Indianapolis Results

Surprises highlighted day 3 of the Indianapolis Tennis Championships. American players John Isner, Frank Bogolomov Jr., and Wayne Odesnik all provided upsets in round two. The trio combined to beat the tournament's second, fourth, and eighth seeds. Canadian Frank Dancevic had a shocker of his own, defeating Benjamin Becker, the fifth seed, in straight sets. He will face Russia's Dmitry Tursonov in the round of 8. The tournament's top overall seed won his second round match dominantly in straight sets.

Men's Singles- 1st Round
Marcos Daniel def. Taylor Dent, 6-2, 6-4


Men's Singles- 2nd Round
Dmitry Tursonov (1) def. Marcos Daniel, 6-3, 6-3
Alex Bogolomov Jr. def. Dudi Sela (2), 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
Sam Querrey (3) def. Rajeev Ram, 7-5, 6-3
Wayne Odesnik def. Igor Kunitsyn (4), 2-6, 6-1, 6-1
Frank Dancevic def. Benjamin Becker (5), 6-2, 7-5
Marc Giquel (7) def. Jesse Levine, 6-2, 6-2
John Isner def. Dennis Istominin (8), 6-4, 6-4
Robby Ginepri def. Eduardo Schwank, 6-7 (1-7), 6-3, 6-0

Posted by Daniel, substituting for Jake, who is on vacation

Hiatus : (

Dear Readers,

Us at Serve and Return are taking a 3- 1/2 week vacation, so unfortunately, posting will be less frequent. Thankfully, we have someone filling in for us, but posts will only occur when a big story takes place. Don't worry, because on August 17th, we will be back, but make sure you keep in touch with the U.S. Open Series this summer. Thanks for the support!

Indianapolis Results

The 2nd day in Indy saw number 1 seed Dmitry Tursunov advance to the 2nd round with a 3 set victory, joining number 2 Dudi Sela, who beat Vince Spadea, and number 5 Benjamin Becker. Americans Bobby Ginepri and Jesse Levine impressed before their home crowd. Sam Querrey will be in action on day 3.

Indianapolis

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Dmitry Tursunov (1) def. Michael Berrer, 6-3, 2-6, 6-0

Dudi Sela (2) def. Vincent Spadea, 7-5, 6-1

Igor Kunitsyn (4) def. Brian Dabul, 6-4, 6-1

Benjamin Becker (5) def. Go Soeda, 6-2, 6-3

Eduardo Schwank def. Yen-Hsun Lu (6), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Robby Ginepri def. Sebastien De Chaunac, 7-5, 5-7, 6-2

Alex Bogomolov Jr. def. Flavio Cipolla, 6-2, 6-3

Jesse Levine def. Danai Udomchoke, 6-1, 7-6 (12-10)

Hace Tiempo Que No Te Veo!

Rafael Nadal returned to the courts today to practice after his long layoff from the ATP circuit due to knee tendinitis. The Mallorcan will compete at the Montreal Masters in the 2nd week of August after missing Wimbledon. Nadal has plenty of points to defend this summer though, so let's hope it doesn't take too long for the world number 2 to return to top form, or else he is in serious jeopardy of dropping down to number 3 in the rankings.

Indianapolis Results

On day 1 of the Indianapolis Tennis Championships, which has a less than stellar field, Americans Sam Querrey, John Isner and Wayne Odesnik all advanced to the 2nd round. Ernests Gulbis was defeated by Marc Gicquel and Frank Dancevic overcame Bobby Reynolds. 8th seed Denis Istomin won as well.

Indianapolis

Men's Singles- 1st Round

Sam Querrey (3) def. Arnaud Clement, 6-3, 6-4

Marc Gicquel (7) def. Ernests Gulbis, 6-2, 6-3

Denis Istomin (8) def. Kevin Kim, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4

John Isner def. Josselin Ouanna, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6)

Wayne Odesnik def. Marcos Baghdatis, 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 6-4

Frank Dancevic def. Bobby Reynolds, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5)

Dechy Retires at 30, is Expecting!

Natahlie Dechy, who reached the semifinals of the 2005 Australian Open, is retiring at age 30 because she is expecting her 1st child. Dechy won 2 Grand Slams in doubles at he U.S. Open with Vera Zvonareva and Dinara Safina. Happy trails!

Tennis Stars on the Greens....

Rafael Nadal, who is recovering from knee tendinitis, played in a charity golf tounament on July 18th.

Ana Ivanovic appeared on the fairways to watch rumored beau, Adam Scott, compete.

Soderling Wins Bastad, Chardy Triumphant in Stuttgart

Jeremy Chardy was pushed around in the 1st set of the final in Stuttgart against Victor Hanescu, but the big-serving Frenchman fought his way back to captre his very 1st title on the ATP circuit. Robin Soderling has proved he's here to stay, and after exceeding well beyond expectations the last 2 months, the Swede downed Juan Monaco in straight sets to win his 4th career ATP title at the Cadella Swedish Open before his adoring home crowd.

Bastad

Men's Singles- Final

Robin Soderling (2) def. Juan Monaco, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)

Stuttgart

Men's Singles- Final

Jeremy Chardy def. Victor Hanescu (4), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4

Federer Honored in Basel

Slight language barrier here.

15 time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer was honored in his hometwon of Basel yesterday, 2 weeks after his record-breaking achievement at Wimbledon. The Swiss got a plack with his name on it engraved in the sidewalks of Basel, sort of like the walk of fame in Hollywood. Mr. Federer's 1st child is due in just 3 weeks.

Roddick Pulls Out of Indy

Andy Roddick, citing a hip injury suffered at Wimbledon, has withdrawn from the Indianapolis Tennis Championships, the 1st tournament of the U.S. Open Series. The American is the defending champion there and his withdrawal will surely be a huge blow to the event, lacking tennis' superstars. Roddick took to his twitter to express his dissapointment. "(I'm) really upset that I won't be able to play in Indy this year. I love the tournament up there, but I am not properly prepared at the point." A-Rod continued,"My focus will as always, be to be 100 percent ready to go before I step out on court....." The 500 point tournament is now offering a wildcard to James Blake in order to fill the void left from Roddick's withdrawal. The injury forced Andy to watch the United States' Davis Cup loss to Croatia from the sidelines.

p.s. The tourney in Indy could be referred to as the Indy 500, just like in racecar diving, because it's worth 500 points. I apologize if that wasn't funny, I thought i'd give it a try.

Tennis Stars Tear Up the ESPYs Red Carpet

Thank God Venus' dress isn't actually that large

Serena chillin' with Condi Rice

The Williams sisters presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award

Mattek-Sands should wear that to the Open. After all, she's known for her on-court fashions

Gasquet is a homewrecker.......who is no longer suspended

Richard Gasquet went clubbing down in Miami 1 night, got totally shitfaced, made out with a druggie and then got suspended for what was supposed to be 2 years by the ATP for testing positive for cocaine. That suspension is now finished because Gasquet claims that the girl he kissed had cocaine in her system, which is apparently why the Frennchman tested positive. “We have found the player to be a person who is shy and reserved, honest and truthful, and a man of integrity and good character,” said 3 lawyers on the tribunal panel. “He is neither a cheat nor a user of drugs for recreational purposes.” Gasquet is clearly bull shitting these 3 "knowledgeable" lawyers, but atleast his awesome 1 handed backhand will be back on court come U.S. Open Series time. Oh, and by the way, the classy lady Gasquet hooked up with is name Pamela. Even better....

Quote of the Day

"I think that was the highlight of the whole day,

he (President Obama) liked my shoes."-

Serena Williams on meeting President Barack Obama

Nadal WILL Make Tour Return in Montreal

We've waited and waited and now we can be 100% positively sure that Rafael Nadal will return to the tour August 8th at the Montreal Masters. Nadal's last match was a 4th round loss to Robin Soderling at the French Open, and the Spaniard has been in Barcelona receiving tests on his knees. "I am happy with the way the tests went and of the positive evolution of the injury as the doctors are saying," said Rafa on his website. "The event in Montreal is important and I expect to be there fit to play." Nadal missed Wimbledon and fell back to number 2 in the rankings.

Allaster Named CEO of WTA

Stacey Allaster has officially been named the CEO of the WTA Tour. Allaster was previously the President of the tour, a job she has held since 2006. “I am honored to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, which since its founding by Billie Jean King 36 years ago has continued to break barriers and grow into a premier global sporting league,” Allaster, who replaces Larry Scott, said Monday. “The Tour and our sport have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past years, and we are poised for even greater heights in the years to come.” Allster has srved as Vice Presidnt at Tennis Canada. “Stacey is the right person with the right ideas to continue to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour,” said Billie Jean King, founder of the WTA in 1973. “She has the full support of the players, sponsors and tournament owners.”

Davis Cup Results- Day 3

Marin Cilic clinched Croatia's spot in the Davis Cup semifinals by defeating James Blake in 4 sets. In the semis, the Croats will take on the Czech Republic, who took out Argentina, 3-2. Spain survived a nailbiter against Germany by winning the deciding match 8-6 in the 5th, thanks to Juan Carlos Ferrero. Israel advanced yesterday.

U.S.A vs. Croatia

Marin Cilic (CRO) def. James Blake (USA), 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
Bob Bryan (USA) def. Roko Karanusic (CRO), 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)

Germany vs. Spain

Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) def. Andreas Beck (GER), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) def. Fernando Verdasco (ESP), 6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 2-6, 8-6

Czech Republic vs. Argentina

Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) def. Tomas Berdych (CZE), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Radek Stepanek (CZE) def. Juan Monaco (ARG), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 6-2

Israel vs. Russia

Igor Andreev (RUS) def. Dudi Sela (ISR), 4-3, retired
Harel Levy (ISR) def. Igor Kunitsyn (RUS), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

Davis Cup Results- Day 1 and 2

The United States lost their first 2 singles matches against Croatia in devastating 5 setters, but the Bryan Bros got the team back on track by easily winning the doubles. Israel shocked Russia to book the first spot in the semis thanks to stellar play buy Dudi Sela, Harol Levy, Andy Ram and Jonathon Erlich. The Czech Republic has a 2-1 lead over last year's runner-ups, the Argentines. Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych won the doubles over Leandro Mayer and Jose Acasuso. Spain has a 2-1 advantage over Germany after the 2 countries split the singles and Spain took the dubs.

U.S.A vs. Croatia

Ivo Karlovic (CRO) def. James Blake (USA), 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5

Marin Cilic (CRO) def. Mardy Fish (USA), 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1, 8-6

B.Bryan/M.Bryan (USA) def. R.Karanusic/L.Zovko (CRO), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3

Spain vs. Germany

Fernando Verdasco (ESP) def. Andreas Beck (GER), 6-0, 3-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-1

Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) def. Tommy Robredo (ESP), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

F.Verdasco/F.Lopez (ESP) def. N.Kiefer/M.Zverev (GER), 6-3, 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (6-8), 6-3

Israel vs. Russia

Harel Levy (ISR) def. Igor Andreev (RUS), 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2

Dudi Sela (ISR) def. Mikhail Youzhny (RUS), 3-6, 6-1, 6-0, 7-5

J.Erlich/A.Ram (ISR) def. M.Safin/I.Kunitsyn (RUS), 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 4-6, 6-4

Czech Republic vs. Argentina

Tomas Berdych (CZE) def. Juan Monaco (ARG), 6-4, 2-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2

Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) def. Ivo Minar (CZE), 6-1, 6-3, 6-3

T.Berdych/R.Stepanek (CZE) def. J.Acasuso/L.Mayer (ARG), 6-1, 6-4, 6-3

Pics from the Wimbledon Champions Dinner

Holy shoes, Roger!

"I know you're in pain, Mirka, just fake a smile."

Serena on Letterman

Nadal is Hoping to Play in Rogers Cup

World number 2 Rafael Nadal is hoping to play in the Rogers Cup, August 8th-16th, in Montreal. The Spaniard has been resting the last month with knee tendinitis, and was unable to defend his Wimbledon crown because of it. Nadal won the Rogers Cup, a Masters 1000 event, last year, defeating Nicholas Kiefer in the finals. Roger Federer is also hoping he can compete, but Mirka, Federer's wife, is apparently expecting the couple's 1st child that week.

Gold Diggers

The winner of the U.S. Open this year will be raking in the bills, with a record 1.6 million dollar payday to be recieved by the winner. This is a 6 percent increase from last year, and the U.S. Open Series bonus is still available to a player who finishes in the top 3 over the summer and also wins the Open. The bonus has been recieved only twice before, by Roger Federer in 'o7 and by Kim Clijsters in '05.

Mathieu Montcourt Found Dead at 24

French tennis player Mathieu Montcourt was found dead Monday in the stairwell of his Paris apartment. The Frenchman was recently banned for betting on matches, and the cause of death has not yet been revealed. An autopsy will take place soon. Montcourt was ranked 119th, and he grew up playing with Rafael Nadal on the junior circuit. “This morning I woke up with one of the worst news anyone can receive,” announced Nadal on his website. “I heard about the death of our friend Mathieu Montcourt. I am still under shock for this. I can’t believe it.” R.I.P

Legend

* Credit: ATPworldtour.com

Wimbledon Wrap-up: Report Card

The All England Club witnessed some breathtaking tennis these past 2 weeks, and fittingly, the fortnight ended with a marathon 5 setter before tennis' greatest legends.

Roger Federer

The Swiss breased through the draw to get to the final, but more overlooked and more amazing than his ease, is his ability to tough it out and hang in there when needed. Roger did just that against Andy Roddick, hitting 50 aces to win what we all knew was inevitable, his 15th Grand Slam title, breaking Pete Sampras' record. The Swiss has a busy summer ahead of him, as he will soon be a father, but with 15 in the bag, Federer can now play carefree tennis.

Grade: A+

Serena Williams

Not only did Serena win Wimbledon for the 1st time since 2003, but she also beat her sister, the Queen of Grass, in the final. Serena showed her second-to-none determination in her epic semifinal against Elena Dementieva and she put on display her brilliant serve in her final victory over Venus.

Grade: A+

Andy Roddick

The American played the tennis of his life to reach his 1st Grand Slam final in 3 years. In fact, Roddick doubted that he would ever reach this stage in a Grand Slam again. He defeated Lleyton Hewitt and Brit hope Andy Murray on his way to his record 77 game final with Federer. He fought until the very end, but unfortunately, there must be a loser.

Grade: A

Venus Williams

She put on quite a show, dominating Dinara Safina in the semifinals and pummeling the rest of her foes up until her baby sister took the Venus Rosewater Dish away from her in the final. Venus was not herself in that final, and she suffered the consequences. She'll be back next year to compete for her 6th Wimbledon.

Grade: A-

Elena Dementieva

The Russian showed she can match Serena stroke for stroke in their 2 hour 40 minute semifinal, but it all came down to who wanted it more. She reached her 2nd straight Wimby final 4 and lost very few games up until her defeat.

Grade: A-

Lleyton Hewitt

Hewitt returned to his form from the 2002 Wimbledon Championships and upset Juan Martin del Potro en route to the quarterfinals. Andy Roddick ended his run in a great 5 setter, but the Aussie showed a rejuvenated player and played his best tennis in recent years.

Grade: B+

Melanie Oudin

The 17 year old American showed her potential in a run to the 4th round. She beat Jelena Jankovic in 3 sets and came close to reaching the quarters. She has a very bright future.

Grade: B+

NBC

Once again, NBC and ESPN2's rights agreement made it impossible to show Venus Williams and Andy Roddick's semifinal encounters live. Unfortunately for die-hard fans, the match had to be followed on a very confusing Wimbledon radio instead of on a flat-screen.

Grade: C+

Ivo Karlovic's "Smack That Ace" Dance

Dr. Ivo fired 46 aces in his defeat of Jo Willy Tsonga but the Croat bursted out into an effed-up dance afterwards, resembling jockey Calvin Borrell riding Mine That Bird to the finish line at the Kentucky Derby. Karlovic should use his winnings from reaching the final 8 and get dancing lessons.

Grade: D-

Marat Safin

Safin seems to be enjoying his farewell tour. He lost in the 1st round.

Grade: F

Roger Dazzles; beats Roddick 16-14 in 5th for 15th Major

How do you put it into words? If there is an adjective to describe Roger Federer's achievement on Sunday, defeating Andy Roddick 16-14 in the 5th set, the word is beyond me. The Swiss served an incredible 50 aces, 5 off the single match record, in the 4 hour 17 minute epic against Roddick. Roddick took the 1st set 7-5, and had a 6-2 lead in the 2nd set breaker before letting the set slip away. With the momentum on Roger's side, Andy continued to fight, holding serve brilliantly until the 3rd set tie-break, which Federer won 7-5. Andy got an early break in the 4th, allowing him to serve out the set at 5-3. The tension on Centre Court and in the seats was unbearable, according to spectators, and if this match didn't put Mirka Federer into labor, I have no idea what will. Federer and Roddick held serve amazingly in the 5th, both winning their 1st serve points over 83 % of the time. Federer fended off 2 break points late in the decider to hold, and Roddick's ground game was slowly corrupting. Serving at 14-15, A-Rod got up to a 40-30 lead. Federer forced errors from Roddick to gain his 1st championship point. A forehand from the American sailed long, and Roger, who now holds the record of most Grand Slam titles with 15, jumped for joy. Federer impressed unlookers which included Pete Sampras, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg by hitting 107 winners to Roddick's 74, and 5 more unforced errors. Roger will now regain the number 1 ranking that was taken away from him last summer by Rafael Nadal. And props to Roddick, who played an absolutely fantastic match.

Wimbledon

Gentlemen's Singles- Finals

Roger Federer (2) def. Andy Roddick (6), 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14

Sorry Condi, We Don't Give a Shit

Here is Condoleeza Rice's take on Wimbledon. It's mildly insightful, but towards the end, she expresses her dislike toward the "Modern Wimbledon." Then why the hell did she waste our time?

Serena Beats Sister Venus; Wins 3rd Wimbledon and 11th Major Title

From the beginning of the Wimbledon Championships, the Williams sisters steamrolled through the draw, Serena not dropping a set until the semis and Venus not dropping a set until her loss to Serena today. Venus, who has won 5 Wimbledon titles, was defeated by her sister, 7-6, 6-2 on Saturday. The 1st set saw dominant serving from the siblings, and Serena was able to snatch the set away from her sister. The 2nd set, though, was a different story. Serena outplayed her opponent off the ground and lost just 8 points on her serve the entire match. The younger Williams had 12 aces to Venus' 2. She also had 6 less unforced errors and 11 more winners than her sister. Serena and Venus beat Sam Stosur and Renae Stubbs in the doubles title match soon after the singles. The 2 shared a mildly awkward moment at the net after their singles match, when Venus put out her hand to shake, and Serena went in for the big, fat hug. Sister's guilt?

p.s. Bob and Mike Bryan lost the doubles crown to Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic in 4.

Wimbledon

Ladies' Singles- Final

Serena Williams (2) def. Venus Williams (3), 7-6 (7-3), 6-2