TennisToday

Laura Robson Beats Venus Williams in 1st Round at Rome

Rome WTA - First Round

Laura Robson d Venus Williams - 63 62

I hate to say it but methinks Venus is over.

And Laura will suffer the revenge factor immediately...

She gets Serena in the next round.

Serena will want to punish her for spanking Venus.

They've never played before. I think it'll be a fun one.

Maria Sharapova Beats Venus Williams to Advance to the 4th Round at the Australian Open

Australian Open - Women's 3rd Round

2 Maria Sharapova d 25 Venus Williams - 61 63

This post isn't really about the match but about the pre-match chatter.

I didn't watch the match as it was on in the middle of the night in LA.

But I saw plenty of pre-match commentary.

And ALL of it sucked.

All of the ESPN people actually gave Venus almost a 50-50 chance.

They spoke about her like it was 5 years ago.

I love Venus but honestly who on earth really thought V would come close?

I get that they are all friend and need to kiss ass.

The worst offender of this is that Justine Gimelstob.

Listening to American commentators commentate on American players...

Is beyond annoying.

Andy Murray & Venus Williams with the Olympic Torch

Venus' Olympic haul: singles gold in '00 & dubs gold in '00 & '08 with Serena.

And Andy's: the big zippo.

He's the #3 seed and something tells me he'll grab one of those medal.

Silver & bronze are nice colors but all of the UK want him to win gold.

I kinda do too.

Photos: top Rueters - bottom Getty

The Wimbledon Champions for 2012

Men's Champion - Roger Federer

Women's Champion - Serena Williams

Men's Doubles - Robert Lindstedt & Jonathan Marray

Women's Tennis - Serena & Venus Williams

Mixed Doubles - Lisa Raymond & Mike Bryan

Venus Williams Upset in Wimbeldon Opener

Wimbledon - Ladies First Round

Elena Vesnina d Venus Williams - 61 63

Hard to watch this 5-time champion go out like this.

Her record at Wimby is legendary: 5 titles in 8 finals and a  W/L of 71-11.

Post match: It's just a couple of months into getting back.

Life is challenging, but I'm always up for a challenge.

The tour will be around for a few more months this year and...

I will just continue to try to improve my game. I feel like I'm a great player.

I am a great player.

Unfortunately I'm dealing with circumstances people don't normally...

Deal with in this sport - but I can't be discouraged by that.

I have great tennis in me. I just need the opportunity.

There's no way I'm going to just sit down and give up because...

I have a hard time the first five or six tournaments back.

That's just not me.

Venus has nothing to hang her head about.

And she's still in the doubles with Serena. Don't bet against them.

Photo: AP

Happy 32nd Birthday Venus Williams

In some ways it feels like yesterday when she burst onto the scene.

And in other way it feels like forever ago.

Along the way she won 43 WTA titles.

Including 5 Wimbledon & 2 US Open titles. And an Olympic singles gold.

Sadly we won't have V around the tour for too much longer.

So enjoy this legend while you can.

The Williams Sisters into Rome Quarterfinals

WTA Rome - Third Round

9 Serena WIlliams d Anabel Medina Garrigues - 63 61

WC Venus Williams d 5 Samantha Stosur - 64 63

Each has won this title once. Venus in 1999 and Serena in 2002.

Crazy that 10 years (plus) since their titles they are in the Qf's.

And by crazy I mean amazing.

Serena is now 13-0 on clay this season.

Venus' run here should be enough to get her on the US Olympic team.

Tomorrow V will play 2 Maria Sharapova - this will be telling.

They are tied at 3 wins each. Venus on the last 2. A long long time ago.

DVR is set.

Serena & Venus Both Out in Quarterfinals at Miami

WTA Miami - Quarterfinals

4 Caroline Wozniacki d 10 Serena Williams - 64 64

5 Agnieszka Radwanska d W Venus Williams - 64 61

Strange to see both Williams sisters go out back-to-back without a set.

Venus looked exhausted from ball one - but it was nice seeing her return.

As for Serena - she was completely outplayed by Caro when it mattered.

Silver lining: Serena will move back into the top 10 next week.

We will be seeing more of S & V this season. Why? One word:

Olympics.

Venus has stated she really wants a spot on the team.

