09082017 sports

SPORTS SECTION E

US OPEN, Pages 2, 5

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

Golden Girl: ‘I’m praying for everyone at home’ DEBBIE FERGUSON-MCKENZIE ADVISES BAHAMIANS TO TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

H

aving gone through her ordeal of dealing with the passing of Tropical Storm Harvey, Golden Girl Debbie FergusonMcKenzie is keeping her fingers crossed that the Bahamas won’t experience the same kind of devastation as Hurricane Irma threatens this weekend.

“For me at this point, obviously, I’m praying for everyone at home, not just in the Bahamas, but in the Caribbean and also in Florida,” said Ferguson-McKenzie in a passionate interview with The Tribune yesterday. “I just want to advise everybody to just make sure that you are prepared and listen to whatever advisory is given about food, gas and battering up your windows and everything else.

“We are a group of islands and although I heard that they evacuated a lot of people from the southern islands, I know we can’t

FERGUSON-MCKENZIE evacuate everybody out of the country. I know it sounds really weird, but prayer changes things and some things we just have to keep the faith and keep praying.”

From her vantage point, Fer-

guson-McKenzie admits that it doesn’t look good for the Bahamas, but having come out of Hurricane Harvey unscathed, she’s confident that the island chain will be able to weather the storm and pick up the pieces after the passing of Category 5 Irma.

In Harvey’s aftermath, talking about their experience in Houston, Texas, Ferguson-McKenzie said it was a nightmare looking at the debris and items floating in the water from inside of homes, but she said they are now going through the recovery phase.

“At the end of the day, what can you do? You have to figure out what the solution is to the problem and start figuring out the solution,” she said. “Now that we are working on it, I think peo-

ple are a little less stressed and I have a feeling that people are a lot more happy, the sun is out and people are on their way to recovery, so the atmosphere is a little more positive and we’re moving more upward.”

Residing in Missouri City while she serves as an assistant coach at the University of Houston, Ferguson-McKenzie said she wasn’t adversely affected at all during the passing of the storm.

“I know it sounds very weird, but at one point, I stayed on my knees (praying),” she said. “At one point, a tornado touched down about 30 seconds from where I lived, so it was very frightening, very scary, but no lives were lost.

For me, I’m good, but there are several people who can’t say the

same. I just count my blessings.”

Ferguson-McKenzie, who is still contemplating retirement after a glaring 20-plus year track career as one of the premier female sprinters in the country, she is looking forward to the 2018 season where she will be coaching the Grand Bahamian twin sister combo of Brianne and Brenna Bethel.

They will be joined by Christina Knowles from Eleuthera, who is a walk-on.

During Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Championships in Grand Bahama in June, Ferguson-McKenzie said she was leaning on making the 16th IAAF World Championships as her last international

SEE PAGE 3

Chiefs stop the Patriots 42-27

OPENING THE SEASON: Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) celebrates his touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half of last night’s game.

SEE THE FULL STORY AND MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 3 (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

NACAC president expresses ‘deepest sympathies’ to Irma victims

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net NORTH American and Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) president Victor Lopez was one of the first regional sporting bodies to express his concern for the sporting delegates during the passing of Hurricane Irma, not just in the Bahamas, but the Caribbean region as a whole.

“On behalf of the NACAC athletics family I want to express my deepest sympathies to the whole area/region, especially to our brothers and sisters of the Leeward Islands who suffered the worst from the passage of Hurricane Irma,” Lopez said in a press release.

“My heart and prayers go to our extended family in Anguilla, Antigua,

BVI, USVI, St Martin , St Kitts and Nevis, that were hit straightforward by Irma with winds of 185mph. I have heard from some of our friends there and, although they are fine, these islands were destroyed.”

As a president of Puerto Rico, Lopez said the worst has gone by but they are getting a lot of rain which in their case is very dangerous because the flooding and mudslides can cause major damages.

“More than two million people are without power and water and they said it is going to take four to six months to fully restore those services,” he disclosed.

“The phenomenon Irma is a monster and is heading to the north of Dominican Republic and Haiti and passing over Turks and Caicos and I would like to en-

VICTOR LOPEZ, president of NACAC. courage our extended family there to be careful and to stay safe.”

With the storm heading over Cuba, Lopez said he’s hoping that it weakens by the time it passes over the north coast of Havana and then The Bahamas and South Florida.

