Adelaide boy Lleyton Hewitt continued his Australian Open campaign with a win over Argentinean Juan Ignacio Chela in a controversial match that saw our local boy Lleyton again upset an opponent with his trademark "C'mon".

Hewitt's on court antics aggravated the 15th seed to the extent that Chela resorted to spitting in the Aussie's direction and serving a ball directly at Hewitt. This continues on from Hewitt's last match that saw his flamboyant behaviour get under the skin of American James Blake.

Yet Hewitt remained focused to take out the match in four sets, 6-2 4-6 6-1 6-4 and now faces the young Rafael Nadal for a spot in the final eight.

MOLIK TO "BRING IT ON"

Aussie 'it' girl Alicia Molik sent one final message to American Venus Williams prior to their meeting in the final 16, telling the 8th seed to "bring it on".

Molik again cruised through her match, defeating Russian Tatiana Panova in just 56 minutes, 6-3 6-2, to secure a spot in one of the most anticipated matches of the Open against Venus Williams, for an appearance in the quarter finals.

Yet, the 23-year-old isn't intimidated by the towering American, stating she would like to think she is in the William sister's league, results so far support the in-form Aussie.

20th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

FERGUSON FALLS

Aussie youngster Sophie Ferguson bowed out of the Australian Open yesterday after pushing Russian opponent and 11th seed Nadia Petrova to a three sets on the third day of competition.

Claiming a wildcard entry into the tournament, Ferguson initially looked the better of the two, taking the first set 4-6, but the second set saw Petrova back to true form, winning 10 straight games and producing a final score line of 4-6 6-0 6-1.

Other Aussies still to play round 2 matches include Alicia Molik, Lleyton Hewitt, Evie Dominikovic and Nathan Healey, who will all take the court today.

19th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

AUSSIE FOUR ADVANCE

Day 2 of the Australia Open saw Aussie favourites Lleyton Hewitt and Alicia Molik both turn it on for their home crowd and advance into the second round with fellow Australian victors Evie Dominikovic and Nathan Healey.

Hewitt outclassed Frenchman Arnaud Clement, serving 12 aces and winning 87% of points of his first serve. The serving brilliance gave Hewitt victory in three sets 6-3 6-2 6-1 and a ticket to the second round where he will face James Blake.

Molik continued her outstanding year with a straight set victory over Spaniard Anabel Garrigues 6-1 6-3. Molik cruised through, proving she is a force to be watched in the later stages of the tournament, whilst Dominikovic took victory in her match against Italian Mara Santangelo, 6-7(7-5) 6-4 6-3, to become the third Australian woman to advance.

24-year-old wildcard Nathan Healey fought out a tough three sets, winning just one before opponent Flavio Saretta of Brazil retired injured and gave Healey a spot in the next round.

ARGENTINEAN ATTACK

Aussie males took the brunt of an Argentinean attack in Day 2 of the Australian Open.

Veteran Wayne Arthurs and youngsters Chris Guccioni and Marc Kimmich all made early exits from the Open after being outclassed by Argentine tennis brilliance. Arthurs put up a strong fight but eventually went down to Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela 4-6 6-7(4-7) 6-7(1-7), whilst wildcard Marc Kimmich was defeated by fellow Argentinean Mariano Zabaleta 4-6 2-6 7-6(7-5) 3-6.

The towering Guccioni showed glimpses of coming back in his match against 12th seed Argentine Guillermo Canas, but couldnÕt quite pull it off, giving Canas a berth in the second round, 4-6 2-6 6-7(4-7).

Other Aussies to exit after round 1 include wildcards Monique Adamczak, Tiffany Welford, Casey Dellacqua plus experienced campaigner Nicole Pratt.

18th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

STOSUR STUMBLES

After an outstanding lead up to the Australian Open, young Samantha Stosur made an early exit from the championships after being defeated in straight sets by second seed Amelie Mauresmo.

Stosur fought an abdominal strain sustained in earlier weeks, to be beaten quite convincingly, 6-2 6-3 by the in form Mauresmo.

Other Aussies to exit the Open after Day 1 matches include, Todd Reid who was outclassed by Karol Beck 2-6 2-6 1-6, Cindy Watson went down to Sania Mirza 6-3 3-6 0-6, Scott Draper was beaten by Tommy Robredo 5-7 6-2 6-4 6-2, wildcard Paul Baccanello put up a fight but was outdone by Feliciano Lopez 5-7 5-7 2-6 and Peter Luczac, who was finally overcome by Thomas Johansson in what could have been the first big upset of the tournament, 7-6(7-5) 4-6 6-3 4-6 6-0.

FERGUSON FLIES AUSSIE FLAG

Teenage wildcard Sophie Ferguson was the only Australian to claim victory at the conclusion of Day 1 matches after defeating Spaniard Nuria Llagostera Vives in a tight three set match.

Ferguson fought back from one set down to take the tie-breaker in the second 8-6 and eventually take the match 2-6 7-6(8-6) 6-4.

17th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

AUSSIE ONSLAUGHT

Aussies have taken charge in the lead up to the Australian Open by claiming both the men and women's titles in the Medibank International.

World No. 3 and flamboyant Adelaide boy, Lleyton Hewitt took victory in straight sets against Czech qualifier Ivo Minar 7-5 6-0, to make it four Sydney International titles in the four years Hewitt has competed.

Whilst in an all-Aussie women's final, Alicia Molik took on the rising Samantha Stosur in a tight three set match that saw Molik the eventual victor. Stosur came out strong, taking the first set 7-6(7-5), but it was the 23-year-old Molik that prevailed taking the second and third 6-4 7-5.

Such dominance has left Aussie fans with an exciting Australian Open to look forward to.

13th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

HEWITT HOLDS

Continuing his outstanding form, Lleyton Hewitt defeated Frenchman Arnaud Clement in straight sets 6-2 6-4, to advance to the quarter-finals of the Medibank International.

Hewitt took the first set easily after producing a strong service game, yet the second set saw the disappearance of his serving brilliance and found Lleyton down 0-3 after two double faults.However, true to form, the World No. 3 staged a come back to take the set 6-4.

Hewitt's now due to take on Thomas Johansson for a spot in the semis.

STELLAR STOSUR

Aussie Samantha Stosur got a taste of finals tennis after making her first WTA final appearance last week at the Uncle Toby's Hardcourts and hasn't looked back since.

The 21-year-old advanced through to the quarter-finals of the Medibank International after claiming victory from a tight three set match against French teenager Tatiana Golovin 6-2 4-6 6-2.

