10 First-Time Australian Open Champions
From the youngest Grand Slam champion ever to the original “Serena Slam,” take a look back at ten WTA stars winning the Happy Slam for the first time.
From the youngest Grand Slam champion ever to the original “Serena Slam,” take a look back at ten WTA stars winning the Happy Slam for the first time.
FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil – No.3 seed Monica Puig powered into the Brasil Tennis Cup semifinals after a commanding win over 18-year-old Naomi Osaka, 6-3, 6-4.
Watch live action from Florianopolis this week on WTA Live powered by TennisTV!
Osaka came out swinging from the first point, displaying all the signs of her giant-killing form that has seen her reaching the third round at back to back Grand Slams this year.
“She started off very strong,” Puig said. “I just tried to keep myself there in the match the whole time. I served really well and played well on the long points, too.”
Osaka opened the match by breaking Puig’s serve, but the Puerto Rican has been in strong form all week long and was able to grab the break right back. Puig broke once more for a 3-1 lead, which she backed up with her strong service games to take the opening set. She earned another break in the first game of the second, and closed out the match after an hour and fifteen minutes.
After the match, the Puerto Rican had nothing but praise for her young opponent.
“Obviously, Osaka is super young, and I think she has an incredible potential,” Puig said after the match. “She’s a player who has many strong weapons and a great game. Of course, she’s only 18 years old, so you need to give her more time, because if she stays playing like this she’ll go very, very far.”
Puig is set to face the No.2 seeded Irina-Camelia Begu for a spot in the Brasil Tennis Cup final. The Romanian came through against No.7 seed Nao Hibino 6-2, 6-4.
“I played with Puig earlier this year in Charleston,” Begu said. “That was a really tough match, really close third set. I know it’s going to be a difficult match, but it’s the semifinals of a WTA event – I’m expecting that.”
Begu is one of two Romanians into the semifinals along with Ana Bogdan, who’s set to compete against the No.6 seed Timea Babos in the next round. Much like Puig expressed yesterday, Begu has her own reasons for feeling right at home in Florianopolis.
“Romanians are Latin, so we are very similar,” she said. “We feel good here in Brazil, we feel like home and that’s probably why we play so good here.”
Semis baby! ?? #UnoAUno pic.twitter.com/CiRAdEBoWZ
— Monica Puig (@MonicaAce93) August 3, 2016
Svetlana Kuznetsova takes on Sara Errani in the quarterfinals of the Apia International Sydney.
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – Players are making themselves at home in the desert as they prepare for the BNP Paribas Open which gets underway at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Wednesday. Famous for the surrounding mountain ranges and its hot climate, the BNP Paribas Open is the first WTA Premier Mandatory tournament of the year.
While some players have been enjoying the practice courts under the palm trees and Californian sun, others have been taking in views of a different kind as they soak up the sights of the Golden State.
Chan Yung-Jan admired the view over downtown Los Angeles while exploring the Griffith Observatory.
Amazing view from #GriffithObservatory #americandays ??????? pic.twitter.com/PDL5OqVo2v
— ???~YungJan Chan (@YungJan_Chan) March 6, 2017
Daria Kasatkina experienced colder climes at the top of this mountain.
Quite high pic.twitter.com/XeRZYE739i
— Daria Kasatkina (@DKasatkina) March 6, 2017
With a stunning mountain range in the background, Belinda Bencic enjoyed her practice.
Nowhere is a better place to Tennis???? #thedesert @bnpparibasopen#autosternzürichsee #mercedesbenz #wädenswil #picstars pic.twitter.com/tkNYLoaLS8
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) March 6, 2017
Alison Riske was up early to hit the courts.
early mornings have never been better???? #indianwells ?? pic.twitter.com/WNZ2ngVP2k
— Alison Riske (@Riske4rewards) March 5, 2017
)>Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is excited to be back at the BNP Paribas Open.
Hi Indian Wells???? pic.twitter.com/izCosDjBOK
— A. Pavlyuchenkova (@NastiaPav) March 6, 2017
Julia Goerges and Elena Vesnina were all smiles after their practice.
Thanks for the great practice @EVesnina001 ???? @BNPPARIBASOPEN #suchagreatevent #beautifulplace pic.twitter.com/HkspD2GlLj
— Jule Goerges?????? (@juliagoerges) March 6, 2017
Roberta Vinci basked in the early morning sun on Monday.
Good morning, Indian Wells!
Early mornings couldn't be better!! ?☀️?? @BNPPARIBASOPEN pic.twitter.com/kdeJ6EzSJp— Roberta Vinci (@roberta_vinci) March 6, 2017
Tsvetana Pironkova is also happy to be back at the BNP Paribas Open.
Hello @BNPPARIBASOPEN ???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/HLKWo2d1kR
— Tsvetana Pironkova (@TPironkova) March 5, 2017
HOBART, Australia – Eugenie Bouchard battled past fellow former Top 10 player Dominika Cibulkova on Friday to reach the final of the Hobart International, her first WTA final since Wuhan in 2014.
