Category: Belinda Bencic

Jabeur wins fourth career title in Charleston, dethrones Bencic in rematch of last year’s final

Post author By Marija
Post date April 9, 2023
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In a rematch of last year’s Credit One Charleston Open final, second seed Ons Jabeur dethroned sixth seed Belinda Bencic with a 7-6(6) 6-4 victory after one hour and 59 minutes of intense match play.

First of all, we have to mention that Bencic came to the title match soon after finishing her rain-delayed semifinal against Jessica Pegula. The Saturday’s encounter was suspended in the second-set tiebreak and when it resumed on Sunday, Bencic won five of the next six points to seal a 7-5 7-6(5) victory.

Bidding to become the first player to defend the Charleston title since Serena Williams in 2012-2013, Bencic broke Jabeur’s serve right at the start of the match and firmly held on to that lead for the better part of the first set, getting in the position to serve for the set at 5-4. With a spectacular combination of shots — a tweener and a crosscourt backhand winner — Jabeur broke back to level at 5-5.

It looked like the Tunisian would win three consecutive games on the wings of her newly-found confidence, but Bencic saved as many as five set points on her serve and forced a tiebreak. Eventually, Jabeur edged the tiebreak by converting her sixth set point with a forehand winner on the line.

In the second set, Bencic was close to getting her third break back and leveling to 5-5, but in the end Jabeur converted her second match point and won her fourth career title.

Before Bencic, Jabeur’s victims this week at the Credit One Charleston Open included Lesia Tsurenko in the second round, Caroline Dolehide in the third round, Anna Kalinskaya (via retirement) in the quarterfinals, and Daria Kasatkina in the semis (first Top 10 win this season).

Jabeur’s winning apparel: the Lotto Women’s Spring Tech Print Top and a white skirt similar to the Lotto Women’s Squadra Skirt. Her racquet: the Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14. Her tennis bag: the Wilson Super Tour 15 PK Pro Staff Bag.

Belinda Bencic Caroline Garcia Cori Gauff Daria Kasatkina Elena Rybakina Iga Swiatek Jessica Pegula Maria Sakkari Ons Jabeur

Top 10 WTA players’ tennis bags: Essential gear and stylish picks

Post author By Marija
Post date March 23, 2023
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A big tennis bag is an excellent investment for avid tennis players who need a reliable and spacious bag to transport their gear. With the right bag, you can keep your equipment organized and protected, making it easier to focus on your game and perform at your best. Let’s have a look at tennis bags used by Top 10 WTA right now.

Shopping links in this article are affiliate links, meaning that we will earn a commission if you purchase a tennis bag through those links, while there will be no additional cost to you.

1. Iga Swiatek – Tecnifibre Tour Endurance WHT 15R Tennis Bag

World No.1 Iga Swiatek carries her gear in a personalized Tecnifibre Tour Endurance WHT 15R Tennis Bag. Slightly redesigned for 2023, this bag is constructed from heavy-duty materials and reinforced with Tarpaulin, perfect for dedicated competitors seeking longevity. Three large racquet compartments can hold up to 15 racquets (one with a zippered accessory pocket within).

2. Aryna Sabalenka – Wilson Super Tour 15-Pack Red Tennis Bag

Aryna Sabalenka’s Wilson Super Tour 15-Pack Red Bag features three main compartments, two of which boast Wilson’s Thermoguard technology, designed to safeguard up to five racquets from extreme temperatures. The middle compartment is spacious enough to hold additional racquets or extra gear. There is a vented shoe tunnel at one end and two large accessory pockets on both sides of the bag.

3. Jessica Pegula – Yonex Pro Racquet 12 Pack Tennis Bag

Jessica Pegula holds her racquets in the Yonex Pro Racquet 12 Pack Tennis Bag, which matches her EZONE racquet. Made from heavy-duty materials, this bag features three spacious racquet compartments designed to hold up to a total of 12 racquets. One of these compartments has climate-protective lining, safeguarding your valuable equipment from harsh temperatures. There’s also a large exterior accessory pocket and a shoe compartment that can be accessed from middle pocket or the bottom of the bag.

