World No.1 Kerber Named Among Forbes' 30 Under 30
Angelique Kerber was named among Europe’s 30 Under 30 according to Forbes; how much did the two-time Grand Slam champion earn in her breakthrough 2016 season?
Angelique Kerber was named among Europe’s 30 Under 30 according to Forbes; how much did the two-time Grand Slam champion earn in her breakthrough 2016 season?
I remember a post-match interview from early 2014 that turned some heads, or at least turned mine. Eugenie Bouchard had just made her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open from a ranking of No.31, her first real major breakthrough – pun intended. When asked about her Cinderella run, here is some of what she had to say:
“I’m proud of how I’ve improved as a player throughout the tournament. But I’m never satisfied with losing. I’m always disappointed; I always want to go further and do better. I wouldn’t say I exceeded my expectations, but I’m happy with how I did.”
To me, still fresh on tour, this came off as blatant arrogance. You expect this? How could you possibly expect to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, much less actually say that in press? It had always appeared to me that, no matter how hard you work, no matter how great the coaching you receive, making a Grand Slam semifinal had to involve a little bit of luck. Surely, then, you would be humbled by the experience.
Thx Gena 4 this awesome shot from last night. &4 keeping me fit enough to get the W (@rocketrm helped 2?) #teamGibbs pic.twitter.com/HC3Ywiv2NO
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) March 9, 2016
Perhaps my bias toward the involvement of luck in success on the tennis court was imparted to me by my first coach: my father. I remember clearly when, one day, he pulled me aside during a practice in which I was shuffling around listlessly and not giving my full effort. He said, “There are tons of kids out there who work every bit as hard as you, maybe even harder, who will never achieve what you’re setting out to achieve in tennis.”
Kind of brutal, no? But the bottom line stuck with me: you can give everything you have to this game and still fall short of lofty goals like “making it” on tour.
So when Genie said that she expected results like a slam semifinal, I was confused and even a bit put off.
W 1 of my long time friends #kristenmcphillips after the match. @1kmcphillips where u at?? ❤️ this family to death ? pic.twitter.com/ZrdK5dTSL6
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) March 10, 2016
Now, fast forward to my first three months of 2016 – months that have MOST DEFINITELY NOT seen me reach a Grand Slam semifinal – but months that have included some of my best tennis and results to date. Here are some of the questions that have been cropping up, especially after my fourth round appearance this past week at the BNP Paribas Open:
Are you surprised?
What changed?
Can you keep it up?
These questions seem simple, maybe even small talk material, but they’re not.
Am I surprised? Yes, and no. I am surprised to have arrived at a place where wins that used to evade me are feeling comfortable. But I also don’t feel that I’m doing anything unsustainable.
What changed? Everything, and nothing. I’m looking at myself and my potential very differently than I was a year ago, but it’s still me, I’m just accessing a better version.
Can I keep it up? Absolutely, but maybe not. I have every confidence that if my team stays solid, I keep working hard, and I stay healthy I can continue to improve. But nothing is ever promised, and right now I’m just trying to enjoy the process, the day in day out grind.
On set with @TennisChannel this afternoon! Busy day but now time to relax and get ready for tomorrow ✅ pic.twitter.com/090h4N82jd
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) March 11, 2016
In other words, this recent improvement in my results has been a long time coming, and all of a sudden.
Lately, I’ve put in the work, committed to the things I’ve needed to improve, and changed my outlook to include a stronger-than-ever sense of self belief. And it’s been coming together quickly in the past few months. Things that didn’t seem attainable six months ago are feeling well within reach. When asked how far I think I can go in tennis, “Top 10” has replaced, “I don’t know, maybe Top 50.”
