Sharapova beats fellow Russian in three sets to get to quarters, along with two surviving Top 10 seeds on Day 4 in Tokyo

No. 7 seed Jelena Jankovic and No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka, who were the only seeds left in the top 10, easily reserved a spot for themselves in the quarterfinals, while Maria Sharapova went to the three sets against Alisa Kleybanova to advance on Day 4 in Tokyo.

Jankovic didn't have to finish her match against opponent Elena Vesnina, as the Serb was leading 61 3-0 when the Russian was struck with a left thigh strain and had to retire from the match.

Azarenka dismissed Lucie Safarova in straight sets with a score of 75 64 to get to the quarters.

No. 14 seed Marion Bartoli rallied from a set down against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to win with a score of 46 62 75.

Sharapova also came back from a set down to oust compatriot Kleybanova with a score of 26 62 62.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Singles – Third Round

(7) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 61 30 ret. (left thigh strain)

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 75 64

(11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. (Q) Andrea Petkovic (GER) 64 36 63

(14) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (Q) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 46 62 75

(15) Li Na (CHN) d. (Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 26 75 63

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 26 62 62

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (Q) Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) 75 62

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 16 63 63

After losses of another seeded trio on Day 3, Top 6 seeds are all out

A day after the No. 1, 2 and 5 seeds lost, the No. 3, 4 and 6 seeds followed the same fate on Tuesday at the Toray Pan Pacific Open, while Maria Sharapova continued her run after crushing her 12th seeded opponent in straight sets.

No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva faced Kateryna Bondarenko in the second round, and fell to the Ukrainian with a score of 62 67(3) 61.

No. 4 seed Caroline Wozniacki fell for a different reason, as the Dane suffered a viral illness being down 0-5 against Aleksandra Wozniak.

No. 6 seed Vera Zvonareva lost to Alisa Kleybanova in three sets, 36 64 62.

Kleybanova will next face Sharapova, who easily cruised past Samantha Stosur, 60 61.

"I just try to improve as each tournament goes, playing one match at a time and focusing on the task ahead," Sharapova said. "When you don't play well you have to learn to get better. It's the first time I've had to make adjustments to my game and relearn the things that usually came so automatically. I want to finish the season on a good note."

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Singles – Second Round

(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 62 67(3) 61

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. (4) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 50 ret. (viral illness)

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. (6) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 36 64 62

(7) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 63 46 62

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Zheng Jie (CHN) 61 61

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (12) Samantha Stosur (AUS) 60 61

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (13) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 62 62

(14) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Aravane Rezai (FRA) 64 62

(15) Li Na (CHN) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 75 60

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 61 76(6)

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 36 64

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 63 46 64

Qualifiers oust top seeds on Day 2 in Tokyo

Many top seeds in Tokyo, Japan were surprisingly ousted, as No. 1 seed Dinara Safina, No. 2 seed Venus Williams and No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova were all sent flying home after ugly losses.

Safina, who was the defending champion, didn't show anything impressive in her debut match against 18-year-old Chang Kai-Chen, as the Chinese won in three sets, 76(5) 46 75.

Williams fell to another teenager, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, in two tough sets, 76(6) 75.

Kuznetsova was dismissed by Andrea Petkovic in three sets, with a score of 75 46 63.

Maria Sharapova was able to stay out of the loser's list, as she survived a battle against Francesca Schiavone to win with a score of 46 75 61, despite being down 2-4 in the second set.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Singles – Second Round

(Q) Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) d. (1/WC) Dinara Safina (RUS) 76(5) 46 75

(Q) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (2) Venus Williams (USA) 76(6) 75

(Q) Andrea Petkovic (GER) d. (5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 75 46 63

Singles – First Round

(11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 75 63

(12) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (Q) Alexa Glatch (USA) 75 60

(13) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. (WC) Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 60 21 ret. (GI illness)

(14) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 63 60

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (16) Virginie Razzano (FRA) 36 76(5) 60

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (Q) Jill Craybas (USA) 63 63

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 46 75 61

Zheng Jie (CHN) d. (Q) Sania Mirza (IND) 57 62 63

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. (WC) Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 57 76(2) 64

Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 16 75 61

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (Q) Urszula Radwanska (POL) 64 64

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 63 63

(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 63 61

Sunday, September 27, 2009: Results for Tashkent Open

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Singles - Final
(2) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 63 64

Go lower for article about the final at Hansol Korea Open

Date Krumm takes title in Seoul

38-year-old Kimiko Date Krumm shined throughout the entire Hansol Korea Open, and she did no different in the final, beating No. 2 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues in easy straight sets to take the crown in Seoul, Korea.

A day shy of her 39th birthday, Date Krumm became the second oldest woman, after Billie Jean King at 39 years, 7 months and 23 days, to win a title, as the Japanese demolished Medina Garrigues with a score of 63 63.

"I didn't think about winning the title. I had no pressure because of that, and I think my opponent had too much pressure," Date Krumm said. "The match reminded me again that in tennis, you really don't know how anything will turn out before you actually play. My husband's love and support was more important than anything in this. I was relaxed, mentally strong and physically I was doing well. With all of the tennis I've played, I was of course tired. For the past year I didn't know if I could compete well on the Tour, but now it looks okay.

"I came back to win matches. I want to continue as long as my body holds up. I think I'll be able to keep playing for a couple of years."

"I arrived here without a lot of confidence. To be in the final is a very good result. I would have been happier winning the tournament but Kimiko played very, very well," Medina Garrigues said. "When I was on court, I didn't feel like she was 38. She won five matches in a row this week, four in three sets, more than two and a half hours, and today she was running like it was the first day."

