaging in yet another festival of unforced errors, and Kerber is getting harder and harder to put away these days, even when her opponent is playing better than Kvitova did.
After Kerber went up 5-2 in the third, Kvitova broke her. Kerber then had a match point on her opponent's serve when Kvitova hit a forehand error outside of the ad court. Kvitova saved the point with an ace, and went on to hold for 4-5. Kerber soon had two match points on her own serve, one of which Kvitova saved, but the German player took the match on her third match point.
Kerber, seeded 5th, hit 16 winners and made 19 unforced errors. Kvitova hit 44 winners and made 56 unforced errors. The math says it all.
The Czech team of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka will compete in the doubles final against Katarina Srebotnik and Zheng Jie. Srebotnik and Zheng defeated Nuria Llagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez today in the semifinals.
If Kvitova had won her semifinal match, she would have also won the U.S. Open Series. But with her loss to Kerber, the series remains open for someone to win.
In the other semifinal, the relentless Angelique Kerber got her eighth win over a top 10 player this year when she beat Petra Kvitova 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. "She didn't know what's going on," Kvitova's coach said of the 4th seed's first set performance. She didn't. She redeemed herself in the second set--in a big way--but you know Petra. By the time the third set rolled around, she was engaging in yet another festival of unforced errors, and Kerber is getting harder and harder to put away these days, even when her opponent is playing better than Kvitova did.
After Kerber went up 5-2 in the third, Kvitova broke her. Kerber then had a match point on her opponent's serve when Kvitova hit a forehand error outside of the ad court. Kvitova saved the point with an ace, and went on to hold for 4-5. Kerber soon had two match points on her own serve, one of which Kvitova saved, but the German player took the match on her third match point.
Kerber, seeded 5th, hit 16 winners and made 19 unforced errors. Kvitova hit 44 winners and made 56 unforced errors. The math says it all.
The Czech team of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka will compete in the doubles final against Katarina Srebotnik and Zheng Jie. Srebotnik and Zheng defeated Nuria Llagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez today in the semifinals.
If Kvitova had won her semifinal match, she would have also won the U.S. Open Series. But with her loss to Kerber, the series remains open for someone to win.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Cincinnati semifinals should be worth watching
Who would possibly want to get into a hitting contest with Petra Kvitova?
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova would! In a day of very enjoyable quarterfinals, Pavlyuchenkova may have lost, but she let everyone see why she is still one to be watched. In fact, the rally that the Russian won in the sixth game of the second set was easily worth the price of admission. Pavlyuchenkova served really well, and wasn't afraid to take a big (but sometimes subtle) game to Kvitova. In the end, though, it was Kvitova who knew what to do, and her 6-3, 7-6 victory takes her to the semifinals, in which she'll play Angelique Kerber.
Kerber played with great steadiness of mind as she defeated Serena Williams, of all people, in straight sets. Williams was clearly not feeling it, and her frustration was on display throughout much of the match. One can't help but think that fatigue was a major factor. Kerber defeated Williams 6-4, 6-4.
Li Na practically ran through Agnieszka Radwanska, and beat her 6-1, 6-1. Radwanska had her shoulder (you know, that shoulder) tended to in the second set, and part of the time, she seemed to be just barely setting up her shots. None of this bothered Li, who is suddenly looking like her old hard court master self.
And then there was Venus Williams. Williams and Sam Stosur engaged in a very well-played match, which could have gone either way, but it was Williams who prevailed, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4. The two players broke each other 11 times and played for over two hours and 34 minutes--and Williams looked filled with energy, even at the end. She was thrilled, and surely this match marked a turning point for her, because here she is, suddenly, in the semifinals in Cincinnati.
Earlier in the day, the ESPN commentators had a lot to say about Caroline Wozniacki, who lost her quarterfinal match to Pavlyuchenkova. They talked about whose "voice" Wozniacki really hears as she trains, and Brad Gilbert was adamant in stating that there should be only one voice. He also said he thought Wozniacki's number one priority should be to get her movement back to its former level. "Confidence equals two steps quicker on the court," Pam Shriver noted. In all, it was a thoughtful discussion.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova would! In a day of very enjoyable quarterfinals, Pavlyuchenkova may have lost, but she let everyone see why she is still one to be watched. In fact, the rally that the Russian won in the sixth game of the second set was easily worth the price of admission. Pavlyuchenkova served really well, and wasn't afraid to take a big (but sometimes subtle) game to Kvitova. In the end, though, it was Kvitova who knew what to do, and her 6-3, 7-6 victory takes her to the semifinals, in which she'll play Angelique Kerber.
