Nadal out of US Open

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/18/603729header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/18/603729header.jpg" /></a></div> Defending US Open champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the final grand slam of the tennis year with a wrist injury.<br /> <br /> The world number two's participation at Flushing Meadows was always in doubt after he pulled out of ATP 1000 events at the Rogers Cup and Cincinnati Masters last month.<br /> <br /> He had initially hoped to be fit for the US Open but announced on Monday that he had lost his race against time.<br /> <br /> Nadal – winner of 14 grand slam titles – beat current world number one, Novak Djokovic, in four sets at last year's final in New York.<br /> <br /> The Spaniard posted on his official Facebook page: "I am very sorry to announce I won't be able to play at this year's US Open, a tournament on which I've played three consecutive finals in my last participations.<br /> <br /> "I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things.<br /> <br /> "[There is] not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back."<br /> <br /> Nadal also beat Djokovic in four sets to win the 2010 US Open final.<br /> <br /> The 28-year-old's withdrawal will mean he ends the year with just one grand slam title – achieved in Paris at the French Open, a tournament he has won nine times.

championship news sports Rafael Nadal SPORTS US Open Nadal out of US Open

Defending US Open champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the final grand slam of the tennis year with a wrist injury. The world number two's participation at Flushing Meadows was always in doubt after he pulled out of ATP 1000 events at the Rogers…

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Benneteau, Ferrer enjoy rankings boosts

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/18/603913header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/18/603913header.jpg" /></a>Julien Benneteau is one place off a career-high ranking of 26 after his run to the semi-finals of the Western and Southern Open.<br /> <br /> The Frenchman reached the final four of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event before bowing out to David Ferrer who, in turn, lost to Roger Federer in the final.<br /> <br /> However, his semi-final effort ensured he moved up 14 places to 27th in the world with Ferrer also jumping up a place into the top five thanks to his final appearance.<br /> <br /> Poland's Jerzy Janowicz is another big climber, moving 13 places to 52nd having reached the last 16 in Cincinnati before losing to Benneteau.<br /> <br /> While the world's top four remain unchanged, Ferrer and Milos Raonic occupy fifth and sixth respectively while Tomas Berdych drops to seventh after a tough time in Ohio.<br /> <br /> The Czech, seeded fourth for the competition, bowed out at the first hurdle to Lu Yen-hsun.<br /> <br /> In the WTA rankings, Ana Ivanovic replaces Victoria Azarenka in the top ten after the Serb contested the Western and Southern Open final on Sunday.<br /> <br /> Despite losing out to world number one Serena Williams, she moves into ninth while Azarenka drops seven places having lost in the quarter-finals to Agnieszka Radwanska.<br /> <br /> Svetlana Kuznetsova sits just outside the top 20, having reaching the last 16 before losing to Ivanovic in Cincinnati.<br /> <br /> Like Kuznetsova, Roberta Vinci moves up three places despite bowing out at the first hurdle against Sabine Lisicki at the hard-court event in the United States.

ATP World Tour Julien Benneteau news sports Southern Open SPORTS tennis Western Benneteau, Ferrer enjoy rankings boosts

Julien Benneteau is one place off a career-high ranking of 26 after his run to the semi-finals of the Western and Southern Open. The Frenchman reached the final four of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event before bowing out to David Ferrer who, in t…

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Goffin ends Melzer´s title defence

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/19/604473header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/19/604473header.jpg" /></a>David Goffin's winning streak hit 23 matches on Monday, as he dumped out defending champion Jurgen Melzer at the Winston-Salem Open.<br /> <br /> Belgian qualifier Goffin ousted Melzer 6-3 6-4 in their first-round affair at the ATP 250 event in North Carolina - the last hard-court warm-up event for the US Open, starting Monday.<br /> <br /> Only six of Goffin's streak wins have come at ATP World Tour level, with the run including Challenger Tour events and qualifying but his formline is nonetheless imposing heading towards the year's final major.<br /> <br /> Conversely, Melzer's results of late have been poor, with the 33-year-old Austrian losing his sixth straight match as the left-hander limped into Flushing Meadows devoid of confidence.<br /> <br /> Seeds Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Jarkko Nieminen won their first outings of the tournament, moving into the last 16 with second-round victories.<br /> <br /> Garcia-Lopez, the fifth seed from Spain, came from behind to down Germany's Dustin Brown 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-2.<br /> <br /> Finland's Nieminen - seeded 15th - defeated another German Benjamin Becker 7-5 6-4 to progress.<br /> <br /> All 16 seeds were given first-round byes.<br /> <br /> In first-round results, Poland's Jerzy Janowicz had a 6-1 6-4 victory over Argentine Carlos Berlocq.<br /> <br /> Janowicz, whose ranking has plummeted to 52nd after peaking at 19th earlier this season, hit seven aces and saved all five break points he faced to advance.<br /> <br /> Sam Querrey was the only American through to the second round, as each of Wayne Odesnik, Robby Ginepri and Marcos Giron lost.<br /> <br /> Querrey served 16 aces as he eased past Spain's Pere Riba 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.<br /> <br /> Qualifiers Odesnik and Giron - both wildcard recipients for the US Open main draw - had their final competitive hit-outs before the New York major.<br /> <br /> Odesnik fell 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to Slovenia's Blaz Rola, while Giron - the world number 433 - was humbled 6-4 6-4 by Kazakh Aleksandr Nedovyesov.<br /> <br /> France's Paul-Henri Mathieu dumped out wildcard Ginepri 6-3 7-5.<br /> <br /> Canada's Frank Dancevic held off Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci 7-5 3-6 6-2 in two hours and five minutes, while France's Adrian Mannarino outclassed Bosnian qualifier Damir Dzumhur 6-2 6-2.<br /> <br /> Federico Delbonis of Argentina progressed with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win over Slovakian Martin Klizan, and Dutchman Igor Sijsling accounted for Kazakh Andrey Golubev 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.

David Goffin's news sports SPORTS tennis Goffin ends Melzer´s title defence

David Goffin's winning streak hit 23 matches on Monday, as he dumped out defending champion Jurgen Melzer at the Winston-Salem Open. Belgian qualifier Goffin ousted Melzer 6-3 6-4 in their first-round affair at the ATP 250 event in North Carolina - t…

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Bouchard back on the winners list in New Haven, Cibulkova bundled out

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/19/604481header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/19/604481header.jpg" /></a>Eugenie Bouchard claimed her first win since July after dismantling Bojana Jovanovski 6-1 6-1 in the opening round at the Eugenie Bouchard.<br /> <br /> Bouchard - the Canadian third seed - overcame Simona Halep in the Wimbledon semi-finals but injuries have plagued her since losing the final to Petra Kvitova last month.<br /> <br /> However, the 20-year-old, who withdrew from the Citi Open and lost in the second round in both Montreal and Cincinnati after first-round byes, returned to the WTA Tour winners list with a straight sets demolition of Serbia's Jovanovski in just 52 minutes on Monday.<br /> <br /> Bouchard sent down four aces and won six break points as she earned a second-round showdown with Australian wildcard Samantha Stosur, who survived to beat Japan's Kurumi Nara 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (10-12) 6-2 in New Haven.<br /> <br /> The head-to-head record between the pair is level at one win apiece.<br /> <br /> "I'm looking forward to a battle," Bouchard said.<br /> <br /> "We've had tough matches in the past. I know she'll try to take control with her serve and forehand.<br /> <br /> "I'm going to look to try to take it early and control the point like I did today and really put pressure on her."<br /> <br /> Four-time champion Caroline Wozniacki also progressed to the next round.<br /> <br /> Wozniacki - the Danish fourth seed - lost the first set but fought back to topple Swiss qualifier Timea Bacsinszky 4-6 6-1 6-2.<br /> <br /> There was no such luck for Slovak fifth seed Dominika Cibulkova and seventh-seeded Italian Sara Errani.<br /> <br /> Cibulkova crashed out at the hands of Germany's Andrea Petkovic, losing 7-6 (7-2) 6-3.<br /> <br /> Errani, meanwhile, was ousted by Garbine Muguruza of Spain 6-2 3-6 6-1.<br /> <br /> In other results on Monday, Slovak Magdalena Rybarikova accounted for Spanish qualifier Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-4 6-3.<br /> <br /> Chinese qualifier Shuai Peng beat Ukraine's Elina Svitolina by the same scoreline.<br /> <br /> Belgian wildcard Kirsten Flipkens prevailed 6-3 4-6 6-2 against Japanese qualifier Misaki Doi.<br /> <br /> Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova emerged victorious against Swiss qualifier Belinda Bencic, winning 6-4 5-7 6-3 after more than three hours on court.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, French lucky loser Caroline Garcia edged Romanian qualifier Irina-Camelia Begu 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4).

Eugenie Bouchard news sports SPORT SPORTS tennis Bouchard back on the winners list in New Haven, Cibulkova bundled out

Eugenie Bouchard claimed her first win since July after dismantling Bojana Jovanovski 6-1 6-1 in the opening round at the Eugenie Bouchard. Bouchard - the Canadian third seed - overcame Simona Halep in the Wimbledon semi-finals but injuries have plag…

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Samsonov eyeing home comforts

All eyes will be on the evergreen Vladimir Samsonov when he attempts to win the ITTF Belarus Open on home soil this week.<br /> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/19/605085header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/19/605085header.jpg" /></a><br /> The 38-year-old is the top seed for the event in Minsk, which starts on Thursday and will mark the first time a plastic ball is used in international competition rather than the celluloid model.<br /> <br /> Samsonov has played on the ITTF Tour every year since arriving on the scene in 1996, when he made a debut to remember by winning in Bolzano, Italy.<br /> <br /> That was a sign of things to come for the veteran, who has added another 22 titles since that victory 18 years ago, and he will be targeting another success this week.<br /> <br /> Now ranked 12th in the world, Samsonov will be out to ensure second seed Kaii Yoshida is unable to retain his title by taking his tally of tournament wins to 24 in what would be a hugely popular triumph in his homeland.<br /> <br /> Yoshida, the world number 36, beat Kohei Sambe in an all-Japanese final in Minsk last September and the 2013 runner-up - seeded 16 - will be eager to go one better this time around.<br /> <br /> Omar Assar won the Nigeria Open in June and the Egyptian is the third seed in Belarus following his success in Lagos.<br /> <br /> The top six seeds in the women's competition all hail from Japan and it is world number 14 Ai Fukuhara who takes the mantle as top seed.<br /> <br /> Big things are also expected of Sayaka Hirano and Yuka Ishigaki - seeded two and three respectively - in the Belarusian capital.<br /> <br /> Nadeen El-Dawlatly, meanwhile, heads into the event brimming with confidence after being crowned Nigeria Open champion.

