Commentator Q&A: In The Booth With WTA World Feed Analyst Mikey Perera
WTA Insider David Kane | Taking in the 2016 season from all angles, WTA World Feed commentator Mikey Perera weighs in on a year that has been full of surprises.
WTA Insider David Kane | Taking in the 2016 season from all angles, WTA World Feed commentator Mikey Perera weighs in on a year that has been full of surprises.
Magdalena Rybarikova takes on Roberta Vinci in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Women’s tennis is in full bloom in Zhuhai, China for the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai!
Elina Svitolina was ready to get going! She arrived first in Zhuhai, where she reached the semifinals last year.
She’s already got a huge fan club in Zhuhai too!
Also popular with the Chinese fans, Petra Kvitova and Zhang Shuai were on hand for the official draw ceremony.
Following the flowers theme, Kvitova and Zhang drew the players into four groups: Rose, Camellia, Peony and Azalea.
The court is ready at custom-designed and state-of-the-art Zhuhai Hengqin International Tennis Centre!
Timea Bacsinszky took the court against Zhang for the first match of the tournament!
Despite her best effort, Bacsinszky suffered a straights sets drubbing against China’s No.1.
Meanwhile, Svitolina had to mount an epic comeback, but after two Rose Group victories she’s through to the semifinals.
It wasn’t a good day in the office for singles alternate Timea Babos though. She bowed out after two straight sets losses.
Zhang delighted Chinese fans as she booked the first semifinal spot, winning the Camellia Group with a pair of dominating performances.
Despite falling in the group stage, Bacsinszky gave us the most memorable press conference moment when she donned a Chinese opera mask she received as a gift.
Will we see more of Roberta Vinci in 2017? The Italian veteran left her future up in the air after leaving Zhuhai with two group stage losses.
But the tournament continues, and there are still two semifinal spots up for grabs! The Azalea Group spot could go to Johanna Konta…
…unless her opponent Caroline Garcia defeats her and snatches it away.
In the Peony Group, Barbora Strycova hits the court looking for a semifinal berth…
…but she faces stiff competition from Kvitova, whose tennis has flourished in recent weeks during the Asian Swing.
INDIAN WELLS – Agnieszka Radwanska grabbed the first semifinal spot of the BNP Paribas Open after a straight sets win over Petra Kvitova, but her reward is even sweeter – the win vaults her all the way back up to the World No.2 ranking.
Watch highlights, interviews and more video from Indian Wells right here on wtatennis.com!
In a rematch of their encounter in the final of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, longtime rivals Kvitova and Radwanska squared off for the tenth time. Although Kvitova owns the head-to-head advantage 6-3, she’s quite familiar with how crafty Radwanska can be.
“I just hope I can really play my good tennis against her, because otherwise I will be in big trouble,” Kvitova said ahead of the match. “But I think always against her you always really have to play good tennis and be careful, definitely on her serve.”
After saving match point in the first round against Dominika Cibulkova, Radwanska’s road to her sixth BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals has been fairly straightforward. By contrast, all of Kvitova’s matches have gone to a third set. And despite her “P3tra” nickname, that’s not a good omen for the Czech – she’s only won one WTA tournament (Montreal in 2012) after being involved in three or more three set matches.
Sure enough, Kvitova’s long hours on court showed their effect as Radwanska raced ahead in the first set to a 5-1 lead. The Czech’s big game grew to be too costly, and she sprayed 22 unforced errors to the always-tidy Radwanska’s 4. Those margins left her no room to breathe, and she eventually dropped the first set 6-2.
The No.9 ranked Czech dug her heels in during the second set, breaking twice for a 4-2 lead. Just as it looked like she would level up the score, Radwanska came roaring back, drawing from her extensive arsenal of trick shots to send the clash into a tiebreaker. Luck just wasn’t on Kvitova’s side – she was starting to mount a comeback after finding herself down 4-0 in the tiebreak, but two let cords and a backhand dumped into the net gave Radwanska the victory, 6-3, 7-6(3).
“I have good experience in the first match, almost losing 5-3 in the third. So I was pretty calm,” Radwanska said of her second-set comeback. “Obviously that’s just one break, so you just keep going. And I was a little big lucky, in the end.”
The win not only sends Radwanska into the BNP Paribas Open semifinal for the third time in her career, it also boosts her ranking up to World No.2 for the first time since 2012, overtaking Angelique Kerber.
You know her as the Ninja and Hotshot Master, but now she has a new name…
World No.2!
