Simona Halep believes this year's French Open victory has helped justify her position as the women's world number one, with the Romanian saying she was now playing pressure-free tennis and motivated to add more Grand Slam titles to her resume.

Speaking to a small gathering of reporters in a phone interview on Friday, the 26-year-old also earmarked US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka as a huge prospect for the future after the Japanese player made her major breakthrough in New York.

"My dream was to become number one and I managed that last year and then my goal was to win a Grand Slam because some consider that a sign of being a true number one," Halep, who has topped the rankings for 46 weeks in total, explained.

"So my motivation was to win a major after I reached the top of the rankings and now I feel relaxed after achieving both. I am still motivated to win every match and now the pressure feels off, I can just feel the pleasure of playing."

Halep knows all too well the pain of losing a Grand Slam final after suffering three failures in as many title matches before she rallied past American Sloane Stephens in Paris to prevail 3-6 6-4 6-1 on her favourite clay surface in June.

The mental and physical exertion of that triumph seemed to take a toll on the base-liner midway through the season but Halep believes her form in North America indicated she was close to playing her best tennis.

"It wasn't a huge disaster after I won the French Open. I won in Canada and reached the final in Cincinnati in consecutive weeks," she said.

"That meant a lot to me and gave me confidence to believe my level is still there, but in the Grand Slams... at Wimbledon I was really tired and emotional, and grass is always difficult for me.

"I did have a match point in the third round (loss to Hsieh Su-wei) and Kaia Kanepi just played really well at the US&nbsp;Open and I just couldn't put it together to win the match or make it closer," she added of her first-round loss in New York.

"I feel my form is really good now but you never know, we'll see... I am just trying to stay focused and do my best."

Gender Parity

Osaka became Japan's first ever Grand Slam champion with her impressive win over Serena Williams in a US&nbsp;Open final marred by accusations of sexism towards the umpire by the American after she was warned three times for various infringements.

Halep steered clear of commenting directly about the second set incidents but felt that women and men were generally treated equally by officials on the tennis court.

"I don't really see a difference between men's and women's tennis," Halep added.

"I don't really want to comment on this (the US&nbsp;Open final) but everyone gets the same thing. I have been fined for smashing my racket. The umpires respect the rules and I don't really have much to add as it feels the same for me."

Despite being just 20-year-old, Osaka managed to stay calm enough to complete a 6-2 6-4 victory over the 23-times Grand Slam champion, a performance that Halep believed made the Japanese player a big threat on the circuit.

"Osaka just won a Grand Slam. She's a very good player, she's very young and very powerful, has a great future ahead and will definitely be strong at the WTA Finals," Halep added of the elite eight-woman event taking place in Singapore next month.

Halep has already qualified for the season-ending tournament which will leave Singapore for Shenzhen in 2019 after a five-year run in Southeast Asia, with the Romanian hoping to at least reach the semi-finals after three straight group stage exits.

"The WTA Finals are really tough as they come right at the end of the season and you need to put all of your energy and everything together to play well," said Halep, who lost in the final of the event on her first appearance in 2014.

"I haven't managed to do that in the last three years, so my goal is to just get out of the group stage and into the semi-finals. But I know this will be difficult."

Simona Halep believes this year's French Open victory has helped justify her position as the women's world number one, with the Romanian saying she was now playing pressure-free tennis and motivated to add more Grand Slam titles to her resume.

Simona Halep believes this year's French Open victory has helped justify her position as the women's world number one, with the Romanian saying she was now playing pressure-free tennis and motivated to add more Grand Slam titles to her resume. Speaking to a small gathering of reporters in a phone interview on Friday, the 26-year-old also earmarked US Open champion Naomi Osaka as a huge prospect for the future after the Japanese player made her major breakthrough in New York. "My dream was to become number one and I managed that last year and then my goal was to win a Grand Slam because some consider that a sign of being a true number one," Halep, who has topped the rankings for 46 weeks in total, explained. "So my motivation was to win a major after I reached the top of the rankings and now I feel relaxed after achieving both. I am still motivated to win every match and now the pressure feels off, I can just feel the pleasure of playing." Halep knows all too well the pain of losing a Grand Slam final after suffering three failures in as many title matches before she rallied past American Sloane Stephens in Paris to prevail 3-6 6-4 6-1 on her favourite clay surface in June. The mental and physical exertion of that triumph seemed to take a toll on the base-liner midway through the season but Halep believes her form in North America indicated she was close to playing her best tennis. "It wasn't a huge disaster after I won the French Open. I won in Canada and reached the final in Cincinnati in consecutive weeks," she said. "That meant a lot to me and gave me confidence to believe my level is still there, but in the Grand Slams... at Wimbledon I was really tired and emotional, and grass is always difficult for me. "I did have a match point in the third round (loss to Hsieh Su-wei) and Kaia Kanepi just played really well at the US Open and I just couldn't put it together to win the match or make it closer," she added of her first-round loss in New York. "I feel my form is really good now but you never know, we'll see... I am just trying to stay focused and do my best." Gender Parity Osaka became Japan's first ever Grand Slam champion with her impressive win over Serena Williams in a US Open final marred by accusations of sexism towards the umpire by the American after she was warned three times for various infringements. Halep steered clear of commenting directly about the second set incidents but felt that women and men were generally treated equally by officials on the tennis court. "I don't really see a difference between men's and women's tennis," Halep added. "I don't really want to comment on this (the US Open final) but everyone gets the same thing. I have been fined for smashing my racket. The umpires respect the rules and I don't really have much to add as it feels the same for me." Despite being just 20-year-old, Osaka managed to stay calm enough to complete a 6-2 6-4 victory over the 23-times Grand Slam champion, a performance that Halep believed made the Japanese player a big threat on the circuit. "Osaka just won a Grand Slam. She's a very good player, she's very young and very powerful, has a great future ahead and will definitely be strong at the WTA Finals," Halep added of the elite eight-woman event taking place in Singapore next month. Halep has already qualified for the season-ending tournament which will leave Singapore for Shenzhen in 2019 after a five-year run in Southeast Asia, with the Romanian hoping to at least reach the semi-finals after three straight group stage exits. "The WTA Finals are really tough as they come right at the end of the season and you need to put all of your energy and everything together to play well," said Halep, who lost in the final of the event on her first appearance in 2014. "I haven't managed to do that in the last three years, so my goal is to just get out of the group stage and into the semi-finals. But I know this will be difficult."

Simona Halep feels Grand Slam triumph justifies number one ranking

US&nbsp;Open champion Sloane Stephens is determined to end the season on a positive note at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China after failing to win a match since her shock victory at Flushing Meadows.

The 24-year-old American stunned the sport in September when in her first grand slam final she became the lowest-ranked woman (83) to win the U.S. Open singles title.

However, despite her impressive triumph and surge up the world rankings she suffered first-round defeats at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in Beijing before pulling out of the Hong Kong Open earlier this month.

Stephens, who will play her first round-robin event at this week&#39;s Elite Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a lack of preparation.

&quot;I&#39;d say winning the US&nbsp;Open isn&#39;t the best preparation to go play two tournaments right after,&quot; she told a news conference on Monday.

&quot;But I had to get out there and play because it was on my schedule. Before winning the U.S. Open, having those good results, I was basically trying to get into the Australian Open. These tournaments were really necessary for me to play.&quot;

Stephens, seeded third, is placed at the top of the Camellia Group alongside Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic.

Angelique Kerber, who clinched both Australian and US&nbsp;Open titles last year, said the Elite Trophy will allow her to lay a foundation for a fresh start in 2018.

&quot;I&#39;m trying to look ahead and trying to end the year as well as I can by putting everything on the court,&quot; said the 29-year-old German.

&quot;It&#39;s a tough tournament but it&#39;s an opportunity to get better, have good competition and maybe also going with a good feeling to next season.&quot;

Kerber was drawn in the Rose Group alongside fourth seed Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty of Australia.

The Elite Trophy features the world&#39;s top 12 singles players who did not qualify for the WTA Finals last week. The round-robin format will see the winners from each of the four groups advance to the semi-finals.

Stephens, who will play her first round-robin event at this week's Elite Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a lack of preparation

US Open champion Sloane Stephens is determined to end the season on a positive note at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China after failing to win a match since her shock victory at Flushing Meadows. The 24-year-old American stunned the sport in September when in her first grand slam final she became the lowest-ranked woman (83) to win the U.S. Open singles title. However, despite her impressive triumph and surge up the world rankings she suffered first-round defeats at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in Beijing before pulling out of the Hong Kong Open earlier this month. Stephens, who will play her first round-robin event at this week's Elite Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a lack of preparation. "I'd say winning the US Open isn't the best preparation to go play two tournaments right after," she told a news conference on Monday. "But I had to get out there and play because it was on my schedule. Before winning the U.S. Open, having those good results, I was basically trying to get into the Australian Open. These tournaments were really necessary for me to play." Stephens, seeded third, is placed at the top of the Camellia Group alongside Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic. Angelique Kerber, who clinched both Australian and US Open titles last year, said the Elite Trophy will allow her to lay a foundation for a fresh start in 2018. "I'm trying to look ahead and trying to end the year as well as I can by putting everything on the court," said the 29-year-old German. "It's a tough tournament but it's an opportunity to get better, have good competition and maybe also going with a good feeling to next season." Kerber was drawn in the Rose Group alongside fourth seed Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty of Australia. The Elite Trophy features the world's top 12 singles players who did not qualify for the WTA Finals last week. The round-robin format will see the winners from each of the four groups advance to the semi-finals.

Stephens eyes quick rebound at WTA Elite Trophy

American Sloane Stephens <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-venus-beats-kvitova-enters-semis-19918">beat two-time champion Venus Williams </a>in a tough three-set encounter to reach the US Open women&#39;s finals at the USTA Billie Jean King national tennis center in New York.

Sloane, ranked 83 in the world, overcame<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-the-us-open-438"> the former US Open champion Venus Williams</a> 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 to ensure a berth in Saturday&#39;s final.

In the other semi-final on Friday, Madison Keys beat&nbsp;fellow American CoCo Vandeweghe 6-1, 6-2 to ensure an all-American final.

American Sloane Stephens beat Venus Williams in a tough three-set encounter

American Sloane Stephens beat two-time champion Venus Williams in a tough three-set encounter to reach the US Open women's finals at the USTA Billie Jean King national tennis center in New York. Sloane, ranked 83 in the world, overcame the former US Open champion Venus Williams 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 to ensure a berth in Saturday's final. In the other semi-final on Friday, Madison Keys beat fellow American CoCo Vandeweghe 6-1, 6-2 to ensure an all-American final.

US Open: Sloane Stephens overcomes Venus, to clash against Keys in final

Argentina&#39;s Juan Martin del Potro <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/us-open-i-dont-want-to-look-like-federers-boyfriend-nadal-on-bromance-with-fedex-447">beat Swiss </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/us-open-i-dont-want-to-look-like-federers-boyfriend-nadal-on-bromance-with-fedex-447">favourite</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/us-open-i-dont-want-to-look-like-federers-boyfriend-nadal-on-bromance-with-fedex-447"> Roger Federer&nbsp;7-5 3-6 7-6(8) 6-4</a> in a thrilling US&nbsp;Open quarter-final at the Arthur Ashe stadium on Wednesday.

&quot;The best player won today, by far, and I don&#39;t have a problem with that,&quot; Federer said after the match.

Federer felt he was slightly unprepared due to injury which he had suffered before the US Open.

&quot;I don&#39;t want to take anything from Juan Martin but when you get injured before a tournament, you are not focused on training or on how to play during the tournament,&quot; the former World No-1 said.

&quot;It was a bit the case for me before the US&nbsp;Open. Then I had to play a couple of five setters and you start to hurt a little bit everywhere,&quot; he added.

Fans and experts were, of course, looking forward to a Nadal-Federer clash with ticket prices for the match skyrocketing.

&quot;I didn&#39;t even think about it, as I lost that match, that it&#39;s not going to happen,&quot; Federer said referring to a semi-final matchup with Nadal which was spoiled by a resurgent del Potro.&nbsp;

&quot;Of course it is a pity but, you know, Juan Martin deserves it more. I feel I have no place in the semis and he will have a better chance to beat Rafa, to be honest,&quot; Federer said.

del Porto who surprised everyone with his all court, power display told reporters after the match he was ready for Nadal.

&quot;I played (Nadal) in 2009 too, the same as Roger and hopefully I can repeat the result,&quot; he said.

&quot;We look older but he&#39;s having an amazing season, number one in the world but with this amazing support anything can happen,&quot; the Argentian added.