ITTF news sports Vladimir Samsonov Samsonov eyeing home comforts

All eyes will be on the evergreen Vladimir Samsonov when he attempts to win the ITTF Belarus Open on home soil this week. The 38-year-old is the top seed for the event in Minsk, which starts on Thursday and will mark the first time a plastic ball is …

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Federer reaches Masters milestone, Berdych beaten

Tomas Berdych was the highest profile casualty at the Western and Southern Open on Wednesday, falling to Lu Yen-Hsun.<br /> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/14/599123header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/14/599123header.jpg" /></a><br /> It was the Chinese Taipei man's first win over Berdych in four career meetings, all of which have been played on hard courts.<br /> <br /> Lu prevailed 3-6 6-3 6-4 over the Czech fourth seed at the ATP 1000 event, the world number 43 reversing his loss to Berdych at the Rogers Cup in Toronto earlier in August.<br /> <br /> Other seeds to crash out in Ohio included Grigor Dimitrov (seven), Ernests Gulbis (nine) and Roberto Bautista Agut (13), with big names Roger Federer and Andy Murray safely through to the last 16.<br /> <br /> Swiss second seed Federer won his 300th career match at a Masters-level tournament, when he saw off Canada's Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 6-2.<br /> <br /> Eighth seed Andy Murray had less trouble getting past Portugal's Joao Sousa, the Briton a 6-3 6-3 winner.<br /> <br /> Canadian fifth seed Milos Raonic downed American wildcard Robby Ginepri 6-2 6-2, while sixth seed David Ferrer of Spain endured an almighty struggle to beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4).<br /> <br /> Bulgaria's Dimitrov was outgunned by Poland's Jerzy Janowicz 6-4 3-6 6-3, while Latvian Gulbis was no match for American wildcard Steve Johnson 6-4 6-4.<br /> <br /> Frenchman Gael Monfils dumped out Spaniard Bautista Agut 6-4 6-1.<br /> <br /> American number one and 11th seed John Isner progressed with a 6-3 7-6 (7-1) win over Australian qualifier Marinko Matosevic.<br /> <br /> Matosevic's compatriot Lleyton Hewitt joined him in a second-round exit, the veteran beaten by Italian 15th seed Fabio Fognini 6-1 6-4.<br /> <br /> Spanish 16th seed Tommy Robredo dispatched of American wildcard Sam Querrey 6-2 6-4, while Marin Cilic - the 14th seed from Croatia - advanced past Spain's Fernando Verdasco in a break-free contest 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5).<br /> <br /> France's Julien Benneteau saw off British qualifier James Ward 6-2 6-2, and Russia's Mikhail Youzhny defeated Italy's Andreas Seppi 6-3 6-4.

Lu Yen-Hsun news sports tennis Tomas Berdych Western Federer reaches Masters milestone, Berdych beaten

Tomas Berdych was the highest profile casualty at the Western and Southern Open on Wednesday, falling to Lu Yen-Hsun. It was the Chinese Taipei man's first win over Berdych in four career meetings, all of which have been played on hard courts. Lu pre…

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Tomic handed US Open wildcard

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/14/599009header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Tomic handed US Open wildcard" border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/14/599009header.jpg" title="Tomic handed US Open wildcard" /></a>Bernard Tomic received a wildcard into the US Open main draw, starting later in August.<br /> <br /> The Australian, 21, claimed his second career ATP World Tour title when he won a hard-court event in Bogota in July, after also receiving a wildcard into the draw there.<br /> <br /> Tomic is ranked 70th as it stands, but was outside the automatic entry spots when the cut off was made weeks out from the major at Flushing Meadows.<br /> <br /> Since his triumph in Colombia, Tomic has just one tour-level match win to his name after losing to Denis Istomin in Washington, Ivo Karlovic in Toronto and Gilles Simon in Cincinnati.<br /> <br /> Tomic received the wildcard as part of Tennis Australia's reciprocal agreement with the United States Tennis Association.<br /> <br /> The result of another reciprocal deal saw France's Michael Llodra handed a wildcard, the 34-year-old set for his 11th US Open appearance.<br /> <br /> The remaining wildcards all went the way of American talent, with Ryan Harrison, Tim Smyczek, Noah Rubin, Jared Donaldson, Marcos Giron and Wayne Odesnik.<br /> <br /> Smyczek is the highest ranked of that group at number 92 in the world, while Harrison (164th) and Odesnik (184th) reside in the top 200.<br /> <br /> Giron, 21, captured the National Collegiate Athletic Association tennis title in 2014 to earn his place in New York, while teenagers Noah Rubin - the under-18s national champion - and Jared Donaldson are also in the draw.

