WORLD NO. 12 AMERICAN PHENOM SOFIA KENIN BOOKED FOR 2020 VOLVO CAR OPEN
Kenin has won three singles titles and two doubles titles during the 2019 season
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – World No. 12 Sofia Kenin has entered the player field for the 2020 Volvo Car Open, happening April 4 – 12 on Daniel Island in Charleston, SC. The 20-year-old American will be joined in Charleston by reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, 2019 Volvo Car Open champion Madison Keys and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza, among other top WTA tennis players.
Kenin has found significant success during her 2019 season, winning her first ever career WTA singles and WTA doubles titles. In total, she captured singles titles in Hobart, Mallorca and Guangzhou. She also won the doubles titles in Auckland and Beijing.
“Sofia climbed the junior rankings and has now solidified herself as a true contender and top player in the tennis world,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open Tournament Manager. “Our fans have the opportunity to cheer on the future generation of tennis, and Sofia’s fourth appearance in our field solidifies our commitment to always finding and attracting rising stars.”
Outside of Kenin’s titles this season, she also appeared in the finals in Acapulco and the semifinals in Toronto and Cincinnati. She defeated Ashleigh Barty in Toronto and Naomi Osaka in Cincinnati, both of whom were ranked World No. 1 at the time. Additionally, she defeated Serena Williams in the third round of the French Open to reach her best Grand Slam result to date.
Sofia Kenin 2017 (TennisAtlantic.com)
As a result of her success this season, Kenin qualified for the 2019 Hengqin Life WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai.
“I have had a really amazing season and will be looking to build upon it in 2020,” said Kenin. “I have always enjoyed my time in Charleston at the Volvo Car Open and am hoping to go even further in the tournament next year.”
The 2020 Volvo Car Open will be Kenin’s fourth time competing in the tournament’s main draw.
The Volvo Car Open will celebrate its 20th year in Charleston in 2020. The tournament relocated to Charleston from Hilton Head Island, where it was held from 1973 – 2000.
The nine-day Volvo Car Open is the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America. The event attracts an average of 90,000 attendees and more than 100 of the top singles and doubles tennis players to Charleston every year.
Patrons have the option to choose from individual tickets, ticket packages and travel packages. Ticket prices range from $25 for an individual session to $540 for an all-inclusive weeklong package with complimentary access into a private hospitality suite. The Volvo Car Open also offers packages that include premium seats, ticket savings and membership into the tournament’s Ace Club.
For more information on the tournament and ticket options, visit volvocaropen.com or call 843.856.7900.
VOLVO CAR OPEN CHAMPION MADISON KEYS RETURNS TO CHARLESTON
Keys has reached the quarterfinals or better in five of the last eight Grand Slam tournaments
CHARLESTON, S.C. – After winning the 2019 Volvo Car Open in April, Madison Keys has committed to defending her title in 2020. Next year’s event will be Keys’ eighth consecutive Charleston tournament. The 2020 Volvo Car Open will take place April 4 – 12 on Daniel Island in Charleston, SC.
“Madison’s win in Charleston this year was something our fans have been rooting for since she started competing in the Volvo Car Open in 2013,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open Tournament Manager. “Her personality shines when she plays and our fans have loved watching her grow up on our courts. We’re ecstatic that she’ll be back in 2020 to defend her well-deserved title.”
Keys holds a 16-6 record in Charleston, where she captured the title in 2019, reached the semifinals in 2018 and was a finalist in 2015.
Her 2019 season also includes a quarterfinal appearance at the French Open and fourth round berth at the Australian Open. In addition, she was a member of the US Fed Cup team. The 24-year-old has remained in the WTA’s top 20 for the past five seasons.
“Winning the Volvo Car Open after coming so close in the past was the most amazing feeling,” said Keys. “Charleston has always been one of my favorite tournaments and being able to win the title was such a special moment. I’m excited to come back next year to play in front of the best fans around.”
Keys was awarded a key to the City of Charleston by Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg during the singles final trophy presentation. The Volvo Car Open also honored her with the 2019 Player Who Makes A Difference award for her work with the anti-bullying nonprofit, Fearlessly Girl.
