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Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Jankovic Preview – WTA Dubai 2015 Round 2

Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Jankovic Preview – WTA Dubai 2015 Round 2

  • Posted: Feb 24, 2015

Jankovic2 Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Jankovic Preview – WTA Dubai 2015 Round 2

 

One of the more intriguing match-up to take place on Wednesday afternoon in the second round of the Qatar Total Open 2015 is the berth between Petra Kvitova and Jelena Jankovic. As it stands, the pair have a tied head-to-head series with two wins a piece. The former Serbian No. 1 won their two most recent encounters in 2013-14 and will look to maintain that streak on Tuesday. Check out the Kvitova v Jankovic Head to Head.

You will be able to follow the match live here: Kvitova v Jankovic Live Stream

Petra Kvitova began her season in sublime fashion, as she worked her way through the Sydney draw to lift the title with a win over rising star Karolina Pliskova. Unfortunately, she followed up with a third round exit in Melbourne to Madison Keys, and then a second round exit in Dubai to Carla Suarez Navarro. She will now look to rebound with a successful showing this week in Doha.

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While she only had one pro win under her belt so far in 2015, Jelena Jankovic stormed past Saisai Zeng 6-0, 6-2 to reach the second round in Doha. She managed 72% of her first service points, and saved four break points en route to the victory in 1 hour and 36 minutes. Jankovic has been unable to get past the second round of any tournament on the WTA tour this season, and currently holds a 2-3 win-loss record this year.

This marks the fifth time that these two competitors will meet on the WTA Tour, with the series tied at 2-wins each. Kvitova won their first two meetings (Fed Cup, Linz) while Jankovic rallied to level the series with consecutive wins in Beijing and Doha. While the series momentum favours the Serb, Jankovic has been far from her best so far this season and will be hard pressed to defeat the resurgent Kvitova on Tuesday.

Prediction: Petra Kvitova in Straight Sets

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/petra-kvitova-vs-jelena-jankovic-preview-wta-dubai-2015-round-2/

Agnieszka Radwanska vs Flavia Pennetta Preview – WTA Dubai 2015 Round 2

Agnieszka Radwanska vs Flavia Pennetta Preview – WTA Dubai 2015 Round 2

  • Posted: Feb 24, 2015

Aga Radwanska4  Agnieszka Radwanska vs Flavia Pennetta Preview – WTA Dubai 2015 Round 2

 

Agnieszka Radwanska and Flavia Pennetta will meet in the second round of the Qatar Total Open 2015. This marks the eighth time the two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, with Radwanska leading the head-to-head series 4-3. While the Pole may hold the overall lead, Pennetta earnedback-to-back victories in their most recent outings on the tour, including in Dubai and the Indian Wells Premier event.

You will be able to watch the match live here: Radwanska v Pennetta Live Stream

While Radwanska is currently armed with a significant celebrity coach in 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, she has had a tempestuous adjustment period that has allowed her only five wins in four tournaments. Following a second round exit from Sydney at the hands of Garbine Muguruza, the Pole reached the fourth round of the Aussie Open before losing to Venus Williams. She then suffered consecutive defeats in the Fed Cup tie against Russia, and lost in the second round in Dubai to Muguruza again.

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Italian No. 1 Flavia Pennetta rallied from a set down to defeat Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. She struck 3 aces, won 71% of her first service points and saved six break points to close out the match three minutes shy of two hours. She will now get an opportunity to earn a third consecutive victory over Radwanska en route to the third round in Doha.

This marks the eighth time these two competitors will meet on the professional tour, with Radwanska leading the series 4-3. Pennetta won their first ever encounter on the professional tour back in 2008, but then underwent a dry spell against the Pole, where she was unable to win even a single set for five years. Radwanska won their following three encounters, but has since lost the most recent two matches against the Italian – in Dubai and Indian Wells. It will be interesting to see If Radwanska continues to struggle against Pennetta.

Prediction: Flavia Pennetta in Three Sets

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/agnieszka-radwanska-vs-flavia-pennetta-preview-wta-dubai-2015-round-2/

Novak Djokovic vs Vasek Pospisil Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

Novak Djokovic vs Vasek Pospisil Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

Novak Djokovic Miami1 Novak Djokovic vs Vasek Pospisil Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

 

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will look to return to his winning ways on Tuesday afternoon at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships when he contests an intriguing opening round battle against Canadian No. 2 Vasek Pospisil. This marks the third time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head series 2-0.

