Tennis News

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Safina - No respect shown

World number one Dinara Safina admits her self-esteem has taken a knock after being dumped out of the US Open by Czech teenager Petra Kvitova.

The top seeded Russian, who has come in for criticism for topping the rankings despite never having won a grand slam, struggled through the first two rounds in New York against little known players Olivia Rogowska and Kristina Barrois.

She produced another inconsistent performance on Saturday night, again having problems with her serve, before going down 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-5).

But Safina's saga started with late notification that her match was being bumped from Arthur Ashe Stadium, in favour of American James Blake and Spanish 14th seed Tommy Robredo's clash, to the smaller Louis Armstrong Court and that fact clearly rankles with the 23-year-old.

"I'm number one player in the world, why did they move me?" asked Safina. "This is not an excuse but I don't think it's a fair decision they made.

"They came to us at 9.10pm and they just told us, 'We're switching you to Armstrong'. I think it's very unfair to choose a men's match over us. Their answer was, 'We prefer a five set match than a three set, women's match.'"
Admission

Aside from her treatment by the organisers at Flushing Meadows, though, Safina concedes she paid the price for failing to execute her gameplan.

"She likes to be dominant. She doesn't like to move around. I have to move her. I had to get her out of the court. I have everything. I know what to do," she said.

"But I step on the court and I play completely different. It's tension, I would say. Let's say, first set I was too tense. Second set, I let it go. At least there were some emotions.

"And third set, three match points and I didn't do anything on them. It's disappointing, very disappointing.

"But I'm really looking forward to have the off-season, because at least I know I'm going to be in one place. First I'll have a rest and then I'll have five weeks that I can stay in one place."

The season does not officially end until mid-November, but, having looked jaded, it would be no surprise if Safina pulls out early to maximise her time off before the next campaign.

 

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Oudin marches into quarters

Melanie Oudin continued her remarkable run at the US Open by beating No. 13 seed Nadia Petrova in the fourth round.

The 17-year-old American, who stunned Maria Sharapova in the last round, fought back from a set down to record a 1-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory and will play either Svetlana Kuznetsova or Caroline Wozniacki for a place in the semis.

A packed Arthur Ashe court turned out to support the teenage sensation, who was looking for her third major scalp following victories over former champion Sharapova and fourth seed Elena Dementieva.

But Petrova got off to a flier in the opening set, silencing the New York crowd en route to a 6-1 lead.

Back came Oudin, the home favourite seizing a 5-0 lead in the tie-break before levelling matters when Petrova sent a forehand wide.

Oudin grabbed a double break in the decider to go 5-2 up, but was broken when serving for the match. Despite the setback, the world No. 70 held her nerve, nailing a forehand winner in the next game to clinch another famous victory.

After the match Oudin said: "I didn't think I started off too well and Nadia served unbelievable, but I stayed in there with her in the second set and she gave me a few free points and I got my confidence and I believed I could do it and I did it."

Unseeded Ukraine Kateryna Bondarenko exacted revenge on Gisela Dulko in the best possible fashion as she produced a sublime 6-0 6-0 win to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows.

Bondarenko, whose sister Alona lost to Argentine Dulko earlier in the tournament, did not relinquish a game in the straight-sets success and awaits Yanina Wickmayer after the Belgian overcame Petra Kvitova 4-6 6-4 7-5 .



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Solid starts for British girls

Former Wimbledon junior champion Laura Robson made up for missing out on the main draw of the US Open with a convincing win in the junior girls' singles.

Robson, who had lost a deciding-set tie-breaker in her final qualifying round match for the main draw at Flushing Meadows, dropped just one game as she blew away Tunisia's Ons Jabeur.

The unseeded Robson, 15, raced to a 6-0 6-1 victory and will face either seventh seeded American Lauren Embree or qualifier Paula Kania of Poland.

Robson is joined in the second round by 17-year-old Heather Watson after the 11th seed edged past Russia's Ksenia Kirillova 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-1.

Fellow Brit Stephanie Cornish will begin her junior campaign against Russia's Yana Buchina on Monday.




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Federer storms past Robredo

Roger Federer was in bullish mood as he moved into the US Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets dismissal of Tommy Robredo.

