Wicked Backhand» US Open http://www.wickedbackhand.com Tennis Tips and News Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:48:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Venus Williams Withdraws From US Open, Future in Doubt http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/31/venus-williams-withdraws-from-us-open-future-in-doubt/ http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/31/venus-williams-withdraws-from-us-open-future-in-doubt/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:45:53 +0000 Jeremy http://www.wickedbackhand.com/?p=195 Venus Williams has withdrawn from the U.S. open due to Sjogren’s Syndrome. Just a few days ago it looked like the former best tennis player on earth was on her way back to the top. Less than an hour before Wednesday’s second-round match against Wimbledon semifinalist Sabine Lisicki – which was considered the most anticipated match of this young tournament, the unexpected announcement was made.

So where does Venus go from here? Her future definitely seems in doubt. At age 31 time is no longer on her side as it has been in past years. Many are left wondering whether or not the phenom will ever be a major factor in the world of women’s tennis again.

Venus Williams released this statement:

“I’m really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year’s U.S. Open. I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain.”

The syndrome destroys the glands that produce tears and saliva and can affect the kidneys, lungs and blood vessels. The body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Complications – although rare, can include kidney failure, lymphoma and pulmonary infection. Of the 4 million Americans who are afflicted with the condition, nine out of 10 are women.

This is a sad day for the world of tennis. One of the best players to ever grace the court may not be able to go out on her terms. This has to be hard. Hopefully she still has some tennis ahead of her, but right now it does not look good for Williams.

]]> http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/31/venus-williams-withdraws-from-us-open-future-in-doubt/feed/ 0 Maria Sharapova Outlasts Teen to Advance http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/29/maria-sharapova-outlasts-teen-to-advance/ http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/29/maria-sharapova-outlasts-teen-to-advance/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:42:00 +0000 Jeremy http://www.wickedbackhand.com/?p=187 After trailing huge in the first round of the U.S. Open, Maria Sharapova turned it all around on her inexperienced teen opponent and came away with a big victory to advance into the next round of this year’s U.S. Open.

Shrieking and yelling at the top of her lungs, Sharapova came back from a set and a break down against 19-year-old Heather Watson of Great Britain to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 Monday. That improved her to 12-0 this year in matches that went the distance. And this one definitely went the distance.

“It’s just a matter of belief within myself, that no matter how well or bad or good I’m playing, or my opponent is playing, I know I can tough it out.” Those were Sharapova’s words after her comeback victory that lasted 2 1/2-hours. “No matter what the situation is, I have the belief.” Apparently, her words rang true. She is still trying to claw her way back to the top ranking.

]]> http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/29/maria-sharapova-outlasts-teen-to-advance/feed/ 0 Take Center Stage at the US Open http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2006/12/01/take-center-stage-at-the-us-open/ http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2006/12/01/take-center-stage-at-the-us-open/#comments Sat, 02 Dec 2006 06:46:05 +0000 Kelly http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2006/12/01/take-center-stage-at-the-us-open/ Looking for a fun tennis vacation? Star in your own private Grand Slam event! The US Open courts are open to the public seven days a week, 11 months a year, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Next time you plan to be in New York City, be sure to book court time at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. For an added thrill, bring along a can of US Open tennis balls.

If you need to convince your travel companions that this is indeed the ideal vacation destination, be it known that Flushing Meadows Park is also home to the Queens Museum of Art, the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Zoo, the Queens Theatre in the Park, the Queens Botanical Gardens and the Mets at Shea Stadium.

]]> http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2006/12/01/take-center-stage-at-the-us-open/feed/ 0 Mauresmo and Roddick Win to Advance in the US Open http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2006/09/05/mauresmo-and-roddick-win-to-advance-in-the-us-open/ http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2006/09/05/mauresmo-and-roddick-win-to-advance-in-the-us-open/#comments Tue, 05 Sep 2006 08:17:23 +0000 Erik http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2006/09/05/mauresmo-and-roddick-win-to-advance-in-the-us-open/

Amelie Mauresmo conquered a nemesis she’s been fighting for some time. Mauresmo beat Serena Williams in the first set 6-4, only to flop in the second set 0-6 and finally come back to win 6-2. Williams, who was a wild card this year at the US Open after missing 6 months due to a knee injury, played tough but not tough enough.

Also winning today at the Open were Andy Roddick, who beat Beck, the man who beat Agassi the previous day to end his storied 21 year career. Nadal also won today; with the win he advances to the next round in an attempt to win again and beat the number one player Roger Federer.

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