Watch the match live here: Djokovic v Pospisil Live Stream

Back in 2011, and 2013, Novak Djokovic was able to follow up his Aussie Open title wins with championship wins in Dubai. Given that he won the title in Melbourne this season, Djokovic will be looking to maintain that remarkable trend in 2015.

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“I believe there is a connection between the Australian Open and Dubai,” said Djokovic. “Every time I win there I probably win here. The reason I’m so successful here is building on the confidence and that it’s the beginning of the season and I’m motivated, fresh and eager to compete.”

The former four-time champion is riding a seven-match win streak and only lost once this season – a three-set defeat to Delray Beach champion Ivo Karlovic – and will now look to build on his newfound momentum ahead of the Indian Wells Masters event next season.

Canadian No. 2 Vasek Pospisil has managed to compile five wins on the ATP World Tour so far this season, although they are all scattered over four tournaments. His best performance was at the Aussie Open, where he reached the third round of the tournament following wins over Sam Querrey and Paolo Lorenzi. Since then, he has only picked up one win in Rotterdam, and one in Marseille.

This marks the third time that Djokovic and Pospisil will cross paths on the ATP World Tour, with the Serb leading the series 2-0 with a Davis Cup victory on clay last season, and then a win in the second round in Beijing. The world No. 1 is coming off an extended break following his Major title win, which is why he will likely be fresh and ready to impose his dominance over an inconsistent BC native.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic in Straight Sets

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/novak-djokovic-vs-vasek-pospisil-preview-atp-dubai-2015-round-1/

Andy Murray vs Gilles Muller Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

Andy Murray vs Gilles Muller Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

Andy Murray ATP Tour3 Andy Murray vs Gilles Muller Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

 

2012 runner-up Andy Murray will begin his week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday afternoon, when he comes up against surging competitor Gilles Muller. This marks the second time that the two will cross paths o the tour, with Murray leading the head to head series 1-0. However, that contest took place over three years ago and came under far different circumstances than their upcoming contest in the UAE city.

Watch the match live here: Murray v Muller Live Stream

Any Murray began his 2015 season in fantastic fashion, as he worked his way through a Grand Slam draw that included Grigor Dimitrov, Nick Kyrgios, and Tomas Berdych before he lost to Novak Djokovic in his first Major final since winning Wimbledon back in 2013. The win boosted Murray back into the Top 4, where he once again completed the placement for the ‘Big Four’ on the tour. He then moved over to Rotterdam, where he suffered a surprising exit to Gilles Simon in the quarter-final round of the tournament. It was a shockingly straightforward exit given that Murray looked good en route to that stage of the tournament.

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The British No. 1 will now look to rebound with a strong showing at the ATP 500 event when he comes up against Gilles Muller. After reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open, Muller suffered an opening round exit in Zagreb before he rebounded with back-to-back victories over David Goffin and Grigor Dimitrov in Rotterdam. His incredible week was cut short in the quarter-final round, where he lost to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka 7-6(3) 6-3.

This marks just the second time that these two competitors will meet on the professional tour, with Murray leading the series 1-0. While the world No. 4 will undoubtedly be the favourite, on Tuesday, it will not be based off his previous win, which took place at the 2012 Brisbane International. Muller is more than capable of pushing the Scot to three sets, and could even produce the upset if Murray is not playing near top form.

Prediction: Andy Murray in Three Sets

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/andy-murray-vs-gilles-muller-preview-atp-dubai-2015-round-1/

Ivo Karlovic Becomes Oldest Player to Win ATP Title Since Jimmy Connors in ’89

Ivo Karlovic Becomes Oldest Player to Win ATP Title Since Jimmy Connors in ’89

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

karlovic4 Ivo Karlovic Becomes Oldest Player to Win ATP Title Since Jimmy Connors in 89

 

On Sunday afternoon, Ivo Karlovic became the third player over 30 years old to win a title on the ATP World Tour that day when he defeated America’s Donald Young to win the Delray Beach Open.

The towering Croatian defeated Young 6-3, 6-3 in a straightforward match to lift the title. He struck 13 aces, and denied the American all of his seven break point opportunities to win the match. According to the ATP World Tour, Karlovic struck 91 aces this week, a tournament record.

Karlovic, 35, is now the oldest player to win a title on the ATP World Tour since Jimmy Connors won the Tel Aviv Open in 1989.

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“It is unbelievable,” said Karlovic, who trains in nearby Plantation. “It was really satisfying also for me to do this at my age, and it gives me a boost of confidence when I go into the other tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami.

