Wild card Kim Clijsters completed her compelling comeback in convincing fashion with a purposeful display of power and finesse as she dominated Caroline Wozniacki at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday evening. 23,000 fans paid tribute to the inspirational play of the two upstart finalists who seemed to signal the arrival of a new era in the women’s game.

On a day when Serena Williams was fined $10,000 and severely chastised for her temperamental display in the semi-finals, the two women’s finalists put on a graceful performance. A decided underdog, Wozniacki emerged as a courageous and gracious ambassador of the game. She, Clijsters and other young stars may well lift the torch from the old guard.

Clijsters had too much game for the Danish counter puncher. Although not as sharp as in her semi-final match, Kim seemed the aggressor and had a better sense of how to shape winners. The native of Belgium committed 34 unforced errors but hit 36 outright winners.

Wozniacki had difficulty holding serve throughout the match. With no aces and 3 double faults, she does not have the velocity to keep bigger hitters off the baseline. Wozniacki’s first serve averaged 89 mph vs 100 mph by the winner.

Both women showed poise and exhibited remarkable on-court personality. The crowd was especially delighted not to hear the constant grunting and outbursts that have become part of the new-age women’s game. Rather, both players appeared to be enjoying themselves. Wozniacki looks to have an endorsement future ahead with a glamorous smile yet competitive personality. The Dane has won more tennis matches in 2009 than any other player on the tour.

Clijsters would probably not be playing had she not been invited to play an exhibition match at Wimbledon. Kim embraced the training with newfound enthusiasm and has managed to bring the joy of playing to center court. A former number one player and 2005 U.S. Open Champion, she should be ranked in the top 10. The 19 year old Wozniacki is currently ranked 9th and should be moving up, but is clearly not up to Clijsters level of play.

Clijsters won the tournament by knocking out both Williams sisters, Marion Bartoli and Na Li of China. This was an impressive run throughout the draw and the deserving champion should be in even better shape for 2010.

There has been no doubt who the most fierce competitor in the women’s game has been. After all, Serena Williams has won 11 Grand Slam Singles titles. As television commentators have made clear throughout this event, one does not accomplish that by beating one’s self or playing beyond one’s self.

Serena Williams had not made more than $26 million on the tour by beating herself. Serena Williams did not win those 11 Grand Slam titles by playing beyond herself. On Saturday, she did both.

Veteran Kim Clijsters, thought retired just months ago, came all the way back Saturday evening. She did the unthinkable. She tamed Serena Williams. She made the game’s biggest star appear vulnerable. Kim Clijsters showed all the poise, power and grace that it takes to beat the youngest Williams sister. Kim allowed Serena no quarter in hard fought battle of two superstars.

In a convincing win, Clijsters had more game than Serena expected or likes. The defending U.S. Open champ could not bully or play her way past the Belgium star.

The match ended in remarkable fashion to the stunned disappointment of a less than full Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe Stadium. After losing the first set 4-6, Williams was serving at 5-6, 15-30 when the service line judge called a stunning foot fault on the second serve. It was the second foot fault of the match called against the American star, who broke her racquet after the first. The score would have been 15-40 but Williams persisted and appeared to threaten the line judge.

The diminutive line judge appealed to the chair umpire who summoned tournament officials. Clijsters was awarded the next point and the match was over.

When the officials made their decision, Williams dropped her racquet and walked to the victor for a final handshake before leaving the court. The confused crowd never really acknowledged Clijsters dominant performance.

And in this match, on this day, Kim Clijsters was the better player. Serena Williams knew it and did not like it. In fact, Kim put Serena in the uncomfortable position the defending champion has often put lesser players.

Clijsters is a former number one who is only in the event due to a wild card award. Kim won the 2005 U.S. Open for her only Grand Slam title. After having a child nine months ago, Clijsters has re-tuned her game and appears to be playing with newfound balance and focus.

Serena Williams was quoted by the Associated Press as saying to the line judge; “If I could, I would take this (expletive deleted) ball and stick it down your (expletive deleted) throat and kill you.”

In post match interviews, Williams acknowledge the inappropriateness of her conduct. The game has been good to Serena Williams. Her interview was poised and calm. She was complimentary of Clijsters’s play.

The defending champ is not used to players rising to the occasion in big moments and Clijsters was definitely in the moment. She played beautiful tennis, winning 70 points to 57 points for Williams. She seemed likely to win the match before the abrupt ending. Clijsters was winning the battle of the serves, landing 69% of her first serves compared to 55% of Serena’s.

Williams had an unusually high 31 unforced errors compared to 18 for the winner. Clijsters’ win marks the first time a wild card entry has reached the finals where she will play Danish star Caroline Woznicaki. Clijsters will be a heavy favorite to claim her second major title. The finals will take place on Sunday. Weather is expected to be good.

As expected, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal appear to be on a Sunday afternoon collision course in the finals of the 2009 U.S. Open. But, hold it! Don’t forget that we picked impressive Juan Martin Del Potro to upset the apple cart and escape the U.S. with the Open Cup in his hands. And, you know what? We still like his chances.

On Tuesday, the possibility of a Del Potro-Nadal semi-final pairing took another exciting step forward. Rafa did his thing against impressive French fireballer Gael Monfils in an evening match that had enthralled spectators gasping for air. Nadal’s four set 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 triumph sported two of the fleetest players to grace the game.

In a display of pure athleticism, it would be hard to top this matchup. Rafa Nadal did not have time to show effects from his recent knee or abdominal issues. Monfils came out fast and asserted his will in the opening set. But, as usual, Nadal wears on opponents. He settled to the pace and gradually took charge of the match. The two showmen were most entertaining and provided a series of thrillingly deft shots.

Nadal will face Fernando Gonzalez who surprised the other great French player Jo Wilfried Tsonga with a stirring 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory. Gonzalez showed Tsonga no quarter and had answers for Tsonga’s power game. Solid groundstrokes paved the way for the upset. Gonzalez will square off with Nadal on Thursday but it seems unlikely, the Chilean can stay with the hard charging Spaniard.

Perhaps the most disappointing match of the day was a lackluster effort put forth by number two seed, Scotsman Andy Murray. Wearing his best “deer-in-the-headlights” blank look, Murray put on a Safina-like performance that should complete his over-ranked resume. In a pitiful semblance of the play that fans expect from a quality player, Murray’s tennis career seems headed in the wrong direction. Perhaps, a visit to the friendly sports shrink would help?

A triumphant 16th seed, Croatian Marin Cilic, seemed as bewildered as the crowd. He blew past the listless red-head in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in an embarrassing performance for which the U.S. Open should refund the admission price. At least Murray is done for this year. He needs a break and a new sense of commitment.

Tonight the top-seeded Federer will be center stage against a familiar opponent, Sweden’s Robin Soderling. Soderling will certainly give it his all, but Roger has the answers for Soderling’s big serve. Nonetheless, Soderling has had a strong year.

In the match of the day, Fernando Verdasco will be looking to upset 4th seed Novak Djokovic in a late afternoon pairing. Verdasco and Djokovic have both been on their games so fans expect a battle royal. After the Murray fiasco, a hotly contested match would be a welcome site.

As Nadal and Monfils played late in the night, the cameras shifted briefly to an outside court where a taped Melanie Oudin was practicing for her underdog performance against hot Dane Caroline Wozniacki. The young American has been on a constant media watch and fans wonder how she can maintain her focus.

After her triumph over Italian Flavia Pennetta, Serena Williams told interviewers she was caught up in the Melanie watch and would be cheering for the rising start this evening. Serena will go against Kim Clijsters tomorrow in a stern test against the woman who blasted her sister.

US Open 2009 – Day 1 – Women’s Matches – Venus Escapes, Clijsters, Azarenka Tough

A packed house and huge television audience watched one of America’s biggest stars wind up day one at the 2009 US Open.  Third seeded Venus Williams was lucky to escape her first round match as day one proceeded without incident before huge throngs of fans.

At primetime, Venus took the Center Court against lightly regarded Vera Dushevina of Russia. The 22 year old gave Venus everything she could handle and raised questions about Venus’ fitness.  Williams emerged with a 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3 win but it was not pretty.

In fact, at times it seemed downright lackluster and not very Venusesque at all.  Williams was only successful on 54% of her first serves and was broken six times.  Her service issues pose a serious problem for the Wimbledon finalist who has not played well since falling to her sister in London.  Of all the seeds on the court Monday, Venus seemed the most vulnerable.

As usual, sister Serena was impressive.  The second seed cruised past the overmatched Alexa Glatch of the U.S. 6-4, 6-1.  Serena seemed to improve as the match elapsed.

Improving Aussie, Samantha Stosur had her hands full with Japan’s tour veteran Ai Sugiyama.  Sugiyama pushed Stosur to the limit before falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.  In the seesaw match Stosur garnered seven breaks while Sugiyama scooped up six.  In a rarity, each player won 103 points.  The difference may well have been in Sugiyama’s six double faults.

India’s Sania Mirza showed her true grit with a hard fought three set win over Olga Govortsova of Belarus.  Mirza a newlywed and tour heartthrob eeked out a 6-2-,3-6, 6-3 victory.  Mirza appears to have added some velocity to her first serve, long her downfall.

Seventh seeded Russian Vera Zvonareva continued her strong play with a straight set, 6-0, 6-4 triumph over Spain’s Vives Llagostera.  Zvonareva looks to have a clear path to her quarterfinal matchup against Serena.

In the upper bracket, former number one Kim Clijsters of Belgium was very impressive.  Her 6-1, 6-1 win over the Ukraine’s Viktoriya Kutusoza  was never in doubt.  Clijsters looked powerful and in shape for a run at Venus.  With more than $14 million in career earnings, Clijsters is well positioned for a run at the quarters and a likely pairing with Victoria Azarenka.

The 8th seeded Azarenka drew gasps from her followers with her dazzling play.  Her dominating 6-1, 6-1 win over Alexandra Dulgheru was typical of her powerful play of late.  Azarenka will be a force in this event and may well surprise Serena in the semis.

Poland’s Agnes Rawanska was also dominant in her 6-1, 6-2 tuneup with Patrica Mayr.  Agnes will next face Maria Kirilenko in an interesting second round match.  All in all, there were no startling surprises on day one.  But, for Vera Dushevina it was a day of missed opportunities.  Venus escaped but had better re-gain her focus or be prepared for an early exit.