Nike NYC Street Tennis Event Gets 2015 US Open Pre-Tourney Buildup Underway

For me, a lifelong tennis fanatic, this is the most wonderful time of the year. Wimbledon? Sure, I’m not unaware or dismissive of the sport’s ultimate prize. But it’s not at the top of my list. Even my LPGA fandom didn’t move me to look too hard at the United States Solheim Cup announcement today. … Continue reading →

Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova and Agnieszka Radwanska Sit Atop Quarter Draws At 2014 US Open

For me, this is the most wonderful time of the year. My favorite sport. My favorite tournament. The tennis world turns its gaze upon New York City and Flushing Meadow as the 2014 United States Open brings the best players in the world to the year’s final Major. Well…I say the best players, but on … Continue reading →

Tsvetana Pironkova, Garbine Muguruza First Time Champions In Sydney and Hobart: WTA Wrap-Up 1.11.2014

In 2013, the WTA season witnessed an early breakthrough from Elena Vesnina, winning the Hobart International for her first WTA singles title. She would go on to win again in 2013, at the AEGON International. In the final tune-up week of the 2014 WTA season before the Australian Open, there were two first time WTA … Continue reading →

Simona Halep Wins 6th Title Of The Year At 2013 Garanti Koza WTA Tournament Of Champions, Ends Year At Career Best #11 Ranking

The players ranked in the WTA Top 10 best beware. Simona Halep is coming. With her three set 2-6 6-2 6-2 triumph over Samantha Stosur at the 2013 Garanti Koza WTA Tournament of Champions (Sofia), Halep finishes her year with a career best #11 ranking. The only thing that could stop her at the moment … Continue reading →

Simona Halep To Face Samantha Stosur In 2013 Sofia Final

Unless you’re a tennis fanatic, you might not realize what a great season is being had by Romania’s Simona Halep. There is greatness outside of the usual suspects like Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Li Na. Just outside of the top 10, Halep is charging up the rankings on the strength of 5 … Continue reading →

Ana Ivanovic Advances To 2013 Sofia Semifinals Despite Round Robin Loss To Elena Vesnina

Last week’s 2013 TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships were described as the “year end event.” Well…not quite. There is still the 2013 Nanjing Ladies Open, ITF’s Fed Cup and this tournament, the 2013 Garanti Koza WTA Tournament of Champions, which I will simply refer to as 2013 Sofia, as it is played in Sofia, Bulgaria. … Continue reading →

Merry Christmas…The Tennis and LPGA Seasons Are Closer Than You Think!

Merry Christmas to all! May health, happiness, peace and prosperity shine ever upon you! And as this is my tennis and LPGA blog, let’s not forget the seasons will be upon us sooner than you think. The WTA season is only a few days away, starting December 30th in Shenzhen, China and Brisbane, Australia. And … Continue reading →

Li Na Falls In First Round Of 2011 China Open; Samantha Stosur Advances

2011 can’t end quickly enough for Chinese tennis superstar Li Na. After achieving new heights with a final appearance at the Australian Open and winning Roland Garros, it has been been a forgettable finish to the year. Her plummet continued with a loss to qualifier Monica Niculescu in the first round of the 2011 China … Continue reading →

Ana Ivanovic Advances Easily, Andrea Petkovic Survives A Scare In First Round Of 2011 Western & Southern Open At Cincinnati

Ana Ivanovic had no problems dismissing qualifier Alexa Glatch in the first round of the 2011 Western & Southern Open, 6-0 6-2. Ana nearly doubled her opponent’s point total, 61-31 while never facing a break point, much less being broken. Ivanovic broke Glatch 5 times in the qualifier’s 7 total service games. Some might say … Continue reading →

Marion Bartoli Ousts Serena Williams At Wimbledon 2011, Venus and Caroline Also Fall; Petra Kvitova Lurking

All the stars were aligned for Marion Bartoli to upset Serena Williams at Wimbledon 2011. Marion was playing very well coming in, having won Eastbourne and reaching the semis of Roland Garros, while Serena had a nearly one year layoff and was not at her best. But having an opportunity and capitalizing on an opportunity … Continue reading →