Juan Martin del Potro beat Roger Federer?7-5 3-6 7-6(8) 6-4

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro beat Swiss favourite Roger Federer 7-5 3-6 7-6(8) 6-4 in a thrilling US Open quarter-final at the Arthur Ashe stadium on Wednesday. "The best player won today, by far, and I don't have a problem with that," Federer said after the match. Federer felt he was slightly unprepared due to injury which he had suffered before the US Open. "I don't want to take anything from Juan Martin but when you get injured before a tournament, you are not focused on training or on how to play during the tournament," the former World No-1 said. "It was a bit the case for me before the US Open. Then I had to play a couple of five setters and you start to hurt a little bit everywhere," he added. Fans and experts were, of course, looking forward to a Nadal-Federer clash with ticket prices for the match skyrocketing. "I didn't even think about it, as I lost that match, that it's not going to happen," Federer said referring to a semi-final matchup with Nadal which was spoiled by a resurgent del Potro. "Of course it is a pity but, you know, Juan Martin deserves it more. I feel I have no place in the semis and he will have a better chance to beat Rafa, to be honest," Federer said. del Porto who surprised everyone with his all court, power display told reporters after the match he was ready for Nadal. "I played (Nadal) in 2009 too, the same as Roger and hopefully I can repeat the result," he said. "We look older but he's having an amazing season, number one in the world but with this amazing support anything can happen," the Argentian added.

US Open: del Potro beats Federer, to clash with Nadal in semis

Britain&#39;s Andy Murray said on Wednesday he is unlikely to play again this season due to a nagging hip injury that forced him to pull out of the US Open.

Murray, recently nudged off the top of the world rankings by Spain&#39;s Rafael Nadal, has been struggling with the injury since a five-set French Open semi-final loss to Switzerland&#39;s Stan Wawrinka in June.

The 30-year-old Scot played at Wimbledon in July but lost in the quarter-finals to American Sam Querrey.

&quot;Unfortunately, I won&#39;t be able to compete in the upcoming events in Beijing and Shanghai, and most likely, the final two events to finish the season in Vienna and Paris due to my hip injury which has been bothering me the last few months,&quot; the three-time Grand Slam champion said on his Facebook page.

&quot;Having consulted with a number of leading hip specialists over the last week, along with my own team, we have decided that this is the best decision for my long-term future,&quot; the world number two said.

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<h5>Unfortunately, I won&#39;t be able to compete in the upcoming events in Beijing and Shanghai, and most likely, the final two events to finish the season in Vienna and Paris due to my hip injury which has been bothering me the last few months,&#39; the three-time Grand Slam champion said on his Facebook page</h5>
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&quot;Although this has been a frustrating year on court for many reasons, I&rsquo;m confident after this extended period of rest and rehabilitation that I will be able to reach my best level again and be competing for Grand Slam titles next season.

&quot;I will be beginning my 2018 season in Brisbane in preparation for the Australian Open.&quot;

Murray, who has won Wimbledon twice as well as the US Open, said he was looking forward to playing in Glasgow later in the year in a charity exhibition match against Roger Federer.

The Scot, who also has two Olympic titles under his belt, did not mention the ATP Finals in London in November but is currently ninth in the race to reach the eight-man tournament and missing events will further reduce his chances.

&quot;I have a fantastic team working alongside me to help me through this process and appreciate the support from them and all of my fans over this difficult period,&quot; Murray wrote.

The men&#39;s game is currently beset by a glut of injuries to big-name players, with Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic all missing from the ongoing US Open in New York.

Murray replaced Djokovic as world number one in November 2016 and held the top spot for 41 weeks before being replaced by Nadal last month.

A nagging hip injury forced Andy Murray out of the US Open

Britain's Andy Murray said on Wednesday he is unlikely to play again this season due to a nagging hip injury that forced him to pull out of the US Open. Murray, recently nudged off the top of the world rankings by Spain's Rafael Nadal, has been struggling with the injury since a five-set French Open semi-final loss to Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka in June. The 30-year-old Scot played at Wimbledon in July but lost in the quarter-finals to American Sam Querrey. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to compete in the upcoming events in Beijing and Shanghai, and most likely, the final two events to finish the season in Vienna and Paris due to my hip injury which has been bothering me the last few months," the three-time Grand Slam champion said on his Facebook page. "Having consulted with a number of leading hip specialists over the last week, along with my own team, we have decided that this is the best decision for my long-term future," the world number two said. Unfortunately, I won't be able to compete in the upcoming events in Beijing and Shanghai, and most likely, the final two events to finish the season in Vienna and Paris due to my hip injury which has been bothering me the last few months,' the three-time Grand Slam champion said on his Facebook page × "Although this has been a frustrating year on court for many reasons, I’m confident after this extended period of rest and rehabilitation that I will be able to reach my best level again and be competing for Grand Slam titles next season. "I will be beginning my 2018 season in Brisbane in preparation for the Australian Open." Murray, who has won Wimbledon twice as well as the US Open, said he was looking forward to playing in Glasgow later in the year in a charity exhibition match against Roger Federer. The Scot, who also has two Olympic titles under his belt, did not mention the ATP Finals in London in November but is currently ninth in the race to reach the eight-man tournament and missing events will further reduce his chances. "I have a fantastic team working alongside me to help me through this process and appreciate the support from them and all of my fans over this difficult period," Murray wrote. The men's game is currently beset by a glut of injuries to big-name players, with Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic all missing from the ongoing US Open in New York. Murray replaced Djokovic as world number one in November 2016 and held the top spot for 41 weeks before being replaced by Nadal last month.

Injured Murray says likely to miss rest of season

Former champion<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/us-open-sharapova-stumbles-venus-williams-advances-440"> Venus Williams beat Petra Kvitova </a>in a tough three-set battle to advance into the semi-final of the US Open tennis championship in New York.

American Venus Williams, 37,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-the-us-open-438"> overcame Czech Republic&#39;s Petra Kvitova</a> 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2) to become the oldest Grand Slam semi-finalist in the open era.

Venus will meet American Sloane Stephens in the semi-finals after she beat Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in another three sets 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4).

&quot;I&#39;m glad that I am still able to compete on the high level against the top players,&quot; said Kvitova after the match against Venus.

&quot;I&#39;m not sure about the titles of the Grand Slams. Of course, that&#39;s why I&#39;m playing tennis, and that&#39;s why I wanted to be back and playing&nbsp;and is a big motivation.&quot;

&quot;But I&#39;m still on the earth, and I know it&#39;s still a lot of work. This was a quarter-final, but I know how tough it is to get a title for a Grand Slam. It was pretty close but pretty far, as well,&quot; Kvitova added. 
&nbsp;

Venus Williams beat Petra Kvitova in a tough three-set battle

Former champion Venus Williams beat Petra Kvitova in a tough three-set battle to advance into the semi-final of the US Open tennis championship in New York. American Venus Williams, 37, overcame Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2) to become the oldest Grand Slam semi-finalist in the open era. Venus will meet American Sloane Stephens in the semi-finals after she beat Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in another three sets 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4). "I'm glad that I am still able to compete on the high level against the top players," said Kvitova after the match against Venus. "I'm not sure about the titles of the Grand Slams. Of course, that's why I'm playing tennis, and that's why I wanted to be back and playing and is a big motivation." "But I'm still on the earth, and I know it's still a lot of work. This was a quarter-final, but I know how tough it is to get a title for a Grand Slam. It was pretty close but pretty far, as well," Kvitova added.

US Open: Venus beats Kvitova, enters semis

Rafael Nadal notched up his 50th win at the US Open to reach the quarter-finals for the seventh time Monday as teen sensation Andrey Rublev and comeback queen Kaia Kanepi muscled into the spotlight.

World number one Nadal, who could meet old rival Roger Federer for the first time in New York at the semi-final stage, crushed Ukraine&#39;s Alexander Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.

The 31-year-old Spaniard goes on to face Russian 19-year-old Rublev, who stunned Belgian ninth seed David Goffin 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to become the youngest quarter-finalist since Andy Roddick in 2001.

As Rublev pondered a first Slam quarterfinal, the women&#39;s draw saw Estonia&#39;s world number 418 Kanepi book her place in the last eight of a major for the sixth time.

The 32-year-old is just the second qualifier to make the quarters in New York.

Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion, showed no signs of the struggles that bedeviled him in the two previous rounds when he dropped the opening set before prevailing in four.

His 23 winners were just shaded by world number 64 Dolgopolov&#39;s 25 but the Ukrainian&#39;s 39 unforced errors were more than three times those committed by Nadal.

&quot;I played a solid match with not many mistakes,&quot; said Nadal, the reigning French Open champion.

&quot;He&#39;s a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he can be very unpredictable so I just waited for my opportunity.&quot;

Rublev, ranked 53, has won 13 of his last 17 matches after breaking the top 100 for the first time in June.

He marked his entry into the top 50 by winning the Umag title as a lucky loser in July and he insists all the pressure will be on Nadal who is chasing a 16th major.

&quot;Rafa is a real champion. I will try to do my best -- I have nothing to lose,&quot; said Rublev, whose push to victory on Monday was helped by Goffin suffering a left knee injury.

&quot;It was impossible to win today,&quot; said the Belgian.

Federer, bidding for a sixth US Open and 20th major, will tackle Philipp Kohlschreiber later Monday.

After stretching his runs of dominance over Mikhail Youzhny to 17-0 and Feliciano Lopez to 13-0, the 36-year-old Federer takes an 11-0 advantage into his night-time duel with German 33rd seed Kohlschreiber.

The remaining last-16 tie of the day sees 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro, the 24th seeded Argentine, up against Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem.

Thiem, who was forced to quit with an injury against del Potro at the same stage in 2016, celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Kanepi, a former world number 15 whose career was almost ended by illness and a crippling injury, downed Russia&#39;s Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 6-4.

She will next face either Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina or Madison Keys of the United States.

It will be Kanepi&#39;s sixth quarter-final at the majors and second in New York after also reaching the last eight in 2010.

&quot;It&#39;s very tough to believe where I am now after all that has happened. I didn&#39;t expect it,&quot; said Kanepi, who is playing in the main draw of an event for the first time this year.

In 2016, she appeared just once in Rabat as she battled the effects of Epstein-Barr virus and then painful plantar fasciitis in both feet.

Top seed Kristina Pliskova, the runner-up in 2016, needed just 46 minutes to sweep past Jennifer Brady of the United States 6-1, 6-0 and make her third Slam quarter-final of 2017.

The tall Czech had needed back-to-back three-setters to get to the last 16, including having to save a match point against Zhang Shuai of China in the third round.

Pliskova will next face American 20th seed CoCo Vandeweghe, who made the last eight for the first time by beating Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

World number one Nadal, who could meet old rival Roger Federer for the first time in New York at the semi-final stage, crushed Ukraine's Alexander Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-4, 6-1

Rafael Nadal notched up his 50th win at the US Open to reach the quarter-finals for the seventh time Monday as teen sensation Andrey Rublev and comeback queen Kaia Kanepi muscled into the spotlight. World number one Nadal, who could meet old rival Roger Federer for the first time in New York at the semi-final stage, crushed Ukraine's Alexander Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. The 31-year-old Spaniard goes on to face Russian 19-year-old Rublev, who stunned Belgian ninth seed David Goffin 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to become the youngest quarter-finalist since Andy Roddick in 2001. As Rublev pondered a first Slam quarterfinal, the women's draw saw Estonia's world number 418 Kanepi book her place in the last eight of a major for the sixth time. The 32-year-old is just the second qualifier to make the quarters in New York. Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion, showed no signs of the struggles that bedeviled him in the two previous rounds when he dropped the opening set before prevailing in four. His 23 winners were just shaded by world number 64 Dolgopolov's 25 but the Ukrainian's 39 unforced errors were more than three times those committed by Nadal. "I played a solid match with not many mistakes," said Nadal, the reigning French Open champion. "He's a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he can be very unpredictable so I just waited for my opportunity." Rublev, ranked 53, has won 13 of his last 17 matches after breaking the top 100 for the first time in June. He marked his entry into the top 50 by winning the Umag title as a lucky loser in July and he insists all the pressure will be on Nadal who is chasing a 16th major. "Rafa is a real champion. I will try to do my best -- I have nothing to lose," said Rublev, whose push to victory on Monday was helped by Goffin suffering a left knee injury. "It was impossible to win today," said the Belgian. Federer, bidding for a sixth US Open and 20th major, will tackle Philipp Kohlschreiber later Monday. After stretching his runs of dominance over Mikhail Youzhny to 17-0 and Feliciano Lopez to 13-0, the 36-year-old Federer takes an 11-0 advantage into his night-time duel with German 33rd seed Kohlschreiber. The remaining last-16 tie of the day sees 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro, the 24th seeded Argentine, up against Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem. Thiem, who was forced to quit with an injury against del Potro at the same stage in 2016, celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday. The 32-year-old Kanepi, a former world number 15 whose career was almost ended by illness and a crippling injury, downed Russia's Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 6-4. She will next face either Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina or Madison Keys of the United States. It will be Kanepi's sixth quarter-final at the majors and second in New York after also reaching the last eight in 2010. "It's very tough to believe where I am now after all that has happened. I didn't expect it," said Kanepi, who is playing in the main draw of an event for the first time this year. In 2016, she appeared just once in Rabat as she battled the effects of Epstein-Barr virus and then painful plantar fasciitis in both feet. Top seed Kristina Pliskova, the runner-up in 2016, needed just 46 minutes to sweep past Jennifer Brady of the United States 6-1, 6-0 and make her third Slam quarter-final of 2017. The tall Czech had needed back-to-back three-setters to get to the last 16, including having to save a match point against Zhang Shuai of China in the third round. Pliskova will next face American 20th seed CoCo Vandeweghe, who made the last eight for the first time by beating Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

Tennis: Nadal hits 50 at US Open as Rublev, Kanepi grab spotlight

Karolina Pliskova showed the steel of a world number one as she fought off a match point to claim a riveting 3-6 7-5 6-4 comeback win over Zhang Shuai in the US Open&nbsp;third round on Saturday (September 9).