Stosur will have her work cut out for her as she now faces World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport.

MOLIK MAGIC

Rising tennis star, Alicia Molik took victory against Jelena Jankovic in straight sets, 6-3 6-4, to obtain an impressive 28 wins from her last 32 games, illustrating the fantastic form Molik has hit prior to the Australian Open.

Yet it was not all smiles when Molik called for a medical timeout to have treatment on her left groin and leaving Aussie fans in suspense, but all was fine as Molik returned to the court and claimed the match.

Molik now faces Columbian Fabiola Zuluaga for an appearance in the Medibank semis.

12th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

HEWITT FAULTLESS

Flamboyant Lleyton Hewitt put on a superb show of tennis for his home crowd at the Medibank International taking first round victory in just 67 minutes.

Hewitt smashed Slovakian Karol Beck 6-1 6-2, making only one unforced error for the first set and claiming an impressive first serve accuracy of 67%, whilst opponent Beck picked up 27 unforced errors for the match.

Hewitt will now face Frenchman Arnaud Clement on his journey to defend his 2004 Medibank International win.

WILDCARD WONDERS

Australian youngsters have claimed eight wildcard entries into the Australian Open main draw to be played later this month.

Among the eight are Todd Reid and Chris Guccione, both of whom entered the Open last year and achieved success against the odds, with Reid progressing through to the third round and Guccione's memorable defeat of the experienced Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Wildcards to play in the men's draw include Reid, Guccione, Paul Baccanello and Nathan Healy, whilst the women's draw will feature Tiffany Welford, Sophie Ferguson, Casey Dellacqua and Monique Adamczak.

AUSSIE WOMAN ADVANCE

The women took charge yesterday as Alicia Molik and Samantha Stosur both claimed spots in the second round of the Medibank International.

Molik took victory over Francesca Schiavone 7-6(7-3) 6-1 to continue on from her outstanding season in 2004, whilst Stosur brought forward good form from the Uncle Toby Hardcourts to defeat Jelena Jankovic in straight sets 6-3 6-3.

11th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

ARTHURS BACK IN THE GAME

Aussie veteran Wayne Arthurs advanced to the second round of the Sydney International after defeating Italian Filippo Volandri in a tight three set match.

The 33-year-old took the match 7-6(7-1) 6-7(4-6) 6-3, regaining confidence lost after his disappointing first round exit of the men's Hardcourt Championships in Adelaide last week.

This victory found Arthurs the only successful Australian of the day as young hopefuls Todd Reid and Sophie Ferguson were both outclassed, with Reid beaten by fifth seed Feliciano Lopez 6-4 6-4, and Ferguson going down to Magdalena Maleeva 6-7(7-3) 6-2 6-2.

Arthurs now faces seventh seed Swede Thomas Johansson in the next round.

10th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

SCUD'S OUT

Official confirmation of the severity of Mark Philippoussis' injury has seen him pull out of the Medibank International and put doubt over his Australian Open appearance later this January.

The tear to his right abductor muscle sidelined him for the remaining tie against USA in the Hopman Cup last Friday and his recent withdrawal from the Medibank International has left the Scud disappointed saying he "really enjoyed playing Sydney last year".

Philippoussis is currently receiving ongoing treatment from the Davis Cup chiropractor with the hope of being fit for the first big Grand Slam of the year.

STOSUR "DROPPED" BY SCHNYDER

In her first WTA final, Samantha Stosur narrowly went down to Switzerland's Patty Schnyder to claim runners up of the Uncle Toby's Hardcourt International.

In an improvement on last years final campaign, Stosur was outdone by Schnyder's devastatingly effective drop shot to go down 6-1 3-6 7-5.

7th January, 2005

by Sarah Ashmore

STOSUR'S SEMIS BIRTH

Twenty-year-old Aussie Samantha Stosur fought back from a disappointing first set to claim a semi-final birth at the Uncle Toby's Hardcourt Championships after defeating Bulgarian Magdelena Maleeva.

Winning only two games in the first set, Stosur looked down and out, yet found rhythm in the second to stage a come back victory in front of a home crowd, taking the match in three sets 2-6 6-3 6-4.

Stosur now faces Italian Silvia Farina Elia in her second consecutive Uncle Toby's Hardcourt semis appearance, hoping for a more successful result in her 2005 finals campaign.

HEWITT HITS HARDCOURT QUARTERS

Australian Open hopeful Lleyton Hewitt cruised through to the Next Generation Hardcourt quarter-finals after a two set white wash of Argentinean Agustin Calleri.

In the period of only an hour, Hewitt took the game 6-1 6-4, giving Australian fans a promising Australian Open campaign to look forward to.

6th January, 2005

by Damian Erle & Sarah Ashmore

SCUD GROUNDED

Embattled tennis star Mark Philippoussis is in doubt for the remainder of the Hopman Cup, after sustaining a groin injury in yesterday's tie against the Dutch.

After going down 6-7(5-7) 6-3 2-6 to Peter Wessels, the World No. 109 failed to re-appear for the doubles rubber, handing the Dutch a 2-1 win.

It is unlikely the Scud will be fit for the remaining tie against the US, meaning Australia's tournament is over, and with the full extent of the injury unknown, there is doubt whether Philippoussis will be ready for next week's Medibank International, or even the upcoming Australian Open.

1st November, 2004

by Damian Erle

MOLIK TWO IN A ROW

World No. 14 Alicia Molik claimed her second straight WTA title at the SEAT Open in Luxembourg.

After taking the Stockholm Open last week, the Aussie No. 1 produced the perfect follow-up performance, crushing Russia's Dinara Safina 6-3 6-4 in the final of the $300,000 event.

"I came into this match with a lot of confidence and I expected to win," said Molik, seeded No. 2. "To win two tournaments in a row feels great; it's something I've never done before."

The win gave Molik her third title of the year, and fourth of her career.

25th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

MOLIK'S STUNNING SWISSCOM VICTORY

Aussie No. 1 Alicia Molik claimed her first Tier 1 title overnight, defeating Wimbledon Champion Maria Sharapova in the final of the Swisscom Challenge in Zurich.

Going for three straight titles, the Russian came out firing, blasting winner after winner, to seize an early 3-1 lead in the first set. However, Molik responded to level at 4-4, but her 17-year-old opponent again lifted to take the first 6-4.

Molik was a woman possessed in the second, attacking the fourth seed's serve, to hit numerous return winners, and race to a 3-1 lead. The onslaught didn't stop as Molik continued her barrage of heavy hitting to take the second 6-2.

