2013/05/21

Hantuchova, Radwanska, Voskoboeva, Goncalves win Fed Cup Heart Awards

fedcupheart

(April 16, 2013) The ITF has announced the first four winners of the 2013 Fed Cup Heart Award. Slovak Republic’s Daniela Hantuchova claims her second career Heart Award for her performance in the World Group and World Group II first round category, while the Zone Group I winners are Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, Kazakhstan’s Galina Voskoboeva and Brazil’s Paula Cristina Goncalves. The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas ties took place in February.

 

The four Heart Award recipients were decided by a public vote on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es that saw over 23,000 fans make their selection. Ten players were initially shortlisted by a judging panel consisting of ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and a group of former Fed Cup players and members of the international media. All the winners receive a cheque to be donated to their chosen charity.

 

Hantuchova, Radwanska and Voskoboeva will all receive their awards during this weekend’s Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group semifinals, World Group play-offs and World Group II play-offs taking place on 20-21 April.

 

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “There were some outstanding performances during the Fed Cup ties in February, so I would like to congratulate all four players for coming out on top of the public vote. The Fed Cup Heart Award continues to reward players for the commitment they make to their team and the competition as a whole. I am sure that all the winners will take great pride in making their donations to charity.”

 

The Fed Cup Heart Award is an ITF initiative that was first presented to USA’s Melanie Oudin at the 2009 Fed Cup Final. It aims to recognize players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team. A total of five players will be recognized in 2013.

 

Daniela Hantuchova was largely responsible for clinching Slovak Republic’s World Group first round victory over Serbia after her compatriot Dominika Cibulkova was forced to retire midway through her match on the opening day. The Slovak No. 2 used all of her experience to help her team reach the World Group semifinals for the first time since 2002 by defeating Bojana Jovanovski 75 62 and Vesna Dolonc 63 62.

 

Agnieszka Radwanska carried her team out of Europe/Africa Zone Group I and into the World Group II play-offs after winning all six of her rubbers in Eilat, including two decisive doubles matches against Israel and Croatia. The world No. 4 managed to deal with the weight of expectation and showed that Poland will be difficult to defeat this weekend.

 

Galina Voskoboeva left little doubt as to her commitment to Kazakhstan after her performances in the doubles helped the host nation win Asia/Oceania Zone Group I and earn a place in the World Group play-offs for the first time. The 28-year old also became Kazakhstan’s best Fed Cup player ever, after her three victories increased her total win-loss record in the competition to 18-6.

 

Paula Cristina Goncalves won all five rubbers she played for Brazil as her team narrowly failed to qualify from Americas Zone Group I. Her four singles wins included a comeback victory from a set down against Sharon Fichman in the promotion play-off against Canada, and she also teamed with Teliana Pereira to win the only doubles rubber she contested.

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Kiwi/Aussie Showdown Next at the Family Circle Cup

 

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By Stephanie Neppl

(April 2, 2013) CHARLESTON, SC – Marina Erakovic is the lone New Zealand tennis player ranked in either the top 100 of the WTA or ATP tours.

The 24-year old Kiwi ended New Zealand’s drought of tournament wins in February this year when she won the Memphis hard court title. She became the first Kiwi with a tournament win on the WTA Tour since 1989, the year after she was born.

“You know, it was a great week for me,” Erakovic said. “It was something that I had on my to do list for quite sometime and I achieved a goal of mine, so I was just very happy. I’ve just got to keep working and maybe try and get some more titles.”

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On Tuesday at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, Erakovic took on former top 5 player Daniela Hantuchova on the Althea Gibson Court. Based in rankings it wasn’t an upset, but Hantuchova is a WTA tour veteran whose year end ranking has been in the top 32 every year since 2002. Currently ranked 75, the Slovak broke serve to start the match but Erakovic, ranked 65, played a better tiebreak to take the first set 7-6 (2). The Kiwi got the early break in the second and held on to win 7-6 (2) 6-4.

Erakovic said she thought both players were nervous at the start. “I felt like I managed a good tiebreak that first set to take that first set and then in the second I got an early break and I managed to just maintain that lead. So overall, a good day.”

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In 2012, Erakovic advanced to the third round, where she lost to Serena Williams in her first visit to Charleston and she’s happy to be back at the Family Circle Cup.

“I really like Charleston. The first time I played was last year and so I just enjoyed the whole atmosphere,” she said. “The people here are just super, super nice and friendly so they just make you feel right at home.”

Next up for Erakovic is Australia’s Sam Stosur, the Family Circle Cup champion in 2010.

“Sam is one of the best players out there at the moment and actually our games are sort of very similar,” Erakovic said. “I have never played her on the clay so that will be a new one and I’ve just got to do my thing, play my game and stay positive.”

Erakovic will team up with American Jessica Pegula in the doubles draw. The alternate team replaced the injured Anabel Medina Garrigues and her partner Hantuchova after the Spaniard withdrew from both the singles and doubles events due to a right knee injury she sustained at the end of her match yesterday.

Stephanie Neppl is in Charleston covering the Family Circle Cup for Tennis Panorama News. She spends all her spare funds traveling to tennis tournaments and has played since her teen years. She has worked as Social Media Manager for Tennis Auckland’s ATP and WTA tournaments. Follow her live updates on Twitter at @TennisNewsTPN. Follow her personal Twitter @stephintheus and her blog  http://ihaveatennisaddiction.blogspot.com.

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Clash of the Continents to Feature Tipsarevic, Fish, Nishikori and Monaco

(November 8, 2012) The Clash of Continents  will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on November 24th and 25th featuring four tennis stars representing the continents of Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

 

Participating will be World No.9 Janko Tipsarevic, representing Europe, Japan’s Kei Nishikori representing Asia, Mardy Fish playing for North American while Juan Monaco will carry the flag for South America.
With prize money of US$520,000, the continental round-robin format will have the players compete over two days and battle for “Pride, Honor & Glory”.

In addition to the competition between the men, Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia will battle China’s Peng Shuai on Sunday.

 

Alongside the event is the addition of a Tennis Festival at the Kallang Tennis Centre that aims to encourage communities from all walks of life to learn tennis and to lead a healthy active lifestyle through sport.

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Hampton Shines on a day when most Americans fall at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON – Jamie Lee Hampton in her first match at the All England Club upset 27th seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 6-4, 7-6 (1) on Monday evening.

“I’m kind of liking it right now,” noted Hampton about playing on grass.

The 22-year-old who had to retire from her opening match at the French Open last month because of two herniated discs was worried that her injury would return.

“In the back of my mind I’m sure I was worried about whether my back was going to hold up or not, Hampton said It’s a little stiff but it’s all right. It sounds worse than it is.”

On a day when seven Americans lost including Venus Williams, John Isner, Melanie Oudin, Donald Young, James Blake and Vania King, the young woman ranked 100th in the world was one of only five Americans to be victorious on Wimbledon’s opening day. The other winning US players -Sloane Stephens, Ryan Harrison, Michael Russell and Ryan Sweeting.

 

As for her match against Hantuchova , “I’m just trying to play my game, dictate, push her around a little bit and make her play defense,” Hampton said.

The American hit 27 winners past Hantuchova with four aces and winning most of the longer rallies.
Hampton’s Wimbledon adventure continues on Wednesday as she’ll play Great Britain’s Heather Watson, ranked 103rd in the world.

 

Hampton Upsets Jankovic at the BNP Paribas Open

New Haven Open Approach Shots with Great Britain’s Heather Watson

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Voting Opens for 2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Awards

The ITF has announced a shortlist of ten players to receive the first four Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Awards of 2012. Awards will be presented in four categories based on performances in the Fed Cup World Group and World Group II first round ties, and the three Zone Group I events at the beginning of February.

 

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK), Christina McHale (USA), Samantha Stosur (AUS) and Roberta Vinci (ITA) have all been shortlisted for the World Group/World Group II award. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) and Elena Baltacha (GBR) have been shortlisted for Europe/Africa; Catalina Castano (COL) and Florencia Molinero (ARG) for Americas; and Li Na (CHN) and Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) for Asia/Oceania.

