Federer upset by Berdych at Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Roger Federer has been upset by Tomas Berdych (Toe'-mas Ber-ditch') in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (6).

With the win Tuesday night, Berdych ended a streak of eight consecutive losses against Federer. The 6-foot-5 Berdych also had lost 11 matches in a row against top-10 opponents.

The top-ranked Federer won a succession of spectacular rallies to salvage the second set, but converted only two of 10 break-point chances in the match and committed 62 unforced errors, many on an unreliable backhand.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Federer held a match point at 6-5 in the second tiebreaker, but Berdych hit a forehand winner. Two points later, Federer sailed a forehand long to give Berdych the win.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federer nemesisВ Canas announces retirementRonaldo certain of success

Roddick reaches quarterfinals at Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Andy Roddick has advanced to the quarterfinals at the Sony Ericsson Open by beating Benjamin Becker 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Roddick was serving at 1-4, love-40 in the first set when he rallied Tuesday on the strength of his dominating serve. He won 34 of his final 39 service points, including all six in the tiebreaker.

Roddick, who closed out the victory with his seventh ace, has won all nine sets he has played against Becker.

Seeded sixth, Roddick improved to 23-4 this year, and he leads the men's tour in wins. His only Key Biscayne title came in 2004.

Sharapova withdraws from Key BiscayneLotina extends Depor deal

Nadal beats Nalbandian at Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Rafael Nadal has advanced to the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open by rallying to beat wild card David Nalbandian 6-7 (8), 6-2, 6-2.

Nadal, seeded fourth, remained on course for a showdown in the final against No. 1 Roger Federer. No. 2 Novak Djokovic and No. 3 Andy Murray lost their opening matches.

Nadal held a set point in the tiebreaker Sunday but let it slip away, losing the final three points. But after losing serve early in the match when he double-faulted on break point, Nadal held his final 11 service games.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

The Spaniard had 29 winners and only 26 unforced errors.

Nalbandian, a former top-five player mounting a comeback from hip surgery, fell to 6-2 this year.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Pep promises attacking intentDavis Cup: Argentina beats Sweden 3-2

Roddick almost beats WadeВ in H-O-R-S-E game

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Dwyane Wade showed a new move Saturday: He leaped over the net.

A tennis net.

Wade’s hurdle came at the start of his drive to the basket for a layup in a game of H-O-R-S-E against Andy Roddick. The Miami Heat star made the shot and averted an embarrassing defeat for the NBA, rallying to win the celebrity showdown on a tournament practice court Saturday at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

A no-dunk rule imposed by Roddick kept the game close. He sank several shots early and led H-O-R to H, which left Wade resorting to the leap over the net and other inventive maneuvers.

“He started off hot,” Wade said. “He made a lot of shots. I was kind of surprised. I had to go use my athleticism a little bit. I could see he was going to win the jump-shot contest out here, so I had to go to something else.”

The matchup had both athletes grinning but sweating. As a warmup to basketball, Roddick handed Wade a racket and they hit for several minutes.

Wade said he last played tennis in high school, and it showed. When he shanked a backhand, Roddick shouted, “That’s OK. I don’t like the backhand side either.”

Wade soon found himself in retreat. With his back to the backstop, he whiffed at several serves Roddick appeared to hit full speed.

Wade glared at his racket, then grinned.

“It’s got a hole in it,” he told Roddick.

When they switched to basketball, Roddick sank his first two tries from 15 and 18 feet.

“This sport is a little easier to pick up than tennis,” Wade said.

Roddick duplicated his opponent’s over-the-net drive for the layup, but with help. His trainer held down the net so Roddick merely had to step over it.

With both players at H-O-R-S, Wade mulled his options before deciding on a shot.

“I’m a little tired,” he said. “I’ll have a seat.”

He banked in his attempt while sitting just in front of the hoop. Roddick’s try rimmed out, giving Wade the victory.

As Roddick told Wade: “You should do this for a living.”

Also on NBCSports.com

NCAA hoops: Midwest, South final previews  |    Images
NCAA hoops: Butler’s success is no fluke
  PFT video: Some friendly advice for Tebow
PBT: Bringing Arenas back won't help Wizards
Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

 

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Andy Roddick to prepare for Wimbledon at Queen’sNonda plays waiting game

Federer nemesisВ Canas announces retirement

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Guillermo Canas, once a nemesis to Roger Federer, has announced his retirement from tennis.

The 32-year-old Canas (Kahn'-yass) said Friday he decided to retire rather than undergo a fifth operation on his right wrist. He has been battling pain in the wrist for more than a year and hasn't played in a tournament since July.

Canas made the announcement at the Sony Ericsson Open, where he's remembered for upsetting the top-ranked Federer in March 2007. Canas also won when they met at Indian Wells earlier that same month, ending Federer's 41-match winning streak.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

"I beat the most talented player in the world," the Argentine said. "For me it was unbelievable. And then to do it again 10 days later was like a dream for me."

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Caparros pens Bilbao contractSharapova withdraws from Key Biscayne

Andy Roddick to prepare for Wimbledon at Queen's

LONDON (AP) -Andy Roddick will get ready for Wimbledon by attempting to win his fifth Queen's title.

The Queen's Club announced Roddick's participation on Wednesday. Rafael Nadal and U.S. Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro will also play in the tournament.

The eighth-ranked Roddick says the grasscourt tournament is "a great way to prepare" for Wimbledon. Roddick lost to six-time champion Roger Federer at Wimbledon in a five-set final in 2009 and says "I view last year as something to build on."

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Roddick won the Queen's title in 2003, '04, '05, '07.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ronaldo aims for double glorySharapova to play in Birmingham in June

Roddick, Ljubibic in final

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -Andy Roddick took his beat-up body back home after losing in San Jose and Memphis last month. A couple weeks of workouts, practice, massage and chiropractic treatments later, he got his groove back.

Roddick outlasted Robin Soderling 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 Saturday to make the BNP Paribas Open final for the first time after failing to get past the semis in his three previous trips to the desert.

"I think I needed it," he said. "It was good timing, and I'd love to see it one further."

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

The American will play for the title Sunday against Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia, who rode his big serve to a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1) victory over defending champion Rafael Nadal - the first time in 26 years that both men's semifinals went three sets.

Nadal teamed with fellow Spaniard Marc Lopez to win the men’s doubles, 7-6 (8), 6-3 over top-seeded Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia.

“After losing important singles, the victory in doubles makes me happy,” Nadal said. “It’s always nice to end the tournament winning.”

Jelena Jankovic and U.S. Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki will play for the women's title Sunday.

All three of Roddick's semifinal losses were against top-10 players, including Nadal last year. No American man has won the singles at Indian Wells since Andre Agassi in 2001.

"This is probably the only real big tournament in North America that I haven't won," he said. "I feel like the crowd was on my side and I would hope they're there tomorrow. They certainly have an effect on a match."

Roddick and Soderling took turns throwing their rackets in frustration as the momentum swung back and forth. Roddick gained control when he held for 3-all in the third, then broke Soderling en route to winning three of the final four games.

"I knew I was returning real well, so I thought this might be the rare occasion where that would be the thing that won it for me," Roddick said. "Ultimately, the fact that I put a lot of pressure on his service games ended up helping."

