Garcia Kicks Off Title Defense In Limoges
Top seeded Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia got her title defense off to a strong start at the Engie Open de Limoges WTA 125K Series event, advancing to the second round in straight sets.
Top seeded Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia got her title defense off to a strong start at the Engie Open de Limoges WTA 125K Series event, advancing to the second round in straight sets.
Serena Williams hit a lot of hot shots on her way to making history with a record-equaling 22nd Grand Slam title – which one her best shots of 2016 was your favorite?
Petra Kvitova cut a troubled figure for much of 2016, searching in vain for the form that took her to two Wimbledon victories.
A quietly impressive summer on the North American cement suggested a corner had been turned, but even then few could have forecasted just how brilliant the Czech would be during the home stretch.
The catalyst came at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open, where Kvitova inflicted the first defeat of Angelique Kerber reign as World No.1 in an absorbing third-round encounter.
Under the roof at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Kvitova set the tone in the first set, recovering from an early break to move 4-2 ahead. However, Kerber refused to wilt in the face of this baseline assault, fending off a set point with a trademark crouched backhand before pinching the tie-break when Kvitova sent a wild forehand long.
WOW! ?
41 shot rally!! #WuhanOpenTennis pic.twitter.com/T9Kzy9LERc
— WTA (@WTA) September 28, 2016
This ebb and flow continued into the second, the Czech edging her way ahead only to be reeled back in on each occasion. Eventually her persistence paid off, as she bludgeoned herself level before unleashing a fizzing backhand as she broke to love at the start of the decider.
It was an advantage she hung onto doggedly when Kerber staged an inevitable fightback. Somehow she held on, fending off 10 break back points – including seven in one game – as she dragged her weary body towards the finishing line. The drama continued until the very end, Kvitova spurning six match points until she managed to summon a forehand that even Kerber could not track down.
By the time Kvitova belatedly closed out her 6-7(10), 7-5, 6-4 victory, she had been on court for three hours and 20 minutes – the fourth longest match of the season.
Numbery numbers. #WuhanOpen #Kvitova pic.twitter.com/gxjAIFXTC8
— TennisTV (@TennisTV) September 28, 2016
“I won after playing a long time. I feel happy. But as well I feel tired, and the tournament is still going, so I don’t feel that satisfied. I think it was a great match from both of us,” Kvitova said in her post-match press conference.
“I really gave everything today. I think same as her. I think it was really about the few points. It was a great battle. So hopefully the fans enjoyed it as well. I did, for sure. I will feel it tomorrow definitely.”
If this epic ordeal had taken anything out of Kvitova, she hid it well. Over the following three days, Kvitova dismissed Johanna Konta, Simona Halep and then Dominika Cibulkova with increasing degrees of ease to capture the 18th title of her career.
SHENZHEN, China – World No.3 Agnieszka Radwanska will begin her 2017 campaign by headlining a strong field at the fifth edition of the Shenzhen Open.
Twelve months ago, Radwanska continued her fine record on Chinese soil by cruising to the title at the Shenzhen Longgang Sports Centre without dropping a set. The tournament proved an ideal springboard for the Pole, who went on to reach the semifinals at the Australian Open.
“I can really see that it’s a lovely city and very nice site,” Radwanska said. “So many courts, a lot better for us to practice whenever we can and the tournament is very well organized. I cannot complain about anything; I really like the hotel as well. Every tennis tournament should be like that.”

This year, Shenzhen will offer prize money totaling $750,000 – the highest of any International event on the calendar – enticing a stellar field to southern China. Joining Radwanska in the draw will be two other members of the Top 10, Simona Halep and Johanna Konta.
Like Radwanska, Halep has fond memories of Shenzhen, having lifted the trophy in 2015. Since then, Halep’s trophy cabinet has become ever more crowded, consolidating her status at the summit of the game. Konta, meanwhile, is the latest addition to the Top 10 after a rapid rise up the ranks.
