Williams sisters survive fourth round matches; Dementieva ousted in straight sets on Day 6 in Miami

After their fourth round wins, the Williams sisters are just one win away from their semifinal clash, as they both won their matches in three tough sets.

No. 5 seed Venus was first to advance, as she faced No. 10 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, and won 46 61 64.

"Every now and then everybody has those kinds of matches. I was hitting really well in practice. I came out and things weren't going to the way I imagined they would, but that's tennis," a relieved Venus said. "She's a fighter. She had some chances to tie it at 5-5. She plays smart and takes advantage of every point."

Venus will next face No. 26 seed Iveta Benesova, who ousted No. 19 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, 64 61.

Top seed Serena fought No. 17 seed Jie Zheng, and won after losing the second set, 75 57 63.

"I felt like if I didn't straighten up I was going to lose," Serena said. "At that point, I was ready to get the match over. I knew I didn't want to lose, and I knew I had to do what I needed to do to at least play a little better."

Li Na, who won to Ekaterina Makarova 67(3) 62 62, is up next for Serena.

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was crushed by No. 13 seed Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets, 75 64.

No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova had a better day than her fellow Russian, as she won her match to No. 24 seed Alisa Kleybanova, 62 61.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round

[1] S Williams (USA) d [17] J Zheng (CHN) 75 57 63

[13] C Wozniacki (DEN) d [4] E Dementieva (RUS) 75 64

[5] V Williams (USA) d [10] A Radwanska (POL) 46 61 64

[8] S Kuznetsova (RUS) d [24] A Kleybanova (RUS) 62 61

[11] V Azarenka (BLR) d [25] A Szavay (HUN) 62 64

[26] I Benesova (CZE) d [19] A Medina Garrigues (ESP) 64 61

S Stosur (AUS) d [20] A Mauresmo (FRA) 64 64

N Li (CHN) d E Makarova (RUS) 67(3) 62 62

Safina, Ivanovic crash out; Williams sisters through

Dinara Safina looked like she would go far in Miami, but that was proven wrong, after she crashed out of the Sony Ericsson Open, losing to an Australian in straight sets. The same thing happened to Ana Ivanovic, who was also ousted, in three sets.

No. 2 seed Safina was sent flying home after Samantha Stosur was sent to the next round, as she won 61 64.

"It's very disappointing. This is what I'm playing for, to be there and to play well. Suddenly I go on the court and I don't even fight for it until the second set," Safina said. "It was bad behaviour from my side. The champions, they don't do this. This is a good punishment for me. I have to get smarter on the court."

No. 7 seed Ivanovic lost to Agnes Szavay, 64 46 61.

"I'm really disappointed with today's match. I hardly did anything well. The way I started the match, I felt like I had so many chances early on, and I was missing by a little bit and got really down on myself."

There were still some good results from the top seeds, as top seed Serena Williams won her match to Shuai Peng 75 62; No. 5 seed Venus won her match to Anna-Lena Groenefeld 75 63; No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva won her match to Carla Suarez Navarro, 62 62; and No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova won her match to Nicole Vaidisova, 61 64.

Other top seeded losers of the day were No. 6 seed Vera Zvonareva, who was beaten by Li Na 64 36 62, and No. 9 seed Nadia Petrova, who lost to Ekaterina Makarova, 75 61.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. (32) Peng Shuai (CHN) 75 62

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (2) Dinara Safina (RUS) 61 64

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (31) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 62 62

(5) Venus Williams (USA) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 75 63

Li Na (CHN) d. (6) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 64 36 62

(25) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (7) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 64 46 61

(8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 61 64

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) d. (9) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 75 61

(10) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (21) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 64 63

(11) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (22) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 61 64

(13) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (18) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 64 64

(17) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. (14) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 64 60

(20) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (15) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 67(5) 62 62

(19) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (16) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 76(4) 16 55 ret. (cramping)

(24) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. (Q) Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) 63 36 64

(26) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 62

Williams sisters shine on opening matches; Jankovic ousted in straight sets

The Williams sisters were on fire in their opening match on Saturday, as they ousted their opponents in easy straight sets, while it was an awful day for No. 3 seed Jelena Jankovic, who was humiliated by Gisela Dulko in straight sets.

Top seed Serena demolished wildcard Alexa Glatch, 62 63, while No. 5 seed Venus won to Shahar Peer, 63 63.

"I played okay. I can probably play better, but there are jitters going out there in your first match. No one wants to go out in the first round. I'll need to keep playing better."

"I hadn't played in almost four weeks, so it was just a little bit of a slow start," Williams said. "Shahar tries on every shot. Even if she's 5-1 down, she's still trying to get that game and that set. I appreciate her attitude. It's refreshing."

