Serena survives challenge; Dementieva ousted in three sets

No. 2 seed Serena Williams survived her third round match after winning in three sets, while No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was defeated in three sets by an Australian.

Williams got past Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez with a score of 46 63 64.

"I haven't played that much on clay this year. I felt I probably should have won this match in two sets, but I didn't. But mentally I'm doing well and getting a lot of experience," Williams said. "She gave a great battle. She fought well. She's a great doubles player and a good singles player as well. She did a great job."

Dementieva failed to succeed in her match against No. 30 seed Samantha Stosur, 63 46 61, two days after luckily winning to another Australian, Jelena Dokic, who retired while leading.

"I had played Elena a few times, most recently in Australia, and I think I was up 5-2 in the first set there. The main reason I didn't win that set was a lack of belief, probably," Stosur said. "I knew I had the game to trouble her. It was just a matter of handling the situation. Today I did, and I felt great. It's a big step."

"The way she played in Australia was impressive. I always had tough matches against her. She has really improved the last few years," Dementieva said. "It's really difficult to play against someone who is so fit. And her serve is unusual for the women's game - lots of speed and very difficult to return."

The upset of the day was when Sorana Cirstea ousted No. 10 seed Caroline Wozniacki in tough straight sets, 76(3) 75.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 46 63 64

(30) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 63 46 61

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Jarmila Groth (AUS) 61 61

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 61 63

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (22) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 57 75 62

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (10) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 76(3) 75

(12) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 62 64

(24) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) 62 36 63

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 75 75

Venus ousted in straight sets; Sharapova wins thrilling three-setter

On Day 6 in Paris, Venus Williams had a bad day, as she failed to enter the second week of the tournament after being ousted by Agnes Szavay, while Maria Sharapova came back from a set down to beat Yaroslava Shvedova.

No. 29 seed Szavay demolished the 3rd seeded American in easy straight sets, 60 64.

"I had a tough day, and I didn't get the ball in the court, and that didn't help me at all," said Williams, who did recover somewhat in the second set, holding a point for a 5-3 lead at one point. "I'm used to beating people 6-0. I'm not used to my shots not going in and losing a set 6-0. So it was completely foreign ground for me. I had a lot of struggles out there and you've got to play well. Today it just didn't come together for me."

"This may be the biggest win of my career. It's for sure one of the biggest ones," Szavay said. "I just kept playing my game and always concentrated on the next point, then I realized I had match point. I started to think, 'Oh my God, I have match point against Venus.' But suddenly it was over and I won the match."

Sharapova lost the first set with a very easy score, but then regained her game and came back to win with a score of 16 63 64.

"I dug a nice pothole for myself there. That's kind of what I've been doing the last few rounds," Sharapova said on the slow start. "I got rid of all of those errors and started playing better. Even if I'm playing horribly in the beginning of the match, I know it's not over 'til it's over. I've given myself a chance to play another match. That's the only thing I can ask for now."

No. 1 seed Dinara Safina easily ousted her opponent Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 62 60.

"We had a few very tough games at the start but when I broke her I started playing much more aggressively, and then I was dominating," said Safina, the first player in 15 years to lose less than five games en route to the fourth round. "I just try to be dominant on the court. If I don't, the other player will take their chances and it'll be 50/50. But if I am I know it's not easy to handle my level."

Friday, May 29, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (27) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 62 60

(29) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (3) Venus Williams (USA) 60 64

(8) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (32) Iveta Benesova (CZE) 60 62

(20) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 64 62

(25) Li Na (CHN) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 75 61

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. (Q) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) 76(3) 62

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 16 63 64

Postponed due to darkness

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) ties (22) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 57 75

Williams sisters both advance on Day 5 in Paris

Venus Williams lost the first set in her match in a tiebreak, she regained her strength to win the next two sets, advancing to the third round of the second Grand Slam of the year along with her sister Serena, who easily won her match in straight sets.

Venus took on Lucie Safarova on Day 5 in Paris, losing the first set with a close score in the tiebreak, then winning the next two with a fight. The final score was 67(5) 62 75.

"Yesterday I think I did too many things wrong. She was just firing for every shot and making them," Williams said. "There was a lot to think about during the delay, and when I came back I just tried to be as aggressive as I could. The last two sets were really close and she was playing well. But these kinds of matches are really rewarding, and I felt like I deserved the win today."

Serena easily demolished Virginia Ruano Pascual, 62 60.

"Everything clicked for me today, finally. I'm not nearly as upset as I was the other day," said Williams, who needed nine match points to finish off her first round opponent, Klara Zakopalova, on Tuesday. "I was really upset yesterday and other than coming here to practice I stayed home all day. Today I came out feeling like I had no pressure on me and I just did the best I could."

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was lucky to advance, after her opponent, Jelena Dokic, was leading a set and 3-4 and then retired due to a low back injury. The final score was 26 43.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) 62 60

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 67(5) 62 75

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Jelena Dokic (AUS) 26 43 ret. (low back injury)

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 61 62

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 60 62

(10) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 61 64

(12) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 61 64

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. (13) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 63 75

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (18) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 62 62

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (21) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 63 62

(24) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. (Q) Petra Martic (CRO) 63 63

Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (28) Sybille Bammer (AUT) 46 63 108

(30) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 63 46 64

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) 36 63 63

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (WC) Olivia Rogowska (AUS) 46 75 75

Jarmila Groth (AUS) d. (LL) Mariana Duque Marino (COL) 62 76(9)

Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) d. Alexa Glatch (USA) 76(0) 75

Sharapova wins in three sets; Safina into third round on Day 4 in Paris

Maria Sharapova proved to be back in her best form on Wednesday, after ousting compatriot Nadia Petrova in three tough sets, while No. 1 seed Dinara Safina easily won her match on Day 4 in Paris, France at the French Open.

