The Whole Delivery

Although Dominika Cibulkova is in the best form of her career at the moment, she is the clear underdog in this final. Quite simply, Li Na does everything better than her, even on the forehand side where Li can break down and the Slovakian can get into the zone. Most importantly is the serve, where Cibulkova has fired just only a handshake full of aces and Li has broken her at will to win all four of their previous matches. It will take a heavy choke from Li Na to lose in her third Australian Open final, and with Carlos Rodriguez continuing to keep her calm after surviving Lucie Safarova, it is the Chinese superstar destined for the title in routine fashion I believe. A second Grand Slam for Li Na, and I think in routine fashion. The Result Li 6-1, 6-4

Only two men have defeated Novak Djokovic this year. But both of them egressed on Saturday, as the Top four turned into the Final two of today. Can Rafael Nadal be the third to defend his US Open title? Or will it be the officially the year of the Serbian young king. The tactics and the prediction, right below. The Tactics: For Nadal 1) When you have an opening, go down the line, not cross court. End the point when you are in control instead of letting Djokovic back into the point. 2) Establish the lefty serve with authority. 3) Mix in the serve and volley to make Djokovic not comfortable. 4) Galvanize the crowd to firmly be on your side. For Djokovic 1) Continue being "the better man" at the turnaround points. 2) Aggressive like the last 3 sets against Federer, not passive like the first 2 sets 3) Only come in and mix it up when you aren't in full control of the baseline momentum in this match 4) You own the rivalry now. You survived match points. Nothi...

Rafael Nadal has reached another final here at Roland Garros, defeating good friend Andy Murray once more in a straight sets win that was far from routine. The 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win by Nadal at least secures him his #1 ranking for a few more hours, with Novak Djokovic taking over the top spot from him with a victory over Roger Federer in the succeeding semifinal. To the Scotsman's credit, he validated that despite not having a Grand Slam title unlike his Big 4 colleagues, he can still provide a fiercely competitive match where nothing short of best will beat him. But Nadal was just that today, with clutch serving, wicked forehands, and displaying temerity with some serve and volley play even. The clay court master has relocated the confidence he was in dire search for before his quarterfinal matchup with Robin Soderling. And only a perfect 3 sets will be enough to deny him a record tying 6th title with Bjorn Borg here in Paris. Pre match analysis: From tennis.com Tacti...

At the days' beginning, disappointment would have been on most tennis fans' faces if the dream final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer somehow did not happen. At days end, that disappointment could possibly be made easier, if not be wiped away completely . In a remarkable effort, Novak Djokovic has played the role of ultimate spoiler, fighting off two match points to defeat Federer 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the final against Nadal tomorrow. Nothing short of "terrific" could be the adjective to describe this second semifinal, the total opposite of Nadal's romp over Mikhail Youzhny in the preceding match. Djokovic delivered his best tennis arguably in two years with this display today, hitting his backhand and forehand with the conviction that garnered him the 2008 Australian Open title. No more was that assurance in his strokes more evident than the two match points at 4-5 in the final set he saved, as Djokovic hit two back to back forehand...

It was an affair that was always hanging in the balance until match point was converted. And the one who covered it was, again, the Belgian. For the third time at the US Open, and 5th time in a row, Kim Clijsters has defeated Venus Williams 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4 in a typical sea-saw encounter that these two players can certainly play with each other. For the elder Williams, this is a crushing defeat, especially considering how well she played in the first set. She conceded only three points on serve in that set, and even played decent defense in the long rallies against Clijsters. But her level dropped at the start of the 2nd set, letting Clijsters back in the match. Both players went on to struggle the rest of the set, especially the Belgian on the backhand side and the American on the same wing as well. Eventually, the middle set went to a tiebreak, and featured the first signs of the tension getting to Venus. After doing a fine job on her serve with one double fault up until t...

Photo from AP Rafael Nadal has impressively advanced past good friend Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 for the 11th time in as many matchups to reach his third straight US Open semifinal. Unlike the previous two years, Nadal is a heavy favorite to reach the final, as the world number one is both healthy and confident in his game at Flushing Meadows more than he's ever been before. Verdasco came in to try and replicate the form that lead him to his thrilling comeback win over David Ferrer on Tuesday as well as the memorable 2009 Australian Open 5-set semifinal he had with his fellow Spaniard, breaking Nadal's serve in game three of the first set. It was the first time Nadal was broken in the entire tournament, and it was the last time Verdasco made any serious headway into his opponent's serve. From then on, Nadal slowly adjusted to the blustery conditions to hammer and frustrate Verdasco, getting the break back and then taking the first set eventually 7-5. The #8 seed...

Janko Tisparevic has dispatched Andy Roddick once again in the early stages of the Grand Slam, defeating him 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the 2nd Round of this US Open. Also on the day, Victoria Azarenka is in good condition after collapsing on the court in her second round match to Gisele Dulko on the Grandstand court. The biggest upset in the men's 1st round came at the hands of Wimbledon finest Tomas Berdych, who fall victim to the always dangerous and hilarious character that is Michael Llodra 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 today. It was a masterful serve and volley performance from the capricious Frenchmen, knocking out one of the in form players this year on the ATP Tour. And American sweetheart Melanie Oudin continues her major sophomore slump, as she lacked the consistency required to take out Alona Bondarenko 6-2, 7-5.

There was outside hope, but this injury is a very serious one , even if she is hoola hooping whenever she can: Serena Williams has pulled out of the U.S. Open because she is still recovering from cutting her foot last month. The top-ranked Williams has won three titles at Flushing Meadows, part of her 13 Grand Slam singles championships. Last year, she lost in the semifinals after a tirade at a line judge over a foot-fault call. Williams' agent and the U.S. Tennis Association confirmed her withdrawal Friday. It was already a wide open event with her not participating in any of the events of the US Open Series. But this injury really is a concern for her overall fitness the rest of the year. With how she dominated at Wimbledon this year (arguably going up another level than even before), I really thought this was going to be the summer where Serena finally dominated all the way to regaining a US Open crown. Now with her departure (as well as Justine Henin being out for the...

Photo From AELTC Serena Williams has won her 13th Grand Slam championship and 4th Wimbledon title, defeating Vera Zvonareva in a 6-3, 6-2 masterclass of her genius and talent. The bright Russian tried her best today, as she was lively in the first set in the first 7 games. But the crucial 8th game in the set was the difference, as Serena kept the pressure on and got the crucial break in the match to take full dominion of the counter. Serena faced no breaks points on her serve, culminating one of the greatest serving displays in women's grand Slam history. More to come folks. And look at her holding the trophy upset (h/t @ KimonoGirl ):

Photo from AELTC Rafael Nadal has halted Andy Murray's dreams of winning Wimbledon here, as the Spainard was masterful in a 6-4, 7-6 (6), 6-4 win here in the second semifinal here at Wimbledon. It is a masterful display from the 2008 champion, looking to reclaim the title that he could not defend because of injury last year. It wasn't the huge pressure on Murray shoulders that got to him, but for the third straight year, just like last year to Andy Roddick and two years ago to Nadal, he just was defeated today by the better man. That man, who is on the poise of doing another French Open-Wimbledon, and furthering his already growing legacy. To the final he returns to, and Tomas Berdych awaits. It should be a fascinating encounter, where it really is 51/49 right now, with the slight balance shifting to Nadal only because of him being there before. More summer despair for British sports fans, just 5 days after England bowed out to Germany in the World Cup. Photo from AEL...

To a final set they go, one set all, 18 games split down the line, and a spot for the first time in the Wimbledon final: Photo From AELTC Vara Zvonareva has placed herself into his first Grand Slam final in 30 tries, a terrific 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 over a gamed Tsvetana Pironkova. Just like her quarterfinal win over Kim Clijsters, the Russian kept her nerve after dropping the first set and stuck to her narrative of solid and sound all court tennis. She was efficient and only lost serve once the entire match, which was in the opening set of course. She will await the winner of Serena Williams and Petra Kvitova, the second semifinal for the ladies here at Wimbledon 2010.

Photo from AELTC Djokovic through impressively over "Randy" Lu. Tomas Berdych is up two sets to one over Roger Federer, as this potential upset could lead to the first weekend since 2002 that Federer is not at Wimbledone. Just a stunning thought. And speaking of stunning thoughts and constant upsets, Serena and Venus has lost in doubles to a terrific display from Zvonareva and Vesnina, who was the best player on the court today. The Live blog is here, or here . Update: Tomas Berdych has done it, ending the terrific 7 year run of Roger Federer's final appearances with an unbelievably satisfying 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 defeat of the title holder and 16 time Grand Slam champion. Almost congruent to his defeats to Juan Martin del Porto at the US Open last September and Robin Soderling at the French Open last month, Federer was hit off the court again, and questions will persist on his mind as to whether he will be able to solve these accurate power hitters. Meanwhile,...

Photo from AELTC It is the shocker of the tournament, as Tsvetana Pironkova, who has never won past the 2nd round of a Grand Slam, has defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 6-2. And it could be Vera Zvonvaera vs Pironkova in the semifinal, as the Russian is up 4-1. Update: Zvonvaera is just one game away here. Update 2: What another shocker there, as vera Zvonareva has dispatched of Kim Clijsters in a Great 30 minutes to remember for a lifetime. It will be a Zvonareva-Pironkova semifinal, what an amazing result. But great from Vera Zvonareva here. Update 3 : But no defeat for Serena Williams......her serving pulls her through and she impressively defeats the dangerous Chinese 7-5, 6-3. Update 4: And it's Kvitova in a triller today. 8-6 in the final set after Kanepi blew the match at 4-0.

Photo from AELTC

And the first winner of "Tennis Greatest Day" has advanced today: Photo from AELTC Vera Zvonareva has advanced passed a poor and then injured Jelena Jankovic. Venus Williams locked in a struggle with the hard hitting on fire Jamlia Groth. And Justine Henin has taken the first set in "Blockbuster Battle #1", 6-2 over rival Kim Cijsters. In "Blockbuster Battle #2", Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will follow Roger Federer and Juergen Melzer. The live blog besides this one . Besides this one of course. Update : Despite Jamith Groth playing the best tennis of her life, the five time champion Venus Williams goes through in a tough two sets 6-4. 7-6 (5). Very tough was that match. Meanwhile, Roger Federer is feeling comfortable, up two sets to love on Melzer. And Kim Clijsters, after dropping the first set, is now up a break in the second in her battle with Justine Henin.

Photo from Getty Images It seems like revenge is certainly going to happen today. Rafael Nadal is up 6-4, 6-2 and an early break against Robin Soderling, on the precipice of regaining his French Open title and avenging his only lost ever at Roland Garros to Robin Soderling last year. Soderling is starting to show signs and fatigue, as Nadal's intensity has certainly been felt today. Great live commentary here . Update : Now the Spaniard is one game away from winning his 5th French Open title. U pdate 2: And he has done it! Update 3 : The full tears of joys and happiness, as Rafael Nadal has reclaimed his French Open title here, a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 comprehensive dominate display over Robin Soderling here. He did not lose serve here at all folks. Update 4: The trophy ceremony, as Soderling gives nice words to Nadal and the tournament. It was a wonderful moment. Update 5: Can I also say that John McEnroe is an awesome interviewer with these players on the court. He gets ...

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) Francesca Schiavone has taken the first set over Samantha Stosur, as the Italian has resembled a former version of Justine Henin in the opener, excelling on her one handed backhand that the Belgian just could not do well against the Australian on Monday. They are locked deep in a battle in the 2nd set, with Schiavone staying in the 2nd and making it competitive again by breaking Stosur to get it back on serve here at 4-3. A live viewing of the final can be seen here folks . Update: The excellent serving here continues, as Schiavona and Stosur are now locked deep here in the second, with Stosur up 6-5 on serve. Update 2 : The Italian is three points away here in this tiebreak. Update 3: There it is, SCHIAVONE HAS WON HERE AT ROLAND GARROS!!! The quick review: Francesca Schiavone has become the 1st Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles championship, defeating Sam Stosur in a wonderful 6-4, 7-6 (2) final at the French Open women's...

Photo from Getty Images Robin Soderling has reached his second consecutive French Open Final, defeating Tomas Berdych in a five set battle of slugging giants. Soderling was down two sets to one and seemingly in trouble in the 4th set, lacking the consistent power and precision on his serve and forehand side that he showed in defeating Roger Federer on Tuesday. But the Swede found his forehand as Berdych lost the contact point on his serve in the final two sets, allowing him to return to the Grand Slam Final that he reached just 12 months ago. He awaits the winner between Rafael Nadal and Jurgen Melzer, with the overwhelming favorite Nadal already penciled into most people's final. Update (12:20 PM): Rafael Nadal is in clear command, as expect, up two sets to none on Jurgen Melzer, headed to a rematch revenge encounter with Soderling. Update 2 (1:13PM): And there it is.....despite a valiant effort in the third set by Melzer to force a tiebreak, Rafael Nadal is into the fin...

Photo from IBM.com It will be a battle of two veterans with "S" as their first letter in their last names battling for their first ever Grand Slam champion. And you could place the word "Super" in front of their last names after their wins today. Samantha Stosur has thoroughly dispatched Jelena Jankovic in the second semifinal. The Australian was dominate all throughout despite Jankovic trying to be aggressive in the opening two games of the 2nd set, taking the match in style 6-1, 6-2. That came after Francesca Schiavone became the 1st Italian women to advance to a Grand Slam final, defeating Elena Dementieva 7-6 in the first semifinal, as the Russian's pain was too much for her to continue with her calf injury. What makes the Stosur-Schiavone final all the more remarkable is that they played each other last year in this event.......in the 1st round. Unbelievable. What made Stosur's persistence so enthralling to watch the resistance that Jankovic ga...

Photo from Getty Images Sammin Sammy continues. Samantha Stosur has survived a Serena Williams' comeback to advance to the French Open semifinals for the 2nd straight year 6-2, 6-7 (3), 8-6. It seemed after a dominate first set that Stosur had lost her chance to win the match in straights ,when Serena broke her while serving for the match at 6-2, 5-3. The world number one took the 2nd in a tiebreak, giving the aura that Stosur's chance had passed her by. But in the final set, the Australian showed the nerve that led to her dispatching Justin Henin two days ago. She survived tough service games where Williams put extreme pressure on her, including a break point at 4-3 down that the 12-time Grand Slam champion pushed a passing shot a little wide. In the end in the crucial 13th game of the final set, Stosur raised her game while Serena's level went disproportionate. The match of the point that signified how much of a battle it was as well as how deserving the win was f...