Venus and Serena Williams Out of the Olympics

Venus Williams was beaten by China's Li Na in two straight sets. Venus committed a number of double faults, but it has to be said that Li Na outplayed Venus. Li Na moves on to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Serena lost to Russian Dementieva.

The Williams sisters are not completely out of the Olympics, as they still have their doubles to play.

Technorati Tags: beijing olympics, olympics 2008, tennis, venus williams, serena williams, li na

Roger Federer Out of Toronto Masters

Roger Federer crashed again. This time at the Toronto Masters, in his first match since losing at Wimbledon.

He lost to unseeded Frenchman Gilles Simon 2-6 7-5 6-4.

Perhaps he was haunted by his Wimbledon loss and just has not recovered. He was disappointed by his own performance. But he says he will get ready for the Olympics and the US Open.

His Wimbledon final was really superb, and he can really do better. If he keeps on like this, his star is going to sink fast, as will his ranking.

Technorati Tags: roger federer, toronto masters

Nadal Reigns Supreme After Historic Wimbledon Win

All doubters can lay to rest their skepticism. Rafael Nadal proved he is the tennis world champion. What a superb display of probably the best and most exciting tennis that's ever been witnessed.

Rafael Nadal


Anyone who saw the match cannot fail to be impressed and feel they were part of a truly historic event.





Nothing can be taken away from Roger Federer either. Down by two sets, he struck back to even the score by winning the next two sets, each one snatched after a tie break., and in the process saved a couple of match points in the fourth set. And the fifth set went to 9-7.

No one can say that Federer did not play his best. The fact is Nadal played better.

The whole match was a gruelling, nerve-wracking and teeth-grinding experience, for the players and no less for the supporters on both sides. Nadal was a tennis machine, yet the beauty of the perfect engine was starkly awe-inspiring.

After the pretty display by the Serena sisters, which was so unexciting, the men's final was a world apart, a class apart. It was truly a historic and epic Wimbledon final - and for that matter the best of any Grand Slam final.

It was a memorable final, unforgettable, showing tennis at its ultimate best, with two champions who reserved nothing, but who simply played the game with all their prowess and skill, with the highest professionalim. Roger Federer has deserved all the adoration of the tennis world. He was remarkable, but Rafael Nadal is the supreme champion, and will surely reign for some time to come.

Technorati Tags: wimbledon, wimbledon 2008, rafael nadal, roger federer

Marat Safin Disgraces With Spoilt Brat Behaviour - Federer Goes Into Finals

Marat Safin was a disgrace. Not only did he got thrashed by Federer, but his childish tantrums did nothing to enhance his lacklustre performance.

At one point, he hits his racquet onto the ground, then during the change over, he slams it on his chair. What disgraceful behaviour!

The scores 6-3 7-6(7-3) 6-4 do not show how badly Safin played and acted during this match.


Technorati Tags: wimbledon, wimbledon 2008, roger federer, marat safin, wimbledon semi-final

Zheng Jie - The Glory of China - Wimbledon 2008

Jie Zheng was ousted by Serena Williams in the semi-final, but what a glorious match she played. She has done her country proud - the glory of China.

While the first set was unexciting, Zheng really wowed the crowd in the second set.

She held Serena to a tie break in the second set losing 7-6 (7-5), finally giving the match to Serena with a double fault. That was disappointing, but the way she performed throughout the second set was quite amazing. Many times she could not return Serena's powerful serves, but when she managed to do so, then she worked her magic with her skilful and intelligent play.

I think many were rooting for Zheng, and hoping not to see a Williams sisters' final. That's going to be so boring!

Rafael Nadal Dashes British Hopes

Andy Murray had his moment of glory, bringing hopes of a British win into the quarter-finals. But the opponent he faced was Rafael Nadal.

Nadal was unmerciful, and thrashed the British upstart in three straight sets 6-3 6-2 6-4. Murray looked lost and disorganised. He lost the match in 1 hour and 55 minutes. The home crowd knew, as they went into the second set, that hopes alone were not enough, and had to recognise that Nadal was just a class above, and was playing superbly.

Murray himself had to admit that Nadal played so much better than him. "He was playing too well for me," he said.