“People, if Harvey was bad, Irma is worse and right now at 6am Puerto Rico time on Thursday we are getting a lot and heavy rain, thunderstorms, a 20 to 30 mph winds and the eye of this phenomenon is already in the north of Hispaniola,” he said.

“I just want to warn everybody and express our sympathy on behalf of the entire NACAC athletics community and my family, staff and friends from here in Puerto Rico.”

As a NACAC family, Lopez said it’s important that the region be united and support each other in whatever way they can help.

“Finally, I received a lot of calls and e-mails from the IAAF Headquarters and from all parts of the world from friends and they want me to extend their concerns and best wishes to all,” he stated.

“We thank you, all of them. We will stay in touch as communication permits but be safe among your loved ones.”

So far, Hurricane Irma badly damaged St Martin French & Dutch with no communication via tele-

phone activated and about 95 per cent of private homes and hotels affected and the airport was shut down.

In Tortola, everything was reportedly destroyed and communication lines were still down.

Virgin Gorda & Arnegarda was said to have been devastated as well as there was massive flooding.

Antigua is said to be in very good condition and they are trying to evacuate persons from Barbuda, who reportedly lost everything.

St Thomas has also suffered some damage, but the good news is that the USVI students on campus are all safe and sound.

But Anguilla and St Barths were both also severely damaged.

Lopez said he’s keeping his fingers crossed that the Bahamas will be spared the wrath of this gigantic storm.

PAGE 2, Friday, September 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Two points from defeat, Stephens edges Williams in the semi-final

By HOWARD FENDRICH Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Two points from defeat against Venus Williams at the US Open, Sloane Stephens summoned her best strokes when she needed them the most to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time.

Stephens was so close to defeat before taking the last three games of a back-andforth semi-final between two Americans at Flushing Meadows, edging seventime major champion Williams 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 last night.

At 37, Williams was attempting to become the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam title in the Open era, which dates to 1968. She was trying to reach her third major final of this season, something she last did 15 years ago.

Here’s how long and successful her career has been: Williams’ first title match in New York came in her US Open debut in 1997. Stephens was 4 at the time.

And Williams was quite near to beating Stephens.

With Williams ahead 5-4,

and Stephens serving at 30-all, they engaged in a 25-stroke point — Stephens conjured up a backhand passing winner down the line, then wheeled and pumped her fists.

At 5-all, Stephens broke with the help of a lob winner that drew a standing ovation from the crowd, and a full-sprint get of a short ball that she turned into a “How did she do that?!” winner at an impossible angle to love 30.

Soon enough, Stephens was serving out the biggest win of her career — and of her impressive comeback from surgery on her left foot in late January. She returned to the tour at Wimbledon in July, losing in the first round, and lost her next match, too. Her ranking, which reached a high of No. 11 in 2013, dropped out of the top 900.

But since then, Stephens has won 14 of 16 matches.

On Saturday, Stephens will meet No. 15 Madison Keys or No. 20 CoCo Vandeweghe in the first allAmerican US Open women’s final since 2002, when Williams and her sister Ser-

SLOANE Stephens returns a shot from Venus Williams. (AP)

VENUS WILLIAMS, of US, reacts after giving up a point to Sloane Stephens last night.

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger) ena faced each other. ting to seemingly unreachKeys and Vandeweghe able balls thanks to her long were scheduled for the wingspan, Stephens dosecond semi-final later last ing the same thanks to her night. Neither has ever been speed. to a major final.

They cheered for WilThis was the first time in liams when she was shown 36 years that all four wom- on the arena’s video boards en’s semifinalists at the US for a brief pre-match inOpen represented the host terview in the hallway that country, so it was under- leads from the locker rooms standable if spectators in to the court entrance.

Arthur Ashe Stadium were They roared for Williams conflicted about which play- during introductions after ers to pull for. politely applauding SteWilliams vs. Stephens phens. And they got louder was a back-and-forth affair, than ever when Williams fiwith a pair of lopsided sets nally began to work her way leading up to a classic third. back into the match early in Just when it seemed one the second set. woman or the other was in Stephens showed signs of full command, the match jitters during the warmup, would swerve in a new di- dumping her first two pracrection. tice forehands into the net.

They both hit the ball Then she double-faulted hard. They both covered so on the second point of the much ground, Williams get- match.

SLOANE STEPHENS, of the US, reacts last night after defeating Venus Williams in the semi-finals of the US Open.

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Yet it was the far more a windmill swing at a ball experienced Williams who over her head and added a was far shakier in the early double-fault along the way going, ceding the initial to facing three break points break to trail 3-1 thanks to in the first game, any of four consecutive shots that which Stephens could have went awry. turned into a daunting lead The 24-minute open- of a set and a break. ing set was not much of But Williams saved a contest, thanks mainly all three, held there, and to miscue after miscue by broke for the first time to Williams — she had 17 un- go up 2-0 when Stephens forced errors by the time it double-faulted. The entire was over, 12 more than Ste- complexion of the match phens. changed right there, and the Williams couldn’t cali- second set was the polar opbrate her groundstrokes posite of the first. properly. She failed to put Suddenly, everything into play returns of second Williams tried worked, and serves delivered in the low Stephens was unable to do 70s mph. Her own serve, much of anything right. On usually her most effective one terrific exchange, Wilstroke, was off, too. liams reached out for a reAnd things did not be- flex volley winner that even gin all that auspiciously Stephens applauded. Soon for Williams in the second after they were headed to set, either. She whiffed on an enthralling third set.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 8, 2017, PAGE 3

Super letdown: Patriots routed in 2nd half, Chiefs win 42-27

By BARRY WILNER Associated Press FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

(AP) — There were big plays all over the field. The Chiefs, not the Patriots, were making them.

Alex Smith threw two long touchdown passes and rookie Kareem Hunt, after fumbling on his first NFL carry, scored three times to help Kansas City stun New England 42-27 last night in the season opener.

Coming off their sensational Super Bowl rally to a fifth Lombardi Trophy, the Patriots faded badly in the second half. A raucous sold-out crowd of 65,878 celebrated the unveiling of yet another championship banner, and there was plenty of talk about Tom Brady leading them to a 19-0 record.

After Week 1, though, they are winless.

It was the first time the Patriots lost at Gillette Stadium when leading at halftime, a span of 82 games.

They were no match for the Chiefs in the last two periods.

Tyreek Hill scored on a 75-yarder and Hunt put the Chiefs in front with a 78-yarder to punctuate Kansas City’s charge after trailing 17-14 at halftime.

lights from the Super Bowl, the fans booed vigorously when Commissioner Roger Goodell was shown talking on the sideline Chiefs owner Clark Hunt during warmups. A website distributed thousands of towels featuring Goodell’s face adorned with a clown nose, and many fans also had T-shirts with the caricature. Goodell watched the game from a suite, but not with Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

NEW England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shouts as he takes the field before last night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Hunt also had a 58-yard short runs, becoming the hero James White, and scamper and finished with first player since Terrell again in the fourth period, 141 yards rushing and 98 re- Owens of Philadelphia in by Gillislee. If anyone proceiving. Hill had 133 yards 2004 to score three touch- claimed the Patriots were through the air, and Smith downs in his debut with a missing RB LeGarrette went 28 for 35 for 368 yards new team.

Blount, who scored 18 TDs and four touchdowns.

And Kansas City aided last season and was a beast Brady, the 13th quarter- the Patriots’ cause with in such situations, well, back to start an NFL game 15 penalties for 139 yards. Gillislee, who came from at age 40, didn’t look too Yet, in the end, the Chiefs Buffalo as a restricted free spry. He struggled might- looked like world-beaters. agent, ran in for a pair of ily in the second half and 2-yard touchdowns and a didn’t throw for a touchSHORT YARDAGE 1-yarder. down, finishing 16 for 36 New England failed for 267 yards. twice in the first quarter ROGER, ROGER Patriots newcomer Mike on short-yardage runs, by Not only did the crowd Gillislee scored on three Gillislee and Super Bowl revel in the video high-

INJURIES Kansas City’s star safety Eric Berry was carted off with 4:56 remaining with an undisclosed injury.

The Patriots lost perhaps their best defensive player, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, in the third quarter with a knee injury. His absence showed on Hunt’s long TD reception.

WR Danny Amendola left in the fourth quarter with a head injury. He’s projected as New England’s slot receiver with Julian Edelman out for the season.

UP NEXT Chiefs: Host Philadelphia on September 17.

Patriots: Visit New Orleans on September 17.

BENGALS SIGN VONTAZE BURFICT TO 3-YEAR EXTENSION

By JOE KAY Associated Press CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals signed linebacker Vontaze Burfict to a three-year contract extension yesterday as he began his latest NFL suspension for egregious conduct on the field.

