Venus Williams is back to her winning ways

by JAMES HENRY

CINCINNATI – Venus Williams is winning. And it sure feels good. 

“I didn’t realize I was going to be that excited when I won,” she said after defeating current U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur to advance from the quarterfinals at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

“I’d like to think that this is only the beginning for me of more semifinals. Of course, I’m going to stay focused and try to make it to a final match, as well. 

“So, for me, I’d like to take it a lot further. I haven’t played a lot since 2010, so this is awesome for me already.”

Williams, who won the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001, withdrew from the second round of last year’s event, announcing she had been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, a disorder that causes fatigue and joint pain.

Now, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is back to her winning ways.

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Players react to Rafael Nadal's Withdrawal from the U.S. Open

by JAMES HENRY

CINCINNATI – Rafael Nadal’s announcement that he will not compete at the U.S. Open was a big surprise – and disappointment – to players at the Western & Southern Open.

Novak Djokovic, who defeated Nadal for the U.S. Open title last year, said he wished a quick recovery for his rival.

“I really don’t know what the injury is and how serious it is. Obviously, it’s that serious that it takes him, you know, out from the tour for last couple of months,” Djokovic said.

“He’s a great competitor,” he added. “He’s somebody I know really well on and off the court. I’m sure that if he was able to perform in U.S. Open he would come.”

Andy Murray noted he likes Nadal a lot as a friend.

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Novak Djokovic coping with expectation to win

by JAMES HENRY

CINCINNATI – Novak Djokovic knows what you say about him.

“I do keep track on what’s going on. I do see a lot of the things written about me,” he told reporters at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

“I’ve, I think, over the years learned how to deal with the different kinds of pressure and expectations that are there as expected because you are one of the top tennis players in the world and people want to see you lifting all the trophies wherever you play.

“But pressure in a way is a challenge for all of us. You know, just knowing that I’m doing something that I really love and that I’ve done all my life, that’s enough for me.”

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Bernard Tomic is clutch in Cincinnati main draw debut

by JAMES HENRY

CINCINNATI – Rising tennis star Bernard Tomic made his main draw debut at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

The 19-year-old Australian defeated Ryan Harrison 6-4, 7-6 (5) and credited his victory to winning a few key points.

“Tennis comes down to sometimes one point, and it’s the most important point of the match,” Tomic said. “If you actually get it and win, that’s huge.”

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All eyes on gold medal winner Andy Murray

by JAMES HENRY

CINCINNATI – All eyes were on Olympic champion Andy Murray as he began practicing at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

But none were as fixated as those of his coach, eight-time Grand Slam singles winner Ivan Lendl.

“Great serve,” he said to his protégé, who defeated ATP World Tour No. 1 Roger Federer to claim the Olympic title.

As another ball zoomed through the court: “Great serve.”

“I can tell that one by the toss,” Lendl said.

“Yep,” he said matter-of-factly as another serve hit its mark.

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Djokovic Still Soaring To Record Heights

By JAMES HENRY
OnTheGoTennis

CINCINNATI – Novak Djokovic’s nearly perfect season continues Sunday with his chance to claim an incredible 10th title of the year.

He will face Andy Murray at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, a rematch of the tournament’s final in 2008, when the Scot won in two tiebreakers.

Potentially, it could be the Serbian’s 11th Masters 1000 trophy of his career – the sixth just this season. The winner of this year’s Australian Open and Wimbledon, he currently boasts 27 ATP World Tour singles titles.

In 2011, Djokovic has won an astonishing 57 matches, only losing to Roger Federer in the semifinals of the French Open, which snapped a 43-match winning streak that went all the way back to last year’s Davis Cup final.

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Verdasco Still Seeking Big Win Against Nadal

By JAMES HENRY
OnTheGoTennis

CINCINNATI – Fernando Verdasco beat Rafael Nadal – but only on paper.

He won 128 points in his third-round match Thursday at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. His opponent had 123.

But, according to when those points were played across three sets, each decided by tiebreakers, Nadal gets credited as the victor: 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (9).

He is the winner, yet again, improving to a perfect 12-0 against his countryman.

Verdasco is the loser. Yet again.

Somber after the match, but still willing to talk about it, he shared it hurts to come so close to achieving something so big, but ultimately falling short.

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