Sam Stosur

All posts tagged Sam Stosur

Big Day for @Shelby_Rogers_ & @LauraSiegemund as @VolvoCarOpen Field Pared to Eight

Posted by Admin on April 7, 2017
Posted in: Charleston, Volvo Car Open, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
Laura Siegemund (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)

Laura Siegemund (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)

Big Day for @Shelby_Rogers_ & @LauraSiegemund as @VolvoCarOpen Field Paired to Eight
Tony Callaio and Steve Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic

After a wacky Wednesday with lots of upsets, top remaining seed Caroline Wozniacki had to win twice in one of the windiest days in Charleston memory, which was impressive enough. But the real surprises continued to come from homegrown hero Shelby Rogers and the breakout Laura Siegemund, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the Volvo Car Open in Charleston, South Carolina.

A day after beating Venus Williams in three sets the day before, Siegemund made short work of Lucie Safarova, 6-2, 6-3 in 80 minutes. The punchy German came out swinging and never let up. “I wanted to be aggressive right away…I think she was surprised how aggressive I came out”, she told Tennis Channel immediately after the victory. She’ll face 8 seed Anastasija Sevastova in the second match after 1:00 p.m.

Shelby Rogers (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)

Shelby Rogers (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)

 

Shelby Rogers also made short work of her opponent, Naomi Osaka, in the nightcap. Rogers advanced to the Volvo Car Open quarters in 89 minutes in a 6-4, 6-2 home-court win. The venerable Mirjana Lucic-Baroni awaits Rogers in a match to be played after the conclusion of the Siegemund-Sevastova contest.

Begu upended Stosur 7-5, 6-3 when the winds kicked in creating rough conditions for the players. Stosur commented on the conditions in her post match press, “I mean if it’s like this at home, I don’t hit or go outdoors because it’s very hard to get any sort of rhythm.”

Conditions stayed gusty all afternoon into the evening with windy conditions promised for Friday’s action.

Caroline Wozniaki (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)

Caroline Wozniaki (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)

Wozniacki ended up doing double duty on the day when she had her regularly scheduled round of 16 match had to be played after she dispatched Beck in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1. She took on qualifier Anastasia Rodionova defeating her soundly 6-2, 6-3.

In other action, Sevastova d. Jabeur 7-5, 7-6(6); Ostapenko d. Stollar 6-1, 1-0 ret.; Lucic-Baroni d. Bertens 7-6(5), 6-4; Kasatkina d. Gavrilova 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.

ORDER OF PLAY – FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2017
VOLVO CAR STADIUM start 10:45 am
A. Groenefeld (GER) / K. Peschke (CZE) vs A. Spears (USA) / K. Srebotnik (SLO)

Not Before 1:00 pm
[10] I. Begu (ROU) vs D. Kasatkina (RUS)
[8] A. Sevastova (LAT) vs L. Siegemund (GER)
S. Rogers (USA) or N. Osaka (JPN) vs [11] M. Lucic-Baroni (CRO)

Not Before 7:00 pm
J. Ostapenko (LAT) vs [5] C. Wozniacki (DEN)
[1] B. Mattek-Sands (USA) / L. Safarova (CZE) or [WC] E. Halbauer (USA) / S. Kenin (USA) vs J. Brady (USA) / A. Riske (USA)

Advertisement

2017 @VolvoCarOpen Preview, Predictions

Posted by Admin on April 3, 2017
Posted in: Charleston, Volvo Car Open, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2017 @VolvoCarOpen Preview, Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

venus-charleston

After a compelling month of Premier mandatories in Indian Wells and Miami, the WTA moves to Charleston and down the border to Monterrey. Here’s your CHS.

The tour once again returns to the Green clay of Charleston. There is no tournament like this in the calendar, and it promises to be another exciting edition of the Volvo Car Open with a wide open draw.

Madison Keys, New Haven

Top Quarter:
Madison Keys enters Charleston as the top seed but not the favourite given the surface. With her big serve and flat groundstrokes, clay can often nullify power players, but this is a faster clay court than the red clay of Europe, so Keys will be dangerous to anyone in the draw. The top seed gets a BYE into round two where she could face fellow American Shelby Rogers. There could be an interesting quarter final against Naomi Osaka on the cards, providing the Japanese gets past Johanna Larsson and Shaui Zhang. Keys defeated the Japanese teenager handily in Indian Wells, and whilst I expect a closer match this time around, I expect the American to prevail.

