Suarez Navarro advances in Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain advanced to the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open on Thursday by beating France's Emilie Loit 6-2, 7-5.

Suarez Navarro is one of only two seeds remaining in the outdoor clay competition. Sixth-seeded Maria Kirilenko of Russia, the defending champion, reached the last eight on Wednesday.

No. 7 Sara Errani of Italy was eliminated by the Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova 6-3, 6-3 on a rain-affected day.

Italy's Francesca Schiavone also advanced by beating Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-3.

On Friday, Suarez Navarro will meet Germany's Tatjana Malek, who advanced after France's Stephanie Cohen-Aloro retired when trailing 5-0 in the first set of their match.

In the other quarterfinals, Safarova meets Schiavone, Kirilenko faces Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain, and Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus plays Roberta Vinci of Italy.

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final
Top-seed Cornet ousted at Barcelona

Federer loses in third round

MONACO (AP) -Roger Federer's first tournament on clay this season ended Thursday with a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters, a defeat made slightly less painful by the fact that it was to a close friend.

Federer looked totally out of sorts against his Olympic doubles partner, and the 13-time Grand Slam champion failed to reach the quarterfinals at Monte Carlo for the first time since 2005.

"Like I told him, the loss doesn't hurt as much just because I know it's against a good guy,'' said Federer, who has lost the last three Monte Carlo finals to Rafael Nadal.

In 2005, Federer was upset in the quarters by French teenager Richard Gasquet.

Federer looked sloppy throughout against Wawrinka, with whom he won the gold medal at the Beijing Games, and faced 14 break points during Thursday's rain-interrupted match.

"I was making a few too many errors. That kind of gave him the advantage,'' Federer said. "I guess it was Stan's game. He did a good job today. He kept the ball in play.''

Wawrinka set up his first match point with a deep shot into the corner that the second-seeded Federer failed to return. He clinched victory with a backhand pass down the line.

"Maybe not the most spectacular tennis, but it's my most beautiful victory,'' Wawrinka said.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal took on Nicolas Lapentti in a later match, but rain forced the players off center court after the first game, with Lapentti holding serve against the four-time defending champion to lead 1-0.

Third-seeded Novak Djokovic advanced to face No. 7 Fernando Verdasco of Spain by beating Albert Montanes of Spain 6-1, 7-6 (4), 6-0.

Federer, who needs to win one more Grand Slam title to equal Pete Sampras' record of 14 majors, was unhappy with his forehand and serve.

"Today definitely my serve wasn't working. I haven't served my best throughout the season, so I have to make sure I get my serve back in,'' Federer said. "Because I just don't hit the spots when I really want to.''

The 13th-seeded Wawrinka, who won the doubles gold in Beijing with Federer and plays alongside him on Switzerland's Davis Cup team, will next meet qualifier Andreas Beck of Germany in the quarterfinals.

"I am a bit embarrassed to celebrate it,'' Wawrinka said. "I believe (Federer) hadn't found his rhythm on clay and he made many errors.''

Federer was playing in his first tournament since getting married to longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec on Saturday, and had just 10 days of practice on clay. He said he clearly needed more time to find his rhythm.

"Not that I expect 10 aces a set here on this type of heavy clay, but I just think it's something I need to work on,'' Federer said. "Make sure my timing gets right, my footwork gets right, and my forehand. It just showed me again this week what I need to work on for next week. That's why I think it was good to come here.''

Federer looked shaky from the start, saving a break point in his opening service game, before Wawrinka got the decisive break in the seventh game. Federer then sent an easy forehand into the net to give Wawrinka the first set.

The two players traded breaks to open the second set and Federer, who accepted a wild card to play in the tournament after originally planning to skip the clay-court event, had to save two more break points at 15-40 in the seventh game as Wawrinka pressured his unusually weak forehand.

Wawrinka then needed another four chances before breaking Federer again in the 11th game to serve for the match at 6-5. Although Wawrinka wobbled, Federer wasted two break points and failed to force a tiebreaker.

Also, Verdasco beat No. 10 David Ferrer 6-2, 6-1 in an all-Spanish match, and Beck rallied to beat Juan Monaco of Argentina 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

A heavy rainstorm interrupted fourth-seeded Andy Murray's match against Italian qualifier Fabio Fognini. Murray rallied from 5-0 down to win the first set 7-6 (11), and he led 1-0, 40-40, with Fognini serving.

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

Roddick to marry SI swimsuit model Decker

Tennis champ Andy Roddick will marry his fiancée, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker, this weekend, a source confirms to PEOPLE.

Roddick, 26, and Decker, 21, plan to celebrate the nuptials with two days of festivities near Roddick's Austin, Texas, home. "They wanted to keep it local," the source says. And very private. The pared-down guest lists includes mostly family and a few close friends of the pair, who met when Roddick spotted Decker in a magazine and asked his agent to find her number.

But part of the celebration is already in full swing. This past weekend, the festivities kicked off with a bachelorette party in Decker's native North Carolina, and included her bridesmaids, including fellow S.I. model Julie Henderson.

Of their then yearlong courtship, Decker told PEOPLE last May, "I was stalked. He'll tell you that," she joked. But "it was charming. He was charming. Eventually, I fell for it, and five months later I called him back and that was that."

She added that planning for her wedding was surprisingly fun: "This has been the happiest time. I'm very much a tomboy and this is being a total girl, being with my friends and my mom. We're shopping for a dress right now."

Roddick has also expressed his excitement. "We feel lucky to have found one another," Roddick told PEOPLE last March, after he had popped the question to his girlfriend, and even joked of her Tiffany engagement ring: "I got it in a gumball machine."

