NEWS » g washed out in a 34-3 home loss to V

WASHINGTON -- Former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki retired from her second-round match at the Citi Open against Sam Stosur because of an injured left arm.The right-handed Wozniacki said that she felt pain while hitting a two-handed backhand at 5-all in the first set of a match that began Wednesday night and ended just past midnight on Thursday. She was treated by a trainer and wound up winning that set 7-5, but stopped playing after getting broken to trail 4-3 in the second.There was a point where I hit a backhand and I just felt it, and I was like, Oh, its nothing, Wozniacki said. But then I hit another backhand and I was like, OK, its something. And it just got worse.Its the latest in a series of setbacks this season for Wozniacki, the US Open runner-up in 2009 and 2014.She hasnt won a Grand Slam match this year, losing in the first round at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and missing the French Open because of an injured ankle.At this point, I just cant catch a break. Im thinking, Im going to catch a break sooner or later. But right now, its just like one thing after the other, Wozniacki said. I feel like Im hitting it pretty well. Im serving well. And its like, this happens. Its just like really disappointing.Wozniacki is supposed to represent Denmark at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next month and carry her countrys flag in the opening ceremony. She won an appeal to the International Tennis Federation to allow her to compete at the Rio Games after she was unable to fulfill the Fed Cup requirements.Against 2011 US Open champion Stosur, Wozniacki was trailing 5-3 at the outset before taking four games in a row. That success came despite how hard it was for her to use her left arm, which even bothered her during ball tosses for serves. She said afterward she was surprised that the top-seeded Stosur kept hitting to her forehand even after the visit from the trainer.She started kind of running around her backhand a little bit more, which is pretty unusual for Caroline to want to do that. So I kind of thought, OK, theres something going on, Stosur said.As for why she had trouble taking control of the match, Stosur replied: Sometimes its quite difficult playing somebody whos injured.The match was played on a secondary grandstand court, instead of in the hard-court tournaments main stadium, which features more mens matches than womens matches during the joint event.I notice theres not too many matches on center court for the women, unfortunately, Stosur said when asked by a reporter about the scheduling. Itd be nice if we were kind of 50-50 on center court, thats for sure.On the mens side, American Ryan Harrison?beat 10th-seeded?Viktor Troicki?of Serbia 7-6 (4), 6-4 to reach the Citi Opens third round as a qualifier.For Harrison, now 24 and nearly a decade into his professional career, it represents the first time he has won back-to-back main-draw matches in 2016. It also represents a real step in the right direction for someone who reached his career-best ranking of 43rd in 2012 and is now 158th.Mentally, its been an up-and-down ride over the last couple years, because the hardest thing to do when youve had early success and you hit a speed bump is to let go of the negative, Harrison said after beating Troicki in front of a standing-room-only crowd. You can dwell on so many things. At so many stages of my career, Ive been angry and irritated. Ive been discouraged. Not depressed in my life, but disappointed with the way that Im playing.You can get in a sulky mode. Everything thats built up from negative moments can creep back in. The biggest thing for me moving forward is just being who I am today. I know what I can do, I know the level Im capable of playing, and when I do let go of all that stuff then I feel I give myself chances to win. Because I dont doubt myself from an ability standpoint.Harrison converted only three of 22 break points, but he counted it as a positive that he didnt let all the missed chances get to him.When youre in a situation like Im in -- that you havent won a ton of matches -- it seems like its tough to convert on opportunities. And its easy to get discouraged. You miss your first couple, and you feel like youve lost the match, he said. For me, the biggest turning point for this week, compared to other weeks, has been when Im not getting that first opportunity, [Im] staying in there and creating more.Next for Harrison is an all-American matchup against fifth-seeded Steve Johnson, who beat Adrian Mannarino of France 6-3, 6-4.Others advancing included top-seeded John Isner, No. 2 Gael Monfils -- who hadnt won a match since early May and said hed missed time on tour recently because of a virus -- No. 3 Bernard Tomic, No. 6 Jack Sock and No. 15 Marcos Baghdatis.In a match involving two of the three teens in the ATPs top 100, seventh-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany saved all five break points he faced and overwhelmed Taylor Fritz of the U.S. 6-4, 6-2. They were born six months apart in 1997, but Zverev brushed off the idea that this was a significant meeting of two members of tennis next generation.It doesnt mean a lot for the future, Zverev said. We both know that theres a lot of improvements to be made for both of us.The third teen in the top 100, Borna Coric, won Wednesday and faces Monfils next.In womens play, wild-card entry Jessica Pegula defeated Christina McHale 7-5, 6-2 to reach her first WTA quarterfinal.McHale, who pushed Serena Williams to three sets at Wimbledon, is the sister of Harrisons fiancee, Lauren.Their wedding date is in March, which coincides with the closing weekend of the Masters tournament in Miami.So, noted Harrison, smiling and sounding as confident as ever, we are hoping to have to reschedule.