Besides her large racquet bag, the American world No.3 also carries the Adidas Studio Tote Shoulder Bag in silver green.

4. Caroline Garcia – Yonex Pro Racquet 9 Pack Tennis Bag

Caroline Garcia’s Yonex Pro Racquet 9 Pack Tennis Bag aesthetically pairs with VCORE frames. The bag is divided into three large racquet compartments, one of which is equipped with a climate protective lining. The middle section boasts a duffel-style entry and can be utilized for storing racquets or court gear. Additionally, this section provides access to a shoe pocket that can also be reached from the bottom of the bag.

5. Ons Jabeur – Wilson Super Tour 15-Pack Red Tennis Bag

World No.5 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia uses the same bag as Sabalenka, the Wilson Super Tour 15-Pack Red Bag.

6. Coco Gauff – Head Coco Bags

Coco Gauff launched her first ever range of Head bags in 2021. The Coco x Head bags that the young American currently wears are recognizable for their mint accents on a black background. This photo from Dubai shows the 2022 French Open finalist wearing the Head Coco Duffel Bag and the Head Coco Court Bag. Both are made from neoprene-like material and the lining of both reads “Call me Coco.” The sides of the bags are adorned with “C” rings that can be clipped below to reduce the bag’s height, making it easier to carry.

7. Elena Rybakina – Yonex Pro Racquet 9 Pack Tennis Bag

Elena Rybakina’s carries her gear in the Yonex Pro Racquet 9 Pack Bag Red, just like Caroline Garcia. The Wimbledon champion also wears a smaller black Yonex training bag.

8. Daria Kasatkina – Artengo Tennis Bag

Daria Kasatkina uses Artengo tennis bags and racquets (model: TR990 Power Pro). Artengo is Decathlon’s line for all the racquet sports: tennis, badminton, table tennis, padel and squas.

9. Belinda Bencic – Yonex Pro Racquet 12 Pack Bag Blue

Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic holds her racquets in the Yonex Pro Racquet 12 Pack Tennis Bag.

10. Maria Sakkari – Wilson Super Tour 15-Pack Red Bag

Maria Sakkari is among WTA players using the Wilson Super Tour 15-Pack Red Bag.

We’ve shown you the racquet bags chosen by current Top 10 WTA players. When shopping for a tennis bag, you should consider several factors. The size and weight of the bag should be suitable for your needs and comfortable to carry. You should also look for a bag made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. Additionally, consider the style and design of the bag, as you’ll want to choose something that reflects your personal style and preferences.

Adelaide International Belinda Bencic Hobart International Lauren Davis

Belinda Bencic wins Adelaide, Lauren Davis crowned in Hobart

Post author By Marija
Post date January 14, 2023
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Belinda Bencic and Lauren Davis clinched titles during the last weekend ahead of the 2023 Australian Open.

The world No.13 Bencic raced to her seventh career title and first on Australian soil with an emphatic 6-0 6-2 victory over Daria Kasatkina in the final of the WTA 500 Adelaide International 2 tournament.

Making her third appearance at Adelaide, where she reached the final in 2021 and quarterfinal in 2020, Bencic defeated Garbine Muguruza, Anna Kalinskaya and Caroline Garcia, while she advanced to the title match via Veronika Kudermetova’s walkover.

The triumph will take Bencic back into the Top 10, where she was last time in the week of September 28, 2020.

Bencic is the No.12 seed at the Australian Open and will open play against Viktoriya
Tomova in the first round.

World No.84 Lauren Davis went from qualifying rounds to the Hobart International title without dropping a set. In the main draw, the American defeated former US Open champion Sloane Stephens, Ysaline Bonaventure, Wang Xinyu, Anna Blinkova and lastly Elisabetta Cocciaretto 7-6(0) 6-2 in an all-unseeded final to end a six-year title drought. Davis’ only previous title came in New Zealand, at Auckland 2017, also on hard courts.