More from People.com2006: Roddick confesses, 'I'm a leg guy'
2004: Roddick on Hottest Bachelors list

Suarez Navarro advances in Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain advanced to the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open on Thursday by beating France's Emilie Loit 6-2, 7-5.

Suarez Navarro is one of only two seeds remaining in the outdoor clay competition. Sixth-seeded Maria Kirilenko of Russia, the defending champion, reached the last eight on Wednesday.

No. 7 Sara Errani of Italy was eliminated by the Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova 6-3, 6-3 on a rain-affected day.

Italy's Francesca Schiavone also advanced by beating Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-3.

On Friday, Suarez Navarro will meet Germany's Tatjana Malek, who advanced after France's Stephanie Cohen-Aloro retired when trailing 5-0 in the first set of their match.

In the other quarterfinals, Safarova meets Schiavone, Kirilenko faces Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain, and Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus plays Roberta Vinci of Italy.

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final

Roddick to marry SI swimsuit model Decker

Tennis champ Andy Roddick will marry his fiancée, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker, this weekend, a source confirms to PEOPLE.

Roddick, 26, and Decker, 21, plan to celebrate the nuptials with two days of festivities near Roddick's Austin, Texas, home. "They wanted to keep it local," the source says. And very private. The pared-down guest lists includes mostly family and a few close friends of the pair, who met when Roddick spotted Decker in a magazine and asked his agent to find her number.

But part of the celebration is already in full swing. This past weekend, the festivities kicked off with a bachelorette party in Decker's native North Carolina, and included her bridesmaids, including fellow S.I. model Julie Henderson.

Of their then yearlong courtship, Decker told PEOPLE last May, "I was stalked. He'll tell you that," she joked. But "it was charming. He was charming. Eventually, I fell for it, and five months later I called him back and that was that."

She added that planning for her wedding was surprisingly fun: "This has been the happiest time. I'm very much a tomboy and this is being a total girl, being with my friends and my mom. We're shopping for a dress right now."

Roddick has also expressed his excitement. "We feel lucky to have found one another," Roddick told PEOPLE last March, after he had popped the question to his girlfriend, and even joked of her Tiffany engagement ring: "I got it in a gumball machine."

More from People.com2006: Roddick confesses, 'I'm a leg guy'
2004: Roddick on Hottest Bachelors list

Maria Kirilenko wins again at Barcelona Open

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Defending champion Maria Kirilenko reached the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday by beating Severine Bremond of France 7-5, 6-2.

The sixth-seeded Russian broke Bremond four times on the outdoor clay and will next face Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain, who beat Masa Zec Peskiric of Slovenia 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.

Roberta Vinci exploited second-seeded Flavia Pennetta's erratic service game to win 6-1, 6-2 in an all-Italian matchup. Pennetta had nine double-faults.

Vinci will next play Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus, who rallied to beat Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 3-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain
Top-seed Cornet ousted at Barcelona

Nadal, Federer advance to 3rd round

MONACO (AP) -Rafael Nadal stretched his winning streak at the Monte Carlo Masters to 23 matches on Wednesday by beating Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina 6-2, 6-3 in the second round.

Nadal is chasing a fifth straight title at the event, and each time he has won in Monte Carlo he has gone on to win the French Open. He has won 17 straight on clay since losing to Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters in May 2008.

"I had some tough moments during the match,'' Nadal said. "I played some games well, I had some terrible games... ( I was) up and down during all the match. I have to improve my concentration in the next match. That's the important thing.''

Roger Federer, who lost to Nadal in the last three Monte Carlo finals, also advanced, beating Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-4, 6-4.

Nadal opened up a 4-0 lead over Chela at the Monte Carlo Country Club, but stuttered after that, losing his serve twice and saving five other break points. The top-ranked Spaniard will next face Nicolas Lapentti of Ecuador, who beat two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin of Russia 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-6 (6).

Federer struggled briefly when serving for the match, trailing 40-30. But the second-ranked Swiss player got a reprieve when Seppi's return bounced out and he then clinched the match when another Seppi return sailed long. It was Federer's first match since getting married last weekend.

"I am very happy to have won my first match on clay,'' said Federer, who can equal Pete Sampras' record of 14 major titles if wins the French Open for the first time. "It takes some time to adjust to the surface, the rebounds and the sliding.''

Federer, who married his longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday, said he began his clay-court preparations 10 days ago, and that Seppi was the ideal first test for him.

"I knew there was going to be some long rallies with Seppi. He's very steady off both sides,'' Federer said. "So on a good day he can be really dangerous. I've already played him twice this year, which was kind of good going into this match, knowing what to expect.''

The biggest adjustment, Federer said, is getting used to clay's unpredictable bounce after playing on hard courts.

"We've been playing on hard court now for nine months ... you never see a bad bounce,'' Federer said. "So all of a sudden you're a little bit worried, sometimes hitting half volleys because they can bounce onto your frame.''

Federer saved two break points in the first set but took his first chance on Seppi's serve in the ninth game to move ahead 5-4. He won the opening set with a backhand down the line. The Swiss star broke Seppi in the opening game of the second set with another backhand pass.

Federer has beaten Seppi three times this year and improved to 5-0 overall without dropping a set against the big-serving Italian player. He will next face 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka, his doubles partner at the Beijing Olympics, on Thursday. Wawrinka beat Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Fifth-seeded Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina became the highest seeded player to be eliminated when he failed to capitalize on a good start and lost to wild card Ivan Ljubicic 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain, No. 8 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, No. 12 David Nalbandian of Argentina and Simone Bolelli of Italy also advanced. Verdasco beat Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-3, 6-4; Daydenko defeated Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-4, 6-3; Nalbandian beat Marcel Granollers of Spain 4-6, 6-3, 6-1; and Bolelli beat Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia 7-5, 6-3.

