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WTA Stars Shine At Opening Ceremony

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

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?

However, with many in the singles and doubles draws beginning their tournament the following morning, not everyone could enjoy the festivities…

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Fed Cup Final Preview: Meet Team Czech Republic

Fed Cup Final Preview: Meet Team Czech Republic

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

STRASBOURG, France – For the Czech Republic’s top players, reuniting for Fed Cup finals has almost become an end-of-the-season tradition. The two-time defending champions are back in action this weekend in Strasbourg, where they’re seeking their fifth title in six years.

Karolina Pliskova, Petra Kvitova, Barbora Strycova and Lucie Hradecka will take on the underdogs France in the Fed Cup final – here’s everything you need to know about the team and the tie, right here on wtatennis.com!

Fast Facts:

Tie: Fed Cup Final, France vs Czech Republic
Dates: Nov 12 & Nov 13, 2016
Venue: Rhenus Sport – Strasbourg, France (indoor hardcourts)
Czech Captain: Petr Pala

– The Czech Republic’s last three ties have been decided in the final doubles rubber
– All of the ties in their 2016 campaign have been away, including the final

Meet the team:

Karolina Pliskova

Karolina Pliskova

The new Czech No.1 Pliskova earned her career-high ranking of No.5 after the best season of her career saw her lift two titles, including the Premier-level Western & Southern Open – defeating Angelique Kerber in the final – and reach the US Open final, defeating Serena Williams in the semifinals.

After such a banner season, Pliskova is looking to continue her rise with her second Fed Cup crown. Dangerous both in singles and in doubles with partners Barbora Strycova or Lucie Hradecka, the versatile 24-year-old is valuable asset for the Czech team.

Fed Cup debut: 2015
Ties played: 4
Fed Cup win-loss record: 9-2 (singles 6-2, doubles 3-0)
Fed Cup indoor record: 9-2

Petra Kvitova

Petra Kvitova

Fresh from her win at the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, a rejuvenated Kvitova dons the white, blue and red Czech national colors with a renewed sense of purpose. She always shines while playing for her country, and this year she was able to use her impressive run to the Olympic bronze medal as a catalyst to put behind her a disappointing start to the season.

Though her last appearance for the Czech Republic ended in two disappointing defeats, suffering a straight sets loss against Monica Niculescu and a three-set heartbreaker to Simona Halep in the World Group quarterfinal against Romania, Kvitova has been a crucial component to the team for years, competing in all five of their most recent finals.

Kvitova said: “I think the tennis in Czech Republic has a huge [tennis] history. When Navratilova played, all of them, we always kind of been strong for tennis, but the women’s side a little bit stronger right now, and that’s why we playing final again probably.

“Of course we should be confident to get the title for us again. I think we have a great team, and we’re going to do everything what we can. We always love playing. It will be great week for sure, and the weekend will be more special.”

Fed Cup debut: 2007
Ties played: 19
Fed Cup win-loss record: 26-10 (singles 26-9, doubles 0-1)
Fed Cup indoor record: 24-6

Barbora Strycova

Barbora Strycova

The Czech No.3 Strycova sits at No.20 on the WTA rankings after reaching two finals this year, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the Aegon Classic Birmingham. She’s added three doubles titles to her impressive haul, too, including a win at Birmingham with her countrywoman Pliskova.

As a result, Strycova is one of the Czechs’ go-to doubles players, though she’s also been showing off more of her singles game lately. She defeated Timea Bacsinszky in straight sets in the World Group semifinal against Switzerland before falling to Viktorija Golubic in three sets.

Strycova said: “All the Czech players, we know how to be a teammates in the week where is Fed Cup. Tennis is individual sport, so we know how to separate it.Most of the time of the year you play for yourself.

“But three weeks in a year we are so close together and we are like really – I can’t describe it, because it’s like a routine for us that we are really doing everything together in the week where we play Fed Cup.”