Technorati Tags: wimbledon, wimbledon 2008, rafael nadal, andy murray, andy murray crushed by nadal in quarter-finals

Wimbledon 2008 - Andy Murray Raises British Hopes

Andy Murray, who is actually a Scot, has put Britain into the quarter-finals at this year's Wimbledon, with a victory against Richard Gasquet, snatched from the jaws of defeat. He was two sets down at 5-7 3-6, and on the verge of going out on the third set at 5-4. That went to a tie-break and he took the third set.

Thereafter, the Frenchman appears to have lost his nerve, and Murray bashed him in the fourth and fifth sets at 6-2 6-4.

The home crowd could not believe their luck.

Technorati Tags: wimbledon, wimbledon 208, andy murray

Wimbleon 2008 - All the Women's Top Seeds Out of Wimbledon

Second seed Jelena Jankovic is out of Wimbledon. She's lost to Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-3 6-2 in the fourth round. Her injured knee let her down. At least she can blame it on an injury. The fact that she had to play early in the day, despite an ailing injury, obviously did not help.

Maria Sharapova's (third seed) defeat by Alla Kudryavtseva in the second round was complete humiliation. She lost 2-6 4-6. She just never got into the game. Her loyal supporters feel bitterly betrayed. What's happened to her?

Ana Ivanovic, the top seed, crashed out of the third round, beaten by Jie Zheng (world number 133) 6-1 6-4. Her exucuse? She was recovering from her French Open win, and failed to take time to adjust to grass.

So all the top three seeds are out. Upsets are always to be expected. But this is too much!

Technorati Tags: wimbledon, wimbledon 2008, maria sharapova, jelena jankovic, ana ivanovic

Wimbledon 2008 - Rafael Nadal Rolling On

Rafael Nadal is clearly a force to reckon with at Wimbledon 2008. He's second seeded, and hopes are high that he will go into the finals, and may even topple Roger Federer for the title.

Nadal has been doing exceedingly well prior to Wimbledon. His 2008 French Open win was the fourth in a row, the only man to achieve that sincer Bjorn Borg.

Federer has been somewhat unpredictable of late. And in last year's Wimbledon, he was forced to a fifth set against Nadal. On the clay courts, Nadal has reigned supreme, and he is a real contender on grass as well.

This may just be Nadal's year at Wimbledon. But there are always hitches. In his last match against Nicolas Kiefer of Germany, which he won in three sets, the first set had to go to a tie-break 7-6(7-3). After that, however, he more or less crushed Kiefer 6-2 6-3.


Technorati Tags: wimbledon, wimbledon 2008, rafael nadal, roger federer

Wimbledon 2008 - First Day

The first day of Wimbledon saw the favourites go through. Roger Federer had a straightforward win against Dominik Hrbaty 6-3 6-2 6-2. Novak Djokovic beat Michael Berrer of Germany 7-5 2-6 6-3 6-0.

Ana Ivanovic thrashed Rossana De los rios 6-1 6-2. Serena William also sailed through 7-5 6-3. Fourth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova had a tougher time, with 30 unforced errors, but defeated Mathilde Johansson of France 6-7(5-7) 7-5 6-3.


Technorati Tags: wimbledon 2008, wimbledon

Wimbledon 2008 - Federer and Ivanovic in Opening Matches

Today is the commencement of Wimbledon. Top of the list in today's schedule are the top seeds Roger Federer in the men's games, and Ana Ivanovic in the women's.

Federer is playing against Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia. Federer has already won five consecutive finals, and is looking to top it with a record of six. He is already two games ahead in the match at 6-3, 6-2.

Ana Ivanovic will be facing Rossana De los rios of Paraguay. Ivanovic went to the top rank after her French Open win.

Technorati Tags: wimbledon, wimbledon 2008, roger federer, ana ivanovic

Wimbledon 2008 Fever

We're practically on the eve of the Wimbledon 2008 tournament, which starts on June 23. Many look on Wimbledon as the premiere event in tennis, with its long history and tradition.

Many players themselves see an achievement at Wimbledon as the apex of their career, an undebatable recognition, sometimes a vindication, of their authority in the world of tennis. All else are but a prelude to the main event.

The excitement of Wimbledon is undeniable. It's two weeks filled with an electrifying charge for anyone remotely interested in tennis.

The pace is not always hectic, as the rains sometimes dictate it and demand a respite, causing frustration and prolonging the agony.

