Elena Dementieva retires as the best player to never win a Slam

When Elena Dementieva walked off the court at the French Open last June, she pulled her visor down low to shield the tears that were welling up in her eyes. The Russian had just retired from her semifinal match against Francesca Schiavone due to an injured calf muscle and seemed to understand that her last best chance to win that elusive Grand Slam had just passed her by.

The 29-year-old retired on Friday from tennis after a loss to Francesca Schiavone at the WTA Championships in Qatar. She leaves the sport with 16 titles, but none in majors, giving her the dubious distinction of greatest player to never win a Grand Slam.

There are a number of other contenders for that title: Pam Shriver, Helena Sukova and Mary Joe Fernandez, to name a few. But Dementieva's consistency, all-around abilities and flawless groundstrokes make her the easy choice. Consider:

• The Russian will finish in the top 20 for the 11th consecutive year.

• She'll have ended the season in the top 10 in seven of the last eight years.

• Dementieva was successful on every surface, winning on clay, hard and indoor courts, and advancing to the final of one grass-court tournament.

• She made the finals of two Grand Slams (2004 French Open, 2004 U.S. Open).

• During her career, she played in 46 consecutive Grand Slam events. 

• In 2008, she won the gold medal in women's singles at the Olympics in Beijing. Eight years earlier, Dementieva won silver in Sydney.

• She was given the WTA sportsmanship award in 2008.

After her match on Friday, Dementieva spoke to the crowd:

"I want to thank everyone who has supported me through my career, including the WTA, all of the tournaments and the staff, all of the WTA players I have had the pleasure of playing with, the sponsors that are so important for our sport, my mother Vera and my family and of course, the fans that have been there for me through the years," said Dementieva. "While I look forward to the next chapter of my life, I will miss all of you very much."

During the ceremony, she was joined on the court by the other players in the tournament, including two who didn't have any scheduled matches for the day. That simple gesture by players in a notoriously unfriendly sport says more about Elena Dementieva than any hole on her resume possibly could.

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World Tour Finals draw sets up three Grand Slam final rematches

The draw for next week's ATP World Tour Finals was announced on Tuesday morning, with the eight qualifying players getting divided into two round-robin groups. By virtue of the draw, fans will be treated to three Grand Slam final rematches in the opening days of the tournament.

In Group A, Rafael Nadal will face Novak Djokovic in a replay of September's U.S. Open final. Rafa will also see Tomas Berdych, the man he defeated to win Wimbledon, during the round robin. In Group B, Roger Federer will continue his rivalry with hometown favorite Andy Murray. Federer defeated the Brit in the finals of the Australian Open in February, but lost his next two matches to Murray. In their careers, Murray holds an 8-5 overall lead.

Each player in the group will play one another, with the top two players in each advancing to the semifinals.

The groupings:

Group A

Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic

Tomas Berdych

Andy Roddick

Group B

Roger Federer

Robin Soderling

Andy Murray

David Ferrer

The OOP for the first two days of competition (all times GMT. Subtract five hours for ET):

Busted Racquet will preview the tournament later this week.

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Ines Sainz talks to the Margaritos: No harassment, no cat-calling

TV Azteca's Ines Sainz was basically harassed out of covering the NFL, but she's still on the sports beat. Those who questioned her credentials to be around athletes were way off base. She's been covering boxing and other sports for years now. Here she is interviewing Antonio Margarito and his wife Michelle before the boxer's big fight this weekend in Dallas against Manny Pacquiao.

In a shocking development, no one is whistling at her or criticizing Sainz's choice of clothing.

Sainz made national headlines early in the NFL season when she got embroiled in a controversy over whether she dressed too provocatively around the New York Jets. The Jets childish behavior became a side story to stupid question of whether women belong in men's locker rooms. 

Top Rank President Todd duBoef said Sainz was the obvious choice to work at the fight card.

"We could've got a Jeremy Schaap or Al Bernstein, but that's been done every time," duBoef said. "Ines is obviously pleasing to the eye, and we're repositioning our sport to hit all markets, to make us more contemporary."

L.A. Times tip via The Big Lead

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Puck Headlines: Dany Heatley hate in the toilet; Leafs coach safe

Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• Senators fans didn't manager to piss off Dany Heatley of the San Jose Sharks ... however, from Puck Daddy Radio listener Isaac: "I'm living in Toronto now, but am a born and bred Ottawa boy.  One of my friends was at the Sens/Sharks game last night and he sent me a pic of the urinals at ScotiaBank place...can't see a number on the figure in the picture, but he told me it's number 15...Mr. Heatley."

• Sens Town has a must-see photo essay of Heatley Hate Night. [SensTown]

• Once more, with feeling: New York City viewing party for the New York Islanders-New York Rangers tilt tonight. The fine people at The Irish Times (right across the street from Madison Square Garden at 254 West 31st Street - 212-216-9355) will be hosting us for the evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. EST.

• The Detroit Red Wings remain on top, and the New York Islanders at the bottom, of the aggregate NHL power rankings. [Form The Rink]

• Curtis Glencross of the Calgary Flames has been fined for his cross-check to the face of Vancouver Canucks' defenceman Keith Ballard on Wednesday night. No suspension. [TSN]

• Brian Burke emails Darren Dreger that there will be no coaching change for the Toronto Maple Leafs until Seguin has a hat trick Saturday night. [TSN]

• It may have been the rope-lighting, but Rob Blake's debut on the Los Angeles Kings' broadcast wasn't exactly illuminating. [The Royal Half]

• Most stunning, and underpublicized, story of the year? The Nashville Predators' attendance surge: "The goal, of course, is to get to consistent sellouts, but with four already through 9 home games, the Preds have made remarkable progress already this season." [On The Forecheck]

• Pekka Rinne has a lower-body injury that will keep him out for at least the next two games. [Examiner]

• Marco Sturm on the trade that wasn't between the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings: "I thought it would be done but it didn't happen. ... I absolutely love it here. It's been a great five years. It's hard, but I understand the business. It's all up to Peter; there's nothing to talk about. Nothing has changed [for me].'' [Bruins Blog]

• So, how exactly does one start to date a future NHL star? An interesting post that features anonymous comments from an NHL wife and girlfriend on the matter. We'd say "commence the identity guessing game," but we're sure you already have. [NHL Hot Stove]

• The Dallas Stars blog Defending Big D is not defending fans who didn't show up for the Capitals last night: "Earlier this week we were previewing the month of December and I said to expect big crowds on a handful of home dates. Last night was one of them. Boy, was I wrong. 13,943. For the Capitals. When all you needed to pay was about $25 bucks to get into the building if you really wanted to. And you'd have been rewarded for it with a win." [DBD]

• One of the things Bruce Boudreau likes about new Washington Capitals defenseman Scott Hannan? He won't shut up. [Capitals Insider]

• Tonight is a rather big game for Marty Turco and the Chicago Blackhawks' goaltending situation. [Between The Circles]

• "Goalies are ridiculous. They are unpredictable. They are dangerous. They are evil." [Copper and Blue]

• What's not to love about children's songs and hockey? [NYT]

• It's classic Billy Smith on Houses of the Hockey's worst hockey card series. [HOTH]

• From The 700 Level: "Verizon Wireless was at the Wells Fargo Center shooting a new spot yesterday, with a few familiar faces as its stars. Mike Richards, Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, and Braydon Coburn were all adorned in some kind of ZZ Top-inspired playoff beards." And 82-0 hats that will end up on every Flyers' fans' wish list and opposing NHL locker room. [The 700 Level]

• Down Goes Brown goes back in history to find game show appearances by famous (and infamous) NHL personalities. [DGB]

• Coolness from the Danbury Whalers of the Federal League: "This Saturday, December 4th at 7:05 PM when the Danbury Whalers take on the New York Aviators at the Danbury Ice Arena on White Out Saturday (sponsored by Visions Design), fans will be treated to an upgraded level of customer service as they won't have to leave their seats to enjoy the food and beverages. Fans will be treated to In Seat Food Service at no additional charge."

• On Marc Savard's return to and Marco Sturm's remaining with the Boston Bruins. [Barstool]

• Goon Blog is happy Marc Savard is back and healthy and wishes he'd stop talking about himself. [Goon Blog]

• Michael Grange of the Globe & Mail on the rule change he'd most like to see: "I'd like to see the NHL's CBA allow teams to re-sign their own players even if it means exceeding the salary cap, with the dollars over the cap taxable and distributed to other teams. Point being when you are fortunate to draft well and build an exciting young team, your first concern shouldn't be how to keep it together under a hard cap." [G&M]

• The Cory Clouston Fashion Review seems a little unpleased with last night's effort by the Ottawa Senators. [CCFR, language warning]

• Finally, via Team 1200 in Ottawa, it's a Cee Lo Green parody in honor of Dany Heatley's return to the city. Something tells us this was a little funnier before the final buzzer last night.

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Be thankful for Michael Katsidis: Boxer deals with death of brother to fight this weekend

Boxers are a special breed. Sure they fight to make a living, but they also put their health and well-being on the line to entertain us, the boxing fans. Michael Katsidis certainly had a valid excuse to bail from his fight this weekend in Las Vegas against Juan Manuel Marquez, instead Katisidis is dealing with the recent death of his older brother and stepping between the ropes at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Stathi Katsidis, a top thoroughbred jockey in Australia, was found dead in his Brisbane home on Oct. 19. The 31-year-old was found by his girlfriend. 

"This was one tough camp," Katsidis said. "I know there's been speculation on my brother's death last month. He was very close to me. It was tough, but nothing in this sport is ever easy. We've come out here because I'm here to fight and I'm here to win."

Understandably, Katsidis and his management team requested that the death of brother stayed off limits as a topic during the prefight. He first learned of his brother's death while training in the jungles of Thailand. 

Katsidis is a well-liked character in the world of boxing. He handle himself with class in trying to secure the bout. He attended the postfight press after Marquez beat Juan Diaz and politely stated his case. Marquez granted him the bout instead of holding out for months waiting for a fight with Manny Pacquiao. 

"I really applaud Michael Katsidis's character," Marquez said. "He's suffering from the death of his brother, and I applaud him. Everybody knows Michael Katsidis is a strong fighter. He's a warrior."

The Marquez-Katsidis fight highlights a very solid card on Saturday. Andre Berto looks to defend his WBC 147-pound title and stay in the mix for some major fights in 2011. At 130, Celestino Cabellero moves up to battle Jason Litzau.

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Video: Did Carlos Boozer return too early?

I don't particularly agree with the headline, because Carlos Boozer is not a loser for returning to the Chicago Bulls possibly earlier than he should have, but BBallBreakdown's sentiment is spot on.

Boozer, who missed two months (including training camp, exhibition games, and the first 15 games of the season) with a broken right hand, clearly needed more practice time with his new team before debuting (as a starter, no less) in Chicago's blowout loss to the Magic on Wednesday night.

It was clear from the outset. Great intentions, all around, but Boozer was out of position offensively in that defeat, and alternately overanxious and a step slow defensively. Even without that knowledge, for Carlos to come back against a Magic team that essentially starts a 3-point shooting small forward in Rashard Lewis at Boozer's position? The move was destined to fail.

For those that missed the game, this video is a must-watch. For those that saw the game, this video is a must-watch. It breaks down just how clueless the Bulls appeared in Boozer's first time out, and emphasizes the thing that struck me the most -- Carlos' presence forced players into spots that they hadn't been in, offensively and defensively, all season. Just look at Joakim Noah on the baseline two minutes into this clip, have you seen him there before in 2010-11?

The age, despite all the things you might read in a typical comments section, is getting more and more enlightened. It's a good thing for players to hit the D-League, as they work their way back from injury. It's a great thing that 1970s-era rules about shootarounds and protocol are being phased out. People are thinking on their feet, in this league and in this game, in ways we haven't seen before.

And while Carlos Boozer is to be commended for putting himself up for ridicule and dashing to the front of the line in his first game back from injury, and his first game with his new team, it probably wasn't the smartest move. In a vacuum, it probably wasn't the smartest move. Against the best team in the East, with a small forward lining up at Boozer's position? It was definitely a move inadvertently designed to fail.

Here's where this post is designed to fail, though. The Bulls employ a head coach in Tom Thibodeau that is renowned for his obsession with tape-watching; and not in a Bob Crane sort of way. Perhaps Thibs needs that sort of game tape, actual on record movement against an NBA team, to prepare his squad for what comes next. And it's possible that no amount of practice will have the same effect as a 30-minute stint on camera with Boozer on the floor.

This might be cold comfort to a Bulls team that will no doubt be fighting for needed wins to establish playoff seeding this spring, but the appalling optimist in me keeps yelling about how Thibs might be taking a game that would have likely been a loss anyway (Orlando owns the Bulls, and it was Chicago's first home game back after a long road trip; something that historically results in a loss in this league), and using it as a teaching tool. The where to go, the what to do. All that coaching stuff, that Chicago never seemed to get with Vinny Del Negro running things.

Or, Chicago could get blown out by 30 in Boston on Friday night, and I could chalk that up to another life's lessons learned. Such is fandom. 

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Exclusve Chat With Former Bronco Jared Zabransky

Former Boise State quarterback and 2008 NCAA Football cover-boy Jared Zabransky, in Boise to promote the All-State Good Hands Roadside Assistance Program, was kind enough to spend a few minutes with Bleacher Report readers and dig into all the hot topics in college football, including the Heisman race, the dramatic finish to the Boise State-Nevada game, and the coaching rumors swirling around the country.

 

I remember watching Boise State travel across the country to take on the Georgia Bulldogs on September 3rd, 2005. It was supposed to be the game that launched the Broncos into the BCS machine for the first time. A win over an over-matched, but over-sized Bulldog squad that lost NCAA career wins leader David Greene to graduation was to be the first step to an undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl berth.

Unfortunately, not even Miss Cleo could have forseen the events that would transpire after kickoff. Thirty-eight unanswered points by Georgia. Six Boise State turnovers. And a 48-13 butt-whooping.

The one lasting image from the game for me was watching Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky, a junior at the time, sitting on the sideline after being benched in favor of Taylor Tharp, but not before tossing three interceptions and fumbling once on Boise's first five drives. He would go on to finish the game with four picks, only 70 yards passing, and two fumbles. Talk about a confidence shaker.

I always hoped that wouldn't be the final image for Zabransky, arguably one of the top three QBs of all-time at the university (along with Ryan Dinwiddie and Kellen Moore). Luckily for me, and for Jared, he finished off his road to redemption in a place that has become a second home to the Boise State program, the Fiesta Bowl.

My lasting image of that game isn't the hook and ladder, or the half-back pass, or even the Statue of Liberty play that won the game in overtime. Rather, it was watching the steely resolve on Zabransky's face as all the cameras focused on him after his "almost" game-ending interception that put Oklahoma on top 35-28 with less than a minute remaining. I just knew he wasn't going to let his team down, or let them lose.

Nowadays, Zabransky is still playing ball, this time north of the border. He's spent the past two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, where he has served as the main backup to starter Ricky Ray. He did earn two starts this past season, winning both, and finishing the season with four touchdown passes, 208 rushing yards and his first CFL rushing touchdown.

During the off-season, Zabransky resides in Houston with his wife Melissa.

Here's some snippets from a Bleacher Report exclusive interview.

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