“I have a lot of emotions going through my body right now,” said the former Top 30 player Davis after becoming the Hobart champion. “I’m just really happy, really excited. I really had to play my best in order to win today.”

In the first round of the Australian Open, Davis is scheduled to face Danka Kovinic of Montenegro.

Belinda Bencic Billie Jean King Cup

Switzerland win their first ever Billie Jean King Cup title

Post author By Marija
Post date November 13, 2022
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Belinda Bencic & Jil Teichmann of Switzerland

Switzerland clinched their first Billie Jean King Cup title with a victory over Australia in Sunday’s championship tie in Glasgow’s Emirates Arena.

In the final, Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann edged Australia’s Storm Sanders 6-3 4-6 6-3 and then Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, who hasn’t dropped a set all week, sealed the deal by cruising past Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2 6-1.

The first triumph of Switzerland comes after the country finished runner-up in 2021 and 1998 at the team competition. Australians, who were Billie Jean King Cup runners-up in 2019, were trying to win their first title since 1974, when they won their seventh women’s team tennis championship in an 11-year span.

Ajla Tomljanovic Barbora Krejcikova Belinda Bencic Bethanie Mattek Sands Bianca Andreescu Caroline Garcia Eugenie Bouchard Jelena Ostapenko Karolina Pliskova Leylah Fernandez Maria Sakkari Marta Kostyuk Petra Kvitova Sloane Stephens

Red carpet photos: WTA players glam up for Guadalajara players’ party

Post author By Marija
Post date October 16, 2022
4 Comments on Red carpet photos: WTA players glam up for Guadalajara players’ party

Women’s tennis stars have arrived at the Guadalajara Open AKRON, the final WTA 1000 Tour stop this season, and Saturday night at this Mexican tournament was reserved for the players’ party. Photographer Jimmie48 is bringing us exclusive pics from the red carpet event.

Ajla Tomljanovic looked hot in casual clothes, a black racerfront top and high-waist jeans. Love the Australian’s long bob hairstyle!

Belinda Bencic paired a black midi dress with high-heeled sandals. Her natural long straight hair doesn’t need much work to look beautiful.

The 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez opted for an all-white look: a lace crop top and sneakers complemented a modern suit.

Maria Sakkari, one of six WTA Top 10 players in the Guadalajara draw, tucked a loose white wrap top in frayed-hem jeans and accessorized with a Dior saddle bag.

Petra Kvitova looked radiant in a vibrant red dress.

Sloane Stephens served street style in a collared loose-fitting beige jumpsuit and Nike sneakers accessorized with a colorful cross-body bag and a bucket hat.

Bianca Andreescu accentuated her silhouette in a black long-sleeved turtleneck mini dress.

Marta Kostyuk opted for a clean, day outfit: a white bodysuit and light grey high-waist wide-leg pants.

The 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko stood out in a floral yellow dress.

Eugenie Bouchard‘s red carpet look included a black spaghetti strap mini dress and heeled pink mules.

Caroline Garcia, who is on the brink of locking down her spot in the WTA Finals, wore a casual spring-style floral dress and black stilettos.

Liudmila Samsonova showed up in a brown one-shoulder dress with a side slit.

Camila Osorio dazzled in a classic all-black outfit.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States

Bethanie Mattek-Sands brought summer vibes with her beach-style dress.

Karolina Pliskova opted for slim black pants, white sneakers and a simple floral print shirt.

Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic

Barbora Krejcikova, who is on a nine-match winning streak after clinching titles in Tallinn and Ostrava, showed up in an elegant lace burgundy dress.

Who was your red-carpet style favorite at the Guadalajara players’ party? Tell us in the comments below.

Main-draw play at the inaugural Guadalajara Open AKRON begins on Monday, October 17th.

Anett Kontaveit Belinda Bencic

Belinda Bencic, most followed on Instagram by fellow Top 100 WTA players

Post author By Marija
Post date July 20, 2022
No Comments on Belinda Bencic, most followed on Instagram by fellow Top 100 WTA players

Last year we concluded that India’s Sania Mirza was overall the most followed WTA player on social media, but who is the most followed by fellow players on tour? A Tennis Forum member used a separate Instagram account, followed all the Top 100 WTA players and checked how many fellow Top 100 players a player is followed by (kudos to the effort of “dreforall”).