 

The shortlist has been compiled by the Heart Award judging panel consisting of ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and a mixture of former players and members of the media. Sabine Appelmans, a former Fed Cup player and captain for Belgium, has joined the judging panel in 2012. Appelmans replaces Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario who stepped down as a panel member after becoming the new Spanish captain.

 

A public vote is being held on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es to decide the winners, with voting running from 1-22 March. All four winners will receive a silver Baccarat bracelet and a check to be donated to their chosen charity.

 

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award is entering its fourth year and continues to recognize the outstanding contributions made by players to their country and the competition. The start of the 2012 Fed Cup season produced some excellent ties and all the shortlisted players were integral to their team’s success. I encourage all tennis fans to visit the Fed Cup website and vote for who they think should win.”

 

The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award is a joint initiative between the ITF and BNP Paribas. It aims to recognize players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team. A total of five players will be recognized in 2012.

 

To cast your vote, visit the Fed Cup website.

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Hantuchova Defends Pattaya Open Title

Third  seeded Daniela Hantuchova of the Slovak Republic won her second straight Pattaya Open title, stopping Russia’s Maria Kirilenko 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 in a 3 hours 14 minute contest.

For the Slovak, it’s her fifth WTA title and her first since winning last year’s tournament.  Hantuchova is now 14-3 on the year, she was a runner-up earlier this year in Brisbane.

“I’m happy to defend my title, ” aid Hantuchova… “it was the first time I defended a title in my career, but it’s better late than never! Maria and I both wanted to win the title today. She played so well and put a lot of pressure on me. Even after I lost the first set I kept fighting and never looked back, and I think I was also luckier tonight. Maria is a great player and a great person too.

“I always play well under good conditions and surroundings. I feel comfortable playing in Pattaya City. I love the weather, the courts are in the hotel and near the beach, and the people are all so nice here.”

PTT PATTAYA OPEN
Pattaya City, Thailand
February 6-12, 2012
$220,000/International
Hard/Outdoors

Results – Sunday, February 12, 2012
Singles – Final
(3) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (4) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 67(4) 63 63

Doubles – Final
(1) Mirza/Rodionova (IND/AUS) d. (4) H.Chan/Y.Chan (TPE/TPE) 36 61 108 (Match TB)

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Hantuchova, Kirilenko to Meet in Pattaya Open Final

Russia’s Maria Kirilenko defeated Sorona Cirstea of Romania 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 Saturday to set up a Pattaya Open final where she’ll face Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia.

Third seed Hantuchova bested qualifier Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan 6-4, 6-1. Kirilenko will be gunning for her sixth career WTA title and first since 2008.

PTT PATTAYA OPEN
Pattaya City, Thailand
February 6-12, 2012
$220,000/International
Hard/Outdoors

Results – Saturday, February 11, 2012
Singles – Semifinals
(3) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (Q) Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) 64 61
(4) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (7) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 62 57 64

Doubles – Semifinals
(1) Mirza/Rodionova (IND/AUS) d. (3) Amanmuradova/Date-Krumm (UZB/JPN) 64 64

Order Of Play – Sunday, February 12, 2012
Court 1 (from 16.00hrs)
1. Singles Final: Maria Kirilenko vs. Daniela Hantuchova
2. Doubles Final: Mirza/Rodionova vs. H.Chan/Y.Chan

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Field Announced for Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions

The field  has been announced for the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions, the season-ending championships for the WTA’s International tournaments, taking place in Bali, Indonesia from November 3-6, 2011. Participating in the tournament will be Marion Bartoli, Sabine Lisicki, Roberta Vinci, Daniela Hantuchova, Anabel Medina Garrigues and Nadia Petrova are the six highest-ranked International Series tournament winners (excluding players qualified for the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships. Rounding out the field in Bali are wildcards Ana Ivanovic, last year’s champion and Peng Shuai.

 

“I would like to congratulate all these players on their success in 2011 and I know they are excited to end their year at the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions in Bali,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA. “The six qualified players have won a total of 11 WTA singles titles between them this year, and with the addition of defending champion Ana Ivanovic and Peng Shuai as wildcards, I’m sure the fans will be in for a week of exciting competition.”

 

“We are delighted to have such a strong player field in what will be the final year of operating the Tournament of Champions in Bali. We look forward to welcoming them and I know that everyone in Bali is looking forward to an exciting event,” said Kevin Livesey, tournament director of the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions.

 

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Radwanska Comes Back From a First Set Bagel to Win in Carlsbad

By Curt Janka

CARLSBAD, California – Starting the match with her right shoulder lightly taped and finishing with it heavily strapped, Agnieszka Radwanska came from behind to beat Daniela Hantuchova 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 at the Mercury Insurance Open. The match started with the doubles partners hitting tentatively at each other, but it was Hantuchova of the Slovak Republic who began to swing freely as she ran away with the first set. The final two sets were more competitive as Poland’s Radwanska played better defense to draw errors out of her opponent and complete the comeback.

Without showing signs of pain, or any real emotion, Radwanska gave little clue that her shoulder was hurting her, other than double faulting twice facing break points in the first set blitz. The first time she was noticeably rubbing her shoulder was after the first set when she called for the trainer.

Radwanska said her shoulder injury is a recent development, since Stanford, but is no stranger to injuries. She struggled with an injury at the end of the 2010 season and said, “I have a little experience with the pain of injuries. I took a lot of painkillers before the match.”

Asked whether losing the first set so badly brought the competitive spirit back out of her, Radwanska replied “I was playing too good in this tournament to lose so quickly and I think this just pushed me to keep fighting.”

Hantuchova seemed to start mixing in high balls at the start of the second set. Whether it was a tactic to test Radwanska’s shoulder or not, the change in rhythm worked against Hantuchova. The longer Radwanska could keep in points, the more errors began creeping into Hantuchova’s game. Radwanska went up a break to lead 3-1 in the second set. The players each held serve one more time before exchanging four consecutive breaks to give Radwanska the second set 6-4.

Despite passive serving from both players, the third set stayed on serve until Hantuchova attacked and broke at 4-3. Radwanska maintained her composure and patience finishing the match without dropping another game.

Asked if she’ll be able to continue in the tournament, or if the injury will keep her from playing, Radwanska said, “You know, it’s two more matches. Now I think all the top players are there. I have nothing to lose. It’s 50/50 I think. It’s hard to say if I can do it or not, but for sure I’ll try. “

Because Radwanska played the first match on Friday morning, she has a little more time to recover before facing German Andrea Petkovic in the semifinals. Petkovic eased past American Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-1 in the second quarterfinal of the day.

Curt Janka is covering the Mercury Insurance Open in Carlsbad this week. for Tennis Panorama News. Follow his updates on twitter at @GVTennisNews. Follow his personal twitter @CurtJanka.

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Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova Enters Mercury Insurance Open

 

Petra Kvitova, the 21-year-old from the Czech Republic who captured the Wimbledon ladies’ singles title, will play in the 2011 Mercury Insurance Open Presented by Tri-City Medical Center, July 30 – August 7 at the La Costa Resort and Spa, tournament officials announced.

Kvitova, who turned pro in 2006, defeated Russia’s Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 in this morning’s Wimbledon ladies’ singles final in England to win her first major title.

“We are very excited to have the new Wimbledon champion play in our tournament,” said Raquel Giscafre, Mercury Insurance Open tournament director. “She is an incredible and talented player to watch and I’m sure tennis fans will enjoy the opportunity to see her play at the La Costa Resort and Spa.”

Saturday’s victory at Wimbledon represents Kvitova’s fifth-career WTA Tour singles title and her fourth singles title of 2011.

Named the 2010 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Newcomer of the Year, Kvitova will be playing in Carlsbad for the first time in her career. She has been a member of the Czech Fed Cup team since 2007.

In addition to Kvitova, the field for the 2011 Mercury Insurance Open will be highlighted by former world No.1 Kim Clijsters, defending Mercury Insurance Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and other WTA stars Vera Zvonareva, Agnieszka Radwanska, Ana Ivanovic, Daniela Hantuchova, Maria Kirilenko, Flavia Pennetta, Melanie Oudin, Coco Vandeweghe, Julia Goerges, Anna Chakvetadze and Yanina Wickmayer.

 

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