Top seed Tomas Berdych and third-seeded Fernando Verdasco lost in the quarter-finals of the Washington Classic on Friday, the latest in a cluster of upset victims at the US Open tune-up.
Berdych, playing his first tournament since reaching the Wimbledon final, succumbed to Belgian Xavier Malisse, while Verdasco lost to Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis.
Malisse was to face Baghdatis in a semi-final yesterday, while Marin Cilic, at No. 4 the highest seed left in the draw, was due to take on Argentine David Nalbandian in the other.
PHOTO: AFP
Berdych’s week in Washington has been a far cry from his Wimbledon form, with scratchy three-set wins over qualifiers capped with a listless 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 loss to the 62nd-ranked Malisse.
The Czech was angry that he had been scheduled to play Malisse at noon on Friday after his previous match finished just before midnight the night before.
“The first set I felt like I was still sleeping,” Berdych said. “I was not 100 percent ready. That’s very sad for me.”
PHOTO: AFP
The 30-year-old Malisse frustrated Berdych by returning serve strongly and savored the upset win.
“I have nothing to lose when I play against [big players],” he said. “Just like today. I played well constantly. It feels good be beat big players like that.”
Berdych raised his game in the second set with improved serving, but Malisse stole the momentum back in the decider, and pumped his fist when his gangly Czech opponent punched a backhand volley long to end the match on a breezy day in Washington.
Baghdatis reeled off the last four games of the final set to defeat Verdasco 7-6, 6-4 in their first meeting on the tour.
The Spaniard joined seeded casualties Andy Roddick (2), John Isner (5) and Sam Querrey (6).
Nalbandian used three service breaks in the third set to defeat 13th-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Croat Cilic defeated Janko Tipsarevic 7-6, 6-4.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely