Blog Feed: Women Who Serve

Radwanska one match away from Brussels championship

Published on 2012-05-25 19:21:00

Top seed Agnieszka Radwanska defeated Kaia Kanepi 7-6, 6-3 in Belgium today, and advanced to the final of the Brussels Open. Her opponent will be Simona Halep, who defeated Sofia Arvidsson 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals. In the doubles final, the team of Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sania Mirza will play the team of Alicja Rosolska and Zheng Jie.In Strasbourg, wild card Alize Cornet defeated Pauline Parmentier 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the semifinals, and 2nd seed Francesca Schiavone defeated Sloane Stephens 7- [..] > read more

Qualifiers placed for French Open

Published on 2012-05-25 19:13:00

After three rounds of play, the following women have qualified to compete in the main draw of the French Open:Kiki BertensChan Yung-JanYaroslava ShvedovaAlexa GlatchHeather WatsonEva BirnerovaDinah PfizenmaierHeidi El TabakhLauren DavisLara Arruabarrena-VecinoKarolina PliskovaZhang ShuaiBertens was the top seed in the qualifying rounds.There are also eight wild cards:Caroline GarciaKristina MladenovicMelanie OudinIrena PavlovicClaire FeuersteinAshleigh BartyAravane RezaiVictoria LarriereHeather [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--group sleep edition

Published on 2012-05-25 09:16:00

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Dulko out of French Open qualifying

Published on 2012-05-24 17:47:00

It's a sign of the times. Gisela Dulko, winner of four clay court titles, was upset yesterday in the first round of qualifying for the 2012 French Open. Dulko was defeated 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 by Vesna Dolonc of Serbia. The Argentine served for the match at 5-4 in the second set, but then collapsed and was taken out of the competition.Dulko, who has been ranked as high as 29 in the world in singles and who was--not that long ago--the world's number 1 doubles player, has had multiple injuries in the pas [..] > read more

Barthel upset in Strasbourg opening round

Published on 2012-05-22 21:23:00

It wasn't that long ago that writing about an upset of Mona Barthel wouldn't have been a reality, but because of the German player's rapid rise, it now is. Barthel was defeated 6-3, 7-6 by Alexandra Panova in Strasbourg today in the first round. Barthel was seeded 5th at the tournament, and Panova is a qualifier. Also of note today in Strasbourg was the retirement of Maria Kirilenko, who injured her right ankle. And yesterday, wild card and top seed Sabine Lisicki was beaten in straight sets by [..] > read more

Sharapova wins thrilling, yet bizarre, Rome final

Published on 2012-05-20 13:30:00

If they had put their arms around each other's shoulders, Maria Sharapova and Li Na would have looked, for all the world, completely like Chris and Martina at the close of one of their big matches. The similarity was nevertheless there: If you'd just walked in or tuned in, you wouldn't have had any idea who had won. Both sported big grins, and both threw their arms in the air in a "What did we just do?!" fashion.It may not have been the best match of this season, but it was easily the most unusu [..] > read more

Errani and Vinci advance to Rome final

Published on 2012-05-19 16:34:00

3rd seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, the 2012 Madrid champions, have advanced to the final in Rome. Errani and Vinci defeated top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond 6-1, 6-3 in the semifinals. Also victorious in semifinal play were Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina, who defeated Jamie Hampton and Anna Tatishvili 6-3, 6-3. > read more

Oh, Petra

Published on 2012-05-18 21:42:00

You have to give Petra Kvitova some credit for playing out her Rome quarterfinal match against Angelique Kerber. I watched the match on Tennis TV, and commentator David Mercer was more than a little upset that Kvitova felt compelled to continue playing, despite the pain she was in because of what appeared to be a pulled stomach muscle (she's had that problem before). I had mixed feelings about it. I wanted her to stop, since we are so close to the French Open. But I also admired her tenacity, an [..] > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-05-18 14:36:00

Victoria Azarenka, after she withdrew from competition in Rome, had a lot to say about the WTA's rules. "I was conflicted and disappointed to withdraw from Rome," she said. "I tried my hardest but I wasn't healthy going into the tournament. If WTA rules were different then I could have focused on getting healthy, but I could not afford another zero pointer on my ranking. Hopefully in the future there will be more protection for players' rights."Maria Sharapova had something to say about Azar [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--birthday edition

Published on 2012-05-18 09:47:00

Some time this month, Ziggy Stardust and Tarzan have birthday number 6. Since they were rescued from a feral colony, their exact birth date is unknown. Here are the brothers doing the familiar sock monkey stare-down. The sock monkey belongs to Tarzan, but what fun is a toy if your brother doesn't try to take it away from you? > read more

Radwanska upset by Cetkovska in Rome

Published on 2012-05-16 20:54:00

Down 1-4 in the third set during the second round at Wimbledon, Petra Cetkovska found a way to beat Agnieszka Radwanska, who had been only two points away from a victory in the second set. She beat her again in New Haven, and she beat her again today in Rome. (She also beat her many years ago in an ITF match.) The "other Petra" from the Czech Republic defeated Radwanska 6-4., 4-6, 6-1. "I like to play with > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-05-16 00:07:00

Kamakshi Tandon writes about the tension among a few of the tour's top players. I wasn't aware, however, that Radwanska put anything behind her; the last I heard, she said things would "never be the same" between her and Azarenka.And speaking of.....WTA Backspin reminds us that Agnieszka Radwanska is 36-6 for the season, and all six losses have been to Victoria Azarenka. Players at the 2012 Olympic Games will not be required to adhere to the Wimbledon (almost) all-white dress code.Serena William [..] > read more

Williams wins Madrid title

Published on 2012-05-13 13:55:00

Serena Williams maintains an apartment in Paris, and it won't be long before she's laying in supplies (in Hello Kitty boxes, no doubt) for what she plans to be a two-week stay in the City of Lights. In Charleston, she ran over 2010 French Open runner-up Sam Stosur, then beat Lucie Safarova for the title, and today in Madrid, she held the trophy after emphatically beating world number 1 Victoria Azarenka.Williams defeated Azarenka 6-1, 6-3 in just over an hour, and at one point, a frustrated Azar [..] > read more

Together again--Williams and Azarenka

Published on 2012-05-12 16:09:00

The 2012 Madrid final is about as good as it gets. World number 1 Victoria Azarenka will play former world number 1 Serena Williams for the title. Williams is 6-1 against Azarenka (Azarenka's win involved an injured Williams), and--to make things more interesting--the pair has never before met on a clay court. It sounds odd to express anticipation about a match-up that is so lopsided, but the Azarenka of today is not the same Azarenka who used to give way so easily to temper tantrums, thigh inju [..] > read more

Errani and Vinci win Madrid title

Published on 2012-05-12 15:54:00

Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci won the Madrid Open today, defeating Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina 6-1, 3-6, 10-4 in the final. This is the team's fourth title of the year, and it's also the biggest. Errani and Vinci were also the runners-up at the Australian Open and the Sony Ericsson Open.Sara Errani, of course, has been on a singles win streak this season. She was defeated in the second round in Madrid by Agnieszka Radwanska (who also beat Vinci in the third round), but she was neverthel [..] > read more

Hradecka upsets Stosur in Madrid

Published on 2012-05-11 15:26:00

Lucie Hradecka is known for her big serve. Today, in the Madrid Open quarterfinals, she used it to great advantage to upset 5th seed Sam Stosur 7-6, 7-6. Hradecka, who hit 19 aces (she generally hits 10 or more), was successful with both her first and second serves. Hradecka had already taken out Madrid defending champion Petra Kvitova. In the semifinals, Hradecka will play Serena Williams, who easily defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets.In the other semifinal, top seed Victoria Azarenka wi [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--Sleepy time edition

Published on 2012-05-11 09:40:00

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Doubles upsets continue in Madrid

Published on 2012-05-08 21:29:00

Top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond went out today in the second round of play at the Madrid Open. Huber and Raymond were defeated 4-6, 7-6, 15-13 by wild cards Dominika Cibulkova and Janette Husarova. 3rd seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka were also defeated in the second round. The 2011 French Open champions lost to Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina.In singles, top seed Victoria Azarenka advanced with a win over Hlavackova, and 2nd seed Maria Sharapova defeated Klara Zakopalova. [..] > read more

Stuttgart champions out in Madrid opening round

Published on 2012-05-07 21:52:00

Iveta Benesova and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, who won the title in Stuttgart last month, were defeated today in the first round of doubles in Madrid. The Czech team lost to Hsieh Su-Wei and Zheng Jie.Going out in the first round of singles was 15th seed Jelena Jankovic. Spanish wild card Carla Suarez Navarro saved two match points and defeated Jankovic 4-6, 7-6, 6-4. Venus Williams lost to Angela Kerber second round play.Yesterday, Dominika Cibulkova, 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavo [..] > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-05-05 16:47:00

Who Will > read more

Kanepi and Errani win clay court titles

Published on 2012-05-05 16:00:00

The elusive Kaia Kanepi won the Estoril championship today, by defeating Carla Suarez Navarro 3-6, 7-6, 6-4. One never really knows whether the Tall One from Tallin is going to crash out early or win the tournament. Today, she won. Kanepi was seeded 6th in the event.The Estoril doubles champions are Chuang Chia-Jung and Zhang Shuai. They defeated 3rd seeds Yaroslava Shvedova and Galina Voskoboeva 4-6, 6-1, 11-9.Sara Errani won the title in Budapest, defeating Elena Vesnina 7-5, 6-4. Errani, who [..] > read more

Quote of the week

Published on 2012-05-04 19:26:00

"If you don't accessorize, someone else will."Venus Williams (Thanks to Beyond the Baseline.) > read more

Friday cat blogging--shadow edition

Published on 2012-05-04 06:42:00

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Vinci into Estoril semifinals

Published on 2012-05-03 19:33:00

Top seed Roberta Vinci advanced to the quarterfinals in Estoril today when she defeated Nadia Petrova 6-2, 1-6, 6-4. Joining Vinci in the semifinals will be 6th seed Kaia Kanepi, Carla Suarez Navarro and qualifier Karin Knapp, who defeated Galina Voskoboeva. Voskoboeva and partner Yaroslava Shvedova reached the doubles final by defeating Sania Mirza and Anastasia Rodionova.Anabel Medina Garrigues won the 2011 Estoril tournament. Medina Garrigues went out this year in the second round. In Budapes [..] > read more

"Because Dreams Matter"--Victoria Azarenka

Published on 2012-04-30 21:36:00

Toward the end, Azarenka comes out of what appears to be a video-induced trance. (Good thing, or she might have said something like, "Boy, you're my match point.") > read more

Sharapova wins Stuttgart championship

Published on 2012-04-29 15:34:00

World number 2 Maria Sharapova won her first title of the season today, as she defeated world number 1 Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-4 for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix singles title. It was Sharapova's 25th title, she got the keys to a new Porsche, and she sent a pretty strong message to her peers. The former world number 1 could do no wrong today as she served up a storm, hit precise groundstrokes--confounding her opponent from both sides--and showed off some deft volleying.Azarenka, for her part, [..] > read more

Bertens wins Fes title

Published on 2012-04-28 17:55:00

A first-time WTA title was in the making, regardlessnof who won the final in Fes today. Neither Laura Pous-Tio nor Kiki Bertens had ever won a WTA title. In fact, up until this tournament, Pous-Tio had won only one match in 2012, and Bertens had never gotten beyond the first round of a WTA event. Bertens defeated Pous-Tio 7-5, 6-0 to claim the Grand Prix De SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem champtionship.Petra Cetkovska and Alexandra Panova won the doubles title. They defeated Irina-Camelia Begu and [..] > read more

Sharapova beats Stosur and advances to Stuttgart semifinals

Published on 2012-04-27 19:33:00

Sam Stosur served for the match today in Stuttgart, but was broken, and her opponent, Maria Sharapova, went on to win a very well-fought three-hour quarterfinal. Sharapova's 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 victory was about as good as it gets, and the fact that she claimed it on red clay made it even better.Sharapova's opponent in the semifinals will be none other than Petra Kvitova, who was at her scary-best against Angelique Kerber in a very late night match. Kvitova defeated Kerber 6-4, 6-4 in just over an hou [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--Hanging together edition

Published on 2012-04-27 08:16:00

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Kerber and Barthel advance in Stuttgart

Published on 2012-04-26 23:08:00

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix defending champion Julia Goerges lost her second round match to Sam Stosur today. Last year, Goerges beat Stosur on her way to the final. German star Andrea Petovic went out today, too, after an ankle twist forced her to retire against Victoria Azarenka. Petkovic had only just returned from a lengthy rehab for a back injury.Other Germans did better. Mona Barthel defeated 7th seed Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-1; Barthel beat Ana Ivanovic in the first round. Also advancing to th [..] > read more

Czech Republic to meet Serbia in Fed Cup final

Published on 2012-04-22 18:10:00

"Every Fed Cup I'm playing, I'm nervous. Francesca played unbelievable tennis. I'm very happy I won."That's what Petra Kvitova said after she won her Fed Cup match against Francesca Schiavone. Kvitova was down a break in both sets, but won 6-4, 7-6. The stats for the match are worth examining, by the way.Kvitova's win put the Czech Republic back into the final, though the Czech Republic lost the fourth rubber (Errani def. Hlavackova). Italy had to retire during the doubles rubber because Flavia [..] > read more

Czech Republic a match away from Fed Cup final

Published on 2012-04-21 12:21:00

Petra Kvitova was down 4-4, 15-40 in the second set of her Fed Cup semifinal rubber against Italy's Sara Errani, and--since Errani had sustained a high level of play throughout the match--it looked as though a third set might be in the making. It was at that point, however, that Kvitova turned on that switch (why can't she always find it?) that causes gasps from spectators. The Czech number 1 won the match 6-4, 6-3 in great form at the end.Earlier, Lucie Safarova beat an injured Francesca Schiav [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--peaceful coexistence edition

Published on 2012-04-20 09:14:00

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More on Fed Cup

Published on 2012-04-18 13:09:00

Though we tend to focus on the World Group and the World Group playoffs, more than that will be occurring this weekend at Fed Cup venues. The World Group II playoffs will also take place, and here is a breakdown of those ties:France vs. SloveniaThe two countries have never played each other before. They wil compete on an indoor hard court in Besancon, France.Switzerland vs. BelarusTimea Bacsinszky, of whom we haven't seen much lately, will play on the Swiss team, as will Stefanie Voegele. Olga G [..] > read more

Clijsters out of French Open

Published on 2012-04-17 19:08:00

Kim Clijsters will not play at the French Open, she has announced. This is hardly a surprise. The top Belgian player continues to recover from a hip injury. Clijsters said today that "I really look forward to starting a long training to be ready for the grass court season, (when) I will pursue two main goals at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games." > read more

I like The Pink, too!

Published on 2012-04-17 15:47:00

So Petra Kvitova and I--we are like sister.Anyone wondering why so many of us can't get enough of Petra Kvitova need only look at this video, which Women Who Serve found courtesy of Beyond the Baseline (and while you're there, check out 'Pova's new haircut!) > read more

Kvitova to lead Czech team in Fed Cup play this weekend

Published on 2012-04-17 12:15:00

Petra Kvitova will return to an indoor court--a surface on which she excels--this weekend for the Czech Republic's Fed Cup World Group semifinal against Italy. The Czech Republic is 3-4 against Italy in Fed Cup; however, Italy has won the last four time the two teams have met. In 2010, in fact, Italy beat the Czech Republic 5-0 in the semifinals.Kvitova is currently on a 27-0 indoor match streak. The upcoming semifinal will be played at the CEZ Arena in Ostrava. In addition to Kvitova, Czech tea [..] > read more

Krajan to start coaching trial with Jankovic

Published on 2012-04-17 11:17:00

Zeljko Krajan, the Croatian Davis Cup captain who has most recently coached Dominika Cibulkova, is reportedly engaged in a two-week "tryout" period with number 18 Jelena Jankovic. Krajan previously coached Dinara Safina and saw her rise to number 1 in the world. Jankovic is a former number 1, but has not had good results for a while. > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-04-15 15:56:00

Kirsten Flipkens has withdrawn from Fed Cup play because of blood clots found in her calf muscle. Belgium's top players, Kim Clijters and Yanina Wickmayer, are not participating in the upcoming Fed Cup matches, either.Some of Caroline Wozniacki's comments have already been taken out of context and criticized, but here--in the interest of accuracy--is her entire interview about money with The Telegraph. Matt Cronin writes about Mary Joe Fernandez's challenges as the USA Fed Cup captain.Martina Na [..] > read more

Errani and Kerber win titles today

Published on 2012-04-15 12:27:00

Sara Errani won both the singles and doubles titles today in Barcelona. Errani defeated 3rd seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 6-2 in singles, and she and partner Roberta Vinci defeated Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone 6-0, 6-2 to win the doubles title. Errani had also defeated the event's 2nd seed, Julia Goerges, in the quarterfinals.This is the fourth year in a row that an Italian player has won the Barcelona title, and this is the second time this season that Errani has won both titles at th [..] > read more

Capriati to be inducted into Hall of Fame

Published on 2012-04-14 14:15:00

Jennifer Capriati will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 14. Capriati, whose comeback story is one of the most dramatic in professional sports, was the youngest player to ever reach the final of a women's professional tournament. She went on to win 14 singles titles, a doubles title and an Olympic gold medal. Capriati won the Australian Open in 2001 and 2002, and she won the 2002 French Open. Capriati was ranked number 1 in the world for 18 weeks. > read more

Kerber to take on Copenhagen task

Published on 2012-04-14 13:54:00

Last year, it was Lucie Safarova. The year before that, it was Klara Zakopalova. The e-Boks Open, known among fans as the Wozniacki Open, is in its third year, and Caroline Wozniacki is about to go for her third title at the tournament. In this year's final, Wozniacki's opponent will be Angelique Kerber, Germany's second-highest ranking player.2nd seed Kerber defeated 3rd seed Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-1 in today's semifinals, and top seed Wozniacki defeated Petra Martic.Wozniacki defeated Kerber l [..] > read more

Reunion of The Original 9 in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-14 13:35:00

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Friday cat blogging--pillow hog edition

Published on 2012-04-13 09:02:00

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Passing shots

Published on 2012-04-10 13:04:00

It was reported in this blog that Taylor Townsend is turning pro this year. It turns out that she has not yet made a decision, but was incorrectly reported as having made one.Also, by way of correction, Nadia Petrova says she has not applied for citizenship in the USA.Aravane Rezai qualified for the main draw in Barcelona, but is already out. She was defeated in the first round today by Julia Goerges. Also out is wild card Francesca Schiavone, defeated by Olga Govortsova.Neither Kim Clijsters no [..] > read more

Serena Williams wins 40th title in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-09 07:11:00

She won the championship at the 35th anniversary of the Family Circle Cup, and yesteday, Serena Wiilliams won the championship at the 40th anniversary. The 2012 Charleston win is also her 40th > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-04-08 11:49:00

World number 1 Victoria Azarenka has hired Amelie Mauresmo to be a coaching consultant.The stadium court in Charleston is now named the Billie Jean King Court. King and The Original 9 were honored last night at an exhibition match at the Family Circle Cup. King was instrumental in founding the WTA.Aravane Rezai has qualified for the > read more

Williams and Safarova to play in Charleston final

Published on 2012-04-07 20:29:00

Lucie SafarovaThough she's especially good on clay, Lucie Safarova probably wasn't picked by many fans to advance to the Family Circle Cup final. But the transition from hard courts to clay courts--which officially takes place in Charleston--isn't easy, and the unexpected happens. Safarova has played at a high level all week, taking out Mirjana Lucic, Aleksandra Wozniak, Vera Zvonareva, and Polona Hercog.Now the Czech player faces a big challenge. Her opponent in the final is Serena Williams, wh [..] > read more

Safarova advances to both finals in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-07 18:45:00

Lucie Safarova high-fives partner Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova after their doubles winCzech player Lucie Safarova advanced today to both the singles and doubles final at the Family Circle Cup. Safarova had an unusual day, by any standard. In her singles semifinal, she defeated Ponlona Hercog 6-0, 6-0. After she got some rest, Safarova returned to the court and--with partner Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova--won a thriller tiebreak against top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond. That 11-9 tiebreak gave Safa [..] > read more

Whatsoever you do unto Zvonareva....

