The U.S Open starts on Monday; first on main court is comeback mother

The bottom half of the draw of the last Grand Slam of the year will take off on Day 1, as four seeds will headline the day, while another seeded favorite will begin the night session play.

Arthur Ashe Stadium

First up is wildcard Kim Clijsters, who as a mother, came back from a two-year retirement, will play Viktoriya Kutuzova in her first Grand Slam since coming back. This will be the pair's first meeting.

Next up will be defending champion and No. 2 seed Serena Williams, who will face another wildcard, Alexa Glatch. Williams is leading 1-0 in head-to-head results.

Other day matched will include America's Meghann Shaughnessy, who takes the next step in her comeback from knee injury, against No. 22 seed Daniela Hantuchova, No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva, who plays Spanish doubles star Nuria Llagostera Vives on the Grandstand, and new No. 10 seed Flavia Pennetta, who faces Edina Gallovits of Romania on the same court.

In the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, No. 3 seed Venus Williams will begin her run against Vera Dushevina. Williams leads 2-0 in the head-to-head series.

Serena unveils wax figure in New York before U.S Open

Tennis star Serena Williams, 27, was dressed and smiling as her wax figure was unveiled in New York City at Madame Tussauds on Thursday, August 27. The sports athlete took part in participating in the design of her wax figure by getting with the Madame Tussauds studio artists who made their way to Paris at the French Open in order to meet the star during the process. In the photos of Serena Williams wax figure, she (the wax figure) is wearing a replica of the outfit which Williams wore during the 2004 U.S. Open, a Nike denim tennis skirt, with a black Nike sports top and sports shoes.

Wozniacki defends title in New Haven after scoring win over Vesnina in final

The final was a bit delayed by rain, but No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki was able to close out her win against Elena Vesnina to win the Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick in New Haven, which is the sixth title of her career.

Wozniacki, who was the defending champion, wasn't placed in any trouble by Vesnina, and easily won the match with a score of 62 64, winning her third title of the year.

The head-to-head result is now 3-1 to Wozniacki between her and Vesnina.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Singles - Final

(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 62 64

Vesnina surprises Mauresmo for spot in final; Wozniacki awaits

After rain shifted the schedule on Friday, the two semifinal matches were moved indoors and completed, as No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki dismissed No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta, and Elena Vesnina surprised No. 8 seed Amelie Mauresmo to get to the final in New Haven.

Wozniacki had no trouble ousted Pennetta, as the Dane easily won with a score of 64 61, while Vesnina defeated Mauresmo in a three-setter, 57 61 62.

Wozniacki and Vesnina have a head-to-head result of 2-1, with Wozniacki in the lead, their last meeting being in Ponte Vedra Beach, where Wozniacki won.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Singles - Semifinal

(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 64 61

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (8) Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) 57 61 62

Kuznetsova suffers quarterfinal loss against former Grand Slam champion on Day 5 in New Haven

After escaping jaws of defeat several times throughout the week, No. 1 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova was finally ousted by Amelie Mauresmo in three sets on Thursday, while the No. 2 and 3 seeds went through to the semifinals, along with Elena Vesnina.

Kuznetsova suffered a loss to the Frenchwoman after lossing the first set in a tiebreak, winning the second with ease, and losing the third with a similar score to the second set. The final score was 76(9) 26 63.

No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki easily won to Virginie Razzano with a score of 64 63; and No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta beat qualifier Magdalena Rybarikova, with a score of 62 62.

The other winner of the day was Vesnina, who demolished Anna Chakvetadze with a score of 61 75.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (1/WC) Svetlana Kuznetsova (76(9) 26 63

(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 64 63

(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (Q) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 62 62

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 61 75

Venus and Serena become part of Miami Dolphins franchise

By Stephen M. Ross, Owner and Managing General Partner of the Miami Dolphins, it had been announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, that Serena and Venus Williams are joining the organization as limited partners of the franchise.

The Williams sisters, who have 18 Grand Slam singles titles combined, are the first African-American females to hold an ownership stake in a NFL franchise and one of the few African-Americans league-wide to hold this unique distinction.

"We are thrilled to have Venus and Serena join the Dolphins as limited partners," Ross said. "They are among the most admired athletes in the world and have become global ambassadors for the game of tennis. Their addition to our ownership group further reflects our commitment to connect with aggressively and embrace the great diversity that makes South Florida a multicultural gem."

"I am honored to be a partner in the Miami Dolphins franchise. I admire Stephen Ross' vision for the team and I am thankful to him for allowing Serena and I to be part of Miami Dolphins history," said Venus.

"I am so excited to be part of such a renowned organization. Having spent so much of my childhood in the area, being involved with a staple of Miami culture is a huge honor. We look forward to many championships and much success together with the Miami Dolphins," Serena said.

Kuznetsova advances on Day 4 in New Haven

On Wednesday, the top three seeds all advanced to the quartefinals, while two seeds went crashing out, which were No. 5 seed Agnieszka Radwanska and No. 9 seed Samantha Stosur.

