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2015 WTA Seoul and Guangzhou Previews and Predictions

Posted by Admin on September 20, 2015
Posted in: Niall Clarke, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2015 WTA Seoul and Guangzhou Previews and Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

As well as touching down in Tokyo, the Asian swing also calls in at Seoul and Guangzhou for the Korea Open and the Guangzhou International.

WTA Seoul

The event launched in 2004 at the Seoul Olympic park in South Korea. Previous champions include Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska. Last year’s champion was Karolina Pliskova who is playing in Tokyo, so will not defend her title.

The Korea Open
Tier: International
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $426,750
Date: 21st– 27th September 2015

The seeded players (ranking)
1. Irina Begu (30)
2. Anna Schmiedlova (32)
3. Sloane Stephens (33)
4. Varvara Lepchenko (38)
5. Mona Barthel (48)
6. Alexandra Dulghuru (51)
7. Julia Goerges (54)
8. Alison Van Uytvanck (55)

First round matches to watch

(8) Alison Van Uytvanck vs Andreea Mitu

Interestingly, these two young players battled each other for a place in the French Open Quarter finals back in June, now they are drawn together again in the first round of an International tournament.

The Belgian won on that day in Paris and holds a 2-1 head to head lead against her opponent, but Mitu claims the only victory on a hard court. Neither player has managed to kick on since Roland Garros but it will be interesting to see which one pulls through in Seoul.

Christina McHale vs Yaroslava Shvedova

Both unseeded, but both have more talent than their rankings suggest. Two underachievers? I believe so, and they will face off in round one here.

Shvedova has seen her ranking tumble since reaching the top 30 in 2012. She is more of a doubles specialist these days but on her day is capable of producing tennis that not many players can deal with. McHale comes in on decent form after making the semi-finals last week and holds the victory in their only previous meeting. This one could go either way.

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(WC) Kimiko Date Krumm vs Ajla Tomljanovic

Yeah, Date Krumm is still around. She will turn 45 years old this month, and despite her 26 year old career heading into its twilight, she still will play the Asian swing. First round is Tomljanovic, who is a fairly big hitter of the ball which gives a nice stylistic contrast. The Croatian-Aussie was successful in their meeting in Tokyo last week. Can she repeat that performance?

Draw Analysis

Begu’s quarter

Top seeded Romanian Irina Begu has quietly made her way into the top 30 this season, and she’ll be looking to cement that position this week with a title win. She could very well be the pre-tournament favourite. A qualifier in round one should be simple enough, whilst Polona Hercog or Lauren Davis will provide an interesting, but winnable round two.

Julia Goerges is the other seed in this section. The former top 20 player has not been able to re-capture that form, but she is still a highly dangerous big hitter. Lara Arruabarrena might be tricky in the first round, but if she can get through that Jo Larsson awaits in the second.

Lepchenko’s quarter

Lepchenko will be looking to build off the back of an impressive US Open run this week. The American has been dealt with a fairly difficult round two after a qualifier round one. Heather Watson could await, though the Brit is not in the best of form.

Van Uytvanck and Mitu will conduct their Roland Garros rematch in the first round in one of my three to see, but Irina Falconi in the second round will certainly be interesting. The American faces Siniakova in round one.

Stephens’ Quarter

Sloane Stephens may arguably be the favourite in the minds of many. She now has the title duck off her back after winning in Washington, can she add a second title to her collection? The third seed will play local wildcard Han Nae-Lan in round one. Round two will be either Tomljanovic or Date Krumm, both of which possess different challenges for the American.

Dulgheru is the other seed in this section, but she has also been dealt with a toughie. A qualifier in round one could be simple enough, but Magdalena Rybarikova or Klara Koukalova in the second could spell an early exit for the sixth seed.

Schmiedlova’s quarter

Schmiedlova’s gradual rise up the rankings has continued with some impressive title efforts this year. The young Slovakian is the second seed here and will fancy her chance at going all the way. Big serving twin of Karolina Pliskova, Kristyna. Shvedova or McHale could provide an upset in round two.

Barthel is the last remaining seed yet to be covered. The talented German will face a local wildcard in the first round before meeting to winner of Bertens vs Duque Marino in the second.

Predictions:

Quarter Finals:
Begu def. Goerges
Lepchenko def. Van Uytvanck
Stephens def. Rybarikova
Schmiedlova def. Barthel

Embed from Getty Images

Semi Finals:
Begu def. Lepchenko
Stephens def. Schmiedlova

Final:
Stephens def. Begu

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 WTA Guangzhou

Like the Korea Open, the Guangzhou International launched 11 years ago as part of the Asian Swing. Li Na won the inaugural event to become the first Chinese titlist.  Other former champions include former world number one’s Jelena Jankovic and Dinara Safina and last year’s champion Monica Niculescu.

The Guangzhou International
Tier: International
Location: Guangzhou, China
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $226, 750
Date: 21st– 27th September 2015

The seeded players:

1. Simona Halep (2)
2. Andrea Petkovic (17)
3. Sara Errani (21)
4. Jelena Jankovic (25)
5. Svetlana Kuznetsova (31)
6. Monica Niculescu (39)
7. Danka Kovinic (69)
8. Saisai Zheng (70)

First round matches to watch:

Yania Wickmayer vs Magda Linette

It was just meant to be wasn’t it? Just days after competing in the Tokyo International final, Wickmayer and Linette will play each other again in the first round of Guangzhou.

The Belgian won on that occasion to win her third career title, so the Pole will be out to avenge that loss this week. Will Wickmayer inflict more misery on Linette, or will the Pole find her revenge.

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Daniela Hantuchova

Kuznetsova and Hantuchova will meet for the 15th time in the first round of the Guangzhou International.

