2013/05/25

Serena Williams Wins Third Family Circle Cup

 

By Stephanie Neppl

 

(April 7, 2013) CHARLESTON, SC – For the second year in a row, Serena Williams is queen of the green clay. In the first three-set final since Serena beat Vera Zvonareva in 2008, the world No. 1 came back from a set down to win her third title in Charleston 3-6 6-0 6-2 over Jelena Jankovic.

 

On a perfectly sunny Sunday, Williams and Jankovic took the court for the first clay court match since 2010, which the Serb won in a third set tie-breaker.

 

On Sunday, both women showed the crowd why their head to head was 5-4 and played a match full of great rallies and clay court sliding. Williams had several break points on both of Jankovic’s first two service games but failed to capitalize in a 10-minute game. The next game, Jankovic broke Williams at love and the momentum was firmly in her favor. She held, then broke again to take the first set 6-3.

 

Williams broke immediately at the start of set two and reeled off six games in a row to bagel her opponent for the first time in their 10 matches. Williams broke early again in the third and was able to break again and serve out the match to win her 49th career title.

 

Coming off a win in Miami and now Charleston, Williams said she never goes into a tournament expecting to lose.

 

” I just expect to do the best I can,” she said. “If that meant that I won, then that’s great and if it meant that I lost but I played a good match, then I have to learn to be okay with that.”

 

Before she heads onto the red clay, Williams said she was keen to go home for a bit and didn’t plan any celebration other than sleeping in her own bed. “The last three weeks have been intense. I don’t really celebrate so much anymore,” she said.

 

Williams’ win was her third title of 2013, and she is expected to hold on to the No. 1 ranking at least through May 6, according to the WTA.

 

Jankovic, who had been on a 10-match winning streak on clay and said she thought she’d had a great week. “I think I did a great job. I fought very well. I played some good tennis throughout the week, and you know, today playing Serena was great, too. It’s been a while since I played against her, so it’s always fun to play against a champion like her.”

 

The Serbian said there is a reason why Serena is the world’s top ranked player and said she felt she’d given her best on the court. “She is serving very well and she hits the ball harder than anyone else. Physically she is the strongest out there.”

 

The doubles title was won by Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic and Kristina Mladenovic who defeated Andrea Hlavackova and Liezel Huber 6‑3, 7‑6 (6).

 

Stephanie Neppl was 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 personal Twitter @stephintheus and her blog  http://ihaveatennisaddiction.blogspot.com.

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Family Circle Cup final set: Serena Williams vs Jelena Jankovic

JelenaJankovic

By Stephanie Neppl

(April 6, 2013) CHARLESTON, SC – Jelena Jankovic has one of the better head-to-head records against world No. 1 Serena Williams, but she is not willing to divulge why she thinks that’s the case.

 

“If I’m going to give you the keys to my success, that wouldn’t be good. So I’m going to keep those cards in my sleeves still,” she said after here win over Stefanie Voegele to advance to the title match at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston.

 

Jankovic will face Williams, who leads their match ups 5-4, in Sunday’s final. The only time the two have played on clay was a classic final in Rome 2008, which Jankovic won in a third set tiebreaker.

 

On Saturday afternoon, Jankovic needed three sets to advance to the final in ousting Voegele, who had knocked out No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki on Friday night. Jankovic said it was a tough match physically and mentally. “I was able to turn the match around when it really mattered, when I was tired, when I was really filled up with all these emotions,” she said.

 

Williams and Jankovic last met in the first round of the London Olympics and the Serbian said it was important not to have any fear when taking on the world No. 1. “You have to believe you can win. It doesn’t matter who’s on the other side of the net. You’ve gotta go there thinking you are the better player and that you can win,” she said.

 

Williams said she’d be ready for another rematch with Jankovic. “She gets a lot of balls back and likes to go down the line. I’ll be ready for her. She’s been playing well, I think, the past month; she’s been really consistent. So I’ll have my work cut out for me.”

 

Jankovic, a former world No. 1, is having a resurgent season. She won her 13th career title in Bogota earlier this year, breaking a near-three year title drought. She reached the semifinals in Miami and is now in another final in Charleston. The Serbian won the title in 2007.

