WebProNews

Tag: French Open

  • Is Simona Halep’s Breast Surgery Boosting Her Tennis Career?

    Simona Halep’s breast surgery may just have saved her tennis career. The 22-year-old Romanian tennis pro has propelled herself to the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time in her career, and many are thinking that her breast reduction has something to do with it.

    Halep had the world junior number one spot and the Roland Garros girls title in 2008, but her career didn’t take off.

    Halep underwent breast reduction when she was 18 years old and went from a 34DD to a 34C. Halep has already mentioned that the change in her body has had a positive impact on her game. She said that she is able to move better, has more speed, and her footwork is better. This month, she is ranked a career-high no. 4 seed in the world.

    Simona Halep before her breast reduction

    Halep’s breasts are no longer a hinderance

    On Wednesday, Halep defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-2, 6-2  to advance to the semifinal round.  Kuznetsova said, “She plays always very smart tennis. She doesn’t overpower you. She takes off the speed very well.”

    “For me to be here it’s not a surprise, because I’m more confident now in myself,” said Halep. The tennis player is very happy to get the chance to play in the fourth round, but remains very focused on winning this year’s French Open title.

    Last year, Halep was voted WTA’s Most Improved Player, and for good reason. Halep has won seven titles in the past 13 months, bested only by Serena Williams. Halep, however, won titles on hard courts, clay, and grass—the only player to do so within that period of time.

    With her success at Roland Garros, it’s clear that Halep’s tennis career is on the upswing, and it may indeed be because of her breast reduction.

    Halep will be facing Andrea Petkovic on Thursday. If she beats her, she will then face Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard, or Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova.

    Image via YouTube

  • Kiki Bertens Loses To Comeback Star Andrea Petkovic

    Kiki Bertens was defeated on Monday at the French Open by Andrea Petkovic 1-6, 6-2, 7-5. Bertens had a good long run, but was not able to withstand Petkovic’s flying comeback.

    Petkovic’s career was at a stand still only about 18 months ago and the fallen tennis star, plagued by injuries, was looking into a change in career. Petkovic was studying political science, philosophy, and literature.

    “I asked for some internships at newspapers,” said Petkovic. “I was also writing for kind of a big newspaper in Germany for a while, and I asked a few politicians that I know if I could do an internship with them.”

    Luckily for the world of the red clay, she bounced back big time from being ranked 143rd to residing now at the number nine spot and has swung her way into a Grand Slam quarterfinal again.

    Although, even though her career as a tennis player is back with a vengeance, she knows she can’t play tennis forever, and always has her eyes open for her next move. She loves learning and loves reading philosophy.

    “Philosophy-wise, Nietzsche is the one that impressed me most. I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says and it’s very dark and sad, but he was a good writer,” she said. “I actually really liked the existentialists in French. I read a lot of (Jean-Paul) Sartre and (Albert) Camus.”

    But could her love for learning translate into a career as a teacher? Probably not.

    “I would love to be able to do that, but I have no patience whatsoever,” she said.

    As far as Kiki Bertens is concerned, it’s back to the racket and court for her. The 22-year-old still has a long and promising career to get ready for. What did you think of Monday’s matches?

    Image Via Wikimedia Commons

  • Andy Murray Moves To Last Eight In French Open

    On Saturday evening, Andy Murray’s match with No. 28 seed Philipp Kohlschreiber was suspended in the fourth set due to lack of light, and resumed on Sunday morning. Murray secured a victory after playing for a grueling four hours and seven minutes.

    Murray lost the first set in the match on Saturday, but was determined to get back on track on the next two sets. Some say that he played his best tennis so far in the tournament during his match with Kohlschreiber, despite the fact that he was also struggling with his left hamstring. “Physically in the fifth set I was struggling. You know, I was cramping,” he said. The match ended with 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 12-10 in favor of Murray.

    On Monday, Murray went on to beat No. 24 seed Fernando Verdasco in a match that lasted for about three hours. The final tally was 6-4, 7-5, 7-6, (7-3). Beating Verdasco propelled Murray to the French Open quarterfinals for the fourth time.

    “I was trying to play more aggressive today because I knew I was going to be a bit tired in my legs,” Murray said. He has been playing in the French Open for three consecutive days.

    Verdasco’s temper may have also helped Murray to win. His meltdowns during the match provided openings for Murray. Verdasco is known for getting carried away with his emotions, which sometimes gives his opponents an advantage.

