First of all, Naomi Osaka absolutely deserved to win the 2018 Women’s Singles title at the United States Open. Although the final with her idol Serena Williams ended in controversy, Naomi was the stronger player on this day. I’m not suggesting that Serena could not have come back but let us praise Naomi Osaka on … Continue reading
All Hail The New Queen! With the release of the new WTA rankings following the 2016 US Open, Angelique Kerber is officially the new world #1 in single. She also takes over the top spot on the money list as well. It’s been an unpredictable year in women’s tennis. Back in January, I could never … Continue reading
Angelique Kerber put an exclamation point on her rise to the world #1 ranking with a 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory over Karolina Pliskova to win the 2016 US Open. The 28-year old German star adds to a career best year with her second Major title, following her Australian Open win at the beginning of the … Continue reading
America probably hates me because I beat Venus and Serena – Karolina Pliskova Well, I can’t speak for all Americans, but I sure don’t hate Karolina Pliskova. Then again, I’ve always had a soft spot for Czech players dating back to Ivan Lendl and Hana Mandlikova. Only Madison Keys ranks above Petra Kvitova among active … Continue reading
Ok, Karolina Pliskova. Your turn. After Simona Halep tried…and failed…to take out the world’s best tennis player, Serena Williams, in the 2016 US Open quarterfinals, it is now time for the streaking Pliskova, who came into Flushing Meadow off a big title in Cincinnati, to get her chance to unseat The Queen. Despite blowing through … Continue reading
Angelique Kerber making it to the semifinals of the 2016 US Open…okay, that I could see coming. But Caroline Wozniacki, the former world #1 who has slipped to world #74, being there to meet Kerber in the finals? That is quite the surprise. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been. This is the Major that has seen … Continue reading
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
Oh. My. Goodness. In her young career Madison Keys has shown power, skill and athleticism. On day 5, in her third round match at the 2016 US Open, the 8th seed escaped a spirited upset bid from another up and coming player, Naomi Osaka, by showing tremendous heart. Maddie appeared down and out at 1-5 … Continue reading
2015 US Open Champion Flavia Pennetta (accompanied by fellow tennis pro and fiancé Fabio Fognini) took a victory lap to the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center in New York City. If this proves to be her final year as a WTA pro, what a way to go out in her last … Continue reading
The first time they played against each other, Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci were 9 years old. Both were raised in the same region of Italy and have been close friends for the majority of their lives. They’ve won as an amateur and professional doubles team, including the 1999 Junior Girls Doubles title at Roland … Continue reading
Fairways and Forehands 