Top seed Svetlana Kuznetsova was in many tough positions in her match against qualifier Yanina Wickmayer, but managed to play well when it mattered, as the Russian won the match with a score of 64 57 76(2).

No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki wasn't challenged by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and easily won with a score of 64 61.

No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta had a tough match against Iveta Benesova, but won, 76(1) 64.

Radwanska wasn't ready for her match against Virginie Razzano, as the two were even with a score of 36 64, when the Pole retired with a right hand injury.

Stosur played a full match, but that didn't help her win, as the Australian lost to Elena Vesnina with a score of 63 64 64.

No. 6 seed Marion Bartoli, who played in the night match, lost to Magdalena Rybarikova, with a score of 16 76(5) 20, when Bartoli retired with a injury.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1/WC) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (Q) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 64 57 76(2)

(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 61 64

(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 76(1) 64

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (5) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 36 64 ret. (right hand injury)

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (9) Samantha Stosur (AUS) 36 64 64

!!!!!!!!!!!

Mauresmo wins to advance to quarters on Day 3 in New haven

Amelie Mauresmo and Anna Chakvetadze were the first to enter the quartefinals in New Haven on Tuesday, while all the other seeds in action advanced to the second round.

No. 8 seed Mauresmo was not at all challenged by opponent Alona Bondarenko, as the Frenchwoman easily went through after a 61 61 win.

Chakvetadze had to go to three sets against Sybille Bammer, but was able to get revenge from her Cincinnati loss, winning with a score of 46 64 75.

The other seeded winner of the day were No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki, who double bageled lucky loser Edina Gallovits; No. 3 seed Flavia Pennetta, ousted qualifier Ioana Raluca Olaru, 61 62; No. 6 seed Mariona Bartoli, who bested Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 46 63 61; and No. 9 seed Samantha Stosur, who battled against Alize Cornet to win with a score of 67(8) 62 64.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(8) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 61 61

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 46 64 75

Singles - First Round

(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (LL) Edina Gallovits (ROU) 60 60

(3) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (Q) Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 61 62

(6) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 46 63 61

(9) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 67(8) 62 64

Kuznetsova survives first round thriller, advances to second round on Day 2 in New Haven

No. 1 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova was nearly demolished in her debut match in New Haven, but escaped defeat after beating Jie Zheng in a tough three-setter, while the No. 5 and 8 seeds, the only other seeds playing, advanced to the second round on Day 2.

Kuznetsova looked comfortable in the first set of her match, but the action started in the second set, when Zheng took control and took the set in a close tiebreaker. In the third set, the Russian came back from being a break down to win the match with a score of 61 67(5) 64.

No. 5 seed Agnieszka Radwanska also was in a bit of trouble in her match against qualifier Roberta Vinci, but the Pole managed to escape, winning the match with a score of 62 26 76(5).

No. 8 seed Amelie Mauresmo wasn't challenge by opponent Ai Sugiyama, and easily breezed through after winning with a score of 64 61.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1/WC) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Zheng Jie (CHN) 61 67(5) 64

(5) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) 26 62 76(5)

(8) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 61

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Patty Schnyder (SUI) 63 36 63

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 76(6) 62

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (LL) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 46 62 61

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 63 63

(Q) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 64 64

(Q) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 36 61 64

Dementieva comes out on top against Sharapova to take Toronto title after straight sets win

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva faced Maria Sharapova on Sunday in the final in Toronto, and it was the seeded Russian who came out on top, beating her compatriot with a straight sets score, and taking her third title of the year, and her 14th career WTA Tour title.

Dementieva was in top notch in the final, taking an early 4-1 lead. Sharapova then came back to make it 4-4, but that didn't change the match, as Dementieva took her own serve to make it 5-4, and won Sharapova's serve to take the set, as Sharapova hit a slappy forehand into the net on set point. The second set was a bit easier, as Dementieva scored her 50th win of the season, beating Sharapova with a score of 64 63.

"I just feel I played a huge day. I was fighting for every point, so many long rallies," Dementieva said. "It was not the way I like to play - it was a more defensive game today - but against her, it's very hard to be aggressive because she puts a lot of pressure on the first two shots, so you need to work on defense before you have your chances to go for your shots."

"Elena is a grinder and gets a lot of balls back, so the most important thing against her is execution. I just wasn't able to do that," said Sharapova, who had 48 unforced errors to just 19 winners in the match. "I wasn't as fresh as I was in the first round, but it was the final, and you can't really think about it.

This was Dementieva's third win in 11 meetings, so the head-to-head score between the two is now 8-3 to Sharapova.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Singles - Final

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 64 63

Sharapova advances to first final since injury comeback; will face countrywoman Dementieva for crown in Toronto

Maria Sharapova was able to hang on in her tough semifinal match against Alisa Kleybanova, as she reached her first final since her injury comeback, while No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva awaits, after ousting No. 2 seed Serena Williams in straight sets on Day 6 in Toronto.

Sharapova won the first set with ease, but Kleybanova regrouped and took the second set. In the third set, Kleybanova took a 3-1 lead, then Sharapova broke back to make it 3-3. Kleybanova then won her own serve, making the score 4-3. Sharapova then did the same to make it 4-4. Sharapova was then able to take her comaptriot's serve, braking her to make the score 5-4 on her won serve. Sharapova relied on her own serve to take the match and head to the final, winning the match with a score of 62 46 64.

Dementieva didn't have such a hard time against her American opponent, winning the match to Serena with a score of 76(2) 61.

The head-to-head result between Sharapova and Dementieva is 8-2 to Sharapova, the last meeting being in the round of 16 in the 2008 Australian Open, and Sharapova eventually went on to win that Grand Slam.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 76(2) 61

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 62 46 64

Sharapova fights back after second set troubles on Day 5 in Toronto

Maria Sharapova was able to fight through to a semifinal spot in Toronto after prevailing in straight sets against Agnieszka Radwanska, while No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva went to three sets against Samantha Stosur to advance on Day 5.

Sharapova made an easy first set win against the 14th seeded Pole, but the second set was tougher, as Radwanska gained a 5-2 lead. Sharapova didn't give up, hitting her way through to make it a tiebreaker and winning with a score of 7-5. The final score was 62 76(5).

The Russian will next face Alisa Kleybanova, who suprisingly dismissed No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic in a tough three-setter, 67(6) 76(7) 62.

Dementieva was in tough positions against Stosur, but managed to outplay the Australian, winning with a score of 67(3) 61 63.

Dementieva will next face No. 2 seed Serena Williams, who didn't face any dangers against qualifier Lucie Safarova, winning with a score of 63 62.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (Q) Lucie Safarova (CZE) 63 62

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 67(3) 61 63

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. (5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 67(6) 76(7) 62

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (14) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 62 76(5)

Sharapova beats seeded countrywoman to advance to quarterfinals

Maria Sharapova was able to advance to the next round after a tough straight sets win over No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva, while No. 2 seed Serena Williams also went through after an even easier win over Alona Bondarenko on Day 4 in Toronto.

Sharapova had no trouble in the first set against her seeded compatriot, but the second set was tough, as Sharapova came back from 4-5 0-15 to win the match with a score of 62 76(3).

Serena was in no danger against her Ukrainian opponent, and easily dismissed Bondarenko with a score of 61 64.

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was also on the winner's list, ousting Shahar Peer in three sets, 61 16 64.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 61 64

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 61 16 64

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 62 76(3)

(14) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 75 63

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 63 61

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Aravane Rezai (FRA) 63 64

(Q) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Zheng Jie (CHN) 76(3) 64

Major upsets caused on Day 3 in Toronto

Yet the biggest upsets of the tournament came on Wednesday, as top seed Dinara Safina was crushed by world No. 39 in three sets, while Kim Clijsters knocked out the No. 9 seed Victoria Azarenka in three sets to get to the round of 16.

Safina, the defending champion who was a big favorite in Toronto, won the first set and looked prepared to win the next. But then, her opponent Aravane Rezai, shot back with an impressive game to take the second set. Rezai then got a 5-4 lead on her serve, and closed the match with a backhand down the line winner. The final score was 36 62 64.

"I'm very happy. It's the first time I've beaten a No.1. I took revenge for the French Open - she beat me at home, and I really wanted to win this match," said Rezai, whose only previous Top 10 win came in 2007 against a No.2-ranked Maria Sharapova. "I've prepared all week, all year, all my career to beat the best player in the world. Today is a really big step for me."

"It's a disaster. I'm really disappointed. But, there's a big tournament in two weeks. Hopefully tomorrow will be better and I can start getting ready for the US Open," Safina told reporters afterwards. "I knew exactly what I had to do today but I just wasn't using my brain. I wasn't doing the things my coach was telling me to do. It was just bad, and I'm disappointed with myself."

Safina wasn't the only upset victim as the second round wrapped up: No.8 seed Caroline Wozniacki lost nine games in a row from 5-2 up in the first set en route to losing to Zheng Jie, 75 63; No.9 seed Azarenka rallied from 4-1 down in the second set to push it to a third but still fell to Clijsters, 75 46 61; and No.11 seed Ana Ivanovic led 63 53 but wound up falling to qualifier Lucie Safarova in three sets, 36 75 63.

Maria Sharapova succeeded in winning her match against Sybille Bammer, 63 76(5).

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Singles - Second Round

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 36 62 64

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 63 62

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 63 62

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Patty Schnyder (SUI) 75 64

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) 63 63

Zheng Jie (CHN) d. (8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 75 63

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 75 46 61

(Q) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (11) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 36 75 63

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 63 61

(14) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Agnes Szavay (HUN) 61 61

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. (16) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 61 46 76(4)

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (Q) Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 63 60

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 63 76(5)
Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 76(2) 64

Venus, Kuznetsova loss first matches on Day 2 in Toronto

Kim Clijsters easily went through after her straight sets win over qualifier Elena Baltacha, while No. 3 seed Venus Williams and No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova both suffered debut match losses on Day 2 in Toronto.

Clijsters had no trouble in her first match, winning to Baltacha with an easy 63 64 score.

Venus was in bad shape in her second round match against qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko, losing to the Ukrainian with a score of 16 75 64.

Kuznetsova, also playing her second round match lost in an even easier score, to Samantha Stosur, with a score of 64 63.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (3) Venus Williams (USA) 16 75 64

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 64 63

Singles - First Round

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 63 63

(11) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (Q) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 26 63 62

(12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (Q) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 63 63

(16) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 64 62

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 67(3) 60 62

Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 63 62

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 64 64

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (Q) Monica Niculescu (ROU) 64 46 76(4)

(Q) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Kaia Kanepi (EST) 64 76(3)

(Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 76(1) 76(4)

(Q) Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. (Q) Julie Coin (FRA) 26 61 76(6)

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (Q) Elena Baltacha (GBR) 63 64

Sharapova prevails after straight sets win against seeded countrywoman

There was no such thing as a hard match for Maria Sharapova on Day 1 in Toronto, as the Russian advanced after winning in straight sets to compatriot and No. 10 seed Nadia Petrova, while the No. 13 and 15 seeds lost on Monday at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Canada.

Sharapova beat Petrova, who was the highest seed playing, in easy straight sets, after being 5-2 up in the second set, with a score of 63 64.

"When you're out there, you forget who you're playing, whether it's your compatriot or someone from another country. It's all about the job ahead and your own side of the court," Sharapova said. "I was the tougher one in the end. She had chances to make the match 5-all in the second, and it was good I finished it in two. I just hang tough no matter the score - not just with her."

No. 13 seed Marion Bartoli was not successful in winning her debut match, as the Frenchwoman lost to Alona Bondarenko 64 63, while No. 15 seed Amelie Mauresmo fell against Francesca Schiavone with a score of 62 36 61.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Singles - First Round

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 63 64

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (13) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 64 63

(14) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 63 63

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (15) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 62 36 61

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (Q) Heidi El Tabakh (CAN) 76(2) 76(4)

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 62 61

Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 36 64 62

Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (WC) Valérie Tétreault (CAN) 62 64

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 64 75

Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 63 64

(Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (WC) Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 61 62

(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (Q) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 76(4) 62

Jankovic captures one of biggest titles in career against Safina to win in Cincy

No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic surprisingly reached the final in Cincinnati, and after beating No. 1 seed Dinara Safina there, she clinched one of her biggest career wins at the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open.

Jankovic was not one of the favorites in Ohio, but made her way through after beating big names such as Victoria Azarenka and Elena Dementieva, and of course Dinara Safina. The Serb was not challenged by the Russian, winning with a score of 64 62.

"When I did the interview before the match, Pam Shriver asked me how I felt today after such a tough one last night. I said I wanted to believe I wasn't tired, that I'm fresh and ready to play," Jankovic said. "I was feeling sore this morning, but when I went on the court I felt fine. I'm really pleased I was able to play well and beat the No.1 player in the world. This is very good for my confidence going into Toronto and the US Open."

"I was very confident stepping onto the court, but then I was just totally off," Safina said. "There were a few moments were I was starting to get into the match, but she was using some good shots and hitting very close to the lines, also down the lines. She played some great tennis today."

Jankovic has now leveled the head-to-head results, which are now 3-3.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Singles - Final

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 64 62

Safina to face Jankovic in Cincinnati final

Top seed Dinara Safina finally was able to stop the winning streak of Flavia Pennetta, who was on fire for the past month, as the Russian crushed the Italian with an easy score, while in the final No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic will await her, as the Serb defeated No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva in three tough sets, surviving four match points against her, and taking the match on her fourth match point.

Safina was not challenged in her semifinal match, outlasting No. 14 seed with a score of 62 60.

"I knew I had to be strong from the beginning, because I know what it's like playing that many matches in a row, and when somebody starts putting pressure on you right away when you're tired, it's tough to face it," Safina said. "I didn't want her to get into the match. If I let her get into it, she'd start feeling better and better and she'd forget about everything."

Jankovic was in many tough positions in her match, being 40-0 up at 5-4 in the third set, and not being able to convert any of those chances. Dementieva got back to make it a tiebreaker, where she was up 6-2, and couldn't convert any of those match points either. Jankovic came back to make it 6-6, then Dementieva made a double fault, giving Jankovic a chance to serve for the match, and so she did, winning the match with a score of 76(2) 06 76(6).

The head-to-head result between Safina and Jankovic is 3-2 to Safina. Let's see if Jankovic can make it even, or if Safina can make an even bigger lead.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (14) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 62 60

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 76(2) 06 76(6)

Safina breaks Clijsters' return winning streak to get to semis; Dementieva through after easy win over No. 8 seed on Day 5 in Cincy

Kim Clijsters' run ended on Friday in Cincinnati, as the Belgian didn't pass her test against No. 1 seed Dinara Safina, losing in straight sets, while No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva advanced after a piece of cake win to No. 8 seed Caroline Wozniacki.

Wildcard Clijsters looked to be in great form after her first three wins, but today was not her day, as she succumbed to defeat, losing with a score of 62 75.

Safina will next play No. 14 seed Flavia Pennetta, who breezed past Daniela Hantuchova with a score of 63 63.

