Serena gets into semis with Venus; both will face Russians

No. 2 seed Serena Williams and No. 3 seed Venus Williams easily advanced to the semifinals, and they both got one step closer to playing eachother in the final again. But first, Venus should beat top seed Dinara Safina, who went to three sets against Sabine Lisicki, and Serena should beat No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva, who ousted Francesca Schiavone in straight sets.

Serena wasn't challenged by opponent Victoria Azarenka, who is the No. 8 seed, and easily won with a score of 62 63.

Venus had an even easier time on court, and easily reserved a spot in the semis after winning to No. 11 seed Agnieszka Radwanska 61 62.

"Do I feel invincible? I'd like to say yes, but I really do work at it," Williams said. "That first set for me was almost perfect. In the second set I got impatient the first couple of games, but I was able to bring it back and realized I had to hit a few more balls, because everyone lifts their game, especially after that first set."

Dementieva also easily won, to Schiavone, 62 62; and Safina battled against Lisicki, and won with a score of 67(5) 64 61.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 67(5) 64 61

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 62 63

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. (11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 61 62

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 62 62

Venus, Serena advance easily; Safina gets challenged, wins in three sets on Day 7 in London

No. 13 seed Ana Ivanovic went home in tears after retiring due to a left thigh injury to No. 3 seed and defending champion Venus Williams, while top seed Dinara Safina went to three sets against 2006 Wimbledon champion and No. 17 seed Amelie Mauresmo on the second Monday at London.

Venus was leading the match with a score of 61 01, when the Serbian could play no more.

"I don't know the last time I won in these circumstances - I don't think ever in a Slam. She was in a lot of pain," Williams said. "I'm one of those players who only pays attention to what's going on on their side of the net, but today I felt really sad for her. She was really upset. This is the last place you want to have an injury you can't overcome. I wish her a lot of luck in her recovery."

"When I was serving 30-40 down in that first game, after my first serve, I felt a sharp pain on my inner thigh when I landed," Ivanovic said. "I couldn't step on my leg ever since. It was really disappointing, especially since I felt my form was getting better. I'll just have to look forward to my next tournament."

Venus' sister Serena, the No. 2 seed, was in perfect form, and demolished Daniela Hantuchova, 63 61.

Safina was struggling against her French opponent, but managed to take control and won 46 63 64.


Monday, June 29, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round
(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 46 63 64
(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 63 61
(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. (13) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 61 01 ret. (left thigh injury)
(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 61 63
(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 76(5) 26 63
Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. (9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 64 64
(11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) 64 75
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (26) Virginie Razzano (FRA) 62 76(1)

Jankovic, Kuznetsova crushed; Venus, Dinara advance on Day 6 at Wimbledon

No. 6 seed Jelena Jankovic was on the loser list on Saturday in London, as she was ousted by 17-year-old qualifier Melanie Oudin of the USA in three tough sets, while No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also didn't make it to the second week, being crushed by Sabine Lisicki in straight sets. Defending champion Venus Williams advanced.

Jankovic had a very tight first set against Oudin, which she won, but the Serb wasn't good enough to win the second set. The third set wasn't hard for Oudin to win, and she succeeded in winning, 67(8) 75 62.

"I had so many chances in the first set so I knew I was right there with her. I just had to keep going and keep fighting, and eventually I pulled through in the end," Oudin, just 17 years old, said. "I just tried to think she was any other player and this was any other match and I was at any other tournament, not that I was on the biggest stage at Wimbledon and playing my first Top 10 player."

Kuznetsova saved lots of match points at 5-2 in the second set against Lisicki, but the Russian lost anyway, with a score of 62 75.

No. 3 seed Williams faced Carla Suarez Navarro on Day 6, and easily won, 60 64, getting revenge after an Australian Open loss earlier this year.

"It was completely different circumstances today. In Australia, I had a lot of opportunities but didn't take advantage of them. Today I realized it wasn't the same match, and I was determined to really run away with it," Williams said. "In the end it got closer, but I love to have the opportunity to serve matches out, so I was pretty glad to get that break. I'm happy with how things turned out."

Top seed Dinara Safina also went through, after defeating Kirsten Flipkens, 75 61.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) 75 61

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 60 64

Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. (5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 62 75

(Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) d. (6) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 67(8) 75 62

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (20) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP)62 62

(11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (19) Li Na (CHN) 64 75

(13) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (18) Samantha Stosur (AUS) 75 62

(17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (15) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 75 63

Williams cruises through; Zvonareva retires with injury on Day 5 in London

No. 2 seed Serena Williams was on fire on Day 5 of the third Grand Slam of the year, as she easily advanced after winning in straight sets to an easy opponent, while Vera Zvonareva was forced to retire from her match without playing a point.

Williams was in perfect form against Roberta Vinci, as won the match with a score of 63 64.

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was also on a roll, as the Russian ousted qualifier Regina Kulikova, 61 62.

