Jankovic Upset By Bondarenko

Alona Bondarenko had too much for Jelena Jankovic to handle in their 3rd round match up today. Bondarenko, seeded 31, pulled a huge upset over the 8th seeded Jankovic, winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-3. It was the first time Bondarenko has beaten Jankovic in 10 meetings between the two. Bondarenko had managed to take only one set against Jankovic in their previous nine matches. This was a great time to break the drought against Jankovic and is perhaps the biggest win of Bondarenko’s career.

Henin Survives Scare From Kleybanova

Justine Henin had her toughest match yet in the first Grand Slam since coming out of retirement, surviving a scare in a close 3-set match against No. 27 ranked Alisa Kleybanova.

In the 3rd round match, Kleybanova won the first set 6-3. She then broke Henin to go up 3-1 in the 2nd set before Henin went on a run winning 8 of 9 games to take the second set 6-4 and go up 3-0 in the 3rd set. Kleybanova fought back winning her serve, then breaking Henin to get back on serve 3-2. Henin then took the next three games to win the 3rd set 6-3.

Dulko Sends Ivanovic Off The Court In Tears

Popular Serbian tennis star, Ana Ivanovic , left the court in tears today at the 2010 Australian Open after losing a heart breaker in three sets to Argentinian Gisela Dulko 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 6-4.

Ivanovic was pitted against No. 36 ranked Dulko in a 2nd round match. It was an early exit for the 20th seed, Ivanovic, who continues to struggle with her serve, having to constantly re-toss the ball and serving far too many double-faults. Ivanovic won the French Open in May 2008 and was world No. 1 a month later. However, she had an up-and-down year in 2009 while struggling with some injuries.

Wickmayer Sends No. 12 Pennetta Home From Australian Open

Just two months ago, Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer wasn’t going to be able to play tennis all year. Now she is into round 3 of the 2010 Australian Open after downing No. 12 ranked Flavia Pennetta in straight sets.

Wickmayer grabbed the momentum in the first-set tiebreaker, winning the tiebreaker easily 7-2. She then broke Pennetta 3 times in the second set for a 7-6(7-2), 6-1 win which took only 87 minutes.

Henin Continues Down Comeback Road With Win Over No. 5 Dementieva

Justine Henin kept her comeback hopes alive with a great win over No. 5 Elena Dementieva.

In the most anticipated match thus far in the 2010 Australian Open, Henin won her way into the 3rd round with a stunning yet not all that surprising two-sets win, 7-5, 7-6(8-6). It took nearly three hours, and the tennis was tremendous. With great footwork on the part of both players, Henin’s notable backhand, and Dementieva’s flashing speed on the court, tennis fans were served a match that would have made a good Final.

Day One of 2010 Australian Open Dishes Up Just One Upset

Day one of the 2010 Australian Open went pretty much according to plan with only one major upset. No. 58 ranked Maria Kirilenko upset No. 14 seed, Maria Sharapova, in a long 3-set match, 7-6(7-4), 3-6, 6-4. Kirilenko is seen here being congratulated by Sharapova after their match.

All other seeded players playing the first day advanced to the second round, including No. 15 seed, Kim Clijsters, who is one of the favorites to win the tournament after winning the U.S. Open last year in her first Grand Slam appearance after coming out of retirement.

Sharapova Upset in Round One of 2010 Australian Open

It was a 1st-round Russian battle between two Marias, with Maria Sharapova coming out on the short end of the deal. After almost 3 1/2 hours of play, just short of a record 3 hours 33 minutes at the Australian Open, it was 58th ranked Maria Kirilenko prevailing over 14th ranked Sharapova in a tough 3-set fight, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-4.

Sharapova was smiling in the photo as she hit the practice court before her first match. However, she is no longer smiling as she continues to struggle with her serve, committing 11 doubles faults, and adding 60 some unforced errors. It was Kirilenko who remained steady throughout the match, which gave Kirilenko perhaps the greatest victory of her career.

Serena Williams Seeded No. 1 For 2010 Australian Open

Serena Williams is seen here at her book signing at Harrods department store in London, on November 2, 2009. Now it’s time to put the books away and focus on tennis. Williams, who is currently ranked No. 1 on the WTA Tour is seeded No. 1 for the 2010 Australian Open set to begin Jan. 18 in Melbourne. Yes, Grand Slam tennis is about to get under way.

Tournament officials could have used a discretionary seeding to place Justine Henin in the draw, but they chose not to. So the Belgian former champion playing in her first Grand Slam tournament since announcing her return from retirement will be a dangerous threat, possibly meeting some of the top seeds in the opening rounds.

Ekaterina Bychkova Fined and Suspended For Match-fixing Claims

The tennis police are at it again, fining Russian player, Ekaterina Bychkova, $5,000 and barring her from playing for 30 days for match-fixing claims, which will keep the 123rd ranked player from participating in the Australian Open this month.

Last week, the Tennis Integrity Unit handed down the fine and suspension. The anti-corruption unit said Bychkova failed to report that she was asked to provide inside information and throw matches, even though officials said there was no evidence Bychkova accepted any compensation. She was penalized because she didn’t disclose the offer until being questioned by investigators from the Tennis Integrity Unit.

Clijsters Wins Battle Of The Comeback Kids

Shown here are Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin receiving their trophies following their great 3-set battle Saturday in the Finals of the 2010 Brisbane International. Clijsters won the match 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(6). Clijsters managed to save two match points before winning the two-hour 24-minute match. This was Clijsters’ 36th career title and second since coming out of retirement last season.