Wozniak continues to impress home crowd; enters last eight

On Day 4 at Quebec City, a seeded Canadian favorite won her spot in the quarterfinals after winning in easy straight sets, along with three unseeded players, since the top half of the draw completed their second round matches on Wednesday, who all won their matches in straight sets.

No. 5 seed Aleksandra Wozniak had a perfect day on Thursday, and impressed the crowd with an easy win over Carly Gullickson, 63 62.

The other three unseed players moving on to the quarters were Nathalie Dechy, who ousted No. 7 seed Olga Govortsova, 61 75; Galina Voskoboeva, who dismissed Rebecca Marine, 61 63; and lucky loser Angela Haynes, who advanced after beating Severine Bremond, 62 64.


Thursday, October 30, 2008

Singles - Second Round
(5) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. (Q) Carly Gullickson (USA) 63 62
Nathalie Dechy (FRA) d. (7) Olga Govortsova (BLR) 61 75
Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. (Q) Rebecca Marino (CAN) 61 63
(LL) Angela Haynes (USA) d. Severine Brémond (FRA) 62 64

Petrova has high hopes of winning; sixth seed survives battle

As Day 3 of the Bell Challenge wrapped up, top seed Nadia Petrova cruised through easily in straight sets in the night match, while sixth seed Bethanie Mattek had a tough three set win to enter the quarterfinals.

Petrova eased through past Varvara Lepchenko of Ukraine, 62 64. This is the Russian's first time playing in Quebec City, and so far she is doing well, winning her first round match also in straight sets.

Mattek had a very tough time on the courts on Wednesday, as she battled against Canadian Valerie Tetreault, and won 76(4) 36 76(1).

Other winners of the day were Melinda Czink, who dismissed 2007 semifinalist Julie Ditty 61 61; and Melanie Oudin, who fought against Olga Puckova, and won in straight sets, 61 76(3).

"When she was down she started going for everything, and she was making them," Oudin told reporters afterwards. "But when she was up in the second set I just tried to keep it tight with her, and she started making some errors again."


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Singles - Second Round
(1) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. (Q) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 62 64
(6) Bethanie Mattek (USA) d. (WC) Valérie Tétreault (CAN) 76(4) 36 76(1)
Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Julie Ditty (USA) 61 61
Melanie Oudin (USA) d. Olga Puchkova (RUS) 61 76(3)

Petrova cruises through; seeds go 3-3

The seeds in Quebec City had a muddled up day on Day 2, as there were three seeds who fell, and three seeds who cruised. Nadia Petrova, seeded first, was among the winners.

The three seeded winners were Petrova, who won her match in easy straight sets, to Maria Mokh, 61 62; No. 7 seed Olgo Govortsova, who defeated Vania King, 61 26 64; and No. 5 seed Aleksandra Wozniak, the home favorite, who crushed Edina Gallovits, 63 64.

The seeded losers of the day were No. 4 seed Tamarine Tanasugarn, who failed to beat Severine Bremond, 62 76(4); No. 8 seed Sofia Arvidsson, who was crushed by Galina Voskoboeva, 63 62; and No. 9 seed Sabine Lisicki, who lost to Melinda Czink in three tough sets, 62 57 63.

Other winner on Tuesday were Nathalie Dechy, who dispatched Anna-Lena Groenefeld, 63 61; qualifier Varvara Lepchenko, who beat Rossana de los Ríos, 61 63; another qualifier, Carly Gullickson, who rallied from 3-0 down in the first set to beat Ioana Raluca Olaru, 76(6) 61; and lucky loser Angela Haynes, who beat out Canada's Stéphanie Dubois in the last match of the day, 63 46 62.


Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Singles - First Round
(1) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. (Q) Maria Mokh (RUS) 61 62
Severine Brémond (FRA) d. (4) Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 62 76(4)
(5) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 64 63
(7) Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Vania King (USA) 61 26 64
Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. (8) Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 63 62
Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (9) Sabine Lisicki (GER) 62 57 63
Nathalie Dechy (FRA) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 63 61
(Q) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) d. Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) 61 63
(Q) Carly Gullickson (USA) d. Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 76(6) 61
(LL) Angela Haynes (USA) d. Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 63 46 62

Seeds go 1-1 on Day 1 in Quebec City; Bammer not included in second round action

On Day 1 of the Bell Challenge in Quebec City, Canada, already one of the seeded tournament favorites has been ousted, while the other seed successfully cruised into the second round.

No. 3 seed Sybille Bammer was the unlucky seed, as she fell in tough three sets to American teenager Melanie Oudin, 64 36 75.

Although, it was a much better day for No. 6 seed Bethanie Mattek, who ousted Canadian wildcard Sharon Fichman 63 63.

Other first round match winners were Julie Ditty, who dismissed Urzsula Radwanska, 76(2) 61; Olgo Puchkova beat Canadian wildcard Marie-Eve Pelletier, 63 61; and Mathilde Johansson was defeated by another Canadian wildcard, Valerie Tetreault, 61 75.


Monday, October 27, 2008

Singles - First Round
Melanie Oudin (USA) d. (3) Sybille Bammer (AUT) 64 36 75
(6) Bethanie Mattek (USA) d. (WC) Sharon Fichman (CAN) 63 63
Julie Ditty (USA) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 76(1) 62
Olga Puchkova (RUS) d. (WC) Marie-Ève Pelletier (CAN) 63 61
(WC) Valérie Tétreault (CAN) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 61 75

Dementieva triumphs in Luxembourg; wins second title of season

An experienced Russian and a young Dane took the courts on Sunday's FORTIS Championships Luxembourg, as the Russian was going for her second Sony Ericsson WTA Tour title, and the Dane was going for her fourth title of the season in as that many months.

No. 1 seed Olympic Gold medalist Elena Dementieva was on fire throughout the week, and it definitely showed today, as she defeated 18-year-old No. 4 seed Caroline Wozniacki in three sets, 26 64 76(4).

"I feel like I just won a Grand Slam," Dementieva said. "I think it was the most difficult final I've ever played. Caroline was playing so well - she has such a good defensive game, but was also hitting really good drop shots and passing shots. I had to stay positive and aggressive and I'm so happy I was able to win today."

"You don't feel great after you've lost 7-6 in the third, but Elena has had a great tournament and played a great match today, and really deserved to win here," Wozniacki said. "I knew it was going to be tough. I was fighting for every point. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to win the match today. But she played great."

"It feels so good coming here and winning this title," Dementieva said. "I feel I was playing well all week, and even with the pressure of playing in a final I was happy with how I performed today. Now I'm going to Monaco to start practicing outdoors for the last tournament of the year in Doha next week."