Fed Cup debut: 2002
Ties played: 15
Fed Cup win-loss record: 16-9 (singles 7-6, doubles 9-3)
Fed Cup indoor record: 5-5

Lucie Hradecka

Lucie Hradecka

As one half of the “Silent Hs” along with partner Andrea Hlavackova, Hradecka’s season in doubles has been a success. The pair started the year with an appearance in the Australian Open final, continued on to reach the quarterfinals or better at Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Rome, then capped it off by lifting two titles, the Coupe Banque Nationale and Kremlin Cup as well as competing at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

As the Czech Republic’s longtime doubles specialist, Hradecka’s role could prove even more crucial this weekend – the team’s last three ties have been decided in the final doubles rubber.

Fed Cup debut: 2010
Ties played: 12
Fed Cup win-loss record: 7-5 (singles 1-3, doubles 6-2)
Fed Cup indoor record: 6-1

– Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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Serena To Play Cincinnati

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

World No.1 Serena Williams has taken a wildcard into next week’s Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, a Premier 5 event.

The two-time defending champion has a 10-match win streak in Cincinnati and will be making her eighth appearance at the tournament where she holds a 21-4 match record. Serena enters the event looking to rebound from a disappointing early exit from the Olympics in Rio, where she lost in the third round to Elina Svitolina.

Having played only three matches since winning Wimbledon in July, Serena will look to return to form as she continues to prepare for the US Open, where she has a chance to break the Open Era record for Slam singles titles by winning her 23rd major.

Also on the line for Serena next week: The No.1 ranking.

Current World No.2 Angelique Kerber has a chance to end Serena’s 183-week reign at No.1 at Cincinnati, however, it will not be an easy task. Kerber, who is still in Rio de Janiero at the Olympic tennis event, would need to win the title at the Western & Southern Open in order to do so.

With Serena accepting the wildcard, she can extend her stay at No.1 through US Open if she makes the quarterfinals, regardless what Kerber does.

Kerber is trying to become the first German to reach No.1 since her idol Stefanie Graf and would be the third left-handed player to hold the No.1 ranking (along with Martina Navratilova and Monica Seles).

Main draw play at the Western & Southern Open begins on Monday, with the top 16 seeds receiving a bye into the second round. The draw ceremony will be held on Friday, August 12, at 5:30pm local time.

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WTA Breakthrough Of The Month: Peng

WTA Breakthrough Of The Month: Peng

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

Peng Shuai

Peng Shuai was a few months removed from a US Open semifinal appearance when a back injury took her out of the game for almost a year.

“For me, two years ago, I was at a peak level,” Peng said at the China Open. “I could choose whether I would like to play or not. Actually, my friends and family did not agree with my surgery, because it’s too risky. Now I’m near 30 years old.”

The former Chinese No.1 agreed to have surgery, and was determined to get back to playing her best tennis.

“After the surgery, no one could guarantee I could come back to the court. What if I have more injuries if I come back to the court? I’d like to thank them for their support and care. I was a little bit stubborn to have the surgery. My friends and family supported me to undergo this surgery. It was quite a challenge for me.”

Peng began showing flashes of brilliance at home, upsetting former World No.1 Venus Williams in Beijing before finally adding a WTA title to her illustrious resume, winning the Tianjin Open.

Just shy of the Top 100 heading into 2017 (from a low of No.768), Peng is your Breakthrough Player of the Month!

Final Results for October’s WTA Breakthrough Performance Of The Month

1. Peng Shuai (70%)
2. Johanna Konta (23%)
3. Daria Gavrilova (8%)

2016 Breakthrough Performance Of The Month Winners

January: Zhang Shuai
February: Jelena Ostapenko
March: Nicole Gibbs
April: Cagla Buyukakcay
May: Kiki Bertens
June: Elena Vesnina
July: Kristina Kucova
August: Karolina Pliskova
September: Naomi Osaka

How it works:

Finalists are selected by wtatennis.com
Winner is then determined by a fan vote on wtatennis.com

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Where To Watch: Cincinnati

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

KEY INFORMATION:
Tournament Level: Premier 5
Prize Money: $2,804,000
Draw Size: 48 main draw (16 byes)/48 qualifying
Main Draw Ceremony: Friday, August 12, 5.30pm EDT
Qualifying Dates: Saturday, August 13 – Sunday, August 14 
First Day of Main Draw: Monday, August 15
Singles Final: Sunday, August 21, 2pm EDT
Doubles Final: TBC – Sunday, August 21, 12.15pm EDT on Grandstand

MUST FOLLOW SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:
@WTA
@WTA_Insider – WTA Insider, Senior Writer Courtney Nguyen
@CinyTennis – official tournament handle
Get involved in conversations with the official hashtags, #CincyTennis and #WTA.

