Wozniacki's Back in Business

Former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki has had a tough couples of years sitting by and watching powerless how she slipped down the rankings without any real strength to retain her front seat. 

While she still won titles, the Dane has fared poorly in Grand Slams failing to make the quarterfinals since the 2012 US Open (when she lost to Russian Vera Zvonareva in the semifinals). This summer however marked a slight change in fortunes for the popular Dane. It all started at Wimbledon where she reached the fourth round losing to Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. She then won in Istanbul and pushed Serena Williams to three sets in Montreal and Cincinnati.

She kept the good form going at Flushing Meadows where she took full advantage of an open bottom draw to make it all the way to the final. Wozniacki's master performance came against reigning French Open champ, Maria Sharapova, whom she beat 6-4,2-6,6-2 in the fourth round. It was a vintage display from the Dane who once again turned defense into attack to beat an erratic Sharapova. She followed up on the win in convincing fashion, quickly dismissing feisty Italian Sara Errani and surprise Chinese package Shuai Peng to set up another clash with two-time defending champion, Serena Williams. 

Talking about her achievement, an ecstatic Wozniacki said: "It's incredible. I have goosebumps right now. It's been five years since I've been in the final here, so it's incredible to be back."

As expected, the American had little trouble enforcing her power game against her good friend, winning the match 6-3,6-3. Although she lost the battle and the maiden Slam still eludes her, Caroline has showed this fortnight that she is heading in the right direction.

Caroline produced one of her best performances in years to defeat reigning French Open champion, Maria Sharapova, 6-4,2-6,6-2 in the fourth round.

In the quarterfinals, the Dane was flawless against Italian Sara Errani dropping just one game.

It may not have come the way she wanted it, but injury put a stop to Shuai Peng's dream run at the US Open, allowing Wozniacki to book her place in her second Grand Slam final.

In the final, Wozniacki lost 6-3,6-3 to her good friend, Serena Williams. While the Dane is still searching for her elusive Grand Slam, the American equalled Navratilova and Evert's tally of 18 majors.

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Serena Redeems to Equal Navratilova and Evert

Coming into the US Open, Serena Williams was under immense pressure. The world No.1 has endured a bit of a Grand Slam misery this season, failing to reach the quarterfinals at all three majors (lost to Ivanovic in Australia, to Muguruza in Paris, and to Cornet in London). But as she proved time and time again, after every failure, she's come back stronger than ever.

After a successful summer in which she won titles in Stanford and Cincinnati, the American was determined to make amends on home soil, at the US Open. While the other favourite had exited earlier than expected, a focused Serena kept her eyes on the prize. She took it one match at a time,  played smart tennis when it mattered most, avoiding thus any unpleasant surprises to eventually claim her 18th Slam. Serena was dominant from the get-go. She cruised through the draw with relative ease, beating compatriots Taylor Townsend, Vania King, and Varvara Lepchenko, Estonian Kaia Kanepi, Italian Flavia Pennetta, respectively Russian Ekaterina Makarova to make the final without dropping a set. In the final, she handled perfectly what could have been a very tricky opponent—throughout the summer, former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki had pushed her good friend to the limit in both Montreal and Cincinnati, but this time the American was untouchable. She closed out a 6-3,6-3 victory to tie all-time legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert at 18 Slams. "I couldn't have finished things in a better way. It is a pleasure for me to win here, I am really emotional. I couldn't ask to do it at a better place."

"It was definitely on my shoulders. It was definitely like, 'Oh, get there. Get there. Get there.'''

The No. 1 seed also collected a record prize ($3 for winning the US Open this year, plus an additional $1 million bonus for winning the Emirates Airline US Open Series), making her $4 million check the largest winner's purse in tennis history. 

Just when people were quick to announce the end of the Serena era, the two-time defending champ put on a master performance to stress her authority at the top of the rankings. She has no plans of going away any time soon, so it looks like sky is the limit for this fierce competitor.

Serena Williams defeated good friend Caroline Wozniacki 6-3,6-3 to claim her 18th Grand Slam title, equalling Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.

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Martina's Near Miss at the US Open

When she came out of retirement she probably did not choose her partner very wisely. Daniela Hantuchova is a talented player, but she lacks the consistency and the variety to really complement Martina's smart games. Consequently, after some poor results last season, Hingis reassessed the situation and ultimately opted for another combo. She looked to have found the golden recipe when she teamed up with her trainee Sabine Lisicki to win in Miami, but the end of the collaboration left her without a partner. 

After a failed attempt with Vera Zvonareva at Wimbledon, the Swiss Miss found a permanent partner in Italian Flavia Pennetta. The two first joined forces at Eastbourne where they reached the final, but the duo really caught fire at the US Open where they came very close to lifting the title.

The fan-favourite team cruised to the final without dropping a set, taking out three seeds, Pavlyuchenkova/Safarova, Peschke/Srebotnik, respectively C. Black/Mirza. In the final they came out firing, winning the first set 6-2 and going a break up in the second. At that moment, Pennetta's game deserted her, the Italian making a slew of silly unforced errors that allowed their opponents to get back into the match. Experienced Russians Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina responded to the invitation, turning the battle around, and ultimately closing out a 2-6,6-3,6-2 victory to lift their second Grand Slam crown. 

"We teamed up in the middle of the season and two months later we're here in the finals of the US Open—I could have only dreamed of this when we started playing together," Hingis said. "It's been an incredible journey here. They were just too good today, so I'd like to congratulate them."

I was really disappointed for Hingis to have missed out on such a great chance to add a 10th doubles major trophy to her elustrious resume. It was a match she should have won, but I trust this is just the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Flavia. Hingis is equally optimistic: "We'll go to Asia—definitely Wuhan and Beijing—and do our best there, and then next year there's again four Grand Slams," she said. Hope to see you around next year, Swiss Miss!

Martina Hingis came very close to winning her 10th Grand Slam doubles title at the US Open. The Swiss Miss and her partner, Italian Flavia Pennetta, lost 2-6,6-3,6-2 to Russians Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina.

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The Last Frenchman Still Standing

Yet another time this season, Gael Monfils is the only Frenchman still standing when a Grand Slam reaches the quarterfinals stage. Monfils, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday, played superb tennis when it mattered most, overcoming young gun, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, 7-5,7-6,7-5.

With Tsonga and Simon—the other two Frenchmen who made the fourth round—failing to capitalize on their opportunities against Murray, respectively Cilic, Gael is once again the carrier of the French flag.

Despite the ups and downs, this has been a good season for the talented Frenchman. He won the title in Montpellier—ending a 5-final losing streak—and reached two major quarterfinals at Roland Garros and, now, the US Open.

The most impressive aspect of his performance against Dimitrov was the manner in which he controlled the delicate situations. All three sets went the distance and the Frenchman showed great composure and mental toughnes to seize his chances. He even saved two sets points in the second set's tiebreak. After his win, Monfils, thanked the crowd, saying: “I love to play here. Such a good energy. I just feel good. I’m happy.”

Next up for Monfils is a clash with all-time great Roger Federer.

Gael Monfils celebrates his amazing straight sets victory over rising star Grigor Dimitrov. The Frenchman won the match 7-5,7-6,7-5 to reach his second quarterfinal at the US Open.

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Teen Phenomenon Turns Back the Years

In the late '90s Mirjana Lucic announced herself as a bright prospect of the game. In 1997, at the tender age of 15, the Croatian phenomenon won the very first tournament she played, in Bol. One year later she claimed the title in the very first doubles tournament she played, conquering the Australian Open doubles crown with fellow teen sensation, Martina Hingis. But it wasn't until 1999 that she recorded the best performance of her career, stunning all-time great Monica Seles to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon. While the impressive achievement should have been the beginning of an amazing journey, sadly, it marked the sudden end.

A few dark years have passed and Mirjana, now Lucic-Baroni, gave tennis another shot—she made a full-time return to the tour in 2010. Things didn't kick in immediately, but when all hope was gone, the Croatian reminded the world of the young, pony-tailed, blond girl with huge groundstrokes. In one of the biggest upsets of this year's US Open, she stunned world No.2, Simona Halep, 7-6, 6-2 to make the fourth round.

The result comes as a major surprise. Not only was in-form Halep one of the main contestants for the title, but Lucic-Baroni had failed to win back-to-back matches in a main draw since Doha.

The encounter started with Halep in command, the Romanian building what seemed like a decisive 5-2 lead. But after saving two set points, Lucic caught fire. She pushed the opener into a tiebreak—which she won 8-6—then served out the biggest victory of her career. "It's incredible. It's just amazing," Lucic-Baroni said while fighting back tears. "I can't believe this is happening to me again."

The former teen prodigy couldn't repeat the feat against feisty Sara Errani. The Italian recovered from a second set blackout to end Mirjana's dream run 6-3,2-6,6-0.

Although she did not make the quarterfinals, the Croatian has plenty to cheer for. The points she gained in New York are enough to guarantee a return to the top 100, a position that should help her get her career back on track. Let's see what future has in store for this former teen prodigy!

After shocking world No.2 Simona Halep, Mirjana Lucic's dream run at the US Open was ended by feisty Italian, Sara Errani in the fourth round. The Croatian succumbed 6-3,2-6,6-0, but reminded the world what an exceptional player she can be.

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The Little Swiss Miss

She's a wonder kid with Czechoslovakian origins who represents Switzerland. Plus, she happens to be trained by none other than mother-genius herself, Melanie Molitor. Did you figure out who I'm talking about? No, it's not Martina Hingis although you are very close. It's the little Swiss Miss: Hingis' protegee, the uber-talented Belinda Bencic who made headlines at this year's US Open by reaching her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal.

Bencic has long been a huge promise and, after winning last year's Roland Garros-Wimbledon juniors singles double, the Swiss already proved she was ready to make the transition to the big stages. At just 17-year-old, Belinda made the semifinals of the Premier-event in Charleston and the third round at Wimbledon. However, it was her stunning Flushing Meadows campaign that got everyone talking.

Showing a mixture of court smartness and fierce groundstrokes, the little Swiss Miss caused a slew of upsets taking out 31st-seeded Kurumi Nara, 7th-seeded Angelique Kerber, and 9th-seeded Jelena Jankovic en route to the last eight.

The resemblence to Hingis is striking not just in her game, but also in her personality, both possessing tremendous star quality. And with Hingis cheering from the crowd, Bencic put on a fierce display to stun former world No.1 in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. “It was always a dream to play on this court,’’ she confessed. “I was overwhelmed. Everything was so huge.”

By beating Jankovic, the Swiss became the youngest quarterfinalist at a major since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2006 French Open and the youngest at the US Open since Hingis in 1997. And with the bottom half losing its favourites—Halep lost to Lucic-Baroni, Radwanska to Peng, Venus Williams to Errani, and Sharapova to Wozniacki—Bencic's draw is quite open. Next up for teen sensation is a clash with Chinese Shuai Peng, with the winner going on to face Wozniacki or Errani. If she can keep up a stunning form, the Swiss has a good chance of making the final. It would actually be extremely interesting to see a Bouchard-Bencic showdown in Saturday's finale. She and Eugenie Bouchard are such amazing prospects for the women's game. They're both extremely young, hungry, utterly competitive, plus they have huge fanbases. But let's hold our horses. Bencic needs to take it match by match and to celebrate this achievement. Vive la petite Swiss Miss!

Bencic kept the upsets going taking out former world No.1, Jelena Jankovic, 7-6,6-3 to reach her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal.

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Smart Serena Defends New York Crown

Serena Williams is potentially the best tennis player of all-time. Her mental strength, her athleticism, her power, her fight, her technique, all these qualities make the American a forced to be reckoned with when she steps on the court. Most opponents don't stand a chance against her, and the few that do need to be playing their utmost best in order to really challenge her. Out of those who do challenge her, only a handful can beat her. Victoria Azarenka is probably the sole representantive of that elite group. She proved it in Doha, at the beginning of the season, and she proved it again in Cincinnati, just a few weeks ago. 

Vika is the ultimate competitor. She hates to lose and she would do anything to prevent that from happening. She is fearless, uninhibited, brave, and extremely confident. Although Serena still holds the upper hand in their head-to-head, the Belorussian is constantly raising her level to match the American's. The US Open final provided the best indication of just how exciting the rivalry has become. 

It was an epic battle, with Williams building a 7-5,4-1 lead, to be pegged back by the feisty Belorussian. Although she served for the match twice, Serena watched hopelessly as Vika leveled the dispute, forcing a decider. As said, it was a sublime display from the world No.2, probably the best I've ever seen her play. However, as she did so many times in her tremendous career, the American found a way to get out of the rabbit hole. She started playing safer, cutting down on the unforced errors, while pushing her opponent miss more. Azarenka was drained mentally and physically after that second act, so she couldn't respond. Williams got the early break and was unstoppable from there, going on to serve out a remarkable 7-5,6-7,6-1 victory.

Serena successfully defended her crown, taking her Grand Slam tally to 17th crowns. However, I feel that the Vika was the true winner of the match. The way she fought, the determination, the courage, Azarenka is clearly pushing Williams more and more every time, and it's just a matter of time before she will start dominating their clashes. Until that happens though, Serena has time to fully celebrate her immense triumph. 2013 was probably her best season ever, with nine titles, out of which two Slams, plus an emphatic return to No.1. As Vika said, "there's one word. She's a champion, and she knows how to repeat that. She knows what it takes to get there."

Although she built what seemed a decisive lead, an incredibly nervous Serena watched hopelessly as Vika leveled the match to force a decider.

As she has done so many times, Serena found a way yo get out of the rabbit hole. The American played it smart and won 7-5,6-7,6-1 to successfully defend the US Open crown.

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'Never-Say-Die' Vika's Got the Love

I've never admired Vika more than after the US Open final. The feisty Belorussian might have lost the match, but I hope she won the respect of the world. She's not the most popular player on the tour, but she proved she is one of the most competitive champions ever, the only one who can currently challenge the all-time great, Serena Williams. 

The battle was once again epic. Serena came out swinging, and although Vika had chances, she eventually run away with the first set, 7-5. The American then looked set for a routine straight set victory, leading 7-5,4-1, but Vika was not done yet. She fought, and fought, and fought some more, putting pressure on her opponent who failed to serve out the match on two occasions. I've actually never seen Azarenka fight so hard and so smart before. She has always been a fierce competitor, but with this performance she truly stepped it up a notch. A volcano on a given day, Victoria kept her cool this time. Fearing another heart-breaking defeat, she threw caution to the wind and went for her shots. Luckily she was rewarded, and she was able to push the match into a decider following a nail-biting tiebreak.

The way she handled that tough situation was sublime. So much composure, so much calm, this was a much-improved Azarenka. I never believed she had it in her to respond in such a manner. I was utterly impressed. Nevertheless, the final was not won yet, and Williams was still to have her last say.
Sensing that Vika could cause damage, the American changed the strategy. She played it smart, reducing the unforced errors, while making her opponent miss more. Azarenka was so drained after that second set that she had no reaction. The first few games were key, and although the Belorussian held the upper hand, she could not take advantage. Serena got the early break and went on to close out the match. Talking about those decisive moments, Vika declared: "There was no letdown. There was a moment in the third set where the momentum changed a little bit, and I kind of felt like I lost that momentum. But it wasn't because Serena didn't do something, and it didn't happen just because I was out of focus or something - she really made it happen. And in that particular moment she was tougher today. She was more consistent and really deserved to win.

"I wish I could have done something better today. I had opportunities in the first set, as well. But it's okay. It goes that way. I did everything I could. I gave my heart and I fought as hard as I could. That's important to me, that I lost to a great champion, but I'm still going to have my head up."

