Martinez Sanchez defeats Voskoboeva to win Korea Open

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Jose-Maria Martinez Sanchez won the Hansol Korea Open on Sunday, defeating Galina Voskoboeva in the final in straight sets, 7-6(0), 7-6(2).

The Spaniard, who was sixth-seeded for the tournament on Seouls Olympic Park hard courts, showed her experience in both tie-breaks, allowing her opponent from Kazakhstan just two points.

The first set saw just one break of serve each but Martinez Sanchez took control of the tie-break, winning it to love.

Voskoboeva, in her first WTA Singles final, responded strongly, taking a 3-1 lead in the second set but was unable to hold on to her serve.

Martinez Sanchez, ranked 36 in the world, took control of the second tie-break against an increasingly frustrated Voskoboeva, ranked 82nd, to win her fifth title and her second of 2011.

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Djokovic credits pizza-free diet for his success

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Ever since eliminating pizza from his diet, Novak Djokovic has been on a roll.

Djokovic has been boasting all season about how he has more energy on the tennis court since starting a gluten-free diet, cutting out pizza and bread from his daily life. But the top-ranked Serb has been reluctant to discuss his new regimen in any detail, preferring to let his game do the talking.

The man with the answers is Igor Cetojevic, a Serbian doctor and nutritionist who began working with Djokovic at the end of last year.

“I checked him to see what is going on, gave some advice and therapy,” Cetojevic told the Associated Press in a telephone interview. “He started to follow them. He started to sleep properly for the first time in his life.”

It actually seems as if it was as easy as that.

Djokovic had won only one Grand Slam title heading into 2011. He now has four after winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, while compiling an amazing 64-3 record this year - with two of those losses coming from injury retirements, including in a Davis Cup match to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina last Sunday.

For the past couple of years, Djokovic had been firmly entrenched as the No. 3 player in the world behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Although he was consistently going deep into the majors, Djokovics lone big title came at the 2008 Australian Open. Otherwise, he was losing early or even pulling out of matches because he wasnt in good enough shape.

When things started to change, Djokovic hushed up, declining to talk about his new training routine.

“I cant talk about it,” Djokovic said at the French Open, “because its private.”

Last month, about two weeks before the start of the U.S. Open, Djokovic again demurred when asked about the diet.

“I cannot tell you everything,” said Djokovic, who grew up at his parents pizza parlor on Mt. Kopaonik in southern Serbia. “There are things that I keep for myself.”

But the science behind the decision to essentially cut wheat, barley and rye out of Djokovics diet isnt all that secret.

Cetojevic said he used a SCIO bio-feedback machine - basically attaching some wires to a person and connecting them to a computer - to study the effects that food has on Djokovics body. He saw that the gluten was “through the roof,” and knew he needed to do something about it.

“We can see most reactions in the body so we can eliminate the bad guys and put good guys in,” Cetojevic explained, keeping it as simple as can be.

Cetojevic said the details behind the program can be complicated and he isnt surprised when Djokovic evades questions about the diet.

“Hes not a medical doctor,” said Cetojevic, adding that even he found it difficult to explain to people what was going on. “He cannot talk about that.”

The idea of working with Djokovic came about two years ago, long before Cetojevic had ever met the tennis star. And it started because of his wife, a holistic therapist from the United States.

“I saw Nole playing some match against (Jo-Wilfried) Tsonga in Australia,” Cetojevic said. “My wife told me, This guy has some allergy. I said, I dont think so. Something else is there.

“She told me, Help him. Hes your countryman,” Cetojevic said with a laugh.

Cetojevic made some calls to people who knew Djokovic and left the message that he might be able to help.

“Time passed, and one day they called me,” said Cetojevic, who flew to Split, Croatia, to meet Djokovic for the first time as he played in the Davis Cup quarterfinals against Croatia in July 2010.

It was there that the lessons started, and they involved more than just nutrition.

“I started teaching Nole simple things, like avoid talking on the telephone and eating because youre ignoring your food,” said Cetojevic, who also studied traditional Chinese medicine and magnetotherapy. “He started responding very well. Started to kind of eat well, not have weak stomach, vomiting after meals.

“Slowly, slowly he started to build up. I started to observe how he behaves.”

The new ideas, including blessing his food before eating in order to have an “emotional, spiritual connection with food,” were not completely accepted by some in Djokovics camp, Cetojevic said, especially after the player started losing weight. But once the results started coming and the weight came back, Cetojevic was hired full time.

“In Chinese medicine, confidence is in the stomach,” Cetojevic said.

Even Federer, a 16-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1, said he doesnt really understand what it is about the gluten-free diet that has made Djokovic so tough to beat.

“I dont even know what that all means,” Federer said last month at the U.S. Open. “I eat healthy, and I think thats what people should do, too, if they have the options.”

But believing in it, and putting it into effect, is really what matters. And Djokovic has done just that.

Cetojevic sat in the players box at Rod Laver Arena as Djokovic beat Andy Murray to win his second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Djokovic then ran his winning streak to 43 straight matches before losing to Federer in the French Open semifinals. A few weeks later, Djokovic beat defending champion Nadal to win his first Wimbledon title.

It was Djokovics desire to win Wimbledon that initially endeared him to Cetojevic.

“When he was a very small boy, he played at home with this little empty pot and on a little chair he stepped on it and said, Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon champion. He was already visualizing what he wants to be,” Cetojevic said. “That pure will to succeed touched me.”

