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Federer, Nadal In Contention For US Open QF Spots

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2017

Federer, Nadal In Contention For US Open QF Spots

Thiem to face del Potro in blockbuster R4 Monday

Former champions Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro are back at work on Labor Day in fourth-round matches at the 2017 US Open on Monday.

Nadal returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium against unseeded Alexandr Dolgopolov. The No. 1 seed is bidding for his seventh US Open quarter-final appearance and first since winning the 2013 title. Dolgopolov is 1-8 against players ranked No. 1, posting his lone win over Nadal in a final-set tie-break at 2014 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells. Though he lost his first five matches and 10 sets against Nadal, Dolgopolov has beaten the Spaniard in two of their past three meetings, adding a grass-court win at 2015 London/Queen’s Club.

After improving to 17-0 against Mikhail Youzhny and 13-0 against Feliciano Lopez, Federer takes an 11-0 FedEx ATP Head2Head advantage into his meeting with Philipp Kohlschreiber. Federer’s win over Lopez lifted his record in Arthur Ashe Stadium night matches to 31-1. Kohlschreiber entered the US Open without a hard-court match since March 26 at ATP Masters 1000 Miami. He received the No. 33 seed and moved to the top half of the draw after No. 2 seed Andy Murray withdrew. Kohlschreiber has not dropped a set, holding in 37 of 38 service games and saving 16 of 17 break points against three players ranked outside the Top 100. The German is 1-34 against Top 3 opponents (d. No. 2 Nadal in 2012 Halle QF) and 1-8 in fourth-round matches at Grand Slams (d. Baker at 2012 Wimbledon).

Andrey Rublev, 19, hopes to become the youngest US Open quarter-finalist since Andy Roddick in 2001 when he faces No. 9 seed David Goffin on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Russian teenager is 12-4 in his last 16 tour-level matches, breaking into the Top 100 on June 26 after reaching his first quarter-final at Halle and cracking the Top 50 on July 24 after winning his first title at Umag. Like Rublev, Goffin is seeking his first US Open quarter-final.

Del Potro meets World No. 8 Dominic Thiem on Grandstand in a rematch of the 2016 US Open fourth round. The 2009 champion advanced last year when Thiem retired in the second set with a right knee injury. Del Potro is 0-6 versus Top 8 opponents this season after going 5-4 against them in 2016. Thiem, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday, is one of two men’s players to reach the fourth round at all four Grand Slam events in 2017 (also Nadal). 

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Kvitova rediscovers irresistible attacking game to stun Muguruza

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2017
US Open 2017
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 28 Aug-10 Sept
BBC coverage: Live radio and text commentary on selected matches every day.

Petra Kvitova powered past Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza in Sunday’s US Open night session to reach the quarter-finals.

The Czech 13th seed fought back from 1-4 down in the first set to win 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

It is Kvitova’s best effort at a Grand Slam since she reached the last eight in New York two years ago.

The 27-year-old returned to action in May following a knife attack at her home last December.

She required extensive surgery on her left hand and confirmed only last week that it still did not feel completely back to normal.

However, the evidence of Monday night is that Kvitova is once again capable of the irresistible attacking tennis which brought her Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014.

“Sometimes I just really feel that the touch is there – the strength, the aggressive kind of game plan,” said Kvitova.

“It’s there, which I really, really appreciate. It took me a while to find it. Luckily I found it in a Grand Slam, which is nice.”

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She goes on to face Venus Williams in the last eight on Tuesday.

“It will be a great match for me to step on Arthur Ashe Stadium again – probably – and play there,” said Kvitova.

“Venus has something special which the other players doesn’t have.”

The defeat is a blow to Muguruza’s hopes of becoming world number one, although she remains in pole position as things stand.

Czech Karolina Pliskova must reach the final to hang on to the number one spot, and Ukraine’s fourth seed Elina Svitolina needs to reach the semi-finals to stay in contention.

Both women play their fourth-round matches on Monday.

“We’ll see – I’ll keep an eye now on the scores,” said Muguruza.

‘I felt like she was superior’ – Muguruza

Muguruza, 23, was widely viewed as the title favourite and next number one in waiting, until she ran into the blistering shot-making of Kvitova.

Both women finished with 18 more errors than winners, but Kvitova’s attacking intent was rewarded with 24 winners to seven.

Muguruza eased into an early 4-1 lead and had three break points for 5-1, but Kvitova held firm and clenched her fist after a forehand winner kept her in touch.

Kvitova would get the chance to serve for the set six games later but played a poor game, and fell 2-0 behind in the tie-break.

From that moment on, the Czech was in command, moving 5-3 clear after Muguruza steered a volley long and converting her first set point with a smash.

An early break for the Spaniard in the second set was quickly handed back, and Muguruza’s forehand would begin to falter – she ended with 16 errors on that side.