As a former Roland Garros semi finalist, Kiki Bertens knows what it takes to succeed on clay. Can she have more success in Charleston? Bertens will be expected to make it to the quarter finals where she could face Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. The Croatian has been in good form this year, but despite that she can be streaky. However she is the most reliable prediction in the section to make the last eight given how good her form has been. Keys in front of a home crowd could prove too powerful for Lucic-Baroni in the quarter finals.

Prediction: Keys def. Lucic-Baroni

Second Quarter:
Elena Vesnina put in a career best performance to win the Indian Wells title, but suffered a hangover in Miami where she lost in round two. Will she get back to form in Charleston? The Russian has a good draw to the quarter finals as her second round match will be against a qualifier. Jelena Ostapenko or Lauren Davis will provide a tough test in the third round, but I expect Vesnina to make it through.

Caroline Wozniacki had a good fortnight in Miami but unfortunately for her it ended in final defeat to Johanna Konta. Can she make up for it in Charleston? Clay has never been her most successful surface, but the Dane is in good stead heading into the tournament. She will be expected to get past Louisa Chirico or Annika Beck, but Daria Gavrilova could pose a tough challenge in the third round. I have Wozniacki making the last four and setting up a great match against Keys.

Prediction: Wozniacki def. Vesnina

Third Quarter:
2004 champion Venus Williams enters Charleston as one of the favourites, but she has a tough draw ahead if she is to make it to the last eight. Laura Siegemund or Lesia Tsurenko will await in the second round, but the third is where it really heats up against former French open finalist Lucie Safarova. This is a close match to call as the Czech is naturally more suited to clay, but Venus is in better form and in front of a home crowd so I will pick the American.

This quarter features another ex champion, Andrea Petkovic, who is a potential second round opponent for the eighth seeded Anastasija Sevastova. The German has lost her way though and could lose in the opening round to Lara Arruabarrena. It should come down to the two seeded players in this section, and I am picking Yulia Putintseva over the Latvian. However Venus should have too much in the quarter finals for the Kazakh.

Prediction: Venus def. Putintseva

Jo Konta

Konta

Fourth Quarter:
The bottom half is headlined by Miami champion Johanna Konta who enters Charleston fresh off her biggest title to date. Clay has not been the best surface for the Brit in the past, but the faster version of Charleston coupled with her confidence means that Konta may just be the pre-tournament favourite. She will open her campaign against Kayla day or Alison Riske before moving on to what could be a difficult third round. Daria Kasatkina, Monica Puig and Katerina Siniakova are all capable of an upset, and given the potential fatigue that could very well happen.

That could leave the door open for a god run from Sam Stosur. The Aussie is a former French Open finalist and her game suits the clay with the heavy top spin forehand being her biggest weapon. Stosur could face former world number one Jelena Jankovic In the second round, Irina Begu is the projected third round opponent. I can see Stosur getting through this quarter and making the semi finals despite the tough draw.

Prediction: Stosur def. Kasatkina

Semi Finals:
Keys def. Wozniacki
Venus def. Stosur

Wozniacki may feel the effects of her Miami Open run so may end up losing to Keys. Venus vs Stosur is difficult to call but I am saying Venus makes the final.

Final:
Venus def. Keys

Experience will prevail in this All-American final.

5 Past Champs to Do the Charleston Again in 2017 @VolvoCarOpen

Posted by Admin on March 1, 2017
Posted in: Charleston, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
Andrea Petkovic, Family Circle Cup

The 50-Foot Petko!

FIVE PAST CHAMPIONS TO PLAY THE VOLVO CAR OPEN

Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Samantha Stosur, Jelena Jankovic and Andrea Petkovic are returning to compete for a second Charleston title

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – As of today, the Volvo Car Open will welcome back at least five of its past champions for its 2017 tournament, held April 1 – 9 at the Volvo Car Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina.

Currently in the field are:
Venus Williams, 2004 Champion
Jelena Jankovic, 2007 Champion
Samantha Stosur, 2010 Champion
Caroline Wozniacki, 2011 Champion
Andrea Petkovic, 2014 Champion

“Our patrons have rallied behind our Charleston champions year-after-year, and have become their lifelong fans,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open Tournament Manager. “We wish each champion the best of luck in the competition and can’t wait to welcome them home.”

venus-charleston

Williams will make her ninth appearance in the Charleston player field, where she holds a 20-7 record. The World No. 13 recently made the finals of the 2017 Australian Open.

Jelena Jankovic

Jelena Jankovic

This year will mark Jankovic’s 13th time in the Volvo Car Open draw. In addition to winning the tournament in 2007, she reached the finals in 2013. She holds a 21-11 Charleston record.

Stosur

Stosur has played the Volvo Car Open ten times, where she boasts a 15-9 record. The U.S. Open winner made the quarterfinals in Doha and Taiwan already in 2017.

The 2017 Volvo Car Open will be Wozniacki’s fifth appearance in Charleston where she holds a 14-3 record. In addition to her title in 2011, she made the finals in 2009. The World No. 14 has started 2017 strong. She’s reached the quarterfinals in Auckland and Sydney, as well as the finals in Qatar and Dubai.

Petkovic joins the 2017 player field with an 11-3 record. She will compete in Charleston for her fifth time this year. After winning the tournament in 2014, she made the semifinals in 2015.

The nine-day Volvo Car Open is the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America, attracting an average of 90,000 attendees and 70+ of the top tennis players.

Tickets for the 2017 Volvo Car Open are on sale. Patrons have the option to choose from individual tickets, ticket packages and travel packages. Ticket prices range from $25 for an individual session to $525 for the all-inclusive weeklong package. The Volvo Car Open will provide six special ticket packages in 2017, each offering more tennis at a greater value.

New in 2017, the tournament will roll out the Ace Club, an exciting membership program for box and ticket package holders. The Ace Club is a recognition program providing unparalleled amenities and benefits during the tournament. In addition, members have the option to receive access into the Ace Lounge, an exclusive hospitality tent providing first-class accommodations including, live entertainment, air-conditioning, elevated food options and more.

For more information on the tournament and ticket options, visit volvocaropen.com or call 800.677.2293.

—A. Alpino, Volvo Car Open

WTA St. Petersburg, Taipei Previews and Predictions

Posted by Admin on January 29, 2017
Posted in: St Petersburg Open, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2017 WTA St. Petersburg, Taipei Previews and Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

After a thrilling Australian Open which saw Serena Williams make history by winning her 23rd major title, the WTA tour heads to St. Petersburg and Taipei as many players look to bounce back from their disappointment down under. Here is a rundown of the week’s upcoming tennis.

st-pete-ladies

St. Petersburg

The tour returns to Russia for the second ever St. Petersburg ladies trophy which was won last year by Roberta Vinci. Simona Halep is the top seed in a field which also features Australian Open finalist Venus Williams.

simona-halep

Simona Halep

Top Quarter:

To say Halep’s Australian open was a disappointment would be an understatement. The Romanian was bundled out in the opening round as her dreams of a first Grand Slam title were put on hold once again. The top seed will look to bounce back in St. Petersburg, but she has a very tough draw ahead of her. After an opening round bye she could face promising youngster Ana Konjuh or the tricky Monica Niculescu. Daria Kasatkina faces Belinda Bencic in the pick of the opening round matches with the winner likely going all the way to the quarter finals. With Halep looking in poor form down under, the upset is very much on the cards here, and I back the home favourite to get it done.

Prediction: Kasatkina def. Halep

Second Quarter:

It is hard to predict how Venus will approach this tournament as she will likely be in need of rest after making the Australian Open final. She has an opening round bye before a potential meeting with Kristina Mladenovic in the second round and from there, we could see the effects of a big run take shape. Defending champion Roberta Vinci lands in this section and is the most likely to take advantage of Venus’ likely fatigue. She faces big-serving Timea Babos in the first round before meeting Irina Begu in round two. It is difficult to predict the Italian to not make the quarter finals, and from there I believe she will take advantage of a tired Venus to progress to the last four

Prediction: Vinci def. Venus

Third Quarter:

Many will label Svetlana Kuznetsova as the favourite as she returns to her home country. However, the third seed has a tough opening match in the second round against Daria Gavrilova. Kiki Bertens may look at this as a chance of securing a first Premier title, but the seventh seed has some tough players in her draw. Annika Beck is the first opponent followed by either Johanna Larsson or Yulia Putintseva. There are a few players who can spring a surprise and make the last eight in this quarter, but I am backing Kuznetsova to get it done with some tight matches along the way.

Prediction: Kuznetsova def. Bertens

Fourth Quarter:

Dominika Cibulkova will head into St. Petersburg as one of the title favourites as she looks to claim her first tournament win of the year. The Slovak has a bye into round two where she will likely face Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian had a good Australian Open and is a dangerous player to be drawn against. Another home crowd favourite will be Elena Vesnina, who is the fifth seed in the draw. She faces fellow Russian and doubles partner Ekaterina Makarova in the opening round with the winner likely going on to a meeting with feisty Frenchwoman Alize Cornet in round two. I can see Vesnina being an early upset, but Cibulkova will have enough quality to make the final four.

Prediction: Cibulkova def. Makarova

Semi Finals:

Kasatkina def. Vinci

Cibulkova def. Kuznetsova

Kasatkina will have a good tournament this week and she will make the final after a hard fought victory against Vinci. Cibulkoa vs Kuznetsova could go either way, but I am backing the second seed to get it done.

Final:

Dominika Cibulkova

Cibulkova def. Kasatkina

Cibulkova’s experience and power will be too much for the younger Kasatkina who puts up a good fight but ultimately falls to the higher ranked player.

taiwan-open

Taipei

The Taiwan Open is making its debut as an International event this year and boasts a decent field with Elina Svitolina as the top seed.

Top Quarter:

The top seed is the heavy favourite to take home the title and  faces Evgeniya Rodina in the opening round. Kateryna Kozlova or Lucie Hradecka will await in the second round. Shelby Rogers is the other seed in this section and she’ll meet a local wildcard in her opener. The American will then likely move on to face compatriot Nicole Gibbs in the following round. My prediction is Svitolina to make it through the section without many issue. Rogers is the biggest test, but it is one she should pass.

Prediction: Svitolina def. Rogers

Second Quarter:

2017 could turn out to be a big year for Caroline Garcia, who is still waiting on a breakthrough. Winning Taipei would not grant that, but it would be a step in the right direction for the Frenchwoman. Garcia opens against qualifier Marina Erakovic before meeting Jana Cepelova or Mandy Minella in the second round. This could lead to a quarter final meeting with Jelena Jankovic, who will have to make her way through Kurumi Nara and Magda Linette to get to Garcia. I feel the at this stage of their careers, Garcia will simply have too much for Jankovic.

Prediction: Garcia def. Jankovic

Third Quarter:

Anastasija Sevastova got some of her form back at the Australian so she heads into Taipei among the favourites to go all the way. The Latvian’s first test comes in the form of Lucie Safarova in round two. The Czech is riding high after winning the Australian Open doubles title, but she has yet to re-find her top ten singles form. That said, this is a good section for her to make an impact. Sorana Cirstea or Misaki Doi are the likely quarter final opponents, depending on which one can come through. Cirstea showed some good form in Melbourne, so she is the likely choice.

Prediction: Safarova def. Cirstea

Fourth Quarter:

Sam Stosur took a wildcard into Taipei to search for form. Danka Kovinic will be the Aussie’s first opponent, followed by a qualifier or Francesca Schiavone. A match between two former grand slam champions will be a must-see for the local crowd, but Stosur should have the advantage at this stage. Katerina Siniakova is the other seed in this section, and she faces Galina Voskoboeva then Saisai Zeng or Shuai Peng. There are plenty of players in this section that can upset Stosur, but I see the Aussie coming through.

Prediction: Stosur def. Siniakova

Semi Finals:

Svitolina def. Garcia
Safarova def. Stosur

Svitolina vs Garcia is a an interesting style clash as counter puncher meets aggressor, but at this moment the Frenchwoman lacks the consistency to beat the Ukrainian. Stosur has a terrible head-to-head record against Safarova, so I see the Czech getting win number 12 over the Aussie.

Final:

Svitolina vs Safarova

This is a good final for an International event, but the top seed will likely prevail.

Freaky Friday @CitiOpen as Top Seeds Lose

Posted by Admin on July 22, 2016
Posted in: ATP, Citi Open, Washington, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Freaky Friday at Citi Open as Top Seeds Lose
Steve Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic

IMG_3557

Fridays can be a little sad at a tennis tournament. You notice the almost-bare practice courts, fewer players passing by, and mostly, less fans zigging and zagging their way through the grounds en route to a match on a far-flung court. Everyone, it seems, is now inside the Stadium and Grandstand watching a limited number of matches of paramount importance.

Well, this Friday had a few surprises on the court. Freaky Friday, as it were.

The women were relegated and cursed to spend all match eternity away from Stadium Court, and so they battled it out on Grandstand 1. Top men’s seed John Isner fizzled on Stadium, and you could feel the hot winds of change blowing through the Washington tournament.

Top Seed Sam Stosur felt the freak the hardest, as she was stunned by Jessica Pegula in straight sets. Pegula survived a first set tiebreak before going into Beast Mode in the second, and the former US Open champion was reduced to rubble, 7-6(4), 6-3, by the #173-ranked Pegula, who moves on to face….

Lauren Davis?

That’s right. The #122, who told me yesterday that she wanted to be in the top 50 at year’s end, sure sounds prescient now after a 6-4, 6-4 win over Camila Giorgi. She’s on a mission.

Yanina Wickmayer was the first on to the semis today, with a turnaround 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kiki Mladenovic in 2:11 under sunny skies in 91-degree heat. Wickmayer went on to play doubles after the win. And she won again, telling me that the conditions weren’t the worst she’d seen. “We have”, she replied. “A lot of times it is humid and hot conditions and that’s just how it is. I guess it’s for both of us. Your opponent has to deal with the same conditions. We just have to hang in there and stay positive.”

wicky2

Wickmayer (Photo: @Tennis_Shots, Christopher Levy)

Awaiting Wickmayer will be Yulia Putintseva, a winner over Risa Ozaki in straights, 6-4, 6-2 in 86 torturous minutes. Putintseva, who hit a career high ranking of 35 in June, is playing excellent stateside tennis in 2016. Wickmayer has a 1-0 head to head with Putintseva.

IMG_3493

Putintseva !

 

As far as I am concerned, this will be the real final. Although Poots has never won a WTA tour title and Wickmayer has four, these are solid top 50 players, unlike the participants in the other semifinal, the all-American one, who hope to break the top 100.

Everyone in the business of making money on this tournament wanted Sloane against Sam for the final. The television ratings, the re-tweets! It would’ve been great. I would call what they have on their hands a small marketing disaster, except for the fact that tournament organizers here have never really cared nearly as much about the women’s event for it to count as a disaster. Some hopes are raised as an all-American semifinal between Pegula and Davis tomorrow night will guarantee an American a spot in Sunday’s final.

With just 4 WTA titles combined among the semifinalists all belonging to Wickmayer, this ‘disaster’ also represents an opportunity for three young women to come away with a maiden title. Where were you when Jessica Pegula won her first WTA title? And where will you be when Poots or Davis nabs hers?

You might be in Washington.

Giorgi, Ozaki, @KikiMladenovic, @LaurenDavis93 Complete @WTA Quarterfinals Field @CitiOpen

Posted by Admin on July 22, 2016
Posted in: Citi Open, Washington, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Giorgi, Ozaki, Mladenovic, Davis Complete Women’s Quarterfinals Field at Citi Open
Steve Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic

DSCN3137

Risa Ozaki!

WASHINGTON (July 21)—Risa Ozaki did the most impressing on a light day for women’s singles at the Citi Open in Washington, as she won in three sets. In other action, Camila Giorgi won in a walkover as Tamira Paszek withdrew to injury, and Kristina Mladenovic and Lauren Davis both booked their trip to the quarters in straights.

Ozaki had the perseverance to be down a break in the third after dropping the second set. She’d won the first, 6-1, and looked to be on cruise control until Naomi Broady willed the second set, 7-5.

I interviewed her after the win, but before doubles, which she also won with Shuko Aoyama, 6-4, 5-7, 10-5. She credited her serve today and she’ll need it for…

Tomorrow: Yulia Putintseva.

Lauren Davis scored an upset against Monica Puig 6-4, 6-2.

“It was a great win for me. Monica’s an amazing player and she’s been doing really well this year,” the gracious American said of her opponent in an interview with Tennis Atlantic. She also said she’d like to finish the season in the top 50 or 60. Next up is Camila Giorgi in the women’s nightcap.

Kiki Mladenovic loves to come to Washington for good reason. She’s a 2014 quarter finalist in singles and the defending doubles champ. She breezed past Sabine Lisicki in 67 minutes and looked like she could go another three sets when I spoke with her 3 & 3 win over the former Wimbledon finalist. Yanina Wickmayer awaits.

Top seed Sam Stosur plays wild card Jesse Pegula for the final semi-final spot.

Favorites Advance @CitiOpen on Wednesday

Posted by Admin on July 21, 2016
Posted in: ATP, Citi Open, Steen Kirby, Washington. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Favorites Advance at Citi Open on Wednesday
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

Embed from Getty Images

A full day of play on Wednesday at the 2016 Citi Open saw most of the favorites advance into the next round. On the women’s side, Yanina Wickmayer beat Shuai Zhang 6-3 7-5, Lauren Davis won an All-American battle with Shelby Rogers 5-7 7-5 6-3, Kristina Mladenovic got past Samantha Crawford 6-2 2-6 6-3, and Yulia Putintseva defeated local favorite Usue Arconada 6-4 4-6 6-4 in a nearly two and a half hour battle. The oft injured Jessica Pegula upset Christina McHale 7-5 6-2. and top seed Sam Stosur advanced 5-7 4-3 (ret.) against fan favorite Caroline Wozniacki. Wozniacki hurt her arm late in the first set, and although she won that set, she was eventually in too much pain to carry on.

Embed from Getty Images

In ATP second round action, four American men advanced to the round of 16, led by top seed John Isner, who dominated proceedings against overmatched Australian James Duckworth 6-3 6-4. Jack Sock beat Lukas Lacko 7-6 6-4 in a nip and tuck battle, Steve Johnson had more depth and power on his shots compared to Adrian Mannarino and won 6-3 6-4, and Ryan Harrison upset Viktor Troicki with solid defensive minded tennis 7-6 6-4. Troicki had his chances in the match, but was left frustrated by Harrison’s ability to chase down shots from the baseline and counter Troicki’s more powerful tennis. Johnson has won 12 of his last 15 matches and is in great form himself.

Ryan Harrison 2016 Citi Open

Young gun American Taylor Fritz wasn’t as lucky, he fell 6-4 6-2 to Alexander Zverev. The first set was a long one, as Zverev had to save five break points serving up a break 2-1. Fritz didn’t get another shot to break in the set, and Zverev took it. After facing four break points on his own serve in the opening game of set 2, Fritz was broken serving 1-1, and at that point you saw the will to fight leave him like a deflated balloon. Fritz is talented, but Zverev won most baseline rallies, was much stronger on serve, and showed why he’s ranked 30 spots higher in the ATP rankings.

Fritz vs Zverev 2016 Citi Open

Big servers Gilles Muller, and Ivo Karlovic advanced, Muller was too imposing for the undersized Yoshihito Nishioka and won 6-4 6-1. Karlovic edged past Brian Baker 6-3 7-6, as Baker was too shaky on his own serve against a player as strong as Karlovic. Kevin Anderson continued his woeful season and was upset however. Malek Jaziri won his second third set tiebreak in as many days 5-7 6-4 7-6. Jaziri was steely in his own right, while Anderson faltered when it mattered.

Gilles Muller 2016 Citi Open

Gael Monfils and Borna Coric will meet in the round of 16. Monfils showed off his movement and shotmaking against Rendy Lu. Lu didn’t have an answer as he lost 6-3 6-2. Monfils was in good mood, and won 100% of his first serve points in the first set. Coric advanced with ease 6-4 6-4 over Yuichi Sugita, as he faced practically no pressure on his own serve, but pressured Sugita in multiple return games.

Monfils vs Lu 2016 Citi Open

In late action, Bernard Tomic defeated Donald Young 7-6 6-3, and Marcos Baghdatis dominated John Millman 6-2 6-4.

In men’s doubles, Mergea/Tecau defeated Kudla/Tiafoe, Marach/Martin beat Stepanek/Zimonjic, Kontinen/Peers defeated Huey/Mirnyi, Guccione/Querrey beat Butorac/Lipsky, Nestor/Roger-Vasselin beat Fritz/Opelka, Lindstedt/Troicki beat Cabal/Farah, and Johnson/Sock beat Melo/Soares is an upset.

In women’s doubles, Aoyama/Ozaki, Dabrowski/Yang, Melichar/Xu, and Aoyama/Ozaki are all marching on.

Stosur, Wozniacki, Wickmayer Advance @CitiOpen In Rain-Delayed Session

Posted by Admin on July 18, 2016
Posted in: Citi Open, Washington, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Stosur, Wozniacki, Wickmayer Advance at  Citi Open In Rain-Delayed Session
Steve Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic

DSCN3088

#1 Seed Sam Stosur

WASHINGTON (June 18)—Sam Stosur came out swinging today under the Washington sun. She won 91% of her first-service points against Alla Kudryavtseva in a 6-3, 6-0, 57-minute breezer and the #1 seed sent a message. “I’m off to a great start here, but the conditions are so different from where I’ve just come” she said.  As she said that, a heavy wind gust hit the media center and rocked the interview tent. And as soon as the press conference was over, a heavy rain hit the grounds.  The #1 seed, Stosur will now face Caroline Wozniacki in the second round.

FullSizeRender (6)

#7 Seed Wickmayer Didn’t Disappoint

Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer is playing some of her best tennis right now, and she dispatched an always difficult first round opponent in Madison Brengle, who hails from Delaware just two hours away.

“For me, it was tough in the beginning to hang in there to keep fighting for every point,” Wickmayer told Tennis Atlantic in an exclusive interview after the match. “She makes you work hard, so I just tried to stay focused, to stay positive and try to play as aggressively as I could and I think I did that well, especially in the second set. I served well and I think I put a lot of pressure on her game.”

She’ll meet Shuai Zhang on Wednesday.

Those two matches, which started at 1:50 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively, were the only tennis at Citi Open until after 7:00 p.m. after the rain finally relented.

In the second half of the rain-segmented day, Shuai Zhang dispatched fellow countrywoman and Lucky Loser Lin Zhu, 7-5, 6-4. Later, Jessica Pegula walloped Aleksandra Wozniak 6-2, 6-2. That hit she took before the match with the other Woz, Caroline, apparently did the Canadian little good. For Caro, she whisked past Hiroko Kuwata, 6-1, 6-1 in one hour and will compete in the marquee 2nd round match-up of this tournament when she takes on Sam Stosur on Wednesday.

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.

.@BamBamSam30 Stosur Hits the Big 5-0-0; @ChristinaMcHale Rules, Rain Delay @CitiOpen

Posted by Admin on August 4, 2015
Posted in: ATP, Citi Open, Steve Fogleman, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Stosur Hits the Big 5-0-0; McHale Rules, Rain Delay at Citi Open
Steve “I never said I was a line judge” Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic

Stosur: Career Win #500

Stosur: Career Win #500

2011 US Open champion Sam Stosur reached a milestone today in her otherwise routine straight sets win over Kiki Mladenovic: The Big 5-0-0. Stosur claimed she had “no idea” that the 64 minute 2 and 2 win was a milestone until they brought out a cake on Grandstand Court.

Now I love Sam Stosur, but I don’t believe a word of it. I heard talk of her at #499 all weekend at the tournament.

That 2 & 2 match was apparently also pretty damn meaningful to Kiki Mladenovic, who was caught crying outside the media center by Ricky Dimon of TennGrand.com.

Sam Stosur #500! (Photo: S. Fogleman)

Sam Stosur #500! (Photo: S. Fogleman)

Christina McHale has matured a great deal as a player. After a tough three set 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win over a recently resurgent CoCo Vandeweghe, she admitted to me that was the type of match she would have lost only a year ago. Next up, McHale has a date with “L’il Troublemaker” Yulia Putintseva, the woman who only smiles while binge-watching the entire chronology of “Saw” movies.

Christina McHale (Photo: Chris Levy @Tennis_Shots

Christina McHale (Photo: Chris Levy @Tennis_Shots

As of this moment, play has just resumed on Stadium Court after a one hour rain delay. Kei Nishikori’s match against James Duckworth, originally scheduled for not before 7:30 p.m., will not commence until at least 10:00 p.m. Meanwhile, enjoy this Kei Nishikori practice video from earlier today and we’ll wrap up tonight on the morrow.