And after that win, right after Djokovic pulled a few blades of grass from the manicured lawn at the All England Club to physically taste his victory, Cetojevic knew his job was complete.

“I stopped after Wimbledon because that was our goal,” said Cetojevic, who returned to his practice in Cyprus. “We had our target.”

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Seppi advances, Montanes out of Bucharest tourney

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Seventh-seeded Andreas Seppi of Italy defeated Eric Prodon 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 in the first round of the Nastase Tiriac Trophy on Tuesday.

Seppi will face Igor Andreev of Russia, who beat Peter Torebko 5-7, 6-4, 7-5.

Eighth-seeded Spaniard Albert Montanes had an early exit, losing 7-5, 6-4 to Alessandro Giannessi of Italy.

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Australia’s Stosur beats Serena for U.S. Open women’s title

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Already being outplayed by Samantha Stosur in the U.S. Open final, the last thing Serena Williams needed was to lose a game for yelling during a point.

Thats exactly what happened early in the second set, leading to an argument between Will the Americans tirade two years ago at the same tournament. In the end, Stosur beat Williams 6-2, 6-3 Sunday in a surprisingly lopsided upset for her first Grand Slam title.

“Im still kind of speechless. I cant actually believe I won this tournament,” Stosur said. “I guess to go out there and play the way I did is obviously just an unbelievable feeling, and you always hope and you want to be able to do that, but to actually do it, is unbelievable.”

Hitting powerful strokes from the baseline, and looking fresher than the far-more-accomplished Williams right from the start, the ninth-seeded Stosur became the first Australian woman to win a major championship since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.

Only 2-9 in tournament finals before beating Williams, Stosur made the U.S. Open the third consecutive Grand Slam tournament with a first-time womens major champion, after Li Na at the French Open, and Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon.

“She played really, really well. I mean, I dont think shes ever played that well,” Williams said. “Maybe she has; I havent seen her play that well.”

This was only the 27-year-old Stosurs third title at any tour-level event, and what a way to do it. She took advantage of Wil despite the bizarre events that unfolded in the second set.

More 2011 U.S. Open Brackets: Men | Women Past champs: Men | Women American champs | Multiple titles Grand Slam titles: Men | Women More: U.S. Open official website Raymond, Huber claim womens doubles title Britains Golding takes home boys trophy American Min captures girls championship Melzer, Petzschner take mens doubles title Americans Oudin, Sock win mixed doubles title Videos Womens final recap: Stosur vs. Serena Center court trophy presentation Stosur celebrates triumph in stands Mens final preview: Djokovic vs. Nadal 9/11: New Yorkers united 10 years later

Indeed, the biggest victory of Stosurs career so far likely will be recalled by everyone else for Williams latest dispute with an official at Flushing Meadows.

Down a set and facing a break point in the first game of the second, the 13-time major champion hit a forehand and shouted, “Come on!” as Stosur reached down for a backhand. Chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Williams hindered Stosurs ability to complete the point and awarded it to Stosur - putting her ahead 1-0 in that set.

Williams went over to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Im not giving her that game.”

Williams also said: “I promise you, thats not cool. Thats totally not cool.”

Some fans began booing, delaying the start of the next game as both players waited for the commotion to subside.

Tournament director Brian Earley said Asderakis ruling was proper, according to U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier.

International Tennis Federation rules say: “If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent[s], the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent[s], or something outside the players own control [not including a permanent fixture].”

Williams said lat such as when one players hat flies off during a point.

In the heat of the moment, Williams had trouble putting the whole episode behind her.

During the changeover two games later, Williams continued to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Youre out of control. … Youre a hater, and youre just unattractive inside.”

Williams also told the official: “Really, dont even look at me.”

Asderaki issued a code violation warning for verbal abuse, and the Widmaier said Earley would speak to the chair umpire and review tape to determine whether Williams would be fined. That decision will be announced Monday.

At her news conference, Williams rolled her eyes while deflecting a question about whether she regretted what she said to Asderaki.

“I dont even remember what I said. It was just so intense out there. … I guess Ill see it on YouTube,” Williams said.

When Stosur wrapped up the match with a forehand winner, Williams refused the customary post-match handshake with the chair umpire.

“I hit a winner, but I guess it didnt count,” Williams said during the trophy presentation. “It wouldnt have mattered in the end. Sam played really well.”

Asked after the match about being awarded the point because of Williams shout, Stosur said: “I guess the rules of tennis are there for a reason. She made the call that she felt was right.”

This sort of thing has happened before at the U.S. Open to Williams, who won the tournament in 1999, 2002 and 2008.

With the American flag in the background on this special day in New York, Samantha Stosur enjoys her trophy. (Getty Images) In the 2009 semifinals against Kim Clijsters, Williams was called for a foot-fault that set her off on a profanity-laced outburst at a line judge. Williams lost a point there, and because it came on match point, Clijsters won.

That led to an immediate $10,000 fine from the U.S. Tennis Association and later a record $82,500 fine from Grand Slam committee director Bill Babcock, who also put Williams on a “probationary period” at Grand Slam tournaments in 2010 and 2011, saying that fine could wind up doubled. The USTA said Babcock will determine whether what Williams said to Asderaki on Sunday is a “major event” that counts as a violation of that probation.

A poor call during Williams 2004 U.S. Open quarterfinal loss to Jennifer Capriati was cited as a main reason for the introduction of replay technology in tennis.

