Out Goes Ana

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The third of four Ozekis left the tournament today--world #1 Ana Ivanovic lost to Jie Zheng of China 1-6 4-6, which, or course, ends her Yokozuna run. Instead she will go as kadoban Ozeki to the U.S. Open. The only remaining Ozeki is Rafael Nadal.

The female field seems wide open now. The always dangerous Williams sisters--both accomplished Yokozunas--ought to be tournament favorites now, even though the have been less dominant recently as they used to. Serena had little difficulties to dispose of ex-Wimbledon champion and former Ozeki Amelie Mauresmo today. But watch out for the Sekiwake Dinara Safina, Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova (former O), all of which have been playing fine tennis thus far. A good result in Wimbledon would get them to Ozeki--a semifinal in the case of up-and-coming Safina and Jankovic, a final for veteran Kuznetsova.

Also out is Sekiwake David Ferrer who lost in fours sets to big serving Croat Mario Ancic, a former Komosubi. Ferrer will therefore follow Andy Roddick down to Komosubi. Unless there is a surprise finalist there will be no male Sekiwake at the U.S. Open.