Federer cries again, but tears of joy this time

MONACO (AP) -The tears streaming down Roger Federer's face this time came not from anguish but from happiness, and the person standing opposite the Swiss tennis star was his new wife.

The 13-time Grand Slam champion, who is playing this week at the Monte Carlo Masters, spoke about his marriage to longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec for the first time Tuesday.

"A few tears here and there,'' Federer said about Saturday's wedding in his hometown of Basel. "It was nice.''

Federer also broke into tears after losing to rival Rafael Nadal in five sets in the Australian Open final. As he was being awarded the runner-up plate in Melbourne, Federer said, "God, it's killing me.''

Last weekend, it was a more joyous feeling that led to the weeping.

"I got very emotional, you know, yet again,'' Federer said. "It was just nice to know that she loves me so much, I love her so much. It was just a very nice day. We had perfect sky, perfect weather.''

Ahead of his second-round match against Andreas Seppi of Italy on Wednesday, Federer spoke only briefly about tennis, saying he still hopes to finally win the French Open - the only major he has not won.

"I hope I can win the big one,'' Federer said. "That's what the focus is here.''

Off the court, Federer said he is surprised how different he feels now that he has a wife.

"It's a very special moment. I thought it to be a bit more relaxed, because we've been together for so, so long,'' Federer said. "It definitely does change your mind-set, your life.''

Even introducing Vavrinec has changed.

"It's nice to be calling Mirka my wife and not my girlfriend. That's just a big change for me. Takes maybe a bit of getting used to,'' Federer said. "I'm here, introducing her 'This is my wife.' It just sounds so much better. I didn't think it was going to make that big of a change for me, but it does feel great.''

The pair married in a private ceremony, and they did a good job of keeping it secret.

"If you want to get married in private, you have to go to Switzerland,'' Federer said. "They don't actually care over there. They actually want to give you peace and privacy. That's why I love being a Swiss and living in Switzerland.''

Besides chasing a record-equaling 14th Grand Slam title at the only major he has never won and reclaiming his No. 1 ranking, Federer also is looking for a name for his son.

"We'll see. There's quite a few books around that are that thick, so we'll see where it takes us,'' Federer said. "But, no, we haven't decided anything yet. I have no clue yet right now myself. Thank God we've got time left, right, to decide.''

Ruud nears training return

Injured Dutchman a month away from first-team training

Real Madrid's injured striker Ruud van Nistelrooy believes he is just a month away from returning to first-team training.

The former Manchester United star has been on the sidelines since November after undergoing knee surgery.

The injury will still keep the 32-year-old out of action for the remainder of the campaign, but he will be fit to rejoin his team-mates on the training field.

And the experienced striker is looking forward to getting back into the action after his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Optimistic

"I think I will be able to return to training in a month. It feels good and I am optimistic," he told Marca .

"I'm looking forward to kicking a ball again and playing a match.

"I will have to wait until next season, but I am very enthusiastic and very motivated."

Pires - Gunners remain the same

Robert Pires claims precious little has changed at Arsenal since his departure three years ago, as he prepares to return to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

The veteran French schemer was a fans' favourite in North London but quit the capital for Villarreal in 2006 after falling down manager Arsene Wenger's pecking order.

Pires has enjoyed his time in Spain with the Yellow Submarines and is sure to be greeted warmly when he returns to Arsenal for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, delicately poised at 1-1.

With regards how the club has changed in the intervening period since his departure, Pires told L'Equipe : "Their playing style is still the same but that's normal because Arsene is still in charge.

"It is a team which is always on the move. They play two or three touch. They are also a team with spirit. They haven't lost in the Premier League for three months."

No concern

Arsenal have a much younger team than their Primera Division opponents but Pires is not convinced that will necessarily be an advantage for the home side.

"Physically, they ended the first leg better than us," he added.

"But young players also lack experience. That's probably their failing."

Villarreal will be without two key players on Wednesday as Spain internationals Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla are both injured.

And Pires admits losing the pair is a significant blow. "Two big setbacks. Senna is the captain and an important player, especially at dead-ball situations.

"We are going to miss both of them because they dictate our play."

Perry, Kutuzova advance at Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -Unseeded American Shenay Perry has upset 15th-seeded Barbora Zahlavova Strycovia (STRIT-so-vuh) of the Czech Republic in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 to advance at the Family Circle Cup.

Viktoriya Kutuzova of the Ukraine also won in straight sets Tuesday on the green clay at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C. She defeated fellow Ukranian Mariya Koryttseva (mah-REE-uh koh-RIT-se-vuh) 6-1,6-1.

Top-seeded Elena Dementieva, ranked No. 3, will face American Julie Ditty in the late match Tuesday.

Defending champion Serena Williams withdrew after sustaining a leg injury in Miami earlier this month.

Top-seed Cornet ousted at Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Top-seeded Alize Cornet of France was upset 6-0, 6-3 by compatriot Stephanie Cohen-Aloro in the first round of the Barcelona Open on Monday.

Cohen-Aloro saved six break chances against her in the first set and took advantage of Cornet's ineffective service game - which netted just seven points in the opening set - to break her 14th-ranked opponent three times.

The 97th-ranked Cohen-Aloro then broke Cornet at the first opportunity in the second game of the second set for a 2-0 lead and then hung on for the victory after both players traded break points.

Second-seeded Flavia Pennetta of Italy broke Petra Kvitova seven times to overcome four breaks of her own serve in a 6-3, 6-3 win over the Czech. Pennetta will play Roberta Vinci, who beat Pauline Parmentier of France 6-4, 7-6 (7), in the second round.