Kerber played with great steadiness of mind as she defeated Serena Williams, of all people, in straight sets. Williams was clearly not feeling it, and her frustration was on display throughout much of the match. One can't help but think that fatigue was a major factor. Kerber defeated Williams 6-4, 6-4.
Li Na practically ran through Agnieszka Radwanska, and beat her 6-1, 6-1. Radwanska had her shoulder (you know, that shoulder) tended to in the second set, and part of the time, she seemed to be just barely setting up her shots. None of this bothered Li, who is suddenly looking like her old hard court master self.
And then there was Venus Williams. Williams and Sam Stosur engaged in a very well-played match, which could have gone either way, but it was Williams who prevailed, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4. The two players broke each other 11 times and played for over two hours and 34 minutes--and Williams looked filled with energy, even at the end. She was thrilled, and surely this match marked a turning point for her, because here she is, suddenly, in the semifinals in Cincinnati.
Earlier in the day, the ESPN commentators had a lot to say about Caroline Wozniacki, who lost her quarterfinal match to Pavlyuchenkova. They talked about whose "voice" Wozniacki really hears as she trains, and Brad Gilbert was adamant in stating that there should be only one voice. He also said he thought Wozniacki's number one priority should be to get her movement back to its former level. "Confidence equals two steps quicker on the court," Pam Shriver noted. In all, it was a thoughtful discussion.
Friday cat blogging--birthday edition
Here is a photo from the archives, with Velma greeting Roxie with a big tongue smack. The sisters are 9 years old this month, though we have no way of knowing the exact date of their birth--they are rescue cats. Happy Birthday to Roxie and Velma!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Passing shots
The following players have received wild cards into the main draw of the U.S. Open: Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Nicole Gibbs, Mallory Burdette, Victoria Duval, Julia Cohen, Casey Dellacqua, and Kristina Mladenovic.
As many of us suspected, the drop in Montreal's humidity level helped Petra Kvitova survive the Rogers Cup tournament, despite her asthmas, which tends to flare up in North America.
Here is a feature story on Varvara Lepchenko.
Sugarpova will be officially launched as a product on Monday, August 20. Maria Sharapova will be at the 5th Avenue Henri Bendel store to give the world a first taste of her new candy.
Tennis Channel will feature Kim Clijsters Week beginning August 20. Five of the Belgian star's memorable matches will be shown.
Angelique Kerber is blogging from Cincinnati.
It's time to get to know Ekaterina Makarova.
Lucie Safarova is now in the top 20 (she's currently number 19 in the world), which means that two Czech players are in the top 20 for the first time in 17 years. Petra Kvitova is the world's number 5 player.
As many of us suspected, the drop in Montreal's humidity level helped Petra Kvitova survive the Rogers Cup tournament, despite her asthmas, which tends to flare up in North America.
Here is a feature story on Varvara Lepchenko.
Sugarpova will be officially launched as a product on Monday, August 20. Maria Sharapova will be at the 5th Avenue Henri Bendel store to give the world a first taste of her new candy.
Tennis Channel will feature Kim Clijsters Week beginning August 20. Five of the Belgian star's memorable matches will be shown.
Angelique Kerber is blogging from Cincinnati.
It's time to get to know Ekaterina Makarova.
Lucie Safarova is now in the top 20 (she's currently number 19 in the world), which means that two Czech players are in the top 20 for the first time in 17 years. Petra Kvitova is the world's number 5 player.
If you miss Dinara, you'll love Petra
I miss Thrill Ride. I really do. But a fan can get some of her heart-stopping behavior in Petra Kvitova, who frequently tends to do things the hard way. Today, Rogers Cup champion Kvitova was up against Mona Barthel, who only recently turned her poor season around. Barthel won the first set, Kvitova won the second, but was broken in the third. This story had a happy ending for the Czech star--she won the final set 7-5--but she took the long road to get there.
Peng Shuai, who took out Jelena Jankovic in the first round, advanced to the third round with a straight set win over Roberta Vinci. Both Carlsbad champiion Dominika Cibulkova and Yaroslava Shvedova retired, the one with a right elbow injury, and the other with heat illness. Tamira Paszek, Christina McHale and Nadia Petrova retired in their matches yesterday.
Also yesterday, Marion Bartoli's season continued in its downward direction when she lost in the second round to Johanna Larsson.
Sloane Stephens has reached the third round in both singles and doubles. Her doubles partner is Varvara Lepchenko.
Also reaching the third round is Venus Williams, who defeated both Maria Kirilenko and Chanelle Scheepers.
