Vote: March Breakthrough Of The Month

Vote: March Breakthrough Of The Month

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

WTA March BTOM

March was defined by four breakthrough players who brought some impressive performances to the second month of 2016. Which one soared the highest?

Have a look at the nominees for March’s Breakthrough Performance of the Month and cast your vote before Thursday at 11:59pm ET! The winner will be announced Friday, April 8.

March 2016 WTA Breakthrough Performance of the Month Finalists:


Daria Kasatkina: Kasatkina’s breakthrough season continued with her first Premier Mandatory quarterfinal at the BNP Paribas Open. Unseeded in Indian Wells, the 2014 French Open junior champion began her tournament with a win over two-time winner Daniela Hantuchova, saved match point against Monica Puig and upset Timea Bacsinszky to reach the last eight, falling to Karolina Pliskova. The Russian’s run in Miami was cut short by World No.5 Simona Halep, who she pushed in two tough sets in the second round. Kasatkina is currently up to a career-high ranking of No.35 and is seeded for the first time at a Premier-level tournament at the Volvo Car Open.

Naomi Osaka: The Japanese teenager had another big week, this time in Miami. In her tournament debut, Osaka blew past Sara Errani in straight sets to reach the third round for the first time at a Premier Mandatory tournament. With her booming game, she is up to her own career-high ranking of No.95.

Timea Babos: 22 year old Timea Babos’ consistent 2016 kicked into high gear in Miami when she reached the round of 16 at a Premier Mandatory for the first time in her career. Playing Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber under the lights on Center Court, Babos appeared undaunted for much of the contest, even leading by a break in the final set before the German’s experience ultimately shone through. The former ace leader is ranked inside the Top 40 at No.39 for the first time, as well, and looks poised to move even farther up the rankings in singles and doubles, where she reached the final with Yaroslava Shvedova.

Nicole Gibbs: The former Stanford All-American has come good on the WTA level in a big way in 2016. Gibbs reached the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open and nearly pulled off the upset against two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova. In between major success on the court, Gibbs also earned praise off of it from the likes of Billie Jean King and Chris Evert for her passionate defense of equal prize money. Following up her run in Miami, she reached the third round before bowing out to 2015 Wimbledon runner-up Garbiñe Muguruza. 


2016 Winners:

January: Zhang Shuai
February: Jelena Ostapenko

How it works:

Finalists are selected by wtatennis.com
Winner is then determined by a fan vote on wtatennis.com

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