Nearly a week after upsetting top-ranked Serena Williams in Andalucia, Klara Zakopalova lost 6-1, 7-6 (7) to Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova to bow out of the tournament.

In other first round matches, seventh-seeded Sara Errani of Italy rallied for a 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory against Mathilde Johansson and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic beat Tsvetana Pironkova 6-1, 3-6, 6-0.

Russia's Maria Kirilenko, seeded sixth, begins her title defense against Camille Pin of France on Tuesday.

Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Top-seeded Alize Cornet of France was upset 6-0, 6-3 by compatriot Stephanie Cohen-Aloro in the first round of the Barcelona Open on Monday.

The 97th-ranked Cohen-Aloro breezed through the first set, then broke Cornet's serve in the second game of the second set and held serve the rest of the way to wrap up the match.

Also, second-seeded Flavia Pennetta beat Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-3 and Roberta Vinci topped Pauline Parmentier 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Nearly a week after upsetting top-ranked Serena Williams in Andalucia, Klara Zakopalova lost 6-1, 7-6 (7) to Magdalena Rybarikova.

Toure targets Treble

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure believes Barcelona can win a memorable Treble this season.

The Ivory Coast international was a member of the Barca side which hammered Bayern Munich 4-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday to set the critics purring.

And with Pep Guardiola's Barca holding a six-point lead in La Liga ahead May's Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, Toure is confident.

"It will not be easy. It will be very difficult as there is respect for our opponents," Toure told Sky Sports News . "But I think it is possible."

However, Toure has dismissed suggestions that Barca are currently the best side in Europe.

The 25-year-old believes Premier League and Champions League title holders Manchester United are the side to beat on the continent.

"A lot of people have said this but, for me, it is not right," added Toure when asked if Barca were the best side in Europe.

"The best team wins something, like Manchester United. For me, the best team in Europe is Manchester United because they win things.

"They have very good players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes and (Wayne) Rooney."

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Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Top-seeded Alize Cornet of France was upset 6-0, 6-3 by compatriot Stephanie Cohen-Aloro in the first round of the Barcelona Open on Monday.

The 97th-ranked Cohen-Aloro breezed through the first set, then broke Cornet's serve in the second game of the second set and held serve the rest of the way to wrap up the match.

Also, second-seeded Flavia Pennetta beat Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-3 and Roberta Vinci topped Pauline Parmentier 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Nearly a week after upsetting top-ranked Serena Williams in Andalucia, Klara Zakopalova lost 6-1, 7-6 (7) to Magdalena Rybarikova.

Van Bommel claims misquote

Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel claims he was misquoted when stating team-mate Franck Ribery wants to sign for Barcelona.

Ribery is one of Europe's most sought-after assets, with Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City all thought to be tracking the France international.

Rumour has suggested that Ribery could be interested in leaving Bayern in the summer, and Van Bommel was recently quoted as saying that his colleague was keen on a move to the Camp Nou.

But, according to Bayern's press officer Markus Horwick, the Dutchman claims his far-from-perfect Spanish was misinterpreted in an interview.

"Van Bommel tried to give an interview in Spanish, but what he meant to say is not what was interpreted," explained Horwick.

"He was asked if he thought Ribery was good enough to play for Barcelona and he said that he felt he was.

"I would ask that all the online reports in the Spanish media claiming the contrary be removed.

"Mark has asked me explicitly to raise this issue."

Van Bommel is also "looking forward to continuing playing alongside Franck next season", according to Horwick.

Top-seeded Cornet loses in first round in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Top-seeded Alize Cornet of France was upset 6-0, 6-3 by compatriot Stephanie Cohen-Aloro in the first round of the Barcelona Open on Monday.

The 97th-ranked Cohen-Aloro breezed through the first set, then broke Cornet's serve in the second game of the second set and held serve the rest of the way to wrap up the match.

Also, second-seeded Flavia Pennetta beat Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-3 and Roberta Vinci topped Pauline Parmentier 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Nearly a week after upsetting top-ranked Serena Williams in Andalucia, Klara Zakopalova lost 6-1, 7-6 (7) to Magdalena Rybarikova.

Silva fed up with rumours

David Silva has revealed that he is becoming tired of the rumours surrounding a possible move away from Valencia in the summer and reiterated his desire to stay at Mestalla.

The Spanish international has been linked with several major European clubs due to los Che's continuing financial problems and is reported to be told he will leave.

While the media believe that the club will have to cash in on his services to help ease their debt, the player himself does not think that is true and is bored by the speculation.

"I am tired of the rumours. I take them all calmly, but they are beginning to tire me," Europa Press quote him as saying.

"They are things that happen in football and I accept that, but I want to reiterate that I have a contract with Valencia and I want to comply with that."

Silva and team-mate David Villa looked set to leave Valencia last summer after their impressive performances at Euro 2008, but they stayed with the club.

Villa is again also being tipped to move on, while Silva has been linked with Juventus and Liverpool with both clubs thought to hold a long-term interest in the winger.

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Chela advances at Monte Carlo to meet Nadal

MONACO (AP) -Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina beat Igor Kunitsyn of Russia 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 in the Monte Carlo Masters on Monday, setting up a second-round match against top-ranked Rafael Nadal.

Nadal, the four-time defending champ who had a first-round bye, has beaten Chela in four of five matches, including all three on clay. Nadal's lone defeat to Chela came five years ago on hard courts in Cincinnati.

"Chela is a good clay-court player. I have to play good tennis if I want to have good chances to win,'' Nadal said. "(I need to) try to play aggressive without a lot of mistakes.''