 

Meanwhile, Williams will be looking for her 49th career title and third at the Family Circle Cup.

 

The women’s singles final will be at 1pm EST on Sunday.

 

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.

FAMILY CIRCLE CUP – CHARLESTON, SC, USA

MARCH 30 – APRIL 07, 2013

RESULTS – APRIL 06, 2013
Women’s
Singles – Semifinals
[1] S Williams (USA) d [5] V Williams (USA) 61 62
[9] J Jankovic (SRB) d S Voegele (SUI) 64 67(6) 62

Women’s
Doubles – Semifinals
[1] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Huber (USA) d M Moulton-Levy (USA) / S Zhang (CHN) 60 62
K Mladenovic (FRA) / L Safarova (CZE) d A Barty (AUS) / A Rodionova (AUS) 61 64

ORDER OF PLAY – SUNDAY, APRIL 07, 2013
BILLIE JEAN KING start 11:00 am
[1] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Huber (USA) vs K Mladenovic (FRA) / L Safarova (CZE)

Not Before 1:00 PM
[1] S Williams (USA) vs [9] J Jankovic (SRB)

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Rains Prevail Over Play in Charleston on Thursday

Raining in Charelston
By Stephanie Neppl
(April 4, 2013) CHARLESTON, SC -

Rain was forecast, and it delivered as the entire day session was wiped out. Play didn’t begin until 6.30pm, when Jelena Jankovic took on young American Jessica Pegula.

Jankovic had battled long and hard to win her first two rounds, but tonight she came out strong and bagelled Pegula in the first set. The second set was a tighter contest, with the young American going up a break and led 3-1 before Jankovic fought back to take the set and the match 6-0, 6-4. Jankovic was much less vocal on court tonight and said she wanted to stay focused and get her match completed in case the weather packed up again.

“I really wanted to come out and stay really focused and try to play some good tennis so that I could be finished before the rain,” she said. “Because you never know; it could start raining again and we’re going to be here all night.”

Jankovic was the second player through to the quarterfinals, but No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki didn’t have to play a single point when her opponent Andrea Petkovic withdrew. The German wild card has just returned from a few month layoff with a knee injury, and she said she’s had a right calf injury the past few days.

Petkovic later tweeted, “I had to pull out from my match with Caroline because of my right calf. It’s been troubling me for the past days and it got worse this morning. Thank you for your understanding and I truly hope it’s just a matter of days before I get better.”

That withdrawal left Julia Goerges as the only German left in the draw. Her match was moved from one court to another and back again due to weather and court issues. Eventually Goerges and Stefanie Voegele played their match on Althea Gibson Court and the Swiss came from behind to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of a premier tournament for the first time. She’ll face Wozniacki on Friday in the night session.

Sam Stosur and Genie Bouchard were forced to endure a lengthy start to their match as well due to issues with Billie Jean King court. The players finally stepped on the court just after 9pm and the Australian, who won the title here in 2010, was clearly still hampered by her calf injury. She quickly lost the first set 6-1 and had the trainer come out afterward to try and reinforce the taping on her calf. She tried to keep on but down 0-2 Stosur retired, sending Bouchard into the quarterfinals to face Jankovic on Friday.

The Friday schedule of play is packed with matches as the tournament tries to catch up after all matches on the top half were cancelled. Play gets underway at 11am on Friday with Venus Williams against Vavara Lepchenko, followed by Serena Williams versus Mallory Burdette.

The Friday schedule of play is packed with matches as the tournament tries to catch up after all matches on the top half were cancelled. Play gets underway at 11am on Friday with Venus Williams against Vavara Lepchenko, followed by Serena Williams versus Mallory Burdette.

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.

