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Konta: WTA Most Improved Player Of The Year

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

SINGAPORE – Johanna Konta has been overwhelmingly voted as 2016 WTA Most Improved Player Of The Year.

Konta has enjoyed her best season to date, starting at the Australian Open, where she became the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam semifinal since Jo Durie in 1983. She went on to match Durie in ranking as well as result, finally ending the drought of British women in the Top 10 after reaching the final of the China Open, a Premier Mandatory event.

In between, Konta captured her first WTA title at the Bank of the West Classic, stunning former No.1 and Stanford champion Venus Williams in three scintillating sets. In 10 matches against Top 10 players, Konta won six encounters, and also has a 12-2 record in tie-breaks – the second best on the tour this season.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed and she received 40 votes, ahead of Monica Puig with five, Kiki Bertens with three and Laura Siegemund with one.

WTA Most Improved Player Winners
2016: Johanna Konta
2015: Timea Bacsinszky
2014: Eugenie Bouchard
2013: Simona Halep
2012: Sara Errani
2011: Petra Kvitova
2010: Francesca Schiavone
2009: Yanina Wickmayer
2008: Dinara Safina
2007: Ana Ivanovic
2006: Jelena Jankovic
2005: Ana Ivanovic

Complete listing of the historical WTA Awards.

 

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Osaka: WTA Newcomer Of The Year

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

SINGAPORE – Naomi Osaka has been named 2016 WTA Newcomer of the Year.

The 19-year-old Japanese player has enjoyed a breakthrough year on the tour in 2016, rising to a career-high ranking of No.40 after finishing 2015 ranked No.203.

Osaka made an impact at Grand Slam level, reaching the third round at all three Slams she played – Australian Open, French Open and US Open.

In addition to her Grand Slam feats, she was a force on the tour as well and she became the first Japanese player since 1995 to reach the final at the Toray Pan Pacific Open. As a wildcard, she knocked out Misaki Doi and Dominika Cibulkova before losing to Caroline Wozniacki in the final. Additionally, she was a three-time quarterfinalist: Abierto Mexicano TELCEL, Brasil Tennis Cup and Tianjin Open.

Osaka won the prize with 42 votes ahead of Viktorija Golubic with six, and Jelena Ostapenko and Louisa Chirico with one apiece.

WTA Newcomer Of The Year Winners
2016: Naomi Osaka
2015: Daria Gavrilova
2014: Belinda Bencic
2013: Eugenie Bouchard
2012: Laura Robson
2011: Irina-Camelia Begu
2010: Petra Kvitova
2009: Melanie Oudin
2008: Caroline Wozniacki
2007: Agnes Szavay
2006: Agnieszka Radwanska
2005: Sania Mirza

Complete listing of the historical WTA Awards.

 

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The Making Of The Iconic Photo At The 2016 WTA Finals

The Making Of The Iconic Photo At The 2016 WTA Finals

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970
Here’s what they’re all playing for: the Billie Jean King Trophy, awarded to the winner of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

Here’s what they’re all playing for: the Billie Jean King Trophy, awarded to the winner of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

But before that, there were a few things to take care of, like the draw ceremony and the Iconic Photo! Agnieszka Radwanska and Karolina Pliskova got made up together…

But before that, there were a few things to take care of, like the draw ceremony and the Iconic Photo! Agnieszka Radwanska and Karolina Pliskova got made up together…

… along with Finals debutante Madison Keys...

… along with Finals debutante Madison Keys…

…and WTA World No.1 Angelique Kerber.

…and WTA World No.1 Angelique Kerber.

That’s why she’s the fan favorite! WTA Finals defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska always has time for a selfie with her fans.

That’s why she’s the fan favorite! WTA Finals defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska always has time for a selfie with her fans.

The stars headed to Marina Bay Sands for the official draw ceremony, but not before they were presented with their WTA Year-End Awards. Angelique Kerber picked up 2016 WTA Player Of The Year…

The stars headed to Marina Bay Sands for the official draw ceremony, but not before they were presented with their WTA Year-End Awards. Angelique Kerber picked up 2016 WTA Player Of The Year…

…And Simona Halep was also among the winners, being awarded the 2016 Jerry Diamond ACES Award for helping promote tennis throughout the season.

…And Simona Halep was also among the winners, being awarded the 2016 Jerry Diamond ACES Award for helping promote tennis throughout the season.

The groups were decided with Radwanska leading the White Group, which includes Garbiñe Muguruza, Pliskova and the yet-to-be-determined eighth qualifier.

The groups were decided with Radwanska leading the White Group, which includes Garbiñe Muguruza, Pliskova and the yet-to-be-determined eighth qualifier.

Madison Keys was drawn into the Red Group, along with Kerber, Dominika Cibulkova and Halep.

Madison Keys was drawn into the Red Group, along with Kerber, Dominika Cibulkova and Halep.

What do you think of the draw, Domi?

What do you think of the draw, Domi?

With the draw ceremony done and dusted, the players headed to Merlion Park on the Singapore waterfront to take part in the Iconic Photo, the official photo of the WTA Finals.

With the draw ceremony done and dusted, the players headed to Merlion Park on the Singapore waterfront to take part in the Iconic Photo, the official photo of the WTA Finals.

Johanna Konta was also in attendance as she awaits to hear the fate of the eighth qualification spot.

Johanna Konta was also in attendance as she awaits to hear the fate of the eighth qualification spot.