Pliskova, runner-up at Flushing Meadows last year, would have lost her world number one ranking had she been beaten on Arthur Ashe Stadium but moved another step closer to a first career grand slam title.

Chinese Zhang was aggressive throughout the match but was ultimately worn down by the tall, big-serving Czech.

Pliskova needed an injury time out to attend to a sore arm in the second set, which she hopes will not bother her when she faces either American Jennifer Brady or Monica Niculescu of Romania.

The men&#39;s number one seed Rafael Nadal also struggled at the start of his match, facing Argentine Leonardo Mayer with Mayer taking the first set on a tie-break.

The second set was a close affair with lengthy games at its outset though neither player could capitalise on the many breaking point chances on offer. Nadal eventually did break before taking the set and hardly looked back, gaining confidence and Mayer losing his focus.

Nadal went on to win the next two sets, winning the match 6-7 6-3 6-1 6-4.

Karolina Pliskova comeback win over Zhang Shuai in the US Open third round on Saturday

Karolina Pliskova showed the steel of a world number one as she fought off a match point to claim a riveting 3-6 7-5 6-4 comeback win over Zhang Shuai in the US Open third round on Saturday (September 9). Pliskova, runner-up at Flushing Meadows last year, would have lost her world number one ranking had she been beaten on Arthur Ashe Stadium but moved another step closer to a first career grand slam title. Chinese Zhang was aggressive throughout the match but was ultimately worn down by the tall, big-serving Czech. Pliskova needed an injury time out to attend to a sore arm in the second set, which she hopes will not bother her when she faces either American Jennifer Brady or Monica Niculescu of Romania. The men's number one seed Rafael Nadal also struggled at the start of his match, facing Argentine Leonardo Mayer with Mayer taking the first set on a tie-break. The second set was a close affair with lengthy games at its outset though neither player could capitalise on the many breaking point chances on offer. Nadal eventually did break before taking the set and hardly looked back, gaining confidence and Mayer losing his focus. Nadal went on to win the next two sets, winning the match 6-7 6-3 6-1 6-4.

US Open: Pliskova survives Zhang scare, Nadal wins epic battle

Former World No-1 Roger Federer beat American teenager Frances Tiafoe in a close five-set encounter to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/us-open-japanese-teen-naomi-osaka-upsets-defending-champion-kerber-429">remain on course to clash against Nadal in the US Open tennis</a> championships on Wednesday.

Federer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/us-open-tennis-425">had to battle 19-year-old Tiafoe all the way into the</a> fifth set before finally clinching the first round encounter 4-6 6-2 6-1 1-6 6-4 in a long two and a half hour battle.

The match played under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium due to rain, made life difficult for Federer as he not only had to fight his opponent, the home &nbsp;raucous crowd ensured the match turned out to be a virtual Switzerland vs US fight.

&nbsp;&quot;We had a good fight,&quot; Federer said later. &quot;It was exciting and this is why I came to New York, to go through these emotions,&quot; Federer declared.

The topsy-turvy battle saw Federer lose the first set then coming back to win the next two sets before Tiafoe came hammering down on Federer to win the fourth 1-6 but the former World No-1 held on to close the set 6-4 to advance into the second round.&nbsp;

&quot;He is a great player and has a bright future ahead of him,&quot; Federer said on 19-year-old American teen sensation Frances Tiafoe.

Federer next meets either Slovenian Blaz Kavcic or Russian Mikhail Youzhny.

Federer had to battle 19-year-old Tiafoe all the way into the fifth set before finally clinching the first round encounter 4-6 6-2 6-1 1-6 6-4.

Former World No-1 Roger Federer beat American teenager Frances Tiafoe in a close five-set encounter to remain on course to clash against Nadal in the US Open tennis championships on Wednesday. Federer had to battle 19-year-old Tiafoe all the way into the fifth set before finally clinching the first round encounter 4-6 6-2 6-1 1-6 6-4 in a long two and a half hour battle. The match played under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium due to rain, made life difficult for Federer as he not only had to fight his opponent, the home raucous crowd ensured the match turned out to be a virtual Switzerland vs US fight. "We had a good fight," Federer said later. "It was exciting and this is why I came to New York, to go through these emotions," Federer declared. The topsy-turvy battle saw Federer lose the first set then coming back to win the next two sets before Tiafoe came hammering down on Federer to win the fourth 1-6 but the former World No-1 held on to close the set 6-4 to advance into the second round. "He is a great player and has a bright future ahead of him," Federer said on 19-year-old American teen sensation Frances Tiafoe. Federer next meets either Slovenian Blaz Kavcic or Russian Mikhail Youzhny.

US Open: Federer narrowly beats American teenager Frances Tiafoe

This year&#39;s US&nbsp;Open will become the first tennis tournament to top $50 million in prize money following a nine per cent increase in the total purse, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said on Tuesday.

Winners of the men&#39;s and women&#39;s singles titles will each earn $3.7 million, while runners-up will pocket $1.825 million from the $50.4 million total pot.

The men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s doubles champion teams will each earn $675,000, also the highest in U.S. Open history.

The qualifying tournament for the season&#39;s final grand slam will offer more than $2.9 million in prize money, a 49.2 per cent increase from 2016.

&quot;Five years ago, we committed to the players that total player compensation for players would reach $50 million at the US&nbsp;Open, and we are honouring that commitment,&rdquo; USTA President Katrina Adams said in a statement.

&quot;In addition to unprecedented prize money increases, players also will see a host of new amenities at this year&rsquo;s tournament including upgrades to player dining, a more generous meal allowance, upgrades to all player workout facilities, and additional quiet room space.

&quot;Our goal is to make every experience at the US&nbsp;Open, whether for the players, our fans, or our partners, the best, world-class experience possible.&quot;

The US&nbsp;Open runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows, New York.

Winners of the men's and women's singles titles will each earn $3.7 million, while runners-up will pocket $1.825 million

This year's US Open will become the first tennis tournament to top $50 million in prize money following a nine per cent increase in the total purse, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said on Tuesday. Winners of the men's and women's singles titles will each earn $3.7 million, while runners-up will pocket $1.825 million from the $50.4 million total pot. The men’s and women’s doubles champion teams will each earn $675,000, also the highest in U.S. Open history. The qualifying tournament for the season's final grand slam will offer more than $2.9 million in prize money, a 49.2 per cent increase from 2016. "Five years ago, we committed to the players that total player compensation for players would reach $50 million at the US Open, and we are honouring that commitment,” USTA President Katrina Adams said in a statement. "In addition to unprecedented prize money increases, players also will see a host of new amenities at this year’s tournament including upgrades to player dining, a more generous meal allowance, upgrades to all player workout facilities, and additional quiet room space. "Our goal is to make every experience at the US Open, whether for the players, our fans, or our partners, the best, world-class experience possible." The US Open runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows, New York.

Tennis: US Open to top $50 million in prize money

Serena Williams announced on Friday that she has pulled out of two forthcoming tournaments in China citing an ongoing shoulder injury. 
 
&quot;I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open or the China Open due to continuing issues with my right shoulder,&quot; Williams said in a statement. 
 
Williams has not been seen on court since the US Open earlier this month, where she was knocked out by Czech Karolina Pliskova in the semi-finals and lost her long-held position as world number one to eventual winner Angelique Kerber. 
 
(AFP)

Williams released a statement saying she will not be able to compete at the China Open due to continuing issues with her right shoulder

Serena Williams announced on Friday that she has pulled out of two forthcoming tournaments in China citing an ongoing shoulder injury. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open or the China Open due to continuing issues with my right shoulder," Williams said in a statement. Williams has not been seen on court since the US Open earlier this month, where she was knocked out by Czech Karolina Pliskova in the semi-finals and lost her long-held position as world number one to eventual winner Angelique Kerber. (AFP)

Serena Williams pulls out of China tournaments due to injury

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week&#39;s Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia.&nbsp; 
 
Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. 
 
Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears.&nbsp; 
 
He trained with the team ahead of the weekend&#39;s tie at Sydney&#39;s Ken Rosewall Arena.&nbsp; 
 
He told reporters in Sydney, &quot;I wouldn&#39;t be here if I didn&#39;t want to play.&quot; 
 
&quot;I feel ready. I&#39;m playing probably the best tennis I have,&quot;&nbsp;AFP quoted him as saying.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve hit twice since I&#39;ve been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it&#39;s feeling good and I&#39;m feeling confident with it. 
 
&quot;I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I&#39;ve been going pretty well. I&#39;ve been on the rise the whole year. I&#39;ve been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things.&quot; 
 
He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios was forced to quit the third-round of the US Open in tears due to his hip injury

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week's Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia. Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears. He trained with the team ahead of the weekend's tie at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena. He told reporters in Sydney, "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to play." "I feel ready. I'm playing probably the best tennis I have," AFP quoted him as saying. "I've hit twice since I've been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it's feeling good and I'm feeling confident with it. "I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I've been going pretty well. I've been on the rise the whole year. I've been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things." He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tennis: 'Ready for Davis Cup', says Australian number one Nick Kyrgios

Stan Wawrinka became the oldest US Open men&#39;s champion in 46 years when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic to claim a third Grand Slam title on Sunday. 
 
Wawrinka, the 31-year-old third seed, triumphed 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 after almost four hours of high-intensity tennis. 
 
He even held his nerve when the final threatened to erupt into controversy after Djokovic twice called medical timeouts in the fourth set. 
 
Wawrinka is the oldest winner of the men&#39;s tournament since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970 and the first over 30 to take the title since Pete Sampras in 2002. 
 
It was the Swiss player&#39;s first New York title, following his breakthrough 2014 Australian Open triumph and 2015 Roland Garros crown. 
 
On both those occasions, Djokovic had been the fall-guy, losing in Melbourne in the quarter-finals and ending as runner-up in Paris. 
 
Djokovic, the 2011 and 2015 champion, had been seeking a third Slam of the year and 13th major of his career. 
 
But the 29-year-old Serb finished runner-up in New York for the fourth time after paying a heavy price for converting just three of 17 break points. 
 
Wawrinka, who had to save a match point to beat unheralded Dan Evans in the third round, committed 51 unforced errors but crucially smashed 46 winners past his opponent. 
 
The final started against a sombre but defiant background with Broadway star Norm Lewis delivering a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, a poignant performance on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 
 
Djokovic, playing in his 21st Grand Slam final and seventh in New York, was quickest out of the blocks. 
He broke for 2-0 having won the first point of the game with two extreme, against-the-odds retrievals. 
Trailing 2-5, Wawrinka, who had spent the best part of nine hours more than Djokovic getting to the final, saved two set points. 
 
The Serb was made to pay for his wastefulness as the Swiss suddenly found his range, breaking back in the ninth game off a Djokovic double fault. But Djokovic glided untroubled through the tie-break as Wawrinka&#39;s serve fell apart. 
 