FAMILY CIRCLE CUP – CHARLESTON, SC, USA
$ 795,707.00
MARCH 30 – APRIL 07, 2013

RESULTS – APRIL 04, 2013
Women’s
Singles – Third Round
[2] [WC] C Wozniacki (DEN) d [WC] A Petkovic (GER) walkover
[Q] E Bouchard (CAN) d [3] S Stosur (AUS) 61 20 Retired
[9] J Jankovic (SRB) d [Q] J Pegula (USA) 60 64
S Voegele (SUI) d [10] J Goerges (GER) 36 61 63

Women’s
Doubles – Quarterfinals
[1] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Huber (USA) d H Chan (TPE) / O Govortsova (BLR) 63 63

ORDER OF PLAY – FRIDAY, APRIL 05, 2013
BILLIE JEAN KING start 11:00 am
[12] V Lepchenko (USA) vs [5] V Williams (USA)

Not Before 1:00 PM
[1] S Williams (USA) vs [Q] M Burdette (USA)
[WC] B Mattek-Sands (USA) or M Keys (USA) vs [12] V Lepchenko (USA) or [5] V Williams (USA) – POSSIBLE COURT CHANGE
[1] S Williams (USA) or [Q] M Burdette (USA) vs [11] S Cirstea (ROU) or [6] L Safarova (CZE)

Not Before 7:00 PM
S Voegele (SUI) vs [2] [WC] C Wozniacki (DEN)
A Barty (AUS) / A Rodionova (AUS) vs [2] R Kops-Jones (USA) / A Spears (USA)

ALTHEA GIBSON start 11:00 am
[WC] B Mattek-Sands (USA) vs M Keys (USA) 00
[11] S Cirstea (ROU) vs [6] L Safarova (CZE)
[9] J Jankovic (SRB) vs [Q] E Bouchard (CAN) or [3] S Stosur (AUS) – POSSIBLE COURT CHANGE
[4] J Goerges (GER) / Y Shvedova (KAZ) vs M Moulton-Levy (USA) / S Zhang (CHN)
K Mladenovic (FRA) / L Safarova (CZE) vs [3] V King (USA) / L Raymond (USA) – AFTER REST IF NECESSARY

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Jankovic Survives Oudin in Charleston

JelenaJankovicCharelston

By Stephanie Neppl

(April 2, 2013) CHARLESTON, SC – Former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic survived a tough three-set battle with American Melanie Oudin in the first round of the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday.

The Serbian had lost her two previous match ups with the American, and admitted Oudin’s style of play gives her issues.

After her 4-6, 7-5, 4-6 win, Jankovic said, “She has this game that I don’t really like and doesn’t really suit me, I always have trouble with her. I mean, it’s just her style of play is just difficult for me to play against.”

Coming off a semifinal result in Miami last week, Jankovic said she felt it was a good match despite it being her first clay match of the season. “I just came from Miami so I was playing a long tournament and took a lot out of me physically, mentally. I’m grateful that I was able to pull this out.”

The crowd was vocally behind Oudin, who has failed to find much success after her run to the 2009 US Open quarterfinals although she’s still only 21 years old. After taking the second set, Oudin fought back from 2-5 down in the third but Jankovic served it out on her second attempt to advance to the second round.

In her post-match news conference, Jankovic said she gained confidence from her run in Miami but struggled to move on the green clay. “I love playing on clay, but today I wasn’t happy with the way I was moving so I have got to improve.”

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Later on Tuesday, Jankovic joined Andrea Petkovic in ladies’ doubles, and a large crowd enjoyed the duo’s entertaining match against Lucie Safarova and Kristina Mladenovic. The Czech/French team won 6-4 6-2.

Jankovic, who won the Family Circle Cup in 2007, is in Charleston without a coach, something she says is suiting her well. “I’m here with my brother and a hitting partner, so I don’t have a coach. It’s great. My brother knows me better than anyone.”

The Serbian lost here in the first round last year to Venus Williams so each win will help her ranking, something Jankovic is focused on.

“I’m working hard every day just trying to get to another level and just overall become a better player,” she said. “My goal is to get back to the top rank where I was before.”

Next up for Jankovic is Caroline Garcia of France.

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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Sharapova Romps Over a Weary Jankovic

Maria Sharapova

By Kevin Ware

(March 28, 2013) MIAMI – Maria Sharapova rolled past Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-1 in their women’s semifinal at the Sony Open.  She did so with the help of an unfortunate case of scheduling; at least it was unfortunate for Jankovic, the late-night victor in a 3-set battle over Roberta Vinci. After press and other post-match activities, she had minimal rest before early morning semifinal match preparations.

Sharapova played and executed a nearly flawless match against Jankovic, so it’s not like she needed any help. Watching the match, however, it was obvious that Jankovic’s movement was hampered and her energy compromised. She acknowledged both Sharapova’s level of play and her own physical distress in her post-match press comments.

“I felt heavy on the court.  I felt really tired and exhausted.  I didn’t really have enough time to recover.” She quickly added, “But all the credit to Maria.  She played very well, and she was the better one today.”

When asked if she’d made an attempt to adjust the match schedule, Jankovic replied,” I didn’t ask for a change, but I didn’t understand why… we were playing last night really late, and then we were first on today.”

Jankovic had every right to question the wisdom of scheduling the early match on stadium court with players who had the least amount of recovery time, while giving Williams and Radwanska nearly 48 hours between their quarterfinal and semifinal matches. Yet even with an additional 5 or 6 hours, the results might have been the same given the Maria’s excellent level of play.

In her error-filled match against Sara Errani, Maria hit 57 unforced errors. Her performance against Jankovic was better managed, with 17 winners against only 13 unforced errors. Not stellar numbers, but solid enough against an opponent who hit only 9 winners against 19 unforced errors.

You have to admire the steely ruthlessness of “Maria the competitor”, whose only concern on court is “the win”. When asked whether she came out strongly in order to take advantage of Jankovic’s late finish fatigue, Sharapova said, “Unfortunately I’m selfishly not really thinking about that when I’m out on the court, because it is my job to try to win the match as well as I can”.

In her post-match remarks the day before regarding her difficulties against Errani, Sharapova mentioned Errani’s spin. “I don’t think her ball is very powerful, but I think her spin is very dangerous when she has a lot of time.” Sharapova looked much more comfortable with Jankovic’s flatter ball striking.  There’s also the benefit of familiarity when facing a known quantity.

“I haven’t played Jelena in almost two years.  But, yes, we have played many times before that, including the juniors, so we know each other’s game very well.  There’s not many secrets out there to what we do well and how we play.”

I don’t question the scheduling Serena Williams for the night match.  She is, after all, a proven marquee match player.  When you add the losses of Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro et al to the withdrawals in this tournament of so many other top players, there’s little doubt that organizers were more inclined to schedule Williams in the evening for maximum exposure/ticket sales.

Sharapova also can’t be faulted for her ruthless competitive spirit, and excellent level of play. For Jankovic, however, the scheduling snafu was unfortunate.  She never had a fighting chance, and the spectators were short-changed on a match that possibly could have lived up to the potential of their last clash in the 2011 Western and Southern Open final (Sharapova won 4-6 7-6 (3) 6-3). Maybe next time.

Kevin Ware is in Miami covering the Sony Open as media for Tennis Panorama News. Follow his live updates on twitter @TennisNewsTPN.  Follow his personal twitter @SFTennisFreak.

 

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Sony Open Women’s Semis: Get Ready for a Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams Final

Serena Williams Miami 3 26 2013Maria Sharapova with media

By Kevin Ware

(March 28, 2013) MIAMI – In spite of injuries, illness, upsets, and withdrawals by the dozens, my initial selections for the Women’s semifinals held (mostly) true to form with three out of four correct picks: Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, and Agnieszka Radwanska. Jelena Jankovic occupies the fourth spot left open from Victoria Azarenka’s withdrawal.

Sharapova and Williams have had moments of brilliant play, and also moments of patchiness. Radwanska has struggled, needing three sets to advance each of her matches. Jankovic had only dropped one set, but also hasn’t been tested against any of the Top Ten.

Does any of this change my mind about a Serena-Maria final? No. Let’s take a look at my breakdown of the semifinal match-ups that leads me to that foregone final conclusion.

