Roland Garros Results- Day 8

Stunning. Shocking. Jaw-Dropping. Unbelievable. Those are just some of the words that can be used to describe the fact that the undisputed King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, was defeated Sunday at the French Open by Robin Soderling. The Spaniard lost his first ever match in his career at Roland Garros in 4 sets. Soderling overpowered the world number 1 the whole match, leaving Rafa helpless at the end and unable to continue his 31 match win streak at the French. Ana Ivanovic, the defending champion, lost to Victoria Azarenka, barely putting up a fight, while Dinara Safina continued her dominance, dropping just 1 game in her win over Aravane Rezai. Mara Sharapova continued her improbable run by beating Li Na, and she will face Dominika Cibulkova, who overcame a challenge from Agnes Szavay to reach her 1st Grand Slam quarterfinal. Fernando Verdasco was no match for Nikolay Davydenko, falling in straight sets. Fernando Gonzalez easily defeated Victor Hanescu to clinch a berth in the final 8, and 3rd seed Andy Murray fought off a valiant effort from Marin Cilic to advance.

French Open

Men's Singles- Round of 16

Robin Soderling (23) def. Rafael Nadal (1), 6-2, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)

Andy Murray (3) def. Marin Cilic (13), 7-5, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1

Nikolay Davydenko (10) def. Fernando Verdasco (8), 6-2, 6-2, 6-4

Fernando Gonzalez (12) def. Victor Hanescu (30), 6-2, 6-4, 6-2

Women's Singles- Round of 16

Dinara Safina (1) def. Aravane Rezai, 6-1, 6-0

Victoria Azarenka (9) def. Ana Ivanovic (8), 6-2, 6-3

Dominika Cibulkova (20) def. Agnes Szavay (29), 6-2, 6-4

Maria Sharapova def. Li Na (25), 6-4, 0-6, 6-4

Are you as stunned as I am?

Celebrities at the French

This year, the French Open has been a popular spot for some of the worlds most prominent ceebrities. Rachel Bilson, Hayden Christensen, Eva Longoria-Parker, Tony Parker, Antonio Banderas and Don Johnson all attended the 2nd Grand Slam of the year this week.

Roland Garros Results- Day 7

The 7th day of the French Open was filled with drama, as both Roger Federer and Serena Williams won their matches after losing the 1st set. In the press conference following Serena's win, the 10 time Grand Slam champion labeled her opponent, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, a cheater. On a crucial point in the 1st set, Serena hit a ball towards Martinez Sanchez, who was at the net. The ball came back over fo a winner, but Serena thought the ball hit her opponent's body, not their racquet. "I hit that ball rather hard. She knew that ball hit her," said Williams. "The rule of tennis is when the ball hits your body, then it's out of play. You lose a point automatically. So the ball hit her body, and therefore, she should have lost the point instead of cheating." In the biggest story of the day, Novak Djokovic was upset by Phillip Kohlschreiber in straight sets. Nole failed to find his rhythm the entire match and adjust to Kohlschreiber's agressive play. Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Victoria Azarenka all advanced to the Round of 16, but Samantha Stosur avenged her 3rd round loss at the Australian Open and upset Elena Dementieva. Sorana Cirstea ousted Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska won easily. Virginie Razzano also won. Andy Roddick played a near flawless match advancing to the 4th round along with Juan Martin del Potro and Jo Wilfried Tsonga, who both advanced in 3 sets. Gael Monfils took out Jurgen Melzer, Tommy Haas beat Jeremy Chardy and Tommy Robredo prevailed in 4 sets over Maximo Gonzalez.

French Open
Men's Singles- 3rd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Paul-Henri Mathieu (32), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4
Philipp Kohlschreiber (29) def. Novak Djokovic (4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Igor Andreev (25), 6-4, 7-5, 6-4
Andy Roddick (6) def. Marc Gicquel, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9) def. Christophe Rochus, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2
Gael Monfils (11) def. Jurgen Melzer (24), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
Tommy Robredo (16) def. Maximo Gonzalez, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-0
Tommy Haas def. Jeremy Chardy, 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4

Women's Singles- 3rd Round

Serena Williams (2) def. Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Samantha Stosur (30) def. Elena Dementieva (4), 6-3, 4-6, 6-1
Jelena Jankovic (5) def. Jarmila Groth, 6-1, 6-1
Svetlana Kuznetsova (7) def. Melinda Czink, 6-1, 6-3
Victoria Azarenka (9) def. Carla Suarez Navarro (22), 5-7, 7-5, 6-2
Sorana Cirstea def. Caroline Wozniacki (10), 7-6 (7-3), 7-5
Agnieszka Radwanska (12) def. Kateryna Bondarenko, 6-2, 6-4
Aleksandra Wozniak (24) def. Lourdes Dominguez Lino, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
Virginie Razzano def. Tathiana Garbin, 7-5, 7-5

Nadal in Vogue

A 4 page interview with Rafael Nadal is featured in the June issue of Vogue magazine. The Mallorcan explains his biggest vulnerability, which happens to be being home alone at night. Here is a small excerpt from the the interview. You can get the issue in stores now.

Being home alone at night makes me a bit nervous. If I'm at home alone I have to sleep on the sofa—I can't face going to bed. I'm there with the TV on and all the lights on. I'm not very brave about anything in life. In tennis, yes. In everything else, not very.

Nadal against doping tests

In the midst of Richard Gasquet's suspension because of alledgedly smoking cocaine in Miami in March, Rafael Nadal has spoken out in support of his friend and peer, Gasquet. "I support him. I'm certain that he's not taking anything," Nadal said in a press conference in Paris. "He's a good friend of mine and I discussed this with him last week and he's most certainly not taking cocaine. You know what the world is like today. You go to a party... if you kiss a girl who's taken cocaine, anything can happen. This can destroy your career and this is most unfair." The World Anti-Doping Agency has a rule stating that players must tell their national anti-doping authorities where they will be from 6 am- 11 am every day for a 3 month time period. Nadal criticized this as well, stating that the ITF should do something about the "unfair" measures. "The International Tennis Federation (ITF) should take measures," said the 4-time French Open champion. "I don't have the impression that it's good to put so much pressure on us. They harass us. If I lose tomorrow, I'll go back to Mallorca and who will know where I am if I have no access to the internet? Now, if they knock at my door in Mallorca, they're going to give me a warning. It's happened to Carlos Moya before. They sent him a warning and this is most unfair."

Roland Garros Results- Day 6

The first big upset of the tournament came on the first Friday of the French Open when 29th seeded Agnes Szavay defeated Venus Williams in 2 easy sets. After blanking Venus in the 1st set, Szavay won the 2nd 6-4 and called the win the best of her entire career. Rafael Nadal cruised past Lleyton Hewitt, and Andy Murray got by in 2 after Janko Tipsarevic retired down 2 sets to love. Novak Djokovic and Fernando Verdasco won straight setters, but Gilles Simon was upset by Victor Hanezcu. Dinara Safina continued her breeze through the draw, conceding just 2 games in her victory. Ana Ivanovic did the same, winning 6-0, 6-2 over Iveta Benesova. Maria Saharapova continued her remarkable comeback run by beating Yaroslava Shvedova in yet another 3 set battle. Na Li, Dominika Cibulkova and Aravane Rezai all won as well. Nikolay Davydenko ousted Stanislas Wawrinka in 4 sets, and Marin Cilic trounced Radek Stepanek in straights. Fernando Gonzalez advanced in 3 sets, while Phillip Kohlschreiber had a much tougher time, taking out former French Open champion, Juan Carlos Ferrero, in 5 sets. Robin Soderling upset David Ferrer after losing the first set.

French Open

Men's Singles- 3rd Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Lleyton Hewitt, 6-1, 6-3, 6-1

Andy Murray (3) def. Janko Tipsarevic, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, retired

Victor Hanescu (30) def. Gilles Simon (7), 6-4, 6-4, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (8) def. Nicolas Almagro (31), 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (10-8)

Nikolay Davydenko (10) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (17), 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Fernando Gonzalez (12) def. Josselin Ouanna, 7-5, 6-3, 7-5

Marin Cilic (13) def. Radek Stepanek (18), 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Robin Soderling (23) def. David Ferrer (14), 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5)

Women's Singles- 3rd Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (27), 6-2, 6-0

Agnes Szavay (29) def. Venus Williams (3), 6-0, 6-4

Ana Ivanovic (8) def. Iveta Benesova (32), 6-0, 6-2

Dominika Cibulkova (20) def. Gisela Dulko, 6-4, 6-2

Li Na (25) def. Olga Govortsova, 7-5, 6-1

Aravane Rezai def. Michelle Larcher de Brito, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2

Maria Sharapova def. Yaroslava Shvedova, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4

Roland Garros Results- Day 5

Hey guys! Sorry about not posting yesterday. I had a REDICULOUS amount of work. Just to fill you all in on the results of day 4, Andy Murray was tested, but won. Safina won very easily, as did Rafa. Fernando Verdasco and Gilles Simon dominated, and Ivanovic, Sharapova and Azarenka advanced on the women's side. Now, for today's results. Roger Federer was down 5-1 in the 3rd after splitting the 1st 2 sets and came back to win the match in 4. Venus Williams saved a match point in her victory, and Serena allowed just 2 games in her win. Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick, who looked stellar and primed for a big run, both won easy straight setters, and French hopefuls Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils advanced as well. Other men's winners included Nikolay Davydenko, Tommy Robredo and Paul Henri Matheiu. Novak Djokovic was up 2 sets to love before play was suspended. Elena Dementieva got REALLY lucky when Jelena Dokic retired up a set in their 2nd round match. Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova both advanced with little trouble. Marion Bartoli, Anabel Medina Garrigues and Alize Cornet were all upset, but Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska both won in straights.

French Open
Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Jose Acasuso, 7-6 (10-8), 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2
Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Viktor Troicki, 6-3, 7-5, 6-0
Andy Roddick (6) def. Ivo Minar, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9) def. Juan Monaco, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8)
Nikolay Davydenko (10) def. Diego Junqueira, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0, 6-2
Gael Monfils (11) def. Victor Crivoi, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3
Tommy Robredo (16) def. Daniel Gimeno-Traver, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
Jurgen Melzer (24) def. Guillaume Rufin, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
Igor Andreev (25) def. Martin Vassallo Arguello, 1-6, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4
Paul-Henri Mathieu (32) def. Pablo Andujar, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
Tommy Haas def. Leonardo Mayer, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 4-6, 6-3
Jeremy Chardy def. Simone Bolelli, 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-1
Marc Gicquel def. Andreas Beck, 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-3), 7-5
Christophe Rochus def. Arnaud Clement, 6-1, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
Maximo Gonzalez def. Andreas Seppi, 7-6 (10-8), 6-3, 6-3

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Serena Williams (2) def. Virginia Ruano Pascual, 6-2, 6-0

Venus Williams (3) def. Lucie Safarova, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 7-5

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Jelena Dokic, 2-6, 4-3, retired

Jelena Jankovic (5) def. Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-1, 6-2

Svetlana Kuznetsova (7) def. Galina Voskoboeva, 6-0, 6-2

Caroline Wozniacki (10) def. Jill Craybas, 6-1, 6-4

Agnieszka Radwanska (12) def. Mariya Koryttseva, 6-1, 6-4

Tathiana Garbin def. Marion Bartoli (13), 6-3, 7-5

Virginie Razzano def. Anabel Medina Garrigues (18), 6-2, 6-2

Sorana Cirstea def. Alize Cornet (21), 6-3, 6-2

Aleksandra Wozniak (24) def. Petra Martic, 6-3, 6-3

Melinda Czink def. Sybille Bammer (28), 4-6, 6-3, 10-8

Samantha Stosur (30) def. Yanina Wickmayer, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4

Kateryna Bondarenko def. Olivia Rogowska, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez def. Viktoriya Kutuzova, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3

Lourdes Dominguez Lino def. Alexa Glatch, 7-6 (7-0), 7-5

Jarmila Groth def. Mariana Duque Marino, 6-2, 7-6 (11-9)

Roland Garros Results- Day 3

The 3rd day in Paris started with some rain, but as the day went on, the weather improved and all the matches were completed in the tight schedule. Gael Monfils and Jo Wilfried Tsonga impressed their home crowd and both won. Tsonga had to go to 4 sets, while Monfils lost only 6 games. Novak Djokovic's opponent, Nicolas Lapentti, retired while down a set and a break. Tuesday was miserable for the American men, as Bobby Reynolds, Mardy Fish and James Blake were all thwarted by Europeans. Juan Martin del Potro, Tommy Robredo, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Phillip Kohlschreiber all advanced to the second round. Elena Dementieva, Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Sam Stosur all moved on with easy wins, but 10th seeded Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams, the 2nd seed, had to work much harder for their victories. Serena needed 9 match points to earn her win, and Wozniacki had to recover from a less than brilliant 2nd set to win the decider. Anabel Medina Garrigues, Aleksandra Wozniak and Sybille Bammer all won easily, while Maria Jose Martinez and Jelena Dokic lost the 1st set and came back.

French Open

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Novak Djokovic (4) def. Nicolas Lapentti, 6-3, 3-1, retired

Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Michael Llodra, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9) def. Julien Benneteau, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Gael Monfils (11) def. Bobby Reynolds, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1

Leonardo Mayer def. James Blake (15), 7-6 (8-6), 7-5, 6-2

Tommy Robredo (16) def. Adrian Mannarino, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2

Maximo Gonzalez def. Mardy Fish (22), 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

Marc Gicquel def. Rainer Schuettler (27), 6-0, 6-0, 6-4

Philipp Kohlschreiber (29) def. Bernard Tomic, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Ivan Ljubicic, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Sergiy Stakhovsky def. Brian Dabul, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3

Victor Crivoi def. Simon Greul, 6-1, 7-6 (7-1), 6-2

Andreas Beck def. Ivan Navarro, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4, 6-1

Juan Monaco def. Marcos Baghdatis, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

Viktor Troicki def. Lukasz Kubot, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3

Daniel Gimeno-Traver def. Evgeny Korolev, 6-4, retired

Andreas Seppi def. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1

Tommy Haas def. Andrei Pavel, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Serena Williams (2) def. Klara Zakopalova, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Chanelle Scheepers, 6-4, 6-3

Jelena Jankovic (5) def. Petra Cetkovska, 6-2, 6-3

Svetlana Kuznetsova (7) def. Claire Feuerstein, 6-1, 6-4

Caroline Wozniacki (10) def. Vera Dushevina, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1

Anabel Medina Garrigues (18) def. Ekaterina Makarova, 6-2, 5-7, 6-0

Alize Cornet (21) leads Maret Ani, 6-4, 4-4 (suspended)

Aleksandra Wozniak (24) def. Monica Niculescu, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3

Sybille Bammer (28) def. Nathalie Dechy, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1)

Samantha Stosur (30) def. Francesca Schiavone, 6-4, 6-2

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez def. Peng Shuai (31), 1-6, 6-2, 6-4

Viktoriya Kutuzova def. Zuzana Ondraskova, 6-2, 6-4

Virginia Ruano Pascual def. Nicole Vaidisova, 6-4, 6-3

Yanina Wickmayer def. Urszula Radwanska, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0

Jelena Dokic def. Karolina Sprem, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2

Sorana Cirstea def. Carly Gullickson, 6-4, 6-2

Magdalena Rybarikova def. Kristina Mladenovic, 6-1, 2-6, 8-6

Petra Martic def. Mara Santangelo, 6-4, 6-2

Virginie Razzano def. Daniela Hantuchova, 6-3, 6-3

Galina Voskoboeva def. Sania Mirza, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3)
Melinda Czink def. Anastasija Sevastova, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

Roland Garros Results- Day 2

The world's top 2 players were in action on Monday in Paris, and Rafa and Roger both advanced. Nadal, wearing hot pink, had a harder time than expected, but won in straights, while Federer easily won 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. Dinara Safina didn't surrender a game in a dominating defeat over Anna Keothavong. Andy Roddick looked impressive in his win, and Maria Sharapova, playing her 1st Grand Slam since Wimbledon, came back from a set down to advance. Venus Williams won in 3 sets and Nikolay Davydenko, Paul Henri Mathieu and Fernando Gonzalez all posted straight set victories. Stan Wawrinka and Igor Andreev prevailed in 5 sets, and Alexa Glatch and Katerina Bondarenko upset seeded women easily. Other women's winners included Agnes Szavay, 15 year old Michelle Larcher de Brito, Jie Zheng and Marion Bartoli. Other victorious men were Jeremy Chardy, Jankovic Tipsarevic, Robin Soderling, Victor Hanesco and Feliciano Lopez.

French Open

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Marcos Daniel, 7-5, 6-4, 6-3

Roger Federer (2) def. Alberto Martin, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2

Andy Roddick (6) def. Romain Jouan, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2

Nikolay Davydenko (10) def. Stefan Koubek, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4

Fernando Gonzalez (12) def. Jiri Vanek, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

Stanislas Wawrinka (17) def. Nicolas Devilder, 6-3, 5-7, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4

Simone Bolelli def. Tomas Berdych (19), 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3

Robin Soderling (23) def. Kevin Kim, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2

Jurgen Melzer (24) def. Sergio Roitman, 6-4, 7-6, 6-0

Igor Andreev (25) def. Fabio Fognini, 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, 3-6, 7-5

Feliciano Lopez (28) def. Franco Ferreiro, 6-7 (3-7), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5, 6-2

Victor Hanescu (30) def. Steve Darcis, 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3)

Paul-Henri Mathieu (32) def. Laurent Recouderc, 6-4, 6-4, 6-1

Pablo Andujar def. Robby Ginepri, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (7-3)

Guillaume Rufin def. Eduardo Schwank, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3

Jeremy Chardy def. Thiago Alves, 6-2, 7-6 (12-10), 6-3

Ivo Minar def. Oscar Hernandez, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Mikhail Youzhny def. Gilles Muller, 7-6 (7-2), 6-1, 6-4

Martin Vassallo Arguello def. Thomaz Bellucci, 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 5-5, retired

Potito Starace def. Mischa Zverev, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 1-0, retired

Janko Tipsarevic def. Albert Montanes, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4

Rui Machado def. Kristof Vliegen, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3

Denis Istomin def. Santiago Giraldo, 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)

Nicolas Kiefer def. Ilia Bozoljac, 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 7-5, 6-4

Diego Junqueira def. Paul Capdeville, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-3

Nicolas Massu def. Daniel Koellerer, 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 6-3

Teimuraz Gabashvili def. Igor Kunitsyn, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 6-1

Jose Acasuso def. Santiago Ventura, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0, 6-3

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Anne Keothavong, 6-0, 6-0

Venus Williams (3) def. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2

Agnieszka Radwanska (12) def. Rossana de los Rios, 6-3, 6-1

Marion Bartoli (13) def. Pauline Parmentier, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3

Alexa Glatch def. Flavia Pennetta (14), 6-1, 6-1

Zheng Jie (15) def. Stephanie Cohen-Aloro, 6-1, 6-3

Kateryna Bondarenko def. Patty Schnyder (17), 6-4, 6-3

Dominika Cibulkova (20) def. Alona Bondarenko, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4

Carla Suarez Navarro (22) def. Edina Gallovits, 6-1, 6-4

Polona Hercog def. Alisa Kleybanova (23), 6-2, 4-6, 6-1

Mariana Duque Marino def. Anna Chakvetadze (26), 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

Agnes Szavay (29) def. Corinna Dentoni, 6-3, 6-4

Lucie Safarova def. Sabine Lisicki, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1

Tamarine Tanasugarn def. Camille Pin, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5

Lucie Hradecka def. Yvonne Meusburger, 6-1, 6-2

Aravane Rezai def. Ai Sugiyama, 6-3, 6-2

Michelle Larcher de Brito def. Melanie South, 0-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5

Lourdes Dominguez Lino def. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, 6-1, 4-6, 9-7

Jill Craybas def. Tsvetana Pironkova, 7-5, 6-2

Tathiana Garbin def. Ayumi Morita, 7-5, 7-5

Kirsten Flipkens def. Stephanie Foretz, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4

Maria Sharapova def. Anastasiya Yakimova, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2

Akgul Amanmuradova def. Irena Pavlovic, 6-3, 6-4

Olga Govortsova def. Katie O'Brien, 6-1, 6-1

Jarmila Groth def. Kinnie Laisne, 6-4, 6-3

Olivia Rogowska def. Maria Kirilenko, 6-4, 6-4

Mariya Koryttseva def. Patricia Mayr, 6-1, 6-1

Roland Garros Results- Day 1

The tennis season's 2nd Grand Slam got underway on Sunday and the action, as always, was masterful. The day was kicked off with a marathon between Dr. Ivo and Lleyton Hewitt. Karlovic hit 55 aces, yes, 55. Believe it or not, the Croat still managed to lose, surrendering a 2 set lead to the Aussie. Nadia Petrova, Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco, Victoria Azarenka, Marin Cilic, Marat Safin and David Ferrer were among the seeded players that rolled on without much difficulty. Amelie Mauresmo failed, once again, in front of her home crowd, bowing out to Anna Lena Groenefeld in 2 sets. The American men exceeded expectatations by going 1 for 3 on opening day. The victory came from Robert Kendrick, in 5 sets, while Wayne Odesnik came extremely close to upsetting Gilles Simon, losing 6-3 in the 5th. Sam Querrey, although he won a set, was ousted relatively easily by Ernests Gulbis. Na Li, Iveta Benesova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova all advanced easily in straight sets, while 19th seeded Kaia Kanepi was upset in 3 sets by Yaroslava Shvedova. Ana Ivanovic started her title defense with a 2 set victory over Sara Errani.

French Open

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Andy Murray (3) def. Juan Ignacio Chela, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1

Gilles Simon (7) def. Wayne Odesnik, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3

Fernando Verdasco (8) def. Florent Serra, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4

Marin Cilic (13) def. Jan Hernych, 6-0, 6-4, 6-3

David Ferrer (14) def. Frederico Gil, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4

Radek Stepanek (18) def. Gaston Gaudio, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1

Marat Safin (20) def. Alexandre Sidorenko, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

Lleyton Hewitt def. Ivo Karlovic (26), 6-7 (1-7), 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 6-3

Nicolas Almagro (31) def. Agustin Calleri, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3

Ernests Gulbis def. Sam Querrey, 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 3-6, 6-1

Philipp Petzschner def. Peter Polansky, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-3

Mathieu Montcourt def. Yen-Hsun Lu, 6-2, retired

Dudi Sela def. Jean-Rene Lisnard, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Andrey Golubev def. Denis Gremelmayr, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2

Josselin Ouanna def. Marcel Granollers, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-1

Robert Kendrick def. Daniel Brands, 6-7 (7-9), 7-5, 7-6 (13-11), 4-6, 6-3

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Ana Ivanovic (8) def. Sara Errani, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3

Victoria Azarenka (9) def. Roberta Vinci, 6-4, 6-2

Nadia Petrova (11) def. Lauren Embree, 6-1, 6-2

Anna-Lena Groenefeld def. Amelie Mauresmo (16), 6-4, 6-3

Yaroslava Shvedova def. Kaia Kanepi (19), 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 6-2

Li Na (25) def. Marta Domachowska, 6-4, 6-2

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (27) def. Ioana Raluca Olaru, 6-3, 6-2

Iveta Benesova (32) def. Julia Goerges, 7-5, 4-1, retired

Alla Kudryavtseva def. Varvara Lepchenko, 6-3, 6-3

Elena Vesnina def. Severine Bremond Beltrame, 6-3, 6-3

Gisela Dulko def. Tamira Paszek, 6-1, 6-3

Kristina Barrois def. Maria Emilia Salerni, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2

Vitalia Diatchenko def. Mathilde Johansson, 2-6, 6-2, 10-8

Julie Coin def. Nuria Llagostera Vives, 7-5, 6-2

Arantxa Rus def. Olivia Sanchez, 6-1, 6-1

Timea Bacsinszky def. Emilie Loit, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1

Zvonareva withdraws from Roland Garros

World number 6 and 2009 Australian Open semifinalist Vera Zvonareva withdrew from the French Open with a serious ankle injury. The Russia has been off the tour for over a month now after she suffered the injury chasing down a ball at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston. Katie O'Brian of Britain will take Zvonereva's spot in the draw and is now scheduled to face Olga Govortsova.

Dulgheru wins Warsaw

Little-known Alexandra Dulgheu won the Warsaw Open on Saturday with a 3 set victory over Alyona Bondarenko. After winning the 1st set in a gut-wrenching tiebreak, Bondarenko took the 2nd set fairly easly. Dulgheru recovered from her drop in play and served Bondarenko a bagel in the final set, winning her 1st Sony Ericsson WTA title of her young career and battling through a final that included strong winds and 2 rain delays. Dulgheru lost just 1 set en route to the title. “My first plan was to try and pass the (qualifications) of the tournament, and doing that was a great achievement for me,” said the 19 year old. “I did not expect this and I’m really happy that I won.”

Warsaw

Women's Singles- Finals

Alexandra Dulgheru def. Alona Bondarenko (8), 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-0

French Open women's predictions

The women's game is more mixed up than it ever has been before, but Dinara Safina is determined to fill a hole that has been left open ever since Justine Henin left the game. 5 different women held the number 1 spot over all of last year, and 3 different players have held that spot already this year. Serena Williams won the last 2 slams, but many women are in Paris full of grit and will-power, and this is where the roller-coaster that is Roland Garros starts.

1st Quarter

Safina starts off this quarter after winning the last 2 tournaments she has played in, Madrid and Rome, both on clay. Safina clearly has the momentum, but countless youngsters have assumed the top spot and failed embarrasingly at the next slam (just think of 2 Serbian women...wink wink). Alisa Kleybanova, a young Russian, may carry a lot of weight, but her game, when it's on, can compete at the top level. Victoria Azarenka, who sits in the bottom half of this quarter is the top rising star on tour and has been picked by many as the next dominant force in tennis. Not so fast. Azarenka proved herself at Indian Wells, but she is nowhere near being able to handle Grand Slam pressure. Carla Surez Navarro and Jie Zheng are other dangerous threats as well. And let's not forget Ana Ivanovic, who won this title last year. The Serb was not able to cope with being number 1 after she took over the spot, but with a new coach in Craig Kardon, the bombshell is fit to make another run. A huge run.
Quartefinals: Ivanovic def. Safina

2nd Quarter

This quarter is full of talent, with Venus Williams, Vera Zvonereva, Amelie Mauresmo and Nadia Petrova, but look closer. Even closer, and you'll find Maria Sharapova. The Russian startlet played her 1st match in 10 months this past week, and won 2 matches before falling to Alyona Bondarenko. Call me crazy, but with a good week of rest, Sharapova could force some upsets. Williams fell in the 3rd round last year to Flavia Pennetta, and has never won the title in Paris. Zvonereva has been absent from the tour lately with an injury, but has been resting up and could make a decent run. Mauresmo seems to always have problems in front of her home crowd, but those difficulties will end in 2009, and the Frenchwoman will make huge strides. Petrova has been solid this year, but could face Sharapova, who has dropped to number 65 in the rankings, in the 2nd round. If you're looking for a dark horse, you might not want to pass up on Bondarenko, who could face Mauresmo in the 3rd round.
Quarterfinals: Mauresmo def. Zvonareva

3rd Quarter

The top 2 women in the 3rd quarter, Elena Dementieva and Jelena Jankovic, have been on the same path recently. Good, not great. Quarterfinals, not Victories. These women, seeded at 4 and 5 respectively, have been solid this season but have not garnered the success expected of them. Last year, Jankovic reached the semifinals here, and played a thrilling 3 setter with Ivanovic. In 2004, Dementieva finished runner up to Anastasia Myskina, who is long gone. Caroline Wozniacki, a great young talent, is seeded 10th and is in this quarter. She has the right game for clay, but never seems to have the maturity to win the big matches. Francesca Schiavone, a natural clay-courter, is a dangerous threat to the top seeds, having knocked Serena out in the 3rd round in 2008. Alize Cornet will have the crowd behind her and her game is coming together nicely at just the right time, so look for her to cause some upsets. Many may disagree with me, but I feel like Jankovic is in position to make some noise in Paris.
Quarterfinals: Jankovic def. Schiavone

4th Quarter

Serena Williams, the leading lady in the last quarter, was seeded 2nd in the U.S. Open and Australian Open. Losing the number 1 ranking could have been the best thing that's ever happened to Williams, because the American is seeded none other than 2nd this year. She leads this stellar quarter along with Svetlana Kuznetsova, who won in Stuttgart by defeating Safina. The Russian has a big game, so don't be surprised when she goes way farther than you expected. Flavia Pennetta reached the semifinals in Madrid, and is a fabulous clay court player. She beat the older Williams last year in Paris, and could meet the younger sister in the round of 16. Pennetta is playing some of the best tennis of her life, while Williams has lost 4 consecutive matches and has a bum knee. Upset alert? Patty Schnyder has played very well this month, and could meet 12th seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in a blockbuster 3rd round meeting. Aleksandra Wozniack and Sybille Bammer are solid players as well and could win a few matches.
Quarterfinals: Kuznetsova def. Pennetta

Semifinals

Ivanovic def. Mauresmo
Kuznetsova def. Jankovic

Finals

Ivanovic def. Kuznetsova

The picks may not be popular, but Ivanovic's game always seems to come full circle right around the end of May, and although her young career has been on a downward spiral, she knows just how to pump herself up on la terre battue.

Roland Garros draws released

The season's 2nd Grand Slam gets underway on Sunday and the much anticipated drawing took place on Friday. 4-time defending champion, Rafael Nadal, is the number 1 seed and has only lost 1 match on clay so far this year, to Roger Federer in last week's Madrid Open final. Andy Murray was drawn to Nadal's side, while Novak Djokovic, who reached the final of key French Open warmups in Rome and Monte Carlo, was drawn to world number 2, Roger Federer's side. Fernando Verdasco of Spain is in Nadal's quarter, and Andy Roddick, who will be attempting to win his 1st French Open match in 3 years, is in Federer's section. Gilles Simon, who has drastically under-performed this Spring, is in the Murray quarter, and world number 5 Juan Martin del Potro is with Djokovic. The obvious questions going into Paris this year are if Nadal and Federer can meet once again in a final, and if Federer's victory in Madrid last week will give him a major confidence boost. Murray hasn't lived up to expectations this clay-court season, but managed to upend Djokovic and snatch away his number 3 ranking. Djokovic on the other hand, has had a stellar Autumn, and hopes to prove what ranking he really deserves.

The men's game is much more narrowed down than the women's, where up to 10 different women could take the coveted RG crown this year. Serena Williams, who has won the last 2 Grand Slams, has won the title here once, but has failed at taking the crown the last several years. The younger Williams is on a 4 match losing streak, while her elder sibling, Venus hasn't faired much better. World number 1, Dinara Safina, has been trying to prove that she deserves her ranking, and she has succeeded in doing so, winning in Rome and Madrid. Defending champion Ana Ivanovic became number 1 after she won here, but never was able to handle the pressure, and has fallen to number 8 in the last year. Elena Dementieva and Jelena Jankovic are world number 4 and 5 respectively, and have been solid in the past 2 months. Jankovic has fell 4 ranking spots since she went into the Aussie Open as top dog. Victoria Azarenka took the Indian Wells trophy and has proved that she is a force to be reackoned with, and Caroline Wozniacki reached the finals in Charleston and Madrid. Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Safina in Stuttgart, and has the chops to take a major title.

I've done my very best to break down the storylines for this years 2nd major, but all there is left to do is sit back and enjoy the dirtiest slam of them all.

Warsaw Results

Alyona Bondarenko continued her stellar play after dominating Maria Sharapova, by winning in 2 sets over Anne Keothavong en route to the Warsaw Open final. Qualifier Alexandra Dulgheru prevailed in yet another 3 setter to reach her 1st ever final. She lost the 2nd set in a tiebreak, but recovered and took the 3rd with ease.

Warsaw

Women's Singles- Semifinals

Alexandra Dulgheru def. Daniela Hantuchova (6), 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-1

Alona Bondarenko (8) def. Anne Keothavong, 6-2, 7-5

Ancic, Isner and Tursunov pull out of Roland Garros

John Isner, Dmitry Tursunov and Mario Ancic all pulled out of the French Open on Thursday. Isner pulled out because of illness, Tursunov can't play because of a heel injury and Ancic because of a lack of fitness. Tursunov has been absent from the ATP tour for over a month, and Isner recieved the wild card spot into Roland Garros just a few weeks ago. His spot will be taken by Romain Jouan of France. Isner's ranking is 114, Tursunov is 23 and Ancic sits at 38.

p.s. don't you think Ancic's excuse is a little lame. He is a pro tennis player, and top-of-the-line fitness must come with that.

Warsaw Results

Alyona Bondarenko, usually a threat in doubles, proved she is a solid singles player as well on Thursday by easily dismissing Maria Sharapova in Warsaw. Anne Keothavong surendered just a game in reaching the semifinals, while Daniela Hantuchova won the only 3-setter of the day. Little-known Alexandra Dulgheru advanced to the semis with a 2 set win.

Warsaw

Women's Singles- Quarterfinals

Daniela Hantuchova (6) def. Klara Zakopalova, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4

Alona Bondarenko (8) def. Maria Sharapova, 6-2, 6-2

Anne Keothavong def. Ioana Raluca Olaru, 6-0, 6-1

Alexandra Dulgheru def. Galina Voskoboeva, 6-1, 7-5

Warsaw Results

Maria Sharapova continued her comback run by surrenderng just 2 games to Darya Kustova on her way to the quarterfinals of the Warsaw Open. Alyona Bondareko and Daniela Hantuchova also dominated their way to easy victories, but number 3 seed, Jie Zheng, was trounced by Klara Zakopalova. Anna Keothavong recovered from 1 set down to oust Jill Craybas, and 5th seeded Sara Errani was upset. Ioana Olaru advanced in 3 sets.

Warsaw

Women's Singles- Round of 16

Klara Zakopalova def. Zheng Jie (3), 6-0, 6-4

Alexandra Dulgheru def. Sara Errani (5), 6-4, 6-3

Daniela Hantuchova (6) def. Urszula Radwanska, 6-3, 6-1

Alona Bondarenko (8) def. Marta Domachowska, 6-3, 6-1

Ioana Raluca Olaru def. Julia Goerges, 6-3, 0-6, 7-6 (7-3)

Anne Keothavong def. Jill Craybas, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1

Galina Voskoboeva def. Kateryna Bondarenko, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)

Maria Sharapova def. Darya Kustova, 6-2, 6-0

Nishikori out of French

Kei Nishikori withdrew from the French Open yesterday because of a lingering injury to his right elbow. Nishikori, who took the title at Delray Beach in 2008, has not played a tour match since Indian Wells. His highest ranking has been 56th, but he has since dropped to 117th. At the U.S. Open in September, the Japan native elminated David Ferrer on his way to the final 16. Roland Garros begins on Sunday, bu Nishikori hopes to be back in time for Wimbledon, which starts in late June.

Warsaw Results

2009 Australian Open quarterfinalist Jelena Dokic was ousted in the 1st round at the Warsaw Open on Tuesday, while Daniela Hantuchova and Sara Errani both advanced. American Jill Craybas prevailed after losing the 1st set, as did Klara Zakopalova. Urszula Radwanska, Agniezka's younger sister, advanced in 3 sets. Other winners included Darya Kustova and Galina Voskoboeva.

Warsaw

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Sara Errani (5) def. Greta Arn, 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (7-2)

Daniela Hantuchova (6) def. Nuria Llagostera Vives, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3

Urszula Radwanska def. Mariya Koryttseva, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

Klara Zakopalova def. Melinda Czink, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Darya Kustova def. Lenka Tvaroskova, 6-4, 6-1

Ioana Raluca Olaru def. Jelena Dokic, 6-4, 6-3

Jill Craybas def. Edina Gallovits, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3

Galina Voskoboeva def. Patricia Mayr, 6-4, 6-1

Alexandra Dulgheru def. Agnes Szatmari, 6-3, 6-4

Warsaw Results

After 10 months off of the professional circuit because of a knagging shoulder injury, Maria Sharapova made a successful return to the WTA tour by eliminating Tathiana Garbin in 3 sets to advance at the Warsaw Open, a warmup to Roland Garros. To go along with the win, the Russian made a fashion statement as well, as she rarely fails to do, in a white and yellow nike design. No word has been said yet regarding whether Sharapova will compete at the French Open, but if she performs in Poland, things could be looking up. Number 4 seed Aleksandra Wozniack and number 7 seed Bethanie Mattek were both upset while Alyona Bondarenko served a double bagel to Katarzyna Piter. Jie Zheng fought back from a set down to advance.

Warsaw

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Zheng Jie (3) def. Olga Govortsova, 4-6, 7-6 (7-0), 6-3

Julia Goerges def. Aleksandra Wozniak (4), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3

Anne Keothavong def. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (7), 6-2, 7-6 (7-4)

Alona Bondarenko (8) def. Katarzyna Piter, 6-0, 6-0

Kateryna Bondarenko def. Tsvetana Pironkova (9), 7-5, 6-2

Maria Sharapova def. Tathiana Garbin, 6-1, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3

Marta Domachowska def. Akgul Amanmuradova, 6-2, 6-1

Roger rocks Rafa, wins Madrid crown

Roger Federer, who has not been able to defeat world number 1 Rafael Nadal since 2007, did the unthinkable of Sunday, by beating Rafa on clay. Nadal, who had won 33 straight matches on the surface prior to his encounter with Federer, seemed a little worn out from his epic win over Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. The Swiss Maestro got 67 % of his 1st serves in, 13 % better than in his heartbreaking loss to Nadal at the Australian Open. FedEx hit 25 winners, the majority of them off his worldclass forehand. With the win, Roger improves his record against Nadal to 7-13, and the triumph will give him a much needed momentum boost going into next week's French Open. Federer broke Nadal's serve at 4-4 in the 1st set, and at 2-2 in the second. Serving out the match at 5-4, the world number 2's nerves kicked in, but Fed saved 2 break points and was raising his arms in joy after 1 hour and 26 minutes.

Madrid

Men's Singles- Final

Roger Federer (2) def. Rafael Nadal (1), 6-4, 6-4

Safina wins the title in Madrid

World Number 1 Dinara Safina won the Madrid Open title on Sunday by defeating Caroline Wozniacki in 2 sets. The Russian overpowered Wozniacki throughout the match, and grabbed a quick lead, never looking back. This is Safina's 2nd tournament title in 2 weeks, and 2nd title as world number 1. After her victory, the Russian adressed the crowd in Spanish, thanking Wozniacki for a great match and the crowd for their support. Dinara will take home 600,000 dollars.

Madrid

Women's Singles- Final

Dinara Safina (1) def. Caroline Wozniacki (9), 6-2, 6-4

Madrid Results

In their 3rd meeting in 5 weeks, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic produced 1 of the best matches of the year, a 4 hour thriller that included running passing shots, beautiful aces, masterful groundstrokes and a little extra determination on the part of both players. Djokovic took the 1st set 6-3, but Nadal was able to win the 2nd, although his knee was in pain. In the 3rd, Djoko jumped out to a 3-1 lead, but Rafa broke back and fired up his home crowd. In the epic 3rd set tiebreak, Djokovic had match points at 6-5 and 7-6, both saved by Nadal with rediculous forehands. Djokovic saved a Nadal match point with a beautiful forehand passing shot, but 2 points later, Nadal was on his knees celebrating an incredible victory. Roger Federer knew he wouldn't be able to follow up the previous match on Manola Santana Court, but Fed got the job done in a solid victory over Juan Martin del Potro. Caroline Wozniacki defeated Amelie Mauresmo in 2 sets, while Dinara Safina cruised passed Patty Schnyder without trouble to reach the final. Get excited for Federer-Nadal XX.

Madrid

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Novak Djokovic (3), 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (11-9)

Roger Federer (2) def. Juan Martin del Potro (5), 6-3, 6-4

Women's Singles- Semifinals

Dinara Safina (1) def. Patty Schnyder, 6-4, 6-2

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Amelie Mauresmo, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3

Madrid Results

The semifinals in Madrid are set, as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro all triumphed in men's action. The semifinals for the women will include Dinara Safina, Amelie Mauresmo, Patty Schnyder and Caroline Wozniacki advanced. Federer split the first 2 sets with Roddick, but steamrolled the American in the third. Del Po upset world number 3 Andy Murray in straight sets, while Nadal and Djokovic won routinely. Safina rolled, and Patty Schnyder pulled of an incredible victory over Jelena Jankovic. Wozniacki dominated and Mauresmo started slow, but picked up her rhythm and had no trouble in the 2nd and 3rd sets.

Madrid

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Fernando Verdasco (7), 6-4, 7-5

Roger Federer (2) def. Andy Roddick (6), 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Ivan Ljubicic, 6-4, 6-4

Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Andy Murray (4), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3

Women's Singles- Quarterfinals

Dinara Safina (1) def. Alona Bondarenko, 6-4, 6-3

Patty Schnyder def. Jelena Jankovic (4), 7-6 (8-6), 6-3

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Vera Dushevina, 6-0, 6-4

Amelie Mauresmo def. Agnes Szavay, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1

Following hip surgery, Nalbandian out for 4 months

15th ranked David Nalbandian, who has been ranked as high as number 4 in the world, underwent hip surgery, which will sideline the Argentine for 4 months. Unfortunately, Nalbandian will miss all the remaining Grand Slams, Argentina's David Cup tie and multiple Masters 1000 tournament in between. Nalbandian is always considered a sleeper, having rose from the dead to take back to back Masters tournaments in 2007. He also gave Rafael Nadal quite a scare in Indian Wells, forcing the Spaniard to fight off 5 match points. Last week, the former Wimbledon semifinalist lost to Paul Capdeville in Estoril. The hospital that performed surgery on Nalbandian will keep him in Barcelona until the end of May, and then let Nalbanian return to Argentina.

Madrid Results

Roger Federer looked in form in an easy win over James Blake, while Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick got free passes into the quarterfinals because of withdrawals by Phillip Kohlschreiber and Nikolay Davydenko. Andy Murray defeated Tommy Robredo and Novak Djokovic won in straights over Andreas Seppi. Ivan Ljubicic continued to shock tenns fans by upsetting Gilles Simon. Tuesday, Ljubicic upset Jo Wilfried Tsonga. Juan Martin del Potro won a tight 3 setter against Stanislas Wawrinka and Fernando Verdasco ousted Juan Monaco in 2 sets. In women's play, Dinara Safina and Jelena Jankovic both advanced to the quarterfinals, but Victoria Azarenka was stunned by Agnes Szavay. Caroline Wozniacki looked brilliant in a routine win over Alisa Kleybanova, and Alyona Bondarenko took out Anna Chakvetade in 3.

Madrid

Men's Singles- Round of 16

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber (walkover)

Roger Federer (2) def. James Blake (14), 6-2, 6-4

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Andreas Seppi, 6-4, 6-4

Andy Murray (4) def. Tommy Robredo (16), 7-5, 6-1

Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (11), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4

Andy Roddick (6) def. Nikolay Davydenko (10) (walkover)

Fernando Verdasco (7) def. Juan Monaco, 7-5, 6-2

Ivan Ljubicic def. Gilles Simon (8), 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Women's Singles- Round of 16

Dinara Safina (1) def. Lucie Safarova, 6-0, 4-6, 6-3

Jelena Jankovic (4) def. Elena Vesnina, 6-2, 6-2

Agnes Szavay def. Victoria Azarenka (7), 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Alisa Kleybanova, 6-2, 6-2

Alona Bondarenko def. Anna Chakvetadze, 6-0, 2-6, 6-3

Madrid Results

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who have been the 2 best clay courters so far in 2009, both won easily in their opening matches at the Madrid Masters. In the 1st game of the 2nd set, Djokovic had a nasty fall, making tennis fans' hearts stop around the world. After a few minutes of rest though, Novak returned from the injury and ousted Oscar Hernandez. David Ferrer was upset by Juan Monaco, while Andy Roddick fougt back from an embarrasing 1st set to win in a nailbiter against Tommy Haas. Juan Martin del Potro, Nikoly Davydenko and Gilles Simon all won easy straight-setters. James Blake and Stanislas Wawrinka both won in close matches. In women's action, Dinara Safina cruised to victory, but her compariot, Elena Dementieva was upset by Amelie Mauresmo. Another Russian, Svetlana Kuznetsova, was unexpectedly defeated by Alona Bondarenko, and Victoria Azarenka trounced Peng Shuai. Patty Schnyder and Nadia Petrova played 1 of the best matches of the tournament, with Schnyder grinding out a victory in the 3rd set tiebreak.

Madrid

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Rafael Nadal (1) def. Jurgen Melzer, 6-3, 6-1

Novak Djokovic (3) def. Oscar Hernandez, 6-3, 6-3

Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Tomas Berdych, 6-2, 4-1, retired

Andy Roddick (6) def. Tommy Haas, 1-6, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4

Gilles Simon (8) def. Fabio Fognini, 6-3, 6-2

Nikolay Davydenko (10) def. Florent Serra, 7-5, 6-3

Stanislas Wawrinka (11) def. Jeremy Chardy, 6-4, 7-5

Juan Monaco def. David Ferrer (12), 6-4, 6-4

Philipp Kohlschreiber def. Marin Cilic (13), 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2)

James Blake (14) def. Ivo Karlovic, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

Andreas Seppi def. Sam Querrey, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Li Na, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2)

Alona Bondarenko def. Svetlana Kuznetsova (6), 6-3, 6-2

Victoria Azarenka (7) def. Peng Shuai, 6-4, 6-1

Women's Singles- Round of 16

Amelie Mauresmo def. Elena Dementieva (3), 1-6, 6-4, 6-2

Patty Schnyder def. Nadia Petrova (8), 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5)

Vera Dushevina def. Francesca Schiavone, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2

Madrid Results

Roger Federer looked great in advancing to the Round of 16 with a win over Robin Soderling. Federer was on fire in the 1st, winning it in 20 minutes, but the Swiss cooled down a bit and snatched the second and the match. Andy Murray, who is now the world number 3, had trouble in his win, while Ivan Ljubicic looked stellar in an upset of Jo Wilfried Tsonga. Tommy Robredo came back from a set down to take out Mardy Fish and Fernando Verdasco dominated Juan Carlos Ferrero in his win. Estoril finalist, Jamaes Blake, advanced along with Nikolay Davydenko. A dissapointing last few weeks for the Williams family continued when Venus Williams was upset in her opening match by Alisa Kleybanova. Carolina Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Francesca Schiavone and Amelie Mauresmo all advanced as well.

Madrid

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Nikolay Davydenko (10) def. Viktor Troicki, 6-2, 6-2

Marin Cilic (13) def. Marcel Granollers, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1

James Blake (14) def. Victor Hanescu, 6-2, 6-4

Ivo Karlovic def. Julien Benneteau, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4

Jurgen Melzer def. Albert Montanes, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3

Andreas Seppi def. Eduardo Schwank, 7-5, 6-4

Fabio Fognini def. Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 3-0, retired

Tomas Berdych def. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, 6-0, 7-6 (7-5)

Jeremy Chardy def. Jose Acasuso, 6-3, 6-2

Men's Singles- 2nd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Robin Soderling, 6-1, 7-5

Andy Murray (4) def. Simone Bolelli, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4

Fernando Verdasco (7) def. Juan Carlos Ferrero, 6-3, 6-2

Ivan Ljubicic def. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9), 6-4, 7-5

Tommy Robredo (16) def. Mardy Fish, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

Women's Singles- 2nd Round

Jelena Jankovic (4) def. Daniela Hantuchova, 7-5, 6-2

Alisa Kleybanova def. Venus Williams (5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Varvara Lepchenko, 6-3, 6-1

Amelie Mauresmo def. Zheng Jie (15), 6-2, 7-5

Lucie Safarova def. Anne Keothavong, 6-1, 7-5

Agnes Szavay def. Aravane Rezai, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2

Vera Dushevina def. Roberta Vinci, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4

Francesca Schiavone def. Petra Kvitova, 6-4, 6-2