Golf: McIlroy in the dark about late birdies at U.S. Open

SAN DIEGO - Rory McIlroy might want to consider putting with his eyes closed after the way he finished the opening round at the U.S. Open on Thursday.

McIlroy banged in putts of 20 and seven feet respectively at the final two holes in near darkness at Torrey Pines to boost his chances of at least having a chance to end a seven-year major championship winning drought.

Never mind that he could barely see the hole, he struck his uphill birdie putt at the 18th with such conviction that it banged against the back of the cup at speed and fell in.

"The birdie is awesome," said a delighted Northern Irishman of his effort at the last.

"I mean, that putt was pretty, I was sort of like, I think it's straight, I'll hit it straight and we'll see.

"But, yeah, it was nice to get in, get an extra hour of sleep tonight and it was a bonus to birdie in as well."

He was one of the last players to finish the round, with 36 others having to return early on Friday to complete the final few holes, a result of a morning fog delay of minutes that backed up the afternoon tee times.

McIlroy badly needed a solid start after shooting himself out of contention before he had barely started at the year's previous two majors.

He shot an opening 76 and subsequently missed the cut at the Masters, while at the PGA Championship he opened with 75 and never in the hunt en route to a tie for 49th. (Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Kim Coghill)

-reuters-

Golf: Woods closes on upbeat note, no happy birthday for Mickelson

PEBBLE BEACH, CA. - Tiger Woods made another awful start before turning on the afterburners to shoot two-under 69 in the final round at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach on Sunday.

It was too little, too late, but Woods left the oceanside course with some positive vibes after a frustrating week at the scene of his greatest performance.

"Again, got off to another crappy start and was able to fight it off," said Woods, who bogeyed four of the first six holes, the easiest stretch on the course, a day after bogeying two of the first three.

He birdied six holes thereafter on Sunday to finish at two-under 282.

Woods never came close all week to replicating his 15-stroke record runaway of 2000, not that it was realistic at age 43 to expect it.

The Masters champion now turns his attention to next month's British Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the final major of the season.

"I've never been up to Portrush, and I'm looking forward to getting up there and taking a look at the golf course and trying to figure it out," said the 15-times major champion.

While Woods already has three U.S. Open titles under his belt, Phil Mickelson is still seeking his first in a championship that has caused him heartache like no other.

The six-times runner-up, who needs a victory to complete the career grand slam, shot 72 to finish at four-over 288 on his 49th birthday.

He arrived with high hopes at a course where he has won the annual PGA Tour event five times, but was never a factor all week.

That did not stop him from getting plenty of love from the galleries, who sang "Happy Birthday" at various stages of the final round.

"I thought this was a really good chance for me," Mickelson said.

"I just didn't putt my best, didn't chip my best. I actually played okay tee to green."

Five-times major champion Mickelson was philosophical about never winning his national open.

"Dealing with losing in this game is a huge thing because even the best, the greatest winners, win such a small percentage of the time," he said.

"But I have had so many special moments here at Pebble Beach. This was my first event as a pro, 1992, here."

Mickelson also turned his thoughts to the British Open.

"I played Portrush one time with my dad and it was a special, fun golf course," he said.

"It's been a while so I don't remember a lot of the details and subtleties of it." 

(Reporting by Steve Keating; Writing by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Ian Ransom)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Golf: Woodland holds nerve and U.S. Open lead midway through third round

PEBBLE BEACH, CA. - An ice cool Gary Woodland held his nerve under mounting pressure to maintain a two-shot lead midway through the third round of the U.S. Open on Saturday as the hopes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson all but disappeared.

Woodland, who could not manage a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors, looked as if he played for the biggest prizes in the game every week when he picked up two birdies on his outward nine and at one point increased his advantage to four strokes.

But a bogey at the eighth, his first in 34 holes, combined with a Justin Rose birdie dropped Woodland back to 10-under and a two-shot edge over the Englishman with a charging Brooks Koepka just one further back.

Woodland's nerve is sure to be put to the test over the closing nine with Rose hanging tough and two-time defending champion Koepka on the move.

Matt Kuchar, chasing his first major at the age of 40, and Chesson Hadley were four off the pace with Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy five back.

Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three U.S. Opens, needed a few holes to get in gear before collecting back-to-back birdies at six and seven and another at the 10th to zoom into the thick of the hunt.

Mickelson and Woods, as always, were the Pebble Beach headliners and although they pulled in massive galleries, they gave their fans little to get excited about.

Woods, nine back to start the day, began his round in the same frustrating fashion that he ended the second round -- with a bogey -- and did nothing to improve his mood by picking up another at the third.

The early miscues appeared to fire up the 15-time major winner, and Woods responded with back-to-back birdies but the relief was only temporary as he gave back those two shots with bogeys at seven and 12.

Woods would birdie three of his final five holes, including the 18th but it was too little to late an even-par 71 leaving him at even par for the tournament and 10 behind the pacesetter Woodland. 

"I got off to a crap start," summed up Woods. "I got off to an awful start, and clawed it around, but still gave myself a chance for tomorrow, which is positive."

While Woods at least walked off on a positive note, Mickelson signed off with a triple bogey. 

Runner-up at U.S. Open a record six times and needing a victory here to complete the career grand slam, Mickelson will not get it done this year after signing for four-over 75 to leave him at three-over going into Sunday's final round. 

(Editing by Clare Fallon)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

US Open champion Djokovic: 'I owe Federer, Nadal'

NEW YORK -- Novak Djokovic was thrilled to match Pete Sampras with a 14th Grand Slam title at the US Open on Sunday, but he said it's Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who have made him the player he is.

"Pete Sampras is one of the biggest legends ever to play the game," Djokovic said after earning a third US Open crown with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over Juan Martin del Potro.

"He was my childhood idol. He was someone I was looking up to. The first actual thing I saw related to tennis on the TV was his first or second Wimbledon championship. That inspired me to start playing tennis.

"There is a lot of significance of me being now shoulder to shoulder in terms of Grand Slam wins with him."

The victory puts Djokovic three Slam wins away from Nadal's 17 and six behind Federer's record 20.

It will also see him rise to number three in the world behind Nadal and Federer -- the rankings again reflecting the "Big Three" status they have shared for so long.