Andreas Seppi of Italy advanced with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Jurgen Melzer of Austria and will play second-ranked Roger Federer.

Oscar Hernandez of Spain defeated Julien Benneteau of France 6-4, 6-4. He will meet No. 3 Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters
Crew, Rapids meet at early crossroads
Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters
Week 3 marked by hats, cards, surprises

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki defeated Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-1, 6-2 to win The MPS Group Championships on Sunday.

Wozniacki, from Denmark, committed only 14 unforced errors and won 84 percent of points on her first serve in the clay-court event.

Down 3-1 in the first set, Wozniak double-faulted away two games. Each player held serve in the second until Wozniacki broke her opponent at 3-2. Wozniak won only three points the last two games.

The win was Wozniacki's first of the season and fourth career title. She took home $37,000.

Besler gives Wizards defense big jolt
Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

MONACO (AP) -Eleventh-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain and 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland advanced to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets Sunday.

Robredo beat Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-1, 6-4, and Wawrinka defeated Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-2, 6-3.

Schuettler, the 2004 runner-up, won only 16 points in the first set and lost his serve five times.

Robredo next plays either Juan Monaco or Jeremy Chardy, while Wawrinka will face Igor Andreev or Martin Vassallo Arguello.

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Simone Bolelli of Italy also won. Kohlschreiber beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 to set up a second-round match against seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

"It's a very good start for the clay court season,'' Kohlschreiber said. "Overall I have to say I did everything right. I played a good match today.''

Bolelli needed more than two hours to defeat big-serving Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Bolelli broke Soderling in the fourth game of the third set and then held for a 4-1 lead. He clinched the match with an ace on his second match point and next faces either ninth-seeded Gael Monfils of France or Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will begin his pursuit of a fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title in the second round against either Igor Kunitsyn of Russia or Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

The Spaniard has won the French Open and Monte Carlo every year since 2005 - beating second-ranked Roger Federer in the last three finals at both events.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are taking part this year, with only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick absent.

Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. The 13-time Grand Slam champion married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday.

Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec


Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec


Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

MONACO (AP) -Eleventh-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain and 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland advanced to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets Sunday.

Robredo beat Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-1, 6-4, and Wawrinka defeated Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-2, 6-3.

Schuettler, the 2004 runner-up, won only 16 points in the first set and lost his serve five times.

Robredo next plays either Juan Monaco or Jeremy Chardy, while Wawrinka will face Igor Andreev or Martin Vassallo Arguello.

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Simone Bolelli of Italy also won. Kohlschreiber beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 to set up a second-round match against seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

"It's a very good start for the clay court season,'' Kohlschreiber said. "Overall I have to say I did everything right. I played a good match today.''

Bolelli needed more than two hours to defeat big-serving Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Bolelli broke Soderling in the fourth game of the third set and then held for a 4-1 lead. He clinched the match with an ace on his second match point and next faces either ninth-seeded Gael Monfils of France or Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will begin his pursuit of a fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title in the second round against either Igor Kunitsyn of Russia or Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

The Spaniard has won the French Open and Monte Carlo every year since 2005 - beating second-ranked Roger Federer in the last three finals at both events.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are taking part this year, with only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick absent.

Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. The 13-time Grand Slam champion married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday.

Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo


Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain beat fifth-seeded Florent Serra of France 6-4, 7-5 Sunday to win his first title since 2003 at the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Ferrero, who was unseeded at the clay-court event, broke Serra six times to win for the first time since the Madrid Masters in October 2003. That year, Ferrero won his only Grand Slam title at the French Open and lost in the U.S. Open final to Andy Roddick.

Ferrero now owns 12 career titles.

Serra was chasing a third title after last winning in Adelaide, Australia, in January 2006.

Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final


Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki defeated Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-1, 6-2 to win The MPS Group Championships on Sunday.

Wozniacki, from Denmark, committed only 14 unforced errors and won 84 percent of points on her first serve in the clay-court event.

Down 3-1 in the first set, Wozniak double-faulted away two games. Each player held serve in the second until Wozniacki broke her opponent at 3-2. Wozniak won only three points the last two games.

The win was Wozniacki's first of the season and fourth career title. She took home $37,000.

Besler gives Wizards defense big jolt
Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra


Besler gives Wizards defense big jolt
Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

Primera Division round-up

Real Madrid recorded a fourth straight league victory as they overcame Real Valladolid to remain within six points of leaders Barcelona.

Experienced striker Raul broke the deadlock before half-time and then former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben wrapped up the win in the latter stages.

Getafe claimed a shock scalp at high-flying Sevilla, with Jaime Gavilan netting the game's only goal.

Gavilan struck with just eight minutes remaining to bring third-placed Sevilla's recently impressive form to a halt.

Valencia climbed back into fourth after Juan Mata's 88th minute strike downed Sporting Gijon.

Highly-rated attacker David Silva put Los Che in front but Sporting Gijon responded as Torres David Barral dispatched from the penalty spot.

David Villa put Valencia back in front, slotting home his spot-kick, but again the home side responded as substitute Mate Bilic slotted home.

However, with just two minutes remaining, Mata netted a dramatic winner to hand Valencia the spoils.

In Sunday evening's late kick-off, Atletico Madrid climbed to sixth after a vital 2-1 scalp at Deportivo La Coruna.

Gifted striker Sergio Aguero opened the scoring on 45 minutes before winger Simao doubled Atletico's advantage.

Depor substitute Rodolfo Bodipo pulled one back on 87 minutes but it was too little, too late from the home side.

Real Betis pulled away from the relegation places with a vital 3-2 victory over fellow strugglers Racing Santander in a heated game at Estadio El Sardinero.