“Its just always something,” said Williams mother, Oracene Price. “And it seems to happen to us.”

Because of rain during this years tournament, the womens final was pushed from Saturday night to Sunday. It was preceded by a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, “9/11/01″ was painted in white next to the blue court to commemorate the 10th anniversary, and the U.S. flag atop Arthur Ashe Stadium was at half-mast.

A couple of hours before stepping on court, Williams tweeted: “My Thoughts and prayers to all who lost loved ones on 9-11. I know the entire country is with you today. Im playing for you today.”

while Williams was in her 17th.

“I felt like I was definitely the underdog,” Stosur said.

For all of her edges in experience, Williams was the one who started a bit shakily. She was back in action less than 18 hours after winning her semifinal over No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki on Saturday night, and Williams game was sleepy.

“It was a little bit of a tough turnaround, but I dont think it would have made a difference today,” said Williams, who said she didnt fall asleep until after 4 a.m. “I just probably should have been lighter on my toes was problematic, slower and less accurate than usual: Only three of her initial 14 first serves landed in, and they hovered around 100 mph. Told shed put 35 percent of her first serves in play during the first set, Williams replied: “Wow. Thats not so good.”

Williams pushed a backhand long to get broken and fall behind 2-1. And she dumped a backhand into the net to lose serve again, making Stosurs lead 5-2. When Stosur smacked a forehand winner moments later, she had taken 12 points in a row and owned the first set.

That was the first set Williams had lost in seven matches during this U.S. Open, a run that included four victories over women ranked in the top 20. Entering the final, Williams was 18-0 on hard courts this season, a full-throttle comeback after missing nearly a full year because of a series of health scares, including cuts on her feet from glass at a restaurant, two foot operations, clots in her lungs and a gathering of blood beneath the skin of her stomach.

She was ranked 175th after a fourth-round exit at Wimbledon, but hadnt lost since then until Sunday and was seeded 28th at the U.S. Open.

“Its been an arduous road. Six months ago in the hospital, I never thought Id be standing here today,” Williams said. “I didnt think Id be standing, let alone here.”

Stosur dealt with her own health issues that could have sidetracked her career, and she became the oldest U.S. Open champion since Martina Navratilova w Stosur only once got past the third round in singles at a major tournament before reaching the 2009 semifinals at the French Open.

Her game has improved dramatically since she returned to the tour in April 2008 after about nine months away while recovering from Lyme disease, a tick-born illness that can affect a persons joints and nervous system. She was ranked 149th two years ago; on Monday, shell rise to No. 7.

“It kind of made me open my eyes more that you dont necessarily always get a second chance,” Stosur said. “I wanted to take every opportunity I had, and I have now been able to fulfill that.”

The five games Williams won matched her lowest total in 240 career Grand Slam matches.

“She was cracking em today,” Williams said. “She definitely hit hard and just went for broke.”

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Nadal routs Tsonga to lead Spain into Davis Cup final

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Rafael Nadal put Spain into the Davis Cup final after routing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-0, 6-2, 6-4 for an insurmountable 3-1 lead against France in their semifinal encounter.

Nadal complained of fatigue coming into the series but showed no symptoms as he dominated the 10th-ranked Frenchman on the outdoor clay at Cordobas bullring to give the hosts a chance at a third title in four years. Spain won 4-1 after Fernando Verdasco beat Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-1 in the final reverse singles.

Tsonga replaced Gilles Simon for the reverse singles match after an impressive doubles victory but was frustrated by 50 unforced errors, especially a misfiring backhand as France won just 16 games over three singles matches.

“Simply put, Rafa was just too good this weekend,” Tsonga said. “Hes the best player ever on clay court, I think, hes practically unbeatable on this surface and today we didnt create the exception.”

Spain will host Argentina in the Dec. 2-4 final after Novak Djokovic retired while trailing to Juan Martin Del Potro in the fourth singles rubber for the Argentines to set an insurmountable 3-1 lead.

Tsongas erratic play against a player who has won 32 titles on clay left little doubt over the result as Nadal served out the victory in 2 hours, 17 minutes when Tsonga shot wide.

Nadal, who never faced a break point, is now 14-0 on clay and 18-1 in Davis Cup singles play. Nadal was a member of three of Spains four title-winning teams and leads it into its sixth final since 2000 and eighth overall.

“You might think it gets easier to win but it doesnt,” Nadal said after allowing Tsonga just six points on his serve. “Thanks to the excellent relations inside the team the Spanish players have stayed united over the years to keep winning.”

Nadal has complained about the overcrowded tennis calendar sapping his stamina as he raced from his U.S. Open final defeat to Novak Djokovic in New York on Monday to rout Richard Gasquet on Friday. But on Sunday, Nadal was energized and playing all of Tsongas shots except for the many that landed out as he scored nearly twice as many points as his opponent, while hitting just eight unforced errors.

“He had a tough time keeping the ball in,” said Nadal, whose lone defeat came in his debut in 2004. “It was tough to play in this heat.”

Tsonga started with an ace but Nadal closed that first game with the first of six break points to ignite the boisterous crowd, which launched into chants of “Torero” (Bullfighter) throughout the afternoon at the Los Califas bullring that is normally filled by bullfighting aficionados.

Nadal clinched three break points in the first set after Tsonga sent a backhand into the net, doublefaulted and finally sent a backhand wide.