Burfict’s contract was up at the end of this season. The new deal runs through the 2020 season.

Burfict is the Bengals’ top de-

fensive player. He’s also been its most suspended player over the last two seasons, twice punished by the NFL for his on-field conduct.

His hit to Antonio Brown’s head helped the Steelers rally for an 1816 playoff win during the 2015 season and drew a three-game suspension to start last season.

His latest suspension came for levelling Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman during the second preseason game. The

league cited his history of egregious hits in handing out the current penalty, which was reduced from five games to three on appeal.

Burfict had a history of personal fouls at Arizona State that factored into every NFL team passing on him in the 2012 draft. The Bengals signed him as a free agent and have steadfastly supported him despite his troubles. He’s been a key playmaker on coach Marvin Lewis’ defence with 582 tackles, seven sacks,

Golden Girl: ‘I’m praying for everyone at home’ FROM PAGE 1 meet. However, a glitch in the system originally didn’t place her in the final of the women’s 100m and she didn’t get to compete to at least earn a spot on the relay team.

After being denied the trip to London, England in August where the team of Devynne Charlton, Carmiesha Cox, Janae Ambrose and Ty’Nia Gaither didn’t finish and subsequently advance out of the semi-final after Cox and Ambrose didn’t connect the baton on their exchange, FergusonMcKenzie declined to comment on what transpired.

But when asked if she’s officially done, FergusonMcKenzie quipped: “We’ll see.

“Right now, I’m on the verge of deciding whether I will do something or not,” she said. “That was one particular goal that I had in my mind, but it’s no stress to me, honestly. I will focus on just being a coach and getting the kids academically and athletically sound and go from there.”

Ferguson-McKenzie, 41, was a 2004 Olympic Games 200m bronze medallist in Athens, Greece, an IAAF World Championships 200m gold medallist in Edmonton, Canada and a 2009 bronze medallist in Berlin, Germany. She was also a member of the women’s 4 x 100m relay team that won the gold medal at the World Championships in Seville, Spain in 1999 and the Olympic Games in Sidney, Australia in 2000, joining the quartet of Eldece Clarke, Savetheda Fynes, Chandra Sturrup and Pauline DavisThompson, whose performances earned them the nickname ‘Golden Girls.’

While she contemplates her future as an athlete turned coach, FergusonMcKenzie said she just wants to wish the Bahamas every success in the passing of Category 5 Hurricane Irma.

“FOR ME AT THIS POINT, OBVIOUSLY, I’M PRAYING FOR EVERYONE AT HOME, NOT JUST IN THE BAHAMAS, BUT IN THE CARIBBEAN AND ALSO IN FLORIDA. I JUST WANT TO ADVISE EVERYBODY TO JUST MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE PREPARED AND LISTEN TO WHATEVER ADVISORY IS GIVEN ABOUT FOOD, GAS AND BATTERING UP YOUR WINDOWS AND EVERYTHING ELSE.” — Debbie Ferguson McKenzie on Hurricane Irma

five interceptions, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his first five seasons.

He also has been one of the league’s most-frequently fined — eight times — players and been suspended twice for questionable hits. The Bengals announced the extension after the media availability ended yesterday. Lewis said in a statement that Burfict “is still one of the young, emerging talents within the league.”

RECEIVER ODELL BECKHAM JR MISSES ANOTHER GIANTS PRACTICE

By TOM CANAVAN Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr has missed his third practice this week and his status for the season opener against the Cowboys in Dallas remains in doubt because of a sprained left ankle.

For the second straight day, Beckham stretched with teammates before the practice and then worked with a trainer after the calisthenics ended.

A Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons, Beckham ran stop-and-go sprints on the far side of the field. It appeared he either had a little trouble showing down or he did not want to come to a quick stop.

Beckham has not practiced since being hurt in a preseason game against Cleveland on August 21.

Beckham described his condition on Wednesday as day to day, adding he was itching to play.

Coach Ben McAdoo said the receiver has not been cleared to practice by medical personnel.

PAGE 4, Friday, September 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

NEW York Yankees’ Aaron Judge follows through on a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning.

NEW York Yankees’ Chase Headley, right, is congratulated by Brett Gardner after hitting a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth inning.

Yankees hit 4 HRs, beat Orioles 9-1 to win three-game series

By DAVID GINSBURG Associated Press BALTIMORE (AP) — Aaron Judge and Chase Headley hit two-run homers, Starlin Castro and Todd Frazier added solo shots and the New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-1 Thursday for their first series win at Camden Yards in four years.