The five-times defending champion was tested in the opening set but raced into top gear to register a 7-5 6-2 6-2 victory over the No.14 seed and meets Robin Soderling in the last eight.

The hour and 48 minute contest between Federer and Robredo began with both players dominating on serve.

But as the business end of the set arrived, the top seed showed his class and grabbed the elusive break in the 11th game before taking the opener 7-5.

The second set went with serve until the fourth game as Robredo's peppering of the Federer backhand became too predictable and the Swiss blitzed his way into a two-set lead.

Federer raced into a 4-0 lead in the third to all but condemn Robredo to defeat, but the Spaniard did at least get two games on the board before his 28-year-old opponent fired an ace down the tee to win the match.
Wary

The number one seed admitted he was wary of Robredo going into Monday's fourth round clash and told Sky Sports: "Tommy's a great player, I knew I had to be careful.

"It took me some time to figure it out, but I thought I played great and I obviously feel great having won again."

Federer will be setting his sights on a 12th success over Soderling after the Swede progressed into the last eight due to the retirement of Nikolay Davydenko.

The heavy-hitting 12th seed, runner-up to Federer in the final of the French Open earlier this year, was 7-5 3-6 6-2 up out on Louis Armstrong court before eighth seed Davydenko called it a day due to a leg injury.

Davydenko came into Monday's match as the only man in the draw to not lose a set but that statistic did not last long as Soderling came from one break down to take the first set.

Soderling's level sunk in the second set allowing Davydenko to capitalise and level up proceedings, but the Swede reasserted his control at the start of the third set, taking a 2-0 lead before his opponent took a time out to receive treatment on his left thigh.

Soderling scored another break before clinching the third set. And, after a brief consultation with the physio, Davydenko decided to throw in the towel.




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Taylor-made win for Murray

Andy Murray wasted little time in reaching the fourth round of the US Open after recording a straight sets victory over Taylor Dent.

The world No.2 raced to a 6-3 6-2 6-2 triumph in just 90 minutes to set up a showdown with 16th seed Marin Cilic.

Dent, a wildcard entry for Flushing Meadows, failed to trouble Murray with his trademark big serves, despite clocking up to 145mph.

Murray fired back eight return winners and kept 88 per cent of Dent's serves in play to frustrate the American.

Murray, himself, recorded seven aces and hit among 39 winners as he dominated play at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

And the 22-year-old Scot was thrilled with his performance.

"I returned really, really well and that was probably the key to the match," Murray said.
Helped

"I managed to finish the match off well and served well.

"I've always liked playing against serve and volleyers. I used to practice a lot with my brother and he used to serve and volley when we were young and that probably helped me.

"I just try and take the ball in front and I managed to do that well tonight."

Dent had averaged 19 aces in his two previous US Open victories, however he managed just two against Murray.

"He doesn't miss. He really doesn't miss," Dent said. "I don't think that I served great tonight, but I don't think that I served poorly, either. But he made it look and feel like I served it underhanded out there sometimes."

Cilic now awaits the British No.1 in the last 16 after the Croatian brushed aside Denis Istomin in straight sets.

And Murray knows what to expect on Tuesday.

"He's six foot six, got a big serve, but moves well for his height so again I'll need to return well," Murray said.

"He's not going to come to the net as much as Taylor so I'll have to be very solid from the back."

Cilic was rarely troubled as he came through his third-round tie unscathed.

In a late-finishing match on Court 11, Cilic saw off Uzbekistan's Istomin 6-1 6-4 6-3.




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Murray focused on Cilic

Andy Murray is refusing to read too much into Rafael Nadal's injury problems at the US Open.

Nadal could potentially take on world No.2 Murray in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows for the second successive season.

The Spaniard, though, has been struggling with an abdominal muscle injury - with Nadal needing treatment on the way to victory over Nicolas Almagro in the third round.

However Murray, who faces Marin Cilic in the fourth round on Tuesday, insists that he is focused on his own games and not whether Nadal can come through his clash France's 13th seed Gael Monfils unscathed.

"I knew he had that problem since Montreal or whenever he did it," Murray said.

"He's had the tape on his abs. Being in the locker room, we obviously can see that.

"You never now how bad it is. To me, after he had the treatment, from what I saw, didn't look like it affected him that much. Maybe lost one more game after that.