Kohlschreiber and Bolelli advance at Monte Carlo
Chela advances at Monte Carlo to meet Nadal

Nadal, Federer advance to 3rd round

MONACO (AP) -Rafael Nadal stretched his winning streak at the Monte Carlo Masters to 23 matches on Wednesday by beating Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina 6-2, 6-3 in the second round.

Nadal is chasing a fifth straight title at the event, and each time he has won in Monte Carlo he has gone on to win the French Open. He has won 17 straight on clay since losing to Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters in May 2008.

"I had some tough moments during the match,'' Nadal said. "I played some games well, I had some terrible games... ( I was) up and down during all the match. I have to improve my concentration in the next match. That's the important thing.''

Roger Federer, who lost to Nadal in the last three Monte Carlo finals, also advanced, beating Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-4, 6-4.

Nadal opened up a 4-0 lead over Chela at the Monte Carlo Country Club, but stuttered after that, losing his serve twice and saving five other break points. The top-ranked Spaniard will next face Nicolas Lapentti of Ecuador, who beat two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin of Russia 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-6 (6).

Federer struggled briefly when serving for the match, trailing 40-30. But the second-ranked Swiss player got a reprieve when Seppi's return bounced out and he then clinched the match when another Seppi return sailed long. It was Federer's first match since getting married last weekend.

"I am very happy to have won my first match on clay,'' said Federer, who can equal Pete Sampras' record of 14 major titles if wins the French Open for the first time. "It takes some time to adjust to the surface, the rebounds and the sliding.''

Federer, who married his longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday, said he began his clay-court preparations 10 days ago, and that Seppi was the ideal first test for him.

"I knew there was going to be some long rallies with Seppi. He's very steady off both sides,'' Federer said. "So on a good day he can be really dangerous. I've already played him twice this year, which was kind of good going into this match, knowing what to expect.''

The biggest adjustment, Federer said, is getting used to clay's unpredictable bounce after playing on hard courts.

"We've been playing on hard court now for nine months ... you never see a bad bounce,'' Federer said. "So all of a sudden you're a little bit worried, sometimes hitting half volleys because they can bounce onto your frame.''

Federer saved two break points in the first set but took his first chance on Seppi's serve in the ninth game to move ahead 5-4. He won the opening set with a backhand down the line. The Swiss star broke Seppi in the opening game of the second set with another backhand pass.

Federer has beaten Seppi three times this year and improved to 5-0 overall without dropping a set against the big-serving Italian player. He will next face 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka, his doubles partner at the Beijing Olympics, on Thursday. Wawrinka beat Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Fifth-seeded Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina became the highest seeded player to be eliminated when he failed to capitalize on a good start and lost to wild card Ivan Ljubicic 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain, No. 8 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, No. 12 David Nalbandian of Argentina and Simone Bolelli of Italy also advanced. Verdasco beat Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-3, 6-4; Daydenko defeated Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-4, 6-3; Nalbandian beat Marcel Granollers of Spain 4-6, 6-3, 6-1; and Bolelli beat Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia 7-5, 6-3.

Kohlschreiber and Bolelli advance at Monte Carlo
Chela advances at Monte Carlo to meet Nadal

Mattek-Sands, Oudin, Huber, Glatch on US team

WHITE PLAINS, New York (AP) -Bethanie Mattek-Sands will make her Fed Cup debut for the United States in this month's semifinals against the Czech Republic.

Another Fed cup rookie, Alexa Glatch, joins teenager Melanie Oudin and No. 1-ranked doubles player Liezel Huber as other members of the team announced Wednesday by United States captain Mary Joe Fernandez.

The two top American women, sisters Serena and Venus Williams, are not playing.

The matches are April 25-26 on an indoor hard court in Brno, Czech Republic.

The 38th-ranked Mattek-Sands was supposed to play for the Americans in the first round against Argentina in February but withdrew because of a hip injury. The Czech team is led by No. 25 Iveta Benesova and No. 45 Petra Kvitova.

Maria Kirilenko wins again at Barcelona Open

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Defending champion Maria Kirilenko reached the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday by beating Severine Bremond of France 7-5, 6-2.

The sixth-seeded Russian broke Bremond four times on the outdoor clay and will next face Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain, who beat Masa Zec Peskiric of Slovenia 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.

Roberta Vinci exploited second-seeded Flavia Pennetta's erratic service game to win 6-1, 6-2 in an all-Italian matchup. Pennetta had nine double-faults.

Vinci will next play Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus, who rallied to beat Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 3-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain
Top-seed Cornet ousted at Barcelona

Dr. J seesВ daughter Stevenson play for first time as pro

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -Julius Erving watched his daughter Alexandra Stevenson play tennis for the first time Tuesday in a first-round loss at the Family Circle Cup.

Erving, wearing a black sweatsuit and a black and white baseball cap, watched from the porch of the players' clubhouse as Stevenson lost on clay to Akul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan 6-2, 6-4.

Asked if it was the first time the basketball great had seen her play, Stevenson said, "Yes, that is true. And I actually didn't seem him until the second set.''

It's been a decade since the 28-year-old Stevenson learned that Dr. J was her father, about the time she made the Wimbledon semifinals.

"We were never in a bad place, I just didn't know him,'' Stevenson said. "So it's good now. I mean, obviously, it's still odd because you're getting to know somebody. But it's nice that I know him, and he's supporting me out here, coming to watch me play.''

Erving did not speak to reporters as he left the clubhouse.

It was a better day for two other Americans. Bethanie Mattek-Sands advanced with a 7-6 (3), 7-5 win over Marina Duque Marino of Colombia, and unseeded Shenay Perry upset 15th-seeded Barbora Zahlavova Strycovia of the Czech Republic 7-5, 6-1.

American Angela Haynes was eliminated 6-4, 5-7, 6-0 by Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia.

In the evening match, top-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia, ranked No. 3 in the world, overpowered American Julie Ditty 6-0, 6-2 in a match that lasted only 50 minutes.

Stevenson said her father had wanted to see her plaedlilminaty for some time. He came to the Family Circle because it's close to Atlanta.

"He lives in Atlanta. So it's four hours,'' she said, adding that her father knows Family Circle tournament director Bob Moran.

Stevenson said Dr. J has a greater appreciation for tennis.

"He can see how hard tennis is,'' she said, laughing. "It's not like basketball where you have a whole team of support. So it's nice he came out here.''

In other matches, Sania Mirza of India defeated Sesil Karatantcheiva of Bulgaria 6-4, 6-4, and Marion Bartoli of France defeated Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia, 6-1, 6-3 .

Third-seeded Vera Zvonareva defeated Rossana De Los Rios of Paraguay 6-3, 6-2 ,while Nadia Petrova, seeded fourth, defeated Patricia Mayr of Austria, 6-1, 2-6, 6-2. No. 9 Aleksandra Woziak of Canada defeated American Abigail Spears 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.

Defending champion Serena Williams withdrew after sustaining a leg injury in Miami this month.

Kirilenko begins Barcelona defense with win

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Maria Kirilenko began her Barcelona Open title defense on Tuesday with a 6-2, 6-0 first round victory over Camille Pin of France.

The sixth-seeded Russian player took advantage of Pin's disjointed service game for six breaks while also defending seven of eight break chances on the outdoor clay.

Two seeded players failed to reach the second round on Tuesday with Kaia Kanepi and Sorana Cirstea both exiting.

Lucky loser Masa Zec Peskiric of Slovenia overcame 12 double-faults and rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory over the fourth-seeded Kanepi, while Belorussian qualifier Anastasiya Yakimova scored a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) win over the eighth-seeded Cirstea.

Zec Peskiric had replaced third-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues after the Spaniard pulled out with an abdominal strain.

Nicole Vaidisova won 82 percent of her first service points, including seven aces, to beat Ukrainian qualifier Yevgenia Savranska 6-2, 6-4. The Czech player will next face Francesca Schiavone after the Italian beat Lourdes Dominguez Lino 7-6 (4), 6-4.

Fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro needed just under an hour to dispatch fellow Spanish player Estrella Cabeza Candela 6-2, 6-0. Suarez Navarro will face Emilie Loit of France, who beat Mervana Jugic-Salkic 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2.

In the rest of Tuesday's first round matches, Severine Bremond of France beat Anna-Lena Groenefeld 7-6 (4), 6-2 and Germany's Tatjana Malek was a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victor over Nuria Llagostera Vives.

On Monday, top-seeded Alize Cornet of France was upset by compatriot Stephanie Cohen-Aloro.

Top-seed Cornet ousted at Barcelona

Federer cries again, but tears of joy this time

MONACO (AP) -The tears streaming down Roger Federer's face this time came not from anguish but from happiness, and the person standing opposite the Swiss tennis star was his new wife.

The 13-time Grand Slam champion, who is playing this week at the Monte Carlo Masters, spoke about his marriage to longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec for the first time Tuesday.

"A few tears here and there,'' Federer said about Saturday's wedding in his hometown of Basel. "It was nice.''

Federer also broke into tears after losing to rival Rafael Nadal in five sets in the Australian Open final. As he was being awarded the runner-up plate in Melbourne, Federer said, "God, it's killing me.''

Last weekend, it was a more joyous feeling that led to the weeping.

"I got very emotional, you know, yet again,'' Federer said. "It was just nice to know that she loves me so much, I love her so much. It was just a very nice day. We had perfect sky, perfect weather.''

Ahead of his second-round match against Andreas Seppi of Italy on Wednesday, Federer spoke only briefly about tennis, saying he still hopes to finally win the French Open - the only major he has not won.

"I hope I can win the big one,'' Federer said. "That's what the focus is here.''

Off the court, Federer said he is surprised how different he feels now that he has a wife.

"It's a very special moment. I thought it to be a bit more relaxed, because we've been together for so, so long,'' Federer said. "It definitely does change your mind-set, your life.''

Even introducing Vavrinec has changed.

"It's nice to be calling Mirka my wife and not my girlfriend. That's just a big change for me. Takes maybe a bit of getting used to,'' Federer said. "I'm here, introducing her 'This is my wife.' It just sounds so much better. I didn't think it was going to make that big of a change for me, but it does feel great.''

The pair married in a private ceremony, and they did a good job of keeping it secret.

"If you want to get married in private, you have to go to Switzerland,'' Federer said. "They don't actually care over there. They actually want to give you peace and privacy. That's why I love being a Swiss and living in Switzerland.''

Besides chasing a record-equaling 14th Grand Slam title at the only major he has never won and reclaiming his No. 1 ranking, Federer also is looking for a name for his son.

"We'll see. There's quite a few books around that are that thick, so we'll see where it takes us,'' Federer said. "But, no, we haven't decided anything yet. I have no clue yet right now myself. Thank God we've got time left, right, to decide.''