    Murray, 27,  said that he played “good tennis” in the tournament, but had to kick it up a notch during the second week, especially after Federer’s unexpected departure when Ernests Gulbis defeated him.

    Murray is scheduled to face Gael Montfils of France on Wednesday. “It’s good to win in three sets, and playing against Monfils, I guess on center court – it’s going to be a great atmosphere and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

    Image via Andy Murray, Instagram

  • Samantha Stosur Defeated By Maria Sharapova At French Open

    Samantha Stosur let an amazing opportunity slip through her hands after being defeated by Maria Sharapova during the French Open. Stosur had a one-set lead over Sharapova, but ended up losing nine straight games.

    The Australian tennis player posed a big threat to Sharapova, but that still was not enough to pull a win against the Russian crowd favorite. “I know it was an opportunity lost, I thought I was there to win that match and definitely playing well enough to do so. I know that’s an opportunity I’m not going to get again,” Stosur commented.

    The game started with Stosur showcasing  great potential for a victory against Sharapova. By the third set, Stosur was at a complete loss, not expecting her opponent to bounce back by overpowering her serves. The two tied at 4-4 during the second set, but Sharapova was determined and changed the score during the third set at 6-0—even Stosur was surprised by how quickly Sharapova retaliated.

    Samantha Stosur vs. Maria Sharapova: French Open match highlights

    Stosur had only won two out of the fifteen matches she previously played against Sharapova. Coming into this match, the Aussie stated that she knew what it would take to defeat Sharapova and that she would have to work hard to get a win—however, if she slacked off, she was well aware that the match would be extremely tough for her.

    Sharapova openly admitted that she had a hard time with Stosur’s serve and slice during the earlier parts of the match.

    The 30-year-old Stosur is well known for her powerful serve, which is known to be one of the best in women’s tennis. She defeated Serena Williams in 2011 in the US Open final, becoming the first Australian woman since 1980 to nab a Grand Slam singles tournament. To date, Stosur has a total of four Grand Slam titles under her belt: two in mixed doubles, and two in women’s doubles.

    Image via SamStosur.com

  • Samantha Stosur Falls To Sharapova In French Open

    It was a missed opportunity for Samantha Stosur in Roland Garros, as the 19th seed and top-ranked Australian player in the world lost nine straight games to Maria Sharapova to fall in the fourth round of the French Open.

    “How quickly things can turn,” Stosur said to The Associated Press. “I don’t think I did much wrong. It was just one of those things. You miss a ball, she hits a good serve next one, (you) play a sloppy game, and all of a sudden, you’re even — and she runs away with it.”

    Stosur built a one-set lead in the match before Sharapova roared back to claim the second set 6-4 and the final set 6-0. Stosur is a three-time semifinalist at Roland Garros and was the runner-up in 2011, according to Yahoo! Sports, and was viewed as a strong contender for the French Open title after the top three women’s seeds failed to reach the round of 16.

    “I know it was an opportunity lost,” Stosur said. “I thought I was there to win that match and definitely playing well enough to do so. I know that’s an opportunity I’m not going to get again.”

    After losing the first set and trailing 4-3 in the second set, Sharapova won nine straight games to take the match. In one stretch, Sharapova won 22 out of 25 points to take control of the match, the victory of which propels hers into the quarterfinals.

    “There are so many emotions you go through in a match, and then there are always moments where you feel a bit of a momentum change,” Sharapova said. “I think you feel a lot more as a player than maybe a spectator.”

    Sharapova is attempting to get to her third consecutive French Open Final. She will face Garbine Muguruza, a 20-year-old from Spain, who defeated Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 in the second round of French Open play.

    “I love competing,” Sharapova said. “That’s one of the best parts of the sport. Gives me the greatest pleasure, and I don’t think anything else in life can give me that. I’m using that to my advantage while I can.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Ernests Gulbis Ends Roger Federer’s 9-Year Streak, Advances To Quarterfinals

    On Sunday, Latvian tennis pro Ernests Gulbis defeated Roger Federer and advanced to the quarterfinals. Gulbis also ended Federer’s 9-year streak of joining the final 8 at Roland Garros.

    After their match, which lasted 3 hours and 42 minutes, Gulbis said “I’ve been playing very well in France. I won tournaments in Marseille and Nice (in 2014). Hopefully Paris is the next one.”