But that's always been an aspect of the charm of Wimbledon as well.


Technorati Tags: wimbledon, tennis, wimbledon 2008

Federer is the Best - says Sampras

Roger Federer has won five Wimbledons, and if Sampras is right he will win his sixth consecutive Wimbledon title. Sampras says, "He's still the guy most likely to win the majors. He's lost a couple but if anything that'll do him some good, it'll get him fired up."

Federer has certainly been disappointing of late. Recently in the French Open final, he only managed to get four games against Rafael Nadal.

Sampras' words of confidence will hopefully spur him on. Maybe that's all the encouragement he needs to revive his performance.


Technorati Tags: roger federer, tennis, wimbledon

Maria Sharapova Ousted from French Open

Maria Sharapova gave us some scares and now she has stopped our hearts dead. She exits the French Open, defeated by her fellow Russian Dinara Safina 6-7(8-6), 7-6(7-5), 6-2.

She had a real chance in the second set, but Safina managed to save a match point at 5-3, and she never turned back. Sharapova seemed to be screeching with every shot in desperation but to no avail.

The crowds were not pleased with Sharapova's disappointing performance. She was booed and whistled at as she left the court. What an inglorious exit.

Maria, Maria, what have you done?

Maria Sharapova - 17 Double Faults | French Open

The scores were 6-1, 3-6, 8-6. They tell how close to defeat Maria Sharapova was in her match against Evgenigya Rodina. Not only did she commit 17 double faults, she also made 68 unforced errors.

In the final set, Rodina managed three break points at 4-3. But in the end Sharapova pulled through.

Wonderful Sharapova. Let's hope she doesn't give us more scares.

Grand Slam Time Again - the French Open at Roland Garros

Today is the start of the French Open.

Rafael Nadal has held the men's title 3 times, and has never lost a match at Roland Garros. The tennis world looks to him for a fourth win. Roger Federer is still a threat, but his performance has been disappointing of late.

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open winner, is another creditable rival. He will play his first game today, against Denis Gremelmary. No prizes for guessing who's the favourite to win.

On top of the women's rankings is Maria Sharapova. If she wins, she will have secured all the Grand Slam titles.

But the field is not clear - Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams are all in the running.

Tennis Ball | Groin

Here's a little diversion. Ever wonder how it would feel if you got hit by a tennis ball in the groin? We're talking about a tennis ball travelling at 50 m.p.h, which is no mean speed.

A tennis ball at that speed hitting the groin is no laughing matter, though it would not be fatal.

The guy in the video took part in an experiment to study the effect of such a hit by a tennis ball to the groin.

Justine Henin Retires

Justine Henin shocks the tennis world by announcing her immediate retirement from tennis.

Only 25 years old, she has been hailed by Billie Jean-King as the best women tennis player.

Henin says this is a final decision, which she has been contemplating for some time.

She will be missed by all tennis fans.

Federer Disappoints

Wherefore Art Thou, Federer - Rome Masters

The recent poor performance from Federer raises some questions about the durability of the world number one.

In the Rome Masters he suffered a surprise defeat in the quarter-final, losing to Radek Stepanek 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7). He had seemed to be coming back on form, but his quarter-final upset is a great disappointment. This was his sixth defeat in the season.

The Rome Masters concluded with Novak Djokovic taking the title after beating Stanilas Wawrinka.

Davydenko Makes History at Sony Ericsson Open

Nikolay Davydenko is not only the first Russian player to be in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, but he has made history by winning the men's singles title.

He thrashed Rafael Nadal, the hot favourite, in two sets 6-4 6-2. Davydenko is jubilant to have beaten Nadal for the first time. Nadal was determined to grab the title, but somehow his performance fell below par.

As for Davydenko, his confidence was so boosted by his recent wins, that he became totally energised. He frankly shunned all modesty by admitting that his tennis was "so good" in the final.

The Men Players at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami

A couple of startling surprises have taken place in the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. The newly risen star of the tennis world, Novak Djokovic who won the Australian Open followed by his victory at Indian Wells, got knocked out by South African qualifier Kevin Anderson in the 2nd round. Anderson is ranked world number 122. He only turned professional last year. Djokovic was the winner of the men's singles' title last year.