No. 7 seed Zvonareva was going to play No. 26 seed Virginie Razzano for a spot in the fourth round and second week of Wimbledon, but withdrew due to an ankle injury.

No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka was a bit challenged by No. 28 seed Sorana Cirstea, but the Belarussian found her way through, and won with a score of 76(2) 63.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 63 64

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (Q) Regina Kulikova (RUS) 61 62

(26) Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) w/o (right ankle injury)

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (28) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 76(2) 63

(10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 36 63 64

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (12) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 76(5) 60

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (14) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 75 46 64

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 63

Defending champ Venus easily through, along with Safina, Kuznetsova, Ivanovic on Day 4 in London

Day 4 at the Wimbledon Championships didn't see much surprising results for the top seeds, as Venus Williams and Dinara Safina both breezed through to the third round, along with Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, and former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic.

No. 3 seed Williams wasn't challenged by opponent Kateryna Bondarenko, as the American crushed the Ukrainian with a score of 63 62.

"She put a lot of balls back in play so we had some longer rallies," Williams said of her match against the Ukrainian. "I always felt like I needed to be the aggressive one and really take control of the points. That's really how I want to play throughout The Championships. It was a good match for me today."

Safina also had a similar score after winning to Rossana de los Rios, the score being 63 75.

No. 5 seed Kuznetsova crushed Pauline Parmentier in easy straight sets, 63 61; while Ivanovic cruised after defeating Sara Errani, 75 61.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) 63 75

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 63 62

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 61 63

(6) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 62 64

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 60 64

(11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 62 67(6) 97

(13) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 75 61

(15) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Vania King (USA) 62 62

(17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (LL) Kristina Kucova (SVK) 63 63

(18) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (Q) Tatjana Malek (GER) 46 76(6) 64

(19) Li Na (CHN) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 64 62
(20) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 76(5) 63

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 75 46 61

Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. Patricia Mayr (AUT) 62 64

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) d. (WC) Elena Baltacha (GBR) 75 61

(Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) d. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 36 62 64

Sharapova fails to go on; No. 2 seed breezes through on Day 3 at Wimbledon

No. 2 seed and last year's finalist Serena Williams cruised into the third round easily, while No. 24 seed Maria Sharapova succumbed to failure in her second round match at the Wimbledon Championships.

Williams was no match for her opponent Jarmila Groth, as the American won with a score of 62 61.

"Today I thought I played pretty well. I knew she was going to be tough, so I was like, 'Okay, I have to be ready,'" Williams said. "For me there's always room for improvement though. I think I could have returned better and come to the net a little more. It's exciting to think I can do better."

Sharapova faced Gisela Dulko on Day 3 at London. After Dulko was leading 62 3-0, Sharapova gained her confidence and came back to win the second set. The third set was a battle for both players, but Dulko came out on top and won the match with a score of 62 36 64.

"I was very nervous at the end. The last game felt like forever for me. But it was very important to finish it in that moment. If it got to 5-all, with her serve, it would be like everything was starting again, and I didn't want that to happen. I was very relieved after that game," Dulko said. "But she's coming back from a big injury and it's better to play her now than in the past or in the future. She's a very tough opponent, especially here on grass. She's a great fighter."

"It took me a while to get going. It's a little too late to start picking yourself up when you're down a set and 3-0," Sharapova, who won this title in 2004, said. "I'm not going to take anything away from how she played, though. She played really smart tactically. For a set and a half she had a lot of variety in her game. I started getting onto that and my shots didn't allow her to do that anymore, but then I took a little bit off the ball. I just didn't do it today. I don't know why."

Other top seeded winners of the day included Elena Dementieva, Vera Zvonareva, Victoria Azarenka and Nadia Petrova.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Jarmila Groth (AUS) 62 61

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Aravane Rezai (FRA) 61 63

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 61 63

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 60 60

(10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 63 62

(12) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 75 61

(14) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 62 64

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (16) Zheng Jie (CHN) 63 75

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. (24) Maria Sharapova (RUS) 62 36 64

(26) Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 63 60

(Q) Regina Kulikova (RUS) d. (27) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 06 64 61

(28) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. Sania Mirza (IND) 64 64

Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (31) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 64 76

(6)Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 63 64

Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. (Q) Arantxa Parra Santonja (ESP) 76(5) 63

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (WC) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR)76(2) 76(4)

Defending champion continues quest after easy win; top seed challenged, but through on Day 2 in London

Today at the Wimbledon Championships, defending champion Venus Williams crushed her opponent in easy straight sets, while top seed Dinara Safina also advanced after winning in two not-so-easy sets.

Third seeded Williams demolished Stefanie Voegele in her debut match with an easy score, 63 62.

"It was pretty straightforward. I really enjoyed being out there. It's a special moment when you walk back onto that court as defending champion and throw those balls up for that first point," Williams said. "Obviously I feel very good here, and I take advantage of that feeling."

Safina faced Lourdes Dominguez Lino, and even though the Russian hit more unforced errors, 30 for Safina and 28 for Dominguez Lino, she still won, 75 63.

No. 6 seed Jelena Jankovic had a tough time against Julia Georges, but won 64 76(0).

"Today was a tough round. I get a lot of confidence from passing these kinds of rounds. She was serving well and hitting the ball quite hard, and on the grass that gives you a hard time," Jankovic said. "I stayed tough in all of the important moments, especially when I was down 5-2 or 5-3 in the second set. I managed to raise my level and close the match out in the tie-break."

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) 75 63

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 63 62

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Akiko Morigami (JPN) 63 76(1)

(6) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Julia Goerges (GER) 64 76(0)

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (WC) Georgie Stoop (GBR) 76(0) 46 64

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (WC) Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 57 63 61

(11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 75 61

(13) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 57 62 86

(15) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 36 61 60

(17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 61 46 62

(18) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 64 67(6) 62

(19) Li Na (CHN) d Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 76(5) 60

(20) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 36 63 64

Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (22) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 36 60 64

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. (25) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 46 63 63

(Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) d. (29) Sybille Bammer(AUT) 46 64 62

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) d. (30) Agnes Szavay (HUN) 75 64

Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. (32) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 46 76(4) 62

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (WC) Katie O'Brien (GBR) 62 57 64

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. (WC) Alexa Glatch (USA) 64 26 64

Sara Errani (ITA) d. Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 75 62

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 64 64

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. (Q) Alberta Brianti (ITA) 64 63

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 63 76(5)

Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 61 60

Pauline Parmentier (FRA) d. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 64 16 63

Patricia Mayr (AUT) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 75 62

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Tatiana Perebiynis (UKR) 46 63 64

Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 64 67(5) 64

Vania King (USA) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 64 62

(Q) Tatjana Malek (GER) d. Jelena Dokic (AUS) 36 75 62

(LL) Kristina Kucova (SVK) d. (Q) Aiko Nakamura (JPN) 26 63 63

Two former champions advance on Day 1 at The All England Club

No. 2 seed Serena Williams and No. 24 seed Maria Sharapova both advanced after winning their first round matches with a battle, while Elena Dementieva demolished her opponent with ease on Day 1 at the Wimbledon Championships.

Williams, a two-time champion in London, easily won the first set of her match against qualifier Neuza Silva, but then it became tough. Serena eventually won with a score of 61 75.

"No one wants to lose in the first round, so everyone you play is always really into it and really fighting," Williams said. "My opponent definitely increased her level in the second set. It's just a point here or there that can break a match, so concentration was important. I thought I could have played better on the key points, but hopefully I'll get there as the tournament progresses."

Sharapova, who won here in 2004, had a harder time on court, against qualifier Viktoriya Kutuzova, but managed to close it out, 75 64.

"I played against a really solid opponent who went for many shots and who's aggressive, playing like she didn't have much to lose," Sharapova said. "Her game suits the grass well and she had three good matches in qualifying, so I knew she'd be dangerous. I just hung in there. There's still work to be done, but I always feel pretty comfortable on the grass."

Dementieva succeeded in winning her match against Alla Kudryavtseva, 64 61.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Singles - First Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (Q) Neuza Silva (POR) 61 75

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 64 61

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Severine Brémond Beltrame (FRA) 62 ret.(left knee injury)

(10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) 61 61

(12) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 60 60

(14) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Julie Coin (FRA) 64 36 63

(16) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Kristina Barrois (GER) 76(2) 76

(4) Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. (21) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 64 64

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (23) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 46 64 64

(24) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (Q) Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) 75 64

(26) Virginie Razzano (FRA) d Tamira Paszek (AUT) 60 31 ret.(low back injury)

(27) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. (Q) Sesil Karatantcheva (KAZ) 62 75

(28) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 75 61

(31) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 62 62

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (WC) Laura Robson (GBR) 36 64 62

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 61 61
Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Stéphanie Foretz (FRA) 63 75

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 62 62

Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 63 62

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 62 76(3)

Jarmila Groth (AUS) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 63 36 63

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. Masa Zec Peskiric (SLO) 63 63

Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 16 76(0) 62

Sania Mirza (IND) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 62 26 62

Mathilde Johansson (FRA) d (WC) Melanie South (GBR) 75 76(5)

Jill Craybas (USA) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 64 75

Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. (Q) Vesna Manasieva (RUS) 61 46 86

(Q) Regina Kulikova (RUS) d. Karolina Sprem (CRO) 46 75 63

(Q) Arantxa Parra Santonja (ESP) d. Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 64 64

(WC) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) d. (Q) Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 62 75

Suspended due to darkness

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) is tied with (WC) Georgie Stoop (GBR) 76(0) 46

Vera Dushevina (RUS) leads (22) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 36 60 42

The excitement is coming as the start of Wimbledon gets closer

The 123rd edition of the Wimbledon Championships is starting tomorrow, and we are all very excited!!!

