Update: Dubai Duty Free

Hi everyone,

Let's try to get a whole tournament in one post, shall we?
It's the end of February, that means looking for a place where it isn't too freakin' cold to play tennis! I introduce you Dubai, where it's a comfortable 25 degrees (77 Fahrenheit):

Wish I could be there (oh right, for the tennis as well of course!).

The draw looked promising and when Azarenka had to withdraw because of an ankle injury, anything was possible!

I'm watching the final as we speak and it's remarkable that both Radwanska and Goerges had a tough first round match. Radwanska struggled against Wozniak (I'm so glad it's at least an 'i' different, otherwise I would always get confused!): 6-1, (6)6-7, 7-5. Goerges battled Kuznetsova in the first round (whoever did the draw, is my hero!): 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-4. Fortunately they got through, because they're playing one hell of a final right now! No such luck for Schiavone and Bartoli, who both got knocked out immediately in the first round.

I watched two interesting matches:
- Radwanska v. Lisicki = 6-2, 6-1. Yes of course, Radwanska won (otherwise I wouldn't be watching her battling it out with Goerges for the title) but how, is definitely worth mentionning! Because really, this wasn't a match. Lisicki was just piling up the unforced errors, I've never seen her play this bad! She actually had to put her jacket back on while Radwanska did an amazing knee spinning thing to keep herself warm. It would have been 6-0 if Lisicki didn't have some lucky shots at the end of the second set.

- Goerges v. Wozniacki = Now, this was a match! Wozniacki struggled with Goerges high balls but fought back from a 5-3 deficit to eventually lose it in the tiebreak (3)6-7. Goerges was playing amazing! She just shattered the Danish wall with fabulous forehands and beautiful backhands (and yes, I've been searching for that alliteration since yesterday!). The second set began with one break after the other and Wozniacki was the first to hold and lead 4-2. After that, she missed her chances and made too many mistakes. She got that frustrated, she even argued with hawkeye (you do now it's a machine, right?). Goerges took advantage and won with 7-5 in the second set.

Wozniacki's game has been slipping since she lost the number one ranking and Goerges leads the head-to-head with 3-2 now.

And now the final of course! Radwanska against Goerges. I was really excited to see this match. On the one hand Radwanska is so incredible consistent and on the other hand Goerges is having a dream of a tournament at Dubai.

Radwanska started really good by taking a break and leading 4-2. The next 3 games went to Goerges but the Pole stayed calm and took the first set 7-5. The played amazing games and the first set almost took an hour. Goerges lost her concentration in the second set and was quickly trailing 1-4. Surprisingly she broke Radwanska and even forced a breakpoint when the Pole was serving for the match. In the end Goerges made too many unforced errors and Radwanska won the tournament in her first try in Dubai with 7-5, 6-4. She'll jump to the fifth place, the highest in her career so far.

See you next for Indian Wells, March 5th!

Update: Open GDF Suez Paris - Qatar Total Open 2012

Hi everyone,

Sorry to keep you in the dark for the past few weeks but I can't help it, tennis keeps on going while I'm on (a very deserved) vacation!

First of all: Open GDF Suez in Paris.

That has to be the single most boring advertisement, I have ever seen. But the fact that the tournament is played in the city of romance, makes up for a lot! A pity it already ended February 12th and didn't last until Valentine!
Back to tennis! Na Li had to retire from her match against Pironkova in the first round due to a back injury which will keep her from playing in Qatar as well. She had lost the first set in a tiebreak (5)6-7 and was trailing 2-3 in the second.
Wickmayer played a superb tournament but encountered an even better Kerber and lost in three close sets: 7-6, 3-6, 4-6. Next up, Kerber demolished Sharapova with 6-4, 6-4 to set up a match against Bartoli, who had a quite straight forward path to reach the final.

And it was Kerber who came out victorious with 7-6, 5-7, 6-3. Since that wonderful run in the US open of last year (she reached the semifinal by defeating Radwanska and Pennetta but eventually fell to later champion Stosur), she's getting more and more wins in other tournaments as well.

Next up: Qatar Total Open in Doha.

This was the tournament where most seeded players failed in the first or second round. Hantuchova, Pavly, Zvonareva, Jankovic, Goerges, Peng, Ivanovic, they all couldn't pull out their best tennis to advance in this tournament.
Notable was the second round win of Wickmayer against Schiavone with 7-6(4), 6-4 and Wozniacki's loss against Safarova 6-4, 4-6, (3)6-7. It seems losing her number one spot, left her without much confidence. And I want to see battles been fought for that highest ranking, so come on Wozniacki! Win like a Grandslam, just to give the critics a heartattack!

Four seeded players eventually withstood the test and battled it out in the semi's. Azarenka smashed Radwanska aside with 6-2, 6-4. Bartoli, who is having a good start of the season, had to retire against Stosur after losing the first set 6-3.

I saw the final between Azarenka and Stosur and Sammy wasn't playing her best. Just too much unforced errors and never having a chance on the Azarenka serve. On the other hand the Belarussian broke Stosur's serve three times in the first set to take it 6-1. Stosur didn't really get in the match when facing an early break in the second set as well. When heading 40-15 in her own service game, she still let Azarenka break her to win the match with 6-2 and the tournament was hers!

It's been all Azarenka this past month! And while doing a little dance when winning, she seals her 17th consecutive win. The question now is: who is going to defeat her? I have to admit, she's a good number one but I still have to get used to it.

Last, but nog least, let's check the rankings where Sharapova jumps over Kvitova to take the number two spot. Kerber heads into the top 20 with her win in Paris. Kuznetsova drops a shocking 9 places from 18 to 27. More dropping is happening for Kim Clijsters, now down to 35 (the seeded players spot is in jeopardy at the Grandslams!). Hopefully, she'll make up for it in Miami which starts March 21th. First up is Indian Wells coming up, March 3th so keep posted!

WTA Ranking update

Hi everyone,

Wow! I never imagined the WTA rankings would be this different! Check it out:

1.   VICTORIA AZARENKA! (previous number 3) = 8585p

And she got a great lead too on the number two!

2.   Kvitova (stays number 2) = 7690p

Closely followed by (I predict a few switches possible here):

3.   Maria Sharapova (jumps one spot) = 7560p
4.   Wozniacki (loses three spots!) = 7085p

Who thought Wozniacki would ever land on the number four spot?!

5.   Stosur (even after a horrible Australian Open, stays on the same spot) = 5430p
6.   Radwanska (2 places up) = 5330p
7.   Bartoli (drops two places) = 4770p
8.   Zvonareva (previous number 7) = 4695p
9.   Na Li (four unused matchpoints mean a 3 places drop) = 4450p
10. Petkovic (doesn't lose a spot despite not participating in Australia) = 4000p
11. Schiavone (same position) = 3640p
12. Serena Williams (also the same) = 3580p

She doesn't seem to get climbing up the rankings as you would expect from her.

13. Jankovic (stays unlucky 13) = 3295p
14. Lisicki (one spot move up) = 3143p
15. Pavly (jump of one spot) = 2735p
16. Cibulkova (drops two places) = 2635p
17. Shuai Peng (same spot) = 2580p
18. Ivanovic (three rankings up) = 2535p
19. Kuznetsova (exactly same ranking) = 2526p
20. Hantuchova (one spot jump) = 2450p

21. Julia Goerges (climbs two rankings) = 2345p
22. Pennetta (two places down due to an average Grand Slam) = 2295p
23. Roberta Vinci (two places up and had a wonderful doubles tournament!) = 2210p
24. Medina Garrigues (four spots up) = 2105p
25. Kaia Kanepi (two spots up for the Brisbane winner!) = 2049p
26. Kirilenko (jumps three places) = 1990p
27. Angelique Kerber (loses 3 rankings) = 1965p
28. Lucie Safarova (drops four spots) = 1965p

About now, you're thinking: is this list going on for ever? No, we're still forgetting a very important person and she'll no longer be the best Belgian player because:

29. Wickmayer (a whoopie drop of three places) = 1955p
30. KIM CLIJSTERS (loss of 16 spots!) = 1941p

Oh my god, can you believe it?! How can someone drop 16 places by getting to the semifinals? Luckily, she doesn't have a lot of points to defend for the rest of the year (last year was littered with injuries) so let's hope she'll reclaim a top spot!

The beginning of the year has brought many surprises, so hopefully it'll be even more interesting in the coming months!

AO pics

Hi everyone,

To conclude a fascinating Australian Open, some funny and great last pics, enjoy!

First of all: Queen Victoria! (does have a ring to it, right?)

Next up: guess who this towel monster is? (and it isn't Zvonareva for a change!)

Yes, it was very hot! But really, Wozniacki, it's seems you are getting a pedicure as well!

I just have to honor the Belgian supporters (wish I could have been there!):

And last: the cutest towel monster ever!

AO update: Semi's & Final

Hi everyone,

So we were definitely sure the final at the Australian Open was going to be a loud one with Azarenka against Sharapova.

First of all: how did they end up in the final?

- Azarenka v. Clijsters = 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. It took a tough three setter for Azarenka to send the defending champion packing. The first set was a close one with Azarenka making the difference at the important points. But Kim wasn't going to let the match slip away in her last Australian Open! She immediately fought back and grabbed a 5-0 lead in the second set. A deciding third set saw a persistent Clijsters coming back from a 0-4 deficit to 3-4 but Azarenka tightened her game and served out the match at 5-3 with her second match point.

She may not have reached the final, but Kim Clijsters certainly had an amazing last run at the Australian Open. She'll surely be remembered for her great wins against Na Li and Wozniacki. And the year isn't over yet, she's definitely ready for some more!

- Sharapova v. Kvitova = 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. It has not been a rerun of the Wimbledon final of last year! In the first set, we witnessed some weak service games on Kvitova's side that gave Sharapova the opportunity to break her three times and take the first set. It went much better for the Czech in the second set, with one break being enough to level the match. The third set was an epic battle of hard hitting (the bugs really had to watch out!) and mental strength. Kvitova had the most break points but Sharapova fought them off one by one. At 5-4, Sharapova showed she was more confident whereas Kvitova grew irritated and had trouble serving. So it's not going to be all about the younglings this Australian Open as Sharapova will be playing her sixth Grand Slam final!



The final featured a battle, not only for the Australian Open title, but also for the number one position.

Azarenka experienced a nervy start and allowed Sharapova an early break. Trailing 1-2, she got launched with an amazing winner and started playing flawless from that moment on. Sharapova wasn't able to grab a game after leveling at 3-3. Azarenka didn't seem to have that '1000-kilo-arm' she complained about in her last match and served for the first set with much confidence and ease.

Sharapova didn't show the same determination to hold serve as she did against Kvitova. Azarenka blew her off the court with magnificent net skills and great athletic fitness. 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, nothing seemed to work anymore for Sharapova. There was a short argument between Azarenka and the chair umpire after a challenge (do we have our replacement for Serena in Grand Slam finals?) but that didn't even affect her game. It was definitely a whupping for Sharapova when Azarenka finished it off on her first championship-point at 1h21 with a 6-3, 6-0 score! They reacted accordingly:

Next up was the ceremony with both players giving wonderful speeches. Azarenka came to the microphone with her overlarge trophy in her hands (she had the face of a 5 year old on Christmas day!) and just said 'wow' and everybody started laughing. I certainly got excited for more Azarenka speeches as she elaborated on the fact she fed the Australian Open staff a lot of donuts! She just couldn't believe she won. Yes Vika, you won your first Grand slam: the Australian Open, you're number one and you beat Sharapova to do it all! I can't remember the time anyone got to play for so many things at once, so enjoy!

AO update: Quarterfinals

Hi everyone,

The Australian Open is reaching its climax. We're down to eight contestants but a fabulous four matches it was in the quarterfinals:

- Azarenka v. Radwanska = (0)6-7, 6-0, 6-2. Two friends playing against each other, almost always entails great tennis. Radwanska took the opening set in a tiebreaker where Azarenka totally lost her footing. Her response? Winning 7 games in a row to forget that horrible tiebreak. In the third set, Radwanska's second serve was severly under attack and it was Azarenka who was most fit in the end. It was her first real test and we'll see if she can keep up her great game in the semifinals.

- Clijsters v. Wozniacki = 6-3, 7-6(4). So Clijsters appeared on court with taped ancles but otherwise, you wouldn't suspect there is anything wrong with her. I mean, if you can do this:

Although having to play against the number one, Kim was definitely everybody's favorite. Even Wozniacki didn't seem that convinced she had a shot in this match. She played too many unforced errors (which is so unlike her!) and reacted quite emotional at times while otherwise she's known to stay cool and focused. Kim really brings out the newbie in her. The first set was easy with Wozniacki just being overpowered and outplayed.

The Dane tried to come to the net and serve better (she even got more aces on her second serve than on her first!) but Clijsters was the one dictating the points. With a comfortable 5-2 lead, Kim started to feel the heat on centre court and wanted to end it quickly. However Wozniacki wasn't done yet.

She forced a tiebreak but that just made Clijsters find the speed, depth and corners again to get a 6-4 lead and the first matchpoint was enough to end the reign of Wozniacki. It's admirable the Dane fought back but losing in straight sets just isn't fitting for a number one. That place will go to either Sharapova, Kvitova or Azarenka depending how well they play the next rounds.

Oh yeah, and I find out the reason McIlroy gave that neckless to his girlfriend! It isn't about Christmas or love, it's just a better cover-up for her cleevage when they film her returning, than the cross she used to wear before.

- Kvitova v. Errani = 6-4, 6-4. The match started out with many breaks of serve. Kvitova's agressive game produced more unforced errors while Errani used her excellent doubles skills to hang on in the first set. But at 4-4, Kvitova showed she could step up just a little more to take the break and the set. In the second, Errani raced to a 4-1 lead before Kvitova battled back to take the following five games to reach the semifinals.

- Sharapova v. Makarova = 6-2, 6-3. It wasn't a great day for Makarova who previously defeated Zvonareva and Serena Williams in this tournament. Sharapova kept hitting return winners and hammering her fellow Russian from side to side. In the second set, Makarova grabbed a break but it only made Sharapova more fierce to set things straight. She broke right back and left just one more game to her opponent.

The rankings are quite honored in this Australian Open. In the downdraw, it's Sharapova (seeded fourth) against Kvitova (seeded second). The upperdraw will see the number three, Azarenka, taking on Clijsters (seeded eleventh). But somehow I doubt anyone thinks Kim is the strange one in the semifinal. Stay posted!

AO update: Round 4

Hi everyone,

Oh god, I love this tournament! Every year, I get convinced again of the greatness of the Australian Open. This time, it's because of the fourth round. Check it out:

- Wozniacki v. Jankovic = 6-0, 7-5. The match between two of the greatest defenders on tour.
Wozniacki had an absolute super start but it wasn't as easy as the score suggests. Long rallies and many breakpoints got the crowd excited for more. It was the first bagel ever in a match between the two so you can imagine how Jankovic kept muttering to herself. Her Medusa death stare had no effect on the Great Danish Wall. It was at 4-1, Jankovic tried to play an all or nothing game and it payed off. The match leveled at 5-5 when Wozniacki was serving at 5-4 for the win but Jankovic came out of nowhere to break back. The number one held her nerves though and one breakpoint was enough to serve to victory two games later.
I loved how the commentators condamned the montage of the umpire at 1-1 in the second set as totally inappropriate (it was rather amusing actually!) but on the other hand they just kept babbling about Wozniacki's new neckless (yes, very tennis related!).
Exit Jankovic.

- Kim Clijsters v. Na Li = 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4. Don't get my started on this match! It was the greatest, amazing, nerve wrecking, awesome, coming back tennis ever!

When Kim hurt her ancle at 3-3 in the first set, I worried like everybody else, she wouldn't be able to play on. In the repeat it looked gruesome (I've seen way too much ancle twisting this year already!) and in the medical timeout, she was obviously in pain.

Yet, she fought on, even though the first set slipped away and trailing a break in the second. Na Li had 4 matchpoints in the tiebreaker. FOUR! Okay, so imagine how on edge on my seat and stressed out I was when she played that ridiculously high drop shot! But she got away with it and won that tiebreaker with the crowd just going crazy. And why? Because she's Aussie Kim! Na Li was left shattered and disappointed.



Kim got a great start in the deciding third set and even though Na Li tried to fight back, the determination was out of her game. Clijsters didn't waste her chance to serve for the match at 5-4. Oh god, no words can express how amazing it truly was! This certainly is going to be my favorite match of this Australian Open. She'll face Wozniacki in the quarterfinals, let's just hope her ancle will be better then.

- Azarenka v. Benesova = 6-2, 6-2. An expected win but still, great consistent match of Azarenka. It's certainly gonna give her confidence to play against Radwanska who defeated Julia Goerges = 6-1, 6-1. Too many unforced errors on the German side but Radwanska will be better qualified to give Azarenka a real test in the next round.

- Makarova v. Serena Williams = 6-2, 6-3. No, I didn't mix the names by accident. Serena Williams couldn't deal with the heat, the unforced errors and the lefty Russian who already knocked Zvonareva out of the tournament. The first set was over before you knew it and when Serena had a 2-0 lead in the second, I was convinced she would set things straight. She didn't. When double faulting to give Makarova a free breakpoint, she seriously had problems restraining herself from smashing her racket (someone in the crowd yelled: unleash the fury!). But it's admirable she didn't though, maybe the point penalty in the US Open popped up in her head. From that moment on, Makarova played her best A-game to get an amazing victory! With every grandslam, there's the question who is gonna defeat Serena Williams this time. It's Makarova, ladies and gentlemen!
I loved Makarova's interview after the match. Her English needs some work ("Serena afraid her", "I know I could bit her", "In my hell...euh head") but she certainly deserved the neckless she promised herself if she got to the quarterfinals (because then she would have enough money to buy it).

- Sharapova v. Lisicki = 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. It was fire against fire, an epic war! No, I'm not talking about a medieval dragon fight but two blondes against each other in a tennismatch!
But seriously, it was a tough match on both players. Sharapova raced to a 3-0 lead but Lisicki managed to grab the 6 following games. It was a constant battle of the serves and returns, so the points were rather quickly but really intense! An all or nothing momentum at times. Sharapova had to dig deep to hold her first serving game in the second set, but from that moment on, she was launched. It all took a toll on Lisicki, getting tired and serving not as good as before. On the other side, Sharapova was hungry for the win and served much better (and got saved by hawkeye quite a lot!). It had to be one of her ten most loudest matches ever, even the crows started to moan with her!

- Kvitova v. Ivanovic = 6-2, 7-6(2). Kvitova overpowered glamourgirl Ivanovic with 30 winners and a strong serve. She grabbed the first set quickly and a comfortable break in the second but she was broken to love when serving for the match. Nonetheless, she sealed the deal in the tiebreak: 7-2. She'll be playing Errani who defeated Zheng: 6-2, 6-1.

For the quarterfinals we get: Wozniacki - Kim Clijsters, Azarenka - Radwanska, Makarova - Sharapova, Errani - Kvitova. I'm probably gonna love these matches even more! Stay tuned.