“Last year, I was in four finals and I lost all of them, so I really wanted to do this one good. I was focused; I was doing my thing and it paid off.”

Karlovic earned $84,250 and 250 Emirates ATP ranking points for his first title win since the 2013 Bogota Open. He went 0-4 last year but was able to deny Young’s maiden title on the tour this week in Florida.

“He played well. He beat me. I didn’t play the best I wanted to play, but all credit to him.”

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/ivo-karlovic-becomes-oldest-player-to-win-atp-title-since-jimmy-connors-in-89/

Sara Errani Closes in on Top 10 Return After Rio Open Title Win

Sara Errani Closes in on Top 10 Return After Rio Open Title Win

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

 Sara Errani Closes in on Top 10 Return After Rio Open Title Win

 

After a less than stellar start to her 2015 season, Sara Errani took part in a strong week on the red clay in Rio to defeat Anna Schmiedlova and lift the Rio Open title.

While the Italian’s win is a notable victory and edges her closer to an eventual return to the Top 10 in the WTA rankings, the biggest story this week was rising star Anna Schmiedlova, who had never reached the quarter-final stage of a WTA event prior to this week in Rio.

The youngster even put up a fight in the final, where she pushed Errani to a tiebreak in the opening set before being overwhelmed by the Italian in the second set to lose 7-6(2), 6-1.

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“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.”

With the victory on Sunday, Errani won her eighth title on the WTA tour.

“The first set was tough. We played more than an hour,” Errani said. “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.”

As someone who was a former No. 5 ranked player, Errani will rise from No.16 to No.12 on this week’s WTA Rankings.

“I’m aware that I’m close to getting back to the Top 10, but right now my goal is to keep trying to play my best and keep trying to improve,” Errani said. “If that happens I think the ranking will come.”

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/sara-errani-closes-in-on-top-10-return-after-rio-open-title-win/

David Ferrer Becomes First Player to Win Seven ‘Golden Swing’ Titles

David Ferrer Becomes First Player to Win Seven ‘Golden Swing’ Titles

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

ferrer40 David Ferrer Becomes First Player to Win Seven ‘Golden Swing’ Titles

 

While the semi-finals on Saturday added to the excitement for Sunday afternoon’s final in Rio de Janeiro, David Ferrer added to his undeniable dominance on the South American portion of the schedule with a straight sets victory over Fabio Fognini to lift the Rio Open title for the first time in his career.

Ferrer, who defeated the Italian No. 1 6-2, 6-3, lifted his seventh title on the Golden Swing – a record that places him as the title leader – and his 23rd career title on the ATP World Tour. He now moves to 8-0 in the head-to-head series against Fognini and needed only 83 minutes to do so.

“I’m really happy,” said Ferrer. “It’s my 23rd tournament win and I never won here before in Rio. I’m very happy for that. I had the chance to be in the Carnaval this week and all the facilities are good. This week is very special. I have a lot of confidence with my game. I won two tournaments this year. It’s very important for me being with the best players in the world.”

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Ferrer was awarded $343,000 and 500 ATP Ranking points for his efforts, while Fognini took home $154,620 and 300 ATP Rankings points. It was a disappointing end to the tournament given Fognini’s incredible upset victory over Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals – a win that snapped the Spaniard’s remarkable 52-match win streak in clay court semi-finals.

“When you lose in a final, you’re always disappointed,” said Fognini. “It’s a big week for me. Yesterday I beat Rafa. It’s a big tournament and I’m happy because I put in a lot of work mentally and physically. To be 100 per cent against David it is difficult.”

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/david-ferrer-becomes-first-player-to-win-seven-golden-swing-titles/

Simon Beats Monfils to Win Second Marseille Title

Simon Beats Monfils to Win Second Marseille Title

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

simon10 Simon Beats Monfils to Win Second Marseille Title

 

In an all-French final on Sunday afternoon, Gilles Simon edged countryman Gael Monfils to lift the Open 13 title in Marseille for the second time in his career.

Simon, who moved to 5-1 in the head-to-head series against Monfils, defeated the entertaining crowd pleaser 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4). His win was made easier since Monfils’ error count continued to rise as the match progressed. After two hours and 30 minutes, Simon closed out the match and lifted his 12th career title on the ATP World Tour.

“It was a great week, but a tough one physically,” said Simon, who spent eight hours and 53 minutes on court in his five matches. “I left a lot of energy against [Borna] Coric (in the second round) and then it was hard to recover from this one. I’m happy I won here since I won my first tournament in Marseille. I hope it won’t be the last one.”