Roddick, the highest-ranked American on the ATP Tour, already has won a title in Brisbane this year. He lost in the San Jose final last month and was a quarterfinalist in Memphis.

Against Nadal, Ljubicic served 17 aces - giving him 64 in the tournament - and overcame 51 unforced errors in ending a five-match losing streak against the world's third-ranked player.

Ljubicic upset second-ranked Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 and is in position to win an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time after three runner-up showings, the last in 2006 at Miami.

"I hope this one is going to finally be the victory," he said.

Nadal was trying to end an 11-tournament title drought. He hasn't won since last May in Rome after being hampered by knee injuries last summer and at the Australian Open.

Nadal appeared unbeatable in the opening set, powering forehands out of Ljubicic's reach. But the lefty's best stroke deserted him at times in the second set, when Ljubicic broke for a 5-4 lead on Nadal's double-fault. The Croatian served out the set and then broke again to open the third.

"He was missing more when it was important. He overhit a couple of balls," Ljubicic said. "I didn't feel he was in control of the points. I felt if I can find the rhythm of the returns, I can have a match."

Nadal broke back in the next game, but he later blew a break point to go up 5-3. Ljubicic held with an ace to tie it 4-all. Both players stayed on serve to force the tiebreak, where Nadal committed four errors to fall behind 6-1.

Ljubicic won on his first match point, sending a forehand down the line. He jumped in the air and thrust his right fist in celebration a day after his 31st birthday.

"It's probably the best tiebreaker I ever played in my career," he said. "Absolutely perfect."

He could become the first 30-or-over player to win at Indian Wells since Agassi in 2001.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jankovic in finalRonaldo aims for double glory

Jankovic in final

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) -Jelena Jankovic defeated Australian Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 Friday to reach the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open, where she'll play Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki beat fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-2, 6-3, a win that is projected to raise her world ranking to No. 2 next week.

"I've done a lot of good results," she said. "The rankings is just a bonus."

Jankovic will try to win her first title in seven months on Sunday. Wozniacki is in her biggest final since losing last year's U.S. Open to Kim Clijsters.

Andy Roddick advanced to the men's semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win over 18th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, who lost to the American for the 11th consecutive time.

Roddick will next play No. 6 seed Robin Soderling after the Swede defeated No. 4 seed Andy Murray of Britain 6-1, 7-6 (4).

Defending champion Rafael Nadal plays 20th-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the other semifinal.

Radwanska won her first four matches in straight sets. Wozniacki was stretched to three sets in three of her four previous matches, spending three more hours on court than Radwanska.

But Wozniacki was better in the end. She broke Radwanska five times to win the match between the two friends who had agreed the winner would buy the loser dinner.

"But she owes me an ice cream because she thought we were going to play first match and I thought we were going to play late," said Wozniacki, who planned to pay off her bet either Saturday night or next week in Miami.

Wozniacki trailed 40-15 on Radwanska's serve in the final game before winning four straight points, capped by Radwanska's forehand error on match point.

"I played consistent and still tried to be aggressive," Wozniacki said. "We know each other so well. Agnieszka is a great fighter and I knew I had to fight to the last point to win."

On the men's side, Roddick won the final three games, earning the only break in the eighth game, to wrap up the first set against Robredo. Both players were on serve in the second set until Roddick broke in the 11th game and then served out the win.

"I felt like he was trying to hit his first serve a little bit bigger and win some cheaper points," Roddick said. "Second set, he actually served pretty well; he was hitting some aces. He wasn't just kicking it in like he does sometimes."

Roddick is in the semifinals for the fourth time in six years, but has yet to reach the final.

"It's about the only place in the North American swing that I haven't won before, so that would be nice," he said.

Jankovic is having her best results of the year. The sixth-seeded Serb dropped just one set in five matches at Indian Wells. The world's former top-ranked player had little trouble dispatching Stosur, who will enter the top 10 for the first time when the WTA Tour rankings are released Monday.

Stosur hadn't dropped a set in her four previous matches.

"It was a great week," she said, "but I definitely didn't play anywhere close to as well as what I can."

Jankovic last won a title in August at Cincinnati.

She and Stosur were tied 2-all in the first set, with Stosur serving at 40-love. She wound up getting broken, one of five straight games she lost to drop the set.

"All the frustration and anger built up and I let that carry on too long," Stosur said. "Before you know it, you're a step behind the ball and totally getting dictated to."

That's exactly what Jankovic wanted. She broke Stosur to go up 3-2 in the second set, and then won three of the next five games to close out the 1 1/2-hour match on a day when temperatures soared to almost 90 degrees.

"Samantha has an unbelievable serve, one of the best serves in the women's game, and I was able to return a lot of her first serves," Jankovic said. "I think she felt uncomfortable because she really relies on that shot. That's her best weapon."

Soderling raced through the first set against Murray, who had beaten him in straight sets in their most recent meeting. Murray managed to hold just once.

"He's a lot better player than he was three years ago when I played against him," Murray said. "When he's in a rhythm, he hits the ball real big off both wings, which makes it difficult."

They traded breaks in the second set before Soderling got off to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Murray won the next two points to trail 5-4. Soderling ripped a backhand winner down the line to set up match point and won when Murray netted his backhand service return.

"I was hitting the ball really short, and he's obviously got a big game and he was able to dictate all of the points," Murray said.

Jankovic in finalRonaldo certain of success

Jankovic in final

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) -Jelena Jankovic defeated Australian Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 Friday to reach the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open, where she'll play Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki beat fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-2, 6-3, a win that is projected to raise her world ranking to No. 2 next week.

"I've done a lot of good results," she said. "The rankings is just a bonus."

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Jankovic will try to win her first title in seven months on Sunday. Wozniacki is in her biggest final since losing last year's U.S. Open to Kim Clijsters.

Andy Roddick advanced to the men's semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win over 18th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, who lost to the American for the 11th consecutive time.

Roddick will next play No. 6 seed Robin Soderling after the Swede defeated No. 4 seed Andy Murray of Britain 6-1, 7-6 (4).

Defending champion Rafael Nadal plays 20th-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the other semifinal.

Radwanska won her first four matches in straight sets. Wozniacki was stretched to three sets in three of her four previous matches, spending three more hours on court than Radwanska.

But Wozniacki was better in the end. She broke Radwanska five times to win the match between the two friends who had agreed the winner would buy the loser dinner.

"But she owes me an ice cream because she thought we were going to play first match and I thought we were going to play late," said Wozniacki, who planned to pay off her bet either Saturday night or next week in Miami.

Wozniacki trailed 40-15 on Radwanska's serve in the final game before winning four straight points, capped by Radwanska's forehand error on match point.

"I played consistent and still tried to be aggressive," Wozniacki said. "We know each other so well. Agnieszka is a great fighter and I knew I had to fight to the last point to win."

On the men's side, Roddick won the final three games, earning the only break in the eighth game, to wrap up the first set against Robredo. Both players were on serve in the second set until Roddick broke in the 11th game and then served out the win.

"I felt like he was trying to hit his first serve a little bit bigger and win some cheaper points," Roddick said. "Second set, he actually served pretty well; he was hitting some aces. He wasn't just kicking it in like he does sometimes."

Roddick is in the semifinals for the fourth time in six years, but has yet to reach the final.

"It's about the only place in the North American swing that I haven't won before, so that would be nice," he said.

Jankovic is having her best results of the year. The sixth-seeded Serb dropped just one set in five matches at Indian Wells. The world's former top-ranked player had little trouble dispatching Stosur, who will enter the top 10 for the first time when the WTA Tour rankings are released Monday.

Stosur hadn't dropped a set in her four previous matches.

"It was a great week," she said, "but I definitely didn't play anywhere close to as well as what I can."

Jankovic last won a title in August at Cincinnati.

She and Stosur were tied 2-all in the first set, with Stosur serving at 40-love. She wound up getting broken, one of five straight games she lost to drop the set.

"All the frustration and anger built up and I let that carry on too long," Stosur said. "Before you know it, you're a step behind the ball and totally getting dictated to."

That's exactly what Jankovic wanted. She broke Stosur to go up 3-2 in the second set, and then won three of the next five games to close out the 1 1/2-hour match on a day when temperatures soared to almost 90 degrees.

"Samantha has an unbelievable serve, one of the best serves in the women's game, and I was able to return a lot of her first serves," Jankovic said. "I think she felt uncomfortable because she really relies on that shot. That's her best weapon."

Soderling raced through the first set against Murray, who had beaten him in straight sets in their most recent meeting. Murray managed to hold just once.

"He's a lot better player than he was three years ago when I played against him," Murray said. "When he's in a rhythm, he hits the ball real big off both wings, which makes it difficult."

They traded breaks in the second set before Soderling got off to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Murray won the next two points to trail 5-4. Soderling ripped a backhand winner down the line to set up match point and won when Murray netted his backhand service return.

"I was hitting the ball really short, and he's obviously got a big game and he was able to dictate all of the points," Murray said.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jankovic in finalRonaldo certain of success

Jankovic in final

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) -Jelena Jankovic defeated Australian Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 Friday to reach the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open, where she'll play Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki beat fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-2, 6-3, a win that is projected to raise her world ranking to No. 2 next week.

"I've done a lot of good results," she said. "The rankings is just a bonus."

Jankovic will try to win her first title in seven months on Sunday. Wozniacki is in her biggest final since losing last year's U.S. Open to Kim Clijsters.

Andy Roddick advanced to the men's semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win over 18th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, who lost to the American for the 11th consecutive time.

Roddick will next play No. 6 seed Robin Soderling after the Swede defeated No. 4 seed Andy Murray of Britain 6-1, 7-6 (4).

Defending champion Rafael Nadal plays 20th-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the other semifinal.

Radwanska won her first four matches in straight sets. Wozniacki was stretched to three sets in three of her four previous matches, spending three more hours on court than Radwanska.

But Wozniacki was better in the end. She broke Radwanska five times to win the match between the two friends who had agreed the winner would buy the loser dinner.

"But she owes me an ice cream because she thought we were going to play first match and I thought we were going to play late," said Wozniacki, who planned to pay off her bet either Saturday night or next week in Miami.

Wozniacki trailed 40-15 on Radwanska's serve in the final game before winning four straight points, capped by Radwanska's forehand error on match point.

"I played consistent and still tried to be aggressive," Wozniacki said. "We know each other so well. Agnieszka is a great fighter and I knew I had to fight to the last point to win."

On the men's side, Roddick won the final three games, earning the only break in the eighth game, to wrap up the first set against Robredo. Both players were on serve in the second set until Roddick broke in the 11th game and then served out the win.

"I felt like he was trying to hit his first serve a little bit bigger and win some cheaper points," Roddick said. "Second set, he actually served pretty well; he was hitting some aces. He wasn't just kicking it in like he does sometimes."

Roddick is in the semifinals for the fourth time in six years, but has yet to reach the final.

"It's about the only place in the North American swing that I haven't won before, so that would be nice," he said.

Jankovic is having her best results of the year. The sixth-seeded Serb dropped just one set in five matches at Indian Wells. The world's former top-ranked player had little trouble dispatching Stosur, who will enter the top 10 for the first time when the WTA Tour rankings are released Monday.

Stosur hadn't dropped a set in her four previous matches.

"It was a great week," she said, "but I definitely didn't play anywhere close to as well as what I can."

Jankovic last won a title in August at Cincinnati.

She and Stosur were tied 2-all in the first set, with Stosur serving at 40-love. She wound up getting broken, one of five straight games she lost to drop the set.

"All the frustration and anger built up and I let that carry on too long," Stosur said. "Before you know it, you're a step behind the ball and totally getting dictated to."

That's exactly what Jankovic wanted. She broke Stosur to go up 3-2 in the second set, and then won three of the next five games to close out the 1 1/2-hour match on a day when temperatures soared to almost 90 degrees.

"Samantha has an unbelievable serve, one of the best serves in the women's game, and I was able to return a lot of her first serves," Jankovic said. "I think she felt uncomfortable because she really relies on that shot. That's her best weapon."

Soderling raced through the first set against Murray, who had beaten him in straight sets in their most recent meeting. Murray managed to hold just once.

"He's a lot better player than he was three years ago when I played against him," Murray said. "When he's in a rhythm, he hits the ball real big off both wings, which makes it difficult."

They traded breaks in the second set before Soderling got off to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Murray won the next two points to trail 5-4. Soderling ripped a backhand winner down the line to set up match point and won when Murray netted his backhand service return.

"I was hitting the ball really short, and he's obviously got a big game and he was able to dictate all of the points," Murray said.

Jankovic in finalRonaldo certain of success

Jankovic in final

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) -Jelena Jankovic defeated Australian Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 Friday to reach the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open, where she'll play Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki beat fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-2, 6-3, a win that is projected to raise her world ranking to No. 2 next week.

"I've done a lot of good results," she said. "The rankings is just a bonus."

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Jankovic will try to win her first title in seven months on Sunday. Wozniacki is in her biggest final since losing last year's U.S. Open to Kim Clijsters.

Andy Roddick advanced to the men's semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win over 18th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, who lost to the American for the 11th consecutive time.

Roddick will next play No. 6 seed Robin Soderling after the Swede defeated No. 4 seed Andy Murray of Britain 6-1, 7-6 (4).

Defending champion Rafael Nadal plays 20th-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the other semifinal.

Radwanska won her first four matches in straight sets. Wozniacki was stretched to three sets in three of her four previous matches, spending three more hours on court than Radwanska.

But Wozniacki was better in the end. She broke Radwanska five times to win the match between the two friends who had agreed the winner would buy the loser dinner.

"But she owes me an ice cream because she thought we were going to play first match and I thought we were going to play late," said Wozniacki, who planned to pay off her bet either Saturday night or next week in Miami.

Wozniacki trailed 40-15 on Radwanska's serve in the final game before winning four straight points, capped by Radwanska's forehand error on match point.

"I played consistent and still tried to be aggressive," Wozniacki said. "We know each other so well. Agnieszka is a great fighter and I knew I had to fight to the last point to win."

On the men's side, Roddick won the final three games, earning the only break in the eighth game, to wrap up the first set against Robredo. Both players were on serve in the second set until Roddick broke in the 11th game and then served out the win.

