Behind The Tour: Commentators
You’ve probably heard their voices during a match, but now WTA’s Behind The Tour takes you face to face with the commentators who called the action during the WTA Finals in Singapore.
You’ve probably heard their voices during a match, but now WTA’s Behind The Tour takes you face to face with the commentators who called the action during the WTA Finals in Singapore.
Welcome to WTA Finals month. Here are the updated scenarios after 24 hours to digest the Beijing draw for singles and doubles…
ROAD TO SINGAPORE UPDATE – Saturday, October 1st
SINGLES:
While Karolina Pliskova and Agnieszka Radwanska are next in line to qualify for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, Garbiñe Muguruza, Dominika Cibulkova and Madison Keys round out the Top 8 of our live Road to Singapore leaderboard.
Carla Suárez Navarro is next in line followed by Svetlana Kuznetsova, Johanna Konta, and Petra Kvitova. Four of these – Muguruza, Keys, Kuznetsova, and Kvitova are all in the same quarter of the Beijing draw, creating some exciting early round matchups at the China Open.
Potential R16 Match-Ups in Beijing
Interesting to note this round could have a huge say in the final qualification spots if these eight players reach this stage:
Pliskova (#4 RTS) vs Konta (#11 RTS)
Cibulkova (#6 RTS) vs Suárez Navarro (#9 RTS)
Keys(#8 RTS) vs Kuznetsova (#10 RTS)
Kvitova (#12 RTS) v Muguruza (#5 RTS)
Click here for the complete China Open draws.
Qualified: Angelique Kerber, Serena Williams, Simona Halep
Next In Line (Current Top 8)
How can they qualify in Beijing ?
Pliskova – qualifies by reaching 3r OR one of the following
·Keys fails to reach 3r AND Suárez Navarro fails to reach SF
·Keys fails to reach 3r AND Konta nor Kuznetsova reach final nor Kvitova wins title*
·Suárez Navarro fails to reach SF AND Konta nor Kuznetsova reach final nor Kvitova wins title*
*all three are in the same half so only one of these is possible
Radwanska – qualifies by reaching QF OR one of the following
·Keys fails to reach 3r AND Suárez Navarro fails to reach SF
·Keys fails to reach 3r AND Konta nor Kuznetsova reach final nor Kvitova wins title*
·Suárez Navarro fails to reach SF AND Konta nor Kuznetsova reach final nor Kvitova wins title*
*all three are in the same half so only one of these is possible
Muguruza – qualifies by reaching final
Cibulkova – qualifies by winning title
Keys – qualifies by winning title
Suárez Navarro could qualify by winning title but would also need Keys not to reach QF AND Konta nor Kuznetsova to win title
It is mathematically possible for Kuznetsova or Konta to qualify this week by winning the Beijing title BUT this would have to be accompanied by early defeats for Keys, Cibulkova, Suárez Navarro, and Muguruza.
Currently No.9 to No.13 with points behind current projected cut-off (3137)
DOUBLES
QUALIFIED: Garcia/Mladenovic, Hingis/Mirza, Makarova/Vesnina, Mattek-Sands/Safarova
NEXT IN LINE:
|
Shvedova/Babos |
3975 |
1r v Savchuk/Wang |
|
Hlavackova/Hradecka |
3775 |
1r vs Arruabarrena/Kalashnikova (Sun) |
|
Chan/Chan |
3760 |
1r bye |
|
Goerges Pliskova |
3270 |
1r vs Aoyama/Ninomiya (Sun) |
How do they qualify in Beijing:
Babos/Shvedova qualify unless Mirza/Strycova, Atawo/Spears or Xu/Zheng win the Beijing title OR by reaching the Beijing SF
Hlavcakova/Hradecka qualify unless Mirza/Strycova reach Beijing final, Atawo/Spears or Xu/Zheng win the Beijing title OR by reaching the Beijing SF
Chan/Chan qualify unless Mirza/Strycova or Xu/Zheng reach Beijing final or Atawo/Spears win the Beijing title OR by reaching the Beijing Final
Goerges/Pliskova qualify by advancing to the same round or better than Mirza/Strycova, Atawo/Spears and Xu/Zheng and if Klepac/Srebotnik don’t win Beijing title
Remaining Teams in Possible Contention (points behind current cut-off)
|
Atawo/Spears |
-575 |
Must reach at least QFs to stay in contention* |
|||
|
Xu/Zheng |
-600 |
Must reach at least QFs to stay in contention* |
|||
|
Mirza/Strycova |
-885 |
Must reach at least QFs to stay in contention* |
|||
|
Klepac/Srebotnik |
-1130 |
8th at best, must win Beijing to stay in contention and depend on other results |
|||
*this will change and require a better result if Goerges/Pliskova advance.
