Tennis: Weekend Winners

Juan Martin del Potro - Washington, DC

JMDP made it two consecutive titles in the nation's capital edging out top seed Andy Roddick 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(6) to win the Legg Mason Classic. Last season, Washington, DC became the fourth straight title win for the towering Argentine when he went on a 23-match win streak and vaulted up the rankings. He becomes the first back-to-back champion at the tourney since Andre Agassi won consecutive titles in 1998-99. It was A-Rod's first appearance on the ATP World Tour since the 5-set Wimbledon classic but also his second consecutive finals loss.

Sharapova Tops Azarenka in LA - Grunts, Fist Pumps, Headbands and All

In the Headband Hall of Fame's most high-profile lady baller battle thus far, Maria Sharapova grabbed the biggest win in her comeback to date knocking off World No. 9 and third seed Victoria Azarenka 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 in LA's second round.

The Samurais Offer Haas an Olive Branch and a Beer

The Samurais would like to make an amends with Tommy Haas Obama-style.

The German baller was visibly irritated by the rowdy supporters of eventual LA champ Sam Querrey during their semifinal bout and described the group as having "no class" afterwards.

Roddick Returns

Andy Roddick is back in his first tournament since losing Wimbledon in a heart-breaking five set final against Roger Federer, a leading contender for the title of best tennis player ever. Roddick is playing this week (Aug. 3-9) in the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, D.C., part of the Olympus U.S. Open Series of tournaments leading up to the U.S. Open in New York City at the end of the month.

Tennis: Weekend Winners

Sam Querrey - LA

Well it wasn't Marat Safin but Sam Querry can now breathe a sigh of relief. After making the finals of his last two tourneys and losing, the 21-year old made good on his third attempt defeating qualifier Carsten Ball 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 and earning the second ATP World Tour title of his young career. He also now leads the Olympus US Open Series Bonus Challenge leapfrogging over last week's leader and Indy champ Robby Ginepri.

Safin Making Good in LA, Reaches First Quarterfinal of the Year

Could LA be Marat Safin's tourney to take?

The towering Russian opened the event by playing a rematch of the 2000 US Open final against a sleeveless-wearing Pete Sampras and winning again. Then, he defeated newly-crowned Indianapolis champ Robby Ginepri in the opening round followed by a doubles win with compatriot Igor Kunitsyn. Phew.

Tennis: Weekend Winners

Robby Ginepri - Indianapolis

In a battle of all-American ballers, unseeded Robby Ginerpri upset third seed Sam Querrey 6-2, 6-4 in the final at the Indianapolis Tennis Championships. It was Robby's third career title and first since winning here in 2005. He nows leads of the Olympus US Open Series Bonus Challenge after the first week of the North American summer hard-court swing and will move up about 40 spots in the ATP World Tour rankings this week.

Federer Becomes a Dad, Welcomes Twin Girls

He got a first French Open title and with it a Career Slam, a record-breaking 15 majors, and the top ranking back in what has turned out to be another stellar season for Roger Federer. But nothing could compare to his latest triumph: the birth of twin girls.

The Swiss maestro and wife Mirka welcomed newborn daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva yesterday and made the initial announcement via Facebook:

Nathalie Dechy Retires in 14th Season

The one vivid memory I have of Nathalie Dechy is the same that most tennis fans have. Finally making it to the second week of a major in her 11th season, the willowy Frenchwoman managed to get to the semifinals of the 2005 Australian Open, providing a true battle for heavily favored Lindsay Davenport. 19th-seeded Dechy came within two points of upsetting the American before eventually falling 6-4 in the third set. It was a thrilling match, packed with the sweat-soaked drama that the humid courts in Sydney have been known for providing.

Tennis: Weekend Winners

Robin Soderling - Bastad

The Roland Garros runner-up became the first homeboy win the tourney here since compatriot Magnus Norman in 2000. Robin defeated Juan Monaco 6-3, 7-6 (3) and didn't drop a set the entire week. It was the fourth career ATP World Tour title of his career and earned his fourth straight win over his Argentine foe.