MOSCOW, September 9 (R-Sport) – Russian tennis star Mikhail Youzhny returned to the ATP top 20 for the first time in two years Monday following his surprisingly strong play at the US Open.
The Russian rose four places to 20th in the new ranking after reaching the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows, where he lost to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Regardless of the result of Monday’s final between Djokovic and Nadal, the Serbian will stay on top, while Nadal remains second.
Despite his fourth-round defeat to Tommy Robredo, Roger Federer gained one place, moving up to sixth and dropping Juan Martin Del Potro to seventh. Robredo, 31, rose three positions to 19th.
In the women’s rankings, surprise semifinalist Flavia Penneta soared 52 places to 31st, while semifinalist Li Na snatched back fifth spot from one of Penneta’s victims, Sara Errani.
Former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic lost to Li Na in the fourth round, but returned to the top 10 for the first time since June 2011, ousting Petra Kvitova from the 10th place.
In a repeat of the last year’s final, Serena Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka in three sets Sunday. Williams remain No. 1, with Azarenka second.
