Serena Williams has never won the Australian Open Championship in an even year. That is no longer a true statement as she wrestled for the championship this year, 2010, an even year, from Justine Henin, 6/4 3/6 6/2.
Serena put a stop in the resurgence of the Belgians from their retirements. Kim Clijsters returned to professional tennis a few matches before the US Open last year and was victorious over Serena in the controversial semifinal match where Serena lost her composure over a foot fault call from a line judge. Her tirade over the line judge cost her the match and paved the way for Clijsters to win the 2009 US Open Championship, her first major after her return to tennis competition.
Henin, inspired by the instant success of Clijsters, decided to make a comeback a couple of matches ahead of this year's Australian Open. She withdrew from the second match she was scheduled to play. After their individual semifinal matches, it looks like Serena was done after struggling to finish off Na Li, one of the two Chinese women to make it ever to the Australian Open semifinals. Justine had a much easier match with the other Chinese player, Jie Zheng. Serena still had to play in the women's double's semifinal later that day with her older sister Venus Williams and having won that match played another match in the championship yesterday and won. Justine was favored by odds-makers to win this finals.
The much fresher Justine Henin yielded to the more seasoned, more powerful veteran in Serena Williams in their first ever finals in a major.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Exhausted Cilic Bowed to Murray 3/6 6/4 6/4 6/2
After playing many five setters heading into the semifinals, Marin Cilic ran out of gas to yield to the fresher Any Murray, 3/6 6/4 6/4 6/2.
Murray will face the winner of the other semifinal match between Roger Federer and Jo Wilfred Tsonga.
Murray will face the winner of the other semifinal match between Roger Federer and Jo Wilfred Tsonga.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Easy Semifinal Win for the Returning Justine Henin
The second Chinese woman to play in the semifinal of the 2010 Australian Open, Jie Zheng, just won one game the entire match. Jie's serve was a cakewalk for the returning former number one, Justine Henin. Final score of the match is 6/1 6/0.
Henin faces Serena Williams in their first ever match in a major's final. Justine won their last three matches in a major's final in 2007. Serena won in their last match in 2008 just before Justine went into retirement.
It looks like Justine may have an upper hand looking at Serena's lack of mobility and lack of rest. Serena pairs with sister Venus Williams in the women's double's semifinal match later today. Should the sisters win their match today, they will play in the finals tomorrow leaving Serena without a day-off before the women's final on Saturday.
Henin faces Serena Williams in their first ever match in a major's final. Justine won their last three matches in a major's final in 2007. Serena won in their last match in 2008 just before Justine went into retirement.
It looks like Justine may have an upper hand looking at Serena's lack of mobility and lack of rest. Serena pairs with sister Venus Williams in the women's double's semifinal match later today. Should the sisters win their match today, they will play in the finals tomorrow leaving Serena without a day-off before the women's final on Saturday.
Na Li Almost Repeated with Another Williams
Serena Williams started the match with a break of Na Li's serve. Both players held serves until Na broke Serena on the 10th game of the set. The set went to a tie-breaker with Serena winning 7/4.
Serena had a hard time moving in the second set but held her serve in the set. She was not able to break Na either because of her lack of mobility. She had a few match points on Na's serve but could not capitalize. The set went to another tie-breaker with Na winning only 1 point as Serena took her win to be the first woman to tne finals where she will face the winner of the other semifinal between the other Chinese woman, Jie Zheng, and the returning Justine Henin.
Final score in the Serena Williams - Na Li match is 7/6 (7/4) 7/6 (7/1).
Serena had a hard time moving in the second set but held her serve in the set. She was not able to break Na either because of her lack of mobility. She had a few match points on Na's serve but could not capitalize. The set went to another tie-breaker with Na winning only 1 point as Serena took her win to be the first woman to tne finals where she will face the winner of the other semifinal between the other Chinese woman, Jie Zheng, and the returning Justine Henin.
Final score in the Serena Williams - Na Li match is 7/6 (7/4) 7/6 (7/1).
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Serena's Best Comeback!
