Venus reaches Doha semis as Kuznetsova wins Oct 31, 2009
Dementieva needed a win to advance, while French Open champion Kuznetsova had nothing to play for but cash. She had her best match of the tournament and never faced a break point. (ESPN -- Tennis)
People he did meth 'for a year or so' ">Agassi tells People he did meth 'for a year or so' Oct 31, 2009
New excerpts reveal Agassi wore a hairpiece during the 1990 French Open ... Andre Agassi admits he wore a hairpiece for the French Open in 1990, the first time he had reached a Grand Slam final ... New excerpts published Friday reveal Agassi wore a hairpiece that nearly fell off at the 1990 French Open, became jealous during ex-wife Brooke Shields' appearance on Friends, and how Shields put a photo of Steffi Graf -- now married to Agassi -- on the fridge for motivation to get in better shape... (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
The Sam and Dave show will stay on the road Oct 31, 2009
The French Open semi-finalist was told several months ago that after another six tournaments she would be on her own; that Taylor was returning home to fulfil his Fed Cup and AIS duties ... Meanwhile, Venus Williams retained some hope of a successful title defence with a three-set win over French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
WTA Tour's 'roadmap' on right track, players, officials say Oct 30, 2009
"Definitely, there can always be improvement, and not everybody is going to be happy all the time," adds reigning French Open champ of Russia, who believes the overall schedule has improved. Tweaks will be necessary. (USA Today -- Sports)
Safina withdraws; Serena to end year at No. 1 Oct 29, 2009
She was the runner-up this year to Williams and lost the French Open final to , leaving her still looking for her first Grand Slam title -- a blotch on her record that has led to persistent questions about her claim to the top ranking. But she has been one of the most consistent performers throughout the year, winning titles in Rome, Madrid and Portoroz, and holding the top spot for 26 weeks. (ESPN -- Tennis)
'Druggie' Andre not alone Oct 29, 2009
Happily, she turned things around, coming out of retirement a more mature player, and capturing the French Open, Australian Open and the world number one ranking. Who did we miss. (iAfrica.com)
* Andre Agassi confesses to having used crystal meth Oct 29, 2009
The next season, he won the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, then added a second career US Open title en route to finishing 1999 at No. 1. A writer from Sports Illustrated first revealed the crystal meth reference on a Twitter posting on Tuesday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Agassi admits using crystal meth Oct 29, 2009
In 1997, Agassi pulled out of the French Open and slumped down the world rankings in a loss of form. But he resurrected his career in 1998, making the biggest one-year leap in history into the top 10 before going on to win the French Open the next season. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Violent father » Oct 29, 2009
"Agassi turned pro in 1986, reached his first major final at the French Open in 1990, quickly drew plenty of attention and kept drawing it -- for his service returns, considered by many to be the best in the game; for his quick-as-could-be reflexes at the baseline; for his denim shorts, Day-Glo shirts, flowing hair and dangling earrings; for his two-year marriage to Brooke Shields and friendship with Barbra Streisand that provided fodder for the tabloids.He won Wimbledon in 1992, was ranked No.... (ESPN -- Tennis)
Venus loses, Serena wins in Doha » Oct 28, 2009
Kuznetsova, the French Open champion, led 6-4 in the first tiebreak but Serena erased the first set point with a return winner and the second with an ace -- after a challenge to overturn the line judge's call that the serve was out. Serena had led 3-1 earlier in the tiebreak and said she let her focus slip before closing it out. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Report: Agassi used crystal meth, lied to ATP Oct 28, 2009
"The ATP threw out the positive drug test and it did not surface until now.Agassi had won the Olympic gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games, but didn't win a major in 1997, dropping to No. 141 in the rankings. He resuscitated his career in 1998, making the biggest one-year jump into the top 10 in the history of the ATP rankings. The next season, he won the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, then added a second career U.S. Open title en route to finishing 1999 at No. 1.He went on to win... (ESPN -- Tennis)
Tennis: Dementieva sends Venus crashing at Doha tennis Oct 28, 2009
" Dementieva's shock win now adds extra spice to Williams' second group game against sister Serena on Wednesday where she will have to win to stay alive in this eight-woman, 4.55 million dollar event. Serena was due on court later Tuesday to take on French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova as she began her campaign to reclaim the world number one spot from Dinara Safina. Williams, the holder of 11 Grand Slam titles, was knocked off top spot by Safina on Monday, but she will reclaim the end-of-year... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Wimbledon confirm move to prize money equality Oct 28, 2009
