Top seed Serena and No. 4 seed Jankovic suffer losses on Day 5 in Stanford; Venus advances after beating Sharapova in straight sets

American Serena Williams had a tough day on Friday in Stanford, as the No. 1 failed to reserve a spot in the semifinals after being beaten by Australian Samantha Stosur in three sets, while sister Venus continued her run at the event after beating Maria Sharapova in straight sets.

Serena was stunned by the Grand Slam doubles champion with a score of 62 36 62, which was a hard task for Stosur to complete.

No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva spent her day by beating Daniela Hantuchova easily, 62 64.

No. 4 seed Jelena Jankovic was the other seed to go home, as the Serbian player suffered a loss to No. 8 seed Marion Bartoli, 36 76(3) 63.

Venus was in great shape for her quarterfinal match against Sharapova, as the No. 2 seed demolished the Russian champion with a score of 62 62.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (1) Serena Williams (USA) 62 36 62

(2) Venus Williams (USA) d. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 62 62

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 62 64

(8) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 36 76(3) 63

Serena and Venus get victory on Day 4 in Stanford

No. 1 seed Serena Williams had a tough time against opponent Melinda Czink, but the American still managed to win the match in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals, while sister and No. 2 seed Venus easily ousted Alla Kudryavtseva on Day 4 in Stanford.

Serena won the first set against the Hungarian easily, but then Czink made Williams go to a tiebreak, which Serena eventually won, the match ending with a score of 63 76(7).

Venus won the first set against her Russian opponent in a much easier manner, but then Kudryavtseva gathered up her strength, but Venus ended the match with a score of 61 75.

No. 8 seed Marion Bartoli was also on the winner's list on Thursday, as the Frenchwoman struggled but won to qualifier Melanie Oudin 75 64.

No. 4 seed Jelena Jankovic was the last seed to play, and she played the night match against Sabine Lisicki. The Serb was in awful shape in the first set, as Lisicki won it easily, but then Jankovic won the next two sets to win the match, with a score of 26 62 64.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 63 76(7)

(2) Venus Williams (USA) d. (Q) Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 61 75

(4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 26 62 64

(8) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) 75 64

Sharapova breezes into quarters on Day 3 in Stanford

Maria Sharapova powered through into the quarterfinals of the Bank of West Classic after demolishing No. 5 seed Nadia Petrova, while No. 3 seed and compatriot Elena Dementieva beat her Russian opponent with the same score as Sharapova on Day 3 in Stanford.

Sharapova didn't have quite a good match in the first round, but she proved that she was better in her second round match, as she ousted Petrova with a score of 61 62.

"When you get to an opponent like Nadia, you have to expect she'll be playing very good tennis. She has a big game and she's very explosive," Sharapova said. "I didn't make many mistakes and I kept doing what I needed to do. After the first round I knew what I needed to improve, and I learned from it today."

Next up for Sharapova is either No. 2 seed Venus Williams or qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva. The Russian last played Williams two years ago at Wimbledon, suffering a 61 63 loss.

"I'm excited. I'd love to play against her," Sharapova continued. "It has been a while. It's always great to be coming back and having a chance to play a player like her, at the top of the game and playing well. I'm looking forward to it."

Dementieva was also not challenged, by Maria Kirilenko, as she won the match with a score of 61 62.

The only seed to be on the loser's list on Wednesday was No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who was beaten by more experienced Daniela Hantuchova after the Pole led 64 42, with the ending score being 46 76(6) 61.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 61 62

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (5) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 61 62

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (7) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 46 76(6) 61

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 61 75

Maria Sharapova looks to be in top form ahead of the American hard-court season

On the 23rd of July our team was lucky enough to see former world number one Maria Sharapova practicing at the Home Depot Centre in Los Angeles, California. A guy came to play a practice match against her and they first had a warm up. Maria's footwork looked solid and her shots looked smooth with no signs of flaws. Her coaches were in great attention of her toss on the serve. No signs of pain in her shoulder could be seen as they had a warm-up of about 15-20 minutes before starting the match. Maria started the match on serve and sturdily pounded the ball hitting winner after winner before taking the match 61 61. She did have 6 double faults, but her coaches told her to stay calm about that issue and just keep on pounding that ball. She then stopped to take a break and took a couple of photographs with the onlooking fans. Picture on right features Maria with one of top tennis prospects, Dasha Sulimoff from Russia. Maria then continued her training session by hitting more serves to get that confidence that was bothering her a bit through out the match.