Sharapova easily won the first set, then lost the second with a similar score. Even though Petrova was up 4-2 in the third set, and had points for 5-2, Sharapova shrieked her way through to win the match with a score of 62 16 86.

"She really showed, even though she has been out for a while, that she's willing to compete until the end," Petrova said. "I'm disappointed I didn't finish it off when I had everything in my hands. That's what I need to do to become a better player and win titles, go for my shots without doubts. But Maria showed she's a real champion. I really felt the confidence and power behind her shots."

"These types of matches are really important for me. I'm spending more time out there than I want to, but I'm learning so many new things as well," Sharapova said. "When you haven't played for such a long time and you're put in these situations, many things come back to you. This was a great match where I had to fight my way through many, many challenges, and I did."

Safina easily demolished Vitalia Diachenko with a score of 61 61.

No. 8 seed and defending champion Ana Ivanovic also won her match easily, against Tamarine Tanasugarn, 61 62.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (Q) Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) 61 61

(8) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 61 62

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Kristina Barrois (GER) 76(1) 75

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (11) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 62 16 86

(Q) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) d. (15) Zheng Jie (CHN) 64 63

(20) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) 61 60

(22) Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) d. Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 62 64

(25) Li Na (CHN) d. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 61 64

(27) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Julie Coin (FRA) 62 76(2)

(29) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 62 60

(32) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 61 62

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 76(5) 06 62

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. (Q) Polona Hercog (SLO) 36 64 62

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 63 67(3) 75

(Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. (Q) Arantxa Rus (NED) 60 62

Suspended due to darkness

Lucie Safarova (CZE) leads (3) Venus Williams (USA) 76(5)

Williams survives first round challenge on Day 3 in French Open

No. 2 seed Serena Williams survived an early upset against Klara Zakopalova, while the No. 4 and 5 seed went through easily after winning their matches in straight sets.

Serena had a tough win against Zakopalova, winning with a score of 63 67(5) 64, after having 5 match points when leading 63 53.

"I'm disappointed. I played a very good match. And the public was absolutely fantastic. I've never played in front of a crowd like this. It was one of the best experiences in my life," Zakopalova said. "I think Serena will play better each round, so it was probably the best chance to beat her. She's Serena. She is one of the best players here, so it was a bit of bad luck for me with the draw."

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva ousted qualifier Chanelle Scheepers with a score of 64 63.

No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic won her match with a similar but easier score, to Petra Cetkovska, 62 63.

No. 7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova demolished wildcard Claire Feuerstein, with a score of 61 64.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Singles - First Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 63 67(5) 64

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (Q) Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 64 63

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 62 63

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (WC) Claire Feuerstein (FRA) 61 64

(10) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 46 75 61

(18) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 62 57 60

(24) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 64 46 63

(28) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 63 76(1)

(30) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 64 62

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. (31) Peng Shuai (CHN) 16 62 64

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 63 63

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (Q) Carly Gullickson (USA) 64 62

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (WC) Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 61 26 86

Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (Q) Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 36 64 61

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 46 63 60

Jelena Dokic (AUS) d. Karolina Sprem (CRO) 36 61 62

Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. Sania Mirza (IND) 64 76(3)

Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) d. (Q) Zuzana Ondraskova (CZE) 62 64

Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 64 63

(Q) Petra Martic (CRO) d. Mara Santangelo (ITA) 64 62

Suspended due to darkness

(21) Alizé Cornet (FRA) leads Maret Ani (EST) 64 44

Safina makes winning start; Sharapova advances after three set victory

Top seed Dinara Safina won her debut match at the French Open in a double bagel score, and Maria Sharapova also won her first match of the week, but in three sets.

Safina easily advanced to the second round after demolishing Anne Keothavong, 60 60.

"I came on court expecting a tough match because she played well in Warsaw. Then I started playing and I felt very good," Safina said. "After I shook her hand she told me I could have at least given her one game. I can imagine it's not nice to feel like that on the court but my head was so into the match."

No. 3 seed Venus Williams went to three sets against American Bethanie Mattek-Sands, eventually winning with a score of 61 46 62.

"Obviously I'm happy to win and play well in the first set and also in the third," Williams said. "I'm definitely a third set player. Once I get to the third set, I feel a new level coming. It takes a little bit of everything on this surface. Will and a little luck, some winners... You've got to do the right thing at the right time."

Sharapova, who played her first tournament last week in Warsaw, faced Ekaterina Yakimova in her first match at the Roland Garros, and won it with a score of 36 61 62.

"I started pretty lousy. Even though I was up a break I wasn't doing the right things, and I was letting her play well. I was a little sloppy," Sharapova said. "But I totally changed it around. I started playing a lot more aggressively and the match changed after the first few games of the second set."

"This is the first time in my career where I can say I don't have expectations. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, how my shoulder is going to feel. Obviously I haven't played competitive matches in a long time. There were about three months where I didn't even pick up a tennis racquet. It was just bizarre.

"You sit back and you miss it. You want to be out there. From the hour you're in the locker room putting your dress on to the 15 minutes before the match when you're warming up, pumping yourself up and knowing you're going to go out there in front of 20,000 people. I certainly missed it."

