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The @NewYorkEmpireTennis Just Took A Big Step Forward to @WorldTeamTennis Playoffs With Solid Victory

Posted by Admin on July 26, 2020
Posted in: World Team Tennis. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The @NewYorkEmpireTennis Just Took A Big Step Forward to @WorldTeamTennis Playoffs With Solid Victory

In a match with obvious World Team Tennis playoff implications, the New York Empire took a huge step forward today, easily defeating the Washington Kastles 25-15. Both teams entered the match with matching 5-5 records. New York was propelled to an early lead when Neal Skupski and Kveta Pescke took the mixed doubles set, 5-2.

Two days ago, Empire coach Luke Jensen pulled a struggling Sabine Lisicki and replaced her mid-set with Kim Clijsters, who promptly won the set. Today, Lisicki needed no such reinforcements, and it was Kim Clijsters serving as her biggest cheerleader as Lisicki easily managed Venus Williams, 5-3. Clijsters planted a big mom hug on her German teammate after the victory.

Jack Sock and Neal Skupski posted another 5-2 doubles win over Tommy Paul and Marcelo Arevola and the rout was brewing. Lisicki returned with Kveta Peschke to once again vex Venus, who paired with Arina Rodionova in the Empire’s 5-4 women’s doubles win. Jack Sock closed out the match with a 5-4 victory over Tommy Paul. Lisicki was selected as the Chosen Player of the Match.

The results of the match were particularly poignant for both teams: the Empire seized undisputed ground for the final of four playoff spots, while the Kastles, at 5-6, most likely need to win out in order to qualify. I’m sure the folks at CBS are pulling for a Williams appearance in next Sunday’s final. That ratings bonanza is a tall order at the moment.

—S. Fogleman in the Mountaineer State

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Exclusive Interview: @KikiMladenovic Perseveres in Heat of Battle @CitiOpen; @SabineLisicki Back to Winning Ways in Washington

Posted by Admin on August 3, 2017
Posted in: Citi Open, Washington, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Exclusive Interview: Kiki Mladenovic Perseveres in the Heat of Battle at Citi Open;  Lisicki Back to Winning Ways in Washington
Steve Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic

Kiki Mladenovic was struggling throughout her match with the heat yesterday in a brutal 3-set win against Tatjana Maria at the Citi Open in Washington. In the end, she easily showed that she’s earned the title of prime contender against top seed Simona Halep, who was resting from her win more for than 24 hours after Mladenovic advanced. She made time for an exclusive interview with Tennis Atlantic after the match.

There was some talk in the media this week (and every year) about the fact that the women play in the afternoon and the men follow later during what are inevitably  cooler temperatures with more fans in the stands. So what about the idea that the WTA players get the worst tee-times at Citi Open, in the high heat of the D.C.-in-August day? Would she like to play a little later in the afternoon? Mladenovic put it in perspective.

Kristina 'Kiki' Mladenovic, 2017 Citi Open (Photo: Teninis Atlantic)

Kristina ‘Kiki’ Mladenovic, 2017 Citi Open (Photo: Teninis Atlantic)

“I would love to. I wish” she said, “but I cannot complain. The men and the women struggle the same way. They played really late last night. We were in bed watching, them, the men, last night so you get some compromises, I guess. Hopefully, it gets easier with the upcoming scheduling in the coming days.”

Exactly 10 months ago, she was #57 in the world. Today, she’s #13. Exactly what is going on here?

“My motto hasn’t changed. Lots of work, like everybody, I guess. But I believe in the process and the journey. I’m giving it all everyday. I’m trying to find all the details I can to improve and be a better player each day.”

“The biggest difference would be my physical condition. I think I’ve improved a lot in my movement and my strength.”

She noted that she’s “very happy” with the 2017 season thus far.

Mladenovic plays Canada’s Bianca Andreescu tomorrow on Grandstand 2, which hardly seems fitting for the putative #1 seed of the tournament until Simona Halep was denied a wild card to Stanford. Either way, Mladenovic is content to earn everything she achieves, here and beyond.