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.?Cheap Athletics Jerseys . -- Al Jefferson found a groove just in time for the Charlotte Bobcats. Custom Oakland Athletics Jerseys . Barcelona also left injured defenders Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba out of its squad for the trip to Glasgow. That means that Marc Bartra will probably start again in the centre of the defence alongside Gerard Pique. https://www.cheapathleticsonline.com/ . The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling "puts an end to my dreams of being a top player," the 27-year-old Troicki said in a statement. "I worked my entire life for it, and it has been taken away from me in one afternoon by a doctor I didnt know," said Troicki, whose ranking peaked at No. Oakland Athletics Pro Shop . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4. Oakland Athletics Store . The injury bothered Bledsoe in the Suns victory over the Clippers on Monday and he sat out the teams home loss to Memphis on Thursday night.Things have started to even out halfway through the regular season, with the top seven or so teams holding true for a few weeks now. After that, opinions vary a bit. But one thing is certain: We are ready to believe that West Virginia is for real. Check out where the Mountaineers land and how the rest of the top 25 looks at the midpoint.?Power Rankings voters: Edward Aschoff, Butch Davis, Heather Dinich, Brad Edwards, Chris Fallica, Rod Gilmore, Danny Kanell, Chris Low, Ivan Maisel, Ryan McGee, Adam Rittenberg, Mark Schlabach | How they votedPrevious rankings: Week 1?|?Week 2 |?Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 61. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0)Trending:Week 6 ranking: 1 Week 7 result: defeated Tennessee 49-10Debate the rest of the rankings if youd like, but theres no doubt about No. 1. Alabama recorded its most dominant performance of the season against Tennessee, recording two more nonoffensive touchdowns and three rushing scores from Jalen Hurts. The freshman quarterback is unstoppable running the zone read in the red zone. Alabama enters its showdown against Texas A&M oozing with confidence.2. Ohio State Buckeyes?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 2 Week 7 result: defeated Wisconsin 30-23There would be no double-digit win this time. The Buckeyes worked for every point at Camp Randall Stadium, and post-halftime heroics from J.T. Barrett propelled them to an overtime win. Barrett accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) and showed incredible poise. Ohio States defense struggled for stretches but made key plays late. The Buckeyes face another prime-time road test this week at Penn State.3. Clemson Tigers?(7-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?3 Week 7 result: defeated NC State 24-17 (OT)It takes luck to have a special season, and Clemson might have used up all its good fortune Saturday against NC State. The Tigers were very sloppy on offense, committing four turnovers. If not for NC States kicking game, Clemson would have suffered its first regular-season loss since 2014. The defense continues to excel, but Clemson has a lot to correct in its open week before visiting Florida State.4.?Michigan Wolverines?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 5 Week 7 result: byeJim Harbaugh hit the scheduling jackpot: eight home games and an open week right at the midpoint of the slate. The Wolverines are rested for a second half featuring more challenges, perhaps not this week against Illinois but the following week at Spartan Stadium, where they havent won since 2007. Jabrill Peppers remains very much in the thick of the Heisman race.5.?Washington Huskies?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?4 Week 7 result: byeThe Huskies are nationally relevant again. How will they handle that success? Coach Chris Petersen continues to shield his team from the national spotlight as much as possible, but quarterback Jake Browning is an emerging Heisman Trophy candidate, and others are generating attention. Washington gets back to action this week against Oregon State before a potentially tricky stretch (at Utah, at Cal, USC).6.?Texas A&M Aggies?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 7 Week 7 result: byeKevin Sumlin and his players got a chance to catch their breath after last weeks wild and exhausting win over Tennessee. The Aggies now get a chance to validate themselves as national title contenders as they visit Alabama. Trevor Knight might be the anti-Johnny Football off the field, but Texas A&M wouldnt mind if he replicated Manziels heroics against an opportunistic Tide defense.7.?Louisville Cardinals?(5-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?6 Week 7 result: defeated Duke 24-14Whether Louisville fell victim to an open-week hangover or Dukes pressuring defense, it didnt show its typical dominance Friday. If not for a roughing-the-kicker penalty, the Cardinals would have been sweating it out in the closing minutes with a 3-point lead. Lamar Jackson showed hes human (13-of-26 passing) but still posted his fifth 100-yard rushing-performance in six games.8.?Nebraska Cornhuskers?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?10 Week 7 result: defeated Indiana 27-22Anyone who has watched Indiana knew Saturdays trip wouldnt be easy. The Huskers saw a 17-0 lead dwindle, and quarterback Tommy Armstrong (10-of-26 passing) made some of those uh-oh throws that have plagued him in the past. But Nebraska made enough plays to prevail in an evenly played game. After finding every way to lose last fall, the Huskers are 6-0 for the first time since 2001.9.?Wisconsin Badgers?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?8 Week 7 result: lost to Ohio State 30-23Few teams have looked better in defeat than the Badgers, who pushed a more talented team to the brink for the second consecutive game. Wisconsins offense showed great balance (236 rush yards, 214 pass yards) as running back?Corey Clement sizzled and quarterback Alex Hornibrook continued to show moxie. A second-half lull ultimately doomed Wisconsin, which might need to win out to claim the Big Ten West Division crown.10.?Baylor Bears?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?12 Week 7 result: defeated Kansas 49-7The preseason is over for Baylor. To the Bears credit, they have continued their success on the field despite all the offseason turmoil. After an easy win over Kansas, Baylor enters an open week before visiting Texas, which, despite being down, has beaten the Bears twice in the past four seasons. Baylor then hosts TCU and visits Oklahoma, so itll get real.11.?Florida State Seminoles?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?13 Week 7 result: defeated Wake Forest 17-6The Seminoles are starting to win with ... defense? Coordinator Charles Kellys much-maligned unit sparked for the second straight week as Florida State kept Wake Forest out of the end zone Saturday. Florida State committed three turnovers but got a huge performance from wideout Travis Rudolph (13 receptions, 238 yards). The Noles get a week off before Clemson visits Tallahassee.12.?Houston Cougars?(6-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?14 Week 7 result: defeated Tulsa 38-31A second loss likely would have eliminated Houston from New Years Six contention and perhaps the American Athletic Conference race. Instead, Tulsas clock mismanagement and an incredible goal-line stop by safeties Austin Robinson and Khalil Williams preserved a 38-31 win. Houston is banged up and reeling a bit but still alive for big things. The Cougars visit SMU this week.13.?West Virginia Mountaineers?(5-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 21 Week 7 result: defeated Texas Tech 48-17Impressed yet? At some point, its OK to admit that West Virginia might be good. The Mountaineers certainly looked the part in a domiinant performance at Texas Tech, holding Pat Mahomes and the Red Raiders 38 points and 279 yards below their season averages.ddddddddddddWest Virginia still has trips to Oklahoma State and Texas but plays arguably its toughest games at home, beginning this week with TCU.14.?Oklahoma Sooners?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 18 Week 7 result: defeated Kansas State 38-17There would be no Kansas State stunner in Norman this season, as Oklahoma took control early and led by double digits for the final 40:39. The Baker Mayfield-Dede Westbrook connection (184 yards, three touchdowns) continues to shatter records as the Sooners are clearly comfortable in Big 12 play. Mayfield will be spotlighted this week as he returns to Texas Tech, where he started his college career.15. Boise State Broncos?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?15? Week 7 result: defeated Colorado State 28-23After taking nearly a half to score, the Broncos pulled away from Colorado State before having to hold on late. Jeremy McNichols (217 rush yards, 40 carries, two touchdowns) sparkled on a rainy night as the Broncos moved closer to overtaking Houston in the race for the Group of 5s New Years Six spot. Boise State puts its perfect mark on the line Thursday against a surging BYU on the blue turf.16.?Utah Utes?(6-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?20 Week 7 result: defeated Oregon State 19-14Injuries have depleted Utahs offensive line and running back positions, so not surprisingly, the Utes slogged through a 19-14 win at Oregon State. Joe Williams came out of retirement to rush for 179 yards and a touchdown. The Utes will continue to ride arguably the Pac-12s best defensive line and their special teams, but they need to get healthier soon, as Washington looms in two weeks.17.?Florida Gators?