Monday, May 25, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 60 60

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 61 46 62

(12) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) 63 61

(13) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 36 61 63

Alexa Glatch (USA) d. (14) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 61 61

(15) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Stéphanie Cohen-Aloro (FRA) 61 63

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (17) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 64 63

(20) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 64 26 64

(22) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 61 64

(Q) Polona Hercog (SLO) d. (23) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 62 46 61

(LL) Mariana Duque Marino (COL) d. (26) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 36 64 64

(29) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (Q) Corinna Dentoni (ITA) 63 64

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 62 16 61

Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) d. Camille Pin (FRA) 63 57 75

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 63 62

Lucie Hradecka (CZE) d. (Q) Yvonne Meusburger (AUT) 61 62

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 75 75

Jarmila Groth (AUS) d. (WC) Kinnie Laisne (FRA) 64 63

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. (LL) Katie O'Brien (GBR) 61 61

Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 61 46 97

Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) d. Patricia Mayr (AUT) 61 61

Jill Craybas (USA) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 75 62

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) d. Stéphanie Foretz (FRA) 61 46 64

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) 36 61 62

Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) d. (WC) Irena Pavlovic (FRA) 63 64

(Q) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) d. Melanie South (GBR) 06 76(5) 75

(WC) Olivia Rogowska (AUS) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 64 64

Ivanovic starts defense run; Loit announces retirement from tennis after loss

No. 8 seed and defending champion Ana Ivanovic won her debut match at the French Open in tough straight sets, along with Nadia Petrova and Victoria Azarenka. There was also sad news for the Tour, as 30-year-old Emilie Loit retired from tennis after losing her first match.

Ivanovic was the highest seed in action on Day 1, and won a close match against Sara Errani with a score of 76(3) 63.

"I was very happy to be back on the center court. I was surprised how many people were there supporting us. It was great to see. I just enjoy competing out there," Ivanovic said. "I knew I had to work hard for my points today. I kept my composure even when I was making some mistakes. I had to work my way into the match and I'll have to work my way through the tournament."

No. 9 seed Azarenka had an easier time on court, as she won to Roberta Vinci 64 62.

No. 11 seed Petrova easily demolished wildcard Lauren Embree in easy straight setsm, 61 62.

Timea Bacsinszky rallied from 64 42 down to beat Emilie Loit, a wildcard into the draw. The Frenchwoman announced afterwards this will be her last tournament. She will still compete in the doubles tournament this coming fortnight.

"Roland Garros is the perfect place to finish my career, a tournament that has always been my favorite," commented Loit, who turns 30 in two weeks. "I'm proud of what I've done. My win in Acapulco is probably my best memory."

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Singles - First Round

(8) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 76(3) 63

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 64 62

(11) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. (WC) Lauren Embree (USA) 61 62

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. (16) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 64 63

(Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. (19) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 76(2) 36 62

(25) Li Na (CHN) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 64 62

(27) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 63 62

(32) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Julia Goerges (GER) 75 41 ret. (heat illness)

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Tamira Paszek (AUT) 61 63

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Severine Brémond Beltrame (FRA) 63 63

Julie Coin (FRA) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 75 62

Kristina Barrois (GER) d. María Emilia Salerni (ARG) 36 61 62

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 63 63

Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. (WC) Emilie Loit (FRA) 46 64 61

(Q) Arantxa Rus (NED) d. (WC) Olivia Sanchez (FRA) 61 61

(Q) Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 26 62 108

Rezai impresses French crowds, wins title in Strasbourg

Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai impressed her home crowd after winning the title in Strasbourg, France at the Internationaux de Strasbourg against Lucie Hradecka in straight sets.

Rezai, ranked 57th in the world, had a tough first set win, but handled Hradecka, ranked 67th in the world, easily in the second set, winning with a score of 76(2) 61.

"It's incredible. I'm so happy to win my first title in France," said Rezai, the first French champion in the tournament's 23 years. "I've been working hard for so many years for this and it's hard to put into words what I feel. I want to come back here every year, I love this tournament. This title has given me a lot of confidence but now I'm just going to focus on my first match at Roland Garros."

"I was a little bit unlucky in the first set, because it just came down to one or two points," Hradecka said. "In the second set I made some mistakes and she played really well. I'm still happy about reaching the final this week though."

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Singles - Final

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 76(2) 61

Dulgheru stuns Ukrainian to claim first title of WTA Tour career

Ranked No. 201 in the world, Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania made a shocking win over No. 8 seed Alona Bondarenko in three sets, to make it her first ever WTA Tour title win.

Dulgheru won to Bondarenko in a tough score, but a third set bagel, 76(3) 36 60, also making herself a nice birthday present, as she has a birthday on the 30th of May.

"I didn't expect to win. I don't know what happened that I was playing so well," Dulgheru said. "I knew Alona was a very solid player, especially from the baseline. My plan was to play with topspin because when I tried to play with her rhythm she was too powerful. I had to use every drop of energy I had to win."

"I hope when I come here next time I'll finally win," said Bondarenko, a runner-up to Justine Henin here two years ago. "I was a little nervous at the beginning of the third set. She got an early lead and played too well. I couldn't do anything. I didn't know how to beat Alexandra today. But I expected her to play well."

