Tag Archive | "Serena"

Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Azarenka, Serena and Sharapova Headline 2013 Sony Open

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Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Azarenka, Serena and Sharapova Headline 2013 Sony Open


The Sony Open will be played in Miami March 18 through March 31 at the Crandon Park Tennis Center. In anticipation of the 2013 Sony Open, the tournament has released the men’s and women’s entry list.

Novak Djokovic, the 2013 Australian Open champion, returns to Miami to defend his 2012 title. Djokovic is looking for a place in the record books by attempting to win three straight Miami titles. The only player to have won the title three years in a row is Andre Agassi (2001 – 2003). Also joining Djokovic in Miami are Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal. Absent from the roster this year is Roger Federer who has decided to limit his play in 2013 and in the process will be skipping the Sony Open.

On the women’s side Victoria Azarenka, the 2013 Australian Open champion, will be looking to add another title in Miami. Azarenka has won the title in Miami on two occasions. Agnieszka Radwanska will also be in Miami attempting to defend her 2012 Sony Open title. Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams also highlight the women’s field. A title in Miami by Williams will break the record for most titles by a women in Miami. Williams is currently tied with Steffi Graf with 5 Miami titles.

Below is the official press release from the Sony Open :

SONY OPEN TO HOST GRAND SLAM PLAYER FIELD

Reigning Grand Slam Champions Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Williams, Sharapova and Azarenka all entered to play.

MIAMI, Fla. (www.sonyeopentennis.com) – The ATP and WTA entry lists for the 2013 Sony Open were announced today and the tournament will once again feature a Grand Slam caliber player field.

Click Here to View Full Lists

Each spring the Sony Open brings the greatest tennis players in the world to the Crandon Park Tennis Center and 2013 is no different. The Sony Open field features several Grand Slam champions including reigning singles champions Novak Djokovic (Australian Open), Rafael Nadal (French Open), Andy Murray (US Open), Victoria Azarenka (Australian Open), Maria Sharapova (French Open) and Serena Williams (Wimbledon and US Open).

Tickets to the 2013 Sony Open, which will be played March 18-31 at the Crandon Park Tennis Center, are on sale now and can be purchased by phone (305-442-3367) or online at www.sonyopentennis.com. An electrifying two weeks of tennis conclude with the women’s final on Saturday, March 30 and the men’s final on Sunday, March 31.

Qualifying rounds will be played March 18-19 and will determine 12 more slots in each singles draw. The tournament will also award wildcards to five men and eight women. The main draw begins on Tuesday, March 19 as the women take the court, followed by the beginning of the men’s main draw on Wednesday, March 20.

Djokovic returns to Miami seeking a three-peat, having won the trophy in 2012 and 2011. He brought home his first Sony Open title in 2007. On the women’s side, 15-time Grand Slam champ and Olympic Gold Medalist, Serena Williams returns on a mission for a record-breaking sixth Sony Open title, but both contenders will face a tough field in their quest for Sony Open history.

On the men’s side, 11-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, recently made his return to the court and is entered to play his 10th consecutive Sony Open. Nadal, a three-time finalist, will attempt to capture his first title on the purple courts. Andy Murray, the 2009 Sony Open champion, will look to bounce back from last year’s final appearance and take home the coveted trophy.

The women’s field is also extremely competitive, featuring American Sloane Stephens, who made her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance this year, which included a win over Serena Williams at the Australian Open. Two-time Sony Open winner Victoria Azarenka, comimg off here second consecutive Australian Open title, seeks her third Sony Open title in five years. Also a favorite to capture her first Sony Open title is the ever-popular Maria Sharapova, who last year completed the career Grand Slam with her French Open victory.

With such a tremendous player field one might forget that the Sony Open is more than just tennis and has become the standard for first-class sporting events. High fashion, great food, fabulous shopping and celebrity musical performances have made the Sony Open the most glamorous stop on tour.

Come see why huge crowds as well as the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports visit the Sony Open each March. Get your tickets today.

ABOUT THE SONY OPEN: The 2013 Sony Open will be played March 18-April 31 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG. The Sony Open is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 Series events on the ATP calendar, a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA calendar, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world. In 2012 Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray for his third Sony Open title, while Agnieszka Radwanska knocked off Maria Sharapova to capture her first title in Miami. For ticket information, call (305) 442-3367 or visit the website at www.SonyOpenTennis.com

ABOUT SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS: Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Through its Xperia™ smartphone portfolio, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony’s world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information: www.sonymobile.com

ABOUT IMG: IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG

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Serena Williams Wards Off Azarenka for a Fourth U.S. Open Title

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Serena Williams Wards Off Azarenka for a Fourth U.S. Open Title



In the final at the U.S. Open, Serena Williams held off world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 to grab her fourth U.S. Open trophy and her 15th career major
.