The favorites are probably the Williams sisters, especially Venus, who is the defending champion, Maria Sharapova, who is coming back from an injury, and world No. 1 Dinara Safina, who is looking to win her first Grand Slam title.

The Williams sisters are on the same half, with Venus seeded 3rd and Serena seeded 2nd, and they may play eachother in the semifinals of the event.

Sharapova is seeded 24th, even though ranked 59th, and is looking to get her form back and go far in London.

Safina, who is ranked and seeded first, is looking to win her first Grand Slam, after reaching the final two weeks ago at the French Open for a second straight year.

Please make sure to visit the LIVESCORES that is on this blog for the up-to-second results and scores of the day, and for the schedule of play, and vote for your preferred winner of Wimbledon on the top of my blog page.

This year's Wimbledon will be the best yet, so check it out on TV on ESPN, ESPN2 and NBC, where the final will be broadcasted.

We will see who will come out on top, and good luck to all of the players in the field!!

Tanasugarn prevails, wins Ordina Open title

Tamarine Tanasugarn proved that she wasn't too old to win another title, as the veteran from Thailand dismissed world No. 1 Dinara Safina in the semifinals, and ousted Yanina Wickmayer to win the Ordina Open in 'S-Hertogenbosch.

Tanasugarn was the defending champion at the Ordina Open, and managed to defend it well, after beating wildcard Wickmayer, 63 75.

"It was a tough match. Yanina did a good job running me around. I'm happy I held on to win," Tanasugarn said. "Last year it was a great experience to win here and I'm so proud I could do it again. I love playing here."

The results in head-to-head between Tanasugarn and Wickmayer are now 1-1, since Wickmayer won their last meeting on grass last year.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Singles - Final

Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) d. (WC) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 63 75

Wozniacki triumphs over Razzano to collect AEGON International crown

Caroline Wozniacki proved that she was a young rising star after winning the AEGON International to the dismisser of world No. 1 Dinara Safina in the semifinals, Virginie Razzano, in very tough but straight sets.

No. 6 seed Wozniacki barely won managed to win the first set to Razzano, and the second set had a similar score, and the Dane managed to eventually win, 76(5) 75.

"I felt the ball really well today, and we had some good rallies," Wozniacki said. "The sets were very tight. I wish I could have closed the first set out a little bit earlier, having had 6-1 in the tie-break; and I was also up a break in the second set. But it doesn't matter how I win - I won, and that's the main thing!"

Wozniacki now has a 3-0 lead against the Frenchwoman in the head-to-head results.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Singles - Final

(6) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 76(5) 75

Wozniacki heads into final; Razzano will be challenged

The only seed that was left in the draw of the AEGON International advanced to the final, along with an unseeded Frenchwoman, who's opponent retired in the second set of the match.

No. 6 seed Caroline Wozniacki triumphed over her similarly surnamed opponent, Aleksandra Wozniak, with a score of 36 64 64.

The Dane will face Virginie Razzano of France, who continued her run in Eastbourne after Marion Bartoli retired due to a right thigh injury. The final score was 64 10.

Wozniacki and Razzano have played twice against eachother, and Wozniacki won both of the meetings. Let's see if Razzano can change things around!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(6) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 36 64 64

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Marion Bartoli (FRA) 64 10 ret. (right thigh strain)

Wozniacki advances, along with Wozniak, Bartoli and Razzano

Only one of two seeds in action at the AEGON International succeeded in winning on Thursday, as No. 6 seed Caroline Wozniacki went through, and No. 8 seed Agnieszka Radwanska fell.

Wozniacki had an easy time on court against qualifier Ekaterina Makarova, and easily won with a score of 63 62.

Radwanska battled against Virginie Razzano, and Razzano triumphed over the Pole, advancing after winning 76(5) 75.

Aleksandra Wozniak and Marion Bartoli were the other players who got to the semifinals, as Wozniak demolished qualifier Vera Dushevina 61 60, and Bartoli ousted Anabel Medina Garrigues 64 61.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(6) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (Q) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 63 62

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 76(5) 75

Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 61 64

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. (Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 61 60

Dementieva ousted; Chakvetadze defeated by Bartoli

Top seed Elena Dementieva crashed out of the AEGON International on Wednesday after losing to Virginie Razzano in three sets, while Marion Bartoli ousted the demolisher of Jelena Jankovic in straight sets.

Dementieva struggled to get her form in the first set, but managed to win the second set afterwards. In the third set, a tiebreak was played, and Razzano came out on top, winning with a score of 60 36 76(4).

Bartoli didn't have a very hard time while playing Anna Chakvetadze, after winning the first set after a battle and winning the second set with ease. The final score was 75 63.

