US Open results

By Asif Islam
September 9 2004

Jennifer Capriati and Elena Dementieva claimed semi-final spots at the U.S. Open after a day of drama, controversy and magical tennis on Tuesday. Capriati defeats Serena Williams in an epic battle and Elena Dementieva defeats her own shortcomings and Amelie Mauresmo.

Russian sixth seed Elena Dementieva showed incredible courage, battling against a strained thigh, stomach pains and her own serving demons (she served 16 double faults with no aces) to end second Seed Amelie Mauresmo’s dream of a first Grand Slam title with a 4-6 6-4 7-6 victory.

But the real fireworks came later on a crackling Arthur Ashe Court when eighth seed Capriati downed twice-former champion Serena Williams 2-6 6-4 6-4 after 2 hours and 6 minutes of unrelenting theatre.

The 17th meeting between the two Americans had everything the crowd could have asked for as two of the heavyweights of women’s tennis went toe-to-toe under the Flushing Meadows Lights.

Third seed Williams took the first set with two service breaks, but the 28 years old Capriati recovered her senses in time to set up a thrilling and controversial finale against her fellow American.

In the opening game of the third set, Williams served at deuce and hit a backhand winner inside the line, which was correctly called good by the line judge, only for the Portuguese umpire Mariana Alves to call “Advantage Capriati”.

Williams’ disbelief turned to fury as she argued at the umpire’s chair, but to no avail as Capriati broke serve. Williams broke back to level at 1-1 only to surrender serve again in the next game. Capriati moved 5-4 ahead to serve for the match but was given another let-off at 0-15 when a Williamss pass was again called out despite appearing to hit the line. To her credit Williams kept her cool and fought ferociously to stay in the quarter final, saving 2 match points before a netted backhand ended the match.

After the match Williams received an apology from tournament officials. In the post match interview Williams said: “She [the umpire] must have gone temporarily insane. I felt like I have been cheated. I am very upset and very angry." Angry she can be, but the crowd had witnessed an epic battle and if indications are to go by, we are in for a tennis fiesta through the weekend.