Well… $h!+#keepingtheroutine #icebath #recovery #comingforyoumiami ? pic.twitter.com/Oz4RfO2prz
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) March 15, 2016
This is all new for me. But I’ve also wanted to be a pro tennis player since I was 11. Every life decision I’ve made since then has centered around maximizing my tennis, giving myself the best shot. Tens of thousands of hours have been spent sweating out weakness in the gym and pushing through insecurities and frustrations on court. So, in one way, I’m humbled by my recent success, but in another way, I expect this and much more.
Sorry for doubting your outlook, Genie.
What a week ?? pic.twitter.com/gWS0zxTB9q
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) March 16, 2016
To keep up with Gibbsy, you can follow her on Twitter @Gibbsyyyy and Instagram. Nicole Gibbs will feature as a regular columnist for WTA Insider. Click here for her first column, and check back regularly as she files a variety of dispatches from the road to give fans a glimpse of her life on tour.
Serena Williams is a legend on the tennis court and a megastar off it, and with over seven million followers on Twitter she sits near the top of the list of most followed athletes on social media.
Now, Serena has vowed to use that reach to speak up about race relations and police-involved incidents in the United States, particularly on the allegations of increased police violence toward unarmed African Americans.
Serena took to social media to post a heartfelt and powerful message, candidly expressing her fears for the safety of her 18-year-old nephew.
“I had to take a look at me. What about my nephews? What if I have a son and what about my daughters?” Serena said in a lengthy post to her Facebook page. “As Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘There comes a time when silence is betrayal.’ I Won’t Be Silent.”
It’s not the first time Serena has commented on the issue, previously speaking out about police brutality after her record-tying Wimbledon victory.
“I feel anyone in my color in particular is of concern. I do have nephews that I’m thinking, ‘do I have to call them and tell them, ‘Don’t go outside. If you get in your car, it might be the last time I see you?'” she told reporters back in July.
“I don’t think that the answer is to continue to shoot our young black men in the United States. It’s just unfortunate. No one deserves to lose their life, doesn’t matter what color they are, where they’re from. We’re all human.”
MELBOURNE, Australia – Six-time Australian Open champion Serena Williams leads the bottom half of the draw into action on Day Two at Melbourne Park. Dominika Cibulkova and Agnieszka Radwanska are also in action on the last day of Round 1. We preview all the day’s matchups right here at wtatennis.com.
Tuesday, First Round
[2] Serena Williams (USA #2) vs Belinda Bencic (SUI #59)
Head-to-head: Tied at 1-1
Key Stat: 2017 Australian Open marks first Grand Slam where Serena hasn’t been top seed since 2013 Australian Open (No.3)
Belinda Bencic’s reaction to the draw is quite different to how you’d think someone would react when finding out their first-round opponent is six-time champion Serena Williams:
“My first reaction was actually, like, really happy,” Bencic told press ahead of the match. “I’m super-pumped, like excited I get to play on the big court, I guess.
“Yeah, everyone is like, ‘Oh, bad luck with the draw.’ Me, I’m pretty happy and excited about it!”
Bencic has a reason to feel good: back in 2015, she scored the biggest victory of her career over Serena at the Rogers Cup, becoming one of just 3 players to defeat the American that year.
But a lot has changed since in two years, and injury woes have caused the Swiss wunderkind’s ranking to plummet. And Serena – as always – has her eye on making history and reclaiming the No.1 ranking in Melbourne Park.
“All I can do is do my best,” Serena said. “If I can play the way I’ve been practicing, it will be fine. I know she’s been playing well, so it will be good for both of us.”
[3] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL #3) vs Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL #64)
Head-to-head: Radwanska leads 9-3
Key Stat: Pironkova’s last Top 5 win came over Radwanska in 2016 Roland Garros R16
World No.3 Agnieszka Radwanska has many positives to take away from her run to the Apia International Sydney final: before getting thoroughly outclassed in the last match by Johanna Konta, Radwanska hadn’t dropped a set all tournament long and her tricky, deliberate game was flowing freely.
“Of course, losing finals always is disappointing,” Radwanska reflected in pre-tournament press. “But it’s still a good week with great matches against top players.
“I’m very confident. I really hope I can play the same tennis, even the tennis I played in the final. But every tournament is different story, especially in the tough first round.”
After the quick turnaround to Melbourne, Radwanska will bring all of that confidence and preparation against an opponent who has troubled her in the past: Tsvetana Pironkova. The pair have met 12 times previously, with the Bulgarian stunning Radwanska in the fourth round of Roland Garros.
“Pironkova is a very tricky opponent,” she said. “I’m expecting everything from her side. For sure it’s going to be a lot of running. I’m going to really have to work on each point.”
[5] Karolina Pliskova (CZE #6) vs Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP #106)
Head-to-head: First meeting
Key Stat: Sorribes Tormo is playing just the second Grand Slam main draw match of her career
After her dominant performance at the Brisbane International, where she claimed the first title of her season, Karolina Pliskova took two days off before heading straight to Melbourne.
“I’ve been practicing here since Tuesday. Even yesterday,” the Czech said in pre-tournament press. “But I’ve been feeling good so far. I was even ready for Monday start, but will be ready even for Tuesday.
“That’s what I did in New York, as well. So I just did it here. I don’t know if it’s going to work, but I just want to leave everything in this tournament.”
But despite her red-hot start to 2017, Pliskova wouldn’t be drawn into discussing her Australian Open chances – not even on the eve of the tournament after drawing Sara Sorribes Tormo in the opening round.
“I would definitely not take me as a favorite of this tournament. It’s a big draw,” the Czech said in pre-tournament press. “There is a lot of players. I just take it step by step.”
“I just know my opponent from the first round. I want to pass this one. Then we can talk about the next one.”
Her opponent, Sorribes Tormo, is a 20-year-old Spaniard who might be out of her depths against the big-hitting Czech: this will be the just the second Grand Slam main draw match of her career, and her first match against a Top 10 opponent.
Around the grounds…
Reigning WTA Finals champion Dominika Cibulkova will open against No.90-ranked Denisa Allertova on Day 2. The Slovak reached the final here in 2014, and will hope her 2016 momentum will carry her to a maiden Grand Slam title. Britain’s No.1 Johanna Konta will square off against Kirsten Flipkens – Konta leads the head-to-head 2-1.
David Kane, Point: Serena Williams’ 2015 return to the BNP Paribas Open was left incomplete when a knee injury forced her withdrawal from the semifinals of a tournament she hadn’t played in 14 years. But there were no such interruptions in her march towards a record-breaking third Indian Wells title on Friday as she battled past an inspired soon-to-be World No.2 Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-4, 7-6(1).
“Definitely didn’t think I would be in another final here ever,” she told press after the match. “Then last year was just really, really bad luck. I felt devastated that I wasn’t in the final or at least even able to play.
“After the last final I had here, I never pictured myself being back. So it’s an interesting feeling.”
It will most definitely be an interesting feeling for Serena as the final – her first at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden since 2001 – gets underway against former No.1 Victoria Azarenka. The two faced off three times in 2015, with all three going the distance, and Azarenka holding triple match point in their meeting at the Mutua Madrid Open. Though the Belarusian has only won three of their 20 matches, all three victories have come in finals – most recently in 2013 at the Western & Southern Open.
“Obviously me and Vika have had some incredible finals. We really get along great.”
Their off-court dynamic may contribute to some of the most entertaining matches over the last few years, but even at Azarenka’s best, Williams finds a way over the finish line.
“I think everyone is a rival, especially against me. They come out with a game I have never seen before. But it’s made me better.”
Take out their three 2015 epics and Azarenka’s 2015 season would truly be one to forget; the two-time Australian Open champion reached just one WTA final in Doha and failed to progress past the quarterfinals in any of the major tournaments – though it must be said that she played Serena in the third round of the French Open and in the last eight at Wimbledon. Her start to this season has been far more promising, but a stunning loss to eventual Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber was an undeniable clunker that may have exposed a tentativeness that has halted her progress as much any injury over the last two years.