Peter Luccin put the home side in front before Betis turned the game on its head courtesy of goals from Luis Edu and Achille Emana.

Towering striker Nikola Zigic made it 2-2 on 32 minutes and then Racing goalkeeper Antonio Tono was handed his marching orders, before Emana netted Betis' winner.

Osasuna secured a 2-1 triumph against Athletic Bilbao, who ended the encounter at Estadio Reyno de Navarra with 10 men.

Masoud Shojaei opened the scoring for the home side but Bilbao hit back through Aitor Ocio just five minutes later.

However, the visitors were dealt a setback when goalscorer Ocio was sent off, and their misery was compounded when Sergio Fernandez netted the winner for Bilbao.

Real Mallorca handed their survival hopes a boost with a 2-0 success over relegation-threatened Almeria.

Second-half goals from Cleber Santana and substitute Gonzalo Catro saw off Almeria, who had Hernan Pellerano sent off in the final minute.

Elsewhere, struggling pair Numancia and Espanyol played out a goalless draw in a result that does neither side any real favours.

Primera Liga round-up
Crew, Rapids meet at early crossroads
Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match


Primera Liga round-up
Crew, Rapids meet at early crossroads
Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match

Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain beat fifth-seeded Florent Serra of France 6-4, 7-5 Sunday to win his first title since 2003 at the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Ferrero, who was unseeded at the clay-court event, broke Serra six times to win for the first time since the Madrid Masters in October 2003. That year, Ferrero won his only Grand Slam title at the French Open and lost in the U.S. Open final to Andy Roddick.

Ferrero now owns 12 career titles.

Serra was chasing a third title after last winning in Adelaide, Australia, in January 2006.

Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final


Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

MONACO (AP) -Eleventh-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain and 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland advanced to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets Sunday.

Robredo beat Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-1, 6-4, and Wawrinka defeated Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-2, 6-3.

Schuettler, the 2004 runner-up, won only 16 points in the first set and lost his serve five times.

Robredo next plays either Juan Monaco or Jeremy Chardy, while Wawrinka will face Igor Andreev or Martin Vassallo Arguello.

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Simone Bolelli of Italy also won. Kohlschreiber beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 to set up a second-round match against seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

"It's a very good start for the clay court season,'' Kohlschreiber said. "Overall I have to say I did everything right. I played a good match today.''

Bolelli needed more than two hours to defeat big-serving Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Bolelli broke Soderling in the fourth game of the third set and then held for a 4-1 lead. He clinched the match with an ace on his second match point and next faces either ninth-seeded Gael Monfils of France or Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will begin his pursuit of a fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title in the second round against either Igor Kunitsyn of Russia or Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

The Spaniard has won the French Open and Monte Carlo every year since 2005 - beating second-ranked Roger Federer in the last three finals at both events.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are taking part this year, with only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick absent.

Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. The 13-time Grand Slam champion married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday.

Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Dynamo staying in the moment


Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Dynamo staying in the moment

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki defeated Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-1, 6-2 to win The MPS Group Championships on Sunday.

Wozniacki, from Denmark, committed only 14 unforced errors and won 84 percent of points on her first serve in the clay-court event.

Down 3-1 in the first set, Wozniak double-faulted away two games. Each player held serve in the second until Wozniacki broke her opponent at 3-2. Wozniak won only three points the last two games.

The win was Wozniacki's first of the season and fourth career title. She took home $37,000.

Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra
Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra


Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra
Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi


Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi

Senna out of Gunners tie

Villarreal captain Marcos Senna will miss the second leg of his team's UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal.

The influential midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during Villarreal's 2-0 home defeat by Malaga in La Liga on Saturday evening.

Senna picked up the problem 10 minutes from time and has been ruled out of Wednesday's trip to Emirates Stadium.

The length of absence has not yet been confirmed by Villarreal, but he is definitely not available to Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini for the game in North London.

The Spain international had scored a stunning opener in the first leg at home before Emmanuel Adebayor's acrobatic equaliser for the Gunners.

Pellegrini has several injury worries for the return encounter, with Santi Cazorla also not at his disposal, while Cani and Matias Fernandez are doubtful.

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/skysports/fixturecal/icons/fix-bet.gif');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:18px;} Arsenal v Villarreal To Qualify: Villarreal 3/1


Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Crew, Rapids meet at early crossroads
Pires - Gunners remain the same


Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Crew, Rapids meet at early crossroads
Pires - Gunners remain the same

Primera Liga round-up

Barcelona closed in on the Primera Liga title after a 2-0 victory over struggling Recreativo at Camp Nou.

Andres Iniesta gave Barca a dream start before Nasief Morris' own goal secured the points, while Lionel Messi also missed a penalty.

The leaders were in front inside the opening 60 seconds when Iniesta tapped home from close range after Thierry Henry powered down the left flank.

The roles were reversed on 65 minutes when Iniesta teed up Henry for a simple finish, but the French attacker was adjudged to be offside.

Just two minutes later and Barca did have a second goal to celebrate as Iniesta's ball into the box was unluckily turned into his own net by Morris.

With nine minutes remaining, Messi saw his spot-kick saved by Recreativo keeper Asier Riesgo after Casado handled Daniel Alves' cross.

Ersen Martin had a consolation ruled out for offside for Recreativo, who remain a point from safety with eight games remaining.

Malaga closed to within two points of fourth-placed Villarreal after a 2-0 victory at El Madrigal.

The visitors took the lead on 38 minutes through Duda and made certain of the points four minutes from time courtesy of Eliseu's goal.