Jankovic lost to Dulko with a score of 64 76(5). Jankovic led 4-2 in the first set, and 5-2 in the second, even having two set points.

No. 6 seed Vera Zvonareva won easily to Tathiana Garbin, 64 61; No. 9 seed Nadia Petrova won to qualifier Michaella Krajicek, 36 64 62; and No. 10 seed Agnieszka Radwanska defeated Tamarine Tanasugarn, 46 63 62.

Saturday, March 28, 2008

Singles - Second Round
[1] S Williams (USA) d [WC] A Glatch (USA) 62 63
G Dulko (ARG) d [3] J Jankovic (SRB) 64 76(5)

[5] V Williams (USA) d S Peer (ISR) 63 63

[6] V Zvonareva (RUS) d T Garbin (ITA) 64 61

[9] N Petrova (RUS) d [Q] M Krajicek (NED) 36 64 62

[10] A Radwanska (POL) d T Tanasugarn (THA) 46 63 62

[14] A Cornet (FRA) d B Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 64 76(4)

[16] D Cibulkova (SVK) d [Q] K Sprem (CRO) 64 63

[17] J Zheng (CHN) d [Q] J Goerges (GER) 64 62

[19] A Medina Garrigues (ESP) d A Kudryavtseva (RUS) 76(3) 64

[21] K Kanepi (EST) d M Martinez Sanchez (ESP) 46 64 75

E Makarova (RUS) d [23] A Sugiyama (JPN) 63 64

[26] I Benesova (CZE) d S Lisicki (GER) 62 64

A Groenefeld (GER) d [30] S Errani (ITA) 64 63

N Li (CHN) d [29] A Wozniak (CAN) 75 63

[32] S Peng (CHN) d M Santangelo (ITA) 75 63

No. 12 seed Bartoli ousted in straight sets; top seeds move through

All of the matches on Day 3 of the Sony Ericsson Open featured seeds, and only 3 out of 16 seeds were ousted, including No. 12 Marion Bartoli, who lost in straight sets.

No. 2 seed Dinara Safina showed that she was no match for Mathilde Johansson, winning 61 63.

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva had a tough win over wildcard Anastasia Pivovarova, as she took it to three sets, winning with a score of 60 36 63.

No. 7 seed Ana Ivanovic easily went through after ousting Mariya Koryttseva, 60 63.

No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova had to fight hard to win to qualifier Tamira Paszek, 26 75 61.

Last week's semifinalist and breakthrough player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova had a tougher draw in Miami, and was ousted by Victoria Azarenka, who also lost in the semis at Indian Wells, 62 62.

Bartoli was humiliated by qualifier Anastasiya Yakimova, as the Bulgarian won 63 64.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 61 63
(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (WC) Anastasia Pivovarova (RUS) 60 36 63

(7) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (Q) Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 60 63

(8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (Q) Tamira Paszek (AUT) 26 75 61

(11) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 62 62

(Q) Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) d. (12) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 64 63

(13) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) 63 57 62

(15) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 64 75

(18) Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 46 61 64

(20) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 63 16 62

(22) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 63 61

(24) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 62 64

(25) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 26 64 62

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (27) Sybille Bammer (AUT) 61 61

Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) d. (28) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 61 60

(31) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 36 64 76(3)

Peer wins in straight sets, will face Venus; wildcard wins, will face Serena

There were no seeds in action on Day 2 of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, but Shahar Peer, a former world No. 15, won her night match, to wrap up the first round.

Peer played Tamaryn Hendler, and won the first set easily but fought hard in the second set, to eventually win with a score of 61 76(5).

"Before this match I was nervous. I don't know why. Maybe because I didn't know how she played," Peer said about her 61 76(5) win over Tamaryn Hendler. "I had a good run last week in Indian Wells. She was playing well and stepped it up in the second set. I could have been there another hour if I didn't take the second set. So I'm happy but of course I will have to play better next round."

Next up for the Israeli player is No. 5 seed Venus Williams, who has won here in Miami three times.

Wildcard Alexa Glatch won her match to Timea Bacsinszkiy 61 64, and will now face Top seed Serena Williams, a five-time champion here in Miami.

The only win with a score of 60 featured in the match was between Karolina Sprem and Marina Erakovic, where Sprem demolished the New Zealander 60 62.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Singles - First Round

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) 62 64

Li Na (CHN) d. (Q) Urszula Radwanska (POL) 64 57 61

Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 63 75

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (WC) Tamaryn Hendler (BEL) 61 76(5)

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 60 64

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 36 62 63

Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 62 64

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. (Q) Jill Craybas (USA) 64 61

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 63 64

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) d. Karin Knapp (ITA) 76(2) 63

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. (Q) Mariana Duque Marino (COL) 64 76(6)

Mara Santangelo (ITA) d. Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 61 75

(Q) Karolina Sprem (CRO) d. Marina Erakovic (NZL) 60 62

(Q) Julia Goerges (GER) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 64 46 76(4)

(Q) Michaella Krajicek (NED) d. (Q) Ayumi Morita (JPN) 16 64 76(3)

(WC) Alexa Glatch (USA) d. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 64 61

Pavlyuchenkova escapes first round scare; former Top 10 players through to second round

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who had a breakthrough run in Indian Wells, was nearly ousted in her first round match, and after saving 3 match points, the Russian eventually won it in three sets.