The third set proved a tighter one as both players broke once to remain deadlocked at 3-3. But the unseeded Aussie again lifted to close out the $1.3 million championship 4-6 6-2 6-3.

"I wasn't going to beat her by playing defensive so I tried to stay as aggressive as I could and I knew I'd create opportunities for myself," said Molik. "I've beaten a lot of top-20 players this week, so I'm on a roll and just hope I can continue that."

The win ended Sharapova's 12-match winning streak, giving Molik her seventeenth victory in her past 20 matches, and extending her 2004 win-loss record to 40-19.

18th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

MYSKINA TAKES KREMLIN

World No. 4 Anastasia Myskina claimed her third title of the year with a convincing victory over compatriot Elena Dementieva in the final of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

After taking the first set 7-5 in 45 minutes, third seed Myskina proceeded to completely demolish her No. 5 seed opponent 6-0 in the second, winning her second consecutive Kremlin title.

"It's great to win at home. I was motivated to win to prove to my home fans that I deserve my high ranking," said Myskina.

The loss was Dementieva's second to Myskina in a final this year, the first being at the French Open.

DAVYDENKO DOUBLES-UP

Local hero Nikolay Davydenko continued the Russian dominance with a come-from-behind victory over Briton Greg Rusedski in the men's final of the Kremlin Cup.

The eighth seed conceded the first set 6-3, but fought hard to even the ledger with a 6-3 second set. The third set produced some brilliant, fast paced tennis, with the local eventually prevailing 3-6 6-3 7-5 over his unseeded opponent.

The fun didn't stop there for the Russians, as Davydenko teamed with Igor Andreev to upset top seeds Mahesh Bhupathi and Jonas Bjorkman 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the men's doubles final.

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15th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

SCUD TO RE-LAUNCH AT HOPMAN

Mark Philippoussis will attempt to leave 2004 as a distant memory when he combines with No. 1 Aussie female Alicia Molik in the Hopman Cup, starting next January.

After a horror season, in which he dropped from World No. 9 to No. 104, the Scud will try to re-kindle his flailing career at the team event, replacing Lleyton Hewitt, who will be in action in Adelaide.

In contrast, Molik enjoyed the best year of her career, achieving a World No. 18 ranking.

11th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

HEWITT HALTED

World No. 3 Lleyton Hewitt crashed to a halt in the semi-finals of the Japan Open, going down to Czech Jiri Novak.

After dropping the first set 6-4, the No. 1 Aussie rallied to take the second 6-4, and force the match into a third set.

Novak got the early jump, taking a 3-1 lead before rain interrupted play. Resuming 30 minutes later, the Czech won seven straight points to go 5-1 up. Hewitt was unable to draw on his typical fighting spirit, conceding a 6-4 4-6 6-2 defeat.

Facing American Taylor Dent in the final, the World No. 28 started badly, losing the first set 7-5, but, unlike Hewitt, was able to fight his way back to claim the title 5-7 6-1 6-3.

SHARAPOVA CRUISING

Russian teen tennis queen Maria Sharapova cruised to her second title in a week, with victory at the Japan Open in Tokyo.

In just 55 minutes, the World No. 10 completely demolished American Mashona Washington 6-0 6-1 to take the Tokyo crown for the second year running.

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8th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

HEWITT INTO JAPAN QUARTERS

World No. 3 Lleyton Hewitt battled his way into the quarter-finals of the Japan Open in Tokyo, with a come-from-behind victory over local Takao Suzuki.

The No. 1 seed and 2001 champion conceded the first set in a tie-break, but fought back to close out the match 6-7(3-7) 6-2 6-4.

"I was trying to stay motivated, even though I lost the first set," said Hewitt. "I felt I was the better player and when I broke his serve early in the second set, I wanted to make sure he knew it was going to get broken a few more times."

6th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

ARTHURS WINS FIRST ROUND

Wayne Arthurs won through to the second round of the Japan Open overnight, with victory over Frenchman Jean-Rene Lisnard.

The big serving lefty hammered down 15 aces to wrap up the 6-4 7-5 victory in just 77 minutes.

The unseeded Aussie now faces Korean tenth seed Hyung-Taik Lee.

WILD SCUD

Australian Open Chief Executive Paul McNamee all but guaranteed out of form Aussie tennis star Mark Philippoussis a wild card for next year's Australian Open, should he need it.

Speaking at yesterday's Australian Open official launch, McNamee said there was no reason the Scud did not deserve a chance.

"It's not a problem if he needs one after what he's done for the tournament and the sport," said McNamee.

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5th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

UNLUCKY NO. 13 FOR SCUD

Mark Philippoussis made it 13 first round losses for the year, when he succumbed to World No. 151 Tomas Zib at the Japan Open in Tokyo overnight.

Having not won a match since his fourth round loss at Wimbledon, the Aussie put up little resistance to the Czech qualifier, going down 6-3 6-4.

After starting the year ranked at No. 9 in the world, the Scud now sits at No. 104.

4th October, 2004

by Damian Erle

FEDERER WINS...AGAIN

Roger Federer claimed his tenth title of the year by crushing Andy Roddick in the final of the Thailand Open.

The World No. 1 rendered his World No. 2 opponent completely useless, hammering down a barrage of winners, to take the match 6-4 6-0.

The victory marks Federer's twelfth straight win in a final, matching the efforts of John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.

SHARAPOVA GETS HER THIRD

Russian teen Maria Sharapova blew Polish challenger Marta Domachowska from the court to take the Korean Open crown, her third title of the year.

The reigning Wimbledon champion was simply too good for her inexperienced opponent, combining awesome serving and classy ground strokes to claim an easy 6-1 6-1 victory.

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29th September, 2004

by Damian Erle

FLIP FALLS

Aussie No. 2 Mark Philippoussis continued his run of poor form by crashing out of the Heineken Open in Shanghai.

The defending champion started well, taking the first set from World No. 128 Glenn Weiner 6-3, but failed to continue the momentum, losing the next two sets to give the unseeded American a 3-6 6-4 6-4 victory.

"Physically I'm feeling good, the injury is fine," said Philippoussis. "It was pretty much a terrible day out there. I wasn't hitting the ball well and not serving well and I pretty much beat myself out there."

"I know how things started at the beginning of the year and things got worse and worse."

The loss marks Philippoussis' fourth straight first round loss, and takes his 2004 win-loss record to 11-18.

21st September, 2004

by Damian Erle

MOROCCAN MELTDOWN

It was confirmed yesterday that Moroccan No. 2 Hicham Arazi will not take part in the Davis Cup tie with Australia, beginning in Perth this Friday.

It is not yet clear why the World No. 41 decided to pull out of the World Group qualifier, although some reports suggest Arazi asked the Moroccan Tennis Federation for a hefty appearance fee.

The withdrawal places severe doubt of the Moroccans' ability to defeat the Australians, with their number one player, Younes El Aynaoui, already out of action due to injury.

All the pressure is now placed on the shoulders of World No. 433 Mounir El Aarej, World No. 517 Mehdi Tahiri, and World No. 1017 Mehdi Ziadi.

20th September, 2004

by Damian Erle

SAFIN BREAKS THROUGH

Marat Safin broke a two-year title drought by winning the inaugural China Open on Sunday, his first since the 2002 Paris Masters.

Defeating compatriot Mikhail Youzhny in a tough 7-6(7-4) 7-5 battle, the Russian was ecstatic to have finally won another tournament.

"You forget this feeling. I started to feel happy," said the elated Safin.

The match was the first all-Russian men's final in over three years.

17th September, 2004

by Georgie Haberfield

LOVE MATCH DATE SET

Best wishes for Lleyton Hewitt and bride-to-be, Kim Clijsters. The Aussie and Belgian became engaged in December 2003 and have finally decided to tie the knot.

The couple, both former World No. 1's, are set to wed in February of next year. After the ceremony in Australia, a party will be held in Belgium for close family and friends. Go Lleyton!

STOSUR STUMBLES, PRATT PROGRESSES

Unfortunately for Australia, Samantha Stosur suffered a loss to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the second round of the Wismilak International.

The Aussie put in an impressive effort, only to lose 6-4 6-4 to the current US Open champion.

Better news came for Australia with Nicole Pratt and Tathiana Garbin's win over Americans Amanda Augustus and Jennifer Hopkins in the women's doubles.

The Aussie and Italian crushed their opponents 6-2 6-3 in an impressive win.

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16th September, 2004

by Georgie Haberfield

GOOD START FOR PRATT

Excellent results and a great start for Australia at the Wismilak International, with Nicole Pratt and partner Tathiana Garbin winning their first round match.

The Aussie and Italian overcame Japanese duo Aiko Nakamura and Saori Obata 6-4 6-3 on Tuesday. They now face Americans Amanda Augustus and Jennifer Hopkins later today.

15th September, 2004

by Georgie Haberfield

MIXED RESULTS AT WISMILAK

Samantha Stosur is off to a great start in the Wismilak International, defeating Milagros Sequera in the first round yesterday.

The Australian conquered the Venezuelan 6-2 7-6, concluding the first round of the tournament, held in Bali. The No. 3 Aussie goes on to play US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the second round.

Fellow Queenslander, Nicole Pratt was unfortunately not so lucky. Italian Flavia Pennetta overpowered the Aussie 7-6 6-4 in their first round clash.

14th September, 2004

by Damian Erle & Georgie Haberfield

SCUD SHOT DOWN

Australia has been dealt a heavy blow in the lead up to its vital Davis Cup World Group qualifier against Morocco next week, with 2003 hero Mark Philippoussis pulling out with a hip injury.

The World No. 66 decided not to risk further damage and it is unsure how long he will be out of the game.

Aussie No. 4 Todd Reid is set to make his Davis Cup debut after being named by Cup captain John Fitzgerald as Philippoussis' replacement.

"Now we are introducing another Todd into the team," said Fitzgerald, referring to the 1991 debut of Todd Woodbridge. "And we hope this will also be the beginning of another great Australian Davis Cup career."

RANKINGS SHAKE UP

The US Open has caused a massive disturbance in the WTA rankings.

With several shock losses throughout the tournament the entire top 10 has been turned upside down.

Former World No.1 Justine Henin-Hardenne now sits at No. 4, with Amelie Mauresmo, Anastasia Myskina and Lindsay Davenport each moving up one place to fill the top three. US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova jumped three places to No. 6 with tournament runner-up Elena Dementieva moving one place to No. 5.

Kim Clijsters, after not competing in a tournament since May, dropped to No. 7. Jennifer Capriati remains at No. 8, with Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova dropping to No. 9 and Wimbledon runner-up Serena Williams gaining one spot to stand at No. 10.

In the ATP rankings, Roger Federer and Andy Roddick remain at No. 1 and 2, with former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt gaining two spots to reach No. 3. Following his semi-final showing at the US Open Tim Henman sits at No. 4 with French Open runner-up Guillermo Coria at No. 5.

Spaniard Carlos Moya fell two places to No. 6, while Andre Agassi remains at No. 7. Gaston Gaudio, Nicolas Massu and Sebastien Grosjean all gain several places to fill the top 10.

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13th September, 2004

by Damian Erle

FEDERER THE UNSTOPPABLE

World No. 1 Roger Federer claimed his third Grand Slam title of the year, with victory over Australian No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt in the final of the men's singles at the US Open.

In just one hour and 51 minutes Federer blasted Hewitt from the court 6-0 7-6(7-3) 6-0 to reaffirm his dominance of men's tennis.

The Swiss hammered down 11 aces and 40 winners, opposed to the Aussie's dismal 12 winners, in his best effort against Hewitt to date.

"I still can't believe I have done this, won three Grand Slams out of four and to win the US Open is amazing," said Federer.

KUZNETSOVA CLAIMS MAIDEN SLAM

In the second all-Russian Grand Slam final of the year, 19-year-old Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated compatriot Elena Dementieva to claim her first Grand Slam singles title, only the fourth singles title of her career.

The new World No. 6 hit 34 winners in the relatively one sided 6-3 7-5 victory, to make her the third Russian this year to claim a women's singles Grand Slam.

The loss was Dementieva's second in a Grand Slam final this year.

US OPEN DOUBLES RESULTS

Unseeded Aussie duo Alicia Molik and Mark Woodbridge lost their second straight mixed doubles Grand Slam final, this time to Vera Zvonareva and Bob Bryan.

In a dominating performance the No. 4 seeds crushed the Aussies 6-3 6-4 to take their first US Open mixed doubles title.

Mark Knowles and Daniel Nestor claimed their second Grand Slam men's doubles crown, overcoming Leander Paes and David Rikl 6-3 6-3 in the final at the US Open.

