WTA Wrap-Up 1.5.2013: Brisbane International, ASB Classic, Shenzhen Open

Serena Strikes A Pose (click to enlarge)

This year, while I will choose to follow one event during the week, I will be doing a combined WTA wrap-up on the weekends. It’s just less time consuming than trying to post for three WTA events, the LPGA and the JLPGA every week. So without further ado, congratulations to Serena Williams for winning the 2013 Brisbane International. It’s no surprise that Serena won. However, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova both pulling out did rob this event of some luster. Now, this is not to suggest either of them would have beaten Serena. Although anything can happen in sports, probably not. But I’d rather see Serena play them and beat them than have them pull out and not experience the match.

Finals – Completed
	1	2	3
S. Williams #3 «	6	6
A. Pavlyuchenkova	2	1

Agnieszka Radwanska (click to enlarge)

Meanwhile, in Auckland, New Zealand world #4 Agnieszka Radwanska edged the dangerous Yanina Wickmayer 6-4 6-4 to take the title at the 2013 ASB Classic. It was the third ASB Classic final in 4 years for Yanina, who beat Flavia Pennetta for the crown in 2010 but fell to Greta Arn in 2011. For Aga, she shows no sign that 2013 will be a letdown following her breakthrough 2012 season that saw her win 3 titles and push Serena to three sets in the Wimbledon final.

Finals – Completed
	1	2	3
A. Radwanska #1 «	6	6
Y. Wickmayer #3	4	4

Li Na wins in Shenzhen (click to enlarge)

On paper, some might say that Li Na winning the 2013 Shenzhen Longgang Gemdale Open was a no-brainer. The best player in the field, like in Brisbane and Auckland, won the event. But anybody who follows Li Na, as I do, knows how frustratingly unpredictable her game can be. World beater one day, can’t find the court the next day. Even within the same match she is streaky, which we saw against Klara Zakopalova in the final. So to me, this win is big for Li Na. She won her first event in 2004 in Guangzhou, becoming the first player from China to win a WTA event. Now with her 7th title, I think moving forward in 2013 we will see a very good year from Li Na.