Didi Gregorius had three hits and scored twice for the Yankees, who closed within 3 1/2 games of AL Eastleading Boston and fortified their grip on the top AL wild card. Sonny Gray (9-9) gave up one unearned run and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander is 3-4 since he was acquired

by New York in a July 31 trade with Oakland.

After rain postponed Wednesday night’s game, the Yankees dominated the makeup from the outset. Judge connected in the first inning for a 3-0 lead, giving him 39 home runs — second-most by a rookie in major league history behind Mark McGwire’s 49 in 1987.

New York added two runs in the third against Kevin Gausman (10-10), and Headley’s drive off Mike Wright made it 7-0 in the fourth.

By taking two out of

NEW York Yankees’ Greg Bird, right, and Jacoby Ellsbury pause for a moment of silence for former Yankees player and executive Gene Michael before playing the Baltimore Orioles yesterday.

(AP Photos/Gail Burton) three, the Yankees earned their first series win in Baltimore since Sept 9-13, 2013. The 11-series drought was the second-longest in franchise history, behind only a 12-series run in Oakland from 1985-91.

Castro homered in the sixth for an 8-0 lead, and Frazier went deep in the seventh to give every New York starter at least one hit.

After going 6-4 on their penultimate homestand, the Orioles head to Cleveland trailing Minnesota and Los Angeles for the final AL wild card.

Coming off two starts in which he didn’t allow a run over 13 2/3 innings, Gausman gave up an RBI double to Gregorius in the first before Judge ripped a belt-high fastball deep into the center-field bleachers.

Gausman was lifted after yielding five runs in three innings. In five starts against New York this season, the right-hander is 1-2 with a 9.27 ERA. ARM BANDS The Yankees wore arm bands on their left sleeve to honor former player, man-

NEW York Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray throws against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning. ager and general manager Gene Michael, who died of a heart attack Thursday at age 79.

“It’s a loss for everybody. He had done it all,” said Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who was hired

by Michael to manage the Yankees in 1992.

STUMBLING DODGERS SEE LEAD CUT IN HALF BY STREAKING D-BACKS

By BETH HARRIS Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — A few weeks ago, everybody was wondering if the Dodgers could break the major league record of 116 wins in a season.

Now they’re looking vulnerable with the playoffs approaching.

Los Angeles had lost six in a row and 11 of 12 — its worst skid of the season — going into last night’s series opener against Colorado.

Once again, the Dodgers turn to ace Clayton Kershaw to stem the tide. He ended their five-game skid last week at San Diego in his first start off the disabled list.

The Dodgers remain baseball’s best team at 9247 and lead the NL West by 10 ½ games over the streaking Arizona Diamondbacks, a seemingly comfortable margin with three weeks left in the regular season. But their lead was 21 games on August 25, and as the Dodgers have stumbled, the D-backs have surged.

Arizona left Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night having won its franchiserecord 13th in a row, sweeping Los Angeles in two three-game series over the last week.

“You get hit in the mouth, you got to fight back,” Dodgers manager Dave

Roberts said. “There’s a lot of fight left in our guys.”

There just hasn’t been much offence and the bullpen has been hit hard.

The Dodgers were outscored 19-2 and had 30 strikeouts this week against the D-backs, who could potentially give them fits if they meet again in the playoffs.

“If we get them, we know we’re the better team,” catcher Yasmani Grandal said. “There’s no doubt they play hard, but so do we. I’m glad someone is trying to challenge us, especially in our own division.”

After a poor 1 1/2-month stretch to start the second half, Arizona hasn’t lost since August 24. The Diamondbacks earned their fourth straight series sweep and have won seven in a row on the road, both franchise firsts. Until the Dodgers took a 1-0 lead on Wednesday, Arizona had gone 97 consecutive innings without trailing, the second-longest streak in major league history.

Manager Torey Lovullo knows the D-backs’ recent success against the Dodgers isn’t a guarantee in October. “That’s a long way from right now,” he said.

“The rosters are going to look totally different, things are going to look totally different. We’ve got to get into the playoffs and that’s all I’m focused on.”

ROSTER MOVE Wright was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk before the game.

back spasm, could return this season. “It’s possible just because he’s a reliever,” manager Joe Girardi said.

TRAINER’S ROOM Yankees: RHP Adam Warren, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with a lower

Orioles: SS J.J. Hardy (wrist) tested his sore elbow by swinging a bat. “We’re hoping to activate him tomorrow,” Showalter said.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 8, 2017, PAGE 5

JUAN Martin del Potro, of Argentina, celebrates after defeating Roger Federer, of Switzerland, in a quarterfinal match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York Wednesday night.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

No Rafa vs. Roger at US Open: del Potro beats Federer in quarter-final

By HOWARD FENDRICH Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — So much for the first US Open matchup between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Federer failed to live up to his end of the bargain.

Hours after Nadal did his part with an easy-as-can-be victory to get to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, Federer was unable to join him for what would have been the most-anticipated showdown of the entire two weeks, wasting chances to take control and missing shots he normally makes in a 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4 loss to 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday night.

“He came up with the goods when he needed to,” Federer said, “and I helped him a little bit sometimes, too, maybe.”

Federer described himself as too “edgy” and said “that little magic was missing.”

He also insisted that, unlike just about everyone else, he did not spend any time at all pondering a possible matchup with Nadal at the only Grand Slam tournament where they’ve never met. Their wonderful rivalry has included 37 matches, and at least two finals at each of the other majors.

“I had struggled too much throughout the tournament,” Federer said, “to think too far ahead.”

Given that he is 36, and Nadal is 31, perhaps it is time for the tennis world to concede that Roger vs.

Rafa at the US Open just

will never happen.

This is the sixth occasion when they were a round away from playing in New York, but one or the other lost — including eight years ago, when del Potro beat Nadal in the semi-finals, then Federer in the final to end the Swiss star’s run of five consecutive titles at the tournament.

This time, Federer entered the quarter-finals 18-0 in Grand Slam play this season, including titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon to raise his record count to 19 major championships.

But he tweaked his back at a tournament last month, curtailing his preparation for the US Open, and he was not quite at his best for stretches. He needed five sets to win each of his first two matches — and Wednesday, he succumbed to the del Potro’s familiar formula of massive forehands and booming serves .

Before the US Open began, Nadal was honest as can be when asked whether he hoped to face Federer.

The answer, the No. 1-seeded Nadal said earnestly, was no — because he’d rather go up against someone easier to beat.

Well, as it turns out, he’ll face the 24th-seeded del Potro today. It is the first major semi-final for del Potro since 2013; he missed two years’ worth of Grand Slam tournaments until Wimbledon in 2016 because of three operations on his left wrist.

The other semi-final features two men who have

ROGER FEDERER, of Switzerland, left, and Juan Martin del Potro, of Argentina, shake hands after del Potro won their quarter-final match at the US Open Wednesday night.

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez) never been this far at any major: No. 12 Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain vs. No. 28 Kevin Anderson of South Africa.

The women’s semi-finals are both all-American matchups, the first time that’s happened at the US Open in 36 years : No. 9 Venus Williams vs. unseeded Sloane Stephens, and No. 15 Madison Keys vs. No. 20 CoCo Vandeweghe.

Nadal, who won two of his 15 Grand Slam trophies in New York, overwhelmed 19-year-old Russian Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in the quarter-finals, then had to wait hours to see what

Federer would do under the lights against del Potro.

Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed, and both men had loud groups of supporters. Federer’s fans cheered del Potro’s faults, considered bad etiquette in tennis.

Del Potro’s faction broke into raucous, soccer-style songs of “Ole, ole, ole, ole!

Del-po! Del-po!”

There was some sublime shotmaking by each player, but also some real shakiness from the 36-year-old Federer, whose forehand in particular was problematic: 22 of his 41 unforced errors came on that stroke.

The turning point was the

third-set tiebreaker, which Federer was a single point from winning on four occasions.

At 6-4, del Potro hammered a good return that caught Federer off-guard, resulting in a forehand into the net. At 6-5, del Potro delivered a service winner. At 7-6 — set up by a double-fault from del Potro — Federer missed a backhand, and his wife, Mirka, put her hands to her temples, before standing to offer encouragement. At 8-7, Federer’s fourth and last set point, del Potro hit a huge forehand winner.

That began a run of three

points in a row for del Potro to claim that set, the last when Federer pushed a backhand volley long.

The suspense in the fourth set was brief: At 2-all, Federer dumped an overhead into the bottom of the net to gift del Potro a third break point in that game. It was converted with a stinging cross-court backhand return winner.

“I did everything well.

