Black Tennis Pro's

Venus Williams Makes Quick Work Of Voegele

2009-06-23T10:19:00.005-04:00

Venus Williams, USA
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Five-time champion Venus Williams recovered from an early stumble in her opening match at Wimbledon on Tuesday to beat Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland 6-3, 6-2.

It was Williams' first appearance on Centre Court since the 2008 final, when she beat sister Serena for her second Wimbledon title in a row.

Venus slipped five points into the match, one of several wobbly moments as she began her bid for a three-peat. She double-faulted in the opening game and had to erase two break points. She was passed the first two times she reached the net. She slipped and nearly fell a second time.

Then Williams found her footing, winning 14 consecutive points to help her take a 5-1 lead. She had another spurt in the second set after losing serve for 2-all, and swept the final four games.

Williams improved to 51-4 at the All England Club since 2000, when she won the title for the first time. She's seeded third but is the tournament favorite with London bookmakers.

The new retractable roof again worked as a deterrent for rain, with dry weather for a second successive day. Play began on a cloudless afternoon, prompting an official on the club's public-address system to urge that fans use sun block.

(PHOTOS) Venus And Richard Williams Get In Early Morning Practice At Wimbledon

2009-06-23T10:07:00.005-04:00

Venus Williams, USA
(Photos by Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)

Tsonga And His New Beard Through To Round Two

2009-06-23T09:42:00.005-04:00

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France
(Photos by AP)

Wimbledon's first round saw Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeat Kazakhstan's Andrev Golubev 6-3, 5-7, 7⁷-6⁴, 7⁷-6⁵ on Monday.

Tsonga's next opponent will be Italian Simone Bolelli.

In Style And In Form, Serena Advances At Wimbledon

2009-06-23T09:16:00.005-04:00

Serena Williams, USA
(Photos by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Serena Williams has advanced to the second round of Wimbledon by beating Neuza Silva of Portugal 6-1, 7-5.

Williams breezed through the first set and then relied on her powerful serve in the second. She did not face a break point in the entire match, only losing nine points on her serve.

Silva sent a shot wide to set up two match points for Williams, who converted the first one when her Portuguese opponent netted a backhand.

Williams is looking for her third Wimbledon title, while the 154th-ranked Silva was making her main draw debut.

(PHOTOS) Serena Preps For First Wimbledon Match

2009-06-23T09:10:00.002-04:00

American Serena Williams practices prior to first match at Wimbledon 2009

James Blake Out Of Wimbledon On Day One: "I Just Haven't Been As Confident"

2009-06-22T22:43:00.005-04:00

James Blake, USA
(Photo by Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty Images)

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — James Blake is finding it tough to pinpoint why he keeps losing matches he thinks he should win.

Once ranked in the top 10, once a fairly regular participant in the second week of major championships, Blake is now on a three-match losing streak at Grand Slam tournaments. The American's latest setback came Monday at Wimbledon, where the 17th-seeded Blake was beaten 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (5) by 50th-ranked Andreas Seppi of Italy.

"I still feel like I can play with anyone in the world, but it's just, for some reason lately, it's been very inconsistent," Blake said. "I've been doing all the training. I've been doing all the conditioning. I'm fit as I've been. I just haven't been as confident, I guess. Maybe that's just from not winning a lot of matches."

He also bowed out in the first round at the French Open last month, following a fourth-round exit at the Australian Open in January.

There were chances to get back into the match against Seppi. He held one set point in the third, leading 6-5, but missed a forehand long to end a 23-stroke exchange. Blake then took a 5-0 lead in the tiebreaker, before Seppi won the match's last seven points.

"I don't think I've ever done that before," said Seppi, who never has made it past the third round at a Grand Slam tournament. "I didn't think I would win that tiebreaker."

Blake thought he might be ready for a run at Wimbledon after reaching the final at the Queen's Club tuneup tournament on grass.