Welcome back, @ARadwanska! https://t.co/eK5PPprOxa
— WTA (@WTA) March 16, 2016
ZHUHAI, China – Johanna Konta guaranteed that she will end the year ranked inside the Top 10 following Wednesday’s victory over Samantha Stosur at the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai.
Four weeks ago, Konta became the fourth Briton in WTA history to reach the Top 10 when she finished runner-up at the China Open, in Beijing. By winning her opening round-robin match in Zhuhai, she will remain among the elite until the year’s end, becoming the first British player to do so for 33 years.
Jo Durie was the last to achieve the feat, when she finished 1983 ranked No.6, following in the footsteps of Grand Slam champions Virginia Wade (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979) and Sue Barker (1976, 1977, 1979).
Impressive! ??? https://t.co/aFXNFWKQd3
— Jo Durie (@Jodurie) November 2, 2016
For Konta, it is the latest accomplishment of a memorable campaign that has already seen her lift a maiden WTA title, in Stanford, and reach the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Last summer, a 16-match winning run, which began at a lowly ITF Circuit event in Granby, Canada, and ended in the second week of the US Open, sent Konta skyrocketing up the rankings and, more importantly, imbued her with a sense of belonging. Since then she has been a regular at the business end of tennis’ showpiece events, runs at Stanford, Beijing, Montréal, Eastbourne, Miami and the Australian and US Opens cementing her place at the WTA’s top table.
The 25-year-old has a work ethic rivalled by few on tour and unsurprisingly is now concentrating on taking the next step.
“I think [being in the Top 3] is what I dreamt of as a little girl. I dreamt of being No.1 in the world, being the best player out there,” Konta said after her win over Stosur. “I think you got to put also dreams aside a little bit separate just because you got to focus on the work and you got to focus on things that you can control. That’s the effort and attitude that I approach my job, what I do.”
World No.56 Yulia Putintseva arrived in Miami after a career-best run at the BNP Paribas Open, where she reached the third round and pushed World No.1 Serena Williams to a first set tie-break. After heading to the American Airlines Arena for a Rihanna concert, Putintseva got down to business on Thursday, showing off what she called her “new way to serve:”
New way to serve ??? pic.twitter.com/cwSNDtxmy5
— Yulia Putintseva (@Yulka1995P) March 17, 2016
The moment was reminiscent of when colleague Elina Svitolina lit up social media at the end of 2014 with her own trick serve at the China Open:
Putintseva and Svitolina will undoubtedly get competition from Tweener Queen Kristina Mladenovic. The Frenchwoman debuted the shot under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium en route to the quarterfinals of the US Open, bringing it back once (or twice) during the off-season for IPTL:
How can you not love @KikiMladenovic? #showgirl #IPTL2 pic.twitter.com/elwHQfxpv2
— Noémie. (@Saschatard) December 16, 2015
But few have been able to work their magic into a match quite like Agnieszka Radwanska, who reached the semifinals in Indian Wells – and returned to the No.2 ranking – on Wednesday with a 6-2, 7-6(3) win over two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova:
#SCTop10 anyone? @ARadwanska was on FIRE! ? https://t.co/ctucReiGbc
— WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2016
Which are some of your favorite trick shots? Let us know on Twitter @WTA!
As we’re approaching the end of the season, tennis apparel launches are few and far between. Still, in the month of October we did have some tennis fashion releases, while some older designs reminded us just how good they are. Marija Zivlak of Women’s Tennis Blog will give us an overview of the best clothes that graced the courts during the month highlighted by the $7,000,000 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.
It’s been a while since Lacoste has launched a truly different design, but Dominika Cibulkova’s powerful and inspiring title run at the WTA Finals helped us better notice just how good the blue dress with orange built-in racerback sports bra suits the courageous Slovak. Every inch of the Lacoste Fall Racer Dress fits Cibulkova just right, so much that I thoroughly enjoyed watching the determined 27-year-old work the design that we’ve been seeing around the courts, in one form or another, through most of the year.
The sporty mini skirt and thick straps complemented Cibulkova’s 5’3″ frame perfectly, the peeking mango tree bra and 3D Lacoste script at mid-back reflect her drive and energy, while the mesh racerback overlay and white zipper create an absolutely winning look. What’s more, Cibulkova paired the dress with a classic white head tie, for an overall perfect blend of sporty, modern, retro and functional.
