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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Valencia receive loan boost

Valencia have received a loan of 50million euros to ease their financial worries.

Reports recently suggested the Primera Liga club had a total debt of around 450million euros (Ј410million).

They had to suspend payments to players in February, while construction work on the new stadium also had to be halted.

Chief executive Javier Gomez even admitted that Valencia could be forced to sell some of their biggest stars to raise funds.

However, they have now been boosted by a loan and are planning a capital increase to help them through the troubled times.

Gomez made the announcement to players on Friday and key striker David Villa was delighted to hear the news.

"It's positive and major news for everyone," said Villa.

"We only have 10 matches, and what we can do to help the club economically is to qualify for the Champions League."

Valencia have endured a difficult campaign on the pitch as well as off it and a lack of consistency has left them sixth in the table.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 4
Pires pens new deal
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas

Agent - Blues eyeing Maicon

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Inter Milan defender Maicon, according to the Brazilian's agent.

Maicon's representative, Antonio Caliendo, recently claimed that Real Madrid and a number of other clubs are monitoring the 27-year-old's situation at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Caliendo has now suggested Chelsea are one of the sides interested in the powerful wing-back, but he believes only a significant bid would tempt Inter into a sale.

"Not only Real Madrid have asked me about Maicon," said Caliendo to Terra .

"The other team that has asked about Maicon is Chelsea and there are also three other English teams that are interested.

"However, personally I think that Inter are not interested in doing business.

"I think that the only way they would let him go is if there is a very large proposal."

Diarra criticises Wenger
Kaka in Milan pledge
Week 3 marked by hats, cards, surprises

Diarra criticises Wenger

Lassana Diarra has sensationally claimed that he learned nothing from Arsene Wenger and insists that his time at Arsenal 'is erased from his memory.'

The Real Madrid midfielder joined the Gunners from Chelsea in August 2007 but was sold to Portsmouth the following January after making just eight starts for the club.

The French international found his feet at Pompey and impressed enough to secure a Ј20million move to the Bernabeu in January.

The 24-year-old has continued his good form in Spain but is adamant that Wenger did nothing to help him improve his game during his short stay at the Emirates.

"I did not learn anything from Wenger. He just taught me to doubt everything. The relationship I had with him was not good," he told El Pais .

"You cannot understand the whole world. I respect the way you train, but I learned more with (Jose) Mourinho.

"Mourinho taught me to fight. I spoke looking into his eyes. If you had a problem it would be discussed.

"Wenger never addressed me until I told him I was going. He talked to others, but not me. I feel like I never played for Arsenal.

"If people do not remind me of them (Arsenal), I forget about them. It's erased from my memory."

No excuses

Meanwhile, Gunners manager Wenger has dismissed claims that his side could suffer from fatigue as they look to progress in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup in the coming weeks.

"It is something you don't want to talk about," he said.

"My experience from France is that they always talk about 'fatigue, fatigue'. When you talk about it you are tired.

"The mysterious nature of football means that on any day the team can look flat as a unit. Even if you are rested sometimes you can look tired because we don't really master how your body turns up.

"But these players are prepared to cope with that physical tiredness and you can rotate your squad.

"Tiredness is more mental than physical. Sometimes when players come in to the team they look as tired, if not more tired, than the players who played the game before. It is very unpredictable."

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 8/11, Draw 5/2, Wigan 4/1


Pires pens new deal
Dynamo have high expectations for Akinbiyi
Laporta - Messi a genius
Warzycha not panicking over slow start

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 accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO (AP) -Roger Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday and will play in next week's Monte Carlo Masters.

"We never gave up hope that he would be present even this year,'' tournament director Zeljko Franulovic said. "Events proved us right and we are very proud.''

The second-ranked Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won. Last year, top-ranked Rafael Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 7-5 in the final.

Nadal will be going for his fifth straight title at this year's tournament in Monaco, which will include nine of the world's top 10 players. Only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick will miss the event.

Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters
Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters
Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform

Nadal returns to defend Queen's Club title

LONDON (AP) -Rafael Nadal will return to defend his title at the Queen's Club tournament for what should be his first grass court match since he beat Roger Federer in last year's Wimbledon final.

The top-ranked Spaniard has played in the west London tournament every year since his first appearance in 2005. Last year, he beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.

The June 8-14 tournament comes near the start of the short grass-court season and is immediately after Nadal defends his French Open title on red clay in Paris.

"It is nice to come back to a place where you are the last champion,'' said Nadal, who went on to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 in the longest Wimbledon final in history. "I love to play these two tournaments. To arrive as the last champion is going to be a really nice experience.''

East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title
Warzycha not panicking over slow start

Nadal returns to defend Queen's Club title

LONDON (AP) -Rafael Nadal will return to defend his title at the Queen's Club tournament for what should be his first grass court match since he beat Roger Federer in last year's Wimbledon final.

The top-ranked Spaniard has played in the west London tournament every year since his first appearance in 2005. Last year, he beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.

The June 8-14 tournament comes near the start of the short grass-court season and is immediately after Nadal defends his French Open title on red clay in Paris.

"It is nice to come back to a place where you are the last champion,'' said Nadal, who went on to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 in the longest Wimbledon final in history. "I love to play these two tournaments. To arrive as the last champion is going to be a really nice experience.''

East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title

Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO (AP) -Roger Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday and will play in next week's Monte Carlo Masters.

"We never gave up hope that he would be present even this year,'' tournament director Zeljko Franulovic said. "Events proved us right and we are very proud.''

The second-ranked Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won. Last year, top-ranked Rafael Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 7-5 in the final.

Nadal will be going for his fifth straight title at this year's tournament in Monaco, which will include nine of the world's top 10 players. Only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick will miss the event.

Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

Nadal returns to defend Queen's Club title

LONDON (AP) -Rafael Nadal will return to defend his title at the Queen's Club tournament for what should be his first grass court match since he beat Roger Federer in last year's Wimbledon final.

The top-ranked Spaniard has played in the west London tournament every year since his first appearance in 2005. Last year, he beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.

The June 8-14 tournament comes near the start of the short grass-court season and is immediately after Nadal defends his French Open title on red clay in Paris.

"It is nice to come back to a place where you are the last champion,'' said Nadal, who went on to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 in the longest Wimbledon final in history. "I love to play these two tournaments. To arrive as the last champion is going to be a really nice experience.''

East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title

Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO (AP) -Roger Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday and will play in next week's Monte Carlo Masters.

"We never gave up hope that he would be present even this year,'' tournament director Zeljko Franulovic said. "Events proved us right and we are very proud.''

The second-ranked Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won. Last year, top-ranked Rafael Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 7-5 in the final.

Nadal will be going for his fifth straight title at this year's tournament in Monaco, which will include nine of the world's top 10 players. Only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick will miss the event.

Red Bulls feeling pressure to perform
Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters
Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

Nadal returns to defend Queen's Club title

LONDON (AP) -Rafael Nadal will return to defend his title at the Queen's Club tournament for what should be his first grass court match since he beat Roger Federer in last year's Wimbledon final.

The top-ranked Spaniard has played in the west London tournament every year since his first appearance in 2005. Last year, he beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.

The June 8-14 tournament comes near the start of the short grass-court season and is immediately after Nadal defends his French Open title on red clay in Paris.

"It is nice to come back to a place where you are the last champion,'' said Nadal, who went on to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 in the longest Wimbledon final in history. "I love to play these two tournaments. To arrive as the last champion is going to be a really nice experience.''

Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title
East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Warzycha not panicking over slow start

Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO (AP) -Roger Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday and will play in next week's Monte Carlo Masters.

"We never gave up hope that he would be present even this year,'' tournament director Zeljko Franulovic said. "Events proved us right and we are very proud.''

