Ana Ivanovic Ends Slump with Linz Title

Ana Ivanovic ended a dismal recent stretch by winning the WTA event in Linz, Austria on Sunday. Ivanovic crushed Verz Zvonareva 6-2, 6-1 in a mere 50 minutes to take the title.

Mondays With Bob Greene: Roger generates pressure just by being in front of you

Bob Greene, the esteemed former Associated Press tennis writer, wraps up the week that was in international tennis with his “Monday’s With Bob Greene” column – a revival of his popular weekly feature at the AP. This week Bob summarizes the Madrid Masters Cup and the Zurich Open.

Venus wins in Zurich

The women were grossly overshadowed by the men last week; that’s simply what happens when there is a Masters Series event on the men’s side. And that’s especially what happens when a shocking semifinal Saturday features Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer tumble out in succession, both after blowing one-set leads.

US Open Day 8: Rafael Nadal Battles Past Sam Querrey

As expected, sisters Venus and Serena Williams have booked a match against each other. But instead of a title being on the line, as it usually has been when these two face each other on a court, a spot in the semifinals will be the prize this time.

Mondays With Bob Greene: They Should Have Picked Me In The First Place

Bob Greene, the esteemed former Associated Press tennis writer, wraps up the week that was in international tennis with his “Monday’s With Bob Greene” column – a revival of his popular weekly feature at the AP. This week Bob summarizes the the Rogers Cup and the East West Bank Classic.

Maria Kirilenko and Flavia Pennetta Qualify for Wimbledon Doubles

Congrats to the newish doubles team of Flavia Pennetta and Maria Kirilenko. They qualified for Wimbledon in their third competition together (won Estoril and reached the second round at the French).

And of course Maria looks super-cute in her adidas by Stella McCartney get-up. (That’s the midlayer jacket.)

I don’t think I’ve seen this scoop neck long-sleeved [...]

Trophy Watch

This week: “Melo and Yellow”, a Japanese phenom, and Judy Murray is one proud mama. Plus, a racquet encrusted with 2008 diamonds.