No. 6 seed Caroline Wozniacki took her match against Samantha Stosur to three sets, and won it with a score of 61 57 61.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Singles - Second Round

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 60 36 76(4)

(6) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 61 57 61

(Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (7) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 57 10 ret. (right low back injury)

(8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Li Na (CHN) 31 ret. (left abdominal strain)

Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 75 63

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Zheng Jie (CHN) 76(3) 63

Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 61 75

(Q) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) d. Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 76(8) 76(13)

French Open champ ousted in straight sets, along with Jankovic, Zvonareva

On Tuesday at Eastbourne there were some shocking results, as some of the top seeds were ousted, including this year's French Open champion and Jelena Jankovic, while the No. 6 and 8 sees went on to advance.

No. 2 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who conquered the French Open crown two weeks ago, wasn't in her best form, as she fell to Aleksandra Wozniak in easy straight sets, 60 63.

No. 3 seed Jelena Jankovic was demolished by Russian Anna Chakvetadze in three tough sets, with a score of 67(5) 63 62.

No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva was also on the exiting list, as she was ousted by Amelie Mauresmo, 63 16 63.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Singles - First Round

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. (2/WC) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 60 63

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. (3) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 67(5) 63 62

Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 63 16 63

(6) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 63 62

(8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Urszula Radwanska (POL) 61 61

Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 61

Li Na (CHN) d. (WC) Elena Baltacha (GBR) 62 75

Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (LL) María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 63 67(4) 61

Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. (WC) Anne Keothavong (GBR) 63 62

(Q) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) d. (Q) Jarmila Groth (SVK) 76(7) 61

(Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 67(6) 75 64

Ivanovic ousted in debut match; Dementieva advances in Eastbourne

Unseeded Ana Ivanovic didn't show that she was in good form in her first match of the week, as she was demolished by No. 7 seed Nadia Petrova in three sets, while top seed Elena Dementieva cruised past countrywoman Maria Kirilenko in easy straight sets.

Ivanovic lost the first set easily to Petrova, but when the Russian was leading 4-3 in the second set, the Serb fought back to win the next seven out eight games, and the set. In the third set, both players were fighting, but it was Petrova who came out on top to win, 61 46 64.

Dementieva, who was the only other seed besides Petrova in action on Monday, didn't let her opponent Kirilenko break her serve, and even though Dementieva fired seven double faults, she managed to win, with a score of 62 62.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 62 62

(7) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 61 46 64

Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 62 62

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 62 61

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 76(3) 62

Rybarikova defeats Li for first Tour title

No. 4 seed Li Na was the favorite in the final of the AEGON Classic, but it turned out that her opponent, No. 13 seed Magdalena Rybarikova, was in better form on Sunday, as she won first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in Birmingham.

Rybarikova took out the top seed in the tournament earlier in the week, and she demolished Na, with a score of 60 76(2).

"It's the best feeling in my career. It's unbelievable. It's like a dream," Rybarikova said. "I've always liked grass. I have a good serve, forehand and volley - I think it's my best surface, for sure. I won the first set easily today but I knew the second set would be tougher. I was very nervous in the tie-break."

"I was missing a lot today. It was much different than my match yesterday," said Li, who pulled off her first win in six meetings against Maria Sharapova in the semifinals. "Yesterday was such a big win for me. I was still thinking about that and not thinking enough about today. She played really well though."

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Singles - Final

(13) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (4) Li Na (CHN) 60 76(2)

Sharapova's run ended by Na in semifinal

No. 4 seed Li Na has reserved her spot in the final of the AEGON Classic after ousting the favourite, Maria Sharapova, in tough straight sets, and the Chinese player will face Magdalena Rybarikova, who had a much tougher time on court against Sania Mirza.

Sharapova fought a lot in her match against Na, but that wasn't enough to defeat her opponent, as Na won with a score of 64 64.

"I definitely wasn't playing with the same intensity I had in the last couple of matches. Some days you have it, some days you don't," Sharapova said. "Against an opponent like her, that intensity has to be there every step of the match. I'm still getting used to a few things in my game. I just have to keep working, keep trying to get everything better and better."

"I was up 4-2 in the second set and double faulted twice. I was up 4-2 in the third set last week too. When I double faulted, I was thinking, 'What are you doing?'" Li said. "I lost to her so many times before. So I'm excited to win."

Rybarikova lost the first set in her match against Mirza, but that didn't let her down, as she won the next two sets with ease, finishing the match with a score of 36 60 63.

"She played aggressively from the start and it surprised me," Rybarikova said. "I had to start playing aggressive myself. I think my serve was the key to the match. Grass if my favorite surface - I reached the junior final of Wimbledon and I like playing at the net. I'm hoping I can continue this in the final tomorrow."

Na and Rybarikova have never played before, so whoever wins will take the lead!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(4) Li Na (CHN) d. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 64 64

(13) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Sania Mirza (IND) 36 60 63

Sharapova into semis; Mirza advances on Day 5 in Birmingham

Maria Sharapova advanced to her first semifinal since her return from a shoulder injury, after defeating Yanina Wickmayer in three sets, while No. 16 seed Melinda Czink crashed out of Birmingham after losing in straight sets to Sania Mirza.

