Tennis News

NEW YORK, NY, USA – Two-time US Open champion Venus Williams dispatched No.26 seed Laura Siegemund, 6-1, 6-2, to waltz into the second week in Flushing Meadows for the 14th time in her illustrious career.

“I’m happy with putting wins under my belt,” she said after the match. “I’m always in search for perfection. If it’s not perfect, I’m back to the drawing board

“Today was a more straightforward win, but not perfect. So I’ll be working on perfection.”

Playing her first night match of the tournament, Venus played solid tennis against Siegemund, who was into the third round for the first time ever. Hitting 11 winners and breaking serve six times, the elder Williams sister survived several long games against the German veteran – one of the longest coming as she served for the opening set.

“Everything I’ve gone through has proven to me that I love the game, because to be out here is an effort, to say the least. So it’s proved that I love this clearly enough to go through this. And to reach perfection is something I still expect from myself, no matter what, whatever it is I’m going through.”

Saving four break points, Venus took the first set on her second opportunity and immediately broke to start the second. Making no mistake when it came time to serve out the match, she held to 15 and booked the last remaining spot in the round of 16, where she will play No.10 seed Karolina Pliskova.

“Each match is different. I approach them differently. We play kind of a similar game. So it’s about one of us playing that game better.

“I haven’t played her that often. So go out there and put the ball in the court, try to win.”

Some big serving by @Venuseswilliams seals her place in week two over Laura #Siegemund. #usopen @MBUSA https://t.co/3R435T06jT

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2016

Pliskova reached the second week of a major tournament earlier on Saturday by knocking out 2011 quarterfinalist and No.17 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-2, 6-4.

“It definitely was always my goal,” she said in her post-match press conference. “So I’m really happy that I got there. I was trying to get there for a long time, but before it probably wasn’t meant to be. So I’m happy to be there now, especially at the US Open, especially on hardcourt, which is my best surface.

“I’m also really happy with the match, how I got through.”

The two have played just once before, with Venus narrowly edging the Czech star in the final of the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai.

“It’s not that long ago, when we played. I remember the match. It was pretty good match from I think both of us. She was playing really good tennis there.

“Obviously with her it’s tough. She’s serving pretty well both serves, playing aggressive on the return. There is not much to do.

“I just have to serve well. That’s the most important thing.”

“I was waiting a long time… to get to the fourth round.” – @KaPliskova #usopen https://t.co/rPJh2LVQ7D pic.twitter.com/5kUceLRJI6

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2016

NEW YORK, NY, USA – 18-year-old Ana Konjuh notched the biggest win of her career under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking out World No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets to reach her first ever Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open, 6-4, 6-4.

Konjuh let three match points slip by in their dramatic second-round clash at Wimbledon earlier this year, but she only needed one to get the job done today against Radwanska.

“I’m just really happy,” Konjuh grinned in post-match press. “I played her in Wimbledon. It was a tough match. This time I took opportunities. You know, I was just going for it. It was the key of the match.”

The Croat shook off a shaky start, going down an early break before she found her footing in her debut match at Arthur Ashe. Despite the initial nerves, Konjuh quickly acclimated to the big stage, digging out of a 2-0 deficit and grabbing the break right back, working the court open with vicious angles from her forehand and backhand.

.@anakonjuh connects on 20 winners to take a one-set lead over No. 4 seed #Radwanska. #usopen @MBUSA https://t.co/97R8fyJ5rL

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2016

Her aggressive, crafty tennis proved frustrating to Radwanska, who hit 13 unforced errors – a high figure for the usually stingy player – to just nine winners. Konjuh attacked the vulnerable Radwanska serve and claimed the decisive break at 4-3, managing to out-drop shot Radwanska and beat her at the baseline. She took the match after breaking in the ninth game of the second set, and serving out the biggest win of her career.

“Maybe there was one or two chances,” Radwanska said after the match. She converted just one of three break opportunities. “Then I didn’t really hold my serve. I didn’t serve good enough.”

“Then, well, I’m here not as a winner.”

The 18-year-old Croat won the US Open girls’ title back in 2013, and then two years later became the WTA’s youngest title winner in almost a decade when she captured the Nottingham title. Now, despite a season marred by injury, she’s one match away from the semifinals.

“It’s really a privilege for me to be here, just playing for the finals,” Konjuh said. “I’m 18.I won the juniors here. I have good memories. I love the city. I’m just really happy just to have this chance.”

Konjuh will play Karolina Pliskova, another Grand Slam quarterfinal debutante, for a spot in the US Open semifinals.

Unbelievable performance from 18yo Ana Konjuh, who avenges her heartbreaking Wimbledon loss to beat Radwanska. pic.twitter.com/cctQFS8qMV

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) September 6, 2016

NEW YORK, NY, USA – World No.2 Angelique Kerber is the first player through to the US Open semifinals after conquering Roberta Vinci in straight sets.

After withstanding a fierce early challenge from the Italian, Kerber found another gear to prevail 7-5, 6-0 and end Vinci’s bid to halt a major US Open subplot for a second time.

“I think I have right now more confidence going out there,” Kerber said in her post-match press conference. “I’m not thinking about quarters, semis, or whatever. I’m just going there to playing a good match and to win.

“I know that I can beat everybody, and this is what gives me also a lot of confidence and motivation for going out there and playing with a lot of emotion.”

Vinci and Kerber set the tone of the match early on; Vinci broke Kerber’s serve in a marathon seven-minute opening game, before the German quickly grabbed the break back. In fact, Kerber trailed Vinci a break three times during the opening set, but each time she showed her mental toughness by never allowing Vinci to hold onto the lead.

The two played a game of cat and mouse throughout the first set, with both players showing off their variety and shot making; Vinci would reach a break point with a set of slices and drop shots, and Kerber would save it with a stinging inside-out forehand.

Kerber finally claimed the decisive break in the final game, winning the set and avoiding a tiebreak when Vinci was called for a foot fault on set point.

Down, not out: @AngeliqueKerber wins three games in a row to take the opener vs. #Vinci, 7-5. #usopen @MBUSA https://t.co/CguQohxazo

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2016

“I think the key of the match was the first set,” Kerber reflected afterwards. “I mean, it was really close and tough. It’s always difficult to play against Roberta.

“Keeping my mind a little bit relaxed, and staying in the moment – I think that was my key. Also for the first set to, be a little bit more relax and had not too negative, actually.”

Already hobbled by a foot problem, losing the set by so narrow a margin seemed to suck the wind out of Vinci’s sails. She didn’t have much left in the tank against Kerber, who quickly broke three more times to run away with the match and return to the semifinals of the US Open for the first time since 2011.

Kerber struck 33 winners to 25 unforced errors during the match – just three of those errors in came in the second set – while Vinci hit 17 winners to 32 unforced errors. Vinci’s serve was particularly vulnerable, serving at 40 percent first serves and winning just 57 percent of those points.

While the win moves Kerber one step closer to the WTA No.1 ranking, it spells out a different fate for Vinci. The Italian will fall out of the Top 10 come next week, having needed a run to the semifinals to keep up her ranking.

“Of course I’m so sad about today,” Vinci said. “In general I played a great tournament. Now just will go home and take some days off; see what I have for my injury, and then we will see.”

Kerber now awaits the winner of tonight’s match between Caroline Wozniacki and Anastasija Sevastova to play for a spot in the final.

Stat of the Match: 22 of Kerber’s 25 unforced errors came in the first set. https://t.co/LdN4SrDvQn#USOpen pic.twitter.com/aLCsNv3EkL

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) September 6, 2016

DALIAN, China – Top seed Wang Qiang won a topsy-turvy encounter on Thursday against Han Na-Lae to reach the quarterfinals of the Dalian Women’s Tennis Open.

Watch live streaming from Dalian all week right here.

Strong performances on the ITF Circuit this year have seen Wang close in on a Top 50 debut, which she could secure with a deep run in Dalian. However, she was given an unexpectedly stern examination against lucky loser Han before finishing strongly to close out a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 victory.

Grace Min will meet her in the last eight after she upset No.6 seed Jana Cepelova, 6-4, 6-3. This was not the afternoon’s only upset, either; Aleksandra Krunic knocked out No.3 seed Duan Ying-Ying, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, while Wang Yafan defeated Tamira Paszek, the No.4 seed, 6-2, 7-6(2).

Also advancing was last year’s runner-up, Julia Glushko, who fought back to see off qualifier Peangtarn Plipuech, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

After the world was done holding its breath throughout a tense final, the tweets came pouring in for US Open champion Angelique Kerber and finalist Karolina Pliskova.

Check out some of the best tweets, right here on wtatennis.com!

First up, here from the woman herself, who took time from her various post-win duties to post this celebratory message:

US OPEN CHAMPION!!! WOW, I DID IT!!! pic.twitter.com/YpWv5A7jaM

— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) September 10, 2016

 Some of Germany’s biggest sports stars at home and abroad took to Twitter to celebrate Kerber’s achievement, including NBA star Dirk Nowitzki, F1 pilot Nico Rosberg and a whole host of World Cup winning soccer players.

Angieeeee. Wahnsinn.

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) September 10, 2016

Good luck for the final, Angelique!! ✊?✊? ??? Viel Glück, du schaffst das!!! #tennis #usopen #no1 @AngeliqueKerber pic.twitter.com/2Ux7P6XZ5q

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) September 9, 2016

?????? Gratulation @AngeliqueKerber. Gratulation an die Nummer 1 der Welt! Wow

— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) September 10, 2016

A fantastic year: 2 Grand Slams, Olympic silver medallist, new World No. 1! Congrats, @AngeliqueKerber ???? #USOpen pic.twitter.com/E9TPYkfrxv

— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) September 10, 2016

Yessss! @AngeliqueKerber #USOpen ????????? Congratulations!

— Maria Höfl-Riesch (@Maria) September 10, 2016

Of course, the WTA’s stars and legends were also tuned in to the final, and they had plenty of words for both of the finalists after the match.

Here are the best messages from Kerber and Pliskova’s WTA peers:

Congratulations @AngeliqueKerber on your @usopen championship & being the new #1 player in the world. @WTA

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 10, 2016

Congrats @AngeliqueKerber ??! And @KaPliskova for an amazing #USOpen so proud of you?

— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) September 10, 2016

What an amazing week for @AngeliqueKerber ! Number 1 and #USOpen Champion ?? Congratulations!???? @usopen pic.twitter.com/WrieS6X8hZ

— Gabriela Sabatini (@sabatinigabyok) September 10, 2016

Congrats @AngeliqueKerber 4 your 1st @usopen title & n° #1 ranking @WTA,but so impressed by @KaPliskova @FilaTennis pic.twitter.com/PByoi32r0O

— Marion bartoli (@bartoli_marion) September 10, 2016

Congrats to @AngeliqueKerber ?Started the year #10 & made a great career, phenomenal in 9 months!!!??#1????

— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) September 10, 2016

A big congrats to @AngeliqueKerber on her 2nd major of the year AND becoming the worlds #1. It's a feat only a few have accomplished….??

— rennae stubbs (@rennaestubbs) September 10, 2016

So much valuable experience 4 @KaPliskova @usopen This just beginning.Belief behind powerful groundies & serve✅Getting stronger✅Major-soon.

— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) September 11, 2016

Congrats @AngeliqueKerber for an amazing #USOpen brava ragazza!!!?

— Flavia Pennetta (@flavia_pennetta) September 11, 2016

Kerber ☝ #fav

— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) September 10, 2016

Amazing from both girls. @AngeliqueKerber that's why your now the world no1 ?

— Melanie South (@melaniesouth) September 10, 2016

Wow wow wow what a season @AngeliqueKerber ?! 2 slams ??, the olympic silver medal?, new world number one ☝, that's pretty cool!!! #congrats

— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) September 11, 2016

QUÉBEC CITY, Canada – Barbora Stefkova was a match from reaching the main draw after falling in qualies, but got a lucky break that the Czech youngster took with gusto to knock out defending champion Annika Beck, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, to reach the second round of the Coupe Banque Nationale.

“I was a little bit lucky to get in as a lucky loser,” she said after the match. “It definitely wasn’t an easy match because she doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. She’s really solid from the baseline, running so much. There weren’t too many easy points for me, but I’m happy I made it.:

Stefkova was a late addition to the draw, but made the most of her opportunity against Beck, who’d taken the title in Québec one year ago. Down a set and 5-3, the 21-year-old saved two match points before roaring back to level the match. Recovering from a break deficit in the decider, Stefkova served out the win on her first match point.

“I just tried to keep my game, tried to play fast, and hope for the best!”

A stunned Stefkova was extra exhilarated to learn just how big her win over the No.2 seed was after the match.

“She won last year? I didn’t know that, or check her profile. So it’s a nice result for me! I just knew my first round, so I’ll need to check now!”

Stefkova next plays Alison Van Uytvanck, who began the day with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Elitsa Kostova.

It was a tough day for seeds as No.4 seed Julia Goerges bowed out to the big-hitting Ekaterina Alexandrova (who beat Ana Ivanovic in the first round of Wimbledon), 6-4, 7-6(1), and No.5 seed Naomi Broady fell to Oceane Dodin, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. For Dodin, today’s win marked her first on the WTA level, though she had already won two main draw matches at Grand Slams.

Young Canadian Francoise Abanda ended the night with a straight-set win over Mona Barthel.

The SAP Analytics for Coaches App has quickly become an essential tool for coaches and players through all three stages of a tennis match. Before the players even hit the court, the analytic insight gives teams an insider perspective on how to strategize for any given match.

“I look at the SAP app to see how the opponent is serving, how she’s placing the ball, and what she’s doing at crucial times,” said Torben Beltz, coach to World No.1 Angelique Kerber. “We try to focus on that to get Angie ready for the match.”

“We sit down together before the match to discuss the tactics against the next opponent,” Kerber added. “He’s able to explain with the technology where I can have more chances to go for it, and see how my opponents have been playing their matches that week.”

Watch the video above to hear how Kerber, Lucie Safarova, and Daria Gavrilova – in concert with their coaching teams – use SAP Tennis Analytics prepare for a match.