The loss is painful for sure, but this is probably the first time when I feel that the runner-up gained more than the winner. It's true Serena won her 17th Grand Slam crown, but Vika proved her worth. I bet she will come back stronger than ever after this match. Last year she was denied by the American after serving for the match, but she came back to beat Serena in two tight finals this season, in Doha and Cincinnati. She couldn't quite reproduce the feat in a major yet, but I have full confidence she will be able to on the next occasion. She is that type of a player. She is not intimidates, she has no inhibitions, she is tough, mentally and physically, and she deserves the No.1 ranking. Serena is the greatest, but Vika is equally great. 

"I'm just going to take the best out of what happened today, because there are a lot of positive things," she said. "What's negative is the result. But overall, to see how much you rise to the occasion compared to the other matches, I think it's pretty remarkable. And the challenge in front of me is only going to make me more motivated. We showed everyone today that the women's game is really, really competitive. There's no other way than going out there and working hard again."

Vika, thanks for the great fight. You totally won my heart and that of the world. Let's make it third time lucky in 2014! #letsdothis #teamvika

A determined Azarenka refused to give in. She fought hard, gave it her all, and although she lost the match, she won the most hearts. The Belorussian proved her worth with this performance.

Although the result was the same, Azarenka showed she's a much improved player now. Let's make it third time lucky in 2014, Vika!

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Red-Hot Stan Proves He Is The MAN

Although he lost the semifinal clash with Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka proved at this year's Flushing Meadows that he has reached a new, brighter stage in his career. The Swiss, who in the past always lacked the mental toughness to pull the trigger and win the big matches, defeated a slew of worthy opponents to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.

Wawrinka was all fired up since the beginning of the tournament, and although he did not benefit from an easy draw, he showed his enormous talent, as well as him much improved mental strength, to achieve this incredible result. Following two straight-sets victories over Radek Stepanek, respectively Ivo Karlovic, the Swiss held his nerve to close out a hard-fought 6-3,6-2,6-7,7-6 triumph over former Australian Open finalist, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis. The win gave him wings, and he went on to dismiss last year's semifinalist, Czech Tomas Berdych, 3-6,6-1,7-6,6-2 to book his place in his first New York quarterfinal. Having fallen two previous times in the last eight of a major, Wawrinka was determined to change his fortune. Facing an out-of-sorts Andy Murray, he put forth a stunning display to shock the defending champion 6-4,6-3,6-2. 

In the semifinal against Djokovic, Stan started aggressively, building a two-sets-to-one lead. He could have even close it out in three sets, but the Serb is a fighter and he refused to conceal the match. He fought hard, and eventually took full advantage of his tired opponent to run away with an epic 2-6,7-6,3-6,6-3,6-4 triumph. Despite the loss, Stan remained upbeat about his deep US Open run. "The only thing that I can see, that's everything I'm doing outside the match, on the practice courts, on my life in general, is the good things and I'm on the right way. I just need to continue to practise hard and to try to get more victories like I did these two weeks."

"It was a great tournament for me," he added. "Tough match, tough loss. I gave everything. I fought until the end. With this crowd, it was an amazing experience."

So far 2013 is proving to be the best year of Stan's career. He started the season by pushing eventual champion, Novak Djokovic, 12-10 in the decider in Melbourne, he then won his fourth ATP title in Oeiras, reached his second Masters 1000 final in Madrid, and made the quarterfinals at the French Open for the first time. On top of that, he has re-established his presence inside the top 10 and has now made his maiden Grand Slam semifinal. "After the match in the Australian Open a lot of people were thinking it's going to be tough for me to lose that kind of match, but in the end I took all the positives from the match and I'm here now playing the semi-final. Today I lost again, but I'm back in the Top 10 and I'm playing my best tennis. I need to do the same."

If he can continue playing at this level, Stan has a chance of making the transition from a dangerous opponent to one of the leading figures in men's tennis. 

Stan held his nerve to beat fan-favourite, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, 6-3,6-2,6-7,7-6 in the third round.

The Swiss continued his great run, ousting last year semifinalist, Czech Tomas Berdych, 3-6,6-1,7-6,6-2 to book his place in the quarterfinals, his third quarterfinal at a major.

The most impressive victory came in the last eight, where Wawrinka stunned defending champion, Andy Murray, 6-4,6-3,6-2 to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.

Stan came close to beating world No.1, Novak Djokovic, but he ran out of steam in the end, falling to the Serb in another epic battled. 

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Gasquet, A Changed Man

After his breakthrough triumph over Raonic in the fourth round, I felt this is the best time for Gasquet to prove his much improved mental strength. He needed to beat Ferrer first, and although he lost eight of the previous nine matches against the Spaniard, I knew he had it in him to get the win. The Frenchman has the talent and the groundstrokes to challenge Ferrer, so it was all just a matter of putting in the effort, of working on his fitness, of fighting, and fighting, and fighting some more in order to overcome the tour's ultimate hard-worker. 

Gasquet too acknowledged the great opportunity and was determined not to let it slip. He was ferocious right from the get-go, playing sharp and aggressive to build a two-sets-to-love advantage. It was a period of flawless tennis for the Frenchman, two-sets of Richard Gasquet at his utmost best. No mistakes, stunning one-handed backhands, inspired volleys, a lethal combination that left his opponent struggling for answers. However, as usual, David was not going to give up easily. He raised his level at the beginning of the third act, breaking Richard to unleash a comeback. The Frenchman grew tired, his body was ailing, and his shots were missing the convincement and the spark from the beginning of the encounter. Experienced Ferrer took full advantage, leveling the dispute.

Usually when such a thing happens, Richard collapses mentally and physically, gifting away the win. It happened throughout his career, most recently at Roland Garros against Wawrinka. He did warn us that he learned his lesson though and this time he played it smart. He kept his cool, regrouped, resumed the aggressive display and crossed the finish line triumphantly. He attacked at the right moment to get the decisive break and then went on to serve out a superb 6-3,6-1,4-6,2-6,6-3 victory.

"I played a great match at the start despite the wind in the stadium. But David is a great fighter and I was a little tired after a big match with Raonic. I got the break in the final set and it's an amazing feeling to be in the semi-finals. I played a lot of 5 sets in my life, but this one was very important. It was a big match for me, this is a big victory, semi-finals of the US Open. I'm really happy. It's wonderful for me,'' he said after the match.

I strongly believe that with this success Richard has proved he has matured, as a player, as a person, and as a champion. He goes on to face Rafael Nadal next, and although he never beat his good friend, you never know when the magic strikes. Nadal has been impetuous on hard-courts this season, not losing a match, so it will surely be tough. However, with the right mental approach, with belief and determination, I think the Frenchman has a slight chance of making his first Grand Slam final. It seems impossible, but I'm actually rooting for a battle of the one-handed backhands in Sunday's final. Let's go Gasquet and Wawrinka!

Although he has lost eight of the nine previous meetings with David Ferrer, Gasquet knew this was his chance. The Frenchman held his nerve to close out a magnificent 6-3,6-1,4-6,2-6,6-3 victory.

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Pennetta Restores Italian Order

Flavia Pennetta has been Italy's No.1 for a few years before a serious right wrist injury, cumulated with the rise of her compatriots, Francesca Schiavone, Sara Errani, and Roberta Vinci, saw her lose the spotlight. 

The first Italian female to break into the top 10 in singles in August 2009, as well as Italy's first ever world No.1 in doubles, Flavia suffered tremendously for not being able to play at her full potential lately. In the last seasons, which were plagued by injuries, she stood by and witnessed as her compatriots stole the limelight. Schiavone won Roland Garros in 2010 and made the final in 2011. Errani also made the final of the French Open last season, as well as the semis at Flushing Meadows. Even Roberta Vinci made the last eight in New York, in addition to claiming three Grand Slam doubles trophies with Errani, a performance that made them the world's best doubles team.

So while her compatriots were taking over the world, Flavia was sidelined, recovering from a recent wrist injury that forced her to miss last year's US Open. "I was at Brindisi, recovering from the operation and I was with my parents and watching some of the tennis on the television," she said. "I was pleased that Sara was having an excellent tournament but on the other hand I was very unhappy that I wasn't here." Lots of questions went through her mind, as she wondered when, and if, she would ever reach the same level as in the past. "I hoped I could do it. It didn't come so easy at the start of the year for me but of course I wanted to get back and I hoped I could," she confessed. 

When she lost the quarterfinal match to Kerber in 2011, I felt she missed her date with destiny. Having taken out Sharapova in the earlier rounds, Pennetta had a good chance of making the US Open final that year. However she succumbed to the unheralded German, letting a huge opportunity go by. I didn't think she would get a second chance, especially not at this edition, but she did. At her favourite tournament, Flavia came out guns and blazers to crush her higher-ranked compatriots, Errani and Vinci, as well as former champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and fabulous Romanian, Simona Halep, to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal. "These are the two most beautiful weeks of my life, I feel like a player again after all the problems that I've had," declared the Italian. "I feel great at the moment, New York is a place that is truly incredible for me, it is so full of good memories."

Flavia did get a bit lucky with the draw, but all credit goes to her for remaining focused and mentally tough to achieve this incredible feat. I do not believe she can overcome Azarenka to reach the final, but still she has plenty of reasons to be proud of herself and her great run: "I just try to keep working and working in the same way every day. I starting to feel more my forehand, my backhand. Everything starting to feel more normal in the way it was before the injury. And I think I've played really good tennis here, especially with Sara and with Kuznetsova. Every day has felt much better," she added. "I'm proud of myself now. I'm 31, and physically I feel good at last. I'm in my first semi-final in a Grand Slam. There is nothing else to say."

With 30s becoming the new 20s, the more experienced players are clearly dominating this year's US Open. Three of the four semifinalists are over 30, Azarenka being the only exception at 24. Congrats Flavia on an impressive run!

Flavia began her assault at the US Open by stunning her compatriot Sara Errani, seeded four, 6-3,6-1 in the second round. She followed up on the win with a 7-5,6-1 victory against former champion, Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Probably the stiffest test came against hot-gun Romanian, Simona Halep, in the fourth round. The more experienced Flavia used all her wisdom to come through 6-2,7-6 to reach her fourth US Open quarterfinal.

Pennetta restored order in the Italian squad, dismissing higher ranked compatriot, Roberta Vinci, 6-4,6-1 to book her place in her first Grand Slam semifinal.

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Gasquet Steps It Up

Renowned for his habit of losing the important matches, talented Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, stepped it up at this year's US Open, hanging in tough to beat Canadian powerhouse, Milos Raonic. In a gruelling encounter that lasted four hours and 40 minutes, Richard showed much improved mental strength, recovering from one-set-to-two down to triumph 6-7,7-6,2-6,7-6,7-5.

The victory also marks a change of fortune for Gasquet who has a miserable 1-15 fourth round record in Slams. The only time he passed this stage was in 2007 at Wimbledon, where he lost in the semifinals to Roger Federer. At Flushing Meadows, the Frenchman has a good chance of equalling that performance as he goes on to face Spaniard David Ferrer next. Richard has the game and the talent to potentially win a major. However, so far, he couldn't quite challenge the big names. This year saw the rebirth of the Frenchman and maybe the success against Raonic is another huge step in the right direction. However, he really needs to overcome Ferrer to consolidate the great run.

Richard suffered a heart-breaking loss earlier this season, succumbing to Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round at the French Open, letting a two-sets-to-love lead go to waste. He learned from that defeat and the win against Raonic comes as a sort of consolation. The Frenchman was extremely motivated to get the win. At the press conference, he admitted having talked to himself throughout the match, saying “You need to win.” “I did it! And it’s a big victory for me,” declared an enthusiastic Richard. Well done, Gasquet! On to the semifinals!

Richard Gasquet showed much improved mental strength to overcome hot gun Canadian, Milos Raonic, 6-7,7-6,2-6,7-6,7-5 to reach his first quarterfinal at the US Open.

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