Tennis News

ACAPULCO, Mexico – Great Britain’s Johanna Konta is no stranger to making British tennis history – she did plenty of that during her historic run to the Australian Open semifinals earlier in the year. This time, though, she did it without even having to lift a racquet.

Over the weekend, the 24-year-old reached a career-high ranking of No.26, the highest ranking for a Brit since Jo Durie held the spot in 1987. But as always, the milestones and accolades don’t faze the always-cool Konta.

“It looks pretty cool on paper,” Konta told wtatennis.com after being informed of the achievement. “Obviously I’m really happy to be where I am but I’m also very much focused on the process of things and just really giving my best in every match that I play.

“If do that where I’m ranked 26 or if I do that where I’m ranked 150, the objective stays the same.”

The objective was clear when Konta took the court at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel. The No.4 seed took on Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit in her first match since Melbourne.

The Brit quickly took a commanding 5-0 lead in the first set but struggled to close it out, Kontaveit winning three games in a row before Konta sealed the set 6-3. But after being given an inch, the Estonian took a mile when she came back to win the second set 6-3 and level the match. Konta’s woes continued in the third set – her serve was broken in the very first game for 0-1. Konta stayed calm, though, and got the break back and finished the match winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

“It was a tough one,” Konta said after the match. “But it was a good match, she played really well. I really had to stick in there and keep fighting every single point and really just work hard for my opportunities.”

The drama continued in Acapulco when No.8 seed Yanina Wickmayer defeated Mexican wildcard Victoria Rodriguez 6-7(5), 6-0, 7-6(2). Rodriguez – nicknamed “Chely” by her fans – was making her WTA main draw debut against Wickmayer, and she certainly did it in style too, taking Wickmayer to three sets and two points away from defeat.

No.3 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova had an unexpectedly easier road to the second round, going up 6-0, 2-3 against qualifier Urszula Radwanska before a nasty-looking left ankle injury forced the Pole to retire.

“I’m actually really happy with the way I started the match and how I was playing, especially in the first set,” Pavlyuchenkova said afterwards. “I think everything was working and that’s why the score was 6-0.”

Though the match ended in a retirement, the Russian – who is coming off of a quarterfinals run in St. Petersburg – relished the chance to get in some match play and adjust to the conditions in Mexico.

“I’m still a little bit jetlagged from traveling a long time so I’m pretty happy with the way it went. Just really unlucky and feel sorry for Urzsula for hurting her ankle.”

Also in action, wildcard Naomi Osaka and No.6 seed Johanna Larsson cruised in their opening round matches while Mariana Duque-Mariño dealt an upset to Alison Van Uytvanck, sending the No.5 seed out in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat.

DOHA, Qatar – No.3 seed Agnieszka Radwanska moved safely into the third round of the Qatar Total Open on Tuesday with a straight set win over qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko.

Watch live action from Doha & Acapulco this week on WTA Live powered by TennisTV!

On a blustery afternoon, Radwanska had to withstand a spirited display from the World No.75, before eventually coming through, 6-4, 6-4.

As one of the game’s elite, Radwanska has played much of her tennis down the years at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex during the prime-time evening slot. It is an arrangement that has suited her well, the Pole reaching the semifinals on four occasions.

However, she began her latest title tilt in conditions not ideally suited to her eye-pleasing repertoire of strokes. “I think we all have to get used to different conditions. It was also windy. So it wasn’t the easiest time to play and maybe it wasn’t the prettiest match, but the most important thing is that I won and I’m very happy about that.”

It has been a fine start to 2016 for Radwanska, who has built on the momentum of her victory at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global by winning in Shenzhen and then reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open.

“I had a great start to the year, obviously, and I had a good rest after Australia. But I’ve been working hard since so I can play the same tennis here and do as well as in other years.”

Despite her lack of recent competitive action – she sat out Poland’s Fed Cup tie and withdrew from Dubai because of a leg injury – Radwanska delivered a typically tidy display – decorated by the odd touch of brilliance – hitting 17 winners and the same number of unforced errors.

Radwanska will next face either Monica Niculescu or former World No.1 Jelena Jankovic.

“They’re both very good, very solid opponents and it’s going to be another great challenge for me,” Radwanska said. “I’m going to watch the match, have some rest and be ready for tomorrow.”

Also coming through a tough second round assignment was Petra Kvitova, who defeated in-form compatriot Barbora Strycova, 7-6(2), 6-4.

Last week in Dubai, Strycova made it all the way to the final and she delivered another reputation-enhancing showing. Kvitova was an early casualty in Dubai, and must have feared the worst when Strycova served for the opening set. But the No.5 seed dug deep – fending off a couple of set points – to pinch it on a tie-break.

Despite an improved showing in the second set, Kvitova’s 18 winners were still offset by 30 unforced errors, leaving her with room to improve in the next round. “It was pretty close in the first set – she had a couple of set points – but I was just trying to take it point by point,” Kvitova said.

The result extends Kvitova’s unbeaten run against fellow Czech’s to 18 matches, her last defeat coming against Lucie Hradecka in Madrid nearly four years ago.

“It was a really important win for me today. Not just for the tournament but also the season – I hope this match will help me.”

DOHA, Qatar – No.9 seed Roberta Vinci was in the midst of a tense opening set against Turkish wildcard Cagla Buyakakcay when a wild cat appeared.

On serve in the 12th game, the 2015 US Open finalist had just earned a set point, but play was interrupted by the sauntering feline, who had to be chased down by ballkids and on-court attendents before the beast was finally subdued.

In the end, the cat cameo may have helped the Italian over the finish line; Vinci only lost one more game to defeat Buyakakcay 7-5, 6-1 and reach the quarterfinals of the Qatar Total Open.

“I won the set, so it’s ok!”

Cat on the loose! ? ? pic.twitter.com/teFmr8CNJM

— WTA (@WTA) February 24, 2016

BRISBANE, Australia – Eugenie Bouchard came into her first match of the 2017 season having played just two matches since September. After taking a 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 loss to Shelby Rogers in the first round of the Brisbane International, the candid Canadian admitted to feeling a bit undercooked coming into the new season.

“I definitely feel kind of rusty, out of it,” Bouchard said. “I haven’t played in a match in a while. I haven’t won a match in a while. All those thoughts kind of go into your head a little bit when you’re on the court.”

Currently ranked No.46, Bouchard struggled with her rhythm early against Rogers, falling behind 0-4 in the first set as the American did well to hold her position on the baseline and match power for power off the ground. After losing the first set 6-2, Bouchard fired herself, played with more intensity in the second set, and her power game began to click.

After pocketing the second set 6-2, Bouchard invoked the 10-minute heat rule and both players went off court to cool down.

“I always find those breaks kind of weird. I did ask for it and I did want it, just to take a bit more time to try to cool down. I thought it was the smarter move. But it’s always weird kind of sitting in the locker room for like five minutes and then going back out.”

Hey old friend ? pic.twitter.com/RrXshwN8cN

— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) December 30, 2016

Bouchard came out flat in the final set and Rogers steadied her game to earn her second straight win over the Canadian. It was a strong, powerful performance from Rogers and it left Bouchard back at the drawing board.

“I felt definitely not completely ready coming here. I felt I wanted maybe a bit more time before the season started, but everything always comes by so quick.

“So we were kind of coming in maybe knowing that a little bit, but it’s still time to go, and sometimes it’s also good for you to kind of just put yourself out there, throw yourself to the wolves and see what happens, and improve that way, learn that way instead of just another training week. So that was the choice. That was why we chose to come here.

“But, yeah, there is just lots of work to be done. It’s kind of getting used to playing a tennis match again, in a way. I know everyone feels like that at the beginning of the season, but the lack of matches I have played after the US Open makes it more. I just feel it more for my situation.”

Bouchard’s 2016 season started well, as she looked well on her way towards putting a disappointing 2015 season behind her. She made two finals in the first two months of the season. But after a heavy schedule over the summer, which saw her play seven tournaments between Wimbledon and the Coupe Banque Nationale, she felt burnt out and needed a break.

3rd Set!@GenieBouchard storms back to force a decider vs Rogers 2-6, 6-2! #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/UTJY8HxTrH

— WTA (@WTA) January 1, 2017

“Even though I wasn’t going far in each one, I was still, the mentality of going from tournament to tournament and always that stress of a tournament week after week after week. Especially after the Quebec City tournament, obviously which is at home and a lot more emotional and really tough to play in, I felt so burnt out. I didn’t even want to play the rest of the season.”

Bouchard skipped the Asian swing and returned to play Luxembourg and Linz, where she lost in the opening rounds to end her season. She says the experience taught her the importance of scheduling her season properly to keep her as fresh as possible.

“The thought process was because I was kind of losing earlier in tournaments, go try and play another one, go try and play another one, you always have that hope at least to plan to go play a match instead of practice, but I think after a point it actually becomes detrimental.

“Definitely going to be smarter with scheduling this year. We also had the Olympics, which is also very taxing physically, emotionally. A lot of things, obviously that’s how it happens. It’s a perfect storm of events, but, yeah, I definitely took a longer break at the end of this year than usual, and I really needed it, but I feel like it helped because I’m super motivated. I just need to get back into it.”

Bouchard is scheduled to play the Apia International Sydney next week.

Getting ready for NYE ? @BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/pmS5aOWrPL

— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) December 31, 2016

DOHA, Qatar – World No.3 Agnieszka Radwanska recovered from a double break down to see off Monica Niculescu, 7-5, 6-1.

“I think she has the best hands on tour, very tricky player and very uncomfortable to play against,” Radwanska said of her opponent during her on-court interview. “I knew it was going to be tough and a long one. What can I say? She really made me play my best tennis, so I’m very happy to win that match in two sets.”

Grabbing the opening set, Radwanska played impeccable tennis throughout, striking 31 winners to just 15 unforced; Niculescu wasn’t too far behind with 24 winners and 32 errors.