She is currently the 9th ranked American - she needs to be top 4 to qualify.

So she says she's going on a point-gobble tour in the coming months.

And of course they must play Fed Cup. They are.

I wonder how the doubles selection will be handled for London. Stay tuned.

Photos: Getty Images

Venus Williams Wins 3rd Round Thriller at Miami

WTA Miami - Third Round

WC Venus Williams d WC Aleksandra Wozniack -46 64 76(5)

Thriller? Yes. Good match? Not really.

Venus was clearly hampered by her calf being wrapped.

But boy it's good to see her back and fighting to win a match like this.

And Serena was there to watch all 2 hours and 53 minutes of it.

Photos: Getty Images

Kim Clijsters and Venus Williams Make Winning Returns to WTA Tour at Miami

WTA Miami - First Round

WC Venus Williams d Kimiko Date Krumm - 60 63

Kim Clijsters d Jarmila Gajdosova - 46 61 60

Both ladies won their first matches returning from long injury layoffs.

Venus was solid from the jump but Kim needed to shake some rust.

Venus did not play here last year - Kim lost in the Qf's.

Both are former champions: Venus in '98, '99 & '01 - Kim in '05 & '10.

This is Venus' 1st tourny since the US Open & Kim's since the Aussie Open.

Welcome back ladies, you were both missed greatly.

Photos: Getty Images & Reuters

Venus Williams Wins Opener at Wimbledon

Wimbledon Women's First Round

23 Venus Williams d Akgul Amanmurradova - 63 61

The five-time champ needed less than an hour to move into the 2nd round.

With her win she moves her Wimby W/L to 69-9.

Seem like yesterday: Hard to believe she is playing her 15th Wimbledon.

She is looking to improve on her Qf loss from last year.

And in style. I didn't care for her kit but at least she keeps things fun.

Photo: Getty Images

Venus Williams Limps Out of the Australian Open

Australian Open - Women's Third Round

30 Andrea Petkovic d 4 Venus Williams - 1-0 ret.

Gifts for back home: I do love seeing these stars in the ol' towel-grab.

That's four - that I can see. She played 3 rounds - that's a good 12 gifts!

***

Poor thing. Venus sure gave it a shot tho. Can't fault her for that.

Amazing: In 52 Slams played this is her 1st retirement in a major.

The last tour match she retired from was in Los Angeles back in '04.

That was 294 matches ago.

Venus: I was just hoping for some magic that it would feel ok.

So, both Williams Sisters are back on the disabled list.

I hope they are healthy by the time Indian Wells Miami rolls around.

That would be a real treat.

Photo: Reuters

Australian Open Day 3: A Quick Summary

I've been to busy to keep up. So here is one giant post.

As you read keep in mind all of yesterday's matches were second round...

2 Roger Federer d Gilles Simon - 62 63 46 46 63

A genuine bonafide thriller.

Roger hadn't been dumped from a Slam this early since RG '03.

He improved his career record of winning with a 2 set lead to 166-0.

Gilles still remains 1 of 3 active players with a winning H2H over Fed.

Nadal & Murray are the others. He can only (potentially) face 1 - in the final.

4 Venus Williams d Sandra Zahlavova - 76(6) 60 64

An incredible match of fighting spirit.

V pulled a groin muscle at the end of the tie-break.

She leaves court for treatment only to return to serve-up a bagel.

Although injured V has never retired from a Slam match.

Let's see how that feels tomorrow though.

9 Fernando Verdasco d Janko Tipsarevic - 26 46 64 76(0) 60

This thing was an absolute head-stracher.

Janko served for it twice and completely bungled 3 match points.

And once he lost that 4th set TB - he basically lost all heart to play.

This is probably sting for awhile.

6 Francesca Schiavone d Rebecca Marino - 63 57 97

Yet another of the crazy matches played yesterday.

This is Fran's 6th visit to the 3rd round: 2-3. She's never been to the Qf's.

3 Novak Djokovic d Ivan Dodig - 75 76(8) 60 62

Little signs of struggle and frustration in those 1st 2 sets.

But no doubt Novak is happy with the last 2 sets.

This is his 5th straight year thru to the 3rd round: 4-0.

Nole will next face fellow Serb and good friend Viktor Troicki: 6-1/ND.