Guess what, Switzerland’s world number 13 Belinda Bencic has the most Instagram followers among her colleagues! In total, her Instagram account has 413K followers, 47 of whom are fellow WTA players.

Estonia’s world number two Anett Kontaveit is ranked second in this friendship list, followed by third-placed Daria Kasatkina, Amanda Anisimova at position number four, and Ajla Tomljanovic at number five.

Top-ranked WTA player Iga Swiatek is number 20 on this list, with 23 Top 100 women’s tennis players among her Instagram followers. Interestingly, fresh Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is positioned a bit better, at number 17, even though only a handful of players congratulated her on winning the Grand Slam title. Naomi Osaka is further down at number 21. Camila Giorgi and Jelena Ostapenko are the least followed in the Top 30, with just seven followers.

Let’s see the complete list that is based on the latest WTA ranking of July 18th. After the ordinal numbers, the current ranking of players is indicated, then last name, first name, total number of Instagram followers and finally the number of followers from the WTA Top 100.

13 Bencic Belinda 413k 47
2 Kontaveit Anett 148k 38
12 Kasatkina Daria 219k 35
22 Anisimova Amanda 218k 35
68 Tomljanovic Ajla 216k 35
3 Sakkari Maria 369k 33
4 Badosa Paula 626k 33
5 Jabeur Ons 688k 32
67 Petkovic Andrea 150k 31
20 Azarenka Viktoria 699k 30
53 Stephens Sloane 545k 30
91 Saville Daria 122k 29
7 Pegula Jessica 45k 28
43 Rogers Shelby 52k 27
63 Potapova Anastasia 112k 26
6 Sabalenka Aryna 337k 25
23 Rybakina Elena 224k 25
16 Halep Simona 1736k 24
42 Svitolina Elina 870k 24
1 Swiatek Iga 921k 23
38 Osaka Naomi 2793k 23
97 Pavlyuchenkova Anastasia 142k 22
9 Muguruza Garbine 912k 21
21 Teichmann Jil 34k 21
33 Cirstea Sorana 154k 21
81 Pera Bernarda 35k 21
10 Raducanu Emma 2487k 20
15 Pliskova Karolina 445k 20
32 Riske Alison 24k 20
37 Cornet Alize 147k 20
61 Paolini Jasmine 17k 20
66 Linette Magda 75k 20
72 Zanevska Maryna 33k 20
89 Konjuh Ana 39k 20
8 Collins Danielle 140k 19
18 Kudermetova Veronika 76k 19
39 Putintseva Yulia 95k 19
49 Vondrousova Marketa 52k 19
64 Bouzkova Marie 41k 19
88 Vekic Donna 209k 19
14 Fernandez Leylah 336k 18
24 Trevisan Martina 60k 18
25 Kvitova Petra 649k 18
41 Sorribes Tormo Sara 31k 18
75 Krunic Alexandra 21k 18
11 Gauff Cori 784k 17
74 Rus Arantxa 23k 17
85 Zidansek Tamara 13k 17
27 Keys Madison 211k 16
30 Mertens Elise 79k 16
48 Garcia Caroline 177k 16
52 Andreescu Bianca 709k 16
60 Juvan Kaja 30k 16
65 Osorio Camila 108k 16
69 Ruse Elena-Gabriela 20k 16
70 Kalinskaya Anna 101k 16
96 Siniakova Katerina 91k 16
73 Kostyuk Marta 174k 15
93 Peterson Rebecca 9k 15
31 Kerber Angelique 680k 14
83 Kovinic Danka 30k 14
87 Dart Harriet 29k 14
35 Sasnovich Aliaksandra 47k 13
40 Van Uytvanck Alison 8k 13
26 Haddad Maia Beatriz 99k 12
55 Martic Petra 52k 12
71 Martincova Tereza 62k 12
19 Krejcikova Barbora 78k 11
50 Bondar Anna 11k 11
57 Brengle Madison 4k 11
80 Wang Xinyu 11k 11
95 Galfi Dalma 15k 11
98 Davis Lauren 30k 11
99 Minnen Greet 6k 11
46 Tauson Clara 27k 10
56 Samsonova Liudmila 19k 10
58 Li Ann 4k 10
62 Cristian Jaqueline Adina 27k 10
79 Yastremska Dayana 147k 10
28 Alexandrova Ekaterina 19k 9
90 Kucova Kristina 3k 9
100 Maria Tatjana 47k 8
17 Ostapenko Jelena 183k 7
29 Giorgi Camila 633k 7
78 Bronzetti Lucia 12k 7
84 Frech Magdalena 13k 7
86 Parry Diane 25k 7
45 Begu Irina-Camelia 19k 6
54 Parrizas-Diaz Nuria 3k 6
36 Zhang Shuai 9k 5
59 Gracheva Varvara 2k 5
92 Tsurenko Lesia 59k 5
51 Kalinina Anhelina 8k 4
76 Schmiedlova Karolina Anna 24k 4
77 Dodin Oceane 10k 4
82 Liu Claire 6k 4
34 Kanepi Kaia 12k 3
47 Zheng Qinwen 8k 2
94 Wang Xiyu 0.865k 2
44 Sherif Mayar 21k 1

