While we were busy covering the Brisbane International straight from the stands, a lot was going on in other parts of Australia, namely Perth and Auckland, as well as in China’s Shenzhen.
Daria Gavrilova has only recently officially become Australian and she’s already helped her new country win the Hopman Cup title for the first time in 17 years. Dasha’s victory over Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the final secured a valuable point, while her Australia Green partner, Ajla Tomljanovic’s rumored boyfriend Nick Kyrgios, went on to win the decisive men’s singles match of the mixed-team tournament, beating Alexandr Dolgopolov in straight sets. Daria has a nice piece of jewelry to wear as a memory on this significant achievement in her career:
Daria Gavrilova poses with her prize – a mini tennis racquet crafted by #solidgolddiamonds pic.twitter.com/rg9jbbeYRD
— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 9, 2016
In Auckland’s ASB Classic, Sloane Stephens won two matches in one day to get hold of the winner’s trophy. After beating Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinal which had been suspended due to rain the day before, the American took the court again and worked her way to a 7-5 6-2 victory over Julia Goerges in the title match.
Sloane is excited about winning a WTA title so early into the season and she shared this trophy photo on Instagram saying: “It’s only right to live a trophy life.”
Last year Sloane had a number of stunning Under Armour dresses and in 2016 the trend is continued. A lovely light blue dress with cropped top in the back is absolute perfection, isn’t it?
At the Shenzhen Open, Agnieszka Radwanska cruised past Alison Riske 6-3 6-2 and won her 18th career title. This victory in China is the continuation of the Pole’s stunning closing of the 2015 season in Asia, during which she won Tokyo, Tianjin and WTA Finals in Singapore.
Let’s also mention the amazing new achievement of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis: the powerful doubles team clinched their 10th title together by winning their 26th straight match at the Brisbane International, ensuring the longest doubles winning streak since 1994. Their opponents in the final were Andrea Petkovic and the singles finalist Angelique Kerber.
Really nice photo of Sloane. Nice dress too as you say
Great day for tennis yesterday! My Aussies win Hopman Cup – Dasha was amazeballs coming back in the 2nd set tie break 1-6 down to win. I’m a big Sloane fan so to see her win another title was great & shows she’s back to her best. Hoping she has a really good Aussie summer & lives up to her potential. Her dress was so cute & I’m surprised her sponsor Under Armour haven’t signed a few other girls (maybe it’s some sort of exclusive deal??) They always have Sloane looking smart & on trend.
Sloane looks great in serena cut ( Yes we should name it after serena 😛 )
PeteTweet, they should definitely sign more players, I agree.
Sru, totally, I don’t mind calling it the Serena cut! Although this is unique and different, as it looks more as a crop top than Serena’s designs.
Sloan’s dresses by UA have been great! They have not been available to buy though. Marija do you know what is up with companies making outfits for players that never make it to the shelves? I think it’s odd.
Sabey, I know, UA has a very limited offer, both at their official website and at Tennis Warehouse. I have no idea why brands make such dead ends — promoting outfits which people can’t buy. Makes no sense to me. But most companies have been guilty of that.