ATP World Tour Bernard Tomic news sports tennis US Open wildcard Tomic handed US Open wildcard

Bernard Tomic received a wildcard into the US Open main draw, starting later in August. The Australian, 21, claimed his second career ATP World Tour title when he won a hard-court event in Bogota in July, after also receiving a wildcard into the draw…

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Cook certain Broad injury of no concern

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/cricket/2014/8/14/599509header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cook certain Broad injury of no concern" border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/cricket/2014/8/14/599509header.jpg" title="Cook certain Broad injury of no concern" /></a>England captain Alastair Cook is certain that Stuart Broad's broken nose will not be an issue during the fifth Test with India.<br /> <br /> England go into the final Test with a 2-1 lead over India, something that looked very unlikely when the tourists edged ahead in mid-July.<br /> <br /> The two sides drew the first Test and the second saw India win by 95 runs at Lord's, with Cook coming under immense criticism in the wake of the defeat.<br /> <br /> England have battled back and will win the series should they avoid a loss when the fifth Test starts on Friday.<br /> <br /> Cook has been given a boost on the eve of the clincher as Broad, who suffered a broken nose when edging a Varun Aaron delivery at Old Trafford on Saturday, was back in training on Thursday and looks certain to feature at The Oval.<br /> <br /> He told Sky Sports News: "We think Stuart will be absolutely fine.<br /> <br /> "We will wait until [Friday] morning in case something unusual happens overnight, but we are not expecting anything like that at all.<br /> <br /> "It is great news Broady has come through that blow, he likes playing in big games and this is a big game.<br /> <br /> "He batted this morning and he bowled six or seven overs and didn't get any pain from it. So we are expecting him to be absolutely fine.<br /> <br /> "I'm not sure if he will wear a mask, whether for batting or bowling, but I don't think it will affect his performance at all

Alastair Cook Cricket India New England news sports Cook certain Broad injury of no concern

England captain Alastair Cook is certain that Stuart Broad's broken nose will not be an issue during the fifth Test with India. England go into the final Test with a 2-1 lead over India, something that looked very unlikely when the tourists edged ahe…

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Jayawardene falls cheaply as Sri Lanka collapse

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/cricket/2014/8/14/599561header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/cricket/2014/8/14/599561header.jpg" /></a>Mahela Jayawardene failed with the bat in his final Test as a last-session flurry helped Pakistan take control on day one against Sri Lanka.<br /> <br /> Jayawardene will bring the curtain down on a glittering career in the longest format of the game, which has yielded 34 centuries, upon the completion of the two-match series - which Sri Lanka lead 1-0.<br /> <br /> The 37-year-old fell for just four shortly after tea at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo as the hosts lost six wickets in the last session to reach 261-8 at stumps on Thursday.<br /> <br /> Junaid Khan (4-69) and Wahab Riaz (3-66) did the majority of the damage with the ball for Pakistan, who had initially been up against it as Upul Tharanga (92) made the most of Angelo Mathews' decision to bat after winning the toss.<br /> <br /> Tharanga and opening partner Kaushal Silva (41) were not out at lunch, but the latter was first to fall when he edged Junaid behind.<br /> <br /> Kumar Sangakkara (22) was Sri Lanka's only other victim before tea when he was bowled by Riaz and that brought Jayawardene to the crease in front an expectant home crowd.<br /> <br /> However, the prolific right-hander faced just 16 deliveries before Saeed Ajmal got some sharp turn from outside off stump and trapped him leg before.<br /> <br /> Tharanga, whose knock included 12 boundaries, was dismissed by Riaz just eight runs shy of his century and the wickets continued to fall.<br /> <br /> Mathews (39) put on 38 and 34 with Lahiru Thirimanne (20) and Niroshan Dickwella (24) respectively, but both of his partners were dismissed by Junaid.<br /> <br /> Dilruwan Perera then went for a duck and Pakistan rounded off an excellent final session when Mathews edged Riaz behind to get the decision overturned with a review just before the close.<br /> <br /> The tourists will now look to quickly dispatch the remainder of the tail before attempting to build a first-innings lead on day two.

Cricket Mahela Jayawardene news news sports Pakistan Sri Lanka Jayawardene falls cheaply as Sri Lanka collapse

Mahela Jayawardene failed with the bat in his final Test as a last-session flurry helped Pakistan take control on day one against Sri Lanka. Jayawardene will bring the curtain down on a glittering career in the longest format of the game, which has y…

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Profile Tsonga

<img alt="Jo-Wilfried Tsonga" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/tennis/players/150x150/24615.png" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border: none; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; padding-bottom: 1em; width: 120px;" title="Jo-Wilfried Tsonga" /><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px;"></span><br /> <div class="clearfix" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <dl style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">First name</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">Jo-Wilfried</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Last name</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">Tsonga</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Nationality</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">France</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Date of birth</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">17-04-85</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Place of birth</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">Le Mans</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Age</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">29</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Country of birth</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">France</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Height</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">188 cm</dd> <dt style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 10em;">Weight</dt> <dd style="float: left; margin: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 0px; width: 10em; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">90 kg</dd></dl> </div>

France Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports profiles tennis Profile Tsonga

First name Jo-Wilfried Last name Tsonga Nationality France Date of birth 17-04-85 Place of birth Le Mans Age 29 Country of birth France Height 188 cm Weight 90 kg …

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Ukraine´s Davis Cup tie set for neutral venue

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/12/597321header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/12/597321header.jpg" width="320" /></a>The International Tennis Federation (ITF) have ruled that Ukraine cannot stage next month's Davis Cup tie with Belgium in Kiev.<br /> <br /> Last week, the Davis Cup committee confirmed Kiev as a suitable venue for Ukraine's match against Belgium, despite ongoing political unrest in the eastern European country.<br /> <br /> However, that decision was challenged by the Belgian Tennis Federation, who have subsequently seen their appeal upheld by the ITF's board of directors.<br /> <br /> The Israel Tennis Association had also appealed to the ITF over the Davis Cup committee's ruling that they cannot host their tie with Argentina.<br /> <br /> However, that appeal was rejected by the ITF, who cited concerns over the security situation in the Middle Eastern country.<br /> <br /> Both Ukraine and Israel now have the option to nominate neutral venues for their respective World Group play-off contests, with the latter set a deadline of August 14 to do so.<br /> <br /> Should either nation not come up with a neutral venue, the Davis Cup committee can choose a setting of their own or decide to give home advantage to the opposition.<br /> <br /> ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "It is always a very difficult decision for the ITF to take away choice of ground in [the] Davis Cup.<br /> <br /> "The competition was founded on the principles of better understanding among nations and we believe it has done a good job in fostering this over 114 years.<br /> <br /> "However, the safety of players, officials and spectators has to take priority and the board believed that it was not prudent to hold ties in Ukraine or Israel because of political unrest in these countries at the present time and for the foreseeable future."