Published on 2012-04-07 16:18:00

Serena Williams beat Sam Stosur 6-1, 6-1That also shall be done unto you.In the 2010 Family Circle Cup final, Sam Stosur so dominated Vera Zvonareva that Zvonareva was led to take some serious > read more

Stepping into the unknown

Published on 2012-04-06 22:40:00

Venus Williams may have lost her match in Charleston today, but it's clear that she hasn't lost any of her spirit or her champion's attitude. Finally diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome after suffering for years with symptoms of the > read more

The Original 9--women with spine

Published on 2012-04-06 21:58:00

Back in the 70s, when women actually took a stand against sexism and misogyny, nine women risked their careers (such as they were allowed to have) in order to give female professional tennis players an opportunity to really be professionals in their sport. Gladys Heldman paid each of nine women $1 apiece, and a tour contract was created. The nine women were: Peaches Bartkowicz, Rosie Casals, Judy Dalton, Kristy Pigeon, Nancy Richey, Valerie Ziegenfuss, Julie Heldman, Kerry Melville, and Billie J [..] > read more

Stosur wins two matches in one day

Published on 2012-04-06 20:22:00

I am SamWould you? Could you?In a car?Beat them! Beat them!Here they are.She didn't have to play in a car, but Sam Stosur had to play in the cold and the wind, and she had to play five and a half sets, for a total of four hours, 20 minutes and 21 seconds. Stosur's quarterfinal against Galina Voskoboeva had to be postponed last night because of rain. Play resumed today with Stosur leading 4-2 in the first set. The 2010 Family Circle Cup champion took that set easily, but her level of play went do [..] > read more

Serena Williams moves to Charleston semifinals when Lisicki retires

Published on 2012-04-06 20:21:00

Close observers of tennis couldn't have been surprised this morning in Charleston when Sabine Lisicki hit the ground, saw a trainer, and left the court with an ice pack. Lisicki and Serena Williams were playing the first quarterfinal of the day, at 1-1, deuce, in the first set, when Lisicki twisted her left ankle. The German player, who won the Family Circle Cup in 2009, immediately called for a trainer and was treated, but she retired when Williams went up 4-1. > read more

"Oh, Nadia"--part 2

Published on 2012-04-06 19:53:00

2006 Family Circle Cup champion Nadia Petrova won three games tonight against Polona Hercog in the last quarterfinal of the day. Hercog, who is seeded 14th at the tournament, had already upset 3rd seed Marion Bartoli, in the third round. She plays Lucie Safarova in the semifinals. > read more

Friday cat blogging--comfort zone edition

Published on 2012-04-06 08:24:00

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Venus and Serena Williams both in Charleston quarterfinals

Published on 2012-04-05 20:50:00

Serena Williams servesFor the first time in Family Circle Cup history, both Venus and Serena Williams will play in the quarterfinals. After Serena Williams defeated Marina Erakovic today, Venus defeated Anastasia Rodionova. The sisters are former champions in Charleston--Venus in 2004 and Serena in 2008.Sabine LisickiAlso advancing to the quarterfinals today was 2009 champion Sabine Lisicki, who defeated qualifierYaroslava Shvedova in straight sets. It took Lisicki a while to settle down and get [..] > read more

EleVen available in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-05 15:49:00

Venus Williams has re-launched her EleVen line of sports fashion. Here's a look at the collection, on sale at the Family Circle Cup: > read more

Hercog upsets Bartoli in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-05 15:43:00

Polona Hercog upset world number 7 Marion BartoliPolona Hercog was down 2-4 today in the third set of her third round match against Marion Bartoli at the Family Circle Cup. Bartoli, who played a three-hour match yesterday, appeared to be headed for another hard-fought win when Hercog started hitting winners on both sides, breaking Bartoli, and going on to upset her 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.Hercog, whose forehand is especially effective on clay courts, is ranked number 38 in the world. Two weeks ago, in Mia [..] > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-04-05 08:53:00

Agnieszka Radwanska has fired her coach, Borna Vikic. Vikic and Radwanska were working together on a trial basis. The Miami champion said of Vikic that "he did not pass."15-year old Taylor Townsend of the USA is turning pro this year. Townsend is the 2012 Australian Open champion in both singles and doubles (with Gabrielle Andrews).Here's the latest on Martina Hingis. Hingis will be in Charleston this week to celebrate the Family Circle Cup's 40th anniversary.Want a slice with that drink?Maria S [..] > read more

When the match is close

Published on 2012-04-05 00:24:00

View from my seat at the club courtBarbora Zahlavova Strycova knocks the clay from her shoesIf you're on Daniel Island during the Family Circle Cup--and especially if the weather is mild and a bit breezy--there probably isn't a better place to be than the Althea Gibson Club Court. There is so much green--the court clay, the trees surrounding the court, the view of grass leading toward the Grand Lawn. Look up, and you see palmettos, as well as a few bits of Spanish moss. Or you see the clubhouse [..] > read more

And then there were five

Published on 2012-04-04 23:24:00

Tonight in Charleston, 2007 Family Circle Cup champion Jelena Jankovic became the first of six former champions to exit the tournament. 2004 champion Venus Williams, a wild card in Charleston, defeated Jankovic 7-5, 6-0. Jankovic served for the first set at 5-4 and was broken, and she was hardly able to make any kind of statement after that.Williams, on the other hand, got better as the match went on, and broke Jankovic a total of seven times. She said afterwards that "...winning a match in stra [..] > read more

"Oh, Nadia"--and other Charleston tidbits

Published on 2012-04-04 16:46:00

2006 Family Circle Cup champion Nadia Petrova, not known for her consistency, faced an early exit today when USA veteran Jill Craybas served for the match against her at the Family Circle Cup. Craybas won the first set 6-2, and at 6-5, made an attempt to move to the third round. Petrova broke her at that point, however, but then Craybas saved three set points in the tiebreak. Finally, after 2 hours and 49 minutes, Petrova won, 2-6, 7-6, 6-2. Oh, Nadia.Not so lucky was Yanina Wickmayer, who lost [..] > read more

Bartoli wins 3-hour thriller in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-04 16:15:00

Vera Dushevina's facial expression never changed in the three hours she faced Marion Bartoli on the main court of the Family Circle Cup today. Dushevina, up against one of the hardest hitters on the tour, refused to give Bartoli the pace she so likes, and at times confounded the Frenchwoman with her patience and changes of ball speed.Fans knew they were in for something special when the first game of the match lasted 21 minutes. Dushevina was broken in that game, and Bartoli went on to win the s [..] > read more

Wednesday opener in Charleston a crowd-pleaser

Published on 2012-04-04 15:59:00

Big-serving Aleksandra Wozniak won her 2nd round matchFans who showed up at the Althea Gibson Club Court this morning to see Aleksandra Wozniak play Barbora Zahlavova Strycova play their second round Charleston match got all the entertainment and mild weather they could have asked for. They got some great tennis, too. It was a little warm and often cloudy, and a light breeze kept everyone comfortable as the players put on a display of shot-making that often dazzled spectators.Zahlavova Strycova [..] > read more

More Family Circle Cup news

Published on 2012-04-03 19:59:00

Yesterday, Lisa Ha became the 1,000,000th fan to enter the Family Circle Cup tournament. Ha and her family entered the gates around 11 a.m., and received a number of really nice gifts.One of the gifts the Ha family received was an invitation to the Bauer International Box Holder Appreciation Reception, held last night at the Daniel Island Club. Among the attendees was Miami champion Agnieszka Radwanska, who had to withdraw from Charleston because of a back injury. (From all reports, guests escap [..] > read more

Stosur advances to 3rd round of Family Circle Cup

Published on 2012-04-03 18:31:00

During the first set of today's second round match between 2010 champion Samantha Stosur and qualifier Jamie Hampton, Stosur didn't have to do much except serve and wait patiently. Hampton was obviously nervous, she was rushing her serve, and she helped hand Stosur a 6-0 first set. But, as expected, Hampton returned to the court a different player in the next set. She broke Stosur when the Australian star served for the match at 5-3. Hampton then held on a second serve that went directly to her [..] > read more

Venus Williams wins opener in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-03 18:06:00

Venus Williams, who is playing as a wild card in Charleston, was tested somewhat today by qualifier Iveta Benesova, but Benesova failed to hold her nerve at crucial times, and Williams advanced 6-4, 6-3 to the second round. The first real problem for Benesova came when she served at 4-5 and double-faulted, giving Williams a set point. Then she faulted again, hit the next ball into the net, and walked to her chair with a somewhat rueful smile on her face.Jankovic watches Williams play BenesovaThe [..] > read more

Family Circle Cup facts you may not know

Published on 2012-04-03 17:37:00

Here are some Family Circle Cup facts:200 members of the media from around the world attend the tournament each year.1,500 hats and 2,000 T-shirts will be sold to fans this week.2 1/4 miles of string will be used on players' racquets.7,200 tennis balls will be used.The 1973 Tournament was the first women's tennis event to be broadcast on national television.Chris Evert won the Family Circle Cup 8 times. > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-04-03 00:07:00

World number 1 Victoria Azarenka is scheduled to play in Stuttgart later this month, but says that she may not play until the Madrid tournament in early May. Azarenka is getting some rest after winning 26 straight matches. Her streak was ended by Marion Bartoli in Miami.Kim Clijsters, who has a tear in her hip muscle, says she hopes to be able to play in Madrid.Canadian player Rebecca Marino is taking an indefinite leave from tennis because of mental and physical exhaustion.Melanie Oudin's two q [..] > read more

4 former champions to play in Charleston tomorrow

Published on 2012-04-02 23:23:00

Cut-out of 2010 champion Sam Stosur2008 Family Circle Cup champion Serena Williams will play the headline match in Charleston tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Williams' opponent will be 2011 runner-up Elena Vesnina. Also playing tomorrow are 2010 champion Sam Stosur (vs. Jamie Hampton), 2006 champion Nadia Petrova (vs. Mariana Duque-Marino) and 2004 champion Venus Williams (vs. Iveta Benesova).Two other champions, Sabine Lisicki (2009) and Jelena Jankovic (2007) will play later in the week. > read more

Top seeds talk in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-02 23:11:00

Vera ZvonarevaThe top seeds were all on hand today as main draw play began in Charleston. Here are some of the things I learned from them:Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova's favorite book is Eat, Pray, Love.Serena Williams' role on Drop Dead Diva will be a recurring one. Williams will play Kelly Stevens, an attorney.Marion Bartoli is continuing to paint landscapes, though she shows them to only a few individuals.The person who inspires Jelena Jankovic the most is her mother, Snezana.Vera Zvonareva is con [..] > read more

Wozniak prevails over McHale in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-02 22:42:00

Aleksandra Wozniak served her way into the Family Circle Cup second round today, at the expense of crowd favorite Christina McHale. The two played for over 2 hours and 48 minutes, and Wozniak won 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. Both players had all kinds of problems at the net, which became the depository for several intended smashes. But other than that, it was a high quality affair.Wozniak looked a bit tired in the third set, and her level of serving decreased, but she turned it on again to come through at the [..] > read more

Radwanska withdraws from Charleston

Published on 2012-04-01 18:06:00

World number 4 Agnieszka Radwanska, who won Sony Ericsson Open in Miami yesterday, has withdrawn from the Family Circle Cup because of a back injury. Radwanska was seeded number 1 in Charleston. Seeds 2, 3 and 4 are Samantha Stosur, Marion Bartoli and Vera Zvonareva. > read more

The sun shines in Charleston

Published on 2012-04-01 17:53:00

There was no rain today on Daniel Island. In fact, we had blazing sun as we watched the second round of Family Circle Cup qualifying. This was Family Weekend, and there were lots of children watching matches, getting their faces painted, practicing their tennis strokes, and participating in a yoga workshop. Children 10 and under got in free, and many of them went straight for the cookie decorating, magic shows, jump castles, and custom-designed hula hoops.shopping was a popular activity--for eve [..] > read more

They're here!

Published on 2012-04-01 17:38:00

Both Serena and Venus Williams practiced today on the grounds of the Family Circle Cup. Serena is seeded 5th and has a bye in the first round. Wild card Venus will play a qualifier in her opening round. > read more

Oudin moves through Charleston qualifying

Published on 2012-04-01 17:32:00

Melanie Oudin serves for the matchAfter her big win against Heather Watson last night, Melanie Oudin was ready for Petra Rampre, whom she defeated 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of qualifying. Watson is joined in the main draw by top qualifying seed Iveta Benesova (who had to overcome a breakdown of her serve in today's second set against Krystina Pliskova) and Yaroslava Shvedova (who served superbly against Andrea Hlavackova).Camila Giorgi, who was so impressive yesterday against Grace Min, had t [..] > read more

Kirilenko and Petrova win Miami title

Published on 2012-04-01 17:16:00

Russian countrywomen Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova won the championship in Miami today, defeating Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci 7-6 (0), 4-6, 10-4. The two teams were seeded 5th and 6th, respectively. Petrova is now on her way to Charleston, where she will play doubles with Galina Voskoboeva. > read more

Talk about "luck of the draw"

Published on 2012-03-31 23:18:00

Anastasia PavlyuchenkovaThe main draw was held today on the Grand Lawn at the Family Circle Cup, and it turned out to be an unusually interesting occasion. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who has replaced Julia Goerges as the 8th seed, was on hand to assist. Everything went well until right toward the end, when it was discovered that some player chips hadn't made it into the giant tennis ball from which names are drawn. At that point, the draw--with the exception of the placement of seeds--had to be d [..] > read more

Family Circle Cup qualifying begins

Published on 2012-03-31 22:53:00

Today was the first day of qualifying at the Family Circle Cup, and with the qualifying draw expanded, matches were played in the stadium, which is usually reserved for practice. Top qualifying seed Iveta Benesova advanced, though she had to go three rounds against Andreja Klepac to do it. 2nd seed Alexandra Cadantu wasn't so lucky--she fell to Marta Domachowska in three sets, and one no games in the third.Camila Giorgi won her first qualifying roundCamila Giorgi beat Grace Min 6-4, 6-4 in a hig [..] > read more

Radwanska rules in Miami

Published on 2012-03-31 22:35:00

Some of us used to say that if only Agnnieszka Radwanska had a good serve, she could make a bigger dent in the tour. In response, she developed a rather good first serve. Her second serve is still weak, but what with her improved first serve, her impressive court speed, and her ability to out-think many opponents, Radwanska continues to be on the rise. Today, she demonstrated her strengths by beating Maria Sharapova in straight sets in the Miami final.Radwanska, who was seeded 5th in Miami, hit [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--room with a view edition

Published on 2012-03-30 06:20:00

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Radwanska and Sharapova to meet in Miami final

Published on 2012-03-29 23:12:00

There were constant breaks of serve. A limp-inducing injury foretold a possible retirement. The power went out and there were no lights. Any moment, I expected a storm to strike the stadium and for Jelena Jankovic to appear.The drama revolved around the second semifinal match at the Sony Ericsson Open. Agnieszka Radwanska and Marion Bartoli faced each other for a spot in the final but neither of them could hold serve. Finally, in the seventh game, Radwanska did hold, only to be broken when she s [..] > read more

Charleston qualifying starts Saturday

Published on 2012-03-29 00:00:00

Charleston qualifying takes place this weekend, and with an expanded qualifying draw, it should be a very busy two days. There are many players to watch in this qualifying draw, including Iveta Benesova, Heather Watson, Caroline Garcia, and Grace Min.Main draw play begins on Monday, April 2. It's going to be a bit strange this year because Patty Schnyder won't be there, and she has been such an intergral part of the tournament's culture for so many years. But there will plenty of great players t [..] > read more

Bartoli breaks Azarenka streak

Published on 2012-03-28 23:44:00

When she's "on," Marion Bartoli is a veritable hitting machine. She was on tonight in Miami--so much so that she ended world number 1 Victoria Azarenka's win streak, which had stretched to 26 matches. This was a very enjoyable match, especially the first set. Azarenka looked tired and frustrated as the match went on, and even though she was usually spinning her serve in, she committed a lot of service faults.Bartoli took the first set 6-3, then her level dropped a bit, and she went down a break [..] > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-03-28 00:10:00

Rosie Casals, the Family Circle Cup's first champion, will be on hand for events in Charleston next week. Casals, known for both singles and doubles expertise (and a mighty on-court fashion sense), will be part of the Cup's 40th anniversary celebration.On May 30th, the Court of Arbitration for Sport will hear the case of Yanina Wickmayer. The Belgian player is appealing a one-year ban placed on her in 2009 because she did not make available her whereabouts for drug testing. In the meantime, she [..] > read more

Wozniacki defeats Williams in Miami

Published on 2012-03-27 23:40:00

Tonight in Miami, for the first time in her career, Caroline Wozniacki defeated five-time Miami champion Serena Williams. Wozniacki, who won 6-4, 6-4, gets credit for serving extremely well and, of course, defending like the defense expert she is. Williams, on the other hand, could not stop making forehand errors. There were moments--especially toward the end--when a comeback seemed possible; Williams broke Wozniacki the first time she served for the match. But the player who served 20 aces in t [..] > read more

Venus Williams makes it to the Miami final 8

Published on 2012-03-26 23:55:00

Venus Williams' return to the tour after a prolonged illness break has taken a dramatic turn this week, as she has fought her way to the Sony Ericsson Open quarterfinals. After a straight-set victory over Kimiko Date-Krumm in the first round, Williams knocked out 3rd seed Petra Kvitova, handing Kvitova a 6-0 final set. In the next round, the former Miami champion was in visible pain as she struggled with a calf injury, but she got past Aleksandra Wozniak. Williams was down 2-4 in the third set, [..] > read more

Azarenka advances to Miami quarterfinals

Published on 2012-03-26 22:35:00

She hasn't had a good season so far, but when she's in form--like she was today--Dominika Cibulkova is one of the best baseline players on the tour. Like the hummingbird that isn't supposed to be able to fly but does so quite well, the comparatively short Cibulkova "isn't supposed to" be able to hit that hard or to move that well. In today's Sony Ericsson Open, Cibulkova served for the match twice against top seed Victoria Azarenka, but she couldn't quite get there.This match had so much quality [..] > read more

Clijsters out of Sony Ericsson Open

Published on 2012-03-25 10:04:00

On Friday, it was 3rd seed Petra Kvitova who left the Sony Ericsson Open in the second round, beaten 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 by wild card Venus Williams. Yesterday, it was Kim Clijsters who was defeated 6-4, 7-6 by countrywoman Yanina Wickmayer, though it took Wickmayer seven match points to get the job done.Angelique Kerber is out, defeated by Zheng Jie, and Garbine Muguruza Blanco upset Vera Zvonareva on Friday. Ekaterina Makarova defeated Mona Barthel.6th seed Sam Stosur was taken to the edge last nigh [..] > read more

Quote of the day

Published on 2012-03-24 16:16:00

"It's one thing to have ups and downs, but she isn't having any ups. "Lindsay Davenport, on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova > read more

Upsets abound in first round of Miami doubles

Published on 2012-03-24 13:14:00

Though it didn't create a media moment, there was a major upset in Miami yesterday: The team of Julia Goerges and Samantha Stosur defeated top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond 6-1, 6-4 in the first round. Huber and Raymond have been on a major tear, winning 16 straight matches, and they had to lose some time, but they probably didn't expect to go out in the opening round of the Sony Ericsson Open.The doubles draw, in fact, is already full of upsets. 4th seeds and 2011 French Open champions An [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--veil of mystery edition

Published on 2012-03-23 09:37:00

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Jankovic and Pavlyuchenkova both out in Miami 2nd round

Published on 2012-03-22 21:49:00

Though it isn't surprising, it's a sign of the times that both 13th seed Jelena Jankovic and 19th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova were defeated today in Miami in the second round of play. Mona Barthel handily defeated former world number 1 Jankovic 6-0, 6-3, and Pavlyuchenkova fell 6-1, 6-2 to countrywoman Ekaterina Makarova. Jankovic's best days really do seem to be behind her, and Pavlyuchenkova's best days--well, I'm not sure we ever saw them.Also going away was 2006 Miami champion Svetlana Kuz [..] > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-03-21 21:43:00

Thanks to The Slice for this wonderful look at Ana Soler's Causa-Effecto installation at the Mustang Art Gallery in Alicante, Spain. Soler used 2,000 tennis balls to create the art. Be sure to check out the video of the artist hanging the tennis balls.Beyond the Baseline reports that Venus Williams is relaunching her EleVen line of tennis clothing.Of her first round Miami win, Alisa Kleybanova said: > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-03-13 14:21:00

Apparently, Serena Williams has not yet confirmed that she will play mixed doubles with Andy Roddick at the Olympic Games. Several players have stated that it may be next to impossible to play in all three events because there is so little time scheduled for the matches.You can now get to know Sofia Arvidsson.Note to the sexist headline writer at Tennis.com: It's not "Mr. Mom"--we call it "a father."Andrea Petkovic has begun hitting again.Petra Kvitova has been hit with the stomach flu bug and s [..] > read more

Indian Wells can make you sick

Published on 2012-03-12 23:44:00

One of the biggest opponents at this year's BNP Paribas Open, it turns out, is a stomach virus. Francesca Schiavone, Vera Zvonareva, Vania King, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and several other players--as well as officials and volunteers--have become very ill, resulting in a higher than usual number of retirements and walkovers.Sam Stosur didn't get stomach flu, but she did get some big-time payback from Nadia Petrova. Stosur and Petrova engaged in the longest women's match ever played at the U.S. Open [..] > read more

Party central

Published on 2012-03-12 17:47:00

Who you gonna dance with in here?It depends on how much I have to drink.Nadal will be here. You can dance with him.Well, that depends on how much he has had to drink, too.Vania King > read more

McHale upsets Kvitova in Indian Wells

Published on 2012-03-12 00:22:00

Watching Petra Kvitova shouldn't be the nerve-wracking event that it sometimes is. The world number 3 has plenty of ups and downs no matter where she plays, but when she plays in this country and I see her go for the asthma inhaler, I lower my expectations. Tonight in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open, Kvitova played a very good first set against Christina McHale, but then the trouble began. Kvitova lost her way and subsequently lost the second set.In the third set, Kvitova found herself o [..] > read more