Of course, before the Iconic Photo comes the iconic selfie - the unofficial photo of the WTA Finals!

Of course, before the Iconic Photo comes the iconic selfie – the unofficial photo of the WTA Finals!

And here is the Iconic Photo, featuring the seven confirmed qualifiers for the WTA Finals! Who will emerge on top against the greatest eight in women’s tennis?

And here is the Iconic Photo, featuring the seven confirmed qualifiers for the WTA Finals! Who will emerge on top against the greatest eight in women’s tennis?

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Halep: WTA Diamond Aces Award Winner

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

SINGAPORE – Simona Halep has won the Jerry Diamond ACES Award for 2016.

The Diamond ACES Award was first introduced in 1995, in memory of former WTA CEO Jerry Diamond. The award is presented to the player who consistently goes above and beyond in promoting the sport of women’s tennis to fans, media, and local communities by performing off-court promotional and charitable activities.

The Romanian has earned the ACES award for the first time in her career, having participated in numerous kids’ clinics throughout the globe, charitable activities such as the Charity Day Clinic in Madrid, as well as fan friendly events, including the Sydney Festival, to help bring the game closer to the community. 

WTA Diamond Aces Award Winners
2016: Simona Halep
2015: Caroline Wozniacki
2014: Petra Kvitova
2013: Victoria Azarenka
2012: Victoria Azarenka
2011: Caroline Wozniacki
2010: Samantha Stosur
2009: Elena Dementieva
2008: Ana Ivanovic
2007: Jelena Jankovic
2006: Svetlana Kuznetsova

Complete listing of the historical WTA Awards.

 

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WTA FINALS SINGAPORE – LIVE STREAMING

WTA FINALS SINGAPORE – LIVE STREAMING

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

The WTA is live streaming the singles & doubles draws, practice sessions, press conferences & Future Stars final, for the duration of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

You can watch it all here, LIVE, from October 21 through to the end of the tournament!

Be the first to find out which of your favorite WTA stars will face off against each other at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global!

Follow the Draw Ceremony LIVE on Facebook and wtatennis.com Friday, October 21 at 18:30 SST / 06:30 ET / 11:30 BST.

LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE:

Friday, October 21:
Live Practice – 1:30 PM-2:00 PM (SST) | 6:30 AM-7:00 AM (BST) | 1:30 AM-2:00 AM (EDT)
Live Singles Draw Ceremony – 6:15 (SST) | 11:15 AM (BST) | 6:15 (EST)

Saturday, October 22:
Live Practice – 5:00 PM-6:00 PM (SST) | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM (BST) | 5:00 AM-6:00 AM (EST)

Sunday, October 23:
Live Future Stars Final – 10:45 AM (SST) | 3:45 AM (BST) | 10:45 PM Saturday (EST)

More streams to be announced – stay tuned!

*Stream times and duration subject to change

Official WTA Finals Mobile App, Created by SAP

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Angelique Kerber Clinches WTA Year-End No.1 Ranking

Angelique Kerber Clinches WTA Year-End No.1 Ranking

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

SINGAPORE – Angelique Kerber will cap off the best season of her career with yet another accolade after clinching the 2016 WTA Year-End World No.1 Singles Ranking, presented by Dubai Duty Free.

For only the 12th time since the computer rankings were introduced in November 1975, the WTA will have a new name finishing the year at the top. Kerber joins Steffi Graf as the only other German to finish the year at No.1; Graf held the year-end No.1 ranking a WTA-record eight times, most recently in 1996.

“It is a great honor and achievement to finish the year as the No.1 player in the world,” Kerber said. “This is one of the things I’ve always been dreaming of – to become No.1. I have worked extremely hard to become the best player I can be and this is a reflection of that effort and the wonderful year I have had.”

WTA Year-End World No.1

This accomplishment is the latest in what has been a breakout year for Kerber, who began the season by defeating Serena Williams to win her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, and followed up by advancing to the Wimbledon final, capturing a silver medal in singles at the Rio Olympics, and winning the US Open. Kerber also leads the WTA for most main draw match wins this season, at 59-16.

The German’s rise to WTA World No.1 snapped Williams’ record-tying streak of 186 consecutive weeks at the top when Kerber took over the ranking on September 12, 2016 after winning the US Open.

“Being No.1, of course now everybody will try to beat me and have nothing to lose,” Kerber said after her victory in New York. “I will try to take this challenge, because it will be a little bit new situation for me. But at the end, I was always practicing and working hard to be No.1. Now I can also take the next step and try to stay as long as I can there.”

The Year-End No.1 trophy will be presented to Kerber by a representative of Dubai Duty Free at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, where the German will be the No.1 seed in her fourth appearance at the year-end finale.

Here’s the full list of players to have held the WTA Year-End No.1 Ranking:
8 – Steffi Graf (1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996)
7 – Martina Navratilova (1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986)
5 – Chris Evert (1975, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981)
5 – Serena Williams (2002, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015)
4 – Lindsay Davenport (1998, 2001, 2004, 2005)
3 – Justine Henin (2003, 2006, 2007)
3 – Martina Hingis (1997, 1999, 2000)
2 – Monica Seles (1991, 1992)
2 – Caroline Wozniacki (2010, 2011)
1 – Angelique Kerber (2016)
1 – Victoria Azarenka (2012)
1 – Jelena Jankovic (2008)

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