Belgium Davis Cup International Tennis Federation ITF news sports tennis Ukraine Ukraine´s Davis Cup tie set for neutral venue

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) have ruled that Ukraine cannot stage next month's Davis Cup tie with Belgium in Kiev. Last week, the Davis Cup committee confirmed Kiev as a suitable venue for Ukraine's match against Belgium, despite ongoing…

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Azarenka withdraws from Western and Southern Open

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/12/597433header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Azarenka withdraws from Western and Southern Open" border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/12/597433header.jpg" title="Azarenka withdraws from Western and Southern Open" /></a>Defending champion and former world number one Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the Western and Southern Open with a right knee injury.<br /> <br /> The two-time Australian Open champion, who only made her return from a foot problem at the Aegon International in June, had been due to play Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova in the first round of the WTA Premier event in Cincinnati on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Azarenka beat Serena Williams in three sets to take the 2013 showpiece, but will not get a chance to defend that crown.<br /> <br /> Despite the setback, the Belarusian is confident that she will be fit for the US Open - which gets under way in 13 days' time.<br /> <br /> "It's tough to withdraw as defending champion," Azarenka said. "[The Western and Southern Open] is a great tournament and I really enjoy it.<br /> <br /> "I should be good for the US Open."<br /> <br /> Since her return to action, Azarenka has failed to add to her tally of 17 WTA singles titles and was knocked out in the second round at Wimbledon by Bojana Jovanovski.<br /> <br /> The 25-year-old has reached the final of the US Open at Flushing Meadows in each of the last two years, losing to world number one Serena on both occasions.<br /> <br /> Zahlavova-Strycova will now face Germany's Mona Barthel, who takes Azarenka's place in the draw as a lucky loser from qualifying.

news sports tennis Victoria Azarenka WTA Premier Azarenka withdraws from Western and Southern Open

Defending champion and former world number one Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the Western and Southern Open with a right knee injury. The two-time Australian Open champion, who only made her return from a foot problem at the Aegon International…

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Teen duo granted US Open wildcards

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/13/597949header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Teen duo granted US Open wildcards" border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/13/597949header.jpg" title="Teen duo granted US Open wildcards" /></a>Teenagers CiCi Bellis and Taylor Townsend have been handed two of eight women's singles wildcards for the upcoming US Open.<br /> <br /> Bellis, 15, will be the youngest player in the main draw for the last grand slam of the year, which starts on August 25.<br /> <br /> The right-hander, runner-up in the juniors at the French Open, took out the USTA Girls' 18s National Championship on Saturday to earn the wildcard.<br /> <br /> Bellis is one of six Americans granted a passage into the main draw.<br /> <br /> Townsend, Grace Min, Nicole Gibbs, Danielle Collins and Madison Brengle will also be in the first round.<br /> <br /> Townsend, who made the French Open third round, was controversially overlooked for a wildcard in 2012 due to concerns over her weight.<br /> <br /> Australian Jarmila Gajdosova and Frenchwoman Amandine Hesse received wildcards through reciprocal agreements the USTA has with Tennis Australia and the French Tennis Federation.<br /> <br /> The 101st-ranked Gajdosova, a former world number 25, has won 16 of her past 19 matches.<br /> <br /> "I am very excited to be main draw of a grand slam again," she said.<br /> <br /> "It's been a long road back but I've been working hard to get healthy and fit and improve my game and my ranking.<br /> <br /> "It's taken me six months since I started playing again to get myself back [near] the top 100.<br /> <br /> "So I hope to use this opportunity that I was given and I hope to play my best and have some good results."

Bellis news sports Taylor Townsend Teenagers CiCi Bellis tennis wildcard Teen duo granted US Open wildcards

Teenagers CiCi Bellis and Taylor Townsend have been handed two of eight women's singles wildcards for the upcoming US Open. Bellis, 15, will be the youngest player in the main draw for the last grand slam of the year, which starts on August 25. The r…

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Tsonga suffers letdown, Djokovic defeats Simon

