Reuters reuters

Williams sisters and Nadal to light up New York

Wed 03 Sep, 08:07 AM


Serena Williams of the U.S. waves after defeating Bremond of France during their match at U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Open should really come alive on Wednesday when the Williams sisters clash in a blockbuster quarter-final and men's top seed Rafael Nadal bids for a semi-final place.

In a repeat of this year's Wimbledon final, seventh-seeded Venus takes on No. 4 Serena, their 11th meeting in a grand slam event and 17th overall.

Serena Williams of U.S. celebrates after winning game in second set against Bremond of France at U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York

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The two former U.S. Open champions are tied at 5-5 in grand slams and 8-8 overall, so something has to give when they clash under the lights.

"It sucks," Serena said. "Even the semi-finals would have been better than the quarters, but at least one of us will make it to the semi-finals."

Both players have been in outstanding form on their way to the last eight with Venus losing just 15 games and Serena one fewer.

Venus is focusing solely on the match.

"That will be a huge milestone to get by her to win this championship," she said. "That's pretty much how I see it, as trying to win the tournament."

Russian sixth seed Dinara Safina takes on Italian 16th seed Flavia Pennetta for the right to play the victorious Williams.

World number one Nadal will round off the day's action when he plays American Mardy Fish in the quarter-finals, looking to reach the last four for the first time.

The Spaniard was pushed hard by another American Sam Querrey in the previous round and is expecting another tough match.

"He's a very good player," Nadal said.

"He played the final in New Haven last week. He played the final in Indian Wells too this year, so he's a dangerous player on hard courts. I have to play very well if I want to win."

British sixth seed Andy Murray faces Argentine 17th seed Juan Martin Del Potro in the day's other match with both men looking to reach their first grand slam semi-final.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)

 

Comment 4 - 23 of 23

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  1. No one is saying that a person cant say they want their favourite player to win. But when someone starts talking rubbish like "why are there so many empty seat when Venus plays" is someone who does not watch tennis very often or he would see empty seats at both men and women matches at most tournaments even Wimbledon until the latter part of the competition. Paddinton seems to forget (or doesnt know) that it was the william sisters that saved womens tennis when all us tennis lovers were getting bored with the constent baseline play, no movement, no style, some just had looks (Anna K) everybody wants her in their bed but for me I would rather see her play a great game of tennis and win. I am not saying I dont find her sexy but I love tennis and she was @#$%. But people like paddington love her but think about it who is the loser...... Womans Tennis that's what.(thank god shes gone) The Williams brought with them Power, Athleticism, and skill, so what if they are not to your taste in looks, so what if you wouldnt have sex with them. They can play, THEY GOT GAME and they forced all the wannabes to change. And womens tennis is the better for it.

    From Gavin F, on Wed 3 Sep 11:46PM

  2. People like diff players we understand that,but theres no reason to insult a player you dont like or say nasty rubbish about them, just say you want your fav player to win and wish them all the luck in the world without insulting the players you dont like,then we can all banter positively. comprehende

    From nechi, on Wed 3 Sep 8:02PM

  3. pathetic folks...can't do nothing except moan and complain!

    From Jurby A, on Wed 3 Sep 8:01PM

  4. to miss 11& 12 ~~~~IT APPEARS 2B OUR RUSSIAN HOME STARS YOU ARE ABUSING
    definitely NOT the other way around ~~ we wish to see our friends in the final if U don't mind !

    From ekaterinabell, on Wed 3 Sep 7:58PM

  5. apologies folks WE intended item s 19 & 20 to agree TOTALLY

    abusive comments are absolutely out of order here

    From Sfa D, on Wed 3 Sep 7:18PM

  6. to folks 18/19 ~~~ YES WE AGREE WITH U TOTALLY ``` ~~~ best wishes for exciting contests

    From Sfa D, on Wed 3 Sep 7:05PM

  7. please may we be allowed to express our wish to see a repeat of the ladies singles olympic final
    without receiving abusive threatening comments

    they are both players we have known well and met over several years & we know Elena's mother Vera

    we exchange greeting cards with them at Christmas & New YEAR

    From tiptoptoe77, on Wed 3 Sep 7:01PM

  8. wat a hateful person ur paddington

    From ejmakk@..., on Wed 3 Sep 6:49PM

  9. Go serena you know how to do your ting also big up venus no one can stop you let them talk

    From garryhaylett, on Wed 3 Sep 6:30PM

  10. go williams kill them with it you know you two run tings

    eg london

    From garryhaylett, on Wed 3 Sep 6:26PM

  11. it's really sad to see the two heavy weights in ladies tennis to meet up so early, what a thrilling game it would have been had they meet up in the final, anyway I guess this ie gonna be the real final. Go on williams do ya thing......

    From Akay, on Wed 3 Sep 6:08PM

  12. Both of them have been outstanding so far. I would tend to favour Serena in the quarters because(sorry for being shallow) I find her more attractive. But either one would deserve it. They really work hard at their game.

    From makosifan, on Wed 3 Sep 5:46PM

  13. Well said GAVIN,that fool i reckon has some perverted view of what female Tennis players should look/play like, instead of the MADAM concentrating on page 3 in the tabloids he actually watches tennis but for the wrong reason, like gavin said stick to ANNA Ks Website or daily sport. padman

    From nechi, on Wed 3 Sep 5:36PM

  14. dont hate the players... hate the game... the williams sisters are 20% better than all the rest... every yr..... so they deserve what they get.. the play less tournaments than all the others yet they are ranked in the top ten... Go venus.... Go serena.... womens tennis would be dead without u guyies.... Vamos rafa!!

    From bookie, on Wed 3 Sep 4:04PM

  15. I go with Serena to grab the title as she is one of the candidates will handover the number 1 ranking. So that some piece of sh&%t like Paddington can be shut up!!!

    From Serranno, on Wed 3 Sep 2:24PM

  16. Why is it that every one is so against the Williams sisters eh?
    If they are playing good tennis great tell the rest of players to step up their game simple as that and leave the Williams sisters alone and stop the hating ok it is just a sport let us all enjoy please.

    From janetharris8, on Wed 3 Sep 2:18PM

  17. I wish THE BIG SISTER well GO VENUS!!!!

    From ikechukwu n, on Wed 3 Sep 1:52PM

  18. we would like to have a repeat of the ladies singles OLYMPIC FINAL
    with dazzling Elena Dementieva v determined Dinara Safina to provide a pulsating thrilling contest
    nothing more worthwhile can be imagined

    From startoratora, on Wed 3 Sep 1:51PM

  19. Good Luck Serena! You are the best Tennis player of all time! Better win ur ninth grand slam singles title! U hold the power!

    From Vic M, on Wed 3 Sep 10:28AM

  20. what foto is this snarlig vision on left

    From paddington2bear, on Wed 3 Sep 10:07AM
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