Wimbledon Results- Day 8

Venus Williams, who has hoisted the Wimbledon trophy 5 times, kicked off ladies' quarterfinals day with a stellar performance against Aggie Radwanska, in which V won in 2 easy sets. Dinara Safina struggled immensly against Sabine Lisicki, losing the 1st set and hitting 15 double faults. Dinara always seems to find a way through, though, winning in 3 sets to clinch a meeting with Venus. Elena Dementieva continued her quiet yet impressive run through the draw, reaching her 2nd consecutive Wimby semifinal appearance after demolishing Francesca Schiavone. Serena finished the day with a world class showing against dangerous Victoria Azarenka. Serena hit just 1 unforced error in the 1st set and dropped just 5 games to advance.

Ladies' Singles- Quarterfinals

Dinara Safina (1) def. Sabine Lisicki, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-1

Serena Williams (2) def. Victoria Azarenka (8), 6-2, 6-3

Venus Williams (3) def. Agnieszka Radwanska (11), 6-1, 6-2

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Francesca Schiavone, 6-2, 6-2

This is EFFING REDICULOUS

What the hell is our world coming to? Click here.

Wimbledon Results- Day 7

The 2nd Monday at Wimbledon brings magic to the tennis world, lighting up the green pastures at the All England Club and bringing a certain excitement to tennis fans unmatched by any other day on the calender. The day was kicked off with a rematch of the Roland Garros final, where Roger Federer steamrolled Robin Soderling to win his 14th Grand Slam. Federer beat Soderling again, the 11th time in a row, to advance to the quarters. Serena Williams cruised past Daniela Hantuchova, while her sister Venus was up a set before Ana Ivanovic retired in tears due to a thigh injury. Serena will meet Victora Azarenka in the quarerfinals, who beat Nadia Petrova in 3 sets. Elena Dementieva dominated her compatriot, Elena Vesnina. Dementieva will play Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone won a tough 2 set match over Virginie Razzano. Melanie Oudin failed to keep her dream run alive when she fell in 2 sets to Agnieszka Radwanska. In a match that saw the roof close for the 1st time during play, Dinara Safina progressed over Amelie Mauresmo ater dropping the 1st set. The world umber 1 will meet Sabine Lisicki, 1st time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, who routinely defeated Caroline Wozniacki. Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic both advanced in straight sets. Roddick will play Lleyton Hewitt, who dominated the final 3 sets of his 5 set encounter with Radek Stepanek. Djokovic will face Tommy Haas in the final 8. The German beat Igor Andrev in 3 sets with a masterful repertoire that included all sorts of spins. Juan Carlos Ferrero outplayed Gilles Simon in a 3 set win, and Ivo Karlovic fired a modest 35 aces in a 4 set victory over 7th seeded Fernando Verdasco. Andy Murray's marathon clash with Stan Wawrinka had the Brits coming in thousands to Murray Mount to watch their hometown hero. In the latest Wimbledon match ever contested, Andy excelled in 5 sets under the new roof at 10:38 pm.

Wimbledon

Gentlmen's Singles- Round of 16

Roger Federer (2) def. Robin Soderling (13), 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5)

Andy Murray (3) def. Stanislas Wawrinka (19), 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3

Novak Djokovic (4) def. Dudi Sela, 6-2, 6-4, 6-1

Andy Roddick (6) def. Tomas Berdych (20), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 6-3

Ivo Karlovic (22) def. Fernando Verdasco (7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 7-6 (11-9)

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Gilles Simon (8), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2

Lleyton Hewitt def. Radek Stepanek (23), 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2

Tommy Haas (24) def. Igor Andreev (29), 7-6 (10-8), 6-4, 6-4

Ladies' Singles- Round of 16

Dinara Safina (1) def. Amelie Mauresmo (17), 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

Serena Williams (2) def. Daniela Hantuchova, 6-3, 6-1

Venus Williams (3) def. Ana Ivanovic (13), 6-1, 0-1, retired

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Elena Vesnina, 6-1, 6-3

Victoria Azarenka (8) def. Nadia Petrova (10), 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-3

Sabine Lisicki def. Caroline Wozniacki (9), 6-4, 6-4

Agnieszka Radwanska (11) def. Melanie Oudin, 6-4, 7-5

Francesca Schiavone def. Virginie Razzano (26), 6-2, 7-6 (7-1)

Day 7 in Pictures

Murray after prevailing in 5 sets over Wawrinka

Caroline Wozniacki throwing a bitch fit after bumping bums with Sabine Lisicki on a changeover

The fans on Mount Murray

The roof on Centre Court closed for the first time during play

Mirka Federer looking like she is read to burst

Ana Ivanovic crying a river after being forced to retire against Venus due to a serious thigh injury

The BEST day in tennis is here!

The 2nd Monday of Wimbledon, often referred to as the single greatest day of the tennis calender, has arrived. All 16 Round of 16 matches on both the men's and women's sides are contested, and their never seems to be a lack of excitement. Soderling and Federer square off in a rematch of the French Open final, while Ivanovic and Venus, Karlovic and Verdasco, Berdych and Roddick and Mauresmo and Safina all are expected to be thrillers (shoutout to MJ). Andy Murray wil surely electrify the crowd in his match, last on Center Court.

Center Court: (13) Robin Soderling v. (2) Roger Federer

(1) Dinara Safina v. (17) Amelie Mauresmo

(3) Andy Murray v. (19) Stanisas Wawrinka

Court 1: (3) Venus Williams v. (13) Ana Ivanovic

(7) Fernando Verdasco v. (22) Ivo Karlovic

(20) Tomas Berdych v. (6) Andy Roddick

Court 2: Elena Vesnina v. (4) Elena Dementieva

Daniela Hanuchova v. (2) Serena Williams

Lleyton Hewitt v. (23) Radek Stepanek

Court 3: (8) Victoria Azarenka v. (10) Nadia Petrova
Dudi Sela vs. (4) Novak Djokovic

Juan Carlos Ferrero v. (8) Gilles Simon

Court 4: (29) Igor Andreev v. (24) Tommy Haas

(9) Caroline Woniacki v. Sabine Lisicki

Congrats Linds!

Lindsay Davenport has given birth to her second child, a girl named Lauren. Lauren was born at 11:04 am today in Newport Beach. Jagger, Lindsay's 2 year old son, is now a proud older brother and Lindsay is reportedly doing great. "Lindsay and Lauren are doing great, and Jonny and the other man of the family, Jagger, Lauren's brother, are ecstatic," said Tony Godsick, Davenport's IMG agent.

Wimbledon Results- Day 6

With a tad bit of help from Jelena Jankovic's "woman problems", Melanie Oudin pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, a 3 set win over the 6th seeded Serb. Oudin, a 17 year old out of Marietta, Georgia, drpped th 1st set but recovered and won the 3rd 6-2. Sabine Lisicki followed Oudin with another shocking upset, a straight set win over French Open champ, Svetlana Kuznetsova. Andy Murry impressed in front of his home crowd with a routine win over Viktor Troicki. Andy Roddick moved on to the Round of 16 with a 4 set victory over Jurgen Melzer, and Gilles Simon cruised over Victor Hanescu. Juan Carlos Ferrero upset Ferando Gonzalez in 5 sets, and Tommy Haas did the same over Marin Cilic in a match carried over from Friday because of darkness. Haas prevailed 10-8 in the deciding set. Tomas Berych dominated Nikolay Davydenko and Radek Stepanek won a tough 5 setter over David Ferrer. Lleyton Hewitt, Igor Andreev and Stanislas Wawrinka all reached the 2nd week. Venus Williams continued her Wimbledon dominance by winning her 17th straight match at the All England Club. Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska and Ana Ivanovic all won in 2 sets. Dinara Safina achieved her career best result at Wimby by defeating Kristen Flipkens. Safina will next face 2006 champion, Amelie Mauresmo, who beat Flavia Pennetta.

Wimbledon

Gentlemen's Singles- 3rd Round

Andy Murray (3) def. Viktor Troicki (30), 6-2, 6-3, 6-4

Andy Roddick (6) def. Jurgen Melzer (26), 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 6-3

Gilles Simon (8) def. Victor Hanescu (31), 6-2, 7-5, 6-2

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Fernando Gonzalez (10), 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

Tommy Haas (24) def. Marin Cilic (11), 7-5, 7-5, 1-6, 6-7 (3-7), 10-8

Tomas Berdych (20) def. Nikolay Davydenko (12), 6-2, 6-3, 6-2

Radek Stepanek (23) def. David Ferrer (16), 7-5, 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4

Stanislas Wawrinka (19) def. Jesse Levine, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3

Igor Andreev (29) def. Andreas Seppi, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5)

Lleyton Hewitt def. Philipp Petzschner, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3

Ladies' Singles- 3rd Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Kirsten Flipkens, 7-5, 6-1

Venus Williams (3) def. Carla Suarez Navarro, 6-0, 6-4

Sabine Lisicki def. Svetlana Kuznetsova (5), 6-2, 7-5

Melanie Oudin def. Jelena Jankovic (6), 6-7 (8-10), 7-5, 6-2

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Anabel Medina Garrigues (20), 6-2, 6-2

Agnieszka Radwanska (11) def. Li Na (19), 6-4, 7-5

Ana Ivanovic (13) def. Samantha Stosur (18), 7-5, 6-2

Amelie Mauresmo (17) def. Flavia Pennetta (15), 7-5, 6-3

Celebs at Wimbledon

Gossip Girl Star Chace Crawford



Singer Justin Timberlake

Andy Murry's tweet regardng JT


America Idol Judge Simon Cowell (Left)

Adam Scott, pro golfer, watching rumored flame, Ana Ivanovic's, match

Actor Jude Law (in Black jacket, smiling)



Model Jade Parfitt (Left)

Wimbledon Results- Day 5

The Russian women were balling on Friday at the All England Club, as Elena Dementieva, Nadia Petrova and Elena Vesnina all advanced to the final 16. Svetlana Kuznetsova and Dinara Safina will fight tomorrow to join their compatriots. Roger Federer lost the 1st set in his 3rd round encounter against Phillip Kohlschreiber, but other than that 3rd set tiebreak, the 14 time Grand Slam champion cruised. Novak Djokovic made quick work of Mardy Fish, who was picked by many to end the Serb's Wimbledon run. Mardy, although this is grass, smacking 95 mph forehands every chance you get isn't going to get you very far. Ivo Karlovic took out Jo Wilfried Tsonga in a match that featured just 1 break, 1 that proved to be critical. Karlovic blasted 46 aces, allowng his opponent to win just 14 % of the points on his serve. Fernando Verdasco will face Karlovic after defeating Albert Montanes in 4 sets. Tommy Haas and Marin Cilic were tied at 6 in the deciding set before darkness halted play, but the match will be finished tomorrow morning. Serena Williams gave Roberta Vinci a lesson on grass court tennis by conquering Vinci in 2 easy sets. Daniela Hantuchova and Francesca Schiavone both won in 2 sets. Victoria Azarenka defeated Sorana Cirstea in straights after a tough 1st set.

Wimbledon
Gentlemen's Singles- 3rd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber (27), 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1
Novak Djokovic (4) def. Mardy Fish (28), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Fernando Verdasco (7) def. Albert Montanes (32), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)
Ivo Karlovic (22) def. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9), 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 7-6 (7-5)
Robin Soderling (13) def. Nicolas Almagro, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4, 6-4
Dudi Sela def. Tommy Robredo (15), 7-6 (10-8), 7-5, 2-6, 7-5

Ladies' Singles- 3rd Round

Serena Williams (2) def. Roberta Vinci, 6-3, 6-4
Elena Dementieva (4) def. Regina Kulikova, 6-1, 6-2
Virginie Razzano (26) def. Vera Zvonareva (7) (walkover)
Victoria Azarenka (8) def. Sorana Cirstea (28), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3
Nadia Petrova (10) def. Gisela Dulko, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
Francesca Schiavone def. Marion Bartoli (12), 7-6 (7-5), 6-0
Elena Vesnina def. Dominika Cibulkova (14), 7-5, 4-6, 6-4
Daniela Hantuchova def. Ai Sugiyama, 6-4, 6-3

Azarenka and Chakvetadze bare almost all for FHM

Victoria Azarenka, Anna Chakvetadze, Alona Bondaernko and Dominika Cibulkova worked the camera, and looked "fierce" doing it for the August issue of FHM magazine. I only posted the video with Vika and Chalvetadze because I wasn't sure how many of you were interested in seeing a chubby 5'3 Slovak with arms shorter than a loaf of bread in her bikini. I know that wasn't the nicest comment ever, but I guess you could call me the "Perez Hilton of tennis blogging". I have no regrets. Okay, back to the point. Michael Jackson passed away today at the age of 50. The King of Pop suffered a heart attack and was rushed to UCLA medical center where he was pronounced dead. R.I.P.

Also, the latest version of the ceiling fan duster, Anna Chakvetadze's locks, is available at Target and Walmart!

Wimbledon Results- Day 4

While shaking hands at the net, Juan Martin del Potro may have towered over Lleyton Hewitt, but during their 2nd round match on Thursday, Hewitt dominated the Argentine, hitting 43 winners and 14 aces in a routine and shocking straight set upset over the number 5 seed. Andy Roddick, who is in the same quarter as Hewitt, defeated Igor Kunitsyn in 4 sets and Andy Murray routed Ernests Gulbis before his adoring home crowd to move on to the 3rd round. After dropping the 1st set, both Gilles Simon and Fernando Gonzalez produced comebacks to keep their Wimbledon hopes alive. Nikolay Davydenko, Stanislas Wawrinka, David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych all thwarted their opponents with facile victories. Venus Williams won her 16th consecutive Wimbledon match by clobbering Katerina Bondarenko. 1st seeded Dinara Safina won with relative ease, along with Svetlana Kuznetsova, Jelena Jankovic, Caroline Wozniacki and Ana Ivanovic. Melanie Oudin, the 17 year old American hope out of Georgia, also won, slugging out a 3 set match against Yaroslava Shvedova. Spaniards Anabel Medina Garrigues and Carla Suarez Navarro both advanced. Suarez Navarro will take on Venus Williams in the 3rd round. Flavia Pennetta, Amelie Mauresmo and Samantha Stosur also harvested victories.

Wimbledon

Gentlemen's Singles- 2nd Round

Andy Murray (3) def. Ernests Gulbis, 6-2, 7-5, 6-3

Lleyton Hewitt def. Juan Martin del Potro (5), 6-3, 7-5, 7-5

Andy Roddick (6) def. Igor Kunitsyn, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2

Gilles Simon (8) def. Thiago Alves, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

Fernando Gonzalez (10) def. Leonardo Mayer, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

Nikolay Davydenko (12) def. Victor Crivoi, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2

David Ferrer (16) def. Fabio Fognini, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3

Stanislas Wawrinka (19) def. Martin Vassallo Arguello, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2

Tomas Berdych (20) def. Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4

Radek Stepanek (23) def. Potito Starace, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3

Jurgen Melzer (26) def. Benjamin Becker, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 7-6 (7-1)

Viktor Troicki (30) def. Daniel Gimeno-Traver, 6-7 (5-7), 6-0, 1-6, 6-3, 7-5

Victor Hanescu (31) def. Nicolas Devilder, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1

Andreas Seppi def. Marc Gicquel, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 5-7, 6-4

Jesse Levine def. Pablo Cuevas, 6-2, 6-1, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Fabrice Santoro, 6-7 (1-7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-3

Philipp Petzschner def. Mischa Zverev, 4-6, 7-6 (15-13), 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0

Ladies' Singles- 2nd Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Rossana de los Rios, 6-3, 7-5

Venus Williams (3) def. Kateryna Bondarenko, 6-3, 6-2

Svetlana Kuznetsova (5) def. Pauline Parmentier, 6-1, 6-3

Jelena Jankovic (6) def. Iveta Benesova, 6-2, 6-4

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Maria Kirilenko, 6-0, 6-4

Agnieszka Radwanska (11) def. Peng Shuai, 6-2, 6-7 (6-8), 9-7

Ana Ivanovic (13) def. Sara Errani, 7-5, 6-1

Flavia Pennetta (15) def. Vania King, 6-2, 6-2

Amelie Mauresmo (17) def. Kristina Kucova, 6-3, 6-3

Samantha Stosur (18) def. Tatjana Malek, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4

Li Na (19) def. Olga Govortsova, 6-4, 6-2

Anabel Medina Garrigues (20) def. Tathiana Garbin, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3

Sabine Lisicki def. Patricia Mayr, 6-2, 6-4

Carla Suarez Navarro def. Ekaterina Makarova, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1

Kirsten Flipkens def. Elena Baltacha, 7-5, 6-1

Melanie Oudin def. Yaroslava Shvedova, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4

Wimbledon Results- Day 3

Day 3 started on Wednesday with Maria Sharapova facing off against Gisela Dulko on Center Court. Little did people know that the blonde, shrieking bombshell would crash out against the stick-thin Argentine. Sharapova played terribly in the 1st, struggling to find any sort of rhythm on her serve. She started the 2nd poorly as well, but with some help from Dulko, Maria realed off 6 straight games to tie the match at 1 set a piece. Dulko then won the deciding set 6-4 to pull off the biggest upset of her career. Roger Federer beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez very easily, dropping just 8 games, while Novak Djokovic won, surrendering just 10 games. Fernando Verdasco, Mardy Fish and Robin Soderling each advanced to the 3rd round, winning their 2nd round battles in 4 sets. Marin Cilic and Sam Querrey played a marathon 5 setter full of aces and service winners from the 2 giants. Cilic prevailed 6-4 in the 5th. Jo Willy Tsonga won by walkover while Tommy Robredo, Ivo Karlovic and Phillip Kohlschreiber also triumphed. Serena Williams played near flawless tennis, hitting just 6 unforced errors, in her 58 minute dismissing of Jarmila Groth. Victoria Azarenka also looked impressive, winning 6-0, 6-0. Vika won every point when she approached the net and hit 24 more winners than her opponent, Ioana Raluca Olaru. Elena Dementieva, Vera Zvonareva, Nadia Petrova, Marion Bartoli and Dominika Cibulkova all won in straight sets.

Wimbledon

Gentlemen's Singles- 2nd Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4

Novak Djokovic (4) def. Simon Greul, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4

Fernando Verdasco (7) def. Kristof Vliegen, 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4

Marin Cilic (11) def. Sam Querrey, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4

Robin Soderling (13) def. Marcel Granollers, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4, 7-5

Tommy Robredo (15) def. Stefan Koubek, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1

Dudi Sela def. Rainer Schuettler (18), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-2

Ivo Karlovic (22) def. Steve Darcis, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4

Tommy Haas (24) def. Michael Llodra, 4-3, retired

Philipp Kohlschreiber (27) def. Ivo Minar, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2, 8-6

Mardy Fish (28) def. Janko Tipsarevic, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4

Igor Andreev (29) def. Vincent Spadea, 6-3, 7-5, 6-2

Albert Montanes (32) def. Guillermo Canas, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Nicolas Almagro def. Karol Beck, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 3-6, 7-5

Ladies' Singles- 2nd Round

Serena Williams (2) def. Jarmila Groth, 6-2, 6-1

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Aravane Rezai, 6-1, 6-3

Vera Zvonareva (7) def. Mathilde Johansson, 6-1, 6-3

Victoria Azarenka (8) def. Ioana Raluca Olaru, 6-0, 6-0

Nadia Petrova (10) def. Shahar Peer, 6-3, 6-2

Marion Bartoli (12) def. Timea Bacsinszky, 7-5, 6-1

Dominika Cibulkova (14) def. Urszula Radwanska, 6-2, 6-4

Daniela Hantuchova def. Zheng Jie (16), 6-3, 7-5

Gisela Dulko def. Maria Sharapova (24), 6-2, 3-6, 6-4

Virginie Razzano (26) def. Jill Craybas, 6-3, 6-0

Regina Kulikova def. Alisa Kleybanova (27), 0-6, 6-4, 6-1

Sorana Cirstea (28) def. Sania Mirza, 6-4, 6-4

Roberta Vinci def. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (31), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6)

Ai Sugiyama def. Arantxa Parra Santonja, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3

Francesca Schiavone def. Michelle Larcher de Brito, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4)

Elena Vesnina def. Vera Dushevina, 6-3, 6-4

Wimbledon Results- Day 2

Those Safin siblings always pack the drama in their tennis bags. Dinara had a tougher than necessary time against Lourdes Dominguez Lino, who fought for every ball, while Marat, playing his last Wimbledon, went down in 4 sets to American Jesse Levine. Andy Murray mania began today when the Scot/Brit stepped on to Center Court to take on Robert Kendrick. Kendrick took the 2nd set in a tiebreak, but Murray cruised in the 3rd and 4th to advance. The other Andy, Roddick, also dropped 1 set in his match against Jeremy Chardy, but the American won to move on to the 2nd round. Juan Martin del Potro, who is in the same quarter as Roddick, looked very impressive in a straight set win over Arnaud Clement in which the Argentine dropped just 6 games. Gilles Simon, Fernando Gonzalez, Nikolay Davydenko and Tomas Berdych all won in straight sets. 2002 Champion Lleyton Hewitt steamrolled Robby Ginepri to set up a 2nd round clash with del Potro. The "Queen of Grass", Venus Williams, advanced easily past Stefanie Vogele. V wore a dress from her line, EleVen. French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova win in 2 sets along with Jelena Jankovic and Agnieszka Radwanska. The women had a historic amount of 3 setters on the 2nd day of play as 20 matches went the distance. Caroline Wozniacki had to fight off a valiant affort from 38 year old Kimiko Date-Krumm, who is not in a nursing home yet, after falling behind a set and a break. Ana Ivanovic saved 2 match points to win 8-6 in the third against Lucie Hradecka, while 17 year old American hopeful Melanie Oudin defeated 29th seeded Sybille Bammer after dropping the 1st.

Wimbledon

Gentlemen's Singles- 1st Round

Andy Murray (3) def. Robert Kendrick, 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 6-4

Juan Martin del Potro (5) def. Arnaud Clement, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2

Andy Roddick (6) def. Jeremy Chardy, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 6-3

Gilles Simon (8) def. Bobby Reynolds, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3

Fernando Gonzalez (10) def. Teimuraz Gabashvili, 7-5, 7-5, 6-3

Nikolay Davydenko (12) def. Daniel Evans, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3

Jesse Levine def. Marat Safin (14), 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4

David Ferrer (16) def. Kevin Kim, 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2

Stanislas Wawrinka (19) def. Eduardo Schwank, 7-5, 6-4, 6-1

Tomas Berdych (20) def. Alex Bogdanovic, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

Radek Stepanek (23) def. Alejandro Falla, 6-4, 6-4, 6-1

Tommy Haas (24) def. Alexander Peya, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-0), 6-3, 6-4

Mischa Zverev def. Dmitry Tursunov (25), 6-4, 6-2, 3-0, retired

Jurgen Melzer (26) def. Wayne Odesnik, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2

Viktor Troicki (30) def. Brian Dabul, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3

Victor Hanescu (31) def. Ivan Navarro, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 12-10

Fabrice Santoro def. Nicolas Kiefer (33), 6-4, 6-2, 6-2

Potito Starace def. Jose Acasuso, 7-6 (7-0), 6-3, retired

Fabio Fognini def. Denis Istomin, 1-6, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 3-1, retired

Benjamin Becker def. Roko Karanusic, 6-4, 6-4, 6-1

Igor Kunitsyn def. Grigor Dimitrov, 3-6, 6-0, 4-0, retired

Nicolas Devilder def. Nicolas Lapentti, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5

Thiago Alves def. Andrei Pavel, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, 2-6, 6-1

Lleyton Hewitt def. Robby Ginepri, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Mikhail Youzhny, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3

Michael Llodra def. Joshua Goodall, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 3-6, 6-4

Philipp Petzschner def. Rajeev Ram, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1

Leonardo Mayer def. Oscar Hernandez, 6-0, 6-0, 6-3

Martin Vassallo Arguello def. Pablo Andujar, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2

Pablo Cuevas def. Christophe Rochus, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 11-9

Ernests Gulbis def. Riccardo Ghedin, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4

Victor Crivoi def. Bjorn Phau, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3

Paul-Henri Mathieu def. Frederico Gil, 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2

Ladies' Singles- 1st Round

Dinara Safina (1) def. Lourdes Dominguez Lino, 7-5, 6-3

Venus Williams (3) def. Stefanie Voegele, 6-3, 6-2

Svetlana Kuznetsova (5) def. Akiko Morigami, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1)

Jelena Jankovic (6) def. Julia Goerges, 6-4, 7-6 (7-0)

Vera Zvonareva (7) def. Georgie Stoop, 7-6 (7-0), 4-6, 6-4

Caroline Wozniacki (9) def. Kimiko Date Krumm, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1

Agnieszka Radwanska (11) def. Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 7-5, 6-1

Ana Ivanovic (13) def. Lucie Hradecka, 5-7, 6-2, 8-6

Flavia Pennetta (15) def. Nuria Llagostera Vives, 3-6, 6-1, 6-0

Amelie Mauresmo (17) def. Melinda Czink, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2

Samantha Stosur (18) def. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2

Li Na (19) def. Galina Voskoboeva, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0

Anabel Medina Garrigues (20) def. Marta Domachowska, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Vera Dushevina def. Alize Cornet (22), 3-6, 6-0, 6-4

Carla Suarez Navarro def. Kaia Kanepi (25), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3

Melanie Oudin def. Sybille Bammer (29), 4-6, 6-4, 6-2

Kirsten Flipkens def. Agnes Szavay (30), 7-5, 6-4

Sabine Lisicki def. Anna Chakvetadze (32), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2

Patricia Mayr def. Anne Keothavong, 7-5, 6-2

Pauline Parmentier def. Akgul Amanmuradova, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3

Kateryna Bondarenko def. Anastasija Sevastova, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)

Ekaterina Makarova def. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3

Tatjana Malek def. Jelena Dokic, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2

Sara Errani def. Stephanie Dubois, 7-5, 6-2

Peng Shuai def. Alexa Glatch, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4

Maria Kirilenko def. Petra Kvitova, 6-4, 6-4

Tathiana Garbin def. Alberta Brianti, 6-4, 6-3

Kristina Kucova def. Aiko Nakamura, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3

Vania King def. Mariya Koryttseva, 6-4, 6-2

Rossana de los Rios def. Nicole Vaidisova, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4

Olga Govortsova def. Tatiana Perebiynis, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

Yaroslava Shvedova def. Monica Niculescu, 6-1, 6-0

Iveta Benesova def. Katie O'Brien, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4

Elena Baltacha def. Alona Bondarenko, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Rafa's Parent Trap

Rafael Nadal's craptastic summer just keeps getting, well, crappier. After losing his throne at Roland Garros, his infamous knee tendinitis returning and being forced to withdraw from Wimbledon, Nadal now has some more unfortunate invents to grin and bear. According to reports, Rafa's parents, Sebastian and Ana Maria, have decided to take the road of John and Kate and seperate. Apparently, Rafa is heartbroken by his 'rents decision and will have to spend his summer, until his knees heal, sitting on a couch watching his peers battle it out on the lawns of Wimby.

Wimbledon Results- Day 1

The green pastures at the All England Club lightened up after a year off as the tennis season's 3rd Grand Slam tournament was in full swing on the 1st day of action. Unfortunately, Rafael Nadal could not walk onto the world renowned Center Court for the annual 1:00 pm men's champion match, but his absence was filled by 14 time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, who cruised to victory over Yen-Hsun Lu. Also, I thought Federer's warm-up clothing, which included a military jacket an a vest that could be compred to that of a butlers. Following Fed on Center Court was Serena Williams, who didn't go overboard with her choice of clothing, surprisingly. Serena cruised in the 1st set, but fought off a tough effort from Neuza Silva in the 2nd to win in straights. Other ladies winners included Elena Dementieva, Victoria Azarenka, Nadia Petrova and Marion Bartoli, who served up a double bagel. Maria Sharapova, a popular pick to take the title behind a duo of sisters, won her match in 2 sets despite multiple tumbles on the slick grass. Dominika Cibulkova, Jie Zheng and Alisa Kleybanova were among other winners in womens action. The 4th men's seed, Novak Djokovic, prevailed through a difficult 1st round encounter with Julien Benneteau, who never ceases to amaze me with his odd hair colors. Benneteau may have a random blonde streak of hair parting both sides of his head, but that wasn't enough to distract Novak, who realed off 3 consecutive sets after dropping the 1st. Fernando Verdasco, sans his trademark fauxhawk, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Marin Cilic and Robin Soderling all advanced as well, while 17th seeded James Blake fell to Andreas Seppi in straights. Tommy Robredo, Dr. Ivo and Mardy Fish all moved on to the 2nd round. Play was suspended due to rain late at night. Who's not suprised?

Wimbledon
Men's Singles- 1st Round

Roger Federer (2) def. Yen-Hsun Lu, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2
Novak Djokovic (4) def. Julien Benneteau, 6-7 (8-10), 7-6 (7-1), 6-2, 6-4
Fernando Verdasco (7) def. James Ward, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9) def. Andrey Golubev, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5)
Marin Cilic (11) def. Alberto Martin, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Robin Soderling (13) def. Gilles Muller, 6-7 (4-7), 7-5, 6-1, 6-2
Tommy Robredo (15) def. Luka Gregorc, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-3)
Andreas Seppi def. James Blake (17), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
Rainer Schuettler (18) def. Xavier Malisse, 6-7 (9-11), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1
Karol Beck def. Feliciano Lopez (21), 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 10-8
Ivo Karlovic (22) def. Lukas Lacko, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
Philipp Kohlschreiber (27) def. Florent Serra, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, 6-4
Mardy Fish (28) def. Sergio Roitman, 6-3, 6-2, 4-1, retired
Igor Andreev (29) def. Evgeny Korolev, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
Albert Montanes (32) def. Grega Zemlja, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Steve Darcis def. Frank Dancevic, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
Simone Bolelli def. Daniel Koellerer, 6-7 (3-7), 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4
Marcel Granollers def. Andreas Beck, 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2
Janko Tipsarevic def. Jan Hernych, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
Simon Greul def. Michael Yani, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5
Kristof Vliegen def. Nicolas Mahut, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 5-7, 6-4
Guillermo Canas def. Diego Junqueira, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2
Sam Querrey def. Danai Udomchoke, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Vincent Spadea def. Paul Capdeville, 6-0, 6-4, 7-5
Stefan Koubek def. Edouard Roger-Vasselin, 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3
Dudi Sela def. Santiago Gonzalez, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3
Ivo Minar def. Maximo Gonzalez, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-0
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez def. Agustin Calleri, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2
Marc Gicquel def. Adrian Mannarino, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4
Nicolas Almagro def. Juan Monaco, 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 8-6

Ladies' Singles- 1st Round

Serena Williams (2) def. Neuza Silva, 6-1, 7-5
Elena Dementieva (4) def. Alla Kudryavtseva, 6-4, 6-1
Victoria Azarenka (8) def. Severine Bremond Beltrame, 6-2, retired
Nadia Petrova (10) def. Anastasiya Yakimova, 6-1, 6-1
Marion Bartoli (12) def. Yung-Jan Chan, 6-0, 6-0
Dominika Cibulkova (14) def. Julie Coin, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
Zheng Jie (16) def. Kristina Barrois, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4)
Ai Sugiyama def. Patty Schnyder (21), 6-4, 6-4
Francesca Schiavone def. Aleksandra Wozniak (23), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Maria Sharapova (24) def. Viktoriya Kutuzova, 7-5, 6-4
Virginie Razzano (26) def. Tamira Paszek, 6-0, 3-1, retired
Alisa Kleybanova (27) def. Sesil Karatantcheva, 6-2, 7-5
Sorana Cirstea (28) def. Edina Gallovits, 7-5, 6-1
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (31) def. Petra Cetkovska, 6-2, 6-2
Roberta Vinci def. Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-3, 6-2
Jarmila Groth def. Lucie Safarova, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Mathilde Johansson def. Melanie South, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5)
Arantxa Parra Santonja def. Tamarine Tanasugarn, 6-4, 6-4
Daniela Hantuchova def. Laura Robson, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Gisela Dulko def. Stephanie Foretz, 6-3, 7-5
Shahar Peer def. Maria Elena Camerin, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
Michelle Larcher de Brito def. Klara Zakopalova, 6-2, 7-5
Timea Bacsinszky def. Vesna Manasieva, 6-1, 4-6, 8-6
Regina Kulikova def. Karolina Sprem, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3
Aravane Rezai def. Ayumi Morita, 6-2, 6-2
Ioana Raluca Olaru def. Nathalie Dechy, 1-6, 7-6 (7-0), 6-2
Sania Mirza def. Anna-Lena Groenefeld, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2
Jill Craybas def. Tsvetana Pironkova, 6-4, 7-5
Urszula Radwanska def. Masa Zec Peskiric, 6-3, 6-3
Elena Vesnina def. Yanina Wickmayer, 6-1, 6-1

Wimbledon Women's Preview

Although the majority of the tennis world is focusing on men's tennis, prognosticating what could happen in the women's draws is quite a task, considering that the number 1 ranked player hasn't won a Grand Slam in almost 2 years. I'm also hesitant to predict Wimbledon on the men's side, because, as a loyal Federer fan, I'm afraid I'll jinx his pursuit of 15 Grand Slam titles. Oddly enough, when I do try to map out what will happen on the men's side, Federer comes up short. So, because I tried to anticipate the Australian Open the last 2 years, the French Open from 2006-2008 and Wimbledon last year (we all know how those turned out), I figured it would help the Swiss out if I stick with the ladies. Okay, back to the point. Wimbledon is the only women's slam when their is a clear cut favorite. That person is Venus Williams, who has won the title at SW19 5 times. on the other side of the women's draw is Venus' kid sister, Serena, who owns 10 Grand Slam titles, 2 of which are at the All England Club. Last year Venus defeated her sister in the finals, but in 2009 Serena has out-performed her older sister by a lot. Other ladies who could challenge the Williams duo for the title are Dinara Safina, who has reached 3 Grand Slam finals, Victoria Azarenka, who has a game fit for grass and a foursome of Russians named Dementieva, Kuznetsova, Zvonareva and Sharapova. And let's not forget a couple serbs, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic.

1st Quarter

Dinara Safina headlines the first 32 in the women's draw as world number 1. Safina is coming off of a heartbreaking loss at the hands of Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Roland Garros final. Interestingly enough, Kuznetsova, who was exhausted in a 1st round loss in a grass court tune up, is on the prowl at the bottom of this quarter, and could very well meet Dinara in the quarters. Other players such as Caroline Wozniacki, Amelie Mauresmo and Flavia Pennetta are not planning on sitting at home watching that matchup take place. Wozniacki is coming off of a confidence building win at the Wimby warmup in Eastbourne is and is at a career high ranking of number 9. Mauresmo won the Wimbledon title in 2006, and has proved herself on the grass. She has not performed well this season besides a triumph at the Paris indoors, and is looking for a career reviving run in London. That run could definitely happen, if the Frenchwomn can battle past possible matchups with Pennetta and Safina. Also look out for Anabel Medina Garrigues, who has a historyof performing well on the lawns.

Quarterfinals: Amelie Mauresmo def. Svetlana Kuznetsova

2nd Quarter

The Queen of Wimbledon, Ms. Venus Williams, is at the top of this section, and Venus, along with her sister, are known for starting Gand Slams very shaky, but improving as the final rounds come closer. The only thing stopping Venus from achieving a 6th title at the lawns is a tough early round matchup, where Venus typically isn't playing her best tennis. One of those difficult early rounders could be against Kaia Kanepi, a hard-hitting Esonian who can smack a winner up the line anywhere and any time. Samantha Stosur, who reached the semifinals at the French Open, is the 18th seed and could face Ana Ivanovic in the 3rd round. Ivanovic has dropped 12 ranking spots in 1 year and is the 13th seed. The Serb is certainly in the worst slump of her life, failing to come even close to defending her Roland Garros title and losing in the 1st round at a Wimbledon warmup event. Don't expect Ana to make any noise here. The other Serb, who hasn't been playing very well as of late either, is in this section as well and her name is Jelena Jankovic, the huge grinned drama queen. That smile can only take you so far though, and Jelena's recent results don't hint at a big run here. On her side though, is the draw. Jankovic's only possible hiccups are Na Li of China and Agnieszka Radwanksa of Poland. JJ will only have to face 1 of those and I'm pretty sure she will sail quite smoothly until she runs into a 6 foot 1, stylish lady named Venus.

Quarterfinals: Venus Williams def. Jelena Jankovic.

3rd Quarter

Every year there seems to be that one part of the women's draw where a player comes out from the dead and plays the best tennis of her life. At RG, it was Samantha Stosur and at the Aussie Open it was Jelena Dokic. This quarter, headined by Russians Elena Dementieva and Vera Zvonereva, could just be the birthplace of that Cinderella story. Zvonareva has been injured for a good portion of 2009, but comes into London this year healthy and happy. She doesn't have a very tough draw to the quarters, with 2007 finalist Marion Bartoli, who suffered an injury just 2 days ago in Eastbourne, as an unlikely hiccup. French Open semifinalist Dominika Cibulkova could make some noise, but she could be mentally and physically exhausted from her incredible run in Paris. Alisa Kleybanova has just the right game for grass. She forces the issue with her over-powering groundies and serve and with a weight of atleast 165, could be a very intimidating roadblock to the unexpierenced. Kleybanova could face her fellow Russian, Dementieva, in the 3rd round. Dementieva isn't entering Wimbledon without much confidence but she did reach the semis here last year. Also look out for Alize Cornet and Elena Vesnina.

Quarterfinals: Alisa Kleybanova def. Vera Zvonareva

4th Quarter

This quarter, the 4th and final one, is loaded with heavy hitters. Serena Williams is the number 2 seed, followed by Victoria Azarenka, Nadia Petrova and Maria Sharapova, all major forces with huge shots. Williams is coming straight off of a dissapointing 3 set quarterfinal loss to Kuznetsova at the French. She reached the finals here last year and has won the title twice. Some say Serena's game is even more perfect for grass than her sisters, but the world number 2 hasn't triumphed here in 6 years. Believe it or not, Victoria Azarenka is a popular pick among many to take this title. She was extremely close to beating Safina in the RG quarters and she can blow any player off the court with her raw talent. Azarenka could run into Maria Sharapova (remember her?) in the 4th round. That matchup would be 1 of the most intriguing of the tournament, with Sharapva embarking on a comeback after a 10-month layoff due to injury. It may seem as though Maria is old, but she, although she has been on the tour for several years, is only 22. Sharpova has been playing some great tennis was arguably the last legitimate number 1 when she rolled through the 2008 Australian Open draw, and didn't lose a match that year until April. She might face Nadia Petrova, who is always dangerous, in the 3rd round. Another sleeper is Jie Zheng, who, if you can remeber that far, had an amazing run to the semis here last year. She is the 16th seed and could very well cause some trouble for the top dogs. We all know we will be watching if Serena and Maria meet in the quarters, and even if you hate the shrieking when the two meet, the tennis is undeniably incredible

Quarterfinals: Serena Williams def. Maria Sharapova

Semifinals

Venus Williams def. Amelie Mauresmo

Serena Williams def. Alisa Kleybanova

Finals

For the 2nd consecutive year, the sisters will meet in the finals, but this time, Serena will be looking for some major payback, and she'll get it.

Serena Williams def. Venus Williams

Nadal's Knees Force Him out of Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal announced on Friday, after his 3 set loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the Hurlingham exhibitions, that he will not be participating in the 2009 Wimbledon Championships, where he is the defending champion. Nadal's knee tendinitis didn't let up after his 2 week layoff, but choosing to play in the exhibitons probably didn't help. Nadal will join Gael Monfils, who withdrew with a wrist injury, as the top players to pull out. Rafa lost his 4th round match in Roland Garros to Robin Soderling and afterward announced that his knee problems had been troubling him for months. In the Spaniard's press conference today, Nadal said, “I’m just not 100 percent I’m better than I was a couple of weeks ago but I just don’t feel ready.” The withdrawal will put the world number 1's ranking in serious danger. If Roger Federer wins the year's 3rd Grand Slam, the Swiss will regain the number 1 ranking that Nadal took from him last August. “I think I reached the limit right now. I need to reset to come back stronger,” Nadal said. Thankfully for tennis, Nadal's injury is not permanent. “It’s not chronic. I can recover for sure.” All the best to Rafa for a speedy recovery.

Rafa's Wimbledon Participation is in Doubt

Rafael Nadal has been dealing with knee tendinitis his whole tennis career, but recently, the Spaniard's injury became unbearable, part of the reason for Nadal's shocking loss at Roland Garros. Nadal has been resting the past few weeks and has said he hopes to play in this year's Wimbledon Championships, starting on Monday. To test his knees, Rafa played in the Hurlingham exhibitions, an annual warm-up to the year's 3rd Grand Slam. Rafa's first opponent was Lleyton Hewitt, and the Aussie blew the world number 1 off the court. Nadal looked a few steps slower than usual and his knees, untaped, were clearly bothering him in the 6-4, 6-3 loss. When asked about Nadal's status as of now, Toni Nadal, Rafael's coach and uncle, responded, "If it's me, I'm (flying) to Mallorca." Nadal will decide whether he will play in Wimbledon, where he is the defnding champion, after his next exhibition against Stanislas Wawrinka tomorrow. Let's face it, tennis is not the same without Rafa. All the best to the 6 time major champion.

Fed's New Spot for Rolex

Seeds Announced for 2009 Wimbledon

Most tennis fans don't get too excited for the announcing of the seeds at Grand Slam, but because Wimbledon is the only major that doesn't always follow the rankings. On Wednesday, the seeds for the men followed the rankings until the 7th. Fernando Verdasco, who is ranked 8th, was seeded 7th ahead of Gilles Simon, who will be seeded 8th. Last year's surprise semifinalist, Marat Safin, is ranked 23rd but was seeded 15th. Ivo Karlovic, always a threat because of his huge serve, is seeded 23rd even though he is ranked 31st. Feliciano Lopez was bumped up 5 spots to number 22 while Mardy Fish is seeded 4 spots below his ranking, at number 28. The women have minimal changes other than Maria Sharapova's big boost from a ranking of 59 to a seeding of 24.

Wimbledon: What the Players Will be Sporting

Wimbledon may have an all-white dress code, but that doesn't mean players can't show off their own personal style. Here is a look at what the top players will be wearing come June 22nd, when the world's most important tennis tournament gets underway.

Check out this awesome interview with Roger Federer

You must check out this great 55 question interview with Roger Federer. The Swiss mentions what the perfect player would be, the 1st thing he does every morning, what female he would love to be stuck in an elevator with (besides Mirka, ofcorse), and who his dream doubles partner would be. Check out the article here: http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/sports/roger-federer-tells-us-almost-everything

Quote(s) of the Day

Although I have not done a "Quote of the Day" post ever on Serve and Return, the Serbs, particularly Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic and Novak Djokovic, have made headlines with their brutally honest quotes recently and deserve some credit.

1st: Ana Ivanovic

"There’s really not much friendship between the girls on tour. There’s so much rivalry and jealousy"

Well, when no one is good enough to hold on to the top spot for more than 3 months, and virtually anyone can beat anyone, the green-eyed monster can plague you.

2nd: Novak Djokovic

"Because I went out early there last year and because I didn't play at my top-level here, I would definitely not rate myself as a favourite for the title in London."

Atleast he tells it like it is.

3rd: Jelena Jankovic

"I watch only men's tennis on TV, I don't watch too much women's tennis. I try to see the way they play. I think men's tennis is more advanced than women's. I try to learn things and try to add them to my game which would be a good advantage."

When one of women's tennis' brightest stars says that her game is boring, you know at something is wrong.

Murray, Haas, Rybarikova win Wimbledon warmups

Andy Murray won the AEGON Championships in London by defeating James Blake in 2 tough sets. Murray, helped by the relentless support from his adoring home crowd, didn't lose a set all week and is looking like he is ready to make a big run at Wimbledon. In Halle, Tommy Haas stunned tennis fans by defeating Novak Djokovic in 3 sets to win the title. Haas, also supported by his home crowd, gained a lot of confidence by reaching the French Open 4th round 2 weeks ago, and made the transition from the dirt to grass look effortless. In Birmingham, Magdalena Rybarikova also produced an unexpected result by defeating 4th seeded Na Li in 2 sets. Rybarikova bageled Li in the 1st set and played a brilliant tiebreak in the 2nd to capture the crown and her first WTA title.

London

Men's Singles- Finals

Andy Murray (1) def. James Blake (6), 7-5, 6-4

Halle

Men's Singles- Finals

Tommy Haas def. Novak Djokovic (2), 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1

Birmingham

Women's Singles- Finals

Magdalena Rybarikova (13) def. Li Na (4), 6-0, 7-6 (7-2)

London, Halle and Birmingham Results

Andy Murray cruised past Juan Carlos Ferrero, who shanked several easy forehands and backhands throughout the match, to reach the finals of the AEGON Championships in London. In the other semifinal Andy Roddick was forced to retire because of ankle injury suffered in the 9th game of his encounter with James Blake. The score was 4-4 and the injury was later verified as a sprain. Novak Djokovic overcame a futile effort from Olivier Rochus to reach the Halle final, where the Serb will meet Tommy Haas, who overcame a 1 set deficit to oust Phillip Kohlschreiber. Na Li avenged her French Open loss to Maria Sharapova by beating the Russian in straight sets to advance to the finals in Birmingham. Li will face Magdalena Rybarikova who beat Sania Mirza in 3 sets.

London

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Andy Murray (1) def. Juan Carlos Ferrero, 6-2, 6-4

James Blake (6) def. Andy Roddick (2), 4-4, retired

Halle

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Novak Djokovic (2) def. Olivier Rochus, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4

Tommy Haas def. Philipp Kohlschreiber, 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3)

Birmingham

Women's Singles- Semifinals

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

Magdalena Rybarikova (13) def. Sania Mirza, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3

Thomas Johnasson calls it quits

Thomas Johansson of Sweden is retiring after 15 years on the ATP Tour. Johansson, the 2002 Australian Open champion, made the statement on Friday. “After a lot of thinking, I have now decided to step off the train and end my professional tennis career,” said the 34 year old. “During the fall I had to go through yet another operation after a foot injury and a month ago I became a dad for the second time.” Johansson reached a career high ranking of 7 and helped his country win the Davis Cup in 1998. Other career achievements for the Swede were reaching the Wimbledon semifinals in 2005 and finishing runner-up in doubles at the Beijing Olympics last Summer.

London, Halle and Birmingham Results

The two biggest servers in the men's game met in the quarterfinals at the AEGON Championships on Friday, and Andy Roddick came out on top, besting Ivo Karlovic in 2 tiebreak sets. James Blake and Andy Murray both won in 2 sets, while Juan Carlos Ferrero needed 3 sets to oust Steve Darcis and advanced. In Halle, Novak Djokovic and Tommy Haas each won in straights. Phillip Kohlschreiber and Olivier Rochus won after losing the 1st set. Maria Sharapova beat Yanina Wickmayer in 3 sets in Birmingham to reach the semis, joining Sania Mirza and Na Li, both 2 set winners. Magdalena Rybarikova easily defeated Urszula Radwanska to reach the final 4.

London

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Andy Murray (1) def. Mardy Fish (8), 7-5, 6-3

Andy Roddick (2) def. Ivo Karlovic (9), 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5)

James Blake (6) def. Mikhail Youzhny (14), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3

Juan Carlos Ferrero def. Steve Darcis, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

Halle

Men's Singles- Quarterfinals

Novak Djokovic (2) def. Jurgen Melzer (7), 6-1, 6-4

Philipp Kohlschreiber def. Andreas Beck, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3

Tommy Haas def. Mischa Zverev, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

Olivier Rochus def. Benjamin Becker, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-3

Birmingham

Women's Singles- Quarterfinals

Li Na (4) def. Stefanie Voegele, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)

Magdalena Rybarikova (13) def. Urszula Radwanska, 6-3, 6-3

Sania Mirza def. Melinda Czink (16), 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)

Maria Sharapova def. Yanina Wickmayer, 6-1, 2-6, 6-3