Jelena Jankovic

Jelena Jankovic

Maria Sharapova versus Jelena Jankovic

Head-to-Head: Sharapova leads 6-1

Their last meeting was a tightly-contested three-setter in the finals of the 2011 Western and Southern Open, which Sharapova won 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-3. The circumstances are slightly different this time around. Maria’s a much more confident player after completing her career Grand Slam. Though she may have bad patches of play, she’s usually able to maintain belief and fight through for the win as long as it’s not Serena Williams or Victoria Azarenka on the other side of the net.

Jankovic is playing solid tennis, but seems to be in perpetual “comeback” mode.  That was true back in Cincinnati, and is true now in Miami. She’s hitting the ball with more confidence, and is moving well. Confidence is the key to Jankovic’s game.  Without it, she struggles on every shot with the exception of her “down the line” backhand. With it, she can maintain with her forehand, serve, and defense.  Sometimes, that’s enough for the win.

None of that will matter against Maria, however.  This is one of those instances where the match-up against Jankovic suits Sharapova’s game and hitting style.  Even with her struggles against Errani’s defense and spins in the quarterfinals, Sharapova will look across the net to Jankovic and see a comfortable foe.

I chatted with Jankovic’s hitting partner on the way back to the hotel. He didn’t divulge any particular strategies for the match, but rightly conceded that their games are a known quantity to one another. No surprises here.

Look for Sharapova to rediscover her form against regain her form against Jankovic for the victory.

Maria Sharapova in three sets

 

Agnieszka Radwanska

Agnieszka Radwanska

 

Serena Williams versus Agnieszka Radwanska

Hedad-to-Head: Serena Williams leads 4-0

Radwanska has won only one set against Serena in their four meetings. Given their respective levels of play, that’s not going to change in this semifinal.  That’s not to say that Serena Williams is unbeatable, or that Radwanska won’t test her patience with defense and guile. But given their respective paths to the semis, Radwanska can’t have much left in the tank to defend if Serena brings her “A” game.

Williams’ last match was a good test for the World No. 1. Her opponent, Li Na, pushed Serena hard one day after a three-set battle against Dominika Cibulkova. Battling fatigue and a slight injury, Williams fought back from a 2-5 second set deficit to win in straight sets. It was a level of championship tennis we’ve come to expect from Serena that won’t be daunted by guile and defense.

Their last meeting hard court was in Istanbul at the WTA Championships.  Radwanska won 3 games. She might win more games than that in this semifinal.  But she won’t win a set, and certainly won’t win the match.

Serena Williams in two sets.

Kevin Ware is in Miami covering the Sony Open as media for Tennis Panorama News. Follow his live updates on twitter @TennisNewsTPN.  Follow his personal twitter @SFTennisFreak.

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Jankovic and Ferrer Assist with Sony Open Draws

2013+Sony+Open+Tennis+Day+1+GEiIS5zthqCl

 

(March 18, 2013) MIAMI – Former World No. 1 and 2008 Sony Open Finalist Jelena Jankovic was on hand as the 2013 Sony Open women’s field was announced. Jankovic finds herself on the bottom half of the draw joining defending champion Victoria Azarenka and 2012 Sony Open finalist Maria Sharapova. The top half of the draw includes World No. 1 Serena Williams, who will be attempting a record-setting sixth Sony Open title; defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska, rising American-star Sloane Stephens and three-time Sony Open winner Venus Williams.

WTA Singles Draw

 

 

David+Ferrer+Sony+Open+Tennis+Day+1+jNl3I00oQQvl

David Ferrer assisted with the men’s draw. Ferrer, who is currently ranked No. 5 in the world, is seeded in the top half of the draw with current World No. 1 and defending Sony Open champion Novak Djokovic; as well as fan-favorite Juan Del Potro. On the other side of the draw Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Murray, Jo Wilfried Tsonga; and Americans Sam Querry and John Isner will battle their way to the finals.

ATP Singles Draw

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Kourtin’ Karen’s Tennis News Week in Review

delpoNadalStillerdoubles

(March 11, 2013) NEW YORK, NY –  Kourtin’ Karen takes brief look at the week that was week in the offbeat world of tennis.

15-0

BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden in New York City

March 4 was World Tennis Day. BNP Paribas sponsored two showdowns -  in Hong Kong and the other in New York City.

Highlight of the Madison Square Garden event – Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro were in the middle of the second set of the showdown whe Nadal pulled out Ben Stiller to play with him. Del Potro brought out 9-yeear-old left Rebecca Suarez who proved to be the best player on the court for the “doubles” match

 

BNP Paribas Showdown Debuts in Hong Kong with Wozniacki, Radwanska, McEnroe and Lendl

 

15-15

Jelena Jankovic’s Fila Heritage Carwash tennis dress at Indian Wells

Jelena JankovicJ Jankovic skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30-15

BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party

_MG_0377

On the Green Carpet – Photos from the 2013 BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party

Many of those in the tennis media are not really fans of these type of events and exhibitions, but it draws people who are not normally fans of the game. I’m for whatever draws people to watch tennis.

All of the majors should have a “red carpet” event like this. It’s all in good fun and fans and journalists alike can play “Fashion Police.”

 

 

30-30

No American Men in the Top 20?

With John Isner’s loss to Lleyton Hewitt in his first match at the BNP Paribas Open, depending on how Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish do, there would be no US men in the top 20 of the rankings – this has never happened since the rankings began in 1973.

 

30-40

TMZ Alert

TMZ as well as other media outlets were reporting that there was an arrest warrant out for Jennifer Capriati in conjunction with an alleged assault on her ex-boyfriend Ivan Brannan. Capriati’s publicist denied reports that a warrant had been issued for her arrest.

“What happened has been over-exaggerated. When the full story comes out Jennifer will be vindicated of these charges,” said the spokesperson in a written statement.

 

Deuce

Redfoo sightings

Victoria Azarenka and Redfoo

_MG_0241

Let’s face it,  pop singer Redfoo is here to stay.  Not only is he a big tennis fan, he supports a USTA Pro Circuit event – the Party Rock Open and is now the significant other of No. 2 Victoria Azarenka.

 

Advantage exhibitions

Pete Sampras adn Novak Djokovic

Tennis was back in Los Angeles with the LA Tennis Challenge featuring, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Mardy Fish, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan.

Djokovic, Sampras, Fish and the Bryan Brothers Among Those to Particpate in LA Tennis Challenge

 

 

Deuce look-a-likes

thing1 &thing2_MG_0415

Separated at birth, the hair anyway – Redfoo and Thing 1 and Thing 2 of Dr. Seuss fame.

 

Advantage Karaoke

 1-DSC_0957-001V. Azarenka

In the post-match news conference at the BNP Paribas Showdown, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka announced that they revealed that they will be shooting a karaoke video to Rihanna’s “Stay.”

Deuce

The Rumor Mill

"Austin Powers" and Caroline Wozniacki

“Austin Powers” and Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki put to bed rumors that she and her boyfriend golfer Rory McIlroy had split.

A British tabloid speculated that the reason the golfer had pulled out of the Honda Classic was due to relationship problems with Wozniacki. Meanwhile, why did Wozniacki attend the BNP Paribas Open Players party with Austin Powers. (See above photo)

 

Advantage news

Tennis will introduce biological passports this year and increase the number of blood tests.

Nadal Returns to Hardcourt with Indian Wells Win; Still Unhappy with 25-Second Rule

 

Mardy Fish

Game, Set and Match – Welcome back Mardy Fish

Mardy Fish has returned to the tour from a heart ailment, his first event since the US Open.

 

Photo galleries from the past week

Photos by Curt Janka, Jennifer Knapp, Maria Noble and Karen Pestaina.

 

 

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Jankovic Wins First Tournament Since 2010 Indian Wells

JelenaJankovic

(February 24, 2013) Jelena Jankovic won her first tournament since Indian Wells in 2010, claiming the Copa Claro tennis event in Bogotá, Colombia with a win Paula Ormaechea of Argentina 6-1, 6-2.

The Serbian snapped a five–match losing streak in finals in winner her 13th WTA title.

“I had a wonderful week here. It’s been an amazing experience. I’m so happy I was able to come here to Bogotá for the first time and winning my 13th WTA title here makes the experience even better.”

Ormaechea will rise 66 places to No.132 on the new rankings come out on Monday.

