Eastbourne: Cibulkova vs Pliskova
Dominika Cibulkova takes on Karolina Pliskova in the final of the Aegon International Eastbourne.
Dominika Cibulkova takes on Karolina Pliskova in the final of the Aegon International Eastbourne.
What would Garbiñe Muguruza and Petra Kvitova do if they could prank any player, if they could have any super power and if they could lift any trophy? Find out in Wimbledon’s If Series.
Simona Halep hit the ground running after lengthy rain delays, dropping just two games to former French Open champ Francesca Schiavone to race into the third round at Wimbledon.
LONDON, Great Britain – No.3 seed Agnieszka Radwanska had to dig deep in her second round match against Ana Konjuh, saving three match points to narrowly dodge an upset bid from the 18-year-old Croat.
With No.2 seed Garbiñe Muguruza bowing out in a shock second-round upset, British No.1 Johanna Konta falling against the resurgent Eugenie Bouchard and Belinda Bencic retiring earlier in the day, it seemed like the 2012 finalist would be the next big name on the chopping block. But Radwanska dug deep to save three match points and deny Konjuh the biggest win of her career, 6-2, 4-6, 9-7.
Despite Radwanska going down in her opening service game, it looked like it would be a routine win for the Pole, who broke three times and made just one unforced error in the first set to get ahead comfortably.
But Konjuh, who last year became the youngest WTA title winner in almost a decade when she lifted her maiden trophy at the Aegon Open Nottingham, rallied back valiantly and put Radwanska down a break for a 3-2 lead. She cut her unforced error count by almost half – 19 in the first set to just 10 – and improved her court movement, coming up to the net more and cutting off Radwanska’s angles.
Konjuh held on to that narrow lead and fought off seven break points to take the second set and level the score against the World No.3. Under pressure, Radwanska struggled to put pace on the ball as uncharacteristic errors began to fly from her racquet.
Konjuh held her first match point at 5-3 on Radwanska’s serve, but the 18-year-old’s nerves reared their ugly head as she buried it into the net. She had two more in the next game but a heart-stopping net cord ball fell on her side, denying her the match once again as Radwanska broke back.
At 7-7 with Radwanska serving ahead 40-15, Konjuh picked up a nasty injury after rolling her right ankle while chasing down a drop shot. She was back on court after a lengthy medical time out, but her movement was visibly hampered and she struggled to find power on her serve as well as run down Radwanska’s shots. Radwanska completed her great escape and took the match 6-2, 4-6, 9-7.
Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic awaits Radwanska in the third round. Siniakova came back from a set down to topple the No.30 seed Caroline Garcia 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
More to come…
A valiant effort from 18-year-old Konjuh, who limps off after rolling her ankle and pushing Radwanska to the limit https://t.co/bQvBulrLVA
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2016
LONDON, Great Britain – Anne Keothavong has seen it all as a pro, and now calls the shots from the sidelines as a BT Sport commentator. WTA Insider goes in depth with the former British No.1 live on the grounds of the All England Club in a no-holds-barred chat on the latest episode of the WTA Insider Podcast.
Check out some of the highlights:
On the “unique” challenge of being a British tennis player:
The media are brutal, my goodness! For all the British players, obviously, you want to do well here at Wimbledon more than any other place in the world. You want to show people what you can do, how well you can play, because here is where British players receive the most exposure. Everyone’s aware of that. It’s tough. Obviously there’s a mixture of excitement and nerves.
For me, personally, playing on grass – which was never my favorite surface to play on – was always a tough experience in some ways. When Wimbledon was over, I was relieved more than anything. I thought, ‘Oh well, that’s all over for another twelve months. Okay, lots of nice things were said about me, and lots of horrible things. Probably more horrible things were written about me!’ But you learn to let it go.
On taking on a commentator role at BT Sport:
I guess it was all kinda planned out. I knew, looking ahead, I was kind of planning my future. I knew tennis wasn’t going to be forever.My ranking had dropped as I struggled with injuries.
My last year or two on the tour, I was trying to gain experience wherever possible whether that was here at Wimbledon or at other tournaments. Or just offering to chip in and help whenever anyone needed it, whether it was commentary or in the studio or just hanging out behind the scenes.
