News

Friday, September 4, 2009

Serena Reaches The Last 16

By Craig Gabriel

Serena Williams has marched into the last 16 of the US Open by scoring a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in one hour 27 minutes. Serena won a total of 14 more points than her Spanish opponent and looked pretty much in command apart from two small hiccups in the second set when she dropped serve.

However, there was never a doubt that the defending champion was going to win the match and get into the business end and the second week of the tournament.

"You can never underestimate anyone," Serena said. "Some people, some days have great days. I was just happy to keep getting through my match today. I just go and look at every opponent as the best player in the world."

Serena said that Martinez Sanchez was serving well, especially in the second set but she just kept on fighting and every time she had a break point she felt she had a chance on one of them. In the match Serena had eleven break points.

It was one of the warmest days of the Open so far and while that didn't bother Serena, what did get a bit frustrating were the windy conditions on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Most of the players comment about the swirling conditions on that court and it certainly makes it difficult to control the ball.

"I heard a guy in the crowd saying ‘stop hitting lobs' so I didn't hit any more lobs after that ... my lob was not working today," said Serena laughing.

She now comes up against the 22nd seed Slovak Daniela Hantuchova who she's beaten seven of eight times including twice at the US Open.

"She's been playing so well, so it's not going to be an easy match," commented Serena. "I look forward to it. She's -- that's a player that doesn't do anything bad and does everything good. And so those kinds of players are tricky and tough."

Probably the most amusing moment in her post-match media conference came when she was asked why she doesn't play mixed doubles.

Q. How come you don't play mixed doubles more often? There are a lot of guys out there that would like to partner with you.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Really? (laughter.)

 

Comment by : lorraine aebi Friday, September 4, 2009

serena, the look you gave the linesman for the foot call was priceless. i knew as soon as i saw that look, you were winning! i think venus is a supurb player, but you are just so much more fun to watch!! you go girl!!!!!

Comment by : prasanna goonewardena Friday, September 4, 2009

I am trying to figure out who is more uglier - Serena or Venus. Any idea guys. Another thing, who the hell wants to buy Seren's book. It is a waste of money and time. Reading stupid things. What is next.

Comment by : tyler danzy Friday, September 4, 2009

that look that you gave that line judge was HILARIOUS. it looked like you wanted to peg HIM with the ball..and your book was awesome =). and it wasent a waste of time or money

Comment by : Jeanette Davis-Adeshote' Friday, September 4, 2009

U GO GIRL!!!. As always, I am wholeheartedly supporting you with Angels and prayers. Good show against Sanchez. She tried to bring it, but you closed it out beautifully. Congratulations. Please extend my congrats to Venus for her win. You girls are my pride and joy. We've waited for so long for someone to come along after Althea Gibson, and you two shocked and rocked the word. Keep on shockin' and rockin'. i love you both for your tenacity, determination, grit, and steady committment to God's Word which will continue to carry you both to heights even you cannot imagine possible. I am purchasing your book today! Stay focused and blessed. Jeanette Davis-Adeshote Author

Comment by : David Sanders Friday, September 4, 2009

Your humility is genuinely refreshing. It proves that fame does not have to take away what you gain through hard work. Win or lose you finish the game a better person than when you started. You are truly a joy to watch and an honorable champion.May you continue to enjoy success in all that you do.

Comment by : Skyy Campbell Friday, September 4, 2009

ok .. first of all PRESANNA GOONEWARDENA !! .. who are you to be calling people ugly.. " PRiNCE CHARMiNG? " I didn't think so .. they are not ugly at all.. and for you to be calling ppl ugly.. makes you the ugly person. Serena that look that you gave the line judge was strictly PRICELESS ! I was scared for him lol.. and i was watching it on t.v .. that look was so pearcing.. i loved it

Comment by : Pastor Keith Washington Friday, September 4, 2009

Congratulations and continued success. May you continue to be awesome. I have three daughters, two of which are twins. I took them out to the tennis court only to discover they are naturals; one of the twins is a "lefty". You have inspired them. I hope they can follow in you and your sisters' footsteps. God bless you and your family. Pastor Washington

Comment by : DeAna C. Friday, September 4, 2009

It's getting down to the nitty gritty out there! Keep on playing well. I'll be watching!! Love your day and night outfits btw and your Nike tees with the sayings, lol :)

Comment by : MAXWELL OKINE Saturday, September 5, 2009

Congratulations Serena, i am a pastor and just want you to know that i pray for you every now and then to make sure that you are always on top where you are destined to be. May God see you through the U.S open. Please always be courageous and confident when you are on the court and never be frustrated or intimidated by any opponent cos' God is on your side, and so doI.