The Russian leads the head 9-4, winning their past three meetings, including on Chinese soil in Beijing last year. Both players are past their prime, but it could still be a good battle between two tour veterans. Certainly the marque round one match-up.

(4) Jelena Jankovic vs Elena Vesnina

The always un-predicatble Jankovic opens up her tournament with a tough round one against former top 20 player Vesnina.

These two battled for hours at Wimbledon earlier in year in a marathon three setter that Jankovic eventually won 10-8 in the third. The Serbian leads the head to head 6-1, but a lot of those victories were before Vesnina made any impression. Despite the pigeon status, Vesnina is not a player you would want to be drawing in the opening round of an International. And given Jankovic’s randomness, who knows what might happen?

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Draw Analysis

Halep’s quarter

The reasons are still unclear as to why the world number two is playing an International with Wuhan right around the corner, but she is here and ready to play. Halep opens with a qualifier before likely facing Timea Babos in round two. Both of which are should wins if she takes it seriously.

20 year old Kovinic is the other seeded player in this quarter. The Montenegrin faces a dangerous unseeded player in Bojana Jovanovski in the opening round in a potential upset. The winner will face either Denisa Allertova orAnna-Lena Friedsam.

Errani’s quarter

It is not on clay, but Errani must be considered amongst the favourites for the title as the third seed. Duan, then two qualifiers should be simple enough for the Italian, who is looking to replicate the success of her compatriots from the US Open.

Saisai Zheng will be motivated in her home country to make a deep run this week, so the last of the seeded players might play a little bit above that level. The draw has been kind to the Chinese, Alexsandra Krunic in round one follow by Su-Wieh-Hsieh or a qualifier should see her into the quarter finals at the very least.

Jankovic’s quarter

Perhaps the most interesting quarter is headlined by former world number one Jankovic. A tough round one against Vesnina will test her at the very least. Francesca Schiavone could await the winner in the second round.

Amongst this veteran section is Kuznetsova, who faces Hantuchova is a difficult first rounder. Urszula Radwanska could be a potential second round opponent if she can get past her qualifier opponent

Petkovic’s quarter

Petkovic is looking for form after sruggling in her US Open third round match with Johanna Konta. The German faces Monia Puig in round one. The young Puerto Rican has not kicked on at all this year so it should be no problem. Wickmayer or Linette, both of whom are in form, awaits the winner.

Defending champion Niculescu returns as the sixth seed here. Yulia Punitseva is her round one opponent, and if she can get through that there should be no problems in making the quarter finals.

Predictions:

Quarter Finals:
Halep def. Jovanovski
Errani def. Zheng
Jankovic def. Kuznetsova
Niculescu def. Petkovic

Embed from Getty Images

Semi Finals:
Errani def. Halep
Jankovic def. Niculescu

Final:
Errani def. Jankovic

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Niall Clarke (Sofia)

 

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Stosur, Tsurenko Claim Titles at Bad Gastein, Istanbul

Posted by Admin on July 26, 2015
Posted in: Niall Clarke, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

Stosur, Tsurenko Claim Titles at Bad Gastein, Istanbul
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

Embed from Getty Images

Sam Stosur and Lesia Tsurenko both capped off great weeks by taking home titles in Bad Gastein and Istanbul respectively.

Stosur had to battle from the brink of defeat to overcome third seed Karin Knapp, who had beaten compatriot Sara Errani earlier in the day.

The Italian raced to a 6-3, 5-4 lead as she picked up from where she left off in the semi-final. But as is often the case in the WTA, the match is not over until the final point has been played. Knapp failed to serve out the match, and a fighting Stosur forced a second set tiebreak which she claimed 7-6(3).

The second seed established the lead in the final set with her opponent clearly mentally and physically fatigued. Knapp lost her serve in the first game of the third, and then again at 4-2 which gave Stosur the opportunity to serve out the match. The 2011 US Open champion kept her composure to serve it out to 15 and claim her second title of 2015.

“It was a very hard match today,” Stosur said. “I was getting completely outplayed in that first set, and even though she was up in the second set too, I started to feel like I was doing a little better. Obviously she served for the match but I hung in there, got that set then played better and better from there.

“It’s not ideal to be playing a semifinal and final in one day, a two-and-a-half-hour match in the morning then another two and a half hours in the afternoon, but unfortunately that’s just what happens with the weather sometimes. And she did serve for the match, so she wasn’t doing too badly either.”

Maybe if the weather stayed dry then Knapp might have had enough to take home the title here, but such is tennis, the rain delay meant that the Italian had to spend over five hours on court today.

“It wasn’t easy to play five hours today but I was really fighting. I just missed some chances, and she used hers,” Knapp said. “It was a great week, though. I’m looking forward to the next tournaments.”

The doubles title went to Danka Kovinic and Stephanie Vogt, who upset top seeds Lara Arruabarrena and Lucie Hradecka in the final, 4-6, 6-4, 10-3.

Embed from Getty Images

Over in Istanbul, a final was played between two unseeded and unfancied players, as Tsurenko took on Agnieszka Radwanska’s sister Urszula, both of which were looking for their maiden WTA title.

It was an unexpected final pairing, though both Tsurenko and Radwanska both earned their place in the main event. Tsurenko had beaten sixth seed Daria Gavrilova in the first round, while Radwanska had beaten third seed Jelena Jankovic in the first round and eighth seed Tsvetana Pironkova in the quarterfinals.

In the early goings the Pole was looking like the one who handled the nerves better, earning three set points on her opponent’s serve. But the Ukrainian fought them off and held firm before going on to take the opening set 7-5.

With momentum now behind Tsurenko, the 26 year old raced out to a 4-0 lead in the second set, before eventually breaking the Radwanska serve to claim the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Cup with a 7-5, 6-1 victory.