Federer cries again, but tears of joy this time

Mattek-Sands, Lisicki advance at Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -American Bethanie Mattek-Sands advanced at the Family Circle Cup with a 7-6 (3), 7-5 win Tuesday over Marina Duque Marino of Columbia.

Unseeded American Shenay Perry upset 15th-seeded Barbora Zahlavova Strycovia of the Czech Republic 7-5, 6-1 on the green clay at the Family Circle Tennis Center.

Viktoriya Kutuzova also won in straight sets, defeating fellow Ukrainian Mariya Koryttseva 6-1,6-1. Sabine Lisicki of Germany defeated Marie-Eve Pelletier of Canada 7-5, 6-4, and Stephanie Dubois of Canada defeated Katie O'Brien of Britain 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Top-seeded Elena Dementieva, ranked No. 3, will face American Julie Ditty in the late match Tuesday.

Defending champion Serena Williams withdrew after sustaining a leg injury in Miami earlier this month.

Perry, Kutuzova advance at Family Circle Cup

Nadal up next for Chela

MONACO (AP) -Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina beat Igor Kunitsyn of Russia 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 in the Monte Carlo Masters on Monday, setting up a second-round match against top-ranked Rafael Nadal.

Nadal, the four-time defending champ who had a first-round bye, has beaten Chela in four of five matches, including all three on clay. Nadal's lone defeat to Chela came five years ago on hard courts in Cincinnati.

"Chela is a good clay-court player. I have to play good tennis if I want to have good chances to win,'' Nadal said. "(I need to) try to play aggressive without a lot of mistakes.''

Andreas Seppi of Italy advanced with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Jurgen Melzer of Austria and will play second-ranked Roger Federer.

Oscar Hernandez of Spain defeated Julien Benneteau of France 6-4, 6-4. He will meet No. 3 Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Chela advances at Monte Carlo to meet Nadal

Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Top-seeded Alize Cornet of France was upset 6-0, 6-3 by compatriot Stephanie Cohen-Aloro in the first round of the Barcelona Open on Monday.

The 97th-ranked Cohen-Aloro breezed through the first set, then broke Cornet's serve in the second game of the second set and held serve the rest of the way to wrap up the match.

Also, second-seeded Flavia Pennetta beat Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-3 and Roberta Vinci topped Pauline Parmentier 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Nearly a week after upsetting top-ranked Serena Williams in Andalucia, Klara Zakopalova lost 6-1, 7-6 (7) to Magdalena Rybarikova.

Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain
Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

MONACO (AP) -Eleventh-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain and 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland advanced to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets Sunday.

Robredo beat Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-1, 6-4, and Wawrinka defeated Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-2, 6-3.

Schuettler, the 2004 runner-up, won only 16 points in the first set and lost his serve five times.

Robredo next plays either Juan Monaco or Jeremy Chardy, while Wawrinka will face Igor Andreev or Martin Vassallo Arguello.

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Simone Bolelli of Italy also won. Kohlschreiber beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 to set up a second-round match against seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

"It's a very good start for the clay court season,'' Kohlschreiber said. "Overall I have to say I did everything right. I played a good match today.''

Bolelli needed more than two hours to defeat big-serving Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Bolelli broke Soderling in the fourth game of the third set and then held for a 4-1 lead. He clinched the match with an ace on his second match point and next faces either ninth-seeded Gael Monfils of France or Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will begin his pursuit of a fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title in the second round against either Igor Kunitsyn of Russia or Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

The Spaniard has won the French Open and Monte Carlo every year since 2005 - beating second-ranked Roger Federer in the last three finals at both events.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are taking part this year, with only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick absent.

Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. The 13-time Grand Slam champion married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday.

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki defeated Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-1, 6-2 to win The MPS Group Championships on Sunday.

Wozniacki, from Denmark, committed only 14 unforced errors and won 84 percent of points on her first serve in the clay-court event.

Down 3-1 in the first set, Wozniak double-faulted away two games. Each player held serve in the second until Wozniacki broke her opponent at 3-2. Wozniak won only three points the last two games.

The win was Wozniacki's first of the season and fourth career title. She took home $37,000.

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak upset top-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Saturday in the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships.

She will meet second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who beat Russia's Elena Vesnina in the other semifinal 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Wozniak, the tournament's No. 5 seed, won the first set and led 4-1 in the second before Petrova, ranked 10th in the world, came back to win five straight games.

"She stepped it up in the second set,'' Wozniak said. "I started backing up. Of course, my emotions got involved, but I found my composure in the third set. It feels good to beat the top seed and a top-10 player.''

Wozniak, who had 35 winners, built a 3-0 lead in the third set. She withstood the Russian's rally with a variety of well-placed shots to every area of the court.

"She played really well,'' Petrova said. "I've never seen anybody paint more lines that she did today.''

Petrova, who is coming back from a stress reaction injury to her right foot, said she's not disappointed with the loss.

"Two weeks ago they were talking about surgery so I am lucky to be able to play,'' she said. "I know when I get my feet back I'll play good tennis.''

The winner will receive $37,000 of the $220,000 purse.

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals
Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final

MARBELLA, Spain (AP) -Jelena Jankovic will face local favorite Carla Suarez Navarro in the Andalucia Tennis Experience final on Sunday.

Jankovic defeated fourth-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues 7-5, 6-2 Saturday to reach her first final of the season. The Serb broke her Spanish opponent seven times while overcoming four breaks of her own serve on the outdoor clay.

Suarez Navarro held off seventh-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-2 to reach her first final of the season.

Jankovic defeated Suarez Navarro in both their meetings, including a French Open quarterfinals victory last year.

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final

Ferrero beats Andreev to reach Casablanca final

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain beat top-seeded Igor Andreev of Russia 7-6 (9), 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Grand Prix Hassan II tournament as he seeks his first title since 2003.

Ferrero, unseeded at the clay-court event and chasing a 12th career title, plays fifth-seeded Florent Serra of France in the final.

Ferrero's last tournament victory came at the Madrid Masters in October 2003, the same year he won his only Grand Slam at the French Open and lost the U.S. Open final to Andy Roddick.

Serra advanced 6-4, 6-4 against Albert Montanes of Spain. He's looking for his third career title.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters
Ferrero beats Andreev to reach Casablanca final

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) -Defending champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Family Circle Cup because of an injury to her left leg.

The world No. 1 announced in a statement on Friday that she originally hurt her leg at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, where she lost to Victoria Azarenka in the final last weekend.

Azarenka withdrew from the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday because of an injured right shoulder.

Williams' sister Venus and No. 3-ranked Elena Dementieva are among those slated to play in the tournament starting on Monday.

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup
Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Top-seeded Nadia Petrova defeated Alona Bondarenko 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to advance to the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships on Friday.

Petrova overcame 71 unforced errors with the help of seven aces. She is coming off a "stress reaction'' injury to her right foot and played with both feet taped.

She will play Saturday against fifth-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada, who outlasted Tamira Paszek of Austria 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7).

Petrova led in the tiebreaker, but Bondarenko hit a forehand winner and Petrova put a forehand into the net to make it 6-5. Bondarenko lost when she hit a backhand into the net.

"I will gain confidence from this and that is what I have been lacking,'' said Petrova, who developed blisters on her feet during the match.

"I just want to put them in a bucket of ice,'' she said.

Third-seeded Dominika Cibulkova lost to Elena Vesnina 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-3.

Vesnina needed four match points to subdue Cibulkova. Two of the lost points were of her own doing when she put a forehand into the net and was wide on a cross-court effort.

"From my side it was not good,'' Cibulkova said. "I didn't feel good on the court and I don't know why. I was fighting and fighting and when she went up 3-2 (in the third set) I got panicked and played stupid again.''

Wozniak blew a 5-2 lead in the third set and double-faulted on her first match point before ousting Paszek.

The Canadian, nursing an injury to her right shoulder, led 6-5 in the tiebreaker before the double-fault. After an exchange of points, Paszek put two balls wide to give Wozniak the win.

"I got tight and that's what led to the double-fault,'' Wozniak said. "But you have to fight your nerves and just stay strong, especially in a tiebreaker.''

In doubles, Taiwan's Chia-Jung Chuang and India's Sania Mirza beat Petrova and Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 7-5. Chuang and Mirza will meet Liga Dekmeijere and Angela Haynes in the semifinals.

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra
Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (AP) -Top-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia defeated Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to advance to the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships on Friday.

Petrova countered 71 unforced errors with seven aces. She was coming off a "stress reaction'' injury to her right foot and played with both feet taped.

She will play on Saturday against fifth-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada, who outlasted Tamira Paszek of Austria 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7).

Petrova fell behind 3-0 in the third set before rallying to tie it 6-6.

The world No. 10 took a 6-3 lead in the tiebreaker, but Bondarenko hit a forehand winner and Petrova put a forehand into the net to make it 6-5. Bondarenko lost when she hit a backhand into the net.

Wozniak blew a 5-2 lead in the third set and double-faulted on her first match point before ousting Paszek.

The Canadian, nursing an injury to her right shoulder, led 6-5 in the tiebreaker before the double fault. After an exchange of points, Paszek put two balls wide to give Wozniak the win.

"I got tight and that's what led to the double fault,'' Wozniak said. "But, you have to fight your nerves and just stay strong, especially in a tiebreaker.''

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra
Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

Jankovic beats Vinci; into Andalucia quarterfinals

MARBELLA, Spain (AP) -Jelena Jankovic of Serbia rallied to beat Roberta Vinci of Italy 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) Friday in the quarterfinals of the Andalucia Tennis Experience.

The second-seeded Jankovic broke five times and saved five breakpoints before winning in 2 hours, 42 minutes.

She will play fourth-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain, who defeated No. 6 Sara Errani of Italy 6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-5.

Fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain routed Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-2 and will play Sorana Cirstea of Romania, who upset third-seeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-4, 2-6, 7-5.

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final
Ferrero beats Andreev to reach Casablanca final

Wozniacki moves into Ponte Vedra quarterfinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (AP) -Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki moved into the quarterfinals of The MPS Group Championships by beating France's Virginie Razzano 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday.

The world's 12th-ranked player took advantage of Razzano's late errors for two late breaks at Sawgrass Country Club.

Razzano led 40-0 on serve in the eighth game when Wozniacki reeled off five straight points to break for 5-3 then hold for the first set.

In the second, Razzano again missed game points serving at 5-5 and was broken. Wozniacki won the last game in five points when the 41st-ranked Frenchwoman hit a return long.

"I fought back and played some good points,'' the 18-year-old Wozniacki said. "And, I got a little lucky.''

She said a new conditioning regimen was paying dividends.

"I could see she was getting a little tired,'' Wozniacki said. "I felt good all the way.''

Wozniacki's sixth quarterfinal in seven tournaments this year will be against Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova, who beat No. 8 Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States 6-3, 7-5 in the late match.

"I was really focused the first set and worked well,'' Hantuchova said. "Then she went for some flashy shots and made them. But, I'm really happy with the way I'm playing on clay.''

Fifth-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada fought off Germany's Sabine Lisicki to win 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 and claim consecutive matches for the first time this year. Next up will be Austria's Tamira Paszek, who reached her first tour quarterfinals since September with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Varvara Lepchenko of the United States, who replaced a fatigued Jelena Dokic in the draw.

The top-seeded doubles team of American Lisa Raymond and Kveta Peschke will meet Wozniacki and Strycova in the semifinals. Raymond and Peschke beat American Carly Gullickson and Taiwan's Chin-Wei Chan 6-0, 7-5.

The second-seeds, China's Shuai Peng and Zi Yan lost to American Angela Haynes and Liga Dekmeijere 7-6 (3), 6-4.

Petrova beats 14-year-old Keys at Ponte Vedra

Jankovic beats Vinci; into Andalucia quarterfinals

MARBELLA, Spain (AP) -Jelena Jankovic of Serbia rallied to beat Roberta Vinci of Italy 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) Friday in the quarterfinals of the Andalucia Tennis Experience.

The second-seeded Jankovic broke five times and saved five breakpoints before winning in 2 hours, 42 minutes.

She will play fourth-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain, who defeated No. 6 Sara Errani of Italy 6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-5.

Fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain routed Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-2 and will play Sorana Cirstea of Romania, who upset third-seeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-4, 2-6, 7-5.

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final

Andreev advances to quarterfinals in Casablanca

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Igor Andreev of Russia rallied to beat Nicolas Devilder of France 6-7 (11), 7-6 (5), 6-4 Thursday and reach the quarterfinals of the Grand Prix Hassan II.

The top-seeded Andreev will next play sixth-seeded Marc Gicquel of France, who beat Mischa Zverev of Germany 6-4, 7-5.

Gicquel broke Zverev at 5-5 before converting his third match point with a forehand winner down the line. Zverev wasted five break points in the first set.

Florent Serra of France also advanced. The fifth-seeded Serra defeated Olivier Rochus of Belgium 6-3, 6-3 and will next face Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia, who beat Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo of Spain 6-4, 6-4.

Ferrero beats Andreev to reach Casablanca final

Wozniacki moves into Ponte Vedra quarterfinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (AP) -Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki moved into the quarterfinals of The MPS Group Championships by beating France's Virginie Razzano 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday.

The world's 12th-ranked player took advantage of Razzano's late errors for two late breaks at Sawgrass Country Club.

Razzano led 40-0 on serve in the eighth game when Wozniacki reeled off five straight points to break for 5-3 then hold for the first set.

In the second, Razzano again missed game points serving at 5-5 and was broken. Wozniacki won the last game in five points when the 41st-ranked Frenchwoman hit a return long.

"I fought back and played some good points,'' the 18-year-old Wozniacki said. "And, I got a little lucky.''

She said a new conditioning regimen was paying dividends.

"I could see she was getting a little tired,'' Wozniacki said. "I felt good all the way.''

Wozniacki's sixth quarterfinal in seven tournaments this year will be against Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova, who beat No. 8 Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States 6-3, 7-5 in the late match.

"I was really focused the first set and worked well,'' Hantuchova said. "Then she went for some flashy shots and made them. But, I'm really happy with the way I'm playing on clay.''

Fifth-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada fought off Germany's Sabine Lisicki to win 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 and claim consecutive matches for the first time this year. Next up will be Austria's Tamira Paszek, who reached her first tour quarterfinals since September with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Varvara Lepchenko of the United States, who replaced a fatigued Jelena Dokic in the draw.

The top-seeded doubles team of American Lisa Raymond and Kveta Peschke will meet Wozniacki and Strycova in the semifinals. Raymond and Peschke beat American Carly Gullickson and Taiwan's Chin-Wei Chan 6-0, 7-5.

The second-seeds, China's Shuai Peng and Zi Yan lost to American Angela Haynes and Liga Dekmeijere 7-6 (3), 6-4.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters
Petrova beats 14-year-old Keys at Ponte Vedra

Jankovic advances to quarterfinals in Marbella

MARBELLA, Spain (AP) -Jelena Jankovic reached the quarterfinals of the Andalucia Tennis Experience on Thursday by beating Selima Sfar of Tunisia 6-3, 6-0.

The fourth-ranked Serb broke her opponent five times and was dominant on her service game on the outdoor clay. Jankovic will next face Italian player Roberta Vinci on Friday.

Klara Zakopalova, who upset top-ranked Venus Williams in the first round, beat Renata Voracova 7-6 (7), 5-7, 6-0. The 95th-ranked Czech will face fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro in the quarterfinals. Navarro defeated Ekaterina Ivanova 0-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Also, sixth-seeded Sara Errani of Italy beat Polona Hercog of Slovenia 6-0, 7-6 (7) and third-seeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia defeated Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 7-5, 6-2.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters
Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final

Andreev advances to quarterfinals in Casablanca

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Igor Andreev of Russia rallied to beat Nicolas Devilder of France 6-7 (11), 7-6 (5), 6-4 Thursday and reach the quarterfinals of the Grand Prix Hassan II.

The top-seeded Andreev will next play sixth-seeded Marc Gicquel of France, who beat Mischa Zverev of Germany 6-4, 7-5.

Gicquel broke Zverev at 5-5 before converting his third match point with a forehand winner down the line. Zverev wasted five break points in the first set.