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Singles - Final

(Q) Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) d. (8) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 76(3) 36 60

Bondarenko to face qualifier at final in Warsaw

No. 8 seed Alona Bondarenko got one step closer to winning her second WTA Tour title after she won her semifinal match in straight sets, but first she has to take on breakthrough player Alexandra Dulgheru, who had a tougher time against the No. 6 seed.

Bondarenko, who ousted Maria Sharapova in the previous round, won her match against Anne Keothavong 62 75.

"Anne played well from the baseline. She was hitting fast and was consistent," Bondarenko said. "I expected to do well here. I felt I played well in Madrid last week and thought I could win here in Warsaw. Two years ago here I lost to Justine in the final. Tomorrow will be tough. I'm not expecting an easy match."

Dulgheru made an outstanding win on the week before her birthday against Daniela Hantuchova, with a score of 64 67(2) 61.

"At moments like that it's about inspiration and desire to win for me, and I knew if I could pull through those first few games I had a chance to win," Dulgheru said about the start of the third. "Her being such a talented and experienced player, I knew if I let her get an early lead it would be incredibly difficult."

"I just tried to take it one match at a time, and did not plan to make it this far. This is an incredible experience for me, this is a great surprise for my birthday."

Bondarenko and qualifier Dulgheru have never played together before. Let's see who takes the lead.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(Q) Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) d. (6/WC) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 64 67(2) 61

(8) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 62 75

Maria Sharapova's comeback run was eventually halted on Day 4 at Warsaw, while No. 6 seed Daniela Hantuchova reached the semifinal of the event after winning in three sets.

The Russian was beaten by No. 8 seed Alona Bondarenko in easy straight sets, 62 62.

"I have to give Alona all of the credit she deserves. When she was up, she played really solid and rode it out until the end," Sharapova said. "I felt my shots were too short and I wasn't patient enough. On clay you have to be patient and wait for your opportunities.

"I'm happy with the way I played here though. Obviously no one likes to lose, but I've spent about three or four hours competing on the court this week and that's what I needed. I'm very thankful for the wildcard I got from the tournament."

"Maria played with the same speed and power she had before the injury, the only difference is she made more errors," Bondarenko said afterwards. "I'm happy with the way I played and the result today. If I continue to play like this I think I can win some matches at the French Open next week. We will see."

Bondarenko will face Anne Keothavong, who beat Ioana Raluca Olaru 60 61, for a final berth.

Hantuchova had to fight to win her quarterfinal match, as she struggled and won against Klara Zakopalova, 63 46 64. She will face qualifier Alexandra Dulgheru, who ousted Galina Voskoboeva 61 75.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(6/WC) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 63 46 64

(8) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (WC) Maria Sharapova (RUS) 62 62

Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. (Q) Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 60 61

(Q) Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) d. Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 61 75

Sharapova keeps winning; No. 3 and 5 seeds ousted in straight sets

Maria Sharapova won her second match of the tournament in Warsaw to a Bulgarian lucky loser, while the No. 3 and 5 seeds both fell in straight sets.

Sharapova made an impressive win against Darya Kustova, advancing with a score of 62 60.

No. 3 seed Jie Zheng was sent flying home after losing to Klara Zakopalova, 60 64.

No. 5 seed Sara Errani was ousted by Romanian Alexandra Dulgheru, 64 63.

No. 6 seed Daniela Hantuchova had better luck than the higher seeds, as she won her match easily to Urszula Radwanska, 63 61.

No. 8 seed Alona Bondarenko won her match with the same score, against Marta Domachowska, 63 61.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Singles - Second Round

Klara Zakopalova (CZE) d. (3) Zheng Jie (CHN) 60 64

(Q) Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) d. (5) Sara Errani (ITA) 64 63

(6/WC) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 63 61

(8) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 63 61

Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 36 63 61
Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 64 76(5)

(Q) Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) d. Julia Goerges (GER) 63 06 76(3)

(WC) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (LL) Darya Kustova (BLR) 62 60

Errani, Hantuchova win debut matches in Warsaw

There were only two seeds in action on Tuesday in Warsaw, who were No. 5 seed Sara Errani and No. 6 seed and wildcard Daniela Hantuchova, and they both won their matches in three sets.

Errani beat qualifier Greta Arn with a tough score of 61 26 76(2), while Hantuchova ousted her opponent, Nuria Llagostera Vives, with a score of 36 63 63.

Tomorrow, Maria Sharapova will face lucky loser Darya Kustova, since top seed Caroline Wozniacki withdrew form the tournament.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Singles - First Round

(5) Sara Errani (ITA) d. (Q) Greta Arn (HUN) 62 16 76(2)

(6/WC) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 36 63 63

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 63 36 63

Jill Craybas (USA) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 36 75 63

Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. Patricia Mayr (AUT) 64 61

Klara Zakopalova (CZE) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 36 64 63

(Q) Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) d. Jelena Dokic (AUS) 64 63

(Q) Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) d. (Q) Agnes Szatmari (ROU) 63 64

(LL) Darya Kustova (BLR) d. (LL) Lenka Tvaroskova (SVK) 64 61

Sharapova wins first singles match in nearly a year

Maria Sharapova, who is now ranked No. 126, and didn't play for nine months, made a winning start in Warsaw, Poland, after beating No. 68 in the world Tathiana Garbin in three sets.

Sharapova, a wildcard, won the match in a tough score, 61 67(6) 63, although the Russian took a big lead at 61 52, even having 6 match points, four at 5-3, and two in the tiebreak, where she had to rally from 3-1 down.

"I should have finished the match in the second set but after nine months it's never easy. I stayed in the match and it worked out in the end," Sharapova said. "My shoulder is fine. It didn't give me any problems during the match."

No. 3 seed Jie Zheng won her match in three sets, 46 76(0) 63; No. 8 seed Alona Bondarenko won her match in two bagels against Polish wildcard Katarzyna Piter; and No. 9 seed Tsvetana Pironkova fell to Kateryna Bondarenko, 75 62.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Singles - First Round

(3) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 46 76(0) 63

Julia Goerges (GER) d. (4) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 76(5) 63

Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. (7) Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 62 76(4)

(8) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (WC) Katarzyna Piter (POL) 60 60

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (9) Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 75 62

Marta Domachowska (POL) d. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 62 61

(WC) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 61 67(6) 63

Safina beats Wozniacki to claim title in Madrid

Top seed Dinara Safina continued to prove that she deserved to be No. 1 in the world on Sunday, as she handled Dane Wozniacki in straight sets to win the Madrid Open title.

The two finalists had never played before, and Safina's play was too much to handle for Wozniacki, as she won the final with a score of 62 64.

"I was feeling confident from the beginning and tried to be as aggressive as I could," Safina said. "I got a little bit tired at the end of the match but I was still dominant in the crucial moments. Caroline is a great player - she's very young and has time to improve. I think she can be very dangerous."

"I have come to find my place. I feel comfortable being No.1," said Safina, a runner-up at the 2008 French Open to Ana Ivanovic and the 2009 Australian Open to Serena Williams. "It was my dream from the beginning to be No.1 and I always believed I could get it. Once I got it, I was ready for it. That's why I think I'm enjoying it so much. Since I became No.1 I've played better and better."

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Singles - Final

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 62 64

Wozniacki will face Top seed Safina in final in Madrid

Caroline Wozniacki kept kept winning, and is now in the final of the Madrid Open. The Dane will face top seed Dinara Safina for the title, who won to Patty Schnyder in straight sets.

Safina ousted the 30-year-old with a score of 64 62.

"I've been feeling pretty comfortable on the Tour since I became No.1. I can't complain," Safina said. "I've played three finals in a row. It couldn't be better."

Wozniacki, the No. 9 seed, had a tough first set against Amelie Mauresmo, but easily won the second to reach the final. The final score was 76(1) 63.

"Even though she had set points in the first set I was able to pull through and win," Wozniacki said. "I tried to make her play my game. It wasn't easy. Amélie was trying to make me go out of my rhythm, slicing and playing a lot of topspin. I just tried to focus, make her run, not make errors and take my chances."

Safina and Wozniacki have never played together before.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Patty Schnyder (SUI) 64 62

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 76(1) 63

Safina wins quarterfinal match; Jankovic ousted in straight sets on Friday in Madrid

On Friday, the top seed at the Madrid Open succeeded in getting to the semifinals, while the No. 4 seed failed to pass her quarterfinal test.

No. 1 seed Dinara Safina was able to beat Alona Bondarenko in straight sets, with a score of 64 63.

Fourth seeded Jelena Jankovic fell to unseeded Patty Schnyder in two tough sets, 76(6) 63.

"It's not enough to just fight against Jankovic. I had the game, I moved well and hung in there," Schnyder said. "I'm really happy I'm in the semis and can play the world No.1. We'll see how fit I am and how many problems I can cause her."

No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki won her match to qualifier Vera Dushevina in easy sraight sets, 60 64.

Amelie Mauresmo played an unseeded match against Agnes Szavay, and won in three sets, with a score of 57 61 61.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 64 63

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. (4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 76(6) 63

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 60 64

Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Agnes Szavay (HUN) 57 61 61

Wozniacki makes "first" tennis history; Safina survives battle with Safarova on Thursday in Madrid

After winning her third round match, No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki became the first Dane ever to reach the Top 10 in rankings, while Top seed and rank Dinara Safina didn't come through an easy road to the quarterfinals.

Safina battled against Lucie Safarova, winning the first set in a bagel, losing the second set with a close score, and closing out the match with an easy third set win. The final score was 60 46 63.

"I started like I should have, aggressively. But suddenly after winning the first set I stopped and gave everything to her hands," Safina said. "I´m disappointed how I played the second and third sets. It was 0-2 and luckily she made a couple mistakes that gave me a chance to come back, but that's not really the way I try to win. I can take positives from the first set and hopefully tomorrow I can play two sets like that."

The Russian could face No. 4 seed Jelena Jankovic, who ousted qualifier Elena Vesnina 62 62, in the semis, but first she has to top Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko, who defeated Anna Chakvetadze in a match of unseeded players, 60 26 63.

Wozniacki made history on Thursday, as she beat Alisa Kleybanova to crack the Top 10, with a score of 62 62.

No. 7 seed Victoria Azarenka wasn't in good form in her match though, as she fell to Agnes Szavay, 46 62 62.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 60 46 63

(4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (Q) Elena Vesnina (RUS) 62 62

Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (7) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 46 62 62

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 62 62

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 60 26 63

Safina advances with ease; last week's Rome finalist ousted in straight sets in Madrid

The Russians had a very tough third round on Wednesday, as most of them failed to advance to the next round, but Dinara Safina, the top seed, proved she could go through, as she easily defeated Li Na in straight sets.

Safina didn't have a very hard time against Na, as she won to her in straight sets, 63 76(2).

No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva was beaten by Amelie Mauresmo in three tough sets, 16 64 62.

No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who won the title in Stuttgart two weeks ago and got to the final in Rome last week, was blown off by Alona Bondarenko in easy straight sets, 63 62.

No. 8 seed Nadia Petrova was also ousted, by Patty Schnyder, in three sets, 64 67(2) 76(5).

Qualifier Vera Dushevina advanced, unlike her compatriots, after winning to Francesca Schiavone in three sets, 63 46 62.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Singles - Third Round

Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 16 64 62

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. (8) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 64 67(2) 76(5)

(Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 63 46 62

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Li Na (CHN) 63 76(2)

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 63 62

(7) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Shuai Peng (CHN) 64 61

Venus gets ousted in first match; Jankovic easily through in Madrid

No. 5 seed Venus Williams, the only Williams sister remaining in the draw before her match, didn't make an impressive start to her week, as she lost in three sets to Russian Alisa Kleybanova, while No. 4 seed Jelena Jankovic advanced to the next round by beating Daniela Hantuchova.

Williams was struggling in the first set, but managed to win the second. In the third set, both players were fighting, but it was Kleybanova who closed it out, winning with a score of 63 36 75.

"It wasn't a good first set for me. I was really flat, and that gave her confidence. After that she was playing for the win," Williams said. "I feel I'm playing really well on clay though. I feel good. I think it's important not to think too hard about this because I know I can play well, maybe just not every match. It's important to not beat myself up. I just have to focus on my next tournament."

Jankovic had an easier time on court than Venus, as she beat Hantuchova in straight sets, 75 62.

The only other top ten seed in action was No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki, who ousted qualifier Varvara Lepchenko, 63 61.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 75 62

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. (5) Venus Williams (USA) 63 36 75

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (Q) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 63 61

Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (15) Zheng Jie (CHN) 62 75

Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (Q) Aravane Rezai (FRA) 26 75 62

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 64 62

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 61 75

(Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) 46 61 64

Serena fails to win with knee injury in Madrid

No. 2 seed Serena Williams wrapped up the first round action and got ousted in her opening match in Madrid, as she retired with a right knee injury that had been bothering her for weeks, while three other seeds in action succeeded in winning.

Williams had lost the first set fighting to Francesca Schiavone, then didn't even start the second. The final score was 64.

"I wanted to do well here, but I was really hindered and I didn't want it to get worse. I didn't want to risk my chances to play Roland Garros," a dejected Williams said. "It's something that has bothered me in the previous weeks. It's always hard to deal with things like this. I came here to compete and do my best. I planned on doing well. But you just live to fight another day, I guess."

No. 9 seed Caroline Wonziacki was the only seed playing in the first round along with Williams, and she won her match to Shahar Peer, 5-4, then Peer retired due to a right foot injury.

No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva was one of two seeds to be in the second round, and easily won her match to wildcard Lourdes Dominguez Lino, 63 62.

No. 8 seed Nadia Petrova won her second round match to qualifier Anna-Lena Groenefeld, 46 76(3) 76(5).

Monday, May 11, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (WC) Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) 63 62

(8) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. (Q) Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 46 76(3) 76

(5)Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 62 64

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 16 62 76(4)

(Q) Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 75 63

Singles - First Round

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 64 ret. (knee injury)

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 54 ret. (right foot injury)

Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 62 64

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 61 76(2)

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 76(7) 61

(Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (WC) María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 46 62 64

(Q) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 76(12) 57 61

Wickmayer succeeds in winning first career Tour title in Estoril

Unseeded Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium won her first ever Sony Ericsson WTA Tour against No. 6 seed Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets in Estoril, Portugal at the Estoril Open.

Wickmayer won the first set with a close score, but then became better, winning the second set easily against the Russian. The final score was 75 62.

"I'm really happy to have won my first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour title. I've worked hard for it. I don't really have many words to describe the feeling - I'm nearly speechless!" Wickmayer said. "I've been playing well for a few weeks now. I didn't have great results but I've been practicing really well. I felt this coming, not that I was going to win a title, but that I was playing well. I beat some good players this week, two or three seeded players, so I'm very happy."

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Singles - Final

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. (6) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 75 62

Safina gets revenge on Kuznetsova, wins title in Rome

World No. 1 Dinara Safina proved that she deserved the spot on Saturday, as she downed her opponent Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets to win the crown in Rome, Italy at the Internazionali d'Italia.

Safina lost last week to her countrywoman in straight sets, but gained form to win with an easy score of 63 62.

"I think yesterday's match really helped me to push myself to play my best," Safina said, referencing her win over Williams. "Really, really I think I played one of my best matches yesterday. Against Kuzy, I had in my head that I had lost three finals this year. I didn't want to have a reputation that I'm losing finals."

"I couldn't find the solution today. Dinara was playing good tennis and fought her way to the final unbelievably," Kuznetsova said. "I couldn't play my game at all. I made too many unforced errors. It was a little bit like Christmas today: I was giving too many presents. I knew what I had to do but I just couldn't do it. I'm definitely very disappointed about this because I've been playing much better."

The two are now 8-5 in head-to-head results in advantage to Safina, and they are now 4-4 on clay.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Singles - Final

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 63 62

Safina withstands Williams; will face rival Kuznetsova in final in Rome

Top seed and rank Dinara Safina fought hard against Venus Williams in her semifinal match, and managed to win it in a thrilling three-setter. She will meet Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final in Rome, who ousted Victoria Azarenka in straight sets.