Down 1 set and 4/0 in the second set, Serena was destined to follow her older sister's footstep in getting booted out of the 2010 Australian Championship, she suddenly found her game and took the set to a tie-breaker winning the tie-breaker and the set in great style. Then her domination of the game showed up in the third set as she beat Victoria Azarenka 4/6 7/6 6/2. Serena now faces Na Li of China in the semifinal to revenge the defeat of her older sister Venus.
No Sister Act This Year!
The sister act has been delayed this year as Na Li beats Venus Williams in the first quarterfinal match in today's Australian Open, 2/6 7/6 7/5. Both players just could not hold serve in the third set. There were more breaks of serves than holds in the third set. Venus made a lot of unforced errors she almost did not show up for the set.
Na Li faces the winner of the match between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka in tomorrow's semifinal.
Na Li faces the winner of the match between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka in tomorrow's semifinal.
Cilic Outlasts Roddick 7/6 6/3 3/6 2/6 6/3
Cilic was on his way to the semifinals after two sets and went to sleep for another two before waking up to win the fifth. Roddick had his chance on the first game of the fifth set ahead love-40 on Cilic's serve but squandered all three break points giving Cilic five straight points to hold serve. Cilic broke Roddick in the next game and never looked back to win his place in the semifinals, 7/6 6/3 3/6 2/6 6/3.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Zheng Trounced Kirilenko 6/1 6/3
After passing by the recovering Maria Sharapova and the injured Dinara Safina, Maria Kirilenko's luck turned south with the woman from the Far East, Jie Zheng, 1/6 3/6.
Jie faces Justine Henin in the semi-final.
Jie faces Justine Henin in the semi-final.
Henin ousts Petrova 7/6 7/5
Nadia Petrova had an amazing run in the 2010 Australian Open beating reigning US Open Champion Kim Clijsters and reigning French Open Champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. She was beaten by former world number one Justin Henin, 7/6 7/5, on her first major professional tennis competition after coming back from retirement.
Justine triumphed over fellow Belgians Kirsten Flipkens and Yanina Wickmayer, world number 5 Elena Dementieva, Alisa Kleybanova, and now Nadia Patrova to gain the first semifinal berth in the 2010 Australian Open.
Justine triumphed over fellow Belgians Kirsten Flipkens and Yanina Wickmayer, world number 5 Elena Dementieva, Alisa Kleybanova, and now Nadia Patrova to gain the first semifinal berth in the 2010 Australian Open.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Safina out in 4th round with back issue
MELBOURNE, Australia -- Second-ranked Dinara Safina retired while she was down 4-5 at the Australian Open on Sunday, serving at 30-40 in the first set of her fourth-round match against Maria Kirilenko, who had ousted 2008 champion and fellow Russian Maria Sharapova in the first round.
No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova lost 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to Nadia Petrova, who went into the match after a stunning 6-0, 6-1 third-round victory over U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters.
While the seeded players dropped, former No. 1 Justine Henin continued her run in her first Grand Slam tournament in two years with a 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3 win over fellow Belgian Yanina Wickmayer, keeping her on track for a quarterfinal meeting with Petrova.
Safina, the 2009 Australian finalist who held the No. 1 ranking despite never winning a major, limped off when facing set point against Kirilenko when a back problem flared up.
Complete results
Need the scores from any match played in today's Australian Open? Results
"It was getting worse and worse, I have no idea how it happened. It was really terrible," said Safina, who saw her season last year end prematurely because of a back problem. "I turned to my coach and I said I cannot move anymore. It's shocking."
Petrova compared her wins over Clijsters and French Open champion Kuznetsova.
"Today was similar. I felt like my motivation, my concentration was on the same level," Petrova said.
The 27-year-old Russian doesn't think she's reached her potential yet -- her best runs in the majors finishing in semifinal losses.
"I know there's still a lot to accomplish," Petrova said. "That's what I'm really looking for."
Henin, who is unranked and playing on a wild-card entry in her second tournament since returning from a 20-month retirement, told the crowd she'd missed tennis too much to resist a comeback.
"It's been a great moment for myself," Henin said. "It's a great feeling to be back, been a great fight, and thank you."
The seven-time Grand Slam winner dominated the first-set tiebreaker after saving three set points in the 12th game. After dropping the second set, Henin broke Wickmayer's serve to open the deciding third set and was on top after that.
In an afternoon match, 2008 Wimbledon semifinalist Zheng Jie set another national mark by becoming the first Chinese player to reach the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park with a 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory over Alona Bondarenko. She next plays Kirilenko.
"I think Australia is lucky for me because I win the first Grand Slam doubles title in Australia," said Zheng, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon doubles titles in 2006 with Yan Zi. "So I'm so happy I'm in the quarterfinal of Australia also."
She and No. 16 Li Na both reached the fourth round here, the first time two Chinese players have reached that stage at the same Grand Slam tournament. With one on each half of the draw, Zheng said they can both go further.
"But I think we can go the far way," she said. "I hope we can be in the semifinal for both Chinese players, yes."
Bondarenko, seeded No. 31, had been on an eight-match winning streak after a title run at Hobart last week, which included a quarterfinal win over Zheng.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
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No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova lost 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to Nadia Petrova, who went into the match after a stunning 6-0, 6-1 third-round victory over U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters.
While the seeded players dropped, former No. 1 Justine Henin continued her run in her first Grand Slam tournament in two years with a 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3 win over fellow Belgian Yanina Wickmayer, keeping her on track for a quarterfinal meeting with Petrova.
Safina, the 2009 Australian finalist who held the No. 1 ranking despite never winning a major, limped off when facing set point against Kirilenko when a back problem flared up.
Complete results
Need the scores from any match played in today's Australian Open? Results
"It was getting worse and worse, I have no idea how it happened. It was really terrible," said Safina, who saw her season last year end prematurely because of a back problem. "I turned to my coach and I said I cannot move anymore. It's shocking."
Petrova compared her wins over Clijsters and French Open champion Kuznetsova.
"Today was similar. I felt like my motivation, my concentration was on the same level," Petrova said.
The 27-year-old Russian doesn't think she's reached her potential yet -- her best runs in the majors finishing in semifinal losses.
"I know there's still a lot to accomplish," Petrova said. "That's what I'm really looking for."
Henin, who is unranked and playing on a wild-card entry in her second tournament since returning from a 20-month retirement, told the crowd she'd missed tennis too much to resist a comeback.
"It's been a great moment for myself," Henin said. "It's a great feeling to be back, been a great fight, and thank you."
The seven-time Grand Slam winner dominated the first-set tiebreaker after saving three set points in the 12th game. After dropping the second set, Henin broke Wickmayer's serve to open the deciding third set and was on top after that.
In an afternoon match, 2008 Wimbledon semifinalist Zheng Jie set another national mark by becoming the first Chinese player to reach the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park with a 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory over Alona Bondarenko. She next plays Kirilenko.
"I think Australia is lucky for me because I win the first Grand Slam doubles title in Australia," said Zheng, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon doubles titles in 2006 with Yan Zi. "So I'm so happy I'm in the quarterfinal of Australia also."
She and No. 16 Li Na both reached the fourth round here, the first time two Chinese players have reached that stage at the same Grand Slam tournament. With one on each half of the draw, Zheng said they can both go further.
"But I think we can go the far way," she said. "I hope we can be in the semifinal for both Chinese players, yes."
Bondarenko, seeded No. 31, had been on an eight-match winning streak after a title run at Hobart last week, which included a quarterfinal win over Zheng.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
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Roddick tops Gonzalez; del Potro falls
MELBOURNE, Australia -- Former No. 1 Andy Roddick overcame 2007 Australian Open finalist Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 on Sunday, surviving to earn a berth in the Australian Open's quarterfinals.
"I got a little lucky tonight, but sometimes it's better to be lucky than good," said Roddick, who is hoping to end a Grand Slam title drought that dates back to the 2003 U.S. Open.
Gonzalez saved four set points in the 10th game of the fourth set before Roddick finally prevailed in the 12th game on a contentious call.
A line umpire initially ruled that the ball had gone out, and Gonzalez claimed he had stopped when he heard the call.
Roddick asked for a video replay. It showed the ball hit the line, giving Roddick the point and the fourth set.
Complete results
Need the scores from any match played in today's Australian Open? Results
Roddick, who won on his third match point when Gonzalez double-faulted, will next play Marin Cilic, who beat U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 5-7, 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.
