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Elena Dementieva Marries Maxim Afinogenov

And of course she makes a beautiful bride.

Photo from Alla Kudryavtseva's Twitter page.

Elena Dementieva Retires from WTA Tour Today

Wow, I did not expect that at all. The surprise choked me up some too.

I assumed all the older players were looking to the '12 Olympics to assess.

I had the pleasure of watching her play several times. Ah, those groundies!

Elena may be remembered as the best player to never have won a Slam.

But he does have a gold medal from the Beijing Olympic Games.

This might be enough to get her into the Hall of Fame. I hope so.

Elena turned pro in 1998 and in the 12 years that followed...

She recorded a W/L of 575-271 & reached a high of #3 in the rankings.

She won 16 titles - her 1st at Amelia Island in '03, last Paris Indoors in '10.

She earned just over 14 million in prize money.

And finished in the top 10 six years - and twice at #11.

Until she missed W this year (injury) she had played in 46 straight Slams.

This was her 10th appearance in the season-ending championships.

WTA Doha Championships: A Whopper of a Day 3

Doha WTA Championships - Round Robin Day Three

1 Caroline Wozniacki d 5 Francesca Schiavone - 36 61 61

3 Kim Clijsters d 8 Victoria Azarenka - 64 57 61

7 Elena Dementieva d 6 Samantha Stosur - 46 64 76(4)

***

So I bitched the last couple days about crappy matches...

Well, we got a great slate of 3-setters today.

With Caro's win she sealed the deal for year-end #1. Congrats!

Like I've said before - she reminds me so much of Martina Hingis.

At 20 Caro is the youngest YE #1 since the Swiss Miss.

Kim moves into the Sf's & keeps hopes of year-end #2 alive.

Sam needed to win a set to clinch a Sf birth - done.

So tomorrow the matches will decide who plays each other on Saturday:

Caroline Wozniacki will play the Vera Zvonareva/Kim Clijters winner.

Samantha Stosur will obviously play the Vera/Kim loser.

Any way you slice it - we are looking at a great weekend of tennis.

Photo: Reuters

WTA Doha Day 1: BOOOO-RING

Day One Round Robin Results

1 Caroline Wozniacki d 7 Elena Dementieva - 61 61

5 Samantha Stosur d 4 Francesca Schiavone - 64 64

2 Vera Zvonareva d 6 Jelena Jankovic - 63 60

***

Hey, the top 2 players played like the top 2 players today.

What a boring day tho when the 3 defeated opponents muster 13 games.

The only real excitement today was Sam come back from 0-4 in the 1st.

What the hell with Elena and Jelena. To be fair, niether was 100%

Don't be surprised to see alternates Shahar Peer & Li Na thi week.

Ok, I'm not feeling well so hopefully I'll have more for you tomorrow.

Here's a video recap on the day:

Photo: AP

WTA Championships in Doha Start Tomorrow - A Look at the Players

Fran, Kim, Vera, Caro, Jelena, Elena & Sam. Vika not pictured.

Last years finalists (Serena d Venus) both qualified but have withdrawn.

The gals have been split into 2 groups of 4 for round-robin play:

White Group: Vera, Kim, Jelena, Victoria

Maroon Group: Caroline, Francesca, Samantha, Elena

2 players from each group will move to the knockout Sf round.

*** The Players ***

Caroline Wozniacki

Ranking: 1

Previous best was a Sf here last year.

She has won 6 titles this season including 4 of the last 5 she's played.

Caro owns a tour-leading 59 match wins (and counting) for 2010.

Vera Zvonareva

Ranking: 2

She was a runner-up at the WTA Championships in 2008.

She played in 6 finals this year winning only 1: Pattaya City.

She was the runner-up at Wimbledon and at the US Open.

Kim Clijsters

Ranking: 4

She has previouly won the WTA Championship in 2002-03.

Kim won 4 titles this season including her 3rd at the US Open.

She ha not lost to a top 10 player all year: 6-0.

Francesca Schiavone

Ranking: 6

This is her first trip to the WTA Championships.

She won 2 titles in 2010 including her famous win at Roland Garros.

Where she became the first Italian woman to win a Slam.

Samantha Stosur

Ranking: 7

This is her first appearance at the WTA Championships.

Sam has won 1 title in 2010 and was runner-up at Roland Garros.

She has served 280 aces this season - 2nd only yo Nadia Petrova.

Jelena Jankovic

Ranking: 8

Previously she has reached the Sf's twice: 2008-09.

She won 1 title in 2010 - at Indian Wells.

In Rome became the 7th player to beat Serena & Venus in the same tourny.

Elena Dementieva

Ranking: 9

Previously she has reached the Sf's in 2000 & 2008.

