NEW YORK -- Meghann Shaughnessy's latest victory in the U.S. Open may have been bigger for her psyche than the boost she got beating Venus Williams in the fourth round of the French Open.
At times this year, Shaughnessy has struggled to stay focused on her tennis. There have been plenty of days when she had no desire to play.
After winning her third-round match against 13th-seeded Vera Zvonareva on Friday, the 24-year-old American made it clear she's feeling it again.
"I think everybody goes through times when they lose a little bit of motivation or whatever," Shaughnessy said. "I mean, there have been times out there that I've just lacked a little bit of confidence and will to be out on the court, and I feel like I'm getting that again."
Zvonareva, ranked 14th, beat the 24-year-old Shaughnessy in three sets in the fourth round at Indian Wells in March, the only previous meeting between the two players.
This time, the No. 17-seeded Shaughnessy rallied from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
"It's my biggest win since Venus," she said.
COETZER'S PLAN: At 31, Amanda Coetzer is surrounded by players leaving tennis. She is not interested in joining them.
In a week at the U.S. Open when Pete Sampras, Michael Chang and Jeff Tarango all have announced their retirements, the 14th-seeded Coetzer lost decisively but is sticking around.
Coetzer was dominated by 19th-seeded Nadia Petrova, 6-0, 6-1 in the third round of the Open on Friday. It did not deter her.
"I have a strong desire to continue," Coetzer said. "How long, I can't say. Once you're past your 30s and you're asked the question, it does cross your mind."
HELLO AGAIN: Ten years ago, when Sargis Sargsian came to the United States from Armenia, he found himself in Connecticut, playing weekend tournaments against local players. James Blake was hanging around the courts.
"James was a kid," Sargsian said. "I remember watching him play. A couple times, we just hit, kind of doing him a favor."
Sargsian went on to Arizona State, where he became NCAA champion in 1995. Blake took his game to Harvard where he became an All-American. The two met again at Wimbledon this summer and Sargsian won 6-2, 7-6 (3), 6-2. Things changed when they had another reunion Friday at the U.S. Open. This time, Blake prevailed 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (6).
What changed?
"Well, two things," Sargsian said. "It's a different surface. It's a little faster. I'm not sure, but I don't think James likes when it's really too fast. The other thing, I was probably playing the best tennis of my career in Wimbledon."
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: The National Tennis Center marked its 25th anniversary on Friday.
The gates opened for the first time in the new facility on Aug. 29, 1978, with Bjorn Borg winning the best-of-three set first match 6-0, 6-2 against Bob Hewitt.
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