Primera Division round-up
Week 3 marked by hats, cards, surprises
Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match


Primera Division round-up
Week 3 marked by hats, cards, surprises
Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

MONACO (AP) -Eleventh-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain and 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland advanced to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets Sunday.

Robredo beat Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-1, 6-4, and Wawrinka defeated Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-2, 6-3.

Schuettler, the 2004 runner-up, won only 16 points in the first set and lost his serve five times.

Robredo next plays either Juan Monaco or Jeremy Chardy, while Wawrinka will face Igor Andreev or Martin Vassallo Arguello.

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Simone Bolelli of Italy also won. Kohlschreiber beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 to set up a second-round match against seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

"It's a very good start for the clay court season,'' Kohlschreiber said. "Overall I have to say I did everything right. I played a good match today.''

Bolelli needed more than two hours to defeat big-serving Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Bolelli broke Soderling in the fourth game of the third set and then held for a 4-1 lead. He clinched the match with an ace on his second match point and next faces either ninth-seeded Gael Monfils of France or Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will begin his pursuit of a fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title in the second round against either Igor Kunitsyn of Russia or Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

The Spaniard has won the French Open and Monte Carlo every year since 2005 - beating second-ranked Roger Federer in the last three finals at both events.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are taking part this year, with only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick absent.

Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. The 13-time Grand Slam champion married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday.

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match


Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match

Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain beat fifth-seeded Florent Serra of France 6-4, 7-5 Sunday to win his first title since 2003 at the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Ferrero, who was unseeded at the clay-court event, broke Serra six times to win for the first time since the Madrid Masters in October 2003. That year, Ferrero won his only Grand Slam title at the French Open and lost in the U.S. Open final to Andy Roddick.

Ferrero now owns 12 career titles.

Serra was chasing a third title after last winning in Adelaide, Australia, in January 2006.

Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final


Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki defeated Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-1, 6-2 to win The MPS Group Championships on Sunday.

Wozniacki, from Denmark, committed only 14 unforced errors and won 84 percent of points on her first serve in the clay-court event.

Down 3-1 in the first set, Wozniak double-faulted away two games. Each player held serve in the second until Wozniacki broke her opponent at 3-2. Wozniak won only three points the last two games.

The win was Wozniacki's first of the season and fourth career title. She took home $37,000.

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra
Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
East Notes: Rough start for Crew


Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra
Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
East Notes: Rough start for Crew

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec


Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

MONACO (AP) -Eleventh-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain and 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland advanced to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets Sunday.

Robredo beat Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-1, 6-4, and Wawrinka defeated Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-2, 6-3.

Schuettler, the 2004 runner-up, won only 16 points in the first set and lost his serve five times.

Robredo next plays either Juan Monaco or Jeremy Chardy, while Wawrinka will face Igor Andreev or Martin Vassallo Arguello.

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Simone Bolelli of Italy also won. Kohlschreiber beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 to set up a second-round match against seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

"It's a very good start for the clay court season,'' Kohlschreiber said. "Overall I have to say I did everything right. I played a good match today.''

Bolelli needed more than two hours to defeat big-serving Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Bolelli broke Soderling in the fourth game of the third set and then held for a 4-1 lead. He clinched the match with an ace on his second match point and next faces either ninth-seeded Gael Monfils of France or Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will begin his pursuit of a fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title in the second round against either Igor Kunitsyn of Russia or Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

The Spaniard has won the French Open and Monte Carlo every year since 2005 - beating second-ranked Roger Federer in the last three finals at both events.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are taking part this year, with only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick absent.

Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. The 13-time Grand Slam champion married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday.

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Dynamo staying in the moment
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo


Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Dynamo staying in the moment
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak upset top-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Saturday in the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships.

She will meet second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who beat Russia's Elena Vesnina in the other semifinal 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Wozniak, the tournament's No. 5 seed, won the first set and led 4-1 in the second before Petrova, ranked 10th in the world, came back to win five straight games.

"She stepped it up in the second set,'' Wozniak said. "I started backing up. Of course, my emotions got involved, but I found my composure in the third set. It feels good to beat the top seed and a top-10 player.''

Wozniak, who had 35 winners, built a 3-0 lead in the third set. She withstood the Russian's rally with a variety of well-placed shots to every area of the court.

"She played really well,'' Petrova said. "I've never seen anybody paint more lines that she did today.''

Petrova, who is coming back from a stress reaction injury to her right foot, said she's not disappointed with the loss.

"Two weeks ago they were talking about surgery so I am lucky to be able to play,'' she said. "I know when I get my feet back I'll play good tennis.''

The winner will receive $37,000 of the $220,000 purse.

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals


Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain beat fifth-seeded Florent Serra of France 6-4, 7-5 Sunday to win his first title since 2003 at the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Ferrero, who was unseeded at the clay-court event, broke Serra six times to win for the first time since the Madrid Masters in October 2003. That year, Ferrero won his only Grand Slam title at the French Open and lost in the U.S. Open final to Andy Roddick.

Ferrero now owns 12 career titles.

Serra was chasing a third title after last winning in Adelaide, Australia, in January 2006.

Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final
Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final
Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match


Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final
Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final
Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak upset top-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Saturday in the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships.

She will meet second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who beat Russia's Elena Vesnina in the other semifinal 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Wozniak, the tournament's No. 5 seed, won the first set and led 4-1 in the second before Petrova, ranked 10th in the world, came back to win five straight games.

"She stepped it up in the second set,'' Wozniak said. "I started backing up. Of course, my emotions got involved, but I found my composure in the third set. It feels good to beat the top seed and a top-10 player.''

Wozniak, who had 35 winners, built a 3-0 lead in the third set. She withstood the Russian's rally with a variety of well-placed shots to every area of the court.

"She played really well,'' Petrova said. "I've never seen anybody paint more lines that she did today.''

Petrova, who is coming back from a stress reaction injury to her right foot, said she's not disappointed with the loss.

"Two weeks ago they were talking about surgery so I am lucky to be able to play,'' she said. "I know when I get my feet back I'll play good tennis.''

The winner will receive $37,000 of the $220,000 purse.

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Kohlschreiber and Bolelli advance at Monte Carlo

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (AP) -Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Simone Bolelli of Italy advanced to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday.

Kohlschreiber beat Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 to set up a second-round match against seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain. Bolelli needed more than two hours to defeat big-serving Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Bolelli broke Soderling in the fourth game of the third set and then held for a 4-1 lead. He clinched the match with an ace on his second match point and next faces either ninth-seeded Gael Monfils of France or Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will begin his quest for a fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title in the second round against either Igor Kunitsyn of Russia or Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

The Spaniard has won the French Open and Monte Carlo every year since 2005 - beating second-ranked Roger Federer in the last three finals at both events.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are taking part this year, with only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick absent.

Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. The 13-time Grand Slam champion married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday.

Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Dynamo staying in the moment
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo


Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo
Dynamo staying in the moment
Robredo and Wawrinka advance at Monte Carlo

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak upset top-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Saturday in the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships.

She will meet second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who beat Russia's Elena Vesnina in the other semifinal 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Wozniak, the tournament's No. 5 seed, won the first set and led 4-1 in the second before Petrova, ranked 10th in the world, came back to win five straight games.

"She stepped it up in the second set,'' Wozniak said. "I started backing up. Of course, my emotions got involved, but I found my composure in the third set. It feels good to beat the top seed and a top-10 player.''

Wozniak, who had 35 winners, built a 3-0 lead in the third set. She withstood the Russian's rally with a variety of well-placed shots to every area of the court.

"She played really well,'' Petrova said. "I've never seen anybody paint more lines that she did today.''

Petrova, who is coming back from a stress reaction injury to her right foot, said she's not disappointed with the loss.

"Two weeks ago they were talking about surgery so I am lucky to be able to play,'' she said. "I know when I get my feet back I'll play good tennis.''

The winner will receive $37,000 of the $220,000 purse.

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals
Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) -Defending champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Family Circle Cup because of an injury to her left leg.

The world No. 1 announced in a statement on Friday that she originally hurt her leg at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, where she lost to Victoria Azarenka in the final last weekend.

Azarenka withdrew from the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday because of an injured right shoulder.

Williams' sister Venus and No. 3-ranked Elena Dementieva are among those slated to play in the tournament starting on Monday.

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak upset top-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Saturday in the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships.

She will meet second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who beat Russia's Elena Vesnina in the other semifinal 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Wozniak, the tournament's No. 5 seed, won the first set and led 4-1 in the second before Petrova, ranked 10th in the world, came back to win five straight games.

"She stepped it up in the second set,'' Wozniak said. "I started backing up. Of course, my emotions got involved, but I found my composure in the third set. It feels good to beat the top seed and a top-10 player.''

Wozniak, who had 35 winners, built a 3-0 lead in the third set. She withstood the Russian's rally with a variety of well-placed shots to every area of the court.

"She played really well,'' Petrova said. "I've never seen anybody paint more lines that she did today.''

Petrova, who is coming back from a stress reaction injury to her right foot, said she's not disappointed with the loss.

"Two weeks ago they were talking about surgery so I am lucky to be able to play,'' she said. "I know when I get my feet back I'll play good tennis.''

The winner will receive $37,000 of the $220,000 purse.

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) -Defending champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Family Circle Cup because of an injury to her left leg.

The world No. 1 announced in a statement on Friday that she originally hurt her leg at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, where she lost to Victoria Azarenka in the final last weekend.

Azarenka withdrew from the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday because of an injured right shoulder.

Williams' sister Venus and No. 3-ranked Elena Dementieva are among those slated to play in the tournament starting on Monday.

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup
Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak upset top-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Saturday in the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships.

She will meet second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who beat Russia's Elena Vesnina in the other semifinal 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Wozniak, the tournament's No. 5 seed, won the first set and led 4-1 in the second before Petrova, ranked 10th in the world, came back to win five straight games.

"She stepped it up in the second set,'' Wozniak said. "I started backing up. Of course, my emotions got involved, but I found my composure in the third set. It feels good to beat the top seed and a top-10 player.''

Wozniak, who had 35 winners, built a 3-0 lead in the third set. She withstood the Russian's rally with a variety of well-placed shots to every area of the court.

"She played really well,'' Petrova said. "I've never seen anybody paint more lines that she did today.''

Petrova, who is coming back from a stress reaction injury to her right foot, said she's not disappointed with the loss.

"Two weeks ago they were talking about surgery so I am lucky to be able to play,'' she said. "I know when I get my feet back I'll play good tennis.''

The winner will receive $37,000 of the $220,000 purse.

Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals
Wozniak upsets Petrova in Ponte Vedra semifinals

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) -Defending champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Family Circle Cup because of an injury to her left leg.

The world No. 1 announced in a statement on Friday that she originally hurt her leg at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, where she lost to Victoria Azarenka in the final last weekend.

Azarenka withdrew from the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday because of an injured right shoulder.

Williams' sister Venus and No. 3-ranked Elena Dementieva are among those slated to play in the tournament starting on Monday.

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup
Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

The second-ranked tennis player announced the wedding on his Web site, saying the couple got married “surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.”

“It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion,” he said.

The couple announced last month they are expecting their first child.

Federer is set to play in next week’s Monte Carlo Masters after accepting a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday. Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won.

After struggling with his form last year and losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal, Federer is aiming for his sixth Wimbledon title this summer. He lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final, the year’s first major.

Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Federer weds longtime girlfriend Vavrinec

Villa wants Valencia stay

Valencia striker David Villa has again dismissed renewed speculation linking him with a move to England by insisting he wants to see out his six-year contract with the club.

Villa and his agent have continually rejected reports that he is set for a move to the Premier League, indeed his representatives suggest the Spanish international is far from keen on leaving his homeland.

Whilst Real Madrid and Barcelona keep a watching brief on his situation, it is Chelsea and Manchester City who are known to be keenest.

And press reports in England have further increased speculation about the Spaniard with Chelsea reportedly close to a Ј40million deal.

But Villa has again responded by insisting he wants to see out the six-year deal he only signed with Valencia last August.

"Rumours do not affect me because to tell the truth I am expecting them, I am not influenced by them," he told AS.

"The club has not informed me about anything other than the six-year they wanted me to fulfil on my contract - they say just forget it and concentrate on the sport.

"If something comes, it will be discussed but now it is a waste of time.

"I get tired of answering the same thing."

Valencia are currently fifth in La Liga and as it stands would not be in next season's UEFA Champions League, but Villa again insists that will not have a bearing on his future - although he is only thinking about making the top-four.

"If the landscape changes on a professional level, our decisions won't because I want to stay," he continued.

"We all know what it means if we go a year without the Champions League, so we want to reach the fourth place.

"Nothing is going through my mind over than reaching the first four."

Six more years

He was then asked would he be in Valencia in September, he replied: "I don't look at September, as I am here for the next six-years.

"Unless someone from the club says otherwise, and repeat this has not happened, then I am here for six-years."

Valencia could yet be forced to sell Villa and other prized assets, as their off-field problems mount, with reported debts of near Ј500million.

But Villa insists the squad try not to focus on the non-playing matters at the club.

"The players try to isolate themselves from those things," he continued.

"We go to work and when we talk about the issues at the club, the only thing that can be a relief for us is when we play on a Sunday.

"Even during bad times, we try and stay focussed."

Valencia receive loan boost
MLS Power Rankings: Week 4

Hazard flattered by interest

Lille starlet Eden Hazard has admitted he is flattered to be linked to some of Europe's biggest clubs.

The likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest in the 18-year-old Belgium international.

Hazard has conceded he is aware of the interest in his services, but insists he is committed to seeing out his Lille deal - which runs until the summer of 2012.

Great pleasure

"Interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool? That brings great pleasure," he told Le 10 Sport .

"But I'm a Lille player. Everything is fine here. I just want one thing, to carry on here."

When quizzed on where would eventually like to end up, the teenager would prefer moves to Arsenal or Real Madrid.

"Arsenal and Real Madrid," he responded, when asked who his dream clubs are. "I'd prefer to join them rather than Barcelona or Chelsea."

Warzycha not panicking over slow start
Agent - Blues eyeing Maicon

Fuentes close to new deal

Fabricio Fuentes is set to follow in the footsteps of Robert Pires and Javi Venta by signing a new deal with Villarreal, according to director Jose Manuel Llaneza.

Pires and Venta put pen-to-paper on contract extensions this week to keep them at El Madrigal until the summer of 2010.

Llaneza has now explained that they were offered new deals because they had impressed once again this season.

"They have shown on the pitch that they deserve to spend another year with us," he is quoted as saying in Marca .

"It has been very easy because when the parties all want the same thing it can be agreed quickly."

Villarreal are now keen to ensure that key defender Fuentes signs an extension, and Llaneza recently travelled out to Argentina to discuss the matter with his agent.

"Things are on the right path with Fabricio," he said. "It is normal because I go to South America quite frequently.

"I went to speak to his agent, but that is something I do often. The difference this time was that I went there when normally the representatives come here."

Pires pens new deal

Ferrero beats Andreev to reach Casablanca final

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain beat top-seeded Igor Andreev of Russia 7-6 (9), 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Grand Prix Hassan II tournament as he seeks his first title since 2003.

Ferrero, unseeded at the clay-court event and chasing a 12th career title, plays fifth-seeded Florent Serra of France in the final.

Ferrero's last tournament victory came at the Madrid Masters in October 2003, the same year he won his only Grand Slam at the French Open and lost the U.S. Open final to Andy Roddick.

Serra advanced 6-4, 6-4 against Albert Montanes of Spain. He's looking for his third career title.

Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Ferrero beats Serra to win Casablanca final

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Top-seeded Nadia Petrova defeated Alona Bondarenko 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to advance to the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships on Friday.

Petrova overcame 71 unforced errors with the help of seven aces. She is coming off a "stress reaction'' injury to her right foot and played with both feet taped.

She will play Saturday against fifth-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada, who outlasted Tamira Paszek of Austria 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7).

Petrova led in the tiebreaker, but Bondarenko hit a forehand winner and Petrova put a forehand into the net to make it 6-5. Bondarenko lost when she hit a backhand into the net.

"I will gain confidence from this and that is what I have been lacking,'' said Petrova, who developed blisters on her feet during the match.

"I just want to put them in a bucket of ice,'' she said.

Third-seeded Dominika Cibulkova lost to Elena Vesnina 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-3.