With singles and doubles prizes at both Wimbledon and the Olympics, it has been a dream summer for Williams. Moreover, she’s demolished the field to reach the final this fortnight.

Azarenka had the harder road in booking her maiden appearance in the final in New York. The Belarusian fought past defending champion Stosur in the quarterfinals and survived another three setter in the semifinals against Maria Sharapova.

After closing out the opening game with an ace, Williams manufactured love-40. Even though Azarenka managed to get to deuce, Serena arrived at a fifth break point with a backhand lob winner.

When Azarenka’s backhand sailed long, Williams captured the break. Soon, with another quick game, Williams consolidated for 3-0.

Surrendering only six points on her serve, at 5-2, Williams broke Azarenka at love to bed the first set in 34 minutes.

Williams and Azarenka clashed on ten prior occasions, with the former winning nine of those encounters. Consequently, it seemed like 2008, Williams would cruise to the title without dropping a set. But, Azarenka demonstrated why she is the reigning Australian Open champion.

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Serena Williams Toasts of The Championships with a Fifth Title

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Serena Williams Toasts of The Championships with a Fifth Title


Wimbledon 2010 was the ultimate major Serena Williams captured before being sidelined by a foot injury which led to other health complications and a year hiatus from tennis. Today, Williams came full circle by winning her first major since rejoining the tour last June. At the All England Club, Williams defeated world number three Agnieszka Radwanska in the final 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 for a fifth trophy at The Championships and her 14th major overall.

Facing an opponent who is in her maiden major final, Williams had to guard against the desire to phone in the victory. In 2004, Williams, the runaway favorite, was stunned by newcomer Maria Sharapova in the Wimbledon final.
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Sharapova Picks Up French Open Title to Complete Career Slam

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Sharapova Picks Up French Open Title to Complete Career Slam


Eight years after clenching her first major quarterfinal, ironically at Roland Garros, Maria Sharapova can finally call herself French Open champion. Sharapova dispatched Sara Errani, a surprise finalist, 6-3, 6-2 to obtain the career grand slam. Twice a semifinalist in 2007 and 2011, Sharapova now had a golden shot at grabbing the ultimate prize. While this was the third consecutive year that an Italian woman was battling for the title in Paris, for Errani ranked 24th in the world, this was her maiden major final appearance. Experience was certainly key at the start of the match as Sharapova broke on a backhand miscue by Errani to race to a 2-0 advantage. Subsequent to consolidating, Sharapova struck a backhand winner for a double break edge. Aided by two double faults from her opponent, Errani secured her first game and held to narrow the deficit to 2-4. Yet promptly, with a love game, Sharapova extended her lead to 5-2. After Errani fought off double set point to guard serve, Sharapova connected on her third set point with backhand down the line winner. By carrying the opening set 6-3, Sharapova had one hand on the French Open trophy. The second set unfolded similarly to the initial one with Sharapova breaking Errani at love to capture the early break. But, Errani overcame the effect of being a first time finalist at a major and tried to claw her way back. Despite the Italian’s defiance, Sharapova went ahead 2-0. Subsequent to a difficult game, with Sharapova’s backhand sailing long, Errani had a break point. But, Sharapova would not be denied and maintained serve for 3-1.

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Sharapova Survives Li to Retain Rome Title

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Sharapova Survives Li to Retain Rome Title



Despite a persistent drizzle, spectators stayed glued to their seats at the Foro Italico. In the final of the Internazionali BNL D’Italia defending champion Maria Sharapova roared back from a 4-6, 0-4 hole to vanquish Na Li 4-6, 6-4, 7-6.

In the first set, Sharapova got the initial break to go up 2-1. However, Li quickly captured the next game to get back on serve.

With Sharapova serving at 4-5, some critical service miscues allowed Li to bag the first set.
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Djokovic Battles for Semifinal Slot, Sharapova Seeks Another Final at Sony Ericsson Open

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Djokovic Battles for Semifinal Slot, Sharapova Seeks Another Final at Sony Ericsson Open



The first match on stadium court at the Sony Ericsson Open has world number two Maria Sharapova and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki fighting for a berth in the final.

After reaching her maiden semifinal in Miami, Wozniacki will attempt to advance to her initial final of the season. Subsequent to her enormous victory in the quarterfinals over Serena Williams, the 21 year old will not be deterred by the challenge.

A runner up three times including 2011, Sharapova has been to the final on every occasion that she’s progressed past the fourth round at this event. It’s the initial encounter between these two this year. Sharapova has a slim advantage in their head to head of 3-2.
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Wozniacki Fetters Serena Williams at the Sony Ericsson Open

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Wozniacki Fetters Serena Williams at the Sony Ericsson Open



The last time Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki collided, it was at the U.S. Open. Williams schooled the former world number one en route to the final. Tonight, in the quarterfinals at the Sony Ericsson Open, Wozniacki recorded her maiden win over the multiple majors champion. The Dane sent Williams packing 6-4, 6-4 to advance to her initial semifinal in Miami.

