Allaster named WTA chief executive

Allaster named WTA chief executive

Canadian Stacey Allaster has been promoted to replace Larry Scot as chairman and chief executive of the WTA Tour, the women’s tennis circuit announced on Monday.
The 46-year-old had served three years as president of the WTA after previously serving as vice president and tournament director of Tennis Canada.
Scott resigned in March to become commissioner of the Pacific-10 Conference of US colleges.

Spain reaches semifinals of tennis Davis Cup

Spain reaches semifinals of tennis’ Davis Cup

Spain’s Davis Cup tennis team qualified for the Septembers’ semifinals on Sunday thanks to Juan Carlos Ferrero’s win over German rival Andreas Beck in straight sets of 6-4, 6-4 and 6-4, which gave Spain a 3-2 win in the series.
Earlier on Sunday, Germany’s Philipp Koholschreiber had equalized the series after a fraught battle with Spain’s Fernando Verdasco, in sets of 6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 2-6 and 8-6.
Ferrero, the world’s number 37 and a member of Davis Cup winning teams in 2000 and 2004, was absent during the last three editions of the tournament.
However, a good performance at Wimbledon Open, where he was a special guest, help him raise morale and his game. Under pressure with the series equalized, Ferrero played at the top of his game.
On the first day, Andrea Beck defeated Spain’s Tommy Robledo and Spain’s doubles team defeated their German rivals.
Spain’s next competitive game is against Israel, which eliminated Russia on Sunday, in a shock upset.
Also on Sunday, top-seeded United States lost to Croatia and Argentina lost to the Czech Republic.

Peru, Canada to face each other at Davis Cup

Peru, Canada to face each other at Davis Cup

Peru will play against Canada on July 10 at the Davis Cup as both teams will seek to stay in the Group 1 of the American zone, according to the ruffle made on Thursday.
Peruvian tennis player Ivan Miranda will face Canadian player Peter Polanski on Friday morning at singles, and later Luis Horna and Bruno Agostinelli will play.
Meanwhile, on Saturday it will be held the inauguration ceremony and it will be a match of doubles: Miranda-Horna vs. Daniel Nestor-Frederick Niemeyer.
The tennis dates will finish on Sunday with the third and fourth singles. Miranda (number 2 of Peru) will play against Canadian Polanski.
The tournament will be held in the Lawn Tennis Club of the Exhibition in Lima, which has hard courts.

French tennis player Montcourt dies aged 24

French tennis player Montcourt dies aged 24

French tennis player Mathieu Montcourt, who came through the junior ranks with Rafael Nadal, died on Monday night at the age of 24, the French Tennis Federation said on Tuesday.

Mathieu Montcourt of France plays a shot during the French Open tennis tournament in Paris in this May 27, 2009 file photo. Montcourt died July 6, 2009 at the age of 24, French media reported. [Agencies]
Montcourt was found by his girlfriend outside the door of his flat at around 1.00 am, Patrice Dominguez, the federation’s technical director, told Reuters. The cause of death is unknown.
“It’s inexplicable,” said Dominguez, one of the last people to see Montcourt alive. “He was at my house last night with my son Mathieu, who he was very close to. He was fine.”
“They watched a film. He came round on his bike and cycled home as he often did,” he said.
Montcourt had just begun a five-week ban for gambling on other players’ matches, although he was cleared of influencing the outcome of any of the matches.
Nadal, the four-times French Open champion and world number two, posted a message of sympathy on his personal website (www.rafaelnadal.com), saying he was shocked at the death of Montcourt, who was 119th in the ATP world rankings.
“This morning I woke up with the worst news anyone can receive,” Spaniard Nadal said. “I heard about the death of our friend Mathieu Montcourt. I am still under shock for this. I can’t believe it.
“I knew Mathieu since we were kids. We competed together at all the events at international level since we were kids and afterwards since becoming professionals.
SINCERE CONDOLENCES
“When… something like this happens, you really know where you are and the relative (importance) of winning or losing a tennis match, of not competing at an event or anything else..

“I would like to send my most deep and sincere condolences to his family, to his friends and to the French fans.”
The French Federation said Montcourt was an “enthusiastic and passionate young man who was very engaging and extremely well-liked”.
International Tennis Federation (ITF) president Francesco Ricci Bitti also offered his condolences.
“We were very sad to learn of Mathieu Montcourt’s death at such a young age,” he said in a statement.
“As a junior, Mathieu enjoyed great success on the ITF junior circuit, where he was a strong competitor and a popular player. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Montcourt was banned for eight weeks in August last year by the ATP, the governing body of men’s tennis, for gambling on other players’ matches but the suspension was reduced to five weeks by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in May.

Murray vows to return, targets US Open title

Murray vows to return, targets US Open title

Andy Murray vowed to return to Wimbledon a better player next year after Andy Roddick ended his hopes of being a first Briton in the men’s final since 1938 with a clinical masterclass of power serving and variation in pace.
Murray hit more winners than Roddick, more aces, and made fewer unforced errors, but was cut down in front of a shellshocked Centre Court crowd 6-4 4-6 7-6 7-6 by the American sixth seed, who now faces Roger Federer for the third time in a Wimbledon final on Sunday.

Andy Murray of Britain listens during a news conference after being defeated by Andy Roddick of the US in their semifinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 3, 2009. [Agencies]

Murray, the third seed and warm favourite to progress from Friday’s semifinal, said he would not dwell on the unexpected defeat and would look to grind out his first grand slam success at the US Open later in the year.
“I’ll move on very, very quickly and go and work on my game and improve and come back stronger,” said Murray, who was bidding to become the first British man to hold aloft the Challenge Cup since Fred Perry in 1936.
“That’s a pathetic attitude to have, if you lose one match and you go away and let it ruin your year.
“I’ve had a very good year so far. I’m very close to the top of the game,” said the 22-year-old Scot, who has won four titles this year including the grass warm-up event at Queen’s Club and the Masters Series title in Miami.

Murray held a 6-2 career record against Roddick going into Friday’s match, including a straight sets win over the American here in 2006, but Roddick executed his game plan to perfection, subtly varying the pace, hitting deep corners with relentless regularity and advancing to the net with great effect.
“If someone serves 130 miles an hour consistently throughout the match, and above, it’s very tough to break them, especially on a court like this that’s quick.
“You always expect your opponents to play well, especially at this stage of the tournament. And he served great. Served really, really well in the tiebreaks. I think he maybe missed two first serves.”
Murray will now take a five-week break from tournament competition before focusing on the American hardcourt swing, culminating in the Aug 31-Sept 13 US Open, an event which has held a special place in his heart since winning the junior title there in 2004.
“The .S Open I’ve always said is my best surface, my best chance to win a slam, and I’ll give it my best shot there.”

Serena stays No. 2 despite another grand slam success

Serena stays No. 2 despite another grand slam success

Even with three of the last four grand slam titles in her possession, Serena Williams will stay behind Dinara Safina in WTA rankings.

The second-ranked Serena beat elder sister Venus Williams in the Wimbledon final on Saturday, adding to the US Open title she won last year and the Australian Open championship she picked up this year. But despite the stellar play in the biggest tournaments, Serena remains No. 2 in the rankings, well behind her Russian rival.

“My motivation is maybe just to win another grand slam and stay No. 2, I guess,” Serena said after beating Venus 7-6 (3), 6-2 for her third Wimbledon title and 11th grand slam championship overall.

“I’d rather definitely be No. 2 and hold three grand slams in the past year than be No. 1 and not have any,” she said.

Safina lost to Serena in this year’s Australian Open final, and then won titles in Rome and Madrid before falling in the French Open final. At Wimbledon, she was routed 1-6, 0-6 in the semifinals by third-ranked Venus – the most lopsided loss ever for a reigning No. 1-ranked player.

“I think Dinara did a great job to get to No. 1. She won Rome and Madrid,” Serena said before rolling her eyes and then laughing.

Besides her three major titles over the last year, Serena also reached the quarterfinals at the French Open. But she lost to eventual champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. In that final at Roland Garros, Safina lost for the third time in three major finals.

WTA ranking

Players gets points toward their WTA ranking by winning tour-level matches. Players that go far in many tournaments tend to rise higher in the rankings than those that play in fewer events.

Both Williams sisters spent time at No. 1, each first reaching that height in 2002, but they dropped down the rankings after reducing the amount of tournaments they play. Serena served time as the top-ranked player again last year and for a few weeks this year.

“For several years now, at least three or four years, I just really wanted to focus on tennis, and I’ve really been doing that. I feel like this is where I want to be, and this is my chance to capitalize on everything,” Serena said. “I really enjoy it. I even started playing more doubles because I enjoy being out on the court so much. I think it’s pretty much all paying off.”

Safina defended the ranking system. “Well, I’ve been in last four grand slams, I reach at least semifinal,” Safina said. “I mean, they haven’t been in the semifinal of the French Open. I think this is the result of how you play the whole year. It’s not about one, two tournaments how you play. It’s a result of tournament by tournament, day to day that you play. I think this is the end result.”

Woods-Kim tie at top sets up classic finale

Woods-Kim tie at top sets up classic finale

Tiger Woods and holder Anthony Kim set the stage for some final-day fireworks by sharing the lead after three rounds of the AT&T National at the Congressional Country Club in Maryland on Saturday.

Tournament host Woods and Kim hold a one-stroke lead over Michael Allen and Cameron Beckman, while Jim Furyk and Australia’s Rod Pampling are one shot further adrift.

“There’s not too many chances you get to play against the best in the world at his golf tournament,” said Kim. “I’ve won this tournament before, and I don’t see why I won’t have a good opportunity tomorrow.”

World No. 1 Woods had a wild round, taking a 3-shot lead on a ninth-hole eagle before falling behind by a stroke with a double-bogey two holes later.

“It was a tough day out there,” Woods said. “The wind was all over the place. It was hard to not only figure out the intensity but also the direction.

“It was just one of those things where you had to grind it out and get through it.”

Woods shot an even-par 70 and Kim a 68 to enter the final round at 10-under 200.

“As we all know, AK can play, he really can,” said Woods. “As time has gone on, we’ve seen the talent, we’ve seen him grow as a player, and it’s just a matter of time before he starts winning golf tournaments.”

The 24-year-old Kim said he was “excited for the opportunity” to be paired with Woods on the final day of the US$6 million event in suburban Washington, D.C.

“I used to practice thinking I was in the final round with Tiger, final putt, had to make a 10-footer to win the golf tournament, he was watching me,” said Kim. “And I was probably nine, ten years old when all that was happening.

“It was almost dark, and my dad was yet to pick me up from the golf course.”

Allen, searching for his first victory on the PGA Tour in his 337th tournament, shot a 5-under 65, the lowest score of the day amid unseasonably cool conditions.

The 50-year-old said he was delighted to be in the field, let alone in the hunt for the US$1 million first-place cheque.

“It’s what I’ve been trying to do since I was young,” the American said. “And so now I’m just happy to be playing a whole lot better as I’ve gotten older. I’m aging well.”

Federer beats Roddick for record 15th Grand Slam

Federer beats Roddick for record 15th Grand Slam

A year ago, Roger Federer left Centre Court a broken man after losing an epic five-set final, his Wimbledon title ripped away and his aura of invincibility shattered.
On Sunday, after another five-set marathon, Federer walked off as the holder of the most prestigious record in tennis, with the winner’s trophy and No. 1 ranking back in his grasp and his reputation enhanced as arguably the greatest player of all time.

Roger Federer of Switzerland (L) holds his winners trophy and Andy Roddick of the US holds his runners-up plate after their Gentlemen’s Singles finals match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 5, 2009. [Agencies]
 
Federer won his record 15th Grand Slam title, outlasting Andy Roddick for his sixth Wimbledon championship in match that went to 30 games in the final set.
Federer served a career high 50 aces and overcame the resilient American 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 to break the record of major titles he shared with Pete Sampras.
“I’m happy I broke the record here because this is always the tournament that meant the most to me,” Federer said. “It definitely feels like coming full circle, starting it here and ending it here.”
The match finally ended after 4 hours, 16 minutes of play when Federer broke for the first time all day, with Roddick missing badly with a forehand.
Federer jumped high in celebration, punched the air and whacked the net with his racket. Roddick tossed his racket to the side and the two men shared a hug at the net. Federer held up the trophy, kissed it and held it close to his chest.

Watching from the front row of the Royal Box was Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion who flew in from California to see history made in his first appearance at the All England Club since playing here for the last time in 2002. Also on hand were Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver.
“It’s not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but man, it’s been quite a career and quite a month,” said Federer, who saved four set points in the second-set tiebreaker to avoid falling behind 2-0 in sets. “It feels amazing, but this is not why I’m playing tennis to break all sort of different records. But it’s definitely one of the greatest ones to have.”
Turning to Sampras, Federer said: “Thanks very much for coming. I know it’s a long way, but you’re a member, man, we like to see you here. It’s such a pleasure to play in front of such greats legends.”
Roddick said: “Sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off.”
The historic impact of the match hit home when Sampras arrived after the third game of the first set. Accompanied by his wife, Bridgette Wilson, he sat next to Spanish great Manolo Santana and a few seats from Laver and Borg. He wore sunglasses, a gray suit and light blue shirt and tie.
“In a way I still feel like we share (the record) because he was such a wonderful champion,” Federer said of Sampras. “He still has one up against me here at Wimbledon. It’s nice that he shows appreciation for what I’m doing.”
Federer is third player in history to win six Wimbledon championships — Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven.

Federer, Roddick to meet in Wimbledon final

Federer, Roddick to meet in Wimbledon final

Five-time champion Roger Federer advanced into his seventh straight Wimbledon final Friday and will play against American Andy Roddick for a record 15th Grand Slam title.
Federer did not sweat to beat German Tommy Haas 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-3, extending his winning run to 18 consecutive matches.
Federer will meet Roddick in the final for the third time in six years after the American defeated Andy Murray 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(5).
The Swiss star beat Roddick in the 2004 and 2005 finals and leads 18-2 overall.

Roddick looks forward to another battle of the Andys

Roddick looks forward to another battle of the Andys

Most of the talk at Wimbledon has been about the likelihood of a final between Roger Federer and Andy Murray. It turns out another Andy is also making a strong title run.

Andy Roddick overcame former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt 6-3, 6-7 (10), 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-4 late on Wednesday to set up a semifinal matchup against Murray. Five-time champion Federer will meet German veteran Tommy Haas in the other semifinal today.

This is Roddick’s best showing at Wimbledon since 2005, when he lost in the final to Federer for the second year in a row. He lost in the third round in 2006, the quarterfinals in 2007 and second round last year.

Roddick served 43 aces against Hewitt in a 3-hour, 50-minute match that swung back and forth until the American got the decisive break for a 5-4 lead in the fifth set, converting his second chance with an easy forehand into the open court.

“It certainly wasn’t short on drama,” Roddick said. “It was tough from a mental standpoint because Lleyton wasn’t going away and there were a lot of ebbs and flows to the match. I’m just happy to be on the good side of it.”

When it was all over, Roddick let out a sigh and raised a fist, then threw his racket down, sat in his changeover chair and covered his face with his hands.

“It’s a mixture of happiness, of relief,” Roddick said. “In your mind, you’re kind of trying to stay the course for four hours, constantly figuring out what you’re going to do. Your mind is just racing for four hours. So then it’s relief, happiness and almost kind of an instant shutdown mode.”

Roddick knows he will be battling more than just Murray in his next match. Scotland’s Murray, who swept Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 in the quarterfinals, is bidding to become the first British player to win the men’s title since Fred Perry in 1936.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Roddick said. “We might be able to count the people for me on this (one) hand. But I think it will be something to remember. I think the crowd’s going to be electric. I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere, one that I can certainly appreciate, even if it’s not for me.

“I’m just going to pretend when they say, ‘Come on, Andy’ that they mean me.”

Murray holds a 6-2 edge against Roddick, including a win at Wimbledon in 2006.

“Andy has been playing great,” Roddick said. “He’s certainly come into his own as a player. He’s certainly capable of hitting all the shots. He doesn’t really have a lot of weaknesses.”

Murray, meanwhile, said he is trying to ignore the hoopla and just focus on his tennis.

“I realize that if I don’t bring my best game then I’m going to lose to guys like Hewitt or Roddick,” said Murray.