“When I saw the draw it looked tough, but I believe that if you go to a tournament you can win it,” Tsurenko said. “You have to think like this. And I’m so happy I could win here and show good tennis.

“That’s my goal, getting good results and showing good tennis.”

This was her maiden WTA final, with her previous best results coming in Brisbane in 2013 and Tashkent in 2014 where she made the semi-finals.

Radwanska is now 0-2 in WTA finals, with her previous defeat being against Nadia Petrova in the 2012 ‘s-Hertogenbosch final. She will be hoping third time will end up being a charm.

The doubles title went to Daria Gavrilova and Elina Svitolina, who beat Jankovic and Cagla Buyukakcay in a match tie-break, 5-7, 6-1, 10-4.

 

 

 

2015 WTA @Istanbul_Cup @NuernbergerCup Previews, Predictions

Posted by Admin on July 19, 2015
Posted in: Niall Clarke, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

WTA @Istanbul_Cup @NuernbergerCup Previews, Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

Istanbul (photo credit: Ahmet Fevzi Guclu)

Istanbul (photo credit: Ahmet Fevzi Guclu)

The WTA tour is still in post-Wimbledon mode with another pair of International events being on the agenda this week. With the top ten players in the world looking to rest for the upcoming US hard court season, these tournaments give a chance to lower ranked players to claim a tour title.

The BNP Paribas Istanbul cup and the Nurnberger Gasteinladies events will provide WTA fans with plenty of action over the coming week.

WTA Istanbul

The BNP Paribas Istanbul cup
Tier: International
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $226,750
Date: July 20th– July 26th 2015

The eight seeded players:
1. Venus Williams (15)
2. Elina Svitolina (17)
3. Jelena Jankovic (25)
4. Alize Cornet (28)
5. Camila Giorgi (31)
6. Daria Gavrilova (39)
7. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (40)
8. Tsvetana Pironkova (42)

First round matches to watch:

Camila Giorgi

Camila Giorgi

(5) Camila Giorgi vs Dominika Cibulkova:

Cibulkova will continue her climb back up the rankings after recently recovering from an Achilles injury. The former Australian Open finalist will begin her Istanbul campaign against big hitting Italian Giorgi who is back in action after a successful grass court season.

With her ranking now outside the top 50, Cibulkova made her return to action during grass court season after a three month layoff. The Slovakian defeated Lucie Safarova in Eastbourne before losing to Pironkova in three sets. Cibulkova Wimbledon campaign was short lived however. The 26 year old lost in the opening round to Daniela Hantuchova in straight sets.

Grass season is where Giorgi finds her best form as the 24 year old’s powerful game becomes even tougher to deal with. The Italian won her first WTA title in Den Bosch and made the third round of Wimbledon making this her most successful season to date. Currently ranked at 51, Giorgi is the fifth seed at this event and one of the favourites to take home the title.

Giorgi defeated Cibulkova in their only previous meeting which came in Rome last year. It is hard to gage Cibulkova’s form due to the injury so it is unknown how well she might play out there. The surface suits the Slovakian more, but Giorgi on a good day is hugely dangerous. It is one of those toss-up matches, but due to form the Italian is the favourite.

(2) Elina Svitolina vs Magdalena Rybarikova:

Magdalena Rybarikova

Magdalena Rybarikova

Young-gun Svitolina will be hoping to continue her ascension up the rankings this week, but first she must overcome the dangerous Rybarikova in the opening round.

The Ukrainian has been one of the staples of consistency this season, and has achieved a ranking of 17. Now that grass season is over Svitolina can settle on to a court that is more suited to her game and continue her journey towards the top 10.

Grass is usually where Rybarikova shines, but the Slovakian will be disappointed that she lost to Olga Govortsova in a section that opened nice for a deep Wimbledon run. Outside of some good wins on the grass, Rybarikova has struggled to put together victories this season but she still remains inside the world’s top 50.

Svitolina won their only meeting 6-0, 6-2 in Brisbane at that start of the season. The Ukrainian may have struggled on grass against Rybarikova but on a hard court the 20 year old holds an advantage. The Slovakian is still a dangerous player however, and could spring an upset if playing well.

Draw Analysis:

Top seed Venus Williams has been dealt with a rather kind draw as she bids for her 47th career title. At the tender age of 25, one wonders how long the seven time grand slam champion will continue her playing career, but she is here in Istanbul looking to add to her already large trophy collection.  A qualifier will await her in round one, with Mona Barthel being a potentially tricky customer in the second round. It is a draw that Venus should be able to navigate with Gavrilova her projected quarter final opponent. The young Russian could be tested by Daniela Hantuchova in her second round match, but if she is to make the quarter finals it will be an interesting clash with Williams.

Fourth seed Alize Cornet received a wildcard in to the tournament as the French number one starts her quest to get back inside the world’s top 20. However, it is a difficult section of the draw for Cornet who plays Yania Wickmayer in round one, potentially Kirsten Flipkens in round two and is then projected to face Giorgi in the quarter finals. Do not be too surprised to see the Frenchwoman fail to live up to her seeding.

Jelena Jankovic sent shockwaves through SW19 when she knocked defending champion Petra Kvitova out of Wimbledon.  The Serb was defeated by Agnieszka Radwanska in the following round, but the Pole’s sister Ula will now take her shot at defeating the former world number one. The lesser known Radwanska is Jankovic’s opening round match, with a potentially tricky clash against Yaroslava Shvedova or Bojana Jovanovski in store for round two. Pironkova is the eighth seed and projected quarter final opponent, though Kurumi Nara and Vitalia Diatchenko might have something to say about that.