The two had battled on three previous occasions with Williams the victor. Following comfortable holds by both players, Williams saw a winner fly by to set up break point for her opponent. Wozniacki capitalized thanks to an errant forehand from Williams.
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Sharapova First into Semifinals at Sony Ericsson Open

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Sharapova First into Semifinals at Sony Ericsson Open



Even though Maria Sharapova had a 5-4 record against Na Li going into the quarterfinals at the Sony Ericsson Open, Li had been victorious their last four meetings. Thus, there was a revenge factor at play. Sharapova exacted her pound of flesh in dispatching the reigning French Open champion 6-3, 6-0 to get to the semifinals for the second successive season.

For Li, this was a third quarterfinal showing while Sharapova had been a finalist three previous times in South Florida including last year. With mistakes upon mistakes, neither player could hold serve the initial five games.
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Sharapova, Djokovic, Federer and Serena Take Stadium Court at Sony Ericsson Open

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Sharapova, Djokovic, Federer and Serena Take Stadium Court at Sony Ericsson Open



World number two Maria Sharapova opens up the proceedings on stadium court on Monday at the Sony Ericsson Open. Sharapova collides with countrywoman Ekaterina Makarova. Sharapova leads 3-0 in their head to head.

Following that is another fourth round match as Serena Williams clashes with Samantha Stosur. This will be their first encounter since Stosur surprised Williams in the final at the U.S. Open.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic looks to continue his campaign for a third Sony Ericsson title. With a 10-1 record, the world number one is the overwhelming favorite as he faces compatriot Viktor Troicki.

The evening session begins with Roger Federer duking it out with Andy Roddick for a spot in the fourth round. Federer is 21-2 versus his opponent. Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic close out the night as they tussle for a berth in the quarterfinals.

Also in action are Victoria Azarenka, Juan Martin Del Potro, Mardy Fish and Caroline Wozniacki.

Here is today’s complete order of play :

Monday, March 26, 2012

STADIUM Start 11:00 am

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) v [2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) WTA

Not Before 1:00 PM
[6] Samantha Stosur (AUS) v [10] Serena Williams (USA) WTA
[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v [27] Viktor Troicki (SRB) ATP
[11] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) v [23] Marin Cilic (CRO) ATP

Starting at 7:30 PM
[3] Roger Federer (SUI) v [31] Andy Roddick (USA) ATP

Not Before 9:00 PM
[WC] Venus Williams (USA) v [15] Ana Ivanovic (SRB) WTA

GRANDSTAND Start 11:00 am

[28] Kevin Anderson (RSA) v [8] Mardy Fish (USA) ATP
[12] Nicolas Almagro (ESP) v [20] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) ATP
[8] Na Li (CHN) v [12] Sabine Lisicki (GER) WTA

Not Before 4:30 PM
[1] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) v [16] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) WTA
[21] Juan Monaco (ARG) v [14] Gael Monfils (FRA) ATP

COURT 1 Start 11:00 am

[17] Richard Gasquet (FRA) v Albert Ramos (ESP) ATP

Not Before 1:00 PM
[6] Mahesh Bhupathi (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) v
Marcel Granollers (ESP)/Rafael Nadal (ESP) ATP
[30] Julien Benneteau (FRA) v [5] David Ferrer (ESP) ATP

Not Before 4:30 PM
[23] Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) v [4] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) WTA
Colin Fleming (GBR)/Ross Hutchins (GBR) v
[7] Leander Paes (IND)/Radek Stepanek (CZE) ATP

COURT 2 Start 11:00 am

Vania King (USA)/Monica Niculescu (ROU) v
[7] Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)/Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) WTA

Not Before 12:00 PM
[22] Maria Kirilenko (RUS) v [7] Marion Bartoli (FRA) WTA
[WC] Garbine Muguruza Blanco (ESP) v [5] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) WTA
Vera Dushevina (RUS)/Shahar Peer (ISR) v
[WC] Gisela Dulko (ARG)/Paola Suarez (ARG) WTA

COURT 3 Start 12:00 noon

[WC] Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)/Lucie Safarova (CZE)
vNuria Llagostera Vives (ESP)/Arantxa Parra Santonja (ESP) WTA
Lukasz Kubot (POL)/Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) v
Santiago Gonzalez (MEX)/Scott Lipsky (USA) ATP
Julia Goerges (GER)/Samantha Stosur (AUS) v
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP)/Flavia Pennetta (ITA) WTA

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Federer, Djokovic, Serena and Sharapova Highlight at Sony Ericsson Open

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Federer, Djokovic, Serena and Sharapova Highlight at Sony Ericsson Open


The order of play for Saturday at the Sony Ericsson Open is stacked with marquee matches. Action gets under way with five-time Miami champion Serena Williams facing of with Roberta Vinci. Andy Roddick will also be in action taking on Gilles Muller. Roger Federer begins his campaign to add another Miami title to his resume when he takes on Ryan Harrison. Sharapova will round out the day matches on Stadium court in a match up with Sloane Stephens.