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/13/597975header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/13/597975header.jpg" /></a>Rogers Cup winner Jo-Wilfried Tsonga suffered a letdown at the Western and Southern Open on Tuesday, while Novak Djokovic progressed.<br /> <br /> Tsonga, whose Masters tournament win in Toronto on Sunday was his second career success at ATP 1000 level, was humbled by Russia's Mikhail Youzhny 6-1 6-4 in the first round in Cincinnati.<br /> <br /> The Frenchman edged back into the ATP's top 10 after beating Roger Federer in the Toronto final, but Tsonga's booming serve let him down against Youzhny.<br /> <br /> Tsonga served at 52 per cent, but he won just seven of 23 points behind his second ball as the 25th-ranked Youzhny progressed.<br /> <br /> Youzhny now has a positive head-to-head record against Tsonga, although the win was only his second via match point - accounting for retirements.<br /> <br /> Tsonga was the only seeded casualty in Ohio, as top seed Djokovic and third seed Stan Wawrinka both negotiated their second-round matches.<br /> <br /> Serbia's Djokovic staved off the plucky Gilles Simon of France 6-3 4-6 6-4, while Swiss Wawrinka dispatched of German qualifier Benjamin Becker 6-3 7-6 (7-5).<br /> <br /> The pair are the first players through to the last 16 of the hard-court tournament, which serves as the penultimate warm-up event to the US Open starting later in August.<br /> <br /> In more first-round results, seeds Ernests Gulbis (nine), Roberto Bautista Agut (13) and Marin Cilic (14) advanced.<br /> <br /> Latvia's Gulbis took two hours to down Croatian Ivan Dodig in straight sets, winning 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (7-4).<br /> <br /> Bautista Agut, of Spain, clawed his way past Slovakian lefty Martin Klizan 6-2 4-6 7-5, while Croatia's Cilic dismissed another left-hander, Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, 6-3 6-4.<br /> <br /> Frenchman Julien Benneteau saved two match points to fend off lucky loser Blaz Rola of Slovenia 6-7 (7-9) 6-3 7-6 (9-7).<br /> <br /> Similarly, Canada's Vasek Pospisil denied Czech veteran Radek Stepanek thrice on match point before posting a 5-7 6-1 7-6 (7-4) triumph.<br /> <br /> American wildcards Robby Ginepri and Steve Johnson both capitalised on their chances in the main draw with first-up wins.<br /> <br /> Ginepri battled past rising Austrian star Dominic Thiem 6-3 5-7 7-5, while Johnson was handed a straightforward 6-4 6-1 win over Benoit Paire courtesy of a poor performance from the French qualifier.<br /> <br /> Italy's Andreas Seppi overcame a deficit to defeat Colombian Santiago Giraldo 4-6 6-2 7-5.<br /> <br /> Down a set and at 2-2 in the second, Seppi reeled off eight straight games to earn a 4-0 lead in the decider - only to narrowly avoid a tie-break as Giraldo finished strongly.<br /> <br /> British qualifier James Ward hit eight aces as he defeated Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-2 3-6 6-1.

Cincinnati Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports Rogers Cup tennis Tsonga suffers letdown, Djokovic defeats Simon

Rogers Cup winner Jo-Wilfried Tsonga suffered a letdown at the Western and Southern Open on Tuesday, while Novak Djokovic progressed. Tsonga, whose Masters tournament win in Toronto on Sunday was his second career success at ATP 1000 level, was humbl…

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Halep, Wozniacki post convincing wins

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/13/598017header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/13/598017header.jpg" /></a>Second seed Simona Halep progressed past Kirsten Flipkens in their Western and Southern Open second-round affair on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Romania's Halep, the world number two, downed Belgian Flipkens 6-4 6-2 in one hour 27 minutes at the WTA Premier event in Cincinnati.<br /> <br /> Both players struggled on serve in the opening set, with 22 break-point opportunities shared between the two - with Halep taking the lead after saving a break point when serving for the set.<br /> <br /> The match found more rhythm in the second set, with Halep inflicting breaks in games one and five and losing just four points on serve for the remainder as she cantered into the last 16.<br /> <br /> Other second-round results saw fifth seed Maria Sharapova and 12th seed Caroline Wozniacki win their first matches in Ohio.<br /> <br /> Russia's Sharapova was tested by American Madison Keys before winning 6-1 3-6 6-3, while Denmark's Wozniacki continued her solid form with a 6-2 6-3 thrashing of China's Zhang Shuai.<br /> <br /> In first-round action, seeds Sara Errani (14), Carla Suarez Navarro (15) and Lucie Safarova (16) progressed with three-set wins.<br /> <br /> Italian Errani was down a break in the third set against Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer but bounced back to win 7-5 3-6 7-6 (7-2).<br /> <br /> Suarez Navarro of Spain was too good for Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova 6-3 1-6 6-2, while Czech Safarova beat in-form American Venus Williams 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-4.<br /> <br /> Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova won 11 consecutive games on her way past lucky loser Mona Barthel of Germany 7-5 6-0.<br /> <br /> Zahlavova Strycova was set to play Victoria Azarenka, before the Belarusian withdrew from the tournament with a right knee issue.<br /> <br /> American Sloane Stephens broke Germany's Andrea Petkovic five times on her way to a 6-3 6-3 win, and Japan's Kurumi Nara thrashed Swiss Romina Oprandi 6-0 6-2.<br /> <br /> Qualifier Andrea Beck of Germany beat Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 6-3 2-6 6-3, and her countrywoman Sabine Lisicki defeated Italy's Roberta Vinci 6-3 2-6 6-2.<br /> <br /> Russian Ekaterina Makarova was a 6-2 6-2 winner over Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova, and compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova hit 12 aces in a tough victory against Italian Camila Giorgi 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-3.<br /> <br /> Wildcard Christina McHale won an all-American battle against qualifier Nicole Gibbs 4-6 6-3 6-1.<br /> <br /> Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas edged out fellow qualifier Irina-Camelia Begu 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5).

news sports Simona Halep tennis WTA Premier Halep, Wozniacki post convincing wins

Second seed Simona Halep progressed past Kirsten Flipkens in their Western and Southern Open second-round affair on Tuesday. Romania's Halep, the world number two, downed Belgian Flipkens 6-4 6-2 in one hour 27 minutes at the WTA Premier event in Cin…

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MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" /></a>MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when their League One opponents relocated from London to Milton Keynes in 2002.<br /> <br /> It will be the second meeting between the two sides, with MK Dons coming out on top in a December 2012 FA Cup clash.<br /> <br /> MK Dons started the season in emphatic fashion with a 4-2 comeback win at home to Gillingham on Saturday, while AFC Wimbledon shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town<br /> <br /> Huddersfield Town begin life without Mark Robins with a trip to Chesterfield.<br /> <br /> Robins parted company with Town after their 4-0 opening day defeat to Bournemouth - who travel to face League Two Exeter City - and Chesterfield will hold hopes of claiming a Championship scalp, having begun life back in League One with a 2-1 win over last season's beaten play-off finalists Leyton Orient.<br /> <br /> Orient's Wembley conquerors from last May Rotherham United host League Two play-off final winners Fleetwood Town, while the 2013 finalists in the competition, Bradford City, are in another trans-Pennine clash as they make the trip to the Lancashire coast to face Morecambe.<br /> <br /> There are all-Lancashire clashes between Bolton Wanderers and Bury and Rochdale and Preston North End, while York and Doncaster Rovers will contest Yorkshire bragging rights.<br /> <br /> Leeds United will be dearly hoping to avoid any slip ups against Accrington Stanley after Dave Hockaday's unlikely reign as manager got off to a lacklustre start with a 2-0 loss at Millwall, who also entertain League Two opposition in the form of Wycombe Wanderers.<br /> <br /> Cambridge United and Luton Town sealed their returns to the Football League last term and look to build on opening day wins with ties against Birmingham City and Swindon Town respectively.<br /> <br /> Shrewsbury Town will have designs on a Championship scalp when crisis club Blackpool travel to Greenhous Meadow, while the latter's 2-0 weekend conquerors Nottingham Forest head to Merseyside to take on Tranmere Rovers.<br /> <br /> Forest’s local rivals Derby County get the 2014-15 competition under way at Carlisle United on Monday night, while the two other teams that fell short in the Championship play-offs last season - Brighton and Wigan Athletic - face Cheltenham Town and Burton Albion respectively.<br /> <br /> Ipswich Town and Watford are on the road at Crawley Town and Stevenage following impressive weekend showings in the second tier, with Middlesbrough and Cardiff City also travelling Oldham Athletic and Coventry City.<br /> <br /> The remaining Championship sides in the draw are Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Reading and the quartet will enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe United, Notts County, Colchester United and Newport County respectively.<br /> <br /> Elsewhere, Barnsley host Crewe Alexandra, Bristol City face Oxford United, Dagenham and Redbridge welcome Brentford, Plymouth Argyle entertain Leyton Orient, Hartlepool United travel to Port Vale, Portsmouth tackle Peterborough United, Wolves host Northampton Town, Gillingham head to Yeovil Town and Sheffield United play Mansfield Town.

AFC Champions League FA Cup football MK Dons news news sports MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday. League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when their League One opponents relocated from London to Milton Keynes in 2002. It will be the second meeting between th…

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Tsonga clinches Toronto title

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga completed his impressive Rogers Cup by claiming the title with a straight-sets win over Roger Federer on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The Frenchman battled to a 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory over Swiss maestro Federer in the final in Toronto.<br /> <br /> It marked the 13th-seeded Tsonga's 11th ATP World Tour title and first since February 2013.<br /> <br /> On his way to the title, Tsonga claimed the scalps of four of the world's top 10 - Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov and Federer.<br /> <br /> The 29-year-old will return to the top 10 for the first time since March after becoming the first Frenchman to win on Canadian soil.<br /> <br /> Tsonga served 11 aces and gave second seed Federer no break-point opportunities during the 107-minute battle at the ATP 1000 hard-court event.<br /> <br /> Both players were comfortable on serve in the first set, until Tsonga broke to 30 in the 12th game.<br /> <br /> Tsonga wasted chances in the second, squandering break points in the sixth and eight games.<br /> <br /> His next missed opportunity was a match point in the 10th, but he made no mistake from 3-3 in the tie-break as he ran away to claim the title.

Federer Grigor Dimitrov Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports Rogers Cup Toronto Tsonga clinches Toronto title

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga completed his impressive Rogers Cup by claiming the title with a straight-sets win over Roger Federer on Sunday. The Frenchman battled to a 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory over Swiss maestro Federer in the final in Toronto. It marked the 13t…

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Tsonga to meet Federer in Rogers Cup final