Azarenka escapes upset in Indian Wells

Published on 2012-03-10 00:11:00

Mona Barthel served for the match twice, but both times she was broken by top Indian Wells seed Victoria Azarenka tonight in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open. Until the match was on the line, the German's serving was superb, but the closer she got to victory, the more trouble she had getting her first serve in. The third set went to a tiebreak, and that, too, contained the kind of momentum swings that characterized the match. But in the end, not surprisingly, it was Azarenka who pulled t [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--Lush life edition

Published on 2012-03-09 08:23:00

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Quote of the week

Published on 2012-03-08 21:09:00

"I think I will be more sure to play the Olympics inside my home garden putting in the nets on my own grass than play the real one in Wimbledon."Marion Bartoli(thanks to Beyond the Baseline) > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-03-08 10:09:00

Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova participated in the March 5 BNP Paribas Showdown in Madison Square Garden. Roger Federer and Andy Roddick were also part of the exhibition event.A doubles team to watch in Indian Wells is the wild card team of Victoria Azarenka and Petra Kvitova. In the first round, they face the experienced team of Natalie Grandin and Vladimira Uhlirova.You can now get to know Hsieh Su-Wei, Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino and Mona Barthel.Bethanie Mattek-Sands will host a two-day [..] > read more

The vanishing act of Aravane Rezai

Published on 2012-03-06 13:21:00

Yesterday, Aravane Rezai lost to Kristina Barrois in the first round of Indian Wells qualifying. The Frenchwoman's attempts to return to her former status have repeatedly failed, and I, for one, think that women's tennis is all the worse for it. There are fans who "don't like" Rezai, but I'm not one of them. If I used words like "spunky" and "feisty," I'd use them to describe the small (as tennis players go) woman in the sometimes bizarre metallic tennis outfits who can hit harder than almost an [..] > read more

Errani wins it all in Acapulco

Published on 2012-03-04 11:53:00

Yesterday, Sara Errani won both titles at the Abierto Mexicano TELCEL in Acapulco. She defeated countrywoman Flavia Pennetta 5-7, 7-6, 6-0 in the singles final, and she and partner Roberta Vinci defeated Lourdes Dominguez Lino and Arantxa Parra Santonja 6-1, 6-2 in the doubles final. Errani was seeded third in singles and she and Vinci were seeded first in doubles.This was Pennetta's seventh trip to the Acapulco final. She has reached the final every time she has entered the tournament, and she [..] > read more

Looking forward--Fed Cup semifinals

Published on 2012-03-03 17:58:00

For the first time in its history, the Russian Fed Cup team has elected to play on a clay court. The team has chosen the Sports Palace Megasport in Moscow as the site of the upcoming semifinal contest between Russia and Serbia. This is the sixth consecutive year that Russia has appeared in the Fed Cup semifinals. The last time Russia won Fed Cup was in 2008.The Czech Republic has selected the CEZ Arena in Ostrava as the site of the Czech team's semifinal against Italy. The last time the two team [..] > read more

Radwanska withdraws from Malaysian Open

Published on 2012-03-02 20:40:00

Top seed Agnieszka Radwanska withdrew from the Malaysian Open today because of a right elbow injury. Her withdrawal gave Shieh Su-Wei a walkover into the semifinals. Also, 3rd seed Peng Shuai lost to 5th seed Petra Martic.In Acapulco, top seed Roberta Vinci lost to Sara Errani in the semifinals. In the second semifinal, 2nd seed Flavia Pennetta defeated 4th seed Irina-Camelia Begu 6-2, 6-2.Paola Suarez--making her comeback in advance of the Olympic Games--and partner Gisela Dulko lost in the sem [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--view from the top edition

Published on 2012-03-02 09:08:00

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Quote of the week

Published on 2012-03-01 17:53:00

"Unfortunately, I don't have vodka-flavored gummi bears--yet."Maria Sharapova, on her upcoming Sugarpova line of gummi candies > read more

Radwanska to play in Charleston

Published on 2012-03-01 10:50:00

World number 5 Agnieszka Radwanska will return to Charleston in April to play in the Family Circle Cup. Radwanska will join previously announced players Sam Stosur, Vera Zvonareva, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams. Also competing this year are 2009 champion Sabine Lisicki, 2007 champion Jelena Jankovic, world number 7 Marion Bartoli, Julia Goerges, Lucie Safarova, Yanina Wickmayer, and Zheng Jie. Here is the complete 2012 draw.Exhibition play participants include Billie Jean King, Virginia Wa [..] > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2012-02-29 09:50:00

Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade will be the coaches. The players will include Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis, Rennae Stubbs, Jimmy Connors, and Aaron Krickstein. That sounds irrsistible, and it's going to be a reality on Saturday, April 7, at 7 p.m. at the Family Circle Cup. 40 Love: A Night of Empowerment Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Circle Cup, a special evening presented by Dove, will include a stadium court dedication to Billie Jean King. The Original [..] > read more

Arvidsson wins Memphis, Babos wins Monterrey

Published on 2012-02-26 21:05:00

Unseeded Sofia Arvidsson won the 2012 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis over the weekend. Arvidsson defeated 4th seed Marina Erakovic 6-3, 6-4 in the final. The doubles title was claimed by top seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. The Czech team defeated 2nd seeds Vera Dushevina and Olga Govortsova 6-3, 6-4 in the final.In Monterrey, Timea Babos topped off a good week by winning the championship. Babos, who defeated Alexandra Cadantu 6-4, 6-4 in the final, also beat 2nd seed [..] > read more

Radwanska wins in Dubai

Published on 2012-02-25 19:50:00

It wasn't that long ago that Agnieszka Radwanska told the tennis press that she planned to move into the top 5. She did that today by winning the title in Dubai. Radwanska, seeded 5th, defeated Julia Goerges 7-5, 6-4. "She doesn't give you anything," Goerges said after the match. "She doesn't do any mistakes at all. And when she does a few, it's at 15-all or 15-0, not in the important moments."Goerges had a very good week, taking out Svetlana Kuznetsova, Daniela Hantuchova and Caroline Wozniacki [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--February dreaming edition

Published on 2012-02-24 09:46:00

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Jankovic advances to Dubai semifinals

Published on 2012-02-24 00:42:00

Jelena Jankovic upset 4th seed seed Sam Stosur in the Dubai quarterfinals Thursday, defeating her 6-4, 6-2. Jankovic, who is seeded 8th, will play Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals. Radwanska beat the ailing Sabine Lisicki.Also winning in the quarterfinals was Caroline Wozniacki, who defeated Ana Ivanovic 6-3, 7-5. And Julia Goerges, in an entertaining and high-quality match, defeated Daniela Hantuchova 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. The two had never before played each other, and Goerges said it took her a [..] > read more

Quote of the week

Published on 2012-02-24 00:31:00

"You shouldn't repair something that's not broken."Caroline Wozniacki > read more

Serena Williams enters Family Circle Cup

Published on 2012-02-23 11:28:00

2008 Family Circle Cup Champion Serena Williams has entered the 2012 event in Charleston. Williams, who has won 39 singles titles--including 13 majors--called the Family Circle Cup's upcoming 40th anniversary "an important milestone in women's tennis."Willliams, generally considered the greatest player of her generation, will be joined by the Original 9 for the anniversary celebration. Her 2008 opponent in the final, Vera Zvonareva, will also be in Charleston, as will 2010 champion Sam Stosur an [..] > read more

Play begins in Dubai

Published on 2012-02-20 20:48:00

It seems like it was only yesterday--wait, it was only yesterday--that I wrote that Petra Kvitova, who withdrew from Doha because of an Achilles injury--would be in Dubai this week. Kvitova, however, withdrew from the tournament because of illness. (Vera Zvonareva and Li Na also planned to be in Dubai but then withdrew.)Top seed Victoria Azarenka is there, however, and while she got a day of rest because of a bye, Julia Goerges awaits her in round 2. Goerges defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova today. A [..] > read more

Kvitova to return in Dubai

Published on 2012-02-19 14:10:00

World number 3 Petra Kvitova, who withdrew from Doha because of Achilles tendon pain in her right foot, is scheduled to play in Dubai next week. Kvitova has a bye in the first round, and in the second, she is most likely to face Dominika Cibulkova. Cibulkova has been in a slump lately, so both players are coming in with some issues.First round matches of interest:Julia Goerges vs. Svetlana KuznetsovaPeng Shuai vs. Marion BartoliMaria Kirilenko vs. Monica Niculescu (the one I would most like to w [..] > read more

Azarenka wins Doha title

Published on 2012-02-19 13:59:00

Any doubts about Victoria Azarenka's performance because of an ankle injury sustained in the semifinals yesterday were erased today--and quickly. Top seed Azarenka defeated Sam Stosur 6-1, 6-2, while holding first and second win percentages of 77 and 89. The world's number 1 player now goes to Dubai, where she has a bye in the first round. Azarenka is 17-0 for the season.Top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond won the doubles title by defeating Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears 6-3, 6-1.The B [..] > read more

Injury a factor in Doha

Published on 2012-02-18 15:39:00

Yesterday, Victoria Azarenka, Agnieszka Radwanska, Samantha Stosur, and Marion Bartoli all advanced to the Doha semifinals. They defeated Yanina Wickmayer, Christina McHale, Monica Niculescu, and Lucie Safarova, respectively.Today, both semifinal matches were marked by injury. Bartoli retired with a calf injury after losing the first set 3-6 to Stosur. The Frenchwoman, who has played a lot of tennis lately, consulted briefly with the trainer, but then determined that she had too much pain to go [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--technofreak edition

Published on 2012-02-17 09:40:00

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Passing shots

Published on 2012-02-15 21:21:00

Kim Clijsters has withdrawn from Indian Wells. Clijsters continues to have problems with her ankle injury.Paola Suarez returned to doubles play today, but unfortunately, she and partner Gisela Dulko lost in the first round in Bogota.Paula Ormaechea beat Jelena Dockic, one of her childhood idols, in the first round in Bogota.I regret that I didn't mention this last week, but just for the record, Kimiko Date-Krumm wrote what I thought was one of the best tournament (Pattaya City) blogs ever.Lindsa [..] > read more

Safarova beats Wozniacki in Doha

Published on 2012-02-15 21:01:00

She was three match points down in the third set, but Lucie Safarova still walked away the winner of her Qatar TOTAL Open first round match against 2nd seed Caroline Wozniacki. Safarova beat Wozniacki 4-6. 6-4, 7-6. Serving at 4-5 in the final set, Safarova went down 0-40, but then served herself right out of trouble in one of those "anything can happen in tennis" moments.Sam Stosur, who lost to Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open, defeated Cirstea 6-4, 7-6 today. Stosur broke Cirstea at 4-al [..] > read more

Keothavong knocks countrywomen out of Doha qualifying

Published on 2012-02-12 22:42:00

Anne Keothavong had what was probably a distasteful job over the weekend. Both of her opponents in the Doha qualifying draw were fellow Brits. In the first round, Keothavong defeated Laura Robson 6-1, 6-1, and in the second, she defeated Heather Watson 6-4, 6-4.Keothavong will play Tamira Paszek in the first round of the main draw. The top seed in Doha is world number 1 Victoria Azarenka. > read more

Hantuchova defends title in Pattaya City

Published on 2012-02-12 18:45:00

She had to play for over three hours, but defending champion Daniela Hantuchova won her second consecutive title in Pattaya City today when she defeated Maria Kirilenko 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 in the final. "...it was the first time I defended a title in my career," Hantuchova said, "but it's better late than never.!"Hantuchova and Kirilenko are sometimes doubles partners. They were seeded 3rd and 4th, respectively, in the tournament. Top seeds Sania Mirza and Anastasia Rodionova won the doubles title. In [..] > read more

Kerber wins her first title

Published on 2012-02-12 18:35:00

Angelique Kerber, the U.S. Open's surprise semifinalist, has followed up her Flushing Meadows run with continual improvement. Today, she won her first title, and a nice one at that. Kerber defeated Marion Bartoli 7-6, 5-7, 6-3 to win the Open GDF SUEZ in Paris. All week long, Bartoli had fought back from next-to-impossible situations, and it was easy to believe that she would fight back again in the final, even when she was down 0-4 in the third set. In fact, the Frenchwoman dramatically saved f [..] > read more

Bartoli and Kerber to play for Paris championship

Published on 2012-02-11 13:24:00

Marion Bartoli did it again today--went down 2-5 and won the set. The 2nd seed's 7-6, 6-0 victory over Klara Zakopalova in the Paris indoor tournament put her into the final, in which she'll meet Angelique Kerber. Kerber, seeded 9th, defeated Yanina Wickmayer 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. Wickmayer, who was up 3-1 in the third set, saved four match points on her own serve in a dramatic game at 3-5.Meanwhile, in Pattaya City, defending champion Daniela Hantuchova is once more in the final. Hantuchova defeated H [..] > read more

Bartoli fights past Vinci in Paris

Published on 2012-02-10 18:07:00

"I don't know how I got out of the match," 2nd seed Marion Bartoli said of her Paris quarterfinal round today against Roberta Vinci. Bartoli was a set and 1-4 down in the second set, and 2-5 down in the third. But after two hours and 40 minutes, she emerged the winner, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6. The two players have very contrasting styles, which made for a good show, even without the thrills.Also getting a big win was Angelique Kerber, who defeated top seed Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-4. Yanina Wickmayer, who l [..] > read more

Friday cat blogging--pillow takeover edition

Published on 2012-02-10 10:00:00

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Venus Williams enters Family Circle Cup

Published on 2012-02-08 17:28:00

2004 champion Venus Williams has entered the 2012 Family Circle Cup in Charleston. Williams is one of five women who won the event the first time she entered it, and she has an 11-3 record at the tournament."I’m very excited to return to the Family Circle Cup this year, especially because the Original 9 will be recognized for their significant contribution to women’s professional tennis," Williams said in announcing her entry. The WTA founders will be at the tournament to celebrate its 40th [..] > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-07-05 21:56:00

Scroll down to see a photo of 17-year-old Petra Kvitova.Speaking of Kvitova, here she is with Wimbledon gentlemen's champion Novak Djokovic, posing for official photos.Lindsay Davenport has withdrawn from World Team Tennis because she is pregnant, an > read more

Li honored in Beijing

Published on 2011-07-05 21:00:00

Li Na just returned to China for the first time since she won the French Open, and was honored today in a ceremony in Beijing. The event took place in Sanlitun SOHO, in Li's home province of Hubei. And while Reuter's reported that Li's public gratitu > read more

At the Champions' Ball

Published on 2011-07-05 12:44:00

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Passing shots

Published on 2011-07-04 15:25:00

NBC has lost the Wimbledon tournament, which is the least of the punishments the network deserves for its constant imposition of blackouts, which forces people without fast enough Internet connections to watch big matches after the fact--and forces t > read more

My Wimbledon top 10

Published on 2011-07-04 14:49:00

My top 10 Wimbledon occurrences, in ascending order:10. Serving notice: Serena Williams is back. She lost in the quarterfinals to Marion Bartoli, but--as she herself put it: "I can only get better, and that can potentially be really scary...." > read more

Benesova and Melzer win Wimbledon mixed doubles title

Published on 2011-07-03 18:39:00

Iveta Benesova and Jurgen Melzer won the Wimbledon mixed doubles championship today. The 9th seeds defeated 4th seeds Elena Vesnina and Mahesh Bhupati 6-3, 6-2. Benesova and Melzer had outstanding service stats, and hit more than twice as many winner > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-07-02 18:34:00

She's a Grand Slam champion. She has a tremendous amount of potential to go even further and achieve many great things. If she keeps playing like that and keeps her level up, absolutely. She has a great game for it, yeah.Maria SharapovaI'm playing fo > read more

Peschke and Srebotnik win Wimbledon doubles championship

Published on 2011-07-02 15:28:00

2nd seeds Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik won their first major today. It took them just an hour and nine minutes to defeat the unseeded team of Sabine Lisicki and Sam Stosur 6-3, 6-1.Lisicki and Stosur had to finish their semifinal match first. > read more

Benesova and Vesnina in Wimbledon mixed doubles final

Published on 2011-07-02 15:09:00

Iveta Benesova and her partner, Jurgen Melzer, will play Elena Vesnina and Mahesh Bhupati in the Wimbledon mixed doubles final. The 9th-seeded Benesova and Melzer defeated 8th seeds Chan Jung-Jan and Daniel Nestor in the semifinals. Vesnina and Bhupa > read more

What she said

Published on 2011-07-02 14:37:00

Comments from Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova:"I like big challenges like this one...""I don't want to change, I just want to be like everyone else, I'm nothing special.""Some special tactics, it wasn't."How do you think winning Wimbledon will > read more

Petra Kvitova beats Sharapova in straight sets to win Wimbledon

Published on 2011-07-02 14:23:00

When Petra Kvitova--after winning her first Wimbledon title--looked up at the royal box and blew a kiss to Martina Navratilova and Jana Novotna, the small gesture spoke volumes. Navratilova, Mandlikova, Sukova, Novotna, Hingis--all these champions ha > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-07-01 17:57:00

I don't care about the noise. When I play I don't think about it. I just play my game. Azarenka was also noisy and I don't care.Petra Kvitova...She's got a lot of confidence coming in here, and the sense of feeling of having nothing to lose...Maria S > read more

Finally, we get some semifinal drama!

Published on 2011-07-01 16:54:00

The Wimbledon semifinals haven't offered us much in the way of thrills--until today. However, the unseeded team of Sabine Lisicki and Sam Stosur, along with lucky losers Marina Erakovic and Tammy Tanasugarn, took care of that problem. Earlier in the > read more

Friday cat blogging--Daniel's edition

Published on 2011-07-01 10:00:00

Rrrrrrrrrr! > read more

Things you may not know about Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-30 22:59:00

Some lesser known Wimbledon facts:Seven women in the Open Era have won Wimbledon without ever reaching a world number 1 ranking: Ann Haydon Jones, Virginia Wade, Conchita Martinez, and Jana Novotna. Prior to the Open Era, there were three such women- > read more

Something worth screaming about

Published on 2011-06-30 20:53:00

British journalists, who behave even worse toward women than do journalists in my country (and that's saying something)--with the Wimbledon powers' blessing--have made "grunting" an issue during the 2011 Wimbledon tournament. Some of them, at least, > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-29 17:46:00

...without the Williams, women’s tennis sheds its box office and becomes instead a procession of identikit eastern Europeans with their bouncy blonde ponytails, obsessive parental coaches, and double-handed backhands.Jim WhiteWoohoo! We are in the > read more

Erakovic and Tanasugarn advance to Wimbledon semifinals

Published on 2011-06-29 15:05:00

Marina Erakovic and Tammy Tanasugarn, two fine grass court players, advanced to the Wimbledon doubles semifinals today, after defeating 3rd seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond 4-6, 7-6, 13-11. Erakovic and Tanasugarn, who came into the draw as lucky > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-28 21:53:00

Why didn't they drop-shot me? That would have been a good play.Chris EvertSometimes you make some mistakes and your mentality is down, and that was my problem.Petra KvitovaI said "I don't want to do something that I'm not enjoying." Then she says, "T > read more

Sharapova in Wimbledon semifinals again

Published on 2011-06-28 21:20:00

2004 champion Maria Sharapova advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals today. It was the first time since 2006 that she had reached the semifinals, and she did so easily, defeating 24th seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-1, 6-1. Sharapova, seeded 5th, is now the > read more

Wild card Lisicki goes to Wimbledon semifinals

Published on 2011-06-28 20:45:00

Marion Bartoli had great reserves of adrenalin that got her through the round of 16 at Wimbledon, but one had to wonder just when they would finally give out. The answer was clear today when the 9th seed--though she managed to get in one last fight-- > read more

Notes on Wimbledon broadcasting

Published on 2011-06-28 20:06:00

Marion Bartoli's in-studio chat with Martina Navratilova and Bill Macatee is my favorite interview so far. It was also amusing to hear Virginia Wade's ESPN interview earlier in the tournament. Wade talked not only about her win in front of the Queen, > read more

Defending champions out of Wimbledon in 2nd round

Published on 2011-06-28 06:50:00

Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova, the Wimbledon 2010 champions, were upset yesterday in the second round of play. Sabine Lisicki and Sam Stosur defeated the top seeds 6-4, 6-3. Also going out were 5th seeds Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Meghann Shuaghne > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-27 18:34:00

Usually during those matches when I was playing against some great champion like Serena or somebody like that, I was a bit more shy, not showing too much on court. My opponent was really, like, taking all the space, and I was not able to do really an > read more

Kvitova continues straight-sets Wimbledon campaign

Published on 2011-06-27 13:55:00

Today at Wimbledon, Petra Kvitova went through opponent Yanina Wickmayer like a blowtorch through a sticky toffee pudding, defeating her 6-0, 6-2 in the round of 16. 8th seed Kvitova went after 19th seed Wickmayer's second serves, and many of her fir > read more

Two former champions and number 1 seed all knocked out of Wimbledon today

Published on 2011-06-27 13:55:00

If Dick Enberg is correct, then most of the spectators have been queuing in the Pimm's Cup line too frequently at Wimbledon. "They didn't expect Bartoli to come up with this kind of fight...," he said. Really? The Frenchwoman has done nothing but fig > read more

Who is Petra Cetkovska, and why is she beating everyone?