This training session definitely confirmed her message that she is 100% healthy, after she beat 5th seeded Nadia Petrova easily in the second round with a score of 61 62.

Here's a video of her practicing:

Williams sisters have victory on Day 2 in Stanford

Top seed Serena Williams was in great shape today, as the American had no trouble in her first match, while sister Venus was also on the winner's lists, as she ousted a Canadian wildcard in easy straight sets on Day 2 in Stanford.

Serena was not completely free of trouble in her debut match on Tuesday, but she still went through after winning to Li Na, 63 75.

No. 2 seed Venus had an easier result after her match against Stephanie Dubois, as she advanced after winning 62 63.

No. 4 seed Jelena Jankovic clinched her victory after demolishing qualifier Angela Haynes, 63 61.

No. 6 seed Dominika Cibulkova was the only seeded loser, as the Czech failed to surpass Samantha Stosur, as the Australian won with a score of 63 64.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. Li Na (CHN) 63 75

(2) Venus Williams (USA) d. (WC) Stephanie Dubois (CAN) 62 63

(4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (Q) Angela Haynes (USA) 63 61

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (6) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 64 63

(8) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 76(6) 63

Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. (Q) Lilia Osterloh (USA) 62 63

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 64 46 75

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 64 57 76(5)

(Q) Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. Julie Coin (FRA) 61 76(5)

Dementieva, Sharapova advance to second round on Day 1 in Stanford

Monday at the Bank of West Classic was a good day for a champion and other seeds, as Maria Sharapova, Elena Dementieva and two other seeds all advanced to the second round of the $700,000 event in Stanford, CA, USA.

Sharapova was solid in her match against opponent Ai Sugiyama, as she won the first set, lost the second in a tiebreak, and won the third with a breadstick score. The final score was 64 67(6) 61.

"I had so many chances to close it out in the second set and I didn't, but I came out and played a really good third set," Sharapova said. "I didn't do too many things wrong in the second set. She really stepped it up and I couldn't raise my level. But in the third I was playing steady and did all the right things. I'm feeling really good. I could have gone a few more sets."

Dementieva, the No. 3 seed, wasn't challenged by Anne Keothavong, and easily won 61 64.

The other two seeded winners were No. 5 seed Nadia Petrova, who battled against Bethanie Mattek-Sands to win 63 36 63; and No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who demolished Sorana Cirstea with a score of 60 61.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Singles - First Round

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 61 64

(5) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 63 36 63

(7) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 60 61

Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 60 75

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 67(6) 61

Monica Niculescu (ROU) d. Meghann Shaughnessy (USA) 61 60

Safina battles to seal Portoroz win against defending champion in final

Top seed Dinara Safina fought from losing the first set to winning the final of the Banka Koper Slovenia Open, to defending champion and No. 5 seed Sara Errani, on Sunday, making it her third title this year.

Safina was definitely pushed to the limit by the Italian, as the Russian wasn't able to close out the first set, won the second set easily, and battled to win the third in a tough score. The final score was 67(5) 61 75, and the match was finished in 2 hours and 57 minutes.

The score in head-to-head between Safina and Errani is now 2-0.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Singles - Final

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (5) Sara Errani (ITA) 67(5) 61 75

German clinches first WTA Tour title in Bad Gastein after win to Romanian

Andrea Petkovic was a surprise finalist in Bad Gastein, Austria but she came out on top against fellow unseeded player Ioana Raluca Olaru to win her first WTA Tour title at the Gastein Ladies.

Petkovic didn't have any trouble against the Romanian, and easily closed out the match with a score of 62 63. In fact, Petkovic had never been past the quarterfinals of an event before this.

"I played very well in the first set. I was hitting hard and putting a lot of pressure on her with my serves and returns. In the second set I was fighting with myself because I thought I could really win this, and my nerves were a bit tough to deal with. But I'm happy I kept calm," Petkovic said. "I'm very happy. It's the best moment of my career. I hope I can keep playing like this and build on it."

The head-to-head score between Petkovic and Olaru is now 2-2.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Singles - Final

Andrea Petkovic (GER) d. Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 62 63

Safina to face Errani for title in Portoroz

Top seed Dinara Safina has advanced to the final of the Banka Koper Slovenia Open in Portoroz, Slovenia, and will face defending champion and No. 5 seed Sara Errani for the crown.

Safina clinched the straight sets win to Italian Alberta Brianti with a score of 63 64.

The Russian will face another Italian, Errani, who beat Stefanie Voegele with an even easier score, 61 62.

Safina and Errani have played once before this year, in Stuttgart, and the Safina won the match with a score of 60 61. Let's see if Errani can make the score equal.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Alberta Brianti (ITA) 64 63

(5) Sara Errani (ITA) d. Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 61 62

Top seed and defending champion through to semis on Day 5 in Portoroz

Top seed Dinara Safina proved to be in good shape in her Friday match in Portoroz, as the Russian easily advanced after beating Maria Elena Camerin, while defending champion Sara Errani had the same result, as the Italian went through to the semis after a straight sets win over a wildcard.

Safina had no trouble against Camerin, as she won the match with a score of 63 60.

Errani finished her match with an easier score, as she beat Petra Martic 61 61.

Other winners of the day were Stefanie Voegele, who beat Rossana de los Rios 61 61; and Alberta Brianti, who ousted Camille Pin 63 62.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 63 60

(5) Sara Errani (ITA) d. (WC) Petra Martic (CRO) 61 61

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) 61 61

Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. Camille Pin (FRA) 63 62

One of two seeds goes through to quarters; wildcard ousts qualifier on Day 4 in Portoroz

Only one of two seeds in the bottom half of the Portoroz draw advanced to the quartefinals, and that was No. 5 seed Sara Errani, who ousted Klara Zakopalova in easy straight sets on Day 4 in Slovenia.

Zakopalova was no challenge for Errani, as the Italian won the match with a score of 61 61.

No. 8 seed Petra Kvitova was the seed that fell, to Camille Pin, 64 64.

The other winners of the day were Alberta Brianti, who defeated Olga Govortsova, 64 61; and wildcard Petra Martic, who bested Vesna Manasieva, 61 63.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(5) Sara Errani (ITA) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 61 61

Camille Pin (FRA) d. (8) Petra Kvitova (CZE) 64 64

Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 64 61

(WC) Petra Martic (CRO) d. (Q) Vesna Manasieva (RUS) 61 63

Top seed advances to quarterfinals; three other seed ousted on Day 3 in Portoroz

Top seed Dinara Safina was in very good form on Wednesday in Portoroz, Slovenia, as the Russian advanced after an easy win over a qualifier, while the No. 4, 6 and 7 seeds were all ousted, the No. 4 seed in straight sets, and the other two in three sets.

Safina wasn't challenged by countrywoman Ksenia Pervak, as Safina won the match with a score of 61 62.

No. 4 seed Roberta Vinci was demolished by Rossana de los Rios with a score of 63 64.

No. 6 seed Lucie Safarova suffered a loss to Stefanie Voegele, as the Swiss player won the match with a score of 75 26 63.

No. 7 seed Vera Dushevina was the last seed to play on Day 3, and the day didn't end well for the Russian, as she lost to Maria Elena Camerin, 46 75 60.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (Q) Ksenia Pervak (RUS) 61 62

Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) d. (4) Roberta Vinci (ITA) 63 64

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. (6) Lucie Safarova (CZE) 75 26 63

Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) d. (7) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 46 75 60

No. 2 seed stunned on Day 2 in Portoroz by 20-year-old birthday girl

No. 2 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues was shocked in her first round match, as the Spaniard suffered a loss to birthday girl Vesna Manasieva, who turns 20 today, in three sets.

Qualifier Manasieva from Russia battled for a spot in the second round in Portoroz, and managed to clinch the win with a score of 63 16 75.

No. 4 seed Roberta Vinci was more fortunate, as she had an easy time against Slovenian wildcard Nastja Kolar, and won 62 60.

No. 7 seed Vera Dushevina had a similar score in her win against Tathiana Garbin, as the Russian breezed through with a score of 60 63.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Singles - First Round

(Q) Vesna Manasieva (RUS) d. (2) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 63 16 75

(4) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (WC) Nastja Kolar (SLO) 62 60

(7) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 60 63

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. (Q) Anna Tatishvili (GEO) 61 46 63

Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) d. (Q) Sesil Karatantcheva (KAZ) 61 64

Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. Polona Hercog (SLO) 75 64

Camille Pin (FRA) d. Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) 63 ret. (upper respiratory infection)

(Q) Ksenia Pervak (RUS) d. Julia Goerges (GER) 64 46 62

Top seed powers through to second round along with sixth seed; No. 3 seed ousted in straight sets on Day 1 in Portoroz

The first hard court tournament of the hard court season has started, the Banka Koper Slovenia Open in Portoroz, Slovenia, and No. 1 in the world Dinara Safina, who is the No. 1 seed, cruised through her first round match against a wildcard, while No. 3 seed Kaia Kanepi was ousted in easy straight sets.