In the final of the women's doubles, No. 1 seeds Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez overpowered the No. 2 seeded Russian pair Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Likhovtseva 6-4 7-5.

10th September, 2004

by Russell Boyd

DEFENDING CHAMP DEPARTS

Defending US Open Champion Andy Roddick has been knocked out of the quarter-finals in a thrilling upset by No. 28 seed Joachim Johansson.

After losing the first two sets, Roddick fought back to take the next two convincingly in just under an hour. The fifth set was then tightly contested before Johansson broke Roddick's big serve at 5-4 to win the match 6-4 6-4 3-6 2-6 6-4.

But despite serving 30 aces and hitting 67 winners, it wasn't all good news for Johansson who will now play Lleyton Hewitt for a spot in the final. The Swede made 49 unforced errors during the match - not a very comforting statistic going into a semi-final against someone who has not lost a set all tournament and has 15 consecutive wins under his belt.

HEWITT CONTINUES UNBEATEN RUN

Lleyton Hewitt has continued his outstanding form at the US Open with another straight sets victory overnight, this time defeating Germany's Tommy Haas 6-2 6-2 6-2 to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

The win gives the 2001 Champion his first Grand Slam semi-final birth in two years, and extends his impressive winning streak to 15. He will now play the winner of today's quarter-final between Andy Roddick and Joachim Johansson, which is currently underway on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Hewitt remains very fresh for his next match, having not conceded a single set all tournament. He will also be looking to reproduce the form that led him to win the title in 2001.

In other matches, Roger Federer defeated two-time US Open Champion Andre Agassi, keeping alive his chances of becoming the first player since Mats Wilander in 1988 to win three Grand Slams in a year.

But the win was not an easy one, with 34-year-old Agassi taking the World No. 1 to five sets after a rain-delay early in the fourth.

Federer will face Tim Henman in the semi-finals, who earlier defeated the No. 22 seed Dominik Hrbaty 6-1 7-5 5-7 6-2.

SECOND TIME LUCKY?

by Damian Erle

Alicia Molik and Todd Woodbridge are into the mixed doubles final of the US Open, their second straight Grand Slam mixed doubles final appearance.

After both Aussies suffered surprise early exits from their respective pet events, Molik the women's singles and Woodbridge the men's doubles, the unseeded pair surged through the mixed doubles draw, claiming many seeded scalps on their way, including No. 8 seeds Martina Navratilova and Leander Paes in the semi-finals.

Losing the first set 4-6, the duo fought back to claim the next 6-3. The third proved to be a thriller, with the Aussies prevailing 7-6(10-8).

Molik and Woodbridge now face fourth seeds Vera Zvonareva and Bob Bryan after the pair proved too strong for No. 1 seeds Rennae Stubbs and Daniel Nestor. Following a tight first set, the Russian and American cruised through the second, to take the match 7-5 6-3.

9th September, 2004

by Russell Boyd

ACTION PLENTIFUL DESPITE RAIN DELAY

With rain preventing daytime play, Flushing Meadows has still delivered plenty of action overnight with chair umpire Mariana Alves dropped from the tournament following yesterday's controversial line-calls.

In a statement issued by Tournament Referee Brian Earley, Ms Alves has been relieved from officiating any remaining matches of the tournament after replay footage concluded she made at least one incorrect line-call during the match between Jennifer Capriati and Serena Williams.

"Regrettably, the replay on television showed that an incorrect overrule was made by the Chair Umpire," Mr Earley said.

"A mistake was made and I have discussed the call with the Chair Umpire, Ms Alves. Ms Alves is not scheduled to officiate another match during the 2004 US Open."

The first call came early in the third set when a Williams backhand, deemed good by the linesman, was called out by Ms Alves. This gave Capriati a break-point, which she failed to convert but took the game several points later for a 1-0 lead. Another was again made in the final game, taking the score to 30-15 in favour of Capriati.

Williams was extremely unhappy with the calls, but insisted they were not why she lost.

"I'm not making excuses. I mean, I didn't lose because of that," Williams said.

On the court, Day 10 has only just commenced with heavy rainfall preventing any daytime matches being played. The evening session boasts four quarter-final singles matches including the much anticipated Federer versus Agassi duel, and the all-Russian contest between Svetlana Kuznetsova and Nadia Petrova.

8th September, 2004

by Russell Boyd

CAPRIATI ON COURSE FOR BEST OPEN PERFORMANCE

Eighth seed Jennifer Capriati will now take on the Russian No. 6 seed Elena Dementieva following a stunning three set match with Serena Williams on Arthur Ashe Stadium earlier today.

Capriati fought back hard after losing the first set convincingly, defeating Williams 2-6 6-4 6-4. The win is her third victory over Williams in a Grand Slam this year, and is revenge for Capriati who could score just two games against the hard-hitter during the Wimbledon final in July.

She will now play for a spot in the semi-finals against Elena Dementieva, who earlier defeated the No. 2 seed Amelie Mauresmo in unconvincing fashion. No doubt Capriati will be looking to capitalise on Dementieva's weak service game, which through double-faults handed almost four games worth of points to Mauresmo.

During her fourth round match Dementieva also struggled physically, giving Capriati a strong chance of reaching her fourth semi-final at the Open - the furthest she has ever gotten in her home-town Grand Slam.

HEWITT'S WINNING STREAK OUT TO FOURTEEN

Former US Open Champion and World No. 4 Lleyton Hewitt has advanced through to the quarter-finals of this year's event for the fifth consecutive time, convincingly defeating Slovakia's Karol Beck overnight 6-4 6-2 6-2.

The victory extended Hewitt's impressive winning streak to 14, and gives him the chance to contest his fourth US Open semi-final in just five years.

Playing with style and precision, the Australian took the first service break of the match at 4-4 in the first set, before closing it out 6-4. He then systematically cruised through the second two sets to take the victory in well under two hours, making just 23 unforced errors.

Having not lost a set this tournament, Hewitt is starting to take on the form that led him to his first US Open crown in 2001 and believes it's within reach again.

"I'm playing pretty solid tennis day in, day out," Hewitt said.

"Back then, in the semis or final when I played here, I played pretty faultless tennis both those matches. If I can keep doing that in the next three matches, then I'll be close."

Hewitt will now face the unseeded Tommy Haas, who did not play at all last year due to a shoulder injury. But the German is in good form, reaching his first US Open quarter-final with a 7-6(8-6) 6-1 7-5 victory over 19-year-old Tomas Berdych.

