Sport / Tennis

US OPEN 2010: LTA coach Paul Annacone admits he favours Roger Federer over Andy Murray

www.dailymail.co.uk - Outgoing LTA coach Paul Annacone could face a conflict of interest in the event of Andy Murray facing Roger Federer in the US Open final. More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Top seed Caroline Wozniacki hands Chang Kai-chen the dreaded double bagel en route to third round

www.dailymail.co.uk - Top seed Caroline Wozniacki wasted no time on another hot and sunny day at the US Open, beating the heat with a 6-0 6-0 whitewash of unseeded Chang Kai-chen of Taiwan. More... (Tennis)

Nikolay Davydenko and Marin Cilic fall but Roger Federer marches on

www.guardian.co.uk - Kei Nishikori beats Cilic, Richard Gasquet sinks Davydenko The favourite Roger Federer untroubled by Andreas BeckThe early exits of the ninth seed, Andy Roddick, and Tomas Berdych (7) yesterday, followed by Nikolay Davydenko (6) and Marin Cilic (11) today, have breathed unexpected life into this US Open. Yet the focus remains trained on the man favoured to win it, Roger Federer.Even when he is playing nobody, Federer is somebody. The second seed strolled past Brian Dabul in the first round and was equally relaxed in beating Andreas Beck 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Progress does not come more serene.The heat has provided the X-factor in several matches, testing fitness and commitment to the limit. No result is taken for granted. Today Cilic seized up with cramp and went out in five tough sets to Japan's Kei Nishikori; Richard Gasquet, untroubled, accounted for Davydenko 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.While local audiences clearly bemoan Roddick's loud departure more, Berdych's loss was a greater shock, those of Davydenko and Cilic about on a par. Gasquet, a player nowhere near as reliable as this New York weather, would be lethal if he could find some consistency.After the abrasive Roddick had foot-faulted and mouth-faulted his way out of his own national tournament last night against the more thoughtful Janko Tipsarevic (the Serb reads Nietzsche and has a tattoo that whispers: "Beauty will save the world"), the Americans looked to reformed lard-arse Mardy Fish.He did not let them down. Fish clearly has put his many wasted years behind him and looked convincing in beating the Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas in exactly two hours to reach the third round.Fish, who outlasted Murray in Cincinnati before reaching the final there against Federer, did his bit for Uncle Sam. He dropped serve early but broke back twice to take the first set, then eroded Cuevas's confidence to win 7-5, 6-0, 6-2.Fish, who is asked at every press conference about his impressive loss of two stones since last September, looks more dangerous than in his precocious youth. His backhand is lethal. He is serving big aces (although his first percentage is down to 52) and he actually likes talking about his fitness. Few here have handled the heat better, apart from maybe Murray who, oddly, wobbled in their Ohio quarter-final."There's a lot of people that have talked about my summer and how well I've played," Fish said. "To be honest, I felt like I've been the underdog most matches in my career. This is the spot that I want to be in. You want to be the favourite and winning a lot. I have played well here the past couple times. I've got a really good opportunity."He is, sadly, burdened by the pre-tournament endorsement of the Guardian as the best outside bet in the field. Punters tempted to lay off ought to do so before Fish collides with Federer, which could not happen before the semi-finals.Federer, lurking like a basking shark on the other side of the draw, knows he will not have either Rafa Nadal or Andy Murray to deal with until the crunch on Sunday week (perhaps neither of them) but, in the meantime, next up he has either Guillaume Rufin or Paul-Henri Mathieu, the Frenchmen who were beating each other up on court four, as the shadows grew across Flushing Meadows. The Swiss could not have asked for a quieter start.Roger FedererUS Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Roger Federer dispatches Andreas Beck in straight sets

www.dailymail.co.uk - Roger Federer enjoyed another comfortable victory to secure his place in the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows on Thursday. More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Dustin Brown would 'dread' a life like Andy Murray's

www.dailymail.co.uk - Blockbooking a set of hotel rooms in Manhattan amounts to relatively small change for Andy Murray, whose back-up team ensure every detail is catered for in his bid for the US Open title. Dustin Brown has a friend who coaches him gratis when he can, and the Jamaican, 25, is accustomed to travelling around the European circuit in a camper van to cut costs. More... (Tennis)

Video: Andy Roddick 'stupefied' by umpire after defeat at US Open 2010

www.guardian.co.uk - The American No9 seed has spoken about his tirade over a foot-fault as he crashed out at Flushing Meadows More... (Tennis)