"It has been a fantastic year for me; I would have loved to win my fourth title here, but it just wasn't my day today," Wozniacki said. "Everything happens for a reason. Elena was just too good today. But I'll be back next year, for sure. I need to get the title now, after coming so close this year!"

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Singles - Final

(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (4) Caroline Woznaicki (DEN) 26 64 76(4)

Ivanovic achieves third title of the year in easy straight set victory to Russian

The top seed Ana Ivanovic had some ups and downs in her 2008 season, and the victory at the Generali Ladies Linz marked her third title win of the year, the latest being at the French Open.

The Serb had some injuries in the second half of the season, in the case of which she withdrew form the Olympics, and was ousted in early rounds in recent tournaments. But in Austria, she proved to be in her best form this week, after defeating Vera Zvonareva in easy straight sets, 62 61.

"When I went out there today I expected a very tough match, and I played well from the first point," Ivanovic said. "I had to be aggressive and put pressure on her and it worked, because I could see she was going for some risky shots. The score might make the match look like it was easier than it was, though - almost every point in the first set could've gone either way."

"Every final is a new experience and winning a title is always special," Ivanovic said. "Especially after coming back from an injury and putting in a lot of hard work, it's great to see the results. It's a very good feeling to win another title. I played better and better in every match and really enjoyed my week in Linz."

"I'm really disappointed with how I played today; I had no concentration at any stage of the match," said Zvonareva, who had seven double faults. "Maybe today I finally paid for all of the travelling and the many matches I've played over the last several weeks. Against a player like Ana you have to be 100%; she played well and I wasn't in it at all. I'll talk to my coach and see what happened."

"It was my goal to qualify for the Sony Ericsson Championships and finish the year in the Top 10, and I've done everything I could to do both," she continued. "I'm going to do everything I can to get ready for next week in Doha."




Sunday, October 26, 2008

Singles - Final
(1) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (2) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 62 61

Top seed through to title match; faces 18-year-old Dane

Top seed Elena Dementieva continued to impress the crowd in Luxembourg, as she will face Caroline Woznaicki in the final of the FORTIS Championships Luxembourg, after the Dane won her semifinal match in three sets.

Dementieva, the gold medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games, won to Sorana Cirstea in straight sets, 62 62.

"I was aggressive from the beginning till the end," Dementieva said. "She's a very good player, and I knew she likes to go after the ball as well, so I tried to dictate all the time to keep her on the defence. It worked out well, and I'm glad to be able to save some energy for the final."

Cirstea agreed with Dementieva's assessment of the match. "She started very quick and I lost my rhythm a bit at the start, and that was important," the Romanian said. "I tried to get back into the match but she didn't give me too many free points. I had to fight for everything, then maybe sometimes I risked too much. Today just wasn't my day, but I was playing a great player and I learnt a lot."

No. 4 seed Wozniacki had a much tougher semifinal match, as she won in tough three sets to No. 6 seed Li Na, 76(1) 36 62.

"In the third set I started from 0-0 in my mind; I knew I had to fight really hard for every point," Wozniacki recalled. Li kept going for the lines and forging her way to the net, often to good effect, but she later admitted to missing "too many easy balls".

"It's going to be a tough match," said the world No.16 of the prospect of a final against Dementieva. "She's had a great year. We played at the Olympics, but I learnt from that and I'm going to do the best I can."


Saturday, October 25, 2008

Singles - Semifinals
(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (8) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 62 62
(4) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (6) Li Na (CHN) 76(1) 36 62

Serb wins in three sets to enter final; awaits Russian No. 2 seed

The top two seeds at the Generali Ladies Linz made it to the finals, after the Serb won her match in three sets, and the Russian won her semifinal match in two easy sets.

Second seed Vera Zvonareva was the first to reserve a spot in the finals, as she ousted No. 6 seed Marion Bartoli, 60 61.

No. 1 seed Ana Ivanovic, had a much tougher match, against No. 3 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, but she eventually won, 62 36 75.

"It was a really tough match," Ivanovic said. "I started well in the first set. The second set wasn't as good as my first serve percentage dropped, and Agnieszka was getting the balls really low and short. The third set was a bit up and down. I rushed serving for the match at 5-3 and made some bad mistakes, but I stayed calm and worked hard and managed to go on and win. It was a really emotional third set. I felt energetic and was really pumped up."

"Vera has been playing well the last couple of weeks, finishing runner-up at Moscow and qualifying for the Sony Ericsson Championships, so it will be a tough match," Ivanovic said. "My semifinal obviously took longer than hers but tennis is also a mental game, and this match gives me confidence."

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (3) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 62 36 75

(2) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (6) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 60 61

Olympic Gold medalist through to semis after winning 14th encounter with Frenchwoman

Top seed Elena Dementieva improved her head-to-head score against Amelie Mauresmo, seeded 5th, as she made in 9-5, after winning to Amelie in straight sets. Other quarterfinal winners are 6th seed Li Na, Sorana Cirstea, seeded 8th, and Caroline Woznaicki, seeded 4th.

Dementieva won her 14 rivalry with Mauresmo in straight sets, 64 60.

"She has a great defensive game," said Dementieva after improving her head-to-head with her French rival to 6-8, "so I tried to finish points at the net because I know she's very good in the long rallies. I saw some of Sorana's match; she played well, especially in the second set. I beat her last time but that was on grass. Tomorrow is going to be a very different match."

Her opponent in the semis will be Wozniacki, who won her match to No. 7 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, 61 76(7).

Na won her match differently other than the Romanian, a she beat Iveta Benesova, who ousted Anna Chakvetadze, in three sets, 64 46 62.

No. 3 seed Daniela Hantuchova failed to go any further than the quarters, as she suffered a loss to Cirstea, 76(2) 62.

"I started well, I think I did everything I was supposed to up to 5-2, then I lost my concentration a bit and she started to go for her shots more," said the 25-year-old Slovak, who has slipped from the Top 10 to No.15 this year after a foot stress fracture ruined a great start to the season. "In the tie-break I didn't play very well at all, and after that she saw she had a chance and it was hard to stop her.

"The second set was close, even though it was 6-2," Hantuchova added. "I think every game went to deuce and ad. She served well, but I think I could have been more aggressive on the second serve."

