Three seeds fell on the first day of the 2008 US Open: Russians Anna Chakvetadze and Maria Kirilenko, and Shahar Peer of Israel.

Chakvetadze, seeded tenth, suffered her earliest Grand Slam defeat in more than three years falling 1-6 6-2 6-3 to compatriot Ekaterina Makarova, ranked 56th in the world. Chakvetadze took the opening set in 25 minutes and looked to be on a good way to victory, but in the end she became a first-round loser.

No.22 seed Kirilenko lost to Tamira Paszek of Austria 6-3 3-6 6-4 and this year’s result is her worst at the US Open, before she reached second or third round.

Peer, seed No.24, got eliminated by China’s Li Na 2-6 6-0 6-1 despite superb play in the opening set. "In the first set I felt like I was playing against a wall," said Li after her great turnaround. (photos: Getty Images)

At a forum about women’s tennis I read that after two years of being a soldier, world No.18 Shahar Peer completed her duty, gave back her uniform and received official release documents.

Shahar Peer comes from Israel, a country where military service is obligatory for both men and women. Being a celebrity, Shahar could have avoided the service, but she didn’t. Of course, as a tennis star, she had certain privileges and her military service was often just symbolic, but still, it’s nice that she wanted to do her part.

Israel’s Shahar Peer, ranked No.16 in the world, is wearing an olive green military uniform now. Israel has mandatory military service for both men and women, and the tennis star hasn’t tried to avoid it like some other celebrities.

"There was no question," the 20-year-old Peer said. "All my friends are going and I wanted to be a part of it…When I am home, I have to go. I want to do my part."

Peer is a part-time soldier, and serves as a military administrative secretary. The army has awarded her an "outstanding athlete" status which allows her to serve a few hours a day at her own convenience. Peer, who will complete her compulsory two-year service in October, said that the military service has not interfered with her playing career.

"It's obvious that Shahar Peer is not going to be sent off to protect the state's borders," said Peer's direct commander Maj. Shirley Shapira. "But service in the army is a mission in Israel, and everyone gives as much as they can." (via Canadian Press, photo via WTAworld)

Agnieszka Radwanska’s run at the US Open ended with a 6-4 6-1 defeat by eighteen-seeded Shahar Peer of Israel. The teenager from Krakow became famous for upsetting defending champion Maria Sharapova in the third round, but she was not strong enough to overcome her next obstacle, world number nineteen Shahar Peer.

In her second Grand Slam quarterfinal of the year, Shahar Peer will face the winner of the match Anna Chakvetadze vs. Tamira Paszek.

In contemporary tennis world, personalized sneakers are a must-have. The customization is a symbol of success, but can also minimize confusion in the locker room – Jelena Jankovic won’t accidentally put on Shahar Peer’s tennis shoes any more, since Reebok has customized the gear of both players. Maria Sharapova, of course, isn't legging behind, she has her distinctively designed sneakers as well.

Anyway, if I were a tennis player, I wouldn't have written my name on my gear. I don't like self-centered people in love with their name, their image in a picture, people who promote themselves all the time. Ok, I understand that in tennis it's all part of the industry, but still,… it's kind of cheesy. (Tennis Served Fresh and Tennis Country, thanks for the inspiration)