Peng Shuai, who took out Jelena Jankovic in the first round, advanced to the third round with a straight set win over Roberta Vinci. Both Carlsbad champiion Dominika Cibulkova and Yaroslava Shvedova retired, the one with a right elbow injury, and the other with heat illness. Tamira Paszek, Christina McHale and Nadia Petrova retired in their matches yesterday.
Also yesterday, Marion Bartoli's season continued in its downward direction when she lost in the second round to Johanna Larsson.
Sloane Stephens has reached the third round in both singles and doubles. Her doubles partner is Varvara Lepchenko.
Also reaching the third round is Venus Williams, who defeated both Maria Kirilenko and Chanelle Scheepers.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Kvitova wins Rogers Cup
Petra Kvitova, seeded 5th in Montreal, won the title today when she defeated 10th seed Li Na 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. For so long, many of us have wanted to see both of these players reach a final, and they reached the same one, playing for over two and a quarter hours. And while she lapsed in the second set, the Czech star went on to win on all 18 of her first serves in the final set. This was Kvitova's first title (notwithstanding Fed Cup) of the year, and her first North American hard court title ever.
Kvitova's asthma tends to give her problems on the North American continent, but here's hoping she can find a way around her illness for the remainder of the North American season.
Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, Jelena Jankovic served for the match in the second set, and later held five match points in the third set tiebreak of her opening round match against Peng Shuai. But it was Peng who won--5-7, 7-5, 7-6. Oh, Jelena.
Also in Cincinnati, wild card Camila Giorgi defeated 14th seed Francesca Schiavone in straight sets, and Mona Barthel defeated Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-4, 6-0. Barthel has had a very disappointing season, but is obviously on a better path.
Kvitova's asthma tends to give her problems on the North American continent, but here's hoping she can find a way around her illness for the remainder of the North American season.
Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, Jelena Jankovic served for the match in the second set, and later held five match points in the third set tiebreak of her opening round match against Peng Shuai. But it was Peng who won--5-7, 7-5, 7-6. Oh, Jelena.
Also in Cincinnati, wild card Camila Giorgi defeated 14th seed Francesca Schiavone in straight sets, and Mona Barthel defeated Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-4, 6-0. Barthel has had a very disappointing season, but is obviously on a better path.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Li and Kvitova to meet in Rogers Cup final
Who would have thought it? Li Na and Petra Kvitova--great players who have not had the seasons they should have had--have made it to the final in Monreal. Li came from 1-5 down in the third set to beat Lucie Safarova, and Kvitova--who appeared to benefit from another rain break--defeated 2010 Rogers Cup champion Caroline Wozniacki in three sets.
This was, by the way, the first time that a match between Kvitova and Wozniacki went to three sets. Kevin Skinner, who did a good job of calling the match on Tennis TV, said "Good for you" if you saw the Kvitova phenomenon coming in 2011--so good for me, I guess! He was also quick to point out the cleverness of someone in the booth: Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" played while Piotr Wozniacki blabbed non-stop to his charge during one of the breaks.
Li Na summed it all up very well, as usual: "This is tennis. You have to put the ball over the net and back in the court. It looks easy, but sometimes it can be hard to do."
Klaudi Jans-Ignacik and Kristina Mladenovic won the doubles title. The unseeded team defeated 3rd seeds Nadia Petrova and Katarina Srebotnik 7-5, 2-6, 10-7.
This was, by the way, the first time that a match between Kvitova and Wozniacki went to three sets. Kevin Skinner, who did a good job of calling the match on Tennis TV, said "Good for you" if you saw the Kvitova phenomenon coming in 2011--so good for me, I guess! He was also quick to point out the cleverness of someone in the booth: Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" played while Piotr Wozniacki blabbed non-stop to his charge during one of the breaks.
Li Na summed it all up very well, as usual: "This is tennis. You have to put the ball over the net and back in the court. It looks easy, but sometimes it can be hard to do."
Klaudi Jans-Ignacik and Kristina Mladenovic won the doubles title. The unseeded team defeated 3rd seeds Nadia Petrova and Katarina Srebotnik 7-5, 2-6, 10-7.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Passing shots
Laura Robson has hired Zeljko Krajan as her coach. Stay tuned......
Maria Sharapova, who had to withdraw from Montreal because of a stomach virus, has withdrawn from Cincinnati for the same reason.
Stanford player Mallory Burdette has been given a wild card into the main draw of the U.S. Open. Burdette won the USTA Pro Circuit Point Race.
Here's a look at Serena Williams' fall tennis dresses from Nike.