TOURNAMENT NOTES:
· Serena Williams bids to win a third straight Cincinnati title after accepting a late wildcard. She is the only player in the Open Era to win multiple times at the event.
· Since the tournament’s return to the tour in 2004, there have been 11 different winners of the tournament, although Serena is the only returning champion in the field this year. There are a couple of former runner-ups – Simona Halep (2015), Ana Ivanovic (2014) and Angelique Kerber (2012).
· The WTA’s current Top 5-ranked players are all in attendance: Serena, Kerber, Halep, Garbiñe Muguruza and Agnieszka Radwanska.
· Halep arrives on a 10-match winning streak, having won her past two tournaments, in Bucharest and Montréal.
· Lucie Safarova and Andrea Petkovic could both register their 400th career win by reaching the second round and quarterfinals, respectively.
· For the full draw click here.

WILDCARDS:
Serena Williams (USA), Christina McHale (USA), Louisa Chirico (SVK)

WITHDRAWALS:
Sloane Stephens (right foot), Jelena Jankovic (right shoulder)

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Christina McHale: From Melbourne To Maui

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

A tennis career plays out on a myriad of stages. One minute, American Christina McHale is headlining Margaret Court Arena and battling Agnieszka Radwanska, the reigning WTA Finals champion, in the first round of the Australian Open.

The next, she finds herself far from Melbourne’s spotlight and bringing new meaning to the word “battle” in an ITF 50K Challenger tournament in Maui.

“I felt like I needed more match play, because I didn’t get enough matches in Australia,” McHale told WTA Insider on Sunday.

A former World No.24, McHale went 1-3 in her first three events of the season, but rather than retreat to the practice courts – and the cold New Jersey winter – she made the rare decision to enter an ITF event during the second week of the Australian Open.

“I’d just had a really long off-season and I was doing a lot of practicing. I saw there were a bunch of tournaments, and Maui seemed like a good place because it’s on the way home; it seemed like a good place to stop. Luckily, I got a wildcard at the last minute, so everything worked out.”

Top seed at an event that featured Brisbane International semifinalist Samantha Crawford and ASB Classic quarterfinalist Naomi Broady, McHale hardly cruised through a Valley Isle vacation at her first ITF event since 2013.

“It’s definitely different. The nice part of it was that it was in Hawaii, and the hotel was right at the courts, so it was easy to walk to.

“The first day I was waiting for the schedule to be emailed to me, because that’s how it normally is at WTA tournaments, and then I remembered that’s not how it works in ITFs! We didn’t have ball kids, and we didn’t have a full set of line judges on some of the courts.

“It took some getting used to.”

After fighting through a tricky opening round against former World No.7 Nicole Vaidisova, she needed three sets in the semifinals against the big-serving Broady and American teenager Raveena Kingsley, who had taken out Crawford and Jessica Pegula to reach the final.

“I had some really tough matches here; my semifinal was really difficult and so was my match today. The level of play was quite high. In terms of getting good match play in, it was tough.”

The American had started her 2016 season with a first career WTA doubles title in Hobart, but Maui was her first title of any kind in singles, having reached one WTA final in 2014 and two ITF finals at the very start of her career in 2007 and 2009.

Ranked solidly in the Top 70, McHale considers herself lucky to be able to play an ITF knowing the doors to the most prestigious tournaments remain open to her.

“It definitely makes you appreciate a lot of the things I take for granted when playing WTA tournaments. It might have even been a little bit of a wake up call. But everyone here was really nice, and all of the volunteers that helped put this tournament together did a good job. I don’t want to take away from that.”

Indeed, McHale takes away only positives from her winning week in Maui, getting some much-needed match play, all with a tropical backdrop at her disposal.

“My fitness trainer Rodney Marshall is a USTA fitness coach; he was here and so I kind of used it as a training week, as well. I was able to do some work outs on the beach; it’s really cold back home so it was nice to be in this warmer weather for the week. It was good to have a men and women’s tournament, so there were a lot of players here to practice with.

“Just being in Hawaii was really nice.”

Heading home before resuming a full slate of WTA events in Rio, Acapulco, Monterrey, and Indian Wells, a confident McHale hopes to have kick-started her season with the wind at her back and a sunkissed trophy in her hand.

“It’s definitely very motivating. This week served its purpose, because I came here trying to get matches and work on my fitness. In that regard, it was really good.

“It does make you appreciate all of the Slams and the other big tournaments that we go to.”

Follow Christina on Twitter @ChristinaMcHale!

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Rio: The Gold Medal Matches

Rio: The Gold Medal Matches

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970
The Gold Medal match in women's singles was one to remember as Monica Puig took on World No.2 and reigning Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber.

The Gold Medal match in women’s singles was one to remember as Monica Puig took on World No.2 and reigning Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber.

Puig pulled off the upset of Olympics to knock Kerber out in three tight sets, becoming the first Puerto Rican to win a gold medal.

Puig pulled off the upset of Olympics to knock Kerber out in three tight sets, becoming the first Puerto Rican to win a gold medal.

Puig had made it her season goal to win the Olympics - even naming her dog Rio - but the yougster could hardly believe her dream had come true after the match.

Puig had made it her season goal to win the Olympics – even naming her dog Rio – but the yougster could hardly believe her dream had come true after the match.

Puig led a star-studded podium featuring Kerber, who became the first German to win a medal in tennis since Stefanie Graf, and two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova taking the bronze.

Puig led a star-studded podium featuring Kerber, who became the first German to win a medal in tennis since Stefanie Graf, and two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova taking the bronze.

Pairing up for the Olympic Games four years ago in London, Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina came straight from winning the Rogers Cup to roar into the Gold Medal match in women's doubles on Sunday.

Pairing up for the Olympic Games four years ago in London, Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina came straight from winning the Rogers Cup to roar into the Gold Medal match in women’s doubles on Sunday.

Taking the Russians on were a tough team composed of World Co-No.1 Martina Hingis - who was playing her first Olympic Games since 1996 - and Timea Bacsinszky, who replaced Belinda Bencic after injury ruled her out of the games. Hingis and Bacsinszky saved a match point in their semifinal against Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka.

Taking the Russians on were a tough team composed of World Co-No.1 Martina Hingis – who was playing her first Olympic Games since 1996 – and Timea Bacsinszky, who replaced Belinda Bencic after injury ruled her out of the games. Hingis and Bacsinszky saved a match point in their semifinal against Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka.

Makarova and Vesnina spent 10 months apart as the former addressed injury concerns, but the pair reunited in the spring and have amassed a 25-5 record since Madrid, winning a ninth straight match to oust Hingis and Bacsinszky in straight sets.

Makarova and Vesnina spent 10 months apart as the former addressed injury concerns, but the pair reunited in the spring and have amassed a 25-5 record since Madrid, winning a ninth straight match to oust Hingis and Bacsinszky in straight sets.

The women's doubles podium was complete when Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova - who began the tournament by knocking out three-time women's doubles gold medalists Venus and Serena Williams - won the all-Czech bronze medal match in straight sets.

The women’s doubles podium was complete when Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova – who began the tournament by knocking out three-time women’s doubles gold medalists Venus and Serena Williams – won the all-Czech bronze medal match in straight sets.

The final Gold medal match of the day was in mixed doubles, with Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock taking on four-time Olympic Gold medalist Venus Williams and Rajeev Ram.

The final Gold medal match of the day was in mixed doubles, with Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock taking on four-time Olympic Gold medalist Venus Williams and Rajeev Ram.

Venus was aiming to become the first player to win gold in all three tennis events, but couldn't convert a one-set lead or a 6-3 advantage in the match tie-break. Still, the American leaves Rio with a fifth Olympic medal in five appearances.

Venus was aiming to become the first player to win gold in all three tennis events, but couldn’t convert a one-set lead or a 6-3 advantage in the match tie-break. Still, the American leaves Rio with a fifth Olympic medal in five appearances.