Remember, Troicki very nearly got him at the US Open last year.

14 Maria Sharapova d Virginie Razzano - 76(3) 63

The former champion, Maria won the last of her 3 Slams here in 2008.

In the 9 Slams she's played since she has gotten to the Qf's (and lost) once.

Stupid shoulder.

Good news: She lost 1st round last year so her ranking will pop a bit.

8 Andy Roddick d Igor Kunitsyn - 76(7) 62 63

I often wonder if Andy let's himself daydream about tennis w/o Federer.

Cuz they are on yet another collision course to meet here in the Qf's.

Observation: Too many slice backhands. That won't cut it next week.

30 Andrea Petkovic d Anne Keothavong - 26 75 60

From the brink Petko digs deep for the magic.

She has only ventured past the 2nd round at a Slam once before:

Her Sf showing at the US Open last year.

She next plays Venus who, as we mentioned before, is quite injured.

29 Viktor Troicki d Nicolas Mahut - 64 62 16 63

It sure feels like that Davis Cup high has lingered, doesn't it?

Too bad DC teammates must play in the next round.

I wonder whose hair is growing back faster?

Viktor has now been to the 3rd round at all 4 Slams. Never further.

8 Victoria Azarenka d Andrea Hlavackova - 64 64

This is Vika's 14th visit to a 3rd round in a Slam: 6-7.

Remember last year she was wheeled off her Qf match after fainting.

One to watch: She has a legitimate shot at a deep run this year.

14 Nicolas Almagro d Igor Andreev - 75 26 46 76(10) 75

Hey whoa whoa whoa, I thought you were a clay courter.

Even so, this is Nico's 3rd straight year to the 3rd round: 1-1.

One might even fancy his chances in his next round against Ljubicic.

I said: Might.

28 Richard Gasquet d Adrian Mannarino - 63 76(4) 64

Lovely to see Richard winning a couple rounds in a Slam.

He lost 1st round here last year so he'll be happy to be collecting points.

He will next face Tomas Berdych with whom has a winning H2H: 2-1.

That should be a real fun one.

***

Phew, now I can get a few things done before Day 4 begins.

This time difference between Melbourne & Los Angeles is a killer.

Photos: AP/Reuters/Getty Images

Venus Williams Prepares for Her 12th Australian Open

Venus enters this fortnight as the tournaments 4th seed.

And oddly, a very quiet 4th seed.

This is her 12th time playing and has accumulated a 37-11 match record.

Venus has been to one final in Melbourne - a loss to sister Serena in '03.

You'll remember that match completed the Serena Slam.

Draw: V's in #1 Caroline Wozniacki's half & #8 Victoria Azarenka's quarter.

Venus will open play against Italian Sara Errani - H2H: 0-0.

Holding breath: What will Venus wear this year on court?

The Williams Sisters are the 2-time defenders in women's doubles.

But with Serena still out Venus must fly solo this go around.

Thank heaven mom is there... I love Oracene. Best tennis mom ever.

Photos: Getty Images

Roger Federer & Venus Williams in New Wilson Spot

Roger: You drive?  Venus: Um, hands free?

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...

And Venus Williams Shuts it Down for the Year...

You can add Venus to the growing list of WTA players calling it quits for the year. How long before Serena joins the list?

In a press release through AP Venus said, "I have been getting treatment and therapy on my knee and have been making progress, but unfortunately must continue to keep weight off my knee for the short term and won't be ready to return to competition in 2010. I am looking forward to returning to full health in time for the start of 2011 season and hopefully having the opportunity to play in both the Fed Cup and WTA Championships next year."

Venus is currently ranked #3 after having returned to #2 earlier this year on the strength of back-to-back titles at Dubai & Acapulco in February. Her last match was a semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters at the US Open. She will end her 2010 season with a win/loss of 38/7.

See you Australia.

Photo: Getty Images

Women's Tennis: The Race for Year End #1 is On

With the end of the season drawing close there looks to be a six-way race for the year-end #1 ranking. As of now Serena looks to be comfortably ahead of the pack but in taking a closer look all is not as it seems. Kim, Vera, Caro & Venus are all within striking positions. Sure, Jelena is a very big dark horse in this race but I threw her in there simply because she has done it before, in 2008.

This may surprise some but Serena is looking for only her 3rd year-end #1 Even more surprising perhaps is that Venus has never done it - in fact, Venus has spent a grand total of 11 weeks at #1, period. Caroline and Vera have never been to #1 and are certainly in the mix. But... if you want to bet the house I think the best odds are on Kim finishing the year on top.

There are 4 women vying for the year-end #1 that did not win a Slam this year. This has happened 5 times before so I really think that this conversation should be put to rest - it's just not new anymore. Martina Hingis did it in '00, Lindsay Davenport in '01, '04 & '05 and Jelena accomplished the feat in '08. By the way, Lindsay's '01 & '04 years were without even getting to a Slam final.

Current Ranking - Points to Defend thru Year's End

1. Serena Williams has 6995 with 1640 to defend.

The bulk of Serena's point to defend mostly come from winning the Tour Championships in Doha last year. Serena has not played a tournament since Wimbledon and has only just hit the practice courts. If she should happen to call it a year and show up next in Australia she will surely fall from the top. And if she plays in Doha it wouldn't be the first time she's entered a tournament cold and won the title. This will be interesting.

2. Caroline Wozniacki has 5910 with 667 to defend.

Had she not sprained her ankle in Charleston she might already be #1. She doesn't have any really great results to defend except the Sf's in Doha. This is a real possibility. She could use Martina Hingis' 2000 year-end #1 run as inspiration - Martina did not win a Slam that season but sealed the deal by winning the Tour Championships at year's end.

3. Venus Williams has 5786 with 811 to defend.

This just isn't going to happen. She just doesn't play enough - which explains the tepid affair she's had with #1 as I mentioned above. Save for Serena, these other women are going to outplay her right out of serious contention.

4. Vera Zvonareva has 5550 with 381 to defend.

Like Lindsay Davenport in '05 Vera is in the position to grab the year-end top spot on the back of 2 Slam runner-up showings. Vera does not have a lot of points to defend here on out but she might get run over by someone who could roll:

5. Kim Clijsters has 5325 with 30 to defend.

After Kim won the US Open last year in her 3rd tournament back from retirement she played the event in Luxembourg and then called it a year. This year she has qualified for Doha and depending on how many tournaments she enters leading up to the Tour Championships she could easily finish 2010 as the top ranked woman. I'm hoping she sees that and goes for it.

6. Jelena Jankovic has 5205 with 1205 to defend.

Given Jelena's up-and-down play this season she is not a serious contender. There is a very slim outside chance - she'd have to run the table and hope the other ladies ahead of her falter. It's not likely.

Kim Clijsters Reaches 4th US Open Final

US Open - Women's Semifinal

2 Kim Clijsters d 3 Venus Williams - 46 76(2) 64

How many times did each try to hand the match to the other?

I mean, you gotta close a match out ladies.

Venus will be kicking herself that she's not in this final tomorrow.

And Kim needs to thank her lucky stars that she is...

This is Kim's 4 consecutive US Open final, following '03, '05 & '09.

She is 2-1 in Open finals - losing in '03 to nemesis Justine Henin.

She is 2-4 in Slam finals. (Damn that Justine.)

Do it for Jada - she loves seeing mom in prime time.

Photo: Reuters

Women's Semifinals All Set to GO at the US Open

US Open - Women's Semifinal Preview

1 Caroline Wozniacki vs 7 Vera Zvonareva - H2H: 2-2

They have met twice this year and split matches.

Both women are Slam finalists: Caro here in '09, Vera at Wimby this year.

Both are looking for their 2nd final and maiden Slam title.

Caro has won her last 2 tournaments and is riding a 14 match win streak.

A betting man would pick Caroline to make her 2nd US Open final.

***

2 Kim Clijsters (above) vs 3 Venus Williams - H2H: 6-6

This is a battle of two 2-time Open champs: Venus '00-'01; Kim '05 & '09.

They played a weird one in the 4th round last year, Kim winning 60 06 64.

They played once this year - in Miami and Kim smoked her 2 & 1.

This is Kim's 14th Slam Sf: 6-7. And this is Vee's 19th: 14-4.

I'd say this is too close to call but if I had to I'd bet on Kim.

Photo: Reuters