Dementieva was not at all trouble by the big hitting Wozniacki, and won the match with a score of 62 61 to get to the semifinals. The Russian will next face No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic, who beat Sybille Bammer 60 63.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) 62 75

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 62 61

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 60 63

(14) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 63 63

Williams sisters both ousted on Day 4 in Cincinnati; Clijsters goes through after three set win

Both of the Williams sisters suffered tight losses in their third round matches on Day 4 in Cincinnati, while wildcard Kim Clijsters continued her winning streak after defeating No. 6 seed and rank Svetlana Kuznetsova in her first setter since her comeback.

No. 2 seed Serena Williams showed that she was not in good form on Thursday, as she failed to go past Sybille Bammer, losing with a score of 75 64; while older sister and No. 3 seed Venus Williams fought more in her match against No. 14 seed Flavia Pennetta, but still lost, with a score of 76(4) 64.

"When I came to the court, I was just focused on my game and everything was working very well," Pennetta said. "My confidence now is perfect. I believed I could beat her again. Most of the other players go on the court thinking they want to play a good match against the top players. If you go on there thinking you just want to make a good result, you can never win against them."

"I made too many errors today, but I have to give her lots of credit for playing well and keeping so many balls in play," Williams said. "I could have been more aggressive and consistent. I was confident, but it would have been nice to capitalize on my opportunities. I'll just have to be ready for my next match."

Clijsters continued her run in Cincinnati after beating Kuznetsova in three tough sets, with a score of 64 46 62.

Top seed Dinara Safina also showed some good effort during her match against Shuai Peng, winning with a score of 63 64. Safina will next play Clijsters for a spot in the semifinals.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Shuai Peng (CHN) 63 64

Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 75 64

(14) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (3) Venus Williams (USA) 76(4) 64

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 64 64

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 75 76(4)

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 64 46 62

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 76(6) 06 76(5)

(8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 30 ret. (low back injury)

Clijsters goes through after straight sets win; Serena also advances on Wednesday in Cincinnati

Kim Clijsters has yet a set to lose in her comeback, as she demolished Patty Schnyder in straight sets to advance to her third round match, while No. 2 seed Serena Williams also advanced after ousting Kateryna Bondarenko with an even easier score than Clijsters on Day 3 in Cincinnati.

Clijsters was in good shape in her match against Schnyder, winning to the Swiss with a score of 62 75. Next up for the Belgian is No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, for a quarterfinal berth.

Serena was not at all troubled by Bondarenko, as the American cruised through to the third round after beating the Ukrainian with a score of 63 62.

Other seeded winners of the day included No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva, who beat qualifier Yanina Wickmayer 63 64; and No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic, who managed to get past wildcard Maria Kirilenko with a score of 76(6) 63.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 63 62

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (Q) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 63 64

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (WC) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 76(6) 63

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 64 16 75

(8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 46 64 64

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 64 62

Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (11) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 76(6) 75

Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. (13) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 60 75

(14) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Agnes Szavay (HUN) 62 64

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 63 62

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 75 16 64

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 57 62 61

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. Patty Schnyder (SUI) 62 75

Safina survives debut match challenge; Venus easily advances to next round on Day 2 in Cincy

Top seed and rank Dinara Safina nearly succumbed to her second straight early loss in Cincinnati, but the Russian managed to get away with it and advanced to the third round after beating Roberta Vinci in three sets in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Safina rallied to beat Vinci with a tough score, losing the first set easily and winning the next two. The final score was 27 64 75.

"It was just a day when things were going all over the place except for the tennis court," Safina said. "I accepted it. I thought if I lost, I'd have to forget about this match as soon as possible because it made no sense. It wasn't me. But slowly I think she got tight. I don't know what happened exactly, but even on the worst day you have to find something positive. I'm happy I was able to win."

Other winners of the day included No. 3 seed Venus Williams, who breezed past Olga Govortsova 62 62, and No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who had a tough time executing her win against Lucie Safarova, 63 67(2) 64.

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 26 75 64

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. (Q) Olga Govortsova (BLR) 62 62

(6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 63 67(2) 76(4)

Singles - First Round

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 62 63

(13) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 62 61

(14) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (Q) Ayumi Morita (JPN) 62 63

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. (15) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 62 61

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (WC) Meghann Shaughnessy (USA) 75 75

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 36 63 61

Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Zheng Jie (CHN) 62 46 62

Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (Q) Urszula Radwanska (POL) 75 75

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

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 64 36 63

(Q) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 63 64

(WC) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 64 61

Clijsters dispatches Stanford winner in easy straight sets in first comeback match

Kim Clijsters was on a roll in her first comeback match against No. 12 seed Marion Bartoli, as the Belgian had no trouble in crushing the Frenchwoman with an easy score.

Clijsters, who was given a wildcard here in Cincinnati, was quick in beating Bartoli, who has recently won a title in Stanford, as she went up 4-0 in the first set, then Bartoli came back to 4-4, and from then on Clijsters took the lead to win the set. In the second set, Clijsters had an easier time, winning the match with a score of 64 63.

