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Watch: Opening Night In Stuttgart

Watch: Opening Night In Stuttgart

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

STUTTGART, Germany – The brightest stars of the WTA kicked off the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at the Opening Ceremony, where they glammed up to be presented to the German crowd.

Defending champion and Germany’s No.1 Angelique Kerber started the night on the tennis court, joining tennis legends Michael Chang and Michael Stich and professional racing driver Mark Webber for a doubles duel. Afterwards, all the top seeds hit the red carpet and headed to Center Court for their presentations, where they were walked onto the court by their young mascots.

Check out the video above for a behind the scenes look at the Opening Ceremony, as well as a sneak peek into the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix official players’ dinner.

Click here for the full photo gallery!

Angelique Kerber, Ana Ivanovic

Agnieszka Radwanska

– Photos courtesy of Jimmie48 Tennis Photography

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News | WTA Tennis English

News | WTA Tennis English

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

HOBART, Australia – There have been plenty of hints over the past year, but on Monday Francesca Schiavone finally revealed her retirement date.

Following her 6-3, 6-2 defeat to Jana Fett at the Hobart International, Schiavone announced that this year would be her last as a professional tennis player.

“I made too many mistakes, it was not easy for me to find a good rhythm,” Schiavone said following the match.

Francesca Schiavone

The 2010 Roland Garros champion has been one of the most charismatic players on tour for the best past of two decades, but waning motivation and a battle-weary body have convinced her to finally call it a day at the end of the current season. “This is my last year of tennis, that’s why I’m upset I didn’t give the best here,” Schiavone said.

“This year I want to give everything that I’ve learned in the last 19 years. In life I think I’ve arrived at the time to take the decision. This sport is a drug for me, I love to play this sport.”

The 36-year-old, who is still in the doubles draw in Hobart alongside Pauline Permentier, will now turn her attention to the Australian Open.

“I go to Melbourne hoping, working to find my feeling [before the Australian Open],” she added.

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