    Federer felt regretful after losing, but also praised his opponent. “Gulbis did a good job of hanging around, and clearly coming back in that second set was crucial for him. I just with I could have played a bit better overall,” he said.

    The match ended with a tally of 6-4 (5), 7-6 (3), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. During their match, Gulbis had fewer unforced errors, and hit more winners and aces than Federer. Federer finished the match having 42 winners and 59 unforced errors, while Gulbis had 53 winners and 53 unforced errors.

    Gulbis has been waiting for a win like this for a long time. He has improved his game and has gone from the top 130 to the top 20. However, he has never gone beyond the third round in all of the four major tournaments that he joined, and he was defeated by players who are beyond the top 50.

    Gulbis said that beating Federer is his biggest win in the entirety of his career. “Sorry I had to win. I know how everyone likes Roger. It was a tough match, but this is sport.”

    In 2013, Federer suffered back problems, which resulted in his worst season in 10 years. Despite the loss, he remains confident that he will be able to defend his grass-court title in Germany next week. He is also aspiring for his eighth title at Wimbledon, which will start on June 23. “I’m very excited about my chances for Wimbledon,” he said.

    Gulbis will face Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinal round.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Maria Sharapova Doesn’t Take Ernests Gulbis’ Sexist Remarks Seriously

    Ernests Gulbis from Latvia, 25, made sexist comments when reporters asked him about his two younger sisters who also play tennis. He said that he wishes his sisters would not pursue professional tennis, as it’s tough for a woman.

    “A woman needs to enjoy life a little bit more. Needs to think about family needs to think about kids. What kids you can think about until age of 27 if you’re playing professional tennis, you know. That’s tough for a woman, I think.” said Gulbis.

    The comments again came out when reporters asked 27-year-old Maria Sharapova about what she thought of Gulbis’ statement.

    Sharapova answered that people shouldn’t take everything Gulbis says seriously. “I mean let’s be honest with that. I think he’s great entertainment and we love to listen to what he has to say… in a way, I think he was joking, but he’s playing the sport, so how bad can it be?” She continued to say that if professional tennis were so bad, Gulbis wouldn’t be playing it even though he’s a man.

    Sharapova also said that playing professional tennis brings many opportunities to women, especially given her experiences. However, she also said that she wouldn’t wish the same experience for her kids.

    “But then when I’m playing the matches, I’m in front of thousands of people and the experience that this sport brings, I think, of course I want my kids to do this, this is such a huge lesson in life,” Sharapova said.

    Garbine Muguruza, 20, also disagrees with Gulbis’ statement saying that women should play tennis until they want, even if they pursue having a family. “You can play until you want to play,” she said.

    Gulbis’ comments may be sexist for some, but for others, he is only looking out for his younger sisters and being protective of them like a brother should.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Angelique Kerber Out Of French Open After Losing To Eugenie Bouchard

    On Sunday, Eugenie Bouchard propelled to the French Open quarterfinals when she beat Angelique Kerber of Germany with a score of 6-1, 6-2. The match was over in 52 minutes.

    After the match, Bouchard said, “I believe I can play with the best girls out there. She’s top 10, so I respect her. She can play some really good tennis. I was really mentally prepared for anything, for a battle.”

    On the other side, Kerber said, “I was not in the game. I was trying, but I had no rhythm. I don’t know. I make so many mistakes. I actually was not moving very good. So, yeah, I just can say that it was not my best day today.” Although she lost, Kerber still praised Bouchard saying that she played well.

    In the first 15 minutes of the match, Bouchard was already in the lead at 5-0. She only made 11 unforced errors throughout the game, and had 77 percent first serves in the first set. During the second set, she served 42 percent first serves, but was still able to win the round. Kerber, on the other hand, made plenty of unforced errors.

    Bouchard also said that she always tries to take control of the game with her serves and her returns and always makes it her goal to move forward.

    Bouchard practiced with her coach Nick Saviano in order to boost her game level. “Even if he’s in his 50s, he can still serve a few,” she said referring to her coach.

    Bouchard will play Carla Suarez Navarro, No. 14, at the quarterfinal round.

    “There is a lot of room for other players to move up. I think it just makes the draw really interesting when some of the top names are out and we see some new names that we haven’t seen that much,” Bouchard said.

    Image via YouTube

  • Agnieszka Radwanska Defeated at French Open

    When the No. 2 ranked women’s tennis player in the world, Li Na, lost in the third round at the French Open to 21-year-old Kristina Mladenovic on Tuesday, the world saw the occasion as simply a routine upset which occurs at every major event. When No. 1 ranked Serena Williams lost to 20-year-old Garbiñe Muguruza, the world took note. And when No. 3 ranked Agnieszka Radwanska lost to No. 72 ranked, 21-year-old Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday, the world was aghast.

    Never before has the tennis world seen such a sight – the top three women in tennis have all exited the stage before the fourth round of the French Open, something which has not happened since tennis became a professional sport in 1968.

    After both Williams and Na were defeated early on, many thought that this year’s French Open was Radwanska’s to lose. The 25-year-old Pole did not see things in the same light, however: “It doesn’t mean if the first and second seeds lost, it doesn’t mean the third one is going to win… It’s stupid to say that. It doesn’t matter who is in the draw, if you play good then you’re going to win. I just didn’t play good enough today to win the match.”

    “I don’t think it was my day today,” Radwanska concluded.

    On the converse, however, it was one hell of a day for Tomljanovic.

    Coming into Friday’s contest against Radwanska, Tomljanovic had little evidence to support a bid for an upset. She was ranked No. 72 in the world, she had never advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam event, and she had never beaten anyone ranked in the top 30. Friday was a day of firsts, to say the least.

    While no one would have picked Tomljanovic to defeat Radwanska, the Pole had much confidence coming into the match: “After seeing the two first seeds go out, you kind of feel you can do this, too.I grew up with these girls who are beating them.”

    Tomljanovic used the confidence derived from the losses of both Na and Williams to propel herself to the win. “I went into the stadium for the first time, and she [Radwanska] kind of feels like home there, because she’s been there a lot more than I have… I went out there, and inside I really thought I could win. I think that showed and it is why I won.”

    Up next for Tomljanovic is No. 14 Carla Suarez Navarro. While she may be at a rank-disadvantage once again, Tomljanovic’s confidence is not shaken.

    “I definitely think the tournament is not over for me,” proclaimed Tomljanovic.

    Image via Facebook

  • Serena Williams Demolished At French Open

    Serena Williams Demolished At French Open

    On Wednesday, Serena and Venus Williams both lost in the second round. They were looking forward to playing with each other, but it seems that they will both be going home early. Had they won against their opponents, they would have met at the third round.

    Garbiñe Muguruza is a 20-year-old Spanish-Venezuelan tennis player. She beat Serena with a score of 6-2, 6-2, which is one of the worst single losses the tennis champ has experienced. It is the earliest that Serena had to go home since losing in the first round at Roland Garros 2 years ago.

    Serena Williams vs. Garbiñe Muguruza: match highlights


    “It was one of those days. You can’t be on every day, and, gosh I hate to be off during a Grand Slam. It happens, you know. It’s not the end of the world. It’s what it is.”

    Serena Williams’ post match interview

    Venus was defeated by Anna Schmiedlova from Slovakia with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

    Muguruza has been a fan of the Williams sisters for quite a while. As a child, she studied tennis matches and aspired to play against Serena on the court. On Wednesday, her wish came true when she beat Serena. “So when you watch someone play, you know exactly what you need to do to defeat her,” Muguruza said.

    Muguruza said that it was difficult for her to go against Serena, as she is a big fan. “It was really difficult to be able to, O.K., be calm and say, ‘It’s another player,’” she said.

    It is only Muguruza’s second time at the French Open. Last year, she was eliminated in the second round. However, she was able to reach the third round at last year’s Australian Open.

    “It’s very difficult, because since I was a child when I turn on the TV, I see her play. Everything, when I’m practicing, okay, how Serena serves, how she plays a backend. I saw like 100 videos of her,” Muguruza said.

    Image via YouTube

  • Li Na On First Round Loss At French Open: “I Gave It Away”

    Li Na, 32-year-old Chinese professional tennis player, failed to win the first round of the French Open on Tuesday, as she lost to Kristina Mladenovic of France with a score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-1.

    With her loss, she failed to get the chance to be the first woman since 2001 to win the Roland Garros and the Australian Open in the same year. The last woman to do so was Jennifer Capriati.

    “The problem is myself. I don’t think I’m doing well on the court. And also, even during the match, I don’t think totally about what I should do, like especially I didn’t follow the game plan,” Na said.

     French Open Highlights: Li Na Vs. Kristina Mladenovic

    Li already won the French Open in 2011, and was hoping to win this year. However, she ended up with 37 errors against Mladenovic’s 25.

    Mladenovic, 21, was ranked at No. 103, but was able to improve her game and lift her rank up to No. 36. However, her poor start this season made her slip out of the top 100. The French player was ecstatic about beating Na. “This is really big, you don’t beat Li Na every day,” she said.

    “I gave it away,” said Na. “Nobody say if you No. 2 in the world you have to win all the matches. I mean, this is tennis.” Na also thinks that she would have lost to anyone who went against her that day.

    Na’s 2014 season is one of her worst clay seasons in her entire career. At the Stuttgart Open, she had to withdraw because of her left knee injury. At the Mutua Madrid Open, she was able to beat Zheng Jie and Kirsten Flipkens in the first two rounds, but was unable to win against Maria Sharapova. Her bad streak continued when she lost to Sara Errani, who she had defeated 6 times before, at the 2014 Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

    Li Na talks about her loss

    Image via YouTube

  • Victoria Azarenka’s Injured Foot Will Keep Her Out Of 2014 French Open

    Belarusian professional tennis player, Victoria Azarenka, will be missing the action at the 2014 French Open due to a foot injury.

    Her foot injury, which she has been nursing since March, has already forced her to pull out of several tennis tournaments held in Rome, Madrid, Miami, and Doha.

    The announcement of the withdrawal from the French Open came on Azarenka’s Twitter account where she wrote, “Hi Guys – Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in Roland Garros this year. Working hard on my recovery & getting back on the court.”

    The last time the 24-year-old was on the court was in March at Indian Wells, wherein she lost the game to Lauren Davis due to her injury on the left foot. It was evident that she was not on top of her game. Before the Indian Wells match, Azarenka competed in two other tournaments. At the Australian Open, she lost to her rival Agnieszka Radwanska, and at the Brisbane International, she lost to Serena Williams.

    Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams at Brisbane International

    Azarenka is seen as a competitive tennis player on the court. Her withdrawal from the French Open and other important tournaments says how serious her injury is.

    Although the French Open is not Azarenka’s strongest suit, she has displayed immense improvement as seen when she advanced to the semifinals at the 2013 French Open. This year, however, her chance to improve may be stalled, due to her injury.

    The decision to pull out of a big competition may be difficult for the tennis player, but it is sure to benefit her in the long run. The French Open is slated to start on May 25 in Paris.

    If she takes time to recuperate and focus on getting her foot better, she might be able to get back to playing in time for the U.S. Open, which is scheduled to start in August.

    Image via YouTube

  • Victoria Azarenka Pulls Out of French Open

    Tennis pro Victoria Azarenka revealed she will not compete in the French Open because of a foot injury she has been struggling with.

    The champ broke the news on Twitter.

    “Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in Roland Garros this year,” the 24-year-old wrote. “Working hard on my recovery and getting back on court.”

    This is one of many cancellations the Belarusian has announced, also pulling out of competitions in Doha, Miami, Madrid, and Rome because of the nagging injury.

    Azarenka’s foot problems began when she played in the Australian Open in January, in which she was attempting to earn the title for the third year in a row. Instead, she lost to Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska in the quarterfinals.

    Here’s what Twitter had to say about the news:

    Azarenka has only played one match in the past two months, in which she lost to American Lauren Davis at Indian Wells in March, because of the injury to her left foot.

    During the match, the athlete had problems with her serve – she double-faulted 12 times – and doubled over in pain repeatedly. It was the first time Davis had beat anyone close to Azarenka’s caliber, likely due to the injury.

    Watch the match:

    Azarenka, who has been criticized for retiring early in matches, spoke out after the match stating that she probably came back too early after her injury.

    “I’m pretty proud of whatever I did today,” Azarenka stated. “I think it’s pretty good considering what I have been through. I want to learn how to go through the tough thing, how to try to do the best in the toughest situation. Sometimes it takes time. It’s a process to go through.”

    The French Open, also called Roland Garros, will be held from May 25 to June 8 in Paris. American Serena Williams and Spain’s Rafael Nadal are some of the favorites scheduled to compete.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons