Weekend Warriors

by Savannah

Very happy to see Anna Chakvetadze back in the winners circle after a 2 1/2 year absence. She won the Portoroz singles title in straight sets.

Andrey Golubev hoists his first main tour ATP winners trophy. Golubev played solid tennis all week and defeated Jurgen Melzer in straight sets. And no it's not a fan, it's a replica of a ship's propeller.

Julia Goerges (center) is also a first timer. She won the title at Bad Gastein after having to play her semi final and final in the same day due to inclement weather.

Mardy Fish playing in the city known as Hotlanta overcame the weather and his opponent to win the first ATChampionships title. Court temperatures measured over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lucie Hradecka and Anabel Medina-Garrigues won the doubles title at Bad Gastein.

The team of Kondratieva and Uhlirova won the doubles crown at Portoroz.

Rajeev Ram and Scott Lipsky won the doubles crown in Atlanta.

And last but not least twenty three year old Blake Strode won the US Open National Playoffs earning a spot in the US Open Qualifying Draw. Strode has delayed his entry to Harvard Law in order to pursue his dream of playing professional tennis.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Miscellany

The Monogram has posted on his blog that he will be working with Paul Annacone on a trial basis. Annacone as you know is the former coach of Pete Sampras.

The recently reinstated ATP tournament will not be held in Atlanta in 2011 due to a PGA event. Some are saying the tournament should remain in Georgia and be held at the University of Georgia.

Both Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling withdrew from tournaments due to "Personal Reasons". Andy Murray took Djokovic's place as top seed in Los Angeles.

Maria Sharapova will not be playing doubles at Stanford.

Juan Martin del Potro is not playing the US Open despite announcements to the contrary. That is the situation right now. Who said what to whom and when is in dispute.