Before being stopped by inspired Cibulkova, Angelique Kerber confidently marched through the WTA Finals, wearing winter colors (white and light green), brightened by the vibrant coral contrast. The World No.1 opted for the white version of the adidas Fall Pro Tank, whose flash red racerback provides just the right amount of warm contrast, and the adidas Fall Pro Skirt, whose print is one of the best prints this season, and you know how tough the competition is.
The impression wouldn’t have been complete without the beautiful Adizero Ubersonic 2 shoes that offer confidence and stability even in ultra fast on-court movements.
Karolina Pliskova made her first appearance at the WTA Finals in style, wearing classic black and white hues from Fila’s Court Couture line characterized by feminine ruching, fashion-forward draping, and elegant, gold finishing touches. The Czech No.1 showcased the Court Couture Halter Tank, featuring a built-in bra and 30+ UV protection for the perfect melding of fashion and function, and the Court Couture Skirt, another timeless piece with classic contrasting colors.
Another player rocking the classic black and whites this October was Venus Williams, but the queen of prints used them to create a busy floral pattern, pairing it with solid colorblocks.
During her short campaign at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, Williams presented the EleVen Casablanca Glide Back Tank, a sleek black top featuring printed contrast elastic binding that enhances a feminine silhouette, and the EleVen Casablanca Triple Threat Skirt, equipped with EleVen Pro-Dri for moisture-wicking performance and superior breathability.
World No. 87 Carina Witthoeft lost in the first round of the Generali Ladies Linz as a qualifier, but in the fashion battle the German would have progressed much further at the tournament. Her purple Nike outfit consisted of the NikeCourt Maria Tank in color plum fog and the NikeCourt Maria Skort. The tank is made of stretch mesh fabric that provides stylish and breathable coverage. Carina decided to tuck the top in, not exposing split hems that offer a different, yet just as stylish look.
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – And then there were four. The BNP Paribas Open draw has dwindled down to a quartet of elite talents, including two former champions. Wtatennis.com breaks down a blockbuster semifinal day here.
Friday, Semifinals
Stadium 1
[1] Serena Williams (USA #1) vs. [3] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL #3)
Head-to-head: Williams leads 9-0
Key Stat: Williams has won 18 of 19 sets against Radwanska.
Will Serena Williams make it a perfect 10-0 against Agnieszka Radwanska on Friday to claim her spot in her first BNP Paribas Open final in fifteen years? If the scintillating form the two-time BNP Paribas Open champion displayed in her quarterfinal victory over Simona Halep is any indication, the American will be an extremely tough player to knock out of this draw. “She was moving really good, and hit it so strong,” an impressed Halep said after falling on Wednesday night to Williams. “I think she’s in good shape now. Yeah, maybe she’s going to win this title.”
In order to stop Williams from winning it all, Agnieszka Radwanska will likely have to play the match of her career. But if there was ever a time for Radwanska to pull a jaw-dropping upset, it could be now. The Pole has been the WTA’s most consistent performer since the US Open, going 34-6 with four titles, including the biggest of her career at last October’s BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global. The momentum has certainly been building for Radwanska, but how to take that extra step to get past the daunting Williams? When they met two months ago at the Australian Open semifinals, Radwanska got off on the wrong foot and never recovered. “I think she started unbelievable, with such a power and speed,” she said at the time. “I was just standing there kind of watching her playing.” To avoid a similar situation Radwanska will have to make a high percentage of first serves and do everything in her power to stay in rallies and keep Williams off balance.
Williams is well aware that Radwanska is a threat, particularly on the gritty hard courts here in the desert, despite the lopsided victory in Australia and the 9-0 lifetime advantage. “Obviously she does everything so well, including running, and this is a good surface for her because it’s a slow surface,” Williams said. “I expect there will be a lot of long rallies. I will be ready.”
Pick: Williams in three
[13] Victoria Azarenka (BLR #15) vs. [18] Karolina Pliskova (CZE #19)
Head-to-head: series tied 1-1
Key Stat: Azarenka will return to the Top 10 (at No.8) for the first time since August 2014 if she wins the title at Indian Wells.
Victoria Azarenka reached only one WTA final in 2015, but the Belarusian is closing in on her second title of 2016 and we’re not even through March yet. It has happened in fits and starts over the last two years, but could we finally be witnessing the return to elite status of one of the WTA’s most talented — and decorated — players? Whether she reaches the final or not, one thing is certain: Azarenka is relishing the opportunity to prove herself on the big stage. “I love pressure,” she told reporters this week at Indian Wells. “That’s what makes me a good player and a great player. That’s what motivates me. Without pressure I get bored and it’s not fun. So to be able to compete in that high situation, that’s what I’m always looking forward to.”