Sabine Lisicki, 2017 Citi Open

Sabine Lisicki, 2017 Citi Open (Photo: Tennis Atlantic)

Sabine Lisicki is indeed back to her winning ways. After an absence from the tour due to injury, Lisicki edged past plucky Valentini Grammatikopoulou 7-6, 7-6 at Citi Open in Washington today. Lisicki wasn’t thrilled with her play, but she’ll take the win and advance to the second round against Aryna Sabalenka tomorrow. “It was my first hard court match since last year. Lots of things I need to improve on,” she told Citi Open Radio immediately after the match. Lisicki was sidelined for the first half of the season with shoulder problems. No matter what her ranking, the US fans adore Lisicki and the feeling was clearly mutual today after the match.

 

2016 @WTA @MallorcaOpen Preview, Predictions

Posted by Admin on June 12, 2016
Posted in: Niall Clarke, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2016 WTA Mallorca Preview Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

mallorca 2016

Wimbledon is fast approaching, and the WTA will take to Mallorca for their grass court preparations.

Mallorca Open

Tier: International
Location: Mallorca, Spain
Surface: Grass
Prize money: $226,750
Date: June 13th– June 19th

Top eight seeds (ranking)

  • Garbine Muguruza (2)
  • Jelena Jankovic (24)
  • Ana Ivanovic (25)
  • Kristina Mladenovic (32)

First round matches to watch

Muguruza (Photo courtesy of Mallorca Open)

Muguruza (Photo: Mallorca Open)

Garbine Muguruza vs Kirsten Flipkens: it is always interesting to see how a first-time grand slam winner performs after winning a maiden major, and with Muguruza it is no different.

The Spaniard returns to her home country in preparation for Wimbledon where she made the final in 2015. She has traditionally struggled to adapt to the different conditions, but she found the formula at Wimbledon and seems much more comfortable on the grass.

Flipkens, though is a very solid grass courter and a former Wimbledon semi- finalist in her own right. The Belgian’s form is not great, but she might take inspiration by returning to the grass.

Kiki Mladenovic (Photo: Christopher Levy for TennisEastCoast.com)

Kiki Mladenovic (Photo: Christopher Levy @Tennis_Shots)

Kristina Mladenovic vs Sabine Lisicki: On the subject of former Wimbledon finalists and players who suit the grass, Mladenovic has been drawn against Lisicki.

There is something about the grass that brings the German to life no matter how poor her form. Mladenovic, on the other hand, has found form in recent weeks after a poor start to the season.

Lisicki leads the head to head 2-1, but all their meetings have been on hard courts. This match will likely come down to who is in better form.

Draw analysis

Top Half:

Top seed Muguruza is clearly the best player in the draw, but there’s some real danger in her section. An opening round match against Flipkens is one of them, and it doesn’t get any easier. Julia Goerges or Monica Puig will await in the second round for the winner. Laura Siegemund has also landed in this section, but her form has dropped as of late. Nao Hibino and Saisai Zheng will look to take advantage of that.

Ana Ivanovic’s ranking has fallen outside the top 20 and she will look to use this event as a good booster for Wimbledon, where she will be hoping to climb up a few places. Pauline Parmentier is her round one opponent, and then the Serb is expected to play a Spanish wildcard in the second round. Ivanovic will likely go untested until the quarter final where she is projected to play Caroline Garcia. The Frenchwoman scored a number of victories over the former world number one last year, but she is not a fan of the grass. Carina Witthoeft will look to send Garcia packing early.

Bottom half:

Garcia’s doubles partner Mladenovic lands as the fourth seed and in good form. She will play the ever dangerous but inconsistent Lisicki in the first round. The Frenchwoman will be the favourite to make it out of this section after playing her way into form in recent weeks. Mariana Duque Marino or Alison Van Uytvanck will play Mladenovic in the second round. Eugenie Bouchard is the other seed in the section, but her results recently could lead to a first round exit to Danka Kovinic.

Jankovic is the second seed here, but has a tough draw ahead. Young star Ana Konjuh is not the ideal first round opponent, and the Croatian could cause the upset. Yulia Putintseva will bring her game and feistiness to this section, but she also has a tough drawn with Daniela Hantuchova or Yaroslava Shvedova being her round two opponent.

Predictions:

Quarter finals:

Muguruza def. Siegemund
Garcia def. Ivanovic
Mladenovic def. Kovinic
Putintseva def. Konjuh

Semi finals:

Muguruza def. Garcia
Mladenovic de. Putintseva

Final:

Muguruza def. Mladenovic

It is difficult to look past Muguruza here. She might have a post slam hangover, but the Spaniard has a strong mentality and will be motivated to win at home. Mladenovic will continue her good form into this week but will ultimately fall short.

Three More @VolvoCarOpen Champs Enter 2016 Field

Posted by Admin on February 10, 2016
Posted in: Charleston, Volvo Car Open, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

THREE PAST CHAMPIONS RETURN FOR THE 2016 VOLVO CAR OPEN, TOTAL OF SIX CHAMPIONS IN PLAYER FIELD

Jelena Jankovic

Jelena Jankovic, Sabine Lisicki and Samantha Stosur enter the Charleston WTA tournament

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – Jelena Jankovic, the 2007 Family Circle Cup champion, Sabine Lisicki, the 2009 Family Circle Cup champion and Samantha Stosur, the 2010 Family Circle Cup champion, will all return to Charleston for the inaugural Volvo Car Open, April 2nd – 10th, 2016, on Daniel Island, S.C. The three former champions join fellow champs Venus Williams (2004), Andrea Petkovic (2014) and Angelique Kerber (2015) in the world-class player field forming for the 2016 tournament.

“As former champions of our tournament, Jelena, Sam and Sabine have acquired a large fan following in Charleston,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open Tournament Manger. “Combined, this year will mark 29 tournaments in Charleston for these three talented ladies. We are so lucky!”

Jankovic, currently ranked World No. 19, has won 15 WTA singles titles, three of which she captured last season in Nanchang, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. She also reached the finals in Indian Wells and the semifinals in Cincinnati in 2015. The former World No. 1 has made twelve previous appearances in Charleston, and holds a 21-10 win/loss record. She was a finalist in the 2013 Family Circle Cup.

“I love playing tennis in Charleston and on the green clay,” said Jankovic. “I won it there in 2007, was a finalist and now I’m ready to win again! I’m also excited to host the Lisette L Montreal Ladies Day lunch with my mom, Snezana, on Tuesday, April 5th.”

Samantha Stosur and Christina McHale, Family Circle Cup 2012, TennisEastCoast.com

World No. 27, Stosur has made nine previous appearances in Charleston and holds a 13-8 win/loss record. After winning the tournament in 2010, she made the semifinals in 2012. Stosur has won eight WTA singles titles and 24 WTA doubles titles. During 2015, she won in both Strasbourg and Bad Gastein. The former US Open champion finished the season in the top 30 for the seventh year in a row.

“It’s no secret that I enjoy visiting and playing tennis in Charleston,” said Stosur. “I have developed great relationships with the tournament staff and fans over the years. I’ve already booked reservations at a number of my favorite Charleston restaurants, and a few new ones, too!”

Lisicki has made five previous appearances in Charleston and holds a 12-4 win/loss record. She has won four WTA singles titles and four WTA doubles finals. In 2015, she reached the semifinals in Indian Wells and Birmingham and the quarterfinals in Miami. The World No. 32 was a finalist at Wimbledon in 2013.

“I’ll always think fondly of playing in Charleston since it’s where I won my first WTA title,” said Lisicki. “I enjoy coming back each year, seeing the fans and exploring the city.”

Tickets for the 2016 Volvo Car Open are now on sale. For more information on tickets, call 800.677.2293 or visit http://www.volvocaropen.com. Patrons can purchase single session tickets, or choose from a variety of ticket and travel packages.

2015 WTA @RogersCup Toronto Preview and Predictions

Posted by Admin on August 10, 2015
Posted in: Niall Clarke, Rogers Cup, Toronto, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2015 WTA Rogers Cup Toronto Preview and Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic
Rogers Cup Official Site
US Open preparations are now in full swing with the Rogers Cup next on the WTA calendar. The event is held in Toronto this year after being held in Montreal last season. The Premier event rotates between the two major Canadian cities, with the ATP event being held on the same week in the alternating city.

A whole host of all-time greats have won the Rogers cup. Chris Evert and Monica Seles lead the way with four titles each, followed by Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams with three. Agnieszka Radwanska in the defending champion.

The Rogers Cup
Tier: Premier
Location: Toronto, Canada
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $2,377,305
Date: August 10th- 16th 2015

Top eight seeds who receive a first round bye (ranking)
1. Serena Williams (1)
2. Simona Halep (3)
3. Petra Kvitova (4)
4. Caroline Wozniacki (5)
5. Ana Ivanovic (6)
6. Agnieszka Radwanska (7)
7. Lucie Safarova (8)
8. Garbine Muguruza (9)

All the top players are here except Maria Sharapova, who withdrew due to a right leg injury.