"I was really excited to be out there. It has been so long I've been practicing for this. To finally be here, it was exciting," Clijsters said. "It was nice to be back out there and going through the whole match preparations and routines again. I am excited I will be playing another match, that it's not over after my first one."

"Without playing a match for two years, it is pretty amazing the level she already has right now," said Bartoli, who was coming off her biggest career title, winning the Premier-level tournament in Stanford eight days ago. "Before she retired, her forehand was weaker than her backhand; today I think it was the opposite. When I put her wide on the forehand she was coming up with some amazing shots. But the way she was moving and hitting, it's just amazing."

Clijsters will next face Patty Schnyder, who beat Gisela Dulko earlier in the day with a score of 64 60.

"We all miss her on the Tour. She has always been a fan favorite and great for the sport. I really hope she enjoys it again and stays with us for a while," Schnyder said. "I didn't see her too happy at the end when she decided to take the break, and now I see her happy again. That's all that matters. If you have so much success you can choose which life you want to live... now she's back."

Monday, August 10, 2009

Singles - First Round

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Kaia Kanepi (EST) 63 76(2)

(11) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) 26 61 61

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (12) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 64 63

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. (16) Virginie Razzano (FRA) 63 36 64

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 64 60

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 60 63

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 63 76(7)

Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (Q) Tatjana Malek (GER) 64 61

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 75 63
Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 63 62

(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 62 62

(Q) Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 61 63

Pennetta crushes Stosur for eighth and biggest career title in L.A

After beating Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova in the semis, No. 10 seed Flavia Pennetta beat doubles Grand Slam champion Samantha Stosur in straight sets to grab her eighth and biggest career title at the L.A Women's Tennis Championships.

Pennetta took home her biggest trophy after ousting 13th seeded Stosur with an easy score, 64 63, as the Italian lost only one service game throughout the match, letting Stosur come back from 1-3 to 3-3 in the second set.

"I think my serve was very good today. Almost all week it helped me a lot in the important points," said Pennetta. "When I was aggressive I won the points today. That was a big step for me to improve my game. I've played a few finals before... I was ready to play the final today."

"Sure, I'm disappointed. I would have loved to win my first title today. But it wasn't meant to be," Stosur said. "I played a very good player today and she played a little better than me. It's certainly something I'm going to build on the rest of the year and the rest of the US summer."

The head-to-head result between Pennetta and Stosur in now 1-0, this meeting being their first.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Singles - Final

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (13) Samantha Stosur (AUS) 64 63

Sharapova gets beaten by Pennetta; Stosur wins to Cirstea to get to final

Maria Sharapova's run ended on Day 6 in Los Angeles, as the Russian failed to pass her test against No. 10 seed Flavia Pennetta, who will meet Samantha Stosur in the final for the crown.

Sharapova lost the first set with an easy score, but gained strength to win the second set. In the third set, Pennetta went up 5-3 on Sharapova's serve. On the first match point at 30-40, Sharapova went for her shots, and hit a crosscourt winner. The second match point was the last one, as Sharapova missed a forehand wide at advantage to Pennetta.

Pennetta will face 13th seeded Stosur, who didn't have any trouble against Sorana Cirstea, winning 63 62.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Singles - Semifinal

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 62 46 63

(13) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 63 62

Sharapova advances after tough straight sets win; Zvonareva demolished on Day 5 in L.A

On Day 5 in L.A, Maria Sharapova was challenged by Polish Urszula Radwanska, but the Russian managed to win in tough straight sets, while No. 2 seed Zvonareva was crushed by an Italian with an easy straight sets score.

Sharapova was pushed to the limits by the younger Radwanska sister, winning the first set with a close score. The second set was more harder for Sharapova, as Radwanska took a 5-3 lead, but the Russian regrouped to win with a score of 64 75. In some games in the second set, Sharapova made three double faults to have a 0-40 score.

"It was just a matter of regrouping and staying positive," Sharapova said of the second set. "Slowly but surely, I'm finding my way on the court. A lot of what you lose when you miss time is that reflex, that hand-eye coordination, and I feel I'm getting it back. Sometimes it's just a matter of inches. There's a very thin line between winning and losing a tennis match."

Zvonareva was shocked by No. 10 seed Flavia Pennetta, with a score of 64 62. Pennetta will face Sharapova for a final berth.

"I was playing very well from the beginning. My serve was great tonight and that was the important thing for me," Pennetta said. "It will be a tough match against Maria. I will need to play like I did tonight. My serve needs to be there again."

Friday, August 7, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (2) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 64 62

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 76(4) 16 75

(13) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (14) Zheng Jie (CHN) 46 63 64

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 64 75

Safina, Ivanovic get demolished; Sharapova succeeds in winning on Day 4 in L.A

There were some upsetting results on Day 4 in L.A, as well as some impressive results, as top seed Dinara Safina was stunned by her Chinese opponent in three sets at night, while Maria Sharapova again came back from losing the first set to win the match.

Safina's run was ended by No. 14 seed Jie Zheng, as Zheng lead the match at 75 31. But then, the Russian didn't give up, and ended up winning the second set. In the third set, Safina managed to take a 4-2 lead, but that wasn't enough for her, as Zheng breezed through to win the set and the match, losing only two points on the way. The final score was 75 46 64.