I served so good. I hit my forehand as hard as I can,” del Potro said. “And I think we played a great match and I deserved to win at the end.”

He showed no residual effects from his 3 1/2-hour, five-set comeback victory in the fourth round — or the illness that had the 6-foot6 (1.98-metre) Argentine coughing into a towel in the second set Wednesday.

One of his many powerful and precise forehands stood out: a reflex passing shot struck so hard and so close to the at-the-net Federer’s head that he ducked out of the way.

Uncharacteristically off at times, Federer shanked a very bad forehand volley to set up del Potro’s match point. “It was one of those matches where, if I ran into a good guy, I was going to lose, I felt. I don’t want to say I was in a negative mindset, but I knew going in that I’m not in a safe place,” Federer said. “Rightfully so, I’m out of this tournament, because I wasn’t good enough — in my mind, in my body, and in my game. ... If you’re missing all three, it’s going to be tough.”

CAVS’ REHAB PLAN FOR ISAIAH THOMAS DOES NOT INCLUDE SURGERY

By TOM WITHERS Associated Press INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Isaiah Thomas won’t start the season playing for the Cavaliers, and the All-Star point guard’s return to the floor remains mysterious.

Acquired last week in a blockbuster trade with Boston, Thomas did not address any specific questions yesterday about a serious hip injury that prematurely ended his inspirational playoff run last season in the Eastern Conference finals.

Dressed smartly in a wine-coloured sport coat for his introductory news conference, Thomas immediately deferred to Cavs general manager Koby Altman when asked about his hip and a timetable for his return.

“We’re not going to rush it at all,” said Altman, who soon grew weary of follow-up questions about Thomas’ condition.

“The goal is to bring him back at some point this year and be healthy and compete and get back to IT status.

“That’s our goal and our responsibility to him. We’re not going to comment on the injury and we’re not going to comment on a timetable.”

While Altman wouldn’t be pinned down on when Thomas might play for the Cavs, coach Tyronn Lue said, “Isaiah’s not going to be starting the season.”

Thomas was acquired last week along with forward Jae Crowder, centre Ante Zizic and a first-round draft pick in 2018 from Boston for star guard Kyrie Irving.

Altman said the Cavs’ rehab plan does not include surgery for Thomas, who perked up at the comment.

“Ya’ll hear that?” Thomas said to a room at the team’s facility packed with media members.

“Everybody wants to be doctors now.”

Thomas fought through pain in his hip and the tragic death of his sister last postseason, pushing himself and the Celtics as far as they could go before they were eliminated by the Cavs.

The 5-foot-8 guard’s injury held up the trade from being complet-

CLEVELAND Cavaliers’ Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and Ante Zizic hold up jersey’s during a news conference at the NBA team’s practice facility yesterday.

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak) ed as the Cavs had concerns about Thomas’ health.

Thomas said he’s been receiv-

ing treatment and working out in the weight room.

“We have a plan and we’re just

going to attack that plan and get me back to 100 percent as soon as possible,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 8, 2017, PAGE 7

GRINER’S 23 POINTS, 11 REBOUNDS HELPS MERCURY PAST STORM TEMPE, Arizona (AP) — Britney Griner had 23 points and 11 rebounds to help the Phoenix Mercury advance to the second round of the playoffs with a 79-69 victory over the Seattle Storm on Wednesday night.

Phoenix will play at No. 4 Connecticut on Sunday.

Late in the fourth quarter, Diana Taurasi dribbled down the clock and found Leilani Mitchell for a corner 3-pointer on a crosscourt pass for a 73-65 lead.

Seattle’s Sue Bird answered with a long 3-pointer but Phoenix closed the game by making six straight free throws.

Taurasi only played seven minutes in the first half after picking up three fouls, but she finished with 14 points for Phoenix.

In the second half, she became the second WNBA player to reach 1,000 career

playoff points, joining Tamika Catchings.

Breanna Stewart led Seattle with 23 points and eight rebounds. Jewell Loyd was 0 for 7 from the field in the first half and finished with 17 points.

Loyd made her first field goal of the game with 42 seconds left in the third quarter and hit a 3-pointer on the next possession to pull the Storm to 53-46.

But Mitchell beat the thirdquarter buzzer to extend Phoenix’s lead to 10 points.

She had 17 points in the game.

Arizona Cardinal stars Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson and David Johnson were in attendance at Arizona State’s Wells Fargo Arena.