All photos courtesy of Getty Images.
An interview with Garbiñe Muguruza after her second-round match at the China Open.
An interview with Simona Halep after her win in the second round of the China Open.
MIAMI, FL, USA – 2012 Miami champion Agnieszka Radwanska battled through Saturday’s intense heat and humidity to swat aside Madison Brengle for a spot in the Miami Open fourth round.
Watch live action from Miami this fortnight on WTA Live powered by TennisTV!
The match, which started just after midday on one of the balmiest days in Key Biscayne, proved to be as much of a test of fitness as it was a test of Brengle and Radwanska’s tennis.
“Today was really hot. And yes, we both kind of have to get used to [the humidity],” Radwanska said after the match. “Today was a really tough day, and I knew that since this morning.
“You just try everything to stay cool, especially during the changeovers.”
It was Brengle, the unseeded American making her Miami third round debut, who kept her cool first, breaking Radwanska’s serve early and consolidating for a 3-1 lead.
But her efforts weren’t enough to trouble the World No.2, who quickly got the break back and leveled the score. A handful of well-crafted points finished at the net gave Radwanska the advantage, and she grabbed the next three games to take the set.
First set ? @ARadwanska!
Grabs the opening set vs Brengle 6-3! #WTA https://t.co/RuGGFrCWxZ
— WTA (@WTA) March 26, 2016
The pair hung tight to start off the second set, trading holds and breaks of serve for 2-2. But the heavy conditions began to take their toll on the American, whose shots misfired on the important points allowing Radwanska to rattle off four straight games for a comfortable win, 6-4, 6-2.
Radwanska is into the Miami fourth round for the eighth time in her career, and she’s seeking to extend her impressive run of reaching the semifinals or better in eight of her last nine events, a streak dating back to October of last year.
Though after an hour and 13 minutes in this intense heat, Radwanska is looking forward to a more immediate reward:
“One second after the match point, all I’m thinking is: the ice bath!”
Aga Radwanska? More like Aga Rad-WIN-ska.
She moves on after winning straight sets against Madison Brengle. #MiamiOpen
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 26, 2016
Radwanska’s opponent in the fourth round is Timea Bacsinszky, who took a big step on her road to regaining her 2015 form by downing No.16 seed Ana Ivanovic, 7-5, 6-4.
In a see-saw opening, Ivanovic recovered from losing four games on the trot to hold a set point at 5-4. However, a wild forehand let Bacsinszky off the hook as the momentum swung again. The following game, the former World No.1 wavered, double faulting to surrender her serve and ultimately the set.
After struggling at the start of the year, Bacsinszky has been quietly playing herself into form in recent weeks, reaching the last 16 in Doha and Indian Wells, and despite a late rally from Ivanovic she held on the extend this streak.
Also advancing in this quarter were Simona Halep and Heather Watson. No.5 seed Halep withstood some early resistance before easing past Julia Goerges, 6-4, 6-1, while Watson dug deep to overcome Yanina Wickmayer, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, in a match lasting over two and a half hours.
Petra Kvitova takes on Wang Yafan in the second round of the China Open.
Looking for a nice Christmas gift for your tennis-loving friend or a treat for yourself? Marija Zivlak of Women’s Tennis Blog will help you pick the best presents.
If you wish to surprise someone with a kit worn by a top WTA player, look no further than adidas’ range launched at the US Open. Angelique Kerber lifted the champion’s trophy wearing the adidas Fall Pro Tank, featuring adjustable shelf bra and contrast racerback with mesh insert, and adidas Fall Pro Skirt, whose famous geometric print draws inspiration from New York City’s famous skyscrapers. Both the items are equipped with Climacool moisture management.
There’s also this Ana Ivanovic adidas Fall Pro Dress, one of the most beautiful designs of the season, while if you’re not into skirts, there are Simona Halep stunning adidas Fall Pro Shorts, whose built-in printed compression shorts peek through a woven mesh layer.
Even though other models were promoted far more on the courts, the adidas Barricade Classic Bounce remains the cutest shoe I’ve seen this year. Whether you like it in green or red, it promises high levels of cushioning, stability and comfort. Since the shoes were introduced even before the Australian Open, their discounted price makes them extra attractive.
If you’re looking for more affordable presents and stocking stuffers, there’s no shortage of options to surprise your tennis friends.
You can’t go wrong whether you choose this 2-pack Nike hairband in pink and deep garnet, the black and white option with a stylish split section, or adidas’ 3-pack in purple and slime. All the hairbands have silicone/gel that keeps them in place.