The Volvo Car Open will celebrate its 20th year in Charleston in 2020. The tournament relocated to Charleston from Hilton Head Island, where it was held from 1973 – 2000.
The nine-day Volvo Car Open is the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America. The event attracts an average of 90,000 attendees and more than 100 of the top singles and doubles tennis players to Charleston every year.
Patrons have the option to choose from individual tickets, ticket packages and travel packages. Ticket prices range from $25 for an individual session to $540 for an all-inclusive weeklong package with complimentary access into a private hospitality suite. The Volvo Car Open also offers packages that include premium seats, ticket savings and membership into the tournament’s Ace Club.
Tickets for the 2020 Volvo Car Open will go on sale on Monday, September 9.
For more information on the tournament and ticket options, visit volvocaropen.com or call 843.856.7900.
New Top Tenner @JuliaGoerges Booked for 2018 @VolvoCarOpen
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – Germany’s Julia Goerges has committed to play the 2018 Volvo Car Open, just days after breaking into the WTA’s top 10 and reaching the semifinals in the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy. Goerges already won the ASB Classic earlier this year, where she defeated now World No. 1 and Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki in the final.
She joins Caroline Garcia, Johanna Konta, Sloane Stephens, Petra Kvitová, Madison Keys, Daria Kasatkina, Shelby Rogers and CiCi Bellis in the Charleston, South Carolina field. The Volvo Car Open will take place March 31 – April 8, 2018 at the Family Circle Tennis Center.
The 29-year-old’s 2017 season was highlighted with wins at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai and the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, where she beat current Volvo Car Open champion Kasatkina for the title. She also reached the finals in Washington, D.C., Bucharest and Mallorca and semifinals in Budapest and Auckland last year.
“Breaking into the top 10 has been a great accomplishment for me, and I feel that I’ve been playing some of the strongest tennis of my career recently,” said Goerges. “I’m really looking forward to returning to Charleston. It’s always a fun atmosphere there, and the level of competition is great.”
The 2018 Volvo Car Open will be the fifth time Goerges has competed in Charleston, but the first since 2014. She reached the quarterfinals of the tournament in 2011.
“The addition of Julia to our strong player field is very exciting for our tournament,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open Tournament Manager. “Her dominance on the court lately makes for the tennis matches we all love to watch. An elegant but fierce competitor, I know our fans have missed watching Julia and we are excited to welcome her back”.
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 more than 100 of the top singles and doubles tennis players.
Tickets for the 2018 Volvo Car Open are available now. Patrons can 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 is providing six special packages in 2018, each offering more tennis at a greater value. In addition, the PowerShares Series returns to the Volvo Car Stadium on April 7th. The men’s legends event features Andy Roddick, Mark Philippoussis, Tommy Haas and one additional player to be announced at a later date.
The Volvo Car Open is bringing back its popular Ace Club from 2017, an exciting membership program for box and ticket package holders. The Ace Club provides unparalleled amenities and benefits during the tournament. In addition, members have the option to receive access into the Ace Lounge, an exclusive hospitality marquee providing first-class accommodations including, live entertainment, air-conditioning, elevated food options and more.
HOMECOMING FOR CHARLESTON’S SHELBY ROGERS AT 2018 VOLVO CAR OPEN
Shelby Rogers (Photo: Craig Glover)
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – Charleston native Shelby Rogers will return to her hometown to play in the 2018 Volvo Car Open. She joins Caroline Garcia, Johanna Konta, Sloane Stephens, Petra Kvitová, Madison Keys, Daria Kasatkina and CiCi Bellis in the field. The Volvo Car Open will take place March 31 – April 8, 2018 on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina.
The 25-year-old Rogers grew up in Charleston, where she trained at the Family Circle Tennis Center and participated in the ball crew program for the Volvo Car Open. A now infamous photo features a seven-year-old Rogers handing 2001 Charleston champion Jennifer Capriati her winning flowers as part of her official ball crew duties.
Shelby Rogers, 2017 Volvo Car Open (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)
In 2010, Rogers made her debut in the Volvo Car Open tournament when she competed in its qualifying rounds. This year will mark her tenth time competing in front of her loyal, hometown crowd.