Vesnina needed four match points to subdue Cibulkova. Two of the lost points were of her own doing when she put a forehand into the net and was wide on a cross-court effort.

"From my side it was not good,'' Cibulkova said. "I didn't feel good on the court and I don't know why. I was fighting and fighting and when she went up 3-2 (in the third set) I got panicked and played stupid again.''

Wozniak blew a 5-2 lead in the third set and double-faulted on her first match point before ousting Paszek.

The Canadian, nursing an injury to her right shoulder, led 6-5 in the tiebreaker before the double-fault. After an exchange of points, Paszek put two balls wide to give Wozniak the win.

"I got tight and that's what led to the double-fault,'' Wozniak said. "But you have to fight your nerves and just stay strong, especially in a tiebreaker.''

In doubles, Taiwan's Chia-Jung Chuang and India's Sania Mirza beat Petrova and Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 7-5. Chuang and Mirza will meet Liga Dekmeijere and Angela Haynes in the semifinals.

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra
Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Top-seeded Nadia Petrova defeated Alona Bondarenko 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to advance to the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships on Friday.

Petrova overcame 71 unforced errors with the help of seven aces. She is coming off a "stress reaction'' injury to her right foot and played with both feet taped.

She will play Saturday against fifth-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada, who outlasted Tamira Paszek of Austria 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7).

Petrova led in the tiebreaker, but Bondarenko hit a forehand winner and Petrova put a forehand into the net to make it 6-5. Bondarenko lost when she hit a backhand into the net.

"I will gain confidence from this and that is what I have been lacking,'' said Petrova, who developed blisters on her feet during the match.

"I just want to put them in a bucket of ice,'' she said.

Third-seeded Dominika Cibulkova lost to Elena Vesnina 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-3.

Vesnina needed four match points to subdue Cibulkova. Two of the lost points were of her own doing when she put a forehand into the net and was wide on a cross-court effort.

"From my side it was not good,'' Cibulkova said. "I didn't feel good on the court and I don't know why. I was fighting and fighting and when she went up 3-2 (in the third set) I got panicked and played stupid again.''

Wozniak blew a 5-2 lead in the third set and double-faulted on her first match point before ousting Paszek.

The Canadian, nursing an injury to her right shoulder, led 6-5 in the tiebreaker before the double-fault. After an exchange of points, Paszek put two balls wide to give Wozniak the win.

"I got tight and that's what led to the double-fault,'' Wozniak said. "But you have to fight your nerves and just stay strong, especially in a tiebreaker.''

In doubles, Taiwan's Chia-Jung Chuang and India's Sania Mirza beat Petrova and Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 7-5. Chuang and Mirza will meet Liga Dekmeijere and Angela Haynes in the semifinals.

Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas
Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) -Defending champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Family Circle Cup because of an injury to her left leg.

The world No. 1 announced in a statement on Friday that she originally hurt her leg at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, where she lost to Victoria Azarenka in the final last weekend.

Azarenka withdrew from the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday because of an injured right shoulder.

Williams' sister Venus and No. 3-ranked Elena Dementieva are among those slated to play in the tournament starting on Monday.

Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup
Serena Williams withdraws from Family Circle Cup

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final

MARBELLA, Spain (AP) -Jelena Jankovic will face local favorite Carla Suarez Navarro in the Andalucia Tennis Experience final on Sunday.

Jankovic defeated fourth-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues 7-5, 6-2 Saturday to reach her first final of the season. The Serb broke her Spanish opponent seven times while overcoming four breaks of her own serve on the outdoor clay.

Suarez Navarro held off seventh-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-2 to reach her first final of the season.

Jankovic defeated Suarez Navarro in both their meetings, including a French Open quarterfinals victory last year.

Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
MLS Power Rankings: Week 4
Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Top-seeded Nadia Petrova defeated Alona Bondarenko 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to advance to the semifinals of The MPS Group Championships on Friday.

Petrova overcame 71 unforced errors with the help of seven aces. She is coming off a "stress reaction'' injury to her right foot and played with both feet taped.

She will play Saturday against fifth-seeded Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada, who outlasted Tamira Paszek of Austria 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7).

Petrova led in the tiebreaker, but Bondarenko hit a forehand winner and Petrova put a forehand into the net to make it 6-5. Bondarenko lost when she hit a backhand into the net.

"I will gain confidence from this and that is what I have been lacking,'' said Petrova, who developed blisters on her feet during the match.

"I just want to put them in a bucket of ice,'' she said.

Third-seeded Dominika Cibulkova lost to Elena Vesnina 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-3.

Vesnina needed four match points to subdue Cibulkova. Two of the lost points were of her own doing when she put a forehand into the net and was wide on a cross-court effort.

"From my side it was not good,'' Cibulkova said. "I didn't feel good on the court and I don't know why. I was fighting and fighting and when she went up 3-2 (in the third set) I got panicked and played stupid again.''

Wozniak blew a 5-2 lead in the third set and double-faulted on her first match point before ousting Paszek.

The Canadian, nursing an injury to her right shoulder, led 6-5 in the tiebreaker before the double-fault. After an exchange of points, Paszek put two balls wide to give Wozniak the win.

"I got tight and that's what led to the double-fault,'' Wozniak said. "But you have to fight your nerves and just stay strong, especially in a tiebreaker.''

In doubles, Taiwan's Chia-Jung Chuang and India's Sania Mirza beat Petrova and Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 7-5. Chuang and Mirza will meet Liga Dekmeijere and Angela Haynes in the semifinals.

Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra
Rapids outlast Galaxy in Open Cup play-in match
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas
Petrova holds off Bondarenko at Ponte Vedra