Comment by : Olanrewaju Ojo Saturday, September 5, 2009

I have a feeling that this is your year US Open is another victory for. But I want you to stay focus

Comment by : Olanrewaju Ojo Saturday, September 5, 2009

I watch you losing one french open semi final some your ago. Please winning this year us open will wipe that event from my memory

Comment by : David lulasa Saturday, September 5, 2009

its just how and why you treat your fans that makes more and many of them to be concerned and support you.like the 'stop litting lobs' scene.....the stadium and event organisers of the OPEN must also listen to players complaints about the wind affecting the ball...wimbledon like roof could be a good thing here. may you win the tournament. TV,HAMISI,VIHIGA,KENYA.

Comment by : Emmanuel Okwumeh Saturday, September 5, 2009

COMMENT BY: EMMA OKWUMEH, Waoh, congratunations once again for reaching the last 16. I did not watch the match but a friend told me it was quite interesting. We are moving forward and by the grace of God all of us will smile at the end of the day. My advice once again is to remain focused, avoid any distractions, believe in yourself and hand over everything to God in prayers. By the grace God you will clitch it again. I am with you in spirit. I LOVE YOU DEARLY. Chears.

Comment by : David lulasa Saturday, September 5, 2009

oops!!!!....'stop hitting lobs'. TAMBUA VILLAGE(tv), HAMISI,VIHIGA,KENYA.

Comment by : Catherine Mirage Saturday, September 5, 2009

Great!You're NO.1!

Comment by : Shola Jamgbadi Saturday, September 5, 2009

Hi Serena. I didn't get to watch your match but am just as delighted that you won though. Venus gave me a scare in the second set against her opponent last night. Both of you are just a delight to watch. I am an anesthesiologist based in Nigeria, but I follow your games from Australia to Roland Garros onto Wimbledon and then Flushing Meadows even though the different time zones mean staying overnight to watch you. Its a heartache to watch you or Venus lose a game. So continue winning for our sake. Dr S S Jamgbadi

Comment by : Olanrewaju Ojo Saturday, September 5, 2009

Please be focus, you need to get back on top.

Comment by : ETIENNE TADILEWA NDONGALA Saturday, September 5, 2009

Hello my dear Champion Serena WILLIAMS how are you? until to have your news Serena because you really miss to me ETIENNE I follow every time your Result of US Open Match you well really defend your US Open title Serena I'm so happy for your qualification at eighth - final of US Open becaue my Support my wish for you Serena it is always you Serena win keep your US Open title and you the new boss number one to the WTA and also Lord God is with you Serena it is you Serena the best in the World Tennis I believe you Serena and I respect you much Serena because I want not losse you and I love you much all my heart Serena WILLIAMS and that God bless you Serena WILLIAMS because all thing are Possible with God this is my address my email etystar98@yahoo.fr tadilewamaxndongala@hotmail.com and my number fromDrinkable the 00243999172081 thank you very much Sign ETIENNE NDONGALA

Comment by : ETIENNE TADILEWA NDONGALA Saturday, September 5, 2009

Hello my dear Champion Serena WILLIAMS how are you? until to have your news Serena because you really miss to me ETIENNE I follow every time your Result of US Open Match you well really defend your US Open title Serena I'm so happy for your qualification at eighth - final of US Open becaue my Support my wish for you Serena it is always you Serena win keep your US Open title and you the new boss number one to the WTA and also Lord God is with you Serena it is you Serena the best in the World Tennis I believe you Serena and I respect you much Serena because I want not losse you and I love you much all my heart Serena WILLIAMS and that God bless you Serena WILLIAMS because all thing are Possible with God this is my address my email etystar98@yahoo.fr tadilewamaxndongala@hotmail.com and my number fromDrinkable the 00243999172081 thank you very much Sign ETIENNE NDONGALA

Comment by : muas mikaya Saturday, September 5, 2009

Serena, i know you will win at the end. for you are a winner by birth. just go in with this asurance. my God is with you. i and my family especially my only dauther (Modesty) who is believing God to be like you wish you well. we truely love you. \ Mikaya$family

Comment by : maraitu taylor-kamara Saturday, September 5, 2009

hiya serena, well done on ur last match. watch it and i like your motivation. you r a true star and have all the qualities in life. God bless and I'm tipping you to win. loved watching the doubles the other day. take care xxx

Comment by : Shabray Stanfield Saturday, September 5, 2009

I love tennis and all but I have never been a fan of the serve and volley when its done ON EVERY POINT, seriously its annoying LOL..but I get it, you gotta do what you gotta do when you are playing Serena Williams!!! Great match Rena!!! Shabray

Comment by : Michael Stiklestad Saturday, September 5, 2009

Way to go Serena.

Comment by : lilly horvath Saturday, September 5, 2009

hey sweetie S ! :) at the 1st time congrats this match! u r the best! n u will win the us open ;) u r the real N1 tennis queen!!!!!! Xxxx

Comment by : mikki aznar Saturday, September 5, 2009

GO SERENA! we love you here in the philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! shew is the best!!!!!!!!

Comment by : mikki aznar Saturday, September 5, 2009

Serena is the best player in the women's game!!!!! their is no doubt she will win more that 15 grand slams!!!!!!!! Go SERENA! we love you here in the Philipines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by : Narcisse Michel Saturday, September 5, 2009

i Serena,i am so happy to write you a message today. Gut luck by the US open baby.