Published on 2011-06-26 22:50:00

Just a few years ago, I was doing a "Czech watch," and two young players, both named Petra, looked promising. One, of course, was Petra Kvitova, who is now number 8 in the world. The other was Petra Cetkovska. Cetkovska's star did not rise the way Pe > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-26 14:36:00

She wills herself to win; she's hungry. You don't see too many hungry players out there.Chris Evert, commenting on Marion BartoliI was a little more consistent and I played my game more. I wasn't as tight and nervous. I was able to relax more today.S > read more

Wozniacki quietly and efficiently advances to Wimbledon round of 16

Published on 2011-06-26 14:15:00

Wimbledon top seed Caroline Wozniacki has now played three rounds of tennis and made only nine unforced errors. In her second round match against Virginie Razzano, she made only one unforced error, which is such a rarity it is worth noting. For those > read more

Court 12 the scene of thrills at Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-26 13:14:00

Maybe more people would like women's tennis if they were given the chance to see women's tennis. There were two highly entertaining matches played on Court 12 today at Wimbledon; they lasted for hours; one was an out-and-out thriller that should be r > read more

Passing shots at Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-24 19:35:00

Maria Sharapova, knowing she was going to play the left-handed Laura Robson in the second round, asked Martina Navratilova to hit with her, but Navratilova's television commentator duties made that impossible. The two have hit together in the past.My > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-24 19:28:00

I think they'll keep getting stronger, mentally and physically. And I put Sharapova right up there with them. I don't think anyone else has a shot.Chris Evert, on the Williams sistersI'm really glad that I stayed so composed....Victoria Azarenka, com > read more

Hantuchova and Zvonareva out of Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-24 19:00:00

There was another rain delay at Wimbledon today, so matches are still running behind schedule. 4th seed Victoria Azarenka and 25th seed Daniela Hantuchova had to endure a 40-minute break while the Centre Court roof was put up. Hantuchova entered the > read more

Pironkova surprised to learn about WTA ranking system

Published on 2011-06-24 10:26:00

Tsvetana Pironkova, a 2010 Wimbledon semifinalist who defeated 2010 runner-up Vera Zvonareva in straight sets today, said she was shocked to learn that other tournaments on the WTA tour provide ranking points. "I've been a pro for a while," Pironkova > read more

Friday cat blogging--quiet moment edition

Published on 2011-06-24 08:35:00

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Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-23 22:31:00

...I think both players today played a great match on the court. All I can say is "unlucky for me." Both players were unbelievable. Nothing wrong. Just unlucky. I had two match points. But I can do nothing for these two match points. I think also bot > read more

Passing shots at Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-23 21:30:00

Dominika Cibulkova and Petra Kvitova are out of doubles competition at Wimbledon. They were defeated in the first round by 10th seeds Iveta Benesova and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.The Wimbledon website leaves something to be desired, and the mobile p > read more

Li upset in 2nd round of Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-23 20:21:00

That noise you hear is the sound of seeds dropping onto the court. But we're not talking rye grass here; seeded players are being driven out of Wimbledon in dramatic fashion. Take, for example, 13th seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who was up 6-3, 5-4, 30-0 > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-22 23:38:00

Oh, Bethanie.....Chris Evert, upon seeing Bethanie Mattek-Sands' warmup jacketI don't think I am suitable for that costume.Misaki DoiShe doesn't play anywhere near her age.Venus Williams, referring to Kimiko Date KrummThis is the shot that may one da > read more

Pironkova advances to Wimbledon 3rd round

Published on 2011-06-22 23:02:00

The casual tennis fan does not know who Tsvetana Pironkova is. Pironkova is a Bulgarian player with a game that's fun to watch, but unfortunately, she doesn't have the mentality to match. She rose to prominence last year when she made it to the semif > read more

Wimbledon 2011--the drama begins

Published on 2011-06-22 22:19:00

Today was the the third day of Wimbledon, and it was the day the real drama began. Play was delayed because of more rain, but on Centre Court, where there is a roof, 23rd seed Venus Williams and Kimiko Date Krumm provided three hours of first-class t > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-21 22:04:00

Do you think because of what you've been through over the last couple of years with injuries and form, things like that, do you think if you might have lost today, that could have possibly been your last time here?...you know, it didn't really cross > read more

Serena Williams wins 1st round Wimbledon match

Published on 2011-06-21 21:27:00

Serena Williams, the defending champion at Wimbledon, was described today by many writers as "emotional" because she cried after she won her first round. The fact is that Williams is just about always emotional, but we don't generally see tears from > read more

More misery for Stosur

Published on 2011-06-21 20:56:00

For the second year in a row, Sam Stosur is out of Wimbledon in the first round. Melinda Czink, who--in the past--has struggled with nerves, was as cool as the ice in a Pimm's today as she expertly unraveled the 10th seed's game. Czink, who recently > read more

Sybille Bammer retires

Published on 2011-06-20 20:43:00

Sybille Bammer retired from professional tennis today. Bammer was defeated 6-1, 6-1 by Monica Niculescu in her first round at Wimbledon, and then quietly left the sport. The 31-year-old left-hander from Austria reached a career high ranking of numbe > read more

Wimbledon--what they said

Published on 2011-06-20 19:31:00

...I avoided calling my mom because she said, You're not trying to come back too soon, are you? Bullying me about it. Venus Williams Is there any effect underfoot with the roof on? ...But I think is a little bit, a little bit faster. But I'm speak > read more

Wimbledon begins in a very Wimbledon kind of way

Published on 2011-06-20 19:00:00

It rained. Then Francesca Schiavone and Jelena Dokic had to wait almost an hour for the roof to be put on and for all the accompanying preparations to be made. It was 1-all in the third set, and Schiavone got a break, but was broken back. She broke a > read more

Wimbledon: 1st round matches of interest

Published on 2011-06-19 19:31:00

Here are some first round Wimbledon matches of particular interest:Kirsten Flipkens vs. Peng Shuai (20)--Peng is having a great season, but is also showing some wear and tear. Flipkens should feel at home on grass, and could make it tough for the 20t > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-06-19 19:17:00

Laura Robson has parted ways with Patrick Mouratoglou, who has coached her for the last six months. Robson will look for a new coach at the conclusion of the Wimbledon tournament.Don't look for these players at Wimbledon; they have all withdrawn: Gis > read more

Wimbledon qualifiers

Published on 2011-06-19 18:34:00

The following players have qualified for the main draw at Wimbledon:Kristyna PliskovaAleksandra WozniakMona BarthelMisaki DoiChang Kai-ChenVitalia DiatchenkoAlexa GlatchLesia TsurenkoGlatch won her third round qualifying match by defeating Galina Vos > read more

Picks for Wimbledon championship

Published on 2011-06-19 12:26:00

Peter Bodo--Maria SharapovaRichard Pagliario--Serena WilliamsJon Wertheim--Serena WilliamsPatrick McEnroe--Li NaBruce Jenkins--Serena WilliamsKamakshi Tandon--Maria SharapovaPam Shriver--Maria SharapovaDarren Cahill--Maria SharapovaMatt Cronin--Maria > read more

Bartoli wins Eastbourne

Published on 2011-06-18 14:52:00

Marion Bartoli hadn't won a title since Stanford in 2009, though she reached the finals in both Strasbourg and Indian Wells this year. The 2007 Wimbledon runner-up had also never won a grass court title. But today changed all that. Bartoli defeated P > read more

Vinci wins her first title on grass

Published on 2011-06-18 13:43:00

Roberta Vinci won her fifth WTA title today, and her first one on grass. The 28-year-old Italian, known for her expertise in doubles and on clay courts, defeated Jelena Dokic 6-7, 6-3, 7-5 in the final of the Unicef Open in 's-Hertogenbosch.The match > read more

Time for tea

Published on 2011-06-17 22:22:00

I met a friend for lunch at our local English Tea Room (the most authentically Brit tea room I've ever known outside of those in England) today. Some cheeky waiter popped a cardboard cutout of the Queen (Elizabeth, not Venus) in front of our table, a > read more

Quote of the day

Published on 2011-06-17 19:26:00

"...there's no Plan A or Plan B, it's all guns blazing. She's just going to take on everything she can--the serves and the returns, and, although not the greatest mover--she's almost better when on the run. The number of shots she manages to time and > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-06-17 17:58:00

Bethanie Mattek-Sands, as promised, wore a dress made partly of tennis balls to the WTA pre-Wimbledon party. The dress was designed by Alex Noble, who designs for Lady Gaga. "...I didn't call her. I sent a text message saying, 'I'm good. Now in Paris > read more

If it's raining, it must be grass season

Published on 2011-06-17 15:49:00

There were no semifinals played today in Eastbourne because of the almost non-stop rain. The plan is for both semifinal matches to be played in the morning, followed by the final. 5th seed Petra Kvitova will play Daniela Hantuchova, and 7th seed Sam > read more

Friday cat blogging--lazy day edition

Published on 2011-06-17 08:42:00

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Rain interrupts play at Unicef Open

Published on 2011-06-16 17:44:00

Rain interrupted play before Svetlana Kuznetsova and Dominika Cibulkova could finish their quarterfinal match at the Unicef Open today; Kuznetsova was leading, 3-0, in the third set. She is seeded 2nd; Cibulkova is seeded 5th.3rd seed Yanina Wickmaye > read more

Ditty retires and takes job in Kentucky

Published on 2011-06-16 16:50:00

Just a week ago, the Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland, Kentucky had a new director of tennis supervising matters on the courts. That would be Julie Ditty, who has retired from the tour, played professional tennis for almost ten years. In 2008, Ditt > read more

Hantuchova advances to Eastbourne semifinals

Published on 2011-06-16 16:25:00

A day after upsetting 2nd seed Li Na in Eastbourne, Daniela Hantuchova defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in the quarterfinals. Prior to today, Williams held a 10-0 record against Hantuchova. The Eastbourne tournament is Williams' first in f > read more

Zvonareva beats Williams in Eastbourne

Published on 2011-06-15 22:24:00

It took her three hours and twelve minutes, but Vera Zvonareva, the top seed in Eastbourne, defeated Serena Williams today in the second round of the AEGON International in Eastbourne. Part of the reason it took so long was that, right before what sh > read more

Clijsters withdraws from Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-15 19:22:00

Kim Clijsters withdrew from Wimbledon today, after injuring her foot in Eastbourne. Clijsters told the press that the injury is not related to the ankle injury that recently kept her off the court. The world number 2 was referring to an injury she su > read more

Clijsters injured again, and questionable for Wimbledon

Published on 2011-06-14 16:34:00

Romina Oprandi had a big win today in the second round of the UNICEF Open, but the occasion may have been even bigger for her opponent, Kim Clijsters. Clijsters, the number 1 seed at the tournament, stumbled when she slid toward the net in the second > read more

Right where she left off

Published on 2011-06-13 19:49:00

The last time we saw Venus Williams play, she had to retire during her third round Australian Open match against Andrea Petkovic. Williams had a hip injury at the time, but she would later develop an abdominal injury. When she returned to the court t > read more

Lisicki wins Birmingham title

Published on 2011-06-13 09:36:00

Unseeded Sabine Lisicki defeated 4th seed Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 6-2 today to win the 2011 AEGON Classic championship. The match was played this morning and not yesterday, as scheduled, because of constant rain. This is Lisicki's second WTA title. S > read more

Wimbledon classics

Published on 2011-06-12 22:03:00

For those who live in the USA and have Tennis Channel: The Wimbledon final, in which Maria Sharapova defeated Serena Williams, will air on Monday, June 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern time. On the Tuesday, June 14, the featured match is the 2005 final, in which > read more

Wozniacki wins championship in Copengagen

Published on 2011-06-12 12:26:00

World number 1 and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki won her fifth title of the season today. Wozniacki defeated 4th seed Lucie Safarova 6-1, 6-4 to win the e-Boks Sony Ericsson Open in Copenhagen. Wozniacki won the tournament without losing a se > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-06-12 12:16:00

Sabine Lisicki has been given a wild card into the main draw of Wimbledon. Lisicki was a quarterfinalist in 2009. Also getting a wild card is Eleni Daniilidou. Other wild card awards are listed here.Naomi Cavaday tells it. Tim Henman, John Isner, Joh > read more

Hantuchova to play Lisicki in Birmingham final

Published on 2011-06-11 14:08:00

4th seed Daniela Hantuchova continued her good season today by advancing to the final of the AEGON Classic. Hantuchova defeated 2nd seed Ana Ivanovic 6-7, 6-3, 6-2. Ivanovic, who received a wild card into the draw, hit 16 aces. There were seven break > read more

Lisicki advances to Birmingham semifinals

Published on 2011-06-10 15:45:00

Unseeded Sabine Lisicki has advanced to the semifinals of the AEGON Classic in Birmingham. Today, Lisicki defeated 14th seed Magdalena Rybarikova 7-6, 6-4. Joining Lisicki in the semifinals will be 2nd see (and wild card) Ana Ivanovic, 3rd seed Peng > read more

Friday cat blogging--awkward moment edition

Published on 2011-06-10 09:37:00

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Passing shots

Published on 2011-06-08 00:15:00

Serena Williams returns to the tour next week when she plays in Eastbourne. This will be the first time the former world number 1 has played since she won Wimbledon last year.Chris Evert will be in the ESPN broadcast booth for both Wimbledon and the > read more

Kanepi out of Birmingham in 2nd round

Published on 2011-06-07 21:54:00

Naomi BroadyKaia Kanepi, the top seed in Birmingham, was upset in the second round today by qualifier Arina Rodionova. Rodionova beat Kanepi 6-4, 6-2.In first round play, Caroline Garcia was defeated by qualifier Naomi Broady, who hit 20 aces in her > read more

My French Open top 10

Published on 2011-06-06 12:50:00

Yellow chrysanthemums (Golden Flowers) bloom in ParisHere, in ascending order, are my top 10 French Open happenings:10: The tour in microcosm: 17-year-old Caroline Garcia of France, ranked number 188 in the world, stepped onto Court Philippe Chatrier > read more

Ons Jabeur wins French Open girls' title

Published on 2011-06-05 13:38:00

9th seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia won the junior girls' French Open championship today. Jabeur defeated 5th seed Monica Puig 7-6(8), 6-1. Jabeur has won two ITF $10k events, both on clay. Jabeur was the runner-up in Paris last year.The girls' doubles ti > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-06-04 20:54:00

She deserved to win. One has to lose, one has to win. She deserves everything.Francesca SchiavoneI didn't want to change my tennis, so I just tried to play my tennis and tried to keep her running.Li NaLi looked like a veteran on the slippery surface, > read more

Number One Sister rules in Paris

Published on 2011-06-04 12:53:00

Sports history was made in Paris today when 29-year-old Li Na defeated defending champion Francesca Schiavone to win the 2011 French Open. Li, who defeated Schiavone 6-4, 7-6(0), is the first Chinese player to win a major tournament. And even t > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-06-03 21:12:00

Only 25? I heard it was like 40.Li Na, on hearing that 25 million people in China watched her semifinalWe are Italian; we have big hearts.Francesca SchiavoneThey came out firing from the first point. They also had no pressure. People expected that we > read more

Vergeer wins singles and doubles titles at French Open

Published on 2011-06-03 20:02:00

To no one's surprise, Esther Vergeer has won both the singles and doubles French Open wheelchair championships. Vergeer won her fifth singles title in Paris by defeating Marjolein Buis 6-0, 6-2. The Dutchwoman and her partner, Sharon Walraven, defeat > read more

Unseeded team wins French Open doubles title

Published on 2011-06-03 18:38:00

Andrea Hlavockova and Lucie Hradecka, the unseeded Czech team, won the French Open today by defeating 7th seeds Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina 6-4, 6-3. Hlavockova and Hradecka--who also took out the 2nd, 3rd and 6th seeds--did what most winners have > read more

Friday cat blogging--fan stress edition

Published on 2011-06-03 08:22:00

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French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-06-02 21:17:00

So now I change my mind--I like clay court.Li NaWhen she was leading 5-3, she really started to play a lot better.Marion BartoliYou obviously try to adjust, especially after you lose the first set.Maria SharapovaI have match point, I don't know I can > read more

Dellacqua and Lipsky win French Open mixed doubles title

Published on 2011-06-02 21:08:00

Casey Dellacqua re-entered the scene in a very nice way today. She and partner Scott Lipsky defeated top seeds and defending champions Katarina Srebotnik and Nenad Zimonjic, and thereby won the 2011 French Open mixed doubles championship. Dellacqua a > read more

Li and Schiavone to contend for French Open title

Published on 2011-06-02 20:53:00

There's still one more match to be played at the French Open, and I don't what the Maria Sharapova Channel (otherwise known as ESPN2) commentators are going to do. Mary Joe Fernandez and Cliff Drysdale have done everything but step onto the court and > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-06-01 23:11:00

I don't think I was playing my best tennis today, but I was trying really hard to get the momentum going. She was really solid.Victoria AzarenkaSo many people think I'm not so good on clay court; I think now they should change a little bit.Li NaI thi > read more

King and Shvedova upset in French Open semifinals

Published on 2011-06-01 22:33:00

When the French Open began, I thought there might be a chance for the all-Czech team to win. I was right--only I picked the wrong all-Czech team. Iveta Benesova and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, seeded 8th, went out in the first round. In fact, they we > read more

Whoever wins in Paris, it will be big news

Published on 2011-06-01 12:41:00

There are now four women standing in Paris, and each carries a storyline dramatic enough to make her potential championship a very big piece of sports news:Marion Bartoli, seeded number 11: Bartoli is the number 1 French player, and no Frenchwoman ha > read more

Li and Sharapova advance to French Open semifinals

Published on 2011-06-01 11:30:00

Victoria Azarenka, the highest seed left in the French Open quarterfinal draw, is out of the tournament. She was defeated today, clinically and without fuss, by 6th seed Li Na. Li. The 4th seed, who has yet to get beyond the quarterfinals in a major, > read more

Passing shots in Paris

Published on 2011-05-31 22:06:00

I've really enjoyed the French Open site's "Road to Roland Garros" videos. My favorites among the women are Daniela Hantuchova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, both of whom manage to put on little shows during the brief ride. If you haven't seen them, t > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-31 21:22:00

Intensity is a skill.Martina NavratilovaI never felt that excited after a match, to be honest. It was just so many feelings at the same time....Marion BartoliIf looks could kill, there might be two dead players on the court.Elise BergenShe started to > read more

Arrivederci, 'Ova

Published on 2011-05-31 19:18:00

Russian players have done quite well at the 2011 French Open; six of them made it to the round of 16. Only one, Maria Sharapova, is left, however, as two more went out today at the hands of the defending champion and the French number 1.It's quite di > read more

Dulko gives it a try, but top seeds are out in Paris

Published on 2011-05-31 09:01:00

I thought there might be a walkover in yesterday's doubles quarterfinal between top seeds Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta and opponents Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina. Dulko had to retire from her singles round of 16 match the day before because of a > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-30 23:28:00

I've been tested in the past four matches and today was the toughest of them all. I had two or three games where I really lost control of my mental structure, my mental toughness. I'm really happy I gained it back and was able to strike back and lift > read more

Azarenka highest seed left in Paris

Published on 2011-05-30 21:45:00

Of the four round-of-16 winners at the French Open today, 4th seed Victoria Azarenka had the least complicated path to victory. Her opponent, Ekaterina Makarova, can put up a good fight but Azarenka managed this match with minimum stress and defeated > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-29 18:29:00

Do you want to play?Francesca Schiavone, to a spectator who spoke to her during the matchI should be satisfied; the whole tournament, I wasn't playing my best tennis....Vera ZvonarevaI think I never had the results my game deserved because, most of t > read more

Schiavone advances to French Open quarterfinals

Published on 2011-05-29 15:54:00

On the one hand, it was a great match to watch--filled with tension, swinging momentum and wonderful shot-making. On the other, it was a tough one for me to watch because I couldn't bear to see either Jelena Jankovic or defending champion Francesca S > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-28 18:18:00

I learned my lesson in Miami, when I lost to her in two sets.Daniela Hantuchova, referring to Caroline WozniackiShe can have an off day, and still win comfortably in straight sets.Martina Navratilova, referring to Petra KvitovaThe only thing you can > read more

French Open 3rd round play completed in Paris today

Published on 2011-05-28 17:15:00

It was a "quieter" day today at the French Open, in that all but one of the higher-seeded won their matches, and won them without any high drama. If fact, only one seeded play, Andrea Petkovic (who declared she would no longer dance upon victory,&nbs > read more

Patty Schnyder retires

Published on 2011-05-28 12:11:00

Many years ago, I was in a hotel room--I don't recall where--watching one of the majors. I think it was the U.S. Open. Suddenly, on the television screen, I saw a curly-haired young woman with a looping, lefty forehand. She put a lot of spin on the b > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-27 23:33:00

It's definitely not the surface I like the most, but you know, I was still hoping that it was going to be better than this....Caroline WozniackiPhysically, I feel really good. I feel fit, I'm ready, and I'm fitter than ever.Marion BartoliShe seemed t > read more

Doubles update

Published on 2011-05-27 23:02:00

There was another doubles upset today at the French Open. Julia Goerges and Andrea Petkovic defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Meghann Shaughnessy 6-1, 1-6, 7-6.On Saturday, Flavia Pennetta will play her Fed Cup team members as the top-seeded team of > read more

Hantuchova sends Wozniacki out of Paris

Published on 2011-05-27 18:00:00

There are a couple of things that have given Daniela Hantuchova trouble throughout her career--playing on clay, and keeping her head together when she's winning. Lately, her clay performance has improved so much that I believed she would be competiti > read more

