Kuala Lumpur: Ashleigh Barty Interview
An interview with Ashleigh Barty after she won the ALYA Malaysian Open.
An interview with Ashleigh Barty after she won the ALYA Malaysian Open.
Former Great Britain Fed Cup captain Judy Murray has praised Johanna Konta for being a great role model – and has called for more women to get involved in tennis.
In an interview with the UK’s Daily Telegraph to mark International Women’s Day, Murray said it was important to encourage women into all levels of sport.
“Everyone looks at the sports stars, like Johanna Konta or [now-retired heptathlete] Jessica Ennis, and they are great role models,” she said, “but even more important, for me, is to have women in key decision-making positions. They will think and act much more on behalf of women, because they know how we tick.”
Hands up if you’re excited for #IWD2017!
And today we’re celebrating our @SheRallies program with @JudyMurray ?? pic.twitter.com/Xv36ezdeHH
— British Tennis (@BritishTennis) March 8, 2017
Murray is spearheading campaigns to get more girls playing tennis as well as calling for more women to take up coaching, which she says will increase female participation across all age groups.
“Our strongest pockets within the UK, in terms of numbers of girls coming through, tend to be in places where there is a strong female coach,” added Murray.
Garbiñe Muguruza talks about her thoughts and expectations ahead of the BNP Paribas Open.
Elina Svitolina has Friday’s shot of the day at the BNP Paribas Open.
Highlights from the second round action on Day 3 at the BNP Paribas Open.
An interview with Samantha Crawford after her quarterfinal win at the Brisbane International.
Madison Keys talks through her second round win at the BNP Paribas Open.
BRISBANE, Australia – Angelique Kerber put on a rock solid performance against Carla Suárez Navarro on Friday to become the first player into the final of the Premier-level Brisbane International.
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The two players had played four times before and split them evenly, 2-2, but this time it was one-sided traffic as the No.4-seeded Kerber was on her game from the get-go, breaking straight away and needing just an hour and 15 minutes to finally put away the No.6-seeded Suárez Navarro, 6-2, 6-3.
“I think it was a good match from me. I was feeling very well from the first point,” Kerber said.
“I knew I had to play aggressively against her, and I was trying to go for it, trying to let her move, and if I had the chance, just going for it. It worked well today, so I’m happy with my performance.”
Kerber finished with a +6 differential of winners to unforced errors, 25 to 19, while Suárez Navarro finished at -9, 13 to 22. But the biggest stat may have come on the Kerber serve – the German held all eight of her service games during the match, and she fought off both of the break points she faced.
But overall, Kerber was lethal whether she was on offense or defense – the perfect balance.
“For me it’s good to find the middle,” she said about her game earlier in the week. “I like to be more aggressive, but also still running everywhere and trying to get every single ball back. I was practicing that a lot the last few weeks, to make the transition better from defense to aggressive playing.
“I still think I should be more aggressive on my second serve and the next few shots, though.”
The World No.10 is now through to the 18th WTA final of her career. She has a 7-10 record in her first 17, but she’s done much better in WTA finals recently, winning four of her last five (all in 2015).
The big picture goal, however, is getting matches in before the big one – the Australian Open.
“I’m just trying to get out there and play like I’ve been practicing the last few weeks, trying to transfer it all into my matches, being more aggressive and serving better than I did in the last few months.
“I think it’s working well. I think I’m on a good way to being 100% ready for Melbourne.”
Forehand, backhand, it doesn't matter! @AngeliqueKerber just crushing the ?! #WTA pic.twitter.com/LYzgcUE2PC
— WTA (@WTA) January 8, 2016
Simona Halep takes on Donna Vekic in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Madison Keys reflects on her display at the BNP Paribas Open.