A win for Hewitt could set-up a semi-final showdown with defending champion Andy Roddick, who later today plays No. 18 seed Tommy Robredo for a spot in the quarter-finals.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER UPSET: DEMENTIEVA KNOCKS OUT MAURESMO

Less than 24 hours after World No. 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne made an unexpected exit from the US Open, second seed Amelie Mauresmo has also been knocked out in a thrilling match against the No. 6 seed Elena Dementieva.

Despite a thigh injury and stomach pains forcing two injury time-outs in the third set, Dementieva fought back after losing the first to win the match 4-6 6-4 7-6(7-1).

Poor serving by Dementieva allowed Mauresmo to gain the upper-hand early in the match, but the Frenchwoman failed to capitalise, missing several opportunities in the second set to close out the match.

But it was the young Russian's net-play that put the pressure on Mauresmo, whose confidence dropped as Dementieva continued to win points close in. By the end of the match Dementieva had won an astonishing 29 points from 31 approaches, but at the same time made 48 unforced errors and 15 double-faults.

Mauresmo was clearly disappointed after the match, losing the chance to win the title and failing to secure the World No. 1 ranking. However, she may still leave New York as world No. 1 as long as Lindsay Davenport does not win the tournament.

Dementieva will now play either Serena Williams or Jennifer Capriati, who are currently playing for the vacant quarter-final place.

GOLD MEDALLISTS OUT

by Damian Erle

Athens 2004 men's doubles gold medallists Nicolas Massu and Fernando Gonzalez are out of the US Open.

The unseeded Chilean pair faced No. 3 seeds Mark Knowles of the Bahamas and Daniel Nestor of Canada for a place in the semi-finals, but were unable to produce their Olympic form, losing a tight 6-7(1-7) 7-5 4-6 match.

The No. 3 seeds now face unlikely opponents Julien Benneteau and Nicolas Mahut, after the unseeded French duo upset sixth seeds Wayne Black and Kevin Ullyett 6-4 6-7(5-7) 6-4.

HOME TOWN HEROES BEATEN

American pair Martina Navratilova and Lisa Raymond were last night eliminated from the US Open women's doubles, much to the dismay of the local crowd.

Seeded at No. 5 for the tournament, the two former champions put up a good fight, but were outclassed in the third set by No. 2 seed Russian duo Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Likhovtseva, 7-6(8-6) 6-7(5-7) 1-6.

7th September, 2004

by Russell Boyd

FAVORITE KNOCKED OUT WHILE RUSSIANS TAKE CHARGE

World No. 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne today lost her chance of winning two consecutive US Open singles titles, losing in straight sets to the Russian No. 14 seed, Nadia Petrova 6-3 6-2.

Ironically, Petrova's victory over the defending champion was much easier than her win in the previous round, in which she lost the first set 4-6 before taking the second two in tie-breakers against No. 19 seed Silvia Farina Elia.

Petrova will now play Svetlana Kuznetsova in an all-Russian quarter-final, after the teenager ended Mary Pierce's strong campaign overnight, also in straight sets.

The match promises not to disappoint, with both girls playing for a spot in the semi-finals and a chance to be the first Russian woman to win a US Open singles title, and only the second Russian to win any singles title at the event. Marat Safin was the first do this when he defeated Pete Samprass to win the men's championship in 2000.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HENMAN

Fifth seed Tim Henman received a hard earned 30th birthday present overnight, advancing to the quarter-finals of the US Open after his opponent, Nicholas Kiefer, had to retire midway through the fifth set.

The 19th seeded German was forced to retire at 3-0 down in the fifth set after calling a medical timeout to treat a wrist injury, giving Henman a 6-7(7-5) 6-3 6-1 6-7(7-4) 3-0 victory.

During the fourth set, Keifer received a ball abuse violation after hitting a ball into the upper reaches of Arthur Ashe Stadium. He was later booed off the court when he kicked his bag and threw his racquet to the side after shaking hands with Henman.

In his 10th consecutive appearance at the US Open, Henman has secured his first ever place in the final eight of the event where he will play No. 22 seed Dominik Hrbarty of Slovakia. The win also leaves Henman as one of only four men over the age of 30 left in the draw.

Despite losing the first two sets to Belgium's Oliver Rochus, Hrbarty cruised through the fifth set to win the match 2-6 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-0. The quarter-final birth is just as special for Hrbarty, who has never advanced past the fourth round of a Grand Slam played on hard court.

TOP SEEDS CONTINUE TO DOMINATE WOMEN'S DRAW

It seems the business end of the 2004 US Open women's draw is going to be quite a spectacle, with just one unseeded player remaining in the final eight.

Currently ranked 62 in the world, Japan's Shinobu Asagoe advanced through to the quarter-finals overnight with a 7-6(7-4) 4-6 6-3 win over the No. 29 seed Eleni Daniilidou.

Asagoe will now play fifth seed Lindsay Davenport, who defeated Venus Williams 7-5 6-4 in the pair's 25th career meeting. Head-to-head, Davenport and Williams had 12 wins each going into the match. The win is now Davenport's 20th consecutive victory, and lands her in yet another US Open quarter-final - her eighth from as many appearances.

But Venus' sister Serena is still in the draw, and will play No. 8 seed Jennifer Capriati after defeating Switzerland's Patty Schnyder 6-4 6-2.

Other big matches will see sixth seed Elena Dementieva face off against the No. 2 seed Amelie Mauresmo, while Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova will contest her first US Open quarter-final against either defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne, or No. 14 seed Nadia Petrova.

STUBBS SNUBBED

by Damian Erle

Aussie doubles champ Rennae Stubbs' dream of two straight women's Grand Slam doubles titles was last night wiped out by 15th seeds Elena Dementieva and Ai Sugiyama.

Stubbs, accompanied by Wimbledon winning doubles partner Cara Black, was seeded at No. 3 for the tournament, but failed to live up to expectations, barely putting up a fight in the disappointing 2-6 4-6 thumping.

However, Stubbs still has a chance at Grand Slam glory in the mixed doubles draw. Seeded at No. 1 with partner Daniel Nestor of Canada, the pair is through to the semi-finals, where they will face No. 4 seeds Vera Zvonareva and Bob Bryan, after a relatively comfortable 7-5 6-2 win over Swedish pair Jonas Bjorkman and Asa Svensson.

A possible Aussie showdown is on the cards for the mixed doubles final, after the unseeded Alicia Molik and Todd Woodbridge had a hard fought 7-6(9-7) 7-6(8-6) win over fifth seeds Elena Likhovtseva and Nenad Zimonjic, to reach the semi-finals. They next face No. 8 seeds Martina Navratilova and Leander Paes, for a place in the final.

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6th September, 2004

by Damian Erle

HEWITT BLASTS INTO LAST 16

Former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt is through to the quarter-finals of the US Open.

Facing big serving Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, the No. 4 seed took just 91 minutes to blast his opponent from the court 6-1 6-4 6-2.

The No. 1 Australian dominated from the onset, winning the first 12 points to take a 3-0 lead. Hewitt didn't concede a single point on serve during the 17 minute first set thrashing.

WOODBRIDGE-BJORKMAN OUT

No. 1 seeds Todd Woodbridge and Jonas Bjorkman have crashed out of the US Open.

Woodbridge, Australia's most successful doubles player ever, and his partner were going for their second straight US Open title, and fifth Grand Slam title together, when they were upset by No. 13 seeds Leander Paes of India and Czech David Rikl.

After easily winning the first set 6-2, the tournament favourites looked like comfortably taking the match. Paes and Rikl obviously had different ideas, staging a brilliant comeback to eventually triumph 2-6 7-5 6-4.

However, not all is lost for Woodbridge. He and fellow Aussie Alicia Molik are well placed to take the mixed doubles title after defeating third seeds Lisa Raymond and Mahesh Bhupathi 7-6(7-1) 7-6(7-3), to advance to the quarter-finals. They now face No. 5 seeds Elena Likhovtseva and Nenad Zionjic for a place in the semis.

If all goes well for Australia, Molik and Woodbridge will face compatriot Rennae Stubbs in the final, after she and Canadian Daniel Nestor also advanced into the quarters. The No. 1 seeds proved far too good for the duo of Lisa McShea, another Aussie, and Cyril Suk.

Stubbs will be looking to repeat her Wimbledon performance, as she once again teams up with Zimbabwean Cara Black to take on the field in the women's doubles event. Seeded at No. 3, the pair face No. 15 seeds Ai Sugiyama and Elena Dementieva for a place in the quarter-finals.

Joining Stubbs in the women's doubles are Samantha Stosur and Bryanne Stewart. The Aussie pair faces the daunting prospect of fifth seeds Martina Navratilova and Lisa Raymond in the third round.

The only other Aussie left in the Open is 28-year-old Todd Perry. Accompanied by Swede Simon Aspelin, the two will face Spanish duo Feliciano Lopez Fernando Verdasco for a place in the quarter-finals of the men's doubles event.

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3rd September, 2004

by Damian Erle

MORE AUSSIE DISMAY

Lleyton Hewitt is the last remaining Australian in the singles draw of the US Open after compatriots Nicole Pratt and Samantha Stosur were both eliminated over night.

Facing No. 9 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova for a place in the third round, Pratt seemed to lack her usual fighting spirit.

Despite hitting 11 less unforced errors than her higher ranked opponent, the World No. 48 was unable to produce game winning shots, serving five double faults and hitting only five winners, as opposed to the Russian's 25, in the 3-6 3-6 loss.

Fellow Queenslander Samantha Stosur also faced the daunting challenge of a seeded opponent in the second round, when she came up against No. 14 seed Nadia Petrova. The Russian proved too good for the World No. 94 Aussie, blasting her from the court 6-2 6-2.

2nd September, 2004

by Damian Erle

HOT HEWITT

Former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt made it 11 straight victories when he defeated retiring veteran Wayne Ferreira in the first round of the US Open.

Continuing his brilliant recent form, the fourth seeded Hewitt had no trouble brushing aside the South African 6-1 7-5 6-4.

"When I get on a roll like I have been and I am winning more matches I feel more confident out there," said Hewitt. "The last few weeks I have been playing as well as I ever have."

Ferreira will play his last match in the up coming Davis Cup tie between South Africa and Greece.

1998 US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis was unable to replicate his fellow Aussie's performance, retiring from his first round clash with Russian Nikolay Davydenko with hip soreness.

After taking a two-sets-to-one lead, the Victorian began to struggle, losing the fourth set. The Scud played on, but was forced to stop at 4-1 down in the fifth. The final score line stood at 6-1 3-6 6-3 6-7(5-7) 1-4.

SHATTERING LOSS FOR MOLIK

World No. 18 Alicia Molik made a dramatic exit from the US Open, when Slovak Daniela Hantuchova crushed her in straight sets, 6-4 6-3.

Leading into the Open in career best form, the No. 17 seed would have expected to easily breeze passed the unseeded Hantuchova, whom she has beaten three times out of their four encounters.

The Aussie was uncharacteristically off with her service game, serving at a 52% first serve accuracy and winning only 56% of those service points, compared to her opponents 64% accuracy and 77% success rate.

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1st September, 2004

by Damian Erle

AUSSIE WOMEN ON FIRE

Queenslanders Nicole Pratt and Samantha Stosur made it through their first round challenges over night, joining fellow Aussie Alicia Molik in the second round of the US Open.

Recovering from a first set deficit, Pratt rallied back to blast Colombian World No. 102 Catalina Castano from the court 3-6 6-1 6-3. The World No. 48 Aussie faces No. 9 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in the next round.

Stosur had a comparatively easy battle, downing France's Virginie Razzano 7-5 6-4 with a superior display of serving and ground strokes. Stosur will next tackle No. 14 seed Nadia Petrova for a place in the third round.

The Aussie men, on the other hand, have not had such a good start, with World No. 84 Victorian Wayne Arthurs losing his first round match to World No. 66 Arnaud Clement 4-6 7-6(7-5) 3-6 3-6. Although Arthurs served more efficiently than Clement, the Frenchman dominated the court.

31st August, 2004

by Damian Erle

MOLIK: ONE DOWN, SIX TO GO

Alicia Molik, the only Aussie to see any action at the US Open so far, made a brilliant start to her campaign for her first Grand Slam trophy, with a 6-0 6-2 thrashing of Frenchwoman Stephanie Cohen-Aloro.

Currently in career best form, the No. 17 seed took just 53 minutes to wipe her opponent from the court.

A week after claiming the bronze medal at the Athens Olympics and now at a career high ranking of World No. 18, Molik is full of confidence.

"It has given me a huge amount of confidence," says Molik. "So I come out with a medal and I think that was a great feat for me. In the last 12 months, 24 months, my tennis has steadily improved. I can produce and am up there with the top girls."

30th August, 2004

by Damian Erle

HEWITT READY TO RUMBLE

Lleyton Hewitt completed the perfect warm-up to the US Open with a second straight title at the TD Waterhouse Cup in Long Island.