The most memorable of Serena’s matches with Azarenka – certainly the last three – can be drawn down the middle: Azarenka begins with a fearlessness that appears to unsettle an American in the midst of a slow start. That is often enough to take her up a set and perhaps even a break in the second, but at crunch time, Serena’s superior mental strength shines through. It may not be a Grand Slam final, but for Serena, it may be something more.
“Hopefully it will be very different than last final,” she said with a smile. “But my goal is just to be out there, and I think it’s kind of cool that I can really close the door by being in the final again.
“So I think it’s something that really kind of came full circle.”
Courtney Nguyen, Counterpoint: How is it that a player with a 3-17 record against Serena Williams and who has not tallied a win in nearly three years, is considered the World No.1’s most potent rival? Because no one gets as consistently close as Azarenka. Asked what it is she does against Serena that no other player can, Azarenka kept it simple.
“I see a lot of them losing before they step on the court,” Azarenka said. “I’m not afraid of anybody. I want to have those challenges. Some people maybe want to avoid that and I live for those moments.”
Even in a sub-par 2015 season, Azarenka put herself in a winning position three times against Serena, holding match points in Madrid, leading by a set and 4-2 at the French Open, and another set at Wimbledon. She lost all three matches. Her last win over the No.1 came in the 2013 finals of Cincinnati, where Azarenka won 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(6).
“I had a lot of opportunities,” Azarenka said, recalling their three meetings last year. “I think Wimbledon was one of those matches where in the third set she really outplayed me and she was just on every ball, everything was going her way. But I did have opportunities. I won the first set, I had a few close games.
“For me to know there’s always a chance it’s always a good thing but I know I have to go a step more to be the winner in those.”
This is a different Azarenka in 2016, a Vika who is far closer to her 2012 level than her injury-prone 2014. Like Serena, she has lost just one match all season (15-1). Unlike Serena, she has a title under her belt after starting her season with her first title since 2013 at the Brisbane International. But Sunday’s final – which marks the ninth time these two have met in a final – is the biggest final Azarenka has contested since Cincinnati in 2013. A win would make her the first player to beat Serena four times in a final.
“There’s not going to be too many surprises but definitely need to step it up,” Azarenka said. “It’s going to be exciting for me because we haven’t played since Wimbledon. I feel like I’m in a little bit different position right now. For me it’s just really exciting to play the best player in the world right now. This is what I worked really hard for.”
If Azarenka wins the title she will vault back into the Top 10 for the first time since August 2014, moving to No.8 with a win. Azarenka will need to step up her game in all facets on Sunday. Despite her wins in the desert, her serve has been a liability at times. She has improved the speed and placement, but her accuracy has been fleeting. She’s hit 17 double-faults in her last two matches, seven of which came in her 6-0, 6-0 rout of Magdalena Rybarikova.
Listen to more thoughts from Kane and Nguyen on the BNP Paribas Open final and the nature of rivalries in the latest WTA Insider Podcast:
All photos courtesy of Getty Images.
WUHAN, China – No.3 seed Agnieszka Radwanska scored an important win as the chase for the final six spots in the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global heats up, ousting friend and former No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, 6-4, 6-2, at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.
Watch live action from Wuhan on WTA Live powered by TennisTV!
“I’m just very glad to win this match in two sets,” she said during her on-court interview. “Obviously, it’s never easy against Caroline and, well, I was just playing very good tennis tonight and I’m very happy for the win.”
Radwanska and Wozniacki had met 13 times coming into Wednesday night’s encounter, and played a thrilling three-setter just last week at the Toray Pan Pacific Open, which Wozniacki won from a set down en route to the title.
But the Pole made no mistake tonight, skillfully converting on her one-set lead and recovering from a break down to win the final five games of the match. In all, the former World No.2 played flawless tennis, hitting 23 winners to just 12 unforced errors, while Wozniacki, who appeared to be dealing with physical issues in her eighth match in 10 days, hit 18 winners to 24 unforced.