This is her 10th trip to the WTA Championships.

She has won 2 titles this in '10 & is 1 of 4 active players with 500 tour wins.

Victoria Azarenka

Ranking: 10

Vika booked her spot in Doha after winning in Moscow just last week.

Previously she lost in the round-robin here a year ago.

She won 2 titles in 2010 - at Stanford and Mocow.

She is the only player in the field to have not played in a Slam final.

***

The 8 players have a combined title count for 2010 of 19.

That seems fairly low if you ask me.

Women's Tennis Season-Ending Players Set for Doha '10

Here are your 8 combatants for the season-ending championships in Doha.

1. Caroline Wozniacki 2. Serena Williams 3. Vera Zvonareva

4. Kim Clijsters 5. Samantha Stosur

6. Francesca Schiavone 7. Jelena Jankovic 8. Elena Dementieva

Venus & Justine would've qualified but have ended her years owing to injury.

The tournament begins on Oct. 25 and will be aired live on Tennis Channel.

Hopefully without that annoying ticker...

ATP Men's & WTA Women's Title Count for 2010

WINNER'S TODAY

Kuala Lumpur: Mikhail Youzhny (above) d Andrey Golubev - 67(7) 62 76(3)

Bangkok: Guillermo Garcia-Lopez d Jarkko Nieminen - 64 36 64

2010 MEN'S TITLISTS

SIX titles: Rafael Nadal

FOUR titles: Sam Querrey

THREE titles: Juan Carlos Ferrero

***

TWO titles: Nicolas Almagro, Juan Ignacio Chela, Marin Cilic,

Roger Federer, Mardy Fish, Michael Llodra, Albert Montanes,

Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco, Sergiy Stakhovsky, Mikhail Youzhny

***

ONE title: Marcos Baghdatis, Thomaz Bellucci, Juan Ignacio Chela,

 Nikolay Davydenko, Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez

Richard Gasquet, Andrey Golubev, Ernests Gulbis, Lleyton Hewitt,

John Isner, Ivan Ljubicic, Feliciano Lopez, Andy Murray,

David Nalbandian, Gilles Simon, Robin Soderling, Stanislas Wawrinka,

WINNER TODAY

Caroline Wozniacki d Elena Dementieva in Tokyo yesterday - 16 62 63

2010 WOMEN'S TITLISTS

FIVE titles: Caroline Wozniacki

FOUR titles: Kim Clijsters

TWO titles: Elena Dementieva, Justine Henin, Alisa Kleybanova,

Anastasia Palyuchenkova, Aravane Rezai, Maria Sharapova,

Francesca Schiavone, Agnes Szavay, Serena Williams, Venus Williams

***

ONE title: Victoria Azarenka, Iveta Benesova, Alona Bondarenko,

Anna Chakvetadze, Alexandra Dulgheru, Julia Goerges,

Jarmila Groth, Jelena Jankovic, Kaia Kanepi, Alla Kudryavtseva,

Svetlana Kuznetsova, Kateryna Makarova, Mariana Duque Marina,

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, Li Na, Tamira Paszek, Flavia Pennetta,

Anastajia Sevastova, Sam Stosur, Yanina Wickmayer, Vera Zvonareva

Photos: Getty Images

Caroline Wozniacki Wins WTA Title at Tokyo

Tokyo WTA - Women's Final

1 Caroline Wozniacki d 7 Elena Dementieva - 16 62 63

This is Caro's 11th WTA title & 2nd in Tokyo - she also won in '08.

This is also her 5th and tour-leading title of 2010.

With Serena and Kim out and possibly only playing in Doha next month...

Looks like the race for year-end #1 will boil down to Caro & Vera Zvonareva.

It's a battle of non-Slammers. Caro has a clear lead tho.

This ought to get the broadcasters in a twisted mess...

You know that "fans just don't understand the rankings" nonense.

Sure we do, Serena hasn't played since Wimbledon. Kim is part-time.

See, not so hard to figure out, is it?

Photo: Getty Images

Wozniacki & Dementieva to Play for Tokyo WTA Title

Tokyo WTA - Women's Final

1 Caroline Wozniacki vs 7 Elena Dementieva - H2H: 3-3

They've played once this year - a Sf in New Haven - 76(5) in the 3rd.

Revenge: Today Elena defeated Francesca Schiavone (64 75) to advance.

It was a retirement in the Sf's at Roland Garros that got Fran to that final.

Caroline is looking for a tour-leading 5th title for 2010 - Elena her 3rd.

Caro played a 3 hour Sf in beating Victoria Azarenka - could be a factor.

She is also 1 of 5 contenders playing to finish the year at #1.

If not for that injury at RG Elena would be in the hunt as well.