“I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to compete each year in the Volvo Car Open,” said Rogers. “The support I feel from the fans is truly incredible. I wouldn’t miss coming to Charleston and playing in this tournament for the world!”
Shelby Rogers, 2017 Volvo Car Open (Photo: Tony Callaio, Tennis Atlantic)
The 2017 Volvo Car Open was a ‘Cinderella moment’ for Rogers, where she competed in four main draw matches in the tournament – three of which were decided in three sets. It was the first time Rogers reached the quarterfinals in the tournament.
“We always enjoy having Shelby return home to compete in the Volvo Car Open,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open Tournament Manager. “We have had the joy of watching her grow up on our courts, and develop into a top player on the tour. After last year’s run into our quarterfinals, we could feel the energy in the stadium from Shelby’s loving Charleston fanbase, and look forward to seeing the support again in April.”
This past season Rogers also reached the quarterfinals in Hobart and Strasbourg.
In August, Rogers defeated Daria Gavrilova at the U.S. Open in the longest women’s single match in the tournament’s history. The record-breaking three hours and 33 minutes featured a 90-minute final set.
Daria Kasatkina, 2017 Volvo Car Open (Photo: Tony Callaio)
REIGNING VOLVO CAR OPEN CHAMPION DARIA KASATKINA TO DEFEND HER TITLE IN 2018
Kasatkina won her first title at the Volvo Car Open in 2017
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – 2017 Volvo Car Open champion Daria Kasatkina will return to Charleston in 2018 to defend her title. The 20-year-old Russian will join U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitová and U.S. Open finalist Madison Keys in the growing player field.
Kasatkina secured her first title in 2017 in Charleston at the Volvo Car Open where she defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-1, 6-3 in a rare all-teenage finals match.
Daria Kasatkina (Photo: Tony Callaio)
As of most recent, she was a finalist in the Kremlin Cup in October 2017. This year she also reached the quarterfinals in Sydney, Doha and Beijing. Her season includes wins over several Grand Slam champions and top 10 players, including Angelique Kerber, Jelena Ostapenko, Simona Halep and Roberta Vinci.
In 2016, she advanced to one semifinal and five quarterfinals, including a run during the Rio Olympics.
“Welcoming back a returning champion, especially one who won her first title here is always extra special,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open Tournament Manager. “Daria loves to play on our green clay courts and she was inspired by our fans support! Daria played fiercely and defeated several tough opponents this year, I know she would love to hoist our trophy again in 2018.”
Kasatkina, whose favorite surface is clay, will play in the Volvo Car Open for the third time in 2018, where she holds a 9-1 win/loss record.
Daria Kasatkina (Photo: Tony Callaio)
“Winning my first title was one of the best moments of my life,” said Kasatkina. “I felt the support from the crowd in Charleston, and am excited that I’ll have the opportunity to play in front of them again in 2018.”
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 more than 100 of the top singles and doubles tennis players.
Tickets for the 2018 Volvo Car Open are available now. 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 2018, each offering more tennis at a greater value. In addition, the PowerShares Series will return to the Volvo Car Stadium on April 7th. The men’s legends event will feature Andy Roddick, Mark Philippoussis and two players new to the Charleston field.
The Volvo Car Open will also bring back its popular Ace Club from 2017, 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 marquee providing first-class accommodations including, live entertainment, air-conditioning, elevated food options and more.
2015 WTA Tokyo (Toray Pan Pacific Open) Preview and Predictions| Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic
The WTA tour stays in Tokyo for the second week straight, this time it is a Premier event on the agenda as some of the world’s top player’s fight for a place in the season ending finale.
The Toray Pan Pacific open began in 1984 as an indoor carpet event. It was upgraded to premier status in 1993 and changed to an indoor hard court in 2008.
Martina Hingis holds the record for the most titles with five. Ana Ivanovic is the current defending champion. Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki have also previously won this event.
Toray Pan Pacific Open: Tier: Premier
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Surface: Indoor Hard
Prize Money: $881,100
Date: September 21st-27th 2015
This should be a good contrast in styles as the finesse of Radwanska faces the big serving and hard hitting American Vandeweghe in the opening round.
The head to head reads 2-0 in favour of the Pole with all her victories coming decisively in straight sets. That included a 6-0, 6-2 victory in New Haven prior to the US Open. Indoor conditions should suit the American a little more as there is no wind to factor in the serve but Radwanska likes these courts being a former champion.
It is an interesting match-up due to the potential for an upset but the favourite is the 7th seed who should advance to the second round.
(5) Angelique Kerber vs Daria Gavrilova
Lucie Safarova and Maria Sharapova have been victims of the Gavrilova upset this year, now the Russian will look to add Premier Queen Kerber to that list.
The German holds a 3-0 head to head record against the 21 year old. All three victories came this year with the most recent being in Stanford. Kerber has won four Premier titles this year, proving herself to be at her best at these events.
Gavrilova is a fighter however, and her victories against Safarova and Sharapova have proven that she knows what it takes to beat the best. Can she do it again against Kerber?
Caroline Garcia vs Camila Giorgi
This battle between two heavy hitters could go either way. Both are looking for form and with a good draw the winner could potentially make a deep run.
Garcia holds the victory in their only clash which came earlier this year in the Fed Cup. The 21 year old came from a set down to win 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 on that occasion. But clay has proven to be Garcia’s best surface, whilst Giorgi has excelled in faster conditions.
The Frenchwoman has the more variety in her game, but when Giorgi is on there is not many players who can cope with her power. Garcia is a slight favourite, but this is a tough match to predict.
Draw Analysis:
Wozniacki’s quarter
World number six, Wozniacki, comes in to Tokyo as the top seed. She failed to defend her final points from the US Open, so is looking to build her bid for a place at the year-end championships. The Dane receives a BYE in round one, but has a tricky round two potentially. Kristina Mladenovic should be her opponent in round two. The Frenchwoman was in fantastic form at the US Open where she made the quarter finals.
Out of the 5-8 seeds, Kerber was the one to avoid. The German has shown her best form in these events with four titles at this level in 2015. The German faces Gavrilova in a challenging round one. The winner will face either Zarina Diyas or Madison Brengle in round two in a match they should win.
Muguruza’s quarter
It is an interesting week for the Wimbledon finalist. She has struggled with form, parted ways with her long-time coach and is now working Sam Sumyk. The Spaniard will open her tournament in round two against Barbora Strycova or Naomi Osaka. Both are interesting for different reasons, with Osaka being the home crowd favourite whilst Strycova offers a tricky game-style to contend with.
Belinda Bencic is back in action after a disappointing straight sets defeat to Venus Williams in New York. The 18 year old Swiss will play a qualifier in round one before likely facing the winner of Sam Stosur vs Alison Riske. If Stosur could get through we could be in for a very interesting match between the experienced Aussie and the young Bencic.
Pliskova’s quarter
Despite not being able to find her best form in the majors, Karolina Pliskova is in the top 10 by virtue of her results at Premier and International level. This is the style of tournament she excels in, so we could see the best of the big serving Czech this week. She will receive a BYE in the opening round, before battling the crowd in her first match of the week. Misaki Doi or Kurumi Nara will await the fourth seed in round two.
Former champion, Radwanska, will look to add something to an otherwise disappointing season so far. The Pole has been dealt with a tough draw however, with Vandeweghe and young Ukrainian Elina Svitolina standing in the way of her and the quarter finals. Svitolina especially has been in good form and is on course for a top 20 finish
Ivanovic’s quarter
Ivanovic’s disappointing year has seen the Serbian ranked outside the top 20 in the race rankings. As the second seed, you’d might expect her to improve that position with a big run here, but I can assure you she winced when she saw her name next to Garcia’s. Assuming the Frenchwoman comes through, she has a 3-0 record against the second seed this year. Can Garcia add a fourth victory against Ivanovic to her top 10 scalps?
Carla Suarez Navarro’s have continued. She suffered her eighth straight defeat last week and is looking to re-kindle her early season form. The Spaniard has a kind draw with a qualifier in round one, but round two will be tricky against either Dominika Cibulkova or Mirjana Lucic-Baroni.
Yet again, Kerber loves these events so I am predicting to German to come through against Radwanska in the final. Youngsters Bencic and Garcia will have good runs with their draws but will ultimately fall short to their more experienced opponents in the semi finals.