Tsonga switched to serve-and-volley with some success as both players held serve to start the second set until Tsonga hit a forehand long while facing a triple-break point in the fifth game. Nadal was ahead and broke again in the seventh game when his opponent sent another backhand wide.

“He pushes you to make mistakes. It looks like Im making errors but hes the one pushing you to make those,” the Frenchman said. “Its really hard to return his shot. Its less the surface than how Rafa hits his shot.”

The six-time French Open champion closed out the set by hitting a forehand down the line for one of 21 winners on the afternoon, when the temperature dropped slightly from previous days to 30 degrees Celsius (86 F).

Tsonga managed to hold until the seventh game of the final set when he raced forward to smash into the net to give Nadal a double-break opportunity. The second-ranked Spaniard converted his final break when the Frenchman volleyed his backhand wide.

The final will take place in Spain with Valencia and Madrid reportedly interested in hosting the event.

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Australia’s Stosur beats Serena for U.S. Open women’s title

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Already being outplayed by Samantha Stosur in the U.S. Open final, the last thing Serena Williams needed was to lose a game for yelling during a point.

Thats exactly what happened early in the second set, leading to an argument between Will the Americans tirade two years ago at the same tournament. In the end, Stosur beat Williams 6-2, 6-3 Sunday in a surprisingly lopsided upset for her first Grand Slam title.

“Im still kind of speechless. I cant actually believe I won this tournament,” Stosur said. “I guess to go out there and play the way I did is obviously just an unbelievable feeling, and you always hope and you want to be able to do that, but to actually do it, is unbelievable.”

Hitting powerful strokes from the baseline, and looking fresher than the far-more-accomplished Williams right from the start, the ninth-seeded Stosur became the first Australian woman to win a major championship since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.

Only 2-9 in tournament finals before beating Williams, Stosur made the U.S. Open the third consecutive Grand Slam tournament with a first-time womens major champion, after Li Na at the French Open, and Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon.

“She played really, really well. I mean, I dont think shes ever played that well,” Williams said. “Maybe she has; I havent seen her play that well.”

This was only the 27-year-old Stosurs third title at any tour-level event, and what a way to do it. She took advantage of Wil despite the bizarre events that unfolded in the second set.

More 2011 U.S. Open Brackets: Men | Women Past champs: Men | Women American champs | Multiple titles Grand Slam titles: Men | Women More: U.S. Open official website Raymond, Huber claim womens doubles title Britains Golding takes home boys trophy American Min captures girls championship Melzer, Petzschner take mens doubles title Americans Oudin, Sock win mixed doubles title Videos Womens final recap: Stosur vs. Serena Center court trophy presentation Stosur celebrates triumph in stands Mens final preview: Djokovic vs. Nadal 9/11: New Yorkers united 10 years later

Indeed, the biggest victory of Stosurs career so far likely will be recalled by everyone else for Williams latest dispute with an official at Flushing Meadows.

Down a set and facing a break point in the first game of the second, the 13-time major champion hit a forehand and shouted, “Come on!” as Stosur reached down for a backhand. Chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Williams hindered Stosurs ability to complete the point and awarded it to Stosur - putting her ahead 1-0 in that set.

Williams went over to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Im not giving her that game.”

Williams also said: “I promise you, thats not cool. Thats totally not cool.”

Some fans began booing, delaying the start of the next game as both players waited for the commotion to subside.

Tournament director Brian Earley said Asderakis ruling was proper, according to U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier.

International Tennis Federation rules say: “If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent[s], the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent[s], or something outside the players own control [not including a permanent fixture].”

Williams said lat such as when one players hat flies off during a point.

In the heat of the moment, Williams had trouble putting the whole episode behind her.

During the changeover two games later, Williams continued to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Youre out of control. … Youre a hater, and youre just unattractive inside.”

Williams also told the official: “Really, dont even look at me.”

Asderaki issued a code violation warning for verbal abuse, and the Widmaier said Earley would speak to the chair umpire and review tape to determine whether Williams would be fined. That decision will be announced Monday.

At her news conference, Williams rolled her eyes while deflecting a question about whether she regretted what she said to Asderaki.

“I dont even remember what I said. It was just so intense out there. … I guess Ill see it on YouTube,” Williams said.

When Stosur wrapped up the match with a forehand winner, Williams refused the customary post-match handshake with the chair umpire.

“I hit a winner, but I guess it didnt count,” Williams said during the trophy presentation. “It wouldnt have mattered in the end. Sam played really well.”

Asked after the match about being awarded the point because of Williams shout, Stosur said: “I guess the rules of tennis are there for a reason. She made the call that she felt was right.”

This sort of thing has happened before at the U.S. Open to Williams, who won the tournament in 1999, 2002 and 2008.

With the American flag in the background on this special day in New York, Samantha Stosur enjoys her trophy. (Getty Images) In the 2009 semifinals against Kim Clijsters, Williams was called for a foot-fault that set her off on a profanity-laced outburst at a line judge. Williams lost a point there, and because it came on match point, Clijsters won.

That led to an immediate $10,000 fine from the U.S. Tennis Association and later a record $82,500 fine from Grand Slam committee director Bill Babcock, who also put Williams on a “probationary period” at Grand Slam tournaments in 2010 and 2011, saying that fine could wind up doubled. The USTA said Babcock will determine whether what Williams said to Asderaki on Sunday is a “major event” that counts as a violation of that probation.

A poor call during Williams 2004 U.S. Open quarterfinal loss to Jennifer Capriati was cited as a main reason for the introduction of replay technology in tennis.