The final quarter features second seed Svitolina who is one of the title favourites. The 20 year old will face Rybarikova in the first round, with the winner facing either a qualifier or wildcard Ipek Soylu. Seventh seed Pavlyuchenkova faces Roberta Vinci in an interesting round one clash even though the Italian is past her best at this point. The winner will fancy themselves for the quarter finals with a qualifier or last direct entrant Elizaveta Kulichkova as the second round adversary.

Predictions:

Quarter finals:
Venus def. Gavrilova
Giorgi def. Cornet
Jankovic def. Nara
Svitolina def. Pavlyuchenkova

Semi-finals:
Venus def. Giorgi
Svitolina def. Jankovic

Final:
Svitolina def. Venus

WTA Bad Gastein (2014) TA Background

WTA Bad Gastein

The Nurnberger Gasteinladies:
Tier: International
Location: Bad Gastein, Austria
Surface: Clay
Prize Money: $226,750
Date: July 20th– July 26th 2015

The eight seeded players (Ranking)
1. Sara Errani (20)
2. Sam Stosur (23)
3. Karin Knapp (43)
4. Carina Witthoeft (50)
5. Lucie Hradecka (55)
6. Julia Goerges (57)
7. Anna Schmiedlova (60)
8. Katerina Siniakova (65)

First round matches to watch:

Teliana Pereira vs Annika Beck:

This match between two unseeded players has potential to be a three set war as clay specialist Pereira faces Germany’s Beck in a battle of two dark horses.

Pereira won her first ever title in Bogota earlier in the year, putting on an impressive display to beat Shvedova in the final. The Brazilian is now starting to climb the rankings on the back of that run and now finds herself inside the top 100.

Beck has been a steady eddy but has failed to really make a breakthrough. Due to her inability to really push the higher ranked players, her ranking has slipped to 71 from 43 over the past year. The German is still young and has one WTA title to her name. Maybe she can start climbing again with a good run this week.

This should be quite an even contest, though form and surface favours the Brazilian. Pereira has played good tennis on the clay this year but Beck always provides a stern challenge. Potential for a deep run is there for the winner.

Johanna Larsson vs Stefanie Voegele:

Fresh off her first title in her home country of Sweden, Larsson will be in fine spirits when she faces talented Swiss Voegele in the opening round of Bad Gastein.

Many may count Larsson lucky that Serena Williams pulled out of Bastad last week, but the Swede took full advantage to win her first title, defeating Mona Barthel in the final. She will be now full of confidence and will be hoping to win her second straight title in Bad Gastein this upcoming week.

Voegele has made a reputation as a fairly talented player who has not managed to make any major breakthrough. The Swiss is currently ranked 107th in the world, but she is capable of playing better than her ranking suggests.

This match is interesting because we will see how Larsson responds after her title win last week. Can she continue that good form, or will Voegele spring a surprise?

Draw Analysis:

Top seed Errani will arrive in Austria as the favourite to take home the title this week. The Italian is a former French Open finalist and is known for her clay court expertise. Her section of the draw is kind as it is littered with qualifiers and lucky losers. Her first major test will likely come in the quarter finals with Julia Goerges, Jana Cepelova, and Aleksandra Krunic possible opponents.

Karin Knapp will see this as a potential third title with the Italian being the third seed. She faces a tough draw with no qualifiers or lucky losers in her section and a home crowd favourite as a first round opponent. Then it could be Bastad champion Larsson in the second round. It is not an easy draw to say the least. Lucie Hradecka, Lara Arruabarrena, Timea Babos and Polona Hercog round this section off.

Carina Witthoeft is the fourth seed, and the 20 year old German will quite like her chances of a first WTA title. She has been drawn in a section with Anna Schmiedlova however, who is coming off a title win in Bucharest- her second of the year. Teliana Pereira or Annika Beck could spoil the party by eliminating the German in round two, whilst Andreea Mitu could shock Schmiedlova.

The final quarter features former US Open champion Sam Stosur who is looking to rekindle that 2011 form. It is looking like a struggle for the Aussie, and her second round against Klara Koukalova or Ana-Lena Friedsam. Siniakova vs Krunic will make for a good first round match, and the winner could make the semi-finals with Stosur’s current bad form.

Predictions:

Quarter finals:
Errani def. Goerges
Knapp def. Arruabarrena
Schmiedlova def. Pereira
Krunic def. Friedsam

Semi Finals:
Errani def. Knapp
Schmiedlova def. Krunic

Final:
Errani def. Schmiedlova

Niall Clarke (Sofia)

2015 WTA Bucharest, Bastad Previews & Predictions

Posted by Admin on July 12, 2015
Posted in: Niall Clarke, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2015 WTA Bucharest, Bastad Previews & Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

Serena Williams

After an exciting and dramatic two weeks at Wimbledon which saw Serena Williams complete the second ‘Serena Slam’, the WTA tour heads back to the clay for a pair of International events in Romania and Sweden.

The biggest news heading in to the weeks proceedings is the world number one’s participation in Bastad. She is the top seed in a draw that features Sam Stosur, Barbora Strycova and Mona Barthel. Just days removed from Wimbledon it is hard to see Serena taking this tournament too seriously, but we have seen before that the 33 year old does not even have to be at her best to win titles- Just look at the French Open.

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova

If she does end up withdrawing then it could open the door for Strycova or Stosur to get their season’s on track by claiming the title. The Aussie is the second seed and will be looking for better results on the clay after a disappointing 6-2, 6-0 loss at Wimbledon to Coco Vandeweghe. Third seeded Strycova failed to defend her quarter final points at SW19 after a first round loss to Sloane Stephens. The Czech has dropped out of the top 30 as a result, so she will be looking to get back in to the seeding positions in time for the US Open.

A trio of Germans also find themselves seeded in this tournament. Carina Witthoeft will be looking to continue her good form after winning an ITF last week. The 20 year old will be gunning for her first WTA title this week. Tatjana Maria has made herself a main tour regular this season with some impressive results. She too will be looking for her first WTA title along with Witthoeft. Barthel has tasted that success, but the talented German has struggled with consistency. She has failed to really break through so maybe she can kick start a launch towards the top 20 with a title victory in Bastad?

Sara Errani, Charleston

The Bucharest field is slightly weaker, but still features former French Open finalist Sara Errani as the top seed. The Italian is just ranked inside the top 20 at the moment, but still has aspirations of once again making the top 10. A win a Bucharest will hold her in good stead.

Former doubles partner Roberta Vinci is still in decline though she will be hoping for another title run in Bucharest as the second seed. Third seed Monica Niculescu will be looking to build off an impressive run to the fourth round of Wimbledon when she hits the clay courts. The Romanian’s tricky slices are more suited to grass however.

Julia Goerges, New Haven
Germany’s Julia Goerges and Annika Beck both have good shots at winning the title. Anna Schmiedlova has also proved herself to be a clay specialist and will be one of the title favourites. Alexandra Dulgheru and Tereza Smitkova complete the seeding line-up.

Yaroslava Shvedova will be a name to watch from qualifying as she will be hungry to get back in the top 100 after Wimbledon. Teliana Pereira is another name to look out for with the Brazilian showing excellent form on clay this year. She defeated Shvedova in Bogota earlier on in the year to capture the title.

Niall Clarke (Sofia)

60 Second Interview with @SaraErrani at @FamilyCircleCup #FCC2015

Posted by Admin on April 8, 2015
Posted in: Charleston, Family Circle Cup, Steve Fogleman, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , .

60 Second Interview with @SaraErrani at @FamilyCircleCup #FCC2015
Steve Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic

Sara Errani spoke with Tennis Atlantic on Monday in a speed-round interview from the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, South Carolina. Having been granted a first-round bye, she won her opening second-round match moments ago against last year’s finalist, Jana Cepelova. I tweeted a photo of her during Saturday practice which received over 20,000 impressions and wondered what she thought about her army of digital fans.

Sara Errani, Charleston

On Social Media Fans:
“I have fun with them. There are a lot of good people and fans suporting me so it’s noce to have them when you go around the world to play matches.

Is She Clay-Ready?
“I hope so. Here it would be tough. It’s not easy to play on this (green clay) surface, but I’m really happy to start the clay season”.

2015 WTA Acapulco Preview & Predictions

Posted by Admin on February 23, 2015
Posted in: Acapulco, Niall Clarke, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

2015 WTA Acapulco Preview & Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

acapulco site

After a week full of surprises, the WTA reaches Mexico, and Qatar for the tournaments held in Acapulco and Doha.

WTA Acapulco

The Abierto Mexicano TELCEL first started as an ATP event in 1993, but in 2001 it welcomed the WTA tour and has since become a regular on the calendar. It is hugely popular among the players, as they have voted it the WTA’s International Tournament of the Year seven times and the WTA’s Tournament of The Year/Americas in 2014.
Four players have won the title two times in their careers: Amanda Coetzer, Sara Errani, Flavia Pennetta and Venus Williams. Dominika Cibulkova is the defending champion.

Abierto Mexicano TELCEL
Tier: International
Location: Acapulco, Mexico
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $250,000
Date: February 23rd- February 28th 2015

The eight seeded players (Ranking)
1. Maria Sharapova (2)
2. Sara Errani (12)
3. Caroline Garcia (30)
4. Irina Begu (33)
5. Timea Bacsinszky (37)
6. Roberta Vinci (38)
7. Sloane Stephens (41)
8. Madison Brengle (44)

One name stands out from the rest, and that is Maria Sharapova. We also have Rio winner Sara Errani as the number two seed. The rest of the field is filled with top 50 players.

First round matches to watch:

Daniela

Daniela

Daniela Hantuchova vs Lauren Davis
Hantuchova only missed out of a seeding by one ranking position, whilst Lauren Davis is only ranked 10 places behind the Slovak, so naturally it may end up being one of the tightest round one matches. Hantuchova is having a good year thus far after winning the Pattaya title two weeks ago, and despite the hammering she received from Simona Halep last week, the 31 year old will be in fine spirits heading into this tournament. Lauren Davis started the year well in Auckland, but she has only won one match since. Then again, she hasn’t played since Melbourne. The American has one thing in her favour, and that’s the head to head. Davis leads 1-0 after defeating Hantuchova in Eastbourne last year. Hantuchova is in much better form this time around though, and Davis’ form is unknown with her not playing a match since the Australian Open. I expect a much tighter match this time around.

Tereza Smitkova vs Monica Puig

Puig
This is a match to watch simply because we could be seeing a lot more of these two in the future. Puig is just shy of the top 50 at the moment, sitting at number 51 in the world rankings. Smitkova is 10 places behind the Puerto Rican, and holds a decent 3-3 record this year including an impressive win over Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in Melbourne. These two young guns met at the US Open last year, and it went the distance with Puig coming out the victor. The world number 51 will be favourite, but I sense that this has potential to be a close three setter than could go either way.

Top Half

One name stands out In the top half, and that is Maria Sharapova. The world number two is a surprise inclusion in this tournament, with it only being an International tier event. Maybe she is here because Grigor Dimitrov is too? Either way it’s hard seeing Sharapova losing to anyone in the draw, let alone anyone in this half. The most interesting story of the first quarter is who will face Sharapova in the quarter finals. I believe it will be the winner of Daniela Hantuchova vs Timea Bacsinszky in the second round. The Swiss has been in fine form this year with her only losses coming against Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep, but she hasn’t played a tour match since the loss to Muguruza in Melbourne. If Timea shows the form from the Australian swing, then she should make the quarter finals here, but she’ll likely lose to Sharapova at this stage.