Following his victory at the Legg Mason Classic, The No. 1 Aussie took just 78 minutes to blast Peruvian Luis Horna from the court, 6-3 6-1.

"I played well. I knew it would be a tough match. He has beaten some worthy opponents," Hewitt said. "I opted to stay here to prepare for the Open. Same balls, same courts, same atmosphere."

The win was Hewitt's tenth in succession, and number 17 from the 19 matches played in the American hard court season so far.

26th August, 2004

by Damian Erle

AUSSIE SEEDS IN NEW YORK

Following his brilliant recent form, Australian No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt has been seeded at No. 4 for the US Open.

After winning the Legg Mason Classic in Washington and reaching the final of the Cincinnati Masters, Hewitt is on track to claim his second US Open title.

The former World No. 1 will do battle with South Africa's Wayne Ferreira in the first round, and may face fellow Aussie Mark Philippoussis in the fourth round, World No. 2 Andy Roddick in the semi-finals, then World No. 1 Roger Federer in the final.

Australia's No. 1 female player, Alicia Molik, has been seeded at No. 17 for the Flushing Meadows tournament. Molik, in career best form and at career high ranking, will pose a real threat to the WorldÕs top ten.

OTHER AUSSIES

Two other Aussie men are already confirmed for the singles draw, with several others attempting to qualify this week.

Mark Philippoussis will tackle Russian Nikolay Davydenko in the first round, while fellow Victorian Wayne Arthurs will take on Frenchman Arnaud Clement.

Queenslanders Nicole Pratt and Samantha Stosur are the two other Aussie females that have already qualified for the championships.

Todd Reid, Chris Guccione, Peter Luczak, Evie Dominikovic, and Christina Wheeler are among those trying to qualify for the Open.

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23rd August, 2004

by Damian Erle

HEWITT ON TRACK FOR US OPEN

Lleyton Hewitt capped off the perfect preparation for an assault on Flushing Meadows, with a victory in the Legg Mason Classic in Washington.

After easily cruising through to the final, the former World No. 1 was unstoppable, taking the first set 6-3 over the unseeded Belgian Gilles Muller, with breaks in the seventh and ninth games. The No. 1 Aussie then closed out the match with a 6-4 second set, to take his twenty-second career title.

Hewitt's recent form, including the Legg Mason title and coming runner-up at the Cincinnati Masters, puts him in good stead to challenge for his second US Open crown.

MOLIK GETS BRONZE

Australian No. 1 Alicia Molik made up for the lack of doubles medals for Australia, the first time since 1988, by winning bronze in the women's singles.

Taking little over an hour, the 23-year-old completely dominated World No. 3 and French Open champion Anastasia Myskina, to take the medal 6-3 6-4.

After defeating the World No. 2 and 3 in the past two weeks, as well as several other highly ranked players, Molik is looking good to make the World top 20 and stake a claim to her first Grand Slam title.

MASSU'S GOLDEN DREAM

Chilean Nicolas Massu has completed one of the most prized doubles in tennis, Olympic gold in both singles and doubles.

Ranked No. 14 in the World, the 24-year-old claimed the two gold, the first ever gold for Chile in any sport at the Olympics, in the space of just 24 hours.

After Massu and compatriot Fernando Gonzalez came from behind to defeat the more favoured German pair of Nicolas Kiefer and Rainer Schuettler 6-2 4-6 3-6 7-6(9-7) 6-4 for the doubles gold, the tenth seed backed it up to produce another brilliant 6-3 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 come from behind victory against American Mardy Fish.

Gonzalez also made it a double when he defeated American Taylor Dent 6-4 2-6 16-14 to take the bronze.

OTHER ATHENS GOLD

World No. 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne showed the world she is 100 percent fit and ready to take on the field at the US Open with an easy 6-3 6-3 win over World No. 2 Amelie Mauresmo, to take the gold in the women's singles.

In the women's doubles, Chinese duo Ting Li and Tian Tian Sun defeated the higher seeded Spanish team of Conchita Martinez and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-3 6-3.

9th August, 2004

by Damian Erle

HEWITT FAULTERS IN MASTERS FINAL

Australian No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt fell to three-time winner and former World No. 1 Andre Agassi in the final of the Cincinnati Master earlier today.

After easily sweeping aside several of the world's biggest names throughout the week, including Kuerten 6-3 6-4, Henman 6-1 6-4, and Safin 6-4 6-4, Hewitt looked a sure thing to take is third title of the year.

However, Agassi obviously had other ideas after a hard fought 7-5 6-7(2-7) 7-6(7-2) semi-final win over World No. 2 Andy Roddick. Agassi jumped out to an early lead in the first set, eventually taking it 6-3. Hewitt, in typical fashion, stepped up the intensity and passion to return the favour, taking the second 6-3. But the eight-time Grand Slam champion had all the answers and went on to claim his first title in 16 months 6-3 3-6 6-2.

The form of both Hewitt and Agassi showed that the US Open may not be the two-horse-race most people are expecting. With most people believing this will be Agassi's last year of competitive tennis, we may be in for a Sampras like farewell if the much loved legend manages to steal the US Open crown.

MOLIK MAKES IT NO. 2

Australia's No. 1 women's player Alicia Molik claimed the second singles title of her career with victory at the Nordic Open in Stockholm, Sweden.

Molik had little trouble crushing Ukrainian Tatiana Perebiynis 6-1 6-1 in the final, after not dropping a set throughout the entire tournament.

The World No. 26 was clearly wrapped with her performance.

"This was as fun as last time," said the excited Aussie. "It was great that so many people came out today."

A few hours later, Molik followed up her singles slaughter with another one in the doubles. Partnered by Austria's Barbara Schett, the No. 1 seeds took little over an hour to account for Emmanuelle Gagliardi and Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-3 6-3.

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6th August, 2004

by Anders Villani

HEWITT INTO QUARTERS

Australian No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt has advanced through to the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Masters with a victory over World No. 6 Tim Henman.

Hewitt was never in doubt against the fifth seeded Englishman, returning serve perfectly to take the match 6-1 6-4. He will now meet Russian powerhouse Marat Safin in the quarterfinals.

Fellow Australian Wayne Arthurs was sensational in his painfully tight 6-7(5-7) 6-4 6-7(5-7) loss to inform World No. 4 Carlos Moya.

The 33-year-old Victorian will take a lot from a tournament he was not even supposed to contest.