“Its just always something,” said Williams mother, Oracene Price. “And it seems to happen to us.”

Because of rain during this years tournament, the womens final was pushed from Saturday night to Sunday. It was preceded by a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, “9/11/01″ was painted in white next to the blue court to commemorate the 10th anniversary, and the U.S. flag atop Arthur Ashe Stadium was at half-mast.

A couple of hours before stepping on court, Williams tweeted: “My Thoughts and prayers to all who lost loved ones on 9-11. I know the entire country is with you today. Im playing for you today.”

while Williams was in her 17th.

“I felt like I was definitely the underdog,” Stosur said.

For all of her edges in experience, Williams was the one who started a bit shakily. She was back in action less than 18 hours after winning her semifinal over No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki on Saturday night, and Williams game was sleepy.

“It was a little bit of a tough turnaround, but I dont think it would have made a difference today,” said Williams, who said she didnt fall asleep until after 4 a.m. “I just probably should have been lighter on my toes was problematic, slower and less accurate than usual: Only three of her initial 14 first serves landed in, and they hovered around 100 mph. Told shed put 35 percent of her first serves in play during the first set, Williams replied: “Wow. Thats not so good.”

Williams pushed a backhand long to get broken and fall behind 2-1. And she dumped a backhand into the net to lose serve again, making Stosurs lead 5-2. When Stosur smacked a forehand winner moments later, she had taken 12 points in a row and owned the first set.

That was the first set Williams had lost in seven matches during this U.S. Open, a run that included four victories over women ranked in the top 20. Entering the final, Williams was 18-0 on hard courts this season, a full-throttle comeback after missing nearly a full year because of a series of health scares, including cuts on her feet from glass at a restaurant, two foot operations, clots in her lungs and a gathering of blood beneath the skin of her stomach.

She was ranked 175th after a fourth-round exit at Wimbledon, but hadnt lost since then until Sunday and was seeded 28th at the U.S. Open.

“Its been an arduous road. Six months ago in the hospital, I never thought Id be standing here today,” Williams said. “I didnt think Id be standing, let alone here.”

Stosur dealt with her own health issues that could have sidetracked her career, and she became the oldest U.S. Open champion since Martina Navratilova w Stosur only once got past the third round in singles at a major tournament before reaching the 2009 semifinals at the French Open.

Her game has improved dramatically since she returned to the tour in April 2008 after about nine months away while recovering from Lyme disease, a tick-born illness that can affect a persons joints and nervous system. She was ranked 149th two years ago; on Monday, shell rise to No. 7.

“It kind of made me open my eyes more that you dont necessarily always get a second chance,” Stosur said. “I wanted to take every opportunity I had, and I have now been able to fulfill that.”

The five games Williams won matched her lowest total in 240 career Grand Slam matches.

“She was cracking em today,” Williams said. “She definitely hit hard and just went for broke.”

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Nadal again calling for change to overcrowded schedule

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Rafael Nadal wants an immediate fix to overcrowded tennis calendar or players may examine tougher options to force a change.

Nadal beat Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 on Friday to put Spain ahead of France 1-0 in the Davis Cup semifinals, the match coming only four days after the second-ranked Spaniard lost to Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open final.

Rafael Nadal says players might have to use strong action if something isnt done about heavy schedule. (Getty Images) Nadal has complained before about the overcrowded calendar. When asked if a strike would be possible, he said players may have to use “strong action” if necessary.

“We dont want to get there. We want to play. But if its a fight about something that we think is fair, something would have to happen,” Nadal said on Friday. “Sometimes the only way to make things happen is to choose strong action.”

Nadal insisted an “evolution” in the calendar must be made or “we might get to a place where we might not want to be.”

“They dont want to change anything,” Nadal said. “You cant always just think about the personal benefit. It seems as if those in charge arent aware.”

The Davis Cup quarterfinals are played the week after Wimbledon while the semifinals are played the week following the U.S. Open.

While Nadal has been a vocal critic, the dates are also partly his doing.

Nadal was among 17 of the top 20 players who asked the International Tennis Federation, which organizes the Davis Cup, to alter the calendar in October 2006. The change was implemented at the start of the 2009 season.

In the letter, also signed by then-No. 1 Roger Federer and Andy Roddick, Nadal asked that Davis Cup play come in the week immediately following the Grand Slam events and not two weeks later as originally scheduled.

Spain teammate David Ferrer, who won his match against Gilles Simon to put Spain 2-0 in front, said the majority of players agreed with Nadals perspective.

“Were not machines, we are at the limits of our physical ability,” the fifth-ranked Ferrer said. “No doubt something has to change.”

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Nadal gives Spain 1-0 lead over France in Davis Cup

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Rafael Nadal shrugged off his disappointment and fatigue from losing the U.S. Open final to rout Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 Friday and give Spain a 1-0 lead over France in their Davis Cup semifinal.

Nadal quickly forgot Mondays loss to Novak Djokovic in New York on his favored outdoor clay surface in hot conditions at Cordobas bullring.

Gasquet pushed the Spaniard early in the first set before succumbing to his mix of precision and power, with the second-ranked Nadal reeling off 11 straight games at one point to give the hosts the early lead.

Nadal hasnt lost a Davis Cup singles match since his debut in 2004 and, despite draping himself in a towel to hide from the searing heat in the changeovers, that run never looked in doubt.