Roger Federer won the title in 2005 and 2006. In the current tournament he pretty well cruised to the quarterfinals, when he was beaten by Andy Roddick. The American was elated, and thanked the law of probability. He said Federer hadn't missed a ball against him for about six years.

Roddick's elation was shortlived and his hopes to go all the way to the finish line were resoundingly dashed by Russian Nikolay Davydenko in the semi-finals in a two-set win. Roddick was the 2004 champion.

So all the champions of the last four years have fallen.

Davydenko will be facing Spain's Rafael Nadal in the final. Nadal looks pretty indomitable, and Davydenko knows it. Night or day, he fights so hard, he says of Nadal. No matter what, he's making history as the first Russian player ever to reach the final in this Miami tournament.

Serbian Sweep at Indian Wells Pacific Life Open Finals

A few days late, but as you know the finals of the Pacific Life Open took place on Sunday. In the women's final Svetlana Kuznetsova failed to hold on to her luck and was soundly beaten by Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 6-4, 6-3. Ivanovic's aggressive performance gave little chance to Kuznetsova, though the first set was closely fought. Ivanovic is ranked world's number two.

On the men's side, Novak Djokovic beat Mardy Fish (USA) 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. Fish had deprived Roger Federer the chance to play in the final, but despite his big serves and power play, he couln't maintain the momentum. Djokovic's supporters were all fired up, having witnessed the Serbian victory in the women's final, and this must also have helped Djokovic's motivation.

Maria Sharapova Loses to Svetlana Kuznetsova | Indian Wells Pacific Life Open

Maria Sharapova ended her 18 straight wins record by losing the semi-final to Svetlana Kuznetsova, also from Russia.

The match lasted over 2 hours with the final scores at 6-3, 7-6, 6-2. Though Sharapova managed to get the closely fought second set, she more or less fell apart in the final set. In her own words, she said Kuznetsova just "steamrolled" in the third set.

And Sharapova just wasn't at her best. Kuznetsova conceded as much, but also added that she herself wasn't playing at top form. She will face Ana Ivanovic in the final on Sunday. This will be her second straight year in the final.

Rafael Nadal Takes His Revenge Against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | Indian Wells Pacific Life Open

It was a re-match that fans were eagerly waiting for. Tsonga stunningly beat Nadal at the Australian Open. And no doubt this was something very much on Nadal's mind. And he went all out to achieve victory.

He got it but it was no easy victory. It was a thrilling match. Tsonga took the lead by winning the first set 6-7 (4-7). Nadal got even in the next set 7-6 (7-3). But he was going downhill in the third set. With 5-3 against him, Nadal fought furiously and brilliantly to recover and finally took the set and the match at 7-5. Sweet but hard-earned revenge!

Though Tsonga lost in this match, it's clear now that he is and will be a force to be reckoned with. He was no flash in the pan with his accomplishments in the Australian Open.

Unstoppable Maria Sharapova | Indian Wells Pacific Life Open

Maria Sharapova had to pull out of the Dubai Championships because of illness. She is now back on the courts at Indian Wells.

And in tremendous form.

She has consolidated her unbeaten record of 14-0 straight wins, with another victory. In the second round of the Pacific Life Open at Indian Wells, she beat Stephanie Cohen-Aloro 6-1 6-0, in just under one hour.

I am becoming quite a fan of Sharapova.

Serena Williams Reigns in India | Bangalore Open

Serena Williams disappointed fans in the recent Australian Open. But she has regained some status with her win at the Bangalore Open, beating her Swiss opponent Patty Schnyder in two straight sets (7-5 6-3).

The first set was a bit of a struggle, but she put herself together to sail through.

She was obvisouly delighted to have won her first title for the year.

She beat her sister Venus to reach the final.

Andy Murray Beats Federer at Dubai Championship

Andy Murray won the match against Roger Federer in the first round of the Dubai Championship (6-7(6-8),6-3,6-4).

In his last match against Federer in 2006 Murray also claimed victory.

Perhaps there is something about Murray that Federer just cannot quite figure out. Federer is experiencing a bit of bad run. This was his second loss in a row, having last lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-final.

Federer blames himself for making mistakes in the match, and says Murray hasn't really changed his game since they first played against each other in the 2005 Thailand Open. He says Murray stays too far behind and spends too much time waiting for his opponent's misses than looking to win a point.