2015 WTA Antwerp (@WTAdiamondgames) and Pattaya City Previews and Predictions Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic
The WTA tour took a week long break following the conclusion of the Australian Open, so the first round of the Fed Cup could be played. And after an exciting weekend of nationalistic action, the tour is back with visits to Belgium and Thailand, both are hard court events with Antwerp indoors and Pattaya City outdoors.
WTA Antwerp
2015 WTA Antwerp Preview
The tour returns to Antwerp for the first time since 2008 for the BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond games. The tournament director is none other than Belgian tennis legend Kim Clijsters, who won this title 11 years ago. Other previous champions include former grand slam champions: Venus Williams, Justine Henin, and Amelie Mauresmo. So who will join them on the honours list this year?
BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond Games
WTA Premier Series
Antwerp, Belgium
Feb 9-Feb 15, 2015
Prize Money: $731,000
Top 4 seeds (Who receive first round byes) (WTA ranking in parentheses)
Four top 15 players get byes into the second round making it a fairly strong field.
First round matches to watch:
(5)Carla Suarez Navarro vs. Camila Giorgi
These two met in Katowice last year, and it was the big hitting Italian who came out on top 7-6,6-4. Despite that, Suarez Navarro will head into this match as the bookies favourite as she’s the higher ranked player and more experienced of the two. The Spaniard is a rare player in that she plays with a single handed backhand. It’s a shot that will be crucial if she is to overcome Giorgi as the Italian is one of the biggest hitters on tour. The 23 year old will look to dictate from the baseline with her powerful ground strokes, whilst on the other side of the net, Suarez Navarro will look to use her variety to move Giorgi around the court and not let her slip into any rhythm. A contrast of form, and style here, so this should be an interesting match the follow.
(7)Alize Cornet vs. Belinda Bencic
Bencic hasn’t had the best of starts to 2015. In fact she has yet to win a single set so far this year, but don’t let that stat fool you; the girl is still very talented. The world number 37 faces world number 19 Alize Cornet in the opening round in Antwerp. Cornet has lost 2 tour matches this year to Agnieszka Radwanska and Dominika Cibulkova, but unlike her opponent she has also won two matches, both of which at the Australian Open. The two met in the Fed Cup last year with Cornet coming out on top, but the landscape has changed since then. Bencic has improved, meaning this match has potential to be a good one, if the Swiss’ form has improved of course.
Top Half:
The number one seed Eugenie Bouchard has the fortune of a bye to the second round. She will meet either Mona Barthel or a qualifier in her first match under new coach Sam Sumyk. It will be too early to see any improvements, but it’s still interesting to see where the Canadian’s form lies after the Australian Open. Barthel can be dangerous, especially from the backhand side, but she’s still finding form after an injury. In the second section of this quarter, Cornet will be the bookies favourite, but there’s a lot of talent who could send the Frenchwoman packing. Belinda Bencic is in terrible form, so it’s hard to back her against the 7th seed, Cornet. Awaiting her will be the winner of Yania Wickmayer and Barbora Zahalova Strycova. The Belgian is in good form after making the fourth round in Melbourne, and will no doubt have the backing of the crowd. Strycova is the better player overall however, and has made a positive start to the season. With the home crowd behind her, I can see Wickmayer defeating her higher ranked opponent in the first round. But the Belgians will be disappointed to see her lose to Cornet in round two. Bouchard should make the quarter finals without much trouble to face the Frenchwoman for a semi final spot. Power players seem to give Bouchard the most trouble, but Cornet isn’t a big hitter. I feel Bouchard will make the semi final from this quarter.
Third seed Andrea Petkovic headlines the second quarter, and like Bouchard, The German has a bye to the second round. She will face either wildcard Alison Van Uytvanck or Magdalena Rybarikova in round two in a match the 27 year old should expect herself to win, no matter who she faces. Sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova is the other seeded player in this section. The 2014 Australian Open runner up will face a qualifier in round one before likely meeting Tsevtana Pironkova in round two. The Bulgarian met Cibulkova at the Australian Open, but unfortunately it was rather a blowout for the Slovak. 6-2,6-0 was the final result, so I will favour Cibulkova to make the quarter finals here. The German leads the head to head 2-1, with their last two meetings ending in straight sets wins for Petkovic. But Cibulkova is in far better form at the moment, so I feel she should make the semi finals.
Bottom half:
Second seed Angelique Kerber is the only other top 10 player in the draw, and the German receives a bye into round two. Klara Koukalova will likely await the world number nine there, as the Czech faces a qualifier in round one. Koukalova has only won one match in 2014, and with Kerber being overall the stronger player, the German should make the quarter finals without much fuss. Fifth seed Carla Suarez Navarro finds herself in this quarter, and has a tough round one prospect in Camila Giorgi. The Italian is in the better form, and won their last meeting so I can see the Spaniard taking an early exit. Belgium will pin their hopes on former Wimbledon semi finalist, Kirsten Flipkens to take the title in Antwerp, but she faces crafty Romanian Monica Niculescu in round one. Only two places separate them in the rankings, but with the head to head 2-0 in favour of the Belgian I will go with Flipkens to make round two with the home crowd backing her. Giorgi vs Flipkens will be interesting, as the Belgian has the fans and the head to head on her side. In good form, Giorgi is just very powerful and dangerous so I will predict the Italian to make the Quarter Finals. That will set up the first meeting between Camila Giorgi and Angelique Kerber. This match will be the classic big hitter vs counter puncher encounter and therefore it will be interesting to see which style wins. I think this one has three sets written all over it, and I will predict a come from behind win for Kerber. Something we have come to expect from the German recently.
Number four seed Lucie Safarova receives a bye into round two where she’ll face either Kristina Mladenovic or Silvia Soler-Espinosa. Mladenovic shouldn’t have many problems dispatching her Spanish opponent to meet Safarova in round two. Safarova lost to Yaroslava Shvedova in Melbourne so isn’t in great form, but she should have enough about her to power through the Frenchwoman and reach the quarter finals. Rising star Karolina Pliskova will look to make it a great two weeks for the family. Her sister Kristyna won the Glasgow ITF event this week, and Karolina will look to do the same in Antwerp. The 8th seed faces experienced Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the opening round. If Pliskova can show the form that lead her to the Sydney final then she shouldn’t have much trouble making the quarter finals. It will likely be Annika Beck in the second round, who is a good solid player, but the German doesn’t really have many weapons to trouble the Czech. I believe we will see an all Czech quarterfinal, which will undoubtedly be a big hitting contest. My prediction will be Pliskova because she showed better form in Australia, and Safarova is very inconsistent.
Semis: Cibulkova d. Bouchard in 3 sets
Kerber d. Pliskova in 3
Cibulkova showed good form at the Australian Open, and I expect her to continue her good play here. Cibulkova hits the ball hard and Bouchard has shown she can be prone to players who can over-power her.
Pliskova defeated Kerber in Sydney, but I can’t see that performance being replicated here. The likely outcome is that the German grinds down the Czech for a three set win.
Final:
Kerber d. Cibulkova in 3
This is a good chance for Kerber to win her first title of the season, and I believe she will take it. The German lost early in Melbourne, so she’ll use this tournament to put herself back on track.
the Thailand open has grown in stature since its debut on tour in 1991. In 2009 the event was upgraded to an International from a tier IV tournament. Previous champions include the likes of Cochita Martinez, Daniela Hantuchova, and Vera Zvonareva. Last years edition was won by Ekaterina Makarova.
PTT Thailand Open WTA International Series
Pattaya City, Thailand
Feb 9-Feb 15. 2015
Prize Money: $250,000
(3)Zarina Diyas vs. Daniela Hantuchova
Third seed Zarina Diyas could have hardly asked for a tougher draw in round one than Daniela Hantuchova. The pair met in Hobart, and Diyas was victorious in straight sets, however Hantuchova’s form has improved since, and she’s a former champion here, so this one should be a closer encounter. Diyas has stagnated since making a climb up the rankings last year, with her main issue being her incapability to beat higher ranked opponents. The young Kazakh is fairly good at handling lower ranked players though, so I think she’ll win yet again, but it will be harder than last time.
