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Kerber Among espnW 2016 IMPACT25 Honorees

Kerber Among espnW 2016 IMPACT25 Honorees

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

Angelique Kerber’s stellar 2016 season is earning her recognition from the editors of espnW, who have compiled their shortlist of honorees for this year’s IMPACT25.

IMPACT25 honors achievements not only from athletes like Kerber and US Olympic gymast Simone Biles, but also from influencers like Hillary Rodham Clinton and Leslie Jones.

Angelique Kerber

Kerber finished 2016 atop the WTA rankings after a year of career breakthroughs, chief among them a pair of Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and US Open, along with a silver medal showing at the Olympic tennis event, and a runner-up finish at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

Click here to check out the full list of honorees on espnW.com.

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Australian Open Field Announced

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

MELBOURNE, Australia – The field for the Australian Open is starting to take shape after the initial acceptance list was unveiled earlier this week.

Monday marked the entry deadline for 2017’s first major, with Tennis Australia confirming the identity of 110 of the 128-strong draw. The remaining 18 will be made up of qualifiers and wildcards.

Defending champion Angelique Kerber will be joined by all her principal title rivals, including Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwanska, Simona Halep and Dominika Cibulkova. The cut-off this year was No.107, with Patricia Maria Tig claiming the last berth.

Also Melbourne-bound will be Luksika Kumkhum and Lizette Cabrera, who have been awarded the first two wildcards.

Australian teenager Cabrera, who will be making her Grand Slam debut, made great strides in 2016, winning two ITF Circuit titles and rising nearly 800 places in the rankings. “It’s amazing news and a pretty surreal feeling. To be honest I’m probably still in a bit of shock, but I’m super excited to start playing,” Cabrera said.  “I think if I’m playing my best tennis you can always match it with any girls inside the top 100, so I want to try and win as many matches as I can which will hopefully help me play in more WTA tournaments in the future.”

Kumkhum, meanwhile, earned her spot by triumphing over Chang Kai-Chen in the final of the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off. An ever-present at the Australian Open since 2013, Kumkhum, who upset Petra Kvitova several years back, is eagerly anticipating her return.

“I actually have played in the Australian Open since juniors,” she said. “And I don’t know why, I really like playing there in Melbourne, and had some good results too.

“I feel like at home every time being there, not far from Bangkok, the weather and everything, I think if someone gets used to hot weather, they will like Melbourne too.”

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Halep Reflects On 2016 Improvements In Forbes Interview

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

Simona Halep finished a third straight season as a Top 5 player, and credits some of her game’s biggest improvements to work done with coach Darren Cahill.

“I am more aggressive, but not crazy aggressive,” the Romanian told Forbes’ Danielle Rossingh during the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open. “More smart aggressive because I cannot stay all the time close to the baseline. I have to go out and back and come in many times.

“I think I improved in myself, my forehand is stronger. We worked on every shot and I think all my game is better now.”

Halep believes another key improvement has come on serve, specifically her ball toss.

“He told me to change it, to toss it lower, and I think it helps me. I feel like the timing is better.”

The results began to come in streams by spring, when she won her second Premier Mandatory title at the Mutua Madrid Open, owned by countryman and Romanian tennis legend Ion Tiriac.

“He helps me with advice, he talks with me,” she said. Tiriac gave her a wildcard into Madrid back in 2013, a move Halep says kickstarted her pro career.

“He’s into my tennis and always we have a good discussion, sometimes he’s coming to my practices.”

A lot of his advice centers around Halep’s ultimate goal of Grand Slam glory; the former World No.2 reached the French Open final in 2014, and will aim to take that career-best major finish one step further in 2017.

“He tells me that I have everything to win a Grand Slam, I have just to believe. It’s good to have such an important man in my life and in my career.”

Click here to read the full interview with Halep as she discusses her celebrity status in Romania and the rise of Year-End No.1 Angelique Kerber.

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Venus Gears Up To Take On 2017… And 2018

Venus Gears Up To Take On 2017… And 2018

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

TAMPA, FL, USA – Venus Williams might be gearing up for the 2017 WTA season, but the former No.1 is already outfitted through 2018.

Venus – who is set to start the year in Auckland – took some time off from her busy off-season preparations to debut the latest collection of Eleven By Venus, called Casablanca, as well as reveal some long-term career plans.

“I design all of my collections in advance, so while we’re just debuting this season’s collection I’ve actually got everything planned through 2018,” Venus said, speaking at an EleVen event in Tampa where she was showcasing the new collection.

“We’ve got all our designs ready for next year and the year after.”

Venus Williams

Her meticulous planning and commitment to EleVen has definitely showed, with her Prism collection that debuted at the US Open being named one of the Top 8 women’s tennis fashion moments of 2016.

“Last season’s collection, Prism, was inspired by a prism of light. Our inspiration was all the different colors in there, we covered the full spectrum – literally! And so Casablanca is what’s left over: the black and the white.”

“It’s just really classic motifs of black and white. When you think of the movie Casablanca, it’s a classic love story, it’s black and white. That’s really what we brought to this line, a real classic feeling. Black, white, and a little bit of red.”

Venus Williams

While her off-court entrepreneurial spirit keeps her always busy, on the court the seven-time Grand Slam champion still has just one mission.

“To win every match! Hello!” Venus laughed, adding:

“I’ve been working hard in the gym and getting back on the court. I just love the game, I really do. I love the challenge. It’s been such a part of my life that it’s hard to imagine life without it.

“I’m just gearing up for 2017 like I’m sure everybody else is.”