I’m very fortunate that when I retired there was something for me to move into immediately. I didn’t receive any specific training – I don’t think anyone really receives any training. They throw you in! I feel like I’ve still got lots to learn, but they haven’t fired me yet so I guess I’m going okay.
It’s nice to feel like you’re still part of the tour without directly being involved. I can take a bit more of a backseat and enjoy it more.
Players who impress her the most:
This year I’ve been really impressed by Daria Kasatkina. She’s fun to watch. She plays with variety and it’s always easier to commentate on someone who plays with variety as well. I really think she has a bright future ahead of her.
And obviously the British players. I try not to be too biased in my commentary, but I want to see the British players do well!
On the rise of Johanna Konta:
It’s incredible. I’ve spoken to Jo herself and her parents and her coach, and I’d be the first to admit to you that I did not see that coming. I would have never thought we’d have Johanna Konta as a Top 20 player.
To do what she’s done over the past 12 months has been incredible. Thinking back to Eastbourne last year when she was ranked No.140-something to this year being a semifinalist and now seeded at Wimbledon, it’s just been fantastic to see and to follow. I always shake my head in disbelief when I see her score another big win. Last night was tough [against Eugenie Bouchard] but she’s headed in the right direction. She’s got a great game.
I used to practice with her all the time in the National Tennis Centre at Roehampton – it’s a completely different person. There’s certain areas of her game that used to crack under pressure, even in practice, but now they hold up so well in terms of the belief she has in her game.
In some ways, I wish I had her coach and her strength when I played.
On on-court coaching timeouts:
Daren Cahill and Nick Saviano are two of my favorites to listen to when they come on for on-court coaching. I feel like I’m listening to [Darren’s] coaching and I’m learning something and think, ‘Oh ok, that’s interesting!’
It’s always weird to see Nigel Sears come on for Ana [Ivanovic], because I think – and I hope he and she don’t mind me saying – she frets a lot. And just knowing Nige, I find it quite amusing some of the things he says to try to keep her calm.
I don’t understand what Dominika Cibulkova says with her coach [Matej Liptak], but they always seem to have a good relationship.
What I really dislike about it is when a coach comes on and reels off a number of things for a player to do without asking the player for her opinion. Just says all these things at a hundred miles an hour. It should be a two-way conversation. I understand some players don’t want to say anything and would just like to listen to their coach, but I do think there’s a certain way of delivering a message which I think would be more productive for the player and looks better on TV.
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on any podcast app of your choice and reviews are always helpful, so if you like what you’ve heard so far, leave us one. You can also get new episode alerts by following us on Twitter @WTA_Insider.
LONDON, Great Britain – All the tennis world was watching as Serena Williams claimed her seventh Wimbledon title to tie Steffi Graf’s all-time record of 22 major titles. So when Serena sealed historic achievement on Centre Court, her rivals and peers were quick to take to Twitter to congratulate the World No.1.
Check out all the best tweets below!
Congratulations @serenawilliams! #legend #22
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) July 9, 2016
Congratulations to the best ever! Serena Williams ! Amazing achievement ???
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) July 9, 2016
Discipline, determination, work ethic, believe and will. Congrats to @serenawilliams on getting… https://t.co/I2nIXFKOlF
— Tommy Haas (@TommyHaas13) July 9, 2016
Congratulations @serenawilliams! #legend #22 ?❤️?❤️
— Flavia Pennetta (@flavia_pennetta) July 9, 2016
??????????????????????!!!!Good job @serenawilliams !!!!?????#22 ????
— Roberta Vinci (@roberta_vinci) July 9, 2016
Wow @serenawilliams !?What a woman, what an athlete…and what an inspiration!Thank you & well done for everything!?? #22 ✌?️✌? @Wimbledon
— Timea Bacsinszky (@TimeaOfficial) July 9, 2016
Bravo @serenawilliams, @pmouratoglou and all your staff ! Really happy for you, this is HUGE ! #trueinspiration #greatestchampion #22 ?
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) July 9, 2016
@serenawilliams #22 ?????
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) July 9, 2016
Congratulations @serenawilliams 22 and counting. GOAT!!!
— James Blake (@JRBlake) July 9, 2016
? #22 ????
— CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) July 9, 2016
22 majors singles, 13-0 in major doubles finals maybe 14-0 end of today, 4 Olympic gold medals over 17 years = GOAT @WTA @serenawilliams
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) July 9, 2016
@serenawilliams #22 Legend ?? @Wimbledon
— Elena Vesnina (@EVesnina001) July 9, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS to my sista @serenawilliams ?? You are a legend!! And ?? ??to my friend… https://t.co/G0PxeZH4ih
— Jeremy Chardy (@jimchardy) July 9, 2016
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The Court of Arbitration for Sport announced Monday that a ruling on Maria Sharapova’s appeal of her two-year suspension for a failed drug test has been postponed.
Both parties had agreed to an expedited track for the appeal case, which would have seen a decision issued no later than July 18, 2016. Now, the Associated Press reports that CAS and the International Tennis Federation have agreed to defer the decision for another two months.
According to a statement from CAS, “Due to the parties requiring additional time to complete and respond to their respective evidentiary submissions, and several scheduling conflicts, the parties have agreed not to expedite the appeal.”
A ruling is expected no later than September 19, 2016.
BUCHAREST, Romania – It was more complicated than she should have liked, but No.1 seed Simona Halep sealed her return to Romania with a win in three sets over Barbora Krejcikova, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the first round of the BRD Bucharest Open.
Halep was a champion here in Romania in 2014, when she sealed her breakthrough run to the French Open final with a hometown win at the Bucharest Open’s first staging. This year she’s put her Wimbledon quarterfinal loss behind her to seek another victory on familiar soil, although she admitted the transition between surfaces gave her trouble.
“It was not easy because the game on grass is so different. The rhythm is different,” she said after the match. “So I had just to adapt a little bit, to adjust my game a little bit to this clay court. But finally it was a great chance to feel the rhythm and comeback to win this match.”
Despite the vocal partisan support, Romania’s favorite daughter started out sluggish in the opening set. She looked to be in trouble early on as one of her usually-reliable forehands drifted wide to give Krejcikova an opening break of serve and quickly go up 3-0.
The 20-year-old Krejcikova showed her nerves while serving for the opening set at 5-3, a pair of back to back double faults from the Czech keeping Halep alive before a wide forehand gave her break point. Krejcikova fought her off and finally took the opening set on her fourth try.
Halep found her rhythm in the second set, though, and once she got going it was hard to stop her. She finally scored her first break of the match and roared ahead to a 2-0 lead. Although Krejcikova managed to get a break back, it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
Halep reeled off the next ten of eleven games to seal the comeback, much to her adoring fans’ delight.
“It’s not easy to play in Romania again,” Halep admitted. “At home it’s the most difficult place to play for me. The pressure is very big because you always want to show that you play a good tennis.
“But it was nice as well because everyone was supporting me today. I tried just to forget that I’m home and just play my game.”
Halep is set to face the Bulgarian qualifier Isabella Shiniakova, who also had to battle through in three sets to defeat Kateryna Kozlova 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
No.2 Seed Errani Books Schiavone Battle
Although all eyes were on Halep in her home country, Bucharest’s No.2 seed Sara Errani also served up an emphatic opening round win of her own. She cruised against Aleksandra Krunic, 6-3, 6-2.
A finalist here last year, Errani relished being back playing on her favorite surface. Her strong baseline game gave the No.134-ranked Krunic plenty of trouble as the Italian broke her four times during the match.
Up next for Errani is fellow Italian Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone backed up her Bucharest wildcard against Bulgarian qualifier Elitsa Kostova, although she needed a couple of tries to close out the final set in their almost-two-hour encounter.
After easing through the first set 6-2, Schiavone found herself facing the possibility of going the distance as Kostova held set points at 6-5 on the Italian’s serve. But Schiavone battled back to send the set into a tiebreak before advancing 6-2, 7-6(3).
Unbothered by their impending second round clash, the Italians – longtime friends and Fed Cup teammates – found time to enjoy a few drinks together after a long day of tennis:
Una birra alla faccia tua!! ???? @RobArrivabene @federtennis @SuperTennisTv @Schiavone_Fra @BucharestOpen pic.twitter.com/GZT1w0bV9c
— Sara Errani (@SaraErrani) July 12, 2016
Niculescu, Tig Lead Romanian Charge
All six of the Romanians in the Bucharest Open took to Center Court today, and by the end only three of them advanced. By an unlucky turn of the draw, four of the Romanians ended up facing each other with No.5 seed Monica Niculescu taking on Andreea Mitu and Patricia Maria Tig up against wildcard Ioana Minca.
Niculescu needed exactly one hour and a half to dispatch Mitu in a straightforward 6-2, 6-4 victory that sets up a second round matchup against Turkish trailblazer Cagla Buyukakcay, the No.8 seed.
On the other hand, Tig advanced in a rollercoaster match against Minca, surviving nine breaks of serve and an opening set tiebreak to move on in straight sets 7-6(5), 6-3. She’ll go up against the No.7 seed Anastasija Sevastova, who spoiled the Bucharest crowd’s party when she took out local wildcard Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-4.
Also through to the second round are No.4 seed Laura Siegemund, who dispatched Teliana Pereira 6-2, 6-2, and No.6 seed Danka Kovinic, who cruised against Argentine qualifier Nadia Podoroska 6-1, 6-0.
– All photos courtesy of BRD Bucharest Open
The WTA is excited to Smile With Strength™ with the help of new sponsor, Colgate® Enamel Health™ Toothpaste.
An exclusive partnership in the US and Canada, Colgate® Enamel Health™ has already joined forces with former World No.5 Eugenie Bouchard, who will serve as Brand Ambassador for the Smile With Strength™ campaign. The 2014 Wimbledon runner-up will be participating in retail promotions and the brand’s social media campaign.
Check out Bouchard’s tweet announcing this exciting new venture:
#ad Excited to announce my new “teammate” @Colgate #ColgateEnamelHealth Toothpaste! Now I #SmileWithStrength daily pic.twitter.com/QzWyQ6sPUM
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) July 11, 2016
GSTAAD, Switzerland – 16-year-old Rebeka Masarova brought the sunshine to a rainy week at the Ladies Championship Gstaad, recovering from a set down to defeat former World No.1 and No.2 seed Jelena Jankovic, 1-6, 6-4, 6-2, to capture a win in her WTA main draw debut.
“I feel amazing,” she said after the match. “I prepared so well mentally and physically for this. I was so happy to play this match; I knew it’d be a good experience, but I wanted to win, and I’m glad I did!”
Masarova first turned heads a few weeks ago in Paris when she knocked out the top two junior seeds to win the junior French Open title. The feat earned her a wildcard into her debut WTA main draw appearance, one that was delayed thanks to multiple rain delays but finally got underway on Thursday.
“I resolved not to make too many mistakes, and was focused on what I had to do. I realized what she was doing to me; she was playing a lot to my backhand, and I had to play to her forehand. It wasn’t about winning the point anymore, it was about not missing. But when I had the opportunity to make a point, I did.”
The Swiss youngster will have the chance to go one better against Anett Kontaveit, who was among the event’s earliest winners with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Maria Sakkari all the way back on Monday.
Former World No.7 Patty Schnyder was Gstaad’s other wildcard entrant into Gstaad, but the veteran’s first WTA main draw appearance since 2011 didn’t go as planned as she fell to Katerina Siniakova, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.
“A couple points, and it could have gone either way. I wasn’t the luckiest, either,” Schnyder said after the match. “But we also have to talk about how tough it was to wait with the rain and to play in that wet and cold weather. It was a struggle for both, I know, but for my game, it’s helpful when the ball bounces high and it’s not too heavy. Normally I’d find these conditions in Gstaad, but not with the rain!”
Schnyder appeared in control before the rain interrupted their first round encounter, and though the Swiss star moved ahead by a break upon the resumption, Siniakova proved too strong in the end, serving out a narrow victory in just under two and a half hours.
“I could play the rallies, but just missing out on some important points. She’s also one who can play, pick the corners, run and defend. So I really had to play and make the rallies. Maybe some other conditions might have helped my balls be more effective, but it was the same for both.”
Despite the defeat, the comeback kid was feeling optimistic about how she fared against a WTA field – having played almost exclusively on the ITF Circuit since her comeback began last summer – and is looking forward to improving and getting the chance to challenge herself again.
“I’m a little bit disappointed still because I was enjoying being here, and to lose two tight sets is tough. But I’ll go on; I’m still having fun and it’s not that I feel like I have to quit or have heaps to work on. It’s just small things I have to work on that’ll help me win these kinds of matches.”