2013 US Open (Tennis)

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from my blog: Maria Sharapova Withdraws From 2013 US Open Citing Shoulder Injury

Maria Sharapova


A day after celebrating the one year anniversary of her candy line, Sugarpova, Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova announced her withdrawal from the upcoming 2013 US Open. A right shoulder injury will keep the 2006 US Open champion from competing in Flushing Meadow. She left a message to her fans on her Facebook page:

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that withdrawing from the US Open has been a really tough decision to make. I have done everything I could since Wimbledon to get myself ready but it just wasn’t enough time. I have done many tests, received several opinions and it all comes down to taking the proper amount of time to heal my shoulder injury properly. It’s certainly not an easy decision to make ahead of one of my favorite tournaments, but I know it’s the right one that will get me back on the courts soon. I plan on taking the next few weeks off, receiving proper treatment and rehabilitation. I will miss being part of the US Open, but can’t wait for next year! – Maria Sharapova

That definitely takes one of the biggest stars out of the tournament, particularly on the women’s side. From a competition standpoint, of course Masha’s presence would be wanted, but she has not had great success at the US Open since winning in 2006. Right now, Victoria Azarenka stands as a bigger threat to Serena Williams, the overwhelming favorite. Maybe even Agnieszka Radwanska could have a breakthrough. Sharapova is 1-2 since the Roland Garros final. Obviously, something is wrong with her game and/or her body. Still, Masha will be missed. Here’s hoping she gets healed and feels better soon. The women’s tour is better when Maria Sharapova is healthy and playing well.

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more pics and videos on my blog: Victoria Azarenka Hits The Town Prior To 2013 US Open

Victoria Azarenka


Coming off of her title at the 2013 Western & Southern Open, where she beat Serena Williams for the second time this year, Victoria Azarenka has been showing up all over New York City in the days leading up to the 2013 US Open. The second-seeded Azarenka is a real threat to win the championship, having reached the final last year where she served for the match at 5-4 in the third set. She wasn’t able to finish off Serena on that day, but since has won the Australian Open and taken down Williams twice, as aforementioned. She has lost only one match all year on hardcourt (to Caroline Wozniacki), and could be considered the best hardcourt player on the women’s side at the moment. However, I hope with all the energy she is expending leading up to the US Open that she doesn’t lose focus on the ultimate prize. It’s nice to see her out promoting the game, so long as it doesn’t affect her preparation and energy level. Two weeks in Flushing Meadow is a grind. As great as she is, she will need everything she has to beat 7 world class players and hoist the trophy.





VIKA AT TASTE OF TENNIS




AT EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

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more pics and video on my blog: Li Na, Agnieszka Radwanska Advance On Day 1 Of 2013 US Open

Li Na


Coming into the 2013 US Open, the courts at Flushing Meadow have not been kind to Li Na. Of the 4 Majors, the US Open is the one where Li Na has had the least success. She has 2 first round losses and a third round ouster the last 3 years. It’s a bit surprising considering how good a hardcourt player she is. The 2011 Roland Garros champion opened this year’s tournament with a solid 6-2 6-2 win over Olga Govortsova. Li Na has the tools to contend at the US Open. Time will tell if she can maintain a high level of play and avoid inconsistency.



Agnieszka Radwanska


Clearly, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka are the leading favorites to win the women’s singles crown. If there is a player who might crash the championship party, it could be Agnieszka Radwanska. Like Li Na, Aga has not had much success in New York. She’s never made it past the 4th round. I would be shocked if that pattern continues this year. So far in 2013, Aga has made it to the quarters at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. She advanced to the semis of Wimbledon, where she was up 3-0 in the third set before losing to Sabine Lisicki. I expect Radwanska to reach at least the quarters in Flushing Meadow this year. She started her campaign with a 6-1 6-2 victory over Silvia Soler-Espinosa.



Sloane Stephens


Laura Robson

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more pics and video on my blog: Laura Robson, Li Na Set For Showdown After Winning On Day 3 Of US Open 2013; Celebrating Victoria Duval’s Upset Of 2011 Champion Samantha Stosur

Laura Robson


The one problem I always seem to run into with being a fan of so many players is that inevitably…repeatedly…they will play each other. I am thrilled to see Laura Robson and Li Na both advance in round 2 of the 2013 US Open. Unfortunately, as a fan of both of them, only one of them will advance past round 3 since they next play each other. Li Na is already a Major winner, having captured Roland Garros 2011. Laura Robson has the look of a future Major winner. Adding to the intrigue of the match, Laura knocked Li Na out of the US Open last year in the third round. Robson had ousted the retiring Kim Clijsters in the previous round.

“Since last year, I think both of us have improved a lot. I’m really looking forward to possibly playing against her again. For sure it’ll be challenging because she’s a lefty and an aggressive player. It’s also a challenge because I want to prove myself and show I can do better than last year.” – Li Na



Victoria Duval


I was a bit busy yesterday, but I wanted to take a moment today to offer praise to Victoria Duval for what she accomplished in taking out 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur in the first round Tuesday. Duval is Haitian-American. Her father almost died in the Haitian earthquake in 2011. It took nearly 11 hours to find him. After several surgeries, he is still unable to work. He was buried in the ruble and had to climb out despite having both legs broken and an arm broken, not mention broken ribs. Victoria also has memories she would like to forget, such as being held hostage at gunpoint once in Haiti for several hours when she was seven. Despite these, and other hardships in her life, she maintains a bubbly personality. If there is anybody to root for to do well, it’s Victoria Duval.



Other Day 3 winners include:

Agnieszka Radwanska


Zheng Jie

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more pics and video on my blog: Ana Ivanovic, Petra Kvitova Advance On Day 4 Of 2013 US Open

Ana Ivanovic


One of the potential fourth round matches I’d like to see at the 2013 US Open is Victoria Azarenka vs Ana Ivanovic. I’m pretty sure Vika will get to the fourth round. Ana has the potential, but can be inconsistent at times. The 2008 Roland Garros champion took another step towards a Vika showdown with a solid 2 and 1 victory over Alexandra Dulgheru. Ana also had some words of support for Sara Errani, who left the US Open in tears after being upset by countrywoman Flavia Pennetta. Errani spoke of the pressure she felt as the fourth seed. Ana, a former #1 player in the world, could relate to what Sara was feeling.

“When you’re number one, everyone is trying to beat you and everyone is playing their best tennis against you. It’s like you have bull’s eye on your back. There is obviously pressure from your own country, from the media, and everything else that you put on yourself. And sometimes when you don’t match that, if you’re perfectionist, it can actually hurt you. This is what happens sometimes. This was probably the hardest lesson that I learned.” – Ana Ivanovic



Petra Kvitova


Another player who has dealt with high expectation is Petra Kvitova. Since her 2011 WTA Player of the Year campaign, Petra has searched for consistent play. She especially struggles in America and the US Open, citing everything from allergies to her aversion to the huge crowds at the National Tennis Center. Petra took out Bojana Jovanovski 2 and 4. If Kvitova can hold her game together, she could potentially face Vika in the quarters. That would be a big opportunity for Petra to turn things around. She has the tools to win in New York. I’m just not sure if she really believes that at this point.

Other winners on day 4 included:

Victoria Azarenka


Serena Williams


Christina McHale

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more pics and video on my blog: Li Na, Sloane Stephens Advance On Day 5 Of 2013 US Open

Li Na


Although it pained me to see Laura Robson exit the 2013 US Open, the consolation is that another one of my favorites, Li Na, was the one who bounced her out. Li Na is probably the player I look at if there is a darkhorse contender this year. Clearly, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka are the favorites until proven otherwise. Also, Li Na’s penchant for streaky play can make her difficult to pick as a possible winner. However, if she can keep her emotions contained, or at least channel them in a positive direction, she could make a lot of noise. She has some serious roadblocks in her way. Next up is Jelena Jankovic, who is playing with a renewed vigor and skill that hasn’t been seen for at least a year and half. JJ is getting closer and closer to looking similar to the player she was when she was ranked #1 and a top 10 fixture. Even if Li Na can somehow get by Jankovic, there is a strong possibility she would face Agnieszka Radwanska in the quarters. On paper, I would favor Aga in that match-up. So the road is rocky for Li Na. She can win the US Open if she gets hot. But it won’t be easy.



Sloane Stephens


Another huge match-up is Sloane Stephens vs Serena Williams. Will Serena fall again to Sloane Stephens, as she did at the year’s first Major, the Australian Open. Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t want to take anything away from Sloane, because she does play her best at the Majors it seems. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that Serena was not 100% when they played in Melbourne. But should Sloane beat Serena again, she would send a huge statement through the tennis world. Can’t wait to see this one.



Other winners on Day 5 included:

Agnieszka Radwanska


Serena Williams


Ekaterina Makarova

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more pics and video on my blog: Camila Giorgi Upset Caroline Wozniacki On Day 6 Of 2013 US Open; American Alison Riske Ousts Petra Kvitova

Camila Giorgi


Two of the biggest names on the women’s side of the 2013 US Open draw faced inspired challengers on day 6. When the dust settled, both former world #1 Caroline Wozniacki and former WTA Player of the Year Petra Kvitova found themselves on the outside looking in, unceremoniously bounced from the fortnight. Italy’s Camila Giorgi showed the kind of play pundits have begged to see from Wozniacki. Camila was aggressive, moving into the court to crack groundstrokes, putting greater weight into her shots. Meanwhile, Wozniacki struggled to get any bite out of her forehand. The end result was a 4-6 6-4 6-3 win for Camila. I know Caroline is not naturally an attacking player and she could make the argument that she reached #1 playing her style. I would argue that she benefitted during that period from Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters being either injured and/or playing limited schedules. What’s more, the tour has figured out her stye. It’s not just the top players that are beating her now. She’s losing to players she would have rolled over two years ago. Wozniacki must evolve or she will continue to suffer defeat at the hands of much lower ranked opponents.



Alison Riske


With American players Sloane Stephens, Victoria Duval and the great Serena Williams in the headlines early during the 2013 US Open, it was Alison Riske who dazzled on day 6, taking out 2011 WTA Player of the Year Petra Kvitova in emphatic fashion, 6-3 6-0. Yes, it’s true that Petra struggles in America and openly complains about how being here triggers breathing issues as well as an aversion for the big crowds at the National Tennis Center. But win or lose, never did I think Alison would hang a bagel on Petra in the final set, particularly since Kvitova had beaten Riske in the second round of the New Haven Open at Yale a week ago. But that was then, this is now. Confidence is so important in sports as it is in life. Alison played like a player who believes she belongs. I remain a big fan of Petra Kvitova. And I know she did complain of having a fever the day before this match. But she’s complained of illness for years coming to America. It seems the moment she steps off the plane in JFK Airport she gets sick. I cannot take any credit away from Riske. At a certain point Petra has to figure out why she has medical issues in the States and learn how to manage it.



Other winners included:

Simona Halep


Ana Ivanovic


Victoria Azarenka

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more pics and video on my blog: Li Na Routs Jelena Jankovic On Day 7 Of 2013 US Open; Serena Williams Stymies Sloane Stephens

Li Na


Wow. I didn’t see this one coming. Li Na has certainly been playing well going into her 2013 US Open showdown with former world #1 Jelena Jankovic. However, JJ had also been playing well. In fact, it was the best I’d seen Jelena play in over a year or so. I could envision either lady winning, but a 6-3 6-0 drubbing by Li Na took me by surprise. So much for Jelena having won their previous three matches. It was an overpowering performance by Li Na. I was especially impressed with Li’s willingness to move forward on points. She was still dominating from the baseline, but she took her chances moving into the court when she had opportunities. The question is can she continue to play at this high a level. If she can, she is a real threat to challenge for the title in Flushing Meadow.



Serena Williams


The match that tennis fans were abuzz about was the grudge match between Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens. Sloane has played her best in the Majors, but it was Serena who emerged victorious 6-4 6-1. To me, it was a contrast of where Sloane is now and where she could go. What I mean by that is that Sloane was able to crack the ball with power similar to Serena. There were some great rallies and great shots. But where some don’t give Serena enough credit is her technical prowess and court awareness. Serena knows when to get the ball back in play to keep the rally alive and when to go for winners. Sloane at times can go for winners when it’s not advantageous. Serena has a great feel for when to come forward, step into the court or go to net. Sloane spent too much time too far behind the baseline, not taking opportunities to move forward on short balls. Lastly, Serena’s footwork is impeccable. Sloane had a few errors that could be attributed to shaky footwork. Don’t get me wrong, Sloane has tons of game. That is evident. What I am saying is that there is a level that Stephens could reach if she patches a few weaknesses in her game. If she does so, Sloane has the ability to rule the game. But for now, the queen of tennis is still Serena Williams.