Are you surprised by the data? What is the most interesting realization you’ve made?

Ajla Tomljanovic Anett Kontaveit Angelique Kerber Barbora Krejcikova Belinda Bencic Cori Gauff Iga Swiatek Karolina Pliskova Maria Sakkari Naomi Osaka Ons Jabeur Paula Badosa Roland Garros Simona Halep

Roland Garros 2022 tennis dresses: Nike, Fila, Asics, Adidas bring their unique style

Post author By Marija
Post date May 25, 2022
16 Comments on Roland Garros 2022 tennis dresses: Nike, Fila, Asics, Adidas bring their unique style

WTA fashion is always a hot topic in the tennis world and during majors it reaches its peak as brands deliver their latest, innovative designs to match the ecstatic energy of competition at the sport’s biggest tournaments. After the 2022 Australian Open, it’s time for our second Grand Slam fashion overview this season. Let’s see what tennis players are wearing in Paris.

Some links in this post are affiliate links from Tennis Warehouse USA and Tennis Warehouse Europe, meaning that we will earn a small commission if you purchase something through those links, without any additional cost to you.

The Nike Paris collection brings asymmetry, intriguing cutouts and wavy colorblocks that create a sense of constant movement. Naomi Osaka‘s custom Nike dress belongs to the same aesthetic, but it stands out from the rest with its vibrant citron coloring.

During warm-up, the four-time Grand Slam champion wore this loose unisex print jacket made from at least 75% recycled polyester. It’s from her own Nike collection. The bold pattern is inspired by Naomi’s roots and evolution.

Other Nike stars are in pastel colors — light citron and mint foam combined mostly with shades of grey and beige. Belinda Bencic‘s Nike Summer Print Slam Dress has just one short sleeve which features a cutout on the back. There’s also an almond-shaped cutout below chest on the right side, as seen below on Paula Badosa.

Simona Halep is sporting the Nike Paris Slam Tank and Nike Paris Slam Skirt.

Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova is playing her first tournament as a Fila representative, debuting the Center Court collection. In her first-round singles loss to France’s Diane Perry, the Czech sported the Fila Center Court Galaxy Skirt and a long-sleeve V-neck top.

Karolina Pliskova is wearing the Fila Center Court Galaxy Tank and Fila Center Court Skirt.

Asics is a proud sponsor of the world No.1 and most dominant player this year — Iga Swiatek. The Pole’s ensemble includes the Asics Paris Match Tank, made from a mix of mesh fabrics, and the Asics Paris Match Solid Skirt, featuring a textured mesh overlay with pleats.