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Simon was awarded €102,900 and 250 ATP Ranking points for his efforts. Monfils took home 150 points and €54,200 for his runner-up finish.

“I’m disappointed,” said Monfils. “It was a great match and we both played really well.”

Monfils’ loss to the world No. 17 means the Frenchman drops to a 5-17 record in Tour finals.

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/simon-beats-monfils-to-win-second-marseille-title/

Roger Federer vs Mikhail Youzhny Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

Roger Federer vs Mikhail Youzhny Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

Roger Federer Pic1 Roger Federer vs Mikhail Youzhny Preview – ATP Dubai 2015 Round 1

 

Following several weeks off the tour, Roger Federer will return to professional competition when he takes part in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday afternoon. The Swiss No. 1 is scheduled to meet Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny, whom he holds a remarkable 15-0 head to head record against.

Watch the match live here: Federer v Youzhny Live Stream

World No. 2 Roger Federer has been away from the tour since his premature exit from the Australian Open in January. After starting off the year with an impressive showing in Brisbane, where he won the title following wins over Grigor Dimitrov and Milos Raonic, Federer was unable to maintain that momentum, and suffered a surprise loss to Andreas Seppi in the Aussie Open third round. It was his first career loss to the Italian, and put a damper on Federer’s strong start to the season.

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After a couple of weeks of rest, Federer is prepared to return to Dubai and rebound from his rough fortnight in Melbourne.

“I feel good, I know well this the area, I know what to expect. I have had two weeks off, after the Australian Open, so, I feel myself fresh and ready to play. I really like the court, here I have played well, over the years. The tournament has a great atmosphere.”

After starting his year with back-to-back first round losses in Doha and the Aussie Open, Youzhny earned a pair of wins in Zagreb (Blaz Kavcic and Sergiy Stakhovsky) before losing to Marcos Baghdatis in the quarter-final.

This marks the 17th time that these two competitors meet on the professional tour, and the first time since the Halle final in 2013. Considering that was Federer’s worst season in a decade, and that Youzhny was still unable to dent the armour, the Russian will certainly be hard pressed to defeat a motivated Federer.

Prediction: Roger Federer in Straight Sets

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/roger-federer-vs-mikhail-youzhny-preview-atp-dubai-2015-round-1/

Victoria Azarenka vs Angelique Kerber Preview –WTA Doha 2015 Round 1

Victoria Azarenka vs Angelique Kerber Preview –WTA Doha 2015 Round 1

  • Posted: Feb 23, 2015

Victoria Azarenka8  Victoria Azarenka vs Angelique Kerber Preview –WTA Doha 2015 Round 1

 

After two very different paths in 2015, Victoria Azarenka and Angelique Kerber will meet in the opening round of the Qatar Total Open. It will serve as their fourth career meeting, with two-time former Grand Slam champion Azarenka leading head to head the series with an unblemished 3-0 record. This will also be their first career meeting since the WTA Championships in 2012.

Watch the match live here: Azarenka v Kerber Live Stream

Azarenka overcame a tough and turbulent 2014 season plagued with injuries and is well on her way to regaining her old form, particularly under the new tutelage of Wim Fissette. After losing to rising star Karolina Pliskova in her first match of the season in Brisbane, Azarenka managed to work her way through a tough Aussie Open draw to reach the fourth round of the Major that she had previously won on two occasions. Following wins over Sloane Stephens, Carolina Wozniacki and Barbara Zahlavova Strycova, the former champ lost to last year’s runner up Dominika Cibulkova, and were denied the quarter-final berth.

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Now, Azarenka is back in Doha, where she is on a 10-match winning streak following back-to-back title wins in 2012-13. She missed last year’s tournament due to her foot injury, but appears to be ready to continue her run in the Qatari capital.

Her opponent, Angelique Kerber has had a tempestuous season on the tour so far, as she lost in the quarter-final round in Sydney to Karolina Pliskova, suffered opening round losses at the Aussie Open and Antwerp, and later managed to reach the second round in Dubai before losing to Flavia Pennetta.

This marks the fourth time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, and the first time since the 2012 WTA Championship. While Azarenka is unseeded at this event, she should be treated as a top competitor, and will likely find a way to edge her German adversary on Monday.

Prediction: Victoria Azarenka in Three Sets

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2015/02/victoria-azarenka-vs-angelique-kerber-preview-wta-doha-2015-round-1/