Murray says he has to do different things against different players. He feels he is serving better and moving quicker. He thinks that mentally he has improved. Part of his training now involves the practice of Bikram yoga.

Maria Sharapova Wins Qatar Open

Maria Sharapova beat her fellow Russian opponent Vera Zvonareva 6-1, 2-6, 6-0 to clinch the Qatar Open.

With this win, Sharapova has secured a winning streak of 14 matches this year.

It was a little scary with the second set resulting in a loss at 2-6, but Sharapova managed to stride back with a scintillating 6-0 in the third.

Amelie Mauresmo Talks of Quitting

Amelie Mauresmo, of France, has not been up to her best form for some time, and she is feeling discouraged by her mediocre performance of late.

In the Qatar Open second round she lost to Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand - 7-6(9-7) 7-5. That seems to have made her feel really dispirited.

At the Australian Open, she made her exit in the third round, after being defeated by Casey Dellacqua. At that time she was already saying that she was losing her confidence.

She is now openly questioning whether she can motivate herself to get back properly into the game.

She was the former world no.1. Last year she lost her Wimbledon's singles title, and her performance has been rather pedestrain since then.

Mauresmo at her best at Wimbledon 2006 - Match Against Sharapova (Semi-finals)

Monica Seles' Offical Retirement

Monica Seles, from Yugoslavia, at the age of 34, has officially announced her retirement from professional tennis.

She was the holder of nine grand slam titles - two US Open, three French Open and four Australian Open titles.

Her last match was in the 2003 French Open.

In 1993, an unfortunate incident became headline news: a psychologically disturbed fan stabbed her during a match in Hamburg. Yet two years later, she made a amazing comeback and won the Canadian and Australian Open, and also got to the final in the U.S. Open.

Seles Retires

No Politics For Henin

Olympics Gold Medallist Justine Henin, who won her medal at Athens, is looking forward to the Beijing Olympics. Her passion is, of course, tennis, and she wants to play tennis not politics.

She responds to the fear that athletes at the Beijing Olympics may engage in political demonstrations or making comments about the Chinese government by saying that politics and sport must remain separate.

I strongly agree with that view. As guests and athletes attending the games in the host country, it would be abusing their status and privilege to adopt any political posturing. Leave that to others - if they're so minded.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Shines Through | Davis Cup

In the Davis Cup 1st Round, France defeated Romania 5-0.

In the match between Tsonga and Andrei Pavel, Tsonga won 3-1. Tsonga lost the first set but rebounded with three straight wins of 6-4 in each of the three following sets.

France has well chosen to have Tsonga take part in the Davis Cup.

Tsonga in the Davis Cup

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who surprised everyone with his brilliant performance in the Australian Open, though he lost to Djokovic in the final, has been called up to represent France in the upcoming Davis Cup.

The Davis Cup World Group 1^st Round will be from 8-10 February. France will be facing Romania. It will be interesting to follow Tsonga's progress. France has got a bright new star and all eyes will be focused on him.

Novak Djokovic Takes the Australian Open Title

Novak Djokovic beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) and takes the Australian Open Title.

It's a great day for the Serbs as he is the first Serb to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Seeded number three, he was probably the favourite to win against unseeded Tsonga. Tsonga put on a fine display in the early stages, and the crowd appeared to to be behind him. But the more experienced Djokovic was all determination, and after Djokovic recovered from the opening set, Tsonga's fate was sealed.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has much to be proud of, and as runner-up in a Grand Slam, he will no longer be called an upstart.

Maria Sharapova Wins Australian Open

Maria Sharapova has won the Australian Open in two sets 7-5, 6-3 against Serbia's Anna Ivanovic.

This has been a tremendous tournament for Sharapova, and consolidates her position as one of the greats in the world of tennis.

Champion Federer Unseated by Djokovic In Semi-Final | Australian Open

Djokovic gave a dazzling display in the semi-final against Federer.

He has gained his way into the final by taking out Federer in three sets: 7-5, 6-3, 7-6.

Federer seemed to have a chance to recover in the third set but it went to a tie-break, and Djokovic came out the winner.