Sharapova ousted Wickmayer after easily winning the first set, then losing the second, and winning the third, finishing the match with a score of 61 26 63.

Mirza, who is unseeded, fought a tough second set to win to the lowest seed left before the semifinals, with a score of 61 76(4).

Li Na, who is the highest seed remaining at No. 4, had an easy time against Stefanie Voegele, 63 76(3).

Friday, June 12, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(4) Li Na (CHN) d. Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 63 76(3)

(13) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 63 63

Sania Mirza (IND) d. (16) Melinda Czink (HUN) 61 76(4)

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 61 26 63

Sharapova wins two matches in one day; top seed ousted in straight sets on Day 4 in Birmingham

Maria Sharapova had a tough schedule today, as she had to finish a match that was postponed yesterday due to rain, and start a new one, but she managed to close them both out with ease, and now she has booked herself a spot in the quarterfinals of the AEGON Classic.

The Russian first defeated Alexa Glatch with a score of 63 64, then No. 7 seed Francesca Schiavone, 61 63.

"I'm just not serving full out as I did before the injury," she said. "I don't want to come out after not playing for so long hitting a really big serve. It gives me a chance to construct points.

"I am just going to take it tournament by tournament and match by match. I just want to get the (right) percentage of first serves in.

"I don't know when I am going to be at the level I was, or when I will be better. It may take time."

The top seed in Birmingham, Jie Zheng, wasn't able to advance, as she was ousted in two tough sets by No. 13 seed Magdalena Rybarikova, 76(10) 64, after winning her second round match on the same day to Melanie South, 63 61. Rybarikova also played another match before winning to the No. 1 seed, beating qualifier Chanelle Scheepers, 67(8) 61 63.

No. 3 seed Aleksandra Wozniak was also stunned on Thursday, as she fell to No. 16 seed Melinda Czink in three thrilling sets, 67(7) 75 75.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(13) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (1) Zheng Jie (CHN) 76(10) 64

(16) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (3) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 67(7) 75 75

(4) Li Na (CHN) d. (15) Aravane Rezai (FRA) 75 64

Sania Mirza (IND) d. (5) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 76(3) 36 62

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (7) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 61 63

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. (14) Roberta Vinci (ITA) 61 64

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. Julia Goerges (GER) 76(3) 63

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. (WC) Naomi Cavaday (GBR) 64 62

Singles - Second Round

(1) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Melanie South (GBR) 63 61

(4) Li Na (CHN) d. Jarmila Groth (SVK) 64 26 61
(5) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (WC) Elena Baltacha (GBR)67(1) 63 76(3)

(7) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 61 61

Julia Goerges (GER) d. (8) Sara Errani (ITA) 64 57 75

(13) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (Q) Chanelle Scheepers (RSA)67(8) 61 63

(14) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (Q) Lilia Osterloh (USA) 64 62

(15) Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 76(12) 36 62

(16) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 62 63

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. (LL) Michaella Krajicek (NED) 62 64

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Alexa Glatch (USA) 63 64

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 63 75

Sharapova nearly wins; No. 11 seed ousted in three sets by British wildcard

Maria Sharapova was on the brink of winning her second round match against Alexa Glatch, but the rain came back and halted play, while four matches that were not completed yesterday for the same reason were finished.

Sharapova was leading the American with a score of 63 5-4, and Glatch was on serve. Then the match was suspended due to rain, and will be finished tomorrow.

No. 11 seed Anne Keothavong exited early after losing to Sania Mirza, 61 76(5).

British wildcard Naomi Cavaday ousted No. 12 seed Tamarine Tanasugarn, 76(5) 26 64.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(3) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 64 64

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. (6) Ekatarina Makarova (RUS) 63 36 62

Sania Mirza (IND) d. (11) Anne Keothavong (GBR) 61 76(5)

(WC) Naomi Cavaday (GBR) d. (12) Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 76(5) 26 64

Suspended due to rain

Julia Goerges (GER) leads (8) Sara Errani (ITA) 20

(16) Melinda Czink (HUN) leads Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 62 23

Maria Sharapova (RUS) leads Alexa Glatch (USA) 63 54

Urszula Radwanska (POL) leads Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 63 44

Singles - First Round

(15) Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. (LL) Mariana Duque Marino (COL) 64 61

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. (Q) Naomi Broady (GBR) 57 76(4) 64

(Q) Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) d. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 67(5) 76(7) 63

(Q) Lilia Osterloh (USA) d. Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 67(4) 75 63

Keothavong, Czink advance on Day 2 at AEGON Classic

All of the seeds in action on Day 2 in Birmingham succeeded in winning, including No. 11 seed Anne Keothavong and No. 16 seed Melinda Czink, while four matches could not be finished because of rain.

Keothavong had an easy triumph against Sofia Arvidsson, and easily won the match 62 62.

Czink faced qualifier Aranxta Parra Santonja, and advanced after defeating the Spaniard, 64 63.