“Everything worked out for the best. At the start it was complicated and I was at the limit, physically,” Nadal, who is 13-0 on clay in the Davis Cup, said. “But the effort was positive and in all moments I did what I had to do.”

David Ferrer, who led Spain past the United States in the quarterfinals, looks to extend the lead when he plays Gilles Simon later. Ferrer is 10-0 on clay in the competition.

Temperatures rose past 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) at the Plaza De Toros De Los Califas as Nadal broke for a 1-0 lead. The pair then held serve until Nadals second break clinched the set as Gasquet netted a backhand when rushing forward.

The French Open champion was pulling away and clinched the second set with a forehand smash after having run Gasquet around with a mix of forehand winners.

Gasquet watched a crosscourt forehand sail past him for Nadal to break for 2-0 in the third set. Although the 15th-ranked Frenchman finally defended his serve in the fourth game to stop Nadals run, the Spaniard broke for the seventh and final time on his next opportunity.

Nadals 30th winner, an exquisite drop shot, clinched a 2-hour victory in which Gasquet failed to conjure up a single break point.

Spain hasnt lost a series on home soil since 1999 as it vies to reach its sixth final since 2000, where either Serbia or Argentina await.

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Australia’s Stosur beats Serena for U.S. Open women’s title

Posted by: admin  :  Category: Tennis news

Already being outplayed by Samantha Stosur in the U.S. Open final, the last thing Serena Williams needed was to lose a game for yelling during a point.

Thats exactly what happened early in the second set, leading to an argument between Will the Americans tirade two years ago at the same tournament. In the end, Stosur beat Williams 6-2, 6-3 Sunday in a surprisingly lopsided upset for her first Grand Slam title.

“Im still kind of speechless. I cant actually believe I won this tournament,” Stosur said. “I guess to go out there and play the way I did is obviously just an unbelievable feeling, and you always hope and you want to be able to do that, but to actually do it, is unbelievable.”

Hitting powerful strokes from the baseline, and looking fresher than the far-more-accomplished Williams right from the start, the ninth-seeded Stosur became the first Australian woman to win a major championship since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.

Only 2-9 in tournament finals before beating Williams, Stosur made the U.S. Open the third consecutive Grand Slam tournament with a first-time womens major champion, after Li Na at the French Open, and Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon.

“She played really, really well. I mean, I dont think shes ever played that well,” Williams said. “Maybe she has; I havent seen her play that well.”

This was only the 27-year-old Stosurs third title at any tour-level event, and what a way to do it. She took advantage of Wil despite the bizarre events that unfolded in the second set.

More 2011 U.S. Open Brackets: Men | Women Past champs: Men | Women American champs | Multiple titles Grand Slam titles: Men | Women More: U.S. Open official website Raymond, Huber claim womens doubles title Britains Golding takes home boys trophy American Min captures girls championship Melzer, Petzschner take mens doubles title Americans Oudin, Sock win mixed doubles title Videos Womens final recap: Stosur vs. Serena Center court trophy presentation Stosur celebrates triumph in stands Mens final preview: Djokovic vs. Nadal 9/11: New Yorkers united 10 years later

Indeed, the biggest victory of Stosurs career so far likely will be recalled by everyone else for Williams latest dispute with an official at Flushing Meadows.

Down a set and facing a break point in the first game of the second, the 13-time major champion hit a forehand and shouted, “Come on!” as Stosur reached down for a backhand. Chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Williams hindered Stosurs ability to complete the point and awarded it to Stosur - putting her ahead 1-0 in that set.

Williams went over to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Im not giving her that game.”

Williams also said: “I promise you, thats not cool. Thats totally not cool.”

Some fans began booing, delaying the start of the next game as both players waited for the commotion to subside.

Tournament director Brian Earley said Asderakis ruling was proper, according to U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier.

International Tennis Federation rules say: “If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent[s], the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent[s], or something outside the players own control [not including a permanent fixture].”

Williams said lat such as when one players hat flies off during a point.

In the heat of the moment, Williams had trouble putting the whole episode behind her.

During the changeover two games later, Williams continued to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Youre out of control. … Youre a hater, and youre just unattractive inside.”

Williams also told the official: “Really, dont even look at me.”

Asderaki issued a code violation warning for verbal abuse, and the Widmaier said Earley would speak to the chair umpire and review tape to determine whether Williams would be fined. That decision will be announced Monday.

At her news conference, Williams rolled her eyes while deflecting a question about whether she regretted what she said to Asderaki.

“I dont even remember what I said. It was just so intense out there. … I guess Ill see it on YouTube,” Williams said.

When Stosur wrapped up the match with a forehand winner, Williams refused the customary post-match handshake with the chair umpire.

“I hit a winner, but I guess it didnt count,” Williams said during the trophy presentation. “It wouldnt have mattered in the end. Sam played really well.”

Asked after the match about being awarded the point because of Williams shout, Stosur said: “I guess the rules of tennis are there for a reason. She made the call that she felt was right.”

This sort of thing has happened before at the U.S. Open to Williams, who won the tournament in 1999, 2002 and 2008.

With the American flag in the background on this special day in New York, Samantha Stosur enjoys her trophy. (Getty Images) In the 2009 semifinals against Kim Clijsters, Williams was called for a foot-fault that set her off on a profanity-laced outburst at a line judge. Williams lost a point there, and because it came on match point, Clijsters won.

