Ekaterina Makarova showed guts and grit on day 5 of the 2013 Mutua Madrid Open, rallying from a lopsided 1st set against her and 1-3 down in the final set to upset world #3 Victoria Azarenka, 1-6 6-2 6-3. Vika came into the match at 18-0 for the year (not counting walkovers) but had not … Continue reading
Things looked a little dicey for Maria Sharapova in the first set of her match with countrywoman Elena Vesnina in the third round of the 2013 Sony Open. Masha was sloppy while Vesnina had opportunities to seize the match. Unfortunately for Elena, once she didn’t capitalize on her opportunities, Masha reclaimed control, won the first … Continue reading
Maria Sharapova comes into the 2013 Sony Open fresh off a great title run at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The question I had coming into Miami was whether she could duplicate her trophy winning performance with both Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams in the field. We will know soon enough about … Continue reading
Although she has slipped a bit from where she was a few years ago, former #1 Caroline Wozniacki has a huge opportunity to take a step back towards the top of the game as she beat Angelique Kerber 2-6 6-4 7-5 to advance to the final of the 2013 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. … Continue reading
The women’s draw at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells took a big hit when both top-seed and defending champion Victoria Azarenka and Samantha Stosur withdrew citing injuries. An MRI showed inflammation and tendinitis in Vika’s right ankle. Understandably, she will rest rather than try to push it. Of course I wish Vika … Continue reading
Sometimes along the way to a tournament win, top seeds have to survive a surprising challenge from a lower ranked player. So it was on day 5 of the 2013 BNP Paribas Open as many top seeds were made to work a little harder than fans and media might have suspected. On a day when … Continue reading
Welcome back to America, Petra Kvitova! I say this especially in relation to Petra because she has had her ups and downs playing in the United States. The biggest problem for her is her asthma flaring up when she comes here, which affects her play. This has led to some inexplicable losses to players nowhere … Continue reading
Sloane Stephens gutted out a tough 3 setter against Bojana Jovanovski, 6-1 3-6 7-5, to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2013 Australian Open. That’s the good news. The bad news is that waiting for her will be Serena Williams. The young Stephens took on Serena in Brisbane, losing in straight sets, but playing well. … Continue reading
I admit that a week ago I was really worried about Caroline Wozniacki. That her results the last year and a half were not up to the standard she once set was obvious. But then she opened 2013 by being dismissed in the first round of Brisbane and in her second match at Sydney. I … Continue reading
The last time I saw Laura Robson at a tennis Major, she was ending the singles career of Kim Clijsters, my favorite player since Monica Seles, at the 2012 US Open. It was a difficult moment to watch, but at the same time I had to applaud the young, talented up and coming Robson. Well, … Continue reading
Fairways and Forehands 