Gearing up for 2017 and already outfitted for 2018 – Venus is halfway to her biggest goal: the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

All photos courtesy of EleVen By Venus

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The Tennis Lover’s Ultimate Christmas Shopping Guide

The Tennis Lover’s Ultimate Christmas Shopping Guide

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

Looking for a nice Christmas gift for your tennis-loving friend or a treat for yourself? Marija Zivlak of Women’s Tennis Blog will help you pick the best presents.

Angelique Kerber

If you wish to surprise someone with a kit worn by a top WTA player, look no further than adidas’ range launched at the US Open. Angelique Kerber lifted the champion’s trophy wearing the adidas Fall Pro Tank, featuring adjustable shelf bra and contrast racerback with mesh insert, and adidas Fall Pro Skirt, whose famous geometric print draws inspiration from New York City’s famous skyscrapers. Both the items are equipped with Climacool moisture management.

Simona Halep

There’s also this Ana Ivanovic adidas Fall Pro Dress, one of the most beautiful designs of the season, while if you’re not into skirts, there are Simona Halep stunning adidas Fall Pro Shorts, whose built-in printed compression shorts peek through a woven mesh layer.

Tennis Shoes

Even though other models were promoted far more on the courts, the adidas Barricade Classic Bounce remains the cutest shoe I’ve seen this year. Whether you like it in green or red, it promises high levels of cushioning, stability and comfort. Since the shoes were introduced even before the Australian Open, their discounted price makes them extra attractive.

If you’re looking for more affordable presents and stocking stuffers, there’s no shortage of options to surprise your tennis friends.

Headbands

You can’t go wrong whether you choose this 2-pack Nike hairband in pink and deep garnet, the black and white option with a stylish split section, or adidas’ 3-pack in purple and slime. All the hairbands have silicone/gel that keeps them in place.

Visor

Everyone needs a white visor, even if they have several already. Stella McCartney offers the most beautiful one, with lovely mesh lining on body and subtle adidas and designer logo.

Armbands

Wristbands also make a great affordable gift. You can pick these purple ones from Nike’s new collection, these discounted red adidas ones, or these classic white Fila ones.

Performance Socks

One can never have enough socks and these adidas Climalite striped ones are adorable!

Sports Bras

Narrowing down a selection of bras, I’ve come down to these three: this light blue EleVen bra with crossed spaghetti straps, this secure and compressive Nike bra that offers multidirectional medium support, and this purple Under Armour bra with stylish straps for lightweight support.

Compression Sleeve

If you’d like something that is extravagant, yet not expensive, pick these pink Nike arm sleeves, that Serena Williams sported at the US Open. They offer a UPF 40+ protection.

Racquet Bags

Finally, it’s time for some luxury. If you want a tennis bag that provides a stylish transition from a stroll in the city or a business meeting to a tennis practice, Court Couture Karisa Black Pebble Bag is your perfect splurge. The racquet department of this embossed faux leather bag fits two racquets. There are inner and outer accessory pockets, as well as a separate cosmetics case to carry your essentials.

If you’re still unsure whether any of these items are the best picks for you, don’t risk and give your friend a Tennis Warehouse gift card. There are tons of things to choose from and a lot of them are discounted now!

Tennis Warehouse Gift Cards

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50 Most Popular Players Of 2016: 50-41

50 Most Popular Players Of 2016: 50-41

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

The WTA’s all-star cast battle it out for wins, titles and ranking points all year long – but who is getting the most clicks? This week, wtatennis.com will count down the Top 50 Most Popular Players Of 2016.

Kicking off the list will be No.50 to No.41! Find out who made the cut…

50] Andrea Petkovic (GER)
Petkovic may have finished the year ranked outside the Top 50 for the first time since 2012, but as one of the WTA’s most charismatic players she remains as popular as ever.

Andrea Petkovic

49] Monica Niculescu (ROU)
Niculescu enjoyed one of her most successful campaigns to date, finishing off in style with a final in Seoul and derailing the in-form Petra Kvitova to lift the trophy in Luxembourg.

Monica Niculescu

48] Sara Errani (ITA)
A ninth career title, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, highlighted an up and down year for the always-entertaining Errani.

Sara Errani

47] Yulia Putintseva (KAZ)
Putintseva was one of the breakthrough stars of the French Open, making it all the way to the quarterfinals, her ranking – and popularity – soaring as a consequence.

Yulia Putintseva

46] Jelena Jankovic (SRB)
Former World No.1 Jankovic continues to entertain her legions of fans across the globe, particularly in Asia where she finished runner-up in Guangzhou and made the last four in Hong Kong..

Jelena Jankovic

45] CoCo Vandeweghe (USA)
Vandeweghe’s star continued to rise in 2016, victory on the grass of ‘s-Hertogenbosch helping her break the Top 30 for the first time.

CoCo Vandeweghe

44] Sloane Stephens (USA)
Injury may have curtailed Sloane Stephens’ season prematurely, but not before she had collected a trio of trophies – in Auckland, Acapulco and Charleston.

Sloane Stephens

43] Heather Watson (GBR)
British No.2 continues to be a firm favorite at home and abroad, particularly after her popular triumph in the Wimbledon mixed doubles final alongside Henri Kontinen.

Heather Watson

42] Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU)
Begu impressed on the clay, going deep at Roland Garros, Rome, Madrid and Charleston, however, it was on the cement of  Florianopolis that she lifted her third career title.

Irina-Camelia Begu

41] Elena Vesnina (RUS)
This year, Vesnina enjoyed a return to prominence stunning a number of higher-ranked rivals to reach the Wimbledon semifinals, while in doubles she was victorious alongside Ekaterina Makarova at both the Olympics and WTA Finals.

Elena Vesnina

Come back to wtatennis.com on Tuesday for No.40 to No.31 on the list.

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