The unseeded Bouchard, who had already taken out No.8 seed Alison Van Uytvanck and No.2 seed Camila Giorgi in the last two rounds, won the first set in just 22 minutes and was up a break four times in the second but ended up having to go to a third to edge the No.3-seeded Cibulkova, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
“I’m just happy I got through today,” Bouchard said. “The first set was a great level for me – I can’t remember the last time I played that well. Now the important thing is to keep that consistency. It was hard to keep it up – it’s another lesson I’ve learned, to control my emotions a little bit better.
“I don’t think I held serve in the second set, which is absolutely disgusting – I’m so disappointed in myself for that. But she was really putting pressure on me with her returns out there today.”
The 2014 Wimbledon finalist and former World No.5 has now won six of seven matches to start 2016.
She knew she was feeling good coming into Hobart – she spoke about it in her pre-tournament presser.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I wouldn’t want to play if I was somewhat prepared, so I worked really hard in the off-season to catch up a little bit,” Bouchard said. “I’m just so happy to be back on the court. That’s the most important thing – I’m so grateful and excited to be back playing on the tour again.
“I just love the feeling of playing tennis,” she added. “When you’re forced not to do something you really love, you realize you truly love it, and, for me, I realized how much I truly missed it.”
The other semifinal took place later in the afternoon and lasted 53 minutes, as No.7 seed Alizé Cornet held all seven of her service games and broke five times to beat Johanna Larsson, 6-1, 6-1.
Though Cornet is the higher-ranked of the two, No.42 to No.47, Bouchard leads the Frenchwoman in their head-to-head series, 2-1, winning their last two meetings in a row in straight sets, as well.
Cornet does have more experience in WTA finals though, going 4-5, while Bouchard is 1-3 lifetime.
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – CiCi Bellis will be looking to continue her meteoric rise to tennis superstardom as the American teenager enters a star-studded field at this week’s BNP Paribas Open.
Following on from some impressive victories of late, including a win over Agnieszka Radwanska to become the youngest quarterfinalist at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships since 2001, Bellis has climbed to No.55 in the WTA rankings and a certain Chris Evert thinks it won’t be long before the precocious talent rises even higher.
“There are a handful of players who are going to overpower her right now, but by the end of the year I wouldn’t be surprised if she was Top 20,” Evert said in a recent interview with the NY Times.
“Her legs are rock hard. I think the off-court training has helped her a lot. Two years ago, she would counterpunch and would sort of absorb power from her opponent, and now she’s giving it.”
.@cicibellis99 doing her thing at the Tennis Channel shoot today ? pic.twitter.com/zZ5onxHUQX
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 7, 2017
It’s hard to believe that Bellis will only turn 18 on April 8. But Evert, who has been mentoring Bellis through a USTA program, has been impressed with a maturity and willingness to learn that could take her to the very top of the game.
“I’ve been so impressed by her maturity and self-reliance and just the hunger she has to learn. Her eyes are wide open to any information that you can give her. Bottom line is no drama. Some of these other girls, when they are practicing, it’s yelling and up and down and emotions and body language, and with her, it’s steadfast.”
Bellis is set to play Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens in the opening round of her first Indian Wells and, if successful, will face French Open Champion Garbiñe Muguruza in the second round.
MELBOURNE, Australia – On Friday, USANA & the WTA “celebrated” in Melbourne to a crowd of over 1,100 Associates – up a few hundred Associates from last year – at USANA Australia Celebration. Hometown favorite and 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur was joined by fellow USANA players Sloane Stephens and Zheng Saisai.
As part of a three-day event taking place at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Stosur participated in an autograph session with the Associates, while Stephens and Zheng were on stage to speak about their career, motivations, and how USANA supplements have aided them in their athletic endeavors.
USANA is the Official Vitamin & Supplement Supplier of the WTA, and over 170 Athletes – including 8 out of the Top 10 and 15 out of the Top 20 use USANA products. Former No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, Genie Bouchard, and Madison Keys are among several USANA ambassadors, and 2016 marks the 10th Anniversary of the USANA-WTA partnership.
Check out some photos from the celebratory event:
All photos courtesy of USANA.
RIO DE JANIERO, Brazil – Friday saw the curtain raised on the XXXI Olympiad with a colorful opening ceremony at the magnificent Maracana stadium.
Broadcast to an audience of over three billion, it celebrated Brazil’s culture, history and nature, before former marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima lit the Olympic cauldron. The WTA was well represented on the night, with Caroline Wozniacki carrying in the flag for Denmark.
But what were Wozniacki and company up to before, during and after the show?
Tennis flag bearers!! ???? #Olympics #rio @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/H0g1qe7aG6
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) August 6, 2016
Almost time to walk ?????????? pic.twitter.com/t5W89w7gVW
— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) 5 August 2016
WOW! What a rush!!! Let's go @TeamUSA @serenawilliams @CoCoVandey @Madison_Keys @SloaneStephens #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/hz3YQ81udg
— Bethanie MattekSands (@BMATTEK) August 6, 2016
Tonight was a night to remember! Officially an olympian! ?? pic.twitter.com/y8izZiRLg5
— Monica Puig (@MonicaAce93) August 6, 2016
What a feeling to be part of this evening,so grateful and humble for being here #czechteam #OpeningCeremony #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/UCX0JBRZle
— Andrea Hlavackova (@AndreaHlavackov) August 6, 2016
Some of the best snaps from the #OpeningCeremony at #Rio2016!
?–> https://t.co/ok9z42ySeS #Olympics pic.twitter.com/4xoKIvQIUY
— WTA (@WTA) August 6, 2016
However, with many in the singles and doubles draws beginning their tournament the following morning, not everyone could enjoy the festivities…
When you're not at the #OpeningCeremony ???? #swissteam #Rio2016 ??? pic.twitter.com/dfSu4hj5AO
— Timea Bacsinszky (@TimeaOfficial) August 5, 2016
It’s International Women’s Day – and WTA players are calling on women around the world to Be Bold For Change.
Marija Zivlak of Women’s Tennis Blog will show us the collections that major tennis clothing companies created for the Australian Open to ensure that the WTA stars look stylish, embody the uplifting spirit of the sunny sky above the courts and the glamorous Grand Slam status of the tournament, while at the same time cooling the players down with cutting-edge fabrics in scorching temperatures Down Under.
With Nike creating a crop top for Serena Williams’ Australian Open campaign, we can say that this shirt style is entering the world of women’s tennis fashion in a big way. The 21-time Grand Slam winner, defending champion in Melbourne, will wear this bold yellow NikeCourt Premier Crop Top, equipped with mesh sections for increased breathability, and the mesh NikeCourt Victory Premier Skirt with all-around pleats.
The queen will be clad in yellow from head to toe, completing the bold look with these Nike Flare Shoes, which keep the feet locked in, ensuring that aggressive movers feel comfortable during intense matches.
Maria Sharapova is launching 2016 in a very sporty look, a fresh silhouette for the super glamorous Russian. The orange NikeCourt Maria Premier Dress features a higher cut neckline, mesh racerback with contrast zipper and skirt with inverted pleats for better movement. Tennis fans are excited to see how Masha will pull off this classic athletic design and, judging by the promotional image, all sports fashion enthusiasts will be more than pleased.
Eugenie Bouchard will wear this ultra lightweight NikeCourt Premier Slam Dress, made of perforated Dri-Fit mesh fabric focused on keeping players cool during grueling matches. The gradient stripes add to the dress’ summery and youthful feel, while dropped skirt back ensures that players do not have to worry about their behinds being exposed in demanding rallies.
Ana Ivanovic’s adidas Spring adizero Dress is part of a collection inspired by German Bauhaus art style, displaying unique stacked graphic, with letters subliminally spelling ‘TENNIS’. The 3-in-1 dress comes together with sports bra and shorts.
Simona Halep will debut the alternative pleated skirt and tank outfit.
Caroline Wozniacki’s adidas Spring Stella McCartney Tour Dress combines coral pink and power rose pink in figure-flattering colorblocks celebrating female curves. At closer look you would see mesh at the neckline, racerback and sides, which are not only functional in terms of breathability, but they also give a nice visual touch as textural elements.
Garbiñe Muguruza’s Australian Open separates remind of a sunset with their orange, red and pink tones, especially because of the quarter-circle colorblock at the adidas Spring Stella McCartney Tour Tank. The ventilated climacool® design and its open mesh inserts in crucial heat zones help wick sweat away and channel cool air in.
Ellesse also introduced touches of orange in their design, nicely matching the company’s logo and flirting with sunny colors just enough to add a vibrant pop of color on the light background perfect for summer days. Monica Puig will have the pleasure of rocking this look at Melbourne Park.
Venus Williams will wear the printed EleVen Brushstrokes NYC Inspire Dress, featuring a V-neck, raglan sleeves, thin vertical keyhole cutout at upper back and contrast double criss-crossed stripes at bodice for a slimming effect.
Agnieszka Radwanska will be a lady in pink. The Lotto Spring Nixia Dress looks cute with its dropped waist and pleated skirt, while the back gives the edge, with dominant mesh that makes the back bold and attractive, whilst providing increased ventilation.
Jelena Jankovic will wear the Fila Platinum Dress, from the brand’s luxe Platinum collection that includes black, white and safety yellow hues, bold colorblocking and a print that echoes the energy of a tennis ball in motion. The item is made of body-temperature-regulating THERMOCOOL™ fabric, so that players can stay comfortable and focused on the game.
Tennis fashion enthusiasts have many reasons to look forward to the upcoming fortnight in Melbourne!