No. 15 seed Aravane Rezai was one of the seeds who was held back by a rain delay, but she was leading her match against lucky loser Mariana Duque Marino 5-4.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Singles - First Round

(11) Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 62 62

(16) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (Q) Arantxa Parra Santonja (ESP) 64 63

Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) d. (Q) Yulia Fedossova (FRA) 46 64 62

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 75 36 63

Julia Goerges (GER) d. (Q) Anastasia Rodionova (RUS) 64 62

Sania Mirza (IND) d. (Q) Tatiana Poutchek (BLR) 61 62

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. (Q) Carly Gullickson (USA) 36 64 75

Petra Cetkovska (CZE) d. Stéphanie Foretz (FRA) 76(5) 63

Suspended due to rain

(15) Aravane Rezai (FRA) leads (LL) Mariana Duque Marino (COL) 54

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) leads (Q) Naomi Broady (GBR) 57 76(4) 54

Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) leads (Q) Lilia Osterloh (USA) 76(4) 44

(Q) Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) leads Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 67(5) 76(7) 31

Sharapova makes winning start in Birmingham; will face American in second round

On the first day at the AEGON Classic in Birmingham, Great Britain, Maria Sharapova made a great start to her week, as she won her first round match in easy straight sets to her unseeded opponent, while the No. 9 and 10 seeds were both ousted in straight sets.

Sharapova, who is now ranked at No. 73 in the world, advanced to the second round after defeating Stephanie Dubois with a score of 64 62.

No. 9 seed Bethanie Mattek-Sands fell to American Alexa Glatch with a tough first set score, 76(3) 63. Glatch will face Sharapova in the next round for a third round berth.

No. 10 seed Maria Kirilenko was also sent flying home, by Polish Urszula Radwanska, 63 63.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Singles - First Round

Alexa Glatch (USA) d. (9) Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 76(2) 63

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (10) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 63 63

(12) Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) d. Julie Coin (FRA) 76(1) 61

(13) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 64 64

(14) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. Severine Brémond (FRA) 63 62

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 64 63

Jarmila Groth (SVK) d. Vania King (USA) 64 64

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 64 62

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 76(7) 62

Melanie South (GBR) d. (WC) Katie O'Brien (GBR) 64 16 76(5)

(WC) Elena Baltacha (GBR) d. (WC) Georgie Stoop (GBR) 63 64

(WC) Naomi Cavaday (GBR) d. Julie Ditty (USA) 62 76(2)

The Grass season has started!

The clay season has ended after nearly 2 months, and it's time for the grass court season to begin.

After the French Open ended with Svetlana Kuznetsova being the winner, the first grass court tournament will start on June the 7th, which will be the $220,000 AEGON Classic in Birmingham, Great Britain. Maria Sharapova, who is a two-time champion in

 Birmingham, is looking to have a strong result in the grass-court season.

Players only have two weeks to prepare for the grass court season ending Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year, with Venus Williams being the defending champion, going for her sixth Wimbledon crown, her third in a row, and her eighth Grand Slam title.

Wimbledon will also show off it's new roof on Centre Court.

There will also be a few red clay tournaments after Wimbledon.

Good luck to all players and defending champions in the grass court season!

Svetlana defeats No. 1 in the world to win in Paris final

Svetlana Kuznetsova fought through to get to the final of the French Open, where she faced compatriot and No. 1 seed and rank Dinara Safina. Kuznetsova was in her best form, and demolished her opponent in easy straight sets to gain her second Grand Slam title.

Kuznetsova made an impressive win, with a score of 64 62, improving the head-to-head result against Safina, making it 8-6, still in the lead of Safina, and now Safina has a 0-3 record in Grand Slam finals, after losing last year's French Open final and this year's Austrlian Open final.

"I came on the court and just played the match. Whether it's first or last match, I just do my best," Kuznetsova said. "I definitely have a lot of emotions right now but I'm controlling them. But the most important thing happened - I finally won here. My favorite tournaments are the US Open and here. It's very big for me."

"I put so much pressure on myself because I really wanted to win. And I just didn't handle it," said Safina, now 0-3 in Grand Slam singles finals. "I was a little desperate on the court. I didn't do the things I needed to do. I didn't stay tough mentally. Against Sveta you need to be aggressive but I was passive. I lost myself. But there are so many matches in life. This was just a bad match."

"She's an amazing athlete. She works very hard. One day she'll make it here," Kuznetsova said on Safina. "I respect her a lot. But she plays with too much pressure. I play just to have fun and enjoy it. It was the same when I went on court at the US Open. I thought, 'Everything's great. I'm doing the thing I love. It's my passion. It's my job. This is it.'"

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Singles - Final

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 64 62

Safina advances to second straight French final; Kuznetsova to be challenged

Top seed Dinara Safina has reached her second consecutive French Open final after winning to No. 20 seed Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets, and will face compatriot No. 7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who went to three sets against No. 30 seed Samantha Stosur on Thursday in Paris.

Safina didn't have any trouble against her Slovakian opponent, as she won with a score of 63 63.

