* Li beats Serena in Stuttgart shock Oct 3, 2008
Li Na reacts after defeating Serena Williams on Wednesday at the Porsche Grand Prix tennis tournament in Stuttgart, Germany ... Chinas Li Na claimed a famous scalp on Wednesday when she defeated world No.1 Serena Williams 0-6, 6-1, 6-4 in Stuttgart and pretty much cost the powerfully built American her top world ranking. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Sports briefs Oct 3, 2008
"It feels great to be back at No. 1, but my goal is to finish the year as No. 1," said Jankovic, who lost the U.S. Open final to Serena Williams. "I'm playing better and better, I am improving. I don't feel any extra pressure."Williams, the Wimbledon champion, was joined in the quarterfinals by three Russians -- Dinara Safina, Vera Zvonareva and Nadia Petrova. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Serena Williams sent packing Oct 3, 2008
Advertisements The Associated Press Serena Williams' game collapsed after she swept the first set Wednesday in the Porsche Grand Prix at Stuttgart, Germany, leading to a 0-6, 6-1, 6-4 loss to China's Li Na that will cost her the No. 1 ranking. By dropping the second-round match Williams will be overtaken by Jelena Jankovic in Monday's new rankings, the WTA said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Roddick, Jankovic take home China Open titles Oct 3, 2008
The victory left Jankovic just 21 points behind No. 1 Serena Williams in the WTA rankings. They are both scheduled to play in Stuttgart, Germany, in the next WTA event. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Serena falls to China's Na, will lose top ranking Oct 3, 2008
Serena Williams falls to China's Na, will lose top ranking next week ... Serena Williams lost 0-6, 6-1, 6-4 to China's Li Na Wednesday ... STUTTGART, Germany (AP) -- Serena Williams' game collapsed after she swept the first set Wednesday, leading to a 0-6, 6-1, 6-4 loss to China's Li Na that will cost her the No. 1 ranking. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Bondarenko rallies, upsets Pennetta in Germany Oct 3, 2008
The Bulgarian next plays third-seeded Dinara Safina of Russia, who had a bye into the second round, along with the tournament's other top three players -- Serena Williams, Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva ... Serena Williams, who regained the No. 1 ranking after winning the U.S. Open, plays Wednesday against China's Li Na. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Venus sets up Safina clash Oct 3, 2008
Petrova will play China's Li Na, who beat world number one Serena Williams on Wednesday, in the quarterfinals. AFP Digg | | | | | | Copyright 2002-2008 iafrica. (iAfrica.com)
* Hantuchova wins, Zheng restores pride Sep 25, 2008
A tournament win in Beijing for Jankovic would take her to within a handful of points of Serena Williams at the top of the womens game ... Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic are seeded one and two in the US$600,000 China Open, with both chasing the womens No. 1 spot, currently held by Serena Williams. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Jankovic reaches third round Sep 25, 2008
Jankovic is on course to threaten Serena Williams' hold on the top spot in women's tennis. She can't overtake Williams if she wins the final Sunday, but it could happen next week when the two meet in Stuttgart, Germany. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Jankovic wins in China Sep 25, 2008
A tournament win for Jankovic, who had a brief spell as world number one in August, would take her to within a handful of points of Serena Williams at the top of the women's game. The Serbian was pushed hard by her powerful opponent in a hard-fought second set but eventually prevailed. (iAfrica.com)
China Open: China's best not good enough Sep 24, 2008
" In other first round matches, Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak beat Virginie Razzano, Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand defeated Katarina Srebotnik 6-4, 7-5. The best result in the tournament by a local female player was a semifinal finish by Peng Shuai in 2006, who reached the final in Guangzhou over the weekend. Serbians Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic are seeded one and two in the $600,000 China Open, with both chasing the women's No 1 spot, currently held by Serena Williams. The women's top... (Xinhuanet, China)
Davis Cup in need of an extreme makeover Sep 23, 2008
On the women's side, Serena Williams is the favorite at plus $2. 55, followed by Maria Sharapova (plus $4. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
* Hantuchova breezes past Argentine at China Open Sep 23, 2008
The womens top ranking has been in flux since Justine Henins surprise retirement in May, passing between Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and current No. 1 Serena Williams ... The 2008 French Open finalist was among six of the worlds top 10 players to enter the tournament, although Serena Williams did not make the trip for the Beijing event that finishes on Sunday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Hantuchova eases into second round of China Open Sep 23, 2008