Safina crushed her opponent in the first set of the match, but then Tadeja Majeric built her game to a higher level, which made it harder for the Russian. Eventually Safina won the match, 60 64.

Kanepi was no challenge for Olga Govortsova, as the Estonian was in awful shape, and lost the match with a score of 61 62.

No. 6 seed Lucie Safarova, who was the lowest seed playing on Day 1, battled against Katie O'Brien, and won her debut match with a score of 64 64.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (WC) Tadeja Majeric (SLO) 60 64

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. (3) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 61 62

(6) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Katie O'Brien (GBR) 64 64

Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) d. Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) 57 64 76(6)

Klara Zakopalova (CZE) d. Masa Zec Peskiric (SLO) 62 64

(WC) Petra Martic (CRO) d. Kristina Barrois (GER) 63 64

Pennetta pleases home crowd by defeating countrywoman to win title in Palermo

Flavia Pennetta was finally able to win a tournament in front of her home crowd, as she ousted compatriot Sara Errani to win the Internazionali Femminili di Palermo crown.

Top seeded Pennetta was able to execute her win in easy straight sets, as she ousted the No. 5 seed with a score of 61 62.

"I'm really happy about the final today. I lost to Sara last year in a very tough match, so when I was going on the court today I was very focused and knew what I had to do to beat someone like her - to keep my mistakes down," Pennetta said. "It is the first time I've won a title here in Italy. And it's even more special with my family and friends here watching and supporting me."

This is Pennetta's seven WTA Tour title overall, and the head-to-head result between Pennetta and Errani is now 2-1 to Pennetta.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Singles - Final

(1) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (5) Sara Errani (ITA) 61 62

Bammer, Schiavone into finals; Bammer conquers title in Prague

After a delayed day of play in Prague, the two finalists competed for the crown after playing their semifinal matches on the same day, and it was No. 2 seed Sybille Bammer who came out on top to beat top seed Francesca Schiavone.

Bammer, who won her semifinal match to No. 3 seed Iveta Benesova 60 75, faced Schiavone after the Italian won her match to qualifier Timea Bacsinszky, 62 46 75.

In the final, Bammer's victory came in straight sets, as she beat Schiavone to take the title at the ECM Prague Open, 76(4) 62, which is her second WTA Tour title of her career.

The head-to-head result between the two is now 2-1 to Bammer. The Austrian won their last meeting in 2008 in Linz.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Singles - Final

(2) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. (1) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 76(4) 62

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (Q) Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 62 46 75

(2) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. (3) Iveta Benesova (CZE) 60 75

Matches postponed due to rain on Saturday, scheduled to be played on Sunday

The only match played on Saturday was delayed by rain, and that was between No. 2 seed Sybille Bammer and No. 3 seed Iveta Benesova, and Bammer was leading 3-0 in the first set.

The match is scheduled to be played on Sunday, along with the other semifinal between No. 1 seed Francesca Schiavone and qualifier Timea Bacsinszky.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

Suspended due to rain

(2) Sybille Bammer (AUT) leads (3) Iveta Benesova (CZE) 30

Postponed due to rain

(1) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) vs. (Q) Timea Bacsinszky (SUI)

Bacsinszky ruins top four seeds semifinal by ousting No. 4 seed

On Friday at the ECM Prague Open, the semifinals consisting of the top four seeds was ruined, by qualifier Timea Bacsinszky, who ousted the No. 4 seed, while the No. 1, 2 and 3 seeds went through.

No. 1 seed Francesca Schiavone advanced with ease, after beating Kateryna Bondarenko 61 61.

No. 2 seed Sybille Bammer was the only player to go to three sets, as the Austrian was in a tough position against No. 7 seed Lucie Hradecka, but managed to win the match, 75 57 75.

No. 3 seed Iveta Benesova upsetted 15-year-old rising star Zarina Diyaz, 64 61.

No. 4 seed Carla Suarez Navarro was demolished by Bacsinszky in tough straight sets, 64 64.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 61 61

(2) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. (7) Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 75 57 75

(3) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (WC) Zarina Diyas (KAZ) 64 61

(Q) Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. (4) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 64 64

No. 3 seed through to semis; No. 8 seed ousted by wildcard on Thursday in Prague

There was a big upset on Day 4 at the ECM Prague Open, as the No. 8 seed was ousted in straight sets by a wildcard, while the No. 3 seed advanced to the semifinals after winning in tough straight sets.

No. 3 seed Iveta Benesova was in a tough position against opponent Monica Niculescu, but managed to overcome her Romanian opponent, 75 64.

No. 8 seed Petra Kvitova was the only seed to be out of the draw on Thursday, as the Czech fell to wildcard Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan, 64 62.

The other two winners of the day were Kateryna Bondarenko, who won to Kristina Barrois 75 75; and qualifier Timea Bacsinszky, who ousted Stefanie Voegele, 64 61.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(3) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 75 64

(WC) Zarina Diyas (KAZ) d. (8) Petra Kvitova (CZE) 64 62

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. Kristina Barrois (GER) 75 75

(Q) Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 64 61

No.1, 2, 4 and 7 seeds advance to quarters of ECM Prague Open on Day 3

No. 1 seed Francesca Schiavone was one of the winners on Day 3 in Prague, as the Italian easily advanced to the quarterfinals of the event, while No. 2 seed Sybille Bammer completed her match in an even easier score.

Schiavone was in no trouble against opponent Polona Hercog, and was the one of the first to advance after winning with a score of 62 62.

Bammer was no match for Alla Kudryavtseva, as the Austrian crushed the Russian, 61 61.

No. 4 seed Carla Suarez Navarro easily won the first set against her opponent, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, but had a tougher time in the second set. The Spaniard eventually won with a score of 61 64.

No. 7 seed Lucie Hradecka was the only winner on Wednesday to go to three sets, against Karolina Sprem, but still managed to advance after winning, 62 46 64.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Polona Hercog (SLO) 62 62

(2) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 61 61

(4) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE)61 64

(7) Lucie Hradecka (CZE) d. Karolina Sprem (CRO) 62 46 64

Younger sister wins in all-Bondarenko match; No. 3 seed through after three set win on Day 2 in Prague

Two out of five seeds were ousted on Tuesday in Prague, one of them being Alona Bondarenko, who suffered a loss to her younger sister Kateryna. No. 3 seed Iveta Benesova was on the winner's list.

Benesova was challenged by wildcard Karolina Pliskova, and even went to three sets against the Czech, but Benesova was able to close out the match after winning with a score of 67(5) 63 61.

The task of beating Alona was very easy for Kateryna, as the Ukranian went through easily after winning 61 63.

No. 6 seed Magdalena Rybarikova joined the seeded Bondarenko on the loser's list, as the Slovakian lost to qualifier Timea Bacszinsky, 62 76(5).

No. 7 seed Lucie Hradecka was in no trouble against qualifier Ksenia Pervak, and won 63 62; and No. 8 seed Petra Kvitova had a similar score against Anna Lapushchenkova, winning 61 60.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Singles - First Round

(3) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (WC) Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 67(5) 61 63

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (5) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 61 63

(Q) Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. (6) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 62 76(5)

(7) Lucie Hradecka (CZE) d. (Q) Ksenia Pervak (RUS) 63 62

(8) Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Anna Lapushchenkova (RUS) 61 60

Kristina Barrois (GER) d. Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 57 61 75

Monica Niculescu (ROU) d. Katie O'Brien (GBR) 63 62

Polona Hercog (SLO) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 75 64

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. (Q) Petra Martic (CRO) 36 64 63

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 75 62

Karolina Sprem (CRO) d. Tatjana Malek (GER) 63 62

(WC) Zarina Diyas (KAZ) d. (Q) Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 64 61

No. 1, 2, 4 seeds advance to second round, along with unseeded Czech on Day 1 in Prague

Day 1 in Prague, Czech Republic at the ECM Prague Open was a good one for the top seeds, as the No. 1, 2 and 4 seeds all advanced to the second round, along with an unseeded Czech who ousted a wildcard in tough straight sets.

Top seed Francesca Schiavone didn't have a very tough time against Shahar Peer, and demolished the Israeli with a score of 75 63.

No. 2 seed Sybille Bammer was in a hard position against Tsvetana Pironkova, but eventually won the match, 26 76(2) 75.

No. 4 seed Carla Suarez Navarro also went to three sets, against Alexandra Dulgheru, but escaped the Romanian after winning with a score of 46 63 63.

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova was the unseeded winner on Monday, as she was a bit troubled by wildcard Kristina Kucova, but managed to succeed, 75 64.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 75 63

(2) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 26 76(2) 75

(4) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) 46 63 63

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) d. (WC) Kristina Kucova (SVK) 75 64

Szavay wins first title since late 2007 against Swiss top seed in Budapest

In the GDF SUEZ Grand Prix final, it was No. 1 seed Patty Schnyder against No. 4 seed Agnes Szavay for the crown. The match went to three sets, and eventually the Hungarian succeeded in winning her first title since September 2007, and third title overall.

Szavay wasn't to comfortable in the first set, as her Swiss opponent took it easily, but then Szavay regained her form and won the next two sets, the match ending with a score of 26 46 62.

The head-to-head result between Szavay and Schnyder is now 1-0 to the Hungarian, as this was their first meeting.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Singles - Final

(4) Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (1/WC) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 26 64 62

Martinez Sanchez spoils Wozniacki's birthday; takes title in Bastad

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki didn't have a very happy birthday on Saturday in Bastad, as the now 19-year-old Dane lost to an unseeded Spaniard in the final of the Collector Swedish Open Women.

Wozniacki held up the runner-up trophy after Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez showed she was in better form, and won the match with a score of 75 64. But the Scandinavian crowd didn't let their regional No. 1 down, as they sang Happy Birthday to her after the match.

The Spaniard lead the head-to-head results against the Dane 1-0, and now has two Tour titles to her name.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Singles - Final

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (ESP) d. (1) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 75 64

Wozniacki advances to final; will face Martinez Sanchez for title in Bastad, Sweden

The finalists of the Collector Swedish Open Women have been revealed, after the top seed won in three sets, and the other finalist won in straight sets.

Caroline Wozniacki, the No. 1 seed, was challenged by opponent No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta, but managed to go through after winning with a score of 63 46 62.

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez had a tough time against Gisela Dulko, but dispatched the Argentine with a score of 75 64.

Wozniacki and Martinez Sanchez have never played against eachother before, so lets see who will take the lead first on the Dane's 19th birthday.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 63 46 62

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 75 64

Wozniacki through to semis; No. 2 seed ousted in three sets on Day 4 in Bastad

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki had a very tough time against Maria Kirilenko, as the Dane won in close straight sets, while No. 2 seed Dominika Cibulkova didn't reserve a spot in the semifinals in Bastad after losing in three sets.

Wozniacki was struggling against her Russian opponent, but managed to advance to the semis after winning with a score of 75 76(4).

Cibulkova was crushed by Gisela Dulko after Dulko won the first set, lost the second set, and won the third set with a tough score. The final score was 67(5) 63 76(6).

No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta's results were unlike Cibulkova's, as the Italian ousted Alla Kudryavtseva, 64 62.

No. 7 seed Carla Suarez Navarro was on the loser's list on Thursday, as the Spaniard was demolished by compatriot Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 46 63 60.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 75 76

(4)Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. (2) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 67(5) 63 76(6)

(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 64 62

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. (7) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP)46 63 60

Top three seeds and No. 7 seed advance; No. 5, 6 and 8 seeds ousted on Day 3 in Bastad

The top three seeds advanced to the quarterfinals along with the No. 7 seed, while the No. 5, 6 and 8 seeds were all ousted, two of them in straight sets and one in three sets.

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki didn't have any trouble against Petra Kvitova, winning 64 62.

No. 2 seed Dominika Cibulkova had an even easier time, against Nurai Llagostera Vives, and won 61 61.

No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta had a similar score, beating Masa Zec Peskiric, 61 62.

No. 5 seed Sorana Cirstea was the highest seed that was ousted, as the Romanian fell to Gisela Dulko 63 46 76(5).

"I'm very satisfied with the way I was playing in the tie-break," Dulko said. "My leg hurt a bit but hopefully I'll be fit tomorrow."

No. 6 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova was demolished by compatriot Maria Kirilenko, 62 63.

No. 7 seed Carla Suarez Navarro was luckier, as she cruised through after beating wildcard Ellen Allgurin 61 64.

No. 8 seed Iveta Benesova suffered the same fate as the No. 5 and 6 seeds, as she lost to Alla Kudryavtseva, 62 64.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 64 62

(2) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 61 61

(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Masa Zec Peskiric (SLO) 61 62

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. (5) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 63 46 76(5)

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (6) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 62 63

(7) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. (WC) Ellen Allgurin (SWE) 61 64

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. (8) Iveta Benesova (CZE) 62 64

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. Angelique Kerber (GER) 63 62

U.S. Open champions to get record prize money this year

The winners of the U.S. Open men’s and women’s singles title will each receive a record $1.6 million.

The U.S. Tennis Association announced Tuesday that’s a nearly 6 percent increase from last year. The total prize money will be a record $21.6 million, the third consecutive year the purse has increased by $1 million.