Pavlyuchenkova was down 46 35 against Aravane Rezai, and even faced triple match point, but then came back to win the second set 75, and the third 63.

There were three former Top 10 players who took the courts on Day 1 in Miami, and they were world No. 71 Nicole Vaidisova, who beat qualifier Patricia Mayr 64 62, world No. 43 Daniela Hantuchova, who fought to win to wildcard Melanie Oudin 46 63 62, and world No. 80 Jelena Dokic, who had a tough time against Edina Gallovits, but won 63 76(5).

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Singles - First Round

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (Q) Aravane Rezai (FRA) 46 75 63

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 64 06 64

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 61 20 ret. (viral illness)

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (WC) Melanie Oudin (USA) 46 63 62

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (WC) Arantxa Rus (NED) 36 63 75

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 64 75

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 63 57 63

Mathilde Johansson (FRA) d. (WC) Sania Mirza (IND) 16 76(2) 76

(8) Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) d. (Q) Patricia Mayr (AUT) 64 62

Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 64 64

Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) d. (WC) Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 60 63

(Q) Tamira Paszek (AUT) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 75 62

(Q) Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 62 61

(Q) Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 62 61

(WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 63 76(5)

(WC) Anastasia Pivovarova (RUS) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 76(1) 63

Scott to step down after six years of leadership

The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour announced on Tuesday, March 24, that Larry Scott will step down as its Chairman and CEO to become Commissioner of the NCAA's (National Collegiate Athletic Association) PAC-10 Conference, effective July 1, 2009. Scott will work with the Tour Board on the selection process for the next Chairman and CEO.

"With women's professional tennis more popular than ever, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in the strongest business position in its history and with a fantastic senior management team in place, now is the right time for me to embrace a new challenge consistent with my family and personal goals, and leave room for the next generation of Tour leadership to take on new responsibilities," Scott commented.

"Under Larry's leadership, the Tour and our sport have grown over the past six years beyond anyone's wildest expectations," said Steve Simon, Tournament Board Representative and Chairman of the Tournament Council. "As an organization and sport, we are positioned for continued success. We wish Larry the very best in his new role, and are looking forward to beginning the process of selecting a new CEO for the organization to lead us into the future."

"Players have always appreciated Larry's understanding of their issues and his sense of fairness, and the results over his tenure in terms of player prize money increases, equal prize money to the men, promotion and player health initiatives are major achievements," said Lisa Grattan, Player Board Representative and Chairperson of the Players' Council.

Sharapova withdraws from Miami while still recovering from injury

Maria Sharapova, who has now dropped to world No. 30, says she has pulled out of the Sony Ericsson Open as she is still recovering from a right shoulder injury.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova, who underwent surgery on her injured right shoulder last year, on Sunday pulled out of next week's Miami Masters.

The Russian pin-up had hoped to play singles for the first time in Florida since August last year and had warmed-up for a return by playing in doubles at the Indian Wells WTA event last week.

But the 21-year-old, who missed the US Open and Beijing Olympics in 2008 as well as this year's Australian Open, has decided the shoulder needs more rest.

"It felt great to be back on tour last week even if it was just playing doubles," Sharapova told her official website.

"I am still not ready to play seven consecutive matches and will have to withdraw from the Sony Ericsson Open which is one of my favorite tournaments of the year".

Zvonareva ousts defending champ; takes title at Indian Wells

No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva and No. 5 seed and defending champion Ana Ivanovic went face to face at the final of the BNP Paribas Open, and it was the Russian who prevailed in straight sets to win the singles crown, along with the doubles title yesterday.

Zvonareva won the first set to the Serb toughly, as she was serving to stay in the set at 5-6, and took it to a tiebreak where she won it with a score of 7-5. The second set had a tough start too, as the Russian was down 2-0, but then came back to win 6 games in a row to take the match, 76(5) 62.

"It's amazing. It's a great feeling to win such a big event. I'm still a little bit in the match," Zvonareva said. "I think I did a great job. Even though I made some mistakes and had some frustrating points with the wind, I was still trying to concentrate. I was fighting for every point, no matter what. Even if I was down 0-40 in a game I played for it. Maybe I was better at doing that today than Ana."