The Grandstand court will also feature premiere matches with the likes of David Ferrer, Kim Clijsters, Mardy Fish and Juan Martin Del Potro scheduled to play.

The night session is highlighted by 2011 Sony Ericsson Open champion Novak Djokovic. Djokovic will play his first match in Miami against Marcos Baghdatis. The night session concludes with Samantha Stosur versus Chanelle Scheepers.

Here is today’s complete order of play :

Saturday, March 24, 2012

STADIUM Start 11:00 am
[21] Roberta Vinci (ITA) v [10] Serena Williams (USA) WTA

Not Before 1:00 PM
Gilles Muller (LUX) v [31] Andy Roddick (USA) ATP
[3] Roger Federer (SUI) v [WC] Ryan Harrison (USA) ATP
[Q] Sloane Stephens (USA) v [2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) WTA

Starting at 8:00 PM

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) ATP
[6] Samantha Stosur (AUS) v Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) WTA

GRANDSTAND Start 11:00 am

Bernard Tomic (AUS) v [5] David Ferrer (ESP) ATP
[Q] Sergei Bubka (UKR) v [14] Gael Monfils (FRA) ATP
Kim Clijsters (BEL) v [23] Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) WTA
[Q] Frank Dancevic (CAN) v [8] Mardy Fish (USA) ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
[11] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) v Ivo Karlovic (CRO) ATP

COURT 1 Start 11:00 am

[17] Richard Gasquet (FRA) v Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) ATP
[8] Na Li (CHN) v Iveta Benesova (CZE) WTA
[28] Kevin Anderson (RSA) v Sam Querrey (USA) ATP
[12] Nicolas Almagro (ESP) v [Q] David Goffin (BEL) ATP

Not Before 6:00 PM
[29] Petra Cetkovska (CZE) v [4] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) WTA

COURT 2 Start 11:00 am

[17] Shuai Peng (CHN) v [12] Sabine Lisicki (GER) WTA
[Q] Bjorn Phau (GER) v [20] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) ATP
Albert Ramos (ESP) v [15] Feliciano Lopez (ESP) ATP
[1] Bob Bryan (USA)/Mike Bryan (USA)v
[WC] Paul Hanley (AUS)/Bernard Tomic (AUS) ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
Kevin Anderson (RSA)/Milos Raonic (CAN) v
[3] Michael Llodra (FRA)/Nenad Zimonjic (SRB) ATP

COURT 3 Start 11:00 am

[21] Juan Monaco (ARG) v Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE) ATP
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP)/Flavia Pennetta (ITA) v
Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE)/Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) WTA
Igor Kunitsyn (RUS) v [23] Marin Cilic (CRO) ATP
Eric Butorac (USA)/Bruno Soares (BRA) v
[2] Max Mirnyi (BLR)/Daniel Nestor (CAN) ATP

COURT 6 Start 11:00 am

[5] Mariusz Fyrstenberg (POL)/Marcin Matkowski (POL) v
Lukasz Kubot (POL)/Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) ATP
[6] Mahesh Bhupathi (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) v
Jurgen Melzer (AUT)/Jamie Murray (GBR) ATP
[Q] Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v [27] Viktor Troicki (SRB) ATP
[8] Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)/Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)
vVera Dushevina (RUS)/Shahar Peer (ISR) WTA

COURT 7 Start 11:00 am

[WC] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)/Jelena Jankovic (SRB) v
[7] Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)/Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) WTA
[30] Julien Benneteau (FRA) v Benjamin Becker (GER) ATP
Vania King (USA)/Monica Niculescu (ROU) v
Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN)/Shuai Zhang (CHN) WTA
Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)/Shuai Peng (CHN) v
[5] Maria Kirilenko (RUS)/Nadia Petrova (RUS) WTA

COURT 8 Start 11:00 am

Mona Barthel (GER) v Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) WTA
[3] Sania Mirza (IND)/Elena Vesnina (RUS) v
[WC] Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)/Lucie Safarova (CZE) WTA
Tomas Berdych (CZE)/Lukas Dlouhy (CZE) v
Santiago Gonzalez (MEX)/Scott Lipsky (USA) ATP
Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)/Jie Zheng (CHN) v
Natalie Grandin (RSA)/Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE) WTA

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