COPA CLARO COLSANITAS
Bogotá, Colombia
February 18-24, 2013
$235,000/International
Red Clay/Outdoors

Results – Sunday, February 24, 2013
Singles – Final
(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Paula Ormaechea (ARG) 61 62

Doubles – Final (played Saturday)
(2) Babos/Minella (HUN/LUX) d. (1) Birnerova/Panova (CZE/RUS) 64 63

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Ivanovic Wins Battle of the Serbs at Australian Open

Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic

By Jaclyn Stacey

(January 18, 2013) MELBOURNE PARK, Australia - Ana Ivanovic won the battle of the Serbs on Friday at the Australian Open on Friday defeating fellow former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 23 minutes.

 

It was a tense encounter between the two, Ivanovic getting in Jankovic’s face by fist pumping after almost every point and yelling “Ajde” on many occasions. The two have a long playing history, Ivanovic leading their head-to-head 8-3.

 

“I’m very happy. It was tough match. I think it was intense from the first to the last moment, but I really felt like I stayed in the zone and I played each point for, you know, for that point. That’s what was my goal today, so I’m very pleased I managed to do that and to do it well.”

 

Ivanovic was efficient from the baseline during the match while Jankovic just didn’t have the speed to reach enough of her compatriot’s strong forehands. Jankovic played more successfully to Ivanovic’s backhand side during the first set, at one stage winning 14 straight points when Ivanovic attempted to serve for the first set at 5-2.

 

Ivanovic put her foot down with the set tied at 5-5, breaking Jankovic after being down 0-40 and closing out the set on her next service game with an ace.

 

Jankovic saved one match point on her own serve down 3-5 30-40 in the second set but Ivanovic won the match on her second opportunity after Jankovic landed her backhand into the net after a superb Ivanovic forehand smash.

 

On losing her lead at 5-2 in the first set Ivanovic said, “Okay, well, the same way I got to 5-2 I got to 5-All. Didn’t happen much. I think she played some good points.”

 

“I don’t know, was it 5-4 when I was serving at 30-Love, I had made a loose double fault and that cost me, I think, that game. She played well? She strike the ball well.”

 

“You know, I’m very, very happy I managed to come back from Love-40 down in 5-4. I think that was huge game, and then again from 15-40 in the next service game. Just very pleased overall.”

 

Ivanovic spoke about the intense rivalry she has had with her compatriot over the years, the two not having the friendliest history.

 

“I think it’s competitiveness, and you have that with everyone you play, and especially someone

coming from your country. At the time we were both, you know, looking for No. 1 position and to

win a Grand Slam. You know, of course there is going to be rivalry, but I think there is healthy rivalry, too, because you kind of push each other.”

 

There has been a lot of talk about the physical appearance of Ivanovic in recent weeks, the Serbian star clearly losing a lot of weight which she says has allowed her more speed on the court.

 

“ Well, you know, it was really up and down for me. But it’s not so much about the weight, it’s just about the muscle and just getting the right balance, you know, because still you need to feel light on the court but you have to be powerful.”

 

“This is also my style of game. I’m very powerful player. I still need to improve on my upper body strength. I had a really tough match the other day, and today I came out and I was feeling fine and was explosive.”

 

“So I’m very, very pleased that, like I said, it’s paying off. But, you know, I’m still working at it.”

 

Ivanovic plays an in form Agnieszka Radwanska in the round of 16 on Monday. Ivanovic won their first three meetings and Radwanska has won their most recent four. Ivanovic spoke about what she needs to do in the match.

 

“Being patient is going to be a key. It’s going to be tough, for sure. I have to be prepared to work hard for my points and to keep on putting pressure on her.”

 

“But, you know, it’s just, again, working hard and just staying in the moment. I will go over the tactics a little more with my coach today and tomorrow, and, you know, hopefully we can have a good match.”

 

“But it’s going to be, again, balance of, you know, being aggressive enough and then still patient enough.”

 

Jaclyn Stacey is a Melbourne based freelance journalist covering the Australian Open tournament as media for Tennis Panorama News.  Follow her Australian Open updates on @TennisNewsTPN. Follow her personal twitter @JackattackAU.

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