"When Fernando gets hot, you know that a lot of the match is out of your control," Roddick said. "I think the thing that helped me was being able to serve through."
Roddick said the knee problem that sidelined him at the end of last season was bothering him a bit, but it didn't affect the game.
Del Potro had an upset win over top-ranked Roger Federer in the U.S. Open final last September, ending the Swiss star's streak of five straight titles in New York.
The 21-year-old Argentine was the first man since Novak Djokovic won the 2008 Australian Open to interrupt the Federer-Rafael Nadal domination of men's Grand Slam titles, and started the season's first major with the No. 4 seeding and among the favorites.
The four other leading men are still here.
Defending champion Nadal and Andy Murray held off two of the tallest men and biggest servers in tennis on Sunday to set up a quarterfinal meeting.
Nadal had a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over 6-foot-10 Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, the tallest man on the tour.
In the previous match at Rod Laver Arena, No. 5 Murray overcame 6-foot-9 American John Isner 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-2. Murray hasn't dropped a set in four matches.
Del Potro struggled most of the way through the 4-hour, 38-minute match against Cilic, who exacted a measure of revenge with the victory. The 21-year-old Croat lost to del Potro in the fourth round here last year and in the U.S. Open quarterfinals.
Del Potro had been bothered by right wrist pain that forced him out of a warmup tournament and was undoubtedly weary from a five-set, second round win over James Blake -- the longest of the tournament in terms of total games at 62.
He said the wrist and the foot were only part of the problem. What hurt? "The whole body."
The increased expectations on him weren't a bother, he said.
"No, I really enjoyed that pressure. The crowd is unbelievable with me. They support me every match, every point," said del Potro, who plans to go home and recover. "I was down in every match, and they help me to keep fighting, like today. I really like it, that pressure."
When del Potro hit his last backhand long, Cilic sank to both knees, arms in the air. He volleyed the ball high into the stands, where his most vocal supporters were madly cheering.
"Today was my best so far," said Cilic, who converted four of his 16 break-point chances. "Physically I think [del Potro] was tired and he struggled, but I was feeling really good ... and I had some crazy fans."
Nadal only dropped serve once against Karlovic, to surrender the second set. In the third and fourth sets, he broke the Croat in the third games.
He showed plenty of emotion after earning a breakpoint in the third set, screaming out "Vamos!" and spinning around as he ripped his left elbow back and raised his left knee.
"I just wait my chance. Be focused on my serve ... and wait the chance on the return," Nadal said. "I was returning really well when I had the chance to touch the ball."
Murray lost to Federer in the 2008 U.S. Open in his only Grand Slam final to date. He knows he'll probably have to beat Nadal and Federer to claim his first major here. So far, so good.
"I moved really well since the start," Murray said. "I didn't drop a set yet ... not too much to complain about."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/aus10/news/story?id=4853029
"I got a little lucky tonight, but sometimes it's better to be lucky than good," said Roddick, who is hoping to end a Grand Slam title drought that dates back to the 2003 U.S. Open.
Gonzalez saved four set points in the 10th game of the fourth set before Roddick finally prevailed in the 12th game on a contentious call.
A line umpire initially ruled that the ball had gone out, and Gonzalez claimed he had stopped when he heard the call.
Roddick asked for a video replay. It showed the ball hit the line, giving Roddick the point and the fourth set.
Complete results
Need the scores from any match played in today's Australian Open? Results
Roddick, who won on his third match point when Gonzalez double-faulted, will next play Marin Cilic, who beat U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 5-7, 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.
"When Fernando gets hot, you know that a lot of the match is out of your control," Roddick said. "I think the thing that helped me was being able to serve through."
Roddick said the knee problem that sidelined him at the end of last season was bothering him a bit, but it didn't affect the game.
Del Potro had an upset win over top-ranked Roger Federer in the U.S. Open final last September, ending the Swiss star's streak of five straight titles in New York.
The 21-year-old Argentine was the first man since Novak Djokovic won the 2008 Australian Open to interrupt the Federer-Rafael Nadal domination of men's Grand Slam titles, and started the season's first major with the No. 4 seeding and among the favorites.
The four other leading men are still here.