The doubles title was won by Vera with Victoria Azarenka, whom she beat in the semis of the tournament, as they won to Gisela Dulko and Shahar Peer.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Singles - Final

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 76(5) 62

Defending champ, Russian will fight for crown after easy semifinal wins

Defending champion and No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic is one win away from defending her crown, but first she will have to get past No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva, who has been in perfect form for the past two weeks.

Ivanovic faced Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who was playing her first career semifinal, and won in straight sets 62 63.

"She's had a great run here," Ivanovic said of Pavlyuchenkova. "She can be very dangerous. She beat lots of Top 10 players here. She's very young and still has lots she can improve, so she'll be even tougher in the future, for sure."

Zvonareva easily won her match to doubles partner Victoria Azarenka, who took out No. 1 seed Dinara Safina, 63 63.

"She's a good server. I was concentrating on keeping my returns in as much as possible," Zvonareva said. "I had a few double faults and a few mistakes here and there, but I was going for my shots so I was happy to win this one."

"It wasn't much of an experience. It was just a wasted match," Azarenka said. "I didn't play the game I needed to play. It was only unforced errors for me. Vera played well, but I didn't do even 10% of my game."

Friday, March 20, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 63 63

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 62 63

Surprising News: Mashona Washington arrested for being accused of trashing hotel room after loss at Indian Wells

Mashona Washington, a former Top 50 player, was arrested on Monday after being accused of trashing her hotel room.

Authorities say tennis player Mashona Washington, who lost today during doubles play at the BNP Paribas tournament at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, has been arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The arrest took place Monday at about 4:50 p.m. at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, 44-600 Indian Wells Lane, in Indian Wells, officials said.Washington, 32, of Houston, Texas is scheduled to be arraigned May 14.

In 2004, she was ranked as high as 50th in the world in singles competition.Washington was detained in the Riverside County Jail in Indio on Monday on suspicion of felony vandalism, according to jail records. The charge is specific to damage estimated at $5,000 or more, jail records stated.

She was released later that day in lieu of $5,000 bail.

No other information was immediately available.Washington and partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands lost to Nuria Llagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 6-1, 6-2, in a semifinal match today.

Pavlyuchenkova continues to win; Ivanovic is up next

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is having a breakthrough fortnight, after she ousted No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska in tough straight sets to get to the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open, where she will face defending champion Ana Ivanovic for a final berth.

The Russian surprised everyone with the win, as she beat the Pole with a score of 76(8) 64.

"I thought about previous matches against her and just tried to avoid all of the mistakes I made before," Pavlyuchenkova said. "The last time I played her was at Wimbledon last year. I think my game has improved a lot since then. I'm also more confident now. All these things, all these elements came together this time. Maybe this was just the time to beat her. I'm very happy about this win."

"It's my first time in the semis, so I'm very happy," Pavlyuchenkova said. "I've played Agnieszka five or six times already so I'm so happy I beat her. She's a very tough player for me. The way she plays and all of our matches are tough. But today I just thought I don't care about the result, I'll just play my game."

No. 5 seed Ivanovic won her match to No. 23 seed Sybille Bammer, after the Austrian retired due to a left shoulder injury.

"At practice yesterday and this morning when I was warming up, I just couldn't continue," Bammer said. "It's the first time I've had problems with my shoulder. Tonight I'll have an MRI to check the shoulder, then I'll rest and hope I am fine for Miami. I'm very disappointed, because I was playing better and better. Two years ago I beat Ana here, so it's very frustrating for me to have to pull out."

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (23) Sybille Bammer (AUT) w/o (left shoulder injury)

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (7) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 76(8) 64

Top seed ousted in three sets; Zvonareva through in straight sets

Top seed Dinara Safina's matches became tougher and tougher after every round, and she just couldn't handle her quarterfinal opponent, who knocked the Russian out in three sets.

Safina won the first set to No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka, but then didn't have enough energy to close it out, as the Belorussian won the match to get to the semifinals, 67(4) 61 63.

The second quarterfinal of the day featured No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva and No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki. The Russian succeeded in straight sets, winning 64 62.

The other two quarterfinals will take place on Thursday, and will feature No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic playing against No. 23 seed Sybille Bammer, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova playing against No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 67(4) 61 63

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 64 62

Safina seals tough win to get to quarters; defending champ Ivanovic still fighting

Top seed Dinara Safina led a heap of seeds into the quarterfinals, as she and No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic and others reserved a spot to Day 8 of the BNP Paribas Open.

Safina had a tough time against her opponent, Jill Craybas, but managed to get through after winning with a score of 75 64.

No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva defeated Li Na in straight sets, 64 64.

Ivanovic went to three sets against No. 12 seed Flavia Pennetta, and won after fighting, 64 46 64.

