The sun was shining brightly on "Sunshine" throughout the 2010 U.S. Open -- until she fell to finalist Vera Zvonareva in the semifinals of the event.

She took her racquet back, preparing for a forehand her opponent had hooked cross-court. After a big wheel-house backswing, she released the racquet, striking the ball with an uneasy forehand motion. The ball hit the top of the net and sunk to her side of the court. Thus, the No. 1 seed at this year’s U.S. Open, sparklingly blonde Dane Caroline Wozniacki, had lost to an opponent in Vera Zvonareva that she met for the first time a year and a half ago — and would ultimately face five times this year. If only that match weren’t an omen of what was to come at the Sony Ericssion (year-end) Championships. Continue reading →