FIRST FOUR (OF EIGHT) TO REACH QUARTERFINALS:

Li Na


Serena Williams


Ekaterina Makarova


Carla Suarez Navarro

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more pics and video on my blog: Li Na, Victoria Azarenka Win Thrillers On Day 9 Of 2013 US Open

Li Na


On a day when Serena Williams blew out Carla Suarez Navarro, the other two women’s winners, Li Na and Victoria Azarenka, had to go the distance to overcome strong challengers. Li Na probably should have defeated Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets, but give Makarova credit. She came back from a break down in the second set and down in the tiebreak to steal the set from Li Na. In the end, Li Na was able to regroup and finally eliminate Ekaterina, 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-2. Li Na has often been the first Chinese player to accomplish a variety of things in tennis. Now, she can add being the first Chinese player to ever reach the semifinals of the US Open.



Victoria Azarenka


The best match of the day was Victoria Azarenka surviving a monumental gut check from Ana Ivanovic, 4-6 6-3 6-4. Ana is snakebitten. She needs that big win to get her over the hump and back into the top 10. She plays wells but keeps coming up short. In this match, trouble holding serve after the first set let her down. That said, I have to salute how well Ana played. She was in it, 3-3 in the third, but Vika found that little bit that she needed to edge Ivanovic. With the win, Vika moves into the quarters (this fourth round match was canceled yesterday due to rain) and more importantly, keeps the hope of a showdown with Serena in the final alive.



Day 9 winners:

Li Na


Victoria Azarenka


Serena Williams

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more pics and video on my blog: Victoria Azarenka, Flavia Pennetta Reach 2013 US Open Semifinals

Victoria Azarenka


Any lingering effects from playing an epic match with Ana Ivanovic the previous day were not evident in Victoria Azarenka’s match against Daniela Hantuchova as the #2 seeded Vika advanced to the 2013 US Open semifinals with a 2 and 3 victory. Vika stands one match away from a second straight final appearance. Standing in Vika’s way is Flavia Pennetta. If there were an Italian player one might expect to reach the semis, it was probably Sara Errani. But Flavia already upset her earlier in the tournament. Instead, Flavia took on fellow Italian player Roberta Vinci in the quarters, prevailing 4 and 1. This marks Flavia’s first Major semifinal. Things get much tougher now for Flavia with world #2 Vika. Even if she manages to take out Azarenka, either Li Na or Serena Williams would await in the final. Logically, it seems Pennetta’s Cinderella run will come to end in the semis…but then again, it’s sports. You never know.





Flavia Pennetta

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more pics and video on my blog: Victoria Azarenka Has Opportunity To Make Her Claim As Tennis’ Best Against Serena Williams In 2013 US Open Final

Victoria Azarenka


Serena Williams has only lost 4 matches all year. I’ve watched them all, few as they are. The Australian Open loss to Sloane Stephens is, in my opinion, mitigated by the fact that Serena wasn’t 100%. Serena should have defeated Sabine Lisicki at Wimbledon, up 3-0 in the final set. However, Sabine showed true grit in fightng back. The other 2 losses were to the same player, Victoria Azarenka. Granted, Serena has a commanding 12-3 won-loss advantage over Vika. However, 2 of Azarenka’s 3 wins were from this year, and both were on hardcourts. Nobody really thinks Vika is the equal to Serena right now. That said, consider what a 3rd victory in 4 matches this year would do for Azarenka. She’d have 2 Majors (Australian Open was the first) this year. She’d have the fewest losses (albeit in fewer overall matches than Serena). And she’d have a 3-1 winning record this year against Serena. In my book, that would make Vika, however briefly or lengthy, the best female tennis player in the world.





Serena Williams


For Serena Williams, it’s no longer about individual years or who’s the best at the moment or head-to-head records against any player. Serena is playing for history now. That she’s among the best to have ever played the sport is a given. The question now is where she ends up among her Hall of Fame peers. With each Major title she climbs higher up the list of tennis immortals. If she beats Vika, the chorus of those proclaiming her the best ever gets louder. Should she lose, she’s still among the best ever but might need more to ascend to the top of the mountain.

THE FINALISTS:

VICTORIA AZARENKA




SERENA WILLIAMS