No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska beat No. 22 seed Agnes Szavay in three sets, 60 57 63, while younger sister Urszula lost in straight sets to No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki, 75 63.

No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka won in tough straight sets to Shahar Peer, 75 64.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 75 64

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Li Na (CHN) 64 64

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 64 46 64

(7) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (22) Agnes Szavay (HUN) 60 57 63

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 75 64

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (WC) Urszula Radwanska (POL) 75 63

(23) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. (30) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 63 62

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 63 30 ret. (hip strain)

Defending champ continues to shine

Defending champion and No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic continued her winning streak at the 2009 BNP Paribas Open, as she easily won her third round match to the No. 31 seed.

The Serb reserved a spot in the fourth round after winning to Gisela Dulko, 63 63.

No. 12 seed Flavia Pennetta, was down 64 31, won her match to qualifier Angela Haynes 46 64 61, and will now face Ivanovic.

No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska ousted No. 25 seed Aleksandra Wozniak in straight sets, 61 64, and will now face No. 22 seed Agnes Szavay, who defeated qualifier Kristina Barrois, 63 64.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (31) Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 63
(7) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (25) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 61 64

(12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (Q) Angela Haynes (USA) 46 64 61

Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) d. (21) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 76(2) 63

(22) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (Q) Kristina Barrois (GER) 63 64

(23) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 61 63

(30) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (Q) Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 75 75

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Karin Knapp (ITA) 62 64

Top seed through after tough win; Zvonareva crushes opponent on day 5 in Indian Wells

Even though the No. 2 and 3 seeds were kicked off from the draw on Saturday, the Top seed and No. 4 seed were still in great shape, as they continued to dominate on Day 5 of the BNP Paribas Open.

Vera Zvonareva, seeded fourth, was the first to gain victory, as she ousted Petra Kvitova 63 61 in 58 minutes.

Li Na, who demolished No. 17 seed Amelie Mauresmo in the last day of the match with a score of 75 62, will next face the Russian.

Safina dominated the court after Zvonareva, and won to Peng Shuai toughly, 75 64.

"It was very far from my best, but I'm still happy I won the match in two sets," Safina said. "When you win matches in two sets and you know you're far from your best, it just gives you confidence that even if you're not playing your best you still win the matches. I'm looking forward to my next match now."

Next up for Safina is Jill Craybas, who beat Nicole Vaidisova, 64 63.

No. 19 seed Anna Chakvetadze again lost her form and was ousted from the tournament by Shahar Peer, after losing with a score of 62 64.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (28) Peng Shuai (CHN) 75 64

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 63 61

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 63 75

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (18) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 63 36 63

Li Na (CHN) d. (17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 75 62

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (19) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 62 64

Jill Craybas (USA) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 64 63

(WC) Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (WC) Alexa Glatch (USA) 63 76(3)

No. 2, 3 seeds ousted surprisingly; Ivanovic, Radwanska move on

On Saturday at Indian Wells, six out of 15 seeds were ousted, as No. 2 seed Jelena Jankovic suffered a second round surprise along with No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva, while No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic and No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska got to the third round successfully.

Jankovic is so far the highest seed who has been ousted, by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets, 64 64.

"Last year I finished No.1 in the world and I was playing great tennis, especially at the end of the year. This year I'm not the same player," Jankovic said. "I'm struggling to find my game and the confidence on the court. She played well. Obviously she was the better player. But I'm not at my level."

Dementieva was beaten in a tougher way, by qualifier Petra Cetkovska in three sets, 76(2) 26 61.

Ivanovic had a better day than the Russian, as she won her match to qualifier Anastasiya Yakimova, 64 63.

Radwanska defeated Samantha Stosur in a tough three-setter, 36 63 75.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Singles - Second Round

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (2) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 64 64

(Q) Petra Cetkovska (CZE) d. (3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 76(2) 26 61

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (Q) Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) 64 63

(7) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 36 63 75

(Q) Kristina Barrois (GER) d. (11) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 62 62

(12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (WC) Sania Mirza (IND) 63 64

Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) d. (14) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 76(6) 60

Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (15) Zheng Jie (CHN) 62 62

(Q) Angela Haynes (USA) d. (20) Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 75

(21) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Tamira Paszek (AUT) 63 62

(22) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 62 62

(23) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 62 63

(25) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 63 63

Karin Knapp (ITA) d. (27) Sara Errani (ITA) 62 32 ret. (left thigh strain)

(30) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 57 63 76(4)

(31) Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 61 63

Kuznetsova sent flying home by younger Radwanska; Top seed Safina, No. 4 seed Zvonareva through to third round

On Friday at the BNP Paribas Open, only the top half of the draw was in action, with every match including a seed, as No. 1 seed Dinara Safina advanced to the third round after winning in straight sets. There was also a bit of a shock in the match between No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova and wildcard Urszula Radwanska, as the younger player came up with a win.

Safina won her match toughly to Tsvetana Pironkova with a score of 76(8) 62.

Kuznetsova was in her worst form, as she was ousted by the Pole in three sets, 62 46 63.

"This was one of the biggest wins of my career," Radwanska said after the match, which finished well past midnight. "I'm so glad to get through it but I'm worried about my ankle, which I twisted in the last game. Svetlana was very tough."

No. 4 seed vera Zvonareva showed some great tennis in her match, as she won to Chan Yung-Jan, 62 62.

No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka defeated qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova, 46 75 63; and No. 9 seed Caroline Woznaicki ousted Timea Bacsinszky, 61 61.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 76(8) 62

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 62 62

(WC) Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 62 46 63

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 46 75 63

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 61 61

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (10) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 16 64 75

Li Na (CHN) d. (13) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 75 62

Jill Craybas (USA) d. (16) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 75 36 64

(17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 57 63 64

(18) Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 76(2) 10 ret. (mid-back injury)

(19) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 63 75

Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) d. (24) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 63 61

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. (26) Iveta Benesova (CZE) 63 61

(28) Peng Shuai (CHN) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 63 36 64

(WC) Alexa Glatch (USA) d. (29) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 63 61

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (32) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 57 62 63

Sharapova falls in comeback doubles match

All eyes were on Maria Sharapova on Thursday, as she was coming back to the Tour by playing doubles with countrywoman Elena Vesnina. They lost in three sets, but Maria was still satisfied to to be back on the court.

The Russians lost to Ekaterina Makarova and Tatiana Pouchek, 61 46 10-7. Sharapova and Vesnina were up 7-4 in the match tiebreak, but couldn't close it out.

"It's really good to be back. It seems like forever ago I last played," Sharapova said. "There are so many things I've missed about playing - the preparation for the match, going on the court and playing... I started training a couple of months ago. It has been difficult. Right now I'm still working up to being 100% again."

The singles matches consisted of only Top 50 players, three of them being between No. 40 and No. 50 in the world.

No. 41 Samantha Stosur, No. 42 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and No. 48 Lucie Safarova all won their matches in straight sets, Stosur winning to Fransecsa Schiavone, 61 64, Pavlyuchenkova beating Marta Domachowska 61 63, and Safarova ousting Melanie Oudin 63 61.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Singles - First Round

Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 64 64

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 61 64

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 61 63

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (WC) Melanie Oudin (USA) 63 61

Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (Q) Petra Martic (CRO) 64 63

Edina Gallovits (ROU) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 36 75 75

Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 63 64

Tamira Paszek (AUT) d. Mara Santangelo (ITA) 63 62

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 63 62

Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 76(5) 76(9)

Karin Knapp (ITA) d. (WC) Vania King (USA) 62 61

(Q) Petra Cetkovska (CZE) d. (Q) Stéphanie Foretz (FRA) 62 75

(Q) Kristina Barrois (GER) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 61 62

(Q) Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) d. (Q) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 64 61

(Q) Angela Haynes (USA) d. (WC) Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) 75 62

(WC) Sania Mirza (IND) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 26 63 62

No seeds in action on Day 1 in Indian Wells; five Top 50 players have first round success

Thirteen unseeded players, two wildcards and a qualifier advanced to the second round, as there were no seeded players in action on Monday, the first day of the BNP Paribas Open.

But there were five Top 50 players, which were Shahar Peer, Li Na, Petra Kvitova, Virginie Razzano and Tsvetana Pironkova, who are all ranked between No. 40 and No. 15 in the world.

Peer easily cruised past Kateryna Bondarenko, 62 61, Na fought to win against Tamarine Tanasugarn, 64 64, Kvitova ousted Pauline Parmentier, 63 62, Razzano battled to win against qualifier Evgeniya Rodina, 63 64, and Pironkova defeated Marina Erakovic, 64 61.

Pironkova will take on No. 2 in the world and top seed Dinara Safina in the second, which will be an interesting match up.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Singles - First Round

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (Q) Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 63 64

Li Na (CHN) d. Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 64 64

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 63 62

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 62 61

Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) d. Marina Erakovic (NZL) 64 61

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 36 61 63

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 76(4) 75

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 26 63 61

Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) d. (Q) Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) 64 61

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 63 60

Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) d. (WC) Michaella Krajicek (NED) 63 64

Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 62 63

Jill Craybas (USA) d. (WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) 64 62

(Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 64 62

(WC) Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) 46 62 64

(WC) Alexa Glatch (USA) d. (Q) Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 63 62

Bartoli succeeds in winning first title of year to Chinese

On Sunday night, the Monterrey Open came to a close after Marion Bartoli of France was the better player against Li Na of China, and won the tough final in straight sets 64 63, making it her first title of the year, and fourth of her career.