Friday, October 24, 2008

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (5) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 64 60

(8) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (3) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 76(2) 62

(4) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (7) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 61 76(7)

(6) Li Na (CHN) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 64 46 62

Top three seeds enter semis in Linz; along with No. 6 seed Bartoli

Day 5 of the Generali Ladies Linz has finished, and the winners included Vera Zvonareva, Ana Ivanovic, the top seed, Agnieszka Radwanska, the third seed, and Marion Bartoli, the sixth seed, and they are the ones who will be contending in the semifinal on Saturday.

Zvonareva, seed second, was the first of the four seeds to advance, after defeating No. 8 seed Alize Cornet, 75 61.

"It was a really tough match; Alizé has been playing great tennis this year," Zvonareva said. "It was my first match against her. She's a great player. There were moments I wasn't playing perfectly and lost concentration, so I was really happy to be able to play well at the key moments. I think that was what decided the match. She's very young, so I'm sure we'll see a lot more of her."

Marion Bartoli, who reserved a spot in the semis after her win to Alona Bondarenko, 63 57 61, is up next for the Russian Olympic bronze medalist.

No. 1 seed Ivanovic had an easier win than Bartoli, ousting Flavia Pennetta in , 64 64.

It was a tough match against a very good player; we played at a very high level and it was one of the best matches I've played recently," Ivanovic said. "It could have gone either way. I needed to stay composed and I think I may have had a bit of luck. I'm really happy with how I played against Flavia today."

Ivanovic will next face Radwanska, who dismissed Nadia Petrova, 63 62.

"I'm very happy with my performance today," Radwanska said. "I lost to her in Tokyo a few weeks ago but today I was playing really well. Nadia is always a very tough player to beat but maybe she was a bit tired from her long match yesterday - I didn't have to play yesterday and felt really good today. I was focused from the first point to the very last. I think it was just my day today."

"I'm feeling confident about tomorrow's match, but I'm just taking it step by step, game by game," Ivanovic added. "Agnieszka gets a lot of balls back and played very well today. But I've gained a lot of confidence from my last few matches."

"Next round will be tough," Radwanska continued. "Ana is a great player. I will just try to have some fun out there and enjoy myself. I get great crowd support here. I hope I can keep up the level of my game and then we will just see."

Friday, October 24, 2008

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (7) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 64 64

(2) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (8) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 75 61

(3) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (5) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 63 62

(6) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 63 57 61

Dementieva through to quarters, awaits Mauresmo

Top seed Elena Dementieva set up her 14th rivalry with No. 5 seed on Amelie Mauresmo, as the Russian won her second round match in straight sets to Argentine Gisela Dulko.

Dementieva, the gold medalist in this year's Olympics, easily won to Dulko, 62 62.

"Gisela's a good player; we've played lots of times before and I went onto the court very focused," Dementieva said. "I just tried to move her around and play aggressively, and I think I did that quite well."

"She has a very special game, lots of variety in her shots and I think the surface really suits her, so it's going to a tough match," observed Dementieva of the former world No.1 Mauresmo, with whom she shares a decade-long rivalry. The Russian won their most recent encounter, at Stuttgart 12 months ago, but Mauresmo holds an 8-5 head-to-head lead.

The only other winner of the day was No. 7 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, who prevailed against Catalina Castano in three sets, 62 46 75.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Singles - Second Round
(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 62 62
(5) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 63 61
(7) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (Q) Catalina Castaño (COL) 62 46 75

Seeds go 5-1 on Day 4; Schnyder not included in quarterfinal action on Friday

As the second round action in the Generali Ladies Linz wrapped up, the seeds went 5-1, with Patty Schnyder falling in three sets to a Ukrainian.

Schnyder, the No. 4 seed, failed to reserve a spot in the quarterfinals, as she fell to Alona Bondarenko, 62 26 61.

The top two seeds prevailed, unlike the Swiss player, as No.1 seed Ana Ivanovic beat Sybille Bammer, 62 64; and No. 2 seed Vera Zvonareva ousted Nuria Llagostera Vives, 62 60.

Other seeded winners included No. 5 seed Nadia Petrova, who dismissed Katarina Srebotnik, 64 76(7); No. 6 seed Marion Bartoli, who beat Petra Kvitova in three sets, 76(4) 16 63; and No. 7 seed Flavia Pennetta, who ousted Dominika Cibulkova, 63 61.


Thursday, October 23, 2008

Singles - Second Round
(1) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 64 62
(2) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (Q) Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 62 60
Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (4) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 62 26 61
(5) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) 64 76(7)
(6) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (Q) Petra Kvitova (CZE) 76(4) 16 63
(7) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 63 61

All seeds through, except for Chakvetadze

As the first round action closed out, and the second round action began to take place in FORTIS Championships Luxembourg, a Russian went down in flaming straight sets, (and of course you know who I'm talking about).

If you guessed Anna Chakvetadze, you're right, as the No. 2 lost again in the second round to Iveta Benesova, 62 64. This is the sixth time in six events she has entered that she has lost, despite making a nice start on Tuesday, winning to Mathilde Johansson.

Other seeds included in the second round action were No. 3 seed Daniela Hantuchova, who edged Sabine Lisicki, 60 62; No. 4 seed Caroline Woznaicki, who beat Peng Shuai, 64 64; No. 6 seed Li Na, who beat Mariya Koryttseva in two tough sets, 76(6) 63; and No.8 seed Sorana Cirstea, who ousted Sara errani, 64 62.

The last three first round match winners were No. 5 seed Amelie Mauresmo, who came back from losing the second set to win, 62 36 60, to Stephanie Gehrlein; No. 7 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, who ousted Virginia Ruano Pascual, 62 61; and Anna-Lena Groenefeld, who dismissed Yanina Wickmayer in straight sets, 75 64.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Singles - Second Round

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (2) Anna Chakvetadze (CZE) 62 64

(3) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 60 62

(4) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 64 64

(6) Li Na (CHN) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 76(6) 63

(8) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 64 62

Singles - First Round

(5) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (Q) Stephanie Gehrlein (GER) 62 36 60

(7) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) 62 61

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. (WC) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 75 64

All seeds advance on Day 3; including Cornet

As Day 3 of the Generali Ladies Linz tournament went by, one seed had an easy win in her first round match, and two other seeds advanced to the quarterfinals after their second round wins.

Flavia Pennetta, seeded seventh, was the only seed playing in the the last pile of of first round matches, as she cruised through in just 54 minutes after winning to Agnes Szavay, 61 62.

Unseeded players, who have yet to play their second round matches, were Sybille Bammer, who won to Francesca Schiavone, 75 63; and Petra Kvitova breezed through against Tamira Paszek, 63 63.

The second round matches saw No. 3 seed Agnieszka Radwanska win to Kaia Kanepi, 62 64, and No. 8 seed Alize Cornet moving past Maria Kirilenko in three sets, 16 62 61.