Four straight games put Kvitova on the brink of victory and she got across the line in dramatic circumstances, saving three break points before Muguruza finally succumbed.

“Even though I was winning 4-1, I think she was playing great,” said Muguruza.

“I felt like she was superior today. You know, great for her. She played very good.”

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Querrey Masterclass Carries American Hopes Into Quarters

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2017

Querrey Masterclass Carries American Hopes Into Quarters

American will face Kevin Anderson in QF

If this was the best match of Sam Querrey’s career, the rest of the US Open field better take notice. The 17th seed was at his ruthless best on Sunday night, turning in a masterclass performance under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Querrey sprinted past Mischa Zverev 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in just one hour and 16 minutes, blitzing his 30 year old opponent with a barrage of rifled groundstrokes and dizzying agility. It was the fastest match of the tournament thus far. He struck 55 winners, including 18 aces, and just eight unforced errors.

With the win, Querrey will become the No. 1 American in the Emirates ATP Rankings for the first time since July 2013. He is the first player from the U.S. to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows since both Andy Roddick and John Isner did so in 2011.

“I really couldn’t have done anything better out there tonight, I was in the zone,” Querrey told ESPN in his on-court interview. “It was my first time playing out here at night, so I wanted to make the most of it.

“I was a little nervous at first, but I came out playing hot. Tennis is a game of momentum and once I broke early, I felt like I was off to the races. I felt comfortable three minutes into the match and that was the key.”

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As the last American man remaining, Querrey embraced the home atmosphere in his first Ashe night session appearance. Zverev’s net attacking gameplan was effective in defeating John Isner on Friday, but the California native had an answer for the German with nearly every approach, passing him early and often. His execution of forehand passes was simply stunning.

Querrey’s sharp movement stifled Zverev at the net throughout the encounter and a 24-minute first set would set the tone. The American struck 20 winners and just five unforced errors in the opener, breaking for 2-0 with a backhand pass and refusing to look back from there. Another break would secure the first set and he would drop just three games from there, breaking four more times to cross the finish line after 76 minutes.

Querrey will next face Kevin Anderson with a coveted semi-final spot on the line. He owns an 8-6 edge in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series, having split a pair of meetings this year. Querrey prevailed in a five-set thriller in the Wimbledon fourth round, before Anderson exacted revenge at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Montreal.

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Aggressive Anderson Returns To US Open QF

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2017

Aggressive Anderson Returns To US Open QF

South African sets QF clash against either Sam Querrey or Mischa Zverev

Kevin Anderson has found a new home at the US Open, blasting into the quarter-finals for the second time in three years.

The 6’8″ South African is flying under the radar as he secured his place in the last eight with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4 victory over Paolo Lorenzi on Sunday. Anderson needed two hours and 57 minutes to dispatch the Italian veteran, attacking early and often from the baseline behind 54 winners, including 18 aces.

Anderson is surging towards a Top 20 return in the Emirates ATP Rankings after notching a trio of straight-set wins to open the tournament and a rather straightforward victory over Lorenzi. He extended his FedEx ATP Head2Head edge over the World No. 40 to 4-0, having most recently triumphed on the clay of Geneva earlier this year.

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One break was all that was needed to capture both the first and second sets on Louis Armstrong Stadium. A forehand winner secured the two-set lead for the South African, but that very stroke let him down in the third set tie-break, as an unforced error pushed wide gave new life to Lorenzi. Anderson would stay the course in the fourth set, despite falling down a break at 3-2. He broke right back and reeled off four of the last five games to prevail after just under three hours.

Anderson is playing arguably the best tennis of his career in recent months, having reached the final in Washington and quarter-finals in Montreal on the heels of a Round of 16 finish at Wimbledon. It was at the All England Club that the 31 year old succumbed to Sam Querrey in five sets and a rematch could be in the cards at Flushing Meadows. Querrey faces Mischa Zverev in Sunday’s night session with a spot opposite Anderson on the line.

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'It's been a great ride' – Sharapova beaten at US Open

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2017
US Open
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 28 Aug-10 Sept
BBC coverage: Live radio and text commentary on selected matches every day.

Maria Sharapova’s first Grand Slam tournament in 19 months ended with defeat by Anastasija Sevastova in the US Open fourth round.

Latvia’s Sevastova, the 16th seed, won 5-7 6-4 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals in New York.

The 27-year-old will play Sloane Stephens in the quarter-finals, after the American beat Julia Goerges.

Sharapova, ranked 146th after returning from a doping ban in April, was given a wildcard into the main draw.

“It’s been a really great ride in the last week,” said the 30-year-old.

“I can take a lot from this week. It’s great to get that major out of the way. It was an incredible opportunity. I’m very thankful for the opportunity.

“I did my best. I can be proud of that.”

The 2006 champion had played just one match since May coming into Flushing Meadows, with injuries forcing her out of the grass-court season and US Open build-up.

She played superbly to upset world number two Simona Halep on the first day of the tournament, and then beat Timea Babos and Sofia Kenin on her way to the last 16.

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‘As long as I have that desire, I’ll be there’

Sharapova’s presence in the main draw divided opinion from the moment her wildcard was announced, but she was unperturbed as she racked up three wins in a row for the first time since her comeback in April.

The Russian was warmly received by spectators and organisers were happy to draw on her star power, putting her on the main Arthur Ashe Stadium for all four of her matches.

That decision was described as “questionable” by fifth seed Caroline Wozniacki, but Sharapova simply responded that scheduling was not her responsibility.

Asked after Sunday’s defeat if she felt as though she had a target on her back, Sharapova responded: “I feel like I’m really beyond that. I mean, there’s no other way to explain it.

“I think there’s only a way to show it on the court, because that’s what really matters to me.

“I have so many things in my life that I’ve already been able to experience, but there’s a desire to keep going for more, and to keep training and to keep living through these moments out on these courts.

“That’s special and that’s meaningful. As long as I have that desire, I’ll be there. That’s what’s important to me.”

I just kept fighting – Sevastova

Sevastova beat Garbine Muguruza and Johanna Konta on the Arthur Ashe Stadium 12 months ago, and the 5ft 5in Latvian’s defensive skills and ability to create angles ultimately derailed Sharapova.

“The first set was very close, it could have gone either way,” said Sevastova.

“She played unbelievably throughout the first and second set and I just kept fighting, running after every ball, and just stayed there.”

Sharapova ended the match with 51 errors to 42 winners as she pressed too hard in trying to break down Sevastova’s brilliant defence.

The Latvian went close to taking the first set after coming back from 4-1 down, but Sharapova clinched it with two magnificent forehands in game 12.

The momentum had already begun to swing though, and Sevastova would level thanks to a single break at 2-1 in the second – in one rally lobbing Sharapova twice, prompting the Russian to scramble left-handed in desperation.

A six-minute bathroom break ahead of the decider apparently did not have the desired effect as Sharapova quickly fell 3-0 down.

She had said after her opening match that “this girl has a lot of grit”, and it was in evidence as she cut the deficit to 3-2, but in the end Sevastova had too much.

Sharapova fought off three match points before a big first serve left the five-time major winner flailing at a return that flew wide after two hours and 17 minutes.

Analysis – a match too far for Sharapova

BBC Sport tennis correspondent Russell Fuller

Sevastova carved out a hard-earned victory with some mighty defence, and clever use of the drop shot and slice to drag Sharapova into the net.

The Russian was outstanding in patches, but lost her way completely in the deciding set. Her forehand simply disintegrated, as she hit 18 unforced errors and just four winners.

Sharapova is projected to return to the world’s top 100 as a result of her run to the fourth round. She won three more matches than many thought she would after a summer disrupted by injuries, before a lack of match practice appeared to catch up with her.

And even though the US Open may not appreciate this just now, it is encouraging for the WTA Tour that a current top 20 player is able to close out victory over an opponent who may have won five Grand Slams, but has featured in only five events in the past 19 months.

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US Open: Venus Williams beats Carla Suarez Navarro to reach quarter-finals

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2017
US Open
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 28 Aug-10 Sept
BBC coverage: Live radio and text commentary on selected matches every day.

Venus Williams booked her place in the US Open quarter-finals with a three-set victory over Carla Suarez Navarro.

The Spanish world number 35 capitalised on an error-strewn Williams display in the second set to level the match and take it to a decider.

But the 37-year-old American ninth seed recovered to win six games in a row and came through 6-3 3-6 6-1.

She will now face either Petra Kvitova or Garbine Muguruza, who beat Williams to the Wimbledon title in July.

  • Sharapova knocked out by Sevastova
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“The energy of the crowd here, it makes me feel I’ve got to hit a winner, I’ve got to hit an ace. I love it here,” she said in front of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

Williams has now progressed from the last 16 at Flushing Meadows 12 times since making her debut in 1997.

She has won the title on two occasions, beating Lindsay Davenport in 2000 and her younger sister Serena the following year.

“I don’t know how to explain my longevity,” said Williams. “If I did I would bottle it and sell it. My sister and my family motivate me a lot.

“I am focused on myself and being as aggressive as possible. Nobody gives you a Slam, you got to take it and I am trying to take it.”

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US Open 2017: Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal seek to reach quarter-finals

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2017
US Open
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 28 Aug-10 Sept
BBC coverage: Live radio and text commentary on selected matches every day.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will try to take another step towards a potential semi-final meeting on day eight of the US Open on Monday.

The pair, with 34 Grand Slam singles titles between them, have never played each other at Flushing Meadows.

Nadal faces Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov in the fourth round at about 18:00 BST, before Federer plays Philipp Kohlschreiber at 00:00 on Tuesday.

“I don’t think about who is there, who is not there,” said top seed Nadal.

“At the end of the day, if I play well I’m going to have my chances to fight for things. If not, I will not.”

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Karolina Pliskova opens Monday’s play against American Jennifer Brady at 16:00.

The Czech needs to at least reach the final if she is to hold on to her number one ranking.

“I just try to fight even if my game is not 100%, and it’s not 100% this week,” said Pliskova, who had treatment for an arm injury in the previous round.

“But I’m winning, so that’s the main thing.”

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The match of the day could turn out to be on Grandstand Court at 00:00 on Tuesday when 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina faces sixth seed Dominic Thiem of Austria.

“I think that bottom half of the draw is going to be surprising for one guy,” said Del Potro.

“But in the top half, you have Roger and Rafa, Dominic, as well, and they are favourites to win a Grand Slam title, for sure.”

American 15th seed Madison Keys closes the night session for the third time when she takes on Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina at about 02:30.

Russian 19-year-old Andrey Rublev plays Belgian eighth seed David Goffin at 17:00, followed by compatriot Daria Kasatkina against Estonian qualifier Kaia Kanepi.

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Lindstedt/Thompson Reach US Open R3

  • Posted: Sep 03, 2017

Lindstedt/Thompson Reach US Open R3

Top seeds Kontinen/Peers and defending champs Murray/Soares also advance

Top seeds Henri Kontinen and John Peers reached the US Open third round on Sunday at Flushing Meadows as they defeated Mikhail Elgin and Daniil Medvedev 7-6(3), 6-4.

The Finnish-Australian duo are bidding to win their second Grand Slam championship of the season after victory at the Australian Open in January. They are also closing in on one of the coveted eight positions at the Nitto ATP Finals, currently second in the Emirates ATP Doubles Race To London.

Fourth seeds and defending champions Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares also advanced in straight sets, dismissing Marcus Daniell and Marcelo Demoliner 7-6(4), 6-3. The US Open was one of two Grand Slam championships that Murray and Soares won in 2016, helping them to finish as the No. 1 team in the year-end standings.

The in-form duo of Horia Tecau and Jean-Julien Rojer booked their spot in the quarter-finals, upsetting sixth seeds Ivan Dodig and Marcel Granollers 6-4, 6-3. Rojer and Tecau, who won the Wimbledon crown in 2015, came into New York on the back of winning their third title of the season in Winston-Salem (d. Peralta/Zeballos).

Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez are through to the third round after beating Adrian Mannarino and Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-2 in just 39 minutes. They go on to face French duo Jeremy Chardy and Fabrice Martin, who edged Taylor Fritz and Reilly Opelka 6-2, 6-7(3), 7-6(5).

Andrey Rublev will play in the singles fourth round against David Goffin on Monday, but first the Russian partnered #NextGenATP countryman Karen Khachanov to a 6-4, 7-6(7) victory over Leander Paes and Purav Raja in the second round.

Elsewhere, Robert Lindstedt and Jordan Thompson (pictured) defeated John Millman and Ken Skupski 7-6(4), 6-1, while Robin Haase and Matwe Middelkoop rallied from a set down to defeat Christopher Eubanks and Christian Harrison 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4.

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Carreno Busta beats rising star Shapovalov to reach US Open last eight

  • Posted: Sep 03, 2017
US Open
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 28 Aug-10 Sept
BBC coverage: Live radio and text commentary on selected matches every day.

Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta overcame battling qualifier Denis Shapovalov to reach the US Open quarter-finals for the first time.

The world number 19 beat the 18-year-old Canadian 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) in an entertaining encounter.

Shapovalov, ranked 50 places below his opponent, hit eight aces and 54 winners as he pushed Carreno Busta all the way.

However, the 26-year-old 12th seed remained composed to dominate the three tie-breaks and reach the next round.

Carreno Busta will face either France’s Lucas Pouille or Argentine Diego Schwartzman next.

This is the second time he has reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam after making the last eight of the French Open in June.

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It has been an impressive tournament for Shapovalov, who came through three rounds of qualifying to play in the US Open and knocked out eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round.

Appearing at just his second Grand Slam, Shapovalov led 5-2 in the first set but a series of unforced errors allowed Carreno Busta to break back and force a tie-break.

The teenager had the chance to clinch the second set but Carreno Busta saved three break points and, despite Shapovalov winning 13 consecutive points to take a 3-0 lead in the third set, held on to serve out the match.

“I grew up wanting to play tennis. I want to try to change the sport first of all in Canada, but definitely in America,” Shapovalov said after the match.

“I think I’m making an impact, and hopefully I can continue to do so, because for me the best thing in life is to see kids looking up to you and just aspiring to be like you.”

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