"I felt like he was trying to hit his first serve a little bit bigger and win some cheaper points," Roddick said. "Second set, he actually served pretty well; he was hitting some aces. He wasn't just kicking it in like he does sometimes."

Roddick is in the semifinals for the fourth time in six years, but has yet to reach the final.

"It's about the only place in the North American swing that I haven't won before, so that would be nice," he said.

Jankovic is having her best results of the year. The sixth-seeded Serb dropped just one set in five matches at Indian Wells. The world's former top-ranked player had little trouble dispatching Stosur, who will enter the top 10 for the first time when the WTA Tour rankings are released Monday.

Stosur hadn't dropped a set in her four previous matches.

"It was a great week," she said, "but I definitely didn't play anywhere close to as well as what I can."

Jankovic last won a title in August at Cincinnati.

She and Stosur were tied 2-all in the first set, with Stosur serving at 40-love. She wound up getting broken, one of five straight games she lost to drop the set.

"All the frustration and anger built up and I let that carry on too long," Stosur said. "Before you know it, you're a step behind the ball and totally getting dictated to."

That's exactly what Jankovic wanted. She broke Stosur to go up 3-2 in the second set, and then won three of the next five games to close out the 1 1/2-hour match on a day when temperatures soared to almost 90 degrees.

"Samantha has an unbelievable serve, one of the best serves in the women's game, and I was able to return a lot of her first serves," Jankovic said. "I think she felt uncomfortable because she really relies on that shot. That's her best weapon."

Soderling raced through the first set against Murray, who had beaten him in straight sets in their most recent meeting. Murray managed to hold just once.

"He's a lot better player than he was three years ago when I played against him," Murray said. "When he's in a rhythm, he hits the ball real big off both wings, which makes it difficult."

They traded breaks in the second set before Soderling got off to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Murray won the next two points to trail 5-4. Soderling ripped a backhand winner down the line to set up match point and won when Murray netted his backhand service return.

"I was hitting the ball really short, and he's obviously got a big game and he was able to dictate all of the points," Murray said.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ronaldo certain of successJankovic in final

Jankovic in final

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) -Jelena Jankovic defeated Australian Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 Friday to reach the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open, where she'll play Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki beat fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-2, 6-3, a win that is projected to raise her world ranking to No. 2 next week.

"I've done a lot of good results," she said. "The rankings is just a bonus."

Jankovic will try to win her first title in seven months on Sunday. Wozniacki is in her biggest final since losing last year's U.S. Open to Kim Clijsters.

Andy Roddick advanced to the men's semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win over 18th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, who lost to the American for the 11th consecutive time.

Roddick will next play No. 6 seed Robin Soderling after the Swede defeated No. 4 seed Andy Murray of Britain 6-1, 7-6 (4).

Defending champion Rafael Nadal plays 20th-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the other semifinal.

Radwanska won her first four matches in straight sets. Wozniacki was stretched to three sets in three of her four previous matches, spending three more hours on court than Radwanska.

But Wozniacki was better in the end. She broke Radwanska five times to win the match between the two friends who had agreed the winner would buy the loser dinner.

"But she owes me an ice cream because she thought we were going to play first match and I thought we were going to play late," said Wozniacki, who planned to pay off her bet either Saturday night or next week in Miami.

Wozniacki trailed 40-15 on Radwanska's serve in the final game before winning four straight points, capped by Radwanska's forehand error on match point.

"I played consistent and still tried to be aggressive," Wozniacki said. "We know each other so well. Agnieszka is a great fighter and I knew I had to fight to the last point to win."

On the men's side, Roddick won the final three games, earning the only break in the eighth game, to wrap up the first set against Robredo. Both players were on serve in the second set until Roddick broke in the 11th game and then served out the win.

"I felt like he was trying to hit his first serve a little bit bigger and win some cheaper points," Roddick said. "Second set, he actually served pretty well; he was hitting some aces. He wasn't just kicking it in like he does sometimes."

Roddick is in the semifinals for the fourth time in six years, but has yet to reach the final.

"It's about the only place in the North American swing that I haven't won before, so that would be nice," he said.

Jankovic is having her best results of the year. The sixth-seeded Serb dropped just one set in five matches at Indian Wells. The world's former top-ranked player had little trouble dispatching Stosur, who will enter the top 10 for the first time when the WTA Tour rankings are released Monday.

Stosur hadn't dropped a set in her four previous matches.

"It was a great week," she said, "but I definitely didn't play anywhere close to as well as what I can."

Jankovic last won a title in August at Cincinnati.

She and Stosur were tied 2-all in the first set, with Stosur serving at 40-love. She wound up getting broken, one of five straight games she lost to drop the set.

"All the frustration and anger built up and I let that carry on too long," Stosur said. "Before you know it, you're a step behind the ball and totally getting dictated to."

That's exactly what Jankovic wanted. She broke Stosur to go up 3-2 in the second set, and then won three of the next five games to close out the 1 1/2-hour match on a day when temperatures soared to almost 90 degrees.

"Samantha has an unbelievable serve, one of the best serves in the women's game, and I was able to return a lot of her first serves," Jankovic said. "I think she felt uncomfortable because she really relies on that shot. That's her best weapon."

Soderling raced through the first set against Murray, who had beaten him in straight sets in their most recent meeting. Murray managed to hold just once.

"He's a lot better player than he was three years ago when I played against him," Murray said. "When he's in a rhythm, he hits the ball real big off both wings, which makes it difficult."

They traded breaks in the second set before Soderling got off to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Murray won the next two points to trail 5-4. Soderling ripped a backhand winner down the line to set up match point and won when Murray netted his backhand service return.

"I was hitting the ball really short, and he's obviously got a big game and he was able to dictate all of the points," Murray said.

Jankovic in finalRonaldo certain of success

Serena, del Potro withdraw from Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Add 12-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro to the list of top players pulling out of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams, a five-time winner of the hard-court event, is out because of the left knee injury that has sidelined the American since her Australian Open title.

Del Potro has a right wrist injury that has bothered him since the start of the season.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

The tournament announced their withdrawals Friday, two days after saying Maria Sharapova wouldn't participate because of a bone bruise in her right elbow. Second-ranked Dinara Safina and 2008 champion Nikolay Davydenko also withdrew.

The 13-day tournament begins Tuesday. The field still includes Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sharapova withdraws from Key BiscayneInjury boost for Barca

Jankovic in final

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) -Jelena Jankovic defeated Australian Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 Friday to reach the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open, where she'll play Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki beat fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-2, 6-3, a win that is projected to raise her world ranking to No. 2 next week.

"I've done a lot of good results," she said. "The rankings is just a bonus."

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Jankovic will try to win her first title in seven months on Sunday. Wozniacki is in her biggest final since losing last year's U.S. Open to Kim Clijsters.

Andy Roddick advanced to the men's semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win over 18th-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, who lost to the American for the 11th consecutive time.

Roddick will next play No. 6 seed Robin Soderling after the Swede defeated No. 4 seed Andy Murray of Britain 6-1, 7-6 (4).

Defending champion Rafael Nadal plays 20th-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the other semifinal.

