Halep Soars Over Schiavone
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.
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.
Elena Vesnina and Daria Gavrilova took to the heart of historic Charleston for the Volvo Car Open’s annual Iconic Photoshoot.
The pair played a mini-tennis match in front of Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston.
Built between 1828 and 1829, Randolph Hall is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest college buildings still in use in the United States.
Elena Vesnina and Daria Gavrilova at College of Charleston.
Elena Vesnina and Daria Gavrilova at College of Charleston.
Elena Vesnina and Daria Gavrilova at College of Charleston.
Elena Vesnina and Daria Gavrilova at College of Charleston.
Elena Vesnina and Daria Gavrilova at College of Charleston.
Elena Vesnina and Daria Gavrilova at College of Charleston.
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
MONTERREY, Mexico – Angelique Kerber cut the ribbon as the Abierto GNP Seguros officially unveiled its brand-new stadium court: Estadio GNP Seguros.
The World No.1 was one of the guests of honour as the crowds were treated to a real show in Monterrey – culminating in a stunning fireworks display.
Kerber opened her campaign on court by beating Francesca Schiavone in three sets, 4-6, 6-0, 6-4.
– All photos courtesy of Abierto GNP Seguros
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.
Anett Kontaveit crushed a nervy Heather Watson in their first-round encounter at the Ladies Open Biel Bienne.
Olympic champ Monica Puig tweeted out a video of her bringing new meaning to giving it a whirl as she prepared for the European clay court season.
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