(5-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?19 Week 7 result: defeated Missouri 40-14Tennessees second league loss puts Florida in control of its own fate in the SEC East. The Gators have a much tougher schedule ahead, but they took a nice step with an easy win over Missouri. Pick-sixes by cornerbacks Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson propelled Florida, which found its offensive flow in the second half. Florida gets a week off before facing Georgia in Jacksonville.18.?Tennessee Volunteers?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?9 Week 7 result: lost to Alabama 49-10A grueling stretch and an unstoppable opponent wore down Tennessee on Saturday. The Vols couldnt generate anything offensively, producing only 32 rush yards and 11 first downs against the Tide. Derek Barnett is a force at defensive end, but Tennessees depth just isnt there. The Vols get a much-needed open week before a soft second-half schedule. They now need Florida to stumble once in league play.19.?Arkansas Razorbacks?(5-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?23 Week 7 result: defeated Ole Miss 34-30Facing an 0-3 start in SEC play, Arkansas needed no fourth-and-25 miracle to outlast Ole Miss on Saturday night. Coach Bret Bielema continued his mastery against Hugh Freezes best teams, as Arkansas won its third straight in the series. The Hogs were extremely balanced offensively (229 pass yards, 200 rush yards) and received a huge lift from Rawleigh Williams III (180 rush yards). They next visit Auburn.20.?Auburn Tigers?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: ?24 Week 7 result: byeThe Tigers took momentum into their open week, as an emerging run game is complementing a significantly improved defense. The defense will be tested the next two weeks against Arkansas (home) and Ole Miss (road), two games that could help secure coach Gus Malzahns job or put it back in doubt. QB?Sean White and the Auburn offense get another chance to build against Arkansas struggling D.21.?Western Michigan Broncos?(7-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 22 Week 7 result: defeated Akron 41-0Row The Boat to the New Years Six? Its not out of the question with Houston struggling lately. Western Michigan, with two Big Ten road wins, is dominating its MAC opponents, blanking Akron 41-0 on the road Saturday. The Broncos finally committed a turnover, but Jarvion Franklin set the single-game team rushing record with 281 yards.22.?Ole Miss Rebels?(3-3)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?11 Week 7 result: lost to Arkansas 34-30The Rebels are still among the nations most exciting offenses, but theyre not among the nations best teams. They continue to struggle against Arkansas, which delivered a balanced offensive performance and held the ball for more than 40 minutes Saturday. QB?Chad Kelly did damage with his legs (89 rush yards, two touchdowns) but couldnt stretch the field in the passing game (6.5 yards per completion). The schedule gets no easier as Ole Miss visits LSU, which is finally scoring points.23.?Washington State Cougars?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?NR Week 7 result: defeated UCLA 27-21After an 0-2 start, Washington State coach Mike Leach said of his team, We just arent tough enough. Message delivered, message received. The Cougars since have won four straight, including three in Pac-12 play, and suddenly look like the primary challenger to Washington in the Pac-12 North. Washington State didnt record a passing touchdown against UCLA, ending its FBS-leading streak of 41 games, but still won behind its defense and its rushing attack.24.?North Carolina Tar Heels?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: NR Week 7 result: defeated Miami 20-13The Tar Heels are, if nothing else, unpredictable. After being washed out in a 34-3 home loss to Virginia Tech, North Carolina responded at Miami and rode its defense to a 20-13 win. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky executed UNCs short-passing plan well (299 yards on 33 completions with two touchdowns), and the Tar Heels got a lot of players involved. UNC still needs Virginia Tech to lose again, but FPI gives the Heels a 65 percent chance to win the ACC Coastal division.25.?Colorado Buffaloes?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: NR Week 7 result: defeated Arizona State 40-16One of the best stories of the season keeps getting better. Coach Mike MacIntyre entered the fall on the hot seat. He now has Colorado one win from bowl eligibility. Whether its Sefo Liufau or Steven Montez at quarterback, Colorado is racking up points and big plays on offense. Phillip Lindsay (219 rush yards, three touchdowns) sparked the run game in Colorados easy win over Arizona State.Fell out of the rankings:?Miami, Virginia Tech, Arizona StateOthers receiving votes: LSU, NC State, Navy, Miami, USC, Virginia Tech, South Florida, Stanford? ' ' '