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Singles - Second Round
(3) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Kaia Kanepi (EST) 62 64
(8) Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 16 62 61

Singles - First Round
(7) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Agnes Szavay (HUN) 61 62
Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 75 63
(Q) Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. (WC) Tamira Paszek (AUT) 63 63

Robson ousted on debut match; all three seeds through to second round

All three seeds advanced on Day 2 of the FORTIS Championships Luxembourg, while Junior Wimbledon champion Laura Robson of Great Britain fell, after winning the first set to Iveta Benesova.

Robson, ranked No. 550 in the world, lost to the Czech, 16 62 63.

"It's been really good and everyone's so friendly on the Tour," said Robson, who had played just three events on the ITF Circuit in France and England before today's match. "It's just been a really good experience. I started off really well and then in the second set maybe it didn't go as well as I planned, but then she started playing better as well.

"It's a tough loss but I still felt I played good," the wildcard entrant added.

Seeds joining Benesova in the second round will be top seed Elena Dementieva, who defeated qualifier Tatjana Malek, 76(5) 62; fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki, who ousted Timea Bacsinzsky, 62 63; and Sorana Cirstea, who won to Yuliana Fedak in three tough sets, 46 62 62.

Other matches included Gisela Dulko winning to Tathiana Garbin, 64 62; Mariya Koryttseva defeated Tsvetana Pironkova, 36 63 63; and Catalina Castano of Colombia ousted Marta Domachowska, 60 62.


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Singles - First Round
(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (Q) Tatjana Malek (GER) 76(5) 62
(4) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 62 63
(8) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (Q) Yuliana Fedak (UKR) 46 62 62
Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (WC) Laura Robson (GBR) 16 62 63
Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 64 62
Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 36 63 63
(Q) Catalina Castaño (COL) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 60 62

Two seeds able to pass first round tests; Bondarenko's go 1-1 on Day 2

On Day 2 of the Generali Ladies Linz, the seeds struggled but managed to pass their tests, but one of the Bondarenko's didn't succeed, while the other had the opposite result.

Nadia Petrova, seeded fifth and champion her in 2005, had a tough start to her week, as she won in three sets to Kateryna Bondarenko, 36 63 61.
No. 6 seed Marion Bartoli had better results, as the Frenchwoman won her first round match to Ai Sugiyama of Japan, 64 26 76(8), on her seventh match point.

In other match results, Maria Kirilenko defeated qualifier Olga Savchuk, 62 75; Alona Bondarenko, the succeeder of the Bondarenko's on Tuesday, reserved a spot in the second round after her win to Ekaterina Makarova, 63 63; and Nuria Llagostera Vives also made a nice debut, winning her first round match to Samantha Stosur, 26 64 62.

The final match of the day saw Yvonne Meusburger fall to No. 8 seed Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets, 64 62.


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Singles - First Round
(5) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 36 63 61
(6) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 26 76
(8)Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. (WC) Yvonne Meusburger (AUT) 64 62
Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (Q) Olga Savchuk (UKR) 62 75
Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (Q) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 63 63
(Q) Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 26 64 62

Chakvetadze finally makes nice start to week

Anna Chakvetadze, No. 2 seed in Luxembourg, finally made a good start to her week, as she passed her first round test against a Swede in tough straight sets.

The Russian won her first round match to Mathilde Johansson, 64 76(4). Both sets were easy in the start, but Johansson gathered up some strength to win a few more games before falling.

In unseeded matches, Peng Shuai ousted Vera Dushevina, 61 62; Marina Erakovic fell again, to Sara Errani, 46 62 75; and Sabine Lisicki rallied back to win to Sofia Arvidsson, 26 63 64.

In the night session, two more seeds roamed the courts, as No. 6 seed Li Na ousted wildcard Mandy Minella, 62 61; and No. 3 seed Daniela Hantuchova also cruised through after her win to Pauline Parmentier, despite being a break down several times, 62 75.


Monday, October 20, 2008

Singles - First Round
(2) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 64 76(4)
(3) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 62 75
(6) Li Na (CHN) d. (WC) Mandy Minella (LUX) 62 61
Peng Shuai (CHN) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 61 62
Sara Errani (ITA) d. Marina Erakovic (NZL) 46 62 75
Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 26 63 64

No. 8 seed Cornet finally breaks bad losing streak on Day 1 in Linz, Austria

On Monday, the first three matches of the Generali Ladies Linz tournament took place, and no surprises took place, as the better ranked players played a better game.

No. 21 in the world Katarina Srebotnik was the first on the courts in Austria, and the first to win, as she reserved a spot in the second round after being victorious against Tamarina Tanasugarn, 61 75.

The second match of the day featured No. 28 in the world Kaia Kanepi against wildcard Melanie Klaffner, as the Estonian won in straight sets 64 60.

The last match of the day saw No. 8 seed Alize Cornet breezing past Jie Zheng of China, 63 62. The Frenchwoman has finally snapped a bad losing streak, after she lost in the first rounds of the last three tournaments she has played.


Monday, October 20, 2008

Singles - First Round
(8) Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. Zheng Jie (CHN) 63 62
Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) d. Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 61 75
Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. (WC) Melanie Klaffner (AUT) 64 60

Venus takes title in Zurich

Venus Williams made a great comeback from early losses in recent tournaments, as she won the Tennis.com Zurich Open to unseeded Flavia Pennetta in straight sets.

Williams improved her head-to-head results against the Italian to 3-2, after she won 76(1) 62.

"I knew going into the final she was playing well," Williams said. "My serve definitely helped me out, especially in that fourth game of the second set. I've never served a game of aces before. And I just had a lot less errors against her than I did in Moscow last week. This is a great tournament. I've always enjoyed coming here. It's great to be able to win it nine years after my last win here."

"Her serve was working unbelieveably today," Pennetta said. "Normally her serve isn't as consistent against me. She gave me no break points whatsoever and I had to fight very hard in the rallies. The first set was an exceptionally high level from both of us. We were fighting like crazy and I think the crowd enjoyed it."

"I like playing when there's a lot on the line; I really wanted to win this final, regardless of the fact it was the last year for the tournament or that it would put me in a very good position to qualify for the Sony Ericsson Championships," the American said. "I haven't played there in so long - I've had a lot of issues since then and I'm happy to finally be healthy and hopefully getting to go there, depending on what happens with the other players this week coming up."

"Yes it was a good week for me - I beat the No.1 in the world and was happy I could keep that level up all the way," Pennetta said. "I know I can play better too. It's also exciting to reach my best ranking - I am not defending any points in either of the next two weeks so hopefully I can finish in the Top 12 this year."





Sunday, October 19, 2008

Singles - Final
(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 76(1) 62

Venus through to first final since Wimbledon; awaits Italian

Venus Williams has reached her first final since winning Wimbledon, after she won to No. 2 seed Ana Ivanovic in three sets, and the American will face Flavia Pennetta, after the Italian won her semifinal match against Anabel Medina Garrigues in straight sets.

Pennetta was the first to win, to the Spaniard, 63 76(6).

"I'm very happy to be in the final," Pennetta said. "It's been a great year for me already and this is my fourth final. It's never easy to play Anabel, as she's a good friend of mine, but I think we put on a good match today. I won because I think I was a little more consistent than she was, and maybe I was physically stronger."

Williams was next to win, as she won to the Serb in three tough sets, 46 63 64.

"It's always fun to win the close ones; this is why I love playing the sport, to pull out matches like these," Williams said. "She didn't give me much of a rhythm as she was going for winners on everything. I guess she wanted to prevent me from trying to dictate. I had a bad patch in the middle of the first set giving up five games in a row but thank goodness I was able to regroup in the second set."

"Of course I'm really disappointed but I also take the positives from such a good match," Ivanovic said. "That's definitely the best I've played since winning the French Open, and I'm hopefully going to keep this level for Linz and Doha."

"Playing Venus in the final will be a totally different match than in Moscow last week," Pennetta commented. "Anything can happen in one week, like me losing to Jankovic in Moscow and then winning here, so the fact I won our last few matches won't mean that much. But I'll have a plan for sure."

"Playing Flavia in the final will be interesting," Williams said. "I'm sure she's playing well and really wants to win, but so do I, and I am determined to make less errors than I did in Moscow."


Saturday, October 18, 2008

Singles - Semifinal
(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. (2) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 46 63 64
Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 63 76(6)

2008 Grand Slam champions advance to semis of Zurich Open

As Day 5 of the Tennis.com Zurich Open finished, it was Wimbledon champion Venus Williams, Flavia Pennetta, who ousted No. 1 Jelena Jankovic on Thursday, Anabel Medina Garrigues, and French Open champion Ana Ivanovic who will be featured in Saturday's semifinal.

Pennetta was the first to win on Friday, ousting Katarina Srebotnik in straight sets, 75 62.

Next to win was Medina Garrigues, as she advanced to the semis after her opponent, Victoria Azarenka, retired due to a shoulder injury after both players had a set each, 64 for Azarenka, and 63 for the Spaniard.

"I didn't realize she had a problem until she dropped her racquet after the rally at 34, 15-30 in the second set," said Medina Garrigues. "I could see she had problems after that, and when she served at 3-5.

"It's never nice to win a match like this as I know what it's like to be injured but I hope she will be OK," the Spaniard added. "I am very happy to be in my first indoor semifinal and to play against someone I know well like Flavia. Maybe she has a better game to play indoors than me but I will still fight my hardest." Having already played four matches, the pair is tied at 2-2.

Williams, the No. 3 seed, took on Francesca Schiavone of Italy, and won in easy straight sets, 63 63.

"I was happy with the way my serve worked at the end of the first and second set today it got me out of a lot of trouble," said Williams, who still has a shot at qualification for the Sony Ericsson Championships at Doha next month. "She was hitting the balls very hard today, going for a lot, sometimes maybe too much but I'm happy with the win. Either way tomorrow I'm going to play my game and if it's Ana I'm looking forward to playing her, it should be a nice match."

The last match of the day included Ivanovic, the No. 2 seed, and Czech qualifier Petra Kvitova, and the Serb won in straight sets, 61 64, and will face Williams for a final berth.


Friday, October 17, 2008

Singles - Quarterfinals
(2) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (Q) Petra Kvitova (CZE) 61 64
(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 63 63
Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) 75 62
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 46 63 ret. (right shoulder injury)

Jankovic ousted on Day 4; compatriot Ivanovic has opposite results

Jelena Jankovic fail to win her fourth title in a row, as she was ousted on Day 4 of the Zurich Open, however, compatriot Ana Ivanovic was able to make it through to the quarterfinals.

Although Jankovic's opponent had a 0-5 head-to-head result before this match, this is probably one of Flavia Pennetta's greatest wins of the season, as she won 57 63 63.

"I'm very happy with the match today, I played her twice recently and last week in Moscow it was just a matter of a few points here and there," she said. "That was the difference today, I was able to win those points. I think maybe mentally she might have been tired from all the tennis she played recently but I also served better in the second and third sets than she did.

"Another crucial factor was I learned a lot from my last match against her and if you go down the line first in the rally before her rather than always playing cross court, this can cause her problems," Pennetta added.

Jankovic might have lost the match, but she didn’t lose her sense of humor. "I don't know what it is with me and Zürich, maybe there is some spell on the court or something on my racquet that causes me not to do well here," she said of her record at the tournament, where she has never been past the second round.

"Seriously though, I was quite tired this time coming here after playing in three different countries in three weeks with the three tournaments I won," she added. "I was mentally and physically more tired. I just tried my best and it didn’t work out. I also have to give Flavia credit because she was very solid, did everything right and deserved the win today."

Katarina Srebotnik is the one who Pennetta faces, after she won to Polish Agnieszka Radwanska, 26 76(6) 63.

Other wins of the day included Victoria Azarenka not losing a game to Monica Niculescu, who took out Anna Chakvetadze; and Petra Kvitova won to Sofia Arvidsson, 62 61; and No. 2 seed Ivanovic won to Marion Bartoli, 62 64.

Friday, October 16, 2008

Singles - Second Round
Victoria Azarenka (BLR) bt Monica Niculescu (ROM) 6-0 6-0
Petra Kvitova (CZE) bt Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 6-2 6-1
Flavia Pennetta (ITA) bt (1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 5-7 6-3 6-3
Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) bt (5) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 2-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-3
(2) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) bt Marion Bartoli (FRA) 6-2 6-4
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) bt (4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 6-3 3-0 ret

First round finishes, second round in action; Wimbledon champ makes great start to week

Wimbledon champion Venus Williams had a great start to her week, as she won her debut match in straight sets, as first round action was finished, and the second round kicked off.

Williams, seeded third at Zurich, and who suffered early losses in recent tournaments she played, had a nice start to her week, as she beat Alona Bondarenko, 63 64.

"When the points became important I was winning those, especially on my serve," said Williams, champion in Zürich in 1999. "I was trying to put more into coming in (to the net) on different kinds of shots. I'll be looking to improve my level with every round."

Flavia Pennetta had an easier time in her match against Nadia Petrova, as she won 61 61.

In other match results, Fransecsa Schiavone won to Maria Kirilenko, 63 75; Katarina Srebotnik won to Timea Bacsinszky, 63 63; and Sofia Arvidsson won to Sybille Bammer after losing the first set, 06 75 64.


Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Singles - First Round
Flavia Pennetta (ITA) bt Nadia Petrova (RUS) 6-1 6-1
Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) bt Sybille Bammer (AUT) 0-6 7-5 6-4
(3) Venus Williams (USA) bt Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 6-3 6-4
Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) bt Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 6-3 6-3
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) bt Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 6-3 7-5

Two of three seeds ousted on Day 2 at Zurich Open

The seeds had a tough start on Day 2, as two of three seeds playing on Tuesday were ousted in three sets.

Anna Chakvetadze, seeded seventh, was the first to be sent home in Zurich, Switzerland, as she fell to qualifier Monica Niculescu, 36 63 62.


Patty Schnyder, seeded sixth, also had the same fate as the Russian, as she also fell in her home country, to qualifier Petra Kvitova, 64 36 64.

"It was very hard to get into a rhythm against her tonight," Schnyder said. "For most of the match it was either a winner or an error from her side and I was just trying to stay in the rallies. She has great potential and a very good lefty serve."

"I knew I had to keep the points short because Patty likes rallies; when I was 3-0 and 4-2 down in the third I kept telling myself that I can do this," Kvitova said. "It gives me a lot of confidence beating someone like Patty, who's ranked No.11. I have to work on my consistency as that will help me move up the rankings. I'm glad I have a day off tomorrow and I can look forward to my next match.''

"I'm disappointed; I've had so many terrific memories here, especially winning the title in 2002, saving match point against Davenport in the final," Schnyder added. "But as long as there is tennis in Zürich, I'll be back here playing."


Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded fifth, was playing much better than Anna and Patty, which concluded her win against qualifier Vera Dushevina, 64 61.


Winners in matches between unseeded players were Marion Bartoli, who crushed Szavay, 64 60; Francesca Schiavone, who beat Caroline Wozniacki, 76(3) 62; and Anabel Medina Garrigues, a 62 64 winner over Li Na.


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Singles - First Round
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 7-6 (7-3) 6-2
Marion Bartoli (FRA) bt Agnes Szavay (HUN) 6-4 6-0
Monica Niculescu (ROM) bt (7) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 3-6 6-3 6-2
Petra Kvitova (CZE) bt (6) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 6-4 3-6 6-4
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) bt Na Li (CHN) 6-2 6-4
(5) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) bt Vera Dushevina (RUS) 6-4 6-1

First day in Zurich kicks off; three Europeans through to second round

As the Zurich Open kicked off on Monday, all three matches were completed, as a Ukrainian, a Belorussian, and a Russian succeeded in their first round matches.

No. 8 seed Daniela Hantuchova was the first seed on the courts, but she failed to pass her opening match test, as the Slovak lost to Maria Kirilenko, 75 62.

"I think we both started off with not much rhythm and as the match went on I felt a little better," Kirilenko said. "I called the physio on court at 5-4 because my knee was hurting and she had a blister or something. After that break it seemed to help me as I won five games in a row and she started making a lot of mistakes.

"I knew I would have a chance to win if I could keep more balls in play than her and that's what I did. It worked out quite well for me in the end," added the Russian after her 75 62 win.

Alize Cornet was next on the court, as she too had the same failure as Hantuchova, losing to Alona Bondarenko, 16 63 76(6).

Amelie Mauresmo didn't make it to the second round, as she succumbed to Victoria Azarenka, 62 61.


Monday, October 13, 2008

Singles - First Round
Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (8) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 75 62
Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 62 61
Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 16 63 76(6)

Jankovic achieves third title in a row, fourth of season after win to Russian seed

Jelena Jankovic has being improving her game ever since her win in Beijing, which started it all. The Serb perfored excellently after her win in Stuttgart, which made her achieve her third title in a row, and fourth of the season in Moscow, Russia.

Jankovic has been on fire for the last three weeks, as she regained her No. 1 spot last week, and it certainly looked like she deserved it. Her win to Russian No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva was in easy straight sets, 62 64, which took an hour and 29 minutes to complete.

Both players had made some big upsets and were down in the matches at moments in earlier rounds, as Jankovic was down a set and 2-0 - and even had points to go down 3-0 in that second set - before notching a hard-fought, 67(6) 63 62 win over Vera Dushevina in her opener; in the quarterfinals she rallied from 3-1 down in both sets to dispatch Flavia Pennetta, conqueror of Venus Williams, 76(6) 63; and in the semifinals she dropped the first set at love before hitting her stride, beating No.3-seeded defending champion Elena Dementieva, 06 61 60.

Zvonareva won all of her matches in straight sets, as she ousted Maria Kirilenko in her two first rounds, cruised through after her win to Dominika Cibulkova in the quarters, despite saving five set points in the first set, and winning to compatriot No. 2 seed Safina, 62 76(5), before falling to Jankovic in the finals.




Sunday, October 12, 2008

Singles - Final
(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 62 64

No. 1 Serb through to third consecutive final; faces Russian seed

Jelena Jankovic will be going for her third title in a row, as she triumphed in an odd-score match against a Russian seed, and she will be facing another seeded Russian for the Kremlin Cup crown.

Jankovic won her semifinal match against No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva in a strange score, 06 61 60.

"I didn’t play bad in the first set but Elena was too good," Jankovic said. "She really had an answer for all my shots, she was always on the ball. I just couldn't do anything. But I tried to stay positive and wanted to take the initiative from her and dictate the points."

"I was thinking, what I need to do is to be better than her," Jankovic said. "I wanted to dominate, to be aggressive and try to win the points. I really put a lot of pressure on her to take the initiative from the first stroke."

The result left Dementieva pondering what went wrong after a near perfect start. "I have a feeling that I really didn't push a lot in the second and the third sets," the Russian said. "And I didn't finish points at the net, which was very successful in the beginning of the match."

"Her defensive game is just phenomenal, and it's almost impossible to hit a good shot from the baseline because she can cover the whole court," Elena said." No matter what shot you hit, she is able to get to it and hits everything back at you. It seems like she can cover not only a tennis court but a whole soccer field.

"Well, she is No.1 and she played like No.1," Dementieva added.

In the bottom half semifinal, No. 7 Vera Zvonareva had straight set success, as she ousted No. 2 seed Dinara Safina, 62 76(5).

"I tried to perform my best tennis today," said Zvonareva, before this week a four-time quarterfinalist at her home event. "It was my first ever Kremlin Cup semi-final and I wasn't under pressure - I really enjoyed playing here."

"I must say I'm a bit tired physically as I've played a lot recently but mentally I’m fresh and tomorrow I'll try to win my third title in a row,” said Jankovic, who won at Beijing (where she beat Zvonareva in the semis) and Stuttgart (where she beat her in the quarters) before heading to the Russian capital. The Serb leads the pair’s career head-to-head record 5-3.


Saturday, October 11, 2008

Singles - Semifinal
(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 06 61 60
(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (2) Dinara Safina (RUS) 62 76(5)

Jankovic battles to secure place in SF's; two of three Russians win in straight sets

As Day 5 of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow finished, three Russians and the current No. 1 entered the semifinals, after 3 out of four winners won their matches in straight sets.

Unseeded Nadia Petrova was the first Russian to lose on Friday, to compatriot No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva, 64 46 76(6).

"She changed tactics in the second set and started to play more aggressively," said the 26-year-old, who also beat Petrova in the quarters at Wimbledon. "It was not an easy match. There were many missed chances for me."

Dementieva will next face Jelena Jankovic, who secured a place in the semis after her straight sets win to Flavia Pennetta, 76(6) 63.

No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova had suffered a tough loss to countrywoman and No. 2 Dinara Safina, even though she, at some momemts led the match and lost, 64 75.

No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva had a much better day than Svetlana, as she won her much in straight sets to Dominika Cibulkova, who dismissed Ana Ivanovic, 75 64.


Friday, October 10, 2008

Singles - Quarterfinals
(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 76(6) 63
(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 64 75
(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Nadia Petrova (RUS) 64 46 76(6)
(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 75 64

Jankovic survives second round battle; Russians rule the courts in Moscow on Day 4

The Russians were on fire in front of their crowds on Thursday, and set up some all-Russian quarterfinals, as Vera Zvonareva demolished Daniela Hantuchova and Nadia Petrova scored an easy win against Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets, while Jelena Jankovic survived a battle against Vera Dushevina and eventually won in three sets.

Petrova was the first Russian to join three other Russians in the quarters, as she dismissed Caroline Wozniacki, 64 32, as the Dane retired with an upper respiratory illness.

No. 7 seed Zvonareva was the next victor, as she performed perfectly against Hantuchova, 61 60, in just 51 minutes.

"I did not make unforced mistakes and was serving and returning well," said Zvonareva, who will be gunning for her first semifinal appearance at her home event when she takes on Dominika Cibulkova in the quarters. "But I know that one can only have one or two such easy matches in a season."

Jankovic, who is seeded first and came back to No. 1 at the star of this week, wasn't in her best shape today, as she battled her way past Vera Dushevina in three sets, 67(6) 63 62.

Another match was won by Flavia Pennetta, as she came back from a set down to defeat Ekaterina Makarova, 36 64 64.




Thursday, October 9, 2008

Singles - Second Round
(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (WC) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 67(6) 63 62
(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 61 60
Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 64 32 ret. (upper respiratory illness)
Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (WC) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 36 64 64

Ivanovic ousted early (again); Russians ruled on Day 3

The seeds had a mixed day on Wednesday, as this year's Roland Garros champion Ana Ivanovic went down in flames to Czech Dominika Cibulkova in three tough sets.

Ivanovic has had a tough time after winning her first Grand Slam, suffering a thumb injury before the Olympics, and making early exits everywhere ever since, she made another one her in Moscow, losing to Cibulkova 36 62 76(4).

"I really enjoyed playing out there; the crowd was really supportive, and I hope to be out there again next year," Ivanovic said. "I'm healthy, enjoying my time on the court and just happy to be back competing. I'm just trying to get as many matches as I can; it'll take take to get back to my best."

"I knew she was a tough opponent coming in; she played really well when it counted," Ivanovic said. "I felt like I was playing better and better as the match was going on, but she played some great shots when I had match points. I'm taking the positives from this match, though, so I can't be disappointed."

In other second round matches, No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva dismissed Katarina Srebotnik, 63 46 76(2); and No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova ousted Sara Errani, 76(0) 61.

The night match on Day 3 featured No. 2 seed Dinara Safina and Amelie Mauresmo. Safina has been performing greatly recently, and she continued to do that against the Frenchwoman, as she won 67(2) 64 64.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Singles - Second Round

(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 67(2) 64 64

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (Q) Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) 63 46 76(2)

Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. (4) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 36 62 76(4)

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (Q) Sara Errani (ITA) 76(0) 61

Russian seeds please crowd; Wimbledon champion ousted on Day 2

As the first round of the Kremlin Cup continued, Russian seeds made their crowd happy, while the American Wimbledon champion went down in three sets.

No. 5 Svetlana Kuznetsova was one of the victorious Russians on Day 2, as she ousted Li Na in tough straight sets, 64 75.

"I'm happy to have won in two sets; it was a very difficult first round match," Kuznetsova said. "It's great here. It's a great opportunity to play in front of my fans. Tennis has become so popular in Russia, especially over the last five or 10 years, so it's very exciting for us to play here in front of our home crowd."

No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva also had success in her first round match, taking out countrywoman Maria Kirilenko, 64 64.

The night match featured American Venus Williams and Italian Flavia Pennetta. Pennetta took the first set, lost the second set easily, and in the third set she battled through to win, 64 26 64.

"Today's match was very tough," Pennetta declared. "Venus is always a tough opponent but my serve was working very well and I was playing my best tennis. At this moment, I just want to enjoy the win from today."




Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Singles - First Round
(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Li Na (CHN) 64 75
Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (6) Venus Williams (USA) 64 26 64
(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 64 64
Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (Q) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 63 62
(Q) Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 62 61
(Q) Sara Errani (ITA) d. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 16 64 63
(WC) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) d. (WC) Elena Vesnina (RUS) 76(4) 76(1)

No seeds in action on Day 1 in Moscow; Vaidisova among first round losers

Although no seeded players were in action, all of the favorites in Moscow, Russia were taken out.

Amelie Mauresmo was the first of the three players to advance. She ousted countrywoman Alize Cornet in three sets, 67(3) 63 64, in a 2 hour and 39 minute match.

Marion Bartoli had the same fate as Cornet, a she suffered a toe injury in her loss against Dominika Cibulkova, while the Slovak was leading 64 41.

As Vera Dushevina was celebrating her 22nd birthday, she got herself a nice birthday present, as she took out Nicole Vaidisova in three sets, 61 36 63.