"I feel really good about how I played the whole week," Bartoli said. "I had some tough matches, not just today but also in the semifinals. They were both two sets but tough. I hit some great shots at the right moment. I'm happy about my level."

Bartoli's semifinal win over Zheng Jie, who was the No.4 seed, was also her 300th career singles match win: "It makes me feel old - 300 already, oh my gosh! I don't normally think about the wins but it's great. I focus on winning titles, not about how many matches I've win. But of course I'm happy about it!

"Monterrey was absolutely perfect. So many people came out to watch every day, and there were even French fans supporting me so much. For its first year it was really well organized, and the Tournament Director did his best to give us everything we needed. I really enjoyed my time here."

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Singles - Final

(2) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Li Na (CHN) 64 63

Bartoli, Na will clash in final after semis wins

No. 2 seed Marion Bartoli and Li Na reserved a spot in the final of the Monterrey Open after they both won their matches in straight sets.

Bartoli had to defeat No. 4 seed Jie Zheng in the semis, and she did, with a score of 75 63.

Na had a much easier time on court, as she demolished No. 6 seed Iveta Benesova, 63 63.

This is going to be the first meeting between the two players.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(2) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (4) Zheng Jie (CHN) 75 63

Li Na (CHN) d. (6) Iveta Benesova (CZE) 63 63

Sharapova withdraws from Indian Wells singles event; will play doubles with countrywoman

Maria Sharapova said she has withdrawn from singles event at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which will occur next week, but has signed up for the doubles event, which she will play with Elena Vesnina.

"I am excited to be playing competitive tennis again," said Maria. "The healing process takes time, and requires things to move more slowly than I would like, but I am taking things one step at a time. I look forward to playing at the BNP Paribas Open, it is definitely one of my favorite tournaments in the world."

"We are very glad that Maria will be competing at the BNP Paribas Open," said tournament director Steve Simon. "It is great to see her healthy and back on the court. The game has missed her and we wish her the best of luck and hope she has a great tournament."

Three of four players seeded in semis; Bartoli advances in three sets on Day 5 in Monterrey

Three of four of the players who advanced to the semifinals in Monterrey were seeds, as No. 2 seed Marion Bartoli, No. 4 seed Jie Zheng, No. 6 seed Iveta Benesova, and unseeded Li Na all won their quarterfinal matches.

Bartoli was the only player to win in three sets on Friday, to qualifier Vania King, 26 62 63.

Zheng easily crushed her opponent, No. 7 seed Gisela Dulko, in straight sets 63 62.

Benesova had a tough time on court, but still won her match in straight sets to Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, 75 64.

Na won her match to Lucie Safarova in straight sets, 63 76(3).

Friday, March 6, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(2) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (Q) Vania King (USA) 26 62 63

(4) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. (7) Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 62

(6) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 75 64

Li Na (CHN) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 63 76(3)

Bartoli through to quarters; Pennetta makes surprise exit on Day 4 in Monterrey

No. 2 seed Marion Bartoli was still the highest remaining seed after her second round match, as she ousted her opponent in straight sets, and will now face Vania King, who came all the way from the qualifications.

Bartoli got past Magdalena Rybarikova to get to the quarterfinals, 64 60; while No. 108 in the world King battled against No. 27 in the world and No. 5 seed Agnes Szavay to win in three sets, 36 64 63.

No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta was surprisingly ousted by Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in three sets, 76(4) 26 64, and she will face No. 6 seed Iveta Benesova, who crushed Roberta Vinci, 76(4) 62.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (WC) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 64 60

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) d. (3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 76(4) 26 64

(Q) Vania King (USA) d. (5) Agnes Szavay (HUN) 36 64 63

(6) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 76(4) 62

Kirilenko pulls out with knee problems; No. 4 and 7 seeds will clash in quarters in Monterrey

No. 8 seed Maria Kirilenko looked like she was in great form in her first round match, but in her second match against unseeded Lucie Safarova she retired from the match after the Czech won the first set and was leading the second.

The Russian suffered from an inflamed left knee, so Safarova advanced to the quarterfinals with a score of 64 41.

Li Na ousted Petra Cetkovska, 63 64, and she will next face Safarova.

No. 4 seed Jie Zheng cruised past Melinda Czink, 63 64, and will now face No. 7 seed Gisela Dulko, who breezed past Mariya Koryttseva, 62 64.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(4) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 63 64
(7) Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 62 64

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (8) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 64 41 ret. (left knee inflammation)

Li Na (CHN) d. Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 63 64

Bartoli crushes opponent; Pennetta stuns opponent on Day 2 in Monterrey

After No. 1 seed Agnieszka Radwanska was ousted on Monday, No. 2 seed Marion Bartoli was declared the highest seed remaining, and she still is, after she was in great form in her first round match which she won in straight sets.