The head-to-head result between the two is now equal at 1-1, after Medina Garrigues won their first encounter in Guangzhou this year.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Singles - Final

Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) d. (2) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 63 63

Saturday, September 26, 2009: Results for Tashkent Open

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Singles - Semifinals
Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) d. (1) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 64 76(3)
(2) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (4) Olga Govortsova (BLR) 76(5) 62

Go lower for article about Day 5 at Hansol Korea Open

Date Krumm ousts defending champion to reach final; No. 2 seed awaits

Kimiko Date Krumm just became one of the finalists in Seoul, Korea, as she ousted defending champion Maria Kirilenko in three sets, while No. 2 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues awaits the veteran in the final after winning her semifinal match in three sets against Anna-Lena Groenefeld on Day 5 at the Hansol Korea Open.

Date Krumm came back from losing the first set to winning the second, and after being 5-0 in the third set, Kirilenko regained her strength and got back to 5-4, but that wasn't enough, as Date Krumm closed out the match with a score of 36 62 64.

"It took some time to adjust to her game. Maria doesn't overpower you but she hits a very heavy ball, and it took me some time," Date Krumm said. "At 0-5 third set she forgot the pressure that she was the favorite and just tried to focus on the ball. Suddenly she started winning games and I realized I had to finish the match off! Tennis is a mental sport. It has always been like that."

Medina Garrigues won her in the same manner, losing the first and winning the next two. The final score was 26 63 61.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(2) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 26 63 61

Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 36 62 64

Friday, September 25, 2009: Results for Tashkent Open

Friday, September 25, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals
(1) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. (6) Monica Niculescu (ROU) 67(3) 75 62
(2) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (Q) Alexandra Panova (RUS) 64 64
(4) Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Darya Kustova (BLR) 63 26 62
Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) d. (5) Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 61 64

Go lower for article about Day 4 at Hansol Korea Open

Date Krumm banishes top seed to reach semis on Day 4 in Korea

Kimiko Date Krumm went on to stun the top seed, Daniela Hantuchova, to reach the semifinals in Seoul, while Maria Kirilenko ousted the No. 7 seed in two tough sets on Day 4 in Seoul.

Hantuchova had a lead of 5-1 in the first set, but her veteran opponent was able to bounce back to take it in a tiebreak. Hantuchova took the second set, and the Japanese took the deciding set, winning the match with a score of 76(3) 46 64.

Kirilenko will next face Date Krumm, after the Russian edged compatriot Vera Dushevina, 75 76(5).

Friday, September 25, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) d. (1) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 76(3) 46 64

(2) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 63 63

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (7) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 75 76(5)

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 60 26 75

Thursday, September 24, 2009: Results for Tashkent Open

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Singles - Second Round
(2) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Kathrin Woerle (GER) 62 64
(4) Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. Vesna Manasieva (RUS) 62 63
(Q) Alexandra Panova (RUS) d. (7) Patricia Mayr (AUT) 75 61
Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) d. Ekaterina Bychkova (RUS) 46 75 76(4)

Go lower for article about Day 3 at Hansol Korea Open

Date Krumm in first quarterfinal since more than a decade on Day 3 in Seoul

The quarterfinal line-up was set at the Hansol Korea Open on Thursday, with Kimiko Date Krumm stealing the limelight thanks to a dramatic three set win over fifth seed Alisa Kleybanova. Next up for the Japanese veteran is top seed Daniela Hantuchova, who backed up her see-saw first round win over Ayumi Morita with a rather more routine dismantling of Chanelle Scheepers.While Date Krumm's first round win had been cause for celebration - it was the first Tour main draw victory of the almost-39-year-old's comeback - it was to be expected.

Indeed, when Date Krumm lost an early break advantage to lose the first set and went down 5-2 in the second, the match assumed an air of inevitability. But although Kleybanova duly held a match point serving at 5-3, Date Krumm clawed her way back to deuce. A Russian double fault gave Date Krumm the game and the set moved to a tie-break, which Date Krumm took on her second set point with the help of a netcord. Thereafter the momentum stayed with Date Krumm, who was first to break in the final set and ultimately served it out to love, 46 76(4) 63.

Following her patchy service display against Morita on Wednesday, Hantuchova didn't face a single break point against South Africa's Scheepers, even though the Slovak star made just 55% of her first deliveries. To her credit Scheepers fought off 10 of 15 break points she faced, but still she could not dent her more illustrious foe, going down 61 61.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 61 61

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (3) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 61 12 ret. (right hamstring strain)

Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) d. (5) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 46 76(4) 63

(7) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 75 61

Justine stuns tennis world again by announcing comeback

On May 14, 2008, just weeks before she would have gone for a fourth straight French Open title, Justine Henin dropped a bombshell on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour: she was done. For the first time, a reigning world No.1 retired from the sport. On Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 16 months and one week later - the Belgian announced her comeback.

"I've been able to recharge my batteries, emotionally as well," Henin said on Tuesday. "Subconsciously, [Kim Clijsters winning the US Open] might have had an impact, but it certainly was not the most important reason.

"The fire within burns again. I want to come back in January."

"Justine Henin is one of the great champions in the history of women's tennis, and we, along with millions of her fans around the globe, are thrilled with her announcement today," said Tour CEO Stacey Allaster. "Justine was that rare athlete who decided to step away from the game at the height of her powers, and no doubt she will be a force to be reckoned with from the get go. Her career was marked by so many amazing moments, and a new chapter begins today."

Wednesday, September 23, 2009: Results for Tashkent Open

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Singles – Second Round
(1) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. Ekaterina Ivanova (RUS) 75 62
(5) Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. (WC) Nigina Abduraimova (UZB) 62 57 63
(6) Monica Niculescu (RUS) d. Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 61 64
Darya Kustova (BLR) d. (8) Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 16 63 76(9)

Singles – First Round
(2) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Maret Ani (EST) 61 62
(8) Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. (Q) Arina Rodionova (RUS) 63 62

Go lower for article about Day 2 at Hansol Korea Open

Top seed Hantuchova victorious in debut match in Seoul on Day 2

Top seed Daniela Hantuchova advanced to the second round after a three set win on Wednesday in Seoul, along with the No. 2 seed, while two other seeds failed their second round tests on Day 2 at the Hansol Korea Open.

Hantuchova had a tough time in her debut match against Ayumi Morita, but managed to won the match with a score of 64 46 62.

No. 2 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues easily demolished Meghann Shaughnessy in straight sets, 63 61, to advance to the quarterfinals.

The two seeds who lost were No. 6 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who fell to Chan Yung-Jan, 26 64 61; and No. 8 seed Sybille Bammer, who was beaten by Magdalena Rybarikova, 61 75.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Meghann Shaughnessy (USA) 63 61

Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) d. (6) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 26 64 61

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (8) Sybille Bammer (AUT) 61 75

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. (Q) Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) 67(5) 64 63

Singles - First Round

(1) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 64 46 62

Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) d. (WC) Lee Ye-Ra (KOR) 63 64

Tuesday, September 22, 2009: Results for Tashkent Open

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Singles - First Round
(1) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 61 61
Ekaterina Bychkova (RUS) d. (3) Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 75 75
(6) Monica Niculescu (ROU) d. Corinna Dentoni (ITA) 63 60
(7) Patricia Mayr (AUT) d. Ekaterina Dzehalevich (BLR) 75 64
Vesna Manasieva (RUS) d. (WC) Aleksandra Kolesnichenko (UZB) 61 61
Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) d. (Q) Ksenia Lykina (RUS) 61 46 63
Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) d. Kristina Kucova (SVK) 76(5) 76(1)
Kathrin Woerle (GER) d. (WC) Sabina Sharipova (UZB) 76(0) 75
Darya Kustova (BLR) d. (LL) Yuliana Fedak (UKR) 62 64
Ekaterina Ivanova (RUS) d. Lenka Wienerova (SVK) 76(5) 75
(Q) Alexandra Panova (RUS) d. Sandra Zahlavova (CZE) 62 61
(WC) Nigina Abduraimova (UZB) d. (Q) Lesya Tsurenko (UKR) 63 62

Go lower for article about Day 1 at Hansol Korea Open

Kirilenko wins on Day 1 in Seoul

The favorites were almost out in full force as the first round of the Hansol Korea Open kicked off on Tuesday, with seven of the eight seeds playing their openers at the International-level event.

Anna-Lena Groenefeld pulled off the first upset of the tournament, beating No.4 seed Sorana Cirstea in a see-saw three-setter, 76(3) 36 63. After losing the first set it looked as though Cirstea would roll to victory, winning the second set relatively routinely and going up a break early in the third. But former Top 20 player Groenefeld rebounded with three breaks of her own in the decider, eventually finishing the Romanian off and exacting revenge for a loss in the pair's only previous encounter, just over a month ago in Cincinnati.

The rest of the seeds went 6-0, with No.2 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, No.3 seed Francesca Schiavone, No.5 seed Alisa Kleybanova, No.6 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, No.7 seed Vera Dushevina and No.8 seed Sybille Bammer all moving through. Only Bammer went to three sets, rallying from a near-first set blowout to beat Ekaterina Makarova, 26 64 64.

Other early winners on Day 2 of the Hansol Korea Open were Magdalena Rybarikova, Maria Kirilenko, Anastasija Sevastova, Chan Yung-Jan, Chanelle Scheepers, Meghann Shaughnessy and Chang Kai-Chen.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Singles – First Round

(2) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Andrea Petkovic (GER) 63 64

(3) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (Q) Yurika Sema (JPN) 61 64

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. (4) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 76(3) 36 63

(5) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) 62 63

(6) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Angela Haynes (USA) 76(5) 62

(7) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 63 61

(8) Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 26 64 64

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Alberta Brianti (ITA) 62 62

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (Q) Sophie Ferguson (AUS) 46 61 62

Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 62 75

Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) d. (Q) Junri Namigata (JPN) 63 63

Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) d. (WC) Kim So-Jung (KOR) 61 63

Meghann Shaughnessy (USA) d. (WC) Yoo Mi (KOR) 60 63

(Q) Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) d. Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) 64 63

Peer wins to Brianti in straight sets to claim title in China

Shahar Peer has won her first title since three years ago, as the Israeli beat Alberta Brianti to win the China-GDD Guangzhou International Women's Open on Sunday in Guangzhou, China.

Peer had no trouble against her Italian opponent, and easily won with a score of 63 64.

"I'm very happy to win this title. I haven't been in the finals for almost two and a half years, so winning this title is really important to me," Peer said. "At the beginning of the match she played really, really well. She was very aggressive and dominating the points. I was a bit nervous - I wasn't hitting the ball very well. But I found my rhythm. It wasn't perfect, but it was good enough to win today."

Peer is now 1-0 against Brianti in head-to-head results.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Singles - Final

(5) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (8) Alberta Brianti (ITA) 63 64

Czink captures title in Quebec City after three set win to Safarova

No. 5 seed Melinda Czink dominated throughout the Bell Challenge, and she was no different in the final against No. 4 seed Lucie Safarova, capturing the title in Quebec City after a tough three set win on Sunday.

Czink lost the first set, but managed to power through the second set to win it, and the third set Czink broke Safarova's serve when it was 5-5, and serve out the championship at love. The final score was 46 63 75.

"It feels great. I haven't really processed it yet but I will," Czink said. "I went match by match this week. This was the toughest match this week. I had to take some risks on her serve today - sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. We really pushed each other, and I'm happy I could come out the winner."

"We both played a good match. I think it just came down to a few balls and she did it better," Safarova said. "The whole week I was trying to be very aggressive and move forward, but she did the same today and I had trouble dealing with it. I didn't feel I did anything wrong today. It could have gone either way.

"I hope to come back next year and do better. Unless you win, you can always do better!"

Czink has won the pair's first encounter, and has taken the lead first in the head-to-head results.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Singles - Final

(5) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (4) Lucie Safarova (CZE) 46 63 75

Saturday, September 19, 2009: Results for China-GDD Guangzhou International Women's Open

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Singles - Semifinals
(5) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (3) Peng Shuai (CHN) 64 10 ret. (right wrist injury)
(8) Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. (7) Ayumi Morita (JPN) 63 75

Go lower for article about Day 6 at Bell Challenge

Safarova, Czink to face eachother in final after easy win over seeded opponents on Day 6 at Bell Challenge

No. 4 seed Lucie Safarova was the first player to reach the final in Quebec City, Canada on Day 6 of the $220,000 tournament, while No. 5 seed Melinda Czink demolished No. 3 seed and local Aleksandra Wozniak in easy straight sets on Saturday.

Safarova eased through to her first semifinal of th year, beating No. 8 seed Julia Georges with a score of 63 62.

"I'm really happy because this is my first final this year. I feel like I'm playing pretty good and you always feel good when you're winning!" Safarova said. "I'm a little tired now but I will be fine for the final tomorrow. I just hope I'll be ready to play my best against either one of my potential opponents."

Czink had a similar score in her win over the crowd favourite, as the Hungarian beat Wozniak with a score of 63 63 to reach the final.

Safarova and Czink have never played against eachother. Let's see who will take the lead first.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(5) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (3) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 63 63

(4) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (8) Julia Goerges (GER) 63 62

Friday, September 18, 2009: Results for China-GDD Guangzhou International Women's Open

Friday, September 18, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals
(3) Peng Shuai (CHN) d. Alexandra Panova (RUS) 62 63
(5) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 63 61
(7) Ayumi Morita (JPN) d. Olga Savchuk (UKR) 63 64
(8) Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 64 62

Go lower for article about Day 5 at Bell Challenge

Top seed suffers loss due to illness on Day 5 in Quebec City

Aleksandra Wozniak was able to continue her run, as the Canadian reached the semifinals in Quebec City, while top seed Nadia Petrova was bested by a viral illness and lost to Melinda Czink on Day 5 of the Bell Challenge.

Wozniak, the No. 3 seed, easily crushed Alla Kudryavtseva and impressed her home crowd with a 61 61 win.

Petrova lost the first set in a tiebreak to her fifth seeded opponent, and then retired, the match ending with a score of 76(4).

No. 4 seed Lucie Safarova easily beat wildcard Bethanie Mattek, 63 64; while No. 8 seed Julia Georges ousted qualifier Lilia Osterloh, 62 64.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(5) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (1) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 76(4) ret. (viral illness)

(3) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 61 61

(4) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (WC) Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 63 64

(8) Julia Goerges (GER) d. (Q) Lilia Osterloh (USA) 62 64

Thursday, September 17, 2009: Results for China-GDD Guangzhou International Women's Open

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Singles - Second Round

Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) d. (1) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 36 63 61

(3) Peng Shuai (CHN) d. Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 63 62

Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) d. (9) Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 63 36 76(2)

Olga Savchuk (UKR) d. Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) 64 64

Go lower for article about Day 4 of Bell Challenge

No. 3 and 4 seeds through to quarters in Quebec City on Day 4

Two seeds, a qualifier and a wildcard all made it through to the quarterfinals in the Bell Challenge, as the No. 3 and 4 seeds had no trouble in their matches on Day 4, and neither did wildcard, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, while qualifier Lilia Osterloh went to three sets in her match.

No. 3 seed Aleksandra Wozniak continued her run in Quebec City after beating Regina Kulikova with a score of 62 75; while No. 4 seed Lucie Safarova had a similar score win against Valerie Tetreault, 62 62.

Osterloh had a tough time against qualifier Amra Sadikovic, but managed to win with a score of 63 26 62; while Mattek-Sands ousted Vania King with a score of 63 63.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(3) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Regina Kulikova (RUS) 62 75

(4) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Valerie Tetreault (CAN) 62 62

(Q) Lilia Osterloh (USA) d. (Q) Amra Sadikovic (SUI) 63 26 62

(WC) Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) d. Vania King (USA) 63 63

Wednesday, September 16, 2009: Results for China-GDD Guangzhou International Women's Open

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Singles – Second Round
(5) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 63 63
Alexandra Panova (RUS) d. (6) Olga Govortsova (BLR) 75 64
(7) Ayumi Morita (JPN) d. (LL) Abigail Spears (USA) 16 61 60
(8) Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. Lenka Wienerova (SVK) 63 61


Go lower for article about Day 3 of Bell Challenge

Petrova through to quarters in Quebec City

Only four singles matches were played on Wednesday in Quebec City at the Bell Challenge, as top seed Nadia Petrova eased through to the quarterfinals, along with No. 5 seed Melinda Czink. There was only one seed that fell, and that was the No. 6 seed, Jill Craybas.

Petrova had no trouble against Madison Brengle, and easily won with a score of 63 62.

Czink had a similar winning score against Severine Bremond Beltrame, winning with a score of 64 63.

Craybas was ousted by Alla Kudyavtseva with a score of 75 62.

The only other winner of the day was No. 8 seed Julia Georges, who beat wildcard Rebecca Marino, 62 63.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Madison Brengle (USA) 63 62

(5) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Severine Brémond Beltrame (FRA) 64 63

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. (6) Jill Craybas (USA) 75 62

(8) Julia Goerges (GER) d. (WC) Rebecca Marino (CAN) 62 63

Petrova advances after easy win to US Open mixed doubles champ

Top seed Nadia Petrova and third-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak won their first round matches at the $220,000 Bell Challenge on Tuesday, and by identical scorelines.

Putting her fourth round US Open loss to Melanie Oudin behind her, defending champion and world No. 12 Petrova was untroubled by US Open mixed doubles champion Carly Gullickson, who won just six points in the second set and was cast aside 62 60 in 51 minutes.

Canadian No. 1 Wozniak was even more efficient, her victim in just 44 minutes being Corinna Dentoni of Italy.

A semifinalist here last year, Blainville, Québec's Wozniak could bump into Petrova in the last four later this week.

The only seed to fall in the first round was No. 7 Varvara Lepchenko of the US, who was beaten 64 75 by last year's runner-up, American wildcard Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Other seeds in action included No. 4 Czech Lucie Safarova, who defeated Canada's Stéphanie Dubois, 61 63, and No. 8 Julia Goerges of Germany, who dispatched 2005 finalist Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden, 63 75.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Carly Gullickson (USA) 62 60

(3) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Corinna Dentoni (ITA) 62 60

(4) Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 61 63

(WC) Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) d. (7) Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 64 75

(8) Julia Goerges (GER) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 63 75

Vania King (USA) d. (Q) Anna Tatishvili (GEO) 75 62

Severine Brémond Beltrame (FRA) d. (WC) Heidi El Tabakh (CAN) 50 ret. (left finger laceration)

Regina Kulikova (RUS) d. Jorgelina Cravero (ARG) 64 62

Madison Brengle (USA) d. (Q) Mallory Cecil (USA) 75 63

(Q) Lilia Osterloh (USA) d. Shenay Perry (USA) 61 36 62

(Q) Amra Sadikovic (SUI) d. (LL) Olga Puchkova (RUS) 64 63

Clijsters goes all the way, captures U.S Open after win to Dane

Kim Clijsters was the one who came out on top in the final of the U.S Open against No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki, as the Belgian captured her second Grand Slam title after beating the Dane in straight sets.

Clijsters was in a so-so form in the first set, being down 2-4 and then 4-5, on Wozniacki's serve. Kim was able to regroup and win the first set, and the second set was much simpler. The final score was 75 63, as Kim hit an unhittable smash on match point and fell on her knees.

"This has been so exciting for me. It wasn't really part of the plan. I just wanted to play these three tournaments and get used to all of the surroundings again. I want to thank the USTA for giving me a wildcard here," Clijsters said to Mary Joe Fernandez during the on-court trophy presentation. "Caroline is such a great fighter. Women's tennis should be proud to have such a great girl playing.

"Coming back here was a great feeling. The support I got helped me keep going and fighting. It really helps. It's a great pleasure to play in front of you guys.

"We tried to plan Jada's nap time a little later so she could be here tonight. It's the greatest feeling in the world, being a mother. I want to spend the next few weeks with her and go through the normal routine. I'm looking forward to going back and living the family life again for a little while."

Clijsters collected her second Grand Slam singles title, having won at this venue in 2005 as well. Having given birth to Jada during her retirement, she is also the first mother since Evonne Goolagong at Wimbledon 29 years ago to win a major. She is the first wildcard to win a major. The longshot tag was designed for Clijsters at the 2009 US Open - but everyone knew she was a threat.

"I wouldn't have made it this far without all of you guys," Wozniacki said. "Kim is such a great girl. I'm so excited she came back. Unfortunately she beat me today, but she played a great match and deserves this trophy."


Sunday, September 13, 2009

Singles - Final
(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 75 63

Serena's temper gets the best of her in semifinal matchup against Clijsters

The match between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters ended in an ugly way, as Clijsters was the one who got the place in the final, while No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki was the other player who reserved a spot in the final of the U.S Open.

Williams, the No.2 seed and defending champion, took on former No.1 Kim Clijsters, playing just the third tournament of her 2009 comeback, and a wildcard into the draw. Williams was sharp but Clijsters was sharper, hanging with the 11-time Grand Slam champion from the back of the court but also keeping her numbers cleaner. While Clijsters erred seven times in the opening set, Williams had 14, including a backhand into the net on set point, which prompted her to smash her racquet on the ground, giving her a warning.

The competitive fires kept burning in the second set, with the players trading huge groundstroke for huge groundstroke and running down just about everything humanly possible, until that one fateful foot fault moment.

Serving at 5-6, 15-30, Williams was called for a foot fault on a second serve, giving Clijsters double match point, 15-40. But the tirade that Williams unleashed on the baseline judge would cost her the match - she had already acquired a warning earlier on, now a point penalty - at the worst time. The final score was 64 75.

"I said something and they gave me a point penalty. Unfortunately, it was on match point," Williams said. "You know, today was a tough day. I didn't play my best. I think I had more errors today than all of my other matches combined.

"I think Kim played really well, and I think she came out with a really big plan. I saw her play in Cincinnati and she played incredible. It's really good to have her back on tour. Maybe we can get together and have some calming lessons."

And what about the foot fault? "I'm pretty sure I did," Williams added. "If she called a foot fault, she must have seen a foot fault. I mean, she was doing her job. I'm not going to knock her for doing her job."

"It's unfortunate that a match I was playing so well in had to end that way," Clijsters said. "I'm still a little confused about what happened, because I was so focused. The normal feelings of winning a match weren't quite there, but when everything sunk in a little bit and what happened got explained to me, it became easier to understand, not to celebrate, but at least to have a little joy."

Wozniacki held her nerves as she beat surprise semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer, 63 63.

"I'm in a Grand Slam final. I'm in the US Open final. I cannot describe it with words. I'm so excited," said Wozniacki, who had never even been to the quarters of a major before this tournament. "It's a dream come true to play the finals of a Grand Slam, and now I'm here. I also have absolutely nothing to lose."

Clijsters and Wozniacki had never played before, so let's see who will take the lead first, and take the championship.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Singles - Semifinal

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 64 75

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 63 63

Rain strikes N.Y. for second straight day, ruins schedule

Rain came to the courts of Flushing Meadows on Friday for the second straight day, as No. 2 seed Serena Williams and wildcard Kim Clijsters could not start their semifinal match, nor could Yanina Wickmayer and No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki.

The entire schedule had to be rescheduled until the next day, Saturday, as players hope to start their matches for a final berth into the last Grand Slam of the season.

On Saturday on Arthur Ashe, first up will be a men's match, then the men's doubles final, then Wickmayer and Wozniacki will take the stage (this match has a possibility of being moved to Louis Armstrong Stadium), and last of all Williams will challenge Clijsters.

Let's hope there won't be any more rain throughout the remainder of the tournament, even though weather forecasts aren't looking good.

Wozniacki ends Oudin's super run to get to semis; will face Wickmayer for place in final

Melanie Oudin's fabulous run was made to come to an end, as No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki easily ousted the American in straight sets, while Yanina Wickmayer defeated Kateryna Bondarenko in a tough two-setter to advance to the semifinals in N.Y.

Wickmayer was first to advance, as the Belgian scored a 75 64 win to Bondarenko after being down 1-4 in the second set.

"For sure it's the first great Grand Slam I've played," Wickmayer said after the match. "When you get to the third or fourth round you start surprising yourself, but I've actually been staying pretty calm. I've worked really hard for this. Every match I win, I'm really excited and really happy to be here."

Wozniacki and Oudin took the courts at night. Wozniacki was in a good form, and advanced to her first ever semifinal after winning with a score of 62 62. Wozniacki is also the first Dane, male or female, to be in the semis of a Grand Slam in the Open Era.

"It was a really tough match for me against Melanie. She has had such a great run, such an amazing tournament. It's always tough to play a home favorite," said Wozniacki. "I just tried to use the energy from the crowd and convert it into good tennis. I'm happy I fought so well today and pulled the match out."

"Caroline played a really good match. I started off slowly and wasn't able to come back," Oudin said. "She's such a strong player. She just doesn't give you anything for free. She made me hit a thousand balls and I don't know what else I could have done... I was a little too impatient, but she played a great match.

"The whole experience here has been a whirlwind. There have been so many great things I've learned from here. All of the experiences, the matches I played, I'll remember all of it."

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals
(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Melanie Oudin (USA) 62 62

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 75 64

Williams to meet Clijsters for spot in final, after both players get easy wins

Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams will clash in the semifinals for a spot in the final of the last Grand Slam of the year, as Clijsters ousted Li Na in straight sets, and Williams got past Flavia Pennetta also in straight sets.

Clijsters was first to advance, easily defeating her 18th seeded opponent with a score of 62 64.

"In that second set it got closer, but I was able to finish it off," Clijsters said. "I have a really good feeling about the way I stayed focused after the Venus match. Everything that was going on around me, so much more attention - that's something I've learned from the past, that experience I have when I've beaten big players, not to get carried away. You have to refocus on your next match."

Serena had a tougher opponent on the other side, but managed to win to the 10th seeded Italian with a score of 64 63.

"It was a totally different match for me. She's a really consistent player and it was interesting," said Williams, who had a +3 differential - 22 winners to 19 errors - even though she was playing one of the fastest players out there.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 64 63

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (18) Li Na (CHN) 62 64

Youngsters Wozniacki and Oudin advance to quarterfinals after win over seeds on Day 8

Caroline Wozniacki and Melanie Oudin made the biggest upsets on Day 8 of the U.S Open, as Wozniacki demolished No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets, who was the last Russian left after No. 13 seed Nadia Petrova was ousted by superstar Oudin, also in three sets.

Oudin wasn't playing well during the first set against Petrova, but things came to together in the second set, and they became even easier in the third. The final score was 16 76(2) 63.

Wozniacki also lost the first set of her match against Kuznetsova, but was in much better form in the next two sets, winning the match to get ti the quarterfinals with a score of 26 76(5) 76(3).

Other winners of the day were Kateryna Bondarenko, who embarrassed Gisela Dulko after crushing her with a double bagel score, and Yanina Wickmayer, who dismissed Petra Kvitova, 46 64 75.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 26 76(5) 76(3)

Melanie Oudin (USA) d. (13) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 16 76(2) 63

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 60 60

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 46 64 75

Venus gets demolished by Clijsters after strange score win; younger sister Serena easily through

Kim Clijsters produced a major upset on Sunday in N.Y, as the Belgian ousted No. 3 seed Venus Williams with a strange score, while sister and No. 2 seed Serena Williams easily won her match to advance to the quarterfinals.

Clijsters was in great form, as she moved very well and hit many winners. The final score was 60 06 64.

Serena was in no tough positions against No. 22 seed Daniela Hantuchova, as the defending champion eased through after winning with a score 62 60.

"I traditionally play well in fourth round matches. I want to keep this level, stay focused and play well my next match," Williams said. "I enjoy every moment. I enjoy walking out there and I like to battle. I'm blessed to be in this position, to travel the world, play tennis and do something I love every day."

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (22) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 62 60

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (3) Venus Williams (USA) 60 06 64

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 36 76(6) 60

(18) Li Na (CHN) d. (26) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 62 63

Bad day for Russians on Saturday in N.Y

Two big upsets came for two Russians on Day 6 in Flushing Meadows, including top seed Dinara Safina who fell in three sets at night to Petra Kvitova, while Maria Sharapova was ousted earlier in the day by American rising star Melanie Oudin in three thrilling sets.

Safina was in her worst form, and despite having three match points in third set at 5-4 to her favor on Kvitova's serve, Kvitova was able to handle her opponent and win the match with a score of 64 26 76(5).

"It's disappointing. Very disappointing. I came back in the second set, winning six games in a row, playing so well, so solid. And in the third set I came back again," Safina said. "She definitely played well. I still feel I let it go."

Sharapova had similar positions, coming back from being down many times, but opponent Melanie Oudin didn't let her home crowd down, winning the match to the 2006 U.S Open champion with a score of 36 64 75 in 2 hour and 58 minutes.

"Getting to play Maria today was an unbelievable experience for me. She's such a great competitor, a great player. I just had a blast," Oudin said. "I learned, once again, that I can compete with these top girls. And if I believe in myself and in my game, I can beat them. Everything is just coming together."

"She played really well. She has many weapons. She certainly held her ground. It wasn't my best day, but I've got to hand it to her," Sharapova said. "She has a great amount of potential considering, at her age, she is in the fourth round of the US Open, beat Elena and came out and played three sets against me and got the win. I certainly think she has a great future ahead of her."

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Singles - Third Round

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 64 26 76(5)

(6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 75 61

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (24) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 63 62

(13) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. (21) Zheng Jie (CHN) 64 61

Melanie Oudin (USA) d. (29) Maria Sharapova (RUS) 36 64 75

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 63 64

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 63 64

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (Q) Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) 76(4) 64

Williams sisters ease through to second week in Flushing Meadows on Day 5

Sisters Venus and Serena Williams easily made it through to the second week of the U.S Open after winning their matches in straight sets, while No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka was downed by No. 26 seed Francesca Schiavone in three sets.

Second seeded Serena suffered having been broken twice in the second set by her opponent Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, but was still able to get the win, with a score of 63 75.

"She was serving really well, especially in the second set. I just kept fighting and every time I had a break point I felt I had a chance to win it," Williams said. "Her style is definitely different. You don't see it that much anymore. I think doubles can definitely help that, because you get to see people at the net. If I hadn't been in the doubles it might have been a much different match that what it already was."

No. 3 seed Venus kicked off the night session, easily ousting Magdalena Rybarikova with a score of 62 75.

Azarenka was in bad form throughout her match, as the Belarus made a double fault on match point then smashed her racquet to the ground, after her Italian opponent won with a score of 46 62 62.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 63 75

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 62 75

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (31) Elena Vesnina (RUS) 62 64

(26) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 46 62 62

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 61 61

(18) Li Na (CHN) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 64 62

(22) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. [WC] Vania King (USA) 62 62

No. 4 and 5 seeds ousted by youngsters; Sharapova through after easy night session match on Day 4 in N.Y

The first big upsets at the U.S Open began on Thursday, as teenager Melanie Oudin and 21-year-old Yaroslava Shvedova caused major upsets to two of the top 5 seeds, while top seed Dinara Safina nearly suffered the same fate.

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was beaten by 17-year-old Oudin in three sets, with a score of 57 64 63.

"The whole thing was just amazing," said Oudin, who first burst into prominence with a fourth round run at Wimbledon, where she ousted Jankovic along the way for her first Top 10 win; this was her second. "This was pretty big, too. I think this means more to me though, because this is the US Open. I had the whole crowd cheering for me, so much support. I can't believe I won."

"For sure it's disappointing. I was really hoping to play well here. But maybe I overplayed a bit in the summer," said Dementieva, who had by far the best US Open lead-up of the field, placing first in the Olympus US Open Series. "Melanie played really well, though. She was very positive and going for shots, going for winners. It was a solid game from her."

No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic succumbed to failure after getting beaten in a nail-biter by Shvedova, who made an ace on match point, with a score of 63 67(4) 76(6).

"I like to do aces on match points. I did it twice at the French Open. It was a nice way to end it," Shvedova said. "I told Oudin after my match, 'You inspired me.' I was watching her game. I thanked her. We are good girls today."

The night match featured No. 29 seed Maria Sharapova ousting wildcard Christina McHale, 62 61.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Kristina Barrois (GER) 67(5) 62 63

Melanie Oudin (USA) d. (4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 57 64 63

Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. (5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 63 67(4) 76(6)

(6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 64 62

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (Q) Petra Martic (CRO) 61 60

(13) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Julie Coin (FRA) 64 76(3)

Sara Errani (ITA) d. (19) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 75 62

(21) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 16 63 63

(Q) Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) d. (23) Sabine Lisicki (GER) 63 36 75

(24) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 64 57 64

(29) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (WC) Christina McHale (USA) 62 61

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. (30) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 64 60

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 26 61 64

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (Q) Shenay Perry (USA) 61 61

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 62 60

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 61 63

Venus, Serena and Kim advance to third round on Day 3 in N.Y

No. 2 seed Serena Williams wasn't challenged by her Hungarian opponent in the night session on Day 3 in N.Y, while older sister and No. 3 seed Venus easily dispatched her American opponent in straight sets to advance to the third round.

Serena had no troubles against Melinda Czink in her second round match, and easily ousted her with a score of 61 61.

Venus had a similar result against Bethanie Mattek-Sands, winning with a score of 64 62.

Wildcard Kim Clijsters had a rematch from Cincinnati against No. 14 seed Marion Bartoli, winning with a score of 57 61 62.

Other top 10 seeded players who won were No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva, who ousted Anna Chakvetadze with a tough score of 36 61 61; and No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka, who screamed her way past qualifier Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, 61 62.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 61 61

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 64 62

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 36 61 61

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (Q) Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 62 61

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Sania Mirza (IND) 60 60

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (12) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 64 26 64

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. (14) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 57 61 62

(WC) Vania King (USA) d. (15) Samantha Stosur (AUS) 75 64

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. (17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 64 60

(18) Li Na (CHN) d. Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) 61 63

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) d. (20) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 61 63

(26) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 64 64

(31) Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 76(6) 61

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. (Q) Angelique Kerber (GER) 75 63

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (Q) Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) 46 62 62

Ivanovic ousted in three sets on Tuesday

Ana Ivanovic was the first big seed to be ousted in her debut match, as the Serbian went to three sets against Kateryna Bondarenko and failed to win, while No. 1 seed Dinara Safina nearly suffered the same fate as Ivanovic, winning a tough three setter against a wildcard on Day 2.

Ivanovic was in her worst form, and despite winning the first set and having a match point in the third set in the tiebreak at 6-5 on serve, Bondarenko was strong enough to win, demolishing the former French Open champion with a score of 26 63 76(6).

Safina was in the same position but had a better chance of winning against wildcard Olivia Rogowska of Australia. The Russian was able to go through after a 67(5) 62 64 win.

No. 29 seed Maria Sharapova kicked off the night session on Tuesday, and easily breezed past Tsvetana Pironkova with a score of 63 60.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (WC) Olivia Rogowska (AUS) 67(5) 62 64

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (Q) Camille Pin (FRA) 61 62

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 62 63

(6) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. Julia Goerges (GER) 63 62

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 64 60

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (11) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 26 63 76(7)

(13) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) 63 63

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) d. (16) Virginie Razzano (FRA) 64 63

(19) Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 46 63 76(6)

(21) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 63 62

(23) Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. Aravane Rezai (FRA) 76(4) 67(4) 61

(24) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 61 63

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. (27) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 67(4) 63 62

(29) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 63 60

(30) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 36 63 62

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (32) Agnes Szavay (HUN) 62 62

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 26 63 62

Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. (Q) Monique Adamczak (AUS) 46 64 75

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 63 57 64

Sara Errani (ITA) d. Arantxa Rus (NED) 60 63

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. Jarmila Groth (AUS) 62 63

Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. Masa Zec Peskiric (SLO) 63 63

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. (WC) Mallory Cecil (USA) 60 61

Julie Coin (FRA) d. (Q) Eva Hrdinova (CZE) 63 63

Kristina Barrois (GER) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 64 64

Melanie Oudin (USA) d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 61 62

Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) vs. Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA)

Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) d. (WC) Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 60 64

(Q) Shenay Perry (USA) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 64 62

(Q) Petra Martic (CRO) d. Severine Brémond Beltrame (FRA) 64 62

(Q) Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) d. Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) 60 46 61

(WC) Christina McHale (USA) d. Polona Hercog (SLO) 63 61

Venus survives first round challenge on Day 1 in NY

As the favorites who were in action on Day 1 advanced to the second round, Venus Williams had a tough time in her match against Vera Dushevina, while younger sister and defending champion Serena easily cruised through.

Venus suffered knee problems during her debut match in Flushing Meadows, but managed to execute her win against Dushevina with a score of 67(5) 75 63.

"She was playing very well. I had a challenge on my hands today. But I wanted to win," Williams said. "Each good shot and each not-so-good shot I put behind me and looked forward to the next one. Most of all, I just enjoyed the moment."

Serena was not challenged by American wildcard Alexa Glatch, and easily went through after winning 64 61.

Williams is now 40-0 lifetime in Grand Slam first rounds. Only two active players who have played at least three Grand Slam main draw matches are perfect in Grand Slam first rounds (Ana Ivanovic is 15-0 in Slam openers).

Kim Clijsters was also on the winner's list on Monday, as the Belgian wasn't troubled by Viktoriya Kutuzova, and easily beat the Ukrainian with a score of 61 61.

"It was really good today. Now it's a matter of trying to keep this going," said Clijsters, who hadn't played at the US Open since winning the title in 2005. "I'm definitely comfortable where I am right now, but I still feel like I can improve. The match rhythm is something I have to get used to again. Matches like today I didn't really get tested in, but the biggest key is playing those tough matches and when it becomes close, how do I react in those kinds of situations."

Monday, August 31, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. (WC) Alexa Glatch 64 61

(3) Venus Williams (USA) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 67(5) 75 63

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 60 64

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) 61 61

(10) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 60 64

(12) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Patricia Mayr (AUT) 61 62
(14) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) 61 60

(15) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 46 64

(17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Tatjana Malek (GER) 63 64

(18) Li Na (CHN) d. Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 76(4) 63

(20) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (WC) Gail Brodsky (USA) 64 64

(22) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Meghann Shaughnessy (USA) 62 46 61

(Q) Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) d. (25) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 60 26 62

(26) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Yvonne Meusburger (AUT) 61 62

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. (28) Sybille Bammer (AUT) 64 16 76(5)

(31) Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 64 76(5)

Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Laura Granville (USA) 61 76(7)

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (Q) Valérie Tétreault (CAN) 63 46 61

Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 63 64

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 62 61

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. (Q) Yurika Sema (JPN) 46 61 62

Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. (Q) Vesna Manasieva (RUS) 63 64

Sania Mirza (IND) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 62 36 63

Jill Craybas (USA) d. (Q) Carly Gullickson (USA) 63 76(5)

Stefanie Voegele (SUI) d. Alberta Brianti (ITA) 67(10) 61 63

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) d. Jelena Dokic (AUS) 63 64

Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 16 75 61

Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 63 64

(Q) Angelique Kerber (GER) d. Andrea Petkovic (GER) 64 57 63

(Q) Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) d. (Q) Marta Domachowska (POL) 26 62 63

(WC) Vania King (USA) d. Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) 21 ret. (left foot injury)

(WC) Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) 61 61