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Photos | WTA Tennis English

Photos | WTA Tennis English

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970
Simona Halep was all smiles as she snapped a photo next to the iconic “AO” sign.

Simona Halep was all smiles as she snapped a photo next to the iconic “AO” sign.

Former No.1 Venus Williams got a hero’s welcome to Melbourne Park from all of the Australian Open’s ball kids.

Former No.1 Venus Williams got a hero’s welcome to Melbourne Park from all of the Australian Open’s ball kids.

She was joined by little sister Serena, with whom she’s set to play doubles for the first time since the Olympics.

She was joined by little sister Serena, with whom she’s set to play doubles for the first time since the Olympics.

The ball kids were back in action again as World No.1 Angelique Kerber joined fellow defending champion Novak Djokovic for a stroll through the grounds.

The ball kids were back in action again as World No.1 Angelique Kerber joined fellow defending champion Novak Djokovic for a stroll through the grounds.

The pair had one last photoshoot with their respective trophies before the tournament got underway.

The pair had one last photoshoot with their respective trophies before the tournament got underway.

Australia’s Daria Gavrilova had a fun taste at Woolworths Summer Sensorium joined by – you guessed it – more Australian Open ball kids.

Australia’s Daria Gavrilova had a fun taste at Woolworths Summer Sensorium joined by – you guessed it – more Australian Open ball kids.

Gavrilova was back on the tennis court later for Australian Open Kids Day.

Gavrilova was back on the tennis court later for Australian Open Kids Day.

Is that a big enough racquet for you Dasha?!

Is that a big enough racquet for you Dasha?!

Gavrilova was joined by a host of ATP stars and a cast of colorful characters.

Gavrilova was joined by a host of ATP stars and a cast of colorful characters.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams got to meet the next generation of Australian stars at a Wilson event with Destanee Aiava and Jaimee Fourlis.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams got to meet the next generation of Australian stars at a Wilson event with Destanee Aiava and Jaimee Fourlis.

Serena is seeking record-breaking Grand Slam No.23 in Melbourne, as well as a return to World No.1.

Serena is seeking record-breaking Grand Slam No.23 in Melbourne, as well as a return to World No.1.

British No.1 Johanna Konta was thrilled to be back in Melbourne where her huge breakthrough started.

British No.1 Johanna Konta was thrilled to be back in Melbourne where her huge breakthrough started.

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Cibulkova Blasts Past Wozniacki

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – It was a photo finish in the second round of the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy, but Dominika Cibulkova had an extra gear against former No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, dispatching her rival, 6-4, 7-5.

Watch live action from St. Petersburg & Kaohsiung this week on WTA Live powered by TennisTV!

The Slovak unleashed her signature aggressive style for most of the match, hitting 36 winners to 26 errors throughout the nearly two-hour match, but Wozniacki wasn’t far behind with 19 winners to 21 errors, working her way back into the second set from 3-5 down and saving three match points before Cibulkova was able to close it out on serve.

“I think it was a really great match,” the 2014 Australian Open finalist told former WTA star turned on-court interviewer Ksenia Pervak. “It’s always tough to play Caroline. Today, I played really well; I was really aggressive even though I made some mistakes, I was really confident. I knew it was the only way I could beat her.

“In the end, I started having a problem with my arm, but it turned out really well, so I’m proud of how I stayed really tough mentally.”

The two have played since their junior days, with Wozniacki coming into the match with a 9-3 head-to-head advantage in WTA matches, but three out of their last four matches had gone the distance, including Cibulkova’s win over then-No.1 Wozniacki in the fourth round of Wimbledon back in 2011.

“The tactic was always the same against Caroline: be as aggressive as I can and go for my shots. She gets back so many balls and is waiting for your mistake; if you play shorter, she’s going for it. I had to be aggressive every single point, no matter the score.

“That’s what I did and that’s why I won.”

Up next for the former World No.10 is rising Russian Daria Kasatkina; the teenager reached another WTA quarterfinal when she eliminated lucky loser Laura Siegemund, 6-3, 6-4.

“I never saw her play, so it’s going to be another tough round. I’m just going to be focused and ready, and I’m just going to hope for another match like this.”

Earlier in the day, Timea Babos upset No.9 seed Monica Niculescu, recovering from a set down to win, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, while qualifier Kateryna Kozlova continued her dream run into the quarterfinals with another three-set win over wildcard Elena Vesnina, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The final match of the day was centered around home favorite and No.5 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, survived a tough second set to beat German youngster Carina Witthoeft, 6-1, 7-5.

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WTA Travel Guide: Dubai

WTA Travel Guide: Dubai

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

WTA Travel Guide - Dubai - 600

The stars of the WTA are about to descend on the luxurious, modern city of Dubai for the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Dubai has been a favorite tour stop since it became a joint event in 2001 and this year’s event will feature World No.1 Serena Williams along with defending champion Simona Halep, 2013 champion Petra Kvitova and our guest contributor, Ana Ivanovic. The WTA Travel Guide is here to tell you everything you need to know about visiting the City of Gold.

WATCH THE MATCHES

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre is host to the two-time winner of the WTA Premier Tournament of the Year award, with the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium serving as center stage for the matchups of some of the WTA’s best. Tickets are available here. Main draw begins February 15 and runs through February 20, with qualifying taking place February 13 and February 14.

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Official Homepage

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re looking for a place to stay while in Dubai, it doesn’t get more convenient than the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, which is located adjacent to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre and minutes away from the Dubai International Airport. A 5-star resort, with 292 rooms, the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel features two outdoor pools, fitness facilities, two restaurants, two bars, a lounge and a healthy café. You’ll also be able to unwind at the Akuru Spa, or if you were inspired by watching the WTA matches, head to one of the four tennis courts to work on your game.

Jumeirah Hotels

WHERE TO EAT

For a good meal after taking in a day of matches, head over to the Century Village for a beautiful al fresco dining experience and 10 different world cuisines to sample from including Lebanese, Italian, Portuguese, French and more. Also within walking distance from the courts is Irish Village, offering a true Irish experience in the heart of Dubai.

Restaurants in Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

ANA IVANOVIC’S FAVORITE SPOTS

Dubai Miracle Gardens

“I always look forward to coming back to Dubai. Not only is the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships one of my favorite events on tour, but also the city itself has so much to offer. Here are my favorite spots:

 Sheikh Zayed Road  Nobu Dubai

Dubai Miracle Gardens is perfect for an afternoon stroll amongst the beautiful flower arrangements. Take a drive down Sheikh Zayed Road for the quintessential Dubai drive and a chance to see all of the iconic architecture along the way.

Luckily for me, one of my favorite restaurants in the world is located in Dubai. Head to Nobu for incredible Japanese food (like this sushi I had last time I was there)! Other favorite restaurants of mine include La Serre, Cle and Armani Italian. And, no trip to Dubai would be complete without some world-class shopping at the Dubai Mall.”

Visit Dubai

Dubai Duty Free

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