US Open Catch-Up: Sharapova, Djokovic, Federer and Wozzi Cruise into Round 3

Sorry guys, I know, I haven't blogged in like, a year.

I'm sure you've all kept up with the US Open action through your TVs, and if you grinned and beared the hundred-degree weather and attended, more power to you. If you're a little behind, here's a catch-up so you'll be set for an exciting labor day weekend of tennis.

On the women's side, possible 4th-round opponents Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova have cruised into the third round, each notching quick straight-set wins over Kai Chen-Chang and Iveta Benesova, respectively. Sharapova will take on Beatrice Capra, one of the stories of the tournament, for a chance to reach the Round of 16. Capra, who won in 3 sets against Aravane Rezai, has made headlines with her Melanie Oudin-like run, and will get an opportunity to knock off the same 3rd-round opponent Oudin did; Sharapova. As big of a Maria fan as I am, I might have to root for Treecy on Saturday, as she graduated form my high school.

Jelena Jankovic has survived to 3-setters to find herself in a wide-open section that includes 7th-seeded Vera Zvonareva and 15th seed Yanina Wickmnayer. Agnieszka Radwanska was upset by Shuai Peng in 3 sets and Svetlana Kuznetsova advanced.

Novak Djokovic improved his night-match record to 6-0 with a 3-set win over tricky Phillip Petzschner. Roger Federer also turned in a stellar performance, beat Andreas Beck 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Federer is just two matches away from a blockbuster quarterfinal match with Robin Soderling, who dominated Taylor Dent. Mardy Fish finds himself in the third round after an easy victory over Pablo Cuevas. Djokovic seems to be Mardy's only remaining obstacle before the semis, as Roddick and Davydenko have fallen.

Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic fought a marathon 5-hour 5-setter which the Croatian 11th seed lost 5-7, 7-6 (6), 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1. Jurgen Melzer and Tomas Bellucci fought in two tough matches that went the distance to advance, while Juan Carlos Ferrero won comfortably in straights.

Federer Fries Fish; Wins 4th Cincy Crown

Just goes to show you what a well-rested Roger Federer can achieve, right?

The 16-time Grand Slam champion ended a 7-month winless streak when he defended his Cincinnati Masters title with a tough 3-set win over Mardy Fish. Fish played incredibly to take the first set 7-6 (5), holding serve consistently before cracking the Swiss late in the breaker. Federer rebounded to take the second set by the same score, and continued his momentum into the decider, winning it 6-4 to capture his 4th title at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters.

The American played the tennis of his life to get to the championship match, derailing Fernando Verdasco, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick en route to his encounter with Federer. Roger, on the other hand, spent significantly less time on court, playing for just 3 hours and 17 minutes before the final match, which lasted 2 hours and 40 minutes.

“It’s nice knowing that the hard work already in the off season after Wimbledon pays off right away," said Federer, who, with the win, returned to number 2 in the world. The hard work has payed off for Fish, as well, as the 28-year old lost 30 pounds and started a new fitness regime last fall. Since July, he is 17-2, with titles in Atlanta and Newport. Hopefully, Mardy hasn't peaked to early, and will make some noise at the US Open.

Querrey Wins All-American Queens Final, Li Tops Sharapova for Birmingham Title

Sam Querrey became the first player on the ATP Tour to win titles on 3 different surfaces in 2010 by winning an all-American final at Queens Club over Mardy Fish on Sunday. Querrey overcame a loaded draw this week, one that included Nadal, Roddick, Murray and Djokovic, so the 7-6 (3), 7-5 victory over his compatriot should give him a much-needed boost heading into Wimbledon, starting on June 21st.

“I’m playing great on the grass, and now I’ve got a week to practice and regroup,” said Querrey, now ranked 23rd. “I’d love to win Wimbledon. I’m kind of going with baby steps (to) try and make the third round this year, because the second round is the best I’ve ever done there."

Querrey hit 15 aces against Fish, who ousted Andy Murray and Feliciano Lopez in what was also a very impressive week. Sam, though, looks primed to improve greatly on that career-best 2nd-round Wimby finish. Perhaps we could see a surprise 2nd round appearance.

In Birmingham, top-seeded Li Na had a brilliant week herself, capping off her title run with a 7-5, 6-1 won over Maria Sharapova. Li kept her composure with Sharapova hit 7 double faults on a serving day that was much different than that of her semifinal match, where she hit 12 aces. Li fell in the 2009 Birmingham final but was able to one-up that performance, earning the world number 11 her 1st title of 2010.

Both ladies should have a lot of confidence heading into the year's 3rd slam. Li's game has been continually consistent, while Sharapova reached her first grass-court final in 3 years, clinching 4 impressive wins to get there. If the Russian can keep her serve under control she could possibly make a lot of noise at the slam she won in 2004 at age 17.