First round matches to watch:

(14) Venus Williams vs Sabine Lisicki:
A big serving battle between Sabine Lisicki and 14th seed Venus Williams would have undoubtedly caught the eye of tennis fans across the world, and for good reason. This one has potential to be a barn burner if both are playing well, and could be an awesome display of power tennis.

Venus’ stint in Istanbul lasted all of one match as she would be upset by Kateryna Bondarenko in the opening round. Having not played on the American hard courts since the swing started, the world number 15’s form is unknown. The 35 year old has never won this event, but did make the final in Montreal last year.

Lisicki’s US hard court season started out with a disappointing loss to 44 year old Kimiko Date Krumm in Stanford. You never know what you will get from Lisicki, but her record in North America has been good this year with some good runs in Indian Wells and Miami.

The German leads the head to head 2-1 with the last meeting being in Beijing 2013. This match is a definition of a toss-up with the form of either player unknown, but it could turn out to be one of the best matches of the year if they both play to their capabilities.

Belinda Bencic (Photo: Chris Levy @Tennis_Shots)

Belinda Bencic (Photo: Chris Levy @Tennis_Shots)

Eugenie Bouchard vs Belinda Bencic:
Eugenie Bouchard will look to get out of her slump when she faces talented teenager Belinda Bencic the opening round of her home tournament.
Bouchard will undoubtedly have the support of the Toronto crowd, but her form has been nothing short of shocking this year. After lighting the tennis world up with her deep grand slam runs in 2014, the Canadian has slumped in 2015 winning only one of her last ten matches.

Genie Bouchard (C) Tennis Atlantic

Bencic on the other hand continues her rise up the world rankings, and will look to prepare her US Open semi-final defence with a good run in Toronto. The Swiss won her first title in Eastbourne, and followed it up with a fourth round run at Wimbledon. She recently feel early in Washington however.

Bencic leads the head to head 1-0 with hr victory over Bouchard in Eastbourne. The 18 year old is the favourite going by form, but the home crowd could boost Bouchard back in to form. Can the Canadian find herself again, or will the slump continue?

Victoria Azarenka vs Elina Svitolina:

Two of the best unseeded players in the draw have had the misfortune of facing each other in the opening round, as former world number one Victoria Azarenka plays rising youngster Elina Svitolina.

Azarenka saw her 2014 season plagued with injury, and now with that behind her the former world number one is looking to regain her position amongst the elite. The Belarusian was scheduled to play Washington, but pulled out prior to the tournament. Therefore she has not played since losing a tight quarter final to Serena at Wimbledon. Hard courts suit Vika more than any other surface, but she has never won this event.
Svitolina will be riding fairly high after a semi-final run in Stanford. She was routine by Angelique Kerber in the final four, but it was still a good form booster for the 20 year old. The Ukrainian has aspirations of winning all four grand slams (her words), and a good start towards achieving that would be to beat a two time Australian Open champion.

Azarenka was taken to three sets in their only prior meeting in Doha earlier this year. The world number 19 ran out a 6-3, 6-7, 6-1 winner that day, though she will hope this match will be more routine. Svitolina will look to avenge that loss as she continues her ranking ascension. It should be a great battle especially in the backhand rallies which is both players’ biggest weapon. Which one will hold up best?

Draw Analysis:
World number one Serena Williams is returning to action since playing only the single match in Bastad a week after Wimbledon. The top seed is preparing for an historic US Open where she could potentially achieve the calendar year grand slam and win her 22nd Grand Slam title. Williams will receive a first round BYE courtesy of her seeding and will play either Flavia Pennetta or Gabriela Dabrowski in the second round. The other seed in this mini section is Andrea Petkovic who is coming in off a loss to compatriot Mona Barthel in Stanford. The German will look to get the ‘Petko dance’ going against home favourite Francois Abanda in round one and a qualifier in round two before her likely showdown with Serena in the third round.