No. 7 seed Kuznetsova didn't have much on a tough time against the Belarussian, as she won to her with a score of 64 62.

"It was good [to win] in two sets," Kuznetsova said. "But it was very difficult for me, she was hitting as hard as she could.

“She got frustrated and then she started to hit every ball even more," she added. "Yes the call was to my advantage, but she got too upset for no reason. It was just one ball in the match."

Safina withstood the strength of No. 4 seed Williams, winning with a very tight score. The first set went into the way of the American, as she won it in a tiebreak. The second set Safina won with ease. The third and deciding set was full of errors and double faults, especially from Safina. When the score got to 5-4 in Safina lead and on serve, she won the match after seven deuces, with a score of 67(3) 63 64.

After Kuznetsova's win to Safina last week in Stuttgart, the head-to-head result between the two is now 7-5 to Safina, but 4-3 to Kuznetsova's lead on clay.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (4) Venus Williams (USA) 67(3) 63 64

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (6) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 62 64

Safina survives Zheng challenge; Ivanovic ousted by Pole

World No. 1 Dinara Safina had a very tough time against Chinese Jie Zheng, as the Russian fought her off in three sets, while No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic was ousted by Agnieszka Radwanska also in three sets.

Safina was down 5-2 in the deciding third set. Zheng was serving 30-15, two points away from victory, when Safina gained her strength and fought back to take it a tiebreaker, winning 6 points in a row after being down 3-1.

"I'm happy I was still able to change the match. From 5-2 down I started to play a little bit better," Safina said. "But then I just became too passive again. I'm frustrated I wasn't playing my game at all. I know I can play better, though."

No. 3 seed Jelena Jankovic didn't even have to finish her match against Kateryna Bondarenko, as she was leading 61 10 when the Ukrainian retired due to a viral illness.

No. 4 seed Venus Williams struggled against Anna Chakvetadze, taking it to three sets. Williams won the first set easily, then the Russian came back to win the second set in a tiebreak with a close score. In the third set, both of the players wanted victory, but it was Venus who managed to pull it off, winning with a score of 60 67(8) 64.

No. 10 seed Radwanska didn't have a very hard time against Ivanovic even though she won in three sets. The final score was 61 36 64.


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Singles - Third Round
(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (14) Zheng Jie (CHN) 57 61 76(3)
(3) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 61 10 ret. (viral illness)
(4) Venus Williams (USA) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 60 67(8) 64
(10) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 61 36 64
(6) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 62 62
(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 63 36 60
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (ESP) d. (8) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 64 67(5) 64
(16) Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. Patty Schnyder (SUI) 63 60

No. 2 seed stunned on Day 3 in Rome

There was a big upset on Day 3 at the Italian Open, as No. 2 seed Serena Williams was ousted in three sets by Swiss 30-year-old Patty Schnyder, on a day when rain stopped play for four hours.

Williams was struggling a lot in the first set, but managed to win the second set with an easy score. In the third set, it seemed like the American completely ran out of gas, losing the match with a score of 62 26 61 to Schnyder.

Top seed Dinara Safina won her match to Virginie Razzano, 76(1) 61, which also included a hard fall.

No. 3 seed Jelena Jankovic was one of the players who was affected by the rain delay, while playing her match against Gisela Dulko. The Serb eventually won the match, 63 76(6).

No. 7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who won last week's tournament in Stuttgart, easily won her match against Daniela Hantuchova with a score of 63 63.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 76(1) 61

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 62 26 61

(3) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 76(6)

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 63 64

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 63 63

(8) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 62 36 63

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 61 75

(10) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Aravane Rezai (FRA) 46 62 76

(7)María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. (11) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 61 75

(12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 63 67(5) 61

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (13) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 64 61

(14) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 62 67(3) 62

(16) Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 75 63

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 57 76(2) 63

Venus wins debut match, along with Azarenka on Day 2 in Rome

On Day 2 of the Italy Open, Venus Williams' second round debut match was against Lucie Safarova, and the American took it to three sets and eventually won, while the champion of last week's tournament in Fes, Morocco fell to Anna Chakvetadze.

No. 4 seed Williams made a good start to her match against the Czech, but then lost the second set, and won the third set with ease, with the final score being 62 46 62.

No. 6 seed Victoria Azarenka didn't have to go through much in her second round match, as her opponent, qualifier Ayumi Morita, retired with a left thigh strain after the Belarussian won the first set 6-0.

Still wrapping up first round play, No. 9 seed Caroline Woznaicki was in good form, as she defeated Agnes Szavay 63 62.

Chakvetadze proved she was getting back into form, as she won her debut match to No. 15 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, 62 63.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(4) Venus Williams (USA) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 62 46 62

(6) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (Q) Ayumi Morita (JPN) 60 ret. (left thigh strain)

Singles - First Round

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Agnes Szavay (HUN) 63 62

(10) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 60 61

(12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 67(2) 64 61

(13) Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 63 75

(14) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 61 76(4)

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. (15) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 62 63

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 61 36 64

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 60 67(8) 64

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. (WC) Karin Knapp (ITA) 62 63

Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) d. (WC) Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 36 63 61

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (Q) Jill Craybas (USA) 16 63 62

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (WC) Roberta Vinci (ITA) 63 76(4)

(Q) Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 63 63

Both seeds in action win debut matches on Day 1 in Rome

The first day of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, Italy, only two seeds, No. 11 seed Marion Bartoli and No. 16 seed Kaia Kanepi, were in action, and they both succeeded in reaching the second round.