Comment by : Kaka T Rohana Saturday, September 5, 2009

Menajubkan (Indonesian) and smart

Comment by : Guy Roberts Sunday, September 6, 2009

Hey Serena, Yesterday I was abducted by a UFO, they took me to their home planet, and the first thing I saw there was your picture on an alien magazine cover. Wow Serena! Your popularity is universal!

Comment by : jason crews Sunday, September 6, 2009

Good luck Serena keep your focus. Love the stare down you gave that umpire for calling the foot fault!!!!!!! Also liketo see your man there supporting you!

Comment by : SHARON ANNE Sunday, September 6, 2009

congrats for beating Maria you know something you will alwayz be my role model

Comment by : Ketie Aristil Sunday, September 6, 2009

Hi Rena, I am watching the match right now. Hantuchova is serving and is trailing 0-5. Quite frankly, i like her, but she so much intimidated by you that she can't even think straight... Well, you just won...Congratulations!!! Listen, be ready for either your next opponent. The Italian ahs been playing excellent this year...Pennetta looks fierce..She will be no challenge for you.. I guess, i'm anticipating that she will beat Zvanoreva.. Love you!!! I will get ready for Venus against Kim.. Your sister will win as well... Love you AND REALLY DO!!!!! :-)

Comment by : Guy Roberts Sunday, September 6, 2009

Good Job on the Win Serena. I'm rooting for you to go all the way. I feel the same for Venus.

Comment by : ROBIN BAXLEY Sunday, September 6, 2009

I think its gong to be KIM and I THINK SHE GETS YOU.

Comment by : mariano giozzi Monday, September 7, 2009

simplemente la mejor como jugadora , y la mas bonita , te quiero serena, besos

Comment by : Louis McChoc Monday, September 7, 2009

Serena....I love u soooooooooo much on my facebook u are the only thing u and Venus I talk about.....I really hope that u are gonna do this for yourself and as well Venus!

Comment by : Terry Bedford Monday, September 7, 2009

To be so young and so focused, I just want you to know that we are all so proud of you. Would some one flush GOONEWARDENA down the toilet where IT belongs?

Comment by : Jeanette Davis-Adeshote' Monday, September 7, 2009

Serena, Congrats on your win and please tell Venus that her fan's main concern at this point is that she allows her knee to heal. Health is more important that anything else at this juncture. I know she wanted to will herself to win in spite of the pain, but there will be other grand slams. I believe the focus should be on her healing in time for Wimbledon. Know i love you both and support you always. Continued success in the Open. I am watching, praying and sending angels your way. (: Jeanette Davis-Adeshote' Author

Comment by : will witt Tuesday, September 8, 2009

More of Serena the Great in the fourth round. Waiting with anticipation the showdown with Clijsters though bummed hobbled Venus did not make it through so we could see another clash of the titans with you up against that girl "with a serve like lightning." Do take the doubles. You look as svelte, trim, and conditioned as I've seen you in all your years of Grand Slam competition. You obviously really want this one and, if that first serve percentage holds up, I know you won't disappoint. Stay strong, relaxed, and focused with the emotions under tight control. Victory is nigh !

Comment by : E. Terry Lewis Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Hey Serena, congratulations on your last win, you sent a badly needed message for the USA women. Now I implore you to go further. You have to win this thing for you and Venus. I was so upset at the support Cligsters got over Venus that I'm still not over it. I know the crowd was welcoming Cligsters back but Venus is still an American and even Cligsters acknowledged that the crowed was for her over Venus. I'm sure they will be for her against you if you both win today. However, you remember Indian Wells and you were playing her so I feel she's playing towards that aspect. But I know you have other plans. Execute them to the fullest!! Pennetta is playing well and she too beat Venus last so you have two avenges to get for Venus, let alone the Championship for yourself. You can do it Serena, I love you and I want to see you host that trophy up that you ascertained exactly 10 years ago. It would be a nice 10 year anniversary. You Go Girl!!

Comment by : oumar bass Tuesday, September 8, 2009

well done serena u got the job done,,great match champion,,,get some rest serena for the semifinal.u can do it..u are the n1 as i said before.i really love the way you play since the opening of the competition.one thing serena.try do not rush,,,have a great nite champion.look for to see you in the semifinal...

Comment by : Jeanette Davis-Adeshote' Tuesday, September 8, 2009

SERENA, YOUR SERVE WAS ON TONIGHT, LADY!!! Your serve was (VICIOUS) The Games (AMBITIOUS) Your Outfit (DELICIOUS) YOU GO GIRL!!! And now---Kim C Jeanette Davis-Adeshote' "Author"

Comment by : basubi kevin Wednesday, September 30, 2009

salut serana, j'espere que tout va bien de ton cote meme si je vous ecri en francais. c'était juste pour prendre de tes nouvelles et de t'encourager pour les entrainement.bonne chance pour la suite