Since Li Na won the inaugural staging of the tournament in 2013, Shenzhen has become a fixture on the calendar, where it will remain until 2021 after signing a contract extension.
Main draw matches will begin on Sunday, January 1.
Click here to see the full entry lists for Shenzhen and the other opening week events in Brisbane and Auckland.
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!

Barbora Strycova
2016 Quick Hits
Week 1 Ranking: No.42
Year-End Ranking: No.20 (Career-High No.19, 8/22/2016)
Titles Won: 0 (Dubai, Birmingham RU)
Best Major Result: 4R (Australian Open)
The countdown is on! ?
Only 20 Days left until the 2017 #WTA season! ? pic.twitter.com/1dpjHU6fYz
— WTA (@WTA) December 12, 2016
2017 Outlook
Barbora Strycova bounced back from a middling 2015 from the first week of the season, upsetting eventual French Open champion Garbiñe Muguruza en route to the second week of the Australian Open. She followed that up with a run to the biggest final of her career, knocking out former No.1 Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Garcia at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
“It’s been the best year of my career because I learned so many things, and also because my ranking improved,” Strycova told WTA Insider at the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai. “I was very consistent throughout the whole season, which was, for me, the most important thing.”
The Czech veteran brought her best tennis all all surfaces, pushing Agnieszka Radwanska in a thrilling third round encounter in Roland Garros, and making her second WTA final of the season on grass at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham. Her brightest moments came in national competitions, earning a Bronze medal at the Olympic tennis event with Lucie Safarova, and later leading the Czech Republic to its fifth championship in six years.
“The Olympics was something I dreamed about. When we found out we were playing together, Lucie told me on the flight to the Rogers Cup, ‘Ok, we’re going to get a medal!’ I told her, ‘You’re joking; we’ve played together once, what are you saying?’ But then we did it; it was something incredible.”
Looking ahead of 2017, Strycova plans to prioritize fitness over the off-season so she may continue to balance her heavy schedules in singles and doubles (with new partner, World No.1 Sania Mirza).
Dinara Safina walked away from tennis in 2011 after a persistent back injury forced her to retire, but not she racked up 12 WTA titles, reached three Grand Slam finals and rose to WTA World No.1 during her eleven years on tour.
Now, the Russian is putting all of her expertise to work as she takes up coaching at New York City’s MatchPoint NYC in Coney Island.
“I moved to New York for [the coaching], but also because I love it here, I wanted to move here,” Dinara told ESPNW’s Nick McCarvel.
“I’ve always had a feeling for New York. I just said to myself, ‘If I have something inside that wants to try New York, I should do it.’ Nothing is stopping me.”

After getting her law degree in Russia, doing temporary stints as player relations in Madrid and in Moscow, and even working at an IT firm, Dinara revealed that she has plans to continue working with young rising talent.
“I want to be back on tour as a coach, but there is no second life. We have one life. I gave it 100 percent when I was playing and I got injured. For me, it was a sign to have another part of my life. And now I want to help others get to where I was.”
Click here to read ESPNW’s full interview with Dinara, where she opens up more on her New York City life and coaching gig, her decision to walk away from the sport, and on the rising star who reminds her of herself.
From Alizé Cornet’s record-shattering performance to Naomi Osaka’s record low, take a look back at all the best WTA Frame Challenge moments!
Svetlana Kuznetsova
2016 Quick Hits
Week 1 Ranking: No.25
Year-End Ranking: No.9
Season Highlights: Sydney, Moscow Champion, Miami RU
Best Major Result: 4R (French Open, Wimbledon)
2017 Outlook
Kuznetsova played her best tennis at the beginning and end of 2016, kicking off what promised to be another rollercoaster season with a run to the Apia International Syndey final – defeating then-World No.2 Simona Halep en route.
The Russian continued her newfound consistency through the Miami Open, where she stunned World No.1 Serena Williams to reach her first final in Florida since 2006. Looking like an early favorite to play her first BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global since 2009, Kuznetsova’s Singapore hopes came down to the wire during the Asian Swing, where she played a thrilling match to defeat defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.
Needing to win a second straight Kremlin Cup title to gaurantee the final WTA Finals berth, Kuznetsova defended a title for the first time in her storied career, and quickly became the story of the round robin stage, defeating Radwanska and Karolina Pliskova to finish first in her group.
“I play with my heart,” she said in Singapore. “I always did, but some things are just starting to work now. Maybe I’ve started to believe a little bit more than before. I’m just hanging in there more. I’m seeing other things more clearly, too; some things come together and you get confidence.
“I see opponents fear me more than before because I win matches, I fight, and I’ll be there. It doesn’t matter if I play like crap and I’m sore, I will just be there.”
Kuznetsova played her best tennis when forced to fight, winning a tour-leading 22 three-setters in 2016. She narrowly lost in the Singapore semfinals to eventual champion Dominika Cibulkova, but nonetheless finished at her highest year-end ranking in seven years, and will hope to use her renewed confidence to live an even greater “Life of a Hustler” in 2017.
Former World No.1 and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic took the tennis world by surprise when she announced on Facebook Live that she would be retiring from the sport, effective immediately.
“It hasn’t been an overnight decision,” she explained in an exclusive with WTA Insider. “It’s been on my mind for a little bit but I tried to also follow my heart because for me, it’s proven to be the best way.
“I really felt now it’s time to just give back. Coming from Serbia, everything that I’ve been through in my life and my career, so far my parents and my brother with me, they made it all possible. I feel very fortunate and so I want to give back and maybe help others be as fortunate as I was.”
What followed was an outpouring of well wishes from her friends and colleagues who’ve been with her throughout her 13-year career. From WTA founder Billie Jean King, to 2016’s World No.1s Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams, to rising stars like Belinda Bencic and Daria Gavrilova, it was clear Ivanovic was as much beloved by her fellow players as the fans saying #ThankYouAna.
Check out what her fellow WTA stars had to say about the Serb on Twitter:
I will miss one of my best friends on tour @AnaIvanovic ❤️ You've had an incredible tennis career. Best wishes for the exciting new chapter! pic.twitter.com/IUlbkHHGVE
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) December 29, 2016
@AnaIvanovic Best wishes with your future endeavors. Will miss seeing that spectacular smile! ? Once a champion, always a champion. ? ?
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 28, 2016
@AnaIvanovic my goodness I will miss your smile. All my love ❤️❤️
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 28, 2016
You were one of my first Idols when I was a small girl ?All the best at your life after tennis @AnaIvanovic ! We will miss you on the Tour! pic.twitter.com/YCMv5G43ic
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) December 29, 2016
Will miss you on tour, but excited for you and what your new chapter has to bring? see you soon!!?? https://t.co/twK95j9Dnl
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) December 28, 2016
@WTA @AnaIvanovic #ThankYouAna pic.twitter.com/5magt6K1wy
— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) December 29, 2016
Ha sido un placer haber compartido contigo tantos años en el circuito @WTA. I will miss you @AnaIvanovic! See you soon! ?? #ThankYouAna pic.twitter.com/LQdj5MEMll
— Anabel Medina (@anabelmedina) December 28, 2016
Awww, sorry to see @AnaIvanovic retire! Will miss that forehand, the smile &the little fist pump. Delightful to all! #happyretirement ????
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) December 28, 2016
We will miss seeing your smile on the court! Fighter, professional, great person. Enjoy your post-tennis life, Ana ? pic.twitter.com/1FXcBl4C2Z
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) December 28, 2016
That smile, that grace, that forehand, that class….@AnaIvanovic … Tennis will miss you… BUT, what a rich life you have ahead of you!!!
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) December 28, 2016
@AnaIvanovic Will miss you on tour! Good luck and enjoy the next chapter. ??
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) December 28, 2016
Good luck with the next chapter! https://t.co/wnlGE91Mzg
— Anne Keothavong (@annekeothavong) December 28, 2016
What a amazing athlete, competitor,fighter but most importantly what a great person off court @AnaIvanovic congratulations on everything you
— TamiraPaszek (@tamira1990) December 28, 2016
achieved in your career! You can be proud @AnaIvanovic ??wishing you all the best for this new phase of your life ??? will miss you on tour
— TamiraPaszek (@tamira1990) December 28, 2016
Congrats on your career @AnaIvanovic good luck and have fun on what's coming next! We had some fun matches together ?? pic.twitter.com/95flZJ5whh
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) December 28, 2016
Will miss you and our laughs and chats.. good luck.. best always .. love ❤️ https://t.co/sEWhYkB0dQ
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) December 29, 2016
Congrats @anaivanovic on a wonderful career. Hope you have a great time off court and I hope we'll still see you around!??? pic.twitter.com/yAbd64Xubt
— Roberta Vinci (@roberta_vinci) December 29, 2016
wish you nothing but the best. #ajde! https://t.co/T2sHsL8rDI
— Jamie Hampton (@Jamie_Hampton) December 28, 2016
Amazing tennisplayer and even better person?. Happy retirement @AnaIvanovic ??
— Sofia Arvidsson (@Sofia_Arvidsson) December 28, 2016
They don't come much nicer, prettier or classier than this girl ❤ Thank you @AnaIvanovic for being a Champion on and off the court ⭐ @WTA pic.twitter.com/RrnKYdCjSq
— Michaëlla Emmrich (@MisaKrajicek) December 28, 2016
@AnaIvanovic Ana,congrats on your amazing career!Oh,we will miss you ? ? Good luck in your new chapter,I am sure it will be all fine?❤
— Elena Vesnina (@EVesnina001) December 29, 2016
@AnaIvanovic we will miss you Ana! ?All the best to your family and you ❤
— Alla Kudryavtseva (@AllaK11) December 28, 2016
@AnaIvanovic wishing u the very best in your future Ana! You were truly one of THE NICEST PEOPLE EVER ON TOUR! Beautiful inside & out!!
— rennae stubbs (@rennaestubbs) December 29, 2016
@AnaIvanovic good luck in the future
— Melanie South (@melaniesouth) December 28, 2016
We had couple of battle together, @AnaIvanovic
I will miss seeing you on the tour …
Good luck in your post tennis life and Enjoy it ! ? pic.twitter.com/bnOaxpFsFL— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) December 28, 2016
Congrats on your career @AnaIvanovic and good luck with what's coming now:) pic.twitter.com/NsJiifeAXE
— Kiki Bertens (@kikibertens) December 28, 2016
イワノビッチ引退かぁぁ、
可愛くて大好きな選手。
寂しいなぁ。#ThankYouAna pic.twitter.com/SfvBS8tZGX— Misa Eguchi / 江口実沙 (@misa_eguchi) December 29, 2016
All the best Ana ??????we will miss u https://t.co/Z6foNyYPAu
— Svetlana Kuznetsova (@SvetlanaK27) December 29, 2016
You can be proud of you @AnaIvanovic ! You are a great champion and a very nice person, now enjoy the real life ? #ThankYouAna
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) December 29, 2016
Didn't have a chance to play with you! But still happy I got a chance to share a few years on @WTA tour at the same time with @AnaIvanovic ? https://t.co/iHaPvC8PEF
— Kovinić Danka (@KovinicDanka118) December 29, 2016
had always fun playing with you,playing against you like when we were kids at Eddie Herr and many more!Wish you all the best @AnaIvanovic
— Jarmila Wolfe (@tennis_jarkag) December 29, 2016
What a babe. Gorgeous inside and (obv) out ? tennis will definitely miss you #AnaIvanovic pic.twitter.com/L86hX1InjG
— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) December 29, 2016
Lucky to have shared the court with such a nice person.. good luck in this next chapter of your life @AnaIvanovic .. enjoy!! pic.twitter.com/fU4bf5Vlzx
— Sara Errani (@SaraErrani) December 29, 2016