Update: Madrid - Road to title

Hi everyone,

The first few rounds at Madrid were a real blood bath on the red clay. Much of the seeded players were obviously not yet ready for the gravel. But first, the most important news: RADWANSKA HAS GONE BLONDE!

I was watching her against Robson (which she lost surprisingly: 3-6, 1-6, i'm hoping it isn't connected with her hair color change) and I just didn't recognize her! So Radwanska out in the second round where the Pole reached the semifinals last year. Wozniacki is having a few dreadful first round losses lately, this time against Shvedova: 2-6, 4-6. This says it all right?

But I was most surprised by the early losses of some real gravel specialists! Like Na Li who lost in the first round against Keys: 3-6, 2-6 and Vinci was overthrown by Lepchenko: 1-6, 6-1, 2-6. Stosur got a difficult draw with Suarez Navarro in the first round and the Spanish tennisplayer impressed with a 7-6(7), 6-2 victory. How can you battle THAT anyway?

Serena had a straight forward walk in the park until the quarterfinals were Medina Garrigues took the second set bagel-style! Serena knocked herself to the semifinals nonetheless: 6-3, 0-6, 7-5 in the end, despite Medina Garrigues fluffing up the balls during play to actually make them slower. It was close the shout of this photo tells us.

Azarenka experienced her first loss of 2013 (if we don't count her many withdrawals and stuff) against Makarova: 6-1, 2-6, 3-6. The Belarussian couldn't keep her cool when she received a point penalty after swearing to the crowd and racket abuse, check it out:

Kerber had quite a succesful tournament if you consider she wasn't playing that well last month which resulted in her dropping a spot on the rankings to 7. She defeated Kuznetsova: 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals but lost there to Ivanovic: 6-3, 6-1 after she battled it out against Robson: 5-7, 6-2, 7-6(5).

In the bottom draw Sharapova faced little resistance getting to the semi's with Kvitova outplayed by Hantuchova in the second round and Kanepi proving a not too difficult task in the quarters: 6-2, 6-4. But the biggest news was her officially anouncing dating tennisplayer Dimitrov after he overthrew Djokovic. First they were spotted in Madrid and then Sharapova made a joke about it when writing: 'How did you catch us?' (The streets of Madrid aren't that private really, maybe it was his 'you-beat-the-number-one' gift of Sharapova?)

To sum up, we got Williams - Errani and Sharapova - Ivanovic semifinals. And it was quite clear the final would be a number one against two affair with Williams fending off Errani: 7-5, 6-2 and Sharapova winning against Ivanovic: 6-4, 6-3. I was hoping for an exciting clincher but it was all the Serena-show. In an hour and 19 minutes she achieved her consecutive title in Madrid: 6-1, 6-4. But please, Serena, leave the dog at home! And love the photo where you see Sharapova walking away while Williams get picked up by the ballboys (serious muscle neessary there!). Keep posted!

Introducing: Mutua Madrid Open - Madrid

Hi everyone,

We've arrived in sunny Spain where translating a site in correct English is quite difficult (la caja magica is NOT English!). The Mutua Madrid Open is a mandatory tournament, so we've got a week ahead with a lot of interesting matches! Unfortunately not on blue gravel anymore but we're back at the usual red.

 

 

Last year this tournament was quite the appetizer for Roland Garros with Serena Williams crushing number one Azarenka in the final: 6-1, 6-3 after defeating Sharapova in the quarterfinals with the same score. Funny photo by the way.

 

 

Check out the draw:

- Top half = Serena, Wozniacki, Na Li

- Top of the middle half = Azarenka, Bartoli, Vinci, Errani

- Bottom of middle half = Kerber, Ivanovic, Radwanska

- Bottom half = Kvitova, Stosur, Cibulkova, Sharapova

 

- Underdog of the tournament = Suarez Navarro. This gravel-loving Spanish player has a tough draw with a first round encounter against Stosur. Still, she was wonderful in the Estoril Open in Portugal, losing against Pavlyuchenkova in the final. Kanepi probably awaits in the second round before meeting Kvitova for a spot in the quarters. She'll have to defeat Sharapova and either Radwanska or Kerber to meet number one Serena most likely in the final. If that isn't the underdog of the tournament, I don't know either anymore!

 

First round matches to look forward to: Azarenka vs. Pavlyuchenkova (I'm predicting Azarenka will win but Pavlyuchenkova was remarkable in Portugal though), Errani vs. Urszula Radwanska, Ivanovic vs. Mattek-Sands (after her good run in Stuttgart, the American could do some damage!), Kvitova vs. Wickmayer and Suarez Navarro vs. Stosur.

