U.S Open Results- Day 1

What's better than waking up on a burning hot August morning, knowing that the 1st day of what is arguably the most exhilirating slam will begin in just a few hours. I knew the feeling this morning, when I had the goosebumps waiting to see Kim Clijsters kick off the action on Arthur Ashe. Clijsters cruised to victory, as did Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams, Vera Zvonareva and Flavia Pennetta. Mr. Federer opened his campaign for a 6th straight Open title with a smooth victory over Devin Britton, who hit more winners than the Swiss. Nikolay Davydenko, Robin Soderling and James Blake all kicked off their '09 Opens with victories as well. Andy Roddick is the 2nd night match on, following Venus Williams, who is down a set to Vera Dushevina.

New York
Men's Singles- 1st Round

Roger Federer (1) def. Devin Britton 6-1, 6-3, 7-5
Nikolay Davydenko (8) def. Dieter Kindlmann 6-3, 6-4, 7-5
Robin Soderling (12) def. Albert Montanes 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4
Tommy Robredo (14) def. Donald Young 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
Radek Stepanek (15) vs. Simone Bolelli 6-4, 6-4, 5-4
Tommy Haas (20) def. Alejandro Falla 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2
James Blake (21) def. Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-1, 6-4, 7-5
Philipp Kohlschreiber (23) def. Andreas Seppi 6-0, 6-4, 6-4
Mikhail Youzhny def. Paul-Henri Mathieu (26) 2-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2
John Isner def. Victor Hanescu (28) 6-1, 7-6 (16-14), 7-6 (7-5)
Lleyton Hewitt (31) def. Thiago Alves 6-0, 6-3, 6-4
Leonardo Mayer def. Andrey Golubev 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3
Jan Hernych def. Rainer Schuettler 1-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 2-6, 6-3
Marc Gicquel def. Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3
Robert Kendrick def. Martin Vassallo Arguello 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez def. Peter Polansky 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-1
Marcel Ilhan def. Christophe Rochus 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-5
Olivier Rochus def. Igor Kunitsyn 6-3, 6-0, 6-2
Marcel Granollers def. Mischa Zverev 2-6, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0
Somdev Dev Varman def. Frederico Gil 6-3, 6-4, 6-3
Simon Greul def. Giovanni Lapentti 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (11-9)
Marco Chiudinelli def. Potito Starace 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2), 6-0
Juan Ignacio Chela def. Oscar Hernandez 6-4, 6-4, 6-2

Women's Singles- 1st Round

Serena Williams (2) def. Alexa Glatch 6-4, 6-1
Vera Zvonareva (7) def. Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-0, 6-4
Victoria Azarenka (8) def. Alexandra Dulgheru 6-1, 6-1
Flavia Pennetta (10) def. Edina Gallovits 6-0, 6-4
Agnieszka Radwanska (12) def. Patricia Mayr 6-1, 6-2
Marion Bartoli (14) def. Rossana de los Rios 6-1, 6-0
Samantha Stosur (15) def. Ai Sugiyama 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
Amelie Mauresmo (17) def. Tatjana Malek 6-3, 6-4
Na Li (18) def. Ioana Raluca Olaru 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
Anabel Medina Garrigues (20) def. Gail Brodsky 6-4, 6-4
Daniela Hantuchova (22) def. Meghann Shaughnessy 6-2, 4-6, 6-1
Kai-Chen Chang def. Kaia Kanepi (25) 6-0, 2-6, 6-2
Francesca Schiavone (26) def. Yvonne Meusburger 6-1, 6-2
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez def. Sybille Bammer (28) 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-5)
Elena Vesnina (31) def. Lucie Hradecka 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
Magdalena Rybarikova def. Valerie Tetreault 6-3, 4-6, 6-1
Bethanie Mattek-Sands def. Iveta Benesova 6-3, 6-4
Michelle Larcher De Brito def. Mathilde Johansson 1-6, 7-5, 6-1
Kirsten Flipkens def. Jelena Dokic 6-3, 6-4
Kim Clijsters def. Viktoria Kutuzova 6-1, 6-1
Sania Mirza def. Olga Govortsova 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
Melinda Czink def. Maria Camerin 6-3, 6-4
Aleksandra Wozniak def. Laura Granville 6-1, 7-6 (9-7)
Timea Bacsinszky def. Vesna Manasieva 6-3, 6-4
Jill Craybas def. Carly Gullickson 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)
Vania King def. Anastasiya Yakimova 2-1
Stefanie Voegele def. Alberta Brianti 6-7 (10-12), 6-1, 6-3
Anna Chakvetadze def. Yurika Sema 4-6, 6-1, 6-2
Angelique Kerber def. Andrea Petkovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova def. Marta Domachowska 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
Maria Kirilenko def. Mariya Koryttseva 6-2, 6-1

U.S. Open Player Party

James Blake with Olivia Palermo, the bitchy girl from the MTV reality show, The City

Gossip Girl star Penn Badgeley

The beautiful Venus Williams

Actress Emmy Rossum

Tommy Robredo

Arthur Ashe Kids Day

Will Ferrell, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams showed up for Arthur Ashe Kids Day on August 29th.

A-Rod on Letterman

U.S. Open Men's Predictions

Devin Britton couln't believe it. His manager had just told him he would be facing Roger Federer in the first round of his first ever major, the U.S. Open. He finally realized it wasn't a joke when his phone recieved 15 messages in a 5 minute span. Britton could look at it as a blessing (playing most likely under the lights on Ashe in his first major) or an almost 100 % guarentee that he won't be staying in New York for long. Federer enters this year's final major as the number one seed, followed by Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Nikolay Davydenko (8) was drawn to the Swiss' side, Juan Martin del Potro (6) to Murray's, Jo Wilfred Tsonga (7) to Nadal's and Andy Roddick (5) to Djokovic's. Roddick has beaten Nole three straight times, and should they meet in the final 8, Roddick will have a motivation for redemption; his quarterfinal loss to the Serb in last year's Open. Federer may be on a roll (Madrid, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Cincinnati and the twins), but like John McEnroe said, he has to be stopped sometime. Rafael Nadal, quite posible the freshest man on tour, would be the ideal guy to do it.

1st Quarter

Federer will most likely advance to his 22nd consecutive GS semifinal quite smoothly, with easy machups for his first 4 rounds. The Swiss starts wth Britton, the 18 year old out of Mississippi, then will follow up most likely with Simon Gruel and then Lleyton Hewitt, who the Swiss has defeated 13 straight times. Federer's possible fourth round opponents, Tommy Robredo and James Blake, and his possible quarterfinal matchups, Nikolay Davyenko, Sam Querrey and Robin Soderling, are a combined 1-46 against the 15-time GS champion.

Quarterfinals: Federer def. Davydenko

2nd Quarter

Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic are the big names in this section and Fernando Verdasco, Radek Stepanek and Tommy Haas are looking to cause some surprises. Verdasco is a proven hard court player and could cause trouble for Roddick in a potential fourth round blockbuster. Djokovic could suffer a hiccup against his French Open conqueror, Phillip Kohlschreiber, in the third round, but the Serb plays some of his best tennis in New York. Haas has a winning record against Roddick, and could play the American in the Round of 16 should the German get past Verdasco. Look for Djokovic, who will be very under the radar, to reach his 3rd straight U.S. Open semi.

Quarterfinal: Djokovic def. Roddick

3rd Quarter

I'll admit, it was weird not having to go to the very bottom of the draw to find Rafael Nadal's name, but no matter where the Spaniard lies in the draw, he will always make opponents stop in their tracks, 100 % healthy or not. Jo Wilfried Tsonga, who's big hitting style of play could be dangerous for Rafa, is the seventh seed and plays his best tennis on the hard courts. Fernando Gonzalez, Gael Monfils, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer are all in this section as well, and have each impressed on this surface; moreover, Nadal won't have an easy time this year. Rafa has a less than stellar 11-9 hard court record aganst the quintet, but his grit and determination to become the youngest player ever to complete the career Grand Slam will help him reach the final four.

Quarterfinals: Nadal def. Tsonga

4th Quarter

Andy Murray enters this Grand Slam as number 2 in the world for the first time, and the defending runner-up will look to one-up his performance from 2008, where he lost to Federer in straight sets. Murray's section contains Juan Martin del Potro, Gilles Simon and Marin Cilic. Murray's first round opponent, Ernests Gulbis is a hazardous foe when he's firing on all cylinders, which is rare. Expect Murray to have a close first set against the Latvian, but to advance to the second round. Murray could also run into Stanislas Wawrinka, who pushed the Scot to 5 sets at Wimbledon, in the fourth round. The 6th seed, del Potro, will have a very tough opening against Juan Monaco, and could be upset by Marat Safin, who is playing in his final Grand Slam, in the second. The Russian has always been one of the most talented players on the tour, but has been too much of a headcase to consistently channel his emotions. Could New York, where Safin had his breakthrough, bring the 2 time GS champ a succesful end to a drama-filled career?

Quarterfinals: Murray def. Safin

Semifinals

Federer def. Djokovic

Nadal def. Murray

Finals

Nadal def. Federer

Maria Launches Cole Haan Collection at Rockefeller

Maria Sharapova was having a beyond amazing hair day at the launch of her collection with Cole Haan, which includes heels and handbags. Maria, dressed in an Elie Saab dress and black ankle booties, has been spending much of her time in NYC making her rounds in the social scene before she has to buckle down and get ready for the year's final slam, beginning in 3 days. "It's my hope that other young women will embrace the spirit of the collection; it's fun, chic, fashionable and most importantly, able to take you from day to night," said the impeccably stylish Russian.

US Open Women's Predictions

The year's final major will kick off in just 3 days. I'm hoping to make a trip down to Flushing Meadows on the 6th of September to see some 3rd round action but watching it on ESPN is just as great. The women's event is wide open this year, like it has been for all of the majors in 2009. Dinara Safina comes in as the top seed, followed by Serena Williams, the defending champion, Venus Williams and Elena Dementieva. The sisters were put on the same side of the draw, making a semifinal matchup a possibility. Jelena Jankovic (5) was drawn to Safina's quarter, Svetlana Kuznetsova (6) to Dementieva's, Victoria Azarenka (8) to Venus', and Vera Zvonareva (7) to Serena's. Dementieva comes into New York on a roll, having easily defeated Serena and Maria Sharapova en route to the title in Toronto. Other big storylines in the big apple include the return of Kim Clijsters, who won the title in NYC in 2005, but retired in 2007. The Belgian impressed tennis fans with her performances in the US Open Series, compiling wins over Marion Bartoli and Azarenka. Carolina Woziacki, Flavia Penetta, Ana Ivanovic and Amelie Mauresmo could make some noise as well.

1st Quarter

Dinara Safina and Jelena Jankovic are the headliners in this section. Safina has a fairly easy road to the quarterfinals, with 16th seeded Virginie Razzano and 19th seeded veteran Patty Schnyder trying to crash the party. Safina could possibly run into big-hitting Alisa Kleybanova in the 3rd round, which could cause problems, but I expect the Russian to conquer her foes. Jankovic and compatriot Ivanovic could meet in the round of 16, but the 11th seeded 2008 French Open champ, who hasn't made it past the 4th round of a major in six tries, will have to battle past Sabine Lisicki, the 23rd seed.

Quarterfinals: Jankovic def. Safina

2nd Quarter

This quarter is dominated by Russians, with Elena Dementieva, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Nadia Petrova and Maria Sharapova all looking to reach the semis. Sharapova, who won this title in 2006, will look for revenge against Demenieva in the 3rd round, who she lost to in the finals in Toronto. Kuznetsova knows how to play on the hardcourts, having won this title in 2004. Petrova has also had success, reaching the quarterfinals on 2 occasions. Caroline Wozniacki, the 9th seed, hasn't had her breakthrough at a Grand Slam event yet, but she has played great tennis at other tournaments, and could very well cause problems for Kuznetsova, who could play the Dane in the 4th round. Look for Dementieva to keep her hot streak going.

Quarerfinals: Dementieva def. Kuznetsova

3rd Quarter

Venus Williams has been playing very poorly since he loss in the Wimbledon final, but with a Williams sister, current form is irrelevant. Victoria Azarenka is the second highest seed in this section, and the Belarusian has come very close multiple times to reaching a GS semifinal, but Agnieszka Radwanska, who has expierenced success in New York, could knock Vika out. Kim Clijsters, the ULTIMATE sleeper, could have a blockbuster matchup with Venus Williams in the 4th round, but will have to advance past talents such as Marion Bartoli and Anabel Medina Garrigues before getting the chance to knock out the 7 time GS champion. Michelle Larcher de Brito, the very loud youngster from Portugal, could create trouble for Radwanska and Na Li, but not enough to make a serious run.

Quarterfinals: Williams def. Radwanska

4th Quarter

The 4th and final quarter is absolutely loaded, with Serena Williams leading the way, followed by Aussie Open semifinalist Vera Zvonareva, 10th seeded Flavia Pennetta, Roland Garros semifinalist Sam Stosur and 2 time GS champion Amelie Mauresmo. Zvonareva missed much of the middle of the season with injuries, but is a very strong hard court player. Pennetta had impressive showings in the US Open Series, and entered the top 10 for the first time. Mauresmo upset Svetlana Kuznetsova in New Haven, and has proved herself on hard courts, winning the Australian Open in 2006. Serena played poorly in a loss to Dementieva in Toronto, but the younger Williams sister has dominated the Grand Slams in 2009. Although she has never lost in the first round of a major, Williams does have a tricky opening match against American Alexa Glatch.

Quarterfinals: Williams def. Mauresmo

Semifinals

Dementieva def Jankovic

Serena def. Venus

Finals

Dementieva def. Serena

Serena's Hotter Than Wax!

Serena Williams attended the unveiling of her wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York. In the figure, which has a striking resemblance to the real Serena, Williams is sporting her infamous black top and denim skirt tandem from the US Open 5 years back. Can you say PERFECTLY toned?

Pics and Vids from the "Game. Set. NYC" Nike Event

Maria Parties in NYC w/ Blake Lively

Maria Sharapova, looking ultra-stylish in a Chloe black and grey leopard print dress, attended the InStyle and Tiffany & Co. hosted event in New York City last night that celebrated the superstar's partnership with earring designer Frank Gehry. Gossip Girl star Blake Lively attended as well.

US Open Fashions Unveiled for Roger, Serena and Sharapova

Federer's Night Jacket

Federer's Night Outfit

Serena's Day Dress (Left) and Night Dress (Right)

Sharapova's Day Jacket

Sharapova's Night Jacket

Sharapova's Day Dress

Sharapova's Night Dress

Could Justine Really Come Back??

Rumor has it that Justine Henin, winner of 7 Grand Slam titles, could be considering a comeback. Henin, who shocked the world and retired in May of 2008, has reportedly begun training for exhibitions. Kim Clijsters, a longtime rival of Henin, just recently returned to the WTA Tour and took the same route, starting in exhibitions and working her way up. Belgian news source Vers L'Avenir has apparently recieved confirmation from the former world number one's entourage about the training. I'm sure Henin knows that she could blow each and every woman on the tour out of the water.

Murray on the Today Show

Andy Murray was on the Today Show this morning, the part that nobody watches, referred to as the fourth hour. The Scot discussed how he started tennis and how he prepares for matches. Afterward, he taught the hosts how to hit a forehand. Wouldn't Mr. Federer be a better example?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

According to Paradorn, Size Does Matter

Former top-tenner Paradorn Srichaphan has kept busy since he abruptly left the tennis world. The Thai has opened a restaurant called So-Le, made a hand gel and in his most recent endeavor, endorsed a tonic, Magic Thaiherbs, to help boost male's, um, private parts. "From my personal experience, it's good and that's why I bought the licence,'' said Paradorn, who has denied rumors of his retiring and says there is a 50 percent chance he will return.. "Unlike Viagra, my product is more like a tonic which is good for men's bodies. When men are happy and healthy, they make married life better,'' said Paradorn. Good luck with this new task, Paradorn.

Martina's a Cougar!!

Looks like Sex and the City star Kim Catrell, who plays Samantha (the blond bombshell who routinely dates men 20 years her junior) has found some competition. Martina Navratilova, 52, is reportedly engaged to 36 year old former Russian beauty queen, Julia Lemigova. The couple was seen on vacation this past weekend wearing rings on the left hands, according to the Daily Mail. The two ladies have one thing in common. They both switched "sides of the seasaw" after failed relationships with men. Lemigova was involved with a male French banker who was found murdered. This story sounds like a reality show.

Who Isn't Writing a Book?

When Lauren Conrad can write a book, you know anyone can. Two of tennis' greatest Americans, Serena Williams and Andre Agassi, have penned books that are due for realease September and November, respectively. Not much word has been said about Williams' autobiography, but Andre's will include juicy details on his failed marriage with Brooke Shields. Will Steffi be reading this?

Federer Captures Cincy; Dementieva Terrific in Toronto

Roger Federer and Elena Dementieva had similar storylines that went along with their incredible performances in Cincinnati and Toronto this week. In the semis, both players emerged victorious against previous conquerors. Federer battled past Andy Murray, who the Swiss had lost to the previous 4 times, and Dementieva beat Serena Williams, who ended Elena's Wimbledon run in the semifinals. In the finals, the two champions played their best to take out Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova, stars that had incredible openings to 2008, but have since failed to play their best. Federer played, in my opinion some of his best tennis of the year in the first set, winning it 6-1. In the second, Nole raised his level and jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Federer won 7 of the next 9 games, saving multiple set points, to win his 16th career Masters event. Dementieva, arguably one of the best players you'll find who hasn't won a major, cruised past her compatriot, taking the championship (and gaining a sizeable lead over the rest of the WTA in the U.S. Open Series standings) 6-4, 6-3.

Cincinnati

Men's Singles- Finals

Roger Federer (1) def. Novak Djokovic (4) 6-1, 7-5

Toronto

Women's Singles- Finals

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-3

Cincinnati and Montreal Results

Roger Federer ended Andy Murray's 4 match winning streak against the Swiss with a straight set victory to advance to the finals of the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters. The wold number 1 will face Novak Djokovic, who has breezed through the draw with an under-the-radar status. "The Djoker" crushed Rafael Nadal. In yet another block-buster semifinal on Saturday, Serena Williams went down in 2 sets to Elena Dementieva, who had no serving woes. Dementieva will face compatriot Maria Sharapova in the finals. Sharapova eliminated Alisa Kleybanova in 3 sets.

Cincinnati

Men's Singles- Semifinals

Roger Federer (1) def. Andy Murray (3) 6-2, 7-6 (10-8)

Novak Djokovic (4) def. Rafael Nadal (2) 6-1, 6-4

Montreal

Women's Singles- Semifinals

Elena Dementieva (4) def. Serena Williams (2) 7-6 (7-2), 6-1

Maria Sharapova def. Alisa Kleybanova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4