Stosur upset by Dulko in 3rd round of French Open

Published on 2011-05-27 14:43:00

Before the French Open began, I mentioned that three dangerous floaters--Lucie Safarova, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and Gisela Dulko--were all placed in the same quarter of the draw. Safarova and Martinez Sanchez are now out, but Dulko--playing the > read more

Friday cat blogging--spring snooze edition

Published on 2011-05-27 08:34:00

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French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-26 23:45:00

We've seen some great talent, haven't we? And we've seen some major head cases.Mary CarilloI think I was way too concerned about the conditions, and moving my feet...I just felt flat-footed.Maria Sharapova...It's tough because opponent, I never saw h > read more

Sharapova thwarts upset-minded Garcia

Published on 2011-05-26 22:16:00

During the first set and half of the second, 17-year-old Caroline Garcia gave the crowd what they wanted today in Paris in the second round of the French Open.The little-known French player stepped onto the court a picture of confidence, and took it > read more

Clijsters out of French Open

Published on 2011-05-26 21:36:00

One of the reasons I like the French Open so much is that red clay tends to be a neutralizer. There are a lot of service breaks, and there are upsets. And when it gets cold and windy, odd things can happen. There was a big upset today: Arantxa Rus to > read more

Zvonareva survives in Paris

Published on 2011-05-26 00:00:00

I watched the 2nd round French Open match between 3rd seed Vera Zvonareva and Sabine Lisicki with a growing sense of dread because it seemed as though nothing too good could come of it. Zvonareva looked flustered and too defensive against Lisicki, bu > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-25 19:55:00

I fought like mad as usual, but this wasn't enough today....Alize CornetI don't think I'm a player who can win here. I haven't reached past the third round here. I don't count myself.Julia GoergesI stopped being superstitious after the French Open in > read more

Passing shots in Paris

Published on 2011-05-25 19:12:00

From WTA Backspin, we learn that the country with the second-highest number of players who made it to the top 64 (Russia had the most) is Romania. Join Todd Spiker and a commentator extraordinaire from the "past"--none other than Soren Kierkegaard--f > read more

King upsets Cibulkova at French Open

Published on 2011-05-24 23:54:00

Though tennis commentators often seem to forget it, Dominika Cibulkova was a French Open semifinalist in 2009. She is a really fine clay court (and hard court) competitor who was seeded 22nd at this year's Open. She lost today in the first round, how > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-24 23:32:00

I feel like I can play longer rallies. I believe I can go point to point; it gives me confidence.Maria Sharapova, commenting on clay court playIt feels steady and good.Kim Clijsters, referring to her injured ankleI grabbed all my courage. I don't hav > read more

Petkovic talks about music

Published on 2011-05-24 21:52:00

> read more

Defending champion and world number 1 advance to 2nd round of French Open

Published on 2011-05-23 19:44:00

Defending champion Francesca Schiavone easily advanced to the second round of the French Open today with a 6-2, 6-0 defeat of Melanie Oudin. Schiavone is seeded 5th at the tournament.Top seed Caroline Wozniacki also had an easy win, against Kimiko Da > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-23 15:45:00

Are you having as much fun out there as you seem to be. You seem so relaxed.Relaxed? No. Francesca SchiavoneAs long as you're on the court and able to play, you can always play better.Vera ZvonarevaI, for sure, know I could have played much better, b > read more

2011 French Open--first impressions

Published on 2011-05-22 17:14:00

I've looked forward to today for a while, and--with the exception of watching Flavia Pennetta lose her way in her first match--I enjoyed the action I saw. I didn't think Shahar Peer would get past Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, so that upset wasn't a s > read more

French Open--what they said

Published on 2011-05-22 15:42:00

It's weird, it's very weird, playing on Sunday.Svetlana KuznetsovaToday, I certainly felt I could have had won that match against [someone] in the top 50.Casey DellacquaIf I can get to the semifinals, I can push myself those last two steps.Jelena Jan > read more

Lepchenko upsets Pennetta in 1st round of French Open

Published on 2011-05-22 14:33:00

Flavia Pennetta hasn't had such a good season. A serious shoulder injury took her out of Italy's Fed Cup semifinal, which Italy lost. She's been trying to make her way back, but her performance today at the French Open was filled with uncertainty, an > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-05-21 15:57:00

23rd seed Alisa Kleybanova has withdrawn from the French Open because of illness. Lucky loser Anastasia Pivovarova has replaced Kleybanova in the draw.Marion Bartoli hopes to be able to play her French Open first round on Monday. She had to retire in > read more

Deja vu

Published on 2011-05-21 11:57:00

We have been here before, even many though tennis writers behave as though we haven't. Last year, it was very hard to predict who would win the French Open, unless you were one of the individuals who assumed Justine Henin would win it. I wasn't one o > read more

Wozniacki wins inaugural event in Brussels

Published on 2011-05-21 11:20:00

Caroline Wozniacki won her 16th title today, at the new WTA Brussels Open. This win is special, however, since it is the world number 1's first time to win a championship on red clay. It wasn't an easy win. A 12-deuce game early in the second set gav > read more

Bartoli retires, and Petkovic wins Strasbourg

Published on 2011-05-21 10:00:00

Those who follow Marion Bartoli know that, as a tournament progresses, a retirement could come. It came today, in the final of the Internationaux de Strasbourg. Top seed Bartoli had to stop playing because of a left thigh injury, and 2nd seed Andrea > read more

Bartoli and Petkovic to compete for Strasbourg title

Published on 2011-05-20 14:27:00

Top seed Marion Bartoli advanced to the final of the Internationaux de Strasbourg today by defeating three-time champion Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-1, 6-2. Medina Garrigues' formerly slumping career has turned around recently, but she was stopped shor > read more

It's not how you play the game, but whether you win or lose

Published on 2011-05-20 14:06:00

Anyone looking for a handy lesson on how to beat Caroline Wozniacki on red clay certainly could have gotten one from Francesca Schiavone today in Brussels. Only most of the tour's players don't possess Schiavone's amazing variety of shots. Oh, and Sc > read more

French Open experts' picks

Published on 2011-05-20 11:37:00

Mary Joe Fernandez--Maria SharapovaCliff Drysdale--Kim ClijstersRavi Ubha--Kim ClijstersPatrick McEnroe--Caroline Wozniacki Pam Shriver--Maria SharapovaGreg Garber--Kim ClijstersSteve Tignor--Kim Clijsters Peter Bodo--Caroline Wozniacki Jon Wertheim- > read more

Friday cat blogging--Happy 5 edition

Published on 2011-05-20 09:04:00

Ziggy Stardust and Tarzan turn five some time this month. The brothers were born in a feral colony, so we have no way of knowing their exact birthdate. One of their favorite pastimes, as you can see, is occupying blankets. > read more

Health check

Published on 2011-05-19 10:43:00

The French Open begins on Sunday, but Venus and Serena Williams won't be the there because of health and injury issues. Dinara Safina won't be there, either, because of ongoing back pain, and Timea Bacsinszky will skip Paris because she is recovering > read more

Jankovic upset in Brussels tournament

Published on 2011-05-18 17:09:00

Jelena Jankovic just can't stop the bleeding. Today, in the 2nd round of the Brussels Open, she was defeated 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 by Sofia Arvidsson. Jankovic was seeded 4th at the new WTA International event.Top seed Caroline Wozniacki was challenged by Va > read more

It's official: Clijsters will play in Paris

Published on 2011-05-18 11:14:00

Kim Clijsters says that her wrist and shoulder injuries have healed, and that she will compete in the French Open with her right ankle taped. Clijsters resumed training two weeks ago after suffering multiple injuries. > read more

"...his intention is that I...continue to be strong and fight"

Published on 2011-05-18 11:10:00

Virginie Razzano's fiance, 32-year-old Stephane Vidal, died Monday. Vidal, who was Razzano's coach until March, died from complications of a brain tumor which was diagnosed nine years ago. Vidal had learned to walk and write again after undergoing su > read more

Rybarikova defeats Kvitova to win Prague 100k tournament

Published on 2011-05-15 17:48:00

Madrid champion Petra Kvitova skipped Rome in order to play the 100k ITF tournament in Prague. The bad news is that, during the week, she sustained a hip injury. She also lost the final to Memphis champion Magdalena Rybarikova, who defeated her 6-3, > read more

Quote of the day

Published on 2011-05-15 15:33:00

"Easy to say; how to do?"Li Na(in Tennis Channel's pre-French Open promotion on how to make the clay court transition) > read more

Sharapova (yes, you're reading it right) wins Rome

Published on 2011-05-15 12:56:00

Back in what people consider her "great" days--when she was blowing opponents off of hard courts without dropping a set--Maria Sharapova was not expected to win red clay titles. During the past couple of seasons, after she went through botched diagno > read more

Stosur and Sharapova to meet in Rome final

Published on 2011-05-14 12:10:00

Never known for her acumen on clay courts, and considered by many to be "finished" because of injury and confidence issues--Maria Sharapova, the self-proclaimed clay court Cow on Ice--has made it to the final of the Italian Open. Sharapova defeated t > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-05-13 23:51:00

Venus and Serena Williams have both withdrawn from the French Open. This is not unexpected, given the health problems they have experienced in the past several months.Kim Clijsters has not yet decided whether to play in the French Open, but her parti > read more

Dulko and Pennetta out of Italian Open

Published on 2011-05-13 23:18:00

Defending champions Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta, the number 1 seeds at the Italian Open, were upset today in the quarterfinals. The ad hoc team of Alexandra Dulgheru and Jarmila Gajdosova defeated Dulko and Pennetta 7-6, 6-4.2nd seeds Kveta Pesc > read more

Safina takes indefinite leave from tennis

Published on 2011-05-13 18:14:00

A couple of days ago, I mentioned that Dinara Safina had withdrawn from the French Open. Today, she announced that she is taking an indefinite leave from professional tennis. Plagued by back problems, Safina said that "At the moment, I can't do anyth > read more

WTA launches "Strong is Beautiful" campaign

Published on 2011-05-13 17:17:00

The WTA has launched a new, "Strong is Beautiful" global ad campaign, featuring a number of the tour's players. I really like the idea, though I'd like the campaign better if the women were shown in their tennis clothes, on a tennis court, rather tha > read more

Jankovic and Schiavone out of Italian Open

Published on 2011-05-13 12:18:00

Blogger has been down for maintenance for a couple of days, so I haven't been able to post anything. The tournament in Rome has really captured my attention, however. It's now close to being in the semifinals, so--before we forget--there are a couple > read more

Friday cat blogging--recycling edition

Published on 2011-05-13 11:51:00

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Passing shots

Published on 2011-05-11 13:57:00

Dinara Safina appears to have withdrawn from the French Open. Li Na recently told an interviewer, in response to a question about her fame, that if she were a man, she would be the most famous athlete in China. She added that women will never achieve > read more

Defending champion out of Rome in first round

Published on 2011-05-09 21:53:00

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, who brilliantly defeated Jelena Jankovic in last year's Rome final, was defeated today in the first round of the 2011 Italian Open. Ekatarina Makarova defeated Martinez Sanchez 6-0, 5-7, 6-4. Gisela Dulko and Alexandra Du > read more

Charleston photos available for viewing

Published on 2011-05-09 18:46:00

We took a lot of photos in Charleston this year. You can see a sample of them here. > read more

Monday morning at Starbuck's

Published on 2011-05-09 13:42:00

This morning, I was in Starbuck's and the barista noticed my T-shirt, one of the old "I'M IN TOUCH" shirts.Barista: What's that shirt?Me: From an old WTA campaign slogan, "Get in touch with your feminine side."Barista: Oh, women's tennis. What's thei > read more

Kvitova wins Madrid championship

Published on 2011-05-08 12:23:00

Petra Kvitova, the 16th seed at the Madrid Open, went up 3-0 in the opening set of today's championship match, and she was a point away from going up 4-0, but 4th seed Victoria Azarenka then got on the scoreboard and eventually made matters even. The > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-05-07 18:16:00

Svetlana Kuznetsova has split with her coach, Carlos Cuadrado. When it comes to Kuznetsova and Ivanovic, I need to have a "________ has split with _________" template on the ready.Petra Kvitova and Vera Zvonareva are skipping the tournament in Rome. > read more

Azarenka and Kirilenko win Madrid doubles title

Published on 2011-05-07 17:03:00

5th seeds Victoria Azarenka and Maria Kirilenko won the doubles championship in Madrid today. They defeated 2nd seeds Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik 6-4, 6-3 in the final.Azarenka isn't finished, however; she will play against Petra Kvitova in > read more

My, how things have changed

Published on 2011-05-06 19:26:00

It wasn't that long ago that:Serena Williams was the player to beatMaria Sharapova was a very bright star on the tourKim Clijsters was headed toward a great 2011 seasonJelena Jankovic was "a step away" from meeting her potentialSabine Lisicki appeare > read more

Goerges and Azarenka to play in Madrid semifinals

Published on 2011-05-06 18:30:00

People who saw Julia Goerges play (I didn't) in the third round of the Madrid Open said she looked pretty tired. She wasn't too tired to defeat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarterfinals, however. Goerges' 6-4, 6-2 victory places her in the semifi > read more

Friday cat blogging--Crashed edition

Published on 2011-05-06 08:16:00

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Clijsters back on the court

Published on 2011-05-05 15:40:00

World number 2 Kim Clijsters, who has been in treatment for shoulder, wrist and ankle injuries, has returned to the practice court. Clijsters said that her first practice session was pain-free, but she did not put much pressure on her ankle, and she > read more

Quarterfinal draw set for Madrid

Published on 2011-05-05 15:36:00

The top three seeds are no longer around, but the Madrid Open quarterfinal draw is nevertheless an intriguing one. Yesterday, 2nd seed Vera Zvonareva was beaten in straight sets by Petra Kvitova, and today, 3rd seed Francesca Schiavone was defeated b > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-05-04 09:42:00

A man in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida has been arrested for stalking Serena Williams.Sandra Harwitt writes about the notable career of Esther Vergeer.The WTA website is featuring an interview with Kristina Barrois, who joined the tour when she was 25 > read more

Gajdosova goes for the thrills in Madrid

Published on 2011-05-03 19:33:00

Jarmila Gajdosova has done a pretty good imitation of Thrill Ride since she arrived in Madrid. In the first round, she hung in while her opponent, Maria Kirilenko, served for the match twice and held two match points. In the second round, Gajdosova u > read more

Kuznetsova and Wickmayer out in 1st round in Madrid

Published on 2011-05-01 14:45:00

Yesterday in Madrid, for the third consecutive time, Dominika Cibuulkova defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova. Cibulkova won 6-3, 6-2 over the 12th seed. Yanina Wickmayer, though unseeded, was undoubtedly expected by many to go deep in this tournament, but s > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-04-30 17:19:00

It's official: Vera Zvonareva has hired Karen Krotov to be her coach, at least for the U.S. hard court season; sources differ as to whether Krotov will work with Zvonareva in that capacity during clay season. Krotov did coach Zvonareva during the Fed > read more

Quote of the week

Published on 2011-04-30 12:05:00

"There was more variety, players with different games, stronger minds, more character. I played with three generations and they evolved. I had to adapt."Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, on playing in the 90s > read more

Medina Garrigues and Vinci win titles

Published on 2011-04-30 11:45:00

Anabel Medina Garrigues won her tenth WTA title today in Estoril. Medina Garrigues defeated Kristina Barrois 6-1, 6-2 in the final. Nine of the Spaniard's titles have come on clay. Medina Garrigues recently overcame a losing streak comprised of > read more

Vinci and Hradecka to meet in Barcelona final

Published on 2011-04-29 21:47:00

Roberta Vinci and Lucie Hradecka have made it to the final of the Barcelona Open. Vinci, the 6th seed, defeated Laura Pous-Tio 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the semifinals. Hradecka defeated 5th seed Sara Errani 6-1, 7-5.Top seeds Iveta Benesova and Barbora Zahla > read more

Friday cat blogging--friendship edition

Published on 2011-04-29 08:12:00

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Kleybanova out of Estoril in quarterfinals

Published on 2011-04-28 18:10:00

Top seed Alisa Kleybanova was upset today in Estroril by Kristina Barrois, who defeated Kleybanova 6-4, 6-2. 2nd seed Jarmila Gajdosova was defeated by 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 by Monica Niculescu, and 3rd seed Klara Zakopalova was defeated 6-3, 7-5 by Anabel M > read more

Bartoli upset in 1st round in Barcelona

Published on 2011-04-25 18:21:00

Marion Bartoli, who took a wild card into the Barcelona Ladies Open and became the top seed, was upset today in the opening round of the tournament. Memphis champion Magdalena Rybarikova defeated Bartoli 6-4, 6-1. > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-04-24 22:17:00

Andrea Petkovic has hired Heinz Gunhardt on a part-time basis. Petar Popovic will continue to be her regular coach.According to Matt Cronin, Caroline Wozniacki plans to hire Martina Navratilova as a consultant.Hannah Wilks writes about Heather Watson > read more

Brianti wins Fes title

Published on 2011-04-24 14:01:00

Alberta Brianti won the championship in Fes today. Unseeded, Brianti defeated 7th seed Simona Halep 6-4, 6-3 in a fnal that was interrupted by rain. Halep was also the runner-up last year.The doubles title went to top seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Rena > read more

Goerges wins Stuttgart championship

Published on 2011-04-24 12:33:00

The German fans in Stuttgart got to see two of their countrywomen pick up trophies and bouquets today at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. German wild card Sabine Lisicki and her partner, Sam Stosur, won the doubles championsip when they defeated the al > read more

Goerges and Wozniacki to meet in Stuttgart final

Published on 2011-04-23 16:57:00

The home crowd in Stuttgart has something big to cheer for this year: Julia Goerges, who is unseeded, upset 5th seed Sam Stosur today in the semifinals. Goerges defeated Stosur 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a very well-played contest between two forehand-favoring > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-04-23 12:04:00

Dinara Safina is ill, and had to withdraw from the semifinals in Fes. Alberta Brianti received a walkover, and will play last year's runner-up, Simona Halep, in the final. Safina had not reached a semifinal since August of 2009.Irina Falconi has won > read more

Flipkens ends Lalami's run in Fes

Published on 2011-04-22 22:56:00

Nadia Lalami, who upset top seed Aravane Rezai in Fes, went out today in the quarterfinals. She was defeated 6-0, 6-1 by Kirsten Flipkens.4th seed Greta Arn went out in straight sets to 7th seed Simona Halep, and Alberta Brianti defeated Melanie Oudi > read more

Birthday in the Bahamas

Published on 2011-04-22 22:43:00

Maria Sharapova turned 24 a few days ago. She celebrated her birthday in the Bahamas with a triple-tiered pink cake, and, on April 16, she also played an exhibition match with Gisela Dulko. The All-Star Tennis Weekend, hosted by Atlantis, took place > read more

Friday cat blogging--totebag/briefcase takeover edition

Published on 2011-04-22 09:51:00

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Quote of the day

Published on 2011-04-21 17:44:00

"...you should dance, but when you do, dance carefully."Martina Navratilova, referring to Kim Clijsters > read more

Stosur goes to first semifinal of the season in Stuttgart

Published on 2011-04-21 17:20:00

The phrases "Vera Zvonareva" and "broken racquet" go together in the lexicon of women's professional tennis, but today in Stuttgart, it was a case of Vera Zvonareva and broken strings. The 2nd seed's strings broke repeatedly, sometimes more than once > read more

Top seed Rezai upset in Fes

Published on 2011-04-20 16:14:00

The home players have dazzled in Germany, but today in Morocco, there was also a big triumph for a countrywoman. Wild card Nadia Lalami, ranked number 497 number in the world, defeated top seed (and wild card) Aravane Rezai 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 in the secon > read more

4 German players in Stuttgart quarterfinals

Published on 2011-04-20 16:06:00

Four players from Germany have reached the final of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. Today, in second round play, wild card Kristina Barrois upset 8th seed Marion Bartoli, defeating her 6-4, 6-2. Another wild card, Sabine Lisicki, upset 6t > read more

Players talk about Stuttgart

Published on 2011-04-20 15:28:00

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Passing shots

Published on 2011-04-17 23:25:00

The WTA site has a feature story on Patty Schnyder's emotional farewell in Charleston.Francesca Schiavone has withdrawn from Stuttgart because of exhaustion. Yanina Wickmayer has also withdrawn, in order to give her knee some rest."I’m a younger pl > read more

Russia and Czech Republic go to Fed Cup final

Published on 2011-04-17 15:34:00

The Russian Fed Cup team cruised into another final today, defeating defending champion Italy 5-0. The Italian team has been dismantled, with both Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta not playing, and championship doubles players Sara Errani and R > read more

Fed Cup miscellany

Published on 2011-04-16 16:35:00

In order to determine the order of play against Ukraine in the Fed Cup World Cup play-offs, the Australian and Ukrainian teams enlisted the help of the Banks Rowing Club. Boats bearing the names of Ukrainian team members on their bows raced on the Ya > read more

Belgium and Czech Republic tied 1-1 in Fed Cup play

Published on 2011-04-16 12:10:00

When Barbora Zahlavova Strycova served at 4-5 in the second set in her semifinal Fed Cup rubber against Yanina Wickmayer, what emerged what arguably one of the best games of the season. It was a very long game, in which the Czech player held numerous > read more

Mattek-Sands withdraws from Fed Cup

Published on 2011-04-15 12:06:00

Bethanie Mattek-Sands has withdrawn from the USA team that play in this weekend's Fed Cup World Group Play-Offs. Mattek-Sands has a hip and back injury. Vania King has been named by captain Mary Joe Fernandez as the new team member. She will be joine > read more

Friday cat blogging--tabby in a box edition

Published on 2011-04-15 10:45:00

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Fed Cup semifinals to be played this weekend

Published on 2011-04-13 20:43:00

Lucie Safarova has withdrawn from the Fed Cup semifinals because of a thigh injury. Replacing her on the Czech Republic team is Lucie Hradecka, who will join teammates Petra Kvitova, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova and Iveta Benesova. The Czech Republic p > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-04-12 10:38:00

Kim Clijsters, already off of the tour for a month because of shoulder and wrist injuries, now has an ankle injury, too. Clijsters hurt her ankle while attending her cousin's wedding. She is walking on crutches, and her French Open participation is n > read more

Charleston miscellany

Published on 2011-04-10 22:57:00

A journalist for the Charleston newspaper wrote that--now that Patty Schnyder has played her final Charleston tournament--Caroline Wozniacki is the new Charleston "favorite." I've been attending this tournament for a long time, and I have doubts abou > read more

Mirza & Vesnina win Charleston doubles title

Published on 2011-04-10 21:04:00

"Hello again," Elena Vesnina said to the crowd when she made a speech at the Family Circle Cup for the second time in one day. This speech, however, represented an even nicer occasion for the unseeded singles runner-up. She and partner Sania Mirza de > read more

Wozniacki wins Family Circle Cup

Published on 2011-04-10 18:27:00

All this week in Charleston, Elena Vesnina used her big serve to get out of trouble in matches. Today, however, the unseeded Russian's game-saving serve just wasn't there, and she was defeated 6-2, 6-3 by world number 1 Caroline Wozniacki. "My serve > read more

Azarenka wins Marbella championship

Published on 2011-04-10 09:19:00

Miami champion Victoria Azarenka, seeded number 1 at the Andalucia Tennis Experience in Marbella, won the championship today by defeating surprise finalist Irina-Camelia Begu 6-3, 6-2. Begu was a qualifier who upset the 6th and 2nd seeds on her way t > read more

Wozniacki and Vesnina--paths to the final

Published on 2011-04-09 22:24:00

Tomorrow, top seed Caroline Wozniacki, the number 1 player in the world, will play Elena Vesnina in the final of the Family Circle Cup. Here is how each woman made it to the final:CAROLINE WOZNIACKIround 1--byeround 2--def. Irina Falconi, 6-1, 6-1rou > read more

Vesnina beats Peng twice in one day and advances to both Charleston finals

Published on 2011-04-09 21:46:00

Elena Vesnina won both of her matches againElena Vesnina has been a very busy woman in Charleston this week. Yesterday, she won both her singles and doubles matches, and today, in the semifinals, she repeated that accomplishment. In doing so, however > read more

Top seed Wozniacki advances to Charleston final

Published on 2011-04-09 18:42:00

The buzz around the tournament was that 3rd seed Jelena Jankovic was all set to win her second Family Circle Cup championship, but today, top seed Caroline Wozniacki had another take on the issue. Wozniacki defeated Jankovic 6-4, 6-4 in a semifinal m > read more

Kuznetsova upset in Marbella

Published on 2011-04-09 10:14:00

Today in Marbella, qualifier Irina-Camelia Begu upset 2nd seed (and wild card) Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 in the semifinals. Begu upset 6th seed Klara Zakopalova in straight sets in the quarterfinals. The Romanian 20-year-old is currently rank > read more

Charleston miscellany

Published on 2011-04-09 10:01:00

View of the groundsSania Mirza talked with Bobby Chintapalli about cricket, marriage, Twitter, and her comeback from a wrist injury."Family Circle Cup presented by Dove" became a reality yesterday when a dove landed on Jelena Jankovic's side of the c > read more

Peng and Vesnina each win--then win again--in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-08 23:52:00

Peng Shuai and Elena Vesnina have confounded any attempt to create an orderly schedule at the Family Circle Cup because they both keep winning singles and doubles. Today, Peng defeated qualifier Sania Mirza 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the singles quarterfinals. > read more

"Sunshine mixed with clouds"

Published on 2011-04-08 23:17:00

That was the weather forecast I heard on the radio on the way to the Family Circle Cup today. The "clouds," it turned out, came in the form of 6th seed Yanina Wickmayer, who pushed world number 1 Caroline Wozniacki to three tough quarterfinal sets in > read more

Friday cat blogging--sister comfort edition

Published on 2011-04-08 22:33:00

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Charleston--what they said

Published on 2011-04-08 21:10:00

It's like you have a bionic wrist now. What did they put in that?Nothing. I just took five and a half months off. I think that really did it.Sania Mirza...I had first set, set point, and second, set point, and if you don't make these set points, thou > read more

Back injury forces Safina to retire in Marbella

Published on 2011-04-08 09:54:00

The lower back problem that kept Dinara Safina off the tour for a long time returned today in Marbella. The former world number 1 had to retire against Victoria Azarenka in the first set of their quarterfinal match. Safina's back injury was originall > read more

Charleston quarterfinals to be played today

Published on 2011-04-08 09:30:00

Here is the quarterfinal draw for the Family Circle Cup:Caroline Wozniacki (1) vs. Yanina Wickmayer (6)Peng Shuai vs. Sania MirzaJelena Jankovic (3) vs. Christina McHaleJulia Goerges vs. Elena VesninaJankovic, who was the champion in Charleston in 20 > read more

Charleston miscellany

Published on 2011-04-08 09:12:00

Nadia Petrova was very busy during her match on Thursday. The gnats were swarming, so Petrova took her towel and set about vigorously swatting, for which she received a round of applause. Then she took it upon herself to supervise the chair umpire's > read more

Seeds of doubt

Published on 2011-04-08 00:22:00

Elena Vesnina upsets the defending championThe 2nd, 5th, 7th, and 10th seeds were upset in the 3rd round of the Family Circle Cup on Thursday, and 1st seed Caroline Wozniacki barely escaped when she had to win two long tiebreaks against a clever, net > read more

"That has nothing to do with me"

Published on 2011-04-07 07:41:00

A Change of Ends had the nerve to go where no one else would during All Access Hour Monday in Charleston. Here is the transcript of an interview with Nadia Petrova about her recent tennis outfits. (Only the actual quotations do it justice.)Petrova ap > read more

Pennetta out of Fed Cup

Published on 2011-04-07 07:32:00

Flavia Pennetta, better known as the Queen of Fed Cup, will not be ruling over the upcoming proceedings in Moscow. Pennetta has a shoulder injury that is preventing her from playing in the 2011 semifinals. Also out is Francesca Schiavone, who has dec > read more

Tatishvili goes to 3rd round in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-06 23:43:00

Anna TatishviliIt took her almost three hours, but qualifier Anna Tatishvili managed to take out the 9th seed at the Family Circle Cup Wednesday. Tatishvili advanced to the third round when she defeated Maria Kirilenko 5-7, 7-5, 6-3.Defending champio > read more

Lisicki upsets 4th seed Bartoli in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-06 23:12:00

Wild card Sabine Lisicki, who won the championship in Charleston in 2009 when she was seeded 15th, pulled another unexpected stunt tonight when she defeated 4th seed Marion Bartoli 6-2, 6-3. Lisicki has been plagued by illness, injury and an apparent > read more

Charleston says goodbye to Patty Schnyder

Published on 2011-04-06 23:11:00

Tonight, after the featured doubles match was played at the Family Circle Cup, there was a brief ceremony to honor Patty Schnyder, a huge Charleston favorite who has played in the tournament for fifteen consecutive years. This is Schnyder's final yea > read more

Charleston--what they said

Published on 2011-04-06 17:20:00

...it was kind of almost like picking up from last year, which was a nice feeling.Sam Stosur, after her second round match on stadium courtDo you still get asked a lot of questions, I guess about once being number 1 and didn't win...You still want to > read more

Charleston miscellany

Published on 2011-04-06 16:03:00

The weather was much calmer today. It was sunny and cool, and--for the most part--slightly breezy without the constant wind we had yesterday at the Family Circle Cup.Althea Gibson Club Court has been changed a bit to provide stadium-type seating (wit > read more

Stretching time

Published on 2011-04-05 23:01:00

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McHale upsets Kleybanova in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-05 22:55:00

It was a big day for Christina McHale. Not only was she selected as a member of the USA Fed Cup team, but she also pulled off the first big upset of the 2011 Family Circle Cup. McHale, a qualifier, defeated 8th seed Alisa Kleybanova 6-1, 6-0 in the s > read more

2009 champion Lisicki advances to 2nd round in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-05 22:53:00

Sabine Lisicki serves in her 1st round matchThere was a time, just a few years ago, when the names "Tamira Paszek" and "Sabine Lisicki" were synonymous with "future WTA star," then things turned kind of sour for both of them. Lisicki, the 2009 Family > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-04-05 08:48:00

Kim Clijsters is out for four weeks because of continuing problems with her shoulder and wrist. She will return to the tour in Rome.Aravane Rezai went out to wild card Estrella Cabeza Candela in the first round in Marbella today. The score was 6-3, 6 > read more

King wins first round match in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-04 22:50:00

Stadium court play in Charleston began today with the upset of 16th seed Vera Dushevina by Vania King. King won the first set 6-4, and the second went to a tiebreak. Dushevina went up a mini-break immediately, and was up 5-3 when King started her com > read more

Family Circle Cup, Subaru of Charleston & Red Cross team to raise money for Japan

Published on 2011-04-04 22:34:00

The Family Circle Cup and its parent company, Meredith Corporation, have formed a partnership with Subaru of Charleston (the event's official vehicle provider) and the American Red Cross to raise money for the Red Cross Japan relief program. Througho > read more

Top seeds ready for Charleston play, but the weather may not cooperate

Published on 2011-04-04 22:14:00

Daniel Island, where the Family Circle Cup is played, has unpredictable weather in April. The days can be hot, and the nights quite cold. A tornado can hit. But--most of the time--there isn't much rain during the event. A big storm is supposed to com > read more

Shnyder out of Charleston in 1st round

Published on 2011-04-04 17:53:00

Patty Schnyder played in her 15th consecutive Family Circle Cup today, and--to the disappointment of a very partisan crowd (Charleston loves Patty)--she went out. Chanelle Scheepers, who lost to Schnyder in the first round last year, defeated the 13t > read more

Can she hit the bottles?

Published on 2011-04-04 17:39:00

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Main draw play starts Monday in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-03 21:59:00

First round play begins in Charleston tomorrow. Two Monday matches that look especially interesting to me are Heather Watson vs. Christina McHale, and Elena Vesnina vs. Rebecca Marino. In the past, Vesnina has done well in this tournament, though she > read more

Hantuchova & Radwanska win Miami

Published on 2011-04-03 18:17:00

Daniela Hantuchova and Agnieszka Radwanska have won the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open doubles championship, defeating 3rd seeds Liezel Huber and Nadia Petrova. Hantuchova and Radwanska won the first set in a tiebreak, then Huber and Petrova quickly took th > read more

Charleston qualifying--day 2

Published on 2011-04-03 17:31:00

It was warmer today on Daniel Island, and the wind was almost non-existent. We watched Heather Watson and Lenka Weinerova play their qualifying match. Wienerova uses a backhand slice a lot to defend. She also hit a number of good forehand passing sho > read more

Working it

Published on 2011-04-03 16:48:00

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Qualifying begins in Charleston

Published on 2011-04-02 22:21:00

Defending champion Sam Stosur practiced in the stadium todayHeather Watson won her 1st round qualifying matchIt was cool and sunny today on Daniel Island, as qualifying for the Family Circle Cup got under way. The top two seeds, Coco Vandeweghe and S > read more

Azarenka wins Miami

Published on 2011-04-02 14:53:00

Afraid I might miss a thriller, I left Charleston qualifying (and sacrificed watching the draw) to go back to the hotel in Mount Pleasant and watch the Miami final. I kind of wish I had stayed on Daniel Island. It wasn't a beat-down (well, the first > read more

Charleston qualifying begins tomorrow

Published on 2011-04-01 07:05:00

Family Circle Cup qualifying begins tomorrow, and main draw play begins on Moday, April 4. Carolinle Wozniacki, defending champion Sam Stosur, former champion Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova, Shahar Peer, and Marion Bartoli lead a field that also in > read more

Friday cat blogging--inside out backpaw edition

Published on 2011-04-01 07:04:00

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Azarenka and Sharapova to play final in Miami

Published on 2011-03-31 22:47:00

Victoria Azarenka, the 8th seed in the Sony Ericsson Open and the champion in 2009, made her way to the final tonight by soundly defeating an error-prone Vera Zvonareva 6-0, 6-3 in the semifinals. Zvonareva was the tournament's 3rd seed; Azarenka too > read more

Clijsters upset by Azarenka in Miami

Published on 2011-03-30 22:40:00

It was anything but an exciting match, but 8th seed and 2009 champion Victoria Azarenka probably doesn't care. Azarenka faced a completely flat Kim Clijsters in the Sony Ericsson Open quarterfinals tonight, and pulled off a 6-3, 6-3 victory without h > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-30 14:45:00

Ana Ivanovic has withdrawn from Marbella. She and Andrea Petkovic have also withdrawn from doubles in Miami.Today is Sam Stosur's birthday. The defending champion was given a party in the Althea Gibson Clubhouse at the Family Circle Cup site. Also on > read more

Clijsters squeaks into Miami quarterfinals

Published on 2011-03-29 23:50:00

Kim Clijsters won the first set 7-6. Ana Ivanovic won the second, 6-3, then went up 5-1 in the third. She held five match points, too, but it was the 2nd seed who walked away with the win when she prevailed 7-5 in a third set tiebreak. Clijsters doub > read more

Radwanska defeats Schiavone for the first time

Published on 2011-03-28 23:31:00

Before today, Agnieszka Radwanska had never beaten Francesca Schiavone. The Italian led their head-to-head 4-0 (all matches on hard courts). Radwanska, who said after the match that she wanted to win at least one match against the 5th seed, got her w > read more

You make me feel like dancing

Published on 2011-03-28 18:21:00

Today in Miami, Andrea Petkovic did what Daniela Hantuchova was not quite able to do--the 21st seed took number 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki out of the Sony Ericsson Open. Whereas Hantuchova (who has a history of problems closing big matches) couldn't h > read more

2011 World Team Tennis finals to be held in Charleston

Published on 2011-03-28 16:51:00

The 2011 World Team Tennis finals will be held in Charleston, South Carolina July 22-24 at the Family Circle Tennis Center, it was announced today. This is the first time the event has ever been held in Charleston, and only the second time that it ha > read more

Pavlyuchenkova defeats Kvitova in Miami

Published on 2011-03-27 21:51:00

12th seed Petra Kvitova, whose game was on fire early in the season, was defeated by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open today. Kvitova sustained an abdominal injury a couple of months ago, and that slowed her down; > read more

Peschke & Srebotnik make second straight first-round exit

Published on 2011-03-27 10:25:00

Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik, seeded 2nd at the Sony Ericsson Open, were defeated 7-5, 7-6 yesterday in the first round by Shahar Peer and Peng Shuai. They were also defeated in the first round in Indian Wells, where they were the defending c > read more

Peng defeats Kuznetsova in Miami

Published on 2011-03-26 12:31:00

Peng Shuai continued her 2011 success today by upsetting 11th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-1 at the Sony Ericsson Open. Peng, who has yet to drop a set, advances to the Miami quarterfinals for the first time. Kuznetsova won the tournament in 2006. > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-25 12:12:00

The Fed Cup tie between Japan and Argentina will be held in Kobe, Japan July 16-17. The event, scheduled to be played in Tokyo, had to be postponed because of the current crisis in Japan.You can get to know Sloane Stephens. (One of her interview answ > read more

Friday cat blogging--sleep mode edition

Published on 2011-03-25 08:58:00

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Seeds out in 2nd round in Miami

Published on 2011-03-25 00:15:00

Li Na, the 7th seed in Miami, was defeated 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 by Johanna Larsson. The three-hour match, Li's first at the Sony Ericsson Open, was the latest of several disappointing results for the Australian Open runner-up.10th seed Shahar Peer was upset > read more

Bartoli enters Family Circle Cup

Published on 2011-03-24 14:52:00

World number 10 and Indian Wells runner-up Marion Bartoli has entered the 2011 Family Circle Cup. The upcoming event will be Bartoli's seventh appearance in Charleston, where she has gone as far as the semifinals. Bartoli holds five WTA singles title > read more

Marino out in 1st round of Miami qualifying

Published on 2011-03-21 22:16:00

Rebecca Marino, the number 2 qualifying seed at the Sony Ericsson Open, lost today in the first round of qualifying. Marino was defeated 6-1, 7-5 by Jamie Hampton. 3rd seed Magdalena Rybarikova also went out in the first round. Rybarikova lost to wil > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-21 12:28:00

Joel Drucker wishes other WTA players would emulate Marion Bartoli's strong offensive game.Kim Clijsters, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury, has been practicing in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open.The Fed Cup tie between Japan and Argentina, > read more

Sunshine in the desert

Published on 2011-03-20 16:09:00

World number 1 Caroline Wozniacki won her 14th WTA title today, and it's a big one: Wozniacki defeated 15th seed Marion Bartoli 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 in a highly entertaining final that had just about everything a fan could want. Wozniacki's speed and Bartol > read more

Mirza & Vesnina win Indian Wells

Published on 2011-03-19 19:49:00

Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina, seeded 8th at the BNP Paribas Open, won the doubles title today by defeating Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Meghann Shaughnessy 6-0, 7-5. To arrive at the final, Mirza and Vesnina defeated the teams of Hlavackova/Hradecka, B > read more

The heat was hot, and the ground was dry

Published on 2011-03-19 11:18:00

But the air was full of sound.The screams of Maria Sharapova seemed to take on a new meaning last night in the California desert, as she won only three games and made 41 unforced errors in her semifinal match against world number 1 Caroline Wozniacki > read more

Friday cat blogging--boring match edition

Published on 2011-03-18 09:16:00

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Two things you can count on

Published on 2011-03-17 21:18:00

Caroline Wozniacki will get at least one walkover or retirement during a tournament.Victoria Azarenka will wind up lying on the court, limping off of it, or both.In today's BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal, we got it all. Top seed Wozniacki played her f > read more

Venus Williams withdraws from Sony Ericsson Open

Published on 2011-03-17 18:46:00

Venus Williams withdrew from the Sony Ericsson Open today because of the abdominal injury she sustained during the Australian Open. Williams is a three-time champion at the Miami tournament, and she was the runner-up last year. The tournament begins > read more

Bartoli and Wickmayer go to BNP Paribas Open semifinals

Published on 2011-03-16 22:56:00

It wasn't easy for her, but Marion Bartoli became the first player to advance to the semifinals in Indian Wells today. Troubled by the heat, the 15th seed engaged with 19th seed Ana Ivanovic in a match that contained thirteen breaks serve, eight of w > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-16 21:45:00

Doug Robson interviewed Serena Williams for USA Today. The former world number 1 has had a really difficult time lately, and talks quite openly about it.Ana Ivanovic has parted ways with trainer Marja Lojanica. Shelby Rogers, last year's SMASH > read more

Close matches in Tuesday play in Indian Wells

Published on 2011-03-16 00:44:00

There were some long, close matches at the BNP Paribas Open yesterday. 8th seed Victoria Azarenka defeated 9th seed Agnieszka Radwanska 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, Peng Shuai defeated 18th seed Nadia Petrova 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 10th seed Shahar Peer defeated 5th seed > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-15 10:32:00

The use of Hawk-Eye has been extended at Fed Cup.I don't call her Thrill Ride for nothing.The BBC is considering taking Wimbledon off of its broadcasting schedule. Any such change would not occur until 2014. Thank goodness for Tennis TV, which is now > read more

Thrill Ride dumps Stosur in the desert

Published on 2011-03-14 23:51:00

Dinara Safina made it to the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open tonight by defeating 4th seed Sam Stosur 7-6, 6-4. Safina played extremely well in the first set, though she wasn't able to exploit opportunities to close the set before it went to a t > read more

Zvonareva upset by Cibulkova in Indian Wells

Published on 2011-03-14 10:28:00

It took her over three hours, and she had to go through a lot of match points, but Dominika Cibulkova--a bundle of nerves as she tried to eliminate the 3rd seed Sunday night in the 3nd round of the BNP Paribas Open--finally defeated Vera Zvonareva 4- > read more

Tops teams out of Indian Wells in 1st round

Published on 2011-03-12 21:36:00

Yesterday in Indian Wells, 2nd seeds Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik were upset in the first round by Klaudia Jans and Alicja Rosolska. Today, top seeds Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta were upset by wild cards Jelena Jankovic and Anastasia Pavl > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-12 21:29:00

Andrea Petkovic, who is blogging from Indian Wells, recently had a 45-minute practice hit with Steffi Graf. Petkovic says she plans to "reinvent" herself.You can now get to know Rebecca Marino. News flash! Reuters has learned that Kim Clijsters balan > read more

Zahlavova Strycova knocks Kvitova out of Indian Wells

Published on 2011-03-11 21:41:00

Though the upset of the 12th seed in the second round of a big tournament may not sound--on the face of it--like news, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova's upset of Petra Kvitova at the BNP Paribas Open is notable. Kvitova, who impressed the tennis world las > read more

Wozniacki enters Family Circle Cup

Published on 2011-03-11 10:25:00

World number 1 Caroline Wozniacki has entered the 2011 Family Circle Cup, which will be played April 2-10 in Charleston. This will be Wozniacki's third appearance in Charleston. In 2009, she reached the final, losing to Sabine Lisicki; in 2010, > read more

Friday cat blogging--cozy at home edition

Published on 2011-03-11 09:32:00

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3rd time a charm for Radwanska

Published on 2011-03-10 23:12:00

For three consecutive tournaments, Urszula Radwanska and Bojana Jovanovski have faced each other. Jovanovski won the first two, but today in Indian Wells, Radwanska was the winner. It wasn't easy, though. She served for the match twice, then Jovanovs > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-08 12:00:00

The WTA site, in recognition of International Women's Day, has posted a gallery of black and white photos of former tennis stars. The first one is of great interest because it is a portrait of Suzanne Lenglen, and we are so accustomed to seeing her i > read more

2 former champions enter Family Circle Cup

Published on 2011-03-07 15:00:00

Sabine Lisicki, who won the Family Circle Cup in 2009 when she was seeded 16th, has entered the 2011 event. Lisicki, who has suffered through a long series of injuries, illnesses and rehab, was not able to participate last year. The German player mad > read more

Pavlyuchenkova defends Monterrey title

Published on 2011-03-06 19:25:00

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, seeded second at the Monterrey Open, defended her 2010 title today by defeating top seed Jelena Jankovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. This is Pavlyuchenkova's third WTA title. She is currently ranked number 19 in the world.The entertainin > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-06 15:32:00

Conchita Martinez has been hired by Tennis Australia to give some guidance to some of the players.Christina McHale, who received a wild card into the BNP Paribas Open main draw, is currently working with USTA coach Jay Gooding. Surely by now, readers > read more

Dokic wins Malaysian Open

Published on 2011-03-06 12:08:00

Today in Kuala Lumpur, Jelena Dokic won her first WTA Tour title since 2002. Dokic defeated 5th seed Lucie Safarova 2-6, 7-6, 6-4, after Safarova served for the match in the second set. Dokic, thoughout the tournament, repeatedly came from behind to > read more

Jankovic and Pavlyuchenkova to compete in Monterrey final

Published on 2011-03-05 20:27:00

Defending champion Anastasia Pavlyuchenko stopped Gisela Dulko's Mexican streak today, defeating her 6-4, 6-1 in the semifinals of the Monterrey Open. Dulko, the champion in Acapulco, had won eight straight matches. Pavlyuchenkova, who is seeded 4th > read more

Dokic to play Safarova in Kuala Lumpur final

Published on 2011-03-05 12:16:00

Jelena Dokic has made a surprise run to the final of the Malaysian Open. She defeated Michaella Krajicek in straight sets in the semifinals, and will compete against 5th seed Lucie Safarova for the 2011 title. Safarova defeated 4th seed (and wild car > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-04 13:53:00

Here is an interview with Venus Williams from the recent Women of Influence luncheon in Toronto. Williams was one of the speakers.Not surprisingly, Christopher Clarey gives us a reasoned and educational glimpse into what the future may hold for Seren > read more

Dokic reaches semifinals of Malaysian Open

Published on 2011-03-04 10:29:00

Jelena Dokic upset 8th seed Bojana Jovanovski today in straight sets to reach the semifinals of the Malaysian Open. Also going out was 2nd seed Marion Bartoli, who lost in straight sets to 5th seed Lucie Safarova. The other semifinalists are Michaell > read more

Friday cat blogging--Mardi Gras edition

Published on 2011-03-04 09:20:00

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Krajicek upsets Kleybanova in Kuala Lumpur

Published on 2011-03-03 17:44:00

Michaella Krajicek, once heralded as a future star of the WTA Tour, has had so many injuries and slumps that she is one of the tour's forgotten women. Today in Kuala Lumpur, however, Krajicek put her talent on display by upsetting 3rd seed Alisa Kley > read more

"Lighten up, it's the internet"

Published on 2011-03-03 17:43:00

I know that readers of this blog are as sickened and disgusted as I am by some of the things that are being said about Serena Williams on various blogs and message boards. Many of the remarks (which I absolutely cannot repeat, they are so malevolent > read more

Dulko beats Benesova and advances to Monterrey 2nd round

Published on 2011-03-03 01:25:00

The last four times they have played, Iveta Benesova has defeated Gisela Dulko, but today in Monterrey, the Mexican Open champion had her second-ever win against the Czech player. Dulko served well (as I mentioned in a previous post, she has a great > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-03-02 17:49:00

Flavia Pennetta is now co-ranked number 1 in the world in doubles, sharing the spot with partner Gisela Dulko, and achieving yet another "first" for Italian players.Dinara Safina has won her first match since September. She defeated Han Xinyun 6-2, 6 > read more

Williams hopes to return to tour by early summer

Published on 2011-03-02 15:37:00

Serena Williams is safe at home after being treated for a pulmonary embolism and hematoma in Los Angeles. "While I can't make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer," Williams announced today. "That said, my main goal is to > read more

Wild cards announced for Indian Wells

Published on 2011-03-02 12:30:00

The following players have received wild cards into the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open:Coco VandewegheChristina McHaleLauren DavisSloane StephensVania KingJill CraybasSania Mirza > read more

Serena Williams treated for pulmonary embolism

Published on 2011-03-02 12:22:00

Serena Williams recently said that she doesn't believe in luck, but if she did, she would describe hers as "bad" and "horrible." That works for me. Williams is currently recovering in a Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after receiving emer > read more

Dokic upsets Schiavone at Malaysian Open

Published on 2011-02-28 16:12:00

Very recently, world number 5 Francesca Schiavone told the tennis media that she probably needed to take some time off but felt that she couldn't. She entered the Malaysian Open as a wild card and became the top seed, but she lost today in the first > read more

Dulko wins Mexican Open

Published on 2011-02-26 23:21:00

She did it the hard way, but Gisela Dulko defeated 6th seed Arantxa Parra Santonja today to win the Acapulco final. Dulko, seeded 4th at the tournament, took the first set 6-3 and quickly went up 5-1 in the second, and served for the match, only to h > read more

Zvonareva wins Doha championship

Published on 2011-02-26 12:46:00

Vera Zvonareva, known for her command of windy conditions, put that command on display today in the Qatar Ladies Open final in Doha. Never wavering in the presence of top seed Caroline Wozniacki's relentless ball retrieval and accuracy, Zvonareva eve > read more

Parra Santonja to play in both Acapulco finals

Published on 2011-02-25 21:51:00

Arantxa Parra Santonja, the 6th seed in Acapulco, has reached the final by defeating Johanna Larsson 6-2, 6-0 in the semifinals. Her opponent will be 4th seed Gisela Dulko, who defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-0, 6-2.With partner Lourdes Dominguez > read more

Josie Kuhlman wins SMASH Junior Cup, gets Charleston qualifying wild card

Published on 2011-02-25 17:00:00

15-year-old Josie Kuhlman of Ponte Vedre Beach, Florida has been awarded a wild card into the qualifying rounds of the 2011 Family Circle Cup. Kuhlman, who was unseeded at the SMASH Junior Cup at the Family Circle Tennis Center , defeated 5th seed Le > read more

Wozniacki and Zvonareva go to Doha final

Published on 2011-02-25 13:00:00

Marion Bartoli, who played exceptionally well this week in Doha, broke that pattern (sound familiar?) today when she played top seed Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals. Wozniacki defeated the error-prone Bartoli 6-1, 6-1. Her opponent in the final > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-02-25 11:49:00

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the March 8 Nike Clash of Champions exhibition. Williams has been replaced by Victoria Azarenka. (It should be noted, however, that Williams is now walking without her boot.)Rebecca Marino has withdrawn from the Mon > read more

Friday cat blogging--stripes and snowflakes edition

Published on 2011-02-25 08:48:00

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Schiavone and Li both upset in Doha 2nd round

Published on 2011-02-23 20:59:00

Lucky loser Klara Zakopalova reached the quarterfinals of the Qatar Ladies Open today when she upset 4th seed Li Na 6-2, 6-1. 3rd seed Francesca Schiavone was also defeated in the first round, by qualifier Peng Shuai. Peng will play Marion Bartoli in > read more

Dominguez Lino takes Bogota title

Published on 2011-02-20 12:47:00

7th seed Lourdes Dominguez Lino won the championship in Bogota today, defeating Mathilde Johansson 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Dominguez Lino also won the title in 2006, when she defeated Flavia Pennetta in the final.Yesteday, the doubles title was claimed by top > read more

Wozniacki wins Dubai

Published on 2011-02-20 12:37:00

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 6-3 today in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. It wasn't until the latter part of the match, in fact, that Kuznetsova began to play in the form that has helped her win > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-02-19 21:50:00

Recently retired Tathiana Garbin plans to work with the Italian Tennis Federation, and she will also do some television work.I learned a lot about Rebecca Marino by reading her Memphis blog this week. The rising Canadian player was born in Toronto, r > read more

Rybarikova wins Memphis championship

Published on 2011-02-19 21:49:00

It was a pleasure to watch Magdalena Rybarikova dip into her considerable bag of tricks during the Memphis final tonight. What wasn't a pleasure was watching the match end after the first set. 6th seed Rebecca Marino, who suffered a left abdominal st > read more

Wozniacki and Kuznetsova to meet in Dubai final

Published on 2011-02-19 17:54:00

She had her first good run in a long time, but 6th seed Jelena Jankovic lost today in the Dubai semifinals to Caroline Wozniacki. In the final, the top seed will meet Svetlana Kuznetsova, who defeated 11th seed Flavia Pennetta. Kuznetsova is seeded 1 > read more

"By the end of the year, we'll know how to pronounce his name."

Published on 2011-02-19 17:04:00

That alone is a pitiful admission of one's professional competence, but John McEnroe--referring to Milos Raonic--seemed to think it was a shameless one.But is even this poor excuse for commentary skills unrealistic? In all the years she played, > read more

Marino goes to Memphis final

Published on 2011-02-18 19:16:00

Rebecca Marino, seeded at a tournament for the first time, has made it to the final of the Cellular South Cup in Memphis. Marino, seeded 6th, defeated Evgeniya Rodina 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 in the semifinals. Also going to the final is Magdelena Rybarikova, w > read more

4 left standing in Dubai

Published on 2011-02-18 16:18:00

One of my fantasies about women's pro tennis is that before Flavia Pennetta goes out to play, someone puts her in a trance and convinces her she is actually at Fed Cup. Today in Dubai, it was as though someone did just that. It isn't that Pennetta is > read more

Friday cat blogging--gift bag edition

Published on 2011-02-18 08:46:00

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Zvonareva out of Dubai competition

Published on 2011-02-18 00:24:30

Today was a big day in Dubai. Alisa Kleybanova upset 2nd seed Vera Zvonareva, Jelena Jankovic defeated Kaia Kanepi, Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Francesca Schiavone (Schiavone again saved six match points), and--not surprisingly--Agnieszka Radwanska > read more

Ivanovic withdraws from Doha

Published on 2011-02-16 14:49:57

Ana Ivanovic has withdrawn from the Qatar Ladies Open, which begins next week. Ivanovic is experiencing a recurrence of the abdominal muscle injury she sustained in Australia. Ivanovic is currently without a coach, and reports that she doesn't want t > read more

Quote of the week

Published on 2011-02-16 10:53:17

There is a big difference between being mentally tough and being emotional. It's a huge difference. I will always be emotional. As long as I use those emotions to my advantage, that's only a plus to me. If I need to break the racquet to pump myself u > read more

Hantuchova and Peer enter Family Circle Cup

Published on 2011-02-16 10:26:01

2011 Pattaya City champion Daniela Hantuchova has entered the 2011 Family Circle Cup. Hantuchova was a semifinalist last year after she upset Jelena Jankovic in what was probably the tournament's best match. Hantuchova is currently ranked number 29 i > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-02-15 13:10:00

Stephanie Cohen-Aloro has retired from professional tennis. The Frenchwoman held her highest singles ranking, 61, in 2003. Simon Reed believes that Petra Kvitova is the real thing.If Caroline Wozniacki reaches the semifinals in Dubai, she will again > read more

Oudin only top seed remaining after Memphis 1st round

Published on 2011-02-15 08:22:00

3rd seed Melanie Oudin won her first round match against Anastasia Pivovarova in Memphis last night, but the other top seeds were eliminated in opening round play. Top seed Barbora Zahlavova Strycova lost to Michaella Krajicek, and 2nd seed Sofia Arv > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-02-13 12:57:00

Maria Sharapova has been suffering with an upper respiratory infection and had to withdraw from this week's tournament in Paris. She was scheduled to play in Dubai next week, but her name does not appear in the draw.The decision was announced today: > read more

Kvitova defeats Clijsters to win Paris championship

Published on 2011-02-13 10:11:00

In both the second round and the quarterfinals at the Open GDF SUEZ, Petra Kvitova came from behind to win. Her match against friend and countrywoman Barbora Zahlavova Strycova lasted three and a quarter hours, and she followed that with another thre > read more

Hantuchova wins Pattya Open

Published on 2011-02-13 09:48:00

Daniela Hantuchova, seeded 4th at the 2011 Pattaya Open, easily won the title today when she defeated 8th seed Sara Errani 6-0, 6-2. This is Hantuchova's fourth WTA Tour singles title. Errani, with partner Roberta Vinci, won the doubles title. Errani > read more

Kvitova in Paris final

Published on 2011-02-12 14:02:00

Petra Kvitova was involved in some very long, mentally draining matches this week, but she made quick work of Bethanie Mattek-Sands in today's Paris semifinals, winning 6-2, 6-0 in just under an hour. 4th seed Kvitova will play new world number 1 Kim > read more

She's number 1

Published on 2011-02-11 20:58:00

Kim Clijsters became the number 1 player in the world today when she defeated Jelena Dokic 6-3, 6-0 in Paris. It has been 256 weeks since the last time that Clijsters held the number 1 spot. She will play 3rd seed Kaia Kanepi in the semifinals of the > read more

Friday cat blogging--sisters heart u edition

Published on 2011-02-11 08:41:00

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Jankovic enters Family Circle Cup

Published on 2011-02-10 11:52:00

2007 Charleston champion Jelena Jankovic has entered the 2011 Family Circle Cup. Jankovic, who is currently number 8 in the world, won the 2007 championship in a dramatic final played against Dinara Safina in very high wind. Prior to that final, torn > read more

Quote of the day

Published on 2011-02-09 14:19:00

As a woman, I cringe when I see top ranked multi-millionaire athletes needing on-court instruction on how to hold serve. How anyone thinks that imagery is good for women's tennis is beyond me.Mary Carillo > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-02-08 20:09:00

Ana Ivanovic has already parted ways with new coach Antonio van Grichen. Ivanovic says her plan is to hire a full-time hitting partner while she shops for a coach. van Grichen, who formerly coached both Victoria Azarenka and Vera Zvonareva, had been > read more

Top two Paris teams out of doubles in 1st round

Published on 2011-02-08 19:39:00

Top seeds Liezel Huber and Nadia Petrova were upset today by wild cards Alize Cornet and Virginie Razzano in the first round of play in Paris. Cornet and Razzano, who are just coming off of some tough Fed Cup play in Moscow, beat Huber and Petrova 3- > read more

Quote of the week

Published on 2011-02-06 16:27:00

"So how much does she earn in endosements? I can tell you what she doesn’t earn, and that’s Sharapova money. And I don’t mean Sharapova money today. The Catholic Church doesn’t earn that."James LaRosa, on Francesca Schiavone > read more

Rennae Stubbs finishes her tennis career

Published on 2011-02-06 16:03:00

Rennae Stubbs, just shy of her 40th birthday, has retired from professional tennis. Stubbs, the longest-serving member of the Australian Fed Cup team, played her final match today in Hobart. She and Anastasia Rodionova lost to the Italian team of Sar > read more

Russia to play Italy in Fed Cup semifinals

Published on 2011-02-06 12:57:00

France won the first two rubbers against Russia in World Group Fed Cup action this weekend, but the Russians prevailed by winning the next three. Today, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova defeated Alize Cornet, Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Virginie Razzano, an > read more

It's shaped like a boot

Published on 2011-02-06 11:01:00

And it must feel like one to Fed Cup opponents. The Fed Cup defending champions traveled halfway around the world to "give the boot" to Australia in this season's World Group quarterfinals. Despite being up a set, a break, and two break points, Franc > read more

France up 2-0 against Russia in Fed Cup World Group

Published on 2011-02-05 11:53:00

Until today, Alize Cornet of France had never won a Fed Cup match. In fact, a few years ago, she asked to be removed from second day play because she could not handle the pressure of Fed Cup competition. It was a different story today, though: In the > read more

Schiavone and Stosur to face each other in Fed Cup play

Published on 2011-02-04 11:29:00

Scheduled as the third rubber in weekend Fed Cup competition between World Group teams Australia and defending champion Italy is a match between Sam Stosur and Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone defeated Stosur, who was favored to win the tournament, in > read more

Friday cat blogging--winter sunshine edition

Published on 2011-02-04 09:32:00

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Santangelo retires

Published on 2011-02-03 20:35:00

Mara Santangelo, who was born with a deformed foot but went on to achieve honors in professional tennis, retired today. Santangelo has played in only one tournament since the summer of 2009, and her foot pain has finally caused her to end her career. > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-02-03 20:08:00

Dinara Safina has hired Davide Sanguinetti to be her coach. Sanguinetti reached a career-high rank of 42 in the ATP.Olympus has settled the lawsuit filed against the company by the USTA. Olympus will remain a sponsor of the U.S. Open, and will remain > read more

Maggie Maleeva drops in and gives Bulgiaria a doubles boost in Fed Cup

Published on 2011-02-03 19:37:00

Retired WTA star Magdalena Maleeva has been playing doubles with Tsvetana Pironkova in this week's Fed Cup competition, and she is now 2-0 in doubles. On day 1, Maleeva and Pironkoava defeated the Polish team of Claudia Jans and Alicsja Rosolska in s > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-31 19:36:00

For the first time, the tour's top ten players are from ten different countries. Kim Clijsters has moved to number 2 in the world, Francesca Schiavone to number 4, and Li Na to number 7. Tom Perrotta says the women were the stars of the 2011 Australi > read more

Garbin should be remembered for stylish play

Published on 2011-01-31 14:33:00

Tathiana Garbin has ended her singles career. When she announced that the Australian Open would be her last tournament, she also indicated that she would play a short list of doubles tournaments in the future, so we probably should not expect to see > read more

Some final (really) thoughts on Henin's retirement

Published on 2011-01-31 14:33:00

I reported on January 26 that seven-time major champion Justine Henin had retired from professional tennis. This was Henin's second time to leave the sport; she also retired suddenly in 2008. At that time, I wrote this and this about her retirement. > read more

My Australian Open top 10

Published on 2011-01-30 14:00:00

Here, in ascending order, are my top 10 Australian Open happenings:10. "...I should have surgery before every Grand Slam": That's what Agnieszka Radwanska said in reponse to a comment that she got to the quarterfinals without having practiced. Radwan > read more

Nestor & Srebotnik--what they said

Published on 2011-01-30 13:50:00

Nenad has her locked up forever. He was supposed to play with Ivanovic here in preparation for the Olympics, so that opened the door for us playing together. Maybe if he plays with her again some time in the future we can play again.Yeah, definitely. > read more

Srebotnik & Nestor win Australian Open mixed doubles title

Published on 2011-01-30 11:16:00

Katarina Srebotnik and Daniel Nestor, seeded 2nd at the Australian Open, have won the 2011 mixed doubles championship. They defeated Chan Yung-Jan and Paul Hanley 6-3, 3-6, 10-7. Srebotnik's usual partner is Nenad Zomonjic, but she stepped aside for > read more

Some drama built in to upcoming Fed Cup matches

Published on 2011-01-29 17:55:00

One thing that's nice about this time of year, tennis-wise, is that before you can suffer a post-Australian Open letdown, Fed Cup has arrived. The season's first Fed Cup matches will be played next weekend, and there are already some scenarios that h > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-29 15:54:00

After the match, back to the locker room, I make joke, tennis should only play one set.Li NaAny nerves out there on Rod Laver today?I think at the end I was a little nervous. Also in the beginning, first game I was a little nervous, shaking a little. > read more

You can call her her Aussie Kim...you can call her 2011 Australian Open women's champion!

Published on 2011-01-29 15:22:00

For the first set of her 2011 Australian Open championship match again 9th seed Li Na, Kim Clijsters made the mistake of getting into a hitting contest with China's Big Sister Na. Li likes those contests--they're her bread and butter--and she tends t > read more

Vergeer wins both Australian Open titles

Published on 2011-01-29 02:06:00

Esther Vergeer won the Australian Open women's wheelchair singles championship today by defeating 2nd seed Daniela Di Toro 6-0, 6-0. Vergeer, the top seed, has now won the Open eight times. She took a break last year and did not enter, but she was th > read more

Mestach wins two Australian Open juniors girls titles

Published on 2011-01-28 23:50:00

16-year-old An-Sophie Mestach of Belgium won both the junior girls singles and doubles titles today at the Australian Open. In singles, 2nd seed Mestach, who is ranked 5th in the world in juniors, defeated 5th seed Monica Puig 6-4, 6-4.In the doubles > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-28 21:45:00

According to the Marion Bartoli Fan Blog (I know updating is inevitable, but I really miss "Looking For a Cult Hero?"!), Bartoli's calf tear, which she sustained in Melbourne, is pretty serious. There is a lot of interesting information on this page, > read more

Peachy Kellmeyer honored as Hall of Fame inductee

Published on 2011-01-28 13:02:00

At last, Fern Lee "Peachy" Kellmeyer is an inductee to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. > read more

Srebotnik and Chan to vie for mixed doubles title in Australia

Published on 2011-01-28 12:49:00

2nd seeds Katarina Srebotnik and Daniel Nestor and will play Chan Yung-Jan and Paul Hanley in the Australian Open mixed doubles championship match. Srebotnik and Nestor defeated 3rd seeds Maria Kirilenko and Nenad Zimonjic 6-4, 7-5 in the semifnals. > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-28 12:22:00

After the first round, I said to Vika, "I have a feeling we can be in the final." She said "I know we can be in the final." Next time, I have to say "I know we can win the final."Maria Kirilenko...the funny thing is I was playing Sydney. I know the s > read more

Dulko & Pennetta win Australian Open doubles championship

Published on 2011-01-28 12:19:00

When Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta left the court after their semifinal victory, right before they went into the tunnel, they did one final "keep the faith" high-five. On Friday, as they came out of the tunnel and walked onto the court to play the > read more

Paths to the final

Published on 2011-01-27 20:48:00

3rd seed Kim Clijsters and 9th seed Li Na will soon play for the Australian Open championship. Here is how they got to the final:Clijstersround 1--def. Dinara Safina, 6-0, 6-0round 2--def. Carla Suarez Navarro, 6-1, 6-3round 3--def. Alize Cornet, 7-6 > read more

Observations about the Australian Open

Published on 2011-01-27 20:34:00

Martina Navratilova is a great commentator. Her ability to see detail and the big picture at the same time is impressive.Note to Chris McKendry: There were lots of countrywomen in the stands, too. What century are you living in? (Also, as much > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-27 12:58:00

"Stuff just happens," Chanda Rubin said her recent house fire. Reporters asked Rubin which professional tennis player she would have picked to be on the fire rescue team. She immediately answered "Arantxa," a reference to Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. Goo > read more

Kirilenko a star in Australian Open doubles

Published on 2011-01-27 12:24:00

Maria Kirilenko, seeded 12th with partner Victoria Azarenka, has reached the final of the Australian Open. Azarenka and Kirilenko will compete against top seeds Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta in the final. In mixed doubles, Kirilenko and partner Ne > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-27 11:57:00

I didn't have a good evening last night. My husband sleep like this (snores), you know. I always wake up every hour.Li NaIt's nice to be in another Grand Slam final here. You know, obviously when you're close and having played a few semifinals and on > read more

Clijsters defeats Zvonareva for a spot in the Australian Open final

Published on 2011-01-27 09:42:00

Vera Zvonareva didn't get the Kim Clijsters Agnieszka Radwanska got in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. That Kim Clijsters was hitting errors right and left, and if Radwanska had a better serve, she might have had a chance to go to the semif > read more

Li upsets top seed and advances to final at Australian Open

Published on 2011-01-26 23:30:00

Under stress, you regress. That's what we sometimes say in my profession. You can describe the first half of the Australian Open semifinal between Caroline Wozniacki and Li Na in different ways, I suppose, but the gist of it is: Li went to pieces men > read more

Henin retires from professional tennis

Published on 2011-01-26 12:39:00

World number 13 Justine Henin has retired from professional tennis. Henin's elbow injury has caused her a lot of pain, and her doctors have advised her to stop playing. This is Henin's second, and presumably final, retirement from the sport. She is 2 > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-26 09:47:00

I think the planes kind of took me up higher.Kim Clijsters, referring to the Australia Day air showYou know, I think I started looking at things a bit differently. I started thinking, Okay, you can get injured any moment. Your career can be over. You > read more

Vergeer makes great start in Australian Open

Published on 2011-01-26 01:10:00

Esther Vergeer made a statement in her opening Australian Open match on Wednesday: The top seed defeated Sharon Walraven 6-0, 6-0. 2nd seed Daniela Di Toro also won her quarterfinal match, allowing her opponent to win only three games. Vergeer is on > read more

Clijsters and Zvonareva advance to Australian Open semifinals

Published on 2011-01-25 22:57:00

Vera Zvonareva, the Australian Open number 2 seed, played her fourth left-handed opponent (and her third left-handed Czech opponent) today in the quarterfinals. Zvonareva expertly defeated an unsteady Petra Kvitova (seeded 25th) 6-2, 6-4. The match w > read more

Among the missing

Published on 2011-01-25 19:59:00

Sometimes players are injured and go missing, and sometimes they just plain go missing. If anyone has information on any of these players, please comment:Vasilisa Bardina: Whatever happened to her?Julia Vakulenko: She has always disappeared and come > read more

Vania King replaces Williams on U.S. Fed Cup team

Published on 2011-01-25 16:04:00

Venus Williams was supposed to participate in Fed Cup play next month, but her Australian Open injury has precluded that. USA captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced today that Wimbledon and U.S. Open doubles champion Vania King would be added to the te > read more

Huber beats Black in doubles

Published on 2011-01-25 14:55:00

Long-time partners (and bitterly-split ex-partners) Cara Black and Liezel Huber competed against each other in doubles at the Australian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, with Huber and Nadia Petrova defeating Black and Anastasia Rodionova 6-1, 6-4. Top > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-25 12:20:00

We don't know your opponent in the semifinal yet. If it should be Caroline, how would you describe her? Can you take any confidence beating her last year?Yeah, I beat her last year, but doesn't mean anything for this year. Also she have to win today > read more

World number 1 fights her way into Australian Open semifinals

Published on 2011-01-25 12:15:00

It was obvious that Caroline Wozniacki got a lot more than she bargained for in her Melbourne quarterfinal match against 6th seed Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone wasn't expected to have any physical or mental energy left, but she came out blazing, and > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-24 12:30:00

...she can't watch I'm play tennis. I will ask her many times, Please, travel with me. She say, "No, I want to stay because I don't want to watch." Yeah, I mean, this is tough. Li Na, talking about her motherIt's just been a topsy-turvy match, and yo > read more

Clijsters advances to Australian Open quarterfinals

Published on 2011-01-24 12:20:00

She had to get through a tiebreak to do it, but 3rd seed Kim Clijsters defeated Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets Monday in the Australian Open round of 16. Clijsters' 7-6, 6-2 win over Makarova now puts her in contention with 12th seed Agnieszka R > read more

Radwanska and Peng--together again as you always wanted to see them

Published on 2011-01-24 01:07:00

Agnieszka Radwanska and Peng Shuai are incapable of stepping onto a tennis court together and quickly getting off. Every time they play one another, it's a knock-down, drag-out affair, with no shortage of entertainment for spectators. Old habits die > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-23 18:18:00

Do you remember other matches of yours where you had six match points and you lost?Actually I'm happy my memory is not that good. I don't remember. My memory is pretty bad. Few times I just in few days I will just forget. Well, this match I won't for > read more

Evert and Navratilova to play in Charleston exhibition

Published on 2011-01-23 17:17:00

Rivals and long-time close friends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert will participate with John McEnroe and Todd Martin in the Family Circle Cup's Game, Set, Rock! exhibition on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. Both singles and mixed doubles will be > read more

Schiavone and Kuznetsova give new meaning to the term "thriller"

Published on 2011-01-23 14:52:00

During the French Open, Francesca Schiavone compared herself with Capricciosa pizza. "I don't give you margherita," she said. "I give you Capricciosa, different kind of ingredient." Schiavone needed all the spicy ingredients she could locate in > read more

Li hits her way into Australian Open quarterfinals

Published on 2011-01-23 13:56:00

9th seed Li Na, one of last year's Australian Open semifinalists, demonstrated on Sunday why she is one of the players to beat for the Melbourne championship. Hitting with steady authority on both sides, and taking thoughtful care in her shot selecti > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-23 12:48:00

A member of Aravane Rezai's family (one can reasonably assume that this is her father, since he has caused so much trouble throughout her career) has been banned from WTA events. The tour reports that its investigation is of a "serious safety matter" > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-22 13:41:00

Honestly, I don't really read about myself. I look at the pictures sometimes. Sometimes I'm looking at them and I'm thinking, They could choose some better ones. Caroline WozniackiShe would be better if she didn't waste so much energy on histrionics. > read more

Top seeds show vulnerability in Melbourne

Published on 2011-01-22 12:09:00

Kim Clijsters remains the favorite to win the Australian Open, but she has already had one of the troublesome matches which haunt her from time to time. She struggled against Alize Cornet, and--though the outcome of the match was hardly in doubt--it > read more

Stosur out of Australian Open

Published on 2011-01-22 11:40:00

Theoretically, a tall, left-handed, flat-hitting opponent with a strong forehand has what it takes to give Sam Stosur a lot of trouble. That became more than theory on the sixth day of the Australian Open: Brisbane champion Petra Kvitova upset 5th se > read more

Unseeded Groenefeld and Schnyder upset Spaniards

Published on 2011-01-21 12:29:00

In 2009, the Spanish team of Nuria Llagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez won the WTA Championships with victories over both Black and Huber and the Williams sisters. 2010 looked bright, but Martinez Sanchez sustained an injury that kept he > read more

Williams retires in 3rd round of Australian Open

Published on 2011-01-21 10:57:00

She tried. Venus Williams came to Rod Laver Arena hoping, she said, "for some magic." "A lot of times when you play, you get that adrenalin and that blocks pain," Williams said to the press after her retirement at 0-1 in the third round in Melbourne. > read more

Friday cat blogging--sweet dreams edition

Published on 2011-01-21 09:24:00

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Sharapova wins thriller against Goerges

Published on 2011-01-21 01:17:00

Maria Sharapova and Julia Goerges were not able to play as scheduled because of a dead spot on the court in Hisense Arena. Staff members had to drill a hole in the court to let the air out of the surface where the dead spot was. About twenty minutes > read more

Top players advance to round of 16

Published on 2011-01-21 00:52:00

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the round of 16 on day 5 of the Australian Open by defeating 29th seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 6-3. Cibulkova upset Wozniacki recently in the second round of the Medibank International in Sydney. The top seed p > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-20 13:33:00

I was like what the hell, I can't believe it.Agnieszka Radwanska, commenting on her flying raquet headThis is a different stage in my career. This is where I'm trying to find my groove after being gone for a while, and also finding it on the court an > read more

Melbourne miscellany

Published on 2011-01-20 12:56:00

Caroline Wozniacki had a go at playing cricket.The Heineken Beer Garden is featuring a brass band whose members are dressed in kangaroo costumes.Todd Woodbridge will never again send a text message to Rennae Stubbs.I really need for Martina Navratilo > read more

Jankovic beaten in straight sets

Published on 2011-01-20 08:14:00

The way that seeds are dropping at the Australian Open, one wouldn't be surprised to find a garden blooming--perhaps a garden featuring Golden Flowers. In the 2nd round, the Peng Shuai pulled off the biggest upset yet: She defeated 7th seed Jelena Ja > read more

Bartoli out for 6 weeks

Published on 2011-01-19 10:41:00

15th seed Marion Bartoli was expected to defeat Vesna Manasieva fairly easily. In fact, when she went up 5-1 in the first set, it looked as though the match might not last long. But in the course of play, Bartoli sustained a calf muscle tear. She con > read more

The match that had everything

Published on 2011-01-19 10:20:00

When I say "everything," I mean piercing screams, injury, tenion, a bagel, a near-upset, and one bizarre tennis dress. Sandra Zahlavova and Venus Williams put on an Australian Open 2nd round show that, at times, was so strange, I had to just shake my > read more

What they said

Published on 2011-01-18 11:25:00

But to lose two tournaments in a row 6-0, 6 1, 6-0, 6-0. It's really to scratch the head and to think what the hell I'm doing. Dinara SafinaI've been laughing so much about my serve, because I think we tried twenty different ways to serve.Justine Hen > read more

Clijsters goes all Petrova on Safina

Published on 2011-01-18 09:15:00

3rd seed Kim Clijsters, the favorite to win the 2011 Australian Open, gave the crowd a taste of her focus during her first round on the second day of the event. Clijsters defeated 2009 finalist Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-0 in just 44 minutes.Clijsters know > read more

Melbourne miscellany

Published on 2011-01-17 22:29:00

Tennis Australia's Louise Pleming is acting as Jelena Dokic's temporary coach at the Australian Open. I reported recently that Dokic had hired Glenn Schapp to be her coach, but apparently, that didn't work out. Dokic said she "didn't feel that click" > read more

Rezai, Hantuchova and Groth go out in 1st round of Australian Open

Published on 2011-01-17 16:14:00

Aravane Rezai, one of the streakiest players on the tour, was probably expected to do fairly well in Melbourne. But her first round couldn't have gotten off to a worse start than it did when she lost the first set 0-6 to Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. Z > read more

Melbourne miscellany

Published on 2011-01-16 17:10:00

The Rally for Relief was deemed a success. Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur, Ana Ivanovic, and Justine Henin joined several members of the ATP to play in exhibition matches to raise funds for the victims of the recent Queensland floods. About 7650,000 was r > read more

Qualifiers set for Melbourne

Published on 2011-01-16 14:51:00

Here are the women who have made it through qualifying for the Australian Open:Sania MirzaJamie HamptonAnne KremerArantxa RusCoco VandewegheAnne KeothavongLesya TsurenkoKathrin WoerleVesna ManasievaIrina FalconiPetra MarticArina RodionovaVandeweghe a > read more

This Australian Open marked by change

Published on 2011-01-16 13:16:00

At the 2011 Australian Open, on the women's side, a sense of change is in the air. Most obvious, of course, is the absence of five-time (and defending) champion Serena Williams, whose foot injury caused her to withdraw. It is common tennis wisdom tha > read more

Groth wins Hobart

Published on 2011-01-15 09:20:00

Jarmila Groth, currently ranked number 40 in the world, has won the Moorilla Hobart International. Groth defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 6-3 in the final, which was played in windy conditions. Both players now head to Melbourne for the Australian > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-14 20:59:00

Sony Ericsson has launched Xperia Hot Shots, an entertainment show that will be streamed online and to mobile devices. Xperia Hot Shots, which begins in March, follows the lives of six aspiring WTA Tour players as they strive toward sports stardom. T > read more

1st round holds danger for some top players in Melbourne

Published on 2011-01-14 11:36:00

Top players almost always say that the first round of a major is a hard one. The player is trying to get used to the courts, shake off nerves, and establish a rhythm to take her through the first week. Some of the tour's elite "play their way into" t > read more

Li wins her first Premier title in Sydney

Published on 2011-01-14 09:56:00

Li Na has not had an easy pro tennis career. She left the tour for a long time because she was tired of being told what to do by the Chinese Tennis Federation. When she returned, she did it on her terms (and, in fact, changed the entire climate of Ch > read more

Friday cat blogging--brother time edition

Published on 2011-01-14 08:47:00

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Sharapova enters Family Circle Cup

Published on 2011-01-13 18:10:00

Former world number 1 Maria Sharapova has entered the 2011 Family Circle Cup. Sharapova was scheduled to play in Charleston last year, but she had to withdraw because of injury. In 2008, Sharapova lost to eventual champion Serena Williams in the quar > read more

Veterans--2, Upstarts--0

Published on 2011-01-13 10:19:00

The Sydney semifinals were interesting to watch because they featured two talented veterans--one often hampered by nerves, the other finding success in her "second" career--who faced two younger talents. Li Na had to contend with a young talent in 19 > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-11 23:02:00

Chang Kai-Chen has received a wild card into the main draw of the Australian Open.Shahar Peer rose to a ranking of number 12 in the world this week.Bethanie Mattek-Sands has pledged 5% of her Hobart and Australian Open prize money to the flooded comm > read more

Wozniacki, Zvonareva and Stosur all out of Sydney

Published on 2011-01-11 10:56:00

World number 1 and top seed Caroline Wozniacki played her first round in Sydney yesterday, and lost to Dominika Cibulkova. Cibulkova's 6-3, 6-3 victory follows the unseeded Slovak's 6-3, 6-3 win over Maria Kirilenko.Wozniacki played in the Hong Kong > read more

Robson out of Australian Open qualifying

Published on 2011-01-09 19:26:00

Laura Robson, who was scheduled to play in the qualifying rounds of the Australian Open, has been forced to withdraw because of an upper thigh injury she sustained in Hopman Cup competition. Robson has also withdrawn from the first round of Fed Cup p > read more

USA wins Hopman Cup

Published on 2011-01-08 10:02:00

The USA, facing an unexpected Belgian team in the final, has won the 2011 Hopman Cup. Justine Henin defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 7-6, 6-3 (the first set lasted 69 minutes) in the women's singles rubber, but John Isner won his singles rubber, and th > read more

Kvitova wins Brisbane

Published on 2011-01-08 09:51:00

Petra Kvitova, who caused a stir last year at Wimbledon, got her 2011 season off to a roaring start today by winning the Brisbane International. Kvitova defeated Andrea Petkovic 6-1, 6-3 in the final. Both players were unseeded. On her way to the fin > read more

Planet Hopman

Published on 2011-01-07 22:11:00

Hopman Cup competition is supposed to be relaxed event. It has nothing to do with either tour, but is a season-opening tradition which fans enjoy. This year, it has also been the source of quite a bit of drama. Serbia was undefeated, and therefore, i > read more

2011 starts with a great story: Arn wins Auckland

Published on 2011-01-07 21:51:00

Greta Arn was supposed to play in the ASB Classic qualifying rounds, but some late withdrawals opened a slot for her in the main draw. That was a piece of good fortune, and Arn needed it--she arrived in Auckland without her coach (he didn't want to m > read more

Hopman Cup injury update

Published on 2011-01-07 09:05:00

Ana Ivanovic has withdrawn from the Medibank International in Sydney because of a strained abdominal muscle. Ivanovic pulled the muscle when she played her match against Justine Henin during Hopman Cup competition. This also means that Serbia, schedu > read more

Friday cat blogging--favorite fleece edition

Published on 2011-01-07 08:55:00

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Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-06 19:35:00

The Virginia Slims series began 40 years ago today. The first women to break away and sign up for the series were ostracized by many male players they thought were their friends. Women getting paid real money to play tennis?! One of my favorite stori > read more

Shvedova to miss Australian Open

Published on 2011-01-06 12:53:00

Doctors have confirmed that Yaroslava Shvedova's right knee injury is serious enough to require surgery. She will be out six weeks, which means she will miss the Australian Open. Shvedova tore her meniscus during the first round of Hopman Cup competi > read more

Mauresmo named co-director of Paris tournament

Published on 2011-01-05 23:32:00

Former tour star Amelie Mauresmo has been named co-director of the Open GDF SUEZ. The event, which is played indoors on a hard court, is a premier tournament on the WTA tour. The other tournament director is Regis Brunet.The 2011 Paris indoor tournam > read more

Serbia expected to play in Hopman Cup final

Published on 2011-01-05 22:08:00

Serbia's Hopman Cup team, Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic, have gone undefeated so far in Hopman Cup competition. Serbia has won all three rubbers against both Australia and Kazakhstan, and will face the team from Belgium next. Belgium, however, woul > read more

Sharapova out of ASB Classic

Published on 2011-01-05 20:45:00

2008 Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova made her 2011 debut in Auckland as the top seed, but today, she lost to Greta Arn in the quarterfinals. Arn--the veterans who has played some of her best tennis in the last year--defeated Sharapova 6-2, 7 > read more

Top seeds already out of Brisbane

Published on 2011-01-04 11:27:00

Samantha Stosur, the top seed in Brisbane, is out of the competition in the second round. Stosur was defeated 6-2, 6-4 by her countrywoman, the big-hitting Jarmila Groth. Groth was down 2-4 in the second set, but broke Stosur back. Groth hit a total > read more

Passing shots

Published on 2011-01-02 14:00:00

Elena Dementieva has accepted the position of vice president of the Russian Tennis Federation, which can be only a good thing for Russian tennis. The recently retired Dementieva was honored on Thursday by President Dmitry Medvedev. (Thanks to Forty D > read more

A message to readers

Published on 2011-01-01 12:16:00

Welcome to a new incarnation of Women Who Serve. In addition to looking a bit different, the blog will feature some publication changes. There will be fewer scores and fewer daily details about the tour; major news, commentary and summary will contin > read more

Chanda Rubin's house heavily damaged by fire

Published on 2010-12-31 17:57:00

There has been a whole lot of weather, lately, and here in Louisiana, the cold temperatures have been accompanied by heavy rains. Chanda Rubin's Lafayette house caught fire Wednesday night, and the most likely reason is that lightning struck her atti > read more

Friday cat blogging--existential edition

Published on 2010-12-31 09:38:00

."I believe, at the end of the day, personally, my life is not about a banana." > read more