Azarenka, Nadal win

Rafael Nadal extended his sizzling’ summer with another title in Cincinnati. Serena Williams wilted. Nadal (pictured, right) withstood John Isner’s steamy serves and ground out a 7-6 (8), 7-6 (3) win over the top-ranked American in the finals of the Western & Southern Open on Sunday. He won the title in Montreal a week ago and has back-to-back hard-court championships for the first time. His 53-3 match record this season makes him a favorite to win the upcoming U.S. Open. The top-ranked Williams faded after the first set and lost to No. 2 Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (6), ending her 14-match winning streak. Williams beat Azarenka (pictured, left) in three sets to win the U.S. Open last year. – AP