The second-ranked Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won. Last year, top-ranked Rafael Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 7-5 in the final.

Nadal will be going for his fifth straight title at this year's tournament in Monaco, which will include nine of the world's top 10 players. Only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick will miss the event.

Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title
Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

Nadal returns to defend Queen's Club title

LONDON (AP) -Rafael Nadal will return to defend his title at the Queen's Club tournament for what should be his first grass court match since he beat Roger Federer in last year's Wimbledon final.

The top-ranked Spaniard has played in the west London tournament every year since his first appearance in 2005. Last year, he beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.

The June 8-14 tournament comes near the start of the short grass-court season and is immediately after Nadal defends his French Open title on red clay in Paris.

"It is nice to come back to a place where you are the last champion,'' said Nadal, who went on to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 in the longest Wimbledon final in history. "I love to play these two tournaments. To arrive as the last champion is going to be a really nice experience.''

East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Warzycha not panicking over slow start
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title

Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO (AP) -Roger Federer accepted a last-minute wild card invitation Thursday and will play in next week's Monte Carlo Masters.

"We never gave up hope that he would be present even this year,'' tournament director Zeljko Franulovic said. "Events proved us right and we are very proud.''

The second-ranked Federer is a three-time finalist at the clay-court tournament but has never won. Last year, top-ranked Rafael Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 7-5 in the final.

Nadal will be going for his fifth straight title at this year's tournament in Monaco, which will include nine of the world's top 10 players. Only sixth-ranked Andy Roddick will miss the event.

Federer accepts wild card for Monte Carlo Masters

Fernandes blow for Che

Valencia will be without midfielder Manuel Fernandes for the remainder of the season after he fractured his shin against Getafe.

The former Everton man played the whole 90 minutes of Sunday's 4-1 win at the Mestalla despite feeling a sharp pain in his ankle just 15 minutes into the contest.

The bone fracture was discovered after a medical examination on Monday morning leaving Fernandes baffled as to how he was actually able to complete the match.

"The truth is that it hurts a bit, but I was able to play comfortably," said the 23-year-old.

"Now, after knowing what happened to me, I don't know how I could stand. Clearly I'll miss the rest of the season."

Valencia doctor Antonio Giner has explained how Fernandes was able to carry on, telling the club's official website : "He has a large muscle mass that held the bone in place, and in his case the shin is not heavily loaded."

MLS Power Rankings: Week 4
Week 3 marked by hats, cards, surprises
Surgery for Cazorla

Laporta - Messi a genius

Barcelona supremo Joan Laporta claims Lionel Messi is already the best player in the world and a genius.

Messi, who has 19 goals in La Liga this term, has been turning heads for Josep Guardiola's team with a number of superb individual goals.

The 21-year-old finished as runner up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2008 Ballon d'Or voting, but Laporta claims personal glory will come once the Catalan giants claim silverware.

"It depends on the results of the team," he told Gazzetta dello Sport .

"But Messi is definitely already the best player in the world because he's a genius.

"Players like him only come around once every 30 years."

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;} Barcelona 4/9, Draw 10/3, Bayern Munich 13/2


Pires pens new deal
Kaka in Milan pledge
Warzycha not panicking over slow start

Surgery for Cazorla

Villarreal's Santi Cazorla is set for a hefty stint on the sidelines following surgery on his leg.

The 24-year-old fractured a bone in his right leg after falling awkwardly in the 3-0 defeat to Almeria at the weekend.

A statement on the club's website said the midfielder had an operation earlier in the week and has been told his recovery time could be anything up to three months.

The news is a big blow for Villarreal and Cazorla who will miss out on the remainder of the club's Uefa Champions League campaign.

In addition, Cazorla will almost certainly not be available for Spain's Confederations Cup campaign in South Africa in June.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 4
Pires pens new deal
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas

Petrova beats 14-year-old Keys at Ponte Vedra

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (AP) -Top-seeded Nadia Petrova beat 14-year-old American Madison Keys 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of The MPS Group Championships on Wednesday.

Petrova, ranked No. 10 in the world, won nine of the last 11 games to beat Keys, who was playing in her first WTA Tour event in the season-opening clay-court tournament.

"At the beginning of the match I didn't know what to expect,'' the Russian said. "She caught me by surprise.''

The Russian is playing in only her second tournament since suffering a "stress reaction'' to her right foot in December. She said the foot is aching "from time to time'' but isn't hampering her on court.

The match was tied 3-3 in the first set before Petrova won three straight games.

"I had to make some adjustments,'' she said. "I was trying to go for too many winners early, trying to blow her away and just had to slow down.''

Despite the loss, Keys was pleased with her play.

"When I hit a good shot she hit a good shot back,'' she said. "I feel pretty good about going 3 and 2 with a top 10 player.''

Petrova advanced to a quarterfinal match against seventh-seeded Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine. They played once, two years ago, in a match Petrova won.

Bondarenko won 11 of the last 15 games to beat her younger sister, Kateryna, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 earlier in the day.

The 24-year-old Alona, two years older, fell behind 3-1 in the second set. She rallied to break serve throughout the set, which included a 13-deuce and nine-deuce game and lasted 54 minutes.

"We have different styles, but we know each other well,'' Alona said. "I have to play the long points and she doesn't.''

The Ukrainians traded games early in the third set and were tied at 3-3 before Alona broke twice and won the final three games.

Alona's win tied the sisters' series at 3-3. They last met in 2006.

In other matches, third-seeded Dominka Cibulkova of Slovakia defeated Anastasia Rodionova of Russia 6-1, 6-3. Cibulkova lost in the final last year to Maria Sharapova.

"I was pretty confident from the baseline,'' she said. "I'm playing pretty solid.''

In the quarterfinals, Cibulkova will meet Elena Vesnina of Russia, who defeated Patricia Mayr of Austria 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas

Dinara Safina to supplant Serena at No. 1

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (AP) -Dinara Safina will overtake Serena Williams for the world No. 1 ranking later this month.

Safina will rise to No. 1 for the first time in her career in the April 20 rankings, the WTA Tour said on Wednesday.

Safina, the younger sister of former No. 1 Marat Safin, will become the first brother-sister duo to be No. 1.

"It's a great honor to reach the No. 1 ranking and it is a dream every girl who has ever wanted to play professional tennis shares,'' she said "It is even extra special for me since my brother Marat was able to reach the No. 1 ranking and I am happy to share this achievement with him.''

She will become the 19th woman - and second Russian after Maria Sharapova - to top the WTA rankings.

Safina was the runner-up at the 2008 French Open to Ana Ivanovic and at the 2009 Australian Open to Williams.

"There's no question that while I am very proud of my results over the past year, I would have liked to reach this achievement in a different manner,'' she said. "I hope to prove to everyone over the coming months that I merit the honor of being world No. 1.''

Safina, with four titles last year, jumped from No. 17 to No. 2, earning her the tour's award for most improved player.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 4
Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters

Montanes, Ferrero, Gil reach Casablanca quarters

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -Third-seeded Albert Montanes defeated 2004 champion Santiago Ventura 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Montanes will face Frederico Gil, who rallied past Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-4.

Juan Carlos Ferrero and Victor Hanescu also advanced.

Montanes saved eight of 14 break points against Ventura, while getting seven breaks on his own as both players struggled with their serve.

Ferrero beat Potito Starace of Italy 6-4, 7-6 (1) and will face the fourth-seeded Hanescu, after the Romanian routed Ivan Navarro of Spain 6-1, 6-0.

Ferrero seized a 4-0 lead in the first set before Navarro rallied to 5-4. Ferraro then had two chances to serve out the match at 5-4 and 6-5 in the second but Starace broke each time.

Hanescu needed only 48 minutes for the win, hitting six aces and losing just seven points on his serve.

Petrova beats 14-year-old Keys at Ponte Vedra

Nadal returns to defend Queen's Club title

LONDON (AP) -Rafael Nadal will return to defend his title at the Queen's Club tournament for what should be his first grass court match since he beat Roger Federer in last year's Wimbledon final.

The top-ranked Spaniard has played in the west London tournament every year since his first appearance in 2005. Last year, he beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.

The June 8-14 tournament comes near the start of the short grass-court season and is immediately after Nadal defends his French Open title on red clay in Paris.

"It is nice to come back to a place where you are the last champion,'' said Nadal, who went on to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 in the longest Wimbledon final in history. "I love to play these two tournaments. To arrive as the last champion is going to be a really nice experience.''

MLS Power Rankings: Week 4
East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Petrova beats 14-year-old Keys at Ponte Vedra

Kanoute stays with Sevilla

Fredi Kanoute has ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal at Sevilla.

The former West Ham and Tottenham man has been continually linked with a move back to England, but Sevilla have managed to tie him down to a new contract.

Kanoute has penned a new deal to keep him at the club until 2012 and the Mali international admits it could see him end his career at Sevilla.

"I am delighted to have signed a new contract that will possibly allow me to retire at a club that has given me so much," Kanoute told the club's official website .

Kaka in Milan pledge
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas
Pires pens new deal
MLS Power Rankings: Week 4

Pires pens new deal

Robert Pires and Javi Venta have signed new deals at Villarreal.

The duo have inked new one-year contracts to keep them at Villarreal until 2010.

Pires joined Villarreal in the summer of 2006 from Arsenal and, despite suffering a serious knee injury in his first season, he has established himself as a key player in the side.

Venta has been at Villarreal since 1999 and, after a few loan spells away from the club, he is the established right-back in Manuel Pellegrini's side.

The news is a massive boost for Villarreal ahead of next week's UEFA Champions League quarter-final with Arsenal.

Kanoute stays with Sevilla
MLS Power Rankings: Week 4

Kaka in Milan pledge

Kaka has again pledged his future to AC Milan amid renewed speculation he could join Real Madrid in the summer.

Earlier this week, the Spanish media reported Florentino Perez was close to signing the Brazilian on a pre-contract agreement as part of his bid to return as Real president.

But Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani immediately denied the claims and Kaka - who came close to a world-record move to Manchester City in January - has now said he has no plans to leave the Rossoneri.

"I want to stay here, I have already demonstrated that," the 26-year-old said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport .

"I think in recent days too many people have spoken, and now I'm speaking out.

"I have not had any contact with Real, I have not tried to and I think I have already stated my pleasure and my desire to stay here."

Dinara Safina to supplant Serena at No. 1
MLS Original Marsch honored by Chivas

14-year-old Keys makes WTA debut with win

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (AP) -Fourteen-year-old Madison Keys made her WTA Tour debut a memorable one, upsetting Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva 7-5, 6-4 on Monday in the opening round of The MPS Group Championships.

The American fell behind 5-2 in the first set but used powerful ground strokes to break Kudryavtseva twice and a serve that averaged 162.5 kph (101 mph) to win the set.

Keys lost the first game of the second set before going on a four-game run, and after the 81st-ranked Kudryavtseva fought back to 4-5, Keys won the set with an ace.

"The first two or three games I was nervous,'' she said. "It was kind of just the first few games of just hitting the ball and feeling it and really getting into a rhythm that made me feel a lot better.''

The youngster could face the tournament's top-seeded player, ninth-ranked Nadia Petrova, in the second round. The Russian opens play Tuesday against Olga Govortsova.

"I actually got into tennis because of Venus and Serena (Williams),'' Keys said. "I was watching Wimbledon one year and Venus was playing and I really liked how she was playing but I also liked her outfit.

"I told my dad I wanted a dress like Venus' and he said, 'Only if you play tennis.' So, I went to Walgreen's, got a racket and started playing.''

Play was hampered by winds that gusted to 56 kph (35 mph).

"I'm kind of used to it but the wind would gust and you wouldn't know what was going to happen to the ball,'' Keys said. "You just really had to move your feet.''

Other ranked players in the field include No. 12 Caroline Wozniacki, No. 16 Dominka Cibulkova, who lost in last year's final to Maria Sharapova, and 43rd-ranked Daniela Hantuchova.

In other early matches, Kateryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (2), 6-2.

This year's tournament, being played at Sawgrass Country Club, has been downsized to go with its new sponsor and a move to a new site.

The tournament, formerly sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, moved from its longtime home in Amelia Island to Ponte Vedra Beach. The total purse dropped from last year's $600,000 to $220,000 with the winner receiving $37,000.

Last year's winner, Maria Sharapova, isn't playing. Other former champions of the tournament include Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Venus Williams.

14-year-old Keys makes WTA debut with win

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (AP) -Fourteen-year-old Madison Keys made her WTA Tour debut a memorable one, upsetting Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva 7-5, 6-4 on Monday in the opening round of The MPS Group Championships.

The American fell behind 5-2 in the first set but used powerful ground strokes to break Kudryavtseva twice and a serve that averaged 162.5 kph (101 mph) to win the set.

Keys lost the first game of the second set before going on a four-game run, and after the 81st-ranked Kudryavtseva fought back to 4-5, Keys won the set with an ace.

"The first two or three games I was nervous,'' she said. "It was kind of just the first few games of just hitting the ball and feeling it and really getting into a rhythm that made me feel a lot better.''

The youngster could face the tournament's top-seeded player, ninth-ranked Nadia Petrova, in the second round. The Russian opens play Tuesday against Olga Govortsova.

"I actually got into tennis because of Venus and Serena (Williams),'' Keys said. "I was watching Wimbledon one year and Venus was playing and I really liked how she was playing but I also liked her outfit.

"I told my dad I wanted a dress like Venus' and he said, 'Only if you play tennis.' So, I went to Walgreen's, got a racket and started playing.''

Play was hampered by winds that gusted to 56 kph (35 mph).

"I'm kind of used to it but the wind would gust and you wouldn't know what was going to happen to the ball,'' Keys said. "You just really had to move your feet.''

Other ranked players in the field include No. 12 Caroline Wozniacki, No. 16 Dominka Cibulkova, who lost in last year's final to Maria Sharapova, and 43rd-ranked Daniela Hantuchova.

In other early matches, Kateryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (2), 6-2.

This year's tournament, being played at Sawgrass Country Club, has been downsized to go with its new sponsor and a move to a new site.

The tournament, formerly sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, moved from its longtime home in Amelia Island to Ponte Vedra Beach. The total purse dropped from last year's $600,000 to $220,000 with the winner receiving $37,000.

Last year's winner, Maria Sharapova, isn't playing. Other former champions of the tournament include Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Venus Williams.

Fernandes blow for Che

Valencia will be without midfielder Manuel Fernandes for the remainder of the season after he fractured his shin against Getafe.

The former Everton man played the whole 90 minutes of Sunday's 4-1 win at the Mestalla despite feeling a sharp pain in his ankle just 15 minutes into the contest.

The bone fracture was discovered after a medical examination on Monday morning leaving Fernandes baffled as to how he was actually able to complete the match.

"The truth is that it hurts a bit, but I was able to play comfortably," said the 23-year-old.

"Now, after knowing what happened to me, I don't know how I could stand. Clearly I'll miss the rest of the season."

Valencia doctor Antonio Giner has explained how Fernandes was able to carry on, telling the club's official website : "He has a large muscle mass that held the bone in place, and in his case the shin is not heavily loaded."

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."

Heinze dismisses exit talk

Gabriel Heinze has told skysports.com that he is happy at Real Madrid as speculation mounts about his future.

Heinze joined Real from Manchester United in the summer of 2007 but recent reports have suggested he could be set to return to the Premier League.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been linked with the Argentine and he is aware of the transfer talk.

However, Heinze's contract does not expire until 2010 and he maintains there has been no contact with any club regarding a possible move.

The defender admits he cannot be certain what will happen at the end of the season but he hopes to stay at the Bernabeu.

"I am calm about my future," Heinze told skysports.com .

"I saw the rumours about some clubs but still I have not spoken to a club.

"I have signed a deal with Real Madrid and now things could change but I am happy here."

14-year-old Keys makes WTA debut with win

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Fourteen-year-old Madison Keys made her WTA Tour debut a memorable one, upsetting Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva 7-5, 6-4 on Monday in the opening round of The MPS Group Championships.

Keys, of Boca Raton, Fla., fell behind 5-2 in the first set but used powerful ground strokes to break Kudryavtseva twice and a serve that averaged 101 mph to win the set.

Keys lost the first game of the second set before going on a four-game run, and after the 81st-ranked Kudryavtseva fought back to 4-5, Keys won the set with an ace.

The youngster could face the tournament's top seed and the world's ninth-ranked player, Nadia Petrova, in the second round. The Russian opens play Tuesday against Olga Govortsova.

Other ranked players in the field include No. 12 Caroline Wozniacki, No. 16 Dominka Cibulkova, who lost in last year's final to Maria Sharapova, and 43rd-ranked Daniela Hantuchova.

In other early matches, Kateryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (2), 6-2.

This year's tournament, being played at Sawgrass Country Club, has been downsized to go with its new sponsor and a move to a new site.

The tournament, formerly sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, moved from its longtime home in Amelia Island to Ponte Vedra Beach. The total purse dropped from last year's $600,000 to $220,000 with the winner receiving $37,000.

Last year's winner, Maria Sharapova, isn't playing. Other former champions of the tournament include Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Venus Williams.

14-year-old Keys makes WTA debut with win

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Fourteen-year-old Madison Keys made her WTA Tour debut a memorable one, upsetting Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva 7-5, 6-4 on Monday in the opening round of The MPS Group Championships.

Keys, of Boca Raton, Fla., fell behind 5-2 in the first set but used powerful ground strokes to break Kudryavtseva twice and a serve that averaged 101 mph to win the set.

Keys lost the first game of the second set before going on a four-game run, and after the 81st-ranked Kudryavtseva fought back to 4-5, Keys won the set with an ace.

The youngster could face the tournament's top seed and the world's ninth-ranked player, Nadia Petrova, in the second round. The Russian opens play Tuesday against Olga Govortsova.

Other ranked players in the field include No. 12 Caroline Wozniacki, No. 16 Dominka Cibulkova, who lost in last year's final to Maria Sharapova, and 43rd-ranked Daniela Hantuchova.

In other early matches, Kateryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (2), 6-2.

This year's tournament, being played at Sawgrass Country Club, has been downsized to go with its new sponsor and a move to a new site.

The tournament, formerly sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, moved from its longtime home in Amelia Island to Ponte Vedra Beach. The total purse dropped from last year's $600,000 to $220,000 with the winner receiving $37,000.

Last year's winner, Maria Sharapova, isn't playing. Other former champions of the tournament include Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Venus Williams.

Murray makes history at Sony

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Andy Murray has become the first Brit to win the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Scotsman used his vast repertoire of shots and took advantage of Novak Djokovic's slow start to win 6-2, 7-5 in Sunday's final.

Djokovic looked nervous at the start as the No. 4-seeded Murray raced to a 4-0 lead. In the second set, Murray rallied from a break down trailing 4-1.

Murray became the first three-time titlist on the men's tour this year. He finished with only 19 unforced errors while Djokovic had 43.

It was a matchup of Nos. 3 and 4 instead of the anticipated showdown between Nos. 1 and 2. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Juan Martin del Potro, and Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Murray makes history at Sony

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Andy Murray has become the first Brit to win the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Scotsman used his vast repertoire of shots and took advantage of Novak Djokovic's slow start to win 6-2, 7-5 in Sunday's final.

Djokovic looked nervous at the start as the No. 4-seeded Murray raced to a 4-0 lead. In the second set, Murray rallied from a break down trailing 4-1.

Murray became the first three-time titlist on the men's tour this year. He finished with only 19 unforced errors while Djokovic had 43.

It was a matchup of Nos. 3 and 4 instead of the anticipated showdown between Nos. 1 and 2. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Juan Martin del Potro, and Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Murray makes history at Sony

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Andy Murray has become the first Brit to win the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Scotsman used his vast repertoire of shots and took advantage of Novak Djokovic's slow start to win 6-2, 7-5 in Sunday's final.

Djokovic looked nervous at the start as the No. 4-seeded Murray raced to a 4-0 lead. In the second set, Murray rallied from a break down trailing 4-1.

Murray became the first three-time titlist on the men's tour this year. He finished with only 19 unforced errors while Djokovic had 43.

It was a matchup of Nos. 3 and 4 instead of the anticipated showdown between Nos. 1 and 2. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Juan Martin del Potro, and Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Kanoute stays with Sevilla

Fredi Kanoute has ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal at Sevilla.

The former West Ham and Tottenham man has been continually linked with a move back to England, but Sevilla have managed to tie him down to a new contract.

Kanoute has penned a new deal to keep him at the club until 2012 and the Mali international admits it could see him end his career at Sevilla.

"I am delighted to have signed a new contract that will possibly allow me to retire at a club that has given me so much," Kanoute told the club's official website .

Xavi - Pressure on Real

Barcelona midfielder Xavi claims he would not swap places with Real Madrid in the final weeks of the season.

The Spain international thinks that the onus is on Real to not slip up in the concluding 10 games as they have six points to make up on Barca at the top of the Primera Liga.

Barca are also in the final of the Copa del Rey and are preparing for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich and Xavi hopes for a memorable Treble.

"There is always pressure at Barca. But I think that there is more pressure on Real because they cannot slip as they are behind us," he told El Mundo Deportivo .

"They are six points below us and this is their only competition, so that is more pressure. I would certainly not swap places with them.

Desire

"We have nearly two months of the season remaining and it will be difficult. But things are going well and we expect it to continue like this.

"The team has a great desire to win things and we are having a great season, but now is the moment of truth. There are three trophies available to us and I want them all."

If Barca eliminate Bayern they could meet Liverpool in the semi-finals, but Xavi does not view his side as favourites in either case.

"Against Sporting (in the last 16), I think that Bayern showed huge potential and they also have the fact that they play the second game at home going in their favour," he continued.

"Everyone enjoys talking about how Barcelona are playing, but at this stage of the Champions League nothing is easy. I do not think we are favourites because that would not help us.

Difficult

"I do not think that Liverpool want to play us. But they are a great team and they would be very difficult because they are also playing very well.

Meanwhile, Florentino Perez is reported to be preparing to make a bid to reclaim the presidency at Real and he has indicated a desire to return to the days of the big-money Galacticos, but Xavi is not impressed.

"There is a lot of talk about Florentino and the big signings he could make. We will see what happens, but in football it is not all about the chequebook. It is about a team and money cannot buy you victories," he said.

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;} La Liga 2008/09. Click here to bet.

Agent - Blues eyeing Maicon

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Inter Milan defender Maicon, according to the Brazilian's agent.

Maicon's representative, Antonio Caliendo, recently claimed that Real Madrid and a number of other clubs are monitoring the 27-year-old's situation at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Caliendo has now suggested Chelsea are one of the sides interested in the powerful wing-back, but he believes only a significant bid would tempt Inter into a sale.

"Not only Real Madrid have asked me about Maicon," said Caliendo to Terra .

"The other team that has asked about Maicon is Chelsea and there are also three other English teams that are interested.

"However, personally I think that Inter are not interested in doing business.

"I think that the only way they would let him go is if there is a very large proposal."

Murray makes history at Sony

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Andy Murray has become the first Brit to win the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Scotsman used his vast repertoire of shots and took advantage of Novak Djokovic's slow start to win 6-2, 7-5 in Sunday's final.

Djokovic looked nervous at the start as the No. 4-seeded Murray raced to a 4-0 lead. In the second set, Murray rallied from a break down trailing 4-1.

Murray became the first three-time titlist on the men's tour this year. He finished with only 19 unforced errors while Djokovic had 43.

It was a matchup of Nos. 3 and 4 instead of the anticipated showdown between Nos. 1 and 2. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Juan Martin del Potro, and Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Murray makes history at Sony

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -Andy Murray has become the first Brit to win the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Scotsman used his vast repertoire of shots and took advantage of Novak Djokovic's slow start to win 6-2, 7-5 in Sunday's final.

Djokovic looked nervous at the start as the No. 4-seeded Murray raced to a 4-0 lead. In the second set, Murray rallied from a break down trailing 4-1.

Murray became the first three-time titlist on the men's tour this year. He finished with only 19 unforced errors while Djokovic had 43.

It was a matchup of Nos. 3 and 4 instead of the anticipated showdown between Nos. 1 and 2. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Juan Martin del Potro, and Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Valencia receive loan boost

Valencia have received a loan of 50million euros to ease their financial worries.

Reports recently suggested the Primera Liga club had a total debt of around 450million euros (Ј410million).

They had to suspend payments to players in February, while construction work on the new stadium also had to be halted.

Chief executive Javier Gomez even admitted that Valencia could be forced to sell some of their biggest stars to raise funds.

However, they have now been boosted by a loan and are planning a capital increase to help them through the troubled times.

Gomez made the announcement to players on Friday and key striker David Villa was delighted to hear the news.

"It's positive and major news for everyone," said Villa.

"We only have 10 matches, and what we can do to help the club economically is to qualify for the Champions League."

Valencia have endured a difficult campaign on the pitch as well as off it and a lack of consistency has left them sixth in the table.

Almeria ace in the dark

Almeria star Alvaro Negredo admits he does not know where his future lies.

Fulham and Aston Villa are known admirers of the 23-year-old, who has been in top-form since joining Almeria from Real Madrid.

He has fired 29 goals for the club since joining in 2007, including 16 this season.

Real have an option to take him back to Santiago Bernabeu and Negredo admits he is in the dark over what his next move will be.

"Plenty of people ask me about my future," Negredo told Marca .

"The only thing that I know is that I respect the fact that I am contracted to Almeria, the club that gave me the chance to play Primera Liga football and where I feel very good.

"I am under contract but there is a buy-out clause that allows Real Madrid to re-sign me if they wish.

"At the moment I do not know anything and I am focused on helping Almeria avoid the drop, which is our main target."

Keirrison calm over future

Brazilian starlet Keirrison has reiterated that he is concentrating on Palmeiras amid reports he is set to leave.

Barcelona were widely reported to have agreed terms for the 20-year-old last week, but this has been denied by the player's agents.

Milan and Liverpool are also now following him closely, but he insists he is happy in Brazil.

"There are always rumours about my exit, I have had several moments like this," said Keirrison, when asked about Barca's interest.

"It shows that I am working well, but not only me it's the whole team and at the moment I am only thinking about Palmeiras."

Traffic Sports Marketing own 80 per cent of the player and their president Jose Hawilla insists that Keirrison is not about to be sold.

"Keirrison has not been offered to anyone and he is intending to stay. He is not for sale," said Hawilla.

"You see the sporting directors from clubs in Spain and Italy here all the time - nobody can prevent them coming. Last week, four from Germany came to watch games. But Keirrison is not for sale."

Milan director Leonardo confirmed they would likely rival Barca or any other side for the player if bidding did begin.

"Keirrison is maturing well," said Leonardo. "I'm impressed that he can play with both feet."

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.

“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.

With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.

Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.

Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.

“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”

Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.

“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.

 Slide show 

Azarenka upsets Serena for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.

It wasn’t easy. A thigh injury and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.

The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.

The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka, a Belarussian who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will crack the top 10 next week for the first time.

Williams played with her left thigh taped and struggled to move to her left. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.

Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.

For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.

The only sign of nerves this time came in the form of four early double-faults. Azarenka was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.

Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the entire stadium Friday.

Williams dropped serve five times and committed unforced errors on 34 of the 64 points she lost. Despite reaching the final, she was erratic throughout the tournament: She lost five games in a row a staggering five times.

Despite the defeat, she’ll retain the No. 1 ranking for a 10th consecutive week next week, while Azarenka will climb to No. 8.

Azarenka, who won her first tour title three months ago at Brisbane, improved to 23-2 this year. She grew up in Minsk and befriended NHL goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who invited her to the United States to practice. She moved to Scottsdale in 2005.

Azarenka won $700,000, more than the men’s first prize of $605,500. The two tours offer the same total prize money but distribute it differently. Williams received $350,000.

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Serena beats Venus in Key Biscayne semis

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Serena Williams retained the No. 1 world ranking by being the best player in her family Thursday night.

Williams defeated older sister Venus 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open. It was their 20th sibling showdown, and each has won 10 times.

Serena needed to reach the final to retain the top ranking she has held since Feb. 2.

“I’m excited,” Serena said. “I was thinking I’d love to remain No. 1. I think I was more happy about that than winning the match.”

If Venus had won, Serena would have been supplanted in next week’s rankings by No. 2 Dinara Safina.

“Even though she’s my sister, I’m still here to win,” Venus said. “I can’t give anyone anything. So I’m disappointed that I lost tonight, whether or not she kept the ranking.”

No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost in the men’s quarterfinals to 20-year-old Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3). The upset delighted a partisan crowd that included many transplants from Argentina.

“Wonderful for the crowd,” Nadal said. “Terrible for me.”

The No. 6-seeded del Potro’s opponent Friday will be No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2.

Serena Williams will try for a record sixth Key Biscayne title Saturday against 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Azarenka became sick to her stomach before losing a fourth-round match against Williams at the Australian Open in January.

Serena raced to a 4-1 lead in the final set and broke serve for the sixth time in the last game. When she closed out her victory, she hopped in delight, raised a fist and shouted “Yes!” She then met her sister at the net with a handshake and slap on the back.

“It never gets easy,” Serena said. “She’s the toughest player I think on the tour, besides me of course.”

As often happens, Williams vs. Williams was an aesthetic disappointment. Both players repeatedly went for winners, which resulted in many errors and few long rallies. Fans were subdued, with the majority heading back to the mainland by the third set.

The players were subdued, too, wearing impassive expressions and refraining from any demonstrative reactions to points — until the final game.

With Venus serving at 3-5, Serena hit a backhand winner and punched the air, then repeated the sequence five points later to reach match point.

The sisters say they’re close, and the match offered evidence. Serena won 82 points, Venus 81. Serena had 38 unforced errors, Venus 40. Serena hit 19 winners, Venus 22.

One big difference: Venus twice double-faulted on break point.

“It was a well-fought match,” Venus said. “My serve wasn’t going as well as I wanted. But she brought a lot of balls back and played tough.”

Venus, a three-time Key Biscayne champion, fell to 15-2 this year. Serena has won the tournament the past two years and is 52-5 in the event, with one loss since 2001 — to her sister.

After losing her past two meetings with Venus, Serena said she was glad to pull even in the rivalry.

“I would love to be in the lead again,” she said.

Del Potro had lost all nine sets in his four previous matches against Nadal, but the Argentine was buoyed by a home-court advantage, with many fans singing “Del-Po” between points.

“They helped me a lot,” del Potro said.

The 6-foot-6 Del Potro showed patience in long rallies and used his looping forehand to keep Nadal deep as their three-hour match built to a dramatic finish.

“I beat him with my mind and with my game,” del Potro said. “When we played long points, I was dominating every time.”

Nadal was up two breaks in the final set at 3-love, but del Potro climbed back into the match by winning 12 of the next 14 points.

“I played really bad all the time,” Nadal said. “When I have it 3-love in the third, I played worse. It was amazing disaster.”

When Nadal lost serve for the second consecutive time for 3-all, del Potro let loose a primal scream. There was more noise to come.

In the 12th game of the set, Nadal saved three match points, two with aces. He caught a break in the tiebreaker when his return skipped along the net cord before clearing it for a winner and a 3-2 lead.

That was the last point Nadal won. Del Potro hit three consecutive winners to go up 6-3, and on the final point Nadal put a backhand in the net as the crowd erupted one last time.

“I beat the No. 1,” del Potro said. “If you don’t play unbelievable, you cannot beat him.”

 Slide show 

Serena beats Venus in Key Biscayne semis

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Serena Williams retained the No. 1 world ranking by being the best player in her family Thursday night.

Williams defeated older sister Venus 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open. It was their 20th sibling showdown, and each has won 10 times.

Serena needed to reach the final to retain the top ranking she has held since Feb. 2.

“I’m excited,” Serena said. “I was thinking I’d love to remain No. 1. I think I was more happy about that than winning the match.”

If Venus had won, Serena would have been supplanted in next week’s rankings by No. 2 Dinara Safina.

“Even though she’s my sister, I’m still here to win,” Venus said. “I can’t give anyone anything. So I’m disappointed that I lost tonight, whether or not she kept the ranking.”

No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost in the men’s quarterfinals to 20-year-old Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3). The upset delighted a partisan crowd that included many transplants from Argentina.

“Wonderful for the crowd,” Nadal said. “Terrible for me.”

The No. 6-seeded del Potro’s opponent Friday will be No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2.

Serena Williams will try for a record sixth Key Biscayne title Saturday against 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Azarenka became sick to her stomach before losing a fourth-round match against Williams at the Australian Open in January.

Serena raced to a 4-1 lead in the final set and broke serve for the sixth time in the last game. When she closed out her victory, she hopped in delight, raised a fist and shouted “Yes!” She then met her sister at the net with a handshake and slap on the back.

“It never gets easy,” Serena said. “She’s the toughest player I think on the tour, besides me of course.”

As often happens, Williams vs. Williams was an aesthetic disappointment. Both players repeatedly went for winners, which resulted in many errors and few long rallies. Fans were subdued, with the majority heading back to the mainland by the third set.

The players were subdued, too, wearing impassive expressions and refraining from any demonstrative reactions to points — until the final game.

With Venus serving at 3-5, Serena hit a backhand winner and punched the air, then repeated the sequence five points later to reach match point.

The sisters say they’re close, and the match offered evidence. Serena won 82 points, Venus 81. Serena had 38 unforced errors, Venus 40. Serena hit 19 winners, Venus 22.

One big difference: Venus twice double-faulted on break point.

“It was a well-fought match,” Venus said. “My serve wasn’t going as well as I wanted. But she brought a lot of balls back and played tough.”

Venus, a three-time Key Biscayne champion, fell to 15-2 this year. Serena has won the tournament the past two years and is 52-5 in the event, with one loss since 2001 — to her sister.

After losing her past two meetings with Venus, Serena said she was glad to pull even in the rivalry.

“I would love to be in the lead again,” she said.

Del Potro had lost all nine sets in his four previous matches against Nadal, but the Argentine was buoyed by a home-court advantage, with many fans singing “Del-Po” between points.

“They helped me a lot,” del Potro said.

The 6-foot-6 Del Potro showed patience in long rallies and used his looping forehand to keep Nadal deep as their three-hour match built to a dramatic finish.

“I beat him with my mind and with my game,” del Potro said. “When we played long points, I was dominating every time.”

Nadal was up two breaks in the final set at 3-love, but del Potro climbed back into the match by winning 12 of the next 14 points.

“I played really bad all the time,” Nadal said. “When I have it 3-love in the third, I played worse. It was amazing disaster.”

When Nadal lost serve for the second consecutive time for 3-all, del Potro let loose a primal scream. There was more noise to come.

In the 12th game of the set, Nadal saved three match points, two with aces. He caught a break in the tiebreaker when his return skipped along the net cord before clearing it for a winner and a 3-2 lead.

That was the last point Nadal won. Del Potro hit three consecutive winners to go up 6-3, and on the final point Nadal put a backhand in the net as the crowd erupted one last time.

“I beat the No. 1,” del Potro said. “If you don’t play unbelievable, you cannot beat him.”

 Slide show 

Serena beats Venus in Key Biscayne semis

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Serena Williams retained the No. 1 world ranking by being the best player in her family Thursday night.

Williams defeated older sister Venus 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open. It was their 20th sibling showdown, and each has won 10 times.

Serena needed to reach the final to retain the top ranking she has held since Feb. 2.

“I’m excited,” Serena said. “I was thinking I’d love to remain No. 1. I think I was more happy about that than winning the match.”

If Venus had won, Serena would have been supplanted in next week’s rankings by No. 2 Dinara Safina.

“Even though she’s my sister, I’m still here to win,” Venus said. “I can’t give anyone anything. So I’m disappointed that I lost tonight, whether or not she kept the ranking.”

No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost in the men’s quarterfinals to 20-year-old Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3). The upset delighted a partisan crowd that included many transplants from Argentina.

“Wonderful for the crowd,” Nadal said. “Terrible for me.”

The No. 6-seeded del Potro’s opponent Friday will be No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2.

Serena Williams will try for a record sixth Key Biscayne title Saturday against 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Azarenka became sick to her stomach before losing a fourth-round match against Williams at the Australian Open in January.

Serena raced to a 4-1 lead in the final set and broke serve for the sixth time in the last game. When she closed out her victory, she hopped in delight, raised a fist and shouted “Yes!” She then met her sister at the net with a handshake and slap on the back.

“It never gets easy,” Serena said. “She’s the toughest player I think on the tour, besides me of course.”

As often happens, Williams vs. Williams was an aesthetic disappointment. Both players repeatedly went for winners, which resulted in many errors and few long rallies. Fans were subdued, with the majority heading back to the mainland by the third set.

The players were subdued, too, wearing impassive expressions and refraining from any demonstrative reactions to points — until the final game.

With Venus serving at 3-5, Serena hit a backhand winner and punched the air, then repeated the sequence five points later to reach match point.

The sisters say they’re close, and the match offered evidence. Serena won 82 points, Venus 81. Serena had 38 unforced errors, Venus 40. Serena hit 19 winners, Venus 22.

One big difference: Venus twice double-faulted on break point.

“It was a well-fought match,” Venus said. “My serve wasn’t going as well as I wanted. But she brought a lot of balls back and played tough.”

Venus, a three-time Key Biscayne champion, fell to 15-2 this year. Serena has won the tournament the past two years and is 52-5 in the event, with one loss since 2001 — to her sister.

After losing her past two meetings with Venus, Serena said she was glad to pull even in the rivalry.

“I would love to be in the lead again,” she said.

Del Potro had lost all nine sets in his four previous matches against Nadal, but the Argentine was buoyed by a home-court advantage, with many fans singing “Del-Po” between points.

“They helped me a lot,” del Potro said.

The 6-foot-6 Del Potro showed patience in long rallies and used his looping forehand to keep Nadal deep as their three-hour match built to a dramatic finish.

“I beat him with my mind and with my game,” del Potro said. “When we played long points, I was dominating every time.”

Nadal was up two breaks in the final set at 3-love, but del Potro climbed back into the match by winning 12 of the next 14 points.

“I played really bad all the time,” Nadal said. “When I have it 3-love in the third, I played worse. It was amazing disaster.”

When Nadal lost serve for the second consecutive time for 3-all, del Potro let loose a primal scream. There was more noise to come.

In the 12th game of the set, Nadal saved three match points, two with aces. He caught a break in the tiebreaker when his return skipped along the net cord before clearing it for a winner and a 3-2 lead.

That was the last point Nadal won. Del Potro hit three consecutive winners to go up 6-3, and on the final point Nadal put a backhand in the net as the crowd erupted one last time.

“I beat the No. 1,” del Potro said. “If you don’t play unbelievable, you cannot beat him.”

 Slide show 

Serena beats Venus in Key Biscayne semis

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Serena Williams retained the No. 1 world ranking by being the best player in her family Thursday night.

Williams defeated older sister Venus 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open. It was their 20th sibling showdown, and each has won 10 times.

Serena needed to reach the final to retain the top ranking she has held since Feb. 2.

“I’m excited,” Serena said. “I was thinking I’d love to remain No. 1. I think I was more happy about that than winning the match.”

If Venus had won, Serena would have been supplanted in next week’s rankings by No. 2 Dinara Safina.

“Even though she’s my sister, I’m still here to win,” Venus said. “I can’t give anyone anything. So I’m disappointed that I lost tonight, whether or not she kept the ranking.”

No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost in the men’s quarterfinals to 20-year-old Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3). The upset delighted a partisan crowd that included many transplants from Argentina.

“Wonderful for the crowd,” Nadal said. “Terrible for me.”

The No. 6-seeded del Potro’s opponent Friday will be No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2.

Serena Williams will try for a record sixth Key Biscayne title Saturday against 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Azarenka became sick to her stomach before losing a fourth-round match against Williams at the Australian Open in January.

Serena raced to a 4-1 lead in the final set and broke serve for the sixth time in the last game. When she closed out her victory, she hopped in delight, raised a fist and shouted “Yes!” She then met her sister at the net with a handshake and slap on the back.

“It never gets easy,” Serena said. “She’s the toughest player I think on the tour, besides me of course.”

As often happens, Williams vs. Williams was an aesthetic disappointment. Both players repeatedly went for winners, which resulted in many errors and few long rallies. Fans were subdued, with the majority heading back to the mainland by the third set.

The players were subdued, too, wearing impassive expressions and refraining from any demonstrative reactions to points — until the final game.

With Venus serving at 3-5, Serena hit a backhand winner and punched the air, then repeated the sequence five points later to reach match point.

The sisters say they’re close, and the match offered evidence. Serena won 82 points, Venus 81. Serena had 38 unforced errors, Venus 40. Serena hit 19 winners, Venus 22.

One big difference: Venus twice double-faulted on break point.

“It was a well-fought match,” Venus said. “My serve wasn’t going as well as I wanted. But she brought a lot of balls back and played tough.”

Venus, a three-time Key Biscayne champion, fell to 15-2 this year. Serena has won the tournament the past two years and is 52-5 in the event, with one loss since 2001 — to her sister.

After losing her past two meetings with Venus, Serena said she was glad to pull even in the rivalry.

“I would love to be in the lead again,” she said.

Del Potro had lost all nine sets in his four previous matches against Nadal, but the Argentine was buoyed by a home-court advantage, with many fans singing “Del-Po” between points.

“They helped me a lot,” del Potro said.

The 6-foot-6 Del Potro showed patience in long rallies and used his looping forehand to keep Nadal deep as their three-hour match built to a dramatic finish.

“I beat him with my mind and with my game,” del Potro said. “When we played long points, I was dominating every time.”

Nadal was up two breaks in the final set at 3-love, but del Potro climbed back into the match by winning 12 of the next 14 points.

“I played really bad all the time,” Nadal said. “When I have it 3-love in the third, I played worse. It was amazing disaster.”

When Nadal lost serve for the second consecutive time for 3-all, del Potro let loose a primal scream. There was more noise to come.

In the 12th game of the set, Nadal saved three match points, two with aces. He caught a break in the tiebreaker when his return skipped along the net cord before clearing it for a winner and a 3-2 lead.

That was the last point Nadal won. Del Potro hit three consecutive winners to go up 6-3, and on the final point Nadal put a backhand in the net as the crowd erupted one last time.

“I beat the No. 1,” del Potro said. “If you don’t play unbelievable, you cannot beat him.”

 Slide show 

Serena beats Venus in Key Biscayne semis

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Serena Williams retained the No. 1 world ranking by being the best player in her family Thursday night.

Williams defeated older sister Venus 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open. It was their 20th sibling showdown, and each has won 10 times.

Serena needed to reach the final to retain the top ranking she has held since Feb. 2.

“I’m excited,” Serena said. “I was thinking I’d love to remain No. 1. I think I was more happy about that than winning the match.”

If Venus had won, Serena would have been supplanted in next week’s rankings by No. 2 Dinara Safina.

“Even though she’s my sister, I’m still here to win,” Venus said. “I can’t give anyone anything. So I’m disappointed that I lost tonight, whether or not she kept the ranking.”

No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost in the men’s quarterfinals to 20-year-old Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3). The upset delighted a partisan crowd that included many transplants from Argentina.

“Wonderful for the crowd,” Nadal said. “Terrible for me.”

The No. 6-seeded del Potro’s opponent Friday will be No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2.

Serena Williams will try for a record sixth Key Biscayne title Saturday against 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Azarenka became sick to her stomach before losing a fourth-round match against Williams at the Australian Open in January.

Serena raced to a 4-1 lead in the final set and broke serve for the sixth time in the last game. When she closed out her victory, she hopped in delight, raised a fist and shouted “Yes!” She then met her sister at the net with a handshake and slap on the back.

“It never gets easy,” Serena said. “She’s the toughest player I think on the tour, besides me of course.”

As often happens, Williams vs. Williams was an aesthetic disappointment. Both players repeatedly went for winners, which resulted in many errors and few long rallies. Fans were subdued, with the majority heading back to the mainland by the third set.

The players were subdued, too, wearing impassive expressions and refraining from any demonstrative reactions to points — until the final game.

With Venus serving at 3-5, Serena hit a backhand winner and punched the air, then repeated the sequence five points later to reach match point.

The sisters say they’re close, and the match offered evidence. Serena won 82 points, Venus 81. Serena had 38 unforced errors, Venus 40. Serena hit 19 winners, Venus 22.

One big difference: Venus twice double-faulted on break point.

“It was a well-fought match,” Venus said. “My serve wasn’t going as well as I wanted. But she brought a lot of balls back and played tough.”

Venus, a three-time Key Biscayne champion, fell to 15-2 this year. Serena has won the tournament the past two years and is 52-5 in the event, with one loss since 2001 — to her sister.

After losing her past two meetings with Venus, Serena said she was glad to pull even in the rivalry.

“I would love to be in the lead again,” she said.