Wawrinka rallies&nbsp; 
 
Wawrinka is used to chasing lost causes against Djokovic, coming back from losing the first set to win their 2014 Australian Open quarter-final and again at Roland Garros last year. 
 
Calling on that expertise, he broke for 3-1 in the second set, recovered from handing the advantage back in the seventh to level the final when Djokovic unleashed a wild forehand on set point in the 10th. 
 
Frustrated, Djokovic demolished his racquet, collecting a code violation from umpire Ali Nili. 
 
Wawrinka saved three break points in the opening game of the third set, which featured a 28-shot exchange, broke in the second and saved another break point in the next for a 3-0 lead. 
 
But at the sixth time of asking in the set, Djokovic clawed his way back with a break for 2-3. 
 
Wawrinka, however, kept up the attack and on set point in the 12th game slotted a backhand deep and into the corner which Djokovic could only push wide. 
 
The world number one looked spent. He appeared to start cramping in the fourth set as he quickly slipped 0-3 down. 
 
Much to Wawrinka&#39;s irritation, at 1-3 Djokovic called the trainer and took a medical timeout for treatment for blisters. Djokovic apologised, claiming he needed attention as he couldn&#39;t stand. 
 
At 2-5, the trainer reappeared but Wawrinka saw the job through leaving Djokovic to finish a Slam runner-up for the ninth time.

(AFP)

Wawrinka defeated world number one Djokovic to claim a third Grand Slam title. Djokovic had been the fall-guy on both the previous occasions

Stan Wawrinka became the oldest US Open men's champion in 46 years when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic to claim a third Grand Slam title on Sunday. Wawrinka, the 31-year-old third seed, triumphed 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 after almost four hours of high-intensity tennis. He even held his nerve when the final threatened to erupt into controversy after Djokovic twice called medical timeouts in the fourth set. Wawrinka is the oldest winner of the men's tournament since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970 and the first over 30 to take the title since Pete Sampras in 2002. It was the Swiss player's first New York title, following his breakthrough 2014 Australian Open triumph and 2015 Roland Garros crown. On both those occasions, Djokovic had been the fall-guy, losing in Melbourne in the quarter-finals and ending as runner-up in Paris. Djokovic, the 2011 and 2015 champion, had been seeking a third Slam of the year and 13th major of his career. But the 29-year-old Serb finished runner-up in New York for the fourth time after paying a heavy price for converting just three of 17 break points. Wawrinka, who had to save a match point to beat unheralded Dan Evans in the third round, committed 51 unforced errors but crucially smashed 46 winners past his opponent. The final started against a sombre but defiant background with Broadway star Norm Lewis delivering a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, a poignant performance on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Djokovic, playing in his 21st Grand Slam final and seventh in New York, was quickest out of the blocks. He broke for 2-0 having won the first point of the game with two extreme, against-the-odds retrievals. Trailing 2-5, Wawrinka, who had spent the best part of nine hours more than Djokovic getting to the final, saved two set points. The Serb was made to pay for his wastefulness as the Swiss suddenly found his range, breaking back in the ninth game off a Djokovic double fault. But Djokovic glided untroubled through the tie-break as Wawrinka's serve fell apart. Wawrinka rallies Wawrinka is used to chasing lost causes against Djokovic, coming back from losing the first set to win their 2014 Australian Open quarter-final and again at Roland Garros last year. Calling on that expertise, he broke for 3-1 in the second set, recovered from handing the advantage back in the seventh to level the final when Djokovic unleashed a wild forehand on set point in the 10th. Frustrated, Djokovic demolished his racquet, collecting a code violation from umpire Ali Nili. Wawrinka saved three break points in the opening game of the third set, which featured a 28-shot exchange, broke in the second and saved another break point in the next for a 3-0 lead. But at the sixth time of asking in the set, Djokovic clawed his way back with a break for 2-3. Wawrinka, however, kept up the attack and on set point in the 12th game slotted a backhand deep and into the corner which Djokovic could only push wide. The world number one looked spent. He appeared to start cramping in the fourth set as he quickly slipped 0-3 down. Much to Wawrinka's irritation, at 1-3 Djokovic called the trainer and took a medical timeout for treatment for blisters. Djokovic apologised, claiming he needed attention as he couldn't stand. At 2-5, the trainer reappeared but Wawrinka saw the job through leaving Djokovic to finish a Slam runner-up for the ninth time. (AFP)

Stan Wawrinka stuns Novak Djokovic to clinch maiden US Open title

Stan Wawrinka will summon the spirit of his epic Grand Slam battles with Novak Djokovic in a bid to sweep past the world number one and capture a first US Open title on Sunday. 
 
Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major. 
 
But the 31-year-old Swiss has derailed the Serb before on the biggest stage. 
 
In 2014, Wawrinka won a five-set quarter-final against Djokovic on his way to a first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, beating Rafael Nadal in the final. 
 
Twelve months earlier in Melbourne there had been warning signs with Djokovic needing to grind out a 12-10 final set in the fourth round. 
 
Last year, Djokovic saw his hopes of completing a career Slam crushed in four sets by the Swiss in the French Open final. 
 
Even when the Serb has prevailed at the majors, it&#39;s often been on a knife-edge. 
 
When he defeated Wawrinka in the semi-finals of the 2013 US Open, he had to fight from two sets to one down. 
 
At the 2015 Australian Open, Djokovic needed another five sets to win their semi-final. 
 
&quot;I think he&#39;s so good that he always find a way to be better. For sure he made me better,&quot; Wawrinka said. 
 
&quot;The matchup has always been interesting to see because the way we are playing. I&#39;m trying to be aggressive. I can play really hard. He is amazing defender.&quot; 
 
Djokovic, playing in his 21st major final and seeking a third Grand Slam title of 2016, is only too aware of the dangers posed by the Swiss to his bid to add to his 2011 and 2015 US Open titles. 
 
- &#39;Big stage player&#39; - 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a big match player. He loves to play on the big stage, against big players, because that&#39;s when he elevates his level of performance,&quot; said 29-year-old Djokovic. 
 
&quot;He doesn&#39;t get too stressed by the big occasion. He&#39;s very powerful, big serve. Probably the best, most effective one-handed backhand in the world now. He can be very dangerous for everybody.&quot; 
 
Djokovic was left wondering what had hit him at Roland Garros in 2015. 
 
He had beaten Andy Murray and Nadal to get to the final but Wawrinka hadn&#39;t read the script, his 60 winners -- most fired off the backhand -- proving hammer blows to the Serb. 
 
Since that loss in Paris, however, it has virtually been business as usual. 
 
Djokovic went on to win a second US Open, a sixth Australian Open and first Roland Garros in June which finally allowed him to join the select club of career Grand Slam winners. 
 
His only blip was his third round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, an exit fuelled partially by unspecified personal issues. 
 
Despite his run to a seventh US Open final, it has not been plain sailing for Djokovic. 
 
He has needed regular treatment on his right shoulder while also requiring help with his left in the heat and crushing humidity of Friday&#39;s bizarre semi-final win against Gael Monfils. 
 
While Djokovic has enjoyed a walkover and two injury-forced retirements on his way to the final, Wawrinka had to save a match point against unheralded Dan Evans in the third round. 
 
He has also spent almost 18 hours on court while Djokovic has made the final after being in action for just over nine. 
 
However, the big Swiss has won his last 10 finals. 
 
The Swiss player, so often in the shadow of Roger Federer, has blossomed late in his career, winning the Australian title at 28. 
 
That made him the oldest first-time Slam winner since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. 
 
But history at the US Open may not favour Wawrinka on Sunday. 
 
Pete Sampras was the last player over-30 to win in New York and that was back in 2002. 
 
Elsewhere on Sunday, the women&#39;s doubles will be played featuring top-seeded French pair Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic against Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major

Stan Wawrinka will summon the spirit of his epic Grand Slam battles with Novak Djokovic in a bid to sweep past the world number one and capture a first US Open title on Sunday. Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major. But the 31-year-old Swiss has derailed the Serb before on the biggest stage. In 2014, Wawrinka won a five-set quarter-final against Djokovic on his way to a first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, beating Rafael Nadal in the final. Twelve months earlier in Melbourne there had been warning signs with Djokovic needing to grind out a 12-10 final set in the fourth round. Last year, Djokovic saw his hopes of completing a career Slam crushed in four sets by the Swiss in the French Open final. Even when the Serb has prevailed at the majors, it's often been on a knife-edge. When he defeated Wawrinka in the semi-finals of the 2013 US Open, he had to fight from two sets to one down. At the 2015 Australian Open, Djokovic needed another five sets to win their semi-final. "I think he's so good that he always find a way to be better. For sure he made me better," Wawrinka said. "The matchup has always been interesting to see because the way we are playing. I'm trying to be aggressive. I can play really hard. He is amazing defender." Djokovic, playing in his 21st major final and seeking a third Grand Slam title of 2016, is only too aware of the dangers posed by the Swiss to his bid to add to his 2011 and 2015 US Open titles. - 'Big stage player' - "He's a big match player. He loves to play on the big stage, against big players, because that's when he elevates his level of performance," said 29-year-old Djokovic. "He doesn't get too stressed by the big occasion. He's very powerful, big serve. Probably the best, most effective one-handed backhand in the world now. He can be very dangerous for everybody." Djokovic was left wondering what had hit him at Roland Garros in 2015. He had beaten Andy Murray and Nadal to get to the final but Wawrinka hadn't read the script, his 60 winners -- most fired off the backhand -- proving hammer blows to the Serb. Since that loss in Paris, however, it has virtually been business as usual. Djokovic went on to win a second US Open, a sixth Australian Open and first Roland Garros in June which finally allowed him to join the select club of career Grand Slam winners. His only blip was his third round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, an exit fuelled partially by unspecified personal issues. Despite his run to a seventh US Open final, it has not been plain sailing for Djokovic. He has needed regular treatment on his right shoulder while also requiring help with his left in the heat and crushing humidity of Friday's bizarre semi-final win against Gael Monfils. While Djokovic has enjoyed a walkover and two injury-forced retirements on his way to the final, Wawrinka had to save a match point against unheralded Dan Evans in the third round. He has also spent almost 18 hours on court while Djokovic has made the final after being in action for just over nine. However, the big Swiss has won his last 10 finals. The Swiss player, so often in the shadow of Roger Federer, has blossomed late in his career, winning the Australian title at 28. That made him the oldest first-time Slam winner since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. But history at the US Open may not favour Wawrinka on Sunday. Pete Sampras was the last player over-30 to win in New York and that was back in 2002. Elsewhere on Sunday, the women's doubles will be played featuring top-seeded French pair Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic against Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic. (AFP)

US Open 2016: Wawrinka takes on Djokovic in final tonight

Top seed Serena Williams was dumped out of the US Open by Karolina Pliskova on Friday. 
 
Pliskova beat Williams 6-2 7-6 (5) to enter her maiden US Open final. 
 
The tenth seed will either play Angelique Kerber or Carolina Wozniacki in her first grand slam final. 
 
The loss means that Williams will relinquish her number one ranking to Kerber.&nbsp; 
 
&#39;&#39;My goal was to beat Serena. I don&#39;t care who I play in the final,&#39;&#39; Pliskova said in an on-court interview, moments after winning the match. 
 
Pliskova was the dominant player in the first set, winning it in just 26 minutes. 
 
The second set was a more even contest as Williams found her bearings to get into the match. But she double-faulted on match point to gift her Czech opponent her maiden entry into a grand slam final. 
 
Williams was bidding to win her 23rd grand slam, an Open-era record. 
 
(WION) 
 
&nbsp;

The tenth seed Czech beat the world number one in straight sets to enter her maiden grand slam final

Top seed Serena Williams was dumped out of the US Open by Karolina Pliskova on Friday. Pliskova beat Williams 6-2 7-6 (5) to enter her maiden US Open final. The tenth seed will either play Angelique Kerber or Carolina Wozniacki in her first grand slam final. The loss means that Williams will relinquish her number one ranking to Kerber. ''My goal was to beat Serena. I don't care who I play in the final,'' Pliskova said in an on-court interview, moments after winning the match. Pliskova was the dominant player in the first set, winning it in just 26 minutes. The second set was a more even contest as Williams found her bearings to get into the match. But she double-faulted on match point to gift her Czech opponent her maiden entry into a grand slam final. Williams was bidding to win her 23rd grand slam, an Open-era record. (WION)

US Open: Serena Williams stunned by Karolina Pliskova

Angelique Kerber was at her solid best to prevail over multiple Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open. 
 