Seventh seeded Lucie Safarova failed to really build on her run to the French Open final during grass season, but now back on hard courts the Czech can start to re-find that Roland Garros form. Like Serena, Safarova receives an opening round BYE due to her seeding and will begin her campaign in round two against Sam Stosur or Daria Gavrilova. The Aussie showed good form in her title win in Bad Gastein, though a loss to Sloane Stephens in Washington might have dented that confidence. Karolina Pliskova- who is fresh off an excellent week in Stanford is the other seed in this section of the draw. She faces a qualifier in round one with Roberta Vinci or Karin Knapp awaiting the Czech in the second round. It is possible we could see an all Czech encounter in round three with the winner possibly facing Serena in the quarter finals.

Former champion Caroline Wozniacki is one of the bigger beneficiaries of Sharapova’s withdrawal having been granted a fourth seed as a result. Bouchard or Bencic will await the Dane after a first round BYE in one of the more anticipated second round potentials. Venus could be the third round opponent. The American has a tough draw however with Lisicki in round one and the winner of Varvara Lepchenko vs Barbora Strycova in round two.

Ana Ivanovic will be trying her hand at a new coach this week. The first test of their relationship will be against either a qualifier or Irina Begu, who has had a solid year so far. Ekaterina Makarova is the projected third round opponent, though Alison Van Uytvank could pose an interesting challenge in round two. Makarova vs Ivanovic will most certainly be a tight one.

2012 champion Petra Kvitova had a disappointing defence of her Wimbledon crown, but the third seed is back to get her season on track. She could potentially have a blockbuster round two against Azarenka if the Belarusian can survive the tough test of Svitolina in the first round. A potential for a top seed to drop out very early there. Sara Errani will look to take advantage though Kristina Mladenovic could easily spring a surprise in round one. The winner of that should make the third round, but it hard to see them going any further.

Petra Kvitova, 2013 New Haven

All eyes will be on eighth seed Garbine Muguruza who is playing her first tournament since making the Wimbledon final. How will she cope with the added pressure on her shoulders? First indications will be seen in the second round against a qualifier, but the first major test will come in the third round where she is projected to face Timea Bascinszky who is having a great year. Muguruza has won their two meetings this year.
Simona Halep originally planned to skip this event, but due to her bad form in recent months the world number three has taken a wildcard and will be the second seed. She will have a first round BYE, but could have a troubling second round against the winner of Caroline Garcia vs Jelena Jankovic. Angelique Kerber will be the favourite the make it out of this section, but the German could be tired after a long final in Stanford. She should make round three with both her opening two rounds being qualifiers, but fatigue and the bad form of Halep could open the door for Garcia or Jankovic to make a surprise run.

That could also open the door for sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska to make the semi finals. The Pole has got her season back on track after an impressive grass season which has seen her re-enter the top 10. Zarina Diyas or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will await in round two, both of which could be troubling in different ways. Carla Suarez Navarro is the projected third round opponent but the winner of Sloane Stephens vs Dominika Cibulkova could easily upset the Spaniard.

Predictions:

Quarter finals:
Serena def. Pliskova
Wozniacki def. Ivanovic
Azarenka def. Muguruza
Radwanska def. Kerber

Semi finals:
Serena def. Wozniacki
Azarenka def. Radwanska

Final:
Serena def. Azarenka

Hard to bet against the world number one, even if she was injured last week. Azarenka will take advantage of the open bottom half and make the final.

Embed from Getty Images

Niall Clarke (Sofia)

Serena wins number 700 to reach @MiamiOpenTennis quarterfinals, Murray staves off challenge from Thiem

Posted by Admin on April 2, 2015
Posted in: ATP, Miami, Steen Kirby, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Serena wins number 700 to reach Miami Open quarterfinals, Murray staves off challenge from Thiem
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

miami open logo

Serena Williams won a topsy-turvy encounter over in-form German Sabine Lisicki on Wednesday in Miami, as the wrorld number booked her place in the semifinals 7-6(4) 1-6 6-3. Serena did well win a nervy first set, and it was a good thing she survived the tiebreak, because Lisicki caught fire in the second set, bludgeoning Serena into a third set.  Serena would recover from her daze and pull it out in the third however for her 700th WTA match win. A win that puts her behind just seven WTA greats on the all-time list, including Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.

Simona Halep was also a winner on the day as she beat the unseeded Sloane Stephens 6-1 7-5. Stephens pressured in the opening game but quickly fell away in the first set, and in the second she fought back from a  break down to extend the set into extra innings, but Halep was the superior player and her class finally shown through to break and hold her serve 7-5.

Simona Halep

Simona Halep

On the men’s side Dominic Thiem played a great opening set of tennis against Andy Murray, but the more experienced and higher ranked Scot would dominate the rest of the match. Thiem was firing winners and was stiff on his serve, but Murray winning over 80% of his first serve points in the match, and recovered from the disappointment of dropping the opening set to break early in the second, and though he lost that break as the match went to 3-6 4-4, he would break again to take the second set 6-4, and then he dashed the hopes of a wilted Thiem 6-1 in the third for a 3-6 6-4 6-1 victory.

Andy Murray, 2012 ATP Cincinnati, Courtesy Courtney Massey

Tomas Berdych dealt with hot patches of play from Juan Monaco in the late match, and won 6-3 6-4. Berdych found himself bothered by a time violation in the first set and after going 4-2 up, got broken. However, Monaco failed to consolidate, and after a very long game at 3-4, Berdych broke again and served out the set to love.  In set two, the situation was somewhat similar, Monaco would come up with some great shots, showcasing superior movement, but Berdych had a larger arsenal weaponry wise, and he served just well enough to get the win, scoring a late break, and  again serving out the set, and this time the match, to love at 5-4.

Berdych

Berdych

Quisner upset Rojer/Tecau 6-3 6-4, as John Isner has had a fantastic week in Miami, and the Bryans dealt with Anderson/Chardy 6-4 4-6 10-6. In WTA doubles, Hlavackova/Hradecka beat Niculescu/Panova 6-3 7-5, and Makarova/Vesnina sent Garcia/Srebotnik packing 6-4 3-6 10-4.

On Thursday, the Miami Open will have a very similar schedule of matches as Wednesday, as the two men’s quarterfinals remaining are Nishikori-Isner and Djokovic-Ferrer, and the WTA semifinals will be Suarez-Navarro vs. Petkovic and Williams vs. Halep.

(Photo Credit: Esam Taha)

(Photo Credit: Esam Taha)

Melo/Soares will play Pospisil/Sock in an exciting doubles match, and the Bryans will have an all-American battle with Quisner.

Keep checking Tennis Atlantic for all the exciting updates from Miami, all the way until the final match is completed!

Steen Kirby (Marseille)

 

Niall Clarke’s 2015 WTA Predictions

Posted by Admin on January 2, 2015
Posted in: Niall Clarke, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Niall Clarke’s 2015 WTA Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

WTA Logo

 

WTA is notoriously hard to predict. With so many twists and turns, it’s almost impossible to get predictions completely right. However I am going to have a go, so here are my 2015 WTA predictions.

Year end top 10

10: Angelique Kerber

The German has been in and around the top ten for the past few years and I expect 2015 will be no different. Kerber will be fighting with many others for that last spot at the season ending championships, but a lack of big results will be her downfall. Another top 10 finish could very well happen though, and I believe that it will. Kerber will finish tenth for the second straight year.

9: Victoria Azarenka

Vika had her struggles last season. Injuries meant she missed the chance to defend her Australian Open crown, and thus she slipped down the rankings. Upon her return, the former world number 1 struggled to get back to form and finished 31 in the rankings. With a good off season I can see Azarenka re-entering the top 10 in 2015, but she’ll just fall short of the tour championships.

Embed from Getty Images

8: Agnieszka Radwanska

Aga has been one of the most solid performers on the WTA tour in recent years. The Pole has finished in the top 10 for the past four years. It’s beginning to look like now or never for Radwanska, as she seeks the so far elusive Grand Slam title. Unfortunately, I don’t see her making that step up in 2015. Another solid year will see her finish just inside the top 8.

7: Ana Ivanovic

Ivanovic is another former world number one who had somewhat of a resurgence in 2014. However, I don’t see the Serb being quite as successful in 2015. The 2008 Roland Garros champion will be solid, but unspectacular in 2015, which sees her finish inside the top 8 for the second straight season.

6: Garbine Muguruza

Muguruza is one of the WTA’s fastest rising stars, and I think 2015 will be her breakthrough. Garbine had a solid 2014, and finished just inside the top 20. The Spaniard has the potential to be a grand slam champion, but will have to be more consistent to do so. Garbine’s time won’t come in 2015, but she’ll produce some big results that see her make the tour finals.

5: Petra Kvitova

The Wimbledon champion will be one of the favourites on the grass courts and could very well retain the Wimbledon title. Kvitova will be dangerous in every event she enters, but inconsistent results will see her finish fifth in the world rankings. The Czech will pick up the majority of her points on the faster courts where her power really comes into play.

Embed from Getty Images

4: Caroline Wozniacki

In 2014 we saw more of the Wozniacki that got to number one in the world rankings. I see Caro having a consistent season, where she will go relatively deep in most events. However, I don’t believe she will have one big stand out result to take her higher in the rankings, so the Dane will have to settle for a fourth place finish.

3: Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova will have a similar season to 2014 that will guide the Russian to third in the world rankings. Sharapova will continue to grab titles on clay, which seems to be her best surface at this time. The 27 year old will be looking to add to her 5 grand slam titles, and she could very well do that. Her best chance will be at Roland Garros again, where she is a two time champion.

2: Simona Halep

The Romanian had her best season in 2014, and will build on that in 2015. Halep will be fighting for the major titles throughout the year and might even go all the way in a Grand Slam. I believe that the loss at the French Open final in 2014 will benefit her, and will help the current world number 3 in future Grand Slam finals. Halep won’t have the success of Serena in 2015, but will be ahead of the rest of the pack.

1: Serena Williams

Serena Williams will once again finish the year as the number one ranked player in women’s tennis. It may not be as simple for the American as it has been in previous years, but Serena will be one step ahead of the competition yet again. With her natural power and booming serve, Williams will overcome any difficulties that she may face with her movement to win most of the events she competes in. This may be the final year of Serena’s reign, but I do believe she will be Queen of the tour yet again.

Embed from Getty Images

Grand Slam winners

Australian Open: Simona Halep
Runner up: Caroline Wozniacki

The Australian Open is very difficult to predict. This has been the slam that has alluded Serena since her return to the top, and I feel that it will continue to allude her in 2015. Simona Halep will feel confident after a good 2014, and I believe she could win her maiden grand slam in Melbourne. Wozniacki has a good run to the final but is ultimately stopped by the Romanian in 3 sets.

French Open: Maria Sharapova
Runner up: Garbine Muguruza

Maria Sharapova may not be favourite to defend her crown given her record against Serena Williams. I feel the world number one will have another shock exit before they get to meet, leaving the door open for Sharapova to claim her third title at Roland Garros. Garbine Muguruza will have a breakthrough grand slam performance, but will ultimately fall under pressure.

Wimbledon: Serena Williams
Runner up: Sabine Lisicki

Whilst we are on the subject of losing your maiden slam final; Sabine Lisicki will once again have a great run in her favourite tournament. Unfortunately for the German, she will be opposite Serena Williams, who will extract revenge on Lisicki. Lisicki defeated Serena at this tournament in 2013. Williams will stream roll her way to the title without dropping a set, and look ominous whilst doing so.

US Open: Serena Williams
Runner up: Simona Halep

The two best players of the year will meet in the final Grand Slam match of 2015. Williams will be riding a wave of great form after her Wimbledon triumpth, and that will see her over the line in a classic US Open final. Halep puts up a good fight, but Serena pulls through in 3 sets to claim her 4th straight title at Flushing Meadows and 20th Grand Slam overall.

Premier Mandatory and Premier 5 predictions

Dubai: Serena Williams
Indian Wells: Simona Halep
Miami: Serena Williams
Madrid: Maria Sharapova
Rome: Simona Halep
Canada: Serena Williams
Cincinnati Serena Williams
Wuhan: Caroline Wozniacki
Beijing: Petra Kvitova
WTA Championships: Serena Williams

Other Predictions

  • Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard falls out of the top 10
  • Former world number one; Martina Hingis, returns to singles competition
  • Venus Williams announces her retirement
  • Belinda Bencic will crack top 20
  • Vinci & Errani won’t finish the year as the number 1 doubles team

Embed from Getty Images

Tennis Atlantic Niall Clarke (Sofia)

WTA All-Access Media Day @FamilyCircleCup is a Huge Hit

Posted by Admin on March 31, 2014
Posted in: Charleston, Family Circle Cup, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

It was WTA All-Access Media Day at the Family Circle Cup, a frenetic exercise for bloggers with short attention spans. Some of the players seem to love it (JJ, Sabine) and some don’t seem to love it so much (Sloane, Sloane). It’s a big hit for everyone, a backhand down the line of media events.