"I know I still have the ability," said Blake, who reached No. 4 in the rankings in November 2006 and is a three-time major quarterfinalist. "It's just frustrating, because it's happening at big tournaments where I'm having my not-so-good performances."

His best shot is his forehand, but Seppi neutralized that by repeatedly drawing Blake into backhand exchanges.

"Backhand-against-backhand is to my advantage. It's not like his backhand is all that strong," Seppi said. "I played more aggressively than usual, especially on his serve. If you let him take the initiative, especially on his forehand, he's very dangerous."

Not on this day. And not lately on tennis' top stages.

"I've had a lot of success, a lot of wins, but I still want more. That's why it's tough to accept nowadays, because I know I've done that and I know what it feels like to win and to go deep in Slams and to win tournaments, and I just haven't had that feeling lately," said the 29-year-old Blake, who was born in Yonkers, N.Y, and lives in Florida. "I definitely want it back, and I hope I have it enough times before I retire that I won't miss it as much when I retire."

He beat Seppi in their two most recent meetings, but the Italian wasn't intimidated when he found out Blake would be his first-round opponent. Seppi originally was drawn to face No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro, but the bracket was changed after defending champion Rafael Nadal pulled out of the tournament.

Happy Father's Day Gentlemen!

2009-06-21T01:02:00.003-04:00

It's an important day...
one for recognizing qualities you've always possessed,
like intelligence, patience, devotion, humor, and for celebrating how they shine even brighter in a brand-new, beautiful light-
FATHERHOOD!

Mahogany/Hallmark Cards

Nothing To Do With Tennis: Why Is Stephanie Mills Not Getting Any Props As The Wiz Hits Broadway Again?

2009-06-19T04:14:00.009-04:00

Ashanti as Dorothy in "The Wiz"

Let me begin by saying that I am very glad to see The Wiz back on Broadway, if only for a short period. I really like Ashanti, who will be playing the fabulous role of Dorothy. She's beautiful and talented and should be able to turn in a great performance. That said, why in the hell is Diana Ross still getting props for her "portrayal" of Dorothy?

The fact that Diana Ross was cast as Dorothy in the film version of The Wiz mystifies me to this day ... oh, wait, no it doesn't. Motown acquired the film rights didn't they? That explains it.

Can the international entertainment superstardom of Ms. Ross be denied? No indeed, and you would never catch me even considering the thought. Ms. Ross has my unyielding respect for the career she has amassed - Stop. Ms. Ross was no Dorothy. I believe the woman was in her early thirties, and though attractive, she did not look like the 'young' woman she was supposed to be portraying.

Although I was particularly peeved that Stephanie Mills had been given the boot from the film, I was even more bitterly disappointed when I saw the movie. Karma is a bankable currency and those who thought placing Ross in the role of Dorothy found that out - right in the pocket. Shame on them all these years later for dismissing Mills for what they thought would be a box office bonanza.

The Dorothy that should be getting some residual love off of this new production is none other than the originator of the role, Stephanie Mills. Anyone that has ever sat in a theater seat and heard that big voice come out of such a petite woman would never forget it. I have NEVER heard anyone sing "Home" like Mills, or turn in a better performance than her in this role. Ignoring the life that Mills breathed into Dorothy simply to keep Ross elevated for her lukewarm attempt is just ridiculous.

Hello... Ladies Of The WTA Strike A Pose At Player Party

2009-06-18T22:17:00.010-04:00

(L-R) Vera Zvonareva, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Anne Keothavong, Ana Ivanovic and Elena Dementieva pose during a studio session at The Ralph Lauren Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Pre-Wimbledon Party hosted by Richard Branson at The Roof Gardens on June 18, 2009 in London, England.

(L-R) WTA CEO Larry Scott, tennis players Vera Zvonareva, Venus Williams, Richard Branson Serena Williams, Anne Keothavong, Ana Ivanovic and Elena Dementieva

(L-R) WTA CEO Larry Scott, tennis players Vera Zvonareva, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Anne Keothavong, Ana Ivanovic and Elena Dementieva, and Sony Ericsson Corporate Vice President of Global Communications Aldo Liguori (R)

Photos by WireImage

(PHOTOS) Serena Gets Her Jog On As She Preps For Wimbledon

2009-06-18T21:07:00.006-04:00

Serena Williams and her trainer working it out in London ahead of Wimbledon.

Photos by PA

Angela Haynes And Shenay Perry Eliminated In Wimbledon Qualifying

2009-06-18T18:52:00.004-04:00

Angela Haynes, USA

As day four of qualifying at Wimbledon wrapped up, two Americans, Angela Haynes and Shenay Perry, did not make the cut.

Ladies top seed Viktoriya Kutuzova was the first player to reach the main draw on the final day after a blistering 6-0, 6-2 win over Shenay Perry.

Haynes was knocked out by fellow American Abigail Spears 7⁷-6⁴, 5-7, 6-4.

(Photos) Venus And Serena Attend WTA Tour Pre-Wimbledon Party

2009-06-18T17:48:00.010-04:00

Americans Venus and Serena Williams attend the WTA Tour Pre-Wimbledon Party hosted by Ralph Lauren and Sony Ericsson at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 18, 2009 in London, England.

Singer and television personality Kelly Rowland

Venus with WTA CEO Larry Scott

Ana Ivanovic, Serbia

Singer Michelle Williams

Photos by
WireImage
PA

Oh No! Frenchman Gael Monfils Withdraws From Wimbledon With Injury

2009-06-18T17:14:00.004-04:00

Gael Monfils, France

LONDON (AP) — Gael Monfils of France has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a wrist injury.

Tournament organizers announced his withdrawal on Thursday. His place in the men's singles draw will go to a loser from the qualifying rounds.

The withdrawal comes a week after the 14th-ranked Frenchman had to pull out of his scheduled match against Belgian Steve Darcis in the last 16 of the Queen's Club tournament.

USA TODAY: Traveling With The Stars - Venus Williams

2009-06-16T12:56:00.005-04:00

Venus Williams, USA
(Photo by Charles William Bush Photography)

By Kelly Carter, special for USA TODAY

Venus Williams, the two-time defending Wimbledon singles champion and reigning doubles champ, begins her quest for her sixth Wimbledon singles trophy and eighth Grand Slam singles title when the tournament gets underway June 22 at the All England Club. The world's third-ranked player circles the globe on an annual basis and shares her travel highlights and tips with USA TODAY.

Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?

A: I went to the (Florida) Keys to Little Palm Island. It's really quiet and there are no TVs so you really have to have your books ready. And you have to be ready to get into the water. It was cool. I did two dives there. I'm now a scuba diver. I had been taking classes but I never got a chance to dive. I've never gone on vacation before. Since I travel so much, I really just want to be at home.

Q: What's the best place you've ever visited?

A: The best place is when I go to the Olympics. I went to Sydney, Athens and Beijing. Those are the best times. The whole city is magical. Everybody is happy and really enjoying the city. Olympics transform a city. I don't have a chance to see much. In Athens I had just one or two days. I went to the Plaka and to see the Acropolis, which for me was probably one of the most impressive things I've seen. In Beijing the Bird's Nest was just awesome. Those two were my most impressive sights — and St. Basil's church in Moscow.

When I lost early in Moscow I went to Crete (in Greece). It was really cool. There are so many things you can see there like the ruins. I stayed at the Blue Palace and it was fantastic — plus they have tennis courts. Little did they know my dog was staying there too. He's a Havanese and his name is Harold. He's so quiet and I took him everywhere I went. I was fighting for him too. They were telling me I couldn't take him on the airplane. I paid them some money.

Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you're ever visited?

A: Slovenia. It's really beautiful. I went to Portoroz. It's right by the Italian border and really pretty. Every day I took walks. It's so strange when you go to these places. I'm walking down the street and people are honking their horns. I'm like, "I didn't think anybody cared about me in this part of the world" but they do. It was pretty funny. I was actually there playing but I only played on the weekends. During the week I went shopping and took walks. There's not a ton to see there but it's a nice seaside town that is really pretty and relaxed.

Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?

A: I like Kauai. I went there after the Keys on a fitness vacation. It was me, my two sisters, Lyndrea and Isha, and my mom. We did yoga in the morning and mat pilates then we went on hikes and went to the beach. We had the chef cook us meals. It was great that my family was there.

Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?

A: Stay at the Acapulco Princess in Acapulco. I went this year but I was playing. It was really nice and really pretty. You're so happy every morning when you wake up. I was actually lying in bed and I thought, I need a vacation. And then I realized I'm in Acapulco. Everybody else is vacationing except for me.

In Hawaii I would recommend, if you can, to rent a house. And I would recommend going see the Waimea Canyon.

Blake and Kops-Jones Edged Out In London

2009-06-15T10:11:00.009-04:00

American James Blake reacts after losing a point against Britain's Andy Murray during the singles final at The AEGON Championships tennis tournament at Queen's Club in west London

(Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)

LONDON (AP) — Andy Murray defeated James Blake 7-5, 6-4 Sunday to win the Aegon Championships at Queen's Club for his first grass-court title.

The top-seeded Murray became the first British player to win the tournament since Bunny Austin in 1938, who then went on to become the last Briton to reach the Wimbledon final.

"I was quite nervous," Murray said. "People were telling me that no (Briton) had won here for 70-odd years so that got the nerves going, especially when I was serving for the match."

Murray took an early lead with a break in the third game, but Blake immediately evened it with a forehand winner down the line. Both players then easily held serve until 5-5, when Blake missed a forehand on break point.

Blake accepts the runners up trophy from HRH Duchess of Gloucester (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The second set was equally competitive until Murray broke for a decisive 4-3 lead when a fierce return forced Blake to net a backhand volley.

"I didn't quite know what to expect, but this is some of the best tennis I've played in my life," said Murray, who did not drop a set all week. "I'm a long way from winning Wimbledon, but I feel confident. I'll try and not get too far ahead of myself and focus on my first match there, but if I play my best like I did this week, I've got a chance."

Blake said he was beaten by a better player, but that he was pleased with preparation for Wimbledon, which starts June 22.

"I had a good week," Blake said. "Playing on the grass, I always have a lot of fun playing here. I feel great. I've been working with my coach and trainer, and I know I'm doing the best preparation possible for Wimbledon. I'll be ready to play and feel great about my chances."

It was Murray's fourth title of the year, following victories in Doha, Rotterdam and Miami.

The sixth-seeded Blake was playing his third grass-court final, after finishing runner-up here in 2006 to Lleyton Hewitt and losing the Newport final in 2002 to Taylor Dent. He was seeking his first title since August 2007.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal pulled out of the tournament to rest his knees ahead of Wimbledon.

Americans Abigail Spears and Raquel Kops-Jones
(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

On day seven of the AEGON Classic at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, England, Zimbabwean Cara Black and American Liezel Huber, the top seeds and No.1 pair in the world, won the doubles title in Edgbaston on Sunday afternoon.

Black and Huber retained the title they won together last year by defeating American No.4 seeds Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears 6-1 6-4 in under an hour.

Mashona Washington Defeated In El Paso Final

2009-06-15T09:04:00.007-04:00

Canadian Valerie Tetrault (far left) and American Mashona Washington (far right)
(Mark Lambie / El Paso Times)

EL PASO -- Canadian Valerie Tetreault defeated American Mashona Washington 6-4, 6-3 on a hot, still Sunday morning to take home the title for the $25,000 Hunt Communities USTA Women's Pro Tennis Classic at Tennis West Sports and Racquet Club.

Washington, the 33-year-old from Houston, played well all week and played well Sunday morning. The first set was a wonderful duel with both players making special shots. Tetreault broke Washington at love with the set at 2-all and that one break was all it took. Tetreault, leading 5-3, had a set point but Washington stared it down with a pair of strong forehands and an ace out wide, cutting the lead to 5-4 and forcing Tetreault to serve out the set.

The 33-year-old Washington, who is trying to work her way toward the top again after a serious knee injury, said, "I just don't know if I was mentally ready in the beginning. I was kind of all over the place. She definitely made her shots. She played well. But it was a good tournament for me. It's been a while since I put a string of matches together. Obviously, I would have loved to have won but this was a good result for both of us. I think we both have a lot more tennis ahead of us this summer."

Source

(PHOTOS) Serena Williams At Sunday's NBA Final

2009-06-15T08:14:00.010-04:00

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Serena Williams attends Game Five of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on June 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.
(Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images)

James Blake And Raquel Kops-Jones Into Finals On Sunday

2009-06-14T03:26:00.007-04:00

James Blake, USA
(Photo by Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)

American James Blake advanced to the championship match of the AEGON Championships at the Queen's Club in London when fellow American Andy Roddick retired from the match at 4-4 in the first set because of an ankle injury.

When asked about Roddick's injury Blake said, "I think he was hurt before, I saw him pull up."

"It was unfortunate, but Andy is such a great player and he doesn't want to endanger the injury anymore. He normally moves so well and you could tell this wasn't the same Andy Roddick."

For the title Blake will play Britain's Andy Murray. To a lot of crowd laughter and clapping Blake said, "I realize that the crowd probably won't be behind me, but I have to remind you that I'm half British."

When asked if he would ever consider a change Blake said, "I've been asked about that but they (Americans) have been so good to me, I can't turn my back on them."

Americans Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears
(Photos by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

In women's doubles at the AEGON Classic, Americans Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears defeated Italians Francesca Schiavone and Roberta Vinci to advance to the championship match where they will play Zimbabwe's Cara Black and American Liezel Huber for the title.

Mashona Washington Advances To Hunt Communities Final

2009-06-14T03:15:00.007-04:00

American Mashona Washington will meet Canadian Valerie Tetreault in the championship match at the 2009 Hunt Communities USTA Pro Tennis Classic at the Tennis West Sports and Racquet Club in El Paso, Texas on Sunday.

Washington defeated Australian Monique Adamczak 7-5, 6-1 in the semifinals to reach the final.

"It was a little difficult in the beginning, I didn't have much rhythm and threw in some double faults. She had some double faults on the same side, so maybe it was the side. I sensed a little change in her attitude, in her demeanor. But she was still coming up with big shots. I just told myself, okay, that was just a good shot and not let it bother me, not let it create a domino effect."

She obviously overcame that sentiment.

Photo by Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

First Fruits Of A Beautiful Labor: Andre Agassi Prepatory Academy Graduates Inaugural Class

2009-06-14T02:51:00.012-04:00

Andre Agassi and one of the first graduates from the Andre Agassi Prepatory Academy on Friday, June 12, during the graduation ceremony.

(All Photos by Wireimage)

by Kyle Hansen for the
Las Vegas Sun

contact

Las Vegas, Friday, June 12 -- The first class of graduates from the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy celebrated Friday night with a bold attack on critics of the public charter school, which primarily serves students from low-income areas.

“Some along the way have short-sightedly labeled us as at-risk,” salutatorian Simone Ruffin noted in her speech during Friday night’s commencement. “Well, we are at risk -- at risk of excellence, at risk of success,” she continued, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

“We are at risk of having a class where 100 percent of the students graduate and go to college,” she said.

The class of 2009 is prepared to do just that as all 34 graduates have been accepted to and plan on attending college in the fall.

The commencement of the first group of high school students is a major milestone for the school, which was founded by tennis legend Andre Agassi to serve what he called an “economically challenged” neighborhood.

“To have 100 percent of your seniors graduating is pretty exciting,” Agassi said in an interview earlier this week.

Andre Agassi is given a letter from President Barack Obama

At Agassi Prep, 26 graduates plan to attend a four-year college next year, while the other eight will go to two-year schools, school officials said.

“Tomorrow we will no longer be the lions of high school, but the cubs of college,” said student body president Alexis Wallace. “But I’m OK with that because I would rather be a cub of college than a high school dropout.”

In his address to students during Friday’s festivities, Agassi emphasized how the students have been a success in what has been an experiment in education. As they move forward, they can look back on their experiences at the school for strength, he said.

“Tell yourself again the story of how you were a pioneer,” Agassi told the students. “How you proved all the naysayers wrong; how you defied the odds and made your parents and teachers and that one old tennis player very, very proud.”

Agassi said the graduation was a heart-wrenching time for those who have been involved with the students.

“It’s emotional … sad, in some respects, but in a good kind of way, like, I guess, watching your child go off to college,” he said. “But soon, summer will be over with and we’ll be back at it again because we’ve got future classes and future lives to look out for.”

The school’s achievement in sending the entire class to college is not the final marker of success, Agassi said.

“My hope for them (the graduates) ultimately is that they … come back home, come back here ideally, but to this community, to this neighborhood, to this city, and make a difference for future generations,” he said. “I think that’s ultimately how we are going to define success.”

Agassi Prep is different than most other county public schools. As a charter school, students are not charged for enrollment. The school receives a $6,530-per-pupil allocation from the state and Agassi’s charitable foundation supplements that with about $6,000 more per student.

With the extra support, the school provides an additional two hours of instruction each school day, plus an extra two weeks of school each year. Students can also choose to participate in after-school activities for free.

Chancellor Marsha Irvin, who came to the school after being a regional superintendent in the School District for eight years, said Agassi Prep has an advantage in preparing students for college because of the help of donors.

“Those kinds of resources and having small classes really does make a difference in terms of helping children identify what is going to be best for them,” she said. “The ratio is a lot smaller than in most schools and that just makes all the difference in the world.”

Thanks to help from donors, every graduate this year received at least one scholarship to help pay for college. All together, the 34 students received more than $257,000 to go toward higher education, the school said.

Agassi said the school has had a positive effect on the surrounding neighborhood.

“I think we’ve seen how this community has safeguarded this school; how they’ve protected it, how they’ve taken ownership of it,” he said. “In an area that’s economically challenged, we haven’t seen crime or graffiti or anything of that nature on this campus, which is a beautiful testament to the human spirit and what happens when people start to have hope in their lives.”

Ben Sayeski, president of the school’s governing board of directors, thanked the students for their help in testing what he called the school’s new model of education. He promised them it would spread to other schools.

“Much of the Agassi Prep model is based upon the fact that resources matter -- that two extra hours a day matter, that two extra weeks per year matter, that after-school opportunities matter,” Sayeski said during the commencement on Friday.

“With every single graduate attending college, you have more than done your part to make the case that resources matter,” he said. “But that’s not where it ends, because we’re going to take that message to the entire state. Every child in this state deserves the resources that you received and the outcomes that you got."

I'm Still Officially On Chill, But There Are A Few Things Worth Mentioning...

2009-06-13T06:05:00.008-04:00

James Blake, USA (top) and Mikhail Youzhny, Russia
(Photo of James Blake by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
(Photo of Mikhail Youzhny by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

First off, Frenchman Gael Monfils is going to get some of these guys killed thinking they can fly, lol.

In today's semifinals of the AEGON Championships at the Queens Club in London, American James Blake will face fellow American Andy Roddick. Blake defeated Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (5), 6-3 in 76 minutes in yesterday's quarterfinals.

Despite trailing their head-to-head 2-6, Blake has won his past two meetings with Roddick – including in the Queen’s Club semi-finals three years ago.

Mashona Washington, USA

On the USTA Pro Circuit at the 2009 Hunt Communities USTA Pro Challenger El Paso, Texas, American Mashona Washington has advanced to the semifinals after defeating Canadian Heidi El Tabakh 6-1, 6-4 in Friday's quarterfinals.

Mashona will play Australian Monique Adamczak for a spot in the final.

At the same event in doubles, Americans Brittany Augustine and Jennifer Elie advanced to the semifinal round where their final hopes were halted by American Christina Fusano and India's Shikha Uberoi. They were defeated 6-3, 6-2.

At the 2009 Recoating West Inc. USTA Men's $15,000 Professional Tennis Tournament in Loomis, California, American Todd Paul, teamed with American Tim Smyczek, also advanced to the semifinal round but was defeated by Americans Austin Krajicek and Conor Pollock 6-1, 6-4.

(VIDEO) Gael Monfils: The Formative Years

2009-06-08T09:20:00.000-04:00

Frenchman Gael Monfils is shown here in a candid video at 10 years old that shows him preparing for, participating in and being coached for a match. Monfils' mother is also in the video along with his opponent and his mother.

Very nice.

(PHOTOS) James Blake And Gael Monfils At The Queen's Club

2009-06-08T08:34:00.004-04:00

American James Blake warms up during Day one of the AEGON Championship at The Queens Club on June 8, 2009 in London, England.
(Photos by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Frenchman Gael Monfils serves in a practice session at The Queens Club on June 6, 2009 in London, England.

(Photos by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Seen On The Scene: Serena Williams At LAX

2009-06-08T01:19:00.006-04:00

Serena Williams sighting at LAX airport on June 5, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
(Photos by Wireimage)

France And the U.S. Lose Final Hopes For French Crown

2009-06-04T10:21:00.003-04:00

Gael Monfils, France

(Photo by Getty Images)

PARIS (AP) — Getting into a groove at the French Open, Roger Federer is two victories from completing a career Grand Slam and tying Pete Sampras' record for major titles.

After three consecutive so-so performances, Federer was challenged only fleetingly in the quarterfinals Wednesday at Roland Garros before beating 11th-seeded Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-4.

Federer reached the semifinals for the 20th consecutive Grand Slam tournament, extending his own record.

"I felt some pressure before this match," Federer said. "I was very nervous, because I thought it would be very difficult."

He did face two break points in the opening game of the match, and another at 5-5 in the first set — but saved each of them.

Then, in the tiebreaker, Monfils held a set point at 6-5, but again Federer held steady, and the Frenchman sent a backhand wide to make it 6-all. Two points later — a service winner and a volley winner by Federer — the set was over, and so, essentially, was the match.

"Maybe I took too many risks at the beginning," the second-seeded Federer said, "but I was worried about his forehand."

"Today," Monfils said, "he didn't miss a lot."

Is Federer the favorite?

"He still has two tough matches if he wants to win, but I think he can do it," said Monfils, who lost to Federer in last year's semifinals in Paris. "He should be very motivated to win, so, yeah, why not?"

Serena Williams, USA
(Photo by Getty Images)

PARIS (AP) — One shot by Serena Williams sent Svetlana Kuznetsova to the court in a messy spill that left her covered with clay.The resilient Russian was down but not out. She squandered a big lead in the second set Wednesday but ended Williams' 18-match Grand Slam winning streak in the French Open quarterfinals, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 7-5.

Williams, seeded second, was seeking her third successive major title and the 11th of her career.

The No. 7-seeded Kuznetsova faced a set point serving at 5-6 in the first set but erased it with a slam and won that set. After her tumble in the second set, Williams rallied three points from defeat to even the match, then took a 3-1 lead in the third.

Kuznetsova mounted the final comeback and broke serve in the last game when Williams pushed a backhand wide.

The seesaw struggle was this close: Midway through the third set, each player had won 100 points.

The Russian won with high-risk tennis, whacking winners into both corners and sometimes choosing angles that surprised Williams. Kuznetsova showed lots of variety, too — when she hit a crosscourt lob, Williams staggered helplessly as she watched the ball land beyond her reach.

Williams was sometimes betrayed by uncertain footwork on the clay, which led to repeated errors on her forehand side down the stretch.