US Open 2010: Order of play, Thursday

www.guardian.co.uk - The fourth day of the 2010 US Open sees, among others, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in actionOrder of play for Thursday 2 September, with play on all courts starting at 4pm BSTArthur Ashe StadiumSabine Lisicki (Ger) v (7) Vera Zvonareva (Rus),(1) Caroline Wozniacki (Den) v Chang Kai-chen (Tpe),Andreas Beck (Ger) v (2) Roger Federer (Swi),Iveta Benesova (Cze) v (14) Maria Sharapova (Rus),Philipp Petzschner (Ger) v (3) Novak Djokovic (Ser)Louis Armstrong Stadium11.00: Pablo Cuevas (Uru) v (19) Mardy Fish (US),(11) Svetlana Kuznetsova (Rus) v Anastasija Sevastova (Lat),(4) Jelena Jankovic (Ser) v Mirjana Lucic (Cro),Peter Polansky (Can) v James Blake (US)Grandstand 11:00: (18) Aravane Rezai (Fr) v Beatrice Capra (US),(6) Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) v Richard Gasquet (Fr),(5) Robin Soderling (Swe) v Taylor Dent (US),Bethanie Mattek-Sands (US) v Andrea Petkovic (Ger)Court 4 11:00: Julia Goerges (Ger) v (15) Yanina Wickmayer (Bel),Andreas Seppi (Ita) & Simone Vagnozzi (It) v Ryan Harrison (USA) & Robert Kendrick (US),Paul-Henri Mathieu (Fr) v Guillaume Rufin (Fr),Akgul Amanmuradova (Uzb) v (31) Kaia Kanepi (Est),(1) Liezel Huber (US) & Bob Bryan (US) v Su-Wei Hsieh (Tpe) & Bruno Soares (Br)Court 6 11.00: Dominika Cibulkova (Svk) v Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukr),Thiemo de Bakker (Neth) v Ivan Dodig (Cro),Lauren Herring (US) & Grace Min (US) v Dominika Cibulkova (Svk) & Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Rus),(9) Cara Black (Zim) & Anastasia Rodionova (Rus) v Victoria Azarenka (Blr) & Dinara Safina (Rus)Court 711.00: Chan Yung-jan (Tpe) v Tamira Paszek (Aut),Lourdes Domínguez Lino (Sp) v Urszula Radwanska (Pol), (13)Jürgen Melzer (Aut) v Ricardas Berankis (Ltu),Patty Schnyder (Swi) & Agnes Szavay (Hun) v (8) Anabel Medina Garrigues (Sp) & Yan Zi (Chn),(5) Lisa Raymond (US) & Rennae Stubbs (Aus) v Maria Kondratieva (Rus) & Vladimira Uhlirova (Cze)Court 8 11:00: (21) Albert Montañés (Sp) v Carsten Ball (Aus),Sara Errani (It) & Roberta Vinci (It) v Carly Gullickson (US) & Chelsey Gullickson (US),Martin Damm (Cze) & Filip Polasek (Svk) v Sergiy Stakhovsky (Ukr) & Mikhail Youzhny (Rus),(13) Robert Lindstedt (Swe) & Horia Tecau (Rom) v Robby Ginepri (US) & Ryan Sweeting (US)Court 1011:00: Eric Butorac (US) & Jean-Julien Rojer (Ant) v (2) Daniel Nestor (Can) & Nenad Zimonjic (Ser),Jamie Hampton (US) & Melanie Oudin (US) v Jill Craybas (US) & Sloane Stephens (US),Marc Gicquel (Fr) & Gaël Monfils (Fr) v Bradley Klahn (US) & Tim Smyczek (US),Melanie Oudin (US) & Ryan Harrison (US) v Andrea Hlavackova (Cze) & Michal Mertinak (Svk),Anne Keothavong (GB) & Anastasija Sevastova (Lat) v Timea Bacsinszky (Swi) & Tathiana Garbin (Ita)Court 1111:00: (22) María José Martínez Sánchez (Sp) v Patty Schnyder (Swi),Arnaud Clement (Fr) v Eduardo Schwank (Arg),Yvonne Meusburger (Aut) v (23) Maria Kirilenko (Rus),Ricardo Mello (Br) v (22) Juan Carlos Ferrero (Sp)Court 1211:00: Anna-Lena Grönefeld (Ger) & Mark Knowles (Bah) v Nicole Gibbs (US) & Sam Querrey (US),Florian Mayer (Ger) & Rogier Wassen (Neth) v Johan Brunstrom (Swe) & Travis Parrott (US),Jelena Kostanic Tosic (Cro) & Romina Oprandi (It) v (6) Vania King (US) & Yaroslava Shvedova (Kaz),Carsten Ball (Aus) & Chris Guccione (Aus) v (11) Julien Benneteau (Fr) & Michael Llodra (Fr)Court 1311:00: Kei Nishikori (Jpn) v (11) Marin Cilic (Cro),(25) Alexandra Dulgheru (Rom) v Sofia Arvidsson (Swe),Kevin Anderson (SA) v (26) Thomaz Bellucci (Br),(9) Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) v Shuai Peng (Chn)Court 14 11:00: Alicia Molik (Aus) & Francesca Schiavone (Ita) v Polona Hercog (Slo) & Petra Martic (Cro),Andrey Golubev (Kaz) & Denis Istomin (Uzb) v Daniele Bracciali (It) & Potito Starace (It),Frederico Gil (Por) & Daniel Gimeno-Traver (Sp) v Xavier Malisse (Bel) & Olivier Rochus (Bel),Aravane Rezai (Fr) & Yanina Wickmayer (Bel) v Alona Bondarenko (Ukr) & Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukr)Court 1511:00: Edina Gallovits (Rom) & Klaudia Jans (Pol) v Natalie Grandin (SA) & Abigail Spears (US),Vera Dushevina (Rus) & Sania Mirza (Ind) v (11) Alisa Kleybanova (Rus) & Ekaterina Makarova (Rus),Petra Kvitova (Cze) & Stefanie Voegele (Swi) v (4) Kveta Peschke (Cze) & Katarina Srebotnik (Slo),Juan Ignacio Chela (Arg) & Pablo Cuevas (Uru) v Teymuraz Gabashvili (Rus) & Feliciano López (Sp)Court 1611:00: Philipp Marx (Ger) & Igor Zelenay (Svk) v Daniel Brands (Ger) & Simon Greul (Ger),Jonathan Erlich (Isr) & Jordan Kerr (Aus) v (8) Julian Knowle (Aut) & Andy Ram (Isr),Michaella Krajicek (Neth) & Marie-Eve Pelletier (Can) v (13) Monica Niculescu (Rom) & Shahar Peer (Isr),(6) Elena Vesnina (Rus) & Andy Ram (Isr) v Raquel Kops-Jones (US) & Eric Butorac (US)Court 17 11:00: Benjamin Becker (Ger) & Leonardo Mayer (Arg) v Leos Friedl (Cze) & Dusan Vemic (Ser),(12) Marcel Granollers-Pujol (Sp) & Tommy Robredo (Sp) v Santiago González (Mex) & Travis Rettenmaier (US), (1) Gisela Dulko (Arg) & Flavia Pennetta (It) v Arantxa Parra Santonja (Sp) & Renata Voracova (Cze),(7) Chan Yung-jan (Tpe) & Zheng Jie (Chn) v Eleni Daniilidou (Gre) & Tsvetana Pironkova (Bul)US Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US Open 2010: Order of play Thursday