It’s the lightning round of press conferences, where each of the top 8 seeds do one-on-one interviews with the journalists, video journalists and little bloggers like me.

For me, this event is a natural stimulant.

But of the top seeds, my favorite interview was not actually seeded or still playing at Family Circle Cup.

It was Tornado Alicia Black. I was lucky enough to catch her WTA debut in Citi Open qualifying in 2012. And you know what else made it so good? She gave an unpolitically-correct answer to a question and we did a do-over. I love it when they haven’t yet enrolled in WTA Players Media School.

It wasn’t that bad a comment. In fact, you and I would totally agree with her response. It was just…true and honest. So refreshing!

What a great day. More tournaments should do it this way. Citi Open started a similar effort last year.

All-Access Media Day is a Keeper.

A Lifetime of Memories @Wimbledon: @SabineLisicki Reflections #NHO13

Posted by Admin on August 22, 2013
Posted in: New Haven Open, Wimbledon, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Sabine Lisicki’s Wimbledon Reflections

The press had plenty of questions for Wimbledon Finalist Sabine Lisicki at New Haven Open this week. Luckily, they weren’t all about Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli’s retirement.

Is your life any different now that you made the Wimbledon final?

It is different. It’s been quite a change when you go home and all of a sudden everybody on the streets knows who you are. It is nice, because it shows that the hard work pays off.

Alright, real quick. Marion’s retirement?

I’ve known Marion for a very long time. I think she thought a lot about it. I think she will be happy. She fulfilled her dream. She wanted to win Wimbledon for her entire life and I am happy for her.

Sabine Lisicki, 2013 New Haven

Wrist Injury during or after Wimbledon?

It was during Wimbledon, but I think I handled it well. At a Grand Slam, you give it everything you have no matter what’s happening. And that’s what I did. I needed to take care of it. I needed a bit more time than I wanted (to heal the wrist) but that’s the way it is. I played my first final in a Grand Slam, so that’s good.

On whether she’s tried New Haven’s famous “Apizza”: No, and I probably won’t because I’m gluten-free.

What did it feel like walking out on Centre Court at Wimbledon?

Awesome feeling. I loved every second that I could step out at Wimbledon for every match and especially for the final. I think at Wimbledon the final is even more special than the other grand slams, starting with the walk on court. Everything just changes. All of a sudden you walk on court with flowers, someone else carries your bag, all those little things make a difference. Just that tournament with lots of tradition which I love about. It’s just amazing and I think I’ll learn a lot from that experience knowing how it is.

Did it ease the pain of the loss after hearing Marion had retired recently?

Didn’t change anything. I lost to Marion in the final giving every thing I had. She’s had that experience before and she knew what to expect going into the Wimbledon final. I think that’s a positive for her. She played unbelievable and I wasn’t on top of my game.

But the way to the finals, I couldn’t have a much tougher draw than I had, beating Serena, beating Radwanska and the other three girls as well who played great beforehand on grass. It really was a tough road to the final, but it made me a better player as well for the future. It gives you a huge amount of confidence and it shows that the hard work is paying off. I had to go through tough patches in the past with injuries. Just to get all of that back and to get the support of the crowd, it was the best feeling in the world.

Look out, US Open. The charming Lisicki has a taste for big show courts. I hear playing on Arthur Ashe is pretty sweet, too.

—Stephan Fogleman

Qualifying Saturday Also Practice Day @FamilyCircleCup

Posted by Admin on March 30, 2013
Posted in: Charleston, Family Circle Cup, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

Schiavone’s Grunts Scared Stephanie Voegele

CHARLESTON—Almost everyone was out and about today as the good weather arrived just in time for pro tennis to be played between the Wando and Cooper Rivers. The exceptions: there were no sightings of Venus or Birthday Girl Sam Stosur.

Francesca practiced with Voegele, the Rodionovas practiced together and with partners, and Madison Keys teamed up with Marina Erakovic.

But the biggest practices were on Stadium Court. Wozniacki got there first, which was a good thing for her, because Lisicki stayed on court for nearly three hours after she took over.

She hit with Mona Barthel, then she hit with her coach, followed by a hitting partner. She looked in form and I expect her to be in the running next Friday. Check out the Sabi Split she pulled off at the end of the video.