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/594807header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/594807header.jpg" /></a>Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made it through to his first final in three years after disposing of Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets at the Rogers Cup.<br /> <br /> Tsonga - seeded 13th - was too strong for Bulgarian seventh seed Dimitrov in the semi-finals, easing to a 6-4 6-3 win after an hour and 24 minutes in Toronto.<br /> <br /> The Frenchman won three break points, saved all four presented to Dimitrov and won 88 per cent of his first service points as he reached his first ATP Tour final since finishing runner-up at the BNP Paribas Masters in 2011.<br /> <br /> Tsonga - coincidently - lost that match-up to Roger Federer, who he will face in Sunday's decider after the Swiss second seed accounted for Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-3 6-4.<br /> <br /> "I'm feeling good," said Tsonga.<br /> <br /> "I have been waiting for this moment for a couple of years now.<br /> <br /> "It's good because I have always believed in myself during all these years.<br /> <br /> "It will for sure make me stronger and keep my motivation at the highest level."<br /> <br /> A day after eliminating Andy Murray, Tsonga continued where he left off against Dimitrov, taking the opening set.<br /> <br /> Tsonga, though, did not have it all his own way in the first stanza after being forced to save four break points as he attempted to serve for the set with a 5-4 lead.<br /> <br /> The 29-year-old Frenchman ramped up the pressure in the second set, breaking twice as progressed to his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final.<br /> <br /> Standing in Tsonga's way is Federer, who leads the head-to-head record 11-4.<br /> <br /> Federer - Rogers Cup champion in 2004 and 2006 and runner-up in 2007 and 2010 - made light work of Lopez as he wrapped up proceedings in straight sets.<br /> <br /> The 33-year-old sent down 13 aces and won 86 per cent of his first services points.<br /> <br /> Federer also broke twice throughout the encounter, while he did not face a break point against Lopez.

Federer Grigor Dimitrov Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports Rogers Cup tennis Tsonga to meet Federer in Rogers Cup final

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made it through to his first final in three years after disposing of Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets at the Rogers Cup. Tsonga - seeded 13th - was too strong for Bulgarian seventh seed Dimitrov in the semi-finals, easing to a 6-4 …

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Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" /></a></div> Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincing in disposing of Williams at the WTA Premier hard court event in Montreal.<br /> <br /> Third seed Radwanska won four games in a row in the first to storm into a 4-1 lead after Williams had claimed the opener.<br /> <br /> Williams battled hard to break back in a tight game six, but was unable to complete a comeback after seeing two break points come and go at 4-3 down.<br /> <br /> The American struggled on her first service throughout and that fact was emphasised by a second set in which she mustered only a 42 per cent success rate.<br /> <br /> Combined with an inability to win points on her second serve - Williams won just one out of 12 in the second set - it proved to be a recipe for disaster.<br /> ews<br /> Radwanska claimed the opening game of the second on Williams' serve to put the former world number one on the back foot from the off.<br /> <br /> Williams broke back to level matters at 2-2, but Radwanska won the next game to love as the seven-time grand slam winner's chances of coming away with the win grew ever slimmer.<br /> <br /> As it turned out, Williams would not win another game, leaving Radwanska to emphatically serve for the title.

Agnieszka Radwanska news sports Rogers Cup SPORTS tennis Venus Williams Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincin…

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Venus through to Montreal final

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5AOauiV6bs/U-fQ6Pmz3AI/AAAAAAAAAFA/YAf00Vjt1rQ/s1600/594795header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Venus through to Montreal final" border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5AOauiV6bs/U-fQ6Pmz3AI/AAAAAAAAAFA/YAf00Vjt1rQ/s1600/594795header.jpg" title="Venus through to Montreal final" width="320" /></a>Venus Williams booked her spot in the Rogers Cup final, at the expense of her top-seeded sister Serena on Saturday.<br /> <br /> In the 25th career meeting between the Williams sisters, it was Venus who earned bragging rights with a shock 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-3 win after just over an hour in Montreal.<br /> <br /> Venus' triumph - her 11th against Serena - was her first over a reigning world number one since upstaging Dinara Safina in the 2009 Wimbledon semi-finals.<br /> <br /> The 34-year-old fended off 19 aces from Serena to advance to Sunday's decider, where she will face Agnieszka Radwanska after the third-seeded Pole overcame Russian Ekaterina Makarova 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-3).<br /> <br /> "The level of game we played was pretty high," said Venus<br /> <br /> "We're both serving well, returning well, moving well - everything is happening so well that all of our matches seem to be very competitive."<br /> <br /> Venus stormed out of the blocks to take a 3-1 lead only for Serena to hit back, levelling the match at 3-3, before eventually closing out the opening set in a tie-break.<br /> <br /> Two breaks of serve in the second stanza - the first coming in the opening game - set the tone as Venus forced a third set.<br /> <br /> It was a similar story in the deciding set, with Venus breaking Serena's serve in the sixth game to reach her second final of 2014, having won the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.<br /> <br /> Following Venus into the final was Radwanska, who finally got the better of Makarova in straight sets after two hours and four minutes on court.<br /> <br /> Radwanska had lost her past two meetings against Makarova, slipping up at the US Open in 2013 and Wimbledon in June.<br /> <br /> But the 2012 Wimbledon finalist exacted revenge, making the most of Makarova's 43 unforced errors.<br /> <br /> Radwanska finished the match with 28 winners and just 14 unforced errors.<br /> <br /> "I think it was a great match," Radwanska said.<br /> <br /> "Two hours of fighting and long rallies and tight games - I had to really run a lot to win that match because she's so good. I had to give 100 per cent today.<br /> <br /> "I think I was just better on a few points today. I'm really happy with the win."

2014 Championships news news sports Rogers Cup SPORTS tennis Venus Williams Venus through to Montreal final

Venus Williams booked her spot in the Rogers Cup final, at the expense of her top-seeded sister Serena on Saturday. In the 25th career meeting between the Williams sisters, it was Venus who earned bragging rights with a shock 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-3 win af…

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