"It's amazing for me, because I lost to her all four times we had played," Zheng said. "I just tried my best. You could tell I was 110% on every point. I tried to be aggressive. I tried to attack her forehand and get her moving. Before the start of the match I knew it would be tough, and I'm so happy I won."

"I don't know what happened in the first set, but I started to play much better in the second set. In the third set, I just didn't use my opportunities," Safina said. "It's disappointing for me, but she's a good player. It's tough to play her. She took her chances and beat me. In this match, I didn't do the right things."

No. 6 seed Ana Ivanovic also didn't make it to the quarterfinals, losing to Samantha Stosur, 63 62.

Sharapova trailed past Alona Bondarenko to get to the quarterfinals of the event, with a score of 46 60 63.

"It was good to get revenge," said Sharapova, who had lost to Bondarenko in the first event of her 2009 comeback, at Warsaw in May. "It's tough playing players that play the majority of the season. My last two opponents have been some of the most physically fit girls on the Tour. It gives me confidence I can step it up when I need to, especially after losing to her a few months ago."

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(14) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 75 46 64

(2) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 76(5) 46 64

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (5) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 63 63

(13) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (6) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 63 62

(8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 63 62

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (12) Li Na (CHN) w/o (right knee injury)

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (17) Sabine Lisicki (GER) 63 10 ret. (shoulder injury)

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 46 60 63

Sharapova comes back from first set loss to beat Azarenka on Day 3 in L.A

Ranked ans seeded No. 1, Dinara Safina made an impressive win over Daniela Hantuchova on Wednesday, while Maria Sharapova rallied from a set down to upset No. 3 seed Victoria Azarenka to advance to the third round in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Safina made good progress in her match against Hantuchova, and proved to be a good competitor, winning with a score of 62 64.

"It was a good match for my first match back here in America. I didn't do anything spectacular, but I was solid," Safina said. "Daniela is a dangerous player. I knew what I had to do. I had to be aggressive - there's no other way."

Sharapova was again under the night lights on Day 3. Losing the first set in a tiebreak, the Russian put her game together and won the next two set with ease. The final score was 67(4) 64 62.

"I had so many chances to win the first set, but I was able to win the second set and play a solid third," Sharapova said. "I knew going into this match I was going to have to dig deep and hang tough to stay in there. I learned a great deal, and I've given myself another chance to play tomorrow. I have a lot of support here in Los Angeles and it feels like home."

"Maria is a great player," a gracious Azarenka commented. "She still has her game. It doesn't matter that she was out for almost a year."

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Singles - Second Round

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

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (3) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 67(4) 64 62

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (4) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 16 64 76(5)

(5) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 64 26 63

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (7) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 64 67(6) 64

(8) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 62 61

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (WC) Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 62 64

(12) Li Na (CHN) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 46 64 62

(13) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 62 64

(14) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 64 46 60

(17) Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 61 64

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 57 64 75

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 63 36 61

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. (Q) Jill Craybas (USA) 76(2) 61

Ivanovic, Zvonareva barely win at night in Los Angeles

Ana Ivanovic and Vera Zvonareva were the only two players to win under the night lights of Tuesday, while Sabine Lisicki faced the toughest challenge of the tournament so far while playing Kimiko Date Krumm, to whom she eventually won in three long sets.

Ivanovic, the No. 6 seed in L.A, seemed to be having a hard time against Vania King, but the Serbian gathered her power in the third set, and won the match with a score of 64 46 61.

Zvonareva, the No. 2 seed, was completely out of form while playing Shuai Peng, as the Russian lost the first, won the second set with the same score as losing the first, and won the third in a thrilling tiebreaker. The final score was 36 63 76(6).

Date Krumm, a 38 year old qualifier, held three set points in the first set against 17th seeded Lisicki, but the German was able to come back and close out the set in a tiebreaker. The Japanese veteran was able to take control of the second set, and won it easily. In the third set, Date Krumm served for the match at 5-4 30-15, but Lisicki made a fabulous comeback and eventually put the match to a close, winning with a score of 76(5) 26 75.

"This is my second career. Nobody expected me to play tennis after 12 years of retirement. I'm just trying to enjoy my tennis - I love it, and I love having a challenge," Date Krumm said. "I want to continue to play for one or two more years, or maybe three years, until my body is dead. Maybe some people think it is crazy. I just wanted a chance to continue to qualify for Grand Slams."

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 36 63 76(6)

(6) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (WC) Vania King (USA) 64 46 61

Singles - First Round

(12) Li Na (CHN) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 60 20 ret. (GI illness)

(13) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 61 62

(14) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. (Q) Olga Savchuk (UKR) 75 16 62

(17) Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. (Q) Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 76(5) 26 75

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) 67(3) 62 62

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. (WC) Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) 64 75

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 75 75

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 36 64 61

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (Q) Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 46 63 61

Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. Julie Coin (FRA) 61 62

Sharapova wins debut match in L.A.

Maria Sharapova was in no tough positions on Monday night, as the Russian demolished her opponent in straight sets, while the highest seed playing on Day 1, No. 11 seed Flavia Pennetta, went to three sets against lucky loser Varvara Lepchenko and won the last set in a bagel.

Wearing a headband for the first time, Sharapova faced Jarmila Groth, and was not put under pressure by the Slovakian, winning with a score of 60 64.

"She was swinging away all through the match and a lot of them started to go in, but she couldn't consistently do it," Sharapova said of her opponent. "Playing all of these tournaments is a great benefit for me. This is my sixth tournament back and this is going to be a process on things I want to improve and work on in my game. It has been a good ride so far."

Pennetta thwarted Lepchenko's hopes of advancing to the next round, as the Italian was in tough positions sometimes, but succeeded in winning with a score of 62 57 60.

Anna Chakvetadze broke her losing run after besting No. 11 seed Virginie Razzano, 76(5) 63.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Singles - First Round

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (LL) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 62 57 60

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. (11) Virginie Razzano (FRA) 76(5) 63

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (15) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 63 76(4)

(Q) Jill Craybas (USA) d. (16) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 76(7) 62

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Meghann Shaughnessy (USA) 36 63 63

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Agnes Szavay (HUN) 61 60

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. (Q) Michaella Krajicek (NED) 63 67(4) 63

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 61 63

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 61 61

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Jarmila Groth (SVK) 60 64

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (Q) Anastasia Rodionova (RUS) 75 41 ret. (left ankle injury)

Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. (Q) Carly Gullickson (USA) 63 61

(WC) Vania King (USA) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 63 62

(WC) Coco Vandeweghe (USA) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 64 64

Dushevina wins first title of career after demolishing Hradecka in straight sets

Vera Dushevina worked hard in her Sunday final in Istanbul, Turkey, and won the tournament to Lucie Hradecka in 41 minutes, making it the Russian's first WTA Tour title.

On her way to the final, fifth seeded Dushevina never lost more than four games in her matches, and playing against eighth seeded Hradecka was no harder, as she crushed the Czech with a score of 60 61.

"I was serving very well today. I tried to be aggressive and push forward so she didn't have any chance to attack. If she played better it would have been a much tougher match, but it wasn't easy for me - it was a final," Dushevina said. "I'm very happy to win my first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles title. I've played three finals before this so finally I have a title!"

Dushevina's title run was so devastating, she also holds the honor of the least games lost en route to a title this year, with 16. Flavia Pennetta was the prior record holder for 2009, losing 24 in Palermo. Not since 2005 has anyone lost that few, the last to do so being Anna Smashnova that year (12 at Budapest).

"Before I came to Istanbul, I lost early in Portoroz, and I wasn't very excited about playing again this week. I was upset, and I didn't come here thinking I could win," Dushevina continued. "It was a tough tournament with a lot of top players, so I'm very happy I was able to win the title."

Hradecka is now 0-3 herself in Tour singles finals, also having finished runner-up at Bad Gastein last year and Strasbourg this year.

"I slept well today, until 1pm, but maybe it wasn't enough because I still feel tired," Hradecka said. "Vera played very well today though. She didn't make any mistakes. Before the tournament, if somebody came and told me I'd play the final of singles and win the doubles, I'd have said they were joking."

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Singles - Final

(5) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (8) Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 60 61

Bartoli crushes Venus in three sets to win Stanford crown

No. 2 seed Venus Williams was stunned in the final of the Bank of the West Classic by No. 8 seed Marion Bartoli, as the American fought hard, but not hard enough, and Bartoli was able to execute the win in three sets.

Williams hadn't lost a set in the tournament before the final. Bartoli was in good shape, and won the first set easily. Venus gained strength and was able to go from 4-5 down to win the set 7-5. In the third set, both players fought with everything they had, but Bartoli came out on top to win the title. The final score was 62 57 64.

"It was really hard mentally to win the second set, because it was getting tighter and tighter... when I served for the match, she sensed I was tight, and she started coming up with big winners," Bartoli said. "I just tried to stay positive and focused in the third set. We had some great rallies in the third set. It was so hard to win the last game. The only chance to win that was to take my chances, because otherwise Venus wouldn't give me anything. I gave everything I had today."

"Marion played really well today. I have to give her credit for playing so well," Williams said. "I was fighting myself out there as well as her. It was a tough day. I had to fight through it and in the end I ran out of time. My last few matches were so good, but today I just couldn't execute the way I wanted."

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Singles - Final

(8) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (2) Venus Williams (USA) 62 57 64

Venus to face Bartoli in Stanford final

No. 2 seed Venus Williams was successful in reaching the final in Stanford, as the ousted No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva in straight sets, while Marion Bartoli, the No. 8 seed, came back from losing the second set to winning to Samantha Stosur to get to the final.

Williams didn't have a tough day in her semifinal match against Dementieva, as the American achieved the win with a score of 60 61.

Bartoli was a bit challenge by her Australian opponent, but managed to score the win, 63 16 61.

The head-to-head result between Williams and Bartoli is 1-0 Williams, their only meeting being in the 2007 Wimbledon final, when Williams won 64 61.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(2) Venus Williams (USA) d. (3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 60 61

(8) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 63 16 61