Del Potro upsets Nadal in U.S. Open

With lips still buzzing over Serena Williams’ outburst, Argentine Juan Martin del Potro took center stage and upset one of the world’s best players.

In only his second Grand Slam semifinal ever, Del Potro beat the third-ranked Rafael Nadal in straight sets at the U.S. Open. Hours after Nadal won over Chile's Fernando González in a rain-soaked quarterfinal, Del Potro blitzed the Spaniard with a convincing 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 win. Del Potro "kept Nadal on the defensive” throughout the whole match and overpowered a seemingly tired opponent.

The sixth-seeded Del Potro becomes the first Argentine to make a U.S. Open final since Guillermo Vilas in 1977 and he might face top seed Roger Federer. Del Potro promised the capacity crowd that he would battle in Monday afternoon’s final as strongly as he did today:

After the match on court, the 20-year-old Del Potro addressed the fans expecting a Federer-Nadal final, he said, “Yes, I’m sorry.”

With that, he laughed and explained how special the Open is to him. He called it his favorite tournament. “I am close to doing my dream, to win this tournament,” he said. “I think this is the best moment of my life.”

Image- BBC Sport (“Del Potro is into a Grand Slam final for the first time”)
Online Sources- Bloomberg, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, AP

Daily Headlines: April 20, 2009

* Dominican Republic: Have archeologists found the tomb of famed lovers Cleopatra and Mark Antony? Teams from Egypt and the Dominican Republic hope so.

* Haiti: The threat of violence may’ve been a major reason why there was low voter turnout in Haiti’s senatorial elections yesterday.

* Mexico: Eight officers were killed in a failed attempt to free a suspected drug gang leader being transferred by a convoy.

* Spain: Can anyone stop top ranked tennis superstar Rafael Nadal?

Image- CBC (“Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, displays part of a mask archaeologists believe may have been that of Mark Antony at the Temple of Taposiris Magna.”).
Online Sources- Xinhua, Times Online, MSNBC, AP

Argies angling for Davis Cup title

The Davis Cup tennis championship is set for November 21-23 in Mar de Plata, Argentina and the home side is hopeful that they can take their first-ever title.

In 2006, the Argentines came close but lost in the deciding fifth match against Russia. This year could be different in the final series against two-time champs Spain since world number one Rafael Nadal will be unable to play. A painful tendonitis in the right knee has forced the Olympic gold medalist to drop out.

The Argentine squad lamented the loss of Nadal though acknowledged the advantage it gives them:

"Argentines want to be Davis Cup champions," (captain Alberto) Mancini said. "And in that sense this is good news, because our chances improve."

Added Jose Acasuso: "It's true that our possibilities are better, but we're still up against a tough opponent. We can't relax."

Acasuso will be joined by three strong players: Juan Martin del Potro, David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri. Spain will field an experienced squad that have been together throughout the tournament.

Image- UPI (Photo of Juan Martin del Potro from this year’s U.S. Open).
Sources- The Latin Americanist, seattlepi.com, IHT, MSN India, TVNZ, Xinhua, AFP

Today’s Video: Betancourt’s honor in Spain

Note: We’ll be back on Saturday with a few posts.

Today was the ceremony for the Prince of Asturias Awards named in recognition of Spain's Crown Prince Felipe. Despite the objections of fringe Spanish groups, Colombian politician and ex-hostage Ingrid Betancourt received one of those awards. She spoke out on arms trafficking, the drug trade and violence during her recognition speech:

"We ask that the drugs which are produced in Colombia and other regions not be allowed to be transported through our lands because the wealth it generates is feeding terrorism and increasing kidnappings"…

"We ask that our people stop arms trafficking because those same arms are used against our populations, to take the lives and freedom of our loved ones," added Betancourt, who wore a rosary she made out of wood while in captivity in the Colombian jungle wrapped around her wrist…

"I will not feel totally free, or happy, as long as one of my companions remains jailed in the jungle," she said.

The below video shows a portion of her impassioned speech where she pleads for international support for her comrades still held hostage:

The awards also recognized the state-run National Network of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela (Arts) and Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal (sports).

Sources- The Prince of Asturias Foundation, YouTube, AFP, The Latin Americanist,