Kerber&#39;s 6-3 7-5 keeps her in the hunt for the world number one slot as 22 grand slam-winner Serena Williams will have to reach the final to retain her ranking. If both reach the final, the winner becomes the numero uno in women&#39;s tennis. 
 
Kerber and Kvitova went into Sunday&#39;s match locked at four wins apiece in their career meeting. But the German&#39;s solidity and Kvitova&#39;s 43 unforced errors allowed the former to close out the high-stakes match in an hour and 28 minutes. 
 
Up next for Kerber is Roberta Vinci, last year&#39;s runner-up at the Flushing Meadows and the woman to deny Williams the perfect grand slam season. Vinci entered the last eight by beating Ukraine&#39;s Lesia Tsurenko in straight sets.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;When I was a kid, of course I was dreaming to winning slams and being one day number one,&quot; admitted Kerber. &quot;Now it can happen.&quot; 
 
&quot;I&#39;m trying to not put pressure on myself because I know I have to win few more matches to reach the number one. 
 
&quot;When it happens it will be amazing feeling because that was also one of my dreams.&quot; 
 
&quot;But let&#39;s see what happens here in the next few days.&quot; 
 
The Kerber-Kvitova match took place minutes after Rafael Nadal lost a pulsating five-set match to France&#39;s Lucas Pouille. 
 
(WION)

The Australian Open winner saw off Petra Kvitova in straight sets to put pressure on Serena Williams in her pursuit of the numero uno status

Angelique Kerber was at her solid best to prevail over multiple Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open. Kerber's 6-3 7-5 keeps her in the hunt for the world number one slot as 22 grand slam-winner Serena Williams will have to reach the final to retain her ranking. If both reach the final, the winner becomes the numero uno in women's tennis. Kerber and Kvitova went into Sunday's match locked at four wins apiece in their career meeting. But the German's solidity and Kvitova's 43 unforced errors allowed the former to close out the high-stakes match in an hour and 28 minutes. Up next for Kerber is Roberta Vinci, last year's runner-up at the Flushing Meadows and the woman to deny Williams the perfect grand slam season. Vinci entered the last eight by beating Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko in straight sets. "When I was a kid, of course I was dreaming to winning slams and being one day number one," admitted Kerber. "Now it can happen." "I'm trying to not put pressure on myself because I know I have to win few more matches to reach the number one. "When it happens it will be amazing feeling because that was also one of my dreams." "But let's see what happens here in the next few days." The Kerber-Kvitova match took place minutes after Rafael Nadal lost a pulsating five-set match to France's Lucas Pouille. (WION)

US Open: Kerber reaches quarter-finals to close in on number 1 slot

Tennis ace Serena Williams breezed into the US Open last 16 on Saturday after beating Sweden&#39;s Johanna Larsson to clinch her 307th grand slam title, breaking Martina Navratilova&#39;s record for the most grand slam victories by a woman in the Open era. The win places the 34-year-old at par with Roger Federer for most grand slam victories by a man or woman. 
 
&quot;Wow. That&rsquo;s pretty awesome and honestly what a better place to do it than here, where it all started. It is actually a really good feeling. To be up there with both men and women is something that&#39;s super rare,&quot; Williams told jubilant crowds at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. 
 
As in the majority of her victories at the majors, she operated with ruthless efficiency but displayed little fire as she coolly dispatched the 47th-ranked Swede &nbsp;6-2 6-1 in exactly one hour, her calmness under pressure a far cry from last year where the weight of expectation culminated in a shock loss to Roberta Vinci in last year&#39;s semi-finals. 
 
This year Williams has been unusually low key, making her way into the fourth round with minimum fuss having yet to drop a set, conserving energy for the second week where the real tournament begins for the world number one. 
 
Larsson fell behind quickly as Williams broke her at the first opportunity and again to close out the first set. The Swede began better in the second set, holding serve to level at 1-1 but Williams was in no mood to mess around as she swept the next five games. 
 
&quot;I feel like I have been doing pretty good,&quot; said Williams, adding, &quot;I have been being moving a lot. So far, so good.&quot; 
 
Life has probably come full circle for the player who won her first grand slam at Flushing Meadows in 1999. 17 years later, it is where she could achieve two more career landmarks if she can reach the winner&#39;s circle again on September 10. A record seventh US Open title would give Williams 23 career grand slams, moving her past Steffi Graf again for the most in the Open Era, and just one shy of Margaret Court who tops the all-time list with 24. 
 
&quot;Each number I&#39;m definitely proud of,&quot; said Williams. &quot;I was really excited to 307. I was really excited to do that.&quot; 
 
Williams will go for win number 308 on Monday when she meets Kazakhstan&#39;s Yaroslava Shvedova, a 6-2 7-5 winner over China&#39;s Zhang Shuai, in round four.

(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

The win places Serena at par with Roger Federer for most grand slam victories by a man or woman

Tennis ace Serena Williams breezed into the US Open last 16 on Saturday after beating Sweden's Johanna Larsson to clinch her 307th grand slam title, breaking Martina Navratilova's record for the most grand slam victories by a woman in the Open era. The win places the 34-year-old at par with Roger Federer for most grand slam victories by a man or woman. "Wow. That’s pretty awesome and honestly what a better place to do it than here, where it all started. It is actually a really good feeling. To be up there with both men and women is something that's super rare," Williams told jubilant crowds at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. As in the majority of her victories at the majors, she operated with ruthless efficiency but displayed little fire as she coolly dispatched the 47th-ranked Swede 6-2 6-1 in exactly one hour, her calmness under pressure a far cry from last year where the weight of expectation culminated in a shock loss to Roberta Vinci in last year's semi-finals. This year Williams has been unusually low key, making her way into the fourth round with minimum fuss having yet to drop a set, conserving energy for the second week where the real tournament begins for the world number one. Larsson fell behind quickly as Williams broke her at the first opportunity and again to close out the first set. The Swede began better in the second set, holding serve to level at 1-1 but Williams was in no mood to mess around as she swept the next five games. "I feel like I have been doing pretty good," said Williams, adding, "I have been being moving a lot. So far, so good." Life has probably come full circle for the player who won her first grand slam at Flushing Meadows in 1999. 17 years later, it is where she could achieve two more career landmarks if she can reach the winner's circle again on September 10. A record seventh US Open title would give Williams 23 career grand slams, moving her past Steffi Graf again for the most in the Open Era, and just one shy of Margaret Court who tops the all-time list with 24. "Each number I'm definitely proud of," said Williams. "I was really excited to 307. I was really excited to do that." Williams will go for win number 308 on Monday when she meets Kazakhstan's Yaroslava Shvedova, a 6-2 7-5 winner over China's Zhang Shuai, in round four. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

US Open: Serena crosses Navratilova's grand slam milestone to reach last 16

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki showed her class in upstaging eighth seed Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 to enter the quarter-finals of the US Open on Sunday. 
 
The Dane will now face unseeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in the last eight. Sevastova beat Briton Johanna Konta to advance to the next round. 
 
Thirteenth seed Konta was Sevastova&#39;s second high-profile scalp of the tournament. She had earlier beaten number three seed Garbine Muguruza in the second round.&nbsp; 
 
Italy&#39;s Roberta Vinci, former US Open runner-up and the player to deny Serena Williams the perfect grand slam in 2015, looked imperious in her match against world number 99&nbsp;Lesia Tsurenko 7-6(5), 6-2. 
 
She is due to face the winner of multiple Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and second seed Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber in the quarter-finals. 
 
In the men&#39;s side, French duo of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils entered the quarter-finals of the US Open. Mercurial Monfils prevailed over Marcos Baghdatis in straight sets, while Tsonga dropped a set en route to reaching the quarter-finals. 
 
Tsonga and Monfils, who is enjoying a fruitful run this American summer with a win-loss record of 17-2, both reached their third quarter-final at the US Open.&nbsp; 
 
While Tsonga will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic and Kyle Edmund match, La Monf will face off against the winner of 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal and Lucas Pouille, also from France. 
 
Update:&nbsp;Nadal and Pouille have won one set apiece with the Frenchman leading 3-1 in the third. 
 
(WION) 
 
&nbsp;

French duo of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils also entered the quarter-finals of the year's last grand slam

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki showed her class in upstaging eighth seed Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 to enter the quarter-finals of the US Open on Sunday. The Dane will now face unseeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in the last eight. Sevastova beat Briton Johanna Konta to advance to the next round. Thirteenth seed Konta was Sevastova's second high-profile scalp of the tournament. She had earlier beaten number three seed Garbine Muguruza in the second round. Italy's Roberta Vinci, former US Open runner-up and the player to deny Serena Williams the perfect grand slam in 2015, looked imperious in her match against world number 99 Lesia Tsurenko 7-6(5), 6-2. She is due to face the winner of multiple Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and second seed Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber in the quarter-finals. In the men's side, French duo of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils entered the quarter-finals of the US Open. Mercurial Monfils prevailed over Marcos Baghdatis in straight sets, while Tsonga dropped a set en route to reaching the quarter-finals. Tsonga and Monfils, who is enjoying a fruitful run this American summer with a win-loss record of 17-2, both reached their third quarter-final at the US Open. While Tsonga will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic and Kyle Edmund match, La Monf will face off against the winner of 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal and Lucas Pouille, also from France. Update: Nadal and Pouille have won one set apiece with the Frenchman leading 3-1 in the third. (WION)

US Open: Wozniacki beats Keys to book last 8 spot

World number Serena Williams beat Yaroslava Shvedova in straight sets to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the US Open. 
 
Serena&#39;s 308th victory meant she crossed Roger Federer in the all-time list of grand slam wins among both men and women.&nbsp; 
 
She will next face Romania&#39;s Simona Halep, the fifth seed who beat Spain&#39;s Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2 7-5. 
 
Serena&#39;s sister Venus Williams however suffered a heartbreak as she lost a third set tie-breaker to Karolina Pliskova. 
 
On the men&#39;s side, Stanislas Wawrinka and Juan Martin del Potro set up a mouth-watering last eight clash at Flushing Meadows. 
 
While 2009 champion Del Potro progressed to the quarter-final after Dominic Thiem, trailing 3-6 2-3 retired with a knee injury, Wawrinka overcame a stubborn&nbsp;Illya Marchenko 6-4 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-3. 
 
Del Potro, who is coming off multiple wrist surgeries, had beaten two-time grand slam champion Wawrinka in Wimbledon this year. The Argentinian leads 4-2 in their head-to-head meeting. 
 
Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikkori also moved in to the last eight by beating Ivo Karlovic in straight sets. He awaits the winner of the Andy Murray-Grigor Dimitrov match. 
 
(WION) 
 
&nbsp;

Serena's 308th victory meant she crossed Roger Federer in the all-time list of grand slam wins among both men and women

World number Serena Williams beat Yaroslava Shvedova in straight sets to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the US Open. Serena's 308th victory meant she crossed Roger Federer in the all-time list of grand slam wins among both men and women. She will next face Romania's Simona Halep, the fifth seed who beat Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2 7-5. Serena's sister Venus Williams however suffered a heartbreak as she lost a third set tie-breaker to Karolina Pliskova. On the men's side, Stanislas Wawrinka and Juan Martin del Potro set up a mouth-watering last eight clash at Flushing Meadows. While 2009 champion Del Potro progressed to the quarter-final after Dominic Thiem, trailing 3-6 2-3 retired with a knee injury, Wawrinka overcame a stubborn Illya Marchenko 6-4 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-3. Del Potro, who is coming off multiple wrist surgeries, had beaten two-time grand slam champion Wawrinka in Wimbledon this year. The Argentinian leads 4-2 in their head-to-head meeting. Japan's Kei Nishikkori also moved in to the last eight by beating Ivo Karlovic in straight sets. He awaits the winner of the Andy Murray-Grigor Dimitrov match. (WION)

US Open: Serena Williams beats Shvedova in record grand slam win

Novak Djokovic targets a 10th successive semi-final appearance at the US Open on Tuesday when he faces longtime rival Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, one of three Frenchmen in the last-eight. 
 
World number one Djokovic, the champion in New York in 2011 and 2015, has hardly broken sweat in the first four rounds. 
 
He needed four sets to beat Jerzy Janowicz in his first match before he enjoyed a walkover in the second, an injury-enforced retirement in the third followed by a brutal dismantling of Briton&#39;s Kyle Edmund in the last-16.&nbsp; 
 
In Tuesday&#39;s other men&#39;s quarter-final, Lucas Pouille, who knocked out 14-time major winner Rafael Nadal in five sets on Sunday, faces French compatriot Gael Monfils. 
 
The women&#39;s quarter-finals also start Tuesday with world number two Angelique Kerber facing last year&#39;s runner-up Roberta Vinci and two-time finalist Caroline Wozniacki up against surprise packet Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia. 
 
Djokovic, looking for his third major of 2016, boasts a remarkable record in New York. 
 
As well as his two titles, the 29-year-old was runner-up in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013. He was a semi-finalist in 2005, 2006 and 2014. 
 
The Serb also boasts a 15-6 winning record against ninth seed Tsonga, a run stretching back to their first meeting in 2008 Australian Open final. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m feeling very good. I didn&#39;t have much time on the court overall before the fourth round,&quot; said Djokovic who came into the tournament suffering from a wrist injury while also needing treatment on his upper right arm in the first and fourth rounds. 
 
&quot;Considering I had some struggles before the tournament, I feel great at this moment physically; mentally as well I&#39;m motivated.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;So coming into the second week of a Grand Slam quarter-finals feeling good, it&#39;s exactly where I want to be.&quot; 
 
Monfils beat Pouille in their only meeting -- in five sets in the first round of the Australian Open in 2015. 
 
But 22-year-old Pouille is now Grand Slam hardened having made a maiden Slam quarter-final at Wimbledon before stunning Nadal. 
 
Monfils, who turned 30 on September 1, is in his third quarter-final in New York. 
 
In his last appearance at this stage in 2014, he squandered a two-sets lead against Roger Federer. 
 
Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Kerber, a semi-finalist at the US Open in 2011, takes on 33-year-old Vinci. They are tied at two wins apiece. 
 
Kerber, who can depose Serena Williams as world number one by the end of the tournament, has yet to drop a set at the tournament. 
 
But she won&#39;t underestimate Vinci, who stunned Serena in the semi-finals last year. 
 
Wozniacki, a former world number one and runner-up in 2009 and 2014, has already put out top ten seeds Svetlana Kuznetsova and Madison Keys on her way to the quarter-finals. 
 
Now ranked 74, the popular Dane faces unlikely quarter-finalist Sevastova who was so depressed about the state of her game back in 2013 that she retired. 
 
Her decision to return has been richly rewarded with a shock victory over French Open champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

World number one Djokovic will face long-time rival Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, one of three Frenchmen in the last eight, on Tuesday

Novak Djokovic targets a 10th successive semi-final appearance at the US Open on Tuesday when he faces longtime rival Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, one of three Frenchmen in the last-eight. World number one Djokovic, the champion in New York in 2011 and 2015, has hardly broken sweat in the first four rounds. He needed four sets to beat Jerzy Janowicz in his first match before he enjoyed a walkover in the second, an injury-enforced retirement in the third followed by a brutal dismantling of Briton's Kyle Edmund in the last-16. In Tuesday's other men's quarter-final, Lucas Pouille, who knocked out 14-time major winner Rafael Nadal in five sets on Sunday, faces French compatriot Gael Monfils. The women's quarter-finals also start Tuesday with world number two Angelique Kerber facing last year's runner-up Roberta Vinci and two-time finalist Caroline Wozniacki up against surprise packet Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia. Djokovic, looking for his third major of 2016, boasts a remarkable record in New York. As well as his two titles, the 29-year-old was runner-up in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013. He was a semi-finalist in 2005, 2006 and 2014. The Serb also boasts a 15-6 winning record against ninth seed Tsonga, a run stretching back to their first meeting in 2008 Australian Open final. "I'm feeling very good. I didn't have much time on the court overall before the fourth round," said Djokovic who came into the tournament suffering from a wrist injury while also needing treatment on his upper right arm in the first and fourth rounds. "Considering I had some struggles before the tournament, I feel great at this moment physically; mentally as well I'm motivated. "So coming into the second week of a Grand Slam quarter-finals feeling good, it's exactly where I want to be." Monfils beat Pouille in their only meeting -- in five sets in the first round of the Australian Open in 2015. But 22-year-old Pouille is now Grand Slam hardened having made a maiden Slam quarter-final at Wimbledon before stunning Nadal. Monfils, who turned 30 on September 1, is in his third quarter-final in New York. In his last appearance at this stage in 2014, he squandered a two-sets lead against Roger Federer. Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Kerber, a semi-finalist at the US Open in 2011, takes on 33-year-old Vinci. They are tied at two wins apiece. Kerber, who can depose Serena Williams as world number one by the end of the tournament, has yet to drop a set at the tournament. But she won't underestimate Vinci, who stunned Serena in the semi-finals last year. Wozniacki, a former world number one and runner-up in 2009 and 2014, has already put out top ten seeds Svetlana Kuznetsova and Madison Keys on her way to the quarter-finals. Now ranked 74, the popular Dane faces unlikely quarter-finalist Sevastova who was so depressed about the state of her game back in 2013 that she retired. Her decision to return has been richly rewarded with a shock victory over French Open champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round. (AFP)

Djokovic seeks 10th US Open semi-final in row

World number one Serena Williams opened her US Open account with a tidy 6-3 6-3 win over Ekaterina Makarova on Tuesday, to join her sister Venus in the second round of the year&#39;s final grand slam. 
 
Williams, whose status as world number one is under attack from several fronts, delivered a message that she will not be surrendering the top spot without a fight, needing just 63 minutes to dispatch the 29th-ranked Russian. 
 
Germany&#39;s Angelique Kerber and Spain&#39;s Garbine Muguruza, who have both beaten Williams in slam finals this season, along with Poland&#39;s Agnieszka Radwanska, will all be eyeing the number one ranking should the American&#39;s bid for a 23rd grand slam title stall. 
 
Williams has owned the number one spot since February 18, 2013 and will extend her streak to 186 consecutive weeks by the end of the US Open fortnight, tying the WTA record held by Steffi Graf. 
 
Back on Arthur Ashe Stadium court for the first time since a shock loss to Italy&#39;s Roberta Vinci in last year&#39;s U.S. Open semi-finals, Williams made quick work of Makarova to follow the lead of her sister Venus. 
 
Sixth-seeded Venus had provided the opening act for sister Serena when she outlasted Ukraine&#39;s Kateryna Kozlova 6-2 5-7 6-4 before turning over the Arthur Ashe Stadium court to her top-seeded sibling. 
 
The Flushing Meadows spotlight is once again firmly fixed on Serena as she chases an Open Era, record-smashing 23rd slam title with concerns over her right shoulder, believed to be a factor in her third-round singles loss at the Rio Olympics. 
 
Fashion Statement 
 
As always at the US Open, what the world number one was wearing attracted as much attention as her performance. Williams sported a black tennis dress with cutouts revealing her muscular shoulders. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a part of the design,&quot; explained William. &quot;It&#39;s just the latest and greatest accessory. 
 
&quot;It also is functional, so I think that helps me, especially with my shoulder problems that I&#39;ve been having.&quot; 
 
The 34-year-old American took something off her big serve, but showed no signs of distress as she blasted 12 aces past Makarova, a player who on occasion has given her problems, beating her in the fourth round of the 2012 Australian Open. 
 
&quot;I didn&#39;t hit them as hard as I normally hit them,&quot; she said about her serves. &quot;I just went for more placement. I didn&#39;t go for the big 120s (mph), just the regular.&quot; 
 
&quot;I knew today I needed to be focused,&quot; said Williams. &quot;She goes deep in majors. She knows how to play big matches on big courts. She&#39;s not intimidated.&quot; 
 
As usual, history beckons Williams who is bidding for a seventh U.S. Open victory that would surpass the Open Era record she shares with Chris Evert. 
 
But whether it is the world number one ranking or another record at stake, Williams had the same answer. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t answer those questions,&quot; flatly stated Williams, who will next face American wild card Vania King, a 7-6(2) 6-3 winner over Germany qualifier Antonia Lottner.

(Reuters)

After being at the world number one spot since 2013, Serena will extend her streak to 186 consecutive weeks by the end of the US Open

World number one Serena Williams opened her US Open account with a tidy 6-3 6-3 win over Ekaterina Makarova on Tuesday, to join her sister Venus in the second round of the year's final grand slam. Williams, whose status as world number one is under attack from several fronts, delivered a message that she will not be surrendering the top spot without a fight, needing just 63 minutes to dispatch the 29th-ranked Russian. Germany's Angelique Kerber and Spain's Garbine Muguruza, who have both beaten Williams in slam finals this season, along with Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska, will all be eyeing the number one ranking should the American's bid for a 23rd grand slam title stall. Williams has owned the number one spot since February 18, 2013 and will extend her streak to 186 consecutive weeks by the end of the US Open fortnight, tying the WTA record held by Steffi Graf. Back on Arthur Ashe Stadium court for the first time since a shock loss to Italy's Roberta Vinci in last year's U.S. Open semi-finals, Williams made quick work of Makarova to follow the lead of her sister Venus. Sixth-seeded Venus had provided the opening act for sister Serena when she outlasted Ukraine's Kateryna Kozlova 6-2 5-7 6-4 before turning over the Arthur Ashe Stadium court to her top-seeded sibling. The Flushing Meadows spotlight is once again firmly fixed on Serena as she chases an Open Era, record-smashing 23rd slam title with concerns over her right shoulder, believed to be a factor in her third-round singles loss at the Rio Olympics. Fashion Statement As always at the US Open, what the world number one was wearing attracted as much attention as her performance. Williams sported a black tennis dress with cutouts revealing her muscular shoulders. "It's a part of the design," explained William. "It's just the latest and greatest accessory. "It also is functional, so I think that helps me, especially with my shoulder problems that I've been having." The 34-year-old American took something off her big serve, but showed no signs of distress as she blasted 12 aces past Makarova, a player who on occasion has given her problems, beating her in the fourth round of the 2012 Australian Open. "I didn't hit them as hard as I normally hit them," she said about her serves. "I just went for more placement. I didn't go for the big 120s (mph), just the regular." "I knew today I needed to be focused," said Williams. "She goes deep in majors. She knows how to play big matches on big courts. She's not intimidated." As usual, history beckons Williams who is bidding for a seventh U.S. Open victory that would surpass the Open Era record she shares with Chris Evert. But whether it is the world number one ranking or another record at stake, Williams had the same answer. "I don't answer those questions," flatly stated Williams, who will next face American wild card Vania King, a 7-6(2) 6-3 winner over Germany qualifier Antonia Lottner. (Reuters)

Serena Williams joins Venus to reach second round of US Open

Of the eight British players in the main draw at the US Open, the most since 1985, five made it through to round two, with Andy Murray, Dan Evans and Naomi Broady joining Johanna Konta and Kyle Edmund in the last 64 on Tuesday. 
 
The quintet of survivors matches the best performance by British players at Flushing Meadows since 1987, when four women and one man made it through the first round. 
 
Second seed Murray, looking ominous in all black, was the last of the five to progress with a late-night 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Czech Lukas Rosol, effortlessly advancing without facing a single break point. 
 
&quot;I served very well,&quot; said Murray, who set up a second round encounter against Marcel Granollers of Spain. 
 
&quot;It was a tough start to the match, he had a few chances early on but once I got the break-up, I played well.&quot; 
Evans was ranked as low as 772 in May 2015 and still outside the top 300 when the U.S. Open began last August. 
 
A string of successes on the Challenger Tour carried him close to the top 100 and his 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1 over the American Rajeev Ram is set to lift his ranking from 64 to inside the top 60, a new career-high. 
 
&quot;I would have taken your hand off,&quot; Evans responded when asked how he would have reacted had someone offered him a chance to be ranked this high at this stage of the year. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s been a pretty interesting year and I&#39;m happy with how it&#39;s been.&quot;
<h2>GETTING OLDER</h2>
Evans next plays 27th-seeded German Sascha Zverev, who at 19 is tipped as a future star of the men&#39;s game. 
World number 82 Broady earned only her second ever grand slam win with a gutsy 6-7 6-3 6-4 win over fellow Briton Laura Robson. 
 
The 26-year-old Broady recently broke into the world&#39;s top 100 and admitted she was a late bloomer. 
 
&quot;I think in British tennis they like to say that you&#39;re running out of time and you&#39;re playing catch-up and if you&#39;re not there by 18 then you&#39;re behind everybody else,&quot; she said. 
 
&quot;But tennis is becoming more of a longevity sport there and the average age of the top 100 is getting older. 
 
&quot;I think I was 25 when I broke into it this year. I&#39;m still there and I maybe won&#39;t be in the top 100 as long as Laura has the potential to be but we&#39;ve not got the same career, so I&#39;ll just do the best with what I&#39;ve got.&quot; 
 
There was disappointment for Heather Watson, however, who suffered from a fever and back pain as she lost 6-2 7-5 to Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp. 
 