“I think when you play someone like Monica, you know there will be a lot of weird shots all around the court, and every shot is going to be different.

“She had a lot of highlights herself!”

In her six appearances at the Qatar Total Open, Radwanska has reached the quarterfinals or better five times, but is still looking for her first final in Doha.

Asked about the increasing parity that the WTA has seen in 2016, the reigning BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global champion theorized that the upsets are part of what makes her tour so fun to watch.

“I think this is women’s tennis; you never know what’s going to happen! Every day, we’re playing different, but it makes us interesting. We’re always fun to watch, a lot of different scores, a lot of surprises on the way to the final.

“That’s the way we play!”

Up next for Radwanska is the winner of the third round between No.9 seed Roberta Vinci and wildcard Cagla Buyakakcay, who upset defending champion Lucie Safarova in her opening match.

“Women's tennis is full of surprises. You never know what's going to happen!” ? -@ARadwanska #WTA https://t.co/7raBSZChE6

— WTA (@WTA) February 24, 2016

SHENZHEN, China – No.2 seed Simona Halep unveiled an aggressive gameplan that helped her emerge victorious in a three set tussle with former World No.1 Jelena Jankovic, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, to advance into the second round of the Shenzhen Open.

Halep spent the off-season training in Australia with coach Darren Cahill, and appeared to be employing some of those improvements early on against Jankovic, launching into her forehand and looking to terminate rallies early and often.

Don't blink! ?@Simona_Halep flies through the opening set vs Jankovic 6-1! #ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/Ik2jhlm5NA

— WTA (@WTA) January 2, 2017

Jankovic struggled through most of the 2016 season with various injuries, but has played some of her best tennis in China over the last few years, reaching a second straight final in Guangzhou last fall. The Serb took a 4-1 lead in the second set and didn’t look back, leveling the match at one set apiece.

Great anticipation from @Jelena_Jankovic! ? #ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/nFHLAaYcqp

— WTA (@WTA) January 2, 2017

The pair exchanged breaks in the decider, and as Halep steadied she served out the match in just under two hours. Up next for the Romanian is either hometown favorite Peng Shuai or Katerina Siniakova.

.@Simona_Halep is moving on to the #ShenzhenOpen second round!

Battles past Jankovic 6-1, 3-6, 6-3! pic.twitter.com/4HtTgwLzwI

— WTA (@WTA) January 2, 2017

More to come…

DOHA, Qatar – Second season syndrome is an ailment familiar to most sports fans. As the name suggests, it afflicts those sports men, women and teams that struggle to follow up a breakthrough season or notable triumph.

In the opening weeks of the season there were whispers in tennis circles that Garbiñe Muguruza could be the syndrome’s latest high-profile victim.

Last year, 41 wins (nine of them against Top 10 opponents), one title and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon saw Muguruza catapult herself from gifted prospect to one of the game’s elite.

But, having climbed to the very top of the game, how would she respond to the spotlight focused on its summit? How would her athletic game stand up to the rigors of another 60-match campaign? And how would she handle the prospect of defending all those ranking points accrued last time around?

The Spaniard made an inauspicious start, aggravated a long-standing foot injury during her first match, against Varvara Lepchenko at the Brisbane International. With that troublesome foot still bothering her, Muguruza managed to go a few rounds at the Australian Open, but looked a shadow of her magnificent best.

“I think it was an amazing year, an amazing end. I think the level was really high,” Muguruza said. “Obviously to keep that level all the time, every year, is going to be hard, especially when you did it once, and next year you’re like, ‘Hey, should I be doing the same? It’s hard to know what’s going to happen.”

At this week’s Qatar Total Open, however, the 22-year-old has finally began to find some form, blowing away Nao Hibino in her opening match, before defusing the big-serving Timea Babos on Wednesday evening.

And after seeing off Babos, she penned a message – ‘Muga’s back’ – to her WTA rivals on the lens of a nearby television camera. 

#MuguIsBack pic.twitter.com/2kBcFof5Dh

— WTA (@WTA) February 24, 2016

“I wrote this because I had a lot of physical problems at the beginning of the year and I’m trying to practice and work really hard to get my level back again,” Muguruza said. “And I think playing and competing here is helping me go through this process.”

The next stage of her rehabilitation will come against Andrea Petkovic, a player she has never beaten: “It’s true it’s a big challenge for me; I think I’m like 2-0 down. So I think I’m going to speak with my team and find a way and a tactic to beat her.”

Having appeared in one major final already, Muguruza is viewed by many astute observers as the leader of the WTA’s new vanguard. Despite the soaring expectation levels, the World No.5 is setting no timeframe on the next breakthough.

“I don’t think there’s an age to reach the top. I think it’s great when you’re like playing good. But being young and also having success, it can be very good and it can be very bad,” she said.

“We’ve seen some cases you’re young and you’re like, ‘I’m playing good, I’m doing a lot of things.’ But it’s also hard because you’re not as mature. Angelique Kerber said in Australia, she can maybe handle more at her age or she’s used to it more. It’s a very thin line there keeping that balance. Just with time, you can deal better with that.”