The US and Australian Opens have treated both sexes equally for several years now, while the French Open paid both singles champions the same sum for the first time last year, but the All England Club has previously refused to back down on the issue. Chief among their arguments has been the fact men play best-of-five-set contests, while women only play best-of-three, but outgoing chairman Tim Phillips has also cited club polls indicating that men's tennis gave better value for money. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Venus, Jankovic stumble at WTA Championships Oct 28, 2009
Later Tuesday, second-ranked Serena Williams faced French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. The tournament features the top eight players in the world, with four women in each group. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Agassi used crystal meth, lied about it Oct 28, 2009
The next season, he won the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, then added a second career U.S. Open title en route to finishing 1999 at No. 1. In a posting on Peoples Web site, Agassi says he was worried for a moment, but not for long, about how fans would react if they found out he used drugs. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Sony Ericsson Championships Commence Tuesday Oct 27, 2009
Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Serena Williams and Aussie and French Open runner-up Dinara Safina will decide who finishes the year on top ... A second-seeded Serena will meet third-seeded French Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova, while fifth-seeded Olympic gold medalist Elena Dementieva will encounter seventh-seeded Wimbledon runner-up Venus Williams and sixth-seeded Victoria Azarenka will face eighth-seeded Jelena Jankovic. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Serena and Safina ready to battle for world supremacy Oct 27, 2009
The American is also in the much tougher Maroon Group in Doha where she must play sister Venus, the defending champion, and formidable Russians Svetlana Kuznetsova, the French Open winner, and Olympic gold medallist Elena Dementieva. To have the battle for No.1 going to the wire is a dream scenario for womens tour chiefs and the Qatari tennis authorities who paid US$42 million to stage the season-ending event for three years until it moves to Istanbul in 2011. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Dellacqua to return to court next month Oct 26, 2009
Dellacqua hit a career high world ranking of No.39 in 2008 after catching the country's attention with her gutsy fourth round appearance at the Australian Open, which she backed up by advancing to the third round at both the French Open and Wimbledon. "I had such a good first part of 2008 but then I really started to have shoulder problems after Wimbledon and struggled through the year and didn't play too many tournaments," she said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Greenbrier's volleyball season ends in Elite Eight Oct 25, 2009
The 10th-ranked Swede, a surprising finalist in the French Open this year, was the only seeded player left in the tournament. - In Luxembourg, Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky defeated fifth-seeded Belgian Yanina Wickmayer , 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 to make the finals of the Luxembourg Open. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Soderling bows out of semis with injured elbow Oct 25, 2009
The 10th-ranked Swede, a surprising finalist in the French Open this year, was the only seeded player left in the tournament. "I'm sorry for Robin first of all," Baghdatis said. (ESPN -- Tennis)
* Zvonareva and Safin tumble out at Kremlin Cup Oct 24, 2009
Soderling, a surprise finalist in the French Open this year and ranked 10th in the world, will next play Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain. Olivier Rochus rallied to beat eighth-seeded Feliciano Lopez of Spain 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in another second-round match. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Grizzlies’ Iverson likely out of opener Oct 24, 2009
The 10th-ranked Swede, a surprise French Open finalist, will play Marcos Baghdatis, who ousted qualifier Arnaud Clement, 6-4, 6-4. Olivier Rochus will meet Thomaz Bellucci in the other semi. (Boston Globe)
Soderling, Baghdatis reach semis in Stockholm Oct 24, 2009
The 10th-ranked Swede, a surprise French Open finalist, will play of Cyprus in one semifinal on Saturday. Baghdatis ousted French qualifier 6-4, 6-4. (ESPN -- Tennis)
A Swede start for Soderling in front of own fans Oct 23, 2009
He served well in the beginning but the longer the match went on the more I got into it, said the French Open finalist, who only lost seven points in his serve during the match. Its always fun with a packed centre court during an evening match, added Soderling, who last cracked the top 10 in the ATP rankings for the first time. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Soderling breaks into quarterfinals in Stockholm Oct 23, 2009
Soderling, a surprise finalist in the French Open this year, will play. A two-time finalist in the Swedish capital, Soderling is the only seeded player left in the tournament. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Soderling cruises in first round at Stockholm Oct 22, 2009