And here is Maria Kirilenko's beautiful fall Addidas outfit.
Finally, though it isn't from a tennis player, here is your quote of the week (courtesy of Beyond the Baseline), from the totally inspiring Aliya Mustafina:
What would be a reason not to go to the gym?
"Death."
Maria Sharapova, who had to withdraw from Montreal because of a stomach virus, has withdrawn from Cincinnati for the same reason.
Stanford player Mallory Burdette has been given a wild card into the main draw of the U.S. Open. Burdette won the USTA Pro Circuit Point Race.
Here's a look at Serena Williams' fall tennis dresses from Nike.
And here is Maria Kirilenko's beautiful fall Addidas outfit.
Finally, though it isn't from a tennis player, here is your quote of the week (courtesy of Beyond the Baseline), from the totally inspiring Aliya Mustafina:
What would be a reason not to go to the gym?
"Death."
Li advances to semifinals in Montreal
Li Na, whose season has been quite disappointing, handily defeated 2nd seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2, 6-1 in Rogers Cup play today. Li has now advanced to the semifinals and will play Lucie Safarova for a spot in the final. Safarova's run has been impressive; she took out both Sam Stosur and Roberta Vinci. Both Vinci and Radwanska had to play two matches today, it should be noted, because of rain delays. In her first round of the day, Vinci beat Angelique Kerber.
Also advancing to the semifinals were Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki. Wozniacki defeated Aleksandra Wozniak 6-4, 6-4, and Kvitova defeated Tamira Paszek 6-3, 6-2. In the third round, Kvitova pretty much ran over Marion Bartoli.
Top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond were defeated in the doubles semifinals today by 3rd seeds Nadia Petrova--that would be Olympic medal winner Nadia Petrova--and Katarina Srebotnik.
Also advancing to the semifinals were Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki. Wozniacki defeated Aleksandra Wozniak 6-4, 6-4, and Kvitova defeated Tamira Paszek 6-3, 6-2. In the third round, Kvitova pretty much ran over Marion Bartoli.
Top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond were defeated in the doubles semifinals today by 3rd seeds Nadia Petrova--that would be Olympic medal winner Nadia Petrova--and Katarina Srebotnik.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Rogers Cup play starting to look like 2011
Last year, the Rogers Cup was so full of upsets that fans felt the need to create slogans like "Toronto--where champions come to lose." Another of those slogans was "No one can crack da Vinci code," because Roberta Vinci went on such a tear. Today, in the second round, Vinci upset 11th seed Ana Ivanovic 6-0, 6-0. Ivanovic saved three of nine break points; Vinci never had a break point against her. (In the first round, by the way, Vinci defeated Yanina Wickmayer.)
Jelena Jankovic is out. She was defeated in straight sets in the second round by Canadian wild card Aleksandra Wozniak. More surprising was the defeat of Dominika Cibulkova, also in straight sets, by Varvara Lepchenko.
Sabine Lisicki went out in the second round, too--to Carla Suarez Navarro. And the first round marked an exit for Julia Goerges, Daniela Hantuchova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and Nadia Petrova. Not to be ignored was Sesil Karatantcheva's first round 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Sorana Cirstea.(Karatantcheva was defeated in the second round by Lucie Safarova.)
Both Simona Halep and Flavia Pennetta retired in their second round matches.
Serena Williams won the 2011 Rogers Cup. She isn't in Montreal to defend her title, but a number of top players are competing there. The top seed is Victoria Azarenka, and she is joined by Angieszka Radwanska, Sam Stosur, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, and Marion Bartoli.
Jelena Jankovic is out. She was defeated in straight sets in the second round by Canadian wild card Aleksandra Wozniak. More surprising was the defeat of Dominika Cibulkova, also in straight sets, by Varvara Lepchenko.
Sabine Lisicki went out in the second round, too--to Carla Suarez Navarro. And the first round marked an exit for Julia Goerges, Daniela Hantuchova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and Nadia Petrova. Not to be ignored was Sesil Karatantcheva's first round 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Sorana Cirstea.(Karatantcheva was defeated in the second round by Lucie Safarova.)
Both Simona Halep and Flavia Pennetta retired in their second round matches.
Serena Williams won the 2011 Rogers Cup. She isn't in Montreal to defend her title, but a number of top players are competing there. The top seed is Victoria Azarenka, and she is joined by Angieszka Radwanska, Sam Stosur, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, and Marion Bartoli.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Every time a player screams, an angel gets her medal
Some people think that tennis shouldn't be an Olympic event, but I'm glad it is. The 2012 Olympic singles event showcased all three current winners of majors, which felt "right" to many tennis fans. World number 2 Agnieszka Radwanska made an unfortunate early exit, and--alas--Petra Kvitova didn't make it to the medal stand (I really thought she might get it together for the Olympics). But it was nevertheless gratifying to see Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka receive their Olympic medals.