The top three men’s and women’s finishers in the U.S. Open Series may earn up to an additional $2.6 million in bonus money. The series of 10 events culminates at the Open.

The bonus prize money at the series has resulted in the largest paychecks in tennis history when Roger Federer won a combined $2.4 million in 2007 and Kim Clijsters won $2.2 million in 2005.

Top trio of seeds through to second round; No. 4 seed ousted in straight sets

The top three seeds in Bastad, Sweden all won their debut matches on Day 2, two of them in straight sets, and the other in three sets, while the No. 4 seed fell in tough straight sets.

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki wasn't troubled by opponent Sofia Arvidsson, as the Dane beat the Swede with a score of 61 63.

No. 2 seed Dominika Cibulkova was the seed who went to three sets, against wildcard Sandra Roma, but managed to advance after winning, 63 26 61.

No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta had an easy time on court against Francesca Schiavone, and won 62 75.

Kaia Kanepi, who was the No. 4 seed, wasn't as lucky as the other seeds in action, as she was ousted in her first match against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 61 76(1).

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 61 63

(2) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. (WC) Sandra Roma (SWE) 63 26 61

(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 62 75

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. (4) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 61 76(1)

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (Q) Irina Buryachok (UKR) 60 64

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. (Q) Julia Vakulenko (UKR) 63 41 ret.

Masa Zec Peskiric (SLO) d. (Q) Michaela Johansson (SWE) 62 60

Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 46 60 62

Angelique Kerber (GER) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 75 64

(WC) Ellen Allgurin (SWE) d. (Q) Ksenia Palkina (KGZ) 64 64

The dirt is back; all four seeds win on first day at Sweden

Clay is back, and the Collector Swedish Open Women in one of two tournaments this week to be played on it. The highest seed playing on Monday was No. 5 seed Sorana Cirstea, who was challenged by a Swedish wildcard in her first round match, but went through.

Cirstea wasn't in able to improve her comfort on the dirt, as she hardly went by Johanna Larsson with a score of 46 62 75.

No. 6 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also went to a three-setter, against Jill Craybas, but closed the match against the American out, winning with a score of 36 63 63.

No. 7 seed Carla Suarez Navarro had an easy first set against Lenka Wienerova, but had a tough second set. Eventaully the Spaniard won, 60 75.

No. 8 seed Iveta Benesova was also caught up in a tight debut match, against Polish Urszula Radwanska, but won with a score of 36 62 62.

Results - Monday, July 6, 2009

Singles - First Round

(5) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (WC) Johanna Larsson (SWE) 46 62 75

(6) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 36 63 63

(7) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Lenka Wienerova (SVK) 60 75

(8) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 36 62 62

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 64 60

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. Karin Knapp (ITA) 61 61

Williams sisters dominate in doubles final, take crown at Wimbledon

The No. 4 seeds, Serena and Venus Williams, who played eachother in the singles final with Serena winning, were also in the doubles final playing against the No. 3 seeds Samantha Stosur and Rannae Stubbs, and the Americans defeated the Australians in straight sets for the title.

The Williams sisters were in good shape after finishing their singles final, and came out on top against the Australians, winning with a score of 76(4) 64. On the third match point Serena fired a serve, which was an ace.

The head-to-head result is now 2-0 to the American sisters.


Saturday, July 4, 2009

Doubles - Final
(4) Williams/Williams (USA) d. (3) Stosur/Stubbs (AUS) 76(4) 64

Serena beats big sister to gain 11th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon

In the final of the Wimbledon Championships, it was Serena Williams, the No. 2 seed, against older sister and No. 3 seed Venus Williams. The big event ended with the younger sister taking the crown in straight sets, making it her third Wimbledon title, and 11th Grand Slam title.

The match ended with Venus smacking a backhand into the net, the final score being 76(3) 62.

Serena becomes the first player in women's tennis history to save match point en route to a Grand Slam singles title three times, having done so at the 2003 Australian Open (against Kim Clijsters in the semifinals), the 2005 Australian Open (against Maria Sharapova in the semifinals) and right here at 2009 Wimbledon (saving a match point down 5-4 in the third set en route to a 67(4) 75 86 win over Elena Dementieva in the semifinals).

"It feels so amazing. I feel so blessed," Serena said to Sue Barker in her on-court interview. "I can't believe I'm holding this trophy. It's named for Venus. It hasn't settled in that I won yet. I'm so excited. Thanks to everyone for their support. I'm honored to be out here. I'm already looking forward to the doubles."