Mattek-Sands has struggled with injuries in the last few years, and recovered from a false alarm when Sock appeared to seal victory on their first match point to capture the gold medal one point later.

Mattek-Sands has struggled with injuries in the last few years, and recovered from a false alarm when Sock appeared to seal victory on their first match point to capture the gold medal one point later.

Mattek-Sands wins a gold medal in her Olympic debut, while Lucie Hradecka adds to her Olympic silver medal from 2012 alongside Radek Stepanek by taking the bronze.

Mattek-Sands wins a gold medal in her Olympic debut, while Lucie Hradecka adds to her Olympic silver medal from 2012 alongside Radek Stepanek by taking the bronze.

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As It Happened: Serena vs. Maria

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

WTA Insider Courtney Nguyen | World No.1 Serena Williams maintained her mastery of Maria Sharapova, winning an 18th straight match in Melbourne on Tuesday. Here’s how it happened.

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Serena Out Of Cincy

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

CINCINNATI, OHIO, USA – World No.1 Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Western & Southern Open due to a right shoulder injury.

Winner for the last two years in Cincinnati, Williams also withdrew from the Rogers Cup due to a right shoulder issue, and has played just three matches since winning a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

“I’m very disappointed I’m not able to compete in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati as I was really looking forward to defending my title,” she said in a statement. “My shoulder inflammation continues to be a challenge, but I am anxious to return to the court as soon as possible.”

Serena needed to reach the quarterfinals this week to lock up the No.1 ranking ahead of the US Open – a tournament the American has won six times.

World No.2 and Olympic Silver medalist Angelique Kerber can now end her rival’s 183-straight week stretch atop the WTA rankings, but would have to win the entire event to do so.

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Konta Topples Zhang

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

MELBOURNE, Australia – Unseeded Johanna Konta became the first British woman to reach the Australian Open semifinals since 1977 when she outlasted relentless qualifier, Zhang Shuai, 6-4, 6-1.

“I was really just taking it one match at a time while I was here and, even more simply, a point at a time,” she told former British No.1 Sam Smith during her on-court interview.  

Not since Sue Barker made the final four nearly 40 years ago had a Brit gone this far in Melbourne, and Konta had to face a battle-tested opponent across the net; Zhang began her tournament with three wins in qualifying and a massive win over No.2 seed Simona Halep.

“She definitely didn’t make it easy for me today; every time I got a little bit ahead, she was constantly there.”

But Konta’s run had been equally impressive Down Under, defeating No.8 seed Venus Williams in the first round and surviving a thrilling three-setter with 2015 semifinalist Ekaterina Makarova in the round of 16. Showing few signs of fatigue, Konta raced out to a 5-2 lead, but needed six set points to put away Zhang, who nearly brought the match back on level terms in the tenth game.

“I really enjoyed playing in front of you guys,” she said, addressing the spectators on Rod Laver Arena. “This is why we play, to get the chance to play in front of such a wonderful crowd.

“I just wanted to make sure I came out and played the best level I could and, hopefully, gave everyone some good entertainment!”

With the first set in hand, the Brit never looked back, hitting 28 winners and drawing 20 unforced errors out the Chinesewoman to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal in 83 minutes – though not in ideal fashion for the competitive Konta.

“Unfortunately, I won it on a let cord; I’m not that proud of that. But I’m happy with how I was able to fight every single point.”

Asked about her family watching at home, Konta was tongue-in-cheek regarding the time difference – the match ended a little before 4AM in the UK.

“I’m pretty sure they have jet lag; they’ve been staying up at all ridiculous times of the morning. I’m sure they’re looking forward me to go home so they can sleep properly!”

Up next for Konta is No.7 seed Angelique Kerber, who provided an arguably even more shocking upset by taking out pre-tournament favorite Victoria Azarenka to reach her first Australian Open semifinal.

“It will be my first match against her. She’s Top 10 and an incredibly decorated, successful competitor and player. I’m really just going to go out there, bring to the court what I can, try my best, hopefully give the crowd a great match, and we’ll see how it goes.”

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