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.

When Elena Dementieva wins her first Grand Slam Championship at the 2009 US Open, the 11-year tour veteran will finally shake that “best player to have never won a major” label. In a sport that is beginning to look like a Russian talent show, Elena Dementieva is the best of the lot.

With more than $12 million in career earnings, the 5’11” 27-year old blonde beauty need not make excuses or offer an assortment of sob stories as some of her more pampered teammates have chosen to do. That is not Elena’s style. Elena Dementieva takes her graceful game to the court, puts out 100% every time and always walks away with her head held high. Elena Dementieva has nothing about which to be ashamed.

Tennis has been good for Elena and Elena has been good for tennis. The slender bombshell has won 449 professional singles matches. She has won 50 of those matches in 2009 while losing just 13 times. In the last five Grand Slam Tournaments, Elena has reached the semifinals four times.

Neither top seed laughingstock Dinara Safina, second seeded Serena Williams or third seeded Venus Williams can boast such a consistent Grand Slam record over the past two years. Elena has not always been in her best playing form, working her way through a series of nagging injuries. However, Elena finds ways to win.

At Wimbledon this year, Elena took her A game right to Serena Williams, offering the eventual champion all she could handle in a stirring three set match. The semifinal battle was far and away the most exciting match of the London tournament.

Dementieva showed a return to form in England. Her foot speed and groundstrokes were exquisite. What thrilled Elena’s fans most was her very competitive service game, long deemed her Achilles heel. With her newfound velocity has come an increased confidence and as Serena will attest, a confident Elena is a very dangerous contender.

Claiming her first Grand Slam title will not be easy. The Dementieva quarterfinal bracket is the most difficult in the Open. Likely pairings will include a second round tussle with American teen sensation Melanie Oudin, a quarterfinalist and surprise dominator of the 5th seeded Jankovic in London. Oudin’s serve is a problem but she can expect boisterous support from the U.S. crowds.

A likely third round matchup will be against 29th seed and another crowd favorite Maria Sharapova. Russia will have two of its most notable stars on the court for that battle. Maria has won two Grand Slams and the 2006 Open. Now, that is a third round match to remember! The tall, beautiful blondes will provide plenty of firepower in the best third round paring of the event.

The most likely 5th round match will feature yet another Russian top seed, Nadia Petrova. 2009 has been a good year for Petrova. With 439 career wins and no fear of anyone, Nadia can play with anyone.

In the quarters, Elena can look forward to a colossal pairing with still one more Russian, 6th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova. Svetlana’s 2009 resume shows 31 wins, 11 losses and 1 Grand Slam earned the hard way, in Paris. Kuznetsova will have her own challenges with the likes of Carla Navarro Suarez, Agnes Szavay, Sorana Cirstea and Caroline Wozniacki in her bracket, but it pales in comparison to Elena’s road.

After Elena disposes of Svetlana, the biggest Russian of them all, top seed Dinara Safina, might be waiting in the semis. Safina will not go quietly, but she will go. Safina’s only severe challenge might come from the unpredictable but always game Ana Ivanovic. Neither player is up to Dementieva’s form. Elena may actually draw a sigh or relief at the semi pairing because the way the deck is stacked, it will be an imposing journey past two major champions just to get there.

But, that is the way it is in professional tennis. And, it is the way a woman about to claim her first US. Open and her first Grand Slam should want it to be. All hail, Elena Dementieva, a player who just keeps getting better and better.

After watching the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, tennis enthusiasts must be asking how can it be! Dinara Safina seeded atop the U.S. Open? Remarkable! Tournament directors, wake up! Dinara just does not cut it as a number one seed. If you know New York, you know these fans will announce and perhaps even celebrate her shortcomings in no time at all. After all, they do not call it the Bronx Cheer for no reason.

To make matters worse, professional crybaby Jelena Jankovic is seeded fifth. Granted she helped to launch American Melanie Oudin to stardom and we all appreciate that but how that qualifies the year’s most disappointing player as a fifth seed is beyond intelligence. Watch for theatrical injury timeouts and other Jankovic stall tactics as her most sincere effort to stay center stage.