The other British player in action, Aljaz Bedene, also suffered a straight sets defeat, with Australian 14th seed Nick Kyrgios proving too strong in a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory. 
 
(Reuters)

Second seed Murray was the last of the five to progress with a late-night 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Rosol

Of the eight British players in the main draw at the US Open, the most since 1985, five made it through to round two, with Andy Murray, Dan Evans and Naomi Broady joining Johanna Konta and Kyle Edmund in the last 64 on Tuesday. The quintet of survivors matches the best performance by British players at Flushing Meadows since 1987, when four women and one man made it through the first round. Second seed Murray, looking ominous in all black, was the last of the five to progress with a late-night 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Czech Lukas Rosol, effortlessly advancing without facing a single break point. "I served very well," said Murray, who set up a second round encounter against Marcel Granollers of Spain. "It was a tough start to the match, he had a few chances early on but once I got the break-up, I played well." Evans was ranked as low as 772 in May 2015 and still outside the top 300 when the U.S. Open began last August. A string of successes on the Challenger Tour carried him close to the top 100 and his 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1 over the American Rajeev Ram is set to lift his ranking from 64 to inside the top 60, a new career-high. "I would have taken your hand off," Evans responded when asked how he would have reacted had someone offered him a chance to be ranked this high at this stage of the year. "It's been a pretty interesting year and I'm happy with how it's been." GETTING OLDER Evans next plays 27th-seeded German Sascha Zverev, who at 19 is tipped as a future star of the men's game. World number 82 Broady earned only her second ever grand slam win with a gutsy 6-7 6-3 6-4 win over fellow Briton Laura Robson. The 26-year-old Broady recently broke into the world's top 100 and admitted she was a late bloomer. "I think in British tennis they like to say that you're running out of time and you're playing catch-up and if you're not there by 18 then you're behind everybody else," she said. "But tennis is becoming more of a longevity sport there and the average age of the top 100 is getting older. "I think I was 25 when I broke into it this year. I'm still there and I maybe won't be in the top 100 as long as Laura has the potential to be but we've not got the same career, so I'll just do the best with what I've got." There was disappointment for Heather Watson, however, who suffered from a fever and back pain as she lost 6-2 7-5 to Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp. The other British player in action, Aljaz Bedene, also suffered a straight sets defeat, with Australian 14th seed Nick Kyrgios proving too strong in a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory. (Reuters)

Murray flourishes in new conditions at US Open

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and two-time winner Rafel Nadal have been pitted in the same half of the draw, while number three seed Stanislas&nbsp;Wawrinka will potentially meet Olympic champion Andy Murray in the other semi-final. 
 
In the women&#39;s draw, world number one Serena Williams will be chasing history as she looks to win a modern-era record 23rd Grand Slam. 
 
Djokovic will be first up against the big-serving&nbsp;Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2013. 
 
One of the most-viewed&nbsp;matches of round one at Flushing Meadows will be Murray&#39;s encounter with Lukas Rosol. The duo has had an acrimonious relationship, having been involved in an ill-tempered match in Munich last year.&nbsp; 
 
Fourth seed Nadal will open his campaign against&nbsp;Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan. 
 
Roger Federer&#39;s withdrawal from the event means that Wawrinka is seeded third in the competition. But the draw looks tricky on paper as he has to first dodge Spain&#39;s Fernando Verdasco and then clash with sport&#39;s bad boy Nick Kyrgios in the round of 16. 
 
Wawrinka would then potentially face the resurgent Juan Martin del Potro, who incidentally knocked him out of Wimbledon this year.&nbsp; 
 
Thirty four-year-old Serena&#39;s opening match will be against experienced campaigner&nbsp;Ekaterina Makarova of Russia, a former US Open semi-finalist.&nbsp; 
 
Second seed Angelique Kerber, the Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;champion, starts against Slovenia&#39;s Polona Hercog.

Third seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain, the reigning French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;champion, and fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland start against qualifiers. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

3rd seed Wawrinka will potentially meet Olympic champ Murray in the other semi-final. Serena will look to win a modern-era record 23rd Slam

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and two-time winner Rafel Nadal have been pitted in the same half of the draw, while number three seed Stanislas Wawrinka will potentially meet Olympic champion Andy Murray in the other semi-final. In the women's draw, world number one Serena Williams will be chasing history as she looks to win a modern-era record 23rd Grand Slam. Djokovic will be first up against the big-serving Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2013. One of the most-viewed matches of round one at Flushing Meadows will be Murray's encounter with Lukas Rosol. The duo has had an acrimonious relationship, having been involved in an ill-tempered match in Munich last year. Fourth seed Nadal will open his campaign against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan. Roger Federer's withdrawal from the event means that Wawrinka is seeded third in the competition. But the draw looks tricky on paper as he has to first dodge Spain's Fernando Verdasco and then clash with sport's bad boy Nick Kyrgios in the round of 16. Wawrinka would then potentially face the resurgent Juan Martin del Potro, who incidentally knocked him out of Wimbledon this year. Thirty four-year-old Serena's opening match will be against experienced campaigner Ekaterina Makarova of Russia, a former US Open semi-finalist. Second seed Angelique Kerber, the Australian Open champion, starts against Slovenia's Polona Hercog. Third seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain, the reigning French Open champion, and fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland start against qualifiers. (WION with inputs from agencies)

US Open: Djoko, Nadal set up for semi-final slugfest, Serena eyes record

Roger Federer has pulled out of the Rio Olympics and will miss the rest of the season, including the US Open, because he needs &quot;more extensive rehabilitation&quot; to prolong his career after knee surgery earlier this year. 
 
Last month he described how &quot;one stupid move&quot; sparked a chain of bad luck - which resulted in left knee surgery in February and sitting out the French Open with a back injury - culminating in yesterday&#39;s decision to end his wretched season. 
 
&quot;I&rsquo;m extremely disappointed to announce that I will not be able to represent Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Rio and that I will also miss the remainder of the season,&quot; the 17-times grand slam champion said on his Facebook page. 
 
&quot;Considering all options after consulting with my doctors and my team, I have made the very difficult decision to call an end to my 2016 season as I need more extensive rehabilitation following my knee surgery earlier this year. 
 
&quot;The doctors advised that if I want to play on the ATP World Tour injury free for another few years, as I intend to do, I must give both my knee and body the proper time to fully recover. It is tough to miss the rest of the year.&quot; 
 
For much of his career, the former world number one had been blessed with a body that seemed bullet-proof against the aches, pains and injuries suffered by most top athletes. 
 
But one false move by the man known for his gliding footwork, while running a bath for his twin daughters following his Australian Open semi-final loss, means he would have gone a whole season without a title for the first time since 2000. 
 
Now aged 34, Tuesday&#39;s announcement also probably ended the 2012 silver medallist&#39;s hopes of ever winning an Olympic singles title. 
 
&quot;The silver lining is that this experience has made me realise how lucky I have been throughout my career with very few injuries,&quot; said Federer, who won an Olympic doubles gold with Stan Wawrinka in 2008. 
 
&quot;The love I have for tennis, the competition, tournaments and the fans remains intact. I am as motivated as ever and plan to put all my energy towards coming back strong, healthy and in shape to play attacking tennis in 2017.&quot; 
 
Knee trouble 
 
Until May this year, Federer had appeared in 65 successive grand slam tournaments and the last time he was absent from one of the four majors was at the 1999 US Open. 
 
When he reached the last four at Wimbledon, which included winning a five-set thriller in the quarter-finals against Marin Cilic, it appeared as if Federer&#39;s injury woes were finally behind him and his absence from the French Open was a one off. 
 
However, he was clearly rattled when he landed heavily on his left knee after rolling his ankle during the fifth set of his semi-final defeat by Candaian Milos Raonic at Wimbledon. 
 
Although Federer, who was left sprawled face down on the turf following the fall, got up to complete the match, he was worried about the long term effects on his knee. 
 
&quot;I just hope with the slip I had in the fifth, I&#39;m going to be fine. I hope I didn&#39;t hurt myself,&quot; the world number three said at the time. 
 
&quot;Is it (the pain) a three-day thing, is it a 24-hour thing or is it more? I don&#39;t know at this point.&nbsp;With the body that&#39;s been playing up this year, I just hope I&#39;m going to be fine.&quot; 
 
It seems his worst fears were realised on yesterday as he called time on his season after appearing in only seven tournaments and with a 21-7 win-loss record. 
 
(Reuters)

The 17-times grand slam champion said he needed extensive rehabilitation following his knee injury earlier this year

Roger Federer has pulled out of the Rio Olympics and will miss the rest of the season, including the US Open, because he needs "more extensive rehabilitation" to prolong his career after knee surgery earlier this year. Last month he described how "one stupid move" sparked a chain of bad luck - which resulted in left knee surgery in February and sitting out the French Open with a back injury - culminating in yesterday's decision to end his wretched season. "I’m extremely disappointed to announce that I will not be able to represent Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Rio and that I will also miss the remainder of the season," the 17-times grand slam champion said on his Facebook page. "Considering all options after consulting with my doctors and my team, I have made the very difficult decision to call an end to my 2016 season as I need more extensive rehabilitation following my knee surgery earlier this year. "The doctors advised that if I want to play on the ATP World Tour injury free for another few years, as I intend to do, I must give both my knee and body the proper time to fully recover. It is tough to miss the rest of the year." For much of his career, the former world number one had been blessed with a body that seemed bullet-proof against the aches, pains and injuries suffered by most top athletes. But one false move by the man known for his gliding footwork, while running a bath for his twin daughters following his Australian Open semi-final loss, means he would have gone a whole season without a title for the first time since 2000. Now aged 34, Tuesday's announcement also probably ended the 2012 silver medallist's hopes of ever winning an Olympic singles title. "The silver lining is that this experience has made me realise how lucky I have been throughout my career with very few injuries," said Federer, who won an Olympic doubles gold with Stan Wawrinka in 2008. "The love I have for tennis, the competition, tournaments and the fans remains intact. I am as motivated as ever and plan to put all my energy towards coming back strong, healthy and in shape to play attacking tennis in 2017." Knee trouble Until May this year, Federer had appeared in 65 successive grand slam tournaments and the last time he was absent from one of the four majors was at the 1999 US Open. When he reached the last four at Wimbledon, which included winning a five-set thriller in the quarter-finals against Marin Cilic, it appeared as if Federer's injury woes were finally behind him and his absence from the French Open was a one off. However, he was clearly rattled when he landed heavily on his left knee after rolling his ankle during the fifth set of his semi-final defeat by Candaian Milos Raonic at Wimbledon. Although Federer, who was left sprawled face down on the turf following the fall, got up to complete the match, he was worried about the long term effects on his knee. "I just hope with the slip I had in the fifth, I'm going to be fine. I hope I didn't hurt myself," the world number three said at the time. "Is it (the pain) a three-day thing, is it a 24-hour thing or is it more? I don't know at this point. With the body that's been playing up this year, I just hope I'm going to be fine." It seems his worst fears were realised on yesterday as he called time on his season after appearing in only seven tournaments and with a 21-7 win-loss record. (Reuters)

'I'm extremely disappointed,' Federer to miss Rio, rest of season due to injury

Top-seed Venus Williams will play for her 50th WTA title on Sunday in Stanford, in the tournament where she made her professional debut 22 years ago. 
 
Williams defeated tenacious Alison Riske 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the championship match, where she`ll face third-seeded Briton Johanna Konta. 
 
Konta, ranked 18th in the world, reached her first career WTA final with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over second-seeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. 
 
After sailing through the opening set, Williams had to fight her own inconsistent serve in the second. 
 
Up 5-4 in the second and serving for the match, Williams produced three double faults, wasting two match points. 
 
Two games later Williams saved two set points to force the tiebreaker, which she dominated. 
 
Williams, who won the Stanford title in 2000 and 2002, won her 49th career singles title in Taiwan in February. 
 
The 36-year-old winner of seven Grand Slam titles turned back the clock with a run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon. 
 
Konta, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, and at Eastbourne in June, has rebounded well from a second-round exit at the All England Club. 
 
&quot;I`m really happy to have come through that and to be in my first final,&quot; Konta said. &quot;I`m really happy that it`s here in California, where the weather is unbelievable.&quot; 
 
Konta dominated on serve, winning four of her five service games in the first set at love. 
 
She closed out the first frame with an ace, and delivered more of the same in the second set, when she won 27 of the 29 points on which she put her first serve in play. 
 
&quot;I definitely felt I needed to take care of things on my end the best possible way,&quot; Konta said. &quot;I was very effective with my breathing and just really playing within myself.&quot; 
 
Cibulkova said power wasn`t Konta`s only advantage on serve. 
 
&quot;Her placing was very good,&quot; Cibulkova said. &quot;Her serve was fast, but it wasn`t the main problem. She was just placing the serve really well, and it was really hard to read it.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Top-seed Venus Williams will take on world number 18 Johanna Konta on Sunday

Top-seed Venus Williams will play for her 50th WTA title on Sunday in Stanford, in the tournament where she made her professional debut 22 years ago. Williams defeated tenacious Alison Riske 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the championship match, where she`ll face third-seeded Briton Johanna Konta. Konta, ranked 18th in the world, reached her first career WTA final with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over second-seeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. After sailing through the opening set, Williams had to fight her own inconsistent serve in the second. Up 5-4 in the second and serving for the match, Williams produced three double faults, wasting two match points. Two games later Williams saved two set points to force the tiebreaker, which she dominated. Williams, who won the Stanford title in 2000 and 2002, won her 49th career singles title in Taiwan in February. The 36-year-old winner of seven Grand Slam titles turned back the clock with a run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon. Konta, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, and at Eastbourne in June, has rebounded well from a second-round exit at the All England Club. "I`m really happy to have come through that and to be in my first final," Konta said. "I`m really happy that it`s here in California, where the weather is unbelievable." Konta dominated on serve, winning four of her five service games in the first set at love. She closed out the first frame with an ace, and delivered more of the same in the second set, when she won 27 of the 29 points on which she put her first serve in play. "I definitely felt I needed to take care of things on my end the best possible way," Konta said. "I was very effective with my breathing and just really playing within myself." Cibulkova said power wasn`t Konta`s only advantage on serve. "Her placing was very good," Cibulkova said. "Her serve was fast, but it wasn`t the main problem. She was just placing the serve really well, and it was really hard to read it." (AFP)

Venus Williams eyes 50th WTA title

Long-hitting American Dustin Johnson, seeking major redemption after several near-misses in recent years, won the 116th US Open on Sunday amid high drama and initial uncertainty over his victory margin. 
 
In pursuit of his first grand slam crown, the world number six played clutch golf under intense pressure at the brutally difficult Oakmont Country Club, finishing in style as he sank a short birdie putt at the last. 
 
Having negotiated the final seven holes under notice that he might be penalised for a rules infraction on the fifth green, despite being cleared by another official at the time, he was docked a shot after the round&#39;s completion, with his score amended to a closing 69 for a four-under winning total of 276. 
 
After sinking the final putt to clinch his 10th PGA Tour victory, Johnson pumped his right fist in delight, and then lifted his putter to acknowledge the loud roars from the crowd before being embraced by his caddie. 
 
&quot;Feels good, feels really good, feels well deserved,&quot; an emotional Johnson said after finishing three shots in front of fellow Americans Jim Furyk (66) and Scott Piercy (69), and Ireland&#39;s Shane Lowry (76). 
 
Lowry had been four ahead after the weather-delayed third round was completed earlier on Sunday but he struggled in the conditions, piling up seven bogeys. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve had a lot of opportunities that I didn&#39;t quite get done, so this one&#39;s definitely really sweet,&quot; said Johnson. &quot;I knew I was swinging well, and I just kept thinking, it&#39;s just me and the course. I&#39;m playing against the course. I can&#39;t control what anyone else does. So I just tried to hit golf shots, tried to hit it on the correct side of the hole, and two-putt.&quot; 
 
The rules controversy was sparked when Johnson&#39;s ball moved slightly as the American was preparing to attempt his par putt at the fifth hole. This happened shortly after his birdie attempt from five feet broke left and slid past the cup. 
 
He denied having caused the movement and the official accompanying the pairing decided not to levy a penalty. 
 
After being informed on the 12th tee by a U.S. Golf Association official that he might be penalised after the round, Johnson ran up a three-putt bogey at the 14th but otherwise displayed nerves of steel as he negotiated the closing stretch. 
 
He rolled in a 10-footer to save par at the 16th and thunderous roars of &quot;DJ, DJ, DJ&quot; rang out as the crowd gave vocal support to the tournament leader in his bid for a first major victory. 
 
Johnson had previously recorded 11 top-10s in the majors without winning, including two-runner-up spots, and he missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year&#39;s U.S. Open at Chambers Bay to Jordan Spieth. 
 
On Sunday, however, Johnson was remarkably composed in the circumstances and made several clutch putts on a day when the entire field struggled on greens running lightning-fast. 
 
&quot;After last year, to come back and perform like this, I think it shows what kind of golfer I am,&quot; said the 31-year-old. &quot;I&#39;ve knocked on the door a bunch of times. To finally get that major win, it&#39;s huge.&quot; 
 
American world number two Spieth finished a disappointing title defence with a 75 for a nine-over total of 289. 
(Reuters)

He was first cleared, then docked a shot for a rules infraction

Long-hitting American Dustin Johnson, seeking major redemption after several near-misses in recent years, won the 116th US Open on Sunday amid high drama and initial uncertainty over his victory margin. In pursuit of his first grand slam crown, the world number six played clutch golf under intense pressure at the brutally difficult Oakmont Country Club, finishing in style as he sank a short birdie putt at the last. Having negotiated the final seven holes under notice that he might be penalised for a rules infraction on the fifth green, despite being cleared by another official at the time, he was docked a shot after the round's completion, with his score amended to a closing 69 for a four-under winning total of 276. After sinking the final putt to clinch his 10th PGA Tour victory, Johnson pumped his right fist in delight, and then lifted his putter to acknowledge the loud roars from the crowd before being embraced by his caddie. "Feels good, feels really good, feels well deserved," an emotional Johnson said after finishing three shots in front of fellow Americans Jim Furyk (66) and Scott Piercy (69), and Ireland's Shane Lowry (76). Lowry had been four ahead after the weather-delayed third round was completed earlier on Sunday but he struggled in the conditions, piling up seven bogeys. "I've had a lot of opportunities that I didn't quite get done, so this one's definitely really sweet," said Johnson. "I knew I was swinging well, and I just kept thinking, it's just me and the course. I'm playing against the course. I can't control what anyone else does. So I just tried to hit golf shots, tried to hit it on the correct side of the hole, and two-putt." The rules controversy was sparked when Johnson's ball moved slightly as the American was preparing to attempt his par putt at the fifth hole. This happened shortly after his birdie attempt from five feet broke left and slid past the cup. He denied having caused the movement and the official accompanying the pairing decided not to levy a penalty. After being informed on the 12th tee by a U.S. Golf Association official that he might be penalised after the round, Johnson ran up a three-putt bogey at the 14th but otherwise displayed nerves of steel as he negotiated the closing stretch. He rolled in a 10-footer to save par at the 16th and thunderous roars of "DJ, DJ, DJ" rang out as the crowd gave vocal support to the tournament leader in his bid for a first major victory. Johnson had previously recorded 11 top-10s in the majors without winning, including two-runner-up spots, and he missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year's U.S. Open at Chambers Bay to Jordan Spieth. On Sunday, however, Johnson was remarkably composed in the circumstances and made several clutch putts on a day when the entire field struggled on greens running lightning-fast. "After last year, to come back and perform like this, I think it shows what kind of golfer I am," said the 31-year-old. "I've knocked on the door a bunch of times. To finally get that major win, it's huge." American world number two Spieth finished a disappointing title defence with a 75 for a nine-over total of 289. (Reuters)

Dustin Johnson wins US Open, amidst high drama and some confusion

Irishman Shane Lowry held a two-shot lead after 14 holes when third-round play was suspended for the day in fading light at the weather-hit US Open after a long Saturday at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. 
 
Lowry, showing steely nerves on a challenging layout running fast and firm, mixed five birdies with two bogeys to get to five-under for the tournament before the horn sounded to halt the action just before nine pm local time. 
 
&quot;My game is good, I feel very comfortable out there,&quot; said Lowry, who moved two strokes clear after hitting a superb wedge to within three feet at the par-five 12th and knocking in the birdie putt. &quot;Quite happy that we didn&#39;t have another four holes to play. It&#39;s been a long day. This is right where you want to be (in the lead).&quot; 
 
&quot;I&#39;m really looking forward to tomorrow,&quot; said the 29-year-old from Clara in County Offaly, who won the biggest title of his career at the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. 
 
PGA Tour rookie Andrew Landry, the surprise first-round leader, was at three-under after 13 holes, with American Dustin Johnson, after 13, England&#39;s Lee Westwood, after 15, and Spaniard Sergio Garcia, after 14, a further stroke back. 
 
Johnson, who missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year&#39;s U.S. Open to Jordan Spieth, had been one ahead after the delayed second round ended earlier on Saturday, but fell short of replicating his form from the first 36 holes. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s this golf course,&quot; nine-times PGA Tour winner Johnson said after recording two birdies, two bogeys and a double at the par-four third. &quot;It&#39;s tough to make putts on it. I&#39;m still feeling good about where I&#39;m at. A lot of golf to go. Golf swing feels good, so I&#39;m happy with where I&#39;m at.&quot; 
 
South African Branden Grace was the leader in the clubhouse at one-under 209 after firing 66 to surge into contention for the year&#39;s second major championship. 
 
&quot;The guys up there (at the top) are playing some great golf,&quot; Grace said after sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-four last. &quot;I stayed patient the whole day ... but when I had the chances, I took them. It was a bonus finishing the way I did.&quot; 
 
Just two strokes behind Grace was the ominous figure of Australian world number one Jason Day, who made an explosive start with four birdies in his first five holes on the way to a matching 66 that included an eagle at the par-five fourth, his 13th hole. 
 
&quot;Shoot anything under par here, you&#39;re definitely moving up a lot,&quot; said Day, the game&#39;s hottest player over the past 12 months with seven tournament wins, including last year&#39;s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. 
 
American world number two Spieth also made an early move up the leaderboard with three consecutive birdies in his first four holes, but faded to shoot 70 and fall nine strokes behind Lowry. 
 
The 25 players who did not complete the third round will resume at 7 am local time on Sunday, before the regulation 72 holes are completed by the end of the day. 
(Reuters)

PGA tour rookie Andrew Landry is second on the leaderboard

Irishman Shane Lowry held a two-shot lead after 14 holes when third-round play was suspended for the day in fading light at the weather-hit US Open after a long Saturday at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. Lowry, showing steely nerves on a challenging layout running fast and firm, mixed five birdies with two bogeys to get to five-under for the tournament before the horn sounded to halt the action just before nine pm local time. "My game is good, I feel very comfortable out there," said Lowry, who moved two strokes clear after hitting a superb wedge to within three feet at the par-five 12th and knocking in the birdie putt. "Quite happy that we didn't have another four holes to play. It's been a long day. This is right where you want to be (in the lead)." "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow," said the 29-year-old from Clara in County Offaly, who won the biggest title of his career at the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. PGA Tour rookie Andrew Landry, the surprise first-round leader, was at three-under after 13 holes, with American Dustin Johnson, after 13, England's Lee Westwood, after 15, and Spaniard Sergio Garcia, after 14, a further stroke back. Johnson, who missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year's U.S. Open to Jordan Spieth, had been one ahead after the delayed second round ended earlier on Saturday, but fell short of replicating his form from the first 36 holes. "It's this golf course," nine-times PGA Tour winner Johnson said after recording two birdies, two bogeys and a double at the par-four third. "It's tough to make putts on it. I'm still feeling good about where I'm at. A lot of golf to go. Golf swing feels good, so I'm happy with where I'm at." South African Branden Grace was the leader in the clubhouse at one-under 209 after firing 66 to surge into contention for the year's second major championship. "The guys up there (at the top) are playing some great golf," Grace said after sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-four last. "I stayed patient the whole day ... but when I had the chances, I took them. It was a bonus finishing the way I did." Just two strokes behind Grace was the ominous figure of Australian world number one Jason Day, who made an explosive start with four birdies in his first five holes on the way to a matching 66 that included an eagle at the par-five fourth, his 13th hole. "Shoot anything under par here, you're definitely moving up a lot," said Day, the game's hottest player over the past 12 months with seven tournament wins, including last year's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. American world number two Spieth also made an early move up the leaderboard with three consecutive birdies in his first four holes, but faded to shoot 70 and fall nine strokes behind Lowry. The 25 players who did not complete the third round will resume at 7 am local time on Sunday, before the regulation 72 holes are completed by the end of the day. (Reuters)

Shane Lowry leads US Open by two after marathon day

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