There is probably no way to adequately describe the triumph of Serena Williams. After all she has been through, to win both Wimbledon and an Olympic gold medal is a double feat of immense proportions. Add to that the almost scary dominance she displayed over Sharapova in the final, and we see Williams as not only the great champion that she is, but also as the inspirational force she has become.
Both Williams and Sharapova have taught us that obstacles--even seemingly unmovable ones--can be knocked down. But we can also learn from Azarenka, who has learned to fight distraction in every form, and to focus on winning. And she has done it all without compromising; she is still (thank goodness) Vika, in all her earphones-in, tongue-out, in-your-face glory.
Among them, the three medal winners can make themselves heard for a great distance, and their personalities light up the tour.
Venus Williams--who has also been through, and continues to go through--very trying times--was not to be denied, either. She and her sister won the doubles gold medal for the third time, once again forcing the tennis history book chapter called "Williams Sisters" to expand. The great Czech team of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka won silver, and--to the joy of fans--the Russian team of Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova won bronze. That joy comes about because the impressive Kirilenko lost the bronze medal match in singles, and because--well, you know--Oh, Nadia.
Azarenka did go home with a gold medal. She and partner Max Mirnyi won the mixed doubles competition, and the ever-improving Laura Robson won the silver. Accompanying Robson was singles gold medal winner Andy Murray, so host country Great Britain had much to celebrate. Finally, talented and determined veteran Lisa Raymond, with partner Mike Bryan, won the bronze medal in mixed doubles.
I should add that I especially enjoyed seeing the players' Olympic tennis outfits, and I couldn't get enough of Venus's red-white-and-blue braids. I like the Wimbledon all-white tradition, but the colors of many nations looked great against the green courts.
There is probably no way to adequately describe the triumph of Serena Williams. After all she has been through, to win both Wimbledon and an Olympic gold medal is a double feat of immense proportions. Add to that the almost scary dominance she displayed over Sharapova in the final, and we see Williams as not only the great champion that she is, but also as the inspirational force she has become.
Both Williams and Sharapova have taught us that obstacles--even seemingly unmovable ones--can be knocked down. But we can also learn from Azarenka, who has learned to fight distraction in every form, and to focus on winning. And she has done it all without compromising; she is still (thank goodness) Vika, in all her earphones-in, tongue-out, in-your-face glory.
Among them, the three medal winners can make themselves heard for a great distance, and their personalities light up the tour.
Venus Williams--who has also been through, and continues to go through--very trying times--was not to be denied, either. She and her sister won the doubles gold medal for the third time, once again forcing the tennis history book chapter called "Williams Sisters" to expand. The great Czech team of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka won silver, and--to the joy of fans--the Russian team of Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova won bronze. That joy comes about because the impressive Kirilenko lost the bronze medal match in singles, and because--well, you know--Oh, Nadia.
Azarenka did go home with a gold medal. She and partner Max Mirnyi won the mixed doubles competition, and the ever-improving Laura Robson won the silver. Accompanying Robson was singles gold medal winner Andy Murray, so host country Great Britain had much to celebrate. Finally, talented and determined veteran Lisa Raymond, with partner Mike Bryan, won the bronze medal in mixed doubles.
I should add that I especially enjoyed seeing the players' Olympic tennis outfits, and I couldn't get enough of Venus's red-white-and-blue braids. I like the Wimbledon all-white tradition, but the colors of many nations looked great against the green courts.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Williams sisters win gold in Olympic doubles
The bronze medal went to the Russian team of Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova, who defeated Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Huber sustained an injury during the match, but--after receiving treatment--continued to play.
It seems to me that ever since Petrova began playing with Kirilenko, she has cut out so many of the unforced errors that used to plague her doubles game.
Winning gold in mixed doubles were Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi, who defeated Laura Robson and Andy Murray 2-6, 6-3, 10-8. It was an enjoyable match, with all four players providing some excitement for spectators. Both women served vey well. Later in the match, however, it was Azarenka who raised her overall game, while Robson appeared to be affected a bit by the pressure.
Earlier in the day, Murray won the gold medal in singles when he defeated Roger Federer in straight sets. Azarenka leaves the Games with the gold medal she won today, and with the bronze she won in singles. Not bad.