The 10th-ranked Soderling, who was a surprise finalist at the French Open this year, will play of Italy in the second round. of Cyprus ousted third-seeded of Spain 6-4, 6-2 in another first-round match. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Henin set for comeback at Brisbane meet Oct 22, 2009
Tournament director Steve Ayles said Henin will also be up against Serbias former French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic, and home favourite Jelena Dokic at the Jan 3-10 event ... With the former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic and Australian Open quarter-finalist Jelena Dokic confirmed, we are looking at an extremely strong womens field. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Swede begins battle for a berth to the World Tour Finals Oct 21, 2009
Soderling has established himself as a top player since his French Open breakthrough, where he beat Rafael Nadal in the fourth-round to end his four year reign, then lost the final to Roger Federer. The Swede continued to thrust himself into year-end contention for one of three remaining spots in the eight-man field with a Wimbledon fourth round defeat by Federer and a New York quarter-final, where he was beaten by the Swiss again. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Henin confirms tour return in Brisbane, Australia Oct 21, 2009
Fellow Belgian comeback player Kim Clijsters is also in the women's draw, along with former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic. Despite having a No. 1 ranking when she retired in May last year, the 27-year-old Henin does not have a protected ranking. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Sampras says Federer will win more Slams Oct 20, 2009
U.S. tennis legend says all-time major win leader isnt finished. Pete Sampras says Roger Federer is going to win some more majors. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Davydenko's Day APNikolay Davydenko, who claimed his 18th career title, has taken three of seven matches against Rafael Nadal.Nikolay Davydenko upset top-seeded Rafael Nadal at the Shanghai Masters 7-6 (3), 6-3 for his fourth title of the season. Nadal remains without a title since the Rome Masters in May. Oct 19, 2009
The winner of six Grand Slam tournament titles also was sidelined after the French Open for two months with tendinitis in both knees. "I have my chance in the first set and I am especially happy with one thing -- it's the first match after my injury comeback against one top player," Nadal said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Wickmayer, Kvitova Into Linz Final Oct 18, 2009
Radwanska was last week's Beijing runner-up to French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, but she was no match for Kvitova, who was playing her first semifinal since she went all the way to the title at Hobart at the start of the season. That marked Kvitova's first career championship. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Pennetta, Radwanska Land In Linz Semis Oct 17, 2009
Agnieszka Radwanska was last week's Beijing runner-up to French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. ABC 7 Talkback. (ABC 7 News, DC)
It's time to give Tennis Australia another serve over those UScourts Oct 17, 2009
The French Open its red clay. The US Open has an American hardcourt and so does the Australian Open. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Agassi says Federer-Nadal era is ending Oct 15, 2009
Nadal has struggled with injuries since his stunning exit in the fourth round of the French Open. Federer won the French and Wimbledon, breaking Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slams, but was beaten in the U.S. Open final by 21-year-old Argentine del Potro. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Federer-Nadal era ending, says Agassi Oct 15, 2009
Nadal has struggled with injuries since his shock exit in the fourth round of the French Open. Federer won the French and Wimbledon, breaking Pete Sampras' record of 14 grand slams, but was beaten in the US Open final by 21-year-old Argentine del Potro. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Joker jives in China Oct 14, 2009
Kuznetsova, who defeated Radwanska earlier this year en route to the French Open title, dominated the first set, breaking the 20-year-old Pole three times and running her around the court with her penetrating pinpoint ground strokes. In the second, the 24-year-old Russian also went up an early break and never looked back, keeping Radwanska on the run by hitting difficult angles from the baseline. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Tennis: Djokovic, Kuznetsova win in Beijing Oct 12, 2009
com - Tennis Djokovic, Kuznetsova win in Beijing. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Kuznetsova Beats Radwanska For China Crown Oct 12, 2009
The sixth-seeded Russian and reigning French Open champion continued her strong play at this event. Kuznetsova was last year's China Open runner-up to Jelena Jankovic, won the 2006 crown and was also a finalist in 2004. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Cilic stuns Nadal to book final spot against Djokovic Oct 11, 2009
Djokovic, the second seed, improved his record over French Open finalist Soderling to 4-0 and maintained pace as the top winner on the men s circuit with 62 victories in 2009 ... In the women s action, French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, the highest surving women s seed, beat fellow Russian Nadia Petrova 6-1 6-3 in just over an hour to ease into her fourth China Open final, where she will play Pole Agnieszka Radwanska. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Djokovic battles into semis in China Oct 10, 2009
The elder Russian, the reigning French Open champion, will face compatriot Nadia Petrova in the semifinals after the 13th seed put out Peng Shuai X the home crowds last hope in the tournament X 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2. Petrova upset soon-to-be world No. 1 Serena Williams on Thursday to reach the quarters. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Djokovic into Beijing final, claims number 3 rank Oct 10, 2009
Djokovic, the second seed here, improved his record over French Open finalist Soderling to 4-0 and maintained pace as the top winner on the men's circuit with 62 victories in 2009. Rival Andy Murray, who will surrender his number three ranking to Djokovic, has not played on the ATP World Tour since the US Open, missing the Asian swing due to complications from a wrist injury. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Kuznetsova Rolls; Dementieva Falls In Beijing Oct 10, 2009
(Sports Network) - French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova was an easy quarterfinal winner, while Olympic gold medalist Elena Dementieva went by way of the upset Friday at the $4. 5 million China Open. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Tennis: Nadal advances in Beijing sending retiring Safin on his way Oct 10, 2009
The elder Russian, the reigning French Open champion, will face fellow Russian Nadia Petrova, who beat China's Peng Shuai -- the home crowd's last hope in the tournament -- 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2. Petrova upset soon-to-be world number one Serena Williams on Thursday to reach the quarters, while Peng beat three-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Hewitt in semis and on cusp of the top 20 Oct 10, 2009
He next meets French Open finalist Robin Soderling. Marin Cilic defeated Nikolay Davydenko 6-4, 6-4 to also reach the semis. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Petrova Ousts Serena In Beijing Oct 9, 2009
On Tuesday, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open titlist Williams beat Russian Ekaterina Makarova to reclaim the top ranking from French Open and Aussie Open runner-up Dinara Safina. ABC 7 Talkback. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Monfils, Blake, Ivanovic to take part in Brisbane tennis international Oct 8, 2009
Former French Open champion Ivanovic, of Serbia, is ranked at 11 after reaching the world number one spot in June 2008 following her performance at the Paris Grand Slam tournament. Other players who have confirmed their participation include Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters. (Xinhuanet, China)
Serena Returns To No. 1 Oct 7, 2009
The French Open and Aussie Open runner-up Safina was an upset victim here on Monday, as she lost for a fifth time in her last eight matches ... Another Wednesday bout here will pit sixth-seeded French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova against Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Safina, Venus Exit Beijing In Second Round Oct 6, 2009
The French Open and Aussie Open runner-up Safina, who piled up 13 double faults, was stunned by Chinese qualifier Shuai Zhang 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), while the third-seeded Wimbledon runner-up Venus, who tallied 12 double faults, was ousted by promising 18-year-old Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, for a second time in the last week, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 on the hardcourts at the Olympic Green Tennis Center ... The 2006 China Open champion and 2004 runner-up Kuznetsova, who lost to Serbian Jelena Jankovic in... (ABC 7 News, DC)
Safina, Venus out in Beijing tennis; Djokovic advances Oct 6, 2009
In other first-round ATP action, eighth seed Marin Cilic of Croatia beat Russia's Igor Andreev, 6-4, 6-4, and former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero defeated countryman Nicolas Almagro, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3). In the women's draw, sixth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia easily advanced into the round of 16, beating Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues, 6-2, 6-1. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Evert: 'I'm fine' Oct 6, 2009
18 grand slams, No.1 in the World for 7yrs, 125 consecutives matches on Clay, Winning a gland slam for 13 consectives years and a record 7 french open titles do I need to go on ect. Leave a comment. (The Palm Beach Post)
Dokic wins Athens ITF title Oct 5, 2009
After leading the Australian Fed Cup team advance to the World Group II playoffs in February, a back injury forced Dokic to retire from her second-round French Open match against Elena Dementieva while leading the world No.4 by a set and a service break. Dokic then missed almost two months between Wimbledon and the US Open while bed-ridden with a debilitating glandular fever-like virus. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Serena, Safina advance in China but look rusty Oct 5, 2009
WTA Tour: Serena Williams, Dinara Safina advance in China Open but look rusty - ESPN. Updated: October 4, 2009, 9:14 AM ET. (ESPN -- Tennis)
No more tennis for Serb Oct 4, 2009
"I guess having to withdraw from Beijing is an appropriate ending to a very disappointing season," the former French Open champion said. "This trip to Asia has been a big disappointment and I have struggled with my health pretty much since I arrived. I am sorry to my supporters who were hoping to see me play here in Beijing. "I can only look forward to coming back here next year. (iAfrica.com)
Davydenko downs Soderling to set up showdown with Verdasco Oct 4, 2009
World No. 8 Davydenko recovered from a slow start to beat the French Open runner-up 1-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-2 in slightly over two hours ... The pair also clashed at the French Open and the US Open this year ... I beat him the last time we met at Roland Garros (French Open) this year but the conditions are very different here, said Davydenko. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Ivanovic pulls out of China Open with illness Oct 4, 2009
Ivanovic, who won the French Open in 2008 and has reached two other Grand Slam finals, said she had to rework her serve after Wimbledon to accommodate a sore shoulder ... She made the round of 16 at the French Open and Wimbledon, but lost in the first round at the U.S. Open. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Davydenko vs. Verdasco in Malaysian Open final Oct 4, 2009
Davydenko has a 5-1 record against Verdasco, including a second-round win at the French Open this year. "I like to win for sure, but I never have the feeling that I already won the tournament," Davydenko said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
NSW town makes a racquet for Goolagong Oct 3, 2009
She won Wimbledon titles nine years apart - 1971 and 1980, the French Open in 1971 and the Australian Open for four consecutive years from 1974. When Kim Clijsters won the US Open last month, she became the first player to win a major as a mother since Goolagong Cawley in 1980. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Resolute Russian Davydenko battles into semis along with other top seeds Oct 3, 2009
Soderling, this years runner-up in the French Open behind Roger Federer, had earlier crushed sixth seed Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-2 to book his place in the last four. Davydenko was happy to get the better of Monfils, who snapped a four-year title drought by lifting the Moselle de Open in Metz on Sunday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Sharapova will play Jankovic in Pan Pacific final Oct 3, 2009
Nikolay Davydenko brushed aside a challenge from Gael Monfils yesterday to reach the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open, setting up a clash with French Open finalist Robin Soderling. Davydenko, the top seed beat the Frenchman 6-3, 6-3, with Monfils dropping his serve four times during the match. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Gonzalez downs Bopanna at Malaysian Open Oct 2, 2009
Tomas Berdych stopped Simon Greul 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, and will take on French Open finalist Robin Soderling. Copyright 2009. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Wimbledon confirm move to prize money equality Oct 1, 2009
The US and Australian Opens have treated both sexes equally for several years now, while the French Open paid both singles champions the same sum for the first time last year, but the All England Club has previously refused to back down on the issue. Chief among their arguments has been the fact men play best-of-five-set contests, while women only play best-of-three, but outgoing chairman Tim Phillips has also cited club polls indicating that men's tennis gave better value for money. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Soderling and Davydenko brush aside their opponents Oct 1, 2009
Soderling, who was the runner-up to Roger Federer in the French Open this year, converted five of 16 break-point opportunities to record the fastest victory in the tournament thus far. The 25-year-old Soderling will play against either sixth seeded Czech Tomas Berdych or Simon Greul of Germany tomorrow for a place in the semi-finals. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Jankovic advances to semis at Pan Pacific Open Oct 1, 2009
Top-ranked Dinara Safina of Russia, Venus Williams and French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova all lost their opening matches Monday after first-round byes. Former top-ranked Maria Sharapova, 25th in the world following a layoff after shoulder surgery last October, was to play Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic later Thursday. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Nike shows it can run with the bulls Oct 1, 2009
Tennis star Rafael Nadal wore Nikes at last year s French Open. (Caroline Blumberg/ Bloomberg News/ File 2008). (Boston Globe)