Radwanska won her first four matches in straight sets. Wozniacki was stretched to three sets in three of her four previous matches, spending three more hours on court than Radwanska.

But Wozniacki was better in the end. She broke Radwanska five times to win the match between the two friends who had agreed the winner would buy the loser dinner.

"But she owes me an ice cream because she thought we were going to play first match and I thought we were going to play late," said Wozniacki, who planned to pay off her bet either Saturday night or next week in Miami.

Wozniacki trailed 40-15 on Radwanska's serve in the final game before winning four straight points, capped by Radwanska's forehand error on match point.

"I played consistent and still tried to be aggressive," Wozniacki said. "We know each other so well. Agnieszka is a great fighter and I knew I had to fight to the last point to win."

On the men's side, Roddick won the final three games, earning the only break in the eighth game, to wrap up the first set against Robredo. Both players were on serve in the second set until Roddick broke in the 11th game and then served out the win.

"I felt like he was trying to hit his first serve a little bit bigger and win some cheaper points," Roddick said. "Second set, he actually served pretty well; he was hitting some aces. He wasn't just kicking it in like he does sometimes."

Roddick is in the semifinals for the fourth time in six years, but has yet to reach the final.

"It's about the only place in the North American swing that I haven't won before, so that would be nice," he said.

Jankovic is having her best results of the year. The sixth-seeded Serb dropped just one set in five matches at Indian Wells. The world's former top-ranked player had little trouble dispatching Stosur, who will enter the top 10 for the first time when the WTA Tour rankings are released Monday.

Stosur hadn't dropped a set in her four previous matches.

"It was a great week," she said, "but I definitely didn't play anywhere close to as well as what I can."

Jankovic last won a title in August at Cincinnati.

She and Stosur were tied 2-all in the first set, with Stosur serving at 40-love. She wound up getting broken, one of five straight games she lost to drop the set.

"All the frustration and anger built up and I let that carry on too long," Stosur said. "Before you know it, you're a step behind the ball and totally getting dictated to."

That's exactly what Jankovic wanted. She broke Stosur to go up 3-2 in the second set, and then won three of the next five games to close out the 1 1/2-hour match on a day when temperatures soared to almost 90 degrees.

"Samantha has an unbelievable serve, one of the best serves in the women's game, and I was able to return a lot of her first serves," Jankovic said. "I think she felt uncomfortable because she really relies on that shot. That's her best weapon."

Soderling raced through the first set against Murray, who had beaten him in straight sets in their most recent meeting. Murray managed to hold just once.

"He's a lot better player than he was three years ago when I played against him," Murray said. "When he's in a rhythm, he hits the ball real big off both wings, which makes it difficult."

They traded breaks in the second set before Soderling got off to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Murray won the next two points to trail 5-4. Soderling ripped a backhand winner down the line to set up match point and won when Murray netted his backhand service return.

"I was hitting the ball really short, and he's obviously got a big game and he was able to dictate all of the points," Murray said.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ronaldo certain of successJankovic in final

Jankovic in final

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -Jelena Jankovic defeated Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4 to reach the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open.

The sixth-seeded Serb will try to win her first title in seven months on Sunday at Indian Wells. Jankovic will face either No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark or fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, who met in a Friday evening semifinal.

Jankovic is having her best results of the year. She's dropped just one set in five matches. The world's former top-ranked player had little trouble dispatching Stosur, who will enter the top 10 for the first time when the WTA Tour rankings are released Monday.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Andy Roddick and Andy Murray played their quarterfinal matches later Friday.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Djokovic beats Garcia-Lopez in DubaiPep faces ‘liar’ investigation

Sharapova withdraws from Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from next week's Sony Ericsson Open because of a bone bruise in her right elbow.

The tournament announced on Wednesday that second-ranked Dinara Safina and 2008 champion Nikolay Davydenko have also withdrawn.

Sharapova, who won the Memphis title last month, withdrew after an MRI revealed the injury that is expected to sideline her three to six weeks. She last played at Key Biscayne in 2007.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Safina withdrew because of a back injury. Davydenko pulled out because of a broken left wrist.

The 13-day tournament begins Tuesday. The field still includes Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Serena and Venus Williams, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sharapova to play in Birmingham in JuneMathieu’s season appears over

Tennis officials close book on Agassi drug inquiries

ROME (AP) -Tennis officials have closed the book on Andre Agassi's drug revelations.

International Tennis Federation president Francesco Ricci Bitti told The Associated Press on Wednesday that despite appeals from the World Anti-Doping Agency, the statute of limitations in the case expired long ago and no retroactive punishment was possible.

In Agassi's recently published autobiography, "Open," he wrote that he ingested crystal meth in 1997 and then lied to the ATP to avoid a suspension after failing a doping test.

"The ATP is the only entity that could have shed light on what happened, but it's too late," Ricci Bitti said. "WADA asked information from the ATP without much success. As a member of WADA's executive committee, I'm obviously very disappointed that Agassi - such a great and emblematic player - decided to make these revelations.

"I'm sure he had his reasons, which were not easy to understand. ... There were a lot of strange reasons involved. From a sports point of view, it's very unfortunate. I think what he did hurt our sport."

In another drug issue, Ricci Bitti expressed concern over the appeals launched by Belgian players Yanina Wickmayer and Xavier Malisse, who were given one-year bans for violating WADA's whereabouts rule.

The suspensions were lifted in December after the players appealed to a Belgian court, and both still have appeals pending with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Wickmayer has also taken her case to the European Commission and the European Court for Human Rights.

"It's a very important case because it could have consequences resulting in the revision of the WADA code," said Ricci Bitti, who is also an International Olympic Committee member.

Wickmayer claims she was not properly informed of the online reporting requirements for drug-testing that led to her ban.

Under WADA rules, elite athletes must be available for out-of-competition testing for one hour a day, 365 days a year. They must give three months' notice of where they will be so they can be tested.

Regarding recent talk from some players and promoters calling for a tennis World Cup, Ricci Bitti reiterated that the ITF is not about to abandon the Davis Cup.

"Everyone has the right to bring in new ideas but the players have to understand that the Davis Cup is part of tennis' history, just like the Grand Slams, and it should be respected," he said. "That doesn't mean the international federation isn't open to new ideas."

One such idea Ricci Bitti mentioned is the addition of fifth-set tiebreakers for the Davis Cup.

"There are a lot of things we are considering for the Davis Cup," he said. "But right now we don't see any reason to change something that works so well."

The proposed World Cup would involve rules changes and 32 teams playing in a 10-day biennial event at a single venue, according to details discussed by second-ranked Novak Djokovic in January.

Lastly, Ricci Bitti discussed problems facing the French Tennis Federation over plans to build a new stadium for the French Open, with opposition from local residents and some members of the Paris city council.

"Clearly, the French federation has a dilemma on its hands. Maybe it could obtain a small amount of land - because there is a minimal amount of space available - but the big problem is that Roland Garros is in a very high-class residential area and it's difficult to carry out big projects in an area like that," Ricci Bitti said.

The French federation's contract to use the current site runs through 2015, and it has brought up the option of moving the tournament to the Paris suburbs.