Maria Sakkari presents Adidas’ collection inspired by Parisian plants and nature. The Greek’s Adidas Paris Wow Dress features a bold print that nods to exotic plants in the greenhouses surrounding the Grand Slam tournament stadium.

Angelique Kerber sports the Adidas Paris Y-Dress, which includes Y-shaped back, built-in bra and separate tights.

Anett Kontaveit‘s Lacoste Roland Garros Dress nurtures timeless tennis elegance in Paris. Navy is a classic choice for clay and orange stitch details perfectly match the tournament’s surface. This sophisticated design captivates with subtle elements such as elasticized mesh straps on the back that create an open cut-out, as well as an elastic mesh waist and a lightweight pleated skirt.

Lotto went for the colors of the sea. Ons Jabeur‘s Lotto Spring IV 2 Top has an ombre effect, while the Lotto Spring Top IV 2 Skirt is solid blue.

The new Hydrogen collection features an old-school tattoo print: pin-up girls, roses, sirens, snakes, etc. Arantxa Rus wears their Hydrogen Tattoo Tech Top with the skull logo on the right sleeve and the Hydrogen Tech Core Short.

Ajla Tomljanovic‘s Original Penguin attire honors the national flag of France. You can’t see it in this photo, but the Australian’s skirt is red.

Teenager Coco Gauff attracts attention in an extravagant and youthful New Balance tennis dress. The printed racerfront top is light purple, the pleated skirt is see-through and exposes colorful shorts.

Former champion Jelena Ostapenko has the most memorable outfit at this year’s French Open. The brand is from the WTA player’s home country of Latvia and it is called DK ONE. The busy sleeveless top features a black-and-white houndstooth pattern and pink ruffles on the armholes. The pleated skirt is predominantly pink with a black accent line on the hem.

Who is your best-dressed WTA player at the 2022 French Open? Tell us in the comments!

ROLAND GARROS FASHION THROUGH THE YEARS:

Belinda Bencic Credit One Charleston Open Ons Jabeur

Belinda Bencic edges Ons Jabeur to win Credit One Charleston Open title

Post author By Marija
Post date April 10, 2022
No Comments on Belinda Bencic edges Ons Jabeur to win Credit One Charleston Open title

Tenth seed Belinda Bencic battled past fourth seed Ons Jabeur 6-1 5-7 6-4 to win her first clay-court title at the 2022 Credit One Charleston Open.

Playing her 14th WTA singles final, and first on clay, the world No.21 Bencic stormed through the first set without facing a break point and went up a break at the start of the second set. It looked like the Swiss would make short work of her opponent, but the Tunisian started fighting back.

After losing six games in a row, Jabeur finally broke Bencic’s serve and leveled the second set at 1-1. When Jabeur established a 4-2 lead, it looked like we could be heading to the third set, but Bencic broke back right away and kept the tension.

At 5-5 in the second set, Bencic had two opportunities to break Jabeur, but wasted them both. Jabeur hung in there to win two games in a row and edge the tight set.

The third set opened with an exchange of breaks initiated by Bencic, the same scenario we had at the start of the second set. This time, however, Bencic jumped to a 3-1 lead. Jabeur fought back to 3-3, but Bencic managed to win two games in a row and even hold a match point on her opponent’s serve. After failing to capitalize on that one match point, Bencic finished the job in her own service game, with a love hold.

Bencic defeated Wang Xiyu, Linda Fruhvirtova, Madison Keys, Paula Badosa and Ekaterina Alexandrova to reach her first final since Olympics in 2021. With the win over Jabeur in Sunday’s Charleston final, the 25-year-old clinched her sixth title.

The 2022 Credit One Charleston Open triumph will lift Bencic to the No.13 WTA singles ranking on Monday. Runner-up Jabuer is projected to move to No.9.

Belinda Bencic’s winning apparel: the Nike Spring Advantage Novelty Tank and Nike Spring Advantage Pleated Skirt.

Belinda Bencic Miami Open Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka cries tears of joy as she reaches Miami Open final

Post author By Marija
Post date March 31, 2022
No Comments on Naomi Osaka cries tears of joy as she reaches Miami Open final

Former world No.1 Naomi Osaka came back from a set down to beat seed No.22 Belinda Bencic and reach the 2022 Miami Open final, 4-6 6-3 6-4.

The first player to endanger her opponent’s serve was Osaka, as she held two break points in the second game, but Bencic saved them both and proceeded to go a double break up, 4-1. Even though Osaka managed to get one break back, she couldn’t recover completely and Bencic took the first set in 41 minutes.

In the second set, Bencic fought back from 0-2 to 2-2, but dropped serve in her next service game, allowing Osaka to build an insurmountable 5-2 lead.

The world No.77 Osaka, the fourth-lowest-ranked semifinalist in the tournament’s history, was close to breaking Bencic in the third game of the deciding set, but even though the Swiss managed to hold serve then, the Japanese got into higher gear and won three games in a row to serve for victory. The triumph didn’t come immediately, though, as Bencic approached Osaka from 2-5 to 4-5. In the following game, Osaka once again served for the victory and this time she completed the game by losing just one point.

The 24-year-old Osaka was very emotional after the match. She was crying in her chair before the on-court interview.

Bencic is projected to climb from No.28 WTA ranking to No.21 after the Miami Open. Osaka entered the tournament with her place in Top 100 under threat, but now she’s projected to move as high as No.36 by reaching the final and No.30 if she wins the title.

Amanda Anisimova Ashleigh Barty Australian Open Belinda Bencic Caroline Garcia Clara Tauson Elina Svitolina Emma Raducanu Petra Kvitova Samantha Stosur

In photos: WTA players practice for the 2022 Australian Open

Post author By Marija
Post date January 15, 2022
No Comments on In photos: WTA players practice for the 2022 Australian Open

Photographer Jimmie48 is among early birds at the 2022 Australian Open, so we already have plenty of photos of WTA players preparing for the Grand Slam which starts on January 17. Let’s see who was spotted practicing on Saturday.

Two-time Australian Open quarterfinalist Elina Svitolina always has the coolest practice t-shirts. On Saturday, the Ukrainian sported a white tee featuring a koala that wears a Nike headband and hangs onto a tennis racquet.

Amanda Anisimova of the United States started the year by winning a WTA 250 warm-up event in Melbourne, her first title since 2019. The WTA world No.61 is now on a coaching trial with Darren Cahill, the former long-term coach of Simona Halep. We could see them working together on Saturday, although in a recent interview Anisimova questioned whether the coach would have enough time to practice with her due to his TV commentary obligations.

Australia’s Samantha Stosur is preparing for her last tournament as a singles player. The 2011 US Open singles champion could play her final singles match on Tuesday against American wildcard Robin Anderson.

Belinda Bencic, who has recently recovered from COVID-19, played the quarterfinals of the Sydney Tennis Classic this week, where she lost to eventual champion Paula Badosa, and is now awaiting a meeting with Kristina Mladenovic in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday.

Emma Raducanu is making a main-draw debut at the Australian Open and is seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time.

The Brit is one of seven teenagers in the women’s singles draw at the 2022 Australian Open. Can Raducanu repeat her US Open success in Melbourne?

Another teenager and Australian Open main-draw debutante is Denmark’s Clara Tauson. Our guest blogger Yaseen Hijazi recently explained that “Clara Tauson has the whole package to be a Grand Slam winner”. What we can notice is her new apparel sponsor — Adidas believes in her. Last year she was sponsored by Yonex.

Tauson’s practice partner on Saturday was Camila Osorio of Colombia. The 20-year-old is also making her main-draw debut in Melbourne, against none other than defending champion Naomi Osaka.

The 2019 Australian Open runner-up Petra Kvitova is smiling, as always.

Maria Sakkari has risen 15 ranking spots since last year’s Australian Open.

Last but not least, world No.1 Ashleigh Barty was also spotted practicing for the Australian Open. We can see her wearing the red Axilus 2 Energized tennis shoes from Fila’s Foul Line collection.