Defending champion Nadal and Andy Murray held off two of the tallest men and biggest servers in tennis on Sunday to set up a quarterfinal meeting.
Nadal had a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over 6-foot-10 Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, the tallest man on the tour.
In the previous match at Rod Laver Arena, No. 5 Murray overcame 6-foot-9 American John Isner 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-2. Murray hasn't dropped a set in four matches.
Del Potro struggled most of the way through the 4-hour, 38-minute match against Cilic, who exacted a measure of revenge with the victory. The 21-year-old Croat lost to del Potro in the fourth round here last year and in the U.S. Open quarterfinals.
Del Potro had been bothered by right wrist pain that forced him out of a warmup tournament and was undoubtedly weary from a five-set, second round win over James Blake -- the longest of the tournament in terms of total games at 62.
He said the wrist and the foot were only part of the problem. What hurt? "The whole body."
The increased expectations on him weren't a bother, he said.
"No, I really enjoyed that pressure. The crowd is unbelievable with me. They support me every match, every point," said del Potro, who plans to go home and recover. "I was down in every match, and they help me to keep fighting, like today. I really like it, that pressure."
When del Potro hit his last backhand long, Cilic sank to both knees, arms in the air. He volleyed the ball high into the stands, where his most vocal supporters were madly cheering.
"Today was my best so far," said Cilic, who converted four of his 16 break-point chances. "Physically I think [del Potro] was tired and he struggled, but I was feeling really good ... and I had some crazy fans."
Nadal only dropped serve once against Karlovic, to surrender the second set. In the third and fourth sets, he broke the Croat in the third games.
He showed plenty of emotion after earning a breakpoint in the third set, screaming out "Vamos!" and spinning around as he ripped his left elbow back and raised his left knee.
"I just wait my chance. Be focused on my serve ... and wait the chance on the return," Nadal said. "I was returning really well when I had the chance to touch the ball."
Murray lost to Federer in the 2008 U.S. Open in his only Grand Slam final to date. He knows he'll probably have to beat Nadal and Federer to claim his first major here. So far, so good.
"I moved really well since the start," Murray said. "I didn't drop a set yet ... not too much to complain about."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/aus10/news/story?id=4853029
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Del Potro edges Blake in classic
Del Potro edges Blake in classic
By Matt Cronin
US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro is determined to put in a much better performance than he did at last year’s Australian Open, when he was buried by Roger Federer. He may have gained a new legion of fans after his dramatic 6-4 6-7(3) 5-7 6-3 10-8 victory over James Blake on Wednesday at Hisense Arena.
In the best match on the men’s side to date, del Potro had to come up with every shot in the book to repel the veteran American, who fought off one break point after another late in the fifth set in an attempt to pull off what could have been one of the most critical victories of his career.
But in the end, it was the fourth-seeded del Potro who triumphed. The Argentine managed to come with series of huge serves and blinding groundstrokes in the clutch during the latter stages of the four hour and 17 minute contest, which saw both men call the trainer in to treat leg ailments.
“As soon as I let any ball sit up a little, he was taking it to me,” Blake said. “That’s my goal too, and I had chances at them and made some mistakes. That's the difference. You miss a couple balls and he’s moving on, and I'm not. But that’s why he won the US Open and is No. 4 in the world.”
Del Potro finished with 205 total points to 200 from Blake, both men finished with 60 unforced errors and amazingly, Blake had 19 more winners. But it was del Potro who knew when to seize the day, while Blake was forced to face another disappointing five-set loss at a Grand Slam.
He’s had way too many close calls that have gone his opponents’ way.
“It’s tough to rank the [five set losses] but right now it hurts pretty bad,” said Blake. “I had plenty of messages from people back home who were up until 5am watching me, and I don’t even want to respond to many. I just feel bad that they were up watching and are probably going to sleep a little disappointed. Luckily for me they will all be my friends tomorrow, which will help me get through after I stop beating myself up for a few hours or few days.”
Del Potro will now face Florian Mayer of Germany, who upset 29th seed Viktor Troicki of Serbia 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) 6-1.
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Epic Henin Win Over Dementieva
MELBOURNE, Australia -- Justine Henin, granted a wild-card spot at the Australian Open, advanced in her Grand Slam comeback with a 7-5, 7-6 (6) win over reigning Olympic champion Elena Dementieva.
[+] Enlarge
Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty ImagesJustine Henin's victory was another step toward a potential matchup with Kim Clijsters.
Henin, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, produced the biggest win of her return after 20 months in retirement with a 7-5, 7-6 (6) defeat of fifth-seeded Dementieva in the night match on Rod Laver Arena, the center court.
"It was very emotional for me on the court at the end because there was so much intensity," Henin said. "It's magical to win this kind of match in this kind of atmosphere."
Henin's win was another step closer to a possible quarterfinal match against U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters, who scored a 6-3, 6-3 win over Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand.
It was Clijsters' U.S. Open title -- only three tournaments back from two years in retirement, during which she married and had a child -- that inspired Henin, her fellow Belgian, to return to the tour.
Against Dementieva, Henin had a match point at 5-4 and 40-30 but netted a forehand. Dementieva produced consecutive backhand winners to even the second set.
Henin again had a chance to serve for the match but was broken, with Dementieva forcing a tiebreaker and then leading 3-1. The Russian also had a set point in the tiebreaker before Henin won three straight points to finish it off in 2 hours, 50 minutes.
Henin said the appreciative crowd and the scope of her win made her happy she returned to the sport.
"The crowd gave me so much, so respectful at the end. That's why I probably came back on the tour, was to live this kind of match," Henin said.
Clijsters and Henin met in the Brisbane International final nearly two weeks ago, with Clijsters winning a close three-set match in Henin's first official tournament in her comeback.
Need the scores from any match played in today's Australian Open? "My attitude doesn't change because now I'm seen as one of the favorites," said Clijsters, who is 20-3 in her comeback. "To me, that doesn't mean anything."
Her next opponent will be No. 19 Nadia Petrova, one of the Russian women already into the third round. Petrova is joined by French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, last year's Australian Open runner-up Dinara Safina andMaria Kirilenko.
Third-ranked Kuznetsova was first into the third round when she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-2.
Kuznetsova broke Pavlyuchenkova's serve twice to start and got on top of most rallies with a strong forehand and had 27 winners; Pavlyuchenkova had only seven.
Kuznetsova, who has two Grand Slam singles championships -- adding the French last year to her win at the 2004 U.S. Open -- has a chance to reach the No. 1 ranking for the first time if she takes the Australian Open title.
[+] Enlarge
Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty ImagesOn Day 3, Kim Clijsters improved to 20-3 since ending her retirement.
"Yes, definitely, I know all the way how to go -- I've done it twice," Kuznetsova said of her chances of winning a major. She's never gone past the quarterfinals in Melbourne.
No. 2 Safina had a 6-3, 6-4 win over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova -- saving four break points in the last game before serving it out.
Safina has held the No. 1 ranking but never won a major. She next plays Britain's Elena Baltacha, who has already equaled her best run at the season's first major by reaching the third round with a 6-2, 7-5 win over No. 30 Kateryna Bondarenko.
No. 16 Yanina Wickmayer, a Belgian who didn't get a seeding here because her suspension for a World Anti-Doping Agency "whereabouts rule" violation hadn't been overturned before entries closed, reached the third-round with a 7-6 (2), 6-1 win over No. 12 Flavia Pennetta of Italy.
No. 11 Marion Bartoli advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Sandra Zahlavova of the Czech Republic.
China's Zheng Jie won 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 over No. 24 Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain.
No. 4 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who lost the U.S. Open final to Clijsters, had a 6-4, 6-2 first-round win over Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak.
In other first-round matches carried over to Wednesday from the rain-interrupted opening days, No. 7 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beat French wild card Stephanie Cohen-Aloro 6-2, 6-0; No. 9 Vera Zvonareva beat Kristina Kucova of Slovakia 6-2, 6-0; and No. 16 Li Na of China, a quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open, beat New Zealander Marina Erakovic 6-2, 6-0.
No. 22 Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia and No. 29 Shahar Peer of Israel also advanced.
Serena and Venus Williams won in doubles, starting the defense of their Australian title with a 6-1, 6-1 win.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The 2010 Australian Open
The 2010 Australian Open
By Max Oso
With the 2010 tennis season beginning to start in full swing, there has been a great deal of speculation amongst avid tennis fans of what this season has in store. With the first Grand Slam of the year being scheduled to open with the Australian Open, there is no telling what 2010 has in store. In the latest news which has been circulating on the World's Number One Player, Roger Federer, news channels have reported him to be fit to challenge the 2010 Australian Open Grand Slam. With the players management committee and the Australian board of tennis denies any such rumors, only time will tell of what is true and false.
In the warm up stages that lead to the finale, Andy Roddick seems to be in excellent form as he defeated Stepanek to win the pre-qualifiers at the Brisbane Warm Up Sessions. This year at the Brisbane Park, it remains to be seen who will walk away with the first Grand Slam of the season. The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slams held every year which add credit to a players performance levels.
Based on their international ratings which are directly affected by the tournament results, players are invited to participate in the many other tournaments held around the world. There is no news yet of Rafael Nadal coming back to defend his title that he won with great pride last year. However, we all know Rafael to be an avid sport star who never fails to disappoint. Truly, this 2010 at the Australian Open will be one to remember for a lifetime
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Players to Watch in 2010
Players to Watch in 2010
One of the surprising features of the tour in 2009 was that only five players recorded a maiden tour win during the season.
Thomaz Bellucci (Gstaad), Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (Kitzbuhel), Jeremy Chardy (Stuttgart), Rajeev Ram (Newport) and Benjamin Becker (s'Hertogenbosch) were the only guys who tasted ATP Tour success for the first time in 2009.
That figure (5) was the joint lowest total during the past decade. Along with 2009, there were also only 5 first-time winners in 2007 - whereas seasons such as 2001 (10), 2006 & 2008 (11), 2002 (12) and 2004 (13) saw many more players breaking through.
A sign of times maybe but also a fact which highlights the need to be extra vigilant when it comes to spotting previous non-winners destined to lift their first title in 2010.
These are the guys who can win at big prices!
The 'top ten' below are all aged 24 or below and all have the ability to record a first tournament win in 2010. Players to follow and ones to put in your notebook as the coming season progresses.
Pablo Cuevas (2009 best performance - SF Hamburg, Vina Del Mar)
Cuevas considers clay to be his best surface and his record thus far certainly bears that out - with five Challenger Tour titles to date (two in 2009) and a distinct preference for dirt in the main ATP Tour events he played in 2009. He turns 24 on January 1st which means that the clock is ticking on the Uruguayan's career but there is no doubt the 5'11" right-hander has the ability to win an event, on clay, whether that be in his native South America or in Europe.
John Isner (SF Washington, Indianapolis)
You might expect a guy who is 6'9" tall to be good at tennis. Well, Isner is good but aged 24 he needs to start winning tournaments - a prodigious server, the North Carolinan is sadly let down by weaknesses in other areas of his game. However, this one-time tour finalist (Washington 2007) has the potential to win, he's won three times on the Challenger Tour (latest Tallahassee 2009), with his best bet looking like being a low-key hard court event, probably in his native USA.
Andreas Beck (RU Gstaad)
The 23-year-old German made a first ATP Tour final this year and after a steady rise up the rankings in 2009 can progress still further in 2010. That final was played on clay where Beck has won once before on the Challenger Tour, and five times on the Futures Tour, and the 6'3" left-hander may find 'the dirt' providing his best chance of a first success. Hard to see him becoming a regular winner on the circuit but he's shown the ability to take any opportunity which presents itself.
Ernests Gulbis (QF St. Petersburg, Tokyo)
Not a good year for the Latvian. A very moderate 20:26 record meant his world ranking headed due South (from 53 down to 90 at the year end) suggesting that all the belief in his early potential was possibly misplaced. However, looking at the matches he lost, very few were against 'no-hopers' with well over half those defeats coming against players inside the top 50. Still only 21, time is on the side of Gulbis and a hard court success, most likely, in 2010 would be no great surprise.
Leonardo Mayer (SF Los Angeles)
The 22-year-old resident of Buenos Aires is a player who could make an impact on both clay as well as hard courts - like so many of his compatriots. On the Challenger Tour his preference appeared to be clay (55:42) as opposed to hard (34:20) but he's prefered the quicker surfaces thus far on the main tour. To date his achievements have been modest but, then again, just enough to go into the notebook as 'one to follow' and it is quite possible that the Argentine could land a first title in 2010.
Evgeny Korolev (RU Delray Beach)
Wild expectation might well have superceded natural development with Korolev to a point where, still only 21, he's being unfairly labelled as something of a disappointment. For sure, the very best players have won events by this age but the Russian has shown enough already (including five Challenger Tour wins) to demonstrate his readiness to win on tour when the right opportunity presents itself. A hard court event looks the best way for the 6'1" Muscovite to gain a maiden win.
Horacio Zeballos (RU St. Petersburg)
This 6'2" lefty has been very successful on the Challenger Tour. Zeballos ran up a 30:9 record in 2009 winning no less than five times (Buenos Aires, Campos Do Jordao, Manta, Bogota, Bucaramanga) before going on to make a first ATP Tour final in his penultimate start of the year. Question is, can he start the new season where he left off in 2010, as soon to turn 25 the chance to make a mark at the highest level is fast fading. Expect the Argentine to notch a first win in 2010.
Somdev Devvarman (RU Chennai)
The 24-year-old from Assam may have made a first tour final in his native India but don't be fooled into thinking he just got lucky on home soil. A back-to-back NCAA champion in the States (beat Isner in 2007) Devvarman has the ability to beat quality opponents (e.g. Marin Cilic in 2009) and mount a serious challenge in tournaments. His age and lack of success to date give the game away as to his overall career potential but a moderate hard-court event is certainly within his reach.
Eduardo Schwank (-)
With a 3:14 record on the main ATP Tour Schwank has to show he can transfer his ability on the Challenger Tour (six titles) onto where it really matters. Wins in Lima and Santiago late in 2009 showcase the Argentine's prowess, notably on clay, but the 23-year-old needs to improve a current singles mark of 113 back to a career high of 50 (February 2009) during the coming year. A match history heavily biased towards clay means Schwank must find success that elusive first win on dirt.
Grigor Dimitrov (-)
One for the future. The Bulgarian is only 18 years old but as a Wimbledon and US Open junior champion in 2008 he has the potential, and time, to make a very big impact in the game. More than a little optimistic to expect a main tour success in 2010 but from a current mark of 287 in the world it would be no surprise to see him break the top 100 in the next 12 months under the tutelage of Peter Lundgren. Make a note of the name and watch out for this player.
For more tennis related information, tournament previews and player profiles visit http://www.tennis-tipster.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Walton |
Will Roger Federer Win Another Grand Slam?
Will Roger Federer Win Another Grand Slam?
By Nathan Gero 
Everyone in the tennis world knows Roger Federer. He is one of, if not the greatest, tennis player of all-time. With him getting older and a new crop of talent coming up though, can Federer ever win a Grand Slam title in 2010 or beyond?
Let's look at the players below him. At 28 years old, Federer is close to or more than five years older than the four players ranked directly below him. He won two titles last year, but also showed vulnerability against Juan Martin del Potro and Rafael Nadal when in Grand Slam final losses. As those four enter the primes of their careers, how will Federer compete?
One thing he has always benefited from is lack of injuries. However, there is only so much abuse a body can take playing tennis non-stop at the highest level. His body will eventually break down, and if it is as serious as say, Lleyton Hewitt's hip injury, it could prevent him from ever returning properly.
Another thing that could be going against Federer is his new outlook on life. Does he have the hunger like he did before? He's a father now, with six month old twins. He already has the Grand Slam record and career Grand Slam thanks to last year's showing. Lost in all that though is the fact Federer has not won a title since August 2009. That's an eternity in Fedland.
There seems to be a lot of interesting paths for Federer to take in this new year. It's 2010. Many wrote him off at the beginning of last year, but he battled back. Will Federer find a way to add to his 15 Grand Slam titles, or will he be happy with just making deep runs and playing more sparingly? How long will he stay #1?
So many questions, but if you ask Roger Federer, he'll probably tell you he feels as good as ever and will be disappointed if he doesn't win all four Grand Slams.
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