Del Potro had lost all nine sets in his four previous matches against Nadal, but the Argentine was buoyed by a home-court advantage, with many fans singing “Del-Po” between points.

“They helped me a lot,” del Potro said.

The 6-foot-6 Del Potro showed patience in long rallies and used his looping forehand to keep Nadal deep as their three-hour match built to a dramatic finish.

“I beat him with my mind and with my game,” del Potro said. “When we played long points, I was dominating every time.”

Nadal was up two breaks in the final set at 3-love, but del Potro climbed back into the match by winning 12 of the next 14 points.

“I played really bad all the time,” Nadal said. “When I have it 3-love in the third, I played worse. It was amazing disaster.”

When Nadal lost serve for the second consecutive time for 3-all, del Potro let loose a primal scream. There was more noise to come.

In the 12th game of the set, Nadal saved three match points, two with aces. He caught a break in the tiebreaker when his return skipped along the net cord before clearing it for a winner and a 3-2 lead.

That was the last point Nadal won. Del Potro hit three consecutive winners to go up 6-3, and on the final point Nadal put a backhand in the net as the crowd erupted one last time.

“I beat the No. 1,” del Potro said. “If you don’t play unbelievable, you cannot beat him.”

 Slide show 

Gerets eyes Sevilla post

Marseille manager Eric Gerets is said to be keen on a move to Spain to take charge of high flying Sevilla.

The Belgian coach has led Marseille to second in the league in France, just a point behind Lyon, but the former PSV Eindhoven manager is said to be on the lookout for a fresh challenge.

The l'OM board are expected to put up a fight for their sought after manager and Gerets is currently in negotiations with the club regarding a new deal.

Gerets' current deal expires at the end of the season and a move to Sevilla is anticipated with current boss Manolo Jiminez under pressure despite leading the side to third in the Primera Division, behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"I am an adventurer who wants to find new horizons," he told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad .

"England, Italy, Spain. Sevilla is a fantastic sunny city with a great club. I am watching my mailbox everyday to find an invitation."

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;} Ligue 1 2008/09 Win Outright: Marseille 3/1

Barca confirm Fabregas fancy

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the club want to sign Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal lured Fabregas away from Barcelona as a teenager after he came through the club's youth ranks.

The 21-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe and a host of clubs have been credited with an interest in his services.

Fabregas has been continually linked with a return to his native Spain with both Barcelona and Real Madrid keen on signing him.

Laporta is a big admirer of the schemer and believes the player would fit perfectly into their style of play.

"I would like very much to see Cesc wearing the shirt of Barcelona," Laporta told Marca .

"He was formed in our academy and it's certain he would adapt to our system of play

"We already have the best midfield in the world but you can always get better."

Arsenal, who are set to welcome Fabregas back from injury for this weekend's clash with Manchester City, would be loath to sell the Spaniard as he remains a key part of Arsene Wenger's plans.

Cesc admits Real contact

Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has conceded he spoke on the phone with former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

The ex-Barcelona youngster has come on leaps and bounds during his time in North London to become one of the best midfielders in European football.

The 21-year-old, who is contracted to Arsenal until 2014, has been persistently linked with a return home with Real Madrid and Barcelona keen to acquire his services.

However, Fabregas insists he has never assured ex-Real supremo Calderon that he would join them nor did he express any desire to leave The Gunners.

"It's true the president of Real Madrid called me personally - we spoke on the phone," Fabregas admitted in El Mundo .

Never gave his word

"But I never gave him my word that I was going to sign for Real Madrid. He asked about my progress and that was it.

"I have not given him nor anyone else the expectation that I will join them. The same goes for anyone who represents me.

"I am a person of my work and I can assure you that I have never given any club reason to believe that I would leave Arsenal.

"Nobody can say that they have agreed with me that I become part of their project. That is clear.

"It is an incredible compliment that two of the most important clubs in the world are interested in you, but I am an Arsenal player and have a contract with them until 2014."

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;} Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal after Summer transfer window Win Special: No 5/4

Serena beats Venus in Key Biscayne semis

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Serena Williams retained the No. 1 world ranking by being the best player in her family Thursday night.

Williams defeated older sister Venus 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open. It was their 20th sibling showdown, and each has won 10 times.

Serena needed to reach the final to retain the top ranking she has held since Feb. 2.

“I’m excited,” Serena said. “I was thinking I’d love to remain No. 1. I think I was more happy about that than winning the match.”

If Venus had won, Serena would have been supplanted in next week’s rankings by No. 2 Dinara Safina.

“Even though she’s my sister, I’m still here to win,” Venus said. “I can’t give anyone anything. So I’m disappointed that I lost tonight, whether or not she kept the ranking.”

No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost in the men’s quarterfinals to 20-year-old Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3). The upset delighted a partisan crowd that included many transplants from Argentina.

“Wonderful for the crowd,” Nadal said. “Terrible for me.”

The No. 6-seeded del Potro’s opponent Friday will be No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat No. 8 Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2.

Serena Williams will try for a record sixth Key Biscayne title Saturday against 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Azarenka became sick to her stomach before losing a fourth-round match against Williams at the Australian Open in January.

Serena raced to a 4-1 lead in the final set and broke serve for the sixth time in the last game. When she closed out her victory, she hopped in delight, raised a fist and shouted “Yes!” She then met her sister at the net with a handshake and slap on the back.

“It never gets easy,” Serena said. “She’s the toughest player I think on the tour, besides me of course.”

As often happens, Williams vs. Williams was an aesthetic disappointment. Both players repeatedly went for winners, which resulted in many errors and few long rallies. Fans were subdued, with the majority heading back to the mainland by the third set.

The players were subdued, too, wearing impassive expressions and refraining from any demonstrative reactions to points — until the final game.

With Venus serving at 3-5, Serena hit a backhand winner and punched the air, then repeated the sequence five points later to reach match point.

The sisters say they’re close, and the match offered evidence. Serena won 82 points, Venus 81. Serena had 38 unforced errors, Venus 40. Serena hit 19 winners, Venus 22.

One big difference: Venus twice double-faulted on break point.

“It was a well-fought match,” Venus said. “My serve wasn’t going as well as I wanted. But she brought a lot of balls back and played tough.”

Venus, a three-time Key Biscayne champion, fell to 15-2 this year. Serena has won the tournament the past two years and is 52-5 in the event, with one loss since 2001 — to her sister.

After losing her past two meetings with Venus, Serena said she was glad to pull even in the rivalry.

“I would love to be in the lead again,” she said.

Del Potro had lost all nine sets in his four previous matches against Nadal, but the Argentine was buoyed by a home-court advantage, with many fans singing “Del-Po” between points.

“They helped me a lot,” del Potro said.

The 6-foot-6 Del Potro showed patience in long rallies and used his looping forehand to keep Nadal deep as their three-hour match built to a dramatic finish.

“I beat him with my mind and with my game,” del Potro said. “When we played long points, I was dominating every time.”

Nadal was up two breaks in the final set at 3-love, but del Potro climbed back into the match by winning 12 of the next 14 points.

“I played really bad all the time,” Nadal said. “When I have it 3-love in the third, I played worse. It was amazing disaster.”

When Nadal lost serve for the second consecutive time for 3-all, del Potro let loose a primal scream. There was more noise to come.

In the 12th game of the set, Nadal saved three match points, two with aces. He caught a break in the tiebreaker when his return skipped along the net cord before clearing it for a winner and a 3-2 lead.

That was the last point Nadal won. Del Potro hit three consecutive winners to go up 6-3, and on the final point Nadal put a backhand in the net as the crowd erupted one last time.

“I beat the No. 1,” del Potro said. “If you don’t play unbelievable, you cannot beat him.”

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