Tennis News

INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – USANA Health Sciences and the WTA tour have kicked off the fourth annual Aces for Humanity campaign in support of the USANA True Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide immediate and long-term assistance to suffering populations worldwide. USANA is a global nutritional company and has been a longstanding partner of the WTA since 2006.

Beginning with the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California this week, every ace served at a Premier-level WTA event will translate into a donation for the Foundation. For every ace served by the four USANA Brand Ambassadors (Caroline Wozniacki, Eugenie Bouchard, Monica Puig and Zheng Saisai), the WTA will contribute $20 toward the campaign, while every ace served by any other WTA player will translate into a $5 donation.

Collectively, 493 aces were recorded by USANA Brand Ambassadors during the 2016 campaign, and through this program and other charitable efforts, the WTA has contributed over $140,000 to the USANA True Health Foundation since 2011.

“We are thankful to be partnering with the WTA and our Brand Ambassadors for another year of Aces for Humanity,” said Brian Paul, the Foundation’s Executive Director of Communications.

“One hundred percent of every dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly toward charitable purposes, and the money raised through this campaign has allowed us to aid thousands of lives each year. We look forward to continuing our efforts alongside the WTA and doing our part to make the world a happier and healthier place.”

In 2016, money raised through several fundraising projects, including Aces for Humanity, allowed the Foundation to do the following:
• Provide over 6.2 million meals through its partnership with the Children’s Hunger Fund.
• Supply over $180,000 to support health education programs, food and home construction.
• Give $738,722 in Usanimals children’s multivitamins to orphanages, clinics and mercy networks throughout the world.
• Donate $180,234 in additional relief to New Zealand, Philippines, Hong Kong, France, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mexico.

“I’m proud to be a USANA Brand Ambassador not only because I believe in the products but because USANA is committed to making a difference in the lives of those suffering and in need,” said Olympic Gold Medalist Monica Puig. “USANA is all about health and wellness, and through the USANA True Health Foundation, it’s for all people. I’m honored to help raise awareness for this worthwhile cause.”

This year the program will also involve regular social giveaways, including autographed tennis balls and USANA products. For official rules, head to wtatennis.com.

“The WTA is proud to continue its support of the remarkable efforts of the USANA True Health Foundation,” said Steve Simon, WTA CEO and Chairman. “Through our longstanding partnership with USANA and the Aces for Humanity campaign, we are able to provide meaningful assistance to those in need, which is something we greatly value.”

#AcesForHumanity Fan Giveaway

It’s simple: before each WTA Premier tournament guess how many total aces will be hit.
First up is the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Last year there was a total of 489 aces hit. It’s now your turn, take your best guess of how many will be hit this year.

How To Enter:
• Follow @WTA and @USANAFoundation on Twitter and before each WTA Premier tournament tweet the number of aces you predict will be hit during the whole tournament (Singles, Main Draw)
• Include the hashtag #AcesForHumanity
• Indian Wells deadline is Thursday, March 9 at 11:59pm ET.
• The winner will be announced Monday, March 20.

Aces For Humanity is a joint WTA and USANA initiative that benefits the USANA True Health Foundation, which provides critical human necessities to those in suffering or in need around the globe.

For full rules on how to enter, click here.

BRISBANE, Australia – Simona Halep met the press at All Access Hour at the Brisbane International on Monday, and one of the hot topics was her potential opening match against Victoria Azarenka.

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A few hours later, Azarenka turned potential into reality with an impressive win over Elena Vesnina.

“It’s very tough,” Halep told reporters. “I think it will be a nice match. It will be very hard. It will be a big challenge for me. I played against her at the US Open, so I’m looking forward to playing against her again in Brisbane to see how well I can play in that match, in my first match of the new year.

“I’m looking forward to starting this year. I know it won’t be easy, though, because the first match of the year is always difficult mentally as well as physically, and I haven’t played since Singapore.”

That US Open match, a quarterfinal, was one of the matches of the tournament, with both WTA stars littering the stats sheet with winners – Halep finished with a beefy 40 winners to 19 unforced errors.

The Romanian eventually rallied from 2-0 in the third set to edge the Belarusian, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

“I remember that the rain helped me – I cannot forget that,” Halep recalled, referring to a rain delay as she served at 1-2, 40-15 in the third set. “It was a good point that the rain came and we stopped the match, because I was getting too nervous in the third set and I couldn’t manage the emotions.

“But she’s very strong. She’s hitting the ball strong. And she doesn’t give up. I have some good experience against her. She beat me in the past, and I beat her, so it’s good timing to play again.

“I need strong matches and strong opponents to be ready for the Grand Slams.”

Speaking of strong opponents, Halep was also asked about her chief rival – Serena Williams – who is competing in Hopman Cup this week. The World No.1 had to withdraw from her first match, however.

“I didn’t know she withdrew,” Halep said. “But, you know, she’s strong. I know that she can come and play good tennis as always. She’s prepared for that. She has the experience and knows how to manage all the situations. She’s the best player in the world. I just have to relax when I play her.

“But I believe players from the Top 10 can beat her. Many players are playing really good tennis right now. Muguruza as well, and I think I can say Bouchard will come back because she has the game, and she knows how to play in the top, because she was there. So it will be an interesting year, I think.”

Halep and Azarenka are scheduled to play their second round match in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Azarenka leads Halep in their overall head-to-head, 2-1, and is looking forward to the duel too.

“I think it’s going to be a very good test for me,” the former World No.1 said. “In general playing against top players, you always put yourself in a situation where you have got to push yourself.

“To be the best you’ve got to beat the best, so I’m looking forward to that match.”