The Mercury’s regular home court at the Talking Stick Resort Arena was not available due to a scheduling conflict.

PHOENIX Mercury centre Brittney Griner (42) points to a teammate after scoring in the first half of a first-round WNBA playoff game against the Seattle Storm on Wednesday night.

(AP Photo/Matt York)

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Very windy; cloudy, a shower or two

Wind and rain from Hurricane Irma

Hurricane conditions from Irma

Some wind and rain from Irma

Clouds and sun with a shower or two

Clouds and sun with a shower or two

High: 93°

Low: 78°

High: 91° Low: 78°

High: 93° Low: 79°

High: 93° Low: 79°

High: 93° Low: 79°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

101° F

74° F

93°-80° F

102°-85° F

108°-88° F

112°-95° F

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 77° F/25° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 84° F/29° C

10-20 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 92° F/33° C Low: 83° F/28° C

12-25 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

S

E

W

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 76° F/24° C

MIAMI

High: 94° F/34° C Low: 80° F/27° C

7-14 knots

KEY WEST

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 83° F/28° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 78° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2017

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

9:52 a.m.

10:11 p.m.

3.4 3.4

3:46 a.m.

4:07 p.m.

0.3 0.3

Saturday

10:37 a.m.

10:55 p.m.

3.5 3.3

4:26 a.m.

4:55 p.m.

0.2 0.4

Sunday

11:25 a.m.

11:44 p.m.

3.5 3.1

5:10 a.m.

5:46 p.m.

0.3 0.5

Monday

12:18 p.m.

-----

3.5 -----

5:58 a.m.

6:42 p.m.

0.3 0.7

Tuesday

12:38 a.m.

1:17 p.m.

3.0 3.4

6:52 a.m.

7:44 p.m.

0.4 0.8

Wednesday 1:39 a.m.

2:21 p.m.

2.9 3.4

7:53 a.m.

8:52 p.m.

0.6 0.9

Thursday

2.8 3.4

8:59 a.m. 0.6 10:00 p.m. 0.8

2:45 a.m.

3:28 p.m.

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:53 a.m.

7:21 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

9:14 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Sep. 13

Sep. 20

Sep. 27

Oct. 5

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

S

E

W

15-25 knots

S

15-25 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 93° F/34° C Low .................................................... 81° F/27° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 91° F/33° C Last year’s low ................................... 76° F/24° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 25.19” Normal year to date ................................... 25.87”

uV inDex toDay

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 108° F/42° C Low: 77° F/25° C

15-25 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 84° F/29° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 97° F/36° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 83° F/28° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

50-75 knots

40-60 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS NE at 12-25 Knots E at 20-30 Knots N at 15-25 Knots NE at 50-75 Knots NE at 20-30 Knots SE at 25-35 Knots S at 40-60 Knots SSE at 30-50 Knots NE at 25-35 Knots ESE at 30-40 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots ENE at 20-30 Knots N at 15-25 Knots SE at 50-75 Knots SW at 40-60 Knots SSE at 30-50 Knots WNW at 50-75 Knots SSE at 30-50 Knots SE at 50-75 Knots SE at 30-50 Knots NNE at 25-35 Knots ESE at 40-60 Knots NW at 50-75 Knots SSE at 30-50 Knots NE at 15-25 Knots SE at 30-40 Knots

WAVES 12-16 Feet 12-16 Feet 2-4 Feet 14-18 Feet 16-20 Feet 10-14 Feet 20-30 Feet 6-10 Feet 16-20 Feet 14-18 Feet 3-5 Feet 6-10 Feet 6-10 Feet 10-14 Feet 20-25 Feet 6-10 Feet 20-25 Feet 10-14 Feet 20-25 Feet 8-12 Feet 4-7 Feet 16-20 Feet 14-18 Feet 8-12 Feet 10-14 Feet 12-16 Feet

VISIBILITY 7 Miles 3 Miles 7 Miles 1 Miles 2 Miles 2 Miles 7 Miles 2 Miles 2 Miles 1 Miles 7 Miles 1 Miles 2 Miles 1 Miles 1 Miles 3 Miles 1 Miles 3 Miles 1 Miles 3 Miles 7 Miles 1 Miles 1 Miles 3 Miles 2 Miles 2 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 85° F 85° F 87° F 87° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 82° F 82° F 87° F 87° F 86° F 86° F 87° F 87° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F

PAGE 8, Friday, September 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE