http://www.tennispanorama.com Tennis News and Information, Tournament Coverage and Features Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:30:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Copyright © Tennis Panorama 2012 lawntennisnews@gmail.com lawntennisnews@gmail.com 1440 http://www.tennispanorama.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/TPN_Logo_144by144.jpg http://www.tennispanorama.com 144 144 Tennis News and Information, Tournament Coverage and Features lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/35814 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/35814#comments Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:30:21 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=35814 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/35814/feed 0 0:00:01 Venus Williams photo by Cristiano Andujar/Foto Arena By Barbara Galiza (March 1, 2013) Venus Williams looked apathetic in her semifinal loss to Olga Puchkova in Florianópolis, but made no excuses. The American, normally an ace machine, was hitting s[...] Venus Williams photo by Cristiano Andujar/Foto Arena By Barbara Galiza (March 1, 2013) Venus Williams looked apathetic in her semifinal loss to Olga Puchkova in Florianópolis, but made no excuses. The American, normally an ace machine, was hitting serves at around 62 mph and, during a few points, seemed close to collapse. The Russian won in 2 hours and 31 minutes, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 and made her first final since 2006. “Olga played a good match, from start to the end. I did the best I could on the court today, she just played better. It was very close. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the final but hopefully I will return again next year”, said the former number one. “My next tournament is Miami so I’ll go home, rest a little, and get ready to play there.” Puchkova, all smiles in her post-match news conference, shared a curious story about her and Venus. In the final, the Russian-born player, that trains in California, faces Monica Niculescu. “When Venus was 18 or 19, and I was about seven, they were throwing this huge campaign for her in Florida and my dad took me there. So I have this picture with her, hugging me, and I still have the ball she autographed for me. It’s pretty amazing, I didn’t know I was ever going to play her. Actually, I wanted to find the picture and ask her to sign it. How crazy would that be?” Barbara Galiza is a journalist from Rio de Janeiro and is covering the WTA tennis tournament in  Florianópolis, Brazil as media in  for Tennis Panorama. She likes tennis and writing. Sometimes she blogs, most of the time she tweets. – @fiercetennis. Follow her updates on @TennisNewsTPN.   Venus Williams March 1 2013 news conference Brazil Cup WTA BRASIL TENNIS CUP Florianopolis, Brazil February 24-March 2, 2013 $235,000/International Hard/Outdoors Results – Friday, March 1, 2013 Singles – Semifinals Olga Puchkova (RUS) d. (1) Venus Williams (USA) 46 64 75 Monica Niculescu (ROU) d. (7) Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 60 62 Doubles – Final (1) Medina Garrigues/Shvedova (ESP/KAZ) d. Keothavong/Savinykh (GBR/RUS) 60 64 Order Of Play – Saturday, March 2, 2013 Centre Court (from 20.00hrs) 1. Singles Final: Olga Puchkova vs. Monica Niculescu Features, Podcasts, tournaments lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/32066 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/32066#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:00:33 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=32066 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/32066/feed 0 0:04:47 Tennis News Net Notes for October 10, 2012 Tennis News Net Notes for October 10, 2012 Tennis News Net Notes for October 10, 2012 Tennis News Net Notes for October 10, 2012 Features, Podcasts, tournaments lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/31275 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/31275#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:00:17 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=31275 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/31275/feed 0 0:03:24   Gustavo Kuerten photo by Jennifer Pottheiser NEW YORK, NY (September 7, 2012) – Tennis Panorama News caught up with recent inductee to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten at the Legends Ball held dur[...]   Gustavo Kuerten photo by Jennifer Pottheiser NEW YORK, NY (September 7, 2012) – Tennis Panorama News caught up with recent inductee to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten at the Legends Ball held during the US Open. Kuerten spoke about what it means to him to be in the Hall of Fame and his involvement in his foundation. Gustavo Kuerten talks to Tennis Panorama News     From the International Tennis Hall of Fame website: One of Brazil’s most beloved and successful athletes, Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten, received the highest honor in the sport of tennis– induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Guga was the world’s No. 1 player for 43 non-consecutive weeks, and he is a three-time major tournament champion, having captured French Open titles in 1997, 2000, and 2001. Gustavo Kuerten’s induction was announced in a special presentation in São Paulo at the offices of Banco do Brasil, a long-time sponsor of the tennis champion. With his beaming smile, engaging personality, and high energy game, the lively atmosphere that Guga brought to tennis stadiums around the world was nothing short of extraordinary.  