 

Keep posted! 

Update: Stuttgart - Quarter's, Semi's & Final

Hi everyone,

While Eurosport keeps boycotting me (not transmitting anything from the main tournaments anymore!), I remembered again how Na Li won Roland Garros in 2011. The Chinese produced a convincing win over Kvitova in the quarter's: 6-3, 7-5. In the semi's she faced Mattek-Sands after Lisicki stranded against her the round before: 6-4, 6-3. In the photo you just see her think: wow you look ... different.

 

 

On the other side of the draw number two Sharapova needed another three setter against Ivanovic in the quarter's: 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 before battling Kerber in the semi's in another long match: 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. She's had a lot of practice on the Stuttgart gravel, you can say that!

 

 

In doubles, two German teams did very well. Kerber and Petkovic reached the semi's while the Barthel - Lisicki pairing won the title!

 

 

 

 

Oh yes, the final between Na Li and Sharapova, a totally worthy Roland Garros final if you ask me! I'll let youtube do the talking with these highlights:

 

 

So that's another Porsche for Maria, I'm excited to see what the next tournaments around Southern Europe will bring, keep posted!

 

Update: Stuttgart - Road to the Quarterfinals

Hi everyone,

A lot of potential winners were already send home in the first round in Stuttgart! Wozniacki was upset by gravel specialist Suarez Navarro: (6)6-7, 1-6 while Stosur couldn't handle Jankovic: 4-6, 4-6. Winner in last week's WTA Katowice Vinci is also surprisingly out against Shvedova: 4-6, 2-6 despite the Italian normally being very strong on clay.

 

- Granny pants! -

Team Deutschland had mixed results in the first round. Ivanovic proved to be too strong for a newly returned Petkovic: 6-3, 6-2 but in doubles with Kerber, they did defeat the third seed Makarova - Vesnina pairing in two sets. Petkovic is looking good alright, that's the most important (and funny as always)!

 

Lisicki battled her way into the second round while Barthel had another disappointing first round loss against Safarova: 4-6, 1-6. German teenager Beck played tremendously against Kvitova in the first round. The Czech needed three sets after completely blowing the second set tiebreak: 7-5, (0)6-7, 6-3. Goerges took her first hurdle when leading: 6-2, 2-1 before Flipkens retired due to stomach problems.

 

 

 

The second round proved destructive for Italian Errani (after getting a bye in the first) when facing a surprisingly strong Mattek-Sands: 0-6, 6-4, 1-6. The American always makes quite an impression, right? The other seeded players all got through with Na Li and Kerber in two sets while Sharapova needed three in a tough battle against Safarova: 6-4, (3)6-7, 6-3. It did deserve three sets though, the level in this match was very high!

 

 

 

Besides Kerber just one German reached the quarterfinals also: Lisicki. She had a tight victory over Jankovic: 7-6(3), 7-5. It's good to see her perform well again with an upcoming grass season to look forward to! Kvitova defeated Goerges while the German had the best start in the match: 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-2.

 

 

The quarterfinals consists of a Kerber - Shvedova mash-up, Lisicki vs. Mattek-Sands but most exciting: Sharapova vs. Ivanovic and Kvitova taking on Na Li. Keep posted!

Introducing - Porsche Tennis Grand Prix - Stuttgart

Hi everyone,

 

After the green clay in Charleston for the Family Circle Cup (where Serena defended her title succesfully after an ass-whooping 6-1, 6-2 against Venus in the semi's and defeating Jankovic: 3-6, 6-0, 6-2) and the red clay in a new tournament in Poland: BNP Paribas Katowice Open (where Vinci established her gravel-skills by beating Kvitova in the final in an extraordinary fashion: 7-6(2), 6-1, we're finally at the true European clay court tournaments!

 

First up is the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart with this amazing poster of the German players:

 

 

They played their Fed Cup against Serbia (edging it: 3-2) in Stuttgart, so I'm expecting them to make a strong start here because the draw isn't a walk in the park at all!

 

First round matches to look forward to = Ivanovic vs. Petkovic, Pavlyuchenkova vs. Makarova, Stosur vs. Jankovic.

 

Underdog of the tournament = Goerges has to get past a strong Flipkens (eight places ranked higher than her) in the first round before encountering Kvitova second and most likely Na Li in the quarterfinals. Either Stosur of Errani will probably await in the semifinals before Sharapova in the finals. Goerges has had incredible results in Stuttgart (upsetting Stosur and Wozniacki, the then number one, to take the title in 2011) but that's one tough cookie right there: good Glück German girl!

 

Last year winner was Sharapova by defeating Azarenka: 6-1, 6-4 in the final. We're missing the Belarussian here, so she'll lose some more points but her third spot in the WTA rankings isn't at risk since Radwanska is way behind and isn't competing here either. Keep posted!

 

Update: Miami - Fourth round, Quarter's, Semi's and Final

Hi everyone,

The fourth round delivered quite a splash!

Serena did have trouble against Cibulkova, but as usual the American could turn a set and break behind into a win: 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Number four Radwanska also faced a set down against Sloane Stephens before turning it around: 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. On the other hand Sharapova had another convincing win: 6-2, 6-2 against Zakopalova. Na Li had a tough first set against Muguruza: 7-6(6), 6-2. Errani had a beautiful win over Ivanovic in the fourth round: 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.

 

 

In such a packed tournament, I was very pleased with a Vinci - Jankovic quarterfinal. The two gave everything they had and eventually Jankovic came out victorious: 6-4, (6)6-7, 6-3. Vinci's doublespartner Errani was also outplayed in the quarterfinals against number two Sharapova: 7-5, 7-5. Serena had a better start in the quarterfinals, but it was quite necessary against Na Li: 6-3, 7-6(5). Belgian Flipkens (who is having a few very succesfull American tournaments) had an amazing start against Radwanska, but the Pole managed to turn it around in three sets: 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Check out this (possibly) point of the year!

 

I was so looking forward to the semifinal between Serena and Radwanska, but the Pole really didn't have a chance against the super focused American (not even a backhand flip pirouette smash volley or something). Serena definitely meant business and wasn't about to make a bad start: 6-0, 6-3. I started to think we finally would get an exciting battle between the number one and two after Serena had slacked a bit the last couple of matches, but after the crushing of Radwanska, I wasn't that sure anymore. Sharapova did give a good impression against Jankovic: 6-2, 6-1 but with Serena on top of her game, it would get tricky in the final!

 

Sharapova did try everything she got and even took the first set before the impressive Williams bounced back with a third set bagel: 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Watch the highlights:

We've got the Family Circle Cup in Charleston left before we turn to Europe for the gravel preparations for Roland Garoos, keep posted!

Update: Miami - First, Second & Third Round

Hi everyone,

The Sony Tennis Open is flying by and we're already on to the fourth round!

 

Except for Petkovic's win over Jovanovski: 6-3, 6-1 in the first round, nothing really to report because all the seeded players got a bye in Miami. On to round two where Petkovic played amazingly against Bartoli before the French woman had to retire due to her left foot when trailing: 3-6, 1-4. I guessed wrong about Petkovic reaching the third round but just when I thought she would make it further, Tomljanovic just barely got the edge over her for a fourth round spot: 0-6, 6-4, 7-6(1). Good to see her getting her groove back (and hopefully her Petko-dance too!)

 

 

A lot of high ranked players needed three sets to overcome their opponent in the early rounds. Typical for Wozniacki (5-7, 6-3, 6-3 against Pliskova) and Kvitova (5-7, 6-2, 6-2 against Peng), they did it in Indian Wells also, but Kerber isn't playing her best as well in the second round. The German lost the first set: (5)6-7 against Schiavone before settling the score in the next two sets: 6-3, 6-2.

Two veterans took the court in an epic battle too: 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4 was the score between Venus Williams and Date-Krumm (combined age 74!)

 

 

No such problems for Serena Williams, Radwanska, Na Li and Sharapova who cruised through the second round in straight sets. And what about Azarenka? She's still unbeaten in 2013 but has pulled out of Miami with an ankle injury again. I'm wondering if she'll be fit (and warmed up) for the upcoming Grand Slams! Lucky Loser Davis filled her spot and immediately made a splash saving three match points before grabbing the win against fellow American: 6-1, 5-7, 7-6(7). Unfortunately she didn't withstand Cornet's game in the third round: 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

 

 

To summarize the rest of the third round, I'm refering to these two informative clips:

 

 

 

What it did let out was Belgian Flipkens win over Kvitova: 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 and Wozniacki's upset by Spanish teenager Muguruza: 2-6, 4-6, both quite mention worthy!

 

The upcoming fourth round matches are pretty interesting with: Williams vs. Cibulkova (always in the mood for a big number one upset that tiny Slovak!), Radwanska vs. Stephens and Errani vs. Ivanovic. Keep posted!

Introducing: Sony Open Tennis - Miami

Hi everyone,

Some people are saying Miami is losing its status as 5th Slam in favor of Indian Wells, but with the entire top 32 competing here (except for the injured Stosur), I beg to differ on the WTA side! Miami will be a fierce battlefield, that's for sure.

 

Last year's tournament was a total surprise with Bartoli defeating Azarenka  for the first time in 2012 and Wozniacki beating Serena both in the quarterfinals. But Sharapova and Radwanska were the one to profit from it, both struggling respectively with Serena and Azarenka as nemesis. The Pole took the title with a consistent: 7-5, 6-4 win.

 

 

So now let's check out that draw:

- Seeded players in the top half = Serena, Wozniacki, Na Li, Radwanska, Venus Williams, Bartoli and Kvitova (talk about a packed draw! Serena can get her revenge on Wozniacki in the semi's while Radwanska yet again gets drawn in Venus' half!)

- Seeded players in the bottom half = Errani, Ivanovic, Kirilenko, Sharapova, Kerber, Azarenka (somewhat the easier part of the draw)

 

- Underdog of the tournament = neither William sisters has it easy, but I still chose for Petkovic because she doesn't get a first round bye. First she faces Jovanovski which is quite do-able but she's been on injury break for quite a while now! Next is Bartoli and possibly Goerges in the third round. To get into the quarterfinals, she'll have to get past a determined Kvitova before meeting either Venus or Radwanska there. After that Serena awaits in the semi's and in the final either Sharapova or Azarenka most likely. I'm guessing her impossible draw will end in the second round with a three set loss against Bartoli.

 

 

- Interesting early round matches to look forward to = Serena vs. Pennetta (second round), Bartoli vs. Petkovic (second round), Kuznetsova vs. Makarova (second round), Urzsula Radwanska vs. Ivanovic (second round), Kerber vs. Schiavone (second round), Wozniacki vs. Pavlyuchenkova (third round), Radwanska vs. Barthel (third round) and Venus vs. Stephens (third round)

 

Keep posted!

Update: Indian Wells - Quarterfinals, semi's & Final

Hi everyone,

The quarterfinals were quite a let-down with two walkover matches. Azarenka retired because of a right ankle injury while Stosur forfeited with a right calf affliction (she's also not competing in Miami next week!). I would have liked an Azarenka vs. Wozniacki match-up and Stosur taking on Kerber, but the Wozniacki - Kerber semifinal was quite controversial too! After a few moonballing rally's the Dane got Kerber out of here rythm to take the match: 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. It wasn't pretty (the crowd started laughing after a minute, I would be fast asleep after 30 seconds!) but it did the trick and acordingly to Wozniacki, that's all that counts! To read the many comments about it: click here

 

 

On the other side of the draw two Maria's battled their way into the semifinals. Kirilenko continued her great run by defeating Kvitova: 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 after previously sending Radwanska packing the round before. Sharapova had her hands full on Errani in the first set but eventually overcame the Italian: 7-6(6), 6-2.

 

 

So then two Russian blond Maria's had to play their semifinal against each other. The number three got the better of Kirilenko in two sets: 6-4, 6-3.

 

 

In the final Sharapova pushed through her agressive game and Wozniacki didn't have an effective reply (not even moonballing!). It's good to see the Dane in a final again but 33 winners against just 2 just said everything in the end. Score: 6-2, 6-2.

 

 

More interesting is that Sharapova overtakes Azarenka in the rankings! I didn't see that coming at all, but this makes things just more entertaining! So Serena is still on the number one spot, Sharapova on two and Azarenka drops to three. I'm guessing Miami will be the battlefield of the rankings too, I'm dying for some high seed mash-ups, keep posted!

Update: Indian Wells - Third & Fourth round

Hi everyone,

The show is getting on the road while we progress in the third and fourth round of Indian Wells!

 

Some seeded players already had some trouble in the third round. Surprisingly Azarenka needed three sets against Flipkens (go Flipper!). The Belgian took the first set 6-3 and it was extremely tight until 3-3 in the second set. Azarenka upped her game and took the next nine games, finishing it: 3-6, 6-3, 6-0. I was wondering if it would put a dent in her confidence defending her title here, but in the fourth round she had a comfortable win against the younger Radwanska: 6-3, 6-1. I guess we'll see in the quarterfinals!

 

 

Speaking of, not only Urszula Radwanska is out, also Aga! In the third round she pulled off a tough three set win over Cirstea: 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4, after losing an important break in the first set. But in the fourth round a strong Kirilenko overcame the Pole: 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 to take the quarterfinal ticket from the number three seed.

 

On the other hand Sharapova, Kvitova, Kerber and Wozniacki all progressed to the quarterfinals with two straight set wins in the third and fourth round. Sharapova conquered Spain, defeating Suarez Navarro: 7-5, 6-3 first before winning against Arruabarrena-Vecino (oh God, what a name?!): 7-5, 6-0. Wozniacki did the same with two consecutive Russians, first: 6-2, 6-1 against Vesnina and then: 7-6(3), 6-3 against Petrova.

Kerber came out on top after a poor match against Wickmayer: 6-1, 7-6(4) and sending another Spanish player home Muguruza: 6-4, 7-5. Kvitova outplayed Tsurenko: 6-2, 7-6(5) in the third round and met Zakopalova in the fourth round: 6-2, 6-3. It's nice to see the Czech raising to her former game again!

 

It was eventually Bartoli who defeated underdog Kuznetsova: 6-4, 6-3 in the third round. I sweared the Russian would get a round further, but it wasn't meant to be! The French woman encountered a fierce Errani next, where she couldn't score a quarterfinal spot against: 3-6, 2-6.

 

 

German Barthel made quite an impression against Ivanovic: 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 before ending on the losers side against Stosur: 6-4, 2-6, 3-6. I'm wondering if she's good on gravel, she could upset some good players at the upcoming Roland Garros!

 

 

The quarterfinals now consists of following mash-ups: Azarenka vs. Wozniacki, Kerber vs. Stosur, Kvitova vs. Kirilenko and Errani vs. Sharapova.

 

To sum things up: the high ranked players had quite some trouble while the subtoppers had a pretty good day at the office. Maybe we're getting a very surprising victor, so keep posted!

Fun off court: Indian Wells

Hi everyone,

Indian Wells is known for their little 'fun facts top 8' quiz which is always hilarious! From last year we remember: 'Who is in the top 8?' - Sharapova, Wozniacki's constantly answering Stosur, 'Damn, I don't have her on Facebook!' - Azarenka and the 'Oh, dear Lord!' from the quiz master!

 

 

This year we're missing Na Li but Errani is so cute with her Italian accent (how she says Kerber is amazing!) and the German is just constantly laughing it seems. Their expressions when they don't know a question is just hilarious! Love Kvitova's: 'Pink? That's me!'. Birthdays and favorite bands seem to be very difficult though and as usual Sharapova didn't seem to know anything while everybody got the Sharapova-question right!

 

 

Indian Wells also hosts a players party with this year a lot of cars it seemed, check out my favorite photos:

 

Beautiful smile check

 

Height difference check

 

Adorable sister's photo check

 

Extremely weird fashion check!

 

Last but not least, what is Jankovic wearing for God's sake and which cheerleader should she give it back to?!

 

 

Update: Indian Wells - First & Second round

Hi everyone,

 

Since most of the seeded players (up until number 35 Peng) had a bye in the first round, the tournament didn't really start until the second round. And despite losing a round to warm up, not many high ranked players were surprised in their first match at Indian Wells.

Both Wozniacki and Kvitova had to play three sets but to be honest, that isn't all that strange right? Their score was exactly the same: 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 against Cornet and Govortsova respectively.

 

Azarenka, Kerber, Stosur, Ivanovic, Bartoli and Radwanska advanced in straight sets towards the third round. Only Pavluychenkova didn't survive the second round, losing against Swedish Larsson: 5-7, 1-6.

Little sister to the number four, Urszula Radwanska, had a convincing win over American Stephens: 6-3, 6-4 in the second round. Indian Wells hasn't been nice to the young players anyway, also Laura Robson and Heather Watson are already out.

 

The underdog of the tournament Kuznetsova accomplished task one and two in her impossible scheme to win Indian Wells, defeating Hlavackova: 6-3, 6-1 and winning the battle against Jankovic: 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 to secure her third round match against Bartoli!Schiavone on the other hand had a solid win over fellow country woman Pennetta: 7-5, 6-1 before falling to Sharapova in the second round: 2-6, 1-6.

The most interesting third round matches to look forward to: Ivanovic vs. Barthel and Kuznetsova vs. Bartoli.
And don't forget about the players party yet to come, so keep posted!