The womens top ranking has been in flux since Justine Henins surprise retirement in May, passing between Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and current number one Serena Williams. Meanwhile, on the mens side of the draw in Beijing, defending champion and Olympic silver medallist Fernando Gonzalez faces a tough battle to retain his title, with top seed David Ferrer and former world number one Andy Roddick in the hunt. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Safina beats Kuznetsova to win Pan Pacific Open Sep 22, 2008
The victory gave the fourth-seeded Safina her fourth WTA singles title this season, tying her with No. 1 Serena Williams for the most this year. I've played the best tennis this week I've ever played, Safina said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Safina sweeps past Kuznetsova in Pan Pac final Sep 22, 2008
I knew I still had so much more inside, she said after matching world number one Serena Williams for a season-high four WTA Tour titles. It suddenly clicked in my mind. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
More People & Entertainment Stories Sports Headlines Jankovic insists she has nothing to prove on tennis court Sep 22, 2008
The women's top ranking has been in flux since Justine Henin's surprise retirement in May, passing between Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and current number one Serena Williams. "I don't have to prove to anybody or any media about my ability, except to myself. I am only 23 years old, still young, and I have entered Grand Slam finals," Jankovic said at the 600,000-dollar China Open. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Safinabeats Kuznetsova forPan Pacific Open title Sep 21, 2008
Safina has also won this year in Los Angeles, Montreal and Berlin and is now tied with current No. 1 Serena Williams for the most titles in 2008. It was the 10th meeting between the two Russians. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Jankovic advances to Pan Pacific Open quarters Sep 20, 2008
If she wins this tournament, the Serb would return to No. 1 in the WTA rankings, replacing Serena Williams in the top spot. It's a goal of mine to return to the top spot, Jankovic said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Kuznetsova defeats Jankovic at Pan Pacific Open Sep 20, 2008
It was a disappointing loss for Jankovic, who had been hoping to reclaim the No. 1 ranking from Serena Williams with a tournament victory ... Jankovic lost to Serena Williams in the final of the U.S. Open. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Wedding setback for Kyle Sep 20, 2008
Add in the likes of Serena Williams, Jada Pinkett Smith, Rosario Dawson and the cast of Gossip Girl, Kubicek says his address book is bursting at the seams. send photos, videos ffs to 0424 SMS SMH (+61 424 767 764), or us. (The Age, Australia)
Ana crashes out, but Jankovic and Dementieva march on Sep 19, 2008
She joins Jankovic, Serena Williams, Safina and Ivanovic in qualifying for the elite US$4. 45mil dollar event. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Jankovic eases through but Ivanovic exits Sep 19, 2008
Jankovic, beaten by Serena Williams in the US Open final earlier this month, will recapture the world No. 1 ranking from the American if she wins in Japan. She overpowered Pennetta in a match played under a closed roof because of an approaching typhoon, wrapping up an easy win with an ace after just 61 minutes. (Xinhuanet, China)
Ivanovic crashes out of Pan Pacific Sep 18, 2008
" Dementieva earned a place in the lucrative season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar from November 4-9 with her win on Thursday. She joins Jankovic, Serena Williams, Safina and Ivanovic in qualifying for the elite $US4.45 million ($A5.64 million) dollar event. Jankovic has the chance to take the world No.1 ranking from Serena Williams if she wins the tournament this week, but she said it was not her main focus. "I'd like to go back to the number one spot again. Of course, that's... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Serena Williams to serve up memoir Sep 18, 2008
8: TODAY hosts talk to tennis star Serena Williams about winning the 2008 Womens U.S. Open tournament ... A memoir by Serena Williams will be released in 2009 by Grand Central Publishing, which beat out a handful of other publishers bidding for the life story of the number one ranked women's tennis player ... "Serena Williams is one of the world's most remarkable athletes," Grand Central editor Karen Kosztolnyik said Tuesday in a statement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
TENNIS MAILBAG: Jon Wertheim's take on all things tennis Sep 18, 2008
