Not only will there be a first time women’s singles champion at Roland Garros in 2017, whichever player is the last woman standing will be a first time Major champion. The top half of the draw has determined the first four quaterfinalists – Caroline Wozniacki, Kristina Mladenovic, Timea Bacsinszky and Jelena Ostapenko. Wozniacki, a former … Continue reading
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Garbiñe Muguruza Survives Early Scare From Anett Kontaveit, Advances To Third Round At Roland Garros 2017
If you don’t follow the WTA tour on a weekly basis, you might not be aware of how good Anett Kontaveit is/has become. The rising 21-year old Estonian, who speaks English with a British accent, was runner up in Biel, Switzerland and hit #1 ranked Angelique Kerber off the court in Rome. For sure, defending … Continue reading
Simona Halep Wins 2017 Mutua Madrid Open
With Maria Sharapova early in her comeback, Petra Kvitova injured and Madison Keys having only a few matches under her belt since returning from injury, Simona Halep’s victory at the 2017 Mutua Madrid Open is the first title from one of my Mount Rushmore favorites this season. Better late than never. It was a thrill … Continue reading
2016 US Open Day 8: Ana Konjuh, Karolina Pliskova Advance With Upsets Of Agnieszka Radwanska and Venus Williams
As much as I’ve touted potential future #1s in Garbine Muguruza, Simona Halep and Madison Keys, there are other up and coming players who could join them…or even beat them there. Two of them scored impressive wins on day 8 of the 2016 US Open. Croatia’s Ana Konjuh, an 18-year old who won the US … Continue reading
2016 US Open Day 6: Simona Halep Survives Upset Bid; Agnieszka Radwanska Advances
After her 6-1 2-6 6-4 third round victory over Timea Babos at the 2016 US Open, there was a look on the faces of Simona Halep and her coach, Darren Cahill. I don’t know what they were thinking, but it sure seemed neither was pleased. Was it relief? Concern? Whatever it was, the #5 seed … Continue reading
Garbine Muguruza, Shelby Rogers Advance To Quarterfinals Of Roland Garros 2016
I just keep getting more and more impressed by the play of Spain’s Garbine Muguruza at Roland Garros 2016. Against 2009 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, I thought Mugu would have her campaign ended in the 4th round. Oh thee…and by thee, I mean me…of little faith! 4th seed Gabi took out the 2-time Major … Continue reading
Simona Halep Wins 2016 Mutua Madrid Open
After winning the singles title at the 2016 Mutua Madrid Open, her 12th career WTA singles crown, Simona Halep said it was the best day of her life. I would say to stay tuned. Even greater days are coming. Barring injury, before her career is over Simona will be a Major champion. The only seeded … Continue reading
Dropshots: Louisa Chirico, Rising American Star
I hesitated on doing this short post because Louisa Chirico could lose her upcoming semifinal match at the 2016 Mutua Madrid Open. But then I thought, even if that were to happen the 19-year old American out of Harrison, New York deserves a spot among the rising United States women’s tennis stars. Louisa had … Continue reading
Dropshot: Return of Tomic the The Tank Engine
Ok, I get it. Bernard Tomic was down 2-6 4-5 0-40 match point when he farcically turned his racquet around and didn’t make any pretense of trying to return serve in his 2016 Mutua Madrid Open match against Fabio Fognini. I also know Bernard would probably rather be anywhere else than sliding around on clay. … Continue reading
Erika Kikuchi Wins 2016 Studio Alice Ladies Open (JLPGA)
Erika Kikuchi secured her 2nd career LPGA of Japan (JLPGA) title with a victory at the 2016 Studio Alice Open. Her 2-under 70 left her at 14-under overall, 4 shots clear of Ai Suzuki and Jiyai Shin. However, the story of the tournament for Erika was her 2nd round, where she might have played the … Continue reading
Fairways and Forehands 