Reigning champion Hsieh Su-wei was knocked out of the French Open women’s doubles quarter-finals on Wednesday as Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka ended the Taiwanese player’s hopes of retaining her women’s doubles title at Roland Garros.
Fourth seeds Hsieh, who won the title last year with Peng Shuai of China, and Flavia Pennetta fell to a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 defeat to the ninth-seeded Czech duo on Court One.
The Taiwanese-Italian duo saved eight of 16 break-point chances and converted eight of 12, but it was not enough as the ninth seeds came from 4-1 down in the third set to complete the victory.
“It was a roller-coaster match,” Hlavackova told the WTA Web site. “The experience throughout the tournament helped us. I think our second-round match, when we won from 2-5, 0-30 down in the second set, helped us today to realize that we can still make it.”
Hlavackova and Hradecka are on familiar territory — they won their first Grand Slam title in Paris in 2011.
“For me, it’s like walking in old shoes,” Hradecka said. “After reaching the semis in Miami, this is our best result since we came back. We’re getting better in every match and finding each other on court.”
The Czechs are due to face seventh seeds Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Lucie Safarova in the semi-finals after the US-Czech duo stunned top seeds Martina Hingis of Switzerland and Sania Mirza of India 7-5, 6-2 in their quarter-final.
The seventh seeds saved none of the three break-point chances they faced, but converted six of 11 in the earlier quarter-final on Court One.
“It was a tough match,” Safarova told the WTA Web site. “I think we played very aggressive. Bethanie hit some amazing shots at the net.”
Mattek-Sands and Safarova already have a Grand Slam doubles title this year after winning the Australian Open in January.
“You always hope to do well in Grand Slams, but in the end the results are going amazing,” Safarova said. “To have a title from Australia and to be in semi-finals here is just a pleasure.”
Safarova said the duo’s success is due to their on-court chemistry.
“I think we have great energy on court. Bethanie is a great doubles player and we just have a really good connection out there. We have so much fun together out there, which is the most important [thing],” she said.
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