Taking the bronze medal in mixed doubles were Lisa Raymond and Mike Bryan. They defeated Sabine Lisicki and Christopher Kas 6-3, 4-6, 10-4.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Olympic doubles final to be a repeat of Wimbledon final
It took six match points, but Serena and Venus Williams defeated 3rd seeds Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova 7-5, 6-4 in the doubles semifinals at the Olympic Games today. Their opponents in the gold medal match will be 4th seeds Andrea Hlackova and Lucie Hradecka. The Czech team upset top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond in the semifinals. The Williams sisters defeated Hlavackova and Hradecka in the Wimbledon final last month.
Competing for the mixed doubles final will be Top seeds Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi and the unseeded team of Laura Robson and Andy Murray. Azarenka won the bronze medal in singles, and Murray has advanced to the men's singles final.
While we're focused on the Games, there's another competition that's been going on. Tonight, Magdalina Rybarikova won the Citi Open in Washington, DC. Rybarikova defeated Top seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 6-1 in the final. Pavlyuchenkova suffered from heat illness during her semifinal match against Vania King.
The doubles title was won by Shuko Aoyama and Chang Kai-Chen. They defeated Irina falconi and Chanelle Scheepers 7-5, 6-2.
Competing for the mixed doubles final will be Top seeds Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi and the unseeded team of Laura Robson and Andy Murray. Azarenka won the bronze medal in singles, and Murray has advanced to the men's singles final.
While we're focused on the Games, there's another competition that's been going on. Tonight, Magdalina Rybarikova won the Citi Open in Washington, DC. Rybarikova defeated Top seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 6-1 in the final. Pavlyuchenkova suffered from heat illness during her semifinal match against Vania King.
The doubles title was won by Shuko Aoyama and Chang Kai-Chen. They defeated Irina falconi and Chanelle Scheepers 7-5, 6-2.
Solid (gold) Serena
It took only 63 minutes for Serena Williams to beat Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 in the final of the Olympic Games, and--in doing so--to complete the career Golden Slam. (Commentators take note--it is not the Golden Slam--only Steffi Graf won that, and she might have won it twice had she not had to withdraw from a major.) Williams was so dominant, there was virtually nothing Sharapova could do to assert herself--and that's saying something, given the nature of Sharapova's game.
Williams' last two points were aces, and what else would we expect from her? As she herself recently said "You know how I like to do it." Oh, yes.
Earlier in the day, world number 1 Victoria Azarenka won the bronze medal by defeating Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-4. Down 0-3 in the second set, Kirilenko went from looking upset to looking determined, and she broke Azarenka, held at love, then broke Azarenka again. It looked like it might turn into a three-set contest, but Azarenka didn't let that happen.
Azarenka's victory marks the first time anyone from Belarus has ever won an Olympic medal in tennis.
This, by the way, is how it feels to win a career Golden Slam:
Friday, August 3, 2012
Williams and Sharapova to compete for Olympic gold
Today, Jon Wertheim was talking about little inspirational phrases that players recall or read in order to propel themselves to victory. Serena's phrase, he speculated, is "Get off my lawn!"
And there you are. Serena Williams dismantled world number 1 Victoria Azarenka, 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals of the Olympic Games in London. Williams hit 33 winners, including 16 aces, and made only five unforced errors. This was the 4th seed's 14th win over a world number 1.
Maria Sharapova impressively won the other semifinal, beating countrywoman Maria Kirilenko 6-2, 6-3, and hitting five times as many winners as her opponent.
Williams has an 8-2 record against Sharapova, and has won their last seven matches.
Kirilenko and Azarenka will compete for the bronze medal.
Top doubles seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond were defeated 6-1, 7-6 in the semifinals today by 4th seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. Still to be played is the semifinal between Serena and Venus Williams and the Russian team of Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova. Williams and Kirilenko are busy players at the Games.
And there you are. Serena Williams dismantled world number 1 Victoria Azarenka, 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals of the Olympic Games in London. Williams hit 33 winners, including 16 aces, and made only five unforced errors. This was the 4th seed's 14th win over a world number 1.
Maria Sharapova impressively won the other semifinal, beating countrywoman Maria Kirilenko 6-2, 6-3, and hitting five times as many winners as her opponent.
Williams has an 8-2 record against Sharapova, and has won their last seven matches.
Kirilenko and Azarenka will compete for the bronze medal.
Top doubles seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond were defeated 6-1, 7-6 in the semifinals today by 4th seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. Still to be played is the semifinal between Serena and Venus Williams and the Russian team of Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova. Williams and Kirilenko are busy players at the Games.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Kiriilenko hits unforgettable match point in Olympic quarterfinals
The wind blew, but Russia's Maria Kirilenko refused to be swayed. Making just one unforced error in the entire match, Kirilenko faced Petra Kvitova and left the court a semifinalist. The first set went to a tiebreak after both players held serve throughout. It was during the tiebreak, however, that the 14th seed raised her level ever so slightly, and took the first set.
I've been spreaking the news about Kirilenko for a long time, and today, she again rose to the occasion with a poise that some time ago made me a fan. Kirilenko broke Kvitova when she served at 3-4 in the second set, and then the Russian confidently served out the match. It couldn't have been easy, with the wind still blowing, and with one of the tour's top grass court players standing on the other side of the net, doing everything she knew to get the break back. At match point, Kvitova hit one of her famous wicked cross-court angle shots that barely skimmed the net and sent her opponent racing to the outer edges to try to get it back.
And then Kirilenko did something stunning: She not only got it back--she hit exactly the same shot, only better. The ball went so wide that Kvitova could only watch it head to the line, and Maria Kirilenko won the match in straight sets.
Kirilenko's reward will be to play countrywoman Maria Sharapova, who took out Kim Cijsters in straight sets (6-2, 7-5). The first set was easy for Sharapova; the second, more challenging.
Sharapova has a 3-2 record against Kirilenko. They have never played each other on grass.
Serena Williams made short work of Caroline Wozniacki, beating the former world number 1 6-0, 6-3. Now she faces the current world number 1, Victoria Azarenka, against whom she has an 8-1 record. Azarenka beat Angelique Kerber 6-4, 7-5 in a well-played, entertaining match.
Three of the top four seeds have made it to the semifinals. Missing, of course, is 2nd seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who was the victim of a first round upset by Julia Goerges.
The semifinal winners will wind up with gold and silver medals, and then a consolation match will be played to determine who wins the bronze medal. This means that Russia is going to be represented on the medal podium by at least one player.
In the doubles quarterfinals, the Williams sisters ended the run of 2nd seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, 3rd seeds Maria Kirilenko (there she is again) and Nadia Petrova defeated Peng Shuai and Zheng Jie, and the Czech team of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka defeated Chuang Chia-Jung and Hsieh Su-Wei.
In mixed doubles, Sabine Lisicki and Christopher Kas defeated 2nd seeds Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan 7-6, 6-7, 10-5. Also winning in mixed doubles were Sania Mirza and Leander Paes, and Laura Robson and partner Andy Murray.
I've been spreaking the news about Kirilenko for a long time, and today, she again rose to the occasion with a poise that some time ago made me a fan. Kirilenko broke Kvitova when she served at 3-4 in the second set, and then the Russian confidently served out the match. It couldn't have been easy, with the wind still blowing, and with one of the tour's top grass court players standing on the other side of the net, doing everything she knew to get the break back. At match point, Kvitova hit one of her famous wicked cross-court angle shots that barely skimmed the net and sent her opponent racing to the outer edges to try to get it back.
And then Kirilenko did something stunning: She not only got it back--she hit exactly the same shot, only better. The ball went so wide that Kvitova could only watch it head to the line, and Maria Kirilenko won the match in straight sets.
Kirilenko's reward will be to play countrywoman Maria Sharapova, who took out Kim Cijsters in straight sets (6-2, 7-5). The first set was easy for Sharapova; the second, more challenging.
Sharapova has a 3-2 record against Kirilenko. They have never played each other on grass.
Serena Williams made short work of Caroline Wozniacki, beating the former world number 1 6-0, 6-3. Now she faces the current world number 1, Victoria Azarenka, against whom she has an 8-1 record. Azarenka beat Angelique Kerber 6-4, 7-5 in a well-played, entertaining match.
Three of the top four seeds have made it to the semifinals. Missing, of course, is 2nd seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who was the victim of a first round upset by Julia Goerges.
The semifinal winners will wind up with gold and silver medals, and then a consolation match will be played to determine who wins the bronze medal. This means that Russia is going to be represented on the medal podium by at least one player.
In the doubles quarterfinals, the Williams sisters ended the run of 2nd seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, 3rd seeds Maria Kirilenko (there she is again) and Nadia Petrova defeated Peng Shuai and Zheng Jie, and the Czech team of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka defeated Chuang Chia-Jung and Hsieh Su-Wei.
In mixed doubles, Sabine Lisicki and Christopher Kas defeated 2nd seeds Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan 7-6, 6-7, 10-5. Also winning in mixed doubles were Sania Mirza and Leander Paes, and Laura Robson and partner Andy Murray.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Clijsters moves quietly into Olympic quarterfinals
The words "Kim Clijsters" have hardly been spoken since the Olympic Games began, but today, the Belgian star drifted quietly into the quarterfinals with a straight set win over Ana Ivanovic. Clijsters is retiring at the end of the season (if she makes it that far), so there is probably some very big motivation for her at these Games.
Maria Sharapova and Sabine Lisicki gave fans plentry of drama today in a tense, somtimes topsy-turvy match that ended with Sharapova's 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory. The opening set was thrilling, with Sharapova winning the tiebreak 10-8. The players double-faulted 19 times, between them. And while their unforced error counts were almost equal, Sharapova hit more than twice as many winners as Lisicki.
Sharapova--who lost to Lisicki at Wimbledon--remains unbeaten in three-set matches.
Petra Kvitova remembered who she was today, and defeated Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 6-0. Kvitova hit 30 winners and made only 11 unforced errors; the forehand was finding the lines (and the court). Also winning was Maria Kirilenko, who took out Julia Goerges 7-6, 6-3. Another Russian, Nadia Petrova, made an exit, however. Top seed Victoria Azarenka beat Petrova 7-6, 6-4. It should be noted that Petrova held three set points in the first-set tiebreak. (All together now: Oh, Nadia.)
Caroline Wozniacki defeated Daniela Hantuchova, and Angelique Kerber defeated Venus Williams in two tiebreak sets. Then there was Serena Williams, who pretty much ran over Vera Zvonareva, 6-1, 6-0.
In doubles, Elena Vesnina had to spend more time with Liezel Huber, but it's Huber who will be spending more time on the Wimbledon courts. She and partner Lisa Raymond defeated Vesnina and partner Ekaterina Makarova, 6-3, 6-3. This means that top seeds Huber and Raymond have advanced to the semifinals.
Also winning in doubles today were Chuang Chia-Jung and Hsieh Su-Wei. They defeated Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone 7-5, 6-4.
Of note: Agnieszka Radwanska lost in mixed doubles today, so her Olympic Games are over.
Here is the singles quarterfinal draw:
Victoria Azarenka (1) vs. Angelique Kerber (7)
Serena Williams (4) vs. Caroline Wozniacki (8)
Kim Clijsters vs. Maria Sharapova (3)
Petra Kvitova (6) vs. Maria Kirilenko (14)
Anything can happen, but this draw points toward the renewal of some pretty tasty rivalries in the semifinals.
Maria Sharapova and Sabine Lisicki gave fans plentry of drama today in a tense, somtimes topsy-turvy match that ended with Sharapova's 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory. The opening set was thrilling, with Sharapova winning the tiebreak 10-8. The players double-faulted 19 times, between them. And while their unforced error counts were almost equal, Sharapova hit more than twice as many winners as Lisicki.
Sharapova--who lost to Lisicki at Wimbledon--remains unbeaten in three-set matches.
Petra Kvitova remembered who she was today, and defeated Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 6-0. Kvitova hit 30 winners and made only 11 unforced errors; the forehand was finding the lines (and the court). Also winning was Maria Kirilenko, who took out Julia Goerges 7-6, 6-3. Another Russian, Nadia Petrova, made an exit, however. Top seed Victoria Azarenka beat Petrova 7-6, 6-4. It should be noted that Petrova held three set points in the first-set tiebreak. (All together now: Oh, Nadia.)
Caroline Wozniacki defeated Daniela Hantuchova, and Angelique Kerber defeated Venus Williams in two tiebreak sets. Then there was Serena Williams, who pretty much ran over Vera Zvonareva, 6-1, 6-0.
In doubles, Elena Vesnina had to spend more time with Liezel Huber, but it's Huber who will be spending more time on the Wimbledon courts. She and partner Lisa Raymond defeated Vesnina and partner Ekaterina Makarova, 6-3, 6-3. This means that top seeds Huber and Raymond have advanced to the semifinals.
Also winning in doubles today were Chuang Chia-Jung and Hsieh Su-Wei. They defeated Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone 7-5, 6-4.
Of note: Agnieszka Radwanska lost in mixed doubles today, so her Olympic Games are over.
Here is the singles quarterfinal draw:
Victoria Azarenka (1) vs. Angelique Kerber (7)
Serena Williams (4) vs. Caroline Wozniacki (8)
Kim Clijsters vs. Maria Sharapova (3)
Petra Kvitova (6) vs. Maria Kirilenko (14)
Anything can happen, but this draw points toward the renewal of some pretty tasty rivalries in the semifinals.
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