Serena Williams went into the U.S. Open final vowing to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks, but ended it in disgrace by refusing to apologize for an ugly tirade during her defeat to Samantha Stosur.

The American star had lost the first set 6-2 to the Australian and faced a break point in the opening game of the second when she unleashed a huge forehand which she greeted it with a loud "c'mon".

Rafael Nadal paid a moving tribute to victims of the 9/11 attacks, telling 22,000 spectators at the U.S. Open and a global television audience that they'll be in his thoughts on Sunday's 10th anniversary.

"I just want to send all of my support to the families of the victims of September 11th. I have terrible memories of that day," said Nadal to loud cheers from the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court at Flushing Meadows.

Three-time champion Serena Williams stormed past world number one Carolie Wozniacki on Saturday to set up a showdown with Samantha Stosur in what promises to be an emotional U.S. Open women's final.

Williams, a 13-time Grand Slam champion, said she was thrilled to have a chance to represent America as the country commemorates the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks -- an outrage that resonates in New York where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were destroyed.

Carlos Tevez's 'love hate' relationship with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini took another turn for the worse on Saturday as the Argentinian was permanently stripped of the captaincy.

Tevez - who has recently spoken of his turbulent relations with Mancini - has been replaced by Belgian central defender Vincent Kompany, skipper in their three Premier League matches this season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confessed that the last few traumatic weeks have been like living in hell.

The 61-year-old Frenchman's close season and early part of the campaign has been the most turbulent period in his 15 years in charge with even his future at the club being cast into some doubt especially after the 8-2 hammering by Manchester United a fortnight ago.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal and world number four Andy Murray guaranteed a U.S. Open Super Saturday line-up on Friday, completing an all-star, top-four lockout of the semi-final places.

Second seed Nadal cruised past 2003 champion Andy Roddick, the American 21st seed, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 and will tackle Murray for a place in Monday's final.

AC Milan's veteran midfielder Gennaro Gattuso was given the all clear after undergoing tests to try to resolve a double vision problem he's been suffering from.

The 33-year-old was forced off after just 20 minutes of Friday night's 2-2 draw with Lazio in Serie A following a collision with team-mate Alessandro Nesta.

Armenian football federation president Ruben Airapetyan has promised the national squad a three-million-euro bonus if they secure qualification for the Euro-2012 finals, local media reported Friday.

After eight of their 10 qualifying matches Armenia sit third in Group B on 14 points, one behind the Republic of Ireland and three behind leaders Russia. Slovakia are fourth, also on 14 points.

Sir Alex Ferguson wants to see his new Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea offered more protection from referees as he adjusts to life in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old Spaniard has endured a mixed start to his career in English football, making errors in games against Manchester City and West Brom, as well as demonstrating why he is one of the world's best young goalkeepers.

Defending champion Sebastian Vettel bounced back after a disappointing morning to top the times in Friday's second free practice session for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old Red Bull driver and runaway leader of this year's title race clocked a best time of one minute and 24.010 to outpace nearest rival Lewis Hamilton of McLaren by 0.036sec.