Everyone needs a white visor, even if they have several already. Stella McCartney offers the most beautiful one, with lovely mesh lining on body and subtle adidas and designer logo.
Wristbands also make a great affordable gift. You can pick these purple ones from Nike’s new collection, these discounted red adidas ones, or these classic white Fila ones.
One can never have enough socks and these adidas Climalite striped ones are adorable!
Narrowing down a selection of bras, I’ve come down to these three: this light blue EleVen bra with crossed spaghetti straps, this secure and compressive Nike bra that offers multidirectional medium support, and this purple Under Armour bra with stylish straps for lightweight support.
If you’d like something that is extravagant, yet not expensive, pick these pink Nike arm sleeves, that Serena Williams sported at the US Open. They offer a UPF 40+ protection.
Finally, it’s time for some luxury. If you want a tennis bag that provides a stylish transition from a stroll in the city or a business meeting to a tennis practice, Court Couture Karisa Black Pebble Bag is your perfect splurge. The racquet department of this embossed faux leather bag fits two racquets. There are inner and outer accessory pockets, as well as a separate cosmetics case to carry your essentials.
If you’re still unsure whether any of these items are the best picks for you, don’t risk and give your friend a Tennis Warehouse gift card. There are tons of things to choose from and a lot of them are discounted now!
MIAMI, FL, USA – Looking to become the first woman since Kim Clijsters in 2005 to win the Indian Wells-Miami “Sunshine” Double, Victoria had few issues on Easter Sunday as she breezed past Magda Linette, 6-3, 6-0.
Watch live action from Miami this fortnight on WTA Live powered by TennisTV!
Azarenka enjoyed her big breakthrough in Miami back in 2009, upsetting World No.1 Serena Williams in the final for the first of four victories in her rivalry with the 21-time Grand Slam champion. Linette reached the third round after a right shoulder injury forced former No.1 Jelena Jankovic to retire from their match just five points into the contest, and struggled to combat the Belarusian’s firepower in difficult conditions – hitting only nine winners to 14 from the No.13 seed.
As a cool breeze swept through Crandon Park late in the second set, so too did Azarenka, who raced through the ultimate stages of the match without losing a game, wraping up the victory in 70 minutes.
“It was only in the last two games, but it feels much better with a little bit of wind and breeze,” she told Andrew Krasny during her on-court interview. “I hope you guys are enjoying the tennis; I know it’s really hot but stay hydrated!”
In the midst of a career renaissance, Azarenka has already captured two titles in 2016 en route to a much-anticipated return to the Top 10; with another win over Williams at the BNP Paribas Open – her first since 2013 – to capture her first Premier Mandatory title since 2012 (Beijing), Azarenka is eligible to become the third different woman to capture the elusive “Sunshine Double” by winning both Indian Wells and Miami in succession.
But from her post-match comments, it’s clear she is taking things one match at a time, refusing to underestimate any player across the net.
“She’s a grinder and whenever she has opportunity, she will take it; she has a lot of great hands and showed a lot of variety. She’s a young player with such a bright future, but I’m glad that I took advantage and I stayed on top of her.
“Playing in a tournament like Miami, you don’t expect players to give up and not try, whatever the scoreline is,” she added after the match in her press conference.
“I just wanted to stay aggressive, keep going for all my shots, and also not give her an opportunity to come back. Because once you do that, anybody can come back. I’m happy that I stayed focused. I took my opportunities and kept applying pressure.”
Up next for Azarenka is No.4 seed Garbiñe Muguruza who raced past American Nicole Gibbs, 6-1, 6-0. Azarenka has yet to play the Spaniad on the WTA circuit.
“I don’t know if I’m going to be watching the match,” she told members of the media. “Maybe a little bit. I’m sure my coach will. That’s more important for him to watch for me.
“We’ll see. I don’t like to predict who I want to play. I don’t care. But I don’t know, whoever wins, I’m going to play.”
First set ? @Vika7 Azarenka!
Grabs the opening set vs Linette 6-3! #WTA https://t.co/Jkcx8hCpu7
— WTA (@WTA) March 27, 2016
An interview with Karolina Pliskova after her win in the second round of the China Open.
Angelique Kerber’s stellar 2016 season is earning her recognition from the editors of espnW, who have compiled their shortlist of honorees for this year’s IMPACT25.
IMPACT25 honors achievements not only from athletes like Kerber and US Olympic gymast Simone Biles, but also from influencers like Hillary Rodham Clinton and Leslie Jones.
Kerber finished 2016 atop the WTA rankings after a year of career breakthroughs, chief among them a pair of Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and US Open, along with a silver medal showing at the Olympic tennis event, and a runner-up finish at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.
Click here to check out the full list of honorees on espnW.com.