Results

Monday, October 6, 2008

Singles - First Round
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Marion Bartoli (FRA) 61 41 ret. (left toe injury)
Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 67(3) 63 64
(WC) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 61 36 63

Seeded Romanian is victorious in Tashkent

Sorana Cirstea was at the top of her game this week, and that was the reason for her victory in the final of the Tashkent Open.

No. 3 seed Cirstea of Romania came up with a tough but in-style win to end her week perfectly, after she defeated Sabine Lisicki of Germany in a three-setter, 26 64 76(4).
"Breaking her in the first game of the second set was the turning point of the match," said Cirstea, who was also forced to hit a second serve down that match point. "I thought now or never, and just went for it. From then I just went for my strokes. Staying tough in the important moments of the match really helped me, and I hope to continue this form at tournaments in the coming weeks."

"I'll cherish the title in Tashkent forever as it is my first title; I was desperate to take my first title!" Cirstea added. "I've been improving a lot since my first final, and I'm looking for many more titles. I'm also extremely happy to wear the traditional Uzbek dress, which has become the trademark of this event."

"I made some mistakes and missed too many easy shots; it was my first final and I'm happy to have come so far, but I'm sad to lose," No. 4 seed Lisicki said. "Although I might have missed a lot of shots today, in the future these shots will be my weapons. My goal is to be a Top 10 player and I'm going to work even harder."

Results

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Singles - Final
(3) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (4) Sabine Lisicki (GER) 26 64 76(4)

Dane ousts No. 5 seed to win third title of season

Caroline Wozniacki, the top seed this week in Tokyo, has had a great week this week, especially after winning her third title of the year against Estonian No. 5 seed Kaia Kanepi.


Wozniacki came into Japan ranked at her highest career rank, and in the final defeated the No. 5 seed in three tough sets, 62 36 61.


"I'm really excited to win this tournament," Wozniacki said. "I had some tough draws against some great players the last few weeks, but both matches were close and I still felt I was playing well. When I saw I was playing Dulko in the first round I thought it would be another tough week, but I took it one match at a time and I'm happy I made it through that and the rest of my matches."

"It was a good match. I definitely had my chances in the second set and I hit a lot of good winners, but she's very aggressive and if you don't keep up with her, she will win," Kanepi said. "I have been here without a coach for the last few weeks. I've been working to figure out who I am on the court by myself, and how I'm playing. I'm very happy with the result, that I made it to the final on my own."

"Japan means a lot to me," Wozniacki said. "I won my first big junior tournament in Osaka, and now this. I always like to come back here. I really like the people and the country in general - and when that's the case, you play better."

Results

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Singles - Final
(1) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (5) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 62 36 61

Jankovic captures second title in a row; third of the year

Jelena Jankovic has been on fire since the start of last week, and it showed even more today at the finals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix against Russian Nadia Petrova.

Both players battled at their highest level for the title, as Petrova was going for her second title of the year, and the No. 2 seed Serb was going for a second title in a row and third of the year. Jankovic battled and won to Petrova in straight sets, 64 63.

"I'm very proud of winning my second tournament in a row. It was not easy coming here from China and I had very tough matches against Zvonareva and Venus, but I'm thrilled to win the Porsche today," Jankovic said. "This is a great event - one of my favorite tournaments - and having both my parents and my godfather and his wife here made it extra special. Today wasn't the highest level but I'm happy I was able to hang in there in the end and be the champion."

"There are some days you wake up and you know it's not going to be your day," Petrova said. "No matter what I tried today it didn't work, and my legs felt really heavy. Putting today aside I'm really happy with my week, though. I'm having a lot of fun practicing again and I want to keep this up. I'm very excited to finish the season and look ahead to what might be possible next year."

"I am very happy that the hard work I've put in is paying off," Jankovic added. "I've been playing very well since the US Open and my confidence is quite high. I will try to do my best again next week and as I've repeatedly stated, my goal is to finish the season No.1."




Results

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Singles - Final
(2) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Nadia Petrova (RUS) 64 63

Top seed ousted in semis; finals at Tashkent Open set

Top seed Peng Shuai was sent flying home on Saturday, as she was ousted by No. 4 Sabine Lisicki, and the German will face No. 3 seed Sorana Cirstea in the final of the Tashkent Open.

Peng was playing an impressive game all week long, until her semifinal match came into play. She was ousted by Lisicki in three sets, 57 63 64.

Cirstea won her match without playing the second set, due to retirement of her opponent No. 5 seed Magdalena Rybarikova due to exhaustion, after the Romanian won the first set 63.

Top seed may win third title of season; will face No. 5 seed in final

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki just got one step closer to her third Sony Ericsson WTA Tour title, after she won her semifinal match, and will face No. 5 seed Kaia Kanepi in the final.

Wozniacki ended the run of Jarmila Gajdosova on Saturday, 64 63. She will battle No. 5 seed Kanepi, who ousted No. 8 seed Aleksandra Wozniak, 64 64, for the crown.

"I feel I'm a much better player than the last time I was in the final of a Tour event," Kanepi said. "This fast surface is not my favorite, but I'll do my best against Caroline tomorrow. I think I'm playing the best tennis of my career and I have my highest ranking right now so I'm confident going into this final."

Jankovic wins thriller against Wimbledon champ; Petrova awaits Serb in final

Jelena Jankovic was the like a shining star on Saturday, as she piled up her strength to beat this year's Wimbledon champion in a thrilling three-setter.

No. 2 seed Jankovic has been on fire since the start of the week, and she definitely showed it in her semifinal match against No. 6 seed Venus Williams, after gaining victory in 2 hours and 45 minutes, 67(8) 75 62.

"It was a very high quality match and I think the fans enjoyed it," Williams said. "She moves really well and is a great competitor. In the end it came down to the errors I was making. I didn't take my break point chances and I have to work on that. That's the great thing about tennis, you always have another opportunity."

"You always have to bring your best game against Venus," Jankovic said. "We've had a lot of three set matches. I knew today I had to get the first strike on her. I was really happy to win the match and hope I can recover for tomorrow."

Nadia Petrova, who beat Victoria Azarenka in the semis, 64 64, will face the Serb for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix crown.

"It gives me huge satisfaction to show my best tennis again," Petrova said. "I've been working very hard since the spring; it has taken a while for the results to show but I'm very proud of how I'm playing. To get to the final of a tournament like this without dropping a set is now easy, but I made the best of the draw. I love it here. I have nothing to lose tomorrow and will give it my best show."