"You never know, because things can get better in a couple of days, or sometimes they get worse. You just have to focus on your own matches not what's going on in the other players."

Murray has so far overcome Ernests Gulbis, Paul Capdeville and Taylor Dent in New York - and the 22-year-old Scot believes the variety of styles will help him ahead of his clash with 16th seed Cilic.
Tests

"I played three pretty different players," Murray said.

"First one was a big server who stayed at the back. Second one didn't hit the ball that big, but really had nothing to lose. Taylor is a serve and volleyer.

"I thought I dealt with the different tests that were put in front of me pretty well. Try and play like that for the next few matches."

Meanwhile Cilic believes "controlled aggressive" could be the best tactic to halting Murray's title bid.

"He has more self belief from these great results in the past year and I think even sometimes when he's not playing good he believes he is playing well and in a sport like tennis when you're on your own that's really good not to have any doubts about yourself," he said.

"I've watched him in Montreal and Cincinnati recently so I know what he can do, what he can't and mostly he was pretty solid.

"He has some big shots but he's not going to hit you out of the court and he always lets people play against him.

"It's tough to say what would be the best tactics against him but you definitely have to try not to rush too much and try to have controlled aggression."


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Kuznetsova laments errors


Svetlana Kuznetsova admitted she had thrown away her chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open after losing in three sets to Caroline Wozniacki.

Kuznetsova, the 2004 champion, had gone a set up against the Dane but eventually went 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-3) after an error-strewn performance.

The Russian was guilty of making 63 unforced errors as ninth-seed Wozniacki gradually wore her down with her athletic display.

"She was putting balls back but I lost to myself because I made so many unforced errors," Kuznetsova said.

"With these unforced errors, you cannot win against anybody. There's no chance.

"I think in the second set I should have played better. I was playing unbelievable. I just hit too many unforced errors and I could not control my emotions. I wanted it so much, so it was pretty hard to control.
Errors

"I don't think she did (anything) too well. I just made unforced errors all the time. You don't have to do much. You just have to put the ball back.

"I was creating the point or I was losing it. This was it."

Wozniacki will have to raise her game in the last eight, though, if she is to halt the impressive run of Melanie Oudin.

The 17-year-old American has so far seen off Elena Dementieva, Maria Sharapova and Nadia Petrova en route to the last eight - with Oudin coming from a set behind each time.

And Wozniacki knows that the Oudin will have the backing of the fans.

"I think we've both played some really good tennis," she said. "I enjoy playing on the big stadiums with such a huge crowd (even though) I know they will always be behind Melanie next match."


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Clijsters claims semis spot

Kim Clijsters became the first woman into the semi-finals of the US Open with a comfortable victory over Li Na on Tuesday.

The unseeded Belgian awaits the victor of the night match between Serena Williams and Flavia Pennetta after cruising to a 6-2- 6-4 win against the 18th seed.

Li came entered the quarter-final bidding to become the first Chinese woman to make the last four at Flushing Meadows but it soon became apparent that the 27-year-old has her work cut out to achieve that ambition.

Clijsters, making her first appearance in New York since winning the title in 2005, had already taken down third seed Venus Williams in her last match and the Belgian wildcard hit the front early on Arthur Ashe, claiming two breaks en route to clinching a 25-minute opening set.

She broke immediately in the second set before suffering a brief dip in form which allowed Li to level proceedings.

But the Chinese number one soon relinquished another service game, giving Clijsters ample opportunity to close out a one-sided contest.
Incredible comeback

The 26-year-old is now within two victories of an incredible comeback triumph, having only returned to the WTA Tour in August after over two years in retirement, a period that included the birth of her first child.

"I never had that kind of mentality before the tournament knowing that I was going to get to a semi-final or final at the grand slams, obviously," she said.

"...Although I was hitting the balls really good in practice and I felt physically I was doing well, you still want to know what it's like to play against those girls and get a feel for how the level has changed, how girls are playing different tennis maybe these days.

"So I am surprised that I'm sitting here talking to you right now, but I'm very happy, and, you know, flattered that I get to do that."


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Murray crashes out to Cilic

Andy Murray's US Open has come to a premature end after a shock straight sets hammering by Marin Cilic.

Murray had been labelled as one of the favourites for the Flushing Meadows title, but the world number two has been sent tumbling in the fourth round after succumbing to a 7-5 6-2 6-2 defeat to the 16th seeded Croatian.

There were concerns over Murray's fitness prior to Tuesday's contest after the Scot received treatment for an injury to his left-wrist, but the British number one came up against an inspired Cilic on Arthur Ashe, who executed his game-plan to near perfection.

The match got off to a cagey start with both men staving off break points and it looked as though the first set would go Murray's way when the number two seed carved out two set points on Cilic's serve.

But the lanky Croatian responded, holding in the 10th game and then snatched the elusive break in the following game before claiming the opener.

Murray, who until this point was using to slice his backhand perhaps due to the problem with his wrist, elected to bring out his double-hander to turn things around.
Inspired

But the Scot started going for too much and Cilic raced to a 4-0 lead advantage after the young Croatian came up with some inspired tennis and the 20-year-old managed to save three break points en route to taking the second set.

Cilic, who nailed 35 winners in the two hours and eight minute match, broke the Murray defences for the fourth time in the opening game of the third set and from then onwards never looked like losing.

The Croatian grabbed another break in the seventh game before clinching the match on the first time of asking after Murray coughed up his 29th unforced error.

Cilic will play Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-final after the Argentinian overcame Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets.

Del Potro, the sixth seed, fired 22 aces and 44 winners during a 6-3 6-3 6-3 triumph to reach the last eight for the second straight year.

"I'm happy to be in the quarter-finals. It's a return for me," Del Potro said. "It's like magic."



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Robson battles to victory

British hope Laura Robson came through a tough battle with seventh seed Lauren Embree in the second round of the US Open girls' singles.

The 15-year-old former Wimbledon junior champion dropped a tight opening set to the American 18-year-old before storming back to level the match.

Robson, however, fell 4-1 down in the decider before reeling off five games in a row to close out a 4-6 6-1 6-4 triumph.

She will next play either 12th seed Tamaryn Hendler of Belgium or Russia's Yulia Putintseva for a place in the quarter-finals.

Leading British junior girl Hannah Watson, seeded 11th in New York, is set to play American qualifier Courtney Dolehide in her second-round match on Wednesday.




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No problems for Djokovic

Fourth seed Novak Djokovic powered into the quarter-finals of the US Open with a straight sets victory over Radek Stepanek.

The former Australian Open champion needed an hour and 46 minutes to brush aside Stepanek 6-1 6-3 6-3 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The last time Djokovic had faced Stepanek at the US Open, the Serbian had needed a five-set tie break to progress.

However he had no such trouble this time around as he dropped just seven games on his way through to the last eight.

Stepanek, who was the oldest man left in the draw at 30 years and nine months old, had needed time out to apply his contact lenses.

But even 20/20 vision could not help his cause as he was outclassed - with the Czech guilty of committing too many mistakes.

The 15th seed conceded 16 unforced errors in the first 10 games alone, with his service game erratic throughout.
Support

Djokovic will now take on 10th seed Fernando Verdasco for a place in the last four after the Spaniard ended American interest in the men's draw by beating John Isner in four sets.

Verdasco saw off Isner 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 and now wants the Flushing Meadows crowd to back his challenge for the title.

"Sorry to beat the last one (American)," Verdasco told the crowd at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. "You can support me now if you want."

Hopes had been high of a home winner in 2009 - however Isner accounted for fifth seed Andy Roddick, while James Blake, Sam Querrey, Taylor Dent, Chase Buchanan and Devin Britton all fell early on.

And Isner admitted: "We got a lot of people to the round of 32 then I played Andy and one of us moved on. After that we didn't do too well but we had tough draws.

"I wanted to go further, but I just got outplayed today. It was a good tournament and I can build on this for the rest of the year."



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Heartbreak for Cornish

Stephanie Cornish failed to make it a trio of Brits in the second round of the US Open girls' singles after a heartbreaking exit.

The Essex teenager, ranked third in the British under-18 girls rankings behind Heather Watson and Laura Robson, was knocked out by Russia's Yana Buchina 6-4 7-6 (11-9).

Cornish, though, did make amends for the defeat by teaming up with Canada's Katarena Pallivets to beat Russia's Polina Leykina and Anna Arina Marenko 6-1 7-5 in the girls' doubles.

Robson resumes her singles campaign on Tuesday when the 2008 junior Wimbledon champion takes on seventh seed Lauren Embree.

British No.1 Watson, seeded 11th, will take on either Cristina Dinu of Romania or American qualifier Courtney Dolehide in her second round match.

In the boys' doubles first round, Leicestershire's Ahmed El Menshawy and American Harry Fowler beat Slovak duo Filip Horansky and Jozef Kovalik 7-5 6-3.



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Nadal named in Spain team

Spain have included Rafael Nadal in their team for the upcoming Davis Cup semi-final against Israel in Murcia.

The world number three has been named alongside David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez for the tie on September 18-20.

However, Nadal may be forced to pull out having been hampered by a stomach injury during the US Open in New York.

The four-time French Open champion needed treatment on the court during his third-round victory over compatriot Nicolas Almagro on Sunday.
Ferrero option

If he is forced to withdraw, former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero could be called up to fill the void.

Captain Albert Costa will not want to lose Nadal as he is already without Fernando Verdasco, who has injuries to his abdominal muscles and feet.

"I have talked to Albert Costa, I told him about the problems that I am having and my feelings and he will decide," he said at Flushing Meadows.

"I have many physical problems with the my abdomen and foot. I don't know how I will finish here. The Davis Cup is next week and I don't have much time to recover."

Spain are the defending Davis Cup champions having beaten Argentina in last year's final. If they beat Israel on home soil they will face the winner of the clash between Croatia and the Czech Republic.




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Wickmayer burns Bondarenko

Belgian teenager Yanina Wickmayer has reached the semis of the US Open after powering past Kateryna Bondarenko.

The unseeded 19-year-old produced a gutsy display on Arthur Ashe court to book her first ever appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final after outgunning Bondarenko with a 7-5 6-4 victory.

Wickmayer crucially blasted twice as many winners as her Ukraine opponent - 31 to 15 - and the plucky Belgian's reward is a clash against either Melanie Oudin or Caroline Wozniacki for a place in the final.

Wickmayer's run in New York has been overshadowed by the antics of American sensation Oudin and compatriot Kim Clijsters, who both have made remarkable head-roads at this year's tournament.

But the world number 50 looked more than comfortable being in the limelight as she grabbed an early break in the first set of her last eight clash.

Bondarenko, who was also making her first outing in a major quarter-final, grabbed back the break in the ninth game, but the Ukraine gifted a love service game away in game 10 and that allowed Wickmayer to serve out the 54 minute first set.

Bondarenko responded emphatically snatching a 4-1 lead in the second set, but the 23-year-old right-hander went off the boil and it allowed Wickmayer to get back on level terms.

But Wickmayer was not finished there - earning another break of serve - and the 19-year-old Belgian clinched the match on her serve completing a run of five games on the trot.


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Williams overpowers Pennetta

Defending champion Serena Williams will take on Kim Clijsters for a place in the US Open final after overpowering Flavia Pennetta at Flushing Meadows.

Williams, the second seed, and Pennetta traded heavy groundstrokes in their quarter-final clash - however the American just had the edge as she secured a 6-4 6-3 victory.

Williams broke the Italian to love in the crucial 10th game of the first set, while she then claimed the only other break of the match in the sixth game of the second set.

Williams fired down seven aces and recorded 86 per cent of her first serves - however Pennetta made her fight all the way.

"She never gives up, is such a great player and never gave up tonight," said Williams.

"I thought it was a real good match."

Pennetta, the 10th seed, was full of praise of her conqueror.

"She was playing really well," said the 27-year-old. "She was really aggressive. The ball was very heavy for me tonight.
Aggressive

"She was playing really great, really aggressive. When you play with this player, you cannot make mistakes. Today I make a few mistakes on important points.

"I give everything on the court tonight. I was like running and fighting until the end. It's the only way to win against this kind of player. I was there but tonight was not my night."

Williams knows she will have to raise her game against Clijsters, with the unseeded Belgian having stormed through the tournament in her first Grand Slam since returning to action.

"She is such a great person and I only wish the best for her - though not in the next match of course," Williams said.

"It'll be a great match. She has nothing to lose and is having so much fun, which makes me so happy.

"Initially I was surprised how well she's been doing but she did so well a couple of weeks ago that I knew she was someone to look out for."


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Nadal remains on course

Rafael Nadal moved a step closer to a career Grand Slam with victory over Gael Monfils at the US Open.

Nadal, who has previously tasted success at Wimbledon, the French Open and the Australian Open, saw off Monfils 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-1 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows.

The Spaniard had been struggling with an abdominal muscle injury that required treated during his third-round victory over Nicolas Almagro.

However he showed no reaction to the problem, or the knee tendinitis that sidelined him for two months.

"I had a few problems but I am in the quarter-finals here the third time and I'm very happy," Nadal said.

"I'm just trying to enjoy my comeback. It's a big result for me. It's much better than what I expected."

Nadal will now face 11th seed Fernando Gonzalez in the last eight - and although the world No.3 has won six of their nine meetings, he is taking nothing for granted.

"He's a very good player," Nadal said. "Unbelievable forehands. If I don't play my best it's going to be impossible."

Nadal didn't have things all his own way against Monfils as the 13th seed broke him in just the fourth game and then served for the first set at 5-3.
Slugfest

Nadal broke back, but Monfils kept his cool to secure the set.

That was as good as it got for Monfils as Nadal moved through the gears to dominate the rest of the match - with 63 unforced errors ultimately costing the Frenchman.

Gonzalez set up his showdown with Nadal after coming through a slugfest against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 3-6 6-3 7-6 6-4.

The 29-year-old Chilean, who is in the last-eight in New York for the first time in seven years, was roared on by a passionate Louis Armstrong crowd - and Gonzalez admitted the support helped him.

"Sometimes you feel like super hero," Gonzalez said. "I understand that the people come to watch, I mean, to have fun.

"For me, the grand slams are what you always dream to play. I like New York. There is a lot of energy in town. A little bit of stress sometimes, but there's a lot of energy. I like that."


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[AleMick]

U.S. Open - Federer does not stop, even flying Djokovic

U.S. Open - Federer does not stop, even flying Djokovic

The world number one over in four sets (6-0, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6) and Swede Robin Soderling reached the semifinals of the Slam U.S. where he will meet Novak Djokovic, who beat Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 7 -6, 1-6, 7-5, 6-2

Federer [1] vs. Soderling [12] - Roger Federer continues his journey towards winning the sixth consecutive U.S. Open. The Swiss world number one in the quarterfinals over Swede Robin Soderling, in what was the new edition of "last final of Roland Garros, the first successful Parisian Roger Federer. 6-0, 6-3, 6-7, 7 -6 the partial match in which Soderling, number 12 seed, and still managed to pull in the enterprise leading to a set of world rankings.

After dominating the first set, closed with a net 6-0, the sample of authorities with Basel wins the second game, leaving only three games but the opponent has a start in the third set, when Federer brings up the tie-break then won 8-6. The tie-break is the protagonist in the fourth set, but this time with the same score to win is the king of Flushing Meadows, who throughout the match, scored fewer than 28 aces. Now Federer in the semifinals is expected to be Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic [4] vs. Verdasco [10] - The Serbian number 4 in the world rankings will qualify for the semifinals by beating Spain's Fernando Verdasco with a score of 7-6, 1-6, 7-5, 6-2. Too many errors Iberian tennis player, who gives the opponent less than 58 points. The match at levels not exceptional part with different errors from both sides. Djokovic squandered two set points at 5-4, but then closed the first set at a tie-break. In the second game Verdasco puts into play a lot more aggression and Piazza suffered a double break going to close with a clear 6-1.

But it is a fluke because the third set 5-5 on the Spanish breakkare is getting good and allows the number 4 in the world to close 7-5. Fourth sets sees Verdasco seek medical advice because of problems with abdominal Madrid's 25-year old takes it hard and starts to play, but abdicating losing 6-2 and giving way to the semi-final Djokovic.

 

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Classy Watson progresses

British No.1 Heather Watson joined Laura Robson in the third round of the US Open girls' singles with a straight sets win over Courtney Dolehide.

The 17-year-old, seeded 11th, needed just over an hour to see off the American qualifier 6-3 6-2.

Watson, from Guernsey, will now take on Germany's Annika Beck on Thursday - with former Wimbledon junior champion Robson first facing 12th seed Tamaryn Hendler on court eight.

Stephanie Cornish saw her US Open come to an end after the British No.3 and Canada's Katerina Pallivets lost in the doubles to Slovakian pair Jana Cepelova and Chantal Skamlova 6-4 0-6 10-5.

In the boys' doubles, Leicestershire's Ahmed El Menshawy and his partner American Harry Fowler were beaten 6-4 7-5 by Matthew Kandath and Jack Sock.

Ireland's John Morrisey also lost as he and Indian team-mate Sudanwa Sitaram were edged out 6-4 3-6 10-4 by Marton Fucsovics and Cheng Peng Hsieh.

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Djokovic downs Verdasco

Novak Djokovic has reached his third successive US Open semi-final after getting the better of 10th seed Fernando Verdasco in four sets.

The number four seed failed to produce the tennis which took him to the final at Flushing Meadows in 2007 but Serbian star dug in deep to record a 7-6 (7-2) 1-6 7-5 6-2 victory over his Spanish opponent in a contest which broke the three hour mark.

Roger Federer has proved Djokovic's obstacle at Flushing Meadows for the last two seasons and the Swiss could again be the Serb's semis nemesis afterthe top seed came through his night match with Robin Soderling.

Djokovic, though, will be able to relax a while before Friday's semi-finals having reached the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time this year.

He had edged a tight first set on a tie-break only for Verdasco to storm back in the second set as Djokovic struggled on first serve, the Madrid man jumping all over the Serb's second ball.

Having got back on track in the third, Djokovic turned his game up a notch in the fourth, breaking Verdasco's serve to go 2-1 up.

At that point the Spaniard called in a trainer for attention on an abdominal muscle strain, similar to the problem third seed Rafael Nadal had aggravated in his fourth round win over Nicolas Almagro.
Important

Just as his compatriot was hardly affected by the problem against Almagro, Verdasco nearly broke back in the next game, only to lose his break point and then the game after a furious rally which the fourth seed clinched with a rocket of a backhand down the line.

There was no turning back for Djokovic from there and he promptly sealed a double break and the 2008 Australian Open champion served for match, racing to 40-0 and then sealing victory in style with a drop volley at the net.

"It feels great (to reach the semi-finals)," Djokovic said. "I haven't done that in the past three grand slams this year, so mentally it was very important for me to overcome today's challenge and to be able to win.

"I feel kind of a relief and I hope I just can continue playing well. I feel that I'm enjoying it again much more. It feels like 2007, you know, when I played finals here and did all these crazy things, impersonating the players.

"I like playing here. The surface is quite suitable to my game, the fans, the atmosphere, the entertainment, the show, I like it. And the results that I've made in the past three years show how much enjoyment I have playing here."

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[sky star 2]

Wozniacki halts Oudin

Melanie Oudin's giant-killing run at the US Open was brought to an end as she was brushed aside in straight sets by Caroline Wozniacki.

The American teenager had beaten No.4 seed Elena Dementieva, former champion Maria Sharapova and 13th-seeded Nadia Petrova on her way to the quarter-finals.

However her impressive run of form was brought to an end as Wozniacki recorded a 6-2 6-2 victory.

And despite beating some of the world's top players, Oudin was left disappointed at not going further at Flushing Meadows.

"I've had a great run this tournament," she admitted. "For me, I'm a perfectionist, so losing today was a disappointment. I wanted to win. Losing isn't good enough for me.
Confidence

"But the whole experience here that I've had is going to take me a long way, I think. I'm going to remember this for a long time.

"I've gained a lot of confidence through this tournament and I think I can only get better."

Wozniacki's reward is a semi-final against another unseeded teenager after Yanina Wickmayer toppled Kateryna Bondarenko.

And the ninth seed was thrilled to have reached the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

"Today was a really tough match," Wozniacki said.

"Melanie had such a great run and she played an amazing tournament so I'm just going to enjoy this match.

"The next match I have nothing to lose. I mean, I'm in the semi-final of a Grand Slam."

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