www.guardian.co.uk - The fourth day of the 2010 US Open sees, among others, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in actionOrder of play for Thursday 2 September, with play on all courts starting at 4pm BSTArthur Ashe StadiumSabine Lisicki (Ger) v (7) Vera Zvonareva (Rus),(1) Caroline Wozniacki (Den) v Kai Chen Chang (Tpe),Andreas Beck (Ger) v (2) Roger Federer (Swi),Iveta Benesova (Cze) v (14) Maria Sharapova (Rus),Philipp Petzschner (Ger) v (3) Novak Djokovic (Ser)Louis Armstrong Stadium11.00: Pablo Cuevas (Uru) v (19) Mardy Fish (USA),(11) Svetlana Kuznetsova (Rus) v Anastasija Sevastova (Lat),(4) Jelena Jankovic (Ser) v Mirjana Lucic (Cro),Peter Polansky (Can) v James Blake (USA)Grandstand 11:00: (18) Aravane Rezai (Fra) v Beatrice Capra (USA),(6) Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) v Richard Gasquet (Fra),(5) Robin Soderling (Swe) v Taylor Dent (USA),Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) v Andrea Petkovic (Ger)Court 4 11:00: Julia Goerges (Ger) v (15) Yanina Wickmayer (Bel),Andreas Seppi (Ita) & Simone Vagnozzi (Ita) v Ryan Harrison (USA) & Robert Kendrick (USA),Paul-Henri Mathieu (Fra) v Guillaume Rufin (Fra),Akgul Amanmuradova (Uzb) v (31) Kaia Kanepi (Est),(1) Liezel Huber (USA) & Bob Bryan (USA) v Su-Wei Hsieh (Tpe) & Bruno Soares (Bra)Court 6 11.00: Dominika Cibulkova (Svk) v Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukr),Thiemo De Bakker (Ned) v Ivan Dodig (Cro),Lauren Herring (USA) & Grace Min (USA) v Dominika Cibulkova (Svk) & Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Rus),(9) Cara Black (Zim) & Anastasia Rodionova (Rus) v Victoria Azarenka (Blr) & Dinara Safina (Rus)Court 711.00: Yung-Jan Chan (Tpe) v Tamira Paszek (Aut),Lourdes Domínguez Lino (Spa) v Urszula Radwanska (Pol), (13)Jürgen Melzer (Aut) v Ricardas Berankis (Ltu),Patty Schnyder (Swi) & Agnes Szavay (Hun) v (8) Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spa) & Zi Yan (Chn),(5) Lisa Raymond (USA) & Rennae Stubbs (Aus) v Maria Kondratieva (Rus) & Vladimira Uhlirova (Cze)Court 8 11:00: (21) Albert Montanes (Spa) v Carsten Ball (Aus),Sara Errani (Ita) & Roberta Vinci (Ita) v Carly Gullickson (USA) & Chelsey Gullickson (USA),Martin Damm (Cze) & Filip Polasek (Svk) v Sergiy Stakhovsky (Ukr) & Mikhail Youzhny (Rus),(13) Robert Lindstedt (Swe) & Horia Tecau (Rom) v Robby Ginepri (USA) & Ryan Sweeting (USA)Court 1011:00: Eric Butorac (USA) & Jean-Julien Rojer (Aho) v (2) Daniel Nestor (Can) & Nenad Zimonjic (Ser),Jamie Hampton (USA) & Melanie Oudin (USA) v Jill Craybas (USA) & Sloane Stephens (USA),Marc Gicquel (Fra) & Gael Monfils (Fra) v Bradley Klahn (USA) & Tim Smyczek (USA),Melanie Oudin (USA) & Ryan Harrison (USA) v Andrea Hlavackova (Cze) & Michal Mertinak (Svk),Anne Keothavong (Gbr) & Anastasija Sevastova (Lat) v Timea Bacsinszky (Swi) & Tathiana Garbin (Ita)Court 1111:00: (22) Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (Spa) v Patty Schnyder (Swi),Arnaud Clement (Fra) v Eduardo Schwank (Arg),Yvonne Meusburger (Aut) v (23) Maria Kirilenko (Rus),Ricardo Mello (Bra) v (22) Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spa)Court 1211:00: Anna-Lena Groenefeld (Ger) & Mark Knowles (Bah) v Nicole Gibbs (USA) & Sam Querrey (USA),Florian Mayer (Ger) & Rogier Wassen (Ned) v Johan Brunstrom (Swe) & Travis Parrott (USA),Jelena Kostanic Tosic (Cro) & Romina Oprandi (Ita) v (6) Vania King (USA) & Yaroslava Shvedova (Kaz),Carsten Ball (Aus) & Chris Guccione (Aus) v (11) Julien Benneteau (Fra) & Michael Llodra (Fra)Court 1311:00: Kei Nishikori (Jpn) v (11) Marin Cilic (Cro),(25) Alexandra Dulgheru (Rom) v Sofia Arvidsson (Swe),Kevin Anderson (Rsa) v (26) Thomaz Bellucci (Bra),(9) Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) v Shuai Peng (Chn)Court 14 11:00: Alicia Molik (Aus) & Francesca Schiavone (Ita) v Polona Hercog (Slo) & Petra Martic (Cro),Andrey Golubev (Kaz) & Denis Istomin (Uzb) v Daniele Bracciali (Ita) & Potito Starace (Ita),Frederico Gil (Por) & Daniel Gimeno-Traver (Spa) v Xavier Malisse (Bel) & Olivier Rochus (Bel),Aravane Rezai (Fra) & Yanina Wickmayer (Bel) v Alona Bondarenko (Ukr) & Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukr)Court 1511:00: Edina Gallovits (Rom) & Klaudia Jans (Pol) v Natalie Grandin (Rsa) & Abigail Spears (USA),Vera Dushevina (Rus) & Sania Mirza (Ind) v (11) Alisa Kleybanova (Rus) & Ekaterina Makarova (Rus),Petra Kvitova (Cze) & Stefanie Voegele (Swi) v (4) Kveta Peschke (Cze) & Katarina Srebotnik (Slo),Juan Ignacio Chela (Arg) & Pablo Cuevas (Uru) v Teymuraz Gabashvili (Rus) & Feliciano Lopez (Spa)Court 1611:00: Philipp Marx (Ger) & Igor Zelenay (Svk) v Daniel Brands (Ger) & Simon Greul (Ger),Jonathan Erlich (Isr) & Jordan Kerr (Aus) v (8) Julian Knowle (Aut) & Andy Ram (Isr),Michaella Krajicek (Ned) & Marie-Eve Pelletier (Can) v (13) Monica Niculescu (Rom) & Shahar Peer (Isr),(6) Elena Vesnina (Rus) & Andy Ram (Isr) v Raquel Kops-Jones (USA) & Eric Butorac (USA)Court 17 11:00: Benjamin Becker (Ger) & Leonardo Mayer (Arg) v Leos Friedl (Cze) & Dusan Vemic (Ser),(12) Marcel Granollers-Pujol (Spa) & Tommy Robredo (Spa) v Santiago Gonzalez (Mex) & Travis Rettenmaier (USA), (1) Gisela Dulko (Arg) & Flavia Pennetta (Ita) v Arantxa Parra Santonja (Spa) & Renata Voracova (Cze),(7) Yung-Jan Chan (Tpe) & Jie Zheng (Chn) v Eleni Daniilidou (Gre) & Tsvetana Pironkova (Bul)US Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US Open 2010: Kim Clijsters progresses but wants improvement

www.guardian.co.uk - Kim Clijsters beats Australian Sally Peers 6-2, 6-1 Venus Williams made to work in win against Rebecca MarinoThe reigning champion Kim Clijsters said her game was still a work in progress despite easing into the third round of the US Open with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over the Australian Sally Peers.Clijsters has lost just eight games so far at Flushing Meadows but admitted there was plenty of room for improvement after dropping her serve twice against the qualifier.The 27-year-old Belgian only got 51% of her first serves in and committed 21 unforced errors. "I just had to find my footing again a little bit," said Clijsters, who is seeded second this year behind Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, the player she beat in last year's final."I felt as the match went on I got to read her game a bit better and moved a bit better, but I still have a little further to go before I play my best tennis."Earlier on the third day Serbia's Ana Ivanovic revealed she feels close to rediscovering the form which made her world No1 after cruising into the third round. Ivanovic dropped only five games in beating Ekaterina Makarova in the opening round and lost just three as she thrashed China's 21st seed Jie Zheng 6-3, 6-0.The 22-year-old, who has dropped to 40th in the world rankings because of injuries and a loss of form, had lost two of her previous three matches against Zheng, including at Wimbledon in 2008 when Zheng was ranked 133rd and Ivanovic No1."I remember a couple of years ago when I was here and I was saying, even though I'm No1 I don't feel I'm playing as No1," Ivanovic said. "But now I feel like I'm playing like a top-10 player, I have confidence that I can beat these players. That's huge for me."The third seed Venus Williams was pushed all the way by Canadian qualifier Rebecca Marino, the two-time champion eventually recording a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 victory.Williams will face another qualifier in the third round after Mandy Minella, the world No185 from Luxembourg, dispatched the 32nd seed Tsvetana Pironkova for the loss of just four games."It was challenging, not just with the conditions, but also my opponent. She served so well and mixes up her shots," Williams said. "It seemed like every time I had an opening she came up with a big serve, so I guess I now know what it's like to play myself."Elsewhere, the French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, the sixth seed, hammered Maria Elena Camerin 6-2, 6-1, while the 24th seed Daniela Hantuchova came from a set down to beat the American Vania King 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.The No12 seed Elena Dementieva had an easier time in seeing off Austria's Sybille Bammer 6-3, 6-4, while the 20th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also advanced to the third round with a 6-2, 6-4 win over India's Sania Mirza.But the former Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli, the 13th seed, lost in straight sets to fellow Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano, who will play Ivanovic in the third round.The fifth seed Samantha Stosur, runner-up in the French Open this year, also advanced with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova.US Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US Open 2010: Andy Roddick crashes out after tirade at line judge