Should be an entertaining affair - watch it live on Tennis Channel tonight.

I've already turned down a dinner party for this...

Photos: Getty Images

Samantha Stosur Wins 4th Round Match at US Open

US Open - Women's Fourth Round

5 Samantha Stosur d 12 Elena Dementieva - 63 26 76(2)

Easily the best match of the women's tournament thus far.

You know you're watching something special when both save match points.

Well, except I didn't watch it - I was out drinking. Way too much.

Previous to this year Sam had a W/L at the Open of 2-6. She's now 6-6.

Nice to see her play well somewhere other than at Roland Garros.

She will next play #2 seed & defending champ Kim Clijsters - H2H: 3-0/KC.

Tune in, this could be a fun one tomorrow.

Photo: Reuters

Kim Clijsters Storms into Quarterfinal at US Open

US Open - Women's Fourth Round

2 Kim Clijsters d Ana Ivanovic - 62 61

FIFTY-NINE MINUTES

Ok. I think we all knew Kim would win but not quite this easily.

Kim is on an 18 match winning streak at the Open. Winning in '05 & '09.

In 8 trips to Flushing the defender has reached the Qf's 5 times: 3-1.

She'll next face the winner of tonight's Dementieva/Stosur match.

Against both ladies combined she is H2H 14-3 (Elena: 11-3, Sam: 3-0).

As for Ana - she's played pretty well this summer.

She lost 1st round at the Open last year so her ranking will get a nice bump.

She'd be well served to use the rest of the season to get more match tough.

Stosur & Dementieva Set Up 4th Round Match at US Open

US Open - Women's Third Round

5 Samantha Stosur d Sara Errani - 62 63

12 Elena Dementieva d 24 Daniela Hantuchova - 75 62

Elena was down 2-5 facing 2 set points - then won 11 of the next 13 games.

5 Samantha Stosur vs 12 Elena Dementieva - H2H: 4-1

This was probs the Roland Garros final if Elena hadn't retired her Sf match.

This will be the 3rd time they've met in a Slam: 1-1.

Sam has never before been past the 2nd round at the US Open.

Elena is a former finalist ('04) & has been to the Sfs 3 other times.

Thanks in advance for a great match ladies.

Photo: Reuters

Elena Dementieva with the Glamor Shots

I don't know what for or when these were taken but... wow!

I love them and I hate them so that at least makes them fascinating.

One's thing is for sure - that injury break left her with time on her hands.

Come back to us soon Elena.

Thanks to SamStosurNews for tweeting them.

Elena Dementieva Withdraws from Wimbledon

The calf strain Elena picked up at Roland Garros last month has not healed in time to allow her to participate at Wimbldeon. Play begins on Monday.

Elena has been to the last two Wimbledon semifinals - coming within a point of defeating eventual champ Serena Williams last year. Not being able to defend her Sf points her current rank of #5 will take a bit of hit.

This will be the first Slam Elena will miss since the start of her brilliant career. She has played 46 consecutive Slams dating back to the Australian Open in 1999. She has been to the semifinals of 9 Slams and the finals of 2 - losing the Roland Garros and US Open final in 2004.

Photo: Getty Images

Francesca Schiavone Upsets Injured Elena Dementieva to Move into Final of Roland Garros

17 Francesca Schiavone d 5 Elena Dementieva - 76(3) ret.

I was just as shocked as Fran was when Elena walked over to call it quits.

Just saw a part of the presser and Elena says she has a tear in her calf.

An injury she sustained during her 2nd round match.

She didn't call a trainer because she said that it wouldn't have mattered.

It was simply to painful to continue to play.

In 46 consecutive Slam appearances she has never retired a match.

1st time in the Open era there was a retirement at RG in the semis (or final).

*****

Francesca becomes the 1st Italian woman to reach a Slam final in Open era.

With this win she will move into the top 10 for the first time in her career.

She had previously had a career high of #11.

The look of surprise on her face when Elena retired was priceless.

It looked as though it took her a full minute to realize she just won the match.

Fran fought back from a break down to win that set but...

Elena said she wouldn't have played a 2nd set so Fran would've won anyway.

Odd win. But a win none-the-less.

Photo: Getty Images

Women's Semifinals ALL SET TO GO Tomorrow at Roland Garros

We are going to get a new Slam champion this weekend - that's excitement.

You have to go back to RG in '08 and Ivanovic's title for a new Slammer.

*****

4 Jelena Jankovic vs 7 Samantha Stosur - H2H: 3-1

They are 1-1 in '10. Jelena won in Indian Wells - Sam got her back in Miami.

This is Jelena's 3rd RG semi and 6th in a Slam - she is 1-4.

In her previous RG semis she lost to eventual champs: '07 Henin, '08 Ivanovic.

Stosur lost her RG semi last year to eventual champ Kuznetsova.

This match should be an absolute thriller as both ladies are playing great ball.

*****

5 Elena Dementieva vs 17 Francesca Schiavone - H2H: 6-4

Elena has won the last 3 matches - Fran last beat Elena back in '07.

Francesca has never been to a Slam semi. This years Majoli? Or Myskina?

Elena is considered to be the best player not to win a Slam. Her moment?

This is her 8th Slam semifinal - she is 2-5 including a final at RG in '04.

This is Elena's 46th consecutive Slam tournament (123-46). That's a wow!

*****

My heart wants JJ & Elena on Saturday.

Photo: Dementieva's Qf Win - Reuters

Elena Dementieva & Francesca Schiavone to Meet in Roland Garros Semifinal

5 Elena Dementieva d 19 Nadia Petrova - 26 62 60

Elena won the last 10 games of this match to gain her 2nd RG semifinal.

Elena has been to the semis in 5 of the last 8 Slams - she is 0-4.

The '08 Olympic champion is looking for her 3rd Slam final.

She's still looking for her 1st Slam title - the best player without one.

***

17 Francesca Schiavone d 3 Caroline Wozniacki - 62 63

Francesca becomes Italy's first Slam semifinalist on the women's tour.

The 29 year-old said: I'm so happy. I was focused and didn't let my level drop.

All the years I've worked are showing now. Maybe it's a little late for others,

but it's better late than never. And the tournament is not finished yet.

***

5 Elena Dementieva vs 17 Francesca Schiavone - H2H: 6-4

These two ladies played their first match at the US Open in '02 - Fran won.

Elena has won the last 3. They are 1-1 in Slam match-ups.

Photos: Getty Images

Preview: Women's Quarterfinals Set at Roland Garros

*** TOP HALF ***

1 Serena WIlliams vs 7 Samantha Stosur - H2H: 3-1

Her title in '02 was the 1st leg to her 'Serena Slam' - she wants a real one.

This is Serena's 30th Slam quarterfinal - she is 18-11.

This is Stosur's 2nd Slam Qf - she won her other one last year at RG.

This match has the potential to be a real barn-burner.

***

4 Jelena Jankovic vs Yaroslava Shvedova - H2H: 2-1

Shvedova is the gal who beat Jankovic at the US Open last summer.

Shvedova is ranked #36 and barely missed being a seeded player.

Jankovic is a 2 time semifinalist at RG. She is still looking for her 1st Slam.

*** BOTTOM HALF ***

3 Caroline Wozniacki (above) vs 17 Francesca Schiavone - H2H: 0-1

That match was played 2 years ago before Caroline was Caroline.

Francesca played her 1st RG in '01 & made the Qfs - this is her 2nd.

This is Fran's 4th Slam Qf - she has yet to win in this round.

***

5 Elena Dementieva vs 19 Nadia Petrova - H2H: 7-7

Elena has won the last 4 and 6 out of 7 matches played.

This is Elena's 3rd trip to the Qfs at RG (1-1). She was runner-up in '04.

Nadia is looking to move into her 3rd RG semifinal.

Photo: Wozniacki - Getty Images

Nadia Petrova Upsets Venus Williams - To Play Elena Dementieva in Quarters at French Open

19 Nadia Petrova d 2 Venus Williams - 64 63 - 4th Round

Hey, it's clay. She's forgiven. The grass is next. That's V time.

When did Nadia become an old veteran? Time sure does fly.

She has been to the Qfs at RG twice before - she won both matches.

This is also her 2nd straight Slam Qf following Australia in January.

***

5 Elena Dementieva d Chanelle Scheepers - 61 63 - 4th Round

Playing her 12th RG this is oddly enough only her 3rd Qf appearance.

She was runner-up to surprise winner Anastasia Myskina in 2004.

Elena is widely considered the best player to never win a Slam.

***

5 Elena Dementieva vs 19 Nadia Petrova - H2H: 7-7

Elena has won the last 4 matches they've played.

Photos: Getty Images

This Week the Women's WTA Tour Heads to Rome & Estoril

 

ROME - Projected Quarterfinals:

1 Serena Williams vs 5 Svetlana Kuznetsova

4 Venus Williams vs 7 Jelena Jankovic

***

3 Dinara Safina (above) vs 6 Elena Dementieva

2 Caroline Wozniacki vs 8 Agniezska Radwanszka

***

ESTORIL - Projected Semifinals:

1 Agnes Szavay vs 4 Anabel Medina Garrigues

2 Sorona Cirstea vs 3 Aleksandra Wozniack

***

Photo: Dinara Safina wins Rome '09 - Reuters