World's No.2 Nadal Taken Out By Unseeded Tsonga | Australian Open

Rafael Nadal could not have seen this coming. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga from France put on a brilliant show which stunned and defeated the world's No.2 Nadal in three sets 6-2-,63-6-2.

22 years old, and only in his fifth Grand Slam, Tsonga astonished the crowd and surprised himself. He admitted that it was “unbelievable”.

This tournament has been producing some surprises.

This is probably good news for Federer, unless Tsonga has his magic going again in the final.

Maria Sharapova Makes Mincemeat of Jelena Jankovic | Australian Open

Maria Sharapova seems to be in top form. She easily won the semi-finals against Jelena Jankovic by 6-3, 6-1. I think Sharapova must now be the hot favourite to win the Australia Open title.

Meanwhile, the other Williams sister, Venus, lost to Ivanovic at 7-6, 6-4.

Maria Sharapova Crushes Justine Henin | Australian Open Quarter-Finals

Maria Sharapova has just had a great triumph over Justine Henin at the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Henin's winning streak in her last 30 odd matches was abruptly put to an end in humiliating circumstances.

Maria played a brilliant game. After winning 6-4 in the first set, she crushed Henin in the second set by 6-0.

Sharapova has sometimes been somewhat unpredictable. Perhaps her recent win against Lindsay Davenport has boosted her confidence. Her next opponent is Jelena Jankovic, who had a surprise win in her last match against Serena Williams.

It seems like her alliance with Sony Ericsson as their ambassador has not distracted her. Maybe it even helped her to focus.

A great performance.

Serena Williams loses to Jelena Jankovic | Australian Open

Serena Williams was the defending champion and Jelena Jankovic was third-seeded. The challenger put up a superb show, and knocked out Williams 6-3,6-4.

This was sweet revenge for Jankovic. In last year's Australian Open, she was beaten easily by Williams. Jankovic's win was helped by the fact that Williams was suffering from a blister in her big toe, restricting her usual fluid movements. But Jankovic herself was experiencing pain in her thigh. Both players had to be treated during the match.

Jankovic was clearly shaken by her victory.

Federer Nearly Got Beaten By Tipsarevic | Australian Open

Federer nearly lost his match against Janko Tipsarevic (ranked no. 49) at the Australian Open, but ultimately triumphed after a gruelling four and a half hours of play.

Tipsarevic took the first set on a tie-breaker. Federer came back on the second set, also on a tie-break, but lost the third set. He sailed through the fourth set (6-1) and the fifth set also went to Federer at 10-8, but that was after Tipsarevic took the lead at 4-5.

It was an exhilarating match, and the crowd was kept on tenterhooks. After the match, Federer described it as a great battle, while Tipsarevic conceded that when it came to the crucial moments, Federer was the better man.

So Federer keeps his position, but what a scare it was.

Sharapova Beats Davenport | Australian Open

Maria Sharapova, who is seeded no.5, came on real strong by beating Davenport 6-1,6-3 on Day 3 of the Australian Open. She played a powerful game and led 5-0 in the first set.

Davenport conceded that Sharapova was “head and shoulders” better than she was.

Justine Henin and Serena Williams also won their matches, and all three are headed to the third round. Photo Credit: iShot71 CC flickr.com

Maria Sharapova Becomes An Ambassador

Maria Sharapova has signed an agreement with Sony Ericsson to be their first “global brand” ambassador.

This will no doubt boost the sales of Sony Ericsson’s mobile phones and accessories, and it's also a lucrative deal for Sharapova.

Tennis stars are no strangers to increasing their income off-court. It's all part of the game, I suppose.

Superstar Lindsay Davenport's Super Earnings

Davenport won her first round at he Australian Open against Sara Errani of Italy. This has taken her to the top of the list for prize-money earnings.

She has earned US$21.8 million. She has beaten Steffi Graf's 10-year record by about US$2,000.

Martina Hingis Banned for Two Years

The long awaited decision of the International Tennis Federation has been delivered. It's bad news for tennis fans, especially those of us who have been fans and supporters of Martina.

The ITF has turned down Martin's appeal, and has given her a two year suspension as of October 1, 2007. The ITF found that there was no other explanation as to how the cocaine could have entered her system. That is, she must have injested it.

Martina has all along pleaded her innocence. And despite the finding of the ITF, it is still difficult to believe that she is not.