While some of her fellow competitors dealt with lengthy rain delays, Radwanska’s match was only impeded by the late finish of Petra Kvitova’s exciting win over World No.1 Angelique Kerber.
“It’s great to have a roof here, especially when it’s raining. It was a long match before us, and I’m glad you all stayed with me,” she said, addressing the crowd.
Up next for Radwanska, who could book a return to Singapore with a title run in Wuhan, is another longtime rival in Svetlana Kuznetsova. The Russian knocked out defending champion Venus Williams in straight sets earlier in the day.
“We’ve played so many times against each other, everywhere and on every surface. We’ve known each other so long. It’s another great challenge because she’s in really great form right now, playing good tennis.
“I think I have nothing to lose, and hopefully I can play the same tennis I played today.”
Currently ranked No.4 on the WTA rankings, Radwanska is one win away from securing the No.3 ranking at the end of the week; Simona Halep is also in contention, but would not only have to win Wuhan, but Radwanska would also have to lose on Thursday to Kuznetsova.
Anastasija Sevastova takes on Kristina Kucova in the second round of the Australian Open.
Victoria Azarenka takes on Serena Williams in the final of the BNP Paribas Open.
WUHAN, China – Barbora Strycova won the first of two scheduled matches after getting rained out on Wednesday, recovering from a set down to defeat Guangzhou runner-up Jelena Jankovic, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Strycova will play No.10 seed and WTA Finals darkhorse Dominika Cibulkova, who roared past No.5 seed and US Open runner-up Karolina Pliskova, 6-2, 6-2.
Watch live action from Wuhan on WTA Live powered by TennisTV!
“It’s great to have the roof because we got to play,” the Czech veteran said in her on-court interview. “I’m very happy to be through to the quarterfinals. It was a very tough match for me, with a lot of ups and downs, but I’m happy to get the win.”
Strycova had reached the round of 16 in her last two Wuhan appearances, but was in trouble early on against Jankovic, a former No.1 overcoming an injury-prone season to reach a final at the Guangzhou International Women’s Open just last week.
“You have to find the motivation all the time if you want to compete and bring a good level. The first set wasn’t really the way I wanted to play. I didn’t move well, so I started to move better, put more balls into the court. That helped me get my rhythm.”
When you can't stand the rain…☔️☔️☔️
…against your window! https://t.co/eOUN40H3iq
— WTA (@WTA) September 29, 2016
Strycova overcame a few moments of frustration to level the match, but Jankovic made a battle of it in the end, saving a match point in the tenth game of the decider, but ultimately succumed on Strycova’s second match point after two hours and 21 minutes.
“At the end, I was able to win a few more points than her, and that made the difference.”
She has her eye on you, Domi.
Pliskova-Cibulkova underway under the roof. Winner plays Strycova tonight. pic.twitter.com/w06RFNJYOC
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) September 29, 2016
While Strycova struggled through three grueling sets, Cibulkova charged past Pliskova in an hour and 15 minutes, dropping just four games to keep her hopes of making her debut appearance at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global alive.
“This was my first match on Center Court against such a big-serving player. It was tough to play but I was really focused, mentally ready, and playing my good tennis. I’m really happy to be into the quarterfinals here.”
The roof remained closed in Wuhan, even as the rain abated on the outer courts.
“Last week, I played in Tokyo in similar conditions, and I play at home under a closed stadium. We’re professionals, so we have to be prepared to play in any situation.”
Cibulkova will play Strycova for the first time, as she aims to earn as many points as possible to remain inside the Top 8 on the Road to Singapore leaderboard by week’s end.
“It’s going to be another tough match, a different one. Two matches in one day isn’t easy, but I want to be ready for it.”
Jelana Jankovic takes on Julia Goerges in the second round of the Australian Open.