Djokovic had tumbled down the rankings, slowed last year by an elbow injury and a loss of confidence that accompanied a 54-week title drought.

Since bursting out of the slump with an unexpected Wimbledon title he has gone from strength to strength, adding a long-awaited Cincinnati Masters title to his resume before adding the US Open title to those he won in 2011 and 2015.

Djokovic faced neither of his greatest rivals en route to the title in Flushing Meadows.

Seeded to face Federer in the quarter-finals, he found himself instead across the net from John Millman after the unheralded Australian stunned the Swiss great.

Nadal hobbled out of a semi-final match against Del Potro after two sets.

Djokovic would have relished taking on either -- or both, although he admits that early in his career that wasn't always the case.

"Maybe 10 years ago I would say I'm not so happy to be part of this era with Nadal and Federer," he said. 

"Today I really am. I feel like these guys, rivalries with these guys, matches with Federer and Nadal, have made me the player I am, have shaped me into the player I am today.

"I owe it to them."

Although he was riding high coming into the Open, Djokovic was among the many struggling with crushing heat and humidity in the first week. 

He needed four sets to get past 41st-ranked Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in the first round and another to get past 61st-ranked American Tennys Sandgren in the second.

'Ole Nole'

He picked up the pace with straight-sets victories over France's Richard Gasquet, Portugal's Joao Sousa, Millman and 2014 finalist Kei Nishikori to arrive at a title tilt with good friend Del Potro.

After seizing an early break in the second set, Djokovic suddenly found himself on the run, dropping three straight games before he dug in to salvage a service hold in a 20-minute marathon game that went to deuce eight times.

The crowd was roaring for sentimental favorite Del Potro -- shut out of Grand Slam finals since his 2009 US Open triumph.

Djokovic said it was the kind of heavyweight clash he's learned to embrace.

"This might sound funny, but my nickname is Nole. When they shout "Ole, ole, ole, ole," that's what I hear," he said of the raucous chants for Del Potro.

"I thought it was electrifying in some stages of the match, especially in the second set when we went toe-to-toe. I had my corner, as well.

"When the roof is closed, trust me, it's very, very loud down there. It takes a lot of effort to actually stay poised in this moment.

"I'm glad I managed to do that."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Djokovic dismisses Del Potro to win U.S. Open

NEW YORK - A clinical Novak Djokovic dismissed Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3 7-6(4) 6-3 to collect his third U.S. Open title on Sunday, giving him 14 Grand Slams to move into a tie for third on the all-time list alongside Pete Sampras.

A gloomy season that started with elbow surgery following the Australian Open is turning into a brilliant finish for the 31-year-old Serb who has now won three of his last four events including back-to-back majors at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows.

Over the last eight weeks Djokovic has resembled the Grand Slam machine that held all four major titles at the same time in 2016.

Playing on the same court where Pete Sampras claimed his 14th title, Djokovic has endured more disappointment than joy on Arthur Ashe, mining just three titles from eight finals.

The disappointment on Sunday belonged to a teary Del Potro who was back in a Grand Slam final for the first time since the big Argentine won his one and only title at Flushing Meadows in 2009.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Serena: 'I am not a cheat', accuses tennis of 'sexism'

NEW YORK - Serena Williams insisted she was not cheating in the US Open final on Saturday before accusing the sport which has made her a global icon and multi-millionaire of sexism.

Naomi Osaka won the final 6-2, 6-4 to become Japan's first ever Grand Slam singles champion and delay Williams's bid for a record-equalling 24th major title.

However, the final was overshadowed by the American's angry and tear-filled tirade in the second set.

It has already been dubbed 'The Mother of all Meltdowns' by the New York Daily Post.

The 36-year-old was handed a code violation for coaching, a penalty point for racket abuse and a game penalty for calling umpire Carlos Ramos a "liar and a thief" and insisting "you owe me an apology".

"He alleged that I was cheating, and I wasn't cheating," Williams told reporters later.

"I don't use on-court coaching (where it's allowed at WTA tour events).

"One thing I love about tennis is being out there. It's the one time I don't want to hear anyone tell me anything. You have to figure out. You have to problem-solve."

Williams said that her coach Patrick Mouratoglou had not been coaching her even though the Frenchman told ESPN that he had and that all coaches do it.

"I just texted Patrick, like, What is he talking about? Because we don't have signals. We have never discussed signals," said Williams.

Williams said the incident strengthened her belief that women players are treated differently to their male counterparts in the sport.

"I've seen other men call other umpires several things. I'm here fighting for women's rights and for women's equality," she claimed.

"For me to say 'thief' and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark.

"He's never taken a game from a man because they said 'thief'. For me it blows my mind. But I'm going to continue to fight for women."

Williams made reference to the incident last week when French player Alize Cornet was warned for removing her shirt on court during a heatwave.

Cornet was accused of "unsportsmanlike behavior" before tournament chiefs apologized, admitting the umpire made the wrong decision.

A STRONG WOMAN

"Cornet should be able to take off her shirt without getting a fine. This is outrageous," said Williams warming to her theme.

"I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person that has emotions, and that want to express themselves, and want to be a strong woman.

"They're going to be allowed to do that because of today. Maybe it didn't work out for me, but it's going to work out for the next person."

Williams left the media interview room to applause.

Meanwhile, Mouratoglou took to Twitter to also take aim at Ramos.

"The star of the show has been once again the chair umpire," he wrote.

"Should they be allowed have an influence on the result of a match? When do we decide that this should never happen again?"

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Naomi Osaka wins US Open after Serena ‘umpire thief’ meltdown

Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese to win a Grand Slam singles title on Saturday as her idol Serena Williams angrily imploded, calling the chair umpire in the US Open final "a thief".

Osaka, 20, triumphed 6-2, 6-4 in the match marred by Williams's second set outburst, the American enraged by umpire Carlos Ramos's warning for receiving coaching from her box.

When a second code violation for racquet abuse was handed out to her -- along with a point penalty for a second violation -- Williams exploded.

She tearfully accused him of being a "thief" and angrily demanded an apology from the official.

"You're attacking my character," she said. "You will never, ever be on another court of mine. You are the liar," she fumed and Ramos handed her a game penalty that put Osaka one game from victory at 5-3 in the second set.

Williams won the next game, and continued her tearful remonstrations with a supervisor on the changeover.

But Osaka -- who displayed not only a stellar game but remarkable poise throughout -- held serve to seal a historic win for her country.

Williams, seeking a first Grand Slam title since the birth of her daughter Olympia on September 1 2017, was denied a 24th Grand Slam title that would have matched Margaret Court's all-time record.

As the pro-Williams crowed booed the announcers at the trophy presentation, Osaka was tearing up herself, but Williams urged the spectators to show the young champion respect.

"She played well," Williams said, pausing to compose herself. "This is her first Grand Slam. "I know you guys were here rooting, but let's make this the best moment we can. Let's give everyone the credit where credit is due. Let's not boo any more.

"Congratulations Naomi," said Williams, who later said Osaka played an "amazing" match.

When it was Osaka's turn she seemed at a loss.

"I know everyone was cheering for her and I'm sorry it had to end like this," she said.

"It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals," she added, turning to Williams herself. "I'm really grateful I was able to play with you, thank you."

Williams's tantrum overshadowed an outstanding performance from Osaka, who made her second career title a Grand Slam after winning her first at Indian Wells in March.

A match with history at stake for both players got off to a tense start.

Williams blinked first, double-faulting on break point to give Osaka a 2-1 lead.

After a confident hold punctuated by a 106 mph ace Osaka broke again to lead 4-1, silencing the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

They came to life again as Williams gained her first break chance, which Osaka saved with a 117 mph service winner. Williams squandered one more chance before Osaka sealed the hold with another big serve, offering a Serena-style "C'mon!"

- 'I don't cheat' -

It was in the second game of the second set that Williams was warned for receiving coaching, a charge she vigorously denied.

"I don't cheat to win," she said. "I'd rather lose."

She was up 2-1 on the changeover when she spoke again with Ramos appearing to smooth things over, and she finally found a way to break Osaka for a 3-1 lead.

The tranquility didn't last long. When Osaka broke back with the aid of two double faults and a backhand into the net from Williams, the American smashed her racquet to the court. A second code violation came with a point penalty to start the next game that sent her into orbit.

"I didn't get coaching. I haven't cheated in my life. I stand for what's right," insisted Williams as they headed into the sixth game - in which Osaka held at love.

After Osaka broke for a 4-3 lead Williams continued her verbal assault on Ramos, who docked her a game for a third violation that put Osaka up 5-3.

It's not the first time emotional outbursts have cost Williams at the US Open. Her ugly rant at a line judge marred Kim Clijsters's semi-final win over her in 2009 and she infamously called chair umpire Eva Asderaki "unattractive inside" in a tantrum during her 2011 final loss to Samantha Stosur.

Williams said she didn't know if she would have managed to turn things around if the dispute with Ramos had not occurred.

"I feel like she was playing really well, but I feel like I really needed to do a lot to change in that match to try to come out front, to try to come out on top," she said.

"It's hard to say because I always fight till the end and I always try to come back, no matter what."

bb/dj

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Serena, Osaka ready to write history in US Open final

A year after Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were both caught up in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, both will be trying to make history in the U.S. Open final on Saturday.

For Williams, the joy of giving birth for the first time last September was quickly followed by a series of complications that led to multiple life-saving surgeries.

At the same time, precocious Japanese talent Osaka, who grew up idolizing Williams, was left wondering if she would ever make it through to the second week of a major after another early exit at Flushing Meadows.

Twelve months on and the duo will contest a high-stakes final where the prize on offer will not only be the $3.8 million winner's cheque that is up for grabs.

For Williams, victory would allow her to tie Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles.

But standing in her way will be a determined Osaka eager to become the first Japanese player to win a singles major.

Williams will undoubtedly have the support of her home crowd but there will be no shortage of love for Osaka, who has won the admiration of New Yorkers over the last fortnight as much for her red-hot game as her cool-headed demeanor.

Osaka and Williams have played against each other once before, at Miami in March, and it was the Japanese upstart who used her formidable power to topple her idol in straight sets.

While Williams refused to read too much into that result considering she was competing in only her second tournament following the birth of Alexis Olympia, the win should offer some added measure of belief for Osaka, who has not been shy about describing her admiration for the American.

"Even when I was a little kid, I always dreamed that I would play Serena in a final of a Grand Slam. Just the fact that it's happening, I'm very happy about it," Osaka said after her semi-final win over 2017 runner-up Madison Keys.

"I really feel like I don't want to overthink this match, so I'm not going to think that she's so much better than she was in Miami."

"I'm just going to go out there and play. Since I already know she's a good player, I don't want to be surprised if she plays better or not."

Osaka has demonstrated extreme composure to go along with her power game and has only dropped one set while carving a path into the final.

But Williams will represent the stiffest test yet for Osaka after also cruising mostly unchallenged into the final, her only real blip coming in the fourth round when she needed three sets to get by Estonian Kaia Kanepi.

Williams, whose first crack at joining Australian Court atop the list of most Grand Slam titles ended in defeat at this year's Wimbledon final, knows she has come a long way since the Miami defeat to Osaka.

"Well, it was good that I played her because I kind of know how she plays now," said six-time U.S. Open champion Williams, who will be bidding to join Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters as the only mothers to have won Grand Slam titles in the professional era.

"I mean, I was breastfeeding at the time, so it was a totally different situation. It was what it was. Hopefully I won't play like that again. I can only go up from that match."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Serena Williams crushes Sevastova to reach US Open final

NEW YORK - Serena Williams swept past Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-0 on Thursday and into the final of the US Open to sit one win away from a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title.

Williams walked off Arthur Ashe Stadium court with a wave and twirl to await the winner of the other semi-final between Japan's Naomi Osaka and American Madison Keys, who lost last year's final to Sloane Stephens.

Just 7 months and seven tournaments removed from returning to competition following the birth of her first child, Williams was back at her best and needed just 66 minutes to beat the 19th seeded Latvian and reach her 31st Grand Slam final.

A win on Saturday would also give the 36-year-old American a seventh US Open title, breaking a tie with Chris Evert for the most in the Open era.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

US Open: Federer hands Nick Kyrgios masterclass; ex-champ Angelique Kerber falls

Five-time champion Roger Federer found a new way to amaze Saturday as he reached the US Open last 16 with a 6-4, 6-1, 7-5 victory over Nick Kyrgios.

The second-seeded Swiss withstood an early onslaught from the unpredictable Aussie, firing 51 winners that included an unlikely forehand flicked around the net post that Kyrgios couldn't believe.


"Definitely a bit of luck and good feet," Federer said of the shot that had Kyrgios wide-eyed at the net.

The wonder shot was the talk of the day, but the night belonged to 2014 champion Marin Cilic and 19-year-old Australian Alex de Minaur, who battled for four hours on Louis Armstrong Stadium before Cilic pulled off a 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory.

De Minaur, ranked 45th in the world, pushed seventh-ranked Cilic until the bitter end, saving seven match points as he rallied from 5-2 down in the fifth set before finally succumbing after four hours on court.

"Incredible fighting spirit," Cilic said of de Minaur after the young Aussie kept him on court until 2.22 am (0622 GMT) Sunday morning -- the second-latest finish in US Open history.

"This is a moment to remember," added Cilic, who booked a fourth-round meeting with Belgian David Goffin.

Federer will take on Australian John Millman, who reached the last 16 of a major for the first time with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin.

If he makes it past Millman, Federer could find Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic waiting in the last eight.

Djokovic, winner of US Open titles in 2011 and 2015, extended his dominance over Richard Gasquet with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory in front of a rowdy night crowd on the massive Ashe Stadium.

"It was the best match of the week so far without a doubt, and one of the best performances of the hardcourt season after Wimbledon," said Djokovic, who warmed up for Flushing Meadows by beating Federer in the Cincinnati Masters final. 

Djokovic saved all five break points he faced to book a meeting with Joao Sousa of Portugal, a 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) winner over France's Lucas Pouille.

- Kerber can't get it done -

The third round was the end of the line for men's and women's fourth seeds from Germany -- Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber. 

Kerber, the 2016 US Open winner trying to become the third woman in the last 20 years to win both Wimbledon and the US Open in the same season, was bundled out by Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Zverev, the 21-year-old sensation, who has lifted titles in Munich, Madrid and Washington this year and reached finals in Miami and Rome, fell 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 to veteran compatriot Philippe Kohlschreiber.

It was another Grand Slam disappointment for Zverev, touted as the youngster most likely to end the major dominance of Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Kohlschreiber will seek a quarter-final berth against 2014 runner-up Kei Nishikori after the Japanese downed Argentine Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1.

Kerber's defeat followed the early exits of world number one Simona Halep and No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki -- who were both also seeking a second Grand Slam title of the year.

Fifth seed Petra Kvitova was also ousted, the two-time Wimbledon champion falling 7-5, 6-1 to rising Belarussian star Aryna Sabalenka.

In all just three of the top 10 women made it through to the fourth round, although Kerber didn't blame a domino effect for her departure.

"I'm not looking around who was winning or who was losing," she said. "You have sometimes days where you are trying everything, but it's not really working as you wish."

Cibulkova, the 29th seed, moves on to face 2017 finalist Madison Keys, who shook off a slow start to beat Serbian Aleksandra Krunic 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Sixth-seeded Caroline Garcia of France also departed, beaten 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) by Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro, and Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova sprang a surprise, too, with a 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 7-6 (7/1) victory over 13th-seeded Belgian Kiki Bertens.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Nadal encourages disaster victims fightback after US Open win

NEW YORK -- World number one Rafael Nadal encouraged the victims of recent natural disasters not to give up and to fight back after devastation to their lives and homes after his US Open final triumph Sunday.

The 31-year-old Spaniard won his 16th Grand Slam title and third US Open crown by defeating South African 28th seed Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to take a top prize of $3.7 million (3.07 million euros).

His victory came as Hurricane Irma was causing extensive damage across Florida, the home base for Anderson and many other top tennis stars, after the killer storm had devastated several Caribbean nations.

And in the wake of an earthquake in Mexico and flooding from another hurricane last week along the Texas coast that played out during the Flushing Meadows fortnight, Nadal used his moment in the spotlight to say his heart was with those in need.

"I just want to say sorry for all the victims and keep going for everybody," Nadal said.

"It's very sad moments for our world but keep fighting to come back."

Nadal, who won his 10th French Open crown in June, reflected on a year that followed two down seasons nagged by injuries that had some doubting he would ever regain Slam championship form.

"It's just unbelievable what happened this year," he said. "After a couple of years with a lot of trouble, I've been playing a very high level of tennis.

"To close the Grand Slam year winning at New York -- that's one of the events that's really high energy, the crowd -- makes me so so happy.

"Thanks to life for giving me that opportunity... this US Open I feel a little bit like home."

Nadal also took a moment to praise Anderson as "a great example for a lot of kids and the rest of the tour. You came back from a lot of injuries better than ever."

Anderson, 31, was in his first Slam final and while unable to even muster a break point against Nadal, he praised the Spaniard as one of his idols, saying, "I know we're the same age but I feel like I've been watching you my whole life.

"You're one of the toughest competitors in the game and one of the greatest ambassadors of our sport."

Anderson said he would work hard to try and reach more Slam finals.

"This isn't the result I always wanted but I'll keep fighting and I'll be back," said Anderson. "I'm going to keep working hard. Hopefully I'll keep giving myself opportunities."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Nadal eyes sweet sixteen against Anderson

NEW YORK -- Rafael Nadal can wrap up a 16th Grand Slam title and third at the US Open on Sunday but has to find a way past the almost unbreakable spirit of South Africa's Kevin Anderson.

The 31-year-old Spaniard, who captured a 10th Roland Garros in June and was runner-up to Roger Federer at the Australian Open in January, is the overwhelming favourite.

He is the world number one playing in his 23rd Slam final and who won his first major as a 19-year-old at the sixth attempt.

Anderson, two weeks older, is playing in his first final at the Slams after a career stretching 32 majors.

Nadal's 73 career titles also dwarf Anderson's modest three.

But the Spaniard is wary of the challenge posed by 6ft 8in (2.02m) Anderson's deadly serve.

At the US Open, the South African has fired 114 aces and has been broken just five times in 108 service games.

He has also unleashed the tournament's third fastest serve of 137 mph (220.4km/h).

"It's a very tough one. He's a huge player with an unbelievable serve and he plays so well on these kinds of surfaces," said Nadal of a player he has known since he was 12 years old.

"I need to be ready for it. It is probably the most important match for me that remains this year, so I am going to try my best to play my best."

Nadal was champion in New York in 2010 and 2013 while finishing runner-up in 2011.

He was expected to have been pushed hard by 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro, who knocked out Federer in the last eight, when they met in Friday's semi-finals.

But after being out-fought and out-thought in the first set, Nadal switched up his tactics, had the weary Del Potro scrambling around the Arthur Ashe Stadium court and eventually claimed a 15th successive semi-final win at the Slams.

Victory on Sunday would take Nadal to within three majors of Federer's record of 19 and extend the iron grip of Nadal, Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.

Since Federer won his first Wimbledon in 2003, an incredible 52 of the 57 Slams have been claimed by the five men.

- 'Greatest competitor' -

However, with former winners Djokovic, Murray and 2016 champion Wawrinka all not playing this year, opportunity has knocked for Anderson.

"We are accustomed to the few guys doing well, exceptional consistency. It's tough beating those guys because they have had so much experience at this level," said the world number 32.

"Even with them out, there have still been a lot of challenges I've had to face throughout this week. I have faced some of the best tennis players in the world."

Anderson is 0-4 against Nadal, losing their most recent clash in Barcelona this year as the Spaniard swept regally through the European clay court swing.

In those four meetings, the Johannesburg-born Florida-based Anderson has claimed just one set.

In the pair's only clash at the Slams, Nadal won in straight sets in the Australian Open fourth round in 2015.

"Nadal is one of the greatest competitors in sports, period. He's an amazing fighter," said Anderson, the first South African in the US Open final since Cliff Drysdale in 1965.

Johan Kriek remains the last Slam champion from the country, winning the 1981 Australian Open.

"Nadal really controls the court well," Anderson said. "I really need to be dominant and control proceedings as much as possible, because if you let him do it, it's very difficult."

Sunday will be also an emotional occasion for Nadal's coach since childhood, his uncle Toni, who will retire from life on the road at year's end to devote himself to his nephew's academy in Mallorca.

"He lives 300 meters from my house. I train at the academy. He is my uncle and he will continue to give me advice, but he has the right to do what makes him happy," said Nadal.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Stephens routs Keys for US Open title, first Slam crown

NEW YORK -- Sloane Stephens, sidelined for 11 months by a left foot injury until returning in July, captured her first Grand Slam title by routing fellow American Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 in Saturday's US Open final.

Stephens took a $3.7 million (3.07 million euros) top prize from the biggest victory of her career, pitted against one of her closest friends in the first all-US final since 2002 on the New York hardcourts.

"I should just retire now," Stephens said. "I'll never be able to top this. Talk about a comeback. Things just have to come together and the past six weeks they really have."

With the 15th victory in her past 17 matches, Stephens became only the fifth unseeded player to win a women's Slam title, although Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko managed the feat at this year's French Open.

The only prior unseeded US Open women's champion was Kim Clijsters, who came back from retirement to take the 2009 title.

"It's incredible," Stephens said. "I had surgery January 23. If sone told me then I'd win the US Open, it's imposssible I'd say, absolutely impossible.

"This journey has been incredible and honestly I wouldn't change it for the world."

Stephens made only six unforced errors in the match to 30 for Keys, who had 18 winners to 10 for the champion.

It was the first final set of a US Open women's championship match where the loser didn't take a game since Chris Evert beat Evonne Goolagong 6-3, 6-0 in 1976.

"I didn't play my best tennis today and I'm disappointed in that but Sloane was very supportive and if there's someone I have to lose to today I'm glad it's her. Sloane is truly one of my favorite people.

"If you told me two months ago I'd be holding a US Open finalist's trophy I'd have been really happy and proud of myself."

Presented with the winner's check, Stephens said, 'That's a lot of money. Wow," but then handed the check envelope to best pal Keys, who she sat next to after the victory rather than on opposite sides of the umpire's chair, to take hold of the winner's trophy.

"Maddie is my best friend on tour," Stephens said. "I told her I wished there could have been a draw. I'm going to support her no matter what and she's going to support me no matter what.

"To stand here with her today is incredible -- that's what really friendship is."

Keys, seeded 15th, and 83rd-ranked Stephens each fought off injuries to reach the title showdown.

Stephens returned at Wimbledon and slid to 957th in world rankings before semi-final runs at US Open tuneups in Toronto and Cincinnati, while Keys underwent her second left wrist surgery after the French Open and won a tuneup title at Stanford.

Stephens will jump to 17th in Monday's world rankings while Keys, who took hom $1.825 million as runner-up, will rise to 12th.

In the firset set, Stephens broke to seize a 3-2 lead, Keys swatting a forehand beyond the baseline to surrender the game, and Stephens broke again when Keys send a backhand long to take the set after 30 minutes.

Keys made 17 unforced errors in the opening set to just two for Stephens, both in the last game.

In the second set, Stephens broke with a forehand crosscourt winner past on outstretched Keys to grab a 2-0 edge, then broke again on a double fault for a 4-0 lead, Keys swatting the ball with her left hand as it bounced back at her.

Keys forced triple break point in the fifth game but Stephens saved them all and held to 5-0.

The end came after 61 minutes on Stephens' third break and championship point when Keys netted a forehand.

Hands on hips, Stephens simply stood for a few seconds with a stunned expression, then smiled and made a tiny fist pump before going to the net to share a teary-eyed hug with Keys.

Neither Keys, 22, nor Stephens, 24, had ever reached a Slam final, only the seventh time in the Open Era (since 1967) two first-timers met for a women's Slam title.

But it was the second time in three years it happened at Arthur Ashe Stadium after Flavia Pennetta beat Roberta Vinci in 2015's all-Italian final.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Healthy year bigger prize for Nadal than US Open crown

NEW YORK - World number one Rafael Nadal, nagged for years by knee injuries but enjoying a stellar season, already has a prize more treasured than another Grand Slam title -- a healthy campaign chasing them.

The 31-year-old Spaniard, who ousted Juan Martin del Potro on Friday to reach Sunday's US Open final, said the year he has enjoyed has brought a happiness no Slam crown can match after past seasons of misery unable to unleash his best efforts.

"For me, more than winning Grand Slams or not -- of course, if I win, I will be more happy -- but is about being healthy and feeling well and competitive," Nadal said. "That's already happened in the whole season. So that's the most important thing for me."


Nadal seeks his third US Open title after 2010 and 2013 and his 16th career major when he faces South African 28th seed Kevin Anderson.

"What is more important, more than winning Slams, is to be happy," Nadal said. "I am happy if I am healthy and happy if I feel competitive most of the weeks I'm playing and that's what happened this year.

"I am very happy to win Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Roland Garros. I am very happy to be in the final here in the US Open... and I am going to fight to win another title here. But still, a great season for me."

Nadal, who lost to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final but won his 10th French Open crown in June, has reached three Slam finals for the first season since 2011.

He hasn't won multiple Slams in a season since 2013, but he did thump del Potro for his 15th consecutive Slam semi-final triumph, the last loss coming to del Potro in the South American's 2009 US Open championship run.

"Important day for me. Important victory against a great opponent," Nadal said.

"I woke up today and said to myself, 'Today is the day that I'll play. I need to play with the right energy, and I need to increase the level of my game.'

"A lot of times I know that and it didn't happen, but today it happened."

Nadal said that sometimes the only way to get better is to win matches, victories building the final 20 to 30% he needs to maximize his potent game.

"You need to win matches," Nadal said. "If you practice well and you feel yourself well, you have more chances to win matches in the tournaments.

"But this 20, 30%, that's a big difference. You only make this winning matches, because it's about confidence. It's about things that when you are on court comes automatic.

"You don't have to think about what you doing in some important moments. Things comes straightaway without thinking that much and all these things happen only when you are in a good moment."

Few were better than his clay court run with two Spain titles, Monte Carlo and the capper at Roland Garros.

"Clay court season was unbelievable, so that helps a lot for my confidence, to be more calm and I'm here in the final," Nadal said.

"It's a great result for me already. I will now face a very tough opponent, probably the most important match for me that remains this year, so I gonna try my best to play my best."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Stephens beats Williams to reach U.S. Open final

A new grand slam champion will be crowned at the U.S. Open after Sloane Stephens beat fellow American Venus Williams 6-1 0-6 7-5 in a rollercoaster of a semi-final on Thursday.

Stephens, who returned to competition at Wimbledon after nearly a year off because of a foot injury, recovered from a second-set meltdown to end ninth seed Williams's hopes of reaching a third major final this year.

She will meet either CoCo Vandeweghe or Madison Keys, who face each other later on Thursday, in an all American final.

"I have no words to describe what I'm feeling what it took to get here. The journey I took. I have no words," said Stephens, who underwent foot surgery last February.

"If someone told me I'd make two semis and a grand slam final this year I would have passed out, which is what I feel like doing now.

"I don't know how I got here. Hard work, that's it."

The 24-year-old Stephens, 13 years younger than Williams, paid tribute to the seven-time grand slam champion.

"I'm honestly just honoured to play at the same time as her. One of the greatest to ever play our game. She's one of the greatest competitors and I'm honoured to share the court with her and glad to play at the same time as her.

"For American tennis there's no question marks. The proof is in the pudding. American tennis, here we are."

Despite her lack of match play this year, Stephens began confidently and broke for 3-1 when Williams netted a routine forehand and then went on to win the last three games of the set as the 37-year-old strangely appeared to struggle with serve.

Williams was in danger again on her first service game in the second set but she managed to hold and broke in the next game thanks to a Stephens double fault.

She then held to love to stamp her domination on the second set and moved 4-0 up with a lovely service return followed by a routine volley as Stephens showed she was clearly struggling and lost the set to love when she hit yet another unforced error.

The 24-year-old, however, got back on track in the decider, taking a 1-0 lead on Williams serve when she netted an easy volley.

She saved two break points in the following game but Williams levelled for 2-2 when Stephens's forehand sailed wide.

But at the end of a seven-minute game, Williams netted a routine volley again to give her opponent a break for 4-3.

Williams broke straight back with a service return winner and she saved a break point to hold for 5-4.

But as Williams struggled with her volley, Stephens broke for love in the 11th game and followed up on serve to close it out as Williams netted a backhand.

"It was definitely a contrast of play," Williams said of the roller-coaster match.

"You know, I continued to play aggressive and continued to play the kind of match that it takes to win. Just made too many errors there at the end."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Del Potro stuns Federer at US Open

NEW YORK -- (UPDATED) Juan Martin del Potro sensationally gatecrashed the US Open again on Wednesday, stunning five-champion Roger Federer and shattering hopes of a first New York showdown between the Swiss legend and Rafael Nadal.

The Argentine giant, who won his only Grand Slam title in the city in 2009 by beating Federer in the final after seeing off Nadal in the semis, triumphed 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 in front of a spellbound Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.


The 28-year-old will once again face world number one Nadal in the semi-finals on Friday, a stunning achievement for a man who had saved two match points to beat sixth seed Dominic Thiem in the last 16.

Nadal, who will keep his world number one status following third seed Federer's exit, had earlier defeated Russian teenager Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in just 97 minutes.

It will be a sixth US Open semi-final for Nadal and 26th at the majors while Del Potro, the 24th seed, will be playing in just his fourth last-four match at the Slams.

For 36-year-old Federer, it was a first Slam loss of 2017 after he had captured the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles to take his career tally to 19.

"I served really good. I hit my forehand as hard as I could and I played a great match. I deserved to win," said Del Potro who will be in his first Slam semi-final since Wimbledon in 2013.

"This feels like my home court. I played Rafa here in 2009 too. Hopefully I can get the same result on Friday."

Del Potro, whose career was almost ended last year after undergoing four wrist surgeries, wrapped up the first set thanks to a break in the 11th game secured with a blistering crosscourt pass.

Federer, who had a 16-5 winning record over Del Potro ahead of the quarter-final, levelled the tie after breaking for a 3-1 lead in the second.

However, the match turned in the third set tiebreak when Del Potro saved four set points before a weary and error-riddled Federer dropped serve again to trail 3-2 in the fourth.

Victory was Del Potro's eight minutes short of three hours with a deep forehand as Federer was left to survey the wreckage of 41 unforced errors.

"It's hard to explain, I didn't play that badly," said Federer.

"I just ran into a guy who was better on the bigger points. I don't deserve to still be in the tournament."

Nadal will take an 8-5 record over Del Potro into the semi-final where the winner will face either Kevin Anderson or Pablo Carreno Busta for the title.

"Juan Martin is a top player. When he's playing well, it's difficult to stop him. Probably the forehand is maybe the fastest on the tour," said Nadal, who is chasing his second major of the year to add to his French Open.

Rublev, bidding to be the youngest man in 17 years to reach the semi-finals, had no complaints over his loss to Nadal.

"He gave me a lesson: 1, 2, and 2," said the Russian, who lost 16 of the last 19 points of the opening set and finished with 43 unforced errors.

- All American -

The women's semi-finals will be an all-American affair after CoCo Vandeweghe and Madison Keys set-up a last-four duel.

Thursday's other tie will see seven-time major champion Venus Williams face Sloane Stephens.

American 20th seed Vandeweghe claimed a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over the Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova, whose brief eight-week stay as world number one ended with Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza taking over.

Vandeweghe's victory means that the US Open will have an all-American semi-final line-up for the first time since 1981 after Keys defeated Estonian qualifier Kaia Kanepi 6-3, 6-3.

"I won the juniors here when I was 16 and dreamed of playing on the real stage," said 25-year-old Vandeweghe, who also made the semi-finals at the Australian Open, beating then-world number one Angelique Kerber in the process.

The last time four US women were in the semis was 36 years ago when eventual champion Tracy Austin, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and Barbara Potter all made it.

Keys, the 15th seed, will be playing in her second Slam semi-final after the 2015 Australian Open.

"It means the world to me," said Keys, who underwent wrist surgery earlier this season.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Stephens wins to launch American semi-final charge

NEW YORK - Sloane Stephens took down 16th-seeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova with a gritty 6-3 3-6 7-6(4) win on Tuesday to lead what could be an American parade into the U.S. Open semi-finals.

For the first time in 15 years four American women reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows with the 83rd-ranked Stephens hoping to be joined in the last four by Venus Williams, CoCo Vandeweghe and Madison Keys.

With her win over 16th seed Sevastova, Stephens becomes the first American woman apart from Venus or Serena Williams to make the U.S. Open last four since 2004.

"Man, I am hoping we can make it four, how awesome would that be," said Stephens. "This is pretty amazing. I hope there are four Americans in the semi-finals."

Ranked outside the top 950 just six weeks ago, Stephens was the most likely of the U.S. contenders to see her run end in the quarter-finals but the 24-year-old would not be denied.

Down 3-1 and a double break point in the third set, she dug deep and rode the support of a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to get back on level terms and force a tiebreak,

She clinched victory on her first match point with a thundering a forehand winner down the line.

"I just told myself to keep fighting," said Stephens. "I just knew that if I just stuck with it and continued to play my game I was going to have an opportunity."

SIZZLING RUN

Sidelined for almost a year after foot surgery last summer, Stephens has been on a sizzling run since her return, playing four events and reaching the semis in Toronto and Cincinnati.

"A month ago before I started winning matches I was really worried," she said. "There were just so many things I was worried about but once I just realised I have it good, I play tennis and have fun every day it just relieved a lot of stress.

"I was finally able to play my game, play loose and 'BAM' here we are."

Making her first appearance on Arthur Ashe, Stephens got the match off to a jittery start when she was broken by the crafty Sevastova.

But the American quickly settled her nerves, breaking right back and then taking Sevastova's serve again at 3-1 as her opponent suddenly began to show signs of distress.

With Stephens ahead 5-2, the Latvian called for the trainer at the changeover and was soon stretched out on the court while she had her right thigh worked on.

Sevastova, who came back from a set down to beat Russia's five-time grand slam champion and crowd favourite Maria Sharapova in the fourth round, rallied again and secured the only break of the second set at 3-1 on her way to levelling the contest and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

"When I started my comeback at Wimbledon I could have never dreamed of something like this, these results and making the semi-finals in my home slam, my favorite tournament," said Stephens. "It is indescribable."

(Editing by Toby Davis and Ken Ferris)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Ailing Del Potro escapes brink to beat Thiem

NEW YORK - An ailing Juan Martin Del Potro came back from the brink of defeat to beat Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem 1-6 2-6 6-1 7-6(1) 6-4 and reach the last eight of the U.S. Open on Monday.

Del Potro, the 2009 champion who will next face Roger Federer, saved two match points in the fourth set of what was arguably the best of the tournament so far.

"Oh my God, I don't know (I won). What can I say after a battle like this. I was sick the last two days and I just tried to improve game after game," 24th seed Del Potro, who took a pill near the end of the opening set, said on court.

"I fought like this because of you guys, so thank you very much," he added in reference to the noisy Argentine fans who had turned the Grandstand Arena into a raucous soccer-stadium like atmosphere.

"The crowd was on his side. But it was a great atmosphere," said Thiem. "I mean, we're not playing every day in an atmosphere like this."

Del Potro struggled early on, spraying the court with unforced errors and the Argentine called the doctor twice.

At 5-0, he took a tablet. He won one game and had two break points at 5-1 but Thiem, who was looking to book his spot in the last eight here for the first time, coolly closed out the set.

He raced to a 4-0 lead in the second as Del Potro looked completely out of sorts.

The 'Dominator' was in full control, dictating the play with deep forehands, and he sealed the set with a cracking backhand winner down the line.

The question was then whether Del Potro would retire.

But the Argentine found his range with his impressive wristy forehand. His opponent could not keep up the pace and Del Potro easily pulled one back.

The real fight started in the fourth set.

Del Potro broke for 2-1 but Thiem played tighter and broke immediately back. A delightful backhand winner earned him another break for 4-2 and the Austrian served for the set at 5-3.

He led 30-0 but lost his focus and scooped a forehand long to allow Del Potro back in the contest.

Thiem had two match points at 6-5 but Del Potro saved them with consecutive aces -- one of them at 204 kph.

In the resulting tiebreak, Thiem suffered a meltdown and Del Potro levelled with a gravity-defying crosscourt forehand winner.

The decider was tightly contested but Del Potro eventually had the last word. On the second match point, he challenged Thiem's second serve and was spot on as the ball was out, meaning the wiry Argentine got to fight another day.

(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Defying age and illness, Venus reaches 39th Slam quarterfinal

NEW YORK -- Defying an energy-sapping disease, Venus Williams has pushed herself farther than she ever imagined at age 37 to reach her 39th career Grand Slam quarter-final at the US Open.

US ninth-seed Williams, seeking her eighth Grand Slam title and third US Open crown, defeated Spain's 35th-ranked Carla Suarez Navarro, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, Sunday.

She booked a Tuesday fight for a semi-final spot against Czech 13th-seed Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon winner who defeated Spanish third-seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

Williams, this year's Wimbledon and Australian Open runner-up and the oldest woman in this year's US Open draw, is only 1-4 against Kvitova, but she has grown accustomed to overcoming the odds.

In 2011, Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren's disease, which leaves her weakened and pushed her into a vegan diet to stay competitive and combat the illness.

"Over time I've learned that I can push myself a lot further than I thought I could," Williams said. "I do have to push myself a lot. I think that's the biggest thing that I've learned.

"In the beginning, when everything is easy, you're healthy, it's easy to play when you don't have those odds against you. But when you have the odds against you, it's hard to find that in yourself every day."

Williams, 19-3 in majors this year, said she wasn't sure how she was able to stay competitive over rivals sometimes half her age.

"I love the pressure and I need a challenge," Williams said. "I don't know (how I sustain it). If I could do it I would put it in a box and sell it."

Williams said health, fitness, skill and love for the competition all play a role.

"You do have to have a love because it's a lot of work," she said. "There are sacrifices you make with your family, your loved ones -- just doing normal things like sitting on your own couch that are taken for granted. You have to have the love to deal with the pressure as well."

Playing for 20 years at the US Open and winning five Wimbledon crowns has made her a target the moment she steps on the court.

"It's never easy to win a Slam. Now I'll play players who I've never seen or know their name and you can't let up one point," Williams said.

"Players come out with a lot more confidence now. Every time I step out on the court, that person is coming for me. It doesn't matter if I played for a year, not even if I'm ranked 100 or number whatever, they're coming for me. When I get to these majors, I know that's what it is.

"They're playing well. They're not going to give you any matches. In the case if they do, I will accept it as well if they don't play as well as they want. I'm accepting all major credit cards and unforced errors."

Williams could return to the world top five for the first time since January 2011 if she beats Kvitova and reach world number two if she takes the title, although she hasn't played three Slam finals in a year since 2002.

Her win also kept alive host-nation hopes for an all-American US Open women's semis, with Sloane Stephens, Jennifer Brady and Madison Keys also in contention.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Nadal, Federer move on at US Open, Fognini kicked out

NEW YORK -- Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer edged closer to a US Open semi-final blockbuster on Saturday as controversial Italian Fabio Fognini was kicked out for a vile, misogynistic tirade at a female umpire.

Nadal, 31, saw off Argentine lucky loser Leonardo Mayer 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-1, 6-4, taking his record over the world number 59 from Buenos Aires to 4-0.

He will face Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov, against whom he is 6-2, for a place in the quarter-finals.

Five-time champion Federer brushed aside 31st seed Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to take his career record against the Spaniard, playing a 63rd successive Grand Slam, to 13-0.

Next up for Federer is Philipp Kohlschreiber, who he leads 11-0.

Nadal had dropped the first set of his second-round match against Japan's Taro Daniel before winning in four.

Saturday was almost a carbon copy with the 15-time major winner unable to convert any of six points in the opener.

But the match turned in the 10-minute seventh game of the second set when, on his 14th break point of the encounter, Nadal finally smashed through.

"It was tough. It took 14 break points -- that's not a good figure. But I was there mentally and fought a lot at the right moments," said Nadal under the Arthur Ashe roof as rain fell outside.

Federer had needed back-to-back five-setters to defeat Frances Tiafoe and Mikhail Youzhny in his first two rounds.

However, on Saturday, he swept past Lopez to reach the fourth round for the 16th time.

"I'm very happy to get through. It's a great feeling to play out here," said Federer.

"I struggled in the first two rounds but tonight I played a very clean match."

Kohlschreiber, the German 33rd seed, eliminated Australia's John Millman 7-5, 6-2, 6-4.

Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem defeated France's Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to make the last 16 for the third time in four years.

Thiem next faces 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina, who put out Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

Russia's Andrey Rublev became the second teenager in the last 16 when he beat Bosnia's Damir Dzumhur 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

Rublev, just 19, faces Belgian ninth seed David Goffin, who progressed when 2016 semi-finalist Gael Monfils retired with a right knee injury.

Meanwhile, Fognini was kicked out of the tournament for making foul-mouthed comments to female umpire Louise Engzell during his first-round loss to Stefano Travaglia.

Fognini and compatriot Simone Bolelli had reached the third round of the men's doubles but tournament organizers axed him from the event.

Fognini, the world number 26, was also fined $24,000.

 
- Pliskova saves match point -

Women's top seed Karolina Pliskova saved a match point to defeat China's Zhang Shuai, hanging on to her world number one spot in the process.

Top seed Pliskova, the runner-up in 2016, triumphed 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 but was forced to save a match point in the 10th game of the second set and recover from a break down in the decider.

"I was match point down and I thought I haven't tried many forehand winners down the line. That's what I did. I may not have got another chance," said the 25-year-old, who will next face Jennifer Brady of the United States.

Brady has just seven wins on the tour this year, but all have come at the Slams.

Had she lost on Saturday, Pliskova would also have been guaranteed to lose her world number one ranking to either Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza or Elina Svitolina.

Ukraine fourth seed Svitolina stayed in contention with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Shelby Rogers of the United States.

Russia's Daria Kasatkina reached the last 16 of a major for the first time by seeing off French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, the 12th seed, 6-3, 6-2.

source: news.abs-cbn.com