Sharapova’s semi final opponent will be decided by the eight players in the second quarter of the draw. The top seed in this section is France’s Caroline Garcia. The third seed has the talent to make a successful career, but she has often shown a lack of effort during her matches. If she bothers to show up however, she should find herself in the semi finals, despite some stiff competition from the likes of Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Madison Brengle.

Bottom Half:

Sara Errani, 2014 Charleston

Number two seed Sara Errani will be heading into Acapulco full of confidence after winning her 1st title of the season in Rio last week. The Italian will be looking to continue her climb back towards the top 10 here, but she will have to get through some dangerous outsiders if she is to do so. Puig or Smitkova will await the world number 12 in round two, and with the tournament not being on clay anymore, she could find herself in a bit of trouble. However, form and confidence will no doubt do her wonders to I expect Errani to make the quarter finals to face her doubles partner Roberta Vinci. They have dominated the womens doubles scene for years, but they must put their friendship aside if they are to meet here. Errani however leads the head to head 6-3, and is currently the better player, so she should defeat her doubles partner to make the semi finals here.

Despite being the seventh seed here, Sloane Stephens is perhaps the biggest name in the final quarter of the draw. Once touted as a future star, Stephens has failed to kick on after a breakthrough tournament at the Australian Open 2013. The American now finds herself down at number 41 in the world with no sign of getting back to her late 2012/early 2013 form. Despite that Stephens should get through her first round match to meet Anna Schmeidlova in the second round. Schmeidlova made her first WTA final last week in Rio so she’ll be in good form this week, and I expect her to take out the 7th seed to make the quarter finals. Irina Begu will likely await the Slovak at this stage. Schmeidlova got the better of the Romanian last week, but that was on clay. It’s a difficult match to predict, but I will go with Begu in three sets.

Predictions:

Semi Finals:
Sharapova def. Garcia in 2
Errani def. Begu in 2

Final:
Sharapova def. Errani in 2

Yeah, I have been boring and gone with the seeding here. Sharapova should win this without any trouble.

Niall Clarke (Sofia)

Halep Claims 10th WTA Title, Super Sara Wins Rio

Posted by Admin on February 23, 2015
Posted in: Dubai, Niall Clarke, Rio, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Halep Claims 10th WTA Title, Super Sara Wins Rio
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

Halep, New Haven

The WTA tour stopped on opposite sides of the globe this week for events in Doha and Rio. The number one was the key number of the week as the top seed’s at both events ran out successful.

WTA Dubai
Top seed Simona Halep overcame the power of Pliskova to claim her 10th WTA title. The Romanian got it done in two tight sets 6-4,7-6(4) and as a result, she climbs back up to No.3 in the world.

Halep began the match well, countering the power of her opponent smoothly with great effect, and at 3-3 the world number four got her reward as she broke the Czech to love. From there, Halep went on to serve out the first set comfortably to wrap it up in 41 minutes.

The 2nd set, however, didn’t go as smoothly. Halep lost her serve early in the 2nd to go a break down, but the Romanian broke straight back to even it at 2-2. The players managed to hold serve until 3-3, which is when the chaos ensued. Halep looked to have the match sealed when she broke at 3-3, but Pliskova didn’t stop fighting and broke straight back. Halep re-established a break advantage by breaking the Czech again, but she failed to serve it out with Pliskova saving match point along the way. Halep would have another chance to serve it out at 6-5, but yet again she failed to convert a match point, and thus we were treated to a second set tie-breaker. Plsikova was the first to strike, getting the mini-break at 3-3; she wouldn’t win another point on serve. Halep broke back and gained the lead giving her the opportunity to serve out the match. Third time was the charm for Halep who converted on her third match point to take the Dubai crown.

“I’m very happy right now. I cannot explain in words how I feel,” Halep said post match. “It’s an amazing title for me. It’s very important for my career. I’m really happy and just want to enjoy this moment.

She added. “At the beginning of the tournament some people asked me if I felt pressure because I was the No.1 seed. I said no, because I wasn’t thinking about it, and I just wanted to go on court and play match by match, because everyone would play really well here. And I played with big players like Makarova, Pliskova, Wozniacki – she was No.1 two years. So it’s honestly just an amazing victory for me.”

Despite the tough loss, Pliskova can certainly hold her head up high. This week has been a landmark week for the young Czech as she reached her first Premier 5 final, and obtained a career high ranking of 13.

“I was trying to turn it around, but even if I won the second set, I don’t know if I would have won the whole match,” she said. “It would still have been hard because she doesn’t give up on any point. She runs really, really well, and it’s hard to kill the ball against her. She really gets everything back.”

“I lost, so I’m not really happy right now, but obviously I’m happy for the week and for the last two or three weeks I had. I had so many matches here and beat great players – I’m not disappointed.”

In the doubles, Timea babos and Kristina Mladenovic defeated Spanish pairing Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3,6-2 to take the title.

WTA Rio

Go Like Hell.

Go Like Hell.

Sara Errani has edged closer to the top 10 by ending the breakthrough run of Anna Schmiedlova to win yet another clay court title in Rio.

Schmiedlova had never reached a quarter final of a WTA event before this tournament, let alone a final, and in the first set she put the former Roland Garros finalist under all sorts of pressure. The youngster pushed it all the way to a tiebreak, but from this point it was all Errani. The top seed raced through the tiebreak 7-2, to give herself a set lead after 73 long minutes.

The Italian carried that form into the second set where she quickly raced into a 4-0 lead before closing the match out on serve, 6-1.

With this result, Errani has now won eight WTA titles, and she inches ever closer to re-entering the top 10. Next week, the Italian will climb 4 places to number 12 in the world, and with clay season just around the corner, Errani has kicked into form just at the right time.