Serena Williams -- hailed in my press release as a "tennis and entertainment megastar" -- will play in the PNC Tennis Classic presented by The Baltimore Sun, it was announced by Tournament Chairman and Founder, Pam Shriver. Williams will headline the Tennis Classic Feature Match at the 1st Mariner Arena on Friday evening, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Serena Williams to serve up memoir in 2009 Sep 17, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) - A memoir by Serena Williams will be released in 2009 by Grand Central Publishing, which beat out a handful of other publishers bidding for the life story of the No. 1 ranked women's tennis player. "Serena Williams is one of the world's most remarkable athletes,'' Grand Central editor Karen Kosztolnyik said Tuesday in a statement. "We've watched her rise to No. 1 despite physical and emotional setbacks, and her hard work and determination have inspired legions of fans young and... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Fish will replace injured Bob Bryan Sep 17, 2008
"I'm happy that I've got an Olympic gold now in my pocket and that I've also got a U.S. Open trophy, so it couldn't be better right now."SERENA WILLIAMS WRITES BOOK: A memoir by Serena Williams will be released in 2009 by Grand Central Publishing, which beat out a handful of other publishers bidding for the life story of the No. 1 ranked women's tennis player. PAN PACIFIC OPEN: Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia rallied to defeat former world No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo of France 0-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8) Tuesday... (News & Observer -- Sports)
She's Number 1 Again: Serena Williams Wins 2008 U.S. Open Sep 16, 2008
Serena Williams of the United States poses with her championship trophy after defeating Jelena Jankovic of Serbia to win the women's finals championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Sunday, Sept. 7 ... NEW YORK - On the very first point of the match, Serena Williams hit a backhand so hard that her earring flew off ... Serena Williams won her first Grand Slam championship since the 2007 Australian Open, and took over the No. 1 ranking Jankovic held last month for exactly... (Atlanta Daily World, GA)
WERTHEIM: Fifty parting shots Sep 16, 2008
Serena Williams won her ninth major, and the most underrated narrative in sports continues. Is there any doubt Andy Murray will win a major one day. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
* Hsieh, Peng win doubles title in Bali Sep 15, 2008
She seized control in the second to sweep to victory, which followed defeats in her last seven finals including against Serena Williams last February in Bangalore. She pushed me all the way, Schnyder said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Patty ends title drought Sep 15, 2008
Schnyder was playing her second final of 2008 after losing to Serena Williams in Bangalore in February. - AFP. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Serena Williams does runway show Sep 14, 2008
Serena Williams steps out for Simmons' runway show ... Serena Williams steps out for Simmons' runway show ... NEW YORK -- Serena Williams inspires her legion of fans as a world-class athlete, but for fashion inspiration, she turns to Kimora Lee Simmons. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Schnyder into Bali final Sep 14, 2008
Schnyder finished runner-up in Bangalore in February behind Serena Williams and is fresh from a US Open quarter-final last week. "I served well and moved her around on the court," she said. (iAfrica.com)
Fashion: Calvin Klein Sep 13, 2008
At the Zac Posen show, Serena Williams, resplendent in a grass-green dress with bling sparkling at the neckline, watched a slinky leopard print dress walk the runway - and then looked at her sister, Venus, with almost the same competitive tension as when they are on opposite ends of a tennis court. "Yes, we are both fighting over the same dress!" Serena said backstage as the sisters congratulated Posen while the designer's backer, Sean (Diddy) Combs, strutted in a three-piece Tom Ford suit. (International Herald Tribune)
Serena fights past Jankovic for third Open title Sep 12, 2008
Serena Williams did not drop a set in winning her third U.S. Open ... Serena Williams did not drop a set on her way to her ninth career Grand Slam title ... NEW YORK (AP) -- Serena Williams flung her racket straight up and jumped for joy, hopping and skipping and screaming and generally looking like someone who had just won her first U.S. Open title or earned her debut at No. 1. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Naomi Campbell's ovarian tumor Sep 11, 2008
Model Naomi Campbell and Russian billionaire boyfriend Vladimir Doronin watch the match between Jelena Jankovic of Serbia during her finals match to Serena Williams of the US at the US Open tennis tournament on September 7, 2008 at the USTA National Tenni. Search for Things to Do. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Age shall not weary her: Craybas keeps going strong Sep 11, 2008