That led to an immediate $10,000 fine from the U.S. Tennis Association and later a record $82,500 fine from Grand Slam committee director Bill Babcock, who also put Williams on a “probationary period” at Grand Slam tournaments in 2010 and 2011, saying that fine could wind up doubled. The USTA said Babcock will determine whether what Williams said to Asderaki on Sunday is a “major event” that counts as a violation of that probation.

A poor call during Williams 2004 U.S. Open quarterfinal loss to Jennifer Capriati was cited as a main reason for the introduction of replay technology in tennis.

“Its just always something,” said Williams mother, Oracene Price. “And it seems to happen to us.”

Because of rain during this years tournament, the womens final was pushed from Saturday night to Sunday. It was preceded by a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, “9/11/01″ was painted in white next to the blue court to commemorate the 10th anniversary, and the U.S. flag atop Arthur Ashe Stadium was at half-mast.

A couple of hours before stepping on court, Williams tweeted: “My Thoughts and prayers to all who lost loved ones on 9-11. I know the entire country is with you today. Im playing for you today.”

while Williams was in her 17th.

“I felt like I was definitely the underdog,” Stosur said.

For all of her edges in experience, Williams was the one who started a bit shakily. She was back in action less than 18 hours after winning her semifinal over No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki on Saturday night, and Williams game was sleepy.

“It was a little bit of a tough turnaround, but I dont think it would have made a difference today,” said Williams, who said she didnt fall asleep until after 4 a.m. “I just probably should have been lighter on my toes was problematic, slower and less accurate than usual: Only three of her initial 14 first serves landed in, and they hovered around 100 mph. Told shed put 35 percent of her first serves in play during the first set, Williams replied: “Wow. Thats not so good.”

Williams pushed a backhand long to get broken and fall behind 2-1. And she dumped a backhand into the net to lose serve again, making Stosurs lead 5-2. When Stosur smacked a forehand winner moments later, she had taken 12 points in a row and owned the first set.

That was the first set Williams had lost in seven matches during this U.S. Open, a run that included four victories over women ranked in the top 20. Entering the final, Williams was 18-0 on hard courts this season, a full-throttle comeback after missing nearly a full year because of a series of health scares, including cuts on her feet from glass at a restaurant, two foot operations, clots in her lungs and a gathering of blood beneath the skin of her stomach.

She was ranked 175th after a fourth-round exit at Wimbledon, but hadnt lost since then until Sunday and was seeded 28th at the U.S. Open.

“Its been an arduous road. Six months ago in the hospital, I never thought Id be standing here today,” Williams said. “I didnt think Id be standing, let alone here.”

Stosur dealt with her own health issues that could have sidetracked her career, and she became the oldest U.S. Open champion since Martina Navratilova w Stosur only once got past the third round in singles at a major tournament before reaching the 2009 semifinals at the French Open.

Her game has improved dramatically since she returned to the tour in April 2008 after about nine months away while recovering from Lyme disease, a tick-born illness that can affect a persons joints and nervous system. She was ranked 149th two years ago; on Monday, shell rise to No. 7.

“It kind of made me open my eyes more that you dont necessarily always get a second chance,” Stosur said. “I wanted to take every opportunity I had, and I have now been able to fulfill that.”

The five games Williams won matched her lowest total in 240 career Grand Slam matches.

“She was cracking em today,” Williams said. “She definitely hit hard and just went for broke.”

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Stosur beats Serena for U.S. Open women’s title

Posted by: admin  :  Category: Tennis news

Already being outplayed by Samantha Stosur in the U.S. Open final, the last thing Serena Williams needed was to lose a game for yelling during a point.

Thats exactly what happened early in the second set, leading to an argument between Will the Americans tirade two years ago at the same tournament. In the end, Stosur beat Williams 6-2, 6-3 Sunday in a surprisingly lopsided upset for her first Grand Slam title.

“Im still kind of speechless. I cant actually believe I won this tournament,” Stosur said. “I guess to go out there and play the way I did is obviously just an unbelievable feeling, and you always hope and you want to be able to do that, but to actually do it, is unbelievable.”

Hitting powerful strokes from the baseline, and looking fresher than the far-more-accomplished Williams right from the start, the ninth-seeded Stosur became the first Australian woman to win a major championship since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.

Only 2-9 in tournament finals before beating Williams, Stosur made the U.S. Open the third consecutive Grand Slam tournament with a first-time womens major champion, after Li Na at the French Open, and Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon.

“She played really, really well. I mean, I dont think shes ever played that well,” Williams said. “Maybe she has; I havent seen her play that well.”

This was only the 27-year-old Stosurs third title at any tour-level event, and what a way to do it. She took advantage of Wil despite the bizarre events that unfolded in the second set.

More 2011 U.S. Open Brackets: Men | Women Past champs: Men | Women American champs | Multiple titles Grand Slam titles: Men | Women More: U.S. Open official website Raymond, Huber claim womens doubles title Britains Golding takes home boys trophy American Min captures girls championship Melzer, Petzschner take mens doubles title Americans Oudin, Sock win mixed doubles title Videos Womens final recap: Stosur vs. Serena Center court trophy presentation Stosur celebrates triumph in stands Mens final preview: Djokovic vs. Nadal 9/11: New Yorkers united 10 years later

Indeed, the biggest victory of Stosurs career so far likely will be recalled by everyone else for Williams latest dispute with an official at Flushing Meadows.

Down a set and facing a break point in the first game of the second, the 13-time major champion hit a forehand and shouted, “Come on!” as Stosur reached down for a backhand. Chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Williams hindered Stosurs ability to complete the point and awarded it to Stosur - putting her ahead 1-0 in that set.

Williams went over to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Im not giving her that game.”

Williams also said: “I promise you, thats not cool. Thats totally not cool.”

Some fans began booing, delaying the start of the next game as both players waited for the commotion to subside.

Tournament director Brian Earley said Asderakis ruling was proper, according to U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier.

International Tennis Federation rules say: “If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent[s], the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent[s], or something outside the players own control [not including a permanent fixture].”

Williams said lat such as when one players hat flies off during a point.

In the heat of the moment, Williams had trouble putting the whole episode behind her.

During the changeover two games later, Williams continued to talk to Asderaki, saying, “Youre out of control. … Youre a hater, and youre just unattractive inside.”

Williams also told the official: “Really, dont even look at me.”

Asderaki issued a code violation warning for verbal abuse, and the Widmaier said Earley would speak to the chair umpire and review tape to determine whether Williams would be fined. That decision will be announced Monday.

At her news conference, Williams rolled her eyes while deflecting a question about whether she regretted what she said to Asderaki.

“I dont even remember what I said. It was just so intense out there. … I guess Ill see it on YouTube,” Williams said.

When Stosur wrapped up the match with a forehand winner, Williams refused the customary post-match handshake with the chair umpire.

“I hit a winner, but I guess it didnt count,” Williams said during the trophy presentation. “It wouldnt have mattered in the end. Sam played really well.”

Asked after the match about being awarded the point because of Williams shout, Stosur said: “I guess the rules of tennis are there for a reason. She made the call that she felt was right.”

This sort of thing has happened before at the U.S. Open to Williams, who won the tournament in 1999, 2002 and 2008.

With the American flag in the background on this special day in New York, Samantha Stosur enjoys her trophy. (Getty Images) In the 2009 semifinals against Kim Clijsters, Williams was called for a foot-fault that set her off on a profanity-laced outburst at a line judge. Williams lost a point there, and because it came on match point, Clijsters won.

That led to an immediate $10,000 fine from the U.S. Tennis Association and later a record $82,500 fine from Grand Slam committee director Bill Babcock, who also put Williams on a “probationary period” at Grand Slam tournaments in 2010 and 2011, saying that fine could wind up doubled. The USTA said Babcock will determine whether what Williams said to Asderaki on Sunday is a “major event” that counts as a violation of that probation.

A poor call during Williams 2004 U.S. Open quarterfinal loss to Jennifer Capriati was cited as a main reason for the introduction of replay technology in tennis.

“Its just always something,” said Williams mother, Oracene Price. “And it seems to happen to us.”

Because of rain during this years tournament, the womens final was pushed from Saturday night to Sunday. It was preceded by a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, “9/11/01″ was painted in white next to the blue court to commemorate the 10th anniversary, and the U.S. flag atop Arthur Ashe Stadium was at half-mast.

A couple of hours before stepping on court, Williams tweeted: “My Thoughts and prayers to all who lost loved ones on 9-11. I know the entire country is with you today. Im playing for you today.”

while Williams was in her 17th.

“I felt like I was definitely the underdog,” Stosur said.

For all of her edges in experience, Williams was the one who started a bit shakily. She was back in action less than 18 hours after winning her semifinal over No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki on Saturday night, and Williams game was sleepy.

“It was a little bit of a tough turnaround, but I dont think it would have made a difference today,” said Williams, who said she didnt fall asleep until after 4 a.m. “I just probably should have been lighter on my toes was problematic, slower and less accurate than usual: Only three of her initial 14 first serves landed in, and they hovered around 100 mph. Told shed put 35 percent of her first serves in play during the first set, Williams replied: “Wow. Thats not so good.”

Williams pushed a backhand long to get broken and fall behind 2-1. And she dumped a backhand into the net to lose serve again, making Stosurs lead 5-2. When Stosur smacked a forehand winner moments later, she had taken 12 points in a row and owned the first set.

That was the first set Williams had lost in seven matches during this U.S. Open, a run that included four victories over women ranked in the top 20. Entering the final, Williams was 18-0 on hard courts this season, a full-throttle comeback after missing nearly a full year because of a series of health scares, including cuts on her feet from glass at a restaurant, two foot operations, clots in her lungs and a gathering of blood beneath the skin of her stomach.

She was ranked 175th after a fourth-round exit at Wimbledon, but hadnt lost since then until Sunday and was seeded 28th at the U.S. Open.

“Its been an arduous road. Six months ago in the hospital, I never thought Id be standing here today,” Williams said. “I didnt think Id be standing, let alone here.”

Stosur dealt with her own health issues that could have sidetracked her career, and she became the oldest U.S. Open champion since Martina Navratilova w Stosur only once got past the third round in singles at a major tournament before reaching the 2009 semifinals at the French Open.

Her game has improved dramatically since she returned to the tour in April 2008 after about nine months away while recovering from Lyme disease, a tick-born illness that can affect a persons joints and nervous system. She was ranked 149th two years ago; on Monday, shell rise to No. 7.

“It kind of made me open my eyes more that you dont necessarily always get a second chance,” Stosur said. “I wanted to take every opportunity I had, and I have now been able to fulfill that.”

The five games Williams won matched her lowest total in 240 career Grand Slam matches.

“She was cracking em today,” Williams said. “She definitely hit hard and just went for broke.”

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