If Dinara or Jelena pull their crybaby antics in New York, they are in for a surprise. These crowds expect champions to perform, not act. Safina and Jankovic at the top of the Women’s draw give the whole tournament a suspicious look. The sooner they are gone, they self-destruct, the better the event will be.

The way this draw is orchestrated, the one seed should meet the five seed in the quarters. Good luck. Not going to happen. Jankovic can stumble anywhere along a relatively easy path and Safina can beat herself against any player in the world.

Fortunately, there is a working girl in that top bracket. This may be Ana Ivanovic’s best opportunity to make a semifinal this year. The pretty Serb needs a win to get back in the tennis and fashion top 10. She has been working hard on that feeble serve and she just may reap some dividends. Look for Ana to survive in a war of attrition and reach the semis after knocking off Jankovic in the fourth round and Safina in the quarters.

In the bottom of the upper bracket, the tournament’s eventual winner resides. Her name is Elena Dementieva. She was one step, one serve away from winning Wimbledon. Elena is one of the few players that can stay with the two seed and the world’s best female player, Serena Williams.

Elena possesses the foot speed and the athleticism to reach the finals. Her bracket offers very stiff competition. In the second round, she will most likely meet crowd favorite and Wimbledon quarterfinalist, 17-year old Melanie Oudin. In the second round! Now, that is a tough draw!

Fellow Russian Maria Sharapova should, be waiting in the third round. Wow! The tournament brain trust did not make this bracket easy! In the bottom of the bracket Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, a finalist in Paris, and tenacious Agnes Szavay look anxious for a shot at Elena. Yikes! There is more talent in this bracket than anywhere else in the tournament.

Listen up Dinara! The world’s best female tennis player is positioned at the bottom of the draw. American Serena Williams who stormed past Safina in Melbourne and breezed through Wimbledon may be seeded second but she has the crowd and the surface in her favor along with more game than anyone in the field. She will have an interesting final match with Elena and women’s tennis could sure benefit from a memorable finals. We still expect Elena’s tough bracket and easy semifinal pairing to play in her favor and carry her to victory.

Serena will have to overcome the likes of always-tough Aussie Samantha Stosur, Daniela Hantuchoya and the ferocious Russian Vera Zvonareva to reach the semis. Serena will ride her loyal and boisterous fans to victory.

Serena’s little but older sister Venus is seeded third. She has a tough path to the semis and a rematch of the Wimbledon finals. Kala Kanepi, Anabel Garrigues Medina and Marion Bartoli are waiting in the wings. However, the real threat will come from 8th seed, Victoria Azarenka. If the hard-hitting Azarenka has improved her speed and conditioning just a bit, she should eek out a win over Venus and square away with Serena in the semis. Serena will win, but this one will be tough and a lot more difficult than Elena’s semifinal pairing against Safina.

Elena we are counting on you. The door is open. Walk on through and claim your rightful spot. Hail to Elena Dementieva, the 2009 U.S. Open Women’s Champion to be!

Following is the complete list of the women’s ranking

1. Dinara Safina, Russia
2. Serena Williams, United States
3. Venus Williams, United States
4. Elena Dementieva, Russia
5. Jelena Jankovic, Serbia
6. Svetlana Kuznetsova, Russia
7. Vera Zvonareva, Russia
8. Victoria Azarenka, Belarus
9. Caroline Wozniacki, Denmark
10. Flavia Pennetta, Italy
11. Ana Ivanovic, Serbia
12. Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland
13. Nadia Petrova, Russia
14. Marion Bartoli, France
15. Samantha Stosur, Australia
16. Virginie Razzano, France
17. Amelie Mauresmo, France
18. Na Li, China
19. Patty Schnyder, Switzerland
20. Anabel Medina Garrigues, Spain
21. Jie Zheng, China
22. Daniela Hantuchova, Slovak Republic
23. Sabine Lisicki, Germany
24. Sorana Cirstea, Romania
25. Kaia Kanepi, Estonia
26. Francesca Schiavone, Italy
27. Alisa Kleybanova, Russia
28. Sybille Bammer, Austria
29. Maria Sharapova, Russia
30. Alona Bondarenko, Ukraine
31. Elena Vesnina, Russia
32. Agnes Szavay, Hungary