Category: Pro Tennis

Buzarnescu dominates to earn first career WTA title at Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic Final

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @MubadalaSVC

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — It was a moment Mihaela Buzarnescu has been waiting for a long time and now she can finally exhale. The 30-year old Romanian from Bucharest won the final of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic in convincing fashion, only losing one game, over tournament darling Maria Sakkari 6-1, 6-0 at the Spartan Tennis Complex on Sunday afternoon. This is Buzarnescu’s first career WTA singles title.

Buzarnescu jumped out to an early lead, thanks to a dominating serve that had Sakkari running all over the court. There would be no third straight comeback from the Athens, Greece native Sakkari as Buzarnescu’s powerful returns were too much for Sakkari to handle. As the match wore out, Sakkari’s frustration showed as her unforced errors begin to pile up on her.

“I think she was extremely solid from the beginning of the match,” said Sakkari of Buzarnescu. “I felt like I didn’t have any solutions out there. My coach came on the court, told me to change my tactic. But I was not using my weapons, they were not there (for me) today.”

Buzarnescu dominated in all categories against Sakkari including first serve percentage, first and second serve points won and was perfect in break points saved.

Buzarnescu will climb to at least No. 21 in the WTA rankings when they’re released Monday, perhaps up to 20th. This marked her first championship victory in three tries after a runner-up showing this year in Prague, Czech Republic.

“I just didn’t give up,” said Buzarnescu, after recalling how knee injuries almost derailed her career early on. “I had my closest friends and my family that has supported me. They all trusted me and said I’m capable to come back and reach the top 100 (ranked players on the tour), which I never believed it would ever be possible. I think that was the key, that I didn’t give up.”

In the doubles final, the duo of Latisha Chan and Kveta Peschke cruised past the Ukrainian twin sister duo of Lyudmyla and Lidiia Kichenok by a final score of 6-4, 6-1 in a match that only took 68 minutes to complete.

For Chan, this was her 30th doubles title, and Peschke, her 26th doubles title on the WTA circuit. This was the first time the duo have played with each other.

“We know each other for quite some time,” said Peschke on how they came about to pair up for the tournament. “We both get a long very well. And it’s always easier if two people understand each other.

Tournament Notes: The tournament’s first time in San Jose, Calif. drew 20,105 total fans for the week, with the Serena Williams vs. Johanna Konta match on Tuesday night being the biggest individual draw of the tournament at 2,943.

Up Next: The Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic returns next year for 2019 from July 29th to August 4th.

Buzarnescu, Sakkari win semifinals, will meet in all-Euro Final on Day 6 of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @MubadalaSVC

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Greek Maria Sakkari is making a believer out of the San Jose crowds. After being two games away from elimination, the comeback kid from Greece once again rallied from a three game deficit to win the second set 7-5 and eventually the match over the American Danielle Collins 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the featured semifinal match on Saturday evening at the Spartan Tennis Complex.

Collins cruised through the first set 6-3 and was up 4-1 in the second set looking to make quick work of Sakkari. However, the momentum seemed to turned when Collins was about to serve, a fan had yelled down from the stands, disrupting Collins, who was visibly upset by the distraction.

It would seem to spark Sakkari–as Collins’ frustration would continue to grow–as she roared back to win the next six out of seven games to even it up the match and force the deciding third set.

“I felt that she was obviously getting nervous when I was coming back,” said Sakkari. “I mean every one get nervous. When I was down 4-1, that’s not when the match changed (in my favor).”

Despite the loss, Collins said it was a good week for her in the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic.

“I think I had a great week,” said Collins. “I was excited to get a couple of wins under my belt. Also, a great match today. I think it’s a lot of good momentum heading into the rest of the hard court season.”

When asked if she would be able to sleep the night before her chance at her first singles in 2018, and first in three years since she turned pro, Sakkari wasn’t sure at the moment.

“I will let you know tomorrow,” said Sakkari.

In the first semifinal match earlier Saturday, Romanian Miheala Buzarnescu defeated number four seeded Elise Mertens in the semifinal of the MSVC in three sets 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. After losing the first set to Mertens, Buzarnescu was able to take control of the second set and never looked back.

Mertens was suffering from an arm injury during the third set that ultimately led to her downfall as she was only able to win one game. Buzarnescu took advantage of Mertens’ injury and cruised through the third set on her way to the final showdown against Sakkari.

“Both of us I think we had really bad conditions, it was hot and dry and everything,” said Buzarnescu. “I just tried to stay positive and be more aggressive with her, keep my calm and play every ball inside the court.”

In doubles action, Latisha Chan and Kveta Peschke defeated Miyu Kato and Makoto Ninmiya 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the finals. They will faceoff against the Ukrainian twin sister duo of Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok, who defeated Mihaela Buzarnescu and Heather Watson in an epic semifinal match 6-4, 3-6, 10-8.

Game Notes: For the first time since 2010, the tournament final will not feature a seed lower than the top four. Fifth seed Maria Sharapova was defeated by eighth seed Victoria Azarenka when it was known as the Bank of the West Classic.

Sunday’s Finals Schedule
Doubles Final: Latisha Chan and Kveta Peschke vs. Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok at 12 pm PDT.

Singles Final: Maria Sakkari vs. Miheala Buzarnescu at 2 pm PDT.

Venus Williams ousted by Sakkari to conclude Day 5 of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @MubadalaSVC

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — And then there were no more Williams sisters. Venus Williams became the latest casualty at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic at the Spartan Tennis Complex on Friday night as Maria Sakkari defeated her 6-4, 7-6 (2) in the featured quarterfinal match on Friday to conclude Day 5 of the MSVC.

In early quarterfinal action, Mahela Buzarnescu defeated Ajla Tomljovanic 6-1 7-5 in the opening match of the Quarterfinals of the MSVC. Buzarnescu kept Tomljanovic off balanced through the set match to reach the semifinals. Tomljanovic was a victim of her own unforced errors in the match.

“I thought she (Buzarnescu) played a pretty flawless first set, not much I could’ve done there,” said Tomljovanic. “I think maybe she gave me a few openings there. I got in position to serve for the set but didn’t really take my chances and it kind of goes away quickly (when you don’t take advantage) with players like that.”

Johanna Konta, who  gave Serena Williams her worst loss of her career earlier this week, had her luck run out as she was defeated by Elise Mertens 7-6, 6-3. Mertens is the highest remaining seeded player (fourth) remaining in the MSVC.

Victoria Azarenka looked to be on her way to a semifinal berth, but was forced to retire in the second set due to injury to the American tennis player Danielle Collins. Azarenka had won a spirited first set 7-6, but the injury hampered her at the beginning of the second set. Collins took advantage and was up 3-0 before Azarenka could not longer proceed with the match.

For the doubles, Konta and Shuai Zhang were defeated by the duo of Mihaela Buzarnescu and Heather Watson 7-5, 6-2. Miyu Kato and Makoto Ninomiya defeated Georgina Garcia Perez and Priscilla Hon 6-4, 6-2.

Sakkari lacks in height, but makes up for it with her speed and power, which for the most of the match seemed to tire out Williams. Sakkari, an Athens, Greece native, rallied twice after being down 0-3 in the first set and 3-5 in the second.

“I was ready for the match compared to the last time I played her (Williams),: said Sakkari. “I knew my serve was not there. I never stopped fighting (or) believing that I could win the match.”

Upcoming Schedule for Saturday, August 4
Singles — Semifinals
Elise Mertens (4) vs. Mihaela Buzarnescu at 1 pm PDT.

Danielle Collins vs Maria Sakkari  at 7 pm PDT.

Doubles — Semifinals
Latisha Chan and Kveta Peschke vs. Miyu Kato and Makota Ninmiya at 2:30 pm PDT.

Lyudmyla Kichenok and Nadiia Kichenok vs. Mihaela Buzarnescu and Heather Watson at 5 pm PDT.

Venus Williams rises to the occasion on Day 4 of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @MubadalaSVC

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Day four of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic was a big day for American tennis star Venus Williams, who is commonly known as one of the all-time greats and the older sister of Serena Williams. The well-known lady made her 2018 MSVC debut at the Spartan Tennis Complex on Thursday.

Here are the results of Thursday’s matches:

Ladies Singles — Round 2
ROU’s Mihaela Buzarnescu defeated USA’s Amanda Anisimova by a final score of 7-5, 2-6, 6-1.

GRE’s Maria Sakkari had a nearly perfect match when she held HUN’s Timea Babos to just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

AUS’ Ajla Tomljanovic crushed POL’s Magdalena Frech in a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory.

Apparently, the Mubadala SVC saved the best for last in Thursday’s round of matches, as USA’s Venus Williams took on GBR’s Heather Watson in three hard-fought sets in which Williams won 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.

Notes
Madison Keys withdrew from her day match vs. Ajla Tomljanovic due to a right wrist injury. Lucky loser Magdalena Frech replaced Keys.

“I am really sorry to have to pull out of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic,” said Keys. “I have been feeling pain in my wrist over the last couple of days and felt worse today. This event is one of my favorites and I was looking forward to playing here in San Jose, but want to thank the San Jose State University and Mubadala for pulling it together in such a short amount of time. I am excited to come back next year and play in front of your great fans.”

Danielle Collins signed autographs at 12 pm PDT in the retail booth. Also, Elise Mertens signed autographs in the Mubadala booth.

The MSVC gave a shoutout to one of their sponsors, Togo’s Sandwiches, and suggested on Twitter that pastrami-loving fans should visit a local Togo’s at 1430 Monterey Rd, 779 Story Rd or 4th & San Carlos and try their new Pretzelrami. Togo’s has been creating filling sandwiches since 1971.

Up Next
Schedule for Friday’s Quarterfinal 

Venus Williams rises to the occasion on Day 4 of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @MubadalaSVC

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Day four of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic was a big day for American tennis star Venus Williams, who is commonly known as one of the all-time greats and the older sister of Serena Williams. The well-known lady made her 2018 MSVC debut at the Spartan Tennis Complex on Thursday.

Here are the results of Thursday’s matches:

Ladies Singles — Round 2
ROU’s Mihaela Buzarnescu defeated USA’s Amanda Anisimova by a final score of 7-5, 2-6, 6-1.

GRE’s Maria Sakkari had a nearly perfect match when she held HUN’s Timea Babos to just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

AUS’ Ajla Tomljanovic crushed POL’s Magdalena Frech in a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory.

Apparently, the Mubadala SVC saved the best for last in Thursday’s round of matches, as USA’s Venus Williams took on GBR’s Heather Watson in three hard-fought sets in which Williams won 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.

Notes
Madison Keys withdrew from her day match vs. Ajla Tomljanovic due to a right wrist injury. Lucky loser Magdalena Frech replaced Keys.

“I am really sorry to have to pull out of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic,” said Keys. “I have been feeling pain in my wrist over the last couple of days and felt worse today. This event is one of my favorites and I was looking forward to playing here in San Jose, but want to thank the San Jose State University and Mubadala for pulling it together in such a short amount of time. I am excited to come back next year and play in front of your great fans.”

Danielle Collins signed autographs at 12 pm PDT in the retail booth. Also, Elise Mertens signed autographs in the Mubadala booth.

The MSVC gave a shoutout to one of their sponsors, Togo’s Sandwiches, and suggested on Twitter that pastrami-loving fans should visit a local Togo’s at 1430 Monterey Rd, 779 Story Rd or 4th & San Carlos and try their new Pretzelrami. Togo’s has been creating filling sandwiches since 1971.

Up Next
Schedule for Friday’s Quarterfinal 

Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic continues without Williams; Azarenka shines in Day 3

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @MubadalaSVC

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic resumed at the Spartan Tennis Complex all day Wednesday. In case you missed it, American tennis star Serena Williams suffered the most lopsided loss of her 23-year career to British tennis player Johanna Konta, who clearly found her form in a spectacular style to hand the upset to Williams.

But, Wednesday was a new day, and the show went on without Williams. Day 3 featured a variety of global tennis players along with cute pups of those players.

Round 2 of the Ladies’ Singles went in this particular order. Belgium’s Elise Mertens downed USA’s Ashley Kratzer in a lopsided 6-2, 6-0 victory that very much resembled Williams’ disappointing loss Tuesdsay night. Konta continued her success with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over USA’s Sofia Kenin. There was still some all-American power, as USA’s Danielle Collins beat Belarus’ Vera Lapko with a final score of 6-1, 3-6, 6-1. The hectic day of singles was capped off with a match between Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka and Russia’s Anna Blinkova. Azaranka pretty much had both sets from start to finish as she was victorious in a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Blinkova, who scored just one point early in Set 1.

“I felt pretty satisfied with winning a tough match” said Azarenka. “Today was obviously more one-sided and I wish I could’ve played better, but it’s still a win and I feel kind of the same (after the two-hour difference between Wednesday’s matches).”

Round 1 of the Ladies’ Doubles featured Japan’s Miyu Kato and Makoto Ninomiya, who defeated Poland’s Magdalena Frech and USA’s Maria Sanchez in a 1-6, 7-5, 1-0 defeat.

Notes
Spanish-Venezuelan tennis star Garbine Muguruza was forced to withdraw due to an arm injury. Russia’s Anna Blinkova replaced Muguruza in Wednesday’s match versus Belarus’ former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka.

Hungary’s Timea Babos signed autographs for the fans at USTA NorCal booth Wednesday afternoon at 1 pm PDT.

Up Next
Order of Play for Thursday, August 2.

Starting at 11 am PDT 
Romania’s Mihaela Buzarnescu [5] vs. USA’s Amanda Anisimova [Q]

Not before 1 pm PDT
Greece’s Maria Sakkari vs. Hungary’s Timea Babos [8]

Followed by 
Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic vs. USA’s Madison Keys [2]

Not before 7 pm PDT
USA’s Venus Williams [3] [WC] vs. United Kingdom’s Heather Watson

Followed by
Russia’s Anna Blinkova vs. Russia’s Natela Dzalamidze vs. USA’s Kaitlyn Christian and USA’s Sabrina Santamaria or Ukraine’s Lyudmyla and Ukraine’s Nadiia Kichenok [3]

No. 1 seed Garbine Muguruza forced to withdraw from Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @livetennis

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic No. 1 seed Garbiñe Muguruza has been forced to withdraw from the event due to a right arm injury. Muguruza will be replaced in the draw by lucky‐loser Anna Blinkova, who will play two‐time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka tonight at 7 pm PDT.

“I’ve been feeling some pain in my right arm for a couple of days and realized I am not ready to play the match, so hopefully I can recover for the next tournaments,” said Muguruza.

“The facilities in San Jose are very nice, especially the courts. This is a tournament I always play at the start of the US Open Series so I hope to come  back and see all my fans next year.”

“We were really looking forward to seeing Garbiñe compete here at the tournament, but the players’ health must always be the number one priority,” said tournament director Vickie Gunnarsson. “She’s one of the WTA’s bright young stars and we hope she is able to recover quickly.”

Tickets for the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic are available at www.MubadalaSVC.com.

Seven‐time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams takes the court against Heather Watson Thursday at 7 pm PDT, while defending champion and No. 2 seed Madison Keys will play Ajla Tomljanovic during Thursday’s day session.

Formerly known as the Bank of the West Classic in Palo Alto, the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic is a week-long WTA Premier event bringing the worlds of tennis and technology together in a festival of sports and entertainment. The new venue at San José State University will provide a high‐end, family friendly atmosphere and will put fans close to the action as they watch their favorite stars compete.

Highlighting the best the region has to offer, the tournament will showcase a complete entertainment experience including locally sourced cuisine, fine wine and cheese selections, interactive fan exhibitions, premier hospitality options, daily autograph signings, and of course, incredible tennis action.

Featuring a 28‐player singles draw as well as a 16‐team doubles draw the tournament will bring the best female tennis players in the world to the Bay Area and serves as the opening women’s event of the US Open Series.

With several different ticket options available, the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic has something for everyone. To purchase tickets go to www.MubadalaSVC.com or call 1 (866) 982‐8497.

Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic: Johanna Konta humbled Serena Williams in 6-1, 6-0 blowout

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @MubadalaSVC

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The 2018 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic continued Tuesday at the Spartan Tennis Complex in San Jose, Calif. And, as you might’ve expected, tennis star Serena Williams stole the show. Well, at least the night match in this lovely city.

Ladies Singles — Round One
ROU’s Mihaela Buzarnescu defeated USA’s Sachia Vickery in a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory. Buzarnescu’s next opponent will be either CHN’s Qiang Wang or USA’s Amanda Anisimova.

HUN’s Timea Babos defeated FRA’s Kristina Mladenovic in a 6-4, 6-2 victory. Babos’ next opponent for round two will be GRE’s Maria Sakkari.

GBR’s Heather Watson defeated USA’s Claire Liu in a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory.

BLR’s Vera Lapko defeated CHN’s Shuai Zhang, a No. 7 seed, in a 7-6, 6-0 victory. Lapko will face USA’s Danielle Collins in round two.

GBR’s Johanna Konta crushed USA’s Serena Williams with a final score of 6-1, 6-0. Now, it’s 10 games in a row for Konta, who led 6-1, 4-0 at one point.

“I think she played well in the second set,” said Williams. “And I think…I wasn’t sure, but after the first set, she got all in and she thought she was going to make it.”

When asked about the change of environment, Williams told reporters that she liked playing at Stanford, but added that it was nice to see the tournament grow at San Jose State. Additionally, Williams stated that she had to get used to the current serve clock and then mentioned that she has been getting to know San Jose since it’s sort of different compared to Los Angeles.

Ladies Doubles — Round One
RUS’ Anna Blinkova and RUS’ Natela Dzalamidze defeated ARG’s Maria Irigoyen and USA’s Desirae Krawczyk in a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

ESP’s Georgina Garcia Perez and AUS’ Priscilla Hon defeated UKR’s Kateryna Bondarenko and RUS’ Valeria Savinykh in a 6-4, 6-4 victory.

USA’s Sofia Kenin and BLR’s Aryna Sabalenka defeated PAR’s Veronica Cepede Royg and USA’s Irina Falconi in a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Notes
USA’s CeCi Bellis isn’t playing at the Mubadala SVC, but she signed autographs for the fans at the AdvoCare Sports booth at 12:45 pm PDT Tuesday afternoon.

The Spartan Tennis Complex opened up 100 seats for the 7 pm PDT match Tuesday night between USA’s Serena Williams and UK’s Johanna Konta.

The dog of USA’s Ashley Kratzer hung out in the shade to cool down as he waited for his so-called mother to finish her practice.

American teenager Claire Liu went from defense to offense in a big way, as she won the point of the day at the Mubadala SVC.

Up Next
Second round for both ladies’ doubles and singles are scheduled for Wednesday from 11 am to 5 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. All times Pacific.

Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic: Muguruza to play Wednesday night, Keys Thursday afternoon

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: justrichest.com

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic announced today that two‐time Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza will play Wednesday, August 1 at 7 pm, and defending champion Madison Keys  will begin her title defense during the day session on Thursday, August 2.

Tickets for the 2018 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, July 30 to August 5 at San José State University are on‐sale now at www.MubadalaSVC.com.

Muguruza will play the winner of Monday’s 7 p.m. match between Victoria Azarenka and Kateryna Bondarenko. Keys will face either Ajla Tomljanovic or a qualifier. Other matches already announced include Serena Williams versus Johanna Konta on Tuesday, July 31 at 7 pm, and Venus Williams versus either Heather Watson or Claire Liu on Thursday, August 2 at 7 pm.

Formerly known as the Bank of the West Classic in Palo Alto, the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic is a week long WTA Premier event bringing the worlds of tennis and technology together in a festival of sports and entertainment. The new venue at San José State will provide a high‐end, family friendly atmosphere and will put fans close to the action as they watch their favorite stars compete.

Highlighting the best the region has to offer, the tournament will showcase a complete entertainment experience including locally sourced cuisine, fine wine and cheese selections, interactive fan exhibitions, premier hospitality options, daily autograph signings, and of course, incredible tennis action.

Featuring a 28‐player singles draw as well as a 16‐team doubles draw the tournament will bring the best female tennis players in the world to the Bay Area and serves as the opening women’s event of the US Open Series.

With several different ticket options available, the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic has something for everyone. To purchase tickets go to www.MubadalaSVC.com or call 1 (866) 982‐8497.

Feature match schedule
Monday, July 30 at 7 pm – Victoria Azarenka vs. Kateryna Bondarenko
Tuesday, July 31 at 7 pm – Serena Williams vs. Johanna Konta
Wednesday, August 1 at 7 pm – No. 1 seed Garbine Muguruza vs. Azarenka or Bondarenko
Thursday, August 2 day session – No. 2 seed Madison Keys vs. Tomljanovic or Qualifier
Thursday, August 2 at 7 pm – No. 3 seed Venus Williams vs. Watson or Liu