Before winning, Kuznetsova led 5-2 in the second set tiebreak, but then Stosur won it with a score of 7-5. The final set was won easily by Kuznetsova, ending the match with a score of 64 67(5) 63.

"Sam played so well in the tie-break. She took the risks and she made them. I give her credit," Kuznetsova said. "I stayed tough and won the third set. Even though I should have won the second set, I still kept playing. I didn't give up."

"I tried to the last point, but when you go down a break in the third, it's not easy to get it back," Stosur said. "I've played big matches before. I thought I handled the occasion really well. I felt really good out there mentally and physically, and I gave it my best shot. I don't think the occasion overwhelmed me."

Safina and Kuznetsova have a head-to-head result of 8-5, with Safina leading. But the record between the them on clay is 4-4, and 1-1 in Roland Garros.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (20) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 63 63

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (30) Samantha Stosur (AUS) 64 67(5) 63

Stosur will challenge Kuznetsova in bottom half semifinal

On Wednesday in Paris, No. 30 seed Samantha Stosur continued to shine in her run at the French Open, as she ousted her Romanian opponent in straight sets, while No. 2 seed Serena Williams didn't succeed in getting to the semifinal.

Stosur not only won her match to Sorana Cirstea with a score of 61 63, but also became the first Australian woman to reach the semifinal at Roland Garros in 20 years, after Nicole Bradtke in 1988.

Serena failed to defeat No. 7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in her quest to the final, losing to the Russian with a score of 76(3) 57 75.

"I started out a little slowly. I got down a double break. Maybe I could have won the first set, and then maybe I could have won the first two sets," Williams said. "In the third I had an opportunity and I got tight, and I gave it to her. It was like, 'Here, do you want to go to the semis? Because I don't.' She was like, 'Okay.'"

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 76(3) 57 75

(30) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 61 63

Safina, Cibulkova first semifinalists on Day 9 in Paris

On Tuesday at the French Open, top seed Dinara Safina and No. 20 seed Dominika Cibulkova became the first semifinalists, as they both won to tough opponents, but in completely different scores.

Safina faced No. 9 seed Victoria Azarenka in her quarterfinal match, and she eventually won it with a battle, 16 64 62.

"She was playing well, and I was playing exactly into her zone. Then I started to fight, point by point," Safina said. "If I didn't fight in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam as No.1 in the world, I wouldn't deserve that spot. I didn't play my game today but I fought until the end. It's something I have in me. My fight was enough today but I hope to play better for my next match."

"I had my chances, but she stepped it up and played some good points at the key moments, so I have to give her all the credit," said Azarenka, who was playing her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. "It was pretty big that I didn't do anything at the 4-all game in the second set. I should have. I think that was it. I have to learn to play better in these moments. Hopefully I'll do better next time."

Cibulkova had the easiest match of the day, as she beat Maria Sharapova in straight sets, 60 62.

"Today I was playing really solid. Not a lot of errors. I knew if I played well I'd have a chance," Cibulkova said. "When I was up 60 50 and 40-30, I realized I could beat Maria Sharapova, 60 60, and go to the semifinals in a Grand Slam. I got shocked a little bit. When it got to 60 52 I knew I had to make that game because if it got to 5-3, 5-4, it would be difficult. I could get really tight."

"She played really solid and made me hit a lot of balls, and I came up short today," Sharapova said. "I was very appreciative of the way the crowd was rooting for me, asking for me to fight and keep working to find a way to turn things around. I've had a really great last few weeks here, and I can only tell them that I'll be back next year."

Tomorrow, the other two quarterfinals will be played, as No. 7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova will face No. 2 seed Serena Williams, while Sorana Cirstea will face No. 30 seed Samantha Stosur.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 16 64 62

(20) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 60 62

Jankovic gets demolished; Serena advances on Day 8 in Paris

The fourth round at the French Open came to an end on Monday, as No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic was sent flying home after losing in three tough sets to Sorana Cirstea.

Jankovic was upset by the Romanian with a score of 36 60 97.

"I really wanted to win. Maybe I wanted it too much in the first set and I wasn't playing the right way," said Cirstea, whose win over Jankovic was her second straight Top 10 win, having upset Caroline Wozniacki the round prior. "After I lost the first set I relaxed. I knew I had nothing to lose. I did that until the end of the third set, when I started to get nervous again, but I just tried to keep taking control of the points and stay aggressive."

"It was a really tough match and a tough loss for me," said Jankovic, who was a semifinalist at Roland Garros the last two years. "I should have closed out the match at 6-5, 30-0. All of a sudden, point by point, the game went in her favor and everything got complicated. I'll have to learn from this."

No. 2 seed Serena Williams easily crushed her opponent, Aleksandra Wozniak, 61 62; and No. 7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also advanced after winning to No. 12 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, 64 16 61.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (24) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 61 62

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 36 60 97

(7) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (12) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 64 16 61

(30) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 61 62