(2)Elina Svitolina vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm Not all matches to watch are on the basis on how competitive they are. The story of Date-Krumm just keeps going on and on, just like her career. The Japanese start turns 45 this year, and yet she is still playing in the main draws at WTA events. Her opponent Elina Svitolina is young enough to be her daughter, and the Ukrainian leads the head to head 1-0. Svitolina should win this comfortably on her title quest, but it’s always great to see Date-Krumm on court.
Top Half:
Headlining the top half of the draw will be world number 21 Shuai Peng. The 29 year old should have no problems reaching the quarter finals, as none of her potential opponents before that stage should offer any problems. The other seeded player in this quarter is young gun Monica Puig. The number seven seed showed some promise in 2014, but like Diyas, hasn’t kicked on since. The Puerto Rican has a tough round one against talented Swiss Stephanie Voegele. The head to head is 2-1 in the favour of Puig, so it’s hard not to back her here. A Voegele win wouldn’t be any sort of surprise however. The likely round two opponent will be Elena Vesnina, who has fallen down the rankings since reaching a career high 21 in 2013. Puig is currently the better player, so I expect her to reach the quarter finals. I don’t see the young star going any further though, as she’ll likely fall to top seed Peng in the quarter finals.
Fourth seed Kurumi Nara will start her tournament against local wildcard Nicha Lertpitaksinchai. I predict Yulia Putintseva to meet the Japanese in round two, where I’d expect Nara to be too good for the Kazakh. Jarmila Gadjosova is the sixth seed and will face a qualifier in round one. Facing a qualifier is always a lottery because there are a lot of dangerous players who are lower ranked on the WTA tour, but I am not sure there are many who could beat the Aussie. Ajla Tomljanovic wil be her probable round two opponent. This will be interesting as it’s an all Aussie clash, and there’s a fair chance of an ‘upset’ here. Either way both like to strike the ball hard, and it should be a tight battle. I believe the winner would beat Nara, who has a steady game but lacks real weapons. If I had to predict a winner from this quarter I will go for Gadjosova, as she is in good form after the Fed Cup.
Bottom Half:
Second seed Elina Svitolina is the favourite for the title in many people’s eyes. She should beat 44 year old Kimiko Date-Krumm in the opening round without too much trouble. In the second round I believe she’ll face Marina Erakovic. The New Zealander won their last meeting in 2013, but Svitolina is much improved since then so I expect the young Ukrainian to make the quarter finals at least. The other seed in this section is Shuai Zhang. She’ll face an out of sorts Donna Vekic in the opening round, and with the Croatians recent form at the Fed cup, I predict Zhang to win comfortably. Former Wimbledon finalist Vera Zvonareva has received a Wildcard into the main draw, and she hasn’t got a bad draw. I’d actually make her the favourite to reach the quarter finals where she will likely loose to the consistent Elina Svitolina.
Zarina Diyas is the third seed here, and the favourite to advance from her quarter, but there is some tough competition for her in this section. Firstly the Kazakh must work her way through Daniela Hantuchova. As I touched on in my matches to watch section, this should be closer than their previous meeting, but I expect Diyas to be too consistent for the Slovak. Sasai Zheng will await in the second round. Zhang played well in Shenzhen, even defeating Diyas in the quarter finals. The Chinese player hasn’t won a match since however. Their last match was close, so I will go with Diyas in three to make the quarter finals. There I predict her to meet fifth seed Yaroslava Shvedova. The talented Kazakh is one of the most dangerous players on tour, and recently had a decent run in Melbourne. In this all Kazakh clash we will see a mix of styles as Shvedova looks to be aggressive whilst Diyas will look to be consistent and counter Slava. With Shvedova’s recent form I believe she will have enough about her to beat Diyas on this occasion.
Semis
Gadjosova d. Peng in 2
Svitolina d. Shvedova in 3
Gadjosova pushed the Germans to their limits in the Fed Cup, so comes into this tournament in good form. Peng is consistent, but Gadjosova possesses the bigger weapons so I will predict the Aussie to win in 2 sets. Shvedova vs Svitolina will likely be a close battle, but with Shvedova’s tendency to struggle to close matches out from winning positions, I expect the Ukrainian to prevail from a set down.
Tennis Atlantic 