Florent Serra of France also advanced. The fifth-seeded Serra defeated Olivier Rochus of Belgium 6-3, 6-3 and will next face Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia, who beat Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo of Spain 6-4, 6-4.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters
Ferrero beats Andreev to reach Casablanca final

Jankovic advances to quarterfinals in Marbella

MARBELLA, Spain (AP) -Jelena Jankovic reached the quarterfinals of the Andalucia Tennis Experience on Thursday by beating Selima Sfar of Tunisia 6-3, 6-0.

The fourth-ranked Serb broke her opponent five times and was dominant on her service game on the outdoor clay. Jankovic will next face Italian player Roberta Vinci on Friday.

Klara Zakopalova, who upset top-ranked Venus Williams in the first round, beat Renata Voracova 7-6 (7), 5-7, 6-0. The 95th-ranked Czech will face fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro in the quarterfinals. Navarro defeated Ekaterina Ivanova 0-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Also, sixth-seeded Sara Errani of Italy beat Polona Hercog of Slovenia 6-0, 7-6 (7) and third-seeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia defeated Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 7-5, 6-2.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters
Petrova beats 14-year-old Keys at Ponte Vedra

Andreev advances to quarterfinals in Casablanca

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Igor Andreev of Russia rallied to beat Nicolas Devilder of France 6-7 (11), 7-6 (5), 6-4 Thursday and reach the quarterfinals of the Grand Prix Hassan II.

The top-seeded Andreev will next play sixth-seeded Marc Gicquel of France, who beat Mischa Zverev of Germany 6-4, 7-5.

Gicquel broke Zverev at 5-5 before converting his third match point with a forehand winner down the line. Zverev wasted five break points in the first set.

Florent Serra of France also advanced. The fifth-seeded Serra defeated Olivier Rochus of Belgium 6-3, 6-3 and will next face Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia, who beat Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo of Spain 6-4, 6-4.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters

Jankovic advances to quarterfinals in Marbella

MARBELLA, Spain (AP) -Jelena Jankovic reached the quarterfinals of the Andalucia Tennis Experience on Thursday by beating Selima Sfar of Tunisia 6-3, 6-0.

The fourth-ranked Serb broke her opponent five times and was dominant on her service game on the outdoor clay. Jankovic will next face Italian player Roberta Vinci on Friday.

Klara Zakopalova, who upset top-ranked Venus Williams in the first round, beat Renata Voracova 7-6 (7), 5-7, 6-0. The 95th-ranked Czech will face fifth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro in the quarterfinals. Navarro defeated Ekaterina Ivanova 0-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Also, sixth-seeded Sara Errani of Italy beat Polona Hercog of Slovenia 6-0, 7-6 (7) and third-seeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia defeated Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 7-5, 6-2.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters
Petrova beats 14-year-old Keys at Ponte Vedra

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Davis Cup punishes Sweden for Israeli match decision

LONDON (AP) -The Swedish tennis federation was fined $25,000 on Thursday and the city of Malmo was banned from hosting Davis Cup matches for five years because of the decision to play Israel behind closed doors.

The Davis Cup Committee also said Sweden will lose its choice of venue if a similar situation occurs again, and the country will be required to guarantee that future matches will be open to the public.

Sweden hosted Israel last month in the first round of the Davis Cup, losing 3-2. The best-of-five series was played behind closed doors because city officials said they couldn't guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.

"The committee strongly condemned the decision by the city government of Malmo to refuse to allow spectators to attend the matches and the resultant fact that the Swedish Tennis Association played the tie behind closed doors,'' the committee said in a statement.

Besides the $25,000 fine, the Swedish federation will also be forced to pay an additional $15,000, which would have been earned in gate receipts had the three days of play been open to spectators. The Swedes had asked that the obligation to pay that fee be waived, but the Davis Cup Committee denied their request.

According to the committee's statement, the decisions were made Tuesday at a meeting in Amsterdam.

Swedish tennis federation chairman Stefan Dahlbo said his organization would appeal the decision, blaming the city of Malmo for the situation.

"It's an unfortunate consequence of individual politicians trying to score political points,'' Dahlbo said. "We thought the decision (by Malmo) was irresponsible and we still think so.''

The Sweden-Israel series was played shortly after Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the WTA's Dubai Tennis Championships. Amid international condemnation, the government of the UAE granted Israeli player Andy Ram entry for the men's tournament in the following week.

Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, has a left-leaning local government and a large Muslim minority. Its leaders strongly criticized Israel after the Gaza invasion, and some called for dropping the Davis Cup match against Israel altogether.

Stockholm has a center-right majority that is more pro-Israeli, and the Swedish capital offered to step in as an alternative venue, saying it was better prepared to guarantee security. But that plan was canceled when Stockholm officials realized they wouldn't be able to get organized in time for the March 6-8 series.

The Swedes will now be forced to guarantee to the International Tennis Federation that every Davis Cup series in the Scandinavian country will be open to fans.

"This must be confirmed in writing by the Sweden Tennis Association to the ITF eight weeks before the commencement of each tie,'' the committee said.

---

AP Sports Writer Stephan Nasstrom in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Murray makes history at Sony

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Andy Murray has become the first Brit to win the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Scotsman used his vast repertoire of shots and took advantage of Novak Djokovic's slow start to win 6-2, 7-5 in Sunday's final.

Djokovic looked nervous at the start as the No. 4-seeded Murray raced to a 4-0 lead. In the second set, Murray rallied from a break down trailing 4-1.

Murray became the first three-time titlist on the men's tour this year. He finished with only 19 unforced errors while Djokovic had 43.

It was a matchup of Nos. 3 and 4 instead of the anticipated showdown between Nos. 1 and 2. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Juan Martin del Potro, and Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the semifinals.