"If Roland Garros was in America, I think it would (move)," Ricci Bitti said. "Americans are better than we Europeans at taking decisions. We're more attached to history and we try everything we can to hold on to that. It's not just difficult in monetary and financial terms, it's a challenge culturally.

"I'm in contact with the president and the federation and I'm sure they'll resolve the situation eventually."

Agassi apologizes for poking fun at SamprasPep wants more from Henry

Lloyd calls it quits after Davis Cup humiliation

LONDON - John Lloyd resigned as Britain's Davis Cup captain Wednesday after a humiliating defeat to Lithuania that triggered hand-wringing and soul-searching in the home of Wimbledon.

Britain have lost their last five Davis Cup ties, and face a relegation playoff against Turkey at Eastbourne in July to avoid dropping into Europe/Africa zone group III.

"Davis Cup Captaincy is a tough job and I'm sure that the next Captain will be as passionate as I was and have no doubt that the team is capable of defeating Turkey in July," Lloyd said in a statement from the Lawn Tennis Association.

"I have been a Davis Cup player, captain and now it is time for me to become a fan."

Newspapers decried the defeat in Vilnius as the most embarrassing yet. Lithuania have just three world-ranked players, all of them teenagers, while the LTA has an annual budget of more than 50 million pounds ($76.79 million).

Andy Murray, who did not play in the tie, is the world number four and the only British player in the men's top 100.

Britain have won the Cup nine times although appearing in only one final since 1937.

Djokovic to lead Serbia against U.S. in Davis CupPep wants more from Henry

Agassi apologizes for poking fun at Sampras

Andre Agassi told ESPN.com he was “out of line” and apologized for poking fun at Pete Sampras during a charity match last week.

Longtime rivals Agassi and Sampras were wearing microphones during the match, and the crowd at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California got an earful during an exchange that started lighthearted but turned testy.

At one point Sampras mimicked Agassi’s pigeon-toed walk, which drew laughs from the crowd.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Then Agassi chided Sampras for being stingy. In his book, Agassi criticized Sampras for being a poor tipper.

Sampras responded with a high, hard serve that forced Agassi, who was teamed with Rafael Nadal, to duck.

Both Agassi and Sampras were smiling, but neither showed up at the post-match news conference.

“It was out of line,” Agassi told ESPN.com on Monday. “It was inappropriate. The night was on fire. We were all having fun. I was trying to be comedic. I only had a split second to make a decision. I went for it and it fell flat. I was trying to get past it, but Pete didn’t really let me get past it. He didn’t really roll with it. I’ve texted Pete to ask him if I can apologize in person.”

“The joke fell flat and I’m sorry,” he added. “My hope was that the night was still enjoyable.”

A capacity crowd of 16,100 filled the stadium for the Hit for Haiti fund-raising exhibition Friday night put together by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who purchased the tournament at Indian Wells in December.

The event helped raise $1 million to aid relief efforts in the earthquake-ravaged island nation.

Also on NBCSports.com

O'Neill: Tiger faces major challenge in return
College basketball: Tournament brackets  |  Schedule
  College basketball: 10 teams who can win it all
College basketball: Stars to watch in NCAAs
Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

 

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Graf, Navratilova join charity match for HaitiLa Liga round-up

Sharapova to play in Birmingham in June

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -Maria Sharapova has signed up to play in the Wimbledon grass-court warmup in Birmingham in June.

The 13th-ranked Russian is a two-time champion at the AEGON Classic, having won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005.

Sharapova said she is looking forward to playing "at this important time in the grass court season in the lead up to The Championships, Wimbledon."

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

The Birmingham tournament runs from June 7-13 at the Edgbaston Priory. Wimbledon starts June 21.

Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 for her first Grand Slam title. She has been plagued by injuries in the past year.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Bilic opens Prem doorNadal ‘worried’ about constant injuries

Kuznetsova upset at Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -Svetlana Kuznetsova had a succinct explanation after losing her opening match at the BNP Paribas Open.

"The tennis ball is perfect. I am not perfect," the top-seeded Russian said after a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 loss to Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro in the second round Saturday.

Kuznetsova, who hadn't played in a month and had a first-round bye, made 69 unforced errors and double-faulted seven times against Suarez Navarro, who arrived here ranked No. 42 in the WTA Tour after reaching the semifinals at Acapulco last month.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

"I feel good and the ball doesn't go where I want it to go, you know. I play there and it goes a different way. I'm like OK, I play tennis for like 17 years and I still cannot put this little ball in this huge court. It's frustrating. ... I'm not the worst player in the world, so definitely I have (the) expectation from myself to put a little bit more inside of the court."

"It's frustrating because I know I have the game," said Kuznetsova, ranked No. 3 overall. "I feel great. I do practice, play unbelievable and then I get to the match and I don't do much."

One of the problems, though, was that when Kuznetsova did put the ball in the court, Suarez Navarro usually hit it back. The defensive-minded Spaniard, a winner over Venus Williams in the 2009 Australian Open, found the slow hardcourt perfect for her game and hit only 14 winners (Kuznetsova had 34) in advancing to face No. 27 seed Agnes Szavay of Hungary in the third round.

Two-time champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium won her second-round match, beating Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-1, and reigning champion Vera Zvonareva of Russia survived a challenge from 16-year-old American Sloane Stephens, winning 6-4, 7-5.

Reigning men's champion Rafael Nadal, the No. 3 seed, followed Clijsters on the court and worked his way to a 6-4, 6-4 win over German Rainer Schuettler, a semifinalist in 2003 but a qualifier this year.

In the late match, No. 2 Novak Djokovic of Serbia beat American Mardy Fish 6-1, 0-6 6-2 in a rematch of the 2008 final, also won by Djokovic.

Kuznetsova was the only women's seed to lose during the day session. No. 3 Victoria Azarenka, No. 6 Jelena Jankovic, No. 8 Samantha Stosur, No. 9 Flavia Pennetta and No. 13 Yanina Wickmayer also won in straight sets.

At night, two-time tournament champion Daniela Hantuchova (No. 21), former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic (24) and Dominika Cibulkova (26)were sent packing after straight-set losses.

On the men's side, No. 5 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia took a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ernests Gulbis of Latvia and Fernando Verdasco (10) also advanced. Americans John Isner (15) and Sam Querrey (17) both won and will meet in the third round.

But No. 16 Gilles Simon of France was beaten, 7-5, 6-4, by qualifier Brian Dabul of Argentina and No. 8 Marin Cilic of Romania was upset, 7-6 (1), 6-0 by Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Clay concerns for VenusPrimera Liga round-up

Henin wins first-round match at Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -Justin Henin beat Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-2, 6-2, in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.

Henin, the former No. 1 who is playing in this tournament for the first time since 2006, was the top-ranked player on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour when she unexpectedly retired in May, 2008.

She returned to the tour in January and was runner-up at Brisbane and again at the Australian Open after withdrawing from a tournament in Sydney due to a strained muscle.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Unranked after her lengthy absence, Henin took a wild card into this $4.5 million event and is one of six former champions in the 96-player field. However, only Henin and 2006 winner Maria Sharapova are in the bottom half of the bracket where Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Elena Dementieva of Russia are the top seeds.

Top-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova is in the top half of the bracket with former champions Kim Clijsters (2003, 2005), Daniela Hantuchova (2002, 2007), Ana Ivanovic (2008) and Vera Zvonareva (2009).

Henin, idle since the Australian Open final, didn't serve well at just 48 percent, but won 20 of 26 first-serve points and saved the four break points against her in the 68-minute match.

"It was a very good feeling. This is a tournament I like a lot," said Henin, who will meet Gisela Dulko of Argentina in the second round. "It's been a break of one month with no competition so I was glad the way I went into the match today. Not everything was perfect, but I found a pretty good rhythm and felt I could go a lot to the net and I felt really good on the court, actually."

Henin said when she began her comeback she felt it would take four or five months to be at her best physically and mentally, and her run to the Australian Open final didn't change that.

"I still think I need a few more tournaments," said Henin, a seven-time Grand Slam champion. "In Australia I proved to myself that I could make it, that I didn't really need a lot of competition to be at a pretty good level. But I see further than that. For the French Open and Wimbledon I hope I can be at my best level.

"I need to get used just to being back on tour. That's not that easy, to find a rhythm, to really find my place. I still have to build my confidence, I have to win matches, I have to feel strong enough mentally and physically.

Also moving into the second round on Wednesday were Patty Schnyder of Switzerland, a 6-1, 6-2 winner over Tathiana Garbin of Italy; Vera Dushevina of Russia, with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Jelena Dokic of Australia; Olga Govortsova of Belarus, who beat Czech Iveta Benesova, 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (8); Alicia Molok of Australia, with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Tatjana Malek of Germany; Shuai Peng of China, who outlasted Ekaterina Makarova of Russia, 6-1, 2-6, 6-4; Sorana Cirstea of Romania, who ousted Kaia Kanepi of Estonia, 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4; and American Jill Craybas, a 6-0, 7-5 winner over Eleni Daniilidou of Greece.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

La Liga round-upGraf, Navratilova join charity match for Haiti

Spain beats Switzerland in Davis Cup

LOGRONO, Spain (AP) -David Ferrer sent Spain into the Davis Cup quarterfinals by beating Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 Sunday in the first reverse singles match.

The win gave Spain an unassailable 3-1 lead before Nicolas Almagro beat Marco Chiudinelli 6-1, 6-3 in the dead rubber to make it 4-1.

Ferrer looked in control throughout Sunday's match at the Logrono bullring, breaking Wawrinka's serve twice before wrapping up the first set with a drop shot. The Swiss' strong net game gave him an early break in the second. But after Ferrer had fought back, Wawrinka was docked a point after losing his temper and smashing his racket, handing his opponent a decisive break point.

The Spaniard didn't lose another game as he closed out the match, extending his country's unbeaten run at home to 19 ties, dating back to 1999.

"We knew it was tough playing here against Spain," Wawrinka said. "We tried, but beating Spain at home is difficult. That's the Davis Cup."

The hosts had gone 2-1 up on Saturday after Tommy Robredo and Marcel Granollers beat Wawrinka and Yves Allegro in the doubles. In Friday's singles, Ferrer beat Chiudinelli and Wawrinka beat Almagro.

"No other country has the standard of tennis we have in Spain," Ferrer said. "We've played well in the home ties and that is crucial. What's more, we've done well in the doubles matches."

Both teams were without their best player, as Swiss No. 1 Roger Federer skipped the event and Rafael Nadal is struggling with a knee injury.

Spain is attempting to win its third straight Davis Cup title and will play away against France in the quarterfinals July 9-11. Spain has lost to France only once in six prior meetings - in their first series in 1923.

"This competition is the biggest there is," Ferrer said. "We're all motivated to win it again."

Spain ties Switzerland 1-1 in Davis CupRonaldo aims for double glory

Croatia clinches Davis Cup win over Ecuador

VARAZDIN, Croatia (AP) -Croatia has clinched a spot in the Davis Cup quarterfinals after Marin Cilic and Ivo Karlovic earned a straight-set win in doubles to give the hosts an insurmountable 3-0 lead over Ecuador.

The Croatian duo defeated brothers Nicolas and Giovanni Lapentti 7-6 (3), 6-3, 7-5 after sweeping the opening singles on Friday.

Croatia, the 2005 Davis Cup champion, will face either Serbia or the United States in the next round. The U.S. won the doubles match Saturday to cut the Serbia lead to 2-1.

Cilic and Karlovic replaced original doubles pair Ivan Dodig and Antonio Veic for the doubles.

Bilic opens Prem doorDjokovic to lead Serbia against U.S. in Davis Cup

Russia clinches Davis Cup win over India

MOSCOW (AP) -Russia advanced to the Davis Cup quarterfinals after Mikhail Youzhny defeated Somdev Devvarman 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 in the first reverse singles on Sunday to secure an insurmountable 3-1 lead over India.

Later, Rohan Bopanna defeated Teimuraz Gabashvili 7-6 (5), 6-4 in a meaningless last singles match as Russia finished up with a 3-2 victory in the World Group first-round series.

The 13th-ranked Youzhny dominated from the start, breaking his opponent six times while never losing his serve to close out the match in less than two hours.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

"Actually it was tough to play today," Youzhny said. "He had nothing to (lose) and played for every point."

Youzhny and last-minute substitute Igor Kunitsyn won the opening singles Friday against Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna respectively. Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes steamrolled Kunitsyn and Teimuraz Gabashvili in Saturday's doubles to narrow the gap to 2-1.

"There are no easy victories in the Davis Cup," said Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev, who turned 62 on Sunday. "This time, we had no substitutes left while all our plans were ruined."

Tarpischev said that the hard court and balls were chosen to suit Nikolay Davydenko, Russia's top player. But Davydenko pulled out with a left wrist injury and Igor Andreev, who was called in for him and arrived from Brazil, injured his left knee in practice ahead of the match. Kunitsyn came to cheer but was forced to play an opener.

Looking back at a key early moment in the best-of-five series, he added: "If Kunitsyn had lost a set ball in the second set, it could have gone a different way."

India captain Shiv-Prakash Misra agreed with Tarpischev and said it was a good performance from his team.

"Coming back (to the World Group) after 11 years and playing away from home is always difficult," Misra said. "It will be a great experience for our players."

Russia has not lost at home since the 1995 final, when Pete Sampras won all three of his matches to lead the United States to victory. Since then, the Russians have won 17 straight.

India has reached the final three times but has yet to win a title. The team is back in the World Group for the first time since 1998.

"It's great that we got here (World Group)," Devvarman said. "We did our best and gave all we had. Hopefully, we will have a shot again."

Russia will play Sweden or Argentina in the quarterfinals on July 9-11.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Russia leads India 2-0 in Davis CupRonaldo aims for double glory

Davis Cup: Argentina beats Sweden 3-2

STOCKHOLM (AP) -David Nalbandian sent Argentina through to the Davis Cup quarterfinals Sunday after defeating Sweden's Andreas Vinciguerra in the last reverse singles for a 3-2 series win.

Nalbandian secured a 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory to clinch the series at Stockholm's Royal Tennis Hall.

Nalbandian broke for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set and held his serve the rest of the way, converting his first match point with a backhand winner.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Earlier Sunday, Sweden's Robin Soderling beat Leonardo Mayer 7-5, 7-6 (5), 7-5 to level the tie.

Neither Vinciguerra nor Nalbandian was originally set to play the final match. Vinciguerra replaced Joachim Johansson and Nalbandian decided shortly before the start that he was fit enough to play instead of Eduardo Schwank.

Nalbandian missed much of last season with an injury, and said he made up his mind just 10 minutes before the match.

"I didn't feel very fit yet, but today it was enough," Nalbandian said. "I warmed up, and I felt worse than I thought. ... But with the flag behind us, it's tough to not be on court."

Vinciguerra took a 3-1 lead in the first set before Nalbandian found his stride. The Argentine then controlled play until the final game of the third set, where he saved three break points before netting a forehand on the fourth to let the Swede stay in the match.

"It was tougher than I thought," Nalbandian said. "The last point is never that easy in Davis Cup."

The seventh-ranked Soderling defeated Schwank in the opening singles Friday and Mayer beat Johansson to level the tie. Nalbandian and Horacio Zeballos then defeated Soderling and Robert Lindstedt in the doubles on Saturday.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Blake wins suspended first-round match over DentRonaldo certain of success

Spain ties Switzerland 1-1 in Davis Cup

LOGRONO, Spain (AP) -David Ferrer defeated Marco Chiudinelli to lift defending champion Spain into a 1-1 tie with Switzerland in the opening round of Davis Cup.

Ferrer beat Chiudinelli 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-1 Friday after Stanislas Wawrinka gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead by rallying past Nicolas Almagro 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 on clay at the bullring in Logrono, Spain.

Spain is playing without Rafael Nadal, who has a knee injury. The Swiss are playing without top-ranked Roger Federer. He ruled himself out because of scheduling.

On Saturday, Spain's Tommy Robredo and Marcel Granollers will face Wawrinka and Yves Allegro in the doubles.

The winner of the series will play either France or Germany in the quarterfinals on July 9-11.

Krasic ponders summer switchWithout Nadal, Federer, Spain faces Switzerland

Graf, Navratilova join charity match for Haiti

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -Retired stars Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova and Lindsay Davenport are joining current women's player Justine Henin in a second match at a charity tennis exhibition to raise money for Haiti.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will team with retired stars Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in an already announced men's match during the "Hit for Haiti" benefit to be played March 12 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Tournament director Steve Simon says he expects a minimum of $1 million to be raised for Haiti earthquake relief efforts. A similar event held during the Australian Open raised more than $600,000.

Federer and Sampras will team for a doubles match against Nadal and Agassi. Graf and Davenport will play Navratilova and Henin, who recently returned to the pro tour after a brief retirement.

Net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the American Red Cross. Fans will be able to donate onsite and through text messages.

Software tycoon Larry Ellison, who recently bought the Indian Wells tournament, will make his own donation.

Ronaldo certain of successNadal ‘worried’ about constant injuries

Russia leads India 2-0 in Davis Cup

MOSCOW (AP) -Igor Kunitsyn and Mikhail Youzhny won to give Russia a 2-0 lead over India in the first round of the Davis Cup World Group.

Kunitsyn won 6-7 (6), 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-4 Friday over Somdev Devvarman in the opening singles. Youzhny won 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 against Rohan Bopanna.

Kunitsyn replaced Igor Andreev, who injured his left knee during practice on Thursday. Andreev was called up to play for the injured Nikolay Davydenko.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Russia has not lost at home since the 1995 final, when Pete Sampras won all three of his matches to lead the United States to victory. Since then, the Russians have won 16 straight.

India has reached the final three times but has yet to win a title. The team is back in the World Group for the first time since 1998.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Krasic ponders summer switchDjokovic to lead Serbia against U.S. in Davis Cup

Isner loses, U.S. trails Serbia 1-0 in Davis Cup

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) -John Isner lost to Viktor Troicki 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4 to give Serbia a 1-0 lead over the United States in the first round of the Davis Cup.

Isner had 21 aces in his Davis Cup debut, but Troicki converted his fourth match point with a crosscourt volley after 3 hours, 36 minutes on the clay court at Belgrade Arena.

Sam Querrey faces second-ranked Novak Djokovic in the second singles.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

The match marks the first time since 2000 that neither Andy Roddick nor James Blake has played for the U.S. team.

Serbia is trying to move beyond the first round in the World Group for the first time.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

La Liga round-upDjokovic to lead Serbia against U.S. in Davis Cup

Djokovic to lead Serbia against U.S. in Davis Cup

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) -Serbia looks to qualify for its first Davis Cup quarterfinal when it hosts a U.S. team that is missing Andy Roddick and James Blake.

This will be the first time since 2000 that neither Roddick nor Blake will be on the Davis Cup roster. The Americans lead all nations with 32 Davis Cup titles, while Serbia has never progressed beyond the first round in the World Group.

The U.S. team of John Isner, Sam Querrey and the top-ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan will play on an indoor clay court in Belgrade Arena.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Led by second-ranked Novak Djokovic, Serbia will counter with Viktor Troicki, Janko Tipsarevic and doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic.

Singles play begins Friday, followed by doubles Saturday in the best-of-three series.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Higuain plays down rowSharapova cruises to Memphis championship

Without Nadal, Federer, Spain faces Switzerland

LOGRONO, Spain (AP) -Spain without Rafael Nadal is favored against Switzerland without Roger Federer when they meet in the Davis Cup on Friday.

A knee injury is sidelining Nadal, while Federer ruled himself out because of scheduling.

The teams meet on clay under the roof of the 11,000-capacity bullring in the northern city of Logrono. Spain hasn't lost at home in 18 ties since 1999.

Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

With Juan Carlos Ferrero also out with injury, Spain will go with David Ferrer, Nicolas Almagro, Tommy Robredo and Marcel Granollers.

Stanislas Wawrinka, Marco Chiudinelli, Michael Lammer and Yves Allegro will represent Switzerland.

In opening singles Friday, Almagro will play Wawrinka and Ferrer will face Chiudinelli. On Saturday, Robredo and Granollers have been drawn to meet Wawrinka and Allegro in the doubles. Sunday's reverse singles will be Ferrer vs. Wawrinka and Almagro vs. Chiudinelli.

Spain captain Albert Costa was confident his team's depth of talent will prove decisive as it seeks a third consecutive Davis Cup title.

"We're favorites because we are playing at home, but to be favorite you have to show it on the court," he said. "We have four massive players in whom I have blind faith."

Spain leads Switzerland 4-1 overall, with the most recent victory in 2007.

Switzerland's best Davis Cup effort was an appearance in the 1992 final.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Injury boost for BarcaNadal ‘worried’ about constant injuries

Pavlyuchenkova beats Tatishvli at Monterrey Open

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) -Third-seeded Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia defeated Anna Tatishvli of Georgia 6-1, 6-2 Tuesday in the first round of the Monterrey Open.

Top-seeded Jelena Jankovic played later Tuesday against Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia.

The Monterrey Open - unlike tournament in Latin America in the last month - is being played on hard courts rather than the clay favored by most Latin Americans and Spaniards. The 32-player field has only two players from Spain and none from Latin America.

advertisement | your ad here © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hleb open to Prem returnClay concerns for Venus