Universally adored by both fans and peers, the Brazilian star is quick to state that the feeling is mutual, and that this support was integral to his success.   Often referred to as “King of the Clay Courts”, although it was not a final, Guga often cites his fourth round French Open match in 2000 as one of the most memorable and treasured of his career. After saving three match points for the win, Guga first etched his iconic heart in the clay court, in an expression of love for his fans. In 1997, Guga was ranked world No. 66 and had just eight ATP World Tour level wins to his name when he entered Roland Garros. While no one may have seen Guga coming that year, when he lifted the champion’s trophy and thanked the fans with his giant smile, it was clear that a star had arrived.  In the years that followed, Guga became one of the most dominant clay court players of his time. He captured the French Open title again in 2000 and 2001, and won a total of 20 singles titles and 8 doubles titles. Guga started playing tennis when he was six years old, and his family was always very much part of his career. His father, a talented player himself, first taught Guga the game, before tragically passing away when Guga was just eight years old. Guga’s mother supported her son’s career emphatically. His older brother, Raphael, served as his business manager. His younger brother, Guilherme, who had cerebral palsy, was undoubtedly one of his biggest fans. Guga presented Guilherme every one of his tournament trophies, including the coveted Roland Garros trophies. In 2000, for the first time in history, the No. 1 year-end position came down to the final match of season. Guga defeated superstar Andre Agassi in the match, breaking an eight-year reign of No. 1 finishes by Americans. It was the first time that a South American had ever been ranked world No. 1, a position Guga held for 43 weeks over his career.  That same year, Guga embarked on another important venture, to which he is still dedicated today. Inspired by his late brother, Guilherme, he opened the Institute Guga Kuerten to help disabled people. The institute is dedicated to providing developmental opportunities, sports, and education, as well as to promoting social inclusion throughout the nation. The institute is located in Guga’s hometown of Florianopolis, Brazil, and since its inception, it has assisted more than 40,000 people in over 168 Brazilian cities. Guga was awarded the ATP World Tour’s Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2003, and in 2010, he was honored with the Philippe Chatrier Award by the International Tennis Federation. Currently, he works in order to win a new challenge: to support the social activities developed by Institute Guga Kuerten. A national hero to Brazili[...] Events, Features, interviews, Podcasts lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30154 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30154#comments Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:00:26 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=30154 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30154/feed 0 0:00:58 NEW YORK, NY (August 23, 2012) – On Thursday at the W Hotel on 49th and Lexington, tennis players and chef walked the “green” carpet to participate in the 13th annual Taste of Tennis, sponsored by BNP Paribas. The evening raised f[...] NEW YORK, NY (August 23, 2012) – On Thursday at the W Hotel on 49th and Lexington, tennis players and chef walked the “green” carpet to participate in the 13th annual Taste of Tennis, sponsored by BNP Paribas. The evening raised funds to benefit the New York Junior Tennis League. The Bryan Brothers and “Just Desserts” host and “Top Chef” judge host Gail Simmons played hosts for the event. First Mike Bryan, then Bob Bryan spoke to Tennis Panorama about their careers, Bob’s baby Micaela and cooking at the event. Mike Bryan Bob Bryan on TOT Green Carpet   Janko Tipsarevic spoke to Tennis Panorama about how these type of events help to promote the players and the sport of tennis. Janko Tipsarevic at Taste of Tennis [Show as slideshow] 12► All photos provided  and used with permission by Taste of Tennis and Getty Images Karen Pestaina for Tennis Panorama Events, Features, Podcasts lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30034 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30034#comments Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:15:53 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=30034 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30034/feed 0 0:16:33 Novak Djokovic poses with fan inside UNIQLO store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on August 22, 2012 NEW YORK, NY - Novak Djokovic unveiled his US Open outfit at the Fifth Avenue UNIQLO store in New York City on Wednesday. The Djokovic line will l[...] Novak Djokovic poses with fan inside UNIQLO store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on August 22, 2012 NEW YORK, NY - Novak Djokovic unveiled his US Open outfit at the Fifth Avenue UNIQLO store in New York City on Wednesday. The Djokovic line will launch on the first day of the US Open – August 27. In the U.S. the new range will go on sale at the UNIQLO 5th Avenue Store, the 34th Street Store and the Soho Store in New York City.   “We are very excited about introducing the Novak Djokovic replica tennis line first in the U.S., and to coincide our launch with the start of the U.S. Open. We hope the new line will be popular with our customers and tennis fans alike,” said Shin Odake, Fast Retailing Group Officer and UNIQLO U.S. Chief Executive Officer. Tennis Panorama News asked Djokovic about how much input he had into the design and how did he and the designer worked together to create the outfits. Dkjokovic said: “Well first of all in the beginning of our cooperation I was very impressed with professionalism and the commitment from the people  and of course with Mr. Takizawa (the designer).   “All the people were coming to take all my measures and they were really trying to get as much information on the previous clothes that I was wearing and try to get even more advanced materials, fabrics. Better clothes that would suit me better that would be more comfortable on me so we had been collaboration for the last 3 or 4 months, I was very impressed with all of the lines that they had so far as you can see.   “We try to get together as much as we can every couple of months we sit down and we talk about the upcoming collection and lines.” After the news conference, Djokovic had a “meet and greet” with some of the hundreds of fans that had lined up outside the store in the early morning hours to meet the world No. 2.   Due to some technical problems, we’ll have a podcast and some videos to upload a little later. UNIQLO News Conference with Novak Djokovic Equipment, Events, Features, Podcasts lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30014 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30014#comments Wed, 22 Aug 2012 04:01:12 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=30014 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/30014/feed 0 0:06:51   By Jack Cunniff On Sunday, three of the top four seeds of the 2012 New Haven Open met with the press to talk about on a variety of topics. Here are excerpts from those conversations.  http://youtu.be/UZsLijqwobE Italy’s Sara Errani, the fourth[...]   By Jack Cunniff On Sunday, three of the top four seeds of the 2012 New Haven Open met with the press to talk about on a variety of topics. Here are excerpts from those conversations.  http://youtu.be/UZsLijqwobE Italy’s Sara Errani, the fourth seed in New Haven, is one of the most improved players on the year. She started her year by reaching her first ever Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open in January. Her year peaked in June, when she reached the French Open final in both singles and doubles. While she came up short in the Ladies’ Singles final against Maria Sharapova, she and partner Roberta Vinci won the Ladies’ Doubles title. As a result of her strong play in Paris, Errani cracked the Top Ten in the world for the first time.   On what’s changed this year that has resulted in her new-found success: “I have changed rackets, so it was an important thing, a good change for me, and made me play better. It was more confidence and more matches won and everything.”   On why the racket change was successful: “It is a bit longer and has more power. Before it was not easy for me, I’m not very tall so it was important for me to make more power as possible.”   On why she decided to change rackets: “I tried, I don’t know why, another player in the academy where I practice was playing with that racket, so I just take it and play a few shots. It was an amazing feeling from the first ball.”   On Venus Williams, who defeated Errani twice this summer (Summer Olympics and Cincinnati): “Both Williams have, I don’t know, they have another category against other players, so much stronger than the others… Everything I tried was bad. I tried to make changes, change the spin and everything, try to make her run. But last weekend and the Olympics, I had no chance.”   On how life has changed after the French Open success: “It’s a bit different, more things to do like this (the interview), maybe before I never did… but I try to keep near me always the same people I like, and the same thing that I’ve done to arrive to these results.”   On the recent success of Italian players in the WTA, and Italy’s Fed Cup titles (2009 and 2010): “I think we are a good team, all four of us, Schiavone, Pennetta, Roberta (Vinci). We motivate each other, if one is going well, maybe the others see and so it’s a good competition.”  Sara Errani WTA All-Access New Haven Open 08192012   http://youtu.be/9rkEykIUDlE Like Errani, Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland also reached her first Grand Slam final this year, at Wimbledon. On the strength of that result and several tournament victories over the last twelve months, she has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the world. However, since Wimbledon, she’s hit a rough patch, losing in the opening round of the Olympics to Julia Goerges and two overwhelming losses to Li Na. She is the top seed at the 2012 New Haven Open.   On what’s the next step for her to reach No. 1: “Winning a couple more matches, that’s for sure. I’m working on it.”   On her shoulder : “It’s OK, it could be better, but I think I played this year so many tournaments, so many matches, and changed the surface so many times and the balls. It’s always the worst part of the season because it’s almost the end.” (Note: Radwanska retired in her first match in New Haven.)   On whether she has been able to finish her degree: “I’m trying, I’m trying to finish because I think it’s a great thing to finish university.”   On her improvement in 2012: “I didn’t really change anything. I was working hard off season… I think a little bit more experience, for sure. It was a great experience at Wimbledon being for the first time in the final. This is such a different feeling, being in the finals of a Grand Slam.”   On her impact on Poland, and whether girls look up to her as a role model: “I think so[...] Contributors, Features, interviews, Podcasts, tournaments lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/29956 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/29956#comments Mon, 20 Aug 2012 21:25:25 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=29956 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/29956/feed 0 0:01:55 NEW YORK – Maria Sharapova – tennis player, designer and endorser of many products is now a candy entrepreneur. On Monday on Fifth Avenue the four-time major winner and current World No. 3 launched her own candy line called “Suga[...] NEW YORK – Maria Sharapova – tennis player, designer and endorser of many products is now a candy entrepreneur. On Monday on Fifth Avenue the four-time major winner and current World No. 3 launched her own candy line called “Sugarpova.” It features 12 different types of treats for sweets consumers which range from gummies and licorice to tennis ball shaped gumballs. Sharapova spoke about why she went into candy-making business in the first place. “I’ve always had a sweet-tooth, she explained. “My earliest memory was being a kid asking my parents after practice if I could have a lollipop, the tough-to-find European lollipops. If you have a great week of practice you can get it.” Sharapova told herself. “That’s kind of where it started.” “I’m a big “foodie” with a big sweet-tooth,” she said. Sharapova said that she’s always looking for a treat that you can have after a good workout and trying to be healthy. “So I wanted to own my own business for awhile and I’ve been part of many great collaborations and collections,” Sharapova added. “But I felt it was really time tostart things on my own a little bit – be involved make the final decisions. “it’s been 18 months sinceit all started. To see it at Henri Bendel’s is incredible.” Sharapova’s favorite of her candy wares is named “quirky” – a licorice with marshmallow inside with a rainbow on the outside. The Russian is also reponsible for the concept and development of the products as well. “I went to the factory Spain and made sure that they, you know when things are getting mass produced it can lose it’s quality a little bit. From the beginning I wanted it to be a premium candy line from the packaging to the quality of the candies, that was very important to me.” For example Sharapova wanted the “tennis gum balls” to look exactly like tennis balls. “All those little things really matter,” Sharapova noted. Sharapova is set to play the US Open  where she’ll be the third seed in the Women’s singles draw. The tournament begins next week.   Listen to the short interview she did with Tennis Panorama. Maria Sharapova at Sugarpova Launch Books, Events, Features, interviews, Podcasts, tournaments lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/29857 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/29857#comments Sat, 18 Aug 2012 23:15:31 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=29857 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/29857/feed 0 0:09:50 Nicole Gibbs photo courtesy of the WTA and Getty Images NEW HAVEN, Connecticut – Reigning NCAA singles and doubles champion, Stanford’s Nicole Gibbs advanced to the finals of qualifying at the New Haven Open on Saturday with a 6-3, 6[...] Nicole Gibbs photo courtesy of the WTA and Getty Images NEW HAVEN, Connecticut – Reigning NCAA singles and doubles champion, Stanford’s Nicole Gibbs advanced to the finals of qualifying at the New Haven Open on Saturday with a 6-3, 6–3 win over Lourdes Dominguez Lino. Gibbs is upset about the NCAA’s recent proposals for Division I college tennis which include 10-point tiebreaks to be played in place of a third set, doubles matches shortened to a six game set, no warm ups with opponents before singles matches, breaks between doubles matches being reduced from 10 minutes to five minutes and changeover breaks being shrunk from 90 seconds to 60 seconds. “I’m incredibly disappointed to hear that that’s even it is a proposal to be honest,” Gibbs told Tennis Panorama News and the Hartford Courant,  “and I’m kind of praying along with the rest of my fellow college tennis players that that  doesn’t come to pass. “I think we have a lot of support going up against that proposal and I know, I’ve signed the petition and a lot of other players have signed a petition online to you know end the proposed changes…and  you know everyone from players to coaches are really involved and very serious about making sure those things don’t happen because I think it would be a huge problem for college tennis.” Gibbs first learned about the proposed changes from a tweet from Junior and College tennis journalist Colette Lewis of ZooTennis. This is all with the intent to shorten the matches, allegedly increase viewership which I really don’t see happening given that tennis is a very niche sport,” Gibbs added. “ The people that come to our matches are people who are going to be there regardless of what the format is. Perhaps we could get a few more fans based on a shorter match link but I think more importantly we’re going to lose a huge fan base, a huge support base for college tennis because it won’t be legitimate grounds for development anymore. Asked if more college players will turn pro if the proposals take place, Gibbs said: “Absolutely! I mean If I had been looking to four-years of 10-point tiebreaks in the third set, I don’t think I would have gone to college in the first place.” “There are a lot of players really on the bubble about whether to go college to use those years to develop or to go straight on the tour because there’s an argument that college isn’t a good enough development program as is. And this is especially frustrating for players like me and specifically Mallory Burdette my teammate who have been out here on the tour all summer trying to prove to people that you know, this is a legitimate grounds for development and encouraging people to get their education so they have you know, something to fall back on after their tennis careers. We think that’s really important and that what’s we’re representing and I think the NCAA proposal would be a huge set back to that.” Gibbs, broken when serving for the match admitted to be nervous in closing the match. “I definitely got a little tight at the end there, started thinking about the broader scope of what it means to beat a top-100 player,” Gibbs said. “She played tough points and made me earn it, so credit to her on that front, but I was very tight. Gibbs goes for a spot in the main draw on Sunday when she takes on Garbiñe Muguruza. Karen Pestaina is covering the New Haven Open this weekend for Tennis Panorama News. follow her updates on @TennisNewsTPN. Nicole Gibbs talks about NCAA proposed changes at  New Haven Open – 08182012 At the 3:50 mark to the 6:30 mark, Gibbs discusses the NCAA. Features, Podcasts, tournaments lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/28939 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/28939#comments Fri, 20 Jul 2012 22:00:23 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=28939 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/28939/feed 0 0:14:33 RANDALL’S ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY – (July 19, 2012) -  NY Sportimes John McEnroe lost to Andre Agassi representing the Boston Lobsters in the men’s singles in World TeamTennis on Thursday night. Agassi edged McEnroe in a 5-4 tiebrea[...] RANDALL’S ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY – (July 19, 2012) -  NY Sportimes John McEnroe lost to Andre Agassi representing the Boston Lobsters in the men’s singles in World TeamTennis on Thursday night. Agassi edged McEnroe in a 5-4 tiebreak. In the mixed doubles, McEnroe and Hingis teamed to stop Agassi and Gullickson-Eagle 5-3. The NY Sportimes defeated the Lobsters 22-18 World TeamTennis. Proceeds from the match benefited the Johnny Mac Tennis Project, McEnroe’s not-for-profit foundation to provide scholarships, coaching, transportation and other financial assistance to qualified young tennis players in the greater New York area. Listen to the post-match on-court interviews where both men talk about competing and other tennis topics: John McEnroe of NYSportimes- Post-Match on-court interview 7192012 World Team Tennis at Randall’s Island   Andre Agassi of Boston Lobsters-Post-Match On-Court interview 719201 World TeamTennis at Randall’s Island     Events, interviews, Podcasts lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/28621 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/28621#comments Sun, 15 Jul 2012 22:40:55 +0000 Tennis Panorama News http://www.tennispanorama.com/?p=28621 http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/28621/feed 0 0:01:50 RANDALL’S ISLAND, New York, NY – In World Team Tennis on Friday night the the NY Sportimes defeated the Philadelphia Freedoms 22-16. Among the players on the Freedoms’ roster are twins out of the Czech Republic – right-handed Karolin[...] RANDALL’S ISLAND, New York, NY – In World Team Tennis on Friday night the the NY Sportimes defeated the Philadelphia Freedoms 22-16. Among the players on the Freedoms’ roster are twins out of the Czech Republic – right-handed Karolina and left-handed Kristyna Pliskova. The 20-year-old Pliskovas are  currently ranked 107 (Karolina) and 125 (Kristyna) and  are playing their first season of World TeamTennis. The sisters paired up in women’s doubles to stop  Ashley Harkleroad and Martina Hingis of the Sportimes 5-2, while Kristyna lost to Martina Hingis in singles 5-3 and Karolina paired with Jordan Kerr to fall 5-3 in the mixed doubles. The sisters took time out to talk about their respective goals and their favorite cities. Pliskova twins and WTT July 13, 2012 Podcasts lawntennisnews@gmail.com no no