"Today she was too good, she had an answer for everything. She played the best tennis today," Venus said. "I'm still smiling though, I don't think the loss has set in yet! I've had so many great times here. I love what I do and most of all I love playing these finals. I'll see you all again next year, of course."

The head-to-head result between the sisters is now 11-10 in Serena favor, as it was 10-10 before they played the final.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Singles - Final

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (3) Venus Williams (USA) 76(3) 62

Sisters advance to final again; will face Australian duo for Wimbledon crown

No. 4 seed Serena and Venus Williams moved into the doubles final one day after both getting into the singles final, as the Americans ousted No. 1 seed Cara Black and Liezel Huber in easy straight sets. The sisters will face Australian No. 3 seeds Samantha Stosur and Rannae Stubbs, who had a tougher time against the No. 2 seeds, but won in three sets.

The Williams sisters were no match for the top seeds and ranks of the doubles, as they easily demolished the pair with a score of 61 62.

"We were really ready," Serena Williams said. "We've been playing doubles a lot, even though we don't play every tournament. We have team camaraderie. We've been getting a lot of experience, and we know what to do, doubles-wise."

"When you choose to play doubles, you have to be in really good shape, so you have to be prepared," Venus Williams said when asked if the doubles affected their singles. "If you're not in good shape, it can affect your singles."

Stosur and Stubbs will be challenge by the American duo, after winning their semifinal match to No. 2 seeds Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual with a score of 67(3) 64 62.

The two teams have played once before, with the Williams sisters winning, 64 62, in the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Doubles - Semifinals(4) Williams/Williams (USA/USA) d. (1) Black/Huber (ZIM/USA) 61 62

(3) Stosur/Stubbs (AUS/AUS) d. (2) Medina Garrigues/Ruano Pascual (ESP/ESP) 67(3) 64 62

Superb Serena into Wimbledon final, along with sister Venus

No. 2 seed Serena Williams was in a tough position against No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva, but after saving 2 match points, the American prevailed in three long sets. Serena will meet sister and No. 3 seed Venus Williams, who ultimately crushed top seed and rank Dinara Safina in the semis.

First up was the younger sister. Serena lost the first set in a tiebreak, and managed to win the second set. The third set was the hardest and toughest to win. Dementieva had two match points, but couldn't close out the match, so the American gained strength and will, and won the match with a score of 67(4) 75 86, in 2 hours and 49 minutes.

"It was really, really tough. She has been playing so well and she won a lot of matches against me in the past, so I was hoping to finally do a little better against her," Williams said. "I knew if I was calm and positive, I'd make it. I was looking at my family a little bit today because I wasn't playing my best. Now I'm going to come back out and watch Venus and cheer her on."

Venus was in no trouble against Safina, as she easily demolished the Russian with a score of 61 60.

"Dinara is so talented and she has played so consistently in the last year. I just went out there and focused, and I have so much experience on this court, which also helped," Williams said. "It's a dream come true to be here and have the opportunity to hold the plate up again. It's so exciting. It was hard to watch all the drama in the first semifinal, but now the hardest part is to come out again and play Serena Williams."

The head-to-head result between the sisters is 10-10. We will see who will take the lead after winning the Wimbledon crown on Saturday.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 67(4) 75 86

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 61 60

Doubles semis to include four top seeds

Just like in the singles draw, the top four seeds are in the semifinals in doubles. Top seeds Cara Black and Liezel Huber will face defending champions Venus and Serena Williams, who are the No. 4 seeds, and No. 2 seeds Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual will face No. 3 seeds Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs for a final berth.

Black and Huber were tested by No. 11 seeds Nuria Llagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, but went through after winning with a score of 46 63 60.

The Williams sisters won in straight sets to No. 12 seeds Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Vania King, 62 75.

Medina Garrigues and Ruano Pascual fought against Alisa Kleybanova and Ekaterina Makarova, but managed to win with a score of 64 75.

Stosur and Stubbs went to three sets against Stephanie Barrois and Tathiana Garbin, but still won with a score 16 63 64.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Doubles - Quarterfinals

(1) Black/Huber (ZIM/USA) d. (11) Llagostera Vives/Martínez Sánchez (ESP/ESP) 46 63 60

(2) Medina Garrigues/Ruano Pascual (ESP/ESP) d. Kleybanova/Makarova (RUS/RUS) 64 75

(3) Stosur/Stubbs (AUS/AUS) d. Barrois/Garbin (GER/ITA) 16 63 64

(4) Williams/Williams (USA/USA) d. (12) Groenefeld/King (GER/USA) 62 75