“The first set was tough. We played more than an hour,” Errani said post match. “We were both fighting hard in that set – she was playing very well and not giving me anything, really. It was also the first time I played her so I needed some time to find my tactics. I was happy I managed to win that set, and in the second set things started going much more my way. I think I was just physically stronger in the end.”

“Winning a title is always special. This tournament was great and I leave with only good memories.”

Schmiedlova, like Pliskova, can leave in good spirits despite the loss. The world number 59 had a landmark week in Rio, and will be looking to go one further in her next attempt.

“She was moving really well and she’s a really great player,” Schmiedlova said. “I played some very good tennis in the first set – the second set was worse, but I’m so happy I was in the final.

“This week gave me a lot of confidence. I hope it helps me in my next tournaments.” The youngster added.

Ysaline Bonaventure and Rebecca Peterson won the doubles title after their final opponents Irina Begu and Maria Irigoyen retired after 3 games.

Niall Clarke (Sofia)

2015 WTA Auckland and Shenzhen Preview and Predictions

Posted by Admin on January 3, 2015
Posted in: Auckland, Niall Clarke, Shenzen, WTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

2015 WTA Auckland and Shenzhen Preview and Predictions
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

Two other events will take place on the WTA tour this week to open the 2015 season, one in Auckland and the other in Shenzhen, China, as players gear up for the Australian Open by making their preparations all across Asia and Australia-Pacific.

2015 WTA Auckland Preview

WTA Auckland

A regular on the WTA calendar, the ASB classic has been part of the WTA season for the past 30 years, and the season opener for the past 20 years. The formation occurred when a gap in the marketplace was seen by Ari Hallenberg and Global Sports. They pitched the idea of an event in Auckland to Tennis New Zealand, and thus the ASB classic was created.

Previous champions include the likes of: Marion Bartoli, Lindsay Davenport, Elena Dementieva, Jelena Jankovic, Agnieszka Radwanska and the 2014 champion was Ana Ivanovic.

ASB Classic
WTA International Series
Auckland, New Zealand
January 5-January 10, 2015
Prize Money: $250,000

Top 4 seeds (WTA ranking in parentheses)
1: Caroline Wozniacki (8)
2: Sara Errani (14)
3: Venus Williams (18)
4: Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova (25)

A fairly strong field of seeded players with the lowest ranked seed being number 42, Mona Barthel. With two former world number ones, and three young stars we have got an open field that promises excitement.

First round matchups to watch:

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Marina Erakovic vs. Monica Puig

The home crowd favourite will no doubt be Marina Erakovic. The New Zealander finished a measly number 77 in the world in 2014, but picked up her form towards the end of the season. Her opponent is one of the WTA’s rising stars. 21 year old Puerto Rican, Monica Puig reached her highest ranking in 2014, but a poor end to the season saw her finish as world number 61. This will be one the hotly contested matches of round one, with Erakovic looking to please the home crowd. Puig will look to spoil the party and defeat her opponent and the crowd. Marina will want to keep the points short, and hold her serve, while Monica will want long rallies, and counter Erakovic. Expect a tight encounter here.

(7)Coco Vandeweghe vs. Roberta Vinci

The crafty Italian vs the big serving American will be one of the most intriguing matches in the season opener. The 23 year old New York native, Vandeweghe, had a career best season in 2014 which saw her reach her highest ranking of 38 and finish as the world number 39. She also won her first WTA tournament at the Topshelf Open. Across the court stands experienced Italian Roberta Vinci. The 31 year old finished at number 48 in the rankings last year, but has reached a career high of 11 in the world. Vinci’s slice will be a key shot in this match, and if Coco isn’t on form, it will trouble the American a lot. But if Vandeweghe plays at her full potential, Vinci might not be able to handle the big serve.

(2)Sara Errani vs. Daniela Hantuchova 

Vinci’s doubles partner, Sara Errani has a stern test in her opening match in the form of Daniela Hantuchova. Daniela didn’t enjoy the best of seasons in 2014, finishing the year as world number 57. However if the Slovak can show any sign of the form that got her to number five in the world, she could very well upset the number two seed. Sara Errani is one of the steadiest players on tour. The former Roland Garros finalist has great movement and rarely makes an error. However, she lacks the firepower to dictate a match which often leaves the result in her opponent’s hands. If Hantuchova can be aggressive and consistent she can upset Errani, but that is a big if.

Top Half:

Caroline Wozniacki is the number one seed and favourite to win the tournament. The former world number one drew lucky and will face a qualifier in round one. The consistent Dane will likely cruise to a quarter final clash with Svetlana Kuznetsova. Caro will most likely prove to be too good for the former grand slam champion and should advance from this quarter.

The second quarter is an interesting one. Any one of the eight players could realistically make the semi-finals with a good run. The Favourite will be number four seed, Barbora Zahalova-Strycova. The 28 year old should pass her first round test, Chanelle Scheepers and meet either Erakovic or Puig in the second round. Both players could cause big problems for the Czech, but Strycova is coming in off her best season to date. You’d expect the other quarter finalist to be one of: Roberta Vinci, Coco Vandeweghe and Kirsten Flipkens. All three are capable of a good run here, but it’s a question of who can find their form in time. I believe Strycova will advance from this section, but I wouldn’t be shocked at all if it’s somebody else.

Bottom half:

Number three seed Venus Williams is one of the favorites to win the tournament. The former world number one should make it through her first two matches without much hassle but if the veteran is off her game, she could easily be upset by Kiki Bertens or Kurumi Nara. The Interesting part of this section is the potential Quarter Final opponents for Venus. Mona Barthel is the seeded player and favourite, but the German has shown lack of mental strength and consistency in the past, despite her enormous talent. The 24 year old is unpredictable, and could blow the competition away or just as easily slump to a first round defeat. The key match will be the second round where Kristina Mladenovic or Elena Vesnina will await the winner. Both currently sit outside the top 50 and will be looking to kick off their season in a positive way. I feel Barthel makes it, but loses to Venus Williams in a tight encounter.

Number two seed Sara Errani would probably be more favoured on clay, but the Italian is so consistent, she won’t give any of her opponents’ free points. Errani should make it through to the quarter finals with her toughest test likely to come in round one against Daniela Hantuchova. Her opponent at this stage will likely be Sloane Stephens. The highly touted American made her breakthrough in 2013, but failed to make any improvements last year. Once touted a future number one, Sloane will be looking to live up to that potential in 2015.

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Predictions

Semis:
Wozniacki d. Strycova
Stephens d. Williams

Wozniacki should have no trouble getting past BarboraZahalovaStrycova in the semi-finals. Venus and Sloane will have a tight semi-final, which teases us with the end result multiple times. I am going to predict Stephens in three sets to set up a final clash with Caro.

 

Final:
Wozniacki d. Stephens

The two pre-tournament favourites will contest the final in Auckland.In the final we will see plenty of long rallies, but Wozniacki will do what she does best and wear her opponent down in two tight sets.

WTA Shenzen

2015 WTA Shenzen Preview

Shenzhen Open
WTA International Series
Shenzen, China
January 4-January 10, 2015
Prize Money: $500,000

The Shenzhen Open is one of three events kicking off the 2015 season. It is also one of seven WTA events to be hosted in China this year. The inaugural event took place in 2013, with Li Na doing her home country proud by winning the tournament. The Chinese superstar returned in 2014 to defend her crown in an all Chinese final where she defeated Shuai Peng in straight sets. Unfortunately, Li Na won’t return to this event to defend her title once again as she has now officially retired from the game, meaning we will have a new champion at the Shenzen Open. It promises to be an exciting way to kick off the new season.

Top 4 seeds (WTA ranking in parentheses)
1: Simona Halep (3)
2: Petra Kvitova (4)
3: Shuai Peng (21)
4: Zarina Diyas (33)

First round matchups to watch:

(1)Simona Halep vs. Annika Beck

The world number three will kick off her season against young German Annika Beck in Shenzen. A lot of people will look at this and think it will be an easy win for the Romanian. They could be right, but they may also be in for a surprise. Beck offers a very solid game, and if Halep isn’t on her game right away, the number one seed may just get caught off guard. Look for lengthy rallies in this match between two solid baseliners.

(4)Zarina Diyas vs. Donna Vekic 

Zarina Diyas enjoyed her best season to date in 2014, and the talented Kazakh doesn’t want stop right there. The 21 year old will face fellow youngster Donna Vekic in the first round of the Shenzhen open. The 18 year old has reached a career high of 65, so she will look to potentially break the top 50 for first time in 2015. This is a match-up you could very well be seeing more of in the future,so it will be good to familiarise with these two quickly.

Embed from Getty Images

(3)Shuai Peng vs. Vera Zvonareva

The former grand slam finalist will return to face third seed and home country favourite Shuai Peng. This is perhaps the more interesting of the first round matches with the return of Vera Zvonareva being one of the hottest talking points amongst WTA fans watching this tournament. With the retirement of Li Na, Peng is now the Chinese number one and will have the weight of an entire nation on her shoulders in this event. We shall see if she can handle that pressure in Shenzhen.

Top Half:

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Number one seed Simona Halep will be big favourite to emerge from the top half of the draw. If the Romanian is off form however, there are a few players that can upset the world number two. Simona will likely face tests from Annika Beck and Klara Koukalova on her way to the semi finals, but if Halep isn’t completely off form, she should get through this section

Number 4 seed Zarina Diyas will be favourite to advance from her quarter, but it won’t be easy. As well as youngster Donna Vekic, Diyas could face tests from the likes of Monica Niculescu. The crafty Romanian is a difficult test for anyone with her variety of shots, and could easily advance to the semi-finals. The potential quarter final between Diyas and Niculescu could be one of the matches to watch in Shenzhen.

Bottom Half: 

Embed from Getty Images

The whole of China will be pinning their hopes on last year’s runner-up Shuai Peng to keep the title in the Middle Kingdom. She faces a stern test in the first round in Vera Zvonareva who could upset the number three seed. With the home crowd behind her, Peng should advance to the quarter finals at least here. Who will meet her there is anyone’s guess, with the talented Stefanie Voegele and number eight seed Timea Bascinzky potential adversaries. I expect Peng to make the semi finals here with the home crowd behind her.

Number two seed Petra Kvitova will fancy her chances of winning the title here, but first she must navigate her way through the bottom half of the draw.The Wild Card round one shouldn’t be a problem for the big hitting Czech who should really make the semi finals without much trouble. However, with her known ‘off days’ Petra could very well be upset by the likes of Bojana Jovanovski or Irina-Camelia Begu.

Predictions

Semis
Halep d. Niculescu
Kvitova d. Peng

The top two seeds will make the final here. Niculescu’s spin won’t be a problem for Halep, who wins this one in straight sets. Kvitova has her difficulties with Peng, who takes her the distance, but the big match experience of the Czech will be enough to see her through.

Final
Halep d. Kvitova

The final will be the one the most tennis fans will be anticipating. Haelp vs Kvitova has the potential to be one of the best matches of the year and we have only just begun! A clash of styles that could go either way, so I will solidly predict a three setter. Which player will win is a prediction I keep changing, but I am going to say Halep’s consistency wins her the title.

Tennis Atlantic Niall Clarke (Sofia)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.