Azarenka may be fine with the pressure, but how will the 2012 BNP Paribas Open champion handle the searing heat of Karolina Pliskova’s world-class serve? The tall, cool Czech ripped nine aces and won 24 of 26 first-serve points to take down Russia’s Daria Kasatkina on Thursday. How well Pliskova can dictate with her heavy offerings will be the key to her survival in this intriguing matchup, but in Azarenka she’ll be facing one of the WTA’s elite returners.
Pick: Azarenka in two
– Chris Oddo, wtatennis.com contributor
Two semifinal spots are left at the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai – will Petra Kvitova and Johanna Konta make it through? Preview all of Friday’s action right here!
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – Friday’s evening session at the BNP Paribas Open will see all four semifinalists in action. Read on to discover 10 need-to-know facts heading into the two showdowns.
(1) Serena Williams (USA #1) vs (3) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL #3)
H2H: Williams leads Radwanska, 9-0
1) Serena resumes desert domination.
Serena Williams has cruised through the draw this fortnight – she is the only player yet to drop a set – to improve her win-loss record at Indian Wells to 22-1 (.957). This winning percentage is second only to the great Martina Navratilova*:
Martina Navratilova 10-0 (1.000)
Serena Williams 22-1 (.957)
Steffi Graf 17-2 (.895)
Kim Clijsters 24-5 (.828)
* Minimum of five matches played at tournament
2) Chasing another record.
No player has won the title at Indian Wells more than two times. Serena is one of eight players to lift the title in Indian Wells twice (1999, 2001) and is attempting to add it to an impressive list of titles she has won on three or more occasions:
Eight – Miami
Six – Australian Open, US Open, Wimbledon
Five – WTA Finals
Three – Charleston, Roland Garros, Rome, Stanford, Toronto
3) Radwanska moving up in the world.
Agnieszka Radwanska will move to No.2 in the WTA Rankings on Monday. It will be her eighth week at No.2 having previously held this career-best ranking in July and August of 2012.
4) But she is still searching for an answer to Serena’s questions.
A runner-up finish at Wimbledon propelled Radwanska’s previous ascent to the No.2 spot. Denying her the title in a three-set thriller was Serena, who has dominated their rivalry ever since. In fact, the Pole’s solitary set in their nine meetings came that afternoon at the All England Club.
5) Radwanska on a roll since Flushing Meadows setback.
Since losing to Madison Keys in the third round of the US Open, no player on tour has won more matches than Radwanska. During that time she has posted a 34-6 record (Angelique Kerber is next with 25 wins), reaching the semifinals or better at eight of her previous nine tournaments and going on to lift the trophy four times.
(13) Victoria Azarenka (BLR #15) vs (18) Karolina Pliskova (CZE #19)
H2H: series tied, 1-1
6) Happy memories for Azarenka.
The last occasion Victoria Azarenka made the last four at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden she was in the midst of the most purple of purple patches. Rewind four years and Azarenka was busy compiling what would become the best start to a season since 1997, defeating Kerber and Maria Sharapova to add the Indian Wells trophy to the ones already picked up at Sydney, the Australian Open and Doha.
7) Top 10 beckons.
Should Azarenka head for Miami on Sunday evening with the trophy in her suitcase, she will return to the Top 10 (at No.8) for the first time since August 2014. If she reaches the final she will rise to No.11 and No.13 should she fall in the semifinals.
8) Pliskova no longer a flat track bully.
It is no secret that Karolina Pliskova has long been frustrated by her inability to make an impression at tennis’ flagship events. Prior to this fortnight, her best showing at a Grand Slam or Premier Mandatory tournament was a quarterfinal run last year in Miami.
9) Semifinal specialist.
While Azarenka may lord it over her in terms of big-match experience, Pliskova can draw confidence from her fine record at the business end of tournaments; of the 15 semifinals she has contested, she has come out on the winning side 12 times.
10) Long wait for a Czech finalist.
Should she make it 13 on Friday, Pliskova will become the first Czech finalist at the tournament since Helena Sukova in 1990. On that occasion Sukova lost out to former compatriot Navratilova**.
** Navratilova was born in Czechoslovakia but became a US citizen in 1981.