She famously beat Serena Williams at the 2005 Wimbledon to reach the fourth round, her best ever Grand Slam showing, and the following year upset then world number 2 Kim Clijsters in Miami, when she reached her best singles ranking of 39th in the world. The lithe and toned Craybas also says time spent in the gym has allowed her to compete in today's power game, especially standing a diminutive 1. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Sports)
Disney complex a magical facility for athletes of all ages Sep 10, 2008
Star power: Among those who have competed there are Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, Yao Ming, Mia Hamm and Donovan McNabb. Expansion: Jostens Center field house (summer 2008); Welcome Center (fall 2008); ESPN events and theme (2009); 100-lane bowling center (2010). (USA Today -- Sports)
World No. 1 Serena eyes 10th Grand Slam Sep 10, 2008
American tennis star Serena Williams completed her climb back to the top of the tennis world at the US Open, ending a five-year hiatus between stints as the worlds No. 1 player. It was a double-dip victory for Williams who beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 on Sunday to win the title and the battle for the world number one ranking. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Federer has grand plans for the future Sep 10, 2008
He's still only 27, and unlike U.S. Open women's champion Serena Williams, who doesn't hide her interests in fashion and acting, Federer can be heard to say, "I live and breathe tennis.""I feel, for a very long time, that I'll always be able to win Wimbledon, always going to be able to win the U.S. Open," Federer said. All rights reserved. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Serena: I'm not the trophy girl type Sep 10, 2008
BEIJING, Sept. 10 -- For someone who burst into exuberant celebrations after winning her ninth grand slam crown at the U.S. Open, Serena Williams made a startling admission ... Serena Williams of the United States jubilates for her victory in the final of women's singles at the U.S. Open tennis tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, the United States, Sept. 7, 2008 ... Serena Williams beat Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 2-0 (6-4,7-5). (Xinhuanet, China)
Why Tennis Needs Federer More Than Ever Sep 10, 2008
Serena Williams has been the best women's player in tennis for nearly a decade--when she decides to work at it ... Far too early to make such a claim, but this much is known: Roger Federer and Serena Williams are still major forces to be reckoned with, and the sport is healthier, dare I say thriving, when they're both around. (Forbes -- Business)
I'm no trophy girl: Serena Sep 9, 2008
NEW YORK: For someone who burst into exuberant celebrations after winning her ninth Grand Slam crown at the US Open, Serena Williams made a startling admission. "I'm not a big trophy girl," Williams said just 12 hours after her victory on Sunday night. (India Times, India)
Fabulous fifth for Federer, as he rolls to US Open title Sep 9, 2008
Federer had humbled Andy Murray, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2, winning his fifth consecutive US Open championship yesterday in 1 hour 51 minutes, some 13 minutes less than it took Serena Williams to take the women's crown from Jelena Jankovic the previous evening. Both finals had been delayed by one day because of Saturday's rain. (Boston Globe)
Federer can crow about his fifth straight US Open title Sep 9, 2008
Serena Williams labored longer, needing 2 hours 4 minutes to subdue Jelena Jankovic for the other singles title Sunday. Looks like the men are lucky to get equal prize money, which happened to be $1. (Boston Globe)
Collins: Federer flashes his magic one more time Sep 9, 2008
Sept. 8: TODAY hosts talk to tennis star Serena Williams about winning the 2008 Womens U.S. Open tournament. Special feature. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Serena basks in hard-earned No. 1 spot again Sep 9, 2008
8: TODAY hosts talk to tennis star Serena Williams about winning the 2008 Womens U.S. Open tournament ... Sept. 8: TODAY hosts talk to tennis star Serena Williams about winning the 2008 Womens U.S. Open tournament ... More than five years after she last held the top ranking, Serena Williams officially regained the distinction Monday hours after winning the U.S. Open for the third time. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Serena Williams enjoying U.S. Open win, top ranking Sep 9, 2008
More than five years after she last held the top ranking, Serena Williams officially regained the distinction Monday hours after winning the U.S. Open for the third time. It had been even longer since her last Open championship six years. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
She's No. 1 again: Serena Williams wins US Open Sep 9, 2008
Serena Williams won her first Grand Slam championship since the 2007 Australian Open, and took over the No. 1 ranking Jankovic held last month for exactly one week. "I feel so young and I feel so energized," Williams said. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Jankovic is happy despite losing first major final Sep 9, 2008
EVER-SMILING Serb Jelena Jankovic dwelt on the positives after losing the US Open womens final to Serena Williams 6-4, 7-5 on Sunday. Although the 23-year-old squandered four set points in the second set before being overpowered by the American, she was delighted to have reached her first Grand Slam final. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
American Serena is world No.1 after third US Open title Sep 9, 2008
Jelena Jankovic provided the on-court theatrics and Serena Williams bounced away with the US Open trophy ... Sheer joy: Serena Williams jumps in the air after winning the US Open title sith a dejected Jelena Jankovic in the background. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Serena Williams moves to No. 1 with win at Open Sep 9, 2008
The World Link: Serena Williams moves to No. 1 with win at Open. Serena Williams moves to No. 1 with win at Open ... Serena Williams hits a return during her victory over Jelena Jankovic in the womens final at the U.S. Open on Sunday. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Williams outduels Jankovic in thriller Sep 9, 2008
Advertisements Howard Fendrich, The Associated Press NEW YORK - Serena Williams flung her racket straight up and jumped for joy, hopping and skipping and screaming and generally looking like someone who had just won her first U.S. Open title or earned her debut at No. 1 in the rankings. Displaying the talent and tenacity that helped her dominate tennis earlier in the decade, Williams outlasted Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 Sunday night in a thrill-a-minute match chock full of marvelous strokes and... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Armstrong back, or backpedaling? Sep 9, 2008
But more than five years after she last held the top ranking, Serena Williams officially regained the distinction hours after winning the U.S. Open for the third time. Williams beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 in the final Sunday and didn't drop a set the entire tournament. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Cycling team denies Armstrong's return Sep 9, 2008
Serena Williams win over Jelena Jankovic in the U.S. Open women s final, pushed back a day because of rain, earned a 4. 3 overnight rating and a 7 share on CBS, the network said. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Williams wins third U.S. Open Sep 9, 2008
NEW YORK Serena Williams flung her racket straight up and jumped for joy, hopping and skipping and screaming and generally looking like someone who had just won her first Grand Slam title ... Serena Williams jumps in the air after winning her finals match against Jelena Jankovic at the U.S. Open. (Globe and Mail)
Jankovic's steep learning curve Sep 9, 2008
The Serbian second seed was like Alice in Wonderland after losing to Serena Williams 6-4, 7-5 in Sunday's title match of the year's last Grand Slam event. "It's a great learning experience for me," Jankovic said. (iAfrica.com)
Williams revival continues unabated Sep 9, 2008
Serena Williams hammers another big shot. AFP. (iAfrica.com)
Williams Jumps For Joy After U.S. Open Win Sep 8, 2008
Serena Williams Outlasts Jelena Jankovic For Her First Open Title In Six Years ... Serena Williams, of the United States, reacts after winning a game against Jelena Jankovic, of Serbia, during the women's finals championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York on Sept. 7, 2008 ... (AP) Serena Williams flung her racket straight up and jumped for joy, hopping and skipping and screaming and generally looking like someone who had just won her first Grand Slam title. (CBS News)
Murray Defeats Nadal In U.S. Open Semis Sep 8, 2008
Serena Williams Outlasts Jelena Jankovic For Her First Open Title In Six Years. . (CBS News)
Williams captures Open title Sep 8, 2008
New US Open champ Serena Williams still had some spring in her step ... By last night, however, it was 26-year-old Serena Williams who had the last laugh. (Boston Globe)
Serena Williams becomes new women's world No.1 with US Open win Sep 8, 2008
Serena Williams of the US pumps her fist after winning a point against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia ... Serena Williams beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4 7-5 today in the US Open women's final to ensure she will move past Ana Ivanovic and become the top-rated player in the WTA Tour rankings ... Serena Williams of the US pumps her fist after winning a point against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Murray books US Open final against Federer Sep 8, 2008
Serena Williams becomes new women's world No.1 with US Open win. text/html-document. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Serena Williams beats Jankovic for 3rd Open title Sep 8, 2008
Serena Williams flung her racket straight up and jumped for joy, hopping and skipping and screaming and generally looking like someone who had just won her first U.S. Open title or earned her debut at No. 1. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