The Frenchwoman's victory came at night over Michaella Krajicek, who had to pass qualifications, 62 64.

In the second round, Bartoli will face Magdalena Rybarikova, who got past Edina Gallovits, 64 36 63.

No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta won her match to Jill Craybas, 61 60.

No. 5 seed Agnes Szavay was also on the winners list, as she ousted Pauline Parmentier easily, 62 62.

No. 6 Iveta Benesova easily demolished Shahar Peer, who wasn't given a visa to the tournament in Dubai two weeks ago, 64 62.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Singles - First Round

(2) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (Q) Michaella Krajicek (NED) 62 64

(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 61 60

(5) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 62 62

(6) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 64 62

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 63 26 76(4)

Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (Q) Arantxa Rus (NED) 64 26 62

Petra Cetkovska (CZE) d. Jarmila Groth (SVK) 63 62

Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 75 61

Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) d. (Q) Lenka Wienerova (SVK) 64 61

(Q) Vania King (USA) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 61 64

(WC) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 64 36 63

Serena wins Billie Jean King Cup to older sister Venus in straight sets

No. 1 in the world Serena Williams beat No. 5 in the world Venus Williams 64 63 to win the BJK Cup, and took home $400,000 from the $1.2 million exhibition tournament, while Venus took home $300,000.

“I’m really excited about that opportunity. Hopefully it will continue to open more doors for women’s sports and women’s tennis.

The Williams sisters gave the crowd of 12,026 exactly what it wanted by advancing to the championship, but Venus was never the same after she was broken in a marathon game in the first set.

“The crowd was really nice, definitely,” said Venus Williams, who won the Mexican Open on Saturday night for her second WTA Tour title in two weeks. “I thought they were rooting for me to get back in and take it to the third, which I couldn’t quite do.”

Serena got to the final after beating Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, a former No. 1, 6-3 in a one-set semifinal, while Venus got past Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 6-4 to get to the final.

Both the Serbs recieved $250,000 for getting to the semis.

"It was really good, really intense," the 27-year-old world number one said.

Venus, who leads the sisters' WTA tournament head-to-head series 10-9, said: "I tried but Serena was too good."

Top seed falls in three sets; sister also sent flying home on Day 1 in Monterrey

Maria Kirilenko, who suffered three first round losses in Sydney, Melbourne and Dubai, finally got her game back and won her first match of the season at Monterrey, Mexico in straight sets, while top seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who is expecting a birthday on Friday, was ousted in three sets.

The Pole fell to Li Na of China after being broken six times and managing to win only 33% of her second serve, 76(5) 46 60.

Agnieszka's younger sister Urszula, was also on court, and didn't get a better result than her sister, as the wildcard lost to another Chinese player, No. 4 seed Jie Zheng, in straight sets, 63 63.

No. 8 seed Kirilenko notched a straight sets win over Marina Erakovic of New Zealand, 64 63.

No. 7 seed Gisela Dulko also passed her first round test, winning to Nathalie Dechy, 64 75.

Lucie Safarova was also in the list of winners, as she demolished wildcard Melissa Torres Sandoval, 64 61.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Singles - First Round

Li Na (CHN) d. (1) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 76(5) 46 60

(4) Jie Zheng (CHN) d. (WC) Urszula Radwanska (POL) 63 63

(7) Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 64 75

(8) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. Marina Erakovic (NZL) 64 63

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (WC) Melissa Torres Sandoval (MEX) 64 61

Williams captures 41st career title in Acapulco

The final that everyone had expected came to reality on Saturday, and the higher seed and rank Venus Williams demolished her Italian opponent, Flavia Pennetta, in easy straight sets, 61 62, to win her 41st title of her career in Acapulco, Mexico.

"I started the week very tough. I had such difficult matches. Three three-setters in a row, each more difficult than the last," Williams said. "I think I deserved this win tonight. I played hard all week and tonight my serve and my game all came together. I loved coming to Mexico and winning my 41st Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles title here. I hope to be back next year to defend it."

"What happened to me? Venus Williams is what happened to me. The No.5 player in the world is what happened to me!" joked Pennetta, after being asked what happened to her. "She was just playing so strong, serving so well, it was hard to fight against her power. I didn’t feel I played badly, she just overpowered me.

"I am not sad to leave like this. I had a great week, reaching the final again. The people here are so nice, they do everything to make the players feel at home, and I feel like this is my second home. The best fans are in Acapulco and I really appreciate their support. All credit to Venus for playing a great match."

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Singles - Final

(1) Venus Williams (USA) d. (2) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 61 62