Bartoli defeated unseeded Shuai Peng in straight sets, with a score of 60 76(3).

Kanepi had harder time on court, but still won her match in straight sets, fighting off qualifier Vania King, 64 63.

Daniela Hantuchova won her debut match to Vera Dushevina with a score of 64 61.

Unseeded Amelie Mauresmo was ousted by Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in straight sets, 46 76(4) 62.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Singles - First Round

(11) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 60 76(3)

(16) Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. (Q) Vania King (USA) 64 63

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. (Q) Mariana Duque Marino (COL) 76(1) 63

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 76(5) 64

Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Li Na (CHN) 76(3) 46 63

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 64 61

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (Q) Alberta Brianti (ITA) 63 64

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 46 76(4) 62

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (Q) Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 76(5) 62

(Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 64 62

(Q) Ayumi Morita (JPN) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 61 63

Kuznetsova makes breakthrough win in final against top seeded and ranked compatriot

Going into the final of the Porsche Grand Prix were two Russian contenders, who both came through tough times in their matches before the final. Top seed Dinara Safina and No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova were battling it out, and Kuznetsova made a great win to return to the winner's circle.

Kuznetsova put a stop to her losing streak against Top 10 players on the road to her title, ousting Safina, the world No. 1, with a score of 64 63.

"It has been a while," the Russian said. "At the beginning today I was a little bit nervous. It's tough for me to play finals - I haven't won too many of them lately. But I started playing better and better as the match went on and I was able to win. I want to thank everybody for their support. It's a great thing to be here."

The Russians are now 7-5 in head-to-head results, Safina still taking the lead.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Singles - Final

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 64 63

Medina Garrigues claims title in Morocco after easy win to No. 6 seed

The final of the Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem was held on Sunday between top seed Anabel Medina Garrigues and No. 6 seed Ekaterina Makarova, Medina Garrigues looking to gain the title after being last year's finalist and Makarova entering her first singles Tour final.

Medina Garrigues was no contender against the Russian, as the Spaniard demolished her with a score of 60 61 in just 60 minutes.

Their only meeting before this one came in 2008 in Portoroz, when Medina Garrigues won with a score of 61 63 in the Round of 32. So now, the Spaniard leads 2-0 in head-to-head results.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Singles - Final

(1) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (6) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 60 61

Russian final to be held in Stuttgart

Top seed Dinara Safina came through a semifinal against Flavia Pennetta to get to the final of the Porsche Grand Prix, and awaits No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final.

Safina was down 36 13, and then she started to fight back, winning the second set with a close score, after being down 4-5. The third set ended with a perfect bagel for the Russian, as the final score was 36 75 60.

"I wasn't doing anything. I guess I was passive. But I was able to change things fast," Safina said. "She was 63 54 up and got tight. She gave me a few free points but I also began playing better, so maybe she was feeling more pressure. I told myself to get fighting and do something to win the match."

Kuznetsova made an easy entrance into the final, after beating compatriot and No. 2 seed Elena Dementieva, 64 62.

"Things went my way today," said Kuznetsova, who improves to 6-4 lifetime against her countrywoman. "I enjoyed myself. I played well and enjoyed the match. The atmosphere was great and I was very happy on the court. I think I served well - I put pressure on her and used my hands a lot in the match."

Safina leads the head-to-head results against Kuznetsova, 7-4. But we will see who succeeds in winning!!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 36 75 60

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (2) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 64 62

Jankovic gets ousted; Safina advances to semis with two other seeded Russians and Italian

Top seed Dinara Safina succeeded at reaching the semifinals of the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany, after defeating the No. 8 seed. She will now face Flavia Pennetta, who fought against No. 3 seed Jelena Jankovic to win in three sets.

Safina ousted Agnieszka Radwanska in easy straight sets, with a score of 64 62.

No. 2 seed Elena Dementieva advanced to the semis after her win to Marion Bartoli, 62 46 63.

"I am very glad I was able to finish strongly," said 27-year-old Dementieva, who is looking for her third title of the season after success at Auckland and Sydney in January. "It was a very emotional match for both of us."

No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova ousted Gisela Dulko in her quarterfinal match, 63 62.

The upset of the day was when Jelena Jankovic lost in three sets to Flavia Pennetta, the score being 26 64 64.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 64 62

(2) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Marion Bartoli (FRA) 62 46 63

Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (3) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 26 64 64

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 62

Safina continues to defeat; Wozniacki and Petrova ousted

On Thursday at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, some seeds went crashing out, while the top seed advanced in easy straight sets along with the No. 2 seed.

Two seeds were sent home, and those seeds were No. 6 seed Nadia Petrova and No. 7 seed Caroline Wozniacki. Petrova fell to unseeded Flavia Pennetta, 62 62; while Wozniacki was ousted by Marion Bartoli, 76(6) 64.

No. 1 seed Dinara Safina went through after winning her match to Daniela Hantuchova, 64 62 while compatriot and No. 2 Elena Dementieva also advanced, winning to Agnes Szavay with a score of 76(4) 61.

No. 3 seed Jelena Jankovic won her match in three tough sets against wildcard Sabine Lisicki, 75 57 63.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 64 62

(2) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Agnes Szavay (HUN) 76(4) 61

(3) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (WC) Sabine Lisicki (GER) 75 57 63

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Li Na (CHN) 46 64 75

Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (6) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 62 62

Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (7) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 76(6) 64

(8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 63 63