www.guardian.co.uk - Roddick loses 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 to Janko Tipsarevic Tomas Berdych beaten in straight sets by Michael LlodraThe former champion Andy Roddick crashed out of the US Open in the second round - but did not go quietly as he ranted at the officials over a foot fault.Roddick was serving at 5-2 down in the third set against Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic when a line judge called the fault on what would have been an ace.The ninth seed appeared to ask the female official if it was his right foot which caused the fault and was told it was, when in fact it was his left foot which touched the line. "Not once in my career has my right foot gone in front of my left foot, never. That is unbelievable," Roddick complained. "Why don't you get some umpires who know what they are doing? 1-800-rent-a-ref."The 28-year-old's tirade went on for some time, although he stopped short of the infamous foul-mouthed outburst by Serena Williams which occurred during last year's semi-final against Kim Clijsters.However, he did tell the umpire Enrique Molina "I think you and I both know that's ridiculous," as he left the court to change his shorts after the fourth set. Tipsarevic won that set 6-3 and went on to seal a 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) victory to book his place in the third round.Roddick admitted he had gone "too far" with his tirade, adding: "I wasn't upset with the call, I just expect my umpires to know their left foot from the right foot. The stubbornness ... I let mine get in the way. I got called for two others after that and have no issue with it. In the moment I was just stupefied."It's the fact I couldn't get her to admit it wasn't the right foot which infuriated me, the lack of common sense was unbelievable to me. We have got to be able to have a test like 'Point to your right foot, point to your left foot, now call lines'."In hindsight did I let it go too far? Probably. It was probably a correctable mistake and I let it get to me more than I should have."However, Roddick refused to blame his defeat on the incident, which came just two days after he celebrated his 28th birthday with a comfortable victory in the first round. "I was down 5-2 in the third set already, if anything it shifted the energy a little bit and after that I played OK," he added."It had zero impact in the match, it's not like I was up. I'm sure a lot's going to get written about it but the actual impact on the match was close to zero. At that point any change in energy was a good change for me. He [Tipsarevic] played great tonight. He played very high risk and executed for four sets. I kept telling myself this has to have an expiration date on it but unfortunately I needed another set for that. He deserved to win tonight."The Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych also crashed out of the US Open, the Czech losing his first-round match against France's Michael Llodra.The world No35 Llodra just missed out on being seeded for the main draw, but proved why he was a player many of the seeds wanted to avoid with a 7-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.The 30-year-old left-hander had lost in the first round in 22 of his previous 36 grand slam singles events, but drove the seventh seed Berdych to distraction with his serve-and-volley tactics."I don't know whether I played well or not," complained Berdych, who knocked out the defending champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon but lost in straight sets to Rafael Nadal in the final. "I had no chance to play on my terms. I don't see what I could have done better or differently."Llodra will play Victor Hanescu in the second round after the unseeded Romanian beat Carlos Berlocq of Argentina 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.The 15th seed Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia was beaten in four sets by 18-year-old American qualifier Ryan Harrison. "The weather was my biggest enemy today," admitted 31-year-old Ljubicic. "Throughout my career I [have] struggled with the heat. Today was no different."I sweat a lot and I just feel really bad. I mean, I can't move. It gets to me really quickly actually. Already in the first set I was struggling with it. It's really a physical problem."US Open tennisAndy RoddickTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Kim Clijsters eases into third round

www.dailymail.co.uk - Reigning champion Kim Clijsters insisted her game was still a work in progress despite easing into the third round of the US Open with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Australian Sally Peers. More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Andy Roddick out after clashing with line judge

www.dailymail.co.uk - Former champion Andy Roddick crashed out of the US Open after ranting at a line judge who called a foot fault against him. Roddick lost to Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic. More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Elena Baltacha misses out on date with Kim Clijsters after second round defeat to Petra Kvitova

www.dailymail.co.uk - Elena Baltacha missed out on an expected third round meeting with defending champion Kim Clijsters when she was sent packing from the US Open by Petra Kvitova. More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: SW19 finalist Tomas Berdych crashes out in first round at Flushing Meadows

www.dailymail.co.uk - Tomas Berdych became the biggest casualty of the US Open so far, the seventh seed crashing out of the US Open in the first round to France's Michael Llodra. More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Andy Murray eases to first round win over Lukas Lacko

www.dailymail.co.uk - Andy Murray coasted into the second round of the US Open with a comfortable straight sets win over Lukas Lacko. Murray will next play Jamaican Dustin Brown. More... (Tennis)

Victoria Azarenka taken to hospital after collapsing at US Open

www.guardian.co.uk - Belarussian diagnosed with concussion No10 seed taken off court in wheelchairThe No10 seed, Victoria Azarenka, was taken to hospital after collapsing on court during her second-round US Open match against Gisela Dulko today. Azarenka slumped to the ground while 1-5 and 15-30 down on the Grandstand court and, after receiving medical treatment, was taken off in a wheelchair.It was initially thought the high temperatures were to blame but Azarenka said she had injured herself before going out on court."I was warming up in the gym prior to my match when I fell while running a sprint," she said. "I fell forward and hit my arm and head. I was checked by the medical team before I went on court and they were courtside for monitoring. I felt worse as the match went on, having a headache and feeling dizzy. I also started having trouble seeing and felt weak before I fell. I was taken to the hospital for some medical tests and have been diagnosed with a mild concussion."The Belarussian appeared to struggle in the third game when the trainer was called. She received treatment for an apparent arm injury but complained of blurred vision, too. It became increasingly clear that the 21-year-old was in difficulty. Then, while serving for the fourth time in the match, she collapsed on the baseline. Brian Earley, the tournament referee, said later: 'She is having diagnostic testing and it does not seem to be primarily a heat-related illness.'Caroline Wozniacki has so far justified her top seeding after making short work of the American wild card Chelsey Gullickson, winning 6-1, 6-1. The 20-year-old Dane, runner-up to the Belgian Kim Clijsters here last year, never lost serve in the 61-minute rout.US Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US Open tennis: Day 3 action

www.guardian.co.uk - We bring you the best images from day 3 at Flushing Meadow as Andy Murray continues his quest to land his first Grand Slam title More... (Tennis)

US Open 2010: Day three

www.guardian.co.uk - We bring you the best images from the third day at Flushing Meadows as Andy Murray continues his quest for a grand slam More... (Tennis)

Andy Murray breezes past Lukas Lacko in US Open first round

www.guardian.co.uk - Andy Murray wins first-round match 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 Next opponent is Jamaica's unpredictable Dustin BrownThe sight of Victoria Azarenka collapsed in a heat-ravaged heap, then carried from the court in a wheelchair on her way to hospital, underlined the physical demands of this US Open, with only brief relief from the tail feathers of Hurricane Earl in sight tomorrow and 11 days to go in New York's hottest ever summer.However, a be-capped Andy Murray, his pale Scottish skin smothered in sun screen and his demeanour ice cool, came through the first-round match unstretched against the unseeded Slovakian Lukas Lacko.Murray, who teetered in the even greater heat of Cincinnati two weeks ago, when he admitted he got his hydration wrong, looked in fine form on Arthur Ashe Court yesterday winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in nine minutes short of two hours. It was a comfortable win, but he did linger quite long in the sun.Murray's reward for the win is a second-round match against Dustin Brown, born in Germany, raised and disillusioned in Jamaica, and keen to play Davis Cup for Great Britain - however unlikely that prospect is.Brown soaked it up well enough out on the totally exposed court eight against the experienced Spaniard Rubén Ramírez Hildago, winning 6-4, 7-6, 7-5.Dread-locked and loud in every sense, from his pyjama-like shorts and luminous orange and lime shoe laces to his unconfined celebration of his 21 aces, minced Hildago.In heat tempered only by the sahara-like gusts that eddied through the baking crowd, he lit up every exchange with a brand of tennis rarely seen in the modern game, dismissive of risk and high on entertainment.Brown was a big hit at Queen's this year and qualified for Wimbledon when he went inside the top 100, has lost more than he has won on the clay courts of Europe this year, five out of 13, and his ranking has slipped to 123. But his personality and his game are irresistible."I'm from Jamaica, so it felt like home out there today," he said after a match that detained him 149 minutes. Brown, angry at lack of support by the tennis federation in Jamaica, said he has not heard from the Lawn Tennis Association about qualifying for Great Britain, through his grandmother, since discussions at Wimbledon.But he is happy to roam on the outskirts of Planet Tennis. He does not envy Andy Murray and the other superstars, he says, because he can play when he pleases - although not for any great financial return.Making it to the big tournaments, like Wimbledon and US Open, eases his money worries. "You get $18,000 (£11,650) for coming here," he said, "so that's good. But I'm keeping the camper van at home, just in case."Brown for years drove around Europe following the Challenger and Futures crumbs in a van bought for him by his parents.This, though, is the journey of his life, mixing it in the big time, and he did not look at all out of place against Hildago.On his day, Brown's power tennis is hard to counter. Yesterday was his day. Whether or not Friday will belong to him also is problematic. He has a killer serve, clever chip shots - "my favourite," he says - but lacks consistency. We should enjoy him in his brief bursts on to centre stage.Azarenka, the women's 10th seed, was preparing to serve in the seventh game of the first set against the Argentinian Gisela Dulko when she staggered along the baseline, dropped to her knees and rolled on to her side, motionless, in front of a shocked Grandstand Court crowd.She was the first, and so far, only, victim of a heatwave that has been broiling New York for nearly a week. It has affected some players more than others; Azarenka, though, was a story waiting to happen. Her temperament is as explosive as her screaming and she has a history of bailing out under pressure.The 21-year-old Belarussian, wearing an all-black outfit hardly best suited to reflecting the heat, was taken to hospital and was recovering satisfactorily. Dulko, who was leading 5-1, rushed to her aid when she fell, and said later: "I was scared. She went to the floor. I was worried for her. I went to see her, brought some ice, did what I could do to help. It was terrible. I hope she is OK."It's tough to play out there. It's really hot, really humid. You sweat so much, sometimes it's impossible to hold the racket."Azarenka looked unsteady on her feet from early in the match, which began in rising temperatures in late morning, and there were rumours that she might have been suffering from more than heat exhaustion. ESPN reported that she had complained earlier of blurred vision and had received medical attention before the match.It is not the first time Azarenka has succumbed to tough conditions. At the Australian Open last year, she took a set off Serena Williams in the fourth round then quit in a tearful exit on a fiercely hot day, complaining of dizziness.On that occasion she said she had been suffering from food poisoning the night before.Andy MurrayUS Open tennisTennisKevin Mitchellguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Victoria Azarenka collapses on court in sweltering heat

www.dailymail.co.uk - Number 10 seed Victoria Azarenka has collapsed on court during her second-round match against Gisela Dulko at the US Open. Azarenka slumped to the ground in sweltering temperatures. More... (Tennis)

Victoria Azarenka needs hospital treatment after collapsing at US Open

www.guardian.co.uk - Belarussian's tournament ends in searing heat No10 seed taken off court in wheelchairThe No10 seed, Victoria Azarenka, was taken to hospital after collapsing on court in the searing heat in New York during her second-round US Open match against Gisela Dulko today. Azarenka slumped to the ground while 1-5 and 15-30 down on the Grandstand court and, after receiving medical treatment, was taken off in a wheelchair.The Belarussian appeared to struggle as early as the third game when the trainer was called. She received treatment for an apparent arm injury but complained of blurred vision, too. It became increasingly clear that the 21-year-old was in difficulty. Then, while serving for the fourth time in the match, she collapsed on the baseline. Brian Earley, the tournament referee, said later: 'She is having diagnostic testing and it does not seem to be primarily a heat-related illness.'Caroline Wozniacki has so far justified her top seeding after making short work of the American wild card Chelsey Gullickson, winning 6-1, 6-1. The 20-year-old Dane, runner-up to the Belgian Kim Clijsters here last year, never lost serve in the 61-minute rout.US Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Victoria Azarenka collapses in the heat at US Open

www.guardian.co.uk - Belarussian's tournament ends in distress No10 seed taken off court in wheelchairThe No10 seed, Victoria Azarenka, collapsed on court in the searing heat in New York during her second-round match against Gisela Dulko today. Azarenka slumped to the ground while 1-5 and 15-30 down on the Grandstand court and, after receiving medical treatment, was taken off in a wheelchair.The Belarussian appeared to struggle as early as the third game when the trainer was called. She received treatment for an apparent arm injury but also complained of blurred vision. It became increasingly clear that the 21-year-old was in difficulty as she took time out between every subsequent point and was ill at ease on her feet. Then, while serving for the fourth time in the match, she collapsed on the baseline, leading to gasps from the crowd and forcing her retirement from the tournament.Caroline Wozniacki has so far justified her top seeding after making short work of the American wild card Chelsey Gullickson, winning 6-1 6-1. The 20-year-old Dane, runner-up to the Belgian Kim Clijsters here last year, never lost serve in the 61-minute rout.TennisUS Open tennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Andy Murray v Lukas Lacko - live! | Marcus Christenson

www.guardian.co.uk - Hit F5 for the latest or select the auto-refresh button below Follow all today's live game-by-game scores at the US Open Email your thoughts to marcus.christenson@guardian.co.ukDay three at Flushing Meadows and finally we are going to see Andy Murray in action. The world No4 is (as you know) up against the little-known Lukas Lacko. Well, he is really "Lukáš" Lacko but we only do accents on a few countries here at the Guardian (don't ask) so today he will be just "Lukas".Good afternoon everyone. Ivanovic, the former world No1, has beaten Zheng in straight sets but it appears we are still set for a 6pm BST start for Murray. The Scot looked relaxed as he arrived at Flushing Meadows and does not think that the heat will be a problem. "Loving the heat in new york! Perfect weather to see who's put in the work," he tweeted this week.Marcus will be here somewhere around 6pm, when Andy Murray is expected to be on Arthur Ash court to face the world No71, Lukas Lacko of Slovakia. The match is scheduled second after Ana Ivanovic takes on the 21st seed Zheng Jie in the second round of the women's singles, with that match beginning at 4pm BST.It ought to be routine for the world No4, such is Murray's quality and confidence on this, his favourite surface in the world. But Lacko is no pushover, and it will be hot, hot, hot in blazing sunshine of New York's Flushing Meadows.Join Marcus for the action as the Scot begins his assault on the grand slam he feels he has the best chance of winning.In the meantime, you can get all the latest from the US Open on our dedicated site.US Open tennisAndy MurrayTennisMarcus Christensonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Andy Murray v Lukas Lacko - as it happened | Marcus Christenson

www.guardian.co.uk - Follow all today's live game-by-game scores at the US OpenMarcus will be here somewhere around 6pm, when Andy Murray is expected to be on Arthur Ash court to face the world No71, Lukas Lacko of Slovakia. The match is scheduled second after Ana Ivanovic takes on the 21st seed Zheng Jie in the second round of the women's singles, with that match beginning at 4pm BST.It ought to be routine for the world No4, such is Murray's quality and confidence on this, his favourite surface in the world. But Lacko is no pushover, and it will be hot, hot, hot in blazing sunshine of New York's Flushing Meadows.Join Marcus for the action as the Scot begins his assault on the grand slam he feels he has the best chance of winning.In the meantime, you can get all the latest from the US Open on our dedicated site.Good afternoon everyone. Ivanovic, the former world No1, has beaten Zheng in straight sets but it appears we are still set for a 6pm BST start for Murray. The Scot looked relaxed as he arrived at Flushing Meadows and does not think that the heat will be a problem. "Loving the heat in new york! Perfect weather to see who's put in the work," he tweeted this week.5.30pm: Day three at Flushing Meadows and finally we are going to see Andy Murray in action. The world No4 is (as you know) up against the little-known Lukas Lacko. Well, he is really "Lukáš" Lacko but we only do accents on a few countries here at the Guardian (don't ask) so today he will be just "Lukas".5.38pm: The bad news for Murray? Lacko has reached the second round of every slam he has ever played in (a total of three, since you ask) and is the biggest thing to come out of Slovakia since, er, Dominik Hrbaty.The good news for Murray? Lacko is, apparently, not very good.5.44pm: Lacko was born in Piestany, north-east of Bratislava, 22 years ago. I have to say, looking at the map, that it is surprising how close Bratislava is to Vienna. Both of Lacko's parents (Ladislav and Dagmar) are teachers, the official ATP website tells me. Do we know anything else about this man, apart from that he rates winning the Seoul Challenger tournament as the highlight of his career? Let me know.5.49pm: It is hot in New York today. Really hot. So hot that the No10 seed Victoria Azarenka collapsed on court during her second-round match against Gisela Dulko. It didn't look good at all. Azarenka slumped to the ground while 1-5 15-30 down on the Grandstand court and, after receiving medical treatment, was taken off in a wheelchair.5.55pm: While we wait for the players we can have a look - if you have not seen it yet - at Roger Federer's great between-the-legs-shot against Brian Dabul in his first-round match... Tennis at its best. Who said Federer was past it?6.00pm: This what Murray had to say about Lacko an hour ago (after his practice session): "He is a good player, he has had a few good wins this summer. He hits the ball flat and it is going to be tough for me out there."6.05pm: And this is what Lacko had to say about Murray yesterday: "We know each other from our junior time. I don't think Andy has seen me play recently so that may be an advantage for me. It is on a big court so I think it will be a good atmosphere. The great advantage for me is that I am not under pressure but he is."6.06pm: Ah, an email! From David Stanley."Lucky Luke is possibly part of a golden generation of Slovak tennis stars. In addition to Hrbaty there's also the large shouldered Dominika Cibulkova. By contrast, we...I mean Scotland, have Murray. With a relative embarassment of riches it's disappointing neither Lucko nor Cibulkova bothered lending Hrbaty a few vowels."6.13pm: 6.12pm: The players are out on the court with Murray sporting a white cap to keep his head as cool as possible. Greg Rusedski looks excited on Sky Sports and is, in addition, complimented on his tan. Well, as you can see, there is nothing more I can add before this match kicks off...6.16pm: Talking about vowels, my favourite ever name of an ice hockey player was from Slovakia. His surname was Vlk. How do you pronounce that?First set: Murray* 1-0 Lacko Murray starts off with two aces, the second at an impressive 182kph, but Lacko comes back to 30-40 before an average drop shot by Murray wins the game.First set: Murray 1-1 Lacko* Murray tries the drop shot again but it is short and Lacko takes the game. The Slovak looks comfortable out there and he too served up an ace in his first service game. Neil Brock emails: "Right here's the scenario, I'm working late tonight and luckily we have televisions in our office which are showing Sky. Unluckily for me the remotes are downstairs so I'm stuck watching Sky Sports News (IN HD!!!) in a mind-bending continuous loop. Is this tennis match really going to be worth me traipsing all the way downstairs to change it or will I be doing better having Jim White shout at me instead for the next hour or so?"See it as a challenge Neil. Try to mentally block out Whitey's voice while working and reading this game-by-game report. If you can manage that, you can do anything.First set: Murray* 2-1 Lacko Lacko wins the first point with a beautiful croos-court forehand but Murray rallies back to win the game. His first serve is looking very solid. At the moment he is doing exactly what John McEnroe this week told him to do: "Use a little less power and make sure you get more than 60% of them in".First set: Murray 3-1 Lacko* Murray's forehand does the talking as he moves into a 30-0 lead. The Scot then sees a backhand land just behind the baseline. He challenges but it is clearly out. However, a wonderful drop shot and an equally measured forehand lob leads to the first break of the match. Weirdly, no one else has picked up on great Slovakian ice hockey names but how could I forget Miroslav Satan.First set: Murray* 4-1 Lacko Murray is playing really well here and wins the game to love. Everything he tries is coming off at the moment with the low backhand volley - by his feet - the pick of the bunch in this game.First set: Murray 4-2* Lacko The Slovakian is losing his concentration at times in the heat and his long, long forehand at 15-15 was as unforced as you get. He recovers, however, to reach deuce three times before Murray sends a wild backhand wide and then sees another return shot hit the cord and also go wide. David Sargent emails: "Lukas Lacko? Sounds like Superman's arch enemy." Well, Murray is all Superman at the moment while Lacko is finding it very difficult to keep up.First set: Murray* 5-2 Lacko Murray continues to serve well and wins the game to 15, finishing it off with some crushing forehands. Mark Petchey on Sky is impressed: "He has come here with a real sense of belief. He looks even more relaxed this time around and he knows that he has left no stone unturned."First set: Murray 5-3 Lacko* The Slovakian, who has beaten Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis in 2010, comes out aggressively after the break and Murray is unable to cope with his serve. Why did I get these Wasabi Peas? They are far too strong for me. I should have got a croissant instead. And none of my colleagues are offering me tea.First set: Murray* 6-3 Lacko A first double fault on the first point of this game from Murray, who is not looking quite as impressive as in the first few games. He then gets away with a less-than-perfect drop shot to go 30-0 up. I always feel that the drop shot is a lazy way to win a point, a sign of a player being tired. But Murray then proceeds to win the best rally of the match with a superb double-handed backhand to get a set point (which he then wastes on a really poor drop shot).A lovely weighted backhand volley gives Murray advantage again but he slices a smash woefully wide to give Lacko another chance to survive. He then finally sees off Lacko's stubborn resistance to win the first set.Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 1-0 Murray finishes off the longest rally of the match so far by scurrying forward to reach a Lacko drop shot and pass the Slovakian with a forehand. Murray's powerful groundstrokes then puts Lacko on the backfoot and a poor backhand sees the Scot break in the first game of the second set.Murray* leads Lacko 6-3, 1-1 Some superb tennis in this game. On the second point, Murray lobs Lacko only to see the Slovakian turn around and - with the back to his net - fire a neat passing shot out of Murray's reach. Murray loses the game and slams his racket into the court. It is his first bad game of the match, still he seems very upset with himself. Peter Gibbs emails: "This tennis malarkey will be over soon.....where can I catch the two semi finals (without resorting to Sky or flying to the Stoop) ? Eng vs Oz.....always tasty."Well, I'm afriad it is Sky who has got the rights. I am pleased to say, however, that our own Ian Malin has set off for the Stoop to cover the game. I doubt he'll be doing a minute-by-minute though.Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 2-1 The two players have lost all their inhibitions now. They take turns to over-hit shots before, at 30-30, two clever returns from Murray sees him break back straight away. You get the feeling the Scot wants this match over and done with as soon as possible because of the heat. That outburst after the lost service game was still surprising though. And I think I am right in saying that whoever wins this match will take on the Jamaican Dustin Brown who beat Spain's Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 7-5 (16-14)Murray* leads Lacko 6-3, 3-1 Murray finds himself 15-30 down but he wins the next three points - including an ace and another good serve - to go 3-1 up. It's not been a particularly aesthetically pleasing match thus far, but that is not what matters today. Murray is wearing a nice blue adidas shirt today (although I think the style guide says we should cap up the a in adidas) but it makes you wonder why, considering the heat, is not playing in all white. And what about Lacko in his blue-black outfit? Crazy.Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 3-2 Murray does all the running to catch a tonking Lacko forehand but then gives away the point with a wristy forehand effort. Once again, he vents his frustration by shouting loudly. The game finishes when a poor Murray backhand lands about a metre outside the tramline.It is so hot out there that a spectator has keeled over in the vicinity of the Sky commentators' box, Barry Millns informs us. Get this over and done with Andy!Murray* leads Lacko 6-3, 4-2 Murray holds his serve despite another ill-judged drop shot. He is totally in control but will not be happy with the 18 unforced errors he has made so far. The first service percentage, however, is a healthy 66%.The No7 seed Tomas Berdych, meanwhile, is struggling, two sets down against Michael Llodra.Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 5-2 This must have been a tiring game for Murray. He is all over the court as Lacko spreads his shots around but the Scot has an answer to everything - lobs, drop shots, passing shots - and breaks again. He is now serving for the second set. This is all going according to plan. Anyone know the rugby score? Oh, it hasn't kicked off yet.Murray* leads Lacko 6-3, 6-2 Murray produces some world-class tennis with a whipped, top-spin forehand followed by an angled volley to go 30-15 up. An ace and a cracking forehand wins the set for Murray and he - justifiably - looks quite pleased as he is handed his towel on his way to his chair.Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 6-2, 0-1 You can sense the match drifting away from the young Slovakian but he picks himself up and wins this game. It was important for him to hold here. He double faulted once but some scintillating forehands saw him claw the game back and take a 1-0 lead in the third set.Murray* leads Lacko 6-3, 6-2, 1-1 The camera zooms in on Alex Corretja, who has been helping Murray with some coaching, but the way the Scot is playing at the moment you wonder how much of an impact a coach has these days. Murray certainly hasn't been playing worse since he split with Miles MacLagan - and he makes it 1-1 here quite easily.What do you think? Do players really need coaches?Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 6-2, 2-1 Murray has really impressed me with his attacking play today. He has been superb at the net. In this game he wins one point with a sumptuous, smooth backhand volley, reminiscent of Stefan Edberg at his best. A joy to watch. This game included some tough rallies but Lacko ends with a double fault. He is really in trouble now. Jason R emails to ask what colour Murray's socks are and I can tell you that they are positively white. As are his shorts...Murray* leads Lacko 6-3, 6-2, 3-1 Lacko bullies Murray with some authoritative forehands but, just as it seems he is on top of things, he sends the final shot wide. He has been too inconsistent to trouble Murray today. It is 3-1 to Murray now. The first seed Murray can come against is Stanislas Wawrinka, and he has just won the first set against Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin. Kazakhstan is a wonderfully large country, isn't it? World's ninth largest is it?Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 6-2, 3-2 Some rare relief for Lacko, who wins the game easily. It contains his fifth ace of the match and some neat volleys. But there is nothing there to indicate that he will turn this around. Berdych, who lost in the final at Wimbledon, is facing a match point against Llodra.Murray* leads Lacko 6-3, 6-2, 4-2 Murray momentarily loses his focus and gets annoyed with himself after a failed drop shot. He thinks about smashing his racket into the court again but then remembers that he is two sets and a break up in the third. He slaps his hand into the racket a few times instead and proceeds to win the game to 30.Murray leads Lacko* 6-3, 6-2, 5-2 Lacko seems to have lost interest and hammers a weird, sliced shot from Murray way past the baseline. He then double faults before almost hitting a spectator with an attempted passing shot. The biggest applause of the day goes to the spectator, who catches the ball impressively. It has been that one-sided here today.Murray beats Lacko* 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 No problems for Murray as he completes a very, very comfortable first-round win. He wins the final game of the match to 15, clenches his fist and shakes Lacko's hand. He did everything he needed to: he played well, he did not spend too much time out in the heat and got a decent work-out. It took him less than two hours and he will now play Dustin Brown in the second round. Probably on Friday. That's all from me tonight but don't forget that women's rugby game at the Stoop. It is Australia v England after all. And Kevin Mitchell's report from this match will be up here soon.US Open tennisAndy MurrayTennisMarcus Christensonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

US OPEN 2010: Rafael Nadal progresses to second round

www.dailymail.co.uk - World No 1 Rafael Nadal was made to work hard before finally breaking the resistance of Russia's Teymuraz Gabashvili to book his place in the second round of the US Open. More... (Tennis)

US Open tennis: The best images from Flushing Meadows

www.guardian.co.uk - A look back at the opening two days at Flushing Meadows, including first-round victories for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal More... (Tennis)

Rafael Nadal struggles to victory over Teymuraz Gabashvili in US Open

www.guardian.co.uk - Nadal made to work in win over world number 93 Novak Djokovic fights back to beat Viktor TroickiRafael Nadal was made to work hard before finally breaking the resistance of world No93, Teymuraz Gabashvili, to book his place in the second round of the US Open.Nadal won in straight sets at Flushing Meadows, but it took until the seventh game of the third set for him to break Gabashvili's serve.The world No1, who needs to win the title in New York on 12 September to complete a career grand slam, eventually broke a gallant Gabashvili again to seal a 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 victory in two hours and 57 minutes."It was a very tough match tonight," conceded Nadal. "My serve worked well and hopefully I can continue like this. It's not my best shot but I always try hard to keep improving. I know if I want to have chances to win here, this year or any year, I need to serve really well and that's one thing I am focusing on."Earlier in the day, Novak Djokovic was forced to come back from the brink of defeat to also advance to the next round. Djokovic trailed two sets to one and saved a break point in the fourth set to avoid going a double-break down before rallying to beat his Serbian Davis Cup team-mate Viktor Troicki 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 in three hours 40 minutes.The No3 seed, who often has breathing difficulties in hot weather, struggled as the temperature in New York approached 100 degrees, but dug deep to grind out the win.Asked about finally getting some shade on the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the fifth set, Djokovic said: "Oh my God, it was a sleeping with my girlfriend kind of feeling! Somebody from the stands kept on saying 'Hold on and try to hang in there' and that's exactly what I did."I have to give Viktor credit, he played really well and served incredibly well. If I lost it would have been so deserved on his side. Only a couple of points turned the match around."Marcos Baghdatis became the biggest casualty of the US Open so far, the 16th seed losing in five sets to the veteran Frenchman Arnaud Clement. Clement, 32, recovered from two sets to one down to secure a 6-3, 2-6, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory on the Louis Armstrong court."What can I say? I was really heavy on court, I wasn't feeling very fit," admitted Baghdatis. "I couldn't play aggressive. I was really defensive today and Arnaud played a very good first set. I didn't play very good tennis and he won the match."Latvia's Ernests Gulbis was another seed to fall, the 24th seed losing in straight sets to France's Jeremy Chardy, but the eighth seed, Fernando Verdasco, came through in five sets against Fabio Fognini of Italy, while the 31st seed, David Nalbandian, also needed five sets to see off the South African qualifier Rik de Voest.Rafael NadalUS Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki eases into US Open second round

www.guardian.co.uk - Wozniacki beats American Chelsey Gullickson 6-1 6-1 Fourth seed Jelena Jankovic scrapes past Simona HalepTop seed Caroline Wozniacki made comfortable progress into the second round of the US Open with a 6-1 6-1 victory over American wild card entrant Chelsey Gullickson.The 20-year-old Wozniacki, seeded first due to the absence of Serena Williams with a foot injury, arrived at Flushing Meadows in excellent form having won in Montreal and New Haven in the space of six days last week.Wozniacki saved a break point in game one and it proved to be the first of six points she won in a row on the way to breaking Gullickson instead, setting the tone for the first set which began just before midnight in New York.A long forehand from the American gave Wozniacki a second break in the sixth game and allowed the Dane to serve for the first set, and she wrapped up the first set with the match only 30 minutes old. Gullickson was gutsy but too many unforced errors ultimately cost her dearly as the second set followed the pattern of the first.Wozniacki will be aiming to go one better here than she did last year, when she lost to Kim Clijsters in the final.Much earlier in the day, fourth seed Jelena Jankovic admitted she had enjoyed a lucky escape after scraping past Simona Halep, winning 6-4 4-6 7-5 but only after world number 96 Halep had served for the match at 5-4 in the decider."First-round matches are never easy and today was really hard. It wasn't my best game, so I had to work hard to get through," Jankovic said. "It was tough, I was lucky to get through and to have another chance."Jankovic will face Croatia's Mirjana Lucic in the second round, the 1999 Wimbledon semi-finalist who vanished off the tour for several years due to personal and financial problems.Lucic, who beat Australian Alicia Molik 7-6 6-1, turned professional in April 1997 at the age of 15 and promptly won her first tournament, and was still just 15 when she won the Australian Open doubles title in 1998 with Martina Hingis."I don't want to go into the reasons about everything, it was just unfortunate why I haven't played," Lucic said. "It wasn't because I was sick of tennis or anything like that. It was just a lot of unfortunate circumstances."My dream never died and never went away. I was just waiting for an opportunity. I have it and I've been living my dream the last couple of years. Every match I win now it's like winning an entire tournament."I was really lucky and blessed to be so good when I was so young. I grew up winning since I was six years old and it was always normal. But once that was taken away for years it's incredible; every match gives me such satisfaction."It's almost like walking blind for years and really struggling a lot to finally be free again and reminding myself of the old ways and how good I can play and that I can play with these girls and beat them."Former champion Maria Sharapova recovered from losing the first set to beat Australia's Jarmila Groth 4-6 6-3 6-1 in a match which ran over into the evening session."I knew I had a tough first-round opponent, she's been playing some really good tennis," a relieved Sharapova said. "She came out firing and did not give me many opportunities and I just hung in there and fought and those are the matches you want to get through."Elsewhere, former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova needed three sets to beat Japanese veteran Kimiko Date Krumm, the 11th seed eventually winning 6-2 4-6 6-1.It took until 4:45pm local time on the second day for the first female seed to lose, China's Li Na going down in three sets to Kateryna Bondarenko.Li, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year and was seeded eighth, won the first set 6-2 but Ukrainian Bondarenko hit back to win the next two 6-4 6-2.US Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Caroline Wozniacki eases into US Open second round

www.guardian.co.uk - No1 seed beats American Chelsey Gullickson 6-1 6-1 Fourth seed Jelena Jankovic scrapes past Simona HalepCaroline Wozniacki, the top seed, made comfortable progress into the second round of the US Open with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the American wild card entrant Chelsey Gullickson.The 20-year-old Wozniacki, seeded first due to the absence of the injured Serena Williams, arrived at Flushing Meadows in excellent form having won in Montreal and New Haven in the space of six days last week and she wrapped up the victory in only 61 minutes.Much earlier in the day, the fourth seed Jelena Jankovic admitted she had enjoyed a lucky escape after scraping past Simona Halep, winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 but only after the world No96 Halep had served for the match at 5-4 in the decider."First-round matches are never easy and today was really hard. It wasn't my best game, so I had to work hard to get through," Jankovic said. "It was tough, I was lucky to get through and to have another chance."Jankovic will face Croatia's Mirjana Lucic in the second round, the 1999 Wimbledon semi-finalist who vanished off the tour for several years due to personal and financial problems.Lucic, who beat the Australian Alicia Molik 7-6, 6-1, turned professional in April 1997 at the age of 15 and promptly won her first tournament. She was still only 15 when she won the Australian Open doubles title in 1998 with Martina Hingis."I don't want to go into the reasons about everything, it was just unfortunate why I haven't played," Lucic said. "It wasn't because I was sick of tennis or anything like that. It was just a lot of unfortunate circumstances."My dream never died and never went away. I was just waiting for an opportunity. I have it and I've been living my dream the last couple of years. Every match I win now it's like winning an entire tournament."Maria Sharapova, a former US Open champion, recovered from losing the first set to beat Australia's Jarmila Groth 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in a match which ran over into the evening session."I knew I had a tough first-round opponent, she's been playing some really good tennis," a relieved Sharapova said. "She came out firing and did not give me many opportunities and I just hung in there and fought and those are the matches you want to get through."Elsewhere another former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova needed three sets to beat the Japanese veteran Kimiko Date Krumm, the 11th seed eventually winning 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.It took until 4:45pm local time on the second day for the first female seed to lose, China's Li Na going down in three sets to Kateryna Bondarenko. Li, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year and was seeded eighth, won the first set 6-2 but her Ukrainian opponent hit back to win the next two 6-4, 6-2.US Open tennisTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Rafael Nadal serves up warning to rivals at US Open

www.guardian.co.uk - World No1 beats Gabashvili without conceding a break Nadal: 'If I want to win here I need to serve really well'World No1 Rafael Nadal made a confident start to his bid to complete a career grand slam by winning 7-6 7-6 6-3 in a heavy-hitting contest against Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili at the US Open.Looking comfortable on the fast Arthur Ashe centre court, and with a newly powerful serve, the 24-year-old Spaniard claimed the first two tiebreaks by 7-4.Nadal, the No1 seed, who topped 130 mph (210 kph) on his fastest serve, registered the first service break of the match when the 93rd-ranked Gabashvili netted an easy forehand in the seventh game. Nadal then closed out the match with another break."My serve tonight worked well," said the eight-times grand slam winner, who needs a US Open title to complete a career grand slam. "Hopefully it will continue like this. My serve is not my best shot but I always try hard to keep improving and that's what I'm working on all the time."He produced seven aces and a first-serve success rate of 67 percent in a match that lasted nearly three hours."I know if I want to have chances to win here I need to serve really, really well, so that's one